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

Chapter 392, "The Button," is also going to be made into a movie.

Inside the guesthouse, under the dim light, Yan Jiayan, Sun Yushi, and Liu Yimin couldn't hide their joy.

Once a school decides to use a particular textbook, it is unlikely to change it easily for several years. By constantly updating its curriculum, Yenching University's Chinese Department can maintain a stable market share among universities in the long term.

Just as I was feeling happy, there was a knock on the door.

Liu Yimin opened the door, and several professors walked in, each holding a copy of "Harvest" magazine. They kept talking about discussing the content.

After they came in, the knocking on the door didn't stop, and soon the room was completely surrounded.

Yan Jiayan quietly approached the staff at the guesthouse and managed to get rid of the group of professors by shouting at them.

Besides his room, Xu Chi's room was also crowded with people. Everyone knew that Xu Chi was one of the translators and had a say in "Beloved".

After Sun Yushi left, Yan Jiayan closed the door and said wearily, "Go to sleep early. It's so rare to have some peace and quiet."

The two fell asleep shortly after the lights were turned off.

The meetings these past two days have really made them incredibly nervous.

The following morning, the Chinese Department of Fudan University, as the host, invited all the professors and scholars from Fudan University and its Chinese Department. Scholars could be seen visiting from every corner of the Fudan campus.

Three students from the Chinese Department of Yenching University walked into a class at the Chinese Department of Fudan University to audit the class. When the students saw the three, they all stood up and applauded until the students sat down.

The lecturer in the classroom was Chen Zizhan, one of the fourteen elders. The topic of his lecture was "Chu Ci" (Songs of Chu). Dressed in a cotton coat, he sat on the podium, holding a book in his left hand, and smilingly taught the students about Qu Yuan, the author of "Chu Ci".

"As you all know, our Chinese Department hosted an important conference. Yesterday, Associate Professor Liu Yimin from Yenching University brought out a book, which we won't talk about now. It will be published in Harvest on March 15th, so everyone remember to hurry up and check it out."

I strongly agree with one of his points: we also have many excellent things, and we can't just keep our eyes on foreign countries; we also need to keep our eyes on the domestic market.

Qu Yuan's works are in no way inferior to ancient Greek epics such as Homer's Iliad, Dante's Divine Comedy, Goethe's Faust, or Shakespeare's plays.

Yan Jiayan said in a low voice, "Mr. Chen Zizhan has spent his life studying the Book of Songs and the Songs of Chu. His views have always been very insightful."

Chen Zizhan began by recounting Qu Yuan's life, then analyzed the cultural, geographical, and political factors of different periods.

Chen Zizhan emphasizes interdisciplinary research, utilizing tools from various disciplines and drawing on the strengths of many.

When the class was almost over, Yan Jiayan told Liu Yimin to leave first, otherwise he wouldn't be able to leave later.

So Liu Yimin left the classroom first.

When get out of class ended, Chen Zizhan was about to chat with Liu Yimin when he looked up and found him gone.

Yan Jiayan stood up and explained the truth to him with a smile. Chen Zizhan looked at the disappointed students in the classroom and said, "Look at you guys, you've scared Professor Liu away."

"Professor Chen, we would like to invite Professor Liu to give us a lecture."

"Yes, Professor Chen, since you're already here, let Professor Liu give a presentation before you leave."

"This can be considered an academic exchange activity!"

Inside the classroom, the students quickly surrounded Chen Zizhan. Seeing this, Chen Zizhan said, "My word doesn't count. Professor Yan from Peking University is here. You should discuss it with him."

Chen Zizhan successfully shifted the blame to Yan Jiayan, and Sun Yushi whispered, "This is an attempt to force Yan Jiayan to abdicate!"

The two sides had not discussed any academic exchange activities other than the conference beforehand. Yan Jiayan looked at Chen Zizhan, who was watching the scene unfold, and said in a low voice, "Professor Chen, today's banquet is a trap!"

Having arrived here, I finally understand why the Chinese Department of Fudan University went to great lengths to invite them to attend classes.

"Professor Yan, Professor Liu are not only from Yenching University, but from the entire literary world. We read all their books." The students held up the individual volumes in their hands, and many others had bought the newly published "Trilogy of the Times".

Seeing that there was no way Yan Jiayan could leave, he said, "Classmates, we are guests. Let's see how you, our hosts, make arrangements!"

The students cheered when they heard this, and Chen Zizhan told them that the department would discuss the time and venue.

