Literary Master 1978.

Chapter 330 This is too stingy

The next day, the delegation went to the Chinese University of Hong Kong for exchanges. It faces Tolo Harbour, is surrounded by mountains and the sea, has numerous trees and birds, and has a strong cultural atmosphere.

Compared with socializing and dining with social elites and celebrities, the atmosphere in the university makes the delegation members more relaxed.

The exchange meeting was held in the library of CUHK. The New Asia College of the Chinese University of Hong Kong is equivalent to the Chinese Department or Chinese College of a general university. Many of the professors there were professors who came to Hong Kong from the mainland.

Logically speaking, the delegation of mainland writers coming to CUHK for exchanges should be received by the professors of New Asia College.

However, due to political reasons, these professors from New Asia College did not show up. The delegation of mainland writers was received by Dr. Yan Dawei, Director of the CUHK Library.

He is British and speaks English and Cantonese. His Mandarin is very ordinary. He gave his opening remarks in Mandarin and the writers were confused.

Finally, it was changed to English, which was then translated by WS staff accompanying the delegation.

Led by Yan Dawei, the delegation visited the campus and the library, and then held a small exchange meeting in the conference room of the library.

Many students attended the exchange meeting. The young people in Hong Kong today are quite different from those in later generations. Many of them have a recognition of the country, so the exchange meeting was very pleasant.

Lin Chaoyang also saw two familiar faces at the meeting. After asking, he found out that they were students who visited Yan University two years ago.

At the end of the exchange meeting, it was the time for students to interact with mainland writers. Lin Chaoyang received the most attention and questions.

His "The Death of Van Gogh" was published by the Chinese University of Hong Kong Press. Although it did not cause much response in society, it had a great influence in the cultural circle, especially on the CUHK campus.

Many students present even brought books published by CUHK. After the exchange meeting, these students surrounded him and asked for his autograph.

The exchange meeting was supposed to end and the delegation should have left, but because of this unexpected situation, everyone had to wait for a few more minutes.

Jin Ying stood outside the crowd, looking envious, "Chaoyang is still popular!"

A delegation of more than a dozen writers came to Hong Kong, most of whom were unknown in Hong Kong. After all, there has not been much cultural exchange between the two places in recent years, and the works of mainland writers are generally not published or published in Hong Kong.

The three people who were truly treated with courtesy because of their fame or works were Lin Chaoyang, Xiao Jun and Ye Junjian.

Xiao Jun and Ye Junjian became famous early because they are older. In those years, cultural exchanges between China and Hong Kong were very smooth, and the Hong Kong cultural circles and older readers were no strangers to them.

However, Lin Chaoyang is an exception in the delegation. He is the only writer in the delegation who has published works in Hong Kong since the new era.

The work did not have a great influence, but it attracted a wave of high-quality readers.

"Don't worry, you are so young. Once you write good works, you can publish them in Hong Kong and there will be readers like them."

Deng Youmei encouraged her with a smile.

Jin Ying joked with him for a while, but in her heart she disagreed with Deng Youmei's words.

Publishing and being popular are two different things. Her works may be published in Hong Kong in the future, but it is not easy to achieve the level of popularity like Lin Chaoyang.

Because during the discussion just now, Jin Ying noticed a detail. Many students mentioned the "alternativeness" of the novel "The Death of Van Gogh" when talking about it. It was very different from what they thought were written by mainland writers.

Not only does the content write about foreign artists, but the form and technique of expression are also very novel, which seems to be more in line with the tastes of these young people.

She thought that this might be the reason why "The Death of Van Gogh" was popular among these students.

While talking, Lin Chaoyang finished dealing with the enthusiastic students from Zhongda University and reunited with everyone.

Then the delegation visited Hong Kong University. We had a meal at the school first. The scene in the afternoon was almost a replica of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.

The delegation returned to the hotel in the evening. While they were having dinner, the hotel staff came over and said someone at the front desk was looking for Lin Chaoyang.

Lin Chaoyang had a puzzled expression on his face. He said something to Xiao Jun and was accompanied to the hotel lobby by WS staff member Xiao Zhong.

The person waiting here was a gentle middle-aged man with a slicked-back hair. When he saw Lin Chaoyang, he first introduced himself.

"I am Dong Qiao, and I am now the editor-in-chief of Ming Pao. Today, I am here to give you a gift on behalf of Mr. Cha."

As soon as Dong Qiao introduced "Ming Pao", Lin Chaoyang immediately knew why he was there.

While the two were greeting each other, Lin Chaoyang couldn't help but look at Dong Qiao twice. This man was no ordinary person.

In addition to being a senior journalist, Dong Qiao is also a writer specializing in essays.

His writing style is majestic, profound, elegant and vigorous, combining profound knowledge and vivid interest, and is highly respected in the Chinese literary circles of later generations.

Dong Qiao's writing career began in the 1970s. He now has some reputation in the literary circles of Hong Kong, Taiwan and other places, but his fame is not greater than that of his position as editor-in-chief of Ming Pao.

