Shu Ran himself was not a star chaser, nor did he care whether he became famous or not. Far too many people were waiting to become famous all over the world in the 80s.
Shu Ran’s wish was very simple and unpretentious… Just live a good life with Xu Shen behind closed doors and earn some money for their future pension.
“We spent a lot of money these days in Beijing…” In the evening, Shu Ran sat cross-legged on the bed of his new home and muttered while touching the high-quality, large set of floral bed sheets.
Xu Shen sat next to him, holding the account book and calculating carefully to see where the money was spent.
“Yes.” Realizing that his wife seemed to have said something just now, Xu Shen took the time to nod. He had been spending money left and right, for every single day of their stay in Beijing, and now… He turned to the last page of the account book and saw that there was not much left in the balance.
Shu Ran hugged Xu Shen’s strong back from behind and rested his face on it. At that moment, he looked exactly like a little wife.
“Hey!” Xu Shen held his hand and looked back: “Although you said that we’re already a very wealthy group of people, in the end, we’re still poor!”
“There’s nothing we can do about it.” Shu Ran was already very satisfied with the current situation. He laid on the man’s back and said: “Only when you invest money can you make money. If you persist, you will eventually become a rich man…”
Xu Shen put down the account book, carried the person from behind to his front, and chuckled: “Look at how clingy you are, do you miss me?”
“Yes.” Shu Ran grabbed Xu Shen’s shoulders, waited for him to adjust his position, and then hugged him like that without any warning.
“Brother Shen…” Shu Ran’s little nasal voice kept coming out, making Xu Shen’s heart melt. It was inconvenient to do good things while staying in a hotel in Beijing, and he missed that feeling desperately.
“You’re killing me.” Xu Shen hummed.
The two people under the light were properly dressed, and one really couldn’t tell what they were doing unless they looked carefully.
After finishing, they could just zip up their pants, satisfied with a fast meal. It was Xu Shen’s responsibility to clean them both with a handkerchief since Shu Ran didn’t even want to get up and wash his hands. He just waited for Xu Shen to get him a wet towel and wipe it for him.
Since traveling was inconvenient, they didn’t bring the medicinal jade, so Shu Ran could only fall asleep feeling empty. Thinking of that problem, Shu Ran looked at Xu Shen’s relaxed eyebrows in shock. Could that be the reason why Xu Shen preferred to get things done in such a fast manner?!
As for Xu Shen, he settled down with his wife in his arms, thinking about tomorrow’s itinerary. Now that the shop and warehouse were rented, he was waiting for a sum of money to find workers to decorate. That could only be done after the next batch of goods was shipped next month. He has seen Shu Ran’s decoration plans… Compared to the current humble shops, they needed to rip everything down and simply rebuild it from scratch.
Xu Shen pondered: “Shall we go back to Nanshi first, and then decorate after the goods are shipped next month?”
Shu Ran also knew that the renovation project was huge, and there was no money left. He blurted out: “That 20% you spent on your delicate yard was our renovation money…”
Was it already time to settle old scores?!
Xu Shen quickly glanced at Shu Ran and thought, well… It hasn’t even been one day so it’s not yet an old score… “You’re exaggerating. That 20% still won’t be enough for decoration. Your drawings are too complicated.”
“At least it was enough for plastering work. Plastering work is cheap.” Shu Ran said.
That was not a good thing to say, but plasterers were indeed cheap to hire since they were the older generation of migrant workers who came from the North in search of food. All they knew how to do was manual labor.
For things like intellectual work and starting a business overseas, that would have to wait for the craze that was about to come in the next few years. Shu Ran vaguely remembered that China’s first generation of entrepreneurs was just about to rise. At that time, 1984 became known as the first year of Chinese enterprises, with many outstanding private businesses emerging one after another.
It was not just Shu Ran and his friends who were busy making small money… Some other well-known brands were also quietly born in humble workshops, just waiting for their chance to soar into the sky.
Compared to the truly genius founders of TCL, Vanke, Lenovo, Jianlibao, and so on, Shu Ran was just standing on the shoulders of giants, taking every step ahead of everyone.
At the end of June, the two returned to Nanshi.
Xu Shen didn’t have time to rest. After coming back home, he immediately went to the factory to help with the shipment. Otherwise, his brothers might have objections. After all, three people were busy with four factories.
