Chapter 103: Spring (40% Forum Format)
When the news came out, The Phoenix was in the practice room. During a break, Ai Qingyuan was scrolling through Weibo when he suddenly blurted out, “What the hell?”
“No way,” he said. “What’s the meaning of this?”
Yun Pan was sitting right next to his mat. He leaned over to look at his screen while mumbling, “Brother Qingyuan, can you not be so dramatic all the—whoa!”
The other three people in the practice room: “……”
Everyone had their phones. A quick glance at the trending topics told them what was going on.
They exchanged glances. Zou Yi was the first to frown and speak. “Did we accidentally crash schedules?”
“How could that be an accident?” Fu Wenze scoffed.
He had never liked Newstar as a group from the very beginning, and now, his face was full of disdain.
Xie Xizhao stood beside him, saying nothing.
He had been the first to learn about this, so when it was confirmed, there was no trace of surprise on his face. He simply said, “Let’s keep practicing. Brother Cheng might call a meeting later, so let’s finish today’s plan first.”
The situation was set in stone. Even though each of them had their own thoughts, they still followed Xie Xizhao’s lead and continued practicing.
At 5:30 in the afternoon, their practice session ended.
Sure enough, Miao Haicheng came knocking on their practice room door.
On the large screen in the meeting room, a simple table displayed their schedule for the next month and a half. There was no smile on Miao Haicheng’s face as he got straight to the point. “One good news, one bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?”
Ai Qingyuan shrank his neck and said, “…The good one, I guess?”
“The good news is,” Miao Haicheng said, “your album has been on pre-sale for a week now, and based on the current sales data, by the time the pre-sale period ends, your sales should surpass your senior group’s.”
He paused for a moment before continuing, “According to the model projections, your final sales numbers should be double that of the previous generation.”
For idols, a comeback usually began with the first teaser and official date announcement, followed by the start of album pre-sales. The preparation period—spanning from the pre-sale phase to the official comeback—typically lasted about a month.
This month was the window for fans to purchase the album.
Generally speaking, unless an album went viral after release, most boy groups—who relied on dedicated fans—saw the bulk of their album sales happen within this one-month period.
A comeback’s success was usually judged based on three main factors:
1. Album sales during the pre-sale and comeback period.
2. The performance of the digital tracks after their official release.
3. The frequency of variety show and program promotions.
The latter two only came into play after the comeback, but sales were determined the moment the comeback date was announced.
The senior group before The Phoenix had just disbanded a while ago. They had been a top-tier group, dazzling from debut until their farewell.
Now, for The Phoenix to achieve such results meant that their starting point had already far surpassed what was once the industry’s leading group.
Everyone instantly perked up, and Xie Xizhao even looked up in surprise.
Meeting Xie Xizhao’s gaze, Miao Haicheng felt a moment of emotion.
Shenghong was serious about promoting this group, so certain things couldn’t be said outright in a meeting like this.
For example, backend data showed that nearly half of The Phoenix’s pre-sale numbers came from Xie Xizhao’s personal fans, not to mention the group-biased fans who placed orders under the official group link.
This thought only flashed through his mind for a moment.
He quickly pushed aside his emotions and spoke with a solemn tone, “The fans have already put in enough effort, so I hope all of you can hold on for the little time that remains. Do your best to ensure a strong comeback performance.”
Everyone listened in silence.
With the good news out of the way, it was time for the bad news.
But there was no need to announce it—everyone had already seen it trending.
Miao Haicheng let out a breath and said, “Newstar’s comeback is happening at the same time as ours. In terms of variety show slots and music show rankings after the release, you all need to mentally prepare for the worst.”
—
Miao Haicheng wasn’t just saying this to be dramatic.
Almost the moment the topic hit the trending charts, sharp-eyed users in the entertainment forums had already started a new discussion thread.
[NS and TP’s comeback at the same time? This is going to be fun.]
1L: These two groups clashing? This should be interesting.
2L: Comeback date overlaps aren’t that rare, but the whole world thought this wouldn’t happen—one of them had already officially announced their date. The fact that they still ended up clashing head-on is crazy. These two have had beef before, right? Are they finally going all in?
3L: Was it over that Visual Peak ranking thing last time?
Who won that poll again?
4L: Xue Zixiao.
5L: It’s hilarious. Back then, TP’s C-position fans were calling for a truce, but Xue Zixiao’s wife (aka his fans) personally jumped in to push votes. Even then, the final vote difference was so small it was practically negligible. Guess the general public still had eyes.
6L: The vote gap was “negligible,” but he still lost, huh? 🙂
Instead of being passive-aggressive here, maybe Xie Xizhao’s fans should go control the narrative under the trending topic.
How come your so-called top-tier idol from a survival show can’t even outmaneuver an “washed-up” senior group?
7L: Yikes, the tension is real.
8L: Wait, they actually lost control of the comments?
