After finishing makeup and arriving on set, Xiao He received congratulations from the rest of the crew.
"Teacher Xiao, you're amazing! We might have to rely on you for promotions in the future," Lin Yipeng said with a laugh.
Xiao He sighed helplessly. "You all saw it too?"
"Of course we did." Pu Rong threw an arm around Xiao He's neck. "You've gained some fame now. Remember us when you make it big!"
"What kind of fame is this? It'll fade soon enough," Xiao He shrugged. Without an agency or marketing team, most people probably still thought his name was "Mu Ze."
"You should really look into signing with an agency," Lin Yipeng offered sincere advice.
Pu Rong nodded in agreement. "Exactly, you should capitalize on this wave of attention. That way when your popularity surges, you can maximize the benefits."
Although Xiao He was currently trending, such fleeting popularity wouldn't last without proper agency support to sustain his career development.
But it wasn't that Xiao He didn't want to sign with an agency—the problem was finding one willing to work with his unique condition.
His restriction of only being able to play characters who "kill" would inevitably clash with most agencies' profit-driven philosophies. Xiao He figured maintaining his current independence was preferable, at least he had freedom. After all, his life mattered more than stardom.
"We'll see," Xiao He replied casually.
"Alright," Pu Rong patted his shoulder. "Just be careful when choosing. If you're unsure about any offers, come to me—I'll make inquiries in the industry."
Lin Yipeng thought for a moment before adding, "I can also ask around among senior colleagues."
Xiao He was genuinely touched. "Thank you both! True brothers!"
"Enough thanks—get in position! I need to take some promotional shots!" Lin Yipeng raised his DSLR camera."While this hype lasts, you should actively manage your social media accounts. It'll help promote our production too."
There was no point wasting this free publicity—it might even save them some marketing costs. Lin Yipeng was determined to spend every penny wisely.
Xiao He didn't refuse. Hoping more people might notice his acting, he cooperated fully as Lin Yipeng took several photos.
The multi-talented director/screenwriter/photographer/editor quickly snapped some shots, then processed them on his computer, soon producing a series of perfectly atmospheric martial arts-themed stills.
In the photos, the young man wore simple black peasant clothes, leaning casually against an old-fashioned stove, his patched garments and chopstick-pinned hair adding to the rustic charm. A few loose strands framed his strikingly handsome face, his deep, cold eyes like frozen pools that transformed the humble attire into something compelling.
Even surrounded by scattered kitchenware, no one would mistake him for an ordinary cook.
"Director Lin, these are incredible," Xiao He marveled.
"Basic skills, no need for praise," Lin Yipeng replied with a modest smile before urging Xiao He to post them.
Xiao He happily complied, making his first post on the newly created account:
[Xiao He: Thank you all for your support! Currently filming "Thief Catcher." Hope this new work can meet everyone soon! Your support means everything! [9-image collage]]
[Wow, Xiao-ge's first post! Will definitely support!]
[Boss, you finally remembered you made an account? Thought you got arrested for being too convincing.]
[Xiao-ge, your Mu Ze was so handsome! New face fan here! When's your next refined villain role? Can't get enough!][Did Mu Ze really die? There must be more! Please give us a spin-off! So sad!]
[No one talking about these new stills? Looks like wuxia! Already hyped!]
[Probably another cold-blooded killer role? With that face, Xiao-ge should specialize in psychos and assassins...]
[Xiao-ge, please never leave your niche! No one in entertainment does it like you!]
...
Comments flooded in, mostly from viewers who'd discovered him through Bilibili fan edits and were still obsessed with serial killer Mu Ze, though some noticed his new project and expressed anticipation.
This was Xiao He's first experience receiving such widespread appreciation from strangers. He felt pleasantly overwhelmed—those cold follower numbers suddenly felt real.
After replying to select comments, Xiao He put away his phone. "Alright, back to work."
Lin Yipeng had been waiting. Seeing Xiao He finish his online engagement, he called the crew to prepare—another busy shooting day was about to begin.
...
Meanwhile, in a place unknown to Xiao He, another familiar face had seen his videos.
Hao Entertainment Company.
Cheng Hongwen stared at his phone, eyes narrowing slightly.
"This newcomer shows exceptional acting skills. His related videos on Bilibili have surpassed five million total views with continuous new uploads. The drama 'Heart of Embers' he appeared in has also seen steadily increasing viewership, becoming a minor hit recently. Based on episode data analysis, he single-handedly drove the show's promotional heat. Among recent newcomers, he shows the most potential..."
Cheng Hongwen's assistant delivered a thorough report.
Hao Entertainment, renowned as a "manufacturing plant" for internet celebrities, boasted countless stars and influencers under its banner, ranking among the industry's top companies. As their ace agent, Cheng Hongwen managed not just Ran Yunrui but also a rising film queen—both enjoying excellent career trajectories.
Nevertheless, they routinely scouted promising newcomers for talent assessment, seeking high-value recruits.
Cheng Hongwen never expected to see a familiar face this time. Recalling their car accident encounter put a strange expression on his face.
Since Xiao He had worn sunglasses and a mask while remaining silent that day, Cheng Hongwen barely remembered him—just an intimidating presence that seemed more thug than actor.
But valuable talent was valuable talent. After some thought, Cheng Hongwen made his decision: "Go make initial contact."
Despite their unpleasant first meeting, Cheng Hongwen believed Xiao He wouldn't refuse this opportunity. After all, who would turn down Hao Entertainment?
"Understood, Brother Cheng."