Chapter 134: Song of the Moon

Chapter 134: Song of the Moon

Chapter 134 October Song (End of Volume )
Whoever will eventually shake the world with his voice must remain silent for a long time; whoever will eventually ignite lightning must wander like a cloud for a long time.

Although Comrade Wang Jianguo has never read Nietzsche, his life lesson today is to learn to be tolerant.

Now it was Lao Zhang's home ground, with a luxury car, a new house, and two sons and daughters. He could only retreat.

However, as long as Lao Zhang cannot go to Donghai in the future, his son Wang Zixu will always be in Xihe, and the opportunity for revenge will always be there.

When you get old, you will always have headaches and fevers. Old Zhang will always understand: it is a blessing for children to be unsuccessful. What is the use of flying high and far like Kunpeng to the elderly? Two birds in the bush are not as good as one bird in the hand.

Wang Jianguo's face was as gloomy as water, and he planned to take it step by step.

Seeing the serious face of old comrade Wang Jianguo, Wang Zixu became very anxious.

Zhang Wei didn't pay any attention to the expressions of the father and son. He said to his sister, "I heard that the top candidate has a good relationship with Professor Zhong of Nanjing University. You have connections in Nanjing University. Can you help make a phone call and ask him? Just let me know."

Zhang Xixi cracked melon seeds and pouted, "Do you think the professor is the homeroom teacher? Can I ask him for help just by saying hello? Why don't you just let me go to the big boss?"

"It's OK if you can find a big leader."

"Don't make trouble!"

Just now Wang Zixu was still worried that he was being too sentimental, but now he was sure that they were talking about the top of the Xihe Literary Society. They were looking for him.

He couldn't help but...his pretty face turned red.

Wang Zixu frowned and pondered: How can I confess my identity to them in a decent and non-arrogant way, so that they will pay attention to me without being too aggressive? ... In layman's terms, it is "how to pretend to be decent".

He is extremely inexperienced in this area.

"Ahem, that..." Wang Zixu rubbed his hands on his pants, "Xihe Literary Society..."

The Zhang siblings didn't pay any attention to him. Zhang Xixi turned her head and said to her brother, "Since you can't interview the first place, why don't you just interview the second place."

Zhang Wei was delighted: "Did you know? What a coincidence, the first and second place are from the same unit."

"is it?"

"Yes, and how do you know I didn't interview the second place?" Zhang Wei shook his head. "I sent her interview back to the company and asked them to sort it out, but I don't think the result is very good. I still want to interview the first place."

The two chatted so enthusiastically that Wang Zixu's voice was drowned out. He spoke more and more quietly, and finally just rolled his eyes and looked up at the ceiling.

It’s hard to pretend.

When will I be able to laugh out loud and go out naturally? Why can Li Bai pretend to be so good at it?
Zhang Xixi asked: "Then how do you know that the first person to be interviewed can publish the article?"

Zhang Wei said: "Of course I know this. Do you remember there was a wonderful interview on the stage that day? I was deeply impressed after listening to it, but it was a pity that I didn't record it at the time, and the TV station didn't play it back later."

Zhang Xixi said: "What did you say?"

Zhang Wei frowned and thought, rubbing his forehead with his fingers, making a hissing sound, and said after a while:

"The general idea is that literature is something that only failures read."

Zhang Xixi smiled slyly: "No wonder I can't read literary works, because I'm too successful."

"That's not what I mean," Wang Zixu said. "Literature is not just for losers. It should be said that literature is backed by failure and heading towards victory. Failure and victory are not two completely different things, but two aspects of the same thing."

"My remarks are not entirely my own thoughts. Mr. Lu Xun once said in a speech, 'Literature is the most useless. It is spoken by people without power. People with power kill people without even opening their mouths. The oppressed people will be killed for speaking a few words or writing a few words. Even if they are lucky enough not to be killed, they will still cry out, complain and show their discontent every day, while the powerful people will still oppress, abuse and kill them. There is no way to deal with them.'

"This is about the literature during the revolutionary period. But what about the literature after the victory of the revolution? People don't care whether your ideas are right or not, or think about the value of your works. They just care about how much money you make. If you make a lot of money, you are right. If others make more money, they are more right.

"If you speak your mind, people will suspect you have ulterior motives, whether you want to become famous or make more money. So I can only tell stories and let the readers think for themselves. I just hope that some people can see something from it and can find a way to survive or win at the critical moment."

The strange thing is that when talking about literature, Wang Zixu becomes excited. He forgets all those little things about showing off, and literature is what can always bring him eternal pleasure.

