Reborn in the Entertainment Industry: This Top Star Has Real Achievements

After pondering for a long time, Li Xiang gradually formed a vague guess in his mind.

Considering the later separation of the two Zhangs, perhaps Zhang Yimou had already begun to consider finding a new partner at this stage.

Huace's current momentum is indeed extraordinary—not only has its market value rapidly surged to over nine billion yuan after its listing, but more importantly, it demonstrates respect for creative work.

Take himself as an example; the company not only heeded Zhang Yimou's advice "don't touch TV dramas first,"

The resource allocation was swift and efficient, from revising contracts to giving away houses; their actions were quick and precise.

Not to mention they've partnered with the Beijing Film Academy, clearly indicating their intention to delve deeper into the realm of film and television creation.

It's unlikely that Zhang Yimou wouldn't have some ideas about such a company.

Li Xiang even sensed some interest in his own uncle, Wang, but since Wang didn't have any notable works yet, they couldn't discuss it further for the time being.

After thinking it over, he realized he truly admired Zhao Fang.

This plan was likely laid out from the very beginning, and every step was executed with extreme precision:

They used respect and resources to keep him in check, then used him to build a bridge with Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige. They even deliberately chose to give him a house near Zhang Yimou's house.

Seeing each other every day, this sense of "being close at hand" is far more impactful than empty promises of cooperation.

"Brilliant, absolutely brilliant," Li Xiang thought to himself.

This isn't about promoting an artist; it's about using him as a thread to weave an even bigger net.

He himself is both the core of the network and the key to connecting the dots.

However, this matter cannot be rushed, and Zhao Fang clearly understands the principle of "things will fall into place when the time is right".

Li Xiang shook his head, suppressing these thoughts—

Right now, the most important things are the Met Gala and the films I have on hand; as for the rest, time will tell.

In the days that followed, Li Xiang devoted all his energy to two things:

Firstly, it's to work with Guo Pei to refine the Met Gala dress design; secondly, it's to solidify his current position in the fashion world.

The buzz surrounding the March issue of Vogue continues to grow, and he has been taking advantage of this momentum to frequently meet with several emerging designers.

Unlike most celebrities in the industry who focus on brand resources, Li Xiang was determined from the beginning to take the "designer route"—

In his view, becoming friends with designers and building deep trust is more reassuring and dignified than simply pursuing brand titles.

Moreover, he was indeed insightful, always able to offer precise advice based on his memories from his previous life.

Over time, people in the design circle came to know that Li Xiang was not only willing to give opportunities, but also truly knowledgeable and a complete ally.

He didn't take the offers from the brands seriously.

After all, his first commercial endorsement ended with both a good and a bad outcome.

These experiences also made him and Huace realize that instead of rushing to associate themselves with brands, they should first calm down and hone their own skills.

He now believes in the saying, "If you blossom, the breeze will come."

Instead of getting bogged down in titles during business negotiations, focus your energy on your work and understanding of fashion.

If his movies are decent, his red carpet looks have their own style, and he has a solid network of designer resources, why would he have to worry about not finding suitable brands to approach him?

Even now, despite Zhao Fang rejecting numerous offers, brands are still extending olive branches through various channels, all with remarkably humble attitudes...

However, they all knew that these brands were interested in more than just his current popularity.

Those with good connections should already have the Met Gala invite list, and know even more clearly that Li Xiang was personally invited by Anna Wintour.

For them, entering the Chinese market requires the influence of local stars, but if they can also partner with an internationally rising artist,

This would undoubtedly be the icing on the cake, and would also garner more global attention.

So even though Huace didn't respond at all, only saying that Li Xiang was focused on preparing for the upcoming trip, their private actions didn't decrease.

Meanwhile, Li Xiang and Guo Pei's discussion was also getting into the swing of things.

Regarding the theme "Alexander McQueen: Wild Beauty," the two ultimately settled on the main tone of the design:

Extracting the flamboyance and wildness of McQueen's designs, and then deeply integrating the essence of Chinese style, while abandoning clichéd elements such as dragons, phoenixes, and blue and white porcelain.

