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

Chapter 557 Delegation List

In Muxidi, take the elevator upstairs, and you'll see Cao Yu's sign hanging at the door that reads "Unwell, no guests please".

They happened to run into a group of people going down the elevator. Liu Yimin glanced at them and thought they seemed to be from the Dramatists Association, but he didn't know which drama troupe they were from.

The people who got off saw Liu Yimin and the others muttering in the elevator, "Weren't they supposed to be unwell?"

“How can that be the same!” another person replied.

Liu Yimin knocked gently on the door, and Li Yuru, who was cooking, called out, "Old Wan, it should be Yimin and the others. Come and see."

"I'll do it!" Wan Fang put down the broom, quickly walked to the door, listened for a moment, then smiled and opened the door.

“Yimin, Linlin, Uncle Zhu, Aunt Zhu.” Wanfang pinched Liu Yu’s cheek.

"Senior sister, have you been helping the teacher entertain guests here lately?" Liu Yimin asked curiously.

Wan Fang tossed her hair, making way for the doorway: "There's no other way. There are so many people coming. If I don't lend a hand, Aunt Li won't be able to handle it all on her own. I wasn't originally planning to come today, though, because I had to go to work. But my company had a group outing today, so I skipped it and came instead."

As soon as they entered the living room, Liu Yu and Liu Lin rushed into Cao Yu's arms, calling him "Master" repeatedly. Cao Yu quickly grabbed some nougat from the table and stuffed it into their pockets, then peeled one open for each of them and put it in their mouths.

"Is it sweet?" Cao Yu asked happily.

Wan Fangchong said to Zhu's parents, "Uncle Zhu, Aunt Zhu, please have a seat."

"Please sit down, Professor Zhu, Dr. Zhu. We're all family, no need to be so formal," Cao Yu said with a smile.

"Dean Wan, Happy New Year!" Mr. Zhu said happily.

Happy New Year! Happy New Year! May you grow a year older with each new year!

Zhu Lin put down what he was holding and went to the kitchen to help. Liu Yimin stood at the kitchen door and chatted with his teacher's wife, Li Yuru.

Li Yuru told them about everything that had happened recently, including complaints and happy moments: "The second day of the Lunar New Year was very lively at home, with family members everywhere."

When Li Yuru was in the second year of junior high school, her child with her ex-husband also came, so Li Yuru was especially happy.

After the second day of the Lunar New Year, people from the arts and culture circles came to offer their greetings, and the flow of people was nonstop from morning till night. Cao Yu was originally in good health, but after a day of this, his blood pressure became unstable.

If it were just about paying New Year's visits, that would be fine. But when paying New Year's visits, you also have to deal with all sorts of things, and everyone has their own interests and demands that Cao Yu needs to balance.

"Master's wife, these fried peanuts, are they delicious?" Liu Yimin peeked at the sugar-roasted peanuts on the table.

Li Yuru picked up the peanuts and said, "I forgot. Take them out and let the two little ones try some. There are also roasted chestnuts in the cupboard; go get them yourself."

Liu Yimin carried the bag out, and Liu Yu and Liu Lin stared at him without blinking: "You two little gluttons, quickly thank Grandma!"

"Thank you grandma!"

Upon hearing this, Li Yuru, who was cooking in the kitchen, laughed and loudly replied, "Don't eat too much, there's more good food coming later."

Cao Yu took out red envelopes from his pocket and stuffed them into Liu Yu and Liu Lin's pockets: "Take them, don't lose them. When you grow up, you can buy candy for yourselves."

"Thank you, Master."

The two little ones' sweet, childlike voices made Cao Yu laugh out loud. It wasn't Cao Yu trying to soothe the children, but rather the two little ones trying to soothe Cao Yu, making him feel like a little kid himself.

Wan Fang chatted with Zhu's mother, while Zhu's father chatted with Cao Yu. Cao Yu was concerned about the current development of engineering in universities, since the development of national industry is inseparable from engineering.

Zhu's father hadn't expected Cao Yu to know so much about engineering, and he could even occasionally use some specialized terms related to industrial development.

As he spoke, Zhu's father brought up his thesis. Cao Yu glanced at Liu Yimin after hearing this and said, "Old Zhu, write well. The country is currently lacking some top-level design and overall planning for various industries."

These all require professional research and expert judgment.

