Writer 1978: I Need to Give the Literary World a Lesson

Chapter 474 Liu Yimin, Mentor of Chinese Youth

With the sales of "King of Fairy Tales" continuing to increase, Liu Yimin, who lives in the Overseas Chinese Apartment, can often hear the children downstairs shouting "Seven Swords United" when he opens his window.

However, apart from the known Rainbow Sword, these children knew nothing about the other seven swords.

In the morning, Liu Yimin put the last bite of egg in his mouth and wiped his mouth with a tissue. Zhu Lin rubbed Liu Yu and Liu Lin's cheeks, telling them to listen to their grandmother at home.

Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin went out hand in hand. When they reached the bottom of the stairs on the first floor, Zhu Lin straightened Liu Yimin's collar and tightened his scarf: "Teacher Liu, be careful on the way."

“You too.” Liu Yimin pulled Zhu Lin’s hat down to cover his ears.

Motorcycles are not easy to start in winter, but the two of them had all the parts of the motorcycle repaired before winter arrived, and changed the antifreeze oil, which made it much better than before.

After starting the motorcycle, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin parted ways at the entrance of the Overseas Chinese Apartment, and he drove towards Yenching University.

Liu Yimin arrived at the Institute of Literature and asked Wang Li of the Institute to notify several journalism professors in the Western Culture Transnational Communication Research Group to hold a meeting.

"When?"

"10 o'clock!" Liu Yimin said.

"Okay." Wang Li quickly walked out of the Institute of Literature and Art's office.

On Liu Yimin's desk was the official notification from Xinhua News Agency regarding the establishment of a research project on international communication. The first installment of 30,000 yuan in research funding had already been deposited into the Institute's account, and the second installment of 30,000 yuan would be paid after the Spring Festival.

Liu Yimin sat in his office, looking at today's newspaper. The screening status of "The Battle of Taierzhuang" was being advertised in real time in the newspaper. The box office revenue in Hong Kong had reached two million Hong Kong dollars, and it would be released in Xiangshan O a week later.

The People's Daily even used the phrase "The citizens of Xiangshan'ao are eagerly anticipating the movie 'The Battle of Taierzhuang'" to describe the popularity of the film.

The copy of "The Battle of Taierzhuang" has been delivered to the island. As soon as Jiang Da got the copy, he couldn't wait to invite a group of high-ranking officials to watch the film.

Bai Chongxi's son, Bai Xianyong, is also on this list. Bai Xianyong is now a columnist. After watching the movie, his hand holding the pen trembled involuntarily, as if he had a lot to say.

When Xie Zhonghou published the film "The Battle of Taierzhuang" made in mainland China in the pseudo-"Central Daily News", Bai Xianyong contacted Xie Zhonghou and bought a copy of "The Battle of Taierzhuang" to watch.

He initially thought that the film was different from the documentary literature and that it would definitely be modified "in terms of stance". Unexpectedly, the content of the film was completely consistent with the documentary literature. The film used visual and auditory stimulation to portray the War of Resistance against Japan in a more tragic way.

After the movie ended, Jiang Da, still feeling unsatisfied, ordered it to be played again. After watching it, he stood up and exclaimed, "This movie didn't smear my father!"

After saying this, Jiang Da walked out of the office, pondering how to deal with the changes on the mainland.

Pai Hsien-yung rushed home to his study and immediately began writing his review, "Thoughts on the Mainland Film 'The Battle of Taierzhuang'", which explored the War of Resistance against Japan and the Battle of Taierzhuang in depth. He believed that the film "The Battle of Taierzhuang" was a reflection of facing history squarely and also reflected the mainland's attitude towards the island.

After being published in the Central Daily News, it sparked another wave of discussion. Film copies of "The Battle of Taierzhuang" began to circulate on the island, and although it was not publicly screened, many people obtained the opportunity to watch it through various channels.

Suddenly, a storm was brewing. Those with a keen sense of smell were all lamenting that the environment might really be about to change, and some even perished on the eve of that change.

……

At ten o'clock sharp, there was a knock on the office door.

"Director, all the teachers have arrived," Yan Zhen said.

Liu Yimin put his writings into a folder and quickly walked toward the office next door.

