Chapter 28: Qiusheng

Xiang Qian stood by the roadside of the apartment building, wearing sunglasses, a cigarette unlit between his fingers. Morning sunlight spilled across the street, gilding the entire city in gold.

Suddenly, the roar of an engine came from afar—a fiery red Ferrari surged forward at nearly insane speed, skidding to a sudden stop less than half a meter from Xiang Qian.

The window rolled down, and Cheng Long grinned behind exaggerated pilot sunglasses: "Qianzi, get in!"

Xiang Qian frowned: "You've been drinking?"

"Who drinks at this hour?!" Cheng Long slapped the steering wheel. "Hurry up, I'm taking you to meet my senior brother!"

The moment Xiang Qian fastened his seatbelt, the Ferrari roared off.

"Holy shit!" Xiang Qian grabbed the handle above the door.

Cheng Long laughed heartily: "How's that? My driving's no worse than your kung fu, right?"

The car executed a perfect drift around a curve, tires screeching against the asphalt. Xiang Qian felt his breakfast rising.

"Slow down!" Xiang Qian turned pale. "I still want to live to see Brother Hong!"

Cheng Long stomped the accelerator. "Relax, I'm a professional—wah!"

A truck suddenly burst out from a side road. Cheng Long yanked the wheel; the Ferrari barely scraped past it.

Twenty minutes later, the Ferrari skidded to a stop outside the Peninsula Hotel. Xiang Qian stumbled out, gripping a pillar and vomiting twice.

Cheng Long removed his sunglasses with pride: "See? I told you it was safe."

Pushing open the private room door, Hong Jinbao and Lin Zhengying were sipping tea. Both rose as the two entered.

"This must be Xiang Qian?" Hong Jinbao smiled warmly, extending his hand. "I've heard so much about you!"

Xiang Qian bowed quickly and shook his hand: "Brother Hong, I'm Xiang Qian."

Lin Zhengying also extended his hand: "Long often talks about you."

Xiang Qian bowed again: "Brother Lin, nice to meet you."

Cheng Long winked from the side: "How's that? I didn't exaggerate, right? Qianzi's got skill and great character!"

Dishes arrived, and the four clinked cups. After three glasses of Maotai, the atmosphere warmed.

Hong Jinbao picked up a shrimp dumpling for Xiang Qian: "Qianzi, I heard your latest album sold like crazy?"

Xiang Qian demurred: "Just lucky."

Lin Zhengying sipped his wine: "I listened to your 'Huo Yuanjia.' Very powerful!"

Cheng Long butted in: "Powerful? You should've seen it—he took down dozens by himself—"

Xiang Qian stomped hard on Cheng Long's foot under the table.

"Ow!" Cheng Long yelped. "I meant boxing! Boxing!"

After several rounds of drinks, Lin Zhengying set down his cup, his tone turning serious: "Qianzi, the truth is—I have a favor to ask."

Xiang Qian put down his chopsticks: "Brother Lin, please speak."

"Director Liu Guanwei saw your performance in the competition," Lin Zhengying said. "He thinks you're perfect for the role of Qiusheng in 'Mr. Vampire.'"

Hong Jinbao added: "The role demands real kung fu and a touch of comedic talent. Long says you've got both."

Xiang Qian glanced at Cheng Long, who winked at him.

"When does filming start?" Xiang Qian asked directly.

Hong Jinbao and Lin Zhengying froze, their prepared speeches stuck in their throats.

"You… accepted?" Lin Zhengying couldn't believe it.

Xiang Qian nodded: "It's an honor to work with both of you."

Hong Jinbao burst out laughing: "Good! Straightforward! Come, let's drink!"

All four raised their cups and clinked.

Cheng Long leaned close to Xiang Qian's ear: "Aren't you going to ask about the pay?"

Xiang Qian whispered back: "I'm not short on money."

Lin Zhengying sighed: "Today's youth… Long, if you'd been half as straightforward as Qianzi back then, things would've been easier."

Cheng Long protested: "Hey! I was plenty straightforward back then!"

Hong Jinbao teased: "Yes—right after you demanded triple the pay."

Lin Zhengying pulled out the script: "Qiusheng is Master Jiu's disciple—he needs solid martial skills and a sense of humor."

Xiang Qian flipped through the script: "Any fight scene demos?"

Hong Jinbao clapped his hands: "Already prepared!"

He pulled out a videotape and had the server play it. On screen were several choreographed fight sequences: zombies versus Taoist priests.

After watching, Xiang Qian nodded: "No problem. But I have a small suggestion."

"Go ahead."

"Here," Xiang Qian pointed at the screen. "What if you add a backflip kick? Would it look better?"

As he spoke, he rose and demonstrated—a clean, sharp backflip, landing with his right leg snapping out like a whip, stirring the air.

Hong Jinbao's eyes lit up: "Perfect! Change it like that!"

After a few more rounds, Lin Zhengying was slightly drunk, patting Xiang Qian's shoulder: "Qianzi, you're… just my type! Come on, one more!"

Xiang Qian raised his cup: "To Brother Lin."

Cheng Long leaned over: "Hey, you've got a good head for liquor!"

Xiang Qian smiled: "A bit better than your driving."

Hong Jinbao checked his watch: "It's getting late. Shall we discuss details tomorrow at my office?"

Xiang Qian stood: "Of course. Let me see you off."

At the hotel entrance, Hong Jinbao and Lin Zhengying got into the car.

Lin Zhengying leaned out the window: "Qianzi, don't forget to come for makeup tests next week!"

Xiang Qian nodded: "I'll be there on time."

Watching the car drive off, Cheng Long slapped Xiang Qian on the shoulder: "How's that? I didn't lie to you, did I? Big production!"

Xiang Qian glanced at him sideways: "Give me the car keys."

"Why?"

"I'll drive you home," Xiang Qian snatched the keys, "so you don't end up on the front page for drunk driving."

Cheng Long protested: "I only had two drinks!"

"Two glasses of Maotai," Xiang Qian shoved him into the passenger seat, "that's enough to knock you out till noon tomorrow."

He hailed a taxi, shoved Cheng Long inside, told the driver to take him home, then called another taxi for himself and returned to his apartment.