Chapter 51: Victory Banquet at the Ancient City of Jingjue

In the banquet hall of the Peninsula Hotel, crystal chandeliers bathed the entire room in golden splendor.

"42 million!" Shao Yifu raised his champagne glass, his face flushed with joy. "The Tomb of the Ancient City of Jingjue has broken the Xiangjiang box office record!"

Thunderous applause filled the hall, and excitement beamed on the faces of all the key creative staff.

"This toast is for our screenwriter—Xiang Qian!" Shao Yifu declared loudly.

Everyone raised their glasses in turn. Wang Jing stood on the stage, smiling and nodding in acknowledgment.

"And for our director—Wang Jing!"

Wang Jing, his round belly protruding, stood up cheerfully, raised his glass, and drained it in one gulp.

"Qianzai!" Wang Jing set down his glass and immediately leaned over to Xiang Qian. "When do we start filming the second part? I've already prepared the script!"

Xiang Qian took a slow sip of wine and smiled. "No rush."

"No rush?!" Wang Jing's eyes widened. "You're not in a rush, but I am! The whole of Xiangjiang is waiting to see the second part of Ghost Blows Out the Light!"

Seeing the fat man's anxious expression, Xiang Qian couldn't help but laugh. "Wang Pangzi, what's the rush? The box office isn't going anywhere."

"Qianzai!" Wang Jing grabbed Xiang Qian's sleeve. "Do you know how many people are watching this IP right now? Golden Harvest, Cinema City, and even the folks over in Taiwan are making inquiries!"

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Xiang Qian patted his shoulder. "Rest assured, they won't guess that Songbai is me."

Wang Jing's mouth hung open, and it took him a long while before he managed to choke out a sentence. "Qianzai, you...!"

"Qianzai." Zhou Huimin, walking with Sun Li, approached. "Sister Li has something to ask you."

Sun Li smiled slightly. "Qianzai, I'd like to discuss the second album with you."

Xiang Qian nodded. "Go ahead."

"The Rebirth album sold very well. I want to strike while the iron is hot and start the second album immediately," Sun Li said.

After a moment's thought, Xiang Qian agreed.

"Wow! So lively!" Jackie Chan squeezed through with a glass in hand. "Qianzai, you didn't invite me to the victory banquet!"

Xiang Qian laughed. "Aren't you recovering from an injury at home?"

"Even when recovering, I have to come to show support!" Jackie Chan threw an arm around Wang Jing's neck. "Wang Pangzi, I heard you're so anxious you can't sleep?"

Wang Jing rolled his eyes. "Brother Long, don't make fun of me."

Jackie Chan laughed heartily. "I heard Raymond Chow was so angry he was jumping up and down. Is that true?"

Xiang Qian only smiled and said nothing.

Jackie Chan leaned in and lowered his voice. "Qianzai, next time something like this comes up, remember to include me!"

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow. "What? Golden Harvest treating you badly?"

Jackie Chan chuckled. "Who would ever complain about having too much money?"

Shao Yifu walked over to Xiang Qian and patted his shoulder. "Ah Qian, you did a fine job this time."

Xiang Qian respectfully replied, "Sixth Uncle is too kind."

"The success of The Tomb of the Ancient City of Jingjue is largely due to you and Wang Jing," Shao Yifu said meaningfully. "How do you plan to film the second part?"

Xiang Qian pondered for a moment. "The Lost Tomb of Longling will focus more on on-location shooting. I'll have Wang Jing lead the team to Shaanxi for filming."

Shao Yifu smiled with satisfaction. "Good. If you need any support, just ask."

As the banquet drew to a close, everyone was slightly tipsy, chatting in small groups.

Wang Jing leaned over to Xiang Qian again. "Qianzai, when exactly are we starting filming?"

Xiang Qian glanced at him. "Next month."

Wang Jing's eyes widened. "Really?!"

"Mm." Xiang Qian nodded. "First, take Ah Min and Rongzai to Shaanxi to scout the location."

Wang Jing rubbed his hands together excitedly. "No problem! I'll arrange it tomorrow!"

Zhou Huimin walked over, taking Xiang Qian's arm. "Are you done talking? It's time to go home."

Xiang Qian looked at her tenderly. "Okay."

Stepping out of the hotel, the night breeze was slightly cool. Zhou Huimin leaned on his shoulder. "Qianzai, it's going to be very busy from now on, right?"

Xiang Qian tightened his grip on her hand. "Mm, but it's worth it."