Go back to the past and be a schoolboy

Chapter 154

The weather in this season is changing.

After the sweltering heat reached the extreme, a few groups of thick clouds quickly gathered in the sky, followed by a series of lightning and thunder, followed by torrential rain.

Fortunately, the rainstorm came and went quickly, and the sky cleared up as soon as I went to the toilet.

Facing the rainbow in the setting sun, a group of children rushed to the large and small puddles on the side of the road, and they shouted nursery rhymes loudly while stepping on the bigger splashes:

"It's raining, it's bubbling, bastard is wearing a straw hat..."

Cheng Nuo, who was standing at the door looking at the street scene, was very happy. When he heard the children's nursery rhymes, he quickly touched his head to see if he was wearing a straw hat. After making sure that he was not wearing anything today, he felt relieved. Take a breath.

At this time, several subordinates from the editorial department came out surrounded by each other, holding tea roots as if they wanted to fertilize the ginkgo in the yard. When they happened to see this scene, they were stunned without paying attention.

Unexpectedly, the dean, who is usually calm and calm, will have a cramped day.

He stayed motionless at the door for a while, and almost forgot that he had other things to do when he came out.

Cheng Nuo, who turned back to close the door, also saw the appearance of his subordinates, and immediately had a serious expression on his face: "Everyone has nothing to do, right? I brought you the latest academic magazine just now, and on it are Hardy and Ramanujan The latest method papers, you should thoroughly understand them as soon as possible, and I will see them in the next issue of "National" magazine."

Hearing this, these subordinates immediately wilted like frost-beaten eggplants, you look at me, I look at you, and finally unanimously decided to pour out the overnight tea and make a new pot of tea. Stay up all night to get the paper out.

It is a pity to say that this Indian mathematics genius Ramanujan, who is about to be named a researcher by Trinity College of Cambridge University and a member of the Royal Society, is overworked and nervous due to research work, and he is devout. Brahmins are strictly vegetarians.

At this time, he had already contracted severe tuberculosis. In this era of scarce medical resources, he was declared a death sentence. He will die in the next few years. It must be said that it is a loss for the entire mathematics community.

Even under such circumstances, Ramanujan continued to publish important papers and tirelessly moved forward on the road of mathematics.

Thinking about myself, it has been a few months since I have written papers in the international mathematics community, and I am really ashamed.

"Well, you turn the file to the back, and there is a paper by Bernstein. I took a look at it. It mainly said that he constructed the first axiomatic system of probability theory. It is also of great significance. I remember one piece After translation, the symbols will be localized by us.”

This time, the spirits of the subordinates are even worse. The translation is good, but it is difficult to understand it thoroughly. Besides, it will be published later. At that time, there will definitely be letters from readers for academic discussions. How should they respond at that time.

You boldly stood up and said in a low voice: "Dean, this way we won't have enough pages for the next issue. Other subjects have pre-determined content, so it's not easy to change."

Cheng Nuo poured himself a glass of water, drank it and said, "Don't worry, the next issue won't fit, so let's go to the next issue. You can learn first."

Now they have nothing to say, they can only grit their teeth and start to gnaw on the hard bones. If the mouth is not good, even if the teeth are knocked off, the bones will not be damaged at all. Only these two papers are to blame. In other words, it is too hard.

Just when everyone's eyebrows were furrowed and they were about to fight for a few rounds, Cheng Nuo suddenly spoke up.

"By the way, it's better to drink less strong tea. It's not necessarily good for your body. Rest when you should rest. Work and rest will work well for your brain. In a few days, I will arrange comrades from the medical school to give you a physical examination. I will notify everyone, and report to me in advance if something happens.”

After settling the affairs of the editorial department, Cheng Nuo was ready to go to the Commercial Press.

The last time I set off from Beijing, I had agreed with their manager Zhang Yuanji on the publication of the "Concise Dictionary of Mathematics". This time I went to see how they are doing. If the results are good, then I will publish the mathematical results later, which can continue before. Cooperation.

Unexpectedly, they ran into Cai Yuanpei again here, and the two seemed to be drinking.

Perhaps seeing the surprise in Cheng Nuo's eyes, Zhang Yuanji, the owner, took the initiative to add a pair of bowls and chopsticks to Cheng Nuo, and said with a smile: "Speaking of which, I have been friends with "Liu Tong" for many years, but it is a pity that we compare each other on weekdays. I'm busy, so I asked my wife to make some home-cooked dishes and bring them here today, how about a quick taste?"

Cai Yuanpei on the side also said: "Brother Xiao Zhai is right. We have known each other for many years. Don't think that these dishes are not as good as those in big restaurants. In fact, the taste is not bad at all. Zhiyuan you today It’s a blessing.”

Thank you for the hospitality, Cheng Nuo pulled up a stool and sat down curiously: "Then I'm not going to be polite, dare to ask this 'six same', which six is ​​it?"

