Literary Master 1978

Zhuang Chongwen was a passionate young man when he was young. When he was in school, he once took a boat across the sea to Xiamen University in order to listen to Mr. Lu Xun's speeches.

Also influenced by Mr. Lu Xun, in order to clarify his ambition, he changed his name from "Birong" to "Chongwen".

As early as the beginning of reform and opening up, he became one of the first batch of Hong Kong businessmen to invest and build factories in the mainland, and therefore became a guest of the government.

With this honor, Zhuang Chongwen actually has very deep connections in the mainland.

But when he wanted to establish a literary award, he still wanted to leave the matter in the hands of someone he could trust.

Just at this time, the news came that Lin Chaoyang had won an award overseas. He was from the mainland, had outstanding culture, and lived in Hong Kong. With these three characteristics combined in him, Zhuang Zhongwen felt that there was no one more suitable to handle this award than Lin Chaoyang.

By the way, he could also sell favors to Lin Chaoyang, which was really a good thing that killed two birds with one stone.

“In the past few years, there have been an endless stream of literary awards in our mainland. Most of them are based on selected works, and they are usually ‘winner’ rather than ‘best’.

I wonder what Mr. Zhuang’s vision for this award is? "

"I don't know much about this aspect. I remember that Lin Sheng has won many awards in the mainland. What do you think?"

To be entrusted by others is to be loyal to them.

Seeing that Zhuang Chongwen didn't know much about award evaluation, Lin Chaoyang gave him a detailed introduction to some of the current domestic literary awards.

“Among the mainland literary awards today, the most well-known and authoritative is undoubtedly the Mao Dun Literary Award.

This award is evaluated every three years, with novels submitted first by literary associations, publishing organizations, and cultural units across the country..."

After listening to Lin Chaoyang introduce the situation of literary awards in the Mainland like a treasure trove, Zhuang Zhongwen couldn't help but nod.

“In my opinion, the Mao Dun Literary Award and the National Outstanding Short Story Award are authoritative enough, but the arbitrary setting of award quotas has greatly weakened the scarcity of the awards;

However, awards set up by publications such as the Contemporary Literature Award and the October Literature Award mostly reward works published by their own publications, and they have obvious limitations.

Both have shortcomings. "

Zhuang Zhongwen asked: "In Lin Sheng's opinion, what should we do with this award?"

“Chinese people say that there is no best in literature, but the award itself is utilitarian.

If you always look forward and backward, taking care of this and that, you will not be able to win awards. This is a game, a competition.

The current domestic awards give priority to 'fame', but with the continuous evolution of economic development and social atmosphere, I am afraid that the effect will become worse and worse if it continues this way.

The establishment and selection of awards should still be "inhumane". If we want to do it, we must judge the best and reward heavily.

Only by gaining fame and fortune can most literary creators be inspired, and it can also attract media reports and readers' attention. "

Hearing this, Zhuang Zhongwen nodded sincerely, glad that he had chosen the right person.

He does not hesitate to spend a lot of money, and of course he hopes that the impact of the award will be as big as possible.

"Looking at the internationally renowned literary awards, most of them are novel awards, but in the field of novel awards in the mainland, there is already the Mao Dun Literary Award.

If Mr. Zhuang wants to hold an award, he might as well make the award bigger and include the literary genres of long, medium and short stories to make differentiation. "

Zhuang Chongwen was moved by Lin Chaoyang's "differentiation". He thought from the perspective of a businessman and highly recognized Lin Chaoyang's thinking.

He asked excitedly: "If we do this, the workload will be huge, right?"

"Of course. Zhuang Sheng should understand that this kind of thing must have the support of the Cultural Association. However, if the Cultural Association is too involved, it can easily become a pig. I think we can mobilize some other forces."

"for example?"

"For example, college students."

"College student?"

After hearing what Lin Chaoyang said, Zhuang Zhongwen looked puzzled.

