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

Chapter 443 The Sky-High Bonus—120,000 US Dollars
The Nonino family went to great lengths to elevate the Nonino Prize in Literature, spending real money in many ways to rival the Nobel Prize in Literature.

In addition to the pre-awards dinner, the judging committee will also host an unprecedented dinner on the evening of the awards ceremony, which will be broadcast live on television in Italy.

The chairman of the award committee, Calvino, and the foundation's chairman, Eliza, told Liu Yimin a lot about the arrangements for the award ceremony, but the specific amount of the prize money was still kept secret.

"Liu, someone will explain the detailed procedures to you later," Eliza said with a smile.

Calvino said, "Chinese and Italian literary thought have many things in common. We are both ancient civilizations, and we both emphasize humanistic thought and philosophical speculation. During the Renaissance, many Italian writers were influenced by Chinese literature to varying degrees."

“This is an ancient civilization, and literature is inseparable from the civilization in which it is situated.” Liu Yimin made his own analysis of Calvino’s literature, linking the unique “Italian folk style” in Calvino’s literature with the Chinese style in his own works, calling Calvino’s literature “Italian rural literature disguised in various avant-garde techniques.”

“Professor Liu, I like this statement. I am an Italian born in Cuba, and I returned to Italy when I was 2 years old. My love for Italian culture surpasses my love for literature.”

Calvino downed another sip of brandy, his steps faltered, and his face paled slightly. "This sip reminds me of your book, where you, the fallen nobles of the Qing Dynasty, would sip brandy in taverns and fluently point out which glass each type of brandy should be served in."

"Nobles always like to use various things to flaunt themselves. Declining nobles are especially ridiculous. They can't get out of the past, nor can they get into the future."

"Are there still many descendants of noble blood in China today?"

"In fact, China does not place as much emphasis on aristocratic lineage as Europe. China's feudal society was a long period, but society was not lacking in mobility, and the change of feudal regimes was very rapid."

Nowadays, apart from some areas where people still claim to be descendants of the Eight Banners by holding up the Heavenly Emblem, who would recognize you if you said you were a descendant of nobility?

The banquet ended promptly at 11:30 p.m., and Liu Yimin and Lü Tongliu returned to the hotel by car. The Nonino Foundation gifted Liu Yimin the right to use the car in Italy; it will be his official car whenever he visits Italy.

"Yimin, you've had quite a bit to drink. Are you alright?" Lü Tongliu asked with concern.

Brandy made from fermented grains is a higher-proof spirit, and Lü Tongliu was worried that Liu Yimin would get drunk.

"It's nothing, I didn't actually drink that much. Old Lu, get some rest early, take another day off tomorrow, you'll be busy the day after tomorrow."

Tomorrow is the 9th, and there are no plans for us. This time is for Liu Yimin and Lü Tongliu to rest. The awards ceremony is on the 10th, and we'll be busy all day.

Slightly tipsy, Liu Yimin swayed as he washed up and collapsed onto the bed. He woke up around nine o'clock the next morning; embassy staff, the head of the Italian publishing house, and a Xinhua News Agency reporter had been waiting for him for a long time.

Fortunately, Lü Tongliu got up early and led the group into his room.

Both rooms were suites, with a spacious living room and excellent facilities for entertaining guests.

"I'm sorry everyone, I've kept you all waiting." Liu Yimin apologized to everyone with a smile.

“Comrade Yimin, you traveled all the way from China to Paris without stopping, and after getting off the plane you went straight to a dinner hosted by the Nonino family. If I were in your shoes, I wouldn’t be able to handle that kind of schedule,” said Ambassador Lin, the Chinese Ambassador to Italy.

“When you were in your prime, your physical strength was definitely better than mine.”

"Of course! Back when I was with the Anti-Japanese United Army in Chahar, I never had a moment's rest. I even slept with my eyes wide open. In the blink of an eye, I'm over sixty and almost retired. But I never imagined that just before I retire, I'd be there to witness this momentous occasion of our writer receiving Italy's highest literary prize!"