Not long after arriving home, the phone on the desk rang and Shu Ran picked it up: “Hello?”
“Finally! I found you!” President Wu’s excited voice came from the other side: “My good writer, where have you been these days? Your sample book is out. If I wasn’t able to find you this time, I was about to send your book to the newspaper without your approval! ”
“Sorry, I just went out to play.” Shu Ran apologized profusely: “Thank you for your hard work, President Wu! Is the book about to be released on the market?”
“Yes, I’ll send the news in advance.” President Wu said.
Shu Ran was no longer a small, unknown writer. With the sales volume and reputation of his previous book, President Wu was sure that there must be a large number of book lovers across the country who were waiting patiently for Shu Ran’s new book to be released.
Shu Ran was very surprised. In his impression, sending a new book to the newspaper to say hello in advance was a treatment only given to great writers.
“Can I do that?” He was not very confident. Would he be criticized if the newspapers made it a big deal?
“The reporters have already been contacted, and they are very willing to publish news about you.” After all, it was not the first time Shu Ran appeared in a newspaper. Since his presence was still fresh in reader’s minds, it was normal for reporters to rush to publish anything new about him.
“Oh, that’s okay!” Shu Ran agreed.
Knowing that he was at home at the moment, President Wu quickly asked someone to send the sample book. That time around, the production was obviously several levels more sophisticated, with workmanship clearly visible to the naked eye.
Shu Ran turned the book over and looked at the printed photo thinking: “Oh my God, where did this magically handsome guy come from?! I love him!”
Not long after, a reporter rushed to his home with cameras and recording equipment and… It was easy to understand why he had to carry cameras with him.
That aroused a little question from Shu Ran: “Comrade reporter, do I still need to take photos when publishing a new book?”
The reporter smiled and spoke very bluntly: “Hey, last time I published news about you, the newspaper received many enthusiastic letters from the public! I hope to publish more pleasing photos!” The newspaper sold well that day, and some even bought multiple copies. Indeed, it showed that everyone really liked his face.
Shu Ran didn’t expect that: “…”
But if he had to think about it, he could understand that people of any era were obsessed with appearances. Unfortunately, there were just too few opportunities to see handsome men and beautiful women. It was quite pleasing to be able to read a serious newspaper that published pictures of handsome men 365 days a year.
“That’s fine…” Shu Ran smiled: “Let’s serve the common people.”
He was very cooperative, allowing the reporter to take pictures as he wanted. The two chatted briefly for an hour, and the daily reporter took his interview materials and left with satisfaction.
Shu Ran didn’t tell Xu Shen about the event, waiting for him to find out on his own. Since Xu Shen had the habit of reading newspapers, precisely the next day, he accidentally opened it to a beautiful picture of his wife. He suddenly smiled feeling very surprised, even going as far as immediately kissing the smiling face in the newspaper a few times.
“Are you crazy?” Shu Ran couldn’t help laughing. What the hell kind of reaction was that?!
“I will kiss him but not you!” Xu Shen said. “Who told you to give an interview in secret without telling me?”
Shu Ran hehe: “Then you can sleep with the newspaper in your arms tonight!”
“I was wrong, wife!” Xu Shen surrendered very quickly and immediately hooked Shu Ran’s calf under the table with his toes: “I still have to sleep with you in my arms tonight!”
One morning passed, and that newspaper made its way to many people’s homes. Everyone was happy to take a few more glances at the handsome man, taking a look at the content along the way.
The interview even specifically mentioned that the new book will contain a colored upper body photo and the personal information of writer Shu.
Xu Shen didn’t know whether the common people were moved, but he was moved anyway, saying with a smile: “If it were me, I would buy eight or ten copies and keep them!”
Seeing him smiling so happily, Shu Ran felt a little displeased: ” They all have a photo of your wife and you can laugh? Are you a fool?”
“So?” Xu Shen caressed Shu Ran’s face and continued to laugh: “I am the only one who can hug and kiss you, so why can’t I laugh?”
