1980 My literary era

A month after Lin Weimin returned to Yanjing, Yu Hua's novels finally arrived in the mail. There were two novellas in total, "Going for a Long Journey at the Age of Eighteen" and "Noon at Noon when the Northwest Wind Whistled".

This time was more than four years earlier than the time when Yu Hua was supposed to publish these two novellas, which naturally had a lot to do with Lin Weimin.

After receiving the manuscript, after three reviews, everyone agreed that both novels reached the level of publication in "Contemporary".

Lin Weimin made a special call to Yu Hua and told him that the editorial department had decided to publish two novels.

Yu Hua was very excited on the phone, thanked him for a long time, and then asked Lin Weimin hesitantly.

"Teacher Lin, can these two novels be published together?"

Lin Weimin was stunned, "There is no precedent for this!"

"Then make an exception!"

Yu Hua's tone sounded like he was shopping for groceries on the street. Lin Weimin was amused by this kid and asked, "Are you bragging to others?"

Yu Hua laughed sheepishly, "I'm not bragging. I just told my dad that both of my articles will be published in "Contemporary". Publishing two articles at one time is so cool!"

"Okay, I'll apply to the editor-in-chief."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Weimin said to Tan Chaoyang: "Leader, you heard it all."

Tan Chaoyang shook his head and said with a smile: "This little guy is really good at making trouble."

"I think this is not a matter of principle. The quality of the novel is indeed high and deserves the attention of two articles in one issue. This can be regarded as our publication's discovery and cultivation of young writers.

If we attach so much importance to him this time, will this guy dare to send his manuscripts to other publications in the future? "

Tan Chaoyang scolded: "Just spoil him!"

"How can you call this habitual? Don't you recognize the quality of these two novels, "Going for a Long Journey at the Age of Eighteen" and "The Noon of the Howling Northwest Wind"?

I think this is also an opportunity for our publication to expand its influence.

You think about it, when the publication comes on the market. Readers take a look and think, oh, two novels in one issue, this writer must have something. Looking at the quality again, it is indeed good and worthy of such treatment.

Didn’t Yu Hua become famous all of a sudden?

What we call it is to demote talents in an eclectic way, what do you think? "

Lin Weimin rolled his eyes and made up the matter so confidently and openly that Tan Chaoyang almost thought he was colluding with Yu Hua.

However, he had to admit that what Lin Weimin said made some sense.

"Yu Hua's two works are definitely not up to the level of "Life", but if we can use two novels in one issue to make him stand out in the literary world, doesn't this illustrate the influence of our "Contemporary"?"

At this point, Tan Chaoyang had nothing to say and could only point at Lin Weimin with a wry smile.

"You've asked me to say everything. If I don't agree, won't I become a stubborn old man who doesn't give young people a chance?"

Lin Weimin complimented: "You are a Bole!"

"Don't! It's up to you to be the Bole. There really are just as many editors as there are authors."

The old comrade's words didn't sound like good words, but Lin Weimin didn't care anymore. Anyway, his goal was achieved.

He called Yu Hua back on the spot. The boy almost jumped up on the phone and kept thanking him. Lin Weimin naturally wanted to carry Tan Chaoyang out and let the old comrade enjoy the incense.

After confirming the manuscript, Tan Chaoyang ignored Lin Weimin and lowered his head to look at the manuscript on the table.

"Leader!" Lin Weimin shouted.

Tan Chaoyang raised his head, "What else can you do, kid?"

"I have an idea that I would like to share with you?"

Qin Chaoyang knew that Lin Weimin always had a lot of ideas. He put the pen for annotation across the manuscript paper and said, "Let's talk about it."

"Leader, I want to put these two manuscripts by Yu Hua in the January issue, and then find a few more potential young authors..."

When Lin Weimin said this, Qin Chaoyang already understood what he meant. After two years, Lin Weimin returned to his old business.

"You kid wants to make an album again?"

"Whether it's an album or a special feature, it's all a title. The important thing is to spread the influence of our "Contemporary" in a way that dares to promote talents in an eclectic way."

Tan Chaoyang pondered, and was quite moved by Lin Weimin's ideas.

“Isn’t the January issue too tight?”

"The first shot of the year, this time is better."

"Then let's all take the time to search and see if there are any outstanding young people or works to recommend. You guys have a good idea."

After coming out of Tan Chaoyang's place, Lin Weimin returned to the office and saw a young man with glasses standing next to his desk.

Liu Yin said: "For the people, this is Comrade Zhong Lin, the editor of "Script", here to see you."

The young man immediately stepped forward to say hello: "Hello, Teacher Lin, I am Zhong Lin from "Script"."

Lin Weimin shook hands with him and asked, "What do you want from me?"

Zhong Lin nodded and explained his purpose.

It turned out that "Script" planned to publish Lin Weimin's drama scripts "Untouchable" and "Farewell My Concubine".

"Script" is a professional drama literature creation publication founded in 1953 by older generation dramatists such as Tian Han and Zhang Guangnian. It ceased publication in 1966 and resumed publication in 1979. It is now regarded as the leading drama literature and drama art publication in China.

Most of the articles published are dramas, operas, operas, and film scripts. There are also articles on script reviews, research on playwrights, research on creative issues, and cultural exchanges between Chinese and foreign dramas.

With Mr. Wan's affection and knowledge of Zhong Lin's intention, Lin Weimin naturally readily agreed to "Script"'s request without even mentioning the royalties. He knew that "Script" was a publication issued by the Dramatists Guild, and the fee standards were never high.

