I heard so many stories from Gaomi's peasants that I had an irrepressible urge to write them down. Today, Gaomi's peasants know that they have become famous around the world through my writings, but I think they are a little puzzled by this.

I have always been independent. I like it that way. When someone forces me to do something, I don't do it.

I know what real courage is, and I understand true compassion.

I write about my region, the countryside in which I grew up.

No person writes to win awards.

A writer should express criticism and indignation at the dark side of society and the ugliness of human nature, but we should not use one uniform expression.

A writer should always bravely face life, risking death and mutilation in order to dethrone an emperor.