Zhang Qingyun, despite becoming popular due to the "scolding meme," found this fame quite different from what a typical idol might desire. For most idols, even negative publicity translates to popularity, but as a top-tier male actor, Zhang Qingyun needed to maintain his idol image and charismatic aura.
However, what could he do? Memes were like landslides; impossible to stop.
He hired people to publish soft articles, showering praise on Ting Yu and Jiang Nan. The effect was noticeable, with many online users coming to their senses.
"When it comes to promoting singers, Ting Yu is a god."
"When it comes to promoting actors, Jiang Nan is starting to feel like Ting Yu."
"Indeed, the current Jiang Nan gives me the same feeling I had when Ting Yu first emerged in the C-pop scene."
"His style is very similar to Ting Yu's; he only selects talented actors and crushes everything with quality."
"But there's still no news about Old Thief Jiang Nan's new book. I wonder what he's planning to write next..."
"Perhaps he's too busy. After all, he writes books for film and TV IPs. Sword of Asking and Seeking Immortals has released a lot of behind-the-scenes footage, and it's set to air next month. I have a feeling Sword of Asking and Seeking Immortals might not be able to compete with Paladin."
"If that's the case, Zhang Qingyun and God of Songs Fang Lingyu are too unlucky, being constantly suppressed by Ting Yu and Jiang Nan, and even having their graves desecrated..."
"Serves them right. Zhang Qingyun originally wanted to pick a fight with the Paladin crew over the male lead role. Although the tempo was suppressed later, many people still remember."
There was significant controversy online regarding these two Xianxia dramas.
Friction existed from the casting stage.
Furthermore, due to their similar genre, they naturally had a competitive relationship.
Previously, the crew of Sword of Asking and Seeking Immortals was heavily promoted by Zhang Qingyun and other lead actors' fans.
In contrast, the Paladin crew was much more laid-back. Apart from basic promotional clips and behind-the-scenes footage, only the actors and their fans promoted it on Weibo.
The promotional methods for the two dramas were entirely different.
...
October passed.
The weather gradually turned colder.
October in Shuangqing City was still like summer, with tank tops and short skirts seen everywhere. After a rain, people immediately switched to down jackets.
Of course, some stubborn individuals still believed they could wear short sleeves, only to quickly retreat indoors to add layers upon feeling the chill upon stepping outside.
Last month, Ting Yu concluded his run with "Loyalty to the Nation," defeating several Gods of Songs.
He was only two months away from twelve consecutive championships.
The city qualifiers had ended a month ago, and the intense, thrilling atmosphere surrounding the competition online was fading.
However, everyone knew this was temporary, as the show "Masked Singer" was about to begin.
Unlike previous seasons, this year's "Masked Singer" had official support, and the judging panel was more professional, making it a true celebration for singers.
"The best singers, to shed all prejudice, we've chosen masks for a grand musical show!"
Setting aside identities and achievements, ability determines the ranking.
This was the appeal of "Masked Singer."
"According to official requirements, the program has been upgraded again. In addition to top singers, folk masters will also join."
With official involvement and defined as a professional competition, it would naturally focus less on creating dramatic effects like other variety shows.
According to information revealed by the authorities, this was a nationwide celebration. Not only would there be top singers, but also many folk masters. It's known that in society, there are many talented singers who couldn't become famous due to their appearance. They possess exceptional vocal skills but lack a suitable platform.
And now, "Masked Singer" was the most suitable platform for them.
Folk masters and past-their-prime talented singers were all likely to appear on the show.
"Susu, come help me."
Lin Yanyu called from the doorway.
Su Yu, who was watching TV on the sofa, got up and walked towards the door.
"What did you buy? It's such a big box of stuff?" Su Yu asked, looking at the large box beside Lin Yanyu.
"Hehe, you'll know when you open it," Lin Yanyu winked and then rolled up her sleeves, beckoning Su Yu over.
The latter had no choice but to come to the other side of the box and bend down, ready to lift it.
To Su Yu's surprise, the box wasn't particularly heavy, just a bit bulky.
After they carried the box into the living room, Lin Yanyu took scissors from the coffee table and opened it.
Immediately, a patch of pure white appeared before his eyes, fluffy.
It was a rabbit head mask and body part.
"Cute, right?" Lin Yanyu took out the mask and put it on her head.
"Are you... cosplaying?" Su Yu, looking at the rabbit-headed, human-bodied Lin Yanyu, fell into contemplation.
Although the weather outside was cold, the air conditioning was on at home. Lin Yanyu had taken off her down jacket upon entering, revealing a thin nightgown underneath.
Her fair legs were exposed, and the low neckline of the nightgown, coupled with the adorable cartoon rabbit head, created a unique allure.
"Cosplay? This is my battle armor," Lin Yanyu removed the rabbit head, raising an eyebrow mysteriously at Su Yu.
"Ah?" Su Yu was taken aback, then a bit shyly said, "Actually, we're still passionate, we don't need these props..."
After the proposal, last month, Su Yu was often busy with his programs, and Lin Yanyu's schedule was packed. They had been apart more than together, and she hadn't had a chance to wear that sexy nightgown yet.
And now Lin Yanyu had acquired this rabbit head mask.
A rabbit-eared woman in a sexy nightgown?
Wasn't this a bit too much?
In reality, both of them were novices. Without these items, they would still be very passionate.
It was better to keep things simple.
It wouldn't be too late to explore other methods once their passion subsided.
Su Yu pondered internally.
"Uh... Susu, you're not pure anymore," Lin Yanyu, who hadn't heard him at first, blushed when she realized what he was thinking.
After a pause, she continued, "I mean, this is my battle suit for 'Masked Singer.' Here, and there's a matching outfit."
As she spoke, she bent down again and took out a loose mascot costume from the box, waving it in her hand.
The whole thing looked like the mascot costumes worn by people handing out flyers.
However, this material seemed much lighter and was likely custom-made.
"Ahem, you're going to participate in 'Masked Singer'? Weren't you going to join another program?" Su Yu recalled Lin Yanyu mentioning before that she was going to participate in "I Am a Singer," and they would dominate both shows.
Why had she already bought the costume?
That other program didn't require masks.
"That darn program made me challenge later, so I refused. It's better to join the same program as you as a replacement," Lin Yanyu muttered discontentedly, then took out another black rabbit head mask from the box.
"This one's for you. We'll be black and white," she said, coming to Su Yu, putting it on his head, and then affectionately touching his rabbit head, smiling.
A few days ago, Su Yu was still struggling with which mask to use, and now Lin Yanyu had already custom-made them, even as a couple's set.
"Your name will be Dark Night Rabbit, and I'll be Daybreak Rabbit, hehehe..."
Looking at Lin Yanyu's silly grin through the mask,
Su Yu knew that this silly girl's chuunibyou had flared up again.
She was undoubtedly thinking about things like "a male and female pair of rabbits dominating the C-pop music scene."
"I..."
"No refusing! Bunnies are so cute!"
"Uh... then if you participate, won't we be easily exposed?"
"Don't worry, I'll be joining as a replacement later, so it won't affect your earlier activities."
"Al... alright."