Chapter 51: Victory Banquet for the Ancient City of Jingjue

In the banquet hall of the Peninsula Hotel, crystal chandeliers bathed the entire room in resplendent golden brilliance.

"Forty-two million!" Shao Shaw Yifu raised his champagne glass, his face glowing with pride. "The Ancient City of Jingjue has broken the box office record in Xiangjiang!"

Thunderous applause filled the hall, and excited smiles beamed on the faces of all the creative staff.

"This toast is for our screenwriter—Xiang Qian!" Shao Shaw Yifu announced loudly.

Everyone raised their glasses; Wang Jing stood on stage, nodding with a smile.

"And for our director—Wang Jing!"

Wang Jing, sporting a rotund belly, cheerfully stood up, lifted his glass, and drained it in one gulp.

"Qianzai!" Wang Jing set down his glass and immediately hurried to Xiang Qian's side. "When will filming for the second part begin? I've already prepared the script!"

Xiang Qian took a slow sip of wine and smiled. "No rush."

"No rush?!" Wang Jing's eyes widened. "You're not in a hurry, but I am! All of Xiangjiang is waiting to see the second part of Ghost Blows Out the Light!"

Seeing the fat man's anxious expression, Xiang Qian couldn't help but laugh. "Wang Pangzi, what are you rushing for? The box office isn't going to run away."

"Qianzai!" Wang Jing grabbed Xiang Qian's sleeve. "Do you know how many people are eyeing this IP right now? Golden Harvest, Cinema City, even folks over in Wanwan are asking around!"

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Xiang Qian patted his shoulder. "Rest assured, they won't guess that Songbai is me."

Wang Jing's mouth hung open; it took him a long while to finally squeeze out, "Qianzai, you...!"

"Qianzai." Zhou Zhou Huimin approached, arm-in-arm with Sun Li. "Sister Li has something to discuss with you."

Sun Li smiled gently. "Qianzai, I'd like to discuss the second album with you."

Xiang Qian nodded. "Go ahead."

"The album Rebirth sold very well. I want to strike while the iron is hot and start working on the second one immediately," Sun Li said.

After a moment's thought, Xiang Qian agreed.

"Wow, so lively!" Cheng Long squeezed through with a wine glass in hand. "Qianzai, you didn't even invite me to the victory banquet!"

Xiang Qian laughed. "Aren't you supposed to be at home recovering from your injury?"

"Even while recovering, I had to come show my support!" Cheng Long slung an arm around Wang Jing's neck. "Wang Pangzi, I heard you're so anxious you can't sleep?"

Wang Jing rolled his eyes. "Brother Long, don't tease me."

Cheng Long burst into laughter. "I heard Raymond Chow was so angry he was jumping up and down. Is that true?"

Xiang Qian merely smiled without speaking.

Cheng Long leaned in closer and lowered his voice. "Qianzai, next time there's a good opportunity like this, remember to bring me along!"

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow. "Why? Did Golden Harvest treat you poorly?"

Cheng Long chuckled. "Who would ever complain about having too much money?"

Shao Shaw Yifu walked over to Xiang Qian and patted his shoulder. "Ah Qian, you did a splendid job this time."

Xiang Qian replied respectfully, "Uncle Six honors me with his praise."

"The success of The Ancient City of Jingjue is largely due to you and Wang Jing," Shao Shaw Yifu said meaningfully. "How do you plan to film the second part?"

Xiang Qian pondered for a moment. "For Dragon Ridge Tomb, we will focus more on location shooting. I'll have Wang Jing lead the team to Shaanxi for filming."

Shao Shaw Yifu smiled with satisfaction. "Good. Whatever support you need, just ask."

As the banquet drew to a close, the guests, slightly tipsy, chatted in small groups.

Wang Jing hurried over to Xiang Qian again. "Qianzai, when exactly are we starting filming?"

Xiang Qian glanced at him. "Next month."

Wang Jing's eyes widened. "Really?!"

"Mm." Xiang Qian nodded. "First, take Ah Min and Rongzai to Shaanxi to scout the location."

Wang Jing rubbed his hands together excitedly. "No problem! I'll arrange it tomorrow!"

Zhou Zhou Huimin walked over and took Xiang Qian's arm. "Finished chatting? It's time to go home."

Xiang Qian looked at her tenderly. "Alright."

Stepping out of the hotel, the night breeze was slightly cool. Zhou Zhou Huimin leaned against his shoulder. "Qianzai, things are going to get very busy from now on, right?"

Xiang Qian tightened his grip on her hand. "Yes, but it will be worth it."