Literary Master 1978.

Chapter 494 Zhuang Zhongwen Literature Award
Tao Yushu didn't come back until after nine o'clock in the evening, looking a little tired.

Seeing Lin Chaoyang coming back, the couple hugged each other tenderly for a while.

Lin Chaoyang told her about his experience before and after receiving the award. Tao Yushu said with a smile: "You are now the 'pride of Hong Kong'!"

"Yumo told me that it was all hyped up by the media and it will be over in a while."

Then Tao Yushu told Lin Chaoyang about the situation in Hong Kong after he left.

Three days after Lin Chaoyang left, Wang Jing's "Supreme" was released.

The performance was also pretty good, with over 2000 million grossing in the first week. It looks like another movie that will gross over million.

But Wong Jing was not very satisfied with this result. Wong Jing had high hopes for this film, otherwise he would not have spent three months polishing the script.

In Hong Kong these days, only a few screenwriters of art films would spend three months writing a script.

The box office of "God of Gamblers" did not meet the psychological expectations, and Wang Jing was a little depressed. He then turned all his energy to the God of Gamblers trilogy.

Of these three films, including several new films recently released by Lam Pictures, only one was produced under the name of Lam Pictures.

The rest are all under the names of joint ventures or shell companies such as Metropolitan Pictures, Star Pictures, Classic Pictures, and Sky Pictures, to facilitate future exports to Taiwan.

Then Tao Yushu talked about her meeting with Chen Rongmei and Feng Bingzhong tonight.

In fact, in recent months, Tao Yushu has been in contact with Chen Rongmei and Feng Bingzhong.

The two were determined to make Golden Princess independent and start their own cinema chain and production.

The original plan was good. They would acquire Shaw Brothers' 10 cinema chains and add their own 10 cinema chains to become the fourth largest cinema chain in Hong Kong.

Then they can connect with the film producers in Taiwan and use Taiwan's funds to expand their own power in Hong Kong, making money on both ends. Isn't that wonderful?

As a result, the two of them never expected that Shaw Brothers' last theater resources would be snatched away by Tao Yushu.

The two's wishful thinking failed, and they had to spend money to win over some small theaters.

But in this way, the money is spent and the effect is much worse.

So Chen Rongmei and Feng Bingzhong had no choice but to contact Tao Yushu, hoping to strengthen cooperation with Lin through investment.

The two were very close to Wandao Capital and knew that although Lin's Pictures was still being openly targeted by the Freedom Association, they had already reached a tacit understanding behind the scenes.

As long as you set up some shell companies, you can easily avoid the restrictions of the Taiwan Island's fake Cultural Bureau.

"4000 million Hong Kong dollars for 20% of the equity? A promise to go public within two years? Their appetite is quite big!"

Lin Chaoyang repeated the investment conditions proposed by Chen and Feng. Although he had a smile on his face, his tone revealed a bit of disdain.

This year has not even come to an end, and Lam's films have occupied 4 of the top box office positions in Hong Kong. The momentum of development is even stronger than that of Cinema City back then.

In less than two years since its establishment, Lam Pictures' profits have exceeded HK$2.4 million.

In terms of money-making ability, it almost beats most of the listed companies in Hong Kong.

Chen and Feng wanted to invest 4000 million in exchange for 20% of the shares of Lam Pictures, which meant that the company was valued at 2 million Hong Kong dollars, which was tantamount to robbery.

This is also the reason why Lin Chaoyang sneered after hearing the conditions of Chen and Feng.

"They don't think they can do whatever they want just because they control a few theaters, do they?"

Tao Yushu looked relaxed, and was not angry at the unreasonable demands of Chen and Feng. "They think that the cinema chain they have can provide us with help, and they can also help with the Taiwan Island side."

“If we don’t get Shaw Brothers’ cinema chain, we can consider their request.” Lin Chaoyang said very soberly.

Tao Yushu nodded slightly, "Yes. But in order to fight against Golden Harvest and Cinema City, they can also be used as a helping hand."

When it comes to fighting against Golden Harvest and Cinema City, Tao Yushu and Chen and Feng naturally stand on the same side.

