1987 My Era

Chapter 469: Good things happen one after another

Li Heng was stunned: "Visit me?"

Editor-in-Chief Liao asked, "Have you not read the newspaper? Mr. Jin Yong has publicly expressed his respect for you in the newspaper more than once, and he wants to meet you in person."

Li Heng thought about it and nodded: "I remember seeing this kind of news twice."

Editor-in-Chief Liao laughed, "More than twice, Xiao Zou helped you count, and there were 4 times in the newspaper.

They even recommended all your books to the Hong Kong news media, praising you as the number one person in contemporary Chinese literature."

Li Heng: "..."

Although it was very fun and refreshing to listen to, he didn't dare to wear this hat casually. Let's not talk about other literary masters in China, but it's not acceptable to just say it to Mr. Ba.

Editor-in-Chief Liao continued: “Originally, Mr. Jin Yong planned to visit you in the mainland in August, but you have not responded, and the magazine cannot make the decision on its own.

Now someone has used their connections to forward the letter to Harvest magazine, and I can't pretend I didn't see it, so I'm forwarding the letter to you. It's up to you to decide whether you see it or not."

Upon hearing this, Li Heng did not say anything, but opened the letter.

There is not much content, just enough to fill up two pages of letter paper.

In the letter, Mr. Jin Yong expressed his insights and love for all his works, and also revealed his desire to meet him.

He read it quickly, paused, and then read it carefully again. Finally, he folded the letter and stuffed it into the envelope and said:
"Brother, let's set the meeting in September. You can come then."

Editor-in-Chief Liao was surprised. "So you agree?"

Li Heng nodded: "He is a senior, and I grew up reading his books. It's not good to always refuse."

The key is that other people dare to praise him in front of the media, which makes him very happy and has a good impression of him.

Besides, he liked to read martial arts novels written by old people in his previous life. He even bought a set of genuine books as a collection in 2003. It seemed that he spent about 200 yuan at that time, which was quite expensive considering the salary level at that time.

Editor-in-Chief Liao asked, "About when can we meet? I can make time for it."

Li Heng thought for a moment and said, "How about late September? Can you spare time around the 9th?"

Editor-in-Chief Liao calculated the date and agreed: "It should be no problem."

"Okay, then I will personally write a letter to Mr. Jin Yong and invite him over." Li Heng said.

Director Liao smiled with satisfaction: "It should be so. This shows sincerity."

In the past, this junior fellow apprentice ignored Mr. Jin Yong’s calls to him from afar, and Liao Hua was a little worried that he was young and hot-headed and would not take people who wrote martial arts novels seriously.

You have to know that Mr. Jin has a very high status in Hong Kong and has a solid readership in the Mainland. His influence is not to be underestimated. If it is not handled properly, it will bring negative impact.

Fortunately, the junior fellow student came to his senses, and Editor-in-Chief Liao was relieved.

After discussing one thing, Editor-in-Chief Liao talked about the second thing, "A few days ago, Mr. Huang asked me to drink, and it was the Fuchun Garden you went to yesterday."

Li Heng asked cautiously: "What does the other party want from you?"

Editor-in-Chief Liao said: "Zhaoyi has now invested in building a factory in southern Hunan to produce thirteen spices and chili sauce. Mr. Huang specifically asked me about this matter and mentioned you in particular, asking if this had anything to do with you?"

Li Heng thought for a moment and asked, "Brother, how did you answer?"

Editor-in-Chief Liao said: "Let's talk about the matter. I'd say you guys don't have any contact at the moment."

Although Huang Xuqing once suspected the sound of his phone calls, she could not get any useful information after making inquiries from many sources, and in the end, the matter was left unresolved.

Therefore, neither Huang Xuqing nor Editor-in-Chief Liao suspected that the two were dating. They only thought that Huang Zhaoyi went to Xiangnan to invest and build a factory mainly to get close to Li Heng.

Li Heng was silent.

He finally understood why Editor-in-Chief Liao patted his shoulder meaningfully when he saw him in the restaurant yesterday. It turned out to be this reason.

He asked, "Did you talk about anything else?"

Editor-in-Chief Liao said: "Yesterday Xuqing told me that Zhaoyi is learning Hunan cuisine and has been learning it for more than half a year. She was a little puzzled. Since she couldn't contact you, why would Xiaomei be so interested in learning Hunan cuisine? Who is she cooking for?"

Li Heng was speechless.

As the saying goes, even the wisest man can make mistakes. This is indeed a questionable perspective.

He asked: "Does Huang Zhaoyi like to eat it herself?"

Editor-in-Chief Liao nodded: "That should be the case. That's what I said as well."

