Chapter Seventy-Seven: A Rare Opportunity

“Alright, I’m planning to have a serious talk with Park Hye-jin. We’re not looking for a one-off deal; if we’re going to do this, it should be the start of a long-term, expansive business venture.”

Liu Qingshan’s words were not spoken lightly; he clearly had deeper intentions. The only real bargaining chip he had at present was the Snowland Studio, which was still in its infancy. But he believed that since Fang Qingyang had taken the time to learn about him, she must have also inquired into the nature of Snowland Studio.

Thus, Liu Qingshan’s remark carried significant weight. As long as Fang Qingyang was at all capable, she would surely grasp the vast potential for Snowland Studio’s future development.

“So, you’re willing to put your own studio on the table as a stake?”

Indeed, those in high positions are never easily fooled. She immediately caught the underlying meaning of Liu Qingshan’s words.

“That’s my intention. At present, the relevant personnel and equipment from India have already arrived, and Snowland Studio now has some development capability. MCC is an industry veteran—there’s no need for us to spell everything out.”

Liu Qingshan was shrewd, constantly using “us” to forcibly insert himself into the Guoshi circle.

His little ploy did not go unnoticed, especially by Zhang the Big Beard, who was quite familiar with him. He immediately chimed in, “Stop trying to get cozy, kid. It comes off too forced.”

Zhang’s interjection was meant to temper Liu Qingshan’s aggressive posture; after all, his intentions were a bit too obvious, and he didn’t want Fang Qingyang to misunderstand.

But Fang Qingyang was not a petty person. She took no offense at Liu Qingshan’s seemingly bold behavior. On the contrary, she responded to him directly, “Go ahead and give it your best shot. Whether you succeed or not, I’ll remember your effort. If Guoshi needs special effects in the future, you’ll be our first consideration.”

“Alright then, just wait and see. I’ll definitely win MCC over!”

Everyone was taken aback by Liu Qingshan’s rather brash declaration.

But before anyone could caution him, he added, “I have my reasons to be confident, but since these matters haven’t been cleared with the principals, it’s not appropriate to explain in detail. What I can say is that there will be results in the next few days. Please rest assured, Director Fang.”

This single assurance allowed Fang Qingyang to relax considerably. “In that case, I’ll wait. Later, Xiao Zhang, leave your number with Qingshan. When the time comes, I’ll treat everyone here to a celebratory dinner.”

With that, she stood and left without so much as a formal farewell—it was obvious she had come solely for “Miss Mermaid,” and the formation of the “Condor Heroes” crew was of little concern to her.

That Xiao Zhang was no mere attendant; he had been introduced earlier as the head of the External Liaison Office of Guoshi, an impressive figure.

Once Zhang took Fang Qingyang’s business card, the production meeting for “Condor Heroes” officially began.

In principle, actors weren’t required at such meetings, but Liu Qingshan had been recruited midway, had replaced an original supporting actor, and had brought with him a new action team.

Zhang the Big Beard’s aim was to leverage the fame of Fang Qingyang and Ge Daquan to further raise Liu Qingshan’s profile.

Every major film crew is a small world unto itself, teeming with all sorts of characters and tangled relationships.

Moreover, to accommodate Liu Qingshan’s schedule for “Condor Heroes,” the crew had to start earlier, making his early involvement all the more necessary.

In truth, the meeting was of little real consequence to Liu Qingshan; all the major decisions had been finalized months ago.

His sole purpose in attending today was to put in an appearance—having two big names vouch for him would smooth over any bumps in the hastily arranged production schedule.

Thanks to Zhang the Big Beard’s careful maneuvering, everyone present regarded Liu Qingshan with approval—though how genuine that was, it was hard to say.

On the way back, Liu Qingshan immediately began discussing the feasibility of the plan with Park Hye-jin.

Initially, the group was to visit Yu Yi’s Guowutang, where Shahrukh was also to join them, for the sake of the training hall behind the martial arts school.

But with an unexpected opportunity arising, they first had to drop Park Hye-jin and Liu Qingshan at MCC’s China branch.

Since this matter involved MCC headquarters, it was necessary for others from the branch to be looped in.

Before that, however, the two of them needed to finalize their plan.

Half an hour later, in Park Hye-jin’s office.

“You think we should tie this matter to Xishan’s contract renewal?”

Liu Qingshan nodded. “It’s a great opportunity—not only can we elevate Sister Xishan’s importance in China, but also introduce the powerhouse Guoshi to MCC.”

“You really think there’s a need for further introductions? The two organizations have collaborated plenty of times.”

“This time is different. You know Guoshi is the face of our country—its official media. I think MCC would be thrilled at the chance to establish a strategic, friendly partnership that goes beyond mere business.”

“A strategic partnership? That does sound a bit different.”

“It’s not just a bit—it’s a world apart! And if the intermediary happens to be Kim Xishan, imagine what her status would be in both countries moving forward.”

“Like a cultural ambassador between nations?”

“Even if it doesn’t reach an official diplomatic level, at the very least she’d become the key link between the two entertainment circles. That would be invaluable for Sister Xishan!”

“I get why it’s important for her, but what’s in it for MCC headquarters?”

“If a partnership with Guoshi isn’t enough, we still have Snowland Studio! And if that’s not sufficient, we can throw in Qinghuang Pictures and Chen Long as well.”

“Add another one? Oh, I see—you want to bring ‘The Myth’ into this too? Ha! You really are bold, aren’t you?”

Park Hye-jin was sharp; with one hint from Liu Qingshan, she saw right through his plan.

“So you want to add the ‘The Myth’ team to the fan meeting? Isn’t that a bit much?”

Liu Qingshan rolled his eyes. “Of course not. The fan meeting is for ‘Miss Mermaid.’ Even if your MCC agrees, Guoshi has no obligation to promote anything else.”

“Then how exactly do you plan to pull this off?”

“MCC will bring it up, under the banner of Sino-Korean friendship, and ask Brother Chen Long and Sister Xishan to sing a duet at the fan meeting.”

“And the song will be ‘Endless Love’ from ‘The Myth’? That way, you promote the film and give Xishan a boost as well? Ha, you really are cunning!”

Liu Qingshan ignored her teasing. “MCC will definitely agree—after all, they’re investors in ‘The Myth’ too.”