“…What’s wrong?” Jing Li looked confused, wondering if he had said something inappropriate. Then he heard Gu Tingshen suddenly remark, “Everything’s fine, but it would be perfect if you could call me by a different name.”
“Oh, what would you like me to call you? Lao Gu? Big Boss Gu? Or should I just give you my surname directly?” Jing Yu shot him a teasing glance.
Could he be added to your household register if he took your surname?
Gu Tingshen paused for a moment with a subtle expression, then calmly replied, “I think it would be fine to call me ‘Shen-ge’ like before.”
“It sounds more intimate.”
If he didn’t add the ‘ge’ after ‘Tingshen,’ it would actually sound even better. However, he didn’t dare say that, fearing it might startle the other party or get him chased out by a certain brother complex.
Jing Li didn’t expect him to make such a request, but he still smiled and agreed, “Okay, Shen-ge.”
Then he saw Gu Tingshen curve his lips, seeming truly satisfied, which made Jing Yu burst into laughter.
Yet Jing Li felt a subtle emotion pass through him again. He carefully observed Gu Tingshen once more but couldn’t discern anything, so he let it go.
Meanwhile, the internet was abuzz with excitement over the broadcast of ‘The Last Remnant.’
Countless people took screenshots of the drama’s highlights and uploaded them online. The most eye-catching were the opening’s tragic scene and Jing Li’s ancient costume and acting skills. Numerous netizens expressed being attracted by Jing Li’s looks, leaving comments to confess their love. Jing Li’s Weibo also saw a surge in followers.
“Ahhhh, Jing Li looks so handsome in ancient costume!”
“Such a handsome little gege, I’m in love!”
“Confessing my love for my husband Jing Li!!!”
“Some people could live off their family’s wealth, yet they insist on relying on their talent. Rich, talented, and incredibly handsome – he’s a true life winner! I can’t even be jealous.”
“A product from Director Wen, it must be a masterpiece!”
“If this drama is nominated for next year’s Feitian Awards, it’s bound to win, right?”
“If this drama gets nominated for the Feitian Awards, I have a feeling the Best Newcomer Award is already a done deal.”
“Not just Best Newcomer, with that acting skill, he’s definitely a shoo-in for Best Supporting Actor, at the very least!”
“+1 upstairs. I also think those two awards definitely belong to Jing Li.”
……
At first, the comments were just praising Jing Li, but gradually they started derailing. Countless people extended the discussion to next year’s Feitian Awards, speaking as if Jing Li had already secured the Best Newcomer and Best Supporting Actor awards.
With only two episodes aired, having so many people gushing over Jing Li was an obvious exaggeration.
Moreover, there were still several dramas starring veteran actors yet to be released next year. Making such statements amounted to openly provoking those productions, inevitably incurring dissatisfaction from their fans and igniting conflicts between both sides.
It was clear that someone was intentionally stirring up trouble, attempting to overhype and undermine Jing Li.
The previously exuberant Koi fans were the first to sense something amiss and quickly stepped in to control the comments. However, it was too late; other fans had already been provoked upon seeing those comments and joined the fray.
“Best Newcomer and Best Supporting Actor? You sure have a thick skin!”
“The new drama has only aired two episodes, and you’re already this hyped?”
“What, you think being from the Jing family allows you to act so arrogantly? Dream on! The Feitian Awards can’t be bought with money!”
“I quite liked the actor Jing Li while watching the drama, but after seeing these comments, I’ve lost interest.”
“Why is this Jing Li guy everywhere? It’s fine normally, but can’t you stop annoying people during the holidays?”
“I see some people are really restless without showing off their presence every day? They’re just begging to be scolded!”
……
Due to those intentionally provocative comments, the internet instantly erupted into chaos, and the previous hype around Jing Li vanished, replaced by a wave of criticism about his unsightly behavior.
Although Jing Li had accumulated nearly 10 million fans, it was still insignificant compared to the massive fan bases of others. Soon, the comment sections were flooded with negative remarks.
However, most Koi fans were rational, and some had already noticed the intentional provocation. To avoid backlash against their idol, numerous fan leaders stepped forward, urging Koi fans not to engage with other fandoms and maintain a sincere attitude, clearly stating their position.
“Sorry, our Jing Li is just a newcomer, not trying to compete with anyone.”
“Please don’t overhype him, we Koi fans haven’t said anything.”
“Don’t let others take advantage of you by stirring up trouble, dear sisters from other fandoms.”
“Don’t argue, even if we’re fortunate enough to be nominated for the Feitian Awards, we won’t be arrogant until the award ceremony ends.”