After thanking him, Zhong Lin said: "As for the award, in fact, many seniors in the association are very sure of the quality of your works..."

Only then did Lin Weimin realize that he still had other tasks to do if Zhong Lin came here today.

The National Outstanding Screenplay Award has been awarded for two years, and Lin Weimin's works have never been included in the award list. Everyone knows the reason.

He laughed and said: "It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter to me whether I win or not. Didn't Mr. Mei Lanfang say that? A gold cup or a silver cup is not as good as the public's reputation."

Zhong Lin did not continue talking, as it would involve Mr. Wan.

To put it bluntly today, he was entrusted by the seniors of the association to communicate with Lin Weimin. Such an excellent playwright could not be separated from the association because of awards issues.

"In addition, I should have come to you a long time ago. The association wants to recruit you as a member."

Lin Weimin refused without thinking: "Forget it, I'm just an amateur screenwriter, so the association won't participate."

He finally understood the purpose of the association sending young man Zhong Lin here today, which was to express goodwill to him and eliminate unnecessary barriers and misunderstandings by publishing two scripts.

At the same time, it can be regarded as affirming one's own works and abilities to the outside world.

By the way, I asked myself to join the Dramatists Guild. I am now a well-known screenwriter, but I have never joined the Dramatists Guild to avoid suspicion.

It is estimated that those old comrades also cherished their talents, but because of Mr. Wan's lack of face, they just opened their mouths and got themselves in.

Now let Zhong Lin invite him, and later say that he took the initiative to apply. Comrades can't turn away such outstanding comrades, right?

After politely rejecting Zhong Lin's proposal, Lin Weimin sent him out.

After coming back, I couldn’t help but sigh, they are all a bunch of old foxes!

After get off work in the evening, Lin Weimin rode his motorcycle to Renyi, so he came to see him today.

As soon as he entered the room, he poured him a cup of tea. Lin Weimin joked: "Teacher Yu, you are a little too diligent."

Su Zhi smiled and said: "Isn't this how you usually get treated when you come here?"

"But your expression is not so flattering?"

"How flattering!" So naturally he would not take Lin Weimin's joke seriously, and he said again: "It seems you know the purpose of inviting you here?"

"As soon as you find Zhuangzhuang, I'll have a good guess."

Su Zhi smiled and said: "I heard that your movie "Horse Trapper" has been written?"

"Yes, it will be published in January next year."

"Oh, this is great, we are short of scripts." Souzhi rubbed his hands.

"People's Art is still short of scripts? Aren't we going to introduce Mr. Arthur Miller's works soon?" Lin Weimin joked.

Su Zhi shook his head and said, "Far water can't quench near thirst! Mr. Arthur Miller hasn't even decided on his itinerary. He might have to wait until two years to rehearse his work. It's better to use your work." !”

The news that Renyi invited Arthur Miller to visit China was not made public, but based on Lin Weimin's relationship with Mr. Wan, it was not surprising that he knew about it.

Lin Weimin said helplessly: "Teacher Yu, how do you know that this novel must be suitable for adaptation into a screenplay?"

So he asked: "Isn't it suitable?"

Lin Weimin was speechless. Although he didn't want to admit it, the structure of "Horse Trapper" was simply designed for the stage of a drama.

Seeing his reaction, Su Zhi showed a bit of pride on his face, and praised: "You are still serving the people and thinking about our talents!"

I really didn't think about you, Lin Weimin said in his heart.

The cost-effectiveness of writing drama scripts is very low, and the money you get is very little. Not only do you have to write the script, you also have to rehearse and revise the script, which is very troublesome.

"The Intouchables" has been running for two years. In addition to the initial 300 yuan royalties, the performance share of Lin Weimin's income is only 160 yuan, which adds up to more than 400 yuan, which is not as good as the novel. A fraction of publishing, publishing.

If there were fewer things in the past, it wouldn't matter.

The key is that Lin Weimin has more and more things to do now. This year, the club asked him to participate in a drafting trip, but he declined due to various things.

"Teacher Yu, it doesn't matter if I give you the novel for your use. It's up to your hospital to prepare the script yourself," Lin Weimin said.

So Zhiye understood his thoughts. He knew Lin Weimin's situation very well. Not to mention how busy he was at work, the royalties he earned from novels alone were something that most people in this era looked up to.

Some time ago, the news that his novels were published abroad and received sky-high royalties was still widely circulated in the literary and art circles of Yanjing.

We can't expect people to keep paying meager royalties to contribute to the arts. After all, things are different now.

"How about you read the script and let Teacher Lan take the lead?" Suzhi asked.

Lan Yinhai and Lin Weimin have collaborated on two dramas and know each other well. Lin Weimin nodded, "I am assured of Teacher Lan's level."

"Then it's settled." Souzhi thought for a while and then said, "But we agreed that you can come and guide the creation of the script and the rehearsal of the crew when you have time."

"That's for sure. I will definitely come over when I have time."

After talking about business, Lin Weimin and Yu Zhi joked for a while before saying goodbye and leaving.

After he left, Su Zhi sighed slightly.

Unexpectedly, Weimin's growth rate was so fast that even his talents and skills couldn't keep up with him.

So I couldn't help but recall the scene when Mr. Wan handed him the script of "Untouchable".

"Yes, let the comrades in the hospital take a look at this script and ask them to help modify it to see if it can be used."

So he shook his head and laughed at himself, "Is there anything that needs to be modified? I can't even ask for it!"