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

Chapter 595 Zhu Lin's Reflections (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
At the Cannes Film Festival awards ceremony, Frank held a gold palm branch and announced to the audience: "Green Book will be released worldwide on May 28!"

We hope that through this film, people will understand the importance of 'love'. Regardless of skin color, we all have the right to live equally; regardless of skin color, we all have the right to develop equally; regardless of skin color, we all have the right to bask in the sunshine.

I hope the world, like in the movie, can eliminate all conflicts and bring love and peace. I hereby call on the South African government to release Mandela and grant this champion of racial equality his freedom.

After Frank finished speaking, he walked off the stage amidst the shocked gazes of the crowd. As he passed Charles and Diana's seats, the audience, who had recovered from their shock, cheered again.

Hearing the cheers, Frank smiled faintly and then waved to the crowd in thanks.

Frank linked Green Book to Mandela's imprisonment, and the newspapers would use this connection to launch another massive publicity campaign for Green Book.

Sure enough, after the awards ceremony, many media outlets surrounded Frank, asking him about his views on the South African government's imprisonment of Mandela.

Frank spoke at length about racial equality, love, and freedom. The reporter then asked, "Mr. Frank, Liu, the author of 'Green Book,' also called for the release of Mr. Mandela. I would like to ask, is today's talk your idea or Liu's idea?"

“It was my idea. Liu didn’t instruct me on what to say, but I know that if he were there, he would have wanted to say it too. Because our purpose in making ‘Green Book’ was definitely not for box office success, but for love and equality,” Frank said confidently.

"Mr. Frank, what do you expect Green Book to gross worldwide?"

"Love and equality are priceless, but I believe in the strength of 'Green Book,' and I'm sure it will gross over $100 million. Kind-hearted audiences will support it without hesitation!"

After receiving the results, Frank couldn't wait to write a letter and send a telegram to Liu Yimin to tell him the good news.

The next day, before Frank received the overwhelming media coverage, he received news that the South African government had ordered a ban on the Green Book.

Frank tossed the newspaper onto the table dismissively; compared to profits from other places, the South African market was utterly insignificant.

Just as he was wondering why the European media weren't reporting on it, a series of major newspapers, including the British newspaper The Guardian and the French newspaper Le Monde, published their reports as scheduled.

Frank was overjoyed when he saw the title above.

Aside from reports on the Palme d'Or, there was news from Frank about releasing Mandela.

These two things can save Green Book a lot of publicity costs.

"May 28th, I've been waiting for this day!" Frank took a deep breath and went into the bathroom.

Today he's going to discuss upcoming promotional issues with some European film distributors, and he'll leave France after these few days.

After showering and getting dressed, Frank strode out of the room, shaking his suit collar. From today onward, he was a double winner of the Oscar and the Palme d'Or.

"Frank, you did it! You're the most famous young director in the world right now!" Frank's eyes swept confidently across the hotel lobby, constantly encouraging himself.

After seeing Wang Zengqi and Yan Zhen off, Liu Yimin boarded a plane to Wuhan.

Xu Chi has not yet recovered from the death of his wife, Chen Song. This time, he flew from the south to the north and had a chance to stop in Wuhan.

It's quite a distance from Wuchang Nanhu Airport to Xu Chi's home. Fortunately, although there aren't many taxis in Wuhan, there are some at the airport entrance.

Upon arriving at Xu Chi's residence, the security guard told Liu Yimin that Xu Chi was working at the Hubei Provincial Writers Association building and had not yet returned.

Guided by the security guard, Liu Yimin headed towards the Writers' Association building. After hearing that Liu Yimin was looking for Xu Chi, the security guard looked him over and asked respectfully, "Comrade, which unit are you from?"

"Me? I'm from Yanda University. I've known Comrade Lao Xu for a long time."

"Yan University? Let me see your credentials."

Liu Yimin took his ID card out of his pocket and handed it to the gatekeeper, who glanced at it and immediately handed it back: "Professor Liu, welcome, welcome. I'll call inside right away."

Before the call could even connect, the office building window was suddenly pushed open: "Yimin, what brings you here? Wait here, I'm coming down now!"

The speaker was Yao Xueyin, who was standing by the window drinking tea. He recognized Liu Yimin's figure and stared at him for a long time before confirming his identity.

