1979: My fiancée is a goddess

Chapter 169 The royalties are really enviable
Monday, May 12th.

"I don't know if Xiaoli has arrived in Jiangcheng yet. It's really worrying, a girl taking a train alone..."

When Cheng Kaiyan got up and washed up in the morning, she heard her mother Xu Yuxiu worrying about Liu Xiaoli's schedule.

"Is it possible that she didn't come alone, but came with people from the Jiangcheng Song and Dance Theater?"

Cheng Kaiyan was too weak to complain, she just felt that her mother's words were a bit groundless.

"They are still a group of girls, which makes it even more dangerous!"

Xu Yuxiu pinched him in dissatisfaction and said.

"We are now living in a society ruled by law. No one dares to do that. Besides, they were invited by the Ministry of Culture to perform in Beijing. Who dares to touch the tiger's whiskers? If they are caught, they will be shot at.

Don't worry, we'll be there today."

Cheng Kaiyan explained a few words casually. He knew in his heart that his mother was reluctant and worried about him, just like her own child going away on a long journey.

When a son travels a thousand miles, his mother worries about him. But now it has become that when a daughter-in-law travels a thousand miles, her mother worries about her.

However, on the evening of the 10th, Cheng Kaiyan personally sent Liu Xiaoli and the others to the train before returning home, so nothing will happen.

Now a day and a night have passed, and a weekend has also passed.

If we calculate the time, they should reach Jiangcheng before dark today.

"I was thinking of writing another letter to your Aunt Wan?"

Xu Yuxiu thought about it and suggested.

Since Cheng Kaiyan was already twenty and approaching twenty-one, and was also a writer, he was considered to be successful, so Xu Yuxiu would consult his opinions on some important family matters.

Aunt Wan?

Speaking of which, I haven't met this aunt yet, but...

"What are you writing for?"

"Urge for marriage!"

Xu Yuxiu's ideas are concise and to the point.

"Let's talk about it later. Don't be so anxious. You will be busy later!"

Cheng Kaiyan waved her hand and pulled her out.

"Wait! Brat, I haven't got the lesson plan yet!"

……

I arrived at school in a flash. There was only one class in the morning, and it was said that Zhang Guangnian from People's Literature was invited to give a writing class.

Director Xu Gang of the Institute of Literature and Art notified everyone in the writers' class of this matter in advance last week, and everyone is looking forward to it.

This person is the head teacher of the writers' class, which is outrageous. It's just like in high school, where they have a head teacher.

The first thing I did was to get some hot water from the water room and make some Dahongpao tea.

"Hmm! I miss this taste so much."

Cheng Kaiyan picked up a small handful from the brown paper bag and poured it into the teacup.

Let it sit for a while, shake it, open the lid and smell it, it is so fragrant.

It’s a pity that this thing is hard to buy even if you have money, so you can only borrow it from the old man.

I carried the cup back to the classroom, where some people were already.

"Cheng Kaiyan, here!"

As soon as she walked into the classroom, Wang Anyi saw her and immediately waved and called out.

The crisp sound was quite obvious in the classroom, attracting some people's attention and turning their heads.

Cheng Kaiyan looked in the direction of the voice and saw Wang Anyi sitting in the first row. "Here she comes."

After the last meeting, the female comrade had already given up the romantic feelings in her heart. They had just sprouted when she met Liu Xiaoli, the real person. Now she has no more thoughts.

After all, unmarried young women in this era are still quite cautious about issues of conduct between men and women.

At present, the relationship between the two can be regarded as class partners and desk partners.

Usually, we help to reserve seats, discuss studies with each other, copy homework, etc.

It feels like I was in college.

Ok?
It seems like he is in college, right? He is just taking a college entrance examination.

"Have you finished the homework assigned last Friday? Lend it to me to copy."

Cheng Kaiyan sat behind the girl and started copying the homework. She was very skilled at it.

"I've done it. I'll give it to you. But please bring me lunch at noon and sleep directly in the classroom after lunch."

Wang Anyi nodded in agreement, which was a little unlike the straightforwardness of Shanghai people.

Although they were taking classes at Beijing Normal University, the Chaoyang area was not abandoned. After all, the Wenjiang Institute had paid for the rental, so they still stayed at the Chaoyang Party School.

