Chapter 33: Lung Cancer

Xiang Qian had just returned to the apartment when the phone rang.

"Qian-zi!" Hong Jinbao's voice was edged with anxiety. "Ah Ying's physical exam results are out—he has a tumor in his lung!"

Xiang Qian's heart clenched. "Is it serious?"

"The doctor said it was caught early. There are two treatment options—medication to control it, or surgery to remove it directly."

Xiang Qian was silent for a moment. "What does Ying-ge say?"

"His damn stubborn temper!" Hong Jinbao was so angry he slammed the table. "He says medication is fine, refuses to go under the knife!"

Xiang Qian took a deep breath. "I'll head over right now."

Half an hour later, a hospital ward.

Lin Zhengying was leaning against the headboard smoking. Seeing Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin come in, he immediately stubbed out the cigarette. "Hey, how did you two get here?"

"Ying-ge!" Zhou Huimin's eyes reddened slightly. "How can you still be smoking!"

Lin Zhengying waved a hand. "Small problem, take some meds and it'll be fine."

Xiang Qian walked straight to the hospital bed, picked up the physical exam report, and flipped through it. "Early-stage tumor, surgical success rate over 90%."

Lin Zhengying frowned. "Surgery means cracking open the chest, recovery period at least three months. I still have two films to shoot in the second half of the year!"

Hong Jinbao was so angry he stamped his foot. "Is your life more important, or filming?!"

"Of course my life is more important," Lin Zhengying said with a bitter smile, "but I promised people, I can't break the contract."

Xiang Qian stared at him. "Ying-ge, you know Mr. Vampire could be a hit, right?"

Lin Zhengying was taken aback. "What do you mean?"

"If you don't get treated now, you might not get the chance to film a sequel later."

The ward fell silent.

After a long while, Lin Zhengying sighed. "Qian-zi, I understand what you mean, but I really…"

"Ying-ge!" Zhou Huimin suddenly grabbed his hand. "Think of us! Director Hong, Qian-zi, me, and all those audiences who love your films!"

Lin Zhengying looked at the three pairs of concerned eyes, and finally relented: "…I'll think about it."

Hong Jinbao immediately made the call. "We'll arrange the surgery tomorrow!"

"No way!" Lin Zhengying's stubbornness flared again. "At least let me finish the Mr. Vampire promotional run!"

Xiang Qian knew he couldn't be persuaded, so he could only take a step back. "Fine, but you have to promise me—as soon as the promotional period ends, surgery immediately."

Lin Zhengying laughed helplessly. "You kid… alright, I promise you."

After leaving the hospital, Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin returned to the apartment.

They had just reached Zhou Huimin's door when both of them froze at the same time—a man in a crisp suit was standing at the door, holding a huge bouquet of roses in his hand.

"Ah Min!" The man broke into a smile the moment he saw Zhou Huimin. "I've been waiting for you for a long time."

Zhou Huimin's face changed, and she instinctively looked at Xiang Qian. "Qian-zi, don't misunderstand…"

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow. "And this gentleman is?"

The man extended his hand of his own accord. "Ni Zhen, Ni Kuang's grandson."

Xiang Qian reacted in an instant—Ni Zhen, Xiangjiang's notorious playboy, who threw his weight around in showbiz on the strength of his family background.

"So it's Young Master Ni." Xiang Qian's tone was cool. "Is there something you need from Ah Min?"

Ni Zhen's smile didn't waver. "Asking Ah Min out for dinner, and while we're at it, discussing a new film collaboration."

Zhou Huimin quickly shook her head. "Mr. Ni, my schedule is really full lately…"

Ni Zhen wouldn't let up. "Just one meal, give me some face!"

Xiang Qian pulled out his phone directly. "Sister Sun, sorry to trouble you, come to Ah Min's apartment. There's a Mr. Ni here who'd like to 'discuss collaboration.'"

Ni Zhen's face darkened. "Wu Xiang Qian, right? I'd advise you not to poke your nose into other people's business."

Xiang Qian gave a cold laugh. "Young Master Ni, Ah Min is a Shaw Brothers artist. If you want to discuss collaboration, please go through the proper channels."

Ni Zhen narrowed his eyes. "You think you're something special just because Shaw Brothers has your back?"

"No," Xiang Qian met his gaze directly. "I just think Mr. Ni Kuang probably wouldn't want his grandson making headlines for harassing a female artist."

Ni Zhen's face turned livid. In the end, he glared hard at the two of them, flung down the roses, and left.

Zhou Huimin let out a breath of relief. "Qian-zi, thank you…"

Xiang Qian shook his head. "Someone like that won't give up easily. I'll have Sister Sun tighten security around you."

Zhou Huimin bit her lip. "He's harassed several female artists before, but no one dares offend the Ni family…"

"Others may not dare, but I do." Xiang Qian's tone was firm. "You focus on your work, leave the rest to me."

Zhou Huimin's eyes reddened slightly, and she suddenly threw herself into his arms. "Qian-zi…"

Xiang Qian was startled for a moment, then gently patted her back. "It's fine now!"