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

"Old factory director, you've come at the perfect time! I was just about to go to Yanying Factory to personally deliver the good news to you!"

When Ding Daming saw Wang Yang from Yan Film Studio barging into his office so rudely, demanding an invitation to the Bolin International Film Festival, his expression instantly turned displeased.

Everyone says that this old guy is just relying on his seniority and really doesn't respect him, the head of China Film Group, at all!

He didn't know who leaked the information to him, but he found out about the Bolin Film Festival invitation so quickly.

Moreover, he came up and demanded it directly, so confidently and naturally, completely disregarding Ding Daming.

This really displeased Ding Daming.

Despite his displeasure, Ding Daming wore his displeasure on his face. After a moment of surprise and apprehension, he quickly smiled and said that he was about to go to the factory to congratulate him.

"Xiao Ding, where's the invitation?"

"I've been making films my whole life, and I've never seen an invitation sent to us by an international stage!"

"Let me see, let me see! Is this the 'Tai Chi' program you ordered?"

Wang Yang ignored Ding Daming's expression; all he cared about now was the invitation.

He had previously mentioned to Cheng Xuemin how to send the Tai Chi movie out after it was made.
Should we ask Liao Gong to help contact diplomatic relations and send it out, or should we ask Wu Lao to put in a good word with the Hong Kong authorities and ask them to help us make some arrangements?

Unexpectedly, Cheng Xuemin had already made arrangements. He said that when Tai Chi was about to start filming, his aunt happened to be visiting relatives from the United States. He said that his aunt was also in the American entertainment industry and had connections in that area, so he asked her to use her influence outside.

Two days ago, he even showed me a letter from Bolin, which said that the connections had been smoothed out and the Bolin Film Festival selection committee would give China a place in the competition, and an invitation would be sent out soon.

Good heavens, so everything was already prepared. No wonder Cheng Xuemin was so confident and made that almost impossible pledge.

In that case, let's just wait for the Bolin Film Festival to send us an invitation, and then we can send Tai Chi directly to them.

As for Cheng Xuemin's concerns!

Because his aunt said in the letter that although the relationship with the Bolin Film Festival jury was smooth, they could not interfere in our internal affairs and did not directly nominate Cheng Xuemin's "Tai Chi" to participate in the Bolin selection.

They simply sent out invitations, asking us to select the best film and submit it to the film festival for competition and awards.

To this!

Cheng Xuemin told him that there was only one spot available, and it was unavoidable to bypass China Film Group, so they might not give them a chance.

The old factory director, Wang Yang, waved his hand and patted Cheng Xuemin on the shoulder, telling him to rest assured and have no worries.

As long as the Bolin Film Festival sends us an invitation, even if we can't bypass China Film Group, the spot can only be given to "Tai Chi".

Nothing else works, who dares to compete with Tai Chi?

You have to understand that Tai Chi is tasked with generating ten million US dollars in foreign exchange for the country. Who the hell would dare to take its place and do it themselves?

Therefore, this spot can only be given to "Tai Chi". If other production companies want to grab it, they should ask Hai Zili and Wu Lao Liao Gong first.

Say it again!

Wang Yang is in Yanjing, right under the nose of China Film Group, watching every day. As soon as the invitation arrives, he will take it away immediately.

As the saying goes, "being near the water tower" (meaning having an advantage), would you let the duck fly away when it's right in front of you?

So, Wang Yang has indeed been running around China Film Group every day these past few days. He could have sent all the new movies for the fourth quarter over at once.

But in order to find out about the Bolin Film Festival and ensure that we would know as soon as the invitation arrived.

So they sent films to China Film Group every day, a new film every day, and none of them were the same.

As expected, hard work pays off. Wang Yang had just arrived today when he heard about the invitation to the Bolin Film Festival and excitedly rushed into Ding Daming's office.

"Huh? Old factory director, isn't it 'Romance on Mount Lu'?"

"You've been telling me all along that Comrade Cheng Xuemin, a pioneer of reform and opening up, was seconded to our Yanying Film Studio to be in charge of the filming of 'Romance on Lushan Mountain,' right?"

"As soon as I received the invitation, I didn't even think twice. I knew I had to take care of you, the old factory director! We, the Yanying Film Studio, had to be given priority, so I immediately booked 'Romance on Lushan Mountain'!"

Ding Daming feigned surprise and quickly explained, then added, "Moreover, the invitation from the Berlin Film Festival may have been delayed on the way, so the timeframe is very tight!"

