When Anquiro initially posted about the term "single dog" on the internet, he was entirely serious and earnest, without a hint of jest. His intention was simply to illustrate how knowledgeable Xize was, and he wished to share his insights.
However, no one anticipated that the term "single dog" would become a gateway for some to mock Xize.
While many in and out of the industry admired Xize, there were also those who envied and resented him. What began as a self-deprecating internet slang turned into ammunition for some to belittle Xize.
Negative voices emerged online, using this term to demean Xize, calling him uncultured and vulgar, accusing him of leveraging his Asian features and clinging to Arnold to climb the ranks, without any real talent or ability. Some even claimed that Tom's film this year might turn out to be trash because of Xize.
In the realm of social media, all kinds of voices exist. Now, alongside the discussions about Xize were polarized comments—some fervently supportive, others deeply dismissive.
Xize had little time to surf the internet and didn't have a personal social media ID. Jane Anning's own feed, however, became a battleground for fans and detractors alike.
Jane Anning, even as a seasoned manager in the industry, would sometimes get so infuriated by the comments that she felt like jumping up and down in anger.
But the most enraged was Tom. As a director, seeing people online calling his ongoing project trash was like someone insulting his own child. How could he not be furious?
Yet, anger aside, work had to go on, and the film had to continue shooting. The external criticism only fueled the crew's determination.
Anquiro felt responsible, believing his post had thrust Xize into the storm. He apologized to Xize, but Xize remained calm, showing none of the distress one might expect from someone at the center of controversy. He reassured Anquiro, saying it wasn't his fault; even without the "single dog" incident, people would still find reasons to attack him.
The crew and other actors witnessed Xize's dedication firsthand. Previously a minor character, he was willing to starve himself for two weeks for his first scene, nearly fainting after filming. During a scene on a scorching desert set, with temperatures reaching 40-50 degrees Celsius, Xize endured multiple takes without complaint, even as his skin burned.
In this crew, aside from Arnold, Xize had the fewest retakes. His lines were always perfect, his positioning precise, and he quickly adjusted in scenes with any actor.
Despite his rising fame, Xize never put on airs with the crew, endured Tom's scolding, and maintained good relationships with other actors. Despite rumors about him and Arnold, he never clung to the "idol" and managed to get along well with the aloof Arnold.
His hard work and dedication were evident to everyone on set, so when the slander began, the crew and many actors were outraged. It wasn't just about fame; some slanderers were outright fabricating lies, even claiming Xize slept with everyone on set.
Such baseless and vile accusations were intolerable, and the crew was livid. Which star in recent years had faced such groundless slander? It was infuriating!
Yet, the more turbulent the situation, the steadier Xize remained. He had an invisible aura of calm, and those who observed him closely for a moment would be surprised to find a demeanor very similar to Arnold's—especially in his work mode, with the same serious and composed look in his dark eyes.
After today's scene, Xize was covered in mud, much like the other actors, but he was the one people felt most for. Due to the work schedules of several stars, the shooting schedule had to be adjusted. Xize, being relatively "free," had to accommodate the others' schedules.
Previously, he would act with Anquiro or other actors in the morning, shoot a solo scene, rest at noon, and then act with Arnold in the afternoon, making it less exhausting. But with the new schedule, his scenes were bunched together, often rolling on the ground in one scene, running in another, and staying up late for night shoots.
Jane Anning had protested to Tom several times, but Xize always stopped her. Jane Anning glared at him, "Your body can't take this!"
Xize smiled, glancing at the other actors, "Aren't the other artists the same? If they weren't shooting here, they'd be rushing other schedules. Why should I be treated any differently?"
Jane Anning sighed inwardly. She understood the reasoning, but recently, Xize's scenes had been so intense and frequent that he had lost weight and looked haggard. Jane Anning's protective instincts were breaking.
After finishing a scene, covered in mud, Xize washed up and changed. Jane Anning urged him to rest, and they headed to the hangar for the flying car, where they bumped into Arnold and Sam.
Arnold had fewer scenes recently, especially with Xize. The last time they met was two days ago. When Sam and Arnold saw Jane Anning leading a weary Xize, they noticed how exhausted he looked.
Already thin, his pale face made his dark hair stand out, his chin sharp, and his eyes swollen, looking like he hadn't slept all night. He resembled his starved self from two weeks ago when he first joined.