Lin Chaoyang smiled and said: "Mr. Zhuang, don't underestimate college students. They are educated, energetic and aesthetic. They may not be as good as those senior people in some professional fields, but in terms of average quality, they are definitely the best in this country." An outstanding presence.”

“My idea is that we can attract literary groups from some well-known universities in the country to serve as preliminary judges.

They are responsible for the nomination and preliminary selection, and then ask the Literary and Art Association to organize a review team composed of editors, critics and writers to conduct the final review and determine the best work in each individual category.

The best works in the three categories of novel, novella and short story will share a prize of 300,000 yuan. Each individual prize is 100,000 yuan. This amount of prize money is unprecedented among domestic awards and will definitely produce miraculous results. "

Lin Chaoyang's words were not without purpose. In 1995, "Everyone" magazine wanted to hold a literary award, so it asked the Honghe Cigarette Factory to sponsor and established a "Everyone Honghe Literary Award" with a bonus of 100,000 yuan.

As soon as the news came out, it immediately caused a sensation in the domestic literary circles and attracted huge attention.

"Everyone Honghe Literature Award" overnight became a well-known literary award in the domestic literary circle and readers.

It is now 1987, and the value of the 300,000 yuan bonus of the Zhuang Chongwen Literature Award is definitely much higher than that of the Honghe Literature Award.

Zhuang Chongwen digested Lin Chaoyang's idea in his heart and felt that it was indeed feasible.

"What Lin Sheng said makes sense, so let's follow this idea."

The work required to prepare for a literary award is very large and complicated. Lin Chaoyang and Zhuang Chongwen chatted while eating, and did not leave the dealer until after seven o'clock in the evening.

Before leaving, Lin Chaoyang and Zhuang Chongwen agreed that he would first contact the mainland to promote the preparatory framework and some specific processes and rules for the award, and then ask Zhuang Chongwen to come forward to set the tone.

No. 46 Plantation Road is not far from Jiahui Garden, and Lin Chaoyang and his wife took a stroll under the moonlight.

"I see you are very happy to participate in Mr. Zhuang's award evaluation." Tao Yushu asked.

"Although it may be a bit utilitarian to say this, Mr. Zhuang's generosity is indeed good for domestic literary awards.

At least it can inspire a large number of writers and attract the attention of many readers. Isn't this a contribution to the development of literature? "

Tao Yushu asked with a smile: "Actually, we also have money. If you want to do it, we can also do it."

Lin Chaoyang immediately shook his head firmly, "It's different."

"Mr. Zhuang is a patriotic businessman with high moral standards. He uses his name to establish literary awards. Even if some people complain about it, it will not have any impact.

I'm not even thirty yet, so if I get involved in award judging, I'm bound to make a fuss all over the city.

In China, no one talks about seniority, but everyone knows it, so why should I ask for trouble?

Mr. Zhuang trusts me, and I can use his hand to do the awards. Anyway, it is good for the development of domestic literature. "

Listening to Lin Chaoyang's words, Tao Yushu realized that he had already thought about it so carefully.

The next morning, Lin Chaoyang contacted Wang Meng by phone and told him that Zhuang Chongwen wanted to donate money to establish a literary award.

Wang Meng was very happy when he first heard it, but when he listened, he felt something was wrong.

"Chaoyang, can Mr. Zhuang think about the award in such detail?"

"What do you mean?"

"I'm afraid this was your idea?"

"Don't worry about whether it was my idea or not. Mr. Zhuang donates 300,000 yuan every year to such a literary award, which is absolutely unprecedented in China. Of course, people should be more cautious.

Today’s award evaluations often select a large number of award-winning works, which will only continue to reduce the value of the awards..."

Wang Meng teased: "It's as if you didn't have it back then. You kid is just crossing the river and demolishing the bridge, unloading the mill and killing the donkey!"

"Hey, if you want to say that, then I'll find a local literary association to cooperate! I think the Shanghai Cultural Association is good."

