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

Chapter 505, "Deng Jiaxian," was published.

Liu Yimin understood his mentality very well; compared to the money China Film Group made, his two million dollars seemed insignificant.

"China Film Group is nothing but a parasite that sucks blood!"

"Director Wang, you can't say that. China Film's problems are historical problems. We can reform them gradually. It's already pretty good now. If it were before, you wouldn't have gotten much more," Liu Yimin quickly comforted him, knowing he had to put out the fire he started.

Wang Yang's expression softened considerably, and he couldn't help but light a cigarette: "Yi Min, you're right. Two million US dollars was something we never dared to dream of before. With this money, Beijing Film Studio will be in a much better position. When we sell the other copyrights, Beijing Film Studio can make a lot more money."

Wang Yang planned to publish this good news in the newspaper to boost the morale of the Chinese people and, incidentally, show off to other film studios.

"With your boasting, Liu Peiran, the factory manager, is going to get anxious."

"He's in a hurry? What's there for him to be in a hurry for? Yimin, I think you're biased. Not only did you give him a film like 'Brotherhood of Blades,' but you also gave him the co-production rights to 'The Overseas Chinese.' I bet Lao Liu is laughing in his sleep!"

Liu Yimin took a sip of tea, looked at the jealous Wang Yang and couldn't help but laugh: "Director Wang, after all, the August First Film Studio is good at war films."

"Sigh, that old bastard got away with it. Anyone can make a war movie," Wang Yang said, putting down his teacup.

Wang Yang, having come to deliver good news, didn't mention the matter again, but instead inquired about the filming of "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale".

"The film directors at the August First Film Studio all say you want to make something different, and many people are not optimistic about it," Wang Yang asked.

Liu Yimin explained it to Wang Yang, who felt it was unreliable, but considering Liu Yimin's abilities, he thought it might actually work.

“If this works out, our Beijing Film Studio will make it too.” Wang Yang looked at Liu Yimin.

“No problem.” Liu Yimin agreed to Wang Yang’s request: “I’m planning to go to Saihanba this weekend to provide some guidance on filming. Would Director Wang be interested in coming with me?”

“Okay, I’ll go back and arrange what I need to do,” Wang Yang said without hesitation.

The two drank quite a bit of tea, but Wang Yang showed no sign of leaving. Liu Yimin couldn't help but ask, "Director Wang, is there anything else you haven't said?"

Wang Yang cleared his throat, as if he had a fishbone stuck in his throat: "Yimin, I told you before. The script for 'Huo Yuanjia' won't be paid according to our country's current regulations; it will be paid according to the film's performance. This film made our Beijing Film Studio a lot of money, and I would feel bad if I didn't pay enough."

But giving too much would violate the policy of higher authorities. So the factory discussed it and decided to calculate the payment based on a base fee of 5,000 RMB, plus a profit-sharing fee of 10,000 USD. What do you think?

The $10,000 that Wang Yang paid to Liu Yimin couldn't be paid as royalties; it had to be paid to Liu Yimin through another channel. This matter was discussed in a meeting with the factory and approved by a vote, so that everyone could testify if any problems arose later.

"This matter!" Liu Yimin patted Wang Yang on the shoulder and laughed, "Ten thousand US dollars has exceeded my expectations."

“Compared to your contribution, it’s still a bit small. I can give you all of this money in foreign exchange certificates,” Wang Yang said.

"Row."

Aside from exchanging them abroad, foreign exchange certificates were of little use to Liu Yimin. He had everything he needed at home, so there was no need to worry about the Friendship Store.

Before going abroad, you can exchange foreign exchange certificates for US dollars, or directly exchange them for US dollars and save them. When the exchange rate changes, you can resell them to earn more money.

Upon hearing Liu Yimin's agreement, Wang Yang smiled with relief, feeling that this had made up for a lot of Liu Yimin's losses.

Wang Yang then shared some news he had heard from China Film Group: "The Redemption of a Slave" was released globally, its box office soared, and it received high praise in many European and American countries.

"Yimin, how much money could a script like yours make in the US?" Wang Yang asked curiously.

Wang Yang wasn't trying to find out about Liu Yimin's income, but rather to gain a better understanding of the Western film industry.

"I estimate it will be about the same as what your film studio earned this time," Liu Yimin said.

"What?" Wang Yang almost jumped up from the sofa. A screenwriter's income equals the income of their film studio? If he heard this from someone else, he would definitely think it was a fantasy.

Liu Yimin waved his hand: "Keep a calm mind, keep a calm mind."

