The literary era since 1979

There are still two days left until the World Science Fiction Convention.

Under the guidance of Yang Xiao, Fang Yan walked around the Jinjiang Auditorium, which served as the venue for the conference, and watched the rehearsals of various programs specially prepared for guests from all over the world. After that, he stayed alone in the guesthouse, working on "The Rise of Great Powers" in seclusion.

Fortunately, when I returned to China from France, I specially collected a batch of useful information and books.

Although it may not be enough for in-depth research on the rise of various countries, it is more than enough for the popular science-oriented "Rise of Great Powers".

However, even so, Fangyan only barely completed the first drafts of the "Portugal" and "Spanish" chapters. The creation of the Japanese, American, German, and Russian chapters still lacked sufficient reliable data, historical materials, documents, and various related works.

So I had to make an international long-distance call to Mike who was far away in the United States.

On the phone, he specifically asked Mike to find and collect some information for "The Rise of Great Powers" before coming to Chengdu.

It is now 3:52 pm. Fang Yan looked at his watch and estimated that Mike's flight should arrive in Chengdu soon.

As soon as I stood up, I saw Gong Xing, wearing a sweater and jeans, drawing his eyebrows in front of the mirror.

"Are you going out?"

"Yes, I made an appointment with Zhu Lin to meet her at Emei Film Studio today."

"Zhu Lin..."

"It's been a long time since we last saw each other. Counting the days, it's been almost half a year."

Gong Xing put on some light makeup and looked Fang Yan up and down. "Why, are you going out too?"

Fang Yan said: "Go to Shuangliu Airport to pick someone up."

"Yanzi and Xiaoya? No, they won't arrive until tomorrow morning."

Gong Xing frowned, "Could it be that you told me about Asimov and Heinlein?"

Fangyan shook his head and said that Asimov and his group would not arrive until tomorrow afternoon, and he would pick up Mike and Jason Epstein this time.

Gong Xing asked, "Well, do you want me to go with you?"

"Need not!"

Fangyan took the key and went downstairs, getting into the Alto that was temporarily lent to him by the Science Fiction World Publishing House.

………………

When they arrived at Shuangliu Airport, Mike, Jason Epstein and his translator were already standing at the exit, staring at each other.

"Hey! Mike! Jason!"

Fangyan held up a sign and waved at them.

Jason Epstein and his companions walked in the direction of the sign and soon met Fangyan. They shook hands and greeted each other.

"Teacher Fang."

Mike patted his backpack. "All of this is the information you asked me to find. I was afraid that my collection was not comprehensive enough, so I specifically consulted Jason. He provided a lot of historical books and journal documents..."

"Thanks, Jason."

Fangyan said with a smile.

"You're welcome, Fang. This is what Random House and I should do."

Jason Epstein said that Random House not only helps contracted writers publish and distribute their works, promote and win awards, but also provides nanny-level help and services to key partners like Fangyan, and even has an entire editorial team to assist him in his creation.

“This time I really experienced it.”

Fangyan raised his hand and made a "get in the car" gesture.

Mike and others put their luggage in the trunk and got into the car one by one.

Jason Epstein deliberately sat in the passenger seat and asked impatiently:
"Are you going to use the information you asked us to collect for your book, The Rise of Great Powers?"

"Oh, you also know "The Rise of Great Powers"? " Fangyan was quite surprised.

"Of course, the article you published in the French newspaper, 'The Rise of Great Powers: France', caused a strong response and sensation."

Jason Epstein said: "Now, from France to America, almost everyone knows about it. The only pity is that you wrote about France, and North American readers will not take it to heart. But if you change it to the American chapter, the situation will definitely be very different."

Then his eyes flashed with greed, "Fang, you can write about America, right?"

"Yeah, but it might take some time to write the American chapter."

Fangyan started the car and stepped on the shutter.

"No problem! It doesn't matter how long it takes!"

Jason Epstein doesn't care about time, he only cares that "The Rise of Great Powers" can be published by Random House.

Fangyan joked, "I noticed that your appetite is getting bigger and bigger. Didn't the two "Matrix" movies satisfy you?"

"Not enough, of course not enough, and The Matrix was my last meal, now I have to find something delicious for my next meal."

Jason Epstein said that when the World Science Fiction Convention is held, "The Matrix" will be released and sold simultaneously around the world.

Fang Yan knew very well that this arrangement was entirely for the Hugo Award, as his own "The Three-Body Problem" was nominated for the Hugo Award.

"Fang, I think 'Rise of Great Powers' is a delicacy that is no less delicious than 'Guns, Viruses, and Steel'!"

Jason Epstein said with certainty that "The Rise of Great Powers" has the potential to be worthy of the Pulitzer Prize in History!

You're really damn accurate!
Fangyan couldn't help but laugh, and after his persistent and sincere pleading, he finally agreed to let Random House be responsible for overseas distribution.

………………

Jason Epstein, Mike and others were sent to Minshan Hotel for a short rest.

While it was still early, Mike suddenly suggested going to the World Science Fiction Convention to broaden their horizons and experience the customs and culture of Chengdu.

Fangyan was not vague and took the three of them straight to the Jinjiang Auditorium.

The street leading to the auditorium was decorated with lights and banners hanging overhead welcoming science fiction fans from all over the world.

Jason Epstein saw all of this and could clearly feel the enthusiasm and sincerity of people from all walks of life in Chengdu.

"On the day of the opening ceremony of the World Science Fiction Convention, there will be balloons, lion dances, dragon lanterns, white doves, and children's dances and Sichuan opera performances in the auditorium." Fang Yan shrugged, "If we have more time, we will actually prepare a science fiction drama."

"Like space opera?"

Mike was thrilled.

"That's right, but unfortunately we don't have enough time, so we can only settle for the next best thing and prepare a children's chorus with a science fiction theme."

A suggestive smile appeared on Fangyan's lips.

"Children's choir?!"

Jason Epstein couldn't help but wonder, "What song?"

Mike suddenly shuddered, "Teacher Fang, could it be that you wrote this song yourself?"

"I wrote the lyrics, but the music was composed by teacher Gu Jianfen, and it was sung by a choir of Yi children."

There was a hint of deep meaning in the dialect, "You will know it when the time comes."

"Wow, I can't wait!"

Mike laughed, "I wish the World Science Fiction Convention was held today!"

"You seem anxious again, don't be anxious, when that day comes, I guarantee that you will be able to truly feel the fiery enthusiasm of Chengdu!"

Fangyan pointed to a house with dried chili peppers hanging on it and said, "It's even redder and hotter than these peppers!" (End of this chapter)