Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 201 Zhu Lin Wants to Be a Director
At noon, under the shadow of the building at the south gate of Yenching University, a slightly thin elderly man wearing a white short-sleeved shirt kept wiping the sweat from his forehead.

The old man in the gatehouse leaned out of the window, chuckled, and asked, "What's your relationship to Liu Yimin?"

"Us? Hehe, let me tell you!"

When Liu Yimin arrived at the South Gate on his bicycle, Old Zhang, the director of the Ruxian Cultural Center, was chatting enthusiastically with the old man in the reception room.

"Comrade Liu Yimin, I could tell he had a bright future back when he was at our cultural center! This kid was also the top scorer in the college entrance examination in our area." Old Zhang took out a cigarette from his pocket and handed it to the old man in the gatehouse, saying proudly.

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "Comrade Zhang, what brings you here? Come on, let's go eat!"

The curator, Old Zhang, smiled and waved to the old man in the reception room from the back seat, indicating that he had not lied.

Liu Yimin took Lao Zhang to the Long March Hotel, greeted his old acquaintances, and served Lao Zhang beer to cool him off.

After finishing his beer with satisfaction, Old Zhang said, "Isn't it still about that earthenware pot from last time? Yes, it's now called the Stork, Fish, and Stone Axe Painting. There's a lot of research on it in China now, and its cultural value is immeasurable. Last year, it was urgently transported to the Provincial Museum because the History Museum wanted to borrow it for an exhibition in Beijing, so the task of transporting it to Beijing naturally fell to me again."

"I see!"

The National History Museum later merged with the Museum of the Revolution to become the National Museum.

Most of the national treasures discovered in various places end up being loaned to the National Museum in Beijing. As for when they will be returned...

Hehe, I borrowed it through my own abilities, why should I pay it back?
After all the dishes were served, Liu Yimin called to Lao Zhang to eat and suggested that he take him for a walk around Yenching University later.

Curator Zhang waved his hand and said, "No more, no more. Just coming to Yenching University to see you is enough. Not bad at all! I walked around the bookstore entrance, and a lot of people were talking about your work!"

"Are you in such a hurry to go back?"

Old Zhang said, "I have to see some old friends this afternoon?"

"Ok?"

"What? You think I don't have any friends in Yanjing? Let me tell you, I don't usually tell others about this. I used to be a graduate of the 18th class of the Whampoa Military Academy, so I do have some acquaintances in Yanjing," Old Zhang said mysteriously.

Liu Yimin gasped, but Lao Zhang quickly interrupted him, signaling him not to make a fuss.

Liu Yimin exhaled a cold breath. Of all the classes of trainees at the Whampoa Military Academy, there were practically no more renowned generals by the later stages. Or perhaps there were, but they simply didn't have enough time to develop.

Liu Yimin asked Lao Zhang where he was staying that night.

Old Zhang told him that he was staying at the guesthouse of the History Museum. The museum was right across from Tiananmen Square, and the guesthouse was nearby.

Liu Yimin said sincerely, "Comrade Zhang, are you busy tonight? If not, please come to the Beijing People's Art Theatre to see a play. It's very close to your guesthouse."

After thinking for a moment, Old Zhang looked at Liu Yimin with great emotion and said, "Then I shall respectfully accept your offer!"

"You're too kind of yourself, you're my senior, you took good care of me at the cultural center!" Liu Yimin said, raising his beer glass.

Old Zhang was enjoying his beer, forgetting the sweltering heat of late summer. He then pulled a letter from his pocket and said, "This is a letter from our director, who is now the secretary, Yang Yushan. You didn't go home for summer vacation. Our 'Yimin Class' achieved excellent results in this year's college entrance examination."

Liu Yimin always felt something was off when he heard the words "Yimin Class," but he was still happy to accept the letter after hearing that his college entrance examination results were good.

The letter stated that this year, 100% of the students in the "Yimin Class" passed the entrance exam, with more than 30 students reaching the undergraduate admission line. Several students also had very high scores in the region, and one of them went to Hebei University, Yenching University (a metallurgical and electrical engineering university), and later to North China University of Technology.

"Secretary Yang specifically thanked you. With such a good start, things will definitely get better and better from here on out."

"I only offered a name!"

"No, the power of role models is boundless."

"Sigh, this is a last resort. In fact, it is unfair to other students to select the best teachers from all the high schools in the county."

However, despite repeated criticisms, no school was willing to disband the elite classes.

"I think it's good. We're all working together towards the same goal. No matter what, it's better for one more person to go to university than one less."

After finishing his meal, Old Zhang hurriedly boarded a bus and headed to catch up with his old friends.

