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

The door to the reception room closed gently, shutting out the noise from backstage.

The room was dimly lit, and two cups of tea on the coffee table were steaming.

The leader in charge of Jiangxi Province did not exchange many pleasantries. He sat opposite Cheng Xuemin with a gentle smile but sharp eyes.

The talks lasted for nearly an hour and were conducted in a friendly atmosphere.

As they parted, the leader shook Cheng Xuemin's hand and said sincerely, "Comrade Xuemin, you have a very broad perspective! Welcome to visit Jiangxi and Jiangxi often; we have many resources that we can cooperate on!"

Cheng Xuemin also replied humbly and politely.

The next day, the leader returned to Nanchang satisfied.

The cultural and artistic event at Lushan did not end with the conclusion of the awards ceremony.

In the following days, various symposiums and creative exchange meetings were held one after another.

Filmmakers from all over the country seized this rare opportunity to speak freely and exchange ideas.

As a key figure, Cheng Xuemin was inevitably surrounded by people seeking his advice, but he also took this opportunity to establish connections with many excellent directors and screenwriters, quietly planting the seeds for the future projects of the Eastern Depot.

During the trip, a group tour of Lushan's famous scenic spots was also organized. The misty Ruqin Lake, the precipitous Hanpokou, and the cascading San Diequan all left behind the laughter and creative inspiration of the artists.

A group of curious young actors and screenwriters spontaneously organized themselves and begged Cheng Xuemin to lead the way, making a special trip to Chenjiagou in the neighboring Ruichang County.

When they saw that the simple, even somewhat shabby, little village had given birth to the world-renowned Tai Chi, they were all amazed and kept asking Cheng Xuemin questions, gaining a more intuitive understanding that art originates from life.

After lingering in Lushan for more than a week, delegations from various places began to withdraw one after another.

Cheng Xuemin and his entourage, led by the former factory director Wang Yang, boarded the train back to Yanjing, carrying with them both honor and exhaustion.

Back at the Yanying Film Studio, the factory area was filled with a joyous and proud atmosphere.

A large red banner was hung up: "Warmest congratulations to our factory for winning multiple awards at the Hundred Flowers Awards for 'The Herdsman' and 'Tai Chi'!"

Former factory director Wang Yang was beaming and walked with a brisk pace.

Yanying Film Studio was a resounding success at this year's Hundred Flowers Awards. Not only did it win two Best Feature Films, "The Herdsman" and "Tai Chi," but it also won Best Director Xie Jin, Best Actress Zhu Lin, and Best Screenplay Cheng Xuemin. It completely overshadowed established powerhouses like Shanghai Film Studio and Changchun Film Studio, making a remarkable comeback.

After the celebration banquet, the factory leadership held a meeting to discuss the reward plan.

The meeting room was filled with smoke, but the atmosphere was somewhat awkward.

"Our factory has really made a name for itself this time, and those who have made contributions must be richly rewarded!" Old Factory Director Wang Yang banged on the table, setting the tone, and said, "Especially Comrade Zhu Lin, Best Actress! This is a hard-earned honor!"

I propose that Comrade Zhu Lin's salary be increased by two grades as an encouragement!

Zhu Lin deserves a great reward now, because Yan Film Studio has won five major awards, including Best Story and a group award!
The other Best Director, Xie Jin, should actually be credited to the Shanghai Film Studio, strictly speaking.

After all, at that time, Yan Film Studio was only borrowing Xie Jin, and Xie Jin's official position was still with the Shanghai Film Studio.

Needless to say, Cheng Xuemin followed!

He's already set up a separate table and gone off to run his own independent operation, the Eastern Depot, so all I could do was offer a polite verbal congratulation.

The old factory director wanted to give a substantial reward, but the entire Yanying Factory wouldn't agree.

Therefore, the only way to reward Zhu Lin was to do so!

A two-level raise in salary shouldn't be too much to ask, right?

But before he could finish speaking, Old Shen, the deputy factory director in charge of personnel and logistics, frowned, took a puff of his cigarette, and slowly said:

"Old factory director, the reward is deserved. However... this wage increase is no small matter; it's a very sensitive issue."

He paused, looked around, and said, "Comrade Zhu Lin has indeed made a contribution, but she is, after all, a young comrade with little experience."

Just before the Lunar New Year, she was exceptionally assigned a single dormitory room because of her good performance; this was already a special favor.

Now that I've given her a significant raise separately, I'm worried it will cause dissatisfaction among other colleagues, especially many of the older ones. We need to find a balance.”

Another deputy secretary chimed in, "Old Shen makes a good point. Rewards can take many forms, such as a bonus or a factory-level advanced worker title."

Raising wages alone is too ambitious and could easily lead to conflict.

