Exciting 1979!

Chapter 267 - Top-tier royalties! (Guaranteed minimum today)

Guo Kaimin is known for his low emotional intelligence and poor communication skills.

Shi Fangyu thought that Xiao Guo had offended Wei Ming, so he glared at him and then gave him a long lecture, making him feel ashamed.

No matter how popular he is, he wouldn't dare to challenge the powerful deputy factory director.

At this point, Wei Ming spoke up to persuade him: "Director Shi, Beijing is my home base after all. I chose Shanghai Film Studio for 'The Herdsman' before, and I promised Director Wang Yang that I would definitely choose Beijing Film Studio next time there is such an opportunity. Moreover, I already made it to them a couple of days ago. You can't expect me to go back on my word."

After Guo Kaimin's previous incident, and with Wei Ming's reasons being quite valid, Shi Fangyu didn't say anything more, and the rest of the time was just a simple meal and chat.

Wei Ming also won the approval of Director Shi with his unique understanding of film. Unexpectedly, this young Wei is not old, but he really has a knack for film.

Wei Ming laughed and said, "I have loved watching movies since I was a child. Usually, the village only shows movies once or twice a year. Whenever we heard that other villages were showing movies, we would rush over in droves. I have even seen your movie 'The Younger Generation,' which left a very deep impression on me."

Shi Fangyu is a screenwriter and also a poet. When Wei Ming talked about his screenwriting works, he laughed and said, "Every story writer hopes that their stories will be liked by people. The Herdsman will be released in two weeks. I think this is Wei's first screenwriting work."

"Yes, I hope this story will be recognized as well."

"Xiao Wei, what do you think of rural themes?"

Wei Ming said sincerely, "I come from a rural background. To be honest, there are too few rural-themed films. We actually hope to see stories that are close to the lives of farmers on the screen. As long as it is well made, 800 million farmers are the audience. Putting aside everything else, winning the Hundred Flowers Award should not be a problem."

The Hundred Flowers Award is the greatest honor in the film industry right now, and Shi Fangyu nodded in agreement after Wei Ming said that last sentence.

The next day, at a meeting of factory leaders, Shi Fangyu voted in favor of filming the movie "Joyful Reunion," which had been debated for several days.

~
Yesterday, Wei Ming rejected the Shanghai Film Studio, and today he started writing letters to reject the Pearl River Film Studio. The letter seeking cooperation was received in the morning, and the letter of rejection was sent out in the afternoon. It was written with great sincerity.

Pearl River Film Studio is also a very powerful film studio. Moreover, because of its connection with Guangdong, it produced many innovative and transformative works during the film system reform. Wei Ming also hopes to maintain a good relationship with Pearl River Film Studio, and perhaps they can even cooperate in the future.

Just after sending the letter, Wei Ming returned for a stroll and spotted a familiar man standing at the entrance of the guesthouse.

"Old Liang?"

"Teacher Wei!" Liang Xiaosheng, who had been on the train for a day and a night, was excited to see Wei Ming. He didn't look well; after nearly thirty hours on the train, he hadn't been eating or sleeping well and looked haggard and dirty.

Wei Ming quickly ushered the person inside, and Liang Xiaosheng anxiously asked, "The script wasn't sold to another company, was it?"

Wei Ming: "I just sent a letter to Wang Weiyi, the director of the Pearl River Film Studio. He sincerely hoped to cooperate, but I said no, the Beijing Film Studio is my home."

Liang Xiaosheng was amused.

Wei Ming added, "Yesterday, Shi Fangyu, the director of Shanghai Film Studio, also invited me to dinner and promised to let Gong Xue play the female lead, let Huang Zumo, who directed 'Romance on Lushan Mountain,' and let Guo Kaimin sacrifice himself to play the father who abandoned his wife and children. Even so, I didn't agree."

Hearing this, Liang Xiaosheng became serious: "Teacher Wei, thank you so much for your trust in Beijing Film Studio. We will definitely bring out the best cast and crew to treat this script."

Wei Ming asked, "So who do you plan to cast as the female lead? She's the soul of this movie."

Liang Xiaosheng looked troubled. He was just a junior editor; how could he possibly decide such an important matter as the selection of the female lead?

