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

Seeing that Li Xiang was making things worse and was actually embarrassing for him and his apprentice, Huang Lei simply stopped him.

However, the connection between people is so wonderful. After this little incident, the atmosphere in the room became even more lively.

Sun Li also brought over freshly cut fruit, smiling as she tried to smooth things over: "He's just a kid, he's still a bit naive after just getting back, don't take it to heart."

And this too, try some of these, they're grapes freshly picked from the yard, quite sweet.

Nai'an picked up a grape and looked at Li Xiang with a hint of teasing in her eyes: "Next time you want to make up an excuse, come up with a more plausible reason first."

Li Xiang scratched his head, not embarrassed at all.

Seeing his appearance, Huang Lei's anger subsided considerably, but he still relentlessly teased him: "Did you hear that? Learn from him, stop being so clumsy all the time."

Not wanting to embarrass the two of them, Nai'an continued the conversation, looking at Li Xiang: "Look at your teacher, Huang, always worrying about her students. Remember Haiqing before..."

"Oh, Haiqing is popular now, right?"

The question was directed at Huang Lei, who immediately raised his face, full of pride: "After all these years, I've finally made something of myself."

With her carefree personality and not particularly fashionable appearance, to be honest, I was quite worried about her before.

But now things are better. I've found the right path. Although my acting roles might be a bit limited, at least I can make a living.

"Look at you, if it weren't for your face, I would almost have believed your nonsense."

"Haha, as a teacher, you know, I just love teaching students. I'm truly happy when the kids under my tutelage do well."

"You're just trapped by the older generation's thinking. To put it bluntly, you're one of the most severely brainwashed by them."

After saying that, she ignored Huang Lei and turned to Li Xiang instead: "Little Li, let me ask you, what are your plans for the future?"

This question caught Li Xiang off guard for a moment.

Huang Lei, who was listening nearby, naturally understood what she wanted to ask and immediately replied, "You've become completely isolated from the world!"

"He doesn't even follow the news. This kid is incredibly popular right now, and he just signed with Huace Media. He's practically the company's top star now."

"HuaCe?" Nai'an raised an eyebrow. "Isn't that what they make TV dramas?"

"That's from years ago! The company is about to go public, don't judge people with outdated views."

Besides, how could a listed company possibly support itself solely through television dramas? They've already started investing in films.

"I haven't heard of that." Naian shook his head.

"Of course you haven't heard. Director Lou's films never lack investment. The market for art films is only so big, and Huace can't squeeze in even if it wants to."

Then, Huang Lei abruptly changed the subject, revealing his true intentions: "But if Hua Ce can't squeeze in, do you think my student can?"

"Oh, I've finally heard you say that!" Naian put down the grapes, her face showing an expression that said, "I've been waiting for you to say this."

"I'm not going to mince words with you guys. To be honest, Director Lou does have a project, but it's still just an idea at the moment."

Forget about project approval, there wasn't even a hint of preliminary preparation. To put it bluntly, it was just a pipe dream...

Naian spoke frankly, "But knowing him as I do, he was bound to make this movie sooner or later, it was just a matter of time."

Then, she looked at Li Xiang and said, "But one thing needs to be made clear: if he doesn't start this project within three years, Xiao Li won't have much of a chance."

At this moment, Sun Li, who had been listening in, spoke up: "Is it an age restriction?"

Naian nodded: "Yes, the role requires a young man in his early twenties. Too old won't do, too young won't do either. The age requirement is very strict."

"Is there a source material for this? Otherwise, it wouldn't be so tightly controlled." Huang Lei realized this and immediately asked.

"There is indeed an original work, and Director Lou bought out the copyright from the author long ago, otherwise I wouldn't have brought this up."

"So, what do you think are the chances of this kid winning?" Huang Lei pressed.

Nai'an looked at Li Xiang, nodded first, then shook his head: "He has an advantage in age, but in other aspects... you could say he's basically the opposite of what the role requires."

She thought for a moment before speaking: "I can't say the specifics, but I'll mention a few of the characters' traits, and you'll all understand."

First of all, as the central character of the entire film, this character must be sensitive, gloomy, and silent, while also possessing a youthful quality.

This is completely different from the character in Xiao Li's current film "Under the Hawthorn Tree"—that's why I said it's difficult.

Even if Director Lou might give him an audition opportunity out of consideration for our relationship, the role is completely unsuitable for his current situation.

You all know Director Lou's personality; he's not exactly heartless, but he's close. He would never change the core of the entire plot for the sake of a role.

Everyone here is knowledgeable and understood immediately.

But Huang Lei didn't give up. After all, Li Xiang was a student he had personally mentored, and he knew all too well that Li Xiang's talent went far beyond what was shown in "Under the Hawthorn Tree."

This kid has unlimited potential, otherwise he wouldn't have treated him like his heir.

In his opinion, Li Xiang's talent is no less than that of the actress who acted opposite him back then, but who could completely overpower him from beginning to end.

So Huang Lei became serious for once and explained to Nai An, "This kid is a serious actor. The Hawthorn Tree is just a role."

"Sister, don't underestimate this kid. If that were all he was capable of, how could he have caught Director Zhang's eye?"

He paused, then added, "You know, Director Zhang specifically told General Manager Zhao of Huace that he hoped they wouldn't assign this kid any TV dramas for the next three years."

The problem is that I'm afraid of diminishing his natural talent. So, with proper guidance, he still has a lot to offer.

Upon hearing this, it was Naian's turn to be surprised. She even found it hard to believe and turned to look at Sun Li sitting to the side.

Seeing her looking at him with such a questioning expression, Sun Li nodded in agreement: "Sister An, Brother Lei didn't lie."

Director Zhang truly values ​​Li Xiang; he even challenged Zhang Weiping to a competition for him during a roadshow.

Moreover, the decision not to take on any television dramas for three years was indeed Director Zhang's idea.

Nai'an truly never expected that this carefree young man would be so highly regarded by Director Zhang.

It was Huang Lei's initial pronouncements about the innocence of backdoor deals and the supposed camaraderie within the industry that led her to assume Li Xiang's opportunities were solely due to connections.

No matter how much you rely on connections, you might not be able to make Zhang Yimou worry like this—and you have to remember, that's Zhang Yimou!

Only those who are truly immersed in the film industry understand Zhang Yimou's talent and have the most faith in his judgment.

The fact that a renowned director specifically instructed him "not to let his talent fade" shows that this young man must possess something that others haven't noticed.

"In that case, I misjudged him." Naian's gaze returned to Li Xiang, her tone now more serious.

"If what you say is true, I will definitely help you get this audition opportunity. But whether you can ultimately land the role depends on your own abilities."

She paused briefly, then continued, "Moreover, once Director Lou makes any moves to prepare, I promise to notify you immediately so that you can make adequate preparations in advance."

Xiao Lei, you know, this is all I can do, after all...

Before she could finish speaking, Huang Lei quickly interjected, "Sister, that's enough!"

Sun Li chimed in, "That's right, Sister An, there's really no need to do anything more. This is enough. Doing anything more would be against the rules."

Seeing that the two understood, Nai'an smiled again and said to the group, "Then let Xiao Li think about it more in this direction. It's an opportunity after all."

And this notebook... well, how should I put it, it's actually quite suitable for winning awards.

Upon hearing this, the eyes of the people present all flickered slightly, and then they tacitly avoided the topic.