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

Chapter 569 Exhibition of Chinese Writers' Literary Works

Liu Yimin agreed with Huang Jinyan's view, and then said to Zhao Zhongnan, "As the old Chinese saying goes, 'Since we're already here, and we still have so much time, why not discuss a few more books? If you can't make up your mind, send a telegram back to China with the book titles, and let Sister Wei make the decision.'"

When Zhao Zhongnan heard Liu Yimin say this, he also felt that they should communicate more with South American writers about publishing issues. At present, most authors have not published in China, and apart from Márquez, most of the others have not been pirated.

If the book is well-received by readers in China, then the People's Publishing House, with its exclusive publishing rights, could open a door in the foreign classics publishing market that the Commercial Press has long dominated.

Seeing a smile appear on Zhao Zhongnan's face, Liu Yimin gave him a few more words of advice: "Don't be too smug. It's two different things that Márquez is willing to publish and that a publishing contract is finally signed. You need to keep a close eye on things. If the cooked duck flies away, you won't even have a place to cry."

"Understood, Comrade Yimin. Don't worry, I will keep a close eye on things."

After seeing Zhao Zhongnan and Huang Jinyan off, Liu Yimin returned to his room and quickly packed his things. He was flying to Peru early the next morning.

The next morning at six o'clock, a group of people boarded a plane as the sun rose. Peru is very close to Venezuela, and it only took a little over an hour to reach Peru.

At that moment, Peruvian newspapers were reporting on the speeches given by Gabriel García Márquez and Liu Yimin at the honorary doctorate conferment ceremony at the Central University of Venezuela the previous day.

Peru's largest newspaper, La Repubblica, has a headline that reads, "Gabriel García Márquez and Chinese writer Yi Min and Liu reach a consensus on promoting the development and organization of Third World literature."

Upon meeting them, the president and professors of Inca University, who came to greet them, immediately began to verify the authenticity of the matter with Márquez, Liu Yimin, and others.

Yesterday's speech at the Central University of Venezuela not only caused a sensation in South America, but the news has also spread throughout the West, with major newspapers and arts-related sections discussing the matter extensively.

British newspapers such as The Guardian, French newspaper Le Figaro, and American newspaper The New York Times published a short news article followed by a commentary, in which the journalists discussed the purpose of Liu Yimin and Márquez's move and whether it could succeed.

Many newspapers believe that Márquez and Liu Yimin's move reflects their dissatisfaction with PEN International, while others think it was just a whim and that they might not actually do it. Moreover, even if they did, the chances of success are very slim.

Because Vargas Llosa was in the group participating in this exchange, PEN International received the news earlier than major news organizations.

PEN International immediately held a press conference and issued a statement: "The prosperity of world literature cannot be separated from the participation of every country in the world. Since its establishment, PEN International has always adhered to an objective and neutral attitude, supported the development of peace-loving and freedom-loving writers around the world, and opposed chauvinism and extremism."

International PEN President Vargas Llosa is currently participating in an exchange program between Chinese and Latin American writers. International PEN supports the development and exchange of literature in developing countries and is willing to support the development of literary organizations in those countries.

PEN International replaced "Third World" countries with the concept of "developing countries," thus reducing the political implications.

The International PEN press conference in London clarified the situation immediately, but the related speculation did not stop.

The matter has just begun to take shape internationally. After seeing the news, some writers were delighted, some frowned, and some received requests from newspapers to write articles and talk about it.

Instead of talking to relevant experts and writers, it's better to talk to the initiator. Reporters from major newspapers in South America received notices from their headquarters, asking them to follow the footsteps of the Chinese and Latin American writers' delegation in order to get first-hand news.

After the exchange at the Inca University in Peru, the Peruvian journalists completely ignored other issues and immediately launched a relentless attack on the issue of the establishment of literary organizations in the Third World.

"Professor Liu, I'd like to ask, does this organization only allow participation from Third World countries?" The reporter seized the opportunity and blurted out the question.

"Of course not. In the hearts of Mr. Márquez and me, this is an international literary organization full of love, freedom, progress, and equality. We welcome all progressive writers to participate and jointly promote the development of world literature and the literature of Third World countries."

"Professor Liu, I'd like to ask, does this organization exist specifically to target Western literature?"

