The literary era since 1979

The sky gradually darkened, and the street lights in the alley flickered, emitting a yellow glow.

A figure passed through the light, and Fangyan returned to the courtyard leisurely, carrying the packed roast duck and duck racks.

Tusong was the first to smell his master's scent. He trotted over to Fangyan and was soon attracted by the delicious roast duck.

"Uh-huh-huh."

While feeding some duck carcasses to the ducks, Fangyan couldn't help but think of the crosstalk "Making Up Excuses". Is this considered commemorating Pavlov?
Just as he was daydreaming, Gong Xing walked out of the room which was as bright as day.

"Have you eaten?"

"I went to Quanjude with Teacher Wang for a meal."

Fangyan picked up the bag and said, "I brought one back for you. Consider it a midnight snack."

“I can’t eat a whole one by myself.”

Gong Xing seemed to have thought of something more important and said that Teng Jinxian had called his home several times and asked him to go with him to the Ministry of Radio, Film and Television.

"I didn't expect Director Teng to act so quickly. Within a day, my proposal was submitted to the Ministry of Radio, Film and Television."

After feeding the dog, Fangyan walked straight into the living room.

Gong Xing first went to the kitchen, took out the bowls, chopsticks and empty plates, and then said as he walked:

"I think so, otherwise I wouldn't have made so many phone calls."

"boom!"

As soon as the refrigerator door was closed, Fangyan took the bottle opener and deftly opened the cap of the Yanjing Beer bottle.

"Want some?"

"Ah."

Gong Xing reminded him, "Director Teng sounds very anxious. How are you going to reply to him?"

Fangyan poured wine into his glass and said, "How else can I reply? Just two words, 'I'm busy'!" Then he shrugged helplessly and said, "The World Science Fiction Convention and the Hugo Awards are about to be held. I have to go to Chengdu in the next few days. Besides, it's useless for me to accompany Director Teng to the Ministry of Radio, Film and Television. I have already written down what I need to say. The future of the Chinese film industry depends on the wisdom, courage and determination of the leaders."

Gong Xing nodded and placed the roast duck, lotus leaf pancakes, scallion shreds, cucumber shreds, etc. on the plate one by one.

"Besides, I just received another important task from Teacher Wang. I need to finish the manuscript of "The Rise of Great Powers" as soon as possible."

Fang Yan explained the whole story.

Gong Xing also understood the great significance contained in it and could not help but exclaim:

"Then let's focus on "The Rise of Great Powers" first!"

"you do not say."

Fang Yan said, "I don't even have time to write a script for Ghost for you right now."

Gong Wei raised his hand and said, "Leave it to me. It's a good opportunity for me to practice my skills with Ghost."

Fang Yan said that he would prepare the story outline, character relationships and other necessary materials for "Ghost" in advance.

"As for Director Teng..."

"Would it be too hurtful to him if I just replied 'I'm busy'?"

"Then I'll say that I'm about to leave for Chengdu to attend the last rehearsal before the World Science Fiction Convention."

"That's pretty much it."

Gong Xing smiled and changed the subject, saying that he would accompany him to Chengdu when the time came.

"That's no problem, I was thinking we should go together."

Fang Yan said: "My Three-Body series has been shortlisted for this year's Hugo Awards, and there is a good chance that it will win."

Gong Xing winked slyly and raised his glass, "Then I would like to wish you great success in winning the Hugo Award this time! May you be crowned with glory!"

"Cheers!" The two men clinked their glasses, looked at each other, smiled at each other, and soon the room was filled with a cheerful atmosphere.

………………

Chengdu, North Station.

Yang Xiao, Yao Haijun and others were waiting at the exit early, looking around, looking for dialects.

The entire editorial department of Science Fiction World was present, and every pair of eyes was unwilling to miss any figure in the crowd.

After a while, someone shouted "Coming, coming" first, and everyone's eyes immediately looked in the direction of his finger.

Fang Yan and Gong Xing, who looked exhausted, took a lot of effort to squeeze out from the endless stream of people.

The staff of "Science Fiction World" were as sweet-mouthed as if they were covered with honey. When they saw Fangyan, they called him "Teacher", and when they saw Gong Xing, they called her "Teacher's wife".

Gong Xing smiled from ear to ear, speaking in perfect harmony with the dialect as he exchanged greetings and reminisced with Yang Xiao, Yao Haijun and the others.

On the way, Fangyan repeated everything Wang Meng had said to him, especially the strong support for science fiction literature.

"Really?!"

"Finally! Finally science fiction is getting better!"

Everyone was surprised and happy, but not because "Science Fiction World" received key support and financial subsidies.

Today, the average monthly sales of Science Fiction World has remained at 500,000 to 600,000 copies, which is no worse than the sales of popular literature magazines such as Story Club and Legends of the Past and Present, not to mention that it also has money from its affiliated publishing house, Mystery World. It can be said that it has strong troops and generals and sufficient food and grass.

What they are happy about is that science fiction literature has regained official attention!
The good news is that colleagues who once created the golden age of science fiction literature in the early 80s with Science Fiction World are able to resume publication!

Yang Xiao was so excited that he almost cried, and his voice trembled slightly as he said:

"That's great! Teacher Fang, this is really great!"

"It's really a great thing, but don't just be happy. Teacher Wang and the others must not be careless in welcoming us, we must do it well!"

Fangyan warned solemnly.

"Welcome! We welcome you warmly!"

Yang Xiao solemnly promised that he would warmly welcome Wang Meng and others when the time comes.

"That would be great. Put me on the list of presenters for the Hugo Awards."

Fangyan cast a meaningful look.

"Teacher Fang, don't worry, we know what to do next!"

Yang Xiao, Yao Haijun and others understood what he meant.

Under their guidance, Fang Yan and Gong Xing moved into the guesthouse that had been arranged in advance.

After the luggage was settled, everyone went to a small stall near the guesthouse and ordered snacks such as long wonton and brown sugar ice jelly.

"How are you doing with the manuscript I sent you?"

Fangyan eats jelly.

Yao Haijun told the truth that since receiving the manuscript of "The Matrix", the publishing house immediately asked its long-term printing factory to work on it as soon as possible and print out 2000 copies, which will then be distributed to all the guests, media and audience present together with the science fiction novels collected in the previous essay competition.

"After the entire convention is over, we will publish a special feature on 'World Science Fiction Convention' in the next issue of 'Science Fiction World'."

Yang Xiao said: "It will publish the novels representing the Chinese science fiction literature exhibition, including your "The Matrix" by Mr. Fang."

Fang Yan asked with great interest, "How are the manuscripts collected for this essay contest?"

“It’s beyond our expectations.”

Yang Xiao counted on his fingers and found that in addition to Liu Cixin's "Huaxia 2185", a large number of new generation science fiction writers such as Wang Jinkang, Liu Wenyang, Xinghe, He Xi, Lingchen, and Zhao Haihong stood out in the essay writing activity, and each of them has the potential to win the Galaxy Award.

The scene of the early 80s when science fiction literature was full of vitality and everything was developing is still vivid in my mind! (End of this chapter)