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

Chapter 500: Finally, there is a reaction on the island.
On the morning of May 10th, the school driver parked the car outside the international airport. Liu Yimin raised his wrist to check the time; it was already 10:00 AM. Chen Liren's flight should have landed at the airport half an hour earlier, but for some reason, he hadn't come out yet.

Ding Shisun and Yan Jiayan came over and asked, "Has something happened?"

Originally, Liu Yimin was supposed to pick them up at the airport, but to show respect, Ding Shisun and Yan Jiayan also decided to come along.

"Something must have been holding him up," Liu Yimin said casually.

Ten minutes later, Chen Licai appeared at the airport entrance.

"Chairman Chen!" Liu Yimin waved to Chen Liren, who was wearing sunglasses.

Ding Shisun and Yan Jiayan sized up Chen Liren as they quickly went to greet him.

Chen Liren's suit jacket was draped over his left arm. He released his suitcase with his right hand and grasped Liu Yimin's hand: "Yimin, thank you, thank you. There was a problem with the luggage earlier, so I came out late. I'm sorry to have kept you waiting."

Chen Liren was covered in sweat, and his eyes were filled with apology.

"It's alright, this is Principal Ding Shisun, and this is Professor Yan Jiayan, the head of the Chinese Department," Liu Yimin introduced.

Ding Shisun grasped Chen Liren's hand tightly, thanking him for his generosity: "Chairman Chen, I also want to express my gratitude to you on behalf of the students who will receive the donation in the future."

"Professor Ding, you're too kind. It was just a spur-of-the-moment decision. Professor Liu's lecture was so excellent that it inspired me to donate. I hope that Yenching University can cultivate more and more students like Professor Liu Yimin."

Liu Yimin glanced at the increasingly blazing sun and said, "Let's stop chatting here and take a car back to Yenching University."

“Yes, let’s go to school, let’s go to school,” Yan Jiayan echoed.

Once in the car, Chen Liren said to Liu Yimin, "Professor Liu, your 'Youth Night Talk' program is quite interesting. I saw a lot of students listening to it at Xiamen University and Jimei University. I also listened to the program on the 8th in Shenzhen. I asked the people around me for their opinions, and everyone thought it was good."

“Since everyone is interested in the situation in Singapore, I’ll elaborate a bit more,” Liu Yimin said.

Yan Jiayan, who was standing next to him, took the opportunity to praise Liu Yimin, saying that he had a great influence among young people.

Chen Liren nodded and said, "I have indeed felt this way lately. Yimin has a huge influence internationally, and even greater domestically."

After taking Chen Liren back to Yenching University, they first showed him around the school in the car. Originally, they had arranged for him to stay at the Yenching Hotel, but after seeing the environment of Yenching University, Chen Liren insisted on staying at the Yenching Guesthouse.

“Then let’s do as Chairman Chen says. I’ll have the guesthouse check him in,” Yan Jiayan said.

In the afternoon, leaders from all levels of Yenching University held a welcome meeting for Chen Liren, and a deputy leader from the Ministry of Education also attended.

The money hasn't been donated yet, but Yenching University has already given enough emotional value.

The money donated by Chen Liren to Xiamen University and Jimei University has already been received; only the donation to Yenching University is still pending.

After the meeting, Chen Liren left Yenching University to visit some of his grandfather Chen Jiageng's friends.

Watching the car that had taken Chen Liren drive away, Yan Jiayan smiled and looked at Liu Yimin: "How's our arrangement?"

“Director Yan, just do your best. I believe Chairman Chen donated $500,000 mainly because he wanted our praise,” Liu Yimin said.

"You're right, but we still need to put on a good show!"

The deputy leader from the Ministry of Education didn't leave; he sat in Liu Yimin's office and spoke with him privately. The first point was encouragement for Liu's efforts in securing external funding for Yenching University, and the second was the issue Ye Shengtao had discussed with him a few days earlier regarding joining the People's Education Press's Chinese language editorial board.

