Ji Shuyao

Biodata

Background / History

Ji Shuyao had worked at Stars Entertainment for eight years when he became Song Shi'an's agent. His management experience included two television award-winning actors and a top star, although none of the artists currently under him were especially prominent. He was not the company's most senior agent and was surprised when Shen Lingshu assigned Song Shi'an to him ahead of its other experienced agents 34 35 36.

After reviewing Song Shi'an's file and tennis video, Ji recognized his combination of looks, physique, academic achievement, and acting ability as exceptionally marketable. He initially encouraged him to accept the male lead in an S+ project tailored for him. Song instead insisted on supporting roles until graduation, a restriction Ji accepted despite his astonishment 34.

Appearance

• Clothing: Introduced in a well-tailored dark gray suit, with a carefully coordinated tie and cufflinks 35.
• Distinguishing features: Gold-rimmed glasses and meticulously combed hair 35.
• Overall impression: His polished presentation makes Song Shi'an think of someone arriving to sign a merger agreement 35.
• WeChat profile: A carefully composed seaside profile photograph that reminds Song of a property company's top-salesperson poster 34.

Personality

Ji Shuyao maintains a composed, businesslike manner and values efficiency. He arranges Song Shi'an's move off campus within the day and usually responds promptly to work messages. His professional calm is repeatedly tested by Song's literal-minded questions, indifference to fame, and determination to reject leading roles 34 35 36 41.

He is commercially ambitious but willing to accommodate an artist's judgment. Although he repeatedly argues for lead roles, he eventually acknowledges that Song has a distinctive eye for characters and that his productions consistently attract attention. He also permits Song to play the disturbing Su Wenli after warning him about the possible effect on future casting 65 136.

His sharp tongue accompanies genuine concern. When Song appears in hospital rumors, Ji immediately picks up his car keys to visit him. When Song becomes unreachable for two days, he checks security footage and brings a locksmith, fearing an accident. He also remembers to bring Song's favorite sweet-and-sour ribs 52 73.

Abilities & Skills

Career Planning and Casting

• Evaluates scripts, production schedules, public image, and commercial prospects when recommending work 35 64 136.
• Presents Song with a company proposal covering his public persona, content direction, and access to future resources; Song rejects its proposed “contrasting, black-bellied tease” image 35.
• Recognizes the greater precision demanded by film acting and explains the significance of Song's opportunity to enter a major film production 94.
• Uses variety-show appearances to compensate for Song's limited screen time in supporting roles 175.

Publicity and Crisis Management

• Sees through Director Zheng's claim that Song is merely a last-minute promotional livestream substitute and arranges professional support 39.
• Coordinates styling, promotional appearances, audience interaction, and endorsement-related comment management 40 55 94 147.
• Collects damaging material about River from Lu Shiyue for Stars Entertainment to handle 79.
• Mobilizes marketing and legal resources against the smear campaign tied to Cloud-Watching Entertainment 109.

Commercial and Practical Management

• Handles endorsement discussions and notices the commercial implications when Song's airport sunglasses sell out 94.
• Explains the reputational risks of a fully livestreamed wilderness program before allowing Song to proceed 64.
• Coordinates housing, transport, assistants, and production arrivals 36 98.
• Advises Song to send an anniversary greeting video when filming prevents him from visiting his former school 164.

Relationships

• Song Shi'an — His artist and the main focus of his management work. Ji alternates between promoting Song's career, respecting his unusual casting choices, and worrying over his welfare. Song affectionately calls him “Brother Yao” and regards him as an exceptionally supportive manager 34 36 73 109 136.
• Shen Lingshu — His superior at Stars Entertainment. She personally assigns Song to him and later instructs him to pursue further commercial opportunities as Song's value rises 34 156.
• Lin Fan — Song's assistant, with whom Ji coordinates practical care and work arrangements. Ji asks him to monitor Song's eating and reminds him to take good care of Song before another production 111 147.
• Lu Shiyue — A source of material concerning River. Ji directs her to send the evidence to his email for further handling 79.
• Pei Zhiyan — Someone Ji recognizes by reputation as “Young President Pei,” though he explicitly says they are not personally acquainted 36.

Story Role / Major Arcs

Establishing Song Shi'an's Career

Ji's first in-person meeting with Song takes place in a black minivan outside the university dormitory, where fans have gathered following the signing announcement. He introduces the company's career proposal, then arranges safer accommodation and transport to classes. He takes Song to Villa Seven under Shen Lingshu's arrangements; privately, he is astonished by the generosity, since he himself still rents despite his years at the company 35 36.

His early attempts to encourage leading roles include having Song interact with viewers during a drama premiere, hoping the experience will change his mind. He is particularly frustrated that nearly every character Song has chosen dies 55.

Expanding His Work

Defending Song Against Smears

During the River controversy, Ji receives Lu Shiyue's collected material while Stars Entertainment actively counters hostile online commentary 79.

When a later smear campaign causes brands to cancel deals, Song gives Ji records of Cloud-Watching Entertainment's threats and contract abuses. Ji promises to handle the case, sends the evidence to a major marketing account, and orders the legal department to work overtime. Stars Entertainment releases evidence and issues lawyers' letters; the scandal is resolved within two days 109.

Film Recognition and Continued Disagreements

Following Song's film success, Ji again presses him to accept a leading role. After an extended but unsuccessful argument over dinner, he concedes and tells Song to read the new script carefully, accepting that his unconventional choices have produced results 135 136.

Ji later informs Song of Number One Winner's Golden Goblet Award shortlist and prepares him for the festival. After Yin Haowen unexpectedly wins Best Actor, Ji reveals that they had expected to surprise Song with an award and assures him that the company will handle the aftermath 143 147.

Notable Quotes

“Efficiency.” 36

“Don't dwell on it. Just treat these next few days as a vacation. If I don't strip a layer of skin off them, what the hell am I doing calling myself a top agent?” 109