Chapter 56

In the audience.

Wang Xiaomei fiddled with her phone, "Can't get online?"

Zhang Ye wasn't sure if she was talking to him, but he replied, "Ah, no signal."

"How can you send poems without the internet?" Wang Xiaomei glanced at him.

Zhang Ye blinked, "How did you know I would participate in this poetry competition?"

Wang Xiaome matter-of-factly said, "With your temper, it's strange if you could swallow this. Whether you see me or not, you are there, neither sad nor happy? I just thought you were joking."

Zhang Ye broke into a sweat, indeed, he wasn't that magnanimous.

"Do you want me to ask who has a phone with signal? I can help you borrow one," Wang Xiaomei offered.

Zhang Ye said, "No need, if I wanted to send, I would have gone outside to send. But I haven't decided on a poem yet. Teacher Xiaomei, what about you?"

"Why am I so proactive, right?" Wang Xiaomei calmly said, "Because you represent our cultural radio station. You are already our station's signature host. If they question you, they are also questioning the cultural literacy of our station. Moreover, I don't think your poems are worse than theirs. I can't remain indifferent either; I'm very angry right now."

...

On the stage.

The poetry recital had moved to the poetry appreciation segment.

The host, Zhang Huo, said after reading a few poems from netizens, "These poems are all quite good. It seems our netizens are full of talent. Haha, but Sun Mengjie and I are just here for the fun of it. We're not experts and don't understand these things, so we need the teachers from the Writers' Association to analyze them."

The few people from the Writers' Association hesitated for a moment.

Finally, Meng Dongguo, the most authoritative among them, came up, "I've heard a few poems, and they are not bad."

The female host said, "Not bad? I can tell from Chairman Meng's words that there are still issues?"

Meng Dongguo smiled, "They are all amateur enthusiasts. To write like this is already quite good."

"Can you tell us what the difference is between their poems and professional ones? We don't understand, and I guess the audience might be the same. They all sound good, right?" Zhang Huo pretended to be an outsider.

Meng Dongguo stroked his beard and said, "Those who don't understand might not see the difference. On the surface, they all look good, with elegant and graceful words. But there are many nuances. For example, the poem by the netizen Fengqiyunxi, an expert can see at a glance that the poem has issues with its tone and rhythm. It's supposed to be a regulated verse, but it's not. In regulated verse, the tone and rhythm follow specific rules. For a five-character line, if the first rhythm is level, the second must be oblique, and the third must be level again. His doesn't follow this."

Zhang Huo suddenly understood, "So that's how it is."

Meng Dongguo said, "So for amateurs or beginners, I suggest writing modern poetry. The requirements are simpler. However, the modern poem the host just read also has significant issues. The theme is disjointed, and the poem lacks a central literary belief. In our jargon, it lacks 'soul.' The words are beautiful, but literature ultimately needs to touch the heart. A poem without spirit cannot move people; it's just a hollow shell."

"I've learned something," Zhang Huo agreed.

Meng Dongguo seemed to get carried away, perhaps intentionally, and suddenly said, "For example, some of the poems that have been popular online recently, in my view, all have issues with their themes. Of course, this might be a matter of personal opinion, so it's open to discussion."

Sun Mengjie added a word, "Chairman Meng, are you talking about 'The Flying Bird and the Fish' or 'The Seagull'?"

Meng Dongguo smiled, "I've said on Weibo, and those who have seen it might know, I have reservations about both poems."

What?

Talking about Zhang Ye?

Suddenly, many people looked at Zhang Ye, making his seat the focus of attention.

Zhang Ye didn't expect Meng Dongguo to not only publicly question him on Weibo but also to criticize him in front of everyone at this important Mid-Autumn poetry recital, which was being live-streamed and held at his own station. How far is too far? What did I do to you? You're really out to get me? After "educating" me online, you're chasing me to my workplace to "educate" me again? You're sick!

"This is what kind of person!"

"How can he say such things?"

"Teacher Zhang Xiaomei isn't easy. What is he trying to do?"

"This is a live program! This is to ruin someone! He's going too far!"

Many people from the cultural radio station couldn't stand it anymore. Even some colleagues who hadn't had much contact with Zhang Ye were indignant. Yes, even if Teacher Zhang Ye isn't a professional poet, even if his poems are average and not as literary as theirs, you can't bully him like this! You people from the Writers' Association are really overstepping your bounds! This is our station! This is our radio station!