"So we submitted our film 'Romance on Lushan Mountain' directly to the film festival's selection committee! And coincidentally, the review panel had just finished reviewing 'Romance on Lushan Mountain' and thought the film was very representative, so it might win an award at Bolin Film Festival!"

"What? You've already sent 'Romance on Lushan Mountain' to the newspaper?"

"This is bad! This is bad! How could you move so fast? How could you be so fast?"

"We were preparing to send out 'Tai Chi,' not 'Romance on Lushan Mountain' at all."

"The Lushan Romance has absolutely nothing to do with our Yanying Film Studio!"

Upon hearing this, the old factory director Wang Yang's expression changed drastically. China Film Group had actually submitted a report on "Romance on Lushan Mountain," but what did this movie have to do with their Yan Film Studio?

"Romance on Lushan Mountain" was produced by Xu Jinglei's Shanghai Film Studio, and it was definitely submitted for review from Shanghai. Wang Yang is sending new films to your China Film Group for review every day. When did I submit "Romance on Lushan Mountain"?!
"Huh? What? Not 'Romance on Mount Lu'?" Ding Daming was secretly delighted by the old man's anxious reaction. He knew perfectly well that they were making "Tai Chi" instead of "Romance on Mount Lu", so he deliberately played along to provoke the old man!
Now look at this, old man, are you surprised? Are you excited?

However, even though he was secretly pleased, he had to show his anxiety on his face. Ding Daming looked very surprised and anxious, and then asked again, "Old factory director, didn't you keep talking about the Lushan Love Story before?"

"Moreover, I watched the movie, and it's true that Comrade Cheng Xuemin wrote the screenplay for 'Romance on Lushan Mountain'! He wrote it himself! And the male lead seems to be him too, how could there be a mistake?"

"And what about this 'Tai Chi' you mentioned, old factory director? It seems like China Film Group doesn't have that project in the fourth quarter."

"Director, your Yanying Film Studio is going to launch the 'Tai Chi' project? But filming hasn't even started yet. Even if 'Tai Chi' is confirmed, it won't be until next year!"

Ding Daming realized what was happening again!
The film "Tai Chi" that Yan Film Studio secretly produced was not reported or approved by China Film Group. So it was just something Yan Film Studio produced on its own. It wasn't even on the list for China Film Group's fourth-quarter screenings, let alone sent out to other studios.

"What 'Romance on Mount Lu'?!"

"The Lushan Romance was orchestrated by Xu Sangchu; our Yan Film Studio is doing Tai Chi, Tai Chi, Tai Chi!"

"It was Liao Gong who specifically asked us to produce 'Shaolin Temple' and 'Tai Chi.' Shaolin Temple was given to Great Wall Film Company in Hong Kong, and Tai Chi was given to our Yanying Film Studio!"

"Our Yanying Film Studio has always been evasive. The project 'Romance on Lushan Mountain' was given to Lao Xu from Shanghai. They did file for approval, so how can you get this mixed up!"

Wang Yang was so anxious he was jumping up and down. How could he get this wrong? What was Ding Daming good for?
"Huh? The Shaolin Tai Chi that Liao Gong instructed?" Ding Daming came to his senses after hearing Wang Yang's words. So that's what the Tai Chi they were talking about was all about!
Liao Gong did give instructions before, suggesting that Hong Kong should come to the mainland more often to film, and that martial arts films could definitely be made about our Shaolin Temple, Tai Chi, and the like!

But wasn't it given to Great Wall Film Company in Hong Kong back then? How come the old guy's Yanying Studio got involved too?

And judging from what the old man said, their film "Tai Chi" produced by Yan Film Studio even alarmed Liao Gong?
Was Liao Gong aware of this?

But why hasn't China Film Group received any materials for project approval?
Then, with a hint of doubt, he asked in return, "Old Factory Director, didn't Shaolin Temple Tai Chi give the Great Wall to Hong Kong? They're already in Henan, setting up production and starting filming!"

Ding Daming of China Film Group was certainly aware that "Shaolin Temple" was being filmed in Hong Kong, and the necessary permits were all issued by China Film Group.

So the "Shaolin Temple" crew in Hong Kong is currently in Henan, gathering some Peking Opera troupes to start filming there!

That's the Shaolin Temple!

