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

"It may not be an instruction, but it could be a tendency, or a test."

Cheng Xuemin's voice was very calm, as if he were analyzing a topic unrelated to himself, and he continued, "The Palme d'Or for 'Redemption' caused quite a stir!"

"This isn't just a matter for the film industry; it's probably also attracted the attention of higher-ups. How to treat this film and how to make good use of its impact are probably things they're observing and watching."

Director Luo might just be the pebble that's been pushed forward, used as a test of the waters.

The old factory director took a deep breath, feeling the night wind seeping in through the cracks in the window that wasn't completely closed, making the back of his neck feel a little cold.

If Cheng Xuemin's speculation is correct, then the matter is far more complex and subtle than the controversy over the screenings at the studio or the screening event itself.

This is no longer just a matter of whether a film can be released, whether it's an artistic or administrative issue; it has been drawn into a larger, more unpredictable battle.

"Then...wouldn't we be even more passive?" The old factory director's worry deepened as he said anxiously, "If that's the case, the film screening won't be a simple review, but a statement, or even taking sides!?"

"Xuemin, isn't this water a bit too deep?"

Cheng Xuemin looked at the clear worry in the old factory director's eyes and smiled instead. There was no youthful recklessness in that smile, nor the tension of facing pressure.

Rather, it was a strange, insightful tranquility.

"Old factory director, the water has always been deep! From the day we decided to make 'Redemption,' or rather, from the day I decided to take this path, I never expected to be able to swim in a calm pond!"

Cheng Xuemin leaned forward slightly, crossed his hands on his knees, and said in a low, clear voice:

"When I made 'Redemption,' my initial idea was not to prioritize the mainstream domestic market."

"Its subject matter and its expression make it easier for people to understand and accept it across the ocean."

"I go to Cannes aiming for the Palme d'Or. My primary goal is international recognition, the authoritative endorsement from film festival awards, overseas copyrights, and foreign exchange earnings!"

He emphasized the words "export earnings" very much!
The old factory manager certainly understood what this meant!
With the nation in dire need of development and foreign exchange extremely scarce, films could earn valuable foreign exchange, and their political and economic significance sometimes even surpassed that of art itself.

The success of "Redemption" at Cannes, especially the signing of contracts with the three major North American film studios.

The subsequent movie-watching frenzy and the victory in the bet brought the country tens of millions or even hundreds of millions of US dollars in foreign exchange earnings, as well as immeasurable international reputation.

This report card is dazzling, solid, and an achievement that no one can ignore!

"Now that we've won the Palme d'Or, we've exceeded our foreign exchange earnings target."

"It even unexpectedly helped the country win a high-profile diplomatic gamble, gaining both face and tangible benefits."

Cheng Xuemin continued, as if stating an objective fact, "From this point of view, the mission of 'Redemption' has been completed very satisfactorily."

Whether it's released domestically, when it's released, and in what form it's released, actually... doesn't have that much of an impact on my Dongfang branch or our foreign exchange earnings goals.

"In fact, not releasing the film domestically to avoid potential controversy might not be a bad thing for us to focus on overseas markets and our upcoming projects."

The old factory director was stunned!

He hadn't expected Cheng Xuemin to analyze the pros and cons from this perspective so calmly, even somewhat coldly.

This is nothing like a young director who has just received the highest honor and is eager to have his work seen by more people!

More like a shrewd strategist with clear goals.

But ironically, what he said made such a valid point that it was impossible to refute.

The international success and foreign exchange earnings of "Redemption" are undeniable achievements that no one can deny.

This certainly gave Cheng Xuemin considerable confidence and a superior position!
"So you mean..." the old factory manager said uncertainly, "that we can actually... not care too much about the outcome of the screening? Or even, we can try to cancel it?"

"No!" Cheng Xuemin shook his head, his gaze sharpening. "On the contrary, precisely because of this, we must participate, and we must take it seriously!"

"Why?" the old factory manager asked, puzzled.
Since whether or not it's released domestically won't significantly impact our core objectives, why get involved in this mess?

“Because!” Cheng Xuemin said, word by word, “it’s not a question of whether we want to wade through or not, it’s that the water has already reached our feet.”