After he finished speaking for a long time, he realized that everyone was staring at him. He then realized that his words were missing some necessary information, so he added:
"The person you want to interview is me. I am the number one of the Xihe Literary Society."

"Ah?" Zhang Xixi made a puzzled sound.

Wang Zixu simply said: "My name is Wang Zixu."

Comrade Wang Jianguo on the side rolled his eyes: "Tsk, they are talking about business, why are you talking nonsense? What do you think you are the first?"

After hearing what Wang Jianguo said, everyone realized that Wang Zixu was joking, and they all breathed a sigh of relief. If he was really the first in the Xihe Literary Society, his father wouldn't have known about it. But then, everyone breathed a sigh of relief again.

"But I am the number one in the Xihe Literary Society?"

He reached into his trouser waistband, wanting to casually throw out the evidence, but he touched nothing and froze in place.

Where's my newspaper?

Seeing his expression, Wang Jianguo felt that his son was being stupid, and asked impatiently, "What on earth are you going to do?"

"Where's my newspaper?"

Wang Zixu remembered that he had thrown the newspaper on the coffee table, so he quickly ran to the living room, only to find that the coffee table was bare. Fortunately, there is always a way out, so he lowered his head and found the roll of newspaper in the trash can next to him.

Wang Zixu returned to the crowd with the newspaper, showed the front page, and pointed to the middle seat.

"Here. This is me. I am just Prince Xu. There is no need to pretend, right?"

In the newspaper, the figure standing in the middle was undoubtedly Wang Zixu, who was much taller than the people on both sides.

It’s a pity that Chen Qingluo was not included in the photo, otherwise Wang Zixu would definitely cut it out and keep it as a treasure.

Comrade Wang Jianguo quickly took the newspaper and read it. Zhang Xixi looked down at the newspaper, then looked up at him, then looked down at the newspaper again, then looked up at him again, pointing his finger in the air but unable to speak, and finally covered his mouth and took a breath.

They have been discussing here for a long time, researching and coming up with ideas, and the real owner is sitting in his own home?
How could there be such a coincidence in the world?
Zhang Wei was stunned for a long time, then stood up suddenly: "You are the first prize winner of this Xihe Literary Festival, the first place nominated by the group?"

The prince waved his hand and said, "Yes, but I think a writer's fame should be based on his works, not on the awards he wins."

Zhang Wei quickly ran over and held his hand:

"You are the first, why didn't you say so earlier? I was just here... I'm so sorry for what I did, cough!"

Zhang Wei's face turned red at a speed visible to the naked eye, causing Wang Zixu to feel embarrassed on his behalf.

He wiped the sweat off his forehead secretly.

Such a good guy can pretend to be so fragmented. There is no one else but him.

If he could do it again, he would definitely learn from Li Bai and be more bold and generous.

"You idiot, you just told me such a big thing today?" Wang Jianguo, who was standing next to him, glared like a toad and yelled, "You won this award, but you didn't even tell your dad, right? If it weren't for your face, I would really take off my shoes and beat you with the soles of my shoes!"

Wang Zixu said: "Isn't this my notification?"

Wang Jianguo said: "It happened the day before yesterday, and I just found out about it today! All the people in Xihe knew about it, and you just told me!"

Prince humbly thought, "Don't you always look down on my writing? The old man is feeling wronged now."

He said: "This is just a small matter, not worth making a fuss about."

Wang Jianguo was the first to get anxious: "What are you talking about? Winning first place at the Xihe Literary Contest means you're the first person in the entire Xihe group who can write! This is such an honorable thing for the family, other families would have set off firecrackers in front of their ancestral graves! Why are you talking about making such a fuss!?"

He lowered his head and glanced at the newspaper again, and said eagerly, "It says there's another 100,000 yuan bonus. Is that true?"

Wang Zixu drank some water and said, "It's true. I used the money to buy you a house. It's not big, but it's just enough for you to live in."

Wang Jianguo's eyes suddenly sparkled, his chest straightened, his back straightened, and he looked energetic, as if he had instantly become ten years younger.

He looked at Lao Zhang with a proud look: "Did you hear that? This kid is a bit sensible. He got the bonus and bought me a house!"

Old Zhang nodded like a chick pecking at rice and said weakly, "Good, you are so filial."

Old Wang, who had won the game back, was very proud and became much more cheerful, or rather too cheerful, and started to talk nonsense again, pointing fingers at all the problems.

Wang Zixu shook his head and smiled softly.

Reconciled.

Wang Zixu had an urgent inspiration to write down, so he declined Zhang's invitation. He left his contact information with Zhang Wei and promised to arrange an interview with him another day.

