Heartbeat, as a popular variety show, has the Zhao family as its primary investor and many smaller investors. One of the show’s sponsors, Xishi, a second-tier affordable clothing brand, had promised their spokesperson position as a prize for the winning couple. This would intensify the competition and serve as a promotion for their new product line—a win-win situation.
Xia Yan’s time off was granted smoothly, not just because the director didn’t want to upset him but also because the upcoming day’s activity involved intense physical movement. With his ankle still injured, staying wouldn’t have been beneficial.
As the live broadcast began, showcasing the beach, ocean, and beautiful people in swimwear, the audience engagement surged, quickly reaching trending status.
Since it was a couple’s competition and Xia Yan was absent, his spot was filled by a non-celebrity participant with average skills. It was clear to everyone that the group only won because of Tu Xi’s excellent performance.
Everything seemed perfect until the sponsor announced that Tu Xi would be invited alone as their new spokesperson.
Everyone was shocked: “What about the couple’s endorsement?”
Xishi’s manager explained that since Xia Yan didn’t participate in the competition, he wasn’t entitled to the prize. But who was Tu Xi? His commercial value was immeasurable, with countless endorsements, including luxury global brands. Usually, a second-tier brand like Xishi couldn’t even dream of signing him, but now he was awarded their endorsement as a prize.
This confused many: who was benefiting here?
The situation became chaotic. The director quickly shut down the livestream, and soon after, Xishi announced that the endorsement would go to the second-place winner, Fang Xihua. The internet exploded.
【Xishi is a joke! From couple endorsement to single? If you can’t follow through, don’t play. Poor Tu Xi!”
【Tu Xi got dragged down by Xia Yan, right? If it were just Tu Xi, Xishi would be thrilled, but with Xia Yan’s bad reputation, who would dare hire him?”
【Tu Xi isn’t any better, obsessed with his relationship, tolerating his partner’s flirtations without breaking up—such a pushover.”
【Not just that, Tu Xi blindly defends Xia Yan. On the first day of the show, when Xia Yan was late, Fang Xihua merely commented, and Tu Xi acted like a senior, attacking an innocent junior. With a personality like that, who’d want him as a spokesperson?】
【Tu Xi and Xia Yan are a perfect match—one shameless, the other a jerk. They deserve each other.】
Tu Xi’s fans: “???” Are you deliberately looking for trouble?
【Fang Xihua’s fans, stop pretending to be neutral. Your IDs are still showing—do you think we’re stupid?】
【[Long post] All of Tu Xi’s endorsements over the past three years.】
【Get your facts straight. Tu Xi turned down the Xishi endorsement, allowing someone else to pick up the leftovers. Take the win and stay quiet, why flaunt it now? Are you afraid people won’t dig up more dirt on you?】
【[Screenshots] Fang Xihua’s manipulative words on the first day of the live show. He provoked and got what he deserved—now trying to whitewash himself, what a joke.】
Tu Xi’s fans were not to be trifled with. They quickly rallied, pieced together the full story, and even dug up pre-surgery photos of Fang Xihua, leaving his fanbase in disarray.
Fang Xihua hurriedly hired PR to shift attention back onto Xia Yan.
Tu Xi’s fanbase was now split into two factions: one focusing solely on his career, ignoring his relationship, and the other firmly opposing any connection with Xia Yan. Their rare CP fans had mostly scattered after Xia Yan’s “flirting” scandal, and the few that remained quietly supported the pairing, afraid of being criticized for their questionable morals.
Meanwhile, Xia Yan had gained some fans purely for his looks, but their numbers were too small to make a difference.
Fang Xihua’s tactic was effective. Soon, hashtags like #XiaYanDraggingDownTuXi, #Xia YanNoEndorsements, and #XiaYanRejectedByXishi began trending. This deflected criticism from Fang Xihua and instead painted him as a decent guy who didn’t cause trouble, garnering positive attention.
Xia Yan… Xia Yan almost laughed out loud.
What a blessing in disguise!
Fang Xihua had unknowingly helped him complete his mission.
Xia Yan bit his lip with a downcast gaze, his body trembling slightly as if overwhelmed by the online hate, appearing heartbroken and on the verge of tears.
Beaufort’s staff: “!!!”
They swarmed around him, each offering words of comfort, their voices blending into a cacophony of concern, as chaotic as a flock of quacking ducks, making it hard to hear anything.
Photographer Tan Jiatong, who had already started viewing Xia Yan as her muse, couldn’t bear to see him criticized. She patted her chest confidently, saying, “Don’t worry, Mr. Xia. I’ll stay up all night editing. Tomorrow, we’ll release the promotional photos.”
No endorsements? Xia Yan was now Beaufort’s spokesperson for China—one hundred Xishi brands couldn’t compare to this position.
Xishi was a fast fashion brand known for affordable clothes, whereas Beaufort was a top-tier luxury, setting trends. From the moment Xia Yan signed that contract, the doors to the high-end fashion world had opened for him.
The commercial director awkwardly said, “Mr. Xia, editing a commercial in one day is tough… Plus, it still needs approval. But we’ll try to release it as soon as possible.”
Xia Yan: “???” No need to rush and embarrass yourselves.
Given his bad reputation, Beaufort’s promotion would be instantly attacked by haters, possibly even affecting their stock prices.
This…
Xia Yan quietly suggested, “No need to hurry, it can wait a few days.” If he fully exits the industry by then, they won’t have to risk releasing it.
“Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Xia,” the director said, moved.
“…” Xia Yan turned to look at the photographer, who blinked and firmly stated, “I can finish it overnight, no problem.”
Xia Yan’s attempts to protect Beaufort’s reputation failed, instead sparking even more enthusiasm from the team. They all vowed to support their beloved star, Xia Yan.
Xia Yan was confused and shocked.
Where did they get the confidence that releasing his promotional photos would be well-received?
Silently, Xia Yan cast a final hopeful glance at his manager, hoping he would intervene.
However, Wang Dazhuang, clueless as ever, patted his round belly, smiled, and reassured him, “Don’t worry about the public opinion today. Tu Xi’s agent contacted me—they’ll handle it, and we won’t have to spend a dime.”
“…” Never mind, there’s no saving this.
–
At 11 p.m., with a light rain falling outside, Xia Yan returned to his room after finishing the commercial shoot. Exhausted, he opened his phone to find a string of messages waiting for him.
Liu Jinhao: [Back in the capital? Want to hang out?]
Zhao Wenhan: [Brother Xia Yan, are you okay?]
Zhao Wenxiu: [My offer still stands. People will keep mocking you as long as you stay with Tu Xi.]
Xia Yan thought about how Tu Xi’s studio had removed the trending topic and felt regretful. Such a missed opportunity! He sighed deeply and scrolled further down.
Tu Xi: [Congratulations on becoming Beaufort’s spokesperson.]
?
Xia Yan was puzzled. How did Tu Xi hear about it so quickly? Before he could think further, his phone buzzed again, interrupting his thoughts.
Tu Xi: [Did you get home safely?]
[Yes.]
“Filming must have been tiring,” Tu Xi sent a voice message, his tone gentle yet carrying a hint of coldness. “Don’t pay attention to the online comments. I’ll bring you a better gift when I get back.”
The last two words were emphasized with a distinct sharpness.
