After receiving a call from Lin Chaoyang, Li Shifei was overjoyed and rushed to Yanjing like a spark.
It has been nearly a year and a half since Lin Chaoyang completed the manuscript of his last novel. If it were any other writer, it would take one and a half years to write a novel, and the efficiency would be extremely high.
But Lin Chaoyang is different. For a writer who finished "Crossing the Guandong" in less than a year, this is simply too slow, a waste of artistic life, and a huge crime.
However, Li Shifei expressed these complaints in private. When he saw Lin Chaoyang, his face changed again.
"Oh, Chaoyang, you are really very efficient. How long did it take to finish the novel?" Li Shifei held the manuscript in his hands, his tone was eager, and his expression was sincere.
After the two chatted about the creation of the novel for a while, Lin Chaoyang asked Li Shifei to stay in the West Courtyard first and wait until he finished reading the manuscript. During the lunch chat, Li Shifei asked Lin Chaoyang: "Are you familiar with Lu Yao?"
Because he holds cultural salons all year round, although he rarely takes the initiative to socialize, Lin Chaoyang has always been very popular in the literary world. "Not bad. I write letters occasionally, but I haven't contacted him this year. What's wrong?"
Li Shifei sighed and said: "Lao Xie from our agency brought back a novel from Xi'an, written by Lu Yao. I haven't thought about it yet. I'm a little unsure about his novel."
The old Xie he refers to is Xie Wangxin, the deputy editor of "Flower City". Some time ago, he was recommended by critic Li Bingyin and went to Xi'an to pick up the manuscript of Lu Yao's new work. "That novel... Lu Yao's energy in the past few years
It seems like everyone is invested in it." Lin Chaoyang said.
The last time Lin Chaoyang contacted Lu Yao was last year. That time Lu Yao wrote to him, mainly to share the joy of being appointed as a member of Group D of the Shaanxi Literary and Art Association. The letter also mentioned the novel he was preparing to write.
, because of its large scale, he has been preparing, reading, collecting information, and experiencing life in the past two years... The novel he is writing is "The Ordinary World" that will leave Lu Yao famous for future generations.
Seeing that Lin Chaoyang seemed to know something about the novel, Li Shifei quickly asked: "What do you think of the novel?"
"I only learned about the general story from the letter, and I haven't read the specific content of the novel. How can I say it well? Haven't you read the novel? You should be able to judge whether it is good or not, right?"
Li Shifei looked hesitant, "The novel... is good in terms of content alone. It has its advantages and obvious shortcomings. If you haven't read it, I can't explain it clearly. There are several main problems now.
.”
"What's the problem?"
"First, the writing style of Lu Yao's novel is a bit outdated. This is not one person's evaluation. Most people who have read it have this evaluation; second, this novel has been rejected by "Contemporary" and Writers Publishing House. The reason is just now
that.
Third, there are three parts of his novel, and now only the first part has been completed. It is said that it may need to be written to one million words. This is one million words! Such a grand project...
When Li Shifei said this, the worry on his face was clear.
Lu Yao has only completed one-third of his novel, and no one can predict what his next two novels will be like. If "Flower City" wants to publish this novel, it must take certain risks.
Back then, "Flower City" dared to publish "Enter Guandong" in two issues because Lin Chaoyang gave the entire manuscript to the editorial department. Furthermore, Lin Chaoyang had accumulated rich experience in writing novels over the years.
But Lu Yao is different. Before this new novel, the longest work he created was only the 130,000-word "Life". It suddenly jumped from 130,000 words to 1 million words, which can be said to be difficult.
It's an exponential rise.
For writers, this is a huge test, and Li Shifei’s worries are reasonable. “Of the three points you mentioned, the first two are not important. What does it mean to be outdated?
In the past two years, various foreign literary trends and expression methods have been overwhelming, which is as dazzling as a revolving lantern. Everyone is afraid that they are not cutting-edge or fashionable enough, and will be called old-fashioned and outdated.
But the question is, how many of the new trends pursued by so many people can be left behind? I think this needs to be a question mark. Talking about Lu Yao's creative style, he is a typical realist creative method.
Although I do not completely agree that this method and line are completely mainstream in our literary world, I think it is extremely undesirable to deny this creative method because it is not fashionable enough.
If you simply reject a manuscript based on the excuse that the form is "unfashionable," "outdated," or "old-fashioned in technique," instead of starting from the most fundamental content, then you may miss many excellent works."
Lin Chaoyang's tone was solemn when he said this, but it was not criticism or condemnation. Li Shifei also understood that he had been advocating "root-seeking literature" in recent years and did not believe in those things of Western modernism.
