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

Fortunately, after He Chengwei finished speaking with Deputy Factory Director Zhao, Director Zhou cleared his throat and said:
"Comrade Xuemin, my visit this time is different from the other two. I have been assigned by my superiors to come and talk to you about the domestic release of 'Tai Chi'."

Cheng Xuemin was stunned for a moment. So they were planning to bypass China Film Group and snatch Tai Chi to their film bureau for an early release?

But this isn’t right either!

Director Zhou seemed to be referring to being assigned to discuss the domestic release of Tai Chi.

Cheng Xuemin immediately asked in confusion, "Domestic release? Shouldn't that be arranged by China Film Group? Why are you the one negotiating?"

The former factory director, Wang Yang, quickly explained, "Xuemin, Director Zhou is no longer the director."

"The higher-ups have issued a document ordering Director Zhou to replace Ding Daming and take charge of China Film Group's daily operations. Both Ding Daming and Hu Jian have been suspended from their duties."

"Suspended from duty?" Cheng Xuemin's heart skipped a beat, and he casually asked, "What about Comrade Hu Jian? Is he alright?"

Director Zhou didn't address Cheng Xuemin's question, after all, he was just taking advantage of the situation.

Instead, the old factory director, Wang Yang, sighed and said, "Comrade Hu Jian has suffered a great mental shock because of this incident and has been admitted to a mental hospital."

Xuemin, don't blame yourself too much; this was his own choice.

He already knew about it when he was in Bolin.

Cheng Xuemin fell silent!

Although he knew that Fujian was targeting him, he did not expect it to end like this.

He couldn't help feeling a little guilty, after all, Hu Jian's fate was largely due to him.

But Cheng Xuemin also understood that under the background of reform and opening up, one must either advance or fall behind. Hu Jian's thinking was too conservative, and it was only a matter of time before he was eliminated.

We cannot afford to be careless or negligent in the slightest.

"Comrade Xuemin, don't overthink it." Director Zhou nodded and said, "The higher-ups put me in charge of China Film Group's work in the hope of changing China Film Group's previous style and cooperating more with film studios like yours that have ideas and know how to generate foreign exchange."

Regarding the domestic release of "Tai Chi," I'd like to hear your opinion: when do you think would be a suitable time to release it?

Cheng Xuemin thought for a moment, then nodded and said, "Director Zhou, I think it's possible to release it before the Spring Festival."

"The whole country is paying attention to 'Tai Chi' right now. With this popularity, the number of copies sold will definitely be good."

Moreover, the Spring Festival is a peak period for movie viewing, which will allow more people to see our martial arts films.

"That's what I think too." Director Zhou nodded and didn't say anything more.

As for the distribution method of Tai Chi, Director Zhou didn't mention it at all, which is quite normal.

Because nationwide distribution is China Film Group's core business, no matter who takes over the daily operations, this core business will not be easily shaken.

Director Zhou's visit today was not merely to convey his goodwill towards Cheng Xuemin, but to express his hope that Cheng Xuemin would not target him in the same way that he targeted Ding Daming in his daily work.

After seeing Director Zhou off, Cheng Xuemin simply summoned Liang Xiaosheng and his brother-in-law to his office.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the office was slightly tense yet full of anticipation, with He Chengwei and Deputy Factory Director Zhao already eagerly waiting.

Their eyes were fixed on the doorway, waiting for Cheng Xuemin and the others to arrive.

Liang Xiaosheng walked hurriedly, and when he entered the office, his forehead was still covered with fine beads of sweat, clearly indicating that he had rushed over without stopping after receiving the notification.

Feng Jiazhao followed behind, his expression showing a mixture of curiosity and excitement.

Cheng Xuemin walked into the office and closed the door behind him.

His gaze swept across everyone's faces, then he smiled and said, "No need for an introduction, Lao He is an old acquaintance!"

"Let me introduce you, Brother Liang. This is Deputy Director Zhao from the film studio. Last time we went to Bolin, Director Zhao led the team and helped us a lot with Tai Chi's publicity work!"

Then he introduced Liang Xiaosheng and his brother-in-law Feng Jiazhao to Deputy Factory Director Zhao.

He Chengwei looked at Liang Xiaosheng with a familiar smile and greeted him, "Teacher Liang, we meet again. You've really been hiding your talents!"

He Chengwei already knew that Liang Xiaosheng was working as a ghostwriter for Cheng Xuemin.

He not only didn't mind this secret, but also felt it was a wonderful collaboration.

In his view, Liang Xiaosheng's writing is delicate and his emotions are sincere, while Cheng Xuemin has a unique ability to control the structure and his ideas for the plot are imaginative and unrestrained.

