After finishing their hotpot meal, the production team spoke with Xu Zifan, asking him how firm his words on the phone really were. While the ban on idols dating is more severe abroad, and the atmosphere in China isn't as extreme, many young male celebrities rely on their good looks and charm to maintain their fanbase. Because they lack substantial work to show for themselves, their popularity is entirely built on the support of their female fans. Otherwise, without any substantial work or dedicated fans, they would only be fleeting stars in the entertainment industry.
Xu Zifan's attitude was firm: "I don't care how others define an idol. In my opinion, an idol must have the best character, possess many admirable qualities, and be worthy of fans' love, learning, and becoming a better version of themselves. I won't hide my stance. Whether I'm an idol, an actor, or a singer, it doesn't matter. If I don't debut because of my plans to date and get married, I don't care. It's the result of my choice. With examples of people with gray hair, I believe I won't have any female fans. That's what I want."
The production team held a meeting to discuss the situation. Xu Zifan had consistently held the "throne" position, and if he maintained it, he would ultimately secure the center position. However, no one knew if this attitude would cause any trouble, so they had to proceed cautiously. Finally, they analyzed Xu Zifan's fanbase and discovered something surprising. Perhaps because Xu Zifan was quite chubby in the first episode, he had almost no female fans! The occasional online arguments showed that most of his fans were very rational, and their supportive comments were generally normal, lacking any overly possessive tendencies.
The production team then consulted Bai Yuchen, who, as someone with similar experience, strongly agreed with Xu Zifan's decision. Xu Zifan had publicly announced his plans to get married and have children, and even though his relationship caused a huge uproar, he had a clear conscience and therefore supported him. The production team decided to air the segment where Xu Zifan made the phone call. They anticipated that his fanbase wouldn't change much, and even in the worst-case scenario—if his fans left and he was eliminated—it would still be good for the production team.
Since their goal is to create the top boy band in China, it's better for Xu Zifan to talk about this now than after the group is formed. Whether or not to continue supporting his debut depends on the choices of the national producers. No one's fans are only female fans; perhaps Xu Zifan can become a breath of fresh air in the idol industry, attracting many mothers, older sisters, younger sisters, career-oriented fans, and so on?
To prepare for any potential controversy, the production team arranged for Xu Zifan to perform earlier in the episode. His performance would then be edited into the sixth episode, just like the phone call. Whether it's good or bad, we'll see in this episode.
Xu Zifan's group won again. His dance was still incredibly energetic. By this time, he had lost 40 pounds, meaning that at 185cm tall and 190kg, he looked noticeably slimmer and was no longer considered overweight. He looked especially good dancing in his stylish costume. He became the biggest winner this time, once again receiving the most bonus votes.
The recording went on until episodes six and seven were finished. When episode six aired, viewers were initially surprised that Xu Zifan had lost weight again, with the screen filled with questions about his weight loss methods. Then, they saw Xu Zifan on the phone, and when his mother asked about his weight loss, Xu Zifan's expression wasn't good. He also mentioned that the doctor had prescribed medication, leading his fans to speculate about his health. Considering his previous sudden weight gain, it seemed strange, and many people left concerned messages in the chat.
Then they heard Xu's mother asking about dating and Xu Zifan's remarks to the camera. Pan Yu was also watching the show online using a secondary account, and as soon as he saw this part, he immediately started spamming comments criticizing Xu Zifan. His few remaining die-hard fans, who probably hated Xu Zifan just as much as he did, joined in and hurled insults at him.
Before anyone else could react, they were immediately disgusted by the comments. Xu Zifan's fans snapped back at them, saying that Xu Zifan doesn't steal, rob, or lie, and he openly says he wants to get married and have children, so what? If you don't like him, don't like him; don't talk like he's committed some heinous crime.
Passersby were also baffled by this phenomenon. Shouldn't the criticism be directed at those who deceive people's feelings? Why criticize someone just for making a clear statement from the beginning? If you don't like them, don't support them. Why criticize them for not being worthy of being idols? Passersby said they enjoy watching them sing and dance and don't care about their private lives.
The show then aired footage of Xu Zifan asking his staff to keep his phone on because he was worried about his mother back home. He was a truly filial son, so caring and considerate of his mother. The topic of character being paramount was brought up by many. Some people like celebrities simply because they're handsome, while others like them for their personality—there's nothing wrong with that.
Next, Xu Zifan took the stage to perform. His stage presence was much stronger than in the first episode, showing that he had truly learned a lot in the training camp. Xu Zifan's fans flooded the screen with supportive comments. They were initially drawn to Xu Zifan's composure, humor, diligence, and ability to imitate, and now he remains the Xu Zifan they admire. Naturally, they will continue to support him wholeheartedly.
