Huayu Entertainment 1995 started with hijacking.

Chapter 83 Outbreak
Last year, Li Xiaoran heard Wu Yuchen ask her this question once, but at the time she was happily going to work and didn't think about any other options, so she directly refused.

But now, Li Xiaoran has quit her job and lost her source of income. She also knows that she can't stay at home forever and has to find another way out.

Shooting commercials isn't a long-term solution. Maybe acting, something she'd never considered before, would be a good option? After all, Zhang Yimou approached her before.

However, the thought of having to go back to school for another four years made Li Xiaoran, who had been annoyed by the strict rules when she was studying at the dance academy, feel a little resistant.

“I ran into Chen Kun from your song and dance troupe a few days ago; he applied to our school.”

"What? He ran off to your place?" Li Xiaoran asked in surprise.

Wu Yuchen nodded: "They're working to earn their tuition fees so they can go to this school. You should think about it carefully."

Wu Yuchen didn't try to persuade her any further. She would only understand some things after she experienced them herself.

Seeing Wu Yuchen carrying his bag and about to leave the room, Li Xiaoran called out, "Come over for dinner tonight, I'll cook you something delicious~"

Wu Yuchen didn't turn around, but gave an OK sign. Li Xiaoran rested her chin on her hand, staring blankly in the direction he left. She wasn't thinking about work, but about him.

In her eyes, Wu Yuchen used to be like a naive young boy, a little brother who hadn't grown up. But in the past year, he had changed so much. He had suddenly become a mature man, and after several encounters, she felt that she could rely on him.

Especially after Lu San's antics over the past few months, the sense of peace that Wu Yuchen brought her these past few days made her even somewhat infatuated.

Last night, when Li Xiaoran rushed into Wu Yuchen's arms and kissed him, she almost couldn't resist kissing him on the lips, but she avoided it because she remembered that he had a girlfriend.

Li Xiaoran isn't actually the type to be coy. If it were any other guy, she would have already slept with him. She doesn't care if he has a girlfriend or not. If she can snatch him away, he's hers; if not, so be it. It's no big deal.

But Wu Yuchen is different. The two of them grew up together. If things don't work out, it will probably be very awkward for them to get along in the future. She doesn't want that.

Thinking about this, Li Xiaoran felt a bit annoyed. Then she realized that she only had 200 yuan. Next month, she wouldn't even have enough money for food, let alone rent. She didn't want to slink back home in disgrace, so it seemed she had to go out and earn money tomorrow.

She shook her head, not wanting to think about these troubles anymore, and went back to playing "The Legend of Sword and Fairy" on her computer. Games were still her favorite, and she still had to save her Lin Yueru today!

……

At noon, Wu Yuchen went home. Seeing his father beaming at the dinner table, he couldn't help but ask:

"Dad, what's making you so happy?"

Wu Jianping chuckled and said, "I didn't tell you when you went abroad recently. The first print run of 'Bright Sword' of 10 copies sold out last month. The response was very good, so our unit printed another 30 copies. This time, it's not just in North China; it's been distributed all over the country."

Wu Yuchen was also delighted upon hearing this. Did this mean that "Bright Sword" had opened up sales channels?
"Dad, how do you think of these grades?"

"Selling 100,000 copies in two and a half months is quite good, but it is also related to the current situation. You know about the 'Declaration' that the United States and the United States signed in April? It was obviously aimed at us. Now everyone is starting to be dissatisfied with the United States because of this. Our 'Bright Sword' just happened to be released and then encountered this. We really caught the wave."

After hearing his father's explanation, Wu Yuchen understood. The quality of "Bright Sword" was excellent, especially the exciting war descriptions of various small battles, which were very enjoyable to read. Now, given the current situation, it naturally sold well through word of mouth.

At this point, Zhou Shuping also complained, "Why do people who have a perfectly good life have to be dogs of America?"

