1978: Female educated youth, don’t want an illiterate husband

Professor Xu Zhuoqun's chest heaved violently as he looked at the old factory director Wang Yang, who had rushed over upon hearing the news, and then glared at Cheng Xuemin, who looked helpless.

Knowing that Wang Yang was present today, it was absolutely impossible for him to immediately "escort" Cheng Xuemin, this genius student, back to Yenching University.

He snorted heavily, bent down to pick up the few scattered pages of manuscript that had fallen to the ground in his excitement, and carefully smoothed out the creases as if handling fragile porcelain.

"Fine! Fine! Director Wang, your Yanying Film Studio is now too big a frying pan! I, a mere professor, can't get a word in edgewise!" Xu Zhuoqun said, his voice filled with resentment and determination.

"But let me tell you, Cheng Xuemin is a student of Yenching University! His talent shouldn't be wasted on film and lights! This matter is not over!"

Done.

He stopped looking at anyone in the office, clutched the stack of manuscripts tightly, turned around and pushed through the crowd of onlookers, staggering but with unusual determination as he rushed out of the East Depot office, leaving behind a room full of silence and a mess.

Old factory director Wang Yang frowned, walked to Cheng Xuemin's side, and asked in a low voice:
"Xuemin, what... what's going on? Old Xu looks like he's going to fight me to the death! What kind of spell did you cast on him?"

"What did I do to deserve this?"

Cheng Xuemin rubbed his temples with a wry smile and briefly recounted the final assignment and the storm it had caused.

Upon hearing this, the old factory director, Wang Yang, widened his eyes, gasped, and asked in astonishment:

"What did you say? Something you wrote casually could... cause a huge hole in Yanda University's key national scientific research project?"

"No, Xuemin, just how many more tricks of yours are you hiding? Making movies and generating foreign exchange is impressive enough, but how did you get involved in high-tech stuff?"

"Old factory director, please don't make fun of me." Cheng Xuemin said helplessly and miserably, "I just wanted to complete a task for Teacher Xu and provide some ideas along the way."

But who knew he'd react so strongly? This is troublesome; judging by his attitude, he'll definitely have to go back and get reinforcements.

The old factory director, Wang Yang, clicked his tongue, his expression shifting. Finally, he patted Cheng Xuemin on the shoulder and said, "When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it."

First, you need to stabilize things at the factory; starting filming for "Shaolin Temple" is the top priority.

As for Yenching University… I’ll go talk to them. We’re in the right; you were transferred through proper procedures, and the mission was approved by Hai Zili. We’re not afraid of them causing trouble!

……

Meanwhile, Xu Zhuoqun rode his old bicycle at breakneck speed back to Yenching University.

He didn't even go back to the lab; he barged straight into Principal Zhou Peiyuan's office.

Principal Zhou was reviewing documents when Xu Zhuoqun, with disheveled hair, a flushed face, and crooked glasses, burst in. Startled, he put down his pen and asked in surprise, "Old Xu? What happened to you? Did you get into a fight?"

"Fight? I'd like to fight!" Xu Zhuoqun gasped for breath, no longer caring about etiquette.

He slammed the crumpled manuscript onto Principal Zhou's desk, his voice hoarse with excitement, and said:

"President Zhou! Our great president of Yanda University, I'm asking you! Why did you loan such a promising talent as Cheng Xuemin to Yanying Film Studio in the first place? Huh? Look at this now! Look at this!"

Principal Zhou was bewildered by the sudden question. He picked up the stack of manuscripts with suspicion and asked, "Old Xu, what's going on?"
Is this another one by Xuemin? What good script or article has he written this time?

Principal Zhou was indeed very confused and suspicious. Even if Cheng Xuemin wrote a good script and a good article, it had absolutely nothing to do with Lao Xu's computer science research!
Previously, Lao Xu didn't seem to pay much attention to this. He and his research team were focused on their research design, striving to achieve breakthrough results as soon as possible.

Therefore, Principal Zhou was very suspicious of Old Xu's current state of mind as he suddenly became so crazy!

"A script? This is something that can change the course of national science and technology!" Xu Zhuoqun excitedly pointed to the algorithms and code on the manuscript, patted Principal Zhou's desk, and said:
"This is it! This is the Chinese character information compression scheme he wrote! We just successfully verified it in the lab!"
The Chinese characters typed by the DJS-130 are more than ten times clearer and faster than our previous research!

