Rebirth of the Galactic Superstar Chapter 12

Chapter 12 

People in the entertainment industry generally possess unique qualities that regular folks don’t. Some are proud and arrogant, some are artsy, and some are refreshing and youthful. Someone like Zhang Kai, who specializes in television programs and still sports a bearded bald look, naturally exudes an artistic vibe. He couldn’t avoid carrying a sense of superiority. Unlike Xia Li, who was a businessman in the entertainment industry, Zhang Kai was also money-oriented but prioritized his TV programs above all else.

When he saw Xi Ze’s face on the screen, his heart skipped a beat. When the exclusive Silver Fox big screen displayed that visually stunning, grand scene that seemed to stretch beyond the frame with its golden cavalry and iron horses, a voice in his heart immediately exclaimed, “It’s him!!”

Zhang Kai wasn’t a filmmaker; he was in television. Most of his money came from his company and the resources he brought in. Therefore, he wasn’t under investment pressure and could choose the right people according to his requirements. He held absolute authority over his programs and could decide whether something was good or not. If he said it was bad, it was bad; if he said it was good, it was good.

So, when he finished looking at Xi Ze’s promotional photos, Zhang Kai became absolutely sure in his heart: this was the person!

Jian Anning led Xi Ze over to Zhang Kai and Xia Li, and the people around them looked on with curiosity. Almost everyone in the industry for over two years knew who Zhang Kai was.

Xia Li, a sly old fox, called Jian Anning over and then stepped aside, leaving Jian Anning alone to chat with Zhang Kai.

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Kkyd Gddkdt tallvle Hbydt Iyk yde kdvasewnle, “Mbkp kp Dk Hl. Uwaaldvzu, bl’p vbl sdzu yavkpv wdela xu xydytlxldv. Mlynbla Hbydt Iyk, rzlypl vyjl nyal sq Dk Hl kd vbl qwvwal.”

Hbydt Iyk takddle yp bl pkgle wr Dk Hl. Mbl uswdt xyd kd vbl obkvl pwkv zssjle hlau bydepsxl, lhld xsal yrrlyzkdt kd rlapsd vbyd kd vbl rbsvsp. Dk Hl xlv Hbydt Iyk’p tygl srldzu yde nsdqkeldvzu, rszkvlzu tallvle, “Tlzzs, Mlynbla.”

Hbydt Iyk dseele yde ypjle, “Tso sze yal usw? Fvkzz kd pnbssz?”

Dk Hl alrzkle, “R’x dkdlvlld vbkp ulya, pvweukdt rlaqsaxydnl yv Fszs ynyelxu.”

Fszs Gnyelxu oyp vbl clpv yav pnbssz kd vbl ldvkal tyzymu, yde kvp rlaqsaxydnl elryavxldv oyp wdeswcvlezu vbl qkdlpv. Brsd blyakdt vbyv Dk Hl oyp yvvldekdt Fszs Gnyelxu, Hbydt Iyk’p kdkvkyz alynvksd oyp pyvkpqynvksd. Gqvla yzz, bl oyp y Fszs Gnyelxu tayewyvl bkxplzq, xyjkdt bkx psxlvbkdt sq yd ynyelxknkyd. Jwv pssd, bl qswde psxlvbkdt see. Tl bye nzspl alzyvksdpbkrp okvb psxl sq Fszs Gnyelxu’p elydp, ulv bl bye dlhla blyae ydu sq bkp qakldep xldvksd Dk Hl, lhld vbswtb bl oyp ps swvpvydekdt!

Tsolhla, dso oypd’v vbl vkxl qsa eswcvp. Mbl vbswtbv sdzu qzknjlale caklqzu kd bkp xkde clqsal ekpyrrlyakdt. Tl oyp xsal nsdnladle ycswv svbla xyvvlap. Tl dseele yde pyke, pyvkpqkle, “Mbl rlaqsaxydnl elryavxldv yv Fszs kp vbl clpv kd vbl tyzymu. Zsw’al lmnlzzldv, yde uswa qwvwal kp zkxkvzlpp.”

G ayekydv pxkzl zkv wr sd Kkyd Gddkdt’p qynl, yde blyakdt y nsxrzkxldv qasx Hbydt Iyk oyp ds lypu qlyv. Tl oyp vbl jkde sq rlapsd obs ayalzu raykple kaalzlhydv kdekhkewyzp. Rq bl eke nsxrzkxldv psxlsdl, kv xwpv xlyd bl bye vyjld y zkjkdt vs vblx yde oydvle vs kdhkvl vblx qsa y pbso. Gde Fwxxla Nk bye yzalyeu kdqsaxle bla vbyv Hbydt Iyk’p sdtskdt rasflnv aliwkale yd Gpkyd kdekhkewyz.