"The culture of 'small life' is typical of admiring the strong. It is concerned with small etiquette but lacks righteousness. If you can subdue it, it will obediently listen to you."

"I wish we could be able to yell at the Americans when we're all living our lives."

"I guess we'll have to wait until we're far ahead!"

The family of three chatted idly at the dinner table.

The next day, Wu Jianping hummed a little tune as he entered his office. He had just brewed himself a pot of tea and sat down when he opened today's newspaper. He saw a large headline on the front page:

"Unrepentant! Japan's Number One Ryutaro kneels before the xx toilet!"

The phrase "Unrepentant!" is written in bold and enlarged, making it quite eye-catching.

Upon seeing the headline, Wu Jianping's pupils constricted, and a surge of anger welled up within him. He knew perfectly well what kind of place this "sacred toilet" was—a place that enshrined a bunch of heinous criminals, a truly wicked place!

Before he could continue reading, a loud "bang" echoed in the office. Wu Jianping turned around and saw his colleague, Xiao Li, who had only been with the company for a few years, slamming his fist on the table, indignantly saying:

"What the hell is this son of a bitch trying to do! Utterly shameless!"

At this moment, Xiao Li was clearly furious and started swearing right there in the office.

However, no one in the office seemed to care, and they all chimed in with their opinions:

"Inhuman, shameless, and immoral! A beast in human clothing!"

"They're trying to make a comeback! We have to crack down on them!"

At this moment, a colleague said to Wu Jianping, "Old Wu, I used to think that the Li Yunlong you wrote was too crude, but now I think that's exactly how it should be done, to make him a damn fool!"

"Yes, I always thought Wu Ge wrote it well! They should be like Li Yunlong and slaughter all these beasts!"

At the same time, not only Wu Jianping's office, but also the entire China and even the entire Asia-Pacific region were greatly affected by this incident.

Even if Japan had previously engaged in kneeling in public, it was always done in a private capacity. In the 80s, a cabinet member knelt in his official capacity, which sparked strong protests. After that, there was no such incident for more than a decade.

This time, it wasn't just a public official kneeling; it was also the number one person in Japan personally kneeling in public!

The reaction was enormous, with the entire Asia-Pacific region condemning the incident. China naturally joined in the criticism, with all the major newspapers getting involved.

While the authorities lodged a strong protest, they also tried to appease the public internally, preventing any extreme behavior or incidents. Many schools were relieved that it was currently summer vacation; otherwise, who knows what kind of trouble a group of hot-blooded students might cause.

Sure enough, a group of middle school boys who were on holiday got together and started cursing at their daily routine:
"Damn it, you're incorrigible!"

"If I had an atomic bomb, I'd drop two more on them and see if they'd still worship!"

"That's right, let's smash that shrine to smithereens!"

At this moment, one of the boys finished cursing and then chuckled, saying, "Look at this!"

Several boys gathered around to take a look, and when they saw him pull out a book called "Bright Sword," they couldn't help but ask, "What's this?"

The boy said smugly, "It's a book about petty people. I stole it from my dad. He reads it while cursing those petty people, saying that reading this book makes him feel better and that he should kill them!"

"real or fake?"

"Then put it in the middle, and let's take a look together."

Three or four boys gathered together and started reading.

"Don't turn the page yet, I haven't finished reading..."

As the sun set, a boy returned home for dinner and spoke to his father:
"Dad, can you buy me a book?"

His father frowned upon hearing this:

"Buying books? More comic books? You should read more classics. You're in middle school now, what are you doing reading comic books!"

"No, this time it's a book about daily life!" the boy immediately raised his voice, speaking with righteous indignation.

This softened his father's expression: "What's it called? I'll go to the bookstore tomorrow and show it to you."

"Bright Sword, it's so well written! That Li Yunlong..." the boy began to talk on and on.

His father also showed interest upon hearing this.

