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

Chapter 421 Gu Weijun? Come and receive the award with me!

It was already evening when we arrived in Paris.

As soon as I got off the train, I felt the different atmosphere of Paris.

Compared to the old, dilapidated and dirty streets of Paris in later generations, the Paris of this era was still quite cultural.

The old Ottoman-style buildings are neatly arranged, and the pedestrians' attire is more artistic than the reserved Londoners.

However, as it gradually darkened, the group had no mood to wander around, so they simply found a hotel in Paris to stay in.

The hotel is certainly not as luxurious as the Savoy Hotel in the UK, but it has three rooms and a living room. It has everything you need and is fairly clean.

To be honest, Bao Guowei did not have high requirements for accommodation and clothing. Given the service standards in the early twentieth century, no matter how luxurious the attire and service were, he would not be interested in them at all.

Bao Guowei would rather use these to exchange for a computer that can play games in the future.

As soon as I settled down, there was a knock on the door.

The voice doesn't sound like that of a hotel waiter, but I don't seem to have any acquaintances in Paris?
As soon as he opened the door, Bao Guowei saw a gentleman with a straight posture and square face.

When the other party saw Bao Guowei, he also bowed and said, "Is it Bao Bingwen?"

At first, Bao Guowei was a little wary. After all, this place was not like the Savoy Hotel, which had strict security.

But after seeing the other person's appearance and expression, Bao Guowei concluded that he was not a bad person.

"It's me." He nodded and said, "Your Excellency?"

After hearing the answer, the other party showed a happy expression, obviously he had been searching for a long time.

He extended his hand and introduced himself.

"I am Gu Weijun!"

"I didn't expect that Mr. Gu would come to visit me just after I arrived in Paris. Guo Wei is really flattered."

In the living room, Bao Guowei poured a cup of tea for Gu Weijun and spoke a little nervously.

If we had to find a few people in Paris, France that Bao Guowei really wanted to meet, Gu Weijun must be one of them.

However, Bao Guowei had not expected him to appear before.

This is mainly because, in my impression, this gentleman would not officially take up the post of Minister to France until more than a year later.

Prior to this, Gu Weijun served as Minister of Foreign Affairs of the National Government.

Even a year ago, he went to Shengjing to provide diplomatic advice to Zhang Xueliang.

At the beginning of the year, I heard that Gu Weijun was still reclaiming land in the Northeast and even set up an investment group to cooperate with Mobil to explore for oil in the Northwest, but ultimately failed.

In Nanjing, a warrant was issued for Gu Weijun because he had worked for the Beiyang government.

A few months ago, after the Fengtian warlords entered the country, the Nationalist government also cancelled the arrest warrant for Gu Weijun.

Judging from the current situation, the bald man seems to be willing to continue employing this gentleman.

After all, this gentleman's impassioned speech at the Paris Peace Conference changed China's previous foreign policy and broke the inertia of "fighting at the beginning and giving in at the end" in diplomatic work at that time.

It can be said that this was a shot in the arm for all the citizens at that time.

Unlike other weak diplomats, Gu Weijun always put national interests first, which can be said to have laid a good tone for China's diplomatic history.

It would be a lie if Bao Guowei said he was not nervous when faced with such a man with a legendary experience and a strong character.

"I got the news about you from Brother Zhizhi. He specifically asked me to take good care of your schedule in Paris. I calculated the time and you should have arrived by now.

I thought that when you arrived in Paris, I would definitely meet you properly."

Gu Weijun explained simply in a very calm tone.

When Bao Guowei heard Shi Zhaoji's name, he understood.

It is understandable that Gu Weijun had worked in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before and had some friendship with Shi Zhaoji.

Thinking back to before I came to Paris, the British Minister gave me many instructions and it seemed that he had already made preparations.

However, it seems that Gu Weijun did not have any diplomatic post when he came to Paris this time, so it was quite strange that he could find me.

Bao Guowei couldn't help but ask, "So it's Mr. Shi, but I found this hotel randomly and didn't reveal my itinerary. How did you find me?"

To be honest, Bao Guowei was a little scared when he suddenly met Gu Weijun.

After all, it is hard not to wonder if one is being targeted by some organization and their itinerary is being closely monitored.

You know, when they were at the London train station, the royal side had already withdrawn their surveillance.

No matter how powerful London is, it cannot extend its tentacles to Paris.

Gu Weijun smiled, holding a civilized walking stick in his hand, leaning on the ground and explaining.

“This is not a difficult thing. Bingwen must be here for the Goncourt Prize, so he will definitely find a hotel near Restaurant Drouant.

There are only a few good hotels here, and few Chinese people stay there.

