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

Ding Daming flipped through the documents Hu Jian handed him, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

The report clearly describes the fate of "Romance on Lushan Mountain" in Bolin.

It was neither shortlisted for the main competition nor won any screening awards, and it was not even invited to the closing ceremony organized by the organizers.

Even the film festival souvenirs were something Hu Jian had to apply for himself from the organizers.

This is Hu Jian's way of showing off his achievements a little.

Ding Daming completely ignored this. What Hu Jian might have thought was to seek souvenirs for the accompanying members, Ding Daming saw as shameful.

If someone doesn't give it to you, why do you shamelessly ask for it yourself? Isn't that embarrassing?
As for "Tai Chi", the materials only mentioned it lightly, saying that "the response to the exhibition was mediocre and no substantial cooperation was achieved", without even going into details about the specific exchanges and negotiations.

"Old Hu, is that all?" Ding Daming put the materials on the table, his tone disappointed, and asked, "I can understand why 'Romance on Lushan Mountain' didn't achieve much success. After all, it's difficult to align with international styles."

"But what about Tai Chi?"

"Cheng Xuemin and Lao Wang went to so much trouble, all for the Bolin Film Festival, why haven't they made any progress yet?"

Hu Jian picked up his teacup, took a sip, and said in a low voice, "Mr. Ding, to be honest, 'Tai Chi' didn't make much of a splash in Bolin."

“They went there full of confidence! When they transited through Hong Kong, Cheng Xuemin was warmly welcomed by Fu Qi of Great Wall.”

Hu Jian didn't really pay much attention to "Tai Chi" because he was busy promoting "Romance on Lushan Mountain" and thinking about winning awards.

Therefore, it wasn't written in much detail in the materials; it was basically just mentioned in passing.

Now that Ding Daming has specifically asked, he just dodges the question, gives a few perfunctory replies, and steers the conversation back to Hong Kong.

Sure enough, Ding Daming's attention was immediately diverted.

He asked in surprise, "Oh? Fu Qi of the Great Wall warmly welcomed him? What's going on?"

Ding Daming is not so sure; Cheng Xuemin's name can still influence Hong Kong.

"Speaking of which, Mr. Ding, I have something else to tell you!" Hu Jian cleared his throat and continued, "It's like this! Comrade Cheng Xuemin wrote two scripts for Fu Qi of Great Wall without our China Film Group's approval!"

"What they didn't expect was that, by sheer luck, one of the two scripts they wrote in private, 'The Ghostly Man,' became an instant hit when it was released in Hong Kong!"

"According to what we heard when we passed through Hong Kong on our way back, the box office for The Haunted Cop has already exceeded five million Hong Kong dollars!"

"What? Five million in box office revenue?" Ding Daming's face instantly turned pale with shock upon hearing this, and he asked in utter astonishment, "Old Hu, are you sure this script hasn't been approved by China Film Group?"

Depend on!
It must have been that old guy Wang Yang from Yan Film Studio who made the connection behind the scenes. They actually dared to bypass the review of China Film Group and directly provide script manuscripts to Hong Kong Great Wall.
What are they going to do?
What Ding Daming found even more unacceptable was that the script they had privately provided was made into a movie by Great Wall, which directly grossed five million yuan at the box office.

With a box office of five million Hong Kong dollars, how could Ding Daming of China Film Group not know about this box office performance?

"Mr. Ding, I'm in charge of the relevant reviews. How could I not know whether they've submitted it for approval or not?" Hu Jian poured out all the pent-up frustration he'd suffered in Hong Kong, and continued:
"Furthermore, Mr. Ding, putting aside whether the script has been approved or not, this is just about scaring ghosts with people. This is promoting ghosts and monsters, which is feudal superstition!"

"They even sent it directly to Hong Kong. Isn't that just reckless?"

"Alright, I understand. I'll raise this issue with the old leader later; it really is inappropriate!" Ding Daming was already secretly pleased.

They were promoting feudal superstitions and ghost stories, and they even sent them directly to Hong Kong without going through the China Film Group's review process. How could this be allowed?

Wait!
That alone is enough to give that old fellow Wang Yang from Yan Film Studio a run for his money.

Seeing that Ding Daming's expression was not good, Hu Jian knew to stop while he was ahead and kept quiet.

Ding Daming was silent for a moment, then casually flipped through the materials in his hand; there really wasn't anything noteworthy about them.

He immediately frowned and asked, "The materials say that you have contacted many publishers at Bolin, but there has been no remarkable progress?"

Even a mere indication of interest in cooperation would be helpful; one can't go to see their former boss empty-handed.

It's acceptable to complain, but it would be too embarrassing if you didn't actually achieve anything yourself.

Otherwise, if they properly address the issue of promoting feudal superstition, the older leaders will think that China Film Group is making trouble and diverting attention.

So, one must be strong oneself to succeed; one must find a highlight so that they can raise another question.

Hu Jian felt a sudden jolt to himself; he really couldn't find anything particularly noteworthy.

Publisher?!

Hu Jian realized that Ding Daming had mentioned foreign publishers, and then he remembered something and quickly reported, "Mr. Ding, there really is something!"

