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

“Mr. Cheng!” Sir Shao’s voice carried a complex mix of surprise, doubt, and a barely perceptible hint of admiration as he continued:

"You know, two million dollars in Hollywood might only be enough to make a mid-budget independent film, or even less."

You want to use this little money to make a World War II film targeting the international market? That... is incredibly audacious.

Cheng Xuemin smiled, a confident smile in his eyes, and replied, "Sir Shao, there are ways to bid when you have a lot of money, and ways to make a living when you have little money."

A large portion of Hollywood's production costs goes to star salaries, union systems, and layers of bureaucratic management. We can avoid these.

He explained in detail: "In terms of actors, we don't look for established superstars, but rather for talented actors with potential but low pay, or even newcomers."

The production team is lean and efficient, with many positions being filled by one person who can perform multiple roles.

Filming locations were mainly set in Hong Kong and the surrounding areas, taking advantage of local cost advantages.

Post-production can be partially completed in Hong Kong, and partially utilized in relatively inexpensive independent studios in Europe and America.

Most importantly, the story itself must be powerful enough to move people with its content, rather than simply relying on visual spectacle and celebrity appeal.

As Sir Shaw listened, his fingers unconsciously traced patterns on the sofa armrest.

Having been in business for decades, he deeply understands the importance of cost control.

Although Cheng Xuemin's words sounded somewhat idealistic, they were logical and not far-fetched.

more importantly!
This "small investment for a big market" approach is completely different from his usual big-investment, big-production model, but it hits the sore spot of his recent failure.

Perhaps the problem isn't that we didn't invest enough money, but that we didn't take the right path.

"Have you found a direction for the actors you need?" Sir Shaw asked a crucial question.

“I’ve already asked people in the US to look for actors,” Cheng Xuemin replied. “The key is to find actors who have a ‘story’ and can handle complex roles, but who haven’t been overhyped by the market.”

This requires foresight, and also a bit of luck.

Sir Shaw pondered for a long time, and the study fell silent once again.

Outside the window, the lights of a ferry streaked across the dark sea.

Finally, he stubbed out his cigar, sat up straight, looked intently at Cheng Xuemin, and made his decision.

“Mr. Cheng!” Sir Shao’s voice regained its usual composure, but with an added decisiveness as he spoke:
"Your idea is risky, but... very interesting. Hong Kong cinema definitely needs new ideas."

"I, Shaw Yip-fung, have been operating in Hong Kong for decades. I dare not speak of other things, but I do have some resources, such as film studios, equipment, and technical personnel."

He paused, then his tone became unusually serious: "Since you have the courage to forge a new path for Hong Kong cinema, I support you."

During the filming of "Redemption" in Hong Kong, you worked at Shaw Brothers' studios, sound stages, post-production equipment, and with some experienced technicians.

As long as the schedule allows, I can rent it to you at the most favorable price... no, at cost price. Consider it an investment in the future of Hong Kong cinema.

Cheng Xuemin was shocked; this was exactly the support he had hoped to gain on this trip!

With Shaw Brothers' mature industrial system as a backing, he was able to greatly reduce production costs and invest limited funds more efficiently in the content itself.

He immediately stood up and bowed deeply to Sir Shaw: "Sir Shaw, thank you very much for your trust and support! I will remember this kindness."

Sir Shaw waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down, and a rare, slightly wistful smile appeared on his face as he said, "No need to be so polite."

"I'm getting old. There are some paths you young people need to forge. Two million US dollars to unlock the European and American markets..."

"Heh, if it really works, it will be a resounding slap in the face to all those who cling to the old ways."

His gaze fell upon the boundless night sky outside the window, as if he had glimpsed some new possibility.

At that moment, the atmosphere in the study completely changed.

What began as a tentative exploration and scrutiny has evolved into an alliance based on shared interests and foresight.

Cheng Xuemin knew that he had not only won the key support of an industry giant, but had also placed a piece in the deep waters of Hong Kong cinema that was enough to change the landscape.

When Cheng Xuemin and Sir Shao reappeared on the terrace, both wore relaxed yet meaningful smiles.

Raymond Chow, Michael Mak, and others who had been observing from the shadows immediately noticed this subtle change.

They realized that this seemingly ordinary family dinner might have quietly altered the balance of power.

Cheng Xuemin did not linger any longer. After politely bidding farewell to Sir Shao and several key figures, he left the Shao residence accompanied by Fu Qi.

