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

Chapter 366 Making American Literature Great Again

The sounds inside the meeting room could be heard outside. The waiter serving tea outside hesitated nervously at the door, unsure whether he should go in.

After listening to Liu Yimin's words, several American professors were stunned for a few seconds. Then, the head of the delegation, Earl, shouted that this was "sophistry."

The other party's intention in raising this question was to use this case to introduce the topic of Chinese national character and point out the shortcomings of Chinese people's thinking and behavior.

The five Chinese professors looked at each other, probably thinking the same thing as Zhu Guangqian: how could this be explained?

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "This is simply a difference in ways of thinking. I hope everyone can explain the thoughts and behaviors of different ethnic groups through their cultural background, rather than viewing other ethnic groups' cultures and behaviors with a critical attitude. From our Chinese perspective, you Americans are simply terrible."

“Okay, okay, let’s talk about the similarities and differences between realist literature in China and the United States,” Smith said quickly, raising his hand.

Liu Yimin flipped through his notebook, crossed his arms, and leaned back in his chair, listening to the American professor talk about American realist literature.

Smith said, "I think that current Chinese realist literature is just a romanticized version of realist literature, and to some extent it is becoming detached from reality. The reason why realism has vitality is because it is closely related to reality."

"Realism has never gone far in China, and it has regained its vitality in a brand new guise. Our writers are devoting themselves to the major historical process of reform and opening up, observing social changes from the perspectives of both bystanders and participants."

Zhu Guangqian took a sip of tea and said directly.

Earl offered a few more rebuttals, and the Chinese professors tried their best to prove that realism still exists in China, falling into a vicious cycle of the other side asking questions and the Chinese side trying to prove itself.

"My American colleagues, I believe that realism is disappearing in America. I have been to America, and industrialization and the commodity society have brought countless vulgarities and kitsch. From the fields to universities, there is a trend of thinking that glorifies ugliness and shallowness as profundity."

Commercial consumption is reshaping people's aesthetics and thoughts, blurring the lines between children and adults. Countless young people have become victims of an ignorant and brutal society from a young age, becoming addicted to alcohol and drugs.

I believe the future of American literature should return to realism, learning from the works of the Golden Age of American literature, such as O. Henry, Harold Garland, S. Crane, and Mark Twain, to expose the ills of society, rather than pandering to society and politicians who deceive the people.

Furthermore, we should trace back to the origins and save the endangered Native American culture; Native American literature should be an indispensable part of American literature.

American literature needs a revival; through a Renaissance, American literature can become great again.

After Liu Yimin finished speaking, he repeated in English: "Make American Literature Great Again!"

The American scholars, who had already seized the initiative, exchanged glances. How did the ball suddenly get kicked back to them?

Delegation member Paul Fussell frowned and glanced at Liu Yimin: "Professor Liu, you are very knowledgeable about American literature. I have also been studying this issue. Our literature and our society are harming the next generation."

I enlisted in the army in 1943, went to fight in France in October 1944, and was seriously wounded in November. I hate war, and I hate the way the government glorifies conscription. I hate how capital manipulates young Americans to fight all over the world; in Korea and Vietnam, many good young men lost their lives.

What is war? It's not about conquest and heroic triumphs, but the inescapable stench of rotting corpses, gasoline, the sour smell of body odor, and rotting food. Even spirited soldiers, clad in their new uniforms, march to the battlefield, believing they can change history, only to find themselves falling row upon row under machine gun fire.

Fussell, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania specializing in cultural criticism, immediately recognized Liu Yimin's critique of American literature, finding him a kindred spirit from afar.

During the morning's discussion, Liu Yimin and Paul Fussell took turns speaking, completely controlling the pace of the discussion, with everyone focusing their critiques on modern American literature.

Zhu Guangqian said in a low voice, "I think I have some new ideas for compiling textbooks on American modern literary thought."

When the regimental commander, Wang Zuoliang, saw Zhu Guangqian and Liu Yimin talking in hushed tones, he couldn't help but lean forward slightly, wanting to hear what they were saying.

After the morning meeting concluded, Liu Yimin took the initiative to shake hands with Paul Fussell, and the two walked amiably toward the restaurant.

