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

Upon arriving at the ministry, Mr. Wu's secretary said that Mr. Wu was waiting for them. As soon as the two entered, Mr. Wu stood up with a smile:
"Scholar-Min and Lao Wang, please have a seat! I've heard the news from Hong Kong. Good, they haven't let us mainland filmmakers down!"

Cheng Xuemin handed over the box office report and said as he did so:
"Mr. Wu, as of yesterday, the total in Hong Kong was HK$24 million, which is the highest and best result in Hong Kong's history!"
However, we still have to share the revenue with the theaters, so we'll only get about ten million. Plus, there's the exchange rate difference between Hong Kong dollars and US dollars, so it's still a bit less than the twenty million US dollars we received from Bolin before.

Old factory director Wang Yang quickly chimed in, "Old Wu, you can't say that, Xue Min. This is the first time a mainland Chinese film has been so popular in Hong Kong. It's a different story!"

Upon hearing this, Mr. Wu nodded and said, "The significance is different. This shows that our martial arts films can be accepted by Hong Kong audiences, giving us more confidence to open up overseas markets in the future."

"By the way, Xuemin, Fu Qi told the Xinhua News Agency that you agreed to take over the second round of production for 'Shaolin Temple'?"

Cheng Xuemin stood up and nodded, saying, "Yes, Mr. Wu, Mr. Fu said that Great Wall would invest two million Hong Kong dollars, and the overseas and mainland copyrights would belong to us. I think it's a good deal, so I agreed."

Old Wu and the old factory director were both stunned; they hadn't expected Cheng Xuemin to make the decision so quickly.

Old Wu frowned and said, "Shaolin Temple was a flop before. Great Wall invested a lot of money in it. You have to be careful when you take over. Don't ruin the reputation of the Eastern Depot."

Cheng Xuemin smiled again and said, "Mr. Wu, don't worry, I know what I'm doing. And I'd like to make another promise: I'll strive to guarantee at least 30 million US dollars in overseas box office for 'Shaolin Temple'!"

"Thirty million US dollars?!" Old factory director Wang Yang stood up on the spot, his face changing drastically. He said, "Xuemin, are you kidding me? 'Tai Chi' only cost twenty million, how could 'Shaolin Temple' possibly cost thirty million?"

Old Wu quickly waved his hand, saying, "Xuemin, don't put too much pressure on yourself. I know you're capable, but earning foreign exchange isn't something that can be done overnight."

The Eastern Depot's foreign exchange earnings target for next year is 30 million US dollars. You don't need to force it to be achieved with just one film, *Shaolin Temple*. Achieving half of that would be good enough.

Cheng Xuemin, however, said with great self-satisfaction:
"Mr. Wu, I'm not exaggerating. The subject matter of 'Shaolin Temple' is more advantageous than that of 'Tai Chi,' and with the investment from Great Wall Film Company, we can make it even more exquisite. As long as it's well-made, thirty million US dollars is not a problem."

Looking into Cheng Xuemin's eyes, Old Wu knew he wasn't acting impulsively: "Alright, it's good that you have confidence, but don't force yourself. If you encounter any difficulties, just tell the ministry, and we will fully support you."

The old factory director, Wang Yang, wiped his sweat and clicked his tongue in amazement!

He had never seen anyone so bold as to make such a pledge in his life. Thirty million US dollars was more than the output value of Yan Film Studio in ten years!
They chatted until evening before Cheng Xuemin and Wang Yang left the ministry.

On the way, the old factory director Wang Yang said to Cheng Xuemin, "Xuemin, you really dare to say that. If we don't complete the 30 million US dollars, it will be hard to explain to Old Wu."

"Don't worry, old factory director, I know what I'm doing. If 'Shaolin Temple' is well-made, it could easily gross 30 million, or even 40 million. We have so many martial arts actors in mainland China, and the subject matter is good, it's bound to be a hit."

