Literary Master 1978.

Chapter 319: Enjoying with the People
Why is white moonlight so unforgettable? Isn't it because we have never had it?
The same logic applies to "The Death of Van Gogh" and the Mao Dun Literature Prize.

If "The Death of Van Gogh" had been on the original list of winners, perhaps the literary world and readers would not have been so obsessed with it.

There may even be many people who will criticize it. After all, when "The Death of Van Gogh" was published, some people criticized the novel for advocating liberalization.

However, there is no if, "The Death of Van Gogh" was indeed not selected despite everyone's expectations.

It is like the white moonlight that died when a man was young, and forever becomes an indelible mole in some people's hearts.

Therefore, waving flags, shouting complaints, running around and calling for help... the trend it set off suddenly became a fashionable thing among the domestic literary circles and literature lovers.

When you meet friends, if you don't express your grievances about "The Death of Van Gogh", you would be considered out of date.

But in the final analysis, these voices from the outside world are all hindsight. Apart from causing some pressure on the Mao Dun Literature Prize Jury in terms of public opinion, they have no substantial impact.

It did give a solid boost to the sales of "The Death of Van Gogh", and also added a bit of legendary color to Lin Chaoyang's award-winning experience.

As a literary award organized by the China Writers Association in accordance with Mr. Mao Dun's last wishes, the Mao Dun Literature Prize is inherently authoritative.

In such an award-giving process, Lin Chaoyang's most recognized work did not win the award, but another controversial work won the award instead.

Such a paradoxical situation has inevitably made many of Lin Chaoyang's literary colleagues and readers fantasize that if there were no messy rules and regulations restricting him, it would not be impossible for Lin Chaoyang to win two awards.

This kind of thing has happened before in the National Excellent Short Story Award and the National Excellent Novella Award in previous years. If it happens again now, there is nothing to be surprised about.

"What a pity!" Liu Xinwu felt sorry for "The Death of Van Gogh", just as he expressed at the symposium after the Mao Dun Literature Prize award ceremony.

“There’s nothing to regret. Chaoyang has won the award he deserves. The Death of Van Gogh is selling so well now, thanks to his failure to be selected this time.” Li Tuo said jokingly.

Chen Jiangong looked at Liang Zuo standing aside and chuckled, "I think Chaoyang should thank Liang Zuo and Li Tong more. Without the articles written by the two of them, The Death of Van Gogh wouldn't have caused such a big stir."

The article "The Regret of Missing a Pearl in the First Mao Dun Literature Prize" published in "Reading" was written by Chen Jiangong's college classmates Liang Zuo and Li Tong. The two of them liked to get together to tinker with articles when they were in college.

“Even without their articles, The Death of Van Gogh would still be popular! Chaoyang’s novels have always attracted attention, whether they are published or not.

It’s been three months since Shutter Island was published, and hasn’t it still easily sold 80 copies? "

"Shutter Island" was published in "October" in March this year, helping "October" sales to exceed 150 million copies in one fell swoop, which shows its influence.

In addition to causing a huge impact in the literary world and among readers, this novel has a particularly great influence in the literary theory research circle.

Many contemporary literary scholars have published numerous papers based on the research and analysis of this novel, which can be regarded as a rich mine for literary theory research.

In May, Lin Chaoyang negotiated with Renwen Press about the publication of "Shutter Island", but unfortunately the two sides failed to reach an agreement. In the end, Lin Chaoyang chose Yenching Publishing House.

"Shutter Island" was published in October. After three months, its sales have easily exceeded 10 copies, just as Lin Chaoyang has always shown his appeal among readers.

Lu Yao's "Life" is one of the most popular novels in China this year, and it can be said to be a must-read for young literary people.

The novel was published in May and published by China Youth Publishing House in mid-November.

The first print run was 13 copies, which were sold out in the first month after being released. So far, in less than two months, 25 copies have been sold.

By comparison, you can see how strong the momentum of "Shutter Island" is, with sales of 80 copies in just three months after its release.

