Rebirth 2004: A lone figure in the literary world

Chapter 350: Under the Kindness (Continue the 3-part update, please vote at the beginning of the month!)

Pamuk paced his apartment anxiously. The New York Times article made him very passive, and he had to come up with a good way to deal with it.

Before today, he had never taken the criticism of Zhang Chao to heart. The speech, which lasted less than 5 minutes, was completely improvisation. He believed that he had controlled the power of sarcasm well and that Zhang Chao, as a young man in his 20s, should not care too much.

Who knew that his reaction would be so strong? One harsh and sharp retort after another was like nails piercing his heart.

After becoming famous, Pamuk has never been so angry, nor so confused.

The anger is directed at the New York Times. This influential newspaper has turned the differences between the older and younger generations of writers into a "gamble" of their creative careers, as if the loser would disappear from the public eye forever.

The key point is that in the context of the New York Times, the number on the dice cup refers to Zhang Chao’s new novel, whose title has not yet been announced, which means that the initiative is in Zhang Chao’s hands.

The biggest problem is the gap in age and reputation between the two. Even if Zhang Chao "loses", public opinion will be much more tolerant of him than of himself.

Besides, Pamuk has not read Zhang Chao's works, but from what his girlfriend Kiran Desai said, this young man is indeed a talented writer. Even if he cannot be compared with himself, he is undoubtedly at a first-class level.

This was a gamble that he was destined to lose, so it was not worth it to sacrifice his reputation for it. He needed to extricate himself from it as soon as possible.

Confusion, on the other hand, was directed at Zhang Chao. Although Zhang Chao's interview would not shake his heart, it also made him feel that a crack had appeared in the "order" of world literature - not because a young writer with almost no honors dared to fight back, but because so many media actually followed his lead.

There seems to be a force of public opinion trying to turn this cat-and-mouse game in the literary world into a cultural struggle. Pamuk has never concealed his "pro-Western" ideology and has always been "looking for precedents" in Europe.

To some extent, he was a European writer who "rediscovered" the source of his lifelong inspiration - his hometown Istanbul - when he entered middle age.

So Pamuk has never had the same feelings as Zhang Chao or other Chinese writers with similar consciousness.

The cultural "East-West dispute" has a long history. Pamuk never expected that he would be involved in it and become the focus.

Kiran Desai brought him a cup of coffee from behind. Pamuk took it but did not drink it. Instead, he stood at the window of the apartment, quietly looking at the Hudson River below.

The apartment has a spacious living room with three windows facing the sun, bright and warm. His big desk is placed in the living room, "sits" in the center of the wooden floor, like a boat floating on the golden lake.

Although the apartment is not big, it is worth 200 million US dollars because of its good location. Pamuk bought this place with the prize money of the Nobel Prize in Literature and his own skyrocketing royalties after winning the prize - and because of the reputation of a Nobel Prize winner, he received preferential treatment that ordinary people do not have.

Kiran Desai gently hugged her boyfriend from behind and said softly, "Perhaps we can seek a more peaceful solution?"

Pamuk tilted his head slightly and said in a firm tone: "You want me to give in to that young man? I won't accept it!"

Kieran DeStreet: "In fact, you can still communicate with him through different channels. Letting others speak may be better than your direct response."

Pamuk: “Oh?”

Kiran Desai smiled and said, "You forgot that you are a student of the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa—so is Zhang Chao. It is said that Ms. Nie Hualing thinks highly of him."

Pamuk turned around and his eyes brightened up a little.

Kiran Desai continued: “Also, aren’t you friends with the Chinese writer Mo Yan?”

Pamuk looked blank, and Kiran Desai reminded him, "A few months before you won the award, he praised My Name is Red and it was reported in the newspaper."

Pamuk finally realized what was going on and said, "Oh, it's the Chinese Mo. I've heard of him. He's also a good writer."

Kiran Desai nodded and said, "It is said that when Zhang Chao was studying at Yanjing University, Mo Yan once taught him a class, so he could be considered his teacher."

