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

Chapter 542 The Culprit Behind the Deaths of Elderly Americans

When Xia Yan heard that Liu Yimin was going to America, his mind started racing. He gently blew on the hot tea in his cup, letting the steam rise. Seeing him lost in thought, Liu Yimin raised his teacup without saying a word.

After a long pause, Xia Yan said, "How about the director and actors of 'Hachiko' go to the United States for promotion?"

"Hmm?" Liu Yimin looked at Xia Yan.

Xia Yan put down her teacup: "Don't American film crews often hold meet-and-greets with actors, directors, and audiences when promoting their films?"

"It will be held, but roadshows are usually held before the screening, mainly for marketing and building momentum to improve the film's reputation in the early stages. Of course, it can also be held after the release, but as more and more people watch the film, the power to evaluate it begins to shift to the audience," Liu Yimin explained to Xia Yan.

Xia Yan said with a smile, "Our movie is sure to get good reviews. Holding a meet-and-greet after the screening will help create a buzz for the film. But it's all happening in a rush, so I'll have to go back and call China Film Group to see if it'll work out."

"Okay, I have no problem with that." Seeing that Xia Yan was quite willing, Liu Yimin nodded in agreement.

Xia Yan gently tapped the ground with her cane: "Okay, I'll let you know if there's any news. When are you planning to go to America?"

"We originally planned to do it five days later," Liu Yimin said.

"I understand, I'll be going now."

As Xia Yan walked out of the office, she saw Xu Sangchu craning her neck and looking in their direction. She turned to Liu Yimin and said, "Look, someone's waiting to see you!"

Xu Sangchu smiled slightly at Xia Yan, who pointed at her and said, "Xu Sangchu, Xu Sangchu, your reasons for joining the Institute of Literature are obvious to everyone!"

"Mr. Shen, we also want to contribute to our country's film industry," Xu Sangchu said hastily.

Xia Yan's lips twitched slightly: "Xu Sangchu, your Shanghai Film Studio is located in Shanghai and bears the heavy responsibility of reform. You should put more thought into internal matters and revitalize the entire film creation process. You have good directors, but the most important thing is the content."

"Understood, Elder Shen, we will definitely do our best."

After seeing Xia Yan off, Xu Sangchu smiled and looked at Liu Yimin: "Yimin, we're old friends. Come on, let's find a place to have dinner."

"Director Xu, come to my house for a meal," Liu Yimin said.

"Okay, I'll go to your place."

After the vehicle started, Liu Yimin asked Xu Sangchu what he thought of the meeting. Xu Sangchu kept praising it: "Before I came, everyone said that our Institute of Literature and Art was doing a good job, but I didn't expect it to be this good. I really joined too late."

"Director Xu, we don't need to talk like that between us, do we?" Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Xu Sangchu looked at Liu Yimin: "What I said is true. A newly established institute with several major research projects is progressing smoothly and has achieved remarkable results. Take movies for example, both martial arts and heartwarming works have already shown initial success."

Given time, wresting control of the Chinese-language film market from Hong Kong film companies will not be difficult.

"Director Xu, this is all I should do. Let's not talk about achievements, let's talk about problems."

"The biggest problem is that our Shanghai Film Studio did not join this great film industry."

Liu Yimin glanced at Xu Sangchu, whose words were loaded with meaning, and thought to himself that Xu Sangchu was really cunning, spouting one clever phrase after another.

Entering the Overseas Chinese Apartment, Xu Sangchu greeted Liu Yu and Liu Lin, then touched his empty pockets and realized he had forgotten to bring something.

Liu Yu and Liu Lin stared at Xu Sangchu's hand as it reached into his pocket for a long time, but he didn't pull it out. Liu Yimin gently turned their heads and said, "Go watch TV."

Xu Sangchu awkwardly said to Liu Yimin, "I forgot, I forgot, I'll go downstairs for a bit."

"Oh, don't be so polite. They have everything they need, we can't spoil them."

Liu Yimin gave them some instructions, telling them to watch TV, and then pulled Xu Sangchu into the study to chat.

"Director Xu, what film are you guys shooting lately?"

Xu Sangchu said, "I've made quite a few films, and one of them I'm particularly optimistic about is Gu Hua's 'Hibiscus Town.' I estimate it will sell well and even win awards. Have you read Gu Hua's 'Hibiscus Town' book?"

"I've seen some," Liu Yimin replied.

Xu Sangchu understood Liu Yimin's implied meaning and asked curiously, "What? You think it's not well written? This won our country's Mao Dun Literature Prize."

Liu Yimin didn't say anything, but turned around and placed the tea set on the table, preparing to brew tea for Xu Sangchu.

Seeing Liu Yimin's attitude, Xu Sangchu became even more curious. Xu Sangchu remained expressionless, her mind racing as she tried to recall if Liu Yimin and Gu Hua had any past conflicts.

However, it was eventually discovered that the two seemed to have very little interaction. Before Gu Hua adapted "Hibiscus Town," Xu Sangchu had spoken with Gu Hua but didn't find any significant connection between Gu Hua and Liu Yimin. However, when Xu Sangchu mentioned Liu Yimin, Gu Hua seemed to have some reservations.

