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

Chapter 204 Film Collaboration Reached
The gate of Beijing Film Studio was designed by the art master Tu Juhua. The gateposts are decorated with ribbon-like shapes, with several red flag sculptures fluttering at both ends, and worker, peasant and soldier statues placed on the top of the ribbon.

In front of the Beijing Film Studio are three buildings. The main building is a Soviet-style building with a red and white color scheme and the words "Serve the People" written on it. It has three floors, or three and a half floors including the top part. The two buildings next to it are the recording and editing building and the film processing building, respectively.

Wang Yan first led Liu Yimin to the office of Deputy Factory Director Zhu Dexiong, where the two of them first learned about the revised script.

Zhu Dexiong's office was dimly lit, with wooden desks and chairs throughout, giving it the feel of an old movie. Several large group photos hung in the office, with Soviet-style buildings in the background.

This is a commemorative photo taken when Zhu Dexiong went to study in the Soviet Union. Next to the desk are some small devices that Liu Yimin doesn't understand.

Zhu Dexiong asked Liu Yimin to sit down, and Wang Yan and Liu Yimin sat in the office and began to examine the document carefully.

Liu Yimin looked at the small device with boredom, sometimes examining other ornaments in Zhu Dexiong's office and fiddling with the wooden globe.

The two of them looked at it for quite a while before they finished. Zhu Dexiong looked up at the bored Liu Yimin and laughed, "Sorry, Yimin!"

“It’s alright, how do you feel?” Liu Yimin asked.

“Old Wang is the director, his opinion is more important than mine.” Zhu Dexiong looked at Wang Yan.

"I think it's already very good so far. I went to the Beijing People's Art Theatre to see the play 'Mr. Donkey' and studied it several times. I think this version is already very good. Director Zhu, I think if the factory gives me the script, I guarantee that the film will be even more exciting than the play by the Beijing People's Art Theatre."

Wang Yan looked at Zhu Dexiong and said, word by word, very seriously.

Zhu Dexiong smiled helplessly and said, "It's not enough for me to just say it; Director Wang has to agree. You're one of Director Wang's favorites, so I'm sure there won't be any problems."

Wang Yan raised his wrist to check the time, stood up and said, "Director Zhu, let's go find Director Wang together. Please put in a good word for me. This is the script I suggested to the factory, including the filming budget and everything else. I've done my homework, and I also have some preliminary ideas for the film's cast."

Looking at Wang Yan's serious expression, Liu Yimin knew that Wang Yan would be heartbroken if the directorship were taken by someone else.

Zhu Dexiong glanced at Wang Yan and said, "Old Wang, you can't rush things. I'd like to invite Yimin for a cup of coffee before I go over."

“At least there’s tofu!” Wang Yan grinned at Liu Yimin.

Zhu Dexiong and Liu Yimin were amused by Wang Yan. Zhu Dexiong stood up and said, "Yimin, how about we go and meet Director Wang? He raved about 'Romance on Lushan Mountain' and was very impressed with you at the film industry's literary and artistic conference."

Liu Yimin stood up from the mahogany sofa and said jokingly, "I haven't had enough of this nice sofa yet!"

Zhu Dexiong pointed to some tables and sofas in the room: "These are the belongings we got from the Beijing Film Academy. We were poor in the beginning, we really had to borrow a little from here and a little from there. You have an eye for these kinds of furniture?"

"I don't have much research experience. I just like old things. Whether I understand them or not, they're pleasing to the eye just to look at. After all, they're history," Liu Yimin said.

"These are all furniture and chairs that the Palace Museum couldn't use back then, and they gave us quite a lot of them. We've gotten to where we are today entirely thanks to the support of these brother units and our superiors. They sold us a lot of armor in the 70s. If they want to sell us anything else in the future, I'll contact you, you pay for it, and the Palace Museum will definitely be willing," Zhu Dexiong said happily.

Wang Yan also said, "There should be more old furniture in the courtyard house."

Liu Yimin said seriously, "You're right, Director Wang. You have a good eye. Without some old furniture, it just doesn't feel like something's missing."

As the three chatted and laughed, they arrived at the door of Wang Yang's office. The five characters "Factory Director's Office" were particularly eye-catching in the dimly lit corridor.

As Wang Yang's voice came from inside the office, the three of them went in together. Wang Yang was over sixty years old, but he still looked very energetic. His hair was combed back like that of an old cadre, and he was rather thin, looking like someone who worked in the arts.

Upon seeing the three people, Wang Yan put down his work and said, "Director Wang, this is the script for 'Mr. Donkey,' and this is Comrade Liu Yimin!"

Wang Yang laughed, "Do I need you to introduce me? Hahaha, Yimin, you're here. Come and sit on the sofa. How does it feel to be here at the Beijing Film Studio for the first time?"

