Literary Master 1978.

Chapter 478 Are you blackmailing me?
When Chen Kaige heard the number "536 million US dollars" from Tao Yushu, his mouth couldn't help but open wide, with an expression of disbelief in his eyes.

This was not the first time that Chen Kaige attended a film festival, so he naturally knew the role that awards played in boosting a film, but this number still shocked him.

After all, he had only heard about it before, but this time he saw it with his own eyes, and even the copyright transaction volume generated by the movie he made himself.

After the shock, Chen Kaige felt a little lost.

He only makes a few thousand dollars for directing a film.

Looking at Chen Kaige's expression, Tao Yushu smiled at Lin Chaoyang. The couple seemed to have a tacit understanding.

As the saying goes, money can make people move. Chen Kaige was only paid a few thousand yuan for making a movie. It was inevitable that he would feel unbalanced after learning about the film's revenue.

Tao Yushu would not stand on the moral high ground to accuse him, especially after seeing the profit-seeking filmmakers in Hong Kong.

Since we are doing business, we should talk less about feelings and more about interests, and treat business as business.

Chen Kaige contributed greatly to the award winning of "The King of Children".

Although dividends or bonuses were not mentioned in advance, she still decided to give Chen Kaige a certain reward, and Lin Chaoyang had no objection to this.

Tao Yushu's idea is not just about rewards, he is becoming more and more shrewd.

After talking about the overseas copyright transaction of "The King of Children", Tao Yushu entered the room. When she came out, she was holding a black suitcase in her hand. Chen Kaige looked at her with some confusion.

Tao Yushu put the black suitcase on the coffee table and opened it in front of Chen Kaige without saying a word.

With a "click", the lid flipped up, and stacks of large bundles of papers tied with paper tape lay neatly in the suitcase.

The largest denomination of the third set of RMB is only 10 yuan, commonly known as "Great Unity" because its obverse pattern is the image of workers, peasants and soldiers.

Chen Kaige has seen money before. The funds he handled for making movies were hundreds of thousands or even millions.

But when a box of Great Unity appeared in front of him in an orderly manner like a military parade, the huge impact made his breathing involuntarily quicken.

At this moment, he had only one question in his mind: How much money was there?
"Keigo!"

"Keigo!"

Chen Kaige was distracted by the banknotes and only came back to his senses after Tao Yushu called him several times. He looked at Tao Yushu and felt a little embarrassed for his previous gaffe.

But he didn't notice the smug look in Tao Yushu's eyes. Why did she use cash? Wasn't it just for this effect?

"Keigo."

"Aunt Lin!" Chen Kaige responded and straightened his back unconsciously.

Tao Yushu smiled gently, "You have made an indelible contribution to the award of The King of Children. Although we didn't mention it in advance, the company will definitely not treat you unfairly."

When she said this, Chen Kaige already understood what she meant, and he clenched his fists in excitement.

"Here is 10 yuan, it's our reward from Lin's Pictures!"

Finally hearing the answer he wanted to hear, Chen Kaige's breathing became heavy again, his nostrils dilated, and he swallowed hard.

Seeing that Chen Kaige was obviously moved but trying hard to pretend nothing happened, Tao Yushu smiled lightly.

She closed the suitcase and pushed it in front of Chen Kaige.

"So there's no need to count, right?" she asked jokingly.

Chen Kaige had not yet fully recovered from the huge impact of the money. At this time, he had long lost his former ease and composure when talking about movies or literature.

"No... no need."

After Chen Kaige said this, he felt his voice tremble a little.

What a shame!

Tao Yushu, however, looked calm and didn't seem to notice his misconduct.

"What do you plan to do with this money?"

Tao Yushu's casual questions made Chen Kaige feel much more relaxed, and a smile appeared on his face unconsciously.

"Thank you, Uncle Lin and Aunt Lin. This reward came so suddenly, and I hadn't thought it through."

"Invite the family to a big meal first," Tao Yushu suggested.

Chen Kaige nodded, this was a good suggestion.

