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

At the negotiating table!

Cheng Xuemin nodded slightly and said in a calm tone, "Thank you, Miss Naoko. Everyone has their own standards when it comes to judging art!"

"Cannes' choice reflects the jury's professional judgment. As for that little bit of fun we had..." He lightly tapped the betting contract in front of him, then continued, "The result, I think, is quite clear, isn't it?!"

Naoko Tsuchimuro's body trembled almost imperceptibly!
She took a deep breath, clenched her fist tightly under the table, her nails digging deep into her palm, using the pain to maintain her clarity and composure.

“Yes, very clearly!” She forced herself to meet Cheng Xuemin’s gaze, even though it made her feel suffocated. “The Palme d’Or is higher than the Grand Jury Prize. According to the agreement, our side… lost!”

She spoke the word "lost" with unusual weight, as if it weighed a ton!

The meeting room was silent, with only the faint sound of music from the closing ceremony's after-party coming from outside the window, which only accentuated the somber atmosphere inside!
"So, regarding the fulfillment of the bet..." Cheng Xuemin leaned forward slightly, his gaze sharpening, his tone still steady but carrying an undeniable force, and said:

"According to Article 3, Paragraph 1 of the agreement: if the Cannes awards won by 'Redemption' are equal to or greater than those won by 'Kagemusha', Hitachi Heavy Industries shall pay an additional amount of US$200 million in cash as compensation for the bet, on the basis of the original Shanghai technology transfer contract."

"The two payments, totaling US$400 million, must be paid into our designated account within ten calendar days after the results of the bet are announced and take effect. All other terms of the technology transfer agreement remain in effect!"

He paused, then looked at Naoko Tsuchino: "Does your side have any objections to this?!"

Naoko Tsuchino's face turned even paler. A legal staff member next to her immediately whispered a few words in Japanese, seemingly reminding her of certain legal details or the possibility of bargaining.

But Naoko Tsuchino raised her hand and stopped him.

She took another deep breath, as if using all her strength, before slowly speaking, her voice dry like sandpaper: "The terms of the agreement are clear, the outcome of the bet... is clear, and we... have no objections!"

After uttering the words "no objection," she seemed to have all her strength drained away. Her body swayed slightly, she leaned back in her chair, and closed her eyes, as if she couldn't bear to look at this cruel reality any longer.

A glint of expectation flashed in Cheng Xuemin's eyes.

He had long anticipated that, given this open and willing-to-accept-the-gamble tone, and under the watchful eyes of the world's media and the immense pressure on Hitachi Heavy Industries' international reputation, Japan would never dare to openly deny the allegations unless it wanted to completely ruin its reputation, trigger international commercial disputes, or even a diplomatic incident.

What they might want is simply to try to get some flexibility in the payment terms, or to make some changes to other non-core terms!

Sure enough, when Tsuchino Naoko closed her eyes for a moment and then opened them again, all that remained was a cold, businesslike numbness.

She looked at Cheng Xuemin and said, "Mr. Cheng, we acknowledge the amount of the bet and the payment obligation!"

"But can the specific payment method and timeframe be discussed further? Four hundred million US dollars in cash is a huge amount, and even for Hitachi Heavy Industries, mobilizing it all at once would be a challenge. Could it be paid in installments? Or, could it be a combination of cash and equivalent technology or equipment as collateral?"

"No!" Cheng Xuemin answered decisively, leaving no room for negotiation. "The agreement clearly states that the additional two hundred million US dollars will be paid in cash and must be paid in full at once. As for your financial pressure..."

A cold smile played on his lips. "That's a matter for you to consider. It's not within the scope of the agreement, nor is it a reason for us to be understanding."

At the gambling table, the chips are fixed; there's no room for bargaining. What do you say, Miss Naoko?!

These words were utterly ruthless, completely thwarting the other party's attempt to ease the pressure.

Naoko Tsuchino's cheek muscles twitched, and her eyes grew even colder!

"And what about the payment deadline?" another legal professional couldn't help but interject in English, "Ten days is too tight! Large international fund transfers take time to go through procedures and approvals..."

"Ten days is the deadline stipulated in the betting contract!" Cheng Xuemin interrupted him, turning his gaze to the legal staff member. His eyes were calm but carried an invisible pressure. "If your side feels that it will be difficult to fulfill the contract, you should not have made such a bet in the first place, and you should not have accepted the challenge in front of the whole world."

"Since you've accepted the challenge, you must be prepared to accept the consequences and fulfill your obligations on time. Otherwise, the Cannes Film Festival organizers, the media present, and international commercial arbitration bodies will likely not recognize your difficulties!"

His words were veiled in barbs, pointing out that the other party was in the wrong and hinting at the potentially serious consequences of breaching the contract!

