[Next Novel] This Idol Is Perfect to an Infuriating Degree

[Putting this one first, writing it before the others]

Before you read, here's a place to check your brain in: __________

Jian Jiayue was born from fans' indignation over idols whose scandals had ruined them, and their expectations of the perfect idol.

After his consciousness awakened, he worked hard to become a "perfect idol."

First came his looks. He didn't have to be a god-tier beauty, but he had to take care of himself and never look sloppy.

Then came his skills. Singing, dancing, and rap were the most important things for anyone hoping to become a perfect idol.

Finally, his image. He couldn't have any scandals that violated the law or morality, and he had to uphold idol ethics. He couldn't bask in his fans' love while betraying their trust.

Jian Jiayue prepared for this day for three years.

During those three years, he studied hard, did well on his exams, and practiced singing and dancing in his spare time. He even practiced managing his expressions in front of a mirror…

When the college entrance exams ended, he was the first to appear outside his school for a reporter's interview. He knew the opportunity he'd been waiting for had arrived.

And then...

Jian Jiayue, flawless in appearance, speech, manners, singing, dancing, and idol ethics, became a one-of-a-kind presence in an entertainment industry full of idols whose careers had imploded.

He made his first appearance in a post-exam interview. His god-tier looks stunned everyone, made him an instant hit, and prompted countless netizens to shout, "Someone this handsome belongs in the entertainment industry, blessing fans' eyes!"

His performance on the first stage stunned everyone with his singing, dancing, and rap skills, earning him the show's first A card.

His incredible fan service on the first group stage drew countless passersby into the fandom, and fans of other contestants switched sides on the spot.

Every stage after that was god-tier, with one viral fancam after another, and his ranking was always far ahead of the rest.

If that were all, Jian Jiayue would be a qualified idol, but not a perfect one.

Yet, on the show, he never did things the usual way.

While others phoned it in and gave up, he was the king of hard work;

While others relied on fanservice between male contestants to grab attention, he broke through with his performances;

While others treated fans as disposable cash cows, he devoted himself to encouraging them to study, sparring with them every step of the way;

While others treated being an idol as a stepping stone and earning money as the goal, he only wanted to build something bigger and become a perfect idol.

The survival show production team: But you were clearly cast in the sacrificial role!

A passerby on a forum: Wait, with talent like that, you should've joined a survival show ages ago!

Fellow trainees: …Bro, could you leave us some room to breathe?

Antis: He's faking it. He absolutely has to be. I don't believe there's such a thing as an idol who never has a scandal.

Fans: Thanks for asking… I think he's faking it too. How can a perfect idol really exist? Why don't you dig up some dirt on him already?

Jian Jiayue: ^_^

He wasn't born a perfect idol.

He exists because of his fans' love, and he came only for them.

[Blurb screenshot archived on May 9, 2026]

*No one-sided crushes, secret admirers, or ambiguous relationships. No real-life inspirations. [Absolutely no claims about who the characters are based on and no references to the "three mentions" behavior!!!]

*The survival show's format is based on the Produce 101 series, with many original elements. This is my take on a survival show.

*The story contains lots of descriptions of the male lead's looks, as well as plenty of on-screen comments. Some comments involve BL ships, so please don't read if that bothers you!

*Yue Bao is the absolute main character, but his teammates are strong too. Powerful people working together is what makes it fun!

*The author doesn't follow idols, doesn't follow idols, doesn't follow idols. Important things must be said three times!

*If anything makes you uncomfortable while reading, feel free to click "x." No unsolicited writing advice. Comments and tips are at your discretion; feel free to stay or go. Grateful we crossed paths.

Theme: No one is born a perfect idol. It takes hard work and practice, day after day