Chapter 88: On the Way Home

Jackie Chan, bundled in a thick coat, rubbed his hands together and said with a laugh to Xiang Fei, "Ah Fei, filming a movie with you nearly cost me my life. Don't come looking for me next time!"

Hung Jinbao nodded in agreement beside him: "Exactly! I nearly cashed it in in that freezing water. How much ginseng soup am I going to have to drink when I get back to make up for it?"

Lin Zhengying had a cigarette dangling from his lips. Though his face was still a little pale, he still smiled calmly: "Ah Fei, if you ask me to film a ghost movie next time, fine — but soaking in water is too much of a drain on one's lifespan."

Anita Mui looped her arm through Leslie Cheung's; both were wrapped in thick scarves. She teased, "Leslie, if Ah Fei asks you to film next time, will you come?"

Leslie Cheung pretended to think for a moment, then laughed: "Sure, but I have to ask first — is there a freezing-water scene? If there is, double the pay!"

Everyone burst into laughter.

Xiang Fei stood on the steps, hands pressed together, his face full of apology: "Brothers and sisters, I'm truly sorry this time. I made you all suffer."

Jackie Chan waved his hand: "Forget it, forget it. It's already filmed anyway. If the movie doesn't sell well, you'll have to treat us to late-night snacks for a whole year as compensation!"

Hung Jinbao glared: "A year? At least three years!"

Xiang Fei laughed and nodded: "Fine, fine, fine — three years, ten years, anything you say!"

One by one, the group got into their cars and left.

Zhou Huimin stood beside Xiang Fei and gently looped her arm through his: "Let's go. Home."

Only then did Xiang Fei let out a long breath, as if a thousand-pound weight had been lifted from him, and leaned tiredly on her shoulder: "Mm. Home."

Inside the car, the heater was blasting.

Zhou Huimin drove, catching a glimpse of Xiang Fei already leaning back in the seat with his eyes closed, resting; the skin beneath his eyes was a heavy blue-black. She said softly, "Sleep for a bit. I'll wake you when we get there."

Xiang Fei shook his head slightly, his voice hoarse: "Can't sleep. My head is full of nothing but the film."

Zhou Huimin sighed: "How long has it been since you had a proper rest? If this keeps up, your body will collapse."

Xiang Fei was silent for a while before saying softly, "This time… I really did push too hard."

Zhou Huimin tightened her grip on the steering wheel, her tone a little heartache: "Do you know how worried I was when I saw the photos from the set? The actors soaking in freezing water, you standing in the cold wind directing — everyone was like they were gambling with their lives."

Xiang Fei opened his eyes and looked at the street scenes flashing past outside the window: "But the result is great. It was worth it."

Zhou Huimin laughed helplessly: "You — always that same line."

Xiang Fei laughed too, reached out and held her hand: "You've had it rough, waiting for me all this time."

Zhou Huimin gently squeezed his hand back: "Don't make me wait this long next time."

Xiang Fei nodded: "Okay."

The moment he stepped inside, Xiang Fei collapsed straight onto the sofa, not even taking off his coat.

Zhou Huimin crouched down to help him out of his shoes, then fetched a blanket and draped it over him: "Lie down for a bit. I'll go make you some congee."

Xiang Fei gave a drowsy, vague "Mm," his eyelids already too heavy to lift.

Zhou Huimin had just turned around when she heard the steady sound of breathing behind her — Xiang Fei was already asleep.

She stood in place, watched him quietly for a while, then tiptoed into the kitchen.

Xiang Fei slept straight through until the morning of the day after next.

When he opened his eyes, sunlight was already streaming in through the curtains, and the room was so quiet he could hear the ticking of the clock.

He stared blankly for a few seconds before realizing how long he had slept, and sat up with a start: "Huimin?"

Zhou Huimin poked her head out from the kitchen and smiled: "You're awake?"

Xiang Fei rubbed his temples: "How long did I sleep?"

Zhou Huimin walked over and handed him a cup of warm water: "A full thirty-six hours."

Xiang Fei took the cup, somewhat incredulous: "That long? Why didn't you wake me?"

Zhou Huimin sat on the edge of the bed and smiled: "I tried. You wouldn't wake up."

Xiang Fei took a sip of water; only then did the dryness in his throat ease a little: "The crew…"

Zhou Huimin cut him off: "Don't worry. The assistant director has already handled it, and the editing room is all arranged too. The only thing you need to do right now is rest properly."

Xiang Fei was silent for a moment, then finally nodded: "Okay."

Zhou Huimin reached out and touched his face, saying softly, "Are you hungry? I made congee."

Only then did Xiang Fei feel the emptiness in his stomach and laughed: "Starving."

Zhou Huimin stood up: "Wait here. I'll go dish it up."

Xiang Fei watched her retreating back, and a warm feeling welled up inside him.

He looked down at his own hands — there were still traces of frostbite on them — but at this moment, he only felt an incomparable sense of solidness.

Zhou Huimin brought over a steaming bowl of preserved-egg and lean-pork congee, along with a few side dishes.

Xiang Fei picked up the spoon, wolfed down a few bites, then sighed contentedly: "I'm alive again."

Zhou Huimin sat across from him, chin propped on her hand, watching him: "Slow down. No one's fighting you for it."

Xiang Fei laughed, then slowed his pace, eating as he asked, "Did anyone look for me these past two days?"

Zhou Huimin nodded: "Yes. Lung-ge called to ask if you were awake yet, and said if you didn't reply to his message soon, he'd bring people to tear down the door."

Xiang Fei burst out laughing: "That guy…"

Zhou Huimin continued: "Anita Mui called too. She said she and Leslie have plans for a meal, and asked if you want to join."

Xiang Fei shook his head: "Can't these few days. I have to get the film edited first."

Zhou Huimin, helpless: "Can't you rest for a few days?"

Xiang Fei set down his spoon and said seriously, "Everyone gave their all on this film. I can't hold things up."

Zhou Huimin looked at the determination in his eyes and finally stopped trying to persuade him, only saying softly, "Then at least… finish this bowl of congee first."

Xiang Fei smiled: "Okay."

After the meal, Xiang Fei stood on the balcony, gazing at the distant sky.

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

Xiang Fei took the tea and said softly, "I'm wondering… whether this shoot was worth it."

Zhou Huimin leaned against his shoulder: "Worth it."

Xiang Fei tilted his head to look at her: "That certain?"

Zhou Huimin smiled: "Because this is your film. You've never let anyone down."

Xiang Fei was silent for a moment, then said softly: "Thank you."

Zhou Huimin shook her head: "Don't thank me. Thank yourself, and the actors who risked it all with you."

Xiang Fei nodded and tightened his grip on her hand: "Mm."

Sunlight fell over the two of them, warm and peaceful.