Chapter 57: Xiangjiang

The Gulfstream G550 business jet pierced through the cloud layer, and Xiang Qian looked down from the porthole at the brilliant lights of Weiduoliyagang. Inside the cabin, Cheng Long was discussing the welcome banquet menu with Di Long.

"Deep Well Roasted Goose is a must!" Cheng Long slapped the armrest. "After eating French cuisine for these past few days, I..."

"Brother Long," Hui Hui Yinghong lifted her head from the script, "the doctor said your cholesterol is too high."

Zhou Xingxing curled up in a corner seat, his fingers constantly stroking the velvet box containing the Palme d'Or trophy. Lin Lin Qingxia handed him a cup of hot tea. "Nervous?"

"Mm..." Zhou Xingxing's voice was as light as a feather. "I heard there are over three hundred media outlets at the airport..."

Fang Fang Yihua was cross-checking the itinerary. "After disembarking, we'll take the VIP channel. The press conference is arranged at the Peninsula Hotel."

As the plane began its descent, Xiang Qian fastened his seatbelt. Suddenly, a bout of turbulence struck, and Zhou Xingxing abruptly grabbed the armrest, his fingernails turning white.

"Relax," Xiang Qian handed him some chewing gum. "Chewing this can alleviate ear ringing."

The moment the cabin door opened, camera flashes poured down like a rainstorm. Zhou Xingxing instinctively stepped back half a pace, but Cheng Long wrapped an arm around his shoulders. "Don't be afraid, stick close to me."

On both sides of the VIP channel, fans held up light signs reading "Welcome Home, Palme d'Or Heroes." Suddenly, a girl wearing glasses broke through the cordon. "Star Boy! Your performance made me cry all night!"

Just as security moved to intercept her, Zhou Xingxing stopped, trembling as he accepted the girl's notebook to sign an autograph. With red-rimmed eyes, the girl said, "I... I'm also very introverted... Thank you for showing me that introverted people can also shine..."

Xiang Qian saw Zhou Xingxing's eyes instantly turn red.

In the banquet hall of the Peninsula Hotel, long lenses and short barrels were aimed at the film crew on stage. The moment the host announced the start of the Q&A session, dozens of hands shot up.

"Director Wu, when is the mainland release date for 'Parasite'?" a reporter from Southern Metropolis Daily asked first.

"On the 15th of next month." Xiang Qian adjusted the microphone. "Special thanks to the Film Bureau for their support."

A reporter from Apple Daily suddenly asked a sharp question: "I heard the mainland requires cutting certain scenes?"

The scene fell instantly silent. Xiang Qian remained unperturbed. "Every market has its own cultural characteristics. We made some minor adjustments, but the core content..."

"Remains completely unchanged!" Fang Fang Yihua decisively took over. "The mainland Film Bureau has guaranteed it."

When it was Zhou Xingxing's turn, his hand holding the microphone trembled. A reporter asked, "What does gaining Quentin's recognition mean to you this time?"

"It... it means..." Zhou Xingxing's Adam's apple bobbed a few times. "It means I finally don't have to... don't have to force myself to become extroverted..."

This heartfelt answer elicited enduring applause from the scene.

At a private club atop Victoria Peak, celebrities from all walks of life in Xiangjiang gathered together. Xiang Qian was being dragged by Run Run Shaw to discuss new projects, but his peripheral vision caught Zhou Xingxing hiding in a corner of the terrace.

"Excuse me for a moment." Xiang Qian extricated himself and walked toward the terrace, finding Zhou Xingxing counting the lights of the cruise ships in Weigang.

"Not used to this kind of occasion?"

Zhou Xingxing suddenly asked, "Brother Qian... do you think... should I continue playing marginalized characters, or try to change?"

The neon lights of Weigang reflected on Xiang Qian's face. "Just be yourself. It is precisely this authenticity that makes the world cheer for you."

Late at night, Xiang Qian walked alone through the streets of Tsim Sha Tsui. Passing by the Temple Street Night Market, an old man selling claypot rice recognized him. "Young man! When will your movie be released in Hong Kong?"

"Next Wednesday, at UA Cinemas."

The old man deftly packed a portion of preserved meat claypot rice. "On the house! Let those foreigners know that our Xiangjiang cinema is not dead!"

Holding the steaming food box, Xiang Qian looked up to see a huge billboard for "Parasite" being assembled on the exterior wall of Times Square. A construction worker waved at him. "Director Wu! My daughter says you are her idol!"

Xiang Qian took a bite of the crispy rice crust, the crunchy texture bursting between his teeth. Gazing at the silhouettes of the entire cast on the poster, he suddenly understood: this was not just an endpoint, but a new beginning.