Pamuk became excited and said, "Oh, really? Although Mo and I have never met, we appreciate each other's works..."

Kiran Desai: “…” But she knew her boyfriend too well. Apart from literature, he was just an ordinary person, a little vain, a little cunning, a little petty, and a little arrogant.

Pamuk said: "Then how should we tell them? I don't want to lose face..."

Kiran Desai said calmly: "Nie Hualing is a lady, Mo Yan is a gentleman - I believe they would not refuse a lady's well-intentioned request..."

Pamuk then became happy, put the coffee cup on the windowsill, hugged his girlfriend tightly and kissed her deeply.

Kiran Desai, deep in his heart, sighed quietly for himself.

……

China, Fuhai, Changle International Airport——

"Alas, it's better to go to Huangshan than to Mount Fuji. You can soak in hot springs anywhere. The hot spring bathhouse in my hometown costs 5 yuan a ticket. You can soak as much as you want!
Why spend this money?"

Zhang Chao's mother kept muttering to herself, but she still took out the passport from her pocket to check it again and again.

Zhang Chao's father, Zhang Jianguo, was much calmer and said to his wife, "It's good to go abroad. Haven't we been to Huangshan before when our company organized a tour?
Besides, I'm here, don't worry!" Then he waved the "7-Day Japanese Language Learning" in his hand.

"Just brag!" Zhang Chao's mother glanced at the book in her husband's hand with disdain, then lowered her head and carefully adjusted the silk scarf on her chest, and asked Zhang Chao: "What do you think of the color I chose for this one? Is it too colorful?"

Zhang Chao laughed and said, "You still want to wear this? I advised you to wear the pink one, but you didn't want to."

Zhang Chao's mother said: "I am afraid that the Japanese will think that we Chinese are not stable!
I heard from your aunt that Japanese people are very rigid, they wear clothes that suit their age. Old aunts like me should dress plainly so that they won’t make a fuss when they see me.”

It turns out that although Zhang Chao's parents are from Fuhai, they have been on the path of studying since childhood, going to university and accepting assignments step by step. Unlike other relatives, they went to Japan and the United States because they thought they could not make enough money in China.

Therefore, their impressions of Japan all come from what relatives and friends tell them, and are both true and false.

Zhang Chao said helplessly: "We are Chinese. Who cares what the Japanese think? As long as you like what you wear, let alone a pink scarf, you can even wear a cheongsam!"

At this time, my father Zhang Jianguo spoke again. He pointed to a Japanese word in the book and said, "The Japanese are really weird. They learn Chinese characters from us, but use them completely differently. Look -

The word "爱人" means mistress in Japanese; and "手纸" means letter.

The weirdest thing is that 'bed' actually means floor - what does their 'floor' mean?"

At this time, Zhang Chao's mother interrupted and said, "The Japanese all sleep on the floor, which is called 'tatami', so their 'bed' is the floor.

You don't understand this, and you graduated from the Chinese Department of Xiamen University? You are not as good as me, who studied accounting."

Zhang Jianguo suddenly realized and said, "That makes sense, that makes sense! My wife is really good!"

Zhang Chao was speechless when he heard the old couple singing the same tune. He barely managed to resist the urge to snatch the book "7-Day Japanese Language Crash Course" and throw it away.

This book was bought by his father in 1984, one year older than Zhang Chao himself.

At that time, Comrade Lao Zhang was dissatisfied with the low salary at the school and wanted to join the Japanese literary world. If his wife had not suddenly become pregnant, Zhang Chao might have been a rising star in Japanese literature today.

Therefore, the Japanese words in the books are all medieval words, which are hardly used by Japanese people in real life.

In addition, according to Zhang Chao's observations during his several visits to Japan, Japan has gradually become a "Katakana hell". Katakana (equivalent to pinyin symbols) is used wherever it can be used, and Chinese characters have become increasingly rare.

So it's just a waste of time for my dad to learn this stuff now.

But seeing how enthusiastic he was, Zhang Chao couldn't discourage him and could only say, "We're almost boarding, do you guys want to eat something?"

