Exciting 1979!

Chapter 314, the best copy ever, a guaranteed bestseller!

Wei Ming rode his beloved little motorcycle to the post office to pick up the package Zhou Huimin had sent, which had been sitting there for a long time.

There are also some royalty statements, including one from Science Fiction World magazine for Jurassic Park 2. There should also be a letter from Lao Wan, which is either at Peking University or has been kept by his mother.

Wei Ming plans to write a trilogy of Jurassic Park films. The first film will be based on the original movie, but the second and third films are not very good, especially the third film. He will need to put more thought into making some changes.

Before it got dark, Wei Ming abandoned his motorcycle and headed straight for the Beijing Film Studio with some small gifts.

Ostensibly, he came to visit Director Wang Yang, and also to tell him in detail about the good news of "Heroes Have Been Born Since Ancient Times" in Hong Kong, and to inquire about its release in mainland China.

"Oh, Xiao Wei, you've come all this way, why did you bring a gift?"

"Of course, of course. This collaboration has been very rewarding. Ms. Xia Meng has given me quite a few red envelopes." Wei Ming didn't dare to buy anything too expensive or gaudy, so he bought a soundtrack album of "The Singing Girl Red Peony".

Factory director Wang Yang once worked at Shanghai Star Film Company, and this sound film was produced by Star Film Company. It was directed by Zhang Shichuan, starred Hu Die as the female lead, and had Mei Lanfang sing the songs on her behalf.

Wei Ming's gift was exactly what Wang Yang wanted. Although he hadn't started working at the company when the film was made, Director Zhang and Hu Die were old acquaintances of his, and the film was China's first sound film, making it exceptionally significant.

If Wei Ming hadn't genuinely admired the old factory director, he wouldn't have been willing to give him away.

"I'm relieved to hear that this movie made money for Ms. Xia Meng. After all, it's her personal company, and there's no public entity bearing the risk behind it."

Wei Ming asked, "So, how was the film's distribution in mainland China?"

Wang Yang said proudly, "After the screening, film companies from various provinces and cities were very enthusiastic, and in the end, they ordered 333 35mm prints!"

How impressive is this achievement? This year's two blockbuster films, "The Legend of the White Snake" and "The Joyful Reunion," had 213 and 241 35mm prints respectively, and these prints were intended for urban cinemas.

Of course, the number of their 16mm and 8.75mm copies was even more astonishing, and these were used by rural mobile projection teams, which meant that they were popular with the grassroots people, but they didn't generate any profit.

Even the hugely popular film "Romance on Lushan Mountain" from last year, which also had over 300 35mm copies, was only reissued after it became a hit to meet market demand; initially, there were only over 200 copies.

"Besides the excellent quality, the success in Hong Kong has also given the film company great confidence. This is the biggest victory for left-wing films in the last ten years or so. Hong Kong audiences have been watching commercial films for so many years and they are still so supportive. Mainland audiences will naturally be no different."

However, according to Wei Ming, the number of copies of this film is less than that of next year's "Shaolin Temple," suggesting that casting children as the main characters is ultimately a bit too niche.

"Heroes Have Always Been Born Young" will be released on a large scale next week, which will be perfect for taking away a wave of students from all ages who are on summer vacation. The only variable is the currently popular "Joyful Reunion".

"This film, 'Joyful Reunion,' produced by Shanghai Film Studio is truly remarkable. It seems to have a budget of only 20 yuan, yet it has the aura of a blockbuster, and the whole country is optimistic about it," Director Wang exclaimed.

Since the topic has come up, Wei Ming tentatively asked, "Zhu Lin, the female lead of 'Joyful Reunion,' also acted in our factory's 'Mourning,' is there any possibility of bringing her in?"

Wang Yang flicked his cigarette ash: "Xiao Zhu is a good prospect. We've discussed her future at the studio several times, but the Beijing Film Studio already has enough actors. This year, we have Gong Xue and Fang Shu as well. Even if Comrade Gong Xue doesn't have many roles to play, it might be difficult to decide."

Another factor is Zhu Lin's age, which makes people feel that her potential is limited.

Wei Ming breathed a sigh of relief. He was worried that Xue Jie and Lin Jie worked in the same company and might even become friends, which would put him in a real predicament.

However, saying that you can't move an inch without a work unit these days is an exaggeration, but traveling is really inconvenient, and a letter of introduction with an official seal is very important.

We still need to find a job for Sister Lin; her research institute certainly can't tolerate her being away from her post for too long.

Wei Ming then bid farewell to Factory Director Wang and, with Lin Jie's matter in mind, went to find Xue Jie.