"Director Luo, or rather, some kind of will behind him, has already passed the ball to us, and in a way that is hard for us to refuse."

"The public's voice is very strong, and the leaders are very concerned. The film screening is just the right opportunity... These reasons are high-sounding and impeccable."

If we back down, if we show even the slightest hesitation or lack of confidence at the screening, or if the film itself doesn't stand up to scrutiny, what impression will we leave?

He didn't need to finish speaking; the old factory director already understood.

It would make people think that you, Cheng Xuemin, are guilty, and that the Palme d'Or for "Redemption" was a fluke, a product of Westerners' curiosity, and that it couldn't withstand scrutiny from your own people.

It makes people think that Yanying Film Studio, and its former director, didn't even have confidence in this film.

More seriously, if there is indeed some kind of inclination at the higher levels, they might want to use this film to make a fuss or to gauge the prevailing opinion.

Your retreat and shirking will be interpreted as non-cooperation, or even arrogance and reliance on foreign powers!
International awards and foreign exchange earnings are a shield, but not a get-out-of-jail-free card, much less a license to act recklessly.

In complex situations, sometimes attitude is more important than the outcome!
"So, this isn't about whether the movie can be shown or not!" Cheng Xuemin concluded, his voice regaining its previous calm. "This is a test!"

"It tests whether 'Redemption' can stand up in the domestic evaluation system, it tests our ability to deal with complex situations, and it also tests... what the higher-ups want to see and what they want to achieve through this matter."

"We can't hide from it, and there's no need for us to. Since they want to see it, let's just openly show it to them and let them see it clearly!"

The old factory director fell silent!

He leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping unconsciously on the table, making a soft, rhythmic sound.

The office lighting was dim, making the deep wrinkles on his face even more noticeable.

He was processing the information in Cheng Xuemin's words and weighing the pros and cons.

Cheng Xuemin had foresight and insight, possessing a calmness and profundity beyond his years. This pleased the old factory director, but also sent a chill down his spine.
This young man is so clear-headed!

His clarity of mind was so profound that even this old man, who had been navigating the system for many years, felt somewhat alarmed!
"Then... are you confident?" the old factory director asked the question again, but this time, the meaning was different.

Previously, the question was about the film's ability to withstand scrutiny; now, it's about the ability to handle this complex test.

Cheng Xuemin still did not answer immediately!
"Hold on?" He repeated the word softly, as if asking himself, or as if weighing the options.

He then continued, "I am confident about the film itself. It is a sincere and powerful film, as the Cannes jury and audiences around the world have already proven."

"As for how people at the screening will think, what questions they will ask, and what kind of controversy there will be... I am not 100% sure."

"But I am confident that as long as we treat each other with sincerity, let the film itself speak for itself, remain neither humble nor arrogant, do not avoid the issues, and do not flatter, then the worst outcome will be nothing more than a postponement of the release or a limited screening."

But the value of *Redemption*, the significance of the Palme d'Or, and its contributions to the nation cannot be denied; we cannot lose sight of the fundamentals.

As he spoke, Cheng Xuemin took a sip of tea, put down the teacup, and continued, "Moreover, old factory director, don't you think this is also an opportunity?"

"Is this an opportunity for 'Redemption,' for our Yanshan Film Studio, and even for Chinese cinema in general, to engage in a truly serious dialogue within the domestic context?"

"Keeping in a small circle and indulging in self-congratulation, or arguing behind closed doors, will never solve the problem."

"Only by putting it in the sunlight, on a public and formal platform, so that everyone can see and say what is good and bad, in favor and against, can right and wrong become clearer through debate."

This is much healthier and more useful than hiding things or secretly trying to figure out what the superiors want!

The old factory director stared blankly at Cheng Xuemin, at the calm yet resolute light in his eyes.

Xuemin is right, some things are unavoidable!
Instead of being passively pushed around or anxiously guessing, it's better to take the initiative and seize some control.

At the very least, you need to have the right attitude and be confident!
"As for who is behind Director Luo, and what their inclination is," Cheng Xuemin walked back to the sofa and sat down, his tone returning to its usual composure, and said, "There's no use guessing now."

