The Little Fans

"By the way, we have two tasks today: an interview and a commercial shoot. The shoot might last until evening, so be prepared," Shen Tong quickly briefed Su Xiao. "Take a look at the interview guide they provided. It contains some questions they might ask. Although Chen Xiaoyong will help you, you'll need to rely on yourself for many things."

Su Xiao nodded slightly, holding his milk tea in his left hand while carefully reviewing the paper with his right.

When Chen Xiaoyong arrived, it was almost time to leave. Shen Tong handed her the paper as well, so she could familiarize herself with the process.

Upon arriving at their destination, the trio was surprised to find it was the same TV program that had previously failed to interview Su Xiao. However, the director had changed to a friendly-looking one who greeted them with a smile. Chen Xiaoyong and Su Xiao headed backstage for makeup.

Curiously, Shen Tong asked the director, "Director, I don't think you were here last time I came for this show, were you?"

The director smiled warmly. "The previous one has been replaced. I'm Director Chen. And you are, young lady?"

"Hello, Director Chen. I'm Shen Tong, their manager," Shen Tong replied sweetly, her face adorned with a charming smile.

"Little Shen, I hope we have a pleasant collaboration!" Director Chen extended his hand.

Shaking his hand, Shen Tong earnestly said, "Su Xiao can be quite aloof. During the recording, there might be... um... awkward moments. I hope you can understand, Director Chen."

"No worries, we can edit those out," Director Chen said magnanimously.

"Try to perform well on stage!" Shen Tong reminded Su Xiao.

Su Xiao looked up from the script, then seemed to remember something and lowered his head, replying, "Mm."

"Look, there are so many audience members. Your every move could be captured by their cameras and phones. Please try to be more approachable," Shen Tong urged once more.

Su Xiao nodded.

Shen Tong could only sigh. This was the best she could hope for.

As expected, during the recording, Su Xiao either gave brief answers or fell silent. There was a slight improvement, though – he smiled at appropriate times. However, Chen Xiaoyong still had to smooth over many situations. The recording took considerable time and energy.

Shen Tong thought dejectedly that at least Su Xiao's appearance could be considered an achievement.

The audience's reaction was lukewarm at best. They tend to focus on stars who grab attention and appear repeatedly before them. Only then do they research the celebrity and become interested.

However, there were still many fans waiting outside the TV station after the show.

"Su Xiao! Su Xiao!" Fans called out excitedly, holding up signs with his photos.

"Chen Xiaoyong! Chen Xiaoyong!" Chen Xiaoyong's fans were even more numerous and enthusiastic.

Chen Xiaoyong noticed that Su Xiao's fans were mostly female, while her own fanbase was more diverse and larger. She put on a graceful smile, confident in her flawless appearance. "Hello, everyone! Thank you for your support."

The fans' screams intensified. If not for the security guards, they might have rushed forward.

Su Xiao cast a disinterested glance, seemingly unconcerned with these details. His only goal was to release an album and pursue his musical dream.

The fans were somewhat disappointed by his reaction. They had come from far and wide to watch the show, only to be met with this response.

Once in the car, Shen Tong's expression darkened. She realized there were still many entertainment industry rules she needed to teach the aloof Su Xiao, such as how to interact with fans.

"Next time you see fans, please show some reaction! I'm not asking you to be as skilled as Chen Xiaoyong in giving the perfect response, but at least smile," Shen Tong warned sternly.

Su Xiao stared back at her defiantly, clearly rejecting the request.

Chen Xiaoyong watched the two with a hint of irritation. "Old Liu, please drop me off at the company first. My afternoon schedule is different from theirs," she said coolly.

"No need. We'll drop Miss Chen off at the film set first, then come back for Mr. Su," Shen Tong quickly adjusted. "We'll get off here."

"Get out. I need to talk to you," Shen Tong said seriously to Su Xiao.

Su Xiao complied, standing straight and looking at Shen Tong haughtily.

Shen Tong sighed, looking at him helplessly. His usual style was to become more aloof when others were forceful, but he would listen if you softened your approach. She gentled her tone and said, "Come on, let's go for some milk tea."

Wearing large sunglasses, Su Xiao followed Shen Tong into a milk tea shop and sat down.

