In examining the rise to fame of some contemporary stars, Xize was astonished to discover that the future entertainment industry operated in a much more multidimensional and sophisticated manner.
In Xize's era, a star's fame depended largely on exposure. How was exposure increased? Primarily through the machinations of entertainment agencies, often relying on vague and speculative rumors. Scandals were a universal ticket to fame for many stars, and the general public delighted in the private lives of celebrities. Even Xize, who had risen to prominence through his acting prowess, would occasionally mentor newcomers, helping them gain initial fame.
However, the future entertainment industry was far more diverse and refined. Xize had learned from Jane Anning that some stars could rise to fame without any scandals, from their debut through to their peak. This was another operational model, where a star's divine persona was established from the outset. As long as they avoided major missteps, their career would be stable and highly respected.
Arnold was a prime example of this model.
During his early career, Arnold had no scandals. He diligently acted in films, rarely participated in interviews or entertainment shows, and declined all festive TV events, attending only necessary functions. To his fans, Arnold was more than an artist; he was a godlike figure, revered and untouchable. Fans could joke about him online, but there was a clear boundary they wouldn't cross.
Fans respected Arnold deeply, so initially, no one made jokes about him and Xize. Even when they learned that Xize and Arnold were co-starring in a film and TV show, they didn't fantasize about them. However, the online community soon unearthed numerous "coincidences"...
With so much evidence, even if Arnold personally denied it, no one would believe him!
Arnold initially raised an eyebrow at the breaking news, assuming it was just another baseless media fabrication. Over the years, there had occasionally been such unfounded rumors.
But when he clicked on the news and saw Xize's photo prominently displayed, Arnold's brow furrowed.
Seeing Arnold's expression, Sam's heart sank. He hurried over and said, "It's probably just the media making things up. I'll get them to take it down."
Arnold, however, brushed off Sam's hand, exited the news, and logged into the social media site using Sam's account. As soon as he logged in, he found that the fans under his studio's official account were in an uproar.
Arnold read a few comments, initially not understanding them, as he rarely went online. Recently, he had only been online for work-related breakthroughs—
"Idol, come out and clarify!!"
"Idol, you dare say this isn't true love!? I don't believe it! Idol, come out!"
"Idol, you've sacrificed so much; we're heartbroken for you! But please, tell us!"
...
Clarify what? Whether his relationship with Xize was as rumored online? Arnold ignored these comments and directly opened the top trending analysis of his and Xize's relationship. As he read through it, his eyebrows arched higher and higher!
Sam, knowing Arnold rarely went online, was shocked to see him display such an expression after browsing the web. He quickly said, "Stop reading, it's just a misunderstanding by the fans. I'll..."
Arnold suddenly looked up, half-smiling, "It really is quite the coincidence."
"Huh?" Sam was taken aback by Arnold's reaction. What did Arnold mean? Wasn't he supposed to hate such baseless rumors? Wasn't he angry at the fans' speculations? Idol, wake up! The Arnold in the news is you!
But Arnold seemed genuinely unconcerned, casually browsing a bit more before logging out and putting away the light screen. He told Sam, "You can use the official account to issue a denial..."
Sam felt relieved; this was more like Arnold's usual demeanor. But before he could speak, Arnold, sitting across from him, raised an eyebrow and added, "But the fans probably won't believe it. They'll think I'm deliberately distancing myself, so it's better not to explain."
Sam: "..." Wait, something seems off?
Arnold stood up, one hand in his pocket, and walked out. Sam, craning his neck to follow him, watched his tall figure and the aura he exuded. He stood up and followed, puzzled, "Arnold, don't you hate these baseless rumors the most? Aren't you angry at the fans' fantasies?"
Arnold glanced down at him and asked, "In the past, how did fans react to such news?"
Sam answered without thinking, "Of course, they cursed the editors and reporters who wrote it!"
Arnold: "And this time?"
Sam paused, realizing he hadn't checked. He pulled out his light screen and almost spat blood. This time, no one was cursing! Everyone was applauding!
What did they mean by "Idol and Xize are just perfect"?
What did they mean by "We bless you"?
What did they mean by "Idol, you really spoil Xize"?
Who photoshopped a wedding photo of Arnold and Xize in a chapel?! I'll bite you to death!
Had Arnold seen all this? And wasn't angry?
Sam found it unbelievable and asked, "You're really not angry?"
Arnold suddenly smiled, a nonchalant, grand smile, as if he had the world in his hands and didn't care about such trivial matters: "Why be angry? The fans' enthusiasm is a good thing."
His tone was so calm, but Sam inexplicably saw an emperor-like aura in Arnold, unshaken by anything. And if he thought of Xize's calm demeanor, they really did seem to match well!
Orz! Sam was floored! Even he felt this way now.
Arnold didn't need to worry about such things. His relationship with the higher-ups at Silver Fox was excellent, and they wouldn't use him for publicity. He knew this misunderstanding wasn't deliberate. It was partly due to a promotional oversight and partly because of the many coincidences between him and Xize.
Arnold had weathered many storms in the entertainment industry. He was a steadfast and rational person, unshaken by even the biggest events.
Sam later contacted Jane Anning, and after communication, it was clear it was a misunderstanding.
Jane Anning was at her wit's end, never imagining a promotional campaign would end up like this. She asked Sam, "Arnold isn't angry, right?"
