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

Chapter 278 Women's Volleyball Team Receives Donations
On the platform, Zhu Lin spotted Liu Yimin at a glance, waved to him, and called out as if no one else was around, "Teacher Liu, over here!"

Liu Yimin quickly squeezed in front of Zhu Lin, put her cold hands into his pockets, and asked, "So cold? How long have you been waiting?"

"I arrived shortly after!" Zhu Lin said with a smile.

Once outside the station, Zhu Lin pushed his bicycle over, his nose red from the cold. His first words were a puff of white smoke: "Sir, shall we go to the Overseas Chinese Apartments or the courtyard house? The Overseas Chinese Apartments are one yuan, the courtyard house is fifty cents!"

"Let's go to a courtyard house. I'll head to the Beijing People's Art Theatre first!" Liu Yimin tightened his coat. At that moment, he really wanted to go to the Overseas Chinese Apartment to enjoy the warmth.

"Alright, you sit down, let's go!"

"I'll ride it!"

"I'll ride!"

Upon arriving at the courtyard house, Liu Yimin smiled, took out a one-yuan coin from his pocket, handed it to Zhu Lin, and generously said, "Keep the change!"

"Alright, sir, you're so generous!"

"Alright, stop pretending!" Liu Yimin put the things into the study and hugged Zhu Lin.

He unbuttoned the military overcoat and put Zhu Lin's icy hands inside to warm them up.

"Zhu Lin, did you miss your teacher?" Liu Yimin chuckled.

Zhu Lin pressed her head against Liu Yimin's chest, feeling warm and cozy inside his coat: "Teacher Liu, did you miss me?"

"Think about it!"

Zhu Lin smiled happily without saying a word. She had already lit the coal in the stove, so it seemed she had guessed that he would come to the courtyard house.

"Since its publication in People's Literature and Art, the reportage work 'Chinese Girl' has generated a tremendous response. Right now, there are only two magazines that sell well in all of China: one is Harvest, and the other is People's Literature and Art!"

Zhu Lin sat by the fireplace and handed Liu Yimin the copy of "People's Literature and Art" she had bought. The cover design revealed "People's Literature and Art's" clever touch, directly featuring a photo of the women's volleyball team's victory.

Who wouldn't be tempted by this?!
"The country's magazines are getting more and more beautifully printed these days!" Zhu Lin exclaimed.

Liu Yimin rested in the room for a while, and Zhu Lin went to cook.

After dinner, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin went to the Beijing People's Art Theatre to find Cao Yu, who was working there.

Before Liu Yimin even found Cao Yu's office, he was surrounded by several directors who all asked him how the script was coming along.

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "The script has just been written!"

"I heard that the Zhan You Drama Troupe and the General Political Department both want this script?" Ouyang Shanzun said, squinting his eyes.

The group chattered amongst themselves. Cao Yu opened his office door, coughed, and everyone fell silent. Liu Yimin smiled at them and strode into Cao Yu's office.

"This year's New Year wasn't very good!" Cao Yu said with a smile.

"It is a bit noisy, but my family was very happy when I brought my partner home!"

“I heard from Comrade Xiao Zhu that your parents are very satisfied with her.” Cao Yu didn’t dwell on this topic too much, but continued, “Both ‘Triumph at Midnight’ and ‘Chinese Girl’ are well-written. Two of them coming out at once, that’s amazing!”

"It's just that the publication times were close. 'Triumphant at Midnight' is 100,000 words long and took quite a while to write!" Liu Yimin said with a smile.

"Everyone only sees how many you've published, who cares how long you've been writing them! As for the script of 'Triumph at Midnight,' let's just give it to the military. If our Beijing People's Art Theatre wants to stage it, we'll buy the rights from them!"

"Ok?"

"What? Surprised?" Cao Yu put the teacup on the table, crossed his arms, and leaned back in his chair to ask.

"Not surprising!" Liu Yimin shook his head vigorously.

"Haha, this play is, after all, a military-themed play, so it's normal for it to be performed in the military. From the selection of actors to costumes and props, military artists are undoubtedly more suitable."

If the Beijing People's Art Theatre wants to stage this, I think our actors need more training; otherwise, they won't have the necessary intensity or spirit! I've seen some of the productions rehearsed by the Comrades-in-Arms Drama Troupe and the General Political Department Drama Troupe; there are quite a few good actors in the military!

Cao Yu explained his actions to Liu Yimin!
Liu Yimin gave a thumbs up: "The teacher has a great vision!"

Cao Yu was amused, then pretended to be serious and looked at Liu Yimin: "Don't try to fool me. Write more scripts that are suitable for our People's Art Theatre's performances. All the directors are waiting for you!"

