Huayu: Starting with Hextech

In late January 2009, after several months of intense filming, the TV series "The Myth" officially wrapped up filming at the Qin Palace Scenic Area in Hengdian.

The wrap party was held in the banquet hall of a high-end hotel in the film and television city. The main creators, actors, and staff of the film crew gathered together in a warm and harmonious atmosphere.

Even the usually busy producer Jackie Chan specially recorded a video message to send his blessings and acknowledge everyone's hard work.

At the banquet, Lin Xiao was undoubtedly one of the most eye-catching young actors.

Director Jiang Jiajun, holding a wine glass, walked up to him and patted him on the shoulder forcefully, his eyes full of admiration.

"Lin Xiao, you portrayed the character Yi Dachuan exceptionally well, exceeding my expectations. You were composed, nuanced, and held your own against Hu Ge. Young man, you have potential. We'll definitely work together again in the future!"

"Thank you, Director Jiang! Your guidance is excellent, and thank you to everyone in the crew for your help!"

Lin Xiao offered a toast with humility and sincerity.

Brother Hu put his arm around Lin Xiao and laughed at the people around them, "My junior brother hasn't let me down, has he? If you have any good scripts in the future, remember to include him!"

"How could Brother Hu's junior brother be anything less than outstanding?" Everyone laughed and echoed.

Not only did he gain recognition from the director and the male lead, but Lin Xiao also earned excellent relationships with the crew thanks to his hard work, outstanding performance, and kind attitude over the past few months.

His brotherhood with Brother Hu has become even stronger after going through trials and tribulations.

She has also established good personal friendships with Zhang Meng, Chen Zihan, and others.

Even Bai Bing, who had previously been somewhat distant due to the rumors, took the initiative to come over and clink glasses with him at the end of filming, his usually cool eyes showing a rare hint of sincere blessing:

"Lin Xiao, you acted very well. I wish you a bright future."

"Thank you, Teacher Bai Bing, and I wish you all the best," Lin Xiao replied politely.

With toasts and drinks flowing freely, the atmosphere became even more relaxed.

Zhang Meng's cheeks were flushed from drinking, her eyes sparkling. Taking advantage of the others' inattention, she held her wine glass close to Lin Xiao, leaning forward slightly. Her warm, alcohol-scented breath brushed against his ear, her voice soft and seductive:

"Lin Xiao, filming is finally over, and I'm really going to miss it. Tonight... how about we go to my room and have a 'deeper' discussion about the acting? I have so many 'insights' I'd like to share with you..."

She deliberately emphasized "in-depth" and "insights," making the implication all the more obvious.

Lin Xiao could clearly smell the rich perfume mixed with the scent of alcohol on her body, and feel her body temperature and soft touch when she got close. His heart skipped a beat, and a certain part of his body gave an honest response.

Zhang Meng is mature, charming, and alluring, and her willingness to throw herself into his arms is a huge temptation for any normal man.

But he remained outwardly calm, subtly shifting half a step to create some distance, and raised his glass with a smile:

"Sister Meng's performance tips are certainly valuable, but I still have to pack my bags tonight for an early flight tomorrow morning. I'll definitely ask Sister Meng for advice next time I have the chance."

His tone was respectful, subtly transforming "in-depth discussion" into "seeking advice on acting," thus saving face for the other party while politely declining the ambiguous invitation.

Zhang Meng stared at him for two seconds, then suddenly chuckled and pointed at him lightly with her finger:

"You sneaky one! Okay, don't forget next time!"

She didn't linger and swayed away.

Not long after, Chen Zihan also came over with a wine glass in her hand.

She was more direct than Zhang Meng; in her slightly tipsy state, her alluring eyes seemed to be able to captivate and bewitch.

She gently touched Lin Xiao's wine glass, her voice languid: "Little Lin, I think I've had a bit too much to drink, my head's spinning... After the party, could you take me back to my room? And... help me sober up?"

As she spoke, her body seemed to sway slightly unintentionally, leaning towards Lin Xiao.

Lin Xiao felt a more mature and intense aroma waft over, mixed with the effects of alcohol, with an even stronger impact than Zhang Meng's.

Chen Zihan's mature charm and straightforward hints carry a dangerous allure.

Lin Xiao could even feel the newly acquired "Dragon Spirit and Tiger Power" buff stirring within his body, as if urging him to accept this readily available "romantic encounter".

However, reason instantly prevailed.

He firmly supported Chen Zihan's arm to steady her, his tone concerned but maintaining a distance:

"Sister Zihan, you've had too much to drink. Shall I have your assistant take you back to your room to rest? Or I can get you some hangover soup."

Chen Zihan leaned on his arm, looked up at him, and the drunkenness in her eyes seemed to have subsided, replaced by a hint of amusement and inquiry.

She chuckled softly and straightened up. "You've got quite the composure. Fine, I was just teasing you. Go on, develop your talents well, don't waste your face and abilities."

She patted Lin Xiao's cheek and then turned and left.

Lin Xiao withstood the two consecutive "tests" thanks to his strong willpower.

Watching Zhang Meng and Chen Zihan disappear into the crowd, he let out a soft breath, and the instinctive restlessness in his body gradually subsided.

It's not that I'm not moved, nor am I pretending to be aloof.

But he knew very well that now was not the time to indulge himself.

Filming for "The Myth" has just wrapped up, and my career is just getting started; I haven't even gotten a firm foothold yet.

If a scandal involving him and a female actress from the production crew were to surface now, whether true or false, it would be enough to ruin the "down-to-earth and promising" image he has worked so hard to build, and would also put unnecessary pressure on the fragile emotional bond he has just begun to develop with Tang Yan.

One must walk one step at a time, and one must also learn to restrain and delay gratification of desires.

……

After the wrap party, with the Spring Festival approaching, Lin Xiao didn't linger. He packed his bags and embarked on his journey home.

My six-month stay in Hengdian was very rewarding, and I also experienced a lot.

He needs to go home, to be with his parents, in a familiar environment, to reflect and plan his next steps.

The festive atmosphere of the New Year is already strong in this small town in Jiangnan, with every household decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations.

Lin Xiao's parents ran a small supermarket, and their lives were simple and warm.

He was overjoyed to see his son return and prepared a table full of his favorite dishes, asking him all sorts of questions.

Lin Xiao only shared some interesting stories and observations from filming with his parents, omitting a single word about the complex interpersonal relationships and potential risks.

At this moment of family reunion, Lin Xiao's phone, which was on the coffee table, lit up with a text message.

"Hello Mr. Lin Xiao, I am Wang Jinhua, Director of the Talent Agency Department at Huayi Brothers. Would it be convenient for us to schedule a time to talk?"

Wang Jinhua!

This name is familiar to anyone who knows about the mainland entertainment industry.

Known as "China's No. 1 agent," he has a keen eye and superb skills. He has managed many big stars such as Li Bingbing, Fan Bingbing, and Hu Jun. He is one of the key figures in the rise of Huayi Brothers and has a significant influence in the industry.

She actually contacted me first?

A newcomer who has just finished filming two dramas, which have not yet been officially broadcast, and who doesn't even have an agency contract.

Lin Xiao's heart started beating faster than usual.

This is undoubtedly a huge opportunity, an olive branch even more significant than that from Cai Yinong of Tangren!

However, this will inevitably come with more stringent scrutiny, more complex conditions, and... more unfathomable challenges.