Literary Master 1978

Looking at the neatly stacked books of "The Great Era" on the bookshelf, Tao Yushu thought that he was busy working these days, but he didn't expect that her husband's new work had already been launched in the mainland.

She took a book off the shelf and went to the counter to check out, then asked, "How many days has this book been on the shelf?"

"Just two days ago."

"How's the sale going?"

The salesperson smiled and said: "There are no books that sell well in the airport bookstore!"

Tao Yushu thought so.

At this time, the salesperson added, "However, Xu Lingjun's books are selling quite well. Although they are not sold as much as outside, they are still sold in our place."

When Tao Yushu heard this, he settled the bill and walked out of the bookstore in a happy mood.

After landing in Xiangjiang, she took a taxi home. The street lights were neon and the traffic was heavy. There was still a big economic gap between the two places!

After arriving home, she made out with the two little ones for a while, and then chatted with Lin Chaoyang about what she had learned from attending the Chinese Film Festival.

"What they asked for..."

Lin Chaoyang burst out laughing when he heard Teng Jinxian's request, "If we win these awards, who cares about the domestic box office?"

Tao Yushu said: "It's better to have something than nothing. The domestic film field cannot be opened up in the short term."

"Okay, just think of it as the icing on the cake."

"By the way, I read Kege's new script and it wasn't very good. I told Lao Chen what you thought."

Lin Chaoyang sighed lightly. If it weren't for the purpose of laying out the mainland market, who would be willing to cause trouble for himself.

The domestic film market is still closed, and Lin's Film Company's investment in the mainland has been blocked in advance.

There are really not many capable directors in China at this stage. Lin Chaoyang actually wants to praise Zhang Huaxun and Li Shaohong, who are the first batch of commercial film directors in China.

But the problem is that even if Lam Films invests in their commercial films, they can't split the money in the mainland, and their level is only enough to compete in the mainland market.

Investing in commercial films and directors of commercial films is simply not feasible at present. Artistic films and directors of artistic films are the only options.

No matter what shortcomings Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige have, at this stage, they are indeed one of the few "big guys" that Lin Chaoyang can pull out of the pile of scum.

The two chatted for a while, and Tao Yushu took out the copy of "The Great Era" he bought at the airport bookstore.

"Your new books are on the market."

"The Xiangjiang side has just arrived."

Tao Yushu put the two editions of Xiangjiang and Mainland novels together, and said to Lin Chaoyang with a smile on his face: "You should pay more attention in the future and collect all editions of each of your novels."

"This is a lot of work."

"It's okay, just leave it to Yu Mo."

Tao Yumo, who was coaxing Yan Yan to sleep, felt a chill on her back for some reason. She looked around, then got up and closed the window.

Early the next morning, Tao Yushu went to work in high spirits. The company's affairs had been accumulated for so many days and he had to deal with them quickly.

As a result, when she arrived at the company, she saw Chow Yun-fat waiting there, accompanied by his new wife Kelly Chen. The couple had just gotten married in June.

"Mrs. Lin!"

Seeing Tao Yushu coming, Chow Yun-fat and his wife stood up.

"Ah Fa! Ah Lian! Why are you free to come to the company today?"

Tao Yushu asked with a smile, and then invited the couple into his office.

After entering the office and exchanging pleasantries, Chow Yun-fat hesitated to speak. Finally, Kelly Chen spoke:

"Mrs. Lin, Afa may not be able to take Lin's role anymore."

Tao Yushu frowned slightly and asked calmly: "Is the Freedom Association causing trouble for Afa?"

"Yes, Feng Suifan came to see Afa before. At that time, Afa's contract was signed, so he didn't pay much attention to it. Feng Suifan came again two days ago, and this time his attitude was very tough.

He said that if Afa cooperates with Lin again, he will be blacklisted. "

Tao Yushu had a headache. These people were really pressing forward step by step!