"I think we can talk to them again. I don't plan to sell Lin's shares. It's safer to go the joint venture route."

“Moreover, even if it is to weaken and attack Cinema City, we should cooperate with them.

Only if they become independent can it deal a blow to Golden Princess and then affect Cinema City.”

After such a long period of experience, Tao Yushu has already developed his own independent judgment in the company's business decisions.

Lin Chaoyang nodded and said, "Cinema City has always been plagued by internal strife. If Princess Gold splits, it will be another major blow to them."

"Yes, this is a good opportunity. I plan to get in touch with Tsui Hark and John Woo again."

After the success of A Better Tomorrow, the relationship between Lam and Cinema City gradually became antagonistic, and his contact with Tsui Hark and John Woo also decreased.

If there is turmoil in Cinema City, it would be a good opportunity to poach its employees.

"You are swinging the hoe so naturally now!" Lin Chaoyang joked.

“I’m just giving them one more option.”

Tao Yushu's tone was calm, but there was a hint of playfulness in his eyes.

The next day, Lin Chaoyang came to the Ming Pao Building on King's Road in North Point.

He had already informed Dong Qiao of the news of his winning the award, so before he left Hong Kong, he made an agreement with Dong Qiao that he would accept an exclusive interview with Ming Pao after his return.

In the last public opinion offensive against the Freedom Federation, the Z-faction issues were the main attackers, including Ta Kung Pao and Wen Wei Po.

Ming Pao broke away from its previous style of being a fence-sitter and stood firmly on Lin Chaoyang's side, launching a wave of criticism against the Freedom Association, which indirectly led other neutral media to launch a public opinion crackdown on the Freedom Association.

Lin Chaoyang must repay this favor.

The Ming Pao Building still looked inconspicuous from the outside. Lin Chaoyang went upstairs and met with Dong Qiao first, but did not accept the interview immediately.

Instead, Dong Qiao took him to the seventh floor. "You won the award this time, which brought honor to the cultural community of Hong Kong. Mr. Cha was very happy when he talked about it. He said that he must meet you for dinner when you come back."

This was the third time Lin Chaoyang and Jin Yong met.

The first time was when a group of mainland writers visited. At that time, Jin Yong also gave Lin Chaoyang a collection of his works. That collection is still the treasure of my brother-in-law.

The second time was two years ago when Lin Chaoyang came to discuss with Dong Qiao the publication of "Crossing the Guandong" in Hong Kong.

The previous two contacts were of a courtesy nature, the difference this time was that Jin Yong took the initiative.

Jin Yong is not considered a top-tier billionaire in Hong Kong, but he possesses fame, talent and wealth, and controls media power such as the Ming Pao Group, so he has a high status.

His initiative actually reflects the change in Lin Chaoyang's status in Hong Kong society, and is also the concrete embodiment of the four words "the light of Hong Kong".

After the meeting, Jin Yong's attitude was much more enthusiastic than the last time they met.

I first talked to Lin Chaoyang about the Renaudot Literary Prize, and then invited Lin Chaoyang to have a hand talk.

Lin Chaoyang’s chess skills were not very good, and Jin Yong’s level was even worse. After being beaten by Lin Chaoyang in two games, the old comrade resigned and admitted defeat.

"If I were 20 years younger, I could still compete with Lin Sheng in chess, but now I can't do that anymore!" Jin Yong said self-deprecatingly.

Lin Chaoyang took it as the truth and said a few polite words.

Then the two of them went out to eat. Jin Yong politely said they didn't go to any big restaurant, but to the Dunhuang Restaurant near North Point, which was less than ten minutes' walk from the Ming Pao Building.

While eating, the two talked about more casual topics.

Jin Yong asked about the changes in the mainland today, "I heard that prices in the mainland have changed a lot in the past two years?"

"Yes, with the dual-track system running in parallel and profiteers rampant, coupled with an overheated economy, prices continue to rise."

"The government should come up with some practical measures."

"Governing a big country is like cooking a small fish. The government is naturally aware of the problems involved, but it is impossible to solve all problems with the same approach."

Lin Chaoyang and Jin Yong have different views.