"Mr. Ye told us that education is the foundation of the nation and cannot be neglected. Therefore, we support you becoming a member of the editorial committee for primary and secondary school Chinese textbooks published by the People's Education Press. On the other hand, my colleagues in the department and I believe that since we are discussing textbook issues, you might as well take on even greater responsibilities."

"Greater responsibility?"

"Yes, I told you clearly that the Ministry is planning to establish a review committee for primary and secondary school textbooks this year. This is a national review committee, mainly composed of subject matter experts, teaching and research personnel, and administrative staff."

"With reform and opening up, our Ministry of Education also needs to reform textbooks and textbook management systems. We urgently need comrades like you who possess both literary knowledge and an international perspective, as well as a firm stance." The deputy leader of the Ministry of Education looked at Liu Yimin: "What do you think?"

When was this department established?

"It'll be in the fall/winter season. We're planning it now, but we've already received support from the ministry and higher-level leaders."

"Then I'll wait for the ministry's notification."

"Alright, Comrade Yimin, goodbye." The deputy leader of the Ministry of Education stood up, shook hands with Liu Yimin, and prepared to leave Yenching University.

The next morning, the entire Yenching University was bustling with activity, decorated with lanterns and streamers. The campus had been cleaned and watered in the early hours of the morning.

Liu Yimin rode his motorcycle into Yenching University, a wave of morning mist washing over him. A banner announcing Chen Liren's donation of $500,000 hung high, and students carried benches to the playground to assemble.

Liu Yimin parked his motorcycle directly at the guesthouse, went inside, and found Chen Liren, who was getting ready to leave.

"Chairman Chen, you look sharp in that suit."

Chen Liren wore a light blue suit and a red tie, which were tied tightly.

"Yimin, just call me Lao Chen, don't call me Chairman Chen, it's too formal. I'm planning to set up an education foundation in the future, and we'll inevitably have to deal with each other." Chen Liren tidied his hair in front of the mirror, and only after seeing that he looked very energetic did he prepare to leave.

Liu Yimin and Chen Liren walked out of the guesthouse, where the school's reception team arrived to meet them. The group waited in the school's conference room for a while until most of the students had gathered before leading Chen Liren to the playground.

The morning sunlight, mixed with moisture, made the teachers and students on the playground feel quite comfortable.

Ding Shisun delivered a passionate speech to the students through a megaphone, repeatedly saying "thank you." Chen Liren's posture straightened more and more as Ding Shisun spoke, as if he wished he could pull out another half a million dollars on the spot.

Amidst enthusiastic applause, Ding Shisun clapped at Chen Liren and said, "Please welcome Mr. Chen Liren, the eldest grandson of Mr. Chen Jiageng, to give a donation speech!"

Liu Yimin whispered to Yan Jiayan beside him, "Principal Ding truly lives up to his reputation for spending time in the United States; his donation speech was simply superb."

"Principal Ding's flattery is masterful," Yan Jiayan nodded in agreement.

Standing on the stage, Chen Liren looked at the thousands of faculty and students of Yenching University below and said excitedly, "Professors and students of Yenching University, hello everyone, thank you for welcoming me, Chen Liren. President Ding's speech just now was full of excessive praise, and I am truly ashamed."

My initial motivation for donating money was simple: I hope everyone will learn from Professor Liu Yimin and become pillars of the Chinese community. There's a quote from Professor Liu on "Youth Night Talk" that I wholeheartedly agree with.

Professor Liu said that Chinese people all over the world, those who love their nation and their country, are looking towards the mainland. We urgently hope that the mainland will become strong and become a pillar of strength for Chinese people worldwide. We hope that from anywhere in the world, looking eastward, one can see a powerful motherland.

I hope this money can help outstanding Yenching University students complete their studies and contribute to the cause of Chinese people worldwide.

