Chapter 109: Faceless Internet Celebrity (Part 6):
If that comparison photo hadn’t been posted by a fan, the narrative might have been very different. The attention of the public could have easily shifted to the so-called “ugly photo” Li Jiang had circulated.
This scenario had happened to the original owner in the previous timeline. Back then, Li Jiang only released the photo after the original owner tried to expose him much later. By that time, the fans had moved on, and the public sentiment wasn’t on his side.
But now, things were unfolding differently, almost like a butterfly effect. Jiang Feng’s proactive approach—exposing the issue early with undeniable evidence—had shifted the tide in his favor. The fans already supported him, and the release of the “ugly photo” only made them more empathetic.
Especially after netizens edited the photo to remove the acne, revealing Jiang Feng’s stunning features, no one cared about the photo Li Jiang had shared. Instead, fans were more focused on how they could help Jiang Feng clear his skin.
The comment section was filled with advice:
[We’re rooting for you! Please document your acne removal journey from start to finish—we’ll be here for every step!]
[Your boss must be regretting his decisions now. He never believed you were handsome because of the acne. I can’t wait to see him get slapped in the face by the truth!]
Fans even requested Jiang Feng to chronicle his acne removal process on his new Weibo account.
Realizing the potential of this idea, Jiang Feng decided to act on it. Documenting his progress would not only engage fans but also set a new tone for his content.
…
The studio members who had followed Jiang Feng after resigning were initially hesitant about his plan to show his face on video.
Wang Wei, holding the camera, scratched his head nervously. “Brother Feng, are you sure about this? I mean, going on camera with your face still healing… won’t it affect your followers?”
He hesitated before continuing, “I don’t mean you’re not good-looking, but the acne hasn’t completely cleared. Wearing makeup might even make it worse.”
Xiao Li nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I think Wei Wei is right. Maybe keep wearing the mask for now. It’ll build more anticipation among the fans.”
Others chimed in:
“Exactly! Don’t rush into it. Fans might not react the way you hope.”
“We need to maintain this momentum. The new account is doing great—don’t take unnecessary risks.”
Their concerns were valid. Jiang Feng’s new Weibo account had already gained 500,000 followers within just a few days, with thousands more joining daily. Even without posting videos, the follower count kept climbing. It was only a matter of time before he surpassed his previous account’s fan base.
…
Lily, another member of the team, spoke earnestly. “Boss, everyone loved the photos showing your transformation, but that’s because they were edited. Subconsciously, people assume your face already looks like the post-Photoshop version. If you reveal your face now…”
Her voice trailed off, but the implication was clear: revealing a less-than-perfect face might shatter fans’ expectations.
Jiang Feng smiled at their worried expressions. “Relax, I’ve thought this through. My acne has improved a lot in the past few days. It won’t be a big problem now, especially with a little help from filters.”
He took off his mask, revealing a face that was much clearer than before. Half of the acne had faded, leaving his complexion looking significantly cleaner. He now resembled the photoshopped version more than anyone expected.
“Damn!” Wang Wei exclaimed, staring in disbelief. “Boss, your face… How did this happen so quickly?”
The others were equally stunned, their eyes wide as though they had seen a miracle.
Jiang Feng chuckled, holding up a domestic anti-acne product. “Maybe it’s this. I’ve been using it, and the results are pretty good. I think I can manage a live broadcast without makeup now.”
He had already anticipated fans asking about his skincare routine. Instead of promoting imported products, Jiang Feng decided to endorse a domestic brand.
…
In the background, the system buzzed in with its characteristic sarcasm:
[Host, you’re lying. The improvement is obviously thanks to the Lingquan detoxifying vegetables in your space.]
Jiang Feng smirked. “So what? I’ve checked this brand’s credentials. It’s a quality product, just not well-known. Promoting it is my way of supporting domestic goods.”
[Boss, how could I possibly have an opinion? By the way, I should mention—the male protagonist of this world isn’t Li Mingming. It’s an internet celebrity named Ozawa.]
“Ozawa?” Jiang Feng raised an eyebrow. “I don’t think the original owner ever crossed paths with him.”
The system clarified:
[That’s correct. Ozawa didn’t directly interact with the original owner, but he did inspire him. The original owner admired Ozawa greatly. The original owner’s wish was for you to surpass Ozawa and become an even greater global star. However, you can’t harm him—just outshine him.]
“Got it.”
Jiang Feng reviewed the details of the original owner’s wish. While ambitious, it didn’t seem impossible to achieve.
…
Returning to the office, Jiang Feng placed his phone on the table and turned on the camera. He was ready to start recording the next chapter of his journey.