"We are in charge of 'Tai Chi,' and we've already finished filming it. We've even produced the sample footage, and we're just waiting for this opportunity to send it out and promote our art and culture!"

"But Ding, can you still get it back and replace it?" Wang Yang was so angry that he didn't want to say anything more. He could only quickly tell Ding Daming to get back the Lushan Love story that had been submitted for selection and replace it with their Tai Chi!
"This... old factory director, it might be too late! We replied directly via international telegram!"

"At this point, the Bolin Film Festival's selection committee has already chosen 'Romance on Lushan Mountain,' and it's not going to be changed now!"

Ding Daming couldn't possibly let that old guy switch it back, so he deliberately said that to Wang Yang.

Actually, the telegram had not yet been sent, and it would definitely have to be reported to Wu Lao Liao Gong's side. Only after they made the final approval would the telegram be sent to Bolin.

"So fast? Didn't you just receive the invitation today?" Wang Yang asked anxiously, his face showing surprise.

"Old factory director, time is of the essence and speed is of the essence. We don't have much time left. We need to send people over quickly, otherwise if we miss this opportunity, we don't know when the next opportunity will come!"

"Man……"

Wang Yang was so angry that he wanted to point his finger at Ding Daming and yell at him on the spot. This was a military order concerning ten million US dollars in foreign exchange earnings, and Ding Daming hadn't even consulted with him before making such a decision on his own.

Wang Yang also wanted to question Ding Daming: Can he bear this responsibility?
But he stopped himself before he could finish speaking, because Cheng Xuemin seemed to have anticipated this outcome.

Therefore, he didn't care much about this spot and also told Wang Yang not to cause trouble at China Film Group.

If it exists, it exists; if not, we'll find another way.

Since the matter has been decided in secrecy, not a single word can be leaked before the military order is obtained, especially from Ding Daming on the China Film Group side, otherwise all previous efforts will be in vain.

Thinking of this, Wang Yang stopped himself in time, could only nod angrily at Ding Daming, and turned to leave without looking back.

"Old factory director, this... you still need to gather the main creators of 'Romance on Lushan Mountain' and submit the delegation list as soon as possible!" Ding Daming said, feigning concern and deliberately provoking Wang Yang.

"Screw your plans! Go find Xu Sangchu! That old bastard is ecstatic right now!"

"Damn it! I've actually made Xu Sangchu's wedding dress this time, damn it!"

……

Just as the old factory director Wang Yang was furious and rushed from China Film Group to the factory, Cheng Xuemin, who had already finished the follow-up work on "Tai Chi", received a call from Xie Jin in Shanghai!
"Oh? Really? I didn't know that! The Bolin Film Festival sent us an invitation?"

"China Film Group has booked 'Romance on Lushan Mountain'?"

"Great news! Lao Xie, your Lushan romance has gone international! Congratulations!"

When Cheng Xuemin received Xie Jin's call with good news, he thought to himself that China Film Group had indeed decided on the submitted films without consulting anyone.

It was not expected that "Tai Chi" would be released. After all, the old director of Yanying Film Studio wanted to reform China Film Group, and this was not the first or second time.

The relationship between the former factory director and Ding Daming of China Film Group has become increasingly strained.

This time, the Bolin Film Festival unprecedentedly sent out invitations. Logically, Ding Daming's China Film Group should have informed its various film studios and held a selection meeting to choose a high-quality film from within the country to send abroad. However, unexpectedly, Ding Daming took it upon himself to make the decision.

The book in question is still Cheng Xuemin's "Romance on Lushan Mountain"!
This was truly a complete surprise to Cheng Xuemin.

After all, everyone knows that Cheng Xuemin was just a soldier under the old director of Yan Film Studio. Since Ding Daming is fed up with Yan Film Studio, he won't give this only spot to Yan Film Studio.

Conversely, because of this shared affection, they also didn't seem to care much for Cheng Xuemin, their pawn.

But they still chose "Romance on Lushan Mountain". In the end, Cheng Xuemin, the pioneer of reform and opening up, and the flag raised by the cultural sector, was still very useful.

Xie Jin, who was on the phone, was sharing the good news with Cheng Xuemin. He certainly didn't know that the invitation to the Bolin Film Festival was actually obtained through Cheng Xuemin's connections. He had his wife's aunt pull strings to get the invitation.

It was originally intended for "Tai Chi"!

Now things have gotten worse, because of the conflict between Ding Daming of China Film Group and the old director of Yan Film Studio, Lao Xie, who lives far away in Shanghai, has been directly affected.