I followed the direction from the train station and asked along the way, and it didn't take me long to find out."

He paused and continued in a calm tone.

"As for the hotel waiter, you only need a small tip and he can help you get the information of any customer."

Bao Guowei was stunned and almost saw the shadow of a British Baker Street gentleman in Gu Weijun.

But think about it, Gu Weijun has been dealing with foreigners abroad for many years, and was able to gain a favorable position for China on the international stage with a weak position.

Obviously he has the wisdom and courage to match it.

Maybe a little familiarity with Paris?

After thinking about it carefully, Bao Guowei tasted something different from the other party's words.

Obviously, Gu Weijun specifically mentioned this matter not only to show off his own reasoning, but more likely to remind Bao Guowei.

Sure enough, after saying all this, Gu Weijun sighed and said, "Bingwen, I admire your character and talent, and your book The Old Man and the Sea is my bedside reading.

However, Chinese people in Europe should not be as reckless as they are in China. They should be more careful in everything when in a foreign country."

Bao Guowei nodded and said gratefully.

"Thank you sir for the reminder."

Gu Weijun's meaning was very clear. He was able to find out Bao Guowei's exact itinerary and place of residence through some traces, analysis and reasoning.

If there were other people who wanted to harm Bao Guowei, it would obviously not be difficult to do so.

It seems that Mr. Gu Weijun must have heard a lot of news from London.

However, in the subsequent discussion, Gu Weijun did not talk much about Bao Guowei's itinerary in London.

Bao Guowei didn't bring it up, and he didn't ask either.

The two mostly talked about literature and international politics.

Compared with his interactions with Shi Zhaoji, Bao Guowei could feel a noticeable difference in Gu Weijun.

"Mr. Gu knows Paris well. I have a question that I hope you can answer." Bao Guowei had a question in his mind. When he saw Gu Weijun, he couldn't help asking. "I was notified that the Goncourt Prize was held in Nancy. I wonder why it was held in Paris this time?"

The Goncourt Prize, one of the most famous literary awards in Paris, is not only awarded in Paris, but different awards have different locations.

However, most of them are held in Paris, Nancy and Strasbourg.

Bao Guowei originally received a notice to go to Nancy, but after arriving in London, he received news from the Goncourt Institute asking him to come to Paris to collect it.

With all these changes, Bao Guowei couldn't help but feel uneasy. Is the Goncourt Prize reliable?
Although he had the knowledge of later generations, Bao Guowei still had some doubts.

Gu Weijun saw Bao Guowei's worry, smiled and shook his head.

"Bingwen, don't worry. Logically, the award should be presented in Nancy, France. The change to Paris is also the official news of the Goncourt Institute. I have quite a few connections here, so don't worry."

After thinking for a while, he said again.

"I think it has something to do with the controversy surrounding the previous award selection." "Controversy?"

"Yes." Gu Weijun nodded and said, "On the one hand, the Goncourt Selection Committee seems to be interested in expanding the influence of this award. On the other hand, it is probably related to you."

"Is it related to me?"

Bao Guowei frowned, as if he had guessed something about the situation.

"Pulitzer Prize." Gu Weijun said simply and clearly. "Do you remember the huge discussion you caused among many American judges during the Pulitzer Prize selection? I think the same thing happened in France."

“It turned out to be like this”

Bao Guowei pondered, then shook his head and spread his hands and said.

"That's good too. I saved a lot of trouble in Paris. After all, Nancy is just a small city and it's very inconvenient to go there."

Hearing Bao Guowei's indifferent tone, Gu Weijun's expression became strange for the first time.

Then he cursed with a smile: "You, you! Those great academics have already fought hard for you, but you are so heartless."

Bao Guowei said honestly: "Compared to the honor and wealth brought by the award, I hope to use this influence to do something.

Mr. Gu, you should know that people like us cannot go into battle to kill the enemy, so we can only work hard in this area.

Especially after I saw and heard the plight of Chinese people in Europe."

After hearing what Bao Guowei said, Gu Weijun's expression became obviously serious.

Compared with others, Gu Weijun could certainly empathize with Bao Guowei more.

When preparing to leave, Gu Weijun couldn't help but encourage Bao Guowei.

"Bingwen, this is the first time for Chinese people to participate in the selection of the Goncourt Prize. You should have a good rest and make us Chinese proud tomorrow!"

Obviously, Gu Weijun was feeling very angry.

After many years of diplomatic career, even though he tried his best, he could only gain some sympathy from the international community for his motherland and maintain an ambiguous diplomatic situation.

Honestly, from a diplomat's perspective, he couldn't have done any better.

