Literary Master 1983

Chapter 411 You guys have really put me in a terrible situation!

The news was published in the Oriental Daily News in the southern port area.

The article is titled "Yu Qie Donates Mainland Manuscript Fees: The First Person to Do Charity".

The author, Wen Ruian, a martial arts novelist, bluntly stated: "Donations have always been popular in the cultural world; in Hong Kong, donations from people in the arts and culture circles account for about 6% to 9% of total donations, far exceeding the proportion of their wealth, which is a characteristic of Chinese society."

“However, although people in the cultural circles donate money, they are afraid to leave their names and are even less willing to do it themselves. I call this the strange phenomenon of ‘literati being hypocritically aloof’! The good thing about Yu Qie is that he set a good precedent, and others know what to do.”

When it comes to sentimentality, Wen Ruian even used the phrase "To do charity, you must understand charity" to describe it.

When Cha Liangyong saw this article in his own mansion, he began to admire Yu Qie.

He has some understanding of the mainland. He is afraid that Yu Qie is pushing this personal charitable foundation on his own, and he may not get any benefits. If something goes wrong, he will only get himself into trouble.

This is why intellectuals have always been reluctant to personally participate in making donations.

Because their primary goal is to gain "fame" and have a good public image, charity is a secondary factor.

Cha Liangyong asked his wife Li Leyi: "Back then, I debated with Yu Qie on TV. Although I couldn't win the argument, I was actually quite resentful... Now it seems I was wrong."

"Where exactly did you go wrong?"

Li Leyi is much younger than Cha Liangyong, and she looks incredibly innocent and romantic.

Cha Liangyong was caught off guard and spoke frankly: "One is the Kowloon Walled City issue. He saw it more deeply than I did. The belated demolition compensation from the Hong Kong British government was a minor issue, but its role as a benchmark for unity in the Chinese community was a major issue."

"Anything else? Is that all?"

“Of course there is more,” Cha Liangyong said. “The establishment of this foundation shows that he genuinely cares about his compatriots. He is not a hypocritical intellectual, the kind of vulgar person who relies on verbal battles to gain fame... He is far superior to people like Li Ao.”

Li Leyi laughed upon hearing this: "So you still have a problem with Professor Yu. I thought you had let it go a long time ago."

lay down?

Cha Liangyong felt bitter: I have lost face in my life and been talked about behind my back a few times. How can I just let it go?

He ruined my political future!
From then on, it became a social consensus that Cha Liangyong only knew the ways of the underworld and not the heights of the imperial court. Everyone thought he was all talk and no action in politics and that he should stick to writing novels. Feeling ashamed, Cha Liangyong had already resigned from his position as a member of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Committee.

In the afternoon, his friend Yang Zhenning visited him, and the two drank tea and played Go.

Cha Liangyong asked, "Shouldn't you be lecturing? Why did you come specifically to find me?"

"I haven't seen you in so long, so I came here to spend some time with you."

Shortly after, Yang Zhenning asked, "I plan to write an article in Ming Pao. I wonder if you would allow it?"

“I no longer manage Ming Pao, so you don’t need to ask me for my opinion.”

“This time it’s different!” Yang Zhenning said. “The article I’m going to write is related to Yu Qie… Your relationship with him is practically that of mortal enemies. I’m writing about him on your turf, so I need to ask for your opinion.”

"Are you also going to write about his charitable foundation?"

"You knew all along!" Yang Zhenning said with this expression.

Subsequently, Yang Zhenning even tried to persuade Cha Liangyong. "If Yu Qie comes to Hong Kong again in the future, I hope to act as your mediator and help you achieve a reconciliation of the century. He is young and popular, and you can never beat him."

Cha Liangyong said helplessly, "You can all write it yourself, why bother asking me?"

Yang Zhenning writes articles in his office at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

He holds two positions in Hong Kong: a professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong and a contributing writer for Ming Pao. Yang Zhenning is actually very good at writing articles and adept at lobbying political and business leaders. He often writes his ideas into articles to gain more support.

He believed that the propaganda surrounding China's nuclear weapons and satellite program was directly related to Yang Zhenning. In 80, when he returned to China, he met with Qiao Gong and suggested that the names of these heroes be made public.

Qiao asked: What are the benefits of doing it this way?
Yang Zhenning said: "Everyone abroad knows about this, but it's kept secret inside China. The conditions for national defense science and technology are very difficult. If you work hard your whole life and then have your knowledge buried, it will dampen the enthusiasm of the younger generation to devote themselves to this field."

Mr. Qiao agreed.

Thus, his old friend Deng Xian was able to tell his family the truth in the final years of his life: I was actually contributing to the national defense of the motherland.