Ambassador Lin was born in the 20s and is now in his sixties. He joined the Anti-Japanese National Salvation Association when he was 17.

Fu Biaoyuan, a reporter from Xinhua News Agency's Italian branch, said: "After learning of this news, we immediately notified the domestic authorities. Currently, research on Chinese literature in the Italian literary world has reached a peak, something never seen before. More and more Italian readers are beginning to learn about China."

Comrade Yimin, you didn't go out; a huge photo of you, 20 meters long and 20 meters wide, is flying above the largest bookstore in Rome!

"Hmm?" Liu Yimin looked at Pastore, the editor of the Italian publishing house.

Pastor said proudly, "This bookstore is directly operated by our publishing house. We chose the photo of you waving to students at a party at the University of Paris in France. The photo is very charming, and your bright smile has a natural affinity."

When Pastore mentioned the photo, Liu Yimin immediately remembered it; it was taken by AFP. AFP photos are so good, Liu Yimin even considered getting an AFP photographer as a pendant so he could take one of his own.

Pastore presented the data, saying, "In Italy, the sales of your work have increased fivefold. The Nonino Prize for Literature has an even greater influence in Italy than the Nobel Prize in Literature, especially since this is the first international literary prize awarded, and Italians who love literature are all paying close attention."

Looking at the data above, Liu Yimin nodded in satisfaction. At that moment, Italian television was broadcasting news of Liu Yimin's arrival in Italy. In his BMW, Liu Yimin got out of the car and waved to the camera.

An Italian journalist commented that Liu Yimin's composed demeanor made him seem more like a celebrity accustomed to the camera.

[This young writer, nurtured by traditional Eastern culture, possesses a gentle and refined Eastern temperament, much like a diplomat in a Zhongshan suit.]

Ambassador Lin laughed and said, "Yimin is more like a diplomat than I am. We, a bunch of country bumpkins, feel completely out of place in suits. When I was transferred from Xuanhua to the foreign affairs department, I was quite upset for a long time. Yimin, if you need anything in Italy, you can contact our embassy. We have also contacted the Rome City Hall and the organizing committee in advance. Rest assured when you receive your award, and I wish you a fruitful time in Italy."

Xinhua News Agency reporters conducted several interviews with Liu Yimin, preparing to send the results back to China: "Currently, domestic newspapers are closely monitoring your whereabouts abroad; everyone is concerned about you!"

After Liu Yimin finished answering, Ambassador Lin and the Xinhua News Agency reporter left first. Pastore stayed in the room, wanting to discuss cooperation with Liu Yimin further.

“In the vast Mediterranean, countless jewels are scattered. Some of these jewels belong to peninsula countries or countries like France, but there are also many islands that have become independent nations, such as Malta and Cyprus, as well as some other islands and some coastal countries that occupy a very small portion of the world's map. We want to include them in our publishing scope.”

Liu Yimin looked at the countries Pastor pointed to and, without much thought, granted their licenses to their publishing house.

These countries are small, and their combined markets might not even be as large as a single county in China. Places like the Vatican City have even less value.

"Liu, I'll go back and prepare the contract. You will be our publishing house's featured author this year, and I believe that you will leave a deeper mark on the world of literature in the future."

In the afternoon, Liu Yimin and Lü Tongliu, without informing anyone else, toured Rome. The prize committee offered to bring their car and driver, but Liu Yimin declined. After all, with such a large Nonino Prize for Literature badge on the car, everyone knew Liu Yimin was nearby.

The two visited the Colosseum in ancient Rome. The ancient and massive Roman-style building showed both the splendor and the cruelty of ancient Rome.

Liu Yimin said to Lü Tongliu, "The desperate screams of countless slaves echo here."

“The bloody and cruel ancient Rome.” Lü Tongliu nodded in agreement.

"Ethnic conflicts are just that cruel."

To avoid being late for tomorrow's awards ceremony, the two returned to their hotel around 5 p.m. Five members of the awards committee checked into the hotel to help them get to the ceremony.

