1979: My fiancée is a goddess

Chapter 23: Self-abasement and Printing

Beijing Normal University male dormitory.

Song Jianchun got up very early today, washed up in the sink, and applied hair oil in front of the mirror.

He tied his hair into a slicked back style, put on a handsome leather jacket, and for the first time ever, wore a pair of newly bought leather shoes.

My roommate Liu Shu from Shenyang was reviewing his homework at the table. He was writing a review of Kafka's "Metamorphosis".

Seeing Song Jianchun putting on yellow flowers in front of the mirror, Liu Shu curled his lips and asked, "Hey~ Old Song, where are you going?"

"Go to the May Fourth Literary Society. The new issue of The Schooner was released today. Teacher Jiang Yong asked me to go early. I heard that the poetry magazine has an editor."

Song Jianchun tried hard to appear calm on his face, but the corners of his mouth, which were raised involuntarily, were twitching. If you didn't know better, you would think he was suffering from epilepsy.

"Congratulations, your work is published in the school magazine this time. Next time it won't be published in the school magazine. Maybe it will be published in magazines like Poetry Magazine or People's Literature. Then you will be a great poet. You have to treat me to a meal!"

Liu Shu's eyes rolled and he stood up to congratulate Song Jianchun.

"Yes, Old Song, remember to treat us. You are already a great poet. Look at our school. Who wouldn't give you a thumbs up when they see you, Old Song, and say that you are the talent of our school..."

"That's it."

"Easy to say, easy to say!"

When Song Jianchun heard his roommates complimenting him, he smiled and nodded, then left the dormitory with everyone watching.

……

Today is New Year's Day and there are no classes at Beijing Normal University.

But since the college students came from all over the country, no one went home, so there were still quite a lot of people in the school.

The school bulletin board on the rostrum was already surrounded by a sea of ​​people.

Members of the May Fourth Literary Society and the Cradle Literary Society were posting school magazines on the bulletin board. Next to the bulletin board were several tables covered with red cloth, on which were printed copies of the magazines.

It was "The Schooner", and the cover was made up of several irregular shapes that, when put together, looked like a small boat.

The students and teachers who had just finished their breakfast were all watching.

Zhao Ruixue and her group were also among them, and they also came to read the school magazine, but not all of them.

In fact, every time there is a holiday, the staff of Xinhua Bookstore will bring books to various universities for college students to choose. Whether they can buy it depends entirely on the speed of their hands, so some students will walk to the bookstore to read.

Of course, the books sent here also include children's literature.

However, this publication is not popular among college students.

Today's college students like poetry, prose, and serious literature, and have no interest in children's books.

So Zhao Ruixue felt that it would be possible to buy it and it would not be sold out instantly like other publications.

Just now, she bought a latest children's literature and held it in her hand, looking at it carefully.

“The cover is a submarine, right?”

Zhao Ruixue glanced down at the cover of the children's literature and was shocked.

It seems that Cheng Kaiyan's novel is highly valued by the children's literature editorial department?

I can't help but look forward to his masterpiece.

"Ruixue, you bought a children's literature book. When did you start liking reading this?"

Ji Qinglan asked curiously.

"Oh... I just took a look at this one. I didn't grab the others."

"That's right." Ji Qinglan nodded, and then said, "I grabbed a copy of People's Literature, I'll lend it to you later. I'm also going to grab a copy of The Schooner later, I want to see what this Song Jianchun has written."

"Ah."

Zhao Ruixue was holding a book at this time and responded casually.

At this moment, her mind was already immersed in the fantasy underwater world. Who cares about Song Jianchun?

……

Because today is New Year's Day, there are a lot of activities in school these days.

In addition to publishing in the school magazine, the school auditorium also holds a poetry recitation competition, and Zhao Ruixue will participate.

There will be a grand cultural performance later, and the school will also organize film screenings in the evenings.

There is a lot of interaction between teachers and students these days, and teachers at Normal University are happy to participate in students' campus activities.

The most activities in the Chinese Department are held by the Literature Society, which include lectures, editing publications, poetry readings, drama performances, etc.

Editing and publishing publications are the basic signs of the existence of a literary society.

Initially, there were two student literary societies in the Normal University.

A "Cradle Literary Society" under the supervision of the school's Youth League Committee and the school's Student Union, with members from all departments of the school;

There is a "May Fourth Literary Society" managed by the Chinese Department's Youth League Committee and the Department Student Union, and its members are students from the department.

In fact, the backbone members of the Cradle Literary Society are mostly young literary people from the Chinese Department. No one has ever asked about the origins of the two literary societies, nor has anyone talked about the pros and cons behind their coexistence. It is probably just the difference in the composition of the groups.

Literary societies usually publish periodicals and newspapers from time to time. The May Fourth Literary Society's 16-page periodical "The Schooner", with its title written by Mr. Qi Gong, a three-color offset cover, and typesetting using lead type, is already a "high-end" publication.

"Hey! Mr. Qi Gong and Mr. Lan Lizhi are here, as well as Mr. Jiang Yong from the school newspaper."

