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

The turmoil caused by the award at the factory was temporarily quelled by Cheng Xuemin's suggestion to spend money to avoid further trouble.

After the prize money, known as the Hundred Flowers Award for Special Achievements Sharing Award, was distributed, the veteran employees received tangible benefits.

Although there were still some private complaints about Zhu Lin's salary increase, the public outcry against it was eventually suppressed.

The factory area returned to a superficial calm, but the cracks left by the clash between old and new ideas were quietly sown.

A few days later, Cheng Xuemin knocked on the door of the old factory director Wang Yang's office again, carrying a thick document.

The old factory director, Wang Yang, was reviewing documents when he saw Cheng Xuemin enter. A smile appeared on his face, and he pointed to the sofa opposite him:

"Xuemin, you've come at the right time. I was just looking for you. The sharing bonus has been distributed, and the results are good. Old Shen's feedback is that the veteran employees are much more stable."

That was a brilliant move of yours!

Cheng Xuemin smiled, ignoring the remark, and placed the file folder he was holding on the old factory director Wang Yang's desk, saying:
"Old Factory Director, it's all in the past regarding the commendation. I'm here today to report to you on our East Factory's next steps."

This is the initial draft of the script and shooting plan for the new project. Please take a look.

Curious, former factory director Wang Yang picked up the document bag and pulled out a thick stack of manuscript paper.

The first thing you see on the homepage is a few bold characters: "Redemption" (tentative title).

He opened it with great interest and began to read it carefully.

However, as he read on, the smile on the old factory director Wang Yang's face gradually froze, his brows furrowed more and more, and his fingers unconsciously tapped the table.

He would sometimes flip through the pages quickly, and sometimes stop to look at a particular paragraph repeatedly, with fine beads of sweat even appearing on his forehead.

After reading for more than half an hour, the old factory director, Wang Yang, finally let out a long breath, slammed the script shut, and looked up with disbelief and deep worry in his eyes.

"Xuemin...this...this script..." The old factory director's voice was a little hoarse. He picked up his teacup and took a big gulp, trying to calm himself down. "Aren't you going a bit too far with this?"

He pointed to the script, his fingers trembling slightly: "All the dialogue is in English? All the main characters are foreigners? The story is set in Hong Kong during World War II?"

This...this is completely a foreign film! How can this be considered a Chinese film? From a policy perspective...the risk is too great!"

Former factory director Wang Yang stood up and paced around his office, his tone urgent:

"Xuemin, I know you want to innovate and break into the international market! The approach of 'Tai Chi' and 'Shaolin Temple' is very good!"

Kung Fu films have Chinese characteristics, are understandable to foreigners, and are politically safe! And now you're making this "Redemption"...

The subject matter is sensitive, the characters are sensitive, and the filming location is Hong Kong! What... what am I supposed to say if the higher-ups ask? How is the factory supposed to take responsibility for this?

Cheng Xuemin remained calm and waited for the old factory director, Wang Yang, to finish speaking before slowly saying, "Old factory director, don't be in a hurry."

It is precisely because "Tai Chi" opened up the market and proved that our films can go global that I want to take another step forward.

Kung Fu films are our strength, but we can't rely solely on them. To truly establish ourselves on the international film scene, we must have works that resonate with shared human emotions and explore universal values.

"Redemption" explores themes of hope, freedom, and friendship—themes that resonate universally. The Hong Kong setting not only aligns with historical accuracy but also provides the film with a more international perspective and production advantages.

"Universal values? Hong Kong perspective?" Former factory director Wang Yang stopped and stared at Cheng Xuemin. "Xuemin, have you thought about this? What time is it now? How tightly are they controlling the ideological field!"
If you make a film with a lot of foreign faces and a foreign story, even if the theme is good, you're likely to be criticized!

To accuse you of neglecting national themes and being a Western-worshipper! This is a serious label that neither of us can afford to accept!

He walked back to the table, placed his hands on the surface, and said in a heavy tone: "Xuemin, this script has a very novel idea, and it may be a breakthrough in art."

However, the political risks are too high. As the factory manager, I can't just consider art; I also have to consider the livelihoods and futures of hundreds of people in the factory!
Personally, I have reservations about this project. If we really want to move forward, the factory's approval alone isn't enough; you have to submit a formal report to the ministry and ask Mr. Wu and his team for review and approval! This is no joke!

