Chapter 1 – Same Drink

Under the scorching sun, a stall owner under a sunshade was selling ices and soda. Bottles of chilled mineral water at two dollars were out of stock. A group of young men and women stood under the sun, wearing uniformly white T-shirts, holding banners in their hands. They were beaming with anticipation, standing on their tiptoes, gazing intently ahead.

Twenty minutes passed. A minivan arrived at last. The fans screamed instantly, their heads craned, as they ran toward the minivan while shouting, “Fubai! Fubai!”

The minivan stopped not far from the filming site. Security guards had already form a wall around the area. The door opened and a tall, slim young man stepped out. He had fair skin, was wearing sunglasses, with a body covered in brand name clothes. His fashionistic looks could easily grace the cover of any fashion magazine.

In fact, he indeed was a regular on the cover of various top magazines — hailed as the darling of the gods with his pretty face, he had been sweeping across the country since his debut six years ago. He was Shen Fubai, the top name in the entertainment circle.

The moment Shen Fubai got out of the car, the fans burst into roar, screaming their lungs out. The crowd surged forward, their enthusiasm impossible for even the security guards to contain. Amidst them were fervent male fans bellowing, “Fubai! I’ll bear your children!”

Shen Fubai’s looks were lethal across the sexes.

As the scene approached chaos, his manager Li started to hurry Shen Fubai inside. The first day on set was already going to make a bad impression due to the lateness caused by traffic— and if the production’s commencement was delayed because of the fans, it would certainly not be justified.

As Shen Fubai was about to enter the shooting studio, he suddenly took off his dark glasses, revealing his stunning face. He smiled at his fans. “Thank you for coming to see me. Please ensure your safety on the way home.” Then, he put on his sunglasses again and walked into the shooting studio.

The fans were momentarily stunned in sight of the smile, then burst into a moaning applause.

“AAAAAAAAAA my husband, he smiled!!”

“How can he be so beautiful, gosh, I’m dying wuuuuu…”

“My blood tank is drained— I can savor this smile for five hundred years!”

“You there! Don’t you know to be more reserved!” Li Man was about to have her heart torn with worry for her artiste. “You have no idea how many media personnel are keeping an eye on you today? I’ve repeated so many times that today is the start of production for ‘The Begonia Flower’, not your concert. Do you believe that if you had smiled at the fans like that, one hour later, articles would be out saying that you stole the limelight, and had treated the set like your personal show?”

“They’ve come a long way just to see me. Can’t I tell them the words ‘please ensure safety’? As for the media, let them write what they like, the backlog of my mudslinging can already form a towering building, and it doesn’t make any difference with an additional bit.” Shen Fubai said lazily, “Is there any watermelon juice? Get me a cup, I want it iced.”

Assistant Xiao Lin hurriedly rushed to prepare the watermelon juice.

Li Man was almost irritated to tears. “You still have the mood to drink your drink. You were twenty minutes late! I still have to think how to explain to the director…”

“Dear sister, it’s thirty-four degrees Celsius weather here. I’d die if I don’t drink something iced right now.” Shen Fubai moaned, “Moreover, can I be blamed for the traffic jam? I was frustrated, too. I woke up at five in the morning to prepare for one hour to go and meet my idol and ended up jammed on the way. Sh*t, I’m angrier than anyone.”

Li Man was very aware of how fanatical her artiste was over the award-winning actor, Jiang Heng. Privately, he was but a mad fan of his idol. When he had taken up this drama previously, which actor wouldn’t have carefully chosen his first project to make a foray into acting upon his transition? However, the moment Shen Fubai heard that he would be paired with Jiang Heng, he took on the script without even reading it, adding on proudly, “My idol is taking it up, it would definitely be good.”

Even raving, delusional fans could not get any wilder.

