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

The car drove through the dazzling lights of Kowloon Peninsula!

Finally, we drove onto Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui and slowly stopped in front of a magnificent building with an H-shaped exterior, constructed entirely of white granite and glass!

At the top of the building, the English sign of THE PENINSULA shines brightly in the night!

The doormen, dressed in crisp white uniforms and wearing white gloves, were already standing respectfully on either side, waiting!
"The Peninsula Hotel?"

Cheng Xuemin looked out the car window at the iconic building and the row of Rolls-Royces Silver Spurs parked at the entrance, paused slightly, then turned to Fu Qi and said:
"Mr. Fu, this...isn't it too much of an expense? We'll stay at the Great Wall Hotel!"

Fu Qi smiled and shook his head, then personally opened the car door: "Teacher Cheng, you're being too polite!"

"You helped Great Wall Productions produce 'Shaolin Temple,' which grossed over 30 million at the Hong Kong box office. This friendship cannot be measured in money!"

"Besides, you and Mrs. Cheng are a loving couple, and this is your first time visiting Hong Kong together. If we don't treat you well, wouldn't our colleagues laugh at Great Wall for not knowing etiquette?"

"The Peninsula may be luxurious, but only here is worthy of your current status and achievements in Hong Kong, Mr. Cheng. Don't you agree, Mrs. Cheng?"

His last words were spoken with a smile to Feng Jiayou, who had just gotten off the bus!
Looking at the magnificent and imposing hotel entrance and the glimpse of the grand lobby inside, covered with thick carpets and gleaming with gold, Feng Jiayou felt dizzy!
She had seen a bit of the world in Yanjing, and her man had taken her to foreign-owned hotels to sing karaoke, watched pornographic videos, and slept in a Simmons bed!
But the scale and atmosphere of this hotel were completely beyond her comprehension!

She instinctively gripped Cheng Xuemin's hand tightly and said nervously, "Mr. Fu, you're really going to great lengths!"

Cheng Xuemin patted her hand and said sincerely to Fu Qi, "Mr. Fu, I appreciate your kindness! But this arrangement is indeed too grand, we..."

"Hey, Xuemin, don't refuse!" Shi Hui also got out of the car, walked over and took Feng Jiayou's other arm affectionately, and said with a smile, "The room is all booked, the best sea view suite, with a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour!"

"You've come from afar, and you're preparing for such an important event as Cannes. Make sure you're comfortable, well-rested, and full of energy so you can better bring glory to our country, right?"

"Little sister Jiayou, come on, let's go inside and see if you like the room."

Without saying a word, she took the arm of the still somewhat dazed Feng Jiayou and walked towards the heavy revolving glass door of the hotel, which required the doorman to push open with force.

Seeing this, Cheng Xuemin knew that further refusal would be pretentious, so he nodded to Fu Qi, acknowledging the favor.

"Then... I'll gladly accept your offer. Thank you, Mr. Fu and Mrs. Fu, for your trouble."

"That's more like it!" Fu Qi laughed loudly and walked into the hotel side by side with Cheng Xuemin!

Gong Xue and Zhu Lin, who were following behind, were also amazed and clicked their tongues repeatedly. They had thought that this time when they came to Hong Kong, they would stay at the Great Wall Hotel, the reception hotel of Great Wall Film Company.

But to my utter surprise, it was the Peninsula Hotel that came!
They had visited Hong Kong several times before and stayed at the Peninsula Hotel for several months each time, so they had heard a lot about the legendary Peninsula Hotel.

They also looked forward to the day when Cheng Xuemin would be able to take them to stay for a night.

Unexpectedly, this trip to Cannes was made possible by transiting through Hong Kong!

As for Huang Jianzhong and Feng Jiazhao following behind, needless to say.

Only the head of the security team accompanying them on this trip frowned, wanting to say something but ultimately remaining silent.

The moment the group stepped into the lobby, they were greeted by a luxurious atmosphere that blended fine fragrances, fresh flowers, and the patina of time!

A giant crystal chandelier hangs from the extremely high dome, illuminating the entire lobby as if it were daytime!
The marble floors gleamed like mirrors, the walls were adorned with exquisite reliefs, and the well-dressed, elegant guests conversed in hushed tones…

Everything here silently speaks of the style and history of this place!

Feng Jiayou felt as if she had entered another world. Her steps became lighter involuntarily, but her eyes couldn't help but look around with amazement and a hint of caution!
The front desk manager had obviously been notified in advance. Upon seeing Fu Qi and Cheng Xuemin's group, he immediately greeted them with the most standard professional smile and efficiently and respectfully completed the check-in procedures!

Immediately afterwards, polite waiters in white uniforms pushed a luggage cart and led them to the private elevator!
The room is located on a high floor of the hotel!

