Siheyuan, Shazhu: I have both parents in this life

Chapter 376 The Fate of the Script

After Director Yang returned, he sent He Yaozong's script to a screenwriter at the August First Film Studio for him to review, and specifically instructed him not to circulate it outside the studio.

The screenwriter was so excited after reading it that he immediately pulled aside a director he was on good terms with to discuss it, because he definitely wanted to see the script.

Then the two of them submitted the script. After the initial excitement, Director Yang's screenwriter friend remembered his old friend's advice and hurriedly called Director Yang to apologize.

Director Yang naturally wouldn't speak kindly to him. Submitting it for review without the author's consent is not the behavior of filmmakers; they should respect copyright more.

The screenwriter was so ashamed that he asked where the original author was and if he could come to the August First Film Studio to meet him.

Yang Jie replied, "Just wait, they might not be willing to come."

"Huh? Why!"

"They're in Hong Kong."

"That script was written by someone from Hong Kong? How could that be?"

"They went to the military to experience life there."

"Oh, okay! Then please invite me. I feel like we haven't had enough."

"Okay, I'll try."

He Yaozong took the phone, listened for a few moments, and then said, "Director Yang, please speak slowly, don't be angry. August First Film Studio? It's been submitted?"

"Yes, I'm sorry, I didn't get your permission."

"Director Yang, please don't say that. It's not your fault. If it could be filmed domestically, that would be fine, but the content..."

"They invited you over there, so it's impossible for them to leave things as they are. It would be better if you took charge of the paper yourself."

“I’ll think about it,” He Yaozong said.

After hanging up the phone, He Yaozong said to He Yuzhu and Xiaoman during dinner.

"Dad, Mom, I want to go to the mainland."

"What is it?" He Yuzhu asked.

"It was Director Yang who called. She said she showed my military script to an old friend at the August First Film Studio, intending to ask for advice on the feasibility of filming this type of subject matter. Unexpectedly, that old friend thought the script was very good and submitted it directly to the studio's review panel."

"And then?" He Yuzhu asked calmly.

"Then, the studio's internal review approved it, believing that the subject matter was positive, the characters were solid, and it was worth filming. They invited me to the August First Film Studio to participate in the further revision of the script, which can be considered as co-writing."

He Yuzhu pondered for a moment, then asked his son, "What do you think?"

"I want to go and learn about it, since Hong Kong can't film military dramas; they don't have the resources."

"You can decide your own affairs, but when you get there, tell your third uncle about the copyright issues. You need to talk to them about it. Your brother is busy with other things lately and can't help you."

"Okay, this time it's going to take quite a while."

"That's alright. You can go back and spend more time with your grandparents. The August First Film Studio is right next to Beijing."

"it is good."

"There's one more thing I need to remind you. That's not an ordinary place. There are many rules and restrictions. It's not as free as Hong Kong. Once you go there, you'll have to abide by the discipline and work methods there."

“I know, I’ve served in the military, I think I’m fine, but nobody cares about me here at the cultural company.”

"The cultural company was originally intended for you two brothers to practice, so a little extra time won't make a difference."

"understood."

Then He Yaozong called Director Yang and accepted the invitation.

Director Yang told him to go back to Beijing and contact her. He Yuzhu packed his bags and embarked on his journey north.

Upon arriving in Beijing, he went straight back to No. 95 Courtyard. He Daqing and Chen Lanxiang were naturally very happy to have their grandson come back to keep them company.

After settling in, He Yaozong called Director Yang and the next day drove him to the August First Film Studio.

He Yaozong's work and life at the August First Film Studio began from then on.

The factory originally wanted to arrange a temporary dormitory for him, but he refused, saying that he needed to go back to Beijing every day to be with his elderly relatives.

So they gave him an access pass and a workstation.

He holds daily meetings with senior writers to discuss script revisions.

"Comrade Yaozong, the scene where the new recruit secretly cries because he misses home at night is very realistic and good. But the way you handle his argument with the squad leader later could be reconsidered to better reflect military discipline and the growth of the soldiers," said an older screenwriter, pushing up his glasses.

He Yaozong carefully wrote down: "I understand. I will change it to the class monitor patiently guiding me in private, instead of confronting me in public."

"Yes, this way, the contradictions are preserved, but the positive aspects are also enhanced."

Revising a script is a grueling task; every single word and phrase must be scrutinized.

He Yaozong often stayed up late into the night, repeatedly deliberating.

He felt the pressure, but he also learned a lot of narrative skills and nuances that he couldn't learn in Hong Kong.