Jin Yong is a person who possesses some of the virtues of an intellectual, but his petty bourgeois shortcomings are equally obvious.

He and Lin Chaoyang had different political views, and the two did not dwell on this issue. Jin Yong shifted the topic to the stock market.

It has been a month since the stock market crash. The Hang Seng Index has fallen by more than 1500 points as a whole. No company has been spared. The share prices of almost all listed companies in Hong Kong have been affected to varying degrees.

"Originally, others advised me to take the company public, but this stock market crash really made me realize the ruthlessness of the capital market," Jin Yong said with emotion.

Lin Chaoyang smiled and said, "Mr. Cha, you are joking. When a stock market crash occurs, no one can escape unscathed. But if you look closely, it is not difficult to find that the companies that are most affected by the stock market crash are those with risky equity structures and aggressive business strategies."

Jin Yong listened to Lin Chaoyang's words with a smile on his face. After he finished speaking, he asked, "Is the company with a risky equity structure and aggressive business strategy that Mr. Lin is referring to Yulang Organization?"

Hearing this, Lin Chaoyang burst out laughing.

It seems that there are really no secrets in Hong Kong.

After chatting and laughing for a while, Lin Chaoyang talked about the last time the Hong Kong media attacked the Freedom Association and expressed his gratitude to Jin Yong.

"Mr. Lin, you are too polite. Ming Pao is just reporting the facts. Although publishing a newspaper requires independent views and attitudes, many times we also have to look at issues from the perspective of the public.

The Liberty Association has become increasingly domineering in recent years, otherwise they would not have been attacked by everyone in such a short time last time.

Besides…”

At this point, Jin Yong smiled at Lin Chaoyang, "Mr. Lin, you know the grudge between me and Boss Luo, right?"

Lin Chaoyang couldn't help but smile when he heard this. Jin Yong and Luo Bin had some disagreements in their early years because of running a newspaper. Lin Chaoyang had naturally heard about this.

"No matter what, I have to thank you." Lin Chaoyang said sincerely.

"Mr. Lin, you're too polite!"

The two then talked about interesting things that happened during the Ming Pao newspaper's run. Jin Yong sighed, "I can't believe that more than 20 years have passed in a flash. Ming Pao has managed to survive in such a fierce environment like Hong Kong until now."

"Ming Pao has now become a name card of Hong Kong's newspaper industry. Mr. Cha has made great contributions. Didn't you just say that Ming Pao Company is going to go public?"

Jin Yong waved his hands and said, "No, I can't do it anymore."

His words were full of sighs, and there was a kind of sadness of a hero in his twilight years.

Jin Yong is now over sixty years old, and both his physical condition and energy are not as good as before, so it is normal for him to feel tired.

Lin Chaoyang's heart moved when he saw his expression, but he did not show any emotion. He suppressed the thoughts in his mind and continued to chat and laugh with Jin Yong.

After lunch, the two returned to Ming Pao Building.

It was already past three in the afternoon when I finished the interview with Ming Pao.

After returning to Jiahui Garden, Lin Chaoyang found a package sent from Japan at home.

When I opened it, I saw several novels he published in Japan.

To date, Lin Chaoyang has had four novels published in Japan, in addition to "Crossing the Guandong" and "The Truman Show" published last year.

In the first half of this year, Kawade Shobo also published "Shutter Island" and "The Crossing".

The publishing contract for "The Chess Master" was signed before, but there has been no movement for several months.

The package was sent by Kitamura Miyu. A few days ago, Lin Chaoyang won the Renaudot Prize, and Kawade Shobo immediately added new waistbands to the four novels on sale.

However, there are slight differences in the new waistbands of the four novels.

The waistband of the Japanese version of "The Truman Show" reads: "Winner of the France Renaudot Literature Prize (Winner of the French Renaudot Literature Prize)".

The waistbands of the other three works read: "The main work of the winner of the French Renaudot Literature Prize."

Lin Chaoyang didn't believe that changing the waist belt would have a big impact on sales.

The Renaudot Prize is different from the Nobel Prize in Literature and its influence outside of Europe is much less.

