Chapter 126: The Arrogant Retainer

Liu Qingshan understood Park Hye-jin’s explanation well. Someone of Kram’s stature inevitably attracts the attention of local authorities regardless of which country he visits.

In particular, with the mainland currently focusing heavily on economic development, a business owner with assets in the tens of billions is undoubtedly a high-profile target for foreign investment. Furthermore, the movements of such individuals carry diplomatic significance for both their home country and the host nation; at the very least, security and convenience are proactively provided. This remains true even if Kram hails from a commercial sphere like India’s Bollywood, which has little practical interaction with China. Moreover, he is backed by the Sasala Group, a Fortune Global 500 company.

At this moment, Park Hye-jin added, "Jackie Chan is not coming up right now to avoid unnecessary congestion. The Phoenix City residential complex’s underground parking entrance is relatively narrow, and the presence of so many vehicles would inevitably draw attention."

Jaycee Chan continued, "Dad is waiting for a phone call. Kram’s side cannot confirm when their luncheon will end. Once we have a definite update, we will coordinate our movements. We’ll likely head to the Dad Hotel to have lunch and wait there instead."

Kim Hee-sun tugged at Liu Qingshan’s sleeve and whispered, "Since Mr. Kram is here, shouldn't we finalize the opening date for the Snow Mountain Studio?"

Liu Qingshan nodded and looked at Park Hye-jin. "Hye-jin, did Kram arrive this morning?"

"He arrived a little after nine. He originally intended to rest at the scheduled Dad Hotel, but he was picked up at the airport by local departments."

"So, the lunch originally planned with us was canceled at the last minute?"

"Yes. According to Kram’s side, he originally wanted to give you a surprise."

Liu Qingshan shook his head with a wry smile. "That’s no surprise; it’s more of a shock. Someone of his status carries an air of diplomatic formality when traveling—how could he possibly keep it under the radar?"

"Was Kunal notified?" Kim Hee-sun asked.

"With his big boss arriving, they are scrambling to get there. He and Shah Rukh have already joined Mr. Kram’s entourage."

Liu Qingshan pondered for a moment before calling Jackie Chan directly. "Big Brother, I think we should just head straight to the Dad Hotel. I have an important contract to sign at two o'clock, so I can take care of that while we're there."

"Shanzi, I’d love to just head over and save the trouble, but this morning, we agreed with Kram to meet here first. Isn't it a bit improper to act on our own before hearing from them?"

"Haven't you tried communicating with them again?"

"Of course I have! Do you think I’m having a good time? With people coming and going outside, I’ve been stuck in the car, not daring to step out. Kram’s side keeps saying 'just wait a little longer' but won't provide any concrete update!"

"Is that so? Alright, I’ll try to contact them myself."

Liu Qingshan quickly deduced the likely cause: either the staffer responsible for external communications in Kram’s entourage was suffering from a mental lapse, or they had become so accustomed to being coddled by enthusiastic receptions that they had lost their sense of caution. He was certain his judgment was correct, as he was well-acquainted with the enigmatic sense of superiority held by members of India’s upper castes.

Such individuals often seemed to operate on a different frequency than the average person. To put it bluntly, the deeply ingrained belief in the feudal caste system—viewing it not as a shame, but as a source of pride—was firmly entrenched. For example, the upper-caste Indian students studying in China were generally of poor character, self-righteous, refusing to queue, and behaving like idiots on their motorcycles, speeding and making loud noises. Even more absurdly, whenever a dispute arose, they would often cite their high-caste status in their defense, boasting about the privileges they held over the "untouchables" back in India, with an arrogance that was repulsive. (It is worth noting that the term "commoner" is rarely used among the upper castes; in private, they generally refer to others as "untouchables.")

Liu Qingshan did not call Kram’s personal phone, but instead rang Kunal directly.

"Master, please wait a moment. I will ask Mr. Shah Rukh to inquire for you. You know my position; unless the boss summons me personally, I don’t have access to the senior management of Treasure Films."

Receiving this response, Liu Qingshan curled his lip in a bitter smile. The situation was just as he had surmised.

A moment later, Shah Rukh called back. Through the receiver, one could faintly hear people speaking in Mandarin in the background.

"Boss, I just asked. The assistant responsible for the boss’s phone is named Holm. Mr. Kram is likely completely unaware of this." Shah Rukh spoke in a hushed tone.

"Holm? I’ll remember that name. To think he dared to leave Big Brother Jackie Chan waiting in a car—who gave him the nerve? Dammit!" Liu Qingshan couldn't help but curse.

"The boss is sitting in the front row right now; I have no chance to get close to him!" Although Shah Rukh had not been in China long, he could tell that Liu Qingshan was furious, and his tone became nervous.

"Don't worry about it for now. Is there a reception banquet later? When the time comes, tell Mr. Kram that we are heading directly to the Dad Hotel to wait."

"We are at the banquet now. I personally agree that Mr. Chan shouldn't have to wait in the car, but are you sure you don't want to inform the boss?"

"Inform him of what? Dozens of us have been waiting half the morning like fools, and we’re starving! Who is this Holm anyway? Is he a relative of Kram’s?"

"Not at all. Holm was promoted from the secretarial team. He’s a Cambridge graduate. The only connection he has to the boss is that they share the same 'Singh' caste."

Liu Qingshan understood the implication perfectly: there are millions of people named "Singh" in India; it is a common name among the upper castes.

"That’s fine. When I see Kram, I’m going to have a serious talk with him about this person. It’s absolutely unreasonable!" In his rage, Liu Qingshan dropped the respectful "Mr." and angrily used his full name.

After hanging up, he immediately dialed Jackie Chan. "I’ve figured it out. Some idiot named Holm made a unilateral decision. It’s infuriating! Big Brother, let’s do this: we’ll head to the Dad Hotel immediately. We’ll go in batches. Jaycee and Ayla will come with us; you can set off now!"

"Haha, don't be so angry, Shanzi. I’ve seen this kind of thing plenty of times. It’s not worth getting worked up over such a trivial matter."

"That may be, but I will never tolerate the bootlicking attitude of someone who looks down on others."

"Cool your temper. Why are you so worked up? I haven't even taken it to heart!"

Perhaps realizing that Liu Qingshan was at an age where his blood still ran hot, Jackie Chan didn't say much more and ended the call.

The others had been watching the entire exchange. Once Liu Qingshan hung up, everyone stood up, preparing to depart.

At this moment, Jawahar walked over and said, "While you were on the phone, Shah Rukh called me. He said Mr. Kram is already aware of the situation and will head straight to the Dad Hotel to meet us once the banquet concludes."