Literary Master 1983

Chapter 348 How Should Literature Develop?

At the end of the month, Hu Houxuan, who was far away in Anyang, called to formally invite Yu Qie to participate in the "Oracle Bone Script World Congress".

On the phone, Hu Houxuan's tone was complicated: "I feel that the conference is like both an oracle bone inscription conference and a wasteland literature researchers conference. Yesterday, a sinologist from Chicago asked me where the 'core' was?"

“I said that there is no character in oracle bone script that represents ‘atomic nucleus’.”

"He asked me where the 'core' representing the sun is. I said it's in Sichuan Province. Then, without saying a word, he took a group of people to Sichuan Province... This person's name was Jeff, which was a Chinese name."

"Jeffrey? Kim Jong-un?"

Isn't this Shen Congwen's personal sinologist? This man can be considered the number one foreigner to idolize Shen Congwen. Since 72, he has brought his own food to visit Shen Congwen and conducted numerous interviews.

His doctoral dissertation was titled "China in Shen Congwen's Writings," which was later renamed "He Came from Phoenix: A Biography of Shen Congwen."

Has this person changed their allegiance and started studying post-apocalyptic literature?

Has he already fast-forwarded to option two? Is he going to take the difficult path of clinging to powerful figures?

Yu said, “Foreigners don’t understand the beauty of oracle bone script. Besides, Harper spent a lot of money on this conference; they sponsored it, so naturally they wanted to promote it for me. Professor Hu, I have to apologize to you…”

Empress Hu was thrown into a panic: "What is there to apologize for? I just feel a little sorry, but I understand."

"Instead of letting oracle bone script remain silent, let it see the light of day again, even if it needs some packaging!"

I never expected Hu Houxuan to be so fashionable.

It's amazing that they can understand the American business marketing approach.

Yu Qie has been writing short stories lately, but hasn't found a particularly suitable subject. Yu Guangzhong's "Nostalgia" on the Spring Festival Gala touched him, and he discovered that some very simple and unadorned words can evoke a huge response.

After "2666," no one in the literary world questioned Yu Qie's technical skill. Currently, research on "2666" is a popular topic among Spanish-language scholars, but while it's a hot topic in academic circles, its influence among the general public is lacking.

Even if translated into Chinese, it cannot achieve a qualitative change.

Yu Qie hesitated to do this because he was a perfectionist. He felt that the Chinese version of "2666" was unlikely to sell well.

It's hard to imagine that Chinese readers would accept a novel with a disjointed storyline, repeated flashbacks, and the use of symbolism and stream of consciousness, all set in a foreign country.

Even if it was written by Yu Qie, it's still unacceptable; it's practically torturing the reader's patience.

The magazine *October* held a writers' seminar in Beijing, mainly focusing on "how literature should develop." This year, Wang Meng, the head of the Writers' Association, has already realized the crisis in the literary world; readers do not appreciate writers' "scientific research."

In an internal meeting, he angrily denounced it, saying, "This is a waste of our readers' trust! It will ruin our great situation!"

As a result, literary magazines in the north began to reform.

October magazine favors rural and military literature, incorporating the theme of "roots-seeking literature." Meanwhile, Liu Zhenyun and other members of the "New Realism" school continue to produce excellent works. "New Realism" has become the crown jewel of October magazine, a distinctive feature of the publication.

Yenching University students believed that Liu Zhenyun got into the book "October" because of Yu's involvement.

Not entirely.

Liu Zhenyun's novel "A Messy Life" has received rave reviews this year. When the manuscript circulated in the editorial department, Zhang Shouren described the atmosphere as "something we haven't experienced in a long time."

Currently, October remains the number one literary magazine. Although it is criticized for not exploring literature enough, its sales figures speak for themselves.

Sometimes, these classic works, suitable for all ages, even lead readers to believe that a literary magazine is a popular literature magazine.

Some magazines are quite stubborn; for example, Harvest has become a major stage for avant-garde writers. Historically, three-quarters of avant-garde literary works were published in Harvest magazine.

This certainly enhanced the reputation of "Harvest," but it also put "Harvest" on the shelf.

No. 51, Dongxinglong Street, outside Chongwenmen.

Yu Qie attended the seminar of "October". This meeting was quite important and involved the adjustment of the magazine's direction.

Zhang Shouren spoke about the predicament of Harvest: "Since last year, this magazine has been self-sufficient and has not received any funding. This is different from us, which is backed by Beijing Publishing House, and Contemporary, which is backed by People's Literature Publishing House."