As they walked out of the teaching building, Chen Zizhan asked, "Professor Yan, what do you think of the students in our Chinese Department?"

"very good!"

How does it compare to the Chinese Department of Yenching University?

Yan Jiayan politely replied, "Each has its own merits!"

After leaving the Chinese Department, Liu Yimin found Xu Chi. The two took a walk around the Chinese Department of Fudan University, looked at the campus environment, and had lunch together.

After lunch, Xu Chi, like most professors and scholars, was about to leave Shanghai.

"Yimin, this is our farewell today, and I doubt we'll have another chance to meet this year. Take care!" Xu Chi said.

Liu Yimin laughed and said, "Comrade Xu, you should take care of yourself too. Don't wander around when you get to America. Some places are very chaotic, and they all have guns."

The two returned to the guesthouse, where Professor Zhang Jing from Zhengzhou University and Professor Yu Anlan from Henan Normal University were waiting for them in their room.

The two discussed the details of the collaboration with Yan Jiayan and agreed to visit the Chinese Department of Yenching University in a few days to finalize the selection of a professor in addition to Liu Yimin.

"Goodbye, Comrade Liu Yimin!" The two happily picked up their bags and left Yan Jiayan's room.

"goodbye!"

After they left, Liu Yimin asked, "Professor Yan, when are we planning to leave?"

Sun Yushi said, "Leave? We can't leave!"

"The Chinese Department of Fudan University would like you to give a lecture before you leave. We'll let you know the exact time later, probably in the next day or two. Perfect timing, I'll go back to my old home in Yanjia Lane for a stroll."

Yan Jiayan planned to take a trip back to his hometown in the afternoon: "If you two have nowhere to go, come with me to my hometown and I'll show you the alleyway culture of Shanghai."

Sun Yushi and Liu Yimin had nowhere else to go, so they agreed.

Half an hour later, a phone call made Liu Yimin change his mind. Xu Sangchu from Shanghai Film Studio learned that Liu Yimin was in Shanghai and immediately called to invite him to visit the studio.

Yan Jiayan said, "Then let's go south and north, you to Hunan and I to Qin!"

Liu Yimin saw Yan Jiayan and Sun Yushi off in a public car heading to Yan Family Lane. Just as the two left, a car sent by the Shanghai Film Studio arrived.

Upon seeing Liu Yimin, director Huang Zumo and editor Zhang Mengzhao hurriedly told the driver to stop. Zhang Mengzhao jumped out of the car first and said to Liu Yimin, "Yimin, it's been a long time!"

Huang Zumo followed closely behind, quickly overtook Zhang Mengzhao, stretched out his arm to Liu Yimin, and gave him a hug.

"You didn't even tell us you were coming to Shanghai, otherwise we really wouldn't have had the chance to show you hospitality." Huang Zumo happily pulled Liu Yimin into the jeep.

Zhang Mengzhao stretched out his hand and said, "Look how happy Old Huang is!"

Once inside the jeep, Zhang Mengzhao and Huang Zumo chatted about recent interesting events at the Shanghai Film Studio and some up-and-coming actors.

Two of them specifically mentioned Gong Xue, believing that she has a chance to win the Hundred Flowers Award or the Golden Rooster Award this year.

Zhang Mengzhao said, "Yimin, Gong Xue was already famous before she acted in your play 'Red River Valley,' and her performance in 'Red River Valley' was even more outstanding. In 82, there were many good films in China, and the competition was fierce. The film 'Under the Bridge,' which was just released this year, has received a very good response, and I think it has a high probability of winning an award this year."

"Both 'Triumph at Midnight' and 'Acacia Tree in the Minefield' are popular films, and winning awards is not difficult for them. Comrade Zhu Lin is likely to win another award with 'Triumph at Midnight,' and the August First Film Studio has a high probability of winning two awards this year."

Huang Zumo also analyzed the situation, and then lamented that the Shanghai Film Studio hadn't secured the filming rights. In his view, this was because the General Political Department and the Film Bureau favored the Beijing Film Studio and the Yanjing Film Studio. "Old Huang," Liu Yimin said with a smile, "wax wreaths under the mountain were also assigned to you by the higher-ups. I think it was quite fair. The August First Film Studio wanted to film it but couldn't get the rights. The higher-ups really know how to maintain balance."

Huang Zumo acknowledged Liu Yimin's statement, saying, "At the time, 'Garland Under the Mountain' was just as sought after as 'Triumph at Midnight' by major film studios. It was Director Xu who used Comrade Xie Jin to gain the trust of the higher-ups and handed the film over to our studio."

