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

As they were talking, Zhang Hui's phone rang again. He answered it, listened for a few minutes, and finally managed a smile when he hung up.

"There's news. L'Oréal Asia Pacific has issued an internal notice that Han Lu has been suspended from her duties. Preliminary investigations have revealed that the amount of bribes she accepted was substantial, and the case has been handed over to the judicial authorities."

Based on the reported amount, she'll likely be in jail for at least ten years. And that's assuming she cooperates obediently; otherwise, her sentence could be even longer.

Li Xiang and the others listened but did not immediately respond.

Zhang Hui glanced at the expressions on their faces and knew they were all holding back their anger. He sighed helplessly.

"As for Huayi, I guess that's about it."

Even if L'Oréal knew the inside story, they might not necessarily break off relations.

After all, Huayi's star-studded lineup is well-established and deeply entrenched, and no one wants to offend them easily.

Besides, such a big matter could not possibly be decided by her alone.

I reckon that many of them aren't exactly clean hands either.

To put it bluntly, this woman was just a front woman, but she didn't realize her own limitations and dared to provoke us. Otherwise, she wouldn't have suffered such a complete defeat.

Sister Zhou frowned even more deeply: "So, we're just leaving it at that?"

"Of course not." Zhang Hui waved his hand.

"But everything depends on Mr. Zhao's return. To be honest, this is a difficult matter."

I just received news that the board of directors has split into two factions...

Li Xiang raised his eyes: "Which two factions?"

One faction felt that they should take advantage of the situation and press their advantage, since Huayi had done such a terrible job this time that it would be unreasonable not to retaliate.

Another group believes that with the company's IPO imminent, it's a good opportunity to take a cut from Huayi's portfolio, which might even boost the stock price.

He rubbed his temples. "Both sides have their reasons. Now it's up to President Zhao to make the final decision."

What Zhang Hui didn't tell Li Xiang was that the faction advocating for a "private settlement" had already gained the upper hand in the board of directors.

Even if Zhao Fang returns, she will have difficulty completely controlling the situation—after all, this matter involves everyone's fundamental interests, and no one dares to gamble with the listing.

As for the other group shouting "retaliate in kind," they are mostly just acting on impulse.

Once the pros and cons are laid out in detail, people will probably choose a more practical approach: to make a couple of minor, painless cuts to Huayi, and then stop while they're ahead.

However, Li Xiang is the protagonist of this undeserved disaster, and there are still some rumors circulating online.

Not wanting to discourage the young man, Zhang Hui swallowed his words. Some things don't need to be said too explicitly.

Seeing Zhang Hui's increasingly troubled expression, Li Xiang roughly understood what was going on.

He wasn't some naive eighteen or nineteen-year-old kid; he understood the pros and cons of the adult world all too well.

This matter will probably just be dropped by him.

Are you angry? A little, but not much.

After all, the underlying nature of this industry has always been a colorful mix of black and white.

He was prepared for this, and even he himself was not without flaws.

Putting himself in their shoes, he actually felt that the board's choice wasn't wrong.

If he were on the board, he would probably wholeheartedly agree.

"Brother Zhang," Li Xiang suddenly spoke, his tone as calm as if he were talking about someone else.

"No matter what the board decides, I personally have no objection."

Zhang Hui paused for a moment, then looked up at him.

"Going public is a big deal. I can't let my little matter jeopardize the company's greater interests."

Li Xiang looked at him, his eyes clear, "I also hope that Brother Zhang can convey this to the board of directors on my behalf."

"As for Huayi... there's plenty of time." Li Xiang said the last four words lightly, but that was all he could say.

He understood his current worth.

Adidas endorsements can indeed boost a company's stock price after it goes public, but if clinging to this personal grudge causes the company's core interests to suffer...

Capital won't show him any mercy, and in the end, he'll only end up pleasing neither side.

Having Zhang Hui deliver this message was also a way of paving the way for his future.

After all, this whole thing started with a business collaboration arranged by Mr. Zhao.

As the company's boss and a thoughtful woman, Zhao Fang would likely remember this kindness and would probably offer him some compensation.

This is enough.

Zhang Hui hadn't expected him to see things so clearly and to immediately come up with this tactic of feigning retreat to advance, so he nodded in agreement.

"I will talk to President Zhao and try my best to get some benefits for you from Huayi, or see if there are any suitable film resources."

Li Xiang, however, had no desire to be associated with Huayi from the bottom of his heart, and simply said, "Don't worry about me for now."

Let the company secure its profits first. If the company has new plans in the future, I'll naturally get a share.

Zhang Hui assumed he was still angry and unwilling to back down, so he patted him on the shoulder and said, "Okay, let's do it this way for now."

I'll go and inform them right away. With you saying that, some people can take advantage of the situation and give it a second chance. They should also be asked to put in some more effort to completely clear out those rumors online.

"Just clearing things up won't do." Li Xiang raised his eyes. "I'm currently very popular, so I need to get Shu Uemura to issue a statement."

"Don't mention Huayi; just say they have poor internal management. That should be enough."

Li Qing couldn't help but interject, "But in that case, it'll be really impossible for you and Shu Uemura to work together again."

"Hmph, I can tell the difference between what's fundamental and what's just icing on the cake." Li Xiang's tone was firm.

"Only by laying things out on the table can netizens avoid misunderstandings, and no one can stir up trouble if the matter is brought up again in the future."

Besides, even without Shu Uemura, are there no other brands? As long as I'm popular enough, why would I worry about not having endorsements?!

Li Qing thought for a moment and nodded, "That's true. The longer we don't clarify things, the longer it will affect you."

It would be better to take this opportunity to have them issue a statement, which would both prove your innocence and confirm your powerful background, serving as a warning to others.

Zhang Hui listened, his eyes filled with admiration: "You're really thoughtful, kid."

I'll have the public relations department contact Shu Uemura right away. The statement needs to be well-written, clarifying the situation while also clearly stating our stance.

Li Xiang didn't say anything more, but simply picked up his teacup and took a sip.

What he ever wanted was not momentary pleasure, especially in the game of capital, where personal emotions had to take a backseat.

But that doesn't mean he'll give up.

Especially after 17 years, Huayi itself ran into problems and gradually headed towards the abyss.

By then, he would have already amassed considerable power and influence, enough to easily crush a fallen enemy, and he would have no reason to fear this former giant.

Thinking of this, he suddenly turned to Li Qing and said, "Sister, don't forget to pay my taxes. You know I have a heart full of love for my country."

These sudden words startled Li Qing, who blinked, not understanding why he suddenly said this.

But he still nodded: "Don't worry, the company has always abided by the law, and we handle tax matters according to regulations. There won't be any problems."

"That's good. I may be prone to oversights in minor matters, but I can never be ambiguous about matters of principle."

"Like this time, I didn't do anything, just discussed a business deal, and someone smeared me with dirty water. From now on, I still have to be extra careful."

Zhou Jie was clearly trying to lighten the mood, so she joked, "Isn't it because you're famous enough now?"

Their company has always disdained to target nobodies—if they've even set their sights on you, it means you're someone important.

"Hey, I love hearing you say that, Sister Zhou."