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

Chapter 482 of "Huo Yuanjia" Breaks Copy Record
At the Overseas Chinese Apartment, director Zhang Xinyan carefully held the film reel, like holding a child, and personally loaded it onto the projector. He only breathed a sigh of relief after seeing the picture come out.

"Yimin, look at this. Your projector is excellent, and with the good filming equipment, the clarity of the projected image is clearer than many movies," Zhang Xinyan said with a smile.

"Director Zhang, thank you for your hard work, and thank you to all the directors as well," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Li Wenhua said to Liu Yimin, "Comrade Yimin, many of the shooting angles here were carefully designed by me and several directors, and the effect is particularly good. You can pay special attention to them."

“Culture comes from a photography background and has a unique understanding of the camera.” After saying this, Wang Yang waved his hand to remind everyone not to disturb Liu Yimin’s viewing.

After Ximei brought in a fruit platter, she played with Liu Yu and Liu Lin in the living room.

The film begins with a warm color palette and an uplifting atmosphere, showcasing the remarkable growth of young Huo Yuanjia and his triumphant success after mastering the Huo Family Kung Fu.

"Can you withstand this punch, the result of twenty years of martial arts training?" In the movie, Jet Li breaks the wooden stakes of the martial arts school with a single punch.

This shot was filmed multiple times.

This movie truly lives up to its reputation as a kung fu film with a budget of two million. Compared to kung fu movies shot in Hong Kong, it has a more substantial feel in terms of costumes, props, and set design.

Hong Kong martial arts films often feature simple sets, but excel in their plots and pacing. Zhang Xinyan brought Hong Kong-style directing techniques, emphasizing character development; the combination of these two elements resulted in truly classic films.

When Zhu Lin appeared, Liu Yimin unconsciously curled the corners of his mouth.

Zhang Xinyan said in a low voice, "Zhu Lin is a great representative of the image of Eastern women. She brought the blind character to life. I believe that she will definitely be recognized by many audiences when she goes out into the world."

Liu Yimin nodded and continued reading. At this time, Huo Yuanjia had lost his youthful arrogance. When fighting with others, his boxing skills were mature and steady, and he knew when to stop.

Wang Yang said, "Stop when you've hit the mark and exercise restraint are the essence of Chinese martial arts culture."

“But stopping short of a confrontation often emboldens bad people,” Liu Yimin said in a low voice.

As the climax of the film approached, even the directors, who had watched it several times, couldn't help but get excited.

Huo Yuanjia went to Shanghai to fight for his country in martial arts tournaments, winning several matches in a row. However, during his match against Xiao Zizhi, he was poisoned by Xiao Zizhi. He fought with all his might to win the match, but collapsed from the poison.

A legendary hero has fallen.

After the movie ended, the group looked at Liu Yimin, wanting to ask him what he thought. Liu Yimin smiled and said, "Very good. The pacing was fast and not dragging. The fight scenes were realistic and exciting. Director Wang, this film will sell at least a thousand copies in China. It's better than 'The Mysterious Buddha'."

The initial budget was 1.7 million yuan, consisting of special funds from the Film Bureau and funding from the Beijing Film Studio. However, as filming progressed, the budget ran out, and the Beijing Film Studio gritted its teeth and added another 300,000 yuan.

If the revenue sharing with China Film Group were still the same as before, Beijing Film Studio would not only not make money but would also lose money. Now, with the good sales of prints, they can make a lot of money, but what Wang Yang hopes for most is to earn foreign exchange.

"When do you plan to submit the film to the Film Bureau for review?" Liu Yimin asked.

Wang Yang followed Liu Yimin out of the film room: "Old Zhang will be returning to Hong Kong in a few days. If you have no problem, we plan to send the film to the Film Bureau for review tomorrow. After the review, China Film Group will hold a screening to see how many copies we can sell, and we can also discuss the issue of overseas distribution."

"I completely agree," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Zhang Xinyan and several assistant directors visited the Overseas Chinese Apartment for the first time, and Liu Yimin showed them around his study.

Among the five assistant directors, Li Wenhua was very active, while Director Chen's father, Chen Huaikai, was much quieter than last time. He also deliberately avoided talking about Chen Kaige, as if he was afraid that Liu Yimin would bring up the incident of Chen Kaige scolding him back then.

After graduating from the Beijing Film Academy, Chen Kaige first went to the Youth Film Studio of the Beijing Film Studio, and later was seconded to the Guangxi Film Studio to join Zhang Yimou.

