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.............
Jian Xingsui took over the phone and saw the real-time voting list on Weibo.
#1: Jian Xingsui
#2: Wen Shengge
#3: ...
After reading it, Jian Xingsui was a little surprised and said, "Is there hope for Shengge?"
Wang Meican pushed her white glasses frame and said, "Of course, but only ranked trainee can become a permanent guest, and as for second ranked and below, they can only be a flying guest1temporary guests for an episode or two."
Jian Xingsui was a little disappointed at first, and then he happily asked something, "Then if I lose the voting, I can still be a flying guest in the future?"
Wang Meican didn't like the implication, so she disagreed, "Suisui, I hope you can understand that no matter what the reason or the situation is, you must always have the mentality of winning. In this circle, if you don't advance, you will be a failure. Even friends can end up fighting over the same resources. Time and things will help you recognize who's your true friend and who's not. What you need to do is to move forward bravely, otherwise... "
Jian Xingsui looked at her obediently.
Wang Meican showed him the number of votes and their comments, smiled and said: "Are you worthy of your loyal fans who support you?"
Jian Xingsui looked down at the comment area and saw many of his fans:
[Suisui, I miss you so much. Be sure to come back!]
[Can everyone vote for Suisui? Last time, my baby barely missed the cut-off and was very miserable.]
[I used the mobile numbers of my seven aunts and eight uncles to vote.]
[It's a pity to lose last time, but I will stand until the very end!]
[Don't worry Suisui, we will always be your loyal supporters~]
Flipping through the comments one by one, Jian Xingsui saw the sincere comfort and encouragement from his fans. His nose suddenly became sour, and his heart was burning. He felt like he hadn't done anything enough to deserve such support.
Wang Meican said as she stood beside him, "So, do you understand? If you lose the voting, if you don't work hard, you will disappoint many people."
Jian Xingsui's eyes gradually became firmer, and he nodded: "I will work hard!"
Wang Meican revealed a satisfied smile.
But then, Jian Xingsui said in the next second, "I have to find my trumpet2anonymous side account. Main account is called "tuba" btw. It's hilarious., and then vote for myself." ()
"..."
The agent fell into silence.
Wang Meican felt that this youth was a little too silly, so she had to straighten his thoughts up, "There is not much difference between the one or two votes. If anything, I think you should post on Weibo. For example, you can send a selfie to your fans. It'll be a treat for them, especially since it's been a long time since you posted."
Jian Xingsui was sitting on the sofa, and when he heard the word "selfie", he froze.
Wang Meican asked suspiciously, "What's the matter?"
Jian Xingsui fought through his embarrassment to reply, "I...I'm not very good at taking selfies."
Wang Meican felt that as an artist, he must have some skills, ""Then why don't you just take a picture here and let me see."
Of course, Jian Xingsui would be obedient towards his agent, so in front of Wang Meican, he picked up his phone and took a selfie just like that. Even looking at his gestures was clear that his skills were dubious at best.
Wang Meican: "..." Well, at least he's not lying to her.
She sighed and told Jian Xingsui mercilessly, "Let's put it this way, Suisui, even my ten- years old nephew would take a better picture than you."
Jian Xingsui wanted to cry but had no tears.
The two of them were talking, and Fu Jinxiao, happened to be back from the meeting upstairs. He was wearing a more casual black fit today, which was different from what he wore on the show before. The actor usually wore famous brands in private, and today, he was wearing a slim fit black wool sweater paired with a light coffee-colored windbreaker. The combination made him look a little more refined yet easy-going. His hair was not styled, but that didn't diminish his usual charm.
Fu Jinxiao came in and said, "The talk is over?"
Wang Meican saw the actor and she explained, "Suisui can't take selfies. I want him to post it on Weibo, but he's not very good at it. I'm thinking about finding a photographer."
Fu Jinxiao glanced at the blushing youth on the sofa, clearly ashamed on some level.
In front of his idol, Jian Xingsui's shame level skyrocketed. Even down to his collarbones was stained with a flush of red. He subconsciously didn't want to look directly at Fu Jinxiao.
