Fu Jinyao: What other surprises do you have that don't know about?

Afterward, Jian Xingsui returned to his room and sat by his bed to rest.

As he leaned back, he accidentally touched a painful scratch on his arm. Rolling up his sleeve, he saw a stark mark, a result of being pushed and falling. But it wasn't An Ran, the protagonist, who pushed him. It was a security guard. Everyone said An Ran was kind and naive, but Jian Xingsui thought otherwise. An Ran provoked him, timed it perfectly with the security guard's rounds, and then feigned fainting, playing the victim. He made everyone believe he was wronged, painting Jian as the true villain.

Jian Xingsui prodded the wound, involuntarily inhaling sharply, "Hiss..."

it hurts

I should've gotten medicine this afternoon.

I wonder if there's any antiseptic at home. Maybe I should just go out and buy some.

As Jian Xingsui left his room, he noticed the couple was absent. Taking the chance to skip pleasantries, he headed downstairs. He wasn't familiar with this area, but during this evening rush hour, many passersby, seeing him emerge from the couple's shop, gave curious glances. Some even whispered loud enough for him to hear:

"Is that the kid?"

"I've heard he's bad news."

"Look at those clothes of his, tsk tsk..."

Upon hearing their comments, Jian Xingsui paused in front of a glass door, examining his reflection: tattered jeans, blonde hair, with long bangs that obscured his eyes. He certainly looked the part of a rebellious youth.

Not finding a pharmacy, he decided on a whim to enter a barbershop.

The barber stared at him for a second, then nervously asked, "Young man, are you here for a wash or a new hairstyle?"

Having lived a second life, Jian Xingsui's tastes had changed. In his past life, he was all about trends and fashion, equating them with individuality. But now, he felt differently, "Just a haircut, and dye it black."

The barber nodded, "Alright, can do."

The agreement was swift. His hair was dyed black and the lengthy bangs were gone. What was once a brooding face was now fully visible. He had lively, bright eyes, previously hidden by his bangs. Now, he looked refreshed and spirited.

The barber remarked, "They say you can judge someone's looks when they get a buzz cut. You, young man, have some great features."

Jian Xingsui glanced at himself, giving a small smile, "Thank you."

The mirror reflected a young man with a shy grin, bright teeth, and rosy lips. The barber, a bit surprised, mused, "You have a pleasant smile. When you first walked in, I was a bit nervous, you know."

Jian Xingsui raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

"Can't say," the straightforward barber scratched his head, "Maybe it's your aura. I can't really describe it."

While the barber might've been puzzled, Jian Xingsui knew exactly what he meant.

In the world of this story, he was a character doomed from the start, radiating an off-putting aura. Naturally, many took an instant dislike to him, while the protagonist exuded a likable charm.

Some are destined to shine like the morning sun, but he was different — he felt more like the muck on the ground.

Noticing his somber expression, the barber hesitated, "Did I say something wrong?"

"No," Jian Xingsui replied with a hint of resignation, "You're spot on."

What did being muck matter? In his past life, he had desperately sought everyone's approval, only to meet a tragic end. This time around, he just wanted to distance himself from the troubles of the Jian family and not seek anyone's affection.

Observing his silence, the barber, thinking he was bored, suggested, "I'll turn on the TV for you."

The TV showcased a drama titled "War Over the World," starring today's top actor, Fu Jinxiao, and was currently the hottest topic of discussion.

Trying to be helpful, the barber explained, "It might be a war drama, but it's really good. Fu Jinxiao's acting is phenomenal. My wife, kids, and many young customers are fans. Have you heard of him? His performance in this is outstanding. And there was another movie, about the resistance against the Japanese... What was it called again?"

Jian Xingsui replied, "Mission."

The barber clapped, "Yes, Mission! How did you know? It wasn't a very popular film, one of Fu Jinxiao's earlier works."

Jian Xingsui replied calmly, "I'm his fan."

From past lives to the present, if there's anything that hasn't changed, it's his idolatry. Since he was young, he has adored and admired Fu Jinxiao. Every piece of work by the film emperor Fu has been watched by him over and over again. Unlike many fans who came halfway to follow the trend, he has been with Fu Jinxiao since the release of his very first album. Even when Fu had only a handful of social media followers, he never wavered in his support. Over the subsequent years, he never missed a moment.

Sadly, he never got to see his idol in person before he passed away.

Later, when he discovered he was in a fictional world, he was surprised to find out that the real young master, An Ran, was the protagonist.

His dedication and talent caught the attention of Fu Jinxiao. Thereafter, An Ran's journey in the entertainment industry was smooth sailing. He collaborated with the film emperor Fu, and as they worked together, their on-screen chemistry turned into a real-life romance. They became inseparable life partners, while Jian Xingsui died on an unknown street, left with nothing.

The barber asked, "Young man, did I accidentally hurt you while trimming? Why are your eyes red?"

Pulling himself out of his memories, Jian Xingsui looked at his reflection and smiled, "No, I just haven't been getting enough sleep recently. I'm just tired."

"Young folks love to burn the midnight oil," the barber commented. "You should take care of yourself. Stay alert and fresh."

