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

“I understand. We know about the Japanese. We used to deal with them a lot when we were with China Film Group!” Fu Qi nodded, clearly not having a good attitude towards the Japanese either.

After noting down the key points, Fu Qi remembered something else and said, "By the way, Teacher Cheng, it seems that Liu Jialiang's internal screening of 'Martial Arts School' is scheduled for June 10th, five days earlier than ours."

Golden Harvest and Golden Princess went all out with their publicity campaign, inviting numerous media outlets and industry insiders.

Cheng Xuemin sneered: "Let them build up their momentum. They're only eyeing this small corner of Hong Kong; what we want is the vast world outside."

Mr. Fu, could you leak a little information to us privately and say that... the reason we released "Shaolin Temple" globally ahead of schedule is because the film's quality far exceeded expectations, and overseas distributors were eager to get the film, so we had no choice but to adjust our plans.

Shift their attention to how popular it is overseas.

Fu Qi's eyes lit up: "Brilliant! This explains the reason for the early release and also raises the value of 'Shaolin Temple'! I'll get on it right away!"

After Fu Qi left, Cheng Xuemin walked to the window alone.

The rain had stopped for a while, but the sky remained overcast.

He knew that this premature battle was full of uncertainties, and the pressure from his family was real. If the first battle was lost, the Eastern Depot might really face the risk of being cut short.

But he had no way out; he could only move forward.

He must make good use of the high quality of "Shaolin Temple" and the information advantage of Hong Kong as an international free port to create a favorable time and information gap.

Meanwhile, in Raymond Chow's office at Golden Harvest, Sammo Hung also received news that Great Wall Company had extended an invitation to global publishers.

"Mr. Chow, look at this." Sammo Hung handed a briefing to Raymond Chow and said, "That mainland guy, Cheng Xuemin, has quietly started a global release ahead of schedule!"

"The date is set for June 15th, only five days later than 'Martial Arts School'."

Raymond Chow took the briefing, examined it carefully, and his eyes behind his gold-rimmed glasses flickered uncertainly: "Global release? He certainly knows how to pick his timing."

"Avoiding our direct confrontation with Liu Jialiang and going straight to seize markets outside our region? That's quite a big step."

“I think he’s scared!” Sammo Hung snorted and said, “He knows he can’t beat us and Lau Kar-leung in Hong Kong, so he wants to go abroad to make money.”

Unfortunately, the out-of-town market is a tough nut to crack; it's not easy to conquer. Those foreigners only recognize Li Xiaolong; who knows this greenhorn from the north?

Raymond Chow pondered for a moment, then shook his head: "Sanmao, don't underestimate him. Cheng Xuemin is no simple man; he chose a very cunning timing!"

"Now the whole city's attention is on our match against Liu Jialiang. If he takes the opportunity to go to sea, he will be able to avoid the limelight."

Besides, we both know the quality of "Shaolin Temple," it definitely has market potential. What if it actually makes a name for itself internationally…?

He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear.

If Cheng Xuemin can truly succeed in selling "Shaolin Temple" to Europe, America, Japan, and South Korea again, just like he did with "Tai Chi".

Even if the results aren't as good as the previous "Tai Chi" $20 million, no matter how much!

The foreign exchange earnings and international reputation it brings will completely change the balance of power in Hong Kong's film industry.

At that time, the Eastern Depot would no longer be an outsider who had to rely on others, but a potential giant with overseas channels.

Sammo Hung also realized the seriousness of the problem, and his expression became solemn: "Then...should we do something? Trigger him a little?"

"For example, could you talk to a familiar overseas film distributor to negotiate a lower price, or simply not buy their films?"

Raymond Chow glared at him and scolded, "Foolish! How can you use such underhanded tactics? If word gets out, will Golden Harvest still be able to do business internationally?"

"Competition depends on strength and the quality of the work! What you need to do now is concentrate on making 'The Prodigal Son' a success and wait to take over Liu Chia-liang's project! As long as our film is a box office hit, overseas distributors will naturally come knocking on our door!"

He paused, his tone softening slightly, but with a hint of warning: "Remember, our opponents have never been just Liu Jialiang or Cheng Xuemin."

Our competitors are the ever-changing market and the tastes of our audience; we need to take a long-term view.

