Chapter 41: An Unexpected Guest

In the banquet hall of the Peninsula Hotel, crystal chandeliers refracted brilliant light, while the champagne tower shimmered with a golden luster under the lamps.

"Qianzai! Congratulations!" Cheng Long strode over, raising his wine glass, an excited smile on his face. "Cannes! I haven't even been there in my whole life!"

Xiang Qian smiled and clinked glasses with him. "Brother Long, this time you are surely going to win Best Actor."

"Hahaha, I borrow your auspicious words!" Cheng Long patted his shoulder. "But speaking of which, you filmed this picture truly ruthlessly; even after I finished acting, I had nightmares for several days."

Just as Xiang Qian was about to speak, Fang Yihua's voice came from behind: "Qianzai, Sixth Uncle is looking for you."

Shaw Yifu stood before the floor-to-ceiling windows, a cigar in hand. Seeing Xiang Qian approach, he smiled slightly. "Young man, a few months ago you were merely a new star just stepping into the industry, yet now you have become Xiangjiang's most sought-after director."

Xiang Qian said respectfully, "I dare not forget Sixth Uncle's nurturing."

Fang Yihua stood nearby, approval in her eyes. "That 'Parasite' could be nominated for Cannes is something even I did not expect."

Shaw Yifu exhaled a ring of smoke and sighed, "The younger generation is formidable."

Just then, the banquet hall doors were pushed open, and the entire room fell silent for a second.

The two brothers, Xiang Huaqiang and Xiang Sheng, walked in, followed by four bodyguards in black, two of whom were carrying a golden plaque that glittered brightly.

Cheng Long's eyes narrowed, and he instinctively stepped in front of Xiang Qian.

Fang Yihua narrowed her eyes slightly and whispered, "Don't be nervous; they are probably here to offer congratulations."

Xiang Huaqiang wore a smile as he strode toward Xiang Qian, his voice loud and clear: "Young man, you have great potential!"

Xiang Sheng signaled his men to set down the golden plaque, upon which were carved four large characters: "Xiangjiang's New Star."

Xiang Qian was stunned. "...What does this mean?"

Xiang Sheng patted his shoulder and laughed, "It's a gift for you. Keep it up, young man."

Xiang Qian frowned and lowered his voice. "Some time ago, I picked a fight with your lodge, and now you come to celebrate me?"

Xiang Huaqiang burst into laughter. "Matters of the jianghu are settled within the jianghu. Films are films. We, the Xiang family, have always respected those with ability."

Shaw Yifu approached at the right moment, smiling to smooth things over. "Qiangzai, Shengzai, long time no see. How has business been lately?"

Xiang Huaqiang shook his hand. "Thanks to Sixth Uncle's blessings, it is not bad."

Fang Yihua also joined the pleasantries; the few of them talked and laughed as if the earlier tension had never existed.

After chatting for a while, Xiang Huaqiang looked at Xiang Qian and said meaningfully, "Qianzai, make good films. The future of Xiangjiang still depends on you young people."

With that, the two brothers left with their men, and the atmosphere in the banquet hall only then became lively again.

Cheng Long leaned in and whispered, "Qianzai, what trick are they playing?"

Xiang Qian stared at that golden plaque and sneered. "Who knows? Perhaps they want to curry favor, or perhaps it is a warning."

Fang Yihua walked over and said lightly, "Although the Xiang brothers are domineering, within the film circle, they truly respect talented individuals."

Xiang Qian nodded. "I understand."

On the eve of the music awards ceremony, Zhou Huimin still rushed back, arriving at the banquet just as it was nearing its end. As the banquet drew to a close, Zhou Huimin quietly tugged Xiang Qian's sleeve. "Are you going to the music awards ceremony tomorrow?"

Xiang Qian raised an eyebrow. "What, you want me to watch you win an award?"

Zhou Huimin's face flushed. "Who... who said I would definitely win an award?"

Xiang Qian chuckled softly. "Rest assured, I will definitely go."

Cheng Long teased from the side, "Aiyo, Qianzai, are you planning to be her flower-protecting escort?"

Lin Qingxia also laughed. "Young people are so sweet."

Zhou Huimin bowed her head in shyness, while Xiang Qian calmly took a sip of wine, though a trace of tenderness flashed in his eyes.

When leaving the banquet hall, Xiang Qian turned back to glance at that golden plaque, which sparkled brilliantly under the lights.

Fang Yihua stood beside him and said softly, "At tomorrow's music awards ceremony, the Xiang brothers might also appear."

Xiang Qian sneered. "Then we shall see exactly what tricks they intend to play."

The night breeze brushed past; the neon lights of Xiangjiang remained brilliant.

Yet behind this interplay of light and shadow, the undercurrents had only just begun to surge.