Despite the high production costs for The Princess’s New Clothes, Tianjiao Entertainment spared no expense, resulting in a polished drama that impressed test screening audiences. However, the 18.2 million yuan budget pressured Yuan Fenghui to sell the broadcast rights for more than that to turn a profit, especially since the funds came from multiple investors, not just Li Zhentao. Wen Ying, confident in the drama’s quality and Li Mengjiao’s popularity, believed it could fetch at least 1 million yuan per episode, ensuring her 500,000 yuan investment would yield a profit of 200,000–300,000 yuan.
Deng Yaomei, initially timid due to her low education, showed remarkable growth by articulately analyzing the drama’s title and themes, linking The Princess’s New Clothes to The Emperor’s New Clothes. She understood the story’s core: Xiao Meng’s fake identity as a billionaire’s granddaughter, her struggle with a false persona, and her ultimate return to authenticity, which resonated deeply. This reflected Yaomei’s progress in comprehension and expression, achieved in under a year with Wen Ying’s tutoring.
The drama’s nuanced characters and grounded storytelling broadened its appeal beyond typical idol drama audiences, earning praise from diverse viewers like Qin Xianming and Wang Jun. Qin, a cultured businessman, urged Tianjiao to plan a second drama in the same style, prioritizing Wen Ying’s scripts to maintain quality over chasing ratings. Yuan Fenghui revealed Wen Ying’s significant contributions, securing her name in the screenwriter credits alongside Zhang Guangzhen, a surprise that Wen Ying accepted proudly, having earned both fame and profit.
Geng Xiao and Tang Yifeng, unaware of Wen Ying’s pivotal role, felt left out among Shrimp King shareholders, while Yang Xi, though hooked on the drama, stayed silent to maintain her tough image. The drama’s success, built on a 650,000 yuan per-episode budget (far above the 400,000 yuan industry average), justified the 18.2 million yuan cost, funded by Wen Ying (500,000), Xie Qian (3 million), Tianjiao (8.7 million), and a 6 million yuan loan. With Li Mengjiao’s star power and Hunan Satellite TV as a likely buyer, the drama promised strong returns, validating Tianjiao’s investment.
