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

Chapter 499: Filming Begins for "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale"

Liu Yimin had no objection to joining the editorial committee of the People's Education Press's Chinese language textbooks. This job wouldn't take up too much of his time, because his work wasn't about soliciting manuscripts or editing books, but rather about providing top-level guidance and final review.

With this identity, coupled with Liu Yimin's influence in literary and educational circles, many things became possible. Textbooks could truly be rectified, with works like "Edison Saves His Mother" and "Washington and the Cherry Tree" all getting out of the picture.

The story of "Edison Saves His Mother" is utterly absurd. If you insist on using it to showcase a child's intelligence and the bond between mother and child, why not create a story about a Chinese scientist saving his mother? Or a story about a soldier wounded in the field using a mirror to create conditions for surgery?
When Ye Shengtao saw that Liu Yimin had agreed, he said happily, "I will go back and discuss this matter with the People's Education Press. I believe that with your participation, the team compiling the national Chinese language textbooks will be even stronger."

The editor from the People's Education Press next to him quickly said, "Congratulations, Professor Liu! With Professor Liu's involvement, the textbook writing process will surely go much more smoothly."

"Yimin, the compilation of textbooks should be based on facts, and should also take the development of children and the country as its own responsibility. Your criticism of Westernization and your correct view of learning from the West are very correct. We should view our own problems correctly and learn from the strengths of others with an equal attitude."

"We cannot instill the idea of ​​Western superiority in children from a young age. Otherwise, will the children we raise be our own or someone else's children?" Ye Shengtao said with a hint of worry.

Liu Yimin smiled and said to him, "Ultimately, it's a matter of values. We shouldn't raise arrogant children, nor should we raise children with low self-esteem. Instead, we should raise confident children."

Ye Shengtao agreed with this view. He had previously written a paper criticizing the problem of children being influenced by negative works.

The topic then shifted to "Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit: The Seven Swordsmen". Ye Shengtao himself was a children's author and was very curious about how "Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit: The Seven Swordsmen" could have an impact on children. He did a lot of research on this.

The first print run of "Rainbow Cat and Blue Rabbit: The Seven Swordsmen" in May was 500,000 copies, and it is currently selling very well in the market.

However, Zheng Yuanjie was still investigating piracy. He started his pursuit after Liu Yimin left for Singapore and found two printing plants that were printing pirated copies. He didn't know if he had any success with them recently.

"Actually, I'm just using the framework of adult martial arts novels. Chinese people are deeply influenced by the culture of heroes, kung fu, chivalry, and fighting for justice, and children are no exception. That's why this type of fairy tale is very popular," Liu Yimin said.

“I read your story every time, and I’m very satisfied with it so far. Rainbow Cat is a very righteous character, and at least he won’t lead children astray.”

Ye Shengtao saw the "King of Fairy Tales" magazine in Liu Yimin's study, opened it, and discussed its contents with Liu Yimin.

At noon, Liu Yimin warmly invited Ye Shengtao to have lunch at the courtyard. When Zhu Lin returned from get off work and saw Ye Shengtao, she almost thought she was seeing things.

"Mr. Ye, we've both read the textbooks you edited," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Ye Shengtao inquired about Zhu Lin's work at the Beijing People's Art Theatre, and Zhu Lin would pause to think before replying to his answers.

"How is Jiabao Gong?"

"Teacher Wan is in good health and is gradually stepping down to take a back seat."

Ye Shengtao said, "He only retired physically, but his name can't be retired. That's how it is for us old guys. Even though we don't manage things, we still have to keep our names on the table. Jiabao was the pillar of the Beijing People's Art Theatre, and you could even say that he represented the Beijing People's Art Theatre."

As long as Cao Yu is alive, he will be the director of the Beijing People's Art Theatre. Only after he passes away can this responsibility be handed over.

After Ye Shengtao finished his meal, he left the courtyard with the editors from the People's Education Press. Zhu Lin asked him curiously what he had come for.

"It's because my article 'A Son Longs for His Mother,' which I published in Lianhe Zaobao, will be included in the first-year junior high school Chinese textbook. Of course, Mr. Ye is also lonely and wants to find someone to chat with," Liu Yimin explained.

Zhu Lin revealed a knowing look, then closed the courtyard door and walked back to the second courtyard. Liu Yu and Liu Lin, who had just finished eating, were playing, with Xi Mei watching over them. Zhu's mother had ended her vacation after Liu Yimin returned and had already gone back to work at the hospital.

