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

Anna gave Li Xiang's arm a hard slap, both amused and annoyed: "Do I look like someone who needs a bunch of sons and daughters?"

"A metaphor! Just a metaphor!" Li Xiang quickly waved his hand in surrender, a pleading smile on his face.

"I understand what you mean." Anna's smile faded, and she gently tapped Li Xiang with her fingertip, her expression slowly turning serious.

"The fashion industry has long focused its attention on Europe and North America, and a large number of excellent creators have indeed been buried."

"Supporting aesthetics from different regions is something that VOGUE and I have a responsibility to do."

She looked up at Li Xiang, her gaze scrutinizing yet containing a hint of affection.

"I'll arrange my schedule for China Fashion Week and make time to go with you."

"But let me make this clear from the start: even if I'm there, I'll only be observing. The quality of the work will still be judged according to the standards of fashion itself."

"Of course!" Li Xiang didn't care about any of that and nodded first. He had a lot of confidence in the designers in China.

"What we want is authenticity. There's no need to deliberately elevate anyone. Just your presence is enough."

"As for the China theme for the Met Gala the year after next..." Anna paused,

"This matter is too big to be decided by just one sentence from me."

"We also need to communicate with fashion schools, chief curators, and brand sponsors one by one, and avoid all kinds of controversies."

"It probably won't be a quick result, but I will try my best to push it forward."

Upon receiving such a reply, Li Xiang finally felt relieved, and he couldn't help but smile.

That's enough. Anna's willingness to move forward gives us the most crucial bargaining chip.

Anna looked at his smug expression and gently cautioned, "Don't get too excited, kid."

"Especially the topic itself, it absolutely cannot be leaked beforehand. Once it is leaked, a bunch of people will definitely jump out and cause trouble."

Seeing the puzzled look on Li Xiang's face, as if he hadn't yet realized the gravity of the matter, Anna was speechless.

"Since its inception in 1948, the Met Gala has only had three exhibitions that truly focus on a single civilization in its 64-year history."

"Russia in 1976, Austria-Hungary in 1979, and India in 1985."

"Of course, there was a Manchurian Costume Festival in 1980, but you wouldn't consider that a complete representation of Chinese aesthetics, would you?"

Upon hearing this, Li Xiang quickly shook his head: "No way, that would be horribly ugly."

Anna smiled faintly upon seeing this: "Aside from these few times, the only one that focused on American fashion was the 2010 edition."

"You need to understand that the theme of each Met Gala is the result of repeated tug-of-war and bargaining among various forces."

"But did you know that Japan has applied for the theme of national culture for eight consecutive years, only to be rejected every time?"

Li Xiang was genuinely unaware of this, but he instantly dropped all his playful smiles and became completely serious.

Because he knew that Xiao Rizi was always shrewd and calculating, and would never do anything futile.

The fact that they applied repeatedly over eight years is enough to prove just how incredibly prestigious this stage is.

Anna quickly offered an explanation: "Don't underestimate the Met Gala; it's the Oscars of the fashion world, and it's not just a name."

"In terms of nationwide reach, cultural influence, and the size and depth of the fashion industry, it is unmatched by any other industry."

"Think about the major conglomerates, and you'll understand how much profit is hidden in the clothing and accessories industry, as well as the aesthetic discourse power and global influence it wields."

"As for the China theme you've been so eager to discuss..."

"Once it is held, the entire Chinese clothing industry and the traditional Chinese aesthetic system will experience a real, explosive growth in the next three or four years."

"Think about yourself, what is it that has enabled you to achieve your current status and gain global renown?"

"The three best actors in Europe? Three of them are produced every year, and the Golden Globes, Oscars and other awards are produced every year as well."

"Many people have won Best Actor awards, but they can never reach the world-class level. You are the only one, an outsider from the East."

"Have you ever wondered why you're able to stand here, on equal footing with all of Hollywood's top stars?"

Before Li Xiang could speak, Anna gave a direct and decisive answer: "It's fashion!"

"It is those gorgeous clothes and accessories that have spread your personal style to every corner of the world, making countless people aware of you."

"For you personally, fashion is an opportunity to boost your fame and increase your resources, but when it comes to the national level..."

Anna paused here, the second half of her sentence carrying a deeper meaning, which she deliberately left unsaid.

But Li Xiang still instantly understood what she meant by what she hadn't said.

For him, fashion brought fame and fortune; for the nation, it represented a historic step for Eastern aesthetics to officially ascend to the world's mainstream stage.

This is a situation that countless people absolutely do not want to see.

Thinking of this, Li Xiang immediately raised his hand and made a zipper-sealing motion in front of his mouth to show that he would absolutely keep his mouth shut.

After finishing the action, he seemed to suddenly realize something, quickly stood up, stepped forward, and gave Anna a sincere and grateful hug.

"Thank you so much, Anna."

The sudden gesture of closeness softened Anna's eyes: "You little rascal, how come you're always like a child who never grows up?"

Li Xiang simply chuckled, accepting the favor without offering any further explanation.

But seeing his appearance, Anna finally softened and made a promise.

"As long as I insist on pushing forward the preparations, there shouldn't be much of a problem with this project coming to fruition."

"If the Met Gala with a China theme is successfully held, you will serve as the co-chair of that year's event."

"But have you decided on a theme yet?"

"China: Light Across All Visions."

"meaning?"

"A myriad of aesthetic scenes share the same sky."

"good!"

Li Xiang, who came out of Vogue, was not actually at peace inside.

Although, given the general trend of the times, even without him, it was only a matter of time before Chinese aesthetics graced the Met Gala stage.

But he was a living, breathing person, as was Anna; this impetus was not a natural gift from history.

He cannot take Anna's favoritism for granted just because of what might happen in the future.

After all, he had managed to persuade Anna to make an exception and personally disrupt the established procedures of the Metropolitan Charity Gala.

For him, and for the entire Chinese fashion industry, a breach was opened in advance.

In terms of wealth, he naturally couldn't compare to Xiaobenzi, so he couldn't repay Anna's nurturing and affection with material equivalents.

Therefore, the most sincere and lasting way he can repay her is to stand firm and accompany her all the way.