Chapter 75: God of Gamblers Wraps

"《God of Gamblers》, Scene 98, Take 36, action!"

On the monitor, Gao Jin—played by Xiang Fei—in a black suit slowly turned around, his gaze sharp as a blade. He flicked his fingers, and an ace of spades shot toward the camera like an arrow.

"Cut! Perfect!" the assistant director shouted excitedly. "《God of Gamblers》 is officially wrapped!"

The set instantly erupted in thunderous applause and cheers. The lighting crew switched on every spotlight, flooding the casino hall with light. Xiang Fei stood rooted to the spot, momentarily dazed—three months of frenzied shooting, finally coming to an end at this very moment.

Liu Fuyong was the first to rush up and hug him: "Xiang Shao! We did it!"

Only then did Xiang Fei come back to himself and hug him tightly: "Wing."

Zhang Min walked over gracefully and lightly kissed Xiang Fei's cheek: "Director, congratulations."

Xiang Qiang stood not far off, a gratified smile on his face.

In the top-floor banquet hall of the Lisboa Hotel, the champagne tower was already stacked.

Xiang Fei raised his glass, his voice a little choked: "These three months, thank you, brothers and sisters, for backing me, Xiang Fei."

He got to here and suddenly couldn't continue.

Liu Fuyong laughed and picked up the thread: "Hey, Director, being this sentimental doesn't suit the God of Gamblers!"

Everyone burst out laughing, and the atmosphere instantly lightened.

Xiang Sheng popped out from somewhere and threw an arm around Xiang Fei's shoulder: "Director Ah Fei's skills keep getting better and better!"

Xiang Qiang gave a cold snort: "If not for Miss Zhang helping you clean up your mess, would the Gao Yi you played even be watchable?"

Xiang Sheng was unconvinced: "Big Brother, didn't I act that last scene really well? Miss Zhang even praised me for improving!"

Zhang Min pressed her lips into a smile: "That's right, Xiang Sheng's final take really was one-take."

Xiang Sheng immediately swelled with pride, and Xiang Fei and Liu Fuyong exchanged a helpless glance.

Halfway through the banquet, the crew wheeled out a giant cake, with a classic still from 《God of Gamblers》 sculpted in chocolate on top.

"Director, this is a gift from the crew," the producer said with a smile.

Xiang Fei was surprised to find an exquisite gift box beside the cake. He opened it to reveal a deck of pure-gold playing cards, each card back engraved with the signatures of the crew members.

"This deck cost me half a month's salary!" the lighting crew joked loudly.

He drew a deep breath and said solemnly: "Thank you, everyone. This deck, I will treasure for a lifetime."

After a few rounds of toasts, the place was already a tipsy mess.

Liu Fuyong draped an arm over Xiang Fei's shoulder and said drunkenly: "Brother Fei, honestly, when I first heard you were going to direct and star in it yourself, I had my doubts…"

"But!" Liu Fuyong said loudly, "these three months you've really opened my eyes! First to arrive at the set every day, last to leave, every shot pursued to perfection…" He suddenly grew serious. "You're a good director."

On the other side, Xiang Qiang—rarely drunk—wouldn't let go of Zhang Min's hand: "Miss Zhang, thank you for looking after that useless brother of mine…"

Zhang Min replied gently: "Xiang Sheng is too kind. Mr. Xiang Sheng is very… special."

Xiang Sheng immediately leaned over at the words: "Miss Zhang, let's work together again on the next film!"

Xiang Qiang shoved him away: "Get lost!"

When the sky paled with the first light of dawn, the banquet was finally drawing to a close.

The crew began packing up equipment, and the actors said their goodbyes. Liu Fuyong and Wang Zuxian agreed to collaborate on the next film, while Xiang Qiang and Bao Fang discussed the passing of the torch among veteran actors.

Xiang Fei stood before the floor-to-ceiling window, watching the streets of Macau slowly wake up.

Zhang Min appeared beside him at some unknown point: "What are you thinking about, Director?"

Xiang Fei smiled: "Thinking how these three months felt like a dream."

"A good dream?"

"There was pressure, arguments, all-night rushes…" Xiang Fei turned to look at her, "but it really was a good dream."

Zhang Min gently clinked her glass against his: "Then may the Director's good dream come true, and may 《God of Gamblers》 be a huge hit."

When he finally left, Xiang Fei stood at the hotel entrance, watching the crew load the last batch of equipment onto the truck.

The assistant director came over and asked: "Director, want to go grab breakfast together?"

Xiang Fei shook his head: "You all go ahead, I want some quiet time alone."

After everyone had left, he walked alone through the streets of Macau, fingers running over that gold deck of cards. In the morning light, his shadow stretched very long.

His phone suddenly rang—it was a message from Xiang Qiang: "Ah Fei, don't overthink it.