Chapter Sixty-Four: Special Attention from the Television Station

As expected, after Liu Qingshan’s explanation, Zhang the Bearded’s tone immediately became much more serious.

“This burden you’ve taken on is no light matter. Tell me—how far have you gotten with assembling your team?”

Liu Qingshan recounted everything he had done so far in detail, and Zhang the Bearded was filled with emotion as he listened.

“I hadn’t expected you to move so quickly, and you even managed to rope in Karam, the entertainment tycoon from India.”

Very few people in China had ever heard of Karam, and even his renowned Bollywood company, Treasure Films, was only vaguely known among professionals in the mainland industry.

“You know Karam as well?”

“Heh. While Indian cinema is considered a niche in the global entertainment world, Treasure Films, with assets in the billions of dollars, is certainly known within the industry. As for Karam himself, even fewer people know him—by coincidence, I’m one of them.”

“I’d never heard our film industry had any ties with India.”

“Normally there’d be no connection, but now that you’ve gotten involved, I imagine there’ll be much more interaction between us in the future! I once stayed several days at the Dad Hotel in Paris, and met Karam at a banquet there. That’s when I made the connection between him and Treasure Films.”

“So that’s the story. The Dad Hotel belongs to the Sashara Group, and Karam is Old Bumi’s third son and the first heir to the group.”

Bumi Singh was the founder of the Sashara Group. Owing to his noble caste, his staggering wealth, and his consistent philanthropy, he was affectionately known as Old Bumi in India.

“So you know he’s with the Sashara Group? It seems you have quite a good relationship with him, or he wouldn’t help you so much.”

Though he had his suspicions, Zhang the Bearded was still somewhat surprised—the Sashara Group was a world-famous Fortune 500 company, and Old Bumi’s name was even more illustrious.

“At most, Mr. Karam is a business partner, but I am, in fact, the mentor of his youngest son.”

Liu Qingshan didn’t mind revealing his connection to the Karam family, especially regarding his disciple, Pajay.

After all, establishing close personal ties with the Karam family went beyond mere business dealings and spoke to a deeper level of relationship.

Though relying on foreign influence wasn’t what he truly desired, everything has its origin and cause. Events unfold as they must, with reason behind them.

A floating weed, rootless, is at the mercy of the currents; especially in the entertainment industry, rife with cutthroat competition, personal talent and professional skill are often reduced to mere stepping stones for capital and traffic.

When veteran actors, brimming with talent, cannot find work due to the machinations of capital, how much unspoken sorrow and helplessness is hidden within the bleakness of human nature.

“No wonder! So this cigar that costs several thousand was a gift from him?”

Zhang the Bearded, sly as ever, saw through the situation at once. Liu Qingshan’s purpose in producing the cigar was hardly innocent.

“Karam is a wealthy man with a taste for luxury—his cigars are kept in century-old sandalwood boxes. I suppose I’m just robbing the rich to help the poor.”

Liu Qingshan was unaware that, in saying this, he too was adopting airs.

Fortunately, his audience appreciated the gesture. “In any case, you’ve found yourself an excellent partner—Karam must have helped you greatly in setting up your team. Let me know when you open for business; I’ll be your first customer.”

“It’s true the equipment is what he’s cast off, but I’m starting from scratch and counting on it to help me get my foot in the door more quickly!”

The two talked for a long time in the office, interrupted only occasionally by staff drifting in and out.

Before they knew it, it was noon, and Liu Qingshan finally met Ge Daqian, who had been nowhere to be found all morning.

In a private dining room at the cafeteria, Ge Daqian introduced Liu Qingshan to several members of the “Return of the Condor Heroes” preparatory team.

It was clear that, at the morning briefing, the director had already completed the formalities regarding Liu Qingshan’s swift addition to the team, as the others treated him with warmth.

The meal was uneventful—Ge Daqian didn’t even mention “Return of the Condor Heroes” again.

Perhaps this was the official way: outside work meetings, everything is kept brief, and those who are supposed to show up only need to make an appearance—the rest is left to be understood.

In fact, Liu Qingshan ate little; he was constantly fielding phone calls.

Eventually, Ge Daqian spoke up: “This afternoon you’ll be facing the press; if you have things to do, get going. We’ll meet again at nine tomorrow.”

Most of the calls were from people aware of his afternoon schedule, especially lawyer Wang Huansheng and Park Hyejin—he dared not neglect them.

He hurried to the location the two had arranged beforehand—they were already waiting for him.

“This is the press conference procedure. Thanks to Manager Park’s efforts, Kyoto TV has reserved a recording studio for us—a special arrangement.”

In the stack of materials Wang Huansheng handed over was an access badge on a lanyard, complete with Liu Qingshan’s official photograph.

“This was an extra from when we handled your home purchase paperwork. Keep the access badge—you may find it useful in the future.”

Park Hyejin pointed to a specific spot on the badge. “Yours doesn’t have the ‘temporary’ stamp; it’s exactly like a formal employee’s ID.”

Liu Qingshan was more impressed than ever. “Who could question your ability now? Honestly, you’ve accomplished things even locals can’t manage—you’ve left me speechless!”

“Hanskin? Shudder? What does that mean?” Park Hyejin was still a foreigner, after all.

“A towel for wiping sweat—Qingshan means he’s embarrassed,” Wang the lawyer explained with perfect timing.

Park Hyejin laughed, covering her mouth. “Qingshan, if I weren’t a foreigner, would you hire me as your agent?”

In fact, Liu Qingshan had considered it. “It’s a pity you’re no longer with Xishan. Otherwise, it would be much more convenient for me!”

It was Park Hyejin who had introduced Jin Xishan to the industry. At Liu Qingshan’s words, she feigned annoyance. “Still thinking about getting free labor? Do you mean to treat me like a servant?”

After the jokes, they got down to business. Wang Huansheng assumed his professional demeanor, explaining to Liu Qingshan, line by line, how to handle the press. His expertise as a lawyer was immediately apparent.

Half an hour of last-minute preparation was enough for Liu Qingshan’s intellect and eloquence—he didn’t feel at all rushed.

Then Park Hyejin explained the situation: “This morning, when Lawyer Wang and I submitted the flash drive, they were only willing to give us five minutes for the interview and said we’d have to handle the press conference ourselves.”

“It was the video that changed Kyoto TV’s attitude?”

Liu Qingshan understood immediately.

“That’s right. They even offered Studio Eight, which they reserve for special occasions. Qingshan, this says a lot. You should be aware of it.”

“Yes. If I get to meet anyone from the station today, I should really express my gratitude.”

“Don’t worry, there won’t be any higher-ups present. Not until this matter is officially resolved—when it comes to caution, they understand it better than we do.”