...

At this moment.

The poetry recital website was also in an uproar!

"Did everyone hear that?"

"Teacher Meng said 'The Flying Bird and the Fish' and 'The Seagull' have problems?"

"Can't be! I think these two poems are great!"

"Can the vice-chairman of the Writers' Association be wrong? It turns out Zhang Ye isn't that good. All those clicks and shares were just hype!"

"Right, this person has no real talent!"

"Is there really something wrong with Zhang Ye's poems?"

Many people who didn't know about the Weibo incident yesterday now found out. And today, it was the time for Zhang Ye's "Old and Young Storytelling" on the cultural frequency, which was also being live-streamed. Many of Zhang Ye's listeners were tuning in. Being publicly criticized by such an authoritative vice-chairman of the Writers' Association, it was clear that Zhang Ye's program ratings would be severely affected, possibly dropping by half or more. Some true fans or discerning listeners might not be swayed, but what about the others? People tend to follow the crowd and trust authority!

A new host!

A vice-chairman of the Writers' Association!

Who would believe in literary ability? It's obvious!

Meng Dongguo's move was extremely ruthless, as if he wanted to destroy Zhang Ye!

Zhang Ye's lungs were about to burst, his face cold to the extreme. This was forcing his hand!

Zhang Huo glanced at his partner, Sun Mengjie, a bit annoyed that she spoke up. He was actually on Zhang Ye's side, not because of Zhang Ye's poems, but because Zhang Ye was his colleague. Meng Dongguo questioning their station's colleague was inappropriate. Looking at his tablet, Zhang Huo said, "Teacher Meng, the two poems you mentioned were created by Teacher Zhang Ye from our cultural radio station. Teacher Zhang Ye should be here. From the audience's comments, they all think 'The Flying Bird and the Fish' is great and don't understand what the problem is."

Meng Dongguo smiled but didn't speak, then said, "Let Da Lei explain. He specializes in modern poetry and is a famous critic. He can analyze it better than I can."

Da Lei stepped up, "Since Chairman Meng mentioned me, and since the topic is here, and this is the poetry appreciation segment, I'll use this as an example. As Chairman Meng said on Weibo, and I agree, 'The Flying Bird and the Fish' has been very popular online recently, but it's mainly due to the story of the poem saving someone's life. This led to its popularity and discussion. Without this story, the poem lacks literary value. The same goes for Zhang Ye's other poems. The spirit is superficial, and I can't see what he's trying to express. In our professional view, the original author is just an amateur."

"Is that so?" Zhang Huo said.

Meng Dongguo interjected, "This might be hard for everyone to understand. Since Zhang Ye is here today, why don't he come up and write a poem about the Mid-Autumn Festival? We can analyze and comment on it on the spot, and you might understand better."

"This..." Zhang Huo looked at the station leaders in the audience.

Sun Mengjie was also unsure. While there was still plenty of time, using their colleague as a negative example and publicly embarrassing him was too much!

Da Lei agreed, "This is the poetry appreciation segment, and it's to help everyone understand the traditional culture of poetry and verse."

They were already setting Zhang Ye up as an amateur, ready to show the difference between professionals and amateurs!

Deputy Director Jia looked at Zhang Huo, thought for a moment, and nodded lightly.

Zhang Huo said, "Alright, mainly to see if Teacher Zhang Ye has a new work. Since this poetry recital didn't notify Teacher Zhang in advance, it's a last-minute addition, so..."

The Writers' Association people had been notified in advance, with plenty of time to prepare, even to find someone to write for them. But Zhang Ye hadn't been given any time. Meng Dongguo and Da Lei were deliberately trying to find faults with Zhang Ye to embarrass him. What grudge did they have? Why were they so determined to suppress their colleague? And Deputy Director Jia agreed to this impolite suggestion?

Many eyes focused on Zhang Ye again.

Zhang Ye laughed in anger, "You want me to come up? Want to embarrass me? You're really asking for it!"

Wang Xiaomei, her eyes dark, said to Zhang Ye, "Let them see, Teacher Zhang! Let them see if we at the cultural radio station really don't understand art or literature!" It was clear she was also angry!

The older sister in front turned around, "Teacher Zhang! Come on!"

Aunt Sun, who didn't usually approve of Zhang Ye's poems, couldn't stand it anymore. She shouted from two rows back, "Zhang! Come on! They're being too much!"