Wang Yang took off his glasses, his eyes sparkling with excitement, and pulled Liu Yimin to sit on the sofa.

Liu Yimin smiled and said, "Beijing Film Studio is of course very good."

Wang Yang said with a smile, "Your 'Romance on Lushan Mountain' is very good!" Then he sighed regretfully, "We have the advantage of being close to the source, but the Shanghai Film Studio got the moon. Tell me, what's going on? This is a mistake on our part at the Beijing Film Studio!"

"However, we still ended up meeting here. Yimin, there are few good film scripts. I hope you can bring more scripts to the film industry. As the largest film studio in China, Beijing Film Studio will have many opportunities to cooperate with us in the future," Wang Yang said.

Zhu Dexiong said, "Old Wang, if Old Xu and the others hear this, they'll say we're bragging again!"

Among the eight major film studios, Beijing Film Studio, Shanghai Film Studio, and August First Film Studio are the big brothers, and none of them are willing to concede to the others.

Shanghai Film Studio was not weak; it was a large studio that had merged with several film studios. Unfortunately, for ten years, it was practically in a state of dissolution.

The success of "Romance on Lushan Mountain" was tantamount to Shanghai Film Studio announcing to the entire film industry, "I, Hu Hansan, am back!"

After pouring Liu Yimin a cup of tea, Wang Yang began reading the script. He read it very quickly, perhaps because he already had a basic understanding of it, and with Wang Yan occasionally providing explanations, Wang Yang nodded frequently as he read.

Wang Yangfan put down the script in his hand and said with satisfaction, "Yimin, the script is good. To be honest, I like several of your scripts. If I had the budget, I would just wave my hand and film them all. Unfortunately, I don't have that much money."

How did you like the tea?

"Good tea. I usually prefer black tea."

“It’s delicious. Take one can with you in a bit. I have plenty of tea here.” Wang Yang immediately got up, went to the cabinet behind his desk, took out a can of black tea, and handed it to Liu Yimin.

Zhu Dexiong snorted: "Fine, Lao Wang, I've been asking you for so long, and you still won't give me even a single tube!"

"Just stick to your foreign stuff (coffee), don't mix Chinese and foreign!" Wang Yang laughed.

Wang Yang shoved the tea leaves directly into Liu Yimin's bag, adding considerately, "Have some more when you're done!"

Wang Yan glanced at the three of them and said to Wang Yang, "Director Wang, who are we planning to give this script to for filming?"

Wang Yang leaned back on the sofa, arms crossed, and said, "Who's taking pictures? You mean you want to take pictures, right?"

"Within our factory, I'm definitely the most familiar with this script, so handing it over to me is the perfect choice. I already have a complete set of ideas, from funding to personnel to filming. Let me tell you about it, okay?"
I'm also quite familiar with Yimin, which makes script discussions much easier!

Wang Yan looked at Liu Yimin, practically declaring that the two were inseparable. Wang Yang was still hesitating when Zhu Dexiong beside him said, "Old Wang is right. He did the most research; I think the factory can trust him!"

Wang Yang still wouldn't budge, so Wang Yan gritted his teeth and said, "Leave it to me. I'll keep the cost around 15, and I can guarantee the quality!"

Wang Yan calculated that the budget was around 100,000 yuan, but when applying for funding, he would usually apply for between 400,000 and 500,000 yuan.

The figure of around 100,000 was just an estimate; his statement now is tantamount to issuing a formal order.

Wang Yang lifted his eyelids: "Old Wang, really?"

“Really!” Wang Yan said.

It seems that Wang Yan's words hit Wang Yang right where it hurts, revealing that the factory is not only concerned about quality but also about funding.

Wang Yang straightened up and said, "Don't talk about 150,000, I'll give you 200,000. If you win the bid, it's yours. If you don't do a good job, not only will the factory not forgive you, but Comrade Yimin won't forgive you either! 'Mr. Donkey' has been performed more than 100 times at the Beijing People's Art Theatre, which means that most audiences approve of it. Old Wang, don't you dare to tarnish 'Mr. Donkey'!"

Wang Yan assured, "In the coming months, I will dedicate all my energy to 'Mr. Donkey.' The factory can rest assured, and Comrade Liu Yimin, you can rest assured too!"

Liu Yimin looked at Wang Yang, who was deliberately letting Wang Yan roll up the sleeve first! But Wang Yan had been preparing for so long, so there must be a reason why he dared to say that.

Wang Yan secured the filming rights, which made him feel much more relaxed.

