1979: My fiancée is a goddess

Chapter 174: Comments from Literary Newspaper
The next day, June 12th.

No. 144 Chaoyangnei Street, Editorial Department of People’s Literature.

Although the work starts at 8 o'clock, some employees came into the office with breakfast before 7 o'clock in the morning.

"Comrade Xiaoya, please go to the water room and get some water. There's no water in the kettle."

Cui Daoyi was sitting in the window seat, eating two fried dough sticks wrapped in newspaper.

Feeling a little nauseous for a moment, he swallowed the fried dough stick in his mouth and gave instructions to the new female intern editor who was coming in front of him.

"Got it, Editor Cui."

Editor Xiaoya pursed her lips, reluctantly put down the new issue of children's literature in her hand, and stood up to get the kettle from the bookshelf.

Walking to the bookcase, she picked up the kettle and shook it. Sure enough, it was empty. She didn't know which bastard had poured out all the remaining hot water in the kettle when he got off work yesterday afternoon.

Just as he was about to go out to get some water, Cui Daoyi came from behind and said, "Comrade Xiaoya, please bring me the new newspapers that arrived today. Hurry up."

Hurry, hurry, hurry!
He just knows how to urge people, like a ghost who is urging people to die.

No wonder my last name is Cui. I am a little maid.

After giving this order, here comes that order!
Editor Xiaoya suddenly became angry and her chest heaved.

He complained a few words in his heart, but still obediently carried the two pots in one hand and the newspaper in the other to pass them over.

Cui Daoyi looked up, only to see her walk away angrily, "Hey! This kid!"

He shook his head helplessly, collected his thoughts, and looked down at today's newspaper.

Reading books and newspapers every morning is basically a must-do for intellectuals. In many units, you can see a group of people reading newspapers in the morning.

Just like eating and drinking, it has become part of our lives.

Generally speaking, Cui Daoyi first reads the People's Daily and pays attention to national affairs.

Then I read the Beijing Evening News and paid attention to the things around me, such as the reconstruction of a certain road, the new decree issued by the government, and the recent murders...

Next came the Literary Gazette, which was founded on the eve of the founding of New China and is managed and sponsored by the China Writers Association.

It has tens of millions of readers across the country and has great influence in the literary and art circles. Its former editors-in-chief have all been well-known figures in the literary and art circles, such as Mao Dun, Ding Ling, Feng Xuefeng, Zhang Guangnian, Feng Mu, etc.

The Literary Gazette is a cultural stronghold for literary and art workers and is a must-read.

Cui Daoyi looked at them one by one. Time passed unknowingly, and there was a cup of steaming hot tea beside him.

Not long after, he saw comments on "The Shepherd Boy" published in the evening paper by several well-known literary critics in Beijing, which contained many critical remarks.

"Lao Wang published a comment in the evening paper before, and many people have become interested in this children's literature work, which has led to so many comments in the past few days."

However, today’s critical reviews did not comment on it from the perspective of appreciation of children’s literature, but simply criticized it for not being in line with realism.

No nutritional value, no need to watch it.

Cui Daoyi sneered with some disgust. He thought about it and felt that this also reflected a problem from the side.

That is, there is still a big gap in domestic theoretical research on criticism, appreciation and other aspects of children's literature.

“There’s a long way to go.”

He shook his head, closed the newspaper and threw it aside, but saw that the cup was already filled with water. The hot steam revealed tiny water droplets in the sunlight.

I grabbed the cup, blew carefully at the hot steam on the water, took a sip, and it was still very hot.

But he likes to drink this kind of hot tea the most, so he has gotten used to it.

Cui Daoyi held a cup of tea in his mouth to moisten it, then he picked up the literature and art newspaper on his right and started reading.

"puff!"

When Cui Daoyi saw the title, she immediately spat out a mouthful of hot tea, because the large printed words that caught her eye were so shocking.

There was a headline in black and white on the newspaper:
"A masterpiece of children's literature, a master of children's literature to be born!"

Contributors: Ye Shengtao, Xie Wanying.

Cui Daoyi's eyes widened and he exclaimed, "Fuck! Master of children's literature? Mr. Ye and Ms. Xie gave Cheng Kaiyan such a high evaluation?"

"Oh... So you are the future master of children's literature."

Cui Daoyi pondered the meaning of "about to be born" and then said, "But this is also outrageous."

He took a deep breath and lowered his head to continue reading the review article jointly signed by the literary giant and children's literature master Ye Shengtao and the well-known female writer Ms. Bing Xin.

The article starts with the golden age of children's literature and is 10,000 words long, which is really enjoyable.

“Since the golden age of children’s literature in the 1950s, Chinese children’s literature has entered its first peak period.

Those years were full of stars, and many outstanding children's literature writers emerged. Many literary figures participated in the creation of children's literature, such as Ye Shengtao, Zhang Tianyi, Feng Zikai, Zheng Zhenduo, Ling Shuhua, Li Jinhui, Lao She, Bing Xin and so on.

