Chapter Forty-Six: Kram's Gift

Faced with Kunal's question, Liu Qingshan found it amusing:
"You haven't even started learning, and already you're dreaming of fame and success? That's not the right attitude. First, you need to settle down and study, treating yourself as a fresh newcomer!"

"I understand the reasoning, but the decades of experience in Hong Kong's stunt industry—Master, are you really sure it's possible to learn all that in just two or three years?"
Kunal scratched his head, embarrassed.

"That's impossible, as you've said yourself. Experience is the biggest issue, and it's not something one or two people can fully support. So it's crucial to select a few of the most capable people in Bollywood right now."

"Master, do you remember those junior brothers I mentioned to you?"

"You mean those friends from the temple where you learned martial arts as a child?"
Kunal had once explained that he learned a style similar to Shaolin kung fu at an ancient temple. He was the oldest among a group of local children.

Currently, under his guidance, these people were also trying to make a living in Bollywood, but none of them had been signed by a company. Essentially, they were just extras.

Among them, two had skills comparable to his, though their appearance and stature differed greatly. Recruiting them into the team as professional action choreographers would be no problem.

"Yes, exactly them. Two of them are brothers—we call them Big Sam and Little Sam."

"You make the decision. As long as they're trustworthy, that's what matters. Just don’t invest so much in training them only for them to leave and start their own thing someday!"

"The Sam brothers wouldn’t do that. What I value most is their loyalty."

"That's good. But have you really made up your mind? Forgive me for nagging, but the stunt business is tough, and there are many dangers involved."

"I understand your concern, Master. In fact, Mr. Kram has already agreed—the initial team will be formed with my future development in mind. Once those people have sufficient ability, I'll step back entirely and continue my career as an actor!"

"Good. Make sure you have a contract to protect yourself! All this while you’ve been calling me Master; I went along with it mostly not to embarrass you. But can you tell me, what are you really thinking in your heart?"

"Master, I sincerely want to become your disciple. The reason is simple: all the teachers from the Chan family troupe believe your future skills will be immense. Of course, I, Kunal, would choose to learn from a true martial artist!"

"Teachers? Ha! So you've picked up the common term from our country too? But you must understand, I will never truly take disciples. The Thirty-Six Hands of Flowery Fist is extremely difficult to fully master. Unless you truly grasp its essence as I have, I dare not take on any disciples."

"So you mean, only when I reach the same level of insight as you, can I formally become your disciple?"

"Yes. And besides the Thirty-Six Hands of Flowery Fist, there are at least two other martial arts systems—ones I myself haven’t truly mastered. How could I be qualified to teach them to others?"

"So, can I understand it this way: only a true disciple of yours is eligible to learn those other martial arts?"

"That's right. If one day you reach my current level and your character satisfies me, only then will I consider accepting you."

"Thank you, Master. To be honest, your words have left me amazed!"

Not only did Kunal's tone express this, but his face was also full of astonishment.

"What is it that surprises you?"

"I always thought the Thirty-Six Hands of Flowery Fist was already an incredibly advanced technique, yet there are even more powerful martial arts routines in the East!"

"This information is something I’ve only shared with you—Big Brother Jackie doesn’t even know. You mustn’t spread it!"

"Rest assured, Master, I understand the rules and the stakes! But could you tell me just a bit more? Otherwise, I won’t be able to stop thinking about it."

"Those techniques can no longer be described as mere Eastern martial arts routines. Even the Thirty-Six Hands of Flowery Fist is an ancient, long-lost secret art. Its true effects are terrifying. Without true enlightenment, it’s nearly impossible to master. I dare not make them public or teach them lightly!"

In fact, Liu Qingshan himself wasn’t entirely clear on the true power of the martial arts his system had imparted. The reason he spoke so gravely was to awe the other man.

Of course, this was also a way to win his loyalty. And since Kunal was a foreigner, a little psychological deterrence was necessary.

Sure enough, Kunal became even more respectful and looked up to Liu Qingshan even more.

Their conversation, spoken almost in whispers, did not escape Aishwarya’s notice.

Yet she didn’t join in, mainly because she, too, deeply admired Liu Qingshan’s martial prowess—a fact that was no secret within the film crew.

Only when Liu Qingshan looked toward her and said, "Aishwarya, you as well—the content of today's conversation must not reach Marika," did she nod vigorously.

"I would never betray your trust!"

