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

Chapter 477 Yimin Primary School

"It seems to be an inevitable trend!" Xia Yan said to Liu Yimin with a smile after hanging up the phone.

"I hope that 'Youth Night Talk' can become a good friend to young people in the future." Liu Yimin was overjoyed.

Seeing Liu Yimin's happy expression, Xia Yan couldn't help but remind him, "Back then, Roosevelt used 'Fireside Chats' to convey the White House's policies to the American people. You use 'Youth Night Talks' to answer questions for young people. I hope you make good use of this column."

Xia Yan was also somewhat worried, after all, as Liu Yimin said, the power of discourse is the power of hegemony. Whoever controls the power of discourse controls the power.

Once the "Youth Night Talk" program starts airing, given Liu Yimin's influence, countless young people will gather around the radio to listen, which will have a much greater impact than publishing an article in a literary magazine.

When radio was still one of the mainstream channels for receiving information in China, "Youth Night Talk" may have become a radio program that shaped the thoughts of several generations of young people.

As Xia Yan was pondering and weighing the pros and cons, Liu Yimin interrupted his thoughts: "Old Shen, does our department still have any tour tickets for Zhonghai?"

"What? You need a ticket to go to Zhonghai?" Xia Yan asked back, knowing that Liu Yimin had been there before.

Liu Yimin quickly said, "It's not me going. I'm taking my mother for a walk. We're going home for the New Year, and my mother might not come back to Yanjing, so..."

Xia Yan sighed, "We should be filial to our elders while they are still alive, lest we regret it when they are no longer there to care for us. Why don't you take some people to Zhonghai and make a phone call to the old leader's secretary?"

"You're my leader, not the old chief," Liu Yimin chuckled.

Xia Yan pointed at Liu Yimin, knowing what he meant: "You kid, wait, I'm going to call the union. How many do you want?"

Liu Yimin counted in his mind and said, "Eight is about right, ten would be even better."

Xia Yan frowned and asked, "Why do you want so much?"

"There are many people in my family, including my parents-in-law!"

With only one day left before the Spring Festival, tickets have almost all been distributed. However, the Ministry of Culture has some spare tickets, as it distributes them frequently, and some people have already visited Zhonghai before, so the demand for tickets is not high.

"Send me ten of these," Xia Yan said to the person opposite him.

Liu Yimin accepted the ten tickets handed to him by the union representative, smiling and saying thank you several times. The union representative then took out a registration book, and Liu Yimin carefully wrote down his name.

"Comrade Liu Yimin, remember to enter through Gate 81 on South Chang'an Street," the union member kindly instructed.

Liu Yimin nodded in agreement and put the yellow "China Overseas Visit Ticket" into his pocket.

After finishing his business, Liu Yimin was about to leave when Shen Yun grabbed his hand and asked him to tell the story of "Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit Seven Heroes".

"Xiaoyun, when you read the magazine, the descriptions will definitely not be as interesting as the written ones. Besides, you haven't done your winter break homework yet!" Xia Yan said with a stern face.

Helpless, Shen Yun returned to the sofa and began doing her winter break homework with a worried expression.

There were ten tickets, four of which were left over. Liu Yimin was going to give one to Lu Yao, but the guy said he had gone there before with a friend.

Liu Yimin had no choice but to retract his intention and asked Lu Yao when she would be returning. Lu Yao stubbed out her cigarette and said, "Around the 3rd. I've almost finished writing it. I'll go back after I've revised it."

"Ordinary World" is a three-part novel totaling over a million words. Based on the standard of 18 yuan per thousand words, Lu Yao could earn about five to six thousand yuan for the first part.

This would be a huge sum of money for most families, but it might not be so for Lu Yao. Liu Yimin offered a few more words of advice, saying that Lu Yao had been staying up late and smoking these past few days, and the house looked like it was on fire.

Liu Yimin greatly admires Lu Yao's works, which are filled with a longing to leave the Loess Plateau, yet also with an infinite sense of nostalgia.

His love for this place is immediately apparent, which sets him apart from many other writers of rural literature.

Many writers, when writing about rural life, do so with a condescending disdain, and their pens mostly criticize the people born and raised there. Lu Yao's works, however, are deeply rooted in rural life.

His passion for writing surpasses that of many writers, and he is never afraid of hardship when conducting research.

“I’ve already listened to you and smoked much less, but I just can’t write without it,” Lu Yao said helplessly.

