Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 423 Lectures in Henan Province
The script for the TV series "The Best Restaurant Under Heaven" was completed by the end of August, thanks to the rapid filming efforts of Li Jun and Wei Lian. According to the schedule, the TV series will premiere on CCTV at the end of September, followed by broadcasts on more than a dozen local TV stations.

"Yimin, what did you think after watching the first episode?" Li Jun asked smugly.

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "So these are some veteran stage actors who are good at both stage plays and television."

At this moment, Liu Yimin was sitting in the screening room of the August First Film Studio. After the TV series was edited, Li Jun and Wei Lian invited him to watch it several times.

It's impossible for Liu Yimin to sit in the screening room and watch every single episode of a twelve-episode TV series, so he simply chose to watch three episodes, which is about the length of a movie.

“If we relied solely on the people from our film studio to act, we really couldn’t have produced such a flavorful TV series. I think our actors should all go to the Beijing People’s Art Theatre to study before becoming actors,” Wei Lian interjected.

The three of them walked out of the screening room. Zhai Junjie, who had gone to see Liu Yimin, appeared in the corridor and quickly came up to greet Liu Yimin.

"Hello, Comrade Yimin!" Zhai Junjie said, extending his hand.

Li Jun asked, "Old Zhai, did you hire Yimin to write the script?"

Li Jun knew about Zhai Junjie's affair with Yang Guangyuan, a director at the Guangxi Film Studio. Liu Yimin and Zhai Junjie were not familiar with each other before, but after seeing Zhai Junjie appear in front of him, he immediately understood the intricacies of the situation.

Li Jun was very interested in the film "The Battle of Taierzhuang," but unfortunately, both studios reached a consensus that since Li Zongren was from Guangxi Province, it would be more appropriate for the Guangxi Film Studio to make the film.

"Old Li, Old Yang and I visited Comrade Yimin just two days ago, and Comrade Yimin agreed to come," Zhai Junjie said cheerfully.

Li Jun looked regretful, but also congratulated them, saying, "With Yimin, your filming is already halfway to success. I wish you all the best in making a film that will be well-received by the audience. If there's anything I can help you with, just let me know."

"You want us to ask you to help with the filming, right?" Zhai Junjie joked.

"If you have any needs, I will certainly do my best. Putting aside everything else, I, Li Jun, really don't think that war films are any worse than any other, as long as Yang Guangyuan has no objections."

Zhai Junjie laughed and said, "If Old Yang heard this, he'd be cursing!"

After Zhai Junjie finished speaking, he took out a list from his pocket. It contained a list of people who knew about the Battle of Taierzhuang, including Zheng Dongguo, who had participated in the battle, and Cheng Siyuan, Li Zongren's secretary.

Cheng Siyuan served as Li Zongren's private secretary for 17 years and was very familiar with many things about Li Zongren. He helped Li Zongren become vice president, forced Li Zongren to step down and become acting president, and especially when Li Zongren returned to China from the United States, he was the one who stepped forward to coordinate with various parties.

However, Cheng Siyuan himself did not participate in the Battle of Taierzhuang, but as Li Zongren's important contribution during the War of Resistance against Japan, he could not possibly be unaware of it.

Liu Yimin thanked him and put the list away, saying he would visit them one by one when he had time.

After saying goodbye to the group, Liu Yimin chatted with the deputy factory director Liu Peiran in his office for a while before leaving the August 1st Factory and heading directly to Yenching University.

There was a second-year class at Yenching University in the afternoon, which was also the first time that the students of the Class of '83 would formally attend Liu Yimin's class.

Before class even started, all the students from the Class of '83 had already arrived and filled the classroom. Liu Yimin usually entered the classroom on time or three to five minutes early.

In the large classroom of the Chinese department, students held brand-new textbooks, flipping through them constantly, while others discussed the contents with each other.

In the throng of people, a chubby boy with a round face and long hair was flipping through his textbook with a bored expression. The boy was not particularly handsome. Seeing that everyone's attention was on the textbook and the upcoming meeting with Associate Professor Liu Yimin, the boy swung his legs dramatically.

Seeing that everyone was still ignoring him, he then spoke in a condescending tone, "Students in the Chinese department respect their teachers, and teachers should also respect their students. We've been here for ten minutes, why hasn't the professor shown up yet?"

