Chinese entertainment: Top stars have no holidays

Chapter 102 A Clash of Titans!

11 month 11 day.

Even before night had fully fallen, the area around the Mercedes-Benz Arena was already bustling with people.

This year's Tmall Double 11 Gala was a massive success, backed by Alibaba's peak promotional efforts.

The gala not only invested heavily in creating a top-notch stage design, but also brought together most of the most popular artists in the entertainment industry.

Top film and television stars, music kings, and variety show celebrities gathered together, and even foreign singers were invited. It was a truly star-studded event that attracted worldwide attention.

The exposure, traffic, and buzz surrounding this event are undoubtedly top-tier in the entertainment industry at the end of the year.

Countless fans gathered outside the venue hours in advance, holding light boards, banners, and light sticks, lining up to wait. Various colors of support filled the entire street, creating a strong atmosphere of idol worship.

Jiang Bai's business van was parked near the guest-only passage.

Through the car window covered with thick privacy film, Jiang Bai looked out and took in the grand scene outside.

The number of celebrity fans present today was enormous, with each fan group clearly defined. As far as the eye could see, there was a dense crowd that almost completely filled the open space surrounding the venue.

Of course, Jiang Bai's rice with vermicelli is indispensable.

Fans found out the schedule early on and used all their skills to snag tickets to the gala.

Objectively speaking, among all the fan groups present today, the number of fans from the "rice" group can only be considered medium to large, not the largest.

The largest and most influential fan group that truly dominated the event tonight was Kris Wu's Meganies.

This summer, Jiang Bai swept through the film and television industry with the explosive popularity of "A Love So Beautiful", becoming the biggest dark horse in film and television and a rising star. He was unstoppable and unparalleled on the screen.

But Kris Wu also ignited this summer with a phenomenal variety show called "The Rap of China".

This variety show opened up a new track, bringing underground rap culture to the mainstream screen, and its popularity was unprecedented, sweeping across the entire internet.

Kris Wu's catchphrase "Do you have freestyle?" has gone viral across major social media platforms thanks to its addictive and catchy meme.

It was even turned into memes by netizens and spread virally online, firmly securing its place as this year's hottest meme on Weibo.

With the support of this variety show, Kris Wu successfully transformed into a leading figure in domestic rap and a top trendsetter.

Press releases about the most prestigious Chinese entertainment artists, the most internationally-styled Chinese entertainment stars, and the saviors and leaders of the domestic rap scene are everywhere online.

The Double 11 Carnival Night features a singing stage and a music extravaganza.

Naturally, this is Chris Wu's home turf.

The organizers naturally took better care of his fans, releasing a large number of exclusive tickets for the Meigeni group.

This resulted in Kris Wu's support colors being visible everywhere inside and outside the venue tonight, with light boards and banners everywhere, creating a tremendous atmosphere.

Looking out the window at the imposing Megni team, Jiang Bai felt calm and unperturbed.

They're just each trying to capitalize on the trend.

He and Chris Wu are top stars from different fields, so it's perfectly normal for their current scale to differ.

"Let's go in."

Jiang Bai withdrew his gaze.

Driver Wang drove steadily into the exclusive lane, avoiding the crowded fans outside, and quietly entered through the staff side door.

Stepping inside the venue, the bustling scene from yesterday was still present.

Countless staff members were busy running around, adjusting the lighting, stage design, sound system, and camera positions.

Various artist teams, backup dancers, and support staff moved about in a hurry.

Jiang Bai met up with Tian Xiwei, who had arrived separately from him, and followed closely behind the staff, walking along the backstage corridor towards their private lounge.

The backstage corridor was not wide, only wide enough for three or four people to walk side by side. The lighting in the corridor was dim, soft but slightly dim.

Just as the group was making steady progress, a series of dense and noisy footsteps suddenly came from the end of the corridor, with a great momentum.

Jiang Bai subconsciously looked up and saw a group of people walking towards him, with a grand procession and imposing manner.

A full seven or eight assistants, bodyguards, and staff surrounded and flanked the person in the center, protecting him from the front and back and accompanying him on the left and right.

The security measures and the team involved far exceeded those of all the artists present.

Surrounded and protected by everyone like a star, is none other than Kris Wu, the top celebrity who has returned to China and is currently enjoying great popularity.

Even in the dimly lit backstage corridor, without facing the camera or performing, he still wore a pair of black sunglasses, his posture relaxed yet arrogant, his chin slightly raised, exuding a sense of superiority, his whole body radiating an arrogant aura of "keep away, I'm number one".

The two groups of people stared at each other instantly, meeting face to face.

The already narrow corridor was instantly filled to the brim.

When two groups of people are facing each other at very close range with no extra space to avoid each other, one of them must take the initiative to step aside and make way.

Jiang Bai looked at Chris Wu wearing sunglasses and silently complained to himself.

