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

Chapter 464: "Scumbag" Xu Zhimo is very infatuated!
The two-week winter vacation has just ended.

Lin Yutang came to Guanghua University and gave a speech to the freshmen there.

During the Republic of China period, liberal arts flourished, so the scholars invited were often great figures in the liberal arts.

The main reason was that the domestic teaching level was limited and science and engineering talents were scarce at that time.

As we all know, "civilian officials governing the country" has been a tradition for thousands of years.

"If you studied well, you would become an official." Most students at that time aimed to go into politics, so it was understandable that they mostly chose liberal arts.

In addition, liberal arts universities only need libraries and classrooms, and there are plenty of liberal arts teachers in the country.

However, science and engineering universities are completely different. They often require expensive teaching equipment, and all experimental equipment needs to be imported, which is not affordable for ordinary schools.

During the Republic of China period, many universities could not even pay salaries, let alone prepare for expensive science and engineering programs.

As a well-known scholar, Lin Yutang's income was not low. The fees from his articles and speeches already surpassed most of his contemporaries, otherwise he would not have lived in a house in the International Settlement.

But at the same time, high income means high expenses.

Especially in a bad economic environment, literati like Lin Yutang are often kind-hearted and often help their friends and students.

There are also various social interactions, and the government has recently tightened control over speech, which has caused many newspapers and magazines to close down.

Compared with their contemporaries, the literati in the Republic of China period were definitely superior to others.

But it still cannot be compared with later generations.

Not to mention anything else, just in terms of materials, due to domestic production capacity and transportation issues, they are extremely scarce and limited.

Therefore, Lin Yutang was very satisfied with the foreign goods that Bao Guowei brought back, many of which he urgently needed.

Especially that batch of books, they were his favorites.

Thanks to the original English books, the content of his speech became richer.

The auditorium of Guanghua University was filled with people.

The students sat down on rows of wooden benches early, waiting for Mr. Lin Yutang to arrive.

Most of them are freshmen of Guanghua University, and some of them came here specially to listen to Mr. Lin Yutang's lectures because of his fame.

Not only the seats, but even the aisles were full of people.

Lin Yutang was wearing a long gown and his hair was combed neatly.

As soon as he walked onto the podium, the students in the audience suddenly became quiet and focused their eyes on him.

Lin Yutang seemed to be in a very good mood and spoke with a slight Fujian accent.

“Students, I stand here today and see you stepping into the university hall with aspirations like the rising sun. I feel that this is a moment of extraordinary significance.
University is a temple of wisdom, where there is no absolute authority
Just like a bag.”

Having said this, Lin Yutang suddenly paused and looked at his manuscript with a bit of surprise.

Why is it different from what was originally written?

Looking at the handwriting on the manuscript again, Lin Yutang could tell at a glance that it was Bao Guowei's handwriting.

He didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but he also felt that what Bao Guowei wrote was okay, so he simply started his speech based on the version revised by Bao Guowei.

Unexpectedly, this speech received a much more enthusiastic response than Lin Yutang’s previous speeches.

"Mr. Lin Yutang is so humorous!"

“The true meaning of reading is to make people open-minded, not biased, and humble!”

“Learning doesn’t just happen in school. Learning should be a lifelong process. Only in this way can we make continuous progress!”

"Read for the rise of China!"

"As expected of Mr. Bao Bingwen's good friend, Mr. Lin Yutang's speech has some of Mr. Bao's flavor."

“I wonder when Mr. Bingwen will be able to come to Guanghua University again.”

The students in the audience were discussing the speech.

After the speech, Zhang Shouyong, then president of Guanghua University, came over with a smile, and he couldn't help but praise him.

"Mr. Lin's speech today was very interesting. He has aroused the enthusiasm of the students. I believe they will achieve some academic results in the future."

"You are overpraising me, Principal. I am just speaking from the bottom of my heart."

After leaving Guanghua University, Lin Yutang looked at the manuscript in his hand that had been revised by Bao Guowei, and couldn't help but sigh.

