I am a literary giant in Japan

Chapter 514 It just sat there, for a year, ten years, a hundred years, and no one could imitate it!
The literary translation industry in Tsarist Russia was in a state of decline.

With the import of foreign literary works almost completely banned in China, the already scarce number of translators have turned to other professions. Some have joined publishing houses as editors, some have become screenwriters at television stations, and some have ended up on the streets, relying on the charity of their former friends to survive.

With a lack of excellent overseas works to fill the void in the novel library, Tsarist Russian literature has declined further, with only a few single themes struggling to survive.

Realizing that this environment could destroy the history of Tsarist Russian literature that countless top writers had painstakingly compiled, a small group of middle-class and upper-class people who had worked in the literary translation industry began to speak out.

Igor Nicholas Rodionov is one of the most representative figures among them.

The 63-year-old is a professor in the Department of Literature at St. Petersburg State University and a literary translator fluent in five languages: Japanese, Korean, English, Russian, and French.

Even though the authorities have been intentionally or unintentionally preventing domestic literary translators from translating overseas books, Igor still insists on spending a lot of time reading and translating foreign languages ​​after get off work every day.

On this nearly arid land, Igor was one of the few gardeners.

A while ago, he got a few of Kitagawa Hide's novels from a student who had returned from Japan. After reading them, he was hooked and instantly became a die-hard fan of Kitagawa Hide.

From his early novels under the name "Kitagawa Hidefumi", to his mid-period works such as "One Hundred Years of Solitude", "In Search of Lost Time" and "The Old Man and the Sea", to his current serialized trilogy "We Are Disabled Yet Resilient", and the highly controversial yet enthusiastically received "Ring 1: Bell".

Igor could hardly believe that this was a work written by a young writer who was only 27 years old in just five years!

They are diverse in style, rich in content, profound in meaning, and thought-provoking.
Igor tried to use every word of praise he could think of to commend Kitagawa Hide's book, but for the first time, he felt "at a loss for words".

A few days ago, I heard that Hideaki Kitagawa had entered Tsarist Russia to write a novel that was a "response" to the Nobel Prize committee, and he was thinking of seeing his "idol" in person.

Unfortunately, several invitations were always missed because Kitagawa Hide was out collecting inspiration, and the two missed each other, which was a pity.

Unexpectedly, Alexei, Igor's old friend who is the editor-in-chief of "New World," came to our door early this morning with his "idol's" new book!
"That's roughly how it is. In order for Kitagawa-sensei's new book to appear in the public eye more smoothly, we should translate 'Childhood' into pure Tsarist Russian, rather than this Tsarist Russian novel disguised in English."

Alexei explained his purpose, earnestly hoping that his old friend could help him translate "Childhood," a work destined to shock the entire Russian literary world, into Russian.

"Has the copyright issue been settled?" Igor asked, looking down at his book.

"Everything has been agreed upon. Hagrid personally negotiated the contract details with Professor Kitagawa."

Igor said enviously,

"A buyout price of 10 billion rubles, a 15% share of the revenue from film and television adaptations, plus top-tier promotional resources for 'New World'."

"10 billion rubles!" Even Igor, who was engrossed in reading, couldn't help but look up.

In 1999, the average monthly wage of ordinary people in Tsarist Russia was US$61, about 1525 rubles, which is equivalent to about 6100 yen.

Meanwhile, the average monthly salary for American office workers at the same time was about $3000, which is equivalent to about 30 yen.

In Japan today, with the economy gradually showing signs of recovery, the average monthly salary for office workers has rebounded to around 20 yen.

Not to mention compared to the United States, even the United States' little brothers are more than 30 times better than us.

One billion rubles was an unimaginable astronomical figure for 99% of Tsarist Russians!

If "New World" hadn't been backed by a powerful figure in the military industry, it's unlikely they could have come up with such an astronomical contract.

Compared to the Russian literary world, which constantly clamors for Kitagawa Hide to be kicked out of Tsarist Russia and for this damned foreign invader to be killed on the spot, the Russian capitalists clearly know much more.

Kitagawa Hide, whose books become instant hits, is a shining cash cow.

In particular, his several novels about overseas literature almost completely revitalized the literary scene in those countries.

