Unable to be Arrogant [Entertainment Circle] | Chapter 12 | The Radiance of a True Fan | Novela.app

"Alright, thank you to Zheng Wuzhuan for the interaction. Next, I’d like to introduce another actor," the host finally moved on to Jiang Siyang. Jiang Siyang’s popularity exceeded Zhang Jin’an’s expectations. The moment the camera captured Jiang Siyang’s face, before he had even uttered a single word, the bullet comments—which seemed to have been lying in wait—erupted all at once. —*AHHHH, it’s our Jiang Siyang!!* —*Finally, we get to see Four-Sheep!!!* —*Jiang Siyang!!!!* —*Four-Sheep’s Mama-fan is here!!!* —*Ugh, so jealous of the people at the mall T_T I have to go to extra classes...* —*Gege cut his hair!!* Fortunately, the bullet comment settings were restricted to the top half of the screen; if they had been full-screen, the sheer volume of exclamation marks would have completely obscured Jiang Siyang’s face. "Oh, it seems I don't even need to give a detailed introduction. People in the comments are already spoiling his name," the host laughed as he looked at the screen, then turned to the audience. "If anyone in the crowd knows, say his name with me. He is—" "Jiang Siyang!" The shout came not only from the audience below but also from the crowds gathered outside the railings. The volume was immense, especially from someone standing right behind Zhang Jin’an, whose thunderous roar gave him quite a start. Jiang Siyang took a step forward. As soon as those long legs came into view, the scene grew even more restless. Zhang Jin’an heard a row of people behind him let out a soft, collective "Wow." "He’s seriously handsome," one person whispered. "Yeah, I’m actually tempted to join the fandom now," another added. *Converting fans on the spot, are we?* Zhang Jin’an thought. It was common knowledge that people looked slightly broader on screen than in reality, but that "slight" difference didn't affect Jiang Siyang in the least. The camera operator, clearly knowing what the audience wanted, panned over Jiang Siyang from head to toe. He wore a light gray shirt with a white-and-gray patterned tie that hung long, reaching down to his lower abdomen. One side of the shirt was tucked into the waistband of his jeans while the other hung loose. He wore white sneakers, and with his hair trimmed and slightly curled, he looked incredibly refreshing standing there. The exclamation marks in the bullet comments had thinned out slightly, but they were now replaced by a flood of praise. —*Gege is so beautiful, RIP me.* —*This man’s visuals are divine. He looks good even under this lighting.* —*Four-Sheep’s Mama-fan forbids you from dressing so well!!!* —*Heavens, those long legs and that waist... I’m sold.* —*Today, I’m a girlfriend-fan!* Zhang Jin’an watched the screen and wondered: if Tuanyuan, Shiyue, or Zhuoyin saw this, how would they describe him? How would they write or draw him? Surely they wouldn't limit themselves to phrases like "I’m sold" or "divine visuals." Zhang Jin’an had seen the "Fandom Praise Collections" his sister, Zhang Shuyu, often reposted. Those people really knew how to compliment; they were truly gifted writers. Phrases like *"The stars aren't in the sky, they're in Gege's eyes"* or *"Visual genius with cream-soft skin."* Zhang Shuyu’s most frequent comment was: *"I want to use Gege's nose as a slide."* Every time Zhang Jin’an saw these, he felt a deep sense of admiration. They were all such talents. He, for one, couldn't do it. If he encountered something he liked, he’d probably just send a few exclamation marks like the people in the bullet comments to express his awe. On screen, Jiang Siyang gripped the microphone and said softly, "Hello everyone, I am Jiang Siyang." —*This voice makes waking up early to camp for the stream totally worth it!* —*Gege is so gentle! I’m dying, ahhh!* —*awsl* —*awsl* The screen was soon filled with "awsl." Zhang Jin’an watched the screen with great interest. The host was doing the same, waiting for Jiang Siyang to finish his introduction before speaking. "It seems our Jiang Siyang is truly popular. The fans are so passionate the screen is almost full." Jiang Siyang turned to look up at the screen, then gave a somewhat bashful smile. "They’re very interesting," Jiang Siyang said to the host. "They are. Now, I have a question for you that your fans told me," the host glanced at his cue card. "They say your lifestyle is like that of an old man—drinking hot water with goji berries, not liking video games, and barely even going online. Is that true?" *It probably is,* Zhang Jin’an thought. *You can tell just by those few sponsored Weibo posts.