Wang Meng was anxious, "You are relying on foreigners to respect yourself."

"Lao Wang, pay attention to unity, Mr. Zhuang is a patriotic Hong Kong businessman!"

After joking for a few words, Lin Chaoyang said seriously: "This matter is indeed my idea. Please listen to me."

"Old Wang, when the Literary and Art Association used to organize awards, it always felt that diversity and comprehensiveness should be maintained. One review would award a bunch of works.

I can't say that this idea is wrong, but have you ever thought about the role of awards?

Guiding and inspiring creation, promoting and promoting cultural prosperity, that’s all, right?

Some people may think that it is always a good thing to reward a few more people. This is what our literary and art circles have always done.

But have you ever thought about the difference between rewarding 5 people and rewarding 1 person for a literary community as large as ours?

No matter how many objects are rewarded, only the few winners will be affected.

If things go on like this, it will inevitably become pork. The meat will rot in the pot anyway, so who is pursuing excellence?

But the more important thing about the awards is that it should not only lead and encourage more creators?

Can it be the same thing if there are thirty award places a year and a bonus of 10,000 yuan per person and three award places a year and a bonus of 100,000 yuan per person?

Have you ever seen any foreign literary award that selects several or a dozen winners at a time?

Why did the Nobel Prize stand out among so many foreign awards in the first place?

Isn't the most important thing because of his generous bonus? "

Lin Chaoyang's tone was calm, but every word was sonorous and powerful. In the final analysis, he did not think that the current award evaluation was not good, but that we could obviously do better.

"Chaoyang, I understand your thoughts, but..."

Wang Meng listened to his words and tried to say something, but was interrupted by Lin Chaoyang.

"Old Wang, you still don't understand.

If you insist on saying that I am burning bridges, then I will have no choice but to admit this crime.

I do this for two reasons.

First, Mr. Zhuang’s hundreds of thousands of RMB a year cannot be used to share pork, otherwise it would be a huge waste.

Second, this number is huge. If done properly, we can add an award to our literary world that is as famous as the Mao Dun Literary Award, or even more influential than the Mao Dun Literary Award.

For our literary community, writers, readers... from every angle, this is a good thing.

Best rating! Great rewards!

This is what I said to Mr. Zhuang, and it is also the criterion for this award.

Only in this way can it maintain long-term vitality. "

After saying what was in his heart, Lin Chaoyang finally stopped, and both ends of the phone were silent.

After a while, Wang Meng said quietly: "After saying so much, you just don't like our literary association."

Lin Chaoyang said depressedly: "Don't blame me! If I don't like the Literary and Art Association, how can I still come to you?"

"You came to me because this matter can't be bypassed by the Literary and Art Association, but you figured out that I'm easy to talk to, and you wanted me to charge into the battle for you."

After Wang Meng exposed his thoughts, Lin Chaoyang blushed and his words became less powerful.

"I'm not mainly considering your high moral character..."

Wang Meng is an old fox, how could she be fooled by Lin Chaoyang's sweet words? Seeing that flattery didn't work, Lin Chaoyang had to say:

"Give the power of nomination and preliminary review to the majority of college students, and you can save some energy in the Literary Association.

Isn't the power of final review still in your Literary Association?

It's just that you are not allowed to judge so many awards. Why is it like asking for your life?"

Lin Chaoyang's words hit Wang Meng's lungs. He didn't speak for a while, and sighed helplessly: "There are some things you don't understand."

"I just understand too well!"

Lin Chaoyang said impatiently, "300,000 a year, can it be done? If not, I'll find someone else."

Wang Meng wanted to scold Lin Chaoyang, but he couldn't bear to give up Zhuang Zhongwen's 300,000 yuan bonus. The Literary Association has always been a poor government office!

If Lin Chaoyang is really annoyed, he will go to a local literary association or a well-known publication to organize the award, which will be a joke.

"You are making me offend someone!"

