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

Not long after New Year's Day in 1980, on a clear day with bright sunshine streaming through the glass windows, the red celebration banners stood out prominently in every corner of the Yanying Film Studio auditorium.

"Warmest congratulations to 'Tai Chi' for generating 20 million US dollars in foreign exchange, bringing glory to the country!"

The auditorium was packed, and the atmosphere was incredibly lively.

Cheng Xuemin, dressed in a brand-new Zhongshan suit, sat in the center of the front row, his heart pounding with excitement.

Director Huang Jianzhong sat beside him, his brows relaxed and a smile playing on his lips, clearly also incredibly excited about everything before him.

The lead actors, Li Lianjie and Zhu Lin, appeared slightly reserved, the large red flower on their chests making them feel a little uncomfortable, but the light in their eyes revealed their excitement.

The other members of the Tai Chi creative team, including Prince Duan Yu Chenghui, Yu Hai who plays the male lead's master Chen Zhengying, Xiong Xinxin, Yu Rongguang, Hu Jianqiang, Du Yuming, Ge Chunyan, Ji Chunhua, and other actors such as Tianxian Ma Liu Xiaoli and Huang Qiuyan, were all arranged to sit in the row behind Cheng Xuemin and the others, their faces beaming with excitement and joy.

Speaking of Ji Chunhua, Cheng Xuemin thought that since he hadn't been able to contact him, he definitely wouldn't make it in time!
Unexpectedly, this guy appeared at Yanying Factory early this morning, looking travel-worn, and coincidentally, he arrived just in time for the celebration party.

All the leaders from the ministry were present and sat in the front row. Among them, the highly respected Elder Wu came in person.

His presence undoubtedly added significant weight to this celebration.

The conference was personally presided over by the former factory director, Wang Yang, who first delivered a passionate speech, highly praising all members of the "Tai Chi" production team.

In particular, Comrade Cheng Xuemin was called "the pride of our Yanying Film Studio, a pioneer in foreign exchange earnings, and a role model in the new era."

Then, Mr. Wu slowly walked onto the stage and began his speech.

"Comrades!"

Mr. Wu’s voice was loud and infectious as he spoke into the microphone: “Today, we are gathered here not only to celebrate the huge foreign exchange success of the film Tai Chi!”
It is also to celebrate that we Chinese filmmakers have fired the first shot on the international stage with our wisdom and hard work!
US$20.9 million in foreign exchange reserves is no small sum; it represents our nation's soft power and the flourishing of our film industry!

Old Wu's gaze swept over Cheng Xuemin and Huang Jianzhong in the audience, his eyes filled with approval. He continued, "Comrades Cheng Xuemin and Huang Jianzhong, and every member of the crew, thank you for your hard work!"

"You have proven with your actions that Chinese filmmakers are also capable of producing world-class works and winning honor and respect for China in the international market!"

On behalf of the cultural sector, I extend my warmest congratulations and sincerest greetings to you!

Thunderous applause erupted from the audience and lasted for a long time.

Cheng Xuemin stood up, bowed deeply, his heart filled with excitement and joy.

Following this, director Huang Jianzhong also took the stage to speak. He expressed his deep gratitude to Cheng Xuemin for his tremendous contributions to the film's creation and overseas distribution, stating that the success of "Tai Chi" was the culmination of collective wisdom.

When it was Cheng Xuemin's turn to speak, he seemed a little excited, but he still managed to keep his composure: "Distinguished leaders, colleagues, and friends!"

"The success of 'Tai Chi' is inseparable from the correct leadership of the Ministry, the strong support of Yan Film Studio, and the hard work of every comrade who participated in the film's production and promotion!"
In particular, our beloved former factory director and Mr. Wu from the ministry, it was your encouragement and guidance that gave us tremendous strength!
"During this issuance in Hong Kong, we will certainly continue our efforts, live up to the expectations of the country and the people, strive to achieve even better results, and earn more foreign exchange for the country!"

His words resonated deeply, earning him even more enthusiastic applause from the audience.

After the celebration party ended, the flashbulbs went off again.

A senior reporter from People's Daily eagerly squeezed to the front of the stage and handed the microphone to Cheng Xuemin: "Comrade Xuemin, hello! I am a reporter from People's Daily."

What are your thoughts on the remarkable achievements of "Tai Chi" at the Bolin International Film Festival?
What do you think is the significance of this for Chinese films going global?

Cheng Xuemin straightened his collar, smiled and replied, "Hello, reporter! The success of 'Tai Chi' is primarily due to the rare opportunities provided by the country's reform and opening-up policy."

