Chapter 41: Literary Circle Stars, Brilliantly Gathered (Continued Seeking Readers)

"Alright, I'll wait for you to finish the other stories in the collection."

"In a bit I'll go to the finance office and have them send you the money for the extra printing of High Mountain; remember to pick it up at the post office."

"Ha, a total of 1,800 yuan exactly."

Wang Chaoyin said to Xu Yuexin in a congratulatory tone.

This is the highest single Manuscript Payment issued since People's Literature resumed publication, and Wang Chaoyin is pleased that his author could achieve it.

Xu Yuexin is also in high spirits; this 1,800 yuan more than doubles his savings.

"I've been busy with other matters lately, but I'll carve out time and finish the collection as soon as possible."

Xu Yuexin said confidently, "When it's done, I'll send it over to you."

"Hmm, I'll await your fine work."

Wang Chaoyin said cheerfully, "By the way, I plan to get together with Chen Jiangong and the others in a few days; would you like to have a meal together?"

"Specifically, when?"

"In five days. If you're free, meet me after work at the courtyard gate."

"Alright, we won't miss each other."

"Good, we won't miss each other."

After arranging the meeting time with Wang Chaoyin, Xu Yuexin took a bus back to Wudaokou and studied at home for a while.

The College Entrance Exam draws nearer, and the books on his desk become thinner as he reads them.

After diligent preparation lately, the knowledge that had faded since he entered university is repeatedly revived in Xu Yuexin's mind.

After reading for a while, Xu Yuexin set aside his textbook, took out Manuscript Paper, and began writing a novel to accompany The Horse Herder.

……

On the appointed day, Xu Yuexin left a note at home so his mother wouldn't have to cook for him, then rolled his bicycle downstairs and rode to People's Literature.

These days every household stores their bicycle indoors overnight; important assets must be kept within sight for peace of mind.

Xu Yuexin is big and strong, so moving a bicycle is no trouble.

It would be harder for older comrades or female comrades. In the Faculty Building one often sees elderly people or petite female teachers struggling to carry a 28‑kilogram beam up the stairs, resting a moment on each floor.

In such cases Xu Yuexin usually lends a hand, because they are all old neighbors and these people are also Xu Qiang's colleagues.

At dusk, the fiery clouds on the horizon reddened half of Jingcheng.

Under the evening glow, the streets on both sides buzzed with life, the alternating cries of vendors heralding the arrival of free time after work.

"Watermelons, Pangge Village watermelons, big and sweet, five cents a jin, gritty and sweet!"

"Clearance goods! State‑run big factory's surplus printed cloth, six jiao per chi, no fabric tickets needed!"

"Electronic watches shipped from Guangzhou, 140 yuan each! Buy two for a discount!"

The Contracting Production to Households wind hasn't reached Jing's countryside yet, yet the bold Production Team has quietly expanded its retained land. The number of watermelons on the vendor's stall clearly exceeds what the allotted one‑third self‑retained plot could produce.

State‑run big factories also, under the guise of clearance or surplus goods, have quietly pried open a small crack in the tightly shut doors of the planned economy, selling items that require no tickets, albeit at slightly higher prices.

As for the electronic watches…

Xu Yuexin couldn't help but laugh and cry at the price, a time when electronic watches cost more than mechanical ones.

When the domestic primary manufacturing sector booms in the 1990s, this situation will be quickly reversed.

Facing the cool evening breeze, Xu Yuexin pedaled his bicycle through many streets and alleys, arriving at Chaonei 166.

At the courtyard gate, Wang Chaoyin was leaning on his bicycle waiting for him.

Seeing Xu Yuexin, Wang Chaoyin called out from afar, "Come on, two kilometers away there's a great place to eat; I'll take you there."

"What kind of place is that?"

Xu Yuexin waved his hand toward him, rode up close, and asked.

It's not yet quitting time, so Wang Chaoyin must have slipped out early.

