Reborn Bao Guowei, I really didn’t want to be a great writer!

Chapter 204 The Romantic Side of the Master of the Republic of China

Walking past the bright Western-style street lights, you can see a huge clock building when you look up. The thick hour and minute hands are spinning on the white surface.

From time to time, the thick black Roman numerals are overlooked, which is the pink time of Shanghai and Shanghai.

"Brother Bingwen, your Ford Model T doesn't look so impressive on this Yuyuan Road."

Sitting on the passenger seat, Xu Zhimo stretched out his head and looked at the dazzling array of vehicles passing by, each one better than the last.

"I can't compare to those people." Bao Guowei smiled and shook his head. The outside world didn't know how rich he was now, so he didn't want to reveal his wealth.

A few days ago, the English version of "The Godfather" was published in the United States, and the steady flow of royalties it brought almost made Bao Guowei feel that money was no longer money.

Lin Yutang helped him buy this Ford second-hand car. After coming to Shanghai, it will be more convenient to travel with a car.

"This car is good enough for transportation."

"Huh!" Xu Zhimo exhaled after hearing this and looked at Bao Guowei with some admiration.

This guy's consciousness is really different from ordinary people. Xu Zhimo himself has thought about owning a car for a long time.

But this guy Bao Guowei obviously has this strength, but he still seems to keep a low profile?
Jiang Baili commented: "This is the wealthy area of ​​Shanghai, where celebrities and foreigners gather. It is the most shining building in the west district of Shanghai. It is not surprising that there are some extravagant luxury cars."

In his words, he did not hide his disgust for the luxurious life of these powerful people.

"These people use it to show off their wealth, use it for social dancing, or use it for frivolous women. Which of these is not based on the hardship of the people at the bottom?"

Xu Zhimo's face stiffened. He proposed coming to Paramount. Jiang Baili was right, but didn't he scold all the people who came here?

He immediately explained: "We came to Paramount today not for fun. Firstly, we came to help Brother Dai relieve his depression and eliminate his fear and dependence on women. Secondly, we came to help Brother Bingwen collect materials. , the new work needs to understand the style of Shanghai’s upper class; thirdly, it must be acquainted with some figures in foreign literary circles.”

Xu Zhimo said with a smile on his face: "So tonight's trip to Paramount is not wrong and ignorant, but legitimate and purposeful."

Liang Sicheng had been silent. After thinking about it, he felt it made sense and nodded.

"This time I came, I heard that there are many foreign academic celebrities here. Maybe I can meet them."

Bao Guowei's head is full of black lines, and Xu Zhimo is truly a great poet. He even talks about coming to the dance hall to seduce prostitutes in such a dazzling way.

But this is indeed the reason why Bao Guowei came here.

After "The Godfather" and "Guns, Germs, and Steel" were published one after another, he no longer had any specific work to do.

The follow-up is just to contact the translators from various languages ​​sent by American publishers.

As for the subsequent impact of "The Godfather"? Bao Guowei has not heard any specific news.

The money has arrived in the tens of thousands, but I have never heard any celebrity comment on it.

Bao Guowei was naturally murmuring in his heart, maybe his adaptation was not good enough?
Only the popular nature of the novel "The Godfather" is left, but the literary nature is lost.

So the sales are very good, but the academic evaluation has not made waves?
Bao Guowei still attaches great importance to working in the "ideological field" in the United States. Only by making a name for himself will more and more authors join.

So he plans to add more bricks and write another work to let Americans feel the influence of "ideology".

Compared with novels, he now focuses on areas with more far-reaching influence in this era.

drama.

In an era when media such as mobile phones, television, and movies have not yet become popular, traditional stage drama is still the best way for people to understand stories.

If Bao Guowei can make a name for himself on this, he may be able to greatly expand his influence!

Jiang Baili asked curiously: "Bingwen, what kind of drama are you planning to write?"

After a moment of silence, Bao Guowei introduced.

"I wanted to use a new dramatic form. If this story had to be summed up in a few words, I hope it should be love, disaster, courage, and class differences."

