Literary Master 1978

Tao Yushu came back after nine o'clock in the evening, looking slightly tired.

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

Lin Chaoyang told her some experiences before and after receiving the award, and Tao Yushu said with a smile: "You are now the 'Light of Hong Kong'!"

"Yu Mo told me that it was all stirred up by the media and it will pass after a while."

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

On the third day after Lin Chaoyang left, Wang Jing's "The Supremes" was released.

The performance is not bad, the box office in the first week exceeded 10 million, and it looks like it is another movie with a box office of over 20 million.

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

In Hong Kong these days, spending three months writing a script is something only a few screenwriters of art films can do.

The box office of "The Supremes" did not meet the psychological expectations. Wang Jing was a little depressed, so he focused all his energy on 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 Lin Pictures.

The rest are in the names of joint ventures or package companies such as Metropolis Pictures, Starlight Pictures, Classic Pictures, Sky Pictures, etc., to facilitate future export to Bay Island.

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

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

The two of them are determined to independently finance the princess and run their own theaters and productions.

The original plan was to acquire 10 theaters from Shaw Brothers, plus the 10 theaters they control, and they could suddenly become the fourth largest theater chain in Hong Kong.

Then they would connect with the film producers in Wan Dao, use Wan Dao's funds to expand their strength in Hong Kong, and make money from both ends, wouldn't it be wonderful?

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

Their wishful thinking failed, and they had to spend money to win over some small theaters.

But in this way, money is spent, but 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 in the form of investment.

The two of them are very close to Bay Island Capital, and they know that although Lin's Pictures is still being targeted by the Liberty Federation on the surface, they already have a tacit understanding behind the scenes.

As long as you get some leather bag companies to operate it, you can easily avoid the restrictions of the Wandao Pseudo Cultural Bureau.

"40 million Hong Kong dollars, 20% equity? Promise to go public within 2 years? Their appetite is not small!"

Lin Chaoyang repeated the investment conditions proposed by Chen and Feng. Although there was a smile on his face, there was a bit of disdain in his tone.

This year has not even ended yet, and Lam's films have already occupied 4 of the top ten box office spots in Xiangjiang. The momentum of development is so strong that it is three points more powerful than New Art City back then.

In less than two years since its establishment, Lam's Pictures' profits have exceeded HK$240 million.

In terms of its ability to attract money, it almost instantly kills most of the listed companies in Hong Kong.

Chen and Feng wanted to invest 40 million in exchange for 20% of the equity of Lam Pictures, which meant that the company was valued at HK$200 million, which was comparable to robbery.

This is why Lin Chaoyang scoffed at Chen and Feng's conditions.

"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 because of Chen and Feng's unreasonable demands. "They think that the theater chain in their hands can help us, and they can also use their strength on the Bay Island."

"If we don't get the theater chain from Shaw Brothers, we can consider their request." Lin Chaoyang said very soberly.

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

Tao Yushu, Chen and Feng naturally stand on the same side when it comes to fighting against Jiahe and Xinyi City.

"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 New Art City, we should cooperate with them.

Only when they become independent will they deal a blow to Princess Jin and then affect Xinyi City. "

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

Lin Chaoyang nodded and said: "Xinyi City has always been fighting internally. If Princess Jin 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", Lam's relationship with New Arts City gradually became antagonistic, and he had less contact with Tsui Hark and John Woo.

If there is turmoil in Xinyi City, it may be a good time to poach someone.

"You are wielding 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, North Point.

Dong Qiao had been informed of the news that he had won the award, so before he left Hong Kong, he had agreed with Dong Qiao to accept an exclusive interview with Ming Pao when he returned.

Last time, in the public opinion offensive against the Liberty Association, the Z faction issues such as "Ta Kung Pao" and "Wen Wei Po" were the main attackers.

"Ming Pao" changed from its past wall-to-wall style and firmly stood on Lin Chaoyang's side and published a wave of propaganda against the Liberty Federation. This indirectly inspired other neutral media to suppress the Liberty Federation.

Lin Chaoyang must repay this favor.

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

Instead, he was taken to the seventh floor by Dong Qiao, "You won the award this time, and you have gained face for the cultural community in Xiangjiang. Mr. Cha was very happy when he said it, and said that he must meet for a meal when you come back."

This is the third meeting between Lin Chaoyang and Jin Yong.

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 his uncle to this day.

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

The first two contacts were both of a courtesy nature, but the difference this time was Jin Yong's initiative.

Jin Yong is not considered one of the top rich men in Hong Kong, but he has both fame, talent and wealth. He also controls media power such as Ming Pao Group, and his status is quite high.

