My girlfriend is from 1949

next day

Du Hengtai sat on the terrace of a luxurious restaurant, leisurely sipping coffee and reading the day's newspaper.

Although it was already noon, there weren't many people having lunch.

It's not an operational problem that's causing the business to be bad, because there's no such thing as a bad business in the first place.

All the restaurants and canteens are state-owned cooperative enterprises.

Since there are no privately owned restaurants, there's no such thing as bad business.

The restaurant has few diners because it primarily caters to foreigners.

This restaurant used to have many foreign diners, but after relations soured with the United States, the number of foreign diners decreased.

Those who can come here are all members of the socialist camp.

Du Hengtai leisurely read the newspaper, showing no sign of rushing to eat.

Every now and then, I would turn my head and glance at the bustling street below.

Judging from frequent observations, they are clearly waiting for someone.

And indeed, he came here today with a mission.

Before he came, Chen Huai'an solemnly gave him an important task.

We should seize this opportunity to launch a publicity campaign.

A short while later, a middle-aged man wearing a shirt, trousers, and glasses walked over, led by a waiter.

He smiled and extended his right hand, saying, "You must be Mr. Du?"

Du Hengtai immediately stood up and grasped the outstretched right hand.

He smiled and said, "Mr. Alexander, it's a pleasure to meet you."

The two clasped hands, nodded with smiles, and sat down facing each other.

The middle-aged man, known as Alexander, was a journalist for the Soviet newspaper Pravda.

If I had to add a title, it would be "Great Reporter"!

He provided extensive frontline reporting during the Great Patriotic War.

So he's very famous in the industry!

Pravda was the official newspaper with the largest circulation, widest coverage, and highest political authority during the Soviet era.

Alexander held a very important position in the newspaper.

Almost every news article he publishes is on the front page.

Therefore, his influence is still very large!

This meeting was arranged by Victor through his introduction.

Alexander did not take the Chinese man in front of him seriously; he was only there to deal with him out of courtesy.

However, there was nothing wrong with their manners.

Even setting aside the fact that this person is a foreign guest, one cannot be impolite in terms of etiquette.

And he's Victor's old classmate and good brother!

Even if you don't care about this Chinese man, you still have to give face to Victor from the Ministry of Commerce.

Under the current rationing system, having connections within the Ministry of Commerce is very important.

In a large community, even knowing someone who sells pork at the market can bring you a lot of benefits.

The coveted piece of meat, which everyone is scrambling for, can only be bought through connections!

After all, through Victor, I obtained many good things that I couldn't buy on the market.

Even high-class tickets that are difficult for ordinary people to obtain can be acquired through Victor.

Therefore, the two have always had a harmonious relationship.

Yesterday afternoon, Victor called specifically to say that a friend from China needed his help with something.

In order not to offend Victor and avoid not getting good things in the future.

Even if you're unwilling, you have no choice but to come.

Du Hengtai smiled and called over the waiter, handing him the menu.

However, Alexander said he had already eaten at the newspaper's cafeteria and had only ordered a cup of coffee.

This indifferent attitude is clearly perfunctory to anyone with eyes to see.

After all, when we contacted each other yesterday, we made it very clear that I was inviting him to dinner today.

When the person arrived, they claimed they had eaten in the cafeteria, making their intention to distance themselves clear.

If Victor were here, he probably would have eaten another sawdust bread even if he had already eaten!

Du Hengtai maintained a smile, as if he hadn't noticed the other person's attitude.

He handed her a cigarette from the table.

This time, the other person didn't refuse; they took the cigarette, lit it, and took a puff.

A hint of surprise flashed in his narrowed eyes.

I really like the taste of this cigarette.

However, his expression remained calm: "Mr. Du, is there something you need from me?"

Du Hengtai nodded and smiled, "I would like to ask you for your help in writing a report praising China."

A hint of doubt flashed in Alexander's narrowed eyes.

Writing this kind of report is not something that cannot be done.

Sino-Soviet relations are very good now. Just two months ago, high-level officials from both sides met, and the meeting was reported.

In order to gain public support for the country's decisions, it is natural to offer positive praise and publicity for China, our brother country.

So similar things have already been done before.

It only feels strange when it's brought up now.

Du Hengtai exhaled a puff of smoke and explained with a smile, "This report has nothing to do with politics; it's just a description of China..."

He paused briefly, composed himself, and said, "You can also think of it as telling a story!"

Serialized stories have been published in newspapers for decades.

Starting in 1903, numerous newspapers, including the World Prosperity Daily, serialized satirical novels such as The Unofficial History of the Bureaucracy, fostering a trend of "no newspaper without serialization."

In the mid-to-late 19th century, European and American newspapers widely serialized works such as "The Pickwick Papers".

Alexander remained indifferent, seemingly uninterested.

Soviet newspapers also published various stories.

However, most of the stories told have a strong promotional element.

Will anyone read these if I publish them again?

In his view, writing such propaganda with political motives is somewhat counterproductive.

Having been in the business world for many years, Du Hengtai could easily tell that the other party was not interested.

They don't spout empty rhetoric about friendship between the two countries, nor do they plead for help based on emotion.

He lowered his voice and said, "You know about the Chinese-made televisions at yesterday's trade fair, right?"

Alexander raised an eyebrow and nodded, saying, "It's indeed very good. I even wrote a report about it."

He then pointed to the newspaper on the table and said with a knowing smile, "This is what I wrote."

Du Hengtai did not praise the writing as good or bad, nor did he discuss topics related to literary youth.

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice, saying, "I've already sent someone to deliver the television to your home, along with thirty pounds of sausages and a case of Coca-Cola from a socialist country!"

The voice was low, yet it carried a strong allure.

When they speak, you can clearly see their eyes moving; that means they're smitten!

He added in a low voice, "If you like this Chinese-made cigarette, I have two more cartons in my car..."

If these things were in the modern world, they would probably be criticized: "You're using this to test your officials?"

But in the Soviet Union at that time, those were all in short supply!

In particular, sausages were out of stock, and my wife couldn't buy any for three consecutive days.

Moreover, televisions are quite expensive, so he couldn't help but be tempted!

Alexander's pride was instantly shattered by the sugar-coated bullets.

He gritted his teeth and asked, "How do you want to write it?!"