Chapter 041: Forming a Team

Even Li Lekang himself never imagined he would one day become entangled with a politician’s bill! Though anyone with a discerning eye could see it was nothing more than a publicity stunt, the timing was perfect! Suddenly, his reputation for predicting the future was tinged with an official aura, making it all the more talked about.

After this brilliant stroke of marketing, Li Lekang’s value soared in every respect; his appearance fee now matched those of top-tier celebrities, yet countless businesses still clamored to collaborate with him.

LAA revised their performance strategy—now more conservative in their approach—and it was certain that Li Lekang would embark on a national tour, demanding only the best in staging and scale wherever he performed.

When it came to his preferred team and assistants, the agency spared no expense. Americans, after all, are practical—no one provided him with a fleet of bodyguards when he was little-known. But now that he commanded such status, there would be no stinginess with resources. Otherwise, the world might think LAA lacked the means, and that their leading star couldn’t even have proper attendants.

Mike began making arrangements: cars, a personal driver, bodyguards, and most importantly, a new place to live. The apartment no longer suited Li Lekang’s current status—he didn’t want to come home to a pack of paparazzi lurking downstairs.

Lately, gossip magazines were desperate for photos or scoops about him, and the paparazzi had grown especially diligent. Perhaps after the initial frenzy subsided, things would improve.

So, a change of residence was necessary. Since these expenses fell under the agency’s obligations, Li Lekang felt no qualms about demanding full accommodations.

At the very least, a Cadillac for a company vehicle seemed in order—specifically, a full-size Escalade, imposing and authoritative, the standard for the FBI.

Then a driver, three or four bodyguards for daily life, errands, or events—to shield him from crowds and cameras—these were standard provisions.

And finally, a house. Apartments no longer sufficed; only a private, detached residence could guarantee his privacy. A yard for Mike the dog to play in, and a pool to escape the summer heat.

“The house should be on the hillside, with a view of all those flat-roofed homes in Los Angeles,” he requested.

“For heaven’s sake, my own house isn’t that nice!” Mike complained over the phone.

Li Lekang laughed, “Come on, I’m not asking you to buy it—just lease it. It won’t cost much. If it comes to it, I’ll pay half the rent, and the company can cover the rest—it’s their duty!”

“Alright, I’ll have someone look into it for you,” Mike relented. “You really do need a proper residence. Otherwise, if you bring that energy to work, it’ll affect us all.”

“Trust in my professionalism—even in a tiny apartment, I’d still give a passionate performance…”

After some banter, Mike asked if he had any other requests or if he needed the agency to recommend a manager. Li Lekang declined, “I’d rather choose someone I like myself. Let me look around first. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll come to you.”

“Fine, but don’t wait too long. You’ve got shows everywhere coming up and plenty to keep you busy. I don’t want to be your first point of contact,” Mike warned.

“Don’t worry, my friend, I swear you won’t be!” Li Lekang replied.

In truth, he did treat Mike like a personal assistant, but who could blame him? Newly arrived, Mike was the only person he knew—what else could he do?

Now, with Mike’s clear refusal, he needed to find someone reliable and capable.

He didn’t know many people in LA, but he did have someone in mind.

He scrolled through his contacts and called Judy.

“Hi Judy, how have you been? Care to grab a coffee?” He invited her to a café for a chat.

Though Judy had never served as a manager before, Li Lekang had seen her organizational skills firsthand—meticulous, insightful, personable—a fine steward in every way.

Work could always be learned over time. At this stage, a manager wasn’t absolutely essential; the agency still handled most matters. What he truly needed was someone to oversee the team.

The only uncertainty was whether she would be willing.

After a short wait, the elegant, capable Judy arrived. He stood to hug her warmly, cheek to cheek, before inviting her to sit.

Judy looked him up and down, now a man in the spotlight. “Congratulations, Lekang! You’ve realized your dream. I never imagined it would happen so quickly—even my neighbors are talking about you!”

He sipped his coffee and smiled, “Just as you believed in me from the start, you should trust your instincts.”

“It seems you were right,” Judy said, admiration and affection shining through.

After all, he had once accepted a gift from her, making her his godmother in the American sense.

She had every reason to be proud of his achievements.

He had promised to perform at her bar for free, but since she hadn’t brought it up, he asked about her work instead.

“It’s alright, the same as ever. You know how it is—bosses always demanding results, subordinates who need your careful attention. Stuck in the middle, you have to rely on your wits,” Judy replied.

Li Lekang, having spent time at Black Jack, knew something of the situation. As a boss and shareholder, she had to focus on visible profits. But as a manager, Judy took the long view, striving for ideals and offering others a chance to pursue theirs.

Neither side was wrong, but their perspectives clashed. No wonder Judy described her state as “not good, not bad”—it was clear she wasn’t entirely content.

So he got straight to the point. “Have you ever thought about switching to a new platform? Giving yourself another chance to shine? The team isn’t large yet, but it’s more free, and the potential for achievement is higher.”

Judy’s face lit with understanding and a smile. “You mean you, honey?”

He spoke with sincere conviction, “My career is expanding. I’m no longer going it alone—I’m building a team, drawing in all kinds of talent. They’ll be the foundation for my future, but I need someone to lead and coordinate them. Naturally, I thought of you.”

“Thank you for thinking of me!” Judy was visibly pleased. “But I’ve never worked in this field.”

“People are more adaptable than they think. Take me—when I was washing dishes, I never imagined I’d be a magician, dazzling on stage. But I stepped outside my comfort zone, and I did it.”

“Of course, that’s just the inspirational talk. For someone as experienced as you, it might not be enough to tempt you. So, the compensation will be better than what you have now, and the prospects are brighter. To be a little boastful, you’re looking at someone who could well be a future superstar.”

Judy fell silent, clearly tempted.

He pressed his advantage, “And this team also has a Lekang who loves you. How could I have anything but good intentions? Come on, join us!”

Judy lifted her coffee cup to her lips, then set it down again. At last, she nodded. “I have to admit, your offer is very attractive. Maybe the monotony of routine made me forget—this is Hollywood, where any miracle can happen. And there’s a boy here who loves me!”