He's really good at pretending.

In private, backstage, when there are no cameras, he even has to wear sunglasses welded to his face the whole time he walks.

He always acts like a top superstar, as if he's afraid others won't realize his status.

To be honest, in terms of seniority in the industry, Chris Wu is definitely a senior.

He debuted in a South Korean boy band in his early years, returned to China to develop his career early, had a long period of popularity, and remained at the top of the entertainment industry for a long time.

Now, he is striving to become an international superstar, is in talks to become a global ambassador for LV, and is preparing an English album to enter the European and American markets.

Their resumes look impressive and prestigious.

Although the domestic entertainment industry does not have the strict and abnormal seniority culture of Japan and South Korea, the most basic manners and rules are still there.

Under normal circumstances, as a junior or newcomer, Jiang Bai should have stepped aside to make way for him as a sign of respect.

But seeing Chris Wu's arrogant and disdainful attitude, and his complete lack of willingness to even greet him, Jiang Bai felt inexplicably annoyed.

They're all celebrities in the entertainment industry, and they all rely on popularity and online traffic for their livelihood.

You may be senior and have a high status, but your arrogance and haughtiness are really annoying.

The thought flashed through his mind, and Jiang Bai paused, standing firmly in place without showing any intention of backing down.

He reached out and gently pulled Tian Xiwei beside him, then raised his hand to signal his manager Xu Xu behind him to stop.

Jiang Bai and Tian Xiwei's team stood steadily in the middle of the corridor, facing the approaching Chris Wu team.

Chris Wu, who had been walking straight ahead without even glancing at anyone, finally stopped.

Through his dark sunglasses, he looked at Jiang Bai, paused for two seconds, and finally spoke, his tone carrying a hint of condescending politeness.

"You are Jiang Bai, right?"

"We'll have the opportunity to collaborate in the future."

After a polite remark, he added casually, with a hint of assertiveness in his voice, "I have something to do here and I'm in a hurry. Could you please let me through?"

The corridor fell silent instantly.

The other staff members nearby all held their breath, stopped what they were doing, and silently lowered their heads to watch the drama unfold, their eyes quietly focusing on the two top celebrities.

New and established top influencers clash head-on, with rising dark horses facing off against veteran top-tier celebrities.

This is awesome!

Some of the staff members of the Cat Night program, who were eager for a good show and didn't want things to get out of hand, were already mentally shouting, "Let's fight! Let's fight!"

With all eyes on him, Jiang Bai remained silent for a few seconds.

The next moment, a bright smile instantly bloomed on his face.

"Chris, you're too kind. You're a senior, and a very senior one who debuted in Korea. It's only right that you go first."

As soon as he finished speaking, Jiang Bai stepped aside and led Tian Xiwei and the others to move closer to the wall of the corridor, making room for them.

He appeared humble, respectful, and courteous, but the deeper meaning behind his words was clear to anyone in the room who was even slightly perceptive.

Chris Wu instantly understood the sarcasm hidden in Jiang Bai's words.

His polite smile froze slightly, then a faint smile appeared on his face, but the smile didn't reach his eyes; it concealed a deep sense of sarcasm and disdain.

Jiang Bai deliberately emphasized "a senior artist who debuted in South Korea," which was a clear dig at him.

It was a veiled criticism that he had stayed in South Korea for too long and had completely adopted that rigid, hierarchical, and superior-subordinate mentality.

He felt that everyone should fawn over him and give in to him.

But this is the Chinese entertainment industry, and they don't accept these arrogant rules!

In his eyes, Jiang Bai's subtle retort was childish and laughable.

In his mind, he was inherently more senior and had a higher status than Jiang Bai.

Jiang Bai is just a newcomer who became popular this year thanks to a short web series.

In Chris Wu's view, it was at best a flash in the pan, a dark horse in terms of popularity.

He has already firmly established himself as a top star for many years and is now making a full-fledged push into the international market, preparing an English single to enter the European and American music scene. He is a top artist who is truly moving towards becoming an international superstar.

The fact that he took the initiative to stop and chat with a junior, exchanging pleasantries, was already a great act of deference and showed the other person a lot of face.

It is only natural for younger people to give way to them, show them respect and courtesy, and even flatter them a bit. There is absolutely nothing wrong with that.

Therefore, he didn't care at all about Jiang Bai's sarcastic remarks.

He didn't even bother to look at Jiang Bai again, his eyes revealing undisguised contempt and superiority.

With a silent nod, Chris Wu led his large team straight through the passage Jiang Bai had cleared, his gaze fixed straight ahead. His aura remained as imposing as ever, and he soon disappeared at the end of the corridor.

Watching his departing figure, Tian Xiwei pouted, her eyes full of dissatisfaction. She moved closer to Jiang Bai and whispered, "What is he pretending for?"