The bottleneck in Chinese character information output that has plagued us for so many years was solved by a first-year university student who tinkered with it in his spare time! Did you know that? My dear President Zhou!

Principal Zhou's hand trembled violently, and the casualness on his face vanished instantly, replaced by extreme shock and solemnity.

Although he was not an expert in the field of computer science, as the principal of a school, he was all too aware of the strategic significance and technical difficulty of the Chinese character laser typesetting system project!

This project has been designated as a key national research project. Once a breakthrough is achieved, it will completely transform China's publishing and printing industry, and its significance will be no less than a technological revolution!
"Old Xu...you, are you telling the truth? Has it been verified?" Principal Zhou's voice trembled as he asked.

"Absolutely true! Everyone in the lab can testify! The printed samples are still there!" Xu Zhuoqun's eyes reddened again as he said urgently, "Principal! Such a genius! Such a pillar of the nation, you put him in a film studio to make movies?"

This is a crime! It's the biggest waste of resources and technology! The Yanying Film Studio is now using its trivial authority as a pretext, refusing to release him no matter what!
"That old bastard Wang Yang is still protecting him! You have to stand up for me! We must get Cheng Xuemin back immediately! Right now!"

Principal Zhou took a deep breath and forced himself to calm down.

He quickly flipped through the manuscript. Although he couldn't quite understand the complex code, the clarity and rigor of the algorithmic thinking, as well as Xu Zhuoqun's out-of-control behavior, made him realize that...

This is probably true, and its seriousness far exceeds his imagination.

"Let's go!" Principal Zhou suddenly stood up, picked up the manuscript, and said, "To your lab! I want to see it with my own eyes!"

When Principal Zhou saw firsthand in the computer lab that the dot matrix printer was outputting clear, sharp Chinese characters of different sizes at a smooth speed, he was completely stunned.

He picked up the printed paper, still slightly sticky with static electricity, with trembling hands. He stared at the still-wet ink on it, which read, "Science and technology are the primary productive forces," and remained speechless for a long time.

“It’s a success…it’s really a success…” Principal Zhou murmured to himself, then suddenly turned to Xu Zhuoqun and said, “Old Xu, this…this core technology, was it really completed independently by Cheng Xuemin?”

"Who else could it be but him?" Xu Zhuoqun said decisively, but also with utter bewilderment. "Our team's previous research direction was completely different!"
It was his manuscript that opened a completely new door for us! Principal, what do you think? Should a student like this come back to do scientific research?

Principal Zhou's expression turned unusually serious.

He had previously agreed to temporarily transfer Cheng Xuemin, partly due to coordination issues between the cultural department and Haizili.

On the other hand, they also felt that Cheng Xuemin was indeed very talented in film, and that earning foreign exchange was also a contribution to the country.

But now, the scales have completely tipped.

Compared to breakthroughs in core technologies that could potentially lead to an information revolution, the foreign exchange earnings from film production seem insignificant.

“I understand, I understand.” Principal Zhou nodded repeatedly and said in a deep voice, “This matter is no longer just a matter of a temporary transfer between Peking University and Peking Film Studio.”

This concerns the planning of major national scientific research projects, so I'll personally go to Haizi to report on it!

Principal Zhou acted swiftly and decisively. That very afternoon, he took the crucial printed samples and the technical instructions compiled by Xu Zhuoqun directly to the superior in charge of education, culture, science and technology.

The report was then relayed up the chain of command, eventually alarming Jiang, the leader in charge of science and technology.

After listening to the detailed reports from Principal Zhou and Xu Zhuoqun, and carefully examining the comparison of the printing results, Leader Jiang was deeply moved.

He immediately instructed his secretary to contact Mr. Wu, the main person in charge of the cultural department.

When Mr. Wu was invited to Jiang's office and heard him say that he wanted to "transfer Cheng Xuemin back to Yanshan University to do scientific research", he was stunned.

"Ah... Director Jiang, are you sure you're not mistaken? Cheng Xuemin? That Cheng Xuemin from our Yan Film Studio? The one who made 'Tai Chi' and generated foreign exchange?" Old Wu asked incredulously.
"You guys are going back to Yenching University to do computer science research? What kind of logic is that?"

