A widower's entertainment

Chapter 319 [The Wind of the Asian Games] (Please Subscribe)
There has been intense discussion among literary critics and young readers about Lin Youcheng's latest novel, "The Reader," and the sparks generated by this intense exchange are naturally quite dazzling and eye-catching.

Zhang Wei from People's Literature visited the courtyard house in Xinghua Hutong to deliver some letters from readers to Lin Youcheng, and also told Lin Youcheng about the reactions to the novel "The Reader".

"Youcheng, your 'The Reader' is just as good as last year's 'Atonement'!"

This is Zhang Wei's genuine feeling. Last year's novel *Atonement* sparked a wave of literature about atonement, and Lin Youcheng's *The Reader* is no less impactful. This love story, interwoven with secrets, dignity, reality, crime, and politics, is truly remarkable. After all, who would imagine that a 15-year-old boy and a woman who could be considered his mother, a top student and an illiterate man, a legal scholar driven by a sense of justice and a warden who had claimed countless lives in the civil war, would have such an astonishing love story?

Perhaps, as some critics have said, love is a matter between two people, and has nothing to do with the identity, education, or age attached to a person.

Zhang Wei looked at Lin Youcheng and asked, "I also came here to ask if the publication of the standalone edition of the novel 'The Reader' could be entrusted to the People's Literature Publishing House?"

Clearly, Zhang Wei was asking this question on behalf of People's Literature Publishing House.

Lin Youcheng was looking through the letters Zhang Wei had brought when he heard Zhang Wei's words. He shook his head and said, "Then you're too late. I've already signed a contract with Huayi Publishing House."

The novel "The Reader" has generated a lot of discussion, especially with Lin Youcheng's groundbreaking and explicit descriptions. It has already attracted a lot of attention, and publishers have already approached him. Lin Youcheng has always had a very pleasant working relationship with Huayi Publishing House, so naturally, Huayi Publishing House published the standalone novel version of "The Reader".

Hearing Lin Youcheng's words, Zhang Wei wasn't particularly disappointed. After all, he was asking on behalf of someone else. If it worked out, that would be great; if not, it wouldn't matter.

"By the way, there's something I don't know if you've heard. The Beijing Writers Association is about to hold another round of selections, and Lin Jinglan from the association asked me to ask for your opinion; he'd like to nominate you—"

Upon hearing Zhang Wei's earlier words, Lin Youcheng understood what he meant and quickly said, "I'll pass."

In fact, the Beijing Writers Association's Creative Committee had been elected through democratic consultation and voting, and Lin Youcheng was one of them. He had long been a member of the Writers Association. Originally, they were going to nominate directors and deputy directors for each committee, but it was clear that Lin Youcheng did not intend to become a director or deputy director. However, his literary status was still there, and he would have no problem becoming the director of the novel group. But it was clear that Lin Youcheng had no intention of doing so, and at that time he also had to take care of several children, so the Writers Association allowed Lin Youcheng to focus on his writing.

Seeing that Lin Youcheng still said the same thing, Zhang Wei couldn't help but laugh and say, "Youcheng, it's not good for you not to be the director of the novel section."

In fact, these are different types of literature within the Writers Association, including novels, poetry, essays, reportage, children's literature, film and television literature, and theoretical criticism.

Lin Youcheng was well aware that the Writers Association organized a lot of work, including not only literary seminars, but also academic seminars, creative symposiums, organizing the study of documents and directives from higher authorities, as well as writers' gatherings and entrepreneurs' networking events.

Clearly, Lin Youcheng had no intention of caring about these things. Of course, even if he didn't care, sometimes when one's status and position are high enough, one will naturally be elected. Later, he might also become like the honorary chairman, having a corresponding position even if he doesn't take charge of anything, since he has always been within the system.

Lin Youcheng waved his hand, not saying anything more about the topic.

Seeing that Lin Youcheng was unwilling to say more, Zhang Wei smiled and changed the subject to the novel "The Reader," saying with a smile, "You may not know this, but the higher-ups have taken notice of your novel 'The Reader.' Although there have been some concerns about the content, it's alright. They're talking about something else."

Lin Youcheng looked at Zhang Wei and asked, "What is it?"