Xu Sangchu wanted to use "literary figures belittling each other" to describe this situation, but then thought it was wrong. The objects of literary figures belittling each other are often of similar status. Although Gu Hua won the Mao Dun Literature Prize, he was still a step behind Liu Yimin.

Gu Hua hasn't had many well-known works since "Hibiscus Town".

Finally, Xu Sangchu couldn't help but ask, "Do you have a personal conflict?"

"No, I simply don't think much of it," Liu Yimin said with a smile, raising his teacup.

"What?"

"He criticizes everything in his book, but in reality, he's having an affair with the female editor and making her his lover. This kind of two-faced behavior is truly disgusting," Liu Yimin said mercilessly.

"A female editor?" Xu Sangchu repeated subconsciously. He had heard about it, but didn't know the specifics.

"Forget it, let's not talk about him anymore."

Xu Sangchu understood then; no wonder. It seemed that the war of words over "The Stage" back then had inadvertently offended Gu Hua as well.

Gu Hua had a mistress in China, and for other reasons, he fled to Canada with her in 1988. He made a living by writing vulgar content to slander China, and it is said that he also did carpentry work.

Xu Sangchu shook his head helplessly: "Yimin, you really are someone who hates evil like poison!"

"I don't like people who are two-faced, like prostitutes who still want to maintain a virtuous image."

Xu Sangchu chatted with Liu Yimin about some interesting things, and then expressed his desire to request a few scripts.

"Alright, Director Xu. I'll give it to you when I have it. Let's start with a martial arts story; I'll work on it carefully."

Xu Sangchu said enviously, "Brotherhood of Blades has only been out for a short time, and its classic lines are already almost universally known. The speed at which this movie spreads is too fast, comparable to 'Fearless'. The production by August First Film Studio this time is truly excellent. However, it seems that these investments will be recouped soon. I just don't know how it will perform in the international market."

The August First Film Studio really made a fortune this year; films like "Hachiko: A Dog's Tale" were quite good.

"Haha, the August First Film Studio is also working hard. We don't have any inspiration for something like 'Hachi: A Dog' yet. Director Xu, actually these films haven't left your Shanghai Film Studio behind. I even nurtured Director Huang for your Shanghai Film Studio."

"Old Huang is so lucky to have you, it's the envy of so many people." Xu Sangchu thanked Liu Yimin for taking care of the Shanghai Film Studio. Huang Zumo gradually went from being a marginal director at the Shanghai Film Studio to becoming a highly sought-after director in China.

Liu Yimin discussed the Animation Film Studio with Xu Sangchu, asking Xu Sangchu to provide more support for its work.

Xu Sangchu said, "Our relationship with the Animation Film Studio is quite complex. In reality, the studio has a considerable degree of autonomy. Where my support is needed, I will certainly provide it. I've reviewed the meeting documents from the Institute of Literature and Art over the past two years, and I have a new understanding of the importance of animation." As he spoke, he heard the door open, and Liu Yimin knew it was Zhu Lin returning. Zhu Lin, upon entering the room and hearing that Xu Sangchu had arrived, knocked on the study door and greeted him.

Xu Sangchu stood up with a smile and said, "Comrade Zhu Lin's professional skills have improved a lot in the past few years. I am in the drama troupe of Shanghai Film Studio, and I often hear the directors of the drama troupe mention Comrade Zhu Lin. He is a rare talent for a great director at Beijing People's Art Theatre."

"Director Xu, you're joking. I'm still a newcomer in the directing industry, and I'll need your guidance in the future."

"too humble."

The meal was ready, and the three of them came out of the study. Xu Sangchu picked up Liu Yu and sat her on his lap, promising them, "Grandpa will definitely bring you lots of delicious food next time he comes."

Halfway through the meal, the phone in the study rang. As soon as Liu Yimin picked up the receiver, he heard Wang Yang's furious voice.

"Yimin, is that old bastard Xu Sangchu with you?!"

"Yes what's the matter?"

"That old bastard used tricks on me and Liu Peiran. He said he was coming over for dinner tonight, and we've been waiting for an hour. Turns out he went to sneak away," Wang Yang said through gritted teeth.

"Haha, Lao Wang, I was planning to come find you guys for dinner, but then I suddenly remembered something I wanted to report to Director Liu," Xu Sangchu said cheerfully, taking the microphone from Liu Yimin.

"Pah, shameless! If you tell the truth, do you think the two of us would stop you?"

Xu Sangchu calmly replied, "Yes!"

After cursing "old fox" a few times on the phone, Liu Peiran hung up. Xu Sangchu, holding the receiver, said helplessly to Liu Yimin, "Look at these two, their hearts are barely bigger than the eye of a needle."

Liu Yimin remained silent; none of the three men were pushovers. At ten o'clock that night, Liu Yimin escorted Xu Sangchu back to the Yenching University Guesthouse. Xu Sangchu, with the year-end approaching, planned to stay in Yenching for a while before leaving.

………………

The next day, Liu Yimin took Yan Dingxian and Dai Tielang to meet with Zheng Yuanjie again, but he did not stay long; they could discuss the specifics themselves.