Shen Tong sighed deeply and said, "Your reaction at the TV station was far too cold. It will dampen the fans' enthusiasm. I know you want to release an album, but in the entertainment industry, an album isn't just an album. If there are no fans to buy or listen to your album, it's all for nothing."

"We're always soo passive," Su Xiao spoke up. "Why do we have to rely on fans and rumors to succeed? Why can't fans like us for who we really are after seeing our true selves? Why do we need to please audiences and fans to become famous? Why can't fans be attracted to buy my album after hearing my voice? Why can't we just be ourselves?" Su Xiao argued, speaking to Shen Tong at length for the first time. He longed for her to understand him, knowing he might never express himself so clearly again.

Shen Tong was stunned by this outburst. It was true – they had always focused on the audience, trying to please them by catering to their preferences, believing this was the path to fame. But she also felt that rumors were necessary to grab attention, which would then lead to interest and popularity. In the end, it still depended on the audience. She seemed to understand something.

"They've gone to great lengths to see you. You should at least show them basic courtesy," Shen Tong patiently advised. "When fans call your name, I hope you can show a slight smile. This way, they won't feel their efforts were wasted. You won't lose anything, and they'll be happy for a while."

Su Xiao sipped his milk tea thoughtfully, saying nothing. Shen Tong quickly took a photo of Su Xiao in this pensive state and posted it on Weibo with the caption: 'Enjoying a leisurely afternoon with milk tea before heading to the set for a water-jumping commercial shoot. A stolen moment of relaxation in a busy day.' She then busied herself checking the responses.

"Hello? Driver Liu, you're here? Alright, we'll be right out," Shen Tong hung up and said to Su Xiao, "Let's go, Driver Liu is here."

They arrived at the commercial shoot location at 3 PM. Shen Tong was surprised to find a few fans waiting there as well, somehow having discovered the location. They stood in the sun, holding signs with Su Xiao's photos, eagerly awaiting his arrival.

As soon as Su Xiao appeared, they started screaming, "Su Xiao! Su Xiao!" The atmosphere was electric as they gazed at their beloved star, still as handsome as ever.

Su Xiao was startled. He had never realized what having fans truly meant – that they would wait patiently under the scorching sun just to catch a glimpse of him, and do so willingly. He recalled Shen Tong's words and thought that perhaps a small change wouldn't hurt.

Su Xiao paused briefly and offered a smile in the fans' direction. Though somewhat stiff, it was a significant improvement from before. Shen Tong was amazed by Su Xiao's smile, feeling a surge of excitement and happiness. Su Xiao was really changing! He had truly taken her words to heart. She couldn't help but smile as well.

The fans screamed even louder. "Su Xiao smiled! Did you see that?"

"I saw it! I saw it!" another fan exclaimed, tightly gripping her friend's hand.

"He's so handsome! Ah!" a nearby girl shouted.

"Absolutely gorgeous!" another chimed in.

Su Xiao took in the fans' excitement. He thought that perhaps Shen Tong was right about some things – sometimes, giving fans a smile costs nothing and makes them happy for a while. However, he still disagreed with relying on rumors for success.

As the fans quickly pulled out their phones to take photos of Su Xiao, staff members intervened. "I'm sorry, ladies, but photography isn't allowed here. Please put your phones away."

The girls reluctantly complied, but their excitement couldn't be dampened. They watched Su Xiao enter the shooting area, chattering among themselves and waiting for him to come out again.

Su Xiao glanced back at Shen Tong, who was quietly pleased. Feeling somewhat embarrassed but mustering his courage, he said, "Perhaps what you said earlier was correct." With that, he quickly entered the makeup room.

Shen Tong's jaw nearly hit the floor. Su Xiao had just said something extraordinary. She almost wanted to scream with joy. This was a first! It seemed he wasn't always unreasonable after all.

"Hello, Director. I'm Shen Tong, Su Xiao's manager," Shen Tong greeted the rail-thin director with a bright smile, sensing he might be difficult to work with. The events that followed only confirmed her suspicion.

"Hello," the thin director glanced at Shen Tong and said, "You've read the outline I sent you, right?"