Back to 80: My Literary Life

"Huh? Grandma?"

Fang Minghua put down his book and looked at his grandma.

"I understand what your grandma means." Grandpa, who was sitting on the sofa reading the newspaper, took over and said.

"What your grandma means is that if you want to find common topics with Qian Zhongshu, or even impress him, you don't have to read his books and tell him that he likes them."

"For example, when your grandma and I fell in love when we were young, she liked to read books and newspapers, but I, a big, rough guy, would never mention poems or books when I was in love with your grandma, nor would I talk about my wars. I would only talk about these things. What I saw and heard when I traveled all over the country during the war, the customs and customs, your grandma is just a lady, and she has been living in a big city like Nanjing, so how could she have heard so much about it, she was instantly fascinated by me, hehe."

"Hey, don't talk nonsense in front of juniors, that's not the case." Grandma couldn't help but said angrily, but the smile rising from the corner of her mouth betrayed her inner thoughts.

Oh my god.

Grandpa, you are really a master at flirting with girls.

The next morning, Fang Minghua changed into clean clothes before going out to Qian Zhongshu's house.

Qian Zhongshu lives in Sanlihe. There is a high-end residential area here, directly under the State Council. It is composed of small bungalows and is home to some high-level special people.

The Nanshagou community where Qian Zhongshu lived was a quiet courtyard amidst the hustle and bustle. Fang Minghua rushed over and saw that there were many tall trees and green lawns in the courtyard, which was a quiet place amidst the hustle and bustle.

Fang Minghua carried the apple and went over to knock on the door. The door creaked open. It was an old woman with short hair and a kind face. Fang Minghua knew she was Qian Zhongshu's wife, Yang Jiang, and said politely.

"Hello Mr. Yang, my name is Fang Minghua. I am from the Qin Provincial Writers Association. I have made a special trip to visit Mr. Qian."

"I heard Yuan Chong said, come in."

Fang Minghua felt happy. If he didn't accept the rejection, he would have something to play.

After entering, I found that it was a living room, but it was more like a study. There were several bookcases around it, all of which were densely packed with books.

Qian Zhongshu was watching something quietly at his desk.

Fang Minghua followed Yang Jiang in. Qian Zhongshu just raised his head and nodded slightly as a greeting.

Yang Jiang was more enthusiastic. She asked Fang Minghua to sit down and poured him water.

This is the first time that Fang Minghua has entered the home of these masters of the Republic of China.

Ordinary people have a sense of mystery about them, and many people like to talk about the anecdotes of these talented people and beauties back then.

For example, during the special period, Qian Zhongshu's family fought with others, and Yang Jiang had an quarrel with another talented woman Lin Huiyin.

In fact, if you think about it, we are all just human beings. They all have their own worries, joys, sorrows, and joys, and it’s not a big deal.

Fang Minghua was naturally not interested in these and was not familiar with Qian Zhongshu. Thinking of what his grandma said last night, he did not mince words and directly stated the purpose of his visit: to invite Mr. Qian to serve as a member of the jury for the upcoming World Chinese Literature Award.

Fang Minghua briefly explained the reason and purpose of establishing this award, and finally said sincerely: "Mr. Qian, you are a famous master of Chinese studies and a writer. You have a very profound research on Western literature. We established this award not only for Chinese people but also for Chinese people." A global writer, I would like to invite you to serve as a member of the jury.”

Before Qian Zhongshu could speak, Yang Jiang, who was walking aside, said: "Comrade Xiaofang, thank you for your kindness. My old Qian has not been in good health recently. He went to the hospital for a checkup and the doctor said he has some kidney problems and should not be tired. You should also I know that being a judge takes a lot of energy and physical strength, so..."

This is a polite rejection.

Fang Minghua felt disappointed.

But this reason was so good that Fang Minghua could not ask again.

So he hurriedly said a few words to please take care of yourself, and prepared to say goodbye and leave.

At this moment, Qian Zhongshu, who had been silent all this time, suddenly looked at him: "Comrade Xiao Fang, I heard that you attended Shen Congwen's funeral? Are you familiar with Congwen?"

