Chapter 41: Uninvited Guests

At the Peninsula Hotel banquet hall, crystal chandeliers refracted brilliant light, and a champagne tower shimmered with golden hues under the illumination.

"Qianzi! Congratulations!" Cheng Long strode over with a glass in hand, his face beaming with excitement, "Cannes! I've never been there in my life!"

Xiang Qian smiled and clinked his glass with Cheng Long's: "Big Brother Long, this time you're definitely taking Best Actor."

"Hahaha, thanks for the good luck!" Cheng Long clapped him on the shoulder, "But honestly, your film was brutal—I had nightmares for days after filming."

Just as Xiang Qian was about to speak, Fang Yihua's voice came from behind: "Qianzi, Sixth Uncle wants to see you."

Shaw Yat-fu stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, a cigar in hand; seeing Xiang Qian approach, he smiled faintly: "Young man, just a few months ago you were a newcomer stepping into the industry—now you're Hong Kong's most sought-after director."

Xiang Qian bowed respectfully: "I will never forget Sixth Uncle's mentorship."

Fang Yihua stood to the side, his eyes filled with approval: "I never expected 'Parasite' to be nominated for Cannes."

Shaw Yat-fu exhaled a smoke ring and sighed: "The younger generation is truly formidable."

At that moment, the banquet hall doors swung open, and the entire room fell silent for a second.

Xiang Qiang and Xiang Sheng entered, followed by four bodyguards in black suits, two of whom carried a golden plaque gleaming brilliantly.

Cheng Long's gaze sharpened, and he instinctively stepped in front of Xiang Qian.

Fang Yihua narrowed his eyes and whispered: "Don't tense up—they're probably here to congratulate you."

Xiang Qiang smiled broadly and strode toward Xiang Qian, his voice loud and clear: "Young man, you've got great potential!"

Xiang Sheng gestured for his men to set down the golden plaque, which bore four large characters: "Hong Kong's New Star."

Xiang Qian froze: "... What does this mean?"

Xiang Sheng patted his shoulder and smiled: "It's a gift for you. Keep going, young man."

Xiang Qian frowned and lowered his voice: "I raided your operation not long ago—why are you here to celebrate me?"

Xiang Qiang burst out laughing: "Matters of the underworld are settled in the underworld. Film is film. The Xiang family has always respected those with talent."

Shaw Yat-fu stepped forward at the right moment, smiling to ease the tension: "Qiangzi, Shengzi, long time no see—how's business lately?"

Xiang Qiang shook his hand: "Thanks to Sixth Uncle's blessings, it's going well."

Fang Yihua joined the small talk, and the group chatted merrily, as if the earlier tension had never existed.

After a while, Xiang Qiang looked at Xiang Qian and said with deep meaning: "Qianzi, keep making films. Hong Kong's future rests with the younger generation."

With that, the two brothers left with their men, and the banquet hall's atmosphere gradually returned to its lively buzz.

Cheng Long leaned in and whispered: "Qianzi, what's their game?"

Xiang Qian stared at the golden plaque and sneered: "Who knows? Maybe they're trying to win me over—or warn me."

Fang Yihua walked over and said coolly: "The Xiang brothers may be ruthless, but in the film industry, they truly respect talent."

Xiang Qian nodded: "I understand."

On the eve of the music awards ceremony, Zhou Huimin returned just in time, arriving as the banquet neared its end; she quietly tugged at Xiang Qian's sleeve: "Are you going to the music awards tomorrow?"

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow: "You want me to watch you win an award?"

Zhou Huimin blushed: "W-who said I'd definitely win?"

Xiang Qian smiled lightly: "Don't worry—I'll definitely be there."

Cheng Long chimed in teasingly: "Oh come on, Qianzi, you're playing the gallant protector now?"

Lin Qingxia laughed too: "Young people are so sweet."

Zhou Huimin lowered her head in embarrassment, while Xiang Qian calmly took a sip of wine, a soft warmth flickering in his eyes.

As they left the banquet hall, Xiang Qian glanced back at the golden plaque, glowing brilliantly under the lights.

Fang Yihua stood beside him and murmured: "The Xiang brothers might show up at the music awards tomorrow."

Xiang Qian sneered: "Then let's see what tricks they're really planning."

The night breeze brushed past, and Hong Kong's neon lights still blazed brilliantly.

But behind this interplay of light and shadow, the undercurrents had only just begun to stir.