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

Cheng Xuemin was quite unruly in Hong Kong; one could say he was somewhat unscrupulous!
This is not!

His interview in Wen Wei Po was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating a huge wave in the Hong Kong film industry.

The interview's title was highly provocative: [Cheng Xuemin bluntly states: Hong Kong's film industry is too small; my goal is Hollywood!]

In the article, Cheng Xuemin speaks eloquently in his signature tone, which is somewhat blunt and even more arrogant.

When asked by reporters if he had any other plans for his trip to Hong Kong besides the screening of "Shaolin Temple", he replied...

Cheng Xuemin first humbly stated: "I am a straightforward person and I speak my mind. If I have offended any of my colleagues in Hong Kong, I apologize in advance and ask for your understanding and forgiveness."

Then, he changed the subject and began his sweeping generalization: "However, there are some things I have to say, but I can't help but say them."

I think Hong Kong is a great place, but... the pond is too small.

He further explained: "At most, it's just over six million people, which is less than the population of a single province in mainland China."

Is it really meaningful to crammed so many film companies, directors, and actors into such a small place, fighting tooth and nail for box office revenue?

To be honest, I found it pretty boring.

He even revealed a hint of loneliness: "After making 'Tai Chi,' I did have a feeling of... well, loneliness at the top. In the small market of Hong Kong, there aren't many competitors left."

These words were uttered in a way that completely humiliated the Hong Kong film industry!

The meaning is clear: Your temple is too small to accommodate such a great Buddha as me!

Then, he revealed his lofty ambition: "So, my next goal is very clear: the international stage, Hollywood!"

why?
Because the market is huge!

With hundreds of millions of people in North America and hundreds of millions in Europe, that's the world that filmmakers from all over the world should be exploring!

With only six million people in Hong Kong, even if every single one of them paid to see your movie, the box office ceiling is limited. How big of a box office hit can it possibly be?

He reiterated his point of view: "I have always said that if Hong Kong filmmakers want to truly grow and become stronger, they cannot be bullies at home; they must go out and explore!"
Go and align yourself with international standards, earn the dollars and pounds from the pockets of Americans and Europeans! That's real skill!

Immediately afterwards, he began to target his criticism precisely: "Therefore, I particularly dislike those who have no ambition whatsoever, who just lie in this tiny place of Hong Kong making bad movies, living off their past achievements, and making quick money!"

This kind of person has absolutely no future and will be eliminated very quickly!

He named names directly: "For example, our Master Liu."

boom!
This single name-calling was like cold water being poured into boiling oil! The reporter could imagine Liu Jialiang's furious reaction when he saw the newspaper.

But Cheng Xuemin's artillery fire did not stop.

His tone seemed to change abruptly, but in reality, he launched an even fiercer attack:

"Of course, not everyone in Hong Kong is short-sighted. There are still some ambitious filmmakers who want to go global. Sir Shaw, for example!"

He mentioned Shaw Brothers' investment of $20 million earlier this year in the Hollywood blockbuster "Blade Runner," his tone carrying an exaggerated sense of admiration:

"My goodness! Twenty million US dollars! That's all we Tai Chi has ever earned overseas after working ourselves to the bone!"

It must be said, Sir Shaw's courage and boldness remain undiminished!

But then came a bucket of cold water: "Unfortunately, I'm sorry, but I'm a straightforward person, and to be honest, I'm not very optimistic about this investment."

He continued his arrogant analysis, saying, "Why? Because we're not on the right track!"

"Shaw Brothers wanted to use money to break down the doors of Hollywood, which was a good idea, but Hollywood has its own rules of the game and cultural barriers."

Science fiction is their forte. What makes them think that if a Hong Kong company invests money, the film they are in charge of will be a success?
This model, which relies solely on capital intervention, seems... risky! It's very likely that it will end up resulting in total loss.

Then, he commented on Golden Harvest, saying, "Mr. Raymond Chow, I also think he's a remarkable person. I heard he sent Cheng Long to Hollywood before the new year? That was a smart move! He had foresight!"

Then, there was another "but": "However, I'm also not very optimistic about it!"

His reasoning was even more pointed: "Their position wasn't right!"

"Hollywood is a white man's world, a circle controlled by Jewish capital. Why should an Asian like you have to break in and get a piece of the pie?"
There was already a Li Xiaolong, an unrepeatable miracle, but it also attracted too much vigilance and rejection!

