I am a literary giant in Europe

Chapter 801 A Bright Future
The China-ASEAN Free Trade Area was launched on January 1, 2010.

On January 1, the following regulations came into effect: the Interim Measures for the Transfer and Continuation of Basic Pension Insurance Relationships for Urban Enterprise Employees, the Measures for the Administration of Radio and Television Advertising, the Regulations on Security Services, the Statistics Law of the People's Republic of China, the Law of the People's Republic of China on Diplomatic Personnel Stationed Abroad, the Law of the People's Republic of China on Mediation and Arbitration of Rural Land Contractual Management Disputes, and the Measures for Electricity Supply Supervision.

On January 1, the novel "Great Expectations" was published in Great Britain by Orion Press, a subsidiary of the Hachette Publishing Group.

……

Great Ambition, also known as "Lone Star's Blood and Tears".

This is the Chinese translation.

In fact, the original title is "Great Expectations," and a more literal translation would be "Great Hopes."

This is a long work written by Charles Dickens in his later years.

The story is set between 1812 and 1840, and tells the autobiographical story of an orphan named Pip, beginning at the age of seven, through three stages of his life. The tumultuous life of this orphan who stole his country expresses his views on life and humanity.

• A very, very, very British-style work.

The classical English vocabulary used in the book is almost no longer found in today's society.

I must admit one thing: Dr. Amos truly understands Great Britain. Through those archaic words, he paints a vivid picture of 19th-century Britain. I now, really, really, really admire him!
J.K. Rowling.

When "Great Expectations" was first released, it did not cause much of a sensation.

However, after J.K. Rowling mentioned this book in an interview, it attracted a lot of attention.

Soon after, scholars stepped forward and stated that Dr. Amos's work was of great significance to our study of 19th-century British customs and history. He provided far too many details…

This book quickly began to attract the attention of the British.

The British are arrogant!
Even though Liu Jin created so many works in succession, he was still not particularly recognized by them.

Night at the Museum, Nemo, and last year's Theron have all received considerable praise.

However, they did not initially value classical novels, especially those about Great Britain.

but……

Great Expectations is considered Dickens' masterpiece.

In its first week on the market, according to the bestseller list provided by the British Publishers Association, it barely ranked eleventh.

But the following week, it entered the top ten.

Sales reached 380,000 copies in ten days.

However, the publication of a book review by David Lodge sparked a discussion in academic circles.

Who is David Lodge?

Many people don't know him.

However, his position in the British literary world is extremely unique.

Honorary Professor at the University of Birmingham, Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature.

In the original timeline, he passed away on January 3, 2025, and the entire British literary world mourned him.

Writer and critic.

When J.K. Rowling called Liu Jin, she brought up the matter of David Lodge.

"I have never seen Professor Rocky so highly praise someone's work."

Liu Jin didn't know who David Lodge was at first. After talking to Rowling, he looked him up online and realized his status in the British literary world.

So he expressed his gratitude to Professor Lodge via Facebook.

David Lodge left a comment under his thank-you message: "Doctor, are you interested in teaching? Perhaps the University of Birmingham could consider it?"
I initially thought it was a joke.

Liu Jin replied: If I ever want to become a teacher, I will definitely consider the University of Birmingham.

result……

Amos, Toulouse II is your alma mater, Michel Ranke
Amos, don't forget ECS TOULOUSE, this is where your dreams begin.
-
Jean-Pierre Emmanuel
Amos, don't forget, Columbia is your home.

Amos, have you forgotten the Shadow of the Wind at the University of Barcelona?
Amos...

Below Liu Jin's account, a row of comments from official university accounts appeared.

As a result, even people who hadn't paid attention to this matter before noticed the existence of "Great Expectations".

As a result, Great Expectations sold over two million copies in Great Britain over the three days of January 15, 16 and 17.

On January 18, Broad Vision went public in North America.

On the day it was released, sales exceeded 1.8 million copies.

On January 20, Great Expectations was released in Australia and New Zealand.

On January 22, the French version of "Great Expectations" was launched in France.

On January 23, the German and Spanish versions of Great Expectations were released.

On January 25, versions in Italian, Portuguese, Dutch, Greek, Russian, and other languages ​​were also released in various regions.

As of January 30, global sales reached 1 million copies.

It can be said that the entire month of January was filled with great promise and a bright future.

……

At the end of the document, Liu Jin typed the word "END".

He stretched, loosened his neck, and got up to leave the study.

The courtyard was very quiet.

