Chapter 268: Top-Tier Royalty! (Guaranteed Today)

Guo Kaimin was famously emotionally inept and bad at speaking.

Shi Fangyu thought Xiao Guo had offended Wei Ming, shot him a furious glance, and launched into another scolding that left him too ashamed to raise his head.

No matter how famous he was, he wouldn't dare challenge a powerful vice-factory director.

At this point, Wei Ming spoke up: "Director Shi, Beijing is my home base. Last time, when I chose Shanghai Film Studio for 'The Herdsman,' I promised Factory Director Wang Yang. Next time there's an opportunity like this, I'll definitely prioritize North Film Studio—I already told them the other day. You can't ask me to break my word."

After Guo Kaimin's earlier incident and with Wei Ming's reasoning so solid, Shi Fangyu said nothing more; the rest of the meal became simple eating and chatting.

Wei Ming also won Director Shi's approval through his unique understanding of film; he hadn't expected this young man, so young, to truly understand cinema.

Wei Ming smiled: "I've loved movies since childhood. Villages usually screened films only once or twice a year, and whenever we heard another village was showing one, we'd all rush over. I even saw your 'The Young Generation'—it left a deep impression."

Shi Fangyu, a screenwriter and poet, laughed heartily upon hearing Wei Ming mention his screenwriting work: "Every storyteller hopes their story is loved. 'The Herdsman' will be released in two weeks—is this your first screenwriting project, Xiao Wei?"

"Yes, I hope this story gets recognized too."

"What do you think of rural-themed films?"

Wei Ming replied sincerely: "I'm from the countryside. Frankly, there are too few rural-themed films. We all want to see stories on screen that reflect farmers' lives. If made well, eight hundred million peasants are your audience. Just getting it nominated for the Hundred Flowers Award shouldn't be a problem."

The Hundred Flowers Award was the highest honor in today's film industry; Wei Ming's final remark earned a nod of approval from Shi Fangyu.

The next day, at the factory leadership meeting, the debate over whether to produce 'Happy Gate' had dragged on for days—this time, Shi Fangyu voted in favor.

Yesterday he declined Shanghai Film Studio; today Wei Ming began writing a letter to decline Pearl River Film Studio. The request for collaboration arrived in the morning; the refusal letter went out in the afternoon, written with deep sincerity.

Pearl River Film Studio was also a powerful studio, and due to its Guangdong base, it had produced many innovative, reform-minded films during the film system reforms. Wei Ming hoped to maintain good relations with them—perhaps they'd collaborate again someday.

Just after mailing the letter, as Wei Ming strolled back, he spotted a familiar man standing at the guesthouse entrance.

"Old Liang?"

"Teacher Wei!" Liang Xiao, who'd spent a day and night on the train, was visibly moved upon seeing Wei Ming. His appearance was poor—nearly thirty hours on the train, poor food, poor sleep, leaving him worn and dirty.

Wei Ming quickly ushered him inside. Liang Xiao rushed to ask: "Hasn't the script been given to anyone else, has it?"

Wei Ming: "I just mailed a letter to Factory Director Wang Weiyi at Pearl River Film Studio. He sincerely wanted to collaborate, but I told him no—North Film Studio is my home."

Liang Xiao laughed.

Wei Ming added: "Yesterday, Director Shi Fangyu from Shanghai Film Studio invited me to dinner and promised to cast Gong Yu as the female lead and Huang Zumo, director of 'Love on Lushan,' as director. He even suggested Guo Kaimin sacrifice himself by playing the father who abandons his wife and child—but I still didn't budge."

Hearing this, Liang Xiao grew serious: "Teacher Wei, thank you so much for your trust in North Film Studio. We'll certainly assemble our best cast and crew for this script."

Wei Ming asked: "Who do you plan to cast as the female lead? She's the soul of this film."

Liang Xiao looked uneasy—he was just a junior editor; choosing the female lead was far beyond his authority.

But Wei Ming decided for him: "What do you think of Gong Yu?"

Liang Xiao knew little about Gong Yu—he'd never met her in person, but he'd seen 'A Good Thing Is Hard to Come By.' She was soft-spoken, beautiful, and newspapers often praised her looks—but could she carry such a tragic role?

The taciturn Liang Xiao was still seriously considering whether Gong Yu was suitable and didn't catch Wei Ming's implication.

For a man this straightforward, Wei Ming had to be clearer: "I heard from Gong Yu that she plans to leave the General Political Department and join North Film Studio—she might become your colleague soon. I think she's perfect for this role."

Wei Ming wrote 'Mom, Please Love Me Once Again' specifically to make Gong Yu the female lead—this film's heroine could only be her, just as 'The Qin Terra Cotta Warriors' heroine could only be Zhu Lin.

Liang Xiao nodded: "I'll pass your recommendation to the leadership."