Liu Yimin went into the study and took out the letters sent by Yang Xiuyun and Liu Fuqing, along with a package.

The package contained clothes that Yang Xiuyun had made for Liu Yu and Liu Lin, as well as a stack of insoles of various sizes.

The clothes were knitted with very fine stitches, unlike the coarse-knitted clothes Liu Yimin used to wear. Zhu Lin looked at the clothes and insoles and said, "Our mother probably hasn't done anything since the New Year; she's spent all her time and effort making clothes and insoles."

“If it were before, she would definitely have made cloth shoes, but she knows we don’t like wearing them anymore, so she stopped. Sigh, I’ll have Mom and Dad come over to see the two little ones during the summer vacation. Anyway, it’s too hot to do much farm work.” Liu Yimin told his parents about this when he was about to reply to their letter.

When the two little ones are older, we can send them back during summer vacation so they can see the vast rural world.

Zhu Lin called Liu Yu and Liu Lin over and asked them to try on the clothes their grandmother had made.

Liu Yu looked at the clothes on her body and called out, "Grandma?"

"Did Grandma make this?" Liu Yu asked.

Zhu Lin pinched Liu Lin's cheek: "Grandma made this so you won't forget her."

The two were young and forgot many things quickly. However, Yang Xiuyun's efforts were not in vain, as they still remembered her.

The two played in their clothes for a while, and when their enthusiasm subsided, they felt sleepy. Ximei washed their hands and faces and took them to take a nap.

Liu Yimin was about to take a lunch break when Cui Daoyi called: "Yimin, 'Ordinary World' is doing well. We'd like to hold a literary symposium on 'Ordinary World' for Lu Yao. How about you attend?"

“Great! When should we hold the event? It’s perfect opportunity to get Lu Yao on a ‘Youth Night Talk’ segment.” Liu Yimin said with a smile.

"The time is set for the end of May, probably between the 28th and 30th, but we still need to decide based on when Lu Yao arrives in Beijing."

"Okay, let me know when the time comes." Liu Yimin hung up the phone and went back to the bedroom with Zhu Lin for a nap.

In early May, the temperature rose sharply compared to the end of April, and the sun made my scalp ache from the sun on the way from the study to the bedroom.

On May 8th, the latest episode of "Youth Night Talk" saw an increase of approximately five million listeners compared to the previous episode, thanks to Liu Yimin's sharing of his trip to Singapore.

Everyone listened with rapt attention to Liu Yimin's experiences in Singapore, and when they heard about the enthusiastic donations from Chinese businessmen, they couldn't help but marvel at the strength of the Chinese business community.

The hometowns of overseas Chinese in Guangdong and Fujian provinces broadcast this episode of "Youth Night Talk" separately, and newspapers also gave it extensive coverage.

In particular, local newspapers in Fuqing highlighted Fuqing business tycoons such as Lin Rishun and Lin Shaoliang, and called on more overseas Chinese businessmen to return to their hometown to invest and build factories.

Li Jun, who had already arrived in Fujian Province, turned off the radio. He had spent a lot of time traveling around Fujian lately, especially visiting the hometowns of overseas Chinese who had gone to Southeast Asia, to learn about their clan culture and stories of going to sea.

"I wonder when the script will arrive!" Li Jun sighed. On the other hand, Li Jun was also secretly looking forward to this trip to Southeast Asia, as he had never been abroad before.

Thinking about this, Li Jun could no longer fall asleep. He went to the roof of the guesthouse, looked at the starry sky, and went through his filming ideas in his mind again.

Yao Xueyin, Qin Mu, Jiang Zilong, and others also stood by the tape recorder, as if they themselves were recounting their trip to Singapore.

After they returned, they were interviewed by local media, and each of them wrote an essay vividly describing their experience.

"Teacher Liu, it's time to sleep." Zhu Lin turned off the radio with a "click".

"Go to sleep, go to sleep." Liu Yimin did a few movements on the bed, stretching his body.

Liu Yimin lay on the bed, and Zhu Lin turned to his side and told him about the people and things he had met at the Beijing People's Art Theatre that day.

Liu Yimin noticed that as the marriage progressed, Zhu Lin became increasingly talkative at night.

“You did the right thing!” Liu Yimin replied.

"Teacher Liu, do you really think so?"