Fu Jinxiao raised his eyebrows, leaning on the sofa to look at him leisurely: "You want to take a selfie, yeah?"
Jian Xingsui responded softly.
"Come on, I'll help you take pictures." Fu Jinxiao reached out and asked him for his mobile phone.
Jian Xingsui was taken aback.
Fu Jinxiao half bent over, smiling: "Don't believe me?"
Jian Xingsui shook his head quickly: "No, no!"
He just didn't expect that one day, Fu Jinxiao would actually take pictures of him. After all, no fans think that their idol would do that for them.
Fu Jinxiao took his phone over, looked at Jian Xingsui again and said, "It's not okay to just sit here stupidly, you need to pose for a photo."
Jian Xingsui stretched out his hand stiffly, striking a stiff peace-sign pose.
The corners of Fu Jinxiao's mouth subconsciously turned up. He found that Jian Xingsui was simply a treasure trove. Every time he met, no matter what he did, he could make Fu Jinxiao feel happy.
Jian Xingsui was also ashamed and annoyed at Fu Jinxiao's smiling eyes. He put down his hands awkwardly, at a loss of what to do.
Fu Jinxiao knew that he was nervous, so he put down his phone and walked in front of him, and began to straighten his posture personally. The man's broad palm was warm. He held Jian Xingsui's arm to lower it down, and took a book from the table next to him. He made Jian Xingsui look like he was reading it. The distance between the two of them was very close, so close that Jian Xingsui could smell the tiny lilt of Fu Jinxiao's pleasant voice, which made it sound more attractive than ever.
His heartbeat subconsciously accelerated, and his whole body was a little stiff. That made Fu Jinxiao easier to approach and fix his pose. His brain seemed to be shut down and he couldn't operate.
Fu Jinxiao's voice sounded in his ears again, dangerously close, "Jian Xingsui."
Jian Xingsui was taken aback for a moment, then came back to his senses, face still flushed, "T-teacher Fu?"
"I'm not a professional photographer, but I've worked with many. Why are you so stiff and uncooperative?"
Jian Xingsui blushed. He anxiously replied to justify his behavior, "No, I didn't do it on purpose... I–"
He looked pitiful, actually. Fu Jinxiao knew what happened, he was just teasing him.
The sunset outside dappled into the room, and a layer of golden glow was casted on the shoulders of the youth sitting on the chair. His face was slightly red, and he was holding a book with a few pages open in his hand. He looked inviting, like your nostalgic first love who was burned as one of your fondest memories.
Fu Jinxiao said, "Smile."
Jian Xingsui looked at him with a shy smile.
The "click" of the mobile phone shutter sounded in the hall of Fenghua Entertainment's office. It was also the first commemorative photo taken by Jian Xingsui as a Fenghua artist.
After the photo was taken, Fu Jinxiao glanced at the youth inside the picture. He was shy and timid; the epitome of an innocent youth with pure, clean feelings.
He looked too good to be shared with the whole world.
Wang Meican came over and said, "How is it? Let me see?"
Fu Jinxiao pondered for a moment and said, "Probably not good?"
Wang Meican was taken aback.
Fu Jinxiao turned off the phone screen and didn't show it to her, "Go and find a professional photographer for him. Remember to find a good one, the one I usually use."
Jian Xingsui couldn't clearly hear what they were talking about.
He came over, and asked, "What's the matter?"
"Nothing, don't worry. I will find a new photographer for you."
Jian Xingsui said "ah" and looked at Wang Meican.
Fu Jinxiao nodded: "Well, but I think it's not too bad. After all, it's my first photography work. Can you send it to me via WeChat later? I'll keep it as a collection."
Jian Xingsui did not doubt Fu Jinxiao's words and did it without question. After all, there's no reason for him to hoard his photos – maybe the actor really didn't have photography talents and just didn't want others to see.
However, Wang Meican, being his exclusive agent for many years, had a suspicion.
