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

The next day, July 10th!
Palais des Congrès, Lumière Hall!

At 10:00 AM, the premiere of "The Shawshank Redemption" in the main competition section.

The sky was clear and the sun was shining brightly, but the atmosphere in front of the conference palace was somewhat different from usual.

The red carpet area was still crowded with media and movie fans, but today, among the crowd outside the cordon, in addition to the usual film enthusiasts, there were also some serious-looking people whispering among themselves, clearly industry insiders and observers.

In addition to the usual excitement of the film festival, there was also a subtle, almost imperceptible, sense of curiosity and scrutiny in the air!
All of this stemmed from an explosive rumor that spread like wildfire in the lounge area of ​​the opening reception yesterday:
Fang Xuemin, the young producer of the Chinese film "Redemption," and Naoko Tsuchimiya, the representative of Hitachi Heavy Industries and one of the producers of "Kagemusha," engaged in a near-crazy film bet involving an astronomical sum!

The bet is suspected to be related to a Sino-Japanese technology transfer contract worth hundreds of millions of US dollars!
Although the specific amount and details have become blurred in the process of being circulated, the keywords of the Sino-Japanese bet, hundreds of millions of US dollars, and the film determining the ownership of the technology are enough to drop a bombshell in Cannes, a place full of glitz and scheming, and stir up a huge wave.

Countless people are asking what exactly this little-known Chinese film, "Redemption," is.
What makes them think they can challenge Akira Kurosawa's "Kagemusha"?
And what makes the Japanese willing to place such a heavy bet?
Therefore, when Cheng Xuemin once again appeared on the red carpet in front of the Lumière Hall with the main cast and crew of "Redemption", the level of attention they received was incomparable to that at the opening ceremony!

The flashes were even more intense than yesterday, almost forming a continuous expanse of white light!

The reporters' questions became more pointed and direct, many of them revolving around the legendary bet.

"Mr. Cheng! I heard that you have a huge bet with the Japanese representative. Is that true?"

"Director Cheng, how confident are you that 'Redemption' will defeat 'Shadow Warrior'?"

"Mr. Cheng, does the bet involve state secrets?"

Cheng Xuemin was prepared for this!
He maintained a calm, faint smile on his face, nodding slightly to the forest of cameras and microphones, but aside from politely thanking them for their attention and telling them to watch the movie, he avoided discussing any questions about the specific details of the bet, remaining completely silent!

Feng Jiayou held his arm tightly, trying her best to remain calm, but being stared at by so many probing and even malicious eyes still made her feel a pang of fear!
Fu Qi and his wife, Huang Jianzhong, Feng Jiazhao and others also looked solemn, as if facing a formidable enemy.

However, what's meant to happen will happen!
Just as they were about to step into the hall entrance, a slight commotion arose in the crowd to their side.

Several Asian men in dark suits, looking sharp and capable, parted the crowd and escorted a figure over!
It was Naoko Tsuchino!
Today she changed into a navy blue suit, still wearing those gold-rimmed glasses, and her hair was neatly combed.

There was no smile on her face, only a businesslike aloofness and a hint of predator-like excitement!

Her gaze cut through the crowd and landed precisely on Cheng Xuemin.

Then, he walked straight over!
The sounds of camera shutters and questions around us instantly reached a new climax!
All the cameras turned in this direction!
The two sides, the protagonists of the bet between China and Japan, will meet head-on before the premiere of "Redemption" begins!
Was this a pre-arranged scene, or an unexpected collision?

Whichever it is, it will be the biggest news story today!
Cheng Xuemin stopped and watched quietly as Tsuchiya Naoko walked to a stop about two meters in front of him.

Feng Jiayou felt her husband's arm muscles tense up instantly, and her heart jumped into her throat.

"Cheng-san, we meet again!" Tsuchiya Naoko spoke first, her voice not loud, but unusually clear amidst the noise.

She even gave a slight bow, her movements still perfectly executed, but her eyes held no warmth as she spoke:

"I wish your film 'Redemption' a successful premiere. Nako is here today specifically to observe and learn!"

These words sounded grand and righteous, but given her current situation, anyone could hear the provocation and urging in her tone.

"Thank you for your graciousness, Miss Naoko!" Cheng Xuemin replied calmly, his face expressionless, and continued:

"Kagemusha is a masterpiece, and we are approaching this screening with a learning attitude. We hope that today's screening will not disappoint Ms. Nako!"

"Disappointed?" Tsuchimiya Naoko's lips curled into a very faint, almost sarcastic smile. "Not at all!"