In his spare time, he would take his grandparents for a drive around, along with his aunt and cousin, mainly because He Yuxin didn't have time.

Gong Xue was very interested in the script and asked carefully about the character settings.

“Yaozong, your role as a female military doctor has a lot of potential. If the studio decides to film it and the timing is right, I can give it a try,” Gong Xue said gently.

He Yaozong said, "I can report it, but whether you can get into the crew depends on you, Third Aunt!"

"That's okay, the role was earned through my own abilities."

"Row."

After returning home, He Yaozong thought of his fifth aunt, Zhou Baige, a female doctor with a somewhat dashing air. He had written the book based on Zhou Baige's style, so he made a special call to Huacheng.

The person who answered the phone was Zhou Baige. "Yaozong, why are you calling? Is something wrong with your grandparents?"

"Things are fine at Fifth Aunt's house, that's what I wanted to tell you."

“I’ve heard your fifth uncle talk about the script, but…” she paused, her voice filled with joy and apology, “I haven’t been feeling well lately, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to act in it.”

He Yuyan's voice rang out from the side, and she picked up the phone to add, "You brat, you're going to be a big brother again! Your fifth aunt is pregnant and needs to rest and recuperate. How can she go out to film and cause trouble?"

He Yaozong was taken aback at first, then smiled and said, "Fifth Uncle, Fifth Aunt, congratulations! That's wonderful! Filming doesn't matter, Fifth Aunt's health is the most important!"

"Heh heh, now that you've joined the film studio, shouldn't you also take care of your own problems?"

"This is not urgent."

"What's the rush? If there's a good opportunity, take the initiative, just like your fifth uncle did."

"How can you teach your child like that?" Zhou Baige scolded from the other side.

Am I wrong?

“Yes, yes, yes!” Zhou Baige said irritably.

He Yaozong was amused by what he heard and almost burst out laughing.

"Alright, stop trying to get close to your aunt. I might consider it if there's a role for your uncle!" He Yuyan joked.

"No problem, it might even involve your entire company."

"real or fake?"

"Just like what your company wrote."

"You know what, it's actually quite possible. I'll be waiting to see." He Yuyan said with a smile.

“Yes, I can ask,” He Yaozong said.

The news of Zhou Baige's pregnancy quickly spread throughout the He family.

He Daqing and Chen Lanxiang were overjoyed, constantly remarking on the prosperity of the He family.

When He Yuzhu and Xiaoman learned about this in Hong Kong, they called to congratulate the couple.

The script revision work has entered its final stage, and the small conference room at the August First Film Studio is filled with smoke. Several veteran screenwriters, a senior director, along with He Yaozong and Director Yang, sit together to discuss the final plan.

"Comrade Yaozong's original battlefield memoirs were very realistic and full of emotion." An elderly editor with gray hair stubbed out his cigarette. "But considering the overall direction and length, I think it can be condensed into several flashbacks, focusing on how the troops digested their experience and devoted themselves to the new military revolution after the war."

The director nodded in agreement: "Yes, what we want to highlight is the sense of mission and enterprising spirit of soldiers in peacetime. For example, how the combat experience that the protagonist, the company commander, brings back from the battlefield is applied to daily training, and how he leads the entire company to study new equipment and new tactics."

He Yaozong listened attentively, taking notes of the key points in his notebook. His initial stories focused more on the growth and trauma of individuals during the war, but now he needed to elevate his perspective to the collective and the era.

Then he said, "I understand. We can focus on the process of the officers and soldiers going from being unfamiliar with the new equipment to becoming proficient in it, and then proposing tactical innovations after the troops receive it."

“This not only showcases the achievements of modernization but also embodies the indomitable spirit of revolutionary soldiers. I think the name could be ‘Quenched Steel Knife’ or ‘Foundation Stone,’ symbolizing that the troops are tempered into steel in a peaceful environment, becoming a solid foundation for defending the country,” He Yaozong continued.

After repeated deliberations, the title "The Cornerstone" gained the approval of most people. The direction of the script was also finalized: using a heroic company that had been tested by war as a microcosm, it shows how they overcame difficulties in the face of equipment upgrades and technological advancements in the new historical period, transformed their combat experience into training motivation, and ultimately grew into a benchmark for the entire army.

Gong Xue received an invitation from the August First Film Studio to audition.

"Director, screenwriter, I really like the character 'Lin Jing,' the military doctor. She is not only a technical backbone, but also a bridge connecting the hearts of officers and soldiers. If the production team thinks she is suitable, I am willing to do my best to seize this opportunity."