Sam wanted to say Arnold was quite pleased but instead said, "No worries, you know what he's like. The world could go mad, and he wouldn't. He said it wasn't your fault; the fans misunderstood, and there were too many coincidences."
Jane Anning was internally bleeding. Indeed, how could there be so many coincidences that became evidence? It was like the heavens were matchmaking them!
The higher-ups at Silver Fox, including Xia Li, never anticipated things would escalate like this. Xia Li even called Arnold to explain. Arnold understood and said it was no big deal, but as soon as Xia Li hung up, he was stunned to find the situation had changed again!
Selina, the official female lead of the film, seeing the online comments going astray, posted a statement on her private account, saying fans misunderstood and that she was the female lead. She even posted several photos of herself and Arnold on set.
Xia Li was so furious he almost flipped his desk. He always knew Selina was competitive and vain, but he never expected her to post such things now!
Stupid! Very stupid! Extremely stupid!
Arnold hadn't made any public statements during the height of fan discussions to avoid making fans think they were hiding something, which would only fuel more heated debates.
The current situation was beyond anyone's expectations, but the best approach was to stay silent and not explain anything! The promotional team had made an initial error, and they would naturally provide further explanations.
Selina, unable to contain herself, feared people wouldn't know she was the female lead and posted a statement, only making fans argue more fiercely!
Xia Li was livid. She wasn't a newcomer but a well-established star. How could she be so reckless? Couldn't she hold back for a moment? Did she not realize what consequences awaited her?
Jane Anning had already contacted Xia Li, Tom, and Sam. Arnold said he didn't mind and wouldn't issue any statements; Xia Li agreed that no response was the best response; Tom, though surprised, was satisfied with the current result, as they needed publicity and the reaction was significant. They planned to explain the misunderstanding later.
Everyone agreed not to respond that night, but no one expected Selina to intervene.
Xize was speechless. Arnold's decision not to respond made him admire the idol even more, but Selina's low emotional intelligence and lack of patience were beyond his expectation. Couldn't she hold back for just one night?
Selina's statement on her private social media quickly drew fan ridicule.
Arnold had always been an idol-like figure, rarely paired with anyone in fan fantasies. Finally, Xize appeared, and fans were eagerly discussing it. Suddenly, someone poured cold water on them, naturally causing fan resentment.
Selina wasn't a newcomer like Xize, nor was she Arnold. She had both fans and haters, so her hasty statement was first ridiculed by haters, followed by fans mocking her low emotional intelligence.
Xize, scrolling through social media at home, was almost speechless. Jane Anning sneered, "Selina is very opportunistic. She's afraid fans will fantasize about you and Arnold too much, and Tom will change the script, giving you more scenes with Arnold as a couple."
Xize thought for a moment, "Why so impatient?" Most stars would stay silent in such situations; why was she stirring things up?
Jane Anning, seemingly well-informed, said, "When I managed her, she had a scandal with another male star, causing a huge uproar. She forced the original female lead out and took the role herself. She's done this before and is now afraid, so she's anxious. This is common in the industry. She's been in entertainment for years, used to pushing others out. Now, she's worried about being pushed out."
Xize suddenly realized that the promotion of films and TV shows now was different from his time. Due to higher commercialization, scripts and even leads could be easily changed early on, often in response to fan demands. This was normal, and actors should be used to it.
The online community's power was astonishing. Soon, Selina deleted her statement and posted an apology, only for her rival, the pop diva Ivy, to retweet it with a lighthearted comment: "Back then, you stole my boyfriend and forced me out of the female lead role. Now you're worried about being pushed out by a newcomer? Haha, if only you'd known then."
What?! Such scandalous news?! Netizens were going wild. This sleepless night not only revealed an Asian newcomer and dug up Arnold and Xize's extraordinary relationship but also brought such explosive news?!
Dig! No one's sleeping anyway!
Before going to bed, Xize read Ivy's reply, turned off his light screen, and hugged his pillow to sleep. Ah, this was the entertainment industry he was familiar with.
Xize's publicity was handled entirely by Xia Li, so Jane Anning didn't need to worry. The next day, she took Xize to the set as usual.
Xize, no longer hungry, had replenished his nutrition and slept well, looking much better. His skin glowed in the morning sun, and he seemed particularly vibrant.
After last night, Jane Anning noticed that Xize's attitude hadn't changed. He was still calm and composed, not at all boastful about his sudden fame. Jane Anning thought he might not realize he was famous yet and reminded him, "You went viral yesterday."
Xize turned and said, "I know."
Jane Anning spread her hands, "Aren't you excited or happy?"
Xize replied, "Shouldn't I be more concerned about whether my acting and works deserve the fans' support than about going viral because of my Asian looks?"
Jane Anning nodded in satisfaction, liking Xize more and more. They were at the helipad, talking while walking out, not noticing Arnold's flying car parked nearby.
Sam, getting out of the driver's seat, looked at Arnold and raised his chin, "I've never seen a newcomer so calm and composed. If all newcomers were like this, the old stars in the entertainment industry would go mad."
Arnold got out from the other side, glancing in Xize's direction.
That day was still an indoor shoot, following Tom's usual filming order.
However, as soon as Xize and Arnold arrived on set, the assistant director called them for a meeting.
The meeting was in a set-up indoor space. Jane Anning and Xize had just entered when Arnold and Sam arrived.
Soon, the director came in with his male and female screenwriters, opening with, "Selina has caused a big mess. I'm deleting all her scenes. Now I need to ask you, will you do the gay storyline?"