Chapter 494 Zhuang Chongwen Literary Award
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. Tao Yushu said with a smile: "You are now the 'Light of Hong Kong'!"
"Yu Mo told me, it's all The media hype 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 literary and artistic films can do.
The box office of "The Supremes" did not meet psychological expectations. Wang Jing was a little depressed, so he focused all his energy on the God of Gamblers trilogy.
Of these three movies, including several new films recently released by Lin's Pictures, only one is produced under the name of Lin's Pictures.
The rest are in the names of joint ventures or leather goods companies such as Metropolis Pictures, Starlight Pictures, Classic Pictures, Sky Pictures, etc., to facilitate export to Bay Island in the future.
Then Tao Yushu talked about her meeting with Chen Rongmei and Feng Bingzhong tonight.
In the past few 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 get the 10 theater chains from Shaw Brothers, plus the 10 theater chains they control, and they could suddenly become the fourth largest theater chain in Hong Kong.
Then they will contact the film producers in Wan Dao and use Wan Dao's funds to expand their strength in Hong Kong, making money from both ends. Wouldn't it be wonderful?
Unexpectedly, the two of them found that Shaw Brothers’ last theater resources were 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. 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 already occupy 4 of the top ten box office spots in Hong Kong. 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 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 want to invest 40 million in exchange for 20% of the equity of Lam Pictures, which means that the company is valued at 200 million Hong Kong dollars, which is comparable to robbery.
This is why Lin Chaoyang scoffed at Chen and Feng's conditions.
“They don’t think that they can do whatever they want just because they control a few theaters, right?”
Tao Yushu’s face was relaxed and he was not angry because of Chen and Feng’s unreasonable demands. “They I think in hand The theater chain can help us, and they can also use their strength on the Bay Island side."
"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 is safer to go the joint venture route."
"And, even if it's just for We should also cooperate with them to weaken and attack Xinyi City.
Only when they become independent will they attack Princess Jin and then affect Xinyi City. ”
After such a long time. With extensive 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 contact Xu again." Tsui Hark and John Woo."
After the success of "A Better Tomorrow", the relationship between Lin and New Arts City gradually became antagonistic, and the contact with Tsui Hark and John Woo became less and less.
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 just give them one more choice."
Tao Yushu's tone was indifferent, 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.
The news of his winning the award had been informed to Dong Qiao a long time ago, so before he left Xiangjiang, he had agreed with Dong Qiao to accept an exclusive interview with Ming Pao when he came back.
In the last public opinion offensive against the Liberty Federation, 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 return 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.
But Dong Qiao took him to the seventh floor, "You won the award this time, and you have given face to the cultural community in Xiangjiang. Mr. Cha was very happy when he said it, and said that he must meet you 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 the Guandong" in Hong Kong.
The first two contacts were both of a courtesy nature. 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 the changes in Lin Chaoyang's 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 high, 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.
While eating, 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 the economy Overheating, 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 is impossible to solve all problems."
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 is immune. The stock prices of almost all listed companies in Hong Kong have been 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 those who are most affected by the stock market crash are those with risky equity structures and business strategies. A radical company."
Jin Yong listened to Lin Chaoyang with a smile. After he finished speaking, he asked: "The company that Lin Sheng refers to with a risky equity structure and radical business strategy refers to Yulang Institution. "
Hearing this, Lin Chaoyang laughed dumbly.
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.
"Sheng Lin is too polite. "Ming Pao" is just reporting based on the facts. Although running a newspaper requires an independent point of view and attitude, in many cases we have to look at issues from the perspective of citizens.
The Free Association has become increasingly domineering in recent years, demanding Otherwise, they wouldn't have been attacked in such a short period of time last time.
Besides..."
At this point, Jin Yong smiled at Lin Chaoyang, "Lin. Don’t you know about the grudge between me and Boss Luo?”
Lin Chaoyang couldn't help but smile when he heard this. Jin Yong and Luo Bin had a disagreement 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.
"Sheng Lin 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 people have passed by in a blink of an eye. Years have passed, and "Ming Pao" has been able to survive in such a fierce environment in Hong Kong until now."
"Ming Pao has now become a business card of the Hong Kong newspaper industry, and Mr. Cha deserves the greatest 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 the sadness of a hero dying in his twilight years.
Jin Yong is now over sixty, and his body and energy are not as good as before, and it is normal to feel tired.
Lin Chaoyang looked at his expression but his heart moved, 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 published in Japan.
So far, Lin Chaoyang has had 4 novels published in Japan, in addition to "Enter Guandong" and "The Truman Show" published last year.
In the first half of this year, Kawade Shobo also published "Shutter Island" and "The Story of a Boat Ferry".
The publishing contract for "Chess Master" was signed before, but it has been several months and there has been no movement.
