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

"That Xie Jin guy!"

After Xie Jin left, the old factory director put down his teacup, his voice much calmer, and with a hint of emotion, said, "He's been holding back a lot of energy!"

“Their generation has seen good things and suffered hardships, so they know best the gap between us and the outside world.”

"This trophy is a way for him, and for many people like him, to finally let out the anger that has been building up for so many years!"

Cheng Xuemin nodded but did not reply.
He could understand Xie Jin, and he could also understand the unspoken meaning in the old factory director's words.

The old factory director abruptly changed the subject, stopping his tapping, leaning forward slightly, and looking sharply at Cheng Xuemin, saying:
"Alright, now let's get down to business! Hong Kong, what are your plans? Do you have a clear idea yet?"

"That four hundred million US dollars is no child's play. It involves national policy, foreign exchange, and the eyes of countless people."

"If you win, it's icing on the cake; you'll be the hero among heroes. If you lose, or even if you just suffer a small loss, all your previous achievements will be diminished, and who knows how many people will jump out to laugh at you!"

The old factory director's tone wasn't stern, but every word was heavy, like stones pressing on Cheng Xuemin's heart!

This is not alarmist; it is the most realistic possibility!
The tallest tree in the forest will surely be felled by the wind!
Cheng Xuemin is currently riding high, with his films "Tai Chi" and "Shaolin Temple" sweeping the domestic box office, and "Redemption" winning international acclaim!
At such a young age, he holds the important position of factory director of the Dongfang branch!

Now I have to represent the country to negotiate a major project involving hundreds of millions of dollars!

Countless eyes are watching him from the shadows, filled with envy, jealousy, anticipation, worry, and even a desire to see him fail.

Cheng Xuemin sat up straight, meeting the old factory director's scrutinizing gaze. His face showed no frivolity or hesitation, only calmness.

He hesitated for a moment, then spoke, his voice not loud, but clear and firm: "Old factory director, I know what I'm doing!"

"The core of our trip to Hong Kong is twofold: first, to ensure the maximization of our own interests. The bottom line is that the $400 million in copyright and related revenue must be recovered safely, in full, and in compliance with regulations. This is a national mission that cannot be compromised."
Secondly, we should take this opportunity to understand the rules, channels, and operating models of the Hong Kong and even international film markets, so as to pave the way and build bridges for our own future expansion overseas…

Cheng Xuemin gave a brief report to the old factory director about his plans to go to Hong Kong!
The old factory director was very satisfied with what he heard. Since Jiang, the leader, was already in full charge of the lake, there was nothing more to say!
Just then, a commotion broke out outside the office!

As they approached, it seemed that quite a few people were walking this way.

Immediately afterwards, the voice of the factory office director rang out from outside the door, filled with barely concealed excitement:
"The old factory director! Director Cheng! Reporters from the ministry, China Film Group, and several major newspapers have all arrived!"

"They said they want to interview Director Cheng, learn about the Cannes awards, and also take photos of the Palme d'Or trophy! What do you think..."

The old factory director and Cheng Xuemin exchanged a glance. What was bound to happen would happen eventually!
With the news of the Palme d'Or already circulating, official and media reactions naturally followed.

This is necessary for publicity and is part of the honor, but it is also an invisible pressure and scrutiny!
"Please ask them to wait a moment, I'll be right out!" the old factory director called out, then whispered to Cheng Xuemin, "See? From now on, you, and this trophy, are the center of attention."

"Be even more careful with your words and actions. Go ahead, prepare yourself, what you have to face, you will have to face eventually!"

Cheng Xuemin nodded, stood up, and straightened his slightly wrinkled Zhongshan suit.

He knew that when he stepped out of this office, he would be greeted with flowers, applause, microphones, and flashing lights, but he would also be surrounded by countless eyes, some bright and some dark.

He took a deep breath and temporarily suppressed the thoughts in his mind about the Hong Kong negotiations!

His face regained its calm and humble expression!

For the next few hours, Cheng Xuemin was almost overwhelmed by congratulations, inquiries, and interviews.

The department leaders came, offered their congratulations, and reiterated the importance and expectations placed on them by their superiors.

Leaders from China Film Group also came, warmly shaking his hand and encouraging him to strive for glory for Chinese cinema.

Reporters from major newspapers, radio stations, and television stations flocked to the scene, their microphones practically shoving into his face.

