Hong Kong Film: Starting Undercover from the Five Tigers!

“However, I’m not here to praise you today,” Peter said, changing the subject. “I’m here to warn you.”

"A warning?" Liu Wenhao's heart tightened.

"Have you been having a lot of trouble lately?" Peter asked.

Liu Wenhao nodded. Today's events left a deep impression on him.

“This is just the beginning.” Peter’s expression turned serious. “You beat Tom and Jason, which has garnered a lot of attention in the international fighting world. Some people won’t let this go.”

"who?"

“Some large fighting organizations, and the financial groups behind them,” Peter said in a low voice, “don’t want to see an uncontrolled new star rise.”

Liu Wenhao felt a chill. He hadn't expected the world of combat sports to be so complex.

"Then what should I do?"

“Be careful,” Peter said, “especially with those seemingly tempting collaboration opportunities. There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

After saying this, Peter stood up to leave.

"Mr. Anderson, why are you telling me this?" Liu Wenhao asked.

“Because I think you’re a good kid,” Peter smiled. “And my son really wants to race you again someday. He’ll be very disappointed if something happens to you.”

After seeing Peter off, Liu Wenhao felt conflicted. He had originally thought that defeating a few opponents would prove him, but he hadn't expected there to be so many complicated relationships behind it all.

"Son, is what that foreigner said believable?" the mother asked worriedly.

“It should be true,” Attorney Zhang interjected. “This kind of thing happens in both the entertainment and sports industries. Some large companies will use various means to suppress independent athletes in order to monopolize the market.”

"What do we do now?" Mom was even more worried.

"We'll meet force with force, and we'll dam water with earth," Liu Wenhao said. "I haven't done anything wrong, so what's there to be afraid of?"

Despite saying that, Liu Wenhao was still a little uneasy.

On his way to school the next day, he noticed a car was following him.

At first, he thought they were reporters, but upon closer inspection, he realized something was amiss. Several burly men were sitting in the black sedan, and they didn't look like nice guys.

Liu Wenhao deliberately took several detours, but the car still followed him.

"It seems Peter was right," Liu Wenhao thought to himself. "Someone really is watching me."

When they arrived at the school, the car stopped at the gate for a while before leaving.

During class, Liu Wenhao was somewhat distracted. He was wondering what those people were up to.

After class, the class monitor came over and said, "Wenhao, are you alright? You seem to be in a bad mood."

"It's nothing, just some things I need to take care of," Liu Wenhao replied dismissively.

Chapter 1275: Exit!

"Oh, right, there's something I need to tell you," the class monitor said in a low voice. "A few people came to school this morning asking about you."

"Who is it?" Liu Wenhao became alert.

"I don't know him, but he doesn't look like a good person," the squad leader said. "The security guards have noticed him."

Liu Wenhao felt even more uneasy. Weren't these people's actions far too obvious?

After school, Liu Wenhao did not go directly to the martial arts school, but went to the police station first.

"Officer, I want to report a case," Liu Wenhao said to the police officer on duty.

"what's the situation?"

Liu Wenhao recounted in detail what had happened in the past two days, including being followed and having his whereabouts questioned.

"Do you have any evidence?" the police officer asked.

"There is no direct evidence, but I feel that these people have ill intentions."

The police recorded the situation, but stated that they could not take action without specific illegal behavior.

“However, you can apply for personal protection,” the police officer suggested. “If you really feel threatened, we will increase patrols.”

After leaving the police station, Liu Wenhao went directly to the Zhengwu Guild Hall.

“Master, I may be in trouble.” He told Mr. Ma about the situation.

After listening, Mr. Ma remained silent for a long time.

“Xiao Hao, it seems your fame has attracted the attention of some people,” said Mr. Ma. “I encountered a similar situation when I was young.”

"Master, what did you do when you were young?" Liu Wenhao couldn't help but ask.

Mr. Ma looked at him, seemingly considering whether to tell the truth.

“Never mind, I might as well tell you now.” Mr. Ma sat down. “I did participate in professional competitions when I was young, and I was quite well-known.”

"What then?"

"Later, I encountered a situation similar to yours." A trace of recollection flashed in Mr. Ma's eyes. "Some people didn't want me to continue competing and used various means to threaten me."

How did you handle it?

"I chose to withdraw," Mr. Ma said with a wry smile. "I devoted all my energy to teaching and stayed away from all the trouble."

Liu Wenhao was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected his master to have such an experience in his youth.

"Should I quit too?"

“It’s different.” Mr. Ma shook his head. “Back then, I was alone and had no worries. But now you represent not only yourself, but also the image of Chinese martial arts.”

These words put even more pressure on Liu Wenhao.

"And times have changed," Mr. Ma continued. "In the past, people could do whatever they wanted, but now there are laws to restrain them and media oversight."

"What does Master mean?"

"Do it the same way as before." A resolute glint flashed in Mr. Ma's eyes. "But be even more careful."

As they were talking, Master Chen rushed in.

