Li Xiang had no idea that the young CEO Wang from Huayi was harboring a "if I can't have it, I'll destroy it" mentality.

Even if he found out, he would probably just keep it to himself and wait to take revenge later.

After all, he had never promised to sign with Huayi, nor had he ever used any of their resources, and he had no intention of using them in the future.

No matter how successful Huayi is, it doesn't mean everyone has to listen to you or make way for your company.

Moreover, after this school anniversary celebration, the label of "academic" has been clearly attached to Li Xiang, so he naturally has nothing to fear from those so-called circles.

It's true that the Beijing film circle is a powerful force, but what is the Beijing Film Academy? It's the lifeblood of the entire industry.

To be honest, it should be considered the head of a major sect or a prestigious or orthodox sect; the two sides are not even on the same level.

Although the circle has always been intertwined, his current status has long transcended that of an ordinary student, making him one of the school's representatives.

Even if Huayi wanted to do something, it could only do it secretly; it would never dare to openly embarrass current students of the Beijing Film Academy.

After all, that would be tantamount to breaking ground on the foundation of the industry, and no one dares to take that risk.

Therefore, compared to the hidden schemes outside, what's giving Li Xiang a bigger headache right now is the atmosphere inside the school, especially the way his classmates look at him.

There was envy, alienation, and occasionally a hint of unspoken rivalry in it, like a layer of ice covering what was once familiar.

Actually, if he had simply become a star through acting, people might have been able to treat him with a more normal attitude.

However, media reports were rambling and contradictory, even claiming that he used the school as a platform to expand his network.

It's as if all the school's most valuable resources and most precious connections—those of senior students—are only recognized by him, the sole current student...

How could others not be envious?

You know, they fight tooth and nail to get into the Beijing Film Academy, do you think they just want to learn the little bit of knowledge in the classroom?

Ultimately, it's all about the connections the school has, and the camaraderie within the industry.

Now look what's happened! They've publicized him as a ruthless person who can take everything, so if any good opportunities come along in the future, he'll definitely be the first one to get them.

He became the most outstanding one, which made the path for others even narrower.

This is the most realistic crux of the problem, and the fundamental reason why Li Xiang could clearly feel his classmates' alienation from him.

Even though he had made some efforts, the results were minimal.

Indeed, there are child stars like Yang Zi and Zhang Yishan who were already famous, as well as Jing Tian who has already started her career in the entertainment industry.

I didn't get this opportunity to be entrusted with important responsibilities and get up close and personal with industry veterans during this school anniversary celebration.

Such obvious "bias" would be hard for anyone to accept.

After all, among the group photos of alumni on the school lobby's display wall, his figure as a current student stood out the most...

Even Huang Lei, when giving him extra tutoring, couldn't help but nag: "You should spend less time on campus these days."

"If Pietà weren't scheduled to start filming next year, I'd kick you out of school right now. You're just too hateful."

Li Xiang was also quite helpless after hearing this: "You know perfectly well that I didn't want to take that role in the first place. It's as if I got a huge advantage."

Besides, I wrote the script for Pietà myself, so what's there to be jealous of?

"Why wouldn't it be something to be jealous of?" Huang Lei glanced at him, half-jokingly and half-seriously saying.

"You have to understand that some connections are implicit. They may not help you when you're down on your luck, but they can give you a gentle push when you're on the rise."

Take this school anniversary celebration for example. Many of the seniors who came are judges for various awards and are the ones who set the rules.

If they are nominated for the same award, one is a graduate of the Beijing Film Academy with a solid academic background, while the other is an unorthodox individual with no connections. Who do you think the judges will give more attention to when judging the award?

Even if you're both from Beijing Film Academy, and you're competing with classmates who weren't remembered by the seniors, who do you think the judges will favor?

So, you really got a great deal this time. If the greeter hadn't been handpicked by the school, I wouldn't have let you rush ahead like that.

Now you know why people hate you, right?

As Li Xiang was pondering this, Huang Lei began to offer him advice: "The best way right now is to divert everyone's attention."

But lately there hasn't been anything at school that's good for showing off. If this continues, the resentment will only deepen, which isn't a good thing.

"But the company will be going public soon, and I have two big-name endorsements to announce, one of which has a fee exceeding ten million..."

And in a while, I also have to go to Fashion Week and several annual awards ceremonies. I really can't stay out of the spotlight.

Huang Lei was also somewhat astonished upon hearing this: "Your momentum is something you can't hide even if you want to."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "Do you have a few truly close friends at school?"

"Yes, my roommates and classmates. I get along pretty well with them, and lately they're the only ones who've been willing to talk to me a lot."

"Then why don't we discuss it with your company and see if there are any suitable opportunities? It doesn't have to be too big; we can share some with people we have a good relationship with."

Huang Lei pointed out, "When the time comes, you'll go from being the one who eats alone to sharing the cake, and other people's opinions of you will be very different."

These words immediately enlightened Li Xiang.

Yes, Huace originally started out with TV dramas, and a single drama requires a huge number of actors.

Let the company select some roles; this will not only help the students but also create a positive connection between the company and the school.

After all, Huace Books sponsored a considerable amount for this school anniversary celebration and has already established communication channels with the school's management.

Then, by acting as a go-between, he'll undoubtedly reap the rewards later, exchanging company profits for personal favors...

Moreover, his students are all formally trained, possess strong professional skills, and offer excellent value for money, so the company won't lose out by using them.

They could even sign an agreement with the school to become one of the school's internship companies.

"I'll call Mr. Zhang tonight and tell him about this."

"Don't push yourself too hard. After all, you're just an artist. It's not good to make demands directly," Huang Lei advised.

"It's alright, teacher. The company already owes me a favor, and owing too many favors is a sin."

Besides, without me, the company wouldn't have been able to secure any investment in Saint's Lament. I heard from Uncle Wang that General Manager Han of China Film Group wants to monopolize the project.

Honestly, given the quality of this film, the company is the one who benefited the most. If it also wins an award, the advantages will be far greater.

"As long as you know what you're doing," Huang Lei said, knowing what the listed company needed most. Seeing his confidence, he continued.

"If you really have connections, you can help connect not only with your classmates, but also with those seniors who are about to graduate in their third or fourth year."

Everyone knows you signed with Huace. The company came to the school to recruit people. Anyone with common sense should know what's going on and will naturally remember your kindness.

That way, your reputation at school will gradually improve. In this circle, being too aloof won't get you far.

Li Xiang understood the importance of this matter and quickly agreed.

At the same time, I was secretly grateful to Huang Lei. Having such an old fox by my side to give me advice really makes a difference.

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