"No, no, I have never met Mr. Shen. I have only read the book "Border Town" written by him, and I admire it very much." Fang Minghua quickly explained: "It was also a coincidence that I attended Mr. Shen's funeral."

After attending the Writers Association's board meeting, Fang Minghua went to his friend Shi Tiesheng's house to play. After seeing the news of Mr. Shen's death published in the newspaper, he decided to attend the funeral and, as a junior, bid farewell to Mr. Shen on his last journey.

"Haha, Chongwen (Shen Congwen's pen name) has never written a novel since the founding of the People's Republic of China. I thought that so-called legacy of the Republic of China like us would have been forgotten long ago, but I didn't expect that there would be a descendant who remembers him." Qian Zhongshu hehe. He smiled and suddenly said: "Comrade Xiao Fang, I accept your invitation to be a judge."

"Thank you, thank you." Fang Minghua was overjoyed.

"Aji, you..." Yang Jiang was about to say something, but was interrupted by Qian Zhongshu: "I can't die, I just read a few novels, it doesn't matter."

Fang Minghua talked about the current preparation status of the jury again, left his contact information and left.

Finally done!

Fang Minghua was very happy.

In the afternoon, Fang Minghua went to the Writers' Association again to find Wang Meng, mainly to hear Wang Meng's views on the judges and reading class candidates.

Wang Meng generally agreed with the people on the list, but he also changed a few people and put forward his own opinions.

"Let Liu Xingwu also join the reading class."

Fang Minghua naturally knew Liu Xingwu. After he was forced to resign as editor-in-chief of "People's Literature" due to the "tongue coating incident" in 1986, although he returned to the magazine after self-examination, his status was very delicate and he later concentrated on studying "Dream of Red Mansions".

Fang Minghua didn't have any opinions on this matter. He mainly heard that when he was in charge of the editorial department of "Yanhe" a few years ago, Liu Xingwu regarded him as his biggest competitor and was not interested in it, so he was not included in the reading class.

But Liu Xingwu was a writer himself and had been an editor-in-chief. The conditions were very good. Now that he heard what Wang Meng said, he readily agreed.

Although he didn't know exactly what the personal relationship between Wang Meng and Liu Xingwu was, Liu Xingwu succeeded Wang Meng as the editor-in-chief of "People's Magazine" back then!

In fact, the literary world is a big world.

After finishing processing, Fang Minghua told about meeting Chen Yingzhen and Qian Zhongshu, and Wang Meng laughed.

"Xiao Fang, you are really powerful. You actually invited Mr. Qian." After speaking, he said emotionally: "These scholars, who were very famous during the Republic of China, became unknown after the founding of the People's Republic of China. However, I believe that their knowledge and articles will be used in the future." It will definitely be understood by more and more ordinary people.”

"Lenin said it well. Forgetting history means betrayal. It seems that it was not said by Lenin, but a line. But no matter what, we cannot turn a blind eye to history, let alone forget it."

Wang Meng's words are somewhat meaningful.

After finishing the business, Fang Minghua was not in a hurry to leave Yanjing and go to his own Liuya Hutong.

After Wang Zi left, no one lived in the yard. Although there were no flowers, it was not overgrown with weeds. Song Tangtang's grandfather would send people over every once in a while to help clean the yard.

Fang Minghua also met with Shi Tiesheng, Xichuan Luo Yihe and others respectively. In addition to being friends who had not seen each other for a long time, he came to chat and talk about his idea of ​​establishing the World Chinese Literature Award.

Everyone was very supportive. Fang Minghua asked about Haizi's condition again. Xi Chuan said that he was still hospitalized in the Sixth People's Hospital, and his condition was good and bad.

"Minghua, do you want to see him?"

Fang Minghua was silent for a moment.

"Next time."

Fang Minghua originally left Yanjing to visit Palladium in Shanghai, but before leaving, he suddenly received a call from Zhao Hongjun from Xijing.

Tell him not to leave Yanjing in a hurry, saying that a friend in Yanjing who is engaged in real estate has introduced six courtyard houses, and we can take a look.