Rhapsody of Entertainment Rebirth

The time difference between London and Beijing is eight hours. At five o'clock in the afternoon in Beijing, the domestic literary and art circles and the general public witnessed the breakthrough moment of Chinese literature in a live broadcast on CCTV, and witnessed the first internationally authoritative literary award won by a Chinese writer.

Shanhe's speech in Chinese throughout the whole process gave a strong boost to his colleagues in the literary and art circles in front of the TV, and also brought indescribable pride and pride to the general public.

In their view, Shanhe is issuing a declaration in Chinese on the stage of the highest honor of English novels, clearly announcing to the mainstream Western world the re-emergence of China and the return of Eastern culture to the global stage.

No one can discriminate against us, and no one can ignore us!

Shanhe did a great job!

It would be better if the speech were longer, but it was too brief and not enough to read!

But a set of program previews by CCTV host Shui Junyi solved their needs with excitement and pride.

"The Booker Prize award ceremony has ended, but the award ceremony is not over yet. Next, Shanhe will have an exchange with the famous British contemporary writer David Mitchell and accept an exclusive interview with the British BBC TV station. CCTV News Channel will Then the entire Shanhe discussion and interview will be broadcast..."

All kinds of compliments and comments flooded the Internet.

"Let me tell you, why was the award ceremony so short? Shan He said too little. It was not enough to make me excited. CCTV really raised Shan He personally!"

“In the authoritative field of English novels, Shan He’s speeches are entirely in Chinese, which is amazing!”

"Shanhe is representing China to declare to the world that we, China, are back!"

"That's so exciting. Hurry up and listen to what Shan He will say next?"

…

Within ten minutes after winning the award, Shanhe shared the joy of winning with his wife and family.

After the trophy was circulated in everyone's hands, it fell into Qiu Jiang's hand. After a while, he handed the trophy to Qu Ling.

"Qu Ling, you are Xiaohe's boss and a mentor who has grown up with him all the way. You should keep this trophy!"

"I didn't do anything, it was all Xiaohe's own efforts!"

Qu Ling took the trophy from Qiu Jiang's hand as he spoke. Holding this heavy glass square cup, Qu Ling once again shed tears of joy.

Xie Meiyu on the side gently hugged her partner and best friend,

"How come the famous strong lady in the business world of Shanghai has turned into Lin Daiyu in the past two days? She keeps crying!"

"I'm so happy! No matter how much money I make, it can't compare to this trophy!"

"I make the decision, this trophy belongs to you!"

"This is Xiaohe's honor and our glory. It only belongs to Xiaohe!"

…

The family members were still sharing the joy of Shanhe winning the award, while Shanhe continued to go on stage to complete the rest of the award ceremony.

The contemporary British writer David Mitchell became famous for his novel "Cloud Atlas". He is an iconic young generation writer in the Western literary world and enjoys a high reputation in Europe and the United States.

The exchanges and discussions between Shanhe and him were called "the collision of the new generation of writers from the East and the West" by BBC, NBC and other television stations.

Compared to Shan He, he is actually not young. David Mitchell, who was born in 1969, is already forty-one this year. However, the two of them debuted and became famous at similar years, so they can indeed be considered writers of the same generation.

David Mitchell has conducted in-depth research on Eastern culture, and there are a large number of Eastern cultures and Eastern characters in his novels.

The communication between the two was relatively harmonious from the beginning.

Starting from the two representative works "The Life of Yi" and "Cloud Atlas", he talked about the differences between Eastern and Western cultures, the diversity of the world, and very tacitly led the core of the topic to the phenomenon of mental imbalance in Western society. .

…

"...Nature is diversified, and human culture must also be diversified. I really like the diversified choices in "Young Boys", but now there is a trend of rejecting this diversification. I think this Trend trends may bring a lot of trouble to human society!”

Shanhe understands what David Mitchell is talking about. After the sub-credit crisis, populism became popular in the Western world. In Shanhe’s memory, this trend has indeed had a great impact on the world.

The socio-economic and political landscape in Europe and the United States has even been completely distorted into another shape.

This trend is behind major international events such as the rise of the President of Country M, the great power game, Brexit, the chaos in Hong Kong Island, and the turmoil in Europe.

"I agree with you. In "Cloud Atlas" you attribute this spiritual imbalance to the alienation of civilization, the excessive development of science and technology, and the loss of harmony between human beings and nature. I think there is a bigger wave of populism. The reason: The system is not suitable for the development of social science and technology, and both Eastern and Western societies need to be improved!

