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

Chapter 488 Li Ao: I Want to Be a Good Person in the Future

After the event ended, the writers walked out of the conference room. Apart from the writers from the island and the mainland, few people noticed Li Ao walking towards Liu Yimin.

Seeing Li Ao extend his hand, Liu Yimin immediately stood up and shook hands with him. Li Ao was a head shorter than Liu Yimin, his white fitted T-shirt tucked into his waistband, and he leaned back slightly when shaking hands, showing his inclusiveness while also displaying his superior attitude.

"Yimin, there are many things I can learn from your debate just now," Li Ao said, his arrogance tinged with humility.

Liu Yimin shook Li Ao's hand: "I must tell you the truth, there's nothing about your debate that I can learn from."

“Then your words are even less commendable,” Li Ao replied immediately. This statement was somewhat naive, like a child who would say, “If you don’t play with me, then I won’t play with you either.”

Although Li Ao initially supported unification, and later even went so far as to support the Ming dynasty's unification, his support for Westernization undoubtedly undermined the very foundation of the cultural community between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "Whether something is useful or not depends on the heart, not the mouth. It seems that Mr. Li Ao, who claims to like to speak the truth, can't stand the truth either."

I will not listen to slander.

"You didn't even listen, yet you know it's slander?" Liu Yimin's nonchalant attitude infuriated Li Ao.

Normally, he prefers to be this nonchalant person, but now he's in a different position.

Yu Guangzhong originally wanted to come over and shake hands with them, but seeing Li Ao come over first, he didn't move. After Li Ao left, looking slightly angry, Yu Guangzhong approached and said, "Old Yao, Old Qin, it's been a long time."

Yao Xueyin looked at Yu Guangzhong and said, "Old Yu, you're still in good spirits!"

Unlike Li Ao, Yu Guangzhong wore a blue shirt and tie, dressed like a traditional cultural scholar.

After exchanging pleasantries, Yu Guangzhong looked at Liu Yimin and said, "Professor Liu Yimin, Yenching University is truly full of talented people. You must be the youngest professor at Yenching University. I have read your literary works. They are very well written. They made me a little homesick."

"I hope Mr. Yu will have the opportunity to come home for a visit," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

“Across a strait, I can’t see my home, the graves of my relatives, or even my own grave,” Yu Guangzhong said, his eyes filled with hope.

"There will be opportunities. It's just a strait. Even if we're separated by the Pacific Ocean, it can't stop our hearts from being close."

Yu Guangzhong invited them to dine together, and Xi Murong sat next to him. While eating, they discussed their respective literary thoughts.

"I began to realize the importance of national culture to poetry and literary creation in the early 1980s. If our literature lacks national culture, it's like it has lost its soul. From this perspective, I do not support the view of Westernization," Yu Guangzhong said.

"A culture with thousands of years of history cannot be proven to be backward just because of temporary setbacks in development. It cannot be said that we are inferior to others in everything or that we are backward in every aspect," Liu Yimin said.

Mainland writers, represented by Yao Xueyin and Qin Mu, nodded in agreement. Xi Murong, who was from Inner Mongolia, asked about the situation there.

"Mongolia Province is a beautiful place, with blue skies, white clouds, and herds of cattle, sheep, and horses. I hope it will always remain the way I dream of it," Xi Murong said wistfully.

Yao Xueyin told her that Inner Mongolia is now protecting the environment while developing, for example, through the Three-North Shelterbelt Project and the Grassland Development Project.

Xi Murong expressed some dissatisfaction with the coal mining situation in Inner Mongolia, feeling that it would cause environmental degradation: "Professor Liu Yimin, you advocate for environmental protection internationally, and I think you should pay more attention to mining activities on the grasslands."

"The environmental problems in Inner Mongolia are caused by a variety of factors, with overgrazing being one of the main causes of grassland desertification. As for mining and coal mining, while meeting the needs of national industrial development, they have also driven local development."

In other words, the grasslands also have the right to development. Do you think that relying solely on grazing can achieve the modern life that Ms. Xi enjoys? Don't the people there have the right to enjoy a modern life? Liu Yimin asked rhetorically.

Xi Murong didn't know how to answer, so she said, "Environmental damage is never a good thing."