"Good! For now, while you're in your country, Kunal will protect you. If there’s anything he can’t handle, you can ask Mr. Kram for help."

"But isn’t Kunal also following you back to China?"

"He’s a star, after all. He must have connections here, right?"

Kunal quickly agreed, "Aishwarya, my master is right. Before I leave, I’ll make arrangements so several people are aware of your situation."

"Thank you, Brother Kunal, but I think I’ll be heading to China for my studies soon anyway!"

Kunal didn’t know the details and looked toward Liu Qingshan.

Liu Qingshan nodded, "I promised Aishwarya that if she wants, I’ll help her continue her education in our country. You know the reason—women’s status in India isn’t great."

Kunal gave a slightly embarrassed smile. He understood both the customs of his homeland and Liu Qingshan’s intentions.

While they were talking, Kram entered, his face beaming, clearly having had a smooth conversation with Jackie Chan.

"He agreed readily and said he’d help me with this, together with you! It seems that from now on, we’re not just friends, but as close as family!"

Liu Qingshan had long since learned from Marika to beware the verbal dexterity of Indians.

So he didn’t take Kram’s words at face value, especially since the man was a true businessman.

Yet Kram showed no sign of the usual cunning. On the contrary, his intentions seemed very sincere:

"To thank you for your selfless help, Mr. Liu, I’ve decided to give you a token of appreciation. But I hope you don’t take it as a commercial exchange, but rather as a gesture of friendship between family."

As he spoke, he snapped his fingers, and several people came in, each carrying armfuls of items.

They spread them out on the long table and unzipped several leather bags. Only then did Liu Qingshan see what was inside.

Kram’s voice sounded again:

"I heard that you smoke, Mr. Liu, so I found some Cuban cigars. I didn’t buy them—they were a gift from business partners. As for these designer clothes and shoes, they’re also gifts. If you refuse, it would be a little too much, don’t you think?"

An elderly man, looking like a steward, explained, "Our family owns many hotels and malls, with many well-known merchants as tenants. These items are mostly gifts out of friendship, never last-minute purchases! Please inspect them, and if you leave us an address, we’ll arrange shipping to China for you!"

With things said to this point, Liu Qingshan could no longer refuse. Since it wasn’t actual money, it didn’t feel like a transaction.

Clearly, Kram was a master of social interaction—he knew exactly how to protect his guest’s dignity.

Liu Qingshan took out a box of cigars, lit one, and savored it with a look of enjoyment: "No need for pleasantries. Mr. Kram, your kindness is noted in my heart!"

Kram laughed heartily, "There’s also a set of zitan wood tea ware, not here now, but it’ll be packed and shipped together after customs clearance. That’s it—everyone else, you may go."

These last words were addressed to the servants. After they left, Liu Qingshan immediately gave his assurance:

"Whatever Mr. Kram entrusts to me, I will treat as my own. And as for Kunal, I will teach him everything I know. In the future, for anything Qinghuang Films needs from me in our country, I will never hesitate!"

He was well aware that whatever Kram’s true intentions, his support for Kunal was genuine, and that alone made him worth taking seriously.

Besides, Kram had shown true sincerity—the zitan tea set alone was extremely valuable, even if Kram himself might not think much of it.

That night, when he returned to his lodging, Lu Huiguang and Yu Rongguang hadn’t come back, though they’d already called to explain.

Kunal didn’t come along either; he was busy preparing for the trip to China in two days, and had to arrange team matters and take care of some family affairs.

Aishwarya, with no home of her own here and her cousin absent, could only stay in his hotel suite.

This time, Liu Qingshan didn’t avoid her. After all, the place was a suite, and their relationship had already been made clear—there was no need for caution.

While Aishwarya was showering, Jin Xishan called him.

Liu Qingshan didn’t intend to hide anything and recounted the day’s events in detail.

Jin Xishan laughed, "It seems the big boss at Treasure Films values you highly—perhaps he’s heard something?"

"Heard what? About my abilities?"

"What else could it be? People with your skills are rare. The richer someone is, the more they want to befriend you. If I were in their place, I’d do the same!"

Liu Qingshan agreed with this reasoning. In modern society, personal martial prowess has lost much of its deterrent power, but that doesn’t mean it’s vanished altogether.

Especially for those with wealth and influence—because they’re privy to more hidden matters, they value those who possess mysterious strength all the more.