At 1 p.m. on March 10, the convoy began its journey to the University of Rome. The award ceremony was scheduled for 2 p.m. in the university's lecture hall.

Liu Yimin's car was at the front, followed by the winners of the Nonino Literature Prize in Italy, including authors of poetry, novels, and essays.

The lead car continuously guided the route, and banners celebrating the award were seen hanging on both sides of the road from time to time, bearing not only Liu Yimin's name but also his works.

On the way, they passed a bookstore in the city center. A 20-meter-long portrait hung like a waterfall above the bookstore's entrance. Lü Tongliu winked at Liu Yimin but did not say anything.

Looking at his enormous photo, Liu Yimin didn't know whether to feel honored or embarrassed.

After entering through the gates of the University of Rome, flags hang on both sides of the school road, with the portraits of the award winners and their works printed on them.

"Respected Professor, we have arrived at the awards center." After the driver parked the car, a staff member immediately opened the car door for Liu Yimin.

A number of men and women in suits or formal attire stood at the entrance, curiously observing Liu Yimin. Liu Yimin nodded slightly to them and strode into the academic lecture hall. The Nonino Literary Prize badge hung from the dome of the hall, and the steps around the hall were covered with red carpet. The staff of the award committee wore black tailcoats, making Liu Yimin's Zhongshan suit stand out conspicuously in the crowd.

The auditorium is circular, with the awards ceremony area in the center of the circle.

"Professor Liu, your seat is here." The staff member gestured for Liu Yimin to sit down.

The other award winners sat in the front row with Liu Yimin, forming a semicircle. Opposite them were Calvino, the chairman of the award committee, the committee members, and Eliza, the chairwoman of the foundation.

Eliza nodded to Liu Yimin, then whispered a few words to the person next to her. The person looked up at Liu Yimin a few times and nodded approvingly.

As the award recipients arrived, the rest of the attendees quickly went to their seats.

At 2 p.m., the awards ceremony officially began, accompanied by classical Italian music.

The chairman of the judging committee, Calvino, and the president of the Nonino Foundation, Eliza, gave a speech first, talking about the Nonino family's support for the literary prize and their future contributions to Italian and international literature.

The Italian cultural representative and the mayor of Rome spoke in turn. The person sitting next to Eliza was the Italian cultural representative.

The awards ceremony began with prizes awarded to Italian authors. Calvino read the award citation, and the Mayor of Rome and Eliza presented the awards. Each recipient received a silver trophy and a leather certificate.

"Their prize money is 60,000," Lü Tongliu said in a low voice.

"It's not lira, is it?"

"Dollar."

Liu Yimin nodded. The Italian lira is now only slightly better than the Zimbabwean dollar; 10,000 lira is equivalent to about 30 yuan.

Liu Yimin presented the award at the end. Xinhua News Agency reporters and People's Daily reporters stationed in Italy had their cameras ready and were constantly clicking away.

The Chinese ambassador to Italy was sitting in the third row behind Liu Yimin, his eyes fixed on the awards area.

The winner of this year's Nonino Literary Prize for International Literature is Chinese writer Yi Min Liu, who is the youngest writer to ever step onto the Nonino award stage. His literature is known for its rich Chinese flavor and is considered a masterpiece of realist literature. "The Kite Runner" combines childhood friendship with the historical background of China, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the Chinese people.

"Red River Valley" showcases the Chinese people's protection of their homeland and the clash between feudal customs and modern civilization.

With a realistic eye, he examined and analyzed the suffering and the hopes that ancient agrarian nations had endured.

He not only cared about the fate of the Chinese people, but also about the fate of all humanity, and constantly spoke out for racial equality and freedom.

After a lengthy award speech, Eliza stepped forward and opened a letter in front of everyone: "This is a congratulatory letter from Nobel laureate Gabriel García Márquez, congratulating Yimin Liu on winning the Nonino Prize for Literature."