What else could Shu Ran say but give Xu Shen a thumbs up: “Open-minded, male Bodhisattva!1I never knew what a “Bodhisattva” was, so here it is: Bodhisattva is a key idea in Buddhism. The word is constructed from the Sanskrit root bodhi, meaning “awakening” or “enlightenment,” and sattva, meaning “being.” The core meaning of the word is “a being who is on the way to becoming enlightened.”” If his wife was that generous to others, let’s see how he would thank him!!!
It was okay, Xu Shen could accept it, but if others couldn’t, it was their problem. There was no need to hide his wife and make him suffer. Xu Shen had known for a long time that Shu Ran was a sparkling pearl that would be seen by more people sooner or later. He swore to not stop Shu Ran from shining, content with staying at the nearest distance to accompany and be proud of him.
…………
On July 1st, Xu Shen got up early and biked to all major bookstores in Nanshi. He was very satisfied to see that there were so many people visiting the bookstore that day, and he was even more satisfied to see that Shu Ran’s books were sold one by one, practically flying off the shelves.
“Tsk tsk, there are so many people!” Xu Shen just couldn’t get enough of it. He also pretended to be a customer visiting the bookstore and squeezed into the crowd: “What day is it today? Why are there so many people here?”2Polish the Oscar statue, his acting tendencies are acting up again :))
A young man with a baby face who was squeezing next to him immediately said: “Don’t you know?! Writer Shu Ran has released a new book! We are all his fans!”
Everyone came after reading the newspaper in advance and knowing the date when the new book would be released.
“Oh!” Xu Shen raised the corners of his mouth, secretly happy in his heart.
“If you want to buy other books, please come back another day, my friend!” The young man said very kindly: “Or you can also read Shu Ran’s books, they are so good! I sincerely recommend them to you, his books will not let you down!”
“Really? Then I have to buy a copy and have a look.” Xu Shen said.
“Let me tell you, there is a photo of him in the new book. He is so young and handsome in person!” The person talking to Xu Shen was very excited, adding once again: “He looks so handsome!”
Xu Shen was so happy to hear others complimenting Shu Ran fiercely that he answered in a low voice: “I know…”
He woke up next to that handsome face every day.
After spending the whole morning out, Xu Shen managed to snatch one copy of Shu Ran’s new book, going back home satisfied.
“I was about to post a missing person notice for you…” Shu Ran sat down to eat breakfast with a hungry stomach. When he noticed the new book next to his arm, he raised his eyes and looked at Xu Shen with a smile: “You’re starving me for this?”
“Ah.” Xu Shen smiled.
Shu Ran didn’t ask any more questions. Even if he didn’t ask, he knew it in his mind. That was just the beginning… Let’s wait for the situation to ferment a little bit and brace ourselves for the incoming storm.
He, the writer, was calm and relaxed, while those around him were dead nervous. Those like President Wu, who wanted to go to sleep tonight and wake up a week later, just in time to miss everyone’s reaction.
There were also distribution stores in other cities. That time, they spent a lot of money to stock up on Shu Ran’s new book, and everyone was somewhat worried about whether they could sell them.
Writing was a very spiritual thing and there were far too many short-lived writers in the literary world. In addition, Shu Ran was so young, only nineteen years old. It was difficult to guarantee whether his spirit could be maintained steadily.
During that period, many writers from the industry were silently watching that high-profile newcomer, waiting to see the response to his new book before considering whether to buy a copy or not.
As for the preface of that new book, it was contributed by President Wu. He braced himself and mentioned the subsequent production of more books so that fans who were not satisfied after reading that one would not go crazy. There would be a sequel!
It was a preface full of… The desire to live.
However, it didn’t seem to have any effect. As soon as the first batch of book fans finished reading the book, people were already going to the publishing house to urge the new manuscript.
Bookstores from all over the country also called President Wu one after another. Seeing that the sales were about to explode, they had to print more copies while asking about the plan for the second volume… It was best to release the next one as soon as possible!
President Wu chuckled. That arrangement was pretty good, but it would only be possible if Shu Ran agreed.
Instead of worrying about sales, everyone began to worry about how to appease the book fans who were frustrated. After reading the first book, everyone was really immersed in the world described by Shu Ran, as if the protagonist was a living being made of flesh and blood… He woke up alone, lurked quietly among the crowd, and watched the world with silence and calmness.
