Literary Master 1978

Chapter 478 Are you blackmailing me?

When Chen Kaige heard the figure "5.36 million U.S. dollars" from Tao Yushu, his mouth couldn't help but open wide, and his eyes showed disbelief.

This was not Chen Kaige's first time participating in a film festival, so he naturally knew the role of awards in supporting films, but this number still shocked him.

After all, I had only heard about it before, but this time I saw it with my own eyes, even the amount of copyright transactions created by his own movies.

After the shock, Chen Kaige felt a little disappointed.

It only costs a few thousand yuan for him to direct a film.

Looking at Chen Kaige's expression, Tao Yushu smiled at Lin Chaoyang. The couple seemed to have a tacit understanding.

It is said that money touches people's hearts. Chen Kaige's remuneration for filming a movie is only a few thousand yuan. It is inevitable that his mentality will be unbalanced after knowing the profit of the movie.

Tao Yushu would not accuse him from the moral high ground, especially after being accustomed to the profit-seeking filmmakers in Xiangjiang.

Since we are doing business, we should talk less about emotions and more about interests, and talk about business in business.

"Kids" won the award, and Chen Kaige's contribution is not small.

Although she did not mention dividends or bonuses in advance, she still decided to give Chen Kaige a certain reward, and Lin Chaoyang had no objection to this.

Tao Yushu's idea is not just about rewards, he is becoming more and more sophisticated.

After talking about the overseas copyright transaction of "Kids King", Tao Yushu entered the room. When she came out again, she was carrying a black suitcase. Chen Kaige looked at her with some confusion.

Tao Yushu put the black suitcase on the coffee table and opened it in front of Chen Kaige without saying a word.

With a "click" sound, the lid flipped up, and a large pile of paper tapes lay neatly in the suitcase.

The third set of RMB has a maximum face value of only 10 yuan and is commonly known as "Great Unity" because its front features images of workers, peasants and soldiers.

Chen Kaige has seen money. He has handled hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars in making movies.

But when a large box of unity appeared in front of him uniformly in the form of a military parade, the huge impact made his breathing quicken involuntarily.

There was only one question in his mind at this moment: How much money is it?

"Kego!"

"Kego!"

Being distracted by the banknotes, Chen Kaige was called out by Tao Yushu several times before he came back to his senses. He looked at Tao Yushu, feeling a little embarrassed for his gaffe just now.

But she didn't notice the lust flashing in Tao Yushu's eyes. Why did she use cash? Wasn't it just for this effect?

"Kego."

"Aunt Lin!" Chen Kaige responded, straightening his back unconsciously.

The smile on Tao Yushu's face was gentle, "You have contributed a lot to "Kids King" winning the award. Although we didn't mention it in advance, the company will definitely not treat you badly."

When she said this, Chen Kaige already understood what she meant, and secretly clenched his fists with excitement.

"Here is 100,000 yuan, which is our reward to you from Lin's Pictures!"

Finally hearing the answer he wanted to hear, Chen Kaige's breathing became heavy again, his nose widened, and he swallowed hard.

Seeing that Chen Kaige was clearly tempted, but still trying his best to pretend as if nothing had happened, Tao Yushu chuckled on his face.

She closed the suitcase and pushed it in front of Chen Kaige.

"There's no need to count, right?" she asked teasingly.

Chen Kaige had not fully recovered from the huge impact of money. At this time, he had already lost the ease with which he used to talk about movies or literature.

"No... no need."

After Chen Kaige said these words, he felt that his voice was trembling.

What a shame!

Tao Yushu's expression remained normal, and he didn't seem to notice his gaffe.

"What are you going to do with this money?"

Tao Yushu's homely questions made Chen Kaige relax a lot, and a smile appeared on his face unconsciously.

"Thank you Uncle Lin and Aunt Lin. This reward is too sudden and I didn't think about it well."

"Invite your family to have a big meal first," Tao Yushu suggested.

Chen Kaige nodded, this is a good suggestion.

