Chapter 276: Unspoken Rules

Xiangjiang, the Xiang family's old mansion.

At exactly seven in the evening, the familiar opening music of the Xinwen Lianbo news broadcast began to play.

Zhou Huimin and Yangyang sat together in front of the living room television; even Xiang Fei, usually so busy, had set aside his work for once to watch with his family.

"…Our country's first sci-fi film released in global synchronization, 'Avatar,' has repeatedly broken box-office records since its May Day premiere, sparking a viewing craze not only domestically but also earning widespread acclaim in the international market…"

The news footage cut to stunning special-effects shots from 'Avatar,' followed by scenes of packed theaters across the country.

The corners of Xiang Fei's mouth lifted slightly, but he kept it in check—after all, in front of Yangyang, he was always composed.

However, the next line made him completely unable to hold it together—

"The President, at today's symposium, expressed high recognition of the level of China's film industry as demonstrated by 'Avatar,' and praised it for 'showing the world the innovation and confidence of Chinese culture.'"

"Pfft—!" Xiang Fei nearly sprayed out his mouthful of tea, quickly wiping his mouth, but the smile on his face could no longer be hidden.

Zhou Huimin watched her husband's "so happy he can't find north" expression from the side and couldn't help but chuckle softly. She knew that though Xiang Fei looked pleased on the surface, he was already scheming his next move inside.

Late at night, in the bedroom, "I plan to take Yangyang back to the mainland the day after tomorrow," Xiang Fei said.

Zhou Huimin nodded. "Alright, I'll pack the luggage tomorrow then."

The next evening, Xiang Fei invited Jackie Chan out for a drive.

The two drove a convertible sports car, speeding along the Victoria Harbour seaside road, the night wind brushing their faces. Jackie Chan laughed heartily: "Ah Fei, now that your movie's a hit, you've gotten all floaty!"

Xiang Fei laughed and cursed: "Cut it out, Brother Long—when you broke records back in the day, didn't you strut around for months too?"

Jackie Chan burst into laughter, about to retort, when he suddenly caught sight of a few familiar figures standing outside a high-end KTV by the road.

"Huh? Isn't that shixiong?" Jackie Chan pointed.

Xiang Fei looked in that direction, and sure enough, Hong Jinbao, Zeng Zhiwei, Lin Zhengying, and a few others were standing at the door smoking and chatting, looking like they'd just arrived.

Jackie Chan honked the horn. Hong Jinbao turned his head, saw them, and immediately grinned: "Yo! Isn't that our international big-shot director and the Kung Fu Emperor? What, you two here to sing too?"

Xiang Fei stopped the car and smiled: "Brother Hong, Brother Zhiwei, Brother Ying, what a coincidence?"

Zeng Zhiwei, cigarette dangling from his lips, said with a smile: "Since we've bumped into each other, let's go together, eh? More the merrier!"

Jackie Chan, always one for fun, agreed immediately: "Sure! Let's go!"

Xiang Fei had wanted to politely decline, but seeing how high their spirits were, he couldn't dampen the mood, so he nodded: "Then I'll keep you older brothers company for a couple of drinks."

In the private room, the lights were hazy, the music deafening.

The moment they sat down, Zeng Zhiwei clapped his hands and smiled mysteriously: "We're rarely all together today—I'll call a few young ladies to liven things up."

Before Xiang Fei could react, the private room door was pushed open, and five or six young, beautiful actresses walked in gracefully.

Zhang Baizhi, Rong Zuer, A Jiao, Chen Jiahua, Ren Jiaxuan, Tian Fuzhen…

Xiang Fei was stunned, cursing inwardly: "Damn, that old fox Zeng Zhiwei—pulling this stunt?"

Jackie Chan, however, took it in stride and laughed heartily: "Brother Zhiwei, you sure know how to have fun!"

Zeng Zhiwei raised his eyebrows smugly: "Brothers, don't be shy—pick!"

Without a word, Jackie Chan pulled A Jiao right to his side, his movements so practiced one had to wonder if he did this often.

Hong Jinbao was also unceremonious, one arm around Chen Jiahua, the other beckoning Rong Zuer to come sit over, grinning like a Maitreya Buddha.

Zeng Zhiwei himself pulled Zhang Baizhi close; the two chatted and laughed, clearly very familiar with each other.

Lin Zhengying was more reserved, simply pointing at Ren Jiaxuan, who obediently went and sat beside him.

In the end, only Tian Fuzhen was left standing in place, looking at Xiang Fei a little awkwardly.

Jackie Chan saw this and teased: "Ah Fei, not satisfied? Not satisfied and we'll swap, no problem!"

Xiang Fei shook his head helplessly and beckoned to Tian Fuzhen: "Then you come over."

Tian Fuzhen breathed a sigh of relief and carefully sat down beside Xiang Fei, but deliberately kept a little distance.

In the private room, the others were already having a wild time.

Jackie Chan and A Jiao were singing a duet in the bathroom; Hong Jinbao was giving Chen Jiahua a chest massage; Rong Zuer was sitting on Hong Jinbao bouncing up and down giving a massage; Zeng Zhiwei and Baizhi were huddled together whispering, occasionally letting out ambiguous giggles; Ren Jiaxuan was giving Lin Zhengying a groin massage.

Only on Xiang Fei's side was the atmosphere a little subtle.

Tian Fuzhen held a glass of juice, sipping it in small mouthfuls, her eyes sneaking peeks at Xiang Fei from time to time, but not daring to initiate conversation.

Xiang Fei noticed her nervousness and proactively poured a cup of tea and handed it to her: "Don't be nervous. If you want to sing, go ahead."

Tian Fuzhen took the teacup and thanked him softly: "Thank you, Director Xiang."

Xiang Fei didn't press her, casually taking a sip of his own drink and asking offhandedly: "Your group's been pretty popular in Taiwan lately, right?"

Tian Fuzhen answered softly: "It's alright… mainly Ren Jiaxuan and Chen Jiahua are more active. I'm the quiet one."

Xiang Fei raised an eyebrow: "Quiet? Then how did Zeng Zhiwei end up calling you?"

Tian Fuzhen blushed and said quietly: "The company arranged it… said there were important figures tonight and told us to come meet them."

Xiang Fei understood, sighing inwardly: "The entertainment circle…"

Playing until the middle of the night, Xiang Fei really found it boring, so he made an excuse about having to catch a flight tomorrow and took his leave early.

Jackie Chan was already a bit tipsy, clinging to A Jiao and refusing to let go: "Ah Fei, leaving already? Stay and play a bit longer!"

Xiang Fei patted his shoulder: "Brother Long, take it easy—don't end up on the headlines tomorrow."

Jackie Chan laughed heartily: "Don't worry! I'm experienced!"

Xiang Fei shook his head helplessly, said goodbye to the others, and left the private room with Tian Fuzhen.

In the hallway, Tian Fuzhen finally breathed a sigh of relief and said softly: "Director Xiang, thank you…"

Xiang Fei glanced at her: "Thank me for what?"

"Thank you for not letting me…" she said, head lowered,

Xiang Fei nodded, then turned and, without looking back, hailed a cab and left the KTV.

In the deep night of Xiangjiang, the neon lights still glittered. Xiang Fei sat in the car, rubbing his temples, feeling a bit irritated.

"The unspoken rules of the entertainment circle are rotten to the core…"