"We're so sorry!" Wang Yang said, his head hanging low.

"Don't say that, the purchasing power in the East and West is different!"

Wang Yang scratched his head impatiently: "No, I have to talk about this next time I see Mr. Shen. The script royalties, especially for scripts that can make money overseas, should reflect the principle of 'good scripts, good pay.' At the very least, it has to be done legally, like giving more than ten thousand US dollars. Giving it secretly like this is too stingy."

Wang Yang arrived happily, but left with a troubled look on his face.

Liu Yimin walked into the main office. Yi Zhongtian looked at him with a preoccupied expression, occasionally peeking out and then immediately shrinking back down.

"Yi Zhongtian, say what you want to say!" Liu Yimin said loudly.

Before Yi Zhongtian could stand up, Dai Jianye quickly said, "Professor Liu, Lao Yi has written another paper. He's afraid you'll scold him, so he doesn't dare let you see it."

Yi Zhongtian chuckled: "Teacher Liu, it's mainly because you're so good with words."

"Let me see it." Liu Yimin smiled and beckoned with his hand: "You can't even stand this? When you teach students in the future, you won't be any nicer to scold them than I am."

Liang Yong'an said, "Let's take this opportunity to learn from Teacher Liu's humorous teaching style so that we can spread it when we go back."

"Hahaha."

Liu Yimin ignored them, took Yi Zhongtian's paper and started reading. The title of this paper was "An Analysis of the Relationship between the Yellow Turban Rebellion and Taoism at the End of the Eastern Han Dynasty".

The article argues that the Yellow Turban Rebellion was a counterattack launched by Taoism against Confucian culture after Confucianism became the dominant ideology, and an attempt by Taoism to regain its dominant position.

"This is well written and insightful," Liu Yimin said approvingly, and told Yi Zhongtian to write it well and add more evidence.

Hearing the praise, Yi Zhongtian said happily, "I plan to write about 30,000 words and analyze it carefully. Teacher Liu, your words give me confidence."

Dai Jianye suddenly asked, "Professor Liu, what do you think would have happened to the Han Dynasty if the Yellow Turban Rebellion had succeeded?"

Dai Jianye's words made everyone think deeply. Yes, what will happen?
"We may still follow the principle of letting the people rest and governing by doing nothing," Liang Yong'an said.

Liu Yimin said, "Let the people rest and govern by non-interference. The key lies in whether or not to give up power, whether to become a religious state or remain a secular regime."

“If it were a religious country, everyone would probably be making elixirs and drinking talisman water,” Hai Zi suddenly said.

Liu Yimin chatted with them for a while before going to class. Dai Jianye and the others, however, got really into it, constantly speculating about the changes in Eastern Han society after the Yellow Turban Rebellion's victory.

After news of the overseas success of "Huo Yuanjia" was reported, newspaper readers were overjoyed, realizing that Westerners also appreciate Chinese culture.

"These ignorant foreigners, their skills are nothing special!" The old man from Yanjing scoffed at the foreigners' ignorant attitude.

People from all walks of life have seen the potential of the film industry to earn foreign exchange through the global box office of "Fearless". It is no less than other industries, and it is even a little unbelievable for a time.

Is this still the same China Film Group Corporation that only imports foreign films after three days of separation?

China Overseas, through the Ministry of Culture, sent a letter of commendation to the Film Bureau, Beijing Film Studio, and the Institute of Literature and Art, encouraging them to continue contributing to the country's film exports.

The film crew, who were shooting "Brotherhood of Blades," saw the newspaper and couldn't help but speed up the filming process, feeling a strong urge to compete.

The national and local film studios were extremely envious. Xu Sangchu, the director of the Shanghai Film Studio, sent a telegram to Liu Yimin, strongly requesting to join the Cultural Industry Research Group of the Institute of Literature and Art.

Xu Sangchu understood that without a good script, it wouldn't have sold for so much money. To address the problem, one must focus on the core issue, and Liu Yimin was that core issue.

Shanghai Film Studio was the first film studio to collaborate with Liu Yimin, but unfortunately, due to the distance, it could never compete with August First Film Studio and Beijing Film Studio for scripts.

Xu Sangchu felt that joining the Institute of Literature and Art would definitely bring her closer to Liu Yimin, and getting an excellent script would be a piece of cake.

Liu Yimin had no reason to refuse Xu Sangchu's joining. This would give the Institute of Literature and Art its three major film studios, in addition to the Shanghai Animation Film Studio.