Chen Huaikai wanted to bring him to meet Liu Yimin. Chen Huaikai knew that no matter how important a director's ability was, it still depended on the script.

But Chen Kaige is a stubborn mule who won't budge even when being led, and it's incredibly difficult to force him to move. Besides, Director Chen has his own pride; he directed "Yellow Earth" right after graduation, winning the Silver Leopard Award at the Cano International Film Festival, and enjoying immense fame for a time.

In the study, everyone admired Liu Yimin's bookshelves and the prizes he had won, especially the silver trophy from Italy, which everyone touched.

Zhang Xinyan wanted to see if there were any suitable scripts for him to film, but unfortunately, all the ones he was interested in had already been filmed.

When Wang Yang looked at the manuscript that Liu Yimin had covered on the table, Liu Yimin casually placed a book on top of it. Wang Yang looked at Liu Yimin with a questioning expression, and Liu Yimin whispered, "It's a secret."

Wang Yang was puzzled, but still nodded. Then, unwilling to give up, he asked, "What level is it? Is it personal or...?" Wang Yang pointed to the ceiling.

Liu Yimin didn't speak, but pointed to the ceiling.

"it is good!"

When Wang Yang saw the "King of Fairy Tales" magazine on Liu Yimin's bookshelf, he smiled knowingly: "My two granddaughters are waiting for your 'King of Fairy Tales' magazine. They love it so much that they can't put it down. My grandson calls himself 'Rainbow Cat Hero' every day."

In the end, Wang Yang's words carried a hint of confusion, as he couldn't understand why children liked it so much.

Liu Yimin said, "Following Rainbow Cat won't teach you to be bad; you'll only learn to be chivalrous."

"I hope so. The sales of 'King of Fairy Tales' have reached 500,000 copies. Is that figure accurate?"

"Not a single one. Please buy more for your grandchildren. We'll be able to reach 600,000 copies in two months."

Wang Yang couldn't help but say, "Look how awesome you guys are. Everyone outside is saying that your 'King of Fairy Tales' is incredibly successful now, and it's true."

"We're strong because we have the ability, not because we're bragging. All bragging will eventually be exposed."

After chatting in the study for about an hour, Wang Yang and his group left the Overseas Chinese Apartment. Before leaving, Wang Yang instructed them to be sure to come to the Film Bureau with them the next day during the film review.

"Okay." Liu Yimin shook hands with Wang Yang and the others to say goodbye.

Liu Yimin checked the time and returned to his study to continue his work. He had almost finished collecting information about Deng Xiaoping, and Liu Yimin officially began writing, aiming to finish it by the end of March.

Around 11:30, Liu Yimin, who was in charge of Liu Yu and Liu Lin, asked Ximei to cook.

Liu Yu and Liu Lin each grabbed one of Liu Yimin's arms and shook them repeatedly, making Liu Yimin feel as if he had been electrocuted.

Liu Yimin helplessly hugged the two of them and said, "How about Dad teaches you to read?"

"it is good!"

The two of them said yes, but when Liu Yimin actually took out the book to teach them "Abo Cide," they didn't open their mouths at all, they just kept grinning like idiots.

When the meal was ready, the two refused to eat properly, which angered Liu Yimin so much that he made an example of them, and only then did they obediently open their mouths and accept being fed.

Liu Yu felt more and more aggrieved as she ate. After taking five bites, two small tears streamed down her chubby little face. When Liu Lin saw this, he took a tissue to wipe Liu Yu's tears.

"You're making it sound like I'm bullying you two."

Xi Mei said from the side, "Professor Liu, let me coax them to eat. You eat first."

Xi Mei held Liu Yu in her arms, while Liu Lin stood beside her. Xi Mei first used chopsticks to break the long noodles into pieces, then fed them one by one, as if playing a game, one noodle for each person.

“Sigh, it’s not easy for you to take care of two little ones. You’ll get another 100 yuan raise this month,” Liu Yimin said.

It took Xi Mei a while to react. She looked at Liu Yimin in disbelief. Liu Yimin said, "The more you work, the more you earn. Now that their grandmother isn't here, you'll be doing much more than usual."

"Thank you, Professor Liu, thank you, Professor Liu," Xi Mei said repeatedly.

"It's nothing, no need to thank me. If anyone should thank you, it's us who should thank you for helping me and his mother a lot."

Not long after they finished eating, the two little ones got sleepy, so Ximei carried them to the room for a nap: "Let me see which of you falls asleep first!"

