Chapter 213: Play adaptation, buy another house, meet parents for the first time

Fortunately, Wei Ming wasn't drinking water or tea; otherwise, he could have sprayed it out.

The old man actually used such a code name that year? How middle-school!

And Lan Lao didn't tell him in his previous life; otherwise, he would definitely have let Qian Yanqiu change the protagonist's name. They all knew each other.

Now Wei Ming couldn't look at his grandfather straight. Thinking of him would make him think of lines like "I bet there are no bullets in your gun."

And then Lan Lao picked up some things that could be said and told Wei Ming about Wei Wei Senhao's glorious combat achievements that year, which made Wei Ming respect him quite a bit. He didn't expect Old Lao Lao Lao Wei to have so much blood of traitors and devils on his hands. He felt "Blood-Hand Butcher" was more suitable for him.

"Later I heard he went to Shanghai to perform a higher-level mission. Since then, we basically lost contact because we were fellow villagers. I was one of the few people who knew his real name at the time."

The two were chatting when someone knocked on the door. As soon as the person entered, Wei Ming stood up: "Dean Yu."

The visitor was Yu Yu Shizhi, the actor of Wang Lifa, the protagonist of *Teahouse*, and also the first vice dean of the People's Art Theatre. Mr. Cao Yu was the dean.

Yu Yu Shizhi and Lan Lan Tianye were the same age, Yu being a bit younger.

"Writer Wei, we meet again. You and Old Lan have already recognized fellow villagers."

The two shook hands. They had met at the Literature Congress before and even took a photo together.

"Yes, not only fellow villagers but also descendants of old friends," Lan Lao patted Wei Ming on the shoulder, "Come often in the future, you are welcome to play at the People's Art Theatre at any time."

"Definitely, definitely."

Yu Yu Shizhi hurriedly said: "Don't just play. How about writing a script for our People's Art Theatre? I know you can write scripts."

The script dispute of *The Herdsman* at the beginning showed that his scriptwriting ability was absolutely no problem.

Of course, movie scripts and play scripts were two different systems. Play scripts emphasized lines more, sometimes even needing exaggerated lines.

Wei Ming scratched his head: "Then Dean Yu, you might have to wait. I am busy writing a novel recently, and all my energy is on this."

Besides writing a fairy tale for Melinda, he really couldn't take any other work, because his outline was quite complete, and he could start working at any time.

Lan Lan Tianye hurriedly asked what the theme of the novel was.

Wei Ming didn't hide it: "It's a story during the war period that combines some of my grandfather's experiences. I basically listened to Grandma and Father talking about Grandpa's affairs, and today I heard some real deeds from you, feeling more confident."

Lan Lan Tianye smiled: "Your grandfather's story is wonderful. Then we will wait and see. I will tell you my home address later. You can chat with me at any time. As long as I can say it, I can tell you."

"Good!"

Subsequently, Wei Ming said to Yu Yu Shizhi: "Dean Yu, if you want a script, you can consider adapting my previous works. Although they are not masterpieces, as long as you take a fancy to them, I will let you adapt them, no money."

He knew that the People's Art Theatre also had screenwriter positions. They were more professional in writing play scripts.

Yu Yu Shizhi pondered for a moment. As Wei Ming's debut, this novel's fame wasn't small, but it had triggered quite a bit of controversy at the beginning, especially the big discussion about who was more bitter between farmers and educated youth, making many educated youth unable to lift their heads.

If this novel were adapted, would it be too poking to the lungs?

However, Dean Yu really liked the line style of this novel. Large segments of lines were like machine guns, spicy and satirical, and the scenes were simple. It had the potential to become a good script.

And the main characters were all young people, which could be used to cultivate the youth play actor team.

Finally, he said to Wei Ming: "I will seriously consider it."

Afterward, Wei Ming chatted with the two elders about the art of drama. Because Wei Ming had been immersed in the People's Art Theatre for ten years, his understanding of drama was so deep that the two elders were very surprised.

Yu Yu Shizhi even wanted to transfer Wei Ming to the People's Art Theatre, but thinking of his current unit—Peking University—he immediately extinguished this thought. If Wei Ming were a temporary worker, it would be fine, but he was a formal worker at Peking University.