However, Wei Ming made the decision for him: "What do you think of Gong Xue?"

Liang Xiaosheng didn't know much about Gong Xue and had never met her in person, but he had seen "Good Things Take Time". She was gentle and delicate and a beautiful woman. Newspapers mostly praised her beauty. But could she play such a tragic role well?
The taciturn Liang Xiaosheng was still seriously considering whether Gong Xue was suitable, and didn't catch Wei Ming's hidden meaning.

To this honest person, Wei Ming could only be more direct: "I heard from Gong Xue that she is preparing to leave the General Political Department for the Beijing Film Studio. Maybe she will be your colleague at the Beijing Film Studio in the future. I think she is capable of playing this role."

Wei Ming wrote "Mom, Love Me Again" with the intention of making Gong Xue the female lead. The female lead of this movie could only be her, just like the female lead of "A Terracotta Warrior's Tale" had to be Zhu Lin.

Liang Xiaosheng nodded: "I will convey your recommendation to the leadership."

Then Liang Xiaosheng asked Wei Ming when he would return to Beijing.

"Next week, I still have tens of thousands of words of manuscript to revise."

Liang Xiaosheng: "Then let's go back together. I'll be in Shanghai for the next few days, so we can talk about the script. Director Jiang told me to start fulfilling my editing duties now."

Wei Ming laughed and said, "Alright, Lao Liang, you should also take your time to explore Shanghai and buy some gifts for your family."

Liang Xiaosheng shook his head: "I won't waste that money."

Wei Ming then realized that Lao Liang's family wasn't well-off.

Liang Xiaosheng settled down at the guesthouse today, and Wei Ming and Sister Xue will not be making plans for the time being.

"Old Liang, I don't like the food in this cafeteria. Why don't you come out and eat with me?"

"No, no, I can eat it. I think it's even better than the food at the Beijing Film Studio canteen." Liang Xiaosheng brought his own lunchbox.

Wei Ming pulled him aside and said, "We can talk about the script while we eat. Don't worry, it's on me. You just need to pay with your own food coupons."

After much persuasion, he finally managed to get Liang Xiaosheng to have a meal with him. It wasn't a fancy restaurant, but there were two meat dishes and some Shanghai-style meat-filled steamed buns.

I'd heard that Wei Ming was a good host, and today Liang Xiaosheng has finally witnessed it firsthand.

"Oh, there's something else I need to tell you." Liang Xiaosheng was an honest man, and he told him about Han Sanping's long journey to find him during the meal.

Wei Ming could only shake his head regretfully. If Lao Han had acted sooner and contacted him first, he might have given the script to Emei Film Studio, on the condition that Lao Han would be the director.

He has some skill, and with my guidance, making a tearjerker blockbuster that sweeps the nation shouldn't be a problem. When Lao Han rises to power, remembering how Teacher Wei taught him to make movies, it's possible that Teacher Wei will be the one calling the shots at China Film Group.

Alright, I'll write another letter to Old Han from the Emei factory tomorrow. We need to maintain this relationship regularly.

"Old Liang, are you married?"

Liang Xiaosheng shook his head shyly: "I don't have a boyfriend yet."

I thought he wasn't married, but I never imagined he didn't even have a partner, or even have one. He's probably over 30 already.

If this were in later generations, someone like him would have blamed his family of origin: elderly and incompetent parents, a mentally unstable older brother, and a younger brother who needed to be supported to go to school. But Liang Xiaosheng carved out a bloody path with his pen.

He has been in the literary world for several years now. Although he has not yet made a name for himself, he has been able to support his parents and brothers in Northeast China through his royalties. It is just that he himself lives a bit of a frugal life.

In the following week, besides revising his manuscript and spending time with his girlfriend, Wei Ming would occasionally drag Liang Xiaosheng out for a stroll. He wouldn't buy anything, but Wei Ming would, and Liang was happy to broaden his horizons.

A week later, Wei Ming officially completed the revision of the first part of "The Right Path of the World is Full of Vicissitudes", which totaled 23 words and covered the period from the Zhili-Fengtian War to the Xi'an Incident. It was the most substantial part of the book.

The second part covers the period from the Second United Front between the Kuomintang and the Communist Party to the end of the War of Resistance against Japan.