"I have the most basic respect for any film that can stand on the stage of the Cannes main competition, but..."

She paused deliberately, her sharp gaze sweeping over Cheng Xuemin from behind her glasses, then over the film crew behind him.

Finally, the focus returned to Cheng Xuemin's face, his voice rising slightly to ensure the surrounding reporters with their ears perked up could hear him clearly: "Regarding that little, amusing suggestion we mentioned last night!"

"Naiko hereby formally confirms once again to Mr. Cheng and your side: the bet remains valid and the conditions remain unchanged!"

"The agreement can be signed at any time before the final awards at the film festival are announced. The winner of that little gift will be determined by the highest honors and influence our respective films have received at Cannes this year."

I wonder if Mr. Cheng, or the person behind him who can make decisions, has made a new decision after a night of deliberation?

She brought it up again!

Before the premiere of "Redemption", he openly brought up the bet again in front of the world's media cameras!
This is an attempt to put Cheng Xuemin and the Chinese side in a very difficult position!
Force them to make a statement in front of everyone!
Is it cowardice and retreat, leaving behind a laughing stock?

Or should we bite the bullet and accept the challenge, making this high-stakes gamble completely public and intense?

The air around us seemed to freeze!
All cameras and all eyes were fixed on Cheng Xuemin's face, waiting for his reaction!
Feng Jiayou felt like she was about to stop breathing!
Cheng Xuemin looked at Tsuchino Naoko's determined and aggressive face, his anger surging, but his face became strangely calmer!

At this moment, any emotional response would be subpar!

He was about to speak, to use the official, neither humble nor arrogant, language he had prepared the night before to refuse again!

"Comrade Cheng Xuemin!"

A steady, loud voice with a distinct Chinese accent suddenly came from behind the crowd, breaking the suffocating stalemate!

Following the sound, everyone looked and saw several middle-aged men dressed in dark Zhongshan suits, with calm demeanor, walking briskly towards them, accompanied by film festival staff!
The leader was a man in his fifties with a square face and piercing eyes. He exuded an air of authority and demeanor that befitted someone who had long held a high position.
He was wearing the highest-level guest pass at the Cannes Film Festival!

But more importantly, the young man who followed half a step behind him had a small but unmistakable national emblem on his briefcase.

They are Chinese personnel stationed abroad!
And judging from their aura, they're not low-ranking!

Cheng Xuemin's gaze sharpened as he recognized the name and position on the leader's name tag: Li Weimin, our counselor at the Chinese Embassy in France.

He had never met this Counselor Li before, but his appearance at this moment was too subtle! Tsuchiya Naoko also noticed the newcomer, her brows furrowing almost imperceptibly, but she quickly regained her composure, her gaze shifting between Cheng Xuemin and Counselor Li!

Counselor Li and his entourage walked straight up to Cheng Xuemin!
Counselor Li first smiled, then extended his hand and shook hands firmly with Cheng Xuemin, his voice loud and clear, carrying a reassuring strength:
"Comrade Cheng Xuemin, thank you for your hard work! On behalf of the embassy, ​​I have come to watch the premiere of 'Redemption' and wish the film great success, bringing glory to our country!"

"Counselor Li, hello! Thank you for your concern and support from the embassy!" Cheng Xuemin quickly replied, but a thought stirred within him.
The cultural attaché of the Chinese Embassy in France personally traveled from Paris to Cannes on the day of the premiere of "Redemption".

This specification seems a bit too high!
Moreover, the way Counselor Li looked at me seemed to go beyond just a polite greeting!
As expected, after shaking hands with Cheng Xuemin, Counselor Li's gaze naturally shifted to Tsuchino Naoko beside him. His face still wore the impeccable, polite smile of a diplomat, and he spoke in fluent English:

"This must be Ms. Nako from Hitachi Heavy Industries, Japan? Nice to meet you! I am Li Weimin, Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in France. I've heard that Ms. Nako is also very interested in Chinese films?"

Naoko Tsuchino did not expect that Chinese diplomats would intervene directly, and with such calm and composure!

She quickly adjusted her expression, flashing a standard, flawless professional smile, and bowed slightly as she said:
"Consul Li, greetings! I have the utmost respect for all outstanding works of art. Your country's film industry has developed rapidly in recent years, which is truly remarkable!"

"Thank you for the compliment!" Counselor Li nodded, but subtly changed the subject, his tone remaining calm, yet carrying a heavier weight: "Film is a bridge of culture, and artistic exchange should be pure and beautiful!"