Conversely, Cheng Xuemin now owes Lao Xie a favor.

Because for this time, Lao Xie decided on Cheng Xuemin's name for the main creative team. This will make it easier for Cheng Xuemin to take "Tai Chi" out. Even if it's not for competitions, it should be fine to promote it on the outside!
"Okay, okay, thank you so much! Alright, then let's talk again when you get to Yanjing!"

"The General Political Department, right?"

"Alright, then as the lead screenwriter, I'll make a call to the General Political Department and tell them about Comrade Gong Xue!"

After exchanging a few pleasantries on the phone, Lao Xie had already made all the preparations and was about to set off by train to Yanjing.

Over the phone, Cheng Xuemin was asked to relay the message to the General Political Department, informing them that Gong Xue was going abroad to attend the Bolin Film Festival.

We need to go to the lake!
After hanging up with Xie Jin, Cheng Xuemin planned to go to the lake to report his work to Old Wu in person!

"Yes, I'll go with you!"

The old factory director, Wang Yang, rushed back to the factory and told Cheng Xuemin everything he had learned from China Film Group.

As expected, the kid remained calm and composed, acting as if nothing had happened.

Wang Yang was so anxious that he stomped his feet and rubbed his hands, urging Cheng Xuemin to come up with a solution quickly. If Tai Chi missed this opportunity, they would be doomed.

When Cheng Xuemin suggested going to the lake to find Old Wu, Wang Yang's eyes lit up immediately. This was indeed the place to go and find Old Wu.

They immediately hit it off and decided to go into the lake with Cheng Xuemin to find Old Wu!
We must win back the spot allocated to "Romance on Lushan Mountain".

To this!

Cheng Xuemin didn't tell the old factory director that he went to see Old Wu not to steal a spot!

Now that China Film Group has decided to make "Romance on Lushan Mountain," it can be said that Cheng Xuemin is experiencing double happiness.

In this way, his two films this year, "Romance on Lushan Mountain" and "Tai Chi," can both go abroad and be shown at the Bolin Film Festival.

Even if you don't win an award, just promote it and sell it at a good price, that's all!
Cheng Xuemin's car entered the lake smoothly and he was received by Elder Wu.

"Little Cheng!"

Even if you don't come, I'll still call you and ask you to come over!

"Take a look at this first. This must be the reason you came here today, right?"

With a smile on his face and an air of certainty that he had already seen through their thoughts, Old Wu handed a list and materials to Cheng Xuemin and Wang Yang.

Upon hearing this, former factory director Wang Yang quickly took the materials. After reading their contents, he asked with surprise, "Old leader, we really did come for this matter!"

"But when I went to find Ding Daming today, didn't he say that he had already sent a telegram to Bolin and that there was no way to get it back?"

This is the material that Ding Daming from China Film Group sent to his former leader for instructions.

In addition to China Film Group's decision to submit Shanghai Film Studio's "Romance on Lushan Mountain," there was also a list of members of the delegation going abroad.

Good guy!
Ding Daming had previously assured me that he had booked "Romance on Lushan Mountain" with his Yan Film Studio.

Wang Yang even retorted on the spot and corrected him.

Unexpectedly, they had already obtained the delegation list from Xu Jinglei of the Shanghai Film Studio and even signed it off for Wu's review and approval.

In other words, Ding Daming already knew that "Romance on Lushan Mountain" was a project of the Shanghai Film Studio and had nothing to do with their Yanying Film Studio.

I deliberately told myself that today!
good good!
Ding Daming is truly a heartless man, treating his old comrade like a monkey to be played with. It's outrageous!

"That's right!" Old Wu nodded, gesturing for the two of them to sit down, and then continued, "Xiao Ding will deliver the materials at noon!"

"Well! The Bolin Film Festival has opened its doors to us and sent us an invitation, which shows that our cultural reform and opening up has achieved certain results!"

"I'll give the spot back and exchange it for your 'Tai Chi' course, Xiao Cheng."

"I was originally discussing with Liao Gong how to give Xiao Cheng and your team special treatment so that the film could be sent out for promotion!"

"This Bolin Film Festival is indeed a great opportunity, and we must seize it!"

"If we could bring back another international award, that would be even more impressive!"

Actually, when the materials from China Film Group were sent over, Mr. Wu had already decided to replace "Romance on Lushan Mountain" with "Tai Chi," which was expected to generate ten million US dollars in foreign exchange.