"Yes, so we are trying our best to protect it. Despite our limited finances, we have allocated a lot of funds to build forest farms. We are carrying out both development and environmental protection, but if we don't develop, we will be seen as backward and closed off by some people, and we will still be inferior to others in everything."

Xi Murong's viewpoint is quite typical: after leaving one's hometown, one misses it and feels that the hometown must remain the same. She enjoys modern life occasionally, returning to the countryside to experience rural life. After lamenting the environmental costs of urban development in the countryside, she then returns to the city to enjoy life to the fullest.

Liu Yimin then changed the subject, discussing cross-strait exchanges with them. Liu Yimin's visit wasn't to criticize anyone, but rather to promote exchange; he emphasized the need to focus on the big picture and unify the forces that could be unified.

Yu Guangzhong spoke about the changes happening on the island, noting that the thinking of many people at the top is changing, and more and more people are willing to communicate.

When discussing this transformation, one always mentions the tornado that the movie "The Battle of Taierzhuang" caused on the island.

"It made many people understand the mainland's inclusiveness again." At this point, Yu Guangzhong smiled and asked Liu Yimin if the creation of "The Battle of Taierzhuang" was initially a political task.

Liu Yimin explained in detail the origin of the script: "The film studio first approached me, but it originated even earlier when Li Zongren returned to China, which proves the leadership's recognition of Li Zongren's historical contributions."

After chatting for a while, everyone went back to the hotel to prepare for a lunch break.

The mainland delegation went into Liu Yimin's room first for a meeting. Qin Mu asked if it was inappropriate to argue with Li Ao like this.

Yao Xueyin had a different opinion, believing that truth becomes clear through debate: "Not arguing will make the other party feel that we agree with their point of view, and it will also make the wrong view go further and further. If they don't bring it up, we won't bring it up either; if they do bring it up, we will naturally express our own attitude to them."

"Well said. Sometimes, getting the other party to accept your point of view can be a form of persuasion!" Liu Yimin said with a smile.

If Li Ao had recognized the importance of traditional Chinese culture to the entire nation now, the impact of his return to the island would have been far greater than recognizing it a decade or two later.

Jiang Zilong said, "I think that makes sense too. I found from my conversations with them that most of these writers, especially the young ones, are just wearing the skin of Chinese writers. Their works or thoughts are already far removed from those of Chinese writers. The Chinese writers in Southeast Asia are better, but it's too obvious in the US and Europe."

After agreeing on the consensus that they should argue their points and dare to debate, the group returned to their rooms to prepare for their lunch break.

Before the afternoon meeting even started, a large number of readers had already gathered downstairs at the hotel. Some wanted autographs, while others carried flowers.

By the time Lianhe Zaobao editor-in-chief Du Nanfa found someone to maintain order, the group of readers had already flooded into the meeting room.

Surrounded by readers, Liu Yimin kept signing books, with "The Kite Runner" and "Beloved" being the most frequently signed copies.

"Professor Liu Yimin, these are flowers for you. Welcome to Singapore. I hope you have a wonderful week." Flowers were continuously placed on the table in front of Liu Yimin.

After giving flowers and getting Liu Yimin's autograph, the reader went to Li Ao's side, took out Li Ao's book and asked him to sign it. After Li Ao signed it, he looked at the reader hopefully, but the reader just said thank you and left.

Li Ao glanced jealously at the flowers in front of Liu Yimin, his nose practically twisted with anger. "If you're going to send flowers, you should either send them or not," he thought, "why did you have to send them to him?"
After Du Nanfa had someone "invite" the reader away, he came over and asked, "Mr. Liu, are you alright?"

"Hmm, it's alright, seven bouquets of flowers."

Du Nanfa glanced around the room and noticed that only Liu Yimin had flowers on display: "Congratulations, you are really famous in Singapore."

"Only seven bundles. Editor-in-Chief Du, you should find a place to put them, otherwise some friends won't be able to see my face," Liu Yimin said with a faint smile.

Du Nanfa had his belongings moved out, and then officially chaired the afternoon meeting. The afternoon session consisted of presentations by representatives from each region on the development of Chinese literature in their respective areas.

