Reborn in 1977

Chapter 542 All Wanted

Time rewinds to yesterday.

After leaving Lujiawan, Zhao Junhui took Hideo Takahashi and others to the Nanhu Commune Guesthouse.

There was no other choice, as the Nanhu Commune only had this one guesthouse. Regardless of the environment, there were no other options.

However, Hideo Takahashi was not in the mood to care about the accommodation.

As soon as he finished the formalities and handed the luggage to his assistant, Hideo Takahashi went to find Zhao Junhui.

Zhao Junhui heard the knock and went to open the door. Seeing it was him, he put on a polite smile, "Mr. Takahashi, is there anything I can do for you?"

Hideo Takahashi stood at attention, bowed slightly, and said, "Mr. Zhao, I have something I would like to ask you. I wonder if it is convenient?"

Zhao Junhui's expression remained unchanged, and he smiled, "What is it? You know my job. I can tell you everything I know, but there are some things that I cannot answer."

Hideo Takahashi, "Understood. I want to inquire about that Teacher Chen. I heard that he is a very good writer?"

Inquiring about Chen Fan?

A strange look flashed in Zhao Junhui's eyes. He looked at him deeply, and then said, "Regarding Teacher Chen, I can only tell you about his public information, and it needs to be accompanied by comrades from our relevant departments."

In many novels, the domestic comrades who accompany foreigners to find relatives are written like traitors, often with the idea of "foreign guests first," or they do not obey the overall situation.

There are indeed such people, especially in the mid-to-late 1980s and later, which is very common.

But at this point in time, such people hardly exist.

Now, the comrades who accompany relatives not only have to fulfill ordinary tasks, but also have the responsibility of "observation." Moreover, people from only one unit are generally not allowed to follow, but two or three units send people to perform the task together.

For example, along with Zhao Junhui this time, there are comrades from two other units. However, those two people usually do not speak and all matters are arranged by Zhao Junhui. But Zhao Junhui cannot bypass them to have private contact with foreign guests.

Fortunately, Hideo Takahashi had nothing to hide, so naturally he had no objection.

So, a few minutes later, the two-person meeting became a "general meeting."

They simply ate and chatted.

Under the arrangement of the Nanhu Commune, the state-owned restaurant located at the entrance of the guesthouse alley was vacated and used exclusively to entertain them.

Chef Zhu Hao wanted to spit in the pot when he saw that several Japanese people had come today.

However, Zhu Public Security told him that there were also several cadres from provincial units, and they were only acting on orders. So he struggled and adhered to the chef's ethics, making them a table of clean food.

At Zhao Junhui's invitation, Zhu Public Security was not polite and joined the table.

He would have to accompany these people during their stay in the Nanhu Commune. It wouldn't be too much to have a meal, right?!

Besides, the bill was paid by the Japanese!

Alas, yes, the expenses during the family visit had to be paid, including the expenses of the accompanying personnel, which had to be settled in foreign exchange.

In this era, they were trying so hard to earn some foreign exchange.

Zhu Public Security sat down and first pointed to a plate of twice-cooked pork and said, "Aren't you going to talk about Teacher Chen? Then you have to try this dish."

Zhao Junhui looked at it, "This is twice-cooked pork in Sichuan cuisine, right? Does it have anything to do with Teacher Chen?"

Zhu Public Security smiled and said, "Although this is a famous Sichuan dish, we didn't have this dish or any other Sichuan dishes in our commune before. After Teacher Chen came, he taught it to Chef Zhu here. From then on, twice-cooked pork became the signature dish of this restaurant, and everyone orders it."

Zhao Junhui couldn't help feeling a little magical. Director Chen could actually cook?

Then, he translated it to Hideo Takahashi.

Hideo Takahashi became interested when he heard it. In Japan, it was also an elegant thing for literati to cook.

Haruki Murakami, a foodie, once said, "Among the literati, I am the best at cooking, and among the cooks, I am the best at writing." And he tirelessly described the cooking process in his articles.

Of course, Haruki Murakami has not become famous yet, but the customs are the same.

Hideo Takahashi did not expect that Mr. Chen could also cook. Since it was taught by Mr. Chen, he definitely had to try it.