What is the limit of Bingwen's ability?

Before leaving Shanghai, Bao Guowei naturally had to visit an old friend whom he had not seen for a long time.

No. 11, Garden Villa, Huanlong Road.

This is a three-story house.

Xu Zhimo and Lu Xiaoman lived here after they got married.

Bao Guowei only saw Xu Zhimo with a haggard face here.

"Sicheng and Huiyin went to Beiping, and Brother Baili listened to your advice, Bingwen, and has now taken refuge there.

Dai Wangshu is a guy who lives a very busy life. Now he has gathered a group of students to resist the government's control over speech.

He is very courageous, I am just afraid that he will also be targeted by Chiang Kai-shek.
Fortunately, Bingwen still remembers me. Your deeds in Europe are really enviable.
But I don’t have the energy to study abroad now.”

It seems that Xu Zhimo's life has not been going well recently. Bao Guowei roughly guessed what happened and couldn't help but sigh.

"I heard that Brother Zhimo has seven part-time jobs at the same time. Not only does he teach at Guanghua, Soochow, Daxia and other schools, but he also writes articles, runs an office and works in real estate part-time?"

Bao Guowei heard the rumor that Xu Zhimo went crazy because of poverty as soon as he arrived in Shanghai.

"Brother Bingwen knows everything?" Xu Zhimo said with dark circles under his eyes and a sigh.

"It's probably because I'm not capable enough to write best-selling books and create amazing inventions like Brother Bingwen, so Xiaoman has to suffer with me."

The muscles at the corners of Bao Guowei's mouth twitched a few times. He looked around, but only saw the extraordinary servants in the house.

Two maids, a cook, a driver, and I even heard there is a dedicated family doctor!

Xu Zhimo and Lu Xiaoman didn't have any children yet, so how could their family of two need so many servants?
Bao Guowei said curiously: "Brother Zhimo's income is not low, right?"

With Xu Zhimo's way of working, a rough calculation shows that he could earn about 700 to 800 yuan a month.

This was already an extremely high monthly income in the Republic of China.

He actually still thinks it’s not enough?
Xu Zhimo sighed and said, "Bingwen, you don't know. After we got married, I found that she was very different from me. She likes socializing and romance, but I am too busy with work and have no time to accompany her.

Xiaoman has lived a very good life since she was a child, with cosmetics, cheongsams, and Western food being indispensable.

I have less time to accompany her, and she likes to go to the theater to watch actors. Can I stop her?

She married me without hesitation despite the world's disapproval, so how could I treat her badly?
It’s a pity that I really don’t have the ability.

Now she's addicted to opium again, and I don't know what to do."

My good friends are not around anymore, they all have their own lives, and my wife doesn't get along with me after marriage.

Xu Zhimo, who was busy with work, finally collapsed when he saw Bao Guowei.

In fact, this was Xu Zhimo's own fault. When he got married, countless people expressed their opposition.

Even his mentor Liang Qichao strongly opposed it.

But Xu Zhimo was like a hero fighting against the world. He was determined to marry Lu Xiaoman and even made a bold statement that this would be the last time he would get married in his life.

At this point, it seems that the damage has been done.

Bao Guowei paused, and suddenly felt that this "scumbag" in front of him seemed to still have some affection?
People in later generations said that Xu Zhimo was a romantic, but in fact it was because he abandoned his wife and children and resolutely married Lu Xiaoman.

But if you count carefully, the literati of the Republic of China, such as the great Mr. Hu Shizhi, had four relationships, namely his American girlfriend, his illiterate wife, his cousin, and his teacher's wife Luo Weici.

Such an achievement is not inferior to his honorary doctorate degree from the university!

The writer Hu Lancheng's first wife was Eileen Chang, who later became a traitor. He had eight marriages in total.

Guo Moruo and Yu Dafu both had three marriages.