When Lin Chaoyang's friends get together, in addition to envy, jealousy and hatred towards Lin Chaoyang, they can't help but discuss why his works are always so popular?
Liang Zuo pondered and said, "I think it has a lot to do with the style. I've been reading my master's novels since my freshman year, and I've discovered a pattern."

"What's the pattern?"

“The protagonists written by my master are always positive and optimistic, and the plots of his novels are mostly about guiding people to do good.

If you watch "The Horse Herd", you will see that the protagonist will give up the opportunity to inherit a huge fortune and return to his wife and children.

In "Little Shoes", the puppy still strives to make progress in such a difficult situation.

Even in a realistic satirical novel like "Qiu Ju Goes to Court", its protagonist is indomitable.

Compared to those works with a decadent tendency, Master’s works always bring strength to people.”

If Lin Chaoyang wasn't here at the moment, everyone would really suspect that Liang Zuo was just flattering him. However, what he said was not completely unreasonable. Most of Lin Chaoyang's novels do have this commonality.

"That's not absolute. Movies like Shutter Island don't count," Li Tuo said seriously.

"Why not? Isn't the origin of this story that Yan Shouzhong couldn't get over the death of his wife and children?" Liang Zuo argued.

Chen Jiangong interrupted and said, "I don't agree with that. It's still unclear whether Yan Shouzhong is mentally ill or not."

His argument immediately aroused hostility from Li Tuo and Liang Zuo.

"If Yan Shouzhong is not mentally ill, then wouldn't the whole work become a cheesy suspense novel? What my master writes is not as simple as you think!"

Li Tuo also said sarcastically: "Jian Gong, you are too weak in theory. When you have time, read the university textbooks carefully and write some reviews to practice."

Chen Jiangong found what he said unpleasant and retorted, "I won't write a review. I'll leave it to you who have run out of ideas."

This is a heart-breaking statement. Li Tuo has not produced many novels in the past one or two years, but he has written more and more literary and film reviews.

Several people were arguing loudly until Lin Chaoyang and his wife came to toast them.

After the full moon banquet, everyone dispersed. After the full moon banquet, Tao Yushu started to move back to Xiaoliubukou Hutong.

During this month, Zhang Guiqin was the one who worked the hardest at home. Now that they have Tao Yumo, a college student, to take care of them, Tao Yushu plans to let her mother-in-law have a few more days of rest.

Tao Yushu is responsible for cooking and cleaning, and lets his sister take care of Xiao Dongdong.

Tao Yumo was not happy about this, originally she was earning one dollar salary playing supporting role and her life was quite comfortable, but she did not expect to become a main player all of a sudden, and the key point was that her salary did not increase.

But if you ask her to quit her job, she will be reluctant to give up the salary.

Sometimes she couldn't help sighing when she looked at Xiao Dongdong, "Xiao Dongzi, you have to be sensible sooner so that I, your aunt, can save some energy."

Usually at this time Xiao Dongdong would always have a smile on his face, looking at her with a confused look in his eyes, and sometimes there would be a warm current under his body.

It's time to change the diaper again!
After the 20th day of the twelfth lunar month, the city of Yanjing gradually felt the festive atmosphere and every household began to prepare to purchase New Year goods.

Lin Chaoyang doesn't have to go to work, and occasionally he takes some time to go out shopping. At this time, Tao Yumo will always follow him like a servile follower.

The reason is simple: I can always get some benefits by going out with my brother-in-law.

Lin Chaoyang was also happy to give some benefits to his sister-in-law. After all, he was still counting on her to work!

Time passed quickly and it was the 29th day of the lunar year. Tao Yushu gave Tao Yumo a day off and gave her five yuan extra. Tao Yumo was so happy that she hugged her arm and called her "good sister".

The little money-grubber did a careful calculation and found that he had recently taken care of Xiaodongzi at his sister's house, and had received 29 yuan in cash, 6 books and magazines, 1 set of winter clothes, 2 pairs of socks, and no other food.

