Exciting 1979!

Chapter 375 Chief Consultant of the Journey to the West Production Team

Seeing that her son's guests had arrived, Xu Shufen took out the lunchbox, packed the food, and said, "You all eat, I'll be going now."

Li Chengru hurriedly said, "Auntie, don't go! You've prepared such a big table of food for us, please eat with us."

Xu Shufen picked up her lunchbox: "I still have to deliver lunch to my husband, Lao Wei. He doesn't like the food served at his workplace."

Yang Jie remarked with admiration, "Teacher Wei, your parents have such a wonderful relationship."

Li Chengru said, "Uncle Wei is eloquent and not an ordinary person. He collected many of the good things in this house."

Wei Ming laughed and said, "Old Li, you've found out quite a lot."

Li Chengru quickly replied, "I didn't ask on purpose. I saw it once when I was helping to carry things."

Wei Ming pointed to the table under the tree in the courtyard: "Please sit down, everyone, and let's eat and chat."

A small square table, with each of the four people occupying one side. Wang Chongqiu looked around Wei Ming's secluded courtyard. It wasn't large, but it was very elegantly arranged, without the cramped and messy atmosphere of those alley courtyards. It must be very comfortable to live in. It was clearly the residence of an elegant scholar. Only the row of cabbages and green onions seemed a little out of place.

"My mother is from Sichuan, so I don't know if these dishes will suit everyone's taste."

Yang Jie: "It's definitely a good match. I'm also from Sichuan. I grew up in Shanghai, but I went back to Sichuan when I got older."

She then introduced Wang Chongqiu, who was standing next to her: "This is my husband, Wang Chongqiu, from Hubei. He is also the cinematographer for our 'Journey to the West' production team."

Wei Ming nodded, showing no surprise whatsoever, and simply smiled, "Have we met before?"

Wang Chongqiu: "Teacher Wei has a good memory. I was the photographer at Masashi Sada's concert."

"Nice to meet you." Wei Ming shook hands with him.

He wasn't surprised because he already knew about their relationship. Later, when he entered the film and television industry, he had some interaction with Wang Chongqiu, so he was naturally aware of their May-December romance.

However, in Li Chengru's opinion, it was perfectly normal for Teacher Wei not to be surprised, since he and Wang Chongqiu shared the same hobby.

At this moment, Yang Jie had already taken a bite of Mapo Tofu. She exclaimed in amazement, "What I said just now was just polite talk. Now I'm speaking from the heart. Your mother's cooking skills are truly superb."

Wei Ming also praised, "If I hadn't stopped her, my mother would definitely have opened a private restaurant."

Li Chengru: "Individual restaurants can make money now, of course, it can't compare to your Xintiandi restaurant, Teacher Wei."

Yang Jie was startled again: "Xintiandi is yours too?"

"I opened this business with a friend, so I'm just a hands-off manager." As he spoke, Wei Ming opened another bottle of wine and chatted while drinking.

"Director Yang, your courage in making 'Journey to the West' is truly admirable, but the difficulties are also obvious. Tell me, is there anything I, Xiao Wei, can do for you?"

Yang Jie didn't mince words: "I heard that Teacher Wei knows a lot about 'Journey to the West,' so I would like to invite you to participate in our scriptwriting work."

Wei Ming replied directly, "I can't accept it. I'm the kind of person who can't stay in one place. I'm going to Hong Kong next month, and I'll probably be traveling to many places next year. I'm afraid I'll interfere with your important business."

As a screenwriter, you need to be available whenever the director wants to work with you; what Wei Ming said is an objectively existing problem.

Actually, Yang Jie didn't really want Wei Ming to be a screenwriter. She still didn't want to use someone too assertive. Wei Ming became famous at a young age and had a very high reputation both at home and abroad. She was afraid she wouldn't be able to control such a person, even before her aunt got divorced.

Hearing Wei Ming say this, Yang Jie added, "Then you can write a few songs for us about Journey to the West, right? I believe your music will definitely add luster to this work."

Wei Ming felt that writing it was certainly possible, but it wouldn't be very meaningful, because the collaboration between Yan Su and Xu Jingqing was already perfect, and Journey to the West had given birth to countless classics. Moreover, even if Wei Ming wrote it ahead of time, he wouldn't make much money.

He shook his head: "If it's just about writing a few songs, I think that would be a waste of my talents."

Wang Chongqiu nodded. With Wei Ming's current achievements, he was qualified to say such things.

Yang Jie knew that Wei Ming had rejected her again, but he seemed to have bigger plans.