The director was satisfied with Gong Xue's image and professionalism, but still had concerns: "Comrade Gong Xue, you have excellent qualities and have won awards. However, this role involves many scenes of field medics and training, which will be quite demanding. I heard you just had a baby."

"Don't worry, director, I can endure hardship. To get closer to the character, I can go to the military beforehand to experience life there and learn basic medical care and field first aid procedures," Gong Xue said.

Her sincerity and professionalism impressed the director and producers, and after comprehensive consideration, Gong Xue was successfully selected to play the role of female military doctor Lin Jing.

At the same time, He Yaozong also called He Yuyan of Huacheng to inform her of the direction of script revisions and the final title of the film.

He Yuyan laughed heartily on the other end of the phone: "Foundation Stone? What a great name! We soldiers are like bricks and foundation stones of the nation! You did a great job this time! When your fifth aunt gives birth, I'll bring her and the little one to visit you on set!"

"Fifth Uncle, the script still has a place reserved for your Seventh Company. There will definitely be a lot of 'real' soldiers to cooperate in the filming."

"No problem! The entire Seventh Company guarantees to complete the mission! It's also a good opportunity to test our training results!"

In August, the crew of "The Cornerstone" officially started filming at a military camp in northern China.

Without a grand opening ceremony, the main cast and crew gave a brief report to the military leaders and representatives of the officers and soldiers before immersing themselves in the intense filming process.

The first scene is a night scene depicting the soldiers at a loss when faced with a complex operating manual after the company receives new equipment.

Gong Xue cut her hair short, wore a well-fitting military uniform, and rehearsed and practiced her positions repeatedly under the searchlights with the other actors.

It was the height of summer, and the weather was scorching hot, but she didn't care at all and focused on understanding the character's state.

Ho Yiu-chung, as a co-writer, was on set the entire time.

He felt a great sense of accomplishment as he watched the characters and plots he had created gradually come to life under the direction of the director and the performance of the actors.

He also deeply realized that creating mainstream works in mainland China requires not only artistic inspiration, but also a heavy social responsibility.

The actual filming of the military equipment actually took place in Guangdong Province. Other units didn't have that kind of equipment, and even if they borrowed it, they wouldn't be able to use it properly, so they could only go to Xiong Jie's division.

"What? Really?" Xiong Jie slapped his thigh in excitement upon receiving the notification.

"Old Xiong, doesn't it hurt?" Yu Congrong appeared out of nowhere.

"Hahahaha." Xiong Jie slapped Yu Congrong twice on the shoulder.

"Hiss, what's wrong with you?"

"Our division is about to become famous."

"What kind of fame?" Yu Congrong asked.

"To film TV dramas and appear on television," Xiong Jie said.

"what?"

"Here's what happened," Xiong Jie explained briefly.

"The second son of the Zhu family is quite something, he actually made it happen. Has the military region agreed to this?" Yu Congrong said with a smile.

"Yes, I just received the notification."

What preparations should we make?

"Let's wait until the August First Film Studio arrives. How would I know exactly what they want to film!"

"Oh, that's great news! I'll go tell Wanli."

"Qianli goes without saying; he should have known this before I did."

Shortly afterward, the film crew moved into a unit of the Guangdong Provincial Military Region and began filming.

Filming real soldiers in a real military camp environment naturally results in a vivid portrayal.

The officers and soldiers went from being embarrassed and at a loss at first to being true to themselves, adding a lot of authenticity to the filming beyond the script.

During a break in filming, Gong Xue took the time to visit Zhou Baige, who was resting at home during her pregnancy.

"Fifth sister-in-law, how are you feeling?" Gong Xue asked with concern, looking at Zhou Baige's slightly protruding belly.

"It's fine, but sometimes it gets a bit boring." Zhou Baige smiled and pulled Gong Xue to sit down. "You guys have it tough filming. I think Yaozong's story is pretty good, but he portrayed me like that, which is kind of embarrassing."

"Fifth Aunt, please don't say that. You and Fifth Uncle are perfect role models," He Yaozong, who happened to be visiting, chimed in. "The director even praised them, saying that our soldiers' performances were so natural and the effect was incredibly realistic."

Zhou Baige chuckled: "If your fifth uncle knew he was going to be on TV, he'd probably be so vain. By the way, third sister-in-law, is filming tiring?"

Gong Xue shook her head: "It's alright, everyone in the crew took good care of me. It's just that the weather in the south is much hotter than in Beijing. Wearing a military uniform, I was covered in sweat in no time."

