Chapter 269: Avatar Shock

Xiang Fei, carrying the case containing the final film reel of *Avatar*, strode into the China Film Group building. The moment the elevator doors opened, he saw Han Shanping, Zhang Weiping, Wang Zhonglei, and Wang Zhongjun standing at the end of the corridor in conversation.

"Ah Fei!" Han Shanping spotted him first, a smile breaking across his face. "We've finally been waiting for you."

Xiang Fei walked over and nodded. "President Han, President Zhang, President Wang."

Zhang Weiping laughed and clapped him on the shoulder. "Ah Fei, if you hadn't shown up, the shareholders would've driven us all crazy."

Wang Zhonglei also let out a breath of relief. "Right—Huayi keeps asking me about the progress every day. I can barely hold them off."

Xiang Fei gave a faint smile. "Sorry to keep you all waiting."

Han Shanping waved a hand. "No matter. Since the film is already edited, let's hurry to the screening room. I can't wait any longer."

The group walked together toward China Film's top-tier screening room. Along the way, Zhang Weiping couldn't help asking, "Ah Fei, is this film really as incredible as you said?"

Xiang Fei didn't answer directly, only the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. "You'll find out soon enough."

Wang Zhongjun rubbed his hands together, looking a little excited. "I heard that during the special effects work, nobody took any breaks?"

"Mm." Xiang Fei replied briefly.

After entering the screening room, the staff quickly took the reel and began adjusting the equipment. Han Shanping beckoned everyone to sit, then took the seat beside Xiang Fei himself and said in a low voice, "Ah Fei, if this film is really like you said, the domestic box office will absolutely break records."

Xiang Fei's gaze was calm. "Not just domestic."

Han Shanping was taken aback, then laughed. "Good—then I'll be watching with great anticipation."

The lights dimmed; the screen lit up.

As the opening credits of *Avatar* began, the screening room fell instantly silent.

The fantastical world of Pan Duola slowly unfolded before everyone's eyes.

—Bioluminescent plants swaying in the night, massive floating mountains piercing the clouds, Na'vi darting through the forest, the light of the Tree of Souls spilling across the land…

Han Shanping's breath unconsciously caught, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on the screen.

Wang Zhongjun's hands trembled slightly; he instinctively gripped the armrest, as though afraid he might be pulled into the images before him.

Zhang Weiping kept rubbing his eyes, muttering, "This… this really came out of our production?"

Wang Zhonglei was simply dumbstruck, his mouth slightly agape, unable to utter a single word for a long while.

Even the staff in the screening room had their eyes wide open; some even forgot to operate the equipment, only snapping back when a colleague reminded them.

More than two hours later, the film ended and the screen went dark.

The screening room was utterly silent.

For a full three minutes, no one spoke.

Only when the lights slowly came back on did Han Shanping, as if waking from a dream, take a deep breath and turn to Xiang Fei. "This… this film…"

Before he could finish, a burst of enthusiastic applause suddenly erupted in the screening room!

The staff, China Film executives, even Zhang Weiping, Wang Zhonglei, and the others—all stood up and clapped vigorously.

"Incredible! These special effects are absolutely world-class!"

"The story is phenomenal too—a double impact of emotion and visuals!"

"If this film doesn't explode at the box office, there'll be no justice!"

Xiang Fei sat in his seat, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly. His gaze swept over the stunned faces of the crowd—he had long anticipated this reaction.

Back in Han Shanping's office, everyone's emotions were still running high.

Han Shanping made the decision on the spot. "This film must be released globally and simultaneously! China Film will give its full support to marketing and distribution!"

Zhang Weiping said excitedly, "New Pictures' side has already prepared the publicity on our end!"

Wang Zhonglei immediately chimed in, "All of Huayi's media resources will be mobilized—full coverage online and offline!"

Wang Zhongjun added, "Overseas distribution has to be pushed too, especially the North American market!"

Xiang Fei listened to the discussion and finally spoke. "Focus the promotion on 'revolutionary 3D technology' and 'visual spectacle.' As for the plot, keep it mysterious."

Han Shanping nodded. "No problem! This film alone, just on visuals, is more than enough to draw people in!"

At noon, no one left China Film; they ate directly in the group's cafeteria.

Zhang Weiping sighed as he ate. "Ah Fei, if this film blows up, the few of us will truly become industry legends."

Wang Zhonglei laughed. "More than industry legends—this is going to be written into world cinema history!"

Han Shanping raised his tea cup and looked at Xiang Fei. "Ah Fei, this cup's to you. This film is destined to change the landscape of Chinese cinema."

Xiang Fei raised his cup and smiled faintly. "Pleasure working together."