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

Chapter 486 Xie Zhonghou's "Eternal Fame"

While mainland Chinese news media are exploring market-oriented reforms, they are generally content-driven and do not prioritize commercialization. Hong Kong media, however, are different. Like their American counterparts, they prefer to use sensationalism to stimulate readership and boost sales.

The reporters present were surprised by Liu Yimin's sharp tongue, which first lectured them, but it did not dampen their enthusiasm at all. On the contrary, they felt that there was more juicy material to grab.

Yao Xueyin explained from the side, "Friends from the media, we are just passing through Hong Kong this time. We are very tired from flying here from Beijing, and we have no interview arrangements."

Yao Xueyin is old and speaks softly, but the media around her, even if they could hear her, would not give up this rare interview opportunity.

"Mr. Liu Yimin, what is your opinion on the movie-watching frenzy caused by the film 'The Battle of Taierzhuang' in Hong Kong?"

Upon hearing the reporter's voice, Liu Yimin stopped and looked at the Ta Kung Pao newspaper logo clipped to his microphone, saying, "The Ta Kung Pao media friends asked some insightful questions; we should discuss more content."

The popularity of "The Battle of Taierzhuang" among Hong Kong citizens demonstrates that the War of Resistance against Japan is a shared memory for all Chinese people, and that the people of Hong Kong played a significant role in the war. For example, when the East River Column entered Hong Kong, it established the Hong Kong-Kowloon Brigade, leading the people of Hong Kong in resisting the Japanese invaders. Decades have passed since the victory, but our hearts remain warm as we stand together to fight the enemy.

A reporter from Ta Kung Pao pressed further: "I heard that people on the island also watched 'The Battle of Taierzhuang' and gave it high praise. What is your opinion?"

"We face history squarely and will never forget any group or party that contributed to the War of Resistance."

After answering the two questions, they had already walked to the car. At the last moment before getting in, a reporter asked Liu Yimin whether he thought "Huo Yuanjia" could recreate the glory of "The Battle of Taierzhuang" in Hong Kong.

"After the release of the movie 'Fearless,' mainland audiences flocked to watch it. I believe Hong Kong audiences will also enjoy the film. The combination of the mainland's strengths and the Hong Kong director's talents will create an even more spectacular chemical reaction."

As the car started moving, the group of reporters gradually fell behind. Their hotel was located near the Kowloon Peninsula, and Victoria Harbour was visible from the hotel window.

The sun had just set, casting a golden glow on the sea and the surrounding high-rises. As dusk settled, the harbor lights gradually came on, and a gentle sea breeze caressed Liu Yimin's face.

Before I could even take a good look at Victoria Harbour, there was a knock on the door.

Upon opening the door, the Xinhua News Agency staff invited them to dinner and brought Liu Yimin two pieces of news: "Ta Kung Pao wants to reprint Liu Yimin's 'Huo Yuanjia' and 'Brotherhood of Blades' in Hong Kong; the other is that Xie Zhonghou of the Central News Agency wants to meet Liu Yimin."

"Xie Zhonghou? He's still in Hong Kong?"

"He is still the head of the Hong Kong branch, but he has been returning to the island more frequently lately. We obtained the Central Daily News newspapers from the past six months, and several of Xie Zhonghou's articles are related to the mainland."

Liu Yimin took the newspaper and said, "Let's eat and read at the same time."

Led by colleagues from Xinhua News Agency, the delegation members walked to a Cantonese restaurant downstairs from the hotel. The group was large, and several representative Cantonese dishes were served.

"Guangzhou poached chicken, with tender meat, is best enjoyed with this dipping sauce. This is the famous local roast goose from Hong Kong, with amber-like skin, roasted until crispy, making a 'crunch' sound when you bite into it, and served with plum sauce to cut through the richness; this is typhoon shelter-style stir-fried crab, which contains minced garlic, chili, and chives, creating a rich and layered flavor."

"Comrades, these are my favorite wontons. You can all try them." Qin Mu introduced the dishes on the table to them one by one, and while inviting everyone to taste them, he also talked about his childhood in Hong Kong.

Of these dishes, Liu Yimin's favorites were poached chicken and stir-fried crab, the rich flavors of which suited his taste. After everyone had eaten their fill, they each took a copy of the "Central Daily News" from Liu Yimin and began reading it with curiosity.

