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

Chapter 532 Zhongying, you're a fucking pig!
Cao Yu considered many ways to promote the play "Our Hero - Deng Jiaxian".

In addition to offering free performances to invite primary, secondary, and tertiary students from across the city to watch the show at the Beijing People's Art Theatre, the theatre also plans to issue a competition notice to the drama troupes of various universities in Beijing through the Dramatists Association. The play to be competed in is "Our Hero - Deng Jiaxian".

"Old Wan, not only that, your Beijing People's Art Theatre must also leverage its leading position in the domestic drama scene to promote this play to drama theatres across the country," the old leader instructed.

Cao Yu continued, "We have already sent the script to more than a dozen theaters, and we are also preparing to send our rehearsal materials to them as well."

"Alright, Lao Wan, thank you for your hard work. With you supporting the theater world, we can all rest assured." The old leader smiled and patted Cao Yu's arm.

After finishing his speech, the old leader suddenly stood up and said, "I have a few words I would like to say to the scientists, the comrades from the Commission of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defense, and comrades from all walks of life who have come to see the play."

Secretary Li quickly said, "Sir, what about your health?"

"I know my own body, so I'll just say a few words."

Unable to stop it after hearing this, Secretary Li immediately arranged for people to protect the old leader's safety.

Liu Yimin stood up and helped the old leader onto the stage. The audience, who were reluctantly leaving, immediately stopped when they saw someone walk up. They hesitated, wondering whether to sit down, but after the people in the front row recognized the old leader, they returned to their seats while applauding and cheering.

"Comrades, you've already gotten to know me from the play." The old commander took off his glasses, wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes with a handkerchief, and put them back on.

"I am one of the participants and witnesses of the development of national defense science and technology equipment. I am fortunate to be involved in this great cause, just as Comrade Jiaxian said, I would not hesitate to die for it."

I wouldn't dare call myself a leader in scientific research. To be honest, when the old man approached me, I felt immense pressure. The path ahead was shrouded in mist, requiring me to wade through it bit by bit, even risking my life.

Countless scientists, all top-notch talents, why were they willing to accept my leadership? It wasn't because of my abilities, but because of their fervent passion for their country and nation.

Comrades, a new era has arrived, and with it, new challenges and new dilemmas. But do not be afraid. Regardless of region, age, political affiliation, or nationality, as long as we all share the same goal—to make China better—we have nothing to fear!

As soon as the old leader finished speaking, the scientists and the audience cheered and shouted patriotic slogans.

The old leader, who was standing to the side, became emotional and suddenly started coughing due to physical discomfort. Liu Yimin wanted to go over to help him, but the old leader waved his hand and gestured for the audience to be quiet.

"Comrades, here we want to express our highest respect to scientists represented by Comrade Jiaxian. Too many scientists have lost their lives for the development of science and technology. Comrades, the highest respect we can give them is to take up their responsibilities and move forward, ever forward!"

We are all old and plagued by illness, but the thought of a bright future for our country fills us with excitement. Comrades, goodbye, let's move forward together, forward!

Liu Yimin immediately stepped forward, took the old leader's arm, and helped him off the stage. The old leader greeted the audience as he left the performance hall through a side door.

Breathing in the fresh air, the old commander felt much better. He turned to Liu Yimin and said, "Don't worry about me, hurry up and get ready to go back. Can you see Professor Xu off for me? Also, thank you to the director and actors, the rehearsal was excellent."

"Old commander, please take it easy!"

Secretary Li helped the old leader into the back seat, waved to Liu Yimin, got into the car, and told the driver to drive away.

Liu Yimin re-entered the performance hall, and after the old leader's car left, the scientists left first to avoid chaos.

In addition, fearing that the audience might have objections, the actors from the Beijing People's Art Theatre sang on stage, and the song they sang was "The Motherland Will Not Forget".

Sending off the scientists at that time was also a way to appease the audience.

Only after the scientists left did the audience exit the Beijing People's Art Theatre. Cao Yu, Liu Yimin, Ouyang Shanzun, and Zhu Lin accompanied Professor Xu as she left the theatre.

