Chapter 267: Chen Jinfei's Helplessness

Xiang Fei stood before the floor-to-ceiling window at Feimin Entertainment's headquarters, looking down over the glittering night view of Beijingcheng. In his hand he held a financial report, his brow slightly furrowed.

Over the past few years, Feimin Entertainment's capital expansion had been nothing short of frenzied—

10 million invested in Alibaba, securing a 48% stake; 8 million to buy into Tencent, taking 40% equity; 3 million to acquire 61% of Weibo; 51% controlling stake in NetEase…

And now, Feimin's last liquid funds had been poured into "Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," leaving the account balance nearly at zero.

"Avatar has to be sped up…" Xiang Fei muttered to himself.

The phone suddenly rang—it was Han Shanping.

"A-Fei, when on earth will Avatar be finished? China Film can't wait any longer!"

Xiang Fei rubbed his temples: "Uncle Han, give me two more weeks."

No sooner had he hung up than Zhang Weiping's call came in: "A-Fei, the post-production publicity is all ready on our end—don't drop the ball!"

Xiang Fei held his patience: "Director Zhang, don't worry, it won't be delayed."

Right after that, Wang Zhonglei's message arrived too—

"Huayi's distribution resources are all in. Director Xiang, don't let us down, A-Fei."

Xiang Fei took a deep breath and dialed the editing room: "All-nighter tonight—we have to cut the final version!"

At the same time, in Chen Jinfei's office, the atmosphere was solemn.

Liu Xiaoli and Liu Yifei sat on the sofa, mother and daughter both wearing grim expressions.

"Jinfei, the role of Wang Yuyan… is it really hopeless?" Liu Xiaoli asked carefully.

Chen Jinfei's face darkened, his fist clenching then loosening: "I had planned to take a swing at Feimin and snatch the role back, but then…"

Liu Yifei looked up, her eyes slightly red: "Uncle Chen, is there really no way?"

Chen Jinfei sighed: "Just as I was about to make my move, a call came from above."

"Above?" Liu Xiaoli was startled. "Whose call?"

"The government." Chen Jinfei lowered his voice. "The exact words were—'Feimin Entertainment—don't touch.'"

Liu Xiaoli went pale in an instant: "Xiang Fei… has that kind of backing?"

Chen Jinfei gave a helpless smile: "He's received commendations from the highest leaders—he's been taken notice of."

Liu Yifei bit her lip, tears welling in her eyes.

Seeing this, Chen Jinfei softened his tone: "Don't worry, I just called Zhang Jizhong."

"What did he say?" Liu Xiaoli asked hurriedly.

"The role of Azhu goes to Qianqian (Liu Yifei)."

Liu Xiaoli forced a smile: "Thank you, Jinfei."

Liu Yifei lowered her head and said softly: "Thank you, Uncle Chen."

After the mother and daughter left, Chen Jinfei slammed the table hard: "Xiang Fei… you're ruthless!"

Back at home, Liu Xiaoli closed the door and finally couldn't help asking her daughter: "Qianqian, are you all right?"

Liu Yifei sat on the edge of the bed, and the tears finally fell: "Mom, why is it always like this…"

Liu Xiaoli held her daughter and comforted her softly: "The entertainment circle is like this—the weak are prey to the strong."

"But I'm not willing to accept it…" Liu Yifei wiped away her tears. "Wang Yuyan clearly suits me better."

Liu Xiaoli sighed: "Feimin's power is too great now, we can only endure."

Liu Yifei was silent for a moment, then suddenly looked up: "Mom, what if… I go to see Xiang Fei?"

Liu Xiaoli was startled: "Are you crazy? Even Chen Jinfei doesn't dare touch him!"

Liu Yifei's gaze was firm: "I just want to try…"

In the editing room, Xiang Fei stared at the screen, personally adjusting the final shot sequence of Avatar.

The assistant hurried in: "Director Xiang, Director Han called again to press us."

Xiang Fei didn't even turn his head: "Tell him we'll screen it tomorrow morning."

The assistant hesitated: "Also… it seems Chen Jinfei is making moves on his side."

Xiang Fei finally turned around: "What moves?"

"He originally planned to target us, but he was suppressed from above."

Xiang Fei scoffed: "Overestimating himself."

The assistant hesitated, wanting to speak: "Liu Yifei and her mother seem very unwilling to accept it…"

Xiang Fei waved a hand: "Don't worry about it, keep editing."

The next morning, the final version of Avatar was finally completed.

Xiang Fei rubbed his sore, gritty eyes and dialed Han Shanping: "Uncle Han, it's ready for screening."

On the other end, Han Shanping laughed out loud: "Good! I'll arrange it right away!"

At the same time, Liu Yifei stood outside the Feimin Entertainment building, clutching her résumé tightly.

"Xiang Fei… I have to meet you face to face."