They talked for a while about Mr. Huang and Huang Xuqing's parents, and then changed the topic and returned to literature.

Editor-in-Chief Liao told him a good news, “Currently, one hundred literary critics and literary editors are selecting the ten most influential literary works in contemporary China.

"To Live," "Cultural Journey" and "White Deer Plain" are all shortlisted. The news should be published in the newspapers in the next few days, you can keep an eye out for it."

Seeing that Li Heng was listening attentively, Chief Editor Liao could not help but sigh, “Although the novel To Live has a great social influence and is well received by readers, it has not won a prestigious award, which is a pity.

I hope "White Deer Plain" and "Cultural Journey" can change this situation.

Especially for "White Deer Plain", the teacher revealed in his words that he was ready to make it impact the next Mao Dun Literature Prize. "

Li Heng is quite confident that White Deer Plain will win the Mao Dun Literature Prize, but he cannot guarantee that it will be smooth sailing. The writer from the Writers Association doesn't like it very much, and he publishes articles criticizing it in newspapers every now and then, which makes him quite irritated.

Regarding literary awards, Editor-in-Chief Liao seems to have higher expectations and is more eager for them than Li Heng himself. The implication is that: Harvest magazine needs literary awards to prove itself, and Li Heng needs awards even more to consolidate his position in the literary world.

There were no outsiders in the study room, and the two of them had no taboos on many topics. They said whatever they wanted to say, and when they were chatting excitedly, they would even say a few words to the person from the Writers Association.

What kind of words were these? ...

The two chatted for more than two hours. When they were about to leave and go downstairs to eat, Editor-in-Chief Liao remembered something else:

"Oh, by the way, Junior Brother, there is a director who wants to make "To Live" into a movie. He sent a letter to my office. Do you have any interest in it?"

Li Heng asked: "Who?"

Editor-in-Chief Liao said: "Zhang Yimou."

Li Hengxin said that it was indeed him, and he guessed it was him, "How much copyright fee is the other party willing to pay?"

Editor-in-Chief Liao smiled, thinking that Junior Brother was still Junior Brother, he really hadn't changed, still loved money, always talking about money, "The other party didn't mention money in the letter, but just asked for our initial thoughts, saying that if we agreed, they would come to discuss in person with sincerity."

Li Heng said immediately: "No deal for movie copyrights below 20."

Editor Liao looked at him and was speechless for a moment. He didn't know what to say. 20!

How much does it cost to make a movie?
Is this the savings of multiple ordinary families?

But later, when I thought about the huge influence of "To Live" on society, I felt relieved.

Editor-in-Chief Liao said, "Okay, I'll reply like this."

Li Heng smiled and said, "You can raise the price appropriately in the letter."

Editor-in-Chief Liao asked, "Aren't you afraid that this deal will fail? That you'll scare people away?"

Li Heng said indifferently: "Scare them away, it doesn't matter. I don't need the money now, so it doesn't matter if it's just sitting there."

He has no shortage of money, and this is where his confidence comes from.

I heard that later on, Lao Yu sold the film rights to To Live for only 2 yuan. But that was a different time. When Lao Yu sold the rights, the book had not yet caused a sensation and had no influence in society at all.

But now the situation is different. In the words of the 21st century, "To Live" has become a hot IP, with a mass base and a viewing base, which is the box office potential and guarantee. With this calculation, what's wrong with collecting 20?
Is it expensive?

Damn, it’s not expensive at all!

Zhou Shihe cooked dinner herself, with Mai Sui and Sun Manning helping out.

It was the first time for Editor-in-Chief Liao to eat Zhou Shihe’s dishes. As soon as the dishes were served, he kept praising the cooking skills and enjoyed the meal very much. His action of eating two large bowls of rice showed that it was not just boasting, but that the dishes were truly delicious.

Before leaving, Liao Hua patted Li Heng on the shoulder and said earnestly: "The teacher has been thinking about you recently and even mentioned your next new book.

Last time you told him that you had a plan for a new book. You should gather your strength first. The teacher and I are waiting for you to reach new heights."

"Hey, okay."

Li Heng’s next book is indeed a bit behind schedule, but he won’t start writing so soon.

Because he has to personally investigate for a period of time before he dares to write, otherwise there will be too many bugs and he won't be able to justify himself.

After seeing off Editor-in-Chief Liao and Editor Zou Ping, Sun Manning, who had endured a meal, could no longer hold back and grabbed Li Heng's arm and asked fiercely:
"Great writer Li, is what editor-in-chief Liao said true? Your work "To Live" is going to be published abroad?"

This is what Editor-in-Chief Liao leaked at the dinner table.

