Chapter 001: Unfulfilled Aspirations

These words were originally whispers, but the sudden chorus of voices stirred up quite a commotion. Like annoying flies, along with those ambiguous gazes, they were directed at Lin Xiao. He clenched his fists tightly, suppressing the anger and helplessness within him

"With the same debut time and the same group, this individual hasn't even taken on a major role." Another veteran producer shook his head, saying, "Every time he attends an award ceremony, he is just there to fill the seats; that must not feel good. Sigh, I've said it long ago, he is not cut out for acting, yet he insists on entering the film and television industry. Isn't he just asking for trouble?"

They are all members of the Crystal Boys, having transitioned from music to film. Unfortunately ... ...

Is this the underworld? He wanted to open his eyelids, but found them to be as heavy as a thousand pounds. The last scene he remembered before losing consciousness was being struck down by a large truck

In other words, this television series, which cost several million to produce, is merely a plaything for those wealthy bosses to please their mistresses, and whether it can be aired is still a question. This is a well-known fact within the production team

As for the Asian film rankings, that is an aspiration that seems far beyond reach

A feeling of loss and resentment surged in his heart like the tide

He sighed softly, realizing that at over 30 years of age and with this level of achievement, it might be time to consider transitioning to hosting a program

The production team insists on sending him an invitation letter, isn't it obvious that they want Song Qingming to come for a comparison? A small fry like him cannot refuse to attend; not showing up would be seen as acting high and mighty

Hmph. Lin Xiao's indifferent attitude provoked great dissatisfaction in Chen Shanshan: "What kind of attitude is that? Be careful, or I might expel you. Clearly, you have no abilities, yet you are pretending to be a senior. If you were truly a senior, you would have brought back an award."

I understand. Lin Xiao took a few deep breaths and said as calmly as possible: "The company naturally needs to choose valuable artists, so it is reasonable to keep him. Moreover, I also understand that my acting talent is not very good, so they are not wrong in what they said"

A surge of raw impulse suddenly erupted from my heart like a flood, never before so intense, so wild

Mr. Lin, your qualifications are sufficient. However, your appearance does not fit the image of our company. We apologize

This was his first thought after gaining consciousness

As he walked out of the hall with the crowd, the crisp evening breeze brushed against his face. The red carpet outside remained dazzling, yet he could not muster the slightest bit of enthusiasm

Lin Xiao did not show any overly intense expression, merely nodding silently. He was aware that countless cameras were aimed at him, as he was once a teammate of Song Qingming and had since transitioned into the film industry. Moreover, the other party had intentionally or unintentionally used the unsuccessful Lin Xiao as a point of comparison. If he displayed even the slightest sign of anger, tomorrow's gossip magazines would not know how to portray him.

A faint "beep beep beep" sound echoed in his mind... However, he, who had fallen into a deep sleep, did not hear it

At the Golden Rooster Banquet, it is certainly impossible for someone like him, an actor of such low caliber, to be present

"After so many years of mixing, Armani still needs to borrow." A young man who appeared to be around eighteen or nineteen scoffed, "We both stepped out into the same daylight, we both sang the same song, yet the gap is so vast."

In the profound darkness, memories flickered before his eyes like a revolving lantern. At the age of sixteen, he joined Tianguang Entertainment as an intern, and after a year and a half of training, he became a trainee. At eighteen, he officially debuted as part of the Crystal Boys alongside Song Qingming and others. For a year, they remained lukewarm in popularity, and when he turned twenty, the group officially disbanded. Song Qingming renewed his contract to pursue a solo career, while he and another member faded into obscurity.

In that era dominated by idols, his contract seemed to vanish without a trace. A few years later, he quietly left the increasingly appearance-focused music industry and entered the realms of film and literature.

He finally felt something, as if his fingers had moved slightly

Afterward, he transitioned to the film and television industry, but the outcome was even more dismal than in the music scene. He worked extremely hard, yet it seemed as if fate was toying with him, as he never received a good script that suited him. There was also a lack of guidance and support from seniors, and opportunities in idol dramas, advertisements, and the big screen were merely a distant dream. Meanwhile, Song Qingming reached the pinnacle of his career.

Next, there was a lengthy expression of gratitude, extending from the seventh uncle to the ancestors of eight generations. In the end, the man smiled slightly and said, "Of course, I also hope to see the other members of the 'Crystal Boys' group achieve better development in this industry."

Arrogant and proud, he rejected offers from several companies, which nearly led to a collective boycott against him, with accusations of him being difficult to work with. However, after reflecting on his mistakes, Lin Xiao submitted his credentials to numerous entertainment companies, yet the outcomes were largely the same.

This was the last sound he heard before falling into a coma

A knowing smile arose from various corners, some benevolent, some malicious, and some unintentional. The Golden Rooster Awards are a highly prestigious accolade in the country. For a young man achieving a three-time consecutive win at the Golden Rooster Awards, almost everyone believes he has an unlimited future, and no one would dare to offend him.

I understand, right away. He forced a smile and tugged at his suit, while the reporter, with a pair of affluent eyes, held a pen that could determine life and death. If there were even the slightest flaw in his attire, it was likely that no major brand would dare to sponsor this movie star's clothing in the future. The same applied to those of them who were merely supporting characters.

However, their gazes, whether intentionally or unintentionally, glanced at a corner far from the front row

It is fortunate that he is still alive. As soon as the weight in his heart was lifted, he once again fell into a deep slumber.

"Men fear entering the wrong profession; perhaps one has seen too many stories of human determination triumphing over fate. Choosing to persist in the wrong path without talent is, in itself, a tragedy. Perhaps he had the chance to become famous, but it is likely that the sun has already set on that opportunity"

What is happening? He snapped out of his reverie and was astonished to find that he had unknowingly stepped off the sidewalk! Before him, a massive shadow was hurtling directly towards him! In the blinding light, the terrified face of the driver was illuminated.