Meanwhile, Gong Xue was talking to her younger sister, Gong Ying. She had come over after seeing her boyfriend off, and had something she wanted to discuss with her older sister.

"What?! Settle down in Hong Kong?!" Gong Xue's voice suddenly rose.

“Yes, he wants to drop out of school and focus on making comics in Hong Kong. This is actually your boyfriend’s business, with Ah Long contributing his technology and management skills,” Gong Ying said.

Liu Rulong and Wei Ming haven't mentioned this matter yet, because he needs to get Gong Ying's consent first. He had been thinking about this matter during his time in Hong Kong. Remote command was fraught with difficulties, huge communication costs, and poor efficiency and results.

He and Ah Ming must have one of them stay in Hong Kong to control the overall direction; otherwise, "Madman Comics" will only be able to keep pouring money into it for the next two years without seeing any output.

If someone has to make a sacrifice, he would rather it be himself.

Gong Xue didn't have time to think about how unbelievable it was that her boyfriend had bought a comic book company in Hong Kong; her mind was filled with thoughts of her younger sister's future.

"So, does that mean you're going to become a Hong Konger too?" Gong Xue asked.

Gong Ying: "At first, only Ah Long could apply for Hong Kong residency through his father, while I could probably only do so after I married him."

"This……"

Although people in Shanghai are eager to marry foreigners, Hong Kong at this time is not much different from foreign countries; in any case, it is paradise in their hearts.

Gong Xue was still reluctant to part with his sister. Even if he married and moved to Yanjing, at least he would still be on the mainland.

Traveling from Shanghai to Hong Kong is much more difficult than traveling from Shanghai to Beijing. They are like two different worlds. I wonder when Hong Kong will be taken back.

As the two were struggling with their decision, Wei Ming knocked on the door.

"Who?"

"I."

Upon hearing the familiar voice, Gong Xue stood up in a fluster. Why was he here today?
Gong Xue quickly glanced at herself in the mirror and, finding herself in a good state, opened the door.

Wei Ming had already made sure no one was around, and as soon as he opened the door, he was about to hug her when he saw his sister-in-law, Gong Ying.

“Ah Ying, you’re here too.” Wei Ming’s movements were stiff.

Gong Ying looked at the two of them and nodded awkwardly.

Gong Xue let Wei Ming in, closed the door, and went straight to the matter of A Long and his sister.

"Ah, Ah Long wants to drop out of school!"

"You don't know either?"

“He didn’t tell me,” Wei Ming said, pacing back and forth. “But Ah Long is doing this for our company, and it’s definitely better than us handing the company over to the Hong Kong people to run themselves.”

"Do I really have to go to Hong Kong with him?" Gong Ying had both curiosity and longing for the capitalist world, as well as worry and reluctance to leave her family and go to a strange world.

Wei Ming advised, "Aying, why don't you treat it as a trip and spend some time with Along there, like a summer vacation? If you don't like it or can't adapt, just tell him directly. I believe you are definitely more important to him than comics."

Gong Xue held her younger sister's hand: "I think Xiao Wei is right. You can go and try it out. The living conditions there are definitely better than here. Maybe you'll like it."

Wei Ming added, "We're going to Shanghai next, so let's have Ah Long go home with you and explain this to your parents so they won't worry and overthink things."

This meeting with the parents might involve discussing marriage. Gong Ying was a little shy, but it was necessary; otherwise, how could her parents feel at ease letting their youngest daughter go to Hong Kong?

Thinking of her embarrassing moment, Gong Ying simply changed the subject: "Then, sister, would you like to come back to Shanghai with us this time, so that Teacher Wei can meet Mom and Dad?"

Gong Xue knew her own situation well; her situation with Xiao Wei was unusual, so she definitely couldn't just bring Xiao Wei home directly.

"Don't worry about our business. I work for the Beijing Film Studio. Why would I run to Shanghai for no reason? People will think I still have ties with the Shanghai Film Studio." Gong Xue then gave A Ying various hints that she should leave.

Gong Ying deliberately stirred things up: "Oh dear, Teacher Wei, are these all gifts for my sister? What brand is this? It's not in English, is it..."

Wei Ming picked out two French cosmetics and handed them to Gong Ying. Only then did she realize, "Oh dear, I think I should go now. I have to go to Xintiandi. I should tell them before I leave."

As soon as Gong Ying left, Wei Ming immediately picked up Sister Xue and spun her around in the small room.

Sister Xue patted Wei Ming and told her to put him down, afraid that this naughty boy would cause trouble right there.

"Why are you buying so much stuff? People will have a hard time explaining it if they see it."

"If you can't explain it, then don't. I'd like to see who at the Beijing Film Studio dares to gossip about you."

