Ji Ze

Biodata

Name	Ji Ze (季泽)
Alias(es)	“Hmph-Hmph”; “Three-Year-Old Ji”; “Giant Baby”; Piano Prince; Heavenly King Ji / Emperor Ji
Species/Race	Human; mixed-race
Gender	Male
Affiliation	Chen Mo Studio (shareholder); formerly Shengyuan Entertainment
Occupation/Role	Singer, original musician, pianist, dancer, actor
Status	Active
First Appearance	Chapter 26

Background / History

Ji Ze debuted at seventeen and rose to fame as the “Piano Prince,” an original musician, and a high-quality idol. His musical talent, striking mixed-race appearance, and devoted fanbase established him as one of the Chinese music scene’s leading stars; only Yuan Haobin was described as being on comparable footing. Qin Yuqiong personally managed his rise and cultivated his public “Three-Year-Old Ji” persona to soften the impact of his poor temper and low social awareness. 27 70 131

His parents died before the main events, leaving him with little contact with relatives and two properties in Huajing. His loneliness becomes especially apparent during the New Year, when he struggles to return to an empty home. 131 140

Appearance

Ji Ze is a tall, exceptionally handsome mixed-race man with refined, deep-set features. His public image balances an innocent, pure-hearted idol persona with a proud and imposing stage presence. 27 70 136

• Deep-set facial features and dark eyes. 70 136
• Long, curled eyelashes and pale skin. 134
• Long, pale fingers suited to piano performance. 136
• Known for a strong physique, including eight-pack abs. 27
• Often presents a cool, arrogant expression, though his emotions are easy to read when upset. 28 29

Personality

Ji Ze is proud, impulsive, sharp-tongued, and intensely competitive. He reacts badly to perceived slights—particularly from Chen Mo—and routinely lets anger override judgment, whether by storming out, slamming doors, or escalating arguments into public spectacles. His refusal to apologize after losing the piano duel reflects both his stubbornness and his fragile pride. 26 29 70

Despite his abrasive behavior, Ji Ze is emotionally transparent rather than malicious. He is easily flustered, jealous, and dependent on people he trusts. His former unquestioning reliance on Qin Yuqiong leaves him vulnerable to betrayal; after her scheme is exposed, he cautiously transfers that trust to Chen Mo and Yang Qindong. 27 131 138

He gradually becomes more resilient and thoughtful after the Nightclub Scandal. Rather than accepting Huaxia Entertainment’s offer blindly, he insists on joining Chen Mo’s studio, believing Chen Mo will not exploit or betray him. 138

Abilities & Skills

Music

Ji Ze is an elite singer and original musician known for piano, songwriting, R&B, fast-paced songs, street dance, and popping. His performance ability is the foundation of his Heavenly King status. 28 70 144

• His piano technique and emotional interpretation are considered worthy of his “Piano Prince” reputation, though Chen Mo ultimately surpasses him during their televised exchange. 28
• His popping and street-dance performance can command a live audience and draw overwhelming fan reactions. 28
• Possesses a powerful, explosive singing voice; even when restrained, his vocal delivery carries intense pressure and emotional weight. 146
• Collaborates with Yuan Haobin and Chen Mo on music, including a film ending theme. 144 146
• Later receives opportunities for overseas albums and world tours after gaining international attention through cameo appearances with Yuan Haobin. 201

Acting

Ji Ze begins acting after joining Chen Mo Studio, taking the second male lead role of Ji Heng in After the Fairy Tale. 132 140

• Initially struggles with blocking, pacing, and repeated NG takes. 133 143
• Persists through difficult filming and improves under Chen Mo’s direction. 133
• His work in After the Fairy Tale earns him recognition as Best Newcomer in the film industry and increases his acting offers. 144
• Is frequently offered roles similar to Ji Heng, creating a risk of typecasting despite his growing career. 144

Career

Period	Development
Early career	Debuts at seventeen; becomes a popular idol singer, pianist, songwriter, and “Piano Prince.” 27
Friday Funfest appearance	Faces Chen Mo in dance and piano segments, losing both contests and becoming publicly linked to him. 28
Nightclub rescue	Is found heavily intoxicated and nearly taken away by several men; Chen Mo intervenes and brings him to safety. 30
Nightclub Scandal	Is drugged, framed, and falsely portrayed as exploiting rookie artists; his company shelves him amid the backlash. 136 131
Recovery	Chen Mo releases footage indicating that Ji Ze was set up, while Yang Qindong manages the PR response. 131 138
Chen Mo Studio	Wins his contract dispute with Shengyuan Entertainment, becomes a shareholder in Chen Mo Studio, and takes Yang Qindong as his manager. 132
Acting transition	Plays Ji Heng in After the Fairy Tale and gains Best Newcomer recognition. 140 144
Later music career	Works toward a stylistic transformation rather than relying solely on R&B and fast songs; gains international music opportunities with Yuan Haobin. 144 201