Then the two of them talked for a few more words, and Chen Kaige felt more relaxed and full of joy.

After chatting for a while, Tao Yushu asked, "Do you have any ideas for the new movie?"

Chen Kaige hesitated and said, "I haven't thought about it yet. The fact that The King of Children won the award was a bit sudden, and it still doesn't feel real."

Tao Yushu smiled and said, "That's right. The filming of "King of Children" has just been completed not long ago. We should relax and experience the joy of success."

“If you have nothing else to do, you can go to Hong Kong for some fun and visit the crews of our company.

The Hong Kong film industry has a strong commercial atmosphere, but it still has many advantages for film production.”

Chen Kaige's eyes lit up when he heard her invitation.

Because of participating in film festivals, he has traveled abroad frequently in recent years. He is not too excited about going to Hong Kong, but it would be a rare opportunity to learn more about the development of the Hong Kong film industry.

"If there is an opportunity, I would certainly love it," said Chen Kaige.

"Okay. Then you arrange your time here, and I'll take care of the rest for you."

Chen Kaige nodded rapidly. He had just received a bonus of 10 yuan and was about to travel to Hong Kong. Such a reward made him very happy. At the same time, he was full of gratitude to Tao Yushu.

There were three investors in "The King of Children", but the 10 yuan bonus that Tao Yushu awarded him was paid by Lin's Pictures itself. Just for this reason, Chen Kaige had to admire Aunt Lin's magnanimity.

After having lunch at Lin Chaoyang's house, Chen Kaige prepared to leave.

Tao Yushu called Chen Kaige again, "It's a good thing that you're here today, take your father's bonus as well."

As she spoke, she handed Chen Kaige a briefcase. Chen Kaige was stunned. He didn't expect that his father also had a copy.

"Your father is an artistic consultant and a producer, so it's normal for him to get some bonuses."

Seeing the confusion on his face, Tao Yushu casually explained.

Chen Kaige thought about it and it made sense. His father had indeed helped him a lot during the filming and post-production.

After leaving Lin Chaoyang's house, Chen Kaige ran into Zhang Yimou just a few steps away.

He was in high spirits at the time. When he saw his old classmate, he suppressed the urge to show off in public and chatted with Zhang Yimou for a few words.

I just learned that Zhang Yimou had just selected the roles for "Red Sorghum" and came today to tell Tao Yushu that he would be going to Shandong in the next few days.

"Take good pictures. If you need any help, just tell me. You're welcome!"

Chen Kaige patted Zhang Yimou on the shoulder and said in a very generous manner.

"sure."

The two chatted for a few words and then separated. Zhang Yimou went to Lin Chaoyang's house, while Chen Kaige hurried back home.

On the way, when no one was around, he couldn't help but secretly open the briefcase that Tao Yushu handed to him.

This leather bag seems to be very heavy when it was bought, and Chen Kaige has always been curious about it.

After opening it, he found that there were dozens of stacks of Great Unity notes inside.

Chen Kaige couldn't help but feel dizzy. So many stacks of banknotes, at least 20,000 or 30,000, right?

Aunt Lin is so generous!
He closed his briefcase carefully, glanced around, suppressed his excitement, and left quickly. He didn't feel relieved until he got home.

"Brother, were you chased by a dog?"

As soon as he entered the house, Chen Kaiyan, his sister who came home for dinner on the weekend, saw his brother looking nervous and breathless, and couldn't help but teasing him.

Chen Kaige glared at his sister unhappily, "What do you know?"

He ignored Chen Kaiyan and shouted into the house, "Dad! Dad!"

Chen Huaikai, who was listening to the radio in the room, was called out by him, "Why are you back so soon?"

It's already afternoon, and you still plan to let me stay overnight at Uncle Lin's house?

Chen Kaige secretly complained in his heart, saying: "I came back after finishing my talk. Look at this..."

He was carrying a suitcase and a briefcase in his hands. He had been carrying these two things all the way and his arms were so sore. If he was not tall and strong, most people would not be able to carry them for such a long time.