Then Liang Xiao asked when Wei Ming would return to Beijing.

"Next week—I still have tens of thousands of words to revise."

Liang Xiao: "Then let's go back together. I'll stay in Shanghai these few days—we can still discuss the script. Director Jiang told me to start fulfilling my editorial duties right away."

Wei Ming smiled: "Good. Old Liang, enjoy your time in Shanghai—maybe buy some gifts for your family."

Liang Xiao shook his head: "No need to waste money."

Only then did Wei Ming realize how poor Liang Xiao's family situation was.

That day, Liang Xiao settled into the guesthouse; Wei Ming temporarily canceled his plans with Xue Jie.

"Old Liang, I can't stand the cafeteria food—come eat out with me."

"No, no, I'm fine. It's even better than North Film Studio's cafeteria." Liang Xiao carried his own food container.

Wei Ming pulled him along: "We can talk script while we eat. Don't worry—I'm treating you. You just bring your own grain coupons."

After much persuasion, Liang Xiao finally agreed to eat out. It wasn't a fancy restaurant, but they had two meat dishes and Shanghai-style pork dumplings.

He'd heard Wei Ming was generous with meals—today he finally saw it for himself.

"Oh, there's one more thing I need to tell you," Liang Xiao said, being honest as always. He told Wei Ming about Han Sanping's long journey to find him.

Wei Ming could only sigh. If Old Han had acted sooner and reached out first, Wei Ming might have given the script to Emei Studio—with the condition that Han direct it.

He had some talent, and with Wei Ming's guidance, he could easily make a nationwide tearjerker. When Han rose to power, remembering how Wei Teacher personally taught him filmmaking, China Film might as well be run by Wei Teacher.

Fine—tomorrow I'll write another letter to Old Han at Emei Studio. This relationship needs regular maintenance.

"Old Liang, are you married?"

Liang Xiao shyly shook his head: "I don't even have a girlfriend."

He'd assumed Liang Xiao was unmarried, but not that he'd never had one—even at thirty.

In today's world, someone like him would blame his family: aging, powerless parents, a mentally unstable older brother, a younger brother still needing school support—but Liang Xiao carved his own path with his pen.

He'd been in the literary world for years. Though not yet famous, his royalties had kept his parents and brothers in Northeast China barely alive, even if he himself lived frugally.

Over the next week, besides revising his manuscript and seeing his girlfriend, Wei Ming occasionally dragged Liang Xiao out for walks—he bought everything, and Liang Xiao happily gained new experiences.

A week later, Wei Ming officially completed the revision of the first volume of 'The Right Path of Humanity Is the Vast River,' totaling 230, 00 characters—from the Zhili-Fengtian War to the Xi'an Incident—the most substantial volume.

The second volume would begin with the Second United Front and end with the end of the War of Resistance.

The third volume would cover the Civil War.

Since Wei Ming hadn't finished the revision all at once, he'd have to return to Shanghai later.

Li Xiaolin told him: "You're not short on money now. Next month, when the magazine publishes, they'll wire you your 2, 00-yuan royalty."

2, 00 yuan!

That's ten yuan per thousand characters. Wei Ming had received top-tier royalties before—but never from a top-tier publication!

And a single lump sum of 2, 00 yuan—this was the highest serial royalty he'd ever received, equivalent to five years' salary at Peking University.

Of course, writing this book had been grueling—he researched materials, interviewed living historical figures, corresponded with Old Ghost, and spent a full year to complete it.

After finishing the novel, he'd become a half-expert on Republican-era history.

Also, North Film Studio offered 1, 00 yuan for 'Mom, Please Love Me Once Again'—a generous sum. Wei Ming's assets surged again by 4, 00 yuan.

Starting next year, Xintiandi will reduce dividends—these royalties will mean even more.

After saying goodbye to Editor Li, Wei Ming and Liang Xiao headed for the airport. He didn't ask Xue Jie to see them off—he feared he'd break down and kiss her at the terminal.

Besides, 'Midnight' was nearly finished—soon she could return to Beijing and stay with him permanently.

On the way, Liang Xiao was extremely nervous. He was supposed to take the train back, but Wei Ming had dragged him to the airport.

Wei Ming claimed his back was bad and couldn't endure long train rides—but it was all an excuse. He just wanted to fly. His back was fine—like a perpetual motion machine.

Liang Xiao said: "You fly. I'll take the train."

Wei Ming refused: "What kind of friend would I be? You're older than me. Can't I pay? My royalty this time is quite substantial."

Liang Xiao felt he'd been corrupted by Wei Ming in just a week. He knew he had no value to corrupt, yet he'd dined out with Wei Ming repeatedly and even bought things on Nanjing Road.

Wei Ming bought one portion and always brought him one too. Now he'd flown for free—this debt was enormous.

