The Most Popular Comedian

Advertisement

After spending too much time in private with Wen Zhecheng, Rong Yuheng almost forgot about his status as a top-tier influencer. Now, seeing the thousands of likes and shares flooding Kuang Zhao’s post within a few minutes, along with thousands of retweets on his own post, Rong Yuheng truly realized the value of his influential friend.

Rong Yuheng tightly embraced his own vulnerability: “When one person achieves success, even a hamster can ascend to the heavens!”

The comments on Kuang Zhao’s post were filled with excitement:

“Damn, Zhecheng ge liked this post! Let’s all bow down to Zhecheng bro! @WenZhechengv”

“Kuang Zhao!! Zhecheng bro liked your post. Are you guys together?”

“Wow, wow, wow! Kuang Xia, Kuang bro, Kuang master, ask our Zhecheng bro to come out and say hi! [Excited]”

…

Kuang Zhao and Wen Zhecheng were well-known friends in the entertainment circle, so no one found it strange that fans called out to Wen Zhecheng in the comments under Kuang Zhao’s post.

Kuang Zhao held his phone, on the verge of tears – how could he dare ask Zhecheng bro to say something? He didn’t even dare to talk to him!

He knew it! As soon as he saw that “raising heart” emoji, he knew something was off!

Meanwhile, Wen Zhecheng was still messaging him privately.

[Wen Zhecheng]: [Raising heart emoji]??

Advertisement

[Kuang Zhao]: [Raising heart emoji] The heart under my post, I moved it here for you.

[Wen Zhecheng]: Well, I already have plenty of those, even a “initial heart.”

Kuang Zhao, “…”

Heh, you have so many, and yet you seem to care about this one.

[Wen Zhecheng]: Let it go this time. Next time, pay attention to the boundaries in our interactions.

Damn it!

Kuang Zhao clenched his phone, even his toes curled up – the damn “boundaries”! What kind of boundaries are there for posting an emoji on Weibo? He was afraid that if he exchanged a few more sentences, he’d end up unfollowing Wen Zhecheng. He quickly used his pinky to close the Weibo app and slipped away…

–

Advertisement

On the other side, Rong Yuheng stared at the comments section, lost in thought. Could it be that Kuang Zhao had come to him because of Wen Zhecheng? He had never heard Wen Zhecheng mention it before. Could it be a coincidence?

While he pondered, the door was suddenly banged open!

The continuous and thunderous knocking made Rong Yuheng briefly think it might be Xue Yi, the housekeeper –

“Rong Yuheng, open up! I know you’re in there!”

… Rong Yuheng furrowed his brows, trying to shake off the chaotic images in his mind, and walked over to open the door.

As the door swung open, Huang Jianing rushed in like a cannonball, almost smashing her phone onto Rong Yuheng’s face.

“Quick, take a look!! Ahhh…!! Both Kuang Zhao and Teacher Wen are promoting you at the same time!!”

Rong Yuheng used all his might to suppress Huang Jianing’s excitement, “I’ve seen it… I’ve seen it…”

Once Huang Jianing’s excitement subsided, Rong Yuheng asked, “You’re saying they’re promoting me?”

Huang Jianing replied, “Why else? Why would Kuang Zhao repost your post instead of the official account? And Teacher Wen, who hasn’t given anyone a like in centuries, suddenly likes this post?”

Advertisement

Rong Yuheng glanced at the comments section again, realizing that after the initial excitement, netizens were now speculating why Wen Zhecheng had liked the post.

“Zhecheng bro and Kuang Zhao were already good friends, so it’s normal for him to like the post.”

Reply: “It’s normal for friends to like each other’s posts, but Zhecheng bro never likes posts, so this sudden like isn’t normal.”

Reply: “Agree with the above. Plus, it’s a repost, not an original post!”

“Maybe Zhecheng bro accidentally liked it [dog head emoji]. They’re already mutual followers, so he might have stumbled upon this post and accidentally liked it.”

Reply: “That’s very likely.”

