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

Having finally managed to meet Uncle Wang, Li Xiang naturally didn't want to sit obediently in the hall and watch the entire movie with a room full of people.

When the film officially started and the lights in the theater dimmed, he turned his head and whispered something to Uncle Wang next to him, and the two of them quietly left the screening room.

In the past, such a somewhat willful act would have inevitably attracted gossip, but now, no one criticizes his choice anymore.

They called over the staff, arranged a private meeting room, and ordered a fruit platter.

The two ate while chatting about their recent lives.

Li Xiang's life is mostly exposed to the spotlight, so there's not much to say about him.

However, he did briefly talk about his current plans and the two film projects that will be launched next year.

"Uncle, do you have any plans to make another movie?"

"Of course I want to! I've been searching everywhere for scripts lately, but these scripts that have been handed to me..."

At this point, Wang Xiaolie smacked his lips, his tone tinged with helplessness.

"I don't know where this evil trend came from, but most of the scripts I've received lately are glorifying suffering and digging deep into the darkest corners of human nature."

"I'm not saying this kind of subject matter is bad, but I've been traveling all over the world this past year and have seen quite a few foreign art films."

"Their works have a very diverse style and all sorts of highlights."

"On the other hand, it seems that when we make art films, we can only focus on tragedy and suffering."

"I wanted to find a story with a warm and redemptive tone to film, but I couldn't find a suitable one."

Li Xiang was also a little surprised. He didn't expect that Uncle Wang's aesthetic standards had become so high that he couldn't even accept a script that depicted suffering. He couldn't help but find it funny.

But then again, this is indeed the trend of domestic art films in recent years.

Even the film he starred in, "Blind Massage," tells the story of marginalized people struggling to survive in the cracks.

In this way, it's no longer appropriate for him to bring out the script that he originally intended to leave for Uncle Wang.

Uncle Wang talked on and on for a long time, but seeing that Li Xiang hadn't responded, he couldn't help but feel a little puzzled.

"What are you thinking about?"

"It's nothing." Li Xiang snapped out of his reverie.

"I was thinking of teaming up with you again, Uncle. But Uncle, your standards for choosing scripts are really high."

"Haha, well, there's nothing I can do about it, I'm already up there." Uncle Wang said matter-of-factly.

"If we've already won the Golden Lion, and our subsequent works are all worse than the last, then we might as well not make any at all."

Upon hearing this, Li Xiang couldn't help but burst out laughing.

"If Director Kai heard you say that, he'd definitely start arguing with you."

When Uncle Wang was reminded of this, and then remembered where he was, a hint of embarrassment appeared on his face, and he chuckled awkwardly.

"This is just my personal opinion, nothing more."

Li Xiang was still joking and chatting with Uncle Wang, but his mind was quickly searching for a suitable movie.

Actually, he really liked the script of "Better Days".

The story is of high quality and also serves as a cautionary tale in light of reality.

After all, the sooner disgusting things like school bullying are brought into the open, the more people trapped in them might be saved.

He also particularly admires the character Xiao Bei, who is courageous and spirited, and the original actor's performance was also outstanding.

It's just a pity that he's too old.

Given his current age, it's not that he's completely unable to act; with makeup and camera angles, he can indeed cover up some of the problems.

But a person can't stay in this state forever. In another year or two, even if he wants to act, the conditions won't allow it anymore.

Moreover, having reached his current position, there's really no need for him to force himself to act like a teenager.

Doing this would not only betray the role, but also wrong yourself.

But there's no need to feel sorry for it; such a good book will at least rot in its own pot.

However, since Uncle Wang wanted a warm and redemptive tone, he had to give up on the sharp and painful subject matter of "Better Days".

He continued searching his memory, and finally, he came up with another suitable movie.

The story depicts real-life struggles and hardships, yet it is also imbued with warmth and redemption, and the ending tends towards a happy one.

Most importantly, the characters in the film allow him to experience a completely different life.

"Yes, I've seen it. Its reputation and quality are top-notch."

"I happen to have a notebook here that has a similar feel to this one," Li Xiang said with a smile.

"But it's more down-to-earth than 'Departures,' and it's also more commercially viable, perfectly matching the warm redemption you're looking for."

Tell me quickly!

Uncle Wang had always trusted Li Xiang's judgment completely, and at this moment he became instantly interested, eager to hear the whole story...

"...So, the ending is about redemption, right?"

"That's right." Li Xiang nodded in agreement.

"The main theme is mutual protection without blood ties, telling the story of ordinary people who warm and heal each other in their difficult lives."

"The mother's appearance in the story felt a bit forced. Could it be changed?"

This meant she didn't appear suddenly, but rather knew everything all along, and only revealed herself when she realized her daughter was truly about to be taken away, wanting to sever ties...

"It can be changed." Li Xiang nodded in agreement.

"But we can't dwell on it too much; we should just touch on it briefly. The core of the whole play must be firmly focused on the male lead and the child."

"I understand, I understand." Uncle Wang instantly saw through Li Xiang's thoughts and teased him with a smile. "You really aren't willing to suffer even the slightest loss."

Having his thoughts exposed, Li Xiang wasn't embarrassed at all. Instead, he hummed a song with a smug look on his face.

Seeing this, Uncle Wang stopped hesitating and immediately decided to direct the film.

But then he remembered something and frowned, asking, "But didn't you already have two movies booked for next year? Do you have enough time?"

Li Xiang couldn't be 100% certain about this, and could only patiently explain.

"If the filming of the first movie goes smoothly, it should be completed in about a month and a half. By then, it will be summer in China, and the weather and locations will be just right."

He seemed a little embarrassed as he said this.

"But Uncle, you'll have to accommodate my schedule. I'll let you know before my last film wraps up, and then I can seamlessly join the new project."

Any other director would never agree to such a scheduling conflict and passive waiting arrangement.

But since Uncle Wang is one of their own, he naturally accommodates Li Xiang's pace.

In addition, the investor is Huace, which is both a shareholder and a pillar of the company. Many things revolve around him, so naturally he can film however he wants.

Without the slightest hesitation, Uncle Wang readily agreed to the collaboration.

"It's settled then, let's try again."

Just as he finished speaking, the door to the private room was pushed open, and his words fell into the ears of Zhang Yimou, who was walking in.

"I thought you two just left, but then I realized that's unlikely. Tell me, what good things are you planning this time?"