1979: The child's mother is a celestial being.

Chapter 73 Further Studies (Seeking first subscription!)
Because the post-production of "The Tuner" was done at the Shanghai Film Studio, Chen Fusheng did not go directly to Beijing, but came to Shanghai instead.

But when he arrived, Han Sanping and the editor assigned to their film crew by Shanghai Film Studio had already started post-production work on the movie.

"Hey, why are you so late? Did you go to the capital to report for duty first?" Han Sanping's first words to him were a sarcastic remark.

"No, I bought a ticket for the direct train to Shanghai."

"I almost forgot, you're still busy even during the New Year. You actually had the energy to write a children's novel. No wonder you're leaving so late."

"Hey, these are two different things. We agreed to have a few more days off for the New Year, so even if I don't write novels, I'll only be here these last two days."

After saying that, Chen Fusheng looked at Han Sanping, who had a strong work ethic, and guessed, "Old Han, you didn't come to work on the seventh day of the first lunar month, did you?"

"No, I left home on the tenth of the month. I went to the capital first, and then came to Shanghai."

What are you doing in the capital?

"Let's put work aside for now, how about we go out for drinks tonight?"

Seeing that Han Sanping was still keeping it a secret, Chen Fusheng gave him a meaningful look and nodded, saying, "Still being so mysterious, fine, but you're treating."

"Damn, you've made so much money, and I still have to treat you."

"Since you organized this gathering, you should definitely pay."

"Alright, alright, let's discuss the post-production of the film first."

After get off work, Chen Fusheng and Han Sanping didn't eat at the factory canteen. Instead, they went out to a private restaurant, ordered some snacks to go with their drinks, and started drinking beer.

"Tell me, what happened?"

There was no need for formalities between the two, so after Chen Fusheng took the initiative to bump into Han Sanping, he went straight to the point and asked the question.

“I remember telling you that I majored in Chinese literature in college, and it was only after I was assigned to Emei Film Studio that I started to get involved in directing. Although I pride myself on being a quick learner, I learned the whole process of filming as soon as I joined the crew. I was also lucky to meet you last year, and my first directorial work, ‘Cow,’ won an award at the Venice International Film Festival and sold a lot of copyrights. But I moved too fast, and my problems were exposed.”

After saying this, Han Sanping took another step with Chen Fusheng before continuing, "Fusheng, you are probably aware of my problem. Because I haven't systematically studied directing, my basic skills are very poor!"

Chen Fusheng nodded. The problem that Han Sanping exposed last time was indeed that his basic directing skills were lacking.

That's why it's difficult for them to win people's hearts.

As for Chen Fusheng, he didn't study directing in college.

However, he spent more than 20 years building his foundation in the entertainment industry, climbing up step by step, and experience is his basic skill.

"So what are you planning to do?" Chen Fusheng asked, while also vaguely guessing what was going on.

"I want to go to the Beijing Film Academy for further studies to make up for my shortcomings in this area as soon as possible, so that I won't hold you back if we have the opportunity to work together again next time."

"That's not a good point of you saying that."

“I’m serious. Weren’t you curious about what I was doing in Beijing? It was for this matter. I’ve already spoken with Director Shi and the Beijing Film Academy. Once we finish post-production on this movie, I’ll have to go back and experience university life again.” Han Sanping thought about that feeling and laughed, “To be honest, after all these years since graduation, I actually miss it quite a bit.”

Chen Fusheng raised his beer again: "Alright, since you've already made your decision, I have nothing to say to you. So, let's use this drink to wish you a speedy return after completing your studies, and to wish that we can continue to fight side by side on the road of film revenue generation."

"Haha, alright, Fusheng, what you said has the spirit of ancient chivalry, so I won't be coy anymore, let's drink."

"Dry!"

Even if Han Sanping doesn't pursue further studies, Chen Fusheng plans to direct his next film.

