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

Chapter 403 The Stage

Inside the tiered classroom, one student started a commotion, which was immediately echoed by the others. Looking at the emotional students below, some even shedding tears of joy at graduation, Liu Yimin said indulgently, "Come on!"

Liu Yimin invited the other professors on the stage to sign their names, and everyone happily agreed.

Yan Jiayan clapped his hands and said, "Students, line up and take your turn. It's very hot, but the professors in the department are with you, so don't mess up the formation."

The students below the stage immediately formed a long line, holding all sorts of books.

More than a hundred students signed up, and it didn't take long.

The professors on stage all signed Liu Yimin's book, and the students who didn't take a book ran frantically back to their dormitories.

"Professor Liu, thank you for your autograph. I will always remember your teachings." The student handed over the copy of "The Birth of a Nation," and Liu Yimin quickly signed his name.

"It seems you like 'The Birth of a Nation.' I hope you will become a pillar of the nation in the future and never forget your original aspirations."

After the students left, the people behind them immediately followed. Liu Yimin noticed that Zhu Guangqian's signature was very unique, so he added his own name next to "Zhu Guangqian".

"Professor Liu, how many copies do you think your 'Beloved' single volume will sell?" Every student tried to chat with Liu Yimin while getting his autograph.

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "It's hard to guess, but I think it should be over one million copies."

"So little? Professor Liu, you're too modest. The students and professors around here are all watching," the student exclaimed in surprise.

"I'm not being modest. I think it's already great that this kind of book has sold so many copies. My friend, you're surrounded by students and professors, intellectuals, who have a high pursuit of literary and artistic value. Many readers prefer literary works that are easy to understand."

This also tells you that you must understand a problem from multiple perspectives and in a comprehensive way, and not regard your surroundings as the whole world.” After signing the book, Liu Yimin handed it to the student.

"Thank you for your guidance, Professor!"

"Beloved" was published on May 20th, and sales notices have already been published in newspapers. Many people are waiting for it.

As of May 15, the March issue of Harvest magazine had sold 2 million copies, exceeding Liu Yimin's expectations.

The magazine payment for Liu Yimin's novel "Beloved" is currently his most lucrative novel, because the payment standard was raised this year.

进入1984年后，文化部再次将1980年制定的文学作品千字3——10块的稿酬标准提高到了6——20块。

The Ministry of Culture felt that the 1980 standards were outdated and did not adequately reflect the standards for high-quality manuscript fees. The difference between 3 yuan and 10 yuan was too small, so the standard range was expanded based on the increase of the minimum standard.

Another measure was to raise the standard for royalties based on the number of copies printed. Even so, Liu Yimin's royalties based on the number of copies printed at People's Literature Publishing House and Commercial Press were still higher than the current standard, and it was not until 90 that they were on par with the national standard.

After receiving the manuscript, Harvest magazine paid Liu Yimin the highest fee of 20 yuan, bringing his total payment to 2600 yuan per article.

Most importantly, the novel *Beloved* is highly regarded for its artistic value in literary circles, and newspapers and magazines across the country rushed to reprint it, with varying payment standards for each. However, the sheer number of magazines and newspapers reprinting it resulted in a total reprint fee of 20,000 yuan.

The royalties for a single article, excluding the publication of a separate book, can reach more than 20,000 yuan, breaking Liu Yimin's personal royalty record and also setting a new record for the highest royalty per article for a domestic writer.

As for other scholars and professors, there are countless articles on "Beloved". Even though Liu Yimin did not participate, "Harvest" held a seminar on "Beloved". Liu Yimin declined seminar invitations from many magazines in the south.

The academic community is full of confidence in the release of the standalone edition on the 20th, and major universities and libraries have included the standalone edition of "Beloved" in their purchasing plans. These orders alone are enough for People's Literature Publishing House to make a fortune.

Liu Yimin also saw the cover design for "Beloved" by People's Literature Publishing House, and he felt that the design was quite to his liking. According to editor Li Shu, the publisher Wei Junyi personally guided the cover design. After learning from Li Shu that Liu Yimin had high requirements for the cover design and the overall quality of the book, Wei Junyi did not dare to be negligent in the slightest.

