1994: I Became a Literary Master in America

Chapter 24 Self-Recommendation

Xu Shengjie called HopKee restaurant and ordered takeout.

There's nothing we can do; he's only nineteen.

You cannot drink alcohol in public places, and you cannot go to bars.

Even if he goes into a bar, he can only drink juice and milk! No matter how close he is to the bar, it's not allowed.

Most importantly, the bar will never sell him alcohol if there are outsiders present.

If you don't get reported, nothing will happen. But once you are reported, it's a big deal... Who would dare to ask for trouble on such a matter?

So eating at home is fine!

HopKee is a bit far, it's on Motte Street.

Robert didn't seem to care about Xu Shengjie's drinking problem.

Who hasn't drunk alcohol when they were young?

Robert started drinking secretly when he was sixteen, and nothing seemed to go wrong.

In short, the two had a very pleasant conversation.

In Robert's view, Xu Shengjie was not like a nineteen-year-old; he was very mature, had a very clear understanding of society, and possessed unique insights that far surpassed those of his peers. He grew up in Chinatown, but his understanding of the United States as a whole was remarkably clear, and he would occasionally utter some unusual terms, which broadened Robert's horizons.

"I love your 'Phone Booth'!"

Robert said, "However, I prefer what you're writing, 'Canal Street Metro Station'."

I never imagined that you, at nineteen, would possess such keen insight… What I want to say is, this story is heartwarming! It's not just a simple story of searching for a 'father,' but also a reflection of the plight of minorities in this city. It's a kind of transcendence… Jeffrey, what I want to say is, you need someone to support you.”

"I know, I know very well."

I am of Chinese descent, and no one will like a story created by a Chinese person, let alone care about the plight of the Chinese in Chinatown.

This country is hypocritical. They keep talking about equality, but we all know it's bullshit!

Robert, do you know Green Turtle Man?

"I think I vaguely remember it. It was a comic book from the 1940s. I think it was canceled after only a short run."

"Yes, because the artist is a Chinese-American artist, and the character he created, Green Turtle Warrior, is a Chinese-American superhero... But just because he is a Chinese-American superhero, this comic was only serialized in Hot Comics for five issues before it was discontinued!"

Because Americans don't need Chinese-American superheroes.

Xu Shengjie took a bite of the salt and pepper ribs and laughed, "How would I know?"

Because Mr. Xing Chu, the cartoonist, refused to turn Green Turtle into a white character, he lost his job, fell directly to the Alice Threshold, became homeless, and eventually became an old man who set up a stall at the Canal Street subway station exit to write letters for people, relying on the care of his neighbors to eke out a living until his death.

"Uncle Atu?"

Robert's eyes flashed, and he realized what was going on.

Xu Shengjie smiled and said softly, "He has always wanted to go out again and reintegrate into society."

But he was afraid, afraid of not being accepted...

Mr. Gottlieb, times have changed! I know why you've come, and I hope you can be the one to lift me up, to help more people understand Chinatown, the Chinese people, and their lives here.

Robert smiled.

"I told you, you are a smart child."

From the moment I saw "Buffett," I sensed your ambition. To be honest, you moved me.

Your ambition and talent make you worthy of my investment.

He said this while taking a sip of beer.

The wine in Xu Shengjie's house was bought for him by Zhang Ping'an a few days ago.

Robert laughed and said, "Ten percent. Business is business. I will follow the rules and charge you a ten percent agency fee."

However, I will do everything in my power to promote the publication of these books.

A 10% agency fee, at the standard price.

2Pac stated that literary agents charge a commission of 10% to 25%.

Of course, if Xu Shengjie were a celebrity, he would not only not be charged an agency fee, but would even receive an advance payment.

They also charge a 5% agency fee.

But no matter which one, Xu Shengjie is not qualified.

He had no other choice.

"make a deal!"

"Then, I'll have a lawyer come over tomorrow to sign the contract with you. Of course, you can also have your lawyer review the contents of the contract."

After that, I will recommend your work to the publisher.

But it won't be one of those big publishing houses... you know, those big publishing houses are very arrogant.

"Of course I know."

"Well then, wait for my good news!"

Robert got up, satisfied, and prepared to leave.

Before leaving, he said to Xu Shengjie, "What you need to do next is to finish 'Canal Street Metro Station' as soon as possible."

Furthermore, since you know I used to work for The New Yorker, you should understand the significance of The New Yorker. When you have time, you can write some interesting short articles, which I will then publish in The New Yorker.

The payment won't be much, but... in your words, it's the best way to raise your 'level'.

Writers are also divided into different levels.

Writers of commercial novels do earn a lot of money and have social status, but as for recognition...

Unless you reach the level of Stephen King, George R.R. Martin, or J.K. Rowling, in terms of social recognition, you certainly can't compare to winners of the Nobel Prize, the Pritzker Prize, the Goncourt Prize, or the Booker Prize.

That's what you call a master!

Being able to publish an article in The New Yorker is considered a sign of improved social status.

Of course, if you can become a featured writer for The New Yorker, then congratulations, you have been recognized by this circle!

"I will."

"Focus on your writing. If you have any questions, contact me. You have my number."

Robert waved his phone.

That was a MicroTAC 9800X, commonly known as the "Second Brother".

These phones, released in 91, were ridiculously expensive. Only someone like Robert would own one; most ordinary people...

Xu Shengjie would never buy it, no matter what.

He's waiting until cell phones become truly widespread before making a move.

"When I'm writing, I may need to look up some information."

So I need a library card.

"No problem, I'll help you with that."

……

After seeing Robert off, Xu Shengjie breathed a sigh of relief.

You have to be extra careful when chatting with someone like Robert.

For example, Buffett, Canal Street, and the sniper phone booth.

You think he's just chatting with you? No, actually he's testing you, trying to understand Xu Shengjie's creative process, to determine if your work is truly yours.

Fortunately, Xu Shengjie passed!

The next thing to do is sign the agency agreement tomorrow.

Once the contract process is complete, Robert will contact a publisher to promote the product.

If Xu Shengjie submits his work himself, it will take 12-18 months for the work to be published.

However, if Gottlieb were to recommend it, the process would be shorter, and it could potentially be published within a few months.

Therefore, a reliable agent is very important.

Compared to Elaine, a pure literary broker, Xu Shengjie felt that Gottlieb was undoubtedly more genuine and reliable.

In short, this is good news!

Good news, I need to share it with someone.

Xu Shengjie thought for a moment and then pulled out James Huang's phone number from the drawer.

"I'm looking for James Huang."

"That's me!"

"I am Jeffrey."

"I can tell from your voice. Is something the matter?"

"My debut novel is finished, and I've found a reliable literary agent. I wanted to let you know."

The original owner of this body rejected James Huang.

But Xu Shengjie felt that the original owner was being a bit unreasonable.

James Huang was actually quite considerate. He and Xu Jiadong were just classmates; their relationship wasn't particularly deep, having only trained together at the police academy for half a year at most. The original owner of this body was involved in gangs, fighting, and even earned the nickname "bone crusher," indicating he had caused quite a bit of trouble. Yet, his file was spotless, without a single blemish.

Nobody would believe this wasn't done without James Huang's help.

He was the chief of the Fifth Precinct, and he was only in his forties.

If nothing unexpected happens, he will rise higher and higher in the future, and may even take over One Police Plaza in the future.

With money, nothing is impossible!

Think about it, if the future mayor of New York City could be of Indian descent, then why can't the police chief be of Chinese descent?

At least, James Huang is very honest.

We hope to be able to provide him with more care in the future...