When the waiter pushed open the heavy mahogany door, even Cheng Xuemin secretly exclaimed in admiration!
This is an extremely spacious suite, complete with a living room, bedroom, study, and walk-in closet. The decor is in classic European style, but with touches of oriental charm in the details!
Outside the huge floor-to-ceiling windows is an unobstructed panoramic view of Victoria Harbour!
As dusk settles, the skyscrapers of Central on Hong Kong Island across the water are brightly lit, resembling a dazzling crystal forest!

Ferries and sightseeing boats slowly glide by on the sea, streaking with lights. The most exquisite night view of Hong Kong unfolds like a flowing, magnificent scroll in front of the window!
"Wow……"

Feng Jiayou stood by the window and couldn't help but let out a soft gasp!

She never imagined that one day she would be able to stand at such a height and overlook such a dreamlike city!
The panic of the day and the fatigue of the journey seemed to be greatly relieved by the magnificent scene before my eyes!

"Mr. Cheng, Mrs. Cheng, this is a welcome fruit and champagne prepared by the hotel for our VIP guests. Please feel free to call our service hotline if you need anything."

The waiter helped with the luggage, gave a brief introduction to the room facilities, and then politely withdrew, gently closing the door behind him.

Only Cheng Xuemin and his wife remained in the room!
Feng Jiayou walked to the window, gently touched the cold glass with her fingers, looked at the dazzling starry sky below, and remained silent for a long time!
"Do you like it?" Cheng Xuemin walked behind her, gently wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his chin on the top of her head.

Feng Jiayou leaned against him, nodded, then gently shook her head, her voice somewhat unsteady:
"I like it... but, Xuemin, how much... how much does this cost? Mr. Fu and the others are too... too kind. We're just stopping over, and I don't feel comfortable staying in such a nice place!"

Cheng Xuemin smiled, turned her around to face him, and looking into her eyes at the unease and faint excitement, he said earnestly:

"Wife, remember, this isn't just politeness, it's recognition and respect!"

"Mr. Fu is a businessman. His arrangement was certainly based on our friendship, but more importantly, it was because 'Shaolin Temple' made him a lot of money, and because we were about to represent Chinese cinema at Cannes, which could bring us even greater prestige and benefits."

“Hong Kong is a very pragmatic place, and it knows best how to measure and express value through material things. Accepting this with equanimity is the best response. You are my wife, Cheng Xuemin's wife, and you fully deserve this treatment!”

His words were like a reassuring pill!

Looking into her husband's calm and confident eyes, Feng Jiayou's unease gradually dissipated, replaced by a sense of pride and honor.

She nodded vigorously: "Yes, I understand!" That evening, at the Peninsula Hotel's famous Chinese restaurant, Jia Lin Lou, Fu Qi and Shi Hui hosted a grand welcome banquet for Cheng Xuemin and his entourage!

The restaurant's decor is extremely luxurious in a Chinese style, with mahogany furniture, embroidered screens, antique decorations, and waiters dressed in cheongsams who move silently!
The dishes are exquisitely crafted, like works of art, from whole suckling pig and steamed grouper to bird's nest dessert!
Every dish dazzled Mrs. Cheng, who came from the mainland, and she ate cautiously, but her heart was as sweet as if she had drunk honey!

During the meal, Fu Qi chatted and laughed, constantly raising his glass to praise Cheng Xuemin's talent and wishing him a successful trip to Cannes!

Shi Hui took meticulous care of Feng Jiayou, serving her food and gently explaining the origin and preparation method of each dish to ease her nervousness.
Huang Jianzhong, Feng Jiazhao and others gradually relaxed and chatted happily with the executives from Great Wall Film Company who were accompanying them!
Although Li Lianjie, Gong Xue, and Zhu Lin were instructed to keep a low profile in public, they were also moved by the grand occasion and their faces shone with joy!

Feng Jiayou ate this meal with a mixture of excitement and trepidation, feeling as if she had just experienced a magnificent but unreal dream!

Even after returning to that luxurious suite and soaking in the warm water of the jacuzzi, she was still a little dazed!

"Xuemin!" She was wearing a soft bathrobe, leaning against the headboard, looking at her husband who was flipping through documents at his desk, and couldn't help but call out softly.

"Hmm?" Cheng Xuemin looked up.

“I…” Feng Jiayou bit her lip, her eyes sparkling, “Today I feel like Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden… no, even more exaggerated than that!”

"Those reporters at the airport, this hotel, the banquet tonight... I only knew you were famous in Hong Kong before, but I never imagined you were this famous. The Emperor of Movies... Do they really call you that?"

Cheng Xuemin put down the documents, walked to the bedside and sat down, took her hand, a slight smile on his lips, mixed with a touch of emotion: "Just an empty reputation!"

"In Hong Kong, box office revenue is everything. Whoever brings in real money is the boss!"

"The success of 'Shaolin Temple' has indeed exceeded many people's expectations, including my own. So, we're accepting their praise. But this praise is earned through our strength, not given away for free!"