Xu Beihong's first wife was originally engaged, but she chose to elope with him. After 28 years together, Xu Beihong fell in love with his female student Sun Duoci and broke up with his wife.

Later, 47-year-old Xu Beihong fell in love with 19-year-old Liao Jingwen.

Compared with these masters, Xu Zhimo's romanticism seems nothing.

Even seems innocent. But just like what Liang Qichao scolded at their wedding.

Xu Zhimo was impetuous and Lu Xiaoman was eccentric. The failure of their previous marriage was probably due to their personalities.

There is no good outcome.

After being together with Lu Xiaoman, Xu Zhimo indulged her in almost everything, allowing Lu Xiaoman to live a life like a Western lady and spend money like water.

At the end of the month, Lu Xiaoman's expenses even exceeded five hundred yuan.

You have to know that Xu Zhimo's highest monthly income was only seven or eight hundred oceans, and he also had to consider rent and other expenses, which shows how great the financial pressure was.

Bao Guowei didn't know what to say.

People say Xu Zhimo was innocent, but he was also a man who abandoned his wife and children.

Some people say Xu Zhimo is a scumbag, but he is also as infatuated as a "dog".

"Where is Xiaoman? Why hasn't she come out?" Although he knew what was going on, Bao Guowei still asked.

Xu Zhimo covered his messy hair and said, "He probably went to the theater, or maybe attended a salon."

Lu Xiaoman was originally born into an opera family, so it was not difficult for her to mingle with the various social circles in Shanghai and move around in the foreign concessions.

With this foreshadowing, Bao Guowei could not help but persuade him: "You can't do this any longer, Brother Zhimo. If you continue like this, your life and future will be ruined.

You should read the book I wrote called "The Love Manual."

In a sense, Xu Zhimo's early death was due to this marriage. If he had not wanted to make more money and travel back and forth between Jinling, Shanghai, Beijing and other places, he would not have boarded that plane at the end of the year.

If it weren't for the desire to save money and take the postal plane, the ordinary civil aviation accident wouldn't have happened.

It was a matter of time and fate. After Xu Zhimo made the decision, he had no choice but to bear the consequences.

All we can do now is stop losses in time.

Xu Zhimo was not willing to listen at all. He just kept begging Bao Guowei.

"Bingwen, you are smart. Can you help me make more money? As a husband, I should work hard."

Having said that, he paused and asked with some confusion.

"Bingwen, what did you just say? You actually wrote the Love Manual?"

Nowadays, the book "Love Handbook" is known to everyone. Almost all young boys and girls will buy a copy to seek guidance on their relationships.

But the author of this book seems to be ashamed to reveal his true identity and has always used a pseudonym.

Even the publisher doesn't know who the real author is.

The true author of "The Love Manual" has almost become an "unsolved case" in the domestic literary world.

Of course, it is understandable that this book is praised among young people but not accepted by mainstream public opinion.

In particular, some highly respected scholars, such as Mr. Zhang Taiyan, once wrote an article to denounce it.

"This is a work that is detrimental to morals and is of no benefit to the country or the people!"

So, this work was actually written by Bao Guowei?

Bao Guowei immediately realized his slip of the tongue and changed his words.

"Of course not. I was wrong. It's the widely circulated Love Manual on the market. I think you can go and take a look at it."

“I don’t know if it’s useful.”

Xu Zhimo seemed to have his soul sucked out of him.

Bao Guowei couldn't bear to see his friend like this, nor did he want to see Xu Zhimo repeat the same mistake. This man brought it upon himself, but his crime did not deserve this.

He reminded, “After the Lunar New Year, I will go to Peking to study. I have already accepted an invitation from Peking University to be a lecturer while studying.

Now that Zhang Xueliang is in charge of North China and the funding is guaranteed, do you want to come with me to Beijing?

As for your relationship with Xiaoman, let's put it aside for now."

Hearing this, Xu Zhimo stood up excitedly, held Bao Guowei's hand and said.

