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

Chapter 463 Bao Guowei and Zhou Shuren

Bao Guowei is used to facing doubts, he spoke slowly and calmly.

"Sir, I had no intention of publishing and promoting it in China. Even if I did publish it, I would have to make some deletions."

During the Republic of China period, copyright protection was not well implemented, let alone a rating system.

There is almost no censorship of some literary works.

Of course, under Chiang Kai-shek's current high pressure, the political leanings of many publications have become increasingly strict.

From Xun Ge'er's perspective, if this kind of work were published in China, it would probably affect many people.

Right now, the country needs confidence. The emergence of such "pessimistic" works is really inappropriate.

And it is set in Japanese society.

Xun Ge'er was still hesitating about how to persuade Bao Guowei not to publish this work, or to make some deletions and revisions.

He pondered for a long time before saying this. After all, Bao Guowei had hardly suffered any setbacks since he became famous.

But unexpectedly, Bao Guowei actually said directly that he did not plan to publish it in the country?

Xun Ge'er frowned, as if he understood what the other party wanted to do.

"You mean, this novel is intended to be published in Japan?"

"exactly."

Xun Ge'er once again turned his attention to novels.

"Except for the fact that the style is too dull, this is still a good work. The protagonist Yezo seems to be talking desperately, showing the fragile side of his human nature.

I can conclude that this is an extremely 'bewitching' work.

But I like the reflection on war and the analysis of aggression here.

Bingwen, you write very vividly, but you wrote this novel specifically for the Japanese. What is your intention?"

It can be said that getting Xun Ge'er's praise is the most comfortable thing for Bao Guowei. Faced with his doubts, Bao Guowei did not give a direct answer, but asked in return.

"What do you think, sir?"

Xun Ge'er's brows were tightly furrowed, and his eyebrows were as sharp as blades.

After an unknown amount of time, he sighed heavily and said.

"Will the Japanese fight us in the end?"

Bao Guowei knew that Xun Ge'er must know the content of his speech in Europe, and combined with this work, he had some associations.

He nodded and said, "In my opinion, this battle will not be too far away, and we will be in great danger."

Xun Ge'er is not an expert in this area, but he has a sense of the current situation and believes in Bao Guowei's words very much.

This guy seems unreliable, but basically everything he says comes true.

His lips moved for a while, and finally he sighed and said.

“The people have suffered enough.”

Bao Guowei said helplessly: "But the masters don't want to be quiet."

"Is there nothing we can do?"

“Start changing from the root.”

Xun Ge'er said worriedly: "This is not something that can be done overnight."

"Things change all the time, and our power is ultimately limited."

After another long silence, Xun Ge'er carefully straightened the edges of the manuscript, weighed it down with a paperweight, and then spoke very seriously.

"For sales to Japan, have the channels been opened?"

"Mr. Zhang has some acquaintances, and there are also some American businessmen willing to do it for him. It shouldn't be a difficult task."

Xun Ge nodded and said, "I also have some good friends. I will write you a letter of introduction later. It should be much easier to sell in Japan."

At that moment, Bao Guowei understood what Xun Ge'er meant.

Xun Ge'er is a very independent person. He seldom makes unnecessary explanations and does things decisively and efficiently.

Even though such a personality makes him look a little dull, Bao Guowei prefers to get along with Xun Ge'er.

Such direct and frank communication is much easier than maintaining emotions in daily life, which consumes a lot of energy.

Then, the two people exchanged views on some things in Europe.

Xun Ge'er did not react much to Bao Guowei's exaggerated deeds, but he was very interested in economics knowledge.

"I took a quick look at your article "Small Island Economics" and felt that it was the most important knowledge.

The suffering of many people stems largely from economic inequality.

As you wrote in your book, the poor get poorer and the rich get richer, and in the long run society will have problems.

The economy can distort human nature and bring disaster.

But if we can use the economy as a sword in our hands, we can benefit millions of people.”

Although Xun Ge praised it, he still sounded a little dissatisfied as he spoke.

“But there is one thing I must tell you, why were “Island Economics” and “Rural Teachers” both published in English first?
The former still has no official Chinese version!
This kind of good work should be seen by the Chinese people as soon as possible! "

Bao Guowei explained somewhat embarrassedly: "I'm too busy. I'll revise the Chinese version right after I come back this time."

Xun Ge nodded, without being too critical, and continued to ask.

"Tell me more about economics."

For Bao Guowei, Xun Ge'er is both a teacher and a friend, and the two of them have a very pleasant conversation with each other.

In particular, Brother Xun also mentioned another person.

"Mr. Ozaki has also been very active in the Shanghai Stock Exchange recently, and is currently working with Mr. Yang Liuqing to organize a 'flying rally'.
He mentioned to me that your book "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword" caused a great response in Japan, especially you, Bingwen, were praised by foreigners.

So the Japanese have always suspected that you have connections with certain Western organizations."

Speaking of this, even Xun Ge'er, who is usually serious, smiled.

