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

Chapter 609 Xinhua News Agency Cooperation Project Implementation

Inside the Tianjin Writers Association, Liu Yimin was relieved to see that Jiang Zilong was not seriously injured.

Liu Yimin didn't want Jiang Zilong to speak, since speaking when his face was bruised and swollen could easily aggravate his injuries.

But Jiang Zilong felt that since Liu Yimin had come all this way, they had to have a good chat, and he even wanted to bring a bottle of Moutai to taste.

"Well, everyone else disinfects their wounds, but you're the opposite—you're just pouring alcohol down your throat."

"Haha, then I won't drink. I've been wanting to talk to you about your literary works lately. I've noticed that your works are getting increasingly significant and relevant to real life. My works, on the other hand, are still confined to our country, or even just this small corner of Tianjin," Jiang Zilong said helplessly.

"Comrade Zilong, don't think like that. Everyone has their strengths and weaknesses!" Liu Yimin said.

Jiang Zilong pursed his lips and said, "I don't see anything short about you, you're all quite long."

"I don't deny that, you have a good eye for people!" Liu Yimin chuckled.

Jiang Zilong shared his understanding of "God's Visa" and then asked Liu Yimin how he came up with the idea.

“I’ve been to the United States more often than you and have maintained close contact with many groups. I have more information channels than you, and I was very shocked when I heard this, so I picked up my pen and wrote it down,” Liu Yimin explained.

“I also need to think about writing some works with significant themes and profound impact on reality. But I find that compared to today’s young people, I seem to be old.” Jiang Zilong said the last sentence with a difficult expression.

Jiang Zilong is reluctant to admit that he is old, but compared with the works of today's young people, his works are too outdated.

“Look, you’re getting too attached to appearances, Comrade Zilong. Literary works should be like fine wine, getting better with age. Not like avant-garde literature, which smells good when it’s fresh out of the barrel, but the aroma fades quickly.” Liu Yimin told him to be patient.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Zilong quickly said, "Oh dear, I was too hasty, too hasty!"

After listening to Liu Yimin's words, Jiang Zilong realized that he had been too eager for quick success and instant benefits. How had he come to the point of competing with young writers for fame and fortune?

"Furthermore, a writer's achievements cannot always be upward; there will be periods of decline, and sometimes they may even be unable to surpass their previous achievements. This is all normal. As the first person to reform literary works, your name will always be seen by students when they study the history of modern literature."

A writer is already doing great if they have one work that history remembers in their lifetime.

A slight smile appeared on Jiang Zilong's lips. His position as the foremost figure in reforming literature had indeed earned him a great deal of praise.

“Yimin, your work is far more impressive. I won’t compare myself to you. I’ll just focus on polishing my work. Slow and steady wins the race. If I can’t produce something of quality, I’ll just be resting on my laurels and wasting my life,” Jiang Zilong joked.

Jiang Zilong handed Liu Yimin a literary review that discussed the recent serious debate between "realist literature and avant-garde literature".

Jiang Zilong believes that avant-garde literary works should develop based on realism. The two are not in a life-or-death relationship, but rather in a relationship of mutual interdependence and symbiosis.

"This literary review is well written. All literature develops from the main thread of realism. What about science fiction? It's just imagining the future based on existing things."

Liu Yimin used an analogy, saying that the Chinese imagination of gods and the Western imagination of God are both based on the images of the Chinese and the Westerners.

"Could you have someone make a copy of your commentary and send it to the Institute of Literature? I'd like the trainees there to read it," Liu Yimin said.

"Okay, I'll find someone to copy it in a bit." Jiang Zilong was very happy to see that Liu Yimin agreed with his comment.

As evening fell, Liu Yimin left Tianjin and drove to Beidaihe.

After not seeing each other for almost two days, the two little ones immediately pouted and started crying when they saw Liu Yimin.

Liu Yimin smiled and picked up Liu Yu, gently wiping away the tears from the corners of Liu Lin's eyes.

Mr. Zhu said helplessly, "The two little ones are bored here. Now, they don't even go to collect seashells anymore."

"Grandpa is so mean, he always takes us to collect seashells, and there's no room left in the yard," Liu Yu said, pouting.

Upon hearing this, Zhu's father leaned back and laughed, "Xiaoyu, you really have no conscience. It's not the time for you to hold your grandfather's hand and pick up seashells anymore."

