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

Chapter 485 The Low Standards of Hong Kong Media

Not only was the literary world thrilled by Liu Yimin winning the Golden Lion Literary Award, but the film industry was also busy preparing for it.

Originally, the overseas distribution of "Fearless" would still take some time, but China Film Group became anxious after learning that Liu Yimin was going to Singapore.

They hope to leverage Liu Yimin's popularity in Singapore to boost the film's box office performance in Singapore and even Southeast Asia.

However, overseas distribution is not solely China Film Group's responsibility; they need to negotiate with film distribution companies in Singapore.

Ding Daming of China Film Group kept assigning people to contact Singaporean film companies to try and secure the earliest possible release date.

“Even if it can’t be released nationwide in Singapore, we should at least negotiate with one or two cinemas for a pre-release promotion and preview event.” Ding Daming’s tone on the phone left no room for argument.

Ding Daming was anxious, but Wang Yang was even more anxious. However, Wang Yang could only urge Ding Daming along behind him, wishing he could burn Ding Daming's butt with a cigarette butt.

Ding Daming was frustrated by Wang Yang, but he was at a loss for what to do. The two were the same age, but Wang Yang had joined the revolution a year earlier than him, and more importantly, he had entered the Anti-Japanese Military and Political University a few months earlier, so they were senior and junior classmates.

"I'm so unlucky to have a senior brother like you!"

Wang Yang, with his legs crossed, said, "Have you forgotten the time when I took care of you at the Anti-Japanese Military and Political University? Daming, we may argue, but I still give you face in public. I call you Lao Ding when we go out, but I call you Daming when we close the door. Is that okay?"

“I’m anxious too. It would be foolish not to be anxious about making money, but I have no choice. Senior brother, you’re my own senior brother.”

"So even when I was fighting with China Film Group for profits, I still supported your work. To quote a line from 'Brotherhood of Blades'—you are my dearest friend, my brother!"

“We need to pay more!” Ding Daming chimed in. “Brotherhood of Blades would definitely be a good film too, why didn’t you get the filming rights for it?”

“Do you think I don’t want to? Lao Liu and I are both members of the Institute of Literature. I get one copy and he gets one copy. This is a fair distribution of benefits.” After saying that, Wang Yang added, “Daming, don’t change the subject.”

Thanks to Ding Daming's efforts and Wang Yang's urging, the film distribution company in Singapore found two cinemas to premiere the film when Liu Yimin arrived in Singapore.

If the film is successful, they plan to have a nationwide premiere of "Fearless" in Singapore ahead of schedule.

After receiving the news, Wang Yang left China Film Group without looking back, leaving Ding Daming speechless.

Ding Daming from China Film Group personally visited the Overseas Chinese Apartment, hoping that Liu Yimin could attend the Singapore premiere or test screening ceremony to help distribute "Fearless" overseas.

Liu Yimin agreed to Ding Daming's request without hesitation: "They can contact me directly when the time comes."

"Comrade Yimin, thank you, thank you." Ding Daming happily shook hands with Liu Yimin to say goodbye.

After seeing Ding Daming off, Liu Yimin made a list of things to do before flying to Singapore, knowing he had to take care of himself before he could leave with peace of mind.

With this in mind, Liu Yimin came to Yenching University and finished teaching the course that was originally scheduled for the end of the month to Dai Jianye, Liang Yong'an, Yi Zhongtian and others who came for training, telling them to focus on their research at the Institute of Literature.

Dai Jianye said with a beaming smile, "Professor Liu, you have truly brought honor to the Chinese literary world."

“This is called natural success. As long as you focus on writing and write well, all kinds of literary awards will naturally come your way,” Yi Zhongtian replied.

Dai Jianye muttered to himself, "Old Yi really loves to flatter."

Liu Yimin smiled and waved them away from the meeting room, leaving Hai Zi alone in the office.

Liu Yimin noticed that Hai Zi seemed to be in much better spirits lately, so he had a heart-to-heart talk with him. It turned out that Hai Zi's obsession with Qigong had decreased recently.

But he was still struggling internally because of the people around him.

"Haisheng, have you heard Qian Lao's radio broadcasts?"

"I heard."

"Qian Lao did propose research on Qigong, but he was researching it, exploring the unknown. Qian Lao told me to tell you that to research something, you don't necessarily need to become that thing yourself. Just like wanting to know what's inside a hornet's nest, you don't need to stick your head inside and look from the outside."

Studying Qigong doesn't necessarily require personal practice; it requires observing whether it truly exists. Have those so-called practitioners truly succeeded? I know without even looking. If they did, Zhang Jiao of the Yellow Turban Rebellion would have succeeded long ago. The Boxers, with their invulnerable bodies, also drove the foreign devils out of China.

Hai Zi slowly raised his head upon hearing Liu Yimin's words, looked at Liu Yimin, and said, "Teacher Liu, I understand. Thank you. I've reduced my meditation recently, and I feel much better."

After Hai Zi left, Liu Yimin approached Wu Zuxiang and asked him to record an episode of "Youth Night Talk".

