Chapter 197

It is evening now, and Uncle Ping'an and the others have likely already gone to sleep, so Wei Ming called the North Gate of Peking University to tell them he had a phone line installed and provided the number.

It was Duan who answered, and he subsequently called over Seeing Biaozi and Xiao Mei, and everyone chatted briefly.

Once back in the dormitory, Seeing Biaozi and Xiao Mei enviously chatted about Wei Ming's independent living, and their motivation to earn money grew even stronger; they prepared to make another trip to Guangdong at the end of the month.

Lying on his bed listening to them talk, Northern Qiao Feng tossed and turned, finally gathering the courage to say, "Seeing Biaozi, when you two go over there, would it be convenient for you to bring some things back for me?"

"It's convenient, Brother Feng, what do you want?" Seeing Biaozi asked.

Northern Qiao Feng became embarrassed again; he pulled a stack of money from his pocket, which looked to be about two or three hundred.

"Whatever you buy, just buy the same for me. I won't let you run for nothing; if there's money to be made, you'll have a share."

Looking at how his two underlings now had more savings than he did, and then thinking of his pregnant wife, Northern Qiao Feng finally couldn't resist the temptation.

What he was thinking was to have Seeing Biaozi and the others help bring back goods, and after they returned, have his mother-in-law sell them; this way, it wouldn't affect the stable jobs of him and his wife, and every little bit earned helped.

Seeing Biaozi: "I thought it was something serious; Brother Feng, you're being too formal saying that. No need to split it with us; it's nothing more than bringing back a few more electronic watches."

Mei Wenhua also said: "Exactly, we have more capital, and people will look at us with more respect; maybe the price will even be cheaper."

Neither of them had any objections; Seeing Biaozi was just full of enthusiasm for a friend, while Mei Wenhua felt that one should bring their leader along to make money, so that things like asking for leave or buying sleeper tickets would be convenient later, and they could earn even more money.

However, he also warned in advance about the risks in the shipping process, suggesting Brother Feng not bet all his savings on it; they all kept a portion of safety money now, to make it easier to stage a comeback if something went wrong.

The next day, Wei Ping'an was brushing his teeth when the home phone suddenly rang, and Wei Xi, who was right next to it, picked it up.

"Hello, who are you looking for?"

"May I ask if this is the little film star Wei Xi?"

"Brother Ming!" Wei Xi recognized him and was very pleasantly surprised, and then Lele and Aunt Lu Xiaoyan also crowded over.

Finally, Wei Ping'an wiped his mouth and took the phone.

"That was fast. Good, communication will be convenient from now on. Your aunt has also noted the number, so she can call to urge you for manuscripts when the time comes."

Next, Wei Ming called the school journal office again; Old Zhang, who was the first to arrive at the unit, answered. Wei Ming indicated he would be late arriving in the morning, as he still had several important calls to make.

The feeling of gradually approaching modernization is truly good; I wonder when I'll be able to use a mobile phone.

This phone cannot be moved, so once I leave, I can't receive calls, there is no missed call display, and it can't make long-distance calls, so in principle, he can only answer calls in the morning and after work in the evening, and can only contact units in Yanjing.

But many units are off work by this time, so if people can't find him, they still have to call the North Gate of Peking University or the school journal office.

If only there were a woman at home responsible for answering the phone, Wei Ming thought to himself.

While chatting with Sister Zhang Dening of "Yanjing Literature and Art," she brought up "Love for Life."

"It's only been a day, and this poem has already reached my ears. Our Peking University school journal is truly lucky; we at 'Yanjing Literature and Art' can only use second-hand ones from others."

Wei Ming: "Editor Zhang, are you thinking of reprinting it next month?"

"Yes."

Wei Ming: "Then you wouldn't mind if 'People's Literature' reprints it first, would you? They are publishing it this month."

Zhang Dening: "..."

Wei Ming called "People's Literature" first; they wanted to solicit a manuscript from Wei Ming. Knowing he didn't have a novel on hand, they said the subject matter was unlimited, and essays or poems were both fine. Wei Ming then asked if that wouldn't be a first publication.

Then he recited "Love for Life," and they decisively said: We want it, we want it, we want it.

Although the little poem is short, if it's reprinted in many publications, it can also earn some pocket money. I'll ask "Poetry Periodical" later if they are interested; after all, this is a poem that has made it into language textbooks.

Checking the time, it was already past nine, so Wei Ming put down the warmed-up receiver and went to work.

However, after eating lunch at the cafeteria, he returned home again to continue making calls.

This time he called the director of the Beijing Er Yingchang, Wang Yang, and Director Wang was indeed there.

First, he informed him of the number, and second, he inquired about the situation with the Blue Bird side. Wasn't the co-production already confirmed? Why haven't they come to the mainland to take a look after so long?

If you don't come to the mainland, when will I be able to go to Hong Kong!

