Literary Master 1978.

Chapter 303: Let's round it up to yuan

“Speaking of which, this matter is still my fault. Comrade Chaoyang was wronged by that incident last year.

In fact, I should have treated him to a meal to apologize at that time, but I, Old Wang, am a very proud person and couldn't bring myself to do it.

Comrade Manling's article just happened to be a wake-up call for us. My current thinking is a bit backward and I have serious bureaucratic thinking.

Today, I would like to take this opportunity to formally apologize to you, Comrade Chaoyang, on behalf of Yanying Studio."

"I have to thank Comrade Manling for this wake-up call. If it weren't for your article, we might not be able to communicate so openly like we do now."

As soon as they met, Wang Yang showed a humble attitude that exceeded Lin Chaoyang's expectations, which made him a little flattered.

Zhang Manling on the side was even more surprised. Looking at the scene in front of her, those who didn't know would think that this time it was Yanying Studio that brought them reputational damage.

Seeing the two people's surprised expressions, Wang Yang said jokingly: "The reason why I chose Fengze Garden to set up this table of wine today is also because of an allusion. A leader as important as Minister Wang can correct his mistakes. Why can't we put aside our pride for such a small matter?"

The Minister Wang mentioned by Wang Yang was Wang Lei, who was the Minister of Commerce at the time.

In October 1980, China National Radio and major domestic newspapers broadcast and published a major news story almost simultaneously, saying that Minister of Commerce Wang Lei underpaid for a meal at Fengzeyuan Restaurant.

As soon as the news came out, it caused a sensation across the country.

The dramatic part of this incident is that even Wang Lei himself only learned about the news when he heard it on the radio on the morning of the day it was released. After the news came out, Wang Lei immediately sent his secretary to Fengzeyuan Restaurant to pay for the meal, and launched self-criticism and explanation at the meeting.

Wang Yang's statement was to express his attitude to Lin Chaoyang and Zhang Manling, and it was also a form of self-comfort.

A Shangshu knows to admit his mistakes, so why should he, a factory director, be embarrassed? Besides, if he imitates Shangshu Wang in this way, he will not be laughed at but praised instead.

But to be honest, Wang Yang toasted several times with wine, which fully expressed his sincerity. As the director of Yanying Studio, he was very humble to do so.

Seeing his statement, Lin Chaoyang also responded politely with a few words to express his attitude, and the atmosphere at the table suddenly became harmonious and friendly.

After a few more drinks, Wang Yang talked about the adaptation of Zhang Manling's "There is a Beautiful Place", and said that he would definitely present this film to the national audience with guaranteed quality.

He said this to reassure Lin Chaoyang and Zhang Manling, to explain that Yanying Studio would never make things difficult for Zhang Manling because of this incident. This was also the purpose of Lin Chaoyang bringing Zhang Manling here today.

Then, Wang Yang mentioned the dispute between Yan Film Studio and Shanghai Film Studio over the adaptation rights of "The Garland Under the Mountain" and said with regret:

"Chaoyang, you are a writer from Yanjing and a leader among the young generation of writers in our country. It is a pity that our Yanjing Film Studio has never cooperated with you."

Lin Chaoyang was prepared in his heart, and said casually: "It is indeed a pity. We should cooperate if there is a chance."

Hearing Lin Chaoyang taking over the topic, Wang Yang was overjoyed. If he had known that he could cooperate smoothly by apologizing, why would he bother to save face?
"Oh! Chaoyang, you think so too? Great minds think alike. Today is such a good day!"

Wang Yang said happily, toasted Lin Chaoyang with a glass of wine, and asked him: "How about we take this opportunity today to settle the matter."

The old comrade is quite anxious!
Seeing Wang Yang was as anxious as a 28-year-old young man about to enter the bridal chamber, Lin Chaoyang said calmly, "Okay, I think it's okay."

"Hey! That's great!"

Wang Yang clapped his hands excitedly, "Chaoyang, every one of your works is a classic, no matter which one it is, it's worth adapting!"

Lin Chaoyang waved his hands and said modestly: "You can't say that. It still depends on the story itself. Stories like "Lai Zi's Summer" are very difficult to modify."