"Dean Wan, I didn't expect you to know so much about this."

"I'm just a novice. The higher-ups talk about industrial development all the time, so the more I hear, the more I know. As a scholar, you can't just focus on your own little corner of the world; you need to look at things holistically, otherwise you'll fall into narrow-mindedness." Cao Yu patted Liu Lin's head and asked softly, "Don't you agree?"

Liu Lin knew nothing, but he could nod. Cao Yu had four daughters, but no sons.

While everyone was chatting, footsteps could still be heard from time to time outside, or people returning home with sighs.

Around eleven o'clock, Li Yuru happily announced that the meal was ready, and the living room was filled with the aroma of food when it was served.

While Li Yuru and Cao Yu were chatting, they fed the two little ones. Liu Yimin said, "Teacher, teacher's wife, you two shouldn't spoil them too much."

"No, is it?" Li Yuru picked up another piece of lean meat and put it to Liu Yu's mouth.

The two little ones will be three years old in two months, and Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin are currently training them to use chopsticks and spoons. They can usually use spoons well, but they still have some difficulty holding chopsticks.

Cao Yu was in a good mood today, so he specially opened a bottle of wine to drink with Liu Yimin and Zhu's father. The three of them shared one bottle of wine, and apart from Zhu's father, the others probably wouldn't get drunk.

"Yimin, do you know why Zhongshu went to Latin America?"

"Because Professor Qian has a great international reputation," Liu Yimin said.

"No, Old Qian speaks Spanish. In Latin America, everyone speaks Spanish."

Qian Zhongshu understood Spanish, but his position prevented him from acting as a translator, so he still needed a professional translator.

Mr. Zhu was also very curious about the trip to Latin America and kept talking about the Latin American writers he knew quite well.

By the end of the meal, Mr. Zhu was quite tipsy, and Mrs. Zhu said apologetically, "That's just how he is; he can't drink much."

Cao Yu said with a smile, "We're out of drinks now, no more. A little is fine, too much will make you feel unwell."

After dinner, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin took Zhu's parents back home. Before leaving, Li Yuru and Zhu's mother made a promise to go to the lantern festival together on the seventeenth day of the first lunar month.

In the afternoon, Zhu's father slept at home, while Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin took the two little ones to accompany Zhu's mother to stroll in the park. There were many vendors in the park, with all kinds of toys and snacks to choose from.

Liu Yimin bought a kite, and it was his first time flying one. After several attempts, he and Zhu Lin finally managed to get the kite flying.

Zhu Lin joked, "Teacher Liu, who would believe that the author of 'The Kite Runner' can't fly a kite!"

"Writing is easy, putting it away is hard!" Liu Yimin gently tugged at the kite, making the eagle-shaped kite fly higher.

Liu Yu and Liu Lin jumped and clapped on the side. When Zhu's mother noticed that their hats had fallen off, she quickly straightened them.

"There weren't many people in the park on the eighth day of the Lunar New Year. Everyone had gone to work. A couple of days ago, it was packed with people, and there was even someone singing 'A Fire in Winter,' dressed in Fei Xiang's clothes and with the same hairstyle. I wanted to see it, but your dad insisted on dragging me away," Zhu's mother complained to Zhu's father at the end.

Liu Yimin chuckled, "My father-in-law isn't very magnanimous!"

At four o'clock in the afternoon, the sun slowly set, and a cold wind blew through the park, causing the people gathered there to gradually disperse.

"Let's go back, it's getting cold." Liu Yimin smiled and started to pack up the kite.

When he got home, Zhu's father was already awake and sitting in his study looking at materials related to the automotive industry.

"I've decided that in a few days I'm going to personally visit FAW, Dongfeng, and other car companies that are preparing for joint ventures, so that I can get more accurate data."

Mother Zhu patted her chest and said, "Go ahead and go. You scared me. I thought you were going to say something."

“This is a big deal. If I go, I might not be able to take care of the family,” Mr. Zhu said seriously.

Zhu's mother was taken aback by his seriousness, but said with a smile, "Professor Zhu, when have you ever taken care of things at home? Alright, go if you want, don't worry about things at home."

The phone rang; it was Ximei calling to ask if they were coming home for dinner that night.

"Eat your meal before you leave. I'll go cook," Zhu's mother said quickly.

Liu Yimin said into the phone, "Ximei, let's go back after we finish eating."