Since people don't know much about the island, the Central Daily News is like firsthand information for them, and everyone reads it with great interest.

Liu Yimin focused on Xie Zhonghou's article, emphasizing the mainland's historical perspective and reform and opening-up policy as presented in "The Battle of Taierzhuang," as well as the goodwill extended to the island.

He also read some of the political, economic and social articles published in the Central Daily News about various parts of the island. After reading them, Liu Yimin asked, "When will Xie Zhonghou come?"

"It'll probably be between nine and ten o'clock. There are a lot of media watching us, so he can only come after the reporters leave."

"Then I'll wait for him."

After finishing his meal, he stuffed the newspaper into his briefcase before leaving the private room. On his way back to the hotel, under the lights, Liu Yimin quickly spotted several suspicious-looking reporters.

"These people are only good at running fast and working hard; they have no other skills," Liu Yimin couldn't help but mock again.

Jiang Zilong looked around and said, "Hong Kong media is really different from mainland media; it's probably a Hong Kong characteristic."

"Commercial media all share this characteristic, and it is also related to the quality of the media."

Back at the hotel, Liu Yimin took a shower first, then lazily leaned back on the sofa and continued reading the newspaper until ten o'clock when there was a knock on the door.

Xie Zhonghou was dressed in all black, with a hat and a mask on his head, making him look like someone on the street.

Upon entering the room, Xie Zhonghou removed his mask and hat, breathed a sigh of relief, and said, "Mr. Yimin, I didn't expect to meet you in Hong Kong. I hope I haven't disturbed you. Congratulations on winning the Golden Lion Literary Award."

"Old Xie, come sit down quickly, have you eaten yet?" Liu Yimin smiled and poured him a glass of water.

Xie Zhonghou said with a smile, "I've eaten, I've eaten. I came here to see you. It's only been less than a year, and your literary achievements have reached new heights. The novel 'Dust Settles Down' is excellent. It's like being in the snowy region of Sichuan and Kangding. It also shows me why your army has been able to achieve success."

"Old Xie, don't tell me you're only finding out now," Liu Yimin joked.

Xie Zhonghou chuckled but didn't respond. Instead, he spoke about the reaction to "The Battle of Taierzhuang" on the island: "Everyone agreed that it was very well-made, without any attempts to portray the characters negatively, and the casting was very accurate. Chiang Kai-shek gave it positive feedback, and Bai Chongxi's son, Bai Xianyong, also actively wrote about it."

After listening to Xie Zhonghou's words, Liu Yimin analyzed for him: "This shows that a trend has already formed, a trend of exchange. This force is constantly being nurtured, and veterans' visits to their families are the catalyst and an excellent reason. I believe that the policy of allowing veterans to visit their families will be relaxed in the near future."

Old Xie, over two million soldiers and civilians who have left their homes are eagerly awaiting your return. Your contributions will be remembered throughout history.

Upon hearing the words "his name will be remembered in history," Xie Zhonghou involuntarily sat up straight; no Chinese person could resist those four words.

Liu Yimin praised him several more times, making Xie Zhonghou dizzy and confused, and his attitude became much more intimate.

Liu Yimin hopes that Xie Zhonghou can report on the exchange between Singapore's Chinese literary circles in the "Central Daily News" so that all sectors can see the hope for such exchanges.

“I will talk to my colleagues at the Singapore branch. Even if they don’t publish an article, I can still make some comments. I’m not doing this for my personal reputation, but for the two million soldiers and civilians who have left their homes.”

Liu Yimin patted Xie Zhonghou's hand heavily: "Old Xie, I understand. Family members who have been separated for decades should see each other again. Some things always have to be done by someone, and now it's our turn."

Xie Zhonghou's eyes reddened at Liu Yimin's words: "Yimin, can I entrust you with something?"

"you say?"

"After you return to the mainland, could you find someone to collect some soil from various places and send it to me so I can take it to the island?"

"Okay, I promise you."

Hsieh Chung-hou put on a mask and left the hotel to avoid being seen. He took a taxi from the back door and drove around the city center several times before getting off and taking another taxi back to the Central News Agency's Hong Kong branch.

After Xie Zhonghou left, the delegation members opened the door to look at Liu Yimin. Liu Yimin waved to them, and they then went back into the room.

In the early hours of the 18th, the delegation officially boarded a plane and left Hong Kong. Before departing, they bought several newspapers, which contained numerous reports about the delegation's arrival in Hong Kong.

