Chapter 101: Fan Actions, Idol Pays the Price (Hoping for Monthly Votes)

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It’s common for fans to lash out at production teams. Some even start before filming begins, urging actors not to take certain roles. Take, for example, the drama “A Woman’s War” five years ago. When one of the leads, Gao Yi, was announced during pre-production, fans were unhappy because her character was the mistress. How could that be acceptable?

Fans fiercely attacked the production team, Gao Yi’s agency, and flooded her comment section with advice, hoping she wouldn’t accept a role that could damage her image. No one really knew Gao Yi’s thoughts, but eventually, the role went to Zhong Qing. The drama became a massive hit, and Zhong Qing gained far more opportunities. Gao Yi, meanwhile, became a subject of ridicule.

Yet fans didn’t think they were wrong; on the contrary, they believed the script must have been rewritten after Gao Yi’s withdrawal. They insisted that if Gao Yi hadn’t left, the role would have remained the same. Moreover, these fans professed their unwavering support for Gao Yi, assuring her, “You always have us behind you, don’t be afraid.”

This incident made some celebrities realize it’s better to keep a distance from fans. But it’s difficult. As mentioned before, people want everything at once. Once stars enjoy the benefits of fan circles, how could they possibly give it up?

Look at so many artists—not just popular ones—they speak grandly yet indulge in fan culture more than anyone else. That’s the ecosystem.

That’s why when Lin Xing disbanded his official fan club before “Waiting Just for You” aired, many were puzzled. But later, people realized that even after disbanding the fan club, his popularity didn’t decline at all.

What’s more striking is how unusual Lin Xing’s case is. Who has ever benefited so much from the drama’s momentum? Who else has enjoyed the dividends of a role for three whole months?

When “Fashion Men’s Style” launched, many were stunned at its sales. Lin Xing’s fans hadn’t seemed very active before—where did all these suddenly come from? The groups of casual fans and career fans were overwhelmingly strong.

Casual fans often go unnoticed, sometimes even the actors don’t realize how many casual fans they have. But when a work premieres or a movie releases, it can truly surprise people. Take Zhou Xing’an’s films: each one guarantees a minimum box office success because of his unbeatable casual fanbase.

Career fans, however, are different. They want their idol to progress but fear he might take the wrong path or not advance as expected. Casual fans tend to be laid-back, while career fans are more aggressive.

Some career fans even become extreme — the kind who claim, “Brother, every path chosen for you is wrong, they all want to harm you, you must listen to us.” Gao Yi’s career fans were like this, and now some of Lin Xing’s career fans behave similarly.

Since the announcement of “Dark Tide,” some of Lin Xing’s career fans have been dissatisfied, believing he should never act alongside veteran actors—it’s courting disaster. They argue Lin Xing should capitalize on his momentum by starring in another idol drama to maintain his popularity. After all, why waste such a handsome face on anything else?

Since Lin Xing joined “Dark Tide,” not only have the haters criticized him, but the general public has also followed the negative trend, doubting his abilities. Some career fans share this sentiment; from the start, they voiced their disapproval in fan groups.

At first, it wasn’t too extreme. Most still maintained a united front externally. But after “Dark Tide” began airing, these extreme fans started to erupt.

“Look, from the announcement, shooting start, wrap-up, premiere, to airing, Lin Xing has been under attack nonstop. I said this drama shouldn’t be made—you didn’t listen. Now look.”

“I’ve read the original. Zhou Bo isn’t like this at all. The director must have changed everything.”

“Lin Xing should urgently change his agent. What can this useless agent and company do?”

“Ten years, Lin Xing has been out of the spotlight for ten years. Now that he’s making a comeback, his career is being sabotaged. Does he want to die?”

…

After the premiere of “Dark Tide” yesterday, many fans were already angry, believing Lin Xing’s character damages his image.

People follow you for your face, hoping for fantasy fulfillment. And you play a villain? What’s the point?

After a night of brewing discontent, today Lin Xing and his manager’s comment sections were filled with denunciations.

Fans blamed the manager for allowing Lin Xing to take such a damaging role, and also criticized Lin Xing for not sticking to the original portrayal, wondering why he played such a villainous character.

After watching today’s two episodes, Lin Xing’s fans were furious. His character, Zhou Bo, was completely unhinged. Despite a handsome face, his actions made it impossible to love him.

He was practically a beast.

No wonder in episode one, Shen Ming confidently told Zhou Bo to find a way to control Qi Nan’s daughter, and Zhou Bo’s trust in drugs made sense—he used them in the village demolition.

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Wang Qing, played by Feng Qing, was truly pitiful, yet Zhou Bo used a married woman to seduce Wang Qing and even controlled her with drugs. Calling Zhou Bo a demon isn’t an exaggeration.

What’s worse, Zhou Bo had his own twisted logic, which was internally consistent. He was a villain with reason, relentlessly evil from start to finish.

By episode eight, extreme fans couldn’t take it anymore. After watching episodes seven and eight, they stormed the official “Dark Tide” Weibo comment section to organize.

“Trash production team, delete all scenes with our Xing Xing.”

“Apologize to Xing Xing, or we won’t let you off.”

“Our Xing Xing brought so much traffic and endured so much online abuse for your drama, and you treat him like this?”

“Malicious editing, damn you.”

…

Certainly, there were some planted fans, but such a massive organized outcry wasn’t the work of trolls alone.