He hugged the host and, holding the trophy, smiled and said: "I am very happy to achieve a three-peat. As everyone knows, ten years ago, I transitioned from the music industry. In the film and television industry, I am a junior. I never imagined that this trophy would end up in my hands..."

However, after a few years, he still did not achieve much, yet by a twist of fate, he fell in love with acting

Song Qingming has already stepped onto the big screen, and Director Chen has sent over the audition roles. An old actor said expressionlessly: "The future is limitless"

The fifth host awakens, initiating the body repair program. Comparing performance parameters...

Next, we invite the winner of this year's Golden Rooster Award to the stage to receive the award! At the same time, we congratulate him on achieving a three-time consecutive victory at the Golden Rooster Awards

With a loud bang, he lost consciousness completely

"Speak softly, that's a senior." Another person glanced at him and said with a smile, "Are you aware of this year's Golden Rooster Awards? Armani and Burberry are rushing to send clothes to Brother Song, and of course, they are unreleased styles. How could they possibly send clothes that anyone could wear? Burberry has even invited Brother Song as their spokesperson"

"Xiaolin, don't overthink it." A hand, calloused and worn, patted his shoulder. "Awards don't just come out of nowhere. No one expected 'Lost in Love for 33 Days,' which had a modest promotional budget last year, to become a sensation. We are actors; we just need to focus on doing our own jobs well"

At that moment, several newcomers from Tianguang walked by, and the sound of his phone was neither too loud nor too soft, just enough for them to hear.

A man in his thirties, with hair slicked back straight and a face resembling a marble sculpture, stood up from his seat. He embraced Xu Zheng and Sun Li beside him with great enthusiasm, adjusted his Dunhill tie, and confidently walked towards the podium adorned with a red carpet

No! He absolutely does not wish to live his life this way! His dream is to stand in the Grammy Hall of Fame, to stand at the Oscars ceremony

Lacking the qualifications to walk the red carpet, lacking the qualifications to win awards, and certainly no one would mention it, except for the deliberate comparison by Song Qingming. In the tenth year, the tenth year after the disbandment of the Crystal Boys, the tenth year after his transformation, he once again accompanied the entire year.

Quick! Call a doctor! An artist has been knocked down!

This time, he was merely seated in a position within a small production team that had an investment of over 2 million.

At that moment, a sudden brightness illuminated beside him, two blinding beams of light appeared, accompanied by a sharp sound of friction

He has an above-average appearance; although he is not unattractive, he cannot be considered a handsome man. He is far from the typical idol looks of someone like Song Qingming, and one can only say that he is easy on the eyes. Tianguang had no intention of promoting him, and after the contract ended, they immediately terminated it. Meanwhile, Song Qingming took on his first television drama.

Lin Xiao gritted his teeth, a sharp pain coursing through his heart, and lifted his leg to walk forward. He just wanted to leave this place as quickly as possible

"Whether it will open or not, I’m afraid it depends on Mr. Li’s intentions." Lin Xiao furrowed his brow, glanced at his watch; Song Qingming’s was the last award of the year. Now, the Golden Rooster Awards ceremony had concluded. Many people had already begun to leave, and he cast a complex glance at the flower-adorned Song Qingming before rising to his feet.

It evokes a sense reminiscent of the flames of war and the antics of feudal lords. Lin Xiao smiled faintly; having been in the industry for so many years, although his limited talent made it difficult for him to achieve significant accomplishments, he has certainly experienced the myriad facets of the entertainment world. He would not be so naive as to argue with an outsider who is more than ten years younger than him.

The most painful thing is when heaven gives you a dream, but you can never fulfill it due to your own limitations. He sighed and walked outside

Brother Lin, do not be discouraged; everyone has made their way step by step. At least we can still have enough to eat and wear in this circle. Just look at the boy outside No. 43 Broadcasting Avenue, gnawing on bread and drinking mineral water, desperately trying to get an internship at an entertainment company. And those extra actors outside every time we shoot, we are already doing quite well. A fellow actor from the same crew comforted, and anyone could hear the pride and mockery in Song Qingming's words. And those extra actors outside every time we shoot, we are already doing quite well. A fellow actor from the same crew comforted, and anyone could hear the pride and mockery in Song Qingming's words.

Unfortunately, fate has played a cruel trick; his talent is truly lacking, and despite years of effort, he cannot ascend to the throne of the leading role. In the end, he can only join some low-budget productions, which are the ancient fantasy dramas currently airing on every channel, even to the point where he cannot recall their names

Am I going to die? A hint of bitterness rises in his heart; he still has too many dreams unfulfilled, and he hasn't even walked the red carpet in China.

... ...

The pain is excruciating, my head feels like it is splitting apart

The voice was not loud, almost as if it were a monologue, yet just loud enough for Lin Xiao to hear

Doctor! He is awake! He is awake! Suddenly, a voice of surprise reached his ears

The phone rang unexpectedly. As he picked it up, a sharp voice immediately came through: "Is this Mr. Lin Xiao? We are from the Armani flagship store. May I ask when you will be returning the Armani set you borrowed? The return time has already passed by half an hour..."

"Different is just different, the same combination yields such vastly different results." A disdainful female voice came from behind him. Without needing to turn around, he already knew it was the lead actress of this film, Chen Shanshan

Ah! Isn't this Lin Xiao from the former Crystal Boys?

However, the joints of the hands are nearly devoid of color.

Strictly speaking, this is not a formal television production. Chen Shanshan has virtually no acting skills; however, at the age of eighteen, her youthful beauty makes her the investor of this film, being the mistress of a real estate development company in Wuhan