At five in the afternoon, the event was still ongoing, but the commercial performances for several guests were drawing to a close. The host brought the ten participants back onto the stage.
The host began, "Our guests are about to conclude their performances. Before they leave, we’ll have each of them say a few words to the audience and to our Peter Mall. We’ll start with young Mr. Jiang next to me and go down the line."
The young man beside the host picked up the microphone. "Thank you all so much for watching our performance..."
Watching from his position, Zhang Jin’an felt that while one or two of these commercial gigs might not leave much of an impression, doing them frequently really did make them feel like mini fan meetings.
Aside from the lower pay, there were no downsides. They helped bridge the gap with the public—especially for actors, who could build popularity among the thirty-something and forty-something demographics.
It was a good move.
If he were just starting out now, he would probably have done a few mall appearances himself.
When it was Jiang Siyang’s turn, he took the microphone and said, "Thank you all for watching. To the friends who traveled from afar, I am deeply grateful. I also want to thank Peter Mall for inviting me; it’s been an honor. I hope everyone’s lives become better and better, just like Peter Mall—may you all find great success and prosperity."
Zhang Jin’an couldn’t help but wonder if these guys had all joined some "mutual admiration society." How was it that not a single person repeated a phrase? They were all so good at flattery.
Once everyone had finished their remarks, the guests headed offstage. The bullet comments on the livestream expressed their reluctance to see them go, filled with lamentations.
"Don't be sad. If there are more opportunities in the future, we will invite even more artists," the host said. "And with that, the guest segment comes to an end. But don't go away! We have a variety of other wonderful performances coming up next. Up first is the brand Yuilsn..."
As the host continued managing the flow of the event, Zhang Jin’an checked his watch, stood up, and exited through the corridor, taking a detour to the backstage area.
Zhang Jin’an pushed open the door to find the guests who had just come offstage gathered in a lively circle, chatting with their assistants nearby. Jiang Siyang was among them, not saying much, just standing there with a smile. Zhang Jin’an’s gaze swept over them before he walked straight toward the young female staff member who had asked for his autograph that morning.
The girl was surprised to see him. "Mr. Zhang, why aren't you over there chatting with them?"
"In a bit," Zhang Jin’an said with a smile. "Do you have a pen and paper? Could I borrow them for a moment?"
"Oh, yes." The girl pulled a notebook from a file bag on the table behind her, then fished a pen out of her coat pocket. She tucked the cap into the notebook's cover before handing it to Zhang Jin’an, unable to resist asking, "What are you going to do?"
Zhang Jin’an took the pen and notebook. "I need an autograph."
The girl: "?"
Zhang Jin’an laughed. "What’s with that face?"
The girl shook her head. "No, it’s just... I’m surprised. Is the Big Brother actually a fanboy?"
"It’s for my sister," Zhang Jin’an replied.
"Oh—that makes sense," the girl said, immediately understanding. She smiled and complimented him, "I saw a photo of your sister; she’s so pretty. Especially her eyes and nose—she looks just like you. You can tell you're family at a glance."
"A brat, unfortunately," Zhang Jin’an said, waving the notebook. "She even wants me to mail the autograph to her."
"Huh? Hahaha!" The girl laughed loudly at his misfortune. "I remember you’re from the south, right, Big Brother?"
"Yeah, my hometown is Xiao Nan Shan," Zhang Jin’an replied.
"I’ve never been, but I have a friend who’s also from Xiao Nan Shan," the girl said.
"The scenery there is beautiful. You should visit if you get the chance. Anyway, I’ll stop chatting now. I’m off." Zhang Jin’an waved at her.
"Bye!" the girl waved back.
Zhang Jin’an walked over to the group and tapped Jiang Siyang on the shoulder.
Jiang Siyang turned around instantly. Seeing it was Zhang Jin’an, he looked a bit startled and whispered, "Brother?"
Zhang Jin’an beckoned him over, leading him to a quiet corner.
Jiang Siyang looked back at the main group they were leaving behind. "What is it, Brother? Are you leaving?"
"I am," Zhang Jin’an said, his expression very mysterious. "But before I go, there’s a mission that only you can complete."
Thinking it was some sort of confidential secret, Jiang Siyang leaned in immediately. "What is it? I’ll do my best to help."
Zhang Jin’an: "Give me an autograph."
Jiang Siyang: "...?"
"My sister wants one." Zhang Jin’an handed the pen to Jiang Siyang and held the notebook with both hands to provide a steady surface.
"Oh, for your sister." The confusion in Jiang Siyang’s eyes dissipated. He took the pen and signed "Jiang Siyang" in a sweeping hand. Just as he was about to recap the pen, Zhang Jin’an pressed down on his hand.
Zhang Jin’an flipped to the next blank page. "Wait. Can you sign another one?"
