The Spring Festival of 1989 had just passed, and nearly a year and a half had passed since Lin Chaoyang's last novel "The Great Era" was published.
For efficient players like Chen Jiangong and Zheng Wanlong, let alone writing a long novel, even a medium novel may not be able to finish the second part.
But for Lin Chaoyang, this is already a rare inefficiency.
After all, he was a ruthless person who finished writing "Enter Guandong" within 8 months. Even if Lu Yao was half as efficient as him, he wouldn't be tired before he gets old.
After getting the manuscript of Lin Chaoyang's new book, several people were very excited. There is only one copy of the manuscript and everyone wants to read it, so they will be ranked first.
Li Tuo was ranked number one. After reading five pieces of manuscript paper, he handed it over to the next person. This is called flow work.
At first, from time to time, someone complained because the people in front were reading too slowly. Later, everyone gradually became immersed in the story weaved by Lin Chaoyang. The room was silent except for the sound of papers being turned from time to time.
A group of people watched from noon to night, and when it got completely dark, everyone was shocked to realize that half a day had passed just like that.
Several people looked at the manuscripts in their hands with reluctant expressions.
"It's getting late, you guys go back first." Li Tuo assumed the attitude of a master and said to Zheng Wanlong,
Chen Jiangong and others said.
"You won't leave?"
"I'll keep this here tonight."
Initially, a few people were hesitant to leave, but after Li Tuo said this, they didn't want to leave.
"Go back when you need to. Why don't you stay up all night?" Li Tuo advised.
"You can stay up all night, why can't we?"
"Do you want to compare this too?"
Several people argued for a while and finally decided unanimously not to go home.
No reply means no reply, but you still have to line up and call home to say something.
After reading the novel all night, Lin Chaoyang took a look in the morning and saw that several people's eyes were as red as Mr. Rabbit's, but their spirits were very high.
After a few people had breakfast, they planned to finish reading the novel in one sitting. At this time, a group of people came to the west courtyard of Xiaoliubukou Alley.
In the afternoon, Li Tuo finally finished reading the novel first. He took Lin Chaoyang with him and was about to talk about his feelings with excitement on his face, when another group of people came to the yard.
Today is Saturday, movie night in the West Courtyard of Xiaoliubukou Hutong. For more than a year, this event has become a source of happiness for many people.
Among the people who came were several young editors of literary magazines in Yanjing and students who were also studying at the Lu Xun Institute of Literature. There were more than a dozen people in the group, and the courtyard suddenly became lively.
Everyone originally came here for the movie. I heard that Li Tuo and others had just finished watching Lin Chaoyang's new work, and they immediately became interested. They stopped watching the movie and rushed to grab the manuscript.
Yu Hua, with his quick eyes and quick hands, grabbed the beginning of the novel that had already been read by Li Tuo and others.
"Enrollment".
The three-character title came into view, and it immediately caught Yu Hua's eyes and his heart.
It is not difficult to understand the literal meaning of the three words "Jishi". Yu Hua's parents are doctors, and when he was a child, he even took a nap in the hospital morgue.
It's just that this title is a bit too literal, and it doesn't fit in with the title in domestic funeral culture.
The thought flashed through his mind, and he didn't have time to think about it.
There were more than a dozen people nearby staring at the beginning of his hand, and he had to look at it quickly.
The novel that Li Tuo, Yu Hua and others saw was "Enter the Master" adapted from a Japanese film by Lin Chaoyang.
This film is adapted from the novel of the same name. It is a rare adaptation that surpasses the original work as the most representative film.
The movie tells the story of a cellist named Kobayashi Daigo who has a musical dream and is forced to return to his hometown due to life constraints.
It is difficult for Daigo Kobayashi to find a job without any skills.
Then he was attracted by an eye-catching job advertisement1, "No age limit, high salary guaranteed, very short actual working hours. We are looking for a journey assistant." Unexpectedly, when he rushed to NK Office to apply for the job with the advertisement, he learned that,
The person being recruited turned out to be a teacher.
Despite his resistance, Xiaolin Dawu accepted the job due to the pressure of life.
When he first got involved in work, he felt very uncomfortable with the various shocks he faced, but as the story progressed, he gradually changed through each experience.
From the initial confusion and confusion, to the later understanding, recognition and even love.
After the film was released in 2009, it received a high reputation from the audience and won the Japan Academy Award for Best Picture and the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
It is worth mentioning that "Enter the Master" is not the original title of the original novel and movie, but the translated title released in China.