They were afraid that if this collaboration didn't go well, there wouldn't be a next time.

Under Wei Junyi's guidance, after three drafts were rejected, the first draft was finally adopted.

Zhu Guangqian, who was standing next to Liu Yimin, said to him, "I heard that our Yenching University library is also planning to purchase a thousand books."

"If we include purchases from organizations, the sales volume would definitely be higher, since there are still hundreds of schools and libraries in China."

This refers to well-established schools and libraries. Many school libraries and local libraries are practically useless, filled with outdated books, and the only explanation is that they lack funds.

After signing the papers, Liu Yimin shook his aching arm and asked Zhu Guangqian beside him, "Professor Zhu, how are you feeling?"

Zhu Guangqian's health is not very good now, and the Chinese department does not plan to schedule classes for him. At Zhu Guangqian's insistence, they can only reduce the number of classes he teaches and stop the high-intensity teaching.

Zhu Guangqian waved his hand, forcing himself to speak despite his weakness, "The old man is still in good health, but he can't compare to you young people. What does it mean to be twilight? This is what it means to be twilight. Last year I could still ride my bicycle to the Beijing People's Art Theatre to watch a play, but I can't this year."

"Whenever you want to go, I'll take you," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Zhu Guangqian's eyes lit up with joy: "When you write another excellent script."

Liu Yimin helped Zhu Guangqian to his feet. He walked around the office of the Institute of Literature and sighed, "Now I understand what Yang Hui was thinking when he was compiling the textbook last year. There were so many things waiting for us to do, but he didn't live to see the end of his life!"

Liu Yimin chatted with Zhu Guangqian in the office. Zhu Guangqian was very satisfied with the research on cultural preservation and proposed to sit in on the first meeting of the Institute of Cultural Heritage the next day.

"Okay, I'll pick you up tomorrow!"

"I walked here myself."

Liu Yimin escorted Zhu Guang back to the family quarters. When they arrived at the garden in front of the villa, Zhu Guang casually picked a crabapple blossom and gave it to Liu Yimin: "Flowers bloom and fade, but there are always some flowers in full bloom!"

The following day, in the office building of the Chinese Department of Yenching University, the establishment of the Institute of Literature and the seminar on its research directions were officially held.

Yan Zhen and three others quickly cleaned up the Chinese Department's conference room for the Institute of Literature Research.

Xia Yan arrived at the Chinese Department early in the morning. The Institute of Literature was holding a meeting, and as the nominal director, he had to attend.

"Yimin, I didn't expect you to have assembled the team so quickly," Xia Yan said happily.

Liu Yimin said, "With renowned professors from the Chinese Department of Yenching University gathered here, it would be quite easy to set up a research institute."

"Haha, I don't think it's that simple. Many people can't do it, and you might not be able to do it with someone else."

Liu Yimin led Xia Yanxian into the office, and after inspecting the area, they went to the conference room.

Several professors had arrived in the conference room, but most were still absent. Xia Yan noticed Zhu Guangqian was there and whispered to him about literature.

Once everyone had arrived, the meeting officially began, and Xia Yan greeted each attendee.

"Professors Feng Zhi, Wu Zuxiang, Wang Yao, Yuan Xingpei, Deng Guangming, Wang Yang, and Liu Peiran"

Deng Guangming was the head of the history department and had met Liu Yimin a few times. The first time was when Liu Yimin talked at length about India's "non-violent non-cooperation" in his dormitory, which attracted Deng Guangming.

After Liu Yimin visited the history department, Deng Guangming joined the team.

"Comrades, from today onwards, the Institute for the Protection and Development of Chinese Culture is officially established. The Institute for the Protection and Development of Chinese Culture is a national-level social science research institute directly managed by the Ministry of Culture, with special funding allocated to it, and located in the Department of Chinese Language and Literature at Yenching University. I, Xia Yan, will serve as the director, and Comrade Liu Yimin will serve as the deputy director. Although Comrade Liu Yimin is young, he has conducted research in three areas: the dissemination of Western culture, post-colonial culture, and the protection of traditional culture."

