Exciting 1979!

Chapter 243 debuts on the New York bestseller list
When Wei Ming arrived at the South Gate, he already had a book and a cassette tape in his hands. They were the albums "Ferocious Animals" and "Springtime in the Shepherd's Class," which Liang Zuo had obtained from a classmate he knew. Wei Ming promised to send them back later, along with his autographed seal.

Masashi Sada was very happy to receive the gift. He told Wei Ming that he came from the Old Summer Palace and was planning to visit the Summer Palace next. He happened to be passing by Peking University, so he came to visit his new friend.

Wei Ming led him and the translator on a tour of Peking University, introducing the university's history and cultural landscape, with a particular focus on the Peking University Library.

“Our great leader used to work here, and this is where I work.”

Upon hearing this, Masashi Sada hurriedly bowed respectfully. He greatly admired this great man whose reputation resounded throughout the world.

Finally, Wei Ming treated Sada and his group to a meal at the faculty and staff canteen, which included four dishes and a soup with fish and meat.

Masashi Sada first praised the food as delicious, which was mostly just polite talk.

Then he recalled the Shandong cuisine restaurant Huifengtang where he had eaten the day before, praising Huifengtang's braised fish slices with fermented rice wine. Clearly, the skills of the grand restaurant made a more lasting impression on him.

Every country has its own culinary preferences. Wei Ming never expected foreigners to be particularly fond of Chinese food, but it seems that Sada really likes Chinese cuisine. He had thought they only liked sashimi.

So Wei Ming went on and on recommending Shandong cuisine restaurants like Fengzeyuan and Taifenglou, along with their signature dishes.

This posed a challenge for the translator, especially the dish names, such as clear stewed fish skirt and casserole fish maw, which he had never tasted before. He could only convey the essence of Wei Ming's description by using the original pronunciation and explanation.

In conclusion, Wei Ming summarized: "There aren't actually many local delicacies in Yanjing, but it is the political and cultural center of the country, home to the nation's top culinary masters, and all major cuisines have established themselves here. I've been working and living in Yanjing for over a year, but I still haven't been able to eat at every single restaurant, and every now and then a time-honored brand is revived."

Hearing Wei Ming say this, Sada sighed with emotion: "I never expected that Mr. Wei is so passionate about cooking! I only regret that I couldn't stay in China longer."

The translator added, "Professor Wei has written many articles about Chinese cuisine; he is a very authoritative figure in this field."

Masashi Sada: "Soudesune!"

Wei Ming: "This sentence doesn't need translation, I understand it."

Besides talking about food and music, Wei Ming also chatted with Sada about Japanese literature and manga, which Sada also knew a little about.

He actually came on this trip with a Japanese delegation, which included not only people from the music industry, but also people from the animation, film and television, and business industries.

One of the delegation's tasks was to introduce Osamu Tezuka's "Astro Boy" to the Chinese market.

This is a 63-year-old animation, but it doesn't seem outdated at all now. It caused a sensation when it was broadcast in China and became a childhood memory for a generation.

Currently, apart from the puppet film "Avanti", there are no other excellent domestic animations that can withstand this kind of impact. Wei Ming felt that this was an opportunity for him, and "Black Cat Detective", which was serialized to the fourth issue, was very suitable for being adapted into a TV animation.

After seeing Masashi Sada off, Wei Ming continued writing his novel, which is now nearly 20 words long and has become a thick stack of pages, giving him a great sense of accomplishment.

When I got tired of writing, I casually wrote the song I promised to write for the New Star Concert. The lyrics are simple, but I still need to work on the melody.

Today is Saturday, and tomorrow is a day off. Wei Hong was also going home, so her brother rode his motorcycle and took her away right in front of her roommates.

Even her two roommates from Peking University were incredibly envious. According to Wei Hong, her brother lived in a 150-square-meter apartment for overseas Chinese, and his neighbors were either famous painters or professors.

After returning home, Wei Hong immediately turned on the TV and told Xu Shufen, "Mom, that Japanese concert will be broadcast on TV today. You should watch it too; you might even see me!"

Xu Shufen brought out dinner: "What? You were on TV?!"

"Maybe. My brother will definitely be on TV. Some foreign friends even gave him a guitar."