"I heard from Mr. Ozaki that the Japanese conducted a crazy investigation in the country, but not only did they find nothing, they even angered the Americans. Now the relationship is tense!"

He shook his head and said, "Bingwen, Bingwen, you have stirred up the diplomatic relations between the two countries without being noticed. I now understand what you mean by the power of words."

Bao Guowei smiled awkwardly and spoke frankly.

"When I wrote The Chrysanthemum and the Sword, I didn't expect this kind of effect. The Japanese have evil intentions towards us, so it's good to have the Americans put some restraint on them."

Xun Ge'er thought that this was the work of "The Chrysanthemum and the Sword", but Bao Guowei felt that it was most likely the information that Liao Yaquan passed to the Japanese.

However, this kind of thing has limited impact, at most it is just some minor bumps. Given the character of the Japanese, they can quickly kneel down in front of the Americans and solve all problems.

Xun Ge'er also sighed and said, "The warlords have been fighting each other for years. Once a war breaks out, they will inevitably extort money from the people. Selling children and daughters is not uncommon in the war-torn areas of the Central Plains. If the Japanese come again in the future, I don't know what the scene will become."

When the literati of this era gathered together, they mostly talked about these things, and once they talked about state affairs, the atmosphere became even more depressing.

This is also the reason why Bao Guowei's deeds abroad are so popular.

The truth is that Bao Guowei is very proud of himself abroad, which is one of the few good news that the Chinese people have seen.

After being apart for a long time, the two talked about almost everything. Bao Guowei heard some stories about Xun Ge'er's literary struggle in Shanghai, and he also felt his blood boiling.

Xun Ge'er could not help but say with deep sorrow: "The country is in chaos, and the government is not thinking about developing people's livelihood and uniting various forces, but is focusing on eliminating dissidents, carrying out cultural suppression, and suppressing progressive literati. It is really abominable and hateful.

Bingwen, it's good that you're back. We now have someone to rely on."

After the Central Plains War, Chiang Kai-shek had time to control speech, especially various actions targeting the Soviet areas.

Some left-wing intellectuals, led by Xun Ge'er, have been fighting silently.

Bao Guowei thought for a moment and nodded, saying, "Sir, I don't have any definite political inclinations, but I can lend a hand.

Before coming here, I have already contacted Mr. He in Hong Kong and Mr. Shao in Nanyang. I believe that a lot of supplies will be delivered later.

On the one hand, it is to provide relief to some refugees, and on the other hand, it can also support some Soviet areas.”

A smile appeared on his face.

"You know, I have two good friends who are still in the Soviet area."

Bao Guowei never forgot Wei Junming and Xu Kun for a moment. In a sense, it was because of them that he was able to establish a good connection with the Soviet area.

Do what you can to help them.

Of course, keeping this matter confidential is of utmost importance.

Originally, Bao Guowei used Du Yuesheng's channel. Du Yuesheng was a staunch Chiang Kai-shek bootlicker, but after getting to know Bao Guowei, he decided to bet on both sides.

But Du Yuesheng was Chiang Kai-shek's man after all, and it was like sleeping with someone else's wife, which made people feel uneasy.

It was different for Ho Tung. He stayed in Hong Kong and did not have so many worries under British rule.

Moreover, the warlords along the way would give him some face. Of course, Ho Tung was willing to help because of the great benefits Bao Guowei gave him.

I listened to Bao Guowei's brief account of some things in Hong Kong, especially after learning that he had obtained assistance from Ho Tung and Run Run Shaw.

Brother Xun couldn't help but stand up excitedly.

"You went to Europe this time to spread the reputation of our people, spread the way of economic relief, and also won relief resources for the people and hope for the future of the nation.

He is truly a national hero!"

Xun Ge'er's reaction may be a bit exaggerated, but after seeing the living conditions of the lower-class people in the Republic of China and the people displaced by war in the Central Plains, you will not think it is exaggerated.

Bao Guowei seemed very frightened and spoke quickly.

"Sir, you are really overpraising me. I don't deserve this title!"

The two of them had a pleasant conversation until noon, and Bao Guowei stayed here for lunch.

Brother Xun had classes in the afternoon, so it was inconvenient for Bao Guowei to stay, so he prepared to leave after dinner.

But just as he was about to leave, something happened again.

Xu Guangping came out in a hurry, holding large and small bags in her hands. They were all the things that Bao Guowei asked Cao Yanhai to bring.

She stumbled out and Bao Guowei could only stop and said helplessly.

"Sister-in-law, what are you doing?"

Xu Guangping said helplessly: "The master insisted that I give these things away, saying that he never accepts gifts, even from his best relatives and friends.

Bingwen, you should take it back."

She looked very embarrassed.

In fact, what Bao Guowei prepared for Xun Ge'er were not some exaggerated luxury items.

Because Brother Xun was in poor health, he bought a lot of medicines that are only available abroad, specifically for treating lung diseases.