On the table is a special paper written by Comrade Liu Yimin a few years ago, which contains extensive analysis on the issue of the infiltration of Western culture.

At the time, I thought it was a bit alarmist, but looking back over the past two years, haven't they all come true? This was the original intention behind the establishment of the research institute. Research findings are included in internal reference materials and provide guidance and consultation on policy.

We learn from the West, but that doesn't mean we should change our fundamental nature. Our great Chinese culture cannot be lost in our hands.

Xia Yan spoke with great passion, deeply moving the professors below. After the opening remarks, the remaining professors began to share their views and expressed their commitment to cooperating with the institute's work.

Wu Zuxiang said, "We study classical culture, and the more we study it, the more we realize how valuable our ancestors' teachings are, so we cannot lose them. If we lose our culture, how can we call ourselves Chinese?"

As soon as Wu Zuxiang finished speaking, everyone applauded.

Feng Zhi said, "Now that we have just opened our doors to the world, Western culture is too dominant, just as Yi Min said in his paper. The West will try every means to make our social system consistent with its own. Not only that, but they will also gradually replace our holidays with their own. Many places have started to celebrate Christmas."

Some people believe that everything Western is good.

The conversation was lively, and Liu Yimin specially provided tea breaks, serving desserts and fruits to help the professors maintain their energy.

Zhu Guangqian was very satisfied when he saw it. It seemed that Liu Yimin had taken his words to heart at the Sino-US Comparative Literature Forum.

Wang Yang, representing the cultural industry research group, stated: "In recent years, the film market has been severely impacted by foreign films. Of course, we can say that our people's curiosity is temporary, but what if it's a long-term issue? My point is not to restrict foreign films; after all, we opened our doors to the world precisely to learn."

If we want to make good films, we need constant reform. As Yi Min said, they can come in, and we can go out. But how to go out, and how to consolidate our own film market, are questions we need to study.

After the three groups finished speaking, Xia Yan asked Liu Yimin to speak, and his speech would also outline the direction of future research.

Liu Yimin explained the three research areas respectively: "The transnational spread of Western culture is inevitable. What we can do is to bring in the good things and reduce the bad things. At the appropriate time, we will spread our culture abroad."

This research actually relies on research in other fields, and the research group will include more professors in journalism and communication in the future. The focus should be on studying how foreign cultures enter the country, how we go out into the world, and how to cultivate talent.

The ideological cultivation of journalists is extremely important, Professor Yuan. Since you specialize in journalism education, the Institute of Literature can support your research in this area, exploring how to cultivate our own journalistic talent.

Yuan Xingpei nodded happily; with support, the research would be much easier.

"In terms of the protection and development of East Asian regional culture, I think the most important thing is protection. Our country is going to join UNESCO, so we can study what we can apply for World Heritage status, so that people all over the world know that these are Chinese things. If we don't apply for our own things, others will."

Also, find symbols that can represent China, promote them, and let the world know that it is China.

Regarding the cultural industry, Liu Yimin echoed what he told Xia Yan: Identify films that Chinese audiences love to watch, innovate filmmaking techniques and film systems, and also focus on developing Chinese film content that is easily disseminated globally.

"Currently, Chinese Shaolin Kung Fu seems like a very good direction. People all over the world love to watch it, and the content is also easy to pass various reviews."

Another very important area is animation. I believe that Director Wang Yang and Director Liu Peiran certainly don't give enough importance to animation. I understand, after all, you're not an animation film studio.

But since we're conducting research, we need to look at it holistically. Director Shen, allow me to speak frankly.

Xia Yan looked at Liu Yimin and said, "Go ahead and release it!"

