Chapter 150: Parting and Project Launch

Zhou Huimin held the sleeping Yangyang, her eyes red as she hugged Xiang Fei tightly.

"Ah Fei, remember to come to Xiangjiang to see us..." Her voice choked, tears welling in her eyes.

Xiang Fei hugged her hard, kissing her forehead gently: "Rest assured, once 'The Undertaker' wraps, I'll fly over immediately."

Zhou Mu urged softly from the side: "Huimin, it's time to board."

Dong Xiaolan walked over, affectionately patting her grandson's cheek: "Ah Fei, don't worry; we'll all take good care of mother and son."

Xiang Fei nodded: "Mom, thank you for your trouble."

The boarding announcement sounded in the broadcast; Xiang Fei kissed his son's forehead one last time, watching Zhou Huimin hold the child and walk toward the security checkpoint accompanied by family.

Until their figures disappeared into the crowd, Xiang Fei stood motionless in place.

Zhang Guorong patted his shoulder: "Let's go, Ah Fei."

Xiang Fei sat in the car, silently lighting a cigarette. Zhang Guorong sat in the passenger seat, watching his reddened eyes, and said softly: "It's hard to separate on your first time being a father, isn't it?"

Xiang Fei exhaled a smoke ring, smiling bitterly: "Brother Rong, do you think I'm being too selfish? To make a movie, leaving my wife and child to go to Xiangjiang alone..."

"Don't think that way." Zhang Guorong shook his head. "Ah Min is returning to resume her career; this is a good thing. Besides, once filming ends, you can fly over to reunite."

Xiang Fei crushed the cigarette butt, suddenly sitting upright: "Right, 'The Undertaker' should be launched."

He took out his brick phone and dialed a number quickly: "Brother Wen, go to the Beijing Film Studio immediately to talk with Factory Director Han about the investment for 'The Undertaker'."

Cai Wen's voice came from the other end: "Yes, President Xiang, I'll go right now. What are your requirements for the investment ratio?"

"We take the majority," Xiang Fei said decisively, "Discuss the specifics as you see fit; the bottom line is no less than fifty percent."

Hanging up the phone, Xiang Fei started the car: "Brother, find a place for a couple of drinks?"

Zhang Guorong smiled: "That's exactly what I had in mind."

Before a steaming copper pot, Xiang Fei and Zhang Guorong sat opposite each other.

Zhang Guorong picked up a slice of mutton and swished it in the pot: "Ah Fei, I've read the script several times; there are a few places I'd like to discuss with you."

"Go ahead." Xiang Fei poured him a glass of Erguotou.

"The scene where Kobayashi Daigo first touches the corpse," Zhang Guorong said seriously, "I think it should be more restrained, using subtle facial expressions to convey the inner shock."

Xiang Fei nodded: "Exactly! Brother Rong, you understand me too well; that's precisely the kind of restrained performance style we want."

As the two were discussing, Xiang Fei's brick phone rang.

"President Xiang, it's settled." Cai Wen's voice came through, "Beijing Film Studio contributes 2 million plus promotion and venue costs, taking forty percent; we contribute 4 million, plus your director and script fees, taking sixty percent."

Xiang Fei nodded satisfactorily: "Good, let it be so. Go sign the contract."

Hanging up the phone, Zhang Guorong raised his glass: "Congratulations, the project is officially launched!"

Xiang Fei clinked glasses with him: "Next, Brother Rong will have to work hard."

"I'm actually quite looking forward to this role." Zhang Guorong's eyes sparkled, "

Xiang Fei smiled, "Chen Kaige called yesterday asking when filming starts."

Zhang Guorong laughed: "Director Chen can't wait to indulge in his acting itch!"

Han Shanping signed his name on the contract and said to Xiang Fei with a smile: "Ah Fei, I'm also very looking forward to this collaboration."

Xiang Fei shook hands in thanks: "Thank you, Uncle Han, for your support."

Chen Kaige pushed the door open: "Am I late?"

"Just in time." Xiang Fei gestured for him to sit: "Director Chen, the role of the President..."

"Don't call me Director Chen," Chen Kaige waved his hand, "Now I'm your actor; just call me Old Chen."

Everyone laughed. Han Shanping took out the storyboard: "Ah Fei, how long is the shooting schedule expected to be?"

"Complete within two months." Xiang Fei said confidently, "I've already contacted an undertaker to serve as a consultant; they'll arrive next week."

Zhang Guorong exclaimed in surprise: "You even hired a consultant specifically?"

"Of course." Xiang Fei said solemnly, "This profession deserves us to present it with the most professional attitude."

Chen Kaige nodded in agreement: "Exactly; details determine success or failure."