He is a close friend of Jin Yong. He has been employed by Ming Pao since 80 and has achieved remarkable results over the years. As the editor-in-chief, he earns an annual salary of one million Hong Kong dollars, which has always been a hot topic in the Hong Kong news industry.

While Lin Chaoyang was looking at Dong Qiao, Dong Qiao was also observing him.

Dong Qiao said that he came here to help Jin Yong deliver books today, but how could Jin Yong bother his right-hand man for such a small matter? In fact, Dong Qiao came here on his own initiative. "Mr. Lin, I have known you for a long time!"

Dong Qiao worked at Ming Pao and had connections with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. When The Death of Van Gogh was published by the Chinese University Press, he received a sample copy.

The reason why Zhongda Press gave him a sample book was very simple: they wanted Dong Qiao to help write a book review.

Dong Qiao liked the novel very much after reading it. He wrote an article entitled "Van Gogh's Fatalism" and published it in Ming Pao, which attracted the attention of many people in the cultural circle.

It should be said that the fact that "The Death of Van Gogh" has caused such a response in the Hong Kong cultural circle is related to Dong Qiao's book review.

Lin Chaoyang then realized that the book review in Ming Pao that Jin Yong mentioned two days ago was written by Dong Qiao.

He expressed his gratitude to Dong Qiao, who politely said: "Everyone likes excellent works. Not only me, I remember that several colleagues in the industry praised your work highly."

Lin Chaoyang smiled and said, "I remember that my friend also brought me a copy of Suye Literature edited by Ms. Xixi, which also contained a review of The Death of Van Gogh. I am really grateful to my colleagues in Hong Kong for their kindness."

After the two chatted for a while, Dong Qiao took out the sample book of "The Death of Van Gogh" that he mentioned. The edge of the cover of the book was already a little worn, which showed that he had actually read it.

"It's rare to meet you, an author. Please sign your autograph for me." Dong Qiaoyan made the request with a smile.

Lin Chaoyang said something polite and happily wrote on the title page of the book. He subconsciously wanted to write the word "gift", but realized that this book was not given to Dong Qiao by him.

He smiled self-deprecatingly and said, "Next time I have the chance, I will definitely give you a book."

"Looking forward to our next meeting."

Dong Qiao joked and handed over a complete set of Jin Yong's works published by Ming Pao Publishing House to Lin Chaoyang.

Lin Chaoyang took the books and noticed that each of them had Jin Yong's signature. He thought that this time his brother-in-law had exceeded his expectations.

"Thank Mr. Cha for me."

"it is good."

After presenting the book, Lin Chaoyang thought the matter should be over, but unexpectedly Dong Qiao said: "Mr. Lin, I have another purpose for coming here this time."

Lin Chaoyang looked at him, waiting for his next words.

Dong Qiao said, "After the publication of your book, The Death of Van Gogh, it received rave reviews in the cultural circles of Hong Kong, but unfortunately, the circulation of the book by Zhongda Press was not large. It seems that it was a one-time publishing contract?"

"Yes."

“Then why don’t you, Mr. Lin, give the Hong Kong publishing rights of The Death of Van Gogh to our Ming Pao Publishing House? Our Ming Pao Publishing House is backed by the Ming Pao Newspaper Group and is very powerful.

If we publish your work, its sales and influence will surely reach new heights.”

Whether it is giving away books or signing autographs, they are all incidental. This is the most important purpose of Dong Qiao's visit today.

Lin Chaoyang couldn't help but sigh in his heart, this is indeed the style of Mr. Jin Yong!
However, if a publishing house wanted to publish his book, he naturally would not refuse.

How can you not make money?

"Your newspaper is Hong Kong's leading media organization. I am naturally willing to cooperate with your newspaper."

Lin Chaoyang did not hesitate and directly expressed his willingness to cooperate.

"The Death of Van Gogh" was published several years ago. There is not much to discuss about its re-publication. The only thing that needs to be discussed is the issue of royalties.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong Press is a non-profit organization and offered Lin Chaoyang a standard fee of HK$300 per thousand words.

Ming Pao Publishing is a private company, and Dong Qiao offered a 5% royalty.

When Lin Chaoyang heard this number, he sighed in his heart again, it really is Jin Yong!
This is too stingy!
A commercial publishing house gives the author 5% royalties. Although the mainland does not currently have a royalty system, this figure is definitely at the bottom in Hong Kong.

“This price… is too low!”

Lin Chaoyang's tone was not intense, but the deep meaning in his expression made Dong Qiao feel a little embarrassed.

The two had just had a pleasant conversation and Dong Qiao had shown great admiration for Lin Chaoyang. But now that the issue of money had come up, he felt like being slapped in the face by seeing the offer being so low.

But who made him meet such a stingy boss?
Dong Qiao sighed inwardly and said to Lin Chaoyang, "This price is actually not low. You may not know that the royalties in the Hong Kong literary world have never been high. Some newcomers only get fifty or sixty yuan per thousand words."

Lin Chaoyang did not respond to Dong Qiao's words, but asked:
“I have heard of the royalty system before, and I think it is a good system where authors and publishers share the risk.

But since the risks are shared, we can’t let the writers bear the risks alone, right? "

(End of this chapter)