Although reality can be cruel at times, many people have to admit that talents and aptitudes are often something to be envious of, yet beyond reach.
It’s like some people are born into wealthy families, never worrying about food or drink their whole lives, intelligent and attractive with a swarm of admirers; some are naturally fair-skinned and beautiful, with a distinct aura that stands out in a crowd, even if ordinary people were to undergo cosmetic procedures, they might not compare.
Take for example a top-tier songstress, her unique voice is also an innate gift, while other singers need to protect their vocal cords by avoiding alcohol, tobacco, and spicy food, she can still perform concerts even after a week of eating recklessly.
Similarly, a superstar like Arnold, endowed with exceptional conditions, is simply exasperating. While other celebrities on the A-list have to constantly maintain their image and strategically fend off rising stars, he can go an entire year without taking on any projects and still have a horde of supporters.
And then there’s someone like Xi Ze, born with Asian heritage, a pure Eastern visage with black eyes and hair, capable of playing a general or an elderly person, his gaze able to be both worldly and ethereal. Truly, it’s enough to make many people green with envy.
Arnold discreetly entered through the staff entrance with Sam, hoping to avoid drawing any particular attention. But of course, as often is the case, reality and ideals rarely align. At least to Sam’s eyes, wherever Arnold was present, he inevitably became the center of attention, and especially so at an event like this, where all resources and connections converged.
As they walked through the employee entrance, Sam muttered behind Arnold, “You say you want to keep a low profile, but it’s useless, huh? Unless you lock yourself at home, since wherever you appear, a horde of people will definitely swarm around you.”
Arnold walked ahead in silence. They both knew that there were certain occasions they had to attend, and hiding away wasn’t an option.
However, this day’s networking event proved to be completely different from the past. When they entered the venue, all they saw were dazzling crystal chandeliers, yet unexpectedly, the scene that greeted them was a quiet banquet hall devoid of any sound. No one even noticed Arnold’s entrance. Almost everyone was silently gazing at the large screens in front of them.
Arnold stood still at the entrance of the corridor. In front of him was the Silver Fox’s screen. Thus, upon his entry, he saw a group of people with their backs to him. Because of his angle, Sam hadn’t noticed the screens, only perceiving something abnormal about the event—
It’s too weird! How can it be so quiet? No one noticed Arnold’s entrance? What’s with all the backs turned toward Arnold?!! And where’s the respect for the King of Superstars?
Just as Sam was about to speak up, Arnold stopped him, his arm clad in a silver-gray suit and adorned with gold-threaded diamond cufflinks, blocking his path. His fingers, long and distinct beneath the cuffs, pointed towards the screens not far away.
Initially perplexed, Sam wondered what he was looking at. However, when he turned his head to look at the screens, his reaction was nothing short of dramatic. His eyes widened, he gasped, then quickly pulled back in shock. “Oh my god!!”
On the screen, Xi Ze’s promotional photos had come to an end, culminating in a simple closing picture. In this photo, Xi Ze wore a white shirt, his gaze gentle and serene as he smiled lightly at the camera. The intensity of the close-up magnified the Eastern charm of his black eyes and hair, and his flawless face had no blemishes. The soft curve of his smile, the moonlit glint in his eyes, the deepness of his dark gaze—all of it made it impossible to believe that the same young man from the previous seven promotional photos could create such an image.
Sam’s incredulous voice sounded as the final picture faded away, and the screen quickly turned black. Those immersed in the experience seemed to awaken from a dream.
Finally, someone noticed Arnold’s presence, but their minds were still filled with the images they had just witnessed. As a result, their bodies unconsciously reacted, leading to a rather comical scene.
Sam would remember this scene for the rest of his life; never had he seen anything like it.
Veterans of the entertainment industry, who had been mingling for years, looked as if they had just woken up, greeting Arnold while approaching him with excitement. Their words were a mix of joy and disbelief, “Arnold, you’re here! Did you see it? Those photos just now were astonishing.”