The first and second industrial revolutions have become a thing of the past. What mankind is facing is the third revolution. There is this sentence in Chinese junior high school textbooks: The economic base determines the superstructure. Now the global economic and technological foundation has changed. Great changes. If the superstructure is not improved accordingly, then this trend will bring many catastrophic consequences to the world, and it will not be far away in a few years! "

"Qiu, it seems that you see it more clearly than I do, but I remain pessimistic about Western political reform. Majoritarianism is absolute, it excludes pluralistic values, and there is no practical solution to the problem. This is the dilemma facing the Western world. Reform comes from Too difficult!"

Shanhe looked at this far-sighted writer and scholar, shook his head and smiled. Western systems and values ​​are indeed incomprehensible to populism. Their so-called democracy and human rights are the most fertile soil for this trend.

Populism is destined to bloom ugly petals in Western society, and its stench will spread all over the world!

The discussion between the two did not last long. After more than half an hour, it came to an end.

Shanhe admires David Mitchell, a non-mainstream European and American writer, and also likes his works "Cloud Atlas" and "Dream No. 9".

The two left each other's contact information sympathetically, and David Mitchell even sent the electronic manuscript of his unreleased new book "The Thousand Autumns of Jacob DeZote" to Shanhe's mailbox.

The conversation between the two caused little discussion in China, but it set off a huge wave in Europe and the United States.

The prophetic conversation between the two was widely reprinted on the Internet. Within half a month, many well-known scholars and politicians joined the discussion, and voices of support and opposition became louder.

What will populism bring to Western society? Is it a progress or a disaster?

This issue has become the biggest controversial issue in the Western world since then, and it still has not subsided several years later!

Of course, these are all things for later.

After this exchange between writers, Shanhe ushered in the last step of the award ceremony and accepted an exclusive interview with BBC TV.

This interview was much more intense than the conversation with David Mitchell.

BBC's ace anchor Evan Davis's first question as an interviewer was full of aggression.

"Qiu, you gave your speech in Chinese at the Booker award ceremony just now. What is the meaning of this?"

Shanhe frowned slightly and looked at the host with a sharp smile.

"Speaking in Chinese not only represents my identification with Chinese culture, but also represents my respect for the Booker Prize jury!"

"Respect?"

"certainly!"

Shanhe looked directly at Evan Davis and replied,

"The Booker Prize was awarded to me to highlight its openness. Speaking in Chinese is just a compliment to the jury for its breakthrough. Literature has no language barriers. Diversity is the charm of literature. I So, do you understand?"

"Ahem~ That's a perfect answer!"

Evan Davis was a little surprised by Shanhe's sharpness, but he did not give up his control over the interview.

"I just saw a lot of comments on the Chinese Internet. The Chinese people think that your Chinese speech represents the re-emergence of China. What do you think of this view?"

After listening to Evan Davis' question, Shanhe looked at him, smiled, and asked:

"Evan, do you think China has risen again?"

"Well, China's economy is developing very fast, and it is indeed on the road to rise."

"Then your question is a bit unnecessary. Since China is already on the road to rise, what opinions can I have? I don't need to represent it at all, because this is the reality!"

Shanhe's more sharp answer let Evan Davis know that he must change his interview strategy next. He could not control the interview rhythm.

"Qiu, maybe you misunderstood my question. Well, let me ask it another way. Many oriental scholars believe that "The Life of Yi" contains a whole set of oriental cultural philosophies, and these are the things that countries in East Asia can quickly The reason for the rise, what do you think about it?”

Shanhe looked at Evan Davis across from him and saw that he no longer had an aggressive attitude, nor did he continue to be aggressive, and resumed his previous interview rhythm.

""The Life of Yi" does contain some Chinese thoughts and philosophies, but it is not complete. Chinese culture is too broad and it is difficult for one book to cover everything. As for the rapid rise of East Asian countries, it does have the influence of Chinese culture. Factors included!”

"Can you be more specific?"

"Eastern countries are different from the West. Take China as an example. Strictly speaking, China is not a nation-state. Her civilization is older and more deeply rooted than nationality. The Han nationality is not a single national concept. She It was formed by the integration of many ethnic groups in the history of thousands of years of civilization development.

Therefore, the Chinese people have an innate sense of identity, unique values, family views, religious views, unique customs, language and writing, and a long history and culture. All these make up the Chinese civilization, and this civilization gives With our profound heritage, Huaxia is born with strong genes.

East Asian countries have been influenced by Chinese civilization for thousands of years, and they also have similar civilizational heritage. This may be one of the reasons why East Asian countries have been able to seize the opportunity and rise one after another. "

"It's a wonderful answer. I seem to understand the reason why the ancient country of China can regain its vitality. Qiu, let's go back to the book "Young Man Yi". You describe various religious beliefs in the book. , what do you think of the current situation of faith in China?"

"Haha...Evan, what you want to ask is why Chinese people lack faith, right?"

"Okay! I do have this question?"