Moreover, he specifically chose to do this before "Parasite" was released. The timing was really good.

She secretly thought that Chow Yun was currently popular and had strong box office appeal, and several films he had collaborated with Lam Pictures were quite successful.

If possible, she didn't want to let go of Chow Yun-fat.

But now freedom will always push too far, and she cannot completely ignore Chow Yun-fat's life and death and force Chow Yun-fat to act with the contract.

If that happens, maybe the movie won't be filmed and people will run away.

"Afa, you still have two contracts with us..."

Chen Huilian said anxiously: "Mrs. Lin, we don't want to break the contract, but you have to understand that there is nothing we can do..."

Tao Yushu waved his hand, "Alian, don't be anxious yet."

Her tone was gentle, without the slightest hint of fireworks. Seeing this, Chen Huilian became quiet.

"Of course I understand that you are forced to have no choice. Well, Ah Fa will stop acting in "Parasite" for now. I will find a way to transfer you to another company for those two films."

After listening to Tao Yushu's words, Chen Huilian relaxed and pulled Chow Yun-fat to express her gratitude.

Tao Yushu's expression was calm and majestic, "Afa has collaborated with us on so many works, so he is considered one of our own. Of course I won't embarrass him."

Chow Yun-fat looked ashamed when he heard this, "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Lin, this matter..."

Tao Yushu interrupted him with a smile, "It doesn't matter. Recently, freedom has always been pushed too far. It's okay to pause cooperation. It won't be too late to cooperate again after the wind has passed."

Chow Yun-fat nodded, and Kelly Chen took him and thanked Tao Yushu twice more before leaving the Prince's Building.

"I didn't expect Mrs. Lin to be so easy to talk to."

After the couple got in the car, Chen Huilian pulled up to the car door and sighed.

"Yes. I have collaborated with Mrs. Lin on several movies, but no one on the crew has said anything bad about Mrs. Lin. A boss as generous as Mrs. Lin is so rare in Xiangjiang!"

Kelly Chen recognized her husband's words in her heart. She had been in charge of Chow Yun-fat's agency work since before marriage. She knew that Chow Yun-fat had starred in three of Lin's movies.

These three films were all hits, and the pay was always much higher than when filming for other companies.

And for each movie, Mrs. Lin’s red envelope was already sent to her before the movie was released.

Without the pressure from the Free Federation, she would not have wanted her husband to give up cooperating with Lin.

Thinking of this, her heart was filled with disgust for the Liberty Association.

"It doesn't matter. As long as the Lin family doesn't collapse, there will definitely be opportunities to cooperate in the future."

After Chow Yun-fat and his wife left, Tao Yushu leaned on the executive chair and closed his eyes to think.

A star of Chow Yun-fat's level has more than just film contracts with the Lin family. If Feng Suifan dared to issue such an ultimatum on behalf of the Liberty Federation, he would risk offending some WD film producers.

Although the current situation is very unfavorable to Lin, it also proves that they really have nothing to do with Lin now.

The only way to trip up the Lin family is through this method of offending others.

What she said to Chow Yun-fat just now was half true and half false. It was true that she transferred Chow Yun-fat's contract to another company, but this company was called Metropolis.

Metropolis Pictures is a joint venture established by Lin and Shaw Brothers, but Lin indirectly holds shares. On the surface, this company has nothing to do with Lin.

Chow Yun-fat is now a box office star, how could she let him leave so easily.

This kind of thing needs to be kept secret, so Tao Yushu will definitely not tell Chow Yun-fat directly.

The meat is rotten in the pot anyway, so it doesn't matter.

But "Parasite" Chow Yun-fat will definitely not be able to film, and someone will have to be replaced.

The main reason why I originally considered casting Chow Yun-fat to play the role of chairman was because of his strong box office appeal.

After all, "Parasite" plans to invest 20 million Hong Kong dollars, and the investment risk is still very high. If the prize redemption does not go smoothly, at least it can rely on celebrities to make back the investment.