Do you think those Hollywood moguls will allow a second Asian kung fu superstar to rise to prominence and steal their market share and limelight?

He reiterated, "Therefore, I am very pessimistic about Cheng Long's Hollywood trip."

"The movie he's involved in, 'Cannonball Run,' is bound to flop! Flop so badly that Mr. Zou will question his existence! Don't believe me? We can wait and see!"

The moment this interview was published, the entire Hong Kong film industry was not just in an uproar, it was like a magnitude 12 earthquake!

Wenhui Daily was sold out, and even after three reprints, it was still in short supply!
Other newspapers rushed to reprint the story, and radio and television entertainment news provided rolling coverage around the clock!
On the streets and in alleys, in tea restaurants, office buildings, and in taxis, everyone is talking about Xue Min's extremely arrogant remarks!
"Crazy! Is this Northerner insane?!" a middle-aged man shouted, slamming his newspaper down.
"They're calling Hong Kong a pond? Who do they think they are? A Hollywood director?"

"Wow! That's incredibly clever! But... what you're saying seems to make some sense... Hong Kong is still a small place..." a young student said, scratching his head.

"Logic? What logic is there! He's got the upper hand over Master Liu? He's got the upper hand over Shaw Brothers? He's got the upper hand over Cheng Long? What gives him the right to do that?!" Cheng Long's fans retorted excitedly.

"But their 'Tai Chi' really makes US dollars... they might actually have something special about them..." someone muttered quietly.

Those who support Cheng Xuemin feel that he has a keen eye, gets straight to the point, and has broken the blind arrogance of the Hong Kong film industry;
Opponents, on the other hand, accused him of being ungrateful, a petty person who had achieved success, and of belittling the entire industry to elevate himself; they said his intentions were despicable!
The controversy and the level of attention it has generated are unprecedented!

Clearwater Bay, Shaw Studios, General Manager's Office.

"Snapped!"

The newspaper was slammed onto the table.

Fang Tai's face was ashen, her chest heaving violently, and her well-maintained fingers trembled with anger.

She pointed to Cheng Xuemin's face in the newspaper and spoke sharply to Sir Shao, who was sitting on the sofa:
"Sixth Brother, look at what he's saying! Our Shaw Brothers is investing in Blade Runner because we're optimistic about its prospects and to expand into the international market!"
And him! He casually dismisses it as a bad idea, a wrong approach, a recipe for disaster! Who does he think he is? A Hollywood prophet?

She became increasingly angry as she spoke, saying, "You said our twenty million US dollars is 'barely' equivalent to what he earned from one 'Tai Chi' movie?"
Is this a compliment to our courage? Or is it a boast about Cheng Xuemin's great abilities?
Is this how you praise someone? This is clearly a curse! They're climbing up by stepping on our Shaw Brothers! We supported them so much during the Lunar New Year season, and now that they've gotten ahead, this is how they repay us?

They completely disregard the Hong Kong film industry! It's utterly ungrateful!

Sir Shaw, wearing gold-rimmed glasses, listened calmly to Mrs. Fang's accusations, his face gaunt and refined.

He slowly picked up the newspaper, glanced at the report, and his gaze lingered for a moment on the words "20 million US dollars down the drain" and "a complete loss," his brow furrowing almost imperceptibly.

He didn't respond immediately. Instead, he took out a folded telegram from his suit pocket, gently pushed it in front of Mrs. Fang, and said in a steady voice, "Yihua, take a look at this first!"

Fang Tai paused for a moment, then took the telegram with a puzzled look and unfolded it.

Her gaze swept over the few lines of English and numbers on the telegram, and her face instantly turned from ashen to deathly pale. Her hand holding the telegram began to tremble uncontrollably, her lips quivered, and she couldn't utter a single word for a long time.

The telegram came from Hollywood, USA, and its contents were brief and brutal:
The sci-fi blockbuster "Blade Runner," in which Shaw Brothers co-invested, suffered a box office flop in its opening week in North America, with polarized reviews. Industry insiders predict that the final losses will be extremely heavy, and investors may lose everything.

"How...how could this happen..." Mrs. Fang slumped onto the sofa, dejected. The telegram slipped from her trembling hand as she muttered to herself, "Show it for a few days first...when will it be released..."