But no matter what, this is a positive marketing strategy for the publishing house and should be praised. The reason why Hede Bookstore is willing to spend so much time on this is, of course, because it has tasted the sweetness of Lin Chaoyang.

"Crossing the Guandong" has been published in Japan for more than a year and a half, and its sales have exceeded 25 copies. As Lin Chaoyang's first work published by a Japanese publisher, it is already a very good result.

It has been exactly one year since The Truman Show was published. Due to the popularity of the movie and the fact that Lin Chaoyang already had a small group of readers in Japan, the sales performance was much better than that of Crossing the Guandong, with 22 copies sold in one year.

The others are "The Flying Boat" published in March and "Shutter Island" published in May.

The sales of the two novels are better than the other. "Shutter Island" sold 13 copies in half a year, and "The Crossing" is even more exaggerated. It has sold nearly 8 copies in just 20 months after its publication.

A closer look at the popularity of these two novels shows that it is not only related to Lin Chaoyang's growing fame among Japanese literature lovers.

The most crucial factor is that these two novels are more in line with the tastes of Japanese readers than "Crossing the Guandong" and "The Truman Show".

The suspenseful atmosphere of "Shutter Island" is extremely high, and it is naturally popular in Japan, a country that loves suspense and mystery novels.

The popularity of "The Boat Crossing" is due to its unique oriental Zen and artistic conception, which is extremely in line with the reading tastes of literary young people who read small books.

According to Kitamura Mihiro, after "The Ferryman" was published in Japan, it received extremely high praise among readers and has many fans.

The four novels published in Japan in two years all achieved impressive sales results, which was undoubtedly an unexpected surprise for Kawaide Shobo.

The sales of these books brought Kawaide Shobo more than 18 billion yen in sales, although this figure is not as high as those of first-tier best-selling authors.

But for a foreign writer like Lin Chaoyang, he is already very successful.

Also because of the popularity of his works in Japan, the amount of royalties Lin Chaoyang received from Kawade Shobo has been increasing in the past two years, totaling to 180 million US dollars, which is about 1400 million Hong Kong dollars in equivalent.

In the evening, Tao Yushu came home and reminded Lin Chaoyang to contact Zhuang Zhongwen and Li Zhaofu.

Lin Chaoyang was invited to a banquet. He was not in Hong Kong before, but now that he is back, he must contact them.

Lin Chaoyang readily followed the advice and contacted Zhuang and Li respectively to arrange a time for the visit.

Then he asked Tao Yushu, "How much money is in the company's account?"

"There are still more than 7000 million. What's wrong?"

In the first two months, Lam first acquired Shaw Brothers' cinema chain, and then invested in several joint ventures and shell companies to produce new films, with funds being spent like water.

Even though two hit movies were released in succession and made considerable profits, a lot of funds were still consumed.

"Nothing, let's talk about it in a few days."

Lin Chaoyang kept the secret, which aroused Tao Yushu's curiosity, but Lin Chaoyang refused to say anything, so she could only sigh helplessly.

The next afternoon, Lin Chaoyang and Tao Yushu drove to No. 46 Zhongzhong Road.

The Jiahui Garden where the couple lives now can be considered a luxury house in the eyes of ordinary Hong Kong people, but it is dwarfed by the real Mid-Levels luxury house like No. 46 Plantation Road.

Although there are many luxury villas in Hong Kong, from Deep Water Bay to Repulse Bay, and to Mount Kadoorie in Kowloon, all of them are luxury villas with prestigious locations and superior environments.

But the rarest and the one that best highlights one’s personal status is still the luxury house on the Peak.

The manpower, material resources and financial resources required to build a large residential area on the top of a mountain are enough to scare away ordinary real estate companies.

Standing on the top of Victoria Peak and looking down, one can feel the majestic feeling of "all the mountains are small", so this place has naturally become the location of the most precious mansions in Hong Kong.

Zhuang Zhongwen, who could live here, was certainly no ordinary person. In the 30s, he went to Singapore alone to start his career. After he built up his small business, he moved to Hong Kong in 46 and founded companies such as the Hong Kong Flavor Factory and the Zhuangshi Tableware Factory.

