Chapter 315: Highest Copy, Guaranteed Hit!

Wei Ming mounted his beloved little motorcycle, first heading to the post office to collect the package sent by Zhou Hui Min—it had been sitting there for a long time.

There were also some royalty slips; "Science Fiction World" had sent the royalty slip for "Jurassic Park 2," and there should have been a letter from Old Wan, either still at Peking University or tucked away by his mother.

Wei Ming planned to write a three-part official sequel to "Jurassic Park"—the first part would closely follow the original film, but the movie's second and third installments were poorly done, especially the third, so he'd need to think hard and make some changes.

While daylight still remained, Wei Ming swung onto his motorcycle and headed straight for Beijing Film Studio with a few small gifts.

Officially, he was visiting Director Wang Yang to detail the good news from Hong Kong about "Heroes Born in Youth," and to inquire about its release status on the mainland.

"Oh, Xiao Wei, you came, why bring gifts?"

"It's only right, this collaboration brought me so much—Miss Xia Meng sent me plenty of red envelopes alone." Wei Ming dared not buy anything too expensive or gaudy, so he picked up the original soundtrack of "The Songstress Hong Mudan."

Director Wang Yang had once worked at the Star Film Company in Shanghai, and this sound film was produced by Star Film Company, directed by Zhang Shichuan, starring Hu Die, with singing performed by Mei Lanfang.

Wei Ming's gift struck right at Wang Yang's heart—though he hadn't joined yet when the film was made, both Director Zhang and Hu Die were old acquaintances, and this was China's first sound film, carrying immense significance.

If not for his genuine admiration for the veteran director, he wouldn't have been willing to give it away at all.

"Hearing that this film earned money for Miss Xia Meng puts my mind at ease—after all, it's her personal company, with no state entity to shoulder the risk."

Wei Ming asked: "Then how large was the distribution scale for this film on the mainland?"

Wang Yang beamed: "After the screening, provincial and municipal film companies were extremely enthusiastic—finally, 333 35mm prints were ordered!"

How terrifying was that number? This year's two major hits, "The Legend of the White Snake" and "Happy Family," had 213 and 241 35mm prints respectively—these were for urban cinemas.

Of course, their 16mm and 8. 5mm prints were even more astonishing, used for rural mobile screening teams, indicating deep popularity among the masses, though hardly profitable.

Even last year's blockbuster "Lushan Love," which also surpassed 300 35mm prints, only started with two hundred or so and was later supplemented to meet market demand after it became a sensation.

"Besides its superior quality, the success in Hong Kong gave film companies tremendous confidence—this is the biggest victory for left-wing films in over a decade; Hong Kong audiences, after years of commercial films, still showed such support—mainland audiences naturally wouldn't be any different."

But according to Wei Ming's knowledge, this print count was lower than next year's "Shaolin Temple"—it seemed that making children the lead still felt a bit niche.

"Heroes Born in Youth" would launch widely next week, perfectly capturing the summer break of primary, middle, and high school students—the only wildcard being the hotly trending "Happy Family."

"Shanghai Film Studio's 'Happy Family' is no joke—it cost only 200, 00 yuan but projected the scale of a blockbuster, and the whole country is optimistic," Director Wang exclaimed.

Speaking of it, Wei Ming probed: "Miss Zhu Lin starred in our studio's 'A Mourning Tale'—could we possibly recruit her?"

Wang Yang flicked ash: "Little Zhu is a promising talent; the studio has discussed her future a few times, but Beijing Film Studio already has too many actors—we added Gong Yu and Fang Shu this year, and even if Comrade Gong Yu has little to do, it's still hard."

Also, Zhu Lin's age suggests limited potential.

Wei Ming exhaled in relief—he feared Xue-jie and Lin-jie working in the same unit; if they became friends, he'd be truly in trouble.

Still, in this era, saying one couldn't move without a work unit was exaggerated, but travel was genuinely inconvenient—official letters stamped with seals were crucial.

He still needed to arrange a unit for Lin-jie; her research institute certainly wouldn't tolerate her being absent long-term.

Immediately after bidding farewell to Director Wang, Wei Ming went to see Xue-jie, his thoughts still on Lin-jie.

Meanwhile, Gong Yu was speaking with her younger sister Gong Ying; she had just seen off her boyfriend and came over with something to discuss.

