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

Inside the car, Sister Zhou had just hung up the phone with Zhang Hui, and a smile was on her face.

When she reported to Zhang Hui about her meeting with Zhang Yimou, she specifically emphasized how much Director Zhang valued Li Xiang, hoping to use this opportunity to secure more resources for Li Xiang.

Zhang Hui clearly understood her implied meaning, and although he didn't explicitly state how much force he would use, he gave a concrete promise:

After the film's premiere, the company will leverage its connections to help Li Xiang get in touch with several well-known mainstream magazines in the industry.

Seeing Li Xiang and Xiao Jiang get into the car, Sister Zhou didn't hide it and immediately shared the good news:

"I just spoke with Mr. Zhang on the phone. He said that after the premiere of 'Under the Hawthorn Tree,' he will help you get a few magazines published in the industry, all of which are top-tier publications."

Li Xiang was taken aback at first, then a look of surprise flashed in his eyes.

This news came at just the right time; it was like a pillow delivered when you're sleepy.

He knew in his heart that Director Zhang meant for him to first solidify his status as a film actor and not lower his standards to film TV series.

But movie resources aren't something you can just find whenever you want.

He can't just sit and wait to die; he needs to find ways to maintain his exposure and solidify his position so that people will remember him.

In this light, the fashion industry undoubtedly represents another development path and a breakthrough.

Although he had limited knowledge of the fashion industry, he knew that many stars in later generations could maintain their status and never fall by relying solely on fashion resources even if they had no works for three to five years.

Many actors have also elevated their status by wearing haute couture gowns, appearing on the covers of mainstream magazines, and becoming brand ambassadors.

Even if there are no movies to make right now, if you can establish yourself in the fashion industry, you can still leave a lasting impression on the audience and have your value recognized by the industry.

"This is really good news." Li Xiang couldn't help but smile, and the unease he felt over Director Zhang's "slow is fast" statement dissipated somewhat.

Since they can't work on TV dramas for the time being, taking on jobs like fashion magazines or endorsements wouldn't go against Director Zhang's wishes, right?

"Thank you so much, Sister Zhou." Li Xiang nodded with a smile. "Please also thank General Manager Zhang for me."

"Don't worry, I know what I'm doing." Seeing that his mood had improved, Sister Zhou smiled as well.

They walked in silence until they reached the company-arranged dormitory.

After Xiao Jiang and the others returned to their rooms to rest, Sister Zhou stayed in Li Xiang's room.

Li Xiang was somewhat surprised and was about to speak when Sister Zhou spoke first with a serious expression:

"Has something happened? If it's convenient, feel free to tell me. Our company is a large enterprise that's about to go public, so we'll always be able to find a solution."

Here we must explain the fundamental reason why Huace chose Sister Zhou as Li Xiang's agent.

These days, top agents like Chang Jihong and Wang Jinghua are known throughout the entertainment industry for their motherly thoughtfulness and attentiveness.

Not only can she manage the artists' work well, but she can also treat them like family. Her success is undeniable.

With such a good example, Huace will naturally not put the cart before the horse.

Therefore, as early as when he came out of Zhang Yimou's studio, Sister Zhou noticed that Li Xiang's emotions were abnormal.

Logically, with the film's premiere imminent and Director Zhang placing such importance on it, Li Xiang shouldn't be looking so dejected.

Most likely, something went wrong during our private conversation.

As an agent who takes a "caring approach," she naturally needs to ask, and also use this opportunity to get closer to Li Xiang.

Li Xiang hadn't expected Sister Zhou to be so perceptive. After a moment's hesitation, he decided it was best to be frank and also to probe the company's situation.

As a leading company in the TV drama industry, Huace should know the true attitude of the company if it really follows Director Zhang's suggestion to temporarily stop accepting TV dramas.

"It's not a big deal, it's just that Uncle Zhang specifically reminded me..."

Li Xiang carefully chose his words, briefly recounting Zhang Yimou's advice against him taking on television drama roles in the next two years, suggesting he should first hone his skills at school.

"I understand Uncle Zhang's thoughts, but the company's main business is TV dramas. If I don't take on any TV dramas for the next two years, there probably won't be many scripts available for me to work on."

