The Two Formidable Pillars of China’s Literary Circle

 

The Two Formidable Pillars of China’s Literary Circle

The Two Formidable Pillars of China’s Literary Circle

Nantai

As mentioned last time, an Australian female writer published a book, with the renowned Chinese writer Han Shishan writing the preface. One foreign and one Chinese, echoing each other, they jointly endorsed the claim of "China’s Forerunner Leading World Literature".

Speaker One: (Falls silent for a long while upon hearing this, bowing his head in deep contemplation)

Jiushan Bahai: Why are you quiet? Why won’t you answer my question?

Speaker One: I am pondering the phrase "the Two Formidable Pillars of China’s Literary Circle". It has struck me profoundly; I need time to gather my thoughts.

Jiushan Bahai: The Two Formidable Pillars? That sounds harsh. The term "shà (fiend/ominous force)" is usually used for villainous characters. How can you put it that way?

Speaker One: Admittedly, "shà" carries a negative connotation, but two negatives make a positive. This title is actually the highest praise. Who do these "two formidable forces" target? They strike down literary impostors and shoddy pretenders. Have you never heard the saying: He who has no indestructible spiritual resolve dares not provoke the two ominous stars of the literary world? These two stars refer to the Chief Judge of Fake Literary Masters and the Top Nemesis of Pseudo-Celebrated Writers. The former is Li Jianjun, known as the Impartial Judge Bao of the literary scene, and the latter is Han Shishan, hailed as the Swordsman of Letters. Is this not the finest compliment one could receive?

Jiushan Bahai: That makes sense. I agree with you now. So you also concur with the judgment in Mr. Han Shishan’s preface?

Speaker One: Naturally. Look at the title of Mr. Han’s preface: Unrestrained Writing, Extraordinary Insight. It is tantamount to stamping an official seal of approval on this Australian writer’s work. And the one affixing this seal is none other than Han Shishan, the Top Nemesis of Pseudo-Celebrated Writers. How could I possibly disagree?

Jiushan Bahai: Very well. I’m glad you see eye to eye with this. Yet you still look stern, as if you are displeased.

Speaker One: You are mistaken. I am not unhappy — on the contrary, I am overjoyed, utterly taken aback by this delight. No, that still does not capture it. Let me sort out how to express my feelings at this moment.

(To be continued in the next chapter)