"Sure," Jiang Siyang replied obediently and signed again.
Zhang Jin’an nodded with satisfaction. "On this one, write 'To Zhang Jin’an'."
"?" Jiang Siyang paused his pen and looked up. "Brother, you..."
"Don't ask. If you must know, it’s for my collection," Zhang Jin’an said, revealing his grand plan truthfully. "When you become famous one day, I’ll hang this up to make your fans jealous."
Jiang Siyang felt a bit embarrassed and didn't say anything, simply writing "To Zhang Jin’an" as requested.
Zhang Jin’an looked at the empty space on the paper and added, "Leaving it blank is a bit dull. If you’re willing, just add whatever you like on the side. Write whatever comes to mind—just fill the page."
"Okay." Jiang Siyang started writing immediately. After a moment, he looked up. "Then, Brother, could you sign one for me?"
Zhang Jin’an nodded. "Of course. I can fill the whole page for you, no problem."
Jiang Siyang waved his hands frantically. "No, no, there's no need for all that trouble. Just writing 'To Jiang Siyang' is enough."
Jiang Siyang signed quickly and finished in no time. Zhang Jin’an took the notebook to look. The blank space was filled with several lines of poetry, which explained why it had been filled so fast. One line was: *"Poetry is found in every scene; splendor dwells in every moment."* Another was: *"A fragrant branch held in hand; such a scent is rare in this world."* In the bottom right corner was: *"At sunrise, riverside flowers burn redder than fire; in spring, the river waves run green as indigo."*
Zhang Jin’an held the notebook open toward Jiang Siyang and pointed at the verses. "Why did you write these?"
Jiang Siyang scratched his head. "Because I felt these lines suited you."
Zhang Jin’an asked, "I can understand the others, but what about 'At sunrise, riverside flowers burn redder than fire'?"
Jiang Siyang said without thinking, "Because it’s beautiful."
Zhang Jin’an was stunned for a moment and didn't speak.
Seeing Zhang Jin’an’s reaction, Jiang Siyang assumed he neither liked nor disliked it, so he didn't pursue the topic. He changed the subject: "Then please sign for me. You can write whatever you want."
"Alright." Zhang Jin’an flipped to the next page and turned his back. Once he finished signing, he tore the page out, folded it into a small square, and turned back around.
Zhang Jin’an placed the small square in Jiang Siyang’s palm. "Wait until you get home to read it."
"Ah, okay." Jiang Siyang carefully tucked the small square into his pocket.
Zhang Jin’an also neatly tore out the two pages Jiang Siyang had signed, folded them into quarters, and put them in his own pocket.
"Siyang, Mr. Zhang, what are you two chatting about in this corner?" Xie Jie ran over at that moment, looking from Jiang Siyang to Zhang Jin’an.
Zhang Jin’an: "Just acting as a personal shopper for autographs."
Xie Jie: "?"
"Forget it, whatever," Xie Jie said, pointing behind him to the guests who were choosing their spots to stand. "Everyone is about to take a group photo. Hurry over."
"Okay. We’re coming," Jiang Siyang said, immediately following Xie Jie. After a few steps, he realized Zhang Jin’an wasn't following. He stopped and looked back to see Zhang Jin’an still standing in place, so he doubled back.
"Brother, why aren't you coming?" Jiang Siyang asked, puzzled.
Zhang Jin’an had already started trying to remember which turn he’d parked his car at. When Jiang Siyang asked, he said, "I don't need to be in the photo, right? I’m not a guest."
"You have to. It’s not every day we run into each other," Jiang Siyang said with perfect logic and a very serious expression. "Besides, some people don't know you’re here. You should at least say hello."
Who could resist being stared at by eyes shining with such anticipation? Zhang Jin’an gave in. "Alright, alright, alright."
Jiang Siyang smiled brightly. Zhang Jin’an followed him over, returning the notebook to the staff member on the way.
The guests had already arranged themselves into two rows. Those in the second row were standing on a wooden riser. Jiang Siyang joined the group, standing at the very end of the first row.
The host had already come down from the stage. Seeing Zhang Jin’an approach, he said to the group, "Let’s welcome our guest who was hiding in the audience today—Mr. Zhang Jin’an!"
As soon as the host said the name, everyone was shocked, and the scene became rowdy again. Zhang Jin’an took off his mask and hat, revealing a professional smile as he nodded to them. "Hello, everyone. You all did a great job today. The performance was well worth the price of admission."
"I wonder if anyone besides Siyang noticed him," the host asked.
A tall boy from the boy band Until1 shouted, "I saw him! I even mentioned it at the time, but I didn't guess who it was!"
"It really is Big Brother!" another boy yelled. "I’ve been watching your dramas since I was a kid!"
"Big Brother is so handsome!"