That’s weird—I remember Xie Xizhao’s fans being pretty aggressive when it comes to fighting back.
9L: Obviously…
This is NS’s comeback trending topic. What would TP fans even be controlling there?
They’d get flamed to death.
10L: They’re already starting to push back now.
Not surprising for a survival show group—the way their upvotes shoot up, tsk.
But yeah, TP and NS are officially rivals now. The fandom war outside is insane—so bad even stray dogs would run away from the chaos.
11L: Honestly, I get why TP fans are pissed.
Based on their fanbase alone, they should’ve been able to secure at least five #1 music show wins with no issue. But now, an older group just randomly pops up out of nowhere? And it’s not like TP didn’t already announce their comeback date ages ago. The timing is… weird.
I mean, NS just came back—was it really necessary to squeeze into this exact window? It just feels off.
(Not saying they can’t come back now, just that it’s sus.)
12L: Exactly. TP fans probably feel like they just swallowed a fly—completely disgusted but unable to say anything about it.
Because the moment they complain, people will hit them with: “Does your group own the entire entertainment industry? Why should others make way for you?”
If I were in their shoes, I’d be fuming.
13L: Comeback clashes happen. Sometimes, it’s just bad luck. Album production takes ages, after all…
NS works hard—they’re practically workaholics. I feel like this really could’ve just been a coincidence.
14L: So can someone explain how comeback clashes actually affect things?
I’m new to this fandom stuff and still kinda confused. O.O
15L: Ah, this is actually pretty simple. Let me break it down.
So, TP just debuted and doesn’t have any past records to go off, but based on public perception, they should be considered a first-tier group (?). Their actual standing will depend on how this debut goes. NS, on the other hand, is well-established—they’re a first-tier group that’s just shy of reaching the absolute top. So right now, their popularity levels seem pretty evenly matched.
The debut and comeback process is basically the same: drop an album, promote on music shows, and appear on variety programs.
Comeback success is usually determined by:
- Digital chart rankings—especially daily charts, which measure the song’s position around 20 hours post-release.
- Sales numbers—album purchase figures.
- Broadcast points—how many variety shows and programs they appear on.
All of these factors are quantified into the “No.1” metric—the number of times a group wins first place on weekly music shows. Generally, a comeback’s success is judged by how many wins they rack up and how long they can maintain their digital chart rankings.
So, what happens when two popular groups clash?
1. Variety Show Scheduling:
There are only a handful of major variety shows that invite survival show idols. A group making a comeback would typically get to appear on all of them, but now, they have to compete for those prime slots.
2. Fanbase Splitting:
These two groups may be at war online, but let’s be real—there’s definitely some overlap in their fanbases. When both groups promote at the same time, fans have to decide who gets their money.
3. The Biggest Problem—Music Show Wins:
TP originally had a great strategy. Their timing was perfect—most of the strong competitors had already wrapped up their promos, including a popular girl group and their senior group’s disbandment album.
With no major threats in sight, TP could’ve easily dominated this period. It’s early in the year, which is also great for boosting their year-end award eligibility. Plus, February 14th (Valentine’s Day) is coming up—another strategic advantage.
…Yeah, I have to admit, Shenghong really knows how to pick a release window.
What was supposed to be a no-contest victory for TP has now turned into a real fight.
16L: Upstairs covered most of it, but I want to add one more thing. Comeback overlaps happen all the time, but TP’s reaction this time is especially intense for two reasons:
They already had beef with NS before.
NS has a history of doing this.
Remember the Victory incident?
17L: Oh yeah, I remember.
After Victory disbanded, the members left their company, and one of them was preparing for a solo debut. The timing just happened to overlap with NS’s second comeback, right when NS was blowing up in popularity.
They debuted in the same week. That soloist ended up with zero music show wins.
Not naming names, but it was brutal. Of course, people said it was just a coincidence back then too. Believe what you want.
18L: …That’s so scummy.
19L: So, does anyone have an actual analysis on who’s going to win this time? Reading all this is making me mad.
20L: It’s honestly hard to say.
Yeah, Renyu (NS’s company) pulls shady moves all the time, but they do know how to manipulate public attention. NS has some insanely dedicated fans—like, cult-level dedication.
That last voting event? Most people were just casually participating for fun, and a lot of solo stans didn’t even bother to vote.
Also, there’s another problem with their fanbase. TP fans need to be careful…
21L: The ocean… so much water…
22L: AAAAAAAHHH!!
23L: Our poor little group…
TP is just a baby phoenix that’s only just hatched!
Please have mercy on us!
—
——It’s impossible to let it go.
In Renyu’s top-floor practice room, Zheng Yunli was repeatedly rehearsing a key move from their title track in front of the mirror. Sweat dripped from his forehead as he panted heavily. As the intense music finally stopped, he exhaled deeply and crouched down to grab a water bottle.
But when he tried to twist the cap open, his hands were trembling so much that he couldn’t manage it.
