Chapter Fifty-Three: Park Hye-jin

“What do you mean ‘me’? Aren’t I just the heretic you all talk about?” Liu Qingshan’s expression was perfectly calm.

Kunal scratched his head with a sheepish grin. “Hehe! Master, in modern India, it’s not so much that we’re a religious state; rather, religious beliefs have become a way of life. Still, deep divisions remain among the major sects. I think you’ve found a good way to reconcile beliefs beyond faith—you respect our religion, but also hold to your own ideas.”

“Put it simply, my English isn’t great—I’ll need time to digest all that!”

“In other words, you’ve given us enough respect; of course Mr. Karam will treat you even better! Doesn’t your country have a famous declaration about territorial sovereignty, something about shelving and sharing?”

“Shelving disputes, joint development!”

“Yes, yes, that’s it! The gist is, mutual respect for each person’s religious traditions and cultural backgrounds is the primary foundation for friendship. Don’t you think your relationship with Mr. Karam will be much closer from now on?”

Liu Qingshan chuckled. “So that’s how you see it? Don’t you think that’s a bit narrow?”

Kunal shook his head emphatically. “That’s just how it is. Only when friendship transcends religious beliefs can any cooperation achieve ideal results. And you know, this kind of friendship is mutually beneficial, too.”

His words were blunt but true.

The previous simple partnership with Karam hadn’t been stable. Now, with society ever-changing, adding a layer of personal connection to the business alliance would undoubtedly minimize any potential upheaval.

Kunal’s well-meaning reminder was kindly meant, and Liu Qingshan didn’t refute him.

Soon, during a break in the gathering, Karam sent Liu Qingshan a friendly look. The next afternoon, the two of them had an in-depth conversation lasting over an hour.

Two days later, the guests from the East bid their farewells and departed. Liu Qingshan found himself accompanied by several Indians, while Chen Long brought along Mallika Sharawat.

Her cousin, Aishwarya, hadn’t joined them because she was busy handling paperwork for studying abroad. Karam had already started paving the way for her.

Departing at dawn, they didn’t reach the capital until noon the next day. Chen Long’s party had their own people to pick them up; Liu Qingshan didn’t ask about their plans.

With him came not only Kunal, but also three special effects artists from Treasure Films and a staff member named Shahrukh.

Shahrukh, like Kunal and Karam, bore the common Sikh surname—Singh, shared by Sikh men worldwide.

The only distinction was that, as actors, the latter two didn’t keep long hair or beards. In India, a place rich in religious color, it seemed Bollywood stars were treated with notable leniency.

Shahrukh was sent by Treasure Films as a representative to set up a local office or similar institution in China.

He was clearly well-prepared; as soon as he got off the plane, he received a call from a star-rated hotel under the Sashara Group, called DAD, with the hotel owner, Jawahar, arranging pickup.

Kunal and the three special effects artists were also put up at the DAD Hotel, with employee benefits covering their stay.

The special effects artists recruited by Liu Qingshan would need his own arrangements for accommodation; they were still in Mumbai handling relevant formalities.

Another advantage of working with Karam was that Treasure Films would cover half the rent for the workspace, with Shahrukh specifically tasked with these practical matters.

Upon returning to the DAD Hotel, before Liu Qingshan could even sit down for a chat, he received a phone call.

The caller was Park Hyejin, the supervisor of the Kyoto branch of the company where Jin Xishan worked.

Her tone was somewhat anxious, as if eager to see him.

Park Hyejin’s company was located in Sanyuanqiao, not far from Phoenix City. When Liu Qingshan arrived, she was already waiting for him at a ground-floor café.

As soon as she saw him, this attractive woman in her early thirties flashed a radiant smile. “So you’re Shan-zi? You don’t look twenty-two at all—much more mature.”

“Is that a compliment or a jab, Sister Hyejin? Why does that sound a bit hurtful?”

At the moment, Liu Qingshan was dressed in a set of expensive suits given by someone else. His unique style projected a certain dignity, but his mature aura was unmistakable.

After training in the Thirty-six Hands of Floral Boxing, he’d grown a few centimeters taller, his frame broader and more robust. The good temperament he carried seemed to highlight both inner cultivation and outward presence.

“I know you practice martial arts—and at quite a high level—so wouldn’t it be odd if you looked like a pretty boy?”

Her Mandarin was quite good, without much of a foreign accent.

Ordering coffee for them, Liu Qingshan smiled. “My sister told me you handled all the house paperwork. I’ll toast you tonight!”

“Let’s skip the pleasantries,” Park Hyejin suddenly grew stern. “You should worry about your troubles first!”

“Oh? Is it the negative news about me in the papers?”

