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

These discussions quickly reached Cheng Xuemin's ears through various channels.

Fu Qi was so angry that his face turned ashen, Feng Jiazhao's fists clenched so tightly they cracked, and even the good-natured Shi Hui couldn't help but mutter "a despicable person" under her breath.

However, Cheng Xuemin remained unmoved after hearing this!
"Xuemin! Are you just going to let that old hag spout nonsense?" Feng Jiazhao held back for a long time, but he couldn't hold back any longer and slammed his fist on the armrest of the sofa.

"She can say what she wants, and we'll do what we want!"

Cheng Xuemin turned a page of a European film magazine, the paper making a slight rustling sound. His tone was as calm as if he were discussing the weather. He said:

"If a dog barks at you, are you going to lie down and bark back at it? The higher you jump now, the more painful it will be when you fall!"

Cheng Xuemin's nonchalant tone sent a chill down Feng Jiazhao's spine, who knew him well, and also helped him suppress his anger.

Yes, when has his brother-in-law ever done anything he wasn't sure about?

His reaction was so abnormal, so abnormal...it gave me the creeps!
In the following days, Cheng Xuemin indeed kept a low profile, almost invisible, just as he had said.

His daily routine was frighteningly regular:
In the morning, I read newspapers and industry briefings in my hotel room, and in the afternoon, I went to the Palais des Festivals to watch one or two films from other competition sections.

In the evenings, they would either read in their room or take a walk with Feng Jiayou on the quiet cobblestone streets of Cannes' old town, enjoying the night view and buying some local snacks, as if they were truly on vacation.

Only the most observant person would notice that the newspapers and newsletters he reads are always concentrated in the international politics section, the economic commentary section, and the in-depth cultural reporting section!
The other movies he watched were mostly those that focused on social realities, had a strong critical tone, or explored the struggles of individuals in grand historical events!

As he strolls, his gaze sometimes lingers for a long time on the streets, on public service posters, memorial sculptures, or graffiti full of political metaphors about memories of World War II, colonial history, and human rights issues.

He was observing, listening, and thinking!
Reflect on the inner emotions of European intellectuals and artists in this era, and consider the sensitivity and potential points of resonance people had for words like freedom, hope, and resistance against injustice under the Iron Curtain of the Cold War.

He is waiting!
Waiting for the right opportunity, waiting for the right signal, waiting for the moment when what the Golden Finger hinted at that night truly ferments and manifests in reality.

However, the commotion outside did not subside because of his silence; on the contrary, it intensified!
Nako Tsuchino is clearly not satisfied with her advantage in public opinion!
Three days after the huge success of the premiere of "Shadow Warrior", she ran into Cheng Xuemin again.

This was in the corridor after a forum at the film festival about the prospects of the Asian film market.

"Cheng-san, it's been a few days, but you're still as charming as ever." This time, Tsuchiya Naoko didn't bring any attendants; she stood alone in front of Cheng Xuemin.

Today she wore a light gray business suit, which made her less aggressive and more formally concerned, but her gaze behind her glasses was still as sharp as ever!
"You seem to have lost some weight, but is it because you've been too busy with film festival affairs? Or are you worried about something else?"

The barb in those words wasn't deeply hidden.

Cheng Xuemin stopped, a perfectly timed, slightly weary, polite smile appearing on his face:
"Thank you for your concern, Ms. Naoko! The film festival is quite busy with many activities. It's not that I'm worried, but I'm just trying to calm down, study more, and think more!"

"Cheng-san is too modest!" Tsuchiya Naoko pushed up her glasses, her tone carrying a false sense of understanding and sympathy.
"I'm sure you went to see the premiere of 'Kagemusha,' right? Akira Kurosawa's skill is truly breathtaking. To be able to compete with such a masterpiece is an honor in itself, don't you think, Cheng-san?"

“Akira Kurosawa is a monument in the film industry, and Kagemusha is an epic masterpiece. We are honored to participate in Cannes together and have learned a lot.”