In the classroom, several professors from the institute specializing in journalism gathered together. Nowadays, the institute has more professors working in journalism; previously it was Yuan Xingpei, now there are Gan Xifen and Fang Hanqi.

Fang Hanqi was formerly a professor of journalism at Yenching University, and went to teach at Renmin University in the late 70s.

Professors Fang Hanqi and Gan Xifen have cultivated half of China's scholars in journalism and communication. The more they cultivate, the more diverse the birds become in the forest.

Hu Shih holds 36 doctoral degrees, and Fang Hanqi is an advisor or specially appointed professor in the journalism departments of 16 universities.

Besides the three senior professors, there were several younger professors, followed by Li Liangrong, who was doing research with them.

After Liu Yimin walked in, he said with a smile, "Thank you all for your hard work. I called you all here for an important matter, and I would also like to discuss the teaching materials as well."

"Comrade Yimin, no need to be so polite. If anyone should be thanking someone, it's us. We've seen how much our Institute of Literature has contributed to journalism research," Gan Xifen said, clasping her hands in a fist salute to Liu Yimin.

"Of course, of course," Liu Yimin said with a smile, indicating that everyone didn't need to be so polite.

After sitting down, Liu Yimin first talked about the research issues in journalism: "Our research focuses on three main areas: first, the invasion of foreign cultures; second, domestic communication with foreign countries; and third, the review of my country's journalism professional system, including textbook compilation."

Liu Yimin first discussed the issue of textbook compilation with them. With the support of funding from the Institute of Literature and Art, several textbooks are currently being compiled. Liu Yimin reiterated the overall direction of textbook compilation, and also addressed the issue of revenue sharing after the textbooks are compiled.

The profits from textbooks compiled with funding from the Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences, once distributed across various universities, belong to the Institute. For textbooks co-funded with departments, the profits are shared between the two parties.

"I think we should speed up the promotion of the textbook 'History of Chinese Journalism' that we compiled this year. If we want to hold related promotion meetings, we can apply to the institute for funding support."

The success of Liu Yimin's textbooks was also inseparable from the promotional event held at Fudan University.

"However, the compilation of textbooks must be suitable for our country and incorporate our local characteristics."

The textbook "History of Chinese Journalism" was written by Fang Hanqi, whose main research area is the history of journalism.

Fang Hanqi said, "Currently, six schools are preparing to use our history of journalism textbook. I have written recommendation letters to many colleagues, and I believe that before long, more universities will send letters of intent."

After finishing discussing the textbook compilation, Liu Yimin finally got to the key points:
"Recently, Xinhua News Agency has been conducting a study that aligns perfectly with our research direction. Xinhua wants to study how to better conduct international communication and gain a foothold in foreign public opinion. I accepted this project on behalf of our Institute of Literature and Art. The research funding is 60,000 RMB, including a 20,000 RMB foreign exchange allowance."

International communication, or outward communication, is one of the areas of cultural studies in our institute, but frankly, there is very little research in this area within our institute.

This group of professors mainly studies the history of journalism, while Gan Xifen studies Marxist journalism theory.

"Renmin University is stronger than Yenching University in the field of journalism, but they are about the same in terms of external affairs."

The reason why Renmin University's journalism department is so strong is that Yenching University's journalism program was merged into Renmin University's journalism department in 58. People like Gan Xifen and Fang Hanqi were trained by Yenching University.

"Now that we've taken on this research, we must do it well. I have some experience in international communication and foreign communication research, and I will lead this research. Professors can send their graduate students to help us, and gradually cultivate a group of scholars who are good at international communication."

Seeing that the professors seemed a bit doubtful, Liu Yimin quickly explained his views on international communication, which finally won their trust.

"Discourse is power, and discourse power is hegemony. When communicating with the outside world, journalists must be bold enough to fight tooth and nail. Even if we don't control the overall discourse, we must at least take control of some of the initiative. We should set the agenda for the West and set the discussion points for them to talk about."

Yuan Xingpei clapped and said, "Yimin, no wonder the students all say you should teach journalism. You spoke so well. I talked with American professors of communication, and their views are very much in line with yours. You have a very deep understanding of communication theory."

Fang Hanqi said, "Perfect timing. I have a few graduate students under my command. I'd like you to help me train them."