Zhang Wei said, "We still need to go further in literacy campaigns and implement nine-year compulsory education."

Hearing Zhang Wei's words, Lin Youcheng was somewhat surprised, but then he thought about it. Yang Ju in "The Reader" was illiterate, but even though she was illiterate and couldn't read, Yang Ju was thirsting for knowledge. Perhaps it was precisely because of her illiteracy and ignorance that she became a civil war activist. In fact, this is a critique of ignorance and foolishness, and also a noble aspiration for knowledge.

Ignorance itself is not a sin, but knowledge is often exploited by those with ulterior motives. Like Yang Ju in the detention center, she may have only wanted to be a dutiful guard, but in the course of history, she became a blood-stained executioner. This is both a result of ignorance and a consequence of history.

Because of the large number of illiterate people, the government has been carrying out large-scale literacy campaigns since the founding of the People's Republic of China, such as promoting the "rapid literacy method" invented by Qi Jianhua. Although the literacy campaign has achieved great success, the task remains arduous.

While eradicating illiteracy, preventing the emergence of new illiterate individuals is a crucial task. This is why there are documents issued by higher authorities requiring rural primary schools to enroll children under the age of fifteen who have not attended or completed primary school, and to adopt various methods to help them quickly complete the main primary school curriculum, thus preventing the emergence of new illiterate individuals and ultimately completing the historical task of eradicating illiteracy. This also means implementing nine-year compulsory education.

In fact, the Ministry of Education's Literacy Division was not abolished until 2009 in the 21st century.

Lin Youcheng nodded and said, "These things naturally need to be implemented; only in this way can we develop better and better."

Zhang Wei nodded in agreement.

Just as Lin Youcheng and Zhang Wei were chatting, singing drifted from inside the courtyard: "We Asians, our mountains hold their heads high; we Asians, our rivers flow like hot blood..."

Whether it's education and civilization or sports development, things are progressing in China, and they're getting better and better, just like the Asian Games, which will be held in China's capital for the first time.

"In Asia, mountains stand tall; in Asia, rivers flow like hot blood..."

With the Asian Games approaching, you can hear the stirring and inspiring song "Asian Heroic Spirit" playing frequently in shops throughout Beijing. Undoubtedly, this song will be a prominent feature of this Asian Games.

Now, the children in the courtyard houses of Xinghua Hutong are all singing this song with their heads held high.

Actually, while the song "Asian Heroic Spirit" became a hit across the country, it wasn't the theme song for the Asian Games. It was a promotional song. The other theme song was "Burn, Torch!" composed by Mr. Shi. However, "Asian Heroic Spirit" was clearly more popular. The original song title was "Asian Lion," but it was changed to "Heroic Spirit" because the image of "lion" was not suitable.

This song truly transcends the category of sports songs; it could even be considered a pop song. Its rousing melody, catchy lyrics, and powerful, popular appeal resonated deeply, making it incredibly influential. Perhaps it was precisely because "Asian Heroic Spirit" was so popular and influential that "Burn, Torch!" (also known as "Raise High the Torch of the Asian Games") was largely forgotten.

Zhang Wei came over to deliver the readers' letters to Lin Youcheng, inquired about the publication of "The Reader," and chatted about the Writers' Association and some other matters before leaving. However, before leaving, he urged Lin Youcheng to reconsider the matter of nominating the director of the Beijing Writers' Association. Lin Youcheng looked at the children singing the Asian Games promotional song and couldn't help but smile. He could feel that the children all had a passionate and progressive heart.

"In Asia, the trees are all connected by their roots, and the clouds are all clasped together..."

Lin Zhaoqing sang with pride, and the other children joined in in the yard, singing with great enthusiasm and youthful energy.

Lin Zhaoqing ran to Lin Youcheng's side and asked, "Dad, can I become an athlete and win glory for my country?"

Lin Youcheng was quite surprised that Lin Zhaoqing would suddenly bring up the topic of becoming an athlete. He wondered if it was the recent publicity surrounding the Asian Games that had inspired him. After all, television often reported on the approaching Asian Games, and the entire capital was in anticipation of the Games. Now, Lin Zhaoqing actually wanted to win glory for the country. He asked, "Do you want to be an athlete?"