Cheng Xuemin's answer was impeccable, and his humble attitude was impeccable.

Naoko Tsuchino stared into his eyes, as if trying to discern any resentment, anger, or forced composure in that calm depth, but she was disappointed!

Cheng Xuemin's eyes were calm, even carrying a hint of sincere respect for the master!
The flames of pride and sadism that had risen in her heart because of the success of "Kagemusha" were like a bucket of warm water being poured on them. With a hiss, a wisp of suffocating white smoke rose up, neither rising nor falling, making her feel very uncomfortable!

The harsher words she had prepared to utter in response to the other party's anger or stubbornness were now stuck in her throat.

It's so frustrating to punch someone who's actually giving you advice, and then the other person politely thanks you for it!
"It's best that Mr. Cheng thinks that way!" Tsuchiya Naoko's smile faltered, and her tone hardened. "So, what has Mr. Cheng thought about that little fun suggestion we made earlier?"

"The situation is now clear: 'Kagemusha' winning the Palme d'Or is almost a foregone conclusion. If the bet goes through, for you, it's merely a formality to complete a contract that was already due, and for Nako personally, it's a remarkable story!"

"If Cheng Sang still hesitates, Naizi might have to wonder if Cheng Sang's previous confidence in 'Redemption' was just... a momentary impulsive remark?"

She brought up the bet again, and this time she used an even sharper provocation, directly questioning the sincerity of Cheng Xuemin's confidence.

Some forum participants nearby had already noticed the conversation, slowed their pace, and pricked up their ears.

Cheng Xuemin looked at Tsuchino Naoko's eyes, which were hidden behind her glasses and gleaming with a piercing light, and suddenly let out a soft, extremely abrupt laugh.

The laughter was soft, short, and even tinged with a hint of helplessness, yet it made Naoko Tsuchino's heart skip a beat.

“Miss Naoko!” Cheng Xuemin shook his head, his tone almost pityingly sincere, and said:

"You seem to have put more effort into the outcome of this bet than into the art of filmmaking itself. That makes me a little regretful."

He paused, then, meeting Tsuchino Naoko's suddenly narrowed and dangerous gaze, continued:
"Regarding the bet, as I've said before, I have no right to decide that personally!"

"As for how far 'Redemption' will go, whether it will win awards, and what kind of awards it will win, that is the professional judgment of the Cannes Film Festival jury, and the result of the dialogue between the film itself and the audience and the times!"

"As a creator, I have done what I could and should have done. The rest is up to the jury, to time, and also to... the most genuine respect and reverence for the art of film that Cannes represents."

"I admire Akira Kurosawa and respect the artistic achievements of 'Kagemusha'. But I also respect our own work, 'Redemption'!"

"They tell different stories, carry different cultural reflections, and touch different corners of people's hearts."

The quality of art is sometimes not simply about outdoing the other, but about who can touch the shared chord deep within more people's hearts at a particular moment.

"If Miss Naoko insists on reducing an artistic exchange to a high-stakes game of chance, and using that as the yardstick to measure everything..."

Cheng Xuemin bowed slightly, his tone still calm, but each word was like a cool nail: "Please forgive me, I cannot accompany you to the end!"

"My battlefield is on the screen, in the story, and in every heart touched by 'Redemption,' not on a bet filled with the stench of money and calculation. I'm out of here!"

After saying that, he stopped looking at Tsuchino Naoko's face, which had turned ashen and whose lips were trembling slightly!

He politely nodded to the filmmakers who had stopped to listen, then took Feng Jiayou's arm, who had been standing nervously beside him, and calmly turned around to blend into the dispersing crowd.

Naoko Tsuchino was left standing there alone, her chest heaving violently, her fingers gripping the handle of her briefcase so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

Cheng Xuemin's seemingly humble but actually barbed words, which even carried a condescending artistic instruction, were like silent slaps to her face, which was already smug because of the prospect of victory!
He not only rejected the bet again, but also used grand terms like art, respect, and authenticity to make her and Hitachi Heavy Industries' scheming seem incredibly vulgar and despicable!