"Comrades Jiabao, Shanzun, Yimin, and Zhulin, you can go back now! Thank you, you performed wonderfully."

"Professor Xu, please take care on your journey. I'll visit you at your home sometime," Liu Yimin said.

"Haha, okay!"

After seeing Professor Xu off, Cao Yu and Liu Yimin looked at Ouyang Shanzun and Zhu Lin, both of whom breathed a sigh of relief and looked relaxed.

Cao Yu chatted briefly with Ouyang Shanzun and Zhu Lin, then gathered the actors together and told them that the "hard times" were about to begin.

"Comrades, from now on, you may have to perform three shows a day, or even more. The lead and supporting actors will take turns. The theater will provide you with ample logistical support, and the performance allowance will be doubled. Comrades, this is a glorious performance mission, a vivid lesson in patriotism. You will all work hard for a while!"

Cao Yu didn't say much before telling everyone to go back and get some rest so they could recharge for tomorrow's performance.

Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin returned to the courtyard house. Zhu Lin kept talking about how nervous she was during the performance. Liu Yimin grabbed her shoulder and said, "It turns out you were just worrying too much."

"That's not quite right, Teacher Liu. If the director relaxes, the lead actor relaxes, then the other actors relax, and that leads to a performance mishap," Zhu Lin said logically.

"Get some rest, you'll be busy from now on." Zhu Lin said, sitting on the bed soaking her feet after taking a shower.

Liu Yimin went to the study to look at the materials Frank had collected about the events surrounding Kennedy's assassination. There weren't many cases of American political figures being assassinated, but there were still quite a few.

However, the endings of some assassination cases in the United States are very strange. Often, the investigation will eventually find that the person was insignificant, or even that the reason for the assassination was bizarre, and the investigation will stop there.

Following Kennedy's assassination, more than a dozen key witnesses died within three years, with various causes of death including suicide, car accidents, and homicide. In the thirty years that followed, over a hundred witnesses died.

Frank's collection of information was incomplete, consisting mostly of newspaper articles, official statements, and long-standing rumors. This is because the US government continues to keep the relevant case files confidential.

In the United States, assassinations occur when political differences escalate to a point where they cannot be resolved through so-called "democratic" means.

The assassination of Trump's "beloved son," Charlie Kirk, ultimately failed to uncover the truth within the Democratic Party, even with the president's immense power. Or rather, it was impossible to uncover it; once the truth was made public, it would truly lead to a partisan battle.

There was too much material; Liu Yimin couldn't finish reading it all in one night. After reading about a fifth of it, he turned off the light and went back to his bedroom.

Zhu Lin was already asleep in bed, the book in her hand falling to her chest. Liu Yimin put the book on the bedside table, covered Zhu Lin with a blanket, and turned off the light to sleep.

The next morning, Zhu Lin had already eaten breakfast and left the courtyard. Liu Yimin went to class in the morning, and after class, the Peking University Drama Troupe found him and asked him to help them explain the script.

The Yanjing Dramatists Association has issued a notice regarding organizing a competition for drama clubs of major universities in Yanjing. The Yanjing University Drama Club is sharpening its knives, eager to win the championship.

"Professor Liu, the script was written by a professor from Peking University. Professor Deng also served as a teaching assistant at Peking University. If we don't get first place, it will be a disgrace to Professor Deng and to you." After the president of the drama club finished speaking, the other members of the drama club immediately started to jeer.

The president of the drama club was also a Chinese literature major, and Liu Yimin had a deep impression of him in class.

"Okay, I can tell you anything you don't understand. Also, if you have time, go to the Beijing People's Art Theatre and see how the actors there perform."

The president of the drama club immediately said, "Tickets are impossible to get; they're all sold out for the next few days."

"Doesn't the Beijing People's Art Theatre organize free performances for students?"

"Professor Liu, that's true, but lately we've been mainly inviting primary and secondary school students, and university students have to take a backseat. Besides, even within the university, people are vying for these spots."

"I see. The Beijing People's Art Theatre sometimes gives me a few tickets. If there are any extras, you can use them."

"Thank you, Professor Liu!"

