"Teacher Chu, what does your schedule look like during the seven-day livestream?" asked one of the scriptwriters, Old Sun, who stood out with his frog hat—earning him the nickname "Frog Sun." He greeted Chu Zhi politely.
The preliminary meeting included three scriptwriters and the chief director, Meng Teng. The executive producer, Pei Louguo, wasn't present. While Pei often intervened in guest selection, he left content planning to the professionals.
"I haven't signed with an agency yet, so my schedule is pretty much just daily life stuff," Chu Zhi replied after some thought.
He then briefly outlined his routine: studying history, learning English and Japanese.
"No advertisements or other variety show invitations?" Frog Sun pressed. When filming other celebrities, their schedules were usually packed—though some projects were under NDAs. For instance, the previous Korean star's new stage rehearsal couldn't be filmed.
The scriptwriters had expected at least some commitments, but Chu Zhi's schedule was practically empty.
"No main storyline," Meng Teng interjected bluntly.
As the chief director, Meng Teng was the polar opposite of I'm a Singer's Meng Fan—where the latter loved teasing contestants for drama, the former only spoke when necessary.
Frog Sun quickly clarified, "Teacher Chu, you might not be familiar with our show's format. We livestream celebrities' daily lives to satisfy fans' curiosity about their idols. For casual viewers, the appeal lies in seeing the behind-the-scenes of stars' other projects."
"If you're just studying every day, it'll be hard to attract casual viewers," Frog Sun explained, translating Meng Teng's terse comment.
Of course, the production team had no idea Chu Zhi planned to reveal his depression and past struggles during the livestream. A top star falsely accused, cyberbullied to the brink of suicide, battling severe depression? Now that was a juicy story for casual audiences. But he couldn't just say it outright.
Chu Zhi mulled it over. Even as a studious artist, appearing too idle wouldn't leave a good impression.
"How about documenting the production of my first album—well, my first album since my comeback?" Chu Zhi suggested.
No one caught his slip about it being his "first album." Even after just two months of cyberbullying, this could technically count as a comeback. And an album recording did sound intriguing. Against the Light and The Wind Blows the Wheat had been trending lately, especially the latter's hummed melody, which had been overused in feel-good short videos—Frog Sun's ears were practically calloused from hearing it.
"Teacher Chu is a rare creative talent. The making of your new album would definitely be compelling content," Frog Sun said. "Are the title tracks your original compositions?"
"Most of the songs are," Chu Zhi confirmed. Since they'd asked, he might as well showcase his Li Ronghao-style album production.
Li Ronghao had stunned netizens with his one-man-band approach to "Youthful and Promising"—not only writing lyrics and composing but also playing guitar, bass, arranging harmonies, and even handling recording, mixing, and backing vocals. Fans joked, "No one's getting a single cent from me!"
Of course, the entertainment industry had plenty of low-key all-rounders like Xu Song, whose debut album "Self-Defined" was entirely self-produced—no outside help whatsoever.
This livestream would be the perfect stage to flaunt his own versatility.
Frog Sun and Chief Director Meng Teng exchanged glances. The latter gave a succinct verdict: "Good."
Next came discussions about livestream specifics—like the number of cameras in his home, which rooms (aside from private areas) he was comfortable showing, etc.
There would also be two "interaction coordinators" monitoring live comments and adjusting content accordingly. This required upfront clarity on what could be shown to guide audience engagement.
Why arrive two days early without rehearsals? Because everything had to be pre-coordinated. Too many celebrities had face-planted during live broadcasts—audiences could rattle off multiple examples without blinking.
After wrapping up discussions, Executive Producer Pei Louguo invited everyone, including Chu Zhi, to a dinner to introduce the team they'd work with for the next week. Chu Zhi saw no reason to decline.
Drinking culture was tradition. Corporate drinking culture was toxic.
Fortunately, this gathering leaned more casual. Frog Sun, in particular, was lively at the table.
