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

Chapter 604 Giving a Lesson to Physical Literature
In the Yenching University Academic Lecture Hall, He Fengshan stood on the stage, while Xinhua News Agency President Mu Qing, Liu Yimin, and President Ding Shisun sat on one side of the stage. The people below could see the entire exchange between the four of them.

Mu Qing came over to interview He Fengshan.

He Fengshan, his hands resting on the podium, spoke with a radiant smile and boundless energy. He recounted his history as a diplomat, how he rose from a poor peasant family in Hunan Province to study hard, travel to Munich, Germany, and eventually become a diplomat.

"I deeply understand that learning depends not only on intelligence but also on perseverance. You can only succeed when you are determined to succeed. Children from impoverished families have no security, and all I can do is keep running forward, without wasting time or money."

I never imagined I would become a diplomat. When I first returned to China, I was the secretary to He Jian, the warlord of HUN province. I returned to China in 32 and spent three years by He Jian's side.

During these three years, witnessing the extravagant lifestyles of GMD executives, I couldn't help but wonder: is widespread hunger truly a reality? Of course, I'm certain it is, but why do so many people turn a blind eye?

When recounting his experiences, He Fengshan also interspersed his diplomatic experience, including moments of triumph, disappointment, and resentment.

During the pauses in He Fengshan's speech, Mu Qing would sometimes ask a question, but the purpose was mostly to expand on He Fengshan's topic rather than to get answers from him.

If I were to act as an aggressive reporter at this moment, asking questions could easily disrupt He Fengshan's rhythm.

"Students, what do you think diplomacy is?"

The students gave a variety of answers. He Fengshan said, "Diplomacy is not a group of people talking diplomatic rhetoric, nor is it a debate. It is a contest of strength. If the country behind you is powerful, even if you sit in the meeting room without saying a word, the other side will be the first to get restless. If you are not powerful enough, even if you talk yourself hoarse, it will not make any difference."

A weak nation has no diplomacy; this is a lesson history has taught us. Students, we are fortunate to see our country growing stronger. Perhaps its economy is still small, and its military power not yet formidable, but China today is a great power. Britain dared to go to war with Argentina over the Falklands, but it wouldn't go to war with China over Hong Kong.

No matter how loudly they shout at the negotiating table, they will eventually have to obediently return Hong Kong to us.

Has Britain changed? Has the world become more peace-loving? No! Neither! It's China that has changed. This world has never changed; whether we admit it or not, it's a world where the strong prey on the weak.

Upon hearing He Fengshan's words, thunderous applause erupted from the audience. Liu Yimin, Ding Shisun, and Mu Qing couldn't help but cheer from the sidelines.

After He Fengshan finished speaking, students from various universities stood up to ask questions. The questions were diverse, but He Fengshan answered them with ease.

[Ambassador He, I would like to ask you, as a veteran diplomat, what would you like to say to diplomats today?] The Tsinghua student seized the opportunity to stand up.

"To be honest, I don't know what to say. Because I don't understand mainland China right now. I believe foreigners don't understand it either. The only thing I understand better than them is that I am Chinese, and I understand Chinese people."

Therefore, I can't offer any advice. If I had to say something, it would be that diplomats should be flexible in handling issues and remain calm in the face of major events.

Few countries in the world can truly understand China. Even when China reaches a point where the United States is willing to sit down and negotiate, Westerners still won't understand China.

Mu Qing also asked He Fengshan several questions. After Mu Qing finished asking his questions...

Liu Yimin raised the microphone and said, "Ambassador He, you were once a government-sponsored student studying abroad. What would you like to say to current students studying abroad?"

"Go out and learn knowledge; come back and change the country!" He Fengshan said loudly, "I am an international student, and I know what kind of shock a student from a backward country will encounter when he goes to a developed Western country."

It's a shock from the inside out, from our mindset to our way of doing things. We have to admit that the West developed earlier than us, has a better economy, and builds more beautiful buildings. Every international student faces the same question: since life abroad is so good, should we go back home?

Classmates, I've heard that university education in mainland China is free, with government subsidies. The government spends a lot of money educating a student, and government-funded overseas study is another expense. If we go abroad and don't come back, is that reasonable?

After the speech, He Fengshan sat on a stool next to him, facing the audience. The four of them chatted like old friends, talking about the rescue of the squid people in Austria.

The lecture lasted a total of four hours, ending at 12:30 PM. It was originally planned to be two hours long, but the book signing was ultimately moved to the afternoon.

