For most internet users, the name Han Fei was very unfamiliar. His fans followed him on social media not because of his acting but because of his act of heroism. But as Twin Flowers premiered, everything changed. The explosive result shocked everyone in the industry. When was the last time a horror flick surpassed the films in the other genre in viewership?
The talent scouts and managers kept contacting the crew. The audience who was swept off their feet by Han Fei’s acting skill searched for the actor’s information online. Helping the police close a cold case from a decade ago; saving a reporter and managing to apprehend a fugitive; ability to not lose his cool during the less-than-stellar online reception at his movie press conference. Any of these things would have been turned into great publicity fodder by other celebrities, but Han Fei did not once try to make a topic out of himself. The more they found out about this man, the greater the public curiosity. There appeared to be endless secrets on Han Fei. There were practically no details on Han Fei’s personal life. There was no gossip on Han Fei. This newcomer who was not affiliated to any agency practically dropped out from the sky.
Some of the bigger entertainment youtubers and bloggers were approached to be interviewed on Han Fei, but they too were stumped. These people knew that Han Fei had once assisted the police but they had no idea he had such good acting skills too! There was no one in his age range that had his acting capability. The actor carried a unique presence about him, a presence that no one else could have simulated!
Only he could play the characters, or rather, only Han Fei could bring these characters to life. Beyond the normal internet users, many paparazzi were set loose into the waters. They wanted to grab the first big scoop on Han Fei. Facing the wave of private messages and bribery to purchase Han Fei’s dirt, finally a senior entertainment reporter released a public statement on his public platform, “Please do not come to ask me about this actor’s information anymore!”
“This actor is really something else! Since he started the shoot, I’ve spent a whole week trailing him but the man spends most of his time either at work or at home gaming!”
“The man has no social activity so where are we going to get any scoop?!”
“On the day of their wrap-up party, I thought he would finally loosen himself but reality proved that I was too naïve.
“That day, I stayed under his building until 3 am. I couldn’t stand it anymore so I went to the nearby convenience store to grab a can of coffee. I noticed someone was also watching Han Fei’s building, I assumed it was one of us so I went to greet them. The first thing I was asked was whether I knew a Butterfly or not. I thought this Butterfly was a new celebrity, it’d be so shameful to admit that I wasn’t following on the latest news as an entertainment reporter so I grumbled a yes, but 30 seconds later, I kid you not, 2 police cruisers came rolling down the streets!
“I still shiver thinking about it! That was my first-time riding in the back of the police cruiser and it was because I bragged to the plainclothes police that I knew someone whom I did not!”
These testimonials only got the public even more interested in Han Fei. To have a paparazzi post a public statement to shield his reputation, this Han Fei was one of his kinds.
The popularity of Han Fei and Twin Flowers continued to climb. It was worth-noting that this was only the first day of the premiere, less than 12 hours had passed. Han Fei’s own social media account had surpassed 10000 followers. The growth was unimaginable. Han Fei considered opening a membership option. Reading the comments left on his wall, the praises and compliments he just received in the past 1 hour was more than the compliments he had gotten in the past 25 years. Many comments warmed his heart and his inner shield started to lower imperceptibly.
Han Fei was honestly nervous about how people would react to Twin Flowers, but seeing the positive reviews and comments, Han Fei felt joy. He tried but failed to form a sincere smile but at least he knew he was experiencing happiness. It was at that moment that the black box in Han Fei’s mind started to change. Only those embraced by misfortune could carry the black box and their life would worsen after gaining the black box but Han Fei appeared to be an exception.
“Big brother, why are you standing out here alone?! So many people are looking for you!” Director Jiang and the floor manager ran out from the booth holding their phones. They searched the whole booth but failed to find Han Fei. They were the first to think about searching for the man outside.
“It was rather noisy in there so I came out here to take a breather.” Han Fei answered with the usual placid smile on his face.
“There’s a big director on the phone for you! He wants you to be a part of his new film! Quick! He’s been waiting for a long time already!” Director Jiang hurriedly passed the phone to Han Fei. Behind Director Jiang, there was a long line of people looking at Han Fei with phones in their hands. Since Han Fei was spotted outside the booth, most had come out to find him. Therefore, the corridor became quite crowded and the booth rather deserted. Staring at the viewership that was still growing, the young actor, Wu Li coughed drily before reaching out to nudge Qian Cheng. “Director, did you bring me here so that it wouldn’t be so awkward after you’ve made such an embarrassment of yourself?”
“I… What do you mean? Have I said anything wrong?” Qian Cheng put down the glass and glanced at Wu Li beside him. With a sorry smile, Wu Li answered honestly, “Basically everything that you have said was not right. Earlier Jiang Yi just got a call from Director Zhang, the great director has personally named Han Fei to join his cast.”
“Wait, the Director Zhang who sat in the front row at the award ceremony that we attended this afternoon?”
“Yes, the Director Zhang whom you tried to take a photo with but was halted by his security.”
The more Qian Cheng thought about it, the more uncomfortable he felt. He dragged Wu Li and sneaked to the exit. At that moment, he heard Han Fei reject Director Jiang’s offer on the phone. “Director Zhang, thank you so much for your kindness but I have to stay at Xin Lu City because I need to cooperate with the law enforcement. Before the real culprit is captured, I need to stay at Xin Lu City within their protection.” Han Fei was telling the truth and his reason was very objective. Director Zhang gave his understanding but hoped that they would have a chance to cooperate in the future. When the people in the corridor heard Han Fei reject Director Zhang, they could not believe their ears.
“Han Fei, are you sure about this?” Jiang Yi was thinking of Han Fei’s future.
“Safety first. I will only take projects shot within Xin Lu for now.” Without even knowing it, Han Fei had morphed from someone who was picked to someone who could pick. His attitude changed. “We should go back. We shan’t block the corridor, it’ll disturb the patrons in the other booths.” Han Fei led everyone back into the booth. Everyone followed him and they ran into Qian Cheng and Wu Li who were leaving.
Being stared at by so many eyes, Qian Cheng’s lips twitched awkwardly. He teetered between leaving and staying behind before he walked over to Han Fei, “Congratulations! Your movie’s viewership today will form a new record and it’ll be hard for other horror films to surpass it! That’s incredible!”
“Well, records are just data. Furthermore, aren’t records meant to be broken?” Han Fei walked past Qian Cheng and started to discuss a new movie with Jiang Yi. To return justice to the souls in the cryptic world and to gain their friendliness, Han Fei planned to start a series of movies inspired by real life cases. He wanted to bring light to cases related to the cryptic world. Then he’d find people to help him bring the movies into Perfect Life’s surface world. Using Spirit Farer, Han Fei would have these players transport the movie into the cryptic world. This was a long and time-consuming process but to bring a little hope to the souls in the cryptic world, it was all worth it.
For many people, they had to try very hard not to be changed by the world. But Han Fei had chosen a path even harder. He tumbled into the cryptic world like a moth flying into a flame. In the place forever claimed by darkness, he would raise a touch, to show those in the dark, there was still light in this world.
