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

Chapter 439: An invitation from the BBC? A whirlpool in British politics!

Television was just being invented in the 1925s, and it can be traced back to when British inventor John Logie Baird demonstrated a machine that could transmit images via radio at the Royal Academy in London.

But it took another 20 to 30 years for televisions to become truly popular.

Nowadays, the most popular media product for ordinary people on the market, apart from newspapers and magazines, is radio.

In 1930, the British Broadcasting Corporation, abbreviated as BBC, had already obtained the monopoly of British radio stations, and became a radio program listened to by almost every British household.

At that time, the radio signal coverage in the UK was far superior to that of other countries, covering almost most parts of the UK, including cities and rural areas.

"Westminster Week is actually called Parliament Week, which was essentially set up by the Labour Party to increase its publicity efforts after its general election victory.

This is a program with a very strong political background. Every Wednesday morning, a brief political report is given to the national audience. Of course, that was the beginning. Now it has basically become a weekly political talk show. Many congressmen and political reporters will participate, and many celebrities will be invited to be interviewed.

The main content is to analyze and discuss the political events, discussions, and dynamics that occurred in the UK during the week. It is now the most authoritative platform for British domestic politics.”

After hearing Shi Zhaoji's introduction, Bao Guowei couldn't help but sigh at the gap between China and the UK. You know, Shanghai can't even cover the entire city with radio signals, let alone other places. Under the rule of the National Government, many places are even still in the feudal period.

The UK has achieved full coverage of radio signals.

Just by sighing, Bao Guowei caught the details in Shi Zhaoji's words, and he said with a frown.

“You mean the Labour Party wanted me on this show?”

"That's right." Shi Zhaoji nodded. "You should know that with the political turmoil in London these days, the Labour Party probably wants to use your influence to reduce obstacles to policy implementation."

Shi Zhaoji spread out his hands helplessly.

"The British Foreign Office has contacted me countless times because of this matter."

Bao Guowei thought about it and immediately grasped the key point, and was suddenly speechless.

"Are they forcing me to take sides? But I'm just a Chinese."

"But your political influence even exceeds that of some British MPs."

Shi Zhaoji shrugged, a very Western gesture.

He was not exaggerating. Bao Guowei's influence is multifaceted. On the one hand, his various works have become very popular in the UK, and on the other hand, he has put forward unprecedented economic theories.

Because of the love for his excellent work and the fact that his economic theory was indeed meaningful, most British people regarded Bao Guowei as their "economic savior".

The Labour Party wants to implement their economic recovery plan based on Bao's economics, and pushing out Bao Guowei, the "instigator", is naturally the best choice.

However, when the British considered this, they did not take Bao Guowei's interests into consideration.

Because for Bao Guowei, getting involved in British politics is not a good thing.

Especially after the conversation with Churchill, everything became more sensitive.

"So, sir, what do you mean?"

Bao Guowei pondered for a while and looked at Shi Zhaoji's expression, trying to find the answer from him.

Shi Zhaoji immediately looked worried, obviously having suffered a lot of difficulties. He sighed and said.

"Bingwen, I am also forced by the situation. You should know our difficulties."

Seeing that Shi Zhaoji's answer was ambiguous, Bao Guowei immediately guessed the difficulty he was talking about.

After 1927, China did achieve some results in diplomacy, such as abolishing some unequal clauses, regaining tariff autonomy and other rights.

For example, in 1930, Weihaiwei, which was occupied by the British, was recovered.

Admittedly, the withdrawal was possible due to pressure from international public opinion, but it still improved China's diplomatic status to some extent. Otherwise, Shi Zhaoji would not have had the opportunity to take Bao Guowei to various high-end places in the UK.

But this could not change the fact that China was still a weak country at the time. Especially in diplomatic occasions, the opinions and demands of the embassy were often ignored.

By referring to the diplomacy of small and medium-sized weak countries in later generations, we can understand the situation of China at that time.

Therefore, Bao Guowei could foresee the pressure the embassy would be under this time.

The British side strongly requested Bao Guowei to participate in this radio program. On the surface, there was no malicious intent, so it was difficult to refuse.

Especially in London.

Bao Guowei let out a breath. He had anticipated what would happen when he returned to London, so he wasn't very surprised.