* "Um, I don't go online much, but I don't think I've reached 'old man' status... yet?" Jiang Siyang turned to look at the bullet comments, then explained with a hint of embarrassment, "I just prefer outdoor activities over electronic games." Zhang Jin’an mused privately. This kid was the polar opposite of him. He’d rather stay home for a week than go outside for any kind of "outdoor activity." —*He sounds so unsure of himself, lol.* —*Yes, yes, whatever you say is right.* —*Gege is too easygoing.* —*It’s better if you don't like the internet! Listen to Mama! Stay away from the web!* Host: "I heard your father was a soldier and your grandfather was also from the military. Were you influenced by them?" "A little, I suppose," Jiang Siyang straightened his back slightly. "But I do go on the internet quite often now." However, neither the bullet comments nor the host seemed to believe him. —*Siyang, wake up.* —*Hahaha, if you go online 'often,' I'll eat my keyboard.* —*He probably just looks up movie references.* —*Ge, forget it. Let's not compete; you can't win this one.* —*The 'I saw the ending coming' series.* "Then let me test you," the host pointed toward the large screen, and everyone followed his gaze. "Through the Blue Tech screen, we can see the netizens' comments in real-time, right? Do you know what this 'awsl' means?" Normally, Jiang Siyang would definitely trip up on internet slang. Zhang Jin’an thought so too. But this time, to everyone's surprise, Jiang Siyang gave the correct answer with total confidence: "A-Wei is dead. Or, 'Ah, I’m dead.'" "Whoa," Zhang Jin’an heard several girls behind him gasp in surprise. Though Zhang Jin’an was also a bit surprised, what he found funnier was the realization of just how little Jiang Siyang must interact with the internet for his fans to be this shocked by a single phrase. Beyond the fans on-site, the bullet comments were also filled with disbelief, mostly consisting of question marks. —*He actually knows?? I thought he’d say it was an English name.* —*Why do you know that?!* —*?! Four-Sheep, where did you learn that word??* —*Four-Sheep, let's stop the learning right here!!! Whatever you do, don't become an expert like Zhang Jin’an!* —*The person above, lol. Big Brother: ?? What does this have to do with me?* Just as the comment predicted, Zhang Jin’an was genuinely puzzled when he saw his name on the big screen. *? What does this have to do with me? What, am I not allowed to be a trendy internet explorer?* Zhang Jin’an looked at Jiang Siyang. Jiang Siyang had clearly seen his name in the comments as well; he looked toward Zhang Jin’an and gave a smile that was quite inscrutable. *This kid.* Then he heard Jiang Siyang continue, "Of course, if we’re talking about internet slang, few can compare to Senior Zhang Jin’an." —*Hahaha, as a Unit1 fan, I agree.* —*I’m not even a fan of Big Brother and I agree, lol. Big Brother’s fans have it so hard.* —*Life is tough for us.* —*T_T Four-Sheep actually cued Big Brother, I’m dead.* —*How to cope when the idol is better at chatting than the fans?* "I wonder what 'Mr.' Zhang Jin’an would think if he heard that," the host joked. "Yeah, if only he were here," Jiang Siyang said, casting another glance toward Zhang Jin’an. Zhang Jin’an watched the two of them on stage, pretending they didn't know he was there while taking turns to cue him. They probably just wanted to see his reaction. Zhang Jin’an’s reaction was: *This is getting interesting.