Cheng Xuemin nodded, not surprised by the old factory director Wang Yang's reaction.

He knew that, under the circumstances at the time, proposing such a project was tantamount to a bombshell. He hadn't expected the factory to approve it immediately anyway.

“Old factory director, I understand your concerns.” Cheng Xuemin put the script back into the file bag and said, “I’m here mainly to give you a heads-up.”

I'll prepare the formal report and submit it later. However, before submitting the report, there's something else I need the factory's support for.

"What is it?" asked the old factory director, Wang Yang, warily.

"It's about 'Shaolin Temple'," Cheng Xuemin said. "The post-production of 'Shaolin Temple,' especially the special effects and sound effects, is handled by the Hong Kong Great Wall with more advanced technology and equipment."

I plan to take the entire crew and some technical staff on a trip south to Hong Kong to complete post-production work and also to promote the film's release in Southeast Asia.

This time, the factory may need to coordinate and approve the travel permits and paperwork for a dozen or so people.

"Going to Hong Kong? And bringing the entire film crew?" Old Factory Director Wang Yang frowned again. "This is going to be a big commotion! How long will it take? How long will they be gone?"

"The initial plan is to depart in mid-April," Cheng Xuemin estimated. "Post-production and promotion will likely take two to three months there. Perfect timing."

He then changed the subject, adding seemingly casually:
"If the Ministry approves 'Redemption' during our time in Hong Kong, we can start preparations on the spot and try to finish filming before June. That way, we can still make it to this year's Cannes Film Festival."

"The Cannes Film Festival?" Former factory director Wang Yang was taken aback. "You mean Cannes? The one in France?"

“Yes.” Cheng Xuemin nodded firmly. “You probably don’t know this yet, old factory director.”

"Because of the huge success of 'Tai Chi' in the European and American markets last year, the Cannes Film Festival organizing committee sent an official invitation to China Film Group Corporation at the beginning of this month."

They invited us to submit our film to this year's film festival, and although there's only one main competition section, they also gave us three slots in the Un Certain Regard or Outstanding Screening sections. This is a very important opportunity for international exposure.

Former factory director Wang Yang was clearly hearing this for the first time, appearing both surprised and excited: "Cannes invited us? This is fantastic news! What's China Film Group's attitude? Which film are they planning to send?"

"China Film Group's initial suggestion is to submit the sequel to 'Tai Chi,' 'Tai Chi 2,' for the competition."

Cheng Xuemin spoke calmly, but his words shocked the old factory director Wang Yang once again: "They believe that 'Tai Chi' has a market foundation, high popularity, and a greater chance of winning an award."

"Tai Chi 2? Isn't that still in preparation? The script isn't even fully finished yet, is it?" Old Factory Director Wang Yang asked doubtfully.

"So China Film Group's intention is to not respond for the time being and wait for our news," Cheng Xuemin explained. "But personally, I think sending 'Tai Chi 2' to Cannes is very risky, and we might even... return empty-handed."

"Why?" asked the old factory director, Wang Yang, puzzled. "Tai Chi was so successful. As long as the sequel maintains the same level of quality, how could it not win an award?"

“Cannes’s judging criteria are quite different from those of the commercial market,” Cheng Xuemin analyzed. “They place more emphasis on the artistry, intellectual depth, and auteurship of the films.”

Tai Chi 2 is essentially a commercial kung fu film with strong entertainment value, but it may be difficult to impress those demanding judges in terms of artistic exploration and human depth.

"And 'Redemption'..." He patted the file bag in his hand, "This subject matter and theme is exactly the type that Cannes likes the most."

It is about hope, struggle, and the brilliance of humanity, and has a strong literary and philosophical flavor.

If the film is good, going to Cannes is all about winning awards! That's true cultural export, a demonstration of national soft power!

As the old factory director, Wang Yang, listened to Cheng Xuemin's analysis, he fell into deep thought.

He had to admit that Cheng Xuemin's judgments on international film festivals were often frighteningly accurate.

If it can actually win an award at Cannes, its significance will far exceed the commercial success of "Tai Chi".