"But since he's here and has proposed this plan, and this isn't entirely a bad thing for us, it might even be an opportunity, then we'll accept it."

"When soldiers come, we'll block them; when water comes, we'll dam it. Perfect timing! I'd like to see just how deep this pool is and what's hidden at the bottom!"

The old factory director let out a long breath, as if he wanted to expel all the pent-up frustration and worries from his chest.

He picked up the now-cold teacup, took a big gulp, and the icy tea invigorated him.

"Alright!" The old factory director put down his teacup with a soft thud, and a decisive look returned to his face. "Since that's what you think, then we'll accept this challenge!"

"Let's go to the film screening! We'll show the film exactly as it was! You do the narration! I'll go with you!"

He paused, a shrewd glint in his eyes: "However, thorough preparation is essential!"

"I have a general idea of ​​what kind of people are at the film screening. I know who are knowledgeable and might support it; who are old-fashioned and will definitely nitpick; and who are fence-sitters who will sway with the wind... We need to have a clear understanding of this."

"Also, you need to think in advance about how to explain some key plot points in the film that might cause controversy, and how to respond to possible questions."

"This isn't a compromise, it's a strategy. Our films need to be strong, and we need to stand tall, but we also need to know how to speak!"

Cheng Xuemin nodded: "I understand!"

"I will spend the next two days preparing a detailed outline to clarify my creative intentions, artistic pursuits, and thoughts on some potentially sensitive issues."

"We will also have Xiaoli and the others compile the film's technical data, Cannes awards, and summaries of international film reviews as supplementary materials!"

"Yes, that's good!" The old factory director stood up, paced around the office a couple of times, and said to Cheng Xuemin:
"Also, regarding the screening schedule, although Director Luo said that 'Redemption' would be the first film, the specific arrangements, the format of the post-screening discussion, who would chair the screening, and who would speak first...

I'll finalize these details with Director Luo first thing tomorrow morning. We need to secure a relatively favorable battlefield environment.

The two then discussed some details in hushed tones, such as whether they needed to communicate with several judges or experts who might be supportive in advance, and how to strike a balance in their presentations, avoiding being too flamboyant and provoking the conservatives, while also avoiding being too timid and losing their stance.

"Finally, Xuemin, you should report this matter to Elder Wu at the ministry as soon as possible tomorrow!"

"We're not entirely sure yet, but we're not sure if Mr. Wu already knows that China Film Group wants our film 'Redemption' to attend a screening!"

After the discussion, the old factory director gave Cheng Xuemin one last instruction, saying:

"Don't worry, old factory director. I'm going to Haizi tomorrow to meet with the leaders of the work group heading south. I'll mention this to Old Wu then!"

Cheng Xuemin nodded. He only had one short day of vacation today. Starting tomorrow, he would join the working group heading south to make full preparations for the upcoming bilateral talks in Hong Kong!

"Well, that would be best!" The old factory director patted Cheng Xuemin on the shoulder and said, "Then let's have a drink tonight, go to my house, and invite a few of the old comrades from the factory!"

The old factory director really wanted to have a heart-to-heart talk with Cheng Xuemin, so even though it was already dark outside, he still insisted on inviting Cheng Xuemin to his home for dinner!

Cheng Xuemin originally didn't plan to stay, after all, his family was waiting for him!

But unable to resist such kindness, he nodded and said, "Well... alright, alright!"

Following Cheng Xuemin back to the East Depot, before even entering, they could hear Li Lianjie, nicknamed "Little Li," smugly speaking!
Four hundred million!

"Xiao Ji, Xiao Li, you didn't go to Cannes, France with them?"

"Didn't you see that Japanese girl's extremely arrogant and provocative face back then!"

"Brother Cheng repeatedly instructed us to keep this a secret and never let anyone else know..."

This immediately turned Cheng Xuemin's face extremely dark!
He immediately pushed open the door and stormed in, his face extremely grim as he demanded, "I told you not to speak, but you still go around spouting nonsense like a loudspeaker!"

……

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