Then the two of them talked a few more words, and Chen Kaige felt more relaxed and full of joy.

After chatting for a while, Tao Yushu asked: "Do you have any ideas about the new movie?"

Chen Kaige hesitated and said: "I haven't thought about it yet. The fact that "Kid King" won the award was a bit sudden, and it still doesn't feel real yet."

Tao Yushu said with a smile: "That's right. "The King of Children" has just been filmed not long ago, so you should relax and experience the joy of success."

"If you have nothing else to do, you can go to Xiangjiang for a while, and you can also take a look at the crew of our company.

The commercial atmosphere of Hong Kong movies is relatively heavy, but there are still many merits for film production. "

Chen Kaige's eyes lit up when he heard her invitation.

He has been abroad a lot in the past few years because of his participation in film festivals. He is not too excited to go to Hong Kong, but it is indeed a rare opportunity to learn more about the development of the film industry in Hong Kong.

"If I have the opportunity, of course I would be happy to do so," Chen Kaige said.

"Okay. Then you arrange your time here, and I will arrange the rest for you."

Chen Kaige nodded like a fool. He had just received a bonus of 100,000 yuan and was going to travel to Xiangjiang. Such a reward made him elated, and at the same time he was full of gratitude to Tao Yushu.

There are three investors in "King of Children", but the 100,000 yuan bonus Tao Yushu awarded him was paid for by Lin's Pictures himself. For this reason alone, Chen Kaige had to admire Aunt Lin's magnanimity.

After having lunch at Lin Chaoyang's house, Chen Kaige was ready to leave.

Tao Yushu stopped Chen Kaige again, "You just happened to be here today. Take your father's share of the bonus as well."

As she said this, she handed Chen Kaige another leather bag. Chen Kaige looked stunned, but he didn't expect his father to have one as well.

"Your dad is an art consultant and a producer. Isn't it normal to get a bonus?"

Seeing his doubts, Tao Yushu explained casually.

Chen Kaige was right. His father did help him a lot during filming and post-production.

After leaving Lin Chaoyang's house, just a few steps away, Chen Kaige bumped into Zhang Yimou.

At this time, he was very proud of himself. When he met his old classmate, he suppressed the thought of appearing holy in front of others and chatted with Zhang Yimou for a few words.

Only then did I learn that Zhang Yimou had just finished selecting roles for "Red Sorghum" and he came today just to tell Tao Yushu that he was going to Shandong in the next few days.

"Have a good time shooting. If you need any help, just tell me. You're welcome!"

Chen Kaige patted Zhang Yimou on the shoulder and said very grandly.

"Definitely."

The two chatted for a while and then separated. Zhang Yimou walked to Lin Chaoyang's home, while Chen Kaige hurried home.

On the way, while there was no one around, he couldn't help but secretly open the leather bag Tao Yushu handed him.

This leather bag is very valuable to buy, and Chen Kaige has always been curious about it.

After opening it, he found that there were dozens of stacks of unity inside.

Chen Kaige couldn't help but feel dazzled. Such a large amount of money must be at least 20,000 to 30,000, right?

It would be too generous for Aunt Lin to take action!

He closed the bag carefully, glanced around a few times, suppressed the excitement in his heart, and left quickly. He didn't breathe a sigh of relief until he got home.

"Brother, did you let the dog chase you away?"

When she just entered the house, her sister Chen Kaiyan, who was going home for dinner on the weekend, saw her brother looking nervous and out of breath, so she couldn't help but tease him.

Chen Kaige glared at his sister angrily, "What do you know?"

After he finished speaking, he ignored Chen Kaiyan and shouted into the room: "Dad! Dad!"

Chen Huaikai, who was leisurely listening to the radio in the room, was called out by him, "Why are you back so soon?"

It's already afternoon, why are you still planning to let me spend the night at Uncle Lin's house?

Chen Kaige secretly cursed and said: "I'll be back after we finish talking. Look at this..."

He was carrying the suitcase and leather bag in his hands. He had been carrying these two items all the way, and his arms were so sore. If it weren't for his height and strength, most people would not be able to carry them for such a long time.

