Xize's momentum was unstoppable, and Xia Li couldn't wait any longer. An Asian actor with both talent and dedication, who was also exceptionally good-looking, was not someone to be kept on hold until after the release. If it were Arnold, Xia Li would have no leverage, but fortunately, Xize was his contracted artist.
To ensure Xize focused on his acting, Jane Anning had turned down several luxury brand endorsements, resulting in a loss of at least seven or eight figures in federal currency. However, Xia Li didn't mind. Even if they didn't take these deals now, they could always take them later. In a couple of months, Xize's value would only increase, leading to even greater earnings.
Previously, Xia Li had leveraged his connections and resources to secure an investment from Silver Fox for a web series starring Xize. Initially, they planned to start production after Xize finished his current project. But seeing Xize's rising fame, the production team couldn't wait any longer.
With a lighter filming schedule recently, Xize agreed to Xia Li's proposal. He had already reviewed the script and found it to be an exciting new challenge.
In the past, domestic productions had strict thematic limitations, focusing on a few genres with positive, uplifting themes. However, in the future world, a wider variety of themes and genres could be explored in films, TV series, and web series. This time, Silver Fox was investing in a web series with a "dark" main storyline.
The script was entirely fictional, with Xize playing the lead role of "Colin." Unlike his previous experiences with web series, this protagonist was an arrogant, flirtatious, and unpredictable nobleman from a prestigious family. In short, "Colin" was not a "good guy," completely overturning the traditional image of a protagonist as a positive figure.
In this web series, "Colin" navigated the social circles of the elite, selfish, arrogant, and flirtatious. Although he was the heir to the "Rockefeller" family, he was also a "servant" marked by an ancient bloodline. As a "servant," he had to amass wealth and collect blood for the ancient bloodline while concealing their existence. He was not a champion of justice but rather walked the edge of darkness.
When Xize first read the script, he was shocked. He read the first three episodes cover to cover, finding it both incredible and thrilling. Although he had played villains before, this was his first time taking on such a morally ambiguous character.
Of course, Xia Li's support for Xize wasn't just about throwing money at a web series. He needed a character like "Colin" to excite the fans, an excellent script, a strong production team, and a good actor to play opposite Xize.
Zhou Mo was the perfect choice—last year's most popular and profitable web series actor, with a perfect height and face, and deep, electrifying black eyes. He had risen to fame quickly after starring in a tragic web series and was now the top-ranked male actor in the web series industry, with a huge fan base.
Getting Zhou Mo to act alongside Xize was Xia Li's idea. From Xia Li's perspective, while Xize had popularity, it wasn't as solid as Zhou Mo's. Xia Li didn't care about Zhou Mo's fame since he wasn't his artist; he only cared about Xize.
However, securing Zhou Mo's participation was no easy feat. It took a lot of money and connections to finally get him on board, and even then, Zhou Mo seemed reluctant, agreeing only for the sake of the hefty paycheck to play the second male lead.
Speaking of Zhou Mo, one couldn't help but mention another Asian youth with the surname Zhou—Zhou Yang. Zhou Mo and Zhou Yang were cousins, with some resemblance in their features. Zhou Mo was five years older than Zhou Yang, and their personalities were quite different. Zhou Yang was lively and a bit silly, while Zhou Mo was the epitome of a dashing young man—handsome, tall, and charismatic. Back in Soloro Academy, he was the campus heartthrob, skilled in sports and music, and the dream lover of many girls, especially with those deep, electrifying eyes that had captivated many in that tragic web series.
When Zhou Yang heard that his cousin was going to act alongside his idol Xize, he excitedly ran to Zhou Mo's house, "Cousin! You're going to act with Xize?! Can I visit the set? I'll bring fruit!"
Zhou Mo pointed to the door, "Get out!"
Zhou Yang clung to Zhou Mo, "Come on, don't be so reluctant. Acting with Xize will boost both your popularity. Maybe fans will stop fantasying Xize with Arnold and start fantasying you with Xize."
Zhou Mo pointed to the window, "Get out!"
Zhou Mo was not Zhou Yang. He didn't idolize Xize, nor could he observe with a calm heart like Anquiro. In truth, Zhou Mo felt a mix of jealousy and dislike towards Xize.
Purely in terms of looks, Zhou Mo was more handsome than Xize—exceptionally handsome, the kind that didn't need to consider charisma or aura, just pure facial appeal. But no matter how handsome he was or how popular he became, he didn't have Xize's luck.
