Rebirth 2004: A lone figure in the literary world

Chapter 305 The Hero
There was deathly silence in the conference room at Chicago's Union Station.

How can I ask this? If I continue to ask, I don't know what kind of vicious words Zhang Chao will say.

Reid from CNN and Joanna from CBS, who had just launched the most ferocious attack, now have only one thing in their minds - how to avoid being fired when they return.

After all, the TV station will definitely not take the blame for "racial discrimination". If public opinion is outraged, it will definitely be said to be the "personal behavior" of the reporter.

Only the FOX reporter was the calmest. His mission today was to cooperate with Zhang Chao and pass on the conversation, and now the mission has been successfully completed.

David Miller picked up the microphone at the right time and reminded: "Does anyone have any questions?"

The reporter from the New Yorker newspaper reacted the fastest and asked immediately: "Last year's Booker Prize winner Kiran Desai is from India; and you won the National Book Critics Circle Award; you also mentioned Adichie's Half Yellow Sun...

Can we think that the literature in the English-speaking world is becoming more and more inclusive? Whether in Asia or Africa, writers on the "edge of the world" are gradually being recognized and accepted.

What do you think about this?"

Zhang Chao sighed inwardly. Although The New Yorker is already a rather "leftist" media in the United States, its reporters can still ask such questions "without malice". It can only be said that some arrogance is deeply rooted in their hearts.

He thought for a moment and then asked the reporter directly: "Have you ever used a globe?"

The reporter hesitated for a moment before answering, "Of course...but what does this have to do with my question?"

Zhang Chao said: "Then tell me, on the globe, which countries are located at the 'edge of the world' and which countries are located at the 'center of the world'?"

The reporter from The New Yorker was suddenly speechless - on a round globe, where is the "center" except for the North and South Poles?
Then he explained: "What I mean is, the edge of the civilized world..." He stopped talking before he finished speaking.

If I say this in full, there will be one more reporter who might be fired when he goes back home today.

Zhang Chao asked again: "Last year, China's People's Literature Publishing House published Stephen King's The Shawshank Redemption, and its sales ranked ninth among the top ten bestsellers.

If you report this news, would you write that this reflects the Chinese people's 'inclusiveness', or whether Mr. Jin is recognized and accepted by the Chinese people? "

This question choked the other party again. Now his mind was filled with only one thought - I heard that Chinese people all have "zodiac signs", so is Zhang Chao a baguette or a bread sign?
Zhang Chao asked himself and answered: "I'm afraid you will write 'The great Stephen King conquered Chinese readers'? So, at least for me, my work does not need to be 'accepted' by the 'English world', and I have never thought about being 'recognized' or 'accepted' by you.

Ultimately, works are meant to be seen by readers. Whether they are Chinese readers, American readers, or readers from any other country, it would be my honor if they like my works.

Any comments other than this are not worth mentioning.”

The reporter from The New Yorker sat back in his chair dejectedly, looking at the notebook in front of him with a sad face. How should he write the report today?
You can't write that so many reporters came from all directions, and then were smeared by Zhang Chao with all kinds of "righteousness", right?

The New York Times reporter thought about it and decided to take a circuitous approach and ask a milder question: "We know that you have talked with two writers on this trip. What is your impression of them?"

This is the right attitude for a press conference. Zhang Chao replied in a relaxed tone: "Mr. Stephen King is full of wisdom. He taught me how to sell more books..."

There was a burst of laughter at the scene, and the atmosphere finally became less solemn. In preparation for today's interview, everyone watched the first episode of "Conversations on the Orient Express" that aired last night, so they immediately remembered Stephen King's suggestion to let readers live a few more years.

Zhang Chao then said, "Ms. Li Yiyun is from Yanjing University just like me. She is very outstanding. Although we don't have much in common, fortunately we finally reached some consensus - as for the specific content, you can watch tonight's program."

This has whetted everyone's appetite again.

"Not much in common" - does it mean there are more differences and fierce confrontation? After watching Zhang Chao's performance at the press conference today, everyone was a little bit unconvinced that Li Yiyun could confront Zhang Chao.

But we will have to wait until the second episode is aired tonight to find out.

Since the press conference was not live, David Miller, who was standing by, closely observed the "situation on the field" while constantly sending messages to his boss:

"There are too many reporters. I'm afraid Zhang Chao won't be able to handle it. Don't worry, I will interrupt the people who come to protect us at any time!"

"The issue is very acute, and Zhang Chao's attitude seems too blunt. I'm afraid that public opinion today and tomorrow will be unfavorable to him..."

"These reporters are assholes, boss. Our book launch in New York may have to be cancelled."

"Wait, things don't seem that bad."

"Zhang Chao saved the situation - no, it should be said that he was never at a disadvantage."

"Boss, Zhang Chao is torturing all the reporters by himself. Should I remind him to control himself and not damage the relationship with the media..."

