Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 365 Speech at the Sino-US Literary Forum
The next day, Liu Yimin arrived at Qian Zhongshu's house on his motorcycle. In addition to Liu Yimin, there were several other professors, including Zhu Guangqian and Wang Zuoliang.

Qian Zhongshu warmly invited Liu Yimin into his study, but with so many people, the study felt quite cramped.

As soon as he sat down, Zhu Guangqian looked at Liu Yimin with a resentful expression and complained in a voice that only the two of them could hear: "Yimin, we're compiling textbooks together, and you haven't shown up at all this summer. Is that appropriate?"

“Professor Zhu, I know it’s inappropriate, but I did go for the nuclear test, right?” Liu Yimin said with a smile.

"You really did a nuclear test?"

"Do you think it's appropriate for me to come back after the nuclear test?" Liu Yimin asked.

"That's definitely not appropriate."

After Zhu Guangqian finished complaining, he smiled and said to the professors, "Look, Yimin and I are colleagues. We haven't seen each other for a summer vacation, and we've caused such a commotion, startling everyone."

Wang Zuoliang rolled his eyes at Zhu Guangqian, thinking to himself, "This guy is so cocky."

Wang Zuoliang was a professor at Yenching University of Foreign Languages, and was proficient in Western languages ​​and literature. The two had a minor connection: Wang Zuoliang translated Cao Yu's (Liu Yimin's teacher) novel *Thunderstorm* into English.

Wang Zuoliang thought to himself, but still smiled and said, "Five years ago, a remarkable student came to the Chinese Department of Yenching University. Five years later, the Chinese Department of Yenching University has produced a remarkable professor. When I teach at schools in the United States and elsewhere, many people are discussing Yimin's novels."

"Professor Wang Zuoliang, you flatter me."

Qian Zhongshu asked, "Professor Wang, how are your teaching trips going across the United States?"

"I feel that my English is fluent and elegant, and I did not lose the debate. I believe I am worthy of the identity of a Chinese scholar," Wang Zuoliang said leisurely.

Qian Zhongshu continued, "When you go to the United States again in the next two years, the discussion about Yimin will be even louder."

Qian Zhongshu did not elaborate on this topic, but instead changed the subject to explain the purpose of the gathering: "The first Sino-US Comparative Literature Forum is about to be held, and ten professors from American universities have already arrived in China. The meeting is scheduled to be held at the Wanshou Road Hotel, and we will have a total of twenty or thirty people, including the Americans."

Professor Wang, you've spent several years traveling around the United States. Could you talk to us about contemporary American literature?

Wang Zuoliang told everyone about the current trends in American literature: "American literature is now divided into several groups, such as the Southern literary group and New York literature. In addition to realism and non-fiction, horror novels are also very popular in the United States. The most famous writer is Stephen King. Yi Min, have you met him?"

"Yes, we talked for a long time when the awards were presented," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

"After you left, Stephen King praised you highly in the newspapers, calling you an outstanding young Chinese writer, and a true writer."

"Stephen King was there when Harvard University contacted me," Liu Yimin said casually.

"No wonder, anyone would admire a young man who can resist the temptation of $150,000."

Wang Zuoliang gave everyone a detailed analysis of the current state of American literature, as well as background information on each writer who came to China for exchanges.

"The head of the U.S. delegation was Earl Miner, and among them were Chinese scholars Liu Ruoyu, Bai Zhi, Ouyang Ji, Van Geer, Smith, Paul Vasser, Lin Shunfu, and Yu Baolin."
Five of them specialize in European and American literature, and five of them teach Chinese literature in the United States.

The five Chinese scholars all specialize in Chinese literature, especially opera, and have made significant contributions to the development of Chinese literature in the West.

After Wang Zuoliang finished speaking, everyone basically had a general idea of ​​what was going on.

Each member of the delegation shared their views, and many expressed their high expectations for the forum.

Qian Zhongshu said with a smile, "Everyone has been preparing for a while. Tomorrow morning at eight o'clock, everyone should arrive at Wanshouzhuang Hotel on time, or take the special car from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. Comrades, we are here with an attitude of exchange, but as Professor Wang said, let's not embarrass Chinese scholars."

The conference lasted three days, with two days dedicated to actual exchange. On the first day, each delegate took turns sharing their views on Chinese and American literature or discussing their previously written papers. The second day was for genuine, sincere, and friendly exchanges and interactions.