Once inside the car and off Repulse Bay Road, Fu Qi finally couldn't help but ask, "Teacher Cheng, how did your talk with Sir Shaw go?"

Looking at the neon lights flashing past the window, Cheng Xuemin smiled confidently: "It's settled. Sir Shao has agreed to fully support our filming of 'Redemption'."

Fu Qi's eyes widened, both surprised and delighted: "Really? We can use Shaw Brothers' resources...?"

"Cost price." Cheng Xuemin uttered three words, closed his eyes, and leaned back in his chair.

The car drove off Repulse Bay Road and merged into the still bustling main roads of the city at night.

The neon lights outside the window shimmered and cast flickering shadows on Cheng Xuemin's face.

He leaned back in his chair, eyes closed, seemingly taking a nap, but the slight upturn of his lips and the fingers gently tapping his knee betrayed the turmoil within him.

Fu Qi, who had been holding back all the way, finally couldn't resist. He turned to the side, lowered his voice, and asked with barely suppressed excitement and a hint of disbelief:

"Teacher Cheng, Sir Shao... really agreed to fully support us? And at cost price? This... this is like sending charcoal in snowy weather!"

Cheng Xuemin opened his eyes, his gaze clear, showing no sign of weariness.

He looked at Fu Qi, smiled, and said in a calm yet undeniably authoritative tone:

"Mr. Fu, Sir Shaw is a shrewd man. He lost 20 million US dollars investing in Blade Runner, and he knows better than anyone the dead end of forcing his way into Hollywood."

He saw the potential for a comeback with our new approach of "low cost, high quality, and international targeting".

Supporting us is not only investing in the future of Hong Kong cinema, but also leaving himself a way out.

He paused, sat up straight, and looked sharply at Fu Qi: "However, Sir Shao's support is not just about the film set and equipment."

Those things, even a skinny camel like our Great Wall Company is bigger than a horse, we can squeeze them in and make do.

What we really need to leverage is Shaw Brothers' most valuable asset: their cinema chains!

"Theatrical releases?" Fu Qi's eyes lit up, then he suddenly realized, slapped his thigh, and exclaimed, "That's right! How come I didn't think of that!"
Shaw Brothers controls four prime cinema chains, spanning the most bustling areas of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, with over a hundred cinemas in total! If we could acquire those…”

"It's not about taking it over, it's about leasing it, or rather, cooperating with it," Cheng Xuemin corrected, a calculating glint in his eyes. "How will Liu Jialiang's 'Martial Arts School' compete?"
He's a sole proprietor, with no company background and no fixed theater chain support. His screen time depends entirely on the mood of the theater manager; he'd be lucky to get even a little over ten percent of the screen time.

Golden Harvest and Golden Princess each had their own films to protect, so the scraps they could give Lau Kar-leung were limited.

He rolled down the car window, letting the cool night breeze into the car, and said in a slightly stern voice:

"But we're different. If Sir Shaw agrees, all of Shaw Brothers' four cinema chains, nearly a hundred theaters, can allocate their core screenings during the summer season to 'Shaolin Temple'!"
At that point, it won't be Liu Chia-liang fighting us; it will be him alone against the entire Shaw Brothers distribution network!

Fu Qi listened with great excitement, as if he could already see the screen filled with "Shaolin Temple," but then a trace of worry appeared on his face:
“Mr. Cheng, the idea is excellent… but would Sir Shaw agree to stake the entire theater chain on us? After all, it concerns Shaw Brothers’ revenue for the entire summer season…”

Cheng Xuemin smiled confidently: "Therefore, we need to come up with a reason that will force Sir Shao to support us."

"First of all, the quality of 'Shaolin Temple' is excellent. With the success of 'Tai Chi' as a precedent, Sir Shaw was confident."

Secondly, we are not asking for support for nothing; we are leasing the space according to market rules, and we will pay the full rent. We just hope to have priority in scheduling.

Third, and most importantly…

He lowered his voice, leaned towards Fu Qi like a general deploying troops for a battle, and said:
"We need to help Sir Shaw Brothers do the math. Supporting our 'Shaolin Temple' to win this competition is not just about earning box office revenue for one movie, but also about demonstrating the powerful distribution capabilities of Shaw Brothers cinemas to the whole of Hong Kong and even the whole of Asia!"