But then I heard Shi Zhaoji say with gritted teeth.

"Bingwen, if you don't want to get involved in this mess, then don't go. At most, I can take the pressure for you! The embassy has been cowardly for so long, it's time to be tough. I, Shi Zhaoji, will protect you even if I have to quit my job as the ambassador to the UK."

Shi Zhaoji was not a man who showed off his talents. Even in his many years of diplomatic career, his working principle was basically to remain calm.

But today is different. If it were someone else, Shi Zhaoji might compromise.

But the man standing in front of him today was a man named Bao Guowei.

After getting to know it for so many days, Shi Zhaoji has come to see it as the hope for the country's future.

Therefore, even if it meant offending the British authorities, Shi Zhaoji was willing to help out.

He seemed to have made up his mind and continued.

“Bingwen, I hurried here today because I was afraid that you didn’t understand these things and agreed to the British invitation in advance.

Just treat what I said just now as bullshit. Nothing is more important than your safety. Judging from your tone, you have not agreed yet. There is still time. I can negotiate and send you back to your country.

When the time comes, let the British people handle this mess themselves.”

Shi Zhaoji was well aware of the dangers of political struggles, but his determination to help Bao Guowei also required extremely painful considerations.

What made Bao Guowei feel emotional was that this gentleman still put himself first.

Bao Guowei naturally understood the difficulties of the embassy and the other party's suffering.

However, his trip to London this time was not in vain.

So, Bao Guowei smiled and explained, "Mr. Shi, I haven't agreed to participate in the radio program from the British side, but I came to London just to meet King George V, so I can participate in this radio program."

"Bingwen, what are you doing?"

Shi Zhaoji widened his eyes, unable to understand Bao Guowei's train of thought for a moment.

He was confused for a long time, but in the end Bao Guowei wanted to go himself. What's the logic behind this?
For a moment, Shi Zhaoji almost forgot about the crazy young writer at the royal banquet.

"Bingwen, you don't know"

Shi Zhaoji wanted to dissuade him, but Bao Guowei waved his hand.

Bao Guowei smiled and said, "Mr. Shi, I don't think this is a serious matter, it's just a radio show.

If enemies come, we will fight them with our soldiers; if water comes, we will block it with earth. Since I dare to propose specific economic policies, I must have relevant preparations.

You may have forgotten that I am always a scholar, not a politician."

"But."

"There is nothing to worry about. Mr. Shi, please trust me this time. This will also be a good thing for our country."

After finishing speaking, Bao Guowei's gaze gradually became profound.

Later, Bao Guowei met a BBC staff member who came to negotiate, and a member of parliament also visited with him.

"Dear sir, you should know that this is a great opportunity for you to become famous in Europe. The BBC is the most famous company in the UK."

The congressman named Walter was obviously an expert in sales. He spoke incessantly and looked very excited, as if Bao Guowei would be able to reach the peak of his life by participating in this radio program.

In fact, he did not mention the political significance of this program. Bao Guowei did not give any face, and smiled and said: "Honestly, your Excellency, I don't need anything else to prove my popularity in the UK, right?"

"Uh this" Walter was suddenly stuck.

The scene was very embarrassing for a while.

What Bao Guowei said was completely true, not only because his previous works had won the Prix Goncourt, but also after the hit of "The Country Teacher", anyone in the whole of Britain who has a little interest in literature would be familiar with Bao Guowei's name.

"Bag".

This word once became a hot word on the streets.

"No need to say more, sir." Bao Guowei smiled. "I will go to this show. Prince Henry and I are good friends. I am willing to give him face.

I hope you can provide specific topics and itinerary. "

Mr. Bao's strange personality left a deep impression on the BBC staff.

However, it is precisely because Bao Guowei is completely different from other Chinese people, and this neither humble nor arrogant attitude, that many people respect him even more.

For many people, a strange personality also means strong strength.

The schedule this time was very tight, with notification in the morning and preparations to start recording in the evening.

It is worth mentioning that this broadcast was in the form of live broadcast, which was rare in the BBC at the time, which was enough to show the importance that the British officials attached to this interview.

"These British guys are always making trouble, but this radio is a good thing. I want to get one when I go back so I can listen to opera while lying in bed."