"Comrade Paul Fussell, the current state of American literature is worrying!"

When they arrived at the restaurant entrance, Liu Yimin said with a smile, "The American literary revival is imminent; we must make it a priority!"

At noon, the conference organizers of the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences prepared Chinese food for everyone, but several Americans did not know how to use chopsticks and were sweating profusely. In the end, the organizers brought them spoons and forks, and the meal was finally served.

Smith complained, “You Chinese should learn how to use a fork and a spoon.”

"Do we need to learn how to use a fork and spoon? Anyone with hands can do it. Professor Smith, using chopsticks can improve finger coordination and also exercise the brain. One of the main reasons why Chinese people are good at math is their use of chopsticks."

"is it?"

"Of course, you can try to learn. In the past, our ancestors used knives and forks to eat, but later they found that chopsticks were better, so we evolved to eat with chopsticks."

Several American professors tried using chopsticks again, but ultimately gave up.

I rested in my room until 2 PM, then the afternoon forum began. The discussion in the afternoon wasn't as intense as in the morning; I don't know if it was because I was tired after my lunch break, or if the morning's discussion was too intense.

Liu Yimin was quite sleepy and kept yawning. The American professors who had frequently glanced at him that morning, except for Paul, seemed to be intentionally or unintentionally avoiding his gaze.

This young man doesn't seem to value hospitality like the old professor!
During the afternoon meeting, Liu Yimin barely spoke, but the tea break next to him was quite elaborate.

As the conference was drawing to a close, Earl Minor, head of the U.S. delegation, seemed somewhat unwilling to give up. In full view of everyone, he extended an olive branch to Liu Yimin: "Professor Liu, I hope that one day you can represent Chinese scholars to lecture at Princeton University. In the United States, you will enjoy academic freedom and can write whatever you want."

"Professor Earl, what do you mean by this?"

"I've heard that you've started censoring articles by Ziqing, and I'm worried about the future of some writers."

Liu Yimin said bluntly, "Professor Earl, don't you review the articles by Gongqing?"

"We have more freedom."

"Is that so? McCarthyism after World War II, the White Terror created by the US government, the federal loyalty investigation purge. Professor Earl, you should clean up your own mess first. I have to pick up my wife from get off work, so I won't keep you company any longer."

Liu Yimin nodded to the members of the Chinese delegation, then got up and left the venue.

On the third day, we took them on a tour of Yenching University, mainly visiting Tsinghua University and Yenching University. In the evening, we went to the Beijing People's Art Theatre to watch their performance of "Green Book".

Paul Moselle said to Liu Yimin, "Your novel 'The Old Man and the Dog,' which tells the story of planting trees, is very popular in the United States now. I even feel that your novel was written for Americans."

Paul Moselle argues that the story of planting trees in "The Old Man and the Dog" caters to American literary thinking by idealizing and moralizing history and characters.

Instead of focusing on the cruelty of sandstorms and the greatness of tree planting, the film emphasizes the heartwarming daily life of the old man and his dog, touching Americans through details and the old man's unwavering spirit.

He also cited the example of "The Diary of Anne Frank," which tells the story of Anne Frank living in a secret annex after the German occupation during World War II. However, she did not despair but instead maintained a sunny and optimistic attitude, looking towards the future and diligently writing in her diary every day.

After the publication of "The Diary of Anne Frank" in the United States, it moved countless Americans and even influenced their attitudes toward the United States.

The narrative caters to the optimism and hope, personal growth and self-actualization stories that Americans love.

Many American movies embody this idea. For example, Forrest Gump's optimism and kindness, his mother's selfless encouragement, and the fragmented American philosophical sentences that bring countless viewers to a climax.

Although the film promotes the cruelty of war, it diminishes the heinousness of the American invasion of Vietnam through the character of Forrest Gump, and is filled with ideological propaganda, instilling the American values ​​of "love, family, and success" in Americans and people all over the world.

After watching the movie, everyone cheered for the invaders; who cared about the lives of the invaded?
On the other hand, you send a soldier with intellectual disabilities to the battlefield, and this is what you call love, freedom, and equality?

"Many Americans are moved by your determination to fight against sandstorms and protect the environment. Your novel portrays a strong environmental warrior."

