Chapter 319: Wei Ming Finally Got Exposed! (Request Monthly Votes!)

On its first day of release, "Heroes Emerged in Youth" had 333 35mm prints running nonstop, projectionists scrambling without pause, the unusually high number of prints fully utilized—and still insufficient—so great was public demand for entertainment and cultural life.

Seventy-three-year-old Lao Liao watched the film immediately with his colleagues; he hadn't expected "Shaolin Temple" to be unmade before "Heroes Emerged in Youth" arrived—Comrade Xia Meng truly acted with decisive speed, far more efficient than Zhang Xinyan.

The film did not disappoint Lao Liao, a fan of martial arts films; though he'd never read the original novel or comic, he'd seen most Hong Kong martial arts films—from the Zhang Che and Hu Jinquan eras to Li Xiaolong's time, and now Cheng Long and Hong Jinbao—all of them.

So Lao Liao was an expert: whether in intensity or entertainment value, this film matched Hong Kong's top martial arts films, and crucially, carried educational weight.

"Heroes emerged in youth; ambition knows no age." How vital this lesson is for teenagers—every primary and secondary student in the nation should watch it.

After finishing the film, Lao Liao asked a young man beside him: "How did this movie do in Hong Kong?"

"Great! Amazing!" the young man replied, already prepared. "The film has already finished its run in Hong Kong, with a final box office of 11. million Hong Kong dollars—surpassing Cheng Long's 'Young Master Comes Out,' and second only to the Hsu Brothers' 'Modern Bodyguard,' ranking second in Hong Kong's film history since its founding!"

"Oh? Higher than Cheng Long, a local star?" This surprised and delighted Lao Liao.

The young man adjusted his glasses: "It might not have reached this high, but the screenwriter, Comrade Wei Ming, is sharp and talented—Hong Kong media ran nothing but stories about him, and 'Heroes Emerged in Youth' rode that wave."

Lao Liao laughed heartily: "This little Wei is truly a hero emerging in youth. Yesterday I met Jin Yong—he told me privately about this kid. I thought 'The Right Path of Humanity' was already incredible, but even foreigners are amazed by his talent."

The young man didn't know how to respond—he'd never heard Wei Ming had any fame abroad.

Lao Liao added: "I want to meet the creators of 'Heroes Emerged in Youth.' They deserve encouragement and recognition—arrange it for me."

"Understood."

That night, the weary young hero Wei Ming parked his motorcycle outside Uncle Anping's building.

Uncle Anping had already bought tickets for Wei Ming, his father, and Ah Long and Xiao Ying; international friends and Hong Kong compatriots could arrange their own travel.

Uncle Anping reiterated the precautions for their trip to Shanghai, summed up in one phrase: If they don't pay back, let it go—we'll buy our own next time.

Wei Ming nodded, wanting to say he'd already bought a set himself—and was considering buying another.

"Your aunt has something to say to you too, Comrade Lü—come here."

"Acting editor, acting editor," Lü Xiaoyan walked over smiling. "Xiao Ming, we've got results—the director initially refused."

"So how did he change his mind?"

Lü Xiaoyan said: "I told the director if he didn't agree, Wei Ming would go long-term with another publisher—and take Xiao Zheng with him."

"So the publisher still can't afford to lose my sales, huh?"

"Of course. The first print of 'Black Cat Detective' Volume One sold out quickly—1 million copies—outperforming 'Children's Literature' and generating huge profits for the publisher."

Lü Xiaoyan would now serve as acting editor for the preparation of 'Fairy Tale King,' and had secured Zheng Yuanjie's transfer.

Xiao Zheng is perfect—he can be both author and editor.

"I told the director of 'Children's Literature' to keep updating your two stories; when 'Fairy Tale King' launches, we'll paste a giant notice on their pages: 'To find out what happens next, turn to Fairy Tale King.'"

Lü Xiaoyan no longer saw herself as part of 'Children's Literature'—only a sibling magazine would do this for you; it's like QQ to WeChat.

Wei Ming added: "The first issue of the new magazine must have standout features—I've already decided what story to write."

"What story?"

"How about 'One Ear Gets Caught'?"

Lü Xiaoyan paused briefly, then said: "Good! Perfect!"

Every child in the nation is waiting for 'One Ear Gets Caught'—properly promoted, this climax will have extraordinary appeal for young readers.

Lü Xiaoyan asked: "And your new story—any progress?"

Wei Ming nodded: "Don't worry—the story's already in my head. It's a folk-tale-inspired tale like 'The Legend of the Heavenly Book.' Once this phase ends, I'll start writing."

