Zhu Jianxin

Biodata

Feature	Value
Name	Zhu Jianxin (朱建新)
Alias(es)	Zhu Strong
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Tianguang Entertainment
Occupation/Role	Talent agent; manager of Cheng Yu and TOP; later head of Tianguang Entertainment's newcomer training department
First Appearance	Chapter 9

Background / History

Zhu Jianxin was a veteran Tianguang Entertainment agent who had managed several second- and third-tier celebrities. Despite his industry experience, he had never successfully cultivated a first-tier star, a result attributed more to poor luck than a lack of methods or commitment 31.

After Cheng Yu rescued him from street punks at a night market, Zhu Jianxin repeatedly tried to recruit the teenager. He presented himself as an agent, offered Cheng Yu his business card, and promised to make him a larger star than actor Zou Wenkai 9 10. Cheng Yu mockingly called him “Zhu Strong,” a name Zhu Jianxin corrected while continuing his pursuit 18.

Zhu Jianxin eventually secured a serious negotiation with Cheng Yu, offering Tianguang Entertainment's resources, a place on Shining Stars, and a potential debut. Cheng Yu controlled the discussion and exposed the limits of Zhu Jianxin's authority, but Zhu Jianxin remained convinced of his potential and rushed to seek approval from general manager Cheng Tianguang 19 20. He continued advocating for Cheng Yu even when Cheng Tianguang considered the requested signing bonus and Cheng Yu's difficult temperament excessive 20.

After Cheng Yu signed with Tianguang, he personally chose Zhu Jianxin as his agent because he was “fat and easy to bully.” Zhu Jianxin initially tried to refuse, knowing he could not control Cheng Yu, but accepted the opportunity and committed himself to protecting and managing him 31. He arranged Cheng Yu's high-standard dormitory renovation, handled logistics, and became the manager of TOP, Cheng Yu's group with Qing Chen and Ling Yi 31 33.

During Shining Stars, Zhu Jianxin repeatedly mediated disputes between Cheng Yu and other trainees, supported TOP's promotion, and handled public-relations problems caused by rumors. Although he preferred conventional image repair, Cheng Yu frequently overruled him in favor of retaliation against rival companies 38 48 49. He also persuaded Cheng Yu to help Zhao Ji repair a damaged performance outfit, obtaining a guest appearance on Youth Travel in exchange 61.

While in South Korea, Zhu Jianxin intervened when he saw Jin Miaozhu being forcibly taken away by bodyguards. A language barrier led to him being mistaken for Quan Zaihe's associate, and he was beaten along with the trainee. Cheng Yu took the incident seriously and forced the Jin family to make amends 109 110.

As Cheng Yu's influence within Tianguang Entertainment grew, Zhu Jianxin's own standing rose. He became a liaison between Cheng Yu and the company, supervised trainees and backup-dancer selection, and was ultimately placed in charge of a dedicated newcomer training department, elevating him to management level 134.

Appearance

Zhu Jianxin is a plump, middle-aged man whose build and easily flustered manner make him visually memorable. His appearance is frequently contrasted with his surprisingly nimble movements and persistent energy 10 18.

• Fat, pale, and chubby, with notably plump hands 10 18.
• First appears in a white T-shirt and blue jeans, drenched in sweat after running to catch Cheng Yu 10.
• Often described as round-faced and increasingly heavyset; Cheng Yu regularly teases him about his weight 92 118.
• Can move quickly despite his build, including squeezing into hospital rooms and hurrying after Cheng Yu 20.

Personality

Zhu Jianxin is enthusiastic, persistent, and fundamentally kind-hearted. His first instinct upon seeing Cheng Yu is to recognize extraordinary star potential, and he refuses to abandon the prospect even after repeated rejection and humiliation 10 19 20.

He is easygoing and approachable, which makes paparazzi and younger trainees comfortable speaking with him. This temperament also lets him serve as a mediator during conflicts, though Cheng Yu's pressure and sharp tongue frequently leave him embarrassed or at a loss for words 28 56 67.

Though often intimidated by Cheng Yu, Zhu Jianxin is professionally ambitious and loyal. He takes his duties seriously, worries about TOP's long-term prospects, protects trainees he believes deserve opportunities, and continues working for Cheng Yu even when the work becomes overwhelming 31 61 98. His compassion can override caution, as shown when he intervenes to help Jin Miaozhu and Quan Zaihe despite not understanding the situation 109.

Abilities & Skills

Talent Scouting and Artist Management

Zhu Jianxin immediately identifies Cheng Yu as an exceptional prospect and persistently advocates for signing him despite the risks and expense involved 19 20.