Wang Meng tried to get a favor, but Lin Chaoyang didn't take his cue.

"You are old, and you have never offended anyone. Then you will just muddle through your life?"

There was silence on the phone again, and after a moment, Wang Meng's tone was melancholy.

"Okay, I will discuss it in a meeting these two days. I will discuss it with you when I have the news. You have to come back by then."

"Thank you for your hard work, Comrade Wang!"

"Hypocritical!"

Wang Meng hung up the phone with a curse, and Lin Chaoyang touched his nose. The old comrade did not manage his emotions well!

Another day later, Lin Chaoyang walked into Lan Fong Garden in the alley of Central.

Lan Fong Yuen was still bustling in the afternoon. When the waiter Ah Ye saw Lin Chaoyang, he was surprised and said, "Huh? Mr. Lin!"

Lin Chaoyang smiled at Ah Ye, "One French toast and one cup of milk tea."

"Same as always, OK!"

After a while, Ah Ye came over with the food and put it on the table.

Lin Chaoyang was about to ask a question when he saw the extra piglet buns, but Ah Ye smiled and said, "I treated you. Mr. Lin has brought honor to us Hong Kong people!"

Not only was Ah Ye enthusiastic, but since Lin Chaoyang walked into Lan Fong Yuen, many diners recognized his face.

In the past two or three years, Lin Chaoyang's face has appeared in newspapers from time to time. A few days ago, the news media reported on his award one after another. His face has long been known to many Hong Kong people.

"Thank you."

Lin Chaoyang accepted Ah Ye's kindness with a smile without being polite.

Then he sat there and tasted the delicious food at ease, not paying too much attention to the eyes of the people around him.

Hong Kong is a small city, and it is not uncommon to see stars and celebrities when going out, so no one is excited.

After staying for more than ten minutes, a man wearing gold-rimmed glasses walked into Lan Fong Yuen.

He was wearing a high-end custom suit and his hair was combed meticulously, which was out of tune with the atmosphere of Lan Fong Yuen. He glanced around the store and accurately found the person he wanted to see.

"Mr. Lin!"

"Mr. Liang, sit down!"

Lin Chaoyang's relaxation surprised Liang Botao. After he sat down, he did not rush to speak, but ordered some food like Lin Chaoyang.

The two sat there, eating and chatting.

When they were almost done eating, Lin Chaoyang wiped his mouth with a tissue, and Liang Botao immediately put down the fork in his hand, knowing that Lin Chaoyang was finally going to talk about business.

"I heard that Mr. Liang is going to start his own business recently?"

"Mr. Lin is well-informed and does have this plan."

Lin Chaoyang chuckled and said, "Mr. Liang is joking. It's not that I am well-informed, but your reputation is too great."

Liang Botao is only in his early thirties this year. He graduated from the University of Toronto in Canada in 1980.

After returning to Hong Kong, he joined the corporate finance department of the company and worked with Yuan Tianfan for the listing of International Cities under Li Ka-shing. He also met Li Ka-shing.

In 1985, he switched to Citibank and arranged rights issues for Li Ka-shing's four major listed companies, Cheung Kong, Hutchison Whampoa, Hong Kong Electric and Carrefour, raising more than 10 billion Hong Kong dollars to help Li Ka-shing expand overseas markets.

Citibank is the Citibank known to Chinese people in later generations. The Hong Kong people's translation of Citibank as "Citibank" continued until after 2000.

In just seven years, Liang Botao became a leader among the young generation of investment bankers in the Hong Kong banking industry.

In addition to the support of Li Ka-shing, the more important thing is Liang Botao's personal ability.

One of the securities companies that Lin Chaoyang had previously borrowed securities from was Citibank Hong Kong, so he got to know Liang Botao.

He also knew that he was about to leave Citibank and co-found an investment company with his boss Du Huilian.

"Mr. Liang's company is about to open. Do you mind doing a small business?"