Even if the People's Art Theatre was the highest palace of Chinese drama, the status of the two supreme institutions of higher learning in the hearts of their actors was still very lofty. And Yu Yu Shizhi himself was from Peking University, studying French, but he didn't finish.

After chatting for a while, someone reported that a guest had come to visit, from the Shanghai Er Yingchang. Cao Lao wasn't there, so Yu Yu Shizhi, the first vice dean, had to come out to receive him.

Lan Lao told Wei Ming: "It is estimated to be Director Xie Tian. He wants to move *Teahouse* to the big screen."

"Oh my, this is a big challenge. Then you will also participate?"

"Director Xie Tian wants to invite the original cast of the play to film the movie. I estimate it will still be Qin Zhongyi."

Wei Ming suggested: "Acting in movies is also quite good. It can let more people appreciate the acting skills of these masters of the People's Art Theatre and benefit more ordinary people."

It was only half a month until *Under the Hawthorn Tree* was released. He had to hurry up.

So after eating, Wei Ming proposed: "Sister Lin, you rest at home. I'm going back to school. I'll come to pick you up to watch a play tonight."

"You're leaving?" Zhu Lin was still a bit reluctant.

Wei Ming hugged her, and his hands started to be restless: "Then if you sincerely keep me, I won't leave."

Zhu Lin pushed him with a hum: "Then you'd better leave. Can't toss from morning to night."

She didn't care, but she was afraid that Little Wei would hurt his vitality at a young age. Didn't the old saying go, only tired oxen, no plowed fields.

Wei Ming carried the bag to the dormitory at the South Gate of Peking University. This place had now become the temporary stronghold of the startup team. Because there was a motorcycle, it was quite convenient.

After a few days of effort of shooting a gun and changing a place, Mei and the others had exchanged the vast majority of US dollars into RMB at a very high black market rate. There was no shortage of money to rent the storefront.

And at the same time, they also took a fancy to an idle storefront in Xidan. Although it was in a corner, it was already a good choice. They were negotiating the price with the competent department.

Wei Ming: "Xiao Mei, you continue to negotiate. Seeing Biaozi, you tell Auntie, let their factory make some clothes for us. I brought the photos. There are no detailed drawings, but she is also an old tailor. This shouldn't be difficult for her."

Saying that, Wei Ming put Sister Xue's photos on the table and circled several main products. These models had to produce more sets. After Seeing Biaozi got the photos, his eyes lit up: "What a beautiful sister!"

Xiao Mei only glanced at it and concluded: "Yes, it's her. She came to Peking University to find you before, called Gong Xue, right!"

Seeing Biaozi: "She is Gong Xue! Better looking than in *Popular Cinema*!"

In the stills of *Popular Cinema*, she was a village girl with a child. Even if she was naturally beautiful, she would be limited by makeup and styling. But now wearing fashionable modern clothes, this was Sister Xue's comfort zone. Even if Zhang Yu herself came, she would look a bit village-like.

Wei Ming told them that these were several sets of clothes for the heroine in the Shanghai Er Yingchang's key movie *Under the Hawthorn Tree* next month. He specifically asked a friend to help get them out.

"I have a premonition that this movie will be hot, especially sought after by young people. By then, we will launch these clothes while the movie is hot, at least we don't have to worry about the first shot being a dud."

However, Seeing Biaozi and Xiao Mei thought at the same time that Brother Ming wasn't dating another big sister in Peking, so how could he still be in contact with this big sister in Shanghai?

People are willing to help with this kind of favor; it seems the relationship isn't simple.

The two men showed subtle smiles at the same time. Afterward, Xiao Mei immediately took Seeing Biaozi to find Biao's mother to discuss the private customization. Wei Ming also entered the city together, but he went to the People's Art Theatre to buy tickets.

Tonight there was the play *Wang Wang Zhaojun*. He saw that the tickets through regular channels were sold out, so he ran to the door wanting to find Li Li Guangfu.

As a result, he saw others looking for actors of the People's Art Theatre, but the guard didn't pass the message. The old guard knew at a glance that this was wanting to go through the back door.

!

Wei Ming's eyes rolled, and a plan came to mind: "Grandpa, help me call Li Li Guangfu quickly. I'm his neighbor. Their house is on fire. Hurry up and call him out!"

