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

Chapter 490 Yimin Scholarship Receives $500,000 Donation
The "wanderer mentality" isn't just about being far from home; it also stems from anxieties about the future caused by environmental uncertainty. After all, no matter how powerful the Chinese community is in Southeast Asia, they are still seen as guests by the local indigenous people, not yet at the point of dominating the community.

Economic superiority does not equate to political or power superiority, though Singapore is currently an exception.

Lin Rishun took charge of China Film Group's distribution rights in Southeast Asia, and their subsequent discussions focused more on cultural exchange.

"If the preview screening of 'Fearless' is well received, it will be shown in theaters under the Chung Chiao Cinemas, Cathay Cinemas, and Shaw Brothers. At the beginning, the screening rate will not be less than 20%, and it will gradually increase depending on the situation."

In Southeast Asia, cinemas are called theaters. Shaw Brothers' main base is currently in Hong Kong, but Singapore is where they thrived.

Run Run Shaw assisted his brother in fighting a guerrilla war in Singapore—breaking through the encirclement of other cinema chains through mobile screenings, and before World War II, there were more than 100 cinemas throughout Southeast Asia.

Lin Rishun has high expectations for "Fearless," believing it to be a great opportunity for mainland Chinese films in Southeast Asia.

Southeast Asia has a large Chinese population and a significant Chinese film market. However, mainland Chinese films, represented by China Film Group, struggle to gain traction in Southeast Asia, except for certain genres. The film market is primarily dominated by Hong Kong films. This is especially true in Singapore, where film production and directing processes are almost identical to those in Hong Kong.

"Before coming here, Yimin wrote a kung fu movie script called 'Brotherhood of Blades,' Mr. Lin. When it's made, it should have a big market in Southeast Asia," Yao Xueyin said with a smile.

Lin Fanghua continued, "We pay attention to film scripts from the mainland. Our company got our hands on 'Brotherhood of Blades' a long time ago. We think the script is exquisite and, if filmed well, it will be a kung fu extravaganza."

"I wonder if Zhongqiao has any interest in mainland Chinese animation?" Liu Yimin asked.

Lin Rishun and Lin Fanghua didn't understand why Liu Yimin brought up animation. Qin Mu explained to them that Liu Yimin was actively promoting the development of domestic films and animation in China.

"I see. Animated films are mostly television programs. Television stations are different from private cinemas. Most of them are state-owned, and these countries have restrictions on programs. To get them on the market, you have to go through censorship. Malaysia is okay, but Indonesia is different. The two countries haven't restored diplomatic relations yet."

Lin Fanghua gave a detailed introduction to the sources of some animated programs, mainly Japanese and European and American animated programs, with very few domestically produced animated programs from Southeast Asian countries.

“If mainland Chinese animation wants to enter Southeast Asia, Zhongqiao can help as much as possible.” After saying this, Lin Rishun coughed violently, and the servant next to him quickly brought over a spittoon.

Lin Rishun took a deep breath: "I can't guarantee other cinemas will be able to screen animated films like Zhongqiao."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Lin. The spread of Chinese culture in Southeast Asia is inseparable from the help of the Chinese community," Liu Yimin said.

“Some animated films from mainland China are very well-made, but they often only appear at major award ceremonies and are rarely broadcast on television. When I was working with people from China Film Group, I could tell that they were interested in selling the broadcasting rights for animated films. It turns out that this was driven by Professor Liu.” Lin Rihua began to address Liu Yimin as Professor.

"I feel it's a pity that such a well-made film can't be seen by children abroad. Earning some money to subsidize the production costs is a good option."

Liu Yimin's words made Lin Rishun and Lin Fanghua laugh. Lin Fanghua stood up and said, "The food is ready. Let's have a meal together. It's authentic Fujian cuisine."

They had just come out of the meeting room when they were invited over, and now everyone was a little hungry.

Liu Yimin and his group followed Lin Rishun and his son deeper into the villa. The layout of the courtyard was very much in line with the culture of Fujian Province, with 80% of the buildings and furniture being made of wood.