Jiang Bai glanced at the staff members who hadn't dispersed and were still silently watching the drama unfold on both sides of the corridor, and gently shook his head at Tian Xiwei, signaling her to be quiet and not say anything more.

There are never any secrets behind the scenes of large-scale gala events like this.

There are many people and many eyes here; everyone is a bystander or a gossip blogger.

The minor clash between the old and new top stars that just happened could not be kept secret.

This behind-the-scenes story will likely spread across various gossip forums, Douban groups, and Weibo gossip accounts tonight.

Jiang Bai didn't care.

So what if it gets leaked?

Even if the fans of both sides start a war because of this, it will not have any negative impact on him.

Chris Wu's reputation for arrogance, self-importance, and diva-like behavior is nothing new in the industry.

It's common knowledge that staff members and bloggers in the industry frequently leak information privately.

Today's incident, at most, adds another piece of material to Chris Wu's dark history; it's harmless.

The one who is truly prone to attracting criticism and alienating the public is always the arrogant and pretentious Kris Wu himself.

For the first time, Jiang Bai seriously considered that the preparations for his debut album should be accelerated.

The Chinese music scene desperately needs good songs to save it; the ears of the vast audience can no longer be ravaged and destroyed by shoddy works.

Composing himself, Jiang Bai led Tian Xiwei to their private rest room to calm down and prepare for the evening's live broadcast.

The rest of the evening went smoothly and without any unexpected incidents.

According to the official program schedule, Jiang Bai will perform in the fourth-to-last group of the evening.

The first performance was a duet with Tian Xiwei titled "How Much I Like You, You'll Know".

The two actors, after rehearsing, displayed excellent chemistry, their voices complementing each other well. Coupled with their natural and unforced interactions, they instantly evoked memories of watching the drama among viewers across the internet, delivering maximum sweetness – a perfect after-sales service for the show.

After the chorus performance ended, Tian Xiwei left the stage, while Jiang Bai, who remained on stage, delivered a solo performance of "Slowly Falling in Love with You".

He has sung this song in public many times, so he is already very familiar with it.

In addition, almost all the performers at the gala that night adopted a semi-open microphone live broadcast mode.

This is also the norm in the industry for large-scale galas.

Jiang Bai's half-open performance naturally didn't cause any problems, and he even had time to make heart gestures and sprinkle rice in front of the camera.

His performance successfully maintained the ratings of the Tmall Double 11 Gala, and even increased them slightly.

The live streaming data has also been rising steadily, and its popularity has remained the highest across the entire network.

His stage performance also became a trending topic on Weibo, and quickly climbed into the top ten.

This time, it wasn't purchased by the studio, but by Alibaba; it was a free gift for participating in this event.

After Jiang Bai's performance ended, he had no intention of staying to enjoy Chris Wu's electrified performance.

That song "6" is really not very good.

He chose to leave the venue directly and return to his hotel to rest.

but.

Just as Jiang Bai predicted, the news of Jiang Bai and Chris Wu's backstage encounter and confrontation between top celebrities was leaked and quickly swept across various gossip forums that very night.

The first to break the news were various entertainment gossip groups on Douban.

An anonymous post from a staff member quietly appeared on the Douban Goose Group homepage, quickly garnering over 10,000 likes and thousands of comments within just ten minutes, soaring to the top of the trending list.

The post was written in a vivid and detailed manner, full of vivid imagery, and even deliberately embellished and exaggerated, turning what was originally a simple minor friction of giving way into a dramatic confrontation between two top celebrities with powerful backers, who refused to give in and were locked in fierce standoff.

[Big juicy gossip backstage at the Cat's Gala! Rising and veteran top stars clash head-on! Jiang Bai and Chris Wu meet backstage, locked in a standoff and nearly come to blows!]

An anonymous poster revealed: I witnessed a top-notch scene backstage at tonight's Cat Gala! Chris Wu's team had an incredibly extravagant entourage, with seven or eight bodyguards and assistants walking around him. The backstage corridor was already narrow, and the two teams bumped into each other.

Chris Wu wore sunglasses the whole time, looking extremely arrogant and as if he didn't care about anyone, and directly told Jiang Bai to make way for him.

Here's the key point! Jiang Bai didn't indulge him at all!

At first, they just stood there without moving, showing no intention of making way!

The two stood facing off for several seconds, the atmosphere was extremely awkward and full of tension!

Chris Wu took the initiative to put pressure on Jiang Bai, who then said sarcastically, "Senior, please make way," and stepped aside to let him pass.

The two exchanged fierce glances, almost starting a fight on the spot!

The new top stars are not to be outdone by the old top stars, and the tension is palpable! I was there at the time, and the atmosphere was incredibly tense!

The post immediately went viral on Douban, sparking a frenzy among gossip enthusiasts.