* "These two have pretty good acting skills," Zhang Jin’an muttered. As he spoke, the camera operator—for reasons unknown—panned briefly over the audience. It only lasted a few seconds, and no one in the bullet comments noticed, as their attention was fixed on the conversation on stage. "Since we’ve mentioned Teacher Zhang Jin’an, I’ve been meaning to ask—Siyang, I heard you’re a fan of his. Is that true?" The host moved to the next segment. Jiang Siyang didn't hesitate for a second: "Yes." Even knowing Zhang Jin’an was right there in the audience, making such a direct answer feel almost like a confession, Zhang Jin’an didn't see a hint of panic in Jiang Siyang. He was as calm as if he were being asked if he’d had any water. Zhang Jin’an understood perfectly. To Jiang Siyang, this was just a mundane question he had likely answered dozens of times. He could answer so quickly because he wasn't lying or trying to flatter anyone. "Because Senior Zhang Jin’an’s acting skills are obvious to all. I respect him very much," Jiang Siyang added, perhaps feeling his initial answer was too brief. The host nodded. "Then you must have seen many of his works?" Jiang Siyang: "Yes. Senior Zhang’s works are very famous among us. I had watched his dramas even before I graduated from university." In the audience, Zhang Jin’an’s mood grew better and better: *If you know how to praise, keep it coming.* Host: "Then let me test you. I have some lines here; tell me which of Teacher Zhang Jin’an’s films or dramas they come from." Jiang Siyang nodded. "Alright." The host pointed to the screen. "Please look at the big screen." Everyone looked. A line of dialogue appeared. Before Zhang Jin’an could even recall it himself, he heard Jiang Siyang answer: "Moonfall Inn." "The Yamen." "I only want you to look at me." [...] For the following questions, Jiang Siyang only needed a few seconds of looking before the answers rolled off his tongue. The bullet comments were flooded with: "666666," "Four-Sheep is a confirmed Big Brother fanboy," and "Seriously impressive." —*I have failed Big Brother; I couldn't even remember that one.* —*Four-Sheep is a true fan. I haven't even seen 'Heavenly Inquiry'.* —*What’s going on? My main bias is a fan of my secondary bias, lol.* —*But these lines are truly classics. I really want to hear Big Brother say them, T_T.* —*True fan confirmed.* "Impressive," Zhang Jin’an couldn't help but say. To his shame, there were several he hadn't remembered himself. *What a dedicated male fan.* Moreover, when Jiang Siyang read the lines, he injected a bit of acting into them—just a touch, but enough to make them sound full of emotion. Zhang Jin’an listened with great satisfaction. He was starting to look forward to hearing Jiang Siyang read the lines for the character Cui Chi. After the host offered a few more words of praise, Jiang Siyang’s segment ended, and the next person was introduced. Zhang Jin’an saw Jiang Siyang look his way, mouth a few words, and then smile. Though Zhang Jin’an couldn't quite read his lips, he guessed the general meaning. He was likely asking how he did. *Quite well,* Zhang Jin’an thought. *At least, I think so.* Once the host introduced the last person, the staff led them backstage. The host walked to the center of the stage and addressed the audience: "Next, we’ll let them go and prepare for this afternoon’s activities. Everyone can go grab some lunch first. Today’s event is an all-day affair, and the afternoon program will be just as exciting!" As the host finished, many audience members stood up and began filing out. Zhang Jin’an stood up and walked toward the side of the stage, calling out to the host after a few steps: "Ge." The host stopped and turned. Seeing it was Zhang Jin’an, he immediately smiled. "Oh, Jin’an! I was going to introduce you earlier, but then I thought it’d be better to save you as a surprise for the end." "I don't really mind," Zhang Jin’an went straight to the point. "Oh, by the way, Ge, I wanted to ask—what time is Jiang Siyang’s next appearance?" "Let me see..." The host opened his cue card. "2:30 PM. Why?" Zhang Jin’an tapped his chin and glanced at his wristwatch. "2:30. That should be enough time." He patted the host’s shoulder. "Alright, thanks, Ge." "What, you have business with him?" The host was sharp, as expected of his profession. "You guys aren't actually going to be in a drama together, are you?" "We’re discussing it," Zhang Jin’an said. "Discussing? Hah, I thought you followed him because the drama was about to air. Turns out you haven't even filmed it yet." The host was amused. "I bet you don't even have his contact info yet, do