"What is this?" Chen Huaikai asked with a frown.

Chen Kaige did not speak, but placed the suitcase there, opened it and showed it to his father. All he saw were stacks of banknotes.

Such a scene made Chen Huaikai, who had always been reserved, couldn't help but widen his eyes. Chen Kaiyan on the side even screamed, then immediately realized that something was wrong and covered her mouth.

"Brother, what's going on? Where did this money come from? So much!"

Before Chen Huaikai could speak, Chen Kaiyan had already asked.

Seeing that his father was absent-minded for a moment, he immediately focused his eyes on himself. Chen Kaige explained:

"Dad, Aunt Lin said that I was indispensable for the success of "Kids King". Everything in this suitcase is the bonus given to me by Mrs. Lin."

Chen Huaikai's face seemed calm, but his heart was still turbulent. He asked: "How much is this?"

"One hundred thousand yuan!"

"One hundred thousand yuan? Such a big bonus?" Chen Huaikai was not only unhappy when he heard this, but his brows became even tighter.

Chen Kaige said excitedly: "Not only me, you also..."

As he spoke, he opened his bag and said, "Look! I haven't touched your bag, and I don't know how much it costs."

When he was talking, Chen Kaiyan came up to him and reached into his bag to pull something.

Then he said to Chen Huaikai with a face full of joy: "Dad, it's thirty thousand yuan!"

She turned to her brother and said, "One hundred and thirty thousand yuan!"

As she spoke, her eyes sparkled.

One hundred and thirty thousand yuan is undoubtedly a huge fortune for Chinese people in the 1980s.

Among the Chen family, father Chen Huaikai's salary is the highest, only 150 yuan a month and less than 2,000 yuan a year. 130,000 yuan is equivalent to his father's salary income of 60 to 70 years.

This is almost the amount of wealth that ordinary workers or cadres can earn in two lifetimes of work.

And this is actually just the bonus that his father and brother received after the movie was successful?

While Chen Kaiyan was happy and excited about the incredible wealth of her father and brother, her father Chen Huaikai still had a serious expression.

"What did Aunt Lin say when she gave you these bonuses?"

"It's nothing, just call it a reward."

"Tell me everything." Chen Huaikai pulled his son and asked him to recall today's scene as much as possible.

Chen Kaige could only tell the truth about the situation, and then he saw his father sitting on the sofa silently, with a serious face.

"Dad, what do you mean by this? Can't we take the money from Aunt Lin?" Chen Kaige asked anxiously.

Chen Huaikai glanced at his son, and then sighed deeply.

"This is life money, do you think it is so easy to get?" After Chen Huaikai finished speaking, he couldn't help but sigh, "Aunt Lin, you want us, father and son, to work for her!"

Chen Kaige actually understood Tao Yushu's purpose of selling his daughter's bones, but his ideas were different from his father's.

Isn't it also a life-long commitment to make films for a studio?

It would be better to make a lot of money by filming a movie for Aunt Lin. He could only dream of having such an opportunity to work hard!

Seeing that his son didn't take it seriously, Chen Huaikai shook his head helplessly.

Tao Yushu was sure that he would work hard for Lin's Pictures for his son's future, and he couldn't help but feel depressed.

After being an old fox all his life, it is not a pleasant thing to be chased away from others, but he still has to be happy with it.

"You've already taken the money, and then you have to think about what movie you want to make." Chen Huaikai said.

"King of Children" won the award. According to Chen Kaige's idea, he would enjoy flowers and applause for a few days.

But when his eyes fell on the wad of banknotes, this idea was immediately thrown out of his mind. Flowers and applause can be enjoyed later, he just wants to make a movie now.

All for art!

The news that "The King of Children" won the award at the West Berlin Film Festival has been in the spotlight for more than a week under the reports of many domestic media.

But no matter how hot the news is, it will eventually pass.