Moreover, his eyes, usually bright, were now bloodshot and swollen, with a prominent vein on his neck, looking like someone recovering from a severe illness.
Sam was shocked, "How many days has he been starving?"
Jane Anning, eager to get Xize to rest, replied hastily, "He joined the set at six yesterday evening and has been shooting until now! I need to take him back."
Hearing that Xize had been on set since six the previous evening, even Arnold frowned. It was already noon the next day—over ten hours on set?!
Sam watched Jane Anning's flying car leave, shaking his head and sighing, "This kid has it tough. From being highly praised at debut to facing so much criticism now, with a tight shooting schedule and immense pressure, he's working so hard."
He paused, adding sympathetically, "Honestly, with his looks, he could easily make a comfortable living endorsing luxury brands and doing ads, earning just as much without all this hardship."
Arnold said nothing, walking towards the set. Sam's words weren't wrong; Xize had natural advantages. If he chose not to act, he could still take many easier paths—endorsing brands, doing commercials, attending high-society events in luxurious suits, meeting wealthy patrons. A mere smile could attract many willing to shower him with riches.
Even if he loved acting, he could choose easier, more profitable web series or fantasy films with extensive post-production. There was no need to take on such grueling projects.
For Xize, there were many shortcuts, but he chose the hardest path.
As Arnold walked ahead, Sam followed, sighing, "Now that I think about it, Xize reminds me of your younger self, working tirelessly."
Arnold remembered his early days, struggling without a stunt double or post-production help, doing all the stunts himself, breaking bones, hospital stays as routine as meals, performing with injuries.
Sam, reminiscing about Xize, suddenly asked, "Did Jane ask you to borrow a hover device?"
Xize had an upcoming scene requiring a hover device. Unlike wires, hover devices needed balance and skill. With no time to learn, Jane Anning had asked Sam to borrow Arnold's equipment.
Sam, puzzled by Arnold's knowledge, replied, "Yes, Xize was too busy acting to learn, so she asked me. I thought it was a small matter, and you'd agree."
Arnold nodded, "Inform me when he comes." With that, he walked away.
Sam, confused, wondered why.
Xize slept deeply and woke the next morning, feeling better after several nutritional drinks. He noticed he had lost weight again, his chin sharper.
Despite the grueling schedule, he enjoyed acting and didn't mind the online criticism.
During breakfast, Jane Anning arranged for Xize to learn hover device operation that day. Though excited, Xize felt uneasy, recalling his past trauma with wires.
After eating and changing, Jane Anning took Xize to the spaceport. Xize thought they'd train on the entertainment planet but was surprised to board a spacecraft.
Jane Anning explained, "Arnold's home is on Ulan." Ulan, an artificial ring planet in the solar system, mimicked Earth's environment, making it a prime residential area.
Xize was puzzled, "We're going to Arnold's house?"
Jane Anning replied, "Yes, his place is huge. We're just borrowing the venue, a suitable hover device, and a professional coach. We probably won't even see him."
Wow, does that mean Arnold's place is enormous, with professional coaches? Like Anquiro's private estate on the entertainment planet, a castle-like manor? Future actors earn so much more.
Upon arriving at Ulan and taking Sam's private car to a port, they boarded a plane. Xize realized Arnold didn't just have a private estate; he owned a private island—a whole island!
Feeling poor and unable to buy his own house, Xize inwardly screamed... Rich people, let's be friends!!
Arnold's private plane awaited them, the captain warmly welcoming them on board. Half an hour later, they arrived.
Xize, enjoying fruits and snacks on the plane, thought, having money is great. He dreamed of hiring someone to peel bananas and grapes for him in the future.
Half an hour later, they reached Arnold's private island. From the plane, it looked like a small independent island, but up close, it was substantial, surrounded by protective forests, with a villa complex in the center.
Xize and Jane Anning, peering out the window, felt envious. Having money means owning a private island, a plane, building villas, and gardens as you please.
Jane Anning clutched her chest, "I knew Arnold was wealthy, but not this wealthy."
Xize, also clutching his heart, asked, "How much would an island on Ulan cost?"
Jane Anning replied, "Around two or three billion."
Xize: "......" Two or three billion is a lot of money!!
Jane Anning, who managed Arnold before he owned the island, realized how incredibly wealthy he had become. No wonder Sam was getting fatter.
As they disembarked, Sam, in beachwear and sunglasses, greeted them with a wave, exuding wealth.
