Chapter 78: An Old Friend Arrives

“I have to admit, your idea is brilliant, but there are difficulties you haven’t considered. As far as I know, MCC didn’t simply reject us before. Zhang Ruixi and Kim Sung-taek have already joined the group; they don’t have any other commitments! It seems only Woo Hee-jin is available in the near future. Should we have just her as the sole lead?”

Park Hye-jin agreed with Liu Qingshan’s plan, but she had her own concerns.

“That’s out of the question. If the national television side could accept that, they would have agreed long ago! Here’s what we’ll do: contact Sister Xishan right away. She’s more familiar with those actors. Let her find out the reason behind it.”

“Why don’t you make the call? If we’re talking about personal connections, you two are much closer!”

“If I call, she’ll just give me the runaround. With two major companies involved, she wouldn’t dare meddle recklessly!”

“That’s true. Fine, I’ll go now!”

Park Hye-jin chose to step out to make the call—not to avoid Liu Qingshan, but so that Jin Xishan would take the matter seriously when she heard it.

She didn’t return until over ten minutes later.

Liu Qingshan took the phone. “It’s only been two months since we last met, but you seem to have grown much smarter!”

Jin Xishan’s familiar and melodious voice stirred something inside him. “I suppose you’ve agreed to my suggestion?”

“Is that a suggestion? It feels like we’ve all been brainwashed, obediently doing your bidding.”

“It’s because what I say makes sense! So, are you willing? This is a rare opportunity—not only will it help you secure a fantastic chance for contract renewal, but you’ll also gain a better foothold in China!”

“Just now, Sister Hye-jin called the boss. Sister Hyun-ki also received a message from the other side, telling her to catch tonight’s flight to rush back for negotiations!”

“Looks like your company is taking your contract renewal pretty seriously?”

“Not just mine, but your Snowland Studio as well. If I’m guessing right, you carry a lot of weight there, because Brother Chen Long also received inquiries about you!”

“You reached out to him?”

“Of course! You want both of us to go out and sing, so Sister Hye-jin had to ask for his opinion.”

“Did he agree?”

“Surprisingly, your multi-pronged plan is quite unexpected. Besides, the chance to promote ‘Myth’ is something Hong Kong would welcome. But this still needs MCC to bring it up proactively. Do you think the national television program will accept? I have a feeling it won’t be that simple!”

“As long as MCC requests it and can ensure Zhang Ruixi and Kim Sung-taek can travel, there won’t be much problem on the national television side.”

“Qingshan, why does national television insist on holding this meet-and-greet?”

“It’s simple. The second broadcast of ‘Mermaid Lady’ is achieving phenomenal ratings, threatening even the prime-time dramas. The advertising revenue will be substantial.”

“But the actors from ‘Mermaid Lady’ are the main draw. If Chen Long and I join, won’t the promotional intent be too obvious? From what I know, the national television team is rather proud. Won’t this provoke their resentment?”

“Maybe they won’t allow it in the future, but this time is different. Don’t forget the press conference I just held. You’re the main character in the incident with the ‘Myth’ crew!”

“Oh? I think I see now. Is it the positive image you’ve crafted that’s making a difference?”

“That’s why this opportunity is so rare. Miss it, and there might not be another!”

“Did someone promise you something?”

“It’s not something to discuss over the phone. We’ll talk when there’s a chance! In any case, I believe my suggestion is feasible. Plus, for now, MCC hasn’t connected the two matters, so they haven’t realized your desire for contract renewal is even stronger!”

“They’ll figure it out eventually. Aren’t you worried you’re playing tricks on us?”

“Don’t worry. By the time MCC realizes, it’ll be too late, and I should have gained some fame by then!”

“Alright, as you say. I’ll inform Sister Hyun-ki, so she’s mentally prepared.”

“Can you guarantee enough trust from agent Park Hyun-ki?”

“She was assigned to me by Sister Hye-jin from the start. Despite the MCC contract, she’s completely trustworthy.”

“Even so, you can’t reveal everything. Be tactful in your conversation!”

After a few more reminders, Liu Qingshan finally hung up the phone.

Park Hye-jin, who had kept her distance, now approached with a smile. “Next, you’ll meet with me and some other colleagues from the company. For now, you’ll represent national television as their spokesperson.”

Liu Qingshan nodded; this was what they’d discussed on the way.

Park Hye-jin’s branch would handle Jin Xishan’s subsequent contract-related publicity. All materials needed to be prepared in advance, including drafting contract details.

By the time the two arrived at the National Martial Arts Hall, it was already past four in the afternoon.

Before they could sit, Wang Huansheng brought in three people: Li Qi, Ma Shengli, and Li Juan.

The reunion was naturally full of emotion. Although only three months had passed, it was clear Li Qi and the others’ attitudes toward Liu Qingshan had changed considerably.

He was now a figure in his own right. Although the two projects he’d acted in hadn’t been released yet, the founding of Snowland Studio had transformed him as if he’d been gilded anew.

“Brother Qi, has Uncle Ping arranged everything on his end?” Liu Qingshan’s attitude toward them hadn’t changed in the slightest.

Uncle Ping was an unavoidable presence—not only was he renowned in the mainland martial arts community, he had also single-handedly supported Li Qi and the others.

“Uncle Ping’s expertise is exactly in this field. You can count on him!”

Li Qi didn’t stand on ceremony, appearing just as before.

But it was obvious Li Juan had changed. “Qingshan, you’ve made it big now—don’t forget to give our Shengli a leg up!”

“Sister-in-law, why are you being so formal? You weren’t like this before. I’d rather you treat me as you used to, bossing me around like your own little brother!”

“Exactly! Your sister-in-law’s heart is small—she always thinks you’re different now and feels she must treat you with respect.”

Ma Shengli’s words made Liu Qingshan laugh heartily. “That means Sister-in-law still remembers me as her brother. Besides, I’m still the same Qingshan as before, just the same struggling extra as always.”

“But things have changed,” Li Juan pouted, “You even bought a house in the capital. I’ve followed this rascal for years, and we still rent in Hengdian!”

“Sister-in-law, don’t worry. Our brothers will all do well in the future. Mark my words—within two years, Brother Shengli will buy a house here!”

Liu Qingshan’s words piqued Li Juan’s interest. “Qingshan, tell me—do you have a plan?”

“I can’t promise a plan, but I do have some suggestions. The question is whether Brother Qi is willing to let people go!”

Li Qi smiled and shook his head. “I think I can guess what you mean—are you asking Li Juan to help you out?”