Wang Yang was overjoyed to see Lin Chaoyang being so cooperative. He had originally just wanted to take the opportunity of treating him to a meal and making amends to discuss the intention, but he didn't expect that the project would be finalized right away.

While Wang Yang was so happy that he forgot himself, Chen Huaikai and Jiang Huaiyan were whispering to each other in private.

"How much do you think Chaoyang can earn from Lao Wang?"

"At least six or seven thousand, right? Last time for 'The Wreath under the Mountain', he asked Old Xie for nine thousand. This kid has a very evil heart!"

"Old Xie asked for nine thousand, how could he be polite to Old Wang?"

"You mean... ten thousand?"

"not sure!"

The two have known Lin Chaoyang for several years and know very well how stingy he is when it comes to royalties.

What's more, Lin Chaoyang agreed so readily, so there must be something wrong.

The two of them were discussing among themselves, and no one cared about how Wang Yang and Lin Chaoyang talked. Anyway, Wang Yang was the factory director, and he had the final say on whether it would work or not.

Lin Chaoyang is considered to be a prolific writer among the younger generation. In the four years since his debut, he has written two short stories, two novellas and five novels.

Except for "The Shepherd" and "The Garland under the Mountain" which have been adapted, the rest are still in the development stage.

Wang Yang discussed with Lin Chaoyang with great interest for a while. He focused his attention on two rural-themed works, "Little Shoes" and "Qiu Ju Goes to Court".

In the domestic film industry, rural-themed films that focus on realism have always been the mainstream of creation.

But Lin Chaoyang gave a different opinion, "In fact, your Yanying Studio can definitely shoot "The Chess Master"."

Hearing this, Wang Yang's face flashed with a hint of awkwardness, "Why?"

Wang Yang knew that the birth of "The Chess Master" was due to the conflict between Lin Chaoyang and Yan Film Studio. Moreover, the response to "An Unfinished Game of Chess" was mediocre after its release. If Yan Film Studio adapted "The Chess Master", it would be a loss of face. The expression on his face did not escape Lin Chaoyang's eyes. Lin Chaoyang said, "Old Wang, have you ever thought about why "An Unfinished Game of Chess" did not receive a good response?"

Hearing Lin Chaoyang's serious tone, without any hint of ridicule or sarcasm, Wang Yang thought for a moment and said seriously: "The artistic level of the film is above average. I think it may be caused by the overly serious subject matter, and..."

He said there was some struggle here, "The theme of the film is a little difficult for some audiences to accept from a national perspective."

Lin Chaoyang nodded slightly, "Yes, you are right. But I think that what you said about 'serious subject matter' is not accurate. 'An Unfinished Game of Go' is based on Go and talks about the harm that war has caused to the people of the two countries. The problem lies in this introduction."

Wang Yang showed curiosity when he heard this, hoping to hear different opinions from Lin Chaoyang.

"The movie's title contains the word 'Go', but the film shows too little Go and it's superficial. The two directors' directing styles, editing effects, and rhythms are also different, and there is a serious sense of disconnection.

Misaligned expectations and style jumps are important factors that hinder the success of this film. Of course, the national sentiment issue you mentioned is the most critical reason. "

Wang Yang savored Lin Chaoyang's words carefully and was convinced. He then thought of the "Chess Saint" that Lin Chaoyang mentioned.

With the precedent of "A Game of Chess That Is Not Finished", if Yanying Studio is allowed to shoot "The Chess Master" now, there is a high probability that it will produce a masterpiece. Of course, the premise of all this is sufficient investment and a reliable production team.

He told Lin Chaoyang what he had thought of. Lin Chaoyang smiled and said, "That's right. And there is another advantage of you filming "The Chess Master"..."

"What's the benefit?"

"Think about why your Yanying Studio was criticized?" Lin Chaoyang asked in a riddle.

Wang Yang thought about it and immediately understood what he meant. These were all stories inspired by Go. "An Unfinished Game of Go" was a pretense, an attempt to be a reasonable person, which would naturally cause dissatisfaction among many people.