In less than a month, so much money and goods were deposited into the account. Tao Yumo even doubted that he might not be able to earn so much even after graduating and starting work.

For a moment, she even had the thought of "Why not just take care of Xiao Dongzi from now on", but then she immediately dismissed this useless idea.

Tao Yumo, you are a student of Yanjing University, a future pillar of the country, and a rising star in the legal field. How can you be so useless that you can be bought off by such a small favor?
I came with nothing in my hands and left with everything I had.

Before leaving, Tao Yumo did not forget to kiss her nephew's jelly-like face twice. This is her fortune-bringing beast and treasure bowl, she really couldn't bear to part with him!
"Sister, I will be back on the second day of the New Year." Tao Yumo said enthusiastically.

"I will go back to visit my parents-in-law with your husband on the second day of the Chinese New Year. Why are you back?"

Of course he came back for the New Year's money. In his greed, he forgot common sense and conventions, so Tao Yumo smiled embarrassedly.

"I can't bear to be separated from Xiao Dongzi. I just want to come back as soon as possible to see the little guy!"

After his sister left, Tao Yushu said disdainfully: "This girl looks like she is obsessed with money. I really don't know who she takes after."

Lin Chaoyang looked at her deeply. He didn't know who she looked like, but there was no doubt that she looked like her elder sister.

On New Year's Eve this year, Lin Chaoyang's family was more lively and joyful because of the birth of a new baby.

Lin Erchun kept teasing Xiao Dongdong, causing his grandson to scratch his beard with his chubby little hands, and then Lin Erchun burst into laughter again.

"Grandson, stop pulling my beard! If you pull it again, my beard will be gone!"

Tao Yushu was rolling out the dough and watching the scene of his grandchildren playing with each other with a smile on his face.

"Dad doesn't even mention going back home anymore!"

Zhang Guiqin scooped the stuffing with one hand, put it on the spoon, and gently pinched it a few times with both hands, and a dumpling was formed.

"What else can he remember when he has a grandson?"

The mother-in-law and daughter-in-law were chatting about family matters. At this time, Lin Chaoyang came out of the study and planned to help make dumplings.

Tao Yushu said, "No need, just take a rest and wait for dinner."

Lin Chaoyang has been writing the script for "The Chess Master" recently, but the progress has not been fast enough to catch up with the New Year.

In the evening, the dumplings were wrapped, a table of delicious dishes was served, and the family sat down at the dining table.

"Didn't you say that this year's CCTV Spring Festival Gala was a grand affair?" Tao Yushu said as he turned on the TV.

A few days before the Spring Festival, CCTV announced the evening party on the 30th, but this time it was different from the past. It was no longer called the "Spring Festival Gala" or "New Year's Cultural Evening", but was called the "Spring Festival Gala".

The clock had not yet reached eight o'clock when Zhao Zhongxiang's peaceful and prosperous face appeared on the TV screen.

"Dear viewers, on this joyous New Year's Eve, all CCTV staff wish you and your family happiness, all the best, and a happy Spring Festival!
This evening, our station will broadcast the cultural programs of the Spring Festival Gala for you live.

To enable you to enjoy your favourite programmes, we have installed four telephones on site for on-demand use by TV viewers in the capital…”

There is no such position as host in domestic TV stations nowadays. They are either announcers or broadcasters. Zhao Zhongxiang who appeared at the beginning of the Spring Festival Gala was the announcer.

But this year's Spring Festival Gala is different. There are four hosts at the opening, namely Ma Ji, Jiang Kun, Wang Jingyu and Liu Xiaoqing.

Lin Erchun held his grandson in his arms with a fresh look in his eyes. "It is indeed different from before! It's just that this phone is redundant. Which ordinary people can use it to make a phone call? Isn't it prepared for those officials?"

Lin Chaoyang glanced at his father.

What nonsense are you talking about, old comrade? This is called sharing happiness with the people!
(End of this chapter)