Chapter 154: Family

The Xiang family old residence, courtyards deep within courtyards.

Old Master Xiang sat in the grandmaster chair, a rattle-drum in his hand, teasing Yangyang, who giggled in his lap.

"Yangyang, call me Great-grandpa!" The old man's beard bobbed up and down as he laughed.

"Grea... grea..." Yangyang babbled in his baby voice, his little hands grabbing clumsily at the old man's beard.

"Ouch, little ancestor, gently now!" The old man pretended to be in pain, but laughed even more heartily.

In the living room, Xiang Qiang and Xiang Sheng sat with Xiang Fei at the rosewood tea table.

"Ah Fei, Yongsheng's been really making waves lately." Xiang Qiang poured a cup of pu'er and pushed it to Xiang Fei. "Zhou Xingxing's 'Fight Back to School' broke thirty million at the box office, and Andy Lau's 'A Moment of Romance' swept all over Southeast Asia."

Xiang Fei took the teacup and smiled: "It's all thanks to Uncle Qiang and Uncle Sheng's good management."

Xiang Sheng lowered his voice: "You came back to Xiangjiang so suddenly this time—did you let 'it' know?"

Xiang Fei's smile faded a few degrees: "Mm, I came back in secret."

Xiang Qiang and Xiang Sheng exchanged a glance, their expressions turning slightly solemn.

"Dinner's ready!" Zhang Meiling's voice came from the dining room.

Everyone moved to the dining room. The long table was already laden with exquisite Cantonese dishes. Zhang Meiling, apron tied around her waist, was setting out the bowls and chopsticks.

"Little Aunt, you've worked hard." Xiang Fei said politely.

After his last proposal, he had only learned from his aunt-in-law, Mrs. Xiang Tai, that Zhang Meiling was actually his little aunt, and that Zhang Min had always been Xiang Sheng's lover.

The old man took his seat holding Yangyang, and said with a chuckle: "It's rare for the whole family to be together today, everyone sit down and eat!"

"Ah Fei, I heard your new film got into Venice?" Zhang Meiling ladled a bowl of soup for Xiang Fei, asking in a seemingly casual tone.

"Mm, lucky break." Xiang Fei took the soup bowl.

Xiang Qiang raised his wine glass: "This is a great piece of news—come, a toast!"

Everyone raised their glasses and clinked them together."

After the meal, Xiang Fei made an excuse about smoking and went out to the balcony.

After a while, Xiang Sheng followed him out and handed him a cigar.

"Ah Fei, be careful lately." Xiang Sheng lit the cigar and said quietly, "'It's' people have been watching you."

Xiang Fei frowned: "I've been keeping a very low profile this time back..."

"No use." Xiang Sheng blew out a smoke ring. "Your current identity is too sensitive—every move you make is being watched."

Xiang Fei was silent for a moment: "Four more years..."

"Four years isn't long, and it isn't short." Xiang Sheng narrowed his eyes. "'It' may be weak now, but its claws and fangs are still around. Today alone, three partners called to say they can't get too close to Yongsheng for the time being."

Xiang Fei gave a cold laugh: "When the wall falls, everyone pushes."

"More than that." Xiang Sheng lowered his voice. "I got wind that someone wants to use you as a case to pledge loyalty to 'it'."

Just then, Xiang Fei's phone suddenly rang.

"Hello?"

"Director, this is Old Chen from Oriental Daily News." An urgent voice came through the phone. "I just got word that a media outlet is going to blow up dirt on you tomorrow, saying you used Yongsheng to launder money!"

Xiang Fei's face changed abruptly: "Which media outlet?"

"Star Weekly, backed by 'it's' people." Old Chen spoke rapidly. "I've already suppressed two small papers, but this one... I can't get a hand in."

After hanging up, Xiang Sheng immediately asked: "What happened?"

Xiang Fei briefly explained the situation. Xiang Sheng slammed his fist on the railing: "Damn, it really has started!"

The two hurried back to the study, where Xiang Qiang was already waiting for them.

"I know the situation." Xiang Qiang's face was dark. "I've already contacted the legal team, ready to send cease-and-desist letters at any moment."

"Not enough." Xiang Fei shook his head. "Sending cease-and-desist letters at a time like this would only make us look guilty."

"Then what do you suggest?" Xiang Qiang frowned.

Xiang Fei thought for a moment: "Strike first. I'll contact Zhou Huimin and Leslie Cheung right away, and we'll hold a press conference tomorrow to officially announce that 'Departures' has been selected for Venice."

Xiang Sheng's eyes lit up: "Use good news to drown out the bad news?"

"More than that." Xiang Fei gave a cold laugh. "I want to blow this thing up, the bigger the better. Big enough that 'it' won't dare make any rash moves."

After discussing the plan, Xiang Fei returned to the living room.

Zhou Huimin was holding the sleeping Yangyang, looking at him with worry: "Something happened?"

Xiang Fei forced a smile: "Nothing, just a small trouble at work."

The old man came over leaning on his cane: "Ah Fei, remember, the Xiang family is not afraid of trouble."

Xiang Fei's eyes grew hot: "Grandpa..."

"Go on." The old man patted his shoulder. "Do what you have to do."

Zhang Meiling suddenly spoke up: "Do you need me to contact my media friends?"

Xiang Fei was a little surprised: "Little Aunt..."

"We're family." Zhang Meiling smiled, her gaze sliding meaningfully over Zhang Min. "At a critical moment, we have to stand together."

Late at night, Xiang Fei stood on the balcony, gazing at the dazzling nightscape of Xiangjiang.

Zhou Huimin walked over and draped a jacket over his shoulders: "What are you thinking about?"

"Thinking about... whether everything will be different four years from now." Xiang Fei said softly.

Zhou Huimin took his hand: "It will be. When that time comes, you can come back openly, and never have to hide again."

Xiang Fei turned and embraced her, whispering in her ear: "Thank you, for always being by my side."