At noon, everyone ate lunch at Yenching University. He Fengshan kept asking about the state of education in China, and Ding Shisun answered him one by one.

In the afternoon, Liu Yimin and He Fengshan attended the book signing event together. He Fengshan sold about two hundred books before becoming exhausted.

Both "God's Visa" and "Forty Years of Diplomatic Career" were being sold in China for the first time, sparking a buying frenzy among students from major universities in Yenching.

"Mainland students really love reading. They hold book signings in China. How must the authors be thinking?" He Manli couldn't help but sigh as she looked at the crowd in line.

The reason for book signings in the US is that the books don't sell well; in China, there are simply too many people to sign them all.

The book signing event ended early, at 4 p.m.

He Fengshan was going to the Foreign Affairs University the next day to participate in an exchange activity, which happened to be a good fit for his work. As soon as the activity at Yenching University ended, people from the Foreign Affairs University picked him up.

The recording of the "Youth Night Talk" program will take place on the morning of July 1st.

The two discussed similar topics as before, with Liu Yimin delving into He Fengshan's experiences studying in Munich and his psychological state when rescuing the squid.

The program lasted an hour, during which He Fengshan choked up several times when he talked about his student life in Munich.

After the recording of the program, He Fengshan's trip to Beijing came to a complete end. Liu Yimin invited him to see the Beijing People's Art Theatre's rehearsal of "God's Visa." He Fengshan held Liu Yimin's hand and said:
"My current fame is all thanks to your writing!"

"No, it's all thanks to you who did this."

"Frank told me that the film version is basically confirmed to be handed over to him?"

“Yes, films directed by Western directors have much easier access to licensing and theatrical release in the West. Of course, I will strictly supervise the entire filming process.” Liu Yimin then asked:
What kind of actor would you like to play you?

“Find a handsome, imposing one!” He Fengshan said humorously. “When I was young, I was also a dashing foreign student. What? You don’t believe me? Manli, find a picture of me when I was young.”

“I believe it, I definitely believe it,” Liu Yimin said quickly.

He Fengshan then said with satisfaction, "That's why you have to find someone handsome, otherwise I'll write you a letter to scold you!"

"Okay, don't worry, I'll definitely find you a handsome one."

Liu Yimin was also having a headache over choosing the actor for the role of He Fengshan. He couldn't very well ask Mr. Jiao Huang for the role again. He Fengshan was in his thirties when he became a diplomat, while Mr. Jiao Huang was a bit too old.

However, there are quite a few handsome and talented actors in China right now; if you look, you're sure to find one.

Liu Yimin accompanied He Fengshan and He Manli into the Beijing People's Art Theatre rehearsal hall, pointing to the people upstairs and saying, "This is Director Xia Chun, and the other one..."

“The other one is Director Zhu, who is also your wife,” He Manli continued.

"Correct."

On stage, He Fengshan was played by Yang Lixin, and He Fengshan was quite satisfied with Yang Lixin's performance. However, Liu Yimin felt that Yang Lixin was not suitable for appearing in the film; his appearance was acceptable, but he lacked charisma.

"Comrades, Mr. He Fengshan has come to visit you all!" Liu Yimin interrupted the ongoing rehearsal.

Xia Chun and Zhu Lin excitedly walked over to greet He Fengshan and invited him to give a lecture to the actors.

He Fengshan spoke to the actors for half an hour on the spot, most of which was directed at Yang Lixin, who wished she could memorize everything He Fengshan said.

Xia Chun said, “In the past, when we were rehearsing plays, our comrades would go on field trips and experience various roles. But as for diplomats, even if we wanted to experience it, we couldn’t. Your face-to-face explanation is very helpful to our work.”

"Director Xia, Director Zhu, you're too kind. But seeing this young man act out my story gives me a different feeling." He Fengshan stood up and took a photo with Yang Lixin.

Upon seeing this, the other actors immediately gathered around and asked to take a group photo.

After visiting the rehearsal hall, Liu Yimin took them to see Cao Yu. That evening, the two stayed at the Beijing People's Art Theatre to watch the performance of "The Best Restaurant Under Heaven." He Fengshan's long-awaited "Thunderstorm" ultimately did not get to be staged.

