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

People were coming and going at the school gate, and Li Xiang didn't ask any questions. He then got into a car parked on the side of the road.

The moment the car door closed, the noise of the campus was shut out, and Uncle Wang was focused on driving, as if waiting for him to ask a question.

Seeing this, Li Xiang simply spoke first, asking all sorts of questions without any restraint, from where Uncle Wang had recently gone to what he was busy with.

Uncle Wang didn't hold back and chatted for a while, choosing what Uncle Wang could understand. The car drove all the way to a quiet restaurant.

The two found a private room and sat down. The waiter refilled their tea and left. Only then did Uncle Wang pick up his cup, take a sip, and slowly begin to speak:

"I'm back this time because I have a chance to talk to you. It's a rare opportunity, and if you miss it, you might regret it for the rest of your life."

Li Xiang's eyes lit up, and he quickly followed up, "Uncle, do you have a good project?"

Seeing that he understood immediately, Uncle Wang was even more amused. He didn't keep him in suspense but nodded directly: "You know Director Zhang Yimou, right?"

"Of course I know. The Olympics just ended not long ago. Now, everyone in the country knows Director Zhang."

"That's good." Uncle Wang leaned forward slightly.

"Let me tell you this: I've received some news that Director Zhang is going to make a new film, adapted from the novel of the same name, 'Under the Hawthorn Tree'."

I've read that novel too; it's mainly about the love stories of you young people.

At this point, he looked Li Xiang up and down again before continuing, "Most importantly, in terms of age, you're just right."

As for your appearance, you've maintained it quite well. That's why I specifically called you over today, just to let you know what's going on..."

Hearing this, Li Xiang paused, the anticipation that had been building in his heart since he got on the bus finally subsided.

After all, this was the opportunity he had been waiting for; otherwise, he wouldn't have chosen Beijing Film Academy directly.

Moreover, in his view, he was not much different from Dou Xuechang, who later played the role.

The fact that he was selected means that Director Zhang must have auditioned at the Beijing Film Academy, so there's no reason for me not to give it a shot.

Moreover, unlike Senior Dou who has no connections whatsoever, I have a great uncle who can be used as a cheat code.

Of course, he wouldn't be foolish enough to show it, and just said with a surprised look, "I've never heard anyone at school mention this! When did this happen?"

"Although the school is famous, this kind of news can't just be spread like wildfire. By the time you all hear about it, the roles will probably be finalized."

"I was chatting with Director Zhang the other day, and he casually mentioned an idea. The production team hasn't officially started preparations yet, but it'll probably be soon."

My uncle also told him that after you finish your exams, he will take you to his place for an audition.

If he were to be favored, he wouldn't need to go through all that trouble again.

Then, however, he changed the subject and his expression became serious: "But you should also know that a great director like Director Zhang is very strict in casting."

My connections are only enough to get you an early audition; whether you get the part ultimately depends on your ability.

"If it were a supporting role, I could say a few words to help, but for a crucial position like the male lead, he has to make the decisions himself."

So, don't let your guard down just because I'm here.

As he spoke, he took out a slightly curled book from his bag. "When you get back, take a good look at this original work, but don't tell anyone. Just study it in private."

If you encounter anything you don't understand, you can ask your teachers, Mr. Huang and Mr. Chen. I'll also put in a word with them and get you some expedited tutoring.

"Uncle, you're incredibly talented! I'll definitely have to give it my all to prepare, and I promise I won't embarrass you, and I'll impress Director Zhang!"

"You're so sweet-talking." Uncle Wang smiled and tapped him, then gave him a serious warning.

"Stop just being cheeky. Director Zhang may have a good temper, but he's very meticulous when it comes to professionalism. Don't be careless or you might miss a great opportunity."

"Although everyone knows that in Director Zhang's films, 'Zhang Yimou' actresses are often the most likely to stand out, you have to understand that this does not mean that male actors have no chance to get ahead."

On the contrary, being able to play the male lead in his film is the best starting point in itself...

He paused, looking at Li Xiang with a deep gaze: "Most importantly, you are currently a student in the Performance Department of Beijing Film Academy."

It's well known in the industry that the Central Academy of Drama produces actors, while the Beijing Film Academy produces stars... and the schools are quite concerned about this rumor.

If you can really land the male lead role in Director Zhang's film and deliver a standout performance, the school will definitely consider you a protégé and give you special attention.

"Don't assume that just because you're at Beijing Film Academy, everyone's one of the school's equals." He chuckled, tapping his fingertips lightly on the table.

"Fingers vary in length, and even the palms and backs of hands have their own degrees of closeness. Resources are limited, so schools naturally have to allocate resources to students with greater potential and a brighter future."

That's why your uncle was so eager to find opportunities when you were a freshman.

After all, one should become famous as early as possible. If you gain momentum earlier than others, you will have more opportunities.

Skill is the foundation, but opportunity is something that, once missed, is truly gone forever.

Upon hearing this, Li Xiang suddenly felt a touch of emotion.

He never imagined that his uncle, who was always as elusive as the wind, would consider things so thoroughly for him.

This level of dedication is probably comparable to that of one's own parents.

And he wasn't ungrateful; he naturally understood how precious this opportunity was.

In the entire entertainment industry, the number of people who can get Zhang Yimou to give them the green light for auditions can probably be counted on two hands.

So it's obvious that his Uncle Wang must have done a huge favor to get Director Zhang to agree to this request.

To be honest, he was genuinely moved.

Moreover, he applied to the Beijing Film Academy specifically for "Under the Hawthorn Tree".

With Senior Dou as a ready-made template, he had already been making preparations in private, but he never expected that Uncle Wang would directly pave a shortcut for him.

Now, as long as he can catch Director Zhang's eye during the audition, then the subsequent open selections will be meaningless.

Even if Dou meets all the criteria, how can he compete if he can't even meet the director?

Thinking of this, Li Xiang clenched his fist, looked up at Uncle Wang, and said with unprecedented certainty, "Uncle, don't worry!"

If I don't seize this opportunity, I'll have let you down after all the effort you've put in! On the day of the audition, I'll definitely give Director Zhang a surprise; I promise you won't have worked for nothing!

He spoke quickly and urgently, his eyes shining with an astonishing light, which surprised Uncle Wang for a moment: "Alright, with you saying that, I'll wait and see what you've got to offer."

"But don't put too much pressure on yourself. You've only studied for one semester. If we're really talking about acting skills, you definitely can't compare to those who have been immersed in it for many years."

But when it comes to casting, sometimes it's not about how brilliantly you act, but whether the feeling or not is right.

He pointed to the book on the table: "This role is very close to your current age and state of mind. To put it bluntly, it's your true self with a touch of thoughtfulness."

If there's a good fit, the chances are pretty good. That's why I'm confident I can fight for this opportunity for you.

"So, don't overthink it, just give it your all. Even if you don't succeed in the end, at least you'll get to see Director Zhang and hear a few words from him."

This experience should give you plenty of time to work on in your major courses. So relax and just be yourself.

"I'll do whatever Uncle says!"