Guard Grandpa: "What, on fire! Oh my!"

Not long after, he saw a man wearing Han Dynasty eunuch costumes running out in a panic.

"Ah, what's wrong, how did it catch fire!"

After seeing the popular writer Wei Ming, whom he had met once, trying hard to hold back his laughter, he knew he had been deceived.

"Brother Li Guangfu, don't blame me. I was just afraid I wouldn't see you, so I used this strategy. My fault. Tomorrow, you choose any restaurant in the whole city, I'll treat."

A big writer said such words. Li Li Guangfu's anger immediately disappeared. He also smiled: "No matter, no matter. I'm also quite happy. One is seeing you again, and two, I have a feeling of regaining what was lost. Writer Wei, are you specifically looking for me?"

Wei Ming nodded. He looked at Li Li Guangfu: "Do you have a part in *Wang Wang Zhaojun* today too?"

"Good eyes, I play the eunuch next to Emperor Yuan of Han." He flicked the whisk.

Wei Ming directly said: "I want to buy tickets for this show, but they are sold out. Can you arrange it?"

"How many?" Li Li Guangfu asked.

"Two."

Li Li Guangfu: "Wait a moment."

Soon Li Li Guangfu came over with two tickets. Wei Ming gave the money at the original price.

Li Li Guangfu didn't push it either, accepting it and saying: "Actually, with your fame, as long as you report your name, the People's Art Theatre would be eager to give you complimentary tickets."

"Oh, there's such a good thing?"

Li Li Guangfu: "I think the problem isn't big, it's just that you might have to leave something behind."

"Leave what?"

"For example, the adaptation authorization of your works," Li Li Guangfu smiled, "I recently saw a *In the Heat of the Sun* always placed on Dean Yu's table. It is estimated that he has his eyes on you, this new literary noble."

Wei Ming thought it was what. He generously indicated: "If the People's Art Theatre takes a fancy to it, just adapt it, no money!"

In his previous life, he had a very good time in the People's Art Theatre for those ten years, and Lan Lao also had the grace of knowing him. The copyright of the play wasn't worth much, so he gave it away, and it could expand the influence of his works.

Hearing Wei Ming say this, Li Li Guangfu knew that the industry rumor of this person being generous and chivalrous wasn't false.

A while ago, he heard that this one treated all the students of the Literature Lecture Institute to Donglaishun. A meal wiped out a bicycle, and there was no reason, just willful.

This rumor of him loving to treat people to dinner had already spread to literary circles everywhere through the students of the lecture institute.

After getting the tickets, Wei Ming went home immediately. On the way, he bought two pieces of tofu. After returning home, he immediately cooked Mapo Tofu for Sister Lin.

Then she ate the tofu Wei Ming made, and Wei Ming ate her tofu.

Zhu Lin was surprised that Wei Ming had such craftsmanship. The tofu was very numb, very spicy, and very fragrant.

"You are also very spicy~" Wei Ming reluctantly let go.

After finally finishing the meal, Wei Ming took Zhu Lin to watch the play. Zhu Lin regretted: "It's too late, can't take money. I'll return the money to you tomorrow, no, the day after tomorrow."

"No rush, no rush."

Soon the two came to the People's Art Theatre located on Wang Fujing Street.

This *Wang Wang Zhaojun* today was a play created by Mr. Cao Yu among "Lu Guo Mao Ba Lao Cao." The premiere was in 1978. The actress who played the elderly Wang Zhaojun was Di Xin.

Wei Ming was too familiar. He had even eaten the food she made. She was the wife of Old Man Lan Lan Tianye and also a veteran actress of the People's Art Theatre.

A play for more than two hours, it was already very late. This time Zhu Lin devoted herself to appreciating the play's performance. When she came out, there was still lingering charm in her heart, sighing at the strength of these actors.

Wei Ming thought for a while and said: "If you don't want to engage in your original job after further study at the Film Academy, you can actually try to take the exam for units like the People's Art Theatre or the Youth Art Theatre."

The Youth Art Theatre was one of the predecessors of the National Theatre in later generations and was also the second-largest play troupe in Peking after the People's Art Theatre.