• Recognized Cheng Yu's distinctive aura and believed he could become famous 20.
• Used Tianguang Entertainment's connections and resources to offer Shining Stars participation and post-show support 19.
• Managed TOP's schedules, travel, dorm arrangements, publicity, and professional opportunities 33 40 48.
• Later oversaw newcomer training and stage-experience opportunities for Tianguang trainees 134.

Logistics and Artist Care

He consistently handles practical tasks for Cheng Yu and his group, even when Cheng Yu criticizes his efforts.

• Renovated Cheng Yu's dormitory to meet unusually high accommodation standards and arranged cleaning before move-in 31 33.
• Personally carried Cheng Yu's luggage during the Shining Stars dorm move 52.
• Bought Cheng Yu a laptop when he worried an assistant might not handle the task adequately 40.
• Promised Cheng Shao that he would protect Cheng Yu from being bullied 33.

Mediation and Public Relations

Zhu Jianxin attempts to resolve disputes rather than escalate them, whether between trainees, companies, or the media.

• Broke up confrontations between Cheng Yu and Tianguang trainees, including Zhao Ji and Liang Miao 28 38.
• Coordinated media promotion for TOP following Cheng Yu's successful broadcast appearance 48.
• Proposed behind-the-scenes footage and mentor statements to counter allegations that Cheng Yu bullied trainees or bribed judges 49.
• Secured a resource exchange for Cheng Yu's help repairing Zhao Ji's costume 61.

Relationships

• Cheng Yu — His artist and, in practice, the person who dictates many of Zhu Jianxin's decisions. Zhu Jianxin discovered and signed Cheng Yu, was later chosen as his agent, and remains fiercely committed to protecting him despite constant intimidation and teasing 19 31 33.
• Cheng Tianguang — His superior and Tianguang Entertainment's general manager. Cheng Tianguang trusts Zhu Jianxin's temperament and experience, assigning him to Cheng Yu because a tougher agent would likely clash with him 20 31.
• Qing Chen and Ling Yi — Members of TOP under Zhu Jianxin's management. He helps arrange their living situation, supports their opportunities, and works to develop the group around Cheng Yu 31 33 98.
• Zhao Ji — A Tianguang trainee whose potential Zhu Jianxin defends. He appeals to Cheng Yu for help when Zhao Ji's costume is damaged, ultimately obtaining a favor that benefits both trainees 61.
• Cheng Shao — Cheng Yu's older brother, who makes Zhu Jianxin explicitly promise to care for and protect Cheng Yu 33.
• Jin Miaozhu and Quan Zaihe — Zhu Jianxin attempts to help them during the South Korean incident, resulting in his being beaten by Three Prosperities Group bodyguards 109 110.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Recruiting Cheng Yu

Zhu Jianxin's attempt to recruit Cheng Yu begins as an apparently dubious night-market encounter but develops into Tianguang Entertainment's successful signing of its most valuable new artist. His persistence brings Cheng Yu to Cheng Tianguang's attention and starts Cheng Yu's entertainment career 9 19 20.

Managing TOP and *Shining Stars*

As Cheng Yu's chosen manager, Zhu Jianxin handles the formation and management of TOP. He supports the group’s debut preparations, accommodates Cheng Yu's extreme standards, and mediates the fallout from Cheng Yu's conflicts with trainees and staff 31 38 40.

Rumor Crisis

When Poly Records and Starfield Entertainment spread allegations about Cheng Yu, Zhu Jianxin advocates for conventional reputation management through clarification, interviews, and production-team support. Cheng Yu instead orders a retaliatory campaign against the rival companies' favored trainees, highlighting the difference between Zhu Jianxin's caution and Cheng Yu's aggression 48 49.

South Korean Incident

Zhu Jianxin's attempt to protect Jin Miaozhu and Quan Zaihe leads to an assault by Three Prosperities Group bodyguards. Cheng Yu's response demonstrates how seriously he takes harm done to Zhu Jianxin, forcing a public apology and punishment for the bodyguards 109 110.

Newcomer Training Department

Following TOP's success and Cheng Yu's investment in Tianguang Entertainment, Zhu Jianxin transitions from a comparatively minor agent into a company manager. He leads the newcomer training department and oversees trainee development and performance opportunities 134.

Trivia

• Cheng Yu selected Zhu Jianxin as his agent specifically because he considered him “fat and easy to bully” 31.
• Zhu Jianxin corrected Cheng Yu after being called “Zhu Strong,” but the nickname continues to be associated with him 18.
• He practiced Korean for two months before traveling to South Korea because he knew Cheng Yu had plans there, though he remained unable to communicate effectively during the bodyguard incident 109.
• Cheng Yu frequently criticizes Zhu Jianxin's weight, including using him as a comparison to reassure Qing Chen about facial puffiness 118.