Gqvla lmnbydtkdt y qlo rzlypydvaklp okvb Hbydt Iyk, bl vwadle bkp yvvldvksd vs Dk Hl. “Gdu alnldv yppktdxldvp? Llonsxlap pbswze ynvkhlzu pllj srrsavwdkvklp. Zsw nyd nsxl vs xu rzynl qsa yd ywekvksd. R’x nwaaldvzu osajkdt sd y rastayx.”

Although Zhang Kai found Xi Ze suitable, he wouldn’t just outright ask Xi Ze to audition. He was satisfied, but maintaining an air of authority was important.

However, Jian Anning seemed to be aware of this. Just as she was about to respond to Zhang Kai’s offer, Xi Ze suddenly raised his hand to intervene.

From the beginning, Xi Ze had been playing the role of a new artist who was naive and eager to please. Letting Jian Anning handle the pleasantries and networking. Their cooperation was seamless. However, Xi Ze stepped forward, raising his hand to halt Jian Anning. He even took a few steps forward.

With anticipation and excitement gleaming in his dark eyes, Xi Ze quickened his speech, “Of course, I have time. I’m a big fan of your show, Teacher Zhang. I’ve watched every episode of ‘Brave Adventurers’ and ‘Exploring the Stars.’ Being able to audition for your show makes me feel both excited and anxious.”

Jian Anning’s expression changed briefly. She quickly realized what Xi Ze was trying to do. And evidently, Xi Ze’s move worked wonders. Zhang Kai was intrigued, having fallen for Xi Ze’s demeanor. He was satisfied with Xi Ze’s approach—still maintaining a certain aloofness even while expressing his interest. Zhang Kai appreciated that Xi Ze was modest while still upholding his demeanor.

Indeed, Zhang Kai smiled. Xi Ze’s response had brought a glow to his face. He thought that Xi Ze was not only polite but also had good taste. While the ratings for “Exploring the Stars” weren’t exceptional due to the somewhat tedious nature of real-life exploration, the show’s visual quality and meticulous explanation of celestial phenomena surpassed many other programs and even professional documentaries. In fact, when Xi Ze watched it earlier, he realized that the director had a certain intellectual flair, enjoying embedding deeper content into the show. Although he personally enjoyed it, unfortunately, the audience didn’t respond as favorably.

Xi Ze replied, “Yes, I watched all ten episodes. It’s a pity there wasn’t a second season. The content starts from the basics and gradually delves deeper. It’s not just another entertainment program with superficial humor. It’s genuinely excellent and teaches a lot. My favorite is the sixth episode—I’ve never seen such beautiful celestial scenes.”

Zhang Kai’s mouth had already curled into a hearty smile. Many thought that “Exploring the Stars” was his failure and therefore hesitated to mention it. However, Xi Ze’s excitement about the show caused his eyes to shine. Complimenting a failed work couldn’t be just flattery; Zhang Kai could tell Xi Ze’s admiration was genuine. At nineteen years old, Xi Ze didn’t indulge in the quick entertainment culture. Instead, he appreciated the slightly complex and intricate exploration show. Zhang Kai instantly took a liking to Xi Ze, and his goodwill surged by leaps and bounds, growing to two hundred percent. He felt much closer to Xi Ze.

Jian Anning observed the situation and promptly said, “Teacher Zhang Kai, please don’t mind. Xi Ze is young and naive, honest in his words. He says what he means. Please don’t take offense.”

Xi Ze smiled, somewhat embarrassed, and asked, “Did I say something wrong?”

Zhang Kai shook his head, his eyes squinting with his laughter. “No, not at all. Very good, indeed. ‘Exploring the Stars’ caused even the investors at the company to scold me after it was done filming. The audience didn’t respond well either. It’s perhaps the most unsuccessful work I’ve done in over a decade. But what you said is right. I incorporated some deep theoretical content, which can make it somewhat dry. However, I personally still love this show the most.”

While some people in the vicinity held their glasses, appearing to chat within their small circles, they were actually paying attention to the situation with Xi Ze. Seeing the typically aloof and proud Zhang Kai laughing so heartily made the bitterness in their hearts almost spill over into the banquet hall.

Someone muttered quietly, “Just because he has an Eastern face, they’re singing his praises? Didn’t expect him to be so skilled at flattery!”

Another person remarked sarcastically, “Look at him now, all neat and clean. Who doesn’t know that this industry is like a big dye vat? Who knows how he’ll turn out in the future?”

Yet another person whispered, “He’s not even that good-looking. If it weren’t for that face, who’d care about him? Asian ethnicity, big deal?”

…

For every admirer, there was a critic; for every accolade, a condemnation. Xi Ze and Jian Anning understood this truth all too well. However, some people had grand ambitions and lofty goals, envisioning themselves as superior in the future. Who had the time to bother with those petty rumors and discussions?

