Princess’s New Clothes carried the expectations of many, some hoping for its success, others wishing for its failure.
In the evening, Xie Qian, unusually, didn’t stay in his study but came downstairs.
The living room on the first floor was usually Liu Auntie’s domain. Neither Xie Qian nor Zou Weijun liked watching TV, but Liu Auntie was a drama enthusiast, well-versed in Taiwan idol dramas. Last month, she watched every episode of Emerald Forest on Hunan TV.
Was Emerald Forest good?
Liu Auntie thought so.
But soon after it ended, she could barely recall the plot, only remembering the mixed-race handsome male lead, the equally attractive supporting male, the chubby, cute female lead, and the slightly villainous female supporting role. The storyline was the usual “you love me, I love her, she loves him,” nothing special, just a different setting.
Tonight was the premiere of Princess’s New Clothes, and Liu Auntie had prepared fruit in advance, locking in Hunan TV.
This drama was different. The female lead was Xie Qian’s classmate, and the screenwriter was too. Liu Auntie liked Wen Ying and was eager to watch.
When Xie Qian came downstairs, Liu Auntie made room for him. Two minutes before the broadcast, Zou Weijun hurried home.
Setting down her bag, Zou Weijun sat on the sofa.
Liu Auntie stood up, “Haven’t you eaten?”
She offered to cook, but Zou Weijun stopped her, “Sit down, I ate out.”
She hadn’t rushed back for food but to watch Princess’s New Clothes.
TV dramas are more fun with family.
With Li Mengjiao as the lead and Wen Ying as the screenwriter, Zou Weijun had to see it.
During filming, Xie Qian had even invested some money!
Zou Weijun turned to her son, “Didn’t you attend an internal screening? Why watch again?”
Xie Qian, unfazed, said, “The version at Tianjiao’s screening differs from the final TV cut. I haven’t seen this one.”
Ha, Xie Qian used to avoid all TV versions, calling them a waste of time!
Zou Weijun nodded with a smile, choosing not to expose her son’s excuse.
Having friends and things to care about was good for Xie Qian’s emotions, as their psychologist had said.
Initially, Zou Weijun saw the psychologist weekly, then biweekly. At their last session, the doctor said they could switch to monthly visits.
Both mother and son sat on the sofa watching TV. Liu Auntie was a bit nervous, but as the drama started, she became engrossed.
…
The Li family was lively tonight.
Li Mengjiao’s family of three wasn’t at home but at her grandparents’ place. After retiring, Grandpa Li settled in a modest house in Chengdu. His children, successful, had made the house comfortable and clean, with a small courtyard. Open the door, and it’s a bustling street; close it, and it’s a private world.
Tonight, the Li family gathered to watch the premiere of Princess’s New Clothes.
Having a big star in the family, they initially didn’t understand Li Zhentao and his wife’s choice, but seeing Li Mengjiao’s success, they hoped she’d keep shining.
The Li family wasn’t wealthy but had some standing in Chengdu. Being a star was fine, but no bad habits!
To support his daughter, Li Zhentao founded Tianjiao, using his savings, friends’ investments, and family funds.
Tonight, they ate hotpot, setting up three lively tables in the courtyard. Before the premiere, they cleared the dishes, tidied the tables, and set out sliced watermelon and pistachios.
Adults chatted, kids ran around the courtyard, the atmosphere rivaling New Year’s.
Before the broadcast, relatives praised Li Mengjiao’s acting.
“Don’t overhype her for her first role,” Li’s mother said, grinning but trying to stay humble.
Li Mengjiao, unfamiliar with humility, thought she acted brilliantly. The script was tailor-made for her, the perfect “saddle” for her entertainment career!
“My friend’s script is great!”
“They initially hired a Taiwan screenwriter, whose script was good but not right for me. My friend revised it, and that’s the version you’ll see.”
“My agent is amazing too.”
“My dad and Uncle Qin put in so much.”
“The male lead, Yun Chen, acted well.”
To Li Mengjiao, Princess’s New Clothes was a collective effort. She wanted to praise everyone, her innocence untouched by the entertainment industry’s darker side.
If possible, Li Zhentao wanted to protect that purity forever.
“It’s starting, it’s starting, quiet down.”
…
At the Wang family.
The intern producer’s name wasn’t yet in the credits, but Princess’s New Clothes embodied Wang Shuang’s hard work. Tonight, Wang Jun skipped all engagements to watch with his wife and son.
Wang Shuang, the academic underachiever, was given a break. Xie Qian hadn’t sent new practice tests.
After a summer of grinding, Wang Shuang’s foundation had improved significantly. Starting senior year, he could actually understand the teacher!
Excited but reserved, Wang Shuang waited for the next exam to gauge his progress.
Wang Jun’s wife initially opposed his investment in the film company.
Their business was profitable, so why dabble in films? Was Wang Jun scheming to play sugar daddy to starlets?
But after the company was set up, Wang Jun barely got involved, while Wang Shuang ran around, pouring in effort.
A woman judges her husband and son differently. A husband flirting is unforgivable, but a son charming girls is a skill. If he were dull, wouldn’t he stay single forever?
Unlike other kids, Wang Shuang had countless early romances, each with a different girl. His mother worried he’d harm someone.
Now, he’d stopped chasing girls, started studying, and was learning to earn money. Wang Jun’s wife was relieved.
“This drama’s quality isn’t up to you; the audience decides. I recommended it to friends, and I’ll hear feedback tomorrow!”
Wang Jun’s wife, a TV buff, loved idol dramas from Meteor Garden to Blue Love and even Tokyo Love Story. Few idol dramas impressed her now.
Wang Jun laughed, “Just watch, it’s better than typical romance dramas. Tianjiao only produces quality!”
Of course!
Wang Shuang raised his chin. This wasn’t an ordinary drama. From the female lead to the screenwriter to the producer, all were “strong.” Only the male lead was slightly weaker.
No rush, the strong can carry the weak!