Before leaving, the Zhang siblings felt that this was not considerate enough and insisted on driving him back. Seeing Zhang Wei's firm attitude, Wang Zixu agreed and sat in the passenger seat of the Mercedes-Benz.

I still feel that Porsche's seats are more comfortable.

Zhang Wei asked: "Are you studying arts or science?"

"science."

"You don't look like that? Haha, don't mind me. I've read your novels and I feel they are very detailed, especially the characters. They are written as if they really exist. This doesn't seem like the way a science student thinks."

Wang Zixu said: "In fact, there is no essential difference in thinking between liberal arts students and science students. Science students need the imagination of liberal arts students, and liberal arts students also need the logic and rigor of science students. You cannot define yourself based on knowledge."

Zhang Wei took a deep breath and said, "You're right. It's high, really high. Your winning this time was unexpected, beating out many veterans who have published many articles. In addition to the work that won the award at the literary conference, have you written any other works?"

Wang Zixu said: "I have written one. I just published an article in Yangtze River not long ago."

"Really? Yangtze is the leading literary magazine in this province!"

"Yes, it's the most recent issue, the first article in Yangtze River." Wang Zixu smiled, "I waited a long time for the news that my manuscript was accepted." Zhang Wei was surprised and said, "The first article? It seems that they value you very much. Generally, the first article in Yangtze River is given to a long-running serial with more weight, or a heavyweight newcomer."

"Is there still such a thing?"

"Yes." Zhang Wei nodded. "You are very good. Have you ever considered participating in Feishi's new writer's essay competition?"

"Feishi?"

Somehow, Wang Zixu felt like he had heard this name somewhere before.

"Isn't Feishi a jewelry brand?" Zhang Xixi came over from the back seat of the car and asked.

Zhang Wei said: "Yes, it is a jewelry brand. In order to highlight the brand value, the brand paid for a literary competition with a maximum prize of 100 million yuan."

Hearing this number, Wang Zixu was shocked. Zhang Xixi in the back row was fine, and asked, "Isn't this kind of literary award too money-oriented?"

Zhang Wei held the steering wheel and pondered, "How should I put it? The starting point of the brand is definitely to make money, but if they don't pay, there will be no such attractive competition. The judges they invited are all big names in the industry, such as Su Fei and Yan Zishan, who are all worthy of the Nobel Prize in Literature."

Zhang Xixi said: "That sounds good. Have they held it before?"

"It has been held before. The winner of the last award was Xiao Mengyin."

Speaking of this name, Wang Zixu remembered it completely.

Isn’t this the award won by the woman who committed fraud?
Zhang Xixi in the back row shouted immediately: "Wow! Xiao Mengyin, the book she wrote is very good!"

Zhang Wei smiled and turned around: "Don't you dislike reading literature?"

"What she wrote was very touching! It really touched me! And she was very outspoken, I really like her personality. By the way, is she very popular recently?"

"Yes, it is very popular." Zhang Wei said, "It's because of that... the little prince, right?"

"Yes, the Little Prince is also popular. Why is he so popular? It's so strange."

Wang Zixu listened quietly.

This is the second time today.

This is the second time these two siblings have talked about me in front of me.

"Teacher Wang," Zhang Wei turned to look at him, "You can really participate in this essay contest. How should I put it? This essay contest is very suitable for you... Do you have any long works?"

Wang Zixu shook his head: "I plan to write it, but not yet."

"That's the best. Their essay submission deadline is still half a year away," Zhang Wei explained to him. "In fact, it's very difficult for an emerging author like you to get a chance to be published, but it's also too difficult for you to make a living by submitting articles as a full-time writer. After all, the payment is too little. So you can only endure. However, this literary award will create a series of published works around the winning author. As long as you can make the final list, you won't have to worry about publishing opportunities in the future."

Wang Zixu asked, "Can anyone submit an article? Are there any other requirements? For example, is there a word count requirement?"

"No, generally the number of words for winning works is about 100,000 or 200,000, which is just enough for a book. Since the works can definitely be published after being shortlisted, the more words the better."

The prince understood it clearly.

Along the way, he asked Zhang Wei a lot of questions. Zhang Wei was engaged in book promotion and knew everything about the literary circle. Wang Zixu talked with him for a while and felt that he benefited a lot. The two agreed to meet next time.

After getting off the car, Zhang Xixi opened the door and ran over with long legs, saying breathlessly: "Teacher Wang, you only added my brother on WeChat and forgot to add me on WeChat."

Wang Zixu was a little flattered and said, "I'm sorry, I was planning to go back and ask your brother for your contact information."

