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

When Li Xiang left the studio, he was beaming with joy, his mind still replaying Zhang Yimou's words, and he couldn't quite come to his senses for a long time.

He never imagined that Zhang Yimou would personally step in to help him win the role from Chen Kaige.

Although I know that Director Zhang once helped Zhang Ziyi by recommending her to Ang Lee for a film, that was Ang Lee after all.

But this time, I'm facing Chen Kaige, which is a completely different matter.

Moreover, Chen Kaige has always been known in the industry for his upright character, and there are very few actors who can meet his standards.

Since Uncle Zhang dared to mention this matter to him, it was by no means a whim; he must have thought it through carefully and was certain that Li Xiang possessed the qualities that Chen Kaige would approve of.

Although the matter was still far from being finalized, Li Xiang suddenly felt that the burden on his shoulders had become much heavier.

In the entertainment industry, winning awards is a hard currency for industry recognition, but working with a top director is an amplifier of fame and commercial value.

The two complement each other; neither can go far without the other.

Otherwise, how could so many award-winning actors and actresses hold more than one trophy yet remain relatively unknown?

Ultimately, it's because the public hasn't truly recognized their value and hasn't equated their names with their "weight."

Where does an actor's value lie?

While salary and billing order are certainly factors to consider, Li Xiang believes that the most compelling evidence is his resume of working with various directors and his portfolio of works.

Even ten or twenty years from now, actors all over the world will still consider it an honor to work with great directors.

Even if the movie turns out to be a flop, they'd still be happy to support it.

The goal may not be the work itself, but rather the influence accumulated during the collaboration, the increased fame, and the implicit endorsement of being "recognized by a big director."

Just think about it, even Zhang Yimou and Chen Kaige agreed to cast him as the male lead. How could his status in the industry be low in the future?

When casting other actors, people will subconsciously place him in the lead role; this is an invisible shift in perception.

Moreover, this isn't a decade or two from now; there aren't that many leading roles by top directors, so it's precisely the time when they're most valuable.

Thinking about it this way, Li Xiang felt a wave of pressure wash over him. He took a deep breath and suppressed his fleeting excitement.

The most important thing right now is to hone the acting skills he has on hand to the best of his ability; otherwise, even if a great opportunity comes his way, he might not be able to seize it.

With a change in mindset, one's entire focus shifts.

I had previously planned to join in the fun of fashion weeks and various events in November and December, but now I have absolutely no interest in it anymore.

However, Wang Ya had already arranged his outfit for the event, and given her kind offer, he couldn't very well refuse.

Furthermore, fashion is an indispensable part of his plans, so it's only right and proper for him to take a trip there.

When he actually arrived at Fashion Week, it wasn't a wasted trip, but the scene before him was far from the "glamorous and dazzling" image he had imagined.

Clearly, at this time, China's fashion scene had not yet gained international recognition, and there were few big names in the scene, mostly emerging designers.

Li Xiang was not disappointed.

Besides, since we're already here, there might be some hidden talents among these designers who could soar to great heights in the future. It would be a shame to miss the opportunity to make friends with them.

With his high emotional intelligence and status as a popular celebrity, he thrived in the venue.

He gradually discovered that although the fashion industry may seem frivolous and open, most of the designers within it possess a kind of purity.

They have their own beliefs, unwavering persistence, and clear pursuits. Each of them is diligently moving forward on their chosen path, rather than blindly following the crowd.

This persistence greatly increased Li Xiang's positive impression of them, and as the conversation became more animated, he simply made a deal with the designers he was having a pleasant chat with:

"If you have any impressive designs to showcase in the future, feel free to ask me to demonstrate them. I'd be happy to lend a hand."

Perhaps it was this sincerity that touched him, for just as he was about to leave, a figure walked toward him.

Wang Ya, who had been accompanying him throughout the exhibition, suddenly became excited, her voice low but unable to hide her joy:

"It's Guo Pei! Li Xiang, that's Guo Pei! She's coming this way!"

Upon hearing the name "Guo Pei," Li Xiang instantly understood the reason for Wang Ya's excitement, because this person was a true master.

