Chapter 245: Cheng Long and Chen Kaige

The news that Xiang Fei was filming "Avatar" swept through the global film and television industry like a hurricane.

Hollywood star agents frantically dialed international long-distance calls, one after another, to the Beijing Film Studio, Huayi Brothers, and Feimin Pictures.

"Tom Cruise is very interested in the male lead!"

"Nicole Kidman hopes to participate!"

"Leonardo DiCaprio's agent says the salary is negotiable!"

Han Shanping's office phone rang from morning till night; he smiled bitterly at his secretary and said, "These foreigners, usually indifferent to us, are now more active than ever."

Zhang Weiping's side was even livelier; the receptionist at New Picture Company complained, "Mr. Zhang, we've received over twenty international long-distance calls today, all looking for the guide."

And at Feimin Pictures, in Xiang Fei's study, he stared at the world map on the wall, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk.

"The male lead..." he murmured to himself, "Let's use Cheng Long."

Just as Xiang Fei picked up the phone to dial, the ringtone suddenly sounded.

"Hey, A-Fei!" Cheng Long's signature loud voice came from the other end of the line, with the laughter of the Cheng Family Troupe audible in the background, "I heard you're filming a big production? Give me a supporting role!"

The corners of Xiang Fei's mouth curled up slightly: "Big Brother, I'm giving you the male lead."

"Pfft—"

A bout of violent coughing came from the other end of the line, followed by the crisp sound of a wine glass shattering on the floor.

"A-Fei, what did you say?" Cheng Long's voice changed pitch, "Did I hear that right? You're giving me the male lead? No foreign stars?"

Xiang Fei walked to the window, gazing at the night outside, his tone firm: "Why should a Chinese film use foreigners?"

The other end of the line fell silent for a second, then erupted in earth-shattering cheers.

"Brother Fei is awesome!"

"Brother Long is going to be an international superstar!"

"Our Cheng Family Troupe is going to break out of Asia!"

Overcome with emotion, Cheng Long stumbled over his words: "A-Fei, I... I... don't know what to say..."

"Brother Long, you deserve it," Xiang Fei smiled, "But this film won't have much action; it's mostly about acting."

"Don't worry! What kind of role can't I, Cheng Long, play?" Cheng Long patted his chest to assure him, then turned to shout at the Cheng Family Troupe, "Brothers, Brother Fei has given us a chance!"

"Brother Fei! Give us a bit part!"

"We'll come over to help!"

"We don't even need a salary!"

Xiang Fei was infected by their enthusiasm: "Alright, everyone come! Let's do something big together!"

After chatting a while longer about the filming plan, Xiang Fei hung up the phone. He took a long sigh of relief; the choice for the male lead was finally settled.

Just as Xiang Fei was immersed in his creative thoughts, the doorbell suddenly rang.

"Eh, who are you?" the young voice of his son, Xiang Yang, came from the doorway.

"Hello there, you must be Yangyang? I'm Uncle Chen. Where's your dad?" a gentle male voice replied.

"Daddy! Mommy! Someone's looking for you!" Xiang Yang shouted at the top of his lungs.

Zhou Huimin walked out of the kitchen, her hands still covered in flour: "Director Chen? What brings you here? A-Fei is in the study; let me call him."

"No need, I'm here," Xiang Fei walked quickly out of the study, saw Chen Kaige standing at the door, and exclaimed in surprise, "Brother Chen? What wind blew you here?"

Chen Kaige wore a casual suit, holding a bottle of red wine in his hand, and smiled: "What, not welcome?"

"Don't say that, please come in quickly!" Xiang Fei led Chen Kaige into the living room.

Chen Kaige looked around and sighed: "Truly the residence of Asia's number one director, quite grand."

Xiang Fei poured a cup of tea for Chen Kaige, and the two sat down on the leather sofa.

"Brother Chen, this time you came to..." Xiang Fei got straight to the point.

Chen Kaige took a sip of tea and spoke directly: "I heard you're filming a big production; I think you might need a capable assistant director." He paused, "So, I've come to recommend myself."

Xiang Fei's eyes lit up: "Brother Chen is willing to help? I couldn't ask for more!"

Chen Kaige smiled: "What, do you think I'm too old-fashioned?"

"What kind of joke is that!" Xiang Fei stood up excitedly, "Joining forces, we'll make China's first true sci-fi blockbuster!"

Chen Kaige asked with interest: "Didn't your 'Titanic' and 'Megalodon' count as sci-fi?"

Xiang Fei shook his head: "In those films, special effects only accounted for 30%; this time, 'Avatar' is 90% special effects." He walked to the bookshelf, pulled out a stack of concept art, and said, "Look, this is the design for the planet Pan Duola."

Chen Kaige took the drawings, and the more he looked, the more surprised he became: "These... are all your ideas?"

"The result of teamwork," Xiang Fei said modestly, "But it is indeed a brand new world."

The two discussed the filming techniques for sci-fi films for a full two hours. Chen Kaige marveled at Xiang Fei's boundless imagination.

"To be honest," Chen Kaige remarked, "I've always wanted to try the sci-fi genre, but no one in the country dares to invest such huge costs."

Xiang Fei's gaze was firm: "Then let's show the whole world that Chinese filmmakers can also produce top-tier sci-fi."

As he was leaving, Chen Kaige patted Xiang Fei on the shoulder: "Starting tomorrow, I'll be your assistant director. Don't be polite; scold me if you need to."

Xiang Fei laughed loudly: "Then I wouldn't dare."

The next day, the front pages of major newspapers were once again dominated by news of "Avatar."

"Cheng Long Confirmed to Join, Taking the Male Lead!"

"Chen Kaige Appointed Assistant Director, Two Famous Directors Join Forces!"

"Xiang Fei's New Film Lineup is Luxurious, Investment Increased to 3.5 Billion!"

Ordinary people discussed it over tea and after meals:

"Did you hear? Cheng Long is going to play an alien!"

"Chen Kaige is going to be Xiang Fei's assistant?"

"If this film succeeds, then our Chinese cinema will truly stand up!"

The film and television industry exploded into chaos.

Zhang Yimou stated in an interview: "Since Director Chen went, it proves Xiang Fei is indeed the number one domestic sci-fi director."

Feng Xiaogang then half-jokingly said: "Xiang Fei is trying to force us all to death!"