Liu Yimin led the two little ones into the yard. Liu Fuqing and Yang Xiuyun were cleaning the fish they had picked up from the beach, and sea cucumbers bought from the surrounding area were soaking in a red basin next to them.

The area around Beidaihe is famous for its sea cucumbers, particularly the spiny sea cucumber. Yang Xiuyun isn't very good at cooking sea cucumbers; she's only learned how to make sea cucumber and millet porridge.

Liu Yimin put Liu Yu and Liu Lin down and went over to examine the sea cucumbers: "Dad, Mom, these sea cucumbers are good. Why didn't you buy more?"

"I don't know how to cook anyway, it won't take much to make porridge," Yang Xiuyun said, looking up. Her hands were covered in fish scales, and she was sweating profusely as she cleaned up.

Liu Yimin rolled up his sleeves and began helping to clean the sea cucumbers: "Buy more tomorrow, I'll make braised sea cucumbers with scallions for everyone."

"I'll go buy some. They should still have some. There's a place selling them not far away. Speaking of braised sea cucumber with scallions, I'm getting hungry too." Zhu's father turned and walked out. Half an hour later, he returned carrying sea cucumber and cuttlefish eggs.

"It's a bit late to make cuttlefish egg soup now, we'll drink it tomorrow morning." The cuttlefish egg soup requires a sour cucumber juice, and to make the juice taste good, it needs to ferment overnight, and it's best to let it ferment for three or four days for even better flavor.

Mr. Zhu said, "No rush, no rush. I just saw some at the stall and decided to buy it. Linlin's mom has also learned to make cuttlefish egg soup, but to be honest, she's not as good as you, let alone the chef at Fengzeyuan."

"Dad, why don't you say that in front of Mom?" Liu Yimin asked with a grin.

"To my face? Of course I dare, I've said it more than once," Mr. Zhu said guiltily.

"What did my mom say?" Liu Yimin asked curiously.

"She said, 'That's just how I am. If you want something good to eat, go find someone else!'" Mr. Zhu said, mimicking his mother.

Zhu's father's appearance made Liu Yimin and the others burst into laughter.

In the evening, Liu Yimin carried a steaming hot dish of braised sea cucumber with scallions out of the kitchen, the aroma of which made people's mouths water.

The two little ones ate very happily, but considering their young age, they were only allowed to eat scallions, not ginseng.

During the meal, Zhang Guangnian strolled over here, and Liu Yimin quickly brought him a pair of chopsticks and asked him to sit down and eat.

Zhang Guangnian picked up a piece of sea cucumber and said, "Yimin, I've already eaten."

"Yes, eat some more after you've eaten," Liu Yimin said with a smile.

Zhang Guangnian reluctantly put the ginseng in his mouth. He had come by following the aroma during his evening walk. Saying he had already eaten was just a smokescreen.

After finishing his first bite, Zhang Guangnian stopped being polite and began to eat heartily. Ten minutes later, as if remembering something, he quickly put down his chopsticks.

"what happened?"

"I can't eat too much, I can't eat too much." Zhang Guangnian swallowed his saliva: "I really have eaten. I'm too old to eat too much, otherwise I'll have indigestion."

"Then have some millet porridge."

Zhang Guangnian shook his head, not daring to eat even a tiny bit more.

August 15th, Film Bureau. The newly appointed director of the Film Bureau, Teng Jinxian, was reviewing "The Pilgrimage of One Man" with other members of the Film Bureau. After the 8-minute episode ended, Teng Jinxian led everyone to stand up and applaud.

Teng Jinxian was slightly overweight, and his white t-shirt seemed a bit ill-fitting. He spoke in a loud voice.

"Comrade Yimin, Director Huang, this is a formal innovation for the creation of domestic art films. The content and dramatic expression are very well done, the conflicts are gripping, and I couldn't help but feel nervous for the protagonist's adventure." Teng Jinxian held Liu Yimin's hand tightly.

"Director Teng, you flatter me. Director Huang did the best."

Huang Zumo quickly replied, "It wasn't me, how could I dare to take credit?"

Teng Jinxian laughed and said, "A film is not the work of one person, but without anyone, the film is incomplete. Comrade Yimin, are you planning to submit it to the Locarno International Film Festival?"