"Senior brother, something terrible has happened!" Master Chen exclaimed anxiously, "Li Qiang has been taken away!"

"What?" Liu Wenhao exclaimed in surprise, "Who took it?"

“A few strangers, driving a black sedan,” Mr. Chen said, panting. “Li Qiang was stopped by them on his way home from school.”

Liu Wenhao's face instantly turned ashen. These people actually attacked a child!

"Did you call the police?" Mr. Ma asked.

"I've already reported it, but the police said they need to confirm if it's really a kidnapping first," Mr. Chen said anxiously. "These people are going too far!"

Chapter 1276: A Rhetorical Question!

Liu Wenhao clenched his fists. He hadn't expected these people to be so despicable, actually using Li Qiang to threaten him.

"Master, I'm going to find them!" Liu Wenhao stood up.

"Wait a minute," Mr. Ma stopped him. "We don't know their purpose yet, so we can't act rashly."

Just then, Liu Wenhao's phone rang.

"Is this Liu Wenhao?" A strange man's voice came from the phone.

"I am him, what do you want?" Liu Wenhao suppressed his anger.

"Don't be nervous, we just want to talk to you." The man's tone was calm. "The child is safe, as long as you cooperate."

"What do you want?"

“It’s simple, retire from the fighting world,” the man said. “Don’t participate in any competitions again, and don’t accept any challenges.”

"What if I don't agree?"

"Then this child may not see the sun tomorrow." The man's tone turned cold.

Upon hearing this, Liu Wenhao's anger completely erupted.

"If you dare to lay a finger on him, I'll make you pay the price!" Liu Wenhao gritted his teeth.

"Don't get so worked up," the man sneered. "You're just an eighteen-year-old kid, what kind of skills could you possibly have?"

"Try it!"

“Good, you’ve got guts,” the man said. “Then we’ll wait and see how you do. Remember, you have twenty-four hours to think it over.”

The phone call ended, and Liu Wenhao was trembling with anger.

"Xiao Hao, calm down." Mr. Ma patted him on the shoulder. "Anger won't solve anything."

"Master, they've kidnapped Li Qiang!" Liu Wenhao's voice trembled. "I can't let him get hurt because of me!"

“I understand how you feel, but the most important thing right now is to save lives,” Mr. Ma said. “We need to make a plan.”

Late at night, Liu Wenhao sat in his room, holding his cell phone, waiting for the next call.

The mother paced back and forth anxiously. "Son, why don't you just agree to their offer? Li Qiang is still a child; we can't let anything happen to him."

“Mom, I know you’re worried about Li Qiang,” Liu Wenhao said in a hoarse voice, “but if I back down now, even more people will be threatened in the future.”

Attorney Zhang was also at the scene. She contacted several friends and is trying to find Li Qiang's whereabouts.

“From a legal perspective, this already constitutes kidnapping,” Attorney Zhang said. “But the key is to find their location.”

Just then, Liu Wenhao's phone rang again.

"What's your decision?" It was that man's voice again.

“I can agree to your request,” Liu Wenhao said, “but I need to confirm Li Qiang’s safety first.”

“A smart choice,” the man smiled. “But just giving a verbal agreement isn’t enough; you need to take concrete action.”

"What action?"

"There will be a press conference tomorrow to interview you about your future plans," the man said. "You will publicly announce your retirement from the fighting world to focus on your studies."

"Okay, but I need to see Li Qiang first."

“That’s impossible.” The man refused. “Just do as we say, and we’ll release him once things are done.”

"What makes you think I'll believe you'll keep your word?" Liu Wenhao retorted.

There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, then Li Qiang's voice came through: "Brother Wenhao, don't worry about me! They just want to ruin you!"

The conversation was quickly interrupted as the man picked up the phone again: "Did you hear that? The kid has guts. I hope you're just as smart."

"I promise you," Liu Wenhao said through gritted teeth.

Chapter 1277: Profanity!

After hanging up the phone, the room fell silent.

"Son, are you really going to quit?" the mother asked.

"Let's agree to their demands for now and get Li Qiang out first," Liu Wenhao said. "Once Li Qiang is safe, we'll think of another way."

Attorney Zhang nodded: "That's a safer approach. First, keep the other party calm, and then look for an opportunity to retaliate."

The next day, Liu Wenhao accepted the interview as agreed.

"Liu Wenhao, I heard you have new plans for your future development?" the reporter asked.

Looking at the camera, Liu Wenhao was filled with mixed emotions. "Yes, after careful consideration, I have decided to retire from the world of combat sports and focus on completing my studies."

The news shocked the reporters at the scene.

Why was this decision made?

"I think academics are more important." Liu Wenhao forced a smile. "Fighting is just a hobby; it can't put food on the table."

"But you've just achieved great results, wouldn't it be a shame to quit now?"

"There's nothing to regret," Liu Wenhao shook his head. "Life offers many choices, and I chose the path that suits me better."

After the interview, Liu Wenhao felt empty inside. He never imagined he would say such a thing.