"What is this?" Chen Huaikai asked with a frown.

Chen Kaige didn't say anything, but put the suitcase there, opened it and showed it to his father. All that came into view were stacks of banknotes.

Such a scene made Chen Huaikai, who was usually introverted, couldn't help but widen his eyes. Chen Kaiyan next to him even screamed, then immediately realized that something was wrong and covered her mouth.

"Brother, what's going on? Where did this money come from? It's so much!"

Before Chen Huaikai could speak, Chen Kaiyan had already asked.

Seeing that his father was only distracted for a moment, he immediately turned his eyes to himself. Chen Kaige explained:

"Dad, Auntie Lin said that I played an indispensable role in the success of The King of Children. The things in this suitcase are all the bonuses that Auntie Lin gave me."

Chen Huaikai's face seemed calm, but his heart was still surging. He asked, "How much is this?"

"One hundred thousand yuan!"

"One hundred thousand yuan? Such a huge bonus?" Chen Huaikai was not happy when he heard this. Instead, his brows furrowed even more tightly.

Chen Kaige said excitedly: "Not only me, you also..."

As he spoke, he opened the bag and said, "Look! I didn't touch your bag, so I don't know how much money it is in."

While he was talking, Chen Kaiyan came up to him and reached into his bag.

Then he said to Chen Huaikai with a happy face: "Dad, it's 30,000 yuan!"

She turned to her brother and said, "130,000 yuan!"

There was a gleam in her eyes as she spoke.

Thirteen thousand yuan was undoubtedly a huge fortune for the Chinese people in the 1980s.

Among so many people in the Chen family, my father Chen Huaikai has the highest salary, which is only 150 yuan a month, less than 2000 yuan a year. The yuan is equivalent to my father's salary income for sixty or seventy years.

This is almost the amount of wealth that an ordinary worker or cadre can earn in two lifetimes of work.

And this is just the bonus that my father and brother received after the movie was a success?
While Chen Kaiyan was feeling happy and excited about her father and brother's wealth, her father Chen Huaikai still had a serious expression.

"What did your Aunt Lin say when she gave you the bonus?"

"It's nothing, just call it a reward."

"Tell me everything." Chen Huaikai pulled his son and asked him to recall today's scene as much as possible.

Chen Kaige could only tell the situation truthfully, and then he saw his father sitting on the sofa in silence with a serious expression.

"Dad, what do you mean? Can't we take the money given by my Aunt Lin?" Chen Kaige asked anxiously.

Chen Huaikai glanced at his son and then sighed deeply.

"This is life-saving money. Do you think it's so easy to get?" Chen Huaikai couldn't help but sighed after saying this. "Your Aunt Lin wants my father and I to work for her!"

Chen Kaige actually understood Tao Yushu's purpose in buying bones for a huge sum of money, but his idea was different from his father's.

Isn't it also working hard to make movies for a studio all your life?

It would be better to make more money by filming a movie for Aunt Lin. He would be more than happy to have such a life-threatening opportunity!
Seeing that his son didn't care, Chen Huaikai shook his head helplessly.

Tao Yushu had calculated that he would work hard for Lin's Pictures for the sake of his son's future, and he couldn't help feeling a little depressed.

Having been a veteran all his life, it is not a pleasant thing for him to be forced to do something against his will. However, he is willing to do it.

"Now that you have taken their money, you should think carefully about what kind of film you want to make next," said Chen Huaikai.

"The King of Children" won an award. According to Chen Kaige's idea, he should enjoy the flowers and applause for a few more days.

But when his eyes fell on the stacks of banknotes, he immediately threw this idea out of his mind. Flowers and applause can be enjoyed later, and now he just wants to make a movie.

Everything for art!
The news that "The King of Children" won an award at the West Berlin Film Festival continued to be hot for more than a week with coverage by many domestic media.

But no matter how hot the news is, it will eventually pass.

By March, there was no more news about "The King of Children" in the newspapers. The hottest news was that Ma Shengli announced to the public that he would establish the "China Ma Shengli Paper Enterprise Group."