Wei Ming was filled with anxiety. Had they managed to get any photos of him and Sister Lin together? Even if they had, Sister Xue probably wouldn't see them, right?
Just as Wei Ming's family was about to watch TV, Gong Xue's family in Shanghai was preparing to eat dinner.

Gong Xue now lives in the Shanghai Film Studio's guesthouse, where she has a single room that is more comfortable and convenient for filming.

Today, I rarely get to come home. My mother prepared a large table of her favorite local dishes, while my father put on his reading glasses and read the newspaper, which was full of local news.

"Wow, look at this couple, they had a baby weighing over ten pounds!" Gong Yuandong exclaimed.

Mother Zhuang Che leaned closer and said, "Let me see, it's equivalent to two of our Xiaoxues."

Gong Xue weighed just over five pounds at birth, making her the lightest of the children. When her mother teased her, she immediately pouted. If Wei Ming saw her, he would definitely kiss her.

Gong Yuandong said, "But it's not surprising. Both of their parents are basketball players. The father is over two meters tall, and the mother is nearly 1.9 meters tall."

Zhuang Che: "No wonder, this child will definitely be at least two meters tall when he grows up."

"He's also a great basketball player." Gong Yuandong put down his newspaper and prepared to eat. Just then, his son, Gong Xu, turned on the TV, which was watching the news broadcast.

I finished eating and checked the weather forecast; tomorrow will be another sunny day.

Gong Xue came back this time to ask his sister how things were going with A Long, so after dinner he immediately pulled his sister into the bedroom to interrogate her.

Gong Ying: "Oh well, let's just chat. Anyway, he can't come, and I can't go either."

Unlike Gong Xue, who traveled all over the country, Gong Ying had never left the Yangtze River Delta region, the furthest she had ever been was Suzhou and Hangzhou. She couldn't imagine how she would live in the dry north.

"Sister, what about you?"

“We’re doing great. He’ll be coming to Shanghai to revise his novel once he finishes it.” Gong Xue blushed. This was the perfect, legitimate reason Wei Ming had given her in his last letter for a short stay in Shanghai.

Moreover, it can take a month or two to revise an extremely long novel.

As the two sisters were talking, they heard someone singing, and it was a Japanese song. They immediately went outside and saw a bespectacled, refined-looking man on TV playing and singing.

"What is this?" Gong Ying asked.

Mother Zhuang Che said, "They say he's a very famous singer in Japan, named Sada, Sada..."

“Masashi Sada,” the elder sister-in-law said.

"Yes, it sounds pretty good."

So the whole family sat down to listen, and the camera focused not only on the singer but also on the audience.

Suddenly, Gong Xue exclaimed, "Oh dear!"

"what happened?"

Gong Xue: "I think I just saw Xizi!"

The older sister-in-law laughed and asked, "Your son?"

Perhaps it was because Xizi was naturally funny, the cameraman gave him a rather long close-up, and the person holding Xizi seemed to be Wei Ming's younger sister, Xiao Hong!
“It’s not surprising that you saw him, isn’t it? Xizi’s sister is a little singer, isn’t she?” said Zhuang Che, the mother. She also had a deep impression of this shy little boy.

Not long after her mother finished speaking, Gong Xue saw Sister Xiaoyan holding a little girl. She wasn't very familiar with Lele, having only met her a few times, but she had spent a long time with Lü Xiaoyan, so she would never mistake her for her.

Seeing Lu Xiaoyan and her husband, Xile, and Wei Hong, Gong Xue became convinced that Wei Ming must also be present, and that he might see him soon.

So Gong Xue stared intently at the television without blinking, losing all interest in the songs, only regretting that the screen was too small and worrying that he couldn't see Wei Ming clearly.

In this era, long-distance relationships often lack video calls, making it extremely rare to see your loved one in person.

However, seeing that the concert had ended and Gong Xue hadn't seen Wei Ming, she couldn't help but feel a little disappointed. Her mother, Zhuang Che, also keenly sensed the change in her daughter's emotions.

But unexpectedly, things took a turn for the better. This time, some footage from backstage after the concert was shown, with an off-screen voice explaining that the famous young writer and musician Wei Ming had gifted a Japanese friend a set of lyrics, and Masashi Sada had reciprocated by gifting him a guitar that he had used for more than ten years.