Shanhe picked up the water glass on the table and took a sip of water, and replied with a smile:

"This issue is very complicated. Religion has a long history of development and formation in China. To put it simply, Chinese people worship God because we need it. From the bottom of our hearts, we believe in ourselves more and worship our ancestors more. Our history is long enough. , We have enough heroes and role models, so we don’t need to believe in gods. The Chinese people’s belief is our ancestors. In China, ancestors always come first!”

…

In this exclusive interview with the BBC, Shanhe and Evan Davis launched a series of questions and answers around Chinese civilization.

This interview caused considerable repercussions at home and abroad. Shanhe's answers were quoted by many scholars who study Eastern culture, and aroused a strong sense of cultural pride among the domestic public.

In online discussions, Shanhe's answer has been at the top of the list for a long time, and netizens have used many historical and real-life examples to support Shanhe's remarks.

The two remarks about East and West at the Shanhe Award Ceremony became the focus of the media's coverage of his award.

"Hua Xiaqiu won the Booker Prize with a surprising statement, commenting on the current situation between the East and the West!"

"Nationalism or populism, Huaxia Qiu tells the difference!"

"Hua Xiaqiu was full of witty words at the Booker Prize, explaining that Orientals have Oriental wisdom!"

…

As soon as the Booker Prize was won, the Shanhe family took the Booker trophy with them and rushed to Paris across the Atlantic.

The Goncourt Prize was awarded just two days apart from the Booker Prize.

It was only after the family arrived in Paris that they learned that the award ceremony for the Goncourt Literary Prize was more casual.

Just having a meal together in a cafe, no reporters, no TV broadcast, no other awards, no award ceremony, no trophy, just a special ten euro note.

That’s right, the prize money for the Prix Goncourt, the world’s oldest literary award, is only ten euros!

The initial prize amount for this award was five thousand gold francs, but after a century of currency evolution and the effects of inflation, the prize is now only a symbolic ten euros.

Shanhe was full of approval for this award ceremony. What's the point of literary awards being so prosperous? As for how much the prize money is, Shanhe doesn't care.

There is no difference between the fifty thousand pounds for the Booker Prize and the ten euros for the Goncourt Prize.

It’s in line with a writer’s character to have a meal and win an award at the same time!

You have to be French to engage in art, and no one is as good as the French in terms of pretentiousness.

On the day of the award ceremony, Shanhe took his family to the Drouant restaurant, where the award ceremony was held in the "Goncourt Salon" on the second floor.

This Drouin restaurant opened in 1880 as a simple café. Later it became famous because of the "Prix Goncourt" and became the most popular gourmet restaurant among Parisian gourmets.

The restaurant houses an exclusive collection of works awarded since the creation of the Prix Goncourt in 1903, as well as portraits of famous members of the jury.

The napkin rings, cutlery and seats in this restaurant are engraved with the initials of the judges and winners.

Shanhe naturally also received this honor. Today, the napkin rings are engraved with the capital letter "Q".

French people are really romantic and casual. When everyone arrives, they are not in a hurry and just chat and drink some wine together.

Half an hour before dinner, the award ceremony slowly began.

In fact, there was no process, no foreplay. The chairman of the Goncourt Institute knocked on the wine glass, and after everyone calmed down, he went on stage to talk about the nominated writers and works.

Without even mentioning the scene, he directly mentioned the award-winner Shan He and his work "The Life of Yi".

"...In this Salon Goncourt, there was a rare lack of quarrels, because this year a phenomenal work was released, Qiu and his "The Life of Yi". I don't need to comment too much on his excellence. , Qiu, you can come on stage to receive your ten euros!"

Shan He walked onto the small stage amidst standing applause from the audience.

After hugging the gray-haired old chairman and giving him a kiss, he took a small gift box from his hand, which contained a unique ten euro card.

“This is the most cordial awards ceremony I have ever seen. The French and Chinese people have the same hobbies and customs, and we got things done while eating and drinking!

Since we are in a restaurant, and as the first Chinese to win an award, I must use Chinese etiquette to express my gratitude to everyone present. Annie, bring me a glass of wine and fill it up! "

Hathaway walked up to the stage with a big belly and a glass of wine. Shanhe grabbed Hathaway and said,

"According to our Chinese etiquette, my wife and I toast everyone together. Chinese people value perfection. This glass of wine not only contains gratitude, but also wishes everyone a happy marriage!"

After Shanhe finished speaking, he drank a whole goblet of red wine in one go with great arrogance. After finishing the drink, he shook his head and wiped his lips, which gave him a somewhat romantic feeling in the Wei and Jin Dynasties.

Foreigners have so many troubles when drinking red wine. They are sobering up and tasting wine. They shake a glass of wine around as if drinking and playing at the same time. Shanhe shows them the heroism and freedom of the Chinese people. .

Feeling deep and depressed!

