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

Chapter 414 The National Endowment for Democracy's Attempts to Win Him Over
Broadway's profit-sharing standard is higher than the copyright guarantee plus profit sharing standard. If the performance is a great success and continues to run, then profit-sharing is definitely more cost-effective.

If the performance doesn't meet expectations, it's more worthwhile to have a guaranteed minimum plus copyright revenue sharing, at least you can get a guaranteed minimum fee.

In this respect, the contract Liu Yimin signed with the Beijing People's Art Theatre was a guaranteed minimum plus a share of the profits, but the share of the profits was calculated based on the amount of money earned per performance, not based on how much money was earned from each ticket.

"Liu, what revenue sharing method do you want?" Li Congren asked.

Liu Yimin looked at Li Congren: "I prefer to choose full profit sharing. I believe these two plays will definitely be successful in the United States. However, we still need to talk about the proportion."

In the afternoon, Bond and Miller came again, but Nikki did not come because of the China Book and Periodical Publishing House matter.

Liu Yimin asked with a smile, "Bond, I'd like to see your sincerity first."

Bond glanced at Miller beside him and began to say, "If it's based on profit sharing, the theater and the team will each get a share. Liu, you'll get 40% of the profits. If it's a combination of copyright fees and profit sharing, you'll get $15,000 per film plus a 20% share."

"Bond, can you explain to me what profit is?" Liu Yimin asked.

Bond assumed Liu Yimin didn't understand how to calculate profit, so he straightened up and said, "Profit is total revenue minus operating costs. For a play, total revenue is the ticket price."

"Does the operating cost include the portion allocated to the theater and the performing team?" Liu Yimin asked casually.

Bond was momentarily speechless. Miller, who was standing next to him, chimed in, "He's a shrewd Chinese writer, Bond. You'd better be more honest."

Li Congren also said, "Liu is not completely ignorant in the United States. He introduced me to China, and I introduced him to the United States. You are taking advantage of the fact that he does not have a dedicated copyright management team."

As soon as Li Congren finished speaking, Bond immediately apologized to Liu Yimin and proposed a new profit-sharing figure: "The total profit share is 50%, and the royalty guarantee plus profit sharing ratio cannot exceed 25%. Liu, for the theater, we also bear a great risk."

We have investors behind us, so if our performance is poor, we will face a lot of pressure.

After a long discussion, the two parties finally agreed on a 59% profit split. Liu Yimin signed a copyright contract with Broadway. Li Congren hired a lawyer, and after both parties checked the contract and confirmed that there were no problems, Liu Yimin signed his name on it.

Bond held Liu Yimin's hand and said, "Liu, I hope you can forget our unpleasantness. Now, we both have one goal, which is to get 'Green Book' and 'The Favourite' performed in Broadway theaters. We will find the best directors and the most suitable actors for them. I hope you can stand on the Tony Award stage next year."

“Bond, I hope Americans can feel strength and love from the play,” Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Bond shrugged and didn't say anything. Miller and Liu Yimin exchanged pleasantries for a while before the two left with the contract.

Looking at Miller's retreating figure, Li Congren marveled at the fact that he had actually met the famous American playwright today.

Liu Yimin chuckled but remained silent.

Li Congren looked at Liu Yimin's manuscript, and after obtaining his permission, he picked it up and began to read it.

"The Great Wall? Chinese Kung Fu?" Li Congren found the title intriguing and then said to Liu Yimin, "Chinese Kung Fu is very popular in the United States. Many Americans believe that all Chinese people know Kung Fu. It's a pity that I didn't visit the Shaolin Temple back then. I hope I'll have the opportunity to go there in the future."

At that time, Shaolin Temple was just a dilapidated temple, and Shi Yongxin had not yet made his move! Shi Yongxin played a significant role in the commercial development of Shaolin, but it would be a mistake to think that without Shi Yongxin there would be no Shaolin Temple as we know it today.

