Chapter 40

Not only was Tong Yonglie's writing excellent, but his lectures were also very entertaining. He discussed past science fiction genres and future developments with the audience amidst laughter, making the atmosphere lively and not at all dull.

Even professional science fiction writers like Lin Han and Li Wenyuan listened with great interest, fully engaged without a hint of distraction. Many of their views were in perfect agreement.

"As a major producer and consumer of science fiction, the United States has maintained a smooth production line for decades. The diversity and variety of science fiction works are breathtaking. However, in our country, the development of science fiction has a fragmented trajectory, lacking a clear and continuous timeline.

"From a broader perspective, we must admit that the world of science fiction literature is currently in a period of decline. The golden age has passed, and there are various reasons for this. For example, the most serious problem with American science fiction literature is the aging of its readership, making it increasingly difficult to develop.

"However, in China, the opposite is true. Young readers like you are increasing, gradually expanding from a relatively closed circle of readers to various fields. Previously, it was limited to campuses, but now science fiction enthusiasts can be found in all walks of life, whether in IT, aerospace, finance, or any other profession. Many are passionate about science fiction.

"I believe that with the collaboration of a new generation of authors and readers, the golden age of science fiction literature will surely come! Thank you all."

From the initial buildup to the final passionate speech, the audience was deeply moved. At the end, they stood up, and thunderous applause filled the room, offering their warmest appreciation to this pioneer of Chinese science fiction literature.

Everyone is a creator of science fiction history, and everyone is a maker of the golden age of science fiction!

Lin Han clapped his hands vigorously. He knew that in the future golden age of science fiction, he would have a place. The lecture had stirred his blood, and he couldn't wait to get back and write 20,000 words on his computer.

Tong Yonglie bowed at the front of the stage, but the continuous applause forced him to pause. Some audience members even ran up with physical books to ask for autographs, and the science fiction master welcomed them all, signing and hugging without hesitation.

The school security and student volunteers maintained order, but the audience was reluctant to leave. This lecture had strengthened their resolve to pursue science fiction, not only reading it themselves but also recommending it to their classmates and friends. Some students with exceptional writing skills and imagination even decided to start writing themselves.

As they walked from the aisle to the stage, Li Wenyuan smiled and hugged Tong Yonglie, jokingly saying, "Teacher Tong, your lecture was excellent. My hands are almost swollen from clapping."

Tong Yonglie adjusted his glasses and responded with a relaxed tone, "Where were you hiding, Xiao Li? I was looking for you the whole time. If I had seen you earlier, I would have asked you to share more. Who is this?"

"Lin Han, he came to listen to the lecture with me. He also showed me his new book, which, if everything goes well, will spark another major discussion. He's naturally suited for writing science fiction."

At this moment, Lin Han stepped forward to introduce himself, extending his hand to shake Tong Yonglie's. "Teacher Tong, it's an honor to meet you. I grew up reading your novels. If it weren't for the weight of the books, I would have brought a whole cart to get your autograph."

This was no exaggeration. The original owner had loved science fiction novels since childhood, and novels from the 1990s had accompanied his growth.

"I know about your 'Rural Teacher.' Many of my friends say it's of high quality, and it's no surprise that it made it to 'Selected Novels.' What type of new book are you writing? If it's a long novel, you might consider publishing it."

Seizing the moment when no one was asking for Tong Yonglie's autograph, Lin Han quickly said, "It's mainly about robots, covering various aspects of robots. It can be considered a history of robots, composed of several short stories."

"I read the first two chapters this morning, and they are quite impressive. Especially the three laws of robotics listed at the beginning, which amazed me. This is a groundbreaking achievement, a genius idea that can set a benchmark for future authors writing about robots." Li Wenyuan kept praising, unable to calm down when he thought about it. No one, either in China or abroad, had summarized these three laws before.

Tong Yonglie became interested and looked at Lin Han, smiling. "If Xiao Li says so, I won't be able to sleep tonight if I don't take a look. Can I see it?"

Lin Han spread his hands. "It would be my honor. Should I send it to your email?"

"Send it to my QQ email first. We can talk as we walk. If you have nothing to do at noon, let's have lunch together. Two friends from the People's University Press and two professors from the university are also there. It can help expand your network, and you can find them for future publications."

That would be great. Lin Han was worried about not knowing anyone at the publishing house. As a newcomer, he would often be underpriced and exploited. Having a connection would make things much easier.

He and Li Wenyuan exchanged glances and joked, "Of course, it's the People's University Press. If they agree to publish my novel, it will be a huge piece of good news."

After tidying up the things on the table, Tong Yonglie slowly walked out. At this moment, a few middle-aged men approached, smiling.

"Old Tong, our students at the People's University are giving you face. You refused to come before, but these are the seeds of science fiction."

"Yes, inviting you to give a lecture at the People's University was like inviting you five times to the thatched cottage."

"It's been a long time since we've seen you write a novel. When will you show us a new one? There haven't been many good science fiction books in recent years."

"The atmosphere at the People's University is indeed good. I was worried that the lecture hall might be too big, with a thousand people. But I found that some people were even standing at the back to listen. This really touched me. As for the new book, I'm still in the planning stage. However, this young friend of mine has a very good new book. We can take a look together later." Tong Yonglie pointed to Lin Han and introduced him, "Lin Han, pen name Alien, the author of 'Rural Teacher.' Li Wenyuan, the author of 'Beyond the Solar System' and 'Battle in Space.'"

Usually, novelists are known for their books, not their names. Many people know the books but not the authors.

Therefore, when Tong Yonglie introduced them, he mentioned their pen names and representative works to help identify them.

These people seemed to have a very good relationship. Tong Yonglie pointed to them and said, "This is Zhao Han, the general manager of the People's University Press. Next to him is the senior editor Liu Jun. This old rogue is Professor Ye Guangliang from the Hanqing College of the People's University. Finally, this is Professor Gu Ming, a researcher in Marxism."

Indeed, Tong Yonglie's friends were all high-level intellectuals.

Lin Han smiled at these seniors and greeted them, "Hello, seniors. I'm Lin Han, and I write science fiction in my spare time."

Zhao Han looked at Lin Han and said, "Your 'Rural Teacher' is really well-written. Many people at the publishing house like it. I thought you were in your thirties or forties, but you're so young. Truly talented!"

"Linking teachers and science fiction together, this is the first time I've seen it. It's a very novel approach. We, who have been teachers all our lives, naturally love this article, don't you think, Old Gu?" Ye Guangliang also sighed.

"Who could disagree? The future of science fiction lies in your hands. When will your new book be published? I'll definitely buy it to read." Gu Ming and the others were all science fiction enthusiasts. Seeing the emergence of new, high-quality novels was extremely valuable to them.

Tong Yonglie patted Zhao Han's shoulder, "Old Zhao, you should take a good look at Lin's new book. If it's good, your publishing house can publish a science fiction novel!"

"I can't guarantee that, but I'll let the professional editor Liu Jun evaluate it. Our publishing house will never mistreat any author, so you can rest assured."