Booklets Three

Author: Gu Lin / Zhi An (editors)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-09-01
Features: This collection includes letters from the elderly Gu Lin to three friends, undoubtedly good essays, but perhaps even better than that. They not only reflect the art of writing but also the way of making friends and the way of being a person. Over the past decade or so, he has written many letters. When mentioned to a few old friends occasionally, they all said they had kept them in stacks. After careful examination, they were selected and compiled by Zhi An. Through Zhi An's further organization, a total of 145 letters were obtained, including 53 from Yang Zhihui, 49 from Zhi An, and 43 from Shen Shengyi. The number of words is approximately 130,000. Zhi An wrote to me, saying that organizing "Yang Zhihui (collected) letters was particularly troublesome." Because the letters "often did not write dates," careful cross-checking was required. The responsibility for not writing dates lies with me, but Yang Zhihui did not add notes upon receiving them, and subsequent storage may have become disorganized. However, Zhi An then turned the conversation and said, "The term 'troublesome' seems to imply some resentment, but it is actually the opposite. I find it quite enjoyable, like a scientific discovery." He also mentioned that after printing, "proofreading against the original letters was also interesting," concluding that "these past few days have been very pleasant." The ancients once wrote: "Old age and illness make joy difficult, but relying on old friends can lighten one's brow." Another said: "Receiving letters and engaging in lively talks is even more enjoyable." Mr. Sheng Tao considered exchanging letters with old friends in his later years as "entertainment in old age." Zhi An deeply understands this sentiment. If this small matter were discussed over the phone, it would be simpler, but the subtle emotional fluctuations contained in the letters would be completely lost. Naturally, reading Zhi An's letters brought me more joy than answering the phone, and I firmly believe that his self-reported "very pleasant" experience was not false. Yang Zhihui and I once worked together at the National Museum but were not acquainted. She worked in the driver's office, while I was in the literature section. Later, when the Dushu magazine was founded, she met her mentor and became one of its five shining stars in the editorial department; I, on the other hand, simply called myself an "external assistant," but my letters suggesting opinions or occasionally sending supplementary essays happened to be handled by her. Over time, the rumors spread that we were "kindred spirits." I have been honored by the light of time, and there is nothing more glorious than this. Mr. Zhang Zhongxing's Three Talks in the Sun includes a portrait of her, which truly captures her essence. With his abundant writings and widespread fame, I believe his editorial contributions may be even greater than his own compositions. The entire set of "Zhi Tang's Self-compiled Collection" he edited serves as evidence. My rather mediocre Answers to Guests' Questions benefited greatly from his willingness to step in and edit it, as if "strong wine invigorates the spirit, and a clear lute enters the soul," instantly transforming its tone and bringing unexpected joy. Now, this volume of Three Layers of Letters has allowed me to enjoy the fruits of his labor, and his "very pleasant" experience undoubtedly stemmed from his own "very hard work." As for Shen Shengyi, he is a unique figure. I rarely read his writings in newspapers; almost all of them were printed on large, plain paper in the style of "Yishui She Notes" and sent to me with his letters. His broad knowledge and deep emotions are truly exceptional. Fine calligraphy and paintings are often colorfully reduced and printed in one corner of the note paper. His unique perspective on Hong Kong and Taiwan film, television, and music also sets him apart, as he claims to have a "fondness for the arts and entertainment." Later, I learned that his extensive connections were largely due to the internet. Three years ago, he sent me a collection of "Gu Lin Allusions" he had compiled, totaling seven large sheets, all of which were new to me. Recently, he informed me that he has compiled five volumes of his works, with the first two expected to be published next month, so there is no need for me to elaborate further.
The above introductions to the three recipients, arranged according to their ages, are indeed superficial, but in the end, a few words must be added to record the kindness of Huang Chengyong, the editor-in-chief of Shuyou, who nurtured this project. He has been tolerant of my years of outspokenness in the media and even published an announcement on my behalf to collect book-related letters. The letters sent back one after another were stored, allowing this aging man, who was gradually fading away, to realize that he had been so kindly and compassionately cherished by fellow enthusiasts in his heart. How could he fail to fulfill his remaining years with some small contributions?