On the mainland, Yao Xueyin was the speaker, but things were different on the island. Li Ao believed that Yu Guangzhong could not represent the island's literature, so after Yu Guangzhong stepped down, he went up and gave a speech himself.

The writers attending the meeting were left speechless, but Yu Guangzhong maintained a calm demeanor, trying his best to show that he didn't care about Li Ao's behavior at all, using the tactic of ignoring him to attack Li Ao.

"Currently, our literary circles are rife with sycophantic literature, and I, Li Ao, am determined to fight against it. I, Li Ao, am currently a leading figure in vernacular writing on the island, and my future goal is to become number one, the undisputed number one. That is to say, only I, Li Ao, Li Ao! Li Ao!"

Li Ao's actions nearly made Liu Yimin lose his composure, but he still responded with applause after Li Ao stepped down. Yao Xueyin said that mainland China, represented by Liu Yimin, is exploring new methods of writing realist literature in the new era, without blindly following Western modernism or avant-garde literary expressions.

“Deeply exploring the rich history and adapting to the changes of the times, such as the reform literature written by Comrade Jiang Zilong, is a good example of realism that fits the changes of the times.”

After discussing literature, Yao Xueyin shared some personal views, expressing his hope to visit the island someday and contribute to cross-strait exchanges. He also hoped that some writers from the island could visit the mainland.

Li Ao immediately said, "As it stands, Jiang Da will not agree."

“If I receive an invitation from the island, I believe the mainland will definitely not stop me from going there. This is the difference between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait,” Yao Xueyin said.

Li Ao cursed a few more times, and Yu Guangzhong couldn't take it anymore. He clutched his heart and left the venue first.

Xi Murong lowered her head and remained silent, feeling slightly embarrassed.

After the meeting, Yao Xueyin whispered a few words of evaluation about Li Ao, and Liu Yimin smiled knowingly.

In the evening, Liu Yimin did not have dinner at the hotel. Instead, Lu Wen from the Singapore Publishing House took him to a small reader meet-and-greet, which was held in a bar and had about a hundred attendees.

Liu Yimin sat on the stage, facing several local young people from Singapore, and could also chat with the people below.

The pub is decorated in a very artistic style, making it a gathering place for artistic youths and niche music lovers.

The discussion was relaxed, covering not only literature but also the plight of the Southeast Asian Chinese community and even the issue of exporting GM in the past.

ASEAN did not exist for economic development, but rather as a bridgehead for the FH.

"Professor Liu Yimin, you are not only a learned professor but also an outstanding writer. I believe your views certainly represent the mainstream views in mainland China, and I hope to see more of your wonderful works." The reader said with satisfaction after hearing Liu Yimin's reply.

"Professor Liu Yimin, can I apply to be your graduate student?"

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "Sure, but that depends on the policy."

At that time, Singapore had not yet established diplomatic relations with China.

They chatted for three hours, and Liu Yimin had a few drinks. Lü Wen drove him back to his hotel.

"Yimin, thank you for your hard work," Lü Wen said gratefully.

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "I'm very happy to meet with the local Chinese community."

Because Singapore is small enough, publishers in Europe and America do not organize a large number of reader meet-and-greets to boost sales.

The Singapore publisher only arranged about three small meet-and-greets, none of which were at universities. However, the delegation will collectively participate in a literary exchange activity at the National University of Singapore, scheduled after the Golden Lion Literary Award ceremony.

Back at the hotel, Liu Yimin saw Li Ao sitting on the sofa in the lobby. He looked at the time in confusion. It was almost eleven o'clock. What was this guy doing sitting here?
Liu Yimin nodded slightly to Li Ao and walked towards the room alone. Li Ao also got up and followed behind him.

Liu Yimin opened the hotel room door and saw Li Ao standing about five steps away. He asked, "Mr. Li Ao, you don't mean to come into my room, do you?"

"Thank you for the invitation. I was just about to have a chat with you," Li Ao said, and then walked into Liu Yimin's room first.

Upon seeing the room's furnishings, Li Ao nitpicked, "Even a great writer's room is just like an ordinary person's."

"Aren't you a writer too?"