The tide of history is what it is; even without Shi Yongxin, someone else would have driven the commercialization of Shaolin. The popularity of Shaolin Temple is, to a certain extent, driven by the film "Shaolin Temple" and Chinese Kung Fu; Shi Yongxin is a product of a combination of factors.

"You'll have the chance to come to China again sometime. Do you remember Mulatu? He's going to study in China again."

"why?"

"Because of the coup d'état in their country and the rivalry between the US and the Soviet Union, the situation in Ethiopia remains turbulent to this day."

Li Congren was silent for a while before saying, "Sigh, I hope his country can also become strong."

“Li, I hope you can help me find some whips and other instruments of torture from American plantations in the last century. The Beijing People’s Art Theatre is going to stage “The Beloved” and they need some detailed information. They can’t imagine how cruel slave owners were.”

"Leave it to me. I'm going out for a bit. I have a friend who likes to collect Texas items; he might have some." Li Congren checked the time and immediately left the room.

"No need to rush, just give it to me before you go back to China."

Li Congren said, "I'll go ask him. He's quite stubborn. If he agrees, I'll send the items directly to the Beijing People's Art Theatre by airmail. I think they're in a hurry."

After Li Congren left, Liu Yimin was bored staying alone in the hotel. He sat by the window of the hotel coffee shop, ordered a cup of coffee, and quietly watched the sunset over Los Angeles and the vast Pacific Ocean.

After sitting for about half an hour, Liu Yimin was about to leave when a middle-aged white man sat down in front of him and ordered him another cup of coffee.

The man was wearing a casual striped shirt, and his hair was slightly curly with a white-yellow tint. He looked to be in his thirties or forties.

"็ Hello Who are you?"

The man introduced himself: "Liu, my name is Peter."

"you know me?"

“If you just say your name, I think most Americans would recognize you.”

“But I didn’t tell you my name.” Liu Yimin became wary.

Peter lit a cigar and said, “I want to be friends with you. I mean you no harm. What do you think of America? Skyscrapers? Wealth, status, freedom, democracy?”

“Perhaps there’s also aversion; I hate uninvited people,” Liu Yimin said.

Peter smiled and said, "Let me introduce myself. I am a member of a foundation. I heard that your research institute needs funding, and I would like to provide assistance."

"Why? Do you have so much money you can't spend it all?" Liu Yimin said with a half-smile.

"We are committed to funding academic research worldwide. If you don't have money, we do. We can provide ample funding so you can research whatever you want."

What do I have to give in return?

"You don't need to give anything; you just need to do your research. Professor Liu, our foundation is willing to support every researcher with a dream. We believe that our support will definitely enable you to be at the forefront of academic research and world literary creation."

"With the support of our foundation, you can obtain the fame, fortune, and status you desire," Peter said in a highly seductive tone.

Seeing that Liu Yimin did not speak, Peter continued:

"Did you see that? Americans have luxurious houses, cars, even yachts and beautiful women. In America, money can buy you the life you want. Liu, China is very poor. Do you know how much this shirt of mine costs? Three hundred dollars. Many Chinese people don't even earn three hundred dollars a year."

"Which foundation are you from?" Liu Yimin asked.

"National Endowment for Democracy"

Liu Yimin's expression revealed understanding. The National Endowment for Democracy (NED) was established last year, and its funding mostly comes from congressional appropriations. It's a notorious NGO. He never expected that he would be targeted by them so soon after arriving in the United States.

How much money can you give me?

"A research grant of $100,000, with a continuous stream of funding to follow."

Liu Yimin laughed and said, "Where's the money? Give it to me!"

Peter paused for a moment, then realized Liu Yimin had taken the bait, and a slight smile appeared on his lips: "As long as the cooperation is finalized, the funds will be in the account immediately?"

"Cooperation? Aren't you doing this out of charity for free?"