He was the main guest on this table and also the oldest. After being polite for a while, he moved his chopsticks, picked up a piece of twice-cooked pork and put it in his mouth, then nodded repeatedly and gave a thumbs up, "Delicious, delicious!"

The others also started eating.

Everyone had something on their minds, so no one drank alcohol. After quickly filling their stomachs, they began to talk about the main topic.

Zhao Junhui, as the main speaker, started from Chen Fan's invention of the "Yunhu First Aid Method," rooted in rural medical care, writing into a well-known writer, opening a veterinarian training class in the production team, training dozens of people to become talents, including 23 people admitted to key universities, a dozen qualified veterinarians, and the teachers of the village elementary school…

Zhu Public Security listened silently with a smile on his lips, knowing that there were many loopholes in what he said, but he just didn't say it.

What did that little thing count?

Helping Lujiawan engage in breeding and develop sideline businesses, it only took less than a year to pull Lujiawan to take off. That's amazing!

In contrast, that little "personal benefit"… seems to be quite powerful too?!

Hideo Takahashi had been listening carefully. After Zhao Junhui finished speaking, he pondered for a few seconds and asked, "I wonder if Chen's works can be found here?"

Zhao Junhui didn't speak after hearing this, but instead turned his attention to Zhu Public Security.

Zhu Public Security chuckled twice and said, "Teacher Chen is the pride of our Nanhu Commune. Almost every unit has bought the 'Jiangnan Literature' magazine in which he published articles. Our unit also has it. If you want to read it, I can borrow it, but it can't be soiled. We still have to save it. It's not good to find it again if it's damaged."

Hideo Takahashi nodded immediately after hearing his words, "Please rest assured, I am a publisher myself and cherish books very much. I will definitely not soil them."

Zhu Public Security nodded slightly after hearing the translation, and then became a little curious, "Can you understand it?"

This time the translator did not translate it, but instead straightened his chest, his face full of pride, "I can understand!"

So that afternoon, Hideo Takahashi did not go out, locked himself in the room and listened to the translator read articles to him.

Including the serialized novels "On the Field of Hope" and "Reed Marsh," the novellas "Jiangshang People," "Dan Family Fishing Boat," and "Fighting the Waves," etc.

Of course, the novels were not finished, but even if he only listened to a paragraph, he could see the level of an article.

The translator was a little embarrassed when reading, because in addition to "On the Field of Hope" and "Fighting the Waves," the other novels were more or less mixed with a part of the anti-Japanese war plot.

The image of the Japanese is naturally negative, and listening to the victims scolding feels like scolding himself, how could he not be embarrassed.

Hideo Takahashi remained calm from beginning to end.

Before the 1980s, to be precise, mainly from the late 1940s to the early 1980s, anti-war has always been the mainstream social thought in Japan. Not to mention novels written by Chinese authors, even their own authors have written similar plots, mainly to highlight self-criticism.

There is a reason for this.

One is that the post-war Japanese society generally fell into a difficult situation, which made most people disgusted with the war. Another is that the Japanese were banned from publishing anti-war remarks and anti-war works, so that after the end of the war, many literati were like the floodgates of a reservoir, desperately pouring out their thoughts, resulting in a variety of anti-war literature.

Many scholars also believe that Japanese contemporary literature began with anti-war literature.

But unfortunately, due to the erroneous education and public opinion guidance before the war, and the protection of Lao Mei after the war, the original tumor was completely preserved. These people were not willing to be scolded, and always insisted on fighting a war of words.

By the 1980s, when the Japanese economy soared, this anti-war thought was quickly replaced by emotions such as pride. Instead, the opponent's emotions were high. Until the end of the 1980s, a book "Japan Can Say NO" was published, which completely reversed the situation. In addition, with the promotion of Lao Mei behind it, the current pattern was finally formed.

But that was a matter of the future. Now, anti-war literature is still very marketable.

Hideo Takahashi, as the boss of a company that includes papermaking, printing, publishing, and distribution businesses, felt that Chen Fan's writing was too conservative. If it could be stricter, the effect should be better.

Of course, this effect refers to Japan.

That's right, he wanted to translate Chen Fan's works into Japanese and publish and distribute them in Japan.