The food is authentic Fujian cuisine, and they specially found a chef from the mainland to ensure authenticity.

"Try our Fujian cuisine, one of the eight major cuisines of China, especially this Buddha Jumps Over the Wall. Even the Buddha couldn't resist the temptation of its aroma. This is Drunken Ribs, Shark Fin Soup, Dragon Body and Phoenix Tail Shrimp, Jade Pearl Abalone, Chicken and Bamboo Shoot Soup, Fish Lips with Meat, Dingbianhu (a type of rice noodle soup), Fuzhou Fish Balls, and Meat Swallow." Lin Fanghua introduced each dish to them.

These things were more greasy than what they ate in the hotel for a week. There were many members of the Lin family, and because of their arrival, they were divided into two tables. Lin Rishun and Lin Fanghua sat with the delegation at the table.

During the meal, Lin Rishun asked Liu Yimin what he thought of the mainland's opening-up policy. Liu Yimin explained to them what he knew and the policies for overseas Chinese businessmen.

Lin Rishun initially thought Liu Yimin was unfamiliar with economics, but after chatting with him, he discovered that Liu Yimin had a very thorough understanding of policies and the market.

"When overseas Chinese return to the mainland to invest and build factories, it's equivalent to simultaneously possessing two huge markets: the mainland and Southeast Asia. This offers enormous profits, and the mainland provides favorable policies. Furthermore, for Chinese people, benefiting their hometown is a great honor. It's a triumphant return home."

Lin Fanghua asked, "Professor Liu, what do you think the future trend of mainland China's exports will be?"

"Exports are definitely growing year after year. The mainland needs to export to earn foreign exchange, and foreign countries also need China's light industrial products and raw materials. It's a win-win situation."

"Professor Liu, do you have any local specialties from your hometown? Perhaps our Zhongqiao branch can sell them?" Lin Fanghua said casually.

Liu Yimin laughed and said, "My hometown started out with coal, so there's no shortage of coal to sell. The whole city is dominated by heavy industry, which doesn't really fit with your department store business. Our village, on the other hand, is into roasting sunflower seeds, so maybe there will be opportunities for cooperation in the future."

"Sure, we'll handle the selling!"

"Currently, the focus is still on meeting the needs of the mainland, but we hope to have the opportunity to develop."

After dinner, Lin Rishun made an excuse to take Liu Yimin into the study alone. Upon entering the study, Liu Yimin saw "Uncle's Tea Set" and the golden arowana in the water tank. Liu Yimin looked up and smiled when he saw the words behind the desk. It was just right.

"Professor Liu, I invited you here privately because I'd like to collaborate with you?"

"What cooperation?"

“Please have Professor Liu write the script for ‘The Overseas Chinese’. The Fuqing Association, S.U.C.C., and the mainland should co-produce it. We should tell this part of history through film.” Lin Rishun held up five fingers, pointing to an investment of five million US dollars.

The money was provided by the Fuqing Association and Zhongqiao, while the mainland side provided the script, director, and actors. Of course, the actors could also be selected from Southeast Asian Chinese actors.

Liu Yimin was very interested in Lin Rishun's collaboration: "Five million US dollars from Southeast Asia to the Burma Road. Filming on the Burma Road is difficult, and the cost of supplies is probably not enough. The film studios on the mainland should be able to contribute a portion of the funds."

"If we still don't have enough money in the end, we, Chung Chia, can invest. The cost of making a movie is not a problem." Lin Rishun's words implied that money was the least important thing.

"Mr. Lin must be looking for the Fujian Provincial Film Studio to film this, right?"

Fujian Film Studio was relatively weak and mainly produced documentaries before being included in the national feature film production plan in 84.

Lin Rishun said approvingly, "That's what we mean. The documentaries produced by Fujian Provincial Film Studio are very good, but as you know!"

"I can help facilitate a collaboration between Fujian Provincial Film Studio and August First Film Studio for a film."

