Chapter 261: Filming 'The Banquet

In the office, as Xiang Fei had just finished signing the last document allocating disaster-reconstruction funds, the phone on the desk rang.

"Hello, Uncle Han." Xiang Fei picked up the phone, his voice carrying a hint of fatigue.

"Ah Fei, I have good news." Han Shanpin's voice brimmed with excitement, "The Broadcasting Administration wants to invite you to serve as Vice Chairman of the Film Association. What do you think?"

Xiang Fei paused slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the desk. The position of Vice Chairman of the Film Association meant not only recognition of his standing in the industry but also an increase in influence.

"Fine, I accept." Xiang Fei hesitated little, "However, I must finish filming 'Avatar' before taking up the post."

"Rest assured about that; progress in New Zealand is smooth. Chen Kaige even called me a few days ago, saying the special effects rendering is faster than expected." Han Shanpin laughed.

After chatting for a while longer about the details of the film production, Xiang Fei glanced at his watch and hung up the phone.

After putting down the phone, Xiang Fei suddenly remembered something, picked up the receiver again, and dialed Anita Mui's number.

Once the call connected, a noisy background sound came from the other end; faintly, one could hear a director shouting "Cut," along with the hurried footsteps of crew members running about.

"Ah Fei?" Anita Mui's voice came through, carrying a hint of surprise, "Why are you calling suddenly?"

"I heard Young Lady Mui is filming 'The Banquet'?" Xiang Fei smiled, "I plan to come visit the set; would you welcome me?"

"Of course, welcome!" Anita Mui laughed, and immediately a commotion arose on the other end of the phone, as if someone had leaned in.

"Hey, Ah Fei! Come over quickly; we'll revise the script then and arrange a role for you!" Eric Tsang's loud voice came through the receiver, and in the background, the laughter and banter of several actors could be heard.

Xiang Fei chuckled helplessly: "Brother Zhiwei, you want to trick me into acting again?"

"Oh, just make a cameo appearance; anyway, you're idle once you arrive!" Eric Tsang laughed heartily.

Anita Mui took the phone, her voice gentle: "Ah Fei, when will you arrive? I'll have the crew prepare."

"Tomorrow; I happen to be going to Xiangjiang anyway, so I'll drop by to see you all on the way."

"Good, waiting for you."

After hanging up the phone, Xiang Fei leaned back in his chair, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. The post-disaster reconstruction matters had reached a conclusion, and the appointment to the Film Association was settled; it was time to relax.

The next day, Xiang Fei arrived at Xiangjiang International Airport by flight.

As soon as he exited the gate, he saw Anita Mui's agent, Ah Kim, waving in the waiting area.

"Mr. Xiang, over here!"

Xiang Fei walked over and smiled, "Where is Young Lady Mui? She didn't come?"

"Young Lady Mui is still on set; there are several important scenes today, so she asked me to pick you up first." Ah Kim took the luggage, "The car is outside; shall we go straight to the set?"

"Fine."

Along the way, Ah Kim briefly introduced the filming situation of 'The Banquet'. This film was the annual big production of the Xiangjiang film circle, gathering almost half the stars of the entertainment industry; Anita Mui, while Eric Tsang, Zhou Xingxing, and Andy Lau all had important roles.

"I heard Mr. Xiang recently finished the mainland disaster-relief work?" Ah Kim asked.

"Yes, finally reached a conclusion." Xiang Fei looked out the window as Xiangjiang's street scenes flashed by, "This trip is also to visit old friends along the way."

The car stopped outside the Clear Water Bay set; as soon as Xiang Fei got out, he heard a burst of laughter from inside.

Following Ah Kim into the studio, he saw from afar Anita Mui wearing a magnificent gown, rehearsing with Eric Tsang.

"Cut! That take is done!" the director shouted.

Anita Mui turned her head and happened to see Xiang Fei; her eyes lit up, and she walked over quickly.

"Ah Fei!"

"Young Lady Mui." Xiang Fei smiled as he looked her over, "This styling is nice; it suits you very well."

Anita Mui spun around and laughed, "How is it? Do I look like a wealthy young lady?"

"Yes, especially so."

At that moment, Eric Tsang also leaned over, patting Xiang Fei's shoulder: "Hey, big boss, want to make a cameo appearance?"

"Oh, just show your face!" Eric Tsang winked and made faces, "Consider it adding some buzz to the film!"

Anita Mui also laughed: "Ah Fei, since you're already here, why not play along?"

Xiang Fei, helpless, finally agreed under everyone's urging to cameo in a role with only a few lines of dialogue.

That night, after the crew wrapped up, Anita Mui hosted a banquet at a private restaurant in Xiangjiang, inviting friends such as Xiang Fei, Eric Tsang, and Andy Lau to gather.

During the meal, everyone discussed recent events; Eric Tsang raised his glass and laughed, "Ah Fei, I heard you're about to become Vice Chairman of the Film Association?"

Xiang Fei clinked glasses with him: "Mutual support; Chinese-language cinema is inherently one entity."

Andy Lau also nodded: "Yes, now the mainland market is becoming increasingly important; we Xiangjiang filmmakers must cooperate more with the mainland."

Anita Mui looked at Xiang Fei and said softly, "Ah Fei, Xiangjiang has reported extensively on your disaster-relief work this time; everyone praises Feimin as a responsible enterprise."

Xiang Fei shook his head: "I only did what needed to be done."

Eric Tsang slapped the table: "Low-key enough! Come, I toast you!"

Everyone raised their glasses; the atmosphere was lively.