The next day, Liu Ruilong picked up Gong Ying and they took the bus directly to the airport.

Wei Ming and Lao Wei rode their motorcycle to the Yanjing Hotel, preparing to leave with Xiao Gu's car.

"Mr. Wei Ming." Wei Ming and Lao Wei were waiting in the lobby when someone called behind them.

Wei Ming turned, stood up quickly: "Master Cha." He introduced his father, but Lao Wei didn't know Jin Yong—he didn't read books.

Seeing Jin Yong's family with luggage, Wei Ming asked: "Are you heading back to Hong Kong?"

Jin Yong shook his head: "Beijing matters are done. I'm taking the children back to our hometown in Haining."

As he spoke, the old man looked melancholy—he'd met the Chief Designer and believed his father's case would soon be cleared, but the man was gone; he could only look forward.

As for introducing his novels to the mainland, that was trivial.

The real matter was Hong Kong's future and how to ensure a smooth transition. His northern trip had drawn attention from many Hong Kong tycoons—his words might even influence their decisions on staying or leaving.

He came north to convey Beijing's views on Hong Kong to those in Hong Kong.

Jin Yong chatted briefly with Wei Ming in the lobby, saying: "The first article I wrote in Beijing has been faxed back to 'Ming Pao'—I don't know if it's been published yet. It's about you."

"Including my reckless remarks?"

Jin Yong laughed: "Every word."

Wei Ming: "Too bad I still have no standout sci-fi work—Ni Kuang must be annoyed."

"I couldn't find 'Jurassic Park'—looks like the magazine's circulation is low."

"True. 'Science Fiction World''s circulation is probably still under 100, 00, with influence mostly in Sichuan. I was inspired to write this novel after seeing vast dinosaur fossils in Zigong, Sichuan."

"If foreign publishers took notice, it must have merit. Please send me a copy later—I haven't read it, but I'd like to reprint it in 'Ming Pao.' Is that possible?"

"Of course," Wei Ming said—he also wanted his influence to spread to Hong Kong's literary scene. "'Jurassic Park' has two parts—do you want both?"

"One first, to test the reaction. Also, I want 'The Legend of the Heavenly Book' and 'The Choir Class.' I wanted 'The Herdsman' too, but 'Wen Hui Bao' beat me to it."

Wei Ming: "'The Choir Class' is out too—I promised it to 'Wen Hui Bao.'"

Wei Ming gave 'The Right Path of Humanity' to 'Ta Kung Pao,' so his other animal series were promised to Hong Kong's 'Wen Hui Bao'—they helped promote the film extensively.

Jin Yong nodded: "Then let's add 'The Game of the Brave'—three pieces total, all by Wei Ming."

Afterward, Jin Yong asked for Wei Ming's mainland bank account and suggested: "If you have future works, consider first publishing them in 'Ming Pao'—it has strong sales across Southeast Asia."

Wei Ming replied: "There will be opportunities."

He wanted to adapt Jin Yong's novels into comics, but it was too early—the shadow of 'Maniac Comics' hadn't even appeared, and it had zero influence; suggesting adaptation now would be unreasonable.

Lao Wei grinned widely—his son had earned foreign exchange for the country again!

Soon after Jin Yong left, Wei Lingling came downstairs with Li Zhi; Lao Wei learned for the first time his daughter had a beautiful assistant.

Li Zhi wouldn't repeat the mistakes made with Wei Hong—she'd been polite to Uncle Jiefang from the start, dressed plainly, showing no Hong Kong arrogance.

Wei Lingling saw it all—she knew Li Zhi had changed clothes only after learning Wei Ming's father would be traveling with them.

She was an open-minded elder and didn't interfere, but she felt her nephew, so outstanding, deserved better. She'd heard he was taking correspondence courses at Peking University and planned to pursue a graduate degree—his educational gap would soon be filled.

There were four empty seats in the car. Lao Wei wisely chose the front passenger seat. For the three rear seats, Wei Lingling said: "I'll sit by the window—I want to see Beijing one last time."

The boss wanted the edge—Li Zhi dared not sit in the middle, so Wei Ming was squeezed in the center.

Throughout the ride, Lao Wei twisted his head to chat with his sister about Beijing, asking what San Francisco was like—he felt they'd spent too little time together and said too little.

Li Zhi talked to Wei Ming, leaning close; Wei Ming kept his hands on his knees, eyes straight ahead, obedient like a pure youth.

"Ah Long, over here."

Outside the waiting hall, they found Ah Long and Gong Ying, who had arrived earlier.

Gong Ying immediately noticed the busty woman beside her future brother-in-law—she looked familiar.