The next day, the middle-aged man went to a nearby Xinhua Bookstore during his lunch break. As soon as he arrived at the entrance, he saw several signs with posters and promotional slogans:
"Bright Sword," a classic Chinese tale: "Wherever the sword points, nothing can stand in its way!"

"What Bushido? I'll fight Bushido!"

"Watch 'Bright Sword,' learn from Li Yunlong, and beat up the Japanese devils!"

The middle-aged man found these few words very satisfying; they were exactly to his liking!
At the same time, he thought to himself that "Bright Sword" must be pretty good, since Xinhua Bookstore has put it up for advertising at its door.

He went straight to the front desk and asked, "Hello, comrade, do you have 'Bright Sword'?"

The cashier pointed to the side: "Look, you've come at the right time, there are only a dozen or so left." The man walked over and saw a book with a red cover. The title, "Bright Sword," was written with great force, especially the rightmost vertical stroke of the character "sword," which looked just like a sharp sword.

He'd heard his son mention it yesterday and, intrigued, stood up and started flipping through the pages. He became completely absorbed, unaware of how much time had passed, until someone gently patted him on the shoulder.
"Hey bro, are you going to buy this book or not?"

The middle-aged man looked up and saw a young man in his twenties before he spoke:

"Oh, I'll buy it, I'll buy it! I was so engrossed in watching it!"

"Brother, what do you think of this book? My friend told me it's really exciting to fight the Japanese devils, is that true?"

The middle-aged man pointed at the book and laughed, "It's so well written! Look at this: 'We are the ancestors of the Japanese devils, and now the Japanese devils are disrespecting their ancestors?!'"

"Well said! I'll buy it just for that! It's a pity the bookstore is out of stock, oh well!"

The middle-aged man then realized that the dozen or so books he had just received were all sold out, and this was the last one in his hand. He quickly took the book to the front desk, paid the bill, and went home happily.

Meanwhile, Wu Jianping was sitting in the editor-in-chief's office at their publishing house.

The editor-in-chief's face was full of wrinkles from smiling so much:

"Old Wu, your book 'Bright Sword' is really popular! The extra 300,000 copies were shipped out in less than a month and they're almost sold out. Bookstores all over the country are urging us to order more!"

Wu Jianping first corrected, "Sir, this was written by my son and me together."

The editor-in-chief smiled and nodded at him: "You know, like father, like son, I understand!"

The editor-in-chief was actually thinking that Old Wu was really good to his son, paving the way for him in this way. In his opinion, this must have been Wu Jianping's creation, after all, he used to be a veteran of the battlefield, how could his son have made this up?

Then Wu Jianping humbly said, "Leader, I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. Who would have thought that these little people would be so arrogant and rebellious!"

The editor-in-chief nodded: "These days are despicable, causing great dissatisfaction among our people. But it's also because your book 'Bright Sword' is so well-written that it makes people feel relieved and satisfied! Otherwise, why wouldn't they buy other people's books?"

Then the editor-in-chief smiled and said, "Old Wu, you're one of the senior members of our organization, so I won't play games with you. We plan to print another 60 copies this time, and I'll give you a 12% royalty. If there's a need for further printings, we'll settle the royalties at 15%!"

Last year, Wu Jianping proposed a tiered royalty system to his workplace, but such a new reform measure was generally not well received by employees, so it was shelved.

这回总编给他用的还是老办法，每次加印提一次版税。最初亮剑10万册是8%的版税，第二次30万册是10%，这次就60万册直接12%了。

Wu Jianping naturally nodded in agreement. The fact that they were increasing his royalties so quickly was already a great favor. As for the 15% royalty, that would have to wait. Old Wu knew in his heart that the rapid sale of the 30 copies was due to favorable market conditions; once public sentiment subsided, sales would definitely slow down significantly. This time, selling 60 copies would likely take a while.

However, things took a turn for the worse than Wu Jianping had anticipated, and indeed, as had been the expectations of all the people in the Asia-Pacific region.