But once aboard the plane, curiosity about the new experience drowned his anxiety. As they soared through the clouds, Liang Xiao couldn't help marveling: This is an airplane! Humanity is truly great!

They boarded in the morning and arrived in Beijing by noon, skipping the in-flight meal—instead, they found a small restaurant afterward.

This time Liang Xiao insisted on paying. Wei Ming didn't stop him—it was just a bowl of noodles.

Wei Ming needed to go home first: "I'll visit North Film Studio tomorrow or the day after."

As he entered the Overseas Chinese Apartment, the gatekeeper, Old Sun, said: "Teacher Wei's back! You have an international parcel. Go pick it up at the post office when you can—you missed it twice."

"Got it."

Wei Ming put down his luggage. His mother was preparing dinner; his father watched TV on the sofa. Seeing his son, he rushed to help carry the bags.

"Why so much?" Wei Ming glanced at the kitchen's ingredients.

"There's more from the shop," his father said. "We've opened."

Wei Ming asked: "Won't it be too tiring?"

Xu Shufen knew her son worried for her and smiled: "Tiring? Cooking for them is easier than feeding the pigs. Sit down and rest. Dinner'll be ready in an hour."

Wei Ming: "Dad, hand me the motorcycle keys—I'm going to the post office."

International parcel—definitely from Melinda. To prevent hidden copies of 'Playboy,' he planned to open it at the Sihe Academy.

Good—no 'Playboy' this time. Melinda sent him several books, some U. . cash, a deposit slip for the deluxe edition of 'The Lion King,' and several drawings—illustrations from 'The Lion King' picture book.

In her letter, Melinda wrote: "I've completed this great translation, and the illustrations are nearly done. Early next year, this work will be published. My colleagues and I are full of hope—it's destined to conquer the world!"

The animated version did conquer the world, along with its spin-off picture books, toys, and music—but for now, Wei Ming thought it best to keep expectations modest.

The letter also said: "But if you write to me, please use my old London address—I've left New York due to a job change. I've had enough of New York. You won't believe what happened to me there while I wrote this letter."

What? Alien attack?

Melinda revealed the answer: "Just one street away from me, a shooting occurred—and I witnessed it firsthand!"

Wei Ming: "I thought what? That's nothing special—it's America."

Melinda: "The victim was John Lennon!"

"Whoa!"

Wei Ming gasped at the Beatles.

John Lennon was the lead singer and soul of the Beatles—a band considered a British national treasure, leaving countless classics.

Wei Ming knew Lennon was shot by a fan, but didn't know the exact time or place. He never expected Melinda to witness this bloody moment.

Melinda was furious and heartbroken that her country's national music icon had been murdered in America.

Wei Ming longed to be by her side to comfort her—but separated by thousands of miles, he could do nothing. Even a letter of comfort would take half a month to reach her.

It was nearly dark; Wei Ming went home for dinner, Old Wei had gone to deliver meals, but Xiao Hong came home—she'd been coming home every day lately because she wanted to watch Astro Boy.

Old Wei had pedaled his bicycle so hard that sparks flew; the moment he got back, he asked anxiously: "Has it started yet?"

Xiao Hong: "Not yet, almost."

This newly imported CCTV classic anime, Astro Boy by Osamu Tezuka, had become the greatest joy for father and daughter recently, and successfully captured the attention of viewers nationwide.

Domestic television ownership had now surpassed nine million sets; due to the scarcity of TV programs and limited channels, at least several million people across the country were watching this simultaneously—the first animated series ever imported into China.

And yet this was a seventeen-year-old production, but Chinese audiences didn't find it outdated at all; instead, they marveled at its quality and imagination.

After the short episode ended, the News Broadcast began; only then did the Wei family of four sit down to dinner—oh, and there was also the police chief, who had been circling the TV set, seemingly dissatisfied with Astro Boy.

Too bad you're dissatisfied—there's no animation for you yet.

After dinner, Xiao Hong handed her work, The Rubik's Cube: A Beginner's Guide, to her older brother; the text was only about twenty to thirty thousand characters, but it included dozens of illustrations.

"These drawings were done by classmates from our school's art club—we're sister clubs, and they're quite talented; they can do traditional ink painting, oil painting, and comics."

Wei Ming nodded approvingly, then wrote beside the title the name he'd chosen: The Rubik's Cube? Anyone Can Play!

Wei Hong immediately praised: "Brother, that's a brilliant title—I'd buy your book if I were a beginner."

Wei Ming: "Enough, go to bed. I'm replying to a letter from Meilin."

He first expressed regret over John Lennon's death, inquired about Meilin's emotional state, and asked about the British public's reaction.

"Let's talk about something cheerful."

Then Wei Ming told her about Biaozi and Xiao Mei's wedding, and mentioned he had some photos he'd send along later.