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

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

First, I chatted with Lin Chaoyang about the Renaudeau Literary Award, and then invited Lin Chaoyang to talk.

Lin Chaoyang's chess skills were not very good, and Jin Yong's level was even worse. He was beaten by Lin Chaoyang in two games, and the old comrade surrendered.

"If I were twenty years younger, I could still compete with Lin Sheng in chess, but now I can't!" Jin Yong laughed at himself.

Lin Chaoyang thought he was telling the truth and said a few polite words.

Then the two of them went out to eat again. Jin Yong was polite, not at a big restaurant, but at the Dunhuang Restaurant near North Point. It was less than ten minutes' walk away from the Ming Pao Building.

During the meal, the two of them 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, the dual-track system is running in parallel, fraud is rampant, and coupled with the overheating economy, prices continue to rise."

"The government should take some practical measures."

"Governing a big country is like cooking small dishes. The government naturally understands the problems, but it cannot be one size fits all."

Lin Chaoyang and Jin Yong have different views.

Jin Yong has some advantages as an intellectual, but his shortcomings as a bourgeois are equally obvious.

He and Lin Chaoyang had different political views, and the two of them did not struggle with it. Jin Yong changed the topic to the stock market again.

It has been a month since the stock market crash occurred. The Hang Seng Index fell as a whole by more than 1,500 points. No company was spared. The stock prices of almost all listed companies in Hong Kong were affected to varying degrees.

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

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

Jin Yong listened to Lin Chaoyang's words with a smile. After he finished speaking, he asked: "Is the company that Lin Sheng refers to as a company with risky equity structures and aggressive business strategies referring to Yulang Institution?"

Hearing this, Lin Chaoyang burst into laughter.

It seems that there is really no secret in Xiangjiang.

After joking 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.

"Lin Sheng is so polite. Ming Pao is just reporting based on the facts. Although running a newspaper requires independent viewpoints and attitudes, in many cases we have to look at issues from the perspective of citizens.

The Free Federation has become increasingly domineering in recent years, otherwise they would not have been attacked in such a short period of time last time.

Besides..."

Having said this, Jin Yong smiled at Lin Chaoyang, "Does Lin Sheng not know about my grudges with Boss Luo?"

Lin Chaoyang couldn't help but smile when he heard this. Jin Yong and Luo Bin had conflicts over running newspapers in their early years, so Lin Chaoyang naturally heard about it.

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

"Lin Sheng is so polite!"

Then the two followed the topic and chatted about interesting things in the process of running Ming Pao. Jin Yong sighed: "I can't believe that more than 20 years have passed so quickly, and Ming Pao can survive in such a fierce environment as Xiangjiang." Until now.”

"'Ming Pao' has now become a business card of the Hong Kong newspaper industry. Mr. Zha deserves the most credit. Didn't you just say that the newspaper company is going to be listed?"

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

His words were full of lamentation, with a kind of sadness of a hero in his twilight years.

Jin Yong is now over sixty, and both his body and energy are not as good as before, and it is normal to feel tired.

Lin Chaoyang's heart moved when he looked at him, but he did not show any emotion. He suppressed his thoughts and continued to chat and laugh with Jin Yong.

After lunch, the two returned to Ming Pao Building.

After I finished the interview with Ming Pao, it was already past three in the afternoon.

Back at Jiahui Garden, Lin Chaoyang found that there was an extra package sent from Japan at home.

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

So far, Lin Chaoyang has published 4 novels in Japan, in addition to "Crossing Guandong" and "The Truman Show" published last year.

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

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

The package was sent by Kitamura Miyu. Lin Chaoyang won the Renaudot Literature Prize a few days ago, and Kawade Shobo immediately gave new waistbands to the 4 novels on sale.

However, the new waistbands of the 4 novels are slightly different.

The waistband of the Japanese version of "The Truman Show" reads: "Fransu No Lunarod Literature Prize Award-winning work (French Renaudot Literature Prize winner)".

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

Lin Chaoyang doesn't believe that changing the new waistband will have a big impact on sales.

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

But no matter what, this is an active marketing method for the publisher, and it should be praised.

The reason why Kawade Shobo is willing to spend so much effort is, of course, because it has tasted the sweetness of Lin Chaoyang.

"Crossing Guandong" has been published in Japan for more than a year and a half, and the sales have exceeded 250,000 copies. As Lin Chaoyang's first work published by a Japanese publisher, it is already very good to have such a result.

