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

Chapter 575 "The Piglet"

On the streets of Havana, Cuba, after driving past Revolution Square, the car finally arrived at its accommodation.

Alejo, acting as their guide, recounted the story of Revolution Square once again, where a giant portrait of Che Guevara stands with the inscription "Forever on the March."

This is the heart of Havana, Cuba. The building behind the portrait is the Cuban Ministry of the Interior and Castro's office.

"This hotel is only a ten-minute walk from Revolution Square. If our Chinese comrades want to take a walk, they can ask me anytime."

As Alejo spoke, he looked at the Cuban cultural official, who nodded slightly and even offered to send someone to protect their safety.

Upon entering the hotel, a musty smell hit the nose. It looked like an apartment converted into a hotel, and the decorations tried their best to show the hotel's high-end positioning, but the broken carpets in the corners and the traces of repairs on the peeling paint on the walls still gave them away.

Standing in the corridor, Márquez recalled, "Liu, back then this was a high-end place. As a journalist, I simply couldn't afford to stay here. It's said that from the rooftop of this hotel, you could see Mr. Castro working in his office."

Liu Yimin chuckled a few times without saying anything. If he could really see it, Castro wouldn't be so hard to assassinate.

After the delegation settled in, the Cuban staff accompanied them to dinner. During the meal, the group talked about the brotherly friendship between China and Cuba, the deep bond forged in the struggle against American hegemony, and expressed their hope that the two countries could strengthen cultural exchanges in the future.

Cao Yu and Qian Zhongshu answered with maturity and composure, while Liu Yimin rarely initiated conversations except for questions about literature.

When Cao Yu discussed their past friendship, he deliberately avoided political questions, while Qian Zhongshu responded with humor or Chinese folk tales.

"Although China and Cuba are far apart, I believe that as long as we work hard, our friendship will become closer and closer," Cao Yu said with a smile.

A Cuban Ministry of Culture official gazed eastward and said devoutly, "I once went to China to study revolutionary theory. We spoke Chinese and sang Chinese songs. China is my second home."

After he finished speaking, the other party took the lead and sang "The People's Army Is Loyal to the Party".

The majestic Jinggang Mountains

The Red Flag of the August 1st Army

The First Chapter of Creation

The people have their own army

Who helped create something from nothing?

25,000 li of rivers and mountains

Break through the encirclement to fight against the Japanese

Raise the red flag and go to Yan'an

Who will turn the crisis into safety?

】

As soon as the song started, many Cubans in the audience sang along, followed by the Chinese writers' delegation.

After the song was finished, the other party was still not satisfied and sang several revolutionary songs, including "I Am a Soldier".

Cubans love music and dancing. When singing, people would spontaneously get up and dance to entertain them. The reception didn't end until about 9:30 p.m.

Back in his room, Ah Cheng, beaming, said, "I never expected the Cubans to be so warm and hospitable."

"I once met a Cuban student. Cubans who could study in China were all fine young people with revolutionary ideals," Ma Shitu said with emotion, gazing at Havana in the night.

Liu Yimin was talking to Alejo at the entrance of the corridor, wanting to ask him for some information.

"Liu, what information do you need? If it's something I can find, I'll definitely give it to you. If it's sensitive, I'll need to report it," Alejo asked curiously.

Liu Yimin laughed and said, "It's not sensitive, it's not sensitive. I want historical materials about Chinese laborers in Cuba and materials about Chinese laborers participating in the war."

"These!" Alejo breathed a sigh of relief. These documents were not sensitive; he could send them to Liu Yimin as long as he could find them.

"Mr. Alejo, you don't think I want your top-secret Cuban intelligence, do you?" Liu Yimin joked.

Alejo chuckled awkwardly and changed the subject: "Liu, how are you feeling about your first time in Cuba?"

“It’s a beautiful country,” Liu Yimin said frankly.

