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

A brief silence fell over the meeting room, with only the smoke swirling silently in the air.

Everyone is still processing this sudden, disruptive information!

Looking at everyone's reactions, Liao Gong knew that the first bomb had achieved its effect.

He didn't stop, but continued speaking, his voice returning to its previous calm, but what he said was even more shocking than before:

"Just now, a comrade said that Cheng Xuemin, who is involved in literature and art, does not understand technology or industry, and is gambling with a technology contract that the country urgently needs. It's ridiculous!"

His gaze swept over Vice Minister Liu again, then slowly shifted away to look at everyone present.

"Now, I have something else to tell you all!"

Liao Gong leaned forward slightly, his hands resting on the table, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable certainty:

"Where did the core technology involved in that critical technology transfer contract worth two hundred million US dollars, which the country urgently needs, come from, or rather, where did that two hundred million US dollars technology transfer fee come from?"

He paused for a moment, his gaze sharp as he looked at the faces filled with confusion, contemplation, and anticipation for answers.

"That technology is not a family secret recipe that we dug up from some research institute or factory, nor is it something we obtained from the West by tightening our belts and saving up foreign exchange."

"That two hundred million US dollars was earned for the country by Comrade Cheng Xuemin single-handedly!"

"what?!"

"This... Lord Liao, what do you mean by that?"

"The technology was discovered by Cheng Xuemin? How is that possible?!"

"Two hundred million US dollars... he earned it??"

The meeting room erupted in chaos!

I was even more shocked and incredulous than when I first heard about the authorization!
Questions, exclamations, and inquiries rose and fell.

Everyone was stunned and completely bewildered by this information!
How could a film director and screenwriter be involved with industrial technology worth two hundred million US dollars?
Will we make it back?

Vice Minister Liu suddenly raised his head, his eyes wide open, staring intently at Liao Gong, as if trying to find any trace of a joke on his face.

But Liao Gong's expression was serious and firm, without the slightest hint of jest.

Director Zhang sat up straight, his face filled with disbelief.

Director Wang nearly dropped his cigarette on the table. He quickly grabbed it, took a deep drag, and tried to calm the turmoil in his heart.

Liao Gong waited a few seconds, letting the shock subside slightly, before continuing to speak. His voice wasn't loud, but it drowned out all the noise:

"Specific technical details are top secret and cannot be discussed here!"

"But I can tell you that Comrade Cheng Xuemin, outside of filmmaking, possesses unimaginable talent and insight in the fields of science and engineering!"

"He provided a complete, leading-edge technical solution and design concept that has been verified and recognized by international authoritative institutions."

This system has immeasurable value for breakthroughs in a key area of ​​our country.

"Hitachi Heavy Industries is interested in this system, which is why they offered a sky-high price of two hundred million US dollars and agreed to attach a series of technology exchange and cooperation terms that are extremely favorable to us in exchange for partial usage rights and future cooperative development opportunities."

Liao Gong spoke slowly, but every word was crystal clear, striking a chord in everyone's hearts:
"In other words, the $200 million technology transfer fee was essentially foreign exchange earnings created for the country by Comrade Cheng Xuemin using his knowledge and wisdom!"

He earned it from the Japanese using his brains!

"That contract transferred the profits generated by his technological achievements. He himself is the core and indispensable creator of this astronomical contract!"

The meeting room was deathly silent!

Everyone was so shocked by the truth that they were speechless.

Just moments before, Vice Minister Liu had been indignantly criticizing Cheng Xuemin for his lack of technical knowledge and for risking the nation's core interests. His face flushed red and then paled, his mouth slightly open, but he couldn't utter a sound.

He felt like a clown, spouting nonsense and making unwarranted accusations against a hero who had contributed to the country's ability to earn two hundred million US dollars in foreign exchange and provided the possibility of a key technological breakthrough!

A tremendous sense of absurdity and shame suddenly gripped him.

Director Zhang's expression also became extremely solemn. He slowly took off his hat and placed it on the table, his fingers unconsciously stroking the brim.

It turns out... the truth of the matter is not what they imagined at all!

This is not Cheng Xuemin gambling with the country's resources at all; rather, he is using his own resources to fight for a greater future for the country!

The difference in their nature is worlds apart!
Director Wang exhaled a long puff of smoke, a look of sudden realization dawning on his face, followed by deeper contemplation.

If the technology originated with Cheng Xuemin, then many issues need to be reconsidered...

Liao Gong took in everyone's reactions and knew it was time to draw conclusions.

"Therefore!" Liao Gong's voice rang out again, carrying a calm and unquestionable authority, "Comrade Cheng Xuemin, in Cannes, used the technological benefits that the Japanese coveted, which originally belonged to his personal creation, as a wager to compete with the Japanese."

They won, and the country gained an extra 200 million US dollars in foreign exchange out of thin air, with no technological damage and a world-class artistic reputation.