“Yes, we feel that this film festival matches the style and presentation of the film quite well,” Liu Yimin nodded and said. “Okay, since everyone has made up their minds, the bureau will support it, and we'll help submit it.”

Teng Jinxian asked the other people in the Film Bureau to discuss what they thought of the film. Everyone thought it was good, but the genre of art films was at a disadvantage.

"Although art films can't compete with commercial films in terms of economic benefits, I think society needs art films. This film will not only be watched by people now, but also by people twenty or thirty years from now. Moreover, different people will experience different life forces in the film."

After the film was approved, Teng Jinxian did not let Liu Yimin leave, but instead talked to Liu Yimin about the film "The Founding Ceremony of the People's Republic of China".

Currently, directors Li Jun and Zhai Junjie from the August First Film Studio are filming this movie in another city. The funds allocated by the August First Film Studio are about to run out, and the studio director Liu Peiran has requested the Film Bureau to allocate special support funds.

"Comrade Yimin, the script is very controversial, as I think you are aware of."

"Of course I know. When I raised this at the General Political Department meeting, there was a huge public outcry!"

"Haha, many colleagues in the bureau have different opinions now. They think that supporting the production of such a controversial film is risky," Teng Jinxian sighed.

"So you're not going to take the money?"

Teng Jinxian countered, "What if the bureau isn't going to take the money?"

“If the bureau won’t take it, I will. I have great confidence in this film,” Liu Yimin immediately stated his position.

"Haha, Comrade Yimin, you have quite a temper. Well then, let me also make a statement. If others dare not make the decision, I will. I only have one thing to say to the August First Film Studio: make it well." Teng Jinxian's previous statement was an attempt to test Liu Yimin's attitude towards the script of "The Founding Ceremony of the People's Republic of China".

"Director Teng, thank you. I thank you on behalf of the director and actors who are currently filming out of town."

Teng Jinxian quickly gestured to Liu Yimin to stop saying "thank you": "Yimin, I should thank you. You wrote a great script. I think our future films on similar themes should follow your approach. We can't get bogged down in a serious narrative system; the audience will get tired of it."

Controversy is normal. If something goes wrong, we can simply lock the video in storage. We can release it again when it's approved.

Teng Jinxian was determined to promote the development of patriotic films. As a new official, he made three bold moves, all of which were geared towards promoting patriotic themes.

As he left the Film Bureau, Wang Yang remarked that Teng Jinxian was more decisive and responsible than the previous director.

"The August First Film Studio wants three million this time. Three million is no small sum. Even the bureau didn't haggle over it. If it were anyone else, they would definitely have tried to negotiate."

Liu Yimin said, "We've made a lot of money for China Film Group in the past two years, and the bureau should appropriately express its support."

The next day, Wang Yang took Huang Zumo and Jiao Huang to submit their exhibition materials. Once the materials were submitted, Huang Zumo and Jiao Huang had nothing else to do.

Liu Yimin told the two to go to Beidaihe to rest for half a month. Through the Federation of Literary and Art Circles, the two obtained letters of introduction for accommodation at the Federation's guesthouse.

Wang Yang told the two to rest assured and that he would contact them by phone as soon as there was any news about the film festival.

Zhu Lin drove Huang Zumo and Jiao Huang to Beidaihe. Wang Yang looked at Liu Yimin and said, "Yimin, aren't you going this weekend?"

"I won't go. There's something to do at the Literature and Research Office today, and I have a meeting with Xinhua News Agency tomorrow."

"Xinhua News Agency? About the research project?" Wang Yang was from the Institute of Literature and Art, so he naturally knew about the cooperation between the Institute and Xinhua News Agency.

"It's not what you know, but Xinhua News Agency is going to collaborate with Yenching University and the Institute of Literature to train practical journalism professionals. Xinhua News Agency has already submitted the relevant documents to their supervising department and received approval."

The Ministry of Education has agreed in principle; the three parties need to discuss the specific details.

"Wow, that's impressive. This is a new approach to education in China. Students are going to Xinhua News Agency right after graduation, which is like getting a job assignment in advance," Wang Yang joked.

Liu Yimin shook his head: "To be specific, Xinhua News Agency also has the right to choose freely. It doesn't mean that it will take everything just because it cooperates with us."

"Then I wish you success in your negotiations, and that our Institute of Literature and Art will continue to grow and prosper."

