Chapter 34

Xiang Yan sat in the study, holding a freshly delivered intelligence report in his hand.

"Ni Kuang's grandson?" He sneered, flinging the document onto the desk. "Quite the nerve, daring to touch someone of my Xiang family."

Ah Zhong stood aside and said softly, "Brother Yan, shall I go handle it?"

Xiang Yan stood up and adjusted his suit cuffs. "No need. I will go personally."

Half an hour later, Ni Kuang was dragged into the Xiang family basement by two men dressed in black.

"Mr... Mr. Xiang?" Ni Kuang's face was deathly pale, cold sweat beading on his forehead. "What... what is the meaning of this?"

Xiang Yan sat in his chair, leisurely puffing on a cigar. "Mr. Ni, your grandson has been quite active lately."

Ni Kuang's heart trembled. "A-Zhen? What... what has he done?"

Xiang Yan did not answer; he merely waved his hand.

The next second, the men in black pinned Ni Kuang's hand down. With a crisp *crack*, a finger was forcibly severed!

"Ahhh—!!!" Ni Kuang let out a heart-rending scream as blood splattered across the floor.

Xiang Yan stood up, looking down at him. "Keep your grandson in check. Next time, it won't be just one finger."

Ni Kuang clutched his bandaged hand, his face iron-green as he returned home.

"Master! What has happened to you?" the butler asked in terror as he rushed forward.

Ni Kuang did not answer, instead roaring, "Where is Ni Zhen?!"

"Young... Young Master has not returned yet..."

"The moment he returns, bring him to me immediately!"

Late at night, Ni Zhen hummed a tune as he pushed open the door. Before he could react, two bodyguards pinned him to the ground.

"Grandpa? What is this..."

Ni Kuang grabbed a rattan cane and lashed it fiercely across his back. "You wicked spawn! Who exactly have you offended?!"

Ni Zhen screamed in pain. "I... I haven't offended anyone!"

"Haven't offended anyone?" Ni Kuang laughed in fury. "Xiang Yan personally cut off my finger! And you say you haven't offended anyone?!"

"Xiang Yan?!" Ni Zhen instantly turned ashen.

"You don't know?" Ni Kuang paused, then exploded in rage. "Then think! I'll beat you until you remember!"

The rattan cane fell like raindrops; Ni Zhen's screams echoed throughout the Ni family mansion.

Meanwhile, in a VIP private room at the Peninsula Hotel.

Wang Jing embraced two beauties and smiled as he poured wine for Xiang Qian. "Qian-zai, are you directing *The Lost Caverns*?"

Xiang Qian swirled his wine glass and said lightly, "Brother Jing, for the role of Shirley Yang, I want Zhou Huimin to play it."

Wang Jing's eyes lit up. "No problem! Absolutely no problem!" He leaned in closer. "Then what about Hu Bayi... Qian-zai, aren't you considering it?"

Xiang Qian shook his head. "No. I plan to direct an art film myself."

Wang Jing secretly sighed with regret but kept a beaming smile on his face. "Aiya, Qian-zai, you are truly an all-rounder! Writing books, singing, acting, and now you want to be a director too!"

Xiang Qian smiled. "Brother Jing, rest assured. I guarantee the box office for *The Lost Caverns* will break records."

Wang Jing was overjoyed and immediately raised his glass. "Then it's a deal! Cheers!"

Shaw Brothers Building.

"A-Min, come to the conference room."

She pushed open the door and found Wang Jing, Lau Wai-keung, and a host of other directors all present.

"Qian-zai? What is this..."

Xiang Qian slid a contract across the table to her. "The female lead for *The Lost Caverns*, Shirley Yang. The role is yours."

Zhou Huimin widened her eyes. "Me? But..."

Wang Jing laughed heartily. "A-Min, Qian-zai personally selected you. You must perform well!"

Zhou Huimin's eyes reddened slightly as she whispered, "Thank you..."

Xiang Qian looked at her, the corners of his mouth lifting. "No need to thank me. This is what you deserve."

Three days later, Ni Zhen was finally able to get out of bed.

Trembling, he walked into the living room and found Ni Kuang reading a newspaper.

"Grandpa..."

Ni Kuang did not even look up. "From today on, you are grounded for three months. If you dare step one foot outside this house, I will break your legs."

Ni Zhen opened his mouth, but ultimately lowered his head. "...Yes."

In the Shaw Brothers office, Xiang Qian handed a proposal to Fang Yihua.

"*Parasite*?" Fang Yihua raised an eyebrow. "An art film?"

Xiang Qian nodded. "I intend to win awards."

Fang Yihua pondered for a moment. "I can approve the investment, but there is one condition—"

"What condition?"

"After finishing this film, you must star in *Ghost Blows Out the Light 2*."

Xiang Qian smiled. "Deal!"