In fact, Cheng Xuemin has already tasted the sweetness of box office revenue sharing. Even a tiny place like Hong Kong, with a population of just over ten million, can contribute so much to his box office revenue.

Therefore, he set his sights on the North American box office market. Cheng Xuemin was no longer satisfied with just selling copyrights as a one-off deal!
Cheng Xuemin plans to leverage his aunt Gu Qiuna's influence in the United States to directly bring a copy of "Shaolin Temple" to the Hollywood box office market.

Moreover, judging by the time, my aunt Gu Qiuna should be returning to China for the Chinese New Year soon, at which time I can have a good, in-depth talk with her.

Say it again!

Cheng Xuemin has one year left to achieve his goal of generating 30 million US dollars in foreign exchange. He plans to complete the Shaolin Temple project in one go.

Go directly to the North American market, buy out theaters, and share box office revenue with the Americans.

If Shaolin Temple's box office in North America can exceed 50 million US dollars, it will earn far more than Cheng Xuemin's one-off deal of just buying the copyright.

So in the coming year, we need to carefully plan how to truly open up the North American market.

Looking at the young man Cheng Xuemin, the old factory director Wang Yang felt both admiration and a little worry.

This kid is bold and capable, but sometimes he's too reckless.

However, it was precisely this daring spirit that made "Tai Chi" a hit in Bolin and Hong Kong, and enabled the Eastern Depot to achieve its current success.

Back at Yan Film Studio, Li Lianjie and the others were still waiting for Cheng Xuemin!
Immediately, Cheng Xuemin gathered everyone together and instructed them, "Let's rest for a few days first, and then we'll start preparing for 'Shaolin Temple' after the New Year."

"However, the script for 'Shaolin Temple' is not finished yet. I will try to finish it as soon as possible during the Chinese New Year holiday!"

"At the same time, I can basically confirm the roles for several key characters!"

Cheng Xuemin looked at Li Lianjie, Yu Hai, Yu Chenghui, Ji Chunhua, Hu Jianqiang, and the others, and then said, "Let's not talk about the male and female leads. Leonardo DiCaprio and Zhu Lin have become incredibly popular in Hong Kong this time!"

"So I also hope that Li Lianjie and Zhu Lin will be the male and female leads for Shaolin Temple!"

In fact, Li Lianjie goes without saying; he is basically already bound to the Eastern Depot, and can be considered half of the Eastern Depot's founding disciple.

The main concern is Zhu Lin. We need to talk to her in advance, since the two movies, The Wrangler and Tai Chi, have really boosted her fame.

Now, directors at Yan Film Studio all want to cast Zhu Lin as the female lead in their movies, given her already established box office appeal.

Moreover, with over 20 million US dollars in foreign exchange reserves, Zhu Lin is currently in high demand, and Cheng Xuemin will definitely need to make arrangements with her in advance.

"Thank you, Brother Cheng! Thank you, Brother Cheng! I'll follow you from now on. I'll be happy to film whatever you ask me to film!" As soon as Cheng Xuemin finished speaking, Li Lianjie repeatedly expressed her loyalty.

"Xuemin, I'm definitely fine with it too. I've already turned down all the invitations from other directors in the factory!"

Zhu Lin felt as happy as if she had eaten honey. As she said, there were indeed many directors at Yan Film Studio who wanted her to play the leading role.

She even offered Liu Xiaoqing and the others to play supporting roles for her, but Zhu Lin declined them all. She only wanted to follow Xuemin's Eastern Depot.

If Xuemin hadn't refused, she would have wanted to transfer her work file directly from Yan Film Studio to Dongchang.

"Good! Then there shouldn't be any problems with Li Lianjie and Zhu Lin!" Cheng Xuemin nodded and said, "Sister Lin, you should go back to Yan Film Studio to report for duty. Li Lianjie, you can stay at the guesthouse. I'll let you know if I need anything!"

Li Lianjie is no longer competing, so he no longer needs to go back to his sports school for training. Cheng Xuemin plans to keep him at the factory and take care of him.

