1985, the year of the great writer, began with Infernal Affairs!

Rural themes reflect changes in rural life and evoke genuine emotions.

With this subject matter in mind, the name of the perfect candidate appeared in Zhou Shaoyuan's mind.

Xie Lu.

Isn't Xie Lu from a rural area in northern Liaoning?

He has the most direct experience and observation of rural life.

He was able to write such a profound and complex work as "Infernal Affairs," so his writing skills and insight are absolutely top-notch.

Moreover, according to his understanding, Xie Lu's family was of ordinary, even poor, background. He must have a much deeper understanding of the joys and sorrows, the warmth and coldness of human relationships in rural areas than many urban students.

In previous years, students from the School of Literature at Wuhan University were not incapable of writing good articles for such events, but they always seemed to lack a genuine connection to the real world and the power to move people.

Most of them rely on good writing skills and imagination to depict some pastoral scenery or conceptualized images of farmers, but it is difficult to truly touch the core.

But Xie Lu is different.

He himself came from that land; if he were to write about this subject...

Zhou Shaoyuan's heart suddenly started beating faster.

He seemed to see a glimmer of hope: the possibility of Wuhan University's School of Literature winning a major award in a national essay competition.

Even aiming for one of the only three first-prize spots might not be out of the question.

Zhou Shaoyuan spoke again, his tone much more serious than before: "Don't rush to do this event according to the old rules. Issue the notice as usual, and mobilize people as well."

But please reserve one spot for me; I have a student here who would be a good fit.

Xiao Zhang was somewhat surprised.

Dean Zhou actually wanted to personally recommend a candidate, but he didn't ask any questions, he just nodded: "Okay, Dean, I'll take care of it right away."

"Mm." Zhou Shaoyuan waved his hand.

Xiao Zhang left the office and gently closed the door behind him.

Zhou Shaoyuan leaned back in his chair, his fatigue seemingly dissipating somewhat.

If Xie Lu is willing to write, and can write a moving and excellent article.

That was not only bringing glory to Wuhan University, but also another testament to and expansion of his talent.

While crime dramas like "Infernal Affairs" are certainly good, trying out some new genres is also a good opportunity for Xie Lu to hone his skills.

This call for submissions might be a good opportunity.

Of course, this is on the premise that Attorney Xie himself is interested and has the time.

Zhou Shaoyuan did hope that Xie Lu would participate.

However, he still respected Xie Lu's own opinion very much, and he would never force Xie Lu if Xie Lu was unwilling.

The morning class was on ancient literature. The teacher was lecturing on the Book of Songs. His slow, leisurely tone, combined with the warm autumn sunshine outside the window, made me a little drowsy.

As soon as the bell rang, the classroom immediately came alive. Xie Lu put his pen back in his pocket and closed his notebook.

Chu Yunfei, who was standing next to him, stretched out a big yawn.

"Finally get out of class is over. That tune was making me sleepy," Chu Yunfei said, rubbing his eyes.

Chen Xiangdong had already packed his schoolbag and stood up: "Let's go, let's go eat first."

Zhou Wenbin was still slowly organizing his notes, carefully copying the sentences the teacher had written on the blackboard again.

The four of them followed the flow of people out of the classroom. The corridor was crowded with students who had just finished class, and it was noisy.

Just as they reached the corner of the stairs, a familiar figure blocked their way.

It was counselor Wang Zhiguo.

He saw Xie Lu and waved him over: "Xie Lu, come here for a moment."

Again.

Chu Yunfei and Chen Xiangdong exchanged a glance, their understanding unspoken.

Xie Lu was already used to it. He nodded to his three roommates and said, "You guys go ahead and save me a seat."

"Okay, same place as always," Chen Xiangdong replied.

Chu Yunfei winked at Xie Lu and mouthed silently, "The Dean summons you?"

Xie Lu ignored him and walked towards Wang Zhiguo.

Wang Zhiguo waited for him to approach, then lowered his voice and said, "Dean Zhou wants to see you. He wants you to go to his office now."

His tone was normal; after all, it wasn't the first time he'd done relaying messages, and he was used to it.

"Okay, thank you, Director Wang." Xie Lu turned around and walked towards the other staircase.

Chu Yunfei and his two companions watched Xie Lu's retreating figure as they continued walking towards the cafeteria.

After walking a few steps, they ran into Li Shu, the class monitor, who had just come out of another office.

She was also walking towards the cafeteria when she saw Chu Yunfei and the other two. She paused for a moment, her gaze lingering on the stairwell where Xie Lu had disappeared before returning to Chu Yunfei's face.

Li Shu spoke first, her voice clear and crisp: "Chu Yunfei, wasn't that Xie Lu talking to Teacher Wang just now? Was he called away again?"

Chu Yunfei shrugged: "Yeah, our fourth brother is a very busy man."

"Is it Dean Zhou again this time?" Li Shu asked with a hint of curiosity.

"Probably so." Chu Yunfei shrugged. "We're used to it every now and then. If the counselor comes to call in person, it's probably because the dean invited us."

Li Shu nodded and didn't ask anything more, but glanced at the stairwell again, a thoughtful look in her eyes.

Xie Lu is not particularly active in class and doesn't talk much, but he seems to receive a lot of attention from the teachers in the department, and even the dean.

This made her feel a little special.

"Let's go eat together, class monitor?" Chu Yunfei casually invited.

"Oh, okay." Li Shu came back to her senses and walked towards the cafeteria with Chu Yunfei and the others, but the little bit of curiosity about Xie Lu had been quietly planted in her heart.

On the other side, Xie Lv went up to the third floor of the School of Literature.

He walked to the door of the dean's office. The door was closed. He raised his hand and knocked three times as usual.

Knock knock knock.

"Come in." Zhou Shaoyuan's voice came from inside, sounding lighter than usual.

Xie Lu pushed open the door.

Zhou Shaoyuan was sitting behind his desk, looking at a document in his hand.

Hearing the door open, he looked up and saw it was Attorney Xie. A smile immediately spread across his face. Almost simultaneously, he put down the documents, stood up, and walked around the table to greet him.

"Attorney Xie is here! Come in, come in, have a seat!" Zhou Shaoyuan said, walking quickly to the small table with the thermos, picking up a clean enamel mug. "Tea or water? I just got some new tea, want to try some?"

Xie Lu was taken aback by this overly enthusiastic attitude.

Each time we met, Dean Zhou was very kind, but it was more like an elder's appreciation for a younger person.

This enthusiasm is a bit excessive today.

Xie Lu subconsciously replied, "No need to trouble yourself, Dean, plain water is fine."

"No trouble at all!" Zhou Shaoyuan had already deftly pinched tea leaves into the cup, picked up the thermos, and poured in water.

Steam mingled with the aroma of tea immediately rose up.

He walked over with the cup of hot tea and forced it into Xie Lu's hand, saying, "Try it, this tea is good."

Xie Lu had no choice but to accept it with both hands, thank him, and sit down in the chair against the wall.

The teacup was very hot, and he held it carefully, but a sense of unease crept into his mind.

Dean Zhou's attitude today is strange.

Something's definitely not right!

He was too enthusiastic, almost deliberately so, as if... as if he wanted something from him, or as if there was some trap waiting for him.