The literary era since 1979

December, Paris.

Fangyan, with Li the translator, sent Yang Xiao, Liu Cixin and the other two to the airport.

"I have some things to do in France, so please bring the good news about hosting the World Science Fiction Convention back to China first."

"Okay, Mr. Fang."

Yang Xiao agreed without hesitation.

"I have already arranged everything for you. When you arrive in Hong Kong, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Pan from Joint Publishing will come to greet you."

Fangyan said that Pan Yaoming had already made arrangements for the group's food and accommodation.

Yang Xiao, Yao Haijun and others smiled at each other, all of them were happy.

"Also, I asked him to invite some Hong Kong media to interview you regarding your bid to host the World Science Fiction Convention."

Fangyan reminded.

"Interview?!"

Everyone was shocked and suspicious, and very confused.

Fang Yan explained that through the reports of Hong Kong media, not only can the exposure of this trip be increased and momentum be created for Chinese science fiction literature, but also with the news from Hong Kong media as evidence, mainland parties, such as cultural departments, writers' associations, Chengdu government, etc., will cooperate and assist more actively.

"Teacher Fang, I understand!"

Yang Xiao suddenly realized that he had originally planned to return to China and publish all the photos with famous science fiction writers such as Asimov and Heinlein, the materials and certificates for applying to host the World Science Fiction Convention, and this speech in the "Science Fiction World" magazine.

But obviously, Mr. Fang was more thoughtful than himself. Whether he was looking for reporters from Hong Kong or the mainland, he was building up momentum for the World Science Fiction Convention to be held in Chengdu in advance. At the same time, it was also another opportunity to vigorously promote science fiction literature.

You know, hosting an Asian Games these days is a major event that brings excitement to the whole country, with people celebrating, gongs and drums beating and firecrackers blasting.

And an international award ceremony like the World Science Fiction Convention is also the first time for the Chinese literary world!
"While on the flight, you can discuss how to face media interviews."

Fangyan smiled.

"Teacher Fang is really thoughtful. I'll take note of it."

There was some excitement in Yang Xiao's tone.

Yao Haijun couldn't wait to ask about the organization and preparation of the World Science Fiction Convention.

"Look at you, you're anxious again. We're applying to host the 1988 World Science Fiction Convention, which is still more than a year away."

Fangyan asked them to wait until next year when Italy holds a conference and go with him to observe and learn in person and accumulate experience.

Yang Xiao and Yao Haijun looked at each other and put their minds at ease.

Fangyan turned his attention to Liu Cixin, and talked about Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine's plan to reprint Liu Cixin's short story, "The Collapse of the Universe". He handed the contract negotiation over to his agent, Mike, who would also handle the reprinting of Asimov's "Foundation" series and "Robot" series in Science Fiction World. As for the agreement documents, he would mail them directly to them after returning to China.

"Thank you, Teacher Fang!"

Liu Cixin was sincerely grateful.

After all, not only was all the expenses of this trip to France paid for by Fangyan, but he also personally selected me to attend a science fiction event of such a scale, which broadened my horizons and allowed me to gain more knowledge. In particular, I met the legendary Asimov, Heinlein and others, and was recommended by him, so that my novel had the honor of being published in a top foreign science fiction magazine. The royalties earned from the reprint alone were a considerable sum, and the key was US dollars.

"It's just a small matter, so don't thank me." Fang Yan waved his hand, then watched Liu Cixin, Yang Xiao and their group walk into the airport, and his backs disappeared in the crowd.

Compared with the value of the "Three-Body" series, what I gave Liu Cixin was just a small compensation.

Of course, this is far from enough. I was thinking about whether I should ask Liu Cixin to co-write a new science fiction work, just like "Farewell My Concubine".

As for what to write, I had no idea for a moment.

In the following days, Fangyan temporarily put this idea behind him and concentrated on discussing with Asimov, Heinlein and others, from their reading experience of "The Three-Body Problem" to the prospects for future science fiction literature. As for the contract negotiations, they left it to the professional brokerage team led by Mike to bargain with the editors of "Asimov's Science Fiction Magazine", trying their best to maximize the interests of each party.

"Teacher Fang, these are the conditions."

Mike handed over the agreement.

"Then let's leave it at that. If we continue to talk, I'm afraid it will just end like this, and it will hurt the harmony between us."

Fangyan looked at the densely packed clauses and after confirming that they were correct, he signed his name one by one.

Mike asked, "Teacher Fang, when do you plan to return home?"

"Just these few days."

Fang Yan said that he would stay in Hong Kong for a few days because "God of Gamblers" and "Baby Smart 2" will both be released during this year's Lunar New Year holiday.

Whether it is out of consideration for Shaw Brothers or for the face of the gambling king, at least the premiere of "The Gambler" is a must to go no matter what.

Putting the signed pen aside, he said, "If you are interested, would you like to go to Hong Kong with me?"

"Okay!"

Mike readily agreed. It happened that he hadn't seen Pan Yaoming, Bai Ruoxue, Lizhi and others for a long time, so he could take this opportunity to catch up with them.

Fang Yan said: "Before we go back, let's go to the street and buy some gifts."

Mike was thinking about buying some Louis Vuitton women's bags and giving them to Bai Ruoxue and Lizhi.

"Louis Vuitton..."

Fangyan's eyes suddenly lit up. These days, he often read newspapers such as Le Monde and Le Figaro. Although the whole article was in French and he needed Li the translator to read it to him, he did not gain nothing. He got a very important piece of news in the economic section, which was -

Moët Hennessy is preparing to merge with Louis Vuitton to form LVMH.

Behind the scenes, Bernard Arnault planned to significantly increase his stake in LVMH through Dior, intending to gain control of LVMH with minimal investment and lay the foundation for a luxury empire, but Louis Vuitton's board of directors and management were trying every means to prevent the acquisition.

If everything goes on as normal, Bernard Arnault's plan for a full acquisition may fail.

However, Fangyan always remembered that there would be a stock market crash in 1987. Perhaps it was this stock market crash that allowed Bernard Arnault to complete his plan to acquire Louis Vuitton, and it was even possible that he would increase his holdings of a large number of shares at an ultra-low price. When he thought of this, he keenly discovered a huge business opportunity.

Therefore, before leaving France, he specifically instructed translator Li to do his best to collect relevant information and intelligence.

At the same time, he called Rodia and asked her to find an American consulting company to conduct a business survey on the upcoming "LVMH".

So that as soon as he arrives in Hong Kong, he can immediately call Bai Ruoxue and others to discuss investment plans and take advantage of bargains in next year's stock market crash.

After three or four days, Fangyan, Mike, Li the translator and others boarded the flight back home. (End of this chapter)