Chapter 103: The Wang Brothers' Probe

When Xiang Fei pushed open the apartment door, the air-conditioned chill wrapped in the aroma of coffee rushed toward him. Cai Wen was bent over the long table in the living room; inside the spread-open kraft-paper folder, the graduating class rosters of Beijing Film Academy and the Central Academy of Drama Class of '86 had been circled densely in red pen, with clippings and handwritten sticky notes pasted alongside.

"A-Fei, take a look at these names." Cai Wen didn't look up, sliding over an A4 sheet marked "Potential Stocks." "Jiang Wen from BFA Class of '86 just finished filming *The Last Emperor*; the Central Academy's Chen Daoming blew up from *Fortress Besieged*; and this Gong Li—only a sophomore and already spotted by a Director Zhang to star in *Red Sorghum*…"

Xiang Fei leaned in for a closer look. Besides the names already making a name for themselves, several on the list were marked with blue-pen question marks. "Never heard of these?" He pointed to the names "Li Xuejian" and "Wang Zhiwen."

Cai Wen took off his glasses to wipe them, his gaze behind the lenses sharp and seasoned: "Li Xuejian just finished *Yearning*—his acting's beyond reproach, but he lacks resources; Wang Zhiwen is still running bits, though his line delivery has even the Central Academy teachers praising him. I think we need to lay our plans early." He pulled out another document. "I've contacted the head of BFA's Acting Department. Next Friday there's a graduating showcase—we can go in person to scout talent."

A phone ringtone suddenly blared. Xiang Fei looked at the unfamiliar Jingcheng number on the screen and pressed answer. A hearty male voice came through: "Xiang Shao? This is Wang Zhongjun from Huayi. A friend told me you've come to Jingcheng to start a company? Any chance you're free for dinner tonight?"

Xiang Fei exchanged a glance with Cai Wen and accepted with a smile: "President Wang, you're too kind. I've been looking for a chance to pay my respects—I'll definitely be there tonight!"

When night fell, Xiang Fei and Cai Wen drove to the Wangfu Hotel. Beneath crystal chandeliers, Wang Zhongjun came forward with his younger brother Wang Zhonglei, his gaze sizing the two of them up and down through gold-rimmed glasses: "I've long admired the Xiang family name—never expected Director Xiang to be so young!"

"President Wang, you flatter me," Xiang Fei shook hands with both of them. "Making our way in Jingcheng, we'll still need to rely heavily on the guidance of our seniors."

After three rounds of drinks, Wang Zhonglei picked up a piece of roast duck and asked, seemingly casually: "I heard Director Xiang just met Han Shanping?"

Cai Wen set down his wine glass and picked up the thread: "Just a newcomer coming to seek advice. Though I've heard Huayi has quite the expertise in film and television investment—I hope the two of you won't stint on sharing your wisdom."

Wang Zhongjun turned his wine glass slowly and gave a soft laugh: "Sharing wisdom is too much to say—just some resources we can pool. For instance, next month's Film Bureau new-film bidding conference—my brother and I can bring President Xiang along to see the lay of the land." He shifted his tone. "I hear President Xiang is recruiting? Our company has a few screenwriters, all top graduates of the Central Academy…"

Xiang Fei keenly caught the other's probe, raised his glass with a smile and said: "To be frank, we're planning to build our own screenwriting team. But if President Wang is willing to make introductions—to meet some industry seniors—that would be even better." He pulled a proposal from his briefcase. "This is the project plan for our first film."

Wang Zhonglei took the proposal, skimmed it quickly, and raised an eyebrow: "The subject matter is novel, but films like this face strict censorship—the investment risk is considerable."

"That's exactly why we want a reliable partner," Cai Wen chimed in at the right moment. "Huayi has rich experience in resource integration. If we could develop projects together, I'm sure it would be twice the result with half the effort."

Wang Zhongjun set down his chopsticks, leaned back in his chair, and studied the two of them: "Since President Xiang is sincere, I won't hold back either. In Jingcheng's film and television circle, connections and policy sensitivity are both indispensable. We can provide resources, but we want a thirty-percent stake."

Xiang Fei and Cai Wen exchanged a look, and Xiang Fei smiled and shook his head: "President Wang, we're just starting out—capital and resources are both limited. Twenty percent, plus priority cooperation rights on subsequent projects—how does that sound?"

The atmosphere froze instantly; only the faint sound of a wine glass turning could be heard. After a long moment, Wang Zhongjun suddenly burst out laughing: "Director Xiang truly is the man who could make *Titanic*—even negotiating business carries that fierce streak! Fine, we'll do it your way!" He raised his glass. "Pleasure doing business!"

In the car on the way back, Cai Wen let out a long breath: "These Wang brothers are no simple matter—seem warm on the surface, but every step is a probe."

"But it also shows they're interested in us," Xiang Fei gazed at the neon lights outside the car window.

In Jingcheng under the night sky, this dinner was like a stone thrown into a lake—the ripples it stirred were quietly spreading outward. Both Xiang Fei and Cai Wen knew clearly that on this unfamiliar land, every raised glass and every agreement was a stepping stone toward the future.