Chapter 213: The Unexpected Guest

At the Deep Water Bay villa, afternoon sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the living room.

Xiang Fei sat on the sofa reading a script while Zhou Huimin prepared tea and snacks in the kitchen. The doorbell suddenly rang.

"Who is it?" Xiang Fei set down the script and walked to open the door.

Outside stood Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung, each with their partner. Anita Mui held Zhao Wenzhuo's arm, while Leslie Cheung held hands with Tang He-de, fingers interlaced.

"Ah Fei!" Anita Mui greeted with a smile, "We've brought people to crash your dinner!"

Xiang Fei raised an eyebrow, "Oh, what a rare guest."

Anita Mui pulled Zhao Wenzhuo forward, "Let me introduce you. This is my boyfriend, Zhao Wenzhuo."

Zhao Wenzhuo nodded somewhat stiffly, "Hello, Brother Fei."

Xiang Fei sized him up and nodded, "Not bad."

Leslie Cheung also took Tang He-de's hand, "Ah Fei, this is Tang He-de."

Xiang Fei's smile grew warmer, "I've long heard of your name. Please, come in!"

Zhou Huimin emerged from the kitchen, exclaiming in surprise, "Sister Mei! Brother! Why didn't you say anything beforehand?"

Anita Mui stepped forward and hugged her, "We wanted to give you a surprise!"

Everyone gathered around the dining table where the Cantonese dinner prepared by Zhou Huimin was a feast for the eyes, the nose, and the taste buds.

During the meal, Anita Mui spoke enthusiastically about recent amusing events in Xiangjiang, while Zhao Wenzhuo listened quietly, speaking only when asked.

Xiang Fei noticed that although Leslie Cheung wore a smile, his gaze was somewhat distant, glancing at Tang He-de from time to time.

After dinner, Anita Mui took Zhou Huimin upstairs to chat. Leslie Cheung and Zhao Wenzhuo were led by Xiang Fei into the study to discuss the new film.

After chatting for a while, Xiang Fei made an excuse to fetch some documents, leaving Zhao Wenzhuo to keep Leslie Cheung company.

He walked into the corridor and indeed saw Tang He-de standing alone on the balcony smoking.

"Do you mind if I join?" Xiang Fei approached.

Tang He-de quickly extinguished his cigarette, "Ah Fei."

Xiang Fei leaned against the railing, "Brother's state has been off lately."

Tang He-de's hand trembled slightly. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, "The media... those reports..."

His voice choked up, "They call him a pervert, say he's disgusting... Ah Zai hasn't slept well in a long time..."

Xiang Fei frowned, "Depression?"

Tang He-de nodded, tears falling, "The medicine the doctor prescribed, he always secretly refuses to take..."

Xiang Fei patted Tang He-de's shoulder, "Xiangjiang is no longer suitable for you."

Tang He-de looked up, confusion in his eyes.

"The media's malice will cost him his life," Xiang Fei said firmly, "Take him to Jingcheng. Retire from the screen for a while."

"But the film is his life..."

"If life is gone, nothing remains," Xiang Fei interrupted, "You persuade him first. I'll handle things here in Xiangjiang."

Tang He-de suddenly stood up and bowed deeply, "Thank you..."

Xiang Fei quickly supported him, "Don't do that. Brother is my family."

At that moment, Anita Mui's voice came from the living room, "Let's play mahjong! We're one short!"

Everyone gathered in the card room upstairs. Leslie Cheung, Zhou Huimin, Anita Mui, and Tang He-de took their seats at the table, while Xiang Fei and Zhao Wenzhuo watched from the side.

"Ah Fei, aren't you playing?" Anita Mui raised an eyebrow.

Xiang Fei spread his hands, "I don't know how."

Everyone burst into laughter.

Zhao Wenzhuo whispered, "My mahjong skills are too terrible..."

Anita Mui played a tile, "Ah Fei, my Chiuman has good acting skills. Remember to consider him first for suitable roles."

She narrowed her eyes, "Or I'll let Ah Min beat you up!"

Zhou Huimin playfully waved her fist, making everyone laugh again.

Leslie Cheung chimed in, "Yes, Chiuman is very skilled in martial arts and his acting is good too."

Zhao Wenzhuo looked at Xiang Fei nervously.

Xiang Fei smiled, "Sister Mei has spoken. How could I dare disobey?"

"Come," Xiang Fei beckoned to Zhao Wenzhuo, "Perform a set of Tongbei Fist for us to see."

Zhao Wenzhuo immediately stood up and performed a fluid set of Tongbei Fist in the empty space of the living room, the fist wind fierce and the stance impressive.

Xiang Fei clapped, "Not bad!"

He spoke seriously, "I offer you two paths: first, join Yongsheng and develop your career in Xiangjiang; second, return to the mainland and join Feimin."

Zhao Wenzhuo thought seriously for a moment, "I... I need to consider it."

Xiang Fei nodded, "No rush."

The mahjong game lasted until three in the morning before everyone, still reluctant to leave, prepared to depart.

Anita Mui yawned, "We'll come again next time! Ah Min's late-night snacks are too delicious!"

Leslie Cheung looked much better, smiling as he said to Xiang Fei, "Thank you."

Two simple words, containing so much.

Xiang Fei understood and nodded, "You are always welcome."

After seeing the guests off, Zhou Huimin leaned on her husband's shoulder, "What did Mr. Tang say to you?"

Xiang Fei gazed at the distant sea, "Some people need protection. That is all."

Zhou Huimin understood and said softly, "You will help them, right?"

"Of course," Xiang Fei held his wife tighter, "Because they are family."