After dinner, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin drove back to the Overseas Chinese Apartment. The apartment had been cleaned and the sun wasn't strong, but the blankets weren't too damp after being aired out.

"Ximei, you've worked hard. Did no one come over today?"

"Comrade Liu Zhenyun has arrived, accompanied by Comrade Shi Tiesheng, and another person who claimed to be your student. Seeing that you weren't home, he left." "Okay, I understand," Liu Yimin said.

Liu Yimin went into the study and made phone calls to Liu Zhenyun and Shi Tiesheng. Another person, who identified himself as a student, was probably Yan Zhen.

After finishing the phone call, Liu Yimin sat in his study and began writing the story of Chinese diplomat He Fengshan. Liu Yimin started with his experiences on the European continent at that time, where the Japanese were shot one by one by the mustachioed man, who treated them like chickens.

After the German army annexed Austria, it ordered all embassies in Austria to be converted into consulates.

At this point, the perspective shifts to the Chinese Embassy in Austria, where a Chinese diplomat is removing the embassy sign and replacing it with a wooden sign that reads "Consulate in Vienna".

Behind the Chinese ambassador were the chaotic streets of Austria, where Nazi soldiers were frantically driving Jews to concentration camps.
The story begins here, introducing He Fengshan's experiences. It initially depicts He Fengshan's difficult mental journey, and then focuses on He Fengshan's indomitable spirit as he faces pressure from all sides and seeks solutions.

In the wind and rain, he looked at the line of Jews with pity and encouraged them to live well.

In addition, the 17-year-old boy, Yu Tai, frantically searches for help on the streets and is eventually rescued at the Chinese consulate. This is also a key character that Liu Yimin needs to develop, in addition to highlighting the international environment where Western countries are shirking their responsibilities.

It was precisely because of the West's policy of appeasement that Germany was able to grow so powerful and be turned into a war machine.

Liu Yimin has already figured out the overall content, but he hasn't decided on the title of the book yet.

In three hours, Liu Yimin wrote more than three thousand words, and Zhu Lin came over to tell him to go to sleep.

"I don't need to go to Teacher Wan's house tomorrow, so I'll go to work tomorrow," Zhu Lin said softly.

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "Okay, you must be careful when you drive."

"Ok!"

"But I still need to see Teacher Wan tomorrow. I'll ask him if he's in his office or at home."

Liu Yimin didn't make any more calls during this time, guessing that Cao Yu had already gone to rest.

That night, in the bedroom, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin made love for a while before stopping. These past few days back in their hometown, their bed had remained separate, leaving them with pent-up energy and nowhere to release it.

"Goodnight, Teacher Liu!" Zhu Lin said softly.

The next day, after dinner, Liu Yimin watched Zhu Lin successfully drive out of the Overseas Chinese Apartment before turning around and going to his study to make a phone call to Cao Yu.

"Come on in!" Cao Yu was sitting in his study listening to records.

"Row!"

Upon arriving at Muxidi, Liu Yimin greeted Li Yuru and then went directly into the study.

Cao Yu was standing by the window looking at the scenery when he saw Liu Yimin come in. He turned around and turned off the record: "The actor you recommended to Lao Yu is pretty good. A lot of directors have been praising him these past few days."

"I just did it on a whim," Liu Yimin said.

Cao Yu sat down and said, "Now it's just the two of us. Let me tell you about the delegation to Latin America. Here's the list, take a look."

Liu Yimin took the list and carefully read through the names: [Delegation Leader: Cao Yu; Deputy Delegation Leaders: Qian Zhongshu, Liu Yimin; Delegation Members: Wang Zengqi, Ma Shitu, Li Zhun, Acheng.]

Li Zhun is from Henan Province. He won the Mao Dun Literature Prize this year and is also a famous screenwriter. He adapted both "The Herdsman" and "Garland Under the Mountain".

Acheng was born in 1949 and officially entered the literary world with his novel "The Chess King". His literary career started relatively late, with "The Chess King" not being published until 84. It won a novel award as soon as it was published, making countless people aware of this young man.

Acheng is the representative of young writers this time, besides Liu Yimin. The Federation of Literary and Art Circles wanted to select more young writers, but after thinking it over, it still decided to let older writers make up the majority. There are really too few young people with international influence.

"Are you familiar with Acheng?" Cao Yu asked.