"Hey now, let’s stop the mutual flattery. Let’s take the photo," Zhang Jin’an said.
"With Big Brother here, who would dare stand in the center?" The boy originally in the middle moved aside, pointing to the spot with both hands. "Big Brother! Come! Stand here!"
"Please, no. I’m just an audience member today; I shouldn't even be in the photo." As he spoke, Zhang Jin’an walked over and stood next to Jiang Siyang.
Jiang Siyang whispered, "Brother, do you want to stand further in?"
Zhang Jin’an shook his head. "It’s fine. Standing next to you is enough."
Everyone straightened their clothes, and the photography began.
"Alright, everyone look at the lens," the staff member with the camera said, crouching slightly to find the angle. "I’ll count to three, and you say 'Eggplant!' One, two, three—"
"Eggplant—!"
"Great, this one’s good," the staff member said, pausing to check the camera. "For the next one, everyone be a bit more casual. Pose however you like."
They were all bright, energetic young men, each with more ideas than the last. In the end, the front row stayed still while several boys in the back row jumped as the photo was taken. The resulting shot was very fun.
After the group photo, everyone went their separate ways. Jiang Siyang and Zhang Jin’an walked back to the dressing room together.
Jiang Siyang asked first, "Brother, are you heading straight back after this?"
"Yeah," Zhang Jin’an looked at Jiang Siyang. "Aren't you?"
"No, I have to catch a flight in a bit. I’m going to Lishui tomorrow," Jiang Siyang said.
"That’s a tight schedule," Zhang Jin’an noted. "What time is your flight?"
"Tonight. I’ll just sleep on the plane," Jiang Siyang said.
"That is quite busy," Zhang Jin’an remarked.
Jiang Siyang lowered his head and smiled. "But hasn't everyone gone through this? If you aren't busy during your rookie period, you start to panic. Being busy is good. Besides, I think my current workload is fine; I’m not that tired."
Looking at Jiang Siyang, Zhang Jin’an felt for a moment like he was seeing himself from six years ago.
Back then, he was just as rushed, with no rest all year round. It wasn't that he didn't want to rest; it was just that everyone knew how fierce the competition in this industry was. Work had to be fought for. As a newcomer, no one would give you extra care or attention; you could only rely on your own hard work in acting to gain experience and enrich your resume.
Even though Jiang Siyang didn't come from a formal acting background, his skills were already excellent, and his popularity was slowly rising. What was even more formidable was how incredibly hard the kid worked. Zhang Jin’an couldn't help but feel that the younger generation was truly to be feared.
Zhang Jin’an couldn't resist asking, "Why did you want to become an actor?"
Jiang Siyang clearly hadn't expected Zhang Jin’an to ask this. He looked up, startled, but then said, "Because as an actor, you can try and live out different lives."
"But isn't watching TV the same?" Zhang Jin’an asked.
Jiang Siyang shook his head. "There are many things in this world to do. Even if it’s just a little bit, I want to experience them personally and then share that feeling with everyone. People have a misconception about actors; they think acting is easy, that you just perform. But acting *well* is very hard. For example, like you—you become whatever character you play. Yet when people talk about you, they think of a representative work, a representative character."
Zhang Jin’an laughed. "We were talking about you. How did it turn into praising me again?"
Jiang Siyang felt a bit sheepish. "I can't help it. Whenever acting is mentioned, I think of you. I’ve always remembered when you presented me with that award; it felt like a dream back then."
"And now?"
"It still does." Zhang Jin’an could hear the sincerity and truth in Jiang Siyang’s voice. "You have always been the goal for many people. They all want to stand by your side, to reach the same position as you."
Zhang Jin’an really wanted to know what Jiang Siyang was thinking. "And you? Do you think the same as them?"
"No." Jiang Siyang looked straight at Zhang Jin’an.
Whether it was the effect of the lights or something else, Zhang Jin’an saw a flicker of light in those eyes—a very upright light, like someone looking at hope itself.
"I want to become you," Jiang Siyang said.
Zhang Jin’an was stunned for a moment, then smiled and replied, "Then I shall wait and see."
The two chatted for a while longer before parting ways on the fifth floor. The first thing Zhang Jin’an did when he got home was go to his second-floor bedroom, turn on his computer, and flop onto the bed.
Lying there, he opened his phone and saw a WeChat voice message from Tang Shang. He tapped to play it.
Tang Shang: "I watched the video. I think it’s good. What do you think?"
Zhang Jin’an sat up, held the voice button, and said, "I think it’s good too. Plus, Siyang really fits the look of Cui Chi."
About ten seconds later, Tang Shang replied: "Then talk to him. If there are no other issues, set up a suitable time, and I’ll meet with him in person."
Zhang Jin’an replied: "Okay."
