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

Chapter 440 Yu Hua's Dejection

With the announcement of the award, Liu Yimin believes that his book will not only create a buying frenzy in China, but also spark a wave of purchases in authorized locations around the world.

With two major literary awards being awarded to the same person, and the media using some slightly exaggerated reports, the name "Liu Yimin" will be showered with goodwill by readers around the world.

When readers read, they not only recognize the book, but also the author.

"Everyone, stop praising Teacher Liu all the time. Eat some fruit to soothe your throats," Zhu Lin said with a smile as she brought over the fruit platter.

Zhu Lin hasn't been to work these past few days; she's been staying home helping Liu Yimin entertain guests.

When Cui Daoyi saw Zhu Lin, he proudly recounted how he had unintentionally become a matchmaker. However, this time, he said that he had always thought the two were a perfect match, which was why he sent Zhu Lin's letter to Liu Yimin.

Li Shu jokingly teased Cui Daoyi, "Alright, alright, we've heard it hundreds of times already, stop trying to whitewash yourself."

Liu Zhenyun was preparing to interview Liu Yimin, but the interview was interrupted by a CCTV reporter not long after it began.

A CCTV reporter arrived at the Overseas Chinese Apartment with camera equipment and excitedly told Liu Yimin that he wanted to put him on the evening news.

Liu Zhenyun reluctantly put away his notebook and said, "You're from CCTV, you go first!"

"Thank you, comrade. We'll shoot a few shots, do a short interview, and then leave." The CCTV reporter gave Liu Yimin the interview outline and told him to prepare first. Then, the reporter went to the study to set up the camera positions.

As the photographer set things up, he muttered, "This study is huge, bigger than my living room."

"Get to work! You're only making a few dollars. Some people get $10,000 in bonuses from the US alone!" the lighting technician whispered.

Liu Yimin glanced at the outline and found that the questions were not particularly new, mainly rehashing old ideas. The only new thing might be the different awards.

They went in for an interview for about thirty minutes, and then the CCTV staff left.

Cui Daoyi asked from the side, "When can we see this on TV?"

"The short news segment will air on the evening news tonight, and the interview will air in the news interview segment tomorrow," a CCTV reporter replied.

After the group of reporters left, Liu Yimin picked up the interview outline that Liu Zhenyun had rewritten and said with a smile, "You're better at digging traps than they are!"

Liu Zhenyun asked Liu Yimin if he was afraid that the US intelligence agencies would monitor him again when he went to the United States to receive the award again.

"But it's pointless for you to ask, your newspaper won't publish this clip. If you insist on asking if I'm worried, I can only tell you I am," Liu Yimin joked.

Liu Zhenyun looked at Liu Yimin: "Yimin, do you have any good angles?"

"What reporter asks the interviewee how they asked the questions?"

"Hahaha!"

So Liu Zhenyun abandoned his outlines and re-interviewed Liu Yimin with a few questions that were more about his lifestyle.

Cui Daoyi told Liu Yimin that he had won the Lu Xun Literary Prize again this year, and Liu Zhenyun's work published last year also won the prize this year.

Liu Zhenyun said, "There is no harm without comparison. I was originally quite happy to win the award, but unfortunately, with such outstanding performances before me, I can't be excited at all."

"Zhenyun, I have high hopes for you. Among this generation of writers, there aren't many who can honestly follow the realist writing style." Cui Daoyi encouraged Liu Zhenyun to continue to cultivate his craft on his own path.

After they left, Liu Yimin picked up the invitation on his desk and read it. The National Book Award Committee of the United States and the Nonino Prize for Literature International Award Committee of Italy invited Liu Yimin to attend their award ceremony.

The Nonino Prize for Literature ceremony will be held on March 10th, and the National Book Award ceremony will be held on March 25th. These dates do not conflict.

The Nonino Literary Prize organizers stated that the Nonino family would cover Liu Yimin's airfare and accommodation expenses, which would allow him to take a six-month vacation in Italy, but did not specify the amount of the prize money for this year's literary prize.

Liu Yimin thought to himself, "Since we don't have Euros now, $100,000 will do." The prize money is distributed based on the foundation's investment performance last year; the more the foundation earns, the more it's willing to give the winners.

If you earn less, the bonus will be less. This method of awarding bonuses is similar to that of the Nobel Prize.

The $3 from the US is standard practice, clearly stated on the document, and they hope Liu Yimin will arrive in the US before March 22.

Liu Yimin glanced at the calendar; today was February 27th, there was still time.

"Hello?" Liu Yimin asked, picking up the phone.