Those around him glanced at him, finding his statement utterly incomprehensible, and then went back to reading.

"A teacher is a teacher because students respect him; if students don't respect him, he's not worthy of being a teacher," the chubby boy continued smugly.

Someone asked him to explain, and the chubby boy gave a smug explanation. Before he could finish, the students around him quickly stood up and shouted in unison, "Hello, Professor Liu!"

"Students, please sit down!" Liu Yimin glanced at his watch and said, "Which student spoke just now?"

All eyes immediately focused on Kong Qingdong, whose face was immediately covered in sweat. He had no intention of challenging Liu Yimin's authority; he was just trying to get attention.

Many people know that Kong Qingdong claims to be a descendant of Confucius, comes from the three northeastern provinces, and his ancestral home is Shandong Province.

When I first entered Yenching University, I often felt inferior. But later I found that saying some strange things could attract attention and even make me popular. My confidence soared, and I felt uncomfortable if I didn't say a few strange things.

Liu Yimin had never taught a freshman class, but he had heard of this thing before.

He later became a professor in the Chinese Department of Yenching University, and was known as the "Drunken Swordsman of Yenching University" because of his cynical and misanthropic nature.

The most bizarre statement was the proposal to ban New Year's Eve dinner, because eating New Year's Eve dinner causes many accidents, and civilized countries don't eat New Year's Eve dinner.

This person likes to gain attention with all sorts of bizarre remarks, seemingly having received the true teachings of some "masters" from the Republic of China era. He says things that he thinks make him "the only one who is sober in a world of drunks" in order to increase his influence.

It's not that they're simply bad; they just like to use it to gain fame.

Seeing that Kong Qingdong remained silent, Liu Yimin briefly discussed the issue of mutual respect between teachers and students in class, and then talked about why scholars like to pretend to be wise.

Starting with the history of literati, ancient literati could obtain the title of "famous scholar" through various profound remarks, thereby achieving a so-called indirect path to officialdom or widespread fame.

One reason is that literati have a strong desire to express themselves, and another is that it satisfies their desire for fame and fortune.

"There must be a reason why a person does something. I'm not saying that this is bad; of course, we need to look at it from multiple perspectives. Many famous figures in ancient times used this to rise to high positions, realize their political ambitions, and benefit the people of their region or country."

However, there are differences between modern and ancient times. Before the imperial examination system, it was difficult for talented ordinary people to gain the favor of those in power.

Later, the imperial examination system was introduced, but few people were selected for official positions. Moreover, the mountains and rivers were high and the distances were far, making transportation and communication inconvenient. It was extremely difficult to spread one's reputation to the emperor's ears through word of mouth.

However, some strange and arrogant remarks are easily talked about and gradually reach the ears of the monarch.

In China, all virtuous and capable rulers, or those who aspired to be called virtuous and capable, liked to treat scholars with respect and courtesy.

Liu Yimin talked about how changes in information exchange and transportation have increased opportunities for ordinary people, and how scholars have gradually changed as well, with so-called eccentric scholars becoming fewer and fewer.

"I hope that Chinese literature students will focus more on academics and on thinking about national development. They should calm down, be more grounded, and express more pragmatic opinions."

I believe many people have read the articles written by your senior, Liu Zhenyun, and have deeply experienced and reflected upon them, providing suggestions for the work of relevant departments.

Temporary adoration may satisfy our desire for fame and fortune, but we should consider whether it truly benefits society and the nation.

The classroom was completely silent. After looking around, Liu Yimin spoke again: "No matter how popular you are in the Chinese Department or at Yenching University, none of you are as popular as me, Liu Yimin. Does anyone have any objections to this?"

The students below the stage smiled and shook their heads, while Kong Qingdong pursed his lips and remained silent.

The best example of how intellectuals act and think is the online celebrity group, who use various behaviors and remarks to gain fame and piece together fragments of Lamborghini.
"I think our Chinese literature students should also learn more about history, the country's science and culture, and sociology, so as to truly understand the country and society. Empty talk harms the country, while hard work builds it up."

The bell rang outside the classroom. Liu Yimin checked the time and said, "Alright, that's all for today's lesson. Although we didn't cover the content in the textbook, I believe this lesson is just as important to you as the content in the textbook."

Stepping out of the Chinese Literature Department classroom, most of the students remained still, quietly deep in thought.

A dozen minutes later, led by the first student, the rest of the students left one after another.