The package was sent by Kitamura Mihiro. Lin Chaoyang won the Renault Literary Award a few days ago. Kawade Shobo immediately issued new waistbands for the four novels on sale.
However, the new girdle of the four novels are slightly different.
The waistband of the Japanese version of "The Truman Show" reads: "Florence Literary Award-winning work (France's Lenaudeau Literary Award-winning work)".
What is written on the waistbands of the other three works is: "The masterpiece of the winner of the French Renaudeau Literary Prize".
Lin Chaoyang didn't believe how much impact a new girdle would have on sales.
The Renaudeau Literature Prize is different from the Nobel Prize for Literature. Its influence is much worse outside of Europe.
But no matter what, this is considered a positive marketing method by Renjia Publishing House and should be praised. The reason why Hede Study Room was willing to put in so much effort was of course because he had tasted the sweetness of Lin Chaoyang.
"Crossing the Guandong" has been published in Japan for more than a year and a half, and has sold more than 250,000 copies. As Lin Chaoyang's first work from a Japanese publishing house, it has achieved such results Very good.
"The Truman Show" was published exactly one year ago. 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 "The Truman Show", which was sold within one year. 220,000 copies.
The other ones are "The Ferry" published in March and "Shutter Island" published in May.
The sales of the two novels are better than the other. "Shutter Island" sold 130,000 copies in half a year, and "The Ferry" is even more exaggerated. It has sold 200,000 copies in 8 months of publication. Registered.
A closer look at the popularity of these two novels is not only 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 "The Adventures of Guandong" and "The Truman Show".
"Shutter Island" has a suspenseful atmosphere and is naturally popular in Japan, which loves suspense and mystery novels.
The popularity of "The Story of a Crossing Boat" is due to its unique oriental Zen and artistic conception, which is extremely suitable for the reading tastes of literary youths in the small book world.
According to Kitamura Mihiro, after "The Ferry" was published in Japan, it was highly praised among readers and had many fans.
The four novels published in Japan in the past two years have achieved good sales results, which is undoubtedly an unexpected surprise for Kawade Shobo.
The sales of these books have brought more than 1.8 billion yen in revenue to Kawade Shobo. Although this figure is not as good as those of first-line best-selling authors.
But for Lin Chaoyang, a foreign writer, he is already very successful.
Because of the popularity of his works in Japan, the amount of royalties Lin Chaoyang has received from Kawade Study Room has been increasing in the past two years. The total has reached 1.8 million US dollars, which is about 14 million in Hong Kong dollars. So much.
Tao Yushu arrived home in the evening and reminded Lin Chaoyang to contact Zhuang Chongwen and Li Zhaofu.
Lin Chaoyang was invited to a banquet. He was not in Xiangjiang before, but now that he is back, he must contact him.
Lin Chaoyang followed his advice and contacted Zhuang and Li respectively, and agreed on a time to visit.
Then he asked Tao Yushu, "How much money is there in the company's account?"
"There are more than 70 million, what's the matter?"
In the first two months, Lin first got Shaw Brothers The theater chain also injected capital into several joint ventures and package companies to launch new films, and the funds were spent like water.
Even though two hot-selling movies were released in succession and a lot of profits were made, a lot of funds were still consumed.
“It’s nothing, we’ll talk about it in a few days.”
Lin Chaoyang let it slip and aroused Tao Yushu's curiosity, but Lin Chaoyang refused to say anything, so she could only say nothing.
The next afternoon, Lin Chaoyang and Tao Yushu drove to No. 46 Plantation Road.
The Jiahui Garden where the couple now lives can be regarded as a luxury house in the eyes of ordinary people in Hong Kong, but compared with a real mid-level luxury house like No. 46 Plantation Road, it pales into insignificance.
Although there are many luxury villas in Xiangjiang, from Deep Water Bay to Repulse Bay to Kadoorie Hill in Kowloon, they are all treasures of luxury houses with distinguished locations and superior environment.
But to say that the rarest of them all and the one that most highlights one’s personal identity is the mansion on Victoria Peak.
The manpower, material and financial resources required to build a large residential area on the top of a mountain are enough to make ordinary real estate companies daunting.
Standing on Victoria Peak and looking down, you will have the impression of "seeing all the mountains at a glance". Therefore, this place has naturally become the most expensive mansion in Hong Kong.
Zhuang Chongwen, who can live here, is naturally an extraordinary person. In the 1930s, he went to Singapore alone to develop his career. After completing his small business, he moved to Xiangjiang in 1946 and established enterprises such as Xiangjiang Flavor Factory and Zhuangshi Tableware Factory.
In more than ten years, Zhuang Chongwen has become the "tableware king" in Hong Kong by virtue of his expertise in the tableware industry. The company's products sell well in many countries around the world.
