Chapter 119: Return Journey

"Ladies and gentlemen, we interrupt with an important news bulletin." The CCTV anchor announced solemnly, "At the just-concluded 36th Berlin International Film Festival, the film *Shoplifters*, directed by Xiang Fei, won the highest honor, the Golden Bear..."

At the same time, inside the Xiangjiang TVB television station, the anchor was so excited his voice nearly cracked: "Director Xiang Fei won the Golden Bear this year after taking Cannes last year! Yongsheng Film's stock price surged 30% this morning!"

Taipei's CTV television station was also unwilling to fall behind: "Director Xiang Fei has made history; filmmakers from both sides of the strait and Hong Kong celebrate together..."

Inside a Berlin hotel conference room, Han Shanping's desk was piled high with contracts.

"North American rights, three hundred thousand US dollars," the Miramax representative pushed up his glasses, "this is our final offer."

Han Shanping took a slow sip of tea: "Japan just bid three hundred fifty thousand."

The French buyer hurriedly interjected: "We'll add another fifty thousand for European distribution rights!"

"Everyone," Han Shanping revealed an experienced smile, "this is a Golden Bear-winning work..."

On the Air China flight, everyone was still immersed in joy.

"Brother Daoming," Zhou Xun shook her phone, "the whole country has exploded!

Chen Daoming rarely showed a smile: "My wife sent a text saying more than twenty media outlets are blocking our doorstep."

Mei Yanfang, wearing sunglasses and crossing her legs: "I had my assistant prepare thirty outfits, we'll hold a press conference when we get back!"

When the plane landed in Xiangjiang, Xiang Fei stood up and said: "Ah Min and Sister Mei and I will transfer here; everyone else head back to the mainland first."

Teacher Li Qiming grabbed Xiang Fei's hand: "Child, come visit me in Beijing when you have time."

"Definitely," Xiang Fei said respectfully, "please take good care of yourself, sir."

At Xiangjiang International Airport's exit, reporters had long since surrounded the area completely.

"Director! Look this way!"

"Sister Mei, share your acceptance speech!"

"Will Yongsheng pivot to making art films?"

Flashbulbs came like a rainstorm; Zhou Huimin and Mei Yanfang were blinded by the flashes. Xiang Fei shielded them as they struggled forward, barely able to move.

"Make way! Everyone make way!" Suddenly, a squad of black-clad bodyguards parted the crowd.

Xiang Sheng strode over with a cigar in his mouth: "Ah Fei! This way!"

Inside the black Mercedes, Xiang Sheng laughed heartily: "Kid, you're really famous now!"

Zhou Huimin smoothed her disheveled hair: "Uncle Sheng, thank goodness you came."

"No big deal," Xiang Sheng waved his hand, "there are still over three hundred reporters at Yongsheng's entrance!"

Xiang Fei gazed at the street scenes flashing past outside the window: "How's *God of Gamblers* coming along?"

"Xu Ke has been crying for help every day," Xiang Sheng blew smoke rings, "without you on set, Zhou Xingxing has NG'd over thirty takes!"

At the Clear Water Bay studio, the crew was filming the casino climax scene.

"Cut!" Xu Ke frantically scratched his head, "Xingzai! I told you to be more exaggerated!"

Zhou Xingxing wore a mournful face: "Director Xu, I can't find the feeling..."

Suddenly, a stagehand sprinted in: "Director Xiang, the Director is back!"

The whole set instantly fell silent; everyone turned to look at the door in unison.

Xiang Fei walked in holding the Golden Bear trophy: "Everyone, I'm back."

"Wow!" Wu Mengda rushed up first, "Let me touch the Golden Bear!"

Zhou Xingxing stood rooted to the spot at a loss: "Director Xiang... congratulations..."

Xu Ke snatched the trophy: "Everyone stop work! Pop the champagne!"

Li Jiaxin came trotting over, holding up the hem of her qipao: "Mr. Xiang! Amazing!"

Zeng Zhiwei "raced" over in his wheelchair: "A Golden Bear director giving me acting tips—my price is going up!"

Xiang Fei was surrounded on all sides; the trophy was passed from hand to hand.

"Be careful," Zhou Huimin nervously reminded them, "don't drop it..."

Xiang Sheng waved his big hand: "If you drop it, just get another one! Tonight at the Peninsula Hotel, my treat!"

Halfway through the champagne, Xiang Fei suddenly stood up: "Alright, celebration ends here."

The whole room instantly fell silent.

"Brother Xu," Xiang Fei turned toward the director's chair, "let's continue shooting Scene 38."

Xu Ke's eyes went wide: "Now?"

"Now," Xiang Fei said firmly, "the Golden Bear is past tense; *God of Gamblers* is present continuous."

Zhou Xingxing suddenly stood ramrod straight: "Director! I'll give a great performance!"

After filming resumed, the entire crew was like they'd been injected with adrenaline.

"Action!"

Zhou Xingxing was in top form; an exaggerated fall was executed in one fluid motion.

"Perfect!" Xiang Fei gave a thumbs-up, "That take passes!"

Wu Mengda leaned over and whispered: "Ah Fei, while you were gone these past days, Xingzai talked about you every day."

Xiang Fei looked toward Zhou Xingxing, who was getting his makeup touched up, lost in thought.

When work wrapped in the evening, Xiang Sheng came over with a brick-style mobile phone: "Ah Fei, TVB wants an exclusive interview."

Xiang Fei shook his head: "Turn it down; no interviews during filming."

"But..." Xiang Sheng said awkwardly, "it was Young Lady Fang who called personally..."

Zhou Huimin gently suggested: "How about recording a brief acceptance message?"

Xiang Fei thought for a moment: "Fine, but only five minutes."

Late at night, the Xiang family old mansion was brightly lit.

"Fei-zai!" Xiang Yan and Xiang Qiang came up together, "Congratulations!"

Xiang Tai held the soup bowl: "Ah Fei, drink the soup quickly; you've grown so thin."

Xiang Fei looked around: "Where is my grandfather?"

"In the study," Xiang Qiang winked, "he's been staring at your trophy and smiling foolishly for an hour."

Inside the study, Old Master Xiang was wearing reading glasses and carefully examining the Jin Xiong trophy.

"Grandfather," Xiang Fei called softly, "I'm back."

Xiang Butong slowly raised his head, his eyes red: "Good, very good..."

The next morning, Xiang Fei arrived at the film set early.

Zhou Xingxing was already waiting at the door: "Good morning, Director Xiang!"

"Good morning," Xiang Fei patted his shoulder, "today we film your main scene."

Zhou Xingxing swallowed nervously: "I, I will do my best."