We simply seized the opportunity and did what we were supposed to do. China has a long history of five thousand years and a splendid culture, which is an inexhaustible source of inspiration for us.

As an important carrier of culture, film has a responsibility and an obligation to introduce more and better Chinese stories to the world through this window.

The success of "Tai Chi" at Bolin Cinema is just the beginning. I believe that in the future, more and better Chinese films will reach the international stage, adding vibrant colors to the garden of world cinema.

His answer was appropriate and confident, and the reporters eagerly took notes, recording his resounding words.

That evening, during prime time on the news, the grand celebration was broadcast, featuring footage of Cheng Xuemin and the "Tai Chi" crew, along with the headline "New Record for Foreign Exchange Earnings by Domestic Films," which appeared prominently on television screens in countless households.

In no time, the names of Tai Chi and Cheng Xuemin spread throughout the country once again, becoming the focus of heated discussions on the streets and alleys.

The afterglow of the celebration had barely faded when Cheng Xuemin's trip to Hong Kong became an urgent matter.

He immediately summoned Huang Jianzhong, Li Lianjie, Zhu Lin, and others to convey the ministry's instructions and the next steps in the work plan.

There's nothing particularly noteworthy to say, except to announce the list of personnel who will be going to Hong Kong for this distribution.

Cheng Xuemin handed the list to director Huang Jianzhong, asking him to announce it on his behalf.

Upon hearing that the distribution would be in Hong Kong, not only the young comrades like Ji Chunhua and Xiong Xinxin, who had never been there before, but even the three coaches, Yu Hai, Yu Chenghui, and Wu Bin, became eager to participate.

I just don't know how many spots are available for the trip to Hong Kong this time.

Unlike last time at the Bolin Film Festival, there were hardly any spots available. Besides director Huang Jianzhong and actor Cheng Xuemin, there were only the lead actors Li Lianjie and Zhu Lin!

"Comrades, we've been given nine slots for this distribution trip to Hong Kong!" Huang Jianzhong knew about the slots beforehand, so after taking the list and glancing at it briefly, he announced the number of slots.

"Nine spots?!"

This made the already eager lead actors both uneasy and excited.

After all, in this day and age, who wouldn't want to represent their country and bring glory to the nation?
Huang Jianzhong continued looking at the list and then announced, "This time, in addition to Director Xuemin and me, the main actors Zhu Lin and Li Lianjie will also be going to Hong Kong, as well as teachers Yu Chenghui and Yu Hai, and comrades Ji Chunhua, Hu Jianqiang and Liu Xiaoli!"

"In addition, the ministry specially assigned two experienced guards to accompany us and be responsible for our safety."

Zhu Lin was actually very excited, but she didn't dare to show it on her face.

After all, she benefited from being the lead actress when she went to Bolin last time, and the same applies to her trip to Hong Kong this time.

Li Lianjie, on the other hand, has become surprisingly calm and composed ever since Cheng Xuemin spent a lot of money to get her out of trouble. She's not acting so dramatic anymore!
Of course, this is because he already knew he was on the list.

After all, he's the male lead, and he played a crucial role in the last trip to Bolin, so he'll definitely be there for Hong Kong this time as well.

Teachers Yu Hai and Yu Chenghui nodded slightly, indicating that they understood, as they were well aware that this trip to Hong Kong was also of great significance.

This was the first time that Xuemin's Dongchang (Eastern Depot) had truly gone out to distribute his products.

Upon hearing this, Ji Chunhua and Hu Jianqiang were incredibly excited, eager to get started right then and there, expressing their excitement about going to Hong Kong.

As for the others who were not selected, they must have looked extremely disappointed.

Cheng Xuemin nodded in agreement and said, "This time, due to the limited number of places, we can't bring you all along to broaden your horizons!"

"But I assure you, everyone will have a chance! After this release in Hong Kong, we will also start preparing for the filming of Tai Chi 2 after the New Year!"

"There will also be opportunities to go to Bolin, Cannes, and even Hollywood, so you don't need to be too disappointed!"

Hearing Cheng Xuemin say this, the other unsuccessful candidates felt a little better.

Cheng Xuemin continued, "Master Yu, you also need to make sure you have all the necessary preparations before you set off. Make sure you bring all your documents and materials. Especially Li Lianjie."

Cheng Xuemin looked at Li Lianjie and said, "This trip to Hong Kong is a very important opportunity for you. I hope you can stay humble and learn diligently, and show the good qualities of mainland actors."

"Brother Cheng, don't worry! I definitely will!" Li Lianjie quickly assured him.

Director Huang Jianzhong added, "This trip to Hong Kong represents not only ourselves, but also the image of the entire mainland film industry."

I hope everyone can unite as one, work together, and successfully complete this publicity mission.

