"Feel free to explore, just don't break anything," Huang Youru said. "Even if you do, Teacher Chu can afford it." Her words calmed male fans like Wei Xuan, who had been hovering politely over the artsy sofas, ready to flip cushions.
The orange-tree badges, Chu Zhi-themed figurines, pendant necklaces—all were custom-made. Each item had been sourced via factories and designers with the team's help.
The energy in the room was electric. Chu Zhi set up a projector and displayed the badge design: a round shape with an orange tree at the center, ringed by oranges, about the size of those little scout badges. A small line read: "May Little Fruits be happy."
The first activity lasted over forty minutes. All five orange badges were found—one stuck under a sofa, another hidden behind a cardboard stand. It wasn't hard, but it felt rewarding.
Three guys and two girls found them. Given the gender ratio at the event, male fans had shown true dedication.
"Hey Chu-ge, when's the new album dropping? I've replayed '25117 Possibilities' so many times. If not an album, maybe a new single?" asked one guy.
"I want to know if you have a favorite sport," added another.
Simple questions—interested in his work, his life.
"The single 'I'm Not Truly Happy' is done. I'll find time to release it soon," Chu Zhi answered. "Figure skating counts as a sport? I've never tried it, but I feel like I'd really like it."
He had never tried it, but he felt drawn to it—that honest impulse most of us recognize when we're curious about something we've never done but feel suits us.
The female fans' questions were a little more personal. "Who's your closest friend in the industry?" "Have you ever thought about acting in historical fantasy dramas?"
Then came a spicy one: "Brother Jiu, what's your ideal type?"
"Hmm—honestly, I don't have one yet," he said. "I won't consider that until I'm thirty-five. Because as long as I have you guys with me, that's more than enough."
He spoke the truth: relationships could complicate his career. He felt he had another two or three decades of work ahead, and staying single let him stay focused.
Female fans fell into three categories: 'mommy fans', 'wife fans', and 'career fans'. His answer hit home for the wife fans, and the mommy fans approved too—he was young and should focus on his craft, not get distracted by anyone.
The energy in the room surged. Fei Ge, the advertisement agent who also managed promotions, was pleased. The team didn't need to push—they'd created a buzz online.
"Fan festival? What's that?""Chu Zhi playing games with his fans? That's got to be fake. Almost believed it.""Promotion is over the top. They're calling him the world's top idol. I've got to tune in."
More and more viewers flooded the livestream. Niujie's (Sister Niu's) planning had paid off—the servers were holding two million users without a hitch.
Livestream stats varied wildly across platforms. On Douyin, Huya, or Bilibili, numbers would've exploded. But this dedicated stream on Orange Home meant quality: no tipping, no bots, just real fans.
The second game kicked off: "Fan Talent Show." Any Little Orange willing to perform could duet with Chu Zhi live.
Chu Zhi's live voice was already impressive. Even without a sip of his goji closed-cup tonic, he outshined most of his peers. Whatever song was chosen, he could sing it.
One brave male fan crooned "Seventh Chapter of the Night," daring and unfiltered. The crowd cheered.
The third event featured a towering 2‑meter prize wheel. Over a dozen exclusive gifts were up for grabs. Spin correctly or complete a tongue twister challenge to enter the draw.
"I'll go! I'm a tongue‑twister master!" Bu Hui raised her hand, snacking and cheering with excitement. Like everyone else, she stayed mindful not to knock into people.
Medics stood by in case of emergencies. Thankfully, none were needed.
A staggering 1.7 million viewers tuned in. The servers strained, but held steady. The livestream chat overflowed with envy from viewers.
Some spectators only came for the spectacle. They'd scroll in, scroll out, drawn by hype.
After three hours, the festival wound down. The snack wall and drink pile were still half-full—Chu Zhi had ordered enough for weeks.
"Now we've reached the last part of the festival," Chu Zhi said. "Earlier I hinted on Weibo that I had a big gift for my Little Fruits."
Fans in the hall and online paused. Was this festival not already one big gift?
"I wrote a new song, called 'Glory'."
His statement sparked a collective buzz. Many felt they'd intuited something big was coming.
He repositioned the projector carefully for clear visibility for both fans and cameras.
Up on screen:
🎵 "Thank you for giving me glory.
I will bow deeply, gratitude in my soul,
because someone understands all my efforts."🎵
The video shifted to concert footage—thunderous applause captured by fans. The visuals jumped in clarity from shaky phones to crisp shots.
🎵 "Thunderous applause, floods of emotion.
This is the beginning, not the end.
When your hands clap till they hurt,
what can I do to deserve your loyalty?"🎵
More footage played—fans voting "Future Star" style. "176 votes to advance." "257 votes into the top ten." "Chu Zhi wins with 268 votes." "Congratulations Chu Zhi, winner with 1,684 votes." Each triumph built upon the last.
Fans had campaigned everywhere. They'd messaged, voted, shared data—their devotion was real.
🎵 "That one minute in my heart brought so many beyond words.
No matter the twists ahead, I won't let up,
to prove your choice was special."🎵
🎵"Thank you for giving me glory.
I will bow deeply, gratitude in my soul,
because someone understands all my efforts." 🎵
Lyrics faded in and out as Chu Zhi deeply bowed—three times. His fans responded with in-stream cheers and offline collation of shared moments.
Some negative comments were inevitable: ["Why don't you go die?"], ["What a clown, fake masterpiece"]… but none of it shook him. Time after time he stood on stage.
🎵 "Thank you for giving me glory,
this once‑ordinary boy you made reach the peak—
true glory belongs to us,
to those who dare to dream and act."🎵
Comments swelled with support: ["Go little Jiu"], ["Take care of your health, Jiu-ge"], ["So handsome, this song is epic"]. Weibo buzzed about possible Guinness world records.
🎵 "I now know where I belong.
This glory is ours.
This is for your Ode to Joy.
Every one of you is my hero."🎵
Chu Zhi bowed for the third time, capturing hearts, screens, minds.