Li Zhi had transformed almost completely since six months ago—no wonder Gong Ying didn't recognize the woman who'd lingered outside the old Western-style house; without her chest, she'd have no memory left.

Li Zhi, however, remembered Gong Ying from their one meeting—and connected her to Gong Yu, the red-hot 50s actress on the mainland.

She'd already checked Gong Yu's age and decided she posed no threat.

Inside the waiting room, Wei Ming stayed mostly with Ah Long.

"How's it going? What did your classmates say?" Ah Long replied: "Four classmates who draw comics with me don't want to drop out—they can't decide to go full-time into comics. But our young comic teacher wants to go to Hong Kong with me."

"Oh?"

He just broke up—his girlfriend ran off with a rich kid from the big courtyard. His parents are ill and urgently need money. I offered to lend him a thousand yuan—he said he'd sell himself to me. His skills are even better than mine. Meiying Factory wanted him before, but he couldn't leave home—now he has no choice.

"Exactly the talent we need—he could even train Ma Rongcheng's apprentices in fundamentals."

"I thought the same," Ah Long added. "Of the other four, two want to come to Hong Kong for two months this holiday to finish 'Qin Shi Ming Yue' and gain experience."

"That's fine," Wei Ming said. "Ask 'Ta Kung Pao' or Changcheng for help."

With just their small comic company, bringing several mainlanders to Hong Kong was unrealistic—they needed an invitation from a left-wing organization. Luckily, Wei Ming had been building connections in Hong Kong.

Lao Wei found the airport utterly novel; once on the plane, he was thrilled—ha! Wei Jiefang had finally flown!

"Xiao Ming, take a photo of me and your aunt."

After returning from Shanghai, we'll go back to our hometown and tell the villagers about my flight.

Soon after Wei Ming and the others took off, a train arrived in Beijing from the distant west.

After three days, Long Xiaoyang finally reached Beijing. He hadn't slept much those three nights, guarding his luggage—but at eighteen, the strong young man felt no fatigue, energized by excitement as he searched for a bus.

Then, in the crowded crowd, someone bumped into him and grabbed his bag to run.

But the thief ran only a short distance before dropping the bag: "Damn, what the hell is this? So heavy!"

Long Xiaoyang calmly picked up his heavy bag—inside were two dozen Tianfu Cola. He hadn't dared drink a single drop—his cousin had expressed curiosity about it, so he'd carried it all the way from Chengdu.

On the same train, Japanese singer Satoda Masashi stepped off the sleeper car wearing sunglasses, followed by several crew members.

They'd just finished filming the documentary 'The Yangtze,' but policy restrictions prevented them from reaching its source—their east-to-west upstream filming ended in Sichuan.

Not only could the crew not go to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, but all footage had to be submitted to CCTV for review before editing.

Satoda Masashi's team could now return home, but he had to wait in Beijing for the review results. After fulfilling a two-generation dream, Satoda felt lost—he'd clearly overspent, and badly.

Damn it—will I have to live in debt from now on?

Shanghai arrived. Wei Lingling had planned to stay at the Peace Hotel, but Wei Ming suggested: "Actually, Gong Ying's sister has an old Western-style house in Shanghai—no one lives there. Why not stay there?"

Gong Ying's sister—that's Gong Yu! Lao Wei's mind raced—could that old house belong to his son?!

Good kid—you've bought property in Shanghai already!

When they arrived, Lao Wei found the old Western-style house fascinating—this two-story building felt stylish and modern, more fitting his image of urban wealth than a Sihe Academy.

He couldn't help asking: "Was the house your aunt left behind like this?"

Wei Ming said: "That place is much bigger than this house—bigger house, bigger yard, and three stories tall."

Wei Lingling laughed: "Perfect—we three can each take one floor."

Wei Ming told Li Zhi: "I have an older friend in Shanghai who can handle the paperwork for us. You can go back and see Grandma."

Li Zhi replied: "I'll go home first, then come back first thing tomorrow—I'll guide you."

She was going home; Gong Ying was going home too, and she'd take Ah Long along. After landing in Shanghai, he finally showed a hint of nervousness—but Wei Ming definitely wouldn't go with him.

The son-in-law must go with the daughter.

Wei Ming went out first to call Lao Fei, invited him over for tea in the afternoon, and while waiting, kept drawing Transformers for his little aunt.

Lao Wei saw the Transformers, learned how they worked, and became very interested: "Can animals turn into robots too?"

"Sure—like Beast Hero. But that's not urgent yet."

Seeing Lao Wei was bored, Wei Ming told him to go out for a walk and pick up a few newspapers.