Only after seeing Liu Yimin nod did Cao Yu smile and say, "That's right! Young people should write more!"

Cao Yu asked Liu Yimin about his family situation, and finally asked, "Would you like to come to my house for dinner tonight?"

"Sure, as long as you don't mind!"

"Me, dislike it? Even if I did, I wouldn't dare say so, otherwise your master's wife would be furious with me." Cao Yu pursed his lips and told him to leave.

Once outside, Ouyang Shanzun and the others were still waiting for him. Liu Yimin said with a smile, "Everyone, don't rush. This script will be given to the military for now. If it's to be staged, the Beijing People's Art Theatre will buy the rights through the General Political Department!"

"Yi Min, why was it given to the General Political Department?" Lan Tianye asked.

"Teacher Wan instructed us, Teacher Lan. If you disagree, you can ask Teacher Wan!" Liu Yimin said, pulling on Lan Tianye's shoulder.

Not only is it good to find shade under a big tree, but it can also serve as a shield!

Lan Tianye glanced helplessly at Cao Yu's office: "Jiabao must have his reasons for doing this. Never mind, I won't ask anymore!"

After thinking it over carefully, Ouyang Shanzun waved his hand and dispersed.

Su Min patted Liu Yimin on the shoulder and said, "In the new year, write more notebooks, and it would be best if you brought something new!"

After the group dispersed, Liu Yimin finally let out a long sigh of relief.

That evening, when they went to Muxidi for dinner, Li Yuru chatted with Liu Yimin, asking him about his well-being and then smilingly handing him a red envelope.

"Master's wife, how old am I? Why am I still receiving New Year's money?" Liu Yimin said helplessly.

"Haha, this is for the other kids. The last one is for you, it's not like it was specially prepared for you. It's not much, just fifty cents!" Li Yuru said with a smile.

"Thank you, Master's wife!"

"You're too kind!"

We had a delicious meal at Cao Yu's apartment. Cao Yu mentioned that "Triumph at Midnight" had caused quite a stir at the time.

While munching on sunflower seeds and listening to Cao Yu's story, Li Yuru would occasionally chime in, making the scene even more lively than a television broadcast. That evening, Liu Yimin went directly to the Overseas Chinese Apartment.

The next day, Wei Wei arrived at the Overseas Chinese Apartment. Seeing the furnishings inside, Wei Wei smiled and said, "I'd heard the apartments in the Overseas Chinese Apartment were nice, but I didn't expect them to be this good!"

"It's close to Yenching University, so it'll be convenient if anything comes up!" Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Liu Yimin relayed Cao Yu's words to Wei Wei, who sighed, "When I see Dean Wan again, I must express my gratitude to him. Dean Wan, you really put the greater good first!"

After a moment of reflection, he waved his hand and said, "When the Beijing People's Art Theatre rehearses, we won't ask them for copyright fees!"

After saying that, the two looked at each other and smiled.

In the study, Wei Wei conveyed to Liu Yimin the General Political Department's emphasis on this novel.

"Our General Political Department has ordered 300,000 copies of the novel 'Triumph at Midnight' from Harvest magazine, which will be sent to various troops, especially those on the front lines."

"Three hundred thousand copies? Hasn't the military newspaper already reprinted them?" Liu Yimin calculated that three hundred thousand copies was a considerable expense.

“That’s different. There are many articles in Harvest magazine, and frontline soldiers can relieve their anxiety by reading it!” Wei Wei explained.

With the military purchasing 300,000 copies, and considering the sales through bookstores and post offices across the country, the sales volume of "Harvest" is about to break records again!

Seeing the shocked look in Liu Yimin's eyes, Wei Wei said again, "The higher-ups are planning to make this novel into a movie. We hope the movie script will be ready as well. We'll have to carefully select which film studio will be responsible for the filming!"

"I get it, so I'll have to be busy with this article, 'Triumph at Midnight,' all the time!"

Wei Wei patted Liu Yimin on the shoulder and said, "Take it easy. When the General Political Department or the Comrades-in-Arms Drama Troupe finishes rehearsing, they'll invite you to watch. See for yourself how good the military drama troupe is; they're top-notch!"

After seeing Wei Wei off, I sat down in my study and started writing.

The script issue for "Triumph at Midnight" is resolved; now it's my turn to focus on my own work.

In Shanghai, at the editorial office of *Harvest* magazine, Li Xiaolin hung up the phone with the distribution office and loudly addressed the entire editorial department:
"In less than twenty days, our latest issue of Harvest has sold 600,000 copies. Note that this 600,000 copies does not include the 300,000 copies ordered by the military!"