"Good, good, good. I heard you're quite familiar with people in the Film Bureau and the Ministry of Culture. I believe there won't be any problems as long as you make the suggestion." Lin Rishun said to Liu Yimin with satisfaction. Liu Yimin actually understood his unspoken words.

Liu Yimin felt that Lin Rishun's worries were somewhat unnecessary; he didn't understand domestic film studios very well. If domestic studios knew about this film, many would jump at the chance to make it.

“Mainland film studios are not highly commercialized, but they have a sense of responsibility for films that can serve national development and historical memory. Mr. Lin has nothing to worry about.”

Lin Rishun discussed the characters and plot of the script with Liu Yimin, and felt that this matter should be discussed with the descendants of Chen Jiageng.

"I will contact the descendants of the Chen family tomorrow. I believe they will be very interested as well."

It wasn't until 10 o'clock that Liu Yimin and the others left the Lin family villa. On their way back, Lin Fanghua personally escorted them to their hotel.

"Professor Liu, are you ready for the 'Huo Yuanjia' meet-and-greet tomorrow night?" Lin Fanghua asked.

"Everything's ready. It's just a meeting and sharing session," Liu Yimin reassured Lin Fanghua.

Lin Fanghua and his team originally planned to invite the entire cast and crew of "Huo Yuanjia" to meet with the audience after the film's release. Liu Yimin's unexpected win of the Golden Lion Literary Award disrupted their plans.

The mainland delegation returned to the hotel, where Lin Renjun of Lianhe Zaobao was waiting for them. The other delegates were also awake, watching the mainland delegation's every move.

This arts training camp almost became a one-man show for mainland writers, while the delegation from the island became a laughing stock. Li Ao's actions caused the entire delegation to lose face and split up internally. Yu Guangzhong was frequently singled out for criticism, and Sanmao basically stopped associating with them.

Lin Renjun told Liu Yimin that the Lianhe Zaobao newspaper had reached a new high in local sales in the past two days, and that many radio programs in Southeast Asia were talking about "The Overseas Chinese" tonight, with some programs even inviting the descendants of the Overseas Chinese mechanics to tell about their fathers' difficult history.

"Are you waiting for us?" Liu Yimin asked curiously.

Lin Renjun nodded and said, "We are the organizers, and we have to ensure the safety of every participant."

"Thank you, you've worked hard," Liu Yimin said with a smile. Lin Renjun didn't say anything more, and after greeting everyone, he returned to his room.

On April 25th, the atmosphere at the arts training camp was much more enthusiastic than before, but it felt a bit forced to maintain that enthusiasm.

With only two days left in the week-long training camp, some people were exhausted, while others felt that they had come to watch a show, only to find that there was only one person on the stage.

Seeing that everyone's enthusiasm was a bit low, the editor-in-chief, Du Nanfa, simply let everyone form groups to exchange ideas freely.

Just as Du Nanfa finished speaking, Li Ao ran over to the mainland side. Yu Guangzhong snorted coldly and turned to talk to Xi Murong.

Sanmao was extremely disgusted by Li Ao's arrival and began discussing the changes in various parts of mainland China with Yao Xueyin and Zhang Leping.

Wang Anyi went to talk with several female writers from Malaysia. Jiang Zilong sat next to Li Ao, constantly looking at Li Ao and analyzing what kind of person he was.

Singaporean Chinese writer Lu Tao also joined in, jokingly saying to Li Ao, "Truly, who in the world doesn't know about G?"

“I don’t belong to any political party, I belong to the truth.” After saying this, Li Ao asked Liu Yimin when he thought cross-strait exchanges would begin.

"Brothers may quarrel among themselves, but they unite to protect each other from humiliation. How can they remain estranged until death? Jiang Da was driven to the island. Did he not have any longing for his homeland or a sense of historical responsibility? I believe he did. According to the information I have, it should be soon. Mr. Li Ao, as a well-known figure on the island, you should also have this sense of historical responsibility."

A man of unwavering integrity would never be ordered around by outsiders or dare to be a vanguard.

The adjectives "famous figure" and "a man of unyielding integrity" have made Li Ao a target of ridicule.