The collaboration between the two was simply a match made in heaven, like a perfectly in sync pair. In the fictional story, they were truly unstoppable, utterly invincible.

Upon hearing He Chengwei's words, Liang Xiaosheng scratched his head somewhat embarrassedly and said, "Editor-in-Chief He, you flatter me. I was just writing whatever came to mind, and I have to thank Cheng Xuemin for his guidance and trust."

In fact, Liang Xiaosheng was well aware that although his writing style had its own unique characteristics, he had indeed learned a lot from Cheng Xuemin in terms of plot control and story structure.

Every time he received the outline from Cheng Xuemin, it was as if he had obtained a key to unlock a treasure. Following Cheng Xuemin's ideas, he was always able to create works that surprised even himself.

Cheng Xuemin waved his hand and said with a smile, "Old He, stop teasing Old Liang. We're all just trying to get things done."

Look at the articles Lao Liang helped me write, they're of such high quality, and the reader feedback has been excellent."

To this day, Cheng Xuemin still believes that developing Lao Liang into his gunman was his most successful achievement.

Otherwise, with only one hand, how could he possibly manage?
Now, let Lao Liang write as much as he can. As long as the works are published under his own pen name, he has already established a good reputation among readers, and readers only recognize this pen name.

Every time I see this pen name, I know that another exciting story is about to unfold.

That's all!
In fact, He Chengwei of Story Club also knows this trick: as long as readers recognize it, their Story Club will be a bestseller every issue.

Therefore, He Chengwei nodded in agreement and said, "That's right, I think your cooperation model is good! As long as the story is good and readers like it, who cares who wrote it?"

In He Chengwei's eyes, a pen name is like a brand, a symbol representing high-quality stories.

Readers are more concerned with the quality of the story itself; who the author is is, to some extent, not so important.

As long as this pen name continues to produce excellent works, readers will continue to support it.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Cheng Xuemin spoke directly to Liang Xiaosheng in front of He Chengwei, saying, "Old Liang, I've called you here today because I have an important task for you."

"After Tai Chi became a hit at the Bolin Film Festival, the whole country was full of expectations for this film."

"The readers of 'Story Club' are eagerly urging to read the novel 'Tai Chi.' Old He and his colleagues couldn't wait any longer and came over in person."

As he spoke, Cheng Xuemin took out the movie script for "Tai Chi" from the drawer, pushed it to Liang Xiaosheng, and said:

"This is a movie script. You can use it as a reference. I hope you can finish the novel 'Tai Chi' within ten days, and then send it to Lao He as soon as possible. What do you think?"

Upon hearing this, Liang Xiaosheng's face showed extreme excitement. He was actually being asked to write the novel adaptation of the movie "Tai Chi"?
He quickly nodded firmly and said, "Xuemin, although time is a bit tight, I guarantee that I will complete the task on time, in the required quantity, and with high quality!"

Although Liang Xiaosheng knew in his heart that writing a novel in ten days was no small challenge.

But he also understood that the popularity of "Tai Chi" was simply explosive.

Releasing the novel at this time is undoubtedly striking while the iron is hot, satisfying readers' expectations and boosting the film's subsequent promotion.

He Chengwei, standing to the side, also said excitedly, "Teacher Liang, thank you for your hard work!"

"Ten days might be a bit rushed, but if we can publish the novel before the movie is released, the effect will definitely be explosive."

It's more than just going to explode!
He Chengwei had been looking forward to the day when their story collection launched the Tai Chi novel. He wondered if its sales would directly surpass those of their magazine, Harvest, or even challenge the dominance of People's Literature.

If we could actually touch them, their stories would truly be a landmark in the history of Chinese literature!

“Indeed!” Cheng Xuemin nodded in agreement and analyzed with He Chengwei, “Old He, if the novel can be released before the movie, there will be many benefits.”

First of all, this is an excellent opportunity to capitalize on the trend for publicity.

The combination of novels and films can create a powerful publicity campaign, attracting the attention of more readers and viewers.

Readers who read the novel will have a deeper understanding of the characters and plot in the film, and will naturally be more eager for the film's release.

Moreover, the film's release will, in turn, boost the novel's sales, creating a virtuous cycle.

He Chengwei nodded repeatedly and said:

"Xuemin, you're absolutely right. This is like a meticulously planned battle. The novel and the movie are our two sharp blades, one in front and one behind, complementing each other. We're sure to achieve great success domestically."

Cheng Xuemin then nodded and said, "Secondly, this also satisfies the readers' expectations! Today's readers are always full of longing for excellent works."

