1978: Female educated youth, don’t want an illiterate husband

Old Wu held the manuscript paper, tapped it lightly with his knuckles, and continued to exclaim in amazement:
"I asked you to write an article that embodies the core spirit of reform and opening up and boosts morale. I thought you would start from a macro perspective and talk about the significance and direction."

I didn't expect you to choose such a specific, vivid, and even somewhat rustic case.

A factory selling medicinal liquor, a single television commercial. But you managed to uncover a whole new world from this seemingly small detail!

Old Wu stood up, took the manuscript, and paced back and forth behind his desk, clearly a little excited: "The ducks are the first to know when the river warms in spring, this title is brilliant!"

"You compared the reform and opening up to the thawing of the spring river, and those explorers and pragmatists who dared to be the first to break the ice and jump into the still chilly water to the ducks that were the first to sense the news of spring! This metaphor is vivid, profound, and full of literary appeal!"

Then he stopped again, looked at Cheng Xuemin with admiration in his eyes: "What's even more commendable is that you didn't stop at simple praise!"

"You captured the loneliness, pressure, risks, and inner struggles of pioneers! You vividly portrayed the difficulty of seeking a breakthrough within the constraints of old frameworks!"

It also perfectly captures the fundamental shift in mindset behind success! This article is vivid, compelling, logical, insightful, and powerfully resonates with readers!

Old Wu spoke faster and faster, walking up to Cheng Xuemin: "I originally thought that you had just gone through such complicated negotiations in Shanghai, and your mind would inevitably be affected. Even if this manuscript could be completed, it might need more time to polish it!"
I didn't expect you to not only produce it so quickly, but also to produce it of such high quality!

This once again proves your extraordinary sensitivity and ability to grasp the pulse of the times! Your pen is truly a precious weapon on our cultural front!

Such high praise, coming from the usually meticulous and prudent Mr. Wu, carries immense weight.

The old factory director listened with pride, his face beaming.

Cheng Xuemin remained modest: "Mr. Wu, you flatter me. I was just trying my best to complete the task you assigned me and write down my true observations and thoughts."

“No, this is too kind!” Old Wu shook his head, sat back down in his chair, and a meaningful, even slightly sly, smile appeared on his face. He gently patted the stack of manuscript papers. “This piece, ‘The Ducks Know First When the Spring River Warms,’ has come at just the right time!”

He looked at Cheng Xuemin, then at the old factory director Wang Yang, and slowly said, "We were just having a headache. That stubborn old man Kang from the Economic Commission was determined to submit a report to poach people, with high-sounding reasons, saying that it was the optimal allocation of resources and the maximization of national interests."

I'm trying to figure out the most convincing reason to keep you on our cultural front.

Old Wu's smile deepened, and he tapped the manuscript paper with his finger: "Now, the reason has been delivered to your doorstep! And it's the most compelling reason!"

He leaned forward, lowered his voice, but his tone was firm and powerful: "The Economic Commission needs technical experts, that's right!"

"But the country needs cultural pioneers and writers who can hold high the banner of ideological liberation and inspire the reform and opening up! Reform and opening up is not just about importing equipment and earning foreign exchange, but also about liberating the mind, updating concepts, and invigorating the spirit of the whole nation!"
This work is equally crucial, and in some ways, it's even a deeper, more fundamental project!

He picked up a red and blue pencil and drew a heavy circle next to the title on the first page of the manuscript: "Your article is the best proof!"

"It vividly illustrates the internal logic and spiritual core of reform and opening up. It can inspire thousands of factory directors like Liang to bravely jump into the Chunjiang River to explore and practice!"
Such an article has a social value and political significance that is no less than, and perhaps even more profound than, the introduction of a production line!
Shouldn't someone capable of writing such an article remain on the cultural front, playing an irreplaceable and unique role?

Old Wu became more and more confident as he spoke, his eyes gleaming with certainty: "Didn't Old Kang say that his place was on the front line of economic construction?"

"Then I will tell the higher-ups that our cultural front is also the front line of ideological construction! Moreover, it is the guiding front line that ensures the smooth progress of economic construction and points out the direction!"

Comrade Cheng Xuemin was one of the most outstanding navigators and buglers on this front! Transferring him is like taking away a vital firepower point from us!

These words were spoken with unwavering conviction and great force.

The old factory director listened with great enthusiasm, nodding repeatedly: "Old Wu is absolutely right! The role of the people in the cultural field is unique! No one can replace them!"

A warm feeling and a sense of security welled up in Cheng Xuemin's heart.