As soon as he finished speaking, thousands of teachers and students applauded enthusiastically. Chen Liren waved his hand and began to recount the Chen family's dedication to education in mainland China.

When they got emotional, some of the older professors couldn't help but shed tears, explaining how difficult it was to run a school, especially a university, during turbulent times.

After Chen Liren finished speaking, Liu Yimin, on behalf of the school, accepted the $500,000 donation plaque from Chen Liren.

After receiving the donation plaque, Liu Yimin and Chen Liren shook hands with all the faculty and students, then held the plaque above their heads to show it to them. "Next, please welcome Professor Liu Yimin to give a speech on behalf of all the faculty and students of Yenching University."

The staff took the donation plaque from Liu Yimin's hand, and Liu Yimin slowly walked to the podium and faced all the teachers and students.

"Teachers and students, let us once again give a warm round of applause to Mr. Chen Liren for his selfless dedication and to remember his earnest exhortations. We hope that every Yenching University student will shoulder their responsibilities."

The Yimin Academic Scholarship originated from a generous donation from Quanjude, and we would like to express our gratitude to Mr. Jiang Junxian, the manager of Quanjude.

Upon hearing his name mentioned, Jiang Junxian, who was sitting on the stage, stood up and waved to all the students of Yenching University.

"Students, you have all heard me speak many times before. I will keep it brief today. Today you are proud of Yenching University, and I hope that in the future Yenching University will be proud of you. Now, proudly pin your school badges to your chests. Yenching University is your calling card."

When you enter society, you will be living advertisements for Yenching University. Don't tarnish Yenching University's reputation, and don't let people point fingers and curse you—'These are the students Yenching University produced!'

To put it bluntly, if you disgrace the school, I'll swear even more vehemently. These Chinese literature professors may not have much talent, but they certainly have a knack for swearing.

Laughter filled the stage and audience. Liu Yimin then announced that all teachers and students should stand up and sing the "Graduation Song" together.

Actually, this occasion should be sung along with the school song, but Yenching University is in an awkward position because it doesn't have its own school song, nor does it have a formal school motto.

Until the centennial celebration in 98, a song was released that became Yenching University's official school song.

After the graduation song was sung, the ceremony finally came to an end. Ding Shisun breathed a sigh of relief; the 500,000 yuan was finally in his pocket.

After the ceremony, Liu Yimin accompanied Chen Liren on a careful tour of Yenching University. Chen Liren looked at the classical campus and said, "Yenching University and Xiamen University are truly two different places."

"Old Chen, which campus do you prefer?" Liu Yimin asked with a smile.

"I still think Xiamen University is beautiful, perhaps due to my personal feelings. Xiamen University has the beauty of the seaside, and its architecture combines Chinese and Western styles," Chen Liren said.

“Indeed, these are two different campuses, but they are undoubtedly both schools that cultivate talent for the country,” Liu Yimin said.

After leaving Yenching University, Liu Yimin led Chen Liren to visit the nearby Summer Palace and the ruins of the Old Summer Palace.

Standing before the broken pillars and ruins of the Old Summer Palace, Liu Yimin and Chen Liren took a photo.

Chen Liren is preparing to return to Singapore tomorrow, so Liu Yimin found a photo studio and quickly had the photos developed.

In addition, Liu Yimin gave the screenplay for the film "The Overseas Chinese" to Chen Liren, asking him to take it to the overseas Chinese community for a look.

Chen Liren read through the script: "Yimin, this is even better than the novel 'The Overseas Chinese'. The scenes will be grander and the details more delicate. I really want to know who will play my grandfather, but unfortunately the production team hasn't decided yet."

“Once the script arrives, the actors can be cast quickly. Director Li Jun was afraid that the casting would be poor and disgrace Mr. Tan Kah Kee.” Liu Yimin expressed Li Jun’s concerns.

Most of the other actors were in place, but the actor to play Chen Jiageng was still being selected. For this purpose, Li Jun had to screen almost all the major male actors from various film studios and drama theaters at the Fujian Film Studio.