The two little ones scrambled to close their eyes and pretend to be fast asleep.

Seeing how well-behaved the two children were, Liu Yimin felt relieved and went back to his room for a midday rest. In the afternoon, he returned to Yenching University for classes.

After the first class, I returned to the Institute of Literature and distributed some research materials on international communication from abroad to the graduate students majoring in journalism, so that they could familiarize themselves with them as soon as possible.

Li Liangrong submitted an application to Fudan University to postpone his return to school, which was approved by the Chinese Department of Fudan University. He is now an assistant in Liu Yimin's Xinhua News Agency research project.

After the materials were distributed, Liu Yimin called Yan Zhen to his office.

"I didn't have a chance to ask you how your postgraduate entrance exam went?" Liu Yimin looked at Yan Zhen.

Yan Zhen said easily, "Passing the exam is definitely not a problem. This year's professional course exam questions tested your literary thoughts. I often follow you around, so I naturally know them very well."

"My literary thoughts?" This year's exam questions for the Chinese Language and Literature Department at Yenching University were set by several professors, including Yan Jiayan and Wu Zuxiang.

“Yes, in addition to the overall literary ideas, there is also the magical realism of ‘Beloved’,” Yan Zhen said with a smile.

"Then you should prepare well for the re-examination," Liu Yimin said.

Of course, Yan Zhen will definitely have no problem with the re-examination. The written test scores for postgraduate students are relatively objective, but the interview is very subjective. Several professors at Yan University have a very good impression of Yan Zhen. As long as she doesn't hit the re-examination teachers, she should be able to pass.

As Yan was about to leave, Liu Yimin said, "I won't be coming tomorrow morning. Professor Wu Zuxiang has a document; remember to contact him to discuss it."

"I understand, Teacher Liu."

The next morning, after having breakfast, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin rode their motorcycles together towards the city. When they reached the vicinity of Tiananmen Square, Liu Yimin turned south. After riding for a while, they finally arrived at the entrance of the Film Bureau.

Just as Liu Yimin turned off his motorcycle, Wang Yang and the others arrived in a jeep.

Wang Yang was wearing a black trench coat, his leather shoes were polished to a shine, and his hair was slicked back with hair oil; he looked incredibly smug.

"Director Wang, why are you dressed like a groom?" Liu Yimin couldn't help but say.

"Today I'm practically a groom, this is what you call sweeping away the gloom. I need to show the bureau and Ding Daming of China Film Group the power of Beijing Film Studio."

Upon entering the Film Bureau, they waited in the screening room for a while under the arrangement of the staff. Xia Yan arrived shortly afterward.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with Liu Yimin, he nodded to Wang Yang and said in a strong voice, "Judging from your performance, if you are not up to par, don't say the ministry is not providing support."

Wang Yang straightened his chest and said, "Mr. Shen, don't worry, you get what you pay for. Two million is definitely not just empty talk."

When Ding Daming from China Film Group arrived, Wang Yang patted Ding Daming on the chest and said, "Old Ding, you'd better do your best to sell it."

"Let me consider."

We will not be organizing provincial branches to order copies today; the actual screening will be held the day after tomorrow.

Once everyone had arrived, the projectionist began the screening.

From the moment the movie started playing, everyone held their breath and watched intently. The group from the Film Bureau paid close attention to the dialogue and the cinematography, not just whether it was exciting or not.

After the 100-minute movie finished, Ding Daming from China Film Group Corporation was the first to applaud, and excitedly stood up and said to everyone, "A movie like this could sell at least 1,500 copies in China."

"Old Ding, we're after foreign exchange," Wang Yang said with a smile.

Ding Daming looked at Wang Yang: "I can't guarantee it overseas, but there's definitely a huge market in Hong Kong and Southeast Asia. It's easy to release it in Hong Kong and Macau, but the release time overseas will definitely be later."

"Don't forget our share," Wang Yang couldn't help but say.

"Look at how stingy you are, we will definitely follow the rules."

Xia Yan looked at the director of the Film Bureau next to him: "What do the comrades in the Film Bureau think?"

"Approved successfully!"

"Good, Wang Yang, you did a great job this time. Director Xin Yan, thank you for your hard work." Xia Yan looked at Zhang Xin Yan, who hadn't said a word but looked excited.

"Mr. Shen, you flatter me. This is an opportunity given to me by the Beijing Film Studio. We are making movies in Hong Kong, and we also want mainland films to go global."