Reply: “This is currently the most plausible speculation.”

“Could it be that it’s for Rongrong… Teacher Wen was Rongrong’s mentor before, and their relationship seems pretty good.”

Reply: “Really? But why didn’t he just like Rong’s post directly?”

Reply: “Speaking of which, I remember that tango scene!!”

Reply: “Me too! Actually, I think Teacher Wen is helping Rongrong gain popularity. During ‘Star Creation,’ Teacher Wen was especially kind to Rongrong!”

Reply: “Are Rong’s fans trying to ride on Teacher Wen’s popularity? :)”

Reply: “What nonsense are the above comments? I don’t want to hear it. Please take it back [smile]. Clearly, Teacher Wen liked it, and netizens are just discussing one possibility. How does that become riding on popularity?”

…

Seeing this, Rong Yuheng let out a sigh.

Advertisement

Huang Jianing also noticed and turned to console him, “Don’t mind them. Some people always speculate with the worst intentions.”

Seeing Rong Yuheng remaining silent, Huang Jianing continued, “Actually, the current situation is good. If Teacher Wen had directly liked your post, there would have been even fiercer debates online, and your three million followers wouldn’t have been able to withstand it. If he likes Kuang Zhao’s post, no one would say anything, and your popularity would still rise. Even if someone guesses that Teacher Wen liked your post, they wouldn’t have any evidence.”

Rong Yuheng’s expression was subtle, “Did he really like my post?”

Huang Jianing sighed, “If you don’t believe it, why not ask him? After all, you have a good relationship.”

Rong Yuheng replied, “Yeah… Oh, by the way, I haven’t followed Teacher Wen’s Weibo yet!”

Since Wen Zhecheng wasn’t active on social media, Rong Yuheng had forgotten to follow him. He just realized it now.

Huang Jianing frowned, restraining Rong Yuheng, “Maybe you shouldn’t follow him for now. If you follow him now, people might say you’re trying to take advantage. Some people online can be really harsh with their words.”

Rong Yuheng touched the jade Guanyin pendant hanging from his chest, deeply feeling the impurity of the world.

Before he could immerse himself in a passionate performance, Rong Yuheng’s phone suddenly received two WeChat messages. When he opened them, they were from Wen Zhecheng.

[Wen Zhecheng]: The popularity has exceeded my expectations. Don’t check Weibo for now.

[Wen Zhecheng]: Don’t follow me either. Let’s follow each other when the preview for the second episode airs. [Otter hug.jpg]

Rong Yuheng was left speechless.

Wen Zhecheng had really liked his post.

Huang Jianing asked from the side, “What happened? Did Teacher Wen message you?”

Rong Yuheng replied with a “Thank you” to Wen Zhecheng and then turned to Huang Jianing, saying, “Teacher Wen also told me not to follow him for now.”

Huang Jianing smirked, raising her chin, “See, I told you~”

The online buzz grew hotter and hotter. Rong Yuheng wasn’t particularly interested in scrolling through Weibo, so he closed the app and began doing yoga with the “Great Compassion Mantra” in his bedroom, focusing on self-improvement.

Huang Jianing, quite the gossip lover, sat on the bed and scrolled through the comment section.

By now, the online discussions had divided into two camps – one believed that Wen Zhecheng had casually liked the post as a friend to Kuang Zhao; the other speculated that Wen Zhecheng was subtly promoting Rong Yuheng.

Some fans who had briefly shipped the two during their talent show days began to emerge cautiously…

However, with the current high popularity and Rong Yuheng’s relatively small fanbase, these few CP shippers couldn’t openly engage. They could only indirectly attribute Wen Zhecheng’s like to Rong Yuheng, adding a touch of sweetness to their own fantasies.

After finishing his yoga session and rising from the floor, Huang Jianing grabbed Rong Yuheng’s attention, “Looks like Teacher Wen’s team is making a move.”

Rong Yuheng: “??”

Huang Jianing handed him the phone, “These comments are picking up quickly.”

