Chapter 107: Powerless to Respond

Minister Wang was speaking again in his usual measured tone.

“Perhaps he doesn’t have capital backing for now, but what about the martial arts world? That realm values strength above all, and the capable come first. In just a few months, look at how many people have appeared around him: Zhen Zijian, Hong Dabao, Lu Huiguang, and from the mainland, Yu Rongguang and Che Zhe!”

“Yes, it’s not just the major figures of the Hong Kong martial arts scene; even domestic martial artists have shown up,” the first middle-aged man responded.

“Not only that! There’s also Chen Long. From what I know, Liu Qingshan wasn’t originally in ‘The Myth.’ It was Chen Long who, after witnessing his skills, decided to bring him on board at the last minute!”

Minister Liu’s face grew serious as he twirled a pen rapidly between his fingers.

“Chen Long’s son is right by his side now, looking like an ordinary attendant.”

Minister Wang continued, “Since we’re talking about capital, let me remind everyone that the Snowy Plateau Studio has three shareholders. Liu Qingshan holds only one part—the others are Chen Long and Kram.”

Minister Liu unfolded a sheet of paper. “To add, Kram is from India, a Bollywood superstar, chairman of Treasure Pictures, and the primary heir of the Sassara Group.”

At this point, Wang Zhonglei’s face had turned pale.

Especially after learning Kram’s identity, he realized that even if Zhongyi were exchanged entirely for money, it would still be no match for that man—just a small-time nouveau riche in comparison.

Treasure Pictures and the Sassara Group are true capital giants, among the world’s top 500 enterprises.

If Zhongyi tried to go head-to-head, it might not even withstand a finger from them.

As the atmosphere settled, Minister Liu spoke again.

“Alas, things have reached this point, which is clearly not what we hoped for. First, there’s the recklessness of General Manager Wang, but the main reason is that Liu Qingshan is a man who refuses to bow.”

He paused, and seeing no one opposed him, turned his gaze to Wang Zhongjun.

“The current situation is unfavorable for Zhongyi. Although there’s no tangible loss, offending such a ruthless person will not just cost us face. General Manager Wang, what’s your view?”

Among the dozen or so present, except for his younger brother Wang Zhonglei, those speaking were the veteran aides who had first ventured into the world with him.

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Wang Zhongjun was well aware that since his brother entered the board, these old aides had harbored some resentment.

Partly due to Wang Zhonglei’s youthful arrogance, this imbalance was one cause of recent upheaval.

Yet their analysis of the fallout from the Liu Qingshan incident was sound and thorough.

His brother’s reaction, however, was somewhat similar to his own—it was too impetuous.

If he failed to heed public sentiment now, even as the company’s true helmsman, it would only deepen the rift.

So his deft skill at shifting his stance came into play once more: “If Liu Qingshan is truly as enigmatic as the files say, then I must admit I acted rashly! Minister Wang, could you perhaps try to approach him again from your side?”

As the only woman present, Minister Wang Jinghua of the management department exhaled silently.

She said, “You mean, General Manager, you want me to use the excuse of a management contract to make contact with Liu Qingshan again?”

Wang Zhongjun nodded. “I know the hope is slim, but you can use this opportunity to further win his favor, even make some promises to earn his trust.”

“The difficulty is immense! From the information I’ve gathered, this man likely has many secret abilities yet unseen. Why secret? Because since a certain day in March, he has transformed as if reborn, including the origins of his profound martial arts.”

“You mean he probably harbors some hidden aspect?”

“Still secret, yes—‘hidden’ might be too vague and mysterious, even frightening. From my observation, his secrets aren’t just the unknown old Taoist he mentions but also his endlessly emerging personal capabilities. The most evident are his ever-increasing combat strength and his acting skills.”

“Right, right, before March he was just a minor extra!”

Despite sensing the room’s disapproval toward him, Wang Zhonglei couldn’t help but interject.

“An extra?” Minister Liu seemed to look down on him the most, his tone tinged with mockery. “Don’t you think he has been disguising himself all along?”

“Boom!”

A faint ripple of emotion stirred in the conference room, nearby people whispering among themselves.

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Only Wang Jinghua remained composed. “Minister Liu’s insight is sharp. The secrets I mentioned stem from similar suspicions.”

The room’s chatter ceased abruptly, all eyes turning to Wang Jinghua, who had risen.

“We spoke of his acting, which, like his martial arts, is unfathomably deep, seemingly improving silently. He also composes lyrics and music—the song ‘Beautiful Myth’ will soon be heard by all, on next Wednesday’s ‘Entertainment All Stars’ on National Television. Moreover, he writes scripts. As for the quality of ‘Kung Fu,’ I believe this gentleman here already knows.”

“Are there more conjectures?” Wang Zhongjun grew impatient.

“The previous points are verified. The following are my speculations. For instance, the true purpose behind founding Snowy Plateau Studio and how many high-quality scripts like ‘Kung Fu’ he holds. I believe these two are essentially one and the same: the studio’s future is as a film and television entertainment company.”

“You mean he might direct his own scripts? So his other secret is that he’s a director?”

“Not just one, but many! Self-directing and starring may be just his initial goal. Given Snowy Plateau Studio’s existence, his ultimate ambition is not domestic but to challenge Hollywood itself!”

“Good heavens!” Wang Zhongjun couldn’t help but curse. “If that’s the case, Liu Qingshan is truly terrifying! Is the wolf coming?”

“My personal view is, unfortunately, the wolf very likely has arrived!”

“If all your deductions are true, and you ask me to approach him…”

“Someone with such grand ambitions—do you think a modest company like Zhongyi can hold him? And I sincerely advise you not to try to set obstacles. He brought Kram and Treasure Pictures in early for a reason!”

“He could calculate all this? Before even entering the entertainment industry, he’s already laid a solid foundation?”

“Probably so. Treasure Pictures from India may not seem threatening, but the Sassara Group behind it is a true giant. Domestic means might be used to restrain him, but Sassara’s wealth ensures his films can be shot anywhere outside our country. In the future, Snowy Plateau might even establish its own cinema chain.”