Cao Yanhai came to the BBC headquarters with Bao Guowei and talked incessantly beside him.

"Let's go."

Bao Guowei, wearing a black suit and a top hat, pressed down the brim of his hat and walked into the building with an expressionless face.

"okay!"

Cao Yanhai followed quickly.

Zhang Nianyue did not come today. After returning to London these days, she has been staying alone in the study, saying that she wants to study hard and inherit Madame Curie's mantle in the future.

Bao Guowei has no hope for the possibility of this happening.

But I went with her anyway.

After entering the building, some security guards saw Cao Yanhai's ferocious look and wanted to step forward to stop him.

But when Cao Yanhai glared at him, he immediately became timid.

Several security guards whistled and looked around, as if they saw nothing.

However, the security guards were not idiots. They had already received the news that Bao Guowei would be participating in the show.

Just now I just wanted to stop his bodyguard, but seeing that he was not a good person, I gave up.

Shi Zhaoji had been waiting for Bao Guowei in the studio. When he saw Bao Guowei walk in, he immediately walked over and carefully reminded him.

"Bingwen, be careful. This host is the secretary of the British Foreign Office Minister and is said to have some MI6 background. Be careful when you speak and do not touch on sensitive politics or party disputes."

Bao Guowei knew the other party's good intentions, nodded and said, "Don't worry, sir."

The studio is not very big and looks quite dull compared to the magnificent studios of later generations.

There are several huge incandescent lamps hanging on the ceiling, which is almost the highest standard in this era, but it still cannot guarantee lighting at multiple angles.

The microphone, mixer and bulky transmitter took up almost half of the room.

There is a huge wooden table in the live broadcast area.

The host's name is Guy Francis Burgess. He is a graduate of the History Department of Cambridge University at a young age and currently works in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It can be said that he has a bright future.

In this era, anyone who can serve as a radio host is not an ordinary person.

"Mr. Bao, it's nice to meet you. I am your loyal reader."

Guy had a very good attitude and shook hands with Bao Guowei as soon as he came up.

He has golden hair, is tall and thin, and his face is very pale, but he looks extremely energetic.

"It's my pleasure."

Bao Guowei simply shook hands with the other party, and when his eyes rested on his face, a light suddenly flashed in his head.

Guy Francis Burgess!
This name is so familiar!

One of the "Cambridge Five", famous for his extraordinary intelligence at Cambridge University.

The most important thing is that this guy is a staunch "anti-fascist" and a hidden socialist.

The other party was later discovered to be a spy planted in Britain by the Red Tsarist Russia!
Thinking of this, Bao Guowei's eyes looked at the other person with much deeper eyes.

"Mr. Bao, you should know today's topic, right?"

Guy looked very capable. He took out a dozen scripts and shook them.

"I already got it."

Bao Guowei pointed to the script in his hand and said.

“This is an issue that has been raised.”

He briefly summarized the topic.

“Against the backdrop of the Great Depression, can national economic regulation solve the current situation in the UK?”

Bao Guowei spread his hands and said with Western confidence: "This is a question I have already explained."

"But most British people don't know this," Guy reminded.

Then he smiled, sat in the chair and started debugging the machine.

"Let's rehearse it first. Mr. Bao hopes this will be a successful performance!"

Meanwhile, 10 Downing Street is brightly lit tonight.

Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald was staring at a radio in a daze, and he said to the man next to him.

"Mr. Lasky, our friendly Eastern friends should be able to help us solve some of the problems at hand tonight, right?"

Harold Laski sat in the dark with a half-drunk cup of coffee.

He had a warm smile on his face and nodded.

"Mr. Prime Minister, there is no doubt about that."

There was no advance announcement of the guests for tonight's show.

In fact, the content of each "Parliamentary Week" is not announced in advance nowadays.

Because the radio programs are really limited, during this time period, apart from some songs and operas, listeners can almost only hear this one program.

Every Thursday evening, after dinner, listening to "Parliamentary Week" has almost become a must-do for most British residents.

This will become even more common after the economic depression!
Everyone hopes to hear some opportunities to save this country in tonight’s show!

However, except for some senior officials in London, no one knew that the person appearing on the show today was Bao Guowei, who has been in the limelight these days!
(End of this chapter)