Entering March, the news about "Kids King" has disappeared from the newspapers. The hottest news is that Ma Shengli announced to the society that he will establish the "China Ma Shengli Paper Enterprise Group".

Who is Ma Shengli?

He was originally the business section chief of the Shijiazhuang paper mill. In 1984, the factory was in trouble and unsustainable. Ma Shengli boldly proposed to contract the paper mill, promising to hand over 700,000 yuan in profits by the end of the year and double workers' wages.

This bold move immediately caused a sensation in Shijiazhuang, and Ma Shengli truly fulfilled his promise after contracting the Shijiazhuang paper mill.

At this time, Ma Shengli naturally became a great person, and the media rushed to report on him, which greatly increased his fame.

In order to resolve the operating difficulties of state-owned factories, various localities extended an olive branch to him and invited Ma Shengli to contract for state-owned factories that were losing money locally.

In less than three years, Ma Shengli has contracted dozens of state-owned paper mills.

He has been hailed as a "reform model" by various media. Even the People's Daily and New H News Agency have launched special reports on him, making him the second "Bu Xinsheng".

During this period, Ma Shengli suddenly announced that he would establish the "China Ma Shengli Papermaking Enterprise Group" and successively contracted 100 papermaking companies in 20 provinces and cities across the country.

This initiative was reported by media from all over the country and became almost the most explosive company news since the beginning of 1987.

Many media praised this as an exciting and great idea, showing the grandeur of a new generation of reformers.

That night, Tao Yushu read the newspaper and discussed Ma Shengli's "Ma family myth" with Lin Chaoyang.

What she was looking at was the so-called "super high work efficiency" of Ma Shengli recorded by a reporter from XinH News Agency. In the eyes of her, a person who runs a company, it is simply unbelievable.

After a meeting, a factory was contracted, and after a few words with the leading cadres, they dared to promise to reverse the losses that year and turn over hundreds of thousands of yuan in profits the following year.

This is not a business operation, it is clearly Ma Liang.

"If this is used to write a novel, it will definitely be a good material. Chaoyang, what do you think?"

Lin Chaoyang smiled and said, "Not very good."

"Why?"

"Novel also has to be logical, but reality often lacks logic. If I wrote this kind of plot into a novel, readers would probably scold me."

Listening to what he said, Tao Yushu thought about it and realized that it made some sense. Sometimes reality is simply more absurd than fiction.

"Then do you have any thoughts recently?" Tao Yushu asked.

"I have an idea."

Hearing what he said, Tao Yushu's eyes immediately brightened up and asked, "Tell me quickly."

What Lin Chaoyang had in mind was just a casual response when Tao Yushu asked.

Seeing Tao Yushu asking, he hesitated and said: "The idea is not mature yet. I will have to check the information and collect stories later."

Tao Yushu became even more interested when he heard this. The novel that Lin Chaoyang needs to check for information and style recently is a work with a strong epic temperament like "Crossing Guandong".

She kept asking questions, but Lin Chaoyang couldn't answer, so he could only change the topic and asked: "Yimou is directing a movie for the first time. Can you rest assured if he is left alone in Shandong?"

"Yimou is a steady and responsible person, and he won't get into trouble. A trip to Shandong will take at least a week, and there are still a lot of things going on over there in Xiangjiang.

After Xiao Yu comes to Yanjing, I will leave these matters to her for the time being. "

Since returning to Yanjing years ago, Tao Yushu has been conducting remote control from outside except for a brief return to Xiangjiang for a few days in early February.

Communication these days is not as convenient as in later generations, and communication is often not very timely.

Wang Jing's "The Best Friend" had just been filmed when Tao Yushu returned to Hong Kong last time, but the release of the film has not been finalized because Tao Yushu was not in Hong Kong.

Zhang Wanting's "Autumn Fairy Tale" has been filmed and is in post-production, and Johnnie To's "A Lang's Story" will also start filming later this year.

According to Tao Yushu's idea, Lin's Pictures wants to ensure that its works are released in the film market uninterruptedly throughout the year. It has to go back to study new film plans this month.

