Arnold's villa was exceptionally grand, rivaling Anquiro's European-style castle in size. The villa complex had a distinctive charm, resembling a serene and picturesque small town. The roads were paved with small red bricks, and the villas were painted in alternating shades of red, blue, and white. The yards were fenced with wooden pickets, and inside, many beautiful flowers and plants were carefully cultivated.
It was the first time Xize had seen an artist living in such opulence, and he was filled with envy. He was still penniless, without even a home of his own, and was living at Jane Anning's place.
A four-seater convertible slowly drove into the villa complex. Sam was driving in the front, with Jane Anning in the passenger seat, while Arnold and Xize sat in the back.
Through his daytime interactions with Arnold, Xize realized that his idol wasn't as unapproachable as he had imagined. In fact, Xize had noticed in the past that Arnold wasn't very proactive in social interactions and wasn't adept at making friends or building his social circle. However, if someone invited him to a late-night meal, he wouldn't refuse. In essence, Arnold was actually quite a decent person.
Arnold taught him how to use the hover device with patience, continuing the lessons even after dinner without taking a break. Though he called Xize clumsy, he shared all his techniques without reservation and even invited them to stay for dinner and spend the night.
In Xize's view, aside from the rumors surrounding them, Arnold was a very worthy friend within the industry.
Though Xize wasn't very talkative, compared to Arnold, he seemed quite chatty. His first question was, "Did buying this island cost you a lot?"
The two people in the front: "......" This kid is really straightforward.
Arnold thought for a moment and said, "The island cost two billion, but building on it didn't cost much."
Xize looked at the beautiful villa complex and the red brick roads and asked, "Did you design this yourself?"
Arnold nodded, and Sam turned his head from the front, speaking with pride, "This entire island was designed by Arnold himself, without hiring any designers."
Wow... Xize nodded in amazement, thinking how wonderful it would be if one day he could buy his own island and design his own house and garden.
Xize stayed at Arnold's place for three days and four nights, thoroughly enjoying himself.
The island felt like a tranquil vacation town, complete with a beach, beautiful villas, and an orchard full of fruit trees. During the day, Arnold would teach Xize how to use the hover device whenever he had time. When Arnold was busy, Xize practiced on his own. He could also follow Sam to the orchard to pick fresh fruits, and skateboarding and surfing were free to enjoy. Except for Arnold's bedroom, he could go anywhere he wanted.
The intense filming schedule had left Xize exhausted and thin, but after spending a few days on the island, learning to use the hover device, and enjoying the food and fun, he quickly regained his energy.
Because Arnold was willing to teach Xize how to use the hover device, their relationship had noticeably improved. Although Arnold still maintained his aloof and reserved demeanor, Xize's willingness to initiate conversation helped bridge the gap.
Jane Anning once cautiously asked Xize, "The rumors outside are still rampant. Aren't you afraid that getting closer to Arnold will lead to more gossip from the fans?"
Xize laughed and said, "Isn't it normal for celebrities to have rumors? I'll be cautious in public, but I also have my personal life. I can't give up my friends and personal life just because of some gossip, right?"
Sam, Arnold's manager, had also reminded Arnold, "You need to be careful about the media stirring up scandals because of your special attention to Xize."
Arnold's response was characteristically cool, raising an eyebrow and looking at Sam with a dismissive tone, "When have I ever given Xize special attention?"
Sam nearly jumped up, pointing at Arnold and retorting, "You personally taught Xize how to use the hover device! You even invited him to stay over! You guide him whenever you have time! How can you deny it?!"
Arnold glanced at Sam with indifference and said, "I'm just worried that if he doesn't learn it properly, it will affect my future work."
Sam: "Heh, I don't believe it!"
Despite the ongoing rumors, neither Xize nor Arnold paid them much mind. Xize believed that gossip was a normal part of an artist's life, and fans were free to fantasize as they pleased. It was never going to be true anyway. If fans fantasized about him being with the president, did that mean he should consider himself the president's spouse?
Arnold's reaction was to look Xize up and down, then turn away with an expression of utter disdain.