“Yes, Cuba is a beautiful country,” Alejo repeated, then asked someone to help him find information on Chinese laborers.

Marquez came over and asked Liu Yimin how he was feeling. When he learned that Liu was feeling well, he invited him to take a walk in Revolution Square.

When Márquez wanted to visit his old leader Che Guevara, he not only didn't invite the other Chinese writers, but he also didn't let Alejo accompany him.

“Liu, without a translator, we communicate in broken English.” Márquez joked about his own performance, referencing the CIA’s assessment of him.

Upon reaching Revolution Square, Márquez bought a flower from an elderly woman, placed it in front of Che Guevara's portrait, bowed, and stood there for a long time.

Liu Yimin patted Márquez on the shoulder without saying anything, and the two stayed in Revolution Square for about half an hour.

In that half hour, Liu Yimin finally discovered one thing: Marquez's English was really bad.

On the way back, Márquez praised Liu Yimin for contributing many classic films to the international film market last year.

"Haha, we did shoot quite a lot last year." Liu Yimin couldn't hide his joy.

Márquez asked, "The Oscars are currently being voted on, and according to American media reports, 'The Redemption of a Slave' and 'Hachi: A Dog's Tale' are considered strong contenders this year. Do you think they have a chance of winning?"

"Whether or not an award is what the director cares about most. 'Hachi: A Dog' is a film directed by a Chinese director, so the chances of it winning an award are not high. 'The Redemption of a Slave' has a chance, but it's only a chance."

Voting for the Oscars usually begins between March and April, but it has since started as early as January. Members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences are eligible to vote.

Márquez said, "I've seen 'The Redemption of a Slave,' and it's indeed a very good film. It doesn't glorify the United States and Western countries, which is quite rare!"

"Before the script was licensed, I imposed strict restrictions on it. The director did not have the right to modify the script at will. You know, once the script is in the director's hands, it's like a wild horse that has broken free. If they don't have the reins, they will change the script beyond recognition."

When discussing the film adaptation rights of "One Hundred Years of Solitude," Gabriel García Márquez felt that if "One Hundred Years of Solitude" were to be adapted, a good director must be chosen; otherwise, he would rather not adapt it at all.

“Not all directors can successfully capture the sense of vicissitude and loneliness in One Hundred Years of Solitude,” Márquez murmured to himself.

Liu Yimin said, "I believe that a suitable script will meet a suitable director."

After returning to the hotel, Liu Yimin greeted Cao Yu and Qian Zhongshu before going to his room to sleep.

Marquez, carrying a blanket, entered Liu Yimin's room: "Liu, we are about to part ways. I've heard that in China, good friends stay together as a sign of friendship."

“Mr. Márquez.” Liu Yimin thought for a moment but did not refuse. After making the bed, he said, “In China, this is called talking all night and sleeping side by side.”

Fortunately, neither Liu Yimin nor Márquez snored, and the two chatted until midnight before finally drifting off to sleep.

The following morning, the Chinese delegation stood before the monument commemorating the Chinese laborers' participation in the war in Cuba, each holding a flower, as the sun rose over Havana, and bowed in remembrance of the monument.

The Cuban government, cultural departments, and literary circles all sent flower baskets. Cao Yu wrote an extremely sorrowful elegiac couplet: "The piglet weeps blood as its chains sink; a lonely soul in a foreign land grieves for the Chinese land."

Cuban officials recounted the heroic deeds of Chinese laborers in the Cuban War of Independence at a monument, while the Chinese ambassador delivered a speech entitled "Let the Tragedy of History Never Repeat Itself."

Among the participants of this event were many Cubans who had returned from studying in China, including government officials and veterans. They showed the Chinese delegation souvenirs they had brought back from China, including badges bearing the image of the leader. At noon, the embassy invited these veterans to a gathering at the embassy. During the meeting, the veterans sang revolutionary songs again. Recalling their comradeship, the veterans couldn't help but shed tears.

