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

"Come, let me introduce you all. This is Comrade Cheng Xuemin, our pioneer of reform and opening up, our cultural pioneer, and our pioneer of foreign exchange earnings!"

"He is also the screenwriter, director, and producer of the film 'Redemption,' the winner of the Palme d'Or at Cannes, and a key figure in this bet with the Japanese side!"

"The organization has decided that he will serve as the deputy leader of our working group to assist me in carrying out my work!"

"Although Comrade Xuemin is young, he has many ideas and has achieved remarkable results in international business operations and cultural exchanges. Everyone welcomes him!"

As the leader finished speaking, polite applause rang out in the conference room—not enthusiastic, but clear enough!
Those comrades all nodded to Cheng Xuemin, which was considered a greeting.
Cheng Xuemin could sense that the scrutinizing look in those eyes had intensified!
The sudden appointment of a filmmaker and writer to a core working group involved in major economic and diplomatic negotiations as its deputy leader is bound to raise suspicions.

This is especially true for those who are used to working deeply in their professional fields!
Cheng Xuemin remained calm as he walked to the seat designated by the leader, placed his briefcase beside his legs, straightened his back, and looked at him with composure.

"Alright, everyone's here, let's start the meeting!" The leader's smile faded, his expression turned serious, and his voice became louder. "Those present are all elite personnel from relevant departments. Time is tight and the task is heavy, so let's skip the formalities!"

"Let me briefly explain the situation first." He picked up a document in front of him:
"Regarding the matter of Comrade Cheng Xuemin, a pioneer in my country's foreign exchange earnings and a young director, reaching a betting agreement with representatives of companies such as Hitachi Heavy Industries of Japan during the Cannes Film Festival in France, involving a total amount of four hundred million US dollars, the higher-level leaders attach great importance to it!"

"After careful consideration, it was decided to establish a special working group, with me serving as the group leader, to be fully responsible for the follow-up, negotiation and related work of this matter."

"The goal is clear: First, to ensure that the $400 million in foreign exchange is returned in full, according to the agreement."
Second, we should take this opportunity to try to introduce as many advanced technologies, equipment and management experience as possible that we urgently need, especially those mentioned in the agreement and those listed on our list.
Third, we must explore and establish an effective model for high-tech commercial cooperation with developed countries!

He surveyed the crowd with a sharp gaze: "Comrades, this is not an ordinary commercial dispute, nor is it a simple debt collection!"

"This is a tough battle, a tough battle that involves the country's major economic interests and the prospects for technological development!"

"The Japanese side will never be willing to accept losing money. They will definitely try every means to create obstacles in all aspects, such as technology transfer, equipment prices, delivery conditions, and after-sales services. They may even use political and diplomatic means to exert pressure!"

"We are facing a large, powerful, experienced Japanese multinational corporation that harbors complex feelings towards us!"

"Therefore, we must attach great importance to this, make full preparations, unite and cooperate, and resolutely win this battle!"

The leader's words were firm and authoritative, and the atmosphere in the meeting room immediately became even more tense!

The comrades all straightened their backs, their expressions serious!
"Now, let me introduce the members of the working group!" The leader began to introduce them one by one. "This is Comrade Li Zhenhua from the State Planning Commission, who is responsible for macroeconomic coordination and foreign exchange management."

"This is Comrade Sun Jianmin from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation, who is responsible for international trade rules and legal support!"

"This is Engineer Wang from the First Ministry of Machine Building, Comrade Wang Tiecheng, a senior engineer and an expert in machine tools and heavy industry!"

"This is Engineer Zhao Mingyuan from the Fourth Ministry of Machinery Industry, who is in charge of the electronics and semiconductor fields!"

"This is Comrade Zhou Yazhou from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who is in charge of foreign liaison and possible political communication!"

"Including myself and Comrade Xuemin, these are the core members of our working group. Depending on the needs of the negotiations, we may also bring in experts from other fields to join us!"

All the comrades who were introduced nodded to Cheng Xuemin, and Cheng Xuemin responded to each of them.

He could tell that these people were all capable individuals in their respective fields, with calm eyes and a sharp demeanor!
"Comrade Xuemin!" The leader looked at Cheng Xuemin, "You are the person involved and also the one who knows the situation best from the beginning!"

"Please give everyone a detailed account of the whole incident and the current preparations in Hong Kong, so that everyone can have a comprehensive understanding!"

"Yes, sir!" Cheng Xuemin was prepared. He opened his briefcase but did not take out the thick stack of documents.