"Boss, I suggest changing the venue for the new book launch in New York. How about Madison Square Garden?"

"No, it's not enough to just hold the launch in New York. We also need Boston, Chicago... or we can arrange for Zhang Chao to take the train back to San Francisco and sign along the way."

"Boss, the second volume of The Great Doctor can be reprinted now!"

……

When David Miller sent the last text message, he saw Zhang Chao already standing on the stage, chatting and laughing with the reporters below, and introducing the contents of the second part of "The Great Doctor" in a relaxed manner:
"In the second part, we can see the growth of the three protagonists. They are no longer young people who have just entered medical school. They will be more deeply involved in that unpredictable era..."

"In China at that time, being a doctor was also a promising profession, but the war changed everything - people are both vulnerable and indestructible..."

“No matter how complex human nature interweaves into the final direction of history, their persistence in their ideals and beliefs proves that no matter how insignificant an individual is, he or she can shine his or her own light in the torrent of time…”

"Why did you choose to be a doctor? Because we have an old saying in China: 'If you can't be a good prime minister, then be a good doctor.'..."

It seemed as if the tense situation just now had never happened.

David Miller asked Susan beside him in confusion: "I'm sorry I didn't notice - what did Zhang Chao just say?"

Susan covered her mouth and laughed, and replied: "Zhang Chao told the reporters, 'The Great Doctor is a novel that shows how Chinese people choose their own path!' Then they surrounded Zhang Chao and asked about The Great Doctor."

David Miller was stunned for a moment, then he understood the intention of Zhang Chao's words - the previous scene made the reporters somewhat embarrassed, which would lead to a result - although Zhang Chao would clear the accusation of being a "racist", the reporters' reports would not be too enthusiastic and might be fooled by short messages of dozens or hundreds of words.

Zhang Chao took the initiative to put forward "The Great Doctor" and deliberately moved closer to the "American mainstream theme", which gave reporters a "handle" to report on him. Everyone can start with "The Great Doctor" to "praise" Zhang Chao, and the previous links that were unilaterally crushed can be "technically handled".

In this way, he not only cleared himself of the accusation, gave the reporter a way out, but also promoted his upcoming new book - killing three birds with one stone.

David Miller didn't have time to sigh, and immediately sent a message to the newspaper owner:

"The number of copies I just mentioned may not be enough. It would be better to add more..."

After Zhang Chao and the reporters finished their discussion on the second part of "The Great Doctor", someone with sharp eyes finally noticed the young man with an Indian face standing next to David Miller, Susan and others, and asked, "Who is this...?" Zhang Chao then remembered that there was such a person, and hurriedly said, "Let him introduce himself." After that, he gave his seat to the other party.

The young Indian man did not expect to be suddenly invited to the stage by Zhang Chao, and he was flustered for a moment, but he quickly calmed down, walked to the microphone, and began to introduce himself: "Hello everyone, my name is Kunal Nayyar, I am an actor from India.

I will soon play a regular role in a drama in which Mr. Zhang Chao is involved. The reason why I designed this role was precisely because of Mr. Zhang Chao’s suggestion. ..."

Kunal Nayyar is Zhang Chao’s “PLAN B” – since you say that I discriminate against Indians, let Kunal Nayyar, who is of Indian descent, break this prejudice.

He got on the train two stops before Chicago.

However, because he performed so well in the previous parts, Zhang Chao almost forgot about the existence of such a person. Fortunately, the reporter reminded him.

In the failed pilot episode of The Big Bang Theory last year, there was no Indian character named "Raj". Sheldon and Leonard's mutual friend is a female "geek" who is also a scientist.

After Zhang Chao participated in investing in the series, among the few "small suggestions" he gave, one was to split the female "Geek" into two male characters, such as "adding an Indian scientist."

This reason is very convincing - the Screen Actors Guild in the United States has relatively strict requirements on "equal rights for ethnic minorities", so you often see Hollywood movies having to force a black character into the cast.

However, "The Big Bang Theory" is a drama about "nerd scientists", and black scientists are a bit... but Indian scientists are not out of place at all in terms of public perception.

So Chuck Lorre happily accepted the suggestion.

This was the first important role Kunal Nayyar had ever received, so he was naturally very grateful to Zhang Chao. So when the FOX executives just "hinted slightly", he flew over overnight to support him.

He said righteously at the podium: "Mr. Zhang Chao not only proposed to design an Indian character in the series, but I also had a very pleasant exchange with him.

He doesn't discriminate against anyone, any race, he is our friend. Welcome everyone to pay attention to "The Big Bang Theory", it will meet you in September this year.

This is a hilarious comedy with a unique sense of humor..."

David Miller: "..." Is Zhang Chao using the publishing house's resources to advertise the TV series?

This special press conference came to an end in a joyful and peaceful atmosphere.