Questions came one after another, ranging from what I saw in Cannes to my feelings about winning the award, from my creative insights to my future plans.

Throughout, Cheng Xuemin maintained patience and composure, answering questions sincerely and appropriately, neither boasting nor being overly humble, striking the perfect balance!
The Palme d'Or trophy was carefully brought out, gleaming brightly under countless flashes of light.

Taking photos and group pictures, Cheng Xuemin held the trophy with a smile on his face, but his mind was already thinking about his upcoming trip to Hong Kong!
By the time they finished dealing with wave after wave of visitors and reporters, it was already past noon.

Cheng Xuemin felt his mouth was dry and his cheeks were stiff from maintaining a smile.

I had just returned to my office at the East Factory and wanted to have a drink of water and catch my breath when the people from the factory administration office came again!

The notice said that the former factory director had decided to reschedule the factory-wide staff meeting for 3 p.m. in the factory auditorium!

First, to formally announce the good news that Comrade Cheng Xuemin has won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival; second, to take this opportunity to mobilize and motivate all employees of the factory!
The news spread like wildfire, reaching every corner of the film studio!
Just after 2 p.m., the factory auditorium, which can accommodate nearly a thousand people, was already packed.

A red banner has been hung above the stage, with the words "Warmly celebrate Comrade Cheng Xuemin of our factory winning the Palme d'Or at the Cannes International Film Festival!" written in large, eye-catching yellow characters.

A long table covered with a red cloth was placed in the center of the stage, with several chairs behind it.

All the lights were turned on, illuminating the stage brightly.

The auditorium was bustling with noise, and the heat was intense.

Almost all the factory workers who could get away came. The front row was occupied by factory leaders, heads of various departments, and well-known directors, actors, screenwriters, and photographers.

Behind them, a dense crowd of ordinary workers, support staff, and even many family members who had rushed over upon hearing the news, along with their children, crowded into the aisle and the back.

People wore excited and expectant smiles, chatting and guessing among themselves. The buzzing discussions in the auditorium became a noisy sea!

At 3:00 PM sharp, the factory office director walked to the center of the stage, tested the microphone, and the auditorium gradually quieted down.

After a brief opening, he asked the former factory director to speak.

The old factory director walked to the microphone, without a script, his gaze swept over the dark mass of people below the stage, and he cleared his throat!
A loud voice resonated throughout every corner of the auditorium via loudspeakers:
"Comrades! Today, we are holding a factory-wide meeting here with only one theme: celebration!"

"Celebrating the pride of our Yan Film Studio, Comrade Cheng Xuemin won the highest award at the recently concluded Cannes International Film Festival... the Palme d'Or for his film 'Redemption'!"

Before he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted from the audience, mixed with excited cheers and whistles.

The applause lasted for almost a minute before it gradually subsided after the old factory director raised his hand several times to signal the end of the applause.
With a proud smile, the old factory director continued, "The Palme d'Or represents the highest honor in world film art! Comrade Cheng Xuemin's receipt of this award is not only his personal success, but also an honor for our Yanjing Film Studio and a glory for all Chinese film workers!"

"This fully proves that we Chinese are fully capable of making world-class films! Our films can also conquer audiences around the world!"

Another round of enthusiastic applause!

The former factory director briefly introduced the Cannes Film Festival and the significance of winning awards, then changed the subject: "Achievements belong to the past, honors represent responsibility."

"Comrade Cheng Xuemin has set a good example for us and set a benchmark. I hope that everyone in the factory will take Comrade Cheng Xuemin as an example, learn from his innovative and meticulous creative spirit, and learn from his fighting spirit of not being afraid of difficulties and striving to reach new heights!"

"Let's elevate the work of our Yanying Film Studio to a new level! Now, let's give a warm round of applause to Comrade Cheng Xuemin, who will say a few words to us!"

The applause surged up again like a tidal wave, even more enthusiastic and longer than before.

All eyes were focused on the entrance on the side of the stage!

Cheng Xuemin walked onto the stage amidst applause.

Today he wore a clean, dark gray Zhongshan suit, his hair was neatly combed, and he had a humble and calm smile on his face.

He first bowed slightly to the former factory director and other leaders in the audience, then walked to the microphone and faced the dark mass of people in the audience!
As the applause gradually subsided, thousands of eyes were fixed on him, filled with anticipation, curiosity, admiration, excitement, and perhaps a subtle, complex mix of emotions.

