Zhang Xiaorong

Biodata

Feature	Details
Name	Zhang Xiaorong (章小茸)
Alias(es)	Teacher Zhang; Sister Xiaorong
Gender	Female
Origin	Chuan-Yu 148
Affiliation	Bai Youlou's company/team; signed artist 21 22
Occupation/Role	Singer; dancer and dance teacher; occasional film performer 12 15 169
Status	Active 302
First Appearance	Chapter 11

Background

Zhang Xiaorong studied dance for more than ten years and distinguished herself at the Taoli Cup. Although she was approached as a potential actress because of her looks and presence, she had little interest in acting; her own ambition was to sing. She also teaches students and is known on campus as a striking but approachable teacher. 12 148 169

She initially lived simply near the school, used an old flip phone, and paid little attention to online entertainment gossip. This left her unaware of Bai Youlou's reputation when An Luning first brought her into his orbit. 12 17

At An Luning's request, Xiaorong visited the set of Whiplash and was cast in its female lead role, which consisted primarily of two scenes as the protagonist's girlfriend. Nervous about her lack of acting experience, she continued visiting the set and helped the makeup team when she could. 15 16

Bai Youlou recognized her vocal potential and developed songs for her. Xiaorong ultimately signed with his team, beginning the professional partnership that launched her music career. 21 22

Appearance

Zhang Xiaorong is a tall, poised woman whose years of dance training give her an upright, elegant bearing. Even in simple clothing and without makeup, she is described as having a serene, secluded-orchid-like presence. 11

• Usually wears long dresses, especially white ones, which reinforce her ethereal public image. 71 119 142
• Has long hair, a clear and gentle speaking voice, and a calm smile. 11 15
• Maintains a well-proportioned, athletic dancer's physique. 159
• Can shift her image sharply through styling, including a dignified black-and-gold cheongsam-style gown for a film premiere. 159

Personality

Xiaorong is gentle, polite, and notably composed. She thanks people for their concern even when she does not need it, avoids judging others through gossip, and prefers to make her own assessments of people. 16 17 Her calmness is not emotional detachment: she is sincere in her trust, easily moved by meaningful gestures, and protective of the privacy of her personal life. 21 170 184

Her gentleness is paired with resilience. Criticism, rumors, illness, and professional pressure affect her far less than many more experienced entertainers; years of dance training accustomed her to working through discomfort. 206 When Bai Youlou or people close to him are involved, she can become unexpectedly firm, possessive, and strategically assertive while retaining her outwardly mild manner. 148 243 300

She is also practical and domestic-minded. Rather than pursuing every available appearance, she returns to school, helps organize Bai Youlou's life, worries about his spending, and prioritizes his health. 94 106 169

Abilities & Skills

Vocal Performance

Xiaorong possesses excellent natural vocal conditions. Her singing has an ethereal quality distinct from her clear speaking voice, and she handles high notes with ease. 22

• Captivated an audience and all four judges with her performance of Bai Youlou's “Xiaguang.” 33
• Performed “Chasing the Light” at the Night of the Peak and later at the King of Singers competition. 84 142
• Developed stronger emotional storytelling in her singing, notably through the English-language “Dream It Possible.” 184
• Is capable of sustaining demanding vocal material without over-practicing before a live stage. 182

Dance and Choreography

Dance is Xiaorong's original discipline and the foundation of her posture, stamina, and stage presence. 12 15

• Studied dance for over a decade and performed prominently at the Taoli Cup. 12
• Teaches ballet and other dance skills to students. 169 174
• Assisted with choreography for Jiang Yuanchu's music video despite not appearing in it herself. 169

Stage Presence

Xiaorong's visual impact is a major part of her appeal, but she gradually earns recognition as a serious singer rather than merely a beautiful performer. 119 142

• Her restrained white-dress styling became associated with a “goddess of temperament” image among fans. 71
• She remains calm under competitive-program pressure, even when production teams attempt to manufacture disappointment or controversy around her. 118 128
• Her performances increasingly draw dedicated fan support, including “Chasing the Light” posters at live events. 142

Career

Period / Event	Development	Notes
Pre-debut	Dancer and aspiring singer	Declined an acting-focused debut despite Sister Hong's interest, preferring a career in music. 12
Whiplash	First film role	Played the protagonist's girlfriend in a small female-lead role; her inexperience with acting made her visibly nervous. 15 16
Music debut	Debuted as a singer	Her performance of “Xiaguang,” written by Bai Youlou, earned a standing ovation from the judges. 33 36
Early breakthrough	Entered public view through televised singing	“Xiaguang” became a major hit, while her connection to Bai Youlou and An Luning amplified public attention. 51
Night of the Peak	Revealed Bai Youlou as the writer behind her previously anonymous songs	Performed “Chasing the Light” as a dedication to him. 84
Post-competition	Returned to school while leaving music operations to Bai Youlou's team	Chose to balance her studies and career rather than capitalize on every commercial opportunity. 94
King of Singers	Reached second place	Her “Chasing the Light” stage showed her growth into a massively popular singer. 142
International material	Performed “Dream It Possible” in English	The performance surprised competitors and became a major emotional moment when Bai Youlou remembered her lunar birthday. 184
Golden Melody Awards	Accepted Bai Youlou's on-stage Best Album announcement	She immediately went on stage despite the award card not listing her name, intensifying public speculation about them. 241
Overseas recognition	Expanded internationally through English songs	Her English releases charted in multiple countries, leading to an overseas song-award appearance. 250
Concert era	Held a sold-out concert	More than 80,000 tickets were sold; she used the concert to make her feelings for Bai Youlou clear through song. 302

Relationships

• Bai Youlou — Her songwriter, boss, mentor, and central romantic attachment. Their relationship develops from professional trust into open intimacy and mutual support, though it remains complicated by Bai's other relationships. 21 84 206 302
• An Luning — Longtime best friend. An Luning first drew Xiaorong into Bai Youlou's circle; their closeness later endures romantic tension and career competition. 12 15 166 302
• Jiang Yuanchu — Fellow singer, friend, and professional rival. They bond over shared industry experiences while pursuing different career paths and competing for major music recognition. 173 238
• Nana-zi — Initially a potential romantic rival for Bai Youlou. Nana-zi becomes intimidated by Xiaorong's quiet presence, then shifts into admiration and actively seeks friendship. 243 244
• Old Zhou — Bai Youlou's trusted associate who helped facilitate Xiaorong's contract and continues to handle parts of her career management. 21 159
• Long Ziqiang — Colleague and fellow singer in Bai Youlou's circle; they both advance through major music competitions. 90 159
• Liu Manli — Friend and rival within Bai Youlou's complicated personal life. Their relationship is tense at times, but they eventually reach a civil understanding. 158 295 302

Notable Quotes

“I miss you a little.” 185

“I'm here.” 300

Trivia

• Xiaorong rarely uses social media; after making a single verified Weibo post thanking supporters, she largely stopped logging in. 121
• She prefers celebrating her lunar birthday rather than her Gregorian birthday. 184
• Her personal social-media use is reserved for private life, such as sharing photos of her cat with friends. 141
• Despite her gentle image, acquaintances occasionally associate her with the “Chongqing Tyrannosaurus Rex” stereotype—an image she gradually proves capable of living up to when defending her relationships. 157 244