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

"This is a good thing!"

Finally, Cheng Xuemin spoke up!

He said to Ji Chunhua in a calm tone, "It shows that you haven't been blinded by the current success and still know what you want!"

Ji Chunhua's eyes lit up as she looked at Cheng Xuemin expectantly.

“However!” Cheng Xuemin changed the subject, “Right now, the new project at the Eastern Depot is still in the preparation stage, the script is still being polished, and filming will take at least another month or two. You can’t just wait around doing nothing.”

The light in Ji Chunhua's eyes dimmed a little, his shoulders slumped slightly, and a rare hint of disappointment appeared on his fierce face!
Yes, Brother Cheng's new movie is still in preparation, and he can't just wait around. But he really doesn't want to go out and take on those random villain roles.

It felt like holding a hot potato; it was burning your hands, but you couldn't bear to throw it away.

Cheng Xuemin observed his reaction, his fingers tapping rhythmically on his knees unchanged, and continued, "You can still take on roles outside!"

Ji Chunhua looked up abruptly, somewhat puzzled.

“However, you must be selective in who you accept!” Cheng Xuemin’s voice was not loud, but it carried an undeniable certainty. “Don’t just take any script in your pocket. Xiaoli!”

He turned to the production assistant who had been listening quietly, "Go back and, in the name of our Eastern Depot, draft a letter of explanation for Ji Chunhua regarding the performance arrangements."

"Several points should be clarified: First, the character must have room for development; the character cannot be a stereotypical villain, but must have internal logic and a human arc; "
Second, the scripts must undergo a preliminary review by the Eastern Depot; those that are too rough or purely riding the wave of popularity will not be accepted.
Third, it needs to be produced by a reputable large factory with basic artistic aspirations. Don't let small, low-level production workshops of any level come and join the fray.

Those who meet these conditions are welcome to discuss. Those who don't, should be politely declined. Don't be afraid of offending anyone; don't use the Eastern Depot and me as shields!

Liu Xiaoli nodded immediately, took out a small notebook and pen from her handbag, and quickly wrote down:

"Understood, Professor Cheng. The character needs to be deep, the script needs to be good, and the production company needs to be a reputable large studio. Anything else to add?"

“Yes!” Cheng Xuemin thought for a moment, “We will give priority to scripts with short shooting periods, challenging roles, and the ability to broaden his acting range.”

"Even a supporting role can be considered if it's outstanding. In addition, all negotiations, including scripts and contracts, must be filed with the Eastern Depot."

"Yes, I've got it!" Liu Xiaoli kept writing, secretly admiring Cheng Xuemin's thorough consideration.

These guidelines not only prevent Ji Chunhua from blindly accepting bad roles that could damage his reputation, but also allow him to maintain a certain level of exposure and income.

More importantly, the power to control the selection process was in the hands of the Eastern Depot, ensuring Cheng Xuemin's control over the development of the actors in the Eastern Depot.

Ji Chunhua listened, initially somewhat confused, but her eyes gradually brightened as she continued.

Brother Cheng didn't forbid him from taking on roles; he just let him choose which ones to take, and the Eastern Depot was there to oversee and support him!
This is completely different from him recklessly wandering around!

Those makeshift teams that only care about his villainous face probably wouldn't even get through the gates of the Eastern Depot.

Brother Cheng is both giving him prestige and protecting him.

"Brother Cheng, I..." Ji Chunhua felt a warmth in his heart, wanting to say something, but felt tongue-tied.

"Don't just rely on Xiaoli," Cheng Xuemin said, looking at him with a more serious tone. "You need to be more careful yourself!"

"When reading a script, you should not only look at the role you are given, but also at how well the whole story is told and whether the characters are believable."

"Talk to the director and screenwriter a lot, see what their understanding of the characters and the film is like. If anything feels off or you're unsure, ask Xiaoli anytime, or call me directly. Understand?!"

"Understood! Brother Cheng, I'll definitely pick carefully and look at them closely!"

Ji Chunhua nodded vigorously, all the struggle and grievance on her face vanishing. Don't be too happy!

“And you, Li Lianjie!” Cheng Xuemin’s gaze turned to Li Lianjie, who was trying to keep a low profile. “Your experience in Cannes is a valuable qualification, but don’t let it become a reason for you to get arrogant.”

"In the coming period, martial arts training cannot stop, and academic studies must also keep up."

"I'll ask Xiaoli to find you some books on acting theory, as well as videotapes of classic foreign films. Watch them and think about them more."

If you want to go far in the path of becoming an action star, it's not enough to just be good at somersaults and striking poses; you need to have some inner talent.