Zhu Lin clicked her tongue: "Can I get in? I'm just an amateur."

"Indeed, your acting skills can't compare to the regular army."

Zhu Lin: "Hmm!"

Wei Ming hurriedly said: "But you look good, and you are my good sister. If you have the intention, I'll think of a way. Tomorrow I'll come to the People's Art Theatre to clear the relationship."

After arriving outside the Industrial College, before getting off the bike, Zhu Lin said: "I won't come over tomorrow. I'll treat my parents to buy things at the Friendship Store after work."

Wei Ming: "No need for you to buy Duolais, I bought a lot."

Zhu Lin twisted him several times in the back seat, letting you be poor.

Zhu Lin thought Wei Ming was joking about going to the People's Art Theatre to clear the relationship, but he really went to the People's Art Theatre the next day.

Early in the morning, he first ran to Li Li Guangfu's door to block him.

"Oh my, Writer Wei, why are you here? It's early in the morning."

"Agreed to treat you to dinner today."

"But I ate at home and came out~"

Wei Ming waved his hand: "Then eat that meal at noon. Besides, I also want to see the People's Art Theatre. I don't know if it's convenient?"

Although Li Li Guangfu was a small character and a small supporting role in the People's Art Theatre, Wei Ming was a big character. Such a character visited, it was estimated that the vice dean would come out in person to accompany him, and he would also have face.

"Romantic" might not be the precise word, but her heart nearly melted when she heard the news!

Originally Li Li Guangfu could walk to work. Today Wei Ming sent him to the People's Art Theatre by motorcycle.

Then Li Li Guangfu brought Wei Ming into the backstage of the People's Art Theatre by his identity as an internal staff member.

Arriving here, Wei Ming felt like he had returned home. He was too familiar. He had spent about ten years here.

Wei Ming was nostalgic when a gentle-tempered young man came toward him.

Over the past few days, Uncle Ghost had been consulting with Mom quite often about their business partnership; anyone who didn't know better would think they were dating, but Zhou Zhou Huimin had long since become accustomed to it.

Li Li Guangfu smiled: "You don't even recognize this? Writer Wei Ming."

Yang Yang Lixin was surprised: "It's Writer Wei Ming who wrote *The Herdsman* and *Spring in the Sheep-herding Class*? Indeed as young as the newspaper said!"

But the newspaper didn't say he was still so handsome!

Yang Yang Lixin, who entered the People's Art Theatre in 1975, was already a handsome guy in the courtyard, but compared to Writer Wei, he could only be considered ordinary.

The two talked, and the actors backstage all gathered around, greeting Wei Ming one after another, and

"No rush, I'll eat you first!"

It was fortunate that Zhu Lin had come early, otherwise, such a commotion would have delayed her for work again; she had risked being late for work to make this trip, also because Wei Ming was leaving tomorrow.

He saved a few Durex condoms again today; after Sister Lin left, there were 30 "Great Unity" banknotes extra in Wei Ming's bedding.

Wei Ming didn't know whether to laugh or cry; did she learn this from Meilinda? Why does it feel so much like his hard-earned wages?

Wei Ming pulled out another five notes: "Sister, I still owed you 50 yuan before."

Zhu Lin pulled up her panties: "Keep owing it; I want to be your creditor."

Wei Ming hugged the creditor's legs and began to obstruct her from putting on her pants.

Today, Wei Ming went to the Film Academy and picked up Liu Liu Rulong, who was already on vacation, to the Peking University dormitory; early tomorrow morning, the two of them would head to the Capital Airport.

He never wanted to suffer the misery of a long-distance train ride again, so he had asked Uncle Ping'an to help him get a certificate in advance, which granted him the eligibility to buy tickets.

It was just that A-Long felt it was a bit of a waste of money: "We aren't in that much of a rush."

"You aren't, but I am." Getting to Shanghai earlier meant he could spend a little more time with Sister Xue, and it would save his waist and his butt.

However, once they actually boarded the plane, A-Long exclaimed that the money was well spent; he even took out his drawing board and sketched a piece titled "Rainbow in the Clouds."

It was just too short; the plane landed at Hongqiao Airport in just over two hours, and because it was a morning flight, they both missed the lunch on the plane.