The two looked at each other, and laughed at the same time, and gave Cheng Nuo a chicken leg. Zhang Yuanji smiled and said, "It refers to the same year, the same township, the same department, etc. The inexhaustible fate in this half life."

Cai Yuanpei also smiled and said, "The difference is that brother Xiaozhai is doing publishing, and I am doing university. But for now, they are both engaged in education-related industries, and their goals are the same."

As they said that, they raised their glasses again and dragged Cheng Nuo to drink again.

Although Cheng Nuo had a good drinker, he drank in a daze at this time. He really didn't expect that the two of them who are usually gentle and refined would be so excited.

After careful inquiry, it was discovered that Cai Yuanpei beside him was actually a wine jar that had been hidden in Peking University for many years.

Basically, I drink every day, and I can’t even leave my hand with every meal. I keep a few jars of good wine every year for preparation, and take it out for a drink from time to time.

Talking about this, Cai Yuanpei was in a good mood: "I love freedom of thought, and I love good wine. But I always drink a lot. Although I drink more often, I have never been drunk, no Delay your discussion of business."

The revelry was in full swing, Zhang Yuanji said happily: "Usually when we drink, we have to talk about a drinking order, either punching fists or Chen Chen Xiangyin, which is not very interesting. I just thought of a new drinking order, why don't we try it today , to see if the lonely people are drunk or not, drunk people never say they are drunk."

Cai Yuanpei had just picked up a piece of chopsticks and was about to put them in his mouth. When he heard the provocation from his friend, he immediately became interested and put down the chopsticks temporarily: "Brother Xiaozhai, then I have to study hard. Look at your new wine order. What exactly is it hiding?"

Picking up a handkerchief to wipe his mouth, Cheng Nuo followed suit, "Although I don't serve many wine tables, I still know more or less the common wine orders, so I'm also very curious about Mr. Zhang's new wine orders."

"That's good, that's good." Zhang Yuanji was very interested, and rolled up his sleeves: "That's right, there are five words in total. There are so many things to say about the Republic of China. If you say something appropriate, you will be exempted from punishment, and if you say something inappropriate, drink alcohol. Zhiyuan, we two can work harder, we have worked together for so many years, I have never seen a lonely man drunk.

You have to take a good look today to see how the president of Peking University is different from ordinary people like me after he is drunk. "

Cai Yuanpei shook his head helplessly: "I knew you had no good intentions. It's okay to fall asleep after being drunk. If you go crazy with alcohol, it's really insulting."

There is no turning back when the bow is opened, and the good horse does not bow its head before the cliff.

The matter has come to this point, although I know that my friend intends to cheat him, but I have promised it before, it is really inappropriate to go back on my word at this time, so I followed the trend.

The previous drinking order is actually not bad. It said that the Republic of China had more troops, more foreign cars, and more poor people.

Later, it gradually changed, saying that the Republic of China had many corrupt officials, many abductees, many politicians... more taxes, more ills.

For a moment, it seemed that there were endless things to say, and they were all quite appropriate. The wine glass was full, but there was nothing for one person to drink.

Just when everyone felt a little bored, Cheng Nuo suddenly said something surprising: "There are many generals in the Republic of China."

Immediately, the scene became much quieter. After an unknown period of time, Cai Yuanpei pointed to the cup in front of Cheng Nuo and said, "Although there are generals of the Republic of China, there are not many of them. They are far from the above-mentioned ones. They should be punished."

Cheng Nuo raised his glass in no hurry: "No way. Although there are not many generals now, there will definitely be many in the future."

Zhang Yuanji asked curiously: "Why is this so, please tell me the reason."

Cheng Nuo raised his voice: "Did you see that? The warlord was dismissed and appointed as a general. The senior officials opened up vacancies and were also appointed as generals. The commander of the infantry stepped down and was even appointed as a general. Generally speaking, everyone transferred individuals, In order to save face, I have to give it to a general.

In this way, it is no problem to add one hundred and eighty generals a year.A few years later, everyone is a general. "

When the two heard it, it seemed that what they said made sense, so Cheng Nuo's immediate drinking fine was waived by the way.

But there is such a thing that this new-style drinking order can no longer be carried out, and in the end they simply drink their own, and the atmosphere returns to the original state.

Cheng Nuo toasted the two elders with a glass of wine, and drank it all by himself: "Thank you two gentlemen for your hospitality. Actually, I really have something to do here today. I mainly want to see how our publications are going, especially the readers. Feedback, which is very important for the improvement of our subsequent content.”

After pondering for a moment, Zhang Yuanji glanced at Cai Yuanpei, and then slowly said after the other party nodded: "In terms of the actual release effect, it is actually very good. At that time, we made an appointment for publishing out of prudent considerations, but we did not expect the market reaction to be quite hot. "

After speaking, he got up and went to the next room to take out a copy of "Ta Kung Pao", which was the reservation advertisement for "Concise Dictionary of Mathematics" compiled by the Academy of Sciences. You can buy this thick dictionary for only 8 cents.