"This"

Jiang Baili stared at Bao Guowei's eyes with strange eyes, and after a long time, he lowered his head and laughed at himself.

"As expected, he is a young man. He is thinking about completely different things."

Xu Zhimo also smiled and said: "Bingwen, you have to write it quickly. I'm still waiting for your masterpiece. Ever since I read those articles by you, I can't stand most of the articles in this newspaper."

Bao Guowei answered carefully.

"In my story, there are also some overseas details. I heard that there are many foreigners in Paramount. I also hope to get to know two of them and have some exchanges."

He was about to elaborate.

But I heard Dai Wangshu making a fuss and shouting.

"We're here, there's Paramount ahead."

Hearing the other party's shouts, Bao Guowei stepped on the brakes and slowly stopped on the side of the road.

Looking up, neon lights flashed.

Pink, orange, and red light bulbs emit light, reflecting the extravagant side of this era.

Bao Guowei glanced at the ancient Roman-style facade buildings, and then saw the streets full of cars parked neatly like small boxes.

There is a feeling of being separated from another world, as if I have returned to a hundred years in the future.

"Citroen, Buick, Pontiac, they are all luxury cars."

As soon as they got out of the car, several people commented on the surrounding cars and could recognize them.

Liang Sicheng couldn't help but tease Dai Wangshu.

"Brother Dai, you should learn from Bingwen and write some articles and novels. If you buy one later, you can win the favor of beautiful women."

Dai Wangshu grimaced.

"It would be great if I had Bingwen's ability. He is an all-rounder and can do everything from poetry to articles to novels."

Xu Zhimo patted the other party's shoulder, with a meaningful smile on his face, and said comfortingly.

"Don't be sad, you will definitely find a place for you here."

Several people had strange expressions on their faces.

As the most famous entertainment venue in Shanghai, it is naturally filled with high-class people.

From a business tycoon, a foreign consul or a literary master, from time to time you can catch a famous figure here.

"I was invited by Mr. Bu Fangji." After adjusting his clothes, Xu Zhimo came to the front desk and said to the male waiter wearing an exquisite bow tie.

"Bu Fangji?"

Xu Zhimo didn't panic, took out a letter from his arms, handed it to the other party and explained.

"Bu Fangji is the president of St. John's University, Bu Fangji. You should know that, right?"

The waiter glanced at the letter handed over, wondering if he understood the English on it. After taking another look at the outfits of several people, he nodded.

"Gentlemen, please come in."

After successfully entering, Xu Zhimo explained to several people: "This Paramount is an invitation-only system recently. If you are not invited by an acquaintance, you can't come in no matter how much money you have."

"Brother Zhimo knows Bu Fangji?"

Bao Guowei frowned, recalling the president of St. John's University in his mind.

As an American missionary, he had a certain influence on modern Chinese education.

However, he prevented students from getting involved in politics, and the subsequent "June 3rd Incident" also caused many students to leave St. John's University and establish what is now Guanghua University.

Historically speaking, this man is a figure of mixed reputation.

Xu Zhimo was stunned for a moment, knowing the controversy about Bu Fangji, and explained.

"Bu Fangji is a complex figure. I object to his views on the student movement, but he promotes educational activities and has achieved certain achievements. I can only say that he seeks common ground while reserving differences."

Jiang Baili said: "It makes sense. Although Bu Fangji opposed the student movement, his contribution to education is indisputable."

After dispelling their worries, Dai Wangshu and Xu Zhimo couldn't take their eyes away from their surroundings.

The two of them would glance at the cheongsam girls passing by from time to time. Most of them were wearing black stockings, high heels, and exquisite makeup.

Compared with Bao Guowei, who has seen all kinds of video stimulation in later generations, these people's tolerance is still a little worse.

Bao Guowei looked at his nose and heart with his eyes and nose, and he was very calm.

Even Jiang Baili couldn't help but sigh and said: "You still need to study Bingwen more and not be disturbed by external objects before you can concentrate on your creation!"

Bao Guowei's face remained unchanged, but he complained in his heart.

That's because, sir, you haven't experienced the baptism of island country blockbusters. If you had, you would think these are child's play.