Because neither of them took the rumors seriously, their private interactions were completely natural.
Unfortunately, despite the island being a paradise, Xize would eventually have to face the potential negative impacts of his rising fame.
The internet was abuzz with discussions, with fans closely monitoring Jane Anning's social media and leaving cute messages on Anquiro's message board, while also clashing with trolls seeking attention.
However, the mainstream media remained neutral and factual in their reporting, choosing to observe rather than intervene. Until Xize's last day on the island, a media outlet called "Independent Voice" published a report.
"Independent Voice" was notorious among celebrities for digging into their scandals and private lives, often to the point of shamelessness. They prided themselves on "independent thinking" and often went against the mainstream, criticizing celebrities in a way that elevated their critiques to moral judgments.
Living in their own world of consciousness, "Independent Voice" never considered their actions or evaluations to be wrong. They had stepped on many popular stars, delved into most celebrities' private lives, and even sensationalized Rufus's semi-retirement and Arnold's early career with six consecutive headlines.
This media outlet thrived on controversy, and every headline they published sparked a wave of backlash. Despite their infamy, "Independent Voice" continued to exist in its peculiar way.
Today, "Independent Voice" set sail once more, featuring Xize as their headline figure with a lengthy report titled "Xize: A Deep Reflection on the 'Noble Bloodline' of the Entertainment Industry."
The report began by introducing Xize, the hottest star on the internet, and then elaborated on "Independent Voice's" perspective on the phenomenon. They labeled Xize as a unique 'noble bloodline' in the entertainment industry, criticizing the industry's distorted development and the fans' twisted aesthetics.
The moment the news broke, it ignited a fierce online battle. Xize's fans were still leaving cute messages on Anquiro's board, unaware of the situation, while Arnold's fans became the vanguard, fiercely attacking "Independent Voice."
"Take a look at the six consecutive headlines you used to suppress Arnold back then! It's been years, and you're still using the same tactics! Are your editors' brains made of dung?"
"Every time I see you, I have to curse you. The grudge from back then is still fresh! Can you stop coming out to seek insults?"
"Noble bloodline my foot! You're the one with distorted development! I like good-looking people, and I love looking at their faces. Who are you to judge?"
"Heh, 'Independent Voice' is trash."
"Trash."
"I thought I had the freedom to like whichever star I wanted, but 'Independent Voice' tells me my aesthetics are flawed and the industry is too distorted. Screw you! After a long day at work, I finally find some time to admire a screen, and you waste my precious time making me curse you! Get lost!"
"Independent Voice, get lost, get lost, get lost, get lost!!"
Arnold's fans reacted so swiftly for a reason, tracing back to Arnold's early career when he had to fight his way up under much harsher conditions than Xize. He had to rely on himself for everything, and "Independent Voice" constantly suppressed him, criticizing his acting as formulaic and expressionless, calling him simple-minded and unfit for the entertainment industry. They claimed he had no merits other than a decent face!
Back then, "Independent Voice" published six consecutive headlines about Arnold, each denying his talent. The fans were nearly driven mad, and the feud started then, lasting for two weeks of relentless cursing.
Ever since, whenever "Independent Voice" published headlines about any star, Arnold's fans were the first to rush in and curse them. This time, with Xize's headline, Arnold's fans were even more furious!
"Damn it! Publishing a headline about Xize is a provocation against our Arnold! Attack!"
Xize's fans were still leaving cute messages on Anquiro's board, but soon realized that "Independent Voice" had insulted their idol and immediately retaliated. They didn't hold back, knowing "Independent Voice" had a notorious reputation.
"Independent Voice" seemed to be picking a fight with the fans, posting several photos of Xize and questioning, "How can a newcomer star in Tom's movie and sign Zhang Kai's program? Just because of his face?!"
This kind of doubt had always existed online. After all, Xize hadn't yet released any works, but fans patiently explained that once the movie and web series were out, the truth would be clear.
But "Independent Voice's" tone always managed to hit a nerve, questioning whether a newcomer actor deserved such harsh scrutiny and elevating the issue to a critique of the entire industry and public aesthetics. Xize was just an actor, after all.