After seeing Chen Liren off, Liu Yimin sent the script to Li Jun, who was far away in Fujian Province. A copy of the film script became a topic of discussion at the August First Film Studio and the Film Bureau.

Zheng Dongguo, Zheng Tingji, and Huang Wei, as advisors, participated earnestly in the discussion of the script, and ultimately concluded with three words: "No problem."

When Liu Yimin returned to the courtyard, Huang Zumo was already waiting for him in the yard, holding a photo of Jiao Huang in his hand: "This was taken recently. He looks a little young at fifty, but after that makeup, he definitely looks more like him."

Jiao Huang, wearing a white t-shirt, sat in the middle of the stage. The old man had few wrinkles on his face, bright eyes, and a very powerful aura; he looked like an emperor.

“I agree, let him come to Beijing to try out for the role!” Liu Yimin had no objections.

Huang Zumo immediately replied, "Okay, if you agree, I'll contact him right away. He's always acted in stage plays and has a good command of dialogue. He hasn't acted in many movies, so he's very excited to have this opportunity."

Liu Yimin invited Huang Zumo to stay for dinner and to discuss their filming ideas.

When Grandpa Jiao Huang arrives, Liu Yimin will have to give this first Baturu of the Qing Dynasty a good talk.

In the evening, Zhu Lin returned home exhausted from get off work. She was about to perform in a play, and rehearsals were very urgent.

During dinner, Zhu Lin told Liu Yimin that the Beijing People's Art Theatre was going to hand over the play "The Overseas Chinese's Son" to directors Ouyang Shanzun and Xia Chun. There was no rush to rehearse; Cao Yu planned to premiere it on National Day, which was still more than four months away.

After finishing his meal, Zhu Lin lay motionless in the rocking chair, in a completely relaxed posture.

"Okay, I'll give you a massage in a bit," Liu Yimin whispered in her ear.

"Okay," Zhu Lin said weakly.

Liu Yimin massaged Zhu Lin for less than five minutes, and she actually fell asleep. Liu Yimin smiled, covered her with a blanket, went out to pour a glass of hot water, placed it on the bedside table, and then went to bed himself.

The next day, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin were woken up by a series of phone calls. Zhu Lin, still half asleep, kicked Liu Yimin and said, "Teacher Liu, answer it."

Liu Yimin grunted an "Mmm" and listlessly put the phone to his ear.

"Yimin, there's been a response from the island! There's been a response!" the old commander said happily.

"What response?"

"Are you still half asleep? You young man, get up right now, what kind of response is that?"

Liu Yimin suddenly snapped out of it: "Really?"

"Would I lie to you? This morning, the island's Central Daily News solemnly published an article stating that Chiang Kai-shek is considering a policy that would allow veterans and their families to visit relatives, but there may be restrictions on civil servants."

"Okay, didn't you say the specific time?" Liu Yimin patted Zhu Lin's thigh.

"No, according to our analysis, it should open around June. After this news is released, Chinese people all over the world should be overjoyed. They wouldn't dare to delay. The people we sent to the Veterans Homecoming Foundation have already been selected, and it is said that they are also actively making contacts on the island."

"If they don't open up, they have no reason to make contact," the old leader said with a smile.

After hanging up the phone, Liu Yimin turned on the radio, and CCTV was broadcasting this news urgently.

After the news aired, it sparked a flurry of discussion on the streets. Some family members longed for the day their children would return, not knowing whether they were alive or dead decades later.

Some family members are not so enthusiastic, after all, they have been away for decades and their parents have passed away, so the bond of kinship has weakened a lot.

Various departments are busy dealing with the large influx of people returning to the mainland to visit relatives, and also studying policies for veterans who want to settle in the mainland.

If some people come back and don't want to leave, they will definitely need to be resettled in different places. Should land be allocated to them? These are all problems.

(End of this chapter)