Seoul, Yangcheon District, Mok-dong — Inside SBS Corporation
SBS is one of Korea's top three TV broadcasters and the only private nationwide station. Sounds impressive, but like its Japanese counterparts, it can be stingy.
"Chu Zhi's side hasn't replied," said Director Zhao in the secretary office.
Drama producer Manager Cao wasn't too concerned. They'd already made a lowball offer expecting nothing—they were prepared for rejection.
"Send another invitation to Chu Zhi's team," Manager Cao decided.
Back in his inbox, Director Zhao saw the second offer: ₩2 billion Korean won (¥10 million RMB) in pay, plus 15% revenue share. Korean top-tier stars can earn ₩300 million per episode (¥2 million RMB), so for a 20-episode drama that's ¥40 million RMB—what made this offer big was the unheard-of 15% share. No one in Korea had ever gotten that, not even those famed "Four Horsemen of Chungmuro."
The project was You Came from the Stars, a collaboration between SBS and Netflix.
"Oh, so Netflix is fronting the money," Zhao realized. He chuckled—capitalists could be foolish, assuming the Asian film success all hinged on a Chinese star.
"You Came from the Stars will struggle to turn a profit," he personally thought. Still, his job was to deliver, so he forwarded it to Chu Zhi's management.
Chu Zhi's team received the offer and—out of respect for his time—collected Manager Qian and Wang Yuan to discuss it before bothering Chu Zhi.
Last time, it was Manager Qian who supported taking When You Close Your Eyes—and it turned out right.
"The script is just average romance," Manager Qian noted. "The only twist: the male lead is an alien. His personality's cold and mostly emotionless. Little acting required."
Wang Yuan, after re-reading, disagreed completely: "The male lead—Professor Bai—is a dream for many women. If Chu Zhi plays him, women will adore him."
"Really?" Manager Qian was skeptical.
"You still don't understand women," Wang Yuan replied.
"I don't?" Manager Qian was shocked.
"That's just level three. Women fantasize on level five," Wang Yuan explained. "This character hits those fantasies."
"So…you recommend we accept?" Manager Qian pressed.
"We could, or not," said Wang Yuan. "Chu Zhi doesn't need this; the project needs him. The price's a bargain. Filming is about 50 days—that's manageable."
Moderator Niú Jiangxue agreed—time is money, especially for someone like Chu Zhi.
Niú Jiangxue gathered both views and asked Chu Zhi for his input.
Meanwhile, in orange‑home app and forums…
Little Fruits posted study blessings and exam luck:
"Brother Jiu, please guide me through every question!"
"Good luck for agate university!"
"My prayers go out to Brother Jiu. 🍀"
User "Xiaomeng" softly whispered:"I hope I can do well too."
Her friend Keke ran over after school, wildly babbling:"I want to give everything up for one tree!"Keke meant—she tries every fandom.
"But you're a loyal fan," Xiaomeng rolled her eyes. Then Keke showed her a video:
Chu Zhi (direct address to fans):
"Hello, Little Fruits—be sure to bring your IDs and admission tickets, and don't forget stationery!
I wrote a song just for exam vibes—'Proud Young Man' (aka Go For It, Little Fruits)!
I used to be a naive, tearful child. Ten years later, I know if I give my all, I can't fail.
Run, proud young souls! Let your youth blaze with determination!
Even with scars, no regrets. When no one cheers, you still hope—after the rain, rainbows shine magnificent…"
Tears welled in Xiaomeng's eyes.
Keke announced: "I'm officially a Little Fruit now—name changed to 'Brother Jiu's Non-Fan GF Kk'!"Xiaomeng frowned at how shameless she was—but proud for her friend too.
Within hours, #GoForItLittleFruits and #ProudYoungMen trended across platforms.
"Oh wow, I wish I had done exam papers after listening."
Students posted heartfelt thanks—hundreds of thousands of messages overnight.
Social commentary
This sparked major reflection:
Scholar Xiao Yue compared fandoms and praised Chu Zhi's positive energy, planning research on "The Meaning of Idol Influence."
Unlike typical "involution"—competition for clout—Chu Zhi turned it into inspirational creation, writing a lead single–level song just to encourage fans taking exams.