“We Koi fans are quite zen. As long as Jing Li continues acting, we’re satisfied. Thank you.”
……
Thanks to the Koi fans’ attitude, those previously outraged fans from other fandoms gradually lost interest. Moreover, continuing the quarrel would make them appear as though they were deliberately picking on Jing Li, potentially backfiring on their idols.
Gradually, the storm in the comment section died down.
The previously provocative trolls, failing to stir up significant unrest despite multiple attempts and even arousing suspicion from other fans, also quieted down.
An imminent battle was defused by fans before it could cause a major disturbance. This was an unprecedented occurrence in the fan circle.
However, this incident endeared many netizens and fans to Jing Li and his fans, with some even becoming his fans.
Jing Li himself remained unaware of the online commotion. After the new year, all industries resumed their normal operations, and he prepared to depart for the outdoor reality show ‘Ultimate Survival Challenge’ he had previously accepted.
As this variety show was filmed outdoors, the guests met the production team in the city nearest to the filming location, “Blue Island.”
Hu Li, who was in the same city as Jing Li, had contacted him two days before their departure, agreeing to meet at the airport and travel together.
“Hey, did you ask Gu Tingshen?” Hu Li excitedly asked Jing Li as soon as they boarded the plane.
“Ask him what?”
“What’s on the island!” Hu Li knew from his attitude that he hadn’t given it any thought, exasperatedly remarking, “We’re going to Gu Tingshen’s private island! A private island, gege!”
“Such a rare opportunity, even if you don’t covet the aura around him, you should at least explore his island!”
“You said it’s an exploration. What’s the point if I spoil it for you in advance?” Jing Li laughed, looking at him.
Although he said that, it was still Gu Tingshen’s territory! He felt like he’d be at a huge disadvantage if he didn’t explore it.
Hu Li puffed his cheeks, unsatisfied. Seeing this, Jing Li couldn’t help but laugh and nudged him with his elbow, comforting him, “Alright, maybe this big adventure will be to find Gu Tingshen’s headquarters on the island? That should give you a chance to scour the entire place.”
That would be amazing!
Hearing this, Hu Li’s eyes lit up, but before he could respond, the flight attendants approached to check the passengers’ seatbelts, forcing him to temporarily end the conversation.
Once the flight attendant left, Jing Li was already sleeping in his seat. He could only sigh, eagerly anticipating the upcoming variety show schedule.
*
Two hours later, when the plane landed, the crew had arranged staff and vehicles to pick them up outside the airport. Jing Li and Hu Li headed straight over after exiting.
“Are we the first ones here?” Hu Li asked the staff leading the way, glancing at the empty seats in the vehicle.
“Teachers Hu Feifei and Su Mengran have already arrived,” the staff member smiled politely. “Since you arrived at different times, we sent them to the director’s designated location first.”
Hu Li nodded and didn’t say anything further.
“Ultimate Survival Challenge” featured five guests per episode, each with unique characteristics. The common thread was their online popularity.
Consequently, each guest invited became a benchmark for fans to evaluate fame. Combined with the show’s popularity, many artists, especially rising stars, vied to appear.
This episode, in addition to Jing Li and Hu Li, featured the recently popular Hu Feifei and Su Mengran. The former was a popular traffic star1“traffic star” refers to a celebrity who generates a significant amount of online attention and has a large fan base, while the latter, though a newcomer of two years, was equally popular and had won Best Newcomer at the Golden Eagle Awards last year, further fueling her heat.
The remaining guest, Ling Mei, who had not yet arrived, had a considerable background. She won Best Actress for three consecutive years. This year, it was rumored that she was vying for international awards. Her popularity and fan base were unrivaled.
The guest list had been provided to the attendees beforehand by the crew for preparation.
Jing Li’s agent had also briefed him on the other guests’ backgrounds. With Hu Li’s detailed explanations as a veteran insider, Jing Li had a general understanding of the three guests’ personalities.
In summary, Hu Feifei was timid and shy, Su Mengran was introverted, and Ling Mei was a proper royal sister2御姐 (yù jiě) refers to a mature, confident, and sometimes elder-sister-like female character. This term is often used to describe women who are capable, charismatic, and tend to have a nurturing aura..
Based on the information, they seemed easy to get along with, but the reality remained to be seen upon meeting them.
“Here we are, teachers,” the staff member reminded them.
Jing Li looked outside to see an empty field marked with various road signs. It was clearly a private airfield. A helicopter was parked nearby, surrounded by crew members, directors, cameramen, and the two guests who had arrived earlier, all turning to look their way.