This segment serves as a testament to Sino-Japanese friendship, and it was Wei Ming's first time appearing on television. However, given the current popularity and clarity of television media, its impact is estimated to be less than his appearance in the People's Daily.

Gong Ying winked frantically at her second sister, "Tsk tsk, the good man you chose is on TV now."

Back in her room, Gong Xue started writing a letter. She planned to talk to Xiao Wei about the concert, but unfortunately, she hadn't listened carefully.

Wei Ming, who was in Beijing, breathed a sigh of relief after watching the program. He was filmed, but Lin Jie was not.

The next day was an auspicious day, with double happiness, and both were related to someone surnamed Mei.

First, early in the morning, Wei Ming received a package from Melinda in the United States. He immediately rode his motorcycle to the Beichizi courtyard, closed the door, went inside, and opened the package.

The packages mainly contained books.

There's an American version of "Jumanji," which isn't too different from the British version.

And then there's the bestselling novel in North America right now, Stephen King's "The Burning Gaze," a horror thriller. This guy has been a regular on the bestseller list for the past few years.

Another book is "Venture Capital: Opportunities and Profits in the Great Depression," which is even more popular than "The Burning Gaze."

Previously, Wei Ming wrote to Melinda asking her to buy a finance-related book for her sister, and she chose this currently best-selling book.

The first is to learn knowledge, and the second is to learn English.

Besides these, there was also a Playboy magazine that Wei Ming didn't need at all. Pshaw, I have a girlfriend.

After reading the magazine, Wei Ming hid it in a secret corner of his study.

Tucked among these books and magazines was a $1000 bill and a HSBC bank deposit certificate, totaling $20,000!
Including his previous savings, Wei Ming now has $2.55 in HSBC deposits, which he can use when he goes to Hong Kong. He may not be able to afford a house, but buying a car shouldn't be a problem.

This is the royalty income from the North American market for "Jumanji," and this is only the first one. Depending on sales, there may be additional printings. As long as there are additional printings, there will be money. Wei Ming is very optimistic about the financial prospects of this story.

After all, it's a huge market of over 200 million people with strong purchasing power. Melinda said the first print run reached 100,000 copies, but they were all paperbacks.

The package also contained newspaper articles from abroad reviewing "Jumanji" and data from the New York bestseller list.

Although not as great as Lin Yutang was back then, as a Chinese writer, it is quite remarkable that it made it into the top 20 in the first week and is still on the list. Its highest weekly ranking of 8th is already something to brag about.

It's a highly prestigious book, ranking in the top ten of the New York bestseller list, and it's even number one in the children's book category, receiving high praise from book critics.

Melinda sent these newspapers to Wei Ming so he could promote himself. Having spent two years in China, she understood perfectly well that the country desperately needed external recognition at that time, and these newspapers would solidify Wei Ming's title of "King of Fairy Tales." Furthermore, Melinda also stated in the letter that she was diligently studying African history so she could better capture the essence of "The Lion King" in her translation.

She could have easily handed it over to a professional translator, but she was willing to go all out to earn the money from the translator, as it was no small sum and she believed in the sales of Wei Ming's work.

After reading Melinda's letter, Wei Ming replied to her, thanking her for her hard work and asking her to help him find some books about dinosaurs, which was the direction of his future writing.

Regarding cutting-edge paleontology, the United States has more resources, and since it mainly targets overseas markets, it should primarily adopt Western perspectives.

After writing the letter, Wei Ming first mailed the international email out, then went to the China Youth Daily, called out his old friend, reporter Zhu Wei, and handed over the newspapers Melinda had given him.

"This is?"

Wei Ming: "Jumanji has made it onto the New York bestseller list, peaking at number eight on the weekly chart and number one in the children's book category. There are also some book reviews about the novel, which I have circled."

Zhu Wei's face immediately showed a change of expression. Was it that fierce?

"As expected of you, Writer Wei! You've conquered the British, and now you're starting to woo the Americans!"

Wei Ming smiled and said, "This should be enough for Reporter Zhu to write an article."

“One article isn’t enough, I need to write several more!” Zhu Wei said. “However, I’ll need help with the translation, so it might not be quick. Writer Wei, these newspapers you provided are extremely important!”

