Chapter 33: Lung Cancer

Xiang Qian had just returned to the apartment when the phone rang.

"Qianzai!" Hong Jinbao's voice sounded anxious, "Ah Ying's checkup results are out; there's a tumor in his lungs!"

Xiang Qian's heart tightened: "Is it serious?"

"The doctor says it was caught early; there are two treatment options—medication to control it, or immediate surgery to remove it."

Xiang Qian fell silent for a moment: "What does Brother Ying say?"

"That damn stubborn temper!" Hong Jinbao slapped the table in anger, "He says medication is enough and refuses to go under the knife!"

Xiang Qian took a deep breath: "I'm coming over right now."

Half an hour later, in the hospital ward.

Lin Zhengying was leaning against the headboard smoking; seeing Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin enter, he immediately stubbed out his cigarette: "Hey, why have you two come?"

"Brother Ying!" Zhou Huimin's eyes reddened slightly, "How can you still be smoking!"

Lin Zhengying waved his hand: "It's a minor issue; I'll be fine after taking some medicine."

Xiang Qian walked straight to the bedside, picked up the medical report, and scanned it: "Early-stage tumor; the surgery success rate is over ninety percent."

Lin Zhengying frowned: "Surgery requires opening the chest; the recovery period is at least three months, and I have two films scheduled for the second half of the year!"

Hong Jinbao stomped his foot in anger: "What's more important, your life or filming?!"

"Life is naturally important," Lin Zhengying said with a bitter smile, "but I made promises to people; I cannot break my contracts."

Xiang Qian stared at him: "Brother Ying, you know 'Mr. Vampire' is going to be a hit, don't you?"

Lin Zhengying paused: "What do you mean?"

"If you don't get treated now, you might not have the chance to film the sequels later."

Silence fell over the ward.

After a long while, Lin Zhengying sighed: "Qianzai, I understand what you mean, but I really..."

"Brother Ying!" Zhou Huimin suddenly grabbed his hand, "Think about us! Director Hong, Qianzai, me, and all those audiences who love your movies!"

Looking at the concerned eyes of the three, Lin Zhengying finally relented: "...I'll consider it."

Hong Jinbao immediately made the decision: "Schedule the surgery for tomorrow!"

"No!" Lin Zhengying became stubborn again, "At least let me finish the promotional tour for 'Mr. Vampire'!"

Knowing he couldn't persuade him further, Xiang Qian compromised: "Fine, but you must promise me—the moment the promotional period ends, you get the surgery immediately."

Lin Zhengying smiled helplessly: "You kid... alright, I promise you."

After leaving the hospital, Xiang Qian and Zhou Huimin returned to the apartment.

Just as they reached Zhou Huimin's doorstep, both froze—a man in a sharp suit was standing before the door, holding a large bouquet of roses.

"Ah Min!" Upon seeing Zhou Huimin, the man immediately broke into a smile, "I've been waiting for you for so long."

Zhou Huimin's expression changed; she instinctively looked at Xiang Qian: "Qianzai, don't misunderstand..."

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow: "Who is this?"

The man extended his hand proactively: "Ni Zhen, grandson of Ni Kuang."

Xiang Qian realized instantly—Ni Zhen, a notorious playboy in Xiangjiang, who relied on his family background to act tyrannically in the entertainment circle.

"So it's Young Master Ni." Xiang Qian's tone was cold, "Is there something you need with Ah Min?"

Ni Zhen's smile remained unchanged: "I'd like to take Ah Min out for dinner and discuss cooperation on a new film."

Zhou Huimin quickly shook her head: "Mr. Ni, my schedule is very full recently..."

Ni Zhen persisted relentlessly: "Just one meal; give me some face!"

Xiang Qian pulled out his phone directly: "Sister Sun, please come to Ah Min's apartment; a certain Mr. Ni wants to 'discuss cooperation'."

Ni Zhen's face darkened: "Wu Xiangqian, right? I advise you not to meddle in affairs that don't concern you."

Xiang Qian sneered: "Young Master Ni, Ah Min is an artist under Shaw Brothers; if you wish to discuss cooperation, please follow proper procedures."

Ni Zhen narrowed his eyes: "You think having Shaw Brothers backing you makes you invincible?"

"No," Xiang Qian looked him straight in the eye, "I just think Mr. Ni Kuang wouldn't want his grandson making headlines for harassing a female artist."

Ni Zhen's face turned iron-green; finally, he glared fiercely at the two of them, threw down the roses, and left.

Zhou Huimin breathed a sigh of relief: "Qianzai, thank you..."

Xiang Qian shook his head: "People like this won't give up easily; I'll have Sister Sun increase your security."

Zhou Huimin bit her lip: "He has harassed several female artists before, but no one dared to offend the Ni family..."

"Others may not dare, but I do." Xiang Qian's tone was firm, "Just focus on your work; leave the rest to me."

Zhou Huimin's eyes reddened slightly; suddenly, she threw herself into his arms: "Qianzai..."

Xiang Qian paused, then gently patted her back: "It's alright!