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

The car first took Cheng Xuemin back to Yanying Film Studio.

In the East Depot office, Liu Xiaoli was still busy. When she saw Cheng Xuemin return, she immediately went up to him with a questioning look in her eyes.

Cheng Xuemin gave her a few brief instructions, asking her to notify Huang Jianzhong, Li Lianjie, Zhu Lin, Gong Xue, Feng Jiazhao, and others to come to the factory for a meeting the next morning to arrange the specific preparations for the trip to Cannes and to conduct pre-departure ideological education.

Liu Xiaoli accepted the order and left, her steps light and quick, filled with barely suppressed excitement.

Cheng Xuemin returned to his office, closed the door, and needed some time alone to sort out his thoughts.

He took out the approval documents and itinerary for Cannes and studied them carefully again.

Dates, flights, accommodations, event schedules, film screening times, official invitations… confirming each item one by one! Then he took out that foreign affairs discipline handbook and quickly flipped through it.

He knew that this trip was not just about attending a film festival.

They represent the image of Chinese cinema after the reform and opening up, which aims to reintegrate into the world cultural stage.

While academic performance is important, one's words, actions, and overall demeanor are perhaps even more crucial.

In the afternoon, he made phone calls to Director Luo of the Economic Commission and Fu Qi of Hong Kong.

The phone call to Director Luo was mainly to inform him that the approval for Cannes had been granted and that he would be departing soon. It also reconfirmed the approximate time for the Hong Kong negotiations in late July and the progress of our preparations, and indicated that we would maintain communication at all times.

Director Luo gave him a lot of encouragement and expressed his expectations over the phone.

The phone call to Fu Qi was to discuss in detail the arrangements for the Cannes trip, media relations, and preparation of promotional materials.

Fu Qi had clearly done a lot of work in Hong Kong, coordinating and confirming everything one by one!

After finishing all that, the sun outside the window had already begun to set in the west.

Cheng Xuemin glanced at his watch, packed his things, and prepared to go home after get off work.

Today, he has an important family task to complete: to share the good news with his mother-in-law.

When we returned to the courtyard house, the sun was setting, and the golden afterglow bathed the small courtyard in a warm glow.

The aroma of food wafted through the courtyard.

Feng Jiayou was washing vegetables by the sink, while a little squirrel squatted under the jujube tree watching ants move house.

Teacher Gu, wearing an apron, was talking to her sister-in-law who was helping out at the kitchen door, but her eyes were clearly distracted, glancing towards the courtyard gate from time to time!

"Xuemin is back!" Feng Jiayou was the first to see him, a smile spreading across her face as she shook the water droplets off her hands.

This sound immediately drew the attention of the whole family.

Feng's mother forgot to put down the spatula in her hand and walked out of the kitchen in a few steps, staring straight at Cheng Xuemin.

The anticipation, nervousness, and complex emotions of wanting to ask but not daring to ask in his eyes were laid bare.

Grandpa also put down the radio he was holding and looked over!

Cheng Xuemin chuckled inwardly, knowing that his mother-in-law probably hadn't had a very peaceful day.

He greeted his grandfather first, then teased his son, before walking up to Mrs. Feng with a relaxed smile on his face.

"Mom, I'm back."

"Oh, it's good to be back, it's good to be back!" Mrs. Feng responded, but her eyes kept glancing at his hands and bag, as if searching for the stack of manuscript papers. "That...manuscript...was it sent? Did Old Wu...read it? What did he say?"

Seeing her anxious expression, Cheng Xuemin stopped teasing her, took out the empty manila envelope from his briefcase, waved it in front of Mrs. Feng, and said:

"It was sent over. Old Wu looked at it all morning, and even postponed an important meeting!"

"Huh? You've been reading it all morning? And you even postponed the meeting?" Mrs. Feng's eyes widened instantly, her heart leaping into her throat. Did she think it wasn't well-written?

Should it be changed?

Or... is there another variable?
Seeing his mother-in-law's face turn deathly pale, Cheng Xuemin quickly continued, "Old Wu gave the manuscript a very high evaluation! He said it was very well written, exceeding his expectations!"

"He was full of praise for the concept, the case studies, the arguments, and especially the exposition of the value of pioneers!"