Moreover, it is impossible for Beijing Normal University to provide them with dormitories.

Therefore, as long as there are classes in the morning and afternoon, no one wants to run back at noon.

So many people rested in the classroom and went back after school.

Cheng Kaiyan was drinking tea while copying homework.

Wang Anyi was chattering away, talking to a short, short-haired girl next to her.

The female comrade is also in her twenties and her name is Liu Shuhua.

There were five female comrades in this session of the Institute of Literature and Art, and they were Ye Wenling, Wang Zuling (Zhulin), Zhang Kangkang, Wang Anyi, and Liu Shuhua in order of age.

They are the only two closest in age.

"Cheng Kaiyan, why don't you do your homework?"

Liu Shuhua teased Cheng Kaiyan as she rushed to finish her homework as soon as she arrived.

"I was so busy with my literary career that I had no time to take care of other things, so I naturally neglected my homework. Isn't it that I came to dote on my homework so early in the morning?"

Cheng Kaiyan didn't even raise his head and talked nonsense in a serious manner.

"Hey~ You're such a talker, are all BJ guys like this?"

Liu Shuhua was amazed. It was the first time she had seen such a humorous young man.

"That's right, what do you mean by favor or not? You think you are the emperor!"

Wang Anyi said with a smile, "Didn't you say last time that you would submit your new work to children's literature? How's it going? Has it been accepted? There has been no news for such a long time. Could it be that you died before you could accomplish your mission?"

As soon as these words were spoken, Liu Shuhua burst into laughter.

At this time, several more figures walked in. They were Zhang Kangkang and several classmates, talking and laughing.

During this period of time, Zhang Kangkang, who is good at socializing, has been very popular in the class. Not only has she made friends with the girls, she has even made a few friends among the boys.

Most of the students in the class have a favorable impression of this woman, better than those of passers-by.

Zhang Kangkang was also proud of her communication skills. When she passed by and heard Wang Anyi's words, she couldn't help but prick up her ears and eavesdrop.

"Why stop?"

Ye Wenling, who was with Zhang Kangkang, suddenly bumped into Zhang Kangkang.

Zhang Kangkang pointed at Cheng Kaiyan and the other two who were not far away, with an expression of watching a good show on his face.

During this period, Zhang Kangkang was at Beijing Normal University and found out the details of Cheng Kaiyan.

He is in his early twenties. I heard he is a young talent who can write poetry, novels, children's literature, and even songs and music...

The more outstanding Cheng Kaiyan is, the more unhappy Zhang Kangkang becomes.

She felt that this young man had no respect for his literary predecessors and might even look down on her.

As for Cheng Kaiyan's new work, Zhang Kangkang has also heard of it.

I heard that it was submitted to "Children's Literature". When Zhang Kangkang found out, she said a few neutral words.

Now, when Zhang Kangkang suddenly heard Wang Anyi joking that Cheng Kaiyan’s new work might not pass the review, she was very happy.

Although the two of them have no grudges against each other, but she just doesn't like him a little. There's nothing she can do about it, she's a petty-minded woman all her life.

"Young people today are bored..."

Ye Wenling shook her head, indicating that she was bored.

She is 38 years old this year, almost 40 years old, and she doesn't bother to care about these petty grudges and hatreds.

"Hey! Just watch for fun. We're not familiar with each other anyway."

Zhang Kangkang pulled Ye Wenling to sit not far from Cheng Kaiyan and the others, and then heard Cheng Kaiyan say confidently.

"It's guaranteed. The emperor is not anxious, but the eunuch is, right? I'll tell you a secret. I'm actually the first place winner of the first National Excellent Children's Literature Award."

National Excellent Children's Literature Award?
Zhang Kangkang's eyes narrowed. Although she knew that Cheng Kaiyan was nominated for the short story award, she had never paid attention to the children's literature award. After all, they were not in the same league.

She turned to Ye Wenling and asked, "He is the first place winner of the Children's Literature Award?"

"seems like it."

Ye Wenling nodded. She had seen this report in the People's Daily.

"Humph!"

Zhang Kangkang snorted twice and stopped talking, staring at Cheng Kaiyan who was sitting two rows in front of him.

