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

Zhou Shaoyuan sat back down in his office chair. Instead of getting straight to the point as usual, he rubbed his hands together, a smile on his face, and looked Xie Lu up and down as if he were looking at some rare treasure, making Xie Lu feel very uncomfortable.

"How's your studies lately? Are you keeping up with the courses? Are you getting used to living in the dorm?" Zhou Shaoyuan asked in a string of questions, his tone more like a concerned patriarch than a dean.

"Everything is fine, thank you for your concern, Dean." Xie Lu replied politely, but he was even more certain that something was wrong.

"That's good, that's good." Zhou Shaoyuan nodded, his fingers tapping the table unconsciously, as if he was thinking about how to start the conversation.

He cleared his throat, leaned forward slightly, and his smile faded, replaced by an expression of expectation and negotiation.

"Lawyer Xie, the reason I called you here today is not only to inquire about your studies and life, but also to ask for your thoughts." Zhou Shaoyuan carefully considered his words. "Your writing of Infernal Affairs demonstrated your ability to handle complex narratives and explore the depths of human nature, which is excellent."

However, as a promising literary creator, especially a student like yourself, wouldn't it be worthwhile to try challenging yourself with different themes and broaden your creative horizons?

coming.

Xie Lu thought to himself, "Sure enough, something's waiting for me."

He remained expressionless and nodded: "The dean is right, it's good to try more things."

Seeing that he didn't object, Zhou Shaoyuan's smile deepened. He picked up the document he had just been looking at from the table and handed it to him: "Take a look at this."

Xie Lu put down his teacup and took the documents.

It was an official document with a prominent title: "Notice on Holding the First 'Local Sentiments and Praises of Reform' National College Student Essay Competition".

He quickly skimmed through it. The theme was clear: reflecting the changes in rural life since the reform and opening up, and praising the spirit of farmers in the new era.

Targeting universities nationwide, it boasts a high standard and offers opportunities for publication in collections and selections for newspapers and magazines.

As he expected, Xie Lu understood.

Dean Zhou was so enthusiastic and encouraged him to try new topics because he wanted him to participate in this essay contest.

They probably saw his rural background and thought he could write something different, hoping to bring honor to the School of Literature at Wuhan University.

Zhou Shaoyuan observed Xie Lu's expression and saw that he didn't have any special reaction after reading the document. Feeling a little uneasy, he quickly added, "This competition was organized by higher-ups, so it's very meaningful."

Our School of Literature organizes students to participate every year, which is a way of responding to the call and improving students' writing skills.

He paused, then his tone became more earnest: "I think you should be very familiar with this subject, right? The rural areas of northern Liaoning have changed quite a bit in recent years."

Interested in giving it a try? Write one. Any subject matter or format is acceptable—essays, reportage, short stories—the key is genuine emotion and relatability.

After he finished speaking, he stared intently at Xie Lu, his eyes filled with expectation, encouragement, and even a hint of longing.

It's just like a child eagerly awaiting to be fed, yet stubbornly clinging to the dignity of the dean.

Looking at Zhou Shaoyuan's expectant expression, Xie Lu felt a little amused.

This dean really went to great lengths to get him to participate in the competition.

Li Hanwen and his brother-in-law were arrested before, and he still owed Zhou Shaoyuan a favor.

So whether it was helping Li Hanwen with his affairs or appreciating and caring for his work.

It was difficult for him to refuse this request, both emotionally and logically.

Moreover, writing an article reflecting rural changes was not difficult for him.

He had personally experienced this era in both his previous and current lives. He had witnessed the initial joy and confusion of the villagers after the land was contracted to individual households, the excitement and chaos of the rise of township enterprises, and the trend of young people leaving the land and heading to the city.

These memories and feelings are real and vivid.

"Okay." Xie Lu nodded without much hesitation. "Dean, I'll participate in this competition and give it a try."

When Zhou Shaoyuan heard Xie Lu agree immediately, his face lit up like a flower in bloom, the wrinkles around his eyes and brows smoothed out, and he almost jumped up from his chair.

He slapped his thigh excitedly: "Great! Excellent! Lawyer Xie, I knew you had this kind of guts!"

He was as happy as a child, and for a moment he even forgot his identity as the dean.

But soon, Zhou Shaoyuan belatedly realized that he had lost his composure. He quickly coughed, forcibly suppressed the excitement on his face, sat up straight, straightened his collar, picked up the teacup on the table, and slowly took a sip, trying to regain his serious and composed dean demeanor.

However, his slightly gleaming eyes and the lingering smile on his lips betrayed his inner elation.

Seeing the stark contrast in his appearance before and after, Xie Lu almost couldn't hold back. The corners of his mouth involuntarily curved upwards into a noticeable arc. Xie Lu quickly lowered his head, pretended to cough, and covered it up.

Zhou Shaoyuan also saw the fleeting smile on Xie Lu's face. His old face flushed a little, and he coughed again, his tone returning to its usual solemnity: "Well, since you've agreed, then prepare well."

There's still plenty of time; you can think about it carefully, no rush.

If you have any ideas, or need any information or assistance, feel free to contact me or the relevant teacher at any time.

"Okay, Dean." Xie Lu also regained his serious expression. "I'll go back and think about it carefully, and see what would be more appropriate to write."

"Yes, think it over carefully. Don't rush. Make sure to write with genuine feelings and depth." Zhou Shaoyuan nodded repeatedly, then couldn't help but urge, "This competition is high-level, and the competition will definitely be fierce. But with your foundation and experience, as long as you write with your heart, I believe you will definitely stand out. Our School of Literature at Wuhan University might just be able to make a name for itself nationwide this year because of your article!"

"Of course, it's okay even if you don't write well. Don't put so much pressure on yourself. Nobody will say anything."

Although Zhou Shaoyuan really hoped that Xie Lu would win a big prize so that he could finally get his revenge, he didn't want to put too much pressure on Xie Lu.

Xie Lu knew that Zhou Shaoyuan had high expectations for him, so he nodded again: "I will do my best."

"Good, good." Zhou Shaoyuan was extremely satisfied, looking at Xie Lu and finding him more and more pleasing to the eye.

Where can you find a student who is exceptionally talented, calm and reliable, and respectful of teachers?

"Dean, if there's nothing else, I'll head back now. I have classes this afternoon." Xie Lu stood up.

"Oh, right, go ahead and get busy." Zhou Shaoyuan also stood up, personally escorted Xie Lu to the door, and patted him on the shoulder. "Write well, don't feel pressured, I believe in you."

Xie Lu said goodbye and left the office.