Chapter 00212: in proper xianxia style while keeping the language simple and accessible
# in proper xianxia style while keeping the language simple and accessible:
Chapter 212
Novel: 1979 Golden Age
Chapter 212: North America Special Edition
"Please wait a moment!"
"Of course, take your time!"
In a simple and unadorned reception room, Chen Qi sat on a sofa covered with white cloth alongside a cultural ministry official as they waited.
Before long, Liao Gong walked in with a hearty laugh, his figure noticeably fuller.
"When I heard you'd arrived, I left my meeting early to come back. Xiao Chen, I was just thinking about hearing your progress report."
"We were just about to report to you, sir."
"Excellent, have some tea and tell me everything."
Liao Gong settled in with an attentive expression.
He truly cared about Chen Qi's affairs—partly because this path hadn't been walked before, and partly because even leaders enjoyed watching movies.
Truth be told, they didn't much care for domestic films either.
The cultural environment hadn't fully opened up yet.
Those cult classic films hadn't emerged, leaving genres rather limited.
Chen Qi straightened his posture and reported on the progress of "Tai Chi 2." From his competition with China Film Group until now, only three months had passed.
For a newly established company to produce a film, this pace was quite impressive.
"Good! Very good!" Liao Gong slapped the table in approval after hearing the outline.
"As I've said before, as long as it doesn't violate patriotic spirit or produce harmful content, you're free to create. The themes you've chosen seem fine to me—Tan Sitong had his shortcomings, but he was indeed a pioneer. The Boxers did resist foreign invaders. It was through such successive efforts that the revolutionary spark later emerged."
"Since there's a second, will there be a third installment?"
"There will be. The third part will feature battles against foreigners—Yang Yuqian competing with Westerners to showcase our nation's might."
"Ha! You clever boy!" Liao Gong gave him a meaningful look.
Historically, the third installment would involve revolutionary themes, but Chen Qi avoided that, opting instead for fights against foreigners.
"We actually came to request your guidance on some matters," the cultural ministry official interjected.
"Several scenes in 'Tai Chi 2' require shooting in Hong Kong. I didn't dare make that decision myself. Also, Xiao Chen plans to spend several months in Hong Kong negotiating with Great Wall Company. He wants to involve American actors and hopes you could recommend any overseas Chinese contacts in America who might help."
"Oh?" Liao Gong looked surprised and turned to Chen Qi for explanation.
Chen Qi elaborated: "'Tai Chi 2' has many scenes with foreigners. For the first film, we used Xinjiang actors as stand-ins, but that won't work this time—we need actual foreigners, which Hong Kong can provide."
"As for another project—here's my thinking. The reason kung fu/action films appeal to foreigners is that they don't need to understand the cultural context; they just appreciate exciting fight choreography. Beyond that, cultural differences create a natural barrier. Western audiences rarely accept non-action films with Asian leads—at best they might tolerate co-leads with Western actors."
"I want to experiment with a non-action film to expand our repertoire and test its reception in the American market. That's why I need American actors."
In all of American cinema history, aside from kung fu films, almost no Asian-led films have achieved significant success there.
There might be rare exceptions, but this holds generally true.
Chen Qi wanted to create a "North America Special Edition."
Trying to sell a fully Asian-cast film at premium prices in America simply wouldn't work.
The 1980s presented a unique opportunity—with the USSR still existing, Sino-American relations were strong, and Hollywood hadn't yet dominated globally.
This wasn't meant as a one-off deal but for long-term development.
Once networks matured, proper Sino-American co-productions could follow.
What Chen Qi really wanted to make were modern action films—like Jackie Chan's "Rush Hour" or Jet Li's "Romeo Must Die," pairing a formidable Chinese fighter with a wisecracking black sidekick, a formula proven successful in America.
But current conditions didn't allow that yet, so alternatives had to suffice.
"American actors, you say?" Liao Gong pondered briefly, neither approving nor refusing.
"Let me consider this."
After some further small talk, the two visitors departed.
"Do you think Liao Gong agreed or not?" Chen Qi asked.
"I'd say it's likely. With current Sino-American relations being good, cultural exchange is timely, and film collaboration makes sense. Moreover, you're already focused on international outreach—requesting some American actors isn't unreasonable. Just wait—you'll probably get an answer before going to Hong Kong."
"Alright. Then I have another request."
"What now?" The official looked exasperated.
"I'd like to request an official bodyguard for personal protection when I travel abroad!"
"..."
The official gave him the same meaningful look Liao Gong had earlier.
"We'll... look into it."
"Thank you!"
As they parted ways, the official shook his head at Chen Qi's retreating figure.
"These youngsters nowadays... how do their minds work?"
Anyone could see Chen Qi didn't really want a bodyguard—he was voluntarily requesting official supervision! In these times, those working overseas might defect or emigrate—neither outcome being uncommon.
——————————
Earlier that year, Jin Yong (Louis Cha) had applied through Xinhua News Agency's Hong Kong branch to visit the mainland.
After arrangements, on a summer day, Jin Yong obtained a rare private audience with national leadership in the Great Hall of the People—yes, a private meeting, indicating his significant status.
Dressed meticulously in suit and tie despite the heat, he brought his wife and children.
The meeting lasted over an hour.
At that time, "One Country, Two Systems" hadn't been proposed yet, but leadership clearly told Jin Yong: "Return to Hong Kong and tell your friends not to worry—life won't change dramatically."
Jin Yong represented not just himself but Hong Kong's elite circles, whose stance was: "Hong Kong is Chinese territory whose current state should remain undisturbed."
Thus the leadership's assurance greatly encouraged him.
Later, when "One Country, Two Systems" was proposed, Jin Yong praised it highly in writing as "a single phrase that could serve as universal law."
Subsequently, he joined Hong Kong Basic Law's drafting committee, heading its political system subgroup, and was appointed to Hong Kong SAR's preparatory committee.
Currently, Britain kept testing China's stance on Hong Kong.
The following year, after Britain's Falklands victory, Sino-British negotiations formally began, culminating in the 1984 Joint Declaration after two years of talks.
——————————
That day at Beijing Film Studio, the "Tai Chi 2" team gathered for a group photo outside the soundstage.
They'd done the same last year amid much skepticism—now those critics could only watch enviously.
The extra 1 yuan daily subsidy alone made crew positions highly coveted.
Li Wenhua now held sway too—those who'd looked down on him found themselves excluded as he brought in his own people to share the benefits.
After being scolded earlier, Donnie Yen had grown much more subdued.
He quietly asked Yuen Woo-ping: "Master, I heard film shoots usually involve red cloth rituals and incense offerings—why don't we have that here?"
"Different customs—nothing strange about it. Talk less and focus on filming. This movie will do you good."
Yuen Woo-ping found his disciple rather trying, needing constant reminders.
"Alright, one more shot!"
"Got it!"
After the group photo, Chen Qi—no longer needing Li Wenhua as cover—declared authoritatively:
"Tai Chi 2—action!"
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(Chapter end)