If I Were to Meet Hu Lancheng

I just feel that a writer's lack of morality is more terrifying than any other form of moral depravity. Because they can use beautiful words to embellish and beautify their actions. Therefore, I still despise them.

Back when you were under the banyan tree, I read your novels. At that time, I loved you, Chu Xidao, and Xiaoqing the most. So many years have passed, and now I see you again, and you've even written about Hu Lancheng, whom I adore. Words fail me; I simply wish you well.

In truth, he did care; otherwise, he wouldn't have shamelessly written down his supposed deep affection for Miss Zhang years later, in his old age. But it was nothing more than that. This man compared himself to a man from the Jin Dynasty, indulging in prostitution and outings, considering himself refined and elegant.

This angle is quite unique. I first saw you on Qingyun back then... A very dedicated newcomer. Several years later, I saw you on Jinjiang... Still persisting in your writing career. That's wonderful...

I stumbled upon this place and wanted to give a shout-out to Hu Lancheng, whom I admire.

Within the six directions, is it merely discussion without debate? People say he rebelled against the Party and the state, but they can't say he rebelled against this land or the civilization of rites and music. Besides, a promise comes before betrayal, and I think he didn't need to make a promise before the great faith. What I really want to say is that if I were a woman and met him, I would probably be brought out in the best version of myself.

Writing style is writing style, character is character. No matter how charming or handsome a person is, I will always despise them for having no backbone. The excuse that his wife died and he can now play around with his feelings is just that—an excuse that can't erase his promiscuity. People like that are disgusting, yet they're given the label of "romantic genius," which makes them even more repulsive.

It seems a new book has recently come out, is it Eileen Chang's "Little Reunion"? It is said that it is somewhat like an autobiography of her story with Hu Lancheng.

This kind of man is a menace; whoever runs into him is doomed. If you run into him, stay far away.

I really like this comment about Hu Lancheng: "His feelings were genuine, but he was not devoted either." As for his essays, they are indeed very good—I personally think they surpass Zhang's. However, the character he reveals through his writing is rather ordinary…