Hong Kong Film: Starting Undercover from the Five Tigers!

“No,” Wenhao replied quickly. “I just want to become stronger and prove the value of Chinese martial arts.”

“Then stick to your original intention.” His mother patted his shoulder. “You can always make money in the future, but if you lose yourself, you can never get it back.”

The next morning, Wenhao received a call from Johnson.

“Mr. Liu, can we meet and talk?” Johnson’s voice sounded friendly. “About the cooperation.”

"I've already heard about your terms," ​​Wen Hao said directly. "I'm not interested."

“Mr. Liu, you may not yet understand the value of this offer.” Johnson’s tone became urgent. “Three million dollars is just the starting price. If you perform well, you will earn even more.”

"I told you, I'm not interested."

"Why?" Johnson was clearly confused. "This is a life-changing opportunity."

"Because I don't want to change my nationality," Wenhao replied firmly.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then Johnson's voice turned somewhat cold: "Mr. Liu, I think you may not understand the reality. In the world of professional fighting, it's very difficult for Chinese fighters to gain recognition."

"That's your problem, not mine."

“Alright,” Johnson seemed a little annoyed, “but I must remind you, if you miss this opportunity, you may not get another one.”

"Then I won't." Wenhao said and hung up the phone.

After hanging up the phone, Wenhao felt a sense of relief. Although refusing so much money made him feel a little heartache, deep down he knew he had done the right thing.

When Wenhao arrived at school, he noticed that the atmosphere was different today. His classmates looked at him with more respect.

"Wenhao, I heard that a company from Japan wants to sign you?" the class monitor asked.

"How did you know?"

"It's all over the internet." The squad leader took out his phone. "It says the annual salary is three million US dollars."

Wenhao took the phone and saw that there was indeed related news. However, the content was somewhat exaggerated, saying that he had received invitations from several foreign clubs.

"So, did you agree?" a classmate asked.

"No." Wenhao shook his head.

"Why? That's three million US dollars!"

Wenhao thought for a moment and said, "Because I feel that I can realize my dreams in China too."

This answer surprised the students, but applause quickly followed.

"Wenhao is right!"

"That's right, our Dragon Kingdom is no worse than any other country!"

"Why do you have to go abroad? You can succeed just as well in China!"

These words of support warmed Wenhao's heart.

After school in the afternoon, Wenhao went to Zhengwu Hall.

"Master, I declined the invitation from the Sakura Country Company." Wenhao told Mr. Ma what had happened.

After listening, Mr. Ma nodded in satisfaction: "Well done."

“But Master, I have a question.” Wenhao sat down. “Why are foreign fighters generally stronger than us? Is it possible that Chinese martial arts are really inferior to modern combat sports?”

This question made Mr. Ma ponder for a long time.

"Xiao Hao, what do you think is the purpose of martial arts?" Mr. Ma asked in return.

"For physical fitness and self-defense?"

Chapter 1259: Signing the Contract!

“That’s just the surface,” Mr. Ma shook his head. “The true purpose of martial arts is to cultivate oneself and pursue the perfection of one’s character.”

"But in actual combat..."

"Practical combat is only one aspect of martial arts, not the whole thing," Mr. Ma interrupted him. "Modern combat sports do have an advantage in practical combat because they were created for practical combat. But martial arts pursues something at a higher level."

Wenhao nodded, seemingly understanding but not quite.

"However, this does not mean that traditional martial arts will necessarily lose in actual combat." Mr. Ma stood up. "The key is how to train and how to use them."

"Master, what do you mean?"

“Traditional martial arts can be very practical, but it requires the right training methods.” Mr. Ma looked at him. “Would you be willing to try a new training method?”

"What training methods?"

"Combining traditional martial arts with modern combat," a glint of light flashed in Mr. Ma's eyes. "Learning from the strengths of each school to make up for our own weaknesses."

This idea excited Wenhao. He had been thinking about how to improve his combat skills, and combining traditional martial arts with modern combat was indeed a good approach.

"Master, do you have a specific plan?"

"Yes," Mr. Ma nodded, "but it will take some time to prepare. Before that, you need to continue to solidify your foundation."

As they were talking, Li Qiang ran in from outside, his face full of excitement.

"Brother Wenhao, big news!" Li Qiang exclaimed breathlessly, "That Johnson is here again, but this time he's not here to see you."

"What are they here for?"

"He's holding a press conference outside," Li Qiang said excitedly. "He said he's going to establish a combat training base in China to specifically train Chinese athletes."

This news surprised Wen Hao. Johnson was threatening him yesterday, and today he's going to build a training base in China?

“There’s something even stranger,” Li Qiang continued. “He said the first batch of trainees at this training base would be selected through open competition.”

"Open selection?"

"Yes, they said they would select the most promising young fighters from across the country and send them to Japan for professional training."

Wenhao and Mr. Ma exchanged a glance, both sensing that something was amiss.

"I'll go take a look." Wenhao stood up.