Liu Yimin told him to buy more things for his wife and children when he went home.

Cui Daoyi didn't need the tickets, so Liu Yimin gave two to Zheng Yuanjie and his wife. Zheng Yuanjie was busy creating, and the comic book version of "King of Fairy Tales" was already finished and would be published on February 1st.

Liu Yimin looked at the comic book "King of Fairy Tales". The characters were drawn very well, and it was impossible to tell that it was a collective creation by multiple people.

"Actually, the main focus is on the creation of the comic book version of 'Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit: The Seven Swordsmen.' What do you think of the drawing?" Zheng Yuanjie asked.

"That's right, but the fight scenes lack some depiction of sword energy," Liu Yimin said.

"The time was too tight this time. We had to go to print as soon as the first draft was finished. I'll have them revise it next time. The first print run of the comic book is 100,000 copies. I hope it can sell out."

The price of the comic book has increased to 55 cents, which is 20 cents more than the text version.

"How are the print versions selling?" Liu Yimin asked.

"We've sold 280,000 copies, just 20,000 short of 300,000. If we can sell 170,000 copies in February, our sales will break through 450,000 copies, and we'll definitely reach 500,000 copies next month," Zheng Yuanjie said excitedly, holding up five fingers.

"When it was placed in the Ministry of Culture, Comrade Xia Yan praised our 'King of Fairy Tales' for being well-run, and scolded another magazine from a public institution."

On behalf of the editorial department, Liu Yimin gave Liang Xiangdong a 300-yuan Spring Festival red envelope before leaving the courtyard.

Liu Zhenyun and his colleagues didn't need tickets either; his wife, Guo Jianmei, worked in a ministry, so getting tickets was easy for her.

Seeing that he couldn't give out the tickets, Liu Yimin simply invited his teacher's wife, Li Yuru, and his senior sister, Wan Fang, to go on the visit together. Although the two of them had been before, it was still more fun to have everyone together.

When Zhu's parents saw the two tour tickets that Liu Yimin had brought, they happily pulled Liu Yimin inside for tea.

"Mom and Dad, let's meet at Gate 81."

"Okay, okay, we can never seem to get the invoices from the system."

The tickets are distributed according to the five major systems: D, government, military, ZX, and RD. By the time the tickets reach lower-level units such as hospitals and schools, they have already been distributed to almost all of them.

Back home, Liu Yimin handed the tickets to Yang Xiuyun and the others. Xi Mei checked the number of tickets and asked happily, "Professor Liu, are there any tickets left for me?"

"Yes." Liu Yimin had already entered the study. He was going to call Yang Weiguang. The two exchanged information and felt that it would definitely work out, so they started making preparations.

In early February, Liu Yimin and his family gathered at the entrance of No. 81 South Chang'an Street. After Li Yuru and Wan Fang arrived, everyone began to go inside.

After queuing to enter, you will receive a ticket clipper facing east. Use a tool to snip the clipper to prove that the ticket has already been used.

It's the same as before when you buy a train ticket and go to the exit, where someone will check your ticket. But if you put your ID card and paper ticket together to be checked, then you're in trouble.

From the moment they met, Li Yuru and Wan Fang held the two little ones, making them call her "Grandma" or "Auntie Wan Fang."

Li Yuru straightened Liu Lin's hat: "Look how spirited this tiger-head hat is!"

"Master's wife, please be careful while walking, there's snow on the road," Liu Yimin said.

Unfortunately, the weather turned bad, and it started to snow lightly. Everyone followed the signs and walked in, but with so many people, the snow couldn't stay on the ground and people were afraid of slipping.

The area to visit was limited. From the old man's "Chrysanthemum Fragrance Study" to the lakeside, when everyone arrived at the old leader's office, Secretary Li saw Liu Yimin taking pictures of his family.

"Comrade Yimin, what's going on?" Secretary Li asked.

"I brought my family here for a visit."

Secretary Li pulled up the line that was blocking the tourists, leading them to the unrestricted area: "Comrade Yimin, why didn't you say you were coming sooner? We also have tickets."

"It's the New Year, and the old commander must be busy, so I won't trouble you any further," Liu Yimin quickly said. At the entrance of the hall next to them, a group of people in military uniforms were queuing up, clearly having a lot to do.

Secretary Li said, "Are you cold? Shall I find a room to get you some hot water?"