Who is Ma Shengli?
He was originally the business section chief of Shijiazhuang Paper Mill. In 1984, the factory was facing operational difficulties and could not continue. Ma Shengli boldly proposed to contract the paper mill, promising to hand over 70 yuan in profits by the end of the year and double the workers' wages.

This bold move caused a sensation in Shijiazhuang, and after contracting the Shijiazhuang Paper Mill, Ma Shengli truly fulfilled his promise.

All of a sudden, Ma Shengli naturally became a remarkable and capable person, and the media rushed to report on him, which greatly increased his fame.

In order to resolve the operating difficulties of state-owned factories, various local governments extended olive branches to him and asked Ma Shengli to contract the loss-making state-owned factories in their local areas.

In just less than three years, Ma Shengli contracted dozens of state-owned paper mills.

He was hailed as a "reform model" by various media outlets. Even the People's Daily and New H News Agency launched special reports on him. He seemed to have become the second "Bu Xinsheng".

During this period, Ma Shengli suddenly announced that he would establish the "China Ma Shengli Paper Enterprise Group" and successively contract 20 papermaking enterprises in 100 provinces and cities across the country.

This proposal was reported by media around the world and became almost the most explosive corporate news since the beginning of 1987.

Many media outlets praised this as an inspiring and great idea, demonstrating the grand vision of the new generation of reformers.

That night, Tao Yushu was reading the newspaper and discussing Ma Shengli's "Ma Myth" with Lin Chaoyang.

What she saw was the so-called super high "work efficiency" of Ma Shengli recorded by the reporter of New H Agency. In her eyes as someone who runs a company, it was simply unbelievable.

He would contract a factory after holding a meeting, and after a few words with the leading cadres he would dare to promise to reverse the losses that year and hand over hundreds of thousands of yuan in profits the following year.

This is not running a business, it's clearly Ma Liang's magic brush.

"This would definitely be a good material for a novel. Chaoyang, what do you think?"

Lin Chaoyang smiled and said, "Not very good."

"why?"

"Novels also have to be logical, but reality often has no logic. If I write this kind of plot into a novel, I guess readers will curse me."

Listening to his words, Tao Yushu thought about it and felt that there was some truth in it. Sometimes reality is even more absurd than fiction.

"So what do you think recently?" Tao Yushu asked.

"I have an idea."

Hearing him say this, Tao Yushu's eyes immediately brightened up and asked, "Tell me about it quickly."

What could Lin Chaoyang think? He just answered casually when Tao Yushu asked him about it.

Seeing Tao Yushu's questioning, he hesitated and said, "My thoughts are not mature yet. I need to look up more information and collect more information later."

Tao Yushu became even more interested after hearing this. The novel that Lin Chaoyang needed to look up information and collect folk songs for recently was a work with a strong epic temperament like "Crossing the Guandong".

She kept asking, but Lin Chaoyang couldn't answer, so he could only change the subject and ask, "This is Yimou's first time directing a movie. Can you rest assured leaving him alone in Shandong?"

"Yimou is a steady and responsible person, he won't cause any trouble. A trip to Shandong will take at least a week, and there are still a lot of things to do in Hong Kong.

When Xiaoyu arrives in Yanjing, let her take care of these things for the time being."

Since returning to Yanjing before the New Year, Tao Yushu has been giving remote commands from outside, except for a brief return to Hong Kong for a few days in early February.

Communication was not as convenient back then as it is in later generations, and communication was often not very timely.

Wong Jing's "Best Friends" had just been completed when Tao Yushu returned to Hong Kong last time, but the distribution and release of the film had not been finalized because Tao Yushu was not in Hong Kong.

Ann Hui's "An Autumn's Fairy Tale" has been completed and is currently in post-production. Johnnie To's "A Lang's Story" will also start filming after the new year.

According to Tao Yushu's idea, Lin's Pictures must ensure that its works are released continuously in the film market throughout the year, so they have to go back and study the new film plan this month.