The third part is about the War of Liberation.

Because Wei Ming did not complete the revision in one go, he will have to come to Shanghai again later.

Li Xiaolin told him, "You're not short of money now. When the magazine is published next month, we'll transfer your 2300 yuan royalty to you."

2300 yuan!
That's ten yuan per thousand words. Wei Ming has received top-tier royalties before, but this is the first time he's received the top-tier royalties from a top-tier publication!
Moreover, the one-time payment of 2300 yuan was the highest serial manuscript fee Wei Ming had ever received, equivalent to his salary for five years at Peking University.

Of course, writing this book was a real struggle. It involved researching materials, talking to people who were still alive at the time, and even corresponding with Lao Gui. It took a year to complete.

After finishing one novel, he had already become a semi-expert on the history of the Republic of China.

In addition, Beijing Film Studio paid 1800 yuan for the manuscript of "Mom, Love Me Again", which is quite generous. Wei Ming's assets increased by another huge sum of 4000 yuan.

Starting next year, New World will reduce its profit sharing, which will make these royalties more meaningful.

After saying "See you later" to Editor Li, Wei Ming and Liang Xiaosheng headed to the airport. They didn't let Sister Xue see them off, afraid they wouldn't be able to resist having an airport kiss.

Moreover, filming for "Midnight" is almost finished, and then she can return to Beijing to be with him forever.

Liang Xiaosheng was very uneasy on the way. He was supposed to take the train back, but Wei Ming dragged him to the airport.

Wei Ming said he had a bad back and couldn't take long-distance trains, but that was just an excuse so he could fly. In reality, his back was perfectly fine, like a perpetual motion machine.

Liang Xiaosheng added, "You can take a plane, and I'll take the train."

Wei Ming still refused: "What would that make me? We're friends, and you're older than me. Can't I just pay for it? My royalties this time are quite substantial."

Liang Xiaosheng felt that he had been corrupted by Wei Ming in the past week. Although he had no value in being corrupted, he had frequently gone out to restaurants with Wei Ming and even shopped some things on Nanjing Road in the past few days.

Wei Ming would buy one and bring him one too, and now he's even gotten a free flight. This favor is huge.

However, once he boarded the plane, his curiosity about the new things overcame his unease. As he soared through the clouds, Liang Xiaosheng couldn't help but exclaim: "This is an airplane! Humans are truly amazing!"
They took a plane in the morning and arrived in Yanjing at noon. They didn't even get to eat the airplane meal and had to find a small restaurant to eat at after they got off the plane.

This time, Liang Xiaosheng insisted on paying, and Wei Ming didn't stop him, since it was just a bowl of noodles.

Wei Ming wanted to go home first: "I'll visit the Beijing Film Studio tomorrow or the day after."

When he entered the Overseas Chinese Apartment, the security guard, Old Sun, told him, "Teacher Wei is back. You have an international package. Go to the post office to pick it up when you have time. I've come twice and haven't seen you."

"okay."

Wei Ming went back and put his luggage down first. His mother was preparing to cook, and Old Wei was watching TV on the sofa. When he saw his son come back, he quickly helped carry his bag.

"Why is there so much?" Wei Ming glanced at the food being prepared in the kitchen. "There's also food from the shop," Old Wei said. "We're already open for business."

Wei Ming asked, "Won't it be too tiring?"

Xu Shufen knew her son was worried about her, so she quickly smiled and said, "What's so tiring about this? Cooking for them is easier than taking care of the pigs at home. You should sit down and rest. It will be ready in a little over an hour."

Wei Ming: "Dad, could you give me the motorcycle keys? I need to go to the post office."

It was an international package, definitely from Melinda. To prevent it from containing things like Playboy magazine, he planned to open it at the courtyard house.

Thankfully, there was no Playboy this time. Melinda sent Wei Ming a few books, some US dollars, a deposit slip for a hardcover edition of Jumanji, and a few paintings, illustrations from the picture book The Lion King.

In the letter, Melinda told him, "I have completed this great translation, and the illustrations are nearing completion. The work will be published early next year. My colleagues and I are very excited about its future. We all believe it is a work that can conquer the world!"

