The literary era since 1979

When I woke up, it was already noon.

After washing up, Fangyan made an appointment with Suzuki Yoko, Matsuzaka Keiko and others to meet at Maxim's restaurant in the evening.

Then, I took a taxi and went to Renwenshe.

At this time, the editorial department of "People's Literature" was empty and deserted, with only a few people.

"Teacher Fang!"

Zhu Wei was surprised, "Why are you here?"

Chen Xiaoman stood up and said, "Yeah, Yanzi, shouldn't you be receiving the Japanese delegation visiting China?"

"It's a rare opportunity today."

Fang Yan looked around, "Are Editor-in-Chief Wang and the others there?"

Chen Xiaoman shook her head. "The second China-U.S. Writers Exchange Conference was held. The editor-in-chief and others were in attendance."

"That's really unfortunate."

Fang Yan took out a pen from his chest and wrote on the paper, saying, "Sister-in-law, when Editor-in-Chief Wang and his team come back, please give this to him."

The more mysterious it was, the more curious Chen Xiaoman became.

Expressing it succinctly in dialect, Harvest is preparing to co-organize a national seminar on root-seeking literature with People's Literature.

Upon hearing this, Zhu Wei and his companions were surprised and delighted, especially when they heard that Li Yaotang personally came forward and gave his full support.

Chen Xiaoman smiled brightly, "Yanzi, your trip to Shanghai was really worth it!"

With a "clap", Zhu Wei clapped his hands excitedly, "That's great, with Harvest joining in, the action is getting bigger and bigger!"

"Don't be too happy yet. Think carefully about which writers to invite."

Fang Yan said: "Don't invite some ugly people to fill the gap."

"Teacher Fang, don't worry!"

Zhu Wei counted on his fingers, listing them one by one: Eastern Guangdong, Southern Hunan, Northern Shaanxi, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang...

Chen Xiaoman suddenly added, "And Jinxi!"

I was not surprised to hear the dialect of "Jinjun". The 80s was an active period in the literary world of western Shanxi, with the emergence of a group of talented young writers and a number of literary masterpieces that received great responses, such as "Ke Yunlu" which I discovered personally when I was in the editorial department of "October".

"What a coincidence!"

Chen Xiaoman opened the drawer and took out two manuscripts. "Take a look. The article "Ancient Tomb" was written by Ke Yunlu and his wife."

Fangyan was stunned. At first glance, he thought that Ke Yunlu had stopped writing reform literature and switched to writing tomb-robbing novels. But in fact, "Guling" was not an ancient tomb, but a "Guling County" fabricated by Ke Yunlu.

Reading it from top to bottom, the more I read it, the more it felt like another novel by Ke Yunlu, "Rising Star".

Not to mention the plot content, the name of the male protagonist alone is the same, both are called "Li Xiangnan".

"They both wrote it in the letter, specifying your name and asking you to revise it."

Chen Xiaoman smiled and said, "Yanzi, what do you think?"

"Compared with the previous article "Insomnia", it is much more mature in both writing style and thought."

Fangyan read it very quickly but carefully. "It can be published after a slight modification, but the name must be changed."

Chen Xiaoman said, "You and I are thinking the same thing. The title 'Ancient Tomb' is too problematic and can easily lead to ambiguity."

Watching the two people commenting on "Ancient Mausoleum", Zhu Wei raised an irrelevant question:

Why are Ke Yunlu's novels always co-written by couples?
“This reason is not complicated.”

Chen Xiaoman said that according to the Personal Income Tax Law, writers must pay taxes if their royalties exceed 800 yuan.

But if he co-signs the article with his wife, the original 1000 yuan in royalties can be divided equally between the couple, with each person receiving no more than 800 yuan on average, thus saving dozens of yuan, which is equivalent to taking advantage of a loophole in disguise.

"Ah? That's okay too!"

Zhu Wei was stunned and opened his mouth wide.