The clever Li Chengru hurriedly said, "Of course! Teacher Wei's abilities are far more than that, but you still have to create and work at Peking University, so you can't fully devote yourself to our Journey to the West crew. What should we do?"

He said that as a prelude, letting Wei Ming say it himself.

Wei Ming smiled and said, "I can be a consultant, an unofficial member, to provide the crew with suggestions on actors and locations. If the crew has any other difficulties, big or small, you can confide in me. I will do my best to help."

Yang Jie thought this was a good idea; it would allow her to manage things without affecting her authority.

Li Chengru immediately praised, "That's great! Teacher Wei is knowledgeable and has many friends. He can save us a lot of trouble."

However, Yang Jie also wanted to test whether Wei Ming, this so-called consultant, was reliable.

So she asked, "The most crucial character in Journey to the West is Sun Wukong. Professor Wei, do you have any good suggestions?"

Wei Ming: "It would be inappropriate for me to designate someone to play the role. I can give you a few options, Director Yang. One is Dong Zhihua from the China Academy of Traditional Opera. He has performed the Peking Opera 'Havoc in Heaven.' His figure, age, and skills are all good. Another option is Liu Ling Tong, the Southern School Monkey King. He is too old, but his youngest son, Liu Xiao Ling Tong, has been learning the art from his father since childhood. He is very monkey-like and his age is also suitable."

At this moment, Wang Chongqiu asked, "Then are there also Northern School Monkey Kings?"

Wei Ming pointed at Li Chengru: "Old Li, tell me why I didn't recommend the Northern School Monkey King."

This is a matter for the Peking Opera community, and Li Chengru knew perfectly well: "Is it because the two sons of Old Master Li Wanchun are not the right age?"

"Yes, one is in his forties and the other is in his thirties. It's a bit difficult for them to play Sun Wukong. Moreover, it's quite challenging to transform the Peking Opera performance style into film and television."

Yang Jie nodded; this young teacher Wei was indeed quite capable.

She then asked, "Who do you think would be suitable to play the White Bone Demon?"

"Liu Xiaoqing," Wei Ming said directly.

Li Chengru, who was drinking soup, almost choked. You really dare to think that way.

However, Wei Ming and Yang Jie had the same idea. She also felt that Liu Xiaoqing had the temperament of a female demon, which greatly increased her confidence in Wei Ming.

In fact, the White Bone Demon did approach Liu Xiaoqing in her previous life, and Liu Xiaoqing was willing to come. However, she requested to play the White Bone Demon as well as the young girl and the old woman that the White Bone Demon transformed into, playing three roles in one person, challenging her own limits.

Yang Jie refused, and Liu Xiaoqing had too many film offers and didn't have time to argue with her, so she had to choose someone else and found Yang Chunxia.

She was tricked into coming here. They promised her that she could play the White Bone Demon and the Queen of the Women's Kingdom at the same time, which is why she agreed to come. In the end, Zhu Lin was chosen as the Queen.

"But would Liu Xiaoqing agree? She's such a big star." Wang Chongqiu voiced Li Chengru's concerns.

Wei Ming said, "I can personally invite her; she will give me face."

After all, the female lead for "The Empress Dowager" hasn't been officially confirmed yet, and she will tell Liu Xiaoqing that Zhu Lin and Gong Xue will both be in the show. Given her personality, she definitely wants to compete with Gong Xue and Zhu Lin from the south in the same show.

Li Chengru laughed and said, "Look, this is why it's necessary to invite Teacher Wei to be the consultant. Not to mention Liu Xiaoqing, he could invite even Zhu Lin from the North and Gong Xue from the South."

Yang Jie did indeed intend to recruit the most beautiful women in the world for Journey to the West, but wouldn't it be too dreamy for the audience to accept Gong Xue and Zhu Lin as the two actresses in the Journey to the West?

Wei Ming said, "I do have that idea. I think Zhu Lin is very suitable for the Queen of the Women's Kingdom. Only Gong Xue hasn't been decided yet."

"Her, the Queen of the Women's Kingdom?" Yang Jie thought for a moment, but couldn't quite place it, since she had never seen Zhu Lin act in a period drama.

Seeing her hesitate, Wei Ming stood up and said, "Director Yang, please wait a moment."

He went back into the house and retrieved a photo of Zhu Lin taken on the set of "Du Shiniang".

"Director Yang, what do you think of Zhu Lin's period costume look?"

Yang Jie examined it closely: "Wow, this outfit is so expensive! What are we filming?"

"Du Shiniang".

"This doesn't resemble Du Shiniang at all, it resembles the Queen of my Women's Kingdom!"

This is the problem with the costumes and props of the "Du Shiniang" production team. The courtesan is not vulgar at all and does look more like a talented woman.