Seeing this, Cheng Nuo couldn't help asking curiously: "The price is only one yuan, is there any appointment?"

Zhang Yuanji smiled and shook his head: "You may not know about Zhiyuan, but those who are willing to spend advertising fees in newspapers for pre-booked book advertisements are generally large-scale books, such as reference books, series books, and compilations with many volumes. , anthology, etc., your dictionary meets the requirements, and it is the best way for the library to absorb cash.

As for why the price is one yuan, in my opinion, it is already a very low price. This is also based on your willingness to give up the manuscript fee. We only consider the cost. If it is another big tome, it is only ten yuan. up and down. "

Cai Yuanpei added on the side: "Reserving a book can not only alleviate the financial constraints of publishers, but also help publishers determine the approximate number of copies of reserved books to avoid backlogs.

At the same time, pre-sale advertisements are a powerful way of publicity, which can not only increase book sales but also expand the publisher's own influence. I believe Brother Xiaozhai must have considered this point before. "

Hearing this, Cheng Nuo raised his glass and toasted Zhang Yuanji: "On behalf of the comrades of the Academy of Sciences, I thank Mr. Zhang for his great support."

Seeing this, Zhang Yuanji quickly raised his wine glass, and said politely: "This is what we should do. Besides, this is the first mathematics dictionary in our country. It is also an honor for our library to publish it. This wine should be ours. Come to respect."

The two gave in to each other, and finally ended up drinking the wine in the glass at the same time.

Looking at the young man in front of him, Zhang Yuanji became happier the more he looked at him, and finally took advantage of the wine to hold Cheng Nuo's hand directly: "Brother Zhiyuan, no matter whether your Academy of Sciences publishes dictionaries or textbooks in the future, we must be the first choice, what kind of bookstore?" And so on, it’s no match for us... hiccup~"

In this way, it was obvious that Cai Yuanpei couldn't get drunk, so he got himself drunk first.

After saying this, he simply threw his head on the wine table and fell asleep.

Seeing his friend like this, Cai Yuanpei also felt helpless, and it is true that he didn't drink much to this extent.

However, since the host family has fallen, it seems inappropriate for these guests to stay any longer, so they simply supported one side, dragged him to the bed, and after instructing the staff left in the library, the two were ready to leave.

"Actually, judging from Brother Xiao Zhai's last sentence, the pressure on him is not small at all. I wonder if you have heard of the "Chinese Dictionary"?" Standing outside the door, looking at the room where your friend is sleeping , Cai Yuanpei said.

"Is it published by Zhonghua Book Company? I seem to have seen it when I went to the bookstore to buy books." Cheng Nuo recalled it for a while, and said hesitantly, "It seems that the sales volume is not bad. Could it be that Mr. Zhang is worried because the two companies are in a competitive relationship?"

"Yes, in the fourth year of the Republic of China, the Commercial Press improved the "New Dictionary" on the basis of the "Kangxi Dictionary", and took the lead in establishing a typical model of the separation of dictionaries and dictionaries." Cai Yuanpei turned his gaze back, and walked towards the gate of the courtyard: " Unfortunately, in the same year, Zhonghua Book Company also published the "Chinese Dictionary".

The book not only contains more than a thousand words more than the "New Dictionary", but also invites then President Li Yuanhong to write an inscription, celebrities from all walks of life Lin Shu, Li Jiaju, Xiong Xiling, Liao Ping, Liang Qichao, Wang Panghui to write the preface, and general manager Lu Feikui, editor The director, Ouyang Pucun, has a total of eight prefaces, and the lineup cannot but be said to be strong.

If so, the "New Dictionary" that took so much effort from Brother Xiaozhai suffered a disastrous failure. I think Brother Xiaozhai is able to help you so much today. In addition to his intention to support education, he also has a shameful idea. There is room for you to cooperate in the future It's still big, don't let each other down on each other's trust. "

Listening to the eloquent experience, Cheng Nuo finally understood why Zhang Yuanji was so excited after seeing this "Concise Mathematical Dictionary" before, and there was such a meaning in it.

"Cai Yuan, don't worry. If there are no accidents, there will only be more opportunities for us to cooperate in the future. We will strive to produce a batch of scientific books with low prices and high-quality content as soon as possible to help Mr. Sai spread the word in China." His eyes are full of determination. , Cheng Nuo said seriously.

In the future, after the Academy of Sciences takes shape, more and more textbooks, dictionaries, and book series will be published. There is a lot of room for cooperation between the two parties. If everything goes well, Cheng Nuo will certainly not ask for trouble.

Just when the two of them crossed the threshold and were about to return, a thin and fit young man suddenly came from outside the door, looked at each other and nodded, greeted each other and passed by.

Listening to the waiter's hospitality to the young man, Cheng Nuo suddenly felt that the man was a little familiar, turned around and said a little uncertainly:
"May I ask if your surname is Jiang and your name is Fang Zhen?"

(End of this chapter)