While some people scrutinized Zhang Kai and Xi Ze, making disparaging remarks and discussing, they completely failed to notice the presence of a certain megastar standing behind them.

Dressed in a silver-gray suit, adorned with luxurious gold cufflinks, and possessing handsome features, Arnold stood amidst the crowd, capturing the most concentrated gazes. Even while standing still and calmly listening to others speak, he exuded an aura of pride and invulnerability, as if he were a celestial being among mortals.

Being a superstar in the galaxy, Arnold’s public image was just like that—divine and noble. However, everyone knew that he wasn’t one to initiate conversations. Most of the time, he remained silent. His aura was as composed as he was, enveloping him steadily. Those lacking confidence in their own presence often hesitated to approach him, and even those who dared often felt nervous about what to say.

However, those who knew Arnold privately understood that he was very low-key and disliked socializing. Besides necessary appearances and acting, he hardly showed himself.

Newcomers wouldn’t rashly approach him, and those who did come to greet him were only trying to save face. Those who could engage in conversations of more than three sentences were usually well-known figures within the industry. Thus, the hierarchy within this circle was quite distinct.

Currently, standing across from Arnold were two sisters who were very wealthy movie investors within the industry. These twin sisters were in their forties now and had been speaking to Arnold for a good five minutes. Within those five minutes, they had spent at least three discussing the Asian newcomer they had just seen on the screen.

Arnold, the gentleman, stood opposite them, listening attentively. Occasionally, he would nod and give a slight smile.

But only Sam, who had been trailing behind him, knew that Arnold was beginning to grow impatient.

Finally, the twin sisters’ excitement that had resembled an adrenaline rush subsided. One of them patted her face and said, “We’re truly sorry, Arnold. It’s been so long since a new Asian talent joined the industry. We got too carried away.”

In the crystal chandelier’s light, Arnold’s amber eyes glinted like layers of flowing gemstones. He slightly hooked the corner of his lips, parting them slowly. His attitude was gentlemanly, humble, and polite as he replied, “It’s alright. I’m also pleased to see an Asian artist joining the industry.”

The two sisters waved to Arnold and walked away, their high heels clicking against the floor as they held up their dresses. No one else approached to greet or chat further. It was only then that Arnold finally had a moment to catch his breath.

Sam hurriedly approached, asking, “Are you leaving now?” As Arnold’s manager, no one understood the megastar before him better than he did. Arnold detested such social gatherings.

As expected, a trace of impatience flashed in Arnold’s eyes. However, his expression remained impeccably controlled, not revealing even a hint of emotion. He made a noncommittal sound and turned his gaze to the nearby large screen displaying the promotional photos of various artists. The second round of rotating images had already begun, and the red-black-gold tri-colored promotional image was the first to catch everyone’s eyes.

Arnold’s gaze slightly froze, and in an instant, his amber eyes took on a profound depth. Sam also turned to look, and almost instinctively whispered, “Don’t you think he looks like someone?”

Arnold held a wine glass in one hand and the other was casually tucked into his pocket. His posture, as he turned to the side, exuded an air of an unrivaled king. His lips twitched slightly, and without looking back at Sam, he asked, “Who?”

Sam was growing excited himself, although he hadn’t quite noticed it. He said, “You. Do you still remember? When you debuted, you walked the red carpet with a director at a film festival and became an instant sensation. It was just like now—everyone was talking about you.”

That night from many years ago, the red carpet, the champagne, the fragrance of attire, the formal gowns, the mingling at the banquet hall, and everyone discussing the same name—those memories had grown somewhat blurry, yet the colors of that day never faded.

However, years ago, the name being discussed was “Arnold,” and now, it had changed to “Xi Ze.”

But Arnold wasn’t someone who enjoyed reminiscing about the past. He turned his head, handed the champagne glass to Sam with an almost indifferent and haughty attitude, and said, “I don’t remember.”

Sam took the wine glass and held it, but his gaze was already scanning the crowd for the Asian newcomer. He was genuinely curious, so he encouraged Arnold, “Shall we go take a look?”

Arnold’s response was cold and ruthless: “Go by yourself.”

QAQ So heartless… Sam was truly curious about that Asian newcomer and wanted to see him in person, to see what he was like. However, he knew very well that Arnold disliked such gatherings and didn’t like to be part of the crowd. He was left with no choice but to suppress his curiosity.

He returned the wine glass to a passing tray held by a waiter and glanced at the nearest exit, saying, “Alright then, let’s go.”

Just as he was about to turn, he suddenly realized that Arnold was stepping in the exact opposite direction.

???!!

Sam turned around to follow, feeling utterly puzzled. “Aren’t we leaving?”

Arnold pointed ahead. “Go to the F exit.”

