Chapter 255: The Great Flood

The morning in New Zealand, thin mist shrouding the film set.

Xiang Fei stood in the temporarily erected director's tent, flipping through today's shooting schedule, his brow slightly furrowed.

"Brother Chen, where's Brother Long?" he looked up and asked the assistant director.

Chen Kaige's expression was subtle; he lowered his voice: "Ah Fei, Cheng Long... didn't return to the hotel last night."

Xiang Fei froze: "Didn't return again?"

Chen Kaige nodded, hesitating to speak: "I heard... Young Lady Anne Hathaway isn't in the hotel either."

Xiang Fei rubbed his temples and sighed helplessly.

Lately, Cheng Long had used some kind of "magic" to win Anne Hathaway's favor; the two frequently met in private, even photographed entering and leaving together. Even more absurdly, Cheng Long seemed to need take no responsibility; Anne not only didn't make a scene but became even more enthusiastic toward him.

"This guy..." Xiang Fei shook his head with a bitter smile, "really has a way."

Xiang Fei strolled along the small path outside the film set, thinking about the upcoming shooting arrangements.

Suddenly, a phone rang urgently.

"Hello, Brother Wen."

On the other end of the line, Cai Wen's voice unusually carried anxiety: "Ah Fei, something happened domestically! A massive flood broke out in the Yangtze River basin; multiple provinces are severely affected; the number of disaster victims has exceeded one million!"

Xiang Fei stopped in his tracks, his face changing instantly: "When did this happen?"

"It started last night; now the news is everywhere," Cai Wen said in a deep voice. "Shouldn't we do something?"

Xiang Fei took a deep breath and immediately made a decision: "Brother Wen, I'm going back today."

Hanging up the phone, he turned and strode purposefully toward the film set, his steps firm and hurried.

Ten minutes later, the entire core creative team of the "Avatar" crew was summoned to the conference room.

Xiang Fei stood before everyone, with a serious expression: "Everyone, a sudden flood disaster has struck domestically; I must return to the country immediately."

A murmur of shock swept through the room.

Chen Kaige was the first to stand up: "Is the situation serious?"

"Very serious," Xiang Fei nodded. "The number of victims is huge; rescue efforts and supplies are scarce; I must go back."

Cheng Long and Anita Mui exchanged a glance and raised their hands simultaneously: "We're going back too."

Xiang Fei looked at them: "Brother Long, Sister Mei, you..."

Cheng Long's expression was firm: "Xiangjiang is also organizing disaster relief; we cannot be absent."

Anita Mui nodded in agreement: "At a time like this, artists should stand up even more."

Chen Kaige patted Xiang Fei's shoulder: "Go back to the country; leave this side to me."

He picked up the storyboard on the table: "Your storyboards are very detailed; I will continue filming according to the plan, prioritizing the scenes for other actors."

Xiang Fei gratefully shook his hand: "Brother Chen, thanks."

Chen Kaige smiled: "Tonight I'll call Chen Hong and have her donate five million in her personal name first."

Leonardo, standing nearby, also stood up: "If international aid is needed, I can contact the Red Cross."

Lin Qingxia, Li Xuejian, and others all expressed willingness to donate money and goods.

In the afternoon, on the tarmac, the crew's private plane was ready.

Zhou Huimin held Xiang Yang's hand, standing beside Xiang Fei. Cheng Long and Anita Mui also carried simple luggage, preparing to board together.

Chen Kaige brought the crew members to see them off.

"Have a safe journey," Chen Kaige said solemnly. "Once domestic affairs are handled, come back early."

Xiang Fei nodded: "I'm counting on you for this side."

Cheng Long grinned, winking at Anne Hathaway: "Anne, wait for me to return, and I'll teach you Chinese Kung Fu!"

Anne waved with a red face: "Stay safe!"

Anita Mui hugged Liu Xiaoqing: "Take care."

The cabin door closed, and the plane slowly taxied.

Through the porthole, Xiang Fei watched the film set gradually recede, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Zhou Huimin held his hand: "Don't worry; everything will be fine."

Xiang Yang leaned against the window, excitedly pointing at the clouds: "Dad, we're flying so high!"

Zhou Huimin helped him organize materials, while Cheng Long and Anita Mui made phone calls to contact artist friends in Xiangjiang, mobilizing more people to participate in disaster relief.

"Brother Wen," Xiang Fei dialed Cai Wen's phone, "I'll arrive in Beijing in about ten hours; get ready; we'll hold a meeting as soon as we land."

"Understood," Cai Wen replied. "Should we also have Jay Chou and Fang Wenshan participate?"

Xiang Fei's eyes lit up: "Of course! Have them prepare a disaster relief theme song; the sooner the better!"

Hanging up the phone, Xiang Fei looked out at the sea of clouds, his gaze firm.