Chapter 200: Reactions After Departure

At six a. m., a long queue had already formed in front of the Kowloon newspaper stand.

"Give me an Oriental Daily!"

"And a Ming Pao!"

Newspaper vendor Old Chen frantically collected money and gave change—today's papers were ten times more in demand than usual. The front page clearly imprinted: "King of Comedy Changes Hands! Zhou Xingxing Joins Wanneng Pictures for Ten Million!"

In Central office buildings, white-collar workers crowded the break room to pass around newspapers.

"Yongsheng has lost face completely this time!"

"I heard Li Xiuxian offered a box-office revenue share..."

In front of TVB Building, over twenty media cameras focused on the hurriedly arriving entertainment reporter Ah Zhen.

"According to reliable sources, Zhou Xingxing's conflict with Yongsheng began over salary issues..." Her voice was drowned out by a barrage of shutter clicks.

At nine a. m., Yongsheng Pictures headquarters was under tight security.

Security guard Old Li wiped sweat as he blocked the surging reporters: "Please wait a moment—the press conference starts at ten!"

Inside the conference room, the PR director was adjusting Xiang Qiang's tie: "Mr. Xiang, here is the draft statement."

Xiang Qiang waved his hand: "I'll speak myself."

Under flashing lights, the three Xiang siblings stood side by side. Xiang Qiang's steady voice echoed through the hall:

"Since joining Yongsheng, Mr. Zhou Xingxing has created many box-office hits for us..." He paused deliberately, "We understand artists' pursuit of creative freedom."

Madame Xiang took the microphone: "Yongsheng's doors remain forever open to Mr. Zhou."

Wang, a reporter from Star Daily, suddenly raised his hand: "Will Yongsheng's new film starring Mr. Star be shelved?"

Xiang Sheng smiled and deflected the sensitive question: "Yongsheng has thirty high-quality projects in reserve; we will announce our new director plan next month."

In the banquet hall of the Peninsula Hotel, the champagne tower reflected Li Xiuxian's triumphant smile.

"Let us welcome the new Artistic Director of Wanneng Pictures—Mr. Zhou Xingxing!"

Zhou Xingxing wore a suit clearly one size too large, his tie crooked. He took the microphone:

"Thank you, Mr. Li, for your faith..." He paused, "My years at Yongsheng were the most precious of my life."

Li Xiuxian snatched the microphone: "Today is a joyful occasion—no answers to malicious speculation!"

In the corner, Wanneng Pictures' PR director was quietly slipping red envelopes to reporters from several major media outlets.

At Yongsheng's filming set, Liu Fuyong was surrounded by reporters.

"Rongzi, will you follow Zhou Xingxing?"

Andy Lau gave his signature smile: "I still have a contract with Yongsheng." He turned to his agent: "Quick, arrange tea with Madame Xiang."

At Kar Ho's executive meeting, Chow Yun-fat tapped his cane: "Launch the 'New Comedy Star' selection immediately!"

In Wanneng Pictures' editing room, Zhou Xingxing stared blankly at the new film's script.

"Mr. Star, Mr. Li says the ending must be changed to a happy one..." the editor said nervously.

Zhou Xingxing stood up abruptly, then sat down slowly: "... change it."

A month later, Yongsheng held a grand press conference.

"We are investing five hundred million to support new directors!"

Outside Feimin Entertainment in Jingcheng, Xiang Fei was being bombarded by reporters with microphones and cameras.

"Director Xiang, since Zhou Xingxing, whom you personally nurtured, has left Yongsheng, does that mean you two have broken ties?" asked a reporter from Southern Express.

"Director Xiang, what is your view on Zhou Xingxing's departure from Yongsheng..." a reporter from Jingcheng Morning Post also held out a microphone.

"Director Xiang..."

"Will Director Xiang still..."

"I will always remain friends with Little Star," Xiang Fei answered reporters as he walked, "He told me in advance about his departure—I supported him!"

In a Xiangjiang teahouse, veteran script supervisor Old Wu shook his head and sighed:

"Back then, Shaw and Electric & Mechanical were the same... this industry always repeats the same story."