Sir Shaw sighed softly, took off his glasses, rubbed his temples, and a look of weariness and seriousness appeared on his face as he said:
"I just received the news this morning, and the situation there is not optimistic. Cheng Xuemin may have been speaking harshly, but it may not be unfounded."

Fang Tai suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with disbelief and a sense of panic that had been confirmed, and asked, "Sixth Brother! You mean... he... he knew all along? He has connections in America? He knew the outcome even before we did?"

Sir Shaw did not answer directly, but looked intently at the bustling scene of the cinema outside the window, and slowly said, "This young man is not simple. The fact that he was able to sell 'Tai Chi' to Europe and America and earn real money shows that he has a unique understanding of the overseas market. This time... perhaps we were too optimistic."

He paused, his tone tinged with self-deprecation and caution: "Twenty million US dollars... tuition, that's a bit expensive."

Fang Tai slumped on the sofa, her face ashen. Her earlier fierce demeanor had vanished, leaving only immense disappointment and a chill in her heart.

Cheng Xuemin's seemingly arrogant prediction actually came true...?
This made her feel more terrified and embarrassed than direct insults.

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in the office of Raymond Chow, the owner of Golden Harvest Company, was equally somber.

Raymond Chow held the newspaper, his face grim as he read Cheng Xuemin's assertion that Cheng Long's trip to Hollywood was "very pessimistic."

Sitting opposite him was He Guanchang, the production manager who had just returned from the United States.

"Ah Chang, how's the situation in America?" Raymond Chow's voice was low.

He Guanchang pushed up his glasses, his expression serious: "Mr. Zou, the situation... is not good."

"Cheng Long's film 'Cannonball Run' received a lukewarm reception at its test screenings. The distribution company there seemed to lack confidence. The screening schedule was not ideal, and the promotional efforts were far from sufficient."

They don't seem to know much about how to promote Cheng Long's kung fu comedies.

Raymond Chow clenched his fist quietly; the prediction from that mainland boy was like a thorn stuck in his heart.

"And another thing!" Ho Kwun-cheung added with a wry smile, "Cheng Hsueh-min hit the nail on the head. Hollywood really is a white man's world."

Bruce Lee's success was a miracle, but it also raised concerns. They might not want to see another Asian kung fu superstar rise to prominence and take away from their market.

After a long silence, Raymond Chow suddenly crumpled the newspaper into a ball, threw it into the trash can, and gritted his teeth, saying, "I refuse to believe this nonsense!"

Ah Long is truly capable! One failure doesn't mean anything! Increase the publicity! Continue negotiations with MGM! We must win over the screenings!

However, the hint of uncertainty deep in his eyes betrayed his inner turmoil.

Cheng Xuemin's words echoed in his ears like a spell.

Meanwhile, in another secluded film set prop warehouse in Hong Kong, the atmosphere was one of volcanic eruption of anger.

"Bang! Crash!"

Liu Jialiang kicked over a wooden shelf full of antique weapons, scattering knives, spears, swords, and halberds all over the ground.

His face was flushed red, veins bulged on his neck, and he was panting heavily, clutching a crumpled copy of the Daily News tightly in his hand.

On the front page of the newspaper, Cheng Xuemin pointed to Liu Jialiang's name and said that he only knew how to make bad movies to make quick money, had no ambition, and would soon be eliminated!
Each word infuriated Liu Jialiang so much that his eyes practically bulged out.

"Damn it! That damned Northerner! He's gone too far! He's gone too far!" Liu Jialiang's roar echoed in the empty warehouse.
"I, Lau Kar-leung, have been making movies for decades. When did it become his place, this northern guy, to point fingers at me?! Saying I make bad movies? Saying I'm making quick money? I'll fucking swear!"

He ripped the newspaper to shreds, scattering the pieces everywhere: "The Elders was a mistake! But my Martial Arts School! It's my life's work! It's my capital to turn things around! What right does he have to be so dismissive of me?! What right does he have?!"

Senior disciple Liu Jiahui and several disciples stood trembling to the side, not daring to utter a sound.

"Master, calm down! That northerner is just foul-mouthed and deliberately trying to provoke you! Don't fall for it!" Liu Jiahui said, forcing himself to speak.

"Calm down? How can I calm down?! The whole industry is watching! The newspapers have written about it everywhere! If I don't speak up, how am I supposed to survive in this industry?"