"So..." Old Factory Director Wang Yang raised his head, looking at Cheng Xuemin with a complicated expression, "You mean, we should take on the pressure of 'Redemption' and give up the safer 'Tai Chi 2' to try for a Cannes award?"

“It’s not about abandoning Tai Chi 2,” Cheng Xuemin corrected. “It’s about choosing more suitable weapons to fight more suitable battles.”

The commercial value of "Tai Chi 2" is undeniable, but it is not the best choice for making a splash at Cannes.

"Redemption," on the other hand, was born for film festivals. The opportunity is rare; if you miss it, you might have to wait several more years.

Old factory director Wang Yang slumped back into his chair, lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and his expression shifted through the swirling smoke. Cheng Xuemin's plan was too bold, too risky, but the potential profits were also extremely tempting.

This is far beyond the decision-making scope of a film studio director.

“Xuemin, Xuemin…” Old factory director Wang Yang exhaled a long puff of smoke, shook his head with a wry smile, “You always manage to give me difficult problems, and they are huge problems!”

This is... a huge deal! I can't take it, and neither can the factory.

You must follow the procedure and submit a formal report outlining the project proposal for "Redemption" and your idea of ​​participating in Cannes, detailing the reasons, directly to the ministry for Mr. Wu and higher-level leaders to make a decision!

"I can only help you sign the report and submit it; there's nothing else I can do."

“I understand.” Cheng Xuemin stood up. “I will prepare the report as soon as possible. Please also take care of the procedures for going to Hong Kong, Director Cheng.”

"The procedures shouldn't be a problem. You can just apply to Old Wu in the ministry together." Old factory director Wang Yang waved his hand. "But you have to be prepared that the ministry and Old Wu will definitely have a lot of doubts about your 'Redemption' plan."

After all, the successful model of Tai Chi is right in front of them. Why abandon the safe path and insist on forging a different one, especially a seemingly thorny one… It's difficult!

Cheng Xuemin nodded, said nothing more, picked up the file folder, and took his leave. He knew that the real contest had only just begun.

As expected, when Cheng Xuemin formally submitted his meticulously prepared, dozens-of-pages-long "Request Report on Preparing to Shoot a Film and Submitting it to the Cannes Film Festival in France" to the Film Bureau and the relevant ministries, it immediately caused a huge uproar at the relevant levels.

The report first reached China Film Group Corporation, and several executives in charge of overseas distribution were in an uproar after reading it.

"Nonsense! Absolutely nonsense!" A senior vice president slammed his fist on the table. "Tai Chi 2 is a sure thing to go to Cannes and attract attention, and it might even win an award!"

Why would someone choose to cross a narrow bridge when there's a perfectly good path available?
Why make a film with an all-foreign cast? Even putting aside whether foreign audiences will accept it, what will domestic audiences think? Isn't this just asking for trouble?

"Comrade Cheng Xuemin has been blinded by victory! Just because he has succeeded in earning foreign exchange, he thinks he can do anything?"
Film is art, but it's also politics! How can such a sensitive project be launched so easily?

The report was quickly forwarded to the ministry and placed on Mr. Wu's desk.

Wearing his reading glasses, Old Wu carefully reviewed the report, his brow furrowing more and more as he read. He then summoned the deputy director in charge of creative work and several senior experts to discuss it together.

At the meeting, dissenting voices dominated.

"We all acknowledge Mr. Wu's and Comrade Cheng Xuemin's pioneering spirit and talent. The success of 'Tai Chi' also proves his vision."

However, the project "Redemption" is indeed very special. "An all-foreign cast and a Western background is unprecedented in the history of Chinese cinema," a deputy director carefully chose his words.

While the theme is positive, the presentation is too... ahead of its time. The political risks are uncontrollable!

Another expert was more direct: "Mr. Wu, I think the most urgent task is to consolidate the market created by 'Tai Chi' and to develop the kung fu genre in depth and thoroughly."

Art films like "Redemption," which are highly auteur-driven, can be postponed until conditions are more favorable.

If we force it to happen now, and it fails at Cannes or the film's content sparks controversy, the international relations we've worked so hard to build could be negatively impacted.

It would be better to play it safe and send "Tai Chi 2" to Cannes; at least that would guarantee some buzz.