Sammo Hung lowered his head after being reprimanded and stammered, "Yes, Mr. Zou, I understand."

On Princess Kim's side, Lei Juekun had a different reaction after receiving the news.

He sneered at his men, "Is Cheng Xuemin desperate? Is his family pressing him for repayment?"

"If they're in such a rush to sell their films, what good price can they expect? Just wait and see, they'll sell them off at rock-bottom prices, and then we'll see where they put their faces!"

He became more concerned with the mess inside Cinema City and how to gain practical benefits from the conflict between "The Martial Arts School" and "Shaolin Temple".

They didn't pay much attention to Cheng Xuemin's overseas distribution plans.

Only Sir Shaw, following Fang Yihua's report, silently monitored the progress of this matter.

He made no comment, but simply instructed his men to keep an eye on the final results of the global release of "Shaolin Temple".

This seasoned film tycoon seemed to sense something unusual in Cheng Xuemin's risky move.

……

A few days later!
The velvet curtains in the Peninsula Hotel suite were half-drawn, filtering out the overly glaring afternoon sunlight and casting only a lazy band of light on the Persian carpeted floor.

The air was filled with the aroma of coffee, and a barely perceptible tension.

Cheng Xuemin leaned back on the French sofa, his fingertips lightly tapping the armrest, his gaze calmly fixed on Sato Taro sitting opposite him.

Compared to his triumphant demeanor in Berlin last year, this executive director of Yamato Pictures was noticeably more restrained, with a hint of barely perceptible unease and caution in his eyes and brows.

Fu Qi sat behind Cheng Xuemin, silently taking notes, while Huang Jianzhong lit a cigarette, the smoke rising and blurring his slightly worried expression.

"Cheng-san, long time no see!" Sato Taro bowed slightly, his tone polite yet almost distant. "Congratulations on the global success of your work, 'Tai Chi'!"

"Mr. Sato, you're too kind. Congratulations to you too!" Cheng Xuemin's lips curled into a half-smile as he gestured to the tea and snacks on the table. "It's just a small token of my appreciation."

"I heard that your company has achieved remarkable success in the Japanese distribution of 'Tai Chi', and I haven't had a chance to congratulate you yet."

Sato Taro's face twitched almost imperceptibly as he picked up his coffee cup and took a sip to cover it up.

Cheng Xuemin's words were like a fine needle, precisely piercing the sore spot he least wanted to touch.

Yamato Pictures hesitated at first, wanting to lower the price and try to get something for free by bypassing this guy, but Cheng Xuemin tricked them.

The American Brian snatched the deal, ultimately securing the Japanese distribution rights for a price several times higher than Cheng Xuemin's initial offer.

Although the film ultimately achieved box office success due to its quality, most of the profits went into the pockets of Brian and Columbia Pictures, causing Daiwa Studios to lose face and drawing much criticism internally.

"Let's not dwell on the past." Sato Taro put down his coffee cup, chuckled twice, and quickly got to the point, saying:

“Mr. Cheng, time is precious, so I’ll get straight to the point. Our company, Dahe Pictures, is very interested in your new film, Shaolin Temple, and hopes to discuss the distribution rights.”

"Oh?" Cheng Xuemin raised an eyebrow, leaned forward slightly, and pretended to be interested. "Mr. Sato, are you only interested in the Japanese market this time, or... has your appetite grown and you want to take over the whole world?"

Sato Taro took a deep breath, placed his hands on his knees, and tried to remain calm. He said, "If the conditions are right, we hope to acquire the global distribution rights for 'Shaolin Temple'."

"After all, Daiwa Pictures has considerable strength in international distribution channels, which can save you a lot of trouble dealing with film distributors in various regions."

Cheng Xuemin nodded, saying noncommittally, "Having strength is a good thing."

"So, Mr. Sato, what price are you planning to ask for this time?" He asked casually, as if discussing a trivial business deal. "It can't be just another million US dollars to buy out the entire world, can it?"

"Then I really have to doubt Mr. Sato's sincerity."

A hint of embarrassment flashed across Sato Taro's face, but he quickly became serious and said, "Mr. Cheng is joking. Based on the market prospects of 'Shaolin Temple' and the potential cultural discount that 'Tai Chi' might offer in certain regions, after careful evaluation, we are willing to pay eighteen million US dollars to acquire the global distribution rights."

