I am a literary giant in Europe

Chapter 625 They've arrived! (A long chapter of 6,000 words)

Liu Jin's phone rang non-stop all weekend.

It's been a year already!

His last incident in America caused quite a stir, which is still fresh in people's minds.

Many old friends called to greet him when they heard he had come to America.

David Lynch, Tobey Maguire, Spike Lee, Naomi Watts, Woody Allen, Scarlett Johansson...

Everyone was curious about what he was doing in America.

After hearing that he was going to be an exchange student at Columbia University, everyone felt even more puzzled.

You're a world-renowned author, why aren't you focusing on writing books and instead coming here to be a student?

Uh, yes!

He was originally a student.

Spike Lee is in New York.

He is an independent director, without a company, and only has a studio team.

"Where do you live?"

Parry Street.

"Oh ho, you actually live on Parry Street?"

"Any questions?"

"Haha, it's nothing, I just feel that we are so destined to meet."

Do you know where I live? Haha, right on Charles Street, just the block next to you.

Liu Jin suddenly realized.

That's right, Charles Street is just south of Parry Street.

“I’m at 76 Parry Street.”

"I live at 48 Charles Street!"

Liu Jin remembered that there was a decent Egyptian restaurant nearby, which didn't seem to be too far from number 48.

Eva also took him out for a meal.

"That is indeed very close."

"The house you bought?"

"Of course not, it's Eva, Eva Green bought a house here."

Spike also exclaimed in realization on the phone.

The two agreed to play golf together next weekend.

To be honest, Liu Jin wasn't interested in this sport, but since foreigners all liked it, he had no choice but to follow suit and learn it.

Well, his skills are alright.

……

Two days passed quietly like that.

On Monday, Liu Jin drove the Mustang GT with its new license plate.

The plan was to take Eva to school with them, but Eva drove off in a red Ferrari.

Liu Jin didn't insist and went straight to Columbia College.

Columbia University has numerous campuses in New York City, including Manhattan, Brooklyn, Flushing, and others. It also has a branch campus in Jersey City.

Each campus has its own focus in terms of its majors.

For example, Columbia College, located in Morningside Heights, primarily focuses on majors such as literature, art, and history.

Columbia University's Faculty of Arts and Sciences, also known as Columbia University's College of Arts and Sciences.

Dean Nicholas B. Dirks has held this position since September 2004, and also serves as executive vice president.

Within the Faculty of Arts, they wielded immense power.

After Liu Jin reported for duty, he was about to choose a mentor when he was called over by Dean Dirk's secretary.

He met Dirks.

In fact, this was not their first meeting.

Liu Jin met Dirks in 03 when he received the Pulitzer Prize in the lobby of Columbia University Library.

However, at that time, Dirks was not yet the dean of the Faculty of Arts.

He was an anthropologist, historian, and also an outstanding literary critic and theorist.

In 2013, he will move to the University of California, Berkeley as dean and drive the development of the UC multi-campus system.

Yes, a very impressive education scholar.

He is also a very important figure in the Donkey Party...

Liu Jin was somewhat surprised that Dirks would specifically seek him out.

The two had a discussion in the principal's office, and Liu Jin vaguely sensed that he was testing his political leanings.

Fortunately, Liu Jin had kept it well hidden.

He strongly advocated the Democratic Party's policy of multi-ethnic integration, believing it would be a crucial step in propelling America to become a global superpower. Meanwhile, Dirk praised Liu Jin's literary achievements and, in a very subtle way, told Liu Jin that he hoped he would focus more on America in the future.

Columbia University worked hard to promote him, and he received some honors.

Anyway, it was just a rambling conversation, and no one really made themselves clear.

But it also revealed a little bit of meaning.

Liu Jin knew in his heart that Columbia University's invitation to him to participate in the exchange program was probably orchestrated by someone behind the scenes.

The two had a pleasant conversation, and as they were about to part, Dirks suddenly asked, "Amos, have you decided which professor you'd like to be your mentor?"

Liu Jin had actually already made up his mind before he came.

He planned to have Barbara Diefendorf as his mentor.