"Let's make some formula for the two little ones," Yang Xiuyun said.

So they found an empty room, and the two little ones went to the toilet, then left contentedly with their warm milk bottles in their hands.

"Goodbye, Secretary Li!"

"Goodbye, Comrade Yimin. The old commander is too busy, so I won't go in to report to him."

The family continued on their way, their faces red from the cold, but the snow scenery was so picturesque that they took many nice photos before happily leaving Zhonghai. After leaving, instead of going home, they went to Donglaishun in Qianmen for a steaming hot pot before departing.

Liu Yimin ordered a lot of mutton. Zhu Lin looked at Li Yuru and asked, "Is Teacher Wan home alone today?"

Li Yuru laughed and said, "Let him go to Liubukou to find Old Shen and eat Old Shen's Hangzhou cuisine."

"Yimin, Xiaolin, are you going back to Ruxian for the New Year?"

Zhu Lin glanced at Liu Yimin and said, "It's been two years since I've been back. I should go back now. I'll probably be back on the sixth day of the new year."

After eating hot pot for ten minutes, everyone felt warm. They were very careful while eating, afraid that the two little ones would get burned by the water in the pot.

Wan Fang asked curiously, "Xiao Lin, how's the filming of 'Huo Yuanjia' going? We're all eagerly waiting to see it!"

"It'll probably take another month," Zhu Lin said helplessly.

"Sigh, none of the movies these days are good. We're just waiting for 'Fearless'," Li Yuru said cheerfully.

"This year's Spring Festival Gala should be pretty good," Liu Yimin said.

Wan Fang looked Zhu Lin up and down and said, "Linlin should be a host on the Spring Festival Gala. I believe she would definitely shine."

The three families finished their meal in a lively atmosphere and left the hot pot restaurant, then went their separate ways home. Back home, Ximei and Yang Xiuyun enthusiastically discussed their experiences in Zhonghai. Yang Xiuyun kept slapping her thigh, saying she had learned a lot and would have plenty to tell when she got home.

"Mom, when the photos are developed, hang them on our front door," Liu Yimin said deliberately.

Yang Xiuyun knew Liu Yimin was joking, but she still said loudly, "Okay, I think it's okay."

After the excitement subsided, the family changed their clothes and sat in the warm overseas Chinese apartment, discussing what to bring home.

That evening, Yang Weiguang called Liu Yimin again and told him that the higher-level leaders had agreed in principle and were studying the matter, but the official document would not be issued until after the Spring Festival.

"Comrade Yimin, now it's up to your Institute of Literature. We're planning to give the prime time slot of 8 to 9 pm every Sunday to the 'Youth Night Talk' program, which is on the main channel of China National Radio. What do you think?" Yang Weiguang was even more excited than Liu Yimin.

"I think that's a good idea. Let's discuss the details in person when I get back from my hometown."

"Row!"

On February 5th, the family boarded a plane to Zhengzhou. During takeoff, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin kept a close eye on Liu Yu and Liu Lin, worried that they might feel unwell.

This is an An-24, which is very noisy, sometimes making a clanging sound like an old bus.

Liu Yu and Liu Lin were fine, but Yang Xiuyun got airsick the moment it took off, though she felt much better once in the air.

The three of them looked curiously at the scenery outside. The clouds were heavy, as if it was about to snow again.

"My goodness, this is heaven!" Yang Xiuyun thought the clouds outside looked just like cotton.

"Actually, there's nothing inside," Zhu Lin explained. "Our planes can fly directly through the clouds."

When the plane landed, Yang Xiuyun felt a little weak in the legs. She only recovered after all the other passengers had disembarked.

At noon on February 6th, they finally arrived in Ru County. Liu Fuqing and his elder brother and sister-in-law were already waiting there. When Liu Fuqing found them, he couldn't wait to hug Liu Lin.

Yang Xiuyun asked Liu Yu and Liu Lin to call Liu An "elder brother," but the two little ones refused, gritting their teeth as if they had encountered someone trying to steal their toy.

After a burst of laughter, everyone rode the tractor back to Maiji Brigade.

Smoke rose from the chimneys above the village, carrying the aroma of meat. Doors were ajar, and children stayed inside, eating meat and refusing to come out.

Liu Fuqing pointed to a high ground next to the Kuye River and said, "This year, our brigade slaughtered five or six pigs, and every household got at least five catties of meat. Everyone can have a happy new year."