How about... we discuss this further? Or, if we're going to raise salaries, could we consider promoting key employees like Liu Xiaoqing and Li Xiuming as well?
This way, it doesn't highlight any one individual, and it creates a better balance.

As the old factory director, Wang Yang, listened, the excitement on his face faded somewhat. He took a drag of his cigarette and fell into thought.

He knew that what Lao Shen and the others said wasn't without reason; the interpersonal relationships in the factory were complicated, and egalitarianism was deeply ingrained.

After so many years of collective farming, anyone who stands out too quickly is likely to become the target of criticism.

"Hmm...you've thought this through carefully." The old factory director, Wang Yang, finally nodded and said, "In that case, let's put the commendation plan on hold for now and study it carefully again."

"Old Shen, you take the lead, and the personnel department should come up with a sound plan that reflects the rewards while also maintaining a balance."

"Okay, old factory director," Old Shen agreed.

However, nothing stays hidden forever.

The news that the factory leadership was discussing raising Zhu Lin's salary spread like wildfire throughout the factory.

This really stirred up a hornet's nest.

First, some of the older employees in the workshops and departments couldn't sit still anymore.

Most of them were veterans who joined the factory in the early 1940s and 50s after the founding of the People's Republic of China. Many of them worked in technical or administrative positions for their entire lives, and their salary levels remained unchanged for many years.

Upon hearing the news, they gathered in small groups, discussing the matter animatedly.

"Why should we get paid like this? Huh? We've worked our whole lives for the factory, sweated and suffered a lot, and now we're still getting this meager fixed salary!"
She, Zhu Lin, has only been working at the factory for a few days? She acted in a movie, won an award, and now she's getting a two-grade raise? Is that fair?

An elderly photographer with gray hair was banging on his workbench in the studio, his voice filled with resentment.

"That's right! Old Wang, you're absolutely right! We're talking about serving the people and contributing to the factory!"

In terms of contributions, which of us old folks doesn't make more than Zhu Lin?
"She just got lucky and got a role, right? Does that give her the right to ride roughshod over us?" an old lamplighter chimed in.

"Giving her a dormitory is one thing, but now they want to raise her salary! Are they going to promote her to an officer position next? Is there no rule anymore?"

"Our socialist factory doesn't do this! Whoever is popular gets more? Wouldn't that be like the old society?" An old section chief in charge of logistics couldn't help but complain to his tablemates while eating in the canteen.

Discontent spread like wildfire.

Soon, dozens of veteran employees spontaneously gathered together, elected several representatives, and went directly to the office of the former factory director, Wang Yang.

Old Wang Yang was reading documents when he heard a commotion outside. He looked up and his heart skipped a beat.

A large group of people had gathered at the office door; they were all familiar faces from the factory, and each of them looked unfriendly. Leading the group was none other than the old photographer, Master Wang.

"Old factory manager! We're here today to demand an explanation!" Master Wang's voice boomed, filled with suppressed anger. "I heard the factory is going to raise Zhu Lin's salary? Two grades? Is that true?"

Old factory director Wang Yang inwardly cried out in alarm; the news had leaked so quickly!

He quickly stood up, trying to ease the tension: "Old Wang, fellow workers, please calm down, let's talk this out. The factory is indeed considering a plan to reward the award recipients, but no final decision has been made yet..."

“Research? I think it’s already decided!” another veteran employee interrupted him, saying, “Old factory director, let’s not beat around the bush!”

We old guys have worked in the factory for decades. Even if we haven't made any great contributions, we've certainly put in a lot of hard work, right?

Now that the factory is doing well, we have no objection to rewarding the young people! But this kind of reward method is unacceptable!

"Yes! We can't do it like this!" The crowd stirred. "If we're going to raise wages, there has to be a method! It has to be based on seniority and contributions! No matter how much Zhu Lin has contributed, can she be more than those of us who have dedicated our lives to the factory?"

"Exactly! We are all working class, and we believe in fairness! It's unacceptable for whoever is popular and successful to get more. This doesn't conform to our socialist principles of distribution!"

"Old factory director, you must give us a clear explanation today! Otherwise, we will report this to the bureau and the ministry!"

The old factory director, Wang Yang, was surrounded, sweat beading on his forehead.

He tried to explain the importance of the Hundred Flowers Award to the factory and the significance of rewarding outstanding talents, but the veteran employees simply wouldn't listen.

In their view, this is no longer a simple matter of rewards, but a matter of fairness and the values ​​they have believed in all their lives.

"Old factory manager, don't give us any of that high-sounding advice! We're just asking you, are you going to give her a raise or not?" Master Wang pressed, his eyes sharp.

Wang Yang felt unprecedented pressure.

On one side are the young backbone employees who have made great contributions and need encouragement, and on the other side are the cornerstones of the factory, the emotionally charged veteran employees.

If not handled properly, it could seriously affect the stability and unity of the factory.