Peter said, “We don’t need to do anything, but we need to confirm if we are friends. We hope you will make some changes to your research, such as how to promote exchanges, educational cooperation, and cultural sharing between China and the United States. We hope we have some common values, and we want a democratic and free world.”

Upon hearing this, Liu Yimin smiled dismissively. Peter asked Liu Yimin what he was laughing at. Liu Yimin replied, "Nothing. I just thought of an old friend. His name is similar to yours, but his surname is Ma, and his name is Peter Ma."

“A good name, perhaps it can become my Chinese name,” Peter said.

“I think you should fund the Black community; they need more democracy and freedom.”

Peter shamelessly declared that racial discrimination was a thing of the past, that every American was basking in the sunshine of freedom and democracy, and that the Statue of Liberty's glory rose from the coastline every day.

"We hope your works will focus more on the domestic market. The American literary market is already prosperous enough, and the United States is racially equal enough. You are a great writer, and I think you also hope that China will prosper like the United States. Only by solving existing problems can a country become prosperous."

Well said! I'll write again next time!

“Your people have come to Ethiopia, but it seems they haven’t helped them solve their problems; in fact, they seem to have become poorer.”

"But they gained democracy and freedom, and bread and wealth will come later."

"You really are Peter Ma!"

Peter smiled, showing off his wristwatch, trying to entice Liu Yimin with his wealth: "If 100,000 isn't enough, we can add more funding. I've heard that your research institute has many professors who also need this funding."

"I'm sorry, we don't have the capacity to accept foreign funding, and we also don't have the channels to do so."

"We can handle the distribution channels."

Liu Yimin shook his head again. Seeing that Liu Yimin did not agree, Peter Ma was no longer anxious. In his opinion, anyone who has seen the fame and fortune that money brings will become a slave to money.

Liu Yimin really wanted to deny everything and scam the National Endowment for Democracy, but the Institute of Literature and Art was, after all, a unit under the leadership of the Ministry, and if things couldn't be explained clearly, it would be a big problem.

Peter Ma introduced American culture to Liu Yimin, and after a while, he asked him if he wanted to do a business deal.

"what business?"

“Just tell me where you went in early July last year, even just the general location, and this three thousand dollars is yours.”

Peter wanted to gradually whet Liu Yimin's appetite with three thousand dollars, but Liu Yimin laughed and said, "I've gone up north."

"The North? No, that's not right."

"You all already know, so why are you asking me?" Liu Yimin joked.

Last July, Liu Yimin went to Lop Nur.

“We need something that won’t harm you or your country; on the contrary, you’ll reap huge rewards. Liu, do you have a grudge against money?”

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "No one is malicious towards money, but this money is malicious towards me!"

Peter regained his composure after a while: "Liu, no matter what, I believe we will become friends."

"Peter, I'd rather know who you work for—the National Endowment for Democracy? The CIA? Or the FBI!"

“Professor Liu, I’m just a staff member of the foundation,” Peter said, and quickly left the coffee shop.

Liu Yimin, standing by the window, watched as he quickly walked to a Ford car, spoke a few words to the people inside, got into the car behind it, and the two cars drove away from the hotel one after the other.

After pouring out the coffee Peter had ordered, Liu Yimin left the coffee shop. Back in his room, Liu Yimin searched the room but couldn't find any eavesdropping devices.

Since he couldn't find it, he stopped looking. After all, he was only discussing literature or copyright collaborations, nothing too confidential.

Peter's ability to find this place is probably unrelated to Nikki. If it were, his family wouldn't have gone through so much trouble to establish the China Publishing House during a sensitive period in the United States.

That evening, Li Congren called to say he wouldn't be coming home and would be spending the night at a friend's house. He said the things Liu Yimin needed would be delivered to Yanjing by airline the next day.

On August 6th, with only one day left until the women's volleyball final, the Chinese women's volleyball team, after defeating several opponents in a row, finally advanced to the championship final as the second-ranked team in the standings. Their opponent in the final is the United States, who have remained undefeated since the group stage.

