Chapter 31: The Power of Words

Late at night, Liu Yunsheng, draped in a Zhongshan suit, spoke at length with Liu Yimin. Aside from a few opening remarks about the novel Liu Yimin was currently writing, Liu Yunsheng, sensing the moment, refrained from pursuing the topic further. He was eager to read Liu Yimin’s manuscript, yet held himself back. He had only glanced at the first page and exchanged a few words on the subject matter, stopping before going deeper. He knew that if he were to ask, Liu Yimin would surely let him see it.

As a writer, Liu Yunsheng understood there was one thing he could never do—steal another writer’s work. He could tolerate being a minor author, but would never allow himself to become a thief. If he read it, he feared he might not be able to resist temptation, so he chose simply not to read any more.

"Yimin," Liu Yunsheng advised, "I know you conduct yourself with integrity, and you haven’t yet grasped the darker side of human nature. You must take great care with manuscripts like these. Our circle—people who have read books and write a few essays—often pride ourselves on being noble, but we're ordinary folk, too. Self-interest can cloud judgment, and even among us, some can be driven to do foolish things by profit."

Afterwards, they discussed the current trends in literary creation, particularly noting the surge in works over the past decade. Liu Yunsheng wished to draw inspiration from this climate and sought Liu Yimin’s advice.

"Subject matter is important, Old Liu, your idea is right. If you’re aiming for publication, it makes sense. I’ve read quite a few recent works—what starts as specific criticism often becomes widespread condemnation, what was normal critique turns exaggerated. Facing hardship and exposing suffering is right, but the writing often distorts and magnifies things. I’ve read your past pieces; they lean toward realism, mostly narrated from rural perspectives. I think you should look for inspiration in this land."

Liu Yimin’s words made Liu Yunsheng frown in thought. He wanted to argue, but found the assessment accurate. He pondered for some time, unable to clear his mind, and finally shook his head and stood. "Yimin, you’re so young yet already have such insight. Even if you don’t pass the university exam, someone like you won’t stay in the cultural center. In the midst of all the clamorous discussion, you can keep your head clear—that’s what a true writer can do. I’ll think it over when I get home. You should rest early."

Recently, Lu Xinhua’s "Scar" had been published in Wen Hui Bao, sparking a powerful reaction nationwide. The term "scar literature" was beginning to appear in newspapers, gradually becoming the label for all literary criticism of the past decade.

Liu Yimin read it and thought it was too much. He felt that any criticism must be grounded in fact.

With this in mind, he opened the draft on his desk, intending to complete the latest scene before going to bed.

"College Entrance Exam 1977" was a story about a group of educated youths returning to the city by taking university exams after the reinstatement of the college entrance exam in 1977. The country had just restored the exam, making it a major national event. This year, every notice and commentary from the state and People’s Daily prompted widespread discussion.

Any stir concerning the entrance exam would touch the nerves of the entire nation.

Writing "College Entrance Exam 1977" at this moment was timely.

The setting of the story was a forest farm in the Northeast, where life for educated youths was even harsher than in Henan province. These youths, from all corners, rooted themselves in the Northeast, chanting slogans about battling nature.

Suddenly, the news of the reinstated college entrance exam spread throughout the farm, and excitement erupted. Their hearts, dormant for so long, began to race—they knew this was one of their few chances to return to the city.

At the start of the story, among the educated youths, the star pupil, Pan Zhiyou, favored by the farm’s Revolutionary Committee Director Old Chi, suddenly falls in love with Chen Qiong, a female youth with questionable family background. Old Chi had high hopes for Pan Zhiyou and couldn’t stand idly by. Instead of taking harsh measures, he recommends Chen Qiong for university to separate the two. Meanwhile, Chen Qiong’s father, Chen Fude, secretly comes near the youth settlement to make up for lost time with his daughter, helping the youths with their studies in secret.

Old Chi sees the youths, now focused on the entrance exam, losing interest in production and no longer obeying orders as before. He uses every means to prevent them from attending university.

For the educated youths to take the exam, Old Chi’s stamp of approval is required. The official seal in Old Chi’s hand is like a mountain, weighing down on the youths.

The rift between the youths and Old Chi grows wider until, faced with their outrage, Old Chi is forced to compromise. He comes to his senses and regrets his reckless actions.

In the end, Old Chi actively helps the youths prepare for the exam, relieving their worries. On exam day, he personally accompanies them to the testing site, waiting outside with tense anticipation for their success.

The other youths strive to answer the questions, but Pan Zhiyou, though he fills out his paper, doesn’t hand it in—he chooses to remain at the farm.

Those who wish to stay will stay, those who don’t can never be forced.

Of course, Liu Yimin wouldn’t copy everything directly; he would adapt the story. The setting would be changed to a farm in southern Henan, where the Tongbai Mountains had many educated youths—a rich place for material.

"College Entrance Exam 1977," at its core, was also literature about educated youths. But Liu Yimin was not an educated youth; he was a farmer. So the main story needed to change, as farmers like him were also taking the exam.

He added a rural youth, Li Tianyi, a contemporary of the educated youths. When Pan Zhiyou and his group first arrived, they complained about the farm’s conditions and often clashed with local villagers; some even stole chickens from the villagers’ homes.

Farm Revolutionary Committee Director Old Chi was pleased with Li Tianyi and had him help reform the youths’ thinking. Over time, Li Tianyi formed a deep friendship with them.

Li Tianyi’s optimism infected the educated youths, and their stories from the city fueled his longing.

Upon hearing the entrance exam was restored, they agreed to take the university exam together.

Liu Yimin kept the romance between Pan Zhiyou and Chen Qiong, for love was precious—and readers loved it.

He also didn’t dwell too much on Old Chi’s opposition to schooling, but focused instead on Old Chi supporting their studies and encouraging their preparations. When the youths felt defeated by their studies, Old Chi inspired them with his own revolutionary experience.

This made everyone realize that beneath Old Chi’s stern exterior was simply a kindly old man—one who had made enormous contributions.

He strove to be realistic, yet uplifting, avoiding an overly oppressive tone. Amid poverty and hardship, he hoped to bring the strength of optimism and perseverance.