"Hello, Comrade Liu Yimin. I'm from the Literature and History Writing Liaison Office. Didn't you ask me before the New Year when we would organize a visit to Gongdelin? The leader said it depends on your schedule. Whenever you go, we'll go."

"listen to me?"

"Yes, you said you'd go tomorrow, I'll send out the notice now."

The difference in attitude before and after is truly enormous.

Liu Yimin said with a playful tone, "February 30th, perhaps!"

"Okay. I'll issue the notice right away!" After the other person finished speaking, someone reminded him, and he realized, "Comrade Liu Yimin, you must be joking. There's no 30th in February!"

"No 30th? Then let's postpone it to March 2nd!"

"Okay, I'm sorry, Comrade Liu Yimin. You called me last time to ask about me, but I was busy with the New Year and forgot. I only remembered a few days ago. Please forgive me!" The other party apologized to Liu Yimin.

"Okay, I thought the boss didn't want me to go!"

"No, no, absolutely not."

Liu Yimin didn't dwell on the topic any further, but simply asked them if it would be convenient for them to go to Gongdelin on the 2nd.

"Convenient, absolutely convenient."

Liu Yimin went to Gongdelin to avoid some visitors, as there were just too many people coming and going.

As the award went viral, Liu Yimin's books sold out quickly. Several of his earlier works, which had been published a while ago and were no longer very influential, sold out again, such as his earliest works, "Donkey Water" and "Wolf Smoke in Beiping".

Based on market demand, the Commercial Press and People's Literature Publishing House arranged for another printing. The newly printed edition lists the various literary awards Liu Yimin has received, providing readers with a guide to choosing Liu Yimin's works.

Overseas authorized publishers added award-winning covers to the latest prints of Liu Yimin's works. A special section was set up for Liu's works, with a sign next to it that read: "Liu - Winner of the Mao Dun and Lu Xun Literary Prizes in China; First Prize Winner of the O. Henry Literary Prize, Winner of the Nonino Literary Prize in Italy, and Winner of the National Book Award in the United States."

Italian publishers are promoting Liu Yimin's work most aggressively, estimating that sales this month will be five times that of last month, and have invited Liu Yimin to Milan to hold a book signing event for readers across Italy.

They primarily recommended three novels: "The Flames of War in Beiping," "Red River Valley," and "The Kite Runner." The Nonino Literary Prize was awarded to these three, not the more famous "Beloved."

Another active reader group is the overseas Chinese community, who are eager to buy Liu Yimin's realistic works and want to understand contemporary China through them.

……

Amidst the frenzy, Liu Yimin rode his motorcycle to Gongdelin Prison. Gongdelin Prison wasn't far from the Overseas Chinese Apartment complex. After getting off his motorcycle, Liu Yimin sat down and waited for ZX's convoy.

All the alumni of the Gongdelin Alumni Association in Yenching University who could come were present, but the number was much smaller than the last Huangpu Military Academy alumni reunion, as a significant portion of them did not reside in Yenching University.

Huang Wei, Zheng Tingji, and Shen Zui stood around Liu Yimin, pointing to the gate of Gongdelin and describing what it looked like when they first arrived there.

Looking from the outside in, Gongdelin is already very dilapidated. It had been gradually abandoned since Huang Wei left Gongdelin. Only after learning that they were coming to visit did they organize people to clean it up.

The thick, tall blue brick wall divided the inside and outside into two worlds. It had gun ports on it, allowing soldiers to keep watch and fight from the walls. In addition, there were tall watchtowers at the four corners observing everything around them, and in the center there was a three-story observation and defense facility, with the third floor being an octagonal tower.

The guide explained, "This place is going to be demolished soon!"

"It's been demolished?" Huang Wei asked.

"Yes, it's going to be demolished. The facilities here are no longer suitable for a prison. Yanjing City is currently undergoing a new era of development, and a new building will be constructed after this place is demolished."

Zheng Tingji sighed, "Tear it down, tear it down. Without destruction, there can be no new life."

Shen Zui said, "Old Zheng, that's a good point. Without the demise of the old era, there can be no new era."

After the group of people went inside, Liu Yimin felt a sense of oppression. The windows of the cells were all located at the highest point of the walls. Walking around the outside path into the cells, it was pitch black inside, with patches of light appearing every now and then—sunlight shining in through the cell windows.

Shen Zui looked at Liu Yimin: "What? Is the yin energy too heavy? This is nothing!"

Shen Zui shook the iron gate violently and said, "The sound of the iron gate closing, the clanging of the chains on the prisoners' feet, and the friction between the iron bars and the concrete floor—that's the complete experience."