Their children are still young, so Bao Guowei also bought a lot of baby products.

These are all practical things.

To be honest, many of them were what Xu Guangping urgently needed, but that was just Xun Ge'er's personality.

Bao Guowei understood what Xun Ge'er meant. In fact, he was mainly worried that after opening this door, it would be difficult to refuse others.

Where there are people, there are human feelings.

The only way to avoid this is to treat everyone equally.

If Xun Ge'er wants to maintain his writing attitude, he must do this.

Bao Guowei was just about to open his mouth to advise him when he saw Xun Ge'er also appear at the door.

His face was a little pale, and he covered his mouth with his hands and coughed from time to time.

But he still looked at Bao Guowei, frowned and said: "I have told you many times, don't send these things when you come, they are too expensive, it's also good to use the extra money to help the refugees.

It’s a waste for me.”

Bao Guowei smiled and explained, "Don't worry, sir. I also have money for charity. You are both my teacher and friend, so isn't it normal for me to give you something?

Besides, this is all foreigners’ money, so I don’t feel bad about spending it.”

"No, it just won't work."

Xun Ge sighed. He had too many concerns in his mind. He was afraid that if this loophole was opened, people would come to him to give gifts and ask for favors in the future.

Bao Guowei continued pointing at the pile of things.

"There's some chocolate in here. It's really delicious and sweet. Sir, this is the best British Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolate."

"Cough cough~" Brother Xun frowned and coughed twice. When he heard that it was chocolate, he immediately became interested.

But he still hesitated and said.

“Is your chocolate very valuable?”

"It's not expensive. I bought a lot of them. If I keep them for too long, they will go bad."

Xun Ge'er's expression changed several times, as if he was hesitating, but he finally spoke.

"Never mind, I've given up sweets recently."

Even the most beloved sweets seem to be not immune to this.

Bao Guowei didn't worry about this and continued to pick up the things inside.

"My senior brother, these are all daily necessities. Look at the medicine I brought back from England. With this, you can better regulate your body. Combined with the health regimen I gave you, you can work better after you recover, right?"

Hearing this, Brother Xun seemed a little moved.

Xu Guangping was also anxious. She was most concerned about Xun'er's health.

Seeing that the other party still didn't speak, Bao Guowei had no choice but to use his trump card.

"Sir, don't be anxious. Let me introduce it to you first. Look at this British Cow & Gate milk powder, which is specially provided for infants. It is the best for Xiao Haiying.

The child is still young, and health is the most important thing. Without health, how can there be capital for revolution? "

Bao Guowei was so eloquent that even the stubborn Xun Ge'er was persuaded.

Xu Guangping could no longer sit still and spoke immediately.

"Yes, Brother Xun, Bingwen is not someone else. These are all practical things. We..."

Xun Ge sighed. When it came to children, he was finally moved.

"Just this once, you give me a discount and I'll pay you."

Helplessly, Bao Guowei could only compromise and randomly reported a number to the other party.

Brother Xun glared at Bao Guowei.

"Isn't that the number? Just tell me the truth. If it's medicine or milk powder, I may need your help to buy some in the future."

Bao Guowei chuckled. He knew the other party didn't have much money, so he made up an excuse.

"Remember this, sir. How about you help me polish No Longer Human?"

Brother Xun hesitated for a while and nodded, saying, "That's fine."

After thinking about it, Brother Xun cursed with a smile.

"You kid, I almost got caught by you!"

Having said that, Brother Xun still accepted the gift from his junior fellow apprentice.

After Bao Guowei left, Xun Ge'er hurried towards the study.

Xu Guangping asked in confusion: "Sir, it's almost time for class. Where are you going?"

After a pause, Brother Xun said seriously.

"I'll go help Bingwen look at some articles and write some letters to my friends in Japan."

Halfway through the walk, he seemed to remember something, looked at Xu Guangping again, and spoke seriously.

"Put those chocolates in the warehouse compartment. Don't take them out unless they are important guests. Just use peanuts instead when entertaining guests."

Xu Guangping nodded helplessly.

She knew that Xun Ge'er loved sweets.

She treated that pile of medicines as treasures.

The gentleman's illness has become more serious.
On the way back, Cao Yanhai asked with some confusion while driving.

"Master, are you too enthusiastic? Mr. Zhou has already said no, but you still..."

“Do I look like a salesman?”

Bao Guowei described it with a smile.

Cao Yanhai nodded, "Yes, there are some."

Bao Guowei sighed, looked at the scenery outside the window, and couldn't help but sigh.

"Mr. Zhou has suffered and worried all his life. He is a very poor man. I think he should enjoy himself a little in the limited time he has."

To be honest, the longer Bao Guowei stayed in the Republic of China, the deeper his feelings for the people here became.

There is also a sense of powerlessness that one cannot change history.

"what?"

Cao Yanhai frowned, not quite understanding.

This is so strange, as if I had seen Mr. Zhou’s entire life.

(End of this chapter)