Training the Heavens

Chapter 95 We can also earn foreign exchange

The person who came up was called Heita Mibu. He graduated from the University of Tokyo more than 20 years ago and is currently the deputy director of the book publishing department of Tokuma Shoten. He happened to return to his alma mater today for something. He heard that some young Chinese people came to exchange ideas. Considering that the bookstore owner, Yasukai Tokuma, has always had a good relationship with China, he came to see what was going on. Unexpectedly, this visit actually found a book that was destined to be a bestseller for Tokuma Shoten.

How could such a story not be a hit in Japan in 1986? As long as they could successfully obtain the copyright, that would be a huge bonus! Thinking of all this, how could Ren Shengpingtai hold back? He rushed forward before Gao Jialin finished speaking.

The teacher in charge was about to stop him, but was stopped by Mibu Heita. "Sir, our company's president, Mr. Tokuma Yasukai, has always been friendly to China. He was once received by Mr. Wu Hao. Two years ago, he also cooperated with your country to shoot the film "An Unfinished Game of Chess" and the historical film "Dunhuang" reflecting Sino-Japanese friendship. You can trust us with such works."

Yasukai Tokuma has always been a pacifist. During World War II, he was beaten by right-wing elements for his anti-war stance. After China and Japan resumed exchanges, he immediately visited China many times on behalf of Japan's publishing and cultural circles.

The teacher had repeatedly emphasized such China-friendly people during the training. Now that he encountered Tokuma Yasukai's subordinates, the teacher really couldn't stop them. He could only use the tactic of procrastination, "Let's have a meeting to discuss it after we get back."

"Teacher Gao, we are very sincere and we will definitely do a good job on this book. Please!" Ren Shengpingtai bowed ninety degrees again.

"Please, Sensei! You must write this work." The students of Tokyo University in the audience bent down in unison like rice fields blown by the wind. It was so painful to only hear the beginning of such a wonderful story.

Even the school administrator responsible for receiving them from the University of Tokyo came over to help speak up, "Everyone, if such a work is written, it will definitely become a good story for the exchange between the young people of our two countries, so please agree to it."

Now the teacher in charge was also a little embarrassed. People have elevated the significance of this book to such a level. If I refuse, won’t I become the sinner who affects the relationship between the two countries?
"I will definitely convey your enthusiasm to the delegation." This was the only answer he could give.

"Please!" The Japanese people present bowed in unison again.

When the exchange time was over, the Japanese people escorted them to the bus and bowed to see them off. Only when they were no longer in sight did the teacher in charge breathe a sigh of relief and said to Gao Jialin half-jokingly and half-seriously, "You, you really gave me a scare today."

"I'm sorry, they were so enthusiastic. I just had this story in my mind and I couldn't help but tell it out loud." Gao Jialin quickly apologized sincerely. No matter what he thought in his heart, he had to show his attitude.

Seeing that he was so sensible, the teacher in charge no longer cared about it. "It's not your fault. If Mr. Tokuma Yasukai knew about this, maybe the leader would praise you."

Yasuyoshi Tokuma is a well-known dialogue and friendly person with channels to contact domestic high-level officials. If he can help put in a word, this exchange in Japan will be a great success, and the participants will also be commended and rewarded.

In fact, Tokuma Shoten cared about the book more than they thought. As soon as they returned to their residence, Tokuma Yasukai called Gao Jialin personally and invited him to visit Tokuma Shoten and talk about "Showa American Story".

The head of the delegation immediately called Gao Jialin over and listened carefully to his story outline. He felt a little uncomfortable. Japan buying the United States? And there are zombies? What the hell is this?

He couldn't help but ask, "How did you come up with all these things?" "I saw the American information in the library. The Youth League system requires us, the new generation of college students, to actively respond to the call of reform and opening up and enhance our understanding of the international situation." Gao Jialin came up with a reason that left the team leader speechless, and the American information was considered to have passed the test.

"I've seen some information about Neon in the library, some from teacher training I received recently, and some from observations I've made these past few days. As for the concept of zombies, there are two main sources. The first is Minamata disease, first discovered in Minamata Bay, Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan in 1953. It's a chronic mercury-induced disease caused by industrial pollution that can cause symptoms like decreased intelligence and photophobia."

"The second was when I was writing 'Spring Breeze Westgate', I learned from a Taiwanese screenwriter that zombie movies are quite popular in the United States now. These movies mainly focus on inhumane human experiments and biological experiments conducted in the United States, and the victims will turn into insane monsters."

These are all true. Gao Jialin did talk with the screenwriter about the topic of zombie movies.

In 1932, the first zombie movie in history, "White Zombie", was released. It tells the story of a Haitian wizard who uses voodoo to resurrect zombies to work for him.

In 1968, George A. Romero's "Night of the Living Dead" was released, freeing zombies from the control of voodoo and officially creating the zombie horror film genre.

By now, the basic concepts of later zombie films have been formed, and what Gao Jialin said can be found in public information.

After explaining the source, Gao Jialin talked about his understanding of zombie films. "I think this kind of film is a subtle way for American artists to criticize the alienation of people by capitalism. Under the rule of capitalism, ordinary people are alienated into irrational zombies."

"Okay, okay, let's just talk about the last part between the two of us. Don't tell your foreign friends to avoid unnecessary misunderstandings!" The team leader waved his hand to stop him. He now believed it almost completely because he had a similar feeling after hearing it.

After some consideration, the head of the delegation contacted the country several times and finally agreed to let Gao Jialin visit Tokuma Bookstore. Other bookstores might not have agreed, but Tokuma Bookstore really couldn't refuse.

There is no way. Tokuma Yasuyoshi is too influential. He has visited China many times, promoted cooperation and exchanges in many cultural fields, and was also received by Comrade Wu Hao. He is a true foreign friend. It would be unacceptable if we don't even give him this little bit of face.

Before leaving, the group leader repeatedly reminded us, "Within the framework of our principles, we must demonstrate our friendship as much as possible. Most importantly, don't say those last words from last night."

When they arrived at Tokuma Shoten, Heita Mibu welcomed them at the door and took them on a tour, focusing on introducing several literary works co-produced by China and Japan.

Then he led them into the reception room, served them tea and snacks, and said straight to the point, "In Neon, writers can generally get 8% to 14% royalties for their books. Our company is willing to offer the highest royalty of 14%. Please don't refuse, Mr. Gao."

Oh, can we earn foreign exchange now?

(End of this chapter)