Chapter 40: Cheng Long's Sudden Celebration

Xiang Qian stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows on the top floor of the Peninsula Hotel, clutching a glass of whiskey, the ice cubes already half melted.

Outside the window lay the night view of Weiduoliyagang, neon lights flickering as a cruise ship glided slowly by, its reflection stretching the lights on the water into fine, fragmented golden threads.

"The Ni family matter has finally come to a close," he murmured to himself, tilting his head back to drain the glass in one gulp.

His throat burned fiercely, yet it paled in comparison to the restlessness churning in his heart.

News that *Parasite* had been selected for Cannes had spread throughout Xiangjiang; newspapers ran endless reports, propelling the name of this budding director to the heavens alongside the coverage.

"Qianzai, the Golden Film Awards nomination list is out," Fang Yihua said, pushing open the door with a fax in hand. "Twelve nominations: Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor... we're in for all of them."

Xiang Qian took the list, scanned it, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. "Brother Long is going to be ecstatic this time."

"Far more than just him? Lin Qingxia, Zhou Xingchi, Hui Yinghong... they've all called asking what to wear on awards night," Fang Yihua laughed. "Your film has lifted half of Xiangjiang's film industry onto the stage."

Xiang Qian shook his head. "It was their acting that was superb."

After hanging up the phone, the ringtone sounded abruptly once more.

Xiang Qian answered, and Wang Jing's signature booming voice came through the receiver: "Qianzai! We're shooting the desert scenes for *Ghost Blows Out the Light* here, and we're freezing to death! Ah Min is running across the dunes in a tank top and shorts; her lips have turned purple!"

Xiang Qian frowned. "What's the temperature over on the mainland right now?"

"Minus five degrees! And the wind in the desert is fierce!" Wang Jing exclaimed loudly. "But don't worry, I've had hot ginger soup prepared; your Ah Min won't freeze!"

Xiang Qian ignored his teasing and simply asked, "How far along are you?"

"At the entrance to the Ancient City of Jingjue; we're about to enter the underground palace," Wang Jing paused. "By the way, are you attending the TVB gala? Ah Min said she's coming back."

"Mm," Xiang Qian replied. "Before the Golden Film Awards, everyone should gather together."

Hanging up the phone, he walked to the window, gazing out at the distant sea.

The Ancient City of Jingjue was a desert sequence, yet it was winter, with actors filming in summer clothes amidst the biting wind... that girl Zhou Huimin was likely pushing herself too hard again.

The calendar had flipped to the end of December; in a few days, it would be the Lunar New Year.

The Golden Incense Awards, the Golden Donkey Awards, music award ceremonies... a heap of events crowded into the pre-New Year period; just looking at the schedule gave one a headache.

Xiang Qian rubbed his temples, muttering to himself, "There is truly much to keep us busy."

He opened the script for *Ghost Blows Out the Light*, where Zhou Huimin had made markings with a highlighter: "Shirley Yang's lines need to be cooler."

Thinking of her leaning over the script to mark it so earnestly, the corners of Xiang Qian's mouth involuntarily curved upward.

A knock sounded at the door, and an assistant poked his head in. "Brother Qian, Brother Cheng Long is here."

Xiang Qian looked up just as Cheng Long burst in with great energy, holding up a bottle of red wine. "Qianzai! Let's celebrate *Parasite* making it into Cannes! Tonight, we drink until we drop!"

Xiang Qian chuckled. "Big Brother, it's only three in the afternoon."

"Who cares what time it is!" Cheng Long plopped down on the sofa, excited. "Cannes! I've never been there in my life! Do you think I should learn a few phrases of French?"

Xiang Qian poured him a drink and handed it over. "Learning one phrase, 'thank you,' will be enough."

Cheng Long nodded, asking no further questions, and simply raised his glass. "Cheers! To cinema!"

Xiang Qian clinked glasses with him, yet his mind drifted to the thought that

Cinema is the art of light and shadow, but reality is far crueller than any film.

As night fell, the lights of Xiangjiang began to ignite one by one.

Xiang Qian stood by the window, looking out at this city that was both prosperous and cold.

In a few days, Zhou Huimin would return from the mainland; the TVB gala, the Golden Film Awards red carpet, the chime of the New Year... everything was proceeding according to plan.

Yet he knew that the true challenge had only just begun.

"Next year..." he murmured softly, "will be an even better year."

Outside the window, fireworks suddenly bloomed over Weiduoliyagang, illuminating the entire night sky.