“I’m not as famous as you as a writer; you’re the one the Americans recognize.” Li Ao walked to the sofa and changed the subject: “What makes you think my views have no value?”

Upon hearing this, Liu Yimin sobered up considerably; he'd heard that this guy always carried a knife.

Liu Yimin left the hotel door slightly ajar and sat opposite Li Ao, using the table in the room to separate them. This way, even if Li Ao went crazy, Liu Yimin could escape unscathed.

“Because yours really doesn’t mean anything,” Liu Yimin said calmly.

Li Ao asked again: "Why? I think you, young man, are too left-wing. No wonder the Americans call you a hawk. You don't tolerate opinions that are contrary to yours."

"Whether I tolerate it or not, you've already said so, haven't you? Besides, you didn't even listen to what I said, so do you allow opposing opinions? Your personal attacks and insults against Ms. Sanmao are not in line with the so-called democratic and free spirit you advocate."

The Western classic *On Liberty* specifically states that freedom includes freedom of speech, excluding personal attacks and defamation.

Li Ao blushed and said after a while, "I was a bit vicious when I said that."

"It's not just a little, it's very much so. Besides, why is your thinking meaningless? It's not just you; I'm referring to the fact that your wholesale xenophobic thinking is meaningless. If the Chinese nation loses its cultural cohesion, then why should our 56 ethnic groups live together in one family?"

To give a simple example, what are the differences between Chinese people in Malaysia and Chinese people in Singapore?

"What's the difference?"

"Malaysian Chinese receive Chinese education and identify more with China. But Singaporeans are beginning to adopt Western education, with English as the primary language. This generation of Chinese may still have a clear understanding of the concept of 'Chinese,' but what about the next generation?"

After a moment of contemplation, Li Ao said, "Singapore is developing better than Malaysia."

"It's good, but does it have nothing to do with Singapore's geographical location? Does it have nothing to do with the Chinese people's business acumen? There are many Westernized countries. How is the Philippines developing? Life is very good in the Westernized world. The economy was just about to take off, but last year the Plaza Accord broke its wings."

We shouldn't assume that Westernization is inherently good and that others will automatically accept us. The distinction between Chinese Americans and Americans in the US will always be clear. Maintaining our independence while learning from advanced ideas is the best choice.

Liu Yimin also repeated to Li Ao the passage from his "Youth Night Talks" in which he used the strengths of other countries to criticize China's shortcomings.

"Mr. Li Ao, you are not as good at writing poetry as Yu Guangzhong, you are not as good at writing historical and literary works as Mr. Yao, you have not won as many awards as I have abroad, are you inferior to others in every aspect?" Liu Yimin uttered one name after another, making Li Ao break out in a cold sweat.

"You say that Ms. Sanmao was a jinx to her husbands, so isn't your humiliating divorce from Ms. Hu Yinmeng another form of jinxing? Was the reason for the divorce truly a breakdown in the relationship, or just another way to promote your reputation?"

Liu Yimin's words made Li Ao very uneasy. He married Hu Yinmeng, a great beauty from the island, but divorced her after just over a hundred days. The reasons included, but were not limited to, a broken relationship and the idea that seeing a beautiful woman defecating would dispel his ego.

Li Ao stared intently at Liu Yimin, then suddenly said nonchalantly, "I think your views on Westernization are reasonable, but your malicious speculation about my personal feelings is almost a personal attack!"

"Is that so? It's more like repeating what you said." Liu Yimin was a little sleepy: "Mr. Li Ao, you should go now, I want to go to sleep."

Li Ao suddenly reached into his waistband, a move that startled Liu Yimin.

Li Ao defiantly declared, "Fine, let's go!"

After seeing Li Ao off, Liu Yimin was finally able to get a good night's sleep. But as soon as he opened the door in the morning, Li Ao was already standing there.

Liu Yimin looked at Li Ao with a puzzled expression. Li Ao said to him, "Everyone says I'm good at cursing, but your mouth is even better at cursing. I have to learn from you. Mr. Liu Yimin, I now feel that my Westernized views are a bit naive. I want to be a culturally Chinese person in the future."

The feeling of being born inferior is truly awful. Just like you said, no one is perfect, and no culture is perfect either.

(End of this chapter)