Chapter Thirty-Two: Chu Chen's Fans—Does Heaven Spare Anyone?
Chu Chen, Niu Xiang, and Bian Pengtao were the three reigning superstars; other than them, figures like Feng Jin, Liu Xing, and Qi Shuai belonged to the group that had risen to prominence later. Of course, Qi Shuai’s ascent was particularly ferocious. He missed no opportunity, starring in films, TV dramas, and variety shows alike. He won Best Actor for his work in film, and Best Actor in television as well. Unlike the other three top stars, Qi Shuai was genuinely striving to become a true acting powerhouse.
That was the first thing. The second was that his fanbase was unquestionably the most formidable. In recent years, whether it was about online arguments, fan support, or organizational capability, they were truly unmatched.
Back then, Qi Shuai clinched the Best Actor award for the film “Received: Please Reply,” beating out Ni Bao. In the aftermath, Ni Bao was interviewed and said only, “Can I curse? No? Then I have nothing further to say.” For that single sentence, Ni Bao was nearly torn to shreds by scathing criticism. Even his wife’s social media was flooded with abuse, and some extreme fans even went as far as to curse Ni Bao’s child.
In short, the whole affair was no small matter.
Eventually, the incident ended with Ni Bao’s apology and Qi Shuai issuing a statement urging fans to be rational and apologize to Ni Bao.
Afterward, Qi Shuai’s fans declared, “Our brother has been wronged! He even apologized to that jerk Ni Bao for us. He loves us so much!” Instead of suffering, Qi Shuai’s fanbase only grew stronger after this.
Later, when he won Best Actor in a TV drama for “No One Cares,” not even those who disagreed dared to say much.
In recent years, Qi Shuai’s career had soared. His new drama “Thirty Minutes of Love” was set to premiere exclusively on Tan Province TV on August 11, boasting an impressive cast.
But today, Qi Shuai’s reputation crashed overnight.
The Capital City Public Security Bureau reported that Qi Shuai had been detained for soliciting prostitution. According to insiders, he wasn’t just soliciting—he was involved in group activities.
The announcement stunned everyone in the entertainment world.
Weibo crashed almost instantly.
“I don’t believe it, I don’t believe it! Unless Shuai himself says it, I absolutely won’t believe it.”
“Shuai is such a good person. Would he really do something like this???”
“This must be a setup! How could Shuai possibly need to pay for sex??”
“Shuai could have any woman he wants—why would he do this???”
...
Lin Xing checked Weibo again after returning to his hotel. This was what it meant to be at the very top. In fact, Qi Shuai’s influence even surpassed Wu Yao’s.
It was clear that countless people would be losing sleep tonight.
Qi Shuai had even more brand endorsements—by tonight, contracts would be canceled in droves. Not to mention his unreleased projects: at least five dramas, three films, and multiple variety shows. The currently airing hit variety show “Life Moves Forward” was on the verge of tears.
Still, Lin Xing suspected that those with vested interests had probably known in advance. It was only a matter of when the news would break.
On his way back to the hotel, Lin Xing also received a call from Sister Dao, which basically confirmed the same points. “Thirty Minutes of Love” was definitely going to be pulled, and Tan Province TV would have to fill the slot with a high-quality production.
If nothing unexpected happened, “Only Waiting for You” would probably be officially scheduled tomorrow.
Of course, today’s trending topics were entirely dominated by the Qi Shuai scandal.
Qi Shuai’s fans were still frantically defending him, even flocking to the official account of the Capital City Public Security Bureau demanding an explanation.
But what explanation could there be?
Some bystanders sneered: “Qi Shuai would rather pay for sex than sleep with his own fans. Isn’t that clear enough for you?”
When a wall collapses, everyone pushes. All the more so when it’s a superstar.
People still hadn’t finished arguing over Wu Yao’s lost endorsements and resources; now another top-tier celebrity had fallen. The camps of Chu Chen, Niu Xiang, and Bian Pengtao were all mobilizing.
As for Lin Xing and Sister Dao, they could just sit back and watch the show.
It was simple: he wasn’t anywhere near that level yet.
In the early hours, Qi Shuai posted an apology on Weibo, admitting he’d set a terrible example and apologizing to the public and his fans.
His fans responded in unison: “We’ll wait for your return!”
But the next day, Qi Shuai’s Weibo exploded.
Once the major media outlets started work, the news coverage began, quickly followed by a wave of contract terminations.
All day, Qi Shuai’s scandal was the hottest topic everywhere.
It was all so fast.
Truly, 2023 was the year of fallen idols—two of the biggest stars had crashed in July alone.
Lin Xing had thought that “Only Waiting for You” would get its official announcement today, but even after he finished filming, there was still no word.
“Xingxing, the announcement is tomorrow. Today, everyone’s still talking about Qi Shuai, and they probably figured no one would pay attention to a drama right now, so they’re holding off a day,” Sister Dao called again to explain.
Apparently, the production wanted them to do some promotion for the drama tomorrow as well.
But it was just a supporting move—they clearly didn’t mind much.
The next day, after a full day of fermenting, especially with Qi Shuai’s account having blown up, people were still talking but noticeably less agitated. Aside from Qi Shuai’s fans still mourning, most had returned to their usual routines.
“I just want to ask, is Qi Shuai’s drama that’s supposed to premiere next month still happening???”
“What are you thinking? Of course not!”
“Yeah, unless they replace his face, there’s no way it’ll air.”
“So, who’s going to fill the slot?”
...
Even before the official announcement of “Only Waiting for You,” the promo campaign had already begun to build hype.
At 11 a.m., Tan Province TV’s official account tagged “Only Waiting for You” with a simple message: “Only waiting for you.”
Immediately, “Only Waiting for You” reposted: “Thank you for waiting.”
Promotional accounts rushed to spread the news.
“No way, really?”
“Whoa, is this for real? They’re just slotting this show in??”
“Is it even finished filming?”
“I love this one! Chu Chen as the pilot is just too handsome.”
...
Some tasted joy, others sorrow.
Especially Chu Chen’s fans, who had clashed with Qi Shuai’s fans many times, often feeling overshadowed.
But now, things had changed.
“Heaven is fair to no one. Time will reveal who truly deserves it.”
“This drama will catapult Chu Chen back to the top.”
“That’s right—he’ll be the undisputed number one. Chu Chen, please stick to romantic dramas.”
“Just wait for Chu Chen’s new show to air—today is so damn satisfying!”
...
Countless fans of Chu Chen were reposting the official account of “Only Waiting for You,” eagerly awaiting a formal announcement, and some couldn’t resist taking jabs at Qi Shuai’s fans.
Today, Chu Chen’s fans felt like it was a festival.
They even started imagining the day “Only Waiting for You” aired—envisioning Chu Chen rising even higher.
At noon, “Only Waiting for You” finally made its full cast announcement.
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