The itinerary arranged in Cuba mainly consisted of sightseeing, with no genuine literary exchange programs. The main locations included the Cuban Revolution History Archives, the National Museum, and the University of Havana.

During the trip, Alejo walked up to Liu Yimin and told him that he had someone find a lot of information about Chinese laborers in Cuba, but unfortunately most of the information was in Spanish, which Liu Yimin might not be able to understand.

“It’s okay if I don’t understand, I can find a translator.” Liu Yimin glanced at Huang Jinyan beside him.

Alejo said, "Okay, I'll have someone prepare everything for you tonight. These documents relate to the first group of Chinese laborers to arrive in Cuba, including many war heroes."

That evening, Liu Yimin received the information that Alejo had collected for him, which was as thick as a palm.

Liu Yimin asked Huang Jinyan to translate for him: "Old Huang, I'll pay you according to the manuscript!"

"Comrade Yimin, how can I ask you for money? I also want to know the contents of this document." Huang Jinyan glanced at the document and asked, "Comrade Yimin, can I publish this document after I translate it?"

“Sure!” Liu Yimin said.

“Then there’s no need to pay me. I’d be grateful to you. There’s a shortage of information on this in China,” Huang Jinyan said happily.

That evening, just as everyone was getting ready for bed, the Cuban cultural authorities called again. They were going to award Cao Yu the Havana Award for Outstanding Script and the Order of Solidarity, Qian Zhongshu the Order of Cuban Solidarity, and the remaining delegations the Order of Cuban Friendship.

Liu Yimin exclaimed, "Cuba really went all out this time!"

Cao Yu smiled and said, "We can't let our host down. Since he's awarding us medals, we'll attend to receive them."

Qian Zhongshu, seeing the documents Huang Jinyan was holding, asked curiously, "Where did you find these?"

“I asked Alejo for these materials, which contain information about the lives and wartime experiences of Chinese laborers in Cuba,” Liu Yimin said.

Cao Yu glanced at the documents, then suddenly raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Yimin, it seems you have a new idea?"

"What's the idea?" Ma Shitu asked subconsciously, then chuckled, "Look at my brain, it's not quite there yet."

Wang Zengqi said, "This period of history is indeed worth remembering. Yimin, when you finish writing this book, please invite me to the literary symposium."

“I plan to name this book ‘Piglet’!” Liu Yimin said.

Ma Shitu frowned: "That sounds very..."

“It sounds heartbreaking,” Wang Zengqi said.

Ma Shitu felt that it might be inappropriate to refer to Chinese laborers as "piglet" in his writing, while Liu Yimin felt that writing in this way could face history squarely and serve as a warning and condemnation.

In the past, the Qing government used the term "piglet" in the titles of diplomatic documents. After the Xinhai Revolution, the provisional government issued an order titled "Presidential Decree to the Governor of Guangdong to Strictly Prohibit the Sale of 'Piglets'".

When Márquez learned that Liu Yimin intended to write about it, he encouraged him, saying, "This is a history of colonization, oppression, and slaves pursuing freedom; it should be written down. Part of the centuries of suffering in Latin America belongs to the Chinese."

Huang Jinyan and Qian Zhongshu each took out materials for everyone to translate, and many parts made people feel physically uncomfortable and filled with pain.

Chinese laborers trafficked to Latin America were not only forced to work, but they also had no say in their marriages. Chinese were forbidden from intermarrying and were forced to marry Black people who had been abducted; even couples who were already married were often separated.

"Those Spanish bastards!" Ah Cheng cursed angrily.

Marquez held his chin in his hands, his deep eyes flashing with alternating anger and pain.

Lying in bed that night, Márquez remained silent for a long time before repeatedly cursing the colonizers for their inhumanity.

"Capital is made of the blood of the workers!" Márquez repeated Marx's famous quote.

On April 18, a delegation of Chinese writers received medals from the Cuban government at the National Museum of Cuba.

