Chapter 024: The Perks of Filming Short Videos

Li Lekang bumped fists with them, then clinked glasses, his gaze sweeping the scene. There were plenty of girls—tall, voluptuous, and striking. Even in the lavish backyard pool, more girls were splashing about. Now this was the life of a star!

Malone was one of LAA's rising stars in recent years. Though his tattooed arms gave him the look of a gang member, he actually sang love songs beautifully and had already released several singles. He was set to put out an album this year. As for Li Lekang, who had also recently become a sensation online, LAA was eager to promote him as well. The two of them had plenty of common ground and no shortage of topics to discuss.

Reliability aside, parties like this were all about boasting—one’s real abilities were inflated tenfold just for fun. After all, this wasn’t a business meeting; you could claim you’d outshine David Copperfield and trample Criss Angel, and everyone would just laugh and enjoy the show. Some of the girls nearby, having heard of his recent fame, glanced his way with curiosity, their flirtatious glances frequent and bold.

But Li Lekang's arm was firmly held by Sandra, buried deep in a most alluring embrace, leaving Daisy, who had hesitated a moment too long, gnashing her teeth in envy. In America, those with athletic hobbies or cool professions were often the most sought after by women. Conversely, those who excelled academically were often labeled bookworms and left isolated. This was a common phenomenon, from ordinary people to the media, even in educational circles—for instance, universities, including the top-tier ones, loved students who excelled in sports. If you were a football star, even the principal would call you “darling.”

It was no surprise, then, that someone as skilled and dazzling as Li Lekang would be so popular.

Malone, still caught up in the wonder of the earlier performance, couldn’t help but ask, “I know I probably shouldn’t ask, but I can’t help wanting at least a hint.”

As expected, everyone was eager to uncover the secret.

Seeing this, Li Lekang didn’t make a fuss. Though his performance had involved real magic, it wasn’t all supernatural. Thanks to his recent study of magic tricks, he had also mastered some sleights of hand. For example, in the red ball trick just now, he had someone bring over a bowl and a ball and demonstrated on the spot: “It’s all about technique. My left hand grabs the ball, seemingly about to drop it into the bowl, but my right hand is actually quicker, pinching the ball away. It never enters the bowl at all.”

Li Lekang demonstrated deftly. Malone lifted the bowl—empty. Li Lekang opened his right hand, and there it was, the ball pinched between his middle and index fingers. With the back of his hand facing the audience, everyone’s attention remained on the bowl, making this sleight of hand foolproof.

“Once you get the hang of it, you can play guessing games with two bowls and three balls. Master the technique, and you’ll have your audience eating out of your hand.”

He continued demonstrating for Malone, then taught him how to pull off the trick himself.

Malone was no fool; after a few tries, he got it down and immediately showed off to Mike nearby. Upon succeeding, he burst into laughter. “I can’t believe I did it! This trick is awesome!”

Then someone else asked Li Lekang, “How did you make the ball appear in his pocket when you met?”

A very good question. Usually, in such tricks, the participant is a plant—a shill. After all, magicians aren’t sorcerers; they can’t make objects appear without some physical contact.

But Li Lekang was a real mage, so he simply laughed. “That’s my signature skill—the highest-level secret a magician can never reveal!”

A chorus of “Oh!” followed, and everyone took the hint, not pressing for more. After all, the trick he had just taught them was plenty to digest.

The party continued in high spirits.

On one side, Mike, who had just mastered making the little ball disappear, stood up with a look of triumph. “Fantastic! I want to see more magic. How about another one, Lekang?”

The cameraman was ready as well. Filming a few magic performances was part of the party’s agenda—then editing them into short videos for social media to keep Li Lekang trending.

Naturally, Li Lekang got into character. He addressed the group, “I need a beautiful lady. Who’s up for it? All right, you—your smile won me over!”

Out stepped Sandra, dressed in a deep V-neck bodysuit—curves to die for, commanding the spotlight wherever she went.

Li Lekang, exuding mystery, asked, “Do you believe I can conjure up a beauty with abs and a perfect backside out of thin air?”

Sandra looked at him with expectation. “Can you?”

“Isn’t there one right in front of me?” Li Lekang spread his arms, presenting her.

Sandra burst out laughing, and Li Lekang smiled, extending his hand. “What’s your name?”

She took his hand gently. “Sandra.”

Li Lekang rolled up his jacket sleeves, warming up the crowd like a true magician. “Sandra? My R’s aren’t great, but that won’t stop me from performing the next trick. Sandra, do you believe I can turn a piece of paper into a hundred-dollar bill?”

Sandra thought to herself that she was now the leading lady of his act, and she had to play along for maximum effect. With an enthusiastic flourish, she said, “If you can, I’ll give you a kiss!”

“Whoa!” The crowd cheered, clearly all eager for a chance with this bombshell.

Daisy, meanwhile, pouted, silently cursing Sandra’s shamelessness. “Just wait—when it’s my turn, I’ll up the ante!”

“Just give me any piece of paper...”

Li Lekang began his act, the cameraman filming intently.

When he successfully turned the blank sheet Sandra handed him into a crisp bill, her smile bloomed, and she threw herself into his arms for a kiss. And it wasn’t a polite peck—she went all in. Li Lekang was caught off guard by her boldness, even flirting back with a playful wink as the audience whooped and cheered.

The camera then swung to Malone, who applauded and laughed at the lens. “Who wouldn’t want to be a magician?”

Sandra was glowing, loving the attention. She was used to being ogled, but this was different. Now she’d be starring in a viral influencer’s video!

Daisy, on the other hand, was frustrated. They were supposed to compete fairly, both getting a turn, but Sandra’s assets had already stolen the show. How could she possibly outdo her?

At last, Li Lekang picked the next leading lady for the video—lovely Daisy. She stepped into the frame, showing off her model’s poise and long legs, folding her hands over her heart, her lake-blue eyes fixed on Li Lekang. “I’m so excited! I’m a huge fan!”

Daisy, with her background in theater, played her part to perfection. Her gaze seemed to sparkle with stars—the excitement of a young girl meeting her idol was almost enough to melt the camera lens.

Whereas Sandra was all sultry allure, Daisy radiated pure, singular devotion, as if her world had room for no one else. Even though Li Lekang knew she was a pre-arranged guest, he couldn’t help feeling a little flustered by her charm.

“So, what’s your name?”

“Daisy.” Her adoring gaze never left him.

“Okay, Daisy, let’s play a little game.”

“I’ll do anything you want.” Her soft, coy tone melted every man’s heart.

The men nearby felt a surge of protectiveness—such a darling girl was just meant for holding close and cherishing! Only Sandra was covered in goosebumps, thinking, She’s not like this at all! Don’t believe her, guys—when she gets mad, she can make me cry!