Chapter Seventy-Three: Something Is Going On with Park Hye-jin

In short, if someone with ulterior motives were truly to exploit this angle to sow discord, even though Jin Xishan could still make a name for herself on the mainland, losing the support of her hometown would certainly not be what she truly desired. To lose her sense of belonging, her roots, is something any patriotic person would regret for a lifetime.

That was why, after more calm and thorough consideration, Liu Qingshan arrived at his current plan—even if it meant suffering greater financial loss. He explained his reasoning in detail to Park Hyejin, who immediately understood.

Previously, she and Jin Xishan had agreed that, at worst, they would simply part ways; this was much like what Liu Qingshan had in mind. But after this deeper analysis, Park Hyejin couldn’t help but break out in a cold sweat.

“But renewing the contract with the company isn’t what Xishan truly wants. Shouldn’t we also consider her feelings and not wrong her?” Park Hyejin asked worriedly.

“Of course. That’s why I need you to explain all of this to her. Besides, if she does renew the contract, it can’t be under the same terms as before. Her main career focus for the next few years will be here; she no longer needs to rely on the company for job offers. You must negotiate for a higher profit share for Xishan.”

“But doesn’t that just take us back to square one? Wasn’t it because of these issues that she didn’t want to renew in the first place?”

“This time it’s different. Ever since I returned from India, we have an undeniable advantage.”

“Oh, I think I get it! Are you saying we can use contracts for special effects production from Snowfield Studio as leverage?”

Park Hyejin quickly made the connection. After all, Hollywood’s exorbitant special effects costs have long been a serious bottleneck for film industries all over the world.

“Exactly. My proposal is this: while securing better terms for Xishan, add another bargaining chip for negotiation with your company—she holds a ten percent share in Snowfield Studio.”

“Well, well, you must really like her. I’m getting a little jealous. Have you considered how much that ten percent might be worth in the future?”

The truth was, Liu Qingshan was willing to offer Jin Xishan that share because Park Hyejin had confided in him just the day before that the money for purchasing the house was entirely paid by her, with no expectation of repayment.

It was no small sum. For a woman to do that for him, Liu Qingshan felt all the more that he could not let her down. Even though a few million couldn’t compare to ten percent of Snowfield Studio, at this moment, what he lacked most was cash, and he understood all too well how even a hero can be brought low without it.

He didn’t answer Park Hyejin’s question directly. “There’s one more thing you need to make clear to her: Snowfield Studio will eventually become a true entertainment company, producing its own films. I have no desire to lose the Korean market.”

Park Hyejin nodded. “I understand your thinking. Korea’s market is small. Your main point is to persuade Jin Xishan.”

“Besides, renewing the contract isn’t without its advantages. Just her status as an international star is a huge potential opportunity, regardless of how many countries truly recognize that ‘international’ title.”

Park Hyejin finally brightened, her spirits lifting. “Alright, I promise you. But whether I’ll keep working for you depends on how things develop in the future!”

For her, changing jobs wasn’t such a big deal. She wasn’t an artist and could always give up her Korean agent credentials if needed.

“But based on what I know about Xishan, she might not accept your gift of shares. I’ve known her since she was a child—she has a natural pride. Otherwise, with her looks and talents, she could have easily attached herself to any wealthy man back home and lived comfortably ever after.”

“She has to have that title, even if she refuses the actual shares. Her name must be on the board of directors, or negotiations will be much harder.”

“I’ll see how I can persuade her. She’s really lucky to have met someone who loves her like you.”

“It’s too early to call me her lover, isn’t it?” Liu Qingshan smiled wryly. “According to our traditions, marriage is more than just a legal contract. I talked to her about it before, but unfortunately…”

“So you really were refused? I think I understand her reason.”

“Oh? Tell me.”

“She’s the kind of person who, when she’s genuine, can be almost foolishly sincere. Once she gives her heart, she’ll go all in for the other person. By the way, would you mind if I mention her ex-boyfriend?”

“Why would I? Anyone can find that out online. It’s hard to pretend I don’t know!”

“That’s good. But you should know, she’s only ever had one rumored boyfriend—and without her permission, I won’t say who. Everything else is just gossip, even that supposed romance with that superstar from Hong Kong.”

Liu Qingshan and Jin Xishan had never discussed these matters; he truly didn’t care, since they hadn’t known each other at the time.

In fact, when the crew of “Myth” invited Jin Xishan to join, there were even rumors about her and Jackie Chan. Liu Qingshan saw the real situation with his own eyes.

What he cared about was her true feelings toward relationships, which was closely connected to why she had once turned him down.

“Xishan didn’t accept your proposal right away. Wait, you actually proposed? You two haven’t known each other that long!”

“I didn’t propose. I just said I would marry her someday.”

“That’s the same thing! I don’t think she truly rejected you. Think about it—back then, what was your situation? You’d just landed a part in a film! And I’m not saying Xishan is materialistic; otherwise, she wouldn’t have helped you buy that house. I think it’s about nationality and the long-distance issue. She’s probably still hesitating.”

“What is there to hesitate about? She was willing to buy me a house.”

“That’s different. Like I said, she’s sincere to the point of being scary. It’s not surprising she’d do that. There’s something I need you to answer honestly or I won’t be able to guess her real feelings.”

“Ask me anything.”

“Have you two, um, you know, slept together?”

“No, we haven’t. Though we’ve had some intimate moments, does that count?”

“Please, that’s nothing. Actors hug and cuddle all the time. Are you sure you haven’t?”

“We really haven’t. There’s nothing wrong with me. It’s just that, whenever it gets to that point, she always avoids me.”

“Haha, that’s just it. From what I know of her, once she’s ready to give you everything, that’s when she’s truly made up her mind. Looks like you still have some work to do. Maybe, when she finally agrees, that’ll be your cue to propose.”

“Then I’ll do my best to win her over as soon as possible!”

“Oh, listen to you! I’m a woman too, you know. Is it really appropriate to talk about ‘winning her over’ in front of me?”

“Oh, come on, Hyejin. No need to be coy with me. What’s so inappropriate about those words, anyway? Besides, I’m thinking about marrying her; a little intimacy is only natural.”

“Look at you, all smug. You should worry about how to help her accept you. In my opinion, this is her psychological knot. Don’t you need your big sister’s advice on how to untie it?”