The two interaction coordinators were familiar faces: Wei Tongzi (who'd volunteered) and Pang Pu, a well-known Mango TV host. The on-site cameraman, nicknamed "Jelly," likely owed his moniker to his pudgy physique.
Chu Zhi abstained from alcohol, wary of loose lips. The cautionary tale of Uncle Bi loomed large.
"Do quiet people pack the hardest punches?" Chief Director Meng Teng downed three shots of baijiu like water, reigning supreme at the table. Even when Chu Zhi toasted with tea, Meng Teng reciprocated with a full glass—not a dainty sip, but a proper two-ounce pour.
A real ruthless one. Chu Zhi observed the dynamics: Frog Sun was expressive, the cameraman had strong opinions, and the hosts Pang Pu and Wei Tongzi were seasoned pros.
Meanwhile, Meng Teng barely spoke. Yet he commanded the team's respect. "Was his drinking prowess the secret?"
Chu Zhi glanced at his untouched Heartless Spicy Butcher dish—not spicy enough to warrant the name.
"Teacher Chu, how's the food?" Wei Tongzi kept finding excuses to engage her idol.
"Delicious, full of flavor," Chu Zhi said. "On par with that private kitchen you took me to last time."
"I know tons more places! I could take you tomorrow," Wei Tongzi blurted, eyes shining.
"Sounds great. If I have time, definitely." Chu Zhi agreed readily—knowing full well his schedule left zero room tomorrow.
If Wei Tongzi were a fish, she'd be blowing happy bubbles. If she were a cat, her tail would be wagging.
Everyone deserves to simp at least once in their life. And in her case, it was just idol worship—not true simping.
After the dinner, Chu Zhi declined offers for a ride back to his hotel and left alone. Outside, Wei Tongzi noticed her colleague sighing. "Brother Pang, what's wrong? Didn't enjoy the food?"
Her good mood made her chatty. Otherwise, she'd have pretended not to see.
"Wishing I could swap with Xiao Gu," Pang Pu admitted.
Wei Tongzi took a moment to place the name—another host assigned to Red: Dream's Team B, currently in Seoul prepping for the next episode's guest.
"Jealous of a free trip to Seoul?" she teased.
"Nah, been there, done that," Pang Pu said. "But next week's guest is Jung Min-an, the main dancer of the Princess Squad. The episode's gonna blow up—might even break viewership records. The bonuses will be way fatter."
"Uh—" Wei Tongzi hadn't considered that angle. "But Teacher Chu is a top-tier star. His popularity won't lag."
She had faith in her idol. Pang Pu didn't—but he kept that to himself. "Korean stars are the trend right now."
His concern wasn't about personal preferences but ratings.
Back at his hotel, Chu Zhi checked his bank notification—the first 50% of his fee had already been deposited. Mango TV moved fast. The remaining half would be paid within 15 working days after the episode aired.
"My house goes up for auction early next year," Chu Zhi mused. "3.5 million yuan for just ten days of work… The monetization of celebrity status is insane. But it's still not enough—I need endorsements."
The next day, the crew descended upon Chu Zhi's Shanghai apartment in Pudong.
Cameras were swiftly installed in the living room, kitchen, study, and bedroom—the latter with an on/off switch for privacy during sleep or outfit changes.
The seasoned team worked efficiently. Cameraman Jelly surveyed the space and remarked, "Teacher Chu's home is the most corporate out of all the ones I've filmed."
Low EQ: "It's sterile."
High EQ: "Very professional."
"Hold off on the recording studio," Chu Zhi instructed. "We can film there later when I'm working."
"Sure," Jelly agreed.
A singer's practice space held mystique—best kept partially veiled.
December 2nd.
Red: Dream of the Red Chamber—"New Jade Arrives: The Most Beautiful Voice, Chu Zhi, Joins the Livestream"—premiered on Mango TV.