Except for a few reporters, almost everyone "returned with great success" - although Zhang Chao was not a typical "foreign writer", he was not particularly cautious or excited because of the interview with American reporters;
But he provided enough news value!
This is far better than either grandiose boasting or dull humility for journalists, who are paid by the “number of words” they publish.

Only after all the reporters had left did Zhang Chao let out a long breath and slumped in his chair like a deflated ball.

David Miller stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder. Zhang Chao had been acting calm and composed before, but in fact, he was not relaxed at all.

From requiring the publishing house to invite a reporter from The American Indian, to the cooperation of the FOX reporter, to the arrival of Kunal Nayyar, and the strong "sense of design" in the entire process, all show how much Zhang Chao values ​​this matter.

Now not only has the problem been solved satisfactorily, but there has also been a strong advertising push for the new book that is about to be released and the new TV series that is about to be broadcast. This result is simply perfect.

But the hard work Zhang Chao put into it is also visible to the naked eye.

Just because the questions and answers had to be conducted in English, Zhang Chao practiced intensively with Xu Ruiya and others before arriving in Chicago.

However, Zhang Chao only sat there for a short while before he stood up and shook hands with Kunal Nayyar to thank him for his help. Then he said to David Miller seriously, "I am very dissatisfied with Simon & Schuster's performance in this crisis public relations."

This sentence made David Miller's hair stand on end. He knew that the senior management of Simon & Schuster Publishing House was a bit perfunctory this time, especially choosing to give in to the accusation of "racial discrimination", which was actually "sacrificing" Zhang Chao's reputation to preserve the reputation of the publishing house.

After all, Simon & Schuster, as one of the top five publishing houses in the United States, has well-known best-selling authors such as Stephen King, Taylor Jenkins Reid, and Colleen Hoover.

Although Zhang Chao's "The Great Doctor" sold well, his priority in the minds of senior management was never as high as that of these American writers.

The reason why we used the company’s legal resources to help Zhang Chao sanction Mr. Fang was because there was “internal strife among the Chinese” at the time and American readers didn’t care, so we did a favor.

This time the sensitive issue of racial discrimination is involved, and it is clear how the top leaders regard Zhang Chao.

David Miller was anxious and said quickly: "Zhang, I guarantee with my character that I will get the best contract terms for you for the next book..."

Zhang Chao made a noncommittal “hmm” sound and did not answer. He just said calmly, “I’m tired. Let’s find a place to rest for a while.”

It was 3:9 p.m. Eastern Time in the United States. The "Lakeside Express" they were going to transfer to in New York was a night train that did not depart until 9: p.m., so it would take at least after p.m. for them to check their tickets and board the train.

During the five hours in between, David Miller had originally planned for everyone to store their luggage at the station and then go for a walk around downtown Chicago.

After all, this is the core area of ​​the Great Lakes region of North America, the third largest city in the United States, one of the world's financial centers, and the home of the great Bulls and Michael Jordan.

David Miller knew that Zhang Chao was a basketball fan, so one of the plans was to visit the Bulls' team history showroom at the United Center and buy Jordan's autographed jersey.

Zhang Chao was very excited when he heard about it, but now he wants to take a rest, and his dissatisfaction is evident in his words...

But now Zhang Chao was in the right, and David Miller didn't dare to say anything more. He could only make a depressed phone call and book a star-rated hotel closest to the station.

But he still had hope for the two ladies: "Do you want to go to the Magnificent Mile? There are many shops there..." The Magnificent Mile refers to North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, the most bustling commercial street with many famous brand stores, luxury hotels and historical buildings.

Who knew that Xu Ruiya and Susan also shook their heads and said, "We are tired too, please book a room for the two of us."

David Miller: "..." He now felt that he was only an inch away from losing the author Zhang Chao...

……

On the one hand, Zhang Chao was expressing his dissatisfaction, but on the other hand, he was indeed tired. He curled up on the big bed in the hotel and slept until 8 o'clock in the evening without even eating. He only woke up when someone knocked on his door and urged him to get up.

I hurriedly packed my luggage, hurriedly ate a sandwich to fill my stomach, hurried to the station, hurriedly checked my ticket and got on the train.

The compartments on this train were more luxurious than those on the California Zephyr, after all, it was a train that ran exclusively to New York. But this time, the atmosphere of joy and laughter that we had when we boarded the train in San Francisco was gone.

Whether it was Zhang Chao, Xu Ruiya, or Susan, they all looked serious, spoke very little, and were busy working most of the time.

Zhang Chao is reading "The Lost Hereditary" translated by Xu Ruiya; Xu Ruiya is translating a new chapter; Susan is organizing her interview notes.

But what they don’t know is that the report about Zhang Chao has already sparked public opinion in the national television program aired tonight.

Among them, the title of FOX TV station was the most exaggerated - Zhang Chao: The Hero!

(End of this chapter)