"I've spoken with Xia Meng on the phone. She is looking for a director. There aren't many leftist directors who can shoot this, and this film needs to be shot on location in the mainland, so there aren't many directors with the guts to take it on. But she said she already has a candidate and is currently persuading them. Don't worry, the project won't fall through," Wang Yang said. He was counting on this film to compete with Emei's "The Mysterious Buddha."

Then he asked another question: "You said this is your home phone; did Peking University assign you a house?"

"How is that possible? I've only been a regular employee for less than half a year; even if they gave it to me, I wouldn't dare take it," Wei Ming said. "I have to thank the various film studios for asking me to write scripts, so I saved up some money and bought a house at the Overseas Chinese Apartments."

"Oh my, Overseas Chinese Apartments, the houses there aren't cheap!" Wang Yang sighed endlessly. "Young people are incredible, having both the courage and the ability."

How many old people at the Beijing Er Yingchang have turned against colleagues of many years for the sake of a house, while Wei Ming, at a young age, has relied on his own two hands to move into the best house in Yanjing. The gap between people is truly large.

After finishing the call, Wei Ming prepared to go to work. When he went out, he glanced at the mailbox at his door. He didn't expect there to actually be a letter inside. Could it be from home?

Opening it, it was actually from Xiao Hong.

Hearing that she was going to take the college entrance exam this year, Wei Ming had written her a letter, which should be on its way. He didn't expect her letter to arrive first.

In the letter, Xiao Hong talked about her preliminary exam results; this time, participating in the college entrance exam was jointly certified by all the teachers at the school.

"I just want to go to Yanjing as soon as possible to accompany you. Dad has Mom to accompany him, but you are all alone in Yanjing..."

Where am I all alone? I'm even going to ask Sister Zhu Lin to see a movie this afternoon; if you come, you'll be a third wheel!

Wei Ming shook his head helplessly, but since the child's academic performance is so good, then let her be. Anyway, after coming to Peking University, she will also be a boarding student; don't even think about affecting her brother's dating life.

So Wei Ming wrote another letter and mailed it to her.

At noon, Wei Ming went to the post and telecommunications bureau to tell He Chengwei of "Story Monthly" his phone number, and by the way, talk about his new work.

"Hello, who is this?"

"I am Wei Kuangren, looking for Editor-in-Chief He."

Hearing the three words "Wei Kuangren," the tone of the person answering the phone softened a bit.

"Hello, Writer Wei, please wait a moment, I'll go call Deputy Editor-in-Chief He."

After a while, He Chengwei answered the phone.

"Writer Wei, you actually took the initiative to contact me; this is truly rare!"

He Chengwei was very happy. This year, "Story Monthly" published three issues, which were also the three issues where "Heroes Come from Youth Since Ancient Times" was serialized. Each issue was better than the last, and "Story Monthly" finally found a path of its own.

Wei Ming said: "My home just had a phone installed. You note down the address. If there is anything in the future, we can contact by phone, but I have to go to work usually, so I'm only at home in the morning and evening."

"Good, good, good!" He Chengwei asked, "So, do you have a new work again?"

Wei Ming: "I'm writing a novella, still missing some parts. In a few days, I'll mail it over first for you to see the quality."

"I believe in your strength, it's just a pity that the May issue is too late, we can only wait for July." Wei Ming: "What month doesn't matter, it's fine to pay the manuscript fee in advance, right?"

"No problem, pay the manuscript and pay the money at the same time." He Chengwei laughed. Other authors don't have this treatment, but he, Wei Kuangren, is Wei Ming. A while ago, "Animals are Fierce" sold a million copies, and the influence remains.

Wei Ming added: "Another thing is that this novel might be published in traditional Chinese in Hong Kong in advance."

"Ah? Writer Wei, you can also publish novels in Hong Kong?" He Chengwei said in surprise.

"We haven't been in touch for a long time, I forgot to tell you," Wei Ming said. "'Heroes Come from Youth Since Ancient Times' has already been serialized and published in Hong Kong's 'New Evening Post.' In addition, the Shanghai People's Fine Arts Publishing House is about to publish a comic version."

Two days ago, after Gong Ying arrived home, she called the Nanmen to talk about this matter. The manuscript has already been approved and will be published soon.

Oh my, I haven't told Sister Xue about the phone installation at home yet. I'll write her a letter later. At this moment, the "Herdsman" crew is still in Yanjing, and it can't be conveyed through Xie Jin.

"Oh my, this is good news, you truly live up to your name!"

He Chengwei was also happy for Wei Ming. Writing serious literature can sell over a million copies, and writing popular literature can conquer the people of Hong Kong. This is strength!

It's just a pity that the country has fixed the price at ten yuan per thousand words, otherwise he really wanted to raise the price for Wei Ming's new work.

Eh, I have it!

!

"Writer Wei, look, our 'Heroes Come from Youth Since Ancient Times' is so popular, how about we publish a book?"