As August arrived, despite facing widespread criticism from various regions, Xiao Rizi not only failed to apologize, admit wrongdoing, or repent, but instead took even more radical actions. A group of right-wing Japanese individuals sailed a boat to Uoshima Island!
This group did more than just land on the island; they landed on it four times in a row, built a neon lighthouse, hoisted the red sun flag, and erected a monument, thus making a show of force to the world!

When the news reached China, it caused a nationwide uproar!
Even those who had remained calm during the kneeling at the toilet last time couldn't sit still anymore and were all furious!

Diaoyu Islands have been Chinese territory since ancient times. How can we allow such insignificant places to be encroached upon?!
What is August? It's the day Japan lost the war, and everyone knows what they're trying to prove by doing this!
This guy is too arrogant! His wolfish ambitions are obvious!

The young people were furious. Many took to the streets to protest, and many ran to the monument to heroes to shout, "Down with the 'small life'!"

In a short time, these successive events fueled anti-Japanese sentiment across China, with slogans calling for a boycott of Japanese goods being chanted everywhere.

The authorities can only engage in diplomatic negotiations while simultaneously strengthening domestic guidance to prevent large-scale vandalism and looting. Large gatherings must be discouraged and dispersed, as large groups are prone to escalating tensions and causing incidents.

It was under these circumstances that a novel began to spread like wildfire: "Bright Sword"!
The protagonists in previous novels were all too pretentious; even when they were criticizing their wives, it was all in flowery, literary language, which was really unsatisfying.

But "Bright Sword" is different. Li Yunlong, the protagonist with a bandit-like demeanor, often swears, but he enjoys swearing!
Moreover, the war scenes of him fighting against the Japanese are also vividly depicted, realistically portraying the powerful Japanese army. Under such circumstances, Li Yunlong was able to lead his independent regiment to fight the Japanese on equal terms and ultimately win the battle, which made the audience feel even more excited, thrilled, and relieved. It was simply irresistible!
Even some official institutions have taken notice of "Bright Sword" and become interested in it, since guiding public sentiment through cultural and entertainment works is the best outlet.

Soon, several major newspapers mentioned "Bright Sword" and Li Yunlong's "Bright Sword Spirit".

"...

A recent novel titled "Bright Sword" has become extremely popular. The protagonist, Li Yunlong, comes from humble beginnings and has many flaws such as rudeness, impulsiveness, and lack of education. However, he is very endearing in the eyes of the masses because he embodies the spirit of "Bright Sword."

Even when facing a powerful adversary, knowing defeat is inevitable, one must still resolutely draw one's sword. Even if one falls, one must become a mountain, a ridge!

What awe-inspiring, what a resolute, what a triumphant, what a spirit!
In times of peace, we must remember history and keep the alarm bells ringing forever…

In 96, newspapers were still the uncrowned kings. Once a newspaper started actively promoting your work, especially a major newspaper, it meant you had truly become a sensation!

Undoubtedly, "Bright Sword" became a huge hit against this backdrop, and the 60 copies that had just been printed were almost sold out in no time.

The editor-in-chief's office of the publishing house.

"Old Wu! You, no, you two, father and son, are really going to be a hit this time! Your 'Bright Sword' has even received praise from the higher-ups, congratulations!"

"Boss, we can't do without the support and help of our publishing house!" Wu Jianping had been in the company for so long, he wasn't stupid.

The editor-in-chief laughed heartily:

"Hahaha! I won't say anything this time, just print an additional 100 million copies and get 15% royalties!"
Furthermore, we've received inquiries from publishers in Taiwan and Hong Kong, wanting to discuss the traditional Chinese version rights for "Bright Sword." You're about to become a sensation overseas!

Wu Jianping himself felt that this experience was like a dream. When he first wrote "Bright Sword", he thought it was just okay and thought he could sell 200,000 to 300,000 copies at most. He never thought that now it would print 2 million copies and that overseas publishers would even contact him!