The two sisters-in-law chatted about everyday things, sharing their work and lives, and then He Yaozong took on the role of cook.

How could the men of the He family not know how to cook? This meal naturally received praise from the two aunts.

As for He Yuxin, he was extremely busy in Beijing after the New Year.

With his keen eye and accumulated network of contacts, he not only acquired several well-located courtyard houses in the heart of the old city, but also began to look for suitable residential and commercial land according to He Yuzhu's requirements.

Even Li Chengru was dragged into the effort to expand the Yellow River Group's territory in mainland China for its long-term development.

During this period, he also received several entrustments from Zhou's father, and successfully introduced several large-scale second-hand equipment to the mainland by utilizing the group's international channels.

These machines are still technologically advanced. The main reason they were sold at a bargain price is that factories and mines were forced to close due to the global economic climate. The price is naturally much lower than that of brand-new equipment.

It is worth mentioning that in one of the transactions, a certain unit in Hubei Province did not want to take out a loan and could not afford the equipment cost. They took the initiative to propose a joint venture with Yellow River. After several rounds of negotiations and signing a contract, the precision instrument factory was thus branded with the "Yellow River" name, becoming another step in Yellow River Group's efforts to deepen its industrial layout in the inland areas.

He Yuxin didn't forget about the computer industry base his older brother had mentioned. He traveled all over Beijing and finally chose Zhongguancun.

After acquiring the land, he began contacting the companies that built the Junyue building to discuss the factory construction. The other party was eager to take on such a large project, and the letter of intent was quickly signed. However, since the Junyue project was not yet completed, they had to wait.

With the factory settled, the next crucial issue is people.

He first turned his attention to Lenovo, which was gradually emerging in Zhongguancun.

In particular, Ni Guangnan, the chief engineer who led the development of the "Lenovo Chinese Character Card," was a key target he wanted to win over.

He personally visited the family and offered incredibly generous terms: a high salary, an independent laboratory, ample research funding, and even a promise to help family members find employment.

However, after several attempts, the results were not satisfactory.

Ni Guangnan was very polite, but his intention was clear: he would not go.

His team was receiving strong support from higher authorities and was determined to create a computer that truly belonged to China. Although the offer from He Yuxin was tempting, the "foreign investment" background made them somewhat hesitant, and they ultimately declined the invitation.

The failed attempt to poach the talent left He Yuxin feeling somewhat frustrated.

He called He Yuzhu in Hong Kong to report the situation, his tone tinged with helplessness: "Brother, we couldn't reach an agreement with Lenovo. Engineer Ni and his team have lofty ambitions and feel that our organization might not be 'politically sound' enough."

On the other end of the phone, He Yuzhu laughed and said, "This is nothing. Besides, you can't force things. They probably won't realize what we're doing until ten or twenty years from now. It's a matter of vision and choice. They'll regret it for the rest of their lives."

"Is it really that much praise?" He Yuxin asked in surprise.

"Yes, but we'll have to see if they're qualified when they want to come in the future."

“However, there are too few experienced people in this field in China,” He Yuxin said, frowning.

"Actually, there are quite a few, but they're all in places you don't know about."

"How to say?"

"You have quite a few connections now. Go ask those research institutes. Those who have great ambitions but are unable to realize them due to limited resources are the ones we should be looking for."

"Ah, I thought about those places, but I didn't go because I thought they were unsuitable for poaching people."

"What are you afraid of? Just go if you're supposed to. It's not like we're poaching people from abroad. I remember reading some internal documents a couple of years ago. There was an engineer named Wang Shoujue at Shanghai Radio Factory No. 14 who had great ideas about analog circuits; and another expert named Xu Juyan who had great insights into integrated circuit design. There are many like that. You should send someone to make contact with them. Don't interfere with their normal work. Be sincere and listen to what they need."

"it is good."

"In addition, I can help you transfer a few key personnel to the Singapore lab to set up the initial framework and mentor the newcomers."

"Well, there's no rush. The factory hasn't even started construction yet."

“It’s a factory, but you can rent a place to set up a laboratory first. As for the equipment, we’ll provide you with a complete set according to Singapore standards.”

"Great."

"You should also keep an eye out for universities, and there's a wave of talent in Shandong province that you could check out. There should be quite a few talented people there."

"Brother, how come you have better access to information in Hong Kong than I do on the mainland? Is there some other source of information you haven't told me?"

"Read more newspapers."

"Ok."

(End of this chapter)