Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 74 The American Civil Rights Movement (Please continue reading)

Liu Yimin raised his beer and clinked it against Li Congren's. Xiao Mei Hezi, who was standing next to him, hurriedly followed suit. Liu Yimin had no idea what this little devil Hezi was up to.

"I am currently mainly studying the history of the Wu Zhou Dynasty. What period of American history do you like? Compared with your Chinese history, our American history is too short. I already have a headache from studying the history of the Wu Zhou Dynasty alone."

Li Congren asked.

"I'd like to learn about Southern plantations and American society from the 1950s to the 1970s. I've seen some materials in the library that I'm very interested in, but there aren't many."

He Zi, standing next to him, also looked curious, her big eyes fixed on Li Congren.

Upon hearing this, Li Congren's expression changed slightly, followed by a look of doubt. After a while, he said, "If someone else were discussing this topic, I would think they had ulterior motives, but Liu, I'm happy to tell you that what you should want to know is the civil rights movement in American society!"

The 1960s were not a peaceful time in the United States. People of color began to fight for basic rights, Black people fought for job opportunities and participated in major strikes, and Martin Luther King Jr., the famous leader of the civil rights movement, was assassinated in 1968.

Li Congren is white, but not a racist; according to him, his Hebrew comrades saved his life.

“I am also deeply saddened by Mr. Martin’s assassination. Liu, from what you’re saying, you also know Mr. Martin?” Li Congren asked.

"I understand. I have great respect for what he has done, and I feel I should do something for his cause. You know, literature knows no borders!"

Liu Yimin made it up on the spot.

"Really? You're the first Chinese student to surprise me. If you need any help, feel free to come to me anytime! I also have a friend who's coming to China to study next year. He's studying Chinese in the US. I'll introduce you two when he arrives."

After Li Congren finished speaking, he asked another question: "Liu, if we want to learn Chinese better, what do you think we should do?"

After thinking for a moment, Liu Yimin said, "You could organize a Chinese corner, where a group of people can get together, like this tea party, and practice Chinese with each other. Don't just dance every day; you can also go out and explore, learning Chinese in a language-rich environment!"

Liu Yimin simply copied the experience of Chinese students learning English and gave it to Li Congren. Whether it worked or not was not his concern.

As the music played and beer was added to the atmosphere, the Chinese students in the venue gradually became more active, going from questioning the dancing to joining in.

"Mr. Liu, may I invite you to dance?"

"I can't jump!"

"It's okay, as long as you can twist, like this. Come on, put your hands on my waist..." Xiao Meihezi taught Liu Yimin earnestly.

However, he only danced for a short while before stopping: "He Zi, you should dance with someone else. I don't like dancing!"

Next, a group of people went to the TV room to watch TV, a privilege reserved for international students.

After the tea party ended, Liu Yimin was about to leave Shaoyuan when Li Congren caught up with him and handed him a book, entirely in English, containing exactly what Li Congren had just mentioned.

"Thank you!" Liu Yimin raised the book and made a gesture of thanks to Li Congren.

"You're welcome. I look forward to your creations. You can come to me anytime. May I come to you anytime?"

"can!"

As soon as Liu Yimin left, Li Congren proposed to the international students to set up a Chinese corner so that everyone could come together at fixed times to practice Chinese. Several international students who wanted to learn Chinese agreed.

At this time, most of those willing to come to China have an interest in Chinese culture. Almost simultaneously, Liu Zhenyun and his group walked in, laughing loudly, carrying various things.

"Weren't you going to a poetry gathering? Why did you go shopping instead?" Liu Yimin asked, puzzled.

Li Xueqin took a biscuit out of the box and put it in his mouth. Liu Zhenyun hadn't finished chewing yet, and mumbled "thank you" to Liu Yimin, which made him even more confused.

"Yimin, you really missed out by not going to the poetry gathering today! You wouldn't believe it, but I met eight beautiful female classmates there. We found out they came to see you, but since you didn't go, they asked us to bring back the gifts they wanted to give you. Handmade desserts, so thoughtful!" Chen Dashan said proudly.

“One of the girls is the prettiest, named Zhu Lin. She said she wrote you a letter!” Liu Zhenyun said.

Li Xueqin asked curiously, "Right, right, when did you get in touch? Why didn't you agree to attend the poetry gathering together?"

Zhu Lin? Liu Yimin put down his book, thought for a moment, and said to them, "You've forgotten? People's Literature published a reader's letter, which was written by Zhu Lin. I replied to her at the time!"

"Oh, I remember now. They said they were students from the National Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine. When they left, they asked us if we would be attending next week?"

"What did you say?!"

Liu Zhenyun held up the cookies in his hand, a sly look on his face: "We said you'd be participating next week!"

"And she loves desserts and cookies!"

After finishing their meal, the group clapped their hands, leaving none for Liu Yimin. Afterwards, they started inquiring about the international student tea party; despite their apparent reluctance to attend, they were all incredibly curious.

After hearing the men and women dancing together, everyone stared wide-eyed and clicked their tongues in disbelief, as if they regretted not going.

“Yimin, I must warn you, be careful when you contact these international students, or you might get investigated. I’ve heard that some of them specifically try to win over and corrupt Chinese students,” Liu Zhenyun said cautiously.

Whether there were any individuals specifically courted or not is unknown, but overly close relationships would certainly raise suspicion among those in the Overseas Students Office. However, with the reform and opening up, institutions like the Overseas Students Office were gradually abolished or merged with other departments.

In the evening, Liu Yimin was taking a walk around the Yenching University campus when several dark figures flashed through the grass and ran to the bulletin board next to the Triangle Area, hurriedly pasting something on it.

As the weather gets colder, the Triangle area gradually becomes deserted at night. Few people notice their unusual behavior, and even if they do, they not only ignore it but also wait until they leave to carefully examine the contents. If the writing is good, they will even call someone over to take a look.

Liu Yimin stood to the side, waiting with interest, when suddenly the dark figure looked at him and, after a moment, tentatively asked, "Liu Yimin?"

A familiar face? Liu Yimin walked over and found it was Zhang Pengzhi from "Today" magazine. The first issue of "Today" magazine was posted on the bulletin board.

"Is your magazine finished?"

"It's done. Take a look. Many of the poems inside are by Bei Dao. Bei Dao truly deserves to be a representative of our younger generation of poets. Mr. Ai Qing also praised him, saying he writes very well. He single-handedly carries an entire magazine. I can't do that; I've only written three poems. Here, take a copy."

Zhang Pengzhi appeared to be being modest, but was actually showing off. When he handed the mimeographed magazine to Liu Yimin, a smug look appeared on his face.

"Well written, I'll learn from you!" Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Zhang Pengzhi's smile froze, as if he had punched a cotton ball, making him extremely uncomfortable.

Zhang Peng left feeling frustrated. As soon as they left, the school security personnel tore down the newly posted "Today" bulletin board.

(End of this chapter)