In the afternoon, Liu Yimin gave a half-day lecture at the Institute of Literature. In the evening, he went to Yan Jiayan's house for dinner, where they reached a consensus on certain issues. If the Chinese Department and the Institute of Literature couldn't reach an agreement, they would be at the mercy of Xinhua News Agency during negotiations.

Early the next morning, Principal Ding Shisun, Head of the Chinese Department Yan Jiayan, Deputy Head of the Chinese Department Sun Yushi, and Liu Yimin rushed to Xinhua News Agency.

At Xinhua News Agency, Mu Qing was dressed in formal attire, clearly taking the matter very seriously. The other Xinhua leaders held documents in their hands, frowning as they carefully studied them.

"Isn't Yenching University asking for far too much in student training fees? It's outrageous!" The Xinhua News Agency's deputy director, who had started off calmly, couldn't help but tap the table at the end.
"The cost of educating one student for a year is four thousand yuan? You're robbing me!"

"Please calm down, calm down. This is the result of our comprehensive calculations," Yan Jiayan said with a smile. As for the offer, naturally the higher the better; if we can't reach an agreement, we'll continue negotiating.

Liu Yimin explained: "You all should understand the hard work we put into training our students. Yenching University spends a lot of money on these students every year. We are training talent for the national media, not just Xinhua News Agency."

However, Xinhua News Agency poached these students by "cherry-picking" the best ones. This isn't fair to other organizations either. Furthermore, the Institute of Literature's two-year training program involves a significant amount of additional cost for teaching and training.

The cooperation model between Xinhua News Agency and Yenching University is similar to the order-based training programs of later generations, in which students are specially trained for specific companies, and the tuition fees are paid by the relevant companies.

It wasn't a direct collaboration to establish a college and attach the name of Yenching University. In later generations, many independent colleges used the name of public universities to operate as private institutions, making a fortune from tuition fees.

Ding Shisun explained the complexities and difficulties from the school's perspective; in short, this matter was very expensive!

Mu Qing looked at Liu Yimin: "My little fellow villager, you're just taking advantage of the rich like this!"

"Mr. Mu, you can't say that. Targeted training of students is like spending money to buy talent and the future for Xinhua News Agency!" Liu Yimin quickly said.

Mu Qing's use of "little fellow villager" was imbued with a complex mix of emotions.

"Colleagues at Yenching University, you should also consider the difficulties our agency faces. You spend money to train students, but isn't that money ultimately paid by the state? Aren't you training students for the country? Coming to Xinhua News Agency is working for the country, isn't it? Why should we be so calculating?" the Xinhua News Agency editor-in-chief said with a smile.

Yan Jiayan said with a smile, "How can they be the same?"

"Comrades from Yenching University, how about we compromise and offer two thousand yuan?"

Yan Jiayan said, "You didn't give way, did you? If you didn't give way, then we took a step back, which is equivalent to us taking two steps back!"

"."

"Are professors in the Chinese department so calculating when it comes to money?"

"A person in a position should fulfill their responsibilities. I am the department head, and it's not easy to support this large family!" Yan Jiayan said calmly.

Mu Qing coughed and said, "How about this, three thousand yuan a year? That's a compromise between us, right?"

"Elder Mu, you're creating cards out of thin air!"

"You little brat, shut up. If you talk again, you're not allowed to eat at our house anymore," Mu Qing said with a laugh.

Yan Jiayan glanced at Liu Yimin and said, "You little rascal, trying to make a living from both sides!"
Liu Yimin had no choice but to shut up; after all, he was bound by the promise of those who fed him.

However, he also realized that the final result was basically set, around three thousand.

Sure enough, after a series of heated discussions, it was finally decided that one student per year would receive 3,050 yuan from Xinhua News Agency, which would be used for teaching and student subsidies.

Students selected to enter the "Xinhua Class" will receive an extra ten yuan per month in subsidies.

"I hope our cooperation can become a model for collaboration between media and schools, and help Xinhua News Agency cultivate more practical talents both domestically and internationally," Mu Qing said, standing up.

The Xinhua Class will enroll 20 students, with training beginning at the end of their second year. The program lasts one and a half years of study followed by a six-month internship. The primary focus is on training journalists capable of working on the international stage; training domestic journalists is secondary.

(End of this chapter)