"Who are animated cartoons for? Currently, in China, they are mainly for children. Children's minds are the easiest to shape. If our children watch foreign animated cartoons for a long time, will they develop a yearning for foreign cultures as they grow up?"
Xiao Rizi's company gave CCTV the rights to "Astro Boy" for free, and we thought we got a good deal. But what actually happened? They took over our market. We spend our own money to create animation, sell it to TV stations, and if the stations get free broadcasts, why would they buy our own?
If we can't sell our work, we'll naturally stop creating. Then what happens? Will foreign animation dominate the market?

Astro Boy entered China for free, just like Disney's Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck and the American Transformers.

This led to the overall decline of domestic animation; if you can't afford to eat, of course you won't have the energy to work!
"How do they make money if they offer it for free?" Wang Yang asked.

Liu Yimin said, "As our ancestors said, there's no such thing as a free lunch. If we look at the actual profits, they make money from derivative products. For example, Mr. Wang, your grandson likes Astro Boy. If a Japanese company buys Astro Boy plush toys, will your grandson buy them too?"

"meeting."

"Isn't this how they make money? They can make real profits, and even if they don't, they still profit from cultural invasion. The protagonist's behavior and the way the story is told all contain the cultural background of a country. We should not forget how our national industries were destroyed during the Republic of China era, and how foreign products were dumped at low prices, which damaged our industries. Is animation dumping something again now?"

When everyone heard Liu Yimin's example, their heads buzzed for a moment. Liu Peiran cursed the West and Japan for being vicious.

After realizing the seriousness of the matter, Xia Yan's face turned grim. Little Shen Yun usually likes to watch these cartoons!
"I've observed things carefully in the US and the West, and I've also talked to international students. Western capitalism, through commercial competition, has developed a variety of profit-making methods. We don't understand them, and if we don't understand them, we'll fall into their traps. Some people say our animation is outdated, which is why we watch theirs."

Let's talk about falling behind. Falling behind isn't scary. Didn't we all start from being behind? As long as we keep progressing, we can catch up. But if we stop, we'll have to pay a hundred times the price to catch up later.

Just as my country's industry is not as advanced as that of the West, we have a relatively complete industrial foundation, which is why we have achieved the results of reform and opening up in recent years.

Our research revolves around these topics. Professors and factory directors, what we're doing is very important.

After Liu Yimin finished speaking, Xia Yan took a deep breath and said, "Comrades, it seems that we need to increase the funding for our research institute."

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing Xia Yan's words, and the atmosphere in the office became lively again.

The meeting lasted all morning before everyone left. Xia Yan pulled Liu Yimin aside and said, "The research institute needs more full-time researchers!"

"Let's build it slowly!"

"As long as you understand, that's good. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your explanation today, much better than if you had explained it to me alone. The issue of animation, for example, is truly a significant matter when you think about it! They are all the flowers of our motherland!"

In the afternoon, Liu Yimin held another meeting alone. He returned home in the evening, feeling slightly tired.

Zhu Lin and his mother, Yang Xiuyun, had already prepared the meal, and each of them was holding a little boy while waiting for him.

After washing his hands, Liu Yimin teased the two of them and noticed a lot of fruit on the table: "Did you buy this today?"

"My in-laws came at noon and brought fruit," Yang Xiuyun said with a smile.

Zhu Lin said, "Teacher Liu, try these grapes, they're so sweet."

“When Yimin was a child, he loved to eat grapes. His family didn’t have money to buy them, so he would run over and pick wild grapes from the mountains when they ripened. Even when they were ripe, they were very sour.”

Yang Xiuyun carried Liu Yu to Liu Yimin, showing him the changes in her second son.

After the baby turned one month old, the two little ones stopped making a fuss, but their occasional bowel movements and urination caught the adults off guard.

After dinner, Liu Yimin sat in his study, and Zhu Lin, carrying their eldest child, came over to watch Liu Yimin write.

"Teacher Liu, how's the creation of 'The Stage' going?" Zhu Lin asked.

Liu Yimin looked up and said, "I can finish writing it tonight!"

"Once this satirical and abusive style is written and published, it will probably catch the eye of many people, inheriting the absurd style of 'Mr. Donkey'."

(End of this chapter)