I am a literary giant in Europe

Chapter 388 Confidence
Liu Jin appeared calm and collected on the surface.

But deep down, I'm very grateful for Shakira's trust.

Moreover, he had already decided what song to write for Shakira, since it was originally her song.

"Hippies Don't Lie!"
The original song was performed at the closing ceremony of the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany, and the singer was Shakira.

However, Liu Jin didn't like Wydef Jean, her partner.

But Wydef Jean is the lyricist and composer of this song, so even if Liu Jin doesn't like it, there's nothing he can do about it, right?

It’s different now!

This song will become his work.

However, Liu Jin is not in a hurry to release this song.

Shakira wants it, so he gives it to her?

That seems like being too much of a simp!
Even though she had helped him, there was no rush.

In Liu Jin's memory, Shakira released this song in February 2006, and then FIFA took notice of it, changed its decision at the last minute, and invited Shakira to sing at the closing ceremony.

It's only 2003 now.

It's likely that Shakira, despite her apparent urgency, wasn't actually that anxious.

……

In late 2002, Shakira embarked on a year-long global tour.

At the time, China was also on her agenda, but for some reason, the trip to China ultimately failed to materialize.

Even so, her tour that year was very successful.

Her personal income reached $6900 million that year, making her the No. 1 Spanish-speaking female singer.
My mom isn't very interested in concerts.

It's noisy!
She can't take it.

Therefore, I don't plan to go.

Qianqian and Sun Ya, on the other hand, were very interested. After leaving the stadium, they chattered away with Alizee the whole way.

The old lady didn't quite understand this.

She likes Yue Opera and Huangmei Opera.

I listen to Henan Opera occasionally, but as for Peking Opera... although it's considered a national treasure, I'm indifferent to it.

Ultimately, she decided to rest at the hotel.

Liu Jin expressed his understanding of the old lady's decision.

The following day, Liu Jin traveled to the future town of Messi and visited Carmen Balces.

Since Liu Jin signed an agency contract with Mela, Mela has said more than once that Barces has helped her a lot.

Otherwise, Liu Jin's works would never have been published so smoothly in the Spanish-speaking region.

This elderly lady dedicated her life to promoting Spanish language and culture.

Its status in the Spanish-speaking region is truly incomparable to that of ordinary people.

Even America's publishers, if they wanted to publish their works in the Spanish-speaking region, needed to visit Balses to obtain sufficient resources.

This old lady is as important as an emperor emeritus in the Spanish-speaking region.

Carmen Balces was very pleased with Liu Jin's arrival.

"I've recently been reading your 'The Hunchback of Notre Dame'."

She prepared cinnamon coffee to welcome Liu Jin.

The two sat on the terrace, enjoying the sea breeze and admiring the sea view.

"Child, I deeply regret it now."

"What do you regret?"

“I shouldn’t have let you go to Mela back then… I should have held on a little longer, maybe I could have signed you.”

Liu Jin couldn't help but burst into laughter.

Admittedly, he was tempted to sign Barces in 2001.

However, he always remained cautious.

Even though Balthus acted very amiably, he was still not entirely at ease.

This led Barces to eventually call Mela and persuade her to sign Liu Jin's agency contract.

"I love this book!"

Balthus placed the hardcover copy of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" on his lap.

"Some of the dialogues in particular are both philosophical and exceptionally beautiful."

I've already memorized many paragraphs.

As she spoke, she recited: "The human heart can only hold a certain amount of despair. A sponge that has absorbed enough water cannot be filled by the ocean, not even by the vast ocean!"

"Amos, what a beautiful and philosophical phrase."

Liu Jin listened with a smile to Balces's praise.

"Your French is so fluent!"

"Haha, I'm a cultured person."

Balses winked at him, which Liu Jin found very amusing.

They sat on the terrace, talking about the story of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame".

“I guarantee that Notre Dame should award you a medal... because your work will become world-famous.”

"I think so."

Liu Jin and Balses looked at each other and smiled.

At noon, he had lunch at Carmen Balces's house. After lunch, Carmen Balces extended another invitation to Liu Jin, hoping that he could create an excellent Spanish-language work.