The original name of the movie was "Diary of a Coffin Bearer", and "Coffin Bearer" is the name given to professional personnel in Japanese funeral culture.
The term "entering the funeral" was coined by domestic translators, but it unexpectedly enhanced the quality of the movie, and thus gave people in the funeral industry in China a decent title.
"Chaoyang, how did you come up with the idea of ​​writing about this subject?" Li Tuo asked.
Lin Chaoyang briefly talked about meeting Xiao Baicheng at the Hong Kong event, "At that time, I thought it would be interesting to write about this subject."
Li Tuo nodded slightly, Lin Chaoyang was right, this subject matter is indeed very interesting to write about, and not only interesting.
The theme expression of "Entering the Master" is naturally highly dramatic and ideological, because death is one of the eternal themes of mankind.
Lin Chaoyang's novel revolves around death and farewell, and the theme must touch on extremely profound and thought-provoking topics.
The discussion of life and death runs throughout. The profession of inspector directly faces death. Through the detailed description of their work process, the novel conveys a view on death that is different from traditional thinking.
In terms of narrative style, Lin Chaoyang uses extremely plain language without any fancy or ostentatious elements, which instead makes the novel more emotionally charged.
As a reader, there seems to be a touch of sadness hidden between the lines of the novel, which is everywhere.
But if you savor it carefully, you will find that its plot is not heavy. Instead, it talks about life and death, making people unconsciously immersed in it, creating a peaceful and solemn atmosphere, which heals people's hearts.
In addition to the discussion of life and death, the novel's discussion of professional prejudice, gender prejudice, and family love are also impressive.
Thinking of this, Li Tuo had to admire Lin Chaoyang. Over the years, he has always had extremely high pursuits in creation, not only in terms of style and technique, but also in terms of subject matter and content.
In his view, Lin Chaoyang's creative ideas have completely jumped out of the categories that contemporary Chinese writers are concerned about.
Going to higher dimensions.
"This novel of yours is more modern than your previous works." Li Tuo said suddenly.
The modernity he talks about is not the "Western modernism" or "modernism" pursued by many people today, but a conceptual innovation.
Li Tuo opened up the conversation when talking about his views and feelings about the novel.
"In our Chinese society, or East Asian society, death is an untouchable topic. The greatest advantage of your novel is that it provides our society with another perspective on death."
While Li Tuo was explaining his inner views, several other people also finished reading the novel and joined the discussion.
Everyone's evaluation of the novel is unexpectedly high. As a literary person, there is always an excess of romanticism in our hearts.
The profession of becoming a teacher is something that few people have access to, and it is full of mystery.
Once it is mysterious, it will immediately create legend and artistry in everyone's hearts.
Everyone discussed the novel enthusiastically. Zheng Wanlong said: "I think the beginning of "Enter the Master" is the best beginning among domestic novels in recent years!"
His bold speech won unanimous recognition from everyone.
Lin Chaoyang's version of "Enter the Master" is still set in Hong Kong.
Originally, he also considered setting the story in the Mainland, but the current social conflicts, professional prejudice and other issues in the Mainland are still not intense enough compared to a capitalist society like Xiangjiang, so after much deliberation he chose Xiangjiang.
The protagonist is Lin Dawu. He studied cello in his early years and was admitted to the famous Manhattan School of Music in the United States. However, he was not the kind of talented musician. In his middle age, he was laid off from the orchestra and suffered a career crisis.
After he couldn't find a good job in the United States, he planned to return to Hong Kong to work as a phoenix. However, it backfired and the job he had negotiated was lost.
It was difficult for a musician like him to find a job in Xiangjiang, so he had no choice but to enter the teaching profession.
From cellist to teacher, this identity change is full of drama and conflict.
"I think the biggest advantage of "Entering the Master" is that it is far away from ghosts and gods. Whether in the West or the East, death is often artificially related to religion.
"Entering the Master" is unique in this regard, completely abandoning religious connotations. Even though it contains descriptions of Buddhism, Taoism, and Christianity, those religious behaviors between Chaoyang's brushstrokes are nothing more than a placebo.
Focusing the topic on the relationship between life and death is closer to the essence of things, which can touch people's hearts more and mobilize people's true feelings."
The heated discussion continued late into the night. They had been excited about a novel for a long time.
It's time to get excited.
This evening was supposed to be a movie night, but everyone paid no attention to it. They were either reading novels or discussing novels.
By the next day, Sunday, those who came later had also finished reading the novel and participated in the discussion. The situation was even more lively than a seminar on the work.
It was not until Sunday afternoon that everyone finally got tired and stopped discussing.
