Huayu: You were supposed to be a top star, but you've become capital?

Zhang Lei looked at Lin Shen. The young man in front of him had a starlight in his eyes, but beneath that starlight was clarity and ambition. He was not a lucky guy who had stumbled into the world of fame and fortune, but a clear strategist.

The interview continued, with the two discussing their understanding of fashion and some lifestyle habits. Finally, Zhang Lei closed his notebook, concluding the formal interview.

"One last personal question: What do you think fashion is?"

Lin Shen thought for a while.

"Fashion is not about chasing trends, nor is it about expensive labels."

"For me, fashion is a proper form of self-expression. It's about saying what you want to say at the right time with the right items. It's about aesthetics, but even more so about attitude."

After the interview, Zhang Lei personally escorted Lin Shen to the entrance of the film studio.

"I'll personally oversee the post-production of today's film. I'm looking forward to the final product." Zhang Lei extended his hand. "I also hope things go smoothly."

"Thank you, Editor-in-Chief Zhang."

As soon as he stepped out of the studio, the fans waiting outside erupted in cheers.

Lin Shen stopped and chatted with them for a few minutes, then told them to go home early and be careful before getting into his car and leaving.

As the car drove away, excited shouts could still be heard from behind: "Brother, get some rest!" "We'll definitely support the brand!"

Lin Shen closed his eyes and rested for a few minutes before picking up his phone again and opening Weibo.

The hashtags #LinShenEsquireCover#, #LinShenChenWeitingEsquireSiteTogether#, and #LinShenOrdersFoodForFans# are currently trending on the hot search list.

The hashtag for Lin Shen ordering food for his fans has climbed to the middle of the list, and the real-time discussion is incredibly lively.

He randomly clicked on it, and most of the videos that popped up were live footage taken by fans.

The camera shakily captured Lin Shen patiently receiving the letter, turning around to ask the fans if they had eaten, and then having his assistant order food.

The top-rated comment comes from a familiar, loyal fan ID: [Plum Wine is Delicious]

"Who understands?! He's incredibly busy, shooting magazine covers non-stop, yet he still remembers to ask us if we've eaten! He's not just creating a persona; he genuinely treats his fans like human beings! (bursting into tears.jpg)"

The following were thousands of replies:

"He really did, I'm so happy! That 'order some hot drinks and food' sounded so natural!"

"The key point is that he really understands! He knows some people will just wait foolishly without eating!"

"The net worth of top celebrities, the heart of their families (not true)"

"Today is another day I've fallen for Brother Shen's personal charm!"

Some entertainment accounts also captured a few screenshots, adding captions like, "Rising star Lin Shen warmly cares for fans during filming breaks; top star's warmth is evident!" The comments from casual viewers below were noticeably more friendly.

"Lin Shen's actions have really won him favor."

"Much better than those who just pose for photos with a cold face and act like divas."

"To be honest, he's handsome and kind-hearted, he deserves to be famous."

Of course, there was also a fierce battle. Under a Reuters post titled "Brotherhood continues in 'Gu Jian'! Lin Shen and William Chan chatted on set of Esquire magazine!", the battle had already reached a fever pitch.

Lin Shen's die-hard fans aggressively control online comments:

Congratulations to Lin Shen on gracing the cover of Esquire! Actor Lin Shen has a bright future ahead! We also look forward to seeing his personal brand develop!

Comments from fans of the Gujian drama:

"Ahhh, my SuSu and Senior Brother! Their brotherhood is real!"

"They both look great! Esquire has excellent taste in talent! Looking forward to working with them again!"

"They all came from 'Gu Jian' and are doing quite well now. Let's meet at the top!"

But as you scroll down, a different voice emerges:

"Wow, some people's team releases press releases really fast. They've already labeled them 'two top stars' and 'good buddies'? [smile]"

"Friendly reminder: This is the difference between the main cover and the column pages [smile]. Don't try to piggyback on this. The magazine knows what's important and what's not. Some fans shouldn't try to elevate your status."

"Don't mention it, our Brother Shen is busy shooting covers and building his career, he doesn't have time for hype."

"+1 to the comment above, are the cover and the inside pages on the same level? Don't try to piggyback on that."

"Can Lin Shen's fans please stop being so harsh? Can't the two have a good relationship since they were on the same set?"

"The relationship may be good, but the magazine clearly extended separate invitations. Now it's like a double cover, doesn't anyone know who's trying to piggyback on whose cover?"

"We're all excellent artists, wouldn't it be better for us to improve together?"

"Being invited to shoot for a magazine gets you ridiculed? Fashion sense is subjective!"

"Some top-tier celebrity fans are really unapproachable; they try to piggyback on your fame with just a few words. It's hilarious."

"Can't you just focus on your own business?"

Of course, there were also bystanders watching the drama unfold and haters:

"Lin Shen's face is really impressive; even his unedited photos are stunning."

"He's really kind to his fans, and he even provides meals for them? That makes him quite likable."

"Am I the only one concerned about when his brand will actually launch?"

"Haha, the magazine just values ​​his traffic. Does he really think he's a fashion icon?"

"Confirmed to be neglecting his proper job; even when shooting for magazines, he doesn't forget to sell his clothing persona."

The conflict even threatened to spread to Lin Shen's personal trending topics, with fans already working hard to control and purify the comments, flooding the screen with behind-the-scenes footage and heartwarming screenshots in an attempt to quell the arguments.

Lin Shen flipped through the pages expressionlessly, his fingers sliding across the screen. He was all too familiar with the fandom dynamics; where there was popularity, there would inevitably be comparisons, and where there were comparisons, there would be friction.