But Jiang Heng did indeed have the capital to have such strong supporters. Jiang Heng was twenty-four; before his debut two years back, he had graduated from Central Academy of Drama. Immediately after his debut, he was approached by a renowned director and starred in a movie, directly becoming an award-winning actor. His starting point was already sky-high. No lack of sunken ships had appeared in the entertainment circle after having high beginnings, but Jiang Heng had broken the jinx. With great looks and superb acting, his two movies after his debut had won awards. He was certainly climbing to greater heights with each step.

As for her artiste… Li Man was not trying to put out her own fire, but Shen Fubai, other than looks, had nothing to speak of.

Shen Fubai debuted at the age of sixteen, and to this date, he has been operating in the industry for six years now, which made him a senior amongst his peers. Since he took the idol route, he had never crossed paths with Jiang Heng, who went the rasin caliber route. There was no conflict over resources between them as well. No clue as to why Shen Fubai had become a Dead Hard fan of Jiang Heng.

Li Man had no idea about her artiste’s acting, and did not hold expectations either. As an idol, Shen Fubai’s work ability had never been good to begin with. His singing was wildly off-pitch, something which even a top-class sound engineer could not rectify. His dancing was clumsy, with his steps out of sync with the rhythm. A classical dance major hailing from a background of being the top in his field, how on earth could he dance in such a manner!

With this level, the reason that Shen Fubai could last this long without fading was only because of his looks. It was idolizing from the heavens. But the masses were not blind either. Now having high demands for the work ability of an idol, even a single worthless trait apart from looks ended up guzzling up an enormous amount of haters for Shen Fubai. Once the news that he would be trying his hand at dramas for the first time was out, he was immediately blasted.

Jiang Heng, who also took his first steps into dramas, was an award-winning actor, a true young male actor stepping into the small screen from the big screen. On the other hand, Shen Fubai had taken up many projects, one after another, and it was estimated to only be an MV-style of acting. There was no lack of criticisms from the online community against the director’s casting decision. Jiang Heng’s fans, in particular, felt aggrieved that their powerhouse of an idol had to be paired with a vase.

But the director could not help it either— Shen Fubai was insanely popular. It was the film investor who had specifically requested for Shen Fubai’s inclusion, which also placed the director in a helpless position. Shen Fubai had even gotten the second male lead role without needing to go for an audition. There were many who were discontented.

“Directors won’t care the reason for your tardiness, and neither will media personnel and netizens.” Li Man began to worry. She could already foresee the dominative news going mad about Shen Fubai’s cockiness for being late the first day he came onto the set. “Apologize to the director on my behalf and explain yourself to him.”

Shen Fubai was pulled to the director by Li Man. Li Man explained awkwardly, “From the bottom of our hearts, we apologize, Director Xu. There was a bad traffic congestion on the way…”

Director Xu was a celebrated director, having shot several well-received and award-winning movies and dramas. The first movie that Jiang Heng pocketed an award for was directed by him. Shen Fubai was a top idol in the idol circle, but in the video circle, he was still a thorough newcomer. To be late on his first day, Director Xu felt a little miffed.

Traffic jam? This reason was not new to him— young idols were too cocky, could not wake up early. Today’s youngsters could not put up with hardships.

Then again, it was good that there was Jiang Heng around who was hardworking and down-to-earth. Director Xu recalled how Jiang Heng had gotten injured during his debut when he was shooting action sequences and would not have used a body double. Comparing that to the delicately handsome Shen Fubai who even looked prettier than a female starlet— he became even less satisfied.

“Shift the props to the side. Place the crates on top— ” Director Xu instructed the crew to set up the props, pretending not to see Li Man and Shen Fubai.

Two of the staff were having a tough time placing a heavy crate when two heads of sweat appeared amongst the intense heat, indicating their tiredness. Director Xu stared at the crate, as if Li Man and Shen Fubai, who were right there before him, were less important than that crate.