At this rate of sales, we expect to break the 1.5 million copy mark and reach 2 million copies!

After Li Xiaolin finished speaking, the entire editorial department erupted in cheers. Some of the veteran editors even took off their glasses and wiped away tears of emotion.

This is historic! After working diligently at Harvest for so many years, experiencing ups and downs, and witnessing sales records time and time again, how could I not be excited!
Ba Jin also came out of the editor's office, smiling as he celebrated with everyone.

"This is good news. We always like to say that paper is expensive in Luoyang. This is the real story of paper being expensive in Luoyang!"

However, we must remain humble and diligent, seeking out more excellent works, for the works themselves are the true measure of our work. On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, our colleagues at *Harvest* magazine will receive double the festive treats!

After Ba Jin finished speaking, everyone was even happier. Although they didn't know what the benefits would be for the 15th of the lunar month this year, two things were always better than one.

After Ba Jin left, the editorial office became lively again.

Li Xiaolin picked up the phone and called newspapers in Shanghai, including Wenhui Daily, asking them to report on the sales of "Triumphant at Midnight".

This serves both as an announcement of good news and as a method to further boost sales.

Since calling the newspapers in Yanjing was too slow, Li Xiaolin sent a telegram to each newspaper, providing them with the information.

Then the newspapers were filled with news about how "Triumphant at Midnight" had won the hearts of readers and achieved record-breaking sales.

Renowned literary critic XX stated that "Triumph at Midnight" will bring about a revolution in the creative thinking of military-themed literature, and so on.

Seeing the newspapers reporting sales figures, Cui Daoyi felt extremely envious and jealous.

I have to call the distribution center every now and then to ask how the sales of this issue of "People's Literature and Art" are!
"Seventy thousand copies? Not enough, far from enough!"

"Editor Cui, it's only been five days since it was published and it's already sold 70,000 copies! That's not enough! The momentum is already strong enough!" the person from the distribution office said helplessly on the other end of the phone.

The people at the Yanjing Publishing House were puzzled. Why were all the staff at People's Literature magazine acting like they were on steroids, constantly asking questions in such an urgent tone?

"We're not competing with magazines from Yanjing Magazine in terms of sales, nor with smaller magazines like Huacheng and Zhongshan; we're competing with Harvest Magazine!"

After Cui Daoyi finished speaking, he hung up the phone and mentally estimated the sales volume!
"Comrade Xu Yi, should we also publish this reportage in the newspaper and talk about the spirit of the women's volleyball team?"

"Editor Cui, I think you're too eager to compete. Actually, our sales this period are pretty good; I think they'll increase significantly compared to last month," Xu Yi advised.

"Yes, Lao Cui, both articles are excellent, each with its own merits. Other magazines certainly can't even come close to our level!"

Cui Daoyi thought for a moment, then stood up, sighed helplessly, and comforted himself, "No matter which magazine sells well, it's all the work of our junior from the Chinese Department!"

Based on sales of 70,000 copies, it's no problem for "People's Literature and Art" to sell over a million copies.

Harvest is a bimonthly publication, while People's Literature is a monthly publication. So, the combined sales of People's Literature over two months will definitely be higher than those of Harvest.

Thinking of this, Cui Daoyi sneered. In a two-on-two match, People's Literature and Art would win!

The other editors, hearing Cui Daoyi's snort, assumed he was still angry and were about to say something when a voice from the doorway interrupted them.

"This must be the editorial office of People's Literature and Art!" A middle-aged woman stood at the door and asked cautiously.

"Yes, this is the place. Are you submitting your work or looking for someone else?"

"I won't ask anyone for help or submit any articles. We'll just publish this article in *Chinese Girl*. I'd like to donate some money!"

"Donate money?"

"Yes, donate money!"

The staff of People's Literature and Art magazine stood up and looked at the woman. They touched their heads in confusion. "My head is still there. What's this about the donation?"

Cui Daoyi strode to the door and asked, "Comrade, why are you donating?"

"I'm donating money to the women's volleyball team. The article said their training facility in Chenzhou is very basic and they often get injured. I want to donate some money to repair it. They're bringing glory to the country, and they're all young women in their twenties; their conditions need to be improved!"

As he spoke, he pulled out the crumpled money from his pocket, a total of seven yuan.

"Comrade, this..." Cui Daoyi was about to speak.

The woman immediately said, "I know seven dollars isn't enough, but every little bit counts. If ten thousand people contribute seven dollars, that's seventy thousand dollars! If one hundred thousand people contribute, that's seven hundred thousand dollars!"

(End of this chapter)