This idea had already occurred to him when he left Lujiawan.

His niece-in-law said that Chen Fan was a writer and had saved his grand-nephew, who was the only heir to his family. This favor was too great.

And the way he could think of to repay him was to move Chen Fan's works over, and he would pay the full amount of remuneration regardless of the market.

In fact, it was just sending money.

But now, after listening to his works, it seems this deal might actually be profitable?!

Subsequently, after confirming with Zhao Junhui that there were no current restrictions on books being exported from the country, he requested a visit to Chen Fan.

......

After Zhao Junhui and the others arrived at the door and exchanged brief greetings, Chen Fan led the group into the living room and seated them on the sofa.

At this time, Yang Mei and the others had already raced back from following the car.

After quickly washing up and changing into clean clothes, they came in to make tea and entertain the guests, and then hurried off to prepare lunch.

Takahashi Hideo looked at the spacious and bright house, his eyes shining with admiration. "Mr. Chen, may I be so bold as to ask, who was the master designer of this house?"

Chen Fan sat in the host's seat, chuckling, "It's no master's work, just my own haphazard design. I hope you're not laughing at it."

Guests are guests, after all. Although he didn't like the little Japs, they were extremely courteous and even brought a gift. Of course, he had to treat them warmly.

It was indeed a gift, a square box wrapped in colored paper and tied with a ribbon. It was flashy and he didn't know what was inside.

Hopefully, it wasn't some worthless trinket, or he might hold a grudge!

When Takahashi Hideo heard Chen Fan's words, his eyes almost popped out, and he said with a face full of amazement, "So it was Mr. Chen who designed it himself! No wonder it has such a unique style."

He looked up and around, "This house is spacious, grand, bright, and airy, with the touch of a master everywhere. Especially the furnishings, just a sofa and a tea table, yet they exude a hint of Zen. And the antique shelf separating the two spaces, along with the two low cabinets in the corners, bring the Zen back to the mortal world. Truly a masterpiece."

As soon as he finished speaking, he noticed that almost everyone was staring at him and Mr. Chen in astonishment, and couldn't help but feel puzzled. "Is something the matter?"

Did they think his praise was just flattery?

But he really liked the design of this house! He even wanted to copy it when he returned to Japan.

Then he saw Zhao Junhui staring blankly at Chen Fan, "You know Japanese?"

Hearing this, Takahashi Hideo realized that Chen Fan had been speaking directly to him, and in Japanese.

Chen Fan calmly waved his hand, modestly smiling, "Just a little. I haven't been learning for long, just following the books my mother left behind. I don't speak it well, please excuse me."

Zhao Junhui swallowed, not knowing how to respond.

You, someone who taught himself from books and hasn't been learning for long, speaks better than someone who has been studying for years, and you say you don't speak it well and ask for forgiveness?

Are you mocking me?!

Takahashi Hideo, however, looked delighted, "Mr. Chen, can you write in Japanese?"

Hearing this, Chen Fan's heart stirred, and he turned to look at him, "Mr. Takahashi, are you suggesting a commission?"

Takahashi Hideo straightened up and bowed slightly, then took a business card from his assistant and presented it with both hands, saying seriously, "Mr. Chen, this is my business card."

Chen Fan took it with both hands, and saw the words "Takahashi Corporation, President, Takahashi Hideo" printed on the card.

Below were the address and phone number, and looking at the back, it listed the business scope: papermaking, printing, publishing, and distribution.

Chen Fan couldn't help but feel a little strange. Apart from those large group companies, Japanese companies rarely engaged in multiple operations.

They generally only engaged in business activities centered around one main business. This kind of "one-stop shop" was more like the later private enterprises in China, focusing on a "full supply chain" coverage.

Takahashi Hideo saw Chen Fan's expression, but didn't quite understand what it meant. After all, in the eyes of outsiders, Chinese people didn't understand business very well and were more obedient to state arrangements.

He continued with his own train of thought, "My family originally had a paper mill specializing in the production of paper for book printing. During the war years, business fell into difficulties, and we had no choice but to take advantage of our acquaintance with several writers to establish a publishing company and acquire an old printing press to start a book printing business.

