1979: Literary Master, Starting from the Return of Educated Youth

Chapter 11: A new trend in the literary world, blowing away the smoke of scar literature
The title style is quite unique and doesn't look like the scar literature that's popular recently.

"Watch it yourself, bro. I won't reveal the plot."

Wang Chaoyin pulled a chair over from the side and said with excitement in his eyes, "I can only assure you that this is an unforgettable work."

Wang Meng said "hmm" and sat down on the chair, picked up Xu Yuexin's manuscript, opened the cover and read it carefully.

Wang Chaoyin watched the changes in Wang Meng's expression the whole time, hoping to resonate with his old friend.

Wang Meng looked focused, his eyes fixed on the manuscript the whole time. He nodded slightly from time to time as he turned the pages.

When he saw certain scenes, such as Liang Sanxi giving up his vacation and Zhao Mengsheng writing a blood letter asking to fight after being scolded, his eyes would linger for a moment, as if he was chewing over and over again.

When Wang Chaoyin saw his old friend's expression, he knew that he was attracted by the work, so he smiled knowingly.

"It turns out that Liang Sanxi and Zhao Mengsheng were actually brothers who grew up drinking the same milk from Aunt Liang."

At the end, Wang Meng seemed to be talking to Wang Chaoyin, but also seemed to be talking to himself.

He originally thought that the sacrifices of Liang Sanxi, Jin Kailai, Xiao Beijing and others were the climax of the book.

Who knew that the more unforgettable part was actually coming up next.

As an underground party member who joined the revolution in the 40s, when Wang Meng saw Aunt Liang coming to the army to deal with her son's funeral and recalling the scenes of the army and civilians working together to fight the enemy during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, what emerged in his mind was the scene of himself being protected by the masses and avoiding enemy searches.

The novel is written in an extremely ingenious style. Through the character of Aunt Liang, it connects the present day 40 years later with the glorious years during the War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and in between are the War of Liberation and a series of major events that took place in the years after the founding of the People's Republic of China.

There is no doubt that this is a brilliant and touching work and a national history book.

Its ideological realm and depth of content are far beyond the reach of ordinary works.

After Wang Meng finished reading, his thoughts extended to even deeper places.

Wang Meng currently holds the title of People's Literature Editorial Committee member. However, his work focus has been on the Beijing Writers Association, and he was recently appointed as the association's vice chairman, and is only waiting to complete the procedures and announce the news.

With a position behind him, he looks at things from a different perspective. Wang Meng is currently thinking more about the future direction of the literary world and how to use excellent works to lead a good trend.

At present, the domestic literary world is still dominated by scar literature. However, Wang Meng has keenly realized that this trend is unsustainable and must work hard to discover works with new styles and new ideas.

The article "The Wreath under the Mountain" perfectly fits Wang Meng's ideal work.

Perhaps the wind that brings fresh air to the literary atmosphere will start from "The Garland under the Mountain".

"Chao Yin, what is the name of the author of this book?" Wang Meng asked after putting down the manuscript after careful consideration.

"My name is Xu Yuexin. I'm very young and my family is in Beijing."

"Why, do you want to make friends through literature and get to know him?"

"That's what I meant. But it's not just about making friends through writing. I agree with your judgment that The Wreath Under the Mountain is an extraordinary work. It is bound to cause a huge social response after it is published."

"I want to work with you to pay attention to the social impact of this article and seize the opportunity to provide guidance. As for the guidance method, it won't be too late to discuss it later."

Wang Meng asked Wang Chaoyin for his opinion in a calm tone, "What do you think? There is a new talent in the literary world who is bringing a new trend, so we should pay attention to him."

"I agree with you. But... you said Xu Yuexin is the new author?"

Wang Chaoyin was surprised. He had always thought that Xu Yuexin was a veteran in the literary world, and that he could write such mature and excellent works.

Wang Meng nodded: "Yes, he is indeed a rookie. I was not sure at first, but then you said his family is in the capital, so I can conclude it."

"I work at the Municipal Writers Association, and I have never heard of such a person."

The Beijing Writers Association is responsible for the city's literary work. Any author who is slightly famous is on their attention list, regardless of whether they have joined the association or not.

Wang Meng said that he had never seen Xu Yuexin's name, which means that he was indeed making his first appearance.

After hearing Wang Meng's affirmation, Wang Chaoyin gradually convinced himself to accept the fact that Xu Yuexin was indeed a new author.

"When the spring breeze blows, bamboo shoots break through the soil and grow at an amazing rate."

Wang Chaoyin said with a double meaning, "In my opinion, it is not impossible for this bamboo to reach the sky in the future."

"Only when you plant thousand-foot bamboos can your garden be filled with spring."

Wang Meng also responded with a pun, "I want to know soon what kind of waves this comrade Xu Yuexin's handiwork will stir up."

As the lights came on, the two old friends walked out of the No. 166 Chaonei compound, still discussing Xu Yuexin's works with great interest on the way.

……

A few days later, the new issue of People's Literature was printed and distributed, and the magazine, smelling of fresh ink, was shipped to major bookstores, post offices, and newsstands across the country.

(End of this chapter)