Chapter Eight: Am I Not Approachable Enough Yet?

“It's mainly thanks to everyone else’s efforts; I just stood on stage and enjoyed more of the rewards,” Xu Ming said modestly.

Although everyone knew this was just a polite remark, hearing it still felt much better.

There was no helping it—in China, behind-the-scenes workers were never as favored as those in the spotlight.

Especially the laborers who toiled away like beasts of burden.

“Excessive humility is just pride in disguise. Don’t worry, everyone will get their share of the bonus,” Uncle Benshan said with a smile, patting Xu Ming’s arm. “Later, I’ll take you to meet some people. Make sure you behave properly—don’t embarrass me.”

“I promise I won’t disgrace you,” Xu Ming replied.

He understood that the real highlight of the day was about to come. The people he was about to meet were likely the core figures of the domestic entertainment industry.

They were also his master’s most precious assets: his connections in the circle.

The fact that his master was willing to take Xu Ming along was tantamount to publicly declaring him as his successor.

From then on, anyone who had a relationship with Uncle Benshan would be inclined to show Xu Ming some respect and lend him a hand.

For three consecutive days, from the Spring Festival Gala’s chief director to the industry’s big shots, Xu Ming followed his master to meet a series of prominent figures. The socializing left him utterly exhausted but finally came to an end, allowing him to return home and rest.

But as his master put it, he should savor these last few days of relative leisure.

With Xu Ming’s current popularity, it would be hard to find any peace in the future.

…

Qingsong County, Jilin Province, Qianying Village.

Ringtone!

“Son, your phone’s ringing. I don’t know how to read, so come take it,” his mother said, holding out the phone.

Xu Ming took the phone, and to his surprise, the caller ID displayed “Master.”

“Hello, Master, I’m at home,” he answered.

“Come to Benshan Media tomorrow,” his master said briefly.

“All right.”

After hanging up, Xu Ming brushed the sunflower seed shells off his clothes and said to his mother, “Don’t make me breakfast tomorrow—I’m going back to the company.”

The holiday season was over; it was time to get moving or else he’d turn into a statue.

He thought for a moment and sent texts to Sohu Entertainment, Sina Entertainment, Youku, and Tudou.

[“‘Loser Gentleman 2’ sells exclusive premiere rights across the entire network. Contact me tomorrow at Zhengyang Street, Shenhe District.”]

…

Zhengyang Street, No. 110, the next day.

Xu Ming entered the media company.

“Hello, Brother Ming.”

“Xu, you look really spirited today.”

“Hey, do you think this sable coat looks good on me?”

Xu Ming’s gaze lifted from the leopard-print shirt beneath his sleek sable coat, feeling quite pleased.

He recalled how that young woman had previously been bundled up in sable fur, and now she knew it was hot?

It seemed that being handsome alone wasn’t enough; adding wealth would make him unbeatable.

Without looking around, he walked straight into the conference room.

His senior brothers were all there, their eyes filled with envy and jealousy, yet their smiles were as bright as chrysanthemums.

“Bao, if those wrinkles get any worse, I’ll have to call you Uncle,” Xu Ming joked as he plopped down next to Song Xiaobao.

“Why you gotta diss your uncle?” Song Xiaobao replied instantly, feeling warm inside. He hadn’t expected Xu Ming to remain so approachable despite his rising fame.

The others grew even more jealous, wishing they were the ones close to Xu Ming.

See, when someone hits it big, anything they do becomes subject to overinterpretation.

Sure enough, once inside, a great scholar would stand up to defend me.

“By the way, where’s Brother Shenyang?” Xu Ming asked.

“That guy performed ‘Super Superstar’ at the Beijing Spring Festival Gala. He’s quite popular now and is out doing commercial gigs. When Master arrives later, don’t mention it—he’s still upset,” Song Xiaobao explained.

Xu Ming clicked his tongue. He hadn’t expected that even after hijacking his song ‘No Money Problem,’ Xiao Shenyang’s ego remained inflated.

Before long, Uncle Benshan and the media company’s CEO, Liu Shuangping, entered together.

Seeing Xu Ming sitting obediently in the audience, Uncle Benshan’s expression visibly brightened.

Clearly, Xu Ming, who was even hotter than the rising star Xiao Shenyang, was far more important.

They first reviewed last year’s media plans, occasionally naming and either criticizing or praising certain artists. The complex information was almost hypnotic.

Finally, they reached this year’s plans, and the first item instantly energized everyone.

“‘Country Love 3’ is scheduled to start filming in August this year. Everyone should keep that period free. Also, we overlooked having Mingzi participate before. Any thoughts?” Liu Shuangping asked.

This was a major project for the media company, having made Wang Xiaoli famous for playing Liu Neng and Liu Xiaoguang for Zhao Si.

It was rare for the company to have such a project that could boost careers, so everyone was watching closely.

Besides, changing actors wasn’t unheard of—Zhao Si was played by Guan Xiaoping in Season 1, then replaced by Liu Xiaoguang in Season 2, who made the role iconic.

With Xu Ming’s current popularity, wouldn’t he be able to replace anyone he wanted?

Seeing everyone so tense, Xu Ming just smiled. “CEO Liu, I’ll pass. I’d rather leave this shining opportunity to my fellow brothers who might need it more than me.”

He, Xu Xiaoming, the most popular star of ’09, acting in “Country Love”? Season 3? No way.

Even if they begged him to act, he wouldn’t give it a second glance.

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief but felt a pang of bitterness.

At this moment, they suddenly realized clearly that they were no longer on the same level as Xu Ming. A thick barrier had formed between them.

It was like the grown-up Runtu seeing Lu Xun, overwhelmed with feelings but only able to utter “Sir.”

Xu Ming felt deeply saddened. Even in New China, how could such backward thinking still exist?

Hadn’t he been approachable enough?

“There’s one more thing. New Vision’s Zhang Weiping reached out to us, hoping our Zhao Family troupe could collaborate with Master Zhang on a film...” Liu Shuangping was halfway through when the room buzzed with excitement.

The air was thick with anxious desire.

That was Master Zhang. Since the 2008 Olympics, his prestige in the domestic entertainment world was unmatched.

Making a film under his direction, even just a cameo, was a tremendous honor.

“Ahem, let’s hear CEO Liu out,” Uncle Benshan said.

“For the main roles, Director Zhang and we have tentatively chosen two—Xu Ming and Yadan. You two should prepare yourselves. There are several other significant roles as well, and we’ll try to compete for those internally. Everyone will have a chance,” Liu Shuangping finished, looking at Xu Ming.

This time, the media company was giving this kid a great gift: his film debut would be a collaboration with Master Zhang. How many actors were afforded such an honor?

Xu Ming’s lips moved slightly. Could he really say he wanted to refuse?

He wasn’t particularly eager for this film debut...