At that time, because the volume of business was too small, no distributors and bookstores were willing to cooperate with us, so we could only run the distribution business ourselves, developing through convenience store consignment sales.

After more than ten years of operation, we have developed into the current Takahashi Corporation, and have our own paper mill, printing plant, publishing company and distribution company, becoming a medium-sized book enterprise in the Japanese publishing industry."

He adjusted his posture and continued to say to Chen Fan, "Although we are not as good as the first-class publishing groups, our distribution costs are the lowest, our distribution channels are all over Japan, and we have dozens of contracted writers, including 3 best-selling authors, with a certain strength in the industry.

I read Mr. Chen's masterpiece yesterday, and based on my many years of experience, I judge that Mr. Chen's work should have a certain market in Japan, so I sincerely request that Mr. Chen entrust his work to me for publication and distribution in Japan. I will definitely use the best resources to promote your masterpiece."

After listening to him, Chen Fan's eyes showed a bit of strangeness, "You've read my articles?"

Takahashi Hideo nodded vigorously, "I have read them, they are very wonderful!"

Chen Fan pursed his lips, "Then you should be clear that there are some plots in it that are not very friendly to you?"

Takahashi Hideo said seriously, "You are completely stating the facts, and there is no fabrication or slander, so it cannot be said to be unfriendly."

After a pause, he added, "On the contrary, I think such works should be known to more people, so as to understand that period of history, oppose war, and embrace peace!"

Hearing this, Chen Fan couldn't help but open his mouth slightly, looking at him speechless.

People have said it to this point, so what else can he say?

He simply said, "Which ones do you want?"

As soon as Takahashi Hideo heard this, he knew that he was about to agree, and immediately his face was radiant, and he said generously, "As long as it is Mr. Chen's work, I want it all!"

Chen Fan blinked wildly, "All of them?"

Takahashi Hideo nodded vigorously, his eyes full of determination, "Yes, all of them!"

Chen Fan smacked his lips and turned to look at Zhao Junhui, who was listening attentively, and the other comrades who looked confused.

Zhu Gong'an quietly poked Zhao Junhui and asked in a low voice, "Cadre Zhao, what are they talking about?"

Zhao Junhui didn't turn his head back, "Takahashi said he wanted to publish all of Teacher Chen's works, and Teacher Chen agreed."

Zhu Gong'an glanced at him, "Just that one sentence?"

Although I haven't read much, you can't deceive me!

They babbled a lot, but you just finished it in one sentence?

Zhao Junhui thought for a while, "They said a lot, but that's what it meant."

Zhu Gong'an's mouth twitched, convinced that this Cadre Zhao was not being honest, and he should go back and ask Xiao Chen.

Seeing that Chen Fan didn't speak, Takahashi Hideo thought he was waiting for him to offer a price, and immediately patted his head lightly, smiling and said, "I forgot to talk about the remuneration. It's like this, our Japanese remuneration is 'uniform', which means that regardless of the size of the writer, we implement a unified remuneration standard.

First of all, there is the basic remuneration. We do not price according to the text, but according to the 'standard page'. Generally, one page of original manuscript content has 350 ~ 400 words, and the remuneration is between 1500 and 3000 yen, and the specific price depends on the published content. Scientific research works are the highest, valuable tool books are the second, and then there are novels, documentary literature, etc. For novels, the price is about 2500 yen per page.

Then there are royalties. Generally speaking, the royalty rate is between 10% and 14%. The writer's level will be reflected here. Big writers are higher, and small writers only have the basic price. You are a famous Chinese writer, so the starting royalty can be set at the highest, which is 14%.

In addition, according to industry practice, if your single-volume sales exceed 500,000 copies, all excess parts will be executed according to the 20% royalty standard.

The above is the issue of remuneration. If you have any questions or are not satisfied, you can make a request, and I will try my best to meet it."

Chen Fan blinked, knowing clearly that if it were a normal business negotiation, the royalties he could get, even if it wasn't 10%, would definitely not reach 14%, not to mention the last sentence.

It's like saying, hurry up and ask for a high price, as long as I can give it, I'll give it to you!

So it must be that the old Gao's family told him something, and he came this time with a heart of gratitude.