Chapter 54: Chapter 54: "Making Money Is Never Embarrassing!"
Of course, the boxing world wasn't as glamorous as it appeared to outsiders. Only a few managed to rise to the top. Not to mention, the industry was rife with unspoken rules.
For Du Sheng, however, his "golden finger" ability revolved around filming and lottery draws. Whether it was gaining reputation points or acquiring new skills, the entertainment industry was key—especially acting, which was irreplaceable.
But given Zheng Zetao's background and status, Du Sheng didn't outright decline. Instead, he nodded and said, "I'll think about it and get back to you later."
In his past life, who had more international influence: martial artist Wu Jing or boxing legend Mike Tyson? Most people knew the answer. While it wasn't an easy pill to swallow, the truth was undeniable.
This was why Du Sheng considered it—if others could achieve it, so could he. Especially since boxing was on the decline in China, creating a massive opportunity for anyone who could reignite interest.
"No rush," Zheng Zetao replied, handing over his business card. "And about the private coach job—give it some thought, too. How about 30,000 yuan a month? No, make it 60,000!"
Du Sheng simply smiled, exchanged a few pleasantries, and then left.
As they drove toward the airport, Ma Yaowei—now acting as chauffeur—was still buzzing with excitement from their earlier winnings. "Why the rush, Sheng?" he asked.
Du Sheng replied casually, "Booked a flight, and rescheduling is a hassle." He paused before adding, "By the way, what's the deal with Zheng Zetao? You seem to treat him with a lot of respect."
"You've heard of Chow Tai Fook Jewelry, right?" Ma Yaowei chuckled, his tone laced with mystery. "Zheng's family is one of the top ten rising tycoon clans in Hong Kong, with assets worth billions. Although Zheng Zetao is from a branch of the family, he's still way out of our league."
Du Sheng nodded thoughtfully. "Is boxing still popular in Hong Kong?"
Martial arts enthusiasts often said, "If you want to learn real skills, go to Hong Kong or Southeast Asia." In the past, massive migration to Hong Kong spurred fierce competition, especially in martial arts circles. For a time, there were more boxing gyms than rice shops.
Back then, Hong Kong's martial arts scene was dominated by styles like Hung Gar, Choy Li Fut, and Monkey Staff, while Wing Chun and Jeet Kune Do gained popularity thanks to figures like Bruce Lee.
"That was decades ago," Ma Yaowei sighed, his tone tinged with nostalgia. "Back then, martial artists settled disputes openly—'Meet me in the restroom if you're brave,' the Wing Chun folks would say, because their techniques suited tight spaces. Hung Gar guys would counter, 'Let's take it outside,' where they had room to move."
Such duels were so common that newspapers had dedicated sections to report them, almost like entertainment news. "Things really peaked in the 70s and 80s," Ma continued. "They even brought Muay Thai into the mix. People used to say, 'Outside Thailand, the place where Muay Thai feels most authentic is Hong Kong.'"
This surge in combat sports even led to an underground boxing scene, where various syndicates nurtured elite fighters to compete across Southeast Asia, earning massive profits from ticket sales and gambling.
"But times have changed," Ma lamented. "After Kowloon Walled City was demolished, underground boxing took a huge hit. Nowadays, if you want to make money from boxing, you have to participate in national tournaments, K1 in Japan, or ONE Championship in Southeast Asia. But those competitions are too regulated—not ideal for traditional martial arts. Plus, it's tough being away for months, so most people don't bother."
"Does Hong Kong still host its own events?" Wang Yaoyang asked, intrigued.
"Of course," Ma replied. "There's Legend of the Martial Arts and Boxing Heroes, both growing in popularity. But they started too late—the market's already saturated, so it'll take time for them to become big." Pausing, he glanced at Du Sheng through the rearview mirror. "Zheng's family sponsors Legend of the Martial Arts. If he's trying to recruit you, it's probably for that."
This tournament was recognized by the world's top MMA organization, UFC, as the only sanctioned event in the Asia-Pacific region. Winning it could secure a direct entry to the Global Boxing Championship.
"If I were any good, I'd have joined ages ago instead of doing stunt work," Ma joked.
Du Sheng's eyes sparkled with interest. In his previous life, Legend of the Martial Arts didn't launch until years later, but it quickly became the most influential MMA event in the region.
Sensing his hesitation, Ma pressed on. "Sheng, if you're even slightly interested, I'll ask around when I get back."
After a brief pause, Du Sheng replied, "Alright, keep an eye on it. If I'm free, I might consider it."
For now, acting remained his primary focus—gaining new skills through his lottery system was crucial. That said, side ventures like boxing or singing could still be worthwhile, time permitting.
After all, as the saying goes: Making money is never embarrassing.
Besides, entering the boxing world would allow him to showcase the skills he'd gained through his draws.
As the plane ascended into the night sky, Du Sheng leaned back in his seat, gazing out the window. Though darkness obscured the view, the faint glow of city lights had a calming effect. "The Snow Goddess began filming five days ago," Wang Yaoyang reminded him from the adjacent seat. "Your timing's perfect. Want to look over the script?"
While assisting on The Heavenly Dragon, Wang had also been coordinating with The Snow Goddess production team. In many ways, he'd transitioned from a background extra to a full-fledged assistant.
"Sure," Du Sheng said, flipping through the pages.
As expected, the story was an adaptation of an older drama, The Lone Star Sword. It revolved around themes of revenge, power struggles, and love—classic tropes, but executed with flair.
In its original run, the series gained immense popularity thanks to four key elements:
1. A Strong Female Lead
Shangguan Yan was a skilled swordswoman with a cold, aloof personality. Her fluid, deadly moves captivated audiences, particularly her signature technique of biting a strand of hair as she fought.
2. A Charismatic Male Second Lead
Ouyang Mingri, though not the protagonist, stole the show. Handsome, selfless, and a medical genius, his unwavering devotion to the heroine won over countless fans.
3. Famous Supporting Cast
The inclusion of Sun Yaowei, one of Hong Kong's Four Heavenly Kings, as a supporting character drew significant attention.
4. Meticulous Production Design
Despite a modest budget, the sets were intricately detailed. Whether depicting grand palaces or vast deserts, the show's visual authenticity left a lasting impression.
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