Rong Yuheng looked and noticed a few comments from fashion and entertainment bloggers, as well as Wen Zhecheng’s fan club.

“I have a bold guess. Could that mysterious regular guest, ‘W,’ be…”

Reply: “Damn, blind me, you found Huadian (Wen Zhecheng’s nickname)!”

Reply: “??Huadian!”

(Note: “Huadian” is a cute nickname fans often use for Wen Zhecheng.)

“Hahahaha, if it really is WZC, then he’s probably not liking anyone else’s posts; he’s just warming up for himself [dog head emoji].”

Reply: “Hahahaha, is he that kind of person?”

Reply: “I can’t handle this comment, hahaha! I’m with you!”

“Mysterious recurring guest W!! This single comment has awakened everyone’s thoughts. Maybe the like is actually because of…”

Reply: “No way, no way! He’s never been on a variety show before! Wow, this thought is making me a bit excited [excited emoji].”

…

The discussion under Kuang Zhao’s Weibo post quickly shifted to the recurring guest, with debates about who the like was for gradually calming down.

Rong Yuheng hadn’t even sorted out his own affairs yet when he began to worry about his nurturing teacher, “Is it okay for Teacher Wen to do this? Don’t they have to wait for an official announcement for the recurring guest?”

Huang Jianing responded, “It’s all just speculation. Nobody’s confirming, and fans aren’t mentioning names. No one will say anything.”

Rong Yuheng sighed and clapped his hands, “I’m learning new things…”

…

After the buzz from the ‘Treasure Hunt Competition’ promotional post subsided, Rong Yuheng gained a surge of new fans, even rivaling the team captain, Shan Qi.

Shan Qi wasn’t jealous; instead, he worried about Rong Yuheng, “With so many fans, you need someone to manage your fan club. Luckily, your mom’s fanbase is substantial, and there are very few sasaeng fans. For now, there shouldn’t be any disturbances…”

Rong Yuheng instantly transformed into a swaying sea plant in the wind, “Who can be as popular as me~”

Shan Qi chuckled and lightly tapped Rong Yuheng on the head, suppressing his temper as he spoke, “You should quickly amend your contract to be under Shi Qiu’s management. She has a professional team to handle fan clubs. After she takes over, make sure to hand over all your social media accounts to her.”

Rong Yuheng, caught in the grip of fate, could only obediently nod, “I understand, Little Qi!”

“That’s about right.” Shan Qi finished speaking and gave him a deep look, “Also, don’t be too flashy.”

Rong Yuheng, “…”

Fortunately, just after they discussed the contract matters, there came news from Fan Yu about changing agents.

The members of STAR-T went to Fan Yu’s studio together to record a song. After finishing, Rong Yuheng went upstairs alone to meet Shi Qiu.

The signing of the contract and subsequent cooperation matters were bound to be comprehensive, so Li Jiao took the other members back to the apartment first.

Rong Yuheng arrived at Shi Qiu’s office, knocked on the door, and entered. He saw Shi Qiu sitting behind the coffee table with a stack of documents and two cups of tea already poured on the table.

Rong Yuheng quickly walked over, “Sorry to keep you waiting.”

Shi Qiu stood up, shook his hand, and smiled with raised eyebrows, “No problem. Please have a seat. You can call me Sister Qiu.”

She handed over the contract, “This is the contract you previously signed with Xu Sun. Now, it has been fully transferred to me. Please take a look and confirm.”

Rong Yuheng accepted the contract and carefully examined it. During this time, Shi Qiu didn’t rush him and simply leaned back on the sofa, sipping her tea.

She watched as Rong Yuheng lowered his eyes to read through the contract, feeling a sense of emotion. This kid, from the first day he participated in the auditions, caught her attention. Later, when he debuted and formed a group, she had even thought about signing him, but unfortunately, Rong Yuheng already had a manager by then.

Unexpectedly, after going around in circles, the two of them ended up signing together.