"I'm not calling anymore, comrade, you can just go inside." The gatekeeper put the phone back down when he heard Yao Xueyin's voice.

"Thank you!" Liu Yimin carried the things and walked into the building.

Yao Xueyin was old, and when Liu Yimin went up to the second floor, he saw him panting as he came down.

Yao Xueyin steadied her breathing: "Yimin, weren't you hosting a delegation of writers from the island? What made you decide to come here?"

"I just saw off the delegation of writers from the island, and I came to see you and Lao Xu."

Seeing Liu Yimin carrying things in his hands, Yao Xueyin quickly took them from him: "You, just come. Old Xu wasn't there to receive the island's writers' delegation this time, and he was grumbling about it."

"Really? Haha, that means Old Xu's mood has improved!"

Yao Xueyin shook her head upon hearing this: "Getting better? It's been so long, and Lao Xu still hasn't gotten over it. The deeper the feelings, the more agonizing the separation. Lao Xu spends all his time writing in his study, and occasionally participates in some activities."

I think we need to find him a companion. Otherwise, he'll be all alone in Wuhan, with his children not around to take care of him, and his health will collapse in no time."

Yao Xueyin meant well, but Liu Yimin still said, "Don't introduce people randomly. You have to introduce someone you know well. Otherwise, you might as well be happy alone."

Xu Chi wouldn't have chosen to jump off the building if it weren't for his second marriage.

“Of course!” Yao Xueyin said.

The two walked to Xu Chi's office. When Xu Chi saw Liu Yimin, he was stunned for more than ten seconds before he reacted: "Yimin, it's you. Please sit down, please sit down. Lao Yao, did you two plan to come here?"

“No, I just happened to see Yimin. He just saw the delegation from the island and came straight to Wuhan to see us. Look, he brought all sorts of good stuff,” Yao Xueyin said cheerfully.

"Comrade Xu, how are you? Have you written anything lately?" Liu Yimin took the water Xu Chi handed him and drank half a cup in one gulp.

Xu Chi pushed the manuscript on the table next to Liu Yimin: "I'm just writing whatever comes to mind right now, Yimin. Since you're here, why don't you rest in Wuhan for a few days and then leave? I'll show you around Wuhan. Wuhan is a great place with many scenic spots and historical sites."

"No, the exchange meeting was supposed to last half a month, but it was extended by almost a week. I still have to report back to Beijing, so I can't stay any longer," Liu Yimin politely declined.

Yao Xueyin said to Xu Chi, "Old Xu, if you're having a hard time in Wuhan, go out and relax. We'll take care of the work at the Writers' Association and the Federation of Literary and Art Circles."

"It's too hot, let's talk about it when it cools down," Xu Chi waved his hand.

After chatting in the office for half an hour, Xu Chi and Yao Xueyin took him out to eat.

“You must be tired after getting off the plane. Let’s eat first, then go back to sleep. I’ll take you to try Wuchang fish and steamed crayfish. You might not be able to get these things often in Beijing. Lao Yao, how about we go to that restaurant by the lake?” Xu Chi said enthusiastically.

“Okay, so now it’s a tertiary industry enterprise under the Grain Bureau. The chefs are all veterans. In all my years in Wuhan, I think this restaurant has the best food.”

"Old hand, that sounds like familiar hometown dialect," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

"Haha, I'll still have to go back to my hometown after I retire. I just don't know if my hometown people will welcome me then."

When Yao Xueyin mentions his hometown, memories flood his mind. He's been away for decades, and to his hometown, he's practically an outsider.

The restaurant is located by the lake, and it is said that the fish are caught and used on the same day.

After sitting down, Xu Chi and Yao Xueyin couldn't wait to ask about the details of this cross-strait literary exchange meeting. Liu Yimin recounted the events in Beijing, Shanghai, Nanjing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen in detail.

"The discussion held by the editorial department of 'Huacheng' magazine has generated a strong response domestically, almost overshadowing all other key points of the discussion. Avant-garde literature is flourishing in China, and now it has been dampened; one can imagine how fierce the backlash will be," Yao Xueyin sighed.

After the Yangcheng Evening News published the paper, it was quickly picked up by newspapers in the south the next day, causing a huge stir in the domestic literary world, with various discussions never ceasing.