“Hello, Mr. Arnold. We met on the Film Star Planet a year ago. You might not remember me, but I’m Tom’s partner. Did you see the promotional photos? He’s Asian, surprisingly Asian. That child, Xi Ze. Oh my god, that feeling was so exhilarating.” Visit novelping dot com for the full chapter.
Someone familiar just said, “Arnold, why did you only come now?! Xi Ze’s photos have all been shown. That cunning old fox, Xia Li, didn’t dare to save them for the end this time. If he had, I guarantee I wouldn’t work with him for the next half year.”
Completely unfamiliar faces approached to chat, “Hello, Mr. Arnold. I’m XXX. Did you see it just now? The newcomer’s name is Xi Ze.”
Arnold… Arnold… Xi Ze… Xi Ze…
Never before had such a scene unfolded. When the King of Superstars entered, everyone was greeting him with another person’s name on their lips. Even Arnold himself was taken aback. Throughout his many years in the industry, not even the mainstream media had dared to associate his name with just anyone. Yet today, a mixture of familiar and unfamiliar, knowledgeable and less knowledgeable people, even those particularly close to him, approached him, engaging in animated conversations about another hot topic—someone named “Xi Ze.”
After Arnold’s arrival, the room seemed to automatically divide into two main zones: one centered around Arnold and the other around Xi Ze.
Jian Anning stood like a guardian angel, constantly protecting Xi Ze. In photos, Xi Ze could have many facets, but in reality, he maintained his usual tranquility and gentle smile, akin to a boy who was unfamiliar with the ways of the world, relying on his manager for support and assistance.
Such an image was indeed endearing to a newcomer like Xi Ze. In reality, most seniors and industry veterans tended to favor simple and clean juniors.
Guided by Jian Anning, Xi Ze greeted each person who approached them. Almost everyone who proactively came over displayed a great deal of interest in Xi Ze. Some filmmakers and experienced program producers even expressed their intention to contact Jian Anning after the event.
However, just as Jian Anning had promised Xi Ze, she was here to hate and attract attention, while Xi Ze’s role was to be the beautiful face. As a seasoned manager in the entertainment industry, she knew exactly how to converse, how to deflect unnecessary social obligations for her artist, and how to opportunistically elevate his worth.
In the eyes of outsiders, Jian Anning was a shrewd and capable manager, while Xi Ze remained a mysterious Asian newcomer who enticed many.
Jian Anning led Xi Ze around the room, engaging in conversations from all sides. To observers, it seemed as if they had no specific agenda. They didn’t actively seek out directors or producers nor tried to be noticed by their seniors. This innocent duo of manager and artist appeared harmless to outsiders.
Yet only Jian Anning and Xi Ze knew that certain resources had been arranged in advance, so there was no need to worry too much. Getting to know more people now would pave the way for the future.
Not long after, Xia Li, who hadn’t appeared so far, finally emerged. After entering, he headed to a private room in the back of the venue to discuss some matters with others. When he reappeared, Xi Ze’s photos had already been shown.
Xia Li, the sly old fox, emerged with a grin on his face, holding a champagne glass and proudly displaying his round belly. As the leader of Team Silver Fox, he basked in the admiring and envious glances from his colleagues. He greeted those who approached him with a smile, his amiable demeanor maintained.
Shortly after, a well-known producer and program director intercepted his path within the venue.
This individual was a prominent program producer, renowned for creating various types of simulation-based reality TV shows. His name was Zhang Kai, a biracial Asian. Zhang Kai, now in his forties, sported a high-fashion black beard with a sophisticated artsy flair. He was bald on top, and despite being rounder than Xia Li, he exuded a similarly jovial disposition.
In private, the two had already communicated and discussed Xi Ze. Yet, Xia Li enjoyed teasing and withholding information. His conversations were always halfway completed, so when Zhang Kai had previously brought up Xi Ze, he hadn’t thought much of it. After all, Xia Li, their boss, was merely trying to find opportunities for their new talents. Enjoying the story? Read on at NovelPing.