The judges had never seen anyone drinking red wine like this before, nor had they ever seen such an award winner before. They were all amused by Shan He's free and easy behavior.

Everyone in the audience stood up and raised their glasses of wine.

"Santé!"

"Haha...cheers!"

"What an interesting young man!"

…

Shanhe walked off the stage with Hathaway holding ten euros and looking proud and happy.

Family members and friends also laughed out loud at Shanhe's actions. Qiu Jiang punched Shanhe.

"Son, I really belong to you!"

Shan He's bohemian and unrestrained acceptance speech, which was quite typical of the Wei and Jin Dynasties, immediately struck a chord with the French, who liked such an eclectic style.

The next day, the French media reported on Shanhe's unique acceptance speech, with titles full of love and appreciation.

"The Gongcourt Dinner in Huaxia Qiu shows off the Chinese style!"

“From now on, there is one more way to drink red wine, Cheers to the Chinese Qiu style!”

"That's how literature and art should be, go your own way! Why do you have to drink red wine in small sips?"

…

The anecdote about Shanhe drinking down an entire goblet of red wine at the Goncourt Prize dinner spread all over the world.

It attracted people all over the world to smile, and book fans in China were even more amused by Shan He.

Shanhe is still like that, always making some nonsense news from time to time.

However, everyone likes it!

"Cheers to Mountains and Rivers" became the day's biggest literary and entertainment gossip.

This scene later became a classic moment of the Prix Goncourt, and even imitated by many winners decades later.

Downing a large glass of red wine in one go has become a famous literary anecdote, a scene that occurs at many Western literary gatherings.

Of course, these are all things for later!

After Shanhe received the award, he did not stay in Paris for long. The whole family was eager to return home, and they boarded a flight back to China the next day.

In mid-November, the first snow fell in the capital, and Shanhe and his family had been back home for more than ten days.

The news craze for Shanhe’s award-winning news is still raging in China, but it has already begun to subside.

In the first two days after returning to China, Shanhe, who had broken the barriers of European and American literature for China, could not escape the media invitations for interviews.

"Dazhong Daily", "China Youth Daily", CCTV 1, "People's Literature" and other national media came to visit one after another.

Shanhe couldn't refuse!

In a week, Shanhe's figure frequently appeared in newspapers, magazines and TV.

Shanhe has experienced the most high-profile week in his life, and the influence of literature is indeed greater than that of movies.

"Gravity" has taken the world by storm, with a global box office of 1.9 billion US dollars, but it is not as popular as the national media that won two literary awards this time.

After experiencing the rounds of bombardment by media reporters, Shanhe just wanted to stay at home and do nothing, paralyzed peacefully.

With four old people here, Shanhe lived like a young master, without having to worry about anything. He and Hathaway happily enjoyed care and attention, and felt every fetal movement of their son together.

Shanhe put everything behind him and experienced the happiness and anxiety of being a father.

But Jiang Wen and Ma Weidu came through the snow and ruined the lazy and comfortable rhythm of the mountains and rivers.

After the two of them greeted several elders, they said to Hathaway, "Brother and sister, lend me your husband!" and half-heartedly pulled Shanhe out of the courtyard.

"What's wrong with you two! Why did you drag me out on a snowy day?"

Ma Weidu pointed at Jiang Wen and replied:

"Ask Lao Jiang about the game he organized!"

"Buckle your seat belt!"

Jiang Wen held the steering wheel, started the car, and drove out.

"Let's have a drink together and talk about your experience of opening up territories in Europe!"

Shanhe looked at Jiang Wen who was driving, and responded with disbelief:

"You, Lao Jiang, definitely have something to ask of me, and you even got Lao Ma. Let me guess...it's not because of "Let the Bullets Fly." Oops, why did I forget about this!"

"Hehe! It's true, "Let the Bullets Fly" has been postponed!"

Jiang Wen smiled and answered,

"I originally planned to release it after Feng Pants' "Tangshan Earthquake", but haven't you been the center of attention recently? After we discussed it, we decided to release it a month before Feng Pants!"

Shanhe pointed at Jiang Wen and cursed,

"I'm so impressed with you! I've just finished setting a shining example for the younger generation in the media, and you're trying to completely ruin my image!"

"Haha...you have no inhibitions, aren't you just acting a fool? It would be great to make everyone happy!

Ma Weidu came up from the back seat of the car,

"Old Jiang, you are so unreasonable. You are clearly trying to take advantage of the popularity of our international writers. When will the movie be released? Shanhe plays a fool. This is rare. People all over the country are waiting to see it!"

"You're such an eight-year-old fool! Lao Jiang, can you cut it off?"

"What do you think? The posters have been posted, the trailers are all over the world, and a few copyrights have been sold. How can I cut it!"

"I'll go! Damn, I'm so stupid this time!"

"Ha ha…"