Mr. Wu not only understood his article, but also comprehended and firmly defended his value proposition.

After calming himself down, Old Wu solemnly said to Cheng Xuemin, "Xuemin, you can rest assured that you can entrust this manuscript to me!"

"I'll personally deliver it to the higher-ups for their review. I guarantee that with the weight and quality of this article, they will definitely take it very seriously!"

He paused, then said with even greater certainty, "Moreover, I not only want to submit it for review, but I also want to strive to get this article published on the top platform as quickly as possible!"

"It must have a place on the front page of People's Literature and the front cover of People's Daily!"

"We want all of China to see this article, 'Ducks Know First When the River Warms in Spring,' and to discuss and reflect upon it! Let it truly exert its powerful influence in inspiring thought and driving practice!"

This statement is unprecedented in its force.

This means that this article will receive the highest level of dissemination and influence, and it also completely blocks the Economic Commission's excuse of underutilizing talent by poaching people.

How can an author who can publish a major article on the front page of a top publication and directly influence social trends not be considered to have made the most of their talent?
It could even be said to have a tremendous effect!

"Thank you for your affirmation and support, Mr. Wu!" Cheng Xuemin said sincerely.

"No need to thank me, you've done well on your own!" Old Wu waved his hand, carefully put away the manuscript, and locked it in his desk drawer, as if it were some important strategic document.

"Alright, the manuscript is settled then. Your trip to Cannes is imminent, and time is of the essence. Lao Wang, go back and immediately get all the pre-departure preparations in place to ensure everything goes smoothly! Xuemin,"

He looked at Cheng Xuemin with earnest eyes: "If you have any difficulties at home that require organization or coordination, please let us know at any time!"

"You can focus on preparing for your trip to France and bringing glory to the country! As for things back home, including this article, and... the concerns of certain people, I'll take care of them!"

This statement is not only an instruction, but also a promise and a reassurance.

Old Wu's promise, "I'm here for you," was like a hot iron, pressing heavily on Cheng Xuemin's heart. It warmed his heart and instantly put most of his anxiety to rest.

Following the old factory director Wang Yang, after exchanging pleasantries with Old Wu, they prepared to take Cheng Xuemin back to Yan Film Studio.

Cheng Xuemin instinctively went with the flow, wanting to follow the old factory director, but suddenly his steps faltered slightly.

Old Wu was very perceptive and immediately noticed his slight hesitation.

He then raised his head, his gaze sharp as lightning, and landed on Cheng Xuemin's face: "Xuemin, what's wrong? Is there something else? Judging from your expression, it seems... you have some other thoughts?"

Once Cheng Xuemin was exposed, he no longer hesitated.

He turned back to face Old Wu, his face displaying just the right amount of embarrassed sincerity, and said:
"Mr. Wu, it is a great honor and the greatest affirmation of the article to have it published on top platforms such as People's Literature and People's Daily. I have no objection and will completely obey the organization's arrangements!"

He changed the subject, lowering his voice and speaking in a consultative tone: "But... there's something I might need to report to you again, Elder Wu." "There were actually two reasons why I initially started writing this piece, 'The Ducks Know First When the Spring River Warms'!"

"One is to complete the political task you assigned, and the other... is to write an article for my mother-in-law, Ms. Gu, the newly appointed editor-in-chief of the magazine 'October,' at her invitation."

He saw a hint of realization flash across Old Wu's face and quickly continued to explain: "My mother-in-law had just taken over 'October' when the new policy of making publications responsible for their own profits and losses came into effect, which put her under a lot of pressure."

"She hoped I could write a substantial article to help her get off to a good start and stabilize the publication's momentum and win over readers."

"So, in a sense, this article was also written with the mission of supporting my own family. My mother-in-law... has been hoping for it to be published in October!"

He put it tactfully, but his meaning was clear.

Last year, "The Appointment of Director Qiao" was coordinated to be published in "People's Literature". Although his mother-in-law didn't say it, Cheng Xuemin knew about her regret and disappointment.

If "Ducks Know When the River Warms" is once again placed on a higher platform, it will be a great honor.

But for Ms. Gu, the mother-in-law who had just taken office and was eager to prove herself and also needed a good article to win people's hearts, this was nothing short of another blow, and might even make her work as the new editor-in-chief more difficult.

From a public perspective, this is supporting the reform and transformation of subordinate units; from a private perspective, it is his way of showing his appreciation and fulfilling his responsibility as a son-in-law.

After listening, Old Wu did not speak immediately.

