Chapter 129: The Devotion of Parents Everywhere

Liu Qingshan’s display of dominance was far from over.

"Jackie Chan from Hong Kong is also my guest. He came here for film-related matters. I had the honor of playing a small role in *The Myth*, and that is how I became friends with Big Brother."

"Is *The Myth* about to be released? Oh, right, you did play a part in it, and I heard you even saved someone on set?" asked the younger of the two men.

"Are you referring to Kim Hee-sun? She’s here as well. We are even closer, as I am helping her produce her debut album."

"Wait, is that song *Endless Love* actually the work of Mr. Liu?"

"What? Mr. Liu writes songs too?"

This time, it was the elder man’s turn to be astonished.

Just then, Liu Qingshan’s phone rang. Realizing he had said enough, he left the rest to his lawyer, Wang Huansheng.

"My apologies, both of you. I have many guests to attend to this evening. Let’s do this: Lawyer Wang has full authority to handle the specific negotiations, and I will step in when it is time to sign the formal contracts. Please don't leave tonight; I have reserved seats for you both, and I look forward to sharing a drink with you then."

He had gone to such lengths to generate buzz for two reasons: Wang Huansheng’s advice, and the fact that royalties for online publishing were incredibly high—the kind of money that could turn an ordinary person rich overnight. With his current financial needs, securing a favorable deal was essential.

The evening banquet was set on the fifth floor, where the buffet lunch was also being served. By the time Liu Qingshan arrived, Jackie Chan had already begun eating and waved him over. Jackie's wife, Joan Lin, was also present and immediately gestured for her assistant, Ella, to clear a seat. Joan actually felt quite grateful to Liu Qingshan, as her son’s attitude toward life and work had changed significantly since he started following him.

"Shanzi, eat my portion. I know you love this, and I haven't touched it yet!" Joan pushed her plate of mixed seafood toward him. Many of his acquaintances knew that Liu Qingshan had no resistance to seafood.

He didn't stand on ceremony; sitting down, he grabbed a lobster leg and began to gnaw on it, mumbling, "The buffet here isn't cheap, is it? This single piece alone is worth quite a bit."

Kim Hee-sun walked over. "Eat slowly. Did you wash your hands?"

Jackie Chan waved his hand with a laugh, "In our line of work, we don't have time for such formalities. On set, we’re covered in dirt and mud, just grabbing a lunch box and shoveling it into our mouths."

Perhaps it was because Joan Lin understood this hardship that she tolerated Jackie’s constant minor flaws. "It’s a good thing for a man to endure hardship outside. At the very least, a man like that knows to bring his earnings home."

Kim Hee-sun asked curiously, "Sister Joan, aren't you worried that Big Brother might ruin his health? It’s true that a man should earn money, but if his health fails, he won't be able to do anything at all!"

Liu Qingshan leaned toward Joan Lin and whispered, "Sister Hee-sun has a bit of a germaphobe streak; she’s not quite like the rest of us!"

Kim Hee-sun slapped him on the head. "Stop talking nonsense! I’m no germaphobe. Washing your hands before a meal is basic common sense that even a child knows!"

Seeing the two banter, Jackie didn't mind and casually brought up Jaycee. "Jaycee really owes a lot to Shanzi’s guidance. Since we met this time, he seems to have changed quite a bit. For instance, he seems to know how to respect me now."

Hearing her son mentioned, Joan Lin’s interest was piqued. "He was afraid of Jackie before, but this time, he seems much more respectful."

Since the question was directed at Kim Hee-sun, she offered her perspective first. "Jaycee will change even more in the future. Shanzi treats him like a brother, and if he sees something he doesn't like, he’ll say it right to his face."

"Right, right! That’s exactly how it should be!" Jackie said excitedly. "Too many people have pampered him; few truly understand him. He has some playboy tendencies, but at heart, he’s a good kid."

Liu Qingshan thought to himself, *No wonder Jaycee acts so reckless; his father, a grown man, protects him so much, not to mention the doting he gets from Joan Lin.* But he knew this was human nature—the most common mistake parents make.

"The main thing is that I’ve figured him out. His love for martial arts is one thing, and his passion for music is another. By finding a breakthrough point around these two things and stimulating his competitive spirit, he naturally motivates himself to work hard."

What he didn't say was that, on top of that, one had to project enough authority; otherwise, how could one tame a wild horse so easily?

As Jaycee appeared, everyone fell silent with a sudden, shared tacit understanding.

"Shanzi, the renovation at my teacher's place is mostly finished. When are you coming over? He seems quite interested in you." Jaycee pulled up a chair and plopped down next to Liu Qingshan.

"Master Li is my idol, but how would he know about me?" Liu Qingshan asked, knowing the answer.

"I performed your fingerstyle guitar for him. You didn't expect that, did you? I’ve been practicing in secret!"

"What fingerstyle guitar? Shanzi plays the guitar?" Joan Lin asked, deliberately playing along to please her son.

Jaycee boasted with pride, "Mom, Shanzi’s fingerstyle guitar made my teacher’s eyes light up. That shows how brilliant his technique is. And I’ve only managed to master thirty percent of it."

"Then let him get closer to your teacher. Tell him I said so—whatever Shanzi likes of his, I’ll pay the bill!" Jackie was in high spirits, his characteristic generosity fully on display.

Jonathan Lee not only wrote countless songs but was also a professional luthier, and Jackie’s promise was rooted in that.

Liu Qingshan laughed, "If Master Li is willing to custom-make a guitar for me, that is already a blessing. To accept Big Brother's payment would show a lack of sincerity, but I am still grateful for your kindness!"

Jackie waved his hands, laughing, "Fair enough. A young man is best off relying on himself! But I’ll give you a word of advice: when you meet Jonathan, don't call him 'Master.' He is very sensitive about that title."

The late lunch concluded with idle chatter, and news arrived from Kram’s side. Perhaps realizing that the previous individual had offended Liu Qingshan, Shah Rukh had taken over as the temporary liaison.

"We should be able to reach the hotel around three o’clock. Kunal has already gone ahead with Payal and Aishwarya; you can ask Kunal for the specifics."

"There is no rush on our end. Please ensure Mr. Kram’s safety first. Although Kyoto is very safe, Mr. Kram is not an ordinary man, so we cannot be lax!" Liu Qingshan instructed. He preferred to be thorough to ensure the safety of Kram’s party in China. This concerned his future career, and he knew that caution was the best policy; regret would come too late otherwise.

Shah Rukh responded solemnly, "The Kyoto side is doing their best, and Kunal has left Samir and the other two behind as the boss’s personal bodyguards."