He paused, looking at his wife's admiring yet inquisitive gaze, and suddenly felt like teasing her. He lowered his voice and said in a boastful tone, "Wife, do you know that the room we're staying in tonight might be worth several years' wages for a worker in Beijing!"

"That dinner tonight will easily cost over ten thousand Hong Kong dollars. Fu Qi is so willing to spend so much, firstly to repay the favor for 'Shaolin Temple,' and secondly because he's optimistic about our prospects at Cannes and is investing in advance. Your man here in Hong Kong now, his words still carry some weight!"

Feng Jiayou was amused by his rare display of smugness and gently punched him: "Look how pleased you are with yourself!"

But the smile and pride in his eyes were impossible to hide!
She nestled in Cheng Xuemin's arms, listening to his steady heartbeat, and gazing at the eternal Victoria Harbour night view outside the window. She felt her heart filled with immense happiness and a sense of security.

"I just feel...like a dream. Before, when I was at home, watching you write articles and make movies, I thought you were already very capable. But now I realize that my man is so...amazing outside!"

Cheng Xuemin hugged her tightly, kissed the top of her head, and said nothing!

The warmth and affirmation we feel at this moment are the best reward for all his efforts!

The next morning, accompanied by Fu Qi, Cheng Xuemin went to Great Wall Film Studio's film set and post-production center in Kowloon Tong!

One of the main purposes of his trip was to personally review the final cut of "Redemption"!
The film "Redemption" was originally completed when Cheng Xuemin returned to Beijing to report on his work, and the post-production editing was almost finished. In the end, Cheng Xuemin asked Fu Qi's Great Wall Film Company to help with the most crucial step.

That means adding English subtitles to the dialogue. After all, it's going to the international stage, and Great Wall has professional English voice actors, so why not use them!

Immediately afterwards, in the professional screening room of Great Wall Film Studio, equipped with the latest projection equipment, the lights dimmed and the screen lit up!

Cheng Xuemin looked focused, his body leaning slightly forward!
Feng Jiayou, Huang Jianzhong, Feng Jiazhao, as well as Gong Xue, Zhu Lin, Li Lianjie, and others were also present, holding their breath in concentration!
The room was unusually quiet during the nearly two-hour film screening, with only the sound of the film echoing in the background!
Cheng Xuemin watched very carefully, not missing a single shot, a single line of dialogue, or a piece of background music!
The film tells a story about hope, redemption, and institutional reflection. It has a heavy core, but the narrative is smooth, the performances are precise, and the cinematography is powerful.

As the ending scene freezes, showing the protagonist finally escaping after many hardships and roaring angrily at the sky in the pouring rain, and the credits slowly roll, Cheng Xuemin lets out a long, slow breath.

The lights come back on.

Fu Qi looked at Cheng Xuemin somewhat nervously: "Teacher Cheng, what do you think...?"

Cheng Xuemin did not answer immediately. He leaned back in his chair, closed his eyes, and seemed to be savoring the moment.
A few seconds later, he opened his eyes, looked at Fu Qi, and gave a genuine and satisfied smile. He nodded slowly and said with certainty, "Very good, very good. Our English dubbing is quite good!"

"That's good, that's good! I was worried that you wouldn't be satisfied, Teacher Cheng!" Fu Qi clapped his hands vigorously, his face full of excitement.

Other Hong Kong staff members also smiled, clearly relieved.

Feng Jiayou and the others were even more excited, exchanging joyful glances with each other!
"Mr. Fu, we have sent all the application materials to Cannes as required!" Cheng Xuemin instructed. "Then we will proceed as planned, taking the flight to Paris early the day after tomorrow, and then transferring to Cannes!"

"No problem!!" Fu Qi patted his chest and assured them, "The flights, the arrangements in Cannes, and the accommodations have all been taken care of. You can just relax and get some rest!"

With his business done, Cheng Xuemin had some free time in the afternoon, and he was thinking about something else!

He had his wife change into a dress that would be comfortable for traveling, gave instructions to Huang Jianzhong and the others, and then, accompanied by an assistant familiar with the local situation and a driver arranged by Fu Qi, left the Peninsula Hotel with his wife.
The car passed through the Cross-Harbour Tunnel and entered Hong Kong Island!
Cheng Xuemin did not take Feng Jiayou to Victoria Peak or Ocean Park, which are teeming with tourists. Instead, he had the driver take them to the HSBC headquarters building on Des Voeux Road Central.

"Here to deposit money?"

Looking out the car window at the modern, uniquely designed skyscraper, Feng Jiayou asked, puzzled.

"Okay, open an account and deposit the cash you brought!" Cheng Xuemin said succinctly.

When the couple set off this time, they brought all of their $100,000 in cash with them!

The plan is to find a bank in Hong Kong to deposit the money, which will make it easier for Cheng Xuemin to spend his money in Hong Kong.

……

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