"miss you!"

Lin Zhaoqing nodded, looking determined.

However, in Lin Youcheng's view, Lin Zhaoqing's desire to become an athlete was no different from his previous desire to become a scientist. Of course, Lin Youcheng still remembered that Lin Zhaoqing was a fast runner when he was in elementary school and was considered a top student in the subject of physical education. At that time, Lin Zhaoqing's physical education teacher, Jiang He, had mentioned to him that Lin Zhaoqing should go to a sports school to train in sports.

At that time, Lin Zhaoqing was only eleven years old and in the fifth grade. Lin Youcheng did not agree to let Lin Zhaoqing go to a sports school to study sports. Although going to a sports school might lead to joining a sports team and being given priority in job placement within the system, which was a pretty good career path, it was also quite tough. He did not think that Lin Zhaoqing should suffer the hardships of going to a sports school.

With the wealth he has accumulated and the money he will earn in the future, there is absolutely no need for his son, Lin Zhaoqing, to train in sports. In particular, most sports nowadays rely heavily on physical strength, and if you just push yourself too hard, you're likely to get injured even if you don't achieve any results.

At that time, he also asked Lin Zhaoqing if he really wanted to practice sports, and he would not stop him.

Clearly, Lin Zhaoqing, who was still too young, did not have a strong desire to train in sports. At that time, he was just excited and happy to be able to win awards at the school sports meet.

“Zhaoqing, do you remember what your father told you before? If you really like running and sports, then go for it. But if you don’t know, then continue to study hard and do your best. Remember, if you really like it, then do your best. At that time, your father also thought you were too young and that there were endless possibilities in the future. You don’t necessarily have to go down the path of sports.”

Hearing Lin Youcheng's words, Lin Zhaoqing said, "I also want to be an athlete, participate in the Asian Games, and win glory for the country."

"..."

Okay, as confident as ever.

Whether he was a scientist or an athlete, winning glory for his country brought him great peace of mind as a father.

Looking at Lin Zhaoqing, who was growing taller so quickly, Lin Youcheng wondered if he had ruined Lin Zhaoqing's future by not sending him to a sports school. Jiang He, the sports teacher, had also said that Lin Zhaoqing was a good prospect for sports. Could it be that his potential had really been wasted?

As a father, he could influence the path his child might take in the future, or rather, his child's future destiny, altering or even destroying a potential Asian Games champion, or even a world champion?
These thoughts flashed through Lin Youcheng's mind.

"You'll be in your final year of junior high next semester, and you'll have to take the high school entrance exam in a year."

Lin Youcheng looked at Lin Zhaoqing and said, "But if you really like sports and want to be an athlete, then you should work hard to train in your spare time, get up early every day to run, and exercise. You know that only by putting in the effort will you get a reward."

"Okay, I will definitely work hard to train!"

Lin Zhaoqing's gaze was unusually firm, completely unaware that his father was giving him a pep talk.

Lin Youcheng didn't know if the world champion athlete's talent would be buried at Xinghua Middle School. In his opinion, no matter how bad the school's training conditions were, they couldn't stop the brilliance of gold. He added, "After this semester, you'll be in your final year of junior high next semester. You can't let your grades fall any further!"

Hearing Lin Zhaoqing's words, Lin Zhaole on the other side seemed very excited. He ran over, raised his head, and said, "Dad, I want to be an athlete too, and win glory for the country."

Lin Zhaohuan also joined in the fun, shouting that he wanted to be an athlete too, saying, "Me too!"

"..."

It seems the Asian Games have created such a strong Asian momentum that a wave of athletes determined to win glory for the country has swept through this courtyard. They are all full of confidence and have the ambition and determination to fight for their country right away.

As Lin Youcheng listened to his children's words, a slight smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. Should he thank these children who were eager to bring glory to the country on behalf of the nation?

Regardless of their physical condition, they still put their heart into it.

"Ahem, whether you are an athlete or not, you can all win glory for the country. You are all future builders and successors of socialism."

Yes, they are all overtime workers of socialism, no, successors.

(End of this chapter)