Chapter Fifty-Seven: Relentlessly Urging from Behind

Just like Liu Qingshan before him, Ma Shengli and his companions had worked on hundreds, if not a thousand, film crews—their experience was truly formidable. What’s more, whether it was choreographing fight scenes or acting as stunt doubles, they could handle it all themselves, the very definition of a jack-of-all-trades—adaptable wherever they were placed.

Since the original Hong Kong stunt team for “The Return of the Condor Heroes” had withdrawn, and it had only been a little over a day, the crew likely hadn’t had time to hire anyone else. For them, this could very well be a golden opportunity to break into a major production.

“Oh? There are people from over there too?” Bearded Zhang gestured in the direction of Hong Kong.

Liu Qingshan shook his head. “All from the mainland, under Uncle Ping in Hengdian. He’s well-versed in the Hong Kong kung fu film style!”

“Him? Then there’s no problem. Uncle Ping is quite a figure—after the decline of the Hong Kong film industry, he returned to the mainland and has worked with all the returning Hong Kong stunt teams. His skills are not lacking.”

“The key is that his team members have already mastered the Thirty-Six Techniques of Flowery Fist. I worked with them in the ‘Detective Di Renjie’ crew—they’re all seasoned professionals.”

Liang Guanghua’s words immediately put all Bearded Zhang’s concerns to rest.

“Excellent! Qingshan, your top priority now is to get in touch with that group as soon as possible. Once the contracts are finalized, the crew can begin work. Whether we can finish shooting in such a short time depends on you!”

Liu Qingshan wasted no more words, stood up, and went out to make a phone call.

He hadn’t had a chance to befriend Uncle Ping yet, but he did have the number for Li Qi, the team leader.

Within minutes, after a flurry of calls, Li Qi got a response from Li Juan.

She was Ma Shengli’s fiancée and acted as the team’s de facto manager.

Since the first shooting location for “The Return of the Condor Heroes” was right there in Hengdian, it spared everyone the hassle of rushing back and forth.

Now, all that was needed was for someone to come over and sign the contract, and the team could simply block out their schedule and wait on site.

When he returned and gave Bearded Zhang a brief update, the topic inevitably shifted to Liu Qingshan’s own pay.

Liu Qingshan expressed his attitude with casual indifference: “No rush on that. After all, Director Zhang still has to go through procedures with the producer and supervisor. I don’t have any specific demands for my pay—since I’m a newcomer, it’s the opportunity I value. Please just do as you see fit!”

“You can’t keep doing business this way. You’d better hurry and find yourself an agent, or you’ll get taken advantage of eventually!” Bearded Zhang laughed.

Even so, it was clear from his expression that he was deeply appreciative—after all, in this day and age, it was rare to find an artist who cared so little about personal gain.

Moreover, Liu Qingshan wasn’t wrong. He wasn’t just playing a part; he was also choreographing all the action for the series. The matter of remuneration did warrant serious consideration—it wasn’t something Bearded Zhang could decide on his own.

With their minds preoccupied, the wine lost its flavor and everyone went their separate ways.

Liu Qingshan returned directly to his new apartment. By now, it was late, but Yu Yi and Mao Shaochong were still helping the delivery men from the furniture store, bustling in and out.

Park Hye-jin was just as busy, though she hadn’t stopped complaining the whole time. Still, with a resigned sense of responsibility, she took charge of directing the arrangements.

An hour later, after politely seeing the workers off, she flopped down on the hallway sofa without a care for her image. “Finally done! Qingshan, once the cleaning company comes tomorrow, you can move in.”

“Hye-jin, I might have to trouble you again,” he added hastily before she could protest. “I landed a big job today—I have to go sign a contract!”

“Go on, tell us—what film has taken a fancy to you this time?”

Hye-jin’s expression shifted repeatedly, but in the end, she held her temper.

“Hye-jin, your Chinese has improved so much! Truly gifted with languages!” Mao Shaochong seized the moment to echo and support Liu Qingshan.

Hye-jin shot him a look. “Spare me. None of you have any good intentions—it’s all about making me do the heavy lifting!”

The group hadn’t known each other before, but an afternoon’s teamwork had fostered a certain familiarity.

“It’s not a film, it’s a 46-episode period martial arts drama—‘The Return of the Condor Heroes.’ Heard of it?” Liu Qingshan explained.

“Damn!” Hye-jin blurted out, unable to contain herself. “Bearded Zhang’s adaptation of Jin Yong? My god!”

She’d been in the mainland entertainment scene for years and was naturally well-informed on industry happenings.

She also understood the significance of a national TV drama—“The Return of the Condor Heroes” was a hot topic, with high expectations and audience anticipation.

But as a foreigner, she hadn’t read the original novel. “Guo Jing? Isn’t he the male lead?”

“What are you thinking, Hye-jin? I’m just a bit part actor—how could that be possible?”

While Mao Shaochong rushed to explain the character of Guo Jing to Hye-jin, Yu Yi walked over.

“Did they put you in charge of the action design for the crew as well?”

Yu Yi had been brought into the business by his uncle, Yu Chenghui, and was also occasionally involved in film and television shoots, though he’d never played a lead role.

“It was supposed to be just action choreography, but things developed from there. At first, I didn’t dare accept—I was worried it would interfere with ‘SPL: Sha Po Lang,’” Liu Qingshan replied honestly.

“How about you pull Shaochong and me into the crew as well? My uncle sent us here to learn, and we can’t just sit around waiting while you’re working.”

“Haha, I was thinking that myself! Not just you two, but also my chief apprentice, that Indian guy, Kunal. I just haven’t had time to ask about the pay yet.”

“As long as there’s a boxed lunch, that’s enough. This is your first time in charge—we can’t add to your burden. My uncle already talked to us about it, and I have the martial arts school to fall back on.”

“You’re not like Kunal—he’s on salary. You and Shaochong deserve at least standard stunt team rates!”

“All right, you handle it as you see fit. By the way, Hye-jin has booked a dinner tonight. Her company’s lawyer will be there to discuss things with you.”

At this, Liu Qingshan glanced at Hye-jin. “Didn’t we agree on tomorrow? There’s no rush.”

Half-sprawled on the sofa, Hye-jin replied, “When you’re asking for help, you have to work around their schedule. There was no appointment in advance, and Lawyer Wang has a case the day after tomorrow and a flight tomorrow night.”

“We can wait until he gets back. I just got off the plane myself—I need a breather.”

He had barely finished speaking when he was met with a sidelong glance of disdain. “But someone’s been hounding you! Haven’t you checked your messages?”

“Uh…” Liu Qingshan quickly pulled out his phone, and sure enough, there were a few missed calls.

He hurried upstairs to return the call. “Yes, yes, I was busy discussing things with Director Zhang and had my phone on silent.”

It was Jin Xishan on the other end. “I knew you were busy, so I didn’t call right away. But the lawyer’s matter can’t be delayed—things aren’t looking good for you right now.”

“The Song Dynasty Judge” was also filming in Hengdian. Learning they’d see each other soon, Jin Xishan’s voice was full of excitement over the phone, sounding more like a young girl than ever.