"I know you're capable, but when did you become this capable at the Beijing Film Studio?" Gong Xue chuckled.

"Of course," Wei Ming instructed Xue Jie. "Before I came back, Director Li Hanxiang entrusted me with the casting of the main roles in the two films, 'The Burning of the Yuanmingyuan' and 'The Empress Dowager.' He asked me to help him find actors. All you have to do is spread the word and declare that you are not involved. For the next period of time, the actresses at the Beijing Film Studio will treat you like a sister."

"But why can't I participate? I can compete fairly." Xue, who had no chance to act, was unconvinced.

Wei Ming said directly: "Although there are many actors in this film, the core is Empress Dowager Cixi. Your appearance and style are not suitable for playing Empress Dowager Cixi. Since you can't play the female lead, there is no need for you to be someone else's supporting role."

Also, Xue Jie's ancient costume look is not as good as her modern drama look; she should play to her strengths and avoid her weaknesses.

Gong Xue thought Xiao Wei's words made sense. Wei Ming glanced out the window and saw that Gong Ying had already gone far away. He said, "Let's go too."

"Where to?" "A courtyard house, we can't fit in here."

Gong Xue shyly buried her head in his chest: "But what if your parents are here?"

"Don't worry, my mother should be back at the Overseas Chinese Apartment by now."

The two set off immediately, and once they arrived at the courtyard, they got right to work.

Gong Xue was relieved by the rain after a long drought, but once he had quenched his thirst, he began to worry about another parched land.

She wondered when Xiao Wei would go and loosen the soil for Sister Zhu Lin. Just thinking about it made her feel a strange mix of bittersweet emotions.

~
Unity Lake.

At this moment, Zhu Lin also knew that Wei Ming had returned, because she saw Zhao Debiao.

Biaozi carried a lot of things in large and small bags, some for his parents, some for Xiaomei, but mainly for his wife and future children, and many new clothes for Xintiandi.

This also includes the jackets and underwear he endorses. He spent a long time talking with his wife, and in the evening they went for a walk, where they ran into Zhu Lin, who was returning from filming.

Biaozi's return meant that Xiao Wei was back too, but once they went upstairs, the house still felt deserted.

It's unclear whether Xiao Wei was spending time with his family or with Xiao Xue at that moment.

Since he couldn't find Wei Ming, Zhu Lin went to Biaozi and his wife's house, hoping to find out from Biaozi about Wei Ming's experiences in Hong Kong and England.

Biaozi said whatever he could.

"Our movie was a huge success, mainly because Ming was brilliant. He first came up with the gimmick of a tug-of-war with an elephant, and then..."

After mentioning the film's box office success, he also mentioned that Wei Ming had found a aunt in Hong Kong.

"She's beautiful, young, and highly educated. She's also a business owner, and apparently a foreign friend who came back with her this time."

Yanzi asked, "Are you sure it's Aunt?"

"How could it be fake? It's probably from Ming's great-grandfather's line. You know, he can't go into too much detail."

Zhu Lin felt a little relieved, and Biaozi continued, "But the most impressive one has to be Ming Ge, whose song shocked the entire Hong Kong. Do you know how much money he made from an English song he wrote before?"

Zhu Lin guessed it must be the song "Moonlight Shadow": "How much? Ten thousand?"

Biaozi's face flushed with excitement: "Add two more zeros, and it'll be a million!"

Yanzi and Zhu Lin paused mid-eaten macadamia nuts. One million?!
Biaozi chuckled and said, "I bet everyone in Hong Kong has the same expression as you guys. You're all shocked. And that's a conservative estimate. Ming said that making a million dollars in the future wouldn't be a problem."

Yanzi did the math. It's been almost a year since Oriental New World was established, and all the shareholders combined haven't made that much money. No wonder Teacher Wei doesn't seem to care much about their business and hasn't even checked the accounts.

As a woman who had been intimate with that big boy, Shui Ru, Zhu Lin was pleased with Xiao Wei's great achievements, but after the joy, she only felt a huge emptiness.

Besides the age gap, the gap in their wealth and careers has now become insurmountable, and the confidence he had painstakingly built up through "Happy Family" has been ruthlessly crushed.

Later, Mei Wenhua and Xu Yunyun also came over. Zhu Lin had a meal with everyone before leaving. They were all in pairs and would soon be having a baby, while he was all alone.

The more I think about it, the more miserable it seems; it's even more tragic than Dou E's tragedy.

Meanwhile, the other side was getting stronger and stronger, and Sister Xue was starting to feel the strain. She suggested that everyone put on their clothes and go to sleep, otherwise things might get out of hand again.

Wei Ming leaned close to Xue Jie and said, "But it's so hot wearing clothes in the middle of summer."