Selecting more spirited and wild dark green and black, the theme is wolves among the wild beasts of the mountains and forests, with cloud patterns and animal faces, traditional kesi (silk tapestry), and dark jacquard patterns.

By blending the untamed spirit of Eastern knights, the ferocity of wild beasts in the mountains and forests, and the elegance of classical Chinese style, we create haute couture gowns that combine domineering presence with refined character.

In layman's terms, foreigners have definitely never seen this before...

"No need to prepare an inner layer. Just find me a 10-centimeter-wide piece of black silk and wrap it around my waist."

He then pointed to the design draft, "The waist and above are completely bare, and the only decoration is earrings, but they must be sparkly enough, reflecting light like the claws of a wild beast."

Seeing the excitement in his eyes, Guo Pei smiled and nodded, "Okay, we'll do it your way. Once these clothes are finished, I guarantee the foreign media won't be able to take their eyes off them."

With May approaching, Zhang Yu, having fully capitalized on the benefits of the March issue, devoted all her energy to her trip to the Met Gala.

That day, she made a special trip to Rose Garden to see in advance whether Li Xiang's "battle robe" could really achieve a stunning effect.

Li Xiang didn't keep her waiting long. When she came out of the fitting room after changing her clothes, Zhang Yu, who had been leisurely sitting on the sofa, suddenly stood up.

She instinctively covered her mouth, exclaiming, "Oh my god! Perfect! Perfect! Perfect!"

Li Xiang still sported his neat short hair, and the suit he and Guo Pei had worn, a testament to their hard work, quietly draped over his body.

Yet it exudes a formidable aura, like two wolves poised to pounce—the inspiration for this "double wolf" design came from a fierce intellectual clash between him and Guo Pei.

"Graphic design alone isn't impactful enough; it needs the power of 3D. Can we incorporate that tension?"

The two hit it off immediately and spent a lot of money to invite dozens of master craftsmen to recreate a real wolf head one-to-one.

"Look at the curve of that shoulder line," Zhang Yu stepped forward, her fingertips almost touching the dark green wolf's head before she pulled back.

"It pays homage to McQueen's sharp, angular style while also embodying the uprightness of a Chinese chivalrous hero."

She circled Li Xiang halfway around, her gaze falling on the dark patterns on his right arm that resembled a wolf's tail, and exclaimed again, "This is just too beautiful!"

"As Professor Guo said, we need to let foreigners see the wildness of the East at first glance, and only upon closer inspection can they appreciate its ingenuity..."

"More than that." Zhang Yu's eyes gleamed. "Just standing on the Met Gala red carpet in this dress, she'd tell a story without even saying a word—"

Moreover, our wildness is something those barbarians can never easily understand, let alone the spirit hidden within our skills.

She even picked up her phone, hovered her fingertip over the shutter button for a moment, then shook her head and put the phone back in her pocket.

"Such a good design must not be revealed at all now."

Her tone was firm and serious: "We have to save it for the Met Gala, to give everyone a surprise."

As she spoke, she looked at Li Xiang and Guo Pei: "You two should leave with me a week earlier and go to New York."

Anna needs to see this dress in person first; with her discerning eye, she'll surely appreciate the clever design.

"She cherishes talent the most, especially newcomers with ideas."

"If you see this design and witness Li Xiang's drive, the doors of the fashion world will likely be wide open for you from now on."

"Besides, this look will be considered a classic even in half a century, let alone ten or twenty years."

Zhang Yu wasn't exaggerating; she'd seen far too many so-called "highlight moments."

But few designs can blend "wildness" and "elegance," "Oriental" and "international" so breathtakingly as this one.

"Going to New York a week early, is that alright?" She looked at the two of them.

Li Xiang nodded naturally: "I'll follow your arrangements."

Guo Pei did not hesitate at all.

At this time, although she was already a top designer in China, her international reputation was still far from sufficient.

This opportunity to follow Li Xiang into the inner circle of the Met Gala and have my design seen by Anna Wintour is a perfect chance to break down barriers.

"Thank you for your trouble, Editor-in-Chief Zhang. I'm ready to go at any time."

Zhang Yu smiled with satisfaction: "Then it's settled. Go back and prepare well; we'll be busy when we get to New York in a few days."