"I've seen his work, but I've never met him."

"We'll be departing on March 16th and returning home on April 10th, a trip of more than half a month. During that time, we'll also be attending the Romulo Gallegos International Novel Prize in Venezuela. This novel prize is a grand event for Latin American countries, and Gabriel García Márquez will be in attendance."

The Romulo Gallegos International Novel Prize is named after Venezuelan President Gallegos, who is also a novelist.

Venezuela was wealthy at the time, and the prize money was very generous, reaching tens of thousands of US dollars. After the euro was introduced, the standard was 100,000 euros.

Unfortunately, after Venezuela's oil was sanctioned, its economy plummeted and it could no longer afford to host such a grand event. The Gallegos Literary Prize was suspended in 17.

“Let’s go and see how Venezuela is gradually increasing the international influence of its literary prize,” Cao Yu said with a light laugh.

"How do you propose it? You'll have to use money, just like the Italian International Literature Prize."

Cao Yu glanced at Liu Yimin: "You're right, but it would be great if there were a less expensive way."

Apart from Li Zhun and A Cheng Liu Yimin, whom I had never met before, I was familiar with the others on the list, so there was no need to learn more about them.

"Who is the translator?" Liu Yimin asked.

"The translator? The translator is Huang Jinyan, a professor at Shanghai Foreign Studies University. He understands Márquez and was recommended by Buffett."

Liu Yimin curled his lip. Huang Jinyan was one of the promoters of the pirated translation of "One Hundred Years of Solitude," and he translated Gabriel García Márquez's "One Hundred Years of Solitude" with his colleagues.

"what happened?"

"It's nothing. Márquez's literary works were not published in China without permission. Professor Huang's version is very popular."

After pondering for a moment, Cao Yu said, "Comrade Zhongshu told me about what you mentioned, so the comrades from People's Literature Publishing House will also be accompanying us this time. The purpose is to formally sign a publishing contract with Márquez. Currently, there is no legitimate copy in China, so readers have no choice but to read pirated copies."

At noon, Liu Yimin ate lunch in Muxidi. Cao Yu told Liu Yimin that the higher authorities had approved the Institute of Literature to host left-wing writers from the island to come to the mainland to discuss traditional culture and, incidentally, to see the achievements of reform and opening up.

"Okay, I'll draft a list when I get back, and then submit it to the ministry for review!"

Cao Yu said with a smile, "We don't need too many people, about ten will do."

"Row!"

After leaving Cao Yu's house, Liu Yimin went directly to the Institute of Literature and Art, where almost everyone had already arrived. The table was covered with various items, all brought from home.

The office was filled with the aromas of various foods. Liu Yimin went in and took a few bites: "It seems everyone gets along quite well!"

"Teacher Liu, please try my family's fried fish, it's especially delicious!"

"Not bad!" Liu Yimin walked into the office with the fried fish in his hand, and Yan Zhen followed him in.

"Teacher, should we prohibit everyone from bringing food into the office?"

"Forget it, it's only the beginning of the semester, so there's not much to say, but we can't do this all the time. Did you go to my house?"

"Yes, but the nanny said you weren't home, so I left. I wanted to wish you a Happy New Year. I heard you won the Mao Dun Literature Prize again, congratulations."

Happy New Year to you too.

"Teacher, the literature award ceremony is coming up soon, isn't it?"

"The awards ceremony will be held after the 17th, so let's not talk about that. Our institute is preparing to invite leftists from the island to visit. In the next phase, besides scientific research, this will be the institute's main focus." Liu Yimin quickly opened the folder on the table.

"An island writer? When? Is this a good idea?" Yan Zhen asked, her eyes wide.

Liu Yimin gave Yan Zhen a meaningful look. Yan Zhen smiled awkwardly. The Institute of Literature and Art must have been instructed to do this.

Should we make some preparations for the reception?

"There's nothing to prepare. Since we're here, too much preparation would just give off a fake feeling. Just work normally, keep a professional image and good spirits, and make sure the accommodation and meals are arranged properly," Liu Yimin said, waving his hand.

"Okay, I understand. If our comrades outside hear about this, they will be very happy."

"I'll tell them in a bit that I'll draft a list."

Yan Zhen nodded, smiled, and turned to leave the office. Not long after, a list of nine people was completed.

P.S.: Another update will be added tomorrow.
(End of this chapter)