1980 My Entertainment Era

Chapter 209 Letters and Publication

The year 85 came without any noticing. Everyone seemed to be doing the same as usual, getting up, lighting the stove, washing their faces, having breakfast, and then going to work.

Yes, there is really nothing noteworthy, just like every day in life.

I didn’t feel much in the summer. I continued to go to school, visit the Red Mansion crew, contact friends in coastal cities, contact friends who follow the Maozi route, and contact friends overseas…

That day, Milan came upstairs excitedly with two packages. She didn't even have time to catch her breath, but her face was full of smiles like a flower.

"Look! Beibei sent a package!"

Xia Tian remembered something: Yu Beibei, she is in the United States! We can contact her...

Milan hasn't finished speaking yet: "Oh, and there's your package from Sister Theresa~"

Milan handed a package to Xia Tian, ​​then excitedly went to find a pair of scissors and began to open the things that her best friend had sent her across the ocean.

Wow, I sent a dress and several bottles of unfamiliar cosmetics and lipsticks across the Pacific Ocean!

I can’t understand it, I can’t understand it!

Xiatian opened Theresa's package, which contained a record and a letter.

I opened the letter and read it. It talked about a lot of daily life, a lot of details, and a lot of insights.

He also said that his new song won the 84 "Japan Cable Awards" and "All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards" double championship.

Seeing you in person makes me feel a little proud.

The letter also said that there was a song that he wanted Xia Tian to write lyrics for in Mandarin...

Xia Tian took out a tape recorder - the other party was very thoughtful and prepared both records and tapes.

"Click~" After pressing it, the tape turned with a rustling sound, and then a soft voice sounded: "Well... forget it, let's sing." It seemed as if it didn't know what to say.

Then there was the sound of finger-picked guitar, followed by a soft and gentle female voice, playing and singing in Japanese.

I listened to it once in the summer and played it again...

At this time, Milan came out from the inner room, having changed into a fashionable and colorful long dress.

She walked in front of Xia Tian and turned around. "How is it?"

"It looks good! People with good figures look good in anything. Besides, Yu Beibei sent it back from far away, so the gift may be small but the sentiment is great!"

Milan smiled with satisfaction, and then heard the music playing.

This must be from Theresa. She would always send me some records and tapes, many of which were from Teresa Teng.

You must be a fan of Teresa Teng, right?

But why can’t I understand this time?
"What's this language?" she asked.

“Japanese.”

"Japanese? Is this sung by Teresa Teng?"

"Yes."

"She can also sing Japanese songs?"

Xia Tian glanced at her - yes. At this time, most people in the mainland probably don't know that she is very popular in the Japanese music scene.

Well, no Chinese has been able to break into the Japanese music scene before or since.

"She is now making her way in the Japanese music scene."

"Really? So amazing? Is she popular over there?"

"Huo, didn't you just win two awards..."

Soon, Xia Tian wrote the lyrics for the song.

The Japanese name of the song is "あいじん". Xia Tian looked it up and found out that it means lovers.

The general meaning of the lyrics was also translated bit by bit by comparing with Chinese and Japanese dictionaries.

"It seems I have to learn Japanese in the future..." Xia Tian closed the dictionary.

The Chinese lyrics I wrote are called "Lover".

“I once thought that I really didn’t want this to happen.

There is no reason to be confused, and I don't want to say more
Why am I so indifferent, the fireworks at midnight
After burning, it was quietly swallowed up by the night and no longer flickered

Without passion, I have become an ice river. Please love me.

Please love me again, with your tenderness and promise..."

……

On January 1, a guest came from Shanghai, claiming to be the editor-in-chief of Shanghai Literature and Art Publishing House.

I've called once before.

The reason he came this time was to persuade Xia Tian to publish "Kunlun", which he had completed almost a year ago.

The intention was just expressed on the phone, but Xia Tian was not very interested.

First, I am not short of money.

Second, the publishing house really can’t give much.

Xia Tian said on the phone that he had no intention of publishing the book. But the publisher was persistent and sent someone to meet with him. He came from far away, so he was a guest. Xia Tian found a restaurant and invited the editor-in-chief to dinner and chat with him.

The editor-in-chief was eating while politely inquiring about Xia Tian's attitude. Before all the dishes were served, he felt a little disappointed - Teacher Jinghongke really didn't want to publish the book.

Moreover, the editor-in-chief is very good at judging people. Judging from Xia Tian’s behavior, he doesn’t seem like someone who is short of money.

This is unlike the vast majority of writers – most authors are poor!

This is broken!

However, they came from thousands of miles away with great determination, and they would never be dissuaded by a few words or a meal. They are not here to eat for free!

