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

Chapter 415 Women's Volleyball Team Wins
On the evening of August 7th, Liu Yimin entered the Long Beach Arena in Los Angeles with his camera, where the audience was enthusiastic. In the stadium of over 8 people, there were very few Chinese faces; some Americans were holding hands and chanting victory slogans, as if the American team had already secured the Olympic gold medal.

Entering the stadium, a huge scoreboard read "China VS USA," and spectators in the stands waved the flags of both countries, neither giving an inch. Against the backdrop of the Cold War, this scene resonated deeply with people in China, the US, and around the world.

Chinese television stations began broadcasting the match early on. In the courtyard, Yang Xiuyun, Zhu Lin, Zhu's parents, and others sat in front of the television, their eyes glued to the screen. Watermelons were placed on the table in front of them.

After getting off work, Zhu's mother and Zhu Lin returned to the courtyard house immediately, where Yang Xiuyun had already prepared dinner and was waiting for them.

[CCTV, CNR, viewers, listeners, compatriots in Taiwan, and overseas Chinese, we are now broadcasting the women's volleyball final of the 23rd Olympic Games, featuring the Chinese women's volleyball team against the American women's volleyball team.]

As the host's voice rang out, Mr. and Mrs. Zhu, each holding a child, stared wide-eyed, searching for Liu Yimin.

Inside the stadium, Liu Yimin was shaking hands with volleyball team leader Zhang Yipei, while Yuan Weimin was still nervously instructing the players from the sidelines: "Pay attention to Hyman's high-point attacks, and be decisive in changing serves when the rotation is slow. Lang Ping, Lang Ping! Pay attention to your back-row attack advantage."

Comrades, this is our first time participating in the Olympics. We have overcome countless hardships to finally reach the Olympic arena. We must show our true strength! Comrades, the Party and the people are watching us and waiting for our triumphant return!

The US team's coach also loudly encouraged his players: "You are not only facing a volleyball team participating in the Olympics for the first time, but they are also world champions. However, we have the home advantage, and every point is crucial."

When the live broadcast camera panned to the Chinese coaching bench, it focused on Liu Yimin, who was having a brief exchange with team leader Zhang Yipei. The camera lingered on him for about 10 seconds. Inside the courtyard, cheers erupted, and Zhu's mother called out to little Liu Yu to look at her father.

In the osmanthus grove, Li Yuru patted Cao Yu's thigh, urging him to open his eyes wider.
As the time approached eight o'clock, both teams' players and coaches began to take the field. The players gathered around the coaching bench for their final warm-up and motivational speeches.

Liu Yimin didn't say anything, but smiled at everyone and gave them a thumbs up.

The team members jumped around a few times on the spot to warm up, while taking deep breaths and exhaling to relieve the pressure in their hearts.

The US team's victory in the group stage put a lot of pressure on each player.

As the players from both sides walked onto the court and lined up, they stared at each other across the net, a silent sense of battle rising on the field.

As the whistle blew, the two sides began a fierce offensive and defensive battle, with cheers from the surrounding spectators resounding through the sky.

"Team USA scores the first point!"

"China has tied the score, it's now 1-1."

"Hyman of the American team has a height advantage and scores again with a spike."

"China serves!"

"China scores with a serve!"

After the match began, the American team took the lead at one point, but the Chinese team kept close behind. In the later stages of the match, the Chinese team gradually caught up.

"It's now 14 to 10, the US team is down by 4 points."

Facing a deficit, the US team scored four consecutive points to tie the game, sending the American crowd into a frenzy as they stood up, chanting and waving their flags. The summer evening in Los Angeles was noticeably warmer as a result.

The TV commentator, Song Shixiong, kept explaining the situation on the field. When he heard that the American team had tied the score, countless Chinese viewers sighed with regret, but then continued to watch the TV, not daring to relax for a moment.

"China wins the first set 16-14!"

As the victory celebrations faded, the Chinese on the field and across the Pacific Ocean erupted in jubilation. Liu Yimin, on the field, was drenched in sweat, his hand gripping the shutter button completely wet with perspiration.

