Rebirth 2004: A lone figure in the literary world

Chapter 336: Trick them in and kill them!

Sitting next to Sun Liangyi was Wu Jianwei, deputy director of the Luyuan Office, who was smiling at the calm man in front of him.

Sun Liangyi is a special correspondent and columnist for many media outlets, a visiting scholar at many university schools of media and literature, and the founder of several cultural media companies.

Of course, he is also a "well-known writer" who has published several less well-known collections of essays, poems and inspirational books, and he also holds a minor position in a certain city's writers' association.

Such a complex identity also allowed him to move around in the cultural circle like a fish in water. His fame was neither big nor small, and he was always present in various situations in the literary world.

Like this time, he went to Luyuan with interview certificates from several media outlets, and Luyuan had to send personnel to receive him.

Sun Liangyi finished smoking a cigarette, looked at his watch, and asked Wu Jianwei, "Director Wu, hasn't Zhang Chao finished his get out of class yet?"

Wu Jianwei still had a smiling expression on his face and replied, "Yes, he is in the third period, which is a temporary addition. The get out of class will not end until 4: in the afternoon. Please wait a little longer."

Sun Liang rolled his eyes, took out a cigarette from his pocket and handed it to Wu Jianwei, and said with a smile: "Look, I have a lot of interview tasks here, and several newspapers are waiting for my manuscripts. How about you let him leave early..."

Wu Jianwei stretched out his hand and gently blocked it, politely rejecting Sun Liangyi's request: "I'm sorry, no. Luyuan is a school, and attending classes is the top priority in a school. Being late or leaving early is considered a teaching accident, so you should be patient and wait, it won't be long."

Sun Liangyi took back the cigarette somewhat awkwardly, then lit another one for himself, took a deep breath, slowly exhaled smoke rings, and sat on the sofa in silence.

He was at a dinner party and heard a "big shot" from the Writers Association mention after drinking that the Writers Association was organizing a "delegation of young writers visiting Japan." This was actually a normal thing, as the Writers Association would organize similar visits every year.

It was interesting. Someone at the table asked, "Young writers delegation? Who is the leader? Could it be Zhang Chao?"

Who would have thought that the "big shot" would deny it with a wave of his hand: "What? Although the leader has not been decided yet, it is definitely not him - he is not even a member of the delegation, how can he be the leader?"

This sentence aroused everyone's interest and they started asking questions.

The "big shot" now realized that he had said something out of turn and stopped talking. No matter how everyone provoked him, he kept his mouth shut.

But the information revealed was enough to make Sun Liangyi's brain spin - the Writers Association organized a "Young Writers Delegation", but Zhang Chao was not in the group. The subtext behind this was too rich and worth speculating.

After the dinner, Sun Liangyi made inquiries from many sources and finally confirmed that the news was true - there was indeed such a "delegation" and Zhang Chao was not among them.

So after a night of hard work, an article titled "The Writers Association may send a "Literary Envoy to Japan" to visit Japan and bring back valuable experience for Chinese literature" appeared in his media column. It was quickly circulated and sparked a lot of discussion.

Reporters approached the Writers Association, but the association was vague, saying only: "The event is still in the preparation stage, and the specific itinerary and participants have not been finalized. It will be announced to the public when the time is right."

Reporters went looking for Zhang Chao, but this guy was elusive. He basically didn't answer the phone or reply to emails, and no one knew what he was thinking.

As a result, public opinion was everywhere, saying all kinds of things - some people speculated that the brief honeymoon period between Zhang Chao and the Writers Association was over, and the two sides might have fallen out over who would win the "Mao Dun Newcomer Literature Award". After all, "Chaotide Culture" had many nominees, and the Writers Association probably didn't want to see "one dominant company".

Some people speculated that Zhang Chao refused to be selected for the "delegation" out of pride. After all, his achievements, status and influence in the international literary world are beyond the reach of other young writers. As the saying goes, "beasts walk alone, cattle and sheep travel in herds." Zhang Chao went to Japan and the United States alone before, so there was no need for him to bring a few "burdens" this time.

Some people also speculated that Zhang Chao could not accept that this was a "learning trip". After all, since his debut, only others have learned from him, not him. In addition, Zhang Chao's books are so popular in Japan, and Kadokawa, which has a close cooperation with him, would not agree to let him join the "delegation" to "learn" in Japan.

In addition, the suspense of Zhang Chao's "last song" in the semi-finals of the "New Concept Essay Competition" some time ago has not been solved, and it is also rumored that Ma Yueran, a lifetime judge of the Nobel Prize in Literature, will "meet" him in September...

The amount of attention that accumulated on Zhang Chao at one time was really too huge. All the hangers-on in the industry and reporters in the media were trying like crazy to make an appointment with Zhang Chao through various connections, but no one got a response.

It was not until last night that Sun Liangyi received the "confirmed news" that Zhang Chao would appear at Luyuan this afternoon to teach the seventh "Advanced Research Class".

Sun Liangyi quickly contacted newspapers and magazines with which he had a good relationship, requested interview certificates overnight, greeted his "acquaintances" at Luyuan, and then quietly came to Luyuan alone to prepare for an exclusive interview.