"I'm not asking you to write a Spanish version of Notre Dame de Paris, but you should at least write an excellent Spanish version."

After all, Spain, or rather Barcelona, ​​inspired your creation of "Pirates of the Caribbean."

Carmen Balces' words sounded somewhat domineering.

But Liu Jin was not averse to it.

In fact, he had been considering this issue for a while.

He had previously considered writing a book called "The Invisible Guest" to get by.

But later, after Mela often mentioned Balces' help to him, Liu Jin had to reconsider.

But we must admit one thing!
He doesn't know much about classic Spanish literature.

Aside from Cervantes' "Don Quixote," he might not be able to think of a second Spanish-language novel on the spot.

Of course, One Hundred Years of Solitude is one such example...

Although it is a work in Spanish, it is more accurately described as Latin American literature.

Aside from Lima and Deborah, it seems that Liu Jin's only connection with Latin America is Martina.

Well, now there's another Shakira.

"I need time!"

Liu Jin thought for a moment and replied, "I don't want to just do a perfunctory job. I hope to create a work that will satisfy you."

But to be honest, I don't know much about Spain.

Are you interested in studying in Spain?

"what?"

Liu Jin hurriedly said, "I have already applied to the Faculty of Arts at the University of Toulouse II, and I will officially become a student of Michel Ranke in September."

“Michelle!”

Barthes thought for a moment and said, "Michel is indeed outstanding in the study of literary theory."

However, in literary creation...

I don't think he can offer you much help.

Writing should be free and unrestrained... If you master too many so-called theories, it will put a shackle on your writing.

Yes, you can go and study.

But don't let those theories bind you. All theories should serve your creative work, not let your work prove the theories right or wrong... Actually, I think UB is great, and very suitable for you.

UB stands for the University of Barcelona.

Founded in 1450, it is one of the oldest universities in Spain.

Upon hearing this, Liu Jin was somewhat tempted.

Balces said, "Since you've already chosen Toulouse No. 2, there's nothing we can do about it."

However, I remember that Toulouse II University offers study abroad programs starting from the second year. If you'd like, I can help you apply for a UB study abroad opportunity here. Living in Spain for a year will be very rewarding.”

"I will think about it!"

After thinking about it, Liu Jin felt that Balses' idea was very reliable.

He and Barces talked for a long time.

Around 3 a.m., Barces showed signs of fatigue.

After all, he's already a 73-year-old man!
Upon seeing this, Liu Jin took his leave.

Barces did not try to stop him, but instead saw him out of the house.

Just as Liu Jin was about to get into the car, Carmen Balces suddenly grabbed him.

"Amos, there's no need to pay attention to the clamor of those cicadas."

*The Hunchback of Notre Dame* will become a shining jewel in the history of French literature. However, it needs time to mature and stand the test of time. *Harry Potter* is very good, but from a literary perspective, it's utterly insignificant.

Presumably, due to the less-than-stellar performance of "The Hunchback of Notre Dame," there has been considerable criticism of Liu Jin in literary circles recently.

According to Mela, that playwright Gao has started speaking again!
After all, he is a Nobel laureate in literature.

He had already become part of that circle.

Previously, because Liu Jin's achievements were too outstanding, Gao stopped making any moves.

And now...

Liu Jin thought for a moment and then smiled, “Ms. Balses, rest assured, I have never paid any attention to the clamor of those insects. Moreover, I believe that ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ will stand the test of time, and they cannot corrupt my faith.”

"Haha, I'm starting to believe you, you're a guy with faith."

Your ancestors are surely protecting you... Just keep writing, don't worry about those people, time will tell.

"Thank you, Ms. Balses!"

……

Liu Jin gained a lot from his trip to Messi Town.

Moreover, Carmen Balces' words of comfort further convinced him of the excellence of Notre Dame de Paris.

Don't be fooled by the fact that current sales are not ideal.

However, the traditional literary world has not yet begun to exert its influence.

Liu Jin believes that it won't be long before masters of traditional literature stand up and vindicate his work.

Thinking about all this made Liu Jin feel much more relaxed!

……

(End of this chapter)