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

As the two were talking, they were suddenly surrounded by several people.

"You must be Li Xiang! Can you tell us if you stole the male lead role in 'A Thousand Arrows Piercing the Heart'?"

Then a tall, thin boy squeezed in front of him, his eyes bloodshot.

"That role was clearly intended for County Li to audition, how did it suddenly become yours? Did you use your connections and pull some strings behind the scenes?"

These words were like a match, instantly igniting the surrounding discussion.

"I knew he had such good resources; turns out he has connections!"

"People in Li County were so excited a while ago, practicing every night, but then..."

"No wonder he was seen getting so close to several big names in the news; he must have used connections!"

The crowd tightened its grip, and a barrage of accusations rained down upon them like hailstones.

Li Xiang frowned, about to speak, when he was interrupted again—this time by Li Xian's roommate:

"Senior Li Xiang, we know you're talented, but was it really necessary to do it this way? That was Li Xian's first time getting an audition for a lead role..."

The man's incessant chatter, coupled with the surrounding people's echoes of "I feel sorry for County Chief Li" and "This is disgusting," made him feel a surge of anger rising from the soles of his feet to the top of his head.

"First, I have never had any private contact with the director;"

Secondly, find out the details before you come. What protagonist? He's just a supporting male character.

Third, who said I was going to act in it? Did you see the contract? I respect each and every one of you, but I won't let anyone slander me.

"Easier said than done! Who would believe that?" The tall, thin man sneered. "If you haven't done anything wrong, dare you let me investigate?"

"Check all you want. If it's mine, I'll admit it. But if anyone dares to slander me, they'll be getting a court summons—especially you."

Li Xiang's gaze swept over the tall, thin man who was shouting the loudest in the crowd, his tone as cold as ice.

"Judging from your posture, you don't seem to be standing up for some 'classmate,' but rather fighting for something of your own."

He chuckled, his voice not loud but clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"Everyone here wants to get into the industry, so you should know your own limitations. Don't let a moment of arrogance cause trouble for your parents in the end."

After saying that, he pushed aside the people blocking his way, ignored Zhang Longlong who was standing there in a daze, and walked out without looking back.

Just as I was about to reach the school gate, I bumped into Huang Lei.

Seeing that his expression was off, the other person didn't ask any further questions, but simply nodded and followed him, saying in a low voice:

"Don't come to school for the next couple of days. Once things calm down and with the actions taken by Huace, things should be settled."

Li Xiang hummed in agreement and didn't say anything more.

But no one expected that they wouldn't even get to "in a couple of days".

That night, the rumors on the internet spread like wildfire, becoming uncontrollable.

Someone posted a screenshot of him welcoming guests at the school anniversary celebration, with the caption "Confirmed support, the school anniversary celebration has become a personal show."

Some people dug up photos of them talking to Xie Fei that day and insisted that "the role was taken from a junior from the same school";

Some marketing accounts even fabricated a ridiculous story that "Li Xiang squeezed out Wang Jing, the original director candidate, by relying on his connections with school leaders," and even made the "insider revelation" look convincing.

In the comments section, netizens who were unaware of the facts also joined in the cursing.

The word "fairness" is inherently sensitive to the public; in reality, when faced with injustice, people may dare not speak out.

When I see this kind of "forced praise" online, it's like I've found an outlet, and I start typing away furiously.

The wind direction shifted even further the next day.

Other companies even started stirring things up, and the topics of "Nortel unfairness" and "resource monopoly" were thus forcibly brought to the forefront.

The new media outlet even subtly hinted at this, pointing out that even though Little Yellow Duck was a formally signed actor, after the film *Under the Hawthorn Tree*,

The biggest buzz and benefits, however, went to Li Xiang, an outsider. The words implied that Director Zhang was biased, while also alluding to his use of improper means.

In short, while fake news hasn't reached the point of being overwhelming, it's like a persistent, intractable disease, making it hard to breathe.

The first to break down was his family. Li's parents called that very day, asking questions cautiously, afraid of putting pressure on him.

Even Li Nian, who is usually very easygoing, sent him many QQ messages to show her concern.

Li Xiang held the phone, smiled into the receiver, and tried to keep his voice relaxed: "It's nothing, I just blocked someone's way, and someone got angry."

Li's father was silent for a few seconds on the other end, then suddenly sighed: "Dad understands. That's how it is in the industry; once you become famous, you're easily targeted."

Don't take it to heart. If you really can't handle it, go home for a couple of days. Your parents will cook your favorite food.

When Li's mother answered the phone, she only repeatedly reminded her, "Eat on time, don't stay up late, there are tall people to hold up the sky if it falls."

After comforting his family, Li Xiang did nothing else.

Because he knew that saying anything now would be useless and would only be seen as making excuses.

In his view, no matter how fierce the online uproar is, there are only two things that can truly be used as evidence:

The first is the controversy over the allocation of resources between him and the female lead in "Under the Hawthorn Tree," and the second is the role controversy in "A Thousand Arrows Piercing the Heart."

The rest are nothing but hearsay and speculation.

Comparing the two, "A Thousand Arrows Piercing the Heart" has the backing of the Beijing Film Academy and Xie Lao, so it definitely can't be forced.

But the solution is simpler: he can just stop acting, since no formal contract has been signed yet.

On the other hand, New Pictures is using the little yellow duck as an excuse. Let Zhang Weiping and his group keep jumping around for a few more days, and when the time is right, they'll suppress them all at once.

What puzzled him was, what role did Director Wang play in this whole affair?

He vaguely remembered that Li Xian did indeed act in this film later.

Could it be that he initially chose County Li, but was forced to switch places with Xie Lao, and was holding a grudge, which is why he intentionally or unintentionally let slip?

However, without evidence, it's best to keep it to yourself for now.

The most important thing right now is to wait for Huace's move.

Once the school-enterprise cooperation is finalized, it will not only divert attention but also allow the school to legitimately voice its opinion.

The next evening, his phone finally rang.

After the call connected, Zhang Hui's voice was noticeably cheerful: "Li Xiang, the company has reached an agreement with Beijing Film Academy, and the internship cooperation contract has just been signed."

The school will issue a statement soon, firstly to explain the school-enterprise cooperation, and secondly to clarify the current controversy.

It will also mention, "Thank you for your contribution in facilitating the school's connection."

He paused for a moment, then continued, "The legal department has already secured the evidence against those online marketing accounts, and we will officially begin the prosecution process tomorrow."

However, the company can't directly intervene in the matter of your classmates spreading rumors at school; you'll have to work with the school to handle it.

"We'll also release the recording that Sister Zhou gave us earlier. Once the media removes the false news, we'll find a suitable time to do so and completely clear up the mess."

Finally, he added, "Don't worry about the rest. Just wait and see the results. I'm sure the Beijing Film Academy will satisfy you."