Jane Anning, in high heels, stomped down the steps, gritting her teeth at the disparity between their lives. Sam, in his flashy attire and expensive car, made her heart ache.
Sam cheerfully invited them into the car, noting Xize's improved spirits, and proudly showed off the island's beauty.
The island was vast, requiring a car to traverse. Sam, acting as a tour guide, introduced its features.
"The residential area is in the southeast, with villas, entertainment facilities, a library, and more."
"The gardens are all around the island, with a botanical garden full of tropical fruits."
"There's a children's amusement park over there."
Xize found it hard to believe Arnold had an amusement park on his island, so out of character.
Jane Anning guessed, "For his future kids?"
Sam snapped his fingers, "Exactly! The island has everything—amusement park, library, gym, resort."
Xize, wide-eyed, couldn't believe Arnold had even built a future son's amusement park. Money truly knows no bounds.
The hover device training area was in the gym, separate from the main villa complex. Sam led them there, explaining, "The hover device area is in the back, the largest space, with many simulated scenarios for filming. Arnold's skills are advanced, so it's mostly unused now."
Xize sighed, thinking, what a waste of money... I wish I could waste money like this...
Entering the gym, they found a large open space with a hundred-meter-high glass dome and numerous obstacles.
Sam explained, "Basic takeoff and landing can be mastered in two hours. Advanced maneuvers like Arnold's will take much longer."
He added, "I arranged for a coach who taught Arnold..."
But he stopped short, seeing Arnold approaching with a hover device.
Jane Anning whispered to Sam, "Why is Arnold here? No work today?"
Sam, watching Arnold approach, muttered, "No, he has no work today." No work, my foot!! Arnold had a meeting with Silver Fox executives this morning. How is he here now?!
Arnold, already wearing a hover device, handed another to Xize, "Put it on."
Xize, surprised, took it. Sam quickly asked, "Where's the coach? I arranged for one."
Arnold glanced at him, "On leave."
"..."
No coach, only Arnold.
Jane Anning and Sam, sitting on the sidelines, silently took out their light screens and snapped photos of Arnold teaching Xize.
Idol!!! Where's your aloofness?!!!
Jane Anning, looking at her screen, sighed—Arnold, holding Xize's hand, looking down at him, with Xize looking up in confusion... This scene...
Rumors?!! Who would believe you two have nothing going on?!
Jane Anning and Sam felt like kneeling to the two stars. Where's the promised innocence?!
Jane Anning asked Sam, "Didn't you say there was a coach? Where's the coach?!"
Sam, feeling helpless, muttered, "The idol gave the coach a leave, I didn't know!! I really didn't know!!" He tried to maintain Arnold's aloof image, "Arnold just happened to be free, helping a junior. Trust me?"
Jane Anning squinted, "I don't."
Sam: "......" Neither do I.
It wasn't Sam and Jane Anning's fault. Arnold had always been aloof, never helping any newcomer so personally, especially not a rumored partner. On set, Xize and Arnold barely interacted outside of scenes, occasionally dining together when Anquiro invited Arnold.
But now? Arnold personally teaching Xize to use a hover device?! Did Arnold wake up wrong today?!
On the open ground, Xize, wearing a hover device, was being personally guided by the idol.
Initially, Xize found it unbelievable that the idol was teaching him personally?!
But Arnold's usual expressionless face reassured Xize. He thought maybe Arnold just didn't want him to slow down their scenes together. With this in mind, it made sense for Arnold to teach him.
Xize, with a calm mindset and no ulterior motives, felt fortunate and honored to be taught by the idol.
However, mastering the hover device was challenging. Unlike wires, where actors only needed to act while being controlled by wires, hover devices required balance and precise control.
Fortunately, Xize's character, Ayer, only needed basic maneuvers, so last-minute learning was feasible.
Arnold, hovering a few centimeters off the ground, instructed, "The wrist and ankle controllers will sense your movements, and the back sensor will adjust accordingly. Point your toes, straighten your back, and maintain balance to lift off."
While pointing toes and straightening the back were easy, maintaining balance was not, like learning to ride a bike.
Xize, wearing a basic hover device, struggled to maintain balance, repeatedly falling from half a meter.
Arnold had to hold his arm or shoulders to guide him.
But Xize still couldn't get it. Future people had better balance, accustomed to flying cars and space travel, while Xize, a "reborn ancient man," lagged behind.
