The People’s Republic of Desire

77 The (Brief) Return of Ximu

It takes Lulu seven months to finish her first book, Lover ' s Socks. The book originally was called Love in the Time of SARS., but by the time the book is out, SARS is passe. Inspired by Sade's Lovers Rock, the publisher has given the book this current name. Lover ' s Socks is based on Lulus six-year on-and-off relationship with her former boyfriend, Ximu. The male character, Daiwu, goes to France to study fashion with his new-lywed wife after graduating from a top university in China. In France, like many Chinese emigre couples, the wife abandons the husband, marries a Frenchman, and stays in France. Somehow, the wife's decision sets Daiwu free.

He returns to China and soon emerges as a top fashion designer. He has no difficulty hooking up with beautiful young women, but his soulmate and confidante is a young fashion magazine editor named Jade, who worships him wholeheartedly. Smart and understanding, Jade never pushes Daiwu to marry her because he claims to be a free spirit who would not want the fetters of marriage. But Daiwu betrays Jade by secretly getting married to a woman who is half Chinese and half French. This is his way to get even with his ex-wife.

The publisher is keen on promoting Lulu, the young, fashionable, and talented author. They plan to list the book as semi-autobiographical, a method sure to generate more buzz and sales. But Lulu wants to change the location from France to Japan to make the characters less identifiable. Her editor persuades her not to. "Don't be afraid of reve aling your private life. You see, even Hillary Clinton has to write about Monica Lewinsky in order to sell her book. Victims like her, and Nicole Kidman, get a lot of sympathy. Your book will be a tear-jerker. You'll get a lot of supporters, especially sympathetic female readers who 'll rally behind you against those heartless womanizers. But to get this effect, you have to make us believe it's a real story."

Lulu says, "But I'm not concerned about my own privacy. I'm concerned about Ximu's."

The editor says, "If you worry about us getting involved in lawsuits, don't. We'd be thrilled if he sued us. It's called free publicity! If he were to sue, we'd invite all the journalists and hold press conferences – way more effective than book signings to pump the sales."

"But I just don't think it's fair for Ximu." Lulu mumbles quietly as she looks at her feet.

"Was he fair to you? He lied to you and cheated on you. Why are you still treating this shameless man kindly?"

As they are debating, the telephone rings. Lulu picks it up and gestures to her editor that it is Ximu. The editor puts the speaker on so that she can also hear what he says.

"So I heard you wrote about me," Ximu says to Lulu.

Lulu doesn't deny a thing. "Yes. Do you mind?"

"No. Not at all." Ximu sounds happy. "As a matter of fact, I'd prefer you to use my real name."

"But the character is not an honorable man, as you may know better than anybody else," Lulu mocks.

"It's flattering to be written about by a young, beautiful, and very promising writer. I'd rather be notorious than normal. If you want, I can help you find investors who might be interested in turning the book into a movie. Our story might become a legend!"

Hearing his words, the editor gives Lulu an I-told-you-so expression.

"You're treating my book like free advertising for your fashion designs," says Lulu, displeased. Despite all his flaws, Lulu still can't believe that the artist Ximu would promote himself so shamelessly.

"Why not? Nowadays the most difficult thing is to be taken seriously. Movie actors, fashion designers, and pop singers reinvent their love stories to promote themselves. We have a real one – why not go for it? Lulu, let's make some noise and sell our past together to the public!"

For a moment, Lulu says nothing. The she regains her confidence and replies, "What do you mean, 'we'? You didn't have any trouble going your own way before. You wanted to write some new chapters in your life without me. Now, I'm the one writing it, so I'll be the one selling it. Bye-bye!"