To some extent, this atmosphere of fighting is also a catalyst for maintaining fan cohesion and activity, as long as it doesn't get out of control.

Lin Shen turned off his phone, looked up at Xiao Yang in the front passenger seat, and said:

"I'll communicate privately with the management of the fan club and guide them appropriately, emphasizing their focus on their own work and positive promotion."

Maintain basic politeness towards colleagues, but avoid overly enthusiastic interaction. Don't make definitive statements or be too aggressive; they should understand the appropriate boundaries.

"Understood, Brother Shen." Xiao Yang nodded immediately.

"Um."

The car drove straight back to the company building. Lin Shen went upstairs and opened the door to his office.

"Xiao Yang, order some food for me." Lin Shen said, and then walked to his desk.

The table was covered with sample garments and fabric samples. Lin Shen first picked up a piece of heavy indigo denim.

I rubbed the edge of the fabric with my fingers to feel the tightness of the yarn, and then looked at the evenness of the dyeing against the light. This was the basic design made by Mr. Zhou from Guangdong Province. The quality was good, but it was still a little short of his requirements.

Lin Shen put down the denim fabric and glanced at the other main materials: soft and skin-friendly Xinjiang long-staple cotton knitted fabric, smooth and wrinkle-resistant TR blended fabric, and several pieces of stretch suit fabric with added spandex.

They didn't skimp on materials; Xinjiang cotton was their base, and they also selected blended fabrics from major factories. They couldn't cut costs, but the quality of the first batch was their hallmark.

Lin Shen glanced at the sample garments on the other side. One of them was a high-waisted, straight-leg, cropped denim jeans. The cut was clean and neat, and the side seams had been slightly adjusted to make the legs look straight. These jeans would not go out of style for the next few years.

One style is a loose-fitting, drop-shoulder T-shirt made of Xinjiang cotton knit fabric. It is planned to come in five or six colors, with the focus on the relaxed fit and the washability of the neckline.

Another item is a trench coat-style shirt dress made of a flowing blended fabric, with a detachable belt, suitable for both work and leisure.

These models are targeted at young women's everyday wardrobes, and are priced in the mid-range.

Lin Shen was thinking to himself that the first wave of sales would definitely have to rely on his own fame, and his fans would buy things because of him.

But this is just the first step. Whether it works or not depends on the clothes themselves: whether the cut truly flatters the figure, whether the fabric is comfortable and durable, and whether the price is worthwhile.

Lin Shen's strategy is clear: first, use the popularity of top influencers to boost initial sales and attention, then let the product speak for itself and let word-of-mouth spread.

In this emerging online women's clothing market, they quickly carved out a niche. These past few years have been the golden age for Taobao brands like Han Du Yi She to reap the benefits. The market is far from saturated, and there are plenty of opportunities.

Just then, his phone rang, interrupting his thoughts. It was Mr. Zhou from Guangdong Province.

"Mr. Lin! Did you receive the sample garment?" Boss Zhou's Cantonese-accented Mandarin was clearly audible.

"Received it. The denim fabric still needs to be softened, and you should rethink the washing process," Lin Shen said decisively.

"I've also checked the design. The darts at the back of the shirt dress should be flared out by half a centimeter for a more comfortable fit. For the jeans, use the brass buttons I specified."

"No problem! I'll have the pattern maker revise it right away!" Boss Zhou noted it down. "When will the bulk order be placed? Pre-sales start on October 1st, time is tight."

"Send me the final sample, I've checked it and it's OK. I'll place the order immediately. The first batch must be shipped after National Day. Are you sure you can keep up with the production capacity?"

"Don't worry, Mr. Lin, I've set aside two production lines. As long as the fabric supply is timely, there won't be any problems!" Boss Zhou assured him, patting his chest.

"Okay, I'll come to your factory to check on the quality of the first batch of goods when I have some free time in a while."

"Welcome, welcome! You're welcome to come and offer guidance anytime!"

Just after hanging up with Boss Zhou, another unknown number called. Lin Shen glanced at it and answered.

"Hello, is this... Mr. Lin?" A somewhat reserved female voice came through. "This is Zhao Xiaoyun, I'm just catching up. I've received the final payment, thank you so much!"

"Boss Zhao, no need to be so polite, it's just a transaction." Lin Shen's tone softened a bit. Xujiu was one of the original design shops he had acquired, with a fresh and clean style and a group of loyal customers.

"You should thank me; you solved a huge problem for me." Zhao Xiaoyun hesitated, her voice even lower.

"Mr. Lin, there's something else... My shop previously signed a few part-time photography models, all of them are young girls around twenty years old. The contracts are tied to the shop, so I... can't take them with me."

They are both highly qualified and very hardworking. Do you think the new company could give them a chance?

Lin Shen tapped his fingers on the table, which reminded him.

"I understand. Please compile a list of their information, as well as that of the photographers and makeup artists we've worked with before, and send it to the Track Company's email address." Lin Shen quickly made the decision. "The brand needs to do a lot of shooting later, so there will be an evaluation."

"That's great! Thank you, Mr. Lin! I'll get it sorted out right away!" Zhao Xiaoyun thanked him repeatedly.

After hanging up the phone, Lin Shen called the person in charge of the trajectory company directly.

"It was me. Mr. Zhao, who was catching up with me earlier, reminded me that the stores we acquired should have had contracted models and photography teams."

Please contact the managers of all the acquired stores and send me a complete list of all such collaborators, their contract details, and representative works as soon as possible.

"Understood, Mr. Lin. I'll take care of it right away."