Chapter 42: Scar: Destined Not to Last!

He discusses the novel "High Mountain" and its author Chunfeng with his classmates every day, never expecting to meet them here today.

"A pleasure to meet you today. I've long heard of your pen name, and today I finally can ask you in person."

Liu Zhenyun rose enthusiastically, stretched his arm over the table, and shook hands with Xu Yuexin again, saying.

Xu Yuexin also stood, and after shaking hands gestured for him to sit down: "We're all friends, no need for formalities."

"Hey, then I'll keep calling you Brother Xu."

Liu Zhenyun, his emotions high, said, "Brother Xu, may I ask, what state of mind did you have when you wrote the widely acclaimed work 'High Mountain'?"

"I just wanted to write something different."

Xu Yuexin smiled faintly and replied concisely.

Before he published "The Flower Wreath Under High Mountain", the literary world was dominated by "Scar", and many publications featured numerous works with the same theme as "Scar" and largely similar plots.

With Xu Yuexin's writing skill, publishing a similar piece would be a piece of cake.

The problem, he thinks, is that works like "Scar" are doomed to lack lasting vitality. Moreover, when the subject matter is so repetitive, following the trend can hardly achieve eye‑catching results.

Precisely because of this, Xu Yuexin ultimately chose "High Mountain" as his debut work.

At the table, Wang Chaoyin, Chen Jiangong, and Liu Zhenyun, upon hearing his answer, subtly sensed its deeper meaning.

"Trim the superfluous to the simple like the three‑autumn tree, and lead the novel with the February flower."

Wang Chaoyin nodded slightly, praising, "Having a work like 'High Mountain' leading innovation is an important factor behind our country's flourishing literary development over the past two years."

"We can't open a magazine or newspaper and find 'Scar' everywhere."

As Editor Group Leader, his remark was clearly biased and resonated with everyone present.

"After 'Scar' was published, there have been far too many novels similar to it."

Chen Jiangong said gravely, "Team Leader Wang, what do you think?"

"I quite share that sentiment."

Wang Chaoyin chuckled wryly, "Now, for every ten submissions I receive, at least eight are Scar Literature."

"Not to say it myself, but some of them are genuinely worrisome in literary quality, overly immersed in personal emotional expression, and their overall style is too gloomy and oppressive."

"Yet many publications still like to publish these."

Liu Zhenyun asked weakly, "Will this situation last long?"

Chen Jiangong let out a "hiss" and fell into thought.

Although Chen Jiangong and Wang Chaoyin share the view that Scar Literature is overly rampant and riddled with flaws, he still cannot determine how long this trend will persist.

Perhaps it could thrive for several decades? Like the Tang Dynasty's Han Yu, later generations praised him as the literary decline of eight generations. And that means… in the meantime, the nation's literary enterprise has weakened for as long as eight dynasties.

In view of this, Chen Jiangong felt uncertain and could not give an answer.

At this moment, Xu Yuexin made a statement.

"In another two or three years, the wave of Scar Literature should recede."

Xu Yuexin said with absolute certainty, "Essentially, it is a kind of literature lacking lasting vitality."

After his hint, Wang Chaoyin recalled the previous interview: "I remember you said that in front of the reporter comrades…"

"Hmm, I still hold that view to this day."

Xu Yuexin's face was as calm as water, and he analyzed methodically, "With our country's rapid economic growth, more and more people will focus their attention on the new achievements of social development and the emerging problems therein."

"Novels like 'Scar', whose entire narrative is driven by personal emotions from past eras and disconnected from the times, will garner ever fewer resonances. 'Readers don't like them, so they naturally fade away in the end.'"

Growth, development…

Those two words struck like a heavy hammer on each person's heart in the room.

Literature and societal change are ultimately inseparable.

As Xu Yuexin said, literature out of step with the times will ultimately be abandoned by the masses.

So the question arises… In the upcoming new era, which types of literary themes can lead the trend?

Wang Chaoyin, Chen Jiangong, and Liu Zhenyun are eager to know the answer.

"Um, Brother Xu, may I ask which themes you are optimistic about in the next two years?"

Liu Zhenyun humbly asked, wishing to, like Xu Yuexin and Chen Jiangong before him, produce solid works and secure a place in the literary world.

"Reform and Opening‑up literature is a theme that will certainly endure."

"Since the conference concluded last year, every facet of society has been renewed—from the countryside to the cities, from fields to factories, and even within Party and government organs, many encouraging changes have emerged."

"As reform and opening‑up continue to advance, similar progress will become increasingly common. Grabbing any one aspect as a theme offers the possibility of producing a good work."

Xu Yuexin said without hesitation.

From the classic late‑1970s work "Qiao Factory Director's Appointment Record" to later pieces such as "In the Name of the People", all fall under the broad category of reform and opening‑up literature.

As long as one is willing to work on this theme, the chances of achieving results are great.

"Mm‑mm, thank you, Brother Xu, your viewpoint is truly incisive."

"I must take careful notes."

Liu Zhenyun repeatedly reflected on Xu Yuexin's earlier guidance, pondering earnestly.

"I agree with Old Xu's view."

Chen Jiangong said in agreement, "Besides reform‑opening literature, are there any other themes you favor?"

"Historical themes. Our country has 5,000 years of history, with countless dynasties and figures worth writing about."

Xu Yuexin said confidently, "If we delve further, the most promising subjects are still the long‑lasting unified dynasties of Han, Tang, and Ming."

"Moreover, fundamentally, history belongs to the cultural realm. After material prosperity, the demand for culture rises, thereby increasing society's appetite for excellent historical works and providing fertile ground for such literature."

"Old Xu makes a sound point; historical themes are a rich mine."

Chen Jiangong, after listening, murmured, "They are just waiting for us to explore and mine."

Wang Chaoyin fell into thoughtful contemplation.

Historical subject?

After he said that, indeed the prospects are broad and full of promise.

Like Chen Jiangong and Liu Zhenyun, Wang Chaoyin listened attentively to Xu Yuexin's analysis the whole time, and at this point felt something in his mind was illuminated.

A few years ago, many historical figures and dynasties became targets for being dismantled, and authors at one point were mute as mice regarding historical subjects, daring not to touch them.

What else offers more room for pioneering than a field that has been blank for over a decade? Xu Yuexin really has a keen eye!

Wang Chaoyin thought excitedly.

(End of chapter)