"What? Moving to Hong Kong to settle?!" Gong Yu's voice rose sharply.

"Yes, he wants to drop out of school to focus on comics in Hong Kong—it's actually your boyfriend's business too; Ah Long holds equity through his tech and management."

Neither Liu Long nor Wei Ming had mentioned this yet—he needed Gong Ying's consent first; during his time in Hong Kong, he'd been weighing this decision—remote control was too difficult, communication costs too high, efficiency too low, results too poor.

One of them had to be stationed in Hong Kong to steer the big picture; otherwise, "Madman Comics" would keep pouring money in for the next two years with no returns.

If someone had to sacrifice, he'd rather it be himself.

Gong Yu had no time to process how absurd it was that her boyfriend had bought a comic company in Hong Kong—her mind was full of her sister's future.

"So you'll become a Hong Kong resident too?" Gong Yu asked.

Gong Ying: "Initially only Ah Long—he can apply for Hong Kong status through his father; I'd probably need to marry him first."

"This…"

Though Shanghai residents longed to marry foreigners, Hong Kong at this time was no different from a foreign country—it was their paradise.

But Gong Yu still couldn't bear to let her sister go; even if she married and moved to Beijing, she'd still be on the mainland.

Moving from Shanghai to Hong Kong was far harder than moving from Shanghai to Beijing—it was like two different worlds; no one knew when Hong Kong would be reclaimed.

As they wrestled with this, Wei Ming knocked on the door.

"Who is it?"

"Me."

Hearing the familiar voice, Gong Yu jumped up in panic—why was he here today?

Gong Yu quickly glanced in the mirror, satisfied with her appearance, then opened the door.

Wei Ming had confirmed no one was around; as soon as the door opened, he moved to hug her—but saw his sister-in-law, Gong Ying.

"Ah Ying, you're here too." Wei Ming froze.

Gong Ying nodded awkwardly at the two of them.

Gong Yu ushered Wei Ming in, shut the door, and immediately told him about Liu Long and her sister.

"Ah, Ah Long wants to drop out of school?!"

"You didn't know?"

"He didn't tell me," Wei Ming paced. "But Ah Long's doing this for our company—it's better than handing it over to Hong Kongers to run themselves."

"So I really have to go live in Hong Kong with him?" Gong Ying felt both curiosity and longing for the capitalist world, and anxiety and reluctance at leaving family for a foreign land.

Wei Ming urged: "Ah Ying, think of it as a trip—stay with Ah Long for a while, say, one summer. If you dislike it or can't adapt, just tell him plainly—I'm sure you matter more to him than comics."

Gong Yu squeezed her sister's hand: "I think Xiao Wei's right—you should try it. Living conditions there are surely better than here; you might even like it."

Wei Ming added: "We're going to Shanghai next—let Ah Long take you home to explain everything to your parents, so they don't worry or imagine the worst."

This family meeting might involve marriage—Gong Ying blushed, but it was necessary; otherwise, how could her parents ever let their youngest daughter go to Hong Kong?

Thinking of the embarrassment, Gong Ying changed the subject: "What about you, Sister—why not come back to Shanghai with us? Let Teacher Wei meet Mom and Dad."

Gong Yu knew her own situation was unconventional—she couldn't just bring Xiao Wei home.

"Don't meddle in our affairs—I'm with Beijing Film Studio; why would I go running to Shanghai? People will think I'm still tied to Shanghai Film Studio." Then she subtly hinted that Gong Ying should leave.

Gong Ying deliberately disrupted: "Oh, Teacher Wei, are all these gifts for my sister? What brand is this? Isn't this English…?"

Wei Ming picked out two French cosmetics and handed them to Gong Ying; she suddenly realized: "Oh! I should go—I need to stop by Xintiandi before leaving."

As soon as Gong Ying left, Wei Ming swept Xue-jie into his arms and spun her around in the cramped room.

Xue-jie slapped him, telling him to put her down—she feared this rascal might misbehave right there.

"Why buy so many things? Others will talk."

"Let them talk—I'll see who in Beijing Film Studio dares gossip about you."

"I know you're powerful—but when did you become so powerful in Beijing Film Studio?" Gong Yu laughed.