So we were planning to have Cheng Xuemin and the others come over, but we didn't expect that Comrade Cheng was still a bit too young and couldn't sit still, so he came over in person!

"Yes, yes! Old leader, Xuemin actually did a lot of work to help Tai Chi go abroad!"

"Moreover, the invitation letter issued by the jury of the Bolin Film Festival was also obtained through Xue Min's efforts, which came from his aunt who lives far away in the United States!"

"But to my surprise, China Film Group didn't even bother to contact them and unilaterally booked another movie!"

The old factory director was definitely furious. Being played like that by Ding Daming, he would surely make things difficult for that bastard in front of his old superiors.

Then he handed the letter that Cheng Xuemin's aunt had sent to Old Wu.

"Oh! Really?!"

"Then shouldn't we replace it with 'Tai Chi'?"

Old Wu took the letter and glanced at it, and then he understood even more.

"Mr. Wu, there's no need to change it!"

"The old factory manager and I came to see you today not because of that spot!"

What surprised Mr. Wu was that Cheng Xuemin would say such a thing, not to mention the old factory director Wang Yang standing next to him.

Wang Yang was so shocked that his eyes widened, and he asked in a rapid voice, "Xuemin, what did you say? We don't need to change? Then how are our Tai Chi team going to get out?"

Old Wu nodded without asking any questions, and looked at Cheng Xuemin, waiting for him to continue.

Of course, I was also very surprised. It turned out that they didn't come after me to replace the copy of "Romance on Lushan Mountain" that China Film Group sent in the newspaper with their "Tai Chi".

If you don't need to change, then why did you come here?
"Old Wu, former factory director! Actually, from the very beginning, all I wanted was an opportunity to send Tai Chi out!"

"The Bolin Film Festival sent us an invitation this time. China Film Group has its reasons for choosing 'Romance on Lushan Mountain,' and I didn't mean to put you in a difficult position, Mr. Wu!"

"I just wanted to ask you, Mr. Wu, that my name happens to be on the creative team delegation for 'Romance on Lushan Mountain'!"

"So I'd like to ask Mr. Wu to give me a special favor and let me take 'Tai Chi' out for promotion. Also, I'd like to give you a few more spots so I can bring a few members of the 'Tai Chi' creative team to help with the promotion!"

Cheng Xuemin didn't come here to ask the old leader to replace "Romance on Lushan Mountain"!

If it were changed, what would Xie Jin, who was disappointed, think?
Isn't this going to offend people?
Moreover, Cheng Xuemin never imagined that Tai Chi might win any major awards if it were selected for the Bolin Film Festival.

After all, it's just a martial arts entertainment film, a work without any deep meaning. Why would they award it a major prize?
So when China Film Group decided to make "Romance on Lushan Mountain", it was actually better for Cheng Xuemin!

In this way, Cheng Xuemin could go to Bolin as a key member of the creative team and take the opportunity to promote "Tai Chi" in the surrounding area.

For Cheng Xuemin, the fact that both of his films have gone international is nothing short of a double celebration.
Today, Cheng Xuemin went to Haizi specifically to pull strings with Old Wu, hoping to get a few more spots approved for him!
In this case!

Cheng Xuemin could take the creators of Tai Chi, director Huang Jianzhong, and lead actors Li Lianjie and Zhu Lin, out to broaden their horizons.

Of course, Li Lianjie was there to handle the publicity, and there was bound to be a martial arts performance to attract the attention and applause of the foreigners.

"You really won't trade?!"

"If we switch to Tai Chi, the publicity we'll get will definitely be much greater than what we get from the outside!"

When Mr. Wu heard Cheng Xuemin say that, he was quite surprised and asked again to confirm.

"No need to change, no need to change, I have confidence in Tai Chi!" Cheng Xuemin insisted.

Seeing this, Old Wu stopped insisting and nodded, saying, "That's fine then. Anyway, as long as we can send Tai Chi out, Xiao Cheng, you can take charge of all the work!"

"Submit the list. China Film Group has five people in total, so we'll give you three more to make a total of ten!"

"Okay, okay, thank you, Mr. Wu!"

Cheng Xuemin was overjoyed upon hearing this and thanked him repeatedly. As for whether five plus three equals ten, he didn't want to correct his old leader on the spot.

Anyway, there are three spots available for him, which seems just right!
……

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