Chapter 51: People's Literature Award!

Immediately after, Qiao Qiao let out an uncontrollable series of high‑pitched cries……

……

After a while, Xu Yuexin let the flushed‑cheek Qiao Qiao out of his arms and looked up at the sun outside the window.

It's almost noon, let's go eat.

Xu Yuexin put on his clothes and went to the bathroom to freshen up; after Qiao Qiao recovered for a while, he brought them some clothes and watched them dress neatly.

At that moment, Xu Yuexin still lingered on the image of them wearing a cheongsam last night.

Someday he'll buy them a few pairs of flesh‑colored stockings and black stockings to match the cheongsam; that will only be more enjoyable.

Of course, this must consider Qiao Qiao's level of acceptance; it calls for a gradual approach.

Only if they are willing can we keep moving forward.

Xu Yuexin thought.

At noon today the two won't eat at home; Xu Yuexin chose to take Qiao Qiao out to eat.

After returning home, Xu Yuexin began to inventory the household assets together with Qiao Qiao.

"This is our current savings, a total of over 2,900 yuan."

Xu Yuexin sat at the desk, opened the drawer and laid out stacks of Great Unity and various one‑ and two‑yuan coins on the table, introducing to Qiao Qiao, "The overwhelming majority came from my novel writing, and 300 yuan came from my mother."

"By the way, the Manuscript Payment for the lyrics I wrote for your sister last time is also in there, 80 yuan."

Qiao Qiao's eyes widened as they looked.

So much money…

Qiao Qiao clearly remembered that when Xu Yuexin first returned to the city, his savings were roughly zero.

It had only been a few months since he started writing novels, yet he earned so much, and his usual spending standards are high; he hasn't skimped on spending for himself and others outside.

"Your manuscript fees are really high."

Qiao Qiao sighed, "Do you have any major expense plans at the moment?"

"When I've saved enough, I'll buy a house. Then the two of us can move out together, okay?"

"Hey, of course that's good. I also want to buy a big house so we can live together."

"I'll be diligent about saving money from now on."

Hearing Xu Yuexin's plan, Qiao Qiao instantly felt full of hope, very happy and secure.

Being with such a well‑planned, highly capable husband makes them feel at ease.

"You don't need to save money; the key is me, I have to produce more."

Xu Yuexin tapped the Manuscript Paper on the desk and said, "Look, these were all written after my exams ended."

Qiao Qiao's gaze shifted to the Manuscript Paper, roughly estimating the word count, feeling impressed.

"Writing so much…"

"Isn't it tiring?"

While amazed, Qiao Qiao also asked.

"Not at all. As for how vigorous my stamina and energy are, you have the most say on that."

Xu Yuexin pinched Qiao Qiao's waist, smiled, and said.

Understanding, Qiao Qiao blushed, gave him a light push and said, "I'm seriously caring about you."

"Don't say those things, those…" "Those what?"

"Ah, anyway, just don't speak carelessly."

Qiao Qiao pretended to be displeased, deliberately turned their face to hide embarrassment, and said.

"Let's go out to eat."

Xu Yuexin gathered the money from the table, rose from his chair, and said.

The two had a noon meal of Old Brand Qing Shui Hot Pot, and after not strolling outside, they returned home.

Qiao Qiao was on summer vacation, not needing to go to school, staying home to accompany Xu Yuexin in writing novels.

Xu Yuexin wrote at the desk while Qiao Qiao held a professional book on the table, the couple harmonious.

Xu Yuexin still needed one short story to reach his target publication word count; he planned to intensify his writing, aiming to finish within these two days and submit to People's Literature.

He spent the entire afternoon sitting at the desk, writing and writing, not stopping even when his hands ached.

Occasionally, Xu Yuexin would glance with his peripheral vision at the empty spot under the desk.

If someone were to squat there, his writing would surely be even more motivated…

But… just thinking about it is enough; before my own wife married in, she was still a maiden, and now demanding that she certainly couldn't accept.

Gradual approach goal +1!

……

While Xu Yuexin was diligently writing, Wang Chaoyin was gathering the editors in his group to select the list of outstanding novels from 1977 to the present.

Among them, there were five award slots for Long Novels: one First Prize, and two each for Second Prize and Third Prize; the same slot arrangement applied to Mid-length and Short Novels.

Report Literature had three award slots, one each for First, Second, and Third Prize.

Inside the conference room, the editors sat around the long conference table, papers and pens before them.

At the head of the table, Wang Chaoyin, contrary to his usual casual demeanor, held a manuscript and solemnly read to the editors: "Comrades, according to Chief Editor Li Ji's instructions, today we will select the outstanding literary works from 1977 to 1979 here."

"The selection criteria and slot numbers have already been distributed with the meeting notice. I will now emphasize two points."

"First, this selection is a serious event, the highest recognition of a writer's level within the community. Moreover, if there are future national novel awards, we will in principle select from this winning list and recommend to the Writers Association, Literature Federation, and other higher authorities. Please treat this with the utmost seriousness."

"Second, before the official list is announced, everyone must keep the selection process and results strictly confidential, to completely eradicate favoritism and networking. If anyone leaks, the community will handle it severely according to Communist Party and governmental discipline."

"Alright, now each of you write down the works you recommend on paper, without whispering. Once everyone is done, hand them to me, and we will discuss."

Wang Chaoyin concluded in a very solemn tone, because this was an extremely important literary selection. He could not tolerate the sacred literary hall in his mind being tarnished.

The editors all bowed their heads to think seriously, and after a moment some began to pick up pens and write on paper.

Wang Chaoyin also wrote on the paper the outstanding works he had in mind; at this moment he considered more than ordinary editors.

He hoped everyone could reach a consensus and nominate the three works "Flower Wreath under the High Mountain", "Goldbach Conjecture", and "Class Teacher".

Because these three works have all received high approval from Li Ji, if they can be selected from the start, there will be no need to trouble Li Ji with later changes.

Oh right… also "The Horse Herder".

When Li Ji told himself which novel must be selected, "The Horse Herder" had not yet been officially published.

Now "The Horse Herder" has been out for more than a month, and its reception is on par with "Flower Wreath under the High Mountain". If they were to consult Li Ji again, they would definitely decide to add "The Horse Herder".

Time passed minute by minute, and after a while Wang Chaoyin saw that the editors' pens had all stopped, so he ordered everyone to submit the nomination lists they were holding.

(End of Chapter)