Shen Zui's sudden movement startled not only Liu Yimin, but also Huang Wei and Zheng Tingji, who involuntarily trembled.

Realizing what was happening, Huang Wei muttered "dog spy" under his breath. Shen Zui didn't argue with Huang Wei; his sinister laughter echoed in the cell.

As soon as he entered the cell, Huang Wei excitedly said, "This is where I live, this is where I live."

"Huang Wei, haven't you had enough after living here for 24 years?" a strange voice rang out.

Huang Wei turned around abruptly: "Chief Jin, what are you doing here?"

"I heard you were back, so I came to meet you. Also, I'm still waiting to see your perpetual motion machine!" Director Jin of the management office walked out from behind the crowd with a smile. Director Jin extended his hand to Liu Yimin and said, "Comrade Liu Yimin, your name is legendary. These days, your name is all over the newspapers and the news."

"Hello, Director Jin," Liu Yimin said warmly.

Huang Wei walked over and took Director Jin's arms with both hands, thanking him for his life-saving grace. Zheng Tingji and Shen Zui put their arms around Director Jin; they hadn't seen each other for many years.

After leaving the cell, they went to the meeting room where the staff used to hold meetings, and they reminisced about the past.

Director Jin held Shen Zui's hand and said, "Comrade Shen Zui, you were still willing to come back after arriving in Hong Kong, resisting the temptations of money from all sides. I am proud of my work."

“Director Jin, I remember what you said back then. You are a promising veteran of the Red Army, and you were willing to spend time with us in this small space. We should all thank you,” Shen Zui quickly said.

"Haha, decades have passed in the blink of an eye, let's not talk about it."

When they reminisced, Liu Yimin would sometimes chime in with a question.

We chatted for about two hours, and then followed the crowd to visit other places.

"This is the bathhouse, the place I manage," Zheng Tingji said, pointing to the room in front.

“It’s your responsibility. Old Zheng stood here before taking a shower to announce to everyone. The first group will ‘die’ first, and after the first group ‘dies,’ the second group will ‘die.’” Wen Qiang, who hadn’t spoken until now, imitated from the side.

Zheng Tingji had a Qiong accent and always pronounced "wash" as "die".

In just one morning, Liu Yimin had thoroughly mastered the history of the prison. Standing atop the octagonal tower, Liu Yimin looked out at the citizens of Yanjing rushing about in the cold wind.

At noon, everyone tasted the food served at Gongdelin back then. Huang Wei said with a smile, "Life is better now. This was top-notch food back then. We ate better than most people. I'm ashamed!"

“Huang Wei admitted his mistake long ago, but he was too proud to admit it. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have been released in 75,” Director Jin said, looking at Huang Wei.

Huang Wei waved his hand and said, "I regret it too. If it weren't for my stubbornness, my wife wouldn't have had such a hard life, and she wouldn't have passed away so young."

When everyone was getting ready to leave, Huang Wei suggested that he take a nap in cell number 2 before leaving.

Zheng Tingji and the others weren't as nostalgic as him: "Huang Wei, you really haven't lived here long enough in 24 years!"

"This is the place that changed my life. It's gone now, so let's just say this is the last time I'll be here with it!" Huang Wei said, his hands behind his back.

Finally, Director Jin and the ZX department agreed to let him stay there for one night, and Liu Yimin and the others left Gongdelin Prison.

When Liu Yimin got home, he opened the door and saw Yang Xiuyun: "Oh, Mom, what brings you back?"

Yang Xiuyun originally planned to stay in Yanjing until the end of the year and not come back, but when she saw the news of Liu Yimin winning the award on TV, she knew that he would definitely go abroad again, so she asked her older brother Liu Yiguo to buy a train ticket and came.

Zhu Lin went to the train station to pick up Yang Xiuyun after receiving the telegram. Yang Xiuyun watched as Liu Yimin solemnly used a feather duster to brush the dust off his body, saying that he was easily dirty after going to prison.

“Now that I’m here, you can go without worry. Linlin will go to work, and Xiaomei and I will take care of the child.” Yang Xiuyun said again, “I’ll go back during the summer vacation.”

"You should tell us earlier next time you come, in case you get distracted!" Liu Yimin said.

Yang Xiuyun said, "I understand. Hurry up and sit down to eat. Don't go running to the prison again."

Zhu Lin shrugged at Liu Yimin in the living room, indicating that it was none of his business.

During the meal, Zhu Lin said, "Yu Hua came today, but left again before she even saw you."

"Huh? Why is he in Yanjing too?"

"Oh, his novel 'Stars' won the Yanjing Literature and Art Award last year, and he's here to receive it."