Today, Liu Yimin, along with Niki and Consul Hu from the Consulate General in San Francisco, attended a Chinese cultural promotion event at the Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles.

The Chinese Theatre, also known as the Grumman Chinese Theatre, was built by the "King of Theatres," Robert Grumman. Grumman loved Chinese culture, so he built this Chinese Theatre in Hollywood. The interior features Chinese-style murals and is full of Chinese elements. It has long been the venue for Hollywood movie premieres.

Given its status in Hollywood, it attracts countless tourists every year.

The giant chandelier inside the theater illuminated the entire space. The corridors were filled with various Chinese promotional posters, and the Chinese film "Shaolin Temple" was playing in the center of the theater.

China Book and Periodical Publishing House set up a special booth for Liu Yimin's books, where many people stopped to read.

Consul Hu explained, "This event was jointly organized by the Embassy, ​​the Consulate, the City of Los Angeles, China Publishing House, and Hollywood."

Before the conference began, countless Americans experienced Chinese culture in the corridors or theaters. Among them were ordinary audience members, as well as some Hollywood stars and directors.

After the event began, Consul Hu and representatives from the Los Angeles city government took the stage to speak. Their remarks were very official, expressing their hope that China and the United States could further dispel misunderstandings and appreciate the charm of each other's cultures.

"Please welcome Mr. Liu Yimin, a renowned writer and professor from China, to the stage to give a speech."

Liu Yimin went on stage and spoke to the Americans in the audience about China, starting with Chinese Kung Fu, which they were most interested in.

Then, by talking about the history of Buddhism in China through the temple, these Americans learned how long and rich China's history is.

"Welcome everyone to visit China. We have the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, green mountains, and clear waters. Although our economy is not yet very developed, I believe our country will definitely develop."

The Chinese cultural promotion event was actually aimed at getting more Americans to understand China, travel to China, and generate foreign exchange for the country. Another objective was to attract investment.

"Since the reform and opening up, our country's various systems have been changing, all in preparation for economic development. American businessmen are the most astute businessmen in the world. I believe you have already felt the changes in China, and the biggest opportunities in the future are in China. Many American businessmen have already made money in China. Some American friends have told me that coming to China first means getting closer to money."

Liu Yimin spent very little time talking about his book. After he finished, someone in the audience asked a question. A Hollywood director asked Liu Yimin about the development of Chinese films and then smiled and said that they would have the opportunity to cooperate in the future.

"I hope you will make films that better reflect the image of China. I have watched a lot of movies recently and I have found that Hollywood has a deep misunderstanding of China. Director, I hope you will have time to visit China."

I want more acceptance, not prejudice. I want more love, not discrimination.

At that time, most Chinese characters in Hollywood movies were villains, with very few positive portrayals. Nobody would believe it wasn't intentional.

After Liu Yimin finished speaking, others took turns going on stage to speak. Some directors in the audience gave Liu Yimin their business cards and expressed their desire to adapt "Green Book" into a film.

After the meeting, Liu Yimin found an opportunity to report to Consul Hu about Bond's visit to him.

Consul Hu was shocked after hearing this, never expecting the United States to be so blatant.

“Comrade Yimin, you handled it very well. I will report it to the relevant authorities back home. If there are any follow-up developments, you can also report them back to China through the embassy’s channels,” Consul Hu said.

Liu Yimin said, "This is a problem that should be taken seriously. We have a lot of people going abroad!"

Consul Hu nodded, and Liu Yimin suggested making the matter public to give the United States a slap in the face.

"Let me report to the relevant authorities first. It's the Olympics right now, and given the close cooperation between China and the US, the leadership needs to consider all aspects," Consul Hu said helplessly.

After the event, Consul Hu drove directly back to San Francisco and reported to the embassy through embassy channels, which in turn reported back to China.

(End of this chapter)