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

Chapter 568 South American Tour

Within the Latin American writers' delegation, some were supportive, while others remained hesitant. José applied to Liu Yimin and Márquez to join ahead of schedule.

Marquez and Liu Yimin had no reason to refuse, but they also did not continue to discuss the matter publicly. With the delegation's agreement and support, the more important thing now was to successfully complete the entire public visit.

In the afternoon, the Latin American writers' delegation accompanied Liu Yimin and his companions on a tour of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, visiting historical sites and natural scenery.

“We are now going to Bolivar Square. My Chinese colleagues are no strangers to Bolivar. Venezuela was part of the Greater Bolivarian Republic at the time. After Bolivar’s death, it broke away from the Greater Bolivarian Republic and established the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela,” said Venezuelan writer Basal, pointing to the statue of Bolivar in the square.

The Chinese delegation stood by as Basal recounted the history of Bolívar leading his army to liberate South America. Latin American writers, represented by Márquez, stood solemnly nearby. After the explanation, they stood in front of the monument and bowed deeply.

A delegation of Chinese writers presented flowers to pay tribute to the heroes of South American national liberation.

"If the Bolivarian Republic hadn't dissolved back then, I wonder if it would have had the chance to grow into a powerful nation," Márquez said wistfully, gazing at the statue of Bolivar.

Liu Yimin placed flowers in front of Bolivar's statue: "The establishment of an alliance cannot rely on any one person; it requires institutional coordination to address the conflicts of interest within the alliance. Relying solely on one person will not ensure the stability of the alliance's internal relationships."

South America is fragmented, with countries across the continent exploring regional integration. The South American integration process was proposed a long time ago, but it has had little effect.

The Andean Community, after all its efforts, only had four member states and ultimately became defunct in name only.

Qian Zhongshu was fluent in Spanish and had a good understanding of the situation in South America. He explained from his own perspective the reasons why South America was divided and unable to unite.

"When fighting for independence from the Spanish and Portuguese colonists, there was a lack of clear ideological guidance. After independence, the political systems of various countries remained unstable, and they were embroiled in a long-term struggle between the left and right wings. Moreover, no single ideology could gain an overwhelming advantage over another, leading to domestic political instability."

Furthermore, the industrial structures of South American countries are highly diversified and heavily reliant on other continents, hindering the formation of complementary economic relationships and hindering economic integration. Moreover, Latin American countries have long been subject to US interference, exacerbating conflicts among various political parties and interest groups.

Qian Zhongshu's analysis was very insightful, and Liu Yimin gave him a thumbs up. Writers, accustomed to creating in their studies, often find it difficult to grasp the full picture of the actual situation.

Chilean writer José said, "If regional economic cooperation can be deepened, everyone can benefit, and I think the integration process will proceed more quickly. For example, the European Community and ASEAN."

The group posed for photos in Bolívar Square and interacted with the Venezuelan people. Márquez and his entourage were quite famous in Latin America, and they were quickly recognized.

Standing in Bolívar Square, they chatted and took photos with Venezuelans who came to visit.

Upon hearing Liu Yimin's name, many Venezuelans rushed over to ask for his autograph. Seeing the growing crowd, security quickly helped them leave Bolívar Square and head to the Venezuelan National Museum.

Inside the museum, they viewed numerous Latin American artifacts and traces of civilization, including the anti-colonial history of the Latin American people. Venezuelan writer Basel recounted the history of Venezuelan literature in detail, tracing the timeline of modern times.

From the 16th century onwards, most of the writers who emerged in Venezuela were colonists, and their literature was heavily influenced by colonialism.

From another perspective, Liu Yimin understood why anti-colonialism in Latin America was not thorough: most of the people there are descendants of colonizers, not pure natives.

The anti-colonial narrative has started to backfire, turning against our own ancestors. How can we continue like this? Imperial Army, we're on the same side!

This is their third day in Latin America. Next, they will visit universities in various Latin American countries.

The itinerary includes visits to several universities, including the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina, the University of São Paulo in Brazil, the University of Chile in Chile, and the Inca University in Peru.

The University of Buenos Aires is the most famous among them, while the other South American universities are not well known in the world.