Over the past decade, Zhuang Zhongwen has become the "tableware king" of Hong Kong with his expertise in the tableware industry, and his company's products are sold well in many countries around the world.

By 1971, Chong Chung-man integrated his companies into Chong's Tableware (Group) Company and successfully listed it in Hong Kong.

In the following ten years, Zhuang Zhongwen expanded his business to include industries such as textiles, electronics, and real estate, achieving good results in all of them, and his own net worth also soared.

Unfortunately, around 80, Hong Kong real estate was affected by the Sino-British Joint Declaration and went downhill. The real estate business of the Chuang's Group was affected, causing Zhuang Zhongwen to suffer heavy losses.

Even so, Zhuang Zhongwen still controls two listed companies, Zhuangshi and Nengda, and is worth a lot of money.

"Zhuang Sheng, nice to see you again. This is my wife Tao Yushu!"

Lin Chaoyang didn't expect that Zhuang Zhongwen would be standing at the gate to greet him. He hurriedly took two steps forward and took the initiative to greet Zhuang Zhongwen.

"Mr. Lin, long time no see!"

"Mr. Lin is so heroic, no wonder he was able to create such a great world in such a short time!"

Zhuang Zhongwen shook Lin Chaoyang's hand and exchanged a few polite words with Tao Yushu, all smiling and in a friendly manner.

"Zhuang Sheng, you are too kind!"

"This is my wife Liang Jiaozhen." Zhuang Zhongwen introduced his wife to Lin Chaoyang and his wife.

After a few pleasantries, Zhuang Zhongwen led them into the courtyard.

There are only four garden houses at 46 Plantation Road, standing side by side. Each house is three stories high, with a usable area of ​​more than 4 square feet. It also has a private swimming pool and private garden. Needless to say, it is luxurious.

The couple came to the living room and sat down. The servant asked and brought them drinks.

Zhuang Zhongwen sighed, "Time flies by so fast. The last time I saw Lin Sheng was four years ago, right?"

"Yes, I visited Hong Kong with a delegation of mainland writers that time."

Zhuang Zhongwen joked: "When I saw Lin Sheng at that time, I just felt that he was young. After four years, I saw him again and he was still as young as ever."

"Mr. Zhuang, you are still energetic and vigorous despite your age!"

"Haha! I'm so old, over 70. I need help to walk. I was at the front when I participated in the protest march against the May 3rd Massacre."

Zhuang Zhongwen was born in 1910. When he was young, the country was weak and the nation was in danger. He was expelled from school for participating in a protest march against the May rd Massacre. He also organized a boycott of Japanese goods.

Lin Chaoyang had heard him talk about this past event when they met four years ago. When people get old, they always like to talk about their past glory. Lin Chaoyang echoed a few words, and the atmosphere became harmonious.

"Mr. Lin's overseas award not only brings glory to Hong Kong, but also brings honor to all of us in the country!"

When talking about Lin Chaoyang's winning of the award, Zhuang Zhongwen's expression was full of admiration, and he specifically asked Lin Chaoyang about some details of the Renaudot Literature Prize.

After listening to Lin Chaoyang, Zhuang Zhongwen said with emotion: "I have been dealing with foreigners for decades, and my biggest feeling is that if a country is weak, it will be bullied when it goes abroad."

"If you fall behind, you will be beaten!" Lin Chaoyang nodded.

"That's right! That's why Mr. Lin's award is even more precious. You're getting an award from foreigners in their own territory. I heard that you're the first foreigner to win this award?"

"Yes. Last year, my book The Truman Show was published in France, which gave me the chance to win this award."

Zhuang Zhongwen praised Lin Chaoyang a few more times, his admiration evident in his words.

"I really envy you writers! When I was young, I listened to Mr. Lu Xun's speeches, and his words are still fresh in my mind."

This was the same old story, but Lin Chaoyang still listened patiently and added a sentence from time to time.

"In fact, I have had an idea for many years."

"what idea?"

"I want to set up a literary award in my name."

When he said this, a rare trace of embarrassment appeared on Zhuang Zhongwen's old face.