Last year, Shu Ran couldn’t figure out the degree of acceptance that contemporary readers had, so he hesitantly threw out an entry-level suspense book, which seemed okay. Then, he turned around and handed over a brain-burning “Lost Era”, blowing up the readers. It was pure madness!
It was about to open up the minds of many writers and let everyone know that novels could still be written that way.
Then… There were also Shu Ran’s photos and information, which caused another wave of sensation. He was so young, so handsome, and a grassroots entrepreneur. The combination of those conditions really made him stand out.
Previously, everyone only liked his books, but now they also fell in love with his face. After carefully licking his picture, everyone was fascinated, going back to read his interviews all over again.
He said that writing was just a personal hobby… He even thought about publishing a book at his own expense if the manuscript was rejected, only for his relatives and friends… Everyone went and searched for information, reading it with relish. The more they read, the more they liked it.
Ah! He was so charming! He had such a solid mind and soul, calm and sophisticated, just like a person who seemed to be good at whatever he did.
In the circle of writers, watching that incident felt as if something new was sprouting overnight. It was a good thing to have new blood injected, but too much was too much.
After all, documentary literature was the foundation of the Chinese literary world.
If the younger generation pursued a fantasy work that was not tenable, the situation was really worrying.
Therefore, while Shu Ran’s books were selling well among young people and were highly sought after, they were also criticized by various bigwigs in articles, some published in newspapers and some in magazines.
Xu Shen had been paying special attention to newspapers, waiting to see if any writer would write a book review and praise his wife. Logically speaking, there should be. Whether the book was good or not, the answer was obvious once you looked at the sales volume.
On the morning of July 5th, Xu Shen finally saw an article about Shu Ran’s book in the newspaper, but… It was not a praise, but a criticism. He was furious. What did it mean, bad money drives out good money?! And what was of bad value?! The article also said that taking photos of Shu Ran was a vulgar act to please book lovers…
“Bullshit on his uncle!” Xu Shen sneered and cursed: “He’s the vulgar one, how can he write such a sour article?!”
After he finished scolding, he glanced at the author’s signature, remembering the grandson who was talking nonsense and making fun of his wife, so that he could greet him back if he had the opportunity in the future.
After Xu Shen finished with the newspaper, he even burned it, not wanting Shu Ran to see it. However, after thinking about it, he thought it would be better if he told Shu Ran directly. He didn’t have to read the content, and there was no need to be aware of the situation. “These days… Don’t read the newspaper.”
“Why?” Shu Ran really had no time to read newspapers, preferring to work on his clothing brand’s planning project. There were so many issues to consider that his head already felt like exploding.
Without waiting for Xu Shen to answer, he thought about it for a while and suddenly realized: “Did someone criticize me?”
“Yeah…” Xu Shen had a stinking face and looked unhappy.
“Ah, it’s true.” Shu Ran thought about it for a while but didn’t think it was strange, so he said openly: “Brother Shen, anyone can judge a book after it’s published, so don’t be angry about it.”
Xu Shen remembered those sharp words and thought, how could he not be angry?! Shu Ran obviously did nothing wrong, he just shared his work with his fans!
And Shu Ran’s book was not the only one to publish photos. Why weren’t the other writers who published their photos scolded?! How much selfishness was involved in that article, only that person could know.
“Of course, anyone can say meaningful criticisms, but they only criticize you because you have good sales!” Xu Shen said coldly.
If the book’s sales were poor, no one would care.
“What on earth did they say?” Shu Ran was becoming slightly curious.
“Don’t pay attention!” Xu Shen stretched out his hand, hugged his wife on his lap, and touched the handsome face that fascinated thousands of book fans: “Continue to do your thing, no matter what they say.”
“Okay, then you are not allowed to pay attention to them.” Shu Ran stroked the heart under his palm: “Calm down.”
“Yes.” Xu Shen kissed him in response. After that, the two of them looked at each other, paused for two seconds, and then leaned together in tacit understanding. It accidentally developed into a long kiss that lasted for several minutes.
Shu Ran’s comforting gestures suddenly changed, and he began to take advantage. He had to admit… It was highly important to find a boyfriend with a good figure, and the feeling under his palm was really good.
After it was over, their lips parted but their eyes were still glued together. Under Xu Shen’s gaze, Shu Ran couldn’t close his mouth for a long time, and the tip of his tongue was playfully trembling.