They will hold an exhibition of works by Chinese writers at the University of Buenos Aires, mainly featuring works by the delegation's writers, as well as Spanish translations of works by current Chinese writers.

After returning from the University of Buenos Aires, they will attend the Romulo Galagos Prize held in Venezuela.

At 6 p.m., they returned to the hotel from the Venezuelan National Museum. The hot weather had made everyone sweat profusely, and they couldn't wait to take a shower in the bathroom as soon as they got to their room.

When Liu Yimin came out of the bathroom, Zhao Zhongnan, a representative from the People's Publishing House, knocked on Liu Yimin's door.

"Comrade Yimin, are you done washing?" Zhao Zhongnan asked politely.

"I'm all washed up. What's wrong, Comrade Chungnam?"

Zhao Zhongnan smiled awkwardly: "Comrade Yimin, I haven't had a chance to speak with Mr. Márquez about the publication of his works in China these past few days, so could you please introduce me? The visit of more than half a month has passed in the blink of an eye, and negotiations are also a rather lengthy process."

"Great! How does your publishing house plan to acquire Márquez?" Liu Yimin asked curiously.

Zhao Zhongnan tentatively asked, "Comrade Yimin, what do you think is the best way to negotiate?"

"I have no suggestions, but I hope you will thoroughly understand the relevant information before negotiations begin, and not offend the other party right away," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Zhao Zhongnan quickly replied, "Of course, our country has great respect for writers, and we pay domestic writers as much as we can. For a writer like Márquez, our sincerity is certainly enough. The only concern is that different domestic publishing policies might cause misunderstandings. Of course, Sister Wei also instructed me to adopt a flexible negotiation strategy before I came."

Liu Yimin stood up and said, "We're going upstairs for dinner in a bit. After dinner, I'll find an opportunity for you two to talk alone."

"Comrade Yimin, could you be here?" Zhao Zhongnan asked quickly.

Liu Yimin politely declined, saying, "I think no writer wants another writer to see his businessman side." Zhao Zhongnan felt a little regretful; he was alone in front of Márquez, and he really didn't know how to talk to him.

"Old Zhao, perhaps Marquez will have you talk to his assistant directly." Liu Yimin patted Zhao Zhongnan on the shoulder, preparing to go upstairs for dinner.

A large group of people walked upstairs, and Cao Yu, Qian Zhongshu, and others were much less reserved when they talked with Márquez. They were all world-renowned writers, so naturally they had many common topics to discuss.

Sitting in the hotel's dining area, Márquez began to introduce Latin American food culture to them. After a while, Márquez looked at Liu Yimin and asked, "Liu, I saw many traditional Chinese dishes in your book. I wonder which is tastier, your food or ours?"

“Mr. Márquez, you should try Chinese food if you have the chance. There are many kinds of Chinese cuisine, with dozens or even hundreds of ways of cooking in each region, each with distinct layers of flavor,” Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Márquez smiled and nodded: "I'll definitely try it if I have the chance. There should be Chinese restaurants in Mexico, but unfortunately I've never been before."

After dinner, Liu Yimin led Zhao Zhongnan into Márquez's room, with Huang Jinyan acting as translator.

"Mr. Márquez, your works have always been very popular in China. This is a representative from the People's Publishing House of China, the largest publishing house in our country. He would like to discuss the publication of your works in China with you."

Liu Yimin sat opposite Márquez and talked about the popularity of his works in academic circles, laying the groundwork for Zhao Zhongnan.

“When representatives from South American publishing houses approached me, they told me that countless Latin American readers were eagerly awaiting my work. I think countless Chinese readers are also eagerly awaiting your work. Literary exchange is not only about writers, but also about the mutual appreciation of each other's works by our people. Readers are always the soil in which literature exists.” Liu Yimin looked into Márquez’s eyes, his tone sincere and full of emotion.

Looking into Liu Yimin's eyes, Márquez was deeply moved by the sincerity and honesty in them: "Liu, what you said is so well said. There is no literature without readers. Thank you for your appreciation from Chinese readers. This is the charm of cultural exchange."

Liu Yimin stayed in Márquez's room for a while, leaving the room to the three of them.

After Liu Yimin left, Márquez asked him curiously why he had left, and Zhao Zhongnan told him exactly what Liu Yimin had said.

