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

The rainy season has arrived in Hong Kong, and the sultry air, thick with moisture, clings to the skin.

Cheng Xuemin was like a spinning top being whipped, spinning rapidly between two film crews, a media storm, and countless undercurrents of social engagements.

During the day, he mostly stayed in the air-conditioned mixing room at the Great Wall film set.

The post-production of "Shaolin Temple" entered its most critical sprint stage, with the music, sound effects, and dialogue premixing all requiring his approval for every frame.

The mixing console's massive faders, arranged like piano keys, allowed the sound engineer to precisely lay out the sounds of swords cutting through the air, the muffled thuds of clubs clashing, and the breathing and shouts of monks practicing martial arts, all according to the visuals.

With monitoring headphones on his ears and his eyes glued to the synced, flickering film, Cheng Xuemin would occasionally raise his hand to interrupt: "Stop! Here, add a bit more low frequency to the 'stick wind,' you need to hear the pressure right through your bones!"

"The sound of the waterfall is so pure, mixed with some ambient noise, birdsong, and distant bells!"

Sweat soaked the back of his shirt, and fine beads of perspiration appeared on his forehead, but his eyes remained sharp as an eagle's, showing no sign of fatigue.

When Fu Qi came in with the latest newspaper and film schedule, he would often see Cheng Xuemin picking at his already cold boxed lunch while marking up the audio-visual synchronization report with a red pen.

"Teacher Cheng, look! The Oriental Daily News has devoted its entire entertainment section to analyzing your duel with Lau Kar-leung, saying it's the ultimate showdown between kung fu films from the North and South! The hype is about to explode!"

Fu Qi's tone was excited, yet tinged with barely concealed worry. He said, "But... the owner of the Sing Tao Daily, Raymond Chow, has said that some outsiders don't understand the rules and only rely on mudslinging to grab attention, disrupting the market..."

Cheng Xuemin didn't even look up, picked up a piece of char siu with his chopsticks and stuffed it into his mouth, mumbling:
"Let them criticize. The fiercer the criticism, the more the audience will remember that 'Shaolin Temple' was released on June 20th. How many screenings did Shaw Brothers have in its four theater chains during the first week?"

"It's basically settled, 75%, almost all of it is going to us! Liu Chia-liang's 'The Martial Arts School' has only secured about 30% of the screenings at Golden Harvest and Golden Princess, scattered across a dozen or so theaters, it's not going to make a splash!"

Fu Qi quickly reported, saying, "It's just...aren't we making a bit too many enemies? Now, when I go out, I'm afraid someone will ambush me from behind."

"What's there to be afraid of?" Cheng Xuemin finally raised his head, took a swig of strong tea, and a cold smile appeared on his lips. "In Hong Kong, if you're afraid, you've already lost. Popularity is the hard currency."

The angrier Lau Kar-leung got, the more displeased Raymond Chow became, which meant we'd really hurt them. Once the box office results are in, these complaints will naturally disappear.

He put down his lunchbox, wiped his mouth, and said, "How's 'Redemption' going? They're filming a group scene in the prison exercise yard today, I need to go check on it."

After saying that, he grabbed his coat draped over the back of the chair and strode out of the mixing room, leaving Fu Qi to smile bitterly at the newspapers piled on the table.

This Mr. Cheng is like a tireless engine, propelling the two films and the entire Hong Kong film industry forward with a roar.

Cheng Xuemin got into the company's old Crown, and the car drove to another filming location for "Redemption" in Kowloon Tong, which was converted from an old warehouse.

This place is completely different from the sophisticated and high-tech feel of the Great Wall area. The air is filled with dust and the smell of paint and sweat.

The art department perfectly replicated the eerie atmosphere of Shawshank Prison: the gray walls, the cold iron bars, and the extras in striped prison uniforms crammed into the exercise yard, creating an oppressive and suffocating atmosphere.

Gong Xue, dressed in a plain white prison doctor's coat, stood at the edge of the field, holding a small notebook in his hand, silently observing.

Observe how Morgan Freeman and the other actors playing the old prisoners move and talk, and learn from their institutionalized postures and eye contact.

Seeing Cheng Xuemin come in, she quickly walked over, her eyes questioning.

"Xuemin, you're here. I just went through the ranks, and it felt... the atmosphere was still a bit relaxed; the prisoners didn't seem tired enough," Gong Xue whispered, offering his observation.

After a period of adjustment, she has gradually become more willing to express her opinions on the details of the performance.