Yu Jiajia from China Youth Daily kept looking for the best angle on the court. When the substitute female volleyball player saw Liu Yimin sweating profusely, she got up and handed him a bottle of water and a fan.

Before the respite could last long, a whistle blew, and the second game officially began. Seeing the close first game, everyone expected the second game to be equally difficult.

Unexpectedly, the Chinese team scored a point at the start, and the American team had almost no strength to fight back, taking a 6-1 lead.

During the break between substitutions, Yuan Weimin continued to instruct his team. Lang Ping wiped the sweat from her forehead and flicked it onto the ground; their bodies were already soaked in sweat.

The Chinese team pressed their advantage, growing stronger with each game, while the American team, crestfallen and demoralized, could only watch helplessly as the Chinese team widened the score gap step by step.

In the final second game, the Chinese team won with a score of 15-3, securing the championship title with a best-of-two record.

Inside the stadium, Chinese spectators rose to their feet, waving national flags and cheering. Countless Chinese fans pounded tables and applauded in celebration. The women's volleyball team, who had suffered a defeat at last year's Asian Championships, once again proved themselves with their actions.

At the start of the third set, the Chinese women's volleyball team seemed a bit relaxed, allowing the American team to take a 4-1 lead. The American team then rallied to tie the score at 4-4, before taking a one-point lead. When the final whistle blew, the Chinese team won the third set 15-9, securing their Olympic title with a perfect 3-0 record and achieving a three-peat in this world-class competition.

After commentator Song Shixiong announced, "The Chinese women's volleyball team won the championship of the 23rd Olympic Women's Volleyball Tournament with a score of 3-0," the stadium and the world erupted in celebration.

This Olympic Games not only achieved a breakthrough from zero, but also finally brought the "three major ball sports" that countless people have been longing for to the Olympic champions' podium.

The old coach's bold statement, "If we can't improve the three major ball sports, I will die with regrets!" still resonates in everyone's ears.

The team members and coaches embraced and wept, and the women's volleyball team finally brought honor to the three major ball sports.

Liu Yimin stepped down from the stage to celebrate this great victory with the women's volleyball team members and coaches. A bright splash of Chinese red rose into the Los Angeles stadium as night fell.

"Lang Ping, not bad, you've finally let loose," Yuan Weimin said excitedly.

"Liang Yan, Zhang Rongfang, you both played very well."

Yu Jiajia suggested taking a photo of everyone, and Yuan Weimin pulled Liu Yimin to his side. The group took this precious photo.

Under the night sky, the stadium was brightly lit, and the five-star red flag was raised on the podium as the women's volleyball team won their gleaming Olympic gold medals.

With only five days left until the end of this Olympic Games, the Chinese team has been winning gold medals every day from the start of the Games until August 7th, and each gold medal win has thrilled the Chinese people.

After receiving the award, Song Shixiong's voice rang out again in the audience's ears: "After the women's volleyball team's defeat to the Japanese team last year, the women's volleyball team on the court today responded to Comrade Liu Yimin's words with their actions: 'Only by losing thoroughly this time can we win decisively next time!'"

Three to zero! The women's volleyball team won cleanly and decisively. Let's wish them all the best and thank the viewers for their silent support!

After the match ended, the women's volleyball team and Yuan Weimin were interviewed by reporters one after another. After taking a few photos, Liu Yimin walked out of the stadium with the audience.

Countless Americans are criticizing the team, saying they failed to capitalize on their excellent opportunity and played terribly in the second game.

"God, three points in the whole game? I could get three points too!"

When Liu Yimin heard this, it felt somewhat familiar.

Back at the hotel, Li Congren came out from next door to congratulate Liu Yimin.

"Li, congratulations to you too," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Li Congren wrote many touching short stories after watching television. He asked Liu Yimin to tell him about the events that happened during the women's volleyball team's matches, so that he could use the information for his writing.

Liu Yimin told him how the women's volleyball team emerged from the shadow of their group stage defeat and became world champions.

