In the film and television industry, the script is the cornerstone. Without a good script, even the best production team and talented actors cannot perform to their potential.
However, screenwriters often hold a relatively low status in this industry chain. It’s common for scripts to be revised after completion, and some big-name actors even bring their own writers to the set, making changes during filming. The final film or TV product often bears little resemblance to the original script. It’s even more typical for scripts to be altered before shooting begins. If a big star signs on but is dissatisfied with their role, the script must be revised to appease them.
Make the character’s persona more likable.
Increase their screen time.
Adjust the character’s billing.
Zhang Guangzhen’s script was sent back for revisions due to exactly this situation.
Yu Tianlin wanted to join the project. With Yu’s popularity and fame, he far outshone Xu Mei and the coal tycoon’s mistress. Yu’s willingness to participate was practically an act of charity, helping to promote newcomers.
When Zhang Guangzhen took on the commission, Cao Shao’s request was to appear to promote the coal tycoon’s mistress while subtly increasing Xu Mei’s screen time. Other demands were secondary, so Zhang focused primarily on shaping these two female characters, giving only cursory attention to the male lead.
The script was nearly complete when Yu Tianlin suddenly decided to join and complained that the male lead’s role wasn’t substantial enough and the character wasn’t well-developed.
After a discussion, Cao Shao and the coal tycoon decided they couldn’t pass up Yu Tianlin, the guarantee of high ratings.
“Meet Yu Tianlin’s demands as much as possible!”
With a single word from the moneyed investor, Zhang Guangzhen’s workload skyrocketed.
For a fee of one million, Zhang had only received half, with the other half still unpaid. Upon hearing that Yu Tianlin would play the male lead, Zhang nearly wanted to forfeit the remaining payment.
Zhang Guangzhen was well aware of the feud between the Miracle Group and Yuan Fenghui!
It was Yuan Fenghui who persuaded him not to let money slip away or worry about her side.
After all, a foolishly rich coal tycoon like this was a rare opportunity. Unlike Yuan Fenghui, who had shifted her career focus entirely to the mainland and could ignore the entertainment circle in Taiwan, Zhang Guangzhen couldn’t.
If Zhang rejected Yu Tianlin’s demands, he wouldn’t just offend Yu but risk alienating Taiwan’s small entertainment industry, where he still needed to make a living.
Yuan Fenghui had no objections.
But Zhang wasn’t a pushover either. For a one-million fee, he’d do one million’s worth of work. The script was already finished, and now they wanted changes… they’d need to pay extra!
When Yuan Fenghui explained the situation, even the excitable Wang Shuang had no complaints about Zhang Guangzhen.
Wang Shuang’s issue was with Yu Tianlin!
Yu Tianlin coming to the mainland to shoot—what script couldn’t he find? Yet he chose to team up with Cao Shao’s group. Even Wang Shuang could see through his intentions.
Furious and anxious, Wang Shuang glanced at Xie Qian, who seemed unbothered, then at Wen Ying, who wasn’t angry but actually smiling.
“What are you laughing at?”
Yuan Fenghui smiled too.
Wang Shuang’s youthful impulsiveness was normal. Young people have passion and genuinely care about Yuan Fenghui’s situation. Having experienced betrayal, Yuan knew how precious sincerity was.
Wang Shuang, Wen Ying, and their group of young friends might change in the future, but for now, they genuinely cared about Yuan Fenghui.
Softened, Yuan asked Wen Ying to explain to Wang Shuang.
“Wait a moment, the recording is almost done. I’ll go check on things.”
Li Mengjiao had noticed the commotion, and if Yuan didn’t head over, the easily distracted Li would surely lose focus.
Though less outwardly emotional than Wang Shuang, Zhang Yangning was equally invested, listening eagerly for Wen Ying’s explanation.
After Yuan left, Wen Ying didn’t keep them in suspense and patiently explained why she was laughing: “I’m happy. If Yu Tianlin were filming another project, it might threaten Tianjiao’s second series. But he chose Cao Shao’s team… This project, with three parties pulling in different directions, each with their own agenda, even if Teacher Zhang Guangzhen manages to write a script that satisfies all three, it doesn’t mean it’ll translate into a good show!”
What was Cao Shao’s expectation for Zhang Guangzhen’s script?
To promote Xu Mei!
Yuan Fenghui mentioned that, besides Cao Shao, the biggest investor was a coal tycoon whose goal was to make his mistress famous and profit from the project. The tycoon might have money, but he wasn’t foolish. Investing tens of millions wasn’t just to please his mistress; he wanted a return. With that much money, he could buy any gift, but throwing it away without a splash wouldn’t do!
These were already two major demands.
Now add Yu Tianlin.
Yu’s participation likely stemmed from knowing about the deep conflict between Guan Zong and Yuan Fenghui. The enemy of an enemy is a friend, so Yu was rallying forces against Yuan.
Plus, Yu was ambitious about the mainland market.
Look at Yun Chen, who shot to fame with his debut lead role in a hit show. How could Yu not be tempted?
Tempted, he wanted to climb higher, pushing Zhang Guangzhen to add more scenes for the male lead!
“With a project carrying so many conflicting ‘expectations’ before it even starts, do you think it’s more likely to be a hit or a flop?”
What did this show do wrong? It’s still a child, unable to bear such a heavy burden!
Though Teacher Zhang Guangzhen wasn’t a child, facing demands from three sides to add scenes, he’d probably lose plenty of hair.
Wen Ying felt sorry for Zhang Guangzhen, and Wang Shuang finally got it.
Pfft—
Wang Shuang let out a laugh, covering his mouth, mumbling, “By your logic, it’s not just three parties’ expectations. Guan Zong will probably stick his foot in too!”
Not only Wang Shuang but Zhang Yangning understood as well.
Zhang Yangning whispered, “It’s better if Guan Zong gets involved… heh.”
Guan Zong was useless, only where he was because of his wife, Liang Dan.
If Guan Zong meddled, it increased the chances of their rivals failing.
At this thought, Zhang Yangning couldn’t help but smile.
He hoped heaven would bless Guan Zong’s smooth investment!
Wang Shuang and Zhang Yangning were delighted, but Xie Qian’s expression didn’t lighten, his mind racing.
Wen Ying described the best-case scenario.
Sure, their rivals had plenty of internal conflicts, but hoping they’d mess up and flop was relying on others’ mistakes.
It’s better to rely on yourself. In the end, if Wen Ying’s independent work and Tianjiao’s upcoming new show were strong enough, it wouldn’t matter whether Yu Tianlin starred in Cao Shao’s project or whether their show succeeded.
Wasn’t *Jade Forest* a hit?
Yet *The Princess’s New Clothes* crushed it!
If Tianjiao’s new show was strong, Yu Tianlin’s schemes wouldn’t matter. Li Mengjiao and Yun Chen would keep shining.
Most importantly, this would be the show that truly made Wen Ying’s name, with no Zhang Guangzhen or other writers—just Wen Ying’s independent script!