Mrs. Feng's face turned from white to red at a visible speed, her eyes shone brightly, and her lips trembled: "Really...really? Old Wu really praised her that much?"

“Absolutely true!” Cheng Xuemin nodded firmly, then changed the subject and said:

"However, regarding the publication platform, Mr. Wu's initial idea was that this article was too weighty and should be placed on top platforms such as People's Literature and People's Daily to exert the greatest influence."

The joy on Feng's mother's face froze instantly, her eyes dimmed, and the spatula in her hand unconsciously drooped.

That's it again!

Just like last year, despite being praised, his starting position may slip away again!
She knew that such a good article might not be suitable for a small publication like *October*...

Cheng Xuemin took in the changes in her expression, stopped teasing her, and said in a light tone:

"However, I reported to Mr. Wu that this article was originally written at the request of you, the new editor-in-chief, to support the transformation of 'October' and help you make a good start."

"So Mr. Wu understood and fully supported your work!"

Feng's mother suddenly raised her head, and a spark of hope rekindled in her eyes.

Cheng Xuemin smiled and said, "Old Wu made the decision on the spot! This article, 'Ducks Know First When the Spring River Warms,' will be published as the lead story in the next issue of 'October'!"

"Moreover, the ministry will coordinate with the People's Daily to reprint the full text slightly later in the October issue, along with important instructions! People's Literature may also select excerpts or invite writers to discuss their work."

"Old Wu said that this would not only support your work and affirm the reform and opening-up direction of 'October,' but also maximize the influence of the article and achieve multiple impacts!"

This series of good news, like waves of happiness, crashed against Feng's mother's heart.

She stood there blankly, the spatula in her hand clattering to the ground, but she didn't even notice.

Her eyes quickly reddened, and tears welled up inside, swirling around.

She opened her mouth, wanting to say something, but found that her throat felt like it was blocked by something, and she couldn't make a sound.

Only her chest heaved violently, revealing her extreme excitement and unbelievable ecstasy.

Starting!

October's headline!
Reprinted by People's Daily!
Mr. Wu personally gave his support!
This is not just about saving a good manuscript; it's like giving her a tremendous gift and the strongest endorsement for her new job as editor-in-chief!

With this article and Mr. Wu's arrangement, she could stand taller in the face of the pressure of the publication's transformation and the gaze of her peers!

The next issue of "October" is destined to become the focus of attention in the national cultural circles!
"Mom! That's wonderful! That's really wonderful!"

Feng Jiayou understood, and happily ran over, hugging her mother's shoulder, she was incredibly excited.

She knew how anxious her mother had been all day, and now she could finally relax completely!
Grandpa stroked his beard, his face beaming, and exclaimed, "Good! Good! This is a great start for your mother as she takes office!"

Finally, Feng's mother caught her breath. She grabbed Cheng Xuemin's hand and held it tightly. Tears streamed down her face, and her voice choked with emotion.

“Xuemin…Mom…Mom, thank you! Really…thank you so much! And thank you, Elder Wu! Thank you, organization! I…I…”

She was so excited that she was incoherent.

"Mom, please don't do this. We're all family, it's only right."

Cheng Xuemin grasped his mother-in-law's hand and comforted her, "I'm happy that the article can help you! Just focus on preparing for the next issue of 'October,' and I guarantee it will be a huge hit!"

"Yes! Yes!" Mother Feng nodded vigorously, wiped away her tears, and her face regained its radiance.

For the next two days, Cheng Xuemin completely shut himself down at Yanying Film Studio.

The East Depot's conference room became a temporary command center, the air thick with the smells of ink, tea stains, and a tense, poised atmosphere.

A huge Cannes Film Festival schedule and a map of France were hanging on the wall, and various foreign language materials, promotional brochures, and itinerary documents were spread out on the table.

Cheng Xuemin, Huang Jianzhong, Feng Jiazhao, along with several core staff members including Liu Xiaoli, spent all their time here from morning till night, checking every detail and simulating every possible scenario.

Language training, intensive courses on foreign affairs etiquette, preparation of film technical data, final confirmation of promotional materials, final communication with the French side and the film festival organizing committee... the tasks are numerous and complex!

As the team leader, Cheng Xuemin had to oversee everything, big or small, and often worked until late at night. His eyes were bloodshot, but his mind was exceptionally focused and sharp, like a fully drawn bow.