Li Congren nodded frequently as he listened. This inspiring and touching little story was the most popular among his readers, as it was moving yet concise.

"You mean, your women's volleyball team's outside hitter cried after the first match?"

Liu Yimin nodded and said, "Outstriker Lang Ping is carrying a heavy burden, which prevents her from playing freely."

After the match, Yuan Weimin loudly questioned Lang Ping, "What is there to hold onto? It's just a world championship, isn't it?" Lang Ping burst into tears, finally letting go of the burden and focusing on each match.

Li Congren's eyes lit up and he wrote: "A remarkable Chinese coach!"

The women's volleyball team's victory was not only widely reported by Chinese media, but American media also lamented that the US team had once again missed out on the gold medal. The media also published a report that an African American athlete refused to bow to racists, declaring in her post-match speech, "We are not slaves, we are free!"

In an interview with the media, he expressed his gratitude to Liu Yimin for his efforts in promoting racial equality.

After the women's volleyball match, Liu Yimin visited the team's camp and congratulated them again. Led by their team leader and Yuan Weimin, the women's volleyball team toured the area around the Olympic Village and had a meal.

The women's volleyball team members observed Los Angeles with great interest, looking out at the Pacific Ocean, but they couldn't stray too far from the Olympic Village area.

"Summers in America are hot enough!" Lang Ping said, shielding her eyes from the sun with her fan.

Liu Yimin said, "There are too many high-rise buildings in the city. The city center is several degrees hotter than the suburbs and the coast, and the wind blowing is also hot."

Despite the heat, everyone was in high spirits and bought some things at the shops on the street. Liu Yimin patted his fanny pack and said that if anyone didn't have enough US dollars, he had some.

Liang Yan smiled and said, "The team gives us some change, so we won't buy anything too expensive."

Li Congren originally wanted to interview the women's volleyball team, but due to regulations, he could not have too much contact with the Americans.

The United States also imposes strict restrictions on this matter. When delegations participate in the Olympic Games, relevant U.S. departments even attempted to prevent them from entering the country on the grounds of "national security."

Lang Ping wanted to visit the Asian Art Museum in San Francisco before she came, but it seems that she will not be able to do so now.

"When will the delegation return?" Liu Yimin asked.

Yuan Weimin said, "After the closing ceremony, the volleyball team returned home with the delegation."

"That's still several days away."

Lang Ping asked, "Comrade Liu Yimin, when are you going back to China?"

"Let me check the situation. I still have some things to take care of and can't go back right now."

The group returned to the Olympic Village in the afternoon, and the joy of the women's volleyball team winning the championship and having fun gradually dissipated.

At the hotel, Nikki brought a Chinese student to Liu Yimin and introduced him. The student's name was Liu Zongren, and he was a government-funded student studying abroad.

Nikki had once told Liu Yimin that she wanted to plan a book on the theme of China, mainly about the mental and emotional journey of Chinese people after they came to the United States. This student was the author she found.

Liu Zongren asked Liu Yimin for advice on writing methods and showed her his diary. Liu Zongren had a habit of keeping a diary, which was why Niki chose her.

After Liu Zongren finished writing, Nikki planned to take him on a nationwide tour of the United States. At this point, Nikki expressed regret that Liu Yimin was unable to participate in the nationwide tour.

Liu Yimin looked at Liu Zongren's diary, which recorded the shocks experienced by Chinese students who came to the United States and how various new things broadened their horizons.

Liu Yimin said, "I hope you can accurately reflect your mental journey before and after going to China. You should view the United States from your own perspective, but not be limited to yourself. You should reflect both macro and micro perspectives so that American readers can have a comprehensive understanding of the real China."

I am very angry to see Chinese people portrayed as ignorant, foolish, and evil in Hollywood movies. I hope you can help Americans truly understand China: we are poor, but we are not evil.

Nicky chuckled and interjected, "Liu, your work has already helped many Americans understand China. The novel 'The Great Roar of the East' has allowed Americans to understand the spirit of the Chinese people and why the Chinese were able to develop the atomic bomb while going hungry."