Liu Yimin was busy teaching his students, so he swapped classes with several senior professors. He planned to finish teaching most of the second and third year courses before going abroad, and also prepare the exam questions so that he wouldn't have to worry about disrupting the students' classes when he returned late.

Xia Yan discussed this matter with China Film Group, which, upon learning it was good news, immediately contacted their American distributor. Without the cooperation of the American side, publicity was simply out of the question.

The American agents responded very positively upon hearing this. Just Liu Yimin standing there could save them millions in advertising costs.

Based on Liu Yimin's schedule, both parties quickly determined the tour schedule for the "Hachiko" creative team across the United States.

Liu Yimin asked them not to stay longer than ten days, as he would be too exhausted if it took any longer. This trip to the United States was for important business and couldn't be delayed.

Upon returning to Shanghai and hearing the news, Huang Zumo and Jiao Huang immediately sprang into action, getting suits made and learning foreign languages. They called Liu Yimin to ask if there was anything they needed to prepare, and Liu Yimin told them to just learn how to tell stories to American audiences, focusing on anything emotionally resonant.

In addition, the dog also needs to be arranged; it will be shipped to the United States by plane.

On New Year's Day in 1987, Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin took Liu Yu and Liu Lin on a nice trip to Yanjing, and afterwards had a meal with Zhu's parents at the hospital's family compound.

"Come on, let's celebrate 1987 being better than 1986!" Mr. Zhu said, raising his glass.

"Come on, cheers!"

Zhu's mother reassured Liu Yimin that he could go to America without worry, as she would take care of things at home.

"Mom, thank you for everything!"

"What are you saying?"

After dinner, Zhu's father pulled Liu Yimin into the study and showed him his paper on the future development of the automotive industry. The paper was only partially written and was not completed by him alone; he had also enlisted the help of several professors from the university specializing in vehicle engineering.

“Dad, I don’t really understand your science papers, but I can understand this industrial development. You’re not writing enough these days,” Liu Yimin said helplessly.

Mr. Zhu chuckled awkwardly, "That's true, I'll let you see it when it's almost finished writing."

On January 5th, Liu Yimin and Du, the translator from China Film Group Corporation, boarded a plane with the dogs from the August First Film Studio and flew to Shanghai to meet Huang Zumo and Jiao Huang, before flying directly to San Francisco.

On the plane, Huang Zumo and Jiao Huang gazed at the azure Pacific Ocean, constantly asking Liu Yimin about things in America.

"When we come to America this time, everyone must hold their heads high. It's the audience who likes us, not us who like America. Director Huang, Lao Jiao, keep your spirits up, don't embarrass yourselves!"

"Don't worry, Yimin, we won't embarrass the country. We're here to make a name for ourselves." Huang Zumo glanced at Jiao Huang. The two of them had spent a lot of time together in Shanghai lately, whispering to each other.

Liu Yimin looked at Chen Sheng: "Comrade Chen Sheng, you just need to help Director Huang and Comrade Lao Jiao with the translation work."

"Alright, Comrade Yimin, we'll follow your instructions."

This trip to the United States was led by Liu Yimin, who had decision-making power over all aspects of the work.

The plane arrived in San Francisco on time, where Frank, Li Congren, and Niki came to greet them. Liu Yimin did not contact the agency that China Film Group was cooperating with first; he would wait until he finished his work here before going to them.

Nikki smiled and hugged Liu Yimin, saying, "Liu, you came to America without telling me."

“Ms. Niki, you’ve misunderstood. I just haven’t told you yet,” Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Liu Yimin didn't tell Niki, but Niki overheard that Li Congren's magazine had a cooperative relationship with China Publishing House during their exchanges.

"Liu, are you sure you're not avoiding me? Are you afraid I'll drag you to meet with the readers?"

"Hey, don't take it to heart. Meeting with readers is just a way to sell books!" Liu Yimin's expression remained unchanged.

Sitting in the car, Niki told Liu Yimin that The Pilgrimage of Harold Fry had sold as many as 800,000 copies in the United States, making it the undisputed number one bestseller this year.

“In English-speaking countries, ‘The Pilgrimage of Harold Fry’ has sold 1.7 million copies. Liu, this speed has broken the book sales record in the US market in recent years, and has suddenly lifted the already sluggish book market. Recently, many people in the US have even imitated the story in this book and walked to find their long-lost friends,” Niki told Liu Yimin.

Liu Yimin glanced at the newspaper she handed him, which reported on an elderly American man hiking across the West to find his friend in Florida.

Frank said, "In the American senior book market, this book is a favorite among countless elderly people!"

Liu Yimin pondered for a moment, then looked at Niki: "The old man was walking to find his friend, was he alright?"

Nikki's smile immediately froze, and after a long while she said, "Several people did die. It was too hot. You know, the elderly are not in good health. This kind of hike is both exercise and torture for them."

“Oh, may God bless them from heaven.” Liu Yimin looked on with a sorrowful expression.

"Liu, you're a Christian too!"

Liu Yimin said, "At this moment, I feel I should believe it!"

(End of this chapter)