The literary era since 1979

The World Science Fiction Convention has come to an end, and groups of people have been pouring out of the New York Science Fiction Museum.

Isaac Asimov, Heinlein and others shook hands with Fangyan and said goodbye. Their words were full of encouragement:

“Although you didn’t win the award today, the level and imagination demonstrated by Artificial Intelligence are obvious to all…”

"Yes, it's a pity that Artificial Intelligence was not published, but I believe that you will win the Nebula Award and the Hugo Award sooner or later. For example, you mentioned The Dark Forest. If you use this theory as the core and create one or two works that imagine the future universe and space, it will definitely amaze the world!"

"Speaking of which."

Fang Yan said that he had discussed it with Jason Epstein and was ready to start writing.

Upon hearing the good news, Heinlein, Isaac Asimov and others smiled at each other.

"Okay! It's really great!"

"We are very much looking forward to seeing your novel as soon as possible! Um, have you thought of giving the novel a code name or title?"

"The Three-Body Problem!"

Without waiting for Fangyan to speak, Mike answered eagerly.

Until now, Lin Qingxia still cannot figure out the deep meaning of this name, but this did not bother Heinlein, Isaac Asimov and other giants of science fiction literature at all. In almost a moment, they immediately thought of "Alpha Centauri" and then turned their attention to dialects for verification.

"You are right."

Fangyan said that the "Three Body" in the title of the book refers to the extraterrestrial civilization galaxy he set up, and its prototype was based on Alpha Centauri.

There was confusion in Lin Qingxia's clear eyes. After asking, she found out that Alpha Centauri is a system composed of three stars. The "α" in the name means that this star is the brightest star in the Centauri constellation. However, this three-star system cannot be distinguished with the naked eye.

"Alpha Centauri is the closest star to our solar system, and this star is also called Proxima Centauri."

Mike explained: "If we want to travel to Proxima Centauri in the future, the journey will only be 4.24 light years."

Lin Qingxia suddenly understood. Faced with the vast universe that was tens of thousands or hundreds of thousands of light years away from the solar system, a distance of only 4 light years sounded like it was within the reach of human power. She finally figured out that this extraterrestrial civilization lived in such a galaxy with three stars.

"If our neighboring star happens to have some Earth-like planets, and some civilizations happen to be born on them, and their technology tree happens to be a little higher than that of current humans, does it mean that we and the three-body aliens will fall into the chain of suspicion of the 'Dark Forest'?"

Fangyan smiled. Alpha Centauri has always been a hot topic in the field of science fiction, and a large number of alien civilizations chose to be born there.

In addition to "The Three-Body Problem", the Na'vi in ​​"Avatar" also set their civilization near Alpha Centauri.

It is even more amazing in interstellar science fiction games. Alpha Centauri is also the "first port of call" for interstellar travel. When the Earth's population explodes in the future, plots of external interstellar development and colonization activities will often take place here, such as in "Alpha Centauri".

"But Alpha Centauri is a stable star system. It is not in a chaotic state as you said."

Isaac Asimov stroked his beard.

Fang Yan said: "It is precisely because the Trisolarans are facing a crisis of survival and development that they are more eager to obtain the Earth."

"Yes, just as Fang said, survival and development are the first principles of civilization."

Heinlein smiled and said, "This is exactly the motivation for the Trisolarans to invade and colonize the Earth! It makes sense and is convincing!"

"But I still can't imagine how the Trisolarans can survive when the three suns are operating in a chaotic state."

Isaac Asimov couldn’t help but sigh: “This really touches the blind spot of my knowledge and imagination!”

Fangyan smiled knowingly: "I can't tell you that. It's like guessing a riddle. It's meaningless once you tell it out loud."

"That's true, but the more you say it, the more I can't wait to read The Three-Body Problem." Heinlein said that based on the imaginative settings such as "The Dark Forest" and "The Three-Body Galaxy", the book "The Three-Body Problem" is worthy of the Nebula Award and the Hugo Award. At the same time, it also shares some experiences of aliens invading the earth, preventing "The Three-Body Problem" from falling into a clichéd routine.

"I've made note of that. Thanks for your advice."

Fangyan nodded.

"I see that you have devoted yourself to the creation of new science fiction literature so quickly, and have not been affected by the failure of "Artificial Intelligence"."

Isaac Asimov patted him on the shoulder and said, "Robert and I feel much more relieved now."

"It's definitely impossible to say that it has no impact."

Fang Yan said: "But compared to whether or not I win the award this time, I care more about the World Science Fiction Convention."

Heinlein was surprised. "Does China want to bid for the World Science Fiction Convention?"

Fangyan said that although Chinese science fiction literature has just started, with the resurgence of "Science Fiction World", science fiction literature, which had fallen into a trough, has gradually turned from decline to prosperity, passed the difficult survival period, and entered a critical development period.

If we can win the right to host the World Science Fiction Convention right now and connect Chinese science fiction with the rest of the world, we can immediately spark a science fiction craze in the country!

"I never thought you were the editor of China's largest science fiction magazine!"

Isaac Asimov was doubly surprised.

“I wonder what the requirements are for applying to the World Science Fiction Convention?”

Fang Yan asked, "Can we apply for it in the name of Science Fiction World Publishing House?"

Heinlein said that the Nebula Awards ceremony will only be held in New York, USA.

Global science fiction events such as the World Science Fiction Convention and the International Science Fiction Association Annual Meeting have always been very popular. They are often held about two years apart. The World Science Fiction Association will hold a conference at the end of the year, and organizations similar to science fiction literary associations around the world will send delegations. Then, just like the selection of the host city for the Olympic Games, the venue for the World Science Fiction Convention for the next two years will be selected through voting.

And just at the end of this year, the World Science Fiction Convention has once again reached a stage of fierce competition.

"The World Science Fiction Society does give priority to countries and cities that have not yet hosted it but are enthusiastic about science fiction literature."

Isaac Asimov said: "But whether we are able to hold and run the conference well will also be an important reference."

"Of course there is no problem with that. Science Fiction World founded China's first 'Galaxy Award' which is specifically awarded to science fiction works."

Fang Yan said: "This is the highest science fiction award recognized in China. It is also the most authoritative and oldest science fiction award in China."

"Yeah, that's really great!"

Heinlein was surprised and delighted. "If China really intends to apply to host the World Science Fiction Convention, I am willing to do my best to help."

"Me too."

Isaac Asimov and others also expressed their support. They not only introduced the application process in detail, including the materials required for the application, the problems encountered, etc., but also suggested that it would be best if the Science Fiction World Publishing House could bring a batch of English translations of novels by Chinese science fiction writers when the World Science Fiction Association holds a vote at the end of the year, and then distribute them to other delegations participating in the vote, so that more people can learn about Chinese science fiction literature and win votes.

"Thank you!"

Fang Yan said: "Whether or not we can bid for the World Science Fiction Convention, I would like to thank you on behalf of the comrades of Science Fiction World!"

"You don't have to be so polite. After all, we are all looking forward to the day when the World Science Fiction Convention will be held in China!"

Heinlein, Isaac Asimov and others smiled at each other, their eyes full of expectation. (End of this chapter)