"Oh, it's only over 40,000 words, is this okay?"

"What's wrong with it? Add a few more pages of illustrations, it's small and portable, readers will love it," He Chengwei said. "It's just that the print run might not be too high."

After all, the influence of this martial arts novel cannot be compared with the combined influence of those few serious literary works of Wei Ming.

"That doesn't matter. There is one more thing, although it hasn't been confirmed yet, I'll tell you, Editor-in-Chief He," Wei Ming said. "This martial arts novel of ours is about to be adapted into a film. The Beijing Er Yingchang has taken a fancy to it, and the script has been written. Now we are preparing to co-produce with a Hong Kong company, and we are waiting for their word."

He Chengwei was stunned: "Then, then Writer Wei, don't you have two films to shoot now!"

Wei Ming: "Three, the Xi'an Er Yingchang is preparing to shoot 'Er Niu'."

Actually, there is also Wei's "Tale of the Heavenly Book," which makes four.

Only adaptation can lead to wealth; relying solely on writing novels won't be enough to buy a house.

"Wait, you said your home had a phone installed, so what is this now..." He Chengwei asked again.

"Yes, this is the house I just bought, I just settled down in Yanjing."

I haven't registered my household yet, I have to transfer my Peking University household registration later.

No matter if the person answering the phone is envious or jealous, as long as they ask, he will generously admit that he bought a house in Yanjing. It's money earned cleanly, what is there to be afraid of.

And he definitely won't just buy this one house, and he won't even just buy in the city of Yanjing.

In the afternoon, Wei Ming left work early and first rode his motorcycle to buy tickets.

The very popular movie Zhu Lin mentioned recently is "405 Murder Case," a work by the Shanghai Er Yingchang, starring Zhong Xinghuo and Xu Min. Xu Min is the Crown Prince in "Yongzheng Dynasty."

This kind of spy suspense film is a very popular genre. Last year, "The Gunshots of the Secret Service Bureau" topped the annual viewership, and "The Righteous Path in the World is Vicissitudes," created by Wei Ming, also has a large part of spy plot.

Placing the male lead brothers on the secret front is also a way to avoid real historical figures. Wei Ming really wants to chat with Shen Zui now.

Although "405 Murder Case" doesn't have the momentum of last year's "Secret Service Bureau," it can be considered a leader among genre films in this era of lack of entertainment.

Wei Ming was thinking of eating first, so he bought tickets for the second show in the evening, otherwise there wouldn't be enough time to eat.

Now there are too few TVs and too few TV programs, so these popular new films are basically full during the screening period, and they are all large theaters with hundreds of people. Thanks to Wei Ming coming early and buying the second show, he got good seats.

In later generations, you basically can't see this kind of single-hall cinema, unless there is a big blockbuster during the Spring Festival, it will be reopened to make some quick money, such as "Nezha 2" which makes 800 million a day.

Subsequently, Wei Ming picked up Zhu Lin and rode the motorcycle away.

"Are we going to see the movie first?"

Wei Ming: "Let's eat first, where will there be a restaurant after the movie?"

"Where to eat? Just find any restaurant."

Wei Ming: "I'm craving Western food, let's go to Old Mo's."

Zhu Lin shook her head, feeling a bit distressed for her 50 yuan, how could it withstand him eating like this.

"How about finding a cheaper one?"

Wei Ming: "It's okay, I just wrote a poem recently, several magazines want to reprint it, won't the money for a meal come out?"

"Oh, you wrote a poem again, recite it to me." She became interested.

"I don't think about whether I can succeed,

Since I have chosen the distance,

I will only care about the journey through wind and rain..."

Wei Ming had just recited a paragraph when it reached Zhu Lin's heart. Yesterday she went home, and her parents persuaded her again not to take that amateur acting class, but to work steadily at the Health Research Institute.

The reason was: what after finishing it? What if no one asks you to film? If you delay your main job, the loss outweighs the gain.

But now Wei Ming told her: Since you have chosen the distance, just care about the journey through wind and rain!

I really want to try if I am cut out for this!

"Sister Lin, how is it?" After reciting, Wei Ming asked for praise.

Zhu Lin: "A very good poem, thank you."

"Ah? Thank you?"

"Yes, I've decided, I'm going to take the amateur acting class at the Film Academy."

Wei Ming asked: "Is that hard to get into?"

"I don't know yet, Teacher Ma said to take the exam in the second half of the year. Anyway, the quota is fixed, it depends on how many people sign up."

Wei Ming: "Then you have to be prepared, there are still many unemployed youths in Yanjing City, these are all your potential competitors."

People like Li Chengru, people like Zhang Guangbei, are all unemployed drifters in the capital.

"Then there are too many competitors~" Zhu Lin was a bit intimidated.

Wei Ming: "Don't be afraid, I'm here, I'll teach you."

(Monthly ticket 8500 plus update!)

(End of chapter)