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

On the way back, Li Xiang leaned back in the van and closed his eyes to rest, but his mind was racing as he silently planned his next move.

First up is "Pieta". Uncle Wang is currently full of energy, so post-production editing shouldn't take too long.

Based on his memory of the trajectory, if this film is still submitted to the Venice Film Festival,

So the selection process started in March, the shortlist was announced in July, and the film screenings began in August—the timing was just right.

This means that in just his second year in the industry, he already has a film competing for the three major European film festivals, which is undoubtedly a huge boost for him.

Next up was Chen Kaige's film, "Caught in the Web".

In many compilations, this film is often ranked after "Farewell My Concubine" and "Mei Lanfang," making it one of the best works among this great director's films.

Although some say it has enough breadth but lacks a bit of depth, it is precisely this "not extreme" that has allowed the film to avoid some old mistakes and not repeat them.

More importantly, it was only after filming that the male lead's friendship with Chen Kaige truly solidified.

Instead of constantly relying on the relationship between Uncle Wang and Director Zhang, as it is now.

In this industry, one's work is the foundation for survival, while connections are the key to expanding one's path. He needs to grasp both and excel in both.

The street scene outside the car window rushed past, and Li Xiang slowly opened his eyes.

Two major productions a year—one aiming for awards, the other building connections—this pace is just right.

However, if we can take advantage of this momentum, we can push ourselves forward with all our might.

Thinking of this, Li Xiang suddenly shook his head vigorously, so much so that Sister Zhou next to him was stunned, and she really couldn't figure out what was wrong with him.

Only Li Xiang himself knew that he was shaking off those emerging distracting thoughts and feelings of urgency.

In fact, with just these three films, he has already made quite steady progress and must not be impatient for quick success.

Moreover, most book lovers probably don't like unorthodox methods.

But he didn't want to give up his physical body to cultivate some physical good karma.

The most important thing to do right now is to go home and celebrate the Chinese New Year.

However, on second thought, Uncle Zhang had helped him a lot today, both openly and secretly, and he had to repay that favor.

We should at least find an opportunity to remove that "big bomb" from this person's body in advance.

Li Xiang turned around and said to Sister Zhou, "I'm going home for the New Year the day after tomorrow. I can have Master Chen take me. You and Xiao Jiang can go back earlier."

However, Mr. Chen might have to go back a few days earlier. I plan to return to Beijing on the fifth day of the Lunar New Year to visit some elders, and I'll need a car then.

Sister Zhou subconsciously wanted to chime in, saying that she could also come back early to lend a hand, but Li Xiang waved his hand to stop her: "Who brings their manager along during the New Year?"

"Wouldn't that make me a ruthless exploiter? You can stay home and spend the New Year with your family. I'm just going to pay a visit; I don't have any business dealings."

Then, turning her gaze to Master Chen, she added with a smile, "Of course, I won't let Master Chen work for nothing. I'll give him a big red envelope later as a New Year's gift for your daughter."

Knowing his temperament, Master Chen smiled and agreed.

As for Sister Zhou, Li Xiang didn't plan to spend any extra money on her.

She was in charge of her own schedule and business dealings, and her film and endorsement fees were substantial, amounting to a considerable sum in those days.

Besides, if you were to try and slip her money separately, given Zhou Jie's personality, she probably wouldn't accept it.

She is a sensible and insightful person who values ​​the long-term prospects of working with him.

For the next two days, since school was on holiday, Li Xiang had some free time, so he accompanied Hui Yinghong around Beijing and bought a lot of things.

Kara Hui was bringing back gifts for relatives and friends in Hong Kong, while he was doing it to impress his parents.

After seeing off Hui Yinghong, Li Xiang got into Master Chen's car and headed back to his hometown.

He handed over three of the latest Apple iPhones, and within five minutes, the whole family was beaming with joy.

My brother is really happy. He now has a phone that costs a kidney, and he'll definitely be the most eye-catching guy among his classmates.

Perhaps even the swallows would glance at him a few more times, haha.

Li Xiang's parents, on the other hand, liked cell phones because they could show them off frequently.

This boasting will lead to a slight increase in the price, followed by a convenient way of mentioning that their good son is now a big star and rich.

Perhaps we could go a little further and say something about how he also endorses international brands like Adidas.

Then the conversation will continue to delve deeper into his role.

In the end, it not only made them look good, but also satisfied their great vanity.

As for the other things he brought back, none of them seemed to be as important as those three cell phones in the eyes of this family.

Li Xiang didn't mind at all and happily put the other expensive supplements into the storage room.

Needless to say, the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival is still very strong in this era. Putting up Spring Festival couplets, making dumplings, playing mahjong, in short, it is both busy and interesting.

The key issue is that current mobile phones don't have all the necessary functions yet. Even if a family member has a new mobile phone, they won't be constantly scrolling through it at the dinner table.

Instead, they would gather together to chat, mostly with Li Xiang talking about various gossip in the industry, and the whole family would listen.

Most of his information actually came from Wang Ya—he had only just established himself in the industry and had no idea about so many inside stories.

However, when telling the story, he would add some details based on later rumors, making it quite vivid and interesting, which his family listened to with great interest.

Since the return date had been agreed upon long ago, there wasn't much lingering reluctance from the family on the day of departure.

Even his younger brother, Li Nian, was incredibly excited.

After all, his brother came back in the same car and left in the same car. Isn't it obvious that his brother has his own private car?

Upon receiving Li Xiang's affirmative reply, he was overjoyed. He first circled the car twice, then grabbed Li Xiang's arm and shook it.

"Brother, when I have my vacation, could you have a driver pick me up and take me to Beijing? I want to visit the place where you're filming!"

Li Xiang could easily understand his younger brother's little scheme.

It's simply because they see he has his own car, and they think that even if his parents don't accompany him, he can still take a trip to Beijing.

But he always doted on his younger brother, and after considering his brother's summer vacation and the time he had before joining the crew, he readily agreed:

"Okay, when you have your summer vacation, I'll have Master Chen come to pick you up and bring you to stay at my place for a while. I'll also show you around Beijing."

Then he changed the subject, deliberately putting on a stern face: "But while you're at home, you'd better behave and listen to your parents, otherwise this deal won't count."

"I promise I'll be obedient!" Li Nian cheered immediately, turned around and ran over to help move things. Her willingness to do anything for personal gain completely dispelled any reluctance.

Upon arriving in Beijing, he didn't rest. He first went back to his apartment to tidy up his things, and then called Zhang Yimou, directly saying that he wanted to visit him for the New Year.

Zhang Yimou was also very straightforward, giving him the address and asking him to come over now. However, before hanging up, he asked, "Who are you coming with?"

After Li Xiang truthfully told Zhang Yimou that he was alone, Zhang Yimou didn't ask any more questions and only said that he would wait for him at home.