Now that Chow Yun-fat has resigned, the investment can be reduced a lot.

As for the candidate, Tao Yushu thought for a moment and thought of Tony Leung Ka Fai. His image and acting skills fit the role of chairman very well, but he was a bit young.

These are all minor problems, and makeup can solve them.

After thinking about the candidate, Tao Yushu called Liang Jiahui.

Tony Leung Ka Fai was banned by WD for starring in Li Hanxiang's movie a few years ago. Although the ban was lifted in the past two years, the film resources he received were not very good.

Previously, Tao Yushu gave him the role of Vincent in "Autumn Fairy Tale", which is the role played by Chen Baiqiang in the original version, the second male lead. After the movie was released, it received a lot of praise.

After hearing that he could play the second male lead in "Parasite", Tony Leung agreed without saying a word.

Tao Yushu said: "Ah Hui, don't rush to agree..."

She told the details of Chow Yun-fat's resignation, and then said: "Our current play is being watched by the Liberty Federation, and after the lineup is announced, they will probably name it.

By then, there may not be any film producers who would dare to use you. The company will give you a two-movie contract every year, both starring the leading male or the second male, as compensation for you. "

This condition was originally formulated by the Lin family in response to the ban from the Free Association, but it has never been really used since the ban. Tao Yushu knew that this time it might be serious.

With her promise, Tony Leung agreed with more confidence.

As soon as Tao Yushu contacted Liang Jiahui, the phone started ringing one after another.

It turns out that several of the main actors who participated in "Parasite" received an ultimatum from the Liberty Federation, saying that if they dared to appear in "Parasite", they would be banned by the Liberty Federation.

Tao Yushu did not stop those who were determined to quit. She tried her best to comfort those who were hesitant.

It took a whole day to clarify the situation.

It was after nine o'clock in the evening when she returned home. She sat tiredly on the sofa and told Lin Chaoyang about the current situation.

Lin Chaoyang thought for a moment and wondered: "Why are they working so hard all of a sudden?"

"I don't understand either." Tao Yushu rubbed his temples.

As for WD and JY, many of their original authoritarian methods on the cultural industry can no longer be used, which naturally makes their control over the Hong Kong film industry gradually weaken.

If the Liberty Association suddenly does something like this, even if it hits the Lin family, how much benefit will it bring to me?

Aren't they afraid that a large-scale ban will arouse disgust and resistance among the film and television industry, cultural circles and people in Hong Kong?

After much deliberation, the couple could only attribute this behavior to the fact that WD may have realized that this control was loosening, so they wanted to use Lin's power to establish authority.

Lin Chaoyang said with a relaxed expression: "If they really ban all the actors from the "Parasite" crew this time, I have to thank them."

"Why do you say that?"

Lin Chaoyang showed a mysterious smile, "You will know in a few days."

Two days later, "Parasite" was officially launched, and a grand press conference was held at the Clear Water Bay Studio of Yindu Agency.

The reporters at the scene found that the cast of "Parasite" had changed a lot compared to the previous rumors.

In addition to the male lead Xu Guanwen, Chow Yun-fat and Cherie Chung were gone, replaced by Tony Leung and Paw Hee-ching.

These reporters had heard the wind that the Freedom Association had set its sights on "Parasite".

Seeing this situation, the situation was self-evident. Smelling the smell of big news, these reporters were like sharks smelling blood, surrounding the main creators of the crew and asking questions non-stop.

As a result, the day after the press conference of "Parasite" ended at the Clearwater Bay Studios, the "Hong Kong Times" issued a report.

Named Xu Guanwen, Tony Leung, Paw Hee-ching and other actors involved in "Parasite", they have been included in the WD** Bureau's ban list.

The "Hong Kong Times" is a media controlled by WD, and its position has always been clear-cut.