So he took the initiative to step forward, a polite smile on his face: "Hello, Teacher Guo. I'm Li Xiang."

Guo Pei stopped, his gaze sweeping calmly over him before a gentle smile appeared on his face:

"I know you, the third brother in 'Under the Hawthorn Tree,' you acted very well." Her tone was natural, without the slightest airs.

"I saw you chatting with some young designers earlier, it's rare to see an actor so interested in design."

"I wouldn't say I care, but I just find their ideas interesting."

Actually, I've seen quite a few of your works, not to mention those absolutely brilliant ones on the Spring Festival Gala...

Take last year's "One Thousand and Two Nights" performance, for example. I saw it in several magazines and it left a particularly deep impression on me.

Guo Pei raised an eyebrow and asked with interest, "So what do you think is so good about them?"

"Fortunately, you've achieved a comprehensive understanding." Li Xiang said sincerely, "You're using the framework of your nation to achieve global integration."

You haven't lost your roots and are growing upwards; that's probably why you've been able to gain a foothold internationally.

This perfectly illustrates the saying, "What is national is also international."

Upon hearing this, the smile in Guo Pei's eyes deepened.

She had actually walked around the area several times and vaguely heard Li Xiang chatting with the designers. She could tell that this young man was not just a good-for-nothing who only knew how to talk politely.

I originally just wanted to come over and exchange a few pleasantries, but I didn't expect him to reveal my core design philosophy in one sentence.

She also understood that, given Li Xiang's current popularity and status, there was no need for him to deliberately craft words to flatter her.

Besides, specializing in women's clothing doesn't offer him much direct benefit.

In this way, the recognition seems especially sincere.

"You have good taste." Guo Pei nodded approvingly, but didn't elaborate on her design to avoid appearing boastful.

He simply gestured around, asking, "Just here to take a look around today?"

"I guess so, I came here to broaden my horizons," Li Xiang said frankly.

"Now that I'm a public figure, I definitely can't fall behind in terms of fashion."

Exposure to good ideas and connections with capable people is always beneficial for the future.

"You're quite the blunt one, aren't you?"

"Haha, maybe I'm being a bit blunt. There's really no need to lie to a master like you."

And fashion, in the end, is just a glamorous outer garment.

Now that I've entered this industry and intend to continue in it, I naturally want to make this outfit look even better.

However, you should at least do some research before wearing something. You can't just throw anything on without thinking, can you?

"Heh, you're quite the character." Guo Pei was amused by his words, a smile playing at the corners of his eyes.

"And it seems you have quite a bit of ambition. Okay, if there's a suitable opportunity in the future, I'll also reserve some glamorous outfits for you, so you can have a chance to shine even brighter."

"Thank you so much, Teacher Guo." Li Xiang quickly expressed his gratitude, his eyes filled with undisguised appreciation.

After a few words of conversation, Guo Pei didn't linger. However, before leaving, he exchanged contact information with Li Xiang.

Only after Guo Pei's figure disappeared into the distance did Wang Ya breathe a sigh of relief: "My God, my heart almost stopped just now!"

This is Guo Pei! She took the initiative to talk to you and even left her phone number—this trip was totally worth it!

Li Xiang himself felt that this trip was well worth it.

It's important to understand that this is not yet the time when Guo Pei truly reaches his peak. At this moment, there is no conflict of interest between the two.

Although they didn't start from humble beginnings, they were both at the stage of making their mark in their respective fields, which made their friendship all the more genuine.

Moreover, every word he just said came from the bottom of his heart.

To be able to join the ranks of world-class designers as a Chinese person, to have one's own haute couture brand, and to be recognized by top fashion houses,

They can even enjoy official schedule privileges on par with Dior and Chanel, an achievement that is rare even among the billions of Chinese people.

If we were to draw a parallel with the film industry, Guo Pei's achievement would be roughly equivalent to winning an Oscar for Best Actress or Best Picture...

It is truly at the industry's top level.

For Li Xiang, forging a positive connection with such a person at this time is more meaningful than any exposure at a fashion week.

Indeed, opportunity always favors the prepared mind, and this saying is absolutely true.