Chapter 195: Amin

At the capital airport terminal, morning sunlight streamed through the glass walls, scattering golden shards across the floor.

Hong Jinbao pushed his luggage cart and turned to wave at Xiang Fei and Zhou Huimin: "That's enough, don't see me off—it's not like we'll never meet again!"

Zhou Xingxing stood aside, smiling shyly: "Big Brother Fei, Sister Min, go back now."

Xiang Fei patted his shoulder: "Xingzi, go rest well—I'll call you for the next film."

Zhou Huimin handed over two elegant gift boxes: "These are tea leaves I brought for you—drink them on the way."

Hong Jinbao glanced at Xiang Fei with a smug grin: "Min is so thoughtful!"

The PA system announced boarding. Hong Jinbao slung an arm around Zhou Xingxing: "Let's go! Next time you're in Xiangjiang, remember to drink with me!"

Watching their backs vanish past security, Xiang Fei took Zhou Huimin's hand: "Home?"

Zhou Huimin nodded, leaning against his shoulder: "Finally done filming—so tired."

At the villa entrance, the nanny opened the door quietly: "Mr. Xiang, Miss Zhou, Yangyang is already asleep."

Zhou Huimin lowered her voice: "Was he good today?"

Aunt Zhang smiled and nodded: "Extremely well—he drew a picture before bed, said it was for Mommy and Daddy."

The two tiptoed upstairs and paused at the child's room door. Through the crack, they could see five-year-old Yangyang hugging a stuffed bear, sound asleep.

Xiang Fei gently closed the door: "This kid's growing more like you every day."

Zhou Huimin raised an eyebrow: "He looks just like you—especially that stubborn streak."

In the bathroom, hot water washed away months of fatigue. Zhou Huimin stepped out, towel-drying her hair, and slipped into bed. Her head had barely touched the pillow when she fell into deep sleep.

Morning sunlight filtered through the sheer curtains into the bedroom, and Xiang Fei awoke to the scent of food.

In the kitchen, Zhou Huimin wore an apron, frying eggs.

"Oh? Miss Zhou, the big star, cooking for us?" Xiang Fei wrapped his arms around her waist from behind.

Zhou Huimin nudged him with her elbow: "Don't mess around—the eggs will burn."

Yangyang shuffled into the kitchen, rubbing his eyes: "Mommy, can I skip kindergarten today?"

Zhou Huimin plated the fried eggs: "No, but I'll pick you up after school and take you to the amusement park."

Yangyang cheered instantly, but Xiang Fei sensed something: "You've got something planned this afternoon?"

Zhou Huimin handed him the milk, her eyes sparkling: "I want to make a movie."

"Cough! What?" Xiang Fei nearly choked on the milk.

Feimin Entertainment Company, Artist Department meeting room.

Cai Wen stared at the proposal Zhou Huimin handed him, sweat beading on his forehead: "Min, you're... suddenly becoming a director?"

Zhou Huimin crossed her arms: "What, can't I?"

"It's not that you can't," Cai Wen wiped his brow, "but directing is grueling—you've got to oversee the script, manage the set..."

Xiang Fei pushed open the door, holding two cups of coffee: "I tried to talk her out of it. Didn't work."

Zhou Huimin took the coffee, smirking: "I've already picked the actors—just a few newcomers from the company. Low cost, high potential."

Cai Wen looked at Xiang Fei: "Aren't you going to stop her?"

Xiang Fei raised his hands: "What can I do? You know as well as I do—in our house, big decisions are mine, small ones are hers."

Cai Wen: "Then is this a big decision or a small one?"

Xiang Fei and Zhou Huimin spoke in unison: "Small one!"

Cai Wen: "......"

"I've already read the script," Zhou Huimin opened her tablet, "a light romantic comedy set in the city—about a female photographer and a café owner."

Xiang Fei leaned over to look: "'The Moment I Met You'? The title's pretty literary."

Cai Wen raised a timid hand: "Min, the company's budget for the second half of the year is already..."

Zhou Huimin cut in with a smile: "I'm funding it myself—no company money needed."

Xiang Fei raised an eyebrow: "Where'd you get that much money?"

"Oh," Zhou Huimin counted on her fingers, "when I went back to Xiangjiang last time, Wang Jing hired me for a film—I got paid, plus my savings, it's enough."

Xiang Fei and Cai Wen exchanged glances—they knew nothing could stop her now.

"Fine," Xiang Fei conceded, "but you follow the proper process—script evaluation, project approval meeting, none skipped."

Zhou Huimin jumped up and kissed Xiang Fei on the cheek: "Thank you, hubby!"

Cai Wen covered his eyes: "Oh no, my titanium alloy eyes!"

In the Artist Department rehearsal room, three newcomers were called to the meeting room, their palms sweating with nerves.

"Zhou General! Xiang General! Cai General!" all three bowed in unison.

Zhou Huimin smiled and gestured for them to sit: "Don't be nervous—I just want to ask, are you interested in making a movie?"

The girl with the ponytail widened her eyes: "Us?"

Xiang Fei added: "It's a project directed personally by Teacher Zhou—rare opportunity."

The three newcomers were so excited they stammered; one even stood up: "Teacher Zhou, I grew up listening to your songs!"

The meeting room fell silent.

Zhou Huimin: "......"

Xiang Fei bit his lip, shoulders shaking with suppressed laughter.

Cai Wen quickly defused it: "He means Teacher Zhou's work influenced a whole generation!"

Zhou Huimin sighed: "Alright, auditions next week—prepare well."

That night, after Yangyang fell asleep, Xiang Fei carried a glass of red wine into the bedroom.

Zhou Huimin lay on the bed, revising the script, her hair tied in a messy bun, glasses perched on her nose.

Xiang Fei handed her the wineglass: "Really decided?"

Zhou Huimin took the wine, sipped it, and said: "Mm, after playing so many roles all these years, I want to try seeing film from another angle."

Xiang Fei sat beside her: "I was thinking you'd just retire from entertainment after you turn forty."

Zhou Huimin glared at him: "You think I'm old?"

"Not at all!" Xiang Fei quickly pulled her close. "I mean, with all your ideas, it'd be a waste not to become a director."

Satisfied, Zhou Huimin leaned into his arms: "For your first film, you have to help me."

Xiang Fei kissed the top of her head: "Huh? I'll come over when I can—you know, I'm still working on Drive My Car..."

"Mm, okay, it's a deal—come help me when you're free," Zhou Huimin said, watching Xiang Fei's pleading expression.