Yang Jie had some doubts about whether Wei Ming could persuade the two actresses to take the role, but Li Chengru felt that it would be easier than inviting Liu Xiaoqing.

Of course, it might be just as easy to invite Liu Xiaoqing, but I'm not entirely sure. Besides, Liu Xiaoqing seems to have a husband, right?

Next, Wei Ming suggested that Gong Xue's favorite son, Wei Xi, play the role of Red Boy, a suggestion that was unanimously approved by the other three.

After all, it's not easy to find veteran actors of Red Boy's age, and Teacher Wei Xi is a perfect fit!

However, just as Wei Ming mentioned Erlang Shen, Yinxing happened to come over and ask for a bone.

Seeing Wei Ming intently watching his dog, Director Yang quickly said, "Teacher Wei, we really can't let him play the role of Xiaotian Dog. Xiaotian Dog is a greyhound! It's too strong!"

Wei Ming lost a bone: "Director Yang misunderstood. I was wondering if it could play a lion spirit."

"puff!"

"Hahaha~"

After the jokes, they started talking about the location.

Wei Ming took out the photos he had taken at some famous scenic spots in Yunnan, Sichuan, and Jiangsu. Yang Jie took a liking to several of them and hurriedly asked what places they were.

Some people at the station even said, "Do we really need to leave Beijing to film a Journey to the West? There are so many mountains in the suburbs, that's more than enough."

Yang Jie just wanted to say: Bah!

Instead of taking pictures of the beautiful landscapes of our motherland, you expect me to take pictures around Beijing? There's no way those pictures will be good!
Money must not be skimped on for location shooting.

For places that Wei Ming didn't have photos of, such as Huangshan, Huangguoshu Waterfall, Qingcheng Mountain, and Zhangjiajie, he recommended them to them based on his excellent memory. Wang Chongqiu had already taken out his notebook and started taking notes.

Yang Jie exclaimed that finding Wei Ming as an advisor was definitely the right decision; he was indeed very knowledgeable and experienced.

Because of the large number of scholars studying "Dream of the Red Chamber," the script needed consultants to review it. Originally, Yang Jie hadn't planned to find any consultants for "Journey to the West," but Wei Ming's appearance as a consultant was so timely, saving them so much trouble.

Wei Ming: I just don't want to suffer so much from following the updates.

However, location shooting and actors were not the biggest delays; money was the key factor.

At the end of the meal, Wei Ming wiped his mouth and asked, "Director Yang, I wonder how much funding the station approved for the Journey to the West production team?"

"The current figure is 300 million, but no official document has been issued yet."

In the end, it came to 3 million. Wei Ming knew this was 2 million less than the neighboring "Dream of the Red Chamber" project, and both of them ultimately didn't have enough and had to find sponsors from the public. "So, do you think 3 million is enough?"

Yang Jie: "The more funding we have for this kind of film, the better. We can only be very careful with the 300 million yuan we have."

Crucially, during this period, CCTV projects did not allow external funding. You could sponsor without compensation, but you could not have any ulterior motives.

Wei Ming said, "I'm going to Hong Kong next month to see if I can help raise some funds. I have some experience in getting money."

"Oh my, if it really works out, then you, Wei Ming, will be the biggest contributor to the Journey to the West production team. Your name will be listed after Wu Cheng'en's in the final cut." Yang Jie gripped Wei Ming's hand tightly.

Wei Ming laughed: "I took it seriously."

Wei Ming talked with them for more than three hours. He didn't have to go to work in the afternoon. After they parted, he went straight to find Biaozi.

Wei Ming noticed that despite their extensive conversation, the director hadn't discussed the style or direction of the TV series' adaptation. It seemed that Director Yang Jie had her own ideas and didn't want to be influenced by Wei Ming. They were discussing very specific things, including special effects.

They heard about "wire" from Wei Ming. So that's what those Hong Kong movies used to make people fly and disappear into the air!
Wei Ming also promised to help them find a wire stunt expert from Hong Kong, because they couldn't let Sun Wukong always be in danger of falling from a great height at any moment.

At that time, Chinese television professionals had very little experience with special effects. Yang Jie and others hadn't even seen the Japanese version of "Journey to the West" and were submitting a report to study it.

Wei Ming said, "The Japanese version of 'Journey to the West' only needs to be watched for its special effects. Their adaptation of 'Journey to the West' is simply nonsense. It should be understood that adaptation is not random rewriting, and fictionalization is not nonsense."

When they arrived at Biaozi's house, Biaozi was washing diapers, and Yanzi had taken her daughter out for a walk, as it would be too cold for the child to go out again.