Li Man felt a little embarrassed. However, after years of experience in talking to all sorts of people, she did not show any dissatisfaction, saying with a slightly more sincere tone, “Director, about us…”

Shen Fubai suddenly stepped forward, supporting the bottom of the crate in one hand with a hard push. The two staff members felt their load lighten immediately. Once they raised their eyes, they saw the celebrity with fair skin lifting the crate which they could not lift with their two hands onto the table with a single hand.

Director Xu’s eyelid twitched.

The staff member felt slightly embarrassed. “T-thank you.”

“It’s alright, it’s the least I could do.” Shen Fubai smiled, and then walked over to Director Xu. “Sorry for this, Director Xu. I’ve long heard of your name and legacy. I was eager on my way here, so eager to meet you that my car could not let it off. I’m sure you know how bad the traffic congestion during the Beijing morning peak period.”

Li Man was thinking to herself. “Don’t even think pretending you were eager to meet Director Xu. You were eager to meet Jiang Heng.”

At the same time, she felt slightly surprised, Shen Fubai had never been so eloquent? The elegant demeanor, the pitch-perfect tone… his EQ would have not been so bad over the company if it could clock half of how it was now. He would also not have offended so many people then.

Director Xu scrutinized the young man as well, seeing that his ‫manners was decent and had an earnest tone. His perception of him had improved a little. Having been in the industry for long, he no longer wanted to hear honeyed words, and all he wanted was his attitude.

“Since you’re here, it’s good. Go familiarize with the place for a moment. The opening ceremony will commence soon.” Director Xu waved his hand then, signifying that he had laid the matter of Shen Fubai’s lateness to rest.

Shen Fubai smiled. “Alright then. I won’t disturb you then.”

Director Xu harrumphed lightly, feeling even more placated.

The person himself was not an issue, he was not as proud as he was rumored to be. As for his acting skill… they would tackle it when the time came.

Once the two of them walked off, Li Man marveled, “When did you suddenly become such an eloquent person? Did you stay up all night reading interview guidelines the night before?”

Shen Fubai rolled his eyes. “Have a little faith in your son, I wouldn’t want to screw up things.”

Then, assistant Xiao Lin hurried back, bringing over the watermelon juice for Shen Fubai. Once Shen Fubai took over the drink, he asked casually, “Why did you take so long?”

Xiao Lin was fighting for air as he responded, “The award-winning actor Jiang Heng was over there, with a crowd surrounding him. It took me a lot of effort before I could break through to him.”

Shen Fubai paused, “Heng Heng is there too?”

“Yes. He had bought mango ice juice. Award-winning actor Jiang Heng is so nice. He grabbed me when I was pushed out of the crowd and asked me if I was buying the watermelon juice for you… Brother Shen, why are you looking at me with those eyes?” Xiao Lin was suddenly seized by shock.

In Shen Fubai’s eyes was a jealous, lemon-like venom.

He had never talked to his idol before! He had not even touched the hand of his idol! Xiao Lin… this little rascal actually touched him for real! No! He was fuming of rage.

Shen Fubai stuffed the watermelon juice into Xiao Lin’s hands. “Here’s yours. Go buy me a glass of mango juice as well. I want the same as my idol.”

Xiao Lin was stunned.

Brother Shen was an idol fan in such a distinguished manner.

“Actually, Brother Shen…” Xiao Lin could not resist suggesting, “The award-winning actor Jiang Heng is right over there. If you want to meet him, you can go yourself.”

Shen Fubai said indifferently, “Since I’ve asked you to go, just go. Stop quibbling.”

Xiao Lin scratched his head. “Alright then.” In his mind, an idol fan of a celebrity might have different methods from that of an ordinary person; maybe they played it cool a little?

In truth, the majestic and noble Shen Fubai, whose heart had already twisted into a muddled bundle: What should I do! I’m about to meet my idol, my heart is beating so fast! I’m at a loss for words, what should I do? I’m so entangled, I don’t have the courage to face him! Wah…

Xiao Lin ran over to the drink vending outlet, and did not see Jiang Heng, but he did see Assistant Xiao Zhang, who was with Jiang Heng. Xiao Zhang was requesting for a glass of watermelon juice after fetching the mango juice.