"We may lack material resources, but we are not lacking in spirit. The fact that so many scientists have returned to China from the United States is a testament to our united and enterprising national spirit."

Liu Zongren, who was standing next to him, understood Liu Yimin's unspoken meaning: that when he wrote, he should not weaken the spirit of the Chinese people, and should not use biased language to please the Americans.

Liu Yimin talked with Liu Zongren for about three hours before leaving. After seeing him off, Niki told Liu Yimin that she planned to turn Liu Yimin's novels about China into a complete series and sell them in the United States and Canada.

“Your book provides insights into over a century of Chinese history and the history of its diverse ethnic groups. With a little editing, it could become a valuable resource for Americans studying Chinese history and culture. I’ve recently discovered that many scholars are reading your ‘Homeland Trilogy,’ and they are quite interested in its contents.”

After discussing with Liu Yimin for a long time, Liu Yimin handed Niki two books, "The Best Restaurant Under Heaven" and "The Stage," and asked her to see if they could be published in the United States.

“Liu, from now on, all your books will be published in the US, no matter what you write.” After saying that, Nikki added, “They need to be approved by the US government.”

After their speeches in Los Angeles, Niki and Liu Yimin returned to San Francisco, while Li Congren stayed in San Francisco to watch the Olympics.

"Liu, in order not to delay your schedule, we will hold our last lecture the day after tomorrow in San Jose. After San Jose, there will be no more lectures or meet-and-greets with readers."

"it is good."

After his meeting with Niki, Liu Yimin went to the consulate. Consul Hu warmly shook Liu Yimin's hand and conveyed the decision made by the government.

"The Americans' actions are far too blatant. You can leak the information through non-public channels when the time is right. Everyone already knows about the Americans' surveillance of Márquez; let's add fuel to the fire."

If we continue to condone the United States, more such incidents will inevitably occur when our scholars and students come to visit and study abroad.

After listening to Consul Hu's words, Liu Yimin laughed and said, "It should have been done long ago."

"What are you going to do?" Consul Hu asked.

Liu Yimin thought for a moment and said, "Environmental groups in San Francisco should have some activities going on recently. They invited me as soon as I arrived in San Francisco, but unfortunately I didn't have time then. Going through the channels of environmental groups is a good idea."

"Okay, let's communicate promptly if anything comes up. Once the news gets out, the embassy will lodge a protest with the US."

After finalizing the details, Liu Yimin left the consulate and called an environmental group to inquire about their activities. The group was pleasantly surprised that Liu Yimin had participated in their event.

"Liu, thank you for coming. We will be holding an event at the church in three days."

"Okay, I'll be there on time."

“I’ll drive to pick you up.” Joseph, the association’s head, excitedly hung up the phone.

Liu Yimin sat on the edge of the bed and pondered how he should say it casually or simply say it directly.

……

San Jose is the third largest city in California and the heart of Silicon Valley. Nicky brought Liu Yimin to San Jose State University for a reader meet-and-greet.

Because this is the heart of Silicon Valley, many students are more interested in China's technological development.

After the speech, students immediately started asking questions, such as whether China has computers.

"China has its own mainframe computers, but China's computer industry started relatively late and it is not yet able to catch up with the United States. It also has home computers, but the number of them is not large."

"Professor Liu, do you think China's computer industry can catch up with the United States in the future?" a student asked.

"Of course, I firmly believe that China's computers will one day catch up with the United States."

"Are you a literature professor?"

“I am a literature professor, but I understand the enterprising spirit of the Chinese people. The Americans and the Soviet Union both said that we could not build an atomic bomb, but we did, and we built it very quickly.”

A professor from San Jose State University picked up the microphone and said, "Liu, I have read your book 'The Great Roar of the East,' which describes how China's atomic bomb exploded. I am amazed that your scientists obtained the correct results using primitive methods."

In my opinion, this tool should have been thrown in the trash long ago. I've seen you Chinese using an abacus for calculations in many of your works, and in America, even elementary school students use computers.

(End of this chapter)