"Of course not. Our promotion of Third World literature does not represent confrontation. We simply want to create more space for Third World literature to operate. Since the 1960s and 70s, Third World countries have been striving for a new economic order and a new media order. International conferences have been held continuously. Third World countries have one goal: to jointly build a new world of equality, diversity, and freedom."

I have a dream: a new literary order where writers from Third World countries, or developing countries, can sit together on equal footing with writers from developed countries.
I have a dream that all literary evaluations will be based on the quality of the literary content, rather than being swayed by so-called values.

After Liu Yimin finished speaking, the reporter pressed him again: "Many international newspapers believe this is inciting division within the literary field. What is your opinion?"

"Those who write like this have ulterior motives. This is not conducive to equal and free literary exchange and goes against our literary values ​​of free and equal exchange."

Liu Yimin is waving the banner of values ​​high, but he's using all sorts of Western terms!
After Márquez finished his interview, Vargas Llosa was another important interviewee, and Vargas Llosa's statement was exactly the same as PEN International's statement.

Writers like Márquez and José found Vargas Llosa's explanation somewhat hypocritical, given that he had previously expressed concerns privately.

After the interview, they quickly left the Inca University and arrived in Chile at 6 p.m.

As they disembarked from the plane in Chile, a group of journalists employed by the West were already waiting for them.

Márquez and his team did not give any interviews, but instead got into their car and left the airport, heading directly to the hotel arranged by the University of Chile.

That evening, Cao Yu, Qian Zhongshu, Gabriel García Márquez, Jose, and Liu Yimin sat in their hotel room discussing how to respond to the reporters' questions.

Marquez believed that in the subsequent interviews, the organization's rules and vision should be explained in a gradual manner, and the influence should be expanded during the interviews in order to strive for the early establishment of the organization.

Regarding whether to downplay the political implications and replace the term "Third World countries" with "developing countries," Liu Yimin believes that it should not be replaced. The organization itself is dedicated to developing postcolonial literature and showcasing literary works related to the societies and achievements of Third World countries.

Changing the name and using the terminology of PEN International makes it less combative.

"Or we could adopt a neutral name, also starting with 'international,' such as 'International Federation of Literary Societies,' to show that we are an open organization and not a small circle. Of course, the specific name can be discussed further."

Liu Yimin continued, "The most important thing right now, as Mr. Márquez said, is to gradually convey relevant information about this organization to journalists, avoiding misinterpretations and defamatory reports. Furthermore, we should use the media to expand our influence and gain more support from writers."

"The more supporters there are, the stronger the organization will be when it is established."

After discussion, Liu Yimin, Gabriel García Márquez, and José became the initiators of this international literary organization. Cao Yu and Qian Zhongshu, due to their strong official positions, were not suitable to participate directly at this time without reporting to their home countries. Instead, they joined the discussion as advisors.

The following day, at a literary exchange meeting at the University of Chile, they exchanged literary insights with Chilean writers. Currently, apart from José, most of the Chilean writers are relatively unknown, and during the exchange, they didn't discuss literature much, but instead focused on the literary organization that Liu Yimin and his team were about to establish.

José shook his head helplessly, unsure of what the future held for Chilean literature.

After the exchange, Western journalists eagerly asked questions. Because of Márquez's high standing in Latin America, the Latin American journalists refrained from asking overly sarcastic or cutting questions, but the Western journalists were different; they asked sharp and pointed questions.

Márquez responded sharply to the reporters' questions.

"We oppose political manipulation and the efforts of the US and Western countries to win over Third World writers and make them spokespeople for Western ideology. Every region should have its own unique culture, and writers should contribute to the cultural independence, national independence, and development of their regions. In the post-colonial era, former colonies are still manipulated in various ways by their former colonial powers, and we oppose such manipulation."

We encourage the development of literature in the postcolonial era, using the pen to expose the darkness of colonialism and awaken the minds of the people in the colonies.

The United States, in particular, not only monitors international writers but also, through the CIA, supports international writing training camps, disseminating American values ​​to writers in various countries. "Márquez slammed his fist on the table in anger, as if in a bloody battle."

The questions were bold, and Márquez's answers were equally bold. These words, once uttered, undoubtedly slapped the faces of countless people.

Nie Hualing probably never expected that Marquez would actually drag her out and whip her.

When the reporter asked Liu Yimin a question, he spoke like Gabriel García Márquez, talking at length about literary equality and international literary exchange, and about establishing a diverse evaluation system for literary works.

