Chapter 004: Strength Creates Opportunity

The audience’s enthusiasm was exactly as Li Lekang had expected.

The non-magical crowd was utterly entranced by his performance. Perhaps they had seen similar acts before, whether on television or at other magic shows, but never anything like this—never so spontaneous, so unbridled, so imaginative!

Even when the audience threw him a curveball mid-performance, as when Mike suddenly offered all his cash for the trick, a challenge that would have stumped most magicians and left the stage awkwardly silent, Li Lekang didn’t flinch. Instead, he embraced the challenge, won the crowd’s thunderous applause, and, in the end, magically returned the money to Mike’s wallet, earning a standing ovation.

Basking in the applause and the spotlight, Li Lekang retreated to the stage, bowing to the audience. “I’m so glad my performance won your applause and cheers. For a dream-chasing youth from a small town, this is the greatest encouragement. Thank you all!”

As the applause grew even louder, he bowed again, waved, and withdrew backstage.

In the dressing room, Judy soon appeared. “You were brilliant, kid! You have no idea how much pressure you’ve put on the acts that follow!”

“That was the best magic I’ve ever seen!” Judy didn’t spare her praise. Her seasoned face radiated joy and appreciation, while her mind was busy calculating how to make the most of their future partnership.

After all, she had seen firsthand the excitement Li Lekang could bring. If their bar could host magic shows like this regularly, its popularity would soar, setting it apart from the competition.

Now was the time to build rapport. She began to chat with him, asking about his plans and offering advice when she learned he wanted to pursue entertainment. “In Hollywood, you can find dreamers on every corner, but not everyone gets a chance. You need the right platform, and a better chance to meet the right people…”

Li Lekang caught her drift. Black Jack Bar had a prime location, a high-quality clientele, and was often visited by celebrities and famous names—he couldn’t go wrong here.

With everything laid out, Li Lekang was happy to discuss business. “I’m grateful for the opportunity, Judy. So, if the pay is right, I’d be glad to stay.”

Judy smiled. “I recognized your talent early on, and I’m thrilled you’ve shown it so soon. I can offer you a thousand dollars per show—that’s what established magicians get. I won’t shortchange you, and I hope you make a name for yourself soon.”

Getting that kind of pay before even becoming famous seemed generous, but after his last show, Li Lekang had checked standard rates and knew Judy was still keeping something for herself.

But business is business, not charity, and she had looked after him from the start. So, without haggling, he simply reached out his hand.

“Here’s to a great partnership!”

“May you become a superstar who launches from our stage!” Li Lekang grinned, and Judy patted his arm, still smiling. “Get some rest. If you’re hungry, there are staff snacks—don’t be shy.”

“Thank you.”

Li Lekang changed clothes, packed his props into his backpack, and was about to leave when Judy hurried over. “I just spoke with Mike Dool. We talked about you. I told him you’re a gifted, hardworking magician, and I want to find you more opportunities. Now he wants to meet you.”

“Mike Dool?”

“The man whose cash you vanished earlier. He’s a show producer and talent agent. His friend is Jeff Ruff, who produces America’s Got Talent. Build a good relationship with him and your opportunities will multiply!”

“Oh?” Li Lekang understood now—this really was someone with connections.

Of course, he had to go.

Li Lekang came out from backstage and found Mike’s table. Though he’d changed clothes, the people around recognized him. Several raised their glasses to him.

“To the great magician, cheers!”

“Thank you!” Li Lekang replied with a smile, waving.

Mike Dool, a stylish white man in his early thirties with a strong cologne, looked every bit the agent or talent manager.

He was open in his admiration. “Your magic is incredible, and you’re a natural performer. You belong on bigger stages, not confined to small venues like this.”

Li Lekang replied humbly, “I want to perform on grand stages, but the opportunity hasn’t come yet.”

Mike got straight to the point. “The new season of America’s Got Talent is about to start auditions. The grand prize has reached a record ten million dollars this year. With the show’s ambition, there’s no reason you shouldn’t show off your talent.”

Li Lekang knew of the show—it was a major platform for rising stars. He was grateful. “Thank you for the suggestion, Mr. Dool.”

“You can call me Mike, like everyone in the industry does.” Mike smiled, then continued, “I can arrange for you to attend the auditions. If you advance, I’d be happy to sign you as a client, invest more resources in you, get you more gigs, send you to Las Vegas, put you on Broadway in New York, and make you a superstar.”

It was all just promises for now, but Li Lekang was one magician who could actually make dreams into reality.

With his talent, no other magician could compare. If given even the smallest opportunity, he could blaze a path to the top.

So he replied eagerly, “Thank you, Mike. I won’t let this chance go to waste!”

Mike raised his beer. “Here’s to you dazzling the world!”

Li Lekang clinked glasses with him. “Cheers!”

…

After a lively conversation, Li Lekang finally took his leave.

A little display of his skill, and opportunities and rewards came flooding in! Life really shouldn’t be lived too cautiously—when the moment comes, you have to seize it!

That night, he returned home with a thousand-dollar check. One thing he still couldn’t get used to in America was the absurdly high fees for card payments and transfers. That’s why checks, relics of the last century, were still so common—even for buying houses, cars, or other big purchases.

Lying in bed, looking at all those zeros, he felt a strong sense of accomplishment.

Performing two or three times a week—wouldn’t that mean more than ten thousand a month, putting him comfortably in the middle class?

But—was that all he aspired to?

He teased himself. Compared to his dishwashing days just a month ago, he truly was tasting the sweetness after hardship. To become famous, to make real money, he knew he’d have to take it step by step.

At least things were off to a smooth start. The next morning, when he woke, the dormant Scroll Spirit brought even better news—it could now operate at full capacity!