Who wouldn't want to bring their money tree into their own home?
Having understood the determination of "The New World," Igor slowly closed the manuscript he hadn't finished reading, adjusted his glasses, and solemnly asked, "So what exactly do you mean?"

"Igor, does that mean you've agreed?" Alexei was overjoyed.

In his mind, university professors like Igor were like rocks in a latrine—stinky and inflexible, typical of the old-fashioned academic school.

The decline of the Russian literary world was largely due to the actions of these academic schools.

He originally thought Igor would be very reluctant to help a young overseas guy translate a novel; it would be so embarrassing if word got out!
Unexpectedly, after hearing this, Igor agreed without even reading the novel much!

“Yes.” Igor nodded again in confirmation.

"Good heavens, why did you change your mind? Let me make this clear beforehand: 10 billion rubles have almost drained the operating funds of 'New World' this year. If 'Childhood' doesn't make a lot of money in the future, we will be living in dire straits."

The "we" here also includes business partners like you.

Alexei reminded him.

If Igor thinks that Kitagawa Hide can earn 10 billion rubles, and that he, as the translator, might also get a share, then we're doomed.

In reality, translation fees are only related to working hours, seniority, and industry income levels, with a little extra depending on your resume and status.

How well the original book sells and how much the original author earns have absolutely nothing to do with the translator.

Kitagawa Hide earned money translating English novels in Japan, which was also a similar industry practice.

So it's true that those translators who call themselves "working for love" and jokingly say they'd rather "work as hard as bricklayers" are not being modest.

“I understand.” Igor has been working part-time as a translator for over a decade; if he relied solely on that for a living, he would have starved to death long ago.

He also doesn't believe that "New World" will break industry rules because of him.

The main reason he was willing to take on this job was because of Kitagawa Hide.

Then there's "Childhood," a book whose extraordinary nature can be felt even after just a few chapters.

"That's good." Alexei breathed a sigh of relief.

If Igor suddenly raises the price, he will be in a difficult position.

In the literary circles of Tsarist Russia, there were few who did translation work better than Igor, and he was not familiar with them either.

He was worried about letting some young, inexperienced people translate "Childhood".

Fortunately, Igor was unusually agreeable this time.

“Okay. Once the translation work officially begins, I will apply for a translation fund for you in the name of the editorial department, about 10 rubles, to ease your financial burden a little.”

Alexei, who was relatively well-off, added a comment.

Like China, in the late 90s, the income of highly educated people in Tsarist Russia was far less than that of businessmen and celebrities.

This generation of intellectuals truly dedicated their lives to their profession. Their nobility was genuine, and their poverty was also genuine.

“That would be perfect.” Igor nodded in satisfaction.

Translating a massive, top-tier literary work like "Childhood" is incredibly mentally taxing.

He has to teach during the day and translate at night, which is too much for him at 63 years old.

With the extra income supplement, he can squeeze out more daytime time to translate novels (otherwise he would have to attend various events and do research to earn extra money).

"Then it's settled! I'll send someone over this afternoon to deliver the contract, and I'll also bring you the original manuscript of 'Childhood'."

Alexei smiled and shook hands with his old friend, then looked at him strangely and asked in a low voice,
"To be honest, what do you think of this book, 'Childhood'?"

After years of navigating the business world, Alexei is no longer the passionate young man who could lose track of time reading all kinds of literary novels.

Sometimes he wondered if his reading choices were influenced by too many other factors.

And the evaluations of scholars like Igor, who have been working on the front lines of the literary world for many years, are even more convincing to Alexei.

"Very good! Even though it's not the original manuscript and a lot of content has been lost, judging from the current quality, it's already a remarkable masterpiece."

Igor exclaimed from the bottom of his heart.

To dare to use a "tragic" style to write about a "childhood" that most people perceive as "carefree" and "happy" is itself something worthy of admiration and praise.

Kitagawa Hide not only wrote, but he wrote very vividly and accurately, making readers feel the emotions he evoked.

This is what top-tier writers should do!

"If you call it a masterpiece, then it must be an excellent work."

Alexei had no doubt about Igor's aesthetic sense and appreciation, and hearing his evaluation, his anxiety immediately subsided.