"Old Wu, look at this." Leader Jiang pushed the printed sample in front of Old Wu and explained the situation succinctly, "...That's it!"

"During his time in Hong Kong, Comrade Cheng Xuemin, with his remarkable talent and interest, independently developed a set of key technologies to solve the core problems of Chinese character information processing."

The results at Yenching University have been successfully verified, and the effects are revolutionary.

This means that our '748 Chinese character laser typesetting system project' is very likely to achieve a major breakthrough ahead of schedule!
Such a genius is a huge loss to the film studio! We must bring him back and put him in the most important research position!

Holding that light piece of paper, Old Wu felt it carried a tremendous weight. As a veteran in the cultural field, he knew all too well Cheng Xuemin's value. The success of "Tai Chi" and the subsequent collaborative film production plans were a crucial link in the strategy of promoting culture abroad.

Moreover, Cheng Xuemin had made a pledge in Haizi. The pilot program for foreign exchange earnings had just begun, and the filming of "Shaolin Temple" was about to start. If the key figure were removed at this time, wouldn't all the previous efforts be wasted?

“Director Jiang, I understand your feelings.” Old Wu carefully chose his words and said, “Xuemin is indeed a child who keeps surprising us.”

However, his work at Yanying Film Studio was also very important. Earning foreign exchange was a national necessity, and Sino-foreign co-productions were attempts to break down cultural barriers—all of which relied heavily on him.

Besides, the person was transferred through proper procedures, and there's a whole mess to deal with over there..."

“Old Wu!” Leader Jiang interrupted him, his tone serious. “I know cultural work is important.”

"But you must distinguish between primary and secondary! Earning foreign exchange is a 'tactic,' which solves immediate needs! Core technology, on the other hand, is the 'principle,' which is fundamental for long-term development and determines the fate of the nation!"

We now have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make a leap forward in information technology!
Are we really going to jeopardize the nation's overall technological modernization for the sake of a few movies?

The argument between the two senior leaders remained deadlocked.

Cheng Xuemin is like a super-rich mine that has been suddenly discovered. Both the cultural and technological sectors have realized his immeasurable value and want to incorporate him into their own empires.

The matter was eventually brought to the attention of higher authorities.

A few days later, Cheng Xuemin was urgently summoned to Haizi by phone.

In a simple office, he saw his familiar old leader again, with a serious-looking leader Jiang, a slightly furrowed brow old Wu, and President Zhou of Yanda University sitting next to him!
The old leader didn't beat around the bush; he directly picked up the crucial printed sample from the table and looked sharply at Cheng Xuemin:
"Comrade Xuemin, Professor Xu Zhuoqun and President Zhou of Yenching University jointly submitted a report stating that you have made groundbreaking contributions to Chinese character information processing technology. Did you really complete this work independently?"

Cheng Xuemin stood ramrod straight and answered frankly: "Reporting to the leader, the ideas and core algorithms were conceived during my time in Hong Kong, and the manuscript was written independently by me."

But the final verification and implementation were the result of the collective efforts of Professor Xu and his project team at Yenching University.

The old leader nodded, satisfied with his frankness, and continued to ask, "Now there are two choices."

First, you should return to Yenching University immediately and devote yourself wholeheartedly to this scientific research. Xiao Jiang and his team will guarantee you the best conditions and team to strive for the fastest results.

Secondly, you can stay at Yanying Film Studio and complete your foreign exchange earnings task.

What's your own perspective? If you were to go back, when would be the earliest you could see the 'industrialization of technology' you mentioned?

This issue is extremely crucial, determining the balance of power. Both Elder Wu and Leader Jiang are keeping a close eye on Cheng Xuemin.

Cheng Xuemin took a deep breath; he knew it was time to lay his cards on the table.

He couldn't directly refuse scientific research, as that would seem disregarding the bigger picture; nor could he agree to go back, as that would disrupt his entire plan.

He organized his thoughts and answered clearly and calmly, saying, "Reporting to the leader, first of all, I think Professor Xu and Principal Zhou may be too optimistic and impatient."

The manuscript I provided did point to a feasible technical direction, but it was more like a 'map' that indicated the path.

The real 'path-opening' and 'bridge-building' require a research team like Professor Xu's, with profound professional knowledge and engineering experience, to carry out a great deal of arduous and meticulous work in refining and debugging.