Damn, it's actually true. But then again, children's literature doesn't have much value, and the royalties are low. She heard Wang Anyi, an editor at Shanghai's "Childhood," say:
The standard payment for many children's literature writers is relatively low, usually 5 yuan per thousand words. Even well-known old writers only pay 6 yuan per thousand words, and 7 yuan or 8 yuan are considered top-notch.

Zhang Kangkang is a professional writer who earns eight yuan per thousand words and receives subsidies from the Writers Association.

The royalties for writing a short story are also around one or two hundred yuan!

……

"Jingle Bell!"

The bell for class rang. An old man in his sixties with white hair and beard, wearing tortoise-shell glasses, a Zhongshan suit and a shirt underneath, came in.

He is in his sixties, but his hair is neatly combed and his clothes are meticulously dressed.

"Classmates, class is on!"

Mr. Zhang Guangnian had nothing on hand, but he looked like a great master.

Soon, led by squad leader Jiang Zilon, everyone stood up.

"Hello teacher!"

Seeing the energetic and vibrant greetings from the group of young people in front of him, Zhang Guangnian smiled.

He glanced around the class and saw many familiar people, such as Jiang Zilon, Wang Anyi, the daughter of his old friend Ru Zhijuan, and Cheng Kaiyan who sat behind her.

"Hello students."

Zhang Guangnian nodded, bowed slightly and greeted him.

“Today we are going to talk about realism and magical realism. In recent years, there have been a lot of discussions about these two themes internationally. Today we will briefly talk about the ideas and details of these two writing directions.

I think Professor Jiang must have mentioned "Foreign Literature" to you, and it was also mentioned on the study book list distributed at the beginning of the school year.

For example, Mark Twain's "One Hundred Years of Solitude", Miguel's "Guatemalan Tales" and "The Maize Man" are all representative works of magical realism...

First, let’s talk about how to write a magical realist novel…”

Zhang Guangnian stood on the stage with only a piece of chalk in his hand and nothing else, not even a lesson plan.

This literary giant has a rather serious and solemn style when lecturing.

However, the content of the lectures is extremely rich, and the works covered, the angles of explanation, and the cases are all readily available, as if there is no need to think.

The group of students in the audience listened with great interest.

Time flies and the first class is over.

"get out of class is over."

Zhang Guangnian clapped his hands and said this while the students were still immersed in the lecture content.

"Teacher, look here..."

But soon a few male comrades came over and asked about things they didn't understand.

"Mr. Zhang, can I submit my work to you? I think you are very good at speaking. If I submit my work to you, I will definitely gain a lot."

Zhang Kangkang came over with a stack of manuscripts and said with a simple smile.

"Of course you are welcome. You must be Comrade Zhang Kangkang. The works you wrote last year, Summer and Light Morning Mist, are both excellent works.

However, regarding the aspect of human nature, I think the opposition between human nature, good and evil is lacking and lacks authenticity.

It is just a simple, mechanical binary opposition creation. I suggest you think carefully when writing novels and try to get rid of the inherent ideas..."

Zhang Guangnian nodded and said seriously.

The merciless comments made Zhang Kangkang a little agitated and he stood there without moving.

She didn't expect that this respected old gentleman would make such direct comments, which made her feel a little embarrassed.

"If you have a manuscript, you can submit it to me. Please think carefully about the words above."

Seeing that she remained silent, Zhang Guangnian thought that she was a lesbian after all and was too thin-skinned.

Unlike someone who has a face as thick as a city wall.

I am talking about you!
"Kai Yan!"

Zhang Guangnian walked towards Cheng Kaiyan with a smile on his face: "I heard that your girlfriend has come to Beijing? Today I want to see what a stunning woman this Comrade Liu Xiaoli is!"

Wang Meng came here a few days ago, heard about this, and told Zhang Guangnian.

This made him very curious, so as soon as the get out of class was over and he had some free time, he hurried over to ask.

"Editor-in-Chief Zhang? You are late!"

Cheng Kaiyan shrugged and said helplessly.

"I'm late?"

"Back to Jiangcheng."

Zhang Guangnian felt a little regretful when he heard this. He had been fond of Comrade Liu Xiaoli since January, and after reading "Love Letter", he was undoubtedly even more curious.