Liu Yadong (male, nickname Easton, mother Eva Green), Liu Yanan (female, nickname Nina, mother Eva Green), Liu Yaxi (female, nickname Cissy, mother Alizee), and Liu Yabei (male, nickname Beck, mother Alizee). The four little ones weren't making any noise; they were probably asleep, so I didn't hear anything.

When asked about the names of his four children, Liu Dasheng grabbed them all at once.

The result was that we ended up going in all directions.

By the time Liu Jin found out, Liu Dasheng had already processed their household registration.

Although I wasn't entirely satisfied, there was nothing I could do.

So he put a lot of thought into giving them four English names, which made up for his regret of not being able to get the right to name them.

Eva and Alizee left home early in the morning.

Tianxian had made plans with them to go shopping... Qianqian went along too.

As for Old Zhong and Ottilie, they left after New Year's Day.

This huge courtyard house now only houses Liu Jin and his wife Liu Dasheng, along with their five children, besides the three nannies living in the back room.

He walked out of the room and saw Yara Liu sitting on the veranda reading a book.

The weather was still quite cold, but the sun was shining brightly.

In fact, since the 08 Olympics, the air quality in Beijing has been getting better and better, the sky is bluer, and the sun shines brightly...

"Yara, why are you reading alone? It's so cold outside."

"My younger siblings are all asleep, and my grandparents are also dozing off. I was a little hot inside, so I came out to get some fresh air."

"Dad, when are you leaving?"

Yara is very sensible, which makes Liu Jin feel sorry for her.

He walked over, put his arm around Yara, and said with a smile, "We're leaving in March, do you want to come with me?"

"May I?"

Yara's eyes lit up.

But then he shook his head and said, "Never mind, I still need to learn Chinese."

"How about you study Chinese for two years first?"
"Wait until next year, after Dad decides where he'll be, then he'll bring you over."

"really?"

"Hook!"

Liu Jin extended his little finger, and Yara smiled and extended her little finger as well, hooking their fingers together.

The smile on his face grew even brighter.

……

For Liu Jin, January 2010 was uneventful.

A lot of things happened, but it seems... they have nothing to do with him.

Apart from publishing a eulogy in memory of Eric Rohmer after his death, he was mostly writing.

Liu Jin and Eric Rohmer were not very familiar with each other.

However, many of his friends had collaborated with Rohmer.

Isabelle Huppert, Isabelle Adjani, Sophie Marceau...

To be honest, his works don't particularly suit Liu Jin's aesthetic, but they have had a profound impact on Taiwan.

Especially his film "The Four Seasons".

Liu Jin wrote this eulogy because Rohmer had spoken out for him.

When "The Father Trapped in Time" was published, Rohmer praised it highly and even published a special article about it in Le Figaro.

Moreover, Sophie Marceau called and pleaded with him to write a eulogy.

"Director Rohmer has always been a fan of yours."

While he slept, your copy of *Les Misérables* was beside him. He said his biggest regret was not being able to bring *Les Misérables* to the screen.

Liu Jin couldn't refuse!

So he spent a day writing a eulogy.

Rohmer's films are simple, unpretentious, and natural.

There are no glamorous sets or costumes, no dazzling sound and light effects, and no complicated plot twists.

Like an elegant white lily blooming amidst a riot of colors, it blossoms in the green fields of April, exuding a delicate fragrance...

His films may not be great, but they are the closest to real life.

He is a humble humanist who, through his lens, subtly captures countless 'small moments'—vulnerability, confusion, restlessness… For him, what is truly novel is not the form, but the timeless thoughts hidden behind it—personalized reflections on humanity's eternally contradictory predicament.

Finally, Liu Jin gave the title of 'neoclassicist' to Rohmer's modern films.

After the article was published in Le Figaro, Sophie said that Rohmer's wife expressed her immense gratitude to Liu Jin.

Liu Jin also expressed his condolences on Facebook.

Subsequently, many Hollywood figures left comments, including Eva Longoria and Alizee, who were on vacation in China, as well as Jiang Wen and Liu Xian.

As a result, the names of Jiang Wen, Tian Xian, and others also appeared on the list of thank-yous at Rohmer's memorial service.

Subsequently, film academies in China such as Beijing Film Academy and Central Academy of Drama also published obituaries.

This has further solidified Liu Yifei's position in the Chinese entertainment industry.

The fact that Angelina Jolie's name appeared on the thank-you list at Rohmer's memorial service proves that she has integrated into the French film industry.