Simply place a simple outline in front of you, and then begin to speak clearly and systematically.

He began by recounting his conflict with the Japanese representatives at the Cannes Film Festival, then moved on to how they proposed an absurd bet, and how he accepted the bet based on his judgment of the film and the market.

Then, leveraging the Palme d'Or's popularity for global promotion and distribution, and reaching a guaranteed revenue-sharing agreement with the three major North American film studios, securing $50 million in revenue, all added significant weight to their chances of ultimately winning the bet...

Finally, he focused on analyzing Japan's current possible mindset, predicament, and the cards we hold!

His narration was devoid of unnecessary embellishment; it was all practical information!
The data is clear, the logic is rigorous, and the analysis of the Japanese side's psychology and behavior is also reasonable and insightful!
He neither exaggerated his own role nor concealed the risks and uncertainties involved.

When the details and strategies of negotiating with the Big Three North American film companies were discussed, the comrades from the economic and foreign trade sectors present listened more attentively, nodding slightly from time to time.

"...Therefore, all things considered!" Cheng Xuemin concluded, "We are currently in a relatively advantageous position. We have a strong chance of winning the bet; this is the moral and legal high ground!"

"Our core objective should not merely be to obtain the four hundred million US dollars, but to leverage this stake to open the door to technological cooperation and secure the most favorable conditions for our industrial development!"

After Cheng Xuemin finished speaking, the conference room was quiet for a moment!
The comrades exchanged glances, seemingly digesting what he was saying.

Comrade Li Zhenhua from the State Planning Commission adjusted his glasses and spoke first, his tone steady: "Comrade Xuemin's introduction is very comprehensive!"

"What I'm concerned about is how to ensure that these four hundred million US dollars in foreign exchange can enter the country smoothly and be included in the national foreign exchange management system?"

"If the Japanese side delays payment, or substitutes partial cash payment with technology transfer, how should we respond?"

"Furthermore, such a huge amount will inevitably attract the attention of international financial markets and the media, and the potential external impact also needs to be assessed!"

Sun Jianmin from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation continued, "From the perspective of international trade and contract law, the legality of this bet needs further confirmation!"

"Although it was a verbal agreement made in a specific context, it has certain legal binding force due to media records and subsequent written confirmation."

"But the actual implementation, especially the part involving technology transfer, will be very complicated."

"Japan will likely make trouble in areas such as technology export controls, patent licensing, and technology service fees!"

"We need a team that is proficient in international commercial law and relevant Japanese regulations."

Wang Tiecheng, an engineer from the First Ministry of Machine Building, spoke in a loud voice, with the directness characteristic of a technical professional:

“I’ve looked at the technology list. Some of it is indeed good stuff, like those high-precision CNC machine tools and the technical data for heavy forging equipment!” “But the Japanese are very shrewd. What they give us may not be the most advanced. Even if it is, they may hold us back on key parameters, core code, or subsequent upgrades.”

"During negotiations, we must bring our technical experts along and negotiate with them inch by inch, leaving no room for ambiguity!"

Zhao Mingyuan from the Fourth Ministry of Machinery Industry adjusted his glasses and added, "This is especially true for electronic and semiconductor equipment."

"They'd love for us to always buy their finished products instead of being able to manufacture them ourselves, so negotiations will be extremely difficult!"

"Moreover, some equipment may require supporting process technology and material technology, which they are even less likely to provide easily."

Foreign Ministry official Zhou Yazhou spoke cautiously: "From a diplomatic perspective, we need to pay attention to the possible actions Japan might take!"

"They are likely to express their concerns and exert pressure through diplomatic channels, or even at a higher level. We need to maintain a unified message and prepare contingency plans!"

"At the same time, we must also pay attention to international public opinion and characterize this matter as a normal commercial contract dispute, so as to avoid it being sensationalized into a political event!"

Everyone chimed in with their own sharp and incisive questions, getting straight to the point!
Cheng Xuemin listened attentively, occasionally jotting down key points on the paper in front of him!
of course!

Cheng Xuemin, however, had a different thought. The $400 million in foreign exchange that they were worried about was actually nothing to Cheng Xuemin!
Because the one truly being held hostage is Japan!

The Japanese side urgently needs the technical solutions to the major safety hazards of their series of heavy hot rolling mills that Cheng Xuemin possesses!
This technology is firmly in Cheng Xuemin's hands, and it is precisely this technology that the Japanese side wants!
Instead of us needing to import relevant advanced technologies from Japan.

