Rebirth 2004: A lone figure in the literary world

Chapter 192 Tiesheng, You Must Lift Tiesheng Up

In addition to Yu Hua, Zhang Chao also wants to invite Mo Yan, A Lai, Jia Pingwa, Liu Zhenyun and others, including Xu Zidong from Hong Kong Island. There is also Tie Ning, the vice chairman of the Writers Association, and it would be even better if she could join.

The entire “Three Jins’ Romantic Figures” series will be divided into two parts – “Three Jins’ Romantic Figures” and “Three Jins’ Romantic Figures”.

Yu Hua, Moyan, Alai and others will travel to different historical sites in Shanxi in batches, and accompanied by a local young writer, they will tour the mountains and rivers, learn about the stories and experience the folk customs.

The time cannot be short, at least ten days or half a month, you must swim to depth and talk to height.

Then everyone wrote an essay or novel about the local area, examining, exploring and shaping the natural scenery, historical relics or cultural customs of the area from two different perspectives: "outsider" and "local".

This kind of "same topic, different structure" poems and essays has existed since ancient times. In modern times, the most famous one is the story of Zhu Ziqing and Yu Pingbo who traveled together along the Qinhuai River. Later, they each wrote an essay to describe their experiences and feelings during the trip. Both essays were titled "Qinhuai River in the Sound of Paddles and the Shadow of Lanterns". Both were written very brilliantly and became a popular story at the time.

Zhang Chao's plan does not stop at the article. He also wants to contact a film and television company to film Yu Hua and others' tour and produce a special documentary to coincide with the release of the book series.

Before Zhang Chao's rebirth, inviting writers to appear on variety shows was already very popular, and even gave rise to programs such as "Reading on the Island". These programs also allowed outsiders who usually did not read serious literature or traditional literature to see the lovely side of these "great writers".

Yu Hua and Liu Zhenyun were particularly popular, which invisibly cultivated many potential readers.

The personalities of these writers have always been like this, and their value has always existed, but at this point in time in 2006, people were not yet able to delve deeply into their communication value.

If the effect is good, other provinces and cities will naturally come to us, and we can even form a series of cultural products in the future. After all, not every place is as prosperous as Yanjing, Shanghai, Jiangsu and Zhejiang, and does not need help from "outsiders".

After Zhang Chao slowly and methodically explained the general outline and goals of the plan, Yu Hua was also shocked.

He originally thought that Zhang Chao was giving him and other teachers a benefit, asking Shanxi to treat them to a meal and a good time, and then they just needed to write a travelogue. Everyone had done this job many times, and they were all very familiar with it.

From what Zhang Chao said, everyone needs to show their real skills this time. Otherwise, if their writing is too sloppy and they are outdone by the young local writers in Shanxi, it will be really embarrassing.

But if it is true as Zhang Chao said, that a cultural series can be formed, then it is equivalent to giving many people an annual vacation voucher and a little extra money. Why not do it?
Moreover, the fact that Zhang Chao said this to him showed that he didn't just want him to write an article, but wanted him to participate deeply.

After thinking for a moment, Yu Hua said, "Who do you want to invite? I can help! Oh, Tiesheng, you must bring Tiesheng up to work with me. Don't go to a remote place, as long as there is a local hospital that can do dialysis..."

The two of them chatted until the restaurant closed. Zhang Chao drove Yu Hua home and then returned to his little home in the east courtyard of Beida Street.

The preparation stage of "Sanjin Fengliu" could only be foolproof with Yu Hua's participation. Otherwise, once the plan was handed over, there would inevitably be people who wanted to take advantage of it. In terms of personal connections, it was difficult for me to really hold on to those seniors who were much older and more experienced than me.

It would be fine if he made less money, but if something disgusting happened and made everyone unhappy, it would be really frustrating when all the blame would be put on Zhang Chao himself!

With Yu Hua, a veteran but relatively young core writer, acting as a go-between, the situation would be much better.

Yu Hua is not averse to participating in commercial projects. Earlier this year, he agreed to be a literary consultant for a cartoon called "Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit" - even though he had never seen it.

The next morning, Zhang Chao came to the company and called his "capable subordinates" to a meeting.

Zhang Chao outlined the "Sanjin Fengliu" project again, in more detail than what he had given Yu Hua. After all, the business that Ma Boyong, Shuang Xuetao and others were responsible for would be more specific.

