Chapter 364

Seeing Wei Anping's disappointed expression, Old Ghost masked his inner sorrow with smoke.

Anping is a man on the official path; before his identity is confirmed, before he can walk in the light, some words must stay buried in his heart—who else but a ghost unseen by the world could understand?

"Anping," Old Ghost patted Wei Anping's shoulder and gave his final advice, "I'm glad you and Jiefang look out for each other in Yanjing. Though I haven't met your brother yet, I've seen enough to know—he's not as steady as you, nor as successful. He must've troubled you often in the past. Now that Xiao Ming has grown capable, don't hesitate to lean on him. Don't think it's a bother—treat him like your own nephew."

Wei Anping patted Old Ghost's scarred, calloused hand and smiled: "I've always treated him like my own nephew. Jiefang's my real brother too."

Old Ghost smiled with satisfaction, stood up, and said: "I'll head back now. Someone might see me."

"You okay?"

"Better safe than sorry," Old Ghost insisted.

He didn't use the room, so it's perfect for Liu Long and Gong Ying—they've been renting rooms often lately.

When they rent rooms, their parents don't have to—his parents' rented place is too small; two generations living together is inconvenient. They're considering moving out on their own, since their income isn't low.

Gong Ying was embarrassed, saying no no, afraid Wei Ming would tell his sister. But Liu Long just laughed and accepted: "Your sister and he aren't clean either—what's there to fear?"

"Let me see you off," Wei Ming said, telling Ping'an Shu and Xiao Hong to go ahead while he escorted Old Ghost out.

"Could you please deliver a letter for me to Amin?" Wei Ming pulled out an envelope—it was just written in front of Gong Ying, claiming it was for Aunt Xia Meng.

Old Ghost smiled contentedly: "I was just going to remind you to call her. This letter is enough. That girl always brings you up whenever she sees me—she's obsessed thinking of you."

Hearing this, Wei Ming felt a pang in his chest, so early the next morning he called Aunt Xia Meng to ask about "Mistaken Love for Seven Days."

"Already finished shooting," Xia Meng said, wearing her pajamas. "Are you in Hong Kong?"

"Yeah, I'm leaving soon—just passing through," Wei Ming asked. "When's the movie releasing?"

"We're arranging distribution now. Probably December," Xia Meng smiled. "Should I send you an invitation to come to Hong Kong?"

Wei Ming wanted exactly that: "Thank you, Auntie. If the box office does well, let's keep working together."

"I've seen the cut—I'm confident it'll at least break even," Xia Meng said confidently. "Even if it flops, it's not your fault. I hope we can collaborate again."

She spoke sincerely. When filming "Heroes Born in Youth," she'd looked down on this mainland boy. By the time they made "Mistaken Love for Seven Days," she knew just how capable this young man was.

The same goes for that Mr. Cha—nowhere near as good.

While Wei Ming was on the phone, Old Ghost received a call—Wei Lingling asked where Wei Ming was staying.

After giving the address, Old Ghost said: "He's probably leaving soon."

"I'll call and ask," Wei Lingling said. "Also, I'll send my mom over—should I drop her at your place or directly at Hollee?"

"Hey hey hey, why are you sending her over?" Old Ghost tensed up.

"Who else would I send her to? I've got work to do. And you two are legally married—you're supposed to support each other."

Old Ghost wanted to say, "Wei Danggui married her—what's that got to do with me, Wei Senhao?" But he couldn't bring himself to be petty.

"Send her. I'll wait for her at home."

After Wei Ming ended his call with Xia Meng, he was packing to leave when the phone rang again.

"Auntie, what's up?"

"Transformers is over 80% done. I wanted you to see the rough cut, but heard you're leaving soon."

"What's the point of seeing a rough cut? But I didn't expect progress to be this fast."

Wei Lingling: "I took your advice—I brought back two experts from Japan right at the start."

"Then I'll come see it next time," Wei Ming said. "I'll also send you the later character designs—I should be able to come to Hong Kong again this year."

Hearing this, Wei Lingling relaxed: "Also, I'm planning to collaborate with Maniac Comics on the History Cat doll series. What do you think?"

Wei Ming: "Maniac Comics isn't at its peak yet, but toy development takes time. I think it's fine. Handle the details with Long."

Finally, Wei Ming said: "My uncle's here too. Want to chat with him?"

Wei Ming handed the phone to Ping'an Shu, who was eagerly waiting.

