The next day, the delegation went to the Chinese University of Hong Kong for exchange. It faces Tolo Port, is surrounded by mountains and sea, has many trees and birds, and has a rich cultural atmosphere.
Compared with socializing and dining with social elites and celebrities, the atmosphere in the university made the delegation members more relaxed.
The exchange meeting was held in the library of the Chinese University of Hong Kong. The New Asia College of the Chinese University of Hong Kong is equivalent to the Chinese Department or Chinese School of a general university. There are many professors who came to Hong Kong from the mainland.
It stands to reason that when a delegation of mainland writers comes to CUHK for exchanges, it should be received by the professors of New Asia College.
However, due to political reasons, these professors from New Asia College did not come forward. The person who received the delegation of mainland writers was Dr. Yan Dawei, Director of the Library of CUHK.
He is British, speaks English and Cantonese, and his Mandarin is very common. When he used Mandarin to make an opening statement, the writers were confused.
In the end, it was changed to English, and then the WS staff accompanying the delegation translated.
The delegation toured the campus and library under the leadership of Yan Dawei, and then held a small exchange meeting in the conference room of the library.
Many students came to the exchange meeting. Today's young people in Xiangjiang are different from those of later generations. Many of them have recognition of the country, so the exchange meeting was very enjoyable.
Lin Chaoyang also saw two familiar faces at the meeting. After asking, he found out that they were students who visited Yanda the year before.
The exchange meeting came to an end, where students communicated with mainland writers. Lin Chaoyang received the most attention and questions.
His "The Death of Van Gogh" was published by the Chinese University of Hong Kong Press. Although it did not cause much repercussions in society, it was very influential in the cultural world, especially on the campus of CUHK.
Many students present even came with books published by CUHK. After the exchange meeting, these students surrounded him and asked for his autograph.
Originally, the exchange meeting was over and the delegation should have left. Due to such an accident, everyone had to wait for a few more minutes.
Jin Ying stood outside the crowd, looking envious again, "Chaoyang is still popular!"
A delegation of more than a dozen writers came to Xiangjiang, and most of them are unknown in Xiangjiang. After all, there have not been many cultural exchanges between the two places in recent years, and generally the works of mainland writers will not be published or published in Xiangjiang.
In the true sense, those who receive courtesy because of their fame or works are Lin Chaoyang, Xiao Jun and Ye Junjian.
Xiao Jun and Ye Junjian became famous early because of their age. In those years, cultural exchanges between China and Xiangjiang were still very smooth. The cultural circles in Xiangjiang and older readers are all familiar with them.
Lin Chaoyang is an exception among the delegation. He is the only writer in the delegation who has published works in Hong Kong since the new era.
The influence of the work is not great, but it has gained a wave of high-quality readers.
"Don't worry, how old are you? Once you write a good work, you can publish it in Hong Kong. There are readers like this."
Deng Youmei encouraged her with a smile.
Jin Ying joked with him, but she didn't take Deng Youmei's words seriously.
Publishing and being popular are two different things. Her works may be published in Xiangjiang in the future, but it is not easy to reach Lin Chaoyang's level of popularity.
Because during the exchange just now, Jin Ying noticed a detail. When talking about "The Death of Van Gogh", many students mentioned the "alternativeness" of this novel, which was very different from what they thought was written by mainland writers.
Not only is the content written about foreign artists, but the form and technique of expression are also very novel, which seems to be more in line with the tastes of these young people.
She thought that this might be the reason why "The Death of Van Gogh" was so popular among these students.
While talking, Lin Chaoyang finished dealing with the enthusiastic CUHK students and joined everyone.
Then the delegation came to Xiangjiang University for a visit. Everyone had a meal at the school first. The scene in the afternoon was almost a replica of the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The delegation returned to the hotel in the evening and while they were having dinner, the hotel service staff came over and said that someone at the front desk was looking for Lin Chaoyang.
Lin Chaoyang looked puzzled, told Xiao Jun, and was accompanied by WS staff member Xiao Zhong to the hotel lobby.
Waiting here was a gentle middle-aged man with oily hair. When he saw Lin Chaoyang, he first introduced himself.
"I am Dong Qiao, now the editor-in-chief of Ming Pao. Today I am entrusted by Mr. Cha to give you a gift."
Dong Qiao introduced "Ming Pao", and Lin Chaoyang immediately knew his purpose.
While the two were chatting, Lin Chaoyang couldn't help but look at Dong Qiao. This man was no ordinary person.
In addition to being a senior newspaperman, Dong Qiao is also a writer, specializing in prose.
His writing style is powerful, profound, elegant, profound, profound and interesting, and he is highly praised in the Chinese literary circles of later generations.
Dong Qiao's creative career began in the 1970s, and now he has gained some fame in the literary circles in Hong Kong, Bay Island and other places, but his fame is not as great as his reputation as the editor-in-chief of "Ming Pao".
He is a lifelong friend of Jin Yong. He has been employed by "Ming Pao" since 1980. He has achieved impressive results in the past few years. As the editor-in-chief, he earns an annual salary of one million Hong Kong dollars. He has always been a hot topic in the Hong Kong press.