Disgraced, facing commercial arbitration and even legal proceedings.

The legal staff member was speechless and lowered his head with a grim expression.

Naoko Tsuchino remained silent for a few seconds. She knew that in the face of absolute victory and reason, any struggle would be futile and would only bring shame upon herself.

Cheng Xuemin made it clear that he wanted to press his advantage and leave no room for retreat!

She suddenly chuckled softly, a short, dry laugh filled with endless weariness and self-mockery.

"Ms. Cheng is indeed... impeccable!" She looked at Cheng Xuemin with a complex expression. "Alright, according to the contract, four hundred million US dollars, to be paid in cash in one lump sum within ten days. Please provide the specific payment method and account information, and we will initiate the internal procedures as soon as possible!"

She paused, then added, "However, regarding the continued execution of the original technology transfer contract and the payment of the betting settlement, we suggest that the final signing and closing of the documents be carried out in Hong Kong in late July as originally planned!"

"At that time, we will send a higher-level representative to complete all the formalities with you. What does Mr. Cheng think?"

Cheng Xuemin and Counselor Li exchanged a glance.

Counselor Li nodded slightly, indicating that this was acceptable. He explained that the transaction would be conveniently conducted in Hong Kong, taking advantage of the location and facilitating coordination and oversight by relevant domestic departments.

“Okay!” Cheng Xuemin nodded. “The time, place, and the level of attendees from both sides will be confirmed in writing separately.”

"But before that, the confirmation documents regarding the bet itself, as well as the irrevocable commitment letter regarding the payment obligations, need to be signed as soon as possible after this meeting."

“Of course!” Naoko Tsuchino replied expressionlessly.

The following time turned into intense and tedious negotiations between the legal and financial advisors of both parties regarding the specific wording of the confirmation documents and commitment letters, as well as the conditions for their effectiveness.

Cheng Xuemin mostly listened quietly, occasionally stating his position concisely at key points.

Counselor Li is responsible for maintaining diplomatic boundaries and the communication atmosphere.
Naoko Tsuchino remained silent most of the time, sitting there pale-faced, like a wax figure rapidly losing its warmth and vitality.

Only when her eyes occasionally glanced at Cheng Xuemin and the Palme d'Or trophy in front of him would a fleeting, extremely profound pain and resentment be revealed, but it would quickly return to a numb grayness!

More than an hour later, the drafts of several key documents were finally finalized, and it was agreed that they would be officially signed the following day after both parties' lawyers checked them for accuracy.

The talks are over!

Naoko Tsuchino was the first to stand up. Without even glancing at Cheng Xuemin or saying goodbye, she quickly left the conference room with two equally ashen-faced legal personnel.

The door closed, shutting out the suffocating oppression and the dejection of the losers.

The meeting room fell silent.

Counselor Li let out a long, deep sigh of relief, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

He looked at Cheng Xuemin, his face finally breaking into an uncontrollable, extremely excited smile. He reached out and gripped Cheng Xuemin's hand tightly: "Comrade Xuemin! It's done! It's really done! Four hundred million US dollars! Just like that... it's settled?!"

"I feel like I'm dreaming! She...she actually agreed? No denials, no further entanglement..."

Cheng Xuemin smiled slightly, but the smile didn't reach his eyes. He gently withdrew his hand, turned his gaze to the dazzling Cannes night view outside the window, and said calmly, "She had no choice but to agree!"

"She started the bet, and made it in front of the whole world. The result is undeniable. She has no choice but to admit defeat and fulfill her obligations. Hitachi Heavy Industries cannot afford the price of denial!"

“But… four hundred million US dollars! And in cash! The transaction is due at the end of the month! This…” Counselor Li still found it hard to believe, pacing excitedly around the room for a couple of steps, and said:
"If people back home find out about this... my God, I don't know how shocked Elder Wu and the others will be! No, I have to send an encrypted telegram to report this immediately!"

"Counselor Li, wait a moment!" Cheng Xuemin called out to him, turned around, and his face regained its usual calm. "The telegram must be sent, but the content needs to be carefully considered!"

"Just report the Palme d'Or award and the preliminary results of the betting agreement. As for the specific transfer of the four hundred million US dollars, we will report in detail after we return to Hong Kong and everything is arranged."

"Now, we need some time to handle some... follow-up matters."

"Follow-up matters?" Counselor Li was taken aback.

"The film 'Redemption' has won the Palme d'Or, and its global rights now need to be renegotiated. The price will likely be completely different from what it was this morning."

Cheng Xuemin's lips curled into a shrewd smile as he said, "Also, we need to urge Brian to settle the box office revenue sharing for 'Shaolin Temple'."