"Of course—before I returned, Director Li Hanxiang gave me the casting rights for the main roles in 'The Burning of the Yuanmingyuan' and 'The Empress Dowager'—he asked me to help find actors. If you spread this news and declare you won't participate, the female actors here will treat you like their elder sister for the next few months," Wei Ming coached her.

"But why can't I participate? I can compete fairly." Xue-jie, still without a role, was resentful.

Wei Ming said bluntly: "Though the cast is large, the core is Empress Dowager Cixi—and your appearance and style can't portray her. Since you can't play the lead, there's no need to be someone else's supporting role."

Also, her historical costume looks were inferior to her modern attire roles—she should play to her strengths.

Gong Yu agreed with Xiao Wei's logic; Wei Ming glanced out the window—Gong Ying had long gone. "Let's go too."

"Where to?" "The Sihe Academy—this place is too cramped."

Gong Yu shyly buried her head in his chest: "But won't your parents be there?"

"Don't worry—by this time, my mother should be back at the Overseas Chinese Apartment."

The two left immediately and, once at the Sihe Academy, got straight to work.

Gong Yu, long parched, finally quenched her thirst—but then her heart turned to another dry patch.

When would Xiao Wei go to loosen the soil for Sister Zhu Lin? Thinking of it, her heart felt both sour and sweet—so strange.

Tuanjie Lake.

At this moment, Zhu Lin also knew Wei Ming had returned—she had seen Zhao Debiao.

Biaozi carried many packages—for his parents, for Xiao Mei, mostly for his wife and their future child, plus many new outfits for Xintiandi.

Among them were his endorsed jackets and underwear; after chatting with his wife for hours, they went for an evening stroll and ran into Zhu Lin returning from filming.

Biaozi's return meant Xiao Wei was back too—but when they went upstairs, the house still felt empty.

No one knew if Xiao Wei was spending time with family or with Xiao Xue.

Since she couldn't find Wei Ming, Zhu Lin went to Biaozi's place, hoping to learn from him about Wei Ming's experiences in Hong Kong and Britain.

Biaozi told what he could.

"Our film was a huge success—mainly because Ming-ge is amazing. First he created a stunt with a tug-of-war against an elephant, then ha…"

After describing the film's box office success, he mentioned that Wei Ming had taken in an aunt in Hong Kong.

"Beautiful, young, brilliant, and a boss—apparently she's even a foreign friend, and she came back with him."

Yanzi asked: "Definitely an aunt?"

"How could it be fake? Probably from Ming-ge's grandfather's branch—you know, he can't say too much."

Zhu Lin felt slightly relieved; Biaozi added: "But the most amazing thing is Ming-ge's song that shocked all of Hong Kong—do you know how much he earned from that English song he wrote?"

Zhu Lin guessed it was "Moonlight Shadow": "How much? Ten thousand?"

Biaozi's face flushed with excitement: "Add two more zeros—one million!"

Yanzi and Zhu Lin paused mid-bite of their macadamia nuts—one million?!

Biaozi chuckled: "I bet Hong Kongers all looked like you just did—stunned. And that's a conservative estimate; Ming-ge says he'll make a million U. . dollars easily."

Yanzi calculated: Since East Xintiandi's founding nearly a year ago, not even all shareholders combined had earned that much—no wonder Teacher Wei barely cared about their business, never even checked the books.

As a woman who had once shared intimacy with that big boy, Zhu Lin felt pride in Xiao Wei's achievements—but after the joy came overwhelming emptiness.

Beyond the age gap, the chasm in wealth and career had now become insurmountable; her hard-won confidence from "Happy Family" was brutally crushed.

Later, Mei Wenhua and Xu Yunyun arrived; Zhu Lin dined with them until nightfall, then left—everyone was paired up, soon to have babies, while she stood alone.

The more he thought about it, the worse it seemed—even more tragic than Dou E.

On the other side, the other party grew more and more spirited; even Xue Jie was starting to struggle, so she suggested everyone put on clothes to sleep, or else they'd risk another accidental spark.

Wei Ming pressed against Xue Jie: "But it's summer—wearing clothes is so hot."

"Then don't press so close if you're hot."

"Aren't you the one who wanted to hear about my experiences in Britain and Hong Kong? How can I tell you if I'm far away? Do I have to shout through a megaphone?" Wei Ming pressed closer, chatting slowly, skipping some details about Melinda and focusing instead on his collaborations with the British.