And he is always good at talking!
He started by praising Xia Tian: "Teacher Jing Hongke's ears are higher than his eyebrows. This is definitely a sign of outstanding literary talent!"

Xia Tian was surprised: If you say so, then my Sheriff Mimi is also a great cat? !

In my impression, people who walk on four legs all do what you described!

After that, the editor-in-chief stayed in the guesthouse and chatted with Xia Tian every day.

Summer is so annoying!

I really don’t want to publish it~ You are so naive, like sucking rice, you know?
After a few days, Xia Tian almost learned the Shanghai dialect!

In the end, Xia Tian was really annoyed - he came home every day to give things to Xia's father and mother!

Send away Xia's father and mother - son, no, you have to agree quickly and send them away! It's scary!

Xia Tian finally had no choice but to find the editor-in-chief of Modou and put forward a harsh condition.

"Editor Zhang, have you ever heard of royalties?"

That’s right, Xia Tian proposed that if you want to publish it, then fine! I want to get the royalties!

In the past, publishing was basically based on the word count, and the highest was just a certain amount per thousand words. They would give you a sum, and that was it.

There were also "commissions" for printing, and you were paid a certain amount of money based on the number of copies you printed. But it seems that this was no longer the case?

No matter what others think, Xia Tian has made his promise and wants to publish it, so I want the royalties!

Unit price of book × number of copies printed or sales × royalty rate.

The exact percentage can be negotiated, but it must be this model!

You probably can’t guess who was the first person to start royalties in China?
That’s right, it’s the dialect!

That was already 2004!

Now, summer has come nearly 20 years earlier, making this "unrealistic wish" basically impossible.

As expected, the editor-in-chief Zhang was frightened. "This... I can't make the decision. I need to ask the leader of the unit for instructions..."

He didn't dare to say directly "Are you crazy?" and actually called to ask for instructions.

The summer finally died down, and I didn't see this person for several days.

……

Yuan Mei suddenly invited everyone to watch a movie, which stunned everyone!
When I asked her, she was very proud. It turned out that the movie she starred in was released!
The film produced by Emei Studio is called "Emei Flying Thief"!
"Ah? Yuan Si, are you playing the leading female role?" Xiao Xu grabbed her arm and shook it.

As a result, Yuan Si felt a little embarrassed, "No, it doesn't count, right?"

A group of people sat in a long row in the cinema, and you know what, the movie was pretty good!
It's a martial arts film!

The cultural relics from the Emeishan Cultural Relics Management Office were stolen, and then there was a battle between the police and the thieves.

Although it is a battle between police and gangsters, it is indeed a martial arts film, with the sound of fists and feet on both sides!

Xia Tian was really anxious! How can you be a master if you have a gun but don't use it?!

You can tell from the subject matter that this is a man's play. Although Yuan Mei is indeed the heroine, she doesn't have many parts!

No wonder she was embarrassed~
As a result, within two days, relevant comments appeared in the newspapers, saying that in order to highlight the fighting scenes, the movie increased the combat effectiveness of the villains, making it impossible for the protagonist to defeat the enemy with one blow, which damaged the glorious image of the positive characters.

Yuan Mei was so angry that he was fuming!

But summer is really bad.
……

Xia Tian was pushing his bicycle home when he was suddenly stopped by a figure.

"Editor-in-Chief Zhang? You haven't gone back yet?" Xia Tian was surprised.

Screenwriter Zhang didn't say anything. This intellectual who was more particular about appearance had messy hair and untidy beard, but his eyes were shining in the sunset. "Leader - agreed!"

Xia Tian: “Ah?”

No, you guys are from Modu?
Now that the other party has agreed to the condition, Xia Tian couldn't say "I was just teasing you" because he might easily get beaten to death.

Let’s talk about it. After another four or five days, we finally decided: a huge tome of one million words, a set of six volumes, paperback, priced at 11.48 yuan.

In the summer, I get 8% royalties, which means I can get 9 cents for each book!
During this period, it was very cumbersome to deal with the layout, size, and page numbers.

This is the good thing about them, they are very patient and careful. This is the advantage of southerners.

I'm afraid the North wouldn't be so meticulous. Of course, the North wouldn't agree to the royalty condition!
These are the publishing houses in Shanghai. They are more open!
Moreover, they printed 20 copies for the first time, which was a huge investment!

In other words, if they were all sold out, I would make 18 in one go?
I am Cao!

Xia Tian’s first reaction was: How am I going to pay this tax? !
This is not like outside, where making millions is child's play.

This is a huge number in the inland area! It might cause problems!
(End of this chapter)