Lin Chaoyang smiled and said, "It's a good thing that Mr. Zhuang is enthusiastic about literature."

When Zhuang Zhongwen heard this, his eyes lit up.

Lin Chaoyang asked: "Mr. Zhuang wants to set up an award in Hong Kong?"

"No, no, no!" Zhuang Zhongwen waved his hands quickly, "It should be set up in the mainland."

Lin Chaoyang clapped his hands and said, "That's even better. If Mr. Zhuang can really organize this award, it will be a great thing for the development of Chinese literature."

His approval made Zhuang Zhongwen feel very happy. "I feel relieved now that I have Lin Sheng's words. I was thinking that since Lin Sheng is from the mainland and has connections in the mainland literary world, could I trouble him to help me with this matter?"

"Zhuang Sheng, you are so embarrassed! You are willing to donate generously to set up a literary award in the mainland, which is a great deed.

It would be my honor to contribute a little bit.”

Lin Chaoyang now understood why Zhuang Zhongwen wanted to invite him to dinner. It turned out that he wanted to do him a favor.

The establishment of a literary award in the mainland is funded by Zhuang Zhongwen. No matter who contacts him, the fame and hidden benefits it brings to him will not be reduced.

As for the contact person, Lin Chaoyang will also receive official attention and praise, which is a favor that comes naturally and is in line with the character of Zhuang Zhongwen, a businessman.

"With Lin Sheng's words, I feel relieved!"

Seeing that he looked sincere, Lin Chaoyang carefully asked Zhuang Zhongwen about his thoughts on the literature award.

Judging awards is something that cannot be accomplished by relying on one's own strength, even if Zhuang Zhongwen is a wealthy man. Zhuang Zhongwen also understands this.

When Lin Chaoyang asked how much prize money he planned to set for the award, Zhuang Zhongwen hesitated and said, "How about 20 RMB per year?"

"Hmm~"

Lin Chaoyang's hesitation was only because he had forgotten how much the prize money was when the Zhuang Zhongwen Literature Award was established in later generations, and he was just recalling the past.

Zhuang Zhongwen thought that he felt the bonus was too little, so he raised the standard after thinking about it.

"That's 30 million."

When Zhuang Zhongwen shouted out this number, Lin Chaoyang held his hand tightly.

"Mr. Zhuang is righteous!"

When the Mao Dun Literature Prize was established, it only relied on Mr. Mao Dun's 25 yuan in royalties, but Zhuang Zhongwen is now talking about 30 yuan per year!

Even 30 years later, this number would be enough to surpass many literary awards.

Speaking of the Zhuang Zhongwen Literature Award, it has become one of the more well-known literary awards in China in later generations.

It’s just a pity that the money spent is not proportional to the fame, and it has always been below the Mao, Lu, Lao, Cao and other awards.

The reason for this is inseparable from the chaos when the award was first established.

In the first few sessions, the Zhuang Zhongwen Literature Award was given to neither well-known writers nor award-winning works.

Instead, it awarded several publications and a group of students studying in the writers' class.

A literary award does not reward outstanding works and outstanding writers, but instead rewards publications and students. This operation is really puzzling.

If we say that the purpose is to reward promising young writers, then this statement does make sense.

But the problem is that there are so many talented people with great potential, how much can a literary award give?

The purpose of the award is to select outstanding writers and works in order to inspire the majority of writers. Doing so is completely putting the cart before the horse.

If we fail to select outstanding writers and works, there will naturally be no media attention, so how can we become famous?

Zhuang Zhongwen spends 30 yuan a year, which is almost an astronomical figure for domestic writers in this era.

If handled properly, this award can be made more influential.

Lin Chaoyang felt that since he had agreed to Zhuang Zhongwen's request, he should at least be careful. If he watched this literary award go down the wrong path of later generations, it would be a bit unfair to Zhuang Zhongwen's sincerity.

"Mr. Lin, is this number enough for an award?"

Lin Chaoyang said sincerely, "That's enough. Mr. Zhuang, you should also have some understanding of the prices in the mainland. If this news spreads to the mainland, it will definitely cause a sensation in the literary world!"

(End of this chapter)