After returning to school and finishing his first class in the afternoon, Liu Yimin was about to ride his bicycle to the Beijing People's Art Theatre when Professor Yan Jiayan stopped him.

"Hey kid, where are you rushing off to again?" Yan Jiayan, carrying lecture notes, gestured for Liu Yimin to follow him to his office.

Upon arriving at the office, Yan Jiayan tossed the lecture notes onto the desk, wiped the sweat from his face with a damp towel, and turned to look at Liu Yimin with a smile.

When Liu Yimin told him about his move to the Beijing People's Art Theatre, Yan Jiayan breathed a sigh of relief: "It's like the Beijing People's Art Theatre has nurtured a good student. I've read several of your scripts, and your lines and acting are quite good."

Liu Yimin chuckled: "It's mainly because the teachers are so good!"

Yan Jiayan waved his hand at the stool: "Sit down, pour yourself some water if you want, we can chat for ten minutes or so. It's not good for you to stand there and stare at my head."

After pouring two glasses of water, Liu Yimin sat down opposite Yan Jiayan. Yan Jiayan was now bald, and when he stood up, he could just see the shiny area.

"I've read all your recent articles in newspapers and magazines, including your trip to Aba. Writing requires firsthand experience to truly empathize, and you've done a good job," Yan Jiayan praised.

Liu Yimin said, "I will continue to work hard, as I still have many shortcomings in terms of theoretical knowledge."

Yan Jiayan looked at Liu Yimin with surprise, then suddenly laughed and said, "Not bad, it's remarkable that you can recognize your own problems. But you're only a junior. If you catch up in terms of theory, wouldn't we old guys be ashamed?"

In fact, your theoretical foundation is ahead of your peers. Professor Yang Hui thought your analysis of reform literature was excellent. When I visited Professor Yang's home, he often mentioned you, and several professors would frequently discuss your novels.

Liu Yimin didn't know what Yan Jiayan was trying to say, but he responded to each sentence naturally.

"Alright, let's get back to the main topic. Every year, we have a welcome ceremony for new students at Yanda University, and this year is no exception. We'd like to invite you to speak as a representative of the senior students. What do you think?"

Yan Jiayan finally revealed his purpose: "You know I'm still in charge of some administrative work in the department, so I'll tell you about this."

Yan Jiayan is not the director yet, but he will officially become the director of the Chinese Department of Yenching University in four years.

"In the department or the school?" Liu Yimin asked directly. Yan Jiayan didn't answer directly, but said, "Okay, I thought you would say you weren't qualified and decline!"

Liu Yimin spread his hands and said, "Professor Yan, would it make a difference if I declined? If it were possible to decline, is it too late to say so now?"

Yan Jiayan was amused and deliberately said, "It's too late. It might have been useful earlier, but now it's your turn! I don't need to persuade you anymore. Originally it was for the department, but Principal Ji heard about it and insisted on changing it to the whole school."

"Okay, I'll say whatever I want," Liu Yimin asked.

Upon hearing this, Yan Jiayan straightened up and asked warily, "What do you want to say?"

"Professor, what can I say? I can only encourage everyone to be positive and strive for the Four Modernizations. But I'm wondering, does the university have any designated themes?"

Yan Jiayan finally relaxed: "No, I've read your previous reports, they're all very good! Keep preparing, there's still some time before the freshman orientation ceremony. Alright, I won't take up any more of your time, go ahead and get busy!"

Liu Yimin stood up, said goodbye to Yan Jiayan, and walked out of the office.

Yan Jiayan watched Liu Yimin's retreating figure, his eyes filled with admiration: "Not bad, you look more confident than before!"

There are plenty of arrogant students and teachers in the Chinese literature department, some of whom even have an air of superiority.

Yan Jiayan believes that a truly talented person may not be arrogant, but must be confident. They should not be haughty or conceited, but must always be fully prepared and have a clear understanding of their abilities.

Sitting down at his desk, Yan Jiayan glanced at his recent assignments and chuckled softly, "First I'll be a Chinese literature student, then a Chinese literature professor—it's inevitable!"

At the Beijing People's Art Theatre, Liu Yimin first bought an ice pop at the entrance. Liang San's gourd had now become Liang San's ice pop. After taking a bite, Liu Yimin asked, "Haven't you been caught lately, have you?"

"How could that be? I know everyone around here. Some of them even buy their tickets from me. We're all best buddies!" Liang Sanhulu said proudly.

"You've built a very solid foundation!"

"Writer Liu, I heard there's going to be a new play?" Liang Sanhulu asked.

"What? You got the news pretty quickly?"

"Hehe, isn't this just because I want to make more money?"