If he didn’t have to go out to work, Xu Shen might personally kill him for daring to act so crazy.
“I’m going to the factory!” Xu Shen grabbed him.
“Come back early!” When Xu Shen stood up, Shu Ran also grabbed him, as if competing to see who was stronger.
It didn’t feel ridiculous while he was doing it but… After Xu Shen left, Shu Ran rubbed his face. It was outrageous! The way they said goodbye was so outrageous!
With Xu Shen out of the house, Shu Ran couldn’t continue designing, planning to go out, buy a newspaper, and read about his own excitement.
Worried about being recognized on the street, Shu Ran put on a hat, bought a newspaper, and went back home to read it immediately. He found that the author was quite sharp while scolding him. No wonder Xu Shen was so angry. However, he himself was feeling quite fine. He knew that the second something that did not conform to the temperament of the times came out, he was bound to be scolded.
And, that author was also right about one thing. He was handsome and he knew it, otherwise, he wouldn’t have dared to publish his photo.
Shu Ran threw the newspaper aside. The entertainment time was over, and the hard-working entrepreneur continued to work.
What was he thinking about before going out?
His mind was blank…
Shu Ran really wanted to shoot Xu Shen for setting a fire only to go back to work and leave him like that.
…………
Building a brand was a new beginning. Shu Ran thought about it for several days and nights before formulating a concept. The so-called luxury goods market was good, expensive, and unnecessary. He needed to keep those three elements in mind. Secondly, he needed to develop a visual sense, everything had to be personalized, and he still had to think about how he wanted to communicate to his customers, how close or distant…
He had to do all of the above, damn… Ah, only then could the brand be established.
From a market point of view, it was definitely better to make women’s clothing, but… Shu Ran really wanted to make men’s clothing, dreaming of Xu Shen wearing his own haute couture designs, even starring in a blockbuster film…3Yes, yes, he has what it takes to be an actor
It would be a waste of such a good figure!!!
However, the men’s luxury goods market was very difficult to develop. Shu Ran had to put aside the idea of growing big. He could do something small, with low production, or just exclusively sell it, creating a mysterious concept for men’s clothing… It could be fun!
After all, women’s luxury goods had a mature image in Shu Ran’s mind, and there were many existing models for reference, saving a lot of effort.
The next day, both articles criticizing Shu Ran and recruitment information for clothing designers for “Tongxin Garment Factory” appeared in the newspaper at the same time.
The book fans were filled with righteous indignation. Why should their favorite author be criticized?! However, after two days of being sad, they saw Shu Ran working hard to build his career, and for some reason, their anger subsided.
Hey, writing books was just his hobby. The writer himself didn’t care, so they just followed him in becoming generous.
The author of the critical article of that day: “…”
He had to wonder if Shu Ran did it on purpose! Was he satirizing them?!
Obviously, that wasn’t true. Shu Ran had no idea there were also articles criticizing him in the same newspaper. He just followed the plan. In the future, he won’t have much energy to deal with export designs, so he wanted to recruit a few smart designers.
It was better to work behind closed doors and maintain communication with professionals.
However, he was really annoyed by the criticism. After thinking about it, he called President Wu and announced that he would donate the royalties from his new book to build a school.
In the 80s, when everything was in desperate need, children desperately needed schools. Shu Ran’s writing was not to make money, but to have enough to donate.
President Wu was so surprised that he didn’t speak for several seconds. After a while, he managed to ask: “Are you sure?”
“Yes.” Shu Ran said firmly: “My words may not be that literary, but my heart must be towards the people.”
“You… Do you want to think about it more?” President Wu swallowed his saliva: “This book will definitely sell well, especially well. Shu Ran, do you know how much your royalties can be?”
“Whatever.” Shu Ran laughed heartily and continued: “I’m not short of money, just donate it and find a reliable team to implement it.”
Across the phone, President Wu was silent for a long time and then laughed: “Hey, don’t worry! I will definitely implement it for you!”
Such a big thing deserved to be in the newspapers!
And it also included Shu Ran’s statement that his heart must be towards the people. Instead of shouting slogans, he chose to spend real money to help children. The effect was immediate. From that day on, there was no voice of criticism in any journal or newspaper, because criticizing that book would be tantamount to going against the people and harming poor children!
