Sis, How Does It Feel to Be a Big Star

"Lin Zhi, you're amazing."

"Yeah, your followers have surpassed a million."

"I'm so jealous."

"Great Detective is really good; we've been watching every episode..."

"Lin Zhi is a big star now. Don’t forget about us ordinary folks."

"Exactly! Hubby, Lin Zhi, my dear, remember? Before you joined the show, we even shared a bed."

"..."

Lin Zhi’s head was spinning from the chatter of her sisters.

But she understood—they all wanted fame too.

However...

This wasn’t something she could control. It depended on Miracle Media’s recruitment, or rather, on Young Master Cao’s approval.

If he took a liking to someone, fame could come in an instant.

After all,

before this, Lin Zhi had never imagined she’d become so popular.

She’d once thought about landing a minor role in a drama or TV series,

slowly building her career over years before getting a shot at a leading role—

and even that would require someone backing her.

Who would’ve guessed?

All it took was Young Master Cao’s word. Sign a contract, film a variety show, and aside from memorizing scripts and personas, it was practically effortless.

In just three months, she’d earned a fortune and gained massive fame.

Amid the chatter,

Lin Zhi explained her situation, laying out a clear path for them: study acting, practice vocals, train in dance—don’t slack off.

Lin Zhi looked at her sisters seriously. "Think about it. If Young Master hired professionals to train us, it couldn’t just be for fun, right?"

"Dancing is one thing—it’s our specialty."

"But vocals, acting, even script delivery—none of that is directly related to dance."

"Not at all."

"Yet he made us learn it. Trust me, it won’t be for nothing."

"When the time comes, he’ll promote us. As he says, we’re his homegrown talents."

"If Miracle Media has a role that fits us and we’re ready for it, why would they give it to someone from another agency?"

"..."

Her words resonated, and the girls nodded in agreement.

That made sense!

"Lin Zhi’s right."

"Oh no, I’ve been slacking on my acting lately..."

"I need to work harder. Otherwise, I’ll miss my chance."

"Exactly."

Any lingering envy faded as they focused on the opportunity.

Sure, Lin Zhi was famous now, but they weren’t far behind.

And her reasoning was sound—why else would they get free training if not to be promoted?

Back in school, they’d paid for dance lessons.

Now, not only was it free, but they even got a salary—a generous one at that.

Plus,

the selection process was strict. Among the dozen or so sisters here, Lin Zhi might be the center, but the others weren’t lacking.

At most, Lin Zhi was just more well-rounded, excelling in dance and other areas.

Soon,

the group dispersed, leaving only a few close friends, including Lin Zhi’s roommate, the round-faced Wang Yue.

"Lin Zhi, did you bring me a gift?"

"Of course! I’d never forget you." Lin Zhi chuckled, poking her playfully before pinching her cheeks.

She then pulled out some luxury gifts from her suitcase—nothing extravagant compared to her variety show earnings, but certainly beyond their usual budgets.

After earning her first big paycheck, she’d sent half to her parents for safekeeping.

The rest went to small presents for her closest sisters.

Lin Zhi’s earnings for the season? A million.

It sounded like a lot, but compared to other stars, it was less than a tenth.

Still,

her pay would rise next season.

And her real income wasn’t from the show—it was the endorsement deals with Miracle’s products.

"Wow! I’ve wanted this bracelet forever! Lin Zhi, I love you!" Wang Yue squealed, tackling her in a hug.

Lin Zhi feigned disgust. "Ugh, you got lip gloss all over my face!"

"Hehe!"

"Lin Zhi, how does it feel to be a star?" Wang Yue’s eyes sparkled with longing.

They’d all seen Lin Zhi’s rise—

the fans, the fame, all in just a few months.

"It’s great," Lin Zhi admitted, her face brightening. "It’s nothing like we imagined. Having a big company behind you makes all the difference."

Her friends leaned in curiously.

Lin Zhi continued, "Young Master took me to Xiangdong..."

These were her closest sisters, so she held nothing back, recounting her journey.

From meeting high-ups at Hunan TV

to being introduced by Young Master Cao to celebrities like Teacher Sa and Teacher He.

In just days, he’d paved her path. As long as she didn’t self-sabotage, even minor slip-ups wouldn’t hurt her.

And Lin Zhi’s gentle, kind nature only boosted her reputation.

Her sisters listened, green with envy.

Young Master Cao personally smoothing the way? That was the kind of privilege that stung.

Clearly, favoritism mattered.

No wonder Lin Zhi had spent half a year serving him—whenever he visited the training center, she’d fetch tea, assist him, never asking for anything in return.

Some might call it calculated,

but they were all adults. Who was truly naive?

Lin Zhi had been consistent,

never demanding anything from Cao Cheng.

She got what she earned.

The only regret? Not becoming the "madam."