He booked a first-class cabin for his parents, and there was a buffet in the waiting lounge. However, the flight from Fukui to Japan only took three hours, and there was also a lunch on the plane, so there was no need to eat too much.

However, Zhang Chao's mother still put a few more biscuits in her pocket, which can be regarded as a manifestation of the older generation's lack of security in food.

After a while, the boarding reminder sounded in the waiting room. Zhang Chao and his parents picked up their bags and followed the staff's instructions to the boarding gate.

Looking at the long line of economy class passengers next to them, Zhang Chao's parents both showed embarrassed expressions on their faces. His father rubbed his face with his hands and turned his head away.

My mother grumbled quietly: "This is so bad... Why do people have to be divided into different classes when they get on a plane?"

Zhang Chao was already used to the convenience of first-class boarding, and his face turned red when he heard his mother say that, but he still explained: "We spent more money on the tickets, several thousand more per ticket!"

The mother sighed again: "Why waste this money? It only takes three hours, and you can get there by squeezing into a second-class seat. When I went to Zhejiang to study, it took me a whole day and a night to take the train..."

Zhang Chao couldn't help but ask, "That's called economy class, not second class—besides, how old were you then, and how old are you now?"

My father turned around and said, "Whether there is money or not is another matter. You are getting further and further away from the people."

The three of them boarded the plane while arguing quietly.

After sitting in the spacious first-class seat and enjoying the friendly service of the stewardess who was squatting elegantly, and then tilting his head to see the stewardess who was bending slightly to provide standard service in the economy class, my father sighed, "I realized that all the money was spent here..."

He then nimbly dodged his wife's claws that were stretched out to pinch his flesh, and kept saying: "I was right, the stewardess who pay more looks up at the passengers, the passengers who pay less looks up at the stewardess..."

"Don't quibble. I think you just think the girl is pretty!" "My son has spent all his money... Besides, we have to watch her every time we go back and forth. It would be a waste if we don't watch her... Ouch, be gentle..."

The old couple was talking and making a fuss about this and that, luckily they were sitting in the last row where the seats were wide and their voices were low, so they didn't disturb other passengers.

However, Zhang Chao turned his head away and pretended not to know the two people.

After the plane rose to the stratosphere and the flight stabilized, Zhang Chao's parents were quickly attracted by the sea of ​​clouds outside the window.

Zhang Jianguo took many photos with his camera before reluctantly putting them away. He said with emotion: "More than ten years ago, all the teachers in the county collectively 'donated' half a month's salary to build Changle Airport. As a result, it was not until today that I took a plane for the first time..."

Zhang Chao recalled that when he was in the fourth grade, the school asked all the students to go to the river to dig turf, saying that the Changle Airport was very windy and sandy, and they needed to use turf to fix the sand.

My classmates and I worked hard to dig for a long time, but the turf we dug was left by the school wall to dry for two weeks without being taken away. One day, it finally disappeared, but I guess the turf would not survive (Damn it, I get angry even writing this now).

However, this atmosphere was soon broken by the mother. She said, "It's obviously you who don't dare to take a plane. Last year, we went to Yunnan with Lao Liu and Lao Li's families, but you insisted on taking the train..."

Before his wife could finish her words, Zhang Jianguo turned his body towards his son and said, "Look at you now. You live in a big house, drive a nice car, fly first class, and meet celebrities... I am worried, worried..."

"Are you worried that I will become alienated from the masses?" Zhang Chao asked with a smile.

Zhang Jianguo nodded and said, "Don't think this sentence is old or outdated. You are a writer, not a star.

I’m afraid you’ll be floating in the clouds all day, and you’ll never see the crops growing on the ground or the smoke coming out of the roofs again.”

Zhang Chao thought that Lao Zhang was worrying too much, as he had a lot of experience in grassroots life.

What about a 600-yuan-a-month windowless basement, what about a 12-yuan braised chicken with rice, what about a 2-hour subway commute just for a 180-yuan class, what about opening a studio but losing 2 yuan...