As he announced the number, he stared intently at Cheng Xuemin, trying to catch the slightest change in his expression.

The room fell silent instantly, except for Huang Jianzhong, who subconsciously took a deep drag of his cigarette and coughed twice, choking on it.

Fu Qi's pen, which was recording, also stopped.

Eighteen million US dollars would have been an astronomical figure before "Tai Chi," far exceeding the overseas sales price of any Chinese-language film to date.

The problem is that Cheng Xuemin's "Tai Chi" earned more than 20 million yuan in copyright fees from the European, American and Japanese markets alone last year!
Riding on the global success of "Tai Chi," "Shaolin Temple" has generated even more buzz. Sato's offer, while seemingly astonishing, is actually three million US dollars lower than that of "Tai Chi"!
The ambiguous smile on Cheng Xuemin's face disappeared.

He didn't lash out immediately, but slowly leaned back on the sofa, his gaze sharpening as if slicing across Taro Sato's face with a knife.

“Eighteen million… US dollars?” He repeated, enunciating each word clearly. “Mr. Sato, did I hear you correctly?”

"Or perhaps your company has some... unique misunderstanding about the market value of 'Shaolin Temple'?"

He picked up his cup of tea, which had long since gone cold, took a small sip, and continued, his tone calm yet carrying an immense weight:

"Mr. Sato, you should know better than anyone how much the global rights to my book, Tai Chi, have sold without any international awards."

Now, with "Shaolin Temple," we're aiming for an award at Cannes. It's received rave reviews during test screenings in Europe and Southeast Asia, and its popularity far surpasses that of "Tai Chi" back then.

I don't expect you to significantly increase the price of "Tai Chi," but offering a price three million lower than "Tai Chi"...

Mr. Sato, I'd like to know how this number was rigorously assessed? Do you think I, Cheng Xuemin, have lost my creative spark, or do you think award-winning films are therefore less valuable?

Sato Taro was overwhelmed by Cheng Xuemin's barrage of questions, and he pulled out a handkerchief to wipe non-existent sweat from his forehead, forcing himself to defend himself: "Cheng-san, please calm down!"

"We have absolutely no intention of belittling 'Shaolin Temple.' It's just that... the market environment changes over time. 'Tai Chi' had the support of Bruce Lee's style and novelty at the time, but now the kung fu craze has somewhat subsided, which is one reason."

Secondly, while aiming for Cannes is certainly a good thing, the extent to which art film awards can boost commercial box office revenue remains uncertain, especially in mainstream markets like North America.

Thirdly, global distribution means we have to bear the advertising and promotion costs in all regions, which carries enormous risk. Eighteen million is already the highest sincere price we can offer.

"Different market environments? A sincere price?"

Cheng Xuemin chuckled, slammed his teacup down on the coffee table with a crisp clanging sound, and said, "Mr. Sato, we are both sensible people, there's no need for such formalities."

Is the kung fu craze fading? Then why did Golden Harvest and Golden Princess invest so heavily in promoting Lau Kar-leung's "The Kung Fu School" in order to compete with my "Shaolin Temple"?
Why did Raymond Chow and Lui Kok-kwan have to give up their prime-time slots? Because they were afraid! Afraid that I, Cheng Xuemin, would monopolize the real kung fu film market!

He stood up, walked to the window, and with a whoosh, pulled back the remaining curtains. Pointing to the bustling scene of Victoria Harbour outside, he said, "You said the North American market is uncertain?"

"Okay, then let me ask you, how much did that American Brian make in North America with 'Tai Chi'? Why is he acting like a shark smelling blood this time, calling Mr. Fu repeatedly to confirm the viewing time before he even arrives?"
Because he knew that getting my film would be like bringing home a cash cow!

Cheng Xuemin turned around abruptly, staring intently at Sato Taro: "Your Yamato Pictures missed out on 'Tai Chi' last time because you hesitated and wanted to lower the price. In the end, you had to take over from Brian at a high price. Haven't you paid enough tuition fee?"