Wei Ming: "Next time we fly to Hong Kong, I reckon we'll be able to have a meal on the plane."

But it would just be pre-prepared food, cooked on the ground and heated with electricity once on the plane.

A-Long said excitedly: "A-Ming, are you about to go to Hong Kong?"

Wei Ming nodded: "The filming for 'Heroes Born of Youth' is about to start, and it will be screened in Hong Kong then; if I ask Qingniao to send me an invitation letter, I should be able to go out, after all, I am the original author and screenwriter."

"Then what about me, what about me?" he asked hurriedly.

"As for you," Wei Ming smiled, "I'll help you ask; you are the lead artist for the comic of the same name, so I'm afraid you might lack the qualifications, but if you are willing to pay your own travel expenses, it might be possible."

"I have absolutely no problem with that!" A-Long said, "Following you, I've also saved over two thousand yuan."

Wei Ming chuckled: "Then you're richer than me right now; I don't even have that many RMB. If I run out of money, you'll have to lend me some."

"What could you possibly do to spend that much money?"

Wei Ming stroked his chin: "I wonder how much a meal at the Peace Hotel costs."

The first time he came to Shanghai to revise his manuscript, he strolled along the Bund with Sister Chen Rong and Professor Qu, and passed by the Peace Hotel; he had wanted to eat inside, but his pockets were empty at the time, so he could only dream about it.

A-Long had now completed the content for the first three volumes of the comic version of "Heroes Born of Youth," and would finish the last two volumes after school started.

This time, he also intended to personally deliver the draft for the third volume to the Shanghai People's Fine Arts Publishing House and pick up the royalties for the second volume, so Wei Ming wouldn't have to borrow from him.

Wei Ming was a bit nervous: "Ah, I have to go too?"

"Don't you want to? After we finish this, let's go to the Shanghai Animation Er Yingchang together."

Just like that, Wei Ming was dragged by A-Long onto a "Toad" car, heading straight for the Fine Arts Publishing House.

Gong Ying's mother, Zhuang Che, was not yet sixty; she was a retired employee rehired by the Fine Arts Publishing House, and she couldn't stay idle at home, wanting to put her remaining energy to use.

Previously, she had helped Wei Ming submit the comic "Heroes Born of Youth," and later, the first volume sold extremely well, the second volume followed immediately, and there were plans to increase the print run.

However, she was not actually in charge of the comic book business.

The Shanghai People's Fine Arts Publishing House was involved in a wide range of businesses; besides comic books, there were photography albums, art collections, calendars, lifestyle books, travel guides, and reference tools—anything related to pictures and photos, this publishing house was involved in.

Because Zhuang Che was previously the manager of the photography picture agency and had good photography skills, she was in charge of the photography and picture book department.

A while ago, after helping her daughter take a set of photos, she felt that her daughter's photos could perfectly be used as the cover for a photography magazine she was in charge of.

So, at noon, she wanted to look at those photos again at home and pick the most beautiful one.

After searching for a long time, she couldn't find them, so she specifically made a public phone call to the Shanghai Er Yingchang to ask Xiao Xue where she had put the photos.

The explanation Gong Ying had given before was that they were for making clothes, but after the photos were developed, she had sent them all to Wei Ming in one go; it wasn't that she didn't want to develop more, it was just that her pockets were empty.

For dozens of outfits, front and back, plus developing, and they were color photos—her monthly salary wasn't enough to cover it.

However, she had filming subsidies, so she hadn't thought about asking Xiao Wei to pay her back.

Gong Ying stammered, and finally told the truth: "They were for a friend; he's opening a clothing store and needs styles."

"I knew it, how could you take so many?" Zhuang Che asked: "What kind of friend? Take me to browse when the store opens."

"A friend in Yanjing; the store is also in Yanjing. You can go if you want." Sister Gong Ying was being playful.

Yanjing? Zhuang Che immediately thought of that well-known writer Wei Ming, but could a writer also do business?

Helplessly, Zhuang Che dug out the negatives, preparing to go back to work to develop two more.

When she arrived at work in the afternoon, she saw two young men looking around at the entrance, so she stepped forward and asked: "Who are you looking for?"

……

(Monthly ticket 10000+10500 bonus update! There's more tonight!)

(End of chapter)