Liu Yimin invited them to attend the preview screening of "Fearless" that evening. Lu Tao smiled and said, "Great! Professor Liu, Singaporean audiences are very interested in this movie, and it's very difficult to buy tickets for the preview screening."

Li Ao said, "If I had Huo Yuanjia's martial arts skills, I would beat all the 'Taiwan independence' activists into pig heads. Professor Liu, do you know? I was arrested because of 'Taiwan independence,' but I was wrongly accused."

The group listened as Li Ao passionately recounted his imprisonment. Yu Guangzhong, watching from a distance, would occasionally glance over, wondering if Li Ao was criticizing him.

After Li Ao finished speaking, Liu Yimin got up and went to talk to Yu Guangzhong and the others. Yu Guangzhong was very happy that Liu Yimin had come. Liu Yimin talked to them about issues such as returning to one's hometown to visit relatives. Yu Guangzhong did not express much opinion on this, only saying that many people on the island were discussing it.

When Yu Guangzhong inquired about his friend Liu Shahe, Liu Yimin shrugged and said, "I haven't had much contact with Mr. Liu Shahe."

Yu Guangzhong said in surprise, "Yimin, you are so famous in mainland China, and your poems are known throughout the Chinese-speaking world. How come you have never communicated with Liu Shahe?"

Xi Murong said, "My favorite poem is Professor Liu's 'Slowly in the Past,' which is very delicate in its emotions. It and Mr. Yu's 'Nostalgia' are both poems that I like to recite when I am homesick."

"Liu Shahe was in Sichuan Province, while I spent most of my time in Beijing. In fact, I had relatively little interaction with the literary circle as a whole, and I am not good at socializing."

Yu Guangzhong didn't believe Liu Yimin's second half of his statement about being unsociable at all: "Didn't you go to the snowy areas of Sichuan and Kang to collect folk songs?"

"I only met Ma Shitu and others in Sichuan Province."

Liu Yimin also extended an invitation to Yu Guangzhong and Xi Murong, and the two promised to attend on time.

In the evening, the Chinese community sent several cars to take everyone to a movie theater next to Pearl Square. The movie theater had many seats, with the largest theater seating about 800 people.

When the audience members who were having their tickets checked saw Liu Yimin, they all shook hands with him in a friendly manner or asked him to sign his book.

Reporters from Lianhe Zaobao were snapping photos like crazy. Liu Yimin and others entered the screening room, and Lin Fanghua came over to tell him that Chen Jiageng's grandson, Chen Liren, was also there today.

Chen Liren is Chen Jiageng's eldest grandson. When he arrived, Liu Yimin shook hands with him with a smile. Chen Liren was born in 49 and is in his thirties. He was wearing a white suit and had slicked-back hair.

"Professor Liu, I've heard your name quite often in Singapore lately. Welcome to Singapore, and thank you for writing the novel 'The Overseas Chinese'. The S.U.C.C.S. and the Fuqing Association are making this movie and have already contributed five million US dollars. If that's not enough, the Chen family will cover the rest," Chen Liren said with a smile.

"Haha, Chairman Chen, you'll have to ask Chairman Lin of Zhongqiao about that."

Lin Fanghua quickly replied, "No problem. We made this movie not for profit, but to let our descendants remember this history. No matter where Chinese people go, they are Chinese."

Chen Liren shook hands with each member of the delegation, then sat down next to Liu Yimin to watch the film together.

The huge theater, which could hold 800 people, was soon packed. Chen Liren asked curiously, "Professor Liu, is this movie very popular in mainland China?"

"It's incredibly popular. If we don't consider the average ticket price per person, mainland China currently has the most prosperous film market in the world," Liu Yimin said.

Chen Liren was born in Singapore and has never returned to mainland China. His understanding of the mainland is limited to family records.

Chen Liren never even met Chen Jiageng. Before Chen Liren was born, Mr. Chen Jiageng had already settled in mainland China and had been working hard for overseas Chinese and education.

"Huo Yuanjia" was broadcast in Southeast Asian Chinese communities without translation, preserving its original flavor. Liu Yimin has watched it several times and still enjoys it immensely.