Moreover, his creative style has always been changeable and flexible, never sticking to one form, so it often shocks people. Li Shifei can also hear his appreciation for Lu Yao from Lin Chaoyang's words.
"What about the third point?" Li Shifei asked.
Lin Chaoyang spread his hands and said, "There's nothing we can do about this. If you want to publish, you have to trust the writer. Without trust, it's useless to say anything." Li Shifei said dissatisfied: "You are all talking for Lu Yao!"
"Isn't this nonsense? He is a writer, and I am also a writer. We are both working for the publishing house, so we naturally stand on the same front." Li Shifei laughed dumbly.
After lunch, Li Shifei stopped chatting with Lin Chaoyang and ran back to the West Campus to review the manuscript.
Tao Yushu went to the Telegraph Building in the morning to make a call and came back in the afternoon. This was her habit after returning to Yanjing. She would have a phone call with Tao Yumo every week to learn about the company and the crew.
A few days after the couple left, "A Better Tomorrow" was released in Hong Kong, and the final box office was set at HK$36.92 million, which was more than HK$2 million more than later generations.
It is still being released in other overseas markets, and its performance in the countries and regions where it is currently released is very good. New Art City estimates that the film's overseas revenue may set a new record for their company.
Even the overseas revenue of "The Truman Show" is probably not a match for "A Better Tomorrow."
Tao Yumo also mentioned that Tsui Hark went to the company more than a week ago and wanted to chat with Lin Chaoyang again. It seemed that he was still not too determined to give up and wanted Lin Chaoyang to continue writing the script of "A Better Tomorrow 2".
The more successful "A Better Tomorrow" becomes, the more greedy he and Xinyi City become. The more greedy they are, the more they must worry about gains and losses. They want to achieve levels and profits that match or even surpass those of the first film, but they also don't want to ruin their reputation.
"I told Yumo not to pay attention to them. Your feathers are much more valuable than the estimated box office, and it is impossible for New Art City to transfer most of the profits to us." Lin Chaoyang nodded in approval of Tao Yushu's words, and then
Question: "What else did you say?"
"The filming of "The Hardcover" will be completed in more than ten days. I have to go back later to discuss the theaters with Golden Harvest. They will definitely leave their own highlights during the Christmas and New Year schedules. I have to strive for a better one.
schedule."
"You can contact Yindu when you go back. It should be very easy for us to get on the Shuangnan Line. We can also try our best to contact Shao's to see whichever company we can get." "Okay." Tao Yushu responded, and then said: "Xiangjiang has also been busy recently.
There's something big going on."
"What's up?"
"The United Exchange was officially opened. A grand banquet was held at the Red Stadium. The chairmen of major international stock exchanges were invited to celebrate. All the prominent businessmen and celebrities from Hong Kong went there. The celebration was broadcast live to London using artificial satellites.
"
Tao Yushu is currently in the ups and downs of the business world and is very concerned about financial information. In her words, Lin's Pictures may also be listed in the future.
Before 1986, there were four stock exchanges in Hong Kong, namely the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, the Far East Exchange, the Gold and Silver Stock Exchange and the Kowloon Stock Exchange.
The four stock exchanges were all established after World War II. The advantage is that they promoted the localization of securities transactions, broadened the channels for local companies in Hong Kong to go public and raise funds, and attracted active investors to enter the market.
But the disadvantages are also obvious. The four exchanges and the four societies coexist and compete on their own. In addition, incomplete securities regulations and weak supervision have created unhealthy competition.
Over the years, a large number of companies have been listed on the Hong Kong Securities Market. Many problems such as establishment and listing in the same year, false accounting, false reporting of assets, insider trading, different trading suspension times, etc. have caused frequent chaos in the market.
This chaos was also one of the reasons for the Hong Kong stock market crash in 1973. After the stock market crash, the government proposed the idea of ​​​​merging the four associations.
After more than ten years of hard work, the four stock exchanges finally merged into the Hong Kong United Exchange, and the opening ceremony was held on October 6 this year. Listening to Tao Yushu’s words, Lin Chaoyang chuckled and said: "That Principal Li is really
..”
Lin Chaoyang did not say these four words, "What a great success."
"Principal Li" is Li Fuzhao, the chairman of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange after the four societies merged into one.
Li Fuzhao was born in the Li family, one of the four major families in Hong Kong. He was the youngest son of his father Li Guanchun. He showed great financial talent since he was a child. In 1969, he took the lead in establishing the Far East Stock Exchange, breaking the monopoly of foreign brokers.
Xiangjiang Securities Market.