Jian Xingsui nodded slightly, speaking as if to both the barber and himself, "You're right, it's time to wake up..."

...

the next day

A luxury car cruised down the street. In the back seat, a man with sunglasses rested with his eyes closed. Dressed in a light brown coat, his long legs crossed, he lounged lazily. His chiseled jawline gave him a detached aura. All the while, incessant chatter filled the space around him.

His manager, Wang Meican, sighed in exasperation, "Are you even listening?"

Fu Jinxiao responded faintly.

Handing over a band-aid, Wang Meican remarked, "The fan at the airport yesterday was crazy! They even had a knife. Did you clean the cut on your arm? Should we head to a hospital? I got you these band-aids in a hurry."

Fu Jinxiao played with the band-aid in his hand, replying nonchalantly, "It's not severe."

The manager continued, "I've told you countless times, there are limits to being dedicated. You took a red-eye flight and even after getting injured, you chose not to use the VIP exit just to consider your fans' feelings..."

Fu Jinxiao interrupted, "I know what I'm doing."

Before the manager could speak further, Fu made a tsk sound. He removed his sunglasses, revealing his deep-set eyes. With a deep, unhurried voice, he chuckled, "Dear manager, it's just a minor scratch. Maybe you could worry a bit less?"

Even though it was phrased as a question, Wang Meican kept silent.

She has been with Fu Jinxiao for many years and knew when to hold back.

Although he's universally known for his pleasant demeanor and down-to-earth nature, deep down, he's rather indifferent. Beneath his amiable facade lies deep, calculated thoughts. With Fu Jinxiao, it's essential to know when to stop; else, one might never know how things could end.

The driver chimed in, "Sir, the shop you wanted to visit is just ahead."

It was a narrow street filled with various small shops selling food and toys. Quite a few people milled about, making it an unlikely place for the film emperor Fu to visit.

The manager offered, "Do you want me to go and buy it for you?"

"No need," Fu Jinxiao waved dismissively, "I've been in the car for a while. I need to stretch my legs."

The manager didn't press further.

It was a hot August day. A snack shop selling rice cakes had set up a gazebo outside, where many customers enjoyed their treats and chatted. The shop seemed popular, with a line forming outside. As Fu Jinxiao queued up, he overheard some young girls discussing the latest gossip.

"Did you see the news on social media?"

"I did! They said Fu, the film emperor, snubbed his fans at the airport."

"I really liked him. Why would he do that?"

"I don't know. I've heard his recent film 'Jinghua' didn't do well."

Standing nearby, Fu Jinxiao listened with no evident reaction.

He was used to the baseless rumors in the entertainment industry and the fickle nature of fans who could turn on a dime. None of this had any real impact on him.

A young man in a white hat stepped out from the shop. Carrying a tray of pastries, he approached a table where several girls were seated. After listening for a moment, he politely said, "Excuse me, but the lead actor of 'Jinghua' isn't Mr. Fu."

The girls looked stunned.

Standing straight, Jian Xingsui spoke with a calm yet clear voice, "Mr. Fu had a supporting role in 'Jinghua,' not the lead. Moreover, the movie was quite successful, winning Best Editing and Best Original Score at the 2018 Baiyu Magnolia Awards. And even in his supporting role, Mr. Fu clinched the Best Supporting Actor award."

He laid out these facts without a pause, leaving the girls speechless. Casual fans were powerless against the knowledge of a die-hard fan.

Fu Jinxiao, who had been inattentive until now, looked up to observe the young man illuminated by the sunlight. His usually indifferent eyes sparkled with a hint of amusement.

One of the girls murmured defensively, "But he did act arrogantly at the airport yesterday."

Jian Xingsui chuckled, replying confidently while holding his tray, "That video was clearly edited. Back in a 2016 interview, Mr. Fu mentioned he only accepts letters, not gifts. So, where did he go wrong refusing expensive gifts from fans?"

The long-haired girl retorted, "Still, he shouldn't reject his fans' affections."

Jian Xingsui, ever composed, responded, "There are always VIP lanes at airports. He took a regular lane late last night, not wanting the fans, who had been waiting for him all night, to be disappointed. So, where did he act arrogant?"

The girls at the table had no retort.

And thus, the battle of the die-hard fan against casual critics was victoriously concluded.

The long-haired girl, a bit embarrassed, inquired, "Why are you defending him so ardently? What's your relationship with him? How come you remember everything so vividly?"

...

There was a brief silence.

for a while

Jian Xingsui bowed slightly to the girls, his voice calm, betraying no hint of the pain within, "I am no one to him. Just a passerby."

Not only were the girls taken aback by Jian Xingsui's response, but even the renowned actor Fu behind them raised an eyebrow.

As Jian Xingsui walked past the queue, his youthful face couldn't hide his innocence. Such a young man, yet he remembered details from years ago.

A mere passerby, huh?

Fu Jinxiao's gaze followed the boy's departing figure, a light smirk playing on his lips, "This is getting interesting."

Author's note:

Film Star Fu: Young man, you've caught my attention!