"No need to thank me. If we don't get first place, don't say I coached you. I won't lose face like that," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

"At least in the top three."

Liu Yimin took the script and explained it to them one by one, and also told them about the actions and tones of the actors from the Beijing People's Art Theatre during rehearsals, based on the performance of the actors from the Beijing People's Art Theatre.

"Professor Liu, do you think we could try to innovate our performance?"

"Of course, having an innovative spirit is a good thing, but you must avoid overdoing it," Liu Yimin said.

One of the team members suddenly said, "Professor Liu, your wife is a director at the Beijing People's Art Theatre, and she even directed this play. Could you ask her to be our director?"

“What’s the difference between this and cheating? Even if you win, it’s still dishonorable,” Liu Yimin said.

Zhu Lin could come over when she had time, but she was too tired lately, and Liu Yimin didn't want her to travel around. Back at the courtyard house in the evening, Frank, Huang Zumo, and Jiao Huang found Liu Yimin and told him some good news: post-production of "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" was complete.

"So fast?"

Huang Zumo said, "It's actually very simple. You just need to treat the film with chemicals. It's just that some colors aren't handled well, but Lao Fu handled them very precisely."

"Old Fu?"

“Yes, this is my Chinese name, Liu. My name is Laifu, and my nickname is Lao Fu!” Frank proudly patted his chest.

Fugui'er barked under the tree, and Frank frowned and asked, "Liu, what's wrong with your dog?"

"It's alright? You two are from the same generation, it's happy!"

"A lifetime?" Frank didn't quite understand, so Huang Zumo quickly explained to Liu Yimin the origin of the name Laifu, which was taken from the "Fu" in "Frank".

Liu Yimin didn't have time to dwell on this. Call him whatever you want; he couldn't care less if he called him Peter Ma.

"Liu, 'Hachiko' is finished, but what about the script for 'Green Book'?"

"That's all."

Huang Zumo said happily, "China Film Group is preparing to hold a screening the day after tomorrow. While the film is being released domestically, they will also accelerate its release overseas."

"Success or failure hinges on this. Also, Lao Huang, the Beijing Film Studio has decided to film 'The Pilgrimage of One Man,' and we'll still use Lao Jiao as the actor. Comrade Jiao Huang, are you sure you're okay with that?"

Jiao Huang immediately sat up straight: "No problem, I can be there anytime."

Huang Zumo excitedly grasped Liu Yimin's hand and loudly expressed his gratitude.

"Old Huang, there's no need for that. I value ability and character!" Liu Yimin said calmly.

"Yimin, don't worry, I promise I won't let you down."

“Comrade Yimin, me too. I may look a bit old, but I’m in great health and never shy away from danger when filming,” Jiao Huang immediately chimed in.

"it is good."

Liu Yimin took the script of "Green Book" from his study and gave it to Frank. It was written in English, so he wouldn't have to find someone to translate it.

"Liu, you're so thoughtful." Frank kept kissing the script.

During dinner that evening, Liu Yimin discussed the script for assassinating Kennedy with Frank, asking him if they should replace Kennedy's name with someone else.

"This..." Frank was unsure for a moment. The Kennedy assassination was a very delicate matter, and he didn't know if it would be subject to scrutiny.

Huang Zumo and Jiao Huang couldn't understand the conversation between the two, so they could only nod in agreement, providing just the right amount of emotional support.

"Liu, let's use Kennedy's name for now. We can change it later if needed." Frank planned to consult someone when he got back.

That evening, to celebrate the completion of "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale," everyone drank some alcohol. After drinking, Liu Yimin couldn't take Frank home, so he let him stay in the guest room next door.

The next day, after Frank and Liu Yimin signed the agreement for the "Green Book," he began preparing to return to the United States.

"Liu, have you thought of a name for the company? How about using both of our names as the company name?"

"what name?"

"Frank. People!"

"Go to hell, you trying to take advantage of me. I've already thought of a name: 21st Century Oriental Huanxing Media, or Oriental Huanxing for short. What do you think?"

Frank chuckled and said, "Liu, that's a nice name. Does it have any special meaning?"

