lcionline 19: Wang Xiaobo in "The Golden Era"
19: Wang Xiaobo in "The Golden Era"
Han Wen never expected to have such a great achievement today. Not only was he able to publish a book, but he was also able to have another book published. It was truly remarkable.
He was truly grateful to Bai Shurong and Gu Jianping for their support and help, and of course, he was even more grateful to Cao Guilin for his appreciation and guidance.
Without Cao Guilin's help, he wouldn't have been able to get in touch with these people or build those connections.
"Since Teacher Cao considers you a disciple, then I will consider you my junior brother."
So, don't stand on ceremony with me." Gu Jianping laughed and said, "By the way, what are you planning to do with your last book?"
I actually think highly of this book, but some of the content is sensitive.
This is also the reason why, although it was my and Teacher Bai's favorite thing, we had to give it up.
I'm telling you this reason so you understand. I doubt any editor in China would want your book, and no publisher would be willing to publish it.
You are a smart person; you should understand my reasoning.
This is a work that took a lot of effort to write; I hope you'll make plans soon and not waste it.
"If it doesn't work in mainland China, then I'll try to send the manuscript to a publishing house in Lianhua City." Han Wen knew the other party meant well, and after thinking for a moment, he replied, "Thank you for your concern, Senior Brother Gu. I understand."
"Hanwen, when you mentioned Lotus City, I was reminded of someone I know."
He is a teacher who used to teach at the Institute of Sociology at Peking University and now teaches in the Department of Accounting at Renmin University.
Although he is a teacher, he is also a writer, and his work was published in a magazine in Lianhua City this year.
"If you really have this idea, I can call him right now and ask him to come over so I can introduce you two," Bai Shurong said suddenly while listening from the side. "Anyway, it's not far from Renmin University. You can walk or bike there; it won't take much time."
"Teacher Bai, which teacher are you talking about?" Han Wen was surprised by his good fortune and became interested.
"Wang Xiaobo, the author of 'The Golden Age.' He was sent to the countryside as an educated youth and spent some time in your southwestern province."
Although we don't know each other personally, this can be considered a connection. Bai Shurong replied, "Unfortunately, his works are not very popular in mainland China, so he had no choice but to publish them in Lianhua City."
He has connections and influence over there. If he's willing to help you, it will definitely be much more efficient and save you a lot of trouble.
"So it's Teacher Wang Xiaobo! I've read his works before and I really like them."
"I never imagined he'd been sent to the countryside in our southwestern province. What a coincidence!" Han Wen said, somewhat surprised and delighted. "In that case, I'll trouble Teacher Bai to act as a go-between."
"You're welcome." Bai Shurong nodded in agreement, got up and walked outside: "You and Xiao Gu sit down first, I'll go find a public phone booth to call Teacher Wang. I hope he's free today and can come over."
It's currently school break, so Wang Xiaobo doesn't need to go to work and is writing at home. In fact, he had already planned to quit his job this year to focus on writing.
Even publishing industry heavyweights like Bai Shurong, as well as renowned university professors and writers like Wang Xiaobo, have to show him some respect.
Therefore, after receiving Bai Shurong's call and waiting for her to finish speaking, he understood her purpose and immediately agreed.
Wang Xiaobo's accommodating gesture made Bai Shurong feel honored.
She hung up the phone, returned to the teahouse, briefly explained the situation, and the three of them continued chatting.
Drinking tea is a very leisurely activity, and everyone is discussing very light topics. Therefore, everyone is in a very good mood.
Before we knew it, about half an hour had passed.
A very tall, somewhat thin-faced middle-aged man with short, choppy hair and wearing a plaid shirt walked in.
"Teacher Wang, over here." Bai Shurong waved and called out when she saw Wang Xiaobo.
Hearing the shout, Wang Xiaobo glanced at the three people in the private room and strode over.
Han Wen and Gu Jianping were meeting Wang Xiaobo for the first time, and out of courtesy, they stood up.
"Hello, Teacher Wang, I'm Han Wen." Han Wen introduced himself after the other person came over.
He felt that Wang Xiaobo was really tall, probably around 1.85 meters, even taller than his own 1.8-meter frame.
Of course, the average height of men in Jinghua City is the second highest in the country, only slightly shorter than men from Shandong Province, which is unmatched by people from other places.
However, Han Wen is still young and can still grow taller. Wang Xiaobo, on the other hand, seems to be a bit hunched over and can't stand up straight.
So, it looks about the same size as the Korean character.
"Teacher Wang, I am Gu Jianping, editor of the magazine 'October'." Gu Jianping also introduced himself.
"Teacher Bai mentioned the two of you on the phone earlier, so don't be so polite with me." Wang Xiaobo waved his hand, smiled casually, walked into the private room, and found an empty seat.
Han Wen called over a waiter and asked Wang Xiaobo to order tea.
Since Wang Xiaobo was willing to come, she wouldn't be polite to them or act distant.
He had traveled to so many places back then, and he was a straightforward and easygoing person. After ordering the tea, he smiled and asked, "Han Wen, Teacher Bai praised you a lot on the phone."
It piqued my curiosity, so I couldn't resist coming over. Where's your manuscript? Let me see it.
If I can help, I will certainly do so without hesitation. If I cannot help, please don't be disappointed.
I only drank a cup of your tea; you won't lose out.
"If that doesn't work, I'll write a preface for your other two books when they're published."
"Teacher Wang, you're too kind. It's my honor to receive your guidance." Han Wen respectfully handed the manuscript to the other party, awaiting his instructions.
"You're from Southwest Province. I worked there as a sent-down youth. Although it wasn't long, I have deep feelings for that place."
Therefore, I always like to write about things related to that place. However, I can't grasp the boundaries, which has caused some negative consequences.
As a result, no one dared to take it, and no one liked it. Wang Xiaobo took the manuscript and said as he read it, "You are so young, yet you can write your own work. It is truly not easy."
When I was your age, I was still wandering around. Heroes have always emerged from among the young; impressive.
"Teacher Wang, please don't say that, otherwise I would feel unworthy and terrified," Han Wen replied humbly.
"Humility is a good thing, but excessive humility is unnecessary." Wang Xiaobo shook his head, took a sip of tea, and continued reading the manuscript.
He used to be a teacher at Peking University and still teaches at Renmin University; he is very knowledgeable. He is also an author himself, so he reads manuscripts very quickly.
In less than an hour, he put down "The Orphanage" and looked up at Han Wen.