"Don't make such a fuss. Writers are also human beings and they have to rely on their royalties to make a living."

Fang Yan shrugged and said, "I would like to use this method, but my strength does not allow it."

"Don't even mention yourself. Even if you put them all together, you still don't get as much as you alone."

Chen Xiaoman joked that it was precisely because of Fangyan's royalties that supported the foundation that she and Shen Shuang, the two directors, were able to regularly receive a considerable amount of extra income and allowances, and in US dollars. This was all thanks to her father-in-law "Shen Yanbing" having accepted a proud closed disciple.

"It's time to beat up Teacher Fang's rich guy again!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the whole room burst into laughter, and the house was filled with a joyful atmosphere.

"Haha." Fang Yan stopped laughing and said, "Sister-in-law, who wrote the other manuscript?"

"Who else could it be? It must be the Wang Shuo you dug up!"

Chen Xiaoman handed over "Floating Out of the Sea" and said, "He has a strong personality. No one except you can modify his manuscript."

Fangyan watched for a while, until the clock on the wall reached 3:, then he got up and left:

"I have something to do, so I have to leave first. I will take Wang Shuo's novel back with me!"

…………

When we arrived at Maxim's Western Restaurant, there was still more than half an hour before the appointment with Keiko Matsuzaka and others.

In the center of the lobby stage, there was not a rock band led by Cui Jian, but a piano solo performance.

Fangyan walked to the counter with ease and asked Song Huaigui to arrange a quiet and private box for him.

Just at this moment, Wang Shuo, Ye Jing, and Feng Kuazi, who were all drunk, staggered over and shouted for the bill.

Fang Yan smiled and said, "Hey, Wang Shuo, I haven't seen the market go up for a few days!"

"Who is so blind..."

When Ye Jing heard this, he immediately wanted to retort on behalf of his best friend, but when he saw Teacher Fang's face, he sobered up immediately.

"Teacher Fang! Why are you here?"

Wang Shuo's hazy eyes suddenly cleared up and his whole body shuddered violently.

Fangyan looked around and said, "You guys are great. In the past, you just went to Donglaishun to eat shabu-shabu. Today, you are more upscale and come to Maxim's to drink foreign wine?" As he spoke, the smell of wine wafted to his nose. "Oh, it looks like you drank a lot!"

"You're kidding. How can we compare with you?"

Wang Shuo smiled awkwardly, "It's all thanks to your care."

Fang Yan said, "Have you received the script fee for "Stewardess"?"

"Got it, hehe, more than 2000 yuan."

Wang Shuo said, "Also, the salary you gave me for hiring me as the editor of Mystery World has arrived, so I called you guys to celebrate."

Feng Xiaogang grinned, revealing a row of yellow teeth. "Teacher Fang, when will your "Mystery World" be released? I want to buy a copy as soon as possible and take a good look at your latest masterpiece."

"In October, you and Acheng will have to share more of Tiesheng's burden, do you understand?" Fang Yan said.

"That's no problem, leave it to me!" Wang Shuo patted his chest and promised.

Fangyan then talked about "Floating Out of the Sea", "I read the manuscript you sent to the Humanities Publishing House. There are no major problems. It has enough Beijing flavor. If you change the wording in some places, it can be published."

"I will write whatever you say, until you are satisfied." Wang Shuo said in a very straightforward manner.

“It doesn’t need to be changed much.”

Fang Yan said, "Your novel seems to be autobiographical in nature. The male protagonist is you, so is the female protagonist your girlfriend?"

"Hey, you're really accurate!"

Wang Shuo said that "Floating Out of the Sea" was the most difficult and satisfying novel he had ever written, as the entire novel was about their pure love.

"You're just talking nonsense!" Ye Jing curled her lips, "Teacher Fang, don't believe what he wrote in the book. They haven't gotten married yet."

Wang Shuo's face turned red with anxiety, "You...you..."