Gong Ying kept her guard up full force, waking Wei Ming early so he wouldn't get caught at the door by Auntie.

In fact, Xu Shufen had already decided last night, the moment she saw her son's luggage but not him: she would absolutely not go to the Sihe Academy tomorrow morning.

Wei Ming didn't linger in bed either—two girlfriends meant he feared most of all failing to treat them equally; he'd spent last night with Xue Jie, so today he'd definitely spend more time with Lin Jie.

So he only dropped Gong Ying off at the entrance of Beiyingchang and turned away.

It was still early; Wei Ming bet Zhu Lin hadn't woken up yet.

He was right—when he opened the door and stepped inside, Zhu Lin was still curled up in bed, asleep. She'd gone to bed late, weighed down by worries last night.

By July, the bed had been switched to a cool bamboo mat; Zhu Lin wore light clothing, with only a thin towel blanket covering her waist and abdomen.

Wei Ming slipped quietly onto the bed and hugged her from behind, hearing the Queen Sister let out a soft "Mmm."

She was already awake, and knew the little rascal had arrived.

"Finally decided to come back?" She rolled over and hugged him tightly.

Wei Ming held her even tighter: "I've been longing for you day and night. As soon as work was done, I came straight back—holding you feels so grounding."

Little Wei still knew how to speak sweetly; all of Zhu Lin's grievances melted away in that moment.

"I heard The Happy Family is a huge hit now—everyone's talking about Shuilian. You've become the face of China's ideal daughter-in-law."

"Oh, it's all thanks to the whole crew."

Wei Ming laughed: "We haven't even won the award yet—already planning the acceptance speech."

Zhu Lin lifted her head, looking seriously at the little man: "Do you think I can win an award next year?"

Wei Ming said: "Your chances are still quite good for the Hundred Flowers Award."

Lin Jie's acting is still at a beginner level; Shuilian isn't even her comfort zone—she just barely met expectations. The Golden Rooster Award is out of the question; it'll all depend on how many fans are drawn in by her pretty face.

As they talked, their lips drew closer—then Zhu Lin suddenly sat up: "I need to use the restroom."

When she returned, several small items lay on the bed: a gold necklace, gold bracelets, gold rings—altogether, they seemed to weigh nearly a catty.

"Are these real gold?"

"Of course—they're from Zhou Physician." Both Xue Jie and Lin Jie got one, and this time he bought different designs—even if they can't be worn out yet, collecting gold is never wrong.

Zhu Lin didn't know who Zhou Physician was, but she thought the gold jewelry was beautiful, exquisitely designed. Later, when Wei Ming asked her to put them on, she immediately looked regal and affluent.

Wei Ming didn't leave until noon; he'd been home long enough—he should visit his own mother now.

And his mother had a gift too: a gold bracelet nearly identical to the one from his grandmother.

Originally, Wei Ming had bought the gold with US dollars—he was already a VIP at Zhou Physician.

"When will Dad be back?"

"Probably tonight," Xu Shufen said, looking at the bracelet on her wrist, wondering when Jiefang would ever give her something like this.

"Then I'll go see Uncle Anping first." Wei Ming picked out gifts for Uncle Anping's family from his many bags.

Before heading to Uncle Anping's, he went to the Youdian Bureau to make a long-distance call to Yayuan's hometown, asking Long Xiaoyang to come to Beijing to pick up Grandma—he'd cover the travel expenses himself.

Then he returned to Qingbei; summer break was coming soon, and as the library attendant, he ought to show his face—even if his position was idle.

When he left Qingbei, a bundle of letters from all over the country had been added to the back seat of his car.

Finally, he paid a visit, arriving just as mealtime began.

"Little Ming, you're finally back! We thought you were having too much fun in Hong Kong to want to come home," Auntie Xiaoyan teased.

Wei Ming immediately presented gifts: one for Auntie Xiaoyan, one for Xi Zi, and one for Le Le.

Wei Anping watched eagerly as Wei Ming's bag, only to see him put it away.

"That's it?"

"Uncle, I've got a big gift for you—but you'll have to go to Magic City yourself to claim it," Wei Ming said mysteriously.

(End of Chapter)