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When Lin Chaoyang was looking at Dong Qiao, Dong Qiao was also looking at him.
Dong Qiao said that he was here today to help Jin Yong deliver books, but how could Jin Yong trouble his right-hand man with such a trivial matter? In fact, Dong Qiao came on his own initiative.
"Mr. Lin, I have been a close friend of you for a long time!"
Dong Qiao works at "Ming Pao" and is also connected with the Chinese University of Hong Kong. When "The Death of Van Gogh" was published by CUHK Press, he received a sample book.
The reason why Zhongda Publishing House gave him the sample book was also very simple: it wanted Dong Qiao to help write a book review.
Dong Qiao liked the novel very much after reading it. At that time, he wrote an article "Van Gogh's Fatalism" and published it in Ming Pao, which attracted the attention of many people in the cultural circle.
It should be said that the fact that "The Death of Van Gogh" has caused such a response in the cultural circles of Hong Kong has something to do with Dong Qiao's book review.
Only then did Lin Chaoyang realize that the book review in Ming Pao mentioned by Jin Yong two days ago was written by Dong Qiao.
He expressed his gratitude to Dong Qiao, who said politely: "Everyone likes excellent works. It's not just me. I remember that several colleagues in the industry were full of praise for your works."
Lin Chaoyang said with a smile: "I remember that my friend brought me a copy of "Suye Literature" edited by Ms. Xixi, and there were also comments about "The Death of Van Gogh". I really appreciate the support from my colleagues in Xiangjiang."
After the two chatted for a while, Dong Qiao took out the sample book of "The Death of Van Gogh" he was talking about. The edges of the cover of the book had some wear and tear, which showed that he had actually read it.
"It's rare to see you, the author, please sign your name for me." Dong Qiaoyan made a request with a smile.
Lin Chaoyang said politely and happily wrote on the title page of the book. He subconsciously wanted to write the word "gift", but realized that this book was not given to Dong Qiao by him.
He smiled self-deprecatingly and said, "I will give you this book when I get the chance next time."
"Looking forward to meeting next time."
Dong Qiao joked and handed over to Lin Chaoyang a set of Jin Yong's complete works published by Ming Pao Publishing House.
Lin Chaoyang accepted the books and noticed that each book was signed by Jin Yong, thinking that this time his uncle's task was overfulfilled.
"Thank you Mr. Cha for me."
"good."
After giving away the books, Lin Chaoyang thought that the matter should end here, but unexpectedly Dong Qiao said again: "Mr. Lin, I have another purpose for coming here this time."
Lin Chaoyang looked at him, waiting for his next words.
Dong Qiao said: "After your book "The Death of Van Gogh" was published, it has been well received in the cultural circles of Hong Kong. However, it is a pity that the circulation of Zhongda Publishing House is not large. It seems to be a one-time publishing contract?"
"That's right."
"Why don't Mr. Lin give the publishing rights of "The Death of Van Gogh" in Hong Kong to our Ming Pao Publishing House? Our Ming Pao Publishing House is backed by the Ming Pao Newspaper Group and has strong strength.
If your work is distributed by us, the sales volume and influence will definitely reach higher levels."
Whether it's sending books or signing, it's all incidental. This is the most important purpose of Dong Qiao's visit today.
Lin Chaoyang couldn't help but sigh in his heart, it was indeed Mr. Jin Yong's style!
However, if a publishing house wants to publish his book, he will naturally not refuse.
Can you not make money if you have money?
"Your newspaper is the leading media organization in Hong Kong. I am naturally willing to cooperate with your newspaper."
Lin Chaoyang did not hesitate and directly expressed his willingness to cooperate.
"The Death of Van Gogh" is a work that has been published for several years. There is not much worth discussing about its re-publication. The only thing that needs to be discussed is the issue of royalties.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong Press is a non-profit organization and offered Lin Chaoyang a manuscript fee of HK$300 per thousand words.
Ming Pao Publishing House is a private company, and Dong Qiao offers a 5% royalty.
When Lin Chaoyang heard this number, he sighed again in his heart, it was indeed Jin Yong!
This is too stingy!
A commercial publishing house gives authors a 5% royalty. Although the mainland does not currently implement a royalty system, this figure is definitely at the bottom of the scale in Hong Kong.
"This price... is too low!"
Lin Chaoyang's tone was not intense, but the profound meaning in his expression made Dong Qiao a little embarrassed.
The two had a very pleasant conversation just now. Dong Qiao showed great appreciation for Lin Chaoyang. Now when it came to the issue of money, the price was so low that it felt like a slap in the face.
But who let him meet a stingy boss?
Dong Qiao sighed inwardly and said to Lin Chaoyang: "Actually, this price is not low. You may not know that the manuscript fees in the Xiangjiang literary world are not high. Some newcomers only pay fifty or sixty yuan per thousand words."
Lin Chaoyang did not answer Dong Qiao's words, but asked:
“I have heard of the royalty system before, and I think this system is quite good. The author and the publisher share the risks.
But since the risk is shared, we can’t let the writer only bear the risk, right?”
Chapter completed!