Chapter 158: Worldwide Sensation

Jingcheng, the office of Feimin Entertainment.

The phone rang one after another, the fax machine spewed paper wildly, and Cai Wen scrambled to answer calls coming in from all over the world.

"BBC wants to book an exclusive interview with Director Xiang!"

"Hollywood Reporter wants to buy the North American distribution rights for Departures!"

"The Tokyo Film Festival sent an invitation!"

Cai Wen stood in the center of the office, watching the news scrolling on the wall-mounted TV:

"Breaking news from this station: Huaxia director Xiang Fei, with Departures, has won the Berlin Golden Bear, becoming the first Chinese director to complete the grand slam of Europe's three top film festivals..."

In the office of Xiangjiang Yongsheng Pictures, Xiang Qiang lit a cigar and took a deep drag: "Ah Fei this time, really did the Xiang family proud."

Xiang Sheng laughed: "More than proud? Now all six of the major Hollywood companies are lining up to sign him."

The TV cut to the streets of Xiangjiang, where a reporter did a random interview with passersby:

"Director Xiang Fei won the grand slam. How do you feel about it?"

"Of course proud! Our Xiangjiang director is dominating the international scene!"

The scene cut again to a Taiwan TV station, where the host said excitedly: "This is the glory of all Chinese people!"

A champagne tower glittered under the lights, with waiters weaving through, pouring drinks for the guests.

Han Shanping stood in the center, raising his glass: "Tonight we don't toast with wine, we toast first to our grand-slam director!"

The crowd burst into laughter and raised their glasses: "To Director Xiang!"

Xiang Fei shook his head helplessly: "Uncle Han, please don't tease me."

Zhang Guorong came over with champagne in hand: "Ah Fei, how does it feel now? Three major trophies right before your eyes."

Xiang Fei laughed: "Like a dream."

Gong Li walked over in a red gown: "Director Xiang, has Hollywood been in touch with you?"

"Warner, Disney, and Universal have all sent invitations." Xiang Fei took a sip of wine. "But I haven't decided yet."

Chen Kaige cut in: "If you ask me, first establish a solid footing in Asia. The Hollywood system may not suit you."

"Kaige is right." Han Shanping nodded. "But the opportunity is rare—you can talk about cooperation, but the creative control must stay in your own hands."

In a corner of the banquet, Japanese producer Yamada Kenta was talking with Xiang Fei through a translator:

"Mr. Xiang, Shochiku Studios hopes to purchase the Japanese remake rights for Departures. Name your terms."

Xiang Fei smiled politely: "Thank you for your kindness, but the cultural core of this story is hard to transplant. I suggest keeping the original version for the Japanese release."

A representative from Korea's CJ Entertainment also came over: "Director Xiang, we're willing to invest in your next work—no restrictions on subject or budget!"

Just as Xiang Fei was about to answer, his phone suddenly rang. He glanced at the caller ID and nodded apologetically to the crowd: "Excuse me, I need to take this call."

Returning to the banquet hall, Xiang Fei was stopped by a blond, blue-eyed middle-aged man.

"Mr. Xiang, I'm Michael from Warner Bros." The man handed over a business card. "We're willing to invest one hundred million US dollars in your film, subject of your choice."

The surroundings instantly fell silent.

Zhang Guorong whispered to Gong Li: "One hundred million dollars—Hollywood is really going all out."

Xiang Fei took the card, neither servile nor overbearing: "Thank you for your kindness, but I need time to think about the creative direction."

Michael said eagerly: "We can wait! Just say the word, and tomorrow we'll send a private jet to take you to Los Angeles."

At that moment, Disney's representative also pushed through: "Mr. Xiang, we're willing to give you even greater creative freedom!"

Han Shanping appeared at the right moment, pressing a hand on Xiang Fei's shoulder: "Everyone, tonight is a celebration banquet. Let's talk business another day."

The night deepened, and most of the guests had already left.

Xiang Fei, Han Shanping, Zhang Guorong, Chen Kaige, and Gong Li sat around a sofa, with half a bottle of whiskey in front of them.

"Ah Fei, what's the plan from here?" Han Shanping asked the question everyone wanted to know.

Xiang Fei swirled his glass, thinking for a moment: "I want to make an epic about overseas Chinese."

"That's a sensitive subject." Chen Kaige frowned. "It involves historical issues, censorship..."

"So we need to lay solid groundwork first." Xiang Fei's gaze was firm.

Zhang Guorong's eyes lit up: "Call me anytime you need an actor!"

Gong Li laughed: "Then I'll have to hurry up and learn English."

Han Shanping nodded approvingly: "It's good to have a plan. Remember, no matter how far you go, you can't forget your roots."

Xiang Fei's phone rang again—it was an interview request from Xiangjiang's Ming Pao.

After hanging up, he said thoughtfully: "Tell me, why is it that when I win an award, the reaction on both sides of the strait and in Hong Kong is so big?"

"Because it wasn't easy at all." Chen Kaige sighed. "Chinese cinema has always been on the margins internationally."

Zhang Guorong added: "And you're using Eastern aesthetics to tell universal values—that kind of cultural confidence is rare."

Han Shanping patted Xiang Fei's shoulder: "What's more, you've proven that Chinese directors can make more than just kung fu films."

Xiang Fei gazed out at the Berlin night sky, lost in thought.

The next morning, Xiang Fei stood alone on the hotel rooftop, watching the sunrise.

His phone was flooded with unread messages and missed calls.

He took a deep breath and dialed Zhou Huimin: "A Min, I've decided. I'll come back to Xiangjiang first and spend proper time with you and Yang Yang."

"What about the Hollywood invitations?"

"Let them wait." Xiang Fei smiled. "Some things are more important than winning awards."