Yu Hua finally asked Lin Chaoyang a question, "Teacher Chaoyang, our country does not have the title of 'Jishi', right? Why did you think of giving this novel this name?"
His question also aroused everyone's curiosity, and they all turned their attention to Lin Chaoyang.
"Being a funeral practitioner is indeed a coined word. Not only in our country, but also in many regions and countries, working in the funeral industry is an unpopular job.
In Hong Kong, these people are called workmen, and in Japan, these people are called coffin bearers. What lies behind these names is often the society's contempt for this kind of people.
In order to write this novel, I was at the Xiangjiang Funeral Home————·
Lin Chaoyang talked about his experience of collecting photos at Xiangjiang Funeral Home, and then continued.
"There are many people like Ah Hao and Ah Lian in this society. Although we always advocate that there is no distinction between high and low professions, when implemented in real life, it is mostly just empty words.
Why do the educated youth want to return to the city? Now everyone says that those who research missiles are not as good as those who sell tea eggs. What is the logic behind this? I think everyone will understand even if I don’t say it.
When I was naming this book, I had another option, "The Farewell", but in the end I thought about it and thought it would be better to use "The Examiner".
The title "Jinshi" may not change anything, but at least it can comfort this group of people."
Lin Chaoyang expressed his thoughts in a calm tone. After listening, everyone present could not help but show a bit of admiration in their eyes.
It turns out that there is such intention and ingenuity behind the title of the book "The Examiner".
Everyone couldn't help but sigh, probably only Lin Chaoyang's thinking could create such an outstanding work.
After seeing the true face of Lushan in "Enter the Master", everyone was satisfied.
When he was about to leave, Zheng Wanlong begged Lin Chaoyang: "Chaoyang, why don't you publish this novel in our magazine?"
Since "Crossing Guandong", Lin Chaoyang's novels are no longer published through literary magazines, but are published directly.
He does not lack the exposure of magazine publication, but magazine exposure may even affect the sales of the novel.
Zheng Wanlong knew about this, but he used the energy of "Apple is not selling well, please help us" and cried to Lin Chaoyang about the difficult living environment of literary magazines in the past two years, in an attempt to win Lin Chaoyang's sympathy.
After he started crying, before Lin Chaoyang expressed his position, Zhu Wei couldn't sit still.
Zheng Wanlong is now the deputy editor of "October" and he is also the backbone of "People's Literature".
It was fine if I didn’t send it to the magazine before. Now if I want to send it, I can’t send it to “October.” Does People’s Literature think that I am a dead person?
Zhu Wei intervened, which made Zheng Wanlong a little dissatisfied. It was true that we were friends, but there were no brothers in front of the manuscript editor.
A good manuscript is like a goddess. People are chasing after it. As long as you relax a little, you don't know who will pry you away.
"You two, please stop arguing. I didn't say which one of you I would publish!"
Lin Chaoyang watched Zhu Wei and Zheng Wanlong get into a fight over a disagreement, and helplessly came out to break up the fight.
"Chaoyang, this matter has nothing to do with you. I mentioned it to you first because he insisted on taking it."
"Why do you mean I have to grab it? I didn't give you the manuscript, so how can I make what you said become yours?"
The two of you said something to each other, and I didn't want to give in to each other.
"People's Literature" and "October" are both top literary journals in China, and both are located in Yanjing. They often have disputes over manuscript requests.
Mo Yan's "Red Sorghum" was originally a manuscript written by Zhu Weiyue. Zhang Shouren of "October" read the manuscript and thought it was well written, so he took it back to the editorial office.
Zhu Wei was furious when he heard the news. He called and took the manuscript back from "October" with a curse.
There is also Lin Chaoyang's "Garlands Under the Mountains", which Liu Xinwu originally agreed to publish in "October", but was forced to be published in "People's Literature" by the superior department.
Cases like this have happened more than once or twice in recent years. Today, old and new grudges are superimposed, and Zhu Wei and Zheng Wanlong are determined to show off.
Lin Chaoyang felt helpless, while the others watched the excitement and didn't mind the matter, and even gave the two of them advice on how to decide the outcome.
No one noticed at this time, Yu Hua sneaked out and found a phone booth on Chang'an Street.
"Hey, Sister Xiaolin, let me tell you-"
Zhu Wei and Zheng Wanlong's heads were not decided in the end. After all, it was impossible for the two to really fight, but the matter was not over yet.
The next day, Liu Xinwu and Xie Dajun met at the entrance of Xiaoliubukou Hutong. When they looked at each other, there was a strong smell of gunpowder.
