Chapter 17: A High‑End Gathering of All the Big Shots

"The interview format is rather solemn; it is a one‑way information output from the interviewee to the interviewer. If it could be changed to a few friends chatting informally for reporting, the effect would be better."

"Compared with a solemn dialogue, a more casual chat won't trigger readers' resistance, will give them greater immersion, and the ideas to be conveyed will be more readily accepted."

"Looking back, many interviews with famous personalities were conducted in a few‑people chat format, giving everyone a chance to speak."

"With many speaking angles, the audience, regardless of their original beliefs, can find points that match their own thoughts, making them more easily attracted. At that moment, the interviewee's ideas have more opportunities to spread."

"This method has not yet appeared in the current era. Xu Yuexin has considered this; he wants to be the first to eat the crab."

"Wang Chaoyin, upon hearing Xu Yuexin's view, thought for a moment and found his idea very progressive and reasonable."

"I understand what you mean: subtle influence without a sound, right?"

"Wang Chaoyin, with a rather enlightened expression, said, 'I support your idea. Later I'll go do the work of a comrade over at the People's Daily.'"

"You are the interviewee; they should respect your request."

"As for the interview content, it will definitely revolve around your article 'High Mountain'. The core is the writing style; of course, from the style we can extend many things. To achieve promotional effect, we still have to rely on the extended part."

"Currently Scar Literature is popular on the market; we still want to center on your work and bring something different."

"Something different?"

"What Wang Chaoyin said coincides perfectly with the considerations Xu Yuexin had when he first created."

"From the emergence of Scar Literature in 1977 to the 1978 book 'Scar' formally naming the genre, an unknown number of novels on the same theme appeared in between."

"Frankly, the works are heavily homogenized. Xu Yuexin wrote 'The Wreath Under High Mountain' precisely to create a more popular novel through new subject matter and style."

"During the writing process, he also went through many reflections."

"If he could spread his reflections through an interview, it would undoubtedly add fuel to the already soaring popularity of High Mountain, make the pen name Chunfeng even more resonant, and bring him new material and reputational gains."

"The writing style of High Mountain praises the lofty, does not shy away from darkness, and while looking back, leans toward gazing into the distance."

"When extended, it is nothing more than the author's creative concept and the resonance between style and the times."

"Xu Yuexin introduced methodically, showing Wang Chaoyin his line of thought."

"You are absolutely right; this is exactly the content we want."

"Wang Chaoyin affirmed, 'If we hold the informal chat according to your suggestion, besides the reporter comrade, we'll need to invite others as well.'"

"I will later inform you of the candidates; if you have ideas, tell me, and we will consider them seriously."

"While briefing Xu Yuexin on the arrangements, Wang Chaoyin was also puzzled."

"Wang Meng had previously confirmed for him that Xu Yuexin is undoubtedly a newcomer."

"Yet his performance is so seasoned and experienced; even in the work's promotion phase he can propose his own ideas, which are crucial, logical, and persuasive."

"Wang Chaoyin finally believes today that some people are born to walk the literary path."

"…"

"A few days after the conversation with Wang Chaoyin ended, a list of informal‑chat participants was delivered into Xu Yuexin's hands."

"Wang Meng, Wang Chaoyin, and a People's Daily reporter planned the informal chat at Wang Meng's home, three days later."

"Holding the telegram, Xu Yuexin read it once and truly felt the gathering of elites in this era."

"Wang Chaoyin is the future Deputy Editor-in-Chief of People's Literature Magazine."

"Wang Meng, needn't even mention."

"Regarding the list in his hand, Xu Yuexin expressed no thoughts and fully agreed. In his reply telegram, he only wrote a single 'Okay.'"

"Telegrams are charged per character, so in this era people are stingy with words when sending them."

"After paying the seven‑cent telegram fee, Xu Yuexin returned home from the street telegram office and began to daydream about what he would specifically discuss with the literary giant Wang Meng after their meeting."

"…"

"Soon, the day of the informal chat arrived."

"Xu Yuexin went to Wang Meng's residence using the address Wang Chaoyin provided in the telegram."

"Wang Meng's house is allocated in West City, a cadre building of the City Writers Association, the kind with a small garden."

"When Xu Yuexin arrived, Wang Meng, Wang Chaoyin, and the People's Daily reporter were leisurely chatting in the garden around a small stone table set with teacups and a water kettle, the garden gate wide open."

"Yuexin, welcome, we're discussing the novel High Mountain right now."

"Wang Chaoyin was the first to stand and walk toward Xu Yuexin, greeting loudly."

"Behind him, two middle‑aged men followed; the one wearing glasses gave Xu Yuexin a friendly smile and said, 'Comrade Chunfeng, I have long heard of your great name.'"

"Just as Wang Chaoyin said, very young, very good."

"According to the glasses‑wearing middle‑aged man's earlier understanding, the 'young' Wang Chaoyin referred to should be around thirty; at such a young age, attempting to write a work like High Mountain is very difficult."

"Now that they meet, he realizes Xu Yuexin looks only about twenty."

"Truly, the younger generation can be awe‑inspiring."

"The glasses‑wearing middle‑aged man thought happily, delighted that another young talent has emerged in the literary world."

"When Xu Yuexin entered, Wang Chaoyin introduced the glasses‑wearing middle‑aged man: 'This is Vice Chairman of the City Writers Association Wang Meng.'"

"Then another."

"This is People's Daily reporter Li Renchen; they have all read your book."

"Indeed, this reporter is also a future big‑shot; so today is a full‑member big‑shot gathering?"

"Xu Yuexin thought as he listened to the introductions, shaking hands with the two in turn."

"Chairman Wang, hello, very pleased to meet you here."

"I am also very glad to meet you. The Wreath Under High Mountain is renowned; who wouldn't want to meet its author?"

"Wang Meng's face always wore a smile, giving a feeling like a spring breeze."

"Reporter Li, hello, thank you for coming specially."

"Comrade Chunfeng, your book is written excellently; reading it makes one forget sleep and food."

"Li Renchen's tone was concise, his handshake firm, leaving an equally deep impression on Xu Yuexin."

"You two are too kind; I came today hoping to gain progress from our exchange."

During the small talk, Xu Yuexin and Wang Chaoyin, Wang Meng, and Li Renchen sat at the stone table and entered today's topic, "I hope you two will not withhold your teachings."

"Mutual exchange, joint progress. In some aspects we still need to consult you. For example, regarding the novel 'The Flower Wreath Under High Mountain', you are the author, and only you know the answers to certain questions."

Wang Meng personally poured tea for Xu Yuexin, and as she set down the kettle waved her hand and said, "For instance, when we just discussed your book, we were very interested in your creative mindset. May I ask what state of mind led you to choose Military‑themed literature, and the current style we see that praises heroes without shying away from ugliness?"

(End of chapter)