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

Chapter 417: One-track mind becomes two-sided block

[Due to my current location in the United States and for safety reasons, I will not grant any interviews to newspapers and will not comment on their contents!]

Following the San Francisco Chronicle's report, numerous American news outlets and television stations subsequently cited the report.

Inside the hotel, when faced with various interview requests from Niki, Liu Yimin's statement, "I'm in the United States, so I refuse interviews," left much to the imagination of many.

Why is he afraid to be interviewed by a newspaper even though he's in the United States? Is he afraid of the CIA and the FBI?
In an interview, Black artist Basquiat stated that he is surrounded by countless CIA agents every day who want to harm him because of his identity and his political criticism.

On television, a striking image of a red cotton ball held high above Basquiat's head once again graced the cover of American news media.

Furthermore, Basquiat painted red cotton on a wall in a Black neighborhood in Los Angeles, with countless Black people lying at the base of the cotton plants, the cotton growing from their backs.
The African American athletes, fresh from the Olympic Games, launched a scathing critique of the government, arguing that the government's persecution of Liu Yimin was precisely because he had consistently used literature to support the Black struggle.

Small-scale Black protests erupted in the neighborhoods of Los Angeles as a result.

In Colombia, Gabriel García Márquez spoke out through PEN International, demanding that the United States explain its surveillance and recruitment of writers and guarantee Liu Yimin's safety.

Without explanation, he would never set foot in the United States again, would never accept invitations from American academia, and would never communicate with American scholars.
Inside the hotel, Liu Yimin admired the beautiful sea view. On the television, an American host criticized the government. This television station was the mouthpiece of the American Democratic Party.

The current US president is the core of the Republican Party, so the Democrats are seizing the opportunity to launch a fierce attack in order to prepare for the next election.

The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Most of the media outlets that wanted to interview Liu Yimin were mouthpieces of the Democratic Party, but unfortunately, Liu Yimin refused to meet with them.

The absence of Liu Yimin did not deter the media from their work; instead, various bizarre and audacious speculations emerged, with the media believing that Liu Yimin had been threatened and was therefore afraid to speak out.

Environmental groups protested at San Francisco City Hall. Joseph, speaking through a megaphone in front of City Hall Plaza, chanted slogans about environmental protection and international cooperation, urging the government not to undermine these collaborations and to issue a public apology.

When Bond returned to the National Endowment for Democracy and saw the news in the newspaper, he was so angry that he cursed loudly.

If you don't accept it, then don't accept it. What do you mean by telling the media?
Bond angrily tore the documents on the table to shreds. His once impeccably groomed sky-blue shirt and striped tie were now crumpled and crumpled, the tie practically turning into a choker. His once-neat and sleek hairstyle was now a complete mess.
"Sir, let me explain!" Bond took the phone and was immediately berated, his superior refusing to listen to his explanation.

After finishing his tirade, his CIA superior shouted hoarsely, "Bond, go tell your explanation to the stupid FBI. They've already called me."

Bond is not only an employee of the National Endowment for Democracy, but also an employee of the CIA. This matter has nothing to do with the FBI, yet the reports portray both the FBI and the CIA as instigators. The FBI, having done nothing, was unfairly accused, and naturally, they are furious.

"They're already protesting! And this is what you've done! Bond, you better pray this doesn't escalate! You're a museum-worthy idiot!"

Before Bond could say anything, the call was disconnected.

Inside the hotel, Niki temporarily found two bodyguards for Liu Yimin to protect his safety.

"Liu, is this true?" Nikki already had the answer in her heart, but she still couldn't help asking.

"I have no reason to lie about this."

"When my father founded the China Book and Periodical Publishing House, he was always investigated by the CIA and the FBI. My father told me to tell you an old Chinese saying: 'A person with a clear conscience has nothing to fear.'"

"I am upright, it is the devil who has come for me!"

"Liu, are you really not going to give any interviews?"

Liu Yimin said with a frightened look, "I'm in the United States right now. Someone told me that the CIA and FBI are everywhere, so I have to go back to China as soon as possible."

