Director Hu, known in the industry as "Old Hu," smoked several cigarettes, feeling somewhat despondent. As the producer pointed out, over the years, he had drifted among various production companies, making one subpar film after another.
When he first entered the industry, he had dreams of making great films, but circumstances forced him to compromise. Recently, the influence of top actors had begun to surpass that of directors. He often found himself reduced to a mere assistant, catering to the whims of the stars.
But now, a big-shot investor had shown confidence in him, saying that he should take charge. This rekindled a spark of ambition in his heart. Even though he was working on an idol drama, he wanted to make it a top-rated one that everyone would enjoy.
The group discussed matters late into the night. Meanwhile, Wu Tezhu arranged for a driver to take Sister Li and Qin Ran home. On the way back, Sister Li couldn't help but ask, "Boss, do you really like that novel?"
Honestly, Sister Li had never seen Qin Ran show much of a girlish side. When Sister Li was Qin Ran's age, she would often stay up late reading novels. But the thought of Qin Ran doing the same seemed odd. After all, Qin Ran was always so shrewd, more like a sly fox than a fresh-faced young woman.
Qin Ran glanced at Sister Li and replied, "No, I haven't read it. I just read the synopsis and some reviews yesterday to get the gist of it."
Yesterday evening, Qin Ran had not only read up on the novel but also contacted the author to seek permission to discuss the novel's content. She then convinced the author to fly to Beijing to attend the dinner and successfully won over Director Hu and his team.
Sister Li took a deep breath and gave Qin Ran a thumbs up. The van pulled up to Sister Li's residence, and she stretched, "I'm heading in. Today was exhausting." They had been working on two fronts: Qin Ran and Wu Tezhu with the author, and Sister Li with the veteran actress, Rong Hua.
They had been working non-stop since yesterday to secure the lead role for Yu Shuman. Qin Ran nodded, and after seeing Sister Li off, she rode back to her own apartment.
On the way, Qin Ran checked in on the progress of purchasing the office building. Wu Tezhu, ever efficient, reported that the deal had been closed. Now they just needed to renovate and air out the building, which should be ready in about six months.
Qin Ran, who didn't believe in cutting corners, insisted that the building be thoroughly ventilated to ensure it was free of harmful chemicals like formaldehyde.
"Money isn't an issue," Qin Ran said, "but make sure the building is free of formaldehyde—it's harmful."
Even Wu Tezhu couldn't help but silently think, Harmful to whom? Oh, I get it—you're worried about your precious senior.
But outwardly, Wu Tezhu maintained her poker face, "Understood, boss. I'll increase the budget and ensure thorough decontamination."
Back in her apartment, Qin Ran showered and went to bed. With Qin Ran's behind-the-scenes maneuvering, the female lead was replaced by Rong Hua.
Although Rong Hua had a reputation for being difficult, she set aside her diva behavior for this project, treating everyone with an unusual level of kindness, much to the crew's surprise.
The former female lead caused a fuss when she found out she had been replaced, but when her usual tactics failed, she stormed off. The production resumed with a new set of promotional photos, which were soon released on the official social media accounts. With the cast now finalized, the director felt confident enough to reveal all the character designs.
Once again, Qin Ran's fan group buzzed with excitement. The first to share the news was the group leader, who posted Yu Shuman's regal look from the photoshoot, exclaiming, "My Shuman, my destined one!"
Yu Shuman's look was sophisticated and elegant, distinct from her vibrant stage persona, yet equally captivating. Fans who followed the link were further amazed to see that Rong Hua was cast as the lead.
"Wow, I can't believe it—it's Rong Hua!"
"She hasn't acted in dramas much lately. How did they manage to get her? When I read the novel, I thought she'd be perfect for the role, but I never thought they'd actually cast her!"
Yu Shuman's fans soon discovered the novel behind the show, and some of them started discussing it in the group:
"Wait, isn't Shuman playing a villainous supporting role?"
"Villain or not, it's great that she's sharing scenes with someone like Rong Hua. She's just starting out, after all!"
The show gained significant attention even before filming began. With Rong Hua as the lead and the original author actively promoting it, the series attracted a large following.
Yu Shuman became increasingly busy as her scenes, though mainly concentrated in the early part of the series, were soon wrapped up. It wasn't until mid-June that she finally had time to meet up with Qin Ran again.
By mid-June, the weather was getting hot. Yu Shuman's rising fame made it harder for her to go out without being recognized, even with a hat on. She and Qin Ran decided to meet at a less popular campus cafeteria, one known for its subpar food but quieter atmosphere.
Despite the air conditioning, the cafeteria was still warm. Yu Shuman, still wearing her hat, had sweat dripping from her forehead.
Qin Ran felt a pang of concern, "Senior, you don't have to come to the cafeteria next time. Just let me know, and I can come to you."
"You're the one who has to travel back and forth—I'm just a little busy, so it's fine for me."
Yu Shuman asked when Qin Ran's exams were, and after Qin Ran answered, she mused, "You'll be a sophomore after summer break, and I'll only have one year left before I graduate."
Qin Ran nodded and asked about her plans. Yu Shuman smiled, "I'll keep studying and maybe take on some endorsements. I was surprised when Sister Li told me someone wanted me to endorse their product. As for studying, after my recent acting experience, I realized I still have a lot to learn. I thought I was doing well in the acting classes, but once I was on set, I realized I'm still a novice. Luckily, Rong Hua, the director, the screenwriter, and the author were all very supportive. Without their guidance, I doubt I would have done well."
Yu Shuman tended to be overly modest, though Qin Ran knew she was being too hard on herself. After Yu Shuman wrapped her scenes, Qin Ran had seen some of the rough cuts. Although Yu Shuman might not yet be on par with seasoned actors or formally trained professionals, she held her own remarkably well for a first-timer. Qin Ran could confidently say that Yu Shuman's expressive eyes alone were more captivating than those of many established actors.
"You did great, Senior. You're a hard worker, and it shows."
Yu Shuman loved hearing that from Qin Ran. Ever since they had met, Qin Ran had never said anything discouraging. She was always supportive, always making Yu Shuman feel like she was the best. She'd say things like, "You're amazing, Senior," "You did a great job," and "You were outstanding."
Qin Ran was always there to bolster her confidence, never to bring her down. While it might seem a little selfish, Yu Shuman truly cherished her interactions with Qin Ran.
"Next time, come over to my place, and I'll cook for you."
But that "next time" would be a while off because Yu Shuman's schedule was about to get even busier. Summer was peak season for celebrity activities, and Yu Shuman was about to secure her first endorsement deal—a mid-range foreign cosmetics brand.
This brand, although labeled as "mid-range," was in a bit of an identity crisis. It aspired to be high-end but hadn't yet achieved that status, yet it didn't want to position itself as a budget option either.
However, rumors were circulating that the company had recently been acquired by a mysterious billionaire who was investing heavily in research and development, aiming to elevate the brand into the high-end market. The fact that they approached Yu Shuman for an endorsement surprised everyone, including Sister Li.
Only Wu Tezhu, usually reserved, couldn't help but crack a smile—because that mysterious billionaire was none other than Qin Ran.
This wasn't the only company Qin Ran had acquired. After the New Year, with Yu Shuman busy and Qin Ran having time on her hands, she and Wu Tezhu took a trip abroad and acquired several