After the awards were presented came the various speeches.
As chairman of the semifinal judging panel, Wang Meng was the first to take the stage. "Since the New Concept Writing Competition was founded, six years have passed in the blink of an eye. The young people who won awards in the first and second competitions have all grown into adults..."
"Over these six years, we have discovered many outstanding young people. Some have already become writers, while others..."
"This year, I have once again had the honor of serving as chairman of the judging panel. I read many excellent works. The fresh ideas and clear prose of these young people benefited even an old man like myself..."
"Most rare of all, this year has produced another magnificent piece... In a three-hour timed composition, it is very difficult to write a good essay. Chen Guiliang's work not only had lofty themes and a unique perspective, but was written entirely in classical poetry and prose. Not only did he pull it off, but fine lines appeared throughout, leaving one deafened and enlightened..."
"The renowned professors and writers on our judging panel all praised this work highly. However, there was still some debate over its interpretation. I believe we could hold another seminar, invite the author himself to discuss it, and appreciate this magnificent work more directly..."
"This competition has been a great success. I hope that next year we can keep up the good work, with even more outstanding young people signing up and even more refreshing, remarkable essays emerging..."
Next, Peking University's admissions leader took the stage to speak.
Why not Tsinghua University?
Because the Peking University representative held a higher position. He was the head of an academic division, while Tsinghua had only sent a department chair.
It was the