Chapter 491 That day won’t be too far
Lin Chaoyang naturally couldn’t understand his French. Fortunately, Secretary Zhou of the embassy was waiting for a guest translation.
After the impassioned award speech, Lin Chaoyang stood up calmly amid the applause.
He looked calm and serious, with a heartfelt smile of joy on his face, and delivered a brief acceptance speech.
Secretary Zhou translated his words to the guests and judges present, and the restaurant once again burst into applause.
In a sense, everyone here today has witnessed history.
Lin Chaoyang is not only the first foreign winning writer in the history of the Renaudeau Literature Prize, but also the youngest winning writer.
In everyone’s opinion, the choice of this year’s Renaudeau Literary Prize undoubtedly requires a lot of courage.
After delivering his acceptance speech, it was time for Lin Chaoyang to take photos with the judges.
During this period, Clermont Meteye also thoughtfully handed over the French version of "The Truman Show" and asked him to take a photo with the work. This photo will be displayed in Paris tomorrow The pages of major newspapers.
In France, a large number of books are published every year from the end of August to the end of November.
Because there are several literary awards events almost every day during this time period. Regardless of whether the influence of these awards is large or small, when they are gathered together, they are enough to attract the attention of a large number of readers.
Through media dissemination and word-of-mouth from readers, many books continue to accumulate popularity, and with the signboard of "XX Literary Award Winning Works", sales will increase exponentially.
Especially France's premier literary awards such as the Prix Goncourt, the Prix Renaudeau and the Prix Femina.
Once he wins the award, not only will the writer's reputation greatly increase, but also the royalties will be released. The subsequent publication of the work will also be equivalent to an endorsement. It can be said that it directly changes the writer's living environment.
Many writers were impoverished before winning the prize, but gained both fame and fortune after winning. This happens before and after the annual awards of several major French literary awards.
According to statistics from the French publishing industry, the average sales volume of Goncourt Literary Prize-winning works has reached 480,000 copies.
The sales of winning works of several other heavyweight literary awards, such as the Renaudeau Literary Prize and the Femina Literary Prize, are slightly lower, but they are still very impressive.
"The Truman Show" was published in France in the second half of last year, and sold nearly 70,000 copies in one year.
For Lin Chaoyang, a foreign writer, it is already good to have such sales for his first book published in France, but there is still a lot of room for it.
After winning the Renaudot Literary Award this time, the sales of "The Truman Show" are about to experience a rapid growth. This is the charm of literary awards.
Whether it is the Goncourt Literary Prize or the Lenaudeau Literary Prize, the awarding process is very simple. After the award is given, two speeches are given and it is considered over.
Today, two award winners were born in the Tuon restaurant. According to the historical status and influence of the award, Tahar Ben Jaron, who should have won the Goncourt Literary Prize, is more popular among everyone. concerned.
But who made Lin Chaoyang not only young, but also the first foreign writer to win the Renaudeau Literary Award in the history?
Before and after the award ceremony, Lin Chaoyang received far more attention than Tahar Ben Jaylen.
This attention was particularly evident during the media interviews after the awards. Lin Chaoyang was surrounded by many more reporters than Tahar Ben Jaylen.
Among them are reporters from television media and newspaper reporters.
Such as France Television 3, "Literature" magazine, "Liberation", etc.
Two heavyweight literary awards were awarded on the same day, and their combined influence cannot be underestimated.
The interview with the newspaper reporter was relatively simple. It was nothing more than asking about how it felt to win the award. The group interview was over in less than half an hour.
The interviews on the TV station are a bit more complicated. They have to set up a camera and the reporter on the camera will ask questions, and Lin Chaoyang will answer them in a straight-forward manner.
In addition to Lin Chaoyang, Zou Daishi also accepted an interview with the TV station, talking about Lin Chaoyang's winning of the Lenaudeau Literature Prize as a fruitful result of cultural exchanges between China and France.
This interview will appear on France 3’s news program tonight.
In addition, Lin Chaoyang also received an interview invitation from the French "Literary Magazine". The "Literary Magazine" was founded in 1966 and has played a decisive role in the French literary world for many years.
"Literary Magazine" does not have many columns, among which the most popular among readers is "Interview".
In each issue, they interview writers or poets and explore the inner world of these creators and their unique understanding of the world in the form of questions and answers.
The interview required a quiet environment and was not conducted on the spot. Flemon, the editor and reporter of the "Literary Magazine", made an appointment tomorrow afternoon.