Speaking of which, this senior brother is also a wonderful person. He probably noticed that Li Heng has a special relationship with Mai Sui and Zhou Shihe, so he picked up things to brag about them, which not only increased the atmosphere at the table, but also praised his junior brother and helped him gain favor.

In Liao Hua's eyes, his junior brother was a playboy. What did one more bad fate or one more woman have to do with him? He was just a happy spectator.

Wheat Ear looked at him with bright eyes.

Zhou Shihe, who was sitting on the sofa next to him, was drinking tea and flipping through a book, but his ears were quietly perked up.

Li Heng nodded. "It is true. We just signed the overseas publishing authorization agreement today."

"Wow! That's amazing! You're so awesome!"

Sun Manning's expression was exaggerated, and she was obviously shocked. While clapping her hands, she said with stars in her eyes: "Li Heng, Li the great talent! Li the great writer! I swear to heaven now, you will be my idol from now on!"
Why don't you sign a few more books for me? I can sell them for some money if I have no food to eat in the future."

This girl was talking a lot of nonsense at the beginning, but later she revealed her little thoughts. Li Heng, Mai Sui and Zhou Shihe laughed when they heard it, and the atmosphere became very good.

Li Heng naturally agreed to the autograph request, and then said to the three girls, "The weather may change tonight. It's windy now and a bit cool. Three beauties, please do us a favor and go for a walk on campus."

Hearing this, Mai Sui put the rag back into the kitchen, washed his hands, took out the key and went out of the house.

Zhou Shihe also put down his book at the right time and followed him out the door.

It was just a coincidence that when the four of them reached the entrance of the alley, they met two unexpected people, Zhou Shihe's mother and her aunt.

Seeing the two, Zhou Shihe, who was chatting with Sun Manning, walked over and asked, "Mom, aunt, why are you here?"

Zhou's mother said, "I came to Shanghai to do some work, and I came to see you by the way. Have you had dinner?"

While talking to her daughter, Zhou's mother's eyes quickly moved between Li Heng, Mai Sui and Sun Manning. When she saw Li Heng and Mai Sui standing closely together, she deliberately glanced at them a few more times.

It was a mother-daughter reunion, and their family was of extraordinary status. After Li Heng and the other two exchanged a few polite words with them, they tactfully parted ways.

Zhou Shihe took her mother and aunt back to Building 26.

Li Heng continued walking forward with Mai Sui and Sun Manning, planning to take a good stroll around the campus.

After Li Heng and the other two walked away, Zhou's mother whispered to her daughter, "Are Li Heng and Mai Sui dating?"

Afraid that his mother would think too much, Zhou Shihe hesitated for a moment and said, "No, Li Heng's girlfriend is someone else."

My sister-in-law said, "Sister-in-law is right. I also think that Li Heng and Mai Sui have an unusual relationship."

Zhou Shihe smiled gently: "We have been good friends since high school. Mom, aunt, you misunderstood."

Upon hearing this, Zhou's mother and sister-in-law looked at each other and didn't ask any more questions.

In fact, the two of them had thought about it. Their daughter went to Beijing with Li Heng to participate in the Spring Festival Gala during the winter vacation, and stayed to help record the album during the summer vacation. Being together every day, they might develop feelings for each other.

However, despite what she thought, Zhou's mother still trusted her daughter.

Because my daughter has had high standards since she was young and is very independent and reserved, the possibility of any entanglement with Li Heng is very small, or even zero, if he already has a partner.

After all, during the winter and summer vacations, my daughter and Li Heng were not the only ones together. There was also a very elegant and beautiful teacher, Yu, so I felt relatively relieved.

Just now, Zhou's mother seemed to be asking about the relationship between Li Heng and Mai Sui? On a deeper level, was she examining Li Heng's character?

Zhou's mother had seen Xiao Han before. She was a very delicate and beautiful girl, and her facial features were as beautiful as her own daughter's.

If Li Heng changed his girlfriend in just one year at Fudan University and abandoned his girlfriend Xiao Han to be with Mai Sui, then his character is undoubtedly questionable.

Neither Zhou's mother nor the Zhou family can trust him 100%.

It is said that no one knows a daughter better than her mother, and vice versa.

It is not to mention that Zhou Shihe was keenly aware of this point, so she spoke out to help Li Heng maintain his image, which was also a disguised way of helping herself. She didn't want these trivial things to affect her life.

After leaving Lushan Village, Sun Manning asked with great interest: "Li Heng, your work is going abroad. How do you feel?"

"Happy! Excited!" Li Heng said.

Sun Manning put her hands behind her back and said in small steps, "Such a happy event, we are happy for you! We are excited for you too! Why don't you treat me and Mai Sui to some chocolate?"

(End of this chapter)