Chapter 29: The Caverns of Longling

Xiang Qian had just pushed open the door when his mobile phone rang. It was Sun Li.

"Hello, Sister Sun."

"Qianzai!" Sun Li's voice on the other end was unusually excited. "I just received news; sales for 'Rebirth' and 'Starlight' have already broken double platinum!"

Xiang Qian tossed his keys onto the coffee table. "As expected."

"You really are..." Sun Li laughed helplessly. "By the way, how did things go with Director Hong and the others today?"

Xiang Qian poured a glass of water and sat on the sofa. "It's settled. I'm playing Qiusheng."

"That's wonderful!" Sun Li's voice jumped an octave. "I'll handle the salary negotiations; I guarantee I'll secure top-tier rates for you!"

Xiang Qian thought for a moment. "Also see if there are any roles suitable for Amin."

The other end of the line fell silent for two seconds.

"Qianzai..." Sun Li's tone turned ambiguous. "You don't mean..."

"Her acting is good," Xiang Qian interrupted her. "Besides, the film needs female characters."

Sun Li let out a meaningful "Oh." "Understood~ I'll start asking around tomorrow."

"Oh, and Sister Sun, my contract is fulfilled," Xiang Qian said, glancing at the gold record plaque on the wall. "One album, exceeding targets."

After hanging up with Sun Li, Xiang Qian immediately dialed Zhou Huimin's number.

"Qianzai?" The call was answered quickly, Zhou Huimin's voice filled with delight. "Still not resting this late?"

Xiang Qian unconsciously curved his lips upward. "I have some good news for you."

"What good news?"

"Director Liu Guanwei has invited me to star in 'Mr. Vampire,' playing Qiusheng."

A scream came from the other end, followed by Zhou Huimin's excited voice. "That's amazing! I knew you could do it! When does filming start? Do you need to prepare anything?"

Infected by her enthusiasm, Xiang Qian's tone became lively as well. "Costume trials next week. I've asked Sister Sun to fight for a role for you too."

"Really?" Zhou Huimin's voice suddenly grew quiet. "But... I've never acted before..."

"Didn't you act very well in your music videos?"

"That's not the same..."

Xiang Qian could imagine her cute appearance at that moment, biting her lip. "Believe in yourself. You have more talent than many professional actors."

Just as he hung up, another call came in from an unknown number.

"Hello, is this Mr. Wu?" A middle-aged male voice spoke. "This is Lin Zhiming, editor-in-chief of Sing Tao Daily."

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow. "Hello, Editor-in-Chief Lin."

"Congratulations! The serialization of 'Candle in the Tomb: The Ancient City of Jingjue' has received an unprecedented response!" Lin Zhiming's voice was excited. "We would like to purchase the serialization rights for the second installment, 'Longling Caverns,' for one million!"

Xiang Qian walked into his study, looking at the thick stack of manuscripts on the desk. "Come pick up the manuscript tomorrow."

"Wh-what?" Lin Zhiming stuttered. "Are you saying... the second part is already finished?"

"Not yet, just the first few chapters," Xiang Qian said, opening the first page of the manuscript.

A fit of coughing came from the other end of the line; clearly, he was startled. "Mr. Wu... you truly are... a genius! I'll send someone to pick it up first thing tomorrow morning!"

Early the next morning, Sun Li burst into Xiang Qian's apartment in a whirlwind.

"Qianzai! Good news!" She waved a document. "Liu Guanwei agreed to let Amin play Ren Tingting!"

Xiang Qian was brewing coffee and didn't turn around. "What about the salary?"

"Your salary is negotiated at 150,000," Sun Li said proudly. "Amin's is 50,000, which is very high for a newcomer!"

Xiang Qian handed her a cup of coffee. "Thanks for your hard work."

The doorbell rang. Xiang Qian opened the door to find Zhou Huimin standing outside, carrying breakfast.

"I heard someone didn't rest well yesterday," she said, shaking the bag. "I specially bought cheung fun and congee."

Sun Li poked her head out from the study. "Wow! Amin, you've arrived just in time! Come see Qianzai's new character design!"

Zhou Huimin walked over curiously. On Sun Li's computer was the character design for Qiusheng, just sent by Hong Jinbao: a cyan long gown, holding a peach-wood sword, radiating heroic spirit.

"So handsome!" Zhou Huimin's eyes lit up. She turned to look at Xiang Qian. "This look suits you perfectly!"

Xiang Qian took the breakfast. "Your design for Ren Tingting should be ready too."

Zhou Huimin covered her mouth. "Can I really act? I..."

"Relax," Xiang Qian handed her a cup of soy milk. "Just treat it like filming a slightly longer music video."

After breakfast, an editor from Sing Tao Daily arrived to collect the manuscript for 'Longling Caverns.'

At dusk, Xiang Qian stood on the balcony, gazing at the night view of Victoria Harbour.

Zhou Huimin walked over and handed him a cup of tea. "Tired? You haven't rested all day."

Xiang Qian took the teacup. "I'm used to it."

"Qianzai..." Zhou Huimin hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping. "Why are you... so good at everything?"

Xiang Qian gazed at the neon lights in the distance. "Maybe because..." He turned to look at Zhou Huimin, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "...I hate giving up halfway."

Zhou Huimin's face flushed slightly under the setting sun. "Then... don't give up halfway on the film shooting either."

"Of course not," Xiang Qian promised softly. "Especially the scenes we share."

The night breeze blew past, carrying away the brief silence between them. On this ordinary night, the cross-over life of the musical talent, rising actor, and bestselling author—Xiang Qian—was just beginning.