After hearing this, Ma Boyong and the others looked at Zhang Chao as if he were a monster, and were speechless for a moment. Zhang Chao was confused and asked, "Why are you all looking at me? Is there something you don't understand?"

Shuang Xuetao said, "For the past half month, we have been busy guiding and packaging Xing Siyuan... Now you have come back with such a high-end book series project, and we are a little confused..."

Ma Boyong nodded in agreement and said, "You don't just have one foot in heaven and one foot in hell. You have one foot in heaven and one foot in hell. How can you think of two things with such different styles at the same time?"

Zhang Chao smiled and said, "There is no difference. 'Sanjin Fengliu' is essentially a 'personality' for the place of Shanxi. If you understand it in this way, you will not be far off the mark.

Of course, while establishing the "personality" of Shanxi, the focus is to promote the lovely and professional side of Yu Hua and other teachers participating in the program to readers and viewers. So we want to make the whole process into a documentary."

Ma Boyong asked, "What do they talk about at those places of interest? Just the local history and culture? Ten days or half a month is too long, and all the material will be used up soon."

Zhang Chao said: "Although we want to make a documentary, it does not mean an 'original record'. Otherwise, what if the local writer in charge of the connection is a taciturn person? Are we going to make a silent film? Or are we going to make a stand-up comedy like Mr. Yu Hua and others? So this must be a documentary with a script and a division of roles."

"In the early stage, we need to send people to set up a good outpost. According to the items such as 'distance of the trip', 'number of historical sites', 'characteristic folk customs', 'historical allusions', etc., we need to make a detailed list, plan the route, and determine the theme of each day..."

"If we only have writers chatting, and their importance is not at the same level, and they are not familiar with each other, it is easy for the conversation to die. So we need to bring in people who are not very cultured but lively and easy-going, such as a few small stars or hosts as guests..."

"We need to pay attention to the local officials, both high and low, and just provide logistical support and cooperation. We absolutely cannot allow them to appear on camera, not even the top leaders. The main theme of our documentary is 'natural state'. If they appear on camera with their bellies sticking out, it will look greasy!"

"Don't just walk around and look around all day. Set aside a few days for them to have a relaxing and in-depth conversation. The topics of conversation don't just include local history and culture. You can also talk about literature, art, and creation. In short, it should be stylish!"

"Don't have a chat in a conference room, interview room, or restaurant. None of these are good. You can find some abandoned ancient building ruins, clear out a space, set up a tent, light a bonfire, and it will be more interesting to see the firelight shining through the ruins! - But be sure to take precautions against fire!"

"Be careful to avoid mature tourist attractions, or at least don't focus on them. Crowded with people won't make it feel right. It's okay to be a little remote and desolate. Don't close scenic spots and drive away tourists just for our show. They can do that."

……

Zhang Chao talked for the whole morning, his mouth dry, before he finished explaining all the details. Ma Boyong, Shuang Xuetao and others wrote more than 20 pages of notes.

Shuang Xuetao said: "In this case, we don't have enough manpower..."

Zhang Chao said, "Then recruit some more people. We will make a plan based on this. It will take at least two or three months to launch the whole plan, so there is no rush. The key points of the plan are 'more effects, fewer details'. We must convince the leaders that this project is good, but we can't let them think that they can do it... You can decide the balance yourself."

Shuang Xuetao and Ma Boyong nodded, took their notes and went about their business.

At noon, Zhang Chao had a quick meal downstairs in the company and did not go home. In the afternoon, he started writing a novel in Huang Jiefu's office. The communication with Yu Hua yesterday gave him a lot of inspiration, which needed to be finalized as soon as possible.

Not long after he started writing, his phone rang. Zhang Chao picked it up and saw that it was Wang Zhongjun from Huayi Company. It had been almost a year since the internal preview of the movie "Youth Like You" last year. He usually contacted Yizhe when he had something to do.

Zhang Chao hesitated for a moment, but still pressed the answer button. He heard the voice on the other end of the phone: "Zhang Chao, there is a cooperation that I want to discuss with you in person!"

(There will be another chapter in the evening, but it will be later. I have something to do tonight, so I will post this chapter first.)
(End of this chapter)