His personal wealth has also increased over the years, reaching as high as 7 to 8 billion Hong Kong dollars, making him one of the top ten richest people in Hong Kong. If you include the family wealth behind him, it will be even more terrifying.
People in Hong Kong have always been willing to pry into the privacy of the rich and famous. Everyone knows that Li Fuzhao has a flamboyant personality.
The establishment of the United Exchange brought Li Fuzhao to the pinnacle of power in his life. At this time, he was proud and full of ambition.
"...It's always a good thing. At least it's a little more difficult for those black-hearted capitalists to cut off the common people's leeks than before."
"I don't think so. The United Exchange has created such a big momentum. I don't know how many people want to rush in with their savings saved for many years. The more people who enter, the easier it will be for them to cut.
The reason you haven't been cut is because the sickle hasn't hit your head yet."
Lin Chaoyang joked: "Mr. Tao's understanding of the securities market is getting deeper and deeper. Since they say it is a place where leeks are cut, why do you still say you want to go public?" "We don't make money to cut leeks. In the future, the company
If we really want to develop on a large scale, financing is also an essential step.”
The couple chatted for a while, and Tao Yushu decided on a date to return to Xiangjiang.
Two days later, Li Shifei appeared in front of Lin Chaoyang again. His eyes were red, his hair was fluffy, messy, and unkempt, but he was extremely excited. "Chaoyang, I've finished reading the novel!"
When he saw Lin Chaoyang, Li Shifei almost shouted these words, which seemed to be filled with pent-up enthusiasm. "How do you feel?"
"!!!
Lin Chaoyang waited for a long time, and Li Shifei excitedly uttered one word: "Is it over?"
"Of course it's not over yet. I'm just sorting out my thoughts."
Li Shifei pulled Lin Chaoyang to sit down and asked seriously: "Chaoyang, I feel that this novel is somewhat similar to "The Truman Show"?" "You are right, there are indeed similarities."
Hearing this, Li Shifei's eyes lit up.
"To put it more broadly, the core of these two novels is actually to criticize the cruelty of capitalism.
The difference is that "The Truman Show" uses absurdity as decoration and the pursuit of freedom as a cloak, while this novel faces the bloody reality head-on."
Li Shifei nodded frequently listening to Lin Chaoyang's words, "Well said! Your novel is indeed cruel. The cruelty between the lines makes people feel like they are drilling into the seams of your bones. And..."
Li Shifei rubbed the manuscript in his hand with admiration, and his eyes fell on the title of the book.
"Just reading the first half, I thought the title of your book fell on Lao Jin's family. After reading the latter part, I realized that it is actually the chairman's family, or the bourgeoisie.
Judging from the title of the book, the turning point in the later stages is really shocking."
After he finished speaking, he looked up at Lin Chaoyang and said with emotion: "It seems that living in Xiangjiang has indeed given you a lot of different experiences and creative materials. Although the content of this novel is similar to "The Truman Show"
, but the style is unique, dark and cruel, completely different from your previous style."
Li Shifei attributed the change in style of the new novels to the life in Xiangjiang, and Lin Chaoyang had to admit that literati can make up their minds.
"..The style of your novel is so unique that it makes people feel too depressing after reading it. "The Truman Show" is like a sugar-coated pill. You can only feel it after eating it and chewing it repeatedly.
of suffering.
But this was downright cruel, and when I think about it now, I feel unspeakably depressing."
Li Shifei elaborated on his views on Lin Chaoyang's new work in an unorganized manner. The word "cruel" was mentioned repeatedly, proving that he had indeed seen the core of this novel. "I can't comment on what kind of success your novel will achieve in the end."
results, but I think it can withstand the test of time.”
At the end of the speech, Li Shifei's tone was solemn.
In the context of literary circles, "being able to withstand the test of time" is a very high evaluation. What kind of works can withstand the test of time? Undoubtedly those classics.
Comparing Lin Chaoyang's new work to a classic, isn't such an evaluation high enough? "Exaggerated, exaggerated!" Lin Chaoyang waved his hand.
Li Shifei smiled easily, "I don't have time to flatter you. This is my truest feeling. After all, I have been an editor for more than 30 years, so I still have this perspective." Lin Chaoyang asked jokingly: "Then Lu
Why can’t you read Yao’s books well?”
"You have the nerve to say that. You said that the techniques of expression are not important, but each of your novels is more beautiful than the last! I thought it was good after reading it, so can I still say that it is not good without conscience?"
Lin Chaoyang was speechless. Is my novel good or is it my fault?
Li Shifei added: "Your novel has many advantages, and it cannot be said that there are no shortcomings, but they are very few. But Lu Yao's novel is different. Its advantages and disadvantages are very obvious, so everyone does not think highly of it."
