Chapter Sixty: A Home of One’s Own

“Oh my God, Hans’s idol is actually that warmonger?!”
Liu Qingshan’s exclamation was intentionally exaggerated, an effort to mimic the neurotic flair for dramatic reactions so typical of Europeans and Americans.
His clumsy performance was almost laughable, immediately prompting Park Hyejin to burst into laughter after a moment of stunned silence.
The “kid” Frederic referred to was none other than his German compatriot Hans, whose expression was decidedly unimpressed.
“First of all, I’m a German, and I treat anyone willing to befriend our country with kindness. It’s not Mussolini’s arrogance or fascism that I admire—I truly revere the ancient Romans. Mussolini just happens to be the most famous Italian!”
As soon as Hans finished, Frederic shrugged helplessly at Liu Qingshan: “See? Hans is strange. His ideas are uniquely quirky!”
Liu Qingshan voiced his confusion: “Italy has Ferrari, Dante, da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo, Galileo—each world-renowned! Not to mention ancient Rome had Spartacus and Caesar!”
Hans shook his head, explaining his view: “I can only say that, in my mind, those people aren’t nearly worthy of worship. Compared to them, Mussolini is closer, and he’s willing to ally with Germany!”
“Well, your answer leaves me speechless, but I can’t find a reason to argue. But with thinking like yours, aren’t you considered some sort of fanatic in your country?”
Hans remained relaxed.
“I dislike Hitler, and all my friends know this. Actually, my admiration is debatable, but it stems from my youthful imperial dreams. Back then, you know, a bit reckless, wanting to stand out as different—nothing more!”
Liu Qingshan found himself at a loss for words. Could he bluntly point out that Hans’s idol was chosen so casually?
From his perspective, Hans was like a stubborn, eccentric child—fully aware he’s wrong, yet feigning ignorance for the sake of pride.
Frederic laughed heartily: “See? Hans is a little oddball, so unique he’s almost rare—unconventional and comical!”
Hans, ever absent-minded, resembled a bookworm: “Let people think what they will, I like that Italian, even if he’s nothing but maggot cheese!”
Maggot cheese is a famous, bizarre Italian delicacy, somewhat akin to China’s stinky tofu, where live maggots are cultivated inside the cheese.
After the maggots burrow, moisture seeps in, and the cheese decays, forming this pungent Italian maggot cheese.
His choice of words only heightened everyone’s surprise—comparing one’s idol to such a thing was astonishing enough.
This topic was but a minor point that evening; overall, the banquet was a resounding success, with guests and hosts alike thoroughly enjoying themselves.

For the foreigners, the pleasure lay in being treated with importance and tasting so many unheard-of Chinese delicacies.
For Liu Qingshan and his party, they had not only entertained their guests well but also seized the opportunity to forge closer bonds.
The atmosphere delighted not only these people but also semi-observers like Park Hyejin and lawyer Wang Huansheng.
Whether it was the DAD Hotel or the Treasure Films represented by Shahrukh, both offered perfect networking opportunities for the pair.
Especially the yet-to-be-founded Snowland Studio, which would be an indispensable boon to their future entertainment business.
Park Hyejin’s expectations were even higher, as 3D effects would ultimately decide the success of future films and dramas.
Once Liu Qingshan’s studio could develop special effects, the distant Korean headquarters would gain an extra production channel.
Compared to Hollywood, the industry giant, Snowland Studio’s production costs would be dramatically lower.
That night, he stayed in his new home. Though some lingering smell of renovation remained, those around him understood his impatience.
When the surroundings quieted, Liu Qingshan—still dressed immaculately—finally let out a deep breath.
He reclined on a long sofa still covered in plastic wrap, his thoughts swirling.
Gazing at the brand-new surroundings, it was his first night truly feeling at home since his rebirth and transformation.
They say home is a haven of happiness, the house a family’s cherished base. On this evening, absent of any housewarming blessings, new feelings and dreams drifted through his heart.
Reflecting on it all, Liu Qingshan couldn’t help but feel a touch of pride. Wasn’t this a second rebirth, with abilities appearing out of thin air, miraculously bestowed upon him?
A reborn soul—a high-end tribe, though not foreseeing five hundred years ahead nor three hundred years back as novels describe, but the super star-making instrument in his mind was real.
After obtaining the “Legend” theme song, Liu Qingshan had gained further understanding of that magical object.
Though he was still grasping its myriad functions, he knew each would unlock as his skill points increased.
Turning his thoughts inward, his consciousness once again unfolded in shifting light and shadow.

Host Name: Liu Qingshan

Gender: Male
Age: 21
Height: 183 cm
Total Fans: 325
Reputation: 55 (Points for Exchange Mall/100/1)
Title: C2 (21/100)
Physical Skills: Optional—Gan Fengchi Combat Method: Flowery Fist, 36 Techniques (98/100), Seventy-Two Divine Holds (0/100), Eighteen Falling Techniques (0/100), Nameless Swordplay (36/100)
Professional Skills: Beginner—Dialogue Tone (69/100); Positioning and Body Language (92/100)
Intermediate Actor—Facial Expression Control (54/100), Korean (46/100), English (78/100)
Auxiliary Skill Bar: Music (Vocal Condition 30/100), Directing (?), Digital Drawing (?)
Mall Points: 55
System Lottery: 1 (chance)

After tallying everything, he was delighted to find noticeable improvements in height, title, English, and vocal ability.
Especially English—it had jumped from 21 to 78, showing his trip to India had rapidly boosted his spoken language skills.
What concerned him most were his physical skills: Flowery Fist, 36 Techniques had soared from 75 to 98, just a step away from the full score of 100.
He didn’t believe that reaching full score would simply unlock the second skill, Seventy-Two Divine Holds; perhaps Flowery Fist, 36 Techniques would have a higher-level designation.
After all, a full score of 100 only signified advancement from advanced to master status; what excited him was whether the master title would connect to real-world martial arts realms.
From his previous conversation with Yu Chenhui, he knew that the long-rumored “master” rank in today’s martial arts circles was merely the pinnacle of postnatal practitioners.