He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest as he habitually did so, his gaze fixed on a point on the ceiling, as if he were quickly weighing his options.

The office fell silent again, with only the ticking of the wall clock.

The old factory director, Wang Yang, also held his breath, looking at Old Wu and then at Cheng Xuemin, feeling a pang of worry for Cheng Xuemin.

This is a tricky situation. On one hand, there's the most influential top-tier platform, and on the other hand, there's the actual needs and personal relationships of his own people. How will Mr. Wu choose?

After about half a minute, Mr. Wu stopped tapping the handrail.

He sat up straight, looked at Cheng Xuemin, and smiled knowingly and understandingly, with a hint of amusement in his smile.

"I thought it was something big!" Old Wu breathed a sigh of relief, his tone becoming relaxed and decisive. "Your mother-in-law, Teacher Gu, is taking office and wants to make a good start. I understand and support that!"

"October is an important literary platform in our department. At this critical juncture of reform and opening up, we really need a heavyweight article like 'Ducks Know First When the Spring River Warms' to set the tone, boost morale, and unite people's hearts!"

The publication of this article in *October* not only supports Teacher Gu's work but also affirms the journal's reform and opening-up direction, and it also has important exemplary significance!

He paused, his gaze becoming profound: "As for People's Literature and People's Daily... good articles are good articles wherever they are, and they can play a huge role."

"However, the choice of the first platform is sometimes not just about the size of the platform, but also about the actual needs and overall benefits."

The fact that this article was first published in *October* does not preclude it from having a greater impact later on. We can arrange it like this…”

With a clear mind, Mr. Wu immediately made the decision: "This article, 'Ducks Know First When the Spring River Warms,' will be published as the lead story in the next issue of 'October'! This is the strongest support for Teacher Gu's new job!"

"At the same time, the ministry will immediately coordinate with the People's Daily to reprint the article in full a week after its publication in October, and add an editor's note emphasizing the article's practical significance and ideological value."

In this way, the first publication rights and influence of *October* are guaranteed, while the core ideas of the article can be conveyed to the broadest range of Party members, cadres, and the masses through the largest platform, *People's Daily*, maximizing its impact! As for *People's Literature*…

Mr. Wu pondered for a moment: "We can select and reprint this article in the next issue, or invite you to write another article about the creation of this piece."

This way, we can save face and save face, and satisfy the needs of all parties. Xuemin, what do you think of this arrangement?

This plan is comprehensive, taking into full account the actual concerns and feelings of Cheng Xuemin and his mother-in-law, maximizing the political propaganda effect of the article, and not completely refusing to offend the top-tier publication.

A huge weight was finally lifted from Cheng Xuemin's heart, and he felt a surge of heartfelt gratitude and admiration.

Experience truly matters; Mr. Wu handled these complex personnel and publicity relationships with remarkable ease.

"Mr. Wu's consideration is too thoughtful! This arrangement is excellent, and I have no objections whatsoever! On behalf of my mother-in-law, I also thank Mr. Wu for his support and care!"

Cheng Xuemin quickly said that he was genuinely relieved this time.

I can finally give my wife and mother-in-law a satisfactory explanation when I get back.

"No need to thank me, it's all for work." Old Wu waved his hand with a smile on his face. "However, Xuemin, you've given me a real challenge, and then you've delivered the answer yourself."

"Alright, that's settled then. You guys go back and get on with your Cannes business; I'll handle the manuscript."

"Yes, Mr. Wu!" Cheng Xuemin and the old factory director replied in unison, this time truly bidding farewell.

Stepping out of Mr. Wu's office, I closed the door, shutting out the quiet, slightly tobacco-scented atmosphere inside.

The corridor was brightly lit, and footsteps made almost no sound on the thick carpet.

It wasn't until the old factory director, Wang Yang, stepped out of the small building and into the courtyard, bathed in the summer sun, that he seemed to regain his breath. He let out a long, heavy sigh and patted Cheng Xuemin's back forcefully.

"Good heavens! Xuemin, my heart has been on a real rollercoaster ride today because of you! Two hundred million US dollars! The Economic Commission poaching people! Old Wu protecting them! The battle for first publication rights..."

This morning was so much information; my old bones are about to fall apart!

The old factory director spoke half-jokingly and half-remarkably, but looking at Cheng Xuemin, his admiration deepened. "But you're really something, kid!"

"He thought of everything, and he took care of everything perfectly! He even took good care of his mother-in-law! Old Wu's final arrangement was brilliant! This article of yours is going to be a triple hit!"

Cheng Xuemin smiled but didn't respond to the question.

……

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