Chapter 121: The Bright Prospects of the Snowy Land

While eating, Liu Huan explained to Liu Qingshan the reasons for having him compose new songs.

First, it was essential for the teacher to vet the work. After all, before recommending someone, it was necessary to ensure the true merits of the talent.

Secondly, showing up unannounced with someone else’s work always carried a sense of ulterior motive.

However, it was customary for students to bring their own new compositions to Teacher Gu for guidance, which greatly diluted any original intent.

In fact, Liu Huan’s caution was unnecessary. For Liu Qingshan, Liu Huan's careful approach was both a responsibility to the teacher and a reflection of his own academic integrity.

Yet Liu Huan also warned, “When you and Miss Jin visit the teacher, be sure not to bring up the matter of apprenticeship on your own. Otherwise, you’ll never get past the brother and sister-in-law.”

Gu Yun currently lived with her son and daughter-in-law—those were the brother and sister-in-law he referred to.

It wasn’t that the couple lacked understanding, but Gu Yun was now over seventy, and her energy and stamina were far less than in previous years.

Jin Xishan immediately showed understanding and repeatedly stated that all decisions would be implemented specifically by Liu Qingshan.

In reality, her attitude subtly hinted at the relationship between herself and Liu Qingshan.

Extremely astute, she had already realized that the person before her would be a key new connection for her man’s future. Revealing a bit of intimacy in advance was her way of actively integrating into Liu Qingshan’s circle of friends.

In the social fabric of Huaguo, no matter how hard a man worked, nothing was more direct than the proactive networking of family members.

Or rather, social circles involving family members were fundamentally distinct from ordinary friendships.

With this matter temporarily settled, on the way back, Liu Qingshan naturally expressed his gratitude to Zhang the Bearded.

Zhang was as straightforward as ever: “Glad to help! By the way, did Sharukh report to you? The final location for Xueyu has been decided, so we can put the studio’s opening on the agenda!”

He was well aware that Daquan Ge had been closely monitoring the situation. Added to that was Huayin’s recent involvement; the Xueyu Studio was now under intense scrutiny by certain powers.

Liu Qingshan never hid anything from him: “It’s not just Sharukh; Mr. Kram has also called. I’m heading to the factory site in the South Fourth Ring now to check on the equipment and finalize the opening date.”

Back in Hengdian, communication with Sharukh’s side had never ceased. The factory in the South Fourth Ring was arranged with Zhang’s help.

It was a burgeoning industrial zone focused on high technology. Even Huaying’s digital production team had established its headquarters there.

This area, called Changying High-Tech Zone, was set to become a premier northern hub for advanced technology in the coming years. Currently in its early development stage, the government offered many policy incentives.

Coupled with Xueyu’s own Sino-foreign joint venture background, choosing this location was undoubtedly a wise strategic move.

Arriving at the industrial area, which had yet to be officially named, Sharukh and Javaha were already waiting by the roadside.

Originally, Liu Qingshan hadn’t planned to come here, but Jin Xishan’s thoughtful advice persuaded him to take a look.

Because it lay close to the South Fourth Ring, the vertical distance to several bustling districts in the capital wasn’t far. With further development beyond the Fifth Ring, this area would eventually become a core commercial zone.

From a bird’s-eye view, future commercial development plans marked by savvy developers were already posted all around the industrial park.

Equipment from Tianzhu had been installed and was hidden within rows of multi-story mixed-use buildings.

The space rented by Xueyu Studio was quite prominent—likely a benefit of having someone handle the arrangements.

The original factory buildings had been converted into several independent office areas, some with enhanced security and guards already stationed.

The special effects artists recruited from Tianzhu had all taken their positions. They included Kenichi Aida, Wolfgang from Germany, Nadine, Björsten from Sweden, Clark from the UK, and Dalton.

They were working alongside three special effects artists from Treasure Films—Frederick, Hans, and Paul—to fulfill the studio’s initial research and development plans.

After a brief tour, Liu Qingshan immediately gathered the special effects artists together in a studio-like conference room filled with screens.

Before the meeting, he cleared the room of everyone except the special effects team. Before each of them was a clip from the film “Kung Fu,” depicting the duel between two assassins fighting against twelve styles of martial arts including Tan Tui, Iron Wire Fist, and Bagua Staff.

Since Liu Qingshan already had footage of his future film in his mind, he guided the artist Nadine, skilled in drawing, to create simplified storyboards with ease.

The others were equally enthusiastic. After all, the boss securing a major project even before the studio’s opening meant substantial future rewards for everyone.

Two hours later, once each had a draft effect diagram in front of them, the formal meeting commenced.

Others were allowed in, including high-level executives like Sharukh and Javaha. Upon learning not only that research plans were underway but commercial projects were secured, they were visibly delighted.

“I am the screenwriter and producer of the film ‘Kung Fu,’ which requires extensive special effects throughout. This will be the inaugural project for Xueyu Studio. As long as the quality satisfies the client and gains market recognition, everyone here will have made a great contribution, along with substantial bonuses.”

Opening with this statement instantly energized the room. Yet Liu Qingshan’s good news did not end there.

“Though we call it a high-tech industry, it is essentially based on commercial project development. In business, the first priority is to ensure our products can sell. I’ve reached preliminary agreements with Qinghuang Films in Hong Kong, Huaying Group in the Mainland, and the National Television Group. As long as our products pass market tests, continuous project resources will flow in, ensuring the studio quickly establishes itself firmly in the industry!”

Except for Javaha, everyone present was an industry insider. They all understood the significance of Qinghuang and Huaying. Those two studios alone produced dozens of films annually. Even if only ten percent required heavy special effects, given the studio’s current capacity, they would be overwhelmed.

More importantly, opening a digital production window across the Taiwan Strait and Greater China, and eventually gaining the ability to undertake overseas projects, represented the perfect development prospect for Xueyu Studio.

“Additionally, don’t overlook the latent business opportunities. Treasure Films from Tianzhu holds a 30% stake in our studio. Moreover, MCC Company from Coldland is about to become our strategic commercial partner. Their annual film and television production volume will not be less than Huaying Group’s.”

This marked a promising future for the studio’s growth.