Chapter 282: Transformation

"Avatar" officially ended its theatrical run, with a global box office of 10.5 billion, shattering the 10 billion record held by "Titanic" for 12 years and claiming the number one spot in film history.

As soon as the news broke, the world was stunned.

The Wall Street Journal's front-page headline read: "Only Xiang Fei can defeat Xiang Fei."

The Hollywood Reporter exclaimed: "Only Xiang Fei himself can defeat himself; Hollywood has met its strongest rival."

Domestic media reported furiously, with "Avatar" occupying all ten spots on the Weibo hot search, while major television stations broadcast clips of Xiang Fei's exclusive interviews on a loop.

The two characters "Xiang Fei" had already become a synonym for the global film industry.

Huayi, New Picture, Feimin, Yongsheng, and China Film—the five companies that invested in "Avatar"—saw their market values skyrocket overnight.

When Wang Zhongjun, chairman of Huayi Brothers, accepted an interview, he couldn't stop smiling: "We can only look up to Director Xiang's vision."

Zhang Weiping of New Picture went even further: "Following Director Xiang, we make money while lying down."

Feimin Entertainment's stock price hit the daily limit up, and Ren Quan's investment department, which he led, became an industry legend overnight.

Meanwhile, Xiang Qiang, the boss of Yongsheng Pictures, held a grand celebration banquet in Xiangjiang, inviting all the stars and directors of the city to gather and celebrate this historic moment.

Beijing, Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

The celebration banquet for "Avatar" was held here, with a level of grandeur unprecedented before.

Han Shanping personally organized it; all top-tier domestic stars and directors came to attend, and even the top executives of Hollywood's six major film companies flew in specially to participate.

In the center of the banquet hall, a crystal-clear ice sculpture of "10.5 billion" stood there, shimmering under the lights.

Xiang Fei, wearing a custom-made suit, walked into the venue with a smile, instantly becoming the focus of the entire room.

"Xiang Dao! Congratulations!"

"Director Xiang, you've really brought honor to Chinese cinema this time!"

Everyone rushed forward to offer congratulations, and Xiang Fei nodded to each one in turn, his gaze steady and profound.

He knew that from today on, he was no longer just a director—he was capital itself.

Han Shanping held a glass of champagne, walked over to Xiang Fei's side, and smiled: "A-Fei, are you satisfied with the scene today?"

Xiang Fei raised his glass in a gesture: "Uncle Han has gone to great trouble."

Han Shanping laughed heartily, patted his shoulder, and said: "Let's go, it's time to smash the ice sculpture!"

Under the gaze of the entire hall, Han Shanping held Xiang Fei's wrist, and the two walked together to the ice sculpture.

A waiter handed over a small golden hammer.

"Bang—"

The ice sculpture shattered at the sound, with crystal ice chunks scattering and flying, refracting brilliant light under the lamps.

Thunderous applause erupted throughout the hall.

This moment symbolized another masterpiece of Chinese cinema reaching the peak of the globe.

In a corner of the banquet hall, Ren Quan was surrounded by a group of investors offering flattery.

"Director Ren, let us know if there are any good investment opportunities!"

"Director Ren, are you still considering making a movie recently? I have a very good script here!"

Ren Quan smiled modestly, but his gaze involuntarily turned toward Xiang Fei in the distance.

He knew that everything he had achieved today was entirely due to that man's appreciation.

On the other side, Dong Xiaoming had his arm around Liu Yifei's waist, introducing her to several domestic directors: "This is Liu Yifei, our newly signed artist at Feimin."

Liu Yifei wore a haute couture gown, her smile sweet, but her eyes were somewhat wandering.

She secretly glanced toward Xiang Fei's direction, her heart filled with mixed emotions.

At the same time, at the Xiangjiang Peninsula Hotel.

The celebration banquet for Yongsheng Entertainment was equally luxurious.

Jackie Chan, Andy Lau, Chow Yun-fat, and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, among other superstars, were all present; even Zhou Xingxing, who had already left Yongsheng Pictures, made a rare appearance.

Wang Jing raised his glass and shouted: "The success of 'Avatar' is a victory for Chinese-language cinema!"

The entire hall cheered.

In a corner, John Woo whispered to Xu Ke: "Xiang Shao has outdone us all this time."

Xu Ke smiled bitterly: "There's no way around it; Xiang Shao is filming the future, while we are only filming the past."

As the Beijing celebration banquet drew to a close, Xiang Fei walked alone to the terrace, overlooking the night view of Jingcheng.

Han Shanping followed, handing him a cigarette: "A-Fei, what are you thinking about?"

Xiang Fei took the cigarette and said lightly: "Thinking about... the next target."

Han Shanping raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Is there a target higher than 10.5 billion?"

Xiang Fei lit the cigarette, exhaled a puff of smoke, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly:

"I want Chinese cinema to rule the world."

The night wind blew, his voice light but firm.

Han Shanping paused for a moment, then laughed loudly: "Good! I'm waiting to see!"

After the banquet ended, Dong Xiaoming, with Liu Yifei in his arms, got into the car.

"Qianqian, you performed well tonight." He pinched her cheek.

Liu Yifei forced a smile: "Thank you, Director Dong."

Dong Xiaoming leaned close to her ear and whispered: "Don't call me Director Dong anymore, call me Xiaoming. Tomorrow night, I have dinner with Zhang Yimou; you come along."

Liu Yifei's body stiffened, but she still nodded: "Okay, Xiaoming."

She knew she was just a pawn in Dong Xiaoming's hand.