Should he thank his wife for the help she provided?
The moment the thought crossed his mind, Wu Jianping immediately dismissed it with a spit. "You damned little brat, you dare to invade my Chinese territory! You deserve to die a horrible death!"

Despite the criticism, life and work still have to go on during this period. Wu Yuchen, for example, has been busy with important matters.

After all the post-production work on "The Two of Us" was completed and the master tape was released, Wu Yuchen immediately contacted Director Gu of the movie channel to report to him.

Two days later, in the screening room of Beijing Film Studio.

"Hey, Lao He, you're here too."

"Of course! I did say I'd be there to support Xiao Wu's first feature film!"

Not only Director Gu came, but also teachers from Beijing Film Academy, including Hou Keming and Xie Xiaojing, who were on the main stage, as well as Grandma Ruan and several old comrades who had worked together on the documentary "Dance of Martial Arts".

The circle wasn't very big. To be honest, almost everyone present knew each other, and even those who weren't familiar with each other had met before.

"Xiao Gu, how are the other two films your movie channel invested in?"

Director Gu gave a wry smile: "The Beijing Film Studio's film only just started shooting this summer, and the August First Film Studio's film ran out of money halfway through and is now asking us for additional investment. Sigh!"

"The August First Film Studio is probably adding more war scenes. They spend a lot of money on that. How can they possibly stop at 70? I don't even know if this movie will be finished."

Han Sanping of Beijing Film Studio is good at attracting investment, so there shouldn't be any problems finishing the film, but I'm worried something might go wrong along the way.

Director Gu shook his head upon hearing this. It seems that making a self-made movie is not so easy. Fortunately, Wu Yuchen only used 30 yuan to make the movie, which can be considered a boost to his confidence.

"Alright, alright, let's stop talking about Xiao Gu's troubles. Now that a movie has been made, let's see what Xiao Wu thinks of it."

Soon, the lights in the hall went out and the screen lit up.

A poor student studying in Beijing, and a lonely old man living in a courtyard house. One is youthful, strong, lively, and mischievous; the other is aging, lonely, eccentric, and hypocritically clever. When these two sharp-edged individuals collide, modern and traditional cultures begin to coexist and clash within the courtyard house.

There's no grand love-hate relationship; it's all about everyday trivialities. But it's these ordinary little things, like making phone calls and using appliances, that, through Wu Yuchen's meticulous arrangement and design, allow everyone present to follow the story's progression, experiencing the changing seasons of winter, spring, summer, and autumn, and gradually witnessing the journey from conflict to mutual support between the two. True meaning is revealed in simplicity and unpretentiousness!

The audience members were all seasoned veterans in the industry. Even those who didn't know how to film could appreciate the art. Several of them exclaimed in unison that such a simple scene could be used to create a story full of twists and turns, and more importantly, it could convey the purest and most genuine emotions. It was truly remarkable!

At the end of the film, when the old lady and Zhou Xun silently wept together, the elderly Mrs. Ruan, who was watching, couldn't help but take out her handkerchief to wipe away her tears. As a woman over 70 years old, she deeply understood the feelings involved.

When the movie ended and the lights came on, everyone noticed Mrs. Ruan's unusual behavior, and those around her tried to comfort her. Mrs. Ruan shook her head and simply said, "It's so good, so good!"

"I never expected that Xiao Wu could take such detailed photos!"

"Yes, when I first saw his 'Car 44,' my impression of him was that of a sharp and incisive young director. I didn't expect him to be such a master at playing with warmth as well."

After hearing this, Hou Keming exclaimed, "When I first read his script, I was quite curious about what kind of effect he could achieve. I didn't expect him to do it so well! From the actors to the performances, to the camera work and the overall style of the film, everything is excellent and harmonious. You really can't tell that he's a novice."

While Wu Yuchen was still away, the group started discussing amongst themselves.

He's been locked up; he'll have to wait to be rescued.
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(End of this chapter)