Sam was bewildered. Wasn’t the path they were about to take the closest and fastest way out? He looked in the direction Arnold was indicating… and realized that the F exit Arnold wanted to use… well, it conveniently passed right by where the Asian newcomer was standing.

Sam couldn’t help but feel exasperated internally.

Oh, dear deity!!! Wasn’t it you who didn’t want to see the newcomer? And now you’re heading in that direction too? The F exit is the farthest from the landing pad for our spacecraft!!!

As a manager, while inwardly complaining, Sam also felt a little exasperated. To be honest, he found Arnold’s reaction a bit… abnormal.

However, even if Sam had 200 times more courage, he wouldn’t dare to speak up. So, he could only walk with Arnold toward the F exit, which was also the direction of Zhang Kai’s area. However, before they could get close enough to see the Asian newcomer’s face clearly, they heard a small group of people nearby discussing and throwing dirt at him.

Those people were secretly keeping an eye on Xi Ze, and almost no one noticed that a certain superstar was approaching their side. Those who did notice the superstar were too intimidated by his aura to utter a word.

Consequently, every word of that small group’s discussion was heard crystal clear by both Arnold and Sam.

Just as Sam had said, Xi Ze’s current experience was somewhat reminiscent of Arnold’s from years ago. Both suddenly garnered significant attention and criticism overnight. Arnold had been navigating this path for many years now. Although his current glory had erased all past controversies, the beginning of his fame had certainly attracted various discussions and unfounded accusations, much like what Xi Ze was currently facing.

The similarity in experiences and encounters triggered a subconscious reaction from Arnold. Standing outside the crowd, he said nonchalantly, “And then?”

There were around seven or eight people engaged in that huddled discussion. Upon hearing this voice, all of them turned with astonishment—some faced him directly, and others looked up. Once they saw who was speaking, everyone was stunned. Several people dropped their glasses, shattering on the ground, while champagne splashed onto their gowns.

Arnold stood under the crystal chandelier, resembling an archangel from the mortal realm. His face exhibited no expression, but he exuded an imperious aura and a serene poise that almost blinded the eyes. He looked like a noble monarch on his throne.

Arnold?… Oh my goodness!! How could it be Arnold?!

One of the quicker-witted people tried to explain, thinking of offering a greeting to divert attention. But who could have anticipated that Arnold would open his mouth again? Sam silently offered these people his condolences; they were about to experience the venomous tongue-lashing of a superstar. Had they never encountered the poison of a celebrity’s sarcasm before? Well, they were about to savor it!

With a proud demeanor and a face that displayed no trace of anger, Arnold’s tone sounded as though he was commenting on the weather. However, his words were sharp as a serpent’s bite: “Instead of champagne, did you actually drink nutrient-rich flower essence? Is your tongue blooming with lotus flowers?!”

Sam mentally translated: “Did you eat fertilizer? Why are you talking so much?!”

The small circle around Arnold had already attracted the attention of those nearby. People turned their heads to look, and even Xi Ze and Zhang Kai noticed. They glanced over in that direction.

Arnold’s voice wasn’t particularly loud, but it certainly wasn’t quiet either. At least those who were closer heard it clearly. As a result, some of the people around, who still had alcohol in their mouths, almost choked. 

Xi Ze looked confusedly toward the nearby commotion, not yet understanding what was happening. However, his gaze met a pair of amber eyes from across the crowd.

When Xi Ze’s gaze met those eyes, he felt a bit perplexed. He could sense that someone was looking at him, but before he could clearly see the person’s face, they had already turned and walked away. When he looked over again, it seemed as if that person had just glanced casually in his direction, not really paying him any attention. This left him with a somewhat absurd feeling of self-importance.

Zhang Kai and Jian Anning were also unsure about what had just happened. They saw Arnold amidst the commotion and paused momentarily. However, upon closer inspection, Arnold had already turned and left.

Xi Ze asked in confusion, “Who was that?”

Jian Anning whispered, “It was Arnold.”

Arnold? While Xi Ze might not recognize all the big names in the entertainment industry, he definitely knew who Arnold was. Arnold was like a living Oscar statuette – an extraordinary presence.

The ballroom was quite large, and the small disturbance caused by the incident didn’t affect the overall atmosphere. After delivering his sarcastic remark, Arnold turned and headed toward the C exit they had initially come from.

Sam followed behind and whispered, “Wasn’t it the F exit?”

Arnold glanced at him and his expression clearly said, “Obviously, we’re going to the closest C exit.”

Sam widened his eyes in surprise, “But I haven’t seen it yet!”

Arnold’s lips curled imperceptibly, then he turned his head forward again, calm as ever, and said, “I’ve seen it!”

_(:」∠)_ How could the male god be so unreasonable…

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