Of all the preparatory work, there was one task that Cheng Xuemin entrusted to the old factory director, Wang Yang, to take charge of personally.

Pre-departure ideological education, especially focused talks with specific individuals.

This person is Li Lianjie.

Li Lianjie has been somewhat quiet these past few days. She continues training as usual and listens attentively in meetings, but there is always a hint of distraction and tension in her eyes!
He knew this opportunity was hard-won; it was given to him by Brother Cheng despite everyone's objections!

He also heard about the immense pressure Brother Cheng had faced within the ministry to protect him.

The more precious it is, the tighter the string in my heart becomes, for fear that I might make another mistake, which would not only ruin myself, but also betray Brother Cheng's trust and the adventure!
This psychological burden made him appear somewhat preoccupied, and he even subconsciously shrank back in the crowd!

That afternoon, after the routine training session, the old factory director's secretary came to the training room and called to Li Lianjie, who was packing her things.

"Xiao Li, the old factory director wants you to go to his office."

Li Lianjie's heart skipped a beat, and she almost dropped the towel she was using to wipe her sweat.

He glanced at Cheng Xuemin, who was discussing the camera with Huang Jianzhong, beside him.

Cheng Xuemin seemed oblivious to what was happening here, as he was focused on the storyboard in his hand.

Li Lianjie swallowed hard, replied "okay," and followed the secretary.

Walking towards the factory manager's office, the corridor was quiet, with only the sound of their footsteps.

Li Lianjie's heart was pounding, and her palms were sweating.

The old factory director spoke to him privately?
Is it because of what happened in Hong Kong? Is it to criticize him? Or... before departure, they felt he wasn't suitable and wanted to replace him?
Various unpleasant speculations, like seaweed, entangled his heart, tightening their grip ever more!

Upon arriving at the old factory director's office, the secretary knocked on the door, and the old factory director's steady voice came from inside: "Come in!"

Li Lianjie pushed open the door and went in.

The office window was open, and the afternoon breeze stirred the pale blue curtains.

Instead of sitting behind his desk, former factory director Wang Yang sat on a sofa by the window, with two freshly brewed cups of tea on a small table in front of him, their aroma wafting through the air.

He pointed to the sofa opposite him: "Xiao Li, you're here, have a seat."

His tone was very calm, even mild.

But Li Lianjie dared not relax. He tensed up, sat down on the edge of the sofa, only sitting on half of his buttocks, his back straight, his hands on his knees, his fingers unconsciously curling up.

"Old factory director, you wanted to see me!" Li Lianjie's voice was a little dry.

The old factory director didn't speak immediately. He picked up his teacup, blew on the floating leaves, took a sip, and then looked up at Li Lianjie with a calm gaze.

That gaze wasn't like scrutiny, but more like a deep, thoughtful observation.

"Xiao Li, is everything ready for Cannes? Luggage, documents, and mental preparation."

The old factory director spoke, but asked a very ordinary question.

"Everything...everything is ready, old factory director," Li Lianjie replied hastily, her Adam's apple bobbing.

"Hmm!" The old factory director nodded, put down his teacup, leaned forward slightly, and his gaze became focused. "This trip to Cannes is of extraordinary significance."

"You are the male lead in 'Shaolin Temple,' one of the faces of Chinese martial arts films to the world."

Your every action represents not only yourself and the "Shaolin Temple" film crew, but also the image of young Chinese actors and martial arts athletes! You need to be aware of this!

"I understand, old factory director! I will definitely pay attention and never bring shame to the country, the factory, or Brother Cheng!" Li Lianjie immediately declared, her voice trembling with urgency.

"Disgrace?" The old factory director shook his head slightly, his tone becoming more serious. "Xiao Li, I'm not here to talk to you today because I'm afraid you'll embarrass yourself. It's because the organization, Comrade Cheng Xuemin, and I have higher expectations for you."

He paused, looked at Li Lianjie's face, which was slightly pale from nervousness, and slowly said, "The matter in Hong Kong is over."

"Since the organization has decided to continue using you and send you to Cannes, it is giving you the greatest trust and an opportunity to make amends and prove yourself again."

This opportunity was secured for you by Comrade Cheng Xuemin, who risked his reputation and future to vouch for you before the ministry leaders!