“Liu, we’re friends, you don’t need to act like this in front of me.” Niki said helplessly, watching Liu Yimin’s slightly exaggerated performance.

Nikki then added, "PEN International issued a separate statement hoping that politics would not become an obstacle to literary exchange, and that the smooth flow of international literary exchange and the safety of personnel would be guaranteed."

As the two were chatting, the hotel phone rang, and Liu Yimin immediately recognized Bond's voice.

“Bond, are you threatening me on behalf of the CIA or the FBI?” As soon as Liu Yimin finished speaking, Niki next to him immediately tensed up, eager to know what the other party wanted to do on the phone.

“Liu, I’m not a CIA employee. I’m just an employee of the National Endowment for Democracy. I’m really here for friendly academic funding,” Bond quickly explained.

"So you're with the FBI?"

"No, no, no, I'm not either."

"How can you prove it? Has the National Endowment for Democracy started engaging in intelligence activities? Nikki, does that mean any department in the United States can engage in espionage?"

Bond immediately hung up the phone when he heard that there was someone next to Liu Yimin.

Nikki looked slightly puzzled when she heard the name "Democratic Endowment for Democracy." It was a non-governmental organization established last year, and many Americans were still not very familiar with it.

Liu Yimin explained to Niki, who said with disgust, "Why does our country always want to attack other countries' governments? Aren't the American soldiers lying in the rainforests of Vietnam and in the snowfields of North Korea enough?"

"This method requires far less investment than war; it disrupts a country by bribing a small group of people. Essentially, the governance of the two major U.S. political parties also involves using policies to buy support from a segment of the population. Aren't the Democratic and Republican financial groups spending so much money precisely so that they can reap the rewards after coming to power?"

The couple hadn't been talking for long when they received another call. It was from Nie Hualing of the International Writing Center at the University of Iowa. After seeing the news, Nie Hualing and his wife felt like the sky had fallen.

The two invited authors from various countries to the United States to participate in an international writing training camp. Now that the US government is doing this, it is easy to think that the International Writing Center is to cultivate writers who endorse American ideology, or even to serve the CIA and FBI.

Nie Hualing called to inquire about Liu Yimin's situation and to assure him that the International Writing Center was funded by the University of Iowa and had no connection with the US government, the CIA, the FBI, or the so-called National Endowment for Democracy.

After hanging up the phone, Liu Yimin began to think about the Iowa International Writing Training Camp. Could their funding really come from the University of Iowa?
If Nie Hualing hadn't made that call, Liu Yimin wouldn't have thought much of it, but the urgency to prove himself forced Liu Yimin to consider it.

The CIA not only directly funds its own operations, but also has numerous peripheral foundations; the situation here is incredibly complex.

But this plan certainly includes the idea of ​​letting foreign writers see America, see the New World, and experience the meaning of democracy and freedom.

In recent years, the invitation of numerous Chinese writers to exchange ideas here has been a significant impact on their thinking. Such an impact may be effective for some, but not for others; instead, it may inspire a stronger determination to rise up.

But even just one or two successes are a success!

After Nikki left, Li Congren rushed back from Los Angeles and didn't even watch the Olympics.

Upon seeing Liu Yimin, he hurriedly inquired about the matter.

"That afternoon I went to see my friend? God, have they been monitoring us all along?" Li Congren roared angrily.

Seeing Li Congren's expression, Liu Yimin said, "Let's keep our distance, just in case we end up monitoring you too."

“I’m not afraid!” Li Congren expressed his determination and decided to write a press release to expose their actions.

Seeing Li Congren's state, Liu Yimin urged him to remain calm.

“Hypocritical, they’re all a bunch of hypocritical scoundrels,” Li Congren cursed in Chinese.

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "Your Chinese has improved!"

Liu Yimin remained relatively silent, while Li Congren submitted several articles to the *Los Angeles Daily News*, generating a wave of public discussion. A White House spokesperson held a press conference, during which a reporter raised the issue. The spokesperson denied the allegations but stated that an investigation would be conducted as soon as possible.