During the rest of the trip, these reporters followed them like shadows. At first, it was fine, but later both Márquez and Liu Yimin felt that these people were like flies, buzzing and making a nuisance.

The only advantage, however, is that through these journalists, news from South America spreads like wildfire to other continents.

When writers' groups from various countries exchanged ideas, they couldn't help but bring up this matter. Both Márquez and Liu Yimin received numerous calls from friends, and neither of them had the energy to reply.

George of The Paris Review invited Liu Yimin to write an article for the next issue of The Paris Review, and Niki of China Book and Periodical Press invited Liu Yimin to hold another reader meet-and-greet in the United States when he returns to China.

The Nie Hualing couple from the International Writing Program at the University of Iowa published an article in the newspaper, reiterating that they are an organization dedicated to international literary exchange and detailing their contributions to the field over the years, refuting Márquez's unfounded accusations.

Since the last newspaper report revealed that the organization behind the Iowa International Writing Program was the CIA, this accusation of "proving innocence" has seemed weak and unconvincing.

The reputation built over a decade collapsed at an astonishing speed.

Ma Shitu, Wang Zengqi, Acheng, and others were so bombarded with information from the newspapers every day that they had little energy left for communication.

Acheng wanted to have a good talk with Liu Yimin, but seeing that Liu Yimin was very busy every day, he didn't dare to bother him.

On April 7, Liu Yimin and his entourage finally arrived at the University of Buenos Aires in Argentina.

Argentina, a major power in South America, was also in a state of depression at this time. Latin American countries were all heavily indebted, and the key issue was that they couldn't repay their debts. They were forced to accept the economic conditions imposed by international organizations like the World Bank, which were manipulated by the United States, and cede their domestic markets to Western capital, including the US.

Argentina's situation is far more tragic than that of other countries. The military government wanted to divert domestic conflicts by retaking the Falklands, but unfortunately, the British Prime Minister was still capable of fighting and sent a joint fleet to stage a "last glimmer of the British Empire."

After that, the English Empress Dowager's life became like that of an old lady celebrating the New Year, getting worse year by year.

The exhibition of works by Chinese writers officially opened on April 9th, and the delegation needed to set up the exhibition at the University of Buenos Aires a day in advance. However, these matters were being handled by the university and Márquez's team, allowing the Chinese writers' delegation to take a day off.

The university sent people to show them around the University of Buenos Aires and the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, and introduce them to the local customs and culture.

Buenos Aires is located at the southern tip of South America and is quite different from Venezuela.

The streets were bustling with activity, and the citizens were extremely relaxed. This is also a characteristic of Argentinians: a weak sense of punctuality, low efficiency, and a continuation of the Spanish tradition of enjoying life, with the streets and alleys always filled with a carnival atmosphere.

Argentinians love outdoor sports, which may be a reason for the strength of Argentine football. On a street-side football field, students from two schools are chasing each other wildly, the ball skillfully weaving through the crowd.

Ah Cheng said, "No wonder Argentinians play football so well, they've been training since they were young!"

"Our country's football will definitely get better and better in the future. The day after tomorrow is the Olympic qualifier, and the national team will play against the Philippines. I think it's a sure thing, we can beat them even with our eyes closed," Ma Shitu said cheerfully.

Liu Yimin was surprised: "You watch football?"

“Occasionally, I know a little bit.” Ma Shitu put his hands behind his back and recited several professional football terms.

The others chuckled, it seemed Ma Shitu watched a lot of football games.

"Yimin, what do you think? You've always been pretty accurate in your judgment." Ma Shitu looked at Liu Yimin.

"We'll definitely win." But after that, Liu Yimin didn't dare say it again, afraid that Ma Shitu would get angry.

On April 9th, the exhibition of works by Chinese writers officially opened, lasting for two days. Inside the exhibition hall, works by Chinese writers were displayed in a dazzling array, with several of Liu Yimin's works placed in the most prominent positions.

According to the arrangement, Chinese writers will not only exhibit their works, but also interact with the readers attending the exhibition, including a book signing session.

The first day was for networking and book signings, and the second day was for speeches.

The writers from the Chinese delegation entered the venue at 10:00 a.m., and officials from both Argentina and China were present.

Upon seeing them, the readers immediately erupted in enthusiastic applause. The morning session lasted an hour, with each person having their own area to interact with readers. The afternoon consisted of a two-hour book signing; Cao Yu and Qian Zhongshu, being older, did not participate.

(End of this chapter)