“Oh, Liu is such a warm-hearted young man,” Márquez exclaimed sincerely.

Zhao Zhongnan introduced China's literary market and publishing system to Márquez: "Mr. Márquez, in order to express our sincerity, we have decided to adopt a method that combines international regulations and China's domestic policies."

Huang Jinyan, who was standing next to him, almost couldn't help but tell Márquez that his novel had been available in bookstores of all sizes across the country and had been a huge hit in the past few years.

Márquez found it hard to understand the history of Chinese writers not receiving royalties. Zhao Zhongnan told him that many Chinese writers were professional writers who received regular salaries, and writing was simply a result of their job.

Gabriel García Márquez was very interested in the history of the gradual reduction and eventual cancellation of royalties for Chinese writers, and he pulled Zhao Zhongnan aside to chat about it.

Zhao Zhongnan became less nervous when talking about the history of publications in China, and spoke eloquently to Márquez.

Liu Yimin went to Cao Yu and Qian Zhongshu's room, where representatives of Chinese writers were gathered. Cao Yu and Qian Zhongshu were summarizing their experiences over the past few days.

“Starting tomorrow, we will be leaving Venezuela and heading to Ecuador, Peru, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, and other countries. The comrades in Venezuela have all performed very well. The itinerary is tight from now on, so be sure to study the information about the countries you are visiting. I want to emphasize again, no one is allowed to act alone. Be sure to pay attention to safety, and get a good night's rest so you'll have the energy for the day.” Cao Yu glanced at A Cheng as he finished speaking.

Acheng quickly replied, "I promise I won't let you down next time."

“Young comrade, it’s right for you to listen more and talk less, but don’t be afraid to speak up and exchange ideas. How can you communicate if you don’t talk?” Qian Zhongshu pointed at Acheng.

Qian Zhongshu looked at Liu Yimin: "Yimin, what do you want to say?"

"Let me say a few words. I'm sure everyone is still curious about the plan Mr. Márquez proposed today at the National University of Venezuela to establish an international literary organization. These things are still in the exploratory stage, and everyone's will doesn't have to be the same as mine; you can have your own ideas. The most important part of the upcoming itinerary is the exhibition of works by Argentinians, so everyone should prepare well."

While Liu Yimin was speaking, Cao Yu and Qian Zhongshu kept their eyes on him, with faint smiles on their lips.

Based on that smile, Ma Shitu, Wang Zengqi, and the others nearby deduced that Cao Yu and Qian Zhongshu definitely knew about and supported the matter. Recalling their outing the previous day, they understood everything.

Ma Shitu took a sip of plain water: "Pah, this Venezuelan water doesn't taste as good as ours at home, it has a strange taste. Yimin, I think this is a good thing, it's beneficial to the prosperity of world literature. The so-called barriers, I don't think they exist."

Furthermore, the flourishing of international literature relies heavily on various organizations that facilitate communication and provide platforms for exchange. While Third World countries also possess some influential literary awards, the number is ultimately limited. Once the organization is established, I will definitely be one of its members.

“Me too!” Wang Zengqi smiled faintly.

Ah Cheng straightened up and said, "I don't know if the membership threshold is too high. If it's too high, I might not even be able to get in."

"Hahaha!"

At 10 p.m., the group emerged from Cao Yu and Qian Zhongshu's room. Zhao Zhongnan and Huang Jinyan had already come out of Márquez's room by then.

Seeing Zhao Zhongnan waiting for him, Liu Yimin asked, "How did it go?"

"The negotiations didn't go well. Márquez isn't very familiar with domestic publishing policies, and besides, his assistant did handle the sale of the rights, but she's not in South America right now. However, I can tell that Márquez is already interested in publishing in China, and he might talk to his assistant, Carmen." Zhao Zhongnan's eyes crinkled with amusement; he was already very confident that this trip to South America would secure the domestic publishing rights for Márquez's books.

Huang Jinyan said, "Actually, the publishing house can talk not only to Mr. Márquez, but also to other writers. Fortunately, all the well-known Latin American writers are here, so we won't have to look for them later."

P.S.: Another chapter will be released in half an hour.
(End of this chapter)