"The Truman Show" has been published for exactly one year. Because of the popularity of the movie and Lin Chaoyang already has a small group of readers in Japan, the sales performance is much better than "Crossing Guandong", and 220,000 copies have been sold in one year.

In addition, there are "The Ferry" published in March and "Shutter Island" published in May.

The sales of the two novels are better than each other. "Shutter Island" sold 130,000 copies in half a year, and "The Ferry" is even more exaggerated. It has been published for 8 months and the sales have reached 200,000 copies.

A closer look at the popularity of these two novels shows that it is related to Lin Chaoyang's growing fame among Japanese literature enthusiasts.

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

The suspenseful atmosphere of "Shutter Island" is naturally popular in Japan, which loves suspense and mystery novels.

The popularity of "The Ferry" is based on its unique oriental Zen and artistic conception, which is extremely in line with the reading tastes of young literary people in small books.

According to Kitamura Miyu, after the publication of "The Ferry" in Japan, it was highly praised by readers and has many fans.

The four novels published in Japan in two years have achieved impressive sales results, which is undoubtedly an unexpected surprise for Kawade Shobo.

The sales of these books have brought Kawade Shobo more than 1.8 billion yen in sales, although this number is not as good as those of first-tier best-selling authors.

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

Because of the popularity of his works in Japan, the amount of royalties Lin Chaoyang received from Hechu Shufang has been increasing over the past two years, totaling to 1.8 million US dollars, which is about 14 million Hong Kong dollars in Hong Kong dollars.

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

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

Lin Chaoyang followed suit 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 70 million, what's wrong?"

In the first two months, Lin first got Shaw's cinema chain, and then invested in several joint ventures and shell companies to make new films, and the funds were spent like water.

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

"Nothing, I'll tell you in a few days."

Lin Chaoyang kept it a 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 Plantation Road.

The Jiahui Garden where they live now can be regarded as a luxury house in the eyes of ordinary Hong Kong people, but compared with the real mid-level luxury house like No. 46 Plantation Road, it is a small witch compared to a big witch.

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

But if you want to say the rarest and most prominent one, you still have to look at the luxury houses on the Peak.

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

Standing on the top of the Peak and looking down, you will feel the momentum of "looking down on all the mountains", so this place naturally became the most precious luxury house in Hong Kong.

Zhuang Zhongwen, who can live here, is naturally an extraordinary person. In the 1930s, he went to Singapore alone to develop his career. After he had a small business, he moved to Hong Kong in 1947 and founded companies such as Hong Kong Wei Li Factory and Zhuang Shi Tableware Factory.

In more than ten years, Zhuang Zhongwen became the "tableware king" of Hong Kong with his expertise in the tableware industry, and his company's products sold well in many countries around the world.

By 1971, Zhuang Zhongwen integrated his companies into Zhuang Shi Tableware (Group) Company and successfully listed in Hong Kong.

In the following ten years, Zhuang Zhongwen attacked all over again, and his industries spanned textiles, electronics, real estate and other fields, all of which achieved good results, and his personal value also rose.

Unfortunately, around 1980, Xiangjiang Real Estate was in decline due to the Sino-British Joint Declaration. Zhuangshi Group's real estate business was affected, causing Zhuang Chongwen to suffer heavy losses.

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

"Zhuang Sheng, I see you again. This is Zhuo Jing Tao Yushu!"

Lin Chaoyang did not expect that Zhuang Chongwen would stand at the entrance of the courtyard to greet him. He quickly took two steps forward and took the initiative to say hello to Zhuang Chongwen.

"Lin Sheng, long time no see!"

"Lin Taiying is so arrogant, no wonder he can create a world in such a short period of time!"

Zhuang Chongwen held Lin Chaoyang's hand and exchanged polite words with Tao Yushu, with a smile on his face and an amiable attitude.

"Zhuang Sheng deserves the prize!"

"This is Zhuo Jing Liang Jiao Zhen." Zhuang Zhongwen introduced his wife to Lin Chaoyang and his wife.

After exchanging a few words, they were led into the courtyard with a solemn message.

There are only four garden houses at No. 46 Plantation Road, standing side by side. Each house is three stories high and has a usable area of ​​more than 4,000 square feet. It also has a private swimming pool and private garden, so it goes without saying that it is luxurious.

The couple came to the living room and sat down, and the servant at home asked and brought drinks.

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

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

Zhuang Zhongwen joked: "When I watched Lin Sheng at the time, I just felt young. When I watch it again four years later, I'm still so young."

"Zhuang Sheng, you are also in good spirits and will continue to grow stronger!"