"Dear veterans, please calm down! Believe me, the factory will carefully study this and come up with a plan that can reward the advanced workers while also taking into account the interests of the majority of our colleagues! I, Wang Yang, assure you here that there will be no special treatment and no harm to the interests of our veteran colleagues!" Wang Yang could only try his best to appease them, but his words sounded weak and powerless.

The veteran employees were clearly dissatisfied with the answer and remained gathered at the office door, discussing the matter and refusing to leave.

The noise of the crowd drifted through the windows to the small conference room upstairs.

now!

In the small conference room, Zhu Lin, Liu Xiaoqing, Li Xiuming, and Zhang Jinling, the four beauties of Yan Ying, sat together, the atmosphere a mix of anticipation and tension.

They were notified by the factory office to attend the meeting, and they vaguely guessed that it might be related to the awards presented at the Hundred Flowers Awards.

Zhu Lin, in particular, was filled with mixed emotions, feeling both excited about the potential recognition and somewhat uneasy.

The noise downstairs grew louder and louder, and you could vaguely hear words like "Zhu Lin," "wage increase," and "unfair."

Zhu Lin's face gradually turned pale, and her fingers unconsciously twisted the hem of her clothes.

Liu Xiaoqing listened intently, a barely perceptible smile playing on her lips. She picked up her teacup, gently blew on the steam, and spoke with an exaggerated air of worry, her eyes glancing at Zhu Lin:

"Hey, what's going on downstairs? It sounds pretty noisy. Sounds like they're talking about a raise? And they even mentioned our big star Zhu Lin?"

She deliberately dragged out her words, turning to Zhu Lin, "Zhu Lin, listen, the veteran workers are quite agitated. Why don't you... go down and see? Try explaining things to them?"

You're now a hero of our factory, a pioneer in foreign exchange earnings, and the best actress! The veteran workers will definitely listen to what you say!

These words sounded like expressions of concern, but every single one pierced Zhu Lin's heart like a needle.

Zhu Lin suddenly raised her head, her eyes instantly reddening, her lips trembling, wanting to say something but unable to utter a single word.

She didn't have a strong desire for a raise; it was more of a symbol of honor.

But now, even though it's still just a rumor, she's become the target of public criticism, bearing unwarranted accusations and pressure.

Feeling wronged, innocent, and flustered, a mix of emotions welled up inside her, almost bringing her to tears.

Li Xiuming couldn't stand it anymore, so he tugged at Liu Xiaoqing's arm and whispered, "Xiaoqing, say less."

Zhang Jinling also frowned, looking at Zhu Lin with concern.

Liu Xiaoqing seemed not to hear her and continued in a sarcastic tone: "Oh, I'm doing this for Zhu Lin's own good! This matter has to be resolved, doesn't it?"

"Hiding here isn't a solution. Zhu Lin is incredibly famous now; this little thing won't stump you."

Just as Zhu Lin was feeling utterly humiliated, the commotion downstairs gradually subsided.

It seems that the old factory director, Wang Yang, finally managed to appease the indignant crowd with platitudes such as "we will study it further" and "we will proceed with caution."

Although the veteran workers were still indignant, they couldn't keep blocking the door since the old factory director had spoken. Eventually, they gradually dispersed amidst small groups of chatter.

The office building was temporarily calm, but the tense atmosphere did not dissipate.

At this moment, Cheng Xuemin strolled over.

He was in the editing room looking at footage of "Shaolin Temple" when he heard a commotion in the factory about Zhu Lin's wage increase, so he decided to come and see what was going on.

As he arrived at the office building entrance, he bumped into the dispersing crowd. Several older employees saw him and gave him complicated looks; some nodded, while others snorted and turned away.

Cheng Xuemin chuckled inwardly, realizing that this "iron rice bowl" mentality was indeed deeply ingrained.

He was about to turn and leave when he was spotted by the sharp-eyed old factory director, Wang Yang, through the window.

"Xuemin! Xuemin! You've come at the perfect time! Come up here right away!" Wang Yang pushed open the window, leaned out, and called out, his voice filled with exhaustion and urgency.

Cheng Xuemin cursed his bad luck, realizing he'd been the one caught up in the drama.

He had no choice but to bite the bullet and go upstairs.

In the small conference room, Wang Yang was rubbing his temples, looking worried.

Seeing Cheng Xuemin enter, he waved as if he had seen a savior, saying, "Xuemin, sit down, sit down! You've heard about it, haven't you? This whole mess!"

When Zhu Lin saw Cheng Xuemin, it was as if she had found her pillar of support. She couldn't hold back her tears of grievance and quickly lowered her head to wipe them away.

Liu Xiaoqing adopted an indifferent expression and lowered her head to fiddle with her nails.

Cheng Xuemin nodded, pulled up a chair and sat down: "I've heard a bit about it; the veteran workers are quite upset."