"Yes, you did the right thing."

After a while, Zhu Lin kicked Liu Yimin: "You only say I did the right thing, but you don't say how you treated me."

"Because you're beautiful!" Liu Yimin said firmly. Zhu Lin looked at Liu Yimin with a grin: "Teacher Liu is right, let's give him a reward."

On May 9th, Huang Zumo finally arrived in Yanjing. As soon as he got off at Yanjing Railway Station, he couldn't wait to find Liu Yimin.

When Huang Zumo saw Liu Yimin, he said with emotion, "Yimin, thank you for finding me a job. I was so excited when I heard about it that I couldn't sleep for two days. I wanted to come to Yanjing as soon as possible, but unfortunately you went to Singapore to receive an award. After you came back, there were things to do at the factory that prevented you from leaving."

Huang Zumo handed over the local specialties he brought from Shanghai to Ximei; the package contained a large amount of miscellaneous items.

"Old Huang, you're being too polite." Liu Yimin pulled him into the study.

Huang Zumo said with a smile, "They are all specialties of Shanghai, not worth much money."

Upon arriving at the study, Liu Yimin handed the script of "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" to Huang Zumo, asking him to go through it first.

Huang Zumo watched very carefully, like a job seeker memorizing interview questions, afraid that he might not read carefully enough and lose this opportunity to direct.

After he finished reading it, Liu Yimin said, "I know you also have questions about why it's different from the mainstream filming methods in China. The dialogue is warm and full of hope, and it's also different from the original work, without so many shouting and screaming scenes."

This is the American stage version of "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale." This version, performed by a grassroots team, moved Americans to donate money and supplies, and there's a reason for that.

“Yimin, I definitely believe you,” Huang Zumo said quickly.

Liu Yimin chuckled softly: "Old Huang, you may believe me, but I still need to explain the reasons to you. Otherwise, you won't understand, and the film might not turn out well. Don't worry, listen to me, and I will definitely make you a world-renowned international director."

Huang Zumo immediately perked up. Who hasn't dreamed of being a world-renowned international director? "Yimin, I'll do whatever you tell me to do. Director Liu also told me to listen to you. Your words carry more weight than the director's."

Liu Yimin then showed him several foreign films. Huang Zumo carefully analyzed the shots. After watching them, Huang Zumo said, "I understand now. I understand after watching these films."

It's not just about creating a heartwarming story; choosing the right protagonist is also crucial—you need to select a charismatic lead.

Liu Yimin slapped his thigh and said, "Old Huang, you are a genius. Someone like you should be an international director. It's just that your subject matter is not suitable, which is why you have been overlooked."

Huang Zumo hesitated for a moment, but couldn't help asking, "Yimin, do you really think so?"

"Really, I knew it ever since 'Romance on Lushan Mountain,' you're suited to making movies with genuine emotions. Tell me, what kind of lead actor would be best for you?"

"Tall, handsome, and charming. Look at the characters in the movie, they all suffer a lot, but their clothes and appearance are not sloppy or unkempt. Instead, they are uplifting, warm, and full of infectious energy. The charm and emotions of the characters are perfectly integrated."

Huang Zumo is absolutely right; all those moving American movies that bring tears to our eyes are like that.

The same applies to films like "The Pursuit of Happyness," "The Bucket List," and "The Woman I Know." If you were to choose a sleazy protagonist to film, the effect would be greatly diminished, or even worse, it would be like cutting someone's ankle.

With the success of "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale," these kinds of scripts can also be filmed domestically.

“You’ve hit the nail on the head. Who do you think is suitable?” Liu Yimin asked.

Huang Zumo considered for a moment and finally settled on a candidate: "Jiao Huang from the Shanghai Drama Troupe, he just turned fifty this year. I've seen him perform in a play, playing Qin King Li Shimin, and he perfectly captured that noble air. What do you think of him?"

After Huang Zumo finished speaking, he immediately patted his forehead: "I forgot, you probably haven't met him. I don't have a photo right now either. I'll send him a telegram right away and ask him to send a photo over."

Liu Yimin remained outwardly calm, but inwardly thought that Jiao Huang was already fifty years old these days, and that he played Emperor Kangxi in 97.

If he were to actually star in this, it would probably be the lowest-ranking official Jiao Huang has ever played. However, Liu Yimin thinks it would be quite good if he had white hair and a yellow dog following him.