“So you know? Don’t blame me for being blunt—you left for abroad and ignored everything, now the fire is spreading! Isn’t that bad enough?”

“Then please tell me what’s going on, Sister Hyejin.” Liu Qingshan didn’t seem concerned.

She replied with some frustration, “Why should I? I’m not your agent! Helping you buy a house is one thing, but now I have to handle your crisis too?”

“Actually, I’ve got it under control. I’ve already talked to the ‘Myth’ crew and Qinghuang Pictures—we’re waiting for the fire to spread.”

He paid little mind to her feigned annoyance; he knew Jin Xishan must have leaked some inside information, and that Hyejin was just using the opportunity to be helpful.

“Oh? So you have all the evidence in hand?” Park Hyejin’s expression softened.

“But the fire can’t be allowed to spread further. As far as I know, some TV stations outside Shaanxi province are about to pick up the story!”

Liu Qingshan laughed. “That’s great—the rumors will spread faster and wider, with greater impact.”

“You’re not worried at all? Even if your reputation is eventually restored and the TV stations apologize, your relationships will be ruined. Don’t tell me your future work won’t be on TV?”

“Sister, who am I? I’m just a background actor, barely on the radar. How many people even know me? Even if a TV station reports on me, it’ll only be the smaller ones.”

“That’s not true. Once ‘Detective Dee’ airs, you’ll be at least a third-tier star, even without Chen Long’s influence!”

“Third-tier? Maybe. Still, I doubt any mainstream stations will care about me. Even after ‘Detective Dee’ begins, that won’t change. But have you thought, if things do turn around, maybe they’ll be interested then?”

“What’s with your logic? Everyone else is busy putting out fires, but you seem to be enjoying the spectacle—almost childish!”

After the waiter left, Liu Qingshan quietly explained his reasoning to Park Hyejin.

His arguments centered on the local county government and video evidence—all positive, and far more valuable than a spat with two unknown TV hosts.

He revealed nothing about his agreement with Yang Wancheng; even Jin Xishan knew little of the details.

“And you call that evidence? What does saving lives have to do with being difficult on set?”

“Such minor things don’t need much proof. Besides, I’m not just going to name those two—I’ll have a lawyer file charges for defamation and insult.”

Defamation requires fabrication, while insult can be based on facts.

In other words, even if Liu Qingshan did something wrong and the other party exposed it, their comments would inevitably include judgments. Even if almost everything they said was true, if it maliciously damaged Liu Qingshan’s reputation, it could still be a crime.

“My god, you’re playing hardball?”

“Am I harsh, or are they bent on destroying me? They’re trying to get me fired—that’s as bad as cutting off my livelihood. The reputational risk is far worse than just losing money.”

“Alright, you make a good point! So, what do you need from me? Want a good lawyer?”

“Sister Hyejin, why are you helping me so much?”

“Can I say it’s because you’ll be a big deal in the future?”

“Don’t tease. Is it because of my sister?”

“I’ll call you Shan-zi too! Yes, Jin Xishan isn’t just an artist under our company—I’ve known her for twenty years. She was just a child back then. Is that reason enough?”

“You weren’t that old yourself. Never mind, don’t look at me like that—I admit you’re trustworthy.”

“I have connections with lawyers—many firms specialize in entertainment law. Our branch even has one on staff.”

“Then please, arrange it for me. Or maybe I can meet the lawyer tomorrow?”

“Just call me Sister Hyejin. Otherwise, people might get the wrong idea—Jin Xishan was called ‘sister’ so often she ended up being your girlfriend! I’m married, you know.”

Park Hyejin truly lived up to her reputation as a strong woman—when she spoke harshly, she didn’t mince words.

Liu Qingshan could only chuckle and dodge, “Honestly, they won’t take me to court. Just having a lawyer send a letter and holding a press conference will settle it easily.”

“Listen, the lawyer still needs to be paid—I’m not that influential.”

Park Hyejin was clearly adept at reading the room, and seeing Liu Qingshan’s casual attitude, she responded in kind.

“Come on, let’s check out your new place. I fronted quite a bit for the renovations—you’d better pay me back soon.”

After making a call outside, she returned to hurry him along.

Unit 1108 in a building in Phoenix City was the result of discussions between Jin Xishan and Park Hyejin.

Eleventh floor, two apartments per landing, a duplex, decorated in a blend of Nordic and Chinese luxury. The overall design exuded elegance and refinement, with touches that gave the space a sense of depth and sophistication.

Liu Qingshan was satisfied the moment he entered, even before he’d finished the tour.

Inwardly, he gloated: Damn, from today on, I’m a homeowner too—right here in the capital!