Suing Li Ao

Author: Fan Hong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: Is he a fighter for the people, or a rabid, biting little mad dog? A youth idol, or a cultural ruffian? Is he a hero who does justice, or a traitor who betrays? Since Li Ao burst onto the scene, controversy has raged endlessly. His close friend accused him of stealing a huge amount of his property, and his new wife "sacrificed her husband for justice" by exposing his numerous vices. Li Ao himself admitted: My reputation has hit rock bottom! In mainland China, it has always been Li Ao's voice that dominated the discourse, but this book describes a different side of Li Ao. Will his image be shattered or complete? There are two Li Aos—one black, one white.
Li Ao is ranked second, third, and fourth in the top five modern Chinese prose writers; he has conquered countless beautiful women; he has always clashed with the Kuomintang and those in high places; he is a chivalrous man who helps the needy. This is Li Ao as he sees himself. A financial expert with many clever schemes; twice close collaborators, not brothers but better than brothers; a cunning "thief" who stole his own vast wealth, even the evidence of the theft. This is how his old friend Xiao Seneng sees Li Ao. A man with personality disorders; doesn’t know how to enjoy life, confines himself; unpredictable, two-faced before and after marriage; guards his closest relationships with extreme caution. This is how his ex-wife Hu Yimeng sees Li Ao. His body is still here, but his youthful ideals and spirit are long gone; a fake master who betrays his gratitude. This is how the writer Wu Xianghui sees Li Ao.
In mainland China, due to the phenomenal popularity of Li Ao's works, readers have only known the "Li Ao as seen by Li Ao." With his forceful and brilliant narrative style, Li Ao has stirred up considerable admiration in the literary world. The book A Lawsuit with Li Ao is the first to present a Li Ao far removed from the one Li Ao portrays, through the perspectives of his close friends like Xiao Seneng and his ex-wife Hu Yimeng. Li Ao is truly a genius once in a century! Not only is his writing witty, scathing, and unrestrained, but he is also a meticulous financial expert, a master of courtroom maneuvering, a first-class actor with a sense of humor, and even takes on roles like a "detective." Li Ao's personality, like his writing, is clever and decisive, leaving people dizzy! A book with Li Ao as the protagonist is hard to make uninteresting.
What is truly astonishing is Li Ao's unparalleled research skills and his ability to debate "black and white." Not only does he meticulously preserve every ordinary note and letter, but he also has access to others' private secrets, somehow ending up in Li Ao's hands. As for his logical debating skills, Xiao Seneng said, "He (Li Ao) can make white seem black, not only making it hard to refute, but also making people believe it really is black." The book also delves into Li Ao's revenge after his release, a part left vague in his own memoirs. In fact, Li Ao's revenge on Xiao Seneng alone could fill a book, fully reflecting his lawyerly nature and unscrupulous methods. Li Ao said: Don’t make enemies of Li Ao. Xiao Seneng must have felt this deeply!
Another highlight of the book is its thorough research and well-placed illustrations. News photos, private photographs, various agreements, certified letters, and court judgments are all quoted verbatim, with detailed illustrations that complement the text, creating a sense of being on the scene. Every piece of evidence in the book is carefully cited by the author. Perhaps this is a precaution against Li Ao, the tough character, showing up for trouble! While the author emotionally leans toward Xiao Seneng, she cleverly avoids direct judgment. Some analysis and speculation are included in the narrative. As for commentary, it is all drawn from contemporary newspapers and magazines. Li Ao's own writings are heavily quoted directly, even disrupting the flow of the text. Thus, the book can also be seen as a courtroom, where various testimonies are recorded, and as a jury, readers can make their own judgments based on their own understanding.
There are two Li Aos, one black, one white. Perhaps Li Ao was always both black and white!