Zhang Xixi smiled and said, "I am the one who is embarrassed. We are the ones who are embarrassed today."

"it's okay no problem."

After a pause, Wang Zixu continued, "Do you work at Nanjing University? Actually, I plan to apply for a graduate degree at Nanjing University next year. Maybe I can meet you there later."

"Really? Senior sister also worked hard to get into the graduate school of Nanjing University. Leave your address and I will send you the notes I used."

Wang Zixu hurriedly thanked him.

It was this style of immediately treating herself as a senior student that reminded him of a certain senior.

After saying goodbye to the Zhang brothers and sisters, Wang Zixu went to Ning Chunyan's dinner party. When he got there, Ning Chunyan and Ye Lan were waiting for him at the barbecue stall.

The two women were slim and charming. Ye Lan had bright red lips and plump stockings; Ning Chunyan had a slender waist and long hair that fell to her waist. Seeing him coming, they both raised their beer glasses high.

He looked around for a while, searching for someone, but was ultimately disappointed.

Ning Chunyan asked mischievously, "Who are you looking for? Isn't it enough to have the two of us accompany you to drink and drown your sorrows? Who else are you expecting to come over?"

Ye Lan lazily peeled a peanut and put it into his mouth: "If you are looking for Zuo Ziliang, he is with his wife on her birthday and can't come."

Wang Zixu was a little dazed for a moment. That man actually had a wife?

But on second thought, Zuo Ziliang is at that age now, and it is normal for him to have a wife.

Ning Chunyan said: "Chen Qingluo has gone back."

Wang Zixu raised his head and asked: "Where did you go back to?"

"She went back to the East China Sea." Ning Chunyan said, "I had planned to go back with her, but she left in such a hurry that I wanted to stay for two more days."

Wang Zixu asked: "Why did she leave in such a hurry?"

"Go back and take care of the publication of her novel." Ning Chunyan said.

After a pause, she continued, "If nothing unexpected happens, you will see her on the list of Mao Dun Literature Prize winners this year."

Ye Lan asked, "So awesome?"

"Yeah. Very strong."

Wang Zixu lowered his head.

After so many years of busy work, he finally made some progress recently, but why does it feel like the distance between him and Chen Qingluo has not shortened?

Ning Chunyan lowered her head to look at his face: "Were you really expecting Chen Qingluo to come over? Why, are you interested in her?"

"No, I was just looking for Zuo Ziliang."

Ye Lan asked curiously, "Who are you interested in?"

Ning Chunyan raised his glass: "Forget it, forget it. I won't tease him anymore. Let's raise our glasses today. Let's drink together for the passing of our friend Wang Zixu's wife. Cheers!"

Ye Lan said: "Isn't this a bit strange?"

Ning Chunyan thought for a moment and said, "It seems to be true."

"No need to pretend. You really hurt me." Wang Zixu said.

Ning Chunyan chuckled. She had a more private conversation with the little prince today, and now she was in a state of ecstasy and couldn't be serious no matter what. She would be in this state for at least three days.

Of course, she didn't know that she was deceived by Wang Zixu and the little prince.

Ning Chunyan said, "Okay, I'll make some corrections then. At the same time, let's toast to Wang Zixu's first place in the Xihe Literary Society and the success of my magazine!"

Ye Lan also raised his glass, glanced at Wang Zixu, and said loudly: "For the prosperity of our company!"

"cheers!"

Everyone said in unison.

At this point, Wang Zixu recalled a line of poetry that Wang Xiaobo particularly admired: "Morning mist is rising, fallen leaves are drifting/Let us fill our glasses with fine wine!"

Wang Zixu specially read this poem entitled "Song of October" and found it to be really good.

October is the golden month of autumn. For him, October has a different meaning. October is usually the month when the Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded.

Morning mist rises, leaves fall

Let's fill our glasses with wine!

We will take these gray days
Gild it, gild it!
Autumn has indeed arrived, but please wait a little longer.

Just wait a little longer
Spring is coming, the sky is smiling

The world will be filled with the scent of violets!

Blue days are coming one after another
Before it fades away
My brave friend, we have to
Have fun, have fun!
……

Autumn is here in the blink of an eye.

During this period, Wang Zixu was very busy, busy studying and busy writing.

He was so busy that he seldom had time to go out and take a look. So when he went out one day and suddenly saw the yellow leaves on the trees, he was stunned.

He held the steaming cup of tea, stomped his numb right foot, opened his mobile phone, saw the words "Haruki Murakami is running again", and immediately knew that it was October again.

He has 49 chances left.

(End of Volume 1)
(End of this chapter)