"Biaozi, I've taken on a job."

"What kind of work is it?"

Wei Ming: "CCTV is preparing to invest heavily in filming the TV series 'Journey to the West' and has specially appointed me as its chief consultant."

"Wow, Journey to the West!" Biaozi exclaimed excitedly. "Brother Ming, you're amazing! That's Journey to the West!"

Although there is no hugely influential 86 version of "Journey to the West", the animated film "Havoc in Heaven", various comic books about Journey to the West, and operas about Journey to the West are enough to influence this group of people born in the 60s.

Wei Ming said, "Whether you want to play a role or not, I can arrange one for you and Yanzi."

Biaozi wiped his hands and excitedly shook Wei Ming's hand: "Brother Ming, I want to play the Monkey King, Sun Wukong!"

Wei Ming pulled his hand away: "Think about it again."

"I can't play Sun Wukong, what's the point?"

"Have you ever seen a Sun Wukong who is over 1.8 meters tall and weighs over 200 kilograms? If the prototype of Sun Wukong was a gorilla, you would be suitable. Unfortunately, Sun Wukong is a monkey."

“Well,” Biaozi thought for a moment, “how about you arrange for me and Yanzi to play a couple? The size of the roles doesn’t matter, as long as we’re a couple.”

Wei Ming: "What about the Bull Demon King and Princess Iron Fan?"

"That won't work."

"Aren't they a couple?" They could even play Xizi's parents.

Biaozi said, "Doesn't the Bull Demon King also have a Jade-Faced Fox? My feelings for Yanzi are unwavering, as clear as day. I wouldn't stoop to playing the role of a two-timing scumbag like that..."

As he spoke, Biaozi noticed Wei Ming's serious expression. His voice grew softer and softer. Damn it! He seemed to have said something wrong!
In fact, Wei Ming didn't think Biaozi was making veiled criticisms at all. After all, he wasn't just multitasking; he was doing three things at once, eating from one pot, occupying another bowl, and eyeing yet another plate.

His serious expression suggested he was pondering which young couples in Journey to the West would be suitable for Biaozi and Yanzi, and he finally came up with one.

"Alright, they're the ones. Tell Yanzi later. As for when this movie will be filmed, it's still uncertain. It depends on which story the director plans to film first." After saying that, Wei Ming got up to leave.

"Brother, stay for a meal, you're all alone anyway." Biaozi forcibly pulled Wei Ming, and also called Xiao Mei from next door, and the three of them went out to eat at a restaurant together.

It was a coincidence that I ran into Li Lianjie and a few of my junior teammates from the sports school.

However, Wei Mingbiao and his group planned to eat at Donglaishun, while Li Lianjie and his group planned to buy two sesame seed cakes.

"Why are you eating flatbread? Are you not full from eating mutton?" Biaozi waved his hand, telling his junior brothers to have a good meal with him, all because of the bad habits they had picked up from Wei Ming.

Other sports school students were somewhat reserved when they saw Wei Ming, who was a well-known literary figure both at home and abroad.

Li Lianjie was somewhat better, after all, he had met the President of the United States, but he was hesitant to speak to Wei Ming.

It wasn't until Wei Ming asked him, "Little Li, your 'Shaolin Temple' movie is coming out soon, right?"

Li Lianjie put down his chopsticks and said, "Well, I heard it will be released in Hong Kong before the Spring Festival, and in mainland China it will be released after the Spring Festival. I'll have to go to Hong Kong then."

Biaozi said, "That's a pity. Ming is going to Hong Kong next month, and you'll be going the month after next. You won't be able to go together. If you could go to Hong Kong together, you could also see the world with Ming."

He had been to Hong Kong before and knew that there were many restrictions when following official groups, but Ming-ge could take them wherever they wanted. The privileges of a great writer are different from those of ordinary actors.

Li Lianjie quickly asked, "Teacher Wei, why are you going to Hong Kong again?"

Could it be because of Ms. Lizhi, whom I saw at the airport that day?

Wei Ming: "I wrote a script, and Ms. Xia Meng's Bluebird will invest in its production. It will be released next month."

Biaozi boasted on his behalf, "Ming-ge even invested in it, so it'll make money once it's released!"

Li Lianjie did not refute, but he knew that good box office performance after release was the key to making money. He wondered if he could replicate the success of "Heroes Have Always Been Born Young" this time.

I don't know if I'll ever see Ms. Lizhi again.
Before he knew it, it was December. In addition to continuing his English novel writing, Wei Ming was also invited to CCTV to hold a ceremony to mark the completion of the "Journey to the West" TV series production team.