"Yamato Films of Japan is quite interested in our films 'Romance on Lushan Mountain' and 'Tai Chi,' saying they are willing to help us with global distribution and promotion for free. They said they would cover all the promotion costs, as long as we provide copies!"

"Free advertising?" Ding Daming looked up abruptly, asking in surprise, "Is there really such a good thing?"

"This is a major diplomatic breakthrough! A prime example of Sino-Japanese cultural exchange, the senior leaders will definitely take it seriously! Why didn't you write that clearly in the materials?"

In those days, "diplomacy is no small matter," and cooperation with Japan was especially sensitive.

If we could get Yamato Pictures to distribute Chinese films for free, it would save us a lot of money on advertising and also save us face diplomatically. It would be a windfall.

Upon hearing this, Hu Jian showed just the right amount of regret on his face and said, "I originally wanted to write it, but since it didn't work out, I was too embarrassed to mention it."

"At that time, Dahe Pictures had already drafted the contract, but Comrade Cheng Xuemin kept delaying the signing, saying that he wanted to take it back to Hong Kong for another look."

"Cheng Xuemin? It's him again?" Ding Daming's temper flared instantly, and he said irritably, "What does he know about diplomacy?"

"It's such a great thing that they're helping us promote our culture for free. It allows us to export our culture without spending any money. Why should they stop us?"

In the past, we had to beg Japan for help with propaganda, especially in capitalist countries, and we couldn't get it even if we begged.

Even if they reluctantly agree, it will still cost a large sum of precious foreign exchange, US dollars.

But now, with such a good opportunity, Hu Jian and his team failed to seize it. To put it mildly, it's not bad; to put it more seriously, it's a serious dereliction of duty that harms national interests, and that's not an exaggeration at all.

Seeing that Ding Daming was angry, Hu Jian quickly added fuel to the fire, saying, "I also advised him at the time, saying that this was a good thing to promote Sino-Japanese friendship and that we should not act impulsively."

"But he insisted that Yamato Pictures had ulterior motives, wanted to get the copyright for free, and wanted to try showing it in Hong Kong!"

That's half true and half false!

Hu Jian did want to sign the contract, but he also really wanted to try going back to Hong Kong.

But now that Ding Daming has specifically asked, can't he just push all the responsibility onto someone else?
"Nonsense!" Ding Daming was furious upon hearing this. He slammed his fist on the table and stood up, saying, "What right does a lowly screenwriter from Yan Film Studio have to interfere with China Film Group's decisions?"

"This not only ruined the cooperation, but also damaged the overall diplomatic situation! We must make this clear to the old leader when we report later!"

He was worried about having nothing to report to his old boss, and Hu Jian's words undoubtedly gave him an excellent excuse.

Instead of saying that China Film Group didn't achieve anything in Bolin, it would be better to shift the blame to Cheng Xuemin, accusing him of being "disorganized and undisciplined," "undermining international cooperation," and "seriously damaging national interests." This would both make it seem like China Film Group "tried its best" and put a damper on the arrogance of Cheng Xuemin and Wang Yang of Yanying Film Studio—a win-win situation.

"By the way, where are Cheng Xuemin and the others? Have they come back yet?" Ding Daming suddenly asked.

"No!" Hu Jian shook his head, his tone tinged with schadenfreude, and said, "The night before last, when we were transiting in Hong Kong, he said he was going to take Gong Xue and the others to Guangzhou."

"It seems like he went to some music company to record a tape, and they said it would take a few days before he could return to Beijing."

"Record a tape?" Ding Daming's anger flared even more, and he shouted, "This is utterly lawless!"

"He didn't report his work immediately after returning from Bolin, but instead went off to do these trivial things? This is a classic case of disorganization and lack of discipline! He must be dealt with seriously!"

Ding Daming paced around his office a few times, increasingly convinced that this was a great opportunity.

Cheng Xuemin has connections in Haizi and was a pioneer of reform and opening up, so directly criticizing him for being "incompetent" might not work.

But if you were to label someone as "disobeying orders" or "sabotaging diplomacy," even Liao Gong would have to think twice.

"Old Hu, when you go to the ministry later, just tell the truth."

Ding Daming stopped, a ruthless glint in his eyes, and instructed, "Explain clearly the cooperation intentions of Dahe Pictures, and also explain how Cheng Xuemin is obstructing us."

"As for the results of 'Tai Chi' and 'Romance on Lushan Mountain,' just say that 'due to Cheng Xuemin's interference, the expected results were not achieved,' and leave the rest to me."

Hu Jian was overjoyed and quickly nodded, saying, "Yes, Mr. Ding, no problem at all!"

"But... Cheng Xuemin is, after all, from Yan Film Studio, and he was strongly recommended by Director Wang Yang. If we say this, won't we offend Yan Film Studio?"

"I couldn't be happier!" Ding Daming said nonchalantly. "Yan Film Studio is just being a bit restless. It's a good opportunity to teach that old bastard Wang Yang a lesson!"