After a day of rest in Yenching, He Fengshan and He Manli left the mainland for Europe to attend an exchange conference. At this time, "God's Visa" and "Forty Years of Diplomatic Career" were already available in bookstores across the country, and the two books were sold together, but "God's Visa" was clearly more popular than "Forty Years of Diplomatic Career".

For readers, "God's Visa" is a brilliant novel, but biographical novels like "Forty Years of Diplomatic Career" are more like academic materials.

Aside from a few patient individuals or those interested in research, the average reader will find it unreadable.

Physical book sales have been declining recently, but as soon as "God's Visa" was released, bookstores were packed with readers.

Wei Junyi, president of People's Literature Publishing House, remarked to Li Shu: "People's Literature Publishing House has taught us a lesson. Physical publishing may be shrinking, but good works will not be."

Seeing this momentum, drama troupes from all over the country sent telegrams to the Beijing People's Art Theatre, wanting to rehearse "God's Visa" in their localities, and the theatre naturally agreed to all of them.

In early July, universities across the country began their summer break, and the once bustling Yenching University gradually quieted down.

The trainees at the Institute of Literature are busy writing papers and only need to occasionally give a lecture or two.

On July 4th, Liu Yimin picked up Liu Fuqing and Yang Xiuyun at Yanjing Railway Station. The two were carrying many things they had brought from their hometown, such as homemade vermicelli, sesame oil, and peanut oil.

“Dad, Mom, please bring less in the future. We haven’t even finished the food we brought back for the New Year. The train journey is long, and it’s too tiring to carry it all,” Liu Yimin said with concern.

Liu Fuqing and Yang Xiuyun's necks were red from being rubbed by the burlap sacks, and their foreheads were covered in sweat.

Yang Xiuyun said dismissively, "This little bit of stuff is nothing. We're just taking the train; we don't need anyone to carry it. I used to carry things all day without feeling tired!"

"Did you encounter any trouble on the train?" Liu Yimin took the things from Yang Xiuyun's hands, almost unable to lift them because they were so heavy.

"We encountered a thief who stole from a whole busload of people and was caught by the police. Right next to us, a woman had her money stolen. Although the thief was caught, he had already given away her wallet."

My sister-in-law was so anxious she burst into tears. She had no money for the train fare and food after getting off the train. Your mother felt sorry for her and gave the thief ten yuan. Ten yuan is nothing to us, but it could be a lifesaver for someone else.” As Liu Fuqing spoke, he looked around warily, afraid of encountering another thief.

"There are quite a few thieves these days, so you have to be careful when you're out and about."

Upon seeing Liu Yimin's car, Liu Fuqing and Yang Xiuyun stared at it intently as if it were a treasure: "Good heavens, this is even better than our county secretary's car! It's a sedan! It's warm in winter and cool in summer. Our second son is really promising!"

"Dad, Mom, get in the car, let's go home." Liu Yimin stuffed the things into the trunk.

Yang Xiuyun eagerly got into the car: "Okay, let's go home. Have the two little ones grown taller? I wonder if they're still as close to me as ever!"

"They've definitely grown taller. Kids change every day. Our Linlin and the second one are both quite tall, and the two little ones won't be short in the future either." Liu Fuqing looked at Yanjing with a smile, marveling at how different Yanjing had become.

As soon as they parked the car at the courtyard, the two couldn't wait to call out into the yard. Liu Yu and Liu Lin heard this and hurriedly went outside.

The four of them hugged affectionately in front of the hanging flower gate. Liu Fuqing and Yang Xiuyun quickly took out snacks from their pockets and handed them to the two little ones, telling them to call him "Grandpa" and "Grandma".

"Aunt Yang, Uncle Liu, you must be tired from your journey. Please have some tea." Xi Mei smiled and placed the tea on the stone table. "There's watermelon in the refrigerator; I'll go get it right now!"

Liu Yimin went to get a wet towel so that Liu Fuqing and Yang Xiuyun could wipe the sweat from their foreheads.

The two of them ignored everything else and sat under the ginkgo tree, constantly playing with the two little ones. Liu Yimin then asked Ximei to cook, guessing that they couldn't afford to buy food on the train and were just eating the dry rations they had brought.

The older generation is used to being frugal. Although they are not short of money, they do not want to spend money unnecessarily.

After Ximei finished cooking, Zhu Lin also came home from get off work.

"Mom and Dad, you should rest first. Carrying them is too tiring," Zhu Lin said.