So, when Qu Youhe recommended Rong Yuheng to her, Shi Qiu was both surprised and delighted, and she immediately agreed.

After a short while, Rong Yuheng finished reviewing the contract and looked up at Shi Qiu, saying, “No problem, Sister Qiu.”

“Alright, let’s sign it again then.”

The pen quickly flew across the contract’s end, sealing the deal. At this point, Rong Yuheng officially signed under Shi Qiu’s management.

They exchanged Weibo account information, discussed future developments, and completed a series of procedures. It was already past 7 p.m. They had dinner in the office, and then Shi Qiu escorted Rong Yuheng back to his apartment.

“The first episode of ‘Treasure Hunt’ will air on Thursday. During the time leading up to that, we’ll release some press releases with topics. There might be sarcastic comments, but you don’t need to worry.”

Rong Yuheng obediently nodded, “Okay, got it, hehe~”

He had a rough idea of Shi Qiu’s PR tactics. After thanking her, he went upstairs to his dorm.

Liu Wanjing wanted to play the “boiling the frog in warm water” game; he was happy to add some fuel to the fire and see who would crash first.

…

The premiere of “Treasure Hunt” was scheduled for Thursday. On Wednesday, Rong Yuheng received a call from Wen Zhecheng.

He was practicing dancing with his teammates at the time. When his phone rang, he wiped off some sweat and walked over. Seeing that it was Wen Zhecheng calling, he stepped outside to answer.

Huang Jianing turned to Bian Chen and whispered softly, “Rong Bao looks like he’s answering a call from his girlfriend.”

Bian Chen’s eyes held a deeper meaning as he remained silent. Zou Yi chimed in, “I know the answer to this question! During the audition, he sometimes acted like this too.”

Huang Jianing exclaimed, “Wow~”

Rong Yuheng was clueless about the gossip among his teammates. Outside, he answered the call.

“Hello?”

“Rong, my little Rong…”

Wen Zhecheng’s voice was intentionally lowered, carrying a teasing and gentle tone over the phone.

Rong Yuheng paused for a moment. A new endearing nickname?

Quickly regaining his composure, he responded cleverly, “Master Wen~”

In an instant, Wen Zhecheng choked up, and the ambiguous atmosphere he had tried to create shattered, “…” No, this was not sweet at all.

It was like calling him “Plague Piglet” all over again.

Completely oblivious, Rong Yuheng asked, “Is there something you need, Master Wen?”

Wen Zhecheng hesitated, “…Do you want to come to my place to watch a variety show tomorrow?”

Rong Yuheng replied, “I have training tomorrow, so I won’t make it.”

Wen Zhecheng pursed his lips, his mood slightly dampened. He absentmindedly rubbed the cushion he had just bought for his hamster, “Oh…”

Rong Yuheng asked, “Aren’t you busy?”

Wen Zhecheng said, “Not really. I haven’t been taking on any work recently.” He tentatively continued, “I just want to spend some more time with my family.”

Rong Yuheng promptly offered his praise, “You truly are a devoted family man!”

Wen Zhecheng’s heart started to race again. He hinted, “But I don’t just want verbal praise.”

After a moment of consideration, Rong Yuheng said, “Alright, wait a moment.”

Wen Zhecheng’s heart raced even faster. Was his little hamster going to ask for time off from the team?

Wen Zhecheng felt both anticipation and hesitation. In his mind, images from period dramas surfaced, of palace concubines causing trouble, clinging to the king and delaying morning court sessions…

After about ten seconds, a series of noises came from the other end of the phone, as if the phone had been set down somewhere. Then, clearly from the receiver, four claps resounded—

“Clap, clap, clap, clap!”

Rong Yuheng followed the rhythm of the applause and praised him, “You, are, truly, a family man!”

…

Wen Zhecheng’s heart got caught in his throat, and it took him a while to recover—

This was definitely more than just “verbal” praise!

Author’s note: Now—Rong Yuheng: Clap, clap, clap!

Later—Wen Zhecheng: Clap, clap, clap…