When the scene depicted Huo Yuanjia being poisoned, some people in the audience were wiping away tears. After the film ended, the lights in the theater came on, and the applause lasted for about fifty seconds before subsiding.

After the host went on stage and made a few opening remarks, he invited Liu Yimin to come up and share his thoughts.

Holding a microphone bearing the logo of the movie "Fearless," Liu Yimin shared his thoughts with the audience. His topic was "The Spirit of the Chinese People as Seen Through the Story of Huo Yuanjia."

"From Huo Yuanjia's experience, we can see that the spirit of the Chinese people has evolved from self-interest to serving the country. Napoleon of France said that China is a sleeping lion in the East. Many of the Chinese in Southeast Asia come from Fujian and Guangdong provinces and love lion dancing."

As everyone knows, lions are animals with immense energy. Indeed, as he said, after the awakening of national consciousness, the Chinese people unleashed tremendous energy. Regardless of north or south, young or old, people from all over the world united to resist foreign aggression. Just like in my book, *The Overseas Chinese's Patriotic Son*, even when Mr. Tan Kah Kee was bankrupt and undergoing liquidation, he still kept the mainland in his heart.

However, "Fearless" also embodies another concept of the Chinese spirit: stopping when necessary and using force to stop war. The Chinese fight not for invasion and plunder, but for peace. Weapons are for what? To defend peace.

The Chinese are one of the most outstanding nations in the world, with an unbroken civilization. So, when people like to say that the Chinese are no good, no good at this or that, I say that's nonsense! What's wrong with the Chinese?

In the more than 30 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China, we have developed nuclear weapons and missiles, and established an industrial base. While there are still shortcomings, what other country has developed so rapidly from a nation once subjected to bullying to a world power?
After the reform and opening up, overseas Chinese returned to their homeland to build the motherland, especially overseas Chinese in Southeast Asia. With immense internal strength and the united will of all Chinese people abroad, how could we not succeed?

The Chinese audience below the stage applauded wildly. The participants in this ceremony included not only Chinese from Singapore, but also Chinese from Malaysia and Indonesia.

"We have stood up, and we must become prosperous and strong; this is a foreseeable historical trend."

Liu Yimin's speech was short, about ten minutes long, followed mainly by answering questions from the audience. The viewers weren't interested in literary issues; they were more concerned with reform and opening up and cross-strait relations.

Liu Yimin then talked about the policies and called on capable overseas Chinese businessmen to return home to build factories.

What about both sides of the Taiwan Strait?

"The two sides of the Taiwan Strait will definitely be reunified!" Liu Yimin said firmly.

After Liu Yimin finished speaking, Chen Liren went on stage to share the history of the Nanyang Overseas Chinese Mechanics and Chen Jiageng's own experiences.

"I am deeply moved that the mainland still remembers us. I am also proud that my grandfather was able to leave a mark on the vast history of the Chinese nation. I am deeply moved by Professor Liu Yimin's words: When sons and daughters at home and abroad join hands, who in the world can defeat us?"
As everyone knows, my grandfather was a strong supporter of education in mainland China. Professor Liu Yimin was a graduate of Yenching University, which had a scholarship called the Yimin Academic Scholarship.

The point is to cultivate more talents like Professor Liu Yimin, so as a descendant of Chen Jiageng, I must do something. This is my first meeting with Professor Liu Yimin today, and we haven't discussed this matter yet.

I would like to announce first that, on behalf of the Group, I am donating US$500,000 to the Yimin Academic Scholarship to support underprivileged and outstanding students at Yenching University.

After Chen Liren finished speaking, there was an uproar in the audience. Liu Yimin quickly stood up and said, "Thank you, Mr. Chen Liren, for your concern for education in mainland China. Thank you, and thank you to all the Chinese compatriots here."

Chen Liren reiterated, "Not only that, but we will also allocate another one million US dollars to support the construction of Xiamen University and Jimei University."

P.S.: It's been approved again!
(End of this chapter)