However, the emotion conveyed by "The Chess Master" is genuine patriotism. There is nothing wrong with its stance and angle. It can also help restore the reputation that Yanying Studio lost due to "An Unfinished Game of Chess".

After figuring it out in his mind, Wang Yang couldn't help but feel happy, and looked at Lin Chaoyang with eyes full of admiration.

"Chaoyang, this is a good idea!"

Okay? This is a tailor-made solution for you, the client!
Need more money!
Lin Chaoyang looked at Wang Yang with a smile, and Wang Yang understood and asked, "What do you think about the royalties..."

"Old Wang, the fees for adapting my novels have always been high, and you should know that."

Jiang Huaiyan and Chen Huaikai looked at each other. It’s started, it’s started, this kid is laying the groundwork.

With the experience of competing for the adaptation rights of "High Mountain" last time, Wang Yang was already prepared. He said with a smile: "Of course I know this. Since we want to cooperate, we will definitely show our sincerity. 8000 yuan, how about 8000 yuan?"

Jiang Huaiyan and Chen Huaikai looked a little surprised when they heard this. Eight thousand yuan was the first price he asked for. This time, Old Wang was being stingy!
Zhang Manling, who had been acting as a mascot, was even more shocked when she heard the number. Her work "There is a Beautiful Place" was chosen by Zhang Nuanxin to be adapted into a movie, but she only received 600 yuan in royalties.

In the past two years, the remuneration standards for feature films of major film studios have increased a lot. Under normal circumstances, if she were the screenwriter, it should not be a problem for her to get a 2000 yuan royalty.

But she had little experience in script writing, so Zhang Nuanxin personally served as the scriptwriter, and Zhang Manling could only receive 30% of the royalties.

Even though she only got 600 yuan, Zhang Manling was very happy at the time.

You have to know that the publishing fee for "There is a Beautiful Place" was less than 600 yuan. What's more, it was so easy for her to get this money. She only needed to discuss the script with Zhang Nuanxin to get it. Zhang Manling was very happy about this for several days.

When Zhang Manling first entered the literary world, she found it hard to imagine that someone could get 8000 yuan in royalties for adapting their works. How many novels would she have to write to earn that much?

But after being shocked, Zhang Manling felt that this was natural, after all, the person sitting next to her was Lin Chaoyang.

You should know that at the beginning of this year, the movie adapted from his short story "The Horse Herder" became popular all over the country. These film studios must have been eager to get his novels, so it is normal to give this royalties.

Lin Chaoyang was very satisfied with Wang Yang's attitude of asking for 8000 yuan. It was worth it for him to be so considerate of Party A's comrades.

However, he received 9000 yuan in royalties for "Gao Shan" and only 8000 yuan for "Qi Sheng". How could he be willing to accept this?

"twelve thousand!"

Lin Chaoyang said a number lightly, but Wang Yang felt a heavy pressure on his head and a look of embarrassment appeared on his face.

"Twelve thousand... that's too much!"

The fact that Wang Yang did not refuse immediately meant that the number was definitely within the acceptable range for Yanying Studio.

Lin Chaoyang said to Wang Yang: "Old Wang, let's be frank. When Old Xie wanted to adapt The Shepherd, I was the original author and screenwriter, and I only took 2000 yuan.

You have also seen the effect of the adaptation of "The Horse Herder". I heard that the final box office was 1.3 million.

"The Chess Master" is also my novel, and its influence is no less than that of "The Horse Herder". As long as the director you choose is reliable, the results will definitely be good."

When Lin Chaoyang mentioned "The Shepherd", he was just making big promises, but who can refuse such a big promise?

Wang Yang thought of the previous "The Garland under the Mountain" again. Lin Chaoyang also received a high fee for the manuscript.

There is also "The Burning of the Old Summer Palace" which is currently being filmed by Li Hanxiang, and their Yanying Studio is also one of the participants. It is said that Lin Chaoyang also received a high fee for his royalties.

Thinking of this, Wang Yang's heart was a little shaken.

"Let's make it an even number, 10,000 yuan. My price is very sincere." Wang Yang said to Lin Chaoyang with a sincere face.

(End of this chapter)