Jing Li and Hu Li quickly exited the vehicle, waving and greeting everyone with a smile.
“Director, we’re not going to fly in that helicopter, are we?” Hu Li joked, glancing at the massive machine behind them. “Our crew is quite extravagant!”
Hu Li had an outgoing personality and quickly struck up a conversation with the director in his casual manner.
Such a personable character was irresistible, especially when Hu Li aligned himself with the crew from the outset. The director couldn’t help but smile, “This isn’t my generosity; it’s a convenience provided by our sponsors. In fact, the recording will start right from the helicopter, serving as the opening segment.”
“Start from the helicopter?” Jing Li pondered. “You’re not making us skydive, are you?”
However, the director only smiled mysteriously without answering.
This immediately sent a ripple of anticipation through everyone.
Hu Li exclaimed excitedly, “Wow!” while the female guest Hu Feifei’s face turned pale.
As they chatted, the last guest, Ling Mei, arrived. True to her sophisticated demeanor, she carried herself with simple elegance and an aura of confidence, her laughter ringing out before she approached.
Her poised manner instantly endeared her to everyone.
After introductions, the director ushered them onto the helicopter, heading straight to their destination.
The cameramen also began pre-recording for the live broadcast.
“Due to the nature of this episode, we’ll be skydiving to our location,” the director announced dramatically. “But don’t worry; you’ll be accompanied by instructors throughout to ensure maximum safety. Over the next two days, professionals will provide basic training, and we’ll proceed with the live recording once you pass the evaluation.”
“However, the training process itself will be part of the show content, serving as the opening segment I mentioned.”
As the director finished, the guests erupted in dismay.
“Seriously, Director? We’re going that far?!”
“Director, I’m afraid of heights!!”
“Wow, this is so extreme!”
…
Ignoring their reactions for better effect, the director eventually gestured for the staff to lead the five guests to the training site after building sufficient suspense.
Although the guests howled fiercely before, they were more serious than anyone else after entering the training. After all, this was also part of the filming content, and no one wanted to lose their temper in front of the screen.
What’s more, this actually involved their own life safety.
After the guests’ full cooperation, everyone performed well during the two-day training period and passed the final evaluation perfectly.
Once the training concluded, the guests rested briefly before boarding the helicopter to the Blue Island for the official recording.
Located in the southern hemisphere, the Blue Island’s tropical climate maintained a comfortable temperature of around 25°C year-round, making it an ideal filming location without the burden of heavy luggage.
The director briefly introduced the island’s basic information before addressing the guests, “Prior to recording, we liaised with the island’s owner to survey the area and ensure everyone’s safety as our top priority. So, there’s no need to worry about major dangers.”
“Based on the show’s content, our staff will equip you with safety gear and parachutes at the drop point above the island. After landing, follow the map to the nearest safe point and meet the taskmaster, who will tell you the next mission requirements.”
“Before meeting the taskmaster, ensure your communication devices are functioning properly and do not remove the locator bracelets, so that we can track your positions at all times.”
“Additionally, your backpacks contain a flare. If you encounter difficulties or struggle to continue, you can fire the flare to await our rescue team.”
“However, I must remind you that firing the flare signifies withdrawing from the recording, and our team will immediately escort you off the island.”
…
After explaining the recording requirements and important precautions, the director had professionals thoroughly outfit the guests with landing gear.
Once ready, the aircraft hovered over the Blue Island. To maximize safety, each guest had a backup tether attached until their parachutes deployed.
At the director’s signal, the staff opened the helicopter doors, and the guests prepared to jump.
Jing Li, who was closest to the door, was arranged to go first.
As the door opened, he glanced down and was instantly captivated by the island’s breathtaking scenery.
Due to the climate, the surrounding waters had a shallow blue hue, sparkling under the sun’s rays. The beach’s golden sands gradually deepened inward, transitioning into lush greenery, creating a natural landscape like a scenic painting that drew everyone’s gaze.
“Wow! This might be the most beautiful island I’ve ever seen,” Hu Li remarked from behind.
Jing Li snapped out of his daze, smiling and about to agree, when someone suddenly bumped into him from behind. He staggered and stumbled out of the doorway.
The author has something to say:
Gu Tingshen: Can I take your surname and be on your household registry?
Jing Yu: You’re thinking about peach3“你在想peach!” is a pun. The word “peach” in Chinese sounds like “屁吃” (pì chī), which means “thinking nonsense” or “daydreaming.” So, the reply “你在想peach!” means “You’re daydreaming!” or “You wish!”!
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