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

Chapter 495 A Warm Courtyard
The atmosphere in the office was very pleasant. Everyone discussed what the island's reaction would be, when it would happen, and what the mainland could do.

The old leader said, "I think the time is almost right. The internal fire is burning brightly, and the external fire is also burning brightly. We are about to reach a critical point. We should remain unchanged and deal with all changes as they occur."

Gang Gong didn't speak. He stubbed out his cigarette and lit another one: "Comrade Yimin, what do you think?"

“I think the old leader is right. The tide is in our hands. We need to let Chinese people all over the world know that we genuinely want to do this. Now that they know, they are already under a lot of pressure. If we try to create more momentum, it might provoke a backlash on the island.”

It's like a child; the more you hit them, the less cooperative they become. Our joint signing in Singapore and our foundation efforts are both grassroots initiatives. The official statements should be appropriate, expressing goodwill. Most importantly, we should actively engage with the foundation.

After Liu Yimin finished speaking, he quickly added, "My understanding of international politics is very naive. I'll do whatever it takes to help."

"Yimin, don't be nervous, we're just exchanging ideas," Xia Yan said cheerfully.

Ultimately, everyone agreed with the old leader's advice to remain unchanged in the face of all changes, and for the authorities not to provoke the other side too much.

"Comrade Yimin, you donated fifty thousand US dollars directly? Don't you feel bad about it?" the old leader asked with a smile.

"I don't feel bad about it. My life is already very good. This 50,000 yuan is just icing on the cake for both me and the foundation. It can only play its greatest role by encouraging more people to donate," Liu Yimin said frankly.

Not to be polite, Liu Yimin genuinely felt that way. His savings this year had already exceeded two million, and the movie "Uncle Tom's Cabin" was expected to be released soon. Liu Yimin conservatively estimated that it would gross over twenty million at the box office, and the share of the profits would be a substantial income.

"Okay, don't worry, we'll make it up to you when we have time. We can't let you suffer a loss, but now is not the time."

When it was noon, Liu Yimin, Cao Yu, and Xia Yan had lunch at Zhonghai.

Xia Yan brought up the box office performance of "Fearless" in Singapore and even Southeast Asia: "I heard from colleagues at China Film Group that it's performing very well in Singapore right now?"

"It sold over 400,000 Singapore dollars on the first day, and it seems to have broken the million mark on the second day. It should be released in other Southeast Asian countries today, and in some places, the opening day screening rate can reach 30%," Liu Yimin said quickly.

"Great! Flowers bloom inside the wall but their fragrance spreads outside. Our films and other artistic works should be like this, allowing foreigners to experience thousands of years of Chinese culture." The old leader recounted that "Huo Yuanjia" had been shown three times at the Zhonghai Cinema, and his family, especially the children, loved watching it the most.

"Yes, our literary and artistic works should go out into the world. Others can come, and we can go out. Comrade Xia Yan, you must make this film industry profitable and self-sufficient. All kinds of national reforms require money. We can't just wait, rely on others, or ask for money. You need to explore how to reform properly."

Xia Yan said, "Gang Gong is right, we are also exploring this. Domestic films involve the entire cultural industry, and our ministry is studying it very carefully. We are also exploring ways to make money overseas. Yi Min proposed protecting kung fu movies and animated films, and I also heard that we are preparing to make a film with the August First Film Studio."

“Hachiko: A Dog’s Tale,” Liu Yimin replied.

"Liu Peiran said, 'Are you planning to make it a warm and touching film?'"

"Yes, I think a good story is one that can move people and be accepted by the vast majority of viewers. I want to give it a try, just in case it works. Kung Fu movies can be accepted by foreign audiences, but the entire Chinese kung fu system and background present a viewing barrier for most viewers."

Xia Yan steered a lunch into a discussion about the development of the film and animation industries.

Liu Yimin felt that Xia Yan was deliberately leading the conversation in this direction, so he explained in great detail so that everyone could understand.

Cao Yu understood Xia Yan's little scheme and cooperated from the side, occasionally offering a few comments.

“Okay, there will be losses during the exploration process, but we can afford them. The Ministry of Culture should provide support, support the development of the film industry from the top level, and formulate some overall plans. We shouldn't be led by the nose by others. If they say this is good, the film studio will make it. If they say that is good, our directors will hurriedly turn around.”

“We will definitely continue with the reforms,” Xia Yan said.

After finishing their meal, Liu Yimin, Xia Yan, and Cao Yu left together by car. The old commander's car stopped at the gate and waited for them for a while, telling Liu Yimin to come to Ji'an's place to play chess when he had time.

Cao Yu smugly put his arm around Liu Yimin's shoulder, while Xia Yan turned around and pouted, "Old Wan, are you afraid Yimin will fly away?"

"Old Shen, look how anxious you are. You're getting old, so you should be less temperamental," Cao Yu sneered.