Liu Xinwu was almost laid off due to the "tongue coating" incident the year before last. After some sincere self-examination and self-criticism, he was able to return to his job. He is still at the helm of "People's Literature" and Xie Dajun is the third editor-in-chief of "October".
The two men walked into Lin Chaoyang's house aggressively. Before they could say anything, they saw a plainly dressed middle-aged woman sitting on the sofa. They were stunned at first, and then they felt like they were facing a formidable enemy.
"You must all know each other, so I won't introduce you." Lin Chaoyang said from the side.
It really needs no introduction. Liu Xinwu of "People's Literature", Xie Dajun of "October", Li Xiaolin of "Harvest", the heads of the three top domestic literary magazines are gathered here.
Except for some heavyweight meetings, this is the first time for such a scene.
"When did Xiaolin come to Yanjing? Why didn't you say hello?"
Liu Xinwu had a smile on his face, but his tone sounded strange.
"I just arrived today. I wanted to finish my errands and go to your place to say hello."
Li Xiaolin responded with a normal expression, and nodded and exchanged greetings with Xie Dajun.
"Comrade Xiaolin is also interested in Comrade Chaoyang's new work?"
After saying hello, the atmosphere in the room fell into silence.
After a few seconds, Xie Dajun was the first to break the silence and took the initiative to ask Li Xiaolin.
"Yeah, I heard someone said that Chaoyang's new work is going to be published in a magazine——."
Lin Chaoyang quickly stopped her, "Sister Xiaolin, I never said this."
Li Xiaolin looked at him with a smile, "Maybe I heard wrong."
"Yes, that's right, that's what I heard too." Liu Xinwu said quickly. It seemed that he was planning to make the three of them into a tiger and speak loudly, creating an established fact and leaving Lin Chaoyang unable to argue.
"Old Liu, you have gone too far!"
Liu Xinwu quibbled: "I said what we heard, but I didn't say it was you who said it."
Lin Chaoyang:——·
The purpose of the three people's coming today is very clear, they are here to "Enter the Teacher".
In the past two years, domestic literary magazines have experienced varying degrees of decline. The reasons for this are complex.
But the biggest reasons boil down to three.
First, the literary craze that has lasted for more than ten years has fully digested the spiritual pursuits that people had suppressed in the previous years;
Secondly, the rise of various forms of entertainment has enriched people’s spare time life, and literature is no longer an important choice;
Third, the wave of commercialization is sweeping across the country. "One billion people, 900 million are down, and 100 million are still looking for it." is not an empty statement. People's focus is changing dramatically.
Magazine sales are declining, so naturally everyone has to find a solution.
In the early years, whenever Lin Chaoyang's works were published, the sales of the corresponding magazines would be huge, and the "Lin Baifang" phenomenon was once formed in the domestic literary journal industry.
Given the popularity of Lin Chaoyang's works, no matter which magazine gets the right to publish his new work, it is inevitable that the current issue of the magazine will sell well, and it will also increase the magazine sales for a period of time in the future. The benefits are huge.
Of course, everyone does not want to miss this opportunity, and everyone is determined to get this new work.
Even if they haven't even read the content of the novel now, it doesn't hinder their determination.
Several people looked at him with disdain. Originally, Lin Chaoyang had no intention of publishing it through the magazine, but they came to visit him in such a large-scale and mobilized crowd, which was tantamount to putting him on the fire, so Lin Chaoyang simply kept silent.
"Chaoyang, there is no need to mention our relationship. You are a member of our People's Literature. Not to mention the relationship with Yushu, you are still our editorial board member." Liu Xinwu said.
Seeing that he was playing the emotional card, Xie Dajun quickly said: "Comrade Yushu is no longer in your People's Literature, right? Besides, what's the benefit of being an editorial board member of your People's Literature? Just work, no money."
"
"He is still our comrade even though he is gone. Being an editorial board member of "People's Literature" is an honor. Do you think anyone can do this if they want to?"
Liu Xinwu said this and gave Xie Dajun a warning look, as if he was the one who "wanted to be but couldn't", showing his yin and yang aura.
"Alas!" Xie Dajun sighed, "Xinwu, if you didn't tell me, I would have forgotten that you were also our comrade in October."
Before going to "People's Literature", Liu Xinwu had been working at "October".
Listening to Xie Dajun's words, Liu Xinwu's face flashed with a hint of remorse. He had just fired with all his firepower and even rebounded himself.
Just as he was thinking about how to respond to Xie Dajun's words, Xie Dajun spoke.