Flashes went off intermittently, capturing the moment.

"Respected leaders, seniors, colleagues, and comrades, good evening."

Cheng Xuemin's voice came through the microphone, clear, steady, and with a reassuring power.

He didn't say many platitudes, but briefly reviewed the creative process of "Redemption", thanked the factory leaders for their support, thanked all the crew members for their efforts, and thanked all the factory employees for their silent dedication as a supporter.

He attributed the honor to the collective, his attitude was sincere, and he did not take credit for himself at all!
"...The Palme d'Or is an affirmation of our past work, but more importantly, it is a guiding light for our future...I hope that this trophy can become a new starting point for our Yanying Film Studio."

"Let's join hands and make more and better films, winning more honors for Chinese cinema! Thank you everyone!"

His speech was brief and powerful, without flowery language, but sincere and genuine.

The audience erupted in enthusiastic applause once again.

Many people clapped vigorously, their palms turning red without feeling the pain, their faces beaming with pride and excitement.

Cheng Xuemin bowed and stepped down from the stage.

Next came speeches from other factory leaders, followed by a speech from a representative of China Film Group. The atmosphere was both warm and solemn.

Among the crowd below the stage, a few faces stood out from the countless others.

Liu Xiaoli sat in the front seat, surrounded by several young colleagues from the Eastern Depot.

She stood ramrod straight, her hands on her knees, her eyes fixed on Cheng Xuemin speaking on the stage, her face filled with undisguised admiration and excitement.

When Cheng Xuemin expressed her gratitude to the crew and the group, her eyes reddened slightly, and an indescribable warmth and pride welled up in her heart.

She knew she was just a tiny part of it, but she was honored to be a part of it.

When Cheng Xuemin spoke of a new beginning, she quietly clenched her fist and secretly vowed to work even harder and do everything that Director Cheng asked her to do!

On the other side of the auditorium, near the center, sat several well-known actors from the factory.

Liu Xiaoqing wore a striking red coat today, making her quite conspicuous in the crowd.

She clapped, but the smile on her face seemed somewhat formulaic, not as natural and genuine as that of the other actresses.

Liu Xiaoqing's gaze shifted subtly between Cheng Xuemin on the stage and Gong Xue and Zhu Lin in the audience.

When she heard Cheng Xuemin thank his colleagues on set, the corner of her mouth twitched almost imperceptibly.

Are you a fellow crew member?

Liu Xiaoqing was, after all, the head of the three golden flowers of Yan Film Studio, but she has never been selected by Cheng Xuemin to have a chance to work together!
Even now, the most popular actresses at Yan Film Studio are newcomers Gong Xue and Zhu Lin!
They followed Cheng Xuemin to Cannes, walked the red carpet, and received international attention, while Liu Xiaoqing, although she had some fame in China, seemed to have not even made it to Hong Kong on the international stage!
Gong Xue, in particular, a newcomer, gained international acclaim overnight simply because he acted in Cheng Xuemin's film...

Thinking about this, Liu Xiaoqing felt as if a lump of cotton was stuck in her chest, making her feel suffocated.

Watching Gong Xue and Zhu Lin talking in hushed tones with relaxed smiles on their faces, her sense of suffocation intensified.

Why?
In terms of seniority, acting skills, and fame, in what way is she inferior to them?
Is it because Cheng Xuemin values ​​them more?
Her hands, resting on her knees, clenched unconsciously, her nails digging slightly into her palms.

But soon she let go, and a polite smile returned to her face, though that smile seemed to have lost some of its warmth.

She knew she couldn't lose her composure in this situation!
But the bitterness and resentment in my heart quietly grew like vines.

The more successful Cheng Xuemin became, the clearer her feeling of being excluded from the inner circle became.

No, we have to find a way. We can't just be marginalized like this!
Liu Xiaoqing's mind raced with thoughts, her eyes flickering uncertainly.

The conference drew to a close in a warm atmosphere.

Finally, the former factory director announced that, in order to celebrate this historic honor, the factory has decided to add extra meals to the canteen!
Furthermore, the film "Redemption" was screened in the auditorium that evening, allowing all factory workers and their families to be among the first to see this film that brought glory to the country.

This decision sparked even louder cheers, and the entire auditorium instantly erupted in cheers!

……

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