Chapter 085: The Path of a Superstar

For audiences in China, the news that Li Lekang is planning to perform there is nothing short of a delight! Thanks to relentless media coverage, he has been portrayed as nothing less than a legend. Especially among self-media marketing accounts, reports about Li Lekang come adorned with such titles as “the person most suspected of possessing sorcery,” “the magician whose tricks remain uncracked to this day,” and similar accolades.

Li Lekang has seized an enviable advantage: in the eyes of netizens, he is an enigmatic magician, whose feats have yet to be deciphered by anyone. Even Wikipedia speculates about his possible supernatural abilities.

His foundation for audiences in China is solid, but his schedule is packed. He has performance contracts in Las Vegas, television stations eager to collaborate, media clamoring for interviews, and he must also assist Stirling with his own mystique.

With all these threads tangled, he went to the company to discuss matters with Judy.

Judy, in fact, had already devised a plan. “If you don’t want to perform frequently, you could pursue another route—much like a pop star’s world tour, holding one or two shows a month.”

“So long as the quality of your performances remains high—which I believe will be effortless for you—you could also cooperate with television stations or Netflix, maintaining excellent income.”

For instance, collaborating with NBC on a magic reality show or a serialized magic drama? Much like the popularity of “Keeping Up with the Kardashians,” with his exceptional skill, ratings are guaranteed.

America’s Got Talent is the best proof: Li Lekang became the centerpiece of the finals, and NBC has contacted Judy more than once to discuss launching a new program.

Li Lekang had no objection to monetizing through television shows. After all, it serves to broaden his fame.

Compared to other industries—singers or film stars—the scope for magicians is rather narrow; stage performances remain the chief source of income, yet Li Lekang wished to avoid constant shows.

Thus, Judy offered him an alternative: instead of rushing from stage to stage, film television programs. Make the spectacle grand to boost the show’s popularity, releasing a season each year, comprising eight to ten episodes.

This aligns perfectly with Li Lekang’s vision for large-scale performances. He need not shuttle from stage to stage, and can still ensure popularity, ratings, and—crucially—the thickness of his wallet.

If the series catches fire, then come endorsements, product placements, spin-off merchandise… and not just in the American market!

Magic’s universal appeal, coupled with minimal language barriers, means the show can be sold to other countries—China, for instance, where he’s equally popular. Partnering with media giants there, would money ever be an issue?

With such talent, why stick to the traditional route, performing two hundred times a year in grueling fashion?

After hearing Judy’s thorough plan, Li Lekang praised, “This idea fits perfectly with the lifestyle I want. Once again, it proves how lucky I am to have met you!”

Judy laughed, too. “If you’re going to perform in China, visas and media procedures will take several months to prepare. In the meantime, have you considered heading to New York?”

China’s requirements for foreign performers are strict, so while he applies, Li Lekang can make his mark in New York.

He had already staged major performances in Los Angeles and Las Vegas, drawing audiences from surrounding states and even Europe.

Since his goal is a world tour, he must visit every major city. New York, the world’s greatest metropolis—how could he not conquer it? It would feel like entering a competition and not winning the championship!

As for what kind of content and form he needs, he is considering presenting another world-shaking magic act—just as he once predicted the lottery in Los Angeles, now a signature segment of his repertoire.

A grand show in New York is essential. Judy immediately began planning—choosing the venue, assembling props, identifying collaborators, securing advertisers.

These are the details a strong-minded woman must consider. By the time Li Lekang poured a second cup of coffee, another matter came to mind. “Do you have any ideas for Chloe’s birthday?”

“Oh! I almost forgot!” She looked up suddenly, grabbed her phone, and checked it. “She’s about to finish school and I still need to pick her up, take her shopping for clothes!”

“You’ll hardly make it in time,” Li Lekang observed, seeing all she had to juggle. “Let me do it. I’ll plan her birthday as promised.”

“Are you sure?” Judy hesitated briefly.

“No need to be formal with me.” Li Lekang smiled as he stood. “You focus on your talents; I’ll take care of Chloe.”

“Thank you!” For a single mother balancing career and family, Li Lekang’s offer lightened her burdens instantly, and a relieved smile appeared on her face.

“Who else loves her as much as I do?” Li Lekang put on his coat, hugged her, and said, “I’ll make dinner reservations. You’re not allowed to be busy then, understood?”

Judy nodded with a smile. “I’ll make sure!”

“See you tonight!”

Li Lekang grabbed his car keys and left. The Ferrari downstairs roared and gradually faded into the distance.

He followed the navigation to Chloe’s high school.

He arrived just in time for dismissal. Groups of teenagers laughed and chatted; bright yellow school buses were loading passengers, and some students drove their own cars.

Li Lekang parked by the roadside and called Chloe. “Hey honey, mission accomplished? I’m picking you up today!”

Chloe’s clear voice came through the receiver. “I’m about to come out—where are you?”

Li Lekang looked around for a landmark. “I’m at the spot where everyone’s attention is focused.”

The crowd became his best indicator.

No surprise—the supercar’s allure for young men is irresistible.

The handsome convertible Ferrari parked by the road was impossible to miss.

Wearing sunglasses, Li Lekang glanced at the boys clustered around his car and called out, “Want to hear the engine, kids?”

“Yeah!” The young guys cheered.

Li Lekang revved the engine a few times, prompting exclamations: “Awesome! So cool!”

They hurried to tell their friends: “This Asian guy is seriously loaded!”

The noise drew Chloe, who emerged from the school with several girlfriends—all dressed in plaid skirts and blazers, chattering happily.

This was a prestigious private high school. In America, school districts matter; wealthy families send their children to elite private schools for a superior education.

Ordinary families can only send their kids to public schools, where happy-go-lucky education prevails and many never make it to college—tuition is so expensive it can drain a middle-class household.

Comparing systems, it’s clear how robust China’s support for higher education truly is. Li Lekang himself was once a dropout, unable to afford tuition, but now it hardly matters!

With money, he could sponsor himself to return. Or, if he’s famous enough, universities would gladly invite him as a role model—perhaps even grant him an honorary doctorate!

Li Lekang waved to Chloe. “Over here!”

Chloe waved back instantly, her gaze landing on the car and then on the star himself. She ran over, saying, “I never thought you’d pick me up!”

“This is youth time!” Li Lekang reached over to open the car door. “Hop in!—Are those your friends?”

“Hi!” The high school girls greeted him.

Chloe tossed her bag onto the passenger seat and proudly introduced him. “He’s my brother!”

“He’s the magician?”

“Oh my god, that’s Lekang Li!!”

They exclaimed in surprise and excitement.

Clearly, Chloe had boasted about him to her friends.

Who doesn’t have a bit of vanity?

As soon as the girls called out his name, it caused a stir—everyone nearby turned their gaze, and upon realizing it was Li Lekang, even more shrieks erupted!

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