Chapter 97: Divisions and Emotion

In the conference room on the top floor of Yongsheng Tower, a heated discussion about the future was underway.

"Mainland? Going to the mainland to make movies now? Afei, have you been blinded by the success of Titanic?" Xiang Sheng slammed his fist on the table, splashing water from his teacup.

Xiang Fei calmly organized the documents in his hands: "Uncle, the mainland has a billion people—its market potential is enormous. With reform and opening-up underway, this is the perfect time to establish our presence."

Xiang Qiang frowned and interjected: "But the average monthly income on the mainland is still under 100 Hong Kong dollars! Who's going to spend a few dollars on a movie?"

"That's right, Afei," Xiang Tai Chen Lan said gently but firmly, "we've just stabilized our foothold in Xiangjiang—we should first consolidate our local market."

Xiang Fei stood up, walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, and pointed north: "Look at Shenzhen—three years ago it was a fishing village; now it's filled with skyscrapers. The mainland's pace of development will surpass everyone's imagination."

"That still doesn't justify risking the company's money!" Xiang Sheng declared firmly. "The profits from Titanic should first be invested in a few guaranteed hit comedies."

The conference room fell silent. Xiang Fei took a deep breath: "If that's the case, I'll fund the opening of a branch office on the mainland myself."

"You!" Xiang Qiang shot to his feet. "Afei, what exactly are you trying to do?"

Xiang Fei shook his head: "Uncle Qiang, Yongsheng will always be our Yongsheng. I'm just trying to lay another path for the future."

Xiang Tai sighed: "Afei, think it over again..."

"I've thought it through clearly." Xiang Fei gathered his documents and turned to leave the conference room, leaving the three of them staring at each other.

That evening, at the Qianshuiwan villa.

"So, the meeting didn't go well?" Zhou Huimin handed Xiang Fei a cup of hot tea, studying his gloomy expression.

Xiang Fei shook his head and told her everything that had happened in the meeting.

Zhou Huimin said nothing. She took a bank card from a drawer and pushed it toward Xiang Fei: "There's 80 million Hong Kong dollars here—my entire savings over the years. Take it."

"Ahmin..." Xiang Fei's voice cracked, "I'm not broke—I just..."

"I know you have money," Zhou Huimin gently interrupted him. "But this is our future together. I want to contribute my share."

Xiang Fei's eyes instantly reddened. He gripped Zhou Huimin's hand tightly, but could not speak.

"Fool," Zhou Huimin laughed softly as she wiped the tears from his eyes. "When you made Titanic, you worked so hard—why are you so emotional now?"

Xiang Fei took a deep breath: "Ahmin, thank you. With your support, I'll definitely build up the mainland market."

"I believe in you," Zhou Huimin said firmly. "Just like I believed Titanic would succeed."

A week later, Beijing Hotel.

"Mr. Xiang, it's an honor to finally meet you!" Han Shanping, the head of the Beijing Film Studio, warmly shook Xiang Fei's hand. "We've all heard about Titanic's success in Xiangjiang."

Xiang Fei smiled humbly: "The mainland market is far larger—I hope to collaborate with your studio to develop projects together."

The talks went smoothly. That evening, Xiang Fei called Zhou Huimin from the hotel:

"Ahmin, it's done! Beijing Film Studio is willing to provide shooting locations and equipment—we'll handle funding and technical support."

Zhou Huimin's delighted voice came through the phone: "That's wonderful! I knew you could do it!"

"But..." Xiang Fei's voice grew quieter, "I may have to stay here for several months..."

"It's fine," Zhou Huimin said gently. "I'll fly over to see you often. Remember—I'll always support you."

After hanging up, Xiang Fei stood by the window, gazing at the bustling traffic on Chang'an Street. He knew this was not only a turning point in his career, but also a new beginning for Chinese-language cinema. Yongsheng, this eastern giant, was now carrying his dreams toward the vast mainland market.