He was a history professor whose research focused on 16th-century French society, culture, and politics.

Her book, *Parisian Councilors in the Sixteenth Century: Hereditary Politics*, won the J. Russell Major Prize for Best Book of French History.

This is an award presented by the American Historical Association, and it is a very important award in the field of history.

But Dirks' earlier remarks hinted at his desire to break away from France.

Separation is definitely not an option...

America's political situation is, frankly, quite dangerous.

But turning against him was definitely not an option, so Liu Jin thought for a moment and said, "I hope Professor Dominick C. LaCapra will be my mentor."

"Why not choose Professor Orhan Pamuk?"

"We're just different. I'm not very interested in Asian culture."

Frit is a Turkish writer and this year's Nobel laureate in Literature. He is also a professor at Columbia University, a member of Columbia's Global Thought Committee, and an authority on Middle Eastern and Asian literature.

I just don't understand, what kind of authority on Asian culture does a Turk have?

By the way, he is of Turkic ethnicity.

For this reason alone, Liu Jin would not choose him.

Dirks nodded and said with a smile, "That's true. I've noticed that you don't seem interested in Asian history and culture."

"I like Western literature."

If it were nobady, Liu Jin could act without restraint.

But now, he's considered a celebrity.

We are also particularly wary of certain forces.

Dirks wrote down the judgment of 'convert to Western civilization' in his notebook, then stood up and shook hands with Liu Jin with a smile.

"Amos, I hope you have a wonderful academic year at Columbia University, and I wish you continued success in creating more outstanding works."

"I'll try!"

After seeing Liu Jin off, Dirks sat down at his desk, picked up the phone, and dialed a number.

"He's not a dangerous person, but he's very smart."

He was able to discern my intentions through our conversation and steer the conversation towards topics that interested me. He didn't have any particularly obvious political leanings, and even expressed some discontent in his speech; he was a convert to Western civilization.

I don't think there's any danger, and we can guide and engage with them further.

There's really no need to make him go back to be a spokesperson. In my opinion, apart from his parents, he doesn't have many ties to China.

China hopes to make him a symbol of China overseas.

We can also use him to influence those in China who yearn for democracy and freedom. The brighter the Chinese flag shines on his side, the greater his influence on those who yearn for it… I believe he is one of those people who can be won over.”

converts to Western civilization?
This label is very important!

This is also a label that Liu Jin deliberately put on himself in order to protect himself.

There was a moment of silence on the phone.

A moment later, a hoarse voice said, "Then continue to observe him, increase our guidance and influence on him, and make him one of us."

"I'll try!"

Dirks hung up the phone and then let out a long sigh of relief.

……

At the same time, Liu Jin also breathed a sigh of relief.

He really had to be careful in America's social circle.

Dirks was very different from the European scholars or educators he had previously encountered.

Of course, a major reason was that he deliberately avoided the so-called "ecosystem" of Europe while in France. If he had studied in Paris, he would inevitably have been exposed to many political elements. In Toulouse, however, the influence in this regard was much less.

Whether it's Michelle Ranke, or the likes of Pi, Joann, and Russell from ESC TOULOUSE, they are all purely scholarly professors. But at Columbia, one can only imagine the intense political atmosphere one inevitably encounters.

This is true for all Ivy League schools.

There's no such thing as an ivory tower or a pure land!

Anyway, Liu Jin didn't believe it.

After all, if universities like Wuda, Chuanda, Wudaokou Technical School, and Yuanmingyuan Technical School could openly engage in all sorts of shady dealings, how much more so America, this big melting pot?

So be careful!

He wrote Dominic Lacapra's name on the application form and did not apply for boarding school.

LaCapra is a professor in the Department of Comparative Literature at Columbia University and the Bryce and Edith M. Boumar Professor of Humanities Studies at Cornell University. In literature, he studies Durkheim, Sartre, and Flaubert, and is also a leading authority in the history of European thought. He has made significant contributions to contemporary theoretical discourse and post-structuralist theory.

Most importantly, he was also a close friend of Professor Michel Ranke.

Before Liu came to America, Michelle had recommended two people: Lacapra and Barbara.

