Face it.
When one is the King of Mandopop and the second richest on Forbes' China celebrity list, safety and security become important issues, especially when travelling to countries with crowds of fans who are just dying to catch a glimpse, cop a feel or take whatever photos they can manage with their mobiles.
Pics of Jay arriving in and departing from airports, train stations, hotels and what-have-you frequently show up on weibo and over the years, his entourage of staff and security guards have become familiar faces to fans and onlookers alike.
Their job is to look fierce, act tough yet not to aggravate whilst protecting Jay and getting him safely to where he is supposed to arrive at, in one piece.
For that, I am immensely grateful to them.
I only know the name of his most prominent guard, Xia Ban Zhang (夏班长).
He is the tall strong-jawed guy with the ponytail (see if you can recognise him in the pics below!), who is ever-present beside Jay, most usually when he is in China.
One of the most endearing images ever caught was of Xia Ban Zhang holding the umbrella for Jay during a rain-soaked concert in China in 2013. The fans loved it!
And another umbrella shot during a rehearsal, also in China.
More familiar faces
Jay does not hesitate to show his appreciation for them and has often been seen celebrating their birthdays if the dates coincide with their assignments for him.
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So those were the official bodyguards.
We now come to two 'unofficial' guards, Jay's personal trainers who have become his friends, fellow performers in his concerts and MVs and also help in protecting him on his frequent travels.
This hottie here is Hulk 浩克, but don't for a moment think he is anything like the green monster in The Avengers.
I've had the pleasure of meeting him at the airport and chatting with him and he is one of the sweetest guys ever, not to mention also having a most adorable dimple!
Hulk was also one of Jay's groomsmen at his wedding in Selby Abbey. :)
I have not found out the other guy's name but he is equally hunky; just a little more shy. ;)
Watch them in the MV for Ukulele:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QqpEvN2Xd8
And in Opus Jay:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu3QV3rFz2s
Catch Hulk in the fairytale wedding:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s34fl3eFYMc
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Anyway, Jay has just arrived in Shanghai, flanked by, yup, Xia Ban Zhang:
https://www.facebook.com/jaychoudiaoness/posts/678597228911617
He is there to record for The Voice of China, where he will be one of the mentors.
Due for broadcast in July, fans everywhere are eagerly waiting to see him on that stage in this new role.
Keep watching the Page!
