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

As the end credits slowly rolled onto the screen, the theater was silent for a few seconds before erupting in applause.

It wasn't deafening, but it carried a solid weight and a sense of recognition of the master.

This is not surprising; Zhang Yimou has almost never made a mistake when making art films.

Moreover, this film is truly clean, telling the story of the purest form of protection and waiting, which is a rare find in today's market.

Li Xiang also stood up, his palms turning red from clapping, but the anxiety in his heart gradually subsided with each round of applause.

At least for now, his portrayal of the "third brother" is no worse than the original male lead, and may even be better.

Although the plot has been slightly altered, the reactions of the audience don't lie; they are clearly accepting of it.

Director Zhang glanced at him from the side, a smile playing on his lips, and then gestured for him and the little yellow duck to follow.

The three walked onto the stage one after the other, and the spotlight shone on them, framing them in the light and exposing them to the gaze of the entire audience.

The host, Jingwei, smiled and handed over the microphone: "Director Zhang, this film is truly excellent. That kind of simple, genuine love touches the heart."

How did you come up with the idea to make a film about this story?

Director Zhang took the microphone and said with a smile, "I just feel that there are too many fancy things in love stories nowadays."

Sometimes, the simplest acts of protection and waiting are the most powerful.

He paused, then glanced at the two young men beside him: "Of course, we also have to thank these two kids."

The clean-cut innocence of the little yellow duck, combined with Li Xiang's restraint, subtlety, and gentleness, brought this pure love story to life.

The little yellow duck, whose name was mentioned, immediately blushed slightly, looking flattered, much better than she acted in the movie.

She took the microphone, her voice deliberately softened with a tremor:

"Thank you so much, Director Zhang. I really, really appreciate it. I feel like encountering the role of Jingqiu is the luckiest thing that has ever happened to me in my life."

And your meticulous guidance all this time, from positioning to eye contact, what you taught me step by step, I will never forget in my life…”

She rambled on and on, talking about everything from the nervousness of the audition to the funny things that happened on set, and finally added with tears in her eyes, "I will always remember this day."

Seeing the subtle glances exchanged among the guests below the stage, Li Xiang knew that this kid was probably doing something stupid again.

Yes, you are the female lead in this movie.

But didn't you forget to thank the others too?

Also, the audience isn't here for you, a complete newcomer. What are you rambling on about?

When it was Li Xiang's turn, he was much more pragmatic.

There were no superfluous elaborations or sentimental remarks; the gratitude was simply expressed in a clear and organized manner to those who deserved it.

From the director's guidance to the staff's meticulous attention to detail, and the instruction from several senior colleagues, there was no empty sentimentality in his words, only genuine gratitude.

Only at the very end did he glance at the little yellow duck beside him, a natural smile on his face, and add:

"Huang Ya just said we were lucky, and I completely agree. It's truly our good fortune to have encountered this film, to have met Director Zhang and so many senior actors."

I will always remember this good fortune and treat the camera with more reverence.

These words were perfectly measured, both smoothing things over and conveying humility.

Director Zhang's smile returned, and he even patted his shoulder lightly twice in front of everyone, his gesture revealing undisguised approval.

As for what happened next, that was it.

The host's questions mostly fell on Director Zhang. Occasionally, when the little yellow duck was mentioned, he would just stand quietly to the side, not interrupting or trying to steal the spotlight.

Until the end of the event, he didn't make any rash moves; he simply did what a newcomer should do.

Low-key and appropriate.

As for the dinner party that evening, Li Xiang didn't go. It was Zhang Weiping's idea, and he wasn't about to make a fool of himself.

Director Zhang agreed with his idea and even used the excuse that "it's the beginning of the semester and studies are the most important thing" to help him avoid the matter.

As for whether Zhang Weiping was happy or not, Li Xiang didn't care much at all.

Before he signed with the company, out of respect for Uncle Wang and Director Zhang, the other party didn't dare to do anything too outrageous to him.

Not to mention that he has now signed with Huace Media – a major financial backer that is planning to make a strong push into the film industry.

After all, in terms of financial resources, New Pictures is really not among the top in the industry.

The films he's made in recent years have mostly relied on Director Zhang's name to attract investment. If it really comes down to a head-to-head competition, he'll have to carefully consider whether it's worth it.

Therefore, in his view, keeping to oneself and not interfering with each other is the most appropriate way to get along.

....................................

The next day, the publicity campaign for New Pictures was indeed launched.

Print media's film and television sections and online entertainment forums are flooded with reports about the little yellow duck, calling her the cleanest of the "Zhang Yimou girls."

Some media outlets, having received bribes, raved about her, saying her smile "can heal everything."

Li Xiang scrolled through his phone, finding it increasingly amusing—if someone really had that kind of talent, why would they need to be a celebrity?

Wouldn't it be even more awesome to just open a hospital or be invited to benefit all mankind?

When Huace saw the new footage, they followed suit at noon that same day.

However, the focus was different. Huace's press release mostly praised his acting skills as the new "Zhang Yimou's leading man," saying that he was worthy of being a student of the Beijing Film Academy and had a solid foundation.

And because it follows the new visuals, it saves time and effort, and it's not exactly deliberate marketing; it's more like a natural way of making a statement.

More importantly, the celebrities who attended the premiere yesterday all mentioned this movie in their interviews.

Everyone in the industry is a top performer. Yesterday, Xiaohuangya and Zhang Weiping's performance, coupled with Director Zhang's obvious bias, made it clear to everyone that something was amiss.

So everyone stopped focusing on the old brand of "Zhang Yimou's Girl" and started praising the movie itself, while also mentioning Li Xiang, Zhang Yimou's leading man.

Don't underestimate the abilities of people in this industry.

Yesterday, Li Xiang simply stood in front of people, and he was able to get the whole story of the character before dinner.

However, compared to the little yellow duck—

As a complete newcomer who is neither formally trained nor a second-generation member of the industry, Li Xiang enjoys significantly higher recognition within the industry.

With a formal education at the Beijing Film Academy, an uncle figure in the industry from five generations ago, a contract with a reputable film and television company, and Zhang Yimou's undisguised high regard for him...

When all these factors are combined, and there are no conflicts of interest involved, people are naturally happy to give you face and lend a hand.

P.S.: New book recommendation period, please urge me to read it... please give it a good review...