Kong Qingdong didn't start packing his things until everyone had left. What others considered a lesson, he considered a "discipline"!

Liu Yimin returned to his office, and shortly after, Yan Jiayan walked in and asked Liu Yimin if he had set off firecrackers in class.

"Professor Yan, have you planted a secret police agent in the Chinese department?"

Yan Jiayan said with a smile, "Can I have super hearing?"

"Haha, just a thought. I think what we lack most right now are people who actually do things, and so-called 'celebrities' are too few!"

Yan Jiayan said, "After all, we are a Chinese literature department, and the students' thinking is very active."

"Professor Yan, you are mistaken. Chinese literature students will not necessarily work in literature-related fields in the future. Many of them will work at the grassroots level. The grassroots level does not need such active thinking, but rather practical people. In addition, if we compare literature to a part of the superstructure, a down-to-earth literary style is more conducive to guiding the economic base at the bottom."

Yan Jiayan laughed, "You always have a point." Wu Zuxiang said, "We should have a down-to-earth academic style. Otherwise, people will say that Peking University only produces a bunch of students who like to talk big. Otherwise, people will call us professors who like to talk big!"

While Yan Jiayan was there, Liu Yimin adjusted his class schedule from late September to the end of the month, making sure to give lectures at Hebei University and Zhengzhou University.

"Go ahead and don't worry. Actually, you can have Yan Zhen teach in your place. I've noticed that the kid is really good lately," Yan Jiayan said.

Liu Yimin said, "I'd better explain it myself. Otherwise, I'll be even less respectful to my students. How can I be a teacher then?"

At the entrance of the People's Literature and Art office building, Cui Daoyi was waiting for Liu Yimin with a girl in tow. This was the nanny that Cui Daoyi had introduced to Liu Yimin.

After Liu Yimin arrived on his motorcycle, Cui Daoyi introduced her to him with a smile: "Yimin, this is Ximei, whom I told you about. Her ancestral home is Henan Province. Her parents were workers who came to support the construction of the capital. She grew up in Henan Province and can speak the Henan dialect."

Liu Yimin took a closer look. The girl was of average appearance and thin but looked energetic and agile.

Xi Mei looked up at Liu Yimin, named a few dishes she knew how to cook, and then gave him a shy smile.

"Let's go with her!" Liu Yimin saw the girl Ximei's smile and felt her simplicity and sincerity, so he immediately made up his mind.

Cui Daoyi breathed a sigh of relief. Xi Mei had entered the factory after graduating from high school. Now that their factory was in a slump, they were calling on the workers to engage in tertiary industries to save themselves.

When Xi Mei was helping with chores in the building, Cui Daoyi noticed her. Among the workers in the tertiary industry, the young girl worked the hardest. The two had known each other for half a month, and when Liu Yimin said he needed to find a nanny, she was the first person Cui Daoyi thought of.

Xi Mei was, after all, a factory worker. No matter how bad the factory was, everyone dreamed of its revival.

Cui Daoyi subtly probed, and to his surprise, the girl readily agreed.

"What are your usual requirements?" Xi Mei asked hesitantly.

"I don't have any special requirements. I just need to help my mother take care of the children, chat with her, and cook for her," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Xi Mei asked again, "How old is your mother?"

"Haha, not even sixty yet, don't worry, I don't need you to feed me or anything," Liu Yimin said again.

Liu Yimin paid Ximei 180 yuan a month. Cui Daoyi, who was standing next to him, heard this and his eyes lit up: "Yimin, do you need a male nanny?"

When Xi Mei heard this, she almost thought Cui Daoyi was coming to steal her job, and her heart tightened. Her parents were now retired, prices were rising rapidly, the factory was short of money, and they were all waiting for her to make a living.

One hundred and eighty yuan is more than the salary in a well-performing company, and it can solve her major financial problems.

Liu Yimin brought Ximei back to the courtyard house. Yang Xiuyun saw that Liu Yimin had suddenly brought a girl back and asked in confusion, "Yimin, who is this?"

"Mother, this is Ximei!"

Who is Xi Mei?

"I hired a nanny for our compound."

"Nanny? Didn't we say we wouldn't hire a nanny? Oh, Yimin, what kind of behavior is it to hire someone to wait on us? Isn't this just like having the old maid of the rich man surnamed Han in our brigade!"