"These are the procedures. Please take a good look at them, and don't be nervous. If we are nervous, it means we are showing our incompetence. Let's be confident and show them. Professor Wang, you are the leader of this exchange group, so please keep an eye on the direction of the meeting."

After seeing off the delegation members, Qian Zhongshu asked Zhu Guangqian and Liu Yimin to stay behind.

Qian Zhongshu laughed and said, "Yimin, I could hear all the noise you've been making at home."

Comrade Xu Chi highly praised your novel, saying it possesses both grandeur and profound sentiment. After reading it, I also felt that as a writer, my contribution to the country had been too small. Comrade Qian Xuesen also had the surname Qian, and so do I, but money is not as valuable as money!

“Qian Lao once talked to me and said that literary thought is sometimes more important than technique, and he cited the Renaissance as an example.”

After discussing "The Birth of a Nation," Qian Zhongshu naturally shifted the topic to "Beloved": "We originally thought the translation progress could be accelerated, and according to the original plan, it should be translated by now. Unfortunately, we felt that several parts were not translated well, so we decided to scrap them, and the time was delayed."

So that's how it is. Liu Yimin was wondering why Xu Chi hadn't given him the manuscript, even though he mentioned the end of August.

Zhu Guangqian joked, "With three great translators at work, the translation will surely shock the Western literary world!"

"We can't let classic works rot in our hands!" Yang Jiang came in carrying a plate of cut fruit and invited the two of them to eat.

Liu Yimin said, "Slow and steady wins the race. I have faith in the three of you."

When Qian Zhongshu and Zhu Guangqian heard that "The Birth of a Nation" was going to be adapted into a stage play, they both asked Liu Yimin to reserve tickets for them.

"I can't guarantee anything else, but I can definitely guarantee the votes. It's said that the Beijing People's Art Theatre now wants to worship Yimin. When Yimin graduated, everyone wanted him to stay at the theatre as a professional playwright and become the theatre's true 'young director'."

Zhu Guangqian and Liu Yimin hadn't seen each other for two months, and their conversation was unusually lively.

Qian Zhongshu said: “Recently, there have been many people chattering about how literary matters should be resolved by the literary field, and that literature should focus on the individual like in the West, instead of always talking about the macro and the big picture. I say that is wrong. Without the big family, there is no small family.”

"Yes, once the door is opened, all sorts of historically irresponsible remarks come out like crops that have been watered with manure. I don't think everything Western is good."

The next morning, Liu Yimin first took Zhu Lin to the Beijing People's Art Theatre, and then arrived at the Wanshouzhuang Hotel on Wanshou Road at 8:00 a.m. sharp. The Wanshouzhuang Hotel belonged to the Foreign Liaison Department and was built in 1958. After its establishment, it was a hotel for foreign guests.

A banner for the Sino-US Comparative Literature Forum had been hung at the hotel entrance, and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences had specially sent people to greet guests at the door.

Liu Yimin signed his name at the registration desk, and the receptionist immediately said, "Professor Liu, the Chinese delegation is in the room next to the conference room. I'll take you there."

When Liu Yimin arrived, almost everyone had arrived. After a while, Yang Xianyi ran over and said that he was a little late getting on the subway today.

The construction of Beijing's subway line 1 began in the 1950s.

“Old Yang, you should have taken the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences’ car. Luckily, we’re not too late. Our American colleagues are already waiting. Let’s go in first!” Qian Zhongshu said with a smile.

This is a medium-sized conference room, which can accommodate just over twenty people. Furthermore, a refreshment area with fruit and pastries is set up at the back of the conference room.

Liu Yimin walked to the seat with his nameplate on it and sat down. Next to him was Zhu Guangqian.

They had just sat down when a group of American scholars walked in, and everyone applauded to welcome them, led by Qian Zhongshu.

"Hello!" Qian Zhongshu said, extending his hand.

"Hello, Professor Qian!"

After the Chinese and American sides introduced themselves, Earl, the head of the American delegation, looked at Liu Yimin and said, "Professor Liu, it's a pleasure to meet you. I read your articles when I was in the United States, but I didn't get to meet you. My friend told me that you are a passionate and highly persuasive young man, and I hope you will be gentle with your words."

“Professor Earl, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I hope this will be a sincere exchange.”

Several Chinese professors smiled slightly at Liu Yimin and sat down in their seats.