"Oh, is that so?" Liu Yimin took a bite of the steamed bun in his hand.

After finishing her meal, Yang Xiuyun placed the sunflower seeds she had brought back on the table: "Our brigade made a lot of money selling sunflower seeds this year, and the other harvests were not bad either. Every family bought ten catties of meat! Xiaomei, when you go home in a few days, bring some for your parents too."

“Aunt Yang, it wasn’t easy carrying all this, so I…” Xi Mei said.

"You silly child, you've got too many tricks up your sleeve!"

With Yang Xiuyun's return, the house became much livelier. Liu Yimin returned to his study and quickly began writing.
Liu Yimin returned to his study to write "Amnesty 1959" and also to think about his acceptance speech.

The next day, Yu Hua visited again, this time bringing local specialties to test the cadres.

"Comrade Liu Yimin, I miss you so much. When I was writing at the Haiyan Cultural Museum, I thought of the days when I listened to your lectures every single day."

After Xi Mei took the items, Yu Hua gave Liu Yimin a warm handshake.

Liu Yimin patted him on the shoulder and asked, "Comrade Yu Hua, how's work at the cultural center?"

"Well, it's not as good as I imagined. I'm just getting more sleep than usual, and I don't have to worry about being late for work. My only worry is that I'll arrive too early."

Liu Yimin: "So it was the right decision of you not to go to that company?"

"University is so much freer. You only have two classes a week and don't have to worry about anything else."

"Hey, hey, who are you slandering? I also work in the office regularly!" Liu Yimin said with dissatisfaction.

“Oh dear, I misspoke. I meant certain professors, not you. Besides, you have achieved remarkable results, winning two major international awards. I heard the prize money is more than our county government’s annual income. I’m really envious!” Yu Hua said, touching the fifty yuan prize money that Yanjing Literature and Art magazine had given him.

Liu Yimin curled his lip and said, "The rumors are really outrageous."

Yu Hua walked into Liu Yimin's study, took a few deep breaths, and claimed that he wanted to absorb some spiritual energy.

"Have some tea!" Xi Mei looked at Yu Hua and felt that this guy didn't seem like a proper writer.

Yu Hua showed Liu Yimin the manuscript he had written, and Liu Yimin explained it to him in detail.

"Comrade Yimin, when are you going to Italy to see the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the ancient Roman Colosseum?" Yu Hua pretended to know a lot about Italy.

"You're spouting rhymes all the time, and you still want to come with me?"

"May I?"

“Sure!” Liu Yimin smiled and looked at Yu Hua.

Yu Hua shrank back: "Forget it, I don't even have enough money for a plane ticket outside!"

"Flying is free outside, as long as you're tough."

The two chatted and laughed for a while when Zheng Yuanjie called to congratulate Liu Yimin and tell him another piece of good news.

"The sales of 'King of Fairy Tales' reached 60,000 copies this month, and we will have no problem selling the remaining 40,000 copies in March."

“Okay, Lao Zheng, I won’t be in Yanjing in March, so you’ll have to keep an eye on the April publication,” Liu Yimin said.

Zheng Yuanjie said, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of the house."

After hanging up the phone, Yu Hua leaned over and asked, "Was 'King of Fairy Tales' really written by one person? Selling 100,000 copies, how much money would that make? Could I write it?"

"You can't write!"

"Why? I feel that I can easily write two or three short stories plus a few novellas of fairy tales in two months."

"What you wrote was too painful!"

"Bitter? If you want sweetness, you can have it; my writing style is versatile."

"You're willing to try anything to get published."

Yu Hua said cheerfully, "Who wouldn't want to live in the Overseas Chinese Apartments!"

After lunch, Yu Hua left the Overseas Chinese Apartment. The wind outside was biting cold, but she felt happy and further confirmed the friendly relationship between the two of them.

Comrade Liu Yimin is willing to chat with me, isn't that a sign of a good relationship?

However, Yu Hua felt frustrated when he thought about how many awards Liu Yimin had already won.

Clutching a crumpled fifty-yuan note, I kicked a stone by the door. The stone was frozen to the ground and hadn't thawed yet. Instead of moving the stone, my big toe hurt.

After groaning in pain a few times, Yu Hua loudly vowed that he would definitely win several foreign literary awards.

"A soldier who doesn't want to be a general isn't a good soldier, and a writer who doesn't want to win a literary prize certainly isn't a good writer!"

Yu Hua did not stay in Yanjing for long this time, and took the train back to Haiyan.

Liu Yimin also began packing his things, preparing to head to Italy to receive the award!
(End of this chapter)