After filming with Hu Jiuli, Xie Xiaobao enjoyed a quiet spell, streaming twice before late August when Hu Jiuli posted the polished video on Weibo.
The video exploded online.
Hu Jiuli’s studio had meticulously handled post-production. In it, Xie Xiaobao, in his green forest spirit dress, sat on a tree branch, sunlight filtering through leaves, casting a glow on him like an elf from the woods.
Pure, yet unwittingly alluring.
Humans chase beauty, and within half an hour, Hu Jiuli’s Weibo repost count surpassed 20,000.
Some debated if the model was male or female, with netizens insisting, “So cute, must be a boy.” Others marveled at Hu Jiuli’s makeup wizardry.
Without before-and-after shots, no one would guess Xie Xiaobao was made up.
Weibo was flooded with the post. As the buzz hit its peak, Hu Jiuli tagged Xie Xiaobao’s account, thrusting him into the spotlight.
Beautiful people draw affection. The video’s Xie Xiaobao had a cool, distant allure, while his usual self was warm and approachable. The contrast didn’t disappoint but fueled fans’ excitement.
New followers flooded his Weibo, screaming “Baby!” and digging through his old posts, chanting, “So cute, definitely a boy.”
But this was just the start. If fans’ playful hype boiled the pot, Fengsheng Entertainment’s president reposting it poured hot oil into the mix.
The internet erupted.
Fengsheng Entertainment and He’s Entertainment, titans of the entertainment circle, could shake the industry with a stomp. Rivals vying for resources, their artists clashed covertly, though publicly civil. Everyone knew they couldn’t stand each other.
Yet Fengsheng’s president boosted a He’s Entertainment streamer—a mere internet celebrity.
Online speculation ran wild, with some suspecting a gold master backing Xie Xiaobao’s rise.
[*Looks sweet and innocent, but quietly snagged Fengsheng’s president.*]
[*Can’t compete. A small streamer gets all this hype—someone’s got connections.*]
[*Not necessarily a gold master… didn’t you notice? They’re both named Xie.*]
[*Stop pushing the rich second generation narrative. Everyone knows these companies are rivals. Would a Xie sign with He’s?*]
The debate raged. Meanwhile, Xie Xiaobao, at home with his tablet, video-called his eldest brother, Xie Yan. He hadn’t expected Xie Yan’s Weibo move. When Old Wang called, confused, Xie Xiaobao was equally lost and decided to ask directly.
Summoning courage, he confronted Xie Yan with mock indignation. “Why’d you repost it?”
Xie Yan, reviewing documents, set down his pen at Xie Xiaobao’s feeble challenge. “Helping you gain traction—is that bad?”
Xie Xiaobao faltered, stammering, “But… but now they’re saying…”
“Saying what?” Xie Yan’s stern gaze met his. “I opposed you becoming a streamer, but since you chose a public career, you must face negative comments.”
“This is an opportunity, but you’ll also face more malicious speculation.”
Xie Yan stared intently. “Are you ready to keep going?”
With each word, Xie Xiaobao’s head drooped lower, nearly to his chest. If he were a cat, his ears would be flat. He thought glumly: he chose streaming, agreed to Old Wang’s plans, made every decision. Xie Yan only gave him a push. If anyone deserved questioning, it was himself.
“Sorry…” Xie Xiaobao looked up at Xie Yan’s serious face. “I was wrong.”