Shen Baizhi is the undisputed beauty of the entertainment industry. Even taking a sip of water can land him on the trending list.
His antis mock him for topping the charts as a pretty face, saying his looks have boxed him into a narrow range of roles.
His only advantage is that he pairs well with anyone. He can effortlessly create sizzling couple chemistry with all kinds of celebrities, enough to make fans ship them to the point of obsession. The trending-topic forums are a battlefield year-round, and even an unknown internet influencer can gain hundreds of thousands of followers by riding his coattails.
Everyone in the industry wants to use him to stir up a story of brotherly affection and solidarity, but his manager turns them all down. Over time, people in the industry start saying he's a stuck-up phony.
He Jinian became famous as a teenager and has won numerous awards. He's a top-tier actor, renowned in the industry for having not a single romantic scandal.
He's gentle and refined, and countless people have fallen at his feet, only to be defeated by those eyes that seem affectionate but are actually cold.
His fans have declared that he's destined to spend his life alone.
That is, until the two appear on the same variety show. They avoid each other on set, have no chemistry in the team games, and think even looking at each other is a waste of time.
Antis sneer that Shen Baizhi's carefully marketed persona has finally backfired on him with He Jinian, while his rivals criticize him for overplaying his irresistible charm, saying it'll come back to bite him sooner or later.
He Jinian's spotless reputation, built over years, is nearly dragged down with him.
Soon, a gossip account digs up an old video from years ago...
At a filming location, a newly debuted Shen Baizhi clings to He Jinian, kissing him with dazed eyes and unsteady legs. The latter's arm is taut with bulging veins, and he seems equally unable to control himself.
The video sends the whole internet into an uproar.
Shen Baizhi's agency rushes to issue a statement:
"They worked together early in their careers. Mr. He was very professional, and Xiao Shen learned a lot from him. Please enjoy the gossip rationally and don't spread or speculate excessively."
The statement distances them completely, a stark contrast to the agency's earlier attitude of letting fans ship them however they liked.
Their rivals declare that the master of celebrity marketing, Shen Baizhi, has finally met his match. They gleefully wait to watch him become a laughingstock. On the trending-topic forums, fans fight day and night, divided into hostile camps, dragging countless bystanders into the fray.
Meanwhile, Shen Baizhi himself is in an even more precarious situation...
He Jinian has tied his wrists with a necktie and pinned him against the wall with his arms behind his back. Hot breath against his back makes his legs go weak. In the dim light, the gold-rimmed glasses gleam coldly white. "Learned a lot, did you? Then let me see just how much Xiao Shen has learned."
[A stunning, explosive-tempered, tsundere heartthrob and irresistible flirt who doesn't know he's flirting, the seemingly innocent and genuinely pure-hearted bottom x A seemingly gentle but truly scheming top with overwhelming possessiveness]
Reader's guide: Don't bring real-life fandoms into this. There are no real-life inspirations; everything is set up to serve the plot.
No fighting, let's enjoy the story in peace. Love every one of you.
Archived on May 18.
Theme: Break free from your shackles and be yourself