"Haha! I'm getting older. I'm over seventy. I almost need help when walking. I remember when I participated in the protest march against the May 3rd massacre, I was at the front."

Zhuang Chongwen 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 3rd massacre, and he also organized a boycott of Japanese goods.

Lin Chaoyang had heard him talk about this past event when they met four years ago. As people get older, they always like to talk about how brave they were in the past. Lin Chaoyang echoed a few words, and the atmosphere was harmonious.

"This time Lin Sheng won the award overseas, it not only brought glory to Hong Kong, but also brought glory to all our people!"

When talking about Lin Chaoyang winning the award, Zhuang Zhongwen looked full of admiration and specifically asked Lin Chaoyang some details about the Renaudeau Literature Award.

After listening to Lin Chaoyang's words, Zhuang Zhongwen sighed with emotion: "I have been dealing with ghost guys for decades, and my biggest feeling is that if the country is weak, it will be bullied outside."

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

"That's right! That's why Lin Sheng's award is all the more precious. You get the award from the ghosts on their territory. I heard that you are the first foreigner to win this award?"

"Yes. My book "The Truman Show" was published in France last year, so I had the opportunity to win such an award."

Zhuang Zhongwen praised Lin Chaoyang a few more words, and his admiration was beyond words.

"I really envy you writers! I listened to Mr. Lu Xun's speeches when I was young, and the words are still in my ears now."

This is the old almanac again, but Lin Chaoyang still listens patiently and adds another sentence from time to time.

"Actually, I have had an idea for so many years."

"What's the idea?"

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

When he said this, Zhuang Zhongwen's old face showed a rare hint of shyness.

Lin Chaoyang said with a smile: "Mr. Zhuang is enthusiastic about literature, which is a good thing."

Zhuang Zhongwen's eyes lit up when he heard this.

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

"No, no, no!" Zhuang Zhongwen waved his hand quickly, "It is to be established in the mainland."

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

His approval made Zhuang Zhongwen feel happy, "I feel relieved if I have Lin Sheng. I was thinking that Lin Sheng is a mainlander himself and has connections in the mainland literary circles. Can I ask Lin Sheng to help me with this matter?" "

"Zhuang Sheng has defeated Lin! Your willingness to generously donate your money to establish literary awards in the mainland is a great deed of great merit.

It would be my honor if I could contribute a small amount. "

Lin Chaoyang now understood why Zhuang Chongwen invited him to dinner. It was just to be a smooth favor.

Zhuang Chongwen will pay for the establishment of literary awards in the mainland. No matter who comes forward to contact him, the reputation and hidden benefits brought to him will not be reduced.

Lin Chaoyang, the contact person, will also receive official attention and praise. His easy favor is in line with the character of Zhuang Zhongwen, a businessman.

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

Seeing his sincere expression, Lin Chaoyang asked Zhuang Chongwen carefully about his thoughts on the literary award.

Awards cannot be accomplished by relying on one's own strength, even if Zhuang Chongwen is a rich man, and Zhuang Chongwen also understands this truth.

When Lin Chaoyang asked how much bonus he planned to set up for the award, Zhuang Chongwen hesitated and said: "How about 200,000 yuan per year?"

"Hmm~"

Lin Chaoyang's hesitation was just because he had forgotten how much the prize money was when the Zhuang Chongwen Literature Prize was established in later generations, and he was just reminiscing.

Zhuang Chongwen thought he thought the bonus was too small, so he thought about it and raised the standard.

"Then 300,000."

When Zhuang Chongwen called out the 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 250,000 yuan in royalties, but Zhuang Zhongwen is now talking about 300,000 yuan per year!

This number is enough to kill many literary awards in 30 years.

Speaking of the Zhuang Zhongwen Literature Prize, it is considered a well-known literary award in China in later generations.

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

The reason is inseparable from the confusion at the beginning of the establishment of the award.

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

Instead, it was awarded to several publications and a group of students studying in the writer's student class.

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

If it is said that it rewards potential writers, this statement barely makes sense.

But the problem is that there are many potential seedlings, how much can a literary award reward?

The purpose of the award itself is to select outstanding writers and works to inspire the majority of writers. This is completely putting the cart before the horse.

If you can't select outstanding writers and works, there will naturally be no media attention, so how can you be famous?

Zhuang Zhongwen spends 300,000 yuan a year, which is almost an astronomical figure for the domestic writers circle of this era.

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

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

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

Lin Chaoyang said sincerely: "It's enough, it's enough. Mr. Zhuang, you should also know something about the prices in the mainland. If this news spreads to the mainland, it will definitely cause a sensation in the literary world!"