"They have no financial backing, don't engage in paid writing, and don't publish advertisements. They are truly a breath of fresh air in this era, and I admire Harvest magazine very much."

Yu Qie knew that Zhang Shouren was about to say "then".

Sure enough, Zhang Shouren said, "However, after the avant-garde writers shone brightly and gained fame last year, they have started to submit to our publication one after another this year. Why? Because we pay high royalties. We can now offer up to 20 or even 30 yuan per thousand words. With such high pay, there will surely be brave men."

“We have a typical writer here, Comrade Yu Hua. Last year, after his manuscript was rejected, he submitted his novels “1986” and “The April 3rd Incident” to the magazine Harvest. Although they were accepted, the royalties may not have satisfied him.”

Yu Hua was there. He stood up and shouted, "Yes, I'm not satisfied with the payment. I never revised my articles before, I just wanted them to pass, but now I'd rather revise them for the sake of 'October'."

"What's your opinion on returning to 'October' this time?" Zhang Shouren asked.

“I was born a member of the October movement, and I will die a ghost of the October movement!” Yu Hua said.

Yu Qie, who was standing to the side, couldn't hold back anymore and started laughing.

What's so funny about this?

Yu Hua winked at him: Mutton soup?
Lamb again! Are you that weak?

Yu Hua winked and said: "Just kidding, just kidding."

Okay, let's have lamb then. I... need some too.

Editor-in-Chief Su Yu chimed in: "Our magazine's sales surpass Harvest magazine's. They have 600,000 copies, while we have 800,000 or 900,000. When we have more than enough articles, we can even rival People's Literature magazine, achieving double the sales."

At this point, Su Yu looked at Yu Qie with a wistful expression and said, "However, Yu Qie hasn't had the motivation to create lately..."

Yu Qie had no choice but to declare on the spot that his new novel would definitely be published in "October".

Zhang Shouren pressed further: "Where is your 'Bloody Battle of Laoshan'? And where is the Chinese version of '2666'? Liu Jiaju from 'Military Literature' has become a good friend of mine, and every time he sees me he asks, 'Where is Yu Qie's novel?'"

“I’ve finished writing,” Yu Qie said.

damned!
At that moment, Zhang Shouren even thought he was hallucinating.

Everyone looked over, even Yu Hua's mouth dropped open.

“What did I hear?” Zhang Shouren asked.

"You heard me right, I finished writing it. It happened not long ago."

Su Yu asked, "Where's your manuscript?"

"I'm at home. I plan to post it after April."

Zhang Shouren couldn't take it anymore: "Why does it have to be after April? It's too late this month, can't we do it next month?"

"Because the Cervantes Prize will be awarded at that time, I think it will be beneficial to the novel's sales regardless of whether it is won or not."

Damn, what you said is really... great!
Starting with Zhang Shouren, followed by Su Yu, then Luo Yihe… The entire editorial department of "October" stopped and applauded for two minutes in recognition of Yu Qie's insightful and far-sighted thinking.

"Wow!"

Amid the applause, Yu Hua felt that being Yu Qie's follower was quite good. His literary career, his wife, and even his current royalties all owed a part to Yu Qie, and Yu Qie never asked him for anything in return.

Yu Hua genuinely likes Yu Qie.

This wasn't worship, but rather a friendship. It's just that this friend was too strong, so he couldn't be as open and candid with him as he was with Guan Moye, sharing everything and making risqué jokes.

I always have to say something flattering, just like I have to applaud right now...

Wait, is this due to the distortion of human nature or the decline of morality?
Royalties have alienated me. I wasn't born this way! I'm a writer of pure literature—a pioneer!

I am a scientific experimenter among writers!

However, Yu Hua continued clapping, following the crowd. Just like the title of a novel he would write in the future: "I'm a Coward."
-
Donglaishun.

Also present at the dinner was editor Ma Weidu.

The reason he was there was because the rosewood bed in Yu Qie's house had broken.

"How did it break? It's been hundreds of years and it hasn't broken!" Ma Wei was very surprised. "You know what? When I was collecting things, that farmer tried to chop it up like firewood, and even so, it took him a lot of effort."

Yu Qie said innocently, "I don't know what happened. The bed was broken when I got up this morning."

"Alright. Shall I take another one? You'd better cherish it, Professor Yu. I don't usually do these kinds of chores for ordinary people, except for you... When will I be able to visit Professor Ji's friend at Yenching University again to look at his calligraphy and paintings?"

“I will talk to Teacher Ji,” Yu said.

"Are you coming with me? If you don't, I'm afraid someone will try to scam me!" Ma Weidu said softly.

He tried his best to keep his tone anxious, but not to the point of offending Yu Qie.

He absolutely cannot offend Yu Qie.

Ma Wei was an editor at *Youth Literature*. He was a quick-witted man, and like Wang Shuo, he loved doing business. In the 1970s, he collected scrap metal, and in the 1980s, he collected antiques—but he couldn't figure out calligraphy and paintings, because he often made mistakes and lost a lot of money.

Wang Shuo often made fun of him.

Although Yu Qie knew nothing about calligraphy and painting, he had many friends who were masters. This was a resource that even Ma Wei couldn't access; those people wouldn't even bother associating with a mere editor like him—they were too arrogant.

For example, Wu Zuoren, a prominent student of Xu Beihong, taught at the Central Academy of Fine Arts and was good friends with Ji Xianlin of Yenching University. The two often used their connections to collect calligraphy and paintings, and no one in the world knew better than Wu Zuoren whether a painting was by Xu Beihong.

Ma Wei went to visit Wu Zuoren, hoping to learn a few tricks, and brought generous gifts, but Wu wouldn't even open the door.

Wu Zuoren, however, was eager to explain everything to Yu Qie in detail, as if afraid that Yu Qie wouldn't know his high level of expertise and that he was an experienced collector. Whenever Yu Qie showed surprise and gave a thumbs up, Wu Zuoren was overjoyed.

Ji Xianlin? Needless to say.

Ji Xianlin was quite stingy and harsh. His son described him as "the most ruthless writer." Ji Xianlin was frugal in his daily life, but he was very generous to Yu Qie.

When Ma Weidu finally visited Ji Xianlin through this circuitous network of connections—the pear wood bed, Yu Qie, and Ji Xianlin—and asked the question that had been troubling him, Ji Xianlin replied without hesitation:

“What I fear most in this life is that others are not sincere to me… Yu Qie, he is so famous, he has no shortage of money and status, I watched him rise to fame. If he were with me, we could only be friends who admire each other despite the age gap.”

"A person like him would not do anything to damage his own reputation."

What kind of bullshit logic is this?
When someone becomes successful, everything they do is right; when someone is still struggling, everything they do is judged.

Yu Qie's voice rang in my ears:

"I don't know, I might come here, or I might stay in Spain."

"Spain?" Ma Weidu's exaggerated voice made Yu Hua feel nauseous. Ma Weidu said, "You're going to Spain to collect calligraphy and paintings? Where did these friends come from? They're exchanging things from their circle with you?"

"It's not about collecting calligraphy and paintings, but about attending an awards ceremony. There's this Cervantes Prize, I don't know if you've heard of it?"

"I know, I know!" Ma Weidu was an editor after all, so he naturally understood.

He said, "It's said that the King of Spain is also coming, dressed in magnificent robes, accompanied by his guards, and there are cannon salutes outside... It turns out to be the Cervantes Award! Cervantes~"

Ma Weidu said to himself, "I've never been to Spain before. That place is wonderful!"

"Actually, Spanish porcelain is also exceptional. This doesn't mean the Spanish can make porcelain, but rather that a considerable amount of Song Dynasty porcelain was transported to Spain. And today's Spaniards aren't as discerning as their ancestors were..."

"Professor Yu, the Cervantes Prize is definitely yours for the taking. I haven't seen '2666,' but I know you... Waiter? Another bottle of wine, please!"

"Brother Yu, I'll drink this. But you shouldn't drink it; this toast is for you."

Amidst the billowing steam of the mutton soup, Yu Hua became a rational observer.

He observed how the editor of "Youth Literature" subtly flattered Yu Qie while making every effort to avoid appearing too subservient.

The word "lick" was learned from the sound of Yu cutting one's mouth.

After figuring it out, Yu Hua was amazed. Yu Qie truly deserves to be called a literary figure; he was able to express so many complex meanings with just one verb: forbearance, expectation, bitterness... No one in China understands the Chinese language better than Yu Qie.

After Ma Weidu got drunk and passed out.

Yu Qie began to show concern for Su Tong and Guan Moye.

What is Guan Moye doing?

"He went to the production team of 'Red Sorghum' and worked there as a screenwriter."

"Zhang Yimou?"

"You still know. This director is weird. He doesn't direct movies, but instead farms. He even bought fake fertilizer, so the sorghum won't grow. I think this director will definitely not amount to anything in the future."

"Where is that actor?"

"Who?" Yu Hua asked.

"Ginger pattern".

"Who?" Yu Hua asked again.

"Ginger pattern".

"I don't know him, who is he?"

"It's nothing." Yu Qie was also drunk.

(End of this chapter)