Cheng Xuemin nodded approvingly, took the megaphone from the assistant director, and without much effort, his voice clearly echoed throughout the noisy venue: "Attention, fellow extras!"
You're not here for a vacation, you're in jail! Imagine the repetitive labor every day, the lack of hope, the scorching sun making you dizzy, and the guards constantly looking for trouble...

Yes, slouch down a bit, stare blankly, or even let a hint of malice creep in! Okay, that's it! Let's do one more take!

His instructions were specific and vivid, and the extras' demeanor immediately changed, causing the atmosphere in the entire square to instantly become somber.

Cheng Xuemin then walked over to Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman, and spoke in fluent English, gesturing as he said:

“Andy, when you went to find Red, it wasn’t a casual conversation; it was a test, an attempt to find a potential ally in this desperate place.”

Keep your eyes steady, but speak a little slower to show that you are also observing.

Reid, you're like the department store here, but you keep your distance from this new intellectual, a mixture of curiosity and instinctive wariness...

"Yes, Morgan, that's it! That subtle expression at the corner of your mouth is perfect!"

He moved around the film crew fluent in English and gave clear instructions. He could manage large-scale scenes with hundreds of people, and he could also pinpoint the subtle differences in a single glance.

Gong Xue watched from the side, secretly admiring him.

This high-intensity, high-efficiency shooting style is quite different from the creative atmosphere she is familiar with in mainland China, where more emphasis is placed on repeatedly cultivating emotions.

Yet it possesses a powerful, inspiring tension.

However, just as the filming of "Redemption" was progressing smoothly and the post-production of "Shaolin Temple" was in full swing, an unexpected incident once again pushed Cheng Xuemin into the spotlight.

"The Thousand Faces of Dunjia," the debut film of Peace Pictures founded by brothers Yuan Heping and Yuan Changren, has been officially released in Golden Harvest Cinemas!

This film, which blends folk magic, acrobatic kung fu, and bizarre imagination, swept through the Hong Kong film market like a whirlwind.

The film grossed over five million Hong Kong dollars in its opening week, and everyone was talking about the amazing techniques of teleportation and acupressure in the movie. It received rave reviews and was both critically acclaimed and a box office success.

At the celebration banquet, Raymond Chow, the boss of Golden Harvest, personally raised his glass, his face beaming.

Officials from the Golden Horse Film Development Council also made a rare appearance to offer their congratulations, shaking Yuan Heping's hand tightly and praising him:
"Master Yuan, your film has injected fresh blood into Hong Kong cinema! This creativity and imagination, I wonder which genius wrote the screenplay?"
There didn't seem to be any special thanks on screen. We'd really like to get to know them and give them special attention!

Yuan Heping's smile froze for a moment, and he subconsciously glanced at his younger brother Yuan Changren beside him.

Yuan Changren's eyes also flickered. He quickly picked up his wine glass and laughed it off, saying, "You flatter me, leader. It was just something the team came up with by chance. It's nothing to mention!"

Raymond Chow, being astute as he was, immediately sensed something amiss and, smiling, pressed, "Hey, Heping, that's not right of you. You should recommend good people!"

Is it some elderly gentleman who wishes to remain anonymous? Or did you brothers come up with the script yourselves? Rest assured, Golden Harvest highly respects creative talent, and we will never shortchange you on royalties.

Yuan Heping's forehead was slightly sweaty, and he was inwardly groaning.

How could he possibly say it out loud? This brilliant screenwriter who impressed even the Golden Horse Awards was none other than Cheng Xuemin, whom Raymond Chow was privately calling a troublemaker, a mainlander, and a northerner!
When Cheng Xuemin gave him the script, he jokingly said, "Consider this a friendly donation from me. It doesn't matter whether you put your name on it or not, just don't cause me any trouble."

At the time, it was just polite talk, but now it seems that Cheng Xuemin had foreseen this.

If this were to be revealed now, how would the Golden Horse Awards view their Peace Pictures?
Do you think they are already deeply intertwined with Lao Zuo, Changcheng, Cheng Xuemin and his gang?

A startup can be labeled and its future ruined in an instant.

“Mr. Zou, esteemed leaders,” Yuan Heping said, forcing a sincere smile, “this screenwriter friend of mine is rather… low-key and doesn’t really like socializing.”

This time they really helped us brothers a lot, and they specifically told us not to tell anyone. When the time is right, I will definitely introduce them, I will definitely introduce them!

He could only try to dodge the question by steering the conversation toward the film's special effects and action choreography.