"Really?" Liu Yimin said, shaking Paul Fussell's hand. "I hope that people around the world will stand with the Chinese on the front of environmental protection!"

Paul Moselle took the opportunity to suggest that Liu Yimin write a letter so that he could take it back and publish it in an American newspaper.

Liu Yimin thought for a moment and said, "Okay, I believe our old friends at the New York Times will be happy to publish it."

Several American professors, unable to understand Chinese, could only appreciate the stage setting and the characters' expressions and movements at the Beijing People's Art Theatre. They tried to guess the content of the dialogue based on their knowledge of the books they read.

As the play ended, the group applauded, looking as if they had understood. "Your drama at the Beijing People's Art Theatre is amazing! No wonder it's managed by Mr. Cao Yu; he's a true 'Shakespeare of the East'!"

Liu Yimin nodded noncommittally, and after seeing them off to their car, he returned to the Overseas Chinese Apartment.

Liu Yimin opened the door with his key, and Zhu Lin, who was watching TV on the sofa, stood up as soon as the door was pushed open.

"Why are you in the living room? Aren't you hot?" Liu Yimin asked, looking at Zhu Lin who seemed a little tired.

Zhu Lin yawned and said, "It's getting cool at night. Opening the balcony window and using the electric fan is enough. Teacher Liu, there's some food in the pot. I'll go heat it up for you."

Zhu Lin reheated the dishes for Liu Yimin and then cooked another pot of millet porridge.

Zhu Lin turned off the TV and listened quietly as Liu Yimin recounted the events of the day, occasionally letting out a pleasant laugh.

After dinner, Liu Yimin returned to his study and wrote a warm letter to the American people, expressing his gratitude for their support and hoping that they would make greater contributions to environmental protection and global fairness and justice.

The letter was written directly in English by Liu Yimin. The next day, after dropping Zhu Lin off at work, he went directly to the Wanshou Road Hotel and handed the letter to Paul Moser.

The American delegation was about to leave when they saw Liu Yimin and came over to greet him, inviting him to visit their university sometime.

"Wish you a safe journey."

"Looking forward to your next visit to the United States!"

"I believe it's not far off, and I hope to see a better America then!"

After the Sino-US Comparative Literature Forum ended, before Yenching University's semester started, Liu Yimin went to Fengzeyuan again.

Wang Yijun from Fengzeyuan smiled when he saw Liu Yimin and said, "Comrade Yimin, I thought you weren't coming!"

"How can I not come if I haven't learned it yet? I'm busy attending a Sino-US literature forum these past two days."

Liu Yimin skillfully put on the chef's apron and clothes and followed Wang Yijun into the kitchen.

"The Sino-US Literary Forum? Wow, that's impressive. I've only been to Japan, I can't compare to you. These Americans are tough to deal with, aren't they? They're all determined to destroy us." Wang Yijun inquired about the details with curiosity.

"Fortunately, we have good wine for friends and hunting rifles for wolves!"

Wang Yijun taught Liu Yimin how to cook while listening to his stories.

After about twenty minutes, Liu Yimin's back started to sweat, and chef Chen Aiwu brought everyone chilled watermelon and mung bean soup.

"This is life for us cooks. It's a little better in winter, but in this sweltering heat, we're basically steamed like meat." Wang Yijun glanced at Liu Yimin's back and chuckled.

In the kitchen, the head chef has absolute authority, and an apprentice can be intimidated by a single glance from the chef.

"Before serving the dishes, check the edge of the plate for any spilled oil or fingerprints. If you find any, you must wipe them clean with a towel. If a customer sees a big oily fingerprint, they won't have an appetite for even the most delicious food."

After Wang Yijun finished speaking, Liu Yimin asked him for advice on how to be a good head of a brothel in old Beiping.

"A restaurant is divided into two parts: the waiters and the kitchen staff. The chefs are important, but the waiters are just as important. Some people are good at talking and can keep customers happy when welcoming and seeing them off, so they will come back next time. Sometimes, if the waiter leaves, the customers will leave with him. When customers come, you should first recommend the signature dishes, which is called 'honoring the food.' Even when recommending expensive dishes, you should also recommend cheaper ones, so that the customers don't feel like they've been ripped off."