Since the 1980s, due to outdated reporting content and poor printing quality, sales have been declining.

According to historical trajectory, it will be discontinued in a few years.

However, this time, the naming and banning of actors made them stand out in the public eye for the first time in a long time.

For two or three consecutive days, the headlines of major media in Hong Kong were dominated by the large-scale ban by the Freedom Federation.

Before this, the Freedom Federation had not seen such a large-scale ban except for the Silver Capital Organization (Chang Fengxin).

For a while, it caused an uproar in Hong Kong society.

Since the 1970s, due to economic development and government promotion, the people-oriented consciousness of Hong Kong has gradually strengthened over the years.

It is nothing for the Freedom Federation to ban young actors such as Tony Leung and Paw Hee Ching, but Xu Guanwen is the first international film emperor since the founding of Hong Kong.

People who have brought glory to Hong Kong, you Freedom Federation just ban them?

"Ta Kung Pao", "Wen Wei Po", "New Evening News" and other Z-style newspapers began to publish articles criticizing the Freedom Federation.

The article in "Ta Kung Pao" wrote: The Freedom Federation has used the WD market to control Hong Kong, and has become the biggest cancer in the Hong Kong film market.

The report of Wen Wei Po believes that the Freedom Federation is called a trade union, but in fact it is WD's thug to control the Hong Kong film industry.

In addition to the ruthless criticism of the Z-style media, even many neutral media can't stand the overbearing behavior of the Freedom Federation.

After two days of silence, newspapers such as Ming Pao, Jing Bao, Commercial Daily, and Sing Tao Daily were sensitive to the anti-WD sentiment among the people of Hong Kong, and began to publish articles criticizing the overbearing behavior of the Freedom Federation.

The criticism of these neutral media is softer than that of Z-style newspapers such as Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po.

But under the raging public opinion, even soft criticism can become a sharp weapon.

The Freedom Federation originally wanted to establish its authority by banning the actors who participated in "Parasite", but it didn't expect to cause such a strong reaction from the Hong Kong press and the public.

They thought about it for several days and couldn't figure it out. They had banned so many Z-style filmmakers before, but it was fine. Why did they seem to hit a wall this time?

In just a few days, this wave of public opinion driven by the Z-style media will make the Freedom Association suddenly embarrassed.

The Freedom Association wanted to play dead for the time being and avoid the limelight of public opinion.

Unexpectedly, at this time, Xu Guanwen suddenly held a press conference and publicly stated to the media and the public:

His participation in the films of Lin's Films did not violate the laws and regulations of Hong Kong, and he had no intention of participating in ZZ.

As a member of the Freedom Association, he hoped that the Freedom Association would put aside the ZZ differences and not affect his creative freedom as a filmmaker.

Instead, they should find ways to protect the rights of filmmakers and help Hong Kong films export to WD, and work together for Hong Kong films to go to Asia.

Since the 1950s, the Freedom Association has required Hong Kong filmmakers entering the WD market to register with the Freedom Association and issue qualification certificates to become members.

To date, the vast majority of Hong Kong filmmakers are members of the Freedom Association, and Xu Guanwen is naturally one of them.

The "ban" that the Freedom Association has always emphasized is actually the two means of "suspending membership" and "joint boycott".

They named and banned Xu Guanwen a few days ago, and did so by "suspending his membership", which is also their usual trick.

"Stop" is not "cancel", if there is "stop", there will be "restore", as long as you are willing to write a "confession" and draw a clear line with the regime or individuals that the Freedom Association is hostile to, then you can "restore" your qualifications.

Xu Guanwen spoke eloquently at the press conference, his speech was calm and powerful, his demeanor was confident and firm, and it seemed that he was not affected by the ban of the Freedom Association at all.

After media reports, his glorious influence immediately appeared on the headlines of major media in Hong Kong.

Xu Guanwen's sudden move caught the Freedom Association off guard, but won the strong support of the people of Hong Kong.