"If it's hot, don't stand so close."

“Didn’t you want to hear about my experiences in England and Hong Kong? How can you hear me from so far away? Do you expect me to shout through a megaphone?” Wei Ming continued to lean closer and chat slowly, omitting some details when talking about Melinda and focusing on his cooperation with the British.

Gong Xue remained vigilant and woke Wei Ming up early in the morning to avoid being blocked at the door by the aunt.

In fact, Xu Shufen made a decision last night when she only saw her son's luggage but not him, and she was determined not to go to the courtyard house tomorrow morning.

Wei Ming didn't stay in bed either. With two girlfriends, he was most afraid of not being able to treat them equally. He spent time with Sister Xue last night, so he would definitely spend more time with Sister Lin today.

So he simply dropped Gong Xue off at the entrance of the Beijing Film Studio and then turned and left.

It was still early; Wei Ming bet that Zhu Lin hadn't gotten up yet.

As it turned out, his gamble paid off. When Wei Ming opened the door and entered the room, Zhu Lin was still curled up in bed, having gone to bed late the night before due to excessive worry.

As July arrived, a cooling mat was put on the bed, and Zhu Lin was dressed lightly, with only a towel covering her waist and abdomen.

Wei Ming gently got into bed and hugged her from behind, and heard the Queen Sister let out a soft moan.

She was already awake and knew the brat was here.

"You finally decided to come back." His sister rolled over and hugged him too.

Wei Ming hugged her tighter: "I've been looking forward to this day and night. I came back as soon as I finished my work. Holding you in my arms feels so reassuring."

Xiao Wei's words were as pleasant to hear as ever, and Zhu Lin felt a sense of calm despite all the grievances she had.

“I’ve heard that ‘Joyful Reunion’ is all the rage now. Everyone’s talking about Shui Lian. You’ve become the spokesperson for a good Chinese daughter-in-law.”

"Oh dear, it's all thanks to the hard work of all the staff."

Wei Ming laughed and said, "We haven't even received the award yet, but we've already thought of the award speech."

Zhu Lin looked up at the young man earnestly: "Do you think I can win an award next year?"

Wei Ming said, "The chances of winning the Hundred Flowers Award are still very high."

Lin Jie's acting skills are still at a beginner level, and Shui Lian is not exactly her comfort zone. She can only be said to have done a passable job, but she definitely has no chance of winning the Golden Rooster Award. Let's see how many fans her pretty face can attract.

As they talked, their lips drew closer and closer, when Zhu Lin suddenly stood up and said, "I'm going to the restroom."

When she returned, there were several small items on the bed, including a gold necklace, a gold bracelet, and a gold ring, which looked to weigh about a pound in total.

Is this real gold?

"Of course, it was bought by Chow Tai Fook." Sister Xue and Sister Lin both received some, and this time he bought a different style. Even if it's not appropriate to wear it now, it's always good to collect gold.

Zhu Lin didn't know who Chow Tai Fook was, but she thought the gold jewelry was very beautiful and had a great design. Later, Wei Ming had her put on the jewelry, and she immediately looked incredibly wealthy.

~
Wei Ming didn't leave until noon. He had been home for so long, it was time to see his mother.

Moreover, her biological mother also received a gift, a gold bracelet similar to that of her maternal grandmother.

Wei Ming used US dollars to buy gold, and he was already a VIP at Chow Tai Fook.

When is Dad coming back?

"It'll probably be evening soon." Xu Shufen looked at the bracelet on her hand and wondered when Jiefang would give her one like this.

"Then I'll go to Uncle Ping'an's place first." Wei Ming picked out a gift for Uncle Ping'an's family from among the many pieces of luggage.

Before going to Uncle Ping'an's house, he first went to the post office to make a long-distance call to his hometown in Ya'an, asking Long Xiaoyang to come to Beijing to pick up his grandmother, and he would pay for the travel expenses himself.

Then I went back to Peking University. The holiday was coming up soon, and I thought it was time for me, the librarian, to show my face, even if it was a sinecure.

After leaving Peking University, another package of letters from all over the country appeared in the back seat of his car.

Finally, he paid a visit, just in time for lunch.

"Xiaoming, you're finally back! I thought you were having so much fun in Hong Kong that you didn't want to leave," Aunt Xiaoyan teased him.

Wei Ming immediately presented gifts: one for Aunt Xiaoyan, one for Xizi, and one for Lele.

Wei Ping'an looked expectantly at Wei Ming's bag, only to see him simply put it away.

"No?"

"Uncle, I brought you a big gift, but you have to go to Shanghai to sign for it yourself~" Wei Ming said mysteriously to him.

(End of this chapter)