"It's more than just big!" Old factory director Wang Yang sighed. "It almost got out of control! Xuemin, what do you think we should do about this?"
Rewards are definitely necessary, otherwise who will be willing to work so hard for the factory in the future? But striking a balance... is too difficult!

Cheng Xuemin did not answer immediately. He glanced at Zhu Lin, who was still sobbing, and then at Liu Xiaoqing, who was pretending to be calm. He knew exactly what was going on.

He hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Old factory director, I can understand the feelings of the veteran workers."

They'd worked in the factory their whole lives and were used to egalitarianism. Suddenly breaking that routine and giving a large reward to a single person could easily cause a backlash.

Wang Yang nodded repeatedly: "Yes! So Lao Shen and the others suggested that either we don't raise salaries but give some bonuses, or we raise salaries for all four of them together, to downplay Zhu Lin's individual influence."

But this greatly diminishes the significance of the reward! It's also unfair to the other three, who didn't win the grand prize again.

Cheng Xuemin smiled and changed the subject: "Old factory director, actually, there may be a way to solve this problem that satisfies both sides."

"Oh? You have a good idea?" Wang Yang's eyes lit up, and he leaned forward.

Cheng Xuemin said unhurriedly, "The reason for rewarding Comrade Zhu Lin is that she has won great honor for the factory, and this honor has been transformed into tangible social influence and potential benefits."

This blame shouldn't be placed solely on Zhu Lin, but we also can't let those who made contributions feel disheartened.

He paused, then looked at Wang Yang: "How about this? Comrade Zhu Lin's salary can be adjusted according to the original plan; she deserves it."

However, at the same time, the factory will set aside a special bonus, not called a commendation bonus, but a "Hundred Flowers Award for Achievement Sharing" or "Special Contribution Consolation Fund", to be distributed to all factory employees, especially favoring those long-serving and highly contributing veteran employees.

The amount doesn't need to be too large; it's just a token to show that the factory hasn't forgotten the contributions of any comrade.

In this way, both meritorious employees and veteran workers were rewarded, and the money was spent transparently.

As the old factory director, Wang Yang, listened, his brows gradually relaxed, and he tapped his fingers lightly on the table: "Achievement sharing award... special contribution consolation money... this is a good name!"

Spending money on the people is perfectly justified! Xuemin, you're quick-witted!

Cheng Xuemin chuckled inwardly; this was nothing more than a variation of the "universal" reward system that would later become common.

He continued, "As for the source of this money... Old Factory Director, didn't the factory also get a share of the foreign exchange earnings from our Eastern Factory's 'Tai Chi' this time?"

I think we can use this profit share; it would be our Eastern Depot contributing to the stability and unity of the factory.

Old factory director Wang Yang slapped his thigh: "Great! Let's do it this way! Xuemin, you've done me a huge favor!"
That shut those old fogies up! Zhu Lin's reward will proceed as usual, and everyone will even get a little something in return, so nobody has anything to say!

He immediately turned to his secretary and instructed, "Go, call Lao Shen and the others back, and we need to re-examine the commendation plan immediately! Just follow the approach Comrade Xuemin suggested!"

The secretary left as instructed, and Wang Yang breathed a long sigh of relief, a smile returning to his face.

He looked at Zhu Lin, his tone softening considerably: "Zhu Lin, don't take it to heart. The older workers aren't targeting you; they just haven't quite adjusted to your mindset yet. The factory will definitely reward you, don't worry!"

Zhu Lin then raised her head, wiped away her tears, and choked out, "Thank you, old factory director... I really don't care!"

Cheng Xuemin gave her a reassuring look.

Liu Xiaoqing listened from the side, her expression changing. She hadn't expected Cheng Xuemin to resolve the situation so easily.

This also made Zhu Lin's reward seem legitimate, and I might even get a share of the credit, but the feeling of being overshadowed by Zhu Lin was even stronger.

The plan was quickly revised.

The factory decided to give Zhu Lin a two-level salary increase as a bonus. At the same time, a special fund was allocated from the foreign exchange earnings of the "Tai Chi" project to establish the "Baihua Award Special Achievement Sharing Award".

All employees are allocated funds based on their length of service and job position coefficients, with older employees and front-line technical backbones having higher coefficients.

As expected, public opinion within the factory shifted rapidly after the news was released.

Although the veteran employees still had some reservations about Zhu Lin's wage increase, they were also able to receive a considerable "shared bonus," which they considered a tangible benefit and a sign of respect, greatly alleviating their dissatisfaction.

Furthermore, with factory leaders repeatedly emphasizing that this was a sharing of collective honor, the criticism was no longer directed at Zhu Lin alone.

The turmoil was temporarily averted thanks to Cheng Xuemin's financial loss and clever advice.

……

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