Chapter 283: Time to Rest

Feimin Entertainment headquarters, top-floor conference room.

Xiang Fei sat at the head of the long table, his fingertips tapping lightly on the surface, his gaze sweeping over the department directors present.

"I called everyone here today because I have an announcement to make." His tone was calm, yet it instantly silenced the entire conference room.

Everyone held their breath and focused, waiting for what came next.

"I plan to take a break for a while," Xiang Fei said lightly. "Company matters will be handed over entirely to President Cai for the time being."

The moment the words fell, a low murmur of discussion immediately rose in the conference room.

Finance Director Li Mei couldn't help but ask, "President Xiang, how long will your break be?"

Xiang Fei glanced at him: "Not sure. Maybe a few months, maybe a year."

The crowd exchanged glances, clearly not having expected Xiang Fei to suddenly make such a decision.

Cai Wen sat to Xiang Fei's right, his demeanor steady, though a flicker of complicated emotion flashed through his eyes.

Xiang Fei turned to look at him, his tone softening a little: "President Cai, if you run into something you really can't decide on, just give me a call."

Cai Wen nodded: "Understood."

After the meeting ended, the department directors filed out of the conference room in twos and threes, conversing in low voices.

"What's gotten into President Xiang? Suddenly taking a break?"

"Who knows, maybe he's worn out from 'Avatar'?"

"I don't think so. President Xiang has never been the type to rest just because of work fatigue."

"You think... could President Xiang be moving into Hollywood?"

The crowd wore varied expressions, but all tacitly refrained from digging deeper.

At Feimin, Xiang Fei's will was the highest command; no one dared question it, and no one could guess his true thoughts.

In the office of Li Bingbing from the Artists Department, Li Bingbing was leaning against the window, a sweet smile on her face, her phone pressed to her ear.

"Mm, I've arranged everything. See you tonight." She spoke softly, her tone gentle—nothing like her usual swift and decisive manner.

After hanging up, she couldn't help glancing again at the photo on the desk—it was a picture of her and Zhou Xingxing together.

Who could have imagined that Feimin's Li Bingbing would actually end up with the King of Comedy, Zhou Xingxing?

This romance, they had carefully maintained for three years.

Three years ago, Zhou Xingxing was still Shaw Brothers' "cash cow," bound by a harsh contract, unable to film the movies he wanted to make.

A 50 million yuan penalty for breach of contract was an astronomical sum for them at the time.

But Li Bingbing did not back down.

She put up all her savings, Zhou Xingxing also sold off several properties, and together with a bank loan, they finally scraped together the money.

The moment Zhou Xingxing signed his name on the termination agreement, he held Li Bingbing tightly.

"Thank you for giving me my freedom."

After regaining his freedom, Zhou Xingxing chose not to sign with any company, but instead founded Xinghui Pictures together with Li Bingbing.

"I want to make movies that are my own." His gaze was resolute.

When Xiang Fei learned of it, he not only did not stand in the way, but secretly gave them an investment.

"Chinese cinema needs a director like Zhou Xingxing." That was all he said.

Now, Xinghui Pictures' first work, "Shaolin Soccer," was in the midst of intense filming.

Zhou Xingxing was both director and lead actor, while Li Bingbing flew over whenever she had time to oversee the whole project.

This couple was writing their own legend.

Feimin Entertainment, the CEO's office.

Cai Wen sat in Xiang Fei's chair, with a grave demeanor.

The desk was piled with documents waiting for his signature, but he had not yet picked up his pen.

"Knock, knock—" came the sound of a door being knocked.

"Come in."

Ren Quan pushed the door open and entered, smiling: "President Cai, how are you settling in?"

Cai Wen gave a wry smile: "The pressure is enormous."

Ren Quan nodded understandingly: "President Xiang suddenly letting go is indeed surprising."

Cai Wen sighed: "Back when Feimin was still small, it was fine—I could help him keep an eye on things. Now that Feimin has grown big, I feel my abilities aren't enough. President Xiang never does anything without reason; this break definitely has a deeper plan behind it."

Ren Quan said thoughtfully: "You mean... he's testing something?"

Cai Wen didn't answer, but his eyes said it all.

A certain private club in Jingcheng.

Xiang Fei sat alone on the terrace, a glass of whiskey in hand, overlooking the city's night view.

His phone buzzed—it was a text message:

"'Shaolin Soccer' is filming smoothly. Zhou Xingxing asked me to pass along his regards to you."

Sender: Li Bingbing.

The corner of Xiang Fei's mouth lifted slightly, and he replied, "Tell him I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product."

After sending the message, he tipped his head back and drained the glass, his gaze deep.

A break? No, he would never truly rest. This was merely the beginning of another game of chess.