Chapter 105: Yuan Lili

Liu Qingshan insisted on authenticity in his fight scenes. Whenever he appeared on screen, he could, through clever camera work, replicate effects usually achieved with special effects.

However, showcasing his personal skills to such an extent inevitably overshadowed the protagonist, A Xing, whose abilities were enhanced by computer-generated effects. This would inevitably diminish the latter’s image.

Though Liu Qingshan never voiced this concern, Zhou Xingchi was not oblivious. With everyone around praising Liu Qingshan’s martial prowess, he could guess the situation to some extent.

“What if your character isn’t a martial arts master?” Zhou suddenly remarked.

Liu Qingshan was momentarily stunned, then quickly caught on. “Master Xing, are you talking about the Axe Gang leader?”

“Ha! Exactly! So, would you like to challenge that role? Or better yet, tell me—do you want to be a serious actor or an idol?”

“As long as the story calls for it, I wouldn’t hesitate to play a woman!”

“Then there’s nothing more to say. I think only you can portray the Axe Gang leader—the only one who can embody that arrogant, unruly character, because you created him!”

“I never imagined you’d cast me as the gang leader, Master Xing. I thought at most I’d be one of the wounded in The Untouchables!”

“Ha! Shan, don’t be ridiculous. With your acting and fame, the Axe Gang leader suits you best! By the way, I’m eager to see the scene with the two professional assassins playing the piano. Not only do the Twelve-Legged Tan kicks, Iron Wire Fist, and Bagua Staff all appear, but how thrilling would it be to have the haunting melody of ‘Heartbreaking Melody’ used to kill?”

“Alright, Master Xing, give me two months, and I’ll make sure that scene is done first!”

“I know you’ve been working hard lately, so I won’t bother you in the next few days. But get ready for the Axe Gang leader role. Apart from you and me, everyone else will have to audition.”

“Thank you for your trust. See you in Hong Kong in a month and a half!”

“One more thing I didn’t mention—we don’t have to meet in Hong Kong. The Longchang Apartments on Longchang Road in Shen City, those ordinary old-style public housing units, will be our filming location!”

Liu Qingshan was even more astonished. He never expected Zhou Xingchi, who was famously devoted to filmmaking, to be so professional.

Having just received the script fax that day, it turned out Zhou had already secured the shooting location.

However, Liu didn’t probe further. Since The Kung Fu Master originally came from Zhou’s hands, perhaps he had long planned to use that site.

---

Three days later, two television crews from Kyoto TV and Shaanxi TV arrived.

Having previously consulted with Zhang Dahuzi, the crew had granted Liu Qingshan a rare half-day off.

Early that morning, Liu visited the set of The Great Song Magistrate, bringing along Jin Xishan for an interview.

The schedule was arranged so that in the morning the two would be interviewed separately in a conference room, then appear together for some footage.

The formal interview would take place in the afternoon, with morning clips interspersed between the two drama groups’ interviews.

Thanks to prior negotiations, both crews promised full cooperation, ensuring no disruption to other filming.

This joint effort between the two stations served as a perfect conclusion to the earlier media storm that had blown up.

Calling it “perfect” was no exaggeration. What began as slander and media uproar eventually transformed, after the press conference, into a full-scale investigative commendation by various media outlets.

Both the unfair treatment suffered by Liu Qingshan and the rescue of a foreign actress in danger on The Myth set had far exceeded their initial scope.

With unseen masterminds guiding the narrative, the controversy ultimately evolved into a grand social discourse on promoting core values within the entertainment industry.

The Ministry of Broadcasting also launched a vigorous campaign warning practitioners to heighten legal awareness and raise moral standards as public figures.

Even National Television’s News Showcase aired special segments urging celebrities to cherish audience affection and public trust as they enjoy their fame.

Thus, a self-purging movement erupted within the entertainment circle, emphasizing lawfulness, boundaries, respect, image cultivation, and social responsibility.

Yet, despite this, Liu Qingshan was still not widely recognized, as none of his works had yet been released, leaving him unknown to the public.

Fortunately, The Detective Di Renjie had aired two days prior, and many viewers were captivated by the fierce, ruthless killer portrayed by Hu Jinghui.

Not only for the character’s merciless nature but also for the loyalty, intelligence, and bravery he displayed.

Of course, Liu Qingshan’s striking appearance contributed as well, though spoilers revealed the character would die in episode thirteen, leaving those still concerned about the earlier controversy eager to learn more.

---

Consequently, the upcoming joint personal interview by the two TV stations fulfilled the public’s intense craving for gossip.

No wonder Kyoto TV’s Xu Danni teased him upon meeting: “You’re a hero to many young people now—skilled in martial arts, helpful to others, and with a beauty by your side!”

Liu Qingshan was prepared for the first two compliments, but what did “a beauty by your side” mean? Had his secret been discovered?

Noticing his surprise, Xu Danni smiled and explained, “Maybe Miss Jin is just very beautiful, and since she’s spoken up for you a few times, people might have drawn their own conclusions.”

Nearby, Jin Xishan appeared unconcerned by the rumors. “Shan is still young and not yet accustomed to the entertainment world’s environment.”

Liu Qingshan laughed, “If you’re not bothered, then I can relax. But I think we should start the interview soon; Director Zhang has complained more than once today.”

The Shaanxi TV reporter was also a woman—Yuan Lili, even more famous than Xu Danni.

She had won the Rooster Award over a decade ago and was a veteran actress, but after marriage, she left the frontline to become a host in her hometown.

“Well then, let’s begin. Miss Jin, who would you like to be interviewed first?”

As a seasoned entertainer in her forties, Yuan Lili had not engaged in the earlier banter. Her opening words carried a commanding tone.

Her attitude toward Liu and Jin was warm. Many remembered her for her lively and playful hosting style.

Her beauty combined with sharp intellect had propelled her thriving career as a host.

Her talent and frankness inspired curiosity and respect.

Sensing Jin Xishan’s probing gaze, Liu Qingshan said, “I’ll start, as Xishan is still unfamiliar with this kind of program in our country.”

Yuan Lili cast a subtle glance at Xu Danni, unnoticed by others.