My era, 1979!

Chapter 177 Red Silk Sets Sail?

Kimihiko Baba's visit to Shanghai this time was also a coincidence.

Since the normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan in 1972, cultural exchanges between the two countries have been frequent.

As a representative of Japanese academic publishing, Iwanami Shoten actively responds to the government's "culture-based nation" policy and promotes the mutual translation of books between China and Japan.

His visit was actually for the purpose of collaborating with Iwanami Shoten and the Commercial Press of China to translate and publish a selection of classical Chinese literary works.

Iwanami Shoten has always adhered to the philosophy of "thinking high from a low position" (living in a down-to-earth way, but thinking high from a higher position), and tends to publish works with academic depth.

Originally, contemporary Chinese novels were not within its scope of consideration.

However, when Chen Yuan, the editor-in-chief of The Commercial Press, was talking to him, he inadvertently mentioned: "The most popular novel in China right now is 'The Unbreakable Red Silk' by a young writer. It has an epic feel and modernity, and is no less than the mainstream literary works in the world today."

Chen Yuan believes his assessment is very objective.

I really don't know what the international audience would think of "The Red Ribbon"~
But at least domestically, it received widespread praise, being compared to "Diary of a Madman," "And Quiet Flows the Don," and "A Farewell to Arms."

At this stage, no one in China has received this treatment.

Baba Kimihiko didn't take it seriously.

He is a China expert and has long been concerned with academic exchanges in East Asia. He has been learning about the state of Chinese literary works during this period through the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) and his connections at the embassy.

In short, he didn't believe that anyone could write works of higher quality than postwar Japanese literature.

Why not now?

He felt that the writers of the "introverted generation" and the new social school of mystery novelists of this period were also rubbish!
Fine, I'll give Mr. Chen some face.

afternoon.

Winter sunlight streamed through the glass windows of the office at Fudan University's Xianzhou Building.

Xu Chengjun had just finished a discussion with Wang Shuizhao about genealogical chart research when the office phone rang.

This phone call was hard-won, and it's a long story.
The caller was a colleague from the Shanghai Foreign Affairs Department, whose tone was both formal and excited: "Comrade Chengjun, I have some good news. Baba Kimihiko, the editor-in-chief of Iwanami Shoten in Japan, is currently visiting the capital and, through the cultural attaché, has expressed his wish to meet with you to discuss the publication of the Japanese version of 'The Unbreakable Red Silk.' Do you think... the timing is convenient for you?"

Xu Chengjun held the receiver.

Iwanami Shoten, a temple of academic publishing in Japan.

Fujii Shozo did mention this name before, but so soon?
Or did the editor-in-chief personally intervene?
Is there a ghost?
It's not that he's paranoid, it's that you...
His tone was calm, with just the right amount of surprise: "Iwanami Shoten? Baba Kimihiko? I've heard of it, is there a specific timeframe?"

"Mr. Baba attaches great importance to this meeting. He said he could adjust his schedule and go south as soon as possible. Comrade Chengjun, we are currently in a honeymoon period for Sino-Japanese exchanges. We sincerely hope that you can attend this meeting and represent our country's literature on the world stage."

Yes, during this period, we gradually began to exchange ideas with foreign countries.

From top to bottom, from the government to ordinary people, there is an urgent desire for Chinese symbols to go abroad.

In fact, Chinese people are very capable, talented, and hardworking.

But sometimes they lack self-confidence.

You'll always find that when we're in a field, as long as someone breaks through the barriers, that field will be dominated by the Chinese.

Rare earth elements are like this, and so is shipbuilding.
The Chinese national football team is not included in this list.

"In that case, I would certainly welcome it. As for the specific timing, I would appreciate it if the comrades in the foreign affairs department could help coordinate and arrange it."

Xu Chengjun answered calmly, without appearing hasty, and with full respect.

If you can help, then help.

Foreign exchange helps the country make a profit!
During this period, Xu Chengjun did not take the matter seriously and continued to do what he was supposed to do.

However, the atmosphere around me gradually changed as this news spread.