"Okay! Brother Cheng!" Li Lianjie was overjoyed.

Then Cheng Xuemin looked at Coaches Yu Hai and Yu Chenghui and said, "Master Yu, our Dongchang is the first pilot unit in the country to earn foreign exchange. It was established as a deputy-department-level unit with the personal approval of Hai Zili!"

"What I want to say is that the next two projects, Tai Chi 2 and Shaolin Temple, will both be initiated and put into operation under our Dongchang!"

"Therefore, I certainly hope that you two masters can continue to support the country's foreign exchange earnings efforts and continue to participate in the production of the Shaolin Temple film after the New Year!" "I sincerely invite you to participate!"

When Yu Hai and Yu Chenghui, the two coaches of the martial arts team, heard this, they looked excited, but they were also somewhat hesitant.

After all, they are not like Li Lianjie, who has left the martial arts team and sports school, nor are they like Zhu Lin, who is a professional actor from Yan Film Studio.

Their primary job is as coaches for their respective local martial arts teams, and they are all head coaches.

The Tai Chi game has already caused them to waste a lot of time outside!
Although Tai Chi's huge foreign exchange earnings brought great honor to their respective martial arts teams, it also brought them immense benefits.

but!

Now, according to what Comrade Xuemin said, their Eastern Depot will at least produce Tai Chi 2 and Shaolin Temple next year, and they plan to film and stage them.

I hope they will continue to be involved.

But this will definitely take them a lot of time, maybe even half a year, and they may be filming on location in other places while in Beijing.

In that case, they wouldn't be able to focus on the training of their respective martial arts teams at all.

Therefore, they themselves really want to continue to generate foreign exchange for the country and make some personal efforts and contributions.

But this was a serious matter, so Yu Hai cupped his hands in greeting to Cheng Xuemin and said, "Teacher Xuemin... I should call you Factory Director Cheng now!"

"First of all, I am very grateful to Director Cheng for your high regard. I am indeed very willing to continue to participate in the country's foreign exchange earnings cause!"

"However, I am still part of the Shandong Wushu Team. Any arrangements for next year will need to be approved by our unit leaders. I'm sorry, but I really can't give you a direct answer right now!"

“Yes, Director Cheng, my situation is actually the same as Yu Hai’s!” Yu Chenghui nodded and added, “So I hope Director Cheng can give us some time. After we return to our unit and get the results from our consultation with our superiors, we can give you an answer, okay?”

"Yes, yes, Brother Yu is right! After the New Year, we will definitely give you a satisfactory answer, Director Cheng!" Yu Hai nodded repeatedly and said.

Upon hearing this, Cheng Xuemin confirmed the situation and nodded, saying, "That's only right! Master Yu, please enjoy yourselves in Yanjing for a couple more days. I'll book your train tickets back to the city!"

"No, no, Director Cheng, it's almost New Year's Eve! We'll skip it for now. We'll definitely have plenty of time to shop after the New Year, so I'd like Director Cheng to book our train tickets as soon as possible!" Yu Chenghui said, cupping his hands in greeting to Cheng Xuemin.

After all, it's already the 27th of the lunar year, and it's uncertain whether I'll be able to make it home for the New Year's Eve dinner!

"Yes, yes, yes, it was indeed my oversight!" Cheng Xuemin nodded repeatedly, then found the factory accountant and asked him to call and book train tickets home for the two Master Yus as soon as possible!
Then he said to Ji Chunhua and Hu Jianqiang next to him, "You two should also hurry home for the New Year! I'll call you after the New Year!"

"Especially you, Xiao Ji, you absolutely must leave me a phone number so I can contact you this time!"

Cheng Xuemin originally planned to leave Ji Chunhua and Hu Jianqiang in Yanjing and have them tour various cinemas with Li Lianjie, just like they did in Hong Kong.

However, considering that it is indeed the end of the year and everyone is rushing home to reunite with their families, it is not appropriate to leave people in Yanjing for the New Year.