She decided to return to Hong Kong next week, and during this period she would also set up the offices of Lam Films in the Mainland.

With the success of "The King of Children", Tao Yushu has high hopes for the filming of "Red Sorghum". She understands that it is very difficult for mainland directors to succeed in commercial films with the current market acumen.

Then we might as well just dig deeper into the art film industry.

Since we want to go deep into the business, it is only natural to set up an office.

The mainland has not yet opened up private individuals to enter the field of film production and distribution, so she can only set up an office to coordinate film investment in the mainland.

It happened that she went to West Berlin last month, and she had a communication with Yu Yuxi, a junior member of China Film Group, and expressed her intention to recruit her. She offered her a monthly salary of 5,000 Hong Kong dollars, as well as bonuses.

At that time, Yu Yuxi was very excited, but she was hesitant for some reason. She didn't agree to Tao Yushu until after the film festival.

Tao Yushu didn't understand it at first, but he figured it out later.

It is estimated that Yu Yuxi is not very familiar with the strength of Lin's Pictures, and is afraid that this job will not last long.

After staying at the film festival for ten days, Yu Yuxi had found out almost everything she needed to know. In addition, "Kid King" won the award and Lin's Pictures' overseas copyright deals were booming, so she had no worries.

Before returning to China, Tao Yushu and Yu Yuxi agreed that she would first go back to Shanghai to visit relatives, and then come to Yanjing to officially start work.

"She's the only one. Too few people, right? Aren't you afraid that people will think that the company is a grassroots team and run away halfway?" Lin Chaoyang asked.

"The King of Children" has entered the copyright operation stage, and Lin's Pictures currently has only "Red Sorghum" in production in the mainland.

Tao Yushu's idea was to let Yu Yuxi be in charge of the production of "Red Sorghum" and also take care of participating in the film festival. She alone would be enough for the time being.

Seeing what Lin Chaoyang said, she asked: "Then what do you think?"

"You can call big brother to help."

"Him?" Tao Yushu immediately wanted to reject the proposal.

Lin Chaoyang saw through her thoughts and said, "Although eldest brother is not enterprising and content with the status quo, don't you find that he has an advantage?"

"What advantages?"

"Eating and drinking is a good thing."

Hearing this, Tao Yushu really didn't know whether Lin Chaoyang was praising or criticizing his eldest brother. Lin Chaoyang said, "Don't look at me like that. I'm just praising your eldest brother."

Is there such a thing as praising someone?

Tao Yushu's eyes revealed this meaning.

Lin Chaoyang continued: "Xiao Yu is smart and capable, and can be responsible for handling things. Big brother is knowledgeable and kind, and can be responsible for winning people's hearts. And if Xiao Yu is left alone in Yanjing and everything is left to her, are you so relieved?"

At the end of the conversation, Tao Yushu was successfully persuaded by Lin Chaoyang. I'm afraid his last sentence was the key point.

Being in control is sometimes a skill, and Tao Yushu felt that she had learned another trick from her husband.

After thinking about it, she readily agreed with Lin Chaoyang's idea.

Then he asked: "But where does eldest brother work..."

"It's a part-time job. Anyway, he spends three days fishing and two days drying nets at work."

Tao Yushu couldn't help but chuckle, "I should really learn this from my brother."

Two more days later, Yu Yuxi finally returned to Yanjing.

But what surprised Lin Chaoyang and his wife was that Yu Yuxi also brought a guest this time.

"Lao Xie? Why are you here?" Lin Chaoyang's voice was full of surprise.

Xie Jin was dusty and tired, "Don't mention it. I'll put my luggage first and talk about it later."

Tao Yushu had previously cleared out two rooms in the east wing of the west courtyard of Xiaoliubukou Hutong and used them as the reception office for Lin's Pictures in Yanjing.

Now that Xie Jin was here, Tao Yushu arranged for him to go to the wing in the west courtyard.

Then Lin Chaoyang personally cooked a table of dishes to welcome the arrival of Yu Yuxi and Xie Jin.