you?" Zhang Jin’an didn't deny it. He checked his watch again. "I’m off." "Sure. Where are you eating lunch?" the host asked. "A boxed meal, probably," Zhang Jin’an walked a few steps, then turned back. "Can't help it, I don't like going out." The host laughed. "You and Jiang Siyang really are polar opposites. Different in every way. I really don't know why you’d take an interest in him." "Exactly because we’re opposites. I’ve never met someone like him, so I want to get to know him," Zhang Jin’an turned and waved. "See ya." "Right, see you later," the host said. Zhang Jin’an walked away quickly, passing through the short railed corridor and pulling open the door to the mall’s staff passage. The staff passage on the first floor was longer than those on the other levels. Amidst the bustling crowd, Zhang Jin’an spotted Jiang Siyang instantly. Walking beside him was that male assistant. Even if Jiang Siyang walked further ahead and blended into the group from the boy band, Zhang Jin’an felt he wouldn't look out of place at all. He wondered what they were talking about. Now that he’d found his target, Zhang Jin’an quickened his pace. He bypassed several people and, seeing he was about to catch up, couldn't help but call out: "Jiang Siyang!" Zhang Jin’an hadn't expected Jiang Siyang to hear him. The surrounding noise was chaotic, and Zhang Jin’an knew how much of his voice would be drowned out. So, when Jiang Siyang stopped in his tracks and turned around—much to the surprise of his assistant—Zhang Jin’an was momentarily stunned. He saw the man’s eyes curve into a smile the moment he realized who it was. Jiang Siyang waved his left hand at him. "Ge!" Zhang Jin’an didn't know why he slowed his pace, but he finally understood what that passage written by Tuanyuan meant. *[The air was devoid of haze, appearing almost translucent; even the tiny motes of dust seemed visible. Everyone was warmed by the light spilling from the sky. Even though there were so many people around Jiang Siyang, the fans could always find him. Because the moment Jiang Siyang turned around, everyone else seemed to pale in comparison, becoming nothing more than a sketch of gray and white graffiti.]* Tuanyuan was never stingy with her praise for Jiang Siyang. Zhang Jin’an had originally thought it was just the "fan filter" at work—especially this passage, which he had always found overly dramatic and unrealistic. Having spent so many years in the entertainment industry, Zhang Jin’an knew that good-looking people were the one thing the industry never lacked. He had certainly never seen anyone who fit that description. He had even mocked those words before. *People changing color? What is he, a chameleon?* But the truth was right before his eyes. Tuanyuan hadn't exaggerated in the slightest. Jiang Siyang was exactly that kind of person. Zhang Jin’an also finally understood why people would "crack ship" them based solely on their faces. Before, he had only seen photos, not the real person, so he had no sense of the chemistry; he couldn't even picture their faces together. Now he saw it. In fact, he felt the writing didn't go far enough—reality was even more exaggerated. The passersby didn't just turn to gray and white; Zhang Jin’an couldn't even hear their voices anymore. All he could see was the gentle, fragmented light shimmering upon that one man. *** **Glossary** Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation --- | --- | --- 郑悟专 | Zheng Wuzhuan | An actor mentioned in the chapter. 四羊 | Four-Sheep | A fan nickname for Jiang Siyang (Siyang is a homophone for "four sheep"). awsl | awsl | Internet slang: "A Wei Si Le" (A-Wei is dead) or "Ah Wo Si Le" (Ah, I'm dead), used to express being overwhelmed by cuteness or excitement. 阿伟死了 | A-Wei Si Le | The literal phrase behind the "awsl" meme. 弄潮儿 | Trendsetter / Fashionista | Literally "one who plays with the tide." 月落客栈 | Moonfall Inn | A fictional drama starring Zhang Jin’an. 《衙门》 | The Yamen | A fictional drama starring Zhang Jin’an. 《天问》 | Heavenly Inquiry | A fictional drama starring Zhang Jin’an. 崔驰 | Cui Chi | The name of the character Jiang Siyang is being considered for. 拉郎配 | Crack shipping / Forced pairing | Pairing two people together who have no canon romantic connection.