Chapter 412

"The Spring of the Sheep Herding Class" is certainly not a pure children's story; it is more accurately described as trauma literature, yet several of its key characters are indeed children, telling a tale of mutual redemption between teacher and student, with nursery rhymes also playing a vital role in the novel.

This is a story both adults and children can enjoy; Director Yu believes it could even contend for awards, as if the Children's Film Studio had been estranged from awards since its founding—people assumed things made for children could have no depth, yet "The Spring of the Sheep Herding Class" holds great promise.

Wei Ming paused briefly and said: "Director Yu, previously, Director Xie Jin from Shanghai Film Studio considered adapting this novel, but I declined."

If it were another author, they would likely have agreed without hesitation—even volunteered to write the screenplay themselves, given the enormous script fee, which could equal a year's or even several years' salary—but Wei Ming truly didn't need that money.

Yu Lan: "I heard about this, and I understand. This novel is your most influential mid-length work; it's natural to be cautious about its adaptation. Director Xie said you thought he wasn't the right director—do you have someone in mind?"

"Do you think I can just pick whoever I want to direct?"

Director Yu said seriously: "As long as he's willing and his unit agrees to release him, I have no problem at all."

This was Director Yu's respect for China's literary richest man; the Children's Film Studio had too few directors, and she could even go to Beijing, Shanghai, or Changchun Film Studios to recruit for Wei Ming—it wasn't a big deal—but in this era, was there still a director better than Xie Jin?

Since she had put it so sincerely, Wei Ming thought for a moment and said: "Let's hold off on the director for now. Let me first draft a screenplay. If the Children's Film Studio has no objections, then we can discuss who should direct."

"Of course," Director Yu said, relieved to hear Wei Ming agreed to write the screenplay—this matter was now all but settled. "Then let Xiao Liang remain your editor; you've collaborated before, after all."

Wei Ming had no issue with that; Liang Xiao was even happier—being by Wei Ming's side meant he could discuss literature with him, and as the saying goes, the capable are teachers; he still had much to learn.

Because Wei Ming had been detained at the Children's Film Studio, when he stepped out, he happened to meet Gong Ying riding a bicycle back from outside.

The two greeted each other like ordinary friends, then exchanged knowing glances; Gong Ying understood—he said not to meet tonight, but at noon.

Soon after Wei Ming left, Gong Ying also rode straight toward Tuanjie Lake.

She opened the door upstairs; Wei Ming had already drawn the curtains, pulled her into his arms, and lifted her light frame straight onto the sofa.

"When did you get back?" Wei Ming asked.

"Back three or four days ago. What about you?"

"I got back yesterday, but no one answered the phone, so today I came to Beijing Film Studio."

"I was at CCTV this morning for a meeting," Gong Ying explained. "About 'Journey to the West.'"

"Oh? What was discussed?"

Gong Ying said: "They just outlined the shooting plan, but it's not really related to me—I just happened to be free and went to observe. The director and crew have traveled across half of China these past months and already selected key locations; next month they'll begin filming the pilot episode. It has nothing to do with me—I only have one episode's worth of scenes."

"Has your role been confirmed?"

"Yes, Yin Wenjiao, Tang Sanzang's mother. I feel like I'm becoming the professional mother now." Gong Ying pouted playfully; Wei Ming couldn't help kissing her.

In the original version, this role was played by Ma Lan, wife of Yu Qiuyu—a beautiful woman.

Gong Ying added: "At this meeting, I also saw the actors playing Tang Sanzang and his disciples. I know the actor for Tang Sanzang; Sun Wukong is from Shaoxing—I've heard of his father's name."

It must be Sixth Teacher. Though young, he concealed his severe myopia, but his acting talent was undeniable—he was awkward at first, then improved steadily, and later portrayed many classic roles beyond Sun Wukong.

"Today, Master Wang Xizhong came with me to the meeting. They discussed makeup designs—it sounded difficult, especially for Sun Wukong and Zhu Bajie," Gong Ying added.

Wei Ming smiled: "When I have time, I'll go over and give some advice."

The pilot episode's makeup and costume design were indeed poor—much stiffer than the final production; this was one major reason the pilot was never officially used. Though Wei Ming wasn't a professional in special effects makeup, he still had some advanced experience to share.

Gong Ying assumed Xiao Wei had called her back at noon to rush into bed, but his demeanor didn't seem particularly lustful.

She was truly spoiled—he didn't pounce on her in haste, and yet she felt a faint disappointment.

Wei Ming said: "Come on, let's go somewhere."

"Oh? It's already this late? Don't you want to take a nap?" she hinted, knowing Wei Ming's habit of afternoon sleep.

"We can sleep once we get there."

Wei Ming took Gong Ying to a Sihe Academy in Nanluoguxiang. After entering, he handed her the keys.

"Keep them. These are your keys."

This was the first house Wei Ming had bought for Gong Ying in Yanjing. After being tidied up, it was stunning—serene and refined—leaving Gong Ying so enchanted she didn't know where to begin looking.

Passing through the outer courtyard into the inner courtyard, Gong Ying first saw the swimming pool.

Wei Ming smiled: "I can't wait for summer to come—I'll teach you two how to dog-paddle."

"You dog-paddle yourself—I know how to swim," Snow Sister replied haughtily.

Wei Ming held her hand and showed her room by room, explaining each space's function.

When they reached the study, Gong Ying immediately noticed the computer.

Snow Sister asked: "Why does this TV look so strange? And why is it in the study?"

Wei Ming pressed the power button: "This isn't a TV—it's far more expensive than a TV."

He explained what a computer was and boldly predicted its future importance.

"Once Peking University develops the Han Card, you and Lin Jie can both learn to use it," Wei Ming suggested.

By the time they're old enough and their children grow up, the internet will have just emerged—they can watch dramas and browse online, and their lives will instantly become richer.

By the time they're raising grandchildren, they'll even be able to catch the smartphone era—and he'll have to teach them himself.

"What can it do?" Gong Ying asked earnestly.

Wei Ming: "Its functions are still limited—for programmers, it can write code; for me, it can write novels—but currently only English novels. Let me demonstrate."

He opened a document and typed a passage directly—he had already tested it in America, and now his touch had improved considerably.

"I'll ask my friends in America to get me a printer. Once connected to the computer, I can print manuscripts directly."

Watching Wei Ming effortlessly compose English works on the keyboard as if it were his native tongue, Gong Ying gazed at her husband with even greater admiration.

Though she was learning English too, she was still far from this level—only capable of basic conversation.

Because the "Marco Polo" crew was staying at Beijing Film Studio's guesthouse, Gong Ying had tried conversing with foreigners and found she couldn't communicate at all; later she learned they spoke Italian or Italian-accented English—everyone had an accent.

"Tell me more about America?" Gong Ying became curious.

Wei Ming: "Good, come with me."

He led Gong Ying into the darkroom; as they developed photos, they looked at the images and talked.

"This was taken at the China Film Festival at UCLA's Beiling Campus. Guess who I met there?"

"Who?"

Wei Ming handed her the developed photo.

"Ah, Chen Chong!" Gong Ying was surprised—and slightly worried. She'd met Chen Chong before; his looks aside, he was truly young—same age as Xiao Wei.

Wei Ming added: "This is Cheng Long. Do you remember him?"

"Oh—he was in 'Drunken Master'?" Gong Ying had a faint memory, having watched the video tape Wei Ming brought back. "He's a huge star from Hong Kong, right?"

Wei Ming whispered to Snow Sister: "He's also known internationally. One morning, I saw Chen Chong coming out of Cheng Long's room."

"Ah?!"