"Are there any photos? Let me see!"

Zhang Guangnian asked without giving up.

Cheng Kaiyan was amused to see how persistent he was. This old man...

He then took out his wallet and handed over the photo inside.

Zhang Guangnian looked down and saw a girl in a white dress. She stretched out her arms, stood on tiptoes and gently spun on the wooden floor. Her dance was beautiful in the sunlight.

He teased, "You have good taste, and you're also a dancer! No wonder you rejected People's Literature and insisted on submitting to Jiangcheng's "Fragrant Grass."

"That's not the case!"

When Wang Anyi and Liu Huashu heard this, they looked at each other in shock.

This guy has also rejected People’s Literature?
Not far away, the disappointed Zhang Kangkang saw several people chatting enthusiastically, and glared at Cheng Kaiyan without leaving any trace.

Blame him!

Before I knew it, the one and a half hour writing class was over and there were no classes anymore in the morning.

However, everyone in the writers' class lived in Chaoyang, so it was impossible to go back. Some people went out to play ball, while others sat in the classroom reading and writing.

On the balcony, there were students from Beijing Normal University holding books and getting autographs from writers from the writers' class, chatting and sharing stories.

Cheng Kaiyan sat there doing her homework while chatting with Wang Anyi and the others.

"Teacher Xiao Cheng! Someone is looking for you!"

A young student in his twenties outside shouted into the classroom.

"I'm going to be out for a while, Mr. Wang, can you help me copy it?"

Cheng Kaiyan pushed the pen and notebook forward, threw down a sentence and left.

……

Outside the classroom, there was a constant flow of people on the balcony

A thin figure stood at the door, holding an envelope in his hand.

"Editor Xu Dexia?"

"You gave me such a hard time looking for you! I walked from your house to school, and then spent quite a while looking for you inside the school!"

Xu Dexia glared at him with resentment on her face, then handed over the envelope in her hand. "The Alchemist's Journey has been reviewed and proofread three times by our children's literature editorial department, and we unanimously decided to publish it next month. Here! This is your manuscript fee slip, open it and sign it."

When Cheng Kaiyan heard the word "royalty", her eyes lit up and she took the envelope and opened it.

"Comrade Cheng Kaiyan, I am honored to see you write this. I am honored that you have chosen Children's Literature. After joint review by the editorial department, we have unanimously decided to publish your article "The Alchemist's Fantastic Journey" in the next issue..."

"Because I won the first prize in the Children's Literature Award, the finalized manuscript fee is as follows: 10 yuan per thousand words. After proofreading by the proofreading department, the total number of words in the book is 94,121. The total manuscript fee is 941.21 yuan!"

Another payment for the article has been received!
Seeing his eyes sparkling, Xu Dexia asked curiously, "What standard did the editor set for you? How many thousand words?"

"Ten yuan, ten yuan for a thousand words."

Cheng Kaiyan didn't feel anything and said casually.

To be honest, I've been paid ten yuan per thousand words so many times that I don't feel the same way anymore.

At this moment, the balcony corridor suddenly became quiet.

Everyone gasped and exclaimed in unison: "Ten dollars for a thousand words?! That high!?"

At this time, both the students of Beijing Normal University and the writers in the writer class looked at Cheng Kaiyan in surprise.

Ten dollars for a thousand words, it’s a rare opportunity.

Generally speaking, the manuscripts of well-known writers are priced between eight and nine yuan. Only a very small number of exceptionally good manuscripts, or when the editorial department needs the manuscript to shore up the publication, will be paid ten yuan per thousand words.

The silence on the balcony made people in the classroom very curious about what had happened.
Zhang Kangkang walked out of the classroom and asked, "What happened?"

"Comrade Xiao Cheng's manuscript for children's literature is paid 10 yuan per thousand words!"

"What?! How is it possible?"

Zhang Kangkang couldn't help but exclaim in surprise, his eyes full of disbelief!
How is it possible? Ten yuan for a thousand words. Even she has never received such treatment?
How is it possible for Cheng Kaiyan!

Zhang Kangkang's mind was in a mess.

Shock, jealousy, and disbelief were intertwined, and for a moment there were a myriad of emotions.

Thanks to NAS1010 for the 100-point reward

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(End of this chapter)