If successful, his own popularity might rise along with Zhang Chao's fame.

This is also the reason why Sun Liangyi chose to "provoke" Zhang Chao a little in the article - anyway, there are so many people praising him, and one more article by himself would not make much difference, so it is better to stimulate him with the "right" force, which may leave a better impression on people.

What kind of force is considered "appropriate"? Sun Liangyi believes that it is appropriate to use the tone of "informed sources" and "an anonymous person from the Writers Association" to express the criticism, indicating that he is just "retelling the facts" and not having a personal opinion on Zhang Chao.

As for who the "informed source" and the "anonymous person from the Writers Association" are, out of professional ethics as a journalist, of course they cannot be revealed!
……

Thinking of this, Sun Liangyi suddenly asked Wu Jianwei: "Director Wu, is Zhang Chao really not among the "Young Writers Delegation to Japan" this time?"

Wu Jianwei waved his hands and said, "That's the responsibility of the dean and vice dean. How would I know?"

Sun Liangyi smiled and picked up the teapot, and filled the cup for Wu Jianwei who was receiving him. Then he said, "You are being modest. The work of the office is about communicating up and down, and all the big and small things in the hospital have to go through the office...

Luyuan is one of the most important institutions of the Writers Association, and you are the office director of Luyuan at such a young age..."

After the flattery, Wu Jianwei smiled even brighter. He said to Sun Liangyi, "To be honest, I was the one who handled some of the paperwork for the delegation this time..."

Sun Liangyi's eyes lit up, and he immediately put on an appearance of listening attentively. Wu Jianwei glanced at him and continued, "It's quite a coincidence this time. Our seventh 'Advanced Research Class' is mainly composed of young writers under the age of 35, and more than a dozen of them have been nominated for the 'Mao Dun Newcomer Literature Award'.

Most of the "delegation" was selected from the nominees for the "Newcomer Award", so our office was responsible for compiling the list..."

Sun Liangyi said in surprise: "Oh? That Zhang Chao...?"

Wu Jianwei did not continue speaking. Instead, he raised his cup and took a sip of tea. As if he knew that if he said anything further he would be speaking out of turn, and he fell silent.

Sun Liangyi was very anxious, but he still said patiently: "Director Wu, everyone knows that Zhang Chao is not on the delegation list, so it's not considered a leak. Besides, there are only you and me in the reception room..."

After a while of "reasoning and moving with emotion", Wu Jianwei said: "I can only say that he is not on the list compiled now. As for whether the leaders will add him in the future, I dare not guarantee it..."

Sun Liangyi got a definite answer and was very happy, and expressed his gratitude repeatedly.

At this time, a melodious music sounded from the reception room. Wu Jianwei said as soon as he heard it: "Oh, get out of class is over. I'll go call Zhang Chao over!"

Sun Liangyi said: "Okay, thank you for your help!"

Then he stood up and walked Wu Jianwei to the door of the reception room.

Wu Jianwei walked towards the classroom and soon saw Zhang Chao, who was chatting and laughing with his classmates. He quickly greeted him, "Hey, Zhang Chao, this way!"

After seeing this, Zhang Chao said goodbye to his classmates, came to Wu Jianwei, and asked, "Director Wu, is he here? Is that him?"

Wu Jianwei nodded and said, "Here he is! It's him!" Zhang Chao laughed happily and asked as he followed Wu Jianwei, "Have you told him about the list?"

Wu Jianwei said: "I said it."

Zhang Chao asked again: "What did you say?"

Wu Jianwei grinned and replied, "What else can I say? Just tell the truth!"

Zhang Chao said with a smile: "That's good! Just tell the truth!"

As they were talking, they arrived at the door of the reception room. Wu Jianwei led Zhang Chao into the room and introduced him enthusiastically: "Zhang Chao, this is Mr. Sun Liangyi, a journalist, writer, and university professor; Mr. Sun, this is Zhang Chao.

Zhang Chao, Mr. Sun wants to interview you about some issues and has come to our Luyuan. Will you cooperate with him reluctantly? "

Zhang Chao pretended to frown and said, "I don't have much time..."

Sun Liangyi said quickly: "It's just a few questions, it won't take too long."

Wu Jianwei also advised: "It's not easy for them to come here."

Zhang Chao hesitated for a moment, then said, "Since Director Wu has said so, shall I chat for a while? But you have to ensure that the content of today's interview is published truthfully!"

Sun Liangyi said quickly: "I guarantee it. I absolutely guarantee it."

Wu Jianwei said, "How about this, I'll ask Xiao Liu to come over and take notes. I'm worried that the briefing content this month is not enough!"

Zhang Chao said, "Okay, let's wait for Xiao Liu to arrive and start."

Sun Liangyi certainly had no reason to object, but he felt that something was wrong, but he couldn't tell what. Maybe it was the smiling expression on Wu Jianwei's face when he left that had some indescribable meaning?

But now that things have come to this, he can only suppress his slight anxiety and devote himself to this most important interview in his life.

After a while, Xiao Liu, the office clerk, came. She was a pretty girl with a big notebook in her hand with a pen clipped on the cover.

