The literary era since 1979

Chapter 316 A strong man descends from the sky
Chengdu, editorial department of Science Fiction Literature and Art.

There were less than 10 people sitting scattered in the huge conference room. It was dead silent.

Yang Xiao, who was chairing the meeting, looked around and said, "It's the end of the year. According to the usual practice, we should distribute New Year's goods to everyone and spend a comfortable New Year. But everyone knows what the editorial department is like now, what happened last year, and what kind of crisis the entire science fiction world has encountered."

Yao Haijun and others all sighed.

Originally, Science Fiction Literature and Art was flourishing, and its staff had expanded to more than 50 people. However, unexpectedly, a disaster struck and the editor-in-chief deserted the battlefield. Although the journal was not discontinued, staff were laid off and the establishment was reduced, leaving Science Fiction Literature and Art to fend for itself.

Nowadays, there are less than 10 people at most.

The editor-in-chief in front of him, Yang Xiao, was also forced to take on the task in a time of crisis.

"I'm sure everyone is aware of our current situation. There are only 50,000 to 60,000 yuan left in the account, which is only enough to sustain for one more period."

"If we don't find a way to increase the circulation after the new year, even if Science Fiction Literature and Art wants to continue, we won't have the funds to continue. We might end up like the explosion-proof equipment factory in Fengtian, which went bankrupt."

"Then, the only spark of Chinese science fiction literature will be completely extinguished!"

"Chinese science fiction will hit rock bottom, and it may be a long time before our own science fiction novels appear again."

"..."

Faced with such a dire situation, Yao Haijun and his colleagues said nothing, with discouragement, frustration, and even despair in their eyes.

The circulation has dropped precipitously from 300,000 copies at its peak to more than 20,000 copies now. There is no market, no funds, and no contributors.

Unless a strong man comes down from the sky, riding on a colorful cloud to save them!

At this moment, the doorman downstairs reminded loudly: "Editor-in-Chief Yang, there is a letter sent to you from Yanjing."

"Yanjing?!"

Everyone looked at each other, guessing that it was a submission from a Yenching writer.

The facts were indeed as they expected, but it was also very unexpected that the person who wrote the letter was the famous General Fang!

"What did Teacher Fang write in the letter?"

"Do you want to submit your work to our Science Fiction Literature and Art Magazine?"

"It doesn't matter if it's not science fiction! As long as he can write an article for us, Science Fiction Literature will be saved!"

"........."

In an instant, there was an uproar and a lot of discussion.

Pairs of expectant eyes stared at Yang Xiao. After Yang Xiao finished reading, he handed it to them with trembling hands and a shaking voice:
"Comrades! Teacher Fang wants to submit a science fiction novel he wrote to our journal for publication!"

"Really?!"

Just like a spark falling into a barrel of explosives, the entire conference room exploded instantly.

"But before publishing, he wants to talk to us in person."

Yang Xiao said: "After the New Year, the specific time and place of the meeting will be given to us in a letter."

"talk!"

"We can talk about anything! Teacher Fang can talk about whatever you want!"

Everyone present was excited, their previous listless and decadent looks were swept away, and the light of hope flashed in their lifeless eyes again.

There is no doubt that dialects are their savior!

It is their last straw!
…………

Five days after the letter was sent to Science Fiction Literature and Art, on January 5, an auspicious day.

Even in the coldest weather, Nanluoguxiang is still crowded with people, firecrackers are blasting, and the only thing missing is the roar of gongs and drums and the waving of red flags.

"Why hasn't anyone arrived yet?"

The neighbors looked around, sometimes looking towards the entrance of the alley, and sometimes looking at Fang Hong and Han Yuemin standing under the old locust tree.

"Here it comes! The car is coming!"

The previous second, Fang Yan ran back hurriedly, and the next second, four Citroen CX4s appeared behind her.

In the lead car sat Gong Xing, as well as bridesmaids Zhao Jing, Zhang Yu and Gong Ying. The driver was naturally Fang Yan.

There was no complete driving test system in those days, because private car purchases were strictly prohibited before 84. Cars were government vehicles, belonging to various government agencies.

To learn how to drive, you can only follow the experienced driver in the unit. Each unit is allocated according to the quota. The quota is allocated by the vehicle management office at that time according to the number of cars in the unit. It takes several years to pass the test because it is easy to drive a car but difficult to repair it.

Learning to drive starts with learning how to repair cars. Only after you have learned that well can you learn to drive.

The three cars at the back were specially chartered from a taxi company, forming a cool little fleet.

The grand ceremony attracted the attention of everyone in the alley. The crowd was excited and chattered, which immediately pushed Fangyan and Gong Xing's wedding to a climax.

The crackling sound of firecrackers echoed throughout the alley.

Gradually, it spread into the warm house.

Witnessed by good friends such as Shi Tiesheng, Tian Zengxiang, and Sui Lijun, Fang Yan and Gong Xing respectfully offered tea to Yang Xia.

The man was wearing a neat suit, and the woman was wearing a festive red cheongsam, pearl earrings, and a sweet smile on her lipstick-covered lips.

Afterwards, Zhao Hongmei brought a bowl of steaming dumplings to Fang Yan and Gong Xing, and asked:
“Are the dumplings raw?”

"pregnancy!"

Dialect cleared his throat and blurted out.

Gong Xing pursed his lips, showing a shy look, and whispered "raw".

"The sound is too quiet!"

"Speak louder, I can't hear you!"

"That's right, that's right, your voice is so low, and you still want to have a baby?"

The people around started shouting one by one.

The idea is basically the same: let her give birth! Let her give birth!
Seeing Zhang Yu and Zhao Jing joining in the fun, Gong Xing looked up and his eyes met Fang Yan's.

"born!!"

"How many children do you want?"

I thought it was over, but I never expected there were experts among the crowd who were willing to join in the fun.

The old sisters Zhao Hongmei and Yang Xia looked at each other, and obviously took great pains to put three raw dumplings in each of the young couple's bowls.

Gong Xing's face flushed and he lowered his head:
"Ask him. He's the boss."

Tian Zengxiang smiled when he saw this, and was the first to come forward and ask, "Yanzi, how many children do you plan to have?!"

When seeing Shi Tiesheng also happily joining in the fun, Fang Yan showed a playful smile: "Of course I gave birth to a football team with him to contribute to the national football team's qualification for the World Cup!"

"Pfft!"

Hearing this, Gong Xing was stunned at first, then he smiled and glared, tears welling up in his eyes with joy.

"Hahaha!"

"You two children can really lead the national football team to go beyond Asia and into the world. You two are the great heroes!"

In an instant, the whole room burst into laughter.

This is a really witty answer!

Fangyan curled his lips inwardly.

Except for the time in 02, it is probably impossible for the Chinese national football team to enter the World Cup again. After all, just like basketball, it is a balancer of national destiny. In the end, both football and basketball are in vain!
After a burst of excitement, the two of them were given big red flowers, applauded and cheered by the crowd, and were escorted all the way to the door.

Fangyan clasped his fists and thanked the neighbors who came to support him.

"Thank you all! Thank you for your hard work!"

"Crackling."

Soon, bursts of firecrackers were heard in the alley again.

With the roar of the car, everyone got in and drove to the Yanjing Hotel in a mighty manner. The climax of the wedding had just begun.

(End of this chapter)