With a wave of his hand, Liu Yimin walked into the Beijing People's Art Theatre. As he passed the gatehouse behind the door, he told them that if any elderly comrade in his fifties came looking for him, they should remember to call out to him.

I found two more insider tickets; tonight's performance is "The Flames of War in Beiping".
Upon arriving at the Beijing People's Art Theatre's rehearsal hall, the theatre was conducting casting for "Mountains High and Waters Long." Ouyang Shanzun sat in the middle, with Su Min and Lan Tianye on his left and right, respectively. Considering that this was a two-part play, the manpower and effort required far exceeded that of a single play.

Cao Yu waved his hand and directly appointed Ouyang Shanzun as the leader, with the two as his assistants, to begin rehearsing the play. Of course, this also meant that Ouyang Shanzun should teach Su Min and Lan Tianye more.

Many actors were seated in the rehearsal hall, waiting for casting. Liu Yimin saw Yang Lixin and Pu Cunxi. Pu Cunxi smiled at Liu Yimin, as did Yang Lixin, though he looked a little dejected.

Pu Cunxi said in a low voice, "He finally got a leading role, but unfortunately he felt he wasn't satisfied with his performance."

After Pu Cunxi finished speaking, he nudged Yang Lixin and said, "You are much better than me. I have never played a leading role in all these years."

Yang Lixin's new lead role is Fang Dasheng in the play "Sunrise". He has been preparing for a long time, just waiting to make a big splash. But he felt that his backside was exposed, so he was naturally depressed.

Liu Yimin said, "If you don't pull yourself together, you'll miss out on this role."

Pu Cunxi chimed in, "Perfect! Without you, I'll play the young Tushe Suowenmao, leading the Tibetan army into battle."

The two whispered and joked around for a while, then Liu Yimin walked to the front of the stage and sat down next to the three directors, Ouyang Shanzun.

Zhu Lin poked his head out and winked at him. Liu Yimin wondered why Zhu Lin was there!
Because this play has no romantic scenes from beginning to end, starting with an urgent military order to mobilize troops, the entire play consists of tense pre-battle mobilization and war scenes.

Ouyang Shanzun smiled at Liu Yimin and said, "Screenwriter Liu, here to give some guidance?"

"Comrade Shanzun, please stop making fun of me!" Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Su Min said, "You're the screenwriter, so it's only right that you provide guidance. Perfect timing, help us with casting; casting is tough!"

“Once the actors are mostly chosen, you can come and talk to them about the customs and lifestyle of Tibet, so that everyone can learn more,” Lan Tianye interjected.

Liu Yimin nodded and joked, "The three of you are all happy now. If you had known this would happen, why did you fight over it?"

The three exchanged a knowing smile without saying a word, but without arguing, how could they be considered directors? The Beijing People's Art Theatre has more than just these three directors; of the four most famous directors at the theatre, besides Jiao Juyin, Xia Chun, and Mei Qian, are still alive!

The casting process was very serious. Cao Yu also came over for a while, greeted them, and then left.

During the break, Liu Yimin sat down next to Zhu Lin and asked curiously, "What are you doing here?"

Zhu Lin put the notebook away: "I'll learn from Dean Shanzun!"

Shan Zun smiled and looked at Liu Yimin, saying, "Many people from our Beijing People's Art Theatre have gone from actors to directors. Lao Lan is one such example. We don't have a female director in the projects we're currently directing. Who says women are inferior to men? I think we need to cultivate a female director!"

"Director?" Liu Yimin looked at Zhu Lin again.

Zhu Lin blushed and said shyly, "I begged Dean Shanzun to let me learn from him!"

This surprised Liu Yimin, who wondered when Zhu Lin had developed a dream of becoming a director.

Lan Tianye smiled and said, "I think Comrade Zhu Lin is quite talented. Who knows, she might become our People's Art Theatre's star female director someday. After so many years, it's about time that our People's Art Theatre produced a renowned female director!"

Before I could ask any more questions, the rehearsal room was bustling with activity again. Zhu Lin, notebook in hand, followed behind the three teachers, carefully taking notes.

After the event ended and all the actors had left, Ouyang Shanzun smiled and looked at Zhu Lin: "Master Jiabao has taken Yimin as his student. Comrade Zhu Lin, how about you become my student? I will definitely teach you all the experience I gained in the first half of my life."

Lan Tianye and Su Min exchanged a glance. The old fox is indeed the wisest!

Lan Tianye interjected, "Choosing a suitable teacher is crucial for achieving the best results with the least effort. Yimin, you are Jiabao Gong's disciple, do you agree with what I'm saying?"

"What? Old Lan, do you have a problem with this again?" Ouyang Shanzun snorted.

(End of this chapter)