Someone in the crowd shouted.

Ji Qinglan saw a white-bearded old man with round glasses and a kind face walking in front, followed by several teachers and a male editor who was said to be from Poetry Magazine.

"Students, today is the first day of the new year. The year 1980 has arrived. We would like to invite Mr. Qi Gong to give our New Year's speech..." said Teacher Jiang Yong, holding the microphone.

"Dear students, as the New Year's bell approaches, we stand on the threshold of time, looking back at the past and looking forward to the future. At this hopeful moment, on behalf of all the teachers of Beijing Normal University, I would like to extend my most sincere New Year wishes to you all..." congratulated the white-bearded old man.

"Pa pa pa pa..." The students applauded.

After the speech, the school magazine went on sale.

Everyone rushed to support their own school magazine, feeling that it was their duty.

At this moment, everyone has a good spirit of collectivism.

The motherland and school are my home!

When Ji Qinglan got the book, the first article that caught her eye was a poem called "The One I Love". As expected, as she saw the title, it was the work of Song Jianchun, a student of the Chinese Department of the class of 78.

Someone in the crowd has already started reciting loudly: "The evening breeze blows gently, the catkins flutter, your eyes are like the faint light under an ancient oil lamp... Your sigh is the unfinished movement... The promise under the starry sky, gently singing, love, crosses the wall of time and space."

"This poem is better written than the last one. It has more and richer imagery, and the language is more simple," Ji Qinglan commented thoughtfully.

At this time, Song Jianchun stood out from the crowd and was asked questions by his classmates from time to time.

At this time, Editor Zhou of Poetry Magazine came over and patted Song Jianchun on the shoulder, smiling and encouraging him: "Student Song Jianchun, remember to submit your poems to Poetry Magazine next time. There are not many young people with poetic talent like you in Beijing Normal University. Our Poetry Magazine plans to hold a "Youth Poetry Festival" this year, and we need talents like you. Work hard..."

"Editor Zhou is joking. Jianchun is just sitting there casually. It is not worthy of being published in a high-class magazine. Poetry magazine is the highest palace in my mind. It would be an honor if it could be accepted and published."

Song Jianchun smiled modestly, but he was actually excited. Youth Poetry Festival?

Is this an invitation?

"work hard."

Editor Zhou nodded modestly, then turned around and left without mercy.

"Look, Ruixue, Song Jianchun is actually encouraged by Editor Zhou of Poetry Magazine!"

Also because of Editor Zhou's encouragement to Song Jianchun, Ji Qinglan looked at Song with a little envy in her eyes, patted Zhao Ruixue's arm and said.

Zhao Ruixue shook her head. Her mind was still on Cheng Kaiyan's words. However, when she heard Ji Qinglan's tone of admiration and respect, she shook her head calmly and said, "That's it."

"Come on, it's useless to tell you. Your mind is already completely on our teacher Xiao Cheng. Teacher Xiao Cheng is a very good person, but he is not as talented as Song Jianchun."

Ji Qinglan was speechless. These days, the people in the dormitory have noticed it.

It turns out Ruixue is interested in her childhood friend. It is said that she has had a special liking for him since childhood. This is a case of beauty in the eyes of the beholder!
But this is Poetry Magazine!

In January 1957, the first national poetry magazine "Poetry Magazine" was published after the liberation.

The Chairman wrote a personal letter to support the establishment of Poetry Magazine. The first issue was led by the Chairman’s 18 classical poems, which caused a great response in society.

Poetry Magazine is a large-scale national poetry magazine that mainly publishes poetry works by contemporary poets, publishes poetry trends and poetry reviews, and is sponsored by the China Writers Association.

Once it can be published in a poetry magazine, it will mean that one has completely joined the ranks of great poets.

Firstly, Song Jianchun's poems have been published in the school magazine and have already caused a sensation. Now the editor Zhou of the poetry magazine also encourages him to submit his works. Although he has not said that his poems will be accepted, it is also very honorable.

"Do not believe?"

Zhao Ruixue's eyes widened, her competitive spirit was also aroused, she stuffed the children's literature in her hand into Ji Qinglan's chest, and said excitedly: "Look! After you read it, can you say that Song Jianchun can be called a talent? Is he worthy? Cheng Kaiyan is not as good as him? Let me show you what a real talent is!"

Even now, Zhao Ruixue is still amazed by the words and overflowing talent in "Submarine at Night".

This talent is too strong... Once you have it, reality becomes insignificant...

Too crazy, too youthful, too wonderful, too talented!

Seeing Zhao Ruixue say this, Ji Qinglan touched the book pressed against his chest and guessed, "Could it be that Teacher Xiao Cheng also wrote an article? This children's literature?"

Speaking of children's literature, Ji Qinglan suddenly realized, "Great! No wonder you bought children's literature! You kept such a big thing about Teacher Cheng from us? Are you still good sisters?"

Before she finished speaking, she couldn't wait to flip through the pages, gradually holding her breath...

Maya!