Zhou Mo, at 25, had debuted when he got into university and only became famous at 24 with a web series. Meanwhile, Xize, at just 19, wasn't as handsome but had a pure-blooded Eastern face and those rumors with Arnold, making him immensely popular. Zhou Mo had spent years playing minor roles in big films, while Xize debuted with a blockbuster movie and Zhang Kai's show.
Having worked hard for years to finally achieve fame, Zhou Mo now had to play second fiddle to Xize, which naturally made him jealous and resentful. Comparisons were infuriating. He wanted to accept it with a balanced mindset, but he just couldn't!
On the first day of costume fitting, Zhou Mo's manager spent a long time persuading him, "Please, when you get to the set, don't give Xize a hard time. You can't afford to. He has Silver Fox backing him and possibly Arnold too. Your role is technically the second male lead but is quite prominent. Keep a balanced mindset."
Zhou Mo rolled his eyes, snorted, and said, "I know."
The manager stretched his neck, "You know nothing! Zhou Mo, since you became famous, your mindset has been terrible. Everyone has their reasons for being popular. Just focus on your work. How others rise to fame is none of your business. Just act well and follow your own path."
Zhou Mo was impatient but listened to his manager, who had managed his career and secured the role that made him famous last year. Though he was still resentful, he adjusted his mindset and went to the set for the costume fitting.
When Zhou Mo arrived, Xize was already there, though he didn't see him. Just the sight of a crowd gathered around someone told him what was happening.
Zhou Mo's arrival caused quite a stir, and the crowd turned, "Zhou Mo is here! Look, look! He's so handsome!"
Xize, who was getting his makeup done, turned at the commotion but only saw the back of many heads.
Xize shook his head in resignation, thinking how disheartening it was to live in such a looks-oriented world. He looked at himself in the mirror, thinking he was already quite handsome. How handsome must Zhou Mo be?
Soon, he saw Zhou Mo's handsomeness—extremely handsome, with deep-set eyes and a captivating gaze. Those eyes seemed to hold water, exuding a deep affection... Xize's heart couldn't help but skip a beat, thinking how biased the Creator was.
The female director, Lori, who had directed the web series that made Zhou Mo famous, called Xize and Zhou Mo over, "Come, let's get to know each other. Xize, this is Zhou Mo, who will play Colin's servant, Hugh. Zhou Mo, this is Xize, whom you probably know."
Zhou Mo nodded, extending his hand to shake Xize's with a faint smile, "Hello, I'm Zhou Mo, but you can call me Amo."
Xize shook his hand, sensing that Zhou Mo didn't particularly like him. The young man didn't hide it well but seemed to be trying hard to control his emotions. Xize quickly realized that this handsome guy probably didn't want to act with him. But Xize didn't care about that. He was here to act, and making friends would happen naturally. If they got along, great; if not, so be it.
Lori, being a meticulous female director, worried that Xize and Zhou Mo might not find the right chemistry for their roles during the photo shoot. She had a background set up indoors for them to act out a scene and find their rhythm.
Lori handed the script for the scene to Xize and Zhou Mo, explaining in detail while pointing to the indoor background, "This scene is where Colin, slightly drunk, throws a small tantrum on the rooftop. Xize, you need to show that Colin, though having drunk some wine, isn't really drunk. He's just using the alcohol as an excuse to act out in front of his servant. You need to portray the drunkenness, the tone, and the gaze of a rebellious and sinister nobleman. Amo, you need to match Xize's energy. Hugh is a servant, completely loyal to his master, but the relationship between Colin and Hugh isn't just one of dominance and submission."
Xize glanced at the script for the scene and nodded. Zhou Mo said nothing, just looked at the script. The two of them were a striking sight—Zhou Mo in a low-key gray suit, exuding a calm handsomeness, and Xize in a white shirt with a blue vest, his light gray eyeliner giving him a rebellious look.
The indoor set was detailed, with the balcony decorated as a sky garden, the background a gray-blue, as if it were just after dusk.
Xize and Zhou Mo walked over, and a staff member handed Xize a wine glass with a bit of red wine. Zhou Mo found a corner to stand, took a deep breath, adjusted his emotions, and then slightly hunched his shoulders, lowered his head, and stood with his legs together, assuming the posture of a servant waiting on his master.
Lori, a bit of a perfectionist, had even set up a round light as the moon. Several cameras were trained on them. Xize stood facing the balcony, found his emotions, and signaled an "ok" to Lori.
Lori clapped her hands, nodded, and said seriously, as if it were a real shoot, "Action!"