Two days later, everything was ready.

Early in the morning, three black cars were parked quietly in front of the Yanying Film Factory gate.

Cheng Xuemin, Huang Jianzhong, Li Lianjie, Zhu Lin, Yu Hai, Yu Chenghui, Ji Chunhua, Hu Jianqiang, Liu Xiaoli, and two plainclothes guards with sharp, hawk-like eyes, assembled on time. Ji Chunhua maintained his nonchalant demeanor, but a hint of seriousness appeared in his eyes. Hu Jianqiang seemed somewhat nervous, constantly rubbing his hands together.

"Let's go, let's get going!" Cheng Xuemin opened the car door and got in first.

The car slowly drove out of Yanying Film Studio and headed towards the Capital Airport.

He still transferred in Shanghai to go to Hong Kong. When the plane arrived in Shanghai, Cheng Xuemin inexplicably thought of his classmate Gong Xue!

I don't know if Gong Xue has been officially transferred back to Shanghai and joined Xie Jin's Shanghai Film Studio.
Previously, it was only Ge You who came to tell him that Gong Xue was coming to the Shanghai Film Studio. At that time, Cheng Xuemin was busy with the affairs of the Eastern Depot and did not pay attention to Gong Xue's side.

So it's still unclear whether Gong Xue has returned to Shanghai.

Of course, Gong Xue did not write a single letter to Cheng Xuemin, and the two had no further contact after returning from Bolin.

While waiting in Shanghai for her flight to Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong, Li Lianjie, who already had several such experiences, started stirring up trouble again.

He mysteriously told Ji Chunhua and Hu Jianqiang that there would be a surprise after they boarded the plane!

What surprise?
Li Lianjie kept quiet, which piqued the curiosity of coaches Yu Hai and Yu Chenghui, who were going abroad for the first time.

Once on the plane, they were surprised to find that Moutai and Zhonghua cigarettes were being given away for free, which delighted the two Mr. Yu, who both love alcohol and cigarettes!
This was just a minor, enduring incident, and the plane landed smoothly at Kai Tak Airport in Hong Kong.

Just as the plane landed, Zhu Lin experienced that same visual shock of the plane seemingly about to crash into the residential building again, and was still quite frightened.

Not to mention Liu Xiaoli, the "fairy mother" who was arranged by Cheng Xuemin to accompany Zhu Lin this time!
Originally, Liu Xiaoli shouldn't have been on the list for the Hong Kong publicity campaign; it was actually Cheng Xuemin who made it to take care of Zhu Lin.

After all, Zhu Lin was the only female comrade accompanying them this time, while Gong Xue had accompanied them on their previous trip to Bolin.

Therefore, Cheng Xuemin thought of arranging for a female comrade to accompany Zhu Lin.

However, the Tai Chi production team didn't just consist of Zhu Lin and Liu Xiaoli. In fact, Ge Chunyan and Huang Qiuyan had much more screen time than Liu Xiaoli.

Moreover, these two are skilled in martial arts, and having them assigned to Zhu Lin would allow them to protect her.

However, we must consider the balance among all units!
Since Shichahai Sports School already has Li Lianjie, Cheng Xuemin can't give them any more spots.

and!

Cheng Xuemin had other plans: to directly sign Liu Xiaoli, the "Fairy Mother," into the Eastern Depot.

Didn't she always want to be transferred back to Yanjing?
Cheng Xuemin originally planned to have the old factory director sign her into Yanying Film Studio.

But later, Cheng Xuemin started his own Eastern Depot, so he didn't want to go through all that trouble and just signed it under his own Eastern Depot name.

After we return from Hong Kong this time, and let Tianxian's mother see the sights outside and broaden her horizons, then we'll definitely be able to win her over in one fell swoop.

Otherwise, if he doesn't offer any incentives, he'll make them transfer from the Jiangcheng Song and Dance Troupe to his little-known, newly established Eastern Depot.

To be honest, I definitely wouldn't be too willing.

However, Zhu Lin was different from Liu Xiaoli. Instead, Zhu Lin wanted to be transferred directly from Yan Film Studio to Cheng Xuemin's Eastern Depot, wanting to become Cheng Xuemin's person completely.

This puzzled Cheng Xuemin greatly. Yanying Factory was nominally the superior unit of the Eastern Depot. How could the headquarters not stay and instead come to his small branch factory?

Now that she's here, Cheng Xuemin still can't give her a promotion or a raise!
Okay, let's not think about that anymore!

The plane landed smoothly at Kai Tak Airport. The moment the cabin door opened, a gust of air mixed with a strong sea breeze rushed in, making those who were used to the dry climate of the north feel slightly uncomfortable.