The school leaders began to show concern for him for no apparent reason. Principal Li even personally visited Xu Chengjun and, in his office piled high with documents, brewed him a cup of Huangshan Maofeng tea. His tone was gentle but could not hide his seriousness: "Chengjun, this matter concerning the Iwanami Shoten in Japan is of great significance!"
This is not just a personal honor for you, but also a signal that Fudan University's humanities are recovering and reaching out to the world. The university will fully support you, and the Office of International Affairs will provide full cooperation. Please feel free to let us know if you need anything.

Xu Chengjun: "."

Good guy!
Are you under pressure?

Not only among the leadership, but also throughout the Fudan University campus, rumors, seemingly from nowhere, began to spread quietly like willow catkins in early spring.

"Have you heard? Xu Chengjun's 'Red Silk' is going to be translated and published by Japan's largest publishing house!"

"Iwanami Shoten! That's Japan's 'Commercial Press,' the one that published the complete works of Lu Xun!"

"Really? Our books can actually be sold?"

The news first spread within small circles such as the Chinese Department and the Foreign Languages ​​Department, and then quickly spread throughout the entire campus.

For a time, whether during class breaks, while queuing for food in the cafeteria, or after the library closed in the evening, students would gather in twos and threes, and the topic always revolved around this matter.

After the initial shock and doubt, an irrepressible sense of excitement and pride quietly welled up within me.

For many people.

This is a cultural icebreaker journey.

For the past few decades, with the country's doors closed, people have become accustomed to "borrowing" and have been eagerly reading translated Soviet Russian literature and European and American classics, subconsciously believing that the moon outside is always brighter.

Now, the shock of suddenly hearing that a classmate's work is going to be selected by Iwanami Shoten, a publisher known for its high standards and extensive collection of classical Chinese texts, is immense.

Even if it's from Japan.

Of course, this student also seems a bit unusual.
With so much Western literature entering our country, can our literature also go global?
Many people feel a sense of unreality, a mixture of belief and doubt, but more than anything, they feel a sense of triumph and anticipation.

On the bulletin board, someone posted a famous quote from "Red Silk" in black ink on red paper, with the words "Witnessing history, Chinese literature goes global" written in chalk next to it!

The threshold of the Langchao Literary Society's office was almost worn down by the constant stream of students coming to inquire about news and pre-order the possible Japanese version. Acting vice presidents Xu Demin and Lin Yimin were so busy that they barely had time to breathe, but their faces were beaming with pride.

"Hey! It's not confirmed yet! Don't spread rumors!"

"Oh, no, that's not true. The president told me not to say that!"

Even when Su Manshu was looking up data in the economics department's archives, familiar classmates would come over and whisper, "Manshu, is your Xu Chengjun about to become an international celebrity?"

This atmosphere reached a small climax shortly after New Year's Day with the arrival of a special visitor.

The visitor was Han Zhong, a middle-aged man with glasses and a refined demeanor, a senior reporter from the Arts and Literature Department of Wenhui Daily.

At this time, Wenhui Daily had a huge influence in intellectual and literary circles, and was known for its relatively broad vision and keen capture of cultural trends.

After Mr. Shen gave instructions to Wenhui Daily.

Their attitude toward Xu Chengjun suddenly changed.

There was nowhere for Xu Chengjun to seek revenge.
The reporter, Han, had clearly done his homework. He didn't go directly to bother Xu Chengjun. Instead, he first found a professor in the Chinese Department to learn about the situation, then talked with student union cadres and members of the Wave Literature Society. Finally, through the arrangement of the school's publicity department, he conducted a formal interview with Xu Chengjun in that familiar office in Xianzhou Building.

Zhang Peiheng: You're quite the smooth talker, reporter. What's this guy's status in the Chinese Department at Fudan University?
So what if these people say bad things about him?
A few days later, Xu Chengjun met Baba Kimihiko in the meeting room of a foreign-related hotel in Shanghai.

The editor-in-chief was about fifty years old, wearing gold-rimmed glasses and a well-fitting suit. His demeanor exuded the rigor and politeness characteristic of Japanese scholars.

But the scrutinizing glint in his eyes was hard to completely conceal.

"Mr. Xu Chengjun, I have long admired your name!"

