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

Not wanting to delay Zhang Yu's social engagements, Li Xiang chatted with her for a few minutes before letting her go about her business.

He wandered around like an outsider, experiencing the undeniable luxury of the party.

To put it bluntly, most of the people here are people he knows, but who don't know him.

For example, he had no interest in even going up to talk to that so-called "country pop star" in the distance; they were simply not on the same page.

Just as he was wandering aimlessly like a street urchin, someone suddenly bumped into his shoulder. He turned around and saw that it was Grace Coddington.

"So it was you." Li Xiang breathed a huge sigh of relief, finally seeing a familiar face.

This creative director of Vogue, the head of the visual arts, and the second most powerful person after Anna,

She was also the person he had interacted with the most these past few days, besides Anna.

Moreover, this person clearly liked him quite a bit, always showing a kind of elder's affection for a younger person.

Grace Coddington, noticing him looking around, chuckled and asked, "What are you doing loitering around here, kid?"

"Finally, I've seen you, Grace," Li Xiang said, half-jokingly.

"Otherwise, I would be completely clueless here, not knowing many people. Honestly, you are my savior tonight."

Grace was amused by this: "It's better if we don't know each other. It's a good opportunity to expand our network. This is a great opportunity in the fashion industry."

"But I already have you and Anna," Li Xiang said sincerely. "The two of you are my biggest connections; who else can compare?"

"Heh, but I just saw that the person from LVMH chatted with you for a while?"

"Um... Let's not talk about her anymore, even I find it a bit inexplicable."

"Looks like your information network is pretty good. Anna's been really disliking that guy lately." Grace raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"We're artists, they're purely in the business of making money. We can't really connect. Besides, Dior wouldn't choose me as their spokesperson."

"A spokesperson? You really dare to dream—you'll have to climb several more steps in fame first. Alright, stop looking so down, come with me..."

"Let me introduce you to some people who are truly worth befriending." With that, she led Li Xiang deeper into the crowd.

In fact, the conversation between the two had already attracted the attention of nearly half of the audience, but Li Xiang was busy "acting cute" with Grace and didn't notice at all.

In the following period, by following Grace, a prominent figure, Li Xiang finally managed to build a significant network of connections among the top figures in the fashion industry.

It includes core executives from Condé Nast and the leading lady from "Sex and the City," who is already a highly influential figure in the fashion world.

It includes Marc Jacobs, the artistic director of Louis Vuitton, and Sarah Burton, the current creative director of Alexander McQueen.

And then there's Tom Ford, who exudes a natural sex appeal...

Throughout the entire event, not a single supermodel was introduced. The only person who could be considered a "star" was Anna's best friend, who already held a prominent position in the fashion industry.

That way, at the Met Gala a few days later, he won't end up looking like a mediocre "street hustler" like he did tonight.

At least I can chat with a few familiar people for a bit, so I won't feel too awkward.

☀

The next day, Li Xiang, dressed in his Chanel houndstooth outfit, arrived at Chanel's headquarters near Madison Avenue with Sister Zhou at the agreed time.

Carl had clearly arrived earlier, especially when he saw Li Xiang's relaxed and casual attire.

Her eyes lit up, and she quickly stepped forward, unexpectedly giving him a big hug.

"Li, I've always known that Chanel women's wear can be interpreted in different ways, but your outfit today has really given me a lot of new inspiration."

Carl laughed and said, "I must have my photographer take some pictures later, so I can capture this inspiration."

Li Xiang raised an eyebrow: "Are you praising yourself? After all, the buttons and houndstooth pattern on this dress are all your design efforts."

I just added a little something extra to make it look a bit more unique.

"Haha, consider this a compliment to myself." Karl laughed heartily, stepping aside to gesture, "Come on in."

Next, Karl took Li Xiang on a tour of the entire flagship store and to the upstairs collection room, where classic designs from previous years were displayed.

Then, he gestured for Li Xiang to sit down on the sofa opposite him, his expression changing from casual to serious.

"I know what Anna is thinking, and I understand what you're thinking, kid," Karl said slowly.

"Your outfit today certainly gave me a lot of inspiration, but that's not enough."

You need to understand, this is Chanel—even among all brands globally, it's a top-tier brand.

He paused, his gaze falling on Li Xiang: "I know you're very popular in China, and the magazines you shoot are very influential, but that's not enough."

I need you to come up with something more conclusive, otherwise... you can only endorse menswear and fragrance/skincare lines.

"Phew! Your words startled me." Li Xiang breathed a sigh of relief and said with a smile.

"I thought Chanel was going to just say goodbye to me. Looks like I have a competitor now?"

"Indeed." Karl didn't hide anything and nodded.

"She's also from your country, and much more famous than you. I heard she's won several Best Actress awards. Her name is Zhou Xun, you should know her, right?"

"I know, she's one of our country's top actresses," Li Xiang said frankly.

But Karl's eyes flickered slightly—

He realized that Li Xiang referred to the other person as an "actress" rather than a "female star," which carried a different meaning.

"You have many advantages over her," Karl said slowly.

"For example, you have Anna and Vogue as your backing, and you entered the European and American fashion scene earlier than her." He pointed to the New York landmarks outside the window.

"But this time we're choosing an Ambassador from the China region. Your strengths are just bonuses, not the deciding factor."

"I understand," Li Xiang replied. "Ultimately, the brand ambassador for the China region needs to demonstrate their influence in China."

"That's exactly what I mean." Karl nodded.

"Personally, I prefer you, but the group's senior management has a very good impression of Zhou Xun because of her past performance in working with them."

Furthermore, the higher-ups always have some concerns about choosing a man to be Chanel's ambassador, and you need to be aware of that.

"Then, my dear Karl, can you tell me how I can overcome my dear compatriot?"

Is it really not acceptable to even be featured in the American edition of Vogue?

Karl laughed upon hearing this, "Appearing in the May issue of American Vogue is a solid asset, without a doubt—"

But don't forget, the number of times Zhou Xun has appeared on the cover of Vogue China and other major women's magazines could easily be compiled into a collection.

Moreover, in the eyes of many viewers, national popularity is sometimes more tangible than overseas media coverage.

"Of course, my dear Lee, even if this is the final outcome, you will still get the Chanel title, but you will have to be subordinate to her."

Carl looked at him, his tone calm yet penetrating.

"But I see in your eyes, in your actions, and even in what you're wearing today that I see an ambition that refuses to bow down."

Then I need to come up with something that will impress me and Chanel alike. Like, the Met Gala in a few days.