By 1971, Zhuang Chongwen integrated his subsidiaries into Zhuangshi Tableware (Group) Company and successfully listed it in Hong Kong.
In the following more than ten years, Zhuang Chongwen made various moves. His industry spanned textiles, electronics, real estate and other fields, and achieved good results. His own worth also increased.
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, so he quickly took two steps forward. , took the initiative to say hello to Zhuang Zhongwen.
"Lin Sheng, long time no see!"
"Lin Taiying is so energetic, no wonder he can create a world in such a short period of time!"
Zhuang Zhongwen held Lin Chaoyang's hand. He held his hand and exchanged polite words with Tao Yushu again, with a smile on his face and an amiable attitude.
"Zhuang Sheng has won the prize!"
"This is Zhuo Jing Liang Jiao Zhen." Zhuang Chongwen introduced his wife beside him to Lin Chaoyang and his wife.
After exchanging a few words, they were led into the courtyard with a solemn message.
No. 46 Plantation Road has only four garden houses, standing side by side. Each house is three-storey high, with 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. 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. Visit.”
Zhuang Chongwen joked: "When I saw Lin Sheng at that time, I just felt young. When I look at him again four years later, he is still so young."
"Zhuang Sheng, you are also in good spirits, and you are getting stronger with age!"
"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 Zhongwen He was born in 1910. In his youth, it was a time when 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 heard him talk about this past event when we met four years ago. As people get older, they always like to talk about how brave they were. 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 appreciation, I specifically asked Lin Chaoyang some details about the Renaudeau Literary 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 even more valuable. 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 appreciation 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 calendar again, but Lin Chaoyang still listens patiently, and from time to time Next sentence.
“Actually, I have had an idea for so many years.”
"What's your 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 Chongwen's eyes lit up when he heard this.
Lin Chaoyang asked: "Mr. Zhuang, do you want to set up an award in Xiangjiang?"
"No, no, no!" Zhuang Chongwen waved his hands quickly, "We want to set it up in the mainland."
Lin Chaoyang clapped his hands. : "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 Chongwen feel happy, "With Lin Sheng I feel relieved. I was thinking that since Lin Sheng is from the Mainland and has connections in the literary circles in the Mainland, could he please help me with this matter?"
"Zhuang Sheng has broken Lin's mind. ! It is a great deed that you are willing to donate generously to establish literary awards in the Mainland.
It would be my honor if I could contribute a small amount. ”
Lin Chaoyang now understands why Zhuang Chongwen invited him to dinner. He wanted to do it as a favor.
Zhuang Chongwen will pay for setting up literary awards in the mainland. No matter who comes to contact him, The fame and hidden benefits it brought him The benefits will not be reduced.
As for Lin Chaoyang, the contact person will also receive official attention and praise. His easy favor is in line with the character of Zhuang Chongwen, 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.
Award evaluation 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 Zhongwen 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.
“That 300,000.”
When Zhuang Chongwen called out the number, Lin Chaoyang held his hand tightly.
"Mr. Zhuang is righteous!"
When the Mao Dun Literary Award was established, it only relied on Mr. Mao Dun's 250,000 yuan in royalties, but Zhuang Zhongwen now says it is 300,000 yuan per year!
Even if this number is placed 30 years later, it will be enough to beat many literary awards in an instant.
Speaking of the Zhuang Chongwen Literary Award, it is later regarded as a relatively well-known literary award in China.
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 chaos when the award was first established.
In the first few editions, the Zhuang Chongwen Literature Award awarded awards to neither well-known writers nor award-winning works.
Instead, it rewarded several publications and a group of students studying in a writer’s student class.
A literary award does not reward outstanding works and outstanding writers, but rewards publications and students. This operation is really puzzling.
If we talk about rewarding potential writers, this statement barely makes sense.
But the problem is that there are so many potential talents, how much can a literary award reward?
The purpose of the awards itself is to select outstanding writers and works in order to inspire the majority of writers. This is completely putting the cart before the horse.
If you cannot select outstanding writers and works, there will naturally be no media attention, so how can you be famous?
Zhuang Chongwen spends 300,000 yuan a year, which is almost an astronomical sum for the domestic writer circle in this era.
If done properly, this award can be made even more influential.
Lin Chaoyang felt that since he agreed to Zhuang Zhongwen’s request, he had to be careful. If he saw this literary award go down the wrong path of future generations, he would really feel sorry for Zhuang Zhongwen’s sincerity. .
"Lin Sheng, is this number enough for the award?"
Lin Chaoyang said sincerely: "That's enough, that's enough. Mr. Zhuang, you should also know something about prices in the mainland. If this news reaches the mainland, it will definitely cause a sensation in the literary world!"
( End of chapter)