Meanwhile, on Arnold's island, Xize had just taken a hard fall while practicing with the hover device. After a short rest and a few sips of water, he saw the news on Jane Anning's device.
Seeing "Independent Voice's" report left Xize speechless. The article denied his entire career, making it seem like his success was a tragedy for the whole industry, galaxy, and universe.
Xize touched his chin, looking helplessly at the blue light screen, and said, "I'm just an actor, is it that serious?"
Arnold had already seen the news on his wrist screen. When he saw the words "Independent Voice," his eyebrows raised slightly, and Sam handed him a mobile screen. Arnold murmured, "How is this media outlet still around?"
Sam shrugged, "It's always been around, notorious for digging up scandals and suppressing stars. We've gotten used to it."
By now, the online army was in full attack mode. "Independent Voice" explained their reasons for not favoring Xize from various angles, even suggesting he didn't deserve to be in Tom's blockbuster. They argued that if Xize couldn't perform well and required extensive post-production, it would be an insult to the film itself, lowering its quality.
Seeing this part, Xize nearly spat blood. He had spent days practicing with the hover device, often falling and hurting himself. He worked so hard, yet "Independent Voice" dismissed all his efforts with a single sentence.
Heh.
Xize returned to the set a day later, where everyone understood his hard work. They all felt indignant on his behalf. Tom, worried that "Independent Voice's" comments might affect Xize's performance, specifically sought him out to offer some comfort, "You need to stay calm. Being an artist means facing this kind of nonsense. Don't let 'Independent Voice's' garbage get to you."
Xize looked at Tom, "Director, they said I lowered the quality of the film."
Tom couldn't stand anyone criticizing his films. Initially comforting Xize, he immediately jumped up at those words, "Who said that?! Every film I make is the best, with meticulous attention to detail!"
Xize smiled and reassured him, "Of course, of course. So, I definitely didn't lower the film's quality."
Xize had been practicing with the hover device for days, preparing for today's cliff-fall scene. Falling from tens of meters high, with a small drone filming, this scene didn't require the same high-level hover device skills as Arnold's scenes. It only needed control over the landing speed and facial expressions. Although it didn't require much technical skill, it was still a challenging scene. Imagine standing tens of meters high and looking down; it felt dangerous, let alone filming a fall.
As a newcomer, Xize's courage to perform without a stunt double or post-production showed his dedication to his work.
Anquiro, with a motherly heart, asked Xize twice when he came out after makeup, "If it's too much, we have a stunt double. You're a newcomer, take it slow."
Having prepared for this scene for so long, Xize naturally wouldn't use a stunt double. He shook his head, "Don't worry, I can do it."
The staff brought the hover device for Xize, attaching the wrist and ankle controllers while explaining, "There will be safety officers on-site. When you fall to about ten meters, activate the anti-gravity. Remember to press it in advance; if you're late, the buffer might hurt you. But don't worry, it's very safe. The safety officers won't let you get hurt. The hover device also has an automatic anti-gravity system that activates at five meters from the ground."
The staff's words were meant to encourage Xize. Though many actors had filmed such high-altitude scenes, Xize was just nineteen and a newcomer, so everyone cared for him. Many staff members cheered him on, saying they'd celebrate together after filming and even joked, "Xize, just do your best. This scene will be used for official promotion. It'll slap those idiots' faces. We'll all help you fight back."
Xize spread his arms and tilted his head as the staff fastened the buckles, laughing, "Don't make it sound like I'm going to my death."
Xize's words were clearly a joke, and the staff around him laughed. But before they could laugh out loud, a serious and deep male voice sounded from behind, "It is a death scene. If someone facing death had your attitude, they must have a big heart."
Everyone: "......"
The people around Xize turned to see Arnold standing behind them, holding a hover device. The crowd parted, and Arnold, dressed in camouflage, walked toward Xize.
Xize was momentarily stunned, recognizing the hover device as the one he had trained with on Arnold's island.