In the Chinese entertainment industry, which idolizes foreign things, reveres the Big Three European entertainment companies, and considers the Oscars supreme, very few people can truly integrate into that international circle. Even Zhang Ziyi, who was once an international star, has now been completely exploited and returned in disgrace.

However, these things have little to do with Liu Jin.

He did nothing all month.

He had originally planned to completely relax, but after New Year's Day, he couldn't resist opening his laptop and starting to write *Untouchable*. After all, he had already bought the adaptation rights to the original story of *Untouchable*, and it was really hard to leave it unwritten. However, since he had already written *Untouchable*, he figured he might as well write *Beyond Standards* and *Difficult Years* at the same time, making it a *Paris Trilogy*.

These three stories are all standard screenplays. They weren't particularly difficult to write.

Moreover, the home is quiet and there are few distractions, so writing is very smooth and can be done almost in one go.

Liu Jin compiled these three stories into a book, totaling 400,000 words.

The book is simply called the Paris Trilogy.

After he finished writing it, he sent the manuscript to Ottilie.

This is a French novel, so let's hand it over to Singra Publishing House for publication.

A sales volume of one or two million copies would be ideal!
……

February has arrived after completing the Paris Trilogy.

The atmosphere of the Spring Festival is getting stronger and stronger.

Unfortunately, firecrackers are not allowed in Beijing, which was a bit of a disappointment.

During the Spring Festival of the year I went abroad in 00, Zhongzhou still allowed the setting off of firecrackers. Who would have thought...

It's absurd that a bank president like you shouldn't be focusing on your main job and instead spends all your time submitting proposals to ban fireworks.

Liu Jin cursed in his heart countless times!
It seems to have become a common phenomenon.

Why do unprofessional people make suggestions for professional matters, and yet they always get approved?

Liu Dasheng was also not very satisfied with the ban.

"what is this?"

February 6th, the Little New Year in the North.

Eva received a gift from Liu Jin early in the morning.

A file folder.

She opened it with a puzzled look and took out a script.

Happy Death Anniversary?

"Don't you want to direct a movie?"

"You've already written it?"

"Since you've already made a New Year's wish, of course I have to write it down as soon as possible."

However, I've already reserved the female lead... Mia, my assistant in Salerno, remember? When I hired her, I promised to give her a chance. Since you're not planning to act anyway, I'll let her play the role.

Hehe, we're all newbies.

Director Green, it's time to show off your skills in training rookies!

"You're the newbie."

Eva, enraged and embarrassed, picked up the script and hit Liu Jin, then happily opened the script and began to read.

Choosing "Happy Death Day" was a decision Liu Jin made after thinking about it for a long time.

For Eva's first film, the budget certainly can't be too high.

The plot can't be too complicated, otherwise she won't be able to control it...

Happy Death Day was a 2016 film co-produced by America's Blue Holmes Films, Digital Riot Media, and Vesuvius Films, with North American distribution handled by Universal Pictures. Coincidentally, Liu Jin has a good relationship with Ron Mayer of Universal Pictures. In fact, Liu Jin currently maintains relatively good relationships with the heads of the six major Hollywood studios.

The original film had a total investment of $480 million.

However, if SNEG were to produce it, it would probably only cost four million US dollars.

After all, when Jessica Rohde starred in the original film, she was already a well-known actress in Hollywood, and her salary was not low.

But if it were a junior assistant...

Liu Jin felt that she would be willing to accept even without receiving money.

Moreover, the assistant's temperament is completely different from Jessica Rod's.

They are equally beautiful, but with that classic beauty, making them a perfect match for this kind of thriller, horror, and suspense film.

It's just acting...

If all else fails, have Lao Ma find her two veteran actors to give her some guidance.

By the way, Lao Ma should have arrived in China by now!
He previously said he would be spending Chinese New Year in China this year. It's already February, and Chinese New Year is just around the corner. He should be coming over soon!

Thinking of this, Liu Jin picked up the phone and called Lao Jiang.

"Uncle Jiang, has Old Ma arrived yet?"

"Get lost, you're over 30 centimeters old, who are you calling uncle?"

On the phone, Jiang Wen immediately became furious.

“You’re a guy who’s over 40 cents older than me, and I’m calling you Uncle Jiang. That’s called respecting the elderly and caring for the young.”

"Get out of here!"

Old Jiang cursed for several minutes before finally saying, "I was just about to call you. Old Ma is arriving this afternoon. How about we pick him up together?"

