Chapter One: Xiao Shenyang Didn’t Make It Big, But I Will!

“Cut!”
“That’s a wrap.”
“I hereby declare that ‘Loser Men 2’ has officially finished filming.”

Xu Ming led the applause, and the small crew was instantly filled with clapping and cheers.

Though they called it a crew, in reality there were only two or three people—just a handful of cats, big and small.

If it weren’t for the strong reputation of “Loser Men 1” which aired online mid-year, and the fact that Xu Ming was a disciple of Uncle Benshan, they might not have even gathered this group together.

Back in 2008, online videos were widely seen as crude and shoddy productions. Even industry insiders didn’t consider them part of the film and television world.

Starting from Hu Ge’s online short “A Bloody Incident Caused by a Steamed Bun” two years ago, then last year’s comedic lip-sync videos by the Hou She Boys, these works began to give online videos a rough shape but still lacked legitimacy.

It wasn’t until Xu Ming’s “Loser Men 1” exploded across the internet this year that online videos truly entered the public eye. Calling him the pioneer of today’s web dramas was no exaggeration.

“Brother Bao, thanks for the cameo. Much appreciated.”

Xu Ming looked at the skinny, dark-faced, and somewhat weary little man beside him.

“Hey, I’m just here to bask in your glory. I should be the one thanking you,” Song Xiaobao waved his hand dismissively.

He had joined Uncle Benshan’s troupe last year, while Xu Ming came on board at the end of the year.

When Xu Ming first arrived, he missed out on “Mr. Guandong” and wasn’t familiar with his senior brothers. It was Song Xiaobao who first extended a friendly hand.

Who would have thought that in just half a year, the youngest junior brother would create “Loser Men” and rise like a sudden storm.

He quickly became one of the most renowned disciples under Benshan Media.

While most disciples’ fame was confined to the northeastern provinces, Xu Ming’s popularity, thanks to the internet, spread nationwide.

In this day and age, the scope of one’s fame meant the scope of commercial performances. The wider the reach, the more shows they got. Bringing along some senior brothers on tours made it hard not to build good relationships.

“We’re all family here. No need for two sets of words,” Xu Ming smiled.

As he directed the crew to pack up the equipment, he casually asked, “Isn’t our master bringing Senior Brother Liu Xiaoguang to the Spring Festival Gala this year? How’s the rehearsal going?”

“Oh man, I was just about to tell you. How’s the rehearsal? The show got canceled.” Song Xiaobao exclaimed.

“Canceled? What happened?” Xu Ming showed a shocked expression.

“From me to you, don’t let a third person hear this.”

Song Xiaobao lowered his voice. “The review panel said Liu Xiaoguang’s performance was too vulgar, the script was sensitive, so they killed the show. Our master sent the program to Liaoning TV’s Spring Festival Gala instead.”

“What? Killed? The live broadcast is just days away. Our master can’t back out now, right?” Xu Ming slapped his thigh in surprise.

“Impossible. If our master doesn’t go, the Gala team won’t agree,” Song Xiaobao shook his head.

“Then who is master planning to send instead? Or is he skipping bringing his disciples this year?”

Xu Ming’s heart pounded fiercely as he asked, blood surging strongly.

He knew perfectly well whether the master was going and even which other two disciples were involved, and what acts they had.

What happened next was known nationwide.

The opportunity every artist dreams of fell into the hands of that effeminate man wearing a Scottish kilt.

From then on, the saying went — “No matter how famous you get, can you top Xiao Shenyang in ’09?”

A true overnight sensation.

Indeed, Xu Ming was a complete reincarnator.

In his former life, he was a self-media film editor who accidentally fell down a manhole cover and returned to 2007. He had painstakingly joined Uncle Benshan’s troupe for this chance to exchange lives.

He had even befriended Xiao Shenyang, writing a song “My Good Brother” for them to sing together and release.

The song became an insert in “Loser Men,” gaining viral popularity online as well.

From what he knew of Xiao Shenyang, once he made money, he’d be reluctant to disgrace himself by playing effeminate roles again.

In fact, after meeting him, Xu Ming realized Xiao Shenyang was inherently tough and manly—otherwise he wouldn’t have gotten into a fight with Liu Huaqiang after a few drinks and even injured him.

Song Xiaobao didn’t know that his junior brother was already thinking more than a decade ahead. He smiled lightly and said, “Let’s just wait and see what master decides. We don’t have a say anyway. But even if we miss out, it’s not the end of the world. In 2005, the Gala featured Cai Weili and Wang Xiaohu, and last year Liu Liu performed, but none became huge stars.”

“Many senior brothers are thinking it’s better to do more commercial gigs during the New Year to earn some good money.”

During the New Year, commercial performances pay well and are plentiful. Many artists rely on this period to make half a year’s income.

But still, who wouldn’t want to be on the Spring Festival Gala?

Just showing up doubles your value—no joke.

At this, Song Xiaobao gave Xu Ming a meaningful glance and said, “If master decides to send you, all the senior brothers will respect it.”

Simple enough: there were many strong performers in the media; no one was necessarily weaker than another.

But when it came to creative talent, Xu Ming was uniquely gifted—capable of making web dramas and writing songs.

Besides, “Loser Men 2” had invited plenty of senior brothers for cameos, clearly not someone who hogged the spotlight.

Who doesn’t like to share a cake they made?

“Heh, I’ll follow master’s lead. If he needs me, I’ll even do odd jobs,” Xu Ming said with a forced smile.

He had fixed his eyes on that one spot on the Gala lineup. If he secured it, it would support him for a lifetime.

“Don’t worry. You’re great at creating, you’re good at coaxing the master’s wife and helping with the kids. Master likes you a lot; he will definitely pick you.”

Song Xiaobao paused. “Originally, Xiao Shenyang was also a promising talent, but his show ‘Super Superstar’ got canceled too, sent to the Beijing TV Spring Gala instead, and…”

He hesitated, considering Xu Ming’s relationship with Xiao Shenyang and stopped mid-sentence.

“It’s fine, Brother Bao, just say it.” Xu Ming urged.

“And now Xiao Shenyang’s singing has gotten too showy. He does commercial gigs every day and no longer settles accounts with the media. Master doesn’t say it openly but feels uneasy.”

That crossed the master’s bottom line. He could jump around on stage, but not paying the media meant no revenue sharing. It wasn’t about the money; if other senior brothers followed suit, what then?

Xu Ming clenched his fist and sighed, “Brother Shenyang has gone a bit too far. I’ll call him and try to persuade him.”

Once the crew finished packing the equipment, Xu Ming settled everything and anxiously awaited news in his rented apartment.

He had done all he could; the rest was up to fate.

Late at night, the phone rang through the room. Xu Ming grabbed it immediately. The screen flashed “Master.” He answered.

“Pack your things and report to the Spring Festival Gala team tomorrow.”

“Yes, master.”

After hanging up, Xu Ming raised his clenched fist to the air.

Damn it, finally!

If Xiao Shenyang didn’t become famous, I will!