In the entertainment industry, most people possess a certain flair that sets them apart from ordinary folk. Some are aloof and proud, some are artistic, while others exude a fresh and pure vibe. Zhang Kai, a bald man with a stubbly beard who specializes in TV programs, naturally carries an air of artistic sophistication and a hint of arrogance. Unlike Xia Li, who is a businessman in the entertainment world, Zhang Kai, although fond of money, always prioritizes his programs.
When he saw Xize's face on the screen, his heart skipped a beat. As the grand scene, seemingly extending beyond the frame with its majestic imagery, unfolded on Silver Fox's exclusive screen, a voice in his mind immediately declared—he's the one!
Zhang Kai is not a filmmaker but a television man. The funding for his programs mainly comes from his company and resources he secures, so he doesn't face investment pressures. He has absolute authority in his shows; if he says no, it's no, and if he says yes, it's yes.
Thus, after viewing Xize's promotional photos, Zhang Kai was absolutely certain—this is the person!
Jane Anning led Xize towards Zhang Kai and Xia Li, drawing the attention of many around them. Anyone who had been in the industry for more than two years would undoubtedly know who Zhang Kai was.
Being the cunning old fox he was, Xia Li withdrew after summoning Jane Anning, leaving her to converse with Zhang Kai.
Jane Anning greeted Zhang Kai and introduced Xize, "This is Xize. He's my only artist at the moment. Mr. Zhang, please take good care of him."
Zhang Kai, smiling, scrutinized Xize. The young man in the white suit looked even more handsome in person than in the photos. Xize met his gaze with a composed and earnest greeting, "Hello, sir."
Zhang Kai nodded, "How old are you? Still in school?"
Xize replied, "I'm nineteen, studying at the Soloro Academy of Performing Arts."
Soloro Academy was the best art school in the galaxy, with the top performing arts department. Hearing that Xize was studying there, Zhang Kai felt very satisfied, as he was also a Soloro graduate, a half-academic himself. However, he quickly found it odd that he had never heard his friends at Soloro mention such an outstanding student.
But now was not the time for doubts. This thought only flashed through his mind briefly before disappearing. He was more concerned about other matters. He nodded, satisfied, "Soloro's performing arts department is the best in the galaxy. You're very talented and will have a bright future."
Jane Anning beamed with a radiant smile. Receiving a compliment from Zhang Kai was no easy feat. He rarely praised unrelated individuals, so if he did, it meant he had taken a liking to Xize and intended to invite him to participate in a program. Xia Li had already informed her that Zhang Kai's upcoming show required an Asian talent.
After a few pleasantries, Zhang Kai looked at Xize and asked Jane Anning, "Does he have any upcoming engagements? Newcomers should seize more opportunities. He could try out for my program; I'm currently working on one." Even though he was very satisfied with Xize, Zhang Kai couldn't just openly invite him for an audition; he had to maintain his posture.
Jane Anning, aware of this, hesitated deliberately before speaking, only to be interrupted by Xize.
Xize, who had been silently smiling, suddenly stepped forward, raising his hand to stop his agent. He looked at Zhang Kai, his black eyes sparkling with excitement, and spoke faster, "Of course, I have time. I really like your programs, sir. I'm a loyal fan of 'The Brave's Game' and 'Exploring the Stars.' I've watched every episode. Just the thought of auditioning for your program makes me a bit nervous."
Jane Anning quickly understood Xize's intention. Zhang Kai was clearly taken by this approach. He was very pleased with Xize but had to maintain his posture, unable to directly express his interest. Xize's response hit the mark perfectly. Zhang Kai, although not a bad person, was somewhat proud and aloof.
Sure enough, Zhang Kai laughed heartily. Xize's answer made him feel proud. He thought the young man was polite and had good taste. Although 'Exploring the Stars' had poor ratings and was considered a failure by many, Zhang Kai himself was very proud of it.
Zhang Kai said, "Not bad, not bad. You actually watched 'Exploring the Stars'?"