Xia Yan told the driver to drive back to the Ministry of Culture: "The comrades from the United Front Work Department and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office are also waiting for you. Yimin, you have grasped the essence of the United Front in the Li Ao matter: to win the most support and to seek common ground while reserving differences with a broad mind."

"I learned it all from the old man's books," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

"Yes, this theory is brilliant."

Back at the Ministry of Culture, Yao Xueyin and the others were still there. In the morning, Wang Meng, Zhang Guangnian, and others met with them to learn about the overall situation.

Liu Yimin grasped Zhang Guangnian's hand and said, "Comrade Zhang."

“Yimin, you did a great job, it can even be said to be very gratifying. Literary and artistic works should play a role in uniting the people and boosting morale. Writers should also put this concept into practice in the context of their activities.”

Comrades from the United Front Work Department and the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office came over and said, "Comrade Yimin, you have done a better job than us. We have received telegrams from Chinese associations or overseas Chinese leaders in various places, supporting and promoting exchanges."

"They really are united as one, both inside and out."

Liu Yimin sat with the delegation, receiving praise from various departments, which made them all a little embarrassed.

Yao Xueyin coughed and said, "Comrades, actually this is all thanks to Yimin. As for us? We are just people who are living off Yimin's credits."

"Everyone has worked hard. You've cooperated with Yimin and done a lot of things. We've all seen it," Cao Yu said.

The meeting ended but the interviews didn't end there. Liu Yimin and others were kept behind for interviews, with all the central and local media outlets in Beijing lining up to answer questions.

Liu Yimin and the others took turns answering questions, but most of the questions were directed at Liu Yimin.

"Professor Liu, what were your feelings when you wrote the stories of 'dividing the soil for food' and 'burying the soil and ashes together'?"

"To be honest, I feel extremely sad. I am a relatively emotional person. After this article was written, not only me, but all the representatives and the representatives on the island cried. This shows that we all want to resolve this issue, and I believe that we are not far from resolving it."

The reporters' questions were carefully considered and focused on getting to the bottom of things, unlike Hong Kong media which focused on sensationalism.

CCTV's deputy director Yang Weiguang directed CCTV to film the interview from the side. After the interview, he shook Liu Yimin's hand and asked him if he could appear on the next episode of "Youth Night Talk".
"What? Professor Wu's lecture wasn't good?" Liu Yimin asked, puzzled.

“Good, very good. Your explanation of Redology is insightful yet easy to understand. You’ve changed the way you teach in the classroom and lowered the barrier to comprehension. But everyone wants to hear your stories from Singapore. If you go on the show, the radio listenership will skyrocket.” Yang Weiguang expressed his thoughts.

“Okay, no problem,” Liu Yimin said with a smile.

“Then it’s settled, Comrade Yimin, we’ll leave now,” Yang Weiguang said.

The rest of the delegation also left the Ministry of Culture building one after another. Liu Yimin sat in Xia Yan's office and asked with a smile, "Professor Shen, can I go home now?"

Xia Yan looked at him with a smile: "Is there something you've forgotten?"

"The movie," Cao Yu reminded him.

"Oh dear, there are too many things to do, I didn't think of anything right now. The Southeast Asian Fuqing Association and Zhongqiao Film want to co-produce 'Overseas Chinese' with the mainland. They are willing to contribute five million US dollars, and if that's not enough, they can contribute more money." Liu Yimin then remembered the co-production.

Five million dollars? That should be enough, right?

"It's hard to say. Filming abroad, then on the Burma Road, involves cars and personnel, and the conditions are harsh. It's quite costly." Liu Yimin didn't dare to make any guarantees.

"Co-production? Which film studio do they want to co-produce with?"

"They naturally wanted to use the Fujian Provincial Film Studio, but felt it wasn't enough. I suggested that the August First Film Studio send a director to assist with the filming." "Who do you think is suitable?"

"Li Jun from the August First Film Studio is quite good; he has a lot of experience in filming war-themed movies. You can check him out for details."

Xia Yan placed his hand on his chest: "Let's discuss the specifics further. We still need the investor's consent. We can offer suggestions, after all, they're the ones who put the money in, so they have the final say."

"Okay," Liu Yimin readily agreed.

Cao Yu asked, "Mr. Chen Jiageng's grandson is back? And he's planning to donate $500,000 to Yenching University?"

“Yes, he is currently in Xiamen and has donated $500,000 to Xiamen University and Jimei University respectively,” Liu Yimin explained.

"It's really not easy. Mr. Chen Jiageng has gone to great lengths for Xiamen University," Xia Yan exclaimed. He and Cao Yu had both dealt with Chen Jiageng.

Liu Yimin didn't emerge from the Ministry of Culture until 5 PM. Xia Yan instructed his driver to take Liu Yimin back to the Overseas Chinese Apartment, but Cao Yu mentioned that Zhu Lin was already staying at the courtyard house with the two children.

Once they arrived at the courtyard house, Zhu Lin would come back to check on the two little ones after get off work at noon, worried that they might have been mistreated.