Qian Zhongshu, as the vice president of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, delivered the opening remarks. Qian Zhongshu is quite influential in both China and the United States, so his opening remarks were most appropriate.

"ladies and gentlemen
Please allow me, on behalf of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, to welcome everyone. As is often the case, every event, big or small, has a first time. This is indeed the first time we've sat here together, marking a historic moment and laying a solid foundation for future exchanges.

There is a close relationship between Chinese and American literature. Translators introduced Chinese literature to Americans and also brought Western literature to the Chinese. We are sitting here, ready to exchange ideas freely without needing to be identical. True harmony lies in diversity; speaking in unison is a synonym for monotony. In recent years, theologians' apocalyptic theories about history have become quite fashionable in Anglo-American literary criticism, and "a sense of closure" has become a popular term in literary criticism.

However, I firmly believe that what you all share today is an exciting sense of "beginning," and you all envision a series of such bilateral discussions, with more participants each time, a wider scope of discussion, and a growing convergence of ideas towards the ideal meeting.

Qian Zhongshu's speech was met with applause, and after him, Earl, the head of the U.S. delegation, also began to speak.

"Chinese literature is not a new concept in the United States, but it is set against the backdrop of China. We are here to understand China. As Chinese literature enters the historical process of world literature, we hope that American literature can contribute to its development."

Zhu Guangqian said in a low voice, "Isn't this American subtly implying that we should learn from them?"

Liu Yimin nodded; this guy definitely had ill intentions.

After the opening remarks, the discussion began. Liu Yimin found this part to be the most boring, making him want to fall asleep, as everyone was talking about their papers.

Qian Zhongshu prepared very well for this forum. One of the delegation members, Qian Zhongwen, had his speech written in advance, which was about the Soviet writer Bakhtin.

There is very little research on Bakhtin in China, and some people are even unaware of his existence. However, there is a great deal of research on him internationally. Qian Zhongshu commissioned Qian Zhongwen to write this paper precisely to demonstrate to the United States that Chinese literature is not closed off.

After listening to Qian Zhongwen's speech, the American scholars nodded frequently.

Zhu Guangqian talks about the comparison between Chinese and Western aesthetics, and the traditional beauty of Chinese aesthetics.

Liu Yimin took the stage to talk about cross-cultural studies of racial literature, discussing his research on American racial literature and how to better write racial literature, criticize racial discrimination, reflect the history of racial discrimination, and better warn the world.

At the end of the article, I shared my views on comparative literature studies between China and the United States.

"I believe that when conducting comparative literature studies between China and the United States, or even between China and the West, we must adhere to our own perspective and use the Chinese literary perspective to study Western literature. We must maintain the uniqueness of our civilization and look at heterogeneous issues through commonalities. China and the West should exchange ideas and learn from each other."

Liu Yimin's remarks were endorsed by Qian Zhongshu, who believed that it was very important not to forget one's own identity when studying Western literature.

On the first day, everyone focused on expressing their own views rather than discussing each other's opinions.

Several Chinese Americans shared their perspectives on how to promote Chinese literature in the United States, while the Americans discussed their understanding of Chinese literature or their understanding of certain American literary ideologies.

After the morning meeting ended, Zhu Guangqian asked Liu Yimin what he thought of the meeting. Liu Yimin smiled and said, "This watermelon is quite sweet, but if you cut it for too long, it will easily go bad."

"I'm asking you a literature question!" Zhu Guangqian said, then took a slice of watermelon and tasted it. "The taste is a bit off. Yimin, if you manage the Chinese department in the future, you'll have to learn this kind of atmosphere. Meetings are so tiring; you need to add some information in between."

"Don't let Professor Yan hear you say that, or he'll think I'm trying to steal his department head position!" Liu Yimin said with a laugh.

"Old Yan is hoping you'll take the job so he can get some rest. Our Chinese department is pretty bland and uninteresting; being the department head isn't an easy job."

Zhu Guangqian picked up a pastry, took a bite, and said nonchalantly.

After the meeting in the morning, Qian Zhongshu left, and the entire Chinese delegation was then led by Wang Zuoliang.

Chinese-American professor Liu Ruoyu came over and struck up a conversation with Liu Yimin, mainly discussing the translation of traditional literature in the West, as well as Liu Yimin's works.

"Tomorrow, a few Americans will definitely talk about your literary works. Last time you gave a speech at several universities in the United States, you offended quite a few people. They're coming to settle scores with you."