At that time, it will neither be able to generate profits for the company, nor will its popularity be easily diminished...

Sister Zhou had only known Li Xiang for a short time and failed to detect the probing in his words, assuming he was genuinely worried.

However, in her preconceived notion, "fame should come early" and "artists can't be idle" are ironclad rules.

But given Zhang Yimou's stature, his advice couldn't be ignored.

Sister Zhou frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and couldn't make up her mind.

She quickly composed herself and reassured him, "Don't worry too much."

You're still in school, so you can't work as intensely as a full-time artist. It's normal that you have fewer roles.

Besides, although the company produces many productions, not every one is suitable for you. You have to be selective and pick and choose.

After a brief pause, she added, "I'll first sound out the company and see what Mr. Zhang and the others think about this."

We should definitely take Director Zhang's advice seriously, but we also need to consider your specific situation when making arrangements. There's always a way.

Li Xiang nodded and said nothing more.

He knew in his heart that Sister Zhou's words were a prudent response, neither directly negating Zhang Yimou's suggestion nor making any definitive statements.

As for the company's final attitude, we'll probably have to wait until the movie is released to find out.

After all, the difference between a sudden explosion and a direct ascension, and a brief period of decline followed by a sharp drop, is like heaven and earth.

It's not just about the right to choose, but also about actual rights and interests. The degree of popularity determines one's influence and access to resources within the company.

Li Xiang stopped dwelling on the matter; after a busy day, he was already exhausted.

I called home to let them know I was safe, chatted briefly, and then went to bed early to wash up and rest.

Meanwhile, Sister Zhou was not idle either. She dialed Zhang Hui's number again and quickly explained Zhang Yimou's instructions and Li Xiang's concerns.

After all, Sister Zhou was a new agent, and her vision and perspective were ultimately no match for Zhang Hui, who had been immersed in the industry for many years.

What she considered a thorny balance problem became a clear choice for Zhang Hui:

Should we steadily cultivate Li Xiang into a film star, or should we let him "descend to earth" and devote himself to the TV drama track to gain popularity?

If Zhang Hui had to decide alone, he would definitely choose the former.

Because, both now and in the next decade, the prestige of film stars will remain consistently high.

Audiences have to pay real money to watch movies in theaters, while TV series can be watched for free through television or video websites; the two are of vastly different "weight".

Therefore, maintaining the image of a film actor is more beneficial in the long run.

But he was, after all, just the boss of Huace Brokerage Company; above him was Zhao Fang, the big boss who held the final decision-making power.

The final decision will likely depend on considerations at a higher level.

However, since Director Zhang has made his point clear, it is tantamount to revealing his personal attitude.

If the company wants to maintain a good relationship with Director Zhang, or even hopes to get a share of his future film projects, it cannot ignore this desire.

With this in mind, Zhang Hui turned on his computer, pulled up the list of film and television dramas that the company would invest in or lead in the next two years, and carefully reviewed each line.

He thought to himself: if there really aren't any TV projects on the list that are particularly suitable for Li Xiang, then the company doesn't need to play the villain—

Forcing a promising film actor to "descend to earth" and film a TV series would probably not be something Director Zhang would be too happy about.

After all, if Li Xiang wants to develop his career, the title of "Zhang Yimou's leading man" will not be removed in the short term.

With such a reputation, yet he went and filmed those romantic idol dramas. If he were Director Zhang, he probably wouldn't have given Huace a good look either.

Moreover, they also had to consider Li Xiang's status as a current student at the Beijing Film Academy.

Although the Beijing Film Academy doesn't stop students from making movies, if they really get too caught up in idol dramas, it could not only interfere with their studies but also damage the school's reputation.

Zhang Hui rubbed his temples, becoming even more certain that he couldn't take the risk.

Rather than risk causing displeasure for everyone by pursuing short-term gains, it's better to proceed steadily and methodically.

At least preserve the foundation of the film industry; even if development is slower, this foundation can still be solid.

The project names scrolled across the screen. Zhang Hui's finger paused on the mouse, and his gaze finally settled on several files marked as key development areas.

Perhaps this can create some opportunities for Li Xiang.