He paused, observed the leader's reaction, and continued, "In other words, the Yanda project team has already mastered the key principles. Whether I am involved or not in the subsequent scientific research is not as significant as one might imagine."

With the capabilities of Professor Xu's team, I believe that if they continue in this direction, they will be able to develop a mature technology that can be practically applied within six months to a year.

My return would be more of a bonus than a helping hand in times of need.

"On the contrary!" Cheng Xuemin changed his tone, becoming firm. "My work at Yanying Film Studio is at its most critical moment."

"Shaolin Temple" is the first large-scale film produced after China's reform and opening up to collaborate with foreign countries, aiming to showcase Chinese culture to the world.

Its success or failure is directly related to the establishment of our cultural confidence and the effectiveness of cultural export.

I made a solemn pledge in Haizi: this pilot project for foreign exchange earnings is not only about earning foreign exchange, but also about exploring a path for Chinese films and cultural industries to go global.

"As for pioneering this path, it seems that for the time being, we can't find a more suitable person than myself."

He raised his head, looked at his old leader with sincerity, and said, "Therefore, I personally request that you allow me to stay at Yan Film Studio to complete the filming of 'Shaolin Temple' and the foreign exchange earnings."

I can assure the leadership that I will use all my spare time to assist the Yenching University project team in their research, and I will absolutely not affect the progress of national scientific research.

Once "Shaolin Temple" is successfully released and the foreign exchange earnings pilot program is on track, I will definitely follow the organization's arrangements, whether it's returning to Yenching University or taking another position, without hesitation!

Cheng Xuemin's words were reasonable and well-founded, affirming the importance of scientific research while emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of his current work.

At the same time, it demonstrated an attitude of obeying the overall situation, leaving no room for error.

After listening, the old leader pondered for a moment, his fingers tapping lightly on the table.

He glanced at the anxious-looking Leader Jiang, then at Old Wu who was clearly relieved, and at Old Zhou from Yanda University who rolled his eyes in utter speechlessness.

Finally, a barely perceptible smile appeared on his face.

"Good lad." The old leader pointed at Cheng Xuemin, his tone slightly teasing, and said, "You've got a clever plan! You don't want to delay filming, but you also want to make a name for yourself in the history of science. You've got the best of both worlds?"

Cheng Xuemin smiled sheepishly: "Old leader, I just feel that cultural development and technological advancement are like two wheels of a cart or two wings of a bird, both of which are of paramount importance."

It is an opportunity given to me by the times, and also an honor, that I can contribute my modest efforts in both areas.

"Hahaha!" The old leader laughed heartily a few times, picked up a pen, signed his name on a document, and said:

"Alright! It's your decision! The strategy of promoting culture abroad is equally important, and you, as the vanguard, cannot be replaced at the last minute. The mission of 'Shaolin Temple' must be accomplished! As for Yenching University..."

He looked at Leader Jiang and said, "Xiao Jiang, you heard it too. Comrade Xuemin has assured us that the research progress will not be delayed. I think we should let him handle it for now."

Let's talk about his future after this movie becomes a success. How about that?

Although Jiang was unwilling, his old leader had already made the decision, and Cheng Xuemin's words were indeed reasonable, so he could only sigh.

"Alright, since the old leader has made the decision, we'll obey. But Comrade Xuemin, you made a pledge: 'Shaolin Temple' must succeed!"
Furthermore, you must take responsibility for the technical breakthroughs at Yenching University and provide regular communication and guidance!

"Don't worry, leader! I guarantee I'll complete the task!" Cheng Xuemin stood at attention and answered loudly.

"You, you, if you had known it was Peking University, you shouldn't have let them temporarily transfer you out!" With everything settled, Principal Zhou, as a member of Cheng Xuemin's family, had spoken to him privately for a long time, and in the end, she could only shake her head in regret.

"Principal, I will always be a member of Yanda University, you can rest assured that this will never change!" Cheng Xuemin replied with a forced smile.

that's it!
A fierce battle to recruit Cheng Xuemin, which even reached the lakeside, finally ended with Cheng Xuemin temporarily staying at Yan Film Studio.

When Cheng Xuemin walked out of that office, a layer of fine sweat broke out on his back.

He knew that this was only a temporary balance, and that such competition would likely continue as he demonstrated more value in the cultural and technological fields.

……

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