"We are a media company for the 21st century, Oriental Star, because our journey is to the stars and the sea," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Frank planned to go back and prepare for the registration. The other two had to have all their contracts reviewed by a professional lawyer. Once both parties had no objections to the terms, they would officially prepare to sign them.

"Liu, the 'Green Book' will be our first battle at Oriental Huanxing. Will you be the legal representative, or will we jointly elect one? Also, will the equity be invested in your name, or will we find someone else to hold the shares behind the scenes?"

Liu Yimin said, "I'll think about these things and let you know when I make a decision."

“Okay, if you don’t want to attract attention, I will keep it a secret. I will handle all the operations. You can rest assured that I will protect your interests. I guarantee that the script development will only be carried out through Dongfang Huanxing and that my company will not get a share of the profits. We can write all of this into the contract.”

Frank felt that only in this way could he convince Liu Yimin that he would fully protect the interests of Dongfang Huanxing, which was also Liu Yimin's interests.

Liu Yimin patted Frank on the shoulder and invited him to attend the screening of "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" before leaving.

Frank couldn't buy a plane ticket at the last minute, so attending the film screening was just a side thing.

At the Film Bureau, China Film Group and its subordinates sat in the back, while Liu Yimin, Liu Peiran, and others sat in the middle. Wang Yang, wanting to see the effect of "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale," also came over to join in the fun.

With Frank's guidance, the colors in the footage were adjusted, but with current technology, it's difficult to replicate filters used in later eras; we can only make minor adjustments. A better result requires a combination of effort in both pre-production shooting and post-production.

"This foreigner's got some skills; he can tell the atmosphere is much warmer now," Wang Yang muttered.

After the film finished showing, China Film Group brought people to the conference room to place an order. Before placing the order, Ding Daming of China Film Group praised the film extensively.

"Comrades, isn't this movie refreshing? I think some of you have already been moved. If you're like this after watching so many movies, what about the audience? Comrades, hurry up and order your tickets! This is a film that can compete with top foreign films abroad!" Ding Daming was spitting as he spoke. It was the first time Liu Yimin had ever seen him promote a film so enthusiastically.

However, such fervent efforts backfired. Local film company managers began to wonder if Ding Daming had set them up.

Amidst this hesitation, "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" only sold a little over three hundred copies. After the film company manager left, Liu Peiran cursed Ding Daming, calling him a pig.

Ding Daming looked at Liu Yimin, who could only say, "It's indeed a bit of a case of trying too hard and making things worse, but we can look forward to a second order!"

With few new movies released in November, "Hachi: A Dog's Tale" will be released very quickly, with China Film Group scheduling its release in mid-November.

"Director Liu, get the copies made quickly and send them to various places. This time, we need to rely on word of mouth to salvage the situation," Liu Yimin said.

Liu Peiran glanced at Ding Daming: "Anyway, if we earn less, it's China Film Group that will earn less. Mr. Ding is very generous!"

"Old Liu, I'm so sorry, it's my fault. Next, look at the foreign ones, I guarantee they'll be done perfectly!" Ding Daming said.

Three hundred copies is already a lot, but it's far too few compared to everyone's expectations.

Liu Peiran and Liu Yimin left together. After cursing a few more times, Liu Peiran felt better. The August First Film Studio has several films scheduled for release, including "Brotherhood of Blades" and "The Overseas Chinese Sons," both expected to air later this year.

With other studios having few films to produce, the last month or so of 1986 belonged to the August First Film Studio.

The following day, Frank officially left China and returned to the United States. Besides being busy with school affairs, Liu Yimin devoted himself to writing.

In order to produce the documentary "The Founding Ceremony of the People's Republic of China," Liu Yimin obtained a great deal of internal materials from before and after the founding of the People's Republic of China through the Ministry of Culture, including telegrams, internal meeting minutes, and so on.

However, there's no rush with this script; it would seem strange if Liu Yimin wrote it too quickly.

Both "JFK" and "House of Cards" are being written at a rapid pace, with "House of Cards" taking precedence over "JFK".

"Hachi: A Dog's Tale" will be officially released on November 13th!
(End of this chapter)