To Be A Star - ZhanYi

Chapter - 16

The plot of the story is purely fictitious, any similarity to the reality is purely coincidental.

"Xiao Zhan, post this on your Douyin," Lin Xia instructed, handing him his phone. Xiao Zhan glanced at the screen and saw the video he had recorded earlier. The special effects were well-done, and he couldn't deny that he looked cute, just as Lin Xia had pointed out.

He uploaded the video, knowing that it would attract hundreds of comments, as had been the case for the past three months. Despite his reluctance to portray himself as something he wasn't, he understood the necessity of showcasing a certain image in the entertainment industry, a realization he had come to after three months of experience. 

Once just another face among billions, Xiao Zhan now found himself known to a few hundred people. From being unnoticed by anyone, he was now receiving confessions in the comments of his posts.

While he wasn't exactly a household name, his Weibo account now boasted 6,781 followers. While this might not seem like much to Lin Xia, for Xiao Zhan, who had started with a mere 12 followers, the jump to over 6,000 felt monumental. Lin Xia had initially been shocked by his minuscule following, her reaction almost comical as her eyes nearly popped out of her sockets, accompanied by a disdainful look. But now, with over 6,000 followers, Xiao Zhan couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment.

Yet, even with over six thousand followers on Weibo, Xiao Zhan couldn't shake off the feeling that these numbers were just that—numbers. What could they really do? A like here, a comment there. But his underlying loneliness remained unchanged, it still remained the same even after three months, unmoved by the digital interactions. 

That night, when a call from Zheng Lei came in, a new sense of satisfaction washed over Xiao Zhan. Zheng Lei had agreed to carry out the plan they had devised. Xiao Zhan's foresight proved correct as Zheng Lei successfully infiltrated ShengLi's PR team. This strategic move allowed him to closely monitor Ke ChunXi and the internal affairs of ShengLi. Xiao Zhan harbored suspicions that Ke ChunXi's aunt might be the mastermind behind the turmoil. His deduction led him to believe that this mysterious woman held a high position within ShengLi Entertainment. With Zheng Lei on the inside, Xiao Zhan felt a renewed sense of control in unraveling the complexities of the situation.

Xiao Zhan anticipated that Zheng Lei might face his father's wrath if he discovered his son's covert actions, yet Zheng Lei remained tight-lipped about any potential repercussions. Although Xiao Zhan shared the news of his traineeship at FH Entertainment with Zheng Lei, the latter's reaction didn't surprise him. Unfazed, Xiao Zhan shrugged off any indifference from his friend.

Feeling the need to reconnect, Xiao Zhan reached out to Tang Jia. They hadn't spoken in quite some time, largely due to Xiao Zhan moving to Hengdian. Despite knowing that Tang Jia was busy expanding his business in the U.S., Xiao Zhan felt a pang of guilt for the lapse in communication between them.

"Xiao Zhan," came the warm voice on the other end of the line.

"Jia-ge? Are you still upset with me?" Xiao Zhan inquired, his voice tinged with uncertainty.

There was a brief pause before Tang Jia responded, "No, Xiao Zhan. As long as you're happy and not suffering, I'm content," he reassured.

"Jia-ge, I have some exciting news. I've been chosen to train as an idol," Xiao Zhan announced, deliberately omitting any mention of Zheng Lei's involvement in the PR team.

"Mm, that's not an issue, ZhanZhan. I had thought you'd be the perfect fit to manage our business affairs in the U.S., but it's alright," Tang Jia responded reassuringly. "I want you to know that my support for you will always remain unwavering. If there's anything you need, don't hesitate to ask, and remember, never compromise your standards."