Of course, Professor Michelle and Barbara's friendship was public knowledge.

Lacapra, on the other hand, is considered a private matter.

This shows that America has indeed gathered a large number of scholars with great influence in academia.

Columbia College of Arts and Letters alone boasts a distinguished faculty including Tori Higgins, Richard Peña, and Lionel Trilling, covering a wide range of disciplines from psychology to history, philosophy to anthropology and literature.

While filling out the form, Liu Jin also saw a Chinese name.

Cao Xingyuan, an American of Chinese descent, has a profound research and influence in art history.

Logically speaking, it would have been better for him to find this person as his mentor.

However, adhering to the principle of avoiding contact with Chinese people as much as possible after going abroad, Liu Jin still did not choose this person.

The main problem is that we don't know the situation!

God knows what kind of person this is.

Just look at his photos, that typical sixteen-tooth smile, an extremely strong America-esque smile...

Anyway, keep your distance.

What kind of caliber are these prominent Chinese figures teaching in Western academia? Those in the know understand!

……

After submitting the application form, just wait for a reply via email.

If Professor Lacapra agrees to be his advisor, the administration office will send an email to Liu Jin's inbox.

Of course, if he disagrees, Liu Jin can continue to apply for other mentors.

Back at his residence, Liu Jin turned on his computer.

The school administration has sent a reply letter, in which Professor Lacapra agrees to accept Liu Jin.

At the same time, the professor also sent him a warm email outlining his study and research plan for the coming academic year and welcoming Liu to Columbia University.

Liu Jin breathed a sigh of relief.

He replied to Professor Lacapra's email, arranging a meeting for the next day.

Then, sitting in front of the computer, I pondered for a long time and found an email address that I hadn't used in a long time in my email address book.

Dear Mr. Blumenthal…

Liu Jin felt it was necessary for him to have a conversation with Blumenthal.

After all, this is America.

The only person he could rely on was Blumenthal.

A few days ago, in July of this year, Blumenthal returned to Shanghai for the seventh time, visited the Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum, and delivered a passionate speech. In his speech, he also mentioned Liu Jin and the film "Life Is Beautiful," which was released last year.

Han Shanping said that with this movie, Ren's future career will surely be smooth sailing.

He should be back in America by now, most likely resting at his estate.

But don't actually think he's taking a break.

This old gentleman may not be as shrewd and cunning as Mr. Kissinger, but he is equally formidable.

He may not be well-known within America's ecosystem, but he definitely wields enormous influence!

His assets remain a mystery...

……

In the evening, Eva Green returned.

She looked a little tired.

However, Liu Jin had already prepared dinner, so there was no need to order those cold, impersonal takeout meals.

Eva was very happy.

What could be more delightful than coming home to a delicious dinner after a busy day?

The two of them were feeding each other affectionately at the dining table.

Just as their emotions were reaching their peak, Liu Jin's phone suddenly rang.

He was using a newly bought phone and phone number. After glancing at the number, he gestured that he was going to answer the call. Eva didn't stop him and walked away with a smile.

Liu Jin then took the phone and went into the living room.

"Mr. Blumenthal."

"Amos, are you settling in well at Columbia?"

"Haha, today is just for registration, I'll visit my supervisor tomorrow."

I think it's just a habit.

"You'll get used to it. Focus on your studies and writing. Don't worry about or care about anything else."

"I understand!"

Do you have any plans for Christmas?

"Not yet!"

"Ha, then I'd like to invite you to my estate... By the way, those two cars you stayed at the Waldorf Hotel last time are still there. I don't drive them much, so since you're here, you can take them away, saving me the trouble of getting them serviced."

"Just contact Avel, I'll have him call you in a bit."

Avel was the housekeeper when Liu Jin stayed at the Waldorf Residences in 03.

Um, there are two cars.

One Ford, one Chevrolet.

If Blumenthal hadn't mentioned it, Liu Jin would have almost forgotten.

But Liu Jin didn't stand on ceremony and agreed without hesitation.

The two chatted for a while longer before Blumenthal hung up the phone.

About half an hour later, Avel called and told Liu Jin that he could come and pick up the car at any time.