He held it tightly, his eyes shining.

This is not just a victory for Wei Ming alone; more broadly speaking, it is a victory for Chinese children's literature!
"It's all what I should do. You go ahead with your work, I'll be going now."

Zhu Wei hurriedly said, "Writer Wei, how about I treat you to a meal?"

Wei Ming laughed and said, "I'm always the one who treats others to meals, how could I let you spend money? But I have something to do today, let's do it another day, I'll treat you another day."

"Well."

As Zhu Wei watched Wei Ming ride away on his bicycle, he thought to himself that the writer Wei truly deserved to be a role model for Chinese youth. This matter should not only be published in the China Youth Daily, but also promoted in the China Youth magazine.

~
After leaving China Youth Daily, Wei Ming went to Oriental Plaza, where Wei Hong was also there.

Another joyous occasion today is the wedding of Mei Wenhua and Xu Yunyun.

The certificate from their hometown in Sichuan has been sent, so Yunyun and Mei Wenhua will officially get their marriage certificate soon.

Wei Ming and Wei Hong planned to accompany them on the trip, as they might need it in the future, and Wei Ming wanted to familiarize himself with the process beforehand.

They got their marriage certificate but weren't in a rush to have a wedding. They would wait until Wei Jiefang and Zhao Debiao returned to Beijing, then invite their relatives from their hometown in Sichuan to come and hold a ceremony. They got the certificate now just for peace of mind, because they were afraid that the marriage policy might change.

It's Sunday, and the shop is so busy. Xiao Mei, who just got her certificate, happily said, "We have to hurry back. Let's arrange a meal for everyone tomorrow."

Wei Ming: "I might not be free tomorrow, Brother Feng is moving."

"Is his house finished?"

"Ah."

Mei Wenhua also thought about his new house, which wasn't ready yet. He hadn't had a chance to use the family planning supplies that had been given to him, and he had just received three more.

The next day at noon, not only did Wei Ming come to help Feng Ge move, but Mei Wenhua also came. The two of them could get it done in one trip using the school's tricycle, since Qiao Feng's family didn't have much to begin with.

Qiao Feng was the first to move into this new faculty and staff building, hoping that his child would be able to live in a new house as soon as he was born, which would have a good meaning.

Although the apartment is only about 40 square meters inside, it can be divided into two bedrooms, which is much more spacious than before. Feng Ge can also go home now. Ever since Wei Ming and the other two moved out of the dormitory, he felt that living there was meaningless.

Qiao Feng's mother-in-law looked at the new house and said with a smile, "Wait here, I'll arrange some food for you right away."

Mei Wenhua joked, "Auntie, this is such a joyous occasion as moving to a new house, why don't we go out to a restaurant?"

"That's a waste of money!" the old lady exclaimed anxiously. In fact, she was now considered an unofficial member of Oriental Plaza and was quite wealthy.

To alleviate the financial burden on her older brother Qiao Feng, the old lady picked out the decent clothes from the defective items at Oriental Plaza before returning them. She gave them to her at cost price so she could sell them at the market near the store. Her monthly income was more than Qiao Feng's, but her frugal nature was hard to change.

No sooner had the old lady left than Mu Rong suddenly cried out, "Oh no!"

Qiao Feng: "What's wrong?"

Mu Rong: "It's broken, my water broke."

As a result, they naturally missed the housewarming banquet. They originally planned to send the child to Peking University Affiliated Hospital, but Sister Mu Rong arrived too quickly and was yelling loudly.

So, under the watchful eyes of her classmates on campus, she was taken directly to the school hospital in a tricycle. Mu Rong said that their Dean Su could deliver babies.

Xiaomei was originally going to go home after finishing her meal, but now she wanted to know what kind of baby she would give birth to, so she stayed.

Wei Ming said, "Then go to the cafeteria and get us some food. Sometimes childbirth takes half a day."

"Okay." Xiaomei shook her stylish jacket.

"Wealth and honor should not be returned to one's hometown, for it is like wearing fine clothes at night." He came back today to show his former colleagues how well Xiaomei is doing now.