There seemed to be intermittent orchestral music and the laughter of socialites from downstairs. The scent of tulips wafted from the garden outside the balcony. The servant stood silently, waiting, while the young nobleman appeared drunk. His blue suit jacket lay carelessly at his feet, one hand supporting his body on the balcony, the other loosely holding a wine glass, adorned with two silver-gray rings that glinted with an eerie blue in the moonlight.
The young nobleman seemed overwhelmed by the wine, having left the banquet halfway through to stand on the balcony, holding a wine glass and letting the cold wind blow. He had been standing there for some time, with the servant quietly waiting in the corner.
Suddenly, the nobleman's long black eyelashes fluttered, and he slowly opened his eyes. His dark eyes, like black holes, looked unsteadily into the distance. He frowned impatiently, then a faint, sinister smile appeared in his eyes, and a smirk curved his lips.
He slowly straightened up, and as he did, the servant in the corner silently lifted his eyes to watch him. Seeing no orders from his master, he respectfully lowered his gaze again, like an unmoving statue.
The young nobleman lifted his chin, took a couple of unsteady steps, then stood straight, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath, a faint smile on his lips as if savoring the scent of tulips. When he reopened his eyes, they were clear, and a playful smile brewed in his dark eyes. He lifted the wine glass, swirling it as if savoring the aroma of a century-old wine.
Finally, his deep, magnetic voice broke the silence of the night, "Such fine wine, hidden away in the mansions of dukes and earls, and yet Gambino uses it to entertain his guests..." He left the sentence unfinished, swallowing the rest along with the wine and a playful smile.
Draining the glass, Colin's lips still glistened with a few drops of rich red wine. He licked his lips, turned abruptly, and arrogantly lifted his chin at the servant in the corner, his eyes disdainful, "Hugh, that old Gambino has more fine wine hidden away. Let's go steal it..." He paused, as if reconsidering, frowned, and muttered, "No, not 'steal,' 'steal' sounds wrong. It should be 'retrieve,' haha..." With a laugh, he took a step towards Hugh but stumbled.
Hugh stepped forward to support him, his expression respectful and composed.
Colin leaned on Hugh, laughing manically for a moment, then pulled Hugh to the balcony, pointing to Gambino's grand garden and whispering in a devilish tone, "What's the difference between 'take' and 'steal'? He took from others, I'll take from him. Eventually, this will all be mine!"
Hugh's expression remained controlled, standing still. Even with his clothes disheveled by his master, he maintained his perfect image. After Colin finished speaking, Hugh respectfully said, "You're drunk."
Colin, of course, wouldn't admit he was drunk. Whether he was drunk or not, only he knew. Maybe he was, maybe he wasn't, but he always knew what he was doing. He held the empty wine glass, wrapped his arm around Hugh's neck, pulling him close, his lips stained with wine, looking temptingly red. He leaned in and whispered seductively, "Hugh, I'm not drunk... Wine doesn't make me drunk, only... blood does."
With that, he pushed Hugh away and threw the wine glass into the garden. He stood straight, eyes closed, adjusted his clothes, and when he opened his eyes again, he was once more the handsome, wealthy, and gentlemanly young duke of the Rockefeller family.
He exhaled deeply, smiled at the night sky, "The banquet has just begun. How can I be drunk now?" Turning around, his dark eyes were clear, and his smile rich like a wine aged for a thousand years.
Hugh took out a handkerchief, gently wiped the wine from his master's lips, his gaze steady. He stepped back, eyes lowered.
"Cut!"
Lori's voice came from off-set, followed by some restrained cheers. Lori raised her hand towards Xize and Zhou Mo, "Ok! No problem! Xize, well done, you nailed the mood." She paused and called Zhou Mo over, "Amo, come here."
Zhou Mo wasn't in character!! Lori had worked with him before and had never seen him so stiff in a role. Where was his previous immersion? His in-character state? Lori knew Zhou Mo had a high opinion of himself, so she didn't scold him on the spot but called him aside to a corner, "What's going on? You seemed out of character!"
Zhou Mo frowned, feeling frustrated. Xize had entered the role faster than him, almost immediately after Lori's "action." In this series, Hugh's character wasn't complex, easy to grasp, but Xize's quick immersion made Zhou Mo anxious. He hadn't gotten into character and had to pretend to act calmly. Worse, when Xize grabbed his collar and leaned close, his ears turned red with embarrassment!!
Zhou Mo's ears were still red. Lori, seeing his silence, was puzzled. She was about to frown when she noticed his red ear, hesitated, and then realized it wasn't because of her but because of Xize!