Although it is definitely not the real "bottom of the society", the experience is still bumpy enough.

However, Zhang Chao had to comfort her: "Don't worry, I've been very busy recently, so I've been busy all the time. After the new novel is published, I will go deep into the grassroots, experience the fireworks of the world, and taste the ups and downs..."

Zhang Jianguo quickly waved his hand and said, "Stop it! You're being glib again. You just can't change that. When you want to avoid a question, you keep talking nonsense! I'm just reminding you. It's up to you whether you listen or not."

Only then did Zhang Chao shut up in embarrassment.

At this time, the mother felt sorry for her son. She patted her husband and said with a stern face, "Don't you see how much he has to do every day? He is not like you who is idle all day long. He either plays chess with others or goes fishing in the mountains. He is not at home all day long...

Son, don't listen to him. Anyway, our family can live a good life without writing novels now!"

Zhang Jianguo was speechless after being scolded by his wife. Zhang Chao wanted to laugh but didn't dare to. He could only cover his mouth and his shoulders were shaking. Unexpectedly, his mother quickly shifted the focus and said to him, "You should also be careful and don't spend money recklessly..."

Zhang Chao’s laughter stopped abruptly, and it was his father’s turn to laugh.

Zhang Chao knew that although his mother was usually a bit nagging, she would not overreact to everything like she did now - she said that his father was afraid of flying, and he was actually the same, so she had to use constant talking to divert his attention.

Fortunately, the plane soon entered Japanese airspace and began to descend. At the stewardess's reminder, the two elders were busy collecting the table, closing the windows, and fastening their seat belts, and they had no time to chat for a while.

Before getting off the plane, there was a small incident. The flight attendant politely held out a suggestion book and asked Zhang Chao to give his opinion on the flight. Of course, Zhang Chao had to write something. With a stroke of his pen, ten large characters appeared on the blank page:

"Attentive service, making guests feel at home - Zhang Chao"

Then he took a photo with the flight attendants before leaving the plane.

At this time, Zhang Chao's parents had a direct understanding of their son's popularity.

The plane landed at Narita Airport. Zhang Chao took his parents through customs and waited for their luggage according to the procedures.

At this time, Zhang Chao's mother suddenly said worriedly: "Are you sure you don't want to contact the youngest son of the second uncle of the third aunt's sister-in-law? You came to Japan for business, and you can accompany us for a few days. What should we do next?"

Comrade Lao Zhang took out the book "Seven-Day Japanese Language Learning" from his pocket and said confidently: "Don't be afraid, I'm here!"

As a result, my wife rolled her eyes and said, "I'm afraid because of you!"

Before Zhang Chao could answer, a voice suddenly rang out from behind him: "Chao-san! I finally see you again!"

The three of them turned around and saw a young man standing in front of them. He bowed deeply to them. The size of the bow and his respectful attitude made Zhang Chao's parents panicked and they quickly bowed in return.

Zhang Chao introduced: "This is Mr. Yusuke Tanida from Kadokawa Bookstore. He studied abroad at Yenching Language Institute and speaks very good Chinese. Tanida, your Chinese is better than the last time we met."

Yusuke Tanida bowed again and said, "Thank you for your recognition. I have been working hard to learn Chinese in the past two years and have hired a pronunciation teacher."

Zhang Chao praised: "The effect is really good! You are now at Kadokawa Shoten..."

Yusuke Tanida bowed for the third time and said, "Thanks to you, I am now the head of Chiyoda District!"

Zhang Chao asked: "There must be a lot of things to do. I'm afraid I don't have time..."

Yusuke Tanida said quickly, "Don't worry, the president said that receiving you is the most important task for Kadokawa Bookstore right now, and he specifically asked me to make sure you and the two elders are satisfied!"

Zhang Chao then turned around and said to his parents, "So there's no need to trouble that guy, my third aunt's second uncle... Anyway, Gu Tian will accompany us throughout this trip, and all expenses will be paid by Kadokawa Bookstore, uh..." He hesitated and continued, "Including round-trip air tickets."