"Then think about it from another angle. Real readers only look at the advantages of novels. Who looks at the shortcomings? Only critics who like to find faults will look at the shortcomings." Li Shifei was unexpectedly stunned by Lin Chaoyang's tricky angle.
I sat there and thought about it for a while, and it seemed to make sense.
"The Ordinary World" has its shortcomings. The writing techniques are old-fashioned and outdated, and the narrative is long-winded. From time to time, the author will include a long paragraph of discussion from God's perspective. If you can't bear to read it, it won't take long.
Defeat.
The editors of "Contemporary" and Writers Publishing House both abandoned the novel under such circumstances.
But Xie Wangxin vaccinated Li Shifei after picking up the manuscript, so he gave "The Ordinary World" a lot of patience. After reading it, I did find that this novel is not that bad, and is even excellent.
His current hesitation is largely due to the fact that he is struggling with the shortcomings of "The Ordinary World". It would be great if those shortcomings could be corrected! But Li Shifei is an old editor, and he also understands that some novels can be corrected, and some novels cannot be corrected.
It cannot be changed.
The content of "The Ordinary World" is a whole, and it is also the embodiment of Lu Yao's personal thoughts and will.
Even if some changes in chapters and paragraphs are made, it cannot eliminate its shortcomings, but may make its advantages mediocre. After thinking for a moment, Li Shifei stopped worrying about "The Ordinary World" and asked for help.
Lin Chaoyang’s opinion.
"Chaoyang, do you want to publish your novel in our "Flower City" first?"
As soon as he finished speaking, he saw Lin Chaoyang shaking his head, and he immediately added: "We can give you a generous remuneration for a thousand words."
"How generous?"
Although he had made up his mind not to publish it in the magazine, Lin Chaoyang couldn't help but ask.
"How about two hundred yuan for a thousand words?" Li Shifei quoted a price and stared at Lin Chaoyang with burning eyes. Two hundred yuan for a thousand words?
The full text of Lin Chaoyang's new work is 300,000 words, and 200 yuan for 1,000 words is 60,000 yuan. This price is indeed quite sincere. Nowadays, most writers can get three to five thousand yuan for publishing a novel, which is already a lot.
Not bad.
"Not very good."
"If you think about it again, in fact, publication in magazines will help the novel's influence grow and will help its subsequent sales. I cannot say that what Li Shifei said is completely unreasonable, but that is for a writer who is not well-known.
At Lin Chaoyang's stage, no matter whether there is the blessing of magazine publication, there is no need to worry about lack of readers. "I have said before that novels will not be published in magazines in the future, so don't waste your efforts."
Lin Chaoyang's decisive refusal made Li Shifei's face full of disappointment. He wanted the right to premiere Lin Chaoyang's new work simply because he wanted to help "Flower City" increase its sales and influence. He now misses the years of "The Ferry" and "Flower City" very much.
When "Crossing Guandong" was published in "Flower City", I was so happy, but unfortunately this happiness was too short-lived.
Li Shifei could only comfort himself. Even if the magazine could not publish it, it would still be published by Huacheng Publishing House. He added, "When it is published, I plan to hold a work seminar with several review magazines." "It's up to you, I won't.
Must be there."
I will inform you in advance that you should arrange your time and come as much as possible if you can. After all, it is your novel. There is no way to hold a work seminar. If the writer is not here, you are not gone."
"Bah, bah, bah! If I don't participate, you're going to curse me like this, right?"
Li Shifei was merciless and forced Lin Chaoyang to agree. The next day Li Shifei returned to Guangzhou with the manuscript.
On the second Saturday of October, nearly five months after "The Truman Show" won awards overseas, it finally landed in movie theaters in various cities in China. On Sunday, Tao Yucheng first went to the Capital Cinema to watch it with his whole family.
Movie.
Ever since "The Truman Show" won the award, he would brag about the movie every time he chatted with his colleagues. He couldn't help it, because his brother-in-law was the one who told him that this movie, which had won awards abroad, was written by his brother-in-law. He was so proud!
After watching the movie, the family ate Sichuan food at a Sichuan restaurant.
During the dinner, Tao Yucheng talked about the release of "The Truman Show" with some regrets in his words.
"It would be great if your movie was released earlier. Many video theaters already have videotapes, which means we have lost a large number of viewers." Tao Yushu is now making movies and is very sensitive to piracy, so he couldn't help but ask more questions.
A few words, brother.