Leading public opinion is an art. If you do it badly, like many trolls did on the eve of “Dark Tide”’s premiere, you get caught immediately.

But today was different.

Many of Lin Xing’s fans were furiously cursing the company, the agent, the production team, and even Lin Xing himself.

They were like protective parents.

“We mom fans have been so good to you, Lin Xing. Why don’t you listen?”

“We can’t watch our son stray, even if we have to play villains, we will.”

“Give Lin Xing one more chance. If he listens this time, we’ll still treat him like our son.”

“If not, he might lose us.”

…

Once the momentum started, almost all fans poured in.

What a scene.

It was a real brawl.

Many watching the trending topics were thrilled and excited.

Some opposing fans even said, “Hit harder.”

After a night of fermentation, the next day, the eighth trending topic was #‘Dark Tide’ Should Apologize to Lin Xing#.

Crazy.

Many casual viewers saw this trending topic and thought, “This is madness.”

The discussion had become a mess.

Rational fans urged calm, warning not to fall for the hype.

Extreme fans declared: “We’re chill, but Lin Xing’s comeback these past six months has been so hard. We won’t let anyone bully him.”

Others agreed, “Everyone’s points make sense.”

Some haters disguised as fans rallied, “Family, fight for Lin Xing.”

Besides, the seventh trending topic was #He Probably Got In Through Connections#.

This topic targeted Feng Qing.

In recent years, many second-generation stars have acted, but most lack talent and shamefully take roles thanks to their parents.

If Feng Qing weren’t Feng Wei and Situ Hui’s son, the criticism wouldn’t be so fierce.

But now, Feng Qing is their son, and it’s different.

Among the first eight episodes, veteran actors like Wang Fei, Ren Yi, Song Wen, and Cao Xiang showed no flaws in their performances. Even minor characters like Jiang Li were well acted.

But Lin Xing’s acting, though praised by some, was seen as over-the-top by many.

Otherwise, so many wouldn’t believe he can continue acting.

To put it bluntly, apart from fans being unhappy, most others were satisfied with Lin Xing’s portrayal of Zhou Bo.

As for Feng Qing as Wang Qing, no one but Feng Qing himself was satisfied.

Countless people criticized Feng Qing.

When the show premiered last night, Feng Qing saw the barrage of insults in the comments.

He was confused, thinking it was just a few trolls targeting him.

But the criticisms came from all directions—who would spend so much money to slander him?

His mindset started to crack; he even questioned his life choices.

This morning, he woke early to check the trending topics.

Good grief.

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He was trending alongside Lin Xing.

Previously, Feng Qing thought he was on equal footing with Lin Xing, even a bit better.

Now, he was indeed a bit better—Lin Xing ranked eighth, Feng Qing seventh.

Before, Feng Qing’s Weibo comments only numbered in the dozens, but his latest post, announcing his appearance yesterday, now had over two thousand comments.

“Maybe you should find another job.”

“Who taught you that disfigured acting and elementary school-level lines?”

“Who gave you the courage to act among seasoned actors?”

“I just want to ask—what were you thinking?”

“Lucky you have such good parents.”

…

The comment section was wild.

As for sarcastic netizens, that goes without saying.

Netizens showed no mercy to Feng Qing.

Situ Hui could control friends and family’s opinions, but how could she control the audience’s insults?

Feng Qing was bewildered.

Lin Xing was equally confused.

Lin Xing’s last moment of confusion was... well, last time.

“Xing, right now it’s mostly some people stirring trouble and partly because you acted too well, shattering some fans’ illusions. That’s why they’re angry,” his manager Dao called.

“I saw it last night. We’re handling PR. Don’t respond for now; it’s not the right time. I’ll talk to some fans,” she said.

“Okay, I got it. But I’ll call Director Zu.”

Lin Xing had just seen that even Director Zu Ming was being criticized.

This is what they call fans making idols pay for their actions.

Especially when some fans shouted, “If you keep going like this, you’ll lose us,” Lin Xing wanted to shout, “Quit! Quit! Just quit!”

Dao thought it was good for Lin Xing to call and explain—it was only right.

After all, Director Zu Ming had strongly supported Lin Xing.

After hanging up, Lin Xing called Director Zu Ming: “Director, sorry for the trouble I caused you and the crew.”

Zu Ming chuckled, “I’ve seen it. I told the PR team to ignore it. Besides, it’s free publicity for the drama.”

There are advantages and disadvantages to having a popular star.

Zu Ming considered this when casting Lin Xing.

After the screen test, he decided to cast him simply because Lin Xing was right for the role.

Indeed, Lin Xing was perfect.

With his incredibly handsome face, he spoke the simplest lines while doing the most deranged deeds.

Lin Xing’s presence added depth to the character.

“Sorry again, it’s my fault,” Lin Xing sincerely apologized, promising full cooperation with any future promotion.

Director Zu was generous, but Lin Xing’s apology had to be genuine.

After chatting a bit more, Lin Xing ended the call.

“Brother Xing, are you okay?” Xiao Nan asked with concern.

“I’m fine. Director Zu isn’t taking it seriously,” Lin Xing shook his head slightly. “But this whole thing is really disgusting.”

“Yes, I’ve explained multiple times under my alias, but those extreme fans don’t believe a word,” Xiao Nan was also upset.

She thought, logically, if these fans liked Lin Xing, shouldn’t they be happy about his improving acting skills?

But if fan culture had logic, it wouldn’t be like this.

Besides, do these people really like Lin Xing?

…

(End of chapter)