“Yo, Xiao Zhang! What a coincidence. Is this for yourself?” Xiao Lin greeted him.

Xiao Zhang laughed. “Yeah.”

He could not exactly tell him that his boss wanted to set it up to match the same category as his counterpart’s artiste, right?

Xiao Zhang changed the subject. “What about you then?”

“Yeah, that’s right. The weather is hot, so both revealing males and our artiste need to keep refreshed.” Xiao Lin smiled wryly, not an ounce of embarrassment at all in revealing to Xiao Zhang how cuckoo the artiste chasing after their idol was that even his drinks had to be set the same as his idol.

The two empathetic assistants looked at each other, sharing a sense of understanding for the other—

Shen Fubai eventually drank the mango juice to his heart’s content. His mind was saturated with very strong happiness.

Was he drinking a mango juice? No, he was drinking the same drink as his idol.

The attractive young man with a plastic straw in his mouth and wearing sunglasses, hummed a melody with a detached attitude as he walked on the empty streets. The day being the first day of production, the crew was working in the studio, so nobody took notice of him as well. Shen Fubai wanted to fly free.

Until he saw a person twenty meters away.

In an instant, he stifled, and his spine stood straight. Shen Fubai bit at the straw, took off his dark glasses, and his pretty, almond-shaped eyes narrowed slightly. With a splendid appearance.

The youth holding a glass of watermelon juice from the opposite side seemed to sense his presence, turning back to take a look, expression stunned, yet recovering quickly.

Shen Fubai’s inner mind was already exploding in a sea of fireworks.

Oh damn, my idol is looking at me!

Oh damn, he is walking toward me!

Oh damn, is he coming to talk to me!

What should I do? What should I do? Should I go up to greet him as well? What should I say? Should I say “Hello, I’ve liked you for long”? Shouldn’t I have been labeled as being sick then!

Damn, I can’t just stop; I have to say something… Um, go ahead, one step, two steps…

Until Shen Fubai walked past Jiang Heng, he was without the courage to open his mouth and strike a conversation with him, or even glance at him once.

To other people, the ravishing and delicately handsome young man was walking past the clear and handsome youth with a stare, that was extremely noble and dignified.

Leaving award-winning actor Jiang Heng completely ignored.

Jiang Heng did not flinch when Shen Fubai walked past him, and after Shen Fubai had walked far off away, he turned around to look at his back, frowning slightly in displeasure.

Damn it, another cocky idol— award-winning actor Jiang Heng is fuming with rage.

Almost all people felt this way.

The one and only difference was the individual’s thoughts—

Jiang Heng shifted along the spot for a long period of time after seeing Shen Fubai. He made enough psychological preparations before gathering enough courage to walk toward Shen Fubai.

That was his idol of many years back.

Then, at the moment he was about to speak to his idol, his idol walked past him immediately…

Was he then not liked?

Or was it that he had not stood at a level high enough to have a conversation with his idol?

Jiang Heng was confounded.

He was also confounded why there was a mango ice juice for Shen Fubai,

Him not succeeding his plan to have the same drink, making him unhappy—

After Shen Fubai walked off far away, still maintaining his cool facade, his mind was seething and agitated deeply, unable to calm down for a long time.

His heart felt like it was pierced with a knife. His heart was making a deafening roar. He wished desperately to travel back to thirty seconds ago, and whack himself senseless for being a coward so close to Jiang Heng.

What was with you, little Fubai? You just walked past like that?!? You should have at least put in a request for an autograph!!!

As well as—the reason why his idol drank watermelon juice? Why! Xiao Lin’s intelligence work was severely lacking! He would deduct one yuan from his wage when they get back for sure!