The animated version has indeed conquered the world, and the accompanying derivative picture books, toys, and music have also sold globally, but now, Wei Ming thinks it's better to be more conservative in his expectations.

The letter also said, "However, if you are going to write to me, please remember to fill in the original London address. I have left New York because of a job change, but I have really had enough of New York. You would never guess what I was going through in New York when I wrote this letter."

What? Could it be an alien attack?

Melinda then provided the answer: "There was a shooting just across the street from me, and I witnessed it with my own eyes!"

Wei Ming: I thought it was something special. What's so strange about this? After all, it's America.

Melinda: "The deceased was John Lennon!"

"hiss!"

Wei Ming gasped.

John Lennon was the lead singer and soul of The Beatles, a band considered a national treasure of Britain, leaving behind countless musical classics.

Wei Ming knew he was shot and killed by a fanatical fan, but he didn't know the exact time and place. Unexpectedly, Melinda became a witness to this bloody history.

Melinda was extremely angry and saddened by the shooting death of her country's national treasure musician in the United States.

Wei Ming desperately wanted to be by her side to offer some comfort, but unfortunately, they were thousands of miles apart, and there was nothing he could do. Even if he wrote a letter to comfort her, it would take almost half a month for the letter to reach her.

It was getting dark, so Wei Ming went home for dinner. Old Wei went to deliver food, but Xiao Hong went home. She's been going home every day lately because she wants to watch "Astro Boy".

Old Wei had been pedaling his bicycle so hard that sparks flew, and when he got back, his first question was, "Haven't you started yet?"

Xiao Hong: "Not yet, it'll be soon."

The classic Tezuka Osamu anime "Astro Boy," which was recently introduced by CCTV, has become the greatest joy for the father and daughter, and has also successfully attracted audiences across the country.

The number of television sets in China has now exceeded 900 million. Due to the scarcity of television programs and channels, at least several million people across the country were watching this first domestically imported animated series at the same time.

Moreover, this is a work from 17 years ago, but domestic audiences do not find it outdated at all, and instead praise its quality and imagination.

After the short episode ended, the evening news started playing, and the Wei family of four finally began to eat dinner. Oh, and there was also a sheriff, who had been circling around the TV the whole time, seemingly a little resentful of Astro Boy.

There's nothing I can do about it, since you don't have the animation yet.

After dinner, Xiaohong handed her work, "Rubik's Cube Beginner's Manual," to her older brother. The text was only about 20,000 to 30,000 words, but it had dozens of pictures.

"This was drawn by students from our school's art club. We are sister clubs, and they are quite talented. They can draw traditional Chinese paintings, oil paintings, and comics."

Wei Ming nodded in satisfaction, then wrote the name he had chosen next to the title: Rubik's Cube? Anyone can play it!

Wei Hong immediately praised, "Brother, you've chosen a brilliant name. If I were a novice reader, I would definitely buy it."

Wei Ming: "Alright, go to sleep. I'll write a reply to Melinda."

He first expressed his regret over John Lennon's situation and inquired about Melinda's feelings and the reaction of British society.

"Let's talk about something happy."

Afterwards, Wei Ming talked about Biaozi and Xiaomei's wedding, and said that he had some photos here, which he would send over together later.

Finally, Wei Ming asked if Rubik's Cube toys were popular abroad, and then mentioned his sister's book, "Rubik's Cube? Anyone Can Play With Their Hands!"

This letter cannot be sent yet. Wei Ming needs to polish Xiao Hong's manuscript. Right now, the manuscript is not very interesting, nor is it easy to understand.

The next day, Wei Ming went to Peking University with Xiao Hong. Wei Ming hadn't been to work for a month, but his position didn't make much difference whether he was there or not.

He entered through the south gate, and the guards were delighted to see him. They brought out two large bags of letters from readers; it had been a long time since they had received so many letters from Wei Ming at once.

"Ming-ge, most of these are letters received after 'Mom, Love Me Again,' and there are also some letters that probably aren't from readers." The colleague even carefully helped to categorize them, including letters from Changchun Film Studio.

If he wasn't mistaken, it was a request for cooperation. Changchun Film Studio is a veteran in the film industry, with countless masterpieces. Wei Ming would have to write a proper reply to politely decline.