"Alright, Lao Huang, you take care of the actors. If they're suitable, let them audition. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. I'll take responsibility if there are any problems during filming." Liu Yimin patted Huang Zumo on the shoulder.

“If there’s a problem, it’s definitely my problem. I can’t let you take the blame,” Huang Zumo said stubbornly.

"Alright, we haven't even started filming yet, so stop saying such discouraging things."

Huang Zumo walked out of the study and saw Fugui'er, the yellow dog under the tree. He smiled and said, "Is your dog intelligent? We need to find this dog too."

“Nothing special, just average.” Liu Yimin squatted down in front of Fugui’er, and it immediately stuck its tongue out at Liu Yimin’s face. Liu Yimin quickly stepped back.

“I’ll go ask around and see where we can find professionally trained dogs. The movie needs to show the close relationship between people and dogs.” Huang Zumo teased Fugui’er, but also thought it wouldn’t work.

Liu Yimin did not let Huang Zumo go to the August First Film Studio alone, but personally took him there.

Liu Peiran grasped Huang Zumo's hand and said, "Old Huang, we've been waiting for you for so long, and you're finally here. Yimin said this movie can't be made without you, and the factory's funding has been approved; we're just waiting for you to arrive."

"Director Liu, Yimin is too kind to me, and I also thank the August First Film Studio for their trust. Even if I have to work my life on it, I will make this movie well." Huang Zumo immediately expressed his commitment to Liu Peiran.

"Okay, I'm relieved to have that confidence. You can choose the people from the August First Film Studio. If you need anything, just come to me." Liu Peiran patted Huang Zumo's hand, reassuring him to rest assured that he could film at the August First Film Studio.

Huang Zumo reported his conversation with Liu Yimin to Liu Peiran, who waved his hand and said, "Old Huang, you don't need to tell me. Just discuss it with Yimin."

After Huang Zumo settled down at the August First Film Studio, Liu Yimin met with Zhai Junjie and Wei Lian. Li Wenhua from the Beijing Film Studio was also there, and the three of them were having a heated discussion about the filming of "Brotherhood of Blades".

On their table were sketches of the Jinyiwei uniforms. Liu Yimin pointed to the flying fish robe and said, "This flying fish robe is quite nice."

“We are still discussing the attire of other Imperial Guards. Here are some costumes commonly used in Hong Kong movies.” Wei Lian handed the sketches to Liu Yimin.

Historically, not all members of the Imperial Guard wore the flying fish robe. In movies and TV dramas, it was only worn to create a unified visual effect or to show off.

Liu Yimin didn't even look at it: "We shouldn't choose Hong Kong costumes. They're too simple. In fact, to save trouble, they don't even distinguish between costumes with the characteristics of different dynasties."

Li Wenhua sighed, "The cost of costumes and props for 'Brotherhood of Blades' alone would have been tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of yuan. Without special funding from the Ministry, the film studio really couldn't afford to make it on its own."

Li Wenhua praised Liu Yimin for his contributions to the domestic film industry. Liu Yimin patted Li Wenhua on the shoulder and said, "Alright, Comrade Li, you're a senior, so don't flatter me. A few million RMB, once it's thrown in, it's bound to make a splash."

"Don't worry, we will do our best to find the best martial arts choreography instructors," Li Wenhua assured Liu Yimin.

Liu Yimin and the three others finalized the actors' costumes. Once the designs were finalized, they were immediately sent to the costume workshop for production.

"It will take half a month to make the costumes. During this half month, we will select the final actors and then select the venue, studio or set."

"Alright, directors, I wish you all the best in your endeavors."

Liu Yimin left the film studio and went to Yenching University. Chen Liren was scheduled to arrive in Yanjing tomorrow. Liu Yimin first notified the university's motorcade to reserve their best car to go to the airport with him tomorrow to pick him up.

Yan Jiayan then discussed the procedures with Liu Yimin to ensure that the donation ceremony would proceed without any issues.

"Professor Yan, you look so nervous. Don't worry."

"We can't be nervous. We lack experience in organizing this kind of ceremony. We need to set an example for the future. We hope that more and more donations will flow into Yenching University."

Seeing Yan Jiayan's dreamy expression, Liu Yimin couldn't bear to interrupt him.

Wu Zuxiang came in to get a document, interrupting Yan Jiayan's sweet dream.

"I'll head out now, Professor Yan."

(End of this chapter)