Jian Xingsui said politely, "Okay, sorry for the trouble, Mr. Fu."
Fu Jinxiao looked like a senior, with a usual smile on his face, and answered casually, "You're welcome, and you're not a trouble."
Wang Meican, who knew that her earlier suspicion was correct: "..."
She felt numb.
Later, some netizens discovered that Jian Xingsui, who hadn't updated for 84 years, actually... posted something new!
The boy in the photo looked different. His hair had grown a lot in these few months, creating a more delicate look after an appropriate haircut. He was sitting in front of a piano, elegant fingers danced across the key, bathed with the warm sunset light. His lips were polished with a natural-colored lip gloss, making it twice as kissable. His white shirt was tucked, and his posture was straight.
Unlike his image in the "Starlight" show, he looked like a young nobleman now. His eyes were also much brighter than before.
Jian Xingsui's fans shouted crazily:
[I haven't seen you for a few months, Suisui, why do you look so good!]
[Little Bunny has grown up and become stronger.]
[It feels like my family's baby has just grown up...]
[It always feels different from before, it seems he is more cheerful? More vivid? If you get my gist.]
[I think because he's happier now!]
The caption for this Weibo post was short, but it was sincere.
[Jian Xingsui v]: Recently, I am preparing to live a good life. Thank you for your continuous support despite my semi-hiatus. The days to come will be brighter. Let's face it together.
His words were quite euphemistic, but it was enough to re-lit the vigor inside the hard-working fans:
[Suisui, continue to live well!]
[Thinking of the days you lived in the Zhang family makes my heart ache.]
[I still remember that birthday episode... clearly you have the same birthday as that person, but the crew was cruel enough to only celebrate his...]
[Wuwuwuwu3crying noises, although I don't know who your biological parents are, but I'm happy Suisui is finally going to live a good life now!]
Unlike many other star-chasers4as in, people who jumped through one celebrity to another. Casual fans., a huge portion of Jian Xingsui's fans was very, very loyal. ()
Many people met Jian Xingsui through "Starlight", and the reason why they fell in love with him was very simple. They saw him as a hard-working boy who wasn't appreciated enough. He wasn't the most outstanding, just another ordinary person who made his own miracles. Their hearts were especially abused when he had to brave rain and wind by himself, without any familial or capital backing.
And just when everyone was giving their blessing, Anran reposted this Weibo post ten minutes after it was published. He attached a smiley face and a very positive message, "Let's work hard together! Hope to see you soon, I want to treat you to a baked cake~"
This post sparked another uproar.
Everyone knew the story between these two. It was like a day-time soap opera, with many twists and turns. So, when these two clashed again, especially with Anran reposting Jian Xingsui's Weibo post with such a positive caption, passersby were grabbing their popcorn in excitement.
As for Jian Xingsui fans, they were united on this matters:
[Oh my God, bad luck go away.]
[Go away, go away! Shoo!]
[Stop being a disgusting person.]
[We know your true face already. Stop playing innocent. We are still waiting for your apology!]
Of course, Anran's fans were naturally unhappy when they saw that Jian Xingsui's fans said this about their bias. They also began to guard him:
[Why are you being so rude? Ranran is so kind.]
[They do have a misunderstanding before, but why do you hold such a grudge?]
[Let the past be the past. Learn to forgive others.]
Jian Xingsui's fans laughed at these remarks. They haven't forgotten what kind of harsh words hurled towards their baby. That bullying scandal that was supported by those so-called "classmates", didn't Anran confirm by himself that it was just a fabrication?
Everyone was so hostile towards Jian Xingsui, some even cursed at him to kill himself. Did they ever think that Jian Xingsui should be forgiven for his past actions?
At the brink of another fandom war, Shen Xingchen, a man of justice, appeared. The young master also reposted Jian Xingsui's Weibo with the caption:
[I'll see you soon then, didi. How about a brunch together sometimes? @JianXingsui @NingZe]
It was different from Anran's reposting. Jian Xingsui quickly replied to Shen Xingchen: [Okay~]
Ning Ze also quickly replied: [Yes, you can decide the time and place.]