In those years, there were so many excellent works that I couldn't wait to see them, such as "Song of the Stream", "Little Soldier Zhang Ga", "The Story of the Little Soldier", "The Story of Luo Wenying", "Children of the Seaside", "The Golden Conch", "Magic Brush Ma Liang", "The Secret of the Magic Gourd", "The Port of "Next Time's Sailing", and "The Little Orange Lantern"...

During those years, Zhang Tianyi proposed two standards for children's literature: "beneficial" and "interesting" to children, and Chen Bochui proposed the famous "childlike innocence theory"... These theories laid the foundation for the main concepts and aesthetic trends of children's literature in the golden age.

What followed was buzz buzz buzz...the lost decade of children's literature.

……

Finally, I want to say that "The Alchemist" is not just a novel about fantasy adventure, it is more like a book about the philosophy of life.

It teaches us how to face the conflict between dreams and reality, how to stick to our destiny, how to grow through love and sacrifice, and how to draw strength from wisdom.

This book makes us believe that everyone's life is a fantasy journey, and as long as we bravely follow our hearts, we can realize our dreams.

This work can be regarded as a masterpiece that represents the long-awaited revival of children's literature after the loss of the golden age of children's literature in the 1950s.

Now, in this warm and gentle spring time at the beginning of the 1980s of reform and opening up, the arrival of this young man has brought two works and a major literary award.

Once again, it marks the revival and prosperity of children's literature...

The times have created one famous artist after another and one masterpiece after another.

The road to becoming a master is right under your feet, and the golden age is not far away.

Ms. Bing Xin and I are very pleased to see a future master of children's literature grow up to this age during our lifetime.

Written by Ye Shengtao and Xie Wanying in BJ on June 1, 1980, in the early summer.

……

After reading the entire article, Cui Daoyi was speechless and could only repeatedly ponder the meaning of the text in her mind.

"What a compliment! What a compliment!"

After a long while, Cui Daoyi's shock finally subsided a little. He knew very well that this article by Mr. Ye and Ms. Bing Xin would probably shock the entire literary world.

A master of children's literature, even a future master, is not something that everyone can take on.

What’s more, it was jointly signed by two of the contemporary recognized masters of children’s literature, announcing the future master of children’s literature and the revival of the golden age of children’s literature.

This is simply equivalent to the two elders Ye and Xie endorsing Cheng Kaiyan and giving him a golden signboard.

Even if some people have opinions, they would never dare to openly express their opposition in newspapers or magazines. At most, they would say a few words behind the scenes.

Otherwise it's like this: "What? You dare to question the great man in children's literature? You are cutting yourself off from the literary world!"

Or maybe, "You are not a children's literature writer, so what qualifications do you have to dare to question the two elders?"

Cui Daoyi thought about this and realized that even though he had lived for decades, he had never seen such a situation.

"Cheng Kaiyan is such an enviable kid. Mr. Ye Shengtao and Ms. Xie value him so much and love him so much!"

"call……"

At this moment, the light in front of him suddenly dimmed, and Zhang Guangnian and Wang Meng walked in.

Cui Daoyi looked up, stood up, and shouted, "Editor-in-chief, Lao Wang, have you read today's Literary News? Something big has happened!"

"I haven't seen it yet, what happened?"

Zhang Guangnian and Wang Meng were surprised when they heard this.

"You'll know when you read it!" Cui Daoyi hurriedly handed the newspaper to them. The two of them looked at it and saw that it was written...

"hiss……"

Zhang Guangnian and Wang Meng's eyes widened, and they both gasped in disbelief, "Master?!"

The two of them quickly grabbed the newspaper and finished reading it.

"Editor-in-Chief Zhang, what is going on?"

Cui Daoyi asked hurriedly, and Wang Meng on the side also looked at Zhang Guangnian with curiosity.

Neither of them is a writer of children's literature, so they can only look at it from a literary perspective. "The Shepherd Boy" is indeed a very rare work, with simple language, fresh and warm style, and a thriving vitality revealed between the lines, which is inspiring.

But it shouldn't be elevated to such a high position, right?
But Zhang Guangnian is different. He has rich experience and some insights into children's literature.

“You only need to look at all the domestic children’s literature works in the past thirty years and analyze them from multiple dimensions of judging children’s literature works based on my experience and understanding.

Whether in terms of fun, literary quality, story, writing style or overall style, "The Shepherd Boy" is worthy of being ranked among the top five works.

If we want to find a work that can be compared with it, it’s only the foreign one… but you may not believe it when I tell you.”

Zhang Guangnian pondered for a moment and then explained.

Recently, he has read the novel over and over again and discovered many details that are easy to overlook at first glance.

"What work?"

Cui Daoyi and Wang Meng asked in unison.

