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

In short, today's first roadshow in Shanghai did indeed give the local media a small shock.

Although the commotion was small, it was enough to create a series of ripples.

Director Zhang's rare assertive response, the probing questions from those with ulterior motives, and the barely concealed expression on the face of the "Zhang Yimou Girl"—all these things hint at a major scandal about to unfold.

For the Shanghai media, who are used to the ups and downs of the entertainment industry, this minor incident is hardly big news.

But someone started fanning the flames behind the scenes—

You know, these days there are countless people eyeing Director Zhang's company.

Moreover, today's obstruction is not something that can withstand scrutiny; a little inquiry will reveal who was behind it.

If Director Zhang hadn't given any direct response today, or had only given a vague answer, people might not have been able to detect the underlying issues.

But he changed his usual nice guy attitude and clearly showed his attitude.

This precisely proves that the relationship between the two Zhangs is by no means as harmonious as Zhang Weiping has publicly portrayed.

Like a seemingly perfect pie suddenly torn open, attracting the "hunters" lurking in the shadows to gather around it.

They may not be able to do much right now, but it would be easy for them to fan the flames and deepen the rift between the two Zhangs.

If this continues, it might not even take a year or two before the crack becomes too big to be contained, at which point they might have an opportunity to exploit it.

Li Xiang was unaware of the behind-the-scenes power struggles between the companies.

But after the roadshow, he still managed to get into Zhang Yimou's car.

Zhang Yimou, as if he already knew his purpose, glanced at the driver in the front row of the car—

It was the old-timer from his studio who finally spoke up: "Have you guessed who's behind this?"

Li Xiang nodded, without saying his name, but responded with gestures.

"There's probably more to come. How are you going to handle that?"

Why bother dealing with it?

"Just like Uncle Zhang said, as a director, what's wrong with giving your own nephew a chance?"

Besides, my acting isn't bad, and I have formal training. Rather than hiding it and getting caught up in the mess, it's better to be open and let everyone know.

Zhang Yimou then revealed a slight smile: "This is also why I didn't deny it today, but instead admitted it. If you don't act well, I might think of another way."

But you really did a good job in this show, you didn't drag the show down, and you even added to the character. The audience isn't blind, so there's nothing to hide.

"Our China is a society that values ​​personal connections. Even if some people think you're related to me, it's more beneficial than harmful to you..."

His words were blunt, completely lacking his usual humility, which surprised Li Xiang for a moment.

Seeing his expression, Zhang Yimou laughed out loud: "Do you think that I, as a director and an elder, am being too immodest?"

But then again, as a director, I am indeed at the very top of this industry.

"You've gotten yourself involved with me, and no matter what happens in the future, you've still come out on top."

"Well... thank you for the opportunity, Uncle Zhang."

"No need for thanks. Besides, I can't let you take the benefits for nothing. There will naturally be a way to use you."

Before Li Xiang could respond, Zhang Yimou asked directly, "Have you seen 'Inception'?"

The question came suddenly, and Li Xiang was taken aback for a moment before nodding: "I've seen it."

Hearing him say that, Zhang Yimou clicked his tongue, his tone tinged with emotion: "Even you, a guy who's always busy with publicity, have watched it, which shows the film is really good."

"This movie has been in theaters for half a month, and its box office revenue is still very high."

At this point, he paused slightly, a complex expression crossing his face—a mixture of helplessness towards the market and stubbornness towards his own work.

"Although 'Under the Hawthorn Tree' is just an art film, it is a true labor of love. I absolutely cannot allow it to fail quietly like this."

He looked up at Li Xiang and brought up a past event: "You also know about the previous film, 'A Simple Noodle Story'..."

Li Xiang couldn't let him reopen old wounds, so he quickly interjected, "The 'Three Guns' incident wasn't your fault at all, Uncle Zhang..."

"So this time I'm going back to the old ways, and naturally I won't allow the film to fail miserably again."

However, given the genre's art-house appeal, not everyone is into it, so they have to actively create some buzz—

This is why I didn't stop Zhang Weiping even though I knew he was going to use some underhanded tactics.

Li Xiang finally understood why Director Zhang had spoken so enthusiastically today.

Seeing that he had understood, Zhang Yimou continued, "To be honest, it's a bit of a ploy to take advantage of you, kid."

However, the media's penchant for chasing these trending topics does indeed attract a lot of attention to the film.

Once this storm passes, you'll have the opportunity to establish yourself in the industry. It'll be a win-win situation...

"I understand, Uncle Zhang. Actually... I was prepared for this."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Zhang Yimou glanced at him, his tone carrying a hint of warning: "Hmph, you've probably underestimated Zhang Weiping."

He's not as simple as you think. What I can imagine, he probably planned long ago."

"Today's performance is just the beginning. If it works as he wants, he'll only become more reckless later on."

You'd better stay alert and not let your guard down.

"As long as you, Uncle Zhang, are willing to protect me, I'm not afraid. Besides, no matter how much trouble he causes, he still has to consider Little Yellow Duck, right?"

"Those are his contracted artists; he can't really make things a lose-lose situation for both of us."

"That's not necessarily true. If the profits are big enough, let alone an artist, he might even put me in without hesitation."

These words reminded Li Xiang that Zhang Weiping would indeed push him into the limelight in the future, and even make him a laughing stock of the whole country.

But how could he explain himself? Knowing about their family's messy affairs, how could he clear his name?

We can't let a young man like him chat with the director about having more children than allowed, could we? Otherwise, it might backfire and cause a major conflict.

This is where the benefits of having a company as a safety net become apparent.

He believed that as long as he revealed this information to Zhang Hui, he wouldn't have to worry about the rest.

Huace would definitely be happy to take this opportunity to stab Zhang Weiping in the back, and incidentally gain a huge boost in goodwill.

After all, that's Zhang Yimou, a top director who can single-handedly support a film and television company. Gaining favor with him would be a huge benefit to the company.

He himself could also use this incident to further elevate his status within the company.

In this way, he not only protected Director Zhang but also avoided getting involved, and even managed to gain some benefits for himself, which can be considered a win-win-win situation.