"What kind of person is he, and what kind of celebrity am I? Why would I pick him up at the airport?"

"Just tell me, are you going to answer or not?"

"What time? Who's there?"

"Friends, 3 PM, Beijing Capital International Airport."

"Okay, do you want me to come pick you up?"

"Forget it, I wouldn't dare trouble you."

"See you this afternoon."

After Liu Jin finished speaking, he hung up the phone.

"Amos, I want to make this movie."

Eva skimmed through the script for "Happy Death Day," then wrapped her arms around Liu Jin's neck and shouted, "If you give it to someone else, I'll never forgive you!"

Just then, Alizee came in carrying a plate of fruit, with Yara following behind.

"Hey, hey, hey, what are you doing in broad daylight?"

"By the way, you can have Jacques Tei compose the music for you... she's a top student at the Toulouse National Conservatory of Music."

"Her? Is she okay?"

Alizee looked unhappy. "Do you think I wanted this? I have a tour planned for the second half of this year."

"Another tour?"

"Yeah, once you've taken the money, you can't just keep resting."

Universal Music is definitely going to sue me... But thankfully, it's not a global tour, it's an Americas tour... From this year to the end of next year, mainly in North America, South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

A total of 109 matches!

"Wow, Universal is really taking this seriously."

"Yes, I was planning to invite Shakira and Avril, but Avril is quite busy this year... Shakira is busy breaking off her engagement with Antonio and is also overwhelmed. By the way, Liu Jin, could you help her?"

How can I help with this?

However, this seems normal.

Antonio is, after all, the son of De la Rua and the former crown prince of Argentina.

His romantic entanglement with Shakira is a bit too complicated.

They got engaged in 01, but then the Argentine riots forced Fernando de la Roua to step down, and he was subsequently embroiled in endless lawsuits. After all, the 01 riots resulted in bloodshed and many deaths.

Antonio is Fernando's son and was the mayor of Buenos Aires at the time.

Old De La Rua ordered the crackdown, and Antonio was ordered to carry it out, subsequently becoming embroiled in the lawsuit as well…

He consistently refused to break off his engagement with Shakira, and the two remained engaged, breaking up and getting back together several times, causing a lot of drama.

Eight years have passed in the blink of an eye.

Shakira finally made up her mind to break off the engagement.

but……

It's just a mess.

Liu Jin remembers clearly that the engagement was not resolved until next year.

Two months later, Shakira and Barcelona's Gerard Piqué announced their public relationship... It's likely that she was determined to have a relationship with Piqué as well.

Foreigners' love lives are a real mess!

Unlike Liu Jin...

"I'll find out what happened later."

Alizee nodded and said, "By the way, Shakira said she's grateful for the song 'Wakawaka' you gave her last year. Sony Music will be pushing the song to the World Cup organizing committee... She also said that Rolf asked her to convey his gratitude to you."

Rolf Schmidt-Holtz is the current CEO of Sony Music.

Liu Jin pursed his lips and did not respond.

To be honest, his relationship with Sony is quite complicated these days.

Sony Music's Japanese shareholders hate him to the core, but its American executives are very enthusiastic about him.

He originally didn't want to cooperate with Sony, but he had already promised Shakira, and he really couldn't go back on his word.

Unfortunately, Shakira's collaboration with Sony went too far.

With a ten-year contract in place, it would be difficult for Shakira to switch jobs even if she wanted to.

She received 1.8 million yuan when she signed the contract.

If the contract is terminated...

Even if Shakira is incredibly wealthy, she probably couldn't afford to pay the damages.

Most importantly, the copyrights to her previous songs were all held by Sony.

Shakira didn't dare to offend Sony, after all, Sony had even cheated Michael, let alone Shakira.
If anyone's to blame, it's Liu Jin for not stopping her from signing with Sony back then...

"Oh, right, tell Avril later to get a medical check-up."

If she trusts him, let Old Zhao examine her... It's incredibly difficult to find a traditional Chinese medicine doctor of his caliber these days.”

"body check?"

Alizee was taken aback.

Liu Jin offered no explanation.

He remembered that Avril would later be diagnosed with Lyme disease.

But which year exactly? He couldn't quite remember... Anyway, it seemed like Avril had been battling her illness for a very long time...

It wasn't until 18 that they officially made their comeback with the single "Head Above Water".

It will take four or five years!
Avril Lavigne is one of the Western singers who is extremely friendly towards China.

Liu Jin wanted to help her...

(End of this chapter)