Ji Qinglan had only one thought in her mind: How come Teacher Xiao Cheng was so awesome?
……

As time passed, the enthusiasm faded. Some students were still discussing, but most people gradually left the bulletin board.

Song Jianchun also calmed down. He looked at Zhao Ruixue in the crowd quietly, holding an unknown flower picked from the small garden in his sleeve. He walked up to Zhao Ruixue, stretched out his hand and said, "Comrade Ruixue, can you move over and have a chat?"

"If you have anything to say, just say it here. Also, please call me by my full name." Zhao Ruixue frowned.

"What do you think of the poem I wrote today?"

Song Jianchun asked with a reserved smile on his face, looking like a graceful and talented scholar.

"Hmm...well-written. Was that Editor Zhou of Poetry Magazine?" Zhao Ruixue pretended to think, praised him, and then changed the subject.

"Thank you for the compliment, Comrade Zhao Ruixue. Editor Zhou is here to serve as a judge at our school. Didn't you also participate in the poetry recitation competition?"

Song Jianchun explained, then looked at her mysteriously, "Give you a surprise?"

"?"

Then he covered his right hand with his left hand and swung his arm. A light pink flower appeared in front of him. "Ting ting ting ting~ This flower is for you! I hope you like it."

"What's my relationship with you? You gave me flowers?"

Zhao Ruixue turned around and walked away, but was stopped immediately.

"Wait! Can you please listen to me?"

Song Jianchun turned pale, and then blood quickly welled up in his face. He asked expectantly, "Comrade Zhao Ruixue! I like you! Can we be friends?"

"No."

Even his neck was red and bleeding. Song Jianchun gritted his teeth and said, "Is it because of Cheng Kaiyan? I asked my brother, and Cheng Kaiyan got in through connections and backdoors, and he only has a high school education. Don't be fooled by him! He's just handsome, but he's just a show-off! And there's no way you and him can be together."

"First, I have nothing to do with him. Second, I have nothing to do with you. Third, he is much more talented than you. If you don't believe me, you can read the first novel of children's literature. You can do it yourself."

After listening to this, Zhao Ruixue did not react, but just spoke calmly word by word.

She had let it go long ago, and now the two of them were just student and teacher, childhood friends.

Besides, her plan is very clear, she just wants to study hard in the next few years.

Talk about friends?
This is after graduation.

But if Cheng Kaiyan hasn't done it by then... it won't be too late for me to do it then...

Zhao Ruixue pulled Ji Qinglan away without looking back.

After much deliberation, she decided to go back to her dormitory and write a review about the novel, or the essay, and publish it in the school magazine or journal.

Song Jianchun was the only one left there. He walked out of the school gate with resentment and went straight to Xinhua Bookstore.

Half an hour later, he picked up a book of children's literature and read it with his head down, looking for faults.

Song Jianchun's breathing gradually stagnated, and he murmured with a pale face: "I might as well..."

……

A few days later, Children's Literature Editorial Department.

The radiator in the editor's office was emitting hot air, making people feel very restless.

"Why is the heating so hot today? The people in the heating unit must have taken the wrong medicine today."

At this time, Xu Dexia had taken off her cotton jacket and was standing by the phone.

If for no other reason, just waiting for notification from the issuing bureau.

As a professional children's literature editor, Xu Dexia has a keen sense of the market. She believes that "Submarine at Night" has the potential to become a hit.

Although children's literature adheres to pure literature, it is written for children after all, and focuses more on storytelling and less on literary quality.

This novel is different. It has a lighter story. Although it has a careful structure, the image of the protagonist in the story is thin and can only be seen through a few words. The author deliberately weakened this point.

I just want readers to follow along, to follow their fantasy.

As long as your thoughts jump and you can keep up and resonate with this fantasy, you can keep watching.

The key is that children have very rich imaginations and can easily resonate with this article.

Obviously, her idea and putting this novel first was successful.

In the office, many editors were discussing the novel like Xu Dexia.

In the past few days, many people have visited the editorial office to inquire about this story and discuss the author and the story.

Xu Dexia could already tell that this novel was going to be a small hit.

Yes, now is an era when scar literature is everywhere.

Suddenly, there appeared such a piece of article with a novel and fresh style, just like eating a mint candy in summer.

Naturally, everyone found it very novel and rushed to buy it.

At this time, the publishing house called and said, "The first issue of children's literature is selling very quickly. The stock is almost gone! Not only are children's parents buying it, but middle school students and college students are also buying it!"

"Additional printing?"

"Print more! Fifty thousand copies!"

Editor-in-Chief Hu put down his cigarette and finalized it.

Due to the New Year considerations, only 200,000 copies of the first issue were printed initially.

There has been no clear upward trend in the publication volume of children's literature in recent months, with just over 300,000 copies in September and November.

It’s only been less than a week and it’s already sold out!

"Let's ask Mr. Ye Shengtao to write a review article!"

Editor-in-Chief Hu gritted his teeth, this is a good opportunity for a breakthrough!
If we continue with this trend, perhaps we can push the circulation of children's literature to 400,000!

It is still two in one and not easy to disassemble.

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(End of this chapter)