Everyone has been fed up with the Freedom Association, a dog thing that "eats its own back" these days.

As a result, because the Hong Kong film industry is closely related to its own interests, no one has stood up to speak, which makes the people even more unhappy.

Now that Xu Guanwen dares to stand up publicly to ask for justice from the Freedom Association, the people naturally support him one-sidedly and applaud Xu Guanwen's spirit of not fearing power.

Xu Guanwen's move can be said to have hit the Freedom Federation's weak spot, and suddenly put the Freedom Federation, which has always been extremely powerful in the Hong Kong film industry, in a dilemma.

Although Xu Guanwen's speech at the press conference was very restrained and rational, his attitude of putting himself on the same level as the Liberty Federation still made the Liberty Federation, which is used to dominating the Hong Kong film market, feel uncomfortable Extremely unhappy.

In the past, they blocked those directors and actors. Who didn't rely on connections, find friends, treat them, have dinner, and say all kinds of good things to get the ban lifted?

You Xu Guanwen is so good, how dare you openly challenge us?

If two years ago, Xu Guanwen had dared to openly confront the Liberty Federation, he would have faced not only being banned, but also his personal safety would have been threatened.

But now the situation is different. Xu Guanwen has become the first international actor in Hong Kong and has high prestige in the hearts of the people.

Moreover, his actions this time have received full support from the citizens. If anything happens to him at this time, even if it is not the Free Alliance, the angry citizens will put the shit basin on their heads.

What makes Liberty General always puzzled is why Xu Guanwen did this?

What are you afraid of being banned? Why don't you just write a letter of repentance?

Besides, aren't you, Xu Guanwen, really afraid of being completely banned by WD?

Now that public opinion is raging, freedom will always be unable to do anything to you. What will you do when this wave of public opinion passes?

Liberty will always be confused about the purpose of Xu Guanwen's operation. Their most important thing now is how to deal with the fierce public opinion caused by Xu Guanwen.

In just a few days, the Liberty Association's reputation among WD citizens has plummeted, and it has almost become a street rat that everyone wants to beat up.

If they continue to let the situation develop and let public opinion ferment, they will not be able to withstand the accountability of the WD government alone.

The Mainland talks about TZ, and WD also talks about TZ. In the past few decades, Hong Kong has been both a stage for a battle of wits and an object of struggle for both sides.

In order to ban a few actors and offend millions of people in Hong Kong, WDZF will not engage in such a loss-making business.

On the seventh day after Xu Guanwen and others were named and banned, a reporter photographed Xu Guanwen being invited by Luo Bin, the current president of the Free Federation, to his home in the Repulse Bay villa.

The next day, Clearwater Bay Golf Course.

Luo Bin swung hard, and with a crisp sound, the golf ball drew a graceful arc in mid-air and landed on the open lawn in the distance.

He looked at the landing point of the golf ball, nodded with satisfaction, and turned back to ask Lin Chaoyang.

"Lin Sheng, do you really not want to play two strokes?"

Lin Chaoyang smiled calmly and waved his hand, "I'm not used to playing, I prefer playing table tennis."

Luo Bin glanced at Lin Chaoyang meaningfully, how could he not hear the edge in Lin Chaoyang's words.

The two have been seeing each other for more than twenty minutes, and they have always been in this state.

Seeing Lin Chaoyang's indifferent attitude, Luo Bin felt helpless. This man looked young, but his words and deeds were impeccable.

"It's been two years since Lin Sheng came to Xiangjiang, right?"

"This is the second year."

"It's really impressive that Lin's Pictures can achieve such great development in the second year."

"Lin's current development is all due to Zhuo Jing, but Lin's achievements are nothing compared to Luo Sheng's industry."

Luo Bin opened Global Publishing House in Shanghai as early as the 1940s. After moving to Hong Kong in the 1950s, he ran many publications such as "Dahua News", "Martial Arts World" and "Xinbao". He is a well-known newspaper owner in Hong Kong. .