Liang Botao was delighted when he heard this. Although he had expected it when Lin Chaoyang contacted him, he was still happy when he heard such a certain word.

It's a good sign that there is business coming to the company before it opens.

"It's my honor that Mr. Lin can take care of our business. No wonder I got a green light all the way when I went out today. It turned out that it was a magpie that came to my door."

Liang Botao showed appropriate joy, which was both sincere and respectful to Lin Chaoyang as a client.

"Do you know Yulang Organization?" Lin Chaoyang asked.

A gleam of light flashed in Liang Botao's eyes, "Yulang Agency? I know a little bit about it."

"Tell me about it."

"Yulang Agency has recently suspended trading. Before the suspension, its market value was less than 300 million. I estimate that the stock price will fall further after the resumption.

Huang Yulang suffered heavy losses from futures investment, and it is said that the loss has reached 300 million.

The company was ordered to suspend trading by the Hong Kong Stock Exchange a few days ago, which was just the beginning. Huang Yulang did not comply with the listed company code of conduct many times in the past year and concealed it.

This kind of thing is not a big deal when the company's stock price is rising, but judging from the current market environment and the situation of Yulang Agency, it may bring disaster to the company."

"Disaster?" Lin Chaoyang pretended to be surprised, "Is it that serious? Heavy? "

"Of course. When Yulang Institution went public, Huang Yulang held 75% of the company's shares and had absolute control.

But over the past year, he has sold and mortgaged shares many times without telling shareholders and stockholders, and only 36.4% of the shares are left in his hands, and he has lost absolute control of the company.

The remaining shares are either in the secondary market or in the hands of securities companies, and these shares exceed 60% of the total share capital.

Moreover, Huang Yulang has suffered heavy losses in futures speculation and is heavily in foreign debt. He now has to borrow money, sell company assets and stocks illegally, or mortgage equity.

If someone wants to acquire Yulang Institution, this will be the best time. "

When saying these words, Liang Botao's eyes were fixed on Lin Chaoyang's face.

"Then in Mr. Liang's opinion, how much money would it cost to acquire Yulang?"

Finally hearing the word "acquisition" from Lin Chaoyang, Liang Botao's heart skipped a beat. He suppressed his joy and said, "Does Mr. Lin want a full acquisition or..."

Lin Chaoyang shook his head, "The cost of a full acquisition is too high. It would be enough to get more than 50% of the equity."

Liang Botao did not answer immediately, but showed a thoughtful look, and his fingers unconsciously tapped on the table.

"200 million, conservative estimate."

The current market value of Yulang is less than 300 million. If the stock price falls further in the future, theoretically, Lin Chaoyang may only need a little over 100 million to get 50% of the absolute control of Yulang.

But the funds required to acquire a listed company are generally greater than the company's current market value, and this "greater than" has no upper limit, only depends on the financial resources of both parties.

Once the acquirer holds more than 5% of the shares, triggering a tender offer, it will have to be disclosed to the public, and the acquired party will naturally not sit idly by.

When both parties scramble for shares, the stock price is bound to rise all the way. At that time, whether it is through shareholders or the secondary market, it will cost more.

So the theory is only theory, and the number Liang Botao gave is not much.

Lin Chaoyang hesitated for a moment and said to Liang Botao: "If I can provide 200 million funds and hand this matter over to Mr. Liang, how confident is Mr. Liang?"

"Can Mr. Lin help?"

Lin Chaoyang shook his head.

It is true that he knows Zhuang Zhongwen and Jin Yong, but the relationship is not yet to the point where he can help in the acquisition battle.

"70%." Liang Botao looked sincere.

Seeing that Lin Chaoyang looked noncommittal, Liang Botao explained: "Once the acquisition begins, there will inevitably be unexpected things."

"And Huang Yulang is a stubborn person. Even if he is not capable after the acquisition begins, he will definitely struggle to the death. If Mr. Lin can have more funds, the confidence may be greater."