This interaction quickly became viral. A large number of melon-eating netizens became full after this amazing interaction – Jian Xingsui ignored Anran, but instantly replied to Shen Xingchen. Jian Xingsui was amazing, he didn't need to say anything about his past matters with Anran, he just needed to blatantly ignore him.
The netizens were very excited:
[Sisters, I really want to watch this new 'Bright Stars' reality show.]
[Hahaha, can't sleep because of the excitement just thinking about it.]
[I'm not a fan of Jian Xingsui. I just like to watch and eat melons. I still hate Anran, though]
[Hahaha, I have to vote for melons' sake!]
[Originally, Jian Xingsui's votes were not particularly high despite him being number one in the rankings. But after this incident, his votes skyrocketed.
His popularity didn't go down despite only getting bad news after "Starlight". In fact, it's the opposite. Everyone was going crazy, they needed to know what would happen next. They can never miss such a good show.
............
While the Internet was buzzing, Jian Xingsui also received a call from his mother at night: "Hello, Mom?"
Xu Enzhen's voice was crisp, with a hint of her usual affection, "A-Sui, there's an auction in the south of the city this evening. There are many precious and rare objects. I heard that they are quite rare and interesting, so would you like to come?"
Jian Xingsui immediately responded after hearing this, "Mom, are you going? If so, I'll accompany you."
Xu Enzhen's heart was warm, Suisui was truly her caring little padded jacket. This child's need for love and affection was very clear to her. Very fortunate because she also wanted to pour love for him in return.
"Well, I'm going. All of us are coming, because it's a charity auction held by the Fu family." Xu Enzhen looked at the time on her watch and said softly, "If you want to come, tell me your address. Mom is going to pick you up."
Hearing it was held by the Fu family did explain why Fu Jinxiao left early today. Jian Xingsui nodded at himself, then asked his mother, "Okay, do I need to change to a special clothes or something?"
Xu Enzhen really didn't want him to be so reserved all the time. She smiled and reassured him, "No, no, no. Just use your usual formal clothes, or you can choose the one we have. Besides, you're very good-looking already, you'll look good in anything."
Jian Xingsui blushed, but he was actually very happy in his heart.
Since returning to his biological family, he has lived happily every day. This has never happened in so many days in a row. If this was a dream, he hoped he would never wake up.
As the evening rolled out, Jian Xingsui arrived at the venue alongside his family. Only then he realized that the "venue" was actually just one of Fu family's many mansions. It was many times more luxurious than the Shen family's manor, which really opened up his eyes.
Shen Xingchen said excitedly, "I don't know what will be auctioned today, I can't wait!"
Xu Enzhen shook her head in fond exasperation of her second son, and gave him some educated guesses, "Definitely antiques and art works. The Fu family is a scholarly family that has existed for hundreds of years. They have countless collections of antiques and ancient treasure, especially since the Fu patriarch is a famous calligrapher and painter. His collection is worth millions of yuan if you sell them all off. As for how many there are and how precious there are, I don't even know."
Shen Xingchen sighed and said, "If only Fu-ge could give me some of them when he's happy... easy way to double my net worth."
"Keep on dreaming, dear." Xu Enzhen looked at her silly son, and then at Jian Xingsui who was resting with his eyes closed, "It might be possible for your didi, though."
Jian Xingsui woke up when he heard he's being mentioned. He looked confused.
Shen Xingchen said to nobody in particular, "It's time to get out of the car."
They got out of the car and walked inside. The Fu family really had a big business, and their family held charity auctions quite frequently. Each time, potential guests scrambled to participate, and the number kept increasing.
Enemies do meet in narrow paths. Not long after arriving at the venue, they met with the Jian family.
Jian Xingsui's face changed, but he didn't speak.
Jian Kuo1If you haven't read my retroactively added footnotes on previous chapters: my mistake, I translated Jian Kuo as the eldest brother of the Jian family before. He's actually the father. As for the eldest brother, he's called Jian Gu. saw the Shen family group, and he took the initiative to come over. Unlike his usual indifference to Jian Xingsui, he walked over with a smile and a stretched hand,"Mr. Shen, long time no see."
