dognovel Chapter 47 Invitation to Manuscript
Chapter 47 Invitation to Manuscript
At this point, "The Herdsman" was no longer Chen Weidong's own work, but had become a literary carnival, with some in favor, and of course, many controversial and critical voices.
"Editor-in-chief, Xinhua Bookstore is out of stock and is urging us again. How many more copies should we print this time?"
Zhang Shouren asked Su Mao, his words filled with joy.
"Print another 300,000 copies."
"Three hundred thousand copies!"
Zhang Shouren looked at Su Mao in shock. He knew that the book had already been reprinted three times before. In addition to the first 100,000 copies and the second 200,000 copies, the publisher reprinted another 200,000 copies due to a shortage of supply. So far, 500,000 copies of "The Herdsman" have been published.
If we print another 300,000 copies, will they sell out?
"Did he reply to my request to contact Comrade Chen Weidong?"
Su Mao continued to inquire.
"Not yet. Comrade Weidong is currently in the countryside of Inner Mongolia, which is too far away. The letter probably hasn't arrived yet."
Su Mao frowned slightly, but didn't say anything. He continued to make arrangements: "Send another letter to Comrade Chen Weidong, inviting him to the symposium on 'The Herdsman' and asking him to come to Beijing as soon as possible."
Upon hearing about the symposium, Zhang Shouren's eyes lit up. Given the current popularity of "The Herdsman," the symposium would surely be even more lively, and with this momentum, the 300,000 copies might actually sell out.
"I'll go write a letter to Comrade Weidong right now."
Zhang Shouren nodded in agreement.
……
People's Literature.
Zhang Guangnian returned to the editor-in-chief's office, filled with emotion. He had only been gone for less than two years, and he had already been transferred back.
"How is Comrade Li Ji doing now?"
"Editor-in-Chief Li's health has not improved. He has been working too hard these past two years, neglecting his meals and sleep. The doctor said it has damaged his health and he needs to rest."
Cui Daoyi said in a low voice.
Zhang Guangnian's eyes darkened. He had been quite optimistic about this successor, but unexpectedly, the other party's health suddenly collapsed.
"Please make arrangements; I need to go to the hospital to see him this afternoon."
"Okay, editor-in-chief."
"How's the magazine's circulation lately?"
"It's declined slightly."
What caused this?
"It's mainly because of 'October.' Recently, 'The Herdsman' has become so popular that it has directly led to a decline in the circulation of other publications."
"I've heard of 'The Horse Herder,' I think the author's name is Chen Weidong?"
"Yes, the editor-in-chief is Chen Weidong."
"Write a letter to him and see if he has any new manuscripts. Our People's Literature magazine can publish them for him."
At the same time, some writers and editors were invited to comment on "The Herdsman" in the journal *People's Literature*.
Zhang Guangnian wasn't embarrassed at all about poaching talent. After all, People's Literature was under the China Writers Publishing House, and October was under Yanjing Publishing House. They were all his own people, so there was no pressure in vying for them.
Moreover, let alone those who are not from our own side, even People's Literature, which is also under the Writers Publishing House, will try to snatch it up.
At this time, content is king, and writers are the core force that must be secured.
"Okay, I'll take care of it right away."
Cui Daoyi responded and immediately went out to make arrangements. With Zhang Guangnian's arrival, they had a pillar of support. Next, People's Literature should return to the top spot. Let October be arrogant for a few more days.
……
"Wei Dong, Wei Dong, there is a letter for you."
"They're here."
Chen Weidong lifted the curtain. Ever since he became acquainted with Ren Hongxing, the latter now delivers letters directly to his doorstep.
"Red Star, come in and have some water."
Chen Weidong extended an invitation.
"I'm a little thirsty, sister-in-law."
Ren Hongxing parked the car and followed Chen Weidong inside.
Su Man poured Ren Hongxing a glass of water.
"Thank you, sister-in-law."
Ren Hongxing took the drink, took a sip, and continued, "I think you're from Yanjing. Wei Dong, you haven't written a new story yet, have you?"
Since finishing reading "The Herdsman," Ren Hongxing has become a complete fan of Chen Weidong's books. Whenever he comes to Yangjiatun, he will definitely find Chen Weidong to chat and discuss the story, and sometimes he will ask about some writing techniques.
Chen Weidong opened it and glanced at it. "It's an invitation to go to Yanjing to participate in a creative symposium."
In addition, Zhang Shouren invited him to write again, which was not the first time.
Besides "October," which Zhang Shouren represents, "Yanjing Literature and Art," "Harvest," "Flower City," and more recently, "Grassland" and "Wildflowers" have all extended invitations to him.
With his novel "The Horse Herder," Chen Weidong's name began to emerge in the literary world. As long as his writing wasn't too bad, he would have no worries about making a living.
"That's a good thing. Maybe we'll get to see Wang Meng and Liu Xinwu then."
Upon hearing this, Ren Hongxing immediately spoke excitedly.
Chen Weidong smiled but didn't reply. After Ren Hongxing left, Su Man finally asked, "How are you going to reply to Editor Zhang? Maybe you should go back?"
This was the second time Zhang Shouren had written to Chen Weidong since the publication of "The Herdsman." Given their previous relationship, it wouldn't be appropriate to refuse him outright.
"Let's wait and see."
Chen Weidong still hadn't made a decision. The sensation caused by "The Herdsman" in the outside literary world had gradually spread to the village over time. Although the reaction wasn't as strong as outside, everyone now happily called him "Writer Chen" when he went out.
A few days ago, Wang Jianshui told him that the brigade is currently studying the candidates to return to the city this year.
This is also why Chen Weidong plans to wait a little longer. If he can get a spot, he can take Su Man and the two children back to Yanjing together, saving him the trouble of going back and forth.
Most importantly, he was worried that if anything unexpected happened, he could be there to help resolve the situation promptly.
Su Man didn't try to persuade her anymore, but instead picked up a white polyester long-sleeved shirt from the kang (a heated brick bed).
"This is a shirt I made for you, try it on."
"It fits quite well! You're so skillful, honey!"
Chen Weidong tried it on and praised it to Su Man.
This polyester shirt was made from fabric he bought in the county a while ago. He originally planned to make a shirt for Su Man or for Chen Xiaosui and Chen Xiaoan, but in the end he couldn't persuade Su Man otherwise, so he made one for him instead.
Su Man blushed slightly, patted Chen Weidong on the back, glanced at the kang (a heated brick bed) out of the corner of her eye, and only felt relieved when she saw that Chen Xiaosui and Chen Xiaoan did not react.
"Feed~ Feed, feed, feed~"
"Comrades of the commune—"
The village party secretary Yang Shulin's heavy accent came through the loudspeaker, accompanied by static, as if it were drifting from a great distance.
He coughed and his voice suddenly rose: "The time is now, Beijing time, 10:00 AM."
This is an announcement from the brigade's broadcasting station. Today's broadcast will now begin.
"First, we will rebroadcast the CCTV News program. A notice was recently issued regarding several issues concerning accelerating agricultural production..."
Yang Shulin paused, seemingly reading from a script, and mispronounced some words. Then a female voice took over, speaking more standard Mandarin.
……