What, are you trying to make up for the losses you suffered last time by getting them from me again?
Mr. Sato, doing business requires sincerity, vision, and decisiveness. Hesitation and petty calculations will only lead to missed opportunities time and time again!

He walked back to the sofa, but instead of sitting down, he looked down at Taro Sato and announced a number, word by word: "Thirty million US dollars, global distribution rights, including Europe, America, Japan, South Korea, Central and South Asia, and even Golden Horse and Golden Rooster."

I won't even consider it if it's less than a penny! Furthermore, I only accept a revenue-sharing model; I don't accept outright sales. That's my bottom line.

"Thirty million? And it's a split of the profits?" Sato Taro was so shocked he almost jumped off the sofa, his face turning deathly pale. He exclaimed:

"Mr. Cheng, this...this is impossible! No foreign company would accept such conditions! This is absurd!"

“Absurd?” Cheng Xuemin sneered. “If you think it’s absurd, the door is over there. Mr. Sato, please make your way.”

“I believe that Mr. Brian, or other companies in Europe, would be happy to sit down and talk to me about this absurd condition.”

Especially Mr. Brian, who made a fortune in Japan and North America with "Tai Chi," and is currently worried about not finding another cash cow like that.

He deliberately brought up Brian, like a knife stabbing into Taro Sato's heart once again.

Sato Taro's face turned from white to green, and his chest heaved violently.

He recalled the criticism he received at the board meeting for the poor decision-making regarding "Tai Chi," and the pressure the president had repeatedly urged him to secure "Shaolin Temple" during this visit.

If he gets robbed by the Americans again, his future at Yamato Pictures will probably be over.

“Mr. Cheng…this…this price is just too high, and we can’t afford the risks of the revenue-sharing model…”

Sato Taro's voice trembled slightly, his previous composure completely gone, as he said, "Could we... discuss this some more? Twenty-two million, a buyout, that's the highest level of authority I can negotiate..."

Cheng Xuemin didn't look at him again, but instead gave Fu Qi a calm instruction:

"Mr. Fu, let's see him out. It seems Mr. Sato needs more time to consult with headquarters. We can talk together when Mr. Brian arrives; that might be more efficient."

"and many more!"

Sato Taro suddenly stood up, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. Cheng Xuemin's tactic of feigning retreat had directly struck at his Achilles' heel.

Once Brian gets involved, given that American's financial resources and the good relationship established during their last collaboration, Yamato Pictures will have no chance of winning.

The room fell into a deathly silence, with only Sato Taro's heavy breathing remaining.

He clenched his fists tightly, his mind in turmoil.

A $30 million profit-sharing deal? That's a huge gamble!
He won the bet, and his position in the company was secure.

If you lose the bet, you will never recover.

But if you don't gamble, you won't even have a chance!

Just then, there was a gentle knock on the suite door.

Liu Xiaoli pushed open the door and came in, whispering to Cheng Xuemin, "Teacher Cheng, the hotel front desk called and said that a Mr. Brian from the United States has arrived and would like to ask if you have time to meet him."

The timing was perfect.

A barely perceptible smile flickered across Cheng Xuemin's lips as he looked at Sato Taro, whose face was ashen: "Mr. Sato, you see, speak of the devil, and he appears."

"It seems I need to first receive Mr. Brian, who has come from afar. Please make yourself at home, or perhaps you could sit here for a moment while I finish speaking?"

Sato Taro, as if all his strength had been drained, slumped back into the sofa.

He struggled to lift his head and looked at Cheng Xuemin's young face, which was full of confidence and control. He finally understood that the Chinese man in front of him was no longer the newcomer in Berlin who needed to actively promote his film.

He holds the real trump card, possessing absolute pricing power.

“…No need!” Sato Taro said in a hoarse voice, as if he had aged several years in an instant. “Cheng-san, please give me a little more time…I need to speak with Tokyo headquarters immediately.”

Cheng Xuemin nodded, his tone returning to its previous calm: "Sure! Mr. Fu will arrange a phone call!"

“I hope to get a clear answer before dark. After all, Mr. Brian’s time is also very valuable.”

He gestured for Fu Qi to stay and accompany him, while he straightened his collar and, with Huang Jianzhong and Liu Xiaoli, calmly walked out of the suite to greet the timely American film producer.

……

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