But so what?
Weak countries have no diplomacy.

In this era, even in the Warring States Period, if Fan Ju, who advocated "making friends with distant countries and attacking nearby ones," were alive, he would be helpless in the face of such a situation.

Weakness in diplomacy is actually a result of weakness in national strength.

This is something that cannot be fundamentally reversed by one person, one family, or one effort.

Gu Weijun has been a proud person since he was a child. He is outstanding in demeanor, eloquence and appearance. Even when he met a figure like Mr. Sun in his youth, he was able to answer confidently without being humble or arrogant.

But in diplomacy, he felt that he was losing again and again.

This is the tragedy of the times.

But in the face of adversity, Gu Weijun saw something different in the young man in front of him.

Especially gaining recognition internationally.

His works are best-sellers in the United States, and the Pulitzer Prize has Americans fighting for it!
Now, as for the Goncourt Prize, although it is called a selection, in fact, Bao Guowei's name has been widely publicized in unknown corners after three stages of selection. It is already known to everyone that Bao Guowei is the winner of this year's Goncourt Prize.

In Gu Weijun's mind, this is what truly won over foreigners in the international arena!

This is also the reason why he knew that Bao Guowei must come to see him after arriving in Paris!
After looking at the young face, Gu Weijun patted the other person's shoulder, put on his hat, and turned away.

Halfway through the walk, he was stopped by Bao Guowei's voice.

"Mr. Gu, wait a minute."

Bao Guowei trotted down the stairs and said after catching up with Gu Weijun.

"Mr. Gu, I almost forgot, I would like to invite you to go with me to the award ceremony tomorrow."

A smile appeared on his face.

"After all, I'm unfamiliar with Paris, and with Mr. Gu by my side, I'll have someone to look after me."

Gu Weijun thought about it, then nodded and said.

"As it should be, I will go with you."

The two agreed to meet at Drouon Restaurant tomorrow.

The next evening.

Bao Guowei, Zhang Nianyue and Cao Yanhai arrived at the door of the Drouon restaurant in Paris as scheduled.

There is still an hour before the award ceremony, but the place is already bustling with people.

Countless reporters from French local newspapers and foreign journalists gathered here to witness this grand event of the French literary world.

Compared with other awards, the award ceremony address of the Goncourt Prize seems much more shabby.

Not only was the venue set up in an ordinary restaurant, the prize amount was only a symbolic fifty francs.

In order to ensure the fairness of the award selection, the founder provided most of his inheritance to the ten academicians who participated in the selection.

But don't underestimate this award and this restaurant.

In fact, at this point in time, the Prix Goncourt has become one of the top literary awards in France and even in Europe.

The Drouen Restaurant has also witnessed the rise of generations of French literary masters and has become a part of French literary history.

This is an old shop founded in the 19th century. It was originally just a tobacco bar and gradually became famous because of the Goncourt Prize.

It is worth mentioning that the Renaudot Prize, also an important literary award in France, is also awarded in this restaurant.

In fact, this award was conceived by a dozen journalists in a Drouin restaurant while they were waiting for the selection of the Goncourt Prize.

However, the Prix Renaudot was awarded as early as November, so today is a special event for the Prix Goncourt.

At this moment, major French media have gathered in this restaurant, anxiously awaiting the arrival of the winner.

Including but not limited to L'Humanité and Le Figaro, all participated in this event.

As soon as I stepped into the restaurant, a man came up to me. Gu Weijun was wearing a neat suit.

"Bingwen, you are finally here. The judges are already here. Come in with me."

He seemed a little anxious.

Bao Guowei smiled apologetically and said, "Sorry, I was delayed on the way."

Then he followed Gu Weijun, Zhang Nianyue and Cao Yanhai, and walked into the meeting hall.

At this moment, an area in the center of the restaurant had been cleared and a row of tables were neatly placed there. Ten judges were already sitting on them, whispering to each other as they looked at the manuscripts in their hands.

Reporters crowded around.

The venue was not large, but it still seemed very formal.

As soon as Bao Guowei and others entered the venue, the crowd immediately became excited.

"Bag!"

Some even started chanting his name.

At this time, an old man sitting in the main seat noticed the noise. He glanced at Gu Weijun, and it was obvious that he had contact with the other party.

Looking at Bao Guowei's appearance and decoration, the organizing committee has naturally made relevant preparations to prevent someone from claiming it as an unauthorized person.

After confirming who was coming, Leon Henniker, the current president of the Académie Goncourt, immediately stood up from his chair and applauded.

"Gentlemen, let us welcome the respected Mr. Bao Guowei!"

For a moment, the venue was filled with noise and cheers.

(End of this chapter)