Liu Yimin had pre-recorded two weeks' worth of episodes, but it wouldn't have been good to show the pre-recorded episodes during the weekend program in Singapore; the audience still needed to feel like it was a live broadcast.

What should I say?

"You have so much to say, from ancient literature to 'Dream of the Red Chamber.' If you were to speak, the number of listeners would multiply several times over. Professor Wu, this is the work of our Institute of Literature and Literature, and it is also the source of our funding. You must support us."

Wu Zuxiang hesitated, worried that the young people wouldn't like what he was saying.

“You used to only teach students in one school, so your influence was always limited. Through broadcasting, you can educate the entire world.”

Wu Zuxiang's expression showed a hint of interest: "Then I'll give it a try?"

"Try it!"

"Then try it!"

The two exchanged a smile, both able to see through each other's subtle thoughts.

Yan Zhen was busy preparing for the re-examination, so Liu Yimin handed over the important task of substituting for her to Dai Jianye.

There are no restrictions on the content of the lectures; you can talk about whatever you like, even Li Bai.

After saying goodbye to the other Chinese literature department students, Liu Yimin left Yenching University with a relaxed expression.

When I got home, Zhu Lin had already come home from get off work.

"You rode your bike so fast today?" Liu Yimin asked in surprise.

Zhu Lin explained, "I didn't have anything to do today, so I came back early."

Xi Mei looked at Liu Yimin and said, "Professor Liu, Sister Lin bought some shredded bamboo shoots. Would you like them stir-fried or cold?"

"It's a cool flavor, right? It's hot outside, so it'll feel refreshing," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

"Okay!" Ximei quickly got to work.

Liu Yimin sat on the sofa and, holding Liu Yu and Zhu Lin, began discussing how to celebrate the two little ones' birthdays.

“We can just have a meal with our parents, teachers, and teachers’ wives, Linlin, what do you think?” Liu Yimin asked.

Zhu Lin scratched his arm and said mischievously, "Teacher Liu, I'm really not used to you calling me Linlin. It gives me goosebumps."

"Alright, alright, then I'll call you Director Zhu," Liu Yimin joked.

Zhu Lin stopped teasing Liu Yimin: "Okay, let's just have a simple meal at the Overseas Chinese Apartment. Let's not go anywhere else."

"Okay, let's have a simple home-cooked meal then."

Liu Yimin lifted Liu Yu high in the air: "You'll be two years old soon, aren't you happy?" Liu Yu swung her legs in the air, happily raising her eyebrows. Just as she was laughing heartily, drool slid down from the corner of her mouth like raindrops and dripped onto Liu Yimin's head.

Zhu Lin laughed so hard he almost fell over. Liu Lin ran over and hugged Liu Yimin's trouser leg, repeatedly shouting, "Daddy, I want some too!"

Liu Yimin put Liu Yu down, pinched her nose and said, "You really give your old man face."

After wiping away the drool, Liu Yimin held Liu Lin and played with him for a while.

On the morning of April 12th, Zhu's parents arrived, and Cao Yu and his wife also came. Wan Fang had something to do that day and couldn't come.

In addition to them, Liu Yimin also invited Xia Yan and Shen Yun.

Shen Yun played happily with Liu Yu and Liu Lin in the living room, and even took out his snacks to share with the two little ones.

Before we came, Xia Yan had told us that Liu Yu and Liu Lin were young, so some snacks could be given to them, but others couldn't.

Xia Yan watched the three playing and couldn't help but sigh, "Xiao Yun is almost in high school in the blink of an eye, and Liu Yu and Liu Lin are already two years old. In the blink of an eye, they will be little adults."

"I brought you some delicious food since you came to Master's place." Cao Yu bent down and clapped his hands at Liu Yu and Liu Lin.

After playing with the children, the conversation returned to the trip to Singapore. The two instructed Liu Yimin to communicate well with Chinese writers and establish a friendly image.

"Okay, you two can rest assured, I will definitely have a friendly and pleasant exchange with them."

Of course, everyone's happiness is contingent on Liu Yimin being happy as well.

Around noon, Zhu Lin went to the store to pick up the cake she had made. The dishes were served, and the aroma filled the living room, making the two little ones drool.

Shen Yun pulled the two away, stopping them from ruining the plates: "You two, be quiet, or I'll have to teach you a lesson. You can't withstand my thirteen years of skill!"

Upon hearing this, the room was filled with cheerful laughter.

There weren't many rules about eating cake. Zhu Lin divided the cake into several pieces. Xia Yan and Cao Yu were both old, so they only took a small bite before putting it down.

Cao Yu looked at Liu Lin, who was licking the cream from his lips, and said, "I wonder if Liu Lin will study literature or science when he grows up?"

"Maybe they're good at both arts and sciences; the two little ones' maternal grandfather is a professor of science and engineering," Xia Yan said with a smile.

Zhu's father was overjoyed upon hearing this and asked Liu Yu and Liu Lin a couple of questions, but unfortunately, neither of them paid him any attention.

Li Yuru said, "It must be Sui Yimin who can stand out in the literary world. Liu Yu is also a clever girl with big eyes. When she grows up, she will be a great beauty like Xiao Lin."