The reason why it is tomorrow afternoon is because he has to sign a contract with Gallimard Publishing House tomorrow morning.
After winning the Renaudeau Literature Prize, Lin Chaoyang will definitely become famous in the French literary circle.
Not only has "The Truman Show" pre-ordered sales increased significantly, but other works by Lin Chaoyang, the winner, have also become popular in the eyes of Gallimard Publishing House.
As early as the news of the shortlisting came out, Gallimard Publishing House made an agreement with Lin Chaoyang to introduce several of his novels one after another.
With the blessing of the Renaudeau Literary Award, the sales volume of these novels must be the same.
During the interview, several people from the publisher approached Lin Chaoyang and chatted with him, which aroused the vigilance and hostility of Clermont Meteille.
Lin Chaoyang spent the whole afternoon dealing with interviews and invitations from the media, until he had some rest in the evening.
Zou Daishi had left as early as the afternoon, but he left Secretary Zhou behind.
After returning to the Lenox Hotel and having a quick lunch, Lin Chaoyang said to Reporter Nie from the New H News Agency: "Reporter Nie, I kept you waiting for a long time." impatient.
"What the hell. You don't know, I watched you being interviewed by the French media this afternoon, and I felt an indescribable pride in my heart.
Comrade Chaoyang, you are the first The Chinese who won the Renaudot Literature Prize!”
For modern Chinese, the four words “bring glory to the country” seem to be a mission and responsibility engraved in their bones.
We are eager to seek recognition from the world. Sometimes this eagerness may seem clumsy, but it is also cute because it represents a nation’s striving for progress and self-pursuit.
Reporter Nie is in Europe and always sends major news happening on the European continent back home, but rarely has the opportunity to convey Chinese stories to the European continent.
Today's award for Lin Chaoyang undoubtedly greatly inspired his patriotism and national pride.
Even though five or six hours had passed since the award ceremony, he still could not suppress his excitement.
He chatted with Lin Chaoyang for more than three hours. While chatting, he kept writing vigorously. He wrote down more than ten pages of content in his notebook, which was enough material for him to make a series of reports.
Surprisingly, during the interview, the phone in his room received several external calls transferred from the hotel, all of which were from the publishing house.
"It is truly one of the top literary awards in France. The awards were announced today, but so many publishers are already flocking to your works!"
Lin Chaoyang hung up again After getting a call from a publishing house, Reporter Nie couldn't help but sigh.
Although he is a journalist stationed in Europe, this is the first time he has been exposed to literature-related awards and news reports, and it is also the first time he has felt the influence of a heavyweight literary award in France.
“I don’t know how they found your contact information.”
"There are so many people at Tuon Restaurant today. As long as you are willing, it is not difficult to know my address and contact information in Paris."
Lin Chaoyang responded with a smile, and then went on to answer Reporter Nie's question.
It wasn’t until around ten o’clock in the evening that the interview ended, and Lin Chaoyang asked him if he wanted to go back to his residence.
Reporter Nie said: "If I don't go back, I'll just get a room in the hotel. I have to sort out these contents quickly and catch tomorrow's flight back to China to bring this good news to the people across the country!"
When he said this, Reporter Nie's face looked a little tired, but full of smiles.
Reporter Nie asked again: "Chaoyang, when will you return to China?"
"I have to do it in three days."
Based on Lin Chaoyang's original intention, he planned to return to Xiangjiang after finishing his work in France. But before Zou Daishi left, he specifically told Lin Chaoyang to stay and participate in two exchange activities arranged by the embassy.
In addition, the domestic Ministry of Culture and the Cultural Association also prepared commendation activities, and he had to return to Yanjing.
The next morning, Lin Chaoyang got up and knocked on Reporter Nie's door, only to learn that Reporter Nie had left an hour ago, and Lin Chaoyang had to go downstairs to have breakfast alone.
After breakfast, Lin Chaoyang had just arrived at the hotel lobby when he heard someone calling his name.
Lin Chaoyang turned around and saw a middle-aged man with a beard getting up from the sofa in the lobby.
"Mr. Byrne?"
The middle-aged man is none other than the editor Julio Byrne whom Lin Chaoyang met during the Cannes Film Festival last year. He is the editor of the famous French publishing house Grasset Senior editor of the publishing house.
“Mr. Lin, long time no see!”