Deng Xian's national fame came much later, but his willingness to disclose his work was already significant. Deng Xian's father-in-law, having seen the news about the "Miss Qiu" explosion, clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Who did this? They're really something!"

At the time, Deng Xian was also asked about this by his father-in-law, but unfortunately he could only agree, "This person is really amazing, but I don't know who he is?"

— I was born in a good era.

Whether it was earlier or later, he would not have achieved what he has today.

Yang Zhenning is particularly supportive of the charitable foundation established by Yu Qie.

In his article, Yang Zhenning wrote: "By the middle of the 21st century, China is very likely to become a world-class science and technology power because a country's scientific and technological development requires four conditions—talent, tradition, determination, and economic support, and China has basically or will soon have these four conditions."

"What we lack most is economic support, because the government cannot support every aspect. In some more refined areas, we need insightful people to step forward, exert their influence, and make full use of the wisdom and talent of the Chinese people... In this regard, the foundation established by Yu Qie has done a very good job."

“I pay attention to the direction of their donations—university cafeterias, educational assistance in Ning County in Northwest China, and attracting investment from Birmingham to Zhoushan. This is all very good! I originally took it for granted that philanthropy in the mainland was in dire straits, but it turns out that it is ahead of the United States. I see that the mainland is doing a good job, with a wide variety of projects, almost no discrimination, and the leaders are intellectuals.”

"If the size of a charitable foundation could be expanded a hundred or a thousand times, it would be the ideal form of charitable organization in society."

This article was not only shown to Cha Liangyong, but also used by Yang Zhenning in his speech at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, drawing cheers and applause from the audience. After returning, Yang Zhenning described the scene to Cha Liangyong: We were all proud of our Chinese heritage and background.

Cha Liangyong pressed further, "You've been in contact with Yu Qie for a long time. What kind of person do you think he is?"

Yang Zhenning recalled an incident to him: Many years ago, because of Yang Zhenning's great academic contributions, the US government allowed Yang Zhenning to become a citizen. In addition, Yang Zhenning's siblings, spouse, and even his still-living father could also become citizens.

Yang's father was living in mainland China at the time. After hearing the news that Yang Zhenning had won the Nobel Prize, he went to Geneva to persuade Yang Zhenning to return to China, or at least not to become a U.S. citizen.

In the end, Yang Zhenning readily became a citizen, but his father could never forgive him until his death. Yang Zhenning was left with a deep-seated resentment and always felt regret. He once talked about this with Cha Liangyong, and wept bitterly. Cha Liangyong wrote a memoir about him.

Now Yang Zhenning recounted this story again, and then said: "Yu Qie is the kind of person who, even after changing his nationality, my father believed he was an undercover agent. After getting to know him, I found that it wasn't just about emotions and future prospects. Look at his relationship with Watson... I think he has a fundamental element of nationalism."

"In other words, he believes that Chinese people are superior to Americans. He may not admit it, and you may find it shocking, but that's the feeling he gives me."

Inspired by this, Cha Liangyong also announced a donation of one million Hong Kong dollars to Yenching University as a scholarship fund for the Faculty of Arts.

The money did not go directly to Yenching University, but was donated by Cha Liangyong to the Yuqie Foundation, with the specific purpose of using it for the Chinese Department.
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Cha Liangyong was still rich!

With just one stroke, he produced a number that surpasses the combined output of countless mainland writers.

A million Hong Kong dollars! The exchange rate difference is really driving me crazy.

Guan Moye was overjoyed when his novel was adapted into "Red Sorghum," earning him only two thousand yuan. Lu Yao, on the other hand, worked himself to the bone writing "Ordinary World," earning a mere thirty thousand yuan in royalties. When his novel was picked up by CCTV, they offered him 680 yuan for adaptation—a price even CCTV considered astronomical.

Yu Qie did not stop Cha Liangyong's donations, but quickly transferred them to the Chinese Department of Yenching University.

The Yenching University faculty were stunned by the amount of money; it was the largest single donation the department had ever received, and it was in Hong Kong dollars, equivalent to US dollars.

During this period, the Hong Kong dollar was pegged to the US dollar and guaranteed by several international banks; it was essentially a "US dollar certificate"! Even government ministries wanted this money!

The head of the Chinese department was Sun Yushi, who came to Yu Qie to discuss how to use the money.

"Professor Yu, our Chinese department has not been doing well these past few years. We are facing a shortage of qualified teachers, and apart from bringing you in, we haven't achieved much. I'm planning to recruit more students and train some young teachers—and raise their salaries. What do you think?"

