The Rise of the Writers of the Republic of China

"Every night in my dreams

I see you, I feel you,

That is how I know you go on

Far across the distance, And spaces between us

You have come to show you go on..."

Christmas is approaching, and bursts of singing are coming from London's street shops.

With the hit release of "Titanic", not only Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh became famous, but the movie's theme song "My Heart Will Go On" also became popular in the UK again.

As early as 30 years ago, the prototype of modern pop music appeared in the United States, called "Ding Bang Alley Song". "Ding Bang Alley" is a place name, which was also translated as "Tingpan Hutong" during the Republic of China. Therefore, according to us Chinese, the American pop music at this time should be called "Tingpan Hutong Songs."

What an intoxicating translation style!

Until the emergence of rock music, "Tingpan Hutong Songs" were the overlord of popular music and gradually spread from the United States to the world.

And "My Heart Will Go On" "composed" by Zhou Hexuan obviously belongs to the "Tingpan Hutong Song" that transcends the times. It is mature, perfect, elegant and touching... Even the British who look down on American music were instantly obsessed with it. .

When Zhou Hexuan went to Sweden to receive the award, Vivien Leigh also went to France with the delegation, and then to Italy and Spain, creating a whirlwind of big ships in various countries in Western Europe.

The movie version of "Titanic" received an explosive response in Europe, and the novel was also reprinted, allowing Zhou Hexuan to get a lot of royalties. Even if he didn't win the Nobel Prize, the current influence of "Titanic" alone would make Zhou Hexuan enough to become a European celebrity.

Vivien Leigh returned to London before Christmas and spent a Christmas Eve with Zhou Hexuan and her sisters. She also took the opportunity to tell the children the story of Santa Claus, which made the little Lingjun clamor for socks all day long and hang them by the bedside, waiting to receive gifts.

On December 23, the Mayor of London officially awarded Zhou Hexuan the title of honorary citizen, and the University of London awarded Zhou Hexuan an honorary doctorate in literature.

On December 26, the second day of Christmas, William Astor held a grand ball at Clifden Manor, saying it was to celebrate Zhou Hexuan's winning of the Nobel Prize. Of course, Chadwick, another Nobel Prize winner from the UK, is also the protagonist of this dance.

In the evening, Zhou Hexuan showed up with Zhang Leyi and Vivien Leigh to the famous Cliveden Manor.

As we said in previous chapters, this manor belonged to the "political center" of the entire United Kingdom from 1937 to 1940. All major government decisions were finalized here, and the so-called "Cliveden Group" was even formed. .

In addition, this manor is also the "cultural center" of the United Kingdom. Salons and parties are held regularly throughout the year. Churchill, Chaplin, Bernard Shaw, Gandhi... were all invited to attend parties here.

Clifden Manor is the property of the Astor family. (The previous article has been corrected. William Astor is the boss of the Observer and Chamberlain’s strongest supporter)

"This manor is so beautiful!" Zhang Leyi couldn't help but admire.

Vivien Leigh nodded and said: "It is indeed beautiful."

Zhou Hexuan looked at the big house in front of him with some nostalgia. Before time travel, he had been here before and it had been transformed into a luxury hotel. Even the cheapest guest room costs more than 1,000 US dollars a night (renovation of servant's bedroom). Zhou Hexuan couldn't afford to live there at the time, so he could only stand in the garden outside and take photos.

Zhou Hexuan recalled the tour guide's narration and said: "This manor is a luxurious country villa built by the Duke of Buckingham 200 years ago, but the original building has been burned down. What we see now is built by the second generation Sather Built by the Duke of England, this is the political and cultural center of the entire UK."

"The political and cultural center of the UK?" Zhang Leyi really couldn't figure it out.

Even Vivien Leigh, a native Londoner, doesn't understand that she hasn't reached that level yet.

Zhou Hexuan explained: "Since 20 years ago, all the top celebrities who come to the UK, as well as local British politicians, writers, and artists, will be invited by the owner of the manor to attend the salon party. This time I won the Nobel Prize , making a big splash in the UK again, I’m sure Cliveden Manor will invite me.”

Associating Cliveden Manor with William Astor, Zhou Hexuan felt more and more that that old guy was really not simple.

But, in a few years when Chamberlain loses power, the Astor family will donate this manor. At that time, Zhou Hexuan can take the opportunity to buy Cliveden Manor, which will definitely make him face and make a lot of money.

"Guys, please come with me!" The maid came to greet them with a smile.

The manor is very large, and there is a garden outside the main building. The lawn space in the middle is enough to be used as two or three football fields. The house has several floors, is white in Italian style, and has countless rooms. This is no longer a country house, it should be called a "palace".

"Oh, Mr. Zhou, Mrs. Zhou, Miss Vivien Leigh, hello!" the hostess Nancy greeted with a smile.

Zhou Hexuan shook hands quickly: "Hello, Mrs. Astor."

Nancy Astor, the first female member of parliament in British history, was a terrible dancer. All the celebrities in the British literary and artistic circles were regular guests in her salon.

Zhou Hexuan finally felt the luxury of the British aristocracy. The Astor family's pomp even surpassed that of Prince Albert. There were as many as 30 maids serving guests at this dance, all of them well-trained and elegant in conversation. In addition, there are valets responsible for various affairs and a family orchestra, totaling nearly a hundred people.

No wonder William Astor is said to be a prodigal son who sold countless ancestral properties to maintain a luxurious life. This is even more luxurious than the British royal family. Who the hell can sustain it!

The banquet hall was more than 400 square meters, with red wine glasses piled up like a mountain, groups of servants walking around, and a band playing soothing music.

Dozens of people have come inside, all of whom are elites in the British political and literary circles. They stood chatting together in twos and threes. In the center of the largest group stood Chadwick, this year's Nobel Prize winner in physics.

"Hey, look who's here," William Astor opened his arms and walked over with a smile, "Hello, Zhou, and two beautiful ladies."

"Hello, Mr. Astor!"

Zhang Leyi and Vivien Leigh cuddled next to Zhou Hexuan. Vivien Leyi made no secret of her lover's identity, and the guests present were not surprised by this. Lovers are too common for politicians, nobles and literary artists.

There are many acquaintances here today, including Vivien Leigh's father Ornish, George Bernard Shaw, who had interacted with him before, Howard Sassoon, who helped Zhou Hexuan build momentum, and Toynbee, who had always had a good relationship with Zhou Hexuan...

People I've seen and people I haven't met all come over to say hello to Zhou Hexuan. Just dealing with these people is tiring enough.

After a long time, Ornis pulled Zhou Hexuan aside alone and asked, "You and Mary gave birth to a daughter?"

"Yes, a very beautiful little angel." Zhou Hexuan replied awkwardly.

The daughter born to Vivien Leigh did not come to London this time. She was too young to travel long distances and stayed in Tianjin under the care of Cui Huifu.

Ornis gritted his teeth and said, "You are such a bastard!"

Zhou Hexuan said with a smile: "Next time I come to London, I will bring her to meet grandpa."

Ornis said in a commanding tone: "When she turns three, bring her to London and I will raise her personally. I only have one daughter and one granddaughter, and all my future property will be handed over to her!"

"No, no, no, the air quality in London is too bad and is not suitable for the healthy growth of children." Zhou Hexuan refused directly.

Ornish said: "Then I will build a villa in the suburbs just for her."

Zhou Hexuan said speechlessly: "Let's talk about it then."