These days being an editor is great; as long as you can receive manuscripts, you enjoy highly flexible working hours.

"It's a restaurant run by a Sole Proprietorship, the food's pretty good." "We used to gather there often."

Wang Chaoyin said as he rode his bicycle forward along Chainei Street.

Xu Yuexin kept close behind, and after they rode out of Chainei Street together, they entered winding alleys and finally stopped in front of a small courtyard without a house number.

The courtyard gate stood open; at the base of both walls were neatly stacked firewood and coal balls, the upper part covered with waterproof oilcloth, and beside it were water jars and chicken cages housing chickens and long‑armed fish.

In the middle of the courtyard a road wide enough for three or four people to walk side by side, and a conspicuously modified large chimney rose on the roof; through the wall one could hear the kitchen's stir‑fry sounds.

A spring breeze just blew in, and many Sole Proprietorships run their businesses inside such private houses. Because the street‑front houses are publicly owned, the managers often hold prejudices against Sole Proprietorships and are reluctant to rent to them.

"That's it."

Wang Chaoyin got off his bicycle, pushed the cart into the courtyard, and shouted toward the house, "Guys, a party of four."

It's clear that he knows the restaurant's proprietor well.

"Hey, a party of four, right? Please come inside."

As soon as the words finished, a smiling middle‑aged female server emerged at the door, her attitude far warmer than that of a state‑run restaurant.

"Lao Wang, we're here."

At that moment, Chen Jiangong's voice came from inside, "Has Lao Xu arrived?"

Apparently he arrived first.

"I'm here."

Xu Yuexin replied and, being first, walked into the house.

From the outside it looks like an ordinary bungalow, but inside one discovers a hidden world.

The whole building has been converted into a restaurant, with a dozen or so tables neatly arranged inside, diners sitting around eating and chatting about everything under the sun.

Chen Jiangong sits at a table against the wall, with a skinny unknown young man beside him, appearing to be about twenty years old.

Seeing Xu Yuexin and Wang Chaoyin walking over, the young man nodded at them and said, "Brother Chen and I have just arrived."

"This is Liu Zhenyun, of the Yanjing University Chinese Department, currently a sophomore."

Wang Chaoyin introduced them, saying, "This is our People's Literature's renowned writer, Xu Yuexin."

"Hello, classmate Zhenyun."

"Hello, Brother Xu."

Liu Zhenyun has not yet published any works; upon hearing that Xu Yuexin is a senior figure in the literary world, he immediately rose to shake hands.

Xu Yuexin shook his hand vigorously, though in truth he felt both amused and helpless.

In fact, when you compare, he is actually a year younger than Liu Zhenyun.

He truly benefited from entering the field early, gaining the title of "big brother."

At that moment, the proprietress handed out the menu; Xu Yuexin ordered the scallion‑fried lamb, Wang Chaoyin ordered the spicy boiled fish slices, and Chen Jiangong ordered a tomato‑egg soup.

Liu Zhenyun initially refused to order, saying he would just eat whatever everyone else had, but after being persuaded he ordered the cold cucumber salad.

After the dishes were ordered, the group started chatting; Liu Zhenyun, being the only one at the table who had not yet published a notable work, spoke relatively less.

Only as the conversation grew more lively did Liu Zhenyun begin to speak more often, joining the table's topics.

Team Leader Wang, the story "The Flower Wreath Under High Mountain" that your Magazine Office published has recently had great influence; our teachers use this novel as a case study in class.

Liu Zhenyun said eagerly, "May I ask if you know the author of this book?"

The moment he finished speaking, Chen Jiangong, sitting nearby, suppressed a laugh.

"Ha ha, far away in the heavens yet close before your eyes, the author is your Brother Xu."

Wang Chaoyin laughed and said, "If you're interested in the novel High Mountain, you can consult him."

The famed author Chunfeng turned out to be the peer standing right before you?

Liu Zhenyun, shocked yet excited, showed it in his eyes.

(End of Chapter)