However, now Zhang Kai forcefully intercepted the grinning Xia Li, pushed him to a less crowded corner, and furiously questioned, “You sly old fox! The new talent you mentioned last time was Xi Ze, right?! Why didn’t you mention how he looks?! Why didn’t you give me photos or videos?! I relied on your word for good resources! You damn fox!”
Xia Li patted him on the back with a smile, making an apologetic gesture, and said, “Hey, I didn’t know he was this skilled at the time. After all, you know how busy I am. I couldn’t pay attention to all those details. Alright, alright, don’t be mad. I apologize to you.”
Zhang Kai was also known for his explosive temper, and he retorted angrily, “Take me there!”
Xia Li was sprayed with spittle on his face, and he wiped it off with a handkerchief before saying, “Alright, alright, I’ll call Jian over for you. She’s Xi Ze’s manager now.”
Zhang Kai’s anger subsided a bit upon hearing this, but his expression was still grim. His company had recently collaborated with Arnold’s studio to create a simulation-based adventure reality TV show, requiring significant investment. Some of the technical resources were even borrowed from military departments. Regardless of the show’s premise, it was ultimately an entertainment program. All TV shows had their own premise, and their initial premise was to have a fresh Asian face.
A mysterious figure from the East, skilled in martial arts, combat, and handling firearms, all with a handsome appearance… If that weren’t enough, the ratings of the program would undoubtedly exceed 20%!
Thus, two months ago, Zhang Kai had been searching for suitable candidates. He was hoping for an Asian face, even if not of pure Asian heritage, as long as they had Asian features like dark eyes and hair. Looks weren’t a priority; what mattered most was the aura they radiated, since this wasn’t a beauty pageant.
He had been searching for a while, but hadn’t found a suitable candidate. Recently, under Xia Li’s management, a group called Zephyr had debuted, and Zhang Kai had seen them on the screen. He had specifically called Xia Li to suggest that those four boys with Asian features audition for the role. But who could have predicted that before the auditions even began, he would see Xi Ze’s promotional photos at the networking event?
Zhang Kai really wanted to trim off all of Xia Li’s fat right now!!! Just look at that grin! Damn you!! A fully Asian talent, signed under Silver Fox! If you were the boss, you’d have to pamper and support him, even if he were a pure-blooded Asian. There are plenty of people ready to support him if you don’t! Why complain about having too much on your plate?! You should be focused on the new talent!
As Zhang Kai fumed, Jian Anning, summoned by Xia Li’s, was on her way over with Xi Ze.
Originally, Zhang Kai had been annoyed, his nose flaring and his eyes squinting. His black beard on his chin looked like it was about to take flight, and his eyes were wider than copper bells. He glared at Xia Li, shooting him several annoyed glances. However, as Xi Ze emerged from the crowd and turned in their direction, Zhang Kai’s previously annoyed expression immediately turned into a smile.
Xia Li held a glass of wine and maintained a composed demeanor in front of his subordinates. Seeing Jian Anning and Xi Ze approaching, he masked his emotions. He then looked at Zhang Kai, snorted coldly, and said, “Tsk, tsk, tsk, aren’t you a big-shot producer and director? Why are you grinning like that?”
Turning his head, Zhang Kai sarcastically replied, “You make it sound as if you could easily wave your hand and kick that newcomer out!”
Xia Li touched his nose, and as he looked at Xi Ze’s clean and neat face, he thought with helplessness, I really can’t do that.
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Author’s Note: #Big Revelation Part One: Why do some TV shows and movies have no female leads in the future?!#
#Answer: Because men can get married to other men! Fujoshi (girls who enjoy imagining male-male relationships) can openly fantasize about the male lead and male supporting character without being disliked by bystanders! Anyway, there’s no female lead! Maybe the director himself is gay!#
Xi Ze: QAQ, Author! Let’s talk about life!
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