Lori almost burst out laughing, pointing at him, "You weren't embarrassed because of me, were you? It was Xize being too close!" Your ears betrayed you too quickly.
Zhou Mo was mortified. What could he say?! Nothing!! Could he admit that Xize's performance was so good, so seductive, that when those wine-stained lips got close, his blood pressure soared, and his heart raced?! No way!!
Lori, seeing Zhou Mo's twisted expression, almost laughed out loud. Xize had performed excellently, while Zhou Mo's movements were stiff. Reflecting on it, some of Xize's expressions were quite enticing.
Zhou Mo, humiliated, went to the makeup room to touch up. He saw Xize in front of the mirror, nodded silently, and Zhou Mo's attention was drawn to those red lips. Realizing what he was doing, he turned and rushed out. What was going on?! Stay serious!!
Fortunately, Hugh was a stoic servant, so Zhou Mo maintained that expression for the photo shoot. Xize's shoot went smoothly, perfectly matching the director and photographer's requirements.
Watching Xize from behind the camera, Zhou Mo remembered his manager's words, "Everyone has their reasons for being popular." Zhou Mo hadn't believed it, thinking Xize's fame was just luck. Now he realized Xize had the talent. If not, how could his shoot go so smoothly? How could he perfectly embody Colin?
Zhou Mo finally understood he had underestimated Xize. The many accolades had overshadowed his true talent. Realizing this, Zhou Mo's resentment faded. He could accept Xize's superior talent but still couldn't accept that Xize, less talented than him, was luckier.
But now, Zhou Mo had a new obsession. He couldn't stop thinking about Xize's red lips!! It was driving him crazy!!
Web series had short production cycles and quick releases, filming three episodes and airing one. The first two episodes aired over two weeks, one per week, with adjustments based on online feedback. The promotion was swift, and on the day of Xize's costume fitting, the photos were released.
Given Xize and Zhou Mo's online popularity, the production team decided to post the scene they had acted out for chemistry.
Previously, fans only knew Xize was filming two web series, without specifics. Zhou Mo's fans knew he was in Lori's new series but didn't know he was working with Xize. When the photos and scene appeared on their official pages, both fan bases went wild.
Zhou Mo was pure handsome, with last year's tragic web series still topping the charts! His online popularity was immense. Xize, even more so, had dominated headlines for the past month, surpassing even top stars.
Two seemingly unrelated individuals suddenly appearing in the same series was a shock, especially given their roles—one a stoic, loyal servant, the other a rebellious, sinister nobleman...
Fans were overwhelmed!!
Xize's online photos had been adored by fans, but the promotional photos were different! The raised chin, the disdainful expression, the deep, melancholic gaze, and the wine-stained, seductive red lips near Zhou Mo's ear!!
Fans were ecstatic, offering to do anything to be part of the crew!!
The scene they had performed wasn't meant to be suggestive, but online, fans' imaginations ran wild.
Arnold?!
Arnold couldn't compete with Zhou Mo now!! Of course, he couldn't! The crew only had one poster of Arnold holding Xize and that "clumsy" documentary Easter egg. The visual impact couldn't compare to Zhou Mo and Xize.
Xize was hooking his arm around Zhou Mo's neck, bringing his seductive, wine-stained lips right up to his ear!! Just two centimeters closer, and they could have kissed!! They could have kissed!!
At home, Zhou Mo was browsing the web, and Xize's red lips kept popping into his mind. Sighing, he thought along with the fans—Yes, they were so close to kissing, almost there...
His cousin Zhou Yang nudged him, "Why are you sighing?"
Zhou Mo ignored him. Zhou Yang leaned in, blinking earnestly, "Bro, even though you're my brother, I have to say, Xize belongs to the idol~ Don't get any funny ideas~!"
Zhou Mo kicked him, "Get out!"
The online world was ever-changing. Interestingly, anyone associated with Xize seemed to end up on the headlines.
Sam, browsing the web, shook his head, "Fans are truly ruthless..."
Arnold had been filming large scenes on the movie planet and hadn't seen Xize for days. He hadn't been online and had no idea what was happening. Exhausted from his intense filming schedule, he was trying to rest. Upon waking, he heard Sam's comment and asked, "What's going on?"
Sam shook his head, quietly putting away his device, feeling a pang of sorrow for the idol. Who would've thought the day would come when the idol was "outdated" in such a way? What happened to true love?!
By this time, the crew had officially started filming.