[Chapter 406: Li Xiaoran: I Want to Go to America with You]
Next, Li Xiaoran, Sophia Hu, Yan Danchen, Zeng Li, Gao Yuanyuan, Yin Tao, Michelle Dong, Qin Lan, Ni Hong Jie, and Zhang Ziyi each walked into the conference room one by one.
However, unlike Li Bingbing and Xu Jinglei, they didn't make any bold choices. After all, they were still young and hadn't really been exposed to the entertainment industry. Plus, the industry was still quite conservative, so even Zhang Ziyi, the most ambitious among them, hadn't seriously considered taking that path yet.
Once inside, at most they performed a proper dance or played a musical instrument for Linton.
Then they asked Linton detailed questions about the development of the film industry. Of course, their greatest concern was how they could make their mark.
Regarding the first question, Linton firmly believed that the domestic film industry was about to enter a long golden era. The market would expand rapidly, and demand for actors would skyrocket. Naturally, many stars would be made, and incomes would rise accordingly.
As for the second question, there was no one-size-fits-all answer. Linton's only advice was to cherish their talent, focus on learning, and keep working hard to transform their gifts into real skills. Persistent effort was the only path to success.
He gave each of them a $2,000 stipend, hoping it would ease their worries and allow them to fully dedicate themselves to studying. He urged them not to waste their talent and beauty.
With a professional eye, Linton told them that with their gifts and looks, they already had a huge advantage -- they were winning at the starting line. But ultimately, the outcome would depend on their own efforts and determination.
When it came to the question everyone cared about -- how to get to Hollywood to film movies -- he didn't sugarcoat things.
"It's impossible for all of you to go to Hollywood to act. Hollywood can't offer that many roles in such a short time. Maybe in five years, I can arrange for a film each year to select actors in China. But it won't just be from this group; at best, you'd get priority under equal conditions. Whether you get chosen depends on your skills and popularity."
After Linton's encouragement, the girls left full of confidence and fired up with their star dreams. Of course, before leaving, they didn't forget to claim their $2,000 stipend from the labor service company.
Linton successfully left a tall and impressive image in their minds. He believed that as they grew up and stepped into the film industry, becoming actors and stars, when they met again, new sparks would fly -- bringing Linton more resources for his own development.
Of course, there were some small surprises here. While everyone else left confident and excited, only Li Xiaoran showed a different view when she came in last.
---
"Mr. Anderson, I've decided that I want to go to America with you."
"Why? With your talent and looks, it's only a matter of time before you make it in the domestic film industry. Becoming a movie star would be better than just working as a server in my garden, right?"
"You said the domestic film market would grow rapidly with great potential, but I actually don't quite agree with your view."
"Oh? Tell me why." Linton noted she was a thoughtful girl.
"I work at the Eastern Dance Troupe. Although it's not a film company, it's also part of the entertainment industry, right?"
"They're both entertainment, but not closely related. Go on."
"Thanks for your affirmation. Actually, I never really liked dancing. My father forced me to learn when I was young, even made me attend the Beijing Dance Academy. I graduated in '93 and joined the Eastern Dance Troupe, but the past two years it's been in decline and planning layoffs.
You might not realize, but the Eastern Dance Troupe is a state-level troupe under the Ministry of Culture -- no less prestigious than film studios. Yet even such an institution has struggled, seeing profits plummet and now facing cuts."
"So, you're pessimistic about the film industry too?"
"Exactly. From what I hear, many film studios are also struggling. The biggest issue is that hardly anyone's going to the movies. The theaters are empty, and some have even closed down or changed businesses. I myself watch less than two movies a year, and the ones playing aren't exciting -- I always end up dozing off. If I have time, I'd rather rent Hollywood or Hong Kong films on VHS with two close friends and watch at home. That's way more fun.
Given this, do you really think the film industry has a bright future?"
"What about TV? Isn't TV penetration increasing with more viewers?"
"You're right, there are more TV viewers, but everyone's watching the same shows. The channels all air similar programs, so demand for TV dramas hasn't really grown."
"Not bad! You observe life well and think independently. But you missed two key factors."
"Oh? What are they?" Li Xiaoran looked clearly unconvinced.
"One is the rapid growth of China's economy, and the other is the rising cultural and spiritual needs of the people. Forget it, that's complicated to explain, and even my opinion isn't 100% certain. It's good that you have your own views and can think independently. However, with your delicate appearance, would you really fit working as a server in my garden?"
"Don't underestimate me! I do housework at home. And since you think I have talent, can you help me develop it in the American film industry?"
"That's impossible. The American film industry is fully market-driven and fiercely competitive. You don't even speak English well yet, and haven't systematically studied acting. Who would watch you on screens there?"
"But I'm beautiful. Didn't you always say I was pretty? Don't American audiences like beautiful women?"
"The problem is, American tastes are totally different. Let's put it this way -- with your looks, you're undoubtedly a rare beauty here, one in ten thousand. But to American eyes, Asians generally look alike. For example, Vivian Chow and Michelle Reis are beautiful, yet they wouldn't be considered top beauties in America."
"Then how come you think I'm beautiful?"
"That's because I have a deep appreciation for beauty, so I naturally notice things others might miss."
"If you think I'm beautiful, then I can dance just for you, perform, even be your assistant and handle some domestic-related work!"
Wow, this girl had been planning all along, didn't she? Who says beauty means no brains? Li Xiaoran's quick scheming was clear.
Linton couldn't help but imagine the vision of Li Xiaoran serving him daily -- dressed in a white-collar uniform, wearing glasses, black stockings on her legs, high heels completing the look.
He recalled the bosses' favorite saying: "If there's work, let the assistant do it; if there's no work, do assistant." He almost nodded in agreement.
Luckily, his willpower was strong, and he quickly pushed those inappropriate thoughts aside.
However, considering Li Xiaoran's beauty and lack of strong background like Xu Qing, staying in the domestic entertainment industry could invite many predators. He remembered how she had been tormented by a powerful figure for years in her past life.
From this viewpoint, taking her to America didn't seem like a bad idea. He could keep her close, train her for a few years, and when the domestic film industry truly blossomed, send her back to develop. That might work better.
But he couldn't just indulge her -- she needed to pass some tests.
"Alright, but if you want to stay by my side as an assistant, you have to pass two tests. I need to see if you have the ability."
"What tests?" she asked.
"First, you must master conversational English during the two and a half months of intensive training."
"No problem, I'll make sure of it."
"Second, I'll appoint you as class leader for the training, but whether you can fulfill the role and earn respect among all the trainees depends on your own skills."
"That sounds hard. I only served as arts committee member in school, and the class wasn't that big."
"That's up to you. Keep in mind, you've been working for two years now, while the others are students. If you can't handle that, how could you be my assistant?"
"Alright, just wait and see. I'll complete the tasks successfully, and you have to keep your promise."
"No problem."
"Then let's make a pinky promise."
...
*****
https://www.patreon.com/Sayonara816.
https://discord.gg/eKByGBSw.