Falling into Place[Entertainment Industry]
Shi Liu Chun Ling
On the first anniversary of NebulaX's debut, the company announced two pieces of news simultaneously. Member Jiang Xuxi withdrew from the group due to injury, while Lin Xiangbei—a new member transferred from the film and television division—was parachuted in on the same day to fill the vacancy and begin participating in group activities. NebulaX skyrocketed to fame upon debut, with their first album's title track landing at #1. In just a year, they had carved out a place among top-tier groups amidst fierce competition. Just when everything was on track for their rise, Jiang Xuxi left the group— Lin Xiangbei’s last-minute replacement of an original member was akin to a drop of water falling into a boiling oil pot. The fans’ vehement backlash was predictable. At their first public appearance, the tense and awkward dynamic between the new member and leader Zhou Yubai caught fans’ attention. The two didn’t exchange so much as a glance, fueling rumors of discord within the group from their very first appearance together. The company’s statement: *They’re not familiar.* The fans didn’t buy it at all. To quell the backlash and dispel rumors of discord, the company scrambled for a solution— Seat them side by side during fan-sign events, pair them for joint stages at meet-and-greets. Their manager’s words brooked no argument: *"If all else fails, fake it. Fake it till it becomes real."* Lin Xiangbei: *"……"* Zhou Yubai: *"……"* * Years later. Lin Xiangbei went from the worst beginning to the brightest future, finding his own little planet in the boundless nebula. *Main group focus, slow-burn, early discord rumors, later mutual pining, all members are lovable, no angst~* *Features variety show segments, mechanics inspired by real-life shows~*