So he was originally struggling with when to tell Han Sanping about this, but now it's all good, he doesn't need to tell him at all.

……

Because the post-production editing work during this period was all based on live-action footage and did not require any special effects, the editing efficiency was actually higher than in later periods.

Taking "Cow" as an example, the post-production was completed in less than a month.

While "The Tuner" is currently a bit more complex, its complexity lies in its non-linear narrative, the use of suspense and hints, the planting and unraveling of numerous details and foreshadowing, and the balance and fusion of artistic and commercial elements. However, because Chen Fusheng has the original work as a reference, the editing process is still quite efficient.

Chen Fusheng had only been working for a week, and the progress bar was already a quarter full.

At this rate, they should be able to finish post-production on "The Tuner" by mid to late March.

That day, Chen Fusheng walked into the editing room as usual, starting another day of work. Unexpectedly, not long after he arrived, a staff member knocked on the door and came in.

He called out to Chen Fusheng:

"Comrade Fusheng, there's someone outside who claims to be Editor Li from Harvest magazine looking for you."

"What do the editors of Harvest magazine want from me?"

Chen Fusheng repeated the other person's question in a puzzled tone.

Han Sanping turned around and added, "What else could a magazine editor do with a big writer like you? Of course, they'd commission an article."

"But how did they know I was at the Shanghai Film Studio?"

With this question in mind, Chen Fusheng met Editor Li, whom the staff had mentioned, in the reception room at the gate.

The other party was a female editor.

He looked to be in his thirties, wore black-rimmed glasses, and had a gentle smile.

While Chen Fusheng was sizing up the other person, Li Xiaolin was also sizing him up.

"Hello, is this Comrade Fusheng? I am Li Xiaolin, an editor at Harvest magazine. I apologize for disturbing you."

"Editor Li, you're too kind. Yes, I am Chen Fusheng. May I ask why you've come to see me?"

"Well, Comrade Fusheng, my father has given high praise to all of your works, including 'Cow Fighting' and 'Cliff Walkers' from last year, as well as 'The Adventures of Shuke and Beta' this time. I also happen to have heard that you work at the Shanghai Film Studio, so today I'm here as both a screenwriter and a reader to discuss some literary matters with you. I wonder if this is convenient?"

Chen Fusheng had felt that the name Li Xiaolin sounded familiar before, and now that he heard her mention her father, he had a vague guess in his mind, but he still asked for confirmation:

Who is your father?

"Ba Jin".

Sure enough it was him!

Chen Fusheng's suspicions were confirmed.

Next, he accompanied Li Xiaolin on a tour of the Shanghai Film Studio, where, in her words, they discussed and exchanged ideas on literary matters.

At the very end, Li Xiaolin mentioned the commissioned article.

After seeing Li Xiaolin off, Chen Fusheng returned to the editing room, whereupon Han Sanping couldn't help but ask:
"How so, did they ask you to write an article?"

"That's it."

"What does it mean?"

"It's just about making friends first. As for commissioning articles, the other party only mentioned it when they left."

"Oh, so you're trying to make a good connection, right?"

"You can say that."

"Then why don't you agree? Harvest is one of the top magazines in the country. Their editors have come to you personally to solicit articles. Why don't you make a good connection with them?"

"Damn it, I don't have the energy to write novels right now," Chen Fusheng said irritably.

What Chen Fusheng didn't expect was that after the editor of Harvest magazine came to him, several other magazines in Shanghai also followed suit.

Some magazines even have their eyes on a sequel to his "Shuke and Beta".

Although the terms offered seem quite good at the moment, Chen Fusheng is not so short-sighted.

Before we knew it, it was March 17th. On that day, the post-production of "The Tuner" was finally completed.

The original plan was to hold an internal screening at the Shanghai Film Studio, but the Film Bureau suddenly called and told them to take the film back immediately because the Asian selectors for the Cannes International Film Festival were waiting for them in Beijing.

So the screening was cancelled.

(End of this chapter)