Chapter 127: The Facade of Stability and Unity Takes Precedence

The arrogant behavior of Kram’s entourage had, for a moment, infuriated Liu Qingshan. It was precisely because of this that Shahrukh, fearing some untoward incident, had done everything in his power to notify Kram.

"Mr. Jawa, please return as soon as possible. Chen Long and his group are already on their way to the DAD Hotel."

After dismissing Jawa, Liu Qingshan immediately found Wang Huansheng: "Notify the literature website and see if we can invite them to move the meeting to the DAD Hotel; we can discuss the details there. Remember to be polite; after all, we were the ones who broke the contract first!"

Wang Huansheng replied with a smile: "Why not invite them to join us tonight? Even though it’s a dinner hosted by Mr. Yang, it shouldn't be a problem to add a few more seats, right?"

"Yes, yes, that’s a great idea! You’ve always wanted to reveal my identity anyway, so why not let them know a bit more!"

"I think it would be best to invite Director Zhang Jidong as well. He has helped quite a bit with the studio matters."

"Not just him, I also intend to invite the people from China Film Group. This is what we call 'borrowing the tiger’s might'—Kram doesn't come here often, and there aren't many opportunities like this to leverage."

"I suspect someone from China Film has already invited them. Perhaps they are even among those waiting at the airport to receive him."

"That is their business, but our invitation must be delivered; otherwise, it will be difficult to explain when we meet later."

"Through Director Zhang? Or Director Ge?"

"Hmm, I will call Director Zhang myself. I don't yet have the standing to invite them directly. Even though Director Ge introduced us, if I trouble him with such trifles, it might give the impression that I am incapable of handling my own affairs."

"I just spoke with Kunal on the phone as well. Your little apprentice is coming too—you know, that boy named Pajei!"

"I almost forgot if you hadn't reminded me. Sister Xishan, there is something I need your help with."

He wanted to discuss with Kim Hee-sun what kind of gift would be appropriate for Pajei, who was a ten-year-old boy.

Kim Hee-sun thought for a moment and said: "Since Pajei likes martial arts, relevant clothing and shoes are a must. Should we also prepare some age-appropriate toys?"

Liu Qingshan laughed: "Let’s skip the toys. I actually think he might prefer some cold weapons with Chinese characteristics, though there’s probably nowhere to buy them right now, is there?"

"Let’s ask Elder Yu; he is at the National Martial Arts Hall right now. I’ll have Brother Yu Yi give him a call!"

"That works. Please leave the clothing matter to Yu Yi as well. You go tell him that, and I will call Director Zhang."

Director Zhang Jidong responded quickly, confirming he would definitely attend. Han Shanping from China Film Group was already at the welcoming banquet and would go to the DAD Hotel with the officials in the evening.

There was also Director Ge Daquan, whom he needed to invite personally. Since he didn't know if Ge was currently at the banquet, Liu Qingshan first called Fang Qingyang’s mobile phone.

He was certain Fang Qingyang would not be at the banquet, as he was a section chief in the review department of the CCTV editorial office, and due to the sensitive nature of his position, he generally could not accept invitations to such banquets.

Ge Daquan, however, was different; his department required him to frequent various social functions.

Fang Qingyang seemed pleased to receive Liu Qingshan’s call: "I didn't expect you to come to me for information. How is it? I hear you have a deep connection with the distinguished guest from India?"

Liu Qingshan did not dare to be negligent when faced with such a question: "Mr. Kram’s youngest son is my apprentice, which is why I was able to receive some financial support when my career was just starting."

In reality, he hadn't officially accepted Pajei as his apprentice yet, but this explanation was simple and clear, so he used Pajei as a shield.

As expected, this reason was much more effective than a convoluted explanation: "So that’s how it is. It seems some rumors are not to be trusted!"

"About Mr. Kram being willing to invest? Haha, given that I had nothing to show for myself at the time, anyone would have to be foolish to jump into that pit!"

"A pit? Your 'Snow Domain' is hardly a pit. Anyone with a bit of foresight in the industry wouldn't underestimate the vast potential of film special effects. I heard that Kunal is also one of Kram’s people?"

"Yes, Director Fang. He is a future superstar being groomed by Treasure Films!"

"I understand. Kram certainly isn't acting without purpose! Director Ge has already gone to the banquet. I will send you the mobile number of his office director later. If you need anything, contact him directly and just say I gave you the number!"

When dealing with such figures, it is better to know when to stop, even if one doesn't immediately understand everything at the moment—it’s best to hang up and ponder it carefully later.

It didn't take long for a text message to arrive on Liu Qingshan’s phone, and he dialed the number immediately.

The office director’s surname was Liu; he would only learn his full name, Liu Xiangyu, later on.

Soon, Director Liu transferred the call to Ge Daquan: "You’re quite sharp, kid, knowing to call my office director."

"I wouldn't know how to navigate those layers; it was Director Fang who told me."

Compared to Fang Qingyang, he was much more relaxed with Ge Daquan.

"Why didn't you call me directly?"

"I figured you would be at the banquet. I couldn't reach Kram directly earlier, so I thought I’d ask someone I knew."

"If you had called twenty minutes earlier, I really wouldn't have been able to take it—the leadership was giving a speech on stage. You certainly know how to handle things!"

"Boss Yang of Qinghuang Films is hosting a welcome banquet for Kram tonight. I’ve had someone invite President Han from China Film, and I heard he’ll be attending. Are you going? If so, I’ll bring two bottles of good liquor!"

"I’m on the list. Keep those two bottles for another time! By the way, Boss Yang has invited many people; the Wang brothers from Zhongyi have also received invitations. You’d better watch yourself when you see them!"

"I’ve considered that. Don't worry, with so many Indian guests present, maintaining a facade of harmony among countrymen is still important!"

"Indian guests? Your thinking is a bit flawed—that is a great disrespect to our international friends, and besides, they are your business partners."

Although he said that, there was no real severity in Ge Daquan’s tone.

"You don't know, sir—Kram’s subordinates made me furious this afternoon. Just thinking about their caste issues makes me angry."

"Oh, really? Haha, you’ll have to tell me all about it when we meet. Alright, I’ve received your invitation, but I won't owe you any favors for it. Bring me the special effects footage from *Kung Fu* soon; that would be the real help!"

Liu Qingshan knew that because of his Snow Domain Studio, the other party had made promises to quite a few people, and it would be very embarrassing if he couldn't deliver results later.

More than twenty minutes later, his group finally began to head downstairs. By then, the clock had struck one, and many of them were quite hungry.

This time, Liu Qingshan drove himself, with Kim Hee-sun, Park Hye-jin, Park Hyun-hee, Shi Hui, Xu Danni, and Ella in the car—a lineup of women.

On the way, he received a phone call that was both unexpected and expected, which even managed to stir a hint of jealousy in Kim Hee-sun.