Arnold's private expression was always aloof and arrogant. Without his contact lenses, his eyes were still amber. Those amber eyes looked at Xize, handing the hover device to a staff member, "Use this instead."
The others didn't understand why Arnold was doing this, but Anquiro stepped forward to help Xize, "Arnold, the staff gave Xize the most suitable device. You don't need to..."
Arnold turned to Anquiro, "A hover device used by at least 20 actors before, and you call it the most suitable?!"
The onlookers: Wait!! Is Arnold showing concern for Xize?! This is huge!!!
Anquiro was momentarily embarrassed by Arnold's retort, while the staff, examining the device Arnold handed over, exclaimed, "This brand is much better than the one the crew uses." It was the best hover device brand, known for its performance and safety, and very expensive, costing hundreds of thousands more than ordinary brands.
Xize didn't expect Arnold to bring the hover device he had used before, smiling, "Thanks, I was worried I wouldn't be used to the crew's device."
The onlookers: Wait!! What do you mean by not being used to the crew's device? Are you used to Arnold's device?! (⊙o⊙)
The staff replaced the hover device on Xize, but Arnold seemed displeased with their clumsy movements. He took over, fastening the buckles himself, then moved behind Xize to secure the shoulder straps.
!!!!!! Ahhh, Arnold personally helping Xize with the hover device?!?!
The surrounding crowd was stunned. Anquiro felt far from cute today, looking at Xize and Arnold with a puzzled expression—Xize standing there with his head tilted and Arnold behind him fastening the straps. Why did this scene look so warm and natural?!
It must be an illusion! [What the hell!]
Within a ten-meter radius of Xize and Arnold, everyone was losing their minds, feeling like they had discovered a new path and a new... relationship, but had to act as if they had seen nothing.
Tom, noticing this scene, called the assistant director over, pointing towards Xize and Arnold, whispering, "Get the documentary crew here."
So, the documentary crew's cameras silently captured the "warm" scene between Xize and Arnold.
Xize, initially not noticing, heard Arnold behind him asking, "Is it tight?"
As Xize replied, "Just right," he looked up, meeting the camera's lens, smiling briefly before looking away.
This scene was noticed by the female screenwriter, who had just returned from a two-day hospital stay. Seeing Arnold fastening the hover device for Xize nearly made her faint again. She wanted to cry and hug the director's leg, "Director, just let me add one more bed scene for them. I'll keep it to myself, I swear!"
Within the crew, an undercurrent was flowing. Arnold finally finished fastening the hover device for Xize, who thanked him with a smile. Arnold examined him and said, "When you fall, don't look for the camera. The drone can automatically track your eyes. Just look straight ahead."
Xize replied, "Got it."
Anquiro thought, I should be the one reminding him, not Arnold. Not happy, not cute at all today.
For the actual filming, Tom stayed at the base of the cliff with the crew, looking up with a communicator in hand, "All departments ready, especially safety officers. Xize, let me know when you're ready."
Xize, standing at the cliff's edge, took a deep breath, adjusting his state. Hearing Tom's voice through the earpiece, he replied, "Got it."
It was just before noon, the sun high overhead, casting small, shrunken shadows on the ground. Xize was already sweating before the scene began. The makeup artist came over to wipe his sweat and touch up his makeup, while Xize took a sip of water to moisten his throat.
Only a few staff members and two safety officers were at the cliff's edge. After adjusting his state, Xize signaled an okay to the safety officers. The drone camera was already buzzing around him.
After the safety officers confirmed the hover device's buckles and safety, Xize told Tom he was ready.
Tom announced, "All departments!!... Action!"
Xize took a deep breath, locking his gaze on the cliff's edge. He took a few steps back, then sprinted and jumped, his expression transforming in an instant, becoming the angry, vengeful Ayer, leaping off the cliff for Jo.
The hover device activated, with the buffer set to minimum. Xize fell headfirst, feet up, plummeting straight down.
From the cameras below, the fall was nearly at full speed. Tom watched the screens intently, seeing Xize's face through the main drone's lens, while other screens showed the fall from different angles.