Wang Yang's attempt to showcase his talent in public unexpectedly attracted a competitor. On the train, Wang Yang carefully read an article in the newspaper. Someone was commenting on domestic martial arts films, analyzing why they couldn't go global before, but how "Huo Yuanjia" could.

"After analyzing him for so long, I think he's just a slacker, trying to make a living off his writing fees," Wang Yang cursed angrily.

"Wang Chang, anger will damage your liver. You're not a grown man." Liu Yimin chuckled.

Wang Yang said, "Sometimes, it's these quacks who mess things up and ruin the atmosphere. Yimin, our screenwriters at the Beijing Film Studio have written a few martial arts scripts. Could you take a look?"

There was still some distance to travel to Saihanba, and Liu Yimin had nothing else to do, so he took Wang Yang's notebook.

Upon arriving at Saihanba, Liu Yimin pulled out a notebook from the pile: "This notebook is not bad, but the rest of the plots are not exciting enough."

"Oh, I think this is good too. It tells the story of Zhang Sanfeng of Wudang, and Wudang holds a very high position in the field of traditional martial arts in China. If Shaolin was filmed well, Wudang should be just as good."

"However, it still needs some revisions; the plot needs to be fleshed out a bit more," Liu Yimin instructed.

"Okay, I'll go back and study it carefully."

Upon arriving at the train station, Huang Zumo and Liu Wenshi, the director of the forest farm, personally drove a jeep to pick them up.

Liu Wenshi grasped Liu Yimin's hand tightly and said, "Comrade Liu Yimin, welcome to inspect our work."

“Director Liu, the word ‘inspection’ is really inappropriate,” Liu Yimin quickly said.

“You deserve it! If you can’t do it, who can?” On the way to Saihanba, Liu Wenshi told Liu Yimin about the changes in the Saihanba Forest Farm.

Liu Yimin has visited Saihanba more than once, and each time he has been able to feel the changes in Saihanba.

"With machinery, we can plant trees much faster. A large tractor can do the work of dozens of people in a day in one go," Liu Wenshi said, pointing to the forestry workers who were at work.

This year, the forest farm also recruited two foreign volunteers to eat and work alongside the forest farm workers. In less than a month, one of them ran away, leaving only the other struggling to keep going.

"Foreigners talk a good game, but they can't actually endure hardship. The Ministry of Forestry recruited fifty or sixty people, but only a dozen or so left. The Ministry of Forestry doesn't allow special treatment; staying or leaving is voluntary. These are the conditions we have. Take it or leave it. In any case, planting trees is our Chinese business."

Liu Yimin said, "That's right, we shouldn't let them enjoy themselves."

Instead of going straight back to the forest farm, they went to the edge of the forest first to take a look.

Liu Yimin suggested, "We can submit an application to the ministry to designate a piece of land and hang up a sign that says 'International Aid Forest' or 'International Environmental Protection Forest'."

"Why are you hanging this?" Liu Wenshi asked curiously.

Liu Yimin said, "People have spent money, so they need to see results, right? Otherwise, who would be willing to keep spending money? For those who donate a lot of money, make some gifts out of tree branches and send them over. Once the recipient is moved, the money will come in again, won't it?"

“That makes sense, that makes sense!” Liu Wenshi thought about it carefully and realized that Liu Yimin was right.

Liu Yimin toured the modern machinery and the renovated workers' housing, and thought that the money had indeed been well spent.

Huang Zumo couldn't get a word in edgewise until after they finished looking at the forest farm, when he finally got a chance to speak: "Comrade Yimin, Director Wang, our filming location is about ten kilometers away. Let's go there."

"Alright, Liu Chang, we won't stay at the forest farm anymore." Liu Yimin shook hands with Liu Wenshi and said goodbye.

Liu Wenshi said regretfully, "You have made such a great contribution to our forest farm, and we workers would like to celebrate with you tonight."

"Next time, Factory Manager Liu."

Upon arriving at the film crew's residence, Liu Yimin met Jiao Huang. Wang Yang sized up Jiao Huang, who was wearing a white shirt, and subconsciously remarked, "He doesn't look like a tree planter at all; he looks more like a leader on an inspection tour."

"That's exactly the effect we wanted," Liu Yimin said.

Wang Yang clicked his tongue, unsure of what to say.

Huang Zumo had Jiao Huang take the yellow dog for a walk, while Liu Yimin and Wang Yang watched from the side.

As the sun sets, on the yellow sand, a tall and kind-looking old man carries tools on his back, followed by a yellow dog wagging its tail.