"We need cash, a lot of cash, to make some arrangements before the end of the month!"

Counselor Li suddenly realized something. Looking at the young man in front of him who had just experienced a huge gamble and won a fortune, yet was already calmly planning his next move, he couldn't help but feel a sincere admiration, even a hint of awe.

This Cheng Xuemin is not only incredibly audacious and capable of creating miracles, but what's even more remarkable is that he remains so clear-headed and calculating in the face of such enormous victory and wealth!
"I understand!" Counselor Li nodded emphatically. "I'll have the embassy's commercial section fully cooperate with you on the copyright and settlement matters! Just let me know if you need any support!"

"Thank you very much, Counselor Li!"

Cheng Xuemin nodded, then picked up the heavy Palme d'Or trophy on the table, his fingertips gently tracing the cold metal blades on it, his gaze deep.

The night outside the cinema was enveloped by the sea breeze, starlight, and countless dazzling lights.

However, the brightest light at this moment did not come from the neon lights, but from the dense array of searchlights and flashes from the news media, which almost blocked all the exits.

The closing ceremony may be over, but the real big news is yet to come!
The outcome of that staggering $400 million bet, and the newly crowned Palme d'Or winner, are only just beginning to unfold.

Reporters from major news agencies, television stations, and newspapers around the world, like sharks smelling blood, had already surrounded the main exits of the cinema palace!
As Cheng Xuemin and Counselor Li and their entourage walked out of the second-floor conference room area and into the connecting corridor leading to the side door, they were slightly taken aback by the scene before them.

The place was bustling with noise, a cacophony of shouts and questions in various languages, creating a massive wave of sound.

"Look over there!" Counselor Li, with his sharp eyes, pointed to the vicinity of the main exit.

Accompanied by two legal personnel, Tsuchino Nako was seen trying to get through the wall of reporters.

But her appearance was like a drop of water falling into a pot of boiling oil!

"Miss Naoko! Miss Naoko! Please wait!"

"Ms. Naoko! What is Hitachi Heavy Industries' comment on the outcome of this bet?"

"How will Hitachi Heavy Industries bear the loss of four hundred million US dollars? Will it affect your projects in Shanghai?"

What are your personal thoughts on this failure? Do you consider it a blow to the Japanese film industry?

"There are rumors that you might resign because of this, is that true?"

"Please say a few words, Miss Naoko!"

……

Questions in English, French, Japanese, and even Chinese rained down on Naoko Tsuchino like a storm.

The microphones from the long lenses were practically piercing her face, and the blinding flashes made her already pale face appear even more bloodless.

With her head down, she staggered forward, protected by her attendants. Her eyes behind her gold-rimmed glasses were tightly closed, and her lips were pressed into a pale line. She ignored all the questions and just moved forward mechanically.

Her originally crisp dark gray suit was now somewhat disheveled in the shoving, and a few strands of her carefully combed hair had fallen loose, sticking to her sweaty forehead. She looked utterly defeated and flustered.

Japanese reporters around her tried to protect her, shouting in Japanese, "Please move aside!" "No comment!", but their voices were quickly drowned out by the louder questions from international media.

This scene stands in stark and cruel contrast to her dignified and confident demeanor on the red carpet just hours earlier!

"She's truly famous worldwide now." Counselor Li looked over there and said in a low voice, his tone complex, containing both a hint of satisfaction at the opponent's defeat and a touch of lament for her situation.

After all, such a huge defeat and public humiliation would be devastating for someone who is proud and in a high position!

Cheng Xuemin's gaze swept calmly over the chaos, his face expressionless, as if he were watching a farce that had nothing to do with him.

"Let's go through the side door or the back door, and avoid them!" he whispered to Counselor Li.

Now is not the time to give interviews and loudly proclaim victory, especially when the Japanese delegation is in such a sorry state. It would be too unkind to add insult to injury and would easily give others grounds to say that he is a petty person who has achieved his goal.

Keep a low profile and leave quickly; that's the wise thing to do!
However, the reporters were clearly not going to let the biggest winner of the night slip by.

Someone with sharp eyes spotted Cheng Xuemin and the others at the other end of the corridor!
"Look! It's Cheng! Cheng Xuemin! The Palme d'Or winner!"

"Mr. Cheng! Please grant this interview!"

"Cheng! Congratulations on winning the Palme d'Or! Can you share your feelings right now?"

"Has Japan admitted defeat regarding the $400 million bet?"

"Mr. Cheng, how do you plan to use this huge sum of money?"

Is the copyright to "Redemption" currently up for sale?

……

Please vote with monthly tickets and subscribe to the full chapter! Thank you! Thank you! (End of Chapter)