At the meeting, he met the main members of the crew: art director Peng Manli, lighting director Sun Yongfu, makeup artist Wang Xizhong, screenwriters Dai Yinglu and Zou Yiqing. Wei Ming's appearance also greatly encouraged them.

Although "Journey to the West" isn't as elegant as its neighbor "Dream of the Red Chamber," and it's full of experts and scholars, the addition of Professor Wei Ming at least makes it more refined.

~
"Seven Days of Wrong Love" will be released on the 11th. Wei Ming plans to leave on the 5th. Since this is not a direct trip, he wants to go to Shanghai first under the pretext of visiting the set of "The Legend of Sealed Book" to see Sister Lin and Sister Xue.

Then I need to go to Guangzhou to receive an award.

That day, after he got off work, he passed by Shaoyuan and saw a group of international students seeing him off.

Some of the international students had already completed their studies ahead of schedule and were preparing to return to their hometowns.

Wei Ming accompanied him for a while, and finally asked Li Aiguo when he was leaving.

"I'm going back to the US at the end of the month, and I'll be officially graduating soon."

He studied for two years, and now he has studied for two and a half years, which is considered an extended graduation period.

Wei Ming didn't have much to give him, so he just gave him a song.

Of course, it's not free.

"Inspired by Yar Electronic Music, I recently wrote a song. Why don't you take it and ask Universal Music if they're interested? Same as always, I'll give you 10% to help me get a good contract."

Li Aiguo actually knew that Wei Ming now had a Dream Factory that specifically managed the copyrights of his works, so he no longer needed to communicate with Universal through him.

But Wei Ming insisted: "Consider it a graduation gift for you; it probably doesn't cost much."

"Hey bro, that's a lot of money. I've already gotten almost $100,000 from Moonlight Shadow. You've given me more than my dad ever did!"

Wei Ming feigned distress: "Don't tell me the specific number, it will break my heart."

Joking aside, Wei Ming's first global fame was inseparable from the influence of Li Aiguo and his father.

It's worth getting to know a top American lawyer.

"So what do you plan to do after you go back to the United States?" Wei Ming asked again.

Li Aiguo shrugged: "I'll probably get a master's degree first."

Wei Ming reached out and shook hands with Li Aiguo: "I wish you success in your studies."

Li Aiguo: "When are you going to give me that song? I can't wait!"

Wei Ming: "After returning from Hong Kong, I still need to refine my skills."

The next day, Peking University's No. 1 canteen officially opened. Previously, all the canteens were named "Xue" (学), but this one is named "Yuan" (园).

Wei Ming immediately went over to show his support, because the new cafeteria had new dishes. They weren't particularly amazing, but for Wei Ming, who had already eaten at the previous cafeterias several times, the new dishes meant he could still stick with the school cafeteria.

During the meal, Pan Weiming, the student council president, and several classmates came over and sat at the same table as Wei Ming.

He said that the fundraising campaign for the bronze statues of Li Dazhao and Cai Yuanpei had raised 6000 yuan, which was almost enough.

There are more than 2,000 students in these two grades, which means that each person donated more than two yuan on average. Wei Ming thought to himself that he would have to ask Liu Zhenyun, that old miser, how much he donated.

With only a month left before graduation, Pan Weiming sighed, "It's a pity that the seniors from the class of '77 won't live to see the day the bronze statue is completed."

Wei Ming laughed and said, "It's not like they die as soon as they graduate and leave this school. Don't worry, they'll all come back for the centennial celebration, as long as they're not doing too badly."

Peking University has a strong sense of community, or rather, all prestigious universities have a strong sense of community because the university can really give students a boost when they are active in society.

On the 5th, Wei Ming took a taxi to the airport. When he landed in Shanghai, it was just noon, which was lunchtime.

He endured his hunger and prepared to go to the old house to eat Xue Jie's leftovers, but Xue Jie wasn't home, and neither was Lin Jie.

Wei Ming put down his luggage and went out, went into a restaurant to eat something, and then went to the Shanghai Animation Film Studio.

While "The Legend of the Heavenly Book" is still unfinished, I learned that two more episodes of "Black Cat Detective" have been completed and are scheduled to be broadcast to children on Shanghai TV and CCTV at the end of the month.

I got home after dark, and the lights were on upstairs, so it seemed I was back.

Wei Ming unlocked the door, entered the courtyard, and then went inside the house.

Meanwhile, in a restroom on the second floor, Zhu Lin asked, "Did you hear anything?"

Gong Xue: "No, stop beating around the bush and hurry up and take your pants off!"

……

(Today's minimum, please vote with monthly tickets!)
(End of this chapter)