The writers who criticized Shu Ran: He is such a dog! We despise him!
The friends who were book lovers: Ah, he is so chic! We love him!
Common people: This writer is so generous and such a nice person!
Xu Shen knew the news the night before. Although he was very sad that Shu Ran put so much effort into it only to end up with not a single cent of the royalties, since those annoying voices were gone, he was quite relieved.
Just imagine the expressions of those people when they saw the news… Xu Shen was happy enough to eat two more bowls of rice.
“It’s okay!” Xu Shen put down the newspaper and said to Shu Ran: “Let’s work hard to make money! You can donate as much as you want in the future.”
Didn’t he say that his wife’s character was impeccable? He was a down-to-earth person who did practical things, and no one could find any shortcomings, not even with a magnifying glass!
Shu Ran thought Xu Shen would feel distressed, so he sighed: “You really don’t care about money…”
Between all of them, Xu Shen was definitely the one who spent the most.
“Who said that, I still feel a little distressed!” Xu Shen laughed and continued honestly: “But you said it, it’s for the people. Although I don’t have your motivation, I’ll definitely support you.”
Xu Shen admitted that he only cared about the people he wanted to care about and never thought about doing something for the common people.
It was none of his business.
But he didn’t object to Shu Ran’s thinking and even quite admired it. It was a positive spirit that he didn’t have, and it was the essential difference between them. One was independent, even believing that human nature was inherently evil, while the other saw the good in everything and ended up being right about everything. It was a special kind of beauty.
“Don’t worry.” Shu Ran said: “The value of this book is far more than the royalties. It will have greater value in the future and make me more money.”
Xu Shen laughed: “I don’t even have a chance to comfort you when you’re like this.”
“Then there’s no need to comfort me.” Shu Ran gave him a wink.
The fact that a best-selling author generously donated his royalties caused a stir in the writers’ circle, and even the Cultural Bureau of Nanshi was alarmed. Serving the people was a good thing, and everyone could freely praise it.
Xu Shen received a call from the Cultural Bureau early in the morning, telling Shu Ran to come and receive a commendation, together with a commendation interview.
Shu Ran smiled bitterly at Xu Shen: “I hate socializing! If I knew better, I wouldn’t have donated!”
His wrinkled face made Xu Shen laugh. What was so annoying about that kind of social interaction? Every good deed must be reported. Xu Shen even wished that Shu Ran could attend eight commendation meetings in one day.
“Go, make yourself more handsome! I’ll take you there.” Xu Shen urged.
“I’m handsome no matter what I do…” Shu Ran didn’t intend to do anything about it, and wanted to just wear the home clothes he was already wearing.
However, Xu Shen refused: “Put on the new ones I brought back yesterday!” He went to get the clothes himself, undressing Shu Ran and neatly putting on the new outfit.
“It seems like you’re only thinking about the commendation…” Shu Ran’s voice was drawn out.
Xu Shen looked at his face and felt that there was something in his words, so he raised his eyebrows: “Huh? What do you want to say?”
Shu Ran said: “While changing my clothes, you didn’t look sideways, didn’t waste a second, and didn’t take advantage. Tsk, tsk, this is not your usual style!”
“Thank you for reminding me!” Xu Shen laughed, pushed down the wife who had fallen into his trap, and took advantage of him before saying: “Are you satisfied with my touch? Comrade Shu Ran?”
Shu Ran said angrily: “I like your mouth better!”
“I’ll give it to you tonight.” Xu Shen stood up and straightened his clothes. He looked at the protagonist of the commendation ceremony in a dignified manner and said: “Let’s go.”
The two of them went out triumphantly. Shu Ran thought that Xu Shen would send him to the Cultural Bureau and leave. Unexpectedly, he said: “It won’t take long. I’ll be watching from the side.”
“Then how should I introduce you?” Shu Ran was about to open the door and get out of the car.
He was stopped by Xu Shen: “Take your book, I brought ten sets to give to others.” He then continued: “Partners. I’ve been your partner in the newspaper before.”
“You also brought my books…” Shu Ran thought about it. That was how human beings should be, and Xu Shen was very considerate. He took out the fountain pen he always carried with him: “Then I will sign my name quickly.”