After finally dealing with the lingering officials and seeing off the satisfied officials from the Kinmen Bureau, Yuan Heping and his brother, who were deep in thought, exchanged a glance. They both saw lingering fear and relief on each other's faces.

"Brother, keeping this a secret... isn't a long-term solution," Yuan Changren said in a low voice, his voice filled with worry.

Yuan Heping took a deep breath, took out a handkerchief to wipe his sweat, and said, "We can keep it a secret for now. Let's go to the Great Wall Hotel now. We need to thank Director Cheng in person again, and also... let him know."

In the Great Wall Hotel coffee shop late at night, Cheng Xuemin had just finished filming a night scene for "Redemption." His face was tired, but his eyes were still clear.

After listening to Yuan Heping's slightly embarrassed account, he laughed and waved his hand, signaling them to relax.

“Master Yuan, Brother Yuan, don’t take it to heart. I gave you the script because I thought this approach was suitable for you brothers to develop, and I never thought about fame or fortune.”

The success of "The Thousand Faces of Dunjia" is due to your excellent filming; the kung fu and special effects are all top-notch, it's all thanks to your own abilities." Cheng Xuemin said calmly, taking a sip of his coffee, and continued, "You handled Boss Zou and the Golden Horse Bureau well."

In this situation, my name is indeed a sensitive word, and there's no need to drag you all into it.

Yuan Heping was surprised by Cheng Xuemin's magnanimity and was even more grateful. He quickly said, "Teacher Cheng, we brothers will remember your kindness!"

From now on, I'll be at your service without hesitation! However… given the current situation, I'm afraid we can't go public with this for the time being…”

“I understand.” Cheng Xuemin interrupted him, his gaze deep. “Hong Kong is a place of fame and fortune, but also a place of right and wrong. You should first establish yourselves and make Peace Pictures a household name. There will be plenty of opportunities in the future.”

He then changed the subject, adding with a hint of sarcasm, "Who knows, maybe one day I'll need to collaborate with you guys to make a 'The Thousand Faces of Dunjia 2'?"

The atmosphere immediately relaxed.

The Yuan brothers thanked them again before taking their leave.

Cheng Xuemin escorted them to the hotel entrance, watching their car merge into the neon-lit traffic. The smile on his face gradually faded, turning into a cold, thoughtful expression.

Yuan Heping's success undoubtedly proves once again his accurate judgment of the market, but it also serves as a mirror, reflecting the conservatism, xenophobia, and certain deep-rooted prejudices beneath the seemingly bustling Hong Kong film industry.

The controversy surrounding the screenwriter of "The Thousand Faces of Dunjia" is merely a small footnote to the complex power struggle he is involved in.

He turned and walked back to the hotel. His slightly thin but angular face was reflected in the elevator mirror.

His eyes were tired, yet a flame that refused to go out burned within them.

The battleground for "Shaolin Temple" is about to begin, but the long journey of "Redemption" has only just started.

The night in Hong Kong is unfathomably deep, and he is destined to continue his conquest in this turbulent sea.

Back in his room, he didn't rest immediately. Instead, he went to his desk and spread out the storyboard for tomorrow's "Redemption".

Under the desk lamp, the red and blue pencils began to dance once more.

Just when Cheng Xuemin didn't have the energy to pay attention to the Yuan brothers!
The box office of "The Thousand Faces of Dunjia" continues to heat up like the weather. In tea restaurants, newsstands, and trams, you can hear discussions about the magical techniques of teleportation and acupressure from a distance.

This cult film, which appeared out of nowhere, is characterized by its bizarre imagination and visual spectacle that completely break away from the traditional kung fu film formula.

It not only captivated ordinary audiences, but also, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirred up a far more intense upheaval within the entire Hong Kong film industry than was publicly reported.

The air conditioning in Raymond Chow's office was blasting, but it couldn't quell the restlessness in his heart.

He held the latest box office report for "The Thousand Faces of Dunjia" in his hand, his fingers tapping hard on the table, making a dull thud.

Sitting opposite him were He Guanchang and several core members of the planning department.

"It's broken seven million! At this rate, breaking ten million is just around the corner!" Zou Wenhuai's voice wasn't loud, but it carried a hint of barely concealed anxiety. "When did Yuan Heping and his brothers develop such imaginative minds?"

Their martial arts skills are solid, but this kind of bizarre and ingenious script structure is not their style!

He Guanchang adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and cautiously said, "Mr. Zou, we've also inquired about it indirectly."

"Peace Pictures is keeping a tight rein on this, only saying it was a friend's help, and refusing to reveal who it was. Could it be... that they found an overseas screenwriter? Or perhaps it's through Mr. Ni Kuang's connections?"

