Contents
Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Bai Yi (柏亦) |
| Alias(es) | “Yiyi” (used by his grandmother); “Yi” (WeChat display name) 17 25 |
| Gender | Male |
| Affiliation | An unnamed talent agency; remains under contract after falling out with it 26 |
| Occupation/Role | Actor; also takes part-time work and print-modeling jobs 26 |
| Family | Grandma Bai, his grandmother 25 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 14, “A fight” |
Background / History
Bai Yi is an actor whose limited opportunities leave him dependent on supplementary work. Before their falling-out, his agent had accompanied him throughout his career, making the apparent arrangement of a coercive encounter with Director Wang especially hurtful. Afterward, Bai Yi cannot afford to terminate his agency contract and must wait for it to expire; the agency offers him only work as a double 14 26.
He lives in a small, clean apartment decorated to feel warm and cozy. Conscious of the financial gap between himself and Shen Zeyu, he initially worries that Shen will look down on his home. He keeps only plain boiled water rather than other drinks, explaining this as a choice connected to being an actor 25.
Bai Yi visits his grandmother weekly at Nanyu Hospital, described as A City’s best hospital. She has several age-related health problems, chiefly lung cancer, and occupies a private room. He readily welcomes Shen’s offer to accompany him, knowing that his grandmother worries about his lack of friends 25.
Personality
Bai Yi is shy, modest, and easily embarrassed by praise. He downplays both his acting ability and his gaming performance, even when Shen enthusiastically compliments him. Nevertheless, his reserve does not prevent him from refusing Director Wang’s sexual demands or joining a fight to help the person defending him 14 25 26 49.
He is conscientious about other people’s safety and persistent in expressing gratitude. After Shen intervenes at the bar, Bai Yi insists on verifying that Shen knows the man carrying him away. He later seeks Shen’s contact information and repeatedly offers to treat him to a meal 14 17 23.
His pride makes accepting help difficult. He conceals financial and work-related problems rather than risk burdening Shen, fearing that a large loan would turn their friendship into an unequal relationship. Their disagreement eventually leads him to acknowledge that he need not hide his struggles from friends 26 28 32.
Abilities & Skills
Acting
Bai Yi’s performances contrast sharply with his timid off-set manner: once filming begins, he becomes fully immersed in his character 49.
- A director on an earlier production praises his acting above Li Wei’s, despite Bai Yi being only an extra at the time 27.
- His demonstration of a favorite drama scene impresses Shen, who believes he deserves more casting opportunities 26.
- He deliberately holds back during filming because he is not the lead and does not want to overshadow the lead actor 49.
Video Games
- Plays the same game as Shen and remains calm while Shen calls for help 25.
- Turns a match around at the last moment, earning Shen’s praise after their victory 25.
Cooking
- Can prepare meals at home and cooks alongside Shen 25.
- Makes Kung Pao Chicken that Shen particularly enjoys 25.
Fighting
- Has little fighting ability, but charges at Director Wang’s bodyguards with a bottle to help Shen 14.
- His participation is an act of solidarity rather than evidence of trained combat skill 14.
Story Role / Major Arcs
Director Wang’s Coercion
Director Wang pressures Bai Yi to sleep with him in exchange for a lead role, then blocks his departure after he refuses. Bai Yi suspects that his agent knowingly arranged the meeting. Shen intervenes, provoking a fight with Wang and his bodyguards; Bai Yi joins in despite his lack of fighting experience 14.
Afterward, Bai Yi does not want to return to the company dormitory and considers a hotel too expensive. Mo Chen persuades him to stay at his home for the night and later helps him contact Shen so he can offer thanks 17.
Friendship with Shen Zeyu
Bai Yi finally meets Shen for lunch, though Shen pays before he can settle the bill. Their conversation leads to a karaoke outing, where Bai Yi becomes relaxed enough to join in singing. When Shen drinks and falls asleep, Bai Yi obtains permission to check his WeChat and contacts Lu Cizhou to collect him 23 24.
Their friendship develops through gaming, shared cooking, and a visit to Grandma Bai. Bai Yi happily agrees when Shen asks to stay at his apartment for several days 25.
Stand-In Work and Li Wei’s Bullying
While hosting Shen, Bai Yi accepts a scene-double job that he would previously have refused. Print modeling pays little, and he feels unable to search for other part-time work while Shen is staying with him. He hides the nature of the offer to avoid spoiling Shen’s mood 26.
At the studio, Li Wei forces him to repeat a cold-water scene, retaliating for a director’s earlier praise of Bai Yi’s acting. Shen intervenes and then confronts Bai Yi over concealing his difficulties. Their argument exposes Bai Yi’s fear that borrowing money would compromise his independence and their friendship 27 28.
With Lu Cizhou’s support, Li Wei is made to apologize. Bai Yi requires him to endure the same repeated immersion before accepting the apology; Shen additionally demands that Li Wei leave the production and stay away from Bai Yi. Bai Yi and Shen then take time apart to reconsider each other’s perspective 28 29.
Reconciliation and a Better Role
Shen reaches out first, and Bai Yi admits that he has reconsidered trying to endure everything alone. Reassured that they are still friends, he shares that the director has asked him to take over the role previously held by Li Wei 32.
During Shen’s later set visit, Bai Yi demonstrates his acting ability and speaks warmly of Mo Chen, whose arrangements include private lounges for selected cast members. Shen suspects romantic interest behind Mo Chen’s frequent visits, but Bai Yi appears unaware of it. Bai Yi later declines dinner with Shen and Lu rather than intrude on their time together 49 50.
Relationships
- Shen Zeyu — Rescuer and close friend. Their bond grows through shared leisure and family visits, survives a disagreement over money and trust, and becomes more open after reconciliation 14 25 28 32.
- Grandma Bai — Grandmother. Bai Yi visits her regularly during her hospitalization and brings Shen to meet her 25.
- Mo Chen — Provides overnight shelter and later supports Bai Yi’s working conditions. Shen suspects that Mo Chen’s attention is romantic; no confirmed romance is shown 17 49.
- Lu Cizhou — Shen’s husband. Helps connect Bai Yi with Shen and supports the response to Li Wei’s mistreatment 17 28.
- His agent — A formerly trusted career companion whom Bai Yi suspects of arranging Director Wang’s coercive encounter. Bai Yi subsequently falls out with the agency 14 26.
- Director Wang — Attempts to exchange a lead role for sexual compliance and prevent Bai Yi from leaving 14.
- Li Wei — An actor who retaliates against Bai Yi over unfavorable comparisons of their acting ability 27 28.
Notable Quotes
“No, thank you, Director Wang. If this isn't about acting, I'll be leaving.” 14
“Wait. I need to make sure he really knows you. He saved me, so I'm responsible for him.” 14
“But I also want our friendship to stay free of those complications. I can work hard and earn money myself.” 28