Led by the waiter, several people walked through the splendid corridor and arrived in the hall in just a few minutes.

As soon as you walk into the hall, the bright lights blind you, followed by the melodious sound of jazz music.

The lights in the ballroom flickered. Following the music, you could see a group of suits and leather bands sitting on the left. They were all wearing white suits, holding metal symphony instruments in their hands, singing one song after another of the popular songs of the time. Popular songs.

A spacious dance floor with the light of crystal chandeliers reflected on the floor.

The music has melodious melody, creating a romantic and confusing atmosphere.

Along with the music, pairs of people dance together on the dance floor. The men wear crisp suits, and the women wear gorgeous cheongsams or evening gowns.

Sometimes he would whisper something intimately into his ear, and some of his actions seemed extremely ambiguous.

In the corner, there is a bar counter, and bartenders are busy behind the bar, making various cocktails for customers.

As an architecture major, Liang Sicheng first noticed the decoration on the wall.

He pointed at the wall and said: "There are paintings from the Renaissance and some classical sculptures on them. They should all be imitations, but there are also some treasures."

But Xu Zhimo and Dai Wangshu are completely different.

Their focus was unpretentious, just women.

The dancers in thin and close-fitting clothes hold round fans with some fashionable foreign posters painted on them. Most of them wear flower clusters on their heads, and their various cheongsams outline perfect curves.

Especially the bright red lips, paired with this luxurious crystal chandelier, look extremely dazzling.

The lanterns are lit, music is played, and singing and dancing take place.

Bao Guowei exhaled a breath and couldn't help but feel a little emotional.

Is this the Shili Foreign Market?

He, Bao Guowei, was not averse to fireworks. In fact, these sensual dogs and horses were somewhat attractive to him.

However, every time I have some desires, my mind will be occupied by some scenes that happened in Hangzhou.

Those gray scenes are like refugees fleeing from the northwest, abandoned patients, and beggars who are hungry.

It was really impossible for him to connect the images in front of him.

Noticing that Bao Guowei was absent-minded, Jiang Baili pointed not far away.

"Bingwen, come and see some interesting things with me."

Bao Guowei frowned and followed his line of sight. He saw an ordinary-looking white man.

He is short and bloated, with a big nose and a pair of thick glasses.

Facing Bao Guowei's confused gaze, Jiang Baili introduced.

"This is a British Reuters reporter stationed in Shanghai. I heard that before he came to Shanghai, his income was not high and he couldn't find a partner because of his appearance. Now that he has arrived in Shanghai, his salary has doubled. Consumption has been reduced by half, and many young women are even embracing it. The treatment of Westerners in Shanghai is exactly why those foreigners like to come. "

Bao Guowei nodded.

At this moment, a sweet-looking woman who obviously had a good family was having an intimate conversation with the other party.

Some women's admiration for foreign countries began at this time.

Afterwards, Jiang Baili began to introduce the celebrities one by one.

"A fat old man with a bloated body and a beard is the Jewish real estate tycoon Hartung. He once had the title of Far East tycoon. He founded a university and trained many students in classical culture."

"The old man who dances with a serious face and a slightly protruding chin is Bu Fangji."

Bao Guowei nodded. These foreign celebrities in Shanghai have mixed reputations in history.

But in this Paramount, without exception, the hands are not very honest.

One is nearly eighty years old and the other is nearly seventy years old.

Glancing around the field, Bao Guowei quickly noticed a very special Chinese person.

He was noticed mainly because this kid was so special.

Bao Guowei couldn't help but ask.

"The man with a beard and a bit of bald head seems to have a lot of personality, but he is also extremely skilled in ballroom dancing, especially the way he looks at his partner, it's almost like he's going crazy."

Jiang Baili was stunned for a moment, recognized it for a while, and then said.

"That person is also a famous person. His name is Zhang Daqian. He founded the Dafengtang School of Painting and has considerable attainments in Chinese painting."

Bao Guowei's jaw almost dropped.

"What did you say? Zhang Daqian?!!"

(End of this chapter)