Huayu: Starting with Hextech

Cai Yinong sighed, his tone filled with emotion:

"Speaking of which, I've watched you grow from that green 'Chonglou' in 'Chinese Paladin 3' to where you are today. When Professor Sun recommended you, my first impression was that this young man had a truly outstanding appearance, but I didn't know how he would act. But on the day of the audition, you performed very well, and I thought to myself, this is definitely a promising talent."

She took a sip of coffee and continued, "It turns out I wasn't wrong. Your performance in 'Chinese Paladin 3' was remarkable, and everyone on set spoke highly of you. Later, the opportunity for 'Beauty's Rival in Palace' was mainly due to Yu Zheng's interest in you, but I also spoke up for you privately. I think you and Tangren Media, and me, are destined to be together."

The emotional appeal was played naturally and smoothly, creating an atmosphere of "I am your mentor and family."

Lin Xiao then showed a grateful expression: "I am very grateful to Sister Cai and Tangren for the opportunity they gave me."

Cai Yinong waved his hand, indicating that there was no need to be polite, then changed the subject and his expression became serious:

"It's precisely because I have faith in you and consider you family that I want to think about your long-term future. Lin Xiao, you're doing very well right now, but the entertainment industry changes rapidly. One or two projects aren't enough; you need a continuous stream of good works and resources to support you."

She took a folder out of her canvas bag and pushed it in front of Lin Xiao. Her movements were more casual than Wang Jinhua's, but the weight of the folder was no less significant.

"Tangren will launch two key S+ level projects next year."

She opened the folder, inside were two exquisitely designed project proposal covers.

A document titled "Scarlet Heart" states: adapted from the Qing Dynasty time-travel novel of the same name, directed by Li Guoli, with an estimated production cost of over 100 million yuan.

Another one is titled "Xuan-Yuan Sword: Scar of the Sky": a large-scale ancient fantasy drama adapted from a game, with top-notch visual effects.

"We bought the rights to 'Scarlet Heart,' hired the best screenwriting team to polish it, and appointed Li Guoli as the director. He was very impressed with you. This project is aiming for the title of best drama of the year."

Cai Yinong pointed to the cover of "Scarlet Heart" and said, "The male lead, 'Fourth Prince' Yinzhen, or 'Eighth Prince' Yinsi, are both extremely charming and challenging roles. If you play them well, they can definitely take you to the next level."

She then pointed to "Xuan-Yuan Sword": "This is a big production, and the special effects investment will be top-notch in the industry. The male lead, Chen Jingchou, is a young swordsman with a complete growth storyline, which is very appealing."

After introducing the projects, she closed the folder and looked intently at Lin Xiao: "The male lead for these two projects hasn't been finalized yet. There have been discussions within the company, but I prefer to use 'one of our own'—someone with potential, someone we know well, and someone we can work with long-term in the future."

She took out another contract from her bag, thinner than Wang Jinhua's, but with clear terms.

"This is the most lucrative artist contract Tangren can offer. It's for five years, shorter than many companies, giving you more flexibility. The revenue sharing is based on top-tier standards. Most importantly,"

She pointed to the resource guarantee clause, "During the contract period, I guarantee that you will star in at least one S-level drama series and have priority access to the company's top projects, including the 'Scarlet Heart' and 'Xuan-Yuan Sword' that I just mentioned."

She leaned back in her chair, her smile gentle yet alluring.

"Lin Xiao, sign him. You'll be Tangren's next big star. Hu Ge is great, but he's also looking for more diverse career paths. Tangren needs a new star. You know Shi Shi; her temperament and acting skills are impeccable. She'll definitely be the company's leading lady in the future."

There are also several very promising newcomers, like Gulnazar, who has outstanding potential. If you come over, they can all be your partners, and you'll be able to create the best chemistry.

The promise of being the "number one" star, priority access to top projects, and the combination of popular actresses and promising newcomers... what Cai Yinong offered was a glittering, clearly visible upward path within Tangren Media.

Compared to Huayi Brothers' "big pie" of film resources, Tangren's promise centered on TV dramas seems more concrete and tangible for Lin Xiao, who has just made a name for himself with TV dramas.

