Rebirth 2004: A lone figure in the literary world

Chapter 139: My Motherland is the love of my heart! It costs extra money!

The New York Review of Books is a bimonthly magazine (the first issue is published in January during the summer vacation), so Zhang Chao's speech and Harold's interview with him were published in mid-September.

In addition to the interview, Harold also wrote a very long article specifically introducing and evaluating Zhang Chao and his works, and gave them high praise.

Harold strongly believes that the American literary world should be ashamed of the silence of young local writers in recent years. The poor creative environment has driven talented young writers to write scripts for Hollywood.

Most of the so-called up-and-coming literary stars write popular works that appeal to teenagers, such as Harry Potter. It has been many years since a young person like Zhang Chao, who can enter the elite hall of fame through writing in just two years, has appeared.

If this continues, American literature will be doomed!
After reading the article, Zhang Chao suddenly understood why Harold was so enthusiastic about him. It turned out that he was using him to curse his colleagues.

The New York Review of Books has been a literary journal with a strong anti-authoritarian tone since its inception. Among the authors of the inaugural issue alone are Hannah Arendt, Susan Sontag, Saul Bellow and other names that are well-known in the cultural and political circles.

So he soon gained an important position among senior American intellectuals.

It also pays special attention to China. After the chief architect visited the United States in 1979, it quickly published an extremely long book review written by John King Fairbank, recommending nine new books about China in one go.

However, after the plane crashed into the building, the overall trend of thought in the United States turned to the "right", which to a large extent suppressed the emergence of new literary talents. The New York Review of Books itself had some opinions on this.

This time, Harold used the IWP event and Zhang Chao's outstanding speech to conduct a severe interrogation of the American cultural and literary circles.

Because this journal has a great influence on the senior intellectual community in the United States, the name "Zhang Chao" has become the focus of discussion among this group of elites when they socialize.

In particular, Zhang Chao's legendary experience of becoming China's most influential young writer and opinion leader in less than two years made them dream of returning to the hippie era.

But the embarrassing thing is that most of them have not read Zhang Chao's works. At this time, the Chinese or those who are proficient in Chinese will proudly take out a copy of "Youth Like You" or "Youth" magazine sent from China...

Soon, Zhang Chao received a call from David Miller, who said that they could discuss the publication of "The Great Doctor" and he could come to the University of Iowa.

This time Zhang Chao was not going to indulge him. He said coldly, "I have completely entrusted the book matter to Jeffrey. He has gone back to China now, so you should fly to China instead of Iowa."

As for the translation of The Great Doctor, Zhang Chao planned to put it on hold until Susan's article was published in an influential newspaper before negotiating terms. Besides, Simon & Schuster was not the only publisher he could choose from...

After Zhang Chao finished the second sharing session, Susan sent him the complete article with a changed title. If translated directly into Chinese, it would probably be "Travel Notes of a Westward Journey". Zhang Chao slapped his forehead and sent another email: "The original title is very good, change it back!"

This article uses the perspective of an outsider and the objective style of news reporting to vividly record Zhang Chao, a young writer from a foreign country, his experience, observation and evaluation of American society and culture;

On the other hand, a rather literary approach was used to create a charming image of Zhang Chao.

Susan finally submitted the manuscript to The New Yorker. This was her long-cherished wish, and she would never give up if she didn't try again!
On the third day after she submitted the manuscript, Carlson came to visit her and sincerely invited Zhang Chao to participate in a high-end salon of local celebrities, mainly some successful writers, poets, artists and wealthy businessmen, and said that many people wanted to meet this legendary Chinese writer.

Zhang Chao thought for a moment and said, "But I didn't bring a suitable dress or formal wear..."

Carlson gritted his teeth and said, "Go buy it, and remember to bring the receipt back."

Wang Chongkai from the same Yatai Island was jealous again...

The next night, after the salon ended, Carlson approached Zhang Chao and said he wanted to talk to him about something. Zhang Chao agreed, and the two found a quiet corner to sit down. Zhang Chao's spoken English was now very good and could handle daily communication.