Speaking in slightly accented Chinese, Baba Kimihiko stepped forward to shake hands with a firm but gentle touch, saying, “Reading ‘Red Silk’ in Qingming magazine was truly breathtaking. Especially the second half, which elevates the trauma of war and the entanglement of individual fates to a philosophical level. The narrative technique is also a fusion of East and West, which is amazing. Iwanami Shoten has always been committed to introducing outstanding ideas and culture from around the world to Japan. We believe that ‘Red Silk’ is exactly what Japanese readers need to know—a ‘new voice’ from contemporary China.”

Xu Chengjun smiled slightly and invited him to sit down: "Mr. Baba, you flatter me. 'Red Silk' is just an experiment for me, and it is my honor to have gained the favor of Iwanami Shoten. May I ask what specific plans your company has for the publication?"

Kimihiko Baba took out a preliminary plan from his briefcase and presented it in a clear and organized manner. From the royalty rate and the first print run to the publicity and promotion, it all showed the standard and sincerity of a major publishing house.

It shows sincerity, at least to the Chinese people of this era.

Earn foreign exchange!
What is the concept of foreign exchange in this era?
However, during the conversation, he occasionally revealed a subtle scrutiny based on Japan's leading position in literature, as if the publication of "Red Silk" was more of a "discovery" and "introduction" perspective.

The meeting was friendly, but Xu Chengjun could sense that while the other party acknowledged the value of the work, they were not entirely adamant.
However, it is still regarded as an "excellent work" by a "promising young Chinese writer," rather than a masterpiece that is enough to shake up a certain pattern.

In a more significant sense, it was simply a friendly discussion.

We talked for an afternoon; both of us came from large circles.

The consultations on key issues have been delayed for a long time.

Baba's attitude was more like completing a prescribed task.

What surprised Baba was...

Xu Chengjun was one of them.

At that moment, the office phone rang suddenly. The accompanying staff member from the foreign affairs department answered it, carefully checked the details, and handed the receiver to Xu Chengjun: "Comrade Chengjun, this is an international call from Tokyo, Japan. The caller claims to be Professor Noboru Maruyama."

The staff member from the foreign affairs department, a section chief, secretly patted Xu Chengjun's hand.

Xu Chengjun understood immediately, a knowing glint in his eyes. He gave Baba Kimihiko an apologetic gesture and took the phone.

"Moshi moshi? Is this Xu Chengjun? I am Maruyama Noboru!"

A gentle yet slightly anxious elderly man's voice came from the other end of the phone, speaking in Japanese, with what appeared to be a translator providing simultaneous interpretation.

"Professor Maruyama, hello, I am Xu Chengjun."

Xu Chengjun responded in Japanese, which, though not fluent, was sufficient for communication.

"Mr. Xu! Excuse me for disturbing you! I heard that Mr. Baba of Iwanami Shoten is discussing the publication of 'Red Silk' with you?" Maruyama Noboru's voice carried a hint of excitement.

"Yes, Editor-in-Chief Baba is right next to me right now."

"That's wonderful! Mr. Xu, I must tell you that my student, Fujii Shozo, the kid who's completely captivated by your 'Red Silk,' has been working almost non-stop for the past few months and has already completed the first draft of the translation of most of the chapters of 'Red Silk'! I've reviewed part of it, and although it's still a bit raw, it has captured the 'soul' of your writing! I just called the editorial department of Iwanami Shoten and learned that Mr. Baba has already arrived in China. Mr. Xu, Fujii's translation is of great reference value. Please be sure to recommend it to Mr. Baba, and we can consider revising and perfecting it based on Fujii's translation for publication! This novel is fully qualified to be included in the 'Iwanami Bunko'!"

Maruyama Noboru spoke in rapid succession, and even Baba Kimihiko, who was standing next to him, could vaguely hear a few keywords through the receiver: "Fujii Shozo", "translation", and "Iwanami Bunko".

His composure was instantly replaced by shock, and his body involuntarily leaned forward slightly. Maruyama Sei's status in the industry was higher than his.

According to Japanese custom, this is a senior.

One level suppresses the next.