In the past, Lin Chaoyang and his wife called Yu Yuxi "Xiaoyu" in private, which was a popular way of calling her. In fact, she was not young. She was already in her early forties this year.

She used to work at China Film Import and Export. She also has the status of being the full-fledged film selector for the West Berlin Film Festival in mainland China, with the kind of official authorization from the film festival.

This is why Tao Yushu is willing to offer her a high salary of HK$5,000 and bonuses.

Yu Yuxi has a generous and cheerful personality. During the meal, she tasted a few of Lin Chaoyang's dishes and couldn't help but praise: "Director Xie always praises your cooking. Your cooking skills are indeed good."

She is from Shanghai and spent the first 20 years of her life in Shanghai. She came to Yanjing only after joining the China Film Academy.

In the past six or seven years, because of the selection of films for the West Berlin Film Festival, I have been very close to the Shanghai Film Studio. I am very familiar with Xu Sangchu, Wu Yigong, Xie Jin and other old comrades in the Shanghai film circle.

"Lao Xie, tell me why you came to Yanjing?" Lin Chaoyang asked.

Xie Jin sighed, "Oh, forget it, it's not about "Furong Town"."

Xie Jin looked sad when he talked about this.

As early as the eve of the Spring Festival, Xie Jin's new film "Furong Town" began to be previewed in Shanghai and Yanjing.

As the scope of test screenings expanded, the controversy surrounding "Hibiscus Town" became louder and louder.

Many people believed that this film was discrediting socialism and advocated banning it. In order to avoid unnecessary trouble, Xie Jin had to urgently process several scenes in the film.

But even so, the film bureau only reluctantly agreed to release the film.

However, the premiere of "Furong Town" was held in Shanghai a few days ago, but the film's male and female leads, Jiang Wen and Liu Xiaoqing, were not present.

After Xie Jin inquired, it turned out that the Film Bureau had stopped it.

Not only that, Xie Jin also heard that the Film Bureau did not agree to "Furong Town" participating in foreign film festivals.

Putting these two things together, Xie Jin was naturally angry. He packed his luggage and went to Yanjing to argue with the Film Bureau.

"Even if I have to take the lawsuit to the Ministry, I will argue with them."

Xie Jin drank a glass of wine and said angrily.

Lin Chaoyang did not have any expression of sympathy. Instead, he looked relaxed and said with a little sarcasm: "Don't blame the comrades in the Film Bureau. Who made you a habitual offender!"

Xie Jin was very unhappy when he heard this.

But what Lin Chaoyang said was not wrong. From "Legend of Tianyun Mountain" to "The Shepherd" to "Furong Town", Xie Jin's "** narrative" has never stopped.

For many people, his films are a thorn in the eye and a thorn in the flesh.

Seeing Lin Chaoyang gloating, Xie Jin first stared at him angrily, and then set his sights on Lin Chaoyang.

Seeing Xie Jin's eyes, Lin Chaoyang had an inexplicable premonition.

"You..."

Before he could speak, Xie Jin spoke first, "Don't speak first."

Then Xie Jin asked again: "I heard that you have been close to Shi Fangyu recently?"

"No, who told you that?" Lin Chaoyang denied it flatly.

"You are still playing dumb with me, do you think I don't know?" Xie Jin immediately exposed his lie, with contempt in his eyes.

Lin Chaoyang looked embarrassed, "We've met twice, but we're not familiar with each other."

"Whether we're familiar or not, you've given him some credit, come with me tomorrow."

Lin Chaoyang said reluctantly, "This is all about your Shanghai Film Studio."

"Can you bear to let an old man like me go head-to-head with those officials? Besides, you're the screenwriter of "Furong Town"!"

Lin Chaoyang immediately defended himself, "Don't talk nonsense, I didn't sign my name."

"It doesn't matter whether I sign my name or not, if you don't go, I'll tell them that all those outrageous plays were written by you!"

Lin Chaoyang suddenly felt a toothache.

Old man, you're blackmailing me, right?

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