Fang Yan said: "Are you trying to say that although you are not married, you have true feelings for each other?" "Yes, yes, yes, Teacher Fang understands me the best!"

Wang Shuo said: "Although Xujia and I haven't gotten married yet, we have real feelings for each other!"

"Then why don't you get married right here and now?" Ye Jing asked.

Wang Shuo hesitated and said, "This...I just want to make more money so that we can have a decent wedding."

Ye Jing, Feng Kuazi and others looked at each other in surprise, especially because it was the first time they saw him so concerned about the royalties for "Floating Out of the Sea".

Fang Yan said: "It will probably be more than 1100 before tax."

Wang Shuo covered his mouth with his hand and asked in a low voice: "Teacher Fang, can I discuss this with you? I want to put Jiaxu's name on it."

Fang Yan immediately saw through his little trick, the same routine as Ke Yunlu and his wife:

"Just this once, never happen again."

"Hey, thank you Teacher Fang, thank you Teacher Fang!"

Wang Shuo was very excited, "When I get married, I will definitely invite you to the wedding."

Ye Jing suggested: "In my opinion, why don't we take advantage of this rare opportunity and treat Teacher Fang to a drink."

Feng Xiaogang agreed repeatedly. This opportunity to flatter Teacher Fang was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could not be sought after!
"Forget it this time. I've already made an appointment with a friend."

Fangyan looked at his watch and then at the door.

Wang Shuo and Ye Jing originally thought they were waiting for Gong Xing, but they never expected that it was Zhu Lin who came. Accompanying him were Suzuki Yoko, Matsuzaka Keiko and Awahara Komaki. One after another, these strange and beautiful faces passed before their eyes.

After watching Fangyan and the others leave, Feng Xiaogang came back to his senses from his surprise:
"Isn't that the heroine of "Putian March"?"

"That's right, I was wondering why he looked so familiar!"

Ye Jing said: "Teacher Fang, a grown man, is with Zhu Lin and three Japanese women, this... this..."

There was a gleam of envy in his eyes, and he was shouting in his heart, "That person can be replaced!"
"If I become a great writer like Teacher Fang, can I also be like this..."

Wang Shuo was in a trance for a moment and fell into deep self-doubt. Is this the charm of a literary master?
The three of them stood there in a daze, their minds full of random thoughts, but they all thought of one thing in the same way -

This is what a man should do!
………………

"cheers!"

The laughter and joy at the table and the feeling of tipsiness brought by alcohol make people feel a relaxed and happy atmosphere and gradually let down their guard.

"Mr. Fangyan, I have already mentioned your song "Jealous" to the president."

Keiko Matsuzaka's cheeks blushed slightly, "He told me to thank you very much." Then she filled the glass and raised her hands high.

Faced with the toast, Fangyan did not refuse. He clinked his glasses lightly and drank a large glass.

"The president also asked me to tell you."

Keiko Matsuzaka repeated that when "The Ring" is introduced to Japan, Fangyan must be invited to Japan to attend the premiere.

Aohara Xiaojuan added, "And Zhu Lin-chan."

"I?"

Zhu Lin never dreamed that he would have the opportunity to go to Japan.

"Of course, you are the heroine of "The Ring"!"

Awahara Komaki firmly believes that once such a rare horror film is released, it will definitely cause a bigger sensation in Japan than "That Mountain, That Man, That Dog".

"I have to thank Teacher Fang for all this." Zhu Lin's eyes flickered, "I, I toast to you!"

Fangyan drank the wine generously, and saw Matsuzaka Keiko next to him immediately holding the bottle and filling the glass again:
"If I keep drinking like this, I'll be drunk in no time."

"Alala, really? I don't believe it!"

Keiko Matsuzaka said: "Yoko-chan has told me that when Fangyan-kun drinks, he can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk."

"Hi, hi, I've never seen Teacher Fang drunk!" Suzuki Yoko nodded and toasted.