Ayer, the one who, despite his tragic birth, used his sunny disposition to brighten those around him, had once said that death was merely a new beginning, and thus he did not fear it. But now, he was plummeting with a heart full of despair, as if on a final mission. He probably didn't even understand why he had to do this, but in a moment of impulse, he chose this path.
As he leaped, there was still a trace of fear in his eyes, but more so, a complex sense of relief. Perhaps because death would bring a new beginning, freeing him from the endless chase, escape, and betrayal; or maybe because his death would make someone else understand something, allowing that person to escape the current predicament and start anew... Regardless, Ayer made his choice.
Gradually, a hint of sorrow crept onto Ayer's face. He might have regretted it, but he accepted his impending death with composure. He closed his eyes and even slowly spread his arms, welcoming death with a serene demeanor—Jo, goodbye.
When Xize first jumped, he kept reminding himself not to get too immersed in the role. He had to press the anti-gravity button at ten meters; otherwise, if he waited for the device's automatic buffer at five meters, he would likely break a leg. Xize knew he couldn't fully immerse himself in the role during the fall; he had to act. The feeling of weightlessness made his heart race, and his instinctive fear of danger prevented him from fully immersing himself. But when he closed his eyes, there was a moment when he became Ayer, truly wanting to die.
This illusion was dangerous, but fortunately, Xize snapped out of it in half a second. However, that brief moment caused him to miss the optimal time to press the anti-gravity button. The buffer activated suddenly, and Xize felt as if his internal organs were being compressed.
He opened his eyes in shock, realizing he had lost his balance and was still head-down. He quickly reacted by lifting his head and curling his legs towards his torso, trying to right himself.
At that moment, Tom, watching the monitors, froze for a second before springing up and shouting, "Safety officers!! Xize didn't control the anti-gravity timing!!"
But before Tom's shout could fully register, the people below, craning their necks in horror at Xize's fall, suddenly saw someone catch him mid-air.
"Ah!!" Several screams echoed through the crew. The sight of someone catching the free-falling Xize finally allowed everyone to breathe a sigh of relief.
Tom frowned as he stepped out, looking up and shouting, "Medical team, medical team!!"
Everyone looked up at Xize, with several safety officers flying over with hover devices. When the person who caught Xize slowly flew towards them, everyone was stunned to realize it was—Arnold!
Xize was shocked. He had practiced for a long time due to his poor balance control, but he hadn't expected such an error during filming. Thankfully, someone reacted quickly and caught him; otherwise, he might have ended up with a severe injury.
His back was drenched in cold sweat, and the anti-gravity hover device made him feel weightless. The small drone cameras were still buzzing around, not yet finished filming.
Xize's face was pale, his lips white, and his cheeks flushed as blood returned to his face. He didn't even know who had caught him, but as they floated closer to Tom, he asked, "Did we get the shot?"
Tom, nearly frightened to death, saw that Xize was okay and could speak. He threw down his communicator and shouted, "Are you an idiot?! You couldn't even control the hover device's balance!! I've never seen anyone like you!!" Xize's balance was indeed terrible.
Several staff members were exasperated. Seriously, after all that, he still remembered to ask if they got the shot?!
Xize smiled sheepishly and asked again, "So, did we get it?"
Tom, jumping in frustration, yelled, "Annoying! Yes, we got it!!"
The medical team was ready, and they took Xize aside for a check-up. Once all the data showed he was fine, the crew finally relaxed. Only then did Xize notice Arnold standing to his right—Wait, why was Arnold here? Where was the safety officer who saved him?
The doctor handed Xize a bottle of nutrient solution. As he drank, the crew members expressed their relief, thankful that Arnold had reacted quickly to catch him. Some even winked at Xize suggestively.
Only then did Xize realize that it was Arnold who had caught him.
Wide-eyed, Xize looked at Arnold, who raised an eyebrow, showing a hint of disdain and said, "You are unbelievably clumsy. What did you grow up eating? Your balance is terrible!"
Previously, Arnold's sharp tongue would make everyone shiver in awe of his authority. But this time, his disdainful tone somehow carried an undertone of... concern.
