Chapter 00171: A Desperate Struggle
# A Desperate Struggle
Chapter 171
Novel: 1979 Golden Age
Chapter 171: A Desperate Struggle
"The martial arts film *Tai Chi*, produced by the Northern Film Studio, has caused a sensation in Hong Kong, raking in 17 million at the box office and claiming the top spot in Hong Kong's film history! Not long ago, the main cast and crew went to Hong Kong for promotional events, where they were warmly welcomed by the public. Everywhere they went, they were met with flowers and applause, and fans were moved to tears... This is a historic moment, a milestone in cinematic history!"The male lead of *Tai Chi* is played by Li Lianjie, a multiple-time national martial arts champion, while the female lead is the well-known Gong Xue.
The screenplay was written by Chen Qi, who also wrote *Romance on Lushan Mountain*.
It is reported that Chen Qi's previous work, *Deadly Curve*, released last year, earned 4 million at the box office.
The film deeply exposed the crimes committed by Japanese invaders in Hong Kong, but unfortunately, its content was too bold, and we were unable to see it.
Another of his works, *Dark Invasion*, is currently in production by the Great Wall Company, but it still won't be released in mainland China.
As a 21-year-old screenwriter, Chen Qi has not only achieved great success in the mainland but has also earned a staggering 21 million at the Hong Kong box office with his two films.
He is undoubtedly an outstanding figure among the younger generation and someone our film industry should deeply reflect upon...""*Tai Chi* premiered in Hong Kong first, and there is still no reliable news about its release in the mainland.
When reporters inquired with the China Film Corporation, they refused to comment..."This much was still within the realm of normalcy, but then the article started naming names."In mid-February, *The Return of Swallows* and *Tai Chi* went to West Berlin... *The Return of Swallows* unfortunately lost, while *Tai Chi* shone brightly, captivating foreigners with Chinese martial arts!"The article continued to lavish praise, then shifted its tone:"Accompanying the films was Fang Yurong (name modified for privacy) from the China Film Corporation.
She has considerable overseas experience and is also a film selector for the Berlin Film Festival.
Fang Yurong strongly pushed for *The Return of Swallows* to compete, personally attending various events in Berlin, which is truly commendable!"Accompanying the text were various photos of her in Berlin—hugging the festival chairman, Hadel, mingling with jury members, and laughing and drinking with directors and actors from other countries... Yu Jiajia didn't mention the foreign exchange earnings, as the news had already been published in full. What else was there to report? But this was enough. In 1981, the winds blowing in from outside were growing stronger, and many people's perspectives were quietly changing. They began to idolize everything from abroad, and tapes of Hong Kong and Taiwanese singers started flowing in through various channels, sparking a wave of pop music enlightenment for many. Hong Kong, due to its unique position, received a great deal of attention. In the eyes of most, it was a highly developed capitalist society where even the toilets were gold-plated. So phrases like"mainland film,""dominating Hong Kong,"and"17 million Hong Kong dollars"easily stirred the hearts of countless people. Especially when they saw that *Tai Chi* was released in Hong Kong but not in the mainland—why was that?"Xiao Huang! Xiao Huang!"Auntie Wang, bundled up in a thick cotton coat, ran up to the tea stall like an old lady rushing to grab eggs in later years. She immediately asked,"Has anyone been asking about Xiao Chen these past few days?""Yes, they asked about you too?""I've looked into it.
This kind of situation definitely means he's being investigated by the authorities!"Auntie Wang, old as she was, suddenly felt a youthful vigor. She declared loudly,"Xiao Chen is one of us! His work ties are still here.
He earned 21 million in Hong Kong, and that brings glory to us too.
I was hoping to have him come back and give a report.
We can't let him be bullied!""What do you want to do?""We don't understand all the twists and turns of the film industry, but we can go to the government leaders.
You write a joint letter, and we'll submit it through the neighborhood committee.
We'll praise him, praise him to the skies, and make sure nothing happens to him!""Got it, we'll write it right away!"Huang Zhanying, feeling a deep sense of camaraderie, readily agreed. …………"This is bad!"At the China Film Corporation, Song Linming put down the *China Youth Daily* in his hands, his face turning pale. He had been racing against time to settle the matter and seize the business opportunity, but who would have thought the newspaper would report on it? Once public opinion started to surge, with everyone clamoring for *Tai Chi*, the China Film Corporation would be in a passive position. What was even more infuriating was that he slammed the table and pointed at Fang Yurong, yelling,"What's the deal with those photos?""Those were all published in Berlin newspapers.
It was our first time participating, so they paid a lot of attention.
There were reporters following me every day...
How did they end up in the mainland?""You're as dumb as a pig! That's not what I'm asking! You were there to attend events, not to hug and kiss people! Look at this one—that foreigner's lips are practically on your face!""He's French.
French people are romantic and passionate; that's just how they are.
I was just following local customs.
How else was I supposed to interact with Westerners?"Fang Yurong muttered softly. Song Linming suddenly felt exhausted. What kind of subordinates did he have? That Chen Qi kid, though annoying, was objectively speaking, truly capable."Forget it.
Come with me to the Ministry of Culture.
We absolutely cannot let them turn this around!"…………"Chen Qi, you're free to go!"At the special guesthouse, Xiao Mo opened the door."So, I'm cleared?""The investigation is complete.
You're cleared.""Thank you for restoring my innocence...
By the way, if I were to report someone else with similar suspicions, would you investigate them too?""Of course!""Alright, that's good to know."Chen Qi nodded and walked downstairs, with Xiao Mo accompanying him. When they reached the bottom, Chen Qi asked,"Comrade, can I ask your name?""State secret!""Heh, I feel like we're about the same age.
Talking to you feels quite natural.
I hope we can meet again, under normal circumstances, of course."Chen Qi waved at him and ran toward Wang Yang, who had come to pick him up in person, like a grandson running to his grandfather."Old Director, I've caused you a lot of trouble, haven't I? You must have called in a lot of favors.""Hey, favors are meant to be used.
At my age, if I die without using them, it'd be a waste."Wang Yang didn't elaborate on the situation over the past few days. He simply said,"Fu Qi has arrived and met with Comrade Liao.
The China Film Corporation people are making a fuss again, and the Ministry of Culture has no choice but to call a meeting.
Since you're out now, do you want to rest or go straight there?""No need to rest.
I've been cooped up in there for too long.
Let's go!"………… At the Ministry of Culture, in the large conference room. By the time Chen Qi arrived, many people were already there, including various leaders from the relevant departments. The atmosphere was tense, and Song Linming and Fang Yurong were naturally present. When they saw him walk in, Fang Yurong muttered under her breath,"He got out? What luck!"They all sat down. The table was arranged in a circle, with the leaders at the head and the others at the foot. The setup resembled an ancient courtroom, with them as the defendants."Old Wang,"the leader began,"this matter has been explained differently by all parties involved.
Without additional evidence, it's hard for me to take sides.
But you yourselves have admitted that you did sell the film.
There's no dispute about that, right?""None.
But please consider the specific circumstances.
Under the conditions at the time, we had no choice but to do so.
If you want to assign blame, perhaps you should ask Comrade Fang Yurong, whose indifference to *Tai Chi* led to a series of issues.""Don't make excuses.
I'm only one person; I can't split myself in two. *The Return of Swallows* was the competition film, so of course, I focused more on that,"Fang Yurong retorted."Isn't that just another excuse? You can say that, but we can't?"
(End of Chapter)