Upon arriving at the entrance of the martial arts gym, a large crowd had indeed gathered. Johnson was standing on a makeshift platform, giving an interview.

"Mr. Johnson, why do you have this idea?" a reporter asked.

"Because I've discovered that China has many outstanding martial arts talents, but lacks an international training environment," Johnson said eloquently. "We hope to help these young people realize their dreams."

"What about the training costs?"

"Completely free!" Johnson's words drew gasps of surprise. "Our company will cover all expenses, including training, living expenses, medical care, and so on."

"Are there any conditions?"

“There’s only one condition.” Johnson’s expression turned serious. “Athletes participating in the training must sign a ten-year contract.”

"A ten-year contract?"

"Yes, for the next ten years they can only compete for our company and cannot participate in activities organized by other organizations."

Upon hearing this, Wen Hao understood Johnson's true purpose. This wasn't a charity event at all; it was clearly an attempt to acquire martial arts talent from China.

"Furthermore," Johnson continued, "contracted athletes must compete under our company's name in international competitions and cannot represent China."

Chapter 1260 Others!

The atmosphere at the scene changed immediately after those words were spoken.

"Why can't they represent China?" some questioned.

"Because this is international practice," Johnson said matter-of-factly. "Professional players compete under the name of their clubs."

"But what about competitions like the Olympics and the World Championships?"

"That depends on the player's own choice," Johnson shrugged. "Whether they want to participate in these amateur competitions or make big money in the professional arena."

Wen Hao grew increasingly furious as he listened. Johnson's words sounded nice, but in reality, he just wanted to drain China's fighting talent pool.

“Mr. Johnson!” Wenhao stepped forward. “I have a question.”

Johnson saw it was him and a hint of displeasure flashed across his face: "Mr. Liu, is there a problem?"

"If Chinese players sign your contracts, can they still return to China to develop their careers?"

“Of course, they’ll be free once their contracts expire,” Johnson replied quickly.

"What if they want to withdraw during the contract period?"

“This…” Johnson hesitated, “The contract terms will have detailed provisions.”

"Could you please disclose the specific terms?" Wen Hao pressed on.

Johnson's expression turned grim: "These are trade secrets and cannot be disclosed."

"Since you're recruiting players from China, why don't you dare disclose the terms and conditions?" Wen Hao raised his voice. "Is there something you're trying to hide?"

Reporters at the scene began pressing for details about the contract, leaving Johnson somewhat flustered.

"We'll explain those details when we officially sign the contract," Johnson tried to brush it off. "Right now, the main thing is to announce the plan."

“I think the reporters and audience members present have the right to know,” Wen Hao persisted. “After all, this concerns the future of China’s young people.”

Johnson glared at Wen Hao fiercely, then hastily ended the press conference.

“Mr. Liu, why are you doing this?” Johnson walked up to Wen Hao and said in a low voice, “You are sabotaging our cooperation.”

"What cooperation?" Wen Hao sneered. "What you want is control, not cooperation."

"You'll regret this," Johnson said, and left with his men.

Watching Johnson's departing figure, Wen Hao felt a surge of worry. He knew his actions today might get him into trouble, but he didn't regret it.

After Johnson left, the crowd did not disperse; instead, they began to discuss the matter.

"Liu Wenhao asked a good question!"

"Exactly, they don't dare to make any contracts public, there must be something fishy going on."

"These foreigners are just trying to scam our young people."

But there are also dissenting voices.

"What's wrong with them providing training for free?"

"This is a rare opportunity; we should seize it."

"Liu Wenhao himself is incompetent, yet he won't let others do it."

Hearing these comments, Wenhao felt uneasy. He knew his actions might be misunderstood by some, but he still maintained that Johnson's plan was flawed.

“Xiao Hao, you did the right thing.” Mr. Ma walked to his side. “This kind of contract is a modern version of a servitude contract.”

"Master, what problem have you noticed?"

"A ten-year contract, and the inability to represent the country in competitions—what does that mean?" Mr. Ma asked rhetorically. "It means these young people will have to serve foreign companies for the best years of their lives."

Chapter 1261 School!

Master Chen nodded in agreement: "Moreover, once the contract is signed, the cost of breaching it will definitely be very high. You won't be able to leave even if you want to."

As they were talking, Li Qiang rushed over.

"Brother Wenhao, something bad has happened!" Li Qiang exclaimed anxiously, "Someone is insulting you online!"

"You insulted me?" Wenhao was somewhat surprised.

Li Qiang took out his phone: "Take a look for yourself."

Wenhao took the phone and saw a trending topic: #LiuWenhaoStopsFellowCitizensFromDeveloping#

Clicking through, the screen is filled with criticism.

"Liu Wenhao himself is incompetent, yet he won't allow others to develop their careers in Japan."

"A classic case of sour grapes."

"The Japanese company kindly offered him the opportunity, but he sabotaged it."

"He's just a high school student, what does he know about professional fighting?"