A hand reached over and took the bottle from him, effortlessly unscrewing the cap before handing it back.
Zheng Yunli was silent for a moment before finally muttering, “Thanks.”
“Take it easy,” Xue Zixiao said. “Slacking on stage is one thing, but if you overtrain and can’t perform, you’re dragging down the whole group.”
Zheng Yunli tilted his head back and took a gulp of water. Cool liquid trickled down his jaw, soaking into his sweat-drenched shirt.
Then, with a note of impatience, he muttered, “I know.”
The air grew quiet for a moment.
Zheng Yunli finally spoke. “What’s the public opinion like right now?”
“Same as usual.” Xue Zixiao looked away and took a sip from his own bottle, sounding indifferent. “Sister Tong said PR is keeping an eye on it. This whole situation is tricky, but whatever—coincidence or not, we just stick to our story.”
Zheng Yunli’s fingers tightened around his bottle.
After a brief silence, he asked, “What if we lose?”
Xue Zixiao let out a sharp laugh. “Do you really have that little faith in yourself and your team?”
His tone was laced with contempt. Zheng Yunli held back his irritation, but the provocation was too much—he snapped, “They’re a survival show group. You think just having a pretty face is enough to make it in this industry? If looks were everything, you wouldn’t stand a chance against Xie Xizhao.”
Xue Zixiao’s expression darkened. “Zheng Yunli, what the hell is that supposed to mean?”
The teammate who had been silently pretending to be deaf finally couldn’t hold back anymore. With a sigh, he stepped in to mediate—for the countless time.
“Enough, stop arguing. Cool down, both of you. Yunli, ease up a little. Brother Xue was just as frustrated about that situation back then.”
Zheng Yunli shut his eyes for a moment.
Normally, their arguments ended here.
But today, Xue Zixiao didn’t turn and walk away as expected.
Eyes closed, Zheng Yunli heard him speak.
“I know what you’re worried about,” Xue Zixiao said. “I just want to say—it’s unnecessary.”
Zheng Yunli opened his eyes.
Xue Zixiao met his gaze, his voice calm.
“Winning is, of course, ideal. But even in the worst-case scenario—if every strategy fails, if our results really don’t measure up—it doesn’t matter. Like you said, they’re a survival show group. Losing by a few points to them isn’t disgraceful.”
“What matters most is that if we lose, it proves TP has real momentum. That means we’ve been competing head-to-head with an emerging top-tier group. People will recognize us as their rivals. We won’t be nameless nobodies.”
“Do you get it?”
Zheng Yunli froze.
Xue Zixiao averted his gaze. “I know you hate this, but what can you do? That’s how this industry works. If you don’t fight shamelessly, you’ll stay clean, sure—but a few years down the line, who’s even going to remember you?”
“Enough sulking,” he added. “Sister Tong said we need to do a livestream later. Grab some food first, then come with me.”
—
That evening, NS’s youngest member and their visual finally went live together for the first time in a long while.
CP fans went wild.
The two did not disappoint their CP fans. That night, the hashtag #FengHuaXueLiInLove once again became a trending topic. During the livestream, they actively promoted their new album.
Two days later, NS launched the pre-sale for their new album.
A major NS fan personally stepped in and wrote a long post, listing the various “baseless accusations” NS had faced over the past two days and attaching the album purchase link at the end.
A week later, NS and TP fans clashed again over the comeback.
The conflict started when TP released the teaser for their new MV, in which the wording “seemingly” contained a jab at the overlapping comeback dates. A prominent NS fan pointed it out.
The argument dragged on for a long time, and even on the day of NS’s comeback, various trending topics were still filled with fans throwing subtle and not-so-subtle jabs at each other.
At 8 PM that night, NS officially released their new music and MV.
The song debuted at No. 27 on the daily charts, and the MV’s views quickly surpassed 50 million.
Although this was not the best comeback result in NS’s history, compared to their previous debut at No. 45, it was a solid improvement.
NS fans finally breathed a sigh of relief.
At this moment, however, the pressure shifted to TP fans.
On February 13, after NS’s debut ranking was revealed, TP fans’ morale took a slight hit. Though they outwardly maintained an “undefeated” attitude, deep down, they had begun to feel uneasy.
February 14…
On the morning of February 14, Xie Xizhao woke up early.
While heading out for his morning run, he greeted Zou Yi before leaving with Fu Wenze.
As they got into the car, Fu Wenze handed him a scarf.
“It’s already spring!” Xie Xizhao said.
“He would think you’re cold,” Fu Wenze said. “Do you want to put it on now, or would you rather go to my place later and have him personally wrap you up in a full set of pink and white fluffy rabbit-themed scarf and gloves?”
Xie Xizhao: “…”
The corner of his mouth twitched. In the end, he took the scarf and wrapped it around his neck.
The car started.
He looked out the window.
It had rained the night before, and now fresh sprouts were emerging from the roadside grass.
Spring had arrived.