At first, many thought Lin Zhi was aiming for Cao Cheng himself.

Now, though she hadn’t landed that role, becoming a star was hardly a loss.

They were already halfway into the industry—they knew how rare it was for an artist to have a defining work.

Like singers with one hit song that fed them for life,

variety shows could do the same.

Lin Zhi had debuted at the peak—acclaim, wealth, and fame all at once.

Titles like "Most Beautiful Campus Belle,"

"Goddess of Charm,"

"Queen of Great Detective,"

poured onto her like rain.

And the hate? Almost nonexistent.

Now, whenever people mentioned Great Detective, Lin Zhi’s name would follow.

"Wow."

"I’m so jealous. I want to debut too," Wang Yue pouted.

They were all in their twenties.

Time wasn’t on their side.

If they waited much longer, they might end up as just dance instructors at Miracle Media—

decent pay, but after seeing Lin Zhi’s success, they all craved fame.

"Keep working hard. Your chance will come," Lin Zhi reassured her.

Knock, knock—

A sharp rap at the door interrupted them.

It swung open.

Cao Cheng walked in.

"Young Master." Lin Zhi quickly stood up.

Out in public, she could be the big sister, carrying herself with star power, but in front of the Young Master, she instantly became docile—even her gaze softened.

It wasn’t an act.

It was genuine.

"You came back and didn’t even call? Had to make me come find you myself?" Cao Cheng shot her a sidelong glance.

Lin Zhi gave an awkward smile. "I was afraid you were busy, Young Master. I was planning to send you a message tonight."

The other girls nearby also hurried to greet him.

Cao Cheng nodded, raising a hand to casually pinch Wang Yue’s cheek. "Oh, you’ve gained weight again."

"No way!" Wang Yue pouted, her face flushing pink.

Her limbs and figure were slender and delicate, but her face had always been round and chubby since childhood.

It looked adorable.

But sometimes, it didn’t translate well on camera.

Or rather, it didn’t look as good on screen.

If she was a ten in real life, her on-screen appearance maxed out at an eight-point-five.

Too cute, not enough edge.

Of course,

For variety shows or TV dramas, short skits—she’d do fine.

But for films? She fell short.

With features like hers, lacking sharp angles, her ceiling was set.

Not that it couldn’t be fixed—maybe as she grew older, her face would mature into that coveted "high-fashion" look.

Cao Cheng turned back to Lin Zhi. "Gather everyone later. We’re going out to eat—my treat. Wouldn’t want people saying I’m exploiting you, starving you of meat."

"..."

Lin Zhi chuckled awkwardly. "Young Master, you saw my Weibo?"

"Obviously. How could I miss it? All your ‘Zhinü’ tagging me, saying they’d crowdfund to buy you meat. As if I’m strapped for cash?!" Cao Cheng scoffed.

"Zhinü" was the name of her fanbase.

The girls burst into laughter at his remark.

Then, Cao Cheng handed his camera to the qipao-clad attendant who had followed him. "Here, take a photo for us. Gotta flex online too—can’t let Sister Lin have all the glory."

Exactly.

Cao Cheng had come here for one thing: emotional engagement points.

Fans were easy to manipulate.

Especially the male ones.

Just make them jealous.

Let them envy his life. Every time they thought about it, their emotional outbursts would rack up points—such an easy way to farm engagement.

Not huge numbers individually,

But with enough people, it added up.

After the photo, Cao Cheng tossed out a final remark before leaving: "Hurry up and get ready. I’ll book a private room. See you tonight."

"Young Master, take care."

...

Soon,

Cao Cheng posted the photo.

In it, he sat front and center, Lin Zhi on his left and the round-faced Wang Yue on his right.

A few other girls crowded around them.

The visual was unmistakable—a single green leaf amidst a sea of blossoms.

The caption read:

"Taking Sister Lin out for dinner tonight—meat included. Zhinü, stop tagging me. Don’t test me, or I’ll make sure she goes two weeks without meat~~ (eyeroll) (eyeroll)"

"Another day of envying Cao. Damn him! Seriously!!"

"Sister Lin still shines even next to my husband."

"Whose fan are you even??"

"Obviously my husband’s. But I wouldn’t mind Sister Lin as a concubine."

"Pfft... How shameless. Did you get my permission? You’re just another concubine—who said you could speak for me, the first wife?"

"..."

These wife-fans were fierce, holding nothing back.

No filter, no restraint.

The male fans watching could only seethe with envy.

They knew it was all in jest, but the jealousy was real.

Especially seeing how Cao Cheng could boss Lin Zhi around.

Men understood men.

They refused to believe Lin Zhi had any independent will.

If they were in Cao’s position, Sister Lin would’ve been corrupted long ago...

The more they thought about it, the angrier they got.

And the angrier they got, the more emotional points exploded.