Seeing the three women taking turns to compete with Fang Yan in drinking, Zhu Lin said anxiously: "Don't just drink, eat some food while it's hot."

Matsuzaka Keiko smiled and said, "Zhu Lin-chan is really virtuous. I'm sure your husband will be very happy to marry you."

Zhu Lin's expression changed slightly, and he looked around and said something else, "Yoko, Qingzi, don't you have any plans to get married?"

Awahara Komaki and Suzuki Yoko gave the same answer, both of them had no plans to get married for the time being.

Keiko Matsuzaka gave a more detailed answer. As the "number one" of Shochiku Film Company, the interests involved in her marriage were complicated.

Even if they agreed, Shochiku would not easily let go of this cash cow, because in Japan, once a female star announces her marriage, she either semi-retires or, like Yamaguchi Momoe, basically announces her retirement and ends her acting career.

"I'm a little luckier than Keiko-chan. She absolutely cannot get married right now."

Awahara Komaki said that Matsuzaka Keiko became famous because of the songs she wrote in dialect, and the company is planning to allow her to develop in the fields of film, television and music.

Fang Yan joked, "So, I delayed Qingzi?"

"What do you think, Fangyan-kun?"

Matsuzaka Keiko pretended to be angry and said, "After this delay, I'm afraid I'll become unmarried, Obasan, how do you think you should compensate me?"

Fangyan shrugged, looking helpless.

Keiko Matsuzaka said drunkenly, "If I still can't get married, will you be my lover?"

"Keiko-chan!"

Awihara Komaki and Suzuki Yoko spoke in unison, their voices were so loud that Zhu Lin was startled and his face was full of confusion.

Fangyan looked at his nose with his eyes and then at his heart with his nose, pretending not to understand, "What did Qingzi just say?"

Awahara Komaki tried hard to cover up for her, "She drank a little too much and said some drunken words just now."

"Hey, what's good about getting married!" Keiko Matsuzaka took a big sip of beer.

Zhu Lin's expression changed again and again, and he said weakly: "Do you think getting married is bad?"

Keiko Matsuzaka nodded and said that if one does not get married, one can be free and can arrange his or her own daily schedule as well as establish his or her own path in life. This kind of satisfying thing is really rare.

Suddenly, the subject changed, "Of course, if you don't get married, you will have no one to rely on, and you will inevitably feel lonely. This is also the price of freedom."

"But if you like someone, shouldn't you get married?" Zhu Lin blinked.

"Love doesn't necessarily mean marriage. Love doesn't mean everything until you get married."

Keiko Matsuzaka glanced at Fangyan and said, "It's better to be close to each other than to be married and sleep in the same bed but have different dreams."

Zhu Lin was speechless for a moment, and his three perspectives were greatly impacted.

"Really!"

Awahara Komaki said helplessly: "Yoko-chan, stop translating for Keiko-chan. She is already drunk and talking nonsense."

"Not at all."

Keiko Matsuzaka asked in her broken Chinese whether this restaurant allowed customers to order songs.

"Of course you can, but we may not have the song you want." Fang Yan asked the waiter to invite Song Huaigui over.

Keiko Matsuzaka asked for Teresa Teng's "Air Port", which was first released in Japan. The song sold 75 copies in one year and stayed on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart in Japan for 1974 weeks in 28. It was considered as a stepping stone for Teresa Teng to open up the Japanese music scene.

As expected, the French restaurant Maxim's doesn't have this song.

"If you want, I'll ask someone to find it for you."

Fangyan, with the intention of fulfilling his duty as a good host, promised readily.

"Arigato, dialect-kun!" Matsuzaka Keiko showed a meaningful smile and raised her glass, "Mina, cheers!"

"cheers!"

Awahara Xiaojuan stared at Fangyan with complicated eyes, wanting to say something but hesitant. But she still didn't say anything. (End of this chapter)