She decided to return to Hong Kong next week, and during this period she would also set up an office for Lam Pictures in the Mainland.

With the success of "The King of Children", Tao Yushu placed high hopes on the filming of "Red Sorghum". She understood that it was very difficult for mainland directors to make outstanding commercial films with their current market sense.

It would be better to dig deeper into the field of art films.

Since we want to dig deeper, it is natural to set up an office.

The mainland has not yet opened up to private entry into the film production and distribution fields, so she can only set up an office to coordinate film investment in the mainland.

It happened that she went to West Berlin last month and had a conversation with Yu Yuxi, a young worker from China Film Group. She expressed her intention to recruit her and offered a monthly salary of 5000 Hong Kong dollars, plus a bonus.

Yu Yuxi was very moved at the time, but for some reason she was hesitant. It was not until the end of the film festival that she agreed to Tao Yushu.

Tao Yushu didn't understand it at first, but he figured it out later.

It is estimated that Yu Yuxi does not yet fully understand the strength of Lin's Pictures and is afraid that he will not be able to stay in this job for long.

After spending ten days at the film festival, Yu Yuxi had found out almost everything she needed to know. In addition, since "The King of Children" won an award and Lin's Pictures' overseas copyright transactions were booming, she had nothing to worry about.

Before returning to China, Tao Yushu and Yu Yuxi agreed that she would first return to Shanghai to visit her relatives, and then come to Yanjing to officially start her work.

"With just her, the staff is too few, right? Aren't you afraid that people will think the company is a makeshift team and run away halfway?" Lin Chaoyang asked.

"The King of Children" has entered the copyright operation stage. Lin's Film Group currently has only one film, "Red Sorghum", in production in mainland China.

Tao Yushu's idea was to let Yu Yuxi be responsible for the production of "Red Sorghum" and also take care of the matters related to participating in the film festival. For the time being, she alone would be enough.

Seeing Lin Chaoyang say this, she asked: "What do you think?"

"You can call your elder brother to help."

"Him?" Tao Yushu immediately wanted to reject this proposal.

Lin Chaoyang saw through her thoughts and said, "Although my eldest brother is not ambitious and is content with the status quo, don't you find that he has an advantage?"

"What advantages?"

"I'm good at eating and drinking."

Hearing this, Tao Yushu really didn't know whether Lin Chaoyang was praising or criticizing his elder brother. Lin Chaoyang said, "Don't look at me like that. I'm praising your elder brother."

Is there anyone who praises others like this?

Tao Yushu's eyes revealed this meaning.

Lin Chaoyang continued, "Xiao Yu is smart and capable, so she can be in charge of the work. Big brother is sensible and kind, so he can be in charge of winning people's hearts. And leaving Xiao Yu alone in Yanjing and leaving everything to her, are you so confident?"

In the end, Tao Yushu was successfully persuaded by Lin Chaoyang. Perhaps his last sentence was the key point.

Controlling subordinates is sometimes a science. Tao Yushu felt that she had learned a new trick from her husband.

After thinking it through, she readily agreed with Lin Chaoyang's idea.

Then he asked, "But where is my brother working..."

"It's a part-time job. He works at the company for three days and rests for two days anyway."

Tao Yushu couldn't help but chuckle, "I should really tell my brother about this."

Two days later, Yu Yuxi finally returned to Yanjing.

But to the surprise of Lin Chaoyang and his wife, Yu Yuxi brought a guest this time.

"Old Xie? Why are you here?" Lin Chaoyang's voice was full of surprise.

Xie Jin was exhausted. "Don't mention it. I'll put my luggage down first and talk to you later."

Tao Yushu had previously cleaned out two rooms in the east wing of the west courtyard of Xiaoliubukou Hutong and used them as the reception office for Lin's Pictures in Yanjing.

Now that Xie Jin had arrived, Tao Yushu arranged for him to live in the wing room in the west courtyard.

Then Lin Chaoyang personally went into the kitchen and cooked a table of dishes to welcome Yu Yuxi and Xie Jin.