Xu Chengjun put down the phone, looked at Baba Kimihiko, and said in a calm but undeniably authoritative tone: "Mr. Baba is Professor Maruyama Noboru of the University of Tokyo. He told me that his student, Fujii Shozo, a young scholar of Chinese literature, had already begun translating 'Red Silk' during its serialization and has now completed most of the first draft. Professor Maruyama believes the translation is of good quality and strongly recommends that 'Red Silk' be included in the 'Iwanami Bunko' series."

"Teacher Maruyama? Shozo Fujii?"

Baba Kimihiko was stunned.

He adjusted his glasses, his face filled with disbelief. "Mr. Xu, you mean... before we even had our discussions about formal publication, your work had already garnered such attention within Japanese academic circles, and there had even been a complete translation attempt? And... it was Professor Maruyama who personally recommended it?"

"It was just an accident, not my original intention."

Regardless of what Xu Chengjun says.

The shock that Baba Kimihiko felt was beyond words.

He originally thought of himself as a "discoverer," someone who would examine and select works with the authoritative eye of the Japanese publishing industry.

Unexpectedly, the other party had already stirred up ripples in the most elite Sinological circles in Japan, with even the highly respected Maruyama Noboru personally stepping in to support his student's translation.

This has completely gone beyond the logic of conventional commercial publishing.

"Can this still happen?"

Aren't you a new Chinese guy? What's going on?

Baba Kimihiko subconsciously muttered something in Japanese, then realized his lapse and quickly straightened up, saying, "Mr. Xu, this...this is truly unexpected good news! I wonder if I could contact Mr. Fujii Shozo immediately and read his translation?"

Xu Chengjun nodded: "Fujii-kun is studying at Fudan University. I can arrange for you to meet."

After the horse farm left.

Zhang Xueming, the director of the foreign affairs department, said, "We heard this call was to talk about 'The Red Silk,' we've been holding back for ages, just waiting for this crucial moment to use it!"

Xu Chengjun smiled.

"Our colleagues in the foreign affairs department have also worked very hard~"

"Having the opportunity to see our excellent works exported is an achievement for me, and all the hard work is worthwhile," Zhang Xueming said solemnly.
-
Over the next few days, Kimihiko Baba's schedule was completely changed.

He postponed his plans to return to Japan and contacted Fujii Shozo overnight through the embassy and school.

In the dormitory of international students at Fudan University, he met Fujii, whose eyes were red but whose spirits were high. His desk was piled with translations and various reference materials covered with annotations.

As he perused Fujii's meticulously crafted manuscript, complete with detailed annotations of cultural background and translation strategies, Baba Kimihiko was once again awestruck.

This is more than just translation.

You're all disheveled, all for a novel like this?

Is he desperate to stand out?

Think of Maruyama Sho.

Forget it.

This is the kind of devotion one would show to academic research.

Fujii-kun has the same scholarly style as his teacher!
When he read Fujii's analytical notes on the key passages in the second half of "Red Silk," such as the symbolism of Huang Siyuan's wooden comb, Xu Jianjun's psychological trauma, and the narrative technique of interwoven time and space, he completely understood why Maruyama Noboru was so excited, and also understood the true weight of Xu Chengjun's work.

Ultimately, his mediocre Chinese was insufficient to convey his feelings or express his meaning.

Baba's understanding of contemporary world literature far surpasses that of the domestic literature at that time.

This is not only a good story, but also a literary exploration with methodological significance.

"Fujii-kun, your work... is truly remarkable!"

Kimihiko Baba sincerely praised, "This work truly deserves your and Iwanami Shoten's full effort!"

Following that, Baba Kimihiko stayed in Shanghai for several more days. He no longer limited himself to hotels catering to foreigners and university campuses, but instead took the magazine "Qingming" and visited the Xinhua Bookstore on Nanjing East Road to observe the readers' buying frenzy.

He spoke with several critics from the Shanghai Writers Association, listening to their evaluations of Xu Chengjun and "Red Silk".

He even tried to understand the influence of The Wave magazine on colleges and universities.

All of this market and cultural atmosphere research further confirmed his judgment.

He wanted to gamble.

