This anthology gathers in two volumes either the representative works or the highly recognized pieces of some of the most famous writers of contemporary China. All the works translated here speak to the commonality of human nature and human life, i.e., man's happiness, anger, sorrow, and joy, despite the vastly different approaches and perspectives toward literature. With their succinct style, exquisite structure, and typical characters and events, these stories constitute an extremely important and integral part of the treasure house of contemporary Chinese literature. For anyone who might be interested in Chinese culture and literature, Chinese-English translation, comparative literature, and comparative studies between Chinese and Western cultures may find their own rewards in reading these stories.