"The success of 'Tai Chi' at the Bolin Film Festival has fueled everyone's curiosity about this work. By releasing the novel ahead of time, we can give readers a sneak peek and satisfy their curiosity, which will undoubtedly take your storybook sales to a new level!"

He Chengwei laughed excitedly and said, "That's right, that's right! My editor-in-chief and I thought so too!"

Cheng Xuemin added, "Finally, from the perspective of cultural dissemination, the combination of novels and films can help more people understand China's martial arts culture and traditional culture."

As a work themed around martial arts, "Tai Chi" contains rich elements of Chinese culture.

Through the dissemination of novels and films, these cultural elements can enter thousands of households, sparking greater interest in Chinese culture, which is of great significance for its inheritance and promotion.

He Chengwei remarked with emotion, "Xuemin, you've really thought things through. Those of us who work in the cultural field are responsible for inheriting and promoting our culture."

Okay, Cheng Xuemin is just talking nonsense. He just wants to take advantage of the popularity of Tai Chi to push the martial arts trend to its peak.

Open your eyes properly and take a look.

This is what you call vulgar, lowbrow, and self-degrading historical fiction.

A Tai Chi movie may not be enough to make them fully reflect, but the simultaneous publication of a Tai Chi novel of the same name will let the readers' voices slap those people in the face!

The conversation quickly shifted from the novel "Tai Chi" to martial arts film scripts.

Looking at Deputy Factory Director Zhao, who had been waiting anxiously, Cheng Xuemin smiled confidently and said, "Factory Director Zhao, didn't you come here this time to buy a martial arts film script?"

"I happen to have a few here, all of which I wrote recently, and the quality is absolutely guaranteed."

Deputy Factory Director Zhao perked up; they had finally gotten to the point. He nodded repeatedly and said, "Good, good, good!"

The brother-in-law, Feng Jiazhao, understood and immediately got up, spreading out the scripts he had prepared beforehand on the table.

Cheng Xuemin picked up the top script and introduced it, saying, "This is 'The Great Hero Huo Yuanjia,' which tells the legendary story of Huo Yuanjia, a martial artist from the late Qing Dynasty."

"Huo Yuanjia, with his superb martial arts skills and noble martial ethics, promoted Chinese martial arts, resisted the bullying of foreign forces, and demonstrated the national integrity and patriotism of the Chinese people."

The script features exciting action scenes as well as deeply moving emotional moments, sure to captivate audiences.

Then, Cheng Xuemin picked up the second script and said, "This is 'Young Husband, Big Daughter-in-Law,' a relatively lighthearted and humorous martial arts comedy."

"The story revolves around a young couple with a significant age gap. Although the husband is young, he is skilled in martial arts, while the wife is a shrewd and capable woman."

The two experienced a series of interesting things in their lives, and also got involved in a conflict in the martial arts world.

This drama combines exciting martial arts action with comedic moments, promising viewers a unique cinematic experience.

Then, Cheng Xuemin continued to introduce: "This is 'The Cotton Robe,' a story that takes place at the end of the Ming Dynasty, when the court was corrupt and the people were suffering."

The Shaolin Temple's cotton cassock is its most prized possession, yet it has been coveted by treacherous individuals…

Cheng Xuemin picked up the fourth script and said, "This is 'Invincible Mandarin Duck Legs,' which tells the story of a young martial artist who, in order to avenge his father, diligently practices the ultimate skill, the Invincible Mandarin Duck Legs..."

Finally, Cheng Xuemin picked up the fifth script and said, "This is 'Treasure Hunt Beyond the Great Wall,' set in the early years of the Republic of China. It tells the story of a group of eminent monks escorting the Buddhist treasure 'relics' to the Shaolin Temple in Henan. On the way, they are attacked and the 'relics' are stolen."

Bandit leader Jing Tianlei is falsely accused of stealing treasure. To clear his name, he decides to personally venture into the lion's den to apprehend the culprit. This film is packed with thrilling action scenes and a suspenseful plot, guaranteed to get audiences' blood pumping.

As Deputy Factory Director Zhao listened to Cheng Xuemin's introduction, his eyes widened and his excitement became increasingly difficult to conceal.

He eagerly picked up a script, turned to the first page, and quickly skimmed through it.

As he looked at them, he couldn't help but exclaim in admiration, "Comrade Xuemin, these scripts are simply fantastic! Each one has its own unique highlights, and both the story content and the action choreography are very captivating."

I dare say, if these scripts are made into films, they will definitely be a huge success in China.