When a host treats guests to expensive dishes, they might order more affordable options—that's skillful communication. But skillful handling is equally important: deftly and skillfully carrying the dishes without breaking or spilling them.

After Wang Yijun finished speaking, he added proudly, "Our old manager is a famous head waiter. As soon as he leaves Xinfenglou, a large number of customers also leave."

Old Beijingers, they not only want to eat well, but they also want to eat with style. Some are even fussy about appearances. You can't point that out, or you'll make an enemy.

For several days in a row, Liu Yimin wandered around the kitchen of Fengzeyuan Restaurant. Wang Yijun even invited Liu Yimin to his home and cooked several famous dishes.

When leaving Wang Yijun's house, Wang Yijun's grandson took a book and asked Liu Yimin to sign it.

"Comrade Yimin, can you write large characters?"

"Big characters? I'm not very good at writing them!" Big characters are actually written with a large brush, and Liu Yimin really isn't very good at it.

Wang Yijun pulled Liu Yimin aside to leave him a few words; the room was filled with calligraphy by many people.

"Then I'll make a fool of myself." Liu Yimin wrote eight characters with a brush: "Famous chef of Beijing, unparalleled in Shandong cuisine!"
Not satisfied with just writing it, Liu Yimin picked up his pen again and wrote four more characters: "Great Ambitions."

"Well written!" Wang Yijun, along with his children and grandchildren, stood by and applauded and cheered.

Wang Yijun's son said, "Truly worthy of a master's brush!"

That evening, Liu Yimin picked up Zhu Lin and took her back to the Overseas Chinese Apartment. On the way, they bought some scallions and sea cucumbers. Sea cucumbers were not easy to buy; they were only able to get some after asking Wan Fang.

While it's still possible to buy sea cucumber for braised sea cucumber with scallions despite the difficulties, it's truly impossible to buy cuttlefish roe.

"Come on, let's go back and you can try the master's braised sea cucumber with scallions," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

"Alright, Master Liu!"

After Liu Yimin finished cooking, he let Zhu Lin taste it. Zhu Lin tasted it and praised, "Delicious, delicious!"

"I'll try some too." Liu Yimin picked up a piece of sea cucumber and put it in his mouth when he saw Zhu Lin looking at him meaningfully. Liu Yimin thought to himself, "Oh no."

"The flavors aren't well-balanced," Liu Yimin said awkwardly.

"It's alright, Teacher Liu. You've only been studying for a few days, and you've already done a great job."

Liu Yimin grunted and started making the dishes he was good at.

September 5th marks three days since the new students of Yenching University began their studies, and the campus is filled with innocent and pure eyes.

Entering the office, Zhu Guangqian looked at Liu Yimin and said with feigned displeasure, "You've finally arrived? I thought you weren't going to class anymore."

"I didn't have any classes these past two days, so I went out to gather material. I'll show you the article when it's finished!" Liu Yimin comforted Zhu Guangqian's wounded heart.

Zhu Guangqian patted Liu Yimin on the shoulder: "That's more like it. Take a look, this is the result of our work over the summer. Germany and France have already been sorted out, now we're going to sort out the United States."

Jia Yan came over a couple of days ago to ask about the progress, to see if we can finish compiling and pass the textbook review before the winter break, so that at least the students at Yenching University can use the new textbook next year.

Liu Yimin calculated the time; it was a bit tight, but if he rushed, it should be about right.

“Then let’s work a little harder,” Liu Yimin said.

"You little rascal, you're making things a bit harder for me, aren't you? Old Yang's gone, and now I'm all alone."

Liu Yimin made up the difference in summer subsidies for both graduate students and Zhu Guangqian. The graduate students' summer subsidies were supplemented by the national subsidy, and each of them received more than 100 yuan. They were all as happy as if it were New Year's Day.

"Thank you, Professor Liu!"

"Thank you for your hard work during the summer vacation. Keep up the good work!"

“We are nothing compared to Professor Zhu. He has been working hard. Besides, we are not as hardworking as you. It must have taken a lot of effort to write ‘The Birth of a Nation’.”

They can talk, but they won't charge extra!
(End of this chapter)