Julio Byrne warmly hugged and exchanged greetings with Lin Chaoyang, looking like an old acquaintance.
Lin Chaoyang knew Julio Byrne's purpose without having to guess. After all, a bunch of publishing houses had already contacted him.
But before he could ask, another person appeared in the hotel lobby.
Clermont Meteye was originally here to take Lin Chaoyang to Gallimard Publishing House to sign a contract, but he did not expect to see Julio Byrne here at the Lenox Hotel.
"Mr. Meteye, do you mind if I talk to Mr. Lin alone?"
Julio Byrne looked calm, even a little provocative.
Clermont Meteye really wanted to say "I mind", but unfortunately he couldn't make the decision for Lin Chaoyang.
He made a gesture like a gentleman and returned to the car to wait for Lin Chaoyang.
Less than ten minutes later, Lin Chaoyang came out of the hotel and got into Clermont Meteille's car.
A trace of joy flashed in Clermont Meteille's eyes, but he was still more worried. He pretended to start the car casually, and then asked:
"Lin, how was the negotiation with Mr. Byrne?"
Although he knew that since Lin Chaoyang came out, there was a high probability that he had not reached an agreement with Julio Byrne, but he still couldn't help but Make sure.
“The talks were pretty good, Grasse Publishing House is very sincere.”
Clermont Meteille’s heart tightened, “It seems that the conditions they offered are good.”
Lin Chaoyang looked at him with interest, and Clement Meteye's eyes flickered.
"The conditions offered by Grasse Publishing House are good, but they are not enough to make me tempted. Gallimard Publishing House is still my first choice."
Hearing this, Clement May The nervous look on Teye's face disappeared and he smiled heartily.
"Lin, your choice is not wrong. Our Gallimard Publishing House is the most professional literary publishing house in France, you will not make a mistake in choosing us!"
"Of course."< br>
Clermont Meteye handed several newspapers in the car to Lin Chaoyang. They were all reports on yesterday's Renaudeau Literary Award.
While driving, Clermont Meteille introduced Lin Chaoyang to the contents of these media outlets and reports. The two of them chatted and laughed all the way to Gallimard Publishing House on the Left Bank of Paris.
Compared with the obscurity when he came more than a year ago, Lin Chaoyang has just won the Renaudot Literature Award and is in the limelight. The publishing house specially prepared a small celebration ceremony for him.
"Congratulations, Lin! You have created the history of the Renaudeau Literary Prize and the history of French literature. You are the first Chinese writer to win a heavyweight literary award in France!"
Ethan Rogers, editor-in-chief of Gallimard Publishing House, expressed warm congratulations to Lin Chaoyang on behalf of the publishing house.
After Clement Meteye whispered a few words to him, his expression became even more enthusiastic.
After the celebration ceremony, he couldn't wait to drag Lin Chaoyang to sign the contract.
Then he said to Lin Chaoyang: "Lin, you should stay in Paris for a few more days."
"Why?"
"I want to make an appointment for you" Interview with "The Paris Review."
The Paris Review was founded in 1953 and was known in its early days for publishing high-quality novels and poetry by emerging or relatively unknown writers.
In its first five years, The Paris Review published works by Jack Kerouac, Philip Larkin, Philip Roth, Samuel Beckett, Nadine Gordimer and others.
In the future, these people will all become internationally important writers. As a result, "The Paris Review" quickly won a great reputation in the French literary world and even in the international literary world.
The "Literature Magazine" that invited Lin Chaoyang for an interview yesterday has a good reputation in France, but it pales in comparison to the "Paris Review".
The influence of "Literary Magazine" is limited to France, while the influence of "Paris Review" is international, especially its "Writer Interviews" series is the trump card column of the publication.
If someone were to recommend one of the most professional and prestigious literary publications in our time, The Paris Review might not be number one, but it would definitely be on the list.
Many well-known writers in the world hail it as one of the few truly important literary magazines in the 20th century. Many writers from European and American countries have also had their works published in the "Paris Review" or published by "The Paris Review". Review" interview is proud.
Lin Chaoyang guessed that this was probably Gallimard Publishing House's overtures or sincerity to him for rejecting Grasse Publishing House.
In fact, this is the reason why Lin Chaoyang rejected Grasse Publishing House and firmly chose Gallimard Publishing House.
Grasser Publishing House’s royalty terms are indeed a little more generous than those offered by Gallimard Publishing House, but Gallimard Publishing House has advantages that Grasse Publishing House cannot match.