"I'm going to take this fight! 'The Martial Arts School' versus 'Shaolin Temple,' I'll see who's the bad movie and who'll flop!"

Panting heavily, Lau Kar-leung yelled at one of his apprentices beside him, "Ah-Qiang! Go! Call the reporter at Ming Pao! Tell them it was me, Lau Kar-leung, who said it!"

During the summer movie season, it's either him or me! I'll use the box office to slap his stinking mouth shut!

Cheng Xuemin's sharp and sweeping remarks were like a bombshell dropped on the Hong Kong film industry, stirring up huge waves.

The shadow of Shaw Brothers' huge losses, the worries of Golden Harvest's unsuccessful start, and Lau Kar-leung's furious rage—various emotions and undercurrents were surging within the industry.

Cheng Xuemin, who was at the eye of the storm, was unusually calm at this moment.

He was in his villa in Kowloon Tong, having a crucial private talk with his aunt, Gu Qiuna, who had rushed back from the United States.

Gu Qiuna looked at the several telegrams and industry briefings from the United States in her hands, her expression grave.

She looked up at Cheng Xuemin with a complicated expression: "Xuemin, the situation with 'Blade Runner,' which Shaw Brothers invested in, is terrible. The box office and reviews in North America have both collapsed, and the losses may be astronomical."

And what about Raymond Chow's "Cannonball Run," directed by Cheng Long? The test screenings were terrible, and Hollywood didn't buy it at all. How did you know that beforehand?

Cheng Xuemin sat on the sofa, slowly brewing Kung Fu tea, the rising steam obscuring the expression on his face.

He smiled faintly, not answering directly, but instead asking, "Auntie, what do you think is the most distinctive feature of Hollywood during your time in the United States?"

Gu Qiuna pondered for a moment and said, "They are heavily fortified, xenophobic, and white supremacist. They have their own rules of the game, which are very difficult to break."

“That’s right!” Cheng Xuemin pushed a cup of tea in front of Gu Qiuna and said, “Sir Shao wanted to use money to break down the door to Hollywood. His idea was good, but he underestimated the cultural barriers and industry prejudices there.”

Science fiction is their forte. What makes them think that a film produced by a Hong Kong company and led by them will be successful?
As for Boss Zou sending Cheng Long to Hollywood, that's a complete waste of time.

Li Xiaolong's success is an unrepeatable miracle; his emergence itself carries a strong sense of resistance and personal charisma.

Cheng Long's kung fu comedies, with their core of street humor and acrobatic action, inevitably fail to resonate with Hollywood, which emphasizes individual heroism and visual spectacle.

Moreover…would Hollywood allow a second Asian superstar to take away their precious market share?

His analysis was calm and ruthless, yet incisive.

Gu Qiuna gasped, unable to help but admire her nephew-in-law's profound insight into overseas markets.

She hesitated for a moment and asked, "Our 'Redemption' is also a World War II story with a Western background, so will it also...?"

Cheng Xuemin shook his head and said firmly, "It's different. The core of 'Redemption' is universal values, the brilliance of humanity in extreme circumstances. We are telling a story of humanity from an Eastern perspective."

Furthermore, we will not seek dominance from major Hollywood studios; we will insist on independent production, using our own methods to impress film festivals and independent distributors seeking quality content. These are two completely different paths.

He paused, looked at Gu Qiuna and said, "So, Aunt, when you go back this time, you must have a good eye for casting actors."

Don't look for actors who are obsessed with breaking into mainstream Hollywood. Look for actors who have artistic aspirations, are willing to try works from different cultural backgrounds, have reasonable salaries, and most importantly... have a 'story' to tell.

What we need are collaborators, not employees.

Gu Qiuna nodded solemnly: "I understand. Don't worry, I know what to do."

Just then, the doorbell of the villa rang.

Cheng Xuemin got up and opened the door. Fu Qi was standing outside, his expression somewhat strange, holding a telegram in his hand.

“Teacher Cheng, this is an invitation from Sir Run Run Shaw of Shaw Brothers.” Fu Qi handed Cheng Xuemin a beautifully crafted invitation, his tone incredulous. “You are invited to a banquet at the Shaw residence in Repulse Bay tomorrow night.”

Sir Shaw's invitation?

This really surprised Cheng Xuemin!
……

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