He walked to the coat rack, picked up his coat, and then added, "Remember, the key points are 'overall diplomatic considerations' and 'organizational discipline.' These two points are most likely to impress the old leader!"

"I know!" Hu Jian quickly replied, finally relieved.

As long as you can shift the blame, you not only won't have to take responsibility, but you might even gain a reputation for "putting the overall situation first".

The two walked out of the China Film Group office building one after the other, and the car went directly into the lake.

……

In the old factory director's office at Yanying Factory.

The former factory director, Wang Yang, was staring intently at a draft of the "Film Distribution System Reform," his pen hovering over the paper, unable to fall.

This draft was revised seven times, but it always revolved around the core issue of "China Film Group's monopoly".

"Knock knock knock!" The urgent knocking interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in!" Wang Yang called out without looking up.

"Old Factory Director!" Huang Jianzhong, who was dressed neatly, came over early in the morning to report to the old factory director.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yang looked up and was astonished to find that it was Huang Jianzhong. He asked, "Jianzhong? Why are you back? Isn't the Bolin Film Festival still a few days away from closing?"

The old factory director is definitely keeping a close eye on the Bolin Film Festival, and he's been hoping that Cheng Xuemin and Huang Jianzhong will come back.

But if you calculate the time, aren't there still a few days left?
Why did Huang Jianzhong suddenly appear in front of me? Did he come back ahead of time?

Huang Jianzhong straightened his Zhongshan suit again, his voice filled with barely suppressed excitement as he said, "Old factory director, we're back ahead of schedule!"

"They came back early? What's going on?" Old factory director Wang Yang's heart skipped a beat; they really had returned early.

But nothing has happened in China, so why are they being asked to return home early?

The problem must lie with Bolin, so... Wang Yang couldn't guess anymore.

"That's how it was with the old factory director. Our entry, 'Romance on Lushan Mountain,' didn't win any awards at Bolin, and we didn't even receive an invitation to the closing ceremony. Director Hu said there was no point in staying any longer, so he went back to China early."

"Didn't win any awards?" Wang Yang's pen fell onto the draft with a "thud," the ink instantly spreading into a black blotch.

His biggest worry was not the success of "Romance on Lushan Mountain", but Cheng Xuemin!
Did that young man who patted his chest and made a "ten million US dollar pledge" in the lake really fail?

"Then... what about Xuemin?" Wang Yang's voice trembled almost imperceptibly, his fingers gripping the edge of the table so tightly that his knuckles turned white. "What about his 'Tai Chi'? Is it also...?"

Seeing the old factory director's face turn pale instantly, Huang Jianzhong realized that the old factory director had misunderstood him.

He quickly put down his briefcase, took two steps forward, and whispered, his voice trembling with excitement, "Old Factory Director! Don't worry!"

"Romance on Lushan Mountain didn't do well, but our Tai Chi... was a huge hit!"

"Exploded?" Wang Yang looked up blankly, clearly not understanding, and asked, "What exploded? Speak louder than I can!"

"Foreign exchange earnings! Copyright! US dollars! They've all exploded!"

Huang Jianzhong was incredibly excited, but he still didn't dare to speak loudly, because Cheng Xuemin had instructed him not to publicize it too much, and that only the old factory director should know.

So, trying his best to restrain himself, he continued, "We've signed distribution agreements with distributors in over a dozen countries: 800,000 in France, 800,000 in the UK, 500,000 in West Germany... and 1.5 million in South Korea, plus a whopping 10 million US dollars in the North American market!"

He took a deep breath, mustered all his strength, and growled in a low voice, "The total... the total is twenty million nine hundred thousand US dollars!"

"The deposit of 6.6 million yuan has already been remitted back to China through the consulate!"

Wang Yang heard it clearly now, but he was even more confused and his mind went blank. Apart from the series of sounds about how many US dollars were spinning and echoing in his mind, he had no other thoughts at all.

Finally, it all came down to one voice and one number: 20.9 million US dollars!
More than 20 million US dollars!
What the hell does that mean?
According to Wang Yang's understanding, the total foreign exchange earnings of HEB province last year did not even reach 20 million US dollars.
But their Yan Film Studio, with just one martial arts film, directly earned the country 20.9 million US dollars in foreign exchange!

Is that so?
"How much...did you say?" After a long pause, Wang Yang asked himself the question, then suddenly jumped up from his chair. His sudden movement knocked over the thermos, spilling hot water all over the floor without him noticing. He asked again urgently, "More than twenty million...US dollars?"

"Yes! Twenty-nine million US dollars!" Huang Jianzhong nodded emphatically, his eyes reddening, and said, "Old factory director, we have fulfilled our pledge!"

"Not only did we complete it, we exceeded it by more than double! Xuemin said this is just the beginning, and we can earn even more in the future!"

Wang Yang staggered back a step, only managing to steady himself by grabbing the desk.

He stared in shock and bewilderment at the agitated Huang Jianzhong, then suddenly covered his face, his shoulders trembling violently.

It's not crying, it's laughing!

It was a laugh that had been suppressed for too long, almost a manic outburst.

……

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