Gallimard Publishing House owns several influential literary magazines such as "Infinity" and "New France". It has been cheering for Lin Chaoyang a lot in the past. It should be said that it provided some help for Lin Chaoyang to win the Renaudeau Literary Award. .
Even the "Paris Review" that Ethan Rogers just mentioned has a very good relationship with Gallimard Publishing House.
Although the "Paris Review" is called "Paris", it was founded by a group of Americans.
After World War II, the "Beat Generation" was born in the United States.
These young people have a rough and unruly personality, and their lives are simple and unkempt.
He likes to wear fancy clothes and hates work and study.
Refuse to assume any social obligations, enjoy wandering around the world, oppose all secular conventions and the rule of monopoly capital, and resist foreign aggression and apartheid.
Among them are a group of young people from well-off families. They are all children of wealthy families who graduated from prestigious schools such as Harvard and Yale. They have high literary literacy and artistic pursuits.
The rise of the Cold War led to the dominance of McKinseyism in American society, making this group of people out of tune with the social reality of the United States.
So this group of people got together, came to Paris, and founded the "Paris Review".
In the early days of its establishment, the operation of "The Paris Review" was very difficult. They had no money to rent an office and had to borrow two empty rooms from Gallimard Publishing House.
Thus Gallimard Publishing House has also forged a deep friendship with "The Paris Review".
Even though the editorial department of "The Paris Review" moved back to the United States as early as the 1970s, the two sides have always maintained close contacts.
Lin Chaoyang was originally not well-known in the European and American literary circles. Now with the blessing of the Renaudeau Literary Award, being in the Paris Review is not a problem.
However, Ethan Rogers had to use a little favor. After all, it was an impromptu move that required the cooperation of the Paris Review.
Ethan Rogers used this to repay Lin Chaoyang for his firm choice of Gallimard Publishing House, which can be regarded as full of sincerity.
Being included in the "Writer Interview" of "The Paris Review" is also a recognition of Lin Chaoyang's influence in the international literary world.
After spending a morning at Gallimard Publishing House, Lin Chaoyang returned to the hotel after lunch to be interviewed by Literary Magazine.
The next day, the person who came to pick up Lin Chaoyang was Secretary Zhou who was waiting at the embassy.
This morning the embassy arranged an exchange event for him at the Paris Normal College, and in the afternoon there was a separate exchange with Chinese students in Paris.
In the evening, Zou Daishi held a celebration dinner for Lin Chaoyang at the embassy.
Then Lin Chaoyang spent two days in Paris. During this period, many publishing houses from other European countries found him, and Lin Chaoyang signed several publishing contracts.
In his spare time, he also participated in a writers gathering organized by Gallimard Publishing House. Having just won the Renaudot Literary Award, he naturally became the focus of the gathering, attracting a lot of attention and discussion. , and also got to know some local French writers.
On the sixth day after arriving in Paris, Lin Chaoyang waited for Plimpton, the editor of The Paris Review.
Princeton is the veteran of "The Paris Review" and the first editor of the "Writer Interviews" column. Over the years, he has interviewed hundreds of internationally renowned writers.
When Princeton met Lin Chaoyang, his first reaction was "young".
"I would like to take the liberty of asking you how old you are."
"I was born in 1958."
Princeton looked amazed, "You are probably me The youngest among so many writers interviewed."
"Is this a compliment?" Lin Chaoyang asked jokingly.
"Of course!" Princeton looked serious, "Youth is a rare capital."
Princeton has rich experience in interviews, and he easily found the topic with Lin Chaoyang.
Then the topic progressed from shallow to deep, and gradually transitioned from daily life to literary creation and ideological level.
In the middle of the interview, Princeton took out an English version of "The Truman Show."
“I’ve seen the movie adaptation of your novel, and it was quite good.
The English version of the novel was only published in the past few days. I bought it before I got on the plane and haven't finished reading it yet, but I boldly believe that this is indeed an outstanding work.
Where did the inspiration for this novel come from? Is it your dissatisfaction with the political system? Or is it a satire on social phenomena? "
"It was just a flash of inspiration while watching TV. In fact, there is nothing special about this kind of inspiration. Maybe everyone will have such a flash of thought, but I just caught it. "
Princeton asked again: "I have interviewed many writers, and in the mouths of many people, literature is a very sacred and solemn thing. But from talking to you, it seems that such "sacred" does not exist in your concept. "
"That's it. "Lin Chaoyang answered bluntly.