As soon as the car stopped, Liu Yimin eagerly opened the door and got out. Knowing that Liu Yimin was coming back today, the gate to the courtyard house was left open.

Liu Yimin could hear Liu Yu and Liu Lin playing in the yard from outside the door. He quickly walked into the second courtyard, where the two were circling around the ginkgo tree.

Xi Mei and Zhu's mother, fearing that the two would bump into the stone table, sat beside them and protected them with their hands.

As Liu Yimin stepped through the hanging flower gate, he unconsciously stopped pressing down on his feet, wanting to scare the two little ones.

Liu Yu happened to see him, stood still, then pouted and stretched out her arms to cry.

Liu Yu walked slowly towards them, crying. Following Liu Yu's direction, Zhu's mother and Xi Mei saw Liu Yimin standing beside the hanging flower gate.

Liu Yimin quickly stepped forward and picked up Liu Yu, saying, "Let Dad see if you've gained weight."

Seeing that Liu Yu was still crying, Liu Yimin picked her up and spun her around in the air a few times before he could make her laugh.

Seeing that his father wasn't holding him, Liu Lin paced anxiously around, saying, "Dad, just hold my sister, I don't want to play."

"Little guy, you've even learned to use retreat as a tactic?" Liu Yimin teased as he squatted down, holding Liu Yu.

"I don't want to play, Dad, where did you go?"

"You've gone abroad, do you miss your dad?"

"Yes, my sister wants to too," Liu Lin replied.

Zhu's mother said, "Liu Lin is truly a good older brother. He's so well-behaved. Now that we don't care about them, Liu Lin can take Liu Yu to play under the ginkgo tree all day long."

Liu Yimin picked up Liu Lin and said, "Mom, Ximei, you two have worked so hard!"

Xi Mei quickly waved her hand, and Zhu's mother said, "Oh, it's no trouble at all. I'm happy holding these two children."

Liu Yimin sat on the stool, put his arms around Liu Yu and Liu Lin, and began to tell them a story.

Liu Lin listened attentively, while Liu Yu swung her legs and occasionally nudged Liu Lin intentionally.

Liu Lin wasn't annoyed. When he was really annoyed, he would pretend to furrow his brow, and the veins on his forehead would bulge out from the effort.

"Hehehe." Liu Yu snuggled into Liu Yimin's arms, covered her mouth, and laughed at Liu Lin.

"Dad, I want to hear you sing 'Little Mouse'."

"What little mouse?" Liu Yimin asked Liu Yu.

Zhu's mother, who was picking vegetables, said, "It's a little mouse, it's on the lampstand."

Liu Yimin wasn't a very good singer, so he hummed a tune softly. Liu Yu sang along with him, and Liu Lin clapped his hands beside him.

After Liu Yimin finished singing, Liu Yu looked at him with wide eyes and said, "Dad, I saw Sanhua eat the little mouse. The mouse is so cute, why did Sanhua eat it?"

Sanhua, who was pretending to be asleep, glanced at Liu Yu sideways and then closed her eyes again.

"Sanhua caught the mouse because it stole something. If you encounter a mouse, you should run far away, because they can bite," Liu Yimin said.

When the food was almost ready, Zhu Lin rushed back on his motorcycle, wearing a smart white shirt. When he saw Liu Yimin, his smile almost overflowed: "Teacher Liu, are you tired?"

"I was a little tired, but seeing you all makes me feel less tired," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Liu Yu broke free from Liu Yimin and staggered toward Zhu Lin.

Zhu Lin carried Liu Yu to Liu Yimin's side and took out a White Rabbit milk candy from his pocket: "Teacher Liu, have a taste."

Liu Yimin stuffed the milk candy into his mouth: "This stuff is very popular in Southeast Asia, especially in Singapore."

"Do Singaporeans eat this too?" Zhu's mother asked.

"Yes, Mom, Singaporeans love it."

Zhu's father also rushed back at this time. After seeing Liu Yimin, he said, "Was the trip successful?"

"very smooth."

"Who did you meet on the island?"

"Li Ao, Yu Guangzhong, Xi Murong, Sanmao."

Of the four people, Zhu's father only recognized Yu Guangzhong, Sanmao, and Xi Murong. He had only heard of Xi Murong's poems but did not like them. He often read Sanmao's articles.

Once the food was ready, Liu Yimin finally had time to wash his face and hands. While eating, he recounted what he had seen and heard in Singapore.

"Sanmao was such a remarkable girl," Zhu's father remarked.

After quickly finishing her meal, Zhu's mother looked at Zhu's father and said, "Hurry up and eat. Stop making such a fuss. Look at the time. It's time to rest."

"This..." Zhu's father shrank back when he saw Zhu's mother's sharp gaze: "Ah, it's 7:30, it's getting late."

Liu Yimin yawned: "I'm a little sleepy from the flight, I'm going to take a shower."

(End of this chapter)