"Lingling, everything good lately?" Wei Anping launched into a long pleasantries routine before asking about his aunt in San Francisco—he wanted a specific address, in case he ever traveled to the U. . on business.

Yesterday he'd mentioned his mother to Uncle, but Uncle didn't know her well. Still, he said his mother was close to his aunt—perhaps she could give more accurate details.

He finally understood why he had a share in Jueyuan No. 2 in the Magic City—it was because his aunt was honoring his mother's memory.

Wei Lingling didn't refuse; she gave him the address without hesitation.

Meanwhile, Wei Ming finished packing and called for Wei Hong and Long to wake up.

Zhou Huimin got up and saw her mother leaning out the balcony, peering down.

"Mom, what's going on?"

Zhou Ma: "Old Ghost is still with that woman!"

Zhou Huimin: "Maybe it's true love."

"Why don't you go say hello?" Zhou Ma urged. "And find out what's going on."

"Fine," Zhou Huimin said. "I'll take the morning off—I'll get the full story."

Her mother's gossiping spark died instantly. She snapped: "Go, go, eat breakfast and get to school. Don't think being slightly famous means you don't need to study."

Amin stuck out her tongue and obediently ate breakfast.

But as they went downstairs, they ran into Old Ghost and the woman leaving—now they had no choice but to ask.

"Old Ghost, who's this? Don't you want to introduce her?"

Lin Ni stepped forward: "Big Sister, just call me Ghost Wife."

Zhou Ma was stunned—this old rascal really had a wife!

Zhou Huimin asked: "Auntie, are you Linggu's mom?"

Lin Ni was confused: "You call my daughter 'Gugu'… and then call me 'Auntie'?"

Her brain was a bit small—she was confused now.

Old Ghost nodded: "Yes yes, no more talking—we're leaving."

Amin usually rides her bike alone, so Old Ghost only needed to see off Zhou Ma. But today he looked like he was fleeing.

Yet halfway out, he turned back and handed Amin an envelope.

"That kid gave this to you. Gone now."

Zhou Ma stared at the envelope in Amin's hand. Amin shoved it into her bag, jumped on her bike, and called: "Mom, I'm off! Bye!"

On the way to school, Zhou Huimin couldn't resist opening the letter.

"Amin, seeing your words is like seeing you. We passed too quickly—I'm sorry we never met. Are you well? Any troubles in school you want to tell me about? You probably sent a letter to Yanjing, but with this trip abroad, I likely missed it…"

Wei Ming didn't say anything substantial—just chatted like family. Amin thought this was perfect. If they could chat like this every day, it'd be even better.

When would Aiming settle in Hong Kong—or when could she go to the mainland?

At this moment, Wei Ming and his group had boarded the flight to Yanjing.

After seeing them off, Liu Long and Gong Ying returned home to nap—they'd barely slept.

But Liu Long was full of energy and headed back to Maniac Comics.

There, he received bad news.

Cartoonist Zhao Rude came to report: "Dragon Brother, yesterday Yulang International approached me—they wanted to poach me. But I firmly refused!"

A flash of light passed behind Liu Long's glasses. He stood, patted Zhao Rude's shoulder: "You did well, De. Come outside—I have an announcement for everyone."

Zhao Rude nervously followed Liu Long out. Liu Long clapped his hands, halting everyone's work: "Our boss just returned from Frankfurt—he brought us some American and Japanese comics. We'll put up a bookshelf here for everyone to study. Remember: learn their techniques and styles—not copy their stories."

Zhao Rude was disappointed—he thought he'd get a raise or more responsibility. Was that all?

Among the issues before "Feng Yun," the most popular besides "Qin Shi Mingyue" was his "Happy Ghost"—even Niu Lao's "Li Wang" couldn't match it.

"One more thing," Liu Long said. "It's not a big deal—Langning Toy Factory has decided to collaborate with us on the History Cat doll series. Three-year licensing fee: 100, 00 HKD."

Hearing "100, 00 HKD," the impoverished comic apprentices all gaped.

Liu Long: "Also, for every doll sold, the company gets a percentage. Both the 100, 00 licensing fee and the sales royalties will be shared with the lead artist. So let's congratulate Ge Brother—check your account tomorrow, and remember to file taxes."

It was supposed to come with next month's salary, but after the Huang Yulang poaching incident, Liu Long decided to pay early.