Chapter 139: Parting and a Blockbuster

Jingcheng International Airport, early morning; the terminal hall was packed with people, and relatives and friends from Xiangjiang gathered before the security checkpoint, the atmosphere somewhat heavy.

"Dad, Mom, don't worry," Zhou Huimin held her parents' hands, forcing back tears, "Ah Fei will take good care of me."

Zhou Mu, her eyes red, reached out to tidy her daughter's hair: "When pregnant, you must rest more and not overexert yourself."

Zhou Fu patted Xiang Fei's shoulder: "Ah Fei, I leave Ah Min in your hands."

Xiang Fei nodded solemnly: "Dad, rest assured."

Not far away, old man Xiang Buyi leaned on his cane, with a grave demeanor. Xiang Fei walked over and said softly: "Grandpa, take care of your health."

The old man suddenly grabbed Xiang Fei's hand, his voice trembling slightly: "After '97, you must come to Xiangjiang to see me." He paused, his eyes turning red, "I'm afraid... I may never see you again."

Xiang Fei's throat tightened: "Grandpa..."

Xiang Yan and Xiang Qiang walked over and patted the old man's back: "Dad, it's time to board."

The old man gave Xiang Fei one last look, then turned and walked toward the security checkpoint. Xiang Tai Chen Lan followed quietly, dabbing the corner of her eye.

Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui walked at the very back, turning to wave at Xiang Fei: "When the child is born, we'll come to see you again."

"Definitely." Xiang Fei forced a smile.

On the return car, the scenery outside the window sped backward, while inside the car there was silence. Zhou Huimin leaned against the seat, staring blankly out the window. Xiang Fei gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles slightly white.

"Hungry?" After a long while, Xiang Fei finally spoke.

Zhou Huimin shook her head: "Not hungry."

Another stretch of silence.

"The movie... when does it release?" Zhou Huimin asked softly.

"Three days from now," Xiang Fei said, "I'll go to the Beijing Film Studio to deliver the film reels this afternoon."

Zhou Huimin nodded and said no more.

Beijing Film Studio, afternoon. "Xiang Dao!" Editor Old Chen greeted from afar, "Did you bring the film reels?"

Xiang Fei patted the metal box in his hand: "It's all here."

Han Shanping walked out of the office, smiling as he stepped forward to meet them: "We've been waiting for you."

In the screening room, everyone watched the finished film with bated breath. When the end credits rolled, Han Shanping was the first to applaud: "What a great film!"

"Can it be a blockbuster?" Xiang Fei asked.

Han Shanping smiled confidently: "Absolutely."

On the premiere day, at a Jingcheng cinema, a long queue formed at the entrance, and the ticket window displayed a sign reading "Full House."

"Xiang Dao," Xiao Wang from the distribution department ran over excitedly, "The first showing is sold out!"

Xiang Fei nodded, then led Zhou Huimin into the cinema through the staff entrance. In the darkness, the audience's laughter and exclamations rose and fell. When Tang Ren delivered the line "A tidy room with no strange smells means either a fake woman or a gay," the entire theater erupted in laughter once more.

Zhou Huimin quietly squeezed Xiang Fei's hand: "It succeeded."

At the first-week box office statistics meeting, "Eight million!" the financial director announced loudly, "First-week box office: eight million!" The meeting room instantly erupted. Cai Wen jumped up excitedly: "A record broken!"

Han Shanping patted Xiang Fei's shoulder: "Congratulations, another representative work."

Xiang Fei let out a long breath, revealing his first genuine smile in days: "Thank you all."

At home, late at night, Xiang Fei came out after showering and found Zhou Huimin sitting on the bed, holding an album.

"What are you looking at?" He leaned over.

The album contained photos from the wedding day: Leslie Cheung's goofy expression, Anita Mui's moment snatching the bouquet, the old man secretly wiping away tears...

"Missing them?" Xiang Fei asked softly.

Zhou Huimin nodded, leaning on his shoulder: "When the child is born, let's find time to go back to Xiangjiang and visit."

"Okay," Xiang Fei held her tighter, "We will definitely go back."

Outside the window, the Jingcheng night sky was dotted with stars. An airplane cut across the sky, flying toward the south.