Liu Yimin then discussed with them many theories of journalism and communication, as well as his understanding of Marxist journalism.

The meeting ended at noon, and several senior and junior professors left one after another.

Li Liangrong was very interested in Liu Yimin's talk about international communication and wanted to join Liu Yimin's research.

“But your training will end after the winter break, and you’ll have to go back to Shanghai,” Liu Yimin said, frowning.

"Could we postpone it again?" Li Liangrong asked hesitantly.

Liu Yimin picked up his teacup and said lightly, "As long as Fudan University agrees, the Institute of Literature has no objection."

The Institute of Literature and Art didn't care about the subsidies for a few individuals. After returning home and having lunch, he went back to Yenching University in the afternoon. He had a class to teach as a sophomore. The class was at four o'clock in the afternoon, and he still had enough time in the office to finish the exam questions he hadn't completed in the morning.

After the second and third year exam questions were completed, Liu Yimin handed the materials over to Yan Zhen and the others, asking them to make a printing plate and then mimeograph it.

"Remember, no one is allowed to reveal the exam questions."

"Understood, Professor Liu."

Yan Zhen went to collect two sets of engraving tools and began to engrave on the wax paper with a stylus.

Dai Jianye brought his paper to Liu Yimin for a look. The title was "The Trend of Han and Tang Literature and the Influence of Social System and Circumstances on Literary Works".

"Yi Zhongtian, what do you think of Comrade Jianye's paper?" Liu Yimin asked, looking at Yi Zhongtian, who was deep in thought.

Yi Zhongtian quickly stood up: "Teacher Liu, I think the logic and evidence are very complete. Although Comrade Dai Jianye is a new teacher, his literary cultivation is worth learning from."

“You’re right, the content is very rigorous. Comrade Jianye, you’ve written very well. What’s Professor Wu Zuxiang’s opinion?” Liu Yimin asked.

Dai Jianye said, "Professor Wu Zuxiang believes it can be published in Yenching University's academic journals."

“Okay, you can submit your papers. Look at Comrade Dai Jianye, who came with you. His paper writing ability is so strong. You should learn from him and stop being so lazy. There are only six months left.” Liu Yimin used Dai Jianye to manipulate the others.

Dai Jianye stood tall with his chest out and a faint smile on his face.

Liang Yong'an said, "Professor Liu, don't worry, we will definitely write a qualified paper."

“In our Institute of Literature, papers are not the goal. What’s important is that everyone recognizes the importance of their work and understands how to educate people and for whom to educate them.” After saying this, Liu Yimin waved to them, left the Chinese Department, and went to teach his class.

Before going home that evening, Liu Yimin went to visit Zhu Guangqian. Zhu Guangqian had a full head of white hair, and his hands were weak and feeble, barely touching the skin. When he saw Liu Yimin, he made a small, hesitant sound.

Seeing that Liu Yimin hadn't heard him clearly, he stopped talking, smiled and nodded at him. Only when Liu Yimin approached did he say, "What brings you here?"

Liu Yimin leaned closer and said, "It's 86 now. I've come to see you. It's getting cold, so please don't go out unless you have to."

"Something's wrong, something's wrong. The annotations for 'New Science' aren't finished yet, not finished." Zhu Guangqian's voice grew even weaker.

Liu Yimin held his hand, told him about the changes in the Chinese Department, and told him to rest well at home.

Zhu Guangqian pointed to the study with his thin, bamboo-like fingers. His family knew what he meant and quickly took out the book he was translating, "New Science," and handed it to Liu Yimin.

"The New Science" is a work by an Italian jurist and aesthetician. It discusses how different nations, despite their different historical origins and social environments, exhibit certain similarities in the course of social development. It also touches on issues of artistic creation and aesthetics.

"Your translation is excellent."

Zhu Guangqian's breathing quickened: "The annotations aren't finished. If I can't finish them, you... you finish them for me."

Zhu Guangqian held Liu Yimin's hand tightly, and only breathed a sigh of relief when Liu Yimin nodded.

Zhu Guangqian recalled the line "When I die, I know that all things are empty." He thought that when he died, nothing would be left. But when he thought about how his writings would be studied and discussed by countless young people, he felt that nothing was truly gone.