Shen Yong put his arm around his wife. He kept his usual calm demeanor, answering him with only a tiny fraction of visible disdain, "We have not long ago. If I remember correctly, wasn't it at that land acquisition auction?"
Recently, Jian family was gunning to win favorable land for a project – and that project was proposed by Shen family's main company. So, in order to gain goodwill for a prospective collaboration partner, Jian Kuo had no choice but to curry favor. Especially since the Jian family paled in comparison with the Shen family.
Shen Yong didn't shake hands with Jian Kuo. This made Jian Kuo a little embarrassed and upset, but he suppressed it and quickly glanced at Jian Xingsui. He then withdrew his hand and continued to smile, "Ahaha, it must be my bad memory!"
In order to get close, Jian Kuo had to stoop this low. He hated it.
"Suisui, I actually met you here," Jian Kuo approached, wanting to hold Jian Xingsui's hand, "How are you doing recently?"
Seeing him, Jian Xingsui subconsciously rejected him. He slightly took a half step back and made Jian Kuo miss.
The two of them faced each other. This seemed to be their first meeting in a serious setting ever since he left the Jian family. Jian Xingsui was expressionless as he replied, "It has nothing to do with you."
Jian Kuo smiled awkwardly, "Aiya, this kid. Why do you talk like that?"
"Didn't you teach me this?" Jian Xingsui returned all his heartless words that day, "You said that I will have nothing to do with the Jian family after leaving that house. I am also not allowed to mention that I used to be a member of the Jian family after leaving. I was told to not embarrass the 'Jian family's good name'."
The clear and crisp words fell, so that everyone could hear them clearly.
Before that, Jian Kuo had always set up the character of a good father when he was away. Later, when he had Anran, he loved him in every possible way, and he showed it off. It gave the impression that he was a doting father.
But at this moment, Jian Xingsui didn't hesitate to let everyone within hearing range know that it was just a farce – Jian Xingsui was like that during his stay.
The faces of the Shen family suddenly turned ugly, especially Shen Yong, whose stern eyes swept Jian Kuo's body like he wanted to cut it into pieces.
Jian Kuo didn't expect that his always obedient child would do this in public. He was a little embarrassed immediately, but he forced a smile and said, "That was just a momentary relapse of judgement. I was too harsh that day, because I'm too emotional. Ah, this child... why did you take it so seriously? And I even offered to give you money back then, but you immediately rejected it."
Before Shen Yong could speak, Shen Minglang pushed up his glasses and said, "Mr. Jian, you are joking about a matter of that scale? If the head of the Jian family's enterprise is so fond of taking things as a joke, I do not like the implication of it. It make me doubt the ability and the credibility of the companies under the Jian family."
Jian Kuo choked up and wanted to explain, "No, you misunderstood, this is not what I mean–"
Shen Yong interrupted him, "Whether it is a misunderstanding or not, since Mr. Jian once said to my son to separate your relationship, it is natural for our family to distance each other. We have to make a clear boundary between us. I think it's best for our cooperative project to stop here."
Jian Kuo's face turned pale.
At that time, because Anran was injured and passed out, he was anxious. So he turned all his anger on Jian Xingsui. Even if there was no evidence, he didn't want to listen to Jian Xingsui's explanation. He hated that brat for hurting his good son.
But had he acted gently that time, would today never have happened?
The Shen family passed him by. In desperation, Jian Kuo grabbed Jian Xingsui's arm, looked at the child who he saw growing up with complicated eyes. His hoarse voice was clearly on the verge of begging, "Suisui, that day I..."
Jian Xingsui stopped and looked at the man in front of him. In fact, he could break free and walk away immediately, but at this moment, looking at Anran behind Jian Kuo, he finally said to Jian Kuo, "Do you know why I went back home that day?"
Jian Kuo shook his head.