"Truth becomes clear only through debate. Some people like to label others, saying that writers from the island are attacking writers from the mainland. If that's the case, then wouldn't our exchanges at Yenching University and Tsinghua University be considered an attack on writers from the island?"

With both sides so hostile, is there any need for future communication?

Liu Yimin couldn't help but slam his fist on the table a few times, saying again, "Some people go abroad and shout that they love democracy and freedom, but when it comes to actual exchanges, they always label others first. I think they just like the freedom to talk their own way." Xu Chi and Yao Xueyin exchanged a glance, seemingly surprised that Liu Yimin was so angry. But then they thought, if they painstakingly prepared for a cross-strait literary exchange conference for half a year, only to be scolded in return, they wouldn't feel good either.

Xu Chi had a cup of green tea brought to him: "Yimin, have a cup of tea to calm your mind."

“Even a clay figure has some temper. Don’t worry, the Hubei Provincial Writers Association and the Hubei Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles will support you.” Yao Xueyin stated directly on behalf of the Hubei Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles and the Writers Association.

Liu Yimin patted Yao Xueyin's hand: "Old Yao, Old Xu, I know you two both wanted to participate in this exchange activity. But because of many considerations, I'm sorry to trouble you. When we get back, I plan to apply to higher authorities to hold such exchange activities more often in the future, and I will definitely invite you two to attend."

Yao Xueyin said nonchalantly, "I'd rather go to the island for exchanges than be received on the mainland."

"Haha, Yimin, once you reach a certain position, there are many factors to consider when doing things, we all understand. I'm already very touched that you came to see me." Xu Chi's eyes glistened with tears.

"Old Xu, are you getting more and more sentimental as you get older? What kind of relationship do we have? We've been doing field research and riding horses together on the grasslands! Back when I was criticized, you were the first to stand up for me. I still remember the title of that reportage, 'The Galloping Young Writers.'"

Recalling the past, Xu Chi couldn't help but sigh. After the food was served, he quickly invited Liu Yimin to eat.

"These crayfish are so flavorful!" Liu Yimin picked up a crayfish, took a gentle sip, and the spicy juices immediately filled his mouth.

Yao Xueyin placed a piece of fish on Liu Yimin's plate: "Try this Wuchang fish. It used to be called bream, but what is it called now? It tastes excellent when steamed."

"The experts say that this is not a bream. We don't do biology, and we don't understand it anyway, but it tastes good, that's all that matters."

The old man once wrote a line while swimming in the Yangtze River: "Having just drunk the waters of the Yangtze, I now eat Wuchang fish." Xu Chi picked up a piece of meat and put it in his mouth to savor it carefully.

Liu Yimin took a bite. He wasn't good at eating fish; he could never get the bones out properly. And this Wuchang fish was one of the types with a lot of bones, making him eat it with trepidation.

Xu Chi laughed: "Yimin, northerners are not only unaccustomed to naval warfare, but they also don't know how to eat fish well."

Xu Chi put the fish meat in his mouth and spat out the fish bones after a short while.

"But the meat is still very delicious." Liu Yimin carefully picked out the fish bones before daring to take a bite.

After dinner, Liu Yimin was a little sleepy, so Xu Chi arranged for him to stay in the second bedroom.

Liu Yimin slept for two hours in the second bedroom of Xu Chi's house. When he woke up, Yao Xueyin and Xu Chi were discussing the work of the Hubei Provincial Writers Association in the study.

"Awake? Have a cup of tea to wake you up," Xu Chi quickly said.

"What happened to the Hubei Provincial Writers Association?" Liu Yimin asked.

“Our affiliated magazine is also discussing commercialization, but we don’t know if ‘Flower City’ can succeed in commercialization,” Yao Xueyin said.

Xu Chi and Yao Xueyin had significant differences of opinion regarding commercialization. Xu Chi highly valued pure literature, and as the magazine's director, he directly vetoed any exploration of commercialization.

“I’m not against commercialization, Yimin, but I don’t know how long it’s been since you’ve been to a bookstore. Look at what’s being sold in bookstores these days! Pornography is practically being brought into the open, blatantly displayed on the tables,” Xu Chi said angrily.

Liu Yimin and Yao Xueyin offered Xu Chi a few words of comfort, but he did not join Yao Xueyin in persuading Xu Chi to commercialize his subordinate's magazine.

