The literary era since 1979

Chapter 162 Northern Dialect, Southern Gongxi
"Director Xie is going to replace me?!"

Gong Xing was sitting in the director's office of Shanghai Film Studio, listening to the news announced by Wu Yigong, and for a moment, he was distracted.

"Xiaoxiang, drink some water."

Wu Yigong looked at the factory's popular actress and comforted her psychologically in a kind tone.

"Mr. Wu, was it because I didn't perform well enough in the audition?" Gong Xing took a few deep breaths without changing his expression.

"No, you acted very well."

Wu Yigong said that he and Xie Jin were very clear that in order to better interpret the image of Qiu Jin, the "Jianhu Heroine", Gong Xing not only spent half a year exercising and practicing calligraphy, but also apprenticed to a martial arts coach at the Shanghai Gymnasium to learn swordsmanship.

"Why is that?"

Gong Xing explained that he did not mind being replaced, he just wanted to know what his shortcomings were and what he needed to improve.

"We all know that the Jianhu Heroine is a strong and extraordinary woman who is as brave as any man." Wu Yigong said tactfully: "According to the classification in opera, which type of female role is she?"

"Damadan!"

Gong Xing answered without hesitation because of his understanding of the character, and then he suddenly realized.

It’s not that I didn’t work hard, nor that I acted badly, but that my appearance was too slim and delicate, and I was positioned as a Qingyi.

No matter how hard she acts, she can't portray the kind of strong-willed heroic woman that Xie Jin wants. If the actor's overall temperament and appearance don't match the role, forcing the role will only backfire.

"The Jianhu Heroine is a hero that Director Xie admires very much."

Wu Yigong explained: "His grandfather once worked with Qiu Jin and they formed a deep friendship. He has heard a lot about Qiu Jin's heroic deeds since he was a child. This is why he made the movie "Qiu Jin", just to let more people know about this great woman."

"Mr. Wu, I understand."

Gong Xing smiled and expressed his understanding and support for Director Xie.

"It's great that you can figure it out."

Wu Yigong said a few words of comfort and also revealed a piece of news.

Although he missed the chance to cooperate on "The Shepherd" and "Qiu Jin", there is still a chance. Xie Jin plans to take time out to look for Fang Yan after finishing filming "Qiu Jin".

"Teacher Fangyan Fang?"

Gong Xing saw the old man nod, his eyes flickered: "Mr. Wu, can I also..."

Wu Yigong smiled knowingly: "Is Xiaoxiang also a fan of his books?"

Gong Xing met his gaze and said, "I like his novels and his poems, too."

Wu Yigong had a kind face and said that he would talk to Xie Jin about this matter on her behalf.

"Thank you, Mr. Wu!"

"One more thing. The factory has recently received audition invitations from other companies, and many of them specifically invite you to go."

"Mr. Wu, I don't..."

"Don't rush to refuse, Xiaoxiang, have you taken on any productions from other studios since you were transferred to Shanghai Film Studio?"

"Not even one."

"So, this is a rare opportunity. If you don't have other plans, you can give it a try. Go to a place other than Shanghai Film Academy to broaden your horizons. Maybe it will be helpful to you in the future."

"Thank you, Mr. Wu. I will seriously consider it!"

Gong Xing stood up and bowed politely.

Then she left the office, found an empty corner, and wiped her tears quietly, silently.

Although the reason for the replacement is reasonable, I feel very bad that all the huge efforts I put in have been wasted.

The cuffs fell down, revealing a corner of the cinnamon blood-activating ointment stuck on the wrist.

"Pfft!"

Tears welled up in her eyes, but when she thought of that person, the corners of her mouth sometimes pulled down, sometimes up, and sometimes flew up and down, "Mr. Fangyan Fang?"

…………

"Yanzi, Zhonge, it's time for us to set off!"

Hearing Zhang Shouren's shout, Fang Yan and Zhang Zhonge went downstairs, and the three of them went straight to the meeting place.

Starting from the 19th, the General Political Department, the Ministry of Culture and the Writers Association jointly held a symposium on military-themed literary creation in Yanjing.

The event lasted for six days and was attended by 6 writers, critics and editors from all over the country and the entire army.

Taking this opportunity, Fangyan got to know writers and editors from all over the world.

"Flower City", "Zhongshan", "Yalu River", "Shanghai Literature"...

While walking through the crowd, I met Liu Jianqing and Wang Fu who were representing People's Literature.

As soon as they opened their mouths, all they talked about was the "Four Great Classical Novels". Now the enthusiasm of the entire humanities society has been mobilized.

"This is a good thing."

Fangyan looked at their faces, feeling happy but also disappointed.