"The Little Prince. Of course, this is just my personal opinion."

Zhang Guangnian added a patch to his story later, at least that’s what he thought in his mind.

Judging from his experience, this work is very rare in the field of children's literature.

Both "The Alchemist" and "The Little Prince" explore profound life themes.

Both books use an allegorical narrative style, with language that is concise yet profound.

The Little Prince explores love, responsibility, friendship and human nature through the little prince's interstellar travel.

"The Alchemist" explores dreams, personal growth and destiny through the protagonist Santiago's treasure hunt.

"what?!"

After hearing this, not only Cui Wang and the others, but also everyone who was quietly eavesdropping in the editorial office was shocked.

"What kind of book is The Little Prince?"

A young intern editor scratched his head and asked curiously.

"The Little Prince has been translated into more than 300 languages ​​and has more than 4 million readers, second only to the Bible in terms of reading rate.

It has had a profound cultural impact on the globe and has become one of the must-read books for children in their childhood.

It is hailed as "a spiritual book that everyone must read" and tops the list of "the most classic books in human history."

The author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was enshrined in the Pantheon in Paris, France, along with Voltaire, Rousseau, and Hugo, becoming a national hero of France, and even his portrait was printed on the fifty-franc banknote..."

An editor explained in a hoarse voice.

…………

It was not just the editorial staff of People's Literature who were shocked by this review.

It can be said that when countless literary and art workers from all over the world saw this review, it was as if a bomb was dropped into their hearts, causing huge waves of fear in their hearts.

As soon as this article was published in the Literature and Art Newspaper, it immediately caused a huge uproar and was like a thunderclap in the whole country!

A work that revives children's literature, a masterpiece?
The future master of children's literature?
"Mr. Ye and Ms. Xie's actions are too rare. Could it be that they are training Cheng Kaiyan to be the successor of children's literature?"

"Yes."

"Master of children's literature? I admit that Cheng Kaiyan's work is indeed too perfect, but... Master? Do you mean a 21-year-old master of literature?"

"Future comrade, please pay attention to the question. Besides, these are the words of two recognized masters in the children's literature community. Comrade Cheng Kaiyan is also the winner of the first National Excellent Children's Literature Award."

"Ha ha……"

"Is he worthy of being called a master? Even a future master doesn't have this qualification. How many works has this young man published? He brags without thinking!

Let me write a review article to criticize you. Is there no one left in the children's literature world?"

Some people agree, but more people express doubts and jealousy.

There are even many people who are eager to criticize this work and this young man who is only in his early twenties in newspapers.

"Think about it first, right? Look at who wrote this article."

Someone else reminded him.

"Ye...Ye Shengtao? Ms. Xie Wanying? Hiss..."

The man's pupils suddenly shrank. He was not afraid of Ye Shengtao, but he really didn't dare to provoke Ms. Xie.

This guy is so petty... It is said that those who demoted him are still working on sewing machines.

……

The entire literary world was turned upside down by this review article, but no one dared to touch it.

So the literary world remained surprisingly calm and praised "The Shepherd Boy" in a prosperous manner.

In fact, there were undercurrents and waves inside, but because of the two literary predecessors, everyone could only suppress their dissatisfaction in their hearts.

Seeing this, many writers who were frustrated in the literary world turned their attention to children's literature.

It is foreseeable that with such a group of writers flocking into the field of children's literature, a future heyday of children's literature is about to come.

……

The next morning, there was a cool drizzle in the sky.

After getting up and washing, Cheng Kaiyan stood in front of the desk to organize her things. The small courtyard outside the window was covered with fine mist-like rain. The leaves rustled in the rain, making it seem particularly quiet.

"It's a pity it's not the weekend, otherwise it would be a great day for sleeping."

He shook his head, picked up his bag and walked out of the room.

"Take the umbrella with you, and the letter Xiaoli sent yesterday. Why are you coming home later and later recently?"

In the main room, his mother Xu Yuxiu stopped him, handed him an umbrella and a letter, and asked with concern.

"I've been busy lately, I'll be fine after a while."

"Okay, don't tire yourself out."

Xu Yuxiu nodded and let him go.

In the alley, people are still coming and going.

A mirror made of rain has appeared on the bluestone floor, with ripples forming under the rain, which is very beautiful.

Cheng Kaiyan held up an umbrella, opened the envelope and began to read.

The letter was very brief. Liu Xiaoli said she wanted to apply to Beijing Dance Academy and asked for his opinion.

He also mentioned that he had recently received a promotion at work, a higher job title, and was earning 65 yuan a month.

"My current salary is higher than yours!"

Even though there was only a piece of paper between them, Cheng Kaiyan could still vaguely guess the smug look on this guy's face as he stood with his hands on his hips.

"You want to take the entrance exam for Beijing Dance Academy? It's true... beauty is so kind."

Cheng Kaiyan smiled and walked quickly towards the station.

(End of this chapter)