“Well done. Now,” Wei Ming spread out the cigarettes he had brought back from Shanghai, one pack at a time. “Leave the letter here for now, I’ll pick it up after work.”

The young men shouted excitedly, "Wow, it's Double Happiness!"

It's been a month since I last visited, and Peking University has changed quite a bit. The fifth student canteen has been completed and topped out, and it will be ready for use next semester.

Wei Ming walked all the way to the library and distributed some White Rabbit candies to his colleagues. Although his job was easy, once he left, other colleagues would definitely have to take over his work.

Sitting at his post, Wei Ming was busy revising Xiao Hong's drafts, many of which he rewrote himself.

Given his level of involvement, he felt he should have his name printed on the book as well, at least as a second author, which would also boost sales. Mr. Why is now a well-known name in the English-speaking world.

At noon, Wei Ming brought the two packages of letters back to the Overseas Chinese Apartment and wrote a reply to Changchun Film Studio, looking forward to the next cooperation.

In fact, Wei Ming felt that Gong Xue was acting strangely. Last time, she and Zhu Lin were sitting together on the bus, so they must have talked. Logically speaking, even if they were slow to notice, they should have noticed something was wrong.

However, after Xuejie returned to Shanghai, she didn't mention this matter or Zhu Lin at all; she simply became even more obedient to her.

So, what is Sister Lin's attitude towards herself now?
Wei Ming left work early in the afternoon and decided to make a trip to the Beijing Film Studio. He first wanted to talk to Director Wang Yang about cooperation, and then talk to Sister Lin about life.

Director Wang had been waiting for a long time: "You've written a great script. Beijing Film Studio, Shanghai Film Studio, Emei Film Studio, and even Pearl River Film Studio are all vying for it."

Wei Ming added, "I also turned down Changchun Film Studio."

Wang Yang laughed and then brought up the female lead: "You want Gong Xue to play the female lead, right?"

"Yes, I wrote it based on her style." Wei Ming used this trick again; Director Xie Jin had fallen for it back then.

Factory Director Wang nodded: "Xiao Liang also said that after meeting Gong Xue, he felt that her image was very suitable."

Wei Ming smiled slightly, "The sugar-coated bullets are still effective."

"Then let her audition in Yanjing. We still need to go through the formalities." With these words, Director Wang had basically made up his mind. "Good Things Take Time" had already washed away the impression that Gong Xue couldn't act, and since it was written by the original author based on her, what else was there to say?

"And who's going to direct?" Wei Ming asked.

Factory Director Wang: "We have available directors in the factory who are skilled enough. My first choice is Wang Hao as the director because she is a woman and can present this theme better."

Wei Ming had no objection: "Old Wang, you know how to use people well, I have no problem with that."

Director Wang Hao has two well-known works: a comedy called "Look at This Family" and "Oh, Xiangxue," adapted from Chairman Tie's work. Her abilities are considered average. To make the work stand out, Wei Ming may need to participate more and lend her a helping hand.

Director Wang Hao was not at the factory. Wei Ming told Director Wang that he would visit him another day, and then hurriedly left the office building to wait for Zhu Lin at the guesthouse.

They were stuck in traffic. Zhu Lin looked a little haggard, probably because she hadn't removed her makeup yet. Without saying anything, the two of them tacitly left the Beijing Film Studio.

"Are we going back to Tuanjiehu?" Wei Ming asked.

Zhu Lin said hesitantly, "I've started my period."

Wei Ming insisted, "We're not just about doing that kind of thing. It's good to talk to you too."

"Come on, I'll strip naked and you won't be allowed to touch me!" Zhu Lin strode forward, his words carrying a hint of resentment.

Zhu Lin ultimately didn't take off her clothes. After all, it was December, and although the heating bill had been paid, the temperature was still not as high as in later years. She still had to wear thermal underwear in bed.

The thermal underwear was quite tight, outlining Sister Lin's good figure. In the end, Wei Ming couldn't resist and started to tamper with her to a limited extent.

Wei Ming stopped only after Zhu Lin said something.

"Did you sleep with Gong Xue too?"

……

(Minimum target achieved today, one million words milestone!)

(End of this chapter)