Xu Shen looked at his signature with soft eyes: “When I bought you this pen, you said you didn’t need it…”
“Who would have thought at that time?” Shu Ran felt deeply.
It could only be said that things in the world were unpredictable. After signing, he left the car with his books by himself. Xu Shen wanted to help, but it was not suitable.
The comrades from the Cultural Affairs Bureau were really happy to receive Shu Ran’s signed book, and they were also very enthusiastic towards them, with mouths full of praise.
“All our best-selling writers from Nanshi have reported to the Capital that they want to donate royalties. That’s great!” someone said.
“Comrade Shu Ran, you have brought glory to the city. The younger generation needs more examples like you!”
One of them kept patting Shu Ran on the shoulder, making Xu Shen feel distressed. He wanted to say… Please pat him gently.
You are not the one who raised him, so you don’t feel distressed!
“Yes, it’s all for the people.” Shu Ran shook hands with everyone, smiling broadly, and saying: “I didn’t expect the bureau to ask for a commendation for me. I might get scolded again.”
That wave of misfortune was extremely draining…
Xu Shen lowered his head and smiled beside him. In order to not reveal that he was just an idle spectator, he picked up a magazine to cover his face and pretended to be reading.
“No!” The comrade in the bureau who presented the award to Shu Ran said: “The purpose of getting you a commendation is precisely to set an example for everyone. Who dares to scold you for setting an example?”
Anyway, there should be no such thing in Nanshi, and such remarks would certainly not be issued.
“You can rest assured!” Shu Ran was tapped on the shoulder again: “The people in Nanshi will definitely report the praise later, and no one will criticize your name again.”
After watching the incident, everyone at the Cultural Affairs Bureau actually felt that Shu Ran was treated quite unjustly, and posting a photo was really nothing. Many writers have done it throughout the ages.
It was just that he looked a little too outstanding, and the fans’ reaction was a little too fanatical… For a time, everyone paid a lot of attention to the author’s appearance, and comparisons would inevitably make some people unhappy.
That was why some writers felt the need to shout in newspapers: “Pay less attention to the writer’s face and pay more attention to the literary work itself!”
After being comforted by the seniors regarding the issue of his face, Shu Ran looked quite open-minded: “Actually, I don’t really mind it.”
Everyone looked at him.
Shu Ran touched his face: “The sharper the criticism, the more people recognize my face.”
That… Was a good thing.
Xu Shen hid his own face behind the magazine, laughing so hard that he almost fell off the chair… Why did he feel that his wife’s face was becoming more and more thick?!
Shu Ran was once again so open-minded that no one had a chance to comfort him. They issued commendations, recorded an interview, and let him go home.
He was also asked to visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau when he had time and… It was not because of how good his writing was. Even if the ability to write was taken away, everyone still liked him very much. Whether it was 40 years in the past or 40 years in the future, the type that the elders liked was simple: mastery of academics, a good appearance, and good manners.
The commendation was a big red certificate that said that someone was commended for something, stamped with the seal of the Cultural Affairs Bureau. The simple look was in fact very contemporary.
When he got home, Xu Shen held the certificate, read it several times, and said with a smile: “The words are not as pretty as yours, but it’s not bad!”
Shu Ran rolled his eyes at him: “It’s not a calligraphy competition, this is an honor.”
“Well, it’s an honor that was exchanged for real money.” Xu Shen closed the certificate and helped his wife put it away carefully: “After we move to Beijing, let’s go to the Cultural Bureau in Beijing as well?”
“What?” Shu Ran said amusedly. “You still want others to give me an award?”
“All the money has been spent, so why not collect awards?” Xu Shen said with a smile. At that point, he stopped going to the factory and gave himself half a day off to spend with his wife.
“You go ahead!” Shu Ran said. “I don’t have the face.”
Xu Shen smiled and said nothing.
In fact, that matter was not something he needed to be shy about. After asking around on the streets, Xu Shen found out that the sales volume of his wife’s book was extremely high, and he would definitely make a lot of money in the end, all of which would be used to build a school. That was unprecedented in the entire cultural circle.
It was a really big thing.
For such a positive example, even praising three times a day might not be enough.