Although Xize was somewhat flattering, he wasn't lying. Despite 'Exploring the Stars' being canceled after one season due to poor ratings, he had watched all ten episodes. The show's visual quality and exploration of the stars were superior to many other programs and even professional documentaries. Xize had noticed that the director of 'Exploring the Stars' had a bit of an elitist streak, incorporating deep content into the show, enjoying the filming process, though viewers didn't appreciate it.
Xize replied, "Yes, I watched all ten episodes. It's a shame there wasn't a second season. The content was profound and educational, not just light entertainment. I learned a lot, especially from episode six. I've never seen such beautiful stars in the galaxy."
Zhang Kai, beaming, laughed heartily. Many avoided mentioning 'Exploring the Stars,' considering it his failure. But Xize's genuine enthusiasm for the show, especially a failed one, was endearing. At nineteen, instead of indulging in fast-food entertainment, he appreciated a complex adventure program. Zhang Kai immediately grew fond of Xize, his goodwill skyrocketing to two hundred percent, making him more approachable.
Jane Anning quickly added, "Mr. Zhang, please excuse Xize's straightforwardness. He's young and speaks his mind. I hope you don't mind."
Xize smiled sheepishly, "Did I say something wrong?"
Zhang Kai shook his head, his eyes crinkling with laughter, "No, no, it's very good. After 'Exploring the Stars,' even the company's investors criticized me, and the audience didn't appreciate it. It was my least successful work in over a decade. But you're right; I included some deep theoretical content, which made it a bit dry. However, I still love that program the most."
Some people, holding wine glasses, appeared to be chatting in small groups but were actually observing Xize and Zhang Kai. Seeing the usually aloof Zhang Kai laugh so heartily made them envious.
Someone muttered, "Isn't it just an Asian face that can act? I didn't expect him to be so good at flattery!"
Another sourly remarked, "He looks clean now, but who knows what he'll become in this industry."
Someone else grumbled, "He's not that handsome. If it weren't for that face, who would care about him? So what if he's Asian?"
For every admirer, there are just as many critics and detractors. Xize and Jane Anning understood this well. But some people have grand ambitions and lofty goals, destined to rise above others, leaving no time to worry about gossip.
Those watching Zhang Kai and Xize, whispering and criticizing, didn't notice a certain superstar standing behind them.
In a silver-gray suit with luxurious gold cufflinks, Arnold stood in the spotlight like a celestial being. Even standing still and listening, he exuded an air of nobility and untouchable majesty.
As a galactic superstar, Arnold's public image was that of a divine being. However, those who knew him understood that he was simply reticent, preferring silence most of the time. His aura was as composed as he was, enveloping him, deterring those without enough presence from approaching, and making even the bold ones nervous.
In private, Arnold was known to be low-key and averse to socializing, appearing only when necessary for events or acting.
Newcomers wouldn't dare approach him rashly. Those who greeted him did so to show their faces, and only notable figures in the industry could engage him in conversation for more than three sentences. Thus, the hierarchy in this circle was very clear.
At this moment, Arnold was conversing with a wealthy pair of twin sisters who invested in films. The twins, now in their forties, had been talking to Arnold for five minutes, three of which were spent discussing the Asian newcomer they had just seen on the screen.
Arnold listened politely, occasionally nodding and slightly tightening his lips.
Only Sam, who had been with him, knew that Arnold was starting to get impatient.
Finally, the twins, coming down from their excitement, apologized, "Sorry, Arnold, it's just been so long since a new Asian talent entered the industry. We're just too excited."
Arnold's amber eyes, under the crystal lights, seemed to glow like gemstones. He smiled slightly, his attitude gentlemanly and polite, "It's alright. I'm also happy to see new Asian talent."
The twins waved goodbye, lifting their skirts as they walked away. With no one else approaching, Arnold finally had a moment to breathe.
Sam hurried over, "Shall we leave now?" As his agent, no one knew better than Sam how much Arnold despised social occasions.
Sure enough, Arnold's eyes showed a hint of impatience, though his expression remained perfectly composed. He glanced towards Silver Fox's screen, where the second round of promotional photos had begun, the red, black, and gold image catching everyone's eye first.
