Chapter 66: Chen Lan

The afternoon sun streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows into the office, where Xiang Fei was reviewing the casting list for "Bus 44" with his head bowed when a soft knock came at the door.

"Fei, busy?" Xiang Qiang pushed the door open, followed by a poised, efficient-looking woman.

Xiang Fei looked up, his gaze landing on the woman—Chen Lan, Xiang Qiang's wife and his incarnation's "Auntie." He immediately stood, wearing a polished smile.

"Strong Uncle, who's this?" he asked, feigning ignorance.

Xiang Qiang laughed and pulled Chen Lan forward: "Come, come, let me properly introduce you—this is your Auntie Chen Lan!"

Chen Lan laughed heartily, stepped forward, and clapped Xiang Fei on the shoulder: "Oh my, so this is our family's genius! Qiang talks about you nonstop at home—I'm sick of hearing it!"

Xiang Fei, charmed by her forthrightness, chuckled and shook his head: "Auntie, don't listen to Strong Uncle—he's just exaggerating. I'm just lucky."

"Luck? I've watched 'Ghost Blows Out the Light' and 'Infernal Affairs'—your screenplays are brilliant!" Chen Lan's eyes sparkled. "And the songs you wrote for Huimin—I hum them every day at home!"

Xiang Qiang cut in: "Enough, enough, don't lavish praise the moment you meet." He turned to Xiang Fei. "Your aunt heard you're short-staffed and insisted on coming over to take a look."

Chen Lan shot Xiang Qiang a glare: "What, can't I care about my own nephew?"

Xiang Fei couldn't help smiling: "Of course we welcome you! We're meeting with Sheng Uncle this afternoon to discuss recruiting artists—why don't you join us?"

Half an hour later, in Yongsheng Pictures' conference room, the four sat together.

Xiang Sheng, cigar in mouth, flipped through the list: "We only have three contracted artists now—Zhou Huimin, Liu Furong, Zhou Xingxing. That's far too few."

Xiang Qiang tapped the table: "We only have two directors—Wang Jing and Chen Kexin. Not nearly enough."

Chen Lan suddenly spoke: "I know a few promising talents." She pulled a stack of files from her bag. "This model, Li Jiaxin, has a unique aura; and Zhang Jiahui—he's just debuted, but his acting is solid."

Xiang Fei took the files, his eyes brightening—Li Jiaxin, Zhang Jiahui—these were future Film Kings and Queens! He suppressed his excitement and said calmly: "Auntie, your eye for talent is sharp—these two are truly excellent."

Xiang Sheng leaned over to look: "Good job, Sister-in-law—your connections are wider than mine!"

Chen Lan tilted her chin proudly: "Of course! When I was running circles in this industry, you two were still playing with mud!"

Everyone burst into laughter.

Xiang Fei wrote several names on the whiteboard: "We need a two-step approach—first, sign established artists; second, nurture newcomers."

Xiang Qiang nodded: "I'll handle the established artists—I know the bosses of Liu Qingyun, Liang Chaowei, and others."

Chen Lan raised her hand: "Female artists are my domain—I can get Wang Zuxian."

Xiang Sheng exhaled a smoke ring: "For directors, I'll bring over Xu Ke and Du Qifeng."

The meeting lasted until evening, during which the four meticulously planned their recruitment strategy:

- Artists: Xiang Qiang and Chen Lan will leverage their networks to recruit big names;

- Director team: Xiang Sheng will reach out to renowned directors while cultivating new talent;

After finalizing the details, Xiang Qiang stretched: "Alright, that's enough for today." He turned to Xiang Fei. "Want to come over for dinner tonight? Your aunt's cooking."

Chen Lan's eyes lit up: "Yes, yes! Let me show you my skills!"

Xiang Fei smiled and nodded: "Then I'll be a guest."

In Xiang Qiang's mansion, the air was thick with the aroma of cooking.

Chen Lan bustled in the kitchen, apron tied, and when Xiang Fei tried to help, she shooed him out: "Go, go—men don't belong in the kitchen!"

Xiang Qiang pulled him into the living room: "Let your aunt work—she hardly ever feels like cooking."

At the dining table, Chen Lan served her signature dishes: abalone-stewed chicken, steamed Dongxing grouper, crab meat with seasonal vegetables. Xiang Fei took a bite and sincerely praised: "Auntie, your cooking could open a restaurant!"

Chen Lan beamed and piled food onto Xiang Fei's plate: "If you like it, come often! Look at you—so thin. Are you working too hard?"

Xiang Sheng teased: "Sister-in-law, your favoritism is too obvious!"

The four chatted and laughed, enjoying the warmth.

Late at night, Xiang Fei stood on the balcony, gazing at the night view of Victoria Harbour.

Chen Lan walked over and handed him a cup of hot tea: "What are you thinking about?"

Xiang Fei took the cup and whispered: "I just feel… it's good to have family behind you."

Chen Lan patted his shoulder: "Silly boy, family doesn't speak in terms of 'yours' and 'mine.'" She paused. "By the way, that girl Huimin—she's nice. When are you bringing her over for dinner?"

Xiang Fei's ears turned hot: "Auntie…"

Chen Lan burst into laughter: "Alright, alright, I won't tease you. Remember—Yongsheng is the Xiang family's business, but it's your dream. We're just here to build the stage for you!"

The night breeze brushed past as Xiang Fei gripped the teacup, his heart filled with strength.