A very small number of fans unfollowed Xu Zifan, criticizing him and saying he shouldn't be an idol if he wanted to date. Some casual observers questioned who decided idols can't date. There's no need to talk about conventions; the word "idol" didn't originally refer to handsome, flirtatious young men—you can easily find definitions online. Just because many young idols use their looks to attract fans doesn't mean that only that makes someone an idol. Scientists are idols for many academic students; demonizing the word only makes people dislike that group.
This incident sparked controversy online. As soon as the show ended, Xu Zifan trended on social media, dragging Bai Yuchen into the spotlight as well, since both had initially expressed their desire to get married and have children, making them seem like a good match. Many people expressed their opinions, but the Bai Yuchen incident had barely subsided before...
Arguing about this topic is annoying, attracting many rational bystanders to step in and reason with people. The situation quickly shifted to the point where "dating is a personal freedom."
Furthermore, since Xu Zifan was just a newcomer who hadn't even debuted yet, some people who insisted that idols couldn't date declared they would never support him. Xu Zifan's fans naturally expressed their unwavering support, while casual observers agreed with his attitude—being straightforward, honest, and open—which greatly improved his public image. This was exactly the result Xu Zifan wanted: if it works, great; if not, it's over. The same principle applies to idols and fans; he didn't want female fans, and fans who wanted to be female fans shouldn't be with him, minimizing future conflicts.
Although this was a bit risky, he could always become a full-time actor. The original owner hadn't forced him to be an idol; he was simply pursuing this path to try and fulfill the original owner's dreams as much as possible. However, getting married, having children, and having a happy family were also the original owner's dreams. When there's a conflict, choices must be made, and it's best to have both. He felt that the current outcome was excellent.
The show's production team was monitoring the contestants' real-time vote counts online. After 24 hours, Xu Zifan remained firmly in first place, far ahead of the others, even gaining votes faster than before. The production team was immediately relieved. Many people online were discussing why so many casual viewers were voting for Xu Zifan—what was going on? No one could give a definitive answer; most speculated that people have a contrarian streak, and that Xu Zifan, an idol completely different from others, still had fans. Regardless, Xu Zifan's popularity had undeniably surged.
The production team held another meeting and concluded that with this incident, Xu Zifan's chances of debuting were secure; he was guaranteed the center position. They decided to give him more likable screen time in the future. Since there were still details about Xu Zifan's successful weight loss and being drugged that hadn't been revealed, his popularity was only expected to rise further.
The Bai siblings were watching a program at Bai Xingchen's house. Bai Yuchen replayed the part where Xu Zifan made a phone call and said, "I hope he's luckier than me and that he'll have fewer relationship troubles in the future."
Bai Xingchen reached for a bag of potato chips and said while eating, "Definitely. I think he's very shrewd. With your experience as a cautionary tale, he'll definitely be more cautious than you. No problem."
"That's true. He's a responsible person, and he'll definitely be very protective of his girlfriend in the future."
Bai Xingchen laughed and said, "See how accurate my judgment is? I could tell he was good in the first episode. I hope he can lose weight quickly so that he can have more acting opportunities in the future. I've already talked to Director Shao. After Xu Zifan finishes the competition, he can go and meet Director Shao to perform a short piece. I'm sure he'll do a great job."
Bai Yuchen shook his head, grabbed the car keys from the coffee table, and stood up. "You're becoming a fan of Xu Zifan. Be careful, or you might get into another scandal."
Bai Xingchen said nonchalantly, "Who cares? Rumors always fall apart on their own." She watched Xu Zifan dancing on stage on TV and laughed, "Besides... Xu Zifan is quite handsome. If I were to be with him, I'd be the one getting the better deal, okay? I'm three years older than him!"
"Hehe, take your time watching. I'm going to shoot a commercial. After that, all that's left is recording 'The Birth of an Idol,' and then I can go abroad to visit my parents."
"You're with your wife, right? Hurry up and go, drive carefully."
After Bai Yuchen left, Bai Xingchen looked at Xu Zifan on TV and raised an eyebrow, "Very charming."
The show "The Birth of an Idol" has twelve episodes. Episode 8 eliminated contestants ranked 35th and below. Episode 9 selected the five most hardworking remaining contestants to be the center, who then formed five groups to perform and compete. It was then that everyone realized the most hardworking among them was actually Xu Zifan! Seeing the replays showing Xu Zifan practicing alone in various places, sweating profusely, it's no wonder he improved so quickly. Even his songwriting and rapping received praise from mentor Zhou Peng. It turns out he's such a hardworking person in private.
With the airing of the ninth episode, Xu Zifan gained even more fans, largely due to his inspiring story. There's a saying, "It's not that I'm afraid of others being more talented than me, it's that I'm afraid of those more talented than me who are also working harder." Xu Zifan is exactly that kind of person. Every time, we discover new strengths in him; it's like striking gold. How could anyone not like him?
Many casual fans have become Xu Zifan's fans, and his fan base is expanding rapidly, becoming a phenomenon that cannot be understood using the "common sense of the idol industry".