Before taking office, Liggen was known for his tough stance on Hungary, but at this time the Soviet Union exerted enormous pressure on the United States, possessing a far greater nuclear arsenal. Upon assuming power, Liggen was forced to adjust his policy towards Hungary. In April 1984, he personally visited Hungary, signing a series of trade and economic agreements that elevated bilateral relations to a new level.

According to intelligence sources, the Soviet Union began to intentionally ease relations with H. At this time, the so-called writer-defection incident occurred, and facing protests from the embassy, ​​Li Gen was in a real bind, his one-sided approach now caught in a dilemma.

Privately, Li Gen assured the embassy that similar incidents would not occur again. He also attempted to ease the situation through cooperation in trade, economics, and military industries. Bond, as a scapegoat, was jointly dismissed by the National Endowment for Democracy and the CIA.

The Environmental Foundation announced it will donate $500,000 to China for cooperation in environmental protection, tree planting, and desertification control.

The US wanted to send personnel to monitor the use of these funds and establish an office in China, but this request was directly rejected. The money will be deposited into the Ministry of Forestry's account as special funds for the Three-North Shelterbelt Project, used to improve planting conditions and achieve mechanized planting.

American environmental groups, led by San Francisco environmental organizations, have launched a fundraising campaign.

Amidst the farewells of readers, environmental groups, and supporters, Liu Yimin left the United States. Before leaving, Joseph, the head of an environmental group in San Francisco, asked Liu Yimin when he could revise the script for "The Old Man and the Dog," as they wanted to begin rehearsals as soon as possible.

"I will write it and send it over as soon as I return to China."

Joseph said happily, "We have found a director from the San Francisco theater who will join us free of charge to make a greater contribution to environmental protection."

Standing behind the airport gate, Liu Yimin waved goodbye to those who came to see him off. Marquist, who had come from Los Angeles to bid farewell, presented Liu Yimin with a red cotton ball as a souvenir in front of reporters.

Looking at the vast Pacific Ocean, Liu Yimin felt a bit helpless; it all comes down to strength.

Liu Yimin flew to Shanghai and met Ba Jin, Li Xiaolin, and Xu Chi, who was about to go to the United States, in the conference room at the airport.

Ba Jin inquired about Liu Yimin's experiences in the United States and couldn't help but sigh, "Even Márquez was monitored when he went to the United States, so the United States must have monitored a lot of people. I also wonder how many of our writers who went to the United States the US government has contacted."

"Sigh, this Yimin thing is making me very anxious," Xu Chi said helplessly.

The reason he came to Shanghai today is to go to the United States to participate in the Iowa International Writing Training Camp organized by Nie Hualing.

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "As long as you don't change, they can't force you. The International Writing Training Camp doesn't dare to openly collude with the CIA. I've thought about it, and I think the main idea is to use the social development between China and the US to have an impact on the minds of Chinese writers. In addition, by using the temptation of literary and art awards, we can make writers' thoughts actively move closer to American ideology."

After a brief half-hour chat, Xu Chi took off for the United States. Liu Yimin bought another plane ticket and flew back to Yanjing.

Upon arriving in Yanjing, Liu Yimin was immediately taken over by the Ministry of Culture. Leaders from the China Writers Association and the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, including Zhang Guangnian and Cao Yu, were present, eager to inquire about the events that had transpired.

Xia Yan said with a smile, "Still want to go home? Talk to us first before you go back!"

"What do you all want to know?" Liu Yimin asked.

"Tell us about it!"

Liu Yimin first opened his suitcase, which contained many American newspapers. People in the conference room came over and took a few copies, which Liu Yimin then placed into his briefcase in a yellow envelope.

The envelope contained US dollars, Nicky's speaking fee for Liu Yimin. These dollars just met the regulations for individuals carrying US dollars; other royalties and similar payments could only be sent back to China via remittance.

Liu Yimin then recounted the whole story, from when Márquez was placed under surveillance to when Bond came to find him.

Many members of the Federation of Literary and Art Circles have visited the United States, and Ding Ling, Wang Meng, and others have even participated in the Iowa International Writing Program.

