Chapter 37: Gathering of the Titans

Sunlight filtered through the gaps in the curtains, spilling into the bedroom; Xiang Qian frowned and slowly opened his eyes.

His head felt as if it were splitting apart.

Instinctively, he raised a hand to rub his temples, only to find his arm pinned by something. Looking down, he saw Zhou Huimin resting her head on his arm, sleeping soundly.

Fragments of last night's memory surfaced—a celebratory banquet where he had drunk too much, then being supported by Sun Li and Zhou Huimin into a taxi... and afterward...

Xiang Qian gently withdrew his arm and rose with extreme care, afraid of waking her. Standing beside the bed, he watched Zhou Huimin's slightly curled sleeping posture, and the corners of his mouth lifted involuntarily.

He bent down to tuck the quilt around her, then slipped quietly out of the bedroom.

In the kitchen, Xiang Qian tied on an apron and took eggs, ham, and toast from the refrigerator.

Amid the sizzling of frying eggs, he heard footsteps approaching from behind.

"Awake?" Without turning, he continued flipping the eggs in the pan. "Wait two more minutes; breakfast will be ready."

There was no response.

Suddenly, a pair of arms wrapped around his waist from behind, and Zhou Huimin's face pressed gently against his back.

"...Qian Zai." Her voice still carried the soft, sticky quality of someone just awakened.

Xiang Qian paused, then chuckled lightly. "What's this? I'm the one with the hangover, yet you're the one acting spoiled?"

Zhou Huimin said nothing, merely tightening her embrace and rubbing her cheek against his back.

Xiang Qian turned off the stove and faced her. "What's wrong?"

Zhou Huimin looked up, her eyes sparkling. "I just felt... that this is wonderful."

Xiang Qian ruffled her hair. "Go wash up; it's time to eat."

At the dining table, the toast was golden, the fried eggs slightly crisp at the edges, and the ham steaming. Zhou Huimin sipped her milk in small mouthfuls, occasionally stealing glances at Xiang Qian.

"Going to the film set today?" Xiang Qian asked.

"Mm. Director Wang Jing said we're shooting Shirley Yang's costume photos today." She paused. "What about you?"

"Preparations for Parasite." Xiang Qian took a bite of toast. "The cast isn't complete yet."

Zhou Huimin hesitated. "Should I ask around for you?"

Xiang Qian shook his head. "Sister Fang is already arranging it."

After breakfast, Zhou Huimin cleared the dishes while Xiang Qian walked her to the door.

"Tonight..." Zhou Huimin began, then stopped herself.

"I'll come pick you up," Xiang Qian finished for her.

Zhou Huimin's eyes lit up; she stood on tiptoe to kiss his cheek, then hurried away with a flushed face.

Seated in his Shaw Brothers office, Xiang Qian spread out the script for Parasite before him.

The phone rang; it was Fang Yihua.

"Qian Zai, I've found all the actors for you." Her voice brimmed with pride. "I guarantee this art film of yours will be filled with starlight."

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow. "Who exactly?"

"The wealthy father—Ti Lung."

"The son—Zhou Xingxing."

Xiang Qian nearly choked on his saliva. "Xing Zai?"

Fang Yihua laughed. "What's the problem? He's just a newcomer."

"The poor mother—Kara Wai."

"The poor daughter—Lin Qingxia."

"The wealthy wife—Zhao Yazhi."

"The wealthy daughter—Liu Jialing."

"The younger son—just grabbed someone off the street."

"The housekeeper—Zheng Peipei."

"The housekeeper's husband—Xu Guanying."

Xiang Qian: "..."

With this lineup, any single one of them could carry a box office hit on their own, yet now they were all crammed into one art film?

"Sister Fang," he rubbed his temples, "isn't this a bit excessive?"

Fang Yihua chuckled softly. "What, afraid you won't be able to hold the stage?"

Xiang Qian: "..."

Three days later, the kickoff ceremony for Parasite commenced.

Inside the largest soundstage at Shaw Brothers Studio, a high incense altar was set up and red carpets laid across the floor.

Standing at the entrance, Xiang Qian watched luxury car after luxury car drive in, his scalp tingling with numbness.

Cheng Long arrived first, wearing sunglasses and casual attire; he grinned and patted Xiang Qian on the shoulder. "Qian Zai, I've read the script carefully—it's incredible! This time, I'm taking home the Best Actor award!"

Xiang Qian forced a dry laugh. "Do your best, Big Brother..."

Next came Ti Lung, dressed in a sharp suit, exuding an imposing aura. Xiang Qian hurried forward and bowed. "Greetings, Brother Ti Lung!"

Ti Lung nodded slightly. "Young people with ideas; not bad."

Zhou Xingxing jogged over and greeted him properly. "Greetings, Brother Qian! This time, I will definitely act seriously!"

Xiang Qian patted his shoulder. "Perform well."

Lin Qingxia and Zhao Yazhi arrived together; the moment these two goddess-level figures appeared, the scene fell silent for a second.

Xiang Qian took a deep breath, stepped forward, and bowed. "Greetings, Sister Qingxia! Greetings, Sister Yazhi!"

Lin Qingxia smiled lightly. "Qian Zai, I hear this film has great depth?"

Xiang Qian nodded. "I hope it won't disappoint you."

Zhao Yazhi said gently, "I am very much looking forward to it."

Hui Yinghong and Liu Jialing arrived one after the other; Xiang Qian continued to bow deeply, saying, "Hello, Sister Hong! Hello, Sister Jialing!"

Hui Yinghong waved her hand generously, "No need for such politeness; I loved the script!"

Liu Jialing blinked her eyes, "Qian-zi, I turned down three other productions just to come for this one."

Xiang Qian replied, "...Thank you, Sister Jialing, for honoring me with your presence."

Finally, Zheng Peipei and Xu Guanying arrived.

Xiang Qian's waist felt as though it were about to break from all the bowing, yet he persisted in paying his respects, saying, "Hello, Sister Peipei! Hello, Brother Ying!"

Xu Guanying grinned and slung an arm around him, "Qian-zi, I hear this film could win awards?"

Xiang Qian gave a wry smile, "Let's hope so..."

After the opening ceremony concluded, Xiang Qian stood outside the soundstage to catch his breath.

Fang Yihua walked over and said meaningfully, "How is it? Can you still hold up?"

Xiang Qian rubbed his sore waist, "Sister Fang, next time could you please not invite so many big shots...?"

Fang Yihua chuckled lightly, "This is nothing compared to what's yet to come."

Xiang Qian gazed into the distance at Zhou Xingchi, who was chatting and laughing with Cheng Long, and murmured, "When soldiers come, generals will block them."

The clapperboard snapped shut with a sharp "click."

"Parasite, Scene One, Take One, Action!"

Before the camera, Cheng Long hunched his back, his eyes humble yet sinister—completely overturning the image of a kung fu superstar.

Behind the monitor, Xiang Qian curved the corners of his mouth slightly upward.