"Good things are good things, but there are also bad things." Liu Jianqing revealed that Zhang Guangnian plans to step down as the editor-in-chief of "People's Literature" after the "Four Great Classics" series is officially published. The several candidates originally selected have all declined, and now they have to look for a new successor.

Fangyan was shocked and suspicious. When did the editor-in-chief of "People's Literature" become a hot potato?
Liu Jianqing shook his head and laughed. Although it was not good to air family disgrace in public, he was still half a family member after all.

Fangyan listened quietly. Although "People's Literature" published one or two masterpieces like "The Splitting of the Great Qin" and "The Hidden", it could not cover up the problem of the overall decline in the quality of manuscripts. The throne of the leader of literary journals has begun to become unstable.

“People’s Literature needs a drastic reform to regain its glory.”

Liu Jianqing narrowed his eyes, "Mr. Zhang often said that what is most needed at this time is talents like you."

Before Fangyan could speak, Zhang Shouren on the side became anxious.

Fang Xiaojiang is the beloved of our October, and you at People's Literature cannot take away his love!

Just as they were having a "friendly" exchange, several tall men in military uniforms walked in from the door.

As a representative of the Quancheng Military Region, Li Cunbao was excited but nervous at the same time. He saw groups of people talking and chatting loudly at the scene, making it very lively.

"Why are there so many people over there?"

Following the direction pointed by his companion, Li Cunbao saw a large crowd of people and walked forward to ask curiously.

"Hello, comrade. I am the choreographer of the Quancheng Military Region Song and Dance Troupe..."

"Hello, my name is Ma Weidu, the editor of "Youth Literature." After introducing himself, Ma Weidu began to introduce his colleague, Zhu Wei.

Li Cunbao shook hands with them one by one and asked about the situation.

Zhu Wei grinned, "They all want to ask Teacher Fang for an article."

When Li Cunbao and his comrades heard the name "Fangyan", their eyes widened and sparkled.

Zhu Wei asked in surprise: "Is Teacher Fang also famous in the army?"

"It's more than just famous, it's simply well-known."

Li Cunbao said with emotion that the spy novel written in dialect is still one of the most borrowed novels in the military library.

"It would be great if our Youth Literature could get Teacher Fang's manuscript..."

Zhu Wei looked through the gap in the crowd at Fangyan who was being harassed, his eyes burning.

"Let's stop dreaming."

Ma Weidu gently touched him with his elbow, indicating that it was time to return to his seat.

The leader is here!

In an instant, everyone returned to their positions and the scene became quiet.

The cameras were set up and pictures were being taken at a rapid pace. There was an invisible sense of pressure in the air. At 13:, the conference began.

"Whoa whoa whoa whoa."

Fangyan followed the crowd and applauded.

I thought to myself, I'm here to be an editor, to be a supporting role, to discover writers and works, and I must not steal the show.

The opening remarks were very brief. After Feng Mu finished speaking on behalf of the Writers Association, the baton was passed to Hu Muqiao.

Facing hundreds of artists and writers, he made an important report and raised two questions:
How to liberate the ideas of military literature!

How to prosper the creation of military literature!
"Comrades, please speak freely and express your opinions without any concerns."

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone present at the meeting spoke enthusiastically, as if they wanted to get out what was in their hearts.

Some are writers, some are editors...

"Today's military-themed works are always restrained, avoid contradictions, are stereotyped, and lack real power."

"Our military writers are too far away from the gunfire, especially the younger generation, who have not personally experienced war. How can they better write about military affairs and reflect war through literature? Do they have to rely on imagination and fiction, or fabrication?"

"I agree with this! Let those who can hear the gunfire create!"

"I agree that to improve the quality of military literature, our writers and even editors should go deep into the front line."

"........."

"The reason why we can't write works like "The Dawns Here Are Quiet" and "Quiet Flows the Don" is because there are too many constraints and too many rules and regulations. We are afraid of this and that, and afraid of being labeled this or that."

Listening to these discussions, Fang Yan had a calm expression and blew on the steaming tea. Zhang Shouren came over and lowered his voice:

"Yanzi, why don't you come up and say a few words?"

"No hurry, I'll listen for a while."

At this moment, a man stood up, introduced himself, and then expressed his opinion:
"I really like to read the world's excellent military literature, such as "War and Peace" and "Quiet Flows the Don". Reading them is very exciting. I think good military literature cannot only be great, glorious and positive, but also dare to touch the dark side."

"This person's statement is really bold."

Zhang Zhonge looked at Zhang Shouren on the left and at Fangyan on the right.

"His name is Li Cunbao..."

After Fangyan received a positive answer, a dark green light flashed in his eyes.

(End of this chapter)