He wanted to check on the Sichuan floods. He remembered learning about it after the 1981 college entrance exam—because in the original timeline, Xiao Hong took it this year, and he remembered clearly: the roads were cut off, so Sichuan candidates couldn't submit their preferences, and had to fill them out again after scores and cutoffs were announced.

Today was the 9th—the last day of the exam. The massive flood was probably already brewing. Xiao Yang should've reached Beijing by now.

"Grandma, Second Aunt, Yunyun!" Long Xiaoyang panted as he arrived at the Overseas Chinese Apartment. Why were only the three of them here? Where was Cousin Ming?

Grandma said: "He went to Shanghai with your Second Uncle. When they return, you'll meet up, then we'll head back home."

Xu Shufen watched TV: "Mom, maybe we shouldn't go back yet. The news says it's raining heavily in Sichuan."

Grandma shrugged: "Every year it rains like this in Sichuan this time. No big deal."

TV news had started reporting on the heavy rains in Sichuan, but briefly. Newspapers hadn't covered it yet—except Lao Wei brought back a hot-selling copy of China Youth Daily.

"Son! Son!" Lao Wei burst in. "Quick, look—you're Wei Ming, and someone found out!"

Wei Lingling glanced at the headline: "'Young Writer Wei Ming: Shadows Under the Moonlight: The Fairy Tale King Wei ___'—the title's quite poetic."

Wei Ming came downstairs and asked: "It's China Youth Daily, right? I already told their editor. Hong Kong knows already—Mainland will find out sooner or later."

He took the paper and read: Journalist Zhu cited foreign data, praising a foreign-language song called "Shadows Under the Moonlight," lauding its global sensation—topping charts for weeks across the UK, US, Canada, Australia, with over a million records sold worldwide.

Then the article mentioned the song's composer, revealing that Wei ___'s English name was exactly that.

"Our reporter has contacted fairy tale writer Wei ___, confirming he is the sole author of this song."

Now Wei ___'s halo grew even brighter—he was clearly a flag-bearer of cultural export. Even adults who never read fairy tales had to admit: impressive.

"We also learned his new sci-fi novel, Jurassic Park, has been picked up by a major British publisher and is now being translated for global release."

"But the public doesn't know that beyond fairy tales, songs, and sci-fi, Wei ___ also possesses profound mastery in serious literature—and uses a more famous pen name, which is also his real name: Wei Ming. His blockbuster 2024 novel, The Right Path of Humanity Is the Tide, was written by him…"

The Harvest editorial office.

All editors were passing around China Youth Daily, mainly reading the article on Wei Ming.

They exclaimed: "Wow, this young Wei is incredible—a serious literature writer who writes fairy tales this well, and now he's writing sci-fi too!"

His ability to write songs wasn't surprising—he'd long produced acclaimed music.

Everyone guessed: with his novels selling so well overseas, he must've earned tens of thousands in foreign exchange!

Li Xiaolin watched them discuss her writer calmly—surprised? She'd known all along.

After a while, her chief editor called her in. A copy of China Youth Daily sat on his desk.

"It's been nearly two months since The Right Path of Humanity Is the Tide ended. Many readers have written asking for a standalone edition. Let's stop dragging it out—we'll start preparing now. It should launch around National Day."

"How many copies?"

"I heard they printed a million copies of Black Cat Detective—and they're ready to reprint anytime. The audience for The Right Path of Humanity Is the Tide will be even larger."

Understood. A million minimum.

"Good. I'll contact Xiao Wei—he said he wants to make some revisions before publication." Some of the old leaders' comments were valid; they'd be taken seriously.

But soon Li Xiaolin returned from outside—this kid wasn't in Beijing. He'd come to Shanghai!

Wei Hong knew Xiao Yang was coming today. After finishing her tour, she rushed home.

Qi Delong asked: "Sister Hong, aren't you taking that newspaper?"

"No, I've got one at home."

So Qi Delong took Wei Hong's newspaper and walked home, reading as he went—his eyes widened.

He caught up with his father, Qi Kexiu: "Look."

"What?"

Qi Delong: "Do you know Wei ___?"

"A person's name?"

"Yeah."

"Sounds familiar."

"Our school library has several of his books. He's super famous overseas, made tons of foreign exchange. Our whole class idolizes him. And he just wrote a foreign-language song that went global—made even more foreign exchange."

"Wow, this guy's amazing. Your Ming brother's famous too—writes songs, writes books—but only in China. Foreigners don't know him."

Qi Delong added: "Today I read the paper—I just found out Wei ___ is Ming brother!"

Qi Kexiu: "..."

(Still asking for monthly votes—more at midnight, won't sleep till done!)

(End of chapter)