Even if they lost, the main loss would be the portion of his personal earnings that he was entitled to. The country's bottom line on technology importation remained uncrossed because the core technology was in our hands; the Japanese couldn't take it away!

"He sought permission beforehand and obtained authorization. He was betting, to a large extent, his own private assets!"

Liao Gong's gaze slowly swept across the entire room, finally landing on Vice Minister Liu's face, his tone deep and serious:

"Old Liu, Old Zhang, and the other comrades who just spoke, it's good that you care about national interests and strictly abide by organizational discipline!"

But when looking at a problem, we must see its essence, conduct investigations and research, and not just label people and draw conclusions based on assumptions!

"Did Comrade Cheng Xuemin make any mistakes? Yes! His approach was too radical and too risky. He did not follow the conventional procedures step by step, which brought passivity and enormous pressure to the work in China."

"When he comes back, we need to criticize and educate him on this point, and let him know that while individual initiative is important, organizational coordination and support are equally indispensable!"

No matter how skilled you are, you must learn to operate within the framework of rules and understand how to rely on the strength of the team!

"But!" Liao Gong emphasized this point heavily, "His merits far outweigh his faults!"

"His courage, his wisdom, his unreserved dedication to the national interest, and his spirit of daring to confront challenges deserve recognition and are worthy of emulation!"

"Comrades!"

Liao Gong's voice suddenly rose, carrying a deafening power:

"What era are we in now? We've opened our doors to the world through reform and opening up; we need to not only bring in foreign investment but also go global!" "We need to compete for international standing, a voice in the world, and tangible benefits! What will we rely on? On following established procedures? On constantly seeking instructions and reporting at every level?"

"Sometimes, we need someone like Comrade Cheng Xuemin—capable, courageous, and willing to step forward at critical moments, using extraordinary measures to break the deadlock and expand the country's territory! A true hero!"

"Therefore!" Liao concluded firmly, "The organization's attitude towards everything Comrade Cheng Xuemin has done in Cannes is clear: full support, and we await the results!"

Just as Liao Gong finished saying he would wait for the results, his secretary hurriedly walked in from outside, instantly attracting everyone's attention.

Suddenly, Old Wu, who had been watching the show without saying a word, perked up, wondering if there was a result yet.
Wang Yang, the former director of Yanying Film Studio, who was also sitting in the corner and had no say in the matter, was also suddenly alert. He looked at his watch and wondered to himself, "Is there a result so soon?"
What will be the outcome of Cheng Xuemin's high-stakes gamble?

Won! ?
We lost again!?
Vice Minister Liu's face was still somewhat pale, but upon hearing that he was waiting for the results and seeing his secretary enter, he subconsciously straightened his back, pursed his lips, and looked at Liao Gong with a complicated expression, then at the secretary.

Director Zhang put his hat back on, his fingers unconsciously gripping the brim, his knuckles turning slightly white.

Director Wang stubbed out his cigarette and leaned forward slightly.

Leader Zhou adjusted his glasses, his eyes behind the lenses remaining unblinking.

Everyone held their breath at that moment!

The secretary clearly felt the weight, heat, and intense anticipation and tension of the gaze fixed upon her.

He quickened his pace, almost jogging, to Liao Gong's side. He bent down, leaned close to Liao Gong's ear, and urgently reported in a very low, very fast voice, but with an uncontrollable tremor of excitement.

Liao Gong listened with a slight tilt of his ear, his expression initially unchanged, remaining as calm and composed as a mountain.

But as the secretary's lips moved rapidly, his eyebrows twitched almost imperceptibly upwards!
This subtle change in expression made Old Wu, who had been watching him intently, jump in surprise!
There is a play!

It's definitely not bad news!
If it were bad news, Liao Gong's expression would never be like this!
Others also noticed this subtle change; the air in the conference room seemed to be gripped even tighter by an invisible hand, almost solidifying!

The secretary reported in a low voice for about ten seconds.

After listening, Liao Gong did not speak immediately. He raised his hand, signaling his secretary to wait a moment, and then his gaze slowly swept over the tense, expectant, anxious, and uneasy faces in the conference room!
His gaze lingered for half a second on Vice Minister Liu's somewhat stiff face, swept over Director Zhang's tightly pursed lips, and paused on Director Wang's slightly forward-leaning body.

Finally, the gaze fell on Wang Yang's pale face in the corner of the Yan Film Studio, a face drained of color from extreme tension.

Then, almost imperceptibly, the corners of Liao Gong's mouth curved upwards in an extremely small, yet meaningful arc.

He withdrew his gaze and looked again at the secretary who was still bowing and waiting. His voice was steady, yet clearly carried throughout the silent conference room:

"Xiao Chen, no need to speak so softly! Since it's good news, speak it out loud! Let everyone here hear it!"

boom!
Liao Gong's words were like gently plucking a string that was already stretched to its limit!
Although his tone was calm, the words "good news" struck like lightning, instantly shattering the tense atmosphere that had been frozen in the conference room!