Looking back at the Eastern Depot's new project, there's a role suitable for you, but the competition will be fierce. Don't let me down!

Li Lianjie, who had been looking dejected, immediately perked up upon hearing this, straightening her back and quickly assuring him, "Brother Cheng, don't worry! I definitely won't get cocky! I'll practice! I'll learn! I promise I won't let you down!"

The frustration he felt from being scolded was now largely dispelled by his newfound expectations.

Brother Cheng is even thinking of arranging a new role for him!
Moreover, Brother Cheng pointed out his shortcomings: a weak cultural foundation and a need for him to hone his acting skills.

Although these words are unpleasant to hear, they are for his own good!
Nodding to Cheng Xuemin, he said to them, "Alright, that's enough for today!"

"Li Lianjie, watch your mouth. Ji Chunhua, consult with Xiaoli more about accepting roles!"

"Yes, yes, I know, I know!" Ji Chunhua nodded sheepishly.

"Yes, I understand! Don't worry, Brother Cheng, I definitely won't tell anyone else!" Li Lianjie said to Cheng Xuemin in a very serious tone.
Cheng Xuemin glanced at him, said nothing, then picked up his coat draped over the back of the chair and said, "Everyone, go home and get some rest!"

"Brother Cheng, you...you're leaving already?" Ji Chunhua asked with a hint of reluctance.

"Yes, the old factory director is waiting for me to come over for dinner." Cheng Xuemin walked to the door, then stopped.

He glanced back at the three of them, his gaze lingering on Li Lianjie's face for a moment longer. "Remember what I said, control yourself, and be prepared!"

After saying that, he opened the door, his figure disappearing into the dim light of the corridor outside.

The three people left in the office looked at each other in bewilderment.

Li Lianjie let out a long sigh of relief, slumped into her chair, and wiped the cold sweat from her forehead: "My god, that scared me to death... Brother Cheng's eyes just now looked like he was going to kill me..."

Ji Chunhua glared at him, annoyed: "Serves you right! You had a loose tongue! How dare you talk nonsense about such a big thing!"

"I didn't mean to... sigh, I know I was wrong, I really know!" Li Lianjie said with a mournful face, all her previous smugness gone!
Cheng Xuemin had dinner at the old factory director's house, where three retired cadres from the factory were invited to accompany him.
Cheng Xuemin, who doesn't usually drink much, also joined in for a few drinks!

Drink without driving, drive without drinking!

Fortunately, I didn't let my brother-in-law, Feng Jiazhao, drink alcohol, and he drove home!
The next morning, Cheng Xuemin drove to the factory.

Since it wasn't officially working hours yet, the yard was quiet, with only a few early workers cleaning.

However, just as Cheng Xuemin parked his car downstairs, he heard a series of hurried footsteps coming from inside the building.

Accompanied by a voice that was slightly distorted with excitement:
"Xuemin! Xuemin! They're here! They're here!!"

Cheng Xuemin looked up and saw the old factory director, wearing a faded gray Zhongshan suit, practically running out of the office building. He was waving a piece of paper in his hand, his face flushed with excitement, and his usually steady steps were now somewhat unsteady!

"Old factory director? Please slow down!" Cheng Xuemin quickly went up to him and helped the old factory director, who was out of breath from running too fast.

It's rare to see the old factory director lose his composure like this. Even on the day "Redemption" won the Palme d'Or, the old factory director was excited but restrained.

What's wrong with me today?
"Here it comes... here it comes! The money! The money is here!" The old factory director grabbed Cheng Xuemin's arm, his fingers trembling slightly from the force.

With his other hand, he shoved the paper in front of Cheng Xuemin's eyes, his voice trembling with excitement, and said:

"Hong Kong! Over in Hong Kong! Fu Qi and that Brian have reached an agreement! A complete deal! Fifty million! Fifty million US dollars! Guaranteed! My God..."

The old factory director was rambling, but Cheng Xuemin clearly heard the key words!
Hong Kong, Fu Qi, Brian, $50 million USD guaranteed!

This made his heart skip a beat, and he took the paper!
This is a telegram sent from Hong Kong. The recipients are Cheng Xuemin, the former director of Yenching Film Studio, and the senders are Fu Qi and Brian from Great Wall Film Studio.

The telegram was short, using concise commercial codes and Mandarin with a slight Cantonese accent, but the message was clear and impactful.

It seems that after days of negotiations, a final agreement was reached between representatives from Columbia, 20th Century Fox, and other parties.