Zhang Jianguo asked in disbelief: "This... is it okay to trouble her so much? It will cost a lot of money. Besides, she is a supervisor and is very busy at work. Otherwise, I'd better call her the fourth concubine..."

Before Zhang Chao opened his mouth to explain, Tanida said, "You are the most distinguished guests of Kadokawa Bookstore! We finally managed to snatch the opportunity from Shueisha to receive you three. Please don't think it's a bother!"

These words left Zhang Chao's parents speechless.

Zhang Chao explained in a low voice: "I signed my new novel to Kadokawa Bookstore..."

Zhang Jianguo suddenly realized and nodded. His son's new novel was said to have whetted the appetite of readers all over the world. The American publisher recently increased the first print run to 100 million copies. It was no exaggeration to say that it was a cash cow.

No wonder Japanese publishers are so enthusiastic.

Compared with the benefits Zhang Chao brought to them, how much would it cost to host a family for sightseeing, food and drinks?

Zhang Jianguo stuffed the Seven-Day Japanese Language Quick Course back into his arms, straightened his back, and said to Yusuke Tanida in the tone of an elder: "Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Tanida!"

Yusuke Tanida said hurriedly: "Just call me Tanida, or according to Chinese custom, you can call me Xiaogu or Yusuke, without adding 'Mr.'!"

Zhang Jianguo said: "How can that be possible..."

While chatting, the few of them followed Yusuke Tanida to the airport parking lot.

Although they were prepared for the hospitality their son would receive, Zhang Jianguo and his wife were still shocked by the grand reception given by Kadokawa Bookstore.

I saw two large, shiny black double-door sedans parked in front of me. There were two small flags on the front of the sedans, both of which were the ones that Chinese people were most familiar with.
Next to each car stood a driver wearing a suit and white gloves, who was about 50 years old, with a respectful and serious expression. When he saw Zhang Chao's family, he immediately stepped aside and extended his hand, acting like a gentleman.

Zhang Chao's mother whispered, "This... is too polite... Is this car not suitable for us to sit in?"

Zhang Jianguo asked, "Why does this car have double doors? It can't be that brand, the favorite of the rich in Hong Kong movies - Rolls-Royce?"

Zhang Chao looked up and saw that it was still a Toyota logo, so he said to the two of them, "It's not a Rolls-Royce, it's still a Toyota, it seems to be called something like 'Century', it's also quite expensive, but not that expensive."

Seeing that his parents were reluctant to get in the car, he whispered something to Yusuke Tanida, who quickly stepped forward and whispered to the driver. The driver then immediately walked to the front of the car, took down the two flags, folded them and put them back in the car.

Zhang Chao then said to his parents: "Is this all right now?"

Zhang Chao's parents breathed a sigh of relief. His mother even whispered, "That's more like it. If you had sat like that just now, you would have shortened your life..." Then she picked a car at random and got in. Zhang Chao and Gu Tian got in another car.

As the car drove out of the parking lot, Gu Tian took out a small notebook and began to introduce the itinerary to Zhang Chao: "We will stay at Qingjiyuan first. The president will host a banquet tonight to entertain you and the two elders.

Tomorrow we go to Mount Fuji, we can visit the Sengen Shrine... Oh, and the hot springs in Hakone are first-rate... Of course, Sensoji Temple can't be missed...

Then we will set off for Kyoto, where we can see the Kinkakuji Temple and must try Kaiseki cuisine..."

Zhang Chao interrupted halfway through and said, "You guys can arrange these. Be careful to take care of their physical condition and don't make the schedule too tight. I can only play with them for two days, so I'll leave the rest of the time up to you.

I am concerned about one thing now. Didn't your president tell you about this?"

Yusuke Tanida was stunned when he heard this: "One thing? What is it? The president didn't say..."

Zhang Chao showed a somewhat cruel smile, which looked quite scary in the dark environment of the carriage: "I want to meet a very important person... Didn't he make arrangements?"

(End of this chapter)