"So, what do you think literature means to you?"
When asking this question, Princeton looked a little solemn.
Lin Chaoyang's eyes also became solemn, "Literature? It's probably a kind of sustenance."
"Sustenance?"
"What the heart thinks, God thinks As I think, our spirit must have an outlet, but it is not that important.”
"Why? Why is it not important?"
Princeton's brows furrowed. He did not agree with Lin Chaoyang's point of view.
Among the writers he has interviewed in the past, most of them have made remarks such as "literature is supreme" or "literature is higher than my life".
Princeton also took it for granted that literature should be so noble.
"Will people die if they don't eat?" Lin Chaoyang did not answer his question, but asked another question.
"Yes."
"Will a person die if he doesn't breathe?"
"Yes."
"Will a person die if he doesn't have literature?"
Princeton was silent.
After a moment, he retorted: "But our souls will wither."
"Soul? A noble term. If the soul can wither, then it is no nobler than our body."
Lin Chaoyang used strict Logic rendered Princeton speechless, but he thought about it and said unwillingly:
“Don’t you think you are dispelling the sublimity of literature?”
“People are sublime. ”
Princeton hesitated, sensing the trap in Lin Chaoyang's words.
Before he could speak, Lin Chaoyang said: "It is impossible for a person to pull out his own hair and leave the earth, just as it is impossible for a person to create something nobler than himself."
Lin Chaoyang's His eyes seemed to have traveled through time and space, and his tone was low, "We are not noble, we just exist, and we will eventually perish."
After hearing these words, Princeton's eyes instantly focused, as if attracted by an invisible light. .
His brows furrowed slightly, forming a shallow groove, and he fell into deep thought.
After a moment, he raised his eyes and looked at Lin Chaoyang.
The young Chinese writer just sat there quietly, as if even his breathing was extremely subtle. His eyes were calm and soft, like a deep ocean, giving people a sense of tolerance. Can't resist the urge to indulge in it.
Princeton was trying his best to digest the touch and shock of what he just said, and he shook his head unconsciously.
He was not opposing Lin Chaoyang, but trying to find a fitting point from Lin Chaoyang's words and integrate this new understanding of life into his existing cognitive system.
"What an interesting point of view, impressive." Princeton's voice was a little dry, and he added: "It seems that you are a pessimist."
Lin Chaoyang laughed easily.
"Some joking people once summarized the characteristics of literature from various countries. Do you want to hear it?"
"I would like to hear the details."
"British literature is like A heroic charging knight, he said I would die for glory
American literature is like a fearless gladiator, he said I would die free.
French literature is like a prodigal who is crazy about love. He said that I died for love.
Russian literature is like an old man who sees through life. He said I will die.
Japanese literature is like a pretentious literary youth, he said I want to die.
Chinese literature has nothing to say, he said live! ”
Lin Chaoyang’s tone is humorous, which makes people laugh.
Although he knew that Lin Chaoyang's summary was a joke, Princeton also quite recognized this broad summary.
Just when he was smiling and looking relaxed, Lin Chaoyang looked at him and said seriously:
"Living requires more courage than death."
< br>At that moment, Princeton's body shook violently, as if he was hit by an electric current.
He gently rubbed his fingers, and a complex emotion instantly surged in his eyes, including shock, surprise, and an indescribable touch.
He couldn't help but cast his eyes on Lin Chaoyang again. This young Chinese writer in front of him could always shock people's soul inadvertently.
Princeton said sincerely: "Lin, you are the most special writer I have encountered in my interview career!"
Lin Chaoyang smiled mischievously, "This sentence should be a compliment. ”
Princeton also showed a knowing smile, his eyes full of admiration, even adoration.
More than a month later, when the latest season of "The Paris Review" was released in the United States, people saw Princeton commenting on Lin Chaoyang like this:
The most eye-catching thing about him is his young face, but when you start to communicate with him, you will be deeply moved by the wisdom hidden behind this young face.
His words are like gurgling water, gentle and powerful, and every word contains profound philosophy.
Perhaps he himself did not realize that although he did not think literature was such a noble thing, in him, I saw the most dazzling light of literature.
He is destined to become the best writer of this era. It may be too early to label him with the word "great" at this time.
But I believe that day will not be too far away!
(End of this chapter)