When I first heard the editors say that "Cthulhu Gonfalon" would be translated into English, my reaction was both happy and surprised.
Happy, this reaction needs no explanation. For any author, if his work can be translated into a foreign language for readers of other countries to read, it is a huge reward.
This is not just some ordinary good news; this is something way stronger, like a thunderbolt out of the blue that can leave someone stunned. In films and TV series, the expression "so happy until one is dumbfounded," often appears. Today I experienced something like that.
Surprised was my subconscious reaction. Because there was no foreshadowing, completely unexpected, I never imagined this. If this could be compared to any of my life experiences, it would be like long time ago when I received my admission letter from a college way that was beyond my expectations.
For this book that I wrote, honestly, I am not very confident. I always think it can be written in a better way which can show readers a better piece of work - Every author will probably think the same way. That's why Cao Xueqin amended the "Dream of Red Mansions" five times; Jin Yong is also nearly a hundred years old but still scrutinizes and modifies his books that were done when he was young.
Since it can be done better, is it okay to translate it into English now? I considered this for a long time and then told myself, alright, very well.
People are constantly improving. We are never too old to learn, so we should never stop learning. I will not live in my old glory but continue to improve, like climbing the mountains. Even if I can only cross a stone every time, I will still be able to keep moving towards a higher place, towards the literary peak.
I think that even with my whole life, I probably will not be able to get to the top of the mountain. In this case, spending all my time to climb the mountain is not enough, how can I be like other literary giants, having time to scrutinize their books and modify it?
Compare myself to Cao Xueqin and Jin Yong; I am extremely arrogant!
After figuring it out, I was relieved.
This book can be translated into English, allowing foreign readers to read it, to see my work, to share my thoughts and feelings when I was writing. For me, it is a proud and glorious thing.
Thanks to the people who work hard to help me accomplish this.
I should not doubt myself but deeply remember this glory and pride, deeply remember the feelings of gratitude, to motivate myself to create even better works in the future.
In the end, to all foreigner readers, I hope this book will give you all a pleasant reading experience.