Of course, the reason why the higher authorities directly set up a working group was because they were worried that Cheng Xuemin was too young and that if the Japanese side could not provide 400 million US dollars in cash, they could use technology as a substitute.

This led to the leaders bringing several key technical personnel from the industrial sector into the work group!
For Cheng Xuemin, it didn't matter!

As the deputy leader, all he needs to do is get the country the four hundred million US dollars in foreign exchange cash!

As for how to use it, that's a matter for the leaders of the industrial sector and the entire working group!
It has absolutely nothing to do with Cheng Xuemin!

Of course, these were Cheng Xuemin's true thoughts, and he certainly wouldn't say them aloud, but the outward appearances still had to continue!
After all, this involves a very high level of people, not to mention that the leader of their working group is now the leader in charge of the industrial sector, who will be a top figure in ten years!
We absolutely must cultivate good relations, and the results of this trip to Hong Kong to negotiate with the Japanese side must be maximized.

Befriending this team leader will greatly benefit Cheng Xuemin himself and his father-in-law in the future!
So you can relax mentally, but on the surface you must be on high alert and fully cooperate and assist!

The leader in the main seat next to him listened quietly until everyone had finished expressing their initial opinions. Then he tapped the table and began to speak:

"The questions raised by our comrades are all crucial, and they are also the key issues we need to focus on studying and resolving next!"

"Comrade Xuemin, what are your initial thoughts on these issues?"

The pressure was on Cheng Xuemin, and everyone's attention was once again focused on him!
After a moment's thought, Cheng Xuemin's spirits lifted. He put down his pen, raised his eyes, and calmly swept his gaze over everyone present. He spoke slowly, his voice clear and steady:
"Thank you all for raising valuable questions. I'd like to offer some preliminary thoughts, hoping to stimulate further discussion..."

Cheng Xuemin spoke slowly and clearly, providing actionable solutions to each question, rather than just empty talk!
They showed neither stage fright due to their youth nor timidity due to crossing boundaries; instead, they displayed confidence and composure based on thorough thought and preparation!

After he finished speaking, the conference room fell silent again for a short while!

The way the comrades looked at him clearly changed.

The previous scrutiny and curiosity have been replaced by surprise and recognition.

This young man's clarity of thought, thoroughness of consideration, and ability to handle complex problems truly exceeded their expectations!
No wonder the leader let him join the team and even make him the deputy team leader.

A barely perceptible smile appeared on the leader's face. He looked around at everyone and asked:
"What do you all think of Comrade Xuemin's idea?"

Li Zhenhua from the State Planning Commission pondered for a moment and said, "Settlement through overseas accounts and phased introduction is a feasible approach. It can be further refined, and a legal team must be formed immediately!"

Sun Jianmin from the Ministry of Foreign Trade and Economic Cooperation nodded: "Taking the initiative in legal texts is very important, I agree!"

Hiring Hong Kong lawyers is also necessary, as they are more familiar with international commercial dispute resolution practices.

Wang Tiecheng from the First Ministry of Machine Building said directly, "The technical advisory group should be established as soon as possible. I will draft the list. We need to find those experienced colleagues who are truly on the front lines, knowledgeable and willing to work hard!"

Zhao Mingyuan from the Fourth Ministry of Machine Building echoed, "That's right, technical negotiations shouldn't be conducted with outsiders directing insiders!"

"Comrade Xuemin suggested that European suppliers should join the competitive bidding, which is a good strategy and can increase our room for maneuver."

Zhou Yazhou of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was more cautious: "Regarding the issue of wording, we will draft a plan and submit it to the higher authorities for approval. In terms of public opinion guidance, we also need the cooperation of the propaganda department."

"Alright!" the leader declared decisively. "Since everyone agrees in principle, let's proceed immediately according to this plan!"

He then looked at Cheng Xuemin and instructed him:
"Comrade Xuemin, you are familiar with the situation and have dealt directly with the Japanese side. You will assist me, be responsible for overall coordination, and focus on preparing negotiation strategies and psychological game plans with the Japanese side."

At the same time, maintain contact with Hong Kong to ensure smooth communication from the front lines.

"Yes!" everyone responded in unison.

"Comrades!" The leader stood up, placed his hands on the table, leaned slightly forward, and swept his gaze over each person, speaking in a resolute tone:

"Four hundred million US dollars is related to national development and technological progress. This negotiation can only succeed; failure is not an option!"

"We must adopt a fighting spirit, make meticulous plans, dare to fight, and be good at fighting, and we must achieve our established goals! Do we have confidence?!"

"Have!"

……

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