Later, after Xiaomei finished eating, she came over with her aunt, carrying lunchboxes. Wei Ming smiled and said, "Auntie, congratulations! You're a grandma now!"

Mei Wenhua: "So fast? I only had time to eat a meal."

Of course, he also offered cigarettes to everyone, showed off a bit, and listened to a chorus of "brothers."

Aunt Mu hurriedly asked, "What kind of baby was born? A boy or a girl?"

"It's a little girl." Wei Ming didn't think there was anything wrong with it, but both the old lady and Mu Rong, who had just given birth, couldn't hide their disappointment.

Both of them wanted a son, and Qiao Feng wanted one too, but his obsession wasn't as strong.

But it just so happens to be a girl.

Wei Ming pulled Mei Wenhua aside, and the two quietly left.

Mei Wenhua was still muttering to himself, "A daughter is so wonderful. A daughter is a parent's little cotton-padded jacket. My parents both wanted a daughter back then."

Wei Ming shook his head: "That's because they already have two sons, but no grandsons. Ask them again if they want a grandson or a granddaughter."

Mei Wenhua was stunned by his brother-in-law's question; it seemed to make perfect sense.

"Oh, let's not talk about that. Having a baby is still a long way off for me," he said, wanting to fully enjoy his time with his partner. "How about we have a little get-together tonight? Bring Xiao Hong along. I'm craving some Lao Mo."

Wei Ming: "Alright, I happen to have a gift for you."

After Mei Wenhua left, Wei Ming called Sha Ping of the Yanjing Evening News and asked him to come and pick up the song and a few more concert tickets.

This new star concert was held at the Capital Indoor Stadium, with more than 10,000 tickets per show, which is much more than the Beijing Exhibition Theater. They released their own songs and didn't charge any money, so they felt justified in asking for more tickets.

However, he was smarter this time. Since there were two shows, he ordered more tickets for the first show so he could go with his family and friends, and only two tickets for the second show so he and Sister Lin could go alone.

That evening, Lao Mo had only the newlyweds and the brother-in-law and sister-in-law. Wei Ming and Xiao Hong didn't skimp on Mei Wenhua's money, ordering expensive dishes like braised beef, creamy baked fish, and black caviar.

Even if the dividends are drastically reduced next month, it won't bankrupt him. Even if he only receives a thousand dollars a month, it's still more than the combined salaries of everyone in his family.

Of course, Wei Ming's gift was also very valuable, more expensive than the meal. It was a painting of mandarin ducks by Qi Baishi. Although the quality was average and the size was small, the mandarin ducks had a good meaning. It was more expensive than the meal now, and it would be worth hundreds of thousands in the future.

Everyone enjoyed the meal, but a conflict arose afterward.

Wei Ming: "I have something to do. Xiao Mei, you can take them both back."

"Brother, the store hasn't closed yet. Yunyun and I need to finish up. You can deliver it to us."

Wei Ming: "I can't deliver them, I have something urgent to do. Why don't you deliver them first and then go back to the store?"

"Brother, why don't you go ahead and make the trip first?" Mei Wenhua wouldn't budge an inch and kept giving Wei Ming meaningful glances.

Wei Hong didn't understand and felt hurt, as if she had been rejected.

But Wei Ming understood; they were all trying to do the same thing.

Considering that they had already registered their marriage, Wei Ming had no choice but to back down and send Wei Hong home first, and then go to the Beijing Film Studio guesthouse to find Sister Lin.

When Mei Wenhua and Yunyun arrived at the store, they announced that they would be leaving early, letting the staff go first. Then he closed the door and turned off the lights.

~
"What? Mu Rong gave birth!" Zhu Lin exclaimed happily. "Then I have to go see her."

"Didn't you turn it on?" Wei Ming asked, his hands still busy.

"Filming has started, but at the beginning, Comrade Da Shichang has a lot of scenes, so I'm not that busy. I'll go see her tonight."

Wei Ming: "Then I'll pick you up, go with you, and take you back."

"Ah."

Wei Ming kissed Sister Lin's lips: "I'm so good, can I stay?"

Zhu Lin glanced at the wall and lowered his voice: "Don't even think about it, you have to leave before ten o'clock."

Wei Ming: "Then you have to let me out before 10 o'clock~"

(End of this chapter)