Xuhui District, home to the Shanghai Film Studio, is one of the three major film shooting bases in China, boasting a massive scale. The Shanghai Film Studio itself comprises several film studios, which together form the Shanghai Film Group Corporation.

“If you had come a few months later, this place would have been even more beautiful. Green trees, red walls, and Shanghai-style villas—now you can only see villas.” Zhang Mengzhao pointed to the buildings and explained their uses to Liu Yimin; the variety of Western-style architecture was dazzling.

"That building is full of screenwriters revising their scripts. It's bustling with activity, and you never know when an excellent script might be produced."

"That is..."

The other party knew it all by heart, and Liu Yimin nodded frequently, offering a few words of praise from time to time.

The two then led Liu Yimin into Xu Sangchu's office, which was much more luxurious than the offices of the directors of the August First Film Studio and the Beijing Film Studio. The hardwood floor made a loud sound when you stepped on it.

"Yimin, you've finally arrived! Now that you're in Shanghai, you should come and sit at the film studio first. This is your home!" Xu Sangchu said quickly as he walked out from behind his desk.

Liu Yimin said, "I came here mainly for school matters. I didn't want to bother you comrades, but now everyone knows."

You're not coming here for nothing; you might have to pay taxes!
Xu Sangchu took a tea canister from the table and prepared to brew tea for the three of them: "Yimin, do you prefer strong tea?"

"Director Xu, please use less tea leaves."

"it is good!"

After they sat down, Xu Sangchu poured a cup of tea for each of the three of them and praised Liu Yimin's recent novels, saying that each one was unique and wonderful.

"The only downside is that we didn't get to film at the Shanghai Film Studio!" Xu Sangchu said jokingly, but with a hidden meaning.

Liu Yimin took a sip of tea and said, "Director Xu, this is not my fault. However, our Shanghai Film Studio's drama troupe has also staged the play, and I heard it did quite well in Shanghai."

Xu Sangchu chimed in, "It's really good. The drama troupe's performances are always packed. I've seen 'Triumph at Midnight' twice. But I've never had the chance to see the Beijing People's Art Theatre and the military drama troupes rehearse. I've heard their rehearsals are even better."

After exchanging words for a while, Huang Zumo glanced at Zhang Mengzhao, who nodded imperceptibly.

Neither Xu Sangchu nor Liu Yimin noticed the subtle actions between the two. Seeing that Xu Sangchu and Liu Yimin's conversation seemed to be coming to an end, Huang Zumo became even more anxious.

Zhang Mengzhao interjected with a smile, "Director Xu, Yimin, Lao Huang and I have something we'd like to discuss with you!"

Xu Sangchu and Liu Yimin both looked at the two men. Huang Zumo, who was hesitating, took a deep breath and said, "Director Xu, Yimin, I have discussed with Comrade Meng Zhao and reviewed Yimin's previous works. We think that 'Button' also has the value of being adapted into a movie to show the changes in people's lives in recent years and the determination to promote reform and opening up."

After hearing Huang Zumo's words, Xu Sangchu and Liu Yimin exchanged a glance, surprised that the two had made this request.

After the novel "The Button" was published, apart from the Beijing People's Art Theatre adapting it into a stage play, no film studio has proposed adapting it into a film.

This is a short story with a simple and compact plot and a short time span, so film studios don't think it has much adaptation value.

Xu Sangchu was a little angry that the two of them hadn't discussed it with him beforehand, but he still had a cheerful expression on his face and asked Huang Zumo to tell him his thoughts again.

Huang Zumo carefully reviewed the contents of "The Button," and it was clear that he had been studying it for quite some time; he could recall the storyline with ease.

"Zhang Huamei and her experience selling buttons are very representative. The historical transformation of individual business owners from 'not being able' to 'being able' has great significance in our times. This transformation has only happened a few years ago, but people still remember it."

Zhang Mengzhao's words made Xu Sangchu make up his mind: "Our South has always represented the direction of economic development. We should use movies to give everyone confidence in reform and opening up. Besides, this movie is sure to make money."

"It's a huge profit. It will be filmed in a little over two months at the slowest, and it will cost no more than 300,000 yuan. We can sell it to China Film Group for 990,000 yuan and make 600,000 to 700,000 yuan!"

