Yun Chen’s impression of Tianjiao Film evolved—initially a scam shell company—then unreliable—until reading the script gave him a new perspective.
He’d seen two of Teacher Zhang Guangzhen’s dramas—nothing like this style.
Co-credited with Zhang—Wen Ying’s distinct script style showed her clear contributions.
Yun Chen no longer underestimated her despite her youth.
“This script is amazing.”
Yun Chen loved the male lead’s character—opening with praise!
Though still an idol drama—it was more logical—relatable—authentic.
He struggled with Baodao’s trendy idol dramas.
From his knowledge and observations—real-life CEOs—or even idle rich heirs—wouldn’t fall for an ordinary girl with only “kindness” as a virtue.
In idol dramas—wealthy—stunning heiresses were sidelined—shining at first—then acting brainless—chasing the male lead—doing nothing productive—obsessed with being his lapdog while scheming against the Cinderella heroine. Yun Chen couldn’t relate.
Not saying real heiresses were that foolish—place an heiress and an ordinary girl together—unless the CEO was blind or an idiot—he’d pick the heiress.
An ordinary girl couldn’t outshine an heiress.
A girl’s excellence needn’t rely on wealth or looks—but beyond kindness—she needed qualities CEOs admired. Professional excellence showed ability—high emotional value was a bonus.
Professional excellence meant high intelligence.
High emotional value meant strong emotional intelligence.
A girl with both could choose partners beyond wealth or appearance.
Yun Chen liked this script’s values—no naive Cinderella waiting for a CEO—no dim-witted CEO—just two youths moving from caution—probing—understanding—to respect and connection. The heroine’s rapid growth drew the male lead—shifting his stance.
She grew under his guidance—he mended flaws—dropped arrogance—acknowledged her excellence.
Though exaggerated—Yun Chen understood—without conflict—how to hook viewers?
The script had substance—credibility—engaging audiences and Yun Chen himself.
Its quality confused him.
Tianjiao seemed a shell company—yet with this script and fair pay—casting a Baodao male lead shouldn’t have landed on a rookie like him.
Yuan Fenghui’s pay couldn’t attract Baodao’s top idols—but second—or third-tier stars were feasible.
Only then did he value Yuan Fenghui’s words.
She’d said twice that Screenwriter Wen strongly recommended him. Yun Chen couldn’t see why—but thanked Wen Ying sincerely: “Producer Yuan said you—Screenwriter Wen—pushed for me as male lead. Thank you.”
Following Yuan—the male lead affirmed Wen Ying’s role. She nodded reservedly: “No need to thank. The role fits you—that’s why I recommended you.”
It was Yun Chen’s rightful chance—Wen Ying just returned it.
Wang Shuang glanced between them—texting Xie Qian: “Wen Ying’s not just kind to us—she’s kind to others too!”
Slacker Wang—bored—sent the message casually—not expecting a reply. His phone soon rang—Xie Qian.
“Sorry—keep chatting—I’ll take this.”
Wang Shuang stepped aside.
“What’s urgent?”
Xie Qian paused: “You texted me.”
“Oh—that message…” Wang Shuang explained Yun Chen’s signing—puzzled: “Aren’t girls weird? She saw a Baodao model in a magazine—recommended him for lead. He came to Rongcheng—signed—but Yun Chen has no acting experience. Can he handle it?”
Yun Chen saw Tianjiao as a shell company—thought Wang Shuang’s producer role was a shareholder’s kid being indulged—unaware Wang Shuang doubted Yun Chen too!
A 25-year-old rookie with no experience—paired with Li Mengjiao—who’d carry whom?
Like gaming—only pros like Wang could carry theory-strong—practice-weak players like Xie Qian. With Li Mengjiao’s shot at breaking Boss Guan’s freeze—Wang Shuang was worried.
Xie Qian was silent so long—Wang Shuang thought he’d dozed off.
“Hey—you listening?”
“Is it hard?”
Xie Qian’s voice held confusion. Wang Shuang: “What’s hard?”
“Acting—is it hard? Hiring anyone works. Wen Ying’s rookie pick saved Tianjiao costs—right? Teacher Yuan’s agreement was calculated.”
Whatever Wen Ying’s reason for backing a Baodao rookie—now signed—Wang Shuang’s job was to help him improve—ensure collaboration with Li Mengjiao—not doubt his ability. That’s a producer’s role.
Wang Shuang had much to learn!
Schooled by the scholar—Wang Shuang felt ashamed for doubting Yun Chen. Xie Qian shifted—asking about tomorrow—saying he’d stop by.
Wang Shuang was touched: “Good brother—coming for me? So loyal! Tomorrow I’m with the Baodao crew—Wen Ying and Li Mengjiao will study the script with Yun Chen. I don’t need help—maybe watch Wen Ying? Those girls are younger—might get fooled by Yun Chen!”
Yun Chen fool Wen Ying?
Wang Shuang couldn’t tell who’d fool whom.
Xie Qian thought this but agreed.
He’d told Wang Shuang hiring a rookie cut costs—but knowing Wen Hamster—she wouldn’t risk a loss without confidence—pushing a Baodao rookie to Yuan Fenghui.
Wen Hamster was secretly star-chasing!
Hamster was a handful.
After neutralizing a junior high crush—now a Baodao model. With her focus scattered—did she still aim for a top university?
…
While Screenwriter Wen built rapport between leads—preparing for filming—in a Hunan club—a lavish confession unfolded.
A hall for dozens was cleared—leaving one table—surrounded by pink roses airlifted from Chuncheng—extravagant for 2005. Venue costs paled beside the flowers.
Ribbons—balloons—adorned the roses—a large TV played Xu Mei’s audition-to-finals clips. Xu Mei and Fu Jing thought it was a fan event—but it was Young Master Cao’s confession!
Cao asked Xu Mei to be his girlfriend—she’d delayed until after the first lunar month. Halfway through—he couldn’t wait.
Xu Mei’s album topped weekly sales.
Her first high-rated variety show aired.
Her rival—Li Mengjiao—was dropped by Boss Guan—even Producer Yuan Fenghui left.
Today—through Cao—Xu Mei signed her first acting contract.
Hunan TV commissioned a Baodao idol drama—securing broadcast rights pre-filming. Via Cao and Boss Guan—Xu Mei landed a co-female lead!
Her male co-star had a hit drama last year.
The other female lead—a youthful Baodao actress—was less refined.
Billed as dual leads—Xu Mei was second—but her role had nearly as many scenes as the first—richer than typical villainous sidekicks. Persuaded by Cao and Guan—she accepted.
Cao did so much—how could he let her stall? Halfway through the month—he staged this grand confession.
Entering—Xu Mei hesitated.
Cao—in a suit—hair gelled—held red roses—gazing lovingly.
Less handsome than Qin Yi—Cao’s charm was in lavish spending—turning life into an idol drama.
Xu Mei didn’t like Cao—but had accepted much help—now trapped!
Fu Jing nudged her—whispering: “Cao’s not one to toy with. Refuse—and you’re his enemy. Remember Li Mengjiao.”
Li Mengjiao’s album was shelved.
Boss Guan’s call—but Cao’s meddling ensured it.
Favors are hard to repay—Xu Mei was cornered!
As Cao knelt with roses—Xu Mei—half-reluctantly—accepted—becoming his girlfriend.