Moreover, she cleverly used words like "family," "fate," and "number one brother" to wrap the cold contractual relationship in a warm "mentor-disciple relationship" and "family feeling."

Sunlight streamed through the window, dancing on the contract paper.

The aroma of coffee lingered in the air.

Lin Xiao's gaze swept over the contract: five years, resource bundling, priority given to Tangren dramas... But in his mind, the words "Du Lala's Promotion Diary" on the system interface appeared, and further away, the blueprint for his own independent studio.

What he needs is not to become the "number one" in a company, even if that company is Tangren.

What he needs is the power to freely choose projects, the ability to integrate resources, and the possibility of building his own brand.

No matter how good Tangren is, it's still someone else's platform and their rules.

"Sister Cai,"

Lin Xiao raised his head, his face still bearing that sincere yet slightly fearful expression.

"The platform and opportunities provided by Tangren Media are truly exceptional. Both 'Scarlet Heart' and 'Xuan-Yuan Sword' are top-tier projects; it would be a lie to say I wasn't tempted."

A hint of anticipation flashed in Cai Yinong's eyes.

"However," Lin Xiao changed his tone, becoming even more sincere, "I'll change the subject."

"It is precisely because the project is so good and the role is so important that I feel... I may need to prepare more. You see, all the roles I have played so far are in period dramas. Chonglou is the Demon Lord, and Zhou Yafu is the General. The types of roles are quite similar."

I'm worried that if I continue to play princes in "Scarlet Heart" or swordsmen in "Xuan-Yuan Sword," will it create a stereotype for both the audience and myself?

He frowned slightly, looking both longing and worried.

"I think that as a newcomer, I should take advantage of the time when I still have room to try and make mistakes, and try different types of roles, such as modern dramas, period dramas, and even some more marginal roles, to broaden my acting range."

This might be more beneficial for long-term development. Now that we've signed a long-term contract and the company has invested so much, if I keep thinking about playing different roles, I'm afraid I'll let the company down.

The reason remains the same: "afraid of being typecast, wanting to try more things." However, given the current context of Tangren Media's focus on promoting period dramas, it seems particularly "reasonable" and "visionary."

The smile on Cai Yinong's face faded at a visible speed.

She picked up her coffee cup, took a slow sip, and as she put the cup down, her fingertips tightened slightly on the handle.

She looked at Lin Xiao, the young man still sitting respectfully opposite her, his eyes clear, his attitude sincere, and every word he spoke sounded like he was considering the long-term interests of the company and himself.

But it was precisely this impeccable "sensibility" that made her feel a deep sense of powerlessness and a faint sense of displeasure.

She offered a way out, showed warmth, promised top-tier resources, and even offered her the position of "number one".

However, the other party still politely declined with a flawless excuse.

This isn't about waiting for a higher price; it's that their heart isn't in it.

"Lin Xiao,"

Cai Yinong put down his cup, his voice calmer than before, lacking the deliberate friendliness.

"I understand and even appreciate your cautious approach to broadening your acting range as a senior actor."

She paused, her gaze becoming somewhat distant: "However, this industry can be very realistic at times. Good opportunities, good roles, good partners—they don't come around all the time. Tangren's doors are always open to truly talented people, but they won't stay open forever, waiting there."

She picked up the contract and gently put it back in her bag, her movements still composed, but with a hint of detachment than before.

"Sometimes, being too cautious and trying to plan every step perfectly can cause you to miss the best opportunity for your breakthrough."

She stood up and picked up the thin coat draped over the back of the chair.

"Think about it again. You know Tangren's sincerity. This invitation is valid for now. But I hope that when we meet next time, we will hear a different answer."

She glanced at Lin Xiao one last time, her eyes filled with regret, confusion, and a hint of coldness after being rejected.

Then, she nodded slightly, turned and left the coffee shop, her figure blending into the bright afternoon light of Pudong outside the window.

Lin Xiao sat alone in the same spot, the coffee in front of him had gone cold.

The sun was still warm, and languid jazz music played in the gallery.

But he knew that by turning down offers from two of the country's top talent agencies, he had officially chosen a more solitary and riskier path.

He picked up the cold coffee, took a sip, and the bitterness spread on his tongue, but it made his eyes even clearer.

The path to independence begins with rejection.