Even Zhang Yimou was taken aback when he heard the words "Huace".

In this era, Huace has always been known as a "major player in TV dramas" in the industry, holding the production rights to many popular dramas and firmly in the first tier.

Logically speaking, such a company should have been one of Li Xiang's suitable choices.

But he never thought about it from beginning to end, not for any other reason than that Huace never touches artist management.

They focus solely on production and distribution; the company doesn't have a single signed artist and has never been involved in that area.

Since Old Wang has brought it up, he must have received some inside information.

Thinking of this, Zhang Yimou nodded, a thoughtful expression on his face: "Of course I know. Huace is a big company in the industry. You mean they're interested in signing Li Xiang?"

Uncle Wang chuckled on the other end of the phone, "That's right. They contacted me first, saying they're very optimistic about Li Xiang's future in the film and television industry and think the kid has great potential..."

I want to finalize the contract before the movie's release.

"As for why they suddenly changed their approach and wanted to sign people, I've found out."

Their company is preparing for an IPO, planning to list in October, and it's basically a done deal.

In other words, after October, they will become the second film and television company listed on the A-share market after Huayi Brothers, and the first listed company specializing in domestic TV dramas.

"As you all know, listed companies and unlisted companies are completely different things."

Once listed, you need to tell a good story to the capital market and expand your business in order to increase your market value.

Entering the artist management field at this critical juncture is perfectly logical.

That's why they wanted to sign Li Xiang, this "Zhang Yimou's leading man," and ride that wave to officially enter the talent agency business.

"Moreover, after they go public, in order to increase their valuation, they certainly can no longer rely solely on TV dramas. They will also need to participate in or even take the lead in film production."

At that time, Li Xiang, as one of the company's initial artists, might even be their only prospective artist, so they'll definitely receive a lot of resources.

"Most importantly, their company has always focused on production and scripts, rather than relying on hype to grab attention. They are more down-to-earth in their work."

Li Xiang was just looking for a reliable place to go, so this was like a godsend for him...

Upon hearing this, Li Xiang's eyes were filled with surprise and delight.

After all, even if he was ignorant, he had heard of Huace Film and Television, but he never expected that they would take a liking to him.

Zhang Yimou noticed the commotion and turned around, his eyes questioning, "What do you think? How much do you know about Huace?"

Li Xiang knows this very well. Putting aside other works, he knows works such as "Peach Blossom," "Youth," "Dearest," and "The Age of Awakening."

Even by 2026, Huace will still be able to compete with Noon Sun, and in terms of overseas influence, it may even surpass Noon Sun, making it the absolute leader.

Looking back at those former giants, such as Huayi and Orange Sky, they have long since disappeared.

But before he could even speak, Uncle Wang interrupted on the other end of the phone: "Make this kid listen to me and sign Hua Hua's book!"

Sign a few years' contract first, then once you've established yourself, set up your own studio and continue to be affiliated with them. You know, their boss is a truly capable person.

Zhang Yimou also turned to look at Li Xiang, his tone acknowledging: "Your Uncle Wang is right. Although this President Zhao may not be all-powerful, he is indeed quite capable."

Once you join their company, getting resources from satellite TV or CCTV will be much easier than for other companies.

Moreover, this person has a very good reputation, and there have never been any scandalous rumors about them in the industry. All things considered, Huace really is your best choice right now.

These words were Zhang Yimou's sincere thoughts; even he himself had some reservations when he said them.

As mentioned earlier, Huace will definitely expand its business after its listing, and it will inevitably have to invest heavily in the film sector.

By then, Huace will have both money and manpower, which will be much more favorable than his current struggles with New Pictures.

As for Li Xiang, he had already agreed when Uncle Wang mentioned that Hua Ce had contacted him, okay?

He wasn't too worried about film resources, after all, he debuted as a movie star, and most of his peers with more experience were older than him, and the rest hadn't made a name for themselves yet.

He has a unique advantage; if he really wants to get a role, he can always find a way.

His biggest worry was television dramas, since most hit dramas are produced internally by each company, and if he signed with another company, it would be extremely difficult to get roles in their productions.

Now that's great! If we can directly sign with Huace, this "hit-making machine," then all those top-rated dramas will be at his disposal.

The thought of working on both movies and television in the future, with resources piling up like a mountain, made Li Xiang's heart skip a beat.

If things go smoothly on this path, he doesn't even dare to imagine how thick his bloodline will be in the future.

"Yes, that's what I think too. And although Huace is a big company, they took the initiative to approach us, so there's plenty of room to discuss the contract details later."

Besides, their family has a strong financial foundation. If they really build a management team, their future resources will definitely be excellent. As long as it's managed well, this kid will have a wide range of acting opportunities in the future.

"Most importantly, if the film 'Under the Hawthorn Tree' becomes a hit, he will be able to immediately establish himself in the new company, and the level of importance he receives will definitely be different."

Even if new people are hired, they'll still be at the back of the queue. So don't rush, kid. Take a few days off. I'll put in a good word for you, and once things are more or less settled, we can go to the company to discuss it in detail.

Zhang Yimou listened and laughed: "They want to take a gamble before the movie is released, otherwise, once the movie is released, regardless of whether it is good or bad, their statements will have to change."

Looking back now, it seems like you've come out on the losing end, but ultimately, it was a timely act of kindness, a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Li Xiang understood the meaning behind Zhang Yimou's words. Besides, he wasn't someone who cared about short-term gains or losses, so he immediately nodded in agreement.

"I understand what Uncle Zhang is saying. Then I'll have to trouble Uncle Wang to make the decision for me. I'll do whatever you say."

Upon hearing this, Uncle Wang on the other end of the phone laughed even louder.

For Li Xiang to entrust such a big matter to him with such confidence speaks volumes about the weight of that trust.

Even Zhang Yimou, standing to the side, looked at Li Xiang with more admiration. In this industry, no one dislikes a junior who knows how to be grateful and has a clear head.

It's always inconvenient to talk on the phone, so after finishing our business, Uncle Wang was about to hang up. Before hanging up, he gave Li Xiang a final instruction:

"I'll be back in three to five days. We can talk in detail when we meet then. There's no rush."

After hanging up the phone, Li Xiang realized he had wasted a lot of time today, so he got up to say goodbye, but Zhang Yimou stopped him.

"Hey, New Pictures originally didn't plan to include you in the promotional appearances they arranged."

Zhang Yimou leaned back in his chair and said slowly, "You know what's going on. The script has been revised quite a bit, and I can't completely break ties with them."

I was thinking of just letting it go and making it up to you later somewhere else.

"But things are different now. Since it involves your first appearance after signing with a new company, we can't do it the way we planned before."

If what your Uncle Wang said is true, and this play becomes a hit, your status at the new company will be quite different.

"So don't go home for a while, just stay in the capital and wait."

If there are any print media interviews available, Lulu will let you know.

"I'll personally escort you then, and it'll also give you some prestige."

What he didn't say was that by bringing Li Xiang along, he was clearly showing him great importance, and others would naturally weigh the significance of this gesture.

After all, to be honest, some of the "Zhang Yimou's leading men" have done very well, and they're all big names...

This was a pleasant surprise for Li Xiang. He quickly thanked him and then quietly left the office.

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