Chapter 83

On the morning of the 17th, after the head of B Production Department personally called Zhang Dongguo to apologize, Ha Ji-won returned to the set of "Secret" and continued filming. Everything was calm afterward. No one knew how B would respond to this incident in the future.

As for the underlings of Jin Bingzhong, including Huang Mao, they were quickly arrested by the police, convicted, and sent to the detention center. However, Jin Bingzhong showed no reaction, as if nothing had happened.

But both Zhang Dongguo and Li Zhengxi knew that the calm surface masked a brewing storm after the two incidents.

On the 18th, the film "Curse" finally ended its run after 65 days, with a total box office of 2,063,991 admissions. This was the highest box office for all Korean films released so far this year.

However, this was only the case so far. The newly released "Joint Security Area" had already shocked everyone by attracting 1.85 million admissions in less than ten days. A mere 2.06 million was now within reach.

But that didn't matter to Li Zhengxi. He had known about it all along. The good news for him was that Gao Zuodong called him again and even came to Gangwon Province specially today.

During the lunch break, Li Zhengxi and Gao Zuodong sat in a restaurant in Sokcho, ordered some food, and at first, they didn't talk about business, just chatting about recent events. The atmosphere was quite pleasant, as their relationship had always been good.

After a few rounds of drinks, the timing seemed right, and Gao Zuodong explained his purpose, "You know, the shareholders behind the company aren't exactly nice people. Sometimes they don't act properly, and it makes things difficult for us."

Seeing Li Zhengxi nod with a smile, Gao Zuodong felt a bit more relaxed and continued, "Now that the film has ended its run and the data is all in, your share is clear. We will transfer the money to you as soon as possible. Then, can we talk about 'My Sassy Girl'...?"

306,897,975 Korean won was the final amount Li Zhengxi was about to receive. This was undoubtedly a mouth-watering and shocking figure. Zhang Dongguo had already had it calculated clearly. Now, it was just a matter of whether TBE would be honest.

At this point, Li Zhengxi chuckled, looking quite pleased, "Director Gao, with our friendship, I'll be honest with you. I'm just unhappy that some people are not trustworthy and want to make money with my money. Isn't that bullying?"

Gao Zuodong smiled bitterly. Who would have thought this young man was the boss of Empire Entertainment, and his influence in Korea was significant. But it wasn't just because he was a star; it was also because of his impressive degree—a Harvard economics Ph.D. at 18, which earned him respect in Korea.

"Alright, let's not talk about that. It's not good for our relationship," Li Zhengxi smiled again and poured Gao Zuodong a drink. "Considering our past friendship, I'll give you a clear answer. Once I receive the money, we can start talking about the collaboration. But remember, no more bullying, or I'll really lose my temper..."

"Of course, of course!" Gao Zuodong smiled, seeing Li Zhengxi's straightforwardness. Then he casually asked, "I heard Director Kwak Jae-yong is doing the pre-production. How's that going?"

Li Zhengxi smiled and said half-jokingly, "He's just working on the storyboards. Whether he will be the director is still under consideration."

"Oh, I see. That makes sense. Kwak Jae-yong hasn't directed a film in eight years!" Gao Zuodong smiled and looked at Li Zhengxi. "We were surprised at first, but we trust your judgment!"

Li Zhengxi was pleased. This was a probe, but he didn't hide anything because if he did, the money might be an issue. So he answered seriously, "Yes, I've seen his previous works. Although he hasn't directed a film in many years, his passion and feel for youth films are still there. Our film needs his style, even the vibrant quality he brings to the film... In short, I admire him. As long as he grasps the story's development and essence in the storyboards, I won't have any doubts."

Gao Zuodong was satisfied. Li Zhengxi's words were sincere and thorough. They continued to chat about related topics. After getting detailed answers, and seeing that the crew was about to start work, Li Zhengxi, who was busy, happily returned to Seoul.

However, Gao Zuodong didn't know that after he left, Li Zhengxi had a mocking smile on his face. Since the last incident, Li Zhengxi had never considered collaborating with TBE Entertainment. Of course, after receiving the money, he would still have someone talk to them, but whether they could reach an agreement was uncertain. He hadn't made any guarantees to Gao Zuodong.

"You're up to something again!" Li Zhengxi was thinking when Son Ye-jin, who had just come over, saw his evil smile and poked him.

"Ah!" Li Zhengxi was startled. He didn't understand why Son Ye-jin said that. Son Ye-jin thought he was pretending and pouted, "Still denying it? You were clearly smiling evilly just now!"