"We welcome all healthy competition and discussion based on art itself!"

"As for other things...that are unrelated to the film, I think it's not appropriate to discuss them too much in this temple of art, Ms. Nako, what do you think?!"

This statement was impeccable, upholding China's position and indicating that film is film, while also subtly warning against doing anything else at the film festival.

They even gave the other party a graceful way out, a truly high level of skill!

Naoko Tsuchino's smile froze slightly!
She understood what Counselor Li meant: the Chinese government was aware of the matter and did not approve of continuing to hype up the bet at the film festival!
When diplomats are involved, the situation changes!

If she continues to make trouble, she will be disrespecting the Chinese government and may cause unnecessary political friction, which would not benefit Hitachi Heavy Industries or herself!
“Counselor Li is right!” Tsuchino Naoko quickly made her judgment, nodded readily, and her provocative expression softened considerably. She said, “I misspoke!”

"Well then, Mr. Cheng, Counselor Li, we'll see you in the screening room. I look forward to your country's film!"

After saying that, she said no more!

He bowed slightly to Cheng Xuemin and Counselor Li again, then turned and walked towards the entrance of the screening room with his entourage. His back was still upright, but his pace seemed to be a little faster than when he came.

A tense public confrontation was defused by Counselor Li with a deft and skillful maneuver!

Although the surrounding reporters were somewhat disappointed not to see a more dramatic scene, the fact that a Chinese diplomat had appeared in Cannes and intervened in the Sino-Japanese film betting dispute was already big news!

The flashbulbs were pointed at Counselor Li and Cheng Xuemin, and another round of photos was taken.

"Comrade Cheng Xuemin, let's go in, the screening is about to start!" Counselor Li smiled at Cheng Xuemin and gestured for him to come along.

“Okay, Counselor Li, please!” Cheng Xuemin quickly stepped aside to let him pass.

The group entered the Lumière Hall.

The hall was brightly lit, and the seats that could accommodate more than two thousand people were almost full!
The VIP area in the front row, the media commentary section in the middle, and the general audience seats in the back were all packed with people.

Whispers in various languages, the sound of turning pages, and the sound of cameras being adjusted mingled together.

The air was filled with a scent unique to upscale screening rooms, a blend of carpet, leather seats, and a subtle fragrance!
And an intangible sense of solemnity and anticipation that belongs to an important premiere!

Cheng Xuemin's gaze swept across the audience, and he saw many familiar or semi-familiar faces.

Renowned directors, producers, film critics, and stars from all over the world, as well as film selectors and media reporters from major film companies.

He also saw Tsuchino Naoko and her several attendants sitting not far to his side, talking in hushed tones.

He also saw Fu Qi, Shi Hui, and his aunt Gu Qiuna sitting in the back, looking over with concern!
The crew members were led to the reserved seats in the front row!

Counselor Li naturally sat down in the empty seat next to Cheng Xuemin!
Feng Jiayou sat on the other side of Cheng Xuemin, still nervously holding his hand.

The lights gradually dimmed, leaving only the faint green light of the emergency exit and the dim light in front of the screen.

The noise in the hall quickly subsided, turning into a breathless silence.

The movie is about to begin!
Just then, Counselor Li turned his head slightly and spoke rapidly in a low voice in Chinese, at a volume only Cheng Xuemin could hear:
"Comrade Xuemin, relax..." He paused, lowered his voice, but spoke faster, "There are already preliminary opinions from within the country. After the screening, let's find a quiet place, and I'll convey them to you!"

"It was Lord Liao who personally gave the order!"

Cheng Xuemin's heart skipped a beat!
really!

Consul Li came in person, not just to maintain order, but also to bring instructions from the mainland!
Instructions regarding the betting agreement!
Liao Gong personally explained...this standard...he instantly felt an immense pressure on his shoulders, but at the same time, a surge of warmth welled up in his heart.

The higher-ups took it seriously, and they responded so quickly!

He nodded vigorously and said in a low voice, "Understood, Counselor Li. After the screening, I'll follow your instructions!"

Counselor Li patted the back of his hand, said nothing more, and turned his gaze to the screen that had already lit up in front of him!

On the giant screen, the dragon logo and the Great Wall Film Company's opening sequence flashed by!
Immediately afterwards, the film's English title, "Redemption," appeared in a heavy and powerful font.

The background music is a deep cello, with a melodious tone that conveys a sense of resilience amidst its subdued nature.

The movie has started!

……

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