"I understand, 70% is already a lot." Lin Chaoyang said.

Liang Botao added: "In fact, his personality has both advantages and disadvantages for this acquisition. The disadvantage is that it increases the difficulty of the acquisition, and the advantage is that it also reduces our risk of loss."

Lin Chaoyang understood Liang Botao's meaning. In order to ensure control of the company, Huang Yulang had to raise funds to expand his equity.

Even if the acquisition fails, as long as the operation is proper, Lin Chaoyang can also make a lot of money by using the stock price difference.

"Then this matter will be handed over to Mr. Liang!"

Lin Chaoyang stood up and stretched out his hand to Liang Botao.

Although Liang Botao has handled more than 10 billion yuan in funds since he started working and assisted in many listings and acquisitions, it is the first time for him to start a company and host an acquisition battle.

He stood up with some excitement and also held Lin Chaoyang's hand, "I will not let Mr. Lin down!"

Lin Chaoyang patted his shoulder with his other hand, and the two looked at each other, and everything was said without words.

Tao Yushu didn't return home until after 8 o'clock in the evening. Lin Chaoyang asked Tao Yumo and A Di to look after the two children and took her to the restaurant for dinner.

"You are the boss, not an employee. If you get off work so late every day, not only will the people below you be stressed, but you will also easily wear down your body."

Tao Yushu said indifferently: "In the company, there is no wind or rain, so what's the hard work. It doesn't matter if the people below are stressed. If they are paid, they will work hard."

"Then don't you think about the children and me? I only see you for two or three hours every night."

Tao Yushu turned his head and looked at the two little ones, "They have Yumo, you..."

Lin Chaoyang hurriedly said: "I have you, so you have to go home early!"

Tao Yushu chuckled, "I don't see you so diligent at ordinary times."

"Isn't it because I am afraid that it will delay your career development?"

"Don't be sarcastic, you asked me to do business in the first place."

"Yes, yes, a good wife holds up the family." Lin Chaoyang smiled, and then said to Tao Yushu: "Seeing you work so hard, I have a gift for you."

"What gift?" Tao Yushu asked casually while picking up the dishes.

"Didn't I tell you before that the film business has great limitations. If Lin wants to grow and develop, it must develop horizontally and extend its tentacles to every corner of the cultural industry."

"Yeah, that's right. What's wrong? Do you have any good ideas?"

"I've chosen a company. Does Yulang know about it?"

"Nonsense. They control most of the comics market in Hong Kong. How could I not know?"

"How about we buy it?"

"What to buy? They are listed companies, much larger than ours." Tao Yushu looked at her husband with strange eyes, feeling that he was talking nonsense.

"Take my pocket money!"

Lin Chaoyang's tone seemed to be a matter of course.

Tao Yushu couldn't help laughing, and reached out to touch his forehead again.

"Don't be so frivolous, I'm talking to you about business." Lin Chaoyang's expression became serious.

"I know you have a lot of royalties, but that's for acquiring a listed company, and it doesn't require 10 or 20 million, but requires funds in the hundreds of millions."

Lin Chaoyang looked at her helplessly, "Do you think I don't know anything?"

"Then why are you saying these things?"

"Then do you know how much pocket money I have?"

Tao Yushu guessed that Lin Chaoyang's royalties had not moved much in the past year, so it must be at least 20 million Hong Kong dollars.

"30 million?" She made a bold assumption.

"Guess again."

Tao Yushu looked suspicious, "40 million?"

"Guess again!"

Tao Yushu felt that Lin Chaoyang was teasing her, and said casually: "60 million."

"Guess again!"

She began to talk nonsense, "100 million."

"Guess again!"

Tao Yushu stopped guessing and stood up to clean up the dishes.

Lin Chaoyang grabbed her hand, "Okay, no need to guess, I'll tell you."

Tao Yushu stood still and looked at his serious look with amusement.

"130 million!"