Chapter 90: The Sniper Plan

At seven in the morning, the conference room of Win's Entertainment was thick with smoke. Xiang Fei stood before the projection screen, his gaze sweeping back and forth across the posters for three films: Yunnan Worm Valley, Hail the Judge, and Lawyer Lawyer.

"Shaw Brothers has scheduled Ashes of Time for New Year's Day," Xiang Fei said, tapping the table. "Golden Harvest will release Rumble in the Bronx on the second day. We will sandwich them with our three films."

Xiang Qiang frowned and exhaled a plume of cigar smoke. "Ah Fei, releasing three films in the same slot—won't they cannibalize each other?"

"That's exactly the point; we leave the audience no choice!" Xiang Fei slammed his hand on the table. "Yunnan Worm Valley focuses on special-effects adventure, Hail the Judge is a period comedy, and Lawyer Lawyer is family-friendly. With three completely different genres, there's something for everyone."

The Financial Director wiped sweat from his brow. "But the promotion budget..."

"Spend it!" Xiang Fei declared decisively. "Fill every television station, newspaper, and subway station!"

Lady Xiang suddenly interjected, "Should we invite a few film critics..."

"No need!" Xiang Fei sneered. "Just buy the cover of Film Biweekly for three consecutive weeks!"

The meeting lasted until noon, finally settling on a plan: Yunnan Worm Valley would release one day ahead of Shaw Brothers, while Hail the Judge and Lawyer Lawyer would bracket Golden Harvest's release. The screening share for these three films must account for over sixty percent of all showtimes during the Spring Festival slot.

After the adjournment, Xiang Fei had just returned to his office when his secretary announced, "Mr. Xiang, Director Wang is here."

Before the words had fully left her lips, Wang Jing's rotund figure squeezed through the door. "Oh, my Brother Fei, I've finally managed to see your esteemed self!"

Without looking up from organizing his documents, Xiang Fei replied, "You dead fatso, what do you want?"

Rubbing his hands together, Wang Jing approached the desk. "How could I possibly want anything? I'm here to discuss serious business!" He lowered his voice mysteriously. "Brother Fei, are you interested... in acting in a movie?"

Xiang Fei's hands paused mid-motion. He raised an eyebrow at the grinning fat man. "What devilish scheme are you hatching now?"

"Heaven and earth bear witness!" Wang Jing held up three chubby fingers. "I just think someone as handsome and dashing as you played the God of Gamblers so brilliantly!"

Xiang Fei snorted. "Save the flattery. Where's the script? Let me see it."

The smile on Wang Jing's face froze for an instant, then turned even more obsequious. "Well... about the script..."

Xiang Fei narrowed his eyes. "Don't tell me you don't even have a script."

"I do, I do, I do!" Wang Jing hurriedly insisted. "It's just... not written yet..."

"Wang Pangzi!" Xiang Fei grabbed a folder as if to hurl it. "Are you playing me?"

Wang Jing nimbly dodged behind the sofa. "Brother Fei, calm your anger! My meaning is... it would be most suitable for your esteemed self to write the script personally! Once you've written it, I'll direct, and I guarantee a box-office smash!"

Xiang Fei laughed in exasperation. "So you've come here to catch a wolf with an empty hand?"

"Hehe!" Wang Jing grinned foolishly nearby.

"Get lost!" Xiang Fei scolded with a laugh. "We'll talk after the Spring Festival rush is over!"

Wang Jing's eyes lit up. "Does that mean you agree?"

"I'll give you an answer after the New Year." Xiang Fei waved his hand impatiently. "Now scram; I still need to oversee the promotional trailers."

Chuckling, Wang Jing headed for the exit, but paused at the door to look back. "Brother Fei, remember to save a role for an actress for me! Preferably one with a fiery figure..."

"Get out!" An ashtray flew through the air.

Wang Jing deftly shut the door just as the ashtray slammed against the wood with a loud bang. His voice, humming a tune, drifted down the corridor: "I smile proudly, yes, I smile proudly..."

Inside the office, Xiang Fei shook his head with an amused smile. He picked up the phone. "Hello, Promotion Department? Add a few more explosion shots to the Yunnan Worm Valley trailer..."

By evening, when Xiang Fei arrived home, Zhou Zhou Huimin was cooking in the kitchen.

"Why so late today?" she asked without turning around.

Xiang Fei embraced her from behind. "I got tangled up with Wang Pangzi. That guy actually wants me to act."

Zhou Zhou Huimin turned, looking at him in surprise. "Acting?"

"What, am I not handsome enough?" Xiang Fei feigned a stern expression.

Zhou Zhou Huimin laughed and poked his forehead. "Yes, yes, Young Master Xiang is the most handsome. But..." Her expression suddenly turned serious. "What are you thinking?"

Xiang Fei shrugged. "We'll see how it goes..."

"You're clearly tempted." Zhou Zhou Huimin saw right through him. "Ever since Titanic, you've been teaching Ah Hao how to act. Do you want to act again?"

Xiang Fei did not deny it; he simply smiled and kissed her. "You know my heart, my Lady."

After dinner, Xiang Fei sat at his desk and, as if possessed, opened his computer to create a new document. On the screen, the cursor blinked, as if waiting for something.

After a moment's thought, he typed a few words: Detective Chinatown.

The phone suddenly rang. It was Xiang Qiang. "Ah Fei, Shaw Brothers is making a move! They've bought advertising slots during prime time!"

Xiang Fei sneered. "Then we fight them head-on! Edit the trailers for our three films into a special version and double the length!"

Hanging up the phone, Xiang Fei looked at the five large characters for Detective Chinatown on the screen, a faint smile curling the corners of his mouth.

The smoke of battle for the Spring Festival slot had already ignited, and within his heart, a new plan was brewing.