What's even more infuriating is that he didn't show the slightest bit of cowardice or panic throughout the entire process!
This unyielding, inflexible attitude, which even turned around and lectured her, infuriated her more than direct confrontation, leaving her with a sense of helplessness and a vague unease. Cheng Xuemin's reaction, and his brief exchange with Tsuchiya Naoko, quickly spread through Cannes's inner circle.

Some people admire Cheng Xuemin's demeanor and composure, believing that he has upheld the bottom line of an artist;

Many others scoffed, believing he was just a stubborn fool who had already been caught in the act.

Faced with an absolute disparity in strength, any eloquent words are merely a pale and powerless cover-up.

Upon hearing this, Director Su of the Jinma Bureau laughed so hard he almost fell over, exclaiming that Cheng Xuemin was suffering for the sake of saving face.

However, the impact and attention of this shocking bet involving as much as 200 million US dollars have long exceeded Cheng Xuemin and Tsuchino Naoko, and even the film industry itself.

Like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, the ripples it created finally touched the most core and sensitive nerve of the Cannes Film Festival: the jury and the presidium.

Just two nights before the closing ceremony, the festival's chairman, a white-haired, highly respected French man, convened a small, unusually somber emergency meeting in his office with the jury chairman and several core members.

On the large mahogany desk, thick stacks of review materials were spread out.

At the very top, side by side, are detailed profiles of "Redemption" and "Kagemusha," along with festival program ratings, summaries of media reviews, and a brief explanation of the rumors surrounding the Sino-Japanese film betting deal.

The fire in the fireplace burned quietly, its orange glow illuminating the serious, thoughtful faces of the elderly men.

"Gentlemen!" The festival president's voice was deep and slow, carrying the vicissitudes of time, as well as a hint of weariness and solemnity. "I think you have all heard about that...not-so-pleasant rumor that's been circulating in Cannes lately!"

"A commercial gamble ostensibly about film, but with huge stakes involving industrial technology and capital."

The jury president, an Italian director known for his rigor and impartiality, frowned and tapped his fingers unconsciously on the table: "This is simply a desecration of the art of film!"

"Cannes is a temple, not a casino! Bringing money and scheming into the Palme d'Or selection process is an insult to us and a disrespect to all the filmmakers in competition!"

"I completely agree!" A veteran film critic from the UK, and also a member of the jury, pushed up his glasses and said sternly:
"We must make it clear that Cannes awards are solely based on the artistic quality of the films, and have nothing to do with any off-site commercial operations or political maneuvering! This terrible precedent must not be set!"

“But!” Another producer judge from North America, who was more pragmatic, pointed to the statement on the table, “the rumors are already rampant, and they involve two important film-producing countries, China and Japan!”

"If we ultimately award the Palme d'Or to 'Shadow Warrior,' will it be interpreted by the outside world as us being influenced by this bet, or indirectly becoming the referee of the bet?"

"Our impartiality has even been questioned, with some suggesting that we were influenced by external factors from the Japanese side. After all, many people believe that the advantages of 'Kagemusha' are overwhelming."

“On the contrary!” a French cultural scholar judge pondered. “If we award the important prize to ‘Redemption,’ will it be interpreted as us sympathizing with the weak, or intentionally thwarting Japan’s commercial ambitions? Or even as being influenced by Chinese politics or public opinion by those with ulterior motives?”

The atmosphere in the office grew even more tense!
The firelight from the fireplace flickered, casting shifting shadows on everyone's faces!

This is not just a judgment on the merits of a film, but has suddenly been drawn into the center of a complex geopolitical and commercial game.

They shouldered enormous pressure that should not have been theirs, and the potential international controversy that it might cause!
"That's exactly the crux of the matter!" The film festival chairman sighed deeply, his gaze sweeping over the two film brochures on the table. "Kagemusha, Akira Kurosawa's masterpiece, undisputed!"