Liu Yimin only recounted what happened and didn't say much more.

Zhang Guangnian said: "This move also shows that we need to be more careful in cultural exchanges. The Americans are as hypocritical as ever, and we need to be more vigilant. We want to exchange ideas, but we cannot hand over the cultural and artistic front to others."

Last time they tried to poach people, this time they're trying to turn them to defect, what about next time?

"Comrade Zhang, what you said is both right and wrong. The development of the United States has indeed exceeded our expectations, and there are many things we can learn from them. Before we went there, none of us could have imagined that you could buy a house and a car with just a credit card, and that supermarkets would have a dazzling array of goods for customers to choose from..."

Once the door to communication is opened, it cannot be closed again.

As soon as Ding Ling spoke, Zhang Guangnian said, "Of course we can't close the door, but we need to think carefully about how to manage it. We can't let the Americans buy off our literary and artistic comrades one by one, can we?"

"We must trust our comrades, like Comrade Yimin, who handled it very well!"

Seeing everyone arguing, Xia Yan felt a bit overwhelmed, so he said, "Let's just hear what happened today and not draw any conclusions yet. As for what to do, we can discuss it later."

Just as Ding Ling said, once the door is closed, it cannot be closed again; exchanges will only expand further. Given this, there's simply no way to prevent such things from happening.

After the others had left, Cao Yu and Xia Yan inquired about the specifics of Liu Yimin's case. Liu Yimin explained everything to them, and Xia Yan remarked, "Providing the Institute of Literature with $100,000? The Americans are really rich and powerful. What are they asking the Institute of Literature to research?"

"Research on how Chinese people can accept American culture, and how the research results can influence decision-making, thus facilitating the entry of American culture into China."

Furthermore, Mr. Shen, all departments must be aware that this National Endowment for Democracy in the United States receives a large sum of money from the US Congress every year. While it's called "support," it's actually supporting certain groups to buy people's hearts and minds, to influence internal affairs, and even to achieve their goals.

Cao Yu said, "I have studied the founding purpose of the so-called Democracy Foundation and its publicly available documents, and that is indeed the case."

“There are too many foundations in the United States, and it’s hard to tell which are genuine and which are fake. Even the CIA has its own peripheral foundations,” Liu Yimin added.

"Yimin, write another summary of the situation in the next couple of days and submit it to the higher-ups for their reference," Xia Yan said.

Cao Yu and Liu Yimin left the Ministry of Culture together. Sitting in the car, Cao Yu told Liu Yimin that the Olympic delegation this year had brought honor to the Chinese people.

"We participated in 16 events and won 15 gold medals, 8 silver medals, and 9 bronze medals, ranking 4th on the medal table. This achievement, our first Olympic Games in 52 years, has given the Chinese people a renewed sense of spirit and swept away the shadow of East Asia being seen as the 'sick man'," Cao Yu said excitedly.

Liu Yimin smiled and said, "The results will definitely get better and better in the future."

"The major newspapers and the people of the country are paying close attention to the progress of the Olympic Games. Newspapers are sold out every day as everyone waits for good news. The members of the delegation have returned home and were immediately received and commended."

I never expected this to happen to you in America, and that you'd only be back now.

Cao Yu smiled and escorted Liu Yimin back to the courtyard house. The whole family was waiting for Liu Yimin in the courtyard, including Li Yuru and Wan Fang.

"Teacher Liu!"

"Yi Min!"

Upon seeing Liu Yimin, the courtyard immediately became lively. Zhu Lin and his father took the luggage from Liu Yimin, and Yang Xiuyun handed little Liu Lin to Liu Yimin.

More than half a month later, the little guy became a bit shy around strangers. After being held for a while, he turned his head and started crying at Yang Xiuyun.

Seeing this, everyone in the courtyard burst into laughter.

While eating, they discussed the Olympics, mainly focusing on seeing Liu Yimin on television, though the shot was too brief. Aside from Cao Yu, Zhu Lin and the others were unaware of what had happened to Liu Yimin in the United States.

(End of this chapter)