I'm betting that this young Chinese man can do something that others can't.

Finally, before leaving China, Baba Kimihiko once again solemnly met with Xu Chengjun and Fujii Shozo.

“Mr. Xu, Mr. Fujii,” Baba Kimihiko’s attitude was even more humble and enthusiastic than when they first met. “After these past few days of in-depth understanding, on behalf of Iwanami Shoten, I have officially decided to publish the Japanese version of ‘Red Silk’. We will use Mr. Fujii’s translation as a basis and hire senior editors to work with Mr. Fujii to polish it, striving to perfectly present the spirit of the original work.”

"Furthermore, if the market performs well, we will do our best to include 'Red Ribbon' in the 'Iwanami Bunko' series!"

It's just empty promises!
What about royalties?

Baba Kimihiko frowned; he felt that Xu Chengjun had gone too far.

While acknowledging Xu Chengjun's story, it doesn't mean he's qualified to discuss royalties in front of Japan's largest bookstore.

We will proceed as normal.

Xu Chengjun waved his hand: "Mr. Bachang, to be honest, I personally have no intention of publishing this book overseas or in Japan. If the book does not receive the conditions and treatment it deserves, then this conversation can end here."

Xu Chengjun is not short of money, or rather, he is confident that he can make money in this era.

Leaving aside his book writing, he started as an associate professor after graduating and staying on at the university.

Whether it's getting a house, buying a house, buying stocks, or starting a business later on...

There will never be a shortage of money.

There's no need to be subservient to a Japanese person over something so trivial.

The fact that they were willing to discuss this earlier was a gesture of respect to the foreign affairs department.

Sino-Japanese exchanges are the mainstream, and the future entry of Japanese investment will, to some extent, drive China's economic development.

Fujii was sweating bullets, but he didn't have the right to speak directly in this situation.

Baba frowned, a hint of hesitation in his mind.

He originally intended to offer Xu Chengjun a relatively good royalty rate as a young Japanese author.

According to the Japanese Copyright Code, royalties are a total amount calculated by multiplying the price of a published book by the number of copies sold, and are paid by the publisher to the copyright holder.

The royalty rate is determined by mutual agreement based on factors such as the nature of the book, projected sales, and the author's reputation.

It is generally customary to use 10%.

The horse farm also offered this amount.

However, judging from this, it seems to fall far short of Xu Chengjun's expectations.

"Mr. Xu, this was my original plan."

“There’s no need to discuss the original arrangements.” Xu Chengjun interrupted again, his tone calm but with an undeniable determination. “My royalties in China are already top-notch. In Japan, I will not accept any ‘special treatment’ or ‘newcomer standards.’ That concludes today’s meeting. You can go back and reconsider.”

Before Baba and Fujii could recover from their shock, Xu Chengjun stood up, shook hands with Baba politely, and then turned and left without the slightest hesitation.

Xu Chengjun ignored the shocked expressions on Baba and Fujii's faces.

He stood up and extended his hand to the horse farm.

With a gentle handshake, he turned and left.

It wasn't that Xu Cheng was in military uniform; it was that he knew the more humble you were to the common folk, the less they would respect you.

The inherent weaknesses of the nation.

The advantage is mine.

As soon as Xu Chengjun returned, Lin Yimin rushed up to him: "Chengjun, how did it go!"

"What happened?"

"The Japanese version has been published!"

"They wanted to publish a Japanese translation of my book, but..."

Lin Yimin waited for a long time, but seeing that Xu Chengjun had already immersed himself in his creative state, he couldn't help but ask again.

"But what?"

"I didn't agree!"

"Damn it, are you out of your mind?! Going to sea! The first contemporary writer to go to sea! Are you crazy?!"

Xu Chengjun shrugged: "If they don't offer reasonable royalties, I'll just stop publishing."

"Depend on!!!"

Lin Yimin held his forehead, speechless for a moment.

Others would be willing to pay out of their own pockets for such an opportunity, but this guy actually complained about paying royalties!
Xu Chengjun ignored him and immersed himself in his creative world. He was genuinely busy, with more important things to do than worrying about an unequal publication.

(End of this chapter)