While everyone was eating cake, Zhu Lin took several photos of Liu Yu and Liu Lin with her camera, and then Xi Mei took a group photo of everyone.

"Everyone, please eat and see how my cooking is!" Zhu's mother quickly said.

"It's delicious. After eating so much southern food, trying northern food makes me realize how rich and layered the flavors are." Xia Yan picked up a piece of meat and put it in her mouth to savor it carefully.

At 1:30, Liu Yu and Liu Lin's birthday celebration officially ended, and everyone sat in the movie room and watched "Fearless" again.

After watching the film, Xia Yan talked about "Brotherhood of Blades". The cost of "Brotherhood of Blades" was even higher. The Film Bureau was prepared to allocate 1.5 million yuan in advance to support it, and the August First Film Studio contributed 800,000 yuan, for a total of 2.3 million yuan to film.

Aside from the budget being set, the director and actors have not yet been cast.

"We look forward to your and 'Huo Yuanjia' achieving great success in Singapore," Xia Yan said as he left.

After celebrating Liu Yu and Liu Lin's birthdays and making all the other arrangements, it's time to go to Singapore.

Liu Yimin asked Ximei to send the next part of "Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit Seven Heroes" to the editorial department of "King of Fairy Tales".

Zheng Yuanjie plans to finish compiling the articles for the May issue by mid-month. Next, he will start cracking down on piracy around Yanjiao. There are some printing plants around Yanjiao that are secretly printing the "King of Fairy Tales" series. He has already obtained some evidence and only needs to catch them red-handed.

Liu Yimin instructed Liang Xiangdong and another young man he had found to follow Zheng Yuanjie in case anything happened to him.

Before departing on the 17th, Liu Yimin went to the Writers Association to learn about the background information of the writers participating in the literary training camp from Yao Xueyin and others, so as to know himself and his enemy and win every battle.

On the morning of the 16th, Jiang Zilong and Wang Anyi arrived in Yanjing at the same time.

Wang Anyi, as a female writer, has gained considerable fame in the Chinese literary world in the past two years, which is why she was invited to participate.

When Jiang Zilong saw Liu Yimin, he patted Liu Yimin on the shoulder and said, "Yimin, this trip to Singapore will let me see your power. Before, I could only hear about it but not see it. Now I can hear about it and see it for myself."

“When I was in the United States, I often heard about Comrade Liu Yimin’s deeds. I am very fortunate to be with Comrade Liu Yimin this time.” Wang Anyi looked Liu Yimin up and down. The two first met at a symposium on “Wolf Smoke in Beiping”. Several years have passed in the blink of an eye, and Liu Yimin has matured a lot since then.

Liu Yimin led them to collect 500 Singapore dollars. As the organizer, Lianhe Zaobao provided accommodation and transportation services, and this 500 dollars was their pocket money.

Liu Yimin did not exchange any extra money; if needed, he could exchange it with the Singaporean publisher he was cooperating with.

On March 17th, the plane took off from Beijing Capital International Airport. This was one of the few direct flights to Hong Kong. We would spend the night in Hong Kong and then fly directly to Singapore.

Sitting on the plane, Liu Yimin remarked with emotion: "The International Chinese Literature and Art Training Camp and the International Chinese Literature Award should be led by the mainland, after all, the world's largest group of Chinese writers is in China."

Yao Xueyin said helplessly, "There's nothing we can do about it. The conditions aren't right yet. If we hold it in China, a significant number of Chinese writers won't be able to come, and some might not be willing to come back because they have concerns."

To resolve this issue in a short time, besides allowing exchanges from the other side, we also need to build the mainland into a beacon for Chinese literature. Only in this way can we gain influence within the Chinese literary community.

"Lighthouse?" Yao Xueyin repeated, then looked at Liu Yimin, Jiang Zilong, and Wang Anyi: "Then it's up to you young people to work hard."

Zhang Leping said, "I believe that day is not far away."

"Comrade Liu Yimin already has considerable influence internationally, and he is highly regarded by international readers," Wang Anyi replied with a smile.

On the plane, everyone was in high spirits, and Yao Xueyin couldn't help but share her story of exchanging ideas with Chinese writers in Singapore. She spoke highly of Sanmao, praising her as an extraordinary woman.

"Compared to some male writers, she is truly a woman who is just as capable as any man."

Sanmao grew up in Chongqing and moved to the island at the age of three. She was always very frank and straightforward on issues between the two sides, and dared to speak out more than some male writers.

The plane flew from north to south and slowly landed at Hong Kong Airport. People from XX News Agency were there to greet them. As they exited the airport, reporters surrounded Liu Yimin and his entourage, vying to ask them questions.

"Was your trip to Singapore this time to promote your policies on the island?"

"Could they instigate some writers?"

"Mr. Liu Yimin, why do you think you were able to win the Golden Lion Literary Award?"

Liu Yimin looked at the reporter who asked the question: "Because I write well."

After a brief silence, the room erupted in uproar as people questioned Liu Yimin whether his words reflected confidence or arrogance.

"You insist on asking me why I won the literary prize? What can I say? If my writing was bad, would they have awarded it to me? You media people are not even as good as third-tier media in mainland China."

(End of this chapter)