"Chaoyang, "People's Literature" and "Harvest" are both top magazines in our literary field. In fact, it doesn't matter which one you choose.
However, I think that since your novel has appeared in a magazine for the first time in a few years, you should still give readers some freshness and find a magazine that you have never collaborated with before."
Good guy, what a real tea!
Lin Chaoyang, who was watching the excitement from the sidelines, couldn't help but post a barrage.
Of the three magazines I visited today, "People's Literature" and "Harvest" have both published his novels, but "October" has not. Xie Dajun found this angle really tricky.
Li Xiaolin, who had been silent for a while, couldn't sit still.
"Novelty is not important, what is important is that publication in magazines helps the work.
Chaoyang, you and our Harvest are also old friends.
We plan to send you this novel in one issue."
Liu Xinwu rushed to speak: "After the first issue is published, the headlines are the most basic sincerity."
Then he said to Lin Chaoyang: "Chaoyang, you originally promised to give me "Wreaths Under the Mountains" that year, but in the end, you were messed up by the army."
Xie Dajun responded: "Yes. It was originally going to give us "October", but it was censored by "People's Literature"."
Xie Dajun's pronunciation of the word "October" is particularly standard.
"Chaoyang, my dad heard that your theme this time was about death. He was very interested and wanted to take a look. Li Xiaolin carried her father out. Liu Xinwu and Xie Dajun cursed in their hearts:
You don't talk about martial arts. He is over eighty years old, so you can't let him live a good life?
Liu Xinwu and Xie Dajun were thinking about which respected old comrade they should invite to "Harvest"
During the fight, Lin Chaoyang spoke.
"I said——" Several people immediately looked at him, and Lin Chaoyang sighed, "I really never thought about publishing "Enter the Master" in the magazine. Zheng Wanlong begged me yesterday, and Zhu Wei also followed suit."
The three of them were arguing fiercely. When they heard Lin Chaoyang say this, they immediately stood on the same position.
"Chaoyang, we've already come, you can't let us leave empty-handed, right?"
"Yes, you are here, we are so sincere, you can choose one."
Lin Chaoyang said helplessly: "Don't engage in moral kidnapping. I didn't ask you to do this."
"How can this be moral kidnapping? Chaoyang, do you think we are doing this for ourselves?" Xie Dajun's face suddenly became solemn.
"The sales of major literary magazines have been declining in the past two years, and the decline of pure literature is an indisputable fact. We must do something now for the better development of contemporary literature."
Lin Chaoyang's face was confused by Xie Dajun's sudden "high value", and Lin Chaoyang's expression was dull. Is this okay?
Also, can you please stop exaggerating when you speak?
What is decline? That will happen in a few years, okay? Your life has been very prosperous in the past few years!
"Yes, Chaoyang, Lao Xie is right. Now that literary magazines are declining, it is time for you to stand up. "Chaoyang, it is your unshirkable responsibility to lead the development of contemporary literature. You can't back down!"
Don't you call this moral kidnapping?
Lin Chaoyang shouted loudly in his heart, but at this moment he did not dare to speak at all, because Li, Liu, and Xie stared at him with burning eyes, as if he would be punished if he said "no".
Expelled from the Chinese literary world.
He hesitated for a long time and finally gave in.
"You have several magazines, but I only have one novel. Can't all three of them publish it at the same time?"
After listening to his words, the three of them were overjoyed at first, but then they were also troubled.
Yes, just one novel is not enough!
The three of them looked at each other. We were all foxes for thousands of years. No one wanted to play chat. They gathered together and muttered for a while, and finally the three of them decided:
Rock, scissors, paper.
Whoever wins will get "Enter the Master".
Lin Chaoyang listened to the three people speaking out this method solemnly, and wanted to laugh at their lack of imagination.
The three people gathered around and looked at each other with a hint of nervousness in their eyes.
"Rock, scissors, paper!"
Xie Dajun was the first to be eliminated, and he let out a long sigh in his stomach, God will not help me "October"!
Liu Xinwu and Li Xiaolin were left, and they were a little secretly happy, but more importantly, they were still Zhixin.
It’s still unclear who will win!
"Rock, scissors, paper!"
"Rock, scissors, paper!"
The gestures were the same two times in a row, which made the two of them even more nervous. Liu Xinwu couldn't help but rub his trouser legs with his hands, and Li Xiaolin also put her hands together and rubbed them twice to eliminate the sweat stains.
"Rock, scissors——"
"yeah!"
Before Lin Chaoyang finished shouting, Li Xiaolin had already jumped up, like a pretty girl, full of energy,
Chapter completed!