Wang Yang looked at Liu Yimin: "Yimin, speaking of which, we're actually in the same industry. We didn't have any movies before, we only did stage plays. I'm a stage play director, and I even directed Cao Yu's 'Thunderstorm.' If I hadn't changed careers, I would definitely be vying for your stage play directing rights."

Next, Wang Yan talked about his filming ideas. Liu Yimin, Wang Yang and the other two listened very carefully, especially Wang Yang, who would occasionally ask questions.

There were some things that Wang Yan himself hadn't thought of, but Wang Yang had thought of them very comprehensively. After the conversation, Wang Yan gained a lot.

After discussing the script, they moved on to other topics. As the conversation flowed, Liu Yimin, though inwardly bitter, found himself unable to leave. They continued their discussion in the Beijing Film Studio's canteen, where they talked about the Beijing People's Art Theatre's current production of "Mountains High and Rivers Long," clearly showing their interest.

Wang Yan saw Liu Yimin off as he left the Beijing Film Studio, and said to him happily, "Yimin, if anything comes up, I'll come to Yenching University or the courtyard house to find you."

"Okay, remember to call ahead when you arrive, so you don't make a wasted trip."

Liu Yimin walked out of the Beijing Film Studio; it was already dark. On the surrounding streets, many old Beijing locals were walking, fanning themselves with palm-leaf fans, or chatting with their backs bare.

He keeps calling me "you bastard" and "authentic".

The royalties for the script from Beijing Film Studio had not yet been finalized, but Wang Yan told him that he would personally deliver it to Yenching University when the time came.

Back at school, as soon as they arrived at the dormitory building, they saw Liu Zhenyun, Li Xueqin, and Chen Dazhi carrying stools and heading into the dormitory building.

Liu Zhenyun was gesturing excitedly to the two of them when Liu Yimin suddenly leaned in, startling all three of them.

"Did all three of you go to see a movie?"

"Yimin, you're finally back! The three of us went to see 'Romance on Lushan Mountain.' It's free for Chinese literature students; the department covered the ticket costs." Liu Zhenyun patted Liu Yimin on the shoulder proudly.

"It's really well-made. I've watched it several times, and I still want to watch it again!" Li Xueqin said.

Back in the dormitory, Liu Yimin saw the three of them still discussing, so he asked them how their novels were going.

Upon hearing this, the entire dormitory fell silent instantly. The three of them lost all interest in discussing the matter and went to wash up with their heads drooping.

After washing up, Liu Yimin lay on the straw mat and began to think about how to speak at the freshman orientation ceremony.

The general content will definitely be welcoming the new students, praising the school, and telling them that they will definitely gain a lot during their four years of study at Yenching University.

By the way, let me share my personal learning experience, give everyone a pep talk, and help you envision the future of yourselves and the country.

In the darkness, Liu Zhenyun's eyes were fixed on Liu Yimin. By the moonlight, he saw that Liu Yimin's eyes were wide open, and he couldn't help but ask, "Yimin, what are you thinking about?"

Li Xueqin said, "Maybe there's a woman here right now, wide awake, not asleep!"

Liu Yimin chuckled and scolded, "Professor Yan asked me to speak at the freshman welcome ceremony. I'm trying to figure out what to say!"

"This matter has been discussed by many people in the department. The most talented student in the top department is going to welcome the new students, and many students are looking forward to it!" Chen Dazhi said in a low voice.

"What are you expecting? They're not freshmen!" Liu Yimin said, turning over.

"Maybe there will be more senior students than freshmen attending the event. Before the freshmen even get in, there will be a huge crowd of senior students!" Li Xueqin joked.

Liu Zhenyun said in a low voice, "That's perfect, let's hold a school-wide assembly!"

After the three finished speaking, chuckles broke out in the dormitory.

The next day, a group of people went to the cafeteria for breakfast. A murmur of discussion came from the triangular area. After finishing his meal, Liu Yimin squeezed through to take a look and found that some students were putting up big-character posters.

It is strongly recommended that this year's freshman welcome ceremony not be held in the main dining hall, but on the playground, so that all students can participate.

As Liu Yimin walked back, Liu Zhenyun wiped the water off the lunchbox, stuffed it into his bag, and rushed over: "Yimin, I knew it! It suddenly turned from a freshman orientation ceremony into a school-wide assembly."

She added enviously, "Everyone went there just to see you."

Liu Yimin said with a faint smile, "It's just a speech, what's so interesting about it?"

Li Xueqin leaned closer: "What do you mean by 'only one person speaking'? Yimin, you underestimate the weight of the name 'Liu Yimin' in everyone's hearts. Do you believe that Zhenyun could exchange those three words for a week's worth of meal tickets at the canteen?"

Liu Zhenyun said with dissatisfaction, "If you're going to give an example, then give one. Why are you using me as an example?"

(End of this chapter)