Regarding the global distribution of the film "Redemption," all parties have confirmed that they have accepted Cheng Xuemin's proposed minimum revenue sharing plan.

The guaranteed amount is US$50 million, which will be transferred to the designated Oriental Film Studio Hong Kong Industrial and Commercial Bank account within three days.

Furthermore, a detailed contract text and a copy of the remittance voucher have been sent!

Cheng Xuemin's gaze lingered on the telegram for a full three seconds; he was indeed somewhat taken aback and surprised.

Although this figure was the bottom line for negotiations that he personally decided upon, and although he had anticipated it, the impact was still so real and strong when it was presented to him in black and white, in the weighty form of a telegram.

This is not just empty talk or future expectations; it is real money that is about to arrive in my account.

Fifty million US dollars—in an era of extreme foreign exchange shortage and a nation in dire need of funding for development, what did that mean?!

The old factory director knew it, and Cheng Xuemin knew it even better!

Cheng Xuemin looked up and saw the old factory director, who was so excited he could hardly contain himself.

The old factory director's eyes were a little moist, his lips trembled, and he wanted to say something, but couldn't find the words.

She just kept slapping Cheng Xuemin's arm, over and over again.

"Great...great! Xuemin! You...you guys are really..."

The old factory director's voice choked up. He turned his face away and quickly wiped the corner of his eye with the back of his hand. "I've been in the film industry for so many years, and the foreign exchange I've handled... it doesn't even amount to a fraction of what I've ever done!"

"Fifty million...in US dollars! This...this is fucking..."

He wanted to swear to express his inner turmoil, but in the end he was too embarrassed to say it in front of Cheng Xuemin!

She just sniffed hard to calm her racing heart.

The workers sweeping the yard stopped what they were doing and looked over curiously.

People started peeking out from the office building, wondering why the usually composed factory director was so agitated.

Cheng Xuemin took a deep breath, carefully folded the telegram, and placed it back in the old factory director's hand.

Holding his arm, which was trembling slightly with excitement, she whispered, "Old factory director, let's go inside and talk!"

"Yes, yes, let's go in, let's go in and talk!" The old factory director came to his senses and realized that he had lost his composure. He quickly pulled Cheng Xuemin into the building, his steps still a little unsteady.

The two walked quickly into the office building and went straight to the old factory director's office.

The old factory director slammed the door shut, cutting off the view and the faint whispers from outside.

"Sit down, sit down!" The old factory director impatiently pressed Cheng Xuemin down on the sofa, while he paced excitedly around the small office.

He still clutched the telegram tightly in his hand, as if it were a red-hot branding iron, and said, "Xuemin, did you see it?"

"Fifty million! US dollars! A minimum guarantee! What does this mean? It means that before our film is even released in China, it has already earned back dozens or even hundreds of times its cost!"

"No, it's not just about making it back, it's...it's a gold mine!"

He abruptly stopped, turned around, and his eyes shone with an alarming intensity: "Do you know what this means?"

"This means that your Eastern Depot, no, our Yan Film Studio, has suddenly become the richest film studio in the country, no, possibly the entire industry!"

"With this money, what can we do? We can upgrade our equipment, make better films, hire the best actors, and so on..."

He was so excited that he could hardly speak, he just kept rubbing his hands together, his face beaming with an almost dreamlike glow.

Cheng Xuemin nodded in agreement. For an old filmmaker who had worked under the planned economy for many years and had to rack his brains for funding his films, he was determined to make the most of every penny.

Fifty million US dollars is undoubtedly an astronomical figure!
A shock that is enough to overturn our understanding!

This is not just about money, but also about an unprecedented sense of confidence and potential!
"Old factory director, please calm down and have some water!"

Cheng Xuemin got up, picked up the thermos on the table, poured a glass of water for the old factory director, and handed it to him.

The old factory director took the cup, his hand still trembling slightly, and some water spilled out.

He gulped down several mouthfuls, then let out a long sigh, as if he had finally calmed down the surge of heat that was rushing to his head.

He sat down opposite Cheng Xuemin, but his eyes remained burning.

"Xuemin, this news... came too fast!"

"You reported to me yesterday that negotiations in Hong Kong are still ongoing and it might not be so quick!"

"But I never expected that right after you left last night, a telegram bringing good news from Hong Kong arrived!"

"Scholar, please don't laugh at me. Although you told me yesterday, when I saw this telegram from Hong Kong, I was... I was... so excited that I couldn't sleep all night!"

The way the old factory director looked at Cheng Xuemin was just so incredibly loving!
Fifty million, in US dollars!
……

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