"Professor Liu, thank you so much!"

"You're welcome. I also have the surname Liu. Maybe we were family five hundred years ago!"

After the meeting ended in the afternoon, Liu Yimin was the first to leave the venue. The American representative, Earl, asked Liu Yimin why he was in such a hurry.

Liu Yimin laughed and said, "I'm picking my wife up from get off work!"

After Zhu Lin became pregnant, the theater stopped arranging performances for her and she was no longer given a role in the new play, so she now leaves work at 5:30 every day without fail.

Upon arriving at the Beijing People's Art Theatre, Zhu Lin sat down in the back seat of the car with a smile: "Teacher Liu, how did the meeting go today?"

"It's so boring, I'm almost asleep," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

"What's so boring about it?"

"Theses are just not written in plain language. Everyone just keeps talking about their own papers. How can that not be boring?"

Zhu Lin laughed and said, "Then I'll go back and cook a bowl of chicken soup to help them recover."

The next day, Liu Yimin arrived at Wanshouzhuang Hotel on time again. Everyone went straight to the conference room to wait, while those who knew each other sat together and chatted.

Liu Yimin sat down next to Zhu Guangqian. Earl, the head of the US delegation, looked directly at Liu Yimin and said, "Professor Liu, Qian talked about harmony in diversity. I hope we can have a frank exchange later."

"I like honesty the most and I don't like beating around the bush."

The meeting started off harmoniously, with everyone exchanging pleasantries, but soon things quickly turned into a back-and-forth exchange.

Earl asked, "Liu, I heard that you disagree with the idea that Chinese literature is isolated from world literature?"

"Professor Earl, American literature is not world literature. I think the literature of each country is based on the unique civilization of that country. Of course, the roots of American literature are not in the United States, but all over the world, including Europe, Africa and Asia."

Similarly, Chinese literature, European literature, and others together constitute world literature, so how can there be any talk of isolation?

“I think Chinese literature is too closely connected with politics, or even dependent on politics.”

"Professor Earl, American literature is also closely connected to politics, and also very closely connected to religious thought. I believe that the literary exchanges between China and the United States are mutually beneficial, and American literature should also learn from Chinese literature."

Smith asked with a smile, "What are you studying? Becoming involved in politics?"

"Professor Smith, I believe the first thing we should learn from American literature is the thought behind rural literature. American cities are industrialized with steel and cement, and the pursuit of machine civilization has led to the disappearance of American rural traditions. Literature has begun to be created like an industrial product. I think we should learn from Chinese rural literature to seek the beauty in people's hearts and to find a home for people's thoughts."

Secondly, it's about eliminating the misleading influence of religion and the lack of fundamental critical spirit. Current American literature often focuses on exposure and criticism, but much of it remains superficial, failing to address the root causes of the problems. Like an iceberg in the ocean, no one touches what lies beneath.

The story is heavily influenced by Christianity. For example, in Hans Christian Andersen's "The Little Match Girl," instead of criticizing the causes of the girl's death, the story depicts her fantasies during her death, suggesting that death is a form of liberation. This is a typical example of Christian ideology.

“This is a difference between Chinese and Western cultures,” Smith said.

"At this point, everyone acknowledges the existence of differences?" Liu Yimin's lips curled into a smile.

"That's just a fairy tale!"

"Fairy tales are even worse; you've been instilling this kind of thinking in your children since they were little!"

Smith shrugged and changed the subject. Another American professor remarked that Chinese people seemed very reluctant to trust others.

"For example, if I meet a Chinese person and I tell them that the road ahead is blocked and I can't go any further, the American will immediately turn around, while the Chinese person will continue to walk forward until they see that it is indeed blocked, or even think that maybe it will be clear by then, taking a chance."

Seeing that the professor was still looking at him, Liu Yimin replied, "It's not that I don't believe in him, it's a kind of independent spirit among Chinese people. Don't you Americans also value individual independence of thought? We Chinese have always had a spirit of relying on ourselves, and we are willing to face difficulties head-on and come up with our own solutions."

The Soviets said we couldn't do it, that this path was blocked, but we rose to the challenge and created 'boom.' This is one of the spirits you Americans should learn from us: we don't depend on God.”

Zhu Guang sent a secret message: "Can it be said like that?"
Many things are just a matter of perspective; people say one thing from another's point of view, and different stories are told in different ways.

(End of this chapter)