Li Lianjie was startled and suddenly raised her head to look at the old factory director.

He knew that Brother Cheng had protected him, but he never expected that he would use his reputation and future to guarantee it!

The old factory director's gaze was sharp as a knife, as if trying to dissect Li Lianjie's heart, and he said:
"Given the circumstances at the time, if it were someone else, or according to some people's opinions, Li Lianjie, let alone going to Cannes, it would be questionable whether she could even stay at Yan Film Studio!"

"It was Comrade Cheng Xuemin who patted his chest and said to Old Wu, 'You, Li Lianjie, are a good prospect. You were just confused for a moment, but you are good at heart. You deserve to be given another chance!'"
He said he believed you could withstand the test, stand firm in the face of the outside world's temptations, and bring glory to the country!

Every word struck Li Lianjie's heart like a hammer blow.

He could almost see Brother Cheng standing before Old Wu, under immense pressure, arguing his case.

My nose tingled, and my eyes instantly welled up with tears.

"Why did he protect you?" The old factory director's voice wasn't loud, but every word carried immense weight. "Because he values ​​talent! Because he saw your desperate efforts and brilliance in 'Shaolin Temple'!"

"Because he believes that a hardworking and talented young person, even if they make a mistake, can still succeed if they can be pulled back!"

He didn't want to ruin a promising actor because of one mistake, and he certainly didn't want our own nurtured talent to be wasted by a little temptation!

The old factory director sighed, his tone softening, and a hint of an elder's earnestness appeared in his voice: "Young Li, no one is perfect, who can be without fault?"

"Especially you young people, who haven't seen much of the world, suddenly being in a place like Hong Kong, with its bright lights and bustling crowds, with people fawning over you and waving large sums of money in front of you, it's understandable that you're momentarily blinded."

But the key is, if you get lost, know to turn back; if you fall, know why you fell; and know who pulled you out of the way when you were most likely to fall into a pit!

Li Lianjie could no longer hold back her tears, which rolled down her cheeks.

He bit his lip hard to stop himself from crying out loud, but his shoulders were trembling slightly.

Shame, gratitude, lingering fear, and a renewed determination surged and churned within his chest.

"This time in Cannes," the old factory director continued, his voice steady and powerful, "the environment is more complex than in Hong Kong, there may be more temptations, and the attention is also higher."

“All sorts of voices will appear, some praising you, some criticizing you, and some tempting you. The organization, Comrade Cheng Xuemin, has entrusted you with such an important task, which is both a heavy burden on your shoulders and a great trust in you.”

"We hope that you can not only play the role of Jueyuan well, but also, like the real Jueyuan, stay true to your original aspirations and withstand the test!"

"Outside, stay close to the team, obey Comrade Cheng Xuemin's commands, and do not look at what you should not look at, do not listen to what you should not listen to, and resolutely do not take what you should not take!"

"Put all your energy into promoting the film, and showcasing the spirit of Chinese actors and Chinese martial arts! Can you do that?"

Li Lianjie abruptly wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, straightened her back, and said with a slightly hoarse but unusually firm voice, "Old factory director! I can! I promise you, I promise the organization!"

"If I, Li Lianjie, waver even slightly, and cause Brother Cheng or the organization any more trouble, I... I don't deserve to be a human being!"

"This time in Cannes, I will definitely follow orders to the letter. If Brother Cheng points east, I will never go west! I am like a brick in Brother Cheng's hand; wherever he tells me to move, I will move!"

"I will do my best to promote the film and showcase the spirit of Chinese martial arts. I will never let my country down!"

Seeing the rekindled look in Li Lianjie's eyes, a mixture of tears and resolute flames, the old factory director's face showed a satisfied expression.

He knew that the purpose of the conversation had been achieved.

What he needed was not Li Lianjie's fear and trembling, but the awareness to learn from her shame and the determination to fight to the death.

"it is good!"

The old factory director nodded, picked up a pen and paper from the side, and pushed them in front of Li Lianjie. "Talk is not enough! Write down your determination and your guarantee."

"This isn't written for the organization, it's written for yourself! Constantly remind yourself how this opportunity came about, and what responsibilities you bear!"

"Yes, old factory director!" Li Lianjie stood up and shouted without hesitation.

……

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