"Okay, okay, Brother Cheng, I'll just go back for the New Year! I'll come back as soon as the New Year is over. Brother Cheng, you need to give me a letter of introduction or something so I can buy a ticket to come over!" Ji Chunhua is unemployed now anyway, and he just wants to go back for the New Year.

By the way, I'll also show my family the award certificate I received for attending the celebration meeting in Yanjing.

"Alright, I'll issue you a certificate later, but I don't know if your area will recognize it!" Cheng Xuemin joked with a smile. Previously, when Cheng Xuemin made calls in the name of the Eastern Depot, the local area did not recognize them at all.

Everyone says they've never heard of this company!
However, things should be much better now. After all, Cheng Xuemin's Eastern Depot was officially established as the first pilot unit for foreign exchange earnings in the country, and it was even featured on the front page of the People's Daily!
The whole nation is now watching the foreign exchange earnings of the Eastern Depot!

Ji Chunhua smiled and affirmed, "I agree, I agree, let's just say it like that."

Like the two masters, Hu Jianqiang is an active martial arts student in the Zhejiang Wushu Team. Whether he can join the Shaolin Temple group next year depends on the attitude of his unit leaders.

But unlike the two mentors, they are coaches and even head coaches. Their employers definitely value them highly and wouldn't easily let them go.

Hu Jianqiang, being an ordinary active-duty martial arts student, doesn't have that many troubles.

If all else fails, as long as Hu Jianqiang is willing, Cheng Xuemin can directly use his connections to temporarily transfer Hu Jianqiang to Beijing and make him one of his agents in the Eastern Depot.

Don't be fooled by the fact that the East Depot accountant is an old comrade; his blade is just as sharp!

Surprisingly, they sent Yu Hai, Yu Chenghui, Ji Chunhua, and Hu Jianqiang away that very night.

Are you going home for Chinese New Year?
They were undoubtedly eager to return home and couldn't afford to waste even a single night, so the comrades were very happy. After saying goodbye to Cheng Xuemin, they boarded their respective trains home.

Yu Hai from Shandong is doing alright; he might be able to make it home for New Year's Eve dinner!
Ji Chunhua and Hu Jianqiang from Zhejiang are a different story. As for Yu Chenghui from Ningxia, he definitely can't catch up!
"Comrade Liu Xiaoli, this is the situation now!" Finally, Cheng Xuemin chatted with Liu Xiaoli, the "Fairy Mother."
This celestial mother desperately wanted to transfer from the Jiangcheng Song and Dance Troupe back to Yanjing to be with her parents.

Cheng Xuemin had previously offered to help, asking Yan Film Studio to poach her.

But now, Cheng Xuemin has a better plan!
Then, he continued speaking to Tianxian's mother, "Now you can see that our Eastern Depot has just been established, and the higher-ups value it very much!"

"But now, apart from a few of us old guys, the only newcomer in the entire Eastern Depot is Little Li..."

"Director Cheng, you're not old at all, you're even two years younger than me, how come you're an old guy?" Before Cheng Xuemin could finish speaking, Tianxian's mother started joking with him, giggling.

"It's just an analogy!" Cheng Xuemin smiled, realizing that his wording was indeed inappropriate. What should he have said?

Three original shares?
Forget it, I won't dwell on it anymore!
Cheng Xuemin's expression immediately turned serious, and without beating around the bush, he said directly, "Comrade Xiaoli, I'd like to transfer you from the Jiangcheng Song and Dance Troupe to our Eastern Depot, just like Xiao Lizi did. Are you willing?"

Although the Jiangcheng Song and Dance Troupe was based in Jiangcheng, and although Tianxianma Liu Xiaoli was determined to be transferred back to Yanjing.

But the Eastern Depot was a newly established unit, and they might not really be willing to transfer people over!
So, Cheng Xuemin just asked for my opinion, and then added, "Of course, if you're not too willing, I'll definitely put in a good word for you with the old director of Yan Film Studio!"

……

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