After sending that, Zhang Jin’an thought for a moment and sent another: "I’ll ask for his number and then send it to you."
Tang Shang replied after a while: "You don't have his number? Then how have you been contacting him?"
"It’s a long story. Ran into him while I was out," Zhang Jin’an replied. "I’m going to ask for his number now. I’ll send it to you in a bit."
With that, Zhang Jin’an went to find Jiang Siyang’s chat.
[Zhang Jin’an]: Siyang, Director Tang Shang responded. He said he’s very satisfied with your performance. If there are no issues, give me your phone number, and the two of you can set a time to meet.
[Jiang Siyang]: Okay, thank you, Brother.
[Jiang Siyang]: 186xxxxxxxxxxx
[Zhang Jin’an]: Got it.
Zhang Jin’an copied the number and sent it to Tang Shang. Then he opened his dialer, entered the number, and hit call.
The call was picked up after a few seconds.
"Hello," Jiang Siyang said.
Hearing Jiang Siyang’s cautious tone, Zhang Jin’an didn't even have to think—the kid had definitely been startled by the call.
"It’s me, Zhang Jin’an," he said.
"Ah, Brother," Jiang Siyang’s tone relaxed considerably. "Why are you calling?"
"So you can save my number," Zhang Jin’an said. "Also, just checking if you’ve reached the airport yet?"
"No, still on the way," Jiang Siyang replied.
"Mm, stay safe then." Zhang Jin’an thought for a moment and realized there wasn't much else to say. "I’ll hang up now."
"Okay."
Zhang Jin’an knew that with Jiang Siyang’s personality, if he didn't hang up, Jiang Siyang wouldn't either. So, after waiting a few seconds and seeing that indeed no one was hanging up, Zhang Jin’an ended the call first.
Zhang Jin’an saved the string of numbers, typing in "Jiang Siyang." Before hitting save, he paused, then added two more words after the name: "Little Brother."
***
Jiang Siyang didn't know why the highway toward the airport was always congested, no matter the time of day.
He stopped looking out the window and turned his gaze back to his black phone screen.
He hadn't had time to change out of his clothes from the event, though his makeup had already been removed in the car.
To be honest, the phone call just now had given him a start. He had thought it was some marketing call; he never expected Zhang Jin’an to call him.
"After this whole day, are you feeling a bit dazed? Like you're living in a dream?" Liu Wenping, sitting in the passenger seat, suddenly spoke up.
Jiang Siyang looked up and nodded vigorously. "Yeah. Who would have thought he’d actually appear in front of me, and now he’s even called me. I really am living in a dream today."
Liu Wenping was amused and started laughing.
Speaking of Zhang Jin’an, Jiang Siyang took the small square Zhang Jin’an had given him out of his pocket and slowly unfolded it.
Liu Wenping saw the paper in the rearview mirror and asked, "What’s that?"
"Mr. Zhang’s autograph," Jiang Siyang said.
On the paper was a large, cursive "Zhang Jin’an," and below it was written "To Jiang Siyang."
Beneath those two lines was a row of neat, small characters. The strokes were sharp and distinct, resembling the Slender Gold style of calligraphy—very beautiful.
Jiang Siyang leaned in to look. It said—
*"Don't forget the 200 words."*
Jiang Siyang: "..."
Even though it was just that one sentence, Jiang Siyang looked at the paper and smiled happily. He then carefully refolded the paper and put it back in his pocket.
He took out his phone and began to post on Weibo.
***
After Zhang Jin’an finished his shower, he sat down at his computer and opened a game. While waiting for the game to load, he picked up his phone to browse Weibo.
As if by habit, he first checked the trending topics, then searched for "Zhang Yang Unceasing," then his own topic, and finally searched for Jiang Siyang.
This time, when he clicked on Jiang Siyang’s Weibo, he saw a new update from a few minutes ago.
[Jiang Four Sheep]: I participated in a mall performance today and am posting this Weibo to keep my promise. Thank you all for your continued love. I was very happy today and saw many fans who came just for me. I am very grateful for your company, for following my updates, and for staying with me year after year. You’ve done so much for me that I won't list it all here. In the future, I will try to post on Weibo more often and communicate more with everyone. Although I don't always know what to post, I will work hard to do so.
Also, if you have any questions, you can ask me via private message. Although I might not be able to reply to all of them, I will try my best to pick some to answer. Finally, could someone please tell me how to buy a Weibo membership?
Zhang Jin’an counted the characters one by one.
Sure enough, it was not a character more, not a character less—exactly 200 words.
"This kid is really something," Zhang Jin’an said with a laugh. He gave the post a like, then turned off his phone and set it aside. He cracked his neck and began to play his game.
***
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Unable to be Arrogant [Entertainment Circle] | Chapter 18 | To Become You | Novela.app | Novela.app