"If it's really Bingwen, and you're the only one who still remembers me as a friend, I'm willing to go! Going to Peking will naturally be more peaceful, with fewer worries.

I will learn from you, Bingwen, to write some martial arts novels. I heard that these novels are very popular in the north, so I think I can make some money."

Bao Guowei was very skeptical whether Xu Zhimo could write a martial arts novel, but he was unwilling to suppress the other party's enthusiasm, so he smiled and said.

“It’s always good to make a change.”

The two chatted for a while, and Bao Guowei noticed that Xu Zhimo had missed someone, and couldn't help but ask out of curiosity.

"Where's Brother Baili? Why didn't you, Brother Zhimo, mention him?"

Speaking of this person, Xu Zhimo's expression immediately changed and he spoke in a low voice.

"Thanks to your reminder, Bingwen, has Mr. Baili gone to the south to seek refuge?"

Bao Guowei narrowed his eyes and said, "Is it related to the dispute between Jinling and Guangyue?"

"That's right." Xu Zhimo nodded and said, "Bingwen, you are so insightful that you predicted the internal conflicts of the government a few months ago. If you hadn't informed Mr. Baili in advance, he would have been arrested by Chiang Kai-shek by now."

"I'm not some strategist, I just know a little bit more about the internal situation and news, so I can figure it out with a simple analysis."

Bao Guowei sighed and said.

"I'm glad that Mr. Baili is okay, but I'm worried that he will still be in danger when he goes to the south."

Xu Zhimo immediately perked up and said in surprise.

"Bingwen, are you saying that there will be further actions in the South in the near future?"

Bao Guowei did not comment.

All along, Chiang Bai-ri did not express any opposition to Chiang Kai-shek, but anyone with a discerning eye could see that he was very close to abnormal forces.

For example, Tang Shengzhi, Chiang Bai-li's favorite student, was a senior general within the National Government.

At the end of 1929, he planned to launch an uprising against Chiang Kai-shek and even sent a telegram to Chiang Bai-li for his advice.

Chiang Bai-li replied, "The East is not as good as the West."

Later, the matter was exposed, Chiang Bai-ri was also identified as an "accomplice", and Chiang Kai-shek imprisoned him.

More than half a year later, with the efforts of all parties, Chiang Bai-ri was finally freed from prison.

After the end of this Central Plains War, the domestic situation was turbulent and the defeated abnormal forces were still waiting for an opportunity to move.

Plus the internal struggle between Chiang Kai-shek and Hu Hanmin.

According to Bao Guowei's understanding, a few months later, as Chiang Kai-shek placed Hu Hanmin under house arrest, the Cantonese National Government was established.

At that time, Chiang Bai-li, who had an "abnormal" resume, had served as the principal of a military academy and was able to mobilize a group of officers, would inevitably become the target of public criticism.

Therefore, Bao Guowei had already reminded the other party several months ago.

Bao Guowei couldn't help but sigh and said, "I didn't expect the situation to change so quickly. Mr. Baili's departure from Shanghai shows that the contradictions within the government are about to explode."

Xu Zhimo nodded.

“Bingwen, you don’t have to worry. Mr. Baili has many friends in the military and political circles, so he should be safe.

I'll send him a telegram, too."

Bao Guowei nodded and did not continue the topic.

The two chatted briefly for a while, and when they were about to leave, Xu Zhimo suddenly stopped Bao Guowei.

"Bingwen, let me ask you something. Are you serious about going to Peking together?"

Bao Guowei said curiously: "Of course it is true."

Xu Zhimo felt a little embarrassed, and hesitated for a long time before he spoke hesitantly.

"Then can I take Xiaoman with me? You know, maybe she is like this only in Shanghai. She has been corrupted by the bright lights and nightlife of Shanghai. I think she will be much better if she goes to Beijing."

Bao Guowei looked Xu Zhimo up and down with a look of pity. He deeply realized that the man in front of him was hopeless.

Then a word came out from his nasal cavity.

"roll!"

(End of this chapter)