Yu Qie laughed and said, "I'm only in charge of fundraising. Why are you asking me how to spend the money?"

Sun Yushi insisted, "We must not forget the well-digger when we drink the water. Of course, I will ask you about the money you brought in."

Yu Qie stood up and said seriously, "Although the foundation is in my name, I can't make all the decisions. Otherwise, it could easily turn into illegal fundraising by the public... You've got this wrong. I only have one suggestion for you."

"What advice?"

“Since Cha Liangyong has donated so much money, you should appoint him as an honorary professor, give him a high position, and when he passes through the capital in the future, you can bring your students to accompany him to give a speech. If you can please him, he should be satisfied.”

Sun Yushi slapped his thigh: "You're the one who understands! I'll get on it right now."

But after walking a few steps, he felt it was inappropriate. Sun Yushi was a scholar-official who didn't understand much about interpersonal relationships. He had worked in the literature research department for a long time and had associated with other "pedantic literati" for twenty years.

The reason he was able to become the department head was because there was a talent gap during this period, and Lao Sun was a well-known good-natured person.

Sun Yushi wondered if his casual use of a million Hong Kong dollars would offend Yu Qie.

Having lived through difficult times, many people appear selfless on the surface, but secretly they would fight tooth and nail for a single spot to go abroad, even for a monthly stipend of twenty yuan—they were terrified of poverty!

Ji Zhenhuai, the former head of the Chinese Department, lived in Dormitory No. 12 at Yenching University. He and Ma Shitu, Yu Qie's teacher, were classmates at Southwest Associated University.

Sun Yushi went to visit the old professor and explained his purpose in a few words. "One million Hong Kong dollars! Even ministries wanted to ask me for money, but he just said he didn't want it? Really? What should I do?"

Ji Zhenhuai also found it difficult. During this period, the phenomenon of seniority-based ranking and factionalism at Yenching University had already emerged. He said, "The operation of the school is mainly supported by two and a half people. One is the God of Wealth, and Yu Qie is the God of Wealth; the other is the Diamond, and Yu Qie is also the Diamond! The remaining half is the students."

Sun Yushi was taken aback, then immediately said urgently, "The students are also close to Yu Qie. They are about the same age, and I think there is almost no one in the Chinese department who doesn't like Yu Qie."

"Sometimes they call him Brother Yu, sometimes they call him Little Teacher. When he's in class, they're very respectful—Professor Yu! So many people skip classes at Yenching University, but his classes are never short of people."

Upon hearing this, Ji Zhenhuai thought to himself: Doesn't Yu Qie occupy both of these positions?
When it was Yu Qie's turn to take over, Sun Yushi and others had just retired. His retirement benefits were largely determined by Yu Qie—whether or not to rehire professors who were over the age limit, and whether or not to allocate funds every quarter for humanistic care.

No wonder Sun Yushi hesitated, fearing he might offend Yu Qie.

Ji Zhenhuai beckoned Sun Yushi over and gave him a few pointers, which immediately made Sun Yushi's eyes light up...

A day later, Sun Yushi waited in the back row of the classroom where Yu Qie was giving a lecture. As soon as the bell rang, he took Yu Qie away in front of the students.

"Teacher Yu, I have some questions for you, so I have to bother you."

After taking Yu Qie away, Sun Yushi apologized to the students in the classroom: "I hope you can all be more understanding. I really need to talk to Teacher Yu."

As soon as the two left the classroom, the students immediately started talking about it.

"Was that the department head just now?" a freshman asked.

"Yes."

"Isn't the department head supposed to be impartial and incorruptible, hating evil as if it were his enemy? He's offended a lot of senior professors!"

"That depends on the person. I heard that the martial arts novelist from Hong Kong donated a lot of money, but Professor Yu didn't take a penny and gave it all to our academy."

"A lot of money... exactly how much?"

"It seems to be a round number, one million!"

"so much!!!"

The effects of the million-dollar donation are beginning to appear, even the students find it unbelievable.

Sun Yushi approached Yu Qie to discuss this matter: "Our Yenching University has adopted a democratic and centralized system. How should this money be used? We need to consider the opinions of all faculty and staff! Professor Yu, you've been with our college for so long, but you've never attended the academic committee meetings. I hope you can attend tomorrow's meeting."

It's just a meeting, what risks could there be?
Yu Qie went there in a swagger, and as a result, Sun Yushi requested the establishment of a secretariat for the academic committee and the selection of a secretary and a deputy secretary.

"Please come and vote, raise your hands," he said.

Soon, Sun Yushi was elected Secretary-General of the Secretariat with a high number of votes, while Yu Qie was forced to be elected Deputy Secretary-General.

(End of this chapter)