Xia Yan nodded approvingly, stood up and shook hands with Zhang Xinyan: "You've worked hard, you've all worked hard. In those days, you were able to keep fighting in Hong Kong, it must have been tough for you."

Hearing Xia Yan recount the past, Zhang Xinyan couldn't help but sigh.

After reviewing the film, Liu Yimin did not linger and left the Film Bureau directly.

Two days later, Wang Yang excitedly told Liu Yimin that a total of 2,120 copies of "Huo Yuanjia" had been sold at the screening.

"Two thousand one hundred and twenty! That far exceeds Ding Daming's expectations. He's grinning from ear to ear." Wang Yang couldn't help but repeat the number several times.

This number has set a new record for the sale of film copies in recent years. Wang Yang also calculated that if more than 700 copies are sold, it would be equivalent to every county in China receiving a copy of "Huo Yuanjia".

Liu Yimin said with a smile, "Now you don't have to worry about losing money, right?"

"Don't worry, according to regulations, the ministry should give us at least another three million for selling such a number of copies."

China Film Group made nearly 40 million yuan just from selling film prints, and the Ministry of Culture subsidized 3 million yuan for the film as if it were nothing.

The copy of "Fearless" broke film records, and major newspapers rushed to report on it, giving Beijing Film Studio a good show of its own compared to its sister studios.

Wang Yang could laugh himself awake in his sleep, dreaming that he was wearing a red embroidered ball, and that directors of various film studios were congratulating him. After they finished speaking, a group of foreigners rushed over, holding US dollars and British pounds.

Seeing Wang Yang so smug, Liu Peiran from the August First Film Studio couldn't sit still any longer and went straight to the school to wait for Liu Yimin.

Unfortunately, Liu Yimin went to record a program on CCTV. The theme of Liu Yimin's program this time was what young people can do in this era.

The concept of "young people" is not limited to college students, but also includes young workers and even those who want to start their own businesses.

In the program, Liu Yimin carefully analyzed the current policies and economic environment, pointing out the direction for young people so that they could seize this hard-won opportunity.

"This is the best of times, with so many opportunities at your fingertips. Of course, we must also choose our own future based on our individual abilities."

I believe that in an era of national economic prosperity, individuals have vast opportunities. However, we should not lose ourselves in the tide of money.

Liu Yimin recorded two episodes in a row, one about opportunities for young people and the other about their moral and cultural commitments.

If we only talk about opportunities, Liu Yimin would probably be criticized for being solely focused on making money.

After the recording of the program, the producer walked over to Liu Yimin and told him that since the first episode of "Youth Night Talk" was recorded, they had received a large number of letters from young people.

“You should organize the letters and categorize the questions raised by the young people. Also, any good letters can be broadcast on the program to enrich the content. Solving the problems of young people isn't just about us talking; it's more about listening to their concerns,” Liu Yimin said.

"Okay, we'll definitely sort through the letters properly, but there are so many. What will we do after we've sorted them all out?"

"Too many? Once we've collected a certain number, if not, send them to my home; I have space to store them."

"it is good."

Liu Yimin wanted to know exactly how much there was, so he went with the producer to the warehouse and saw that there were two large sacks inside.

"It's alright, there will be more and more." Liu Yimin patted the producer on the shoulder.

Just as he was about to leave, Liu Peiran called CCTV from Yenching University. Liu Yimin said, "Director Liu, see you at home."

"Okay." Liu Peiran quickly hung up the phone.

When they arrived at the Overseas Chinese Apartment, Liu Peiran was playing with Liu Yu and Liu Lin. After seeing Liu Yimin, she hugged Liu Yu and looked at Liu Yimin.

Seeing Liu Peiran's expression, Liu Yimin laughed and said, "Old Liu, don't be in such a hurry!"

"Yimin, how can I not be anxious?"

Xi Mei took Liu Yu from Liu Peiran, and Liu Yimin led him into the study. While looking for the script for "Brotherhood of Blades," Liu Yimin asked Liu Peiran how his consideration of "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" was going.

"Yimin, can it really make money?" Liu Peiran once again asked a question that came from the depths of her soul.

"Remove the 'ma' and you can not only make money, but also earn knives!"

Liu Peiran pondered for a moment and asked, "How much do you think the investment should be?"

"I estimate 400,000 would be enough."

Liu Peiran didn't say anything, but took the script of "Brotherhood of Blades" from Liu Yimin and started reading it. The script was almost finished.

Liu Peiran was immediately captivated by the script and sat down on the sofa to read it without saying a word.

(End of this chapter)