"It's okay, Linlin, I'm not tired at all. Isn't that right, Xiaoyu? Grandma isn't tired at all." Yang Xiuyun smiled and nuzzled Liu Yu's cheek with her head.

Seeing this, Zhu Lin had no choice but to call for dinner.

During the meal, Liu Fuqing and Yang Xiuyun talked about what had happened at home. The villagers were so busy that they barely had time to breathe. The roasted nut factory was selling nearly 500,000 yuan worth of goods a month, and everyone had gone to work there.

"It's just your father and me. We don't do anything except take care of the land."

Liu Fuqing said, "Your mother and I have both gained weight."

"Have you gained weight? No, I don't think so?" Liu Yimin looked him up and down.

Zhu Lin said, "Mom and Dad, you should rest more. Don't always feel uncomfortable when you have nothing to do."

"I'm getting old, I can't stay idle. If a person doesn't work, they're pretty much like a lazy bum," Yang Xiuyun said with a smile.

After dinner, Yang Xiuyun and Liu Fuqing were really sleepy. Ximei boiled some hot water for them so they could soak their feet before going to sleep.

Yang Xiuyun immediately inquired about Ximei's marriage. Upon learning that Ximei was getting married, Yang Xiuyun beamed with joy: "Good, she's grown up now, it's time for her to get married. Your uncle and I will come to your house for the wedding feast."

"Okay, Uncle, Aunt, I've been looking forward to your visit!" Xi Mei felt the water temperature was about right, so she leaned against the door frame and started chatting with Yang Xiuyun.

Yang Xiuyun and Liu Fuqing didn't wake up until 3 p.m. After waking up, they took the two little ones out to play, and they also brought sesame oil for Aunt Liang.

Xi Mei watched their departing figures and said, "Aunt Yang and Uncle Liu are really kind-hearted."

"Haha, the older generation doesn't understand many things, but they understand interpersonal relationships. My parents don't know anyone in Yanjing, but they get along well with Aunt Liang." Liu Yimin understood Yang Xiuyun and Liu Fuqing's actions.

"Um, Professor Liu, I'll go and apply some floral water to Liu Yu and Liu Lin."

Just as Ximei was about to go inside, Liu Yimin stopped her and told her that she didn't need to go to work for a while and should go back to prepare for the wedding.

“Professor Liu, I can manage.” Xi Mei quickly replied.

“Go back home. My parents are here, and I don’t need to go to work. We have enough help at home. As for you, you can focus on preparing for the wedding. I’ll give you a paid wedding leave, so you don’t have to work this summer,” Liu Yimin said with a smile.

The two young people had just gotten married, and it wasn't appropriate for Ximei to stay here every day, so they decided to give them a holiday to go on their honeymoon.

“If you and Xiangdong want to go out and have fun, you can come with us to Beidaihe. Don’t worry about the money. You two have worked for so long, this is a perk.”

"Professor Liu, I..." Xi Mei stammered excitedly, not knowing what to say.

"Hurry up and go, go back after you've applied the floral water!"

"I'll go back tonight. I want to chat with Aunt Yang for a while." Xi Mei bowed to Liu Yimin, went inside, picked up the floral water, and chased after him.

In the afternoon, Liu Yimin sat in his room and began writing "The Piglet." This novel, based on the experiences of two brothers, tells the story of two fishermen from Fujian Province whose families went bankrupt due to a natural disaster. In order to find a way to survive, they used their last money to buy two tickets to Southeast Asia, but unexpectedly embarked on a journey of no return.

This Portuguese-flagged ship wasn't heading to Southeast Asia at all, but to Cuba. Countless Chinese laborers were tricked onto the ship and imprisoned below deck. Here, the two men met all sorts of Chinese people: some who had gone bankrupt from gambling, some who were trying to escape from lawsuits, and even surviving Taiping Heavenly Kingdom soldiers. At this point, they all had only one identity: indentured laborers.

The ship departed from China for Cuba. Along the way, the laborers were subjected to inhumane treatment. Hunger, disease, and death were constant companions. Countless laborers died and their bodies were thrown into the sea.

On the Pacific Ocean, where the winds are high and the waves are rough, throwing a person in wouldn't even cause a ripple.

The dead laborers were only of concern to the sharks in the sea; dozens of sharks followed the ship, eager to snatch the delicious food thrown aboard.
After a two-month voyage, at least a third of the laborers on board died. Even the strongest Chinese men were reduced to skin and bones by the time they reached Cuba.

(End of this chapter)