Tian Bin said, "Forget it, don't go!"

Wu Datao shook his head, "Zhang, listen to me, don't go. You're an amateur, and you can't show off in front of professionals. Just say you're not prepared. Otherwise, you'll be embarrassed, and so will our station!"

Other colleagues from other frequencies whispered, "Teacher Zhang, ignore them."

A colleague stood up for Zhang Ye, "If you're so capable, why don't you compete with Teacher Zhang in ghost stories? Or fairy tales? Writing stories is Zhang Ye's specialty! Comparing poems is nothing! You've been in this field for years! How can you compete with a newcomer? Huh?"

The audience was getting restless.

The scene was almost out of control!

But under the spotlight, Zhang Ye stood up resolutely, coldly smiled, and gave Zhang Huo a "1" gesture from a distance. Everyone in the station knew this gesture meant the host was ready for recording or live streaming.

"Zhang Ye!"

"Teacher Zhang! Think it through!"

"Oh no! Don't go! Can't you see they're trying to embarrass you?"

Zhang Ye ignored them and squeezed out of his seat.

Zhang Huo understood, "Teacher Zhang says he's ready. Let's give him a round of applause."

Meng Dongguo was waiting for Zhang Ye to come up so he could point out his flaws and analyze them.

Zheng Anbang and Xiao Hongmogu were also waiting to see Zhang Ye's embarrassment. Everyone knew Zhang Ye was going to be humiliated, but he still dared to come up!

Amidst the applause, some worried, some helpless, and some gloating, Zhang Ye walked confidently to the stage. The spotlight and red carpet were new to him, not the enclosed space of broadcasting, but a true face-to-face interaction with so many people. Zhang Ye was not nervous; he was even enjoying it!

You're forcing me to come, so I'll comply!

My poems lack literary value?

I'm overestimating myself?

I'm an amateur, and you're professionals?

Fine! I'll show you who's the amateur and who's the professional today!

Sun Mengjie tried to give Zhang Ye time, "Teacher Zhang, you're not prepared, so take your time."

"No need," Zhang Ye said.

Zhang Huo was surprised, no need to think? Create on the spot?

Da Lei looked at him with disdain, create a poem on the spot? With a theme? Even he would need at least half an hour to find inspiration! How could you do it?

Zhang Ye didn't need to prepare; he didn't need to. A poem had already come to mind!

When he learned about the Mid-Autumn poetry recital, Zhang Ye had been thinking about which poem to use, but he hadn't decided. Why? Because this poem was too classic! So classic that in Zhang Ye's world, out of ten people who mentioned the Mid-Autumn Festival and poetry, nine would think of this one! After this poem, there would be no other Mid-Autumn poetry! No other Mid-Autumn poem had the same impact!

The best Mid-Autumn poem!

It deserved the title!

Zhang Ye didn't want to choose it, wanting to leave some room, but seeing Meng Dongguo and Da Lei's ugly faces and their relentless attacks, Zhang Ye decided not to hold back!

Some people were worried.

The older sister in front was anxious, "Can Zhang Ye do it?"

Aunt Sun said, "Even if he can't, he can't lose his spirit. Those people are shitting on us!"

Tian Bin sighed, "Why bother? This is just asking for humiliation. Zhang Ye is really an amateur!"

Ignoring everyone's comments, Zhang Ye touched the microphone and took a deep breath, "When did the bright moon appear? I raise my cup and ask the blue sky. I wonder in the celestial palace, what year it is tonight?"

Everyone was stunned!

Not his usual modern poetry, but a poem? Zhang Ye could write poems?

And this poem... it made their skin crawl. This...

Zhang Ye closed his eyes, looking at the ceiling, already in the recitation state, "I wish to ride the wind and return, but I fear the jade buildings and crystal towers, where the cold is too much to bear. Dancing with my clear shadow, how could it be like being on earth? Turning around the vermilion pavilion, lowering the embroidered window, shining on the sleepless. There should be no resentment, why does the moon always become full when we part? People have joys and sorrows, partings and reunions, the moon has its waxing and waning, this has been hard to perfect since ancient times." After a two-second pause, Zhang Ye's eyes softened, and he slowly recited the last line, "May we all be blessed with longevity, though miles apart, we can share the beauty of the moon."

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The page turns, and the AD ends.