"Because it would be your birthday in two days." Jian Xingsui said softly, a complicated feeling twisted inside his guts, "I know you like the sweet-scented osmanthus cake made by Grandma Wang from a shop nearby. So I went there to buy some as a gift."
Jian Kuo's body shook, and he looked at Jian Xingsui in disbelief.
He once received an osmanthus cake on the table, but he never thought it was given by his naughty and stupid young son. He thought it was given by the well-behaved and sensible Anran.
Jian Kuo's heart trembled, and his eyes were moist: "Suisui, I..."
Jian Xingsui steadily loosening the older man's grip on him. His eyes turned steady, "But now, I regret that decision very much."
Jian Kuo was stunned.
"I shouldn't have gone and wasted my money like that," Jian Xingsui's lips twisted into an ironic smile – but it was unclear if it was for Jian Kuo or himself. His eyes sting, but his heart was relieved, "Because it's not worth the effort."
Jian Kuo froze on the spot. Jian Xingsui looked at him as if he was looking at a stranger, so unlike what he used to look at him when he was younger. He used to look up at him with a loving gaze, he used to follow him behind and call him "Dad" with a sweet smile, and he used to always try to please him in his own clumsy way.
He now looked at him coldly, like another passing stranger unrelated to his life. He once regarded Jian Xingsui as a burden, but when this moment really came, he froze in place.
Something, somewhere shattered.
It was probably a part of his heart.
Jian Xingsui wasted no time to return to his family's side. He followed them to take a seat, waiting for the charity auction to begin.
The status of the Shen family was very high, and many people would come to greet them. Most of them praised the Shen couple for their exemplary charity work.
Jian Xingsui was a little curious about this matter, so he asked Shen Xingchen, "Our parents often donated to charity?"
Shen Xingchen nodded and replied truthfully, "Yup. Quite often, in my opinion. They donated to Project Hope2full name Project Hope – China Youth Development Foundation. A donation centered for helping improvised students by giving them scholarships, financial aids, and building schools in rural areas. It's not the same as the western Project Hope, which is a healthcare charity project. and others like it, mostly for children all over the country."
Shen Xingchen knew his parents had been donating to charity – both in private and in public – for a long time.
He also knew it was done as doing good deeds in the name of their deceased son.
Jian Xingsui was very curious: "Can you tell me the charity names?"
"Eh... I can't really remember it at the moment," Shen Xingchen looked at Jian Xingsui meaningfully as he smiled, "But I think you'll be able to guess it one day."
Jian Xingsui didn't know what charade he was playing, so he just nodded.
The auction will start soon. The head, his wife, and Fu Jinxiao – the eldest son and current heir of the Fu family – first came forward to pay tribute to the guests. After some speeches, the auction officially started.
Shen Minglang helped his family to sit down, then he excused himself. He went backstage to find Fu Jinxiao for a drink and a chat.
"Suisui and Xingchen are going to participate in a reality show soon." Shen Minglang took a sip of his wine, "Please take care of the two of them there. As for Xingchen, you don't need to show him mercy. If he made a mistake, let him learn from it. He has been this wild and unruly since he was young, and it was time to temper him down with some hardship. I'm afraid if he continues on with that young master's temper of his, it would lead to his downfall. As for Suisui..."
Fu Jinxiao snuck a glance at his friend.
Shen Minglang pushed his glasses, "Take care of him more, don't let people bully him."
Fu Jinxiao's curled into an amused smile, "Ah, this Mr. Shen... you entrust me to take care of everything. I am your free nanny?"
Shen Minglang knew that this old fox was not willing to suffer without benefits, so he offered: "You can pick whatever you like from my private collection."
"Your collection?" Fu Jinxiao took a sip of his own red wine. While he looked sexy, Shen Minglang could see a hint of the actor's black-belly temperament behind his eyes.
Fu Jinxiao smirked. He had an idea. "I don't like those things."
Shen Minglang had an ominous premonition, "Then... what do you want?"
SML: My big brother senses are tingling... I don't like where this is going.