In addition to running a newspaper and a publishing house, he also opened a film company. His Xianhe Hong Kong Film Company has produced films such as "The Crane Needle", "The Six-Fingered Piano Demon" and "The Golden Hairpin".

In February this year, Tong Yuejuan, the former president of the Liberty Federation, returned to WD to participate in politics, and he took over the position of president of the Liberty Federation.

Luo Bin handed the golf club to the caddy. It seemed that today's meeting had finally gotten to the point.

"I think Lin Sheng should also know the purpose of my meeting with you today."

"Now that we have met, we naturally have the intention of having a good talk."

Luo Bin narrowed his eyes slightly and asked, "I really didn't expect that Lin Sheng's friends are all over the Hong Kong press?"

Lin Chaoyang shook his head, "Luo Sheng's words are not objective. As a writer, how many friends can I have? I believe that many media have experienced injustice."

After he choked, Luo Bin did not get angry and asked: "Lin Sheng thinks this can shake the influence of our Freedom Association? I am very curious, what benefits did you promise Mi Gao to make him do so?" Are you working hard?"

Lin Chaoyang sighed softly and made a distressed look, "Luo Sheng reversed cause and effect. It's not me who shakes the Liberty Federation, but the Liberty Federation is forcing us, the Lin family, so hard!"

"As for Mi Gao, he didn't sacrifice his life for me, but for himself."

Luo Bin looked at Lin Chaoyang with strange eyes, guessing the meaning of the word "working hard" in Lin Chaoyang's mouth. The first thing he thought of was the ten-year period, thinking that Xu Guanwen had reached some kind of deal with the mainland through Lin Chaoyang.

Thinking of this, there was uneasiness in his expression.

It is true that he is a staunch Y-sect member, but he is also a capitalist with a great family and business, and he has a natural fear of the behemoths on the other side.

The closer he got to the ten-year mark, the stronger his fear became.

Luo Bin hesitated for two seconds, then his tone softened, "Lin Sheng should actually understand that everyone is their own master."

Seeing that Luo Bin misunderstood Lin's background, Lin Chaoyang shook his head again, but did not explain anything.

It was something that the Liberty Association had identified right from the beginning. Even if he explained it, Luo Bin probably wouldn't believe it.

"Luo Sheng, there is something I don't know whether to ask or not?"

Luo Bin stretched out his hand and said, "It doesn't matter if you talk."

"Is Luo Sheng a businessman?"

Luo Bin frowned slightly, "Of course he is a businessman."

"Since you are a businessman, I think Luo Sheng should understand better than me."

Luo Bin didn't speak in a hurry, his expression was thoughtful.

"It's a pity that none of the films produced by our Lin family have been released on WD. As the chairman of the Liberty Federation, Luo Sheng has made a huge contribution!"

Luo Bin has been in business for most of his life, so he naturally understands the subtext behind Lin Chaoyang's words:

The films produced by Lin have not been released on WD so far. Your work achievements are enough to pay tribute to the people behind it.

Lin Chaoyang added: "Luo Sheng should also understand that the recent public opinion is largely due to the fact that the Freedom Association is too strong, which has aroused the resentment of the people in Xiangjiang.

I think at this time, no one should add fuel to the fire.

The prosperity of Hong Kong movies needs the joint maintenance of all of us. "

Lin Chaoyang's words just now told Luo Bin to give up as soon as he was satisfied, but the following words gave him a step up.

The two sides will discuss the terms, and just show off and withdraw the troops, so as not to delay everyone's efforts to make money.

The reason why Luo Bin met with Lin Chaoyang today was because Tong Yuejuan, who was behind him, felt the pressure from public opinion in Xiangjiang and asked him to calm down the situation as soon as possible.

Now that Lin Chaoyang has made his attitude clear, he is no longer reserved.