When they arrived at the site of the new primary school, Li Lanyong's father, Li Dashan, was squatting down beside them. After seeing them, he took a puff of his pipe, waved to them, and spoke to them.

"This is the construction site of the new primary school. I discussed it with your Uncle Dashan. There are many new children, so we will build two floors with a total of twelve classrooms, one for first grade and the rest for teachers' offices or dormitories."

Li Dashan said with a smile, "The county said that our primary school should be called 'Yimin Primary School'. Your father and I both think it's a good name. It's just that we want to discuss the expenses with you."

"How much will it cost now?" Liu Yimin asked curiously.

Liu Fuqing said, "Our brigade will contribute labor, which doesn't include the cost of materials and food. It will cost around 15,000 yuan. If we build a wall, a school gate, and flower beds, it will cost 20,000 yuan."

"Then it'll be twenty thousand!" Liu Yimin said directly.

Li Dashan hesitated and said, "Actually, our countryside doesn't need to be that nice. A building costing 15,000 yuan is enough."

“Uncle Dashan, if you’re going to build it, build it well. Also, dig a well and get running water so the children won’t have to fetch water from the river or pond anymore.”

Liu Yimin witnessed a student on duty falling into the pond and drowning while fetching water. It wouldn't cost much to just bring running water to the school.

"Alright, Yimin, you've really brought honor to your father." Li Dashan took a deep drag on his pipe.

"Your Lan Yong is doing great too, leading everyone to do a fantastic job now." Liu Fuqing offered a friendly compliment to Li Dashan.

"Sigh, I'm on tenterhooks every day, afraid of losing money. It's all the villagers' hard-earned money, sigh!" Li Dashan sighed, waved his hand, and gestured for them to go home quickly.

When the family arrived home, Liu Fuqing quickly brought firewood for everyone to warm themselves by the fire. Zhu Lin held his sister-in-law Gu Ping's hand and they exchanged parenting experiences.

Liu Yu and Liu Lin ran around the yard curiously. Before long, Liu An joined them in playing, chasing chickens that flew around the yard.

Liu Yimin warned Liu Yu and Liu Lin, "Watch out, the chickens will peck you."

After a while, many villagers came to see Liu Yu and Liu Lin, and held Yang Xiuyun's hand to express their longing. When they got to the heart of the conversation, several of the old women almost cried.

Yang Xiuyun didn't talk much about Yanjing and Zhonghai. In her words, people came to visit her out of kindness, not to listen to her boast.

The house finally quieted down by evening.

The next morning, Li Lanyong arrived early and took Liu Yimin to see the team's factory.

“Yimin, you are the largest shareholder among the members, you have to come and see.” Li Lanyong’s wife, Li Qing, was standing next to him.

Li Qing is younger than Li Lanyong, with big eyes, regular features, and slightly dark skin. However, she talks non-stop, making it difficult for Zhu Lin to keep up.

After Li Lanyong and Liu Yimin left, Li Qing stayed behind and chatted with Zhu Lin.

Li Lanyong winked at him and asked, "How's my wife?"

"Great, it suits you. I think it can keep you in check."

"I'm giving her face, but it's good to have someone in charge." Li Lanyong chuckled.

When we arrived at the roasting and processing plant by tractor, the area outside was full of trucks coming to pick up goods, and the air smelled wonderful.

Inside, it was bustling with activity; the people loading and unloading goods sometimes almost came to blows.

“During the Spring Festival, goods are money. This tractor can earn a hundred yuan a day, which is more profitable than what we make,” Li Lanyong said, pointing to the truck driver.

In traditional distribution channels, especially for food products, many channels earn more money than the manufacturers.

Liu Yimin toured the factory, which made several brigades around the commune very envious. However, Maiji Brigade was no ordinary brigade either, as Li Lanyong was a leader in getting rich and was protected from the county to the township.

"Not bad, you did a great job," Liu Yimin praised sincerely.

"Look, there are a few acres of bad land over there. I'm planning to expand the factory next year. What do you think?"

Liu Yimin said, "I don't know the specifics, so I won't say anything."

Li Lanyong took Liu Yimin to the finance office, showed him the financial accounts, and carefully analyzed the surrounding food factories, concluding that the current profits were sufficient to expand the factory by another one.

"We have a lot of money in the account, which we can use to expand production!"

(End of this chapter)