Eliza happily read the message aloud: "Liu, congratulations on winning the Nonino Literary Prize. With your wisdom and the rich cultural heritage of the East, I believe you will continue to write even more captivating literary works. I am delighted that realist literature holds an important place in China."

Literature has been, is, and will always be a mirror of reality. My soul dwells in the jungles of Latin America, and your thoughts drift across the mountains of Asia.

As Eliza's voice faded, the entire audience erupted in applause, and reporters quickly turned their cameras toward Liu Yimin.

Liu Yimin calmly got up and walked to the center of the academic lecture hall, his silver-gray Zhongshan suit gleaming under the chandelier.

"Liu, congratulations!" The Italian cultural representative handed the trophy to Liu Yimin, while Eliza presented the award certificate with both hands.

Liu Yimin nodded slightly to them, then expressed his gratitude to the audience around him.

"The prize money for the first Nonino International Literary Prize is $120,000," Calvino announced loudly to the audience, and immediately applauded Liu Yimin after he finished speaking.

Liu Yimin smiled again and thanked the members of the judging committee, as if he didn't care about the prize money at all.

When the Xinhua News Agency reporter heard this number, he almost forgot to face the camera for a moment.

$120,000! That's $120,000! The Nonino family went all out to ensure the prestige of the first International Literary Prize.

This amount would easily surpass most literary awards, but it still falls short of the Nobel Prize in Literature.

On the other hand, it is also related to the fact that only one person wins the Nonino International Literary Prize each year. If there were more people, Liu Yimin would have to split the 120,000 yuan with the other party.

After the awards ceremony concludes, a banquet will begin at the Rome City Hall. At the banquet, all the award winners will give brief speeches.

Ambassador Lin walked over and shook hands with Liu Yimin, saying, "Congratulations, Yimin!"

After shaking hands with Liu Yimin and Ambassador Lin, the Italian cultural official said, "We hope to strengthen cultural exchanges between China and Italy in the future."

"Of course, our two countries have many similarities in culture," Ambassador Lin said with a smile.

As Liu Yimin and Lü Tongliu walked out of the auditorium, reporters kept taking pictures in front of them. Lü Tongliu quickly distanced himself from Liu Yimin, afraid of blocking the camera.

The afterglow of the sun shone on the entrance of the lecture hall. Liu Yimin stepped into the car, admiring the sunset over Rome while feeling the silver trophy in his hand.

Upon arriving at the city hall, they first rested in a side hall. The banquet was being set up, and since Liu Yimin and his group had arrived without any hindrance, many guests were stuck on the road leading out of the University of Rome.

Liu Yimin closed his eyes wearily and rested for a while. He hadn't done anything at the ceremony, but he still felt very tired.

At 8:30 p.m., the banquet officially began. Liu Yimin, Lü Tongliu, and other award winners entered the city hall, where countless women in black tuxedos and white dresses moved about.

Liu Yimin extended his hand to greet everyone. Some people stood up to return the greeting, some stretched out their hands from a distance, and some swirled their wine glasses and looked at Liu Yimin.

The city hall was filled with tables and chairs, white tablecloths with silver cutlery, and Italian delicacies on the tables, with the Nonino family's brandy prominently displayed.

Unlike the horizontally arranged tables and chairs, a 30-meter-long combination dining table is placed vertically in the center.

The award winners sat on the side closest to the podium, ready to go up and speak at any time.

As soon as Liu Yimin sat down, Calvino went up on stage to give a welcome speech for the banquet.

Those who came here were people from the Italian literary and artistic circles, as well as some officials and their families.

Eliza's speech at the dinner was highly persuasive, aiming to make the Nonino Prize a jewel of world literature.

As she watched the distinguished guests below the stage savoring their family's brandy, a slight smile appeared on her lips. This was exactly how they intended to establish their family's wine as a high-end product.

"Next, please welcome the winners of the Nonino Literature Prize for domestic authors to come to the stage in turn to speak."

Each person has about ten minutes to speak, and the order of speaking has been arranged in advance. Lü Tongliu quickly translates the speech for Liu Yimin.

(End of this chapter)