Tao Yucheng's current video hall business is not as popular as it was in the first year of opening, but it is still profitable. The money comes easily, and he is too lazy to explore new opportunities. Nowadays, few video halls on the street show domestic movies.
Most of them are Hong Kong movies, with a small amount of Japanese, European, and American movies.
Sometimes, those foreign movies don't even have dubbing or subtitles, and the video hall will have a small blackboard to write a summary of the content. The dialogues are all guesswork, and just like that, the audiences are still watching it with gusto.
Movie piracy in 1986 was not as rampant as it was in the 1990s, but the past five months were enough for the pirated video tapes of "The Truman Show" to reach the mainland. Starting in August and September, the pirated video tapes of "The Truman Show"
Appeared in the video studio on the street in Yanjing.
Listening to Tao Yucheng's words, Tao Yushu was a little worried, but Lin Chaoyang was not worried.
Firstly, the box office of the movie has nothing to do with him. Secondly, this is not the 1990s. Movie ticket prices are so high that people are forced to watch pirated versions. The ticket prices in video halls and cinemas are similar, but they are taking different paths.
The cinema mainly shows domestic films and imported films from abroad, while the video hall mainly shows Hong Kong films. Everyone coexists peacefully. "But it doesn't matter. I saw that there were still so many people watching this movie in the cinema. After all, it won the grand prize."
." Tao Yucheng said.
Tao Yushu recalled the crowded audience in the cinema and felt that his worries were a bit unfounded.
Two days later, Tao Yushu returned to Xiangjiang to check the quality of "The Hardcover Chasing Girls" and make arrangements for its release, while Lin Chaoyang stayed behind to enjoy the short autumn of Yanjing.
As soon as Tao Yushu left, Du Feng ran over. When they met, Lin Chaoyang almost didn't recognize him. "Have you eaten yeast?"
"Brother-in-law, I only drink with others here."
"Take it easy, you can't make all your money in one day. How many pounds have you gained?" "More than twenty pounds."
Du Feng was an art soldier when he was in the army. Although he played the trumpet, he maintained his body shape quite well.
After being discharged from the army for several years, I can see that I have gained a lot of weight. After a few months of absence this year, I feel like I have gained weight as if I had blown up a balloon. I am less than 1.75 meters tall, and I can say that I am running at least 170 meters tall.
Eighty pounds gone.
"Hey, isn't it because the weather in Yanjing has been so good recently? I invited those merchants from Guangzhou to come to Yanjing for a trip, and I drank with them for a while." Du Feng's words seemed to be complaining, but in fact they were embarrassing.
"It seems that business has been good these past few months?" Lin Chaoyang asked easily. When business was mentioned, Du Feng couldn't hold back the smile on his face.
"It's not bad, it's not bad. It's steadily improving. Now it has a good reputation in Yanjing City. When people talk about buying clothes, the first thing they think of is our Asia-Europe Clothing City."
The business of the clothing city is good. In addition to making money, what makes Du Feng even more proud is the reputation of the clothing city among the people. In the past few months, he has become extremely straight in front of his father.
What's wrong with business? What common people in Yanjing don't praise our conscientious merchants?
"In the first two months, the daily turnover has exceeded 50,000 yuan. Winter is coming soon, and the winter clothes are selling well and the unit price is high. Every day, the sales are reaching 70,000 yuan. I guess
This wave will last until the end of the year...
Du Feng became excited as he calculated the accounts for Lin Chaoyang.
It has been exactly half a year since the opening of the clothing city, and the cumulative turnover has exceeded the 9 million mark.
Next is a long winter, the unit price of clothing is high, and the reputation of the clothing city is also rising. The turnover will only be higher than the first half of the year, not lower than the first half of the year. The annual turnover is definitely expected to exceed 20 million yuan.
This figure not only easily meets the Xidan Shopping Mall's turnover requirements and profit and tax payment standards for the clothing city, but will also bring Du Feng profits beyond expectations. "Six million! Brother-in-law, I conservatively estimate that by the beginning of next spring we will
You can earn at least 6 million yuan!"
Du Feng was like a child who had just received a certificate and asked for praise. Lin Chaoyang had to praise him a few words, "Well done! The business of the clothing city was so good in the first year because you ran it well."
If we continue to develop at this rate, our profit should exceed 10 million yuan in two years." After receiving praise from Lin Chaoyang, Du Feng became even more excited.
"I feel like there is hope next year. Brother-in-law, if the business is still so good in the first half of next year, I plan to open the clothing city to Shijiazhuang." "You can decide this kind of thing yourself."
Although Lin Chaoyang and his wife invested money in the clothing city business, they were just hands-off shopkeepers and didn't want to worry about such things.
Chapter completed!