Zhang Chao and Sun Liangyi sat opposite each other on the sofa, Xiao Liu sat beside them, and the interview officially began.

Sun Liangyi looked at Zhang Chao in front of him. He was in his early 20s and looked like a mature high school student. He had angular features, slightly dark skin, and a neat head of short hair. He was wearing casual cropped pants and a large T-shirt. He didn't look like he had just finished a lecture, but rather like he had just returned to the dormitory after playing basketball.

Zhang Chao was also looking at Sun Liangyi in front of him, a typical greasy middle-aged man from the beginning of the century, who looked to be in his 40s, with greasy hair and powdered face. He was somewhat similar to Bobo, the Shanghai "Haipai Qingkou" who had recently become famous.

He recalled that when he met with the Writers Association a week ago, the other party expressed concerns about the tone and publicity of the "Visiting Young Writers Delegation to Japan", and he asked:
“Do you know this kind of literary slacker around you? He doesn’t have any outstanding works. He just hangs out in circles and builds relationships. He has a lot of empty titles. He likes to brag. It would be best if he has some connection with Japan. He likes to brag about how great Japan is…”

……

"...Have you heard that the Writers Association is going to form a 'Visiting Japan Young Writers Delegation'?" Sun Liangyi's question brought Zhang Chao back to reality from his memories.

Although many people inside the company already know about the delegation, it has not been officially confirmed, so we have to start by asking about “confirming the rumors.”

Zhang Chao nodded and said, "It's been discussed so enthusiastically in newspapers and on the Internet, how could I not have heard of it?" This answer was a soft nail, neither confirming nor refuting it.

Sun Liangyi certainly would not be discouraged by a single question, but instead pressed on: "So do you think this is true or false?"

Zhang Chao did not evade the question this time, but said calmly: "Don't believe it, it's true. The Writers Association is indeed organizing such a delegation. I know about it."

Sun Liangyi became excited and almost blurted out the question he wanted to ask the most, but he knew that now was not the right time, so he still beat around the bush and asked, "What do you think is the difference between this delegation and previous delegations of this kind?

As far as I know, the Writers Association is determined to let the delegation show the style of the young generation of Chinese literary circles. What do you think of this? "

Zhang Chao spread his hands and said, "This... shouldn't you ask the leaders of the Writers Association? What's the point of asking me? What can I think?"

This is resentment! Sun Liangyi cheered in his heart, but the time has not yet come. Only when he asks when Zhang Chao is most resentful can it have the effect of "detonating the bomb".

He patiently continued, "Japanese literature is the light of Asia and a model for Asian writers to learn from. They not only have two Nobel Prize winners in literature, but also have produced a large number of writers who have achieved success in both art and the market, such as Haruki Murakami.

If the "Visiting Japan Young Writers Delegation" can bring back the "True Scripture" from Japan, wouldn't that be a good thing for Chinese literature? "

Zhang Chao's answer was still very brief: "A good thing? Oh, maybe it's a good thing."

There is a lot of resentment! Sun Liangyi felt that the time was ripe, so he asked again: "You don't seem to be very emotional about this matter?"

Zhang Chao said: "Going to Japan is not a rare thing. Why should you be in high or low mood? Just treat it with a normal attitude!"

Haha, keep calm. I think you are almost going crazy, right?
Sun Liangyi grinned and finally asked the question: "I heard that you are not on the list of the 'Young Writers Delegation to Japan'. Is that true?"

Zhang Chao looked at Sun Liangyi in surprise and asked, "How did you know?"

Sun Liangyi still maintained a reserved smile, as if everything was under control, and asked, "Is it true?"

Zhang Chao nodded: "I am indeed not on the list of the delegation."

Sun Liangyi's heart was about to jump out of his chest. Who said Zhang Chao was difficult to deal with? It was because you guys were not well prepared. Now he is at my mercy? He immediately threw out the final blow in this series of questions:
"As a representative of the young generation of Chinese writers, you are not on the list of the "delegation". What is the reason? How do you feel about it?"

After saying that, he stared at Zhang Chao.

Zhang Chao picked up the teacup and took a sip, then smiled brightly and answered calmly: "I am indeed not on the list of the "Visiting Young Writers Delegation" because I have been invited by Professor Yoshio Iizuka of the Japan Yearbook Society, Kadokawa Shoten and the Japan Lu Xun Research Association to be the main person in charge and one of the research objects of the "Contemporary Chinese Literature in Japan" project during the delegation's trip. I am waiting in Japan in advance for the arrival of the "Visiting Young Writers Delegation".

To put it simply, I am part of the delegation, so how can I be part of the "Young Writers Delegation to Japan"? Don't you think so, Mr. Sun?

Sun Liang's mind was buzzing with thoughts: the drunk "big shot" from the Writers Association, the "good friend" who suddenly gave him the news, and Wu Jianwei who revealed everything after a few flatteries...

There was also Zhang Chao who specifically stressed that "the content of today's interview must be published truthfully"...

Each person began to spin in his mind, forming a bottomless vortex...

(End of this chapter)