Deputy Factory Director Zhao became more and more excited as he watched, his hands trembling slightly, as if he could already see these movies playing in theaters and becoming box office hits.

He then spoke directly, saying, "Comrade Xuemin, our film studio will take all five scripts!"

"Comrade Xuemin, you can rest assured about the royalties. Our factory is willing to pay the maximum of two thousand yuan!"

"Two thousand yuan per script, we'll take all five for ten thousand yuan and bring them back. What do you think?"

Deputy Factory Director Zhao was indeed excited and nervous, but his brother-in-law Feng Jiazhao, who was standing next to him, became even more nervous and excited after hearing this!

Two thousand yuan for a script?

Their production company wants to buy all five of his scripts, wouldn't that cost a whopping ten thousand dollars?

Just like that, a person with ten thousand yuan?

Liang Xiaosheng, who was standing next to Cheng Xuemin, had already prepared five scripts!

In other words, the five novels he ghostwrote have all been rewritten into screenplays by Xuemin.
So Xuemin didn't have time to write the original novel; he was busy rushing to finish the script!

No wonder, no wonder!

So if you take out five scripts at once, at two thousand yuan each, wouldn't that be a total of ten thousand yuan?

Ok!

Liang Xiaosheng overcalculated. "The Great Hero Huo Yuanjia" was not written by him. It was Cheng Xuemin's first true martial arts novel, published in Yulin Literature, his hometown.

He Chengwei only became aware of Cheng Xuemin because of the novel "The Great Swordsman Huo Yuanjia" published in Yulin Literature, which led to their relationship and the later marriage of a great husband and a young wife.

Seeing Zhao's anxious expression, Cheng Xuemin smiled slightly and said, "Director Zhao, don't rush, let me explain slowly."

"These scripts are indeed carefully crafted by me, and I hope they can find a suitable home and be made into good movies."

However, I cannot sell all the scripts to you.

Upon hearing this, Deputy Factory Director Zhao's face showed a hint of disappointment, but he still suppressed his anxiety and asked:

"Comrade Xuemin, why is that? Is it a price issue? Don't worry, as long as you bring it up, we can discuss it."

Cheng Xuemin waved his hand and said, "It's not a matter of price. I've already decided to reserve the script for 'Treasure Hunt Beyond the Great Wall' for Xi'an Film Studio."

They had taken good care of me before, and I had promised them that Director Hu would keep his word.

Moreover, the film's story background and style are quite suitable for the characteristics of Xi'an Film Studio.

Deputy Factory Director Zhao nodded. Although somewhat regretful, he understood Cheng Xuemin's approach and said, "I see. Then forget about 'Treasure Hunt Beyond the Great Wall.' Can you sell us the other scripts?"

Cheng Xuemin continued, "And 'The Great Hero Huo Yuanjia,' I want to stay at Yan Film Studio."

Our old factory director was under a lot of pressure at the factory, and I had to consider his situation. Preserving this script would also give other directors the opportunity to make martial arts films, which would benefit the development of Yanying Film Studio.”

Hearing this, Deputy Factory Director Zhao felt somewhat disappointed, but he also understood Cheng Xuemin's predicament.

Yanying Film Studio was Cheng Xuemin's seconded workplace, and he had developed a certain attachment to it. It was only natural for him to consider Yanying Film Studio's interests.

However, being able to buy the other three scripts made the trip worthwhile.

So, Deputy Factory Director Zhao said, "Alright, Comrade Xuemin, since you've made your decision, I can't say anything more."

The remaining three scripts, "Young Husband and Older Wife," "The Cotton Robe," and "Invincible Mandarin Duck Legs," can't be given to anyone else!

"Fine, fine, all three of them are yours to keep. I owe you a huge favor!"

"Comrade Xuemin, what are you saying? It's all for the national interest!" Deputy Factory Director Zhao waved his hand repeatedly, speaking politely.

Indeed, without Deputy Factory Director Zhao's cooperation, Cheng Xuemin's trip to Bolin would not have gone so smoothly!

After the script discussion was finished, the atmosphere in the office relaxed a bit.

Deputy Factory Director Zhao picked up his teacup, took a sip, then put it down, cleared his throat, and, taking advantage of the absence of that old fellow Wang Yang from Yanying Factory, said to Cheng Xuemin:

"Comrade Xuemin, our film studio greatly admires your talent! Your ability in film creation is evident to all."

The success of "Tai Chi" at the Bolin Film Festival has shown us your enormous potential.

Therefore, our studio would like to invite you to join us and become a member of our film production company.

……

Please vote with monthly tickets and subscribe to the full version! Thank you so much!
(End of this chapter)