Fearing the job might not work out, Xi Mei cleverly interjected, "Auntie, I'm willing. Many high-ranking officials have nannies. This is different from the maids in landlords' homes. I'm doing this voluntarily for a salary."

"From Henan Province?" Yang Xiuyun asked.

"We're from Song County, so we're considered fellow townsmen."

Yang Xiuyun said, "But our family isn't headed by a leader."

Liu Yimin pulled Yang Xiuyun aside and advised, "Mom, you must be tired being home alone. It's good to have someone help you and talk to you. I'm going on a business trip again in a couple of days, and I'm worried about you taking care of the two kids alone at home."

"Aren't we exploiting girls?"

"Mother, as long as we're not as cruel as those landlords, and we treat them like family, that's not exploitation!"

Liu Yimin spoke for a while, but Yang Xiuyun was still hesitant. Liu Yimin laughed and said, "I've already paid her the salary. If you don't let her work as a nanny, the salary won't be refunded."

And so, Ximei was able to move into the courtyard house without any trouble. Liu Yimin found her a room next to Yang Xiuyun's, so that it would be convenient for her to take care of the child.

"There aren't many rules in the courtyard. There are usually a lot of guests, so if someone comes, be nice to them."

“Okay, I understand. It’s the same principle as when relatives come to my house,” Ximei said.

After checking out the room and memorizing the address, Ximei left first. After explaining things to her family, she would officially start work tomorrow.

After Zhu Lin returned, Yang Xiuyun told him about Liu Yimin's search for a nanny.

Zhu Lin laughed and said, "Mother, you should have found someone sooner. If I stayed at home taking care of two children, I definitely wouldn't be able to manage. It's you who has taken such good care of these two little ones all by yourself."

Zhu Lin's words made Yang Xiuyun beam with joy, and she quickly said that it wasn't just her doing all the work.

Liu Yimin quietly gave Zhu Lin a thumbs up. Zhu Lin raised his eyebrows, biting his lip hard to suppress his laughter.

The next day, Ximei arrived early, but judging from her appearance, she hadn't slept well the night before. When she got home last night, her parents were furious at the mention of her working as a nanny, arguing all night long; no wonder she couldn't sleep well.

When Liu Yimin got home from work on the first day, he saw Yang Xiuyun and Ximei smiling happily, so it seemed that they got along well on the first day.

When Ximei first came to their home, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin both felt a little awkward, but they got used to it after a few days.

On September 20th, Liu Yimin boarded a plane and flew to Zhengzhou. A car sent by the Chinese Department of Zhengzhou University was already waiting at the airport entrance.

When Liu Yimin visited for the first time, Zhang Jing, the head of the Chinese Department at Zhengzhou University, personally came to greet him.

"Professor Liu!" Professor Zhang Jing waved to Liu Yimin as soon as she saw him.

"Professor Zhang, you actually came in person?"

"It should, it should."

After Liu Yimin got on the bus, he kept observing Zhengzhou. The leaves of the tall plane trees on both sides of Zhengzhou were beginning to turn yellow.

Zhang Jing introduced the scenery of Zhengzhou to Liu Yimin: "There's a street over there that's lined with cotton mills from beginning to end, from Mill No. 1 to Mill No. 6. The road is called Cotton Mill Road. The cotton mills are the economic lifeline of Zhengzhou!"

After settling into their accommodations, Zhang Jing invited Liu Yimin to tour Zhengzhou University's campus. The campus was filled with plane trees, their tall trunks lending it an extremely serene and tranquil atmosphere.

"This is our Chinese Department." Zhang Jing invited Liu Yimin inside, where they met Wen Rumin, a lecturer at Yenching University.

"Professor Liu!"

"Teacher Wen, how is it teaching here?"

“Great, the professors at Zhengzhou University are very supportive. The students have been asking me questions ever since they heard you were coming.”

Wen Rumin teaches three classes a month, and the fee for each class is twenty yuan, which means he can earn an extra sixty yuan a month.

For a lecturer, that's good enough.

"Professor Wen's lectures are very popular with students. He is indeed a product of Yenching University. The difference between the Chinese departments of our two institutions can be seen from the level of the students they produce."

After touring the place, Liu Yimin went to the conference room and chatted with professors from the Chinese Department of Zhengzhou University for about half an hour.

(End of this chapter)