Whether a magazine is commercial or not is up to the magazine and its supervising unit to decide. If you run out of money, you should naturally find a way to make money.

That night, Liu Yimin stayed at Xu Chi's house, and the next morning he took a plane back to Yanjing.

When Zhu Lin saw Liu Yimin come out, she happily went up to him and hugged him, saying, "Teacher Liu, let's go home."

On the way back, Zhu Lin mentioned that Deputy Director Yang had called home, saying that he had found another car and asked Liu Yimin if he still wanted it.

"Yes, I want it!" Liu Yimin said.

“It’s a German car, they said it’s an Audi 80. I knew I’d want it. I’ve already driven it home and paid for it.” Zhu Lin raised his eyebrows at Liu Yimin.

"That Toyota Crown should be returned to the Institute of Literature and Art. I'm still more comfortable driving the one I bought myself."

A small number of Audi 80s are currently imported, but the imported versions are the Japanese-spec models, which have been modified to adapt to domestic driving regulations.

When Liu Yimin returned to the courtyard house, he saw the black Audi 80 parked in the garage: "Not bad."

Just then, the two little ones ran over from the yard: "Daddy, Daddy!"

"Ouch, slow down, don't fall!" Liu Yimin said with concern.

Zhu Lin laughed and said, "They're all so old, they usually don't fall asleep. But what if we really send them to kindergarten in September?"

"What can we do if we don't send them? They need to go to kindergarten!" Liu Yimin knew Zhu Lin was reluctant: "Don't worry, no one at Yenching University will bully them."

"I'm worried that they're too young to learn properly and won't be able to play well with other children," Zhu Lin said, looking at Liu Yimin, who was affectionately nuzzling the two little ones.

“These two little ones are only a hundred meters away from me when they go to the Yanda Kindergarten. I’ll know if anything happens to them. Besides, I’m afraid they might team up to bully others. All the students there are children of Yanda faculty and staff.” Liu Yimin carried Liu Yu and Liu Lin into the second courtyard.

Xi Mei stepped forward to help Zhu Lin get Liu Yimin's luggage; Yan Zhen had already brought some back when she returned last time.

"Come on, Dad brought you some good food from Shenzhen, have a taste." Liu Yimin took out a bunch of snacks and placed them in front of the two of them.

"Thank you, Dad!" Liu Yu happily stretched her hand onto the stone table, her mouth watering.

Seeing that the two were about to grab it, Zhu Lin quickly stopped them: "Don't grab it, or you won't get any food."

Seeing that the two had behaved themselves, Zhu Lin looked at Liu Yimin and asked, "Teacher Liu, aren't you going to the ministry?"

Liu Yimin stretched and said, "I won't go yet. There's no rush. Yan Zhen and the others have probably already reported it to me. I'll just rest at home."

Xi Mei asked Liu Yimin what he wanted to eat, and said she would go buy groceries now.

"Let's make an enema. See if you have any green bamboo shoots. If you do, buy some. I'd like to eat something refreshing and cold."

"Okay, Professor Liu, I'll go check out the market." After saying that, Xi Mei rode off on her motorcycle.

Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin played with the two little ones under the tree for a while, but then they got a little hot, so they carried them back inside to watch TV.

The two little ones stopped watching TV in order to eat, and Liu Yimin and Zhu Lin would take out handkerchiefs to wipe their mouths from time to time.

Zhu Lin curled her lip: "With their behavior like this, how dare they send the two of them to school?"

"Haha, do you two want to go to school?" Liu Yimin asked.

The two children don't yet have a clear concept of going to school, but when they hear that they can play with many other children, they happily shout that they want to go to school.

“Look, it’s so boring at home!” Liu Yimin said.

Zhu Lin rubbed the two little ones' heads: "Remember what I said today, don't stay in bed and skip school."

"Mom, is Sister Shen Yun in school?" Liu Yu asked.

"Yes, Sister Shen Yun is in school."

Why isn't Sister Shen Yun smiling?

"Because your sister Shen Yun has passed the high school entrance exam, she can't laugh anymore."

"Shen Yun is here?" Liu Yimin asked.

"I've come a few times recently, but Shen Yun is in high school now, and his studies are demanding. He looks worried every day. Before we knew it, these two little ones are already over three years old!" Zhu Lin remarked.

(End of this chapter)