In the past, Lin Chaoyang and his wife privately called Yu Yuxi "Xiao Yu", which was just to follow the crowd. In fact, she is not young at all and is already in her early forties this year.

She previously worked at China Film Group’s film import and export department. She is also the West Berlin Film Festival’s full-powered film selector in mainland China, with official authorization from the festival.

This is also the reason why Tao Yushu was willing to offer her a high salary of HK$5000 and a bonus.

Yu Yuxi has a generous and cheerful personality. During the meal, she tasted a few bites of the dishes made by Lin Chaoyang and couldn't help but praise: "Director Xie has been praising your dishes. Your cooking skills are really good."

She is from Shanghai and spent the first twenty years of her life in Shanghai. She came to Yanjing only after joining China Film Academy.

In the past six or seven years, because of selecting films for the West Berlin Film Festival, I have been very close to the Shanghai Film Studio and am very familiar with veteran comrades in the Shanghai film circle such as Xu Sangchu, Wu Yigong, and Xie Jin.

"Old Xie, tell me, why did you come to Yanjing?" Lin Chaoyang asked.

Xie Jin sighed, "Oh, don't mention it, it's all about the matter of Furong Town."

Xie Jin's face was filled with sorrow when he talked about this.

As early as the eve of the Spring Festival, Xie Jin's new film "Furong Town" began to be screened in Shanghai and Yanjing.

As the scope of the preview expanded, the controversial voices about "Furong Town" became louder and louder.

Many people believed that this film was smearing socialism and advocated a ban on its screening. In order to avoid causing unnecessary trouble, Xie Jin had to urgently process several shots in the film.

But even so, the Film Bureau only reluctantly agreed to the film's public screening.

But a few days ago, when "Furong Town" held its premiere in Shanghai, the film's male and female leading actors Jiang Wen and Liu Xiaoqing were not present.

When Xie Jin inquired, he found out that it was stopped by the Film Bureau.

Not only that, Xie Jin also heard that the Film Bureau did not agree to "Furong Town" participating in foreign film festivals.

Putting these two things together, Xie Jin was naturally furious. He packed his luggage and went to Yanjing to argue with the Film Bureau.

"Even if I have to take the case to the ministry, I will still fight with them."

Xie Jin drank a glass of wine and said angrily.

Lin Chaoyang didn't have any expression of solidarity. Instead, he looked relaxed and said with a hint of sarcasm: "Don't blame the comrades from the Film Bureau. It's because you are a habitual offender!"

When Xie Jin heard this, he looked very unhappy.

But what Lin Chaoyang said is not wrong. From "Legend of Tianyun Mountain" to "The Shepherd" and then to "Furong Town", Xie Jin's "**narrative" has never stopped.

For many people, his films are a thorn in their side.

Seeing Lin Chaoyang gloating, Xie Jin first stared at him angrily, and then set his sights on Lin Chaoyang.

Seeing Xie Jin's eyes, Lin Chaoyang inexplicably had a bad premonition.

"you……"

Before he could speak, Xie Jin spoke first, "Don't talk yet."

Then Xie Jin asked again: "I heard that you have been very close to Shi Fangyu recently?"

"That's not true. Who told you that?" Lin Chaoyang denied it flatly.

"You're still playing dumb in front of me, do you think I don't know?" Xie Jin immediately exposed his lie, with contempt in his eyes.

Lin Chaoyang looked embarrassed, "We have met twice, but we are not familiar with each other."

"Whether you know him or not, you should give him some achievements. Come with me tomorrow."

Lin Chaoyang said reluctantly: "This is all your Shanghai Film Studio's business."

"Do you have the heart to let an old man like me go head-to-head with those officials? Besides, you are the screenwriter of "Furong Town"!"

Lin Chaoyang immediately defended himself: "Don't talk nonsense, I didn't sign my name."

"It doesn't matter whether you sign your name or not. If you don't go, I'll tell them that you wrote all those outrageous plays!"

Lin Chaoyang suddenly felt a toothache.

Old man, you are blackmailing me, right?
(End of this chapter)