Liu Yimin stayed at Zhu Guangqian's house for dinner before leaving. Zhu Guangqian was sometimes silent and sometimes talking. When he was silent, he was thinking, but now he had to put a lot of effort into thinking before he could come up with something to say.

Liu Yimin knocked on the door of the Overseas Chinese Apartment, and Liu Yu opened it. Yang Xiuyun laughed and said, "There's something propping up the door, but Xiaoyu insisted on opening it for you."

"My darling Xiaoyu!" Liu Yimin picked up Xiaoyu and held her little hand in his. "What did you eat for dinner?"

"Fatty!"

"Is it tasty?"

"Delicious!"

Everyone laughed when they heard Liu Yu's broken pronunciation. Seeing everyone laugh, Liu Yu laughed along and then used her hands to pick the withered leaves out of Liu Yimin's hair.

Zhu Lin sat on the sofa, holding Liu Lin in her arms. After Liu Yimin walked in, she asked, "Teacher Liu, would you like to eat something else?"

"No need, I'm full."

When Xi Mei heard that Liu Yimin was no longer eating, she went to the kitchen and tidied up the dishes and the rest of the food, cleaning the kitchen spotless.

That evening, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin soaked their feet and went straight to sleep. Zhu Lin had been working incredibly hard filming lately; filming in winter, especially sometimes filming summer scenes, was truly torture.

Xi Mei prepares a warming soup every day, just in case Zhu Lin has any health problems.

The following day, CCTV called, saying they wanted to do an interview with Liu Yimin.

"An interview? Where?" Liu Yimin asked instinctively.

"We'd like to hold an interview in the main dining hall of Yenching University, which is a Western-style interview format—a face-to-face, unstructured interview where Yenching University students can ask questions after the interview," said Yang Weiguang, deputy director of CCTV.

"When?"

Yang Weiguang thought for a moment and said, "We plan to do it around January 25th, but the exact date will depend on your schedule."

"Anything is fine with me, then let's make it January 25th!"

"A random question from the audience: Professor Liu, what do you think?"

"can."

After hanging up the phone, Yang Weiguang went straight to the Overseas Chinese Apartment to discuss the specific interview details with Liu Yimin.

Yang Weiguang is of great significance to CCTV. He developed "Xinwen Lianbo" (News Broadcast), created "Focus Interview", and even opened up the prime advertising slot between "Xinwen Lianbo" and "Weather Forecast".

If it weren't for this advertising space, ads like "Black Soil, Yellow Soil, and Brain Gold" would be less memorable to Chinese people.

"Oh? Mentor for Chinese Youth? That's a rather novel concept. I haven't even become a graduate advisor yet, but I've already become a mentor for Chinese youth." Liu Yimin looked surprised.

Yang Weiguang said with a smile, "Professor Liu, this idea has been proposed by young people for a long time. You are one of the four great spiritual mentors of contemporary Chinese youth. Apart from Comrade Wen Yuankai, the other mentors are all from Yenching University, but you are the foremost of the four great youth mentors in China!"

Wen Yuankai is now the vice president of the University of Science and Technology of China. He gave a speech at Yenching University last year. At the time, there were many comments within Yenching University. Many professors felt that Wen Yuankai's views were not particularly profound, but the students liked them, and the lecture was very popular.

"I dare not accept the title of the top of the four, and you should not flatter me. If people are praised too highly, they will easily become arrogant," Liu Yimin quickly said.

Yang Weiguang pulled a pack of cigarettes from his left breast pocket. Liu Yimin took the cigarettes from him and lit one for himself: "We're not bragging, we're just echoing the voices of young people. When it comes to publicity, the China Youth Daily does the most. Back then, in the poll for young writers, your votes were far ahead."

Yang Weiguang explained in detail the purpose of the interview, which was to give young people a correct and profound understanding of both domestic and international issues.

The interview with Liu Yimin was a well-considered decision. First, Liu Yimin has a great influence among young people; second, Liu Yimin has a deep understanding of both the East and the West.

After getting to know each other better, Yang Weiguang brought up the topic of foreign animation, jokingly saying that Liu Yimin had blocked foreign animation through the Ministry of Culture, causing CCTV to lose a lot of money.

“Director Yang, from a historical perspective, this amount of money is the most insignificant thing compared to other things.”

(End of this chapter)