Chapter 110: Clash at the Wrap Party

In the banquet hall of the Guomao Grand Hotel, the champagne tower shimmered under the lights. Xiang Fei was clinking glasses with Chen Daoming when a commotion suddenly erupted at the entrance.

"Factory Director Han and two General Managers Wang from Huayi have arrived, General Manager Xiang!"

Everyone turned around to see Han Shanping striding forward with two middle-aged men in suits and leather shoes. Xiang Fei raised an eyebrow—the Wang brothers from Huayi had actually come too.

"Uncle Han, you are..." Xiang Fei stepped forward to greet him.

Han Shanping smiled and put an arm around his shoulder. "I brought two old friends to share in the joy." Turning to Wang Zhongjun and Wang Zhonglei, he asked, "How about it? Didn't I tell you this young man is impressive?"

Wang Zhongjun took the champagne handed by a waiter and looked around. "The lineup is indeed luxurious." He glanced at Zhou Xun not far away. "Even Li Qiming has been invited."

Xiang Fei smiled. "It was the script that moved everyone."

Wang Zhonglei suddenly interjected. "I heard Teacher Li acted for zero pay?" He looked at Xiang Fei meaningfully. "General Manager Xiang has quite the touch."

Li Mingqi happened to walk over and laughed at the remark. "It was me who shamelessly insisted on acting." She raised her glass to the Wang brothers. "With such a good script, I'd be willing to pay to act in it."

Han Shanping laughed heartily. "Old Wang, when will your Huayi be able to produce a show like this?"

Just as the atmosphere grew subtle, two child actors ran over holding hands.

"Director brother, Director brother!" The boy tugged at Xiang Fei's coat hem. "When can we watch the movie?"

Wang Zhongjun looked down at the two children, his expression suddenly softening. "These are the two non-professional child actors?"

The little girl shyly hid behind Xiang Fei, showing only half her head.

Li Mingqi squatted down. "Come on, say hello to the uncles."

The boy puffed out his chest. "Hello, uncles! I acted very well! Director brother said I did it in one take!"

Wang Zhonglei, rarely showing a smile, said, "That impressive? Then I must give you a big red envelope."

Anita Mui arrived in a red dress, and the Wang brothers immediately straightened their posture.

"Miss Mui!" Wang Zhongjun extended his hand proactively. "Long time no see."

Anita Mui elegantly clinked glasses. "General Manager Wang is still so energetic." She turned to Xiang Fei. "Ah Fei, I heard Huayi wants to poach you?"

Xiang Fei almost choked. "Sister Mui, don't joke."

Han Shanping, however, got interested. "Old Wang, do you really want to poach someone?"

Wang Zhonglei narrowed his eyes. "Talent like General Manager Xiang, who wouldn't want?"

Zhou Xun, appearing behind everyone at some point, said, "Oh, then I must quickly hug the guide's thigh." She playfully linked arms with Xiang Fei. "You'll have to call me for the next show too!"

Chen Daoming also walked over to join the fun. "Little Zhou, you don't understand the rules." He pretended to be serious. "You have to queue up."

Everyone laughed, and the tense atmosphere vanished completely.

Wang Zhongjun took the opportunity to propose. "Xiang Fei, how about we collaborate on one? Huayi provides the funding, you provide the creativity."

Xiang Fei remained expressionless. "I am honored by General Manager Wang's favor, but I must finish a few projects on hand first."

Li Youbin arrived with a glass of white liquor to toast, heard the conversation, and cut in directly. "What's so good about those films from Huayi?" He patted Xiang Fei. "This young man is an artist!"

Wang Zhonglei's face stiffened.

Han Shanping quickly smoothed things over. "Old Li is drunk!" He raised his glass. "Come, let's toast to 'Shoplifters'!"

Everyone raised their glasses in turn, and the awkwardness was skillfully resolved.

As the banquet neared its end, Wang Zhongjun suddenly pulled Xiang Fei into a corner.

After seeing off the guests, Xiang Fei stood alone by the floor-to-ceiling window. Zhou Huimin called and asked.

"Tired?" she asked softly.

Xiang Fei shook his head. "Just a bit..." He paused. "Moved."

After hanging up, Li Mingqi walked over with the two child actors who were already asleep. "Xiang Fei, these two children..."

"I will be responsible for their education fund," Xiang Fei finished her sentence, gently stroking the little girl's hair.

When Anita Mui left last, she gave Xiang Fei a hug. "Ah Fei, this film was worth it."

Looking at the empty banquet hall, Xiang Fei let out a long sigh. His phone suddenly rang; it was a message from Han Shanping:

"Young man, well done. Come to my office tomorrow to discuss the new project."

Xiang Fei smiled and replied, "Okay." Outside the window, the Beijing night sky was dotted with stars. The end of a film is the beginning of another journey.