Li Zhengxi realized and then said playfully, "Yes, I am a bad guy..."

Just as he said that, they were about to start their usual banter when his bodyguard, Li Mingze, suddenly said, "Boss, something's not right with those people over there..."

Li Zhengxi was taken aback. Just as he turned his head, Li Mingen shouted, "Boss, run!" Then, in his line of sight, about seven or eight guys were rushing out from a nearby alley, pulling out various sticks and knives from their coats.

Damn, Li Zhengxi was shocked. He didn't need to guess; these were definitely sent by Jin Bingzhong. That guy was quick. He had just dealt with Zhang Dongguo two days ago and was now targeting Li Zhengxi.

He probably thought it was hard to act in Seoul but was still unbalanced, so he chose Li Zhengxi in Gangwon Province.

However, Li Zhengxi and Zhang Dongguo had anticipated his retaliation. Of course, they had to get through this first. Otherwise, if he got seriously injured, it would be a big joke.

So, Li Zhengxi didn't waste time, quickly pulling the somewhat panicked Son Ye-jin and running towards the set, with Li Mingen and Li Mingze following to protect them.

The set was just a few dozen meters away. They just made it before the seven or eight guys caught up.

However, the set didn't seem to be much help. Park Dong-chan and Yoon Seok-ho were both stunned by the sudden arrival. Park Dong-chan was the first to react, shouting, "What's going on?"

Unfortunately, it was useless. The group was already closing in on Li Zhengxi, and the leader, a burly man, pointed at Li Zhengxi with his stick and sneered, "Go, but don't kill him..."

"This is a KBS drama set..." Park Dong-chan tried to intimidate them with KBS, but it was too late. The group was already charging at Li Zhengxi. Li Zhengxi was inwardly cursing. The crew members were either screaming or hiding, offering no help.

At this moment, he regretted not learning martial arts. Even using the "Crisis Mode" of the Demon Entertainment System might be too late. He could only grab a tripod to block a stick aimed at his head.

Clang! The stick was actually made of iron. Li Zhengxi was secretly relieved he hadn't tried to block it with his hand. Li Mingze, standing next to him, kicked the guy's calf, knocking him down.

However, the crisis was just beginning. There were eight of them, three with knives, and they didn't look like ordinary thugs. They were clearly dangerous.

Fortunately, Park Dong-chan was enraged. If anything happened to Li Zhengxi, the drama would be ruined, and the consequences would be unbearable. So, he grabbed a light stand and shouted, "Men, grab anything and come on! If anyone gets hurt, the crew will take care of it and double the compensation and bonus!"

This had an effect. Seeing Park Dong-chan charge forward, the strong and fit cameramen also grabbed various props and followed.

Li Zhengxi was invigorated and shouted, "Everyone, come on, there are only a few of them..."

Just as he said that, Son Ye-jin, who had been hiding behind him, suddenly screamed, "Ah, be careful!" Turning around, he saw a punk with a shaggy hairstyle holding a knife and lunging at his back.

Li Zhengxi was startled and quickly blocked with the tripod, then pulled Son Ye-jin to the side. But he didn't notice that the cunning punk had flipped his wrist, and the sharp blade slipped through the gap in the tripod, aiming for his hand.

Swish! The cold blade flashed, and his hand was in excruciating pain. The tripod fell to the ground, and the punk pulled the knife back, aiming for Li Zhengxi's waist.

It was too fast, and Li Zhengxi was already injured. Just as the knife was about to slash his abdomen, a prop master hit the punk's hand with a broom, slowing the attack. Li Zhengxi quickly pulled Son Ye-jin away.

However, the danger wasn't over. The punk, wincing in pain, didn't slow down and aimed for Li Zhengxi's chest.

At that moment, Li Zhengxi was pulling Son Ye-jin away, and she was by his side. Clearly, the punk, despite his shaggy hairstyle, had a sinister and despicable mind.

Li Zhengxi pushed Son Ye-jin away with all his strength but had no time to dodge. He gritted his teeth and used his arm to block.

Thud! The knife pierced his arm, almost through. Li Zhengxi gasped in pain, his face pale, and Son Ye-jin screamed hysterically.

But the punk ignored it, pulled the knife out, and aimed for Li Zhengxi's chest again.

If this hit, Li Zhengxi would be seriously injured, if not worse. Fortunately, Li Mingze, who had just dealt with two punks and taken a hit himself, arrived and struck the punk's head with a stick.

The blow was so hard that the sound of the punk's skull cracking could be heard. He fell to the ground, twitching, completely out of the fight...