Wang Yang moved closer to the camera. The only people in the vast, yellow sand dunes were the man and his dog. They seemed relaxed, at ease, and in a harmonious and warm way.
"That's interesting," Wang Yang couldn't help but say.

After dinner in the evening, Huang Zumo was going to film a scene of people and dogs interacting under the starry sky overnight. Jiao Huang hugged the dog and told it about the task of planting trees, and even assigned the dog a tree by itself.

Liu Yimin gave Huang Zumo some guidance on the filming, telling him not to forget to capture micro-expressions while shooting the overall scenery.

"The best shot would be one that captures a human-like expression or look in the dog's eyes," Liu Yimin said.

"it is good."

Wang Yang stood to the side with his arms crossed, watching Liu Yimin and Huang Zumo's busy figures, and found it even more interesting. He even offered his own ideas.

After finishing work, Liu Yimin said, "The composition should have elements of Eastern art, but the focus should not be on the composition. The important thing is the plot. We need to take into account both beauty and story."

“I understand. I have to think about each shot many times. The crew members are all very helpful and offer suggestions. Lao Jiao’s acting is also very good,” Huang Zumo said.

Jiao Huang was teasing Lao Ba when he heard Huang Zumo praising him: "Director Huang, when it comes to acting, I'm still a novice!"

"Don't be modest, Comrade Jiao Huang. I think you acted very well. Your eyes and expressions were spot on. You've really got a lot to say about this!" Liu Yimin praised.

Looking at Jiao Huang, Wang Yang even considered recruiting him: "I didn't expect the Shanghai Drama Troupe to have such a unique and talented actor. Some actors are born to play roles, while others are born to play roles."

After chatting for a while in the room, Liu Yimin carefully reviewed Huang Zumo's filming progress.

At 11 o'clock, Huang Zumo took Wang Yang and Liu Yimin to rest and even brought two quilts: "The temperature difference between day and night is large, and the altitude is high, so they will be useful."

Over the weekend, Liu Yimin and Wang Yang followed the crew to watch them film. Huang Zumo had prepared for a long time, and each scene had been planned in advance, so the filming went smoothly.

Huang Zumo mainly directed the filming himself, and Liu Yimin and Wang Yang did not always interfere.

After watching them film all day, Liu Yimin was even more satisfied with Jiao Huang's work. They were covered in yellow sand while planting trees, but their charm only increased in front of the camera.

"When Lao Jiao was young, he was even more of a pretty boy than Tang Guoqiang," Wang Yang commented.

Before leaving, Liu Yimin shook hands with Jiao Huang and Huang Zumo and said, "Old Huang, Old Jiao, I'm entrusting this crew to you. I'm at ease. Film well, but don't rush. If you don't have enough funds, just send me a generator."

“Yimin, there’s no way we won’t have enough funds. We’ve done the math, and we estimate it won’t cost 400,000, maybe even 200,000,” Huang Zumo said.

Liu Yimin still added, "Don't be afraid of wasting money."

Watching Liu Yimin and Jiao Huang board the train, Huang Zumo and Jiao Huang exchanged a smile. Huang Zumo was even more excited. After seeing the news of "Fearless" becoming a worldwide sensation, he had a feeling that Liu Yimin's words about making him a world-renowned director might not have been empty talk.

On the way back, Wang Yang kept discussing heartwarming movies with Liu Yimin. After this investigation, he felt that the movie had great potential.

“Yimin, if you have any more scripts, give them to our Beijing Film Studio to film. We’ll film them however you want. If all else fails, we don’t need our director; we can use Huang Zumo, whom you like,” Wang Yang said.

“Wang Chang, it’s not that I like anyone, it’s just that I think he can make this kind of film, and others can’t. Others still prefer to make melodramatic films.”

Wang Yang said with a smile, "Yes, but if we want to change everyone's mindset, we just need to wait for 'Hachiko' to become a box office hit all over the world. I don't need to say much, just one hit will be enough to correct everyone's existing ideas."

Upon returning to Yanjing, the press published another astonishing piece of news: the true maker of the atomic bomb had been revealed, and it was a name no one had ever heard of before—Deng Jiaxian.

The People's Daily featured a report titled "Father of China's Two Bombs," praising him as "a man whose name is little known, but whose achievements have attracted worldwide attention."

Meanwhile, the June supplement of People's Literature appeared in bookstores, with the three large characters "Deng Jiaxian" printed on the cover.

(End of this chapter)