Arnold's patience exceeded everyone's expectations. Despite Xize's repeated falls, he remained patient.
Finally, Xize managed to hover a few meters, happily waving at Jane Anning and Sam. The success felt exhilarating, flying without wires was thrilling. He smiled at Arnold, "Thank you, idol, I can fly now!"
Xize's eyes sparkled with joy, his expression simple and happy.
Sam and Jane Anning, watching from afar, were stunned.
Holy crap!! They were floating in the air, smiling at each other, Arnold holding Xize's wrist...
!!! This scene is too beautiful to watch!!
Click!!!
Sam and Jane Anning quickly snapped photos, capturing the beautiful and suggestive side profile of Xize and Arnold in mid-air.
Luckily, they were far away. Jane Anning whispered excitedly, "Ah, I must keep this! I have a feeling, one day, this island and Arnold will be Xize's!!"
Sam, initially excited, felt tears welling up, feeling like the idol was bringing his dowry to marry.
However, Jane Anning noticed something wrong through the lens—Arnold seemed to say something, and Xize slowly lowered his head... Holy crap, idol, what did you say to our Xize?!
Sam, lowering his light screen, saw the scene and couldn't help but laugh, knowing Arnold must have said something harsh.
Indeed, when Xize, excitedly thanked the idol, his bright smile momentarily dazzled Arnold.
Arnold frowned, saying, "Half an hour to barely balance, is that worth celebrating?! You should bury your face in shame."
Xize: "......" Silently lowering his head, feeling humbled, thinking maybe there wasn't much to be proud of.
Arnold rarely used harsh words, but when he did, he usually walked away to avoid further irritation.
But today, seeing Xize's lowered head, Arnold felt a strange satisfaction, a fleeting smile crossing his face.
Mastering the hover device was harder than learning to ride a bike. Xize, struggling to balance and hover a few meters, couldn't imagine the advanced maneuvers Arnold performed.
Jane Anning and Sam, bored, ate, drank, and chatted on the sidelines, while Arnold patiently taught Xize.
Sam later brought a small camera to record Arnold's lessons, realizing Arnold's willingness to teach Xize meant he respected his dedication and talent.
Sam sighed, "Our idol is a great mentor, truly deserving of the title."
Jane Anning, thinking, whispered to Sam, "I always felt Xize and Arnold were similar. Don't you think? Arnold also rose from the bottom, not relying on looks, working tirelessly. Xize is the same. Do you think Arnold sees his younger self in Xize?"
Sam, wide-eyed, thought, "Holy crap! Maybe!" Sam, who had been with Arnold from the start, knew his struggles—starting with no support, renting hover devices, learning on his own, enduring injuries.
At the exchange meeting, Sam had already noticed similarities between Xize and Arnold. Now, comparing them, he saw how Xize resembled young Arnold—both debuting with a bang, taking on the toughest films, facing heated online debates, and enduring grueling schedules.
Jane Anning and Sam, watching the two from afar, felt complex emotions. Xize was indeed fortunate. Arnold had to endure alone, while Xize had Arnold's personal guidance.
But looking at them, they seemed so well-matched!!
As Arnold said, Xize's balance was terrible, making him want to dig a hole and bury himself.
That day, Xize and Jane Anning dined at Arnold's place. During dinner, Xize asked Arnold for tips, and Arnold, eating slowly, shared his techniques, ending with a "You're so dumb!"
!! Our ears must be faulty! Why does the idol's harsh tone sound like affection?!
Xize shrugged nonchalantly, while the other two at the table were inwardly moved to tears. Indeed, only Xize could tame our idol.
Both Xize and Arnold had a workaholic tendency. When Sam and Jane Anning couldn't keep up and went to rest, the two of them continued practicing with the hover device after dinner.
By three or four in the afternoon, Jane Anning checked the time and thought it was about time to leave. It would take half an hour to fly from Arnold's place to the spaceport on Ulan, and they still needed to buy tickets for the spacecraft back. They'd likely reach the entertainment planet around seven or eight in the evening.
Arnold turned to Jane Anning and said, "You don't have work these days, right? Just stay here."
Jane Anning: "........."
Arnold then turned to Xize, showing a slightly disdainful expression and frowning, "I think you should spend the time you'd use flying practicing the hover device instead."
Xize shrugged, "......Seems reasonable."
And so, Xize stayed on Arnold's island, moving into Arnold's villa complex for the first time.