Everyone tended to favor the conservative approach, believing that Cheng Xuemin was too radical.

After listening to everyone's opinions, Old Wu remained silent for a long time.

He admired Cheng Xuemin's talent and courage, but he was also well aware of the great responsibility on his shoulders.

He ultimately did not make a decision on the spot, but instead told his secretary, "Inform Comrade Cheng Xuemin to come to the ministry tomorrow morning for a face-to-face meeting."

The next day, Cheng Xuemin arrived at the ministry's small conference room on time. Old Wu and several relevant leaders were already present, and the atmosphere was serious.

Old Wu didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "Comrade Xuemin, we have studied your report carefully. The ideas are very bold and very attractive."

However, you've heard the concerns of our comrades. There are two main points: First, the subject matter of *Redemption* is unique, posing significant policy risks;
Second, is it worthwhile to abandon the market-proven success of "Tai Chi 2" to chase an uncertain award? Can you provide us with more convincing reasons?

Cheng Xuemin was prepared. He sat up straight, his gaze sweeping over each leader present, his tone calm but firm:
"Mr. Wu, distinguished leaders, I understand your concerns. But I would like to clarify a few points."

"First, regarding the risks. The core of The Redemption story is universal, celebrating the brilliance of humanity and the power of hope, which aligns with the values ​​we advocate."

The choice of foreign actors and a Hong Kong background is to make the film more internationally appealing and to better tell the story itself, rather than to deliberately avoid anything.

As long as we maintain a positive focus on the theme, the risks are manageable.

"Secondly, regarding the selection. The Cannes Film Festival is a temple of art films, and its selection criteria focus more on the artistic value and intellectual depth of the films."

Tai Chi 2 is an excellent commercial film, but it is difficult for it to compete with the works of European masters on an artistic level.

Sending it there will at best allow it to participate, but it's unlikely to gain anything.

The script for "Redemption," with its literary depth and profound exploration of human nature, has the potential to make a mark at Cannes.

We're not going there just to join the fun; we're going to win awards! We're going to prove that Chinese films can not only make money, but also reach world-class artistic standards!
This significance is far greater than selling a few more copies!

He paused, his tone becoming more serious: "Finally, I want to tell you all the facts. I've thought about this 'Redemption' project for a long time and done a lot of preliminary preparation."

If...if the ministry deems the timing unsuitable, the risks too high, and therefore refuses to approve the project domestically...then I will seek cooperation with Hong Kong Great Wall Film Company to produce it as a co-production.

The meeting room fell silent for a moment after these words were spoken, and the leaders exchanged surprised glances.

Cheng Xuemin continued, "The people at the Great Wall in Hong Kong are very interested in this project."

If it is operated as a co-production, the main investment, production team, and even some of the copyrights will belong to the Hong Kong side.

Even if the film wins an award at Cannes, the primary recipient of that honor will be Hong Kong Great Wall, not our mainland Chinese film.

We're at most a participant. This... is probably not the outcome we hoped for.

His words, while seemingly gentle, were firm, demonstrating both his resolve and pointing out the potential consequences.

It would be a huge loss if, out of conservatism, such a potentially glorious project were pushed to Hong Kong.

Old Wu tapped his fingers lightly on the table, his expression unusually serious.

Cheng Xuemin has put the opponent in a difficult position.

He pondered for a full two or three minutes; the meeting room was so quiet you could hear each other breathing.

Finally, Old Wu slowly raised his head and looked sharply at Cheng Xuemin: "Comrade Xuemin, we have heard your determination and judgment."

This matter is of great importance and involves many aspects. The department needs to study it carefully and may also need to report it to higher authorities.

We will carefully consider your report and what we discussed today. Please go back and wait for our response. Do not act rashly before receiving official approval.

"Yes, Mr. Wu. I understand." Cheng Xuemin knew that this was the best outcome they could achieve at the moment.

He stood up to take his leave.

Stepping out of the ministry building, the spring sunshine was a bit dazzling.

Cheng Xuemin took a deep breath, knowing that what followed was another long wait and a game of strategy.

But he wasn't flustered. He had done all the necessary work; the rest depended on the determination and resolve of those above.

……

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