Finally, Wei Ming asked whether the Rubik's Cube toy had become popular abroad, and followed up by mentioning his sister's book, The Rubik's Cube? Anyone Can Play!

This letter couldn't be sent yet; Wei Ming needed to polish Xiao Hong's manuscript—right now, it lacked charm and wasn't simple or clear enough.

The next day, Wei Ming went to Peking University with Xiao Hong; he hadn't worked for a month, but his position made little difference whether he was there or not.

They entered through the South Gate again; the guard on duty was delighted to see him and pulled out two large bags of reader letters—they hadn't received so many letters addressed to Wei Ming all at once in a long time.

"Brother Ming, most of these came after 'Mom, Please Love Me Again.' Also, some of these probably aren't from readers." The colleague had carefully sorted them, including a letter from Changchun Film Studio.

If he wasn't mistaken, they were seeking collaboration—Changchun Film Studio was the elder statesman of the film industry, with countless masterpieces; Wei Ming needed to write a polite refusal.

"Good job, here," Wei Ming passed out cigarettes he'd brought back from Shanghai, one pack at a time. "Leave the letters here—I'll pick them up after work."

The young men cheered excitedly, wow—Hong Shuang Xi!

After a month away, Peking University had changed a bit; the No. 5 Dining Hall had been completed and topped off, ready for use next semester.

Wei Ming walked all the way to the library and passed out more White Rabbit candies to his colleagues; though his job was easy, his absence meant others had to cover his duties.

Sitting at his desk, Wei Ming wasn't idle—he was busy revising Xiao Hong's manuscript, rewriting much of it himself.

Given how deeply he'd been involved, he felt he should have his name printed on it—at least as co-author—and it would boost sales; MrWhy was now somewhat known in the English-speaking world.

At noon, Wei Ming took the two bags of letters back to the Overseas Chinese Apartment and replied to Changchun Film Studio, expressing hope for future collaboration.

Actually, Wei Ming felt Gong Ying was acting strangely; last time, she and Zhu Lin had sat together on the bus—they must have talked. Logically, even if they were slow, they should've noticed something.

But after Snow Sister returned to Shanghai, she never mentioned it, never mentioned Zhu Lin—only became even more obedient to him.

So what about Lin Jie? How did she feel about him now?

Wei Ming left work early that afternoon and decided to visit Beijing Film Studio: first to discuss collaboration with Director Wang Yang, then to talk to Lin Jie about life.

Director Wang had been waiting: "You wrote a great script—Beijing Film Studio, Shanghai Film Studio, Emei Film Studio, and Zhuhai Film Studio are all fighting for it."

Wei Ming added: "I turned down Changchun Film Studio too."

Wang Yang laughed: "So you want Gong Ying to play the female lead, right?"

"Yes, I wrote her character exactly as she is," Wei Ming used the same tactic again—Director Xie Jin had been defeated by this very move.

Director Wang nodded: "Little Liang also said after meeting Gong Ying that her appearance was perfect for the role."

Wei Ming smiled faintly—sugar-coated bullets still worked.

"Then let her come to Beijing for a screen test—we still need to follow procedure." Director Wang's words were essentially a confirmation; The Good Things Take Time had erased the impression that Gong Ying couldn't act, and since the character was written specifically for her, what more was there to say?

"What about the director?" Wei Ming asked.

Director Wang: "Among those currently available and qualified, I'd choose Director Wang Haowei first—she's a woman and can better portray this theme."

Wei Ming had no objections: "Director Wang, you know people well—I'm fine with it."

Director Wang Haowei had two famous works: the comedy Look at This Family, and the adaptation of Tie Chairman's work, Oh, Xiangxue. Her ability was average; to make this film shine, Wei Ming might need to contribute heavily and lend her a hand.

Director Wang Haowei wasn't at the studio; Wei Ming arranged to visit her another day, then hurried out of the office building to wait for Zhu Lin at the guesthouse.

He caught her—Zhu Lin looked worn out; she hadn't even taken off her makeup. No words were needed; the two left Beijing Film Studio in silence.

"Are we going back to Tuanjiehu?" Wei Ming asked.

Zhu Lin hesitated: "I'm on my period."

Wei Ming insisted: "We don't have to do that. Just talking is fine."

"Fine, when I strip naked, I won't let you touch me!" Zhu Lin strode forward—her tone carried a hint of resentment.

Zhu Lin never stripped naked; it was December, and though they'd paid for heating, the warmth still fell short of future standards—she still wore her thermal underwear under the covers.

The thermal wear clung tightly, outlining Lin Jie's figure perfectly; Wei Ming couldn't resist—he moved his hands, but only within limits.

Only when Zhu Lin said one thing did Wei Ming stop.

"Did you sleep with Gong Ying too?"

…

(Daily minimum completed—hundred thousand word milestone!)

(End of chapter)