Chapter 69: The Sister‑in‑Law

"Hm? Have you mentioned this matter to Mao Lao?"

Wang Meng said, surprised.

"No, but Mao Lao told me to talk to him after the ceremony ends."

"Whether he's being polite or not, we should just go find him."

Xu Yuexin, while speaking, ran toward an office building that no one entered or exited, and Wang Meng, seeing this, could only follow.

After going upstairs, Xu Yuexin led him through the interior of the building to the reception room; based on his experience, People's Literature usually meets distinguished guests here.

Now that the award ceremony is over, Mao Lao can only be here.

"I previously spoke with several leaders about publishing in Xiangjiang and overseas; their attitudes were rather conservative."

In front of the reception room door, Wang Meng panted heavily and whispered.

"It's fine. Even if it doesn't work out today, Mao Lao won't blame us."

After speaking, Xu Yuexin knocked on the reception room door, "I'm Xiao Xu, may I ask if Mao Lao is here?"

The voices inside fell silent, then a gentle, kindly voice said, "Please come in."

After the people inside opened the door, Xu Yuexin entered the reception room and saw Mao Dun sitting on the sofa, with People's Literature's chief editor Li Ji and Wang Chaoyin among others seated around him.

"Xiao Xu, why didn't you go claim the prize?"

Mao Dun patted the empty spot beside him and asked with a smile.

"Are there still prizes?"

Xu Yuexin said with slight surprise, "Right after the ceremony ended, I was surrounded; I didn't even know what happened behind me."

"When I went to inform you to claim the prize, I was blocked outside and couldn't get in."

Wang Chaoyin chuckled, "You're a celebrity in the cultural world now."

"I don't deserve the title; I still have to keep working hard."

"Mao Lao, regarding the words I said during the award ceremony just now, may I ask you…"

Xu Yuexin looked at Mao Dun, his eyes showing he wanted to speak but held back, and said.

"We just talked about you, saying you're the first person to take the crab, daring to try calculating manuscript payment by print count."

Mao Lao immediately understood his meaning and teasingly asked, "Looking at your current stance, are you trying to go further on the path of combining literature and commerce?"

"Nothing can hide from you, sir. I want to take 'The Wreath Under the High Mountain' to Xiangjiang for publication, to help promote the heroic image of our troops."

Xu Yuexin looked sincerely and said, "It's just that this matter has no precedent."

"So I came to see you especially today, to ask whether this can be arranged?"

He's really bold.

Hearing Xu Yuexin's words, Li Ji, Wang Chaoyin, Liu Jianqing and others exchanged glances, their pupils trembling in unison.

Daring to appear before the literary world's Tai Shan Beidou, hoping he would speak out to support publishing a book in Xiangjiang, no other writer in the country would dare do this!

"Publishing in Xiangjiang…"

Mao Lao didn't respond immediately, but gently closed his eyes as if pondering.

Sss… If Mao Lao doesn't support it, it will be hard to push this forward later.

On the sofa, Wang Meng also felt nervous, sweating for Xu Yuexin. Only Xu Yuexin remained calm; he thought of nothing, just quietly waiting for the outcome.

"In my recollection, no one has done this in the past ten or so years."

A moment later, Mao Lao opened his eyes again, and his gaze at Xu Yuexin revealed a hint of weathered wisdom, "However, this is undoubtedly a good thing."

"Just as you said, letting Xiangjiang compatriots see the great image of the People's Army, what's not good about that?"

"I support you doing this!"

"Thank you, Mao Lao, for the support!"

Xu Yuexin felt a surge throughout his body, his eyes sparkling, and said, "With your approval, the publishing becomes much easier."

"I'll personally handle this afterward."

Wang Meng followed quickly, "The relevant department's staff are handling this for the first time, lacking experience; with me, the progress can speed up."

"As long as you need it, People's Literature will fully cooperate."

Li Ji also immediately expressed his stance.

"Thank you all for your strong assistance. I've already contacted the publisher over in Xiangjiang; once we're ready here, we can publish immediately."

Xu Yuexin bowed to the literary giants present and said.

Then, in front of Mao Lao, he, Wang Meng, Li Ji, Wang Chaoyin and others discussed and finalized the general publishing plan.

People's Literature has no branch in Xiangjiang yet, so the specific publishing matters over there are handed to Ye Tianrong, and thereafter Xu Yuexin himself will coordinate with Ye Tianrong.

Here, nominally represented by People's Literature, it means Xu Yuexin is affiliated under the Magazine Office.

It's like the private enterprises in the early reform era; they had to find a state‑owned enterprise or a public institution to affiliate with.

Wang Meng knows many people; he's responsible for implementing Mao Dun's opinions. When later encountering doubts from officials during publishing approval, he'll clear the bottlenecks.

Publishing in Xiangjiang, a pioneering endeavor, was thus settled.

……

After the discussion, Xu Yuexin didn't forget to have Wang Chaoyin collect the prize.

The Mid‑length Literature First Prize rewards a Hero Emblem Fountain Pen with the author's name engraved on the cap, and a warm, soft Duck Feather Blanket.

These items are scarce on the market; supply always requires long queues, and they're often unavailable.

The People's Literature Award rewards a Seagull DF Camera worth 400 yuan, produced by Hu Hai Camera Factory; it is not generally sold on the market and can only be purchased at a Foreign Exchange shop like Friendship Store.

Xu Yuexin, with the camera hanging around his neck, placed the Duck Feather Blanket into the basket of his 28‑ton truck, and happily hurried home.

Seeing Mao Lao, receiving the big prize, and finalizing the Xiangjiang publishing, today was truly wonderful.

After returning home, Xu Yuexin knocked on his door and found Chen Yixue also at his house today.

"I'm coming to your house to see Qiao Qiao."

"By the way, where did you get this camera?"

As soon as Xu Yuexin stepped inside, Chen Yixue asked him, and a strong interest flashed in her usually dignified and calm eyes.

(End of chapter)