Liu Jin felt much more relaxed after leaving the living room.

Since Blumenthal said there was no need to worry, it means the problem wasn't serious.

This old gentleman was a true evergreen in America's ecosystem, remaining lively and energetic until Liu Jin's rebirth.

He's 100 years old!
His son, Richard Blumenthal, is also part of the ecosystem.

He currently serves as the Attorney General of Connecticut.

Donkey Party member!

Wait a minute, Dirks is also a member of the Donkey Party...

Liu Jin suddenly relaxed.

Not all Donkey Party members are the same. For example, Blumenthal is also a Donkey Party member, but he belongs to Jimmy Carter's faction. He believes in a balanced ideology, and while maintaining the Donkey Party's principles, he is also influenced by some Elephant Party ideas... Jimmy Carter is known as a 'Southern Donkey Party member influenced by Southern conservative values'.

Blumenthal, as a close friend of Jimmy Carter and also the Treasurer during Carter's tenure, theoretically shared similar views with Carter.

The future "donkey party" will be more like an extreme group of "donkey parties" who are hijacked by extreme YouTube.

Therefore, his trip to America shouldn't cause too much trouble.

"Eva, what are you doing?"

"Wipe the table!"

"Let's go for a walk."

"it is good!"

Eva happily agreed, and she and Liu Jin led the two large animals out the door.

By this time, it was already dark.

They walked down the street, looking quite pleased with themselves.

At the intersection, Liu Jin flagged down a taxi and paid an extra $100 to get the two big men into the car.

Waldorf Astoria Residences!

He said to the driver.

Why go to the Waldorf?

"Michael just called and said that the car I drove in 03 is still in the apartment garage and he wants me to drive it away."

"You were in America in 03?"

“You forgot, I won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction here that year.”

The driver was a middle-aged man.

He wore black-rimmed glasses and looked refined and cultured.

"You won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction? In 03?"

"Yes!"

“Amos, I remember now, you are Mr. Amos.”

The driver became a little excited.

“I like your work, and my children like your work, especially your novel Nemo.”

He began to talk on and on.

His name is George J. Anthony, and he is a teacher at an elementary school in Brooklyn.

"A teacher driving a taxi?"

"There's no other way. I have four children, and I simply can't afford to support them on my teacher's salary."

My wife is a white-collar worker and also works part-time at night. My wife and I have to work four jobs to maintain our financial health.

However, my eldest son will graduate from university next year, which will reduce the pressure considerably.

He talked about his family, while Liu Jin listened attentively.

After arriving at the Waldorf Hotel Apartments, Liu Jin and Eva got out of the car with the two adults, and gave them an extra fifty dollars as a tip before leaving.

"Mr. Amos, could you please sign your name for me?"

"of course can!"

George hurriedly pulled out a thick book and handed it to Liu Jin.

Les Misérables, or the French version?
"Haha, my wife is French."

After thinking for a moment, Liu Jin wrote a signature on the title page in a flamboyant style, and then stayed in the hospital to enjoy a happy life with his wife.

George was overjoyed and even forfeited the fifty-dollar tip, happily driving away.

"Are you very proud?"

"Ok?"

"In America, someone actually gave up a $50 tip for your autograph."

"Haha, if you put it that way, you do seem a bit smug."

Liu Jin couldn't help laughing.

He then called Avel, who came out of the apartment a moment later, led the two into the parking lot, pointed to a limited edition Ford Cobra sports car and a Chevrolet Tahoe, and said with a smile, "Mr. Blumenthal has always asked me to keep these two cars in good condition, and although three years have passed, their performance has not diminished in the slightest."

"Thank you!"

Liu Jin took the car keys and tossed the Cobra sports car keys to Eva.

Eva took the keys and said with a smile, "You wasted your money on that car you bought the day before yesterday!"

"Not really, this is a limited edition."

The Cobra in front of us is a fourth-generation limited edition.

It was already off the market in 04, and now it's extremely difficult to find one.

Eva excitedly ran over and opened the car door.

Liu Jin then got into the Tahoe and brought the two big guys into the car.