Countless netizens rushed to watch, and the comment section exploded instantly, with comments piling up higher and higher, dominating the Douban entertainment section in just half an hour.

Immediately afterwards, this revelation was screenshotted and reposted by various marketing accounts and gossip bloggers, and quickly spread to Weibo.

As the topic gained momentum, fans from both sides were instantly ignited, quickly rallying together to launch a massive online battle, with the entire internet engulfed in conflict.

Kris Wu's fans, the Meigeni, took the lead in controlling the comments, fighting back, and flooding the public square with messages. Their attitude was tough and they were full of superiority.

A large number of Meigeni fans flooded the comments section, unanimously defending their idol and fiercely attacking Jiang Bai: "This is hilarious! Does this newcomer not know the rules? Where was Jiang Bai when the seniors were popular? He's only been famous for a few days and he's already acting like this, daring to not give way and try to piggyback on the popularity of a top star!"

"Kris Wu, an international superstar and a global LV ambassador, is trying to break into the Western music scene. Does he really need to rely on someone else to cause trouble? This newcomer who became popular through a web series is really rude."

"Juniors should always show deference to their seniors. Don't they even know the basic rules of the entertainment industry? They've only been famous for a summer and they've become arrogant. Their career won't last long."

"Still in a standoff? This newbie is clearly just trying to ride on Chris Wu's coattails and get attention! They're desperate to use Chris Wu to elevate their status; their tactics are really low."

Yes.

"Fans, stop trying to defend him. We saw it all. Jiang Bai was just being ignorant and deliberately blocking the way to provoke us. Luckily, Fan Ge was magnanimous and didn't hold it against the newcomer."

With their massive size and years of experience in controlling online comments, the Meigeni group instantly dominated most of the top comments, frantically suppressing public opinion and creating a narrative that "Jiangbai's newcomers are getting arrogant, don't know the rules, and are trying to piggyback on the fame of their seniors."

Jiang Bai's fans, Bai Mifan, naturally wouldn't stand idly by when they saw their idol being maliciously smeared and falsely accused. They quickly rallied to fight back, control comments, clarify the situation, and launch a full-scale counterattack.

Numerous core fans also joined in, refuting the opposing side's statements point by point and clarifying the truth: "Stop distorting the facts! It was Chris Wu who acted arrogantly and high-class the whole time. He wore sunglasses backstage, pretended to be aloof, ignored everyone, and was extremely arrogant!"

"My brother was courteous and respectful in the end, showing perfect manners throughout, and he didn't utter a single rude word. Who really didn't understand the rules? Who was trying to extort money? Everyone knows the answer!"

"Senior? Seniors aren't defined by age or status, they're defined by character and manners! You were putting on airs and acting like a big shot the whole time, and you still have the nerve to say others have no manners?"

"Don't use your international superstar title to intimidate others! Your work speaks for itself, your talent speaks for itself. Anyone can act arrogantly and put on airs; everyone can see through it!"

"Jiang Bai has worked his way up step by step through his work, never actively seeking trouble, but absolutely unafraid of it! He is neither humble nor arrogant, polite and principled, a million times better than those arrogant and pretentious so-called seniors!"

The fans of both sides went back and forth, arguing about everything from backstage rules to top-tier status, from character and conduct to the quality of their work.

Massive online comment control, anti-black campaigns, public opinion manipulation, and hashtag manipulation have escalated the fan wars, with fans on both sides arguing fiercely.

Besides the online battle between the two sides' fans, some casual netizens also flooded the comments section to express their opinions, resulting in a complete polarization of public opinion.

Some bystanders felt that Jiang Bai was indeed a bit impulsive. Newcomers and juniors should be low-key and humble, and there is no need to go head-to-head with established top stars, which is easy to attract negative attention and damage their public image.

However, many netizens criticized Chris Wu for his long-standing habit of putting on airs and acting like a diva: "To be honest, Chris Wu has been acting like a diva for a long time, hasn't he? He's always backstage wearing sunglasses and acting aloof, with a bigger entourage than a superstar, and a temper bigger than his talent. He's already become a household name."

"Only the Korean entertainment industry practices this senior-junior hierarchy. The mainland entertainment industry doesn't need to be so pretentious. It's not that juniors shouldn't give way, but you should at least greet them, be polite, and say thank you. Kris Oh is too arrogant."

"Jiang Bai's attitude was already good enough, and he obediently gave way in the end, yet he was still mocked for trying to extort money? It's purely because he has too much of a Meigeni filter and is blindly protecting his master."

"After reading this, I feel like Chris Wu was just being pretentious and arrogant. Anyone would be annoyed in that situation. It's already very polite of Jiang Bai not to confront him on the spot."

Meanwhile, Jiang Bai and Chris Wu's fans were having a heated online argument.

Jiang Bai was sleeping in the hotel.