New Story Series II

Author: Zhu Weilun
Editor:
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1999-12-01
Features: Some say the essence of a novel is its story. Others argue that stories, fables, myths, and legends are all the prototypes of novels. Still, others believe that stories, passed down from ancient times when humans gathered around a fire, still captivate us with their irreplaceable charm. I think that the People's Daily News published a full-page column titled "Urban Stories" and, in collaboration with the Wenhui Publishing House and the, organized the "People's Daily News National Story Writing Competition." The intention was to promote new stories with distinctive characteristics at the turn of the century and to introduce one captivating, full of twists and suspense, yet widely appealing and addictive story after another. The selected works in these two volumes of "People's Daily News Stories" were chosen from this competition.
The prerequisite for a good story is not only to keep readers and listeners on the edge of their seats, wondering, "What happens next? What happens after that?" but also to move people with sincere emotions. "Six-Year-Old Child Abducted for Ten Years Returns to Be Adopted by Parents Who Grieve the Loss of Their Child" is such a story. In recent years, stories about abducted women and children have frequently appeared in magazines, newspapers, and books, often exposing the cruelty and depravity of "human traffickers" and expressing sympathy for the abducted women and children, while condemning the practice of human trafficking. However, this story takes a humanistic perspective, portraying the deep bond between a biological parent and their son, as well as the and awkwardness between adoptive parents and their child. Throughout the story, "human traffickers" rarely appear, but by delving into the depth of human emotions, it makes readers even more hateful of the crime of human trafficking and even more disgusted with this social evil.
The history of a story is long and profound. An excellent story, like a classic, will also be passed down through the ages. So, what can today's stories rely on to attract readers? Like other fields, it relies on "innovation." Today's stories must have the characteristics of today, and stories at the turn of the century must have the novelty of the new century. "The 'White Horse Knight' on the Internet" and "Pen Business" are stories with a certain degree of novelty. Can you imagine a 17-year-old girl chatting with a "white horse knight" online, only to uncover a major extortion case within the framework of what seems to be a love story? "Pen Business" also narrates a case, but this one is told in a way that links together the common fraudulent methods of the modern era. If the first story is innovative in its detective form, then the second story is innovative in using an old bottle to hold new wine in the context of "black eating black."
Additionally, stories like "Affair," "Joyful Lotus Plates," and "Young Lady, Gambling Youth" are all excellent stories with much to ponder. They surprise readers with their novelty, hidden within the guesses they make, offering inspiration and endless reflection. As shown by the empty first prize, after reading all the selected works, I was impressed by nothing that made my eyes light up and my hands clap in admiration. But I believe that in the vast ocean of contemporary life, countless vivid characters and fascinating stories are being nurtured. As the People's Daily News Story Competition continues to unfold, stories that are widely praised by people will surely emerge.