"Its artistic achievements, historical significance, and contributions to cinematic language are all worthy of the Palme d'Or. From a purely artistic perspective, it is a strong contender, even a widely expected winner!"

He paused, then moved his finger to the file on "Redemption": "And this 'Redemption'... I must say, the shock it gave me at its premiere was immense, it struck right to my soul!"

"The stories it tells, its emotional power, its profound exploration of the darkness and light of human nature, especially in the current context, and the reflections it evokes about hope, freedom, and individual resistance against the system..."

Its practical significance and the intensity of its emotional resonance may have exceeded our initial estimates.

“I’ve read all the festival publication ratings and mainstream film reviews!” the president of the Italian directors’ jury interjected, his tone complex. “Kagemusha has received extremely high scores and the reviews are very consistent; it is a great masterpiece.”

"As for 'Redemption'... its score is also quite high, but the reviews are more polarized. People love it to the extreme and are deeply moved by it, even to the point of tears."
A few argued that its setting was contrived and its narrative overly dramatic. However, it's undeniable that the heated discussions, emotional engagement, and even audience reactions upon leaving the theater... were, in some ways, more intense and personal than those of *Kagemusha*.

"That's exactly where the tricky part is!" A British film critic rubbed his temples. "One is a universally acknowledged, perfect epic; the other is a powerful, but potentially controversial, event-driven work that can evoke broader emotional resonance and contemporary reflection."

If it weren't for that damn bet, we could have easily made our choice based on artistic standards. But now…

"Now!" The film festival chairman sat up straight, his aged but still sharp gaze sweeping over each of his colleagues, his voice carrying an undeniable determination, "We cannot be distracted by any external factors!"

"The reputation of Cannes and the purity of the Palme d'Or are paramount! We must ensure that our choices are 100% based on the art of film itself and can withstand any scrutiny, questioning, and the test of history!"

"What do you mean?" the North American producer asked.

"From this moment forward, all discussions regarding the final awards shall be limited to those present here. The jury's voting process must be kept strictly confidential, and any information leaks are strictly prohibited."

The film festival director said, emphasizing each word, "Regarding the final conclusions on 'Redemption' and 'Kagemusha,' we need to be more cautious, discuss repeatedly, and weigh all dimensions of each film, including its artistic value, innovation, emotional impact, and contemporary significance!"

"At the same time!" he emphasized, "in order to eliminate any possible suspicion and ensure the absolute fairness and transparency of the awards ceremony, I propose that after the final closed-door meeting of the judging panel tomorrow to determine the winners of all awards, no prior internal notification or communication shall be given."

"All award results will be sealed on the spot and placed in a safe, with the key jointly held by myself and the chairman of the jury. The safe will be opened by a notary at the closing ceremony and the results announced directly!"

"Sealed box? Opened on the spot?" Several judges were somewhat surprised.

This is a method rarely used in the history of Cannes, and is usually only used in years with exceptionally fierce competition or special controversies.

"Yes, seal it off!" the festival president declared firmly. "Only in this way can we show the world that the Cannes Film Festival, especially the Palme d'Or, is not influenced by any external forces!"

The jury made its decision independently, impartially, and confidentially, based on artistic conscience and professional judgment! Any bets, rumors, or pressure are insignificant compared to the artistic standards of Cannes!

After a moment of silence, everyone nodded in agreement.

This is undoubtedly the best way to defend Cannes' reputation and protect the jury from unwarranted accusations.

“Well then, gentlemen,” the festival chairman said, his gaze returning to the two files, his eyes deep, “let us set aside all distractions and, with the purest cinematic heart and the most professional eye, examine these two works one last time. Then, let us make a choice that we can be true to ourselves.”

The meeting continued late into the night, and no one knows the specific details of the discussion or the exchange of words!

……

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