“Ni Kuang?” Raymond Chow snorted coldly. “Ni Kuang is a master at writing science fiction, but this kind of style, which mixes folk magic and divination into everyday kung fu with a touch of dark humor, is not his style.”

There's a... sinister vibe to this script, and a deconstructive flavor of the unspoken rules of the martial arts world.

Screenwriters not only understand the world of martial arts, but also know how to market that world to today's audience.

He paused, a glint of light flashing in his eyes, and said, "Investigate! Find this screenwriter at all costs!"

"Golden Harvest needs this kind of fresh blood! If we can poach him, we can offer him double, no, triple his fee for the next film! We'll give him the money if he wants it, and we'll discuss profit sharing if he wants it!"

A similar scene played out in the office of Lei Juekun, the owner of Golden Princess Film Company.

Lei Juekun, cigar in mouth, looked at the various speculations in the newspaper about the screenwriter of "The Thousand Faces of Dunjia" and instructed his production manager:

"Give a shout to all the independent printers below. Whoever can find that genius who wrote 'Qimen Dunjia' for Yuan Heping and get our Golden Princess, I, Lei Juekun, will personally give him a big red envelope!"

"From now on, he'll be given priority for the company's key projects!"

Even Fang Taihua of Shaw Brothers, after listening to his subordinates' detailed report on the market response to "The Miracle Fighters," took the initiative to approach Sir Shaw, which was quite unusual.

Although she was still holding a grudge due to the failed investment in "Blade Runner" and Cheng Xuemin's prediction, her business instincts made her unable to ignore this obvious money-making potential.

"Sixth Brother," Fang Tai placed a report on Sir Shao's desk, his tone carrying a barely perceptible urgency, and said:
"You've seen the success of 'The Thousand Faces of Dunjia,' and now everyone is speculating about who the screenwriter is."

The Yuan brothers have a weak foundation. If our Shao family can offer better terms, we might be able to win them over.

This kind of creativity is exactly what Shaw Brothers needs right now; we can't keep letting Golden Harvest and Golden Princess beat us to the punch.

Sir Shaw put down the documents in his hand, glanced at the report calmly, and said in a steady tone, "Yihua, poaching people is certainly one method."

But most importantly, we need to understand the root of this idea. The Yuan brothers' success this time is probably not so simple; let's wait and see!

His gaze was deep, as if he had already seen through the undercurrents beneath the surface.

Meanwhile, Karl Maka, Raymond Wong, and others from Cinema City gathered in the company's conference room, racking their brains over the program booklet and promotional materials for "The Miracle Fighters".

Mai Jia, with a cigar in his mouth and a furrowed brow, said, "Tsk! When did Yuan Heping become so sharp? Who came up with this kind of plot, this kind of setting?"

This is completely unlike his usual style! If our Cinema City had a screenwriter like this, would we still have trouble beating that mainland guy?

Raymond Wong remained calm and analyzed, "I've sent people to inquire. Peace Pictures has only been established for a short time, and apart from the martial arts instructors from the Yuen Clan, I haven't heard of them signing any outstanding screenwriters."

This notebook likely belongs to an outside helper. Moreover, this outside helper seems to want to keep their identity a secret.

"Don't want anyone to know?" Shi Tian interjected, "So there's some difficulty? Or is your identity sensitive? Could it be... someone from over there?"

He subtly pointed south, hinting at the mainland.

This speculation caused everyone present to fall silent for a moment.

If the screenwriter were indeed from mainland China, the risks and difficulties of poaching them would have increased exponentially under the political climate at the time.

At the time, Tsui Hark was busy with his new project. After hearing about the controversy surrounding the screenwriter of "The Thousand Faces of Dunjia," he simply smiled at his wife, Nansun Shi, and said, "That's interesting. This kind of approach isn't something just anyone would dare to do."

He was more interested in the visual presentation of Qimen magic in the film, and secretly pondered how to borrow and innovate upon it in his own film.

Thus, an unseen undercurrent began to surge within the Hong Kong film industry.

Spies from various companies, familiar reporters, and even some independent producers who wanted to establish connections began to approach Peace Pictures and the Yuan brothers in various ways.

Through indirect inquiries, promises of substantial rewards, and even coercion and enticement, they all tried to pry open the mouth that was tightly guarding the secret and dig out the genius screenwriter hidden behind the success of "The Thousand Faces of Dunjia".

All of this left the Yuan brothers, Heping and Xianglin, feeling both exasperated and bewildered.

……

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