Previously, Hidetaka Kitagawa had refused a commission from "Modern People" magazine, citing the irrefutable reason that "the political elements are too strong and not suitable for me."

This undoubtedly angered the Leningrad Publishing House, which was behind "The Modern Man".

I heard that they have approached Yevgeny, who is also unmatched among the younger generation, to write a new novel to compete with Kitagawa Hide's new book.

Judging from the current trend, it is clear that "The Modern Man" wants to portray the two as a fierce battle between representatives of the younger generation of writers in Tsarist Russia and representatives of the younger generation of writers in the world literary scene.

If things continue this way, the conflict may even extend to the two literary magazines, "Modern Man" and "New World".

The New World's response to Alexei was to try to ignore The Modern Man; let them compare themselves if they want, let them hype things up if they want, and in short, avoid direct conflict with them.

Alexei immediately understood and didn't dwell on the matter too much.

However, there are quite a few high-level shareholders of "New World", and some of them can't swallow this insult and insist that he teach "Modern Man" a lesson.

Alexei doesn't intend to respond to "The Modern Man," but he also has to consider the feelings of those bigwigs.

The best approach would be to quietly publish a great book and then make a fortune in silence.

Now that Igor has told him that this is definitely a masterpiece that will go down in history, he no longer has to worry about it.

"Then I'll head back now." Alexei stood up to take his leave.

Igor nodded, but before he walked out the door, he suddenly called him back: "Wait, you said before that this is an autobiographical trilogy, right?"

“Yes. What’s wrong?” Alexei turned to look at him.

"Could you please ask Kitagawa-sensei about the general ideas and titles of the other two books?"

Igor quickly explained,

"Since it is a trilogy, there must be connections between the parts. As a translator, since I am not the original author, it is difficult for me to grasp the connections in the details."

If this point isn't handled well, the most exquisite details of the novel might not be captured in the translation.

“I see. I will pass it on to Professor Kitagawa.” Alexei nodded and then left Igor’s office.

That afternoon, after sending someone to deliver the contract and the original manuscript, Alexei rushed to Yevgeny's house to consult Kitagawa Hide about the matter.

He also mentioned to Hideaki Kitagawa that "Modern Man" was trying to create hype.

“Professor Igor is right; this is something I hadn’t considered. I apologize.” Kitagawa Hide then remembered the close connection between Gorky’s trilogy—

This is an autobiographical novel based on Gorky's own experiences, and it is these plots that support Alyosha's (Gorky's) brilliant and dazzling life.

In particular, the third book, "My Universities," contains many plot points that corroborate those in "Childhood," detailing Alyosha's journey from a poor child to a proletarian revolutionary fighter.

If you can consciously realize this point when translating "Childhood", you will be able to write about many seemingly strange psychological activities and detailed descriptions with anchor points!

This one detail alone made Kitagawa Hide realize that "The New World" had found a top-notch literary translator.

This attitude is much better than that of "Modern Man," which only thinks about hype and has the attitude of "If I can't have it, I'll destroy it!"

“I will immediately write a detailed outline and ideas for Professor Igor,” Kitagawa Hide added.

"It's good that you're okay with this. Actually, if it's just a matter of saving face, I can help you refuse Igor's impolite request."

"Don't worry, Kitagawa-sensei, *New World* will always be on your side."

Yevgeny was also present, and Alexei's words were meant for him.

The more he showed how much "New World" valued Kitagawa Hide, the more uncomfortable Yevgeny, who was inexplicably used as a tool by "Modern Man," became.

As for Igor's request, he believed his old friend wasn't that kind of person, but he still had to make his stance clear to Kitagawa Hide.

Sure enough, Yevgeny's expression changed as soon as he finished speaking.

Kitagawa Hide, standing to the side, didn't seem to care much.

If a top-tier masterpiece could be replicated simply by looking at an outline and concept, then the literary pantheon would have been overflowing with works long ago.

The reason why top-tier literary works are top-tier is because they are simply there, and no one can imitate them for a year, ten years, or a hundred years!
"It's alright, it's what I should do." Kitagawa Hide waved his hand and smiled kindly.

(End of this chapter)