Carlson asked in a casual tone: "It has been almost two months since you came to the United States. What is your impression of our country?"

Zhang Chao thought for a moment and said sincerely: "The technology is advanced, the environment is beautiful, and the ordinary citizens here are also very enthusiastic. I think I have had a relatively pleasant time in the past two months."

There is no need to lie about this. In 2005, the United States was far ahead of other countries in basically every aspect.

Carlson seemed dissatisfied with this answer and asked, "What about the system and culture? Can you feel the difference with China?" Zhang Chao was silent for a while, and suddenly asked back, "Are you asking me this as the deputy director of IWP? Or in another capacity?"

Carlson was a little embarrassed, but still replied: "Of course, deputy director of IWP."

Zhang Chao smiled and said, "Is that so? Since IWP has a tradition of 'political apathy' and I also respect the founder, Ms. Nie Hualing, I will not comment on the system.

Culturally, America certainly has its advantages. But my creative roots are in China, which means any other culture can only be a reference.”

Carlson cursed inwardly, "Sly Dog," but still tried to remain calm and said, "I believe you should have felt our sincerity. You are the first writer to enjoy the treatment you receive at IWP in more than 30 years."

Zhang Chao still smiled and asked, "It seems that all this has a price?"

Seeing Zhang Chao's indifferent look, Carlson said gently, "We do this in the hope that you can use your influence to introduce our American culture to Chinese youth, eliminate the barriers between the two countries, and enhance mutual understanding.

It would be even better if we could make young people in China fall in love with America..."

Zhang Chao said, "Is that all? Well, we have two publications in our country, one is called "The Poisoner" and the other is called "The Cause". They do a great job in this field and are definitely better than me."

Carlson hesitated for a moment before saying, "Of course it's more than that. We also hope that you can continue to be a critic and make your own voice heard about unfair social phenomena. Previously, we felt that the book Undercurrent that you published was... not sharp enough."

Zhang Chao looked as if he had suddenly realized something, and said, "So, you want me to be... a traitor?" He thought for a long time, but didn't know what "traitor" meant in English, so he had to use this word instead.

Carlson quickly waved his hands and denied it: "Of course not! 'Traitor' is a serious accusation. We have no intention of radicalizing you, as long as you can remain a critic."

Zhang Chao paused, then smiled sincerely and said, "Mr. Carlson, you know I have always been a good young man with good manners and noble character!"

Carlson: “Hmm?”

Zhang Chao said: "My motherland is the love of my heart!"

Carlson: “?”

Zhang Chao continued: "You probably know how much I earn in China. So do you think I'm only worth 3 US dollars?"

Carlson knew that Zhang Chao was talking about the various expenses that IWP had reimbursed him for during this period, which totaled about 3 US dollars, so he quickly said, "Of course not. We will... we will... what do you mean?"

Zhang Chao smiled and said, "It costs more money!"

Carlson was stunned. He had been in this business for 20 years, and this was the first time he had seen such a straightforward intellectual. He could only sigh that the younger generation was formidable. He thought for a moment and said, "I heard that you also want to publish your works in the United States? Well, we have a long-term cooperative publishing house, which is one of the top ones in the United States."

Zhang Chao said: "I want to write a beautiful American love story, telling how a couple, after a breakup, works hard to get back together and live a happy life. I guarantee that this story will refresh the views of young Chinese people on American marriage culture and family atmosphere.

I will find someone to translate the novel into English, and I will also publish the Chinese version. But for the English version - I need a guarantee. When it is released on both sides of the Pacific, I believe it will have a sensational effect. "

Carlson thought that this kind of story is common, but since Zhang Chao said so, it can be regarded as a gentle approach. So he agreed: "No problem. I can invite their editor to sign a contract with you.

But you have to make sure the outline of the story doesn’t deviate from what you just said, and that will also be written into the contract.”

Zhang Chao said: "No problem. Please hurry up."

(End of this chapter)