A Cuban Ministry of the Interior official congratulated Liu Yimin and his team, thanking them for their contributions to the friendship between China and Cuba.

Cao Yu, representing the writers' delegation, expressed gratitude to the Cuban government for awarding them the Medal of Solidarity and Friendship, and hoped that China and Cuba could work together to continuously increase exchanges.

Cuban media coverage of the medal awarding ceremony is intended to gradually build public acceptance of the improved relations between the two countries.

The medal awarding ceremony concluded, marking the official end of this trip to Latin America.

They spent a day relaxing on a beach in Cuba before flying directly to San Francisco, USA.

On the beach, Cubans lazily sunbathed. Alejo pointed to the northeast corner and told them that it wouldn't be far to reach Florida, USA, by sea.

“We are on the front lines of the anti-American movement, and we are also an island nation vulnerable to blockade. Without the support of our brotherly nations, we will collapse sooner or later,” Alejo said in a low voice.

Marquez looked at Liu Yimin: "Liu, I think the name 'International Federation of Literary Associations' is quite good. Let's name it after that!"

"Great!" Liu Yimin said with a smile. From then on, not only did China have a Federation of Literary and Art Circles, but there was also an International Federation of Literary and Art Circles.

Marquez and Liu Yimin continued to exchange opinions, while Cao Yu and Qian Zhongshu offered suggestions from time to time.

As Márquez gazed at the boundless ocean, a surge of pride welled up within him: "Liu, I have a premonition that the International Federation of Literary and Art Circles will become one of the most important literary organizations in the world."

Recently, Márquez has been receiving a constant stream of letters from friends, including both supporters and opponents, with supporters outnumbering him overall, and many people have even applied to join.

Just as the discussion turned to the timeline for the organization's official establishment, Cao Yu and Qian Zhongshu exchanged a glance. Cao Yu then said, "Mr. Márquez, on behalf of the China Writers Association and the China Federation of Literary and Art Circles, I formally invite you to visit China. Once the organization is officially established, would you like to know where the inaugural meeting will be held?"

“My university, Yenching University, would also like to invite Mr. Márquez to give a lecture. If the opportunity arises, Mr. Márquez, you must come to Yenching University to teach the students,” Liu Yimin replied.

"Location?" Márquez fell silent. It wasn't that he hadn't thought about it, but he hadn't found a suitable place.

Many Third World countries are politically and economically unstable, making them unsuitable for establishing such an institution. While it might be appropriate for small European countries, their proximity to the West makes them vulnerable to exploitation.

Liu Yimin said, "I think it would be better to place it in China. China is a major country among the third world countries. It is politically stable, has a rapid economic development, and is a representative country among the third world countries."

“Liu, this is indeed a suitable location, but I would like to inspect it beforehand,” Marquez said.

Liu Yimin smiled: "It's a good opportunity to visit China. The Chinese literary world and readers are very interested in you."

Márquez smiled and extended his hand: "I will definitely go, and then we can discuss more in-depth details."

Márquez considered favoring Colombia by placing the organization in his hometown, but the idea was quickly dismissed: "If it were in Colombia, the writers who came to the meeting would be kidnapped the moment they got off the plane."

Alejo said, "The International Literary Union must include me!"

"Not less, not less," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Liu Yimin felt it was too sunny sitting on the beach, so he put on his swimsuit and swam in the sea for a while before coming back up.

Ma Shitu joked, "Yimin, I heard you like to swim in Beidaihe. What's the difference between the water in the Caribbean Sea and the water in Beidaihe?"

“The Caribbean Sea is saltier!” Liu Yimin replied humorously.

Ma Shitu was also preparing to go to sea, and Cao Yu quickly asked, "Old Ma, are you sure you can do it?"

"Master Jiabao, just you wait and see!" Ma Shitu pounded his chest and said loudly.

(End of this chapter)