Cheng Xuemin took a deep breath and was the first to descend the gangway. Huang Jianzhong followed closely behind, and the other members followed in turn.

The airport arrival hall was already bustling with people.

Flashbulbs went off incessantly, and reporters aimed their cameras and microphones at the exit. The scene was far more grand than when they departed from the Capital Airport.

"Teacher Cheng, Director Huang, and all the teachers, welcome to Hong Kong!" A familiar and enthusiastic voice rang out.

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw Fu Qi, the general manager of Great Wall Film Company, walking briskly over in a sharp suit with a big smile. Behind him were several other executives from Great Wall Film Company.

"Mr. Fu, I'm so grateful for your kind visit to pick me up at the airport," Cheng Xuemin said, shaking Fu Qi's hand.

"Oh, Mr. Cheng, you're too kind!" Fu Qi said with unusual enthusiasm, trying not to be too excited. "The arrival of your 'Tai Chi' crew is a grand event for Great Wall Film Company, and even more so for the Hong Kong film industry! We must give you a grand welcome!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the surrounding reporters swarmed around him like sharks smelling blood, bombarding Cheng Xuemin with a barrage of questions:

"Mr. Cheng, what are your expectations for the box office performance of 'Tai Chi' during your visit to Hong Kong?"

"It is said that 'Tai Chi' grossed 20 million US dollars at the box office, which is unprecedented in the history of Hong Kong films. Are you surprised by this?"

"There are rumors that the Golden Horse Film Bureau is very dissatisfied with the success of your film. What are your thoughts on this?"

Cheng Xuemin was prepared. He, Huang Jianzhong, Fu Qi, and others exchanged glances, signaling everyone to remain calm.

"Hello, fellow journalists!" Cheng Xuemin stepped forward and responded in a loud voice, "Thank you very much for your attention to 'Tai Chi'."

"Therefore, we are very confident about the box office performance of Tai Chi in Hong Kong."

"Tai Chi is a well-made and richly meaningful work, and we believe it will definitely be loved by Hong Kong audiences."

The purpose of our trip is to work with our film colleagues in Hong Kong to promote the development of Chinese-language films and allow more audiences to enjoy good films made by Chinese people themselves.

When asked about the Golden Horse Film Bureau, Cheng Xuemin downplayed the issue, smiling and saying, "We are here mainly for film distribution and exchange. We have not received any official information regarding the statements made by other colleagues."

"I believe that competition in the film market is normal, and we would prefer to see healthy competition and common progress."

Seeing this, the reporters became even more excited, and their questions became increasingly pointed.

Just then, a commotion suddenly arose in the crowd. Several people dressed in a somewhat gangster-like manner tried to push their way to the front, pointing and whispering about Cheng Xuemin and the others, while also making some muttered complaints.

"Hey, what are you doing over there? Don't interfere with official business!" A security guard immediately became alert, stepped forward, and protected Cheng Xuemin and the others behind him.

Seeing this, Fu Qi's expression changed slightly, and he quickly stepped forward and whispered to Cheng Xuemin:
"Teacher Cheng, they're from Jinma. They're here on purpose to cause trouble and give you a hard time. Please ignore them and let's leave first."

Cheng Xuemin nodded, signaling everyone to remain calm.

Surrounded by Fu Qi and security personnel, they quickly made their way through the reporters and crowd and into the waiting car.

The car slowly started moving. Through the car window, Cheng Xuemin saw that reporters were still chasing and filming outside, while the Golden Horse Awards people stood there sullenly, their faces full of resentment and bitterness.

"Hmph, a clown, overestimating himself." Ji Chunhua looked out the window and spat disdainfully.

Liu Xiaoli, the "Fairy Mother," said with lingering fear, "These people are so fierce, Director Cheng. Will they harm us?"

Cheng Xuemin waved his hand reassuringly and said, "Don't worry, with Mr. Fu and us here, they won't dare to do anything. This little scene won't scare us."

Fu Qi, sitting in the passenger seat, turned around and said with a wry smile, "Teacher Cheng, please excuse the embarrassment."

"Hong Kong is a very complicated place. Our Great Wall Film Company has always been suppressed by the Golden Horse Film Bureau. This time, your 'Tai Chi' came so conspicuously, they are definitely going to cause trouble."

“It’s alright,” Cheng Xuemin said firmly. “Since we’re here, we didn’t intend to leave quietly.”

Hong Kong is the bridgehead for Cheng Xuemin's foreign exchange business and a front line that must be captured. So sooner or later, he will have to confront the Kinmen and Matsu gang, so there is no need to hide his strengths!

…………

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