This is advertising for Shaw Brothers cinemas, telling all film companies that if they want box office success, they have to come to Shaw Brothers!

This intangible asset is worth far more than the rental income from a film. Sir Shaw was a shrewd businessman; he understood this perfectly.

Fu Qi nodded repeatedly, utterly impressed: "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! Teacher Cheng, you're not just making a movie, you're playing chess! You're thinking three moves ahead!"

Cheng Xuemin leaned back in his seat, his gaze fixed on the fleeting street scenes outside the window. His tone was calm: "After returning to the hotel, I will prepare a detailed plan for the summer release and screening schedule of 'Shaolin Temple.' The focus will be on analyzing Shaw Brothers' box office expectations and revenue sharing model with their full support. Tomorrow, I will personally visit Sir Shaw again to finalize the details."

"Yes, yes, we definitely need to strike while the iron is hot and take it down in one fell swoop!" Fu Qi rubbed his hands together, full of enthusiasm.

The car arrived at the Great Wall Hotel.

As soon as Cheng Xuemin got out of the car, he saw several reporters who were waiting at the hotel entrance. They pounced on him like cats smelling fish, and microphones and cameras were instantly pointed at him.

"Mr. Cheng! Has the family banquet at the Shao residence ended? How did your talks with Sir Shao go?"

"Has some kind of cooperation been reached?"

"What is your latest response to Master Liu Jialiang's challenge?"

Cheng Xuemin did not stop to give an interview as usual, but simply nodded slightly to the reporters and gave them a meaningful smile.

Escorted by hotel security and two bodyguards from China Overseas who were always by his side, he quickly walked into the lobby.

A group of reporters were left looking at each other, their hearts pounding with anxiety.

This hesitant attitude, instead of revealing everything, has sparked even more speculation and conjecture.

Back in his room, Cheng Xuemin washed his face to shake off some of his fatigue.

He stood by the window, gazing at the myriad lights of Kowloon Peninsula, pondering each move he would make next.

Sir Shaw's support is a crucial step, but how to use this card effectively still requires precise execution.

Meanwhile, at the Clearwater Bay film set, in Lau Kar-leung's martial arts school, the atmosphere was like the calm before a storm, so oppressive that it was hard to breathe.

Liu Jialiang, shirtless and drenched in sweat, frantically punched a heavy sandbag, his fists raining down with dull "bang" sounds.

His face contorted in rage, and he growled, treating the sandbag as if it were Cheng Xuemin.

The eldest disciple, Liu Jiahui, and several other disciples stood at a distance, not daring to step forward to dissuade them.

"Master... take a rest, don't tire yourself out!" Liu Jiahui finally mustered up the courage to step forward and hand over a towel.

Liu Jialiang abruptly stopped, panting heavily. He grabbed a towel and roughly wiped his face, his eyes bloodshot as he glared at his apprentice.

"Rest? How can I rest? That northerner, I don't know what kind of spell he's cast on Sir Shaw! What if Shaw really sides with him..."

He didn't say anything more, but the worry and anger in his eyes were obvious.

Having filmed in Hong Kong for decades, he understands all too well the importance of theatrical distribution.

Without the support of theaters, even the best film is like a legless crab, unable to move an inch.

The film "My Elders," released during the previous Spring Festival season, serves as a stark lesson.

This time, his investment in "Martial Arts School" almost emptied his savings and even mortgaged his ancestral home.

If scheduling is restricted, the consequences could be dire.

"Master, it's not that serious, is it?" a young disciple asked timidly. "How could a company as big as Shaw Brothers be led by the nose by a guy from the mainland?"

"You know nothing!" Liu Jialiang roared, slamming the towel to the ground. "That old fox, Run Run Shaw, won't get up early for nothing!"
The fact that he was able to meet with that Northman in private means that the Northman's offer was tempting to him!
Damn it, I should have…

He punched the sandbag in regret, lamenting that he had staked everything on it to save face, without having made proper arrangements with theater chains beforehand.

Now we can only pray that Golden Harvest or Golden Princess will consider our past relationship and give us more screenings.

However, bad news always travels fast.

The next morning, the front pages of several major entertainment newspapers in Hong Kong, although they did not directly mention the specific collaboration between Cheng Xuemin and Sir Shaw.

However, they all used subtle language to imply that "mainland director Cheng Xuemin was favored by Sir Shaw, and they had a secret meeting late at night before returning home!"