After saying goodbye to Avel, the two cars drove out of the hotel apartment's underground parking lot one after the other and roared onto Fifth Avenue.

Instead of heading home, he and Eva drove around Manhattan one after the other before returning to Parry Street.

However, the parking lot on Parry Street was already full.

Eva thought about it and decided to park the Suburban and Tahoe in a nearby parking garage and buy a year's worth of parking spaces.

Anyway, it's not far from Parri Street. Just turn left and walk a few hundred meters to reach the Joe Dimaggio parking building. From the parking lot of this building, cross the highway to reach the riverside pier, which is very convenient.

After all, it's Nishimura, so the facilities and security are good.

If it were located in Brooklyn, it probably wouldn't be as convenient.

After parking the two large vehicles, the two returned home, and it was already ten o'clock.

After thinking for a moment, Liu Jin sent an email to Mela.

The adaptation rights to "Amos I Am Legend" were released to Monica for four million dollars as an investment.

However, any script adaptation must be reviewed by Liu Jin.

Monica is a nice person.

She never mentioned the story again after that five-day sea voyage.

She may not mention it, but Liu Jin cannot forget it.

Otherwise, if you turn your back on someone after you've done your bidding, you can't be considered a hero.

As for which film company she will ultimately choose?
Liu Jin estimated that Warner was in some danger.

After all, I had spoken with Robinsky, and Warner Bros. had encountered some financial difficulties in the past two years.

This year, they first bought the adaptation rights to The Hangover, and then the Da Vinci Code, spending nearly 20 million. Last year, they invested 230 million to film Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, which was released in June and has so far grossed 11.6 billion worldwide. Although it is still showing in North American theaters, there are very few screens left.

It is estimated that the film will be pulled from theaters before Christmas, with box office revenue estimated at around $12 billion.

But the problem is...

They suffered significant losses in the previous two years.

So, with the Da Vinci Code, The Hangover, and Inception, which they were aiming to acquire with all their might, the budget was naturally a bit tight.

Therefore, this "I Am Legend" project, originally invested in by Time Warner, will most likely end up with another studio.

As for which one?

Liu Jin wasn't quite sure either!

Anyway, he knew that in the next three years, Warner Bros. would have six projects based on his alone, including The Hangover, Pirates of the Caribbean 3, The Da Vinci Code, Inception, Barcelona, ​​and V for Vendetta. It would be very difficult for them to take on any other projects.

In addition, "Chicago," which uses diffused light as its main control, will also begin filming next year.

Starring Cameron Diaz, another major shareholder of Scatterlight.

She had her eye on this story last year, but hadn't been able to find the time. She doesn't plan to delay any longer next year.

Anyway, next year will be very lively.

If we add "I Am Legend" to that list...

Liu Jin even felt that next year might become the year of Amos.

Most importantly, there will be a battle for the top sales spot with J.K. Rowling next year. Thinking about it, it's going to be quite exciting.

He glanced at "Angel Game," which had just begun, and suddenly felt a strange pressure!

……

One-third of October has already passed.

But the Angel Game has only just begun.

I've become lax, really lax!

I never expected that after being reborn, I, Liu, would still fall into the same old problem as in my previous life: procrastination.

We can no longer afford to slack off.

Starting tomorrow, I'll start writing!
Liu Jin secretly made up his mind.

Next year will also be a busy year.

Especially the showdown with J.K. Rowling in July. Liu Jin said he didn't care, but how could he really not care?
He needs to come up with a book that can rival Harry Potter.

Cat warrior?
That's a children's novel; it's not suitable for comparison.

But he really couldn't think of any work that could rival Harry Potter.

In fact, as the internet has become more widespread, it has impacted not only the publishing industry in China, but also in Europe and America.

After 08, book publishing in Europe and America experienced a downturn.

Aside from a few exceptions, there are very few works that have achieved the phenomenal sales figures of Harry Potter or A Song of Ice and Fire.

It seems there's also a Divergent game?
Liu Jin thought about it and decided to put it aside for now.

He turned on his computer, wanting to find some fun computer games to relax.

But as he searched, his eyes suddenly lit up!
……

(End of this chapter)