The China Writers Association made a star-studded appearance in Singapore!

[Renowned writer Liu Yimin behaved arrogantly at the airport, stating bluntly that he won the award because of his good writing!]

After reading a few copies and finding them uninteresting, Yao Xueyin put them aside and said, "This Ta Kung Pao is actually quite interesting. Yimin, are 'Huo Yuanjia' and 'Brotherhood of Blades' going to be serialized in Ta Kung Pao?"

Upon seeing the line of small print that Yao Xueyin was pointing to, Liu Yimin nodded and said, "Yes."

“Martial arts novels are very popular in Hong Kong, and the serialization of the novel ‘Huo Yuanjia’ can also pave the way for the movie.” Qin Mu felt this was killing two birds with one stone. Jiang Zilong said, “Yimin, you really have a good mind. Huo Yuanjia of Tianjin, I’m in Tianjin every day, how come I never thought of that?”

"Comrade Zilong, if you want to write popular novels, you have to be prepared to be drowned in spittle first." Liu Yimin's words made everyone laugh.

"I'm not afraid of criticism. As the old saying goes, in this tiny world, a few flies buzz around on the wall. It's impossible to write something without being criticized." Jiang Zilong is quite frank about this.

As the plane flew over the South China Sea, everyone tried their best to look up at the horizon, where islands and reefs of all sizes dotted the landscape, and everyone marveled at the vastness of the South China Sea.

Around 11 a.m., the plane landed at Singapore Changi Airport.

Lianhe Zaobao editor-in-chief Du Nanfa and another editor, Lin Renjun, came to pick them up at the airport. In addition, the Singapore Chinese Association also sent people over.

Du Nanfa loved literature and used to enjoy writing poetry. Upon seeing Liu Yimin, he quickly walked over, shook his hand, and said, "Mr. Yimin, thank you for your hard work. I really like your work, and I have read most of your books. I can recite most of your poems by heart. I am ashamed that I have not been able to write poems as famous as yours."

“Editor-in-Chief Du, you flatter us. We should thank Lianhe Zaobao for providing a platform for Chinese writers around the world to exchange ideas,” Liu Yimin said politely.

"This is just a small thing we've done for the literary world."

While Du Nanfa was shaking hands with the others, Lin Renjun, who was standing next to him, introduced himself to Liu Yimin.

After joining Lianhe Zaobao, Lin Renjun developed rapidly. In 93, he became the editor-in-chief of Lianhe Zaobao and later the chairman of Singapore Press Group. He was also the longest-serving editor-in-chief and chairman.

Lu Wen, an editor at a Singapore publishing house, specially sent Liu Yimin a bouquet of flowers, which made the others somewhat envious.

Jiang Zilong, feeling the air in Singapore, exclaimed, "It's so hot here!"

“That’s why it’s called tropical.” Liu Yimin observed the buildings around Singapore.

In the 1980s, the Four Asian Tigers developed rapidly. Singapore was filled with skyscrapers and bustling traffic, and the air was thick with the scent of an economic boom. At this time, Singapore was implementing a policy of restructuring and upgrading its industries, gradually replacing outdated production capacity and beginning to build itself into a financial and shipping hub.

Sitting in the car, everyone curiously looked at the street scene of Singapore, with palm trees, a common tropical tree species, on both sides of the road.

Du Nanfa, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around and said, "Once we get to the hotel, everyone can go upstairs for dinner. The invited Chinese writers will be arriving one after another. If you want to exchange ideas, feel free to do so."

Yao Xueyin asked curiously, "Who has arrived now?"

"Malaysian Chinese writer Dora (Lin Yuesi), Ye Guanshi, Singaporean Chinese writer Lu Tao, American Chinese writer Chen Ruoxi, Spanish writer Zhang Qin, etc. They will arrive from the island tomorrow, and Sanmao will arrive around 10 pm tonight."

Liu Yimin had researched these people and had a general understanding of their writing styles. Apart from Sanmao, he hadn't actually read any of their books.

As soon as Liu Yimin got off the bus, he met the writers that Du Nanfa had introduced earlier. The writers stared intently at Liu Yimin, as if scrutinizing him or confirming his identity.

Du Nanfa introduced with a smile: "This is Mr. Liu Yimin."