Relationships

• Chen Mo — Began as a hostile rival after Ji Ze resented Chen Mo’s rising reputation. Chen Mo defeated him in dance and piano, later rescued him at a nightclub, exposed the scheme against him, and became the person Ji Ze trusts most professionally. They become studio partners, collaborators, and close friends who continue to trade insults. 26 28 30 131 138
• Qin Yuqiong — Former manager, mentor, and the person who guided his career from debut. Ji Ze trusted her deeply, but she arranged the nightclub trap that nearly destroyed him. 27 131
• Yang Qindong — His manager after the Nightclub Scandal. Yang handles the PR campaign clearing Ji Ze’s name and plans his transition into acting and a more sustainable music career. 138 144
• Qu Shaoyan — His fiancé. Qu Shaoyan begins pursuing Ji Ze after the Nightclub Scandal, openly claims him as his partner, and later publicly confirms their engagement with him. 135 136 138
• Yuan Haobin — Fellow music-industry Heavenly King and later collaborator. They work on film music together and develop a friendly, competitive rapport. 144 145 146
• Liang Shilin — Co-star in After the Fairy Tale. Ji Ze plays her character’s romantic second male lead, Ji Heng. 140 143

Story Role / Major Arcs

Rivalry with Chen Mo

Ji Ze first clashes with Chen Mo backstage at Friday Funfest, accusing the newcomer of disrespecting a senior. His jealousy over Chen Mo’s “Piano Little Prince” and “Original Genius” labels fuels the conflict. 26

The dispute becomes a televised dance and piano exchange. Ji Ze gives strong performances in popping and piano, but Chen Mo outperforms him in both fields, leaving Ji Ze visibly crushed. He later makes the reluctant admission that he likes, admires, and is a fan of Chen Mo to settle their conflict. 28 29 30

Nightclub Incident

After their first major conflict, Chen Mo finds Ji Ze drunk at a nightclub while several men attempt to take him away. Chen Mo fights them off and takes Ji Ze back to the hotel, creating the public narrative that Chen Mo “saved” him. 30 33

Though Ji Ze initially refuses to thank him, the incident makes it difficult for his team to act against Chen Mo without appearing ungrateful. Their rivalry consequently becomes a marketable public friendship, culminating in the “Hmph-Hmph” nickname. 33 71

Nightclub Scandal and Betrayal

Ji Ze is later drugged after accepting a meeting arranged by Qin Yuqiong. Leaked photos and coordinated accusations portray him as promiscuous and abusive toward Saimi Group, while his company publicly shelves him and promotes the group’s first album. 136 131

Chen Mo uncovers security footage suggesting Ji Ze was drugged and releases it publicly, reversing the smear campaign. Ji Ze reveals Qin Yuqiong’s role in the setup and is taken in by Chen Mo and Yang Qindong while his future is decided. 131

Chen Mo Studio and Acting Career

Refusing to sign directly with Huaxia Entertainment, Ji Ze proposes that Chen Mo establish an independent studio. He invests 300 million for a six-percent stake, later wins his lawsuit against Shengyuan Entertainment, and joins Chen Mo Studio as a shareholder. 138 132

His first major acting role is Ji Heng, the second male lead of After the Fairy Tale. Despite a difficult start, he perseveres and gains recognition as Best Newcomer after the film’s success. 140 133 144

Relationship with Qu Shaoyan

Qu Shaoyan begins openly pursuing Ji Ze during the filming of After the Fairy Tale. Ji Ze is initially frightened and confused by the attention, repeatedly seeking Chen Mo’s protection. 135

The relationship develops into an engagement. At Qin Yuqiong’s wedding, Ji Ze and Qu Shaoyan descend by parachute as part of Chen Mo Studio’s extravagant gift and publicly confirm their relationship. 136 138

Trivia

• Ji Ze’s nickname “Hmph-Hmph” originated when he accidentally used it as his nickname during a game segment on Friday Funfest. 71
• He is afraid of movie theaters but enjoys amusement parks. 140
• He owns two properties in Huajing. 134
• He has a strong weakness for desserts, particularly cake, cheesecake, black sesame tangyuan, and golden egg fried rice. 131 134 145
• He repeatedly insists that he is more handsome than Chen Mo. 27 28