Seeing the change in Xu Sangchu's expression, Huang Zumo immediately pressed his advantage. This "big profit" hit Xu Sangchu right where it hurts; if anyone from China Film Group heard this, they'd be furious.

Huang Zumo was very proactive because he had few films to make. "Romance on Lushan Mountain" made him famous, but the film industry believed it had little to do with his technical skills and was more due to the subject matter.

After assisting Xie Jin in filming "Red River Valley", he was idle for a long time. Last year, he filmed two historical films, "Zhang Heng" and "Hua Tuo and Cao Cao", which were not very successful. It is expected that there will be no scripts for him this year. He has placed his hopes on "Button".

Xu Sangchu looked at Liu Yimin and asked, "Yimin, what do you think?"

“Since Director Huang wants to make it, I naturally have no objections. When the Beijing People’s Art Theatre staged ‘The Button,’ the response was actually quite good,” Liu Yimin said.

Xu Sangchu made the decision: "Then that's settled. Since you suggested Lao Huang, you'll be the director. I believe you can make this kind of movie well."

Huang Zumo excitedly stood up from the sofa and expressed his confidence to Xu Sangchu and Liu Yimin.

Next, Xu Sangchu took Liu Yimin on a tour of the Shanghai Film Studio, where they met several actors from the studio, including Gong Xue, Zhang Yu, Guo Kaimin, and several veteran directors.

The three were very excited to see Liu Yimin. Guo Kaimin greeted Liu Yimin warmly and brought up the events of their time in Lushan.

“These comrades will be the pillars of our Shanghai Film Studio in the future. Yimin, if you have any good scripts, don’t forget them,” Xu Sangchu said.

Gong Xue and Zhang Yu looked at Xu Sangchu gratefully, talking about the novels they had read, and asking for photos and autographs.

In the evening, I had dinner at the Shanghai Film Studio's canteen and ran into people from the Shanghai Animation Film Studio and the Shanghai Film Dubbing Studio. We talked about how popular animated films like "Little Life" are in China, such as "Astro Boy".

“Our ‘Nezha Conquers the Dragon King’ is pretty good too. Their animation can come to our country, and we can go there too,” Liu Yimin suggested.

Huang Zumo said, "That's a good idea. If Kou can go, so can I!"

“We can study it, but I’m afraid it won’t be easy!” Xu Sangchu said.

"What's there to be afraid of? There's nothing to lose by trying!"

After the meal, Huang Zumo and Zhang Mengzhao escorted Liu Yimin back to Fudan University. Liu Yimin asked them to find a place and go downstairs to buy six bottles of Shengui Yangrong Wine.

Seeing the look in their eyes, Liu Yimin said to himself, "This thing would be a good gift for an elderly person."

Huang Zumo nodded and said, "Yimin, thank you for the script of 'Button'. I will do my best. It's definitely not just to get the lowest purchase price! Director Xu has to consider the profit, so that's all I can say."

"Understood, Lao Huang. Once I get to Yanjing, I'll revise the script and send it over!"

Back at the guesthouse, Yan Jiayan looked at the ginseng and cinnamon wine that Liu Yimin was carrying, making "tsk tsk" sounds from time to time.

"Yimin, the people from the Chinese Department of Fudan University just came by and asked when you could give your report tomorrow. I told them you could give it anytime, and they were a little skeptical," Yan Jiayan said with a smile.

The Chinese Department of Fudan University wanted Liu Yimin to give the same report as Beijing Normal University, which was about foreign literature. Liu Yimin could talk about that with his eyes closed.

Hearing Yan Jiayan's arrogant tone, the Chinese Department of Fudan University immediately rescheduled the report for the next morning, still in Fudan's auditorium.

The next day, people from the Chinese Department of Fudan University were the first to knock on the door. After having breakfast with them, they went straight to the auditorium.

On the way, Fudan University professor Chen Yunji asked, "Professor Liu didn't write a manuscript?"

"Professor Chen, the manuscript is in my heart." Liu Yimin smiled slightly.

After listening, Chen Yunji pursed her lips without showing any emotion and led them into the auditorium. A large number of students had already crowded the entrance, and Liu Yimin's appearance immediately caused a commotion.

"Professor Liu Yimin, could you please sign your name for me?" a student called out.

People from Fudan University's security department reached out to pull students who were about to walk over. Liu Yimin saw someone holding the "Trilogy of the Times" and stopped, took the book, and signed his name on it.

He then signed three or four more books, including "The Birth of a Nation" and "Triumphant Return at Midnight".

(End of this chapter)