Arnold's gaze paused, a deep meaning flickering in his amber eyes. Sam, also looking, whispered, "Don't you think he resembles someone?"
Arnold, holding a wine glass in one hand and his other hand in his pocket, turned slightly, his posture regal, "Who?"
Sam, excited but unaware, replied, "You. Remember when you first walked the red carpet with a director at a film festival and instantly became famous? Everyone was talking about you back then."
Years ago, that night of red carpets, champagne, gowns, and bustling banquet halls, everyone discussed Arnold. The memories, though somewhat blurred, remained vivid.
But Arnold wasn't one to dwell on the past. He handed his champagne to Sam, his attitude nearly indifferent, "I don't remember."
Sam, holding the glass, scanned the crowd for the Asian newcomer, his curiosity piqued, "Shall we go take a look?"
Arnold coldly replied with three words, "Go yourself."
So heartless... Sam was genuinely curious about the newcomer but knew Arnold disliked such occasions. Reluctantly, he suppressed his curiosity.
He placed the glass on a waiter's tray and glanced towards the nearest exit, "Alright, let's go then."
But as he turned, he saw Arnold walking in the opposite direction.
???!!
Sam followed, puzzled, "Aren't we leaving?"
Arnold pointed ahead, "We're taking the F passage."
Sam wondered why they weren't taking the closest exit but then realized that the F passage would lead them past the area where the Asian newcomer stood.
Sam couldn't help but internally exclaim.
Oh, great one! You said you wouldn't go see the newcomer, yet you're heading in that direction! The F passage is the farthest from our landing pad!
As his agent, Sam kept his thoughts to himself, following Arnold towards the F passage, where Zhang Kai was. Before they got close enough to see the newcomer's face, they overheard a group of people gossiping.
Those people, focused on Xize, didn't notice the superstar approaching, and those who did were too intimidated to speak up.
Thus, their conversation reached Arnold and Sam's ears clearly.
As Sam had said, Xize's experience mirrored Arnold's early days, suddenly attracting immense attention and controversy. Arnold, having faced similar experiences, instinctively reacted, standing outside the crowd, calmly asking, "Anything else?"
The seven or eight people turned, shocked to see Arnold. Some even dropped their glasses, spilling champagne on their dresses.
Arnold, under the crystal lights, looked like a descending angel, expressionless yet exuding an unapproachable aura, like a noble king on his throne.
Arnold? ... My God! How could it be Arnold?!...
Some quick-witted individuals tried to greet him, but Arnold spoke again. Sam silently sympathized with them, knowing they were about to face the superstar's sharp tongue.
Arnold, with a high and mighty attitude, spoke calmly, as if discussing the weather, "Drinking flower nutrient solution instead of champagne? So eloquent, yet no flowers growing from your mouths?"
Sam silently translated—Eating fertilizer, huh? So much to say?! Arnold's words drew attention, and even Xize and Zhang Kai looked over.
Arnold's voice, though not loud, was clear enough for those nearby to hear, causing some to spit out their drinks.
Xize, puzzled, looked over, meeting a pair of amber eyes. He felt the person was looking at him, but before he could see clearly, the person turned away, making him feel absurdly self-conscious.
Jane Anning and Zhang Kai, also confused, saw Arnold turning away.
Xize asked, "Who was that?"
Jane Anning whispered, "That was Arnold."
Arnold? Xize might not recognize all the big names in the entertainment industry, but he certainly knew Arnold, a living Oscar statuette, an extraordinary presence.
The banquet hall was large, and the small commotion didn't affect much. After his sharp remark, Arnold headed towards the C passage.
Sam followed, whispering, "Weren't we taking the F passage?"
Arnold glanced at him, his expression saying, "Of course, we're taking the nearest C passage."
Sam, wide-eyed, exclaimed, "But I haven't seen him yet!"
Arnold's lips twitched slightly, his gaze forward, "I have."
How can you be so unreasonable, my idol...