Chapter Sixty-Three: Fees Must Rise

"Very good. Seeing that you recognize this shows a maturity of thought, not the recklessness typical of a twenty-one-year-old."

Though Director Ge Daquan’s words carried an unmistakable air of authority, his smiling face revealed an even greater sense of appreciation.

He turned to Zhang the Big Beard. "Brother Jidong, this young man's suggestion is worth adopting, and we can fully incorporate the effects after the press conference into the detailed contract clauses!"

His words had scarcely fallen when someone knocked at the door and entered. "Director Ge, the morning meeting is about to begin. Should we head over now?"

Ge Daquan nodded, then turned to Liu Qingshan. "No need to rush the contract signing. I suggest you stay for lunch—just have a simple meal in our cafeteria."

Once he left with his assistant, Zhang the Big Beard finally spoke for the first time. "Not bad, kid. On your first meeting, you’ve already earned Director Ge’s favor."

Liu Qingshan was still somewhat puzzled. "What’s the matter? Maybe the Director was just being polite."

He suspected Ge Daquan’s words were mere courtesy, responding nonchalantly.

Zhang the Big Beard shook his head. "You haven’t grasped the deeper meaning yet. He just said to include the post-conference effects in the contract."

"I heard it too. So, what’s the significance?"

"There’s plenty of significance! To have a senior executive of his rank say such a thing, you think it’s just happenstance?"

He glanced deliberately at the tightly closed door, lowered his voice, and began to explain the subtleties to Liu Qingshan.

Their conversation took on a discreet, almost conspiratorial atmosphere.

The rationale was simple: Ge Daquan’s words meant that Zhang the Big Beard should factor in Liu Qingshan’s potential surge in fame after the press conference when setting his compensation.

In short, he trusted that this press conference would completely reverse Liu Qingshan’s negative public image.

On a deeper level, Liu Qingshan’s current reputation was negligible—even if his role in "The Return of the Condor Heroes" was merely a supporting character to embellish the story.

Ge Daquan’s ability to analyze the situation so thoroughly from Liu Qingshan’s concise remarks was clear evidence that he had already studied the matter in detail beforehand.

Moreover, he likely saw, in Zhang the Big Beard’s special attention to Liu Qingshan, a fresh approach to shaping the character of Guo Jing and the irreplaceability of the actor himself.

Page 1/3

Ge Daquan’s profession? He specialized in film and television research.

To appreciate the importance of casting Liu Qingshan in such a brief time required extensive experience in observing people and events.

Should Liu Qingshan develop a wholly positive social influence, it would undoubtedly augur well for the expected viewership of "The Return of the Condor Heroes."

Besides, this seemingly young actor possessed genuine talent. Otherwise, Zhang the Big Beard, as director, would never have risked the taboo of replacing a cast member at the last minute.

It’s worth noting that the actor replaced, Wang Luoyong, was Zhang’s old friend of many years.

Knowing that Zhang the Big Beard was someone who lived for art, Ge Daquan took his opinions seriously.

"Do you see now? Director Ge is proactively helping you increase your fee. Don’t be ungrateful and mistake his words for empty courtesy!"

The director’s mood was evidently excellent. He spoke like a friend, patting Liu Qingshan's shoulder, and even reached for the cigar on the table, gesturing for Liu Qingshan to light it for him.

The cigar had been deliberately brought by Liu Qingshan—each worth several thousand yuan, a gift from the wealthy tycoon Cram.

In truth, Liu Qingshan was somewhat overwhelmed by the favor.

He was surprised both by Director Ge Daquan’s unexpected regard and by the opportunity to befriend a renowned director.

Yet he showed nothing of this on his face, dutifully taking the cigar, striking a match, and roasting the cigar over the flame in a steady, rhythmic motion.

These special cigar matches were made from cedar wood, treated to be free of phosphorus and sulfur, emitting a pleasant aroma when lit, and featuring extra-long handles.

As he watched Liu Qingshan light the cigar, Zhang the Big Beard kept talking. "Actually, after yesterday’s drinking session, I made several calls to gather information about you!"

"Ha, so mysterious? Who did you call?"

Liu Qingshan wasn’t surprised by the director’s caution. He would have done the same—after all, this was a national television investment project, with no room for mistakes.

"Including your brother Chen Long! By the way, Hong Dabao said that when you visit Hong Kong, he wants to spar with you!"

"Uh, Brother Hong? We’ve never met. Why ask him? It’s just hearsay."

Page 2/3

"Hong Dabao watched your video, the one filmed on the 'Myth' set."

Liu Qingshan suddenly understood. He recalled such a video, which Chen Long had taken the time to record.

He had thought Chen Long was simply documenting all thirty-six forms of the Flowery Fist for his own future practice.

"I’m fond of martial arts myself and know that real skill can’t be judged by hearsay. It was Ye Weixing’s suggestion that led me to the video. The key is that Hong Dabao was reportedly shocked after watching it. Since he’s been asking around, his opinion, given his expertise, deserves special attention!"

"All from a single video?"

"Don’t underestimate yourself. If you weren’t truly skilled, would I be so supportive?"

"You didn’t ask Zhen Zijian? He suffered quite a defeat at my hands!"

"Haha, Zhen Zijian admitted he was crushed by you, but Lu Huiguang had it even worse. Speaking of real martial arts, Lu Huiguang ranks among the best in Hong Kong. In fact, all I needed to verify your abilities was to consult him."

Liu Qingshan gave Zhang the Big Beard a thumbs-up. "I didn’t expect you to know so much about the Hong Kong scene. There’s something I’d like to ask your advice on, if you wouldn't mind."

He knew his own strengths and weaknesses and had always felt awkward about others evaluating his martial prowess.

He quickly changed the subject, his request concerning the future studio’s location.

Upon understanding, Zhang the Big Beard grew even more excited.

"Really? You plan to establish your own special effects team? You know, this is a major technological challenge worldwide—even the Americans take it very seriously!"

"I’m determined, but the obstacles are immense. You know how expensive this is, especially since the early stages are all investment with no return. Sometimes I wonder if I’m falling into a pit!"

Liu Qingshan said this half in jest, knowing that emphasizing the difficulties would only highlight the significance of the project.

And once results were achieved, directors like Zhang the Big Beard, revered for their martial arts dramas, would surely be among the first major clients.

Page 3/3