Chinese entertainment industry has been booming since 2008.

Liu Xiaoli walked over with a plate of cut fruit, taking in her daughter's expression. She put down the fruit plate, sat down next to Liu Yifei, and sighed softly.

"Sissi, don't overthink it. The timing of 'The Forbidden Kingdom' was wrong, and there were also problems with its production. It's not your fault."

Then, Liu Xiaoli changed the subject, her tone becoming shrewd and pragmatic: "However, Zhang Yang has indeed made me look at him in a different light. Before, I only thought he was talented and lucky, but now it seems that he has a grand vision."

Liu Yifei looked up at her mother, somewhat puzzled as to why she suddenly praised Zhang Yang.

Liu Xiaoli lowered her voice, her eyes flashing with calculation: "Qianqian, look at him now, his momentum is unstoppable domestically, and he's also made a name for himself internationally. He's good-looking, and his abilities are beyond question. The key is that his path is exactly what the higher-ups like."

She paused, then looked at her daughter meaningfully: "Don't you have feelings for him? I think you could try getting to know him."

Liu Yifei immediately understood her mother's meaning. She was both amused and exasperated, even a little disgusted: "Mom, aren't you being too materialistic?"

Liu Xiaoli didn't take her daughter's complaints to heart. She patted her daughter's hand and said, "Qianqian, I've been through this before. Nothing in this world is static. If you and Zhang Yang... it will be very beneficial to you, both in your career and in your life. He's like a magnet now, attracting the best resources and opportunities."

Looking at her daughter's unmoved profile, she adopted a more earnest tone: "Mom isn't asking you to do anything, I'm just reminding you that in this industry, connections and relationships are more important than anything else. Zhang Yang is no longer just a simple actor; he's a symbol. Even if we don't talk about feelings, maintaining a good personal relationship will never do you any harm."

Liu Yifei remained silent, not refuting her mother's realistic analysis, but she held firm to her own beliefs. She admired Zhang Yang's achievements and longed for that kind of international recognition, but she did not want to obtain it by relying on anyone. She hoped to rely on her own work, like "My Love from the Star," and step out into the world with dignity.

However, her mother's words were like a seed planted in her heart, and memories of Zhang Yang's past surfaced in her mind, making her eyes even more complicated.

Envy, admiration, a hint of resentment, and the cold assessment of the other party's "usability" forced upon her by her mother... all these emotions mixed together, leaving Liu Yifei in a state of turmoil.

She knew that when she saw Zhang Yang again tomorrow, she probably wouldn't be able to treat him as calmly as before.

Ugh, this is so annoying.

...

During the subsequent filming, Zhang Yang noticed that Liu Yifei and Liu Xiaoli were looking at him strangely, which left Zhang Yang completely baffled.

Unable to figure it out, Zhang Yang simply stopped thinking about it. He did want to flirt with Liu Yifei, but unfortunately, Liu Xiaoli was watching from the set, and he really didn't dare to flirt with her daughter in front of her.

That afternoon, a slight commotion arose outside the film set.

Several black luxury cars silently pulled up to the side of the road. The doors opened, and surrounded by several assistants in black, a middle-aged man with a distinctive black-rimmed glasses and a sophisticated yet capable aura stepped out. He was none other than Yang Shoucheng, a bigwig in the Hong Kong entertainment industry and the owner of Yinghuang Group.

Assistant director Ko Ching-teng yelled "Cut!" and everyone took a break on set.

With a broad smile, Yang Shoucheng walked straight towards Zhang Yang, who had just snapped out of his role, and reached out his hand from afar.

"Zhang Sheng! I apologize for the intrusion; I hope it won't disturb your creative process?"

His tone was warm, as if he were meeting an old friend.

A hint of surprise flashed in Zhang Yang's eyes, but he quickly regained his composure and gave him a light handshake: "Mr. Yang, it is an honor to have you here. However, my venue is rather simple, and I am afraid that I may not be able to provide adequate hospitality."

After exchanging pleasantries, the two sat down under a makeshift rest shed.

After his assistant Sun Yu served tea, Yang Shoucheng got straight to the point: "Mr. Zhang, I won't beat around the bush. You must have already read the script for 'The Myth' that I sent you before. Yinghuang has high hopes for this drama. Both the production scale and the publicity resources are top-notch."

He leaned forward slightly and lowered his voice: "I think you are the only one who can play the male lead, Yi Xiaochuan. Only your temperament can support this legend that spans thousands of years. I believe that the drama 'The Myth' can elevate your status in the film and television industry to a higher level."

To be honest, given Yang Shoucheng's status, the reason he came here in person today is naturally because he saw the huge profits and buzz that Zhang Yang brought from the reverse marketing of "My Love from the Star." He desperately hopes to use Zhang Yang's influence to make the TV series "The Myth," in which Yinghuang is involved, a hit in the domestic entertainment industry, and to establish a solid relationship with Zhang Yang, this newly emerging capital investor.

Zhang Yang did not respond. Seeing this, Yang Shoucheng knew that simply offering empty promises was not enough, so he threw out another bargaining chip.

"Zhang Sheng!"

He lowered his voice even further, with a hint of sincerity in it: "Besides cooperation, I also came here this time to make friends with you. There's something I think I should remind you of."

He raised his eyes, his gaze sharpening: "That rotten apple, Fatty Li, has been making a lot of moves lately. This guy will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. You... be careful."

This seemingly well-intentioned reminder actually killed two birds with one stone. It both did Zhang Yang a favor, implying that Yinghuang had well-connected information channels and could provide protection; and it also more blatantly showed that he was aware of the trouble Zhang Yang was currently facing, and that Yinghuang might be able to become his ally.

Zhang Yang listened quietly, his face still bearing a calm smile. He put down his water glass and looked at Yang Shoucheng with sincere eyes: "President Yang, thank you very much for your kindness and personal invitation. 'The Myth' is indeed a rare and excellent project, and I have always admired Yinghuang's production capabilities."

He first gave full affirmation, then changed the subject slightly, his tone carrying just the right amount of regret, "However, unfortunately, after I finish filming my scenes for 'You Are the Apple of My Eye,' I will be seamlessly entering another film crew, and there is indeed no way to coordinate the schedule. I can only apologize for your kindness."

He politely declined, citing concrete and pre-arranged follow-up work, giving the other party ample face while adhering to his own pace.

"As for Fatty Li's side."

Zhang Yang's lips curled into a faint yet confident smile: "Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Yang. They're just some clowns; they can't cause any trouble."

These words not only rejected Yang Shoucheng's attempt to use this opportunity to get closer to him, but also clearly conveyed the message that Zhang Yang had his own way of dealing with things and did not need to rely on others.

Yang Shoucheng was no ordinary person; he immediately understood Zhang Yang's implied meaning. A hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes, but the smile on his face remained unchanged.

"Haha, I understand, I understand. Zhang Sheng, you're in high demand right now, your schedule is packed."

After saying that, Yang Shoucheng stood up and said, "Then I won't force you this time. I hope we can have the opportunity to cooperate on other projects in the future."