Old Wu's body jolted violently, and his eyes flashed with an unbelievable, ecstatic light. His hands, which were on his knees, instantly clenched into fists!

Old factory director Wang Yang felt a surge of scalding heat rush from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. His vision went white, his ears were ringing, and he almost fainted!

Good news?! Liao Gong said it's good news?!
Oh my god! Could it be...?

The color returned to Vice Minister Liu's face instantly, but his eyes showed more of an extreme shock and bewilderment.

Director Zhang loosened his grip on the brim of his hat.

Director Wang let out a long, silent breath that had been stuck in his chest.

The entire conference room went from absolute silence to an eerie stillness, as if everyone was holding their breath, waiting for the thunder to strike!
All eyes were fixed on Secretary Xiao Chen, who had straightened up and was facing everyone.

Secretary Xiao Chen was clearly affected by the atmosphere. He straightened his back, cleared his dry throat, and picked up the piece of paper with slightly trembling hands, his eyes scanning over the few lines of text on it.

Then, raising his head to meet the intense gazes filling the room, he read aloud, word by word, in a voice as clear and loud as possible, yet still trembling with barely concealed excitement:
"I just received a very urgent telegram from our Embassy in France, Counselor Li Jianguo, sent from the Cannes Film Festival via a secure line!"

He paused, took a deep breath, as if to pour all his strength into nailing every word that followed into the walls of history:
"The telegram says: At the closing ceremony and awards ceremony of the 33rd Cannes International Film Festival tonight, local time!"

The secretary's voice suddenly rose, carrying a solemnity and excitement as if announcing history:
"The feature film 'The Shawshank Redemption,' produced, written, and led by Chinese young filmmaker Cheng Xuemin, won the highest honor of this film festival—the Palme d'Or—after fierce competition!"

Wow!!!

Despite the psychological preparation for good news, when the words "Palm of Fame" were so clearly and definitively read out by the secretary, it was still a moment of great joy!
The conference room erupted instantly into an uncontrollable uproar and gasps of shock!
Palme d'Or!
It really is the Palme d'Or!

A breakthrough for Chinese cinema! An unprecedented highest honor!
You just got it like that?!
Many of the leaders present, though not specifically in charge of culture, were well aware of the significance of the Cannes Palme d'Or in the international film industry!
This is not just a victory for a film; it is a milestone event in China's cultural and artistic development since the reform and opening up, marking a significant step towards international recognition and the highest level of acclaim.

Its political significance and cultural influence are immeasurable!

Old Wu slapped his thigh suddenly, a smile of unprecedented joy spreading across his face, his eyes even becoming a little moist.

The old factory director, Wang Yang, let out a roar and jumped up from his chair, tears streaming down his face. He felt like crying and laughing at the same time, and could only mutter unconsciously:

"The Palme d'Or... The Palme d'Or... Scholarism got it! Got it! Thank God! Our nation is blessed!"

Vice Minister Liu's mouth gaped open, his expression frozen in shock, bewilderment, disbelief, and a lingering embarrassment and a hint of shame.

He had previously fiercely criticized Cheng Xuemin for not understanding art and only knowing how to take risks, but now, Cheng has given him the most resounding slap in the face with a real, globally recognized highest award for film art!

Director Zhang let out a heavy sigh, slowly leaned back in his chair, and a rare, complex smile appeared on his usually serious face. He slowly shook his head, as if lamenting the unpredictability of life.

Director Wang slammed his hand on the table and shouted, "Good!"

His eyes gleamed, clearly he was already rapidly calculating the international impact and potential benefits behind this Palme d'Or.

However, the secretary's report did not end there.

While everyone was still immersed in the immense shock and ecstasy brought by the Palme d'Or.

The secretary took a deep breath and, in an even higher, almost hoarse voice, continued reading the second half of the telegram—the true, earth-shattering epicenter:
"At the same time, the telegram confirms that Comrade Cheng Xuemin, based on his previous authorization, reached a final agreement and confirmed the result with Naoko Tsuchimino, representative of Hitachi Heavy Industries of Japan, before the closing ceremony of the film festival, in the presence of global media!"

"As agreed by both parties and according to the official Cannes awards announcement: our film 'Redemption' won the Palme d'Or, and the Japanese film 'Kagemusha' won the Grand Jury Prize!"

"The Palme d'Or is far more prestigious than the Grand Jury Prize! We win the bet!"

The secretary's voice was hoarse with extreme excitement, but he mustered all his strength to shout out the last and most crucial sentence of the telegram:

"Therefore, the Japanese side has verbally admitted defeat on the spot and has initially agreed to fulfill the bet! The total amount involved is US$400 million! The relevant confirmation documents and subsequent handover procedures are being processed urgently!"

"Telegram complete!"

……

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