Xize scratched his head in embarrassment and apologized to Arnold, "Sorry for making you catch me again."
!!!
The onlookers: Again? Again!? Again!! What does 'again' mean? Doesn't it imply this isn't the first time?! The crowd couldn't help but let their imaginations run wild, the scene was too delightful...
The crowd tactfully stepped back, giving Xize and Arnold some space, then collectively retreated to a corner to stomp their feet in excitement.
"The idol and Xize aren't just nothing, right?! Am I dreaming?"
"Do you think they didn't know each other before, but after spending time on set, something happened?"
"Ahhh!! It must be! It must be! What should we do? I feel like I helped bring them together, so excited!!"
"Their interaction is so sweet! Arnold helped Xize with the hover device and caught him mid-air!! Arnold even said Xize was 'clumsy as hell'... Ahhh, why does that disdainful tone sound so affectionate?!"
"I need to find the documentary crew! They must have footage of Arnold and Xize's interaction. I need to get a copy and watch it at home!"
...
After this scene was shot, Tom felt a small sense of relief. At least Xize had completed the scene, and they wouldn't need a stunt double, avoiding any claims of lowering the film's quality.
That afternoon, as fans and "Independent Voice" continued their heated argument, the official crew's PR team posted a series of promotional photos and short clips, including the cliff-fall scene Xize had just filmed.
The moment the clip was posted online, it slapped "Independent Voice" in the face. The outlet, which had insisted Xize couldn't handle such a scene, suddenly fell silent. Moreover, the official promotional photos included many close-ups of Xize, whose expressions and gaze were not those of someone faking it.
[Xize is so brave and handsome!! He really did it himself!!]
[Xize is amazing! Unlike some trash media hiding behind their computers, spouting nonsense.]
[Slap, slap, slap, Xize is the best!!]
...
Meanwhile, the official documentary team released their first behind-the-scenes video online, playfully titled [Surprise Easter Egg!]～
Surprise? Easter egg?!
Curious fans eagerly clicked to watch. The first three minutes—Arnold is so cool!! Xize is so handsome! Anqi is so cute! The middle three minutes—Xize and Arnold really have no interaction, disappointing! The last three minutes—
[Ahhhhhhh!! What did they see?! They saw Arnold being the first to rush and catch Xize during filming!!]
In the footage, Xize, pale with fright, was held by Arnold's strong arms. Arnold, silent and composed, looked down at Xize, whose face turned redder after the initial shock.
There was also a scene of Xize, looking slightly dazed, holding a bag of nutrient solution, with Arnold standing beside him, frowning and saying, "You're so clumsy!"
Ahhhhh!! Arnold's tone is so affectionate! Arnold, call me clumsy too!! I'm very clumsy!! Arnold, please scold me!! Scold me with that tone and expression!!
Previously, fans had only fantasized about interactions between Arnold and Xize. But now, with this Easter egg documentary, they joyfully left the argument with "Independent Voice."
Some even left messages on "Independent Voice": Thank you, "Independent Voice." For the first time, I realize you're not that bad. To let the crew officially release the Easter egg footage of Xize and Arnold, you deliberately provoked the fans for so long. You really worked hard. Crew, love you! [Don't do this again. Think about how long you've been cursed. You really worked hard
"Independent Voice": "......"
Fans, having received their Easter egg, felt their lives illuminated. Xize's acting and dedication were recognized by many, with several directors and producers publicly praising him on social media for his hard work and talent.
Fans were overjoyed, watching the behind-the-scenes footage repeatedly. The more they watched, the more they admired Arnold's unique coldness and how well he treated Xize.
Meanwhile, Arnold was dealing with another matter. He held a 31% stake in a medium-sized media company, "Watson Media," and used "Watson Media" to acquire the restructuring "Independent Voice."
Sam, flipping through the documents, said to Arnold, "You should have gotten rid of 'Independent Voice' long ago. What's that saying? Winter is coming..."
Arnold, sitting at his desk, gazed out the window with a calm expression and said, "Winter is coming; let 'Independent Voice' go bankrupt."