Their expressions immediately softened, and they walked over with smiles to shake hands: "Mr. Liu, we've seen you in the newspapers and on television, but we're still surprised by how young you are in person."

"Are you all standing here to welcome us?" Liu Yimin asked curiously.

Singaporean writer Lu Tao said twice, "Yes, yes!": "We want to pay tribute to outstanding Chinese writers. We discussed it this morning and made sure to personally greet you at the door."

Liu Yimin introduced the other people to them, and the female writers immediately surrounded Wang Anyi as if they had found a topic to talk about.

Wang Anyi was a little reserved when talking to them, and only breathed a sigh of relief after entering the room and closing the door.

Liu Yimin entered the room, followed by the publishing editor, who introduced him to the performance of Liu Yimin's novels in Southeast Asia.

When Liu Yimin heard that a Vietnamese version of "Triumph at Midnight" had been published, he asked in surprise, "You've all given books about fighting in Vietnam to the Vietnamese people?"

“Yi Min, don’t be surprised. A significant number of Vietnamese people are very interested in your works, and quite a few have been translated into Vietnamese,” Lyu Wen explained.

Liu Yimin patted Lü Wen on the shoulder and said, "Well done!"

Singapore has a large Chinese population, but the overall market is too small. Nevertheless, Liu Yimin's books have sold a total of about 200,000 copies, making him one of the most influential writers in the country.

In the history of Chinese literature, Singaporean writers are not only not well-known internationally, but also have limited influence locally.

Liu Yimin changed into some cool clothes, got up, and went upstairs to have a meal with the delegation.

Upstairs there are both Chinese and Western restaurants. As soon as I walked in, a curry-accented English voice almost startled them: "Welgome do Singapore!"

Lu Wen said, "These are Indian waiters; Indians make up a large proportion of the Singaporean population."

Liu Yimin nodded slightly. He wasn't surprised that there were Indians in Singapore, but the sudden smell of curry had startled him.

They found a quiet spot to sit and eat, and while eating, Lü Wen introduced Singapore and the Apollo Hotel to everyone.

"The internship camp is in the conference room upstairs, and the entire activity area is this hotel. You can take a walk downstairs in the evening."

In the afternoon, people from the Chung Chiao Group found Liu Yimin. The film company under the Chung Chiao Group is the general agent for China Film Group in Southeast Asia. Its founder is Lin Rishun, a native of Fuqing. He went to Southeast Asia to work in Indonesia at a young age, but was later forced to come to Singapore due to the Indonesian political climate change.

With his own abilities, he quickly established Chung K.C. Department Store in Singapore, specializing in Chinese goods such as traditional Chinese medicine and clothing. At that time, China had not yet established diplomatic relations with most Southeast Asian countries, and Chinese people from all over the world would come to Chung K.C. to buy local specialties to ease their longing for home.

Even Chinese people from all over the world will make a special trip to Southeast Asia when passing through the region.

Leveraging its department store business, S.U.C.C. began to grow steadily, later establishing S.U.C.C.C. Cinemas, whose cinemas primarily screened Chinese films. It also continuously invited major film studios to Singapore for visits and learning, promoting mainland Chinese films.

They came to Liu Yimin to discuss the premiere event for "Fearless".

"Mr. Liu Yimin, we are preparing for the premiere on the evening of the 25th. After the screening, there will be a sharing session where you will need to give a speech."

"no problem."

"Furthermore, our boss, Mr. Lin Rishun, would like to meet you, but unfortunately, he is not in good health and cannot come in person, so..."

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "I can visit you at my convenience."

"Thank you so much. I'll call you later."

After the Zhongqiao people left, Yao Xueyin called a meeting, wanting everyone to welcome Sanmao's arrival that evening and cheer on this patriotic island writer.

“I have no objection,” Liu Yimin said.

Yao Xueyin looked at the others and saw that everyone agreed: "Then let's stay up a little later tonight. According to Sanmao's schedule, we will arrive at the hotel around 11 p.m.

For the rest of the time, they didn't bother Liu Yimin anymore, and he was finally able to sit on the bed and rest for a while.

After dinner, the delegation members took a walk around the area, and then returned to Liu Yimin's room to talk about the internship camp.

Yao Xueyin, who has participated in the event, is the most qualified to speak on the matter: "It's actually a stage for exchanging viewpoints. Everyone is both a student and a teacher, giving lectures while listening to lectures."

(End of this chapter)