"Shaw Brothers may engage in in-depth cooperation with emerging mainland talents!"

"The summer movie season landscape may be about to change!"

These reports, like pebbles thrown into a calm lake, have once again stirred up ripples in the Hong Kong film industry.

After seeing the newspaper, Raymond Chow of Golden Harvest frowned and instructed his men to closely monitor the movements of Shaw Brothers and Cheng Xuemin.

Golden Princess's Lei Juekun snorted coldly and ordered an increase in the promotion of their summer films.

Karl Maka, with a cigar in his mouth, smiled at Raymond Wong and Dean Shek and said, "This is going to be good! Lau Kar-leung is probably going to run into a brick wall this time!"

Cheng Xuemin, who was at the eye of the storm, seemed to be detached from the situation.

Accompanied by Fu Qi, he drove to Shaw Brothers Studio again in the morning, this time to have substantive negotiations with the general manager of Shaw Brothers in charge of the cinema business.

The negotiations took place in a spacious conference room at Shaw Studios.

The Shaw Brothers representative was Zhou Zhaoming, the general manager of the cinema chain, a shrewd and capable middle-aged man wearing gold-rimmed glasses. After exchanging pleasantries and sitting down, they got straight to the point.

Zhou Zhaoming pushed up his glasses and got straight to the point: "Mr. Cheng, Manager Fu, Sir Shaw has given instructions, in principle, to support the screening of 'Shaolin Temple' in Shaw Brothers cinemas."

However, the specific screening ratio and cooperation details will need to be determined according to market rules.

Fu Qi quickly handed over the prepared proposal: "President Zhou, this is our preliminary proposal. Please take a look."

Zhou Zhaoming carefully reviewed the proposal, his face expressionless. Cheng Xuemin, on the other hand, calmly sipped his tea, waiting for the other to speak.

After a long silence, Zhou Zhaoming put down the proposal and looked at Cheng Xuemin: "Mr. Cheng, the proposal is very bold. It requires that Shaw Brothers' four main cinema chains allocate no less than 60% of the screenings to 'Shaolin Temple' during its opening week, with adjustments made based on occupancy rates thereafter."

This ratio...it's practically giving you the entire prime time slot of the summer movie season. The risk is huge.

Cheng Xuemin put down his teacup, smiled slightly, and said, "President Zhou, risk and reward are proportional."

As you've seen, "Tai Chi" has grossed over 20 million US dollars overseas, proving that our film has market appeal.

And the box office success of the film in your Shaw Brothers theaters also made you a fortune.

Our film, *Shaolin Temple*, will only surpass the quality of *Tai Chi*. Shaw Brothers has shown sincerity, and we guarantee to repay that sincerity with box office success. This is a win-win collaboration.

He paused, then added, "Moreover, this isn't just a movie business."

"The fact that Shaw Brothers cinemas supported a promising film so strongly and it became a huge success is itself the best advertisement."

From now on, all film companies looking to make money will prioritize collaborating with Shaw Brothers. Mr. Zhou should know better than I do how much this intangible asset is worth.”

Zhou Zhaoming remained silent, tapping his fingers lightly on the table.

Cheng Xuemin's words were indeed to the point.

Shaw Brothers cinemas have faced fierce competition from Golden Harvest and Golden Princess in recent years, putting them under considerable pressure.

And the mainland guy in front of them was right; the collaboration on "Tai Chi" during the Spring Festival did indeed earn Shaw Brothers a whopping six million dollars, showing a strong momentum to surpass Golden Harvest and Golden Princess.

If Shaw Brothers can continue its aggressive expansion with "Shaolin Temple" and establish its advantage in distribution channels, it will be extremely beneficial to the company's long-term development.

"What about the rent and profit-sharing ratio?" Zhou Zhaoming asked the crucial question.

Fu Qi took over the conversation and, in accordance with the bottom line he had agreed upon with Cheng Xuemin beforehand, presented a plan that both demonstrated sincerity and guaranteed his own profits.

The two sides then engaged in a fierce tug-of-war.

Cheng Xuemin would occasionally chime in, and his words were often incisive and to the point.

The negotiations lasted the entire morning.

Ultimately, with Sir Shaw's tacit approval and Zhou Zhaoming's comprehensive assessment of the market prospects, the two parties reached a preliminary agreement that was extremely favorable to Cheng Xuemin.

……

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