Literary Master 1983

Chapter 361 Major Events in April

After a thorough and intensive study, Yu Qie got out of bed and wrote back to the Hong Kong literary journal, "Hong Kong Literature".

This magazine was founded around the spring of 1985, after he wrote "Reunion".

Following the Sino-British negotiations, Xinhua News Agency and local patriotic writers jointly founded "Hong Kong Literature" in order to quickly establish a literary base belonging to the Chinese people and to unite all parties. "Hong Kong Literature" was required to publish anything beneficial, regardless of whether it was left or right.

In fact, to put Hong Kong writers at ease, almost no left-wing writers appeared in "Hong Kong Literature" throughout 1985.

It wasn't until 1986 that the first article by a clearly left-wing writer, "A Portrait of Mr. Wen Yiduo," was published, thus completing the miracle of publishing the magazine without regard to faction or age.

By the end of 86, after discussions on the relevant agreement, the overall situation was settled. Hong Kong Literature took the opportunity to invite Yu Qie to write a congratulatory message to express his blessings to the overseas Chinese literary community.

This step also requires great care.

Yu Qie's stance was clear: he himself was a member, and his teacher was even an underground member of the Communist Party—a fact he never concealed. However, he was a rare writer who transcended ideology and enjoyed a renowned reputation throughout the Chinese-speaking world.

And he's a young man.

As stated in the letter of invitation from Hong Kong Literature: "We wanted to invite you or Mr. Cha Liangyong to write our inaugural editorial, but you two were at odds. Considering that the televised debate had just taken place, we were worried that such an invitation might cause an overreaction in the literary world."

"But good things come to those who wait. A new era needs a new look. Now, the Kowloon Walled City has begun to be planned for demolition, and some secret documents have been revealed, which are simply shocking! Mr. Cha has reflected on what happened back then... Now a brand new era is about to arrive, and we will gather together regardless of where we are from."

"Based on this, I extend this invitation to fulfill the agreement made two years ago."

The moon was bright and the stars were few, but the Yu residence was brightly lit.

In his article, Yu Qie wrote about the mindset of young people in mainland China today, pointing out that the same mentality of prioritizing business above all else exists in Hong Kong. He revisited his novel "Reunion," a story about "two young people from mainland China, a man and a woman, who fall in love while living a lonely and helpless life in Hong Kong."

The characters are all new immigrants from mainland China.

He had a lot to say: the previous task was completed, and a new struggle had begun. How can we bridge the cultural differences between the two places?

Today, the academic community on the mainland is eager for international exchange, and Hong Kong universities serve as such a window, as do the business community.

The novel tells the story of two young people who travel to Hong Kong, but in reality, it is also the talents of Hong Kong who come to the mainland to make use of their abilities... Reality is not as tender as in "Reunion," and the great changes and vicissitudes of the times are hidden by the love of young people.

Some people say that Yu Qie downplays suffering, and that his novels always have a warm ending. Guan Moye said that he "stole the crown of magical realism, engraved his personal mark on it, turned it into a golden hoop, and drew a circle around it, not allowing anyone to cross this line."

However, Yu Qie felt that suffering itself was not worth making a big fuss about; those who had personally experienced it would know the hardships behind it.

Zhang Li was a little tired, but she still insisted on keeping Yu Qie company while he wrote. She waited and waited, but Yu Qie still hadn't written anything.

Zhang Li asked in confusion, "Brother Yu, what are you writing?"

"Write commentary articles."

"Isn't this easy? Why don't you hurry up and write it?"

Yu Qie smiled and said, "You saw me on the exam paper, so you know that I'm not as insignificant as I used to be. Some of my words can attract a lot of attention and sometimes have an effect that I didn't even expect."

He cited the recent debate about the uselessness of reading. "Criticizing the uselessness of reading is indeed my idea, but I didn't expect my teacher, Mr. Ba, to get involved and treat it as a major event in their lives! They might leave their last work together to me! Then Guangming Daily joined in, and things developed very quickly."

"I intend to criticize the notion that studying is useless, which also exists in Hong Kong. But they invited me with great enthusiasm, and the unity efforts were only recently completed. I'm not sure if it's appropriate for me to write such an article?"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Li quickly got out of bed. Without even putting on her shoes, she slid like a penguin across the slippers to Yu Qie's back, hugging him and saying:

“I don’t understand your novel writing, but in my eyes, you’ve never changed! Back then, we didn’t have a car and had to take the bus. Do you remember how you let me in?”

Yu Qie remembered. Back then, he didn't care about anything, relying on his height and strength, he climbed over the bus window, kicked a few people who wouldn't give up their seats, and forced Zhang Li to get in as well.

"Hahaha!"

As Yu Qie pondered this, he began to laugh.

Is it still possible to do this now?
This will probably make the news.

"Renowned writer Yu Qie assaults citizens rushing to catch the bus!"

It might make international news.

Despite having many supporters of Yu Qie, there are also many "Yu haters" who will speak out whenever they have the chance.

Zhang Li added, "You're not even a father yet, why are you thinking about this and that? Why are you thinking so much? You always say I'm like Chen Xiaoxu, I think you've been influenced by her too!"

After saying that, Zhang Li looked very angry and punched the lamp in mid-air: "That Chen Xiaoxu, she's corrupting everyone! It's all her fault!"

"You dare say I resemble Lin Daiyu? I'll uproot a willow tree! I am Yu Zhishen!"

"You are not Yu Zhishen, nor are you Lu Zhishen! You are Yu Qie, no matter what, you are Yu Qie!"

Yu Qie patted Zhang Li's head. The two hugged for a while.

He then began writing.

When Yu Qie writes a novel, he usually turns on the main light in the house, and then turns on the antique-style desk lamp in front of him. Then he sits at the desk, leans slightly forward, thinks for a moment, and then starts writing with large, rapid strokes... like a knight charging into the enemy ranks, brandishing his sword high.

In just one round trip, you see him finish the article—like a heavy cavalryman wreaking havoc on the plains.

Zhang Li took a book and studied opposite Yu Qie, glancing up at him every now and then.

So lovely!
It seems Chen Xiaoxu was right. We need to support Brother Yu not only financially, but also provide emotional support.

Even the strongest man has a vulnerable side, though most people don't notice it. Because of her role in "Family Spring and Autumn," the director pointed out that she couldn't become a second "Lin Daiyu," so Chen Xiaoxu spent the last few months diligently studying psychology...

She had also met with Buffett and discovered that this renowned writer was actually quite sensitive, and might even have an escapist personality.

why?

Buffett has a collecting obsession, which, according to psychology, may be a kind of "caving effect." Just like some men go fishing or chopping wood after finishing their work, in ancient times, men would take shelter from the rain in caves after hunting and grind animal bones to make arrowheads. Strangely, they would grind for a day or two without getting tired, but instead they would enjoy it immensely... This is a kind of caveing ​​effect.

Ba Jin's wife, Xiao Shan, was always his capable assistant and his pillar of strength. During difficult times, Xiao Shan had to take care of the children and comfort the grieving Ba Jin. Xiao Shan was thirteen years younger than Ba ​​Jin! Yet she was able to serve as Ba Jin's emotional refuge for a long time, constantly encouraging him: "You are Li Yaotang, you must persevere."

She herself was diagnosed with cancer, but to avoid upsetting her husband, she didn't tell her family. Later, the cancer spread and she passed away. Upon hearing the news, Mr. Buffett wept bitterly.

For a long time, Ba Jin believed that Xiao Shan was still by his side, plunging him into a state of immense mental anguish. He wrote many articles "in remembrance of his deceased wife."

I'd be willing to die if someone wrote an article like this for me!

Zhang Li thought to herself.

Even making a fortune hasn't solved this first task, let alone creating a spiritual sanctuary. Who knows when it will be completed?

Zhang Li now manages all of Yu Qie's money, and he has become a near-hundred-millionaire. Zhang Li finds it hard to believe that someone could legally earn so much money; Yu Qie has even donated nearly ten million yuan.

My brother Yu used to say that we both have a talent for business and that we'll definitely be richer than him in the future... Sigh, how could that be possible?
If I could talk nonsense like him, I might become a writer!
Zhang Li's mind gradually became a mess, sometimes fantasizing about the future, sometimes staring at her belly... until she finally fell asleep on her desk.

Yu Qie carried her to the bed and covered her with a blanket.
-
Another major event occurred this month.

China and Portugal signed a joint declaration confirming the restoration of sovereignty over their territories before the millennium. There was also activity regarding treaties related to Hong Kong this month. Historically, initialing takes place at the end of March, followed by a closed-door formal signing in April. With many prominent figures heading south, Hong Kong has become a central topic of discussion.

Yu Qie once debated the issue of demolishing the Kowloon Walled City, and with the release of relevant information, he has now been proven correct. The Hong Kong government intentionally used the Kowloon Walled City as a rebellious example to deter other Chinese communities. Although the government took remedial measures after the chaos caused a sensation, these measures could not atone for the evil they committed.

When answering reporters' questions, leaders often mention the novels "The Way Out" and "Reunion," which reporters also cite as anecdotes from major historical events.

A writer who identifies a problem early on and speaks out before the situation becomes clear deserves much praise.

Rumor has it that Cha Liangyong is writing an apology letter?

I won again! How come I always win?

This cannot be a rumor! Cha Liangyong must write a letter of apology and make it clear.

Yu Qie had been conducting spot checks on Zhang Li several times in the past few days, which to some extent replaced his former love for table tennis. Now he has found passion in a new arena.

The ancient battlefield made of huanghuali wood, weighing over 300 jin, was indestructible and as stable as Mount Tai, enough to allow Yu Qie to fight at lightning speed until the main road was worn away.

"Spanish Deputy Prime Minister Guerra will visit China this month!"

Yu Qie saw this news at Yenching University.

The text reads: "Gera has long been concerned with the development of Chinese literature; in fact, he is a lover of Chinese literature. Since the magical realism of Spanish literature became popular all over the world, it has finally gained widespread popularity in China in recent years. Although it is not literature originally from Spain, it has to be said that it has become a new milestone in Spanish literature! Many writers who use Spanish to create have frequently won international awards."

Is Gela a Chinese literature enthusiast?
Why have I never heard of this in my past life?

The report, quoted from the Daily News, states:

"Now, Chinese writer Yu Qie will also be competing for the Cervantes Prize. Whether he wins or not, this is a great step forward in literary exchanges between China and Spain. '2666' is the most successful cultural gem of our time!"

"Isn't it a pleasure to have friends coming from afar? Two countries should truly connect, just like literary exchanges. In Madrid, the capital of Spain, Vicente del Bosque, a former Real Madrid football player, has recently been frequently reading Yu Qie's novel '2666'..."

Oh, Yu Qie remembers now, this person is a legendary Real Madrid player who later became a manager and achieved great success as well.

The report included a photo of a white player with a scruffy beard, looking like an old gold miner.

Holy crap, is Márquez's illegitimate son playing football?
Why are they so similar?
“Bosque said, ‘I saw Eastern wisdom in 2666. This book is too profound for me. Many times I only turned to the first page. However, this page has benefited me greatly. It is a great book to read…’ We can see Mr. Bosque’s love for 2666!”

"Veloción del Bosque also said, 'Real Madrid is not just a team that can play football. Football is a very complex game of tactics and teamwork. Our players are all highly intelligent players. Some of them choose to pursue higher education after retiring. Just as football is popular in China, some cultures in the world can be promoted by some iconic figures and become popular all over the world!'"

“Deputy Prime Minister Guerra brought a handwritten letter from King Carlos I of Spain. We don’t know what it said, but it must have been a blessing to promote friendship.”

"..."

Put down the newspaper.

Yu realized that the Cervantes Prize was really going to be awarded, and that he had indeed changed things, making him an iconic figure.

He who has not climbed the Great Wall is no true hero!
For every Westerner who comes here, Yuqie is the first page they turn to in this "book of China," a walking Great Wall.

He was born in a rare era of Western friendliness and acceptance of China, which allowed his outrageous behavior to be tolerated and him to receive widespread positive media coverage. Had he been born ten years later, he certainly wouldn't have garnered so many favorable impressions in the West.

Now he is just one step away from achieving perfect enlightenment.

This move was swift, and people sensed an undercurrent of activity. Since the Oracle Conference, more than ten universities have extended invitations to Yu Qie, and *Hong Kong Literature* has also received offers from the Chinese University of Hong Kong and the University of Hong Kong—in literature, Yu Qie could be directly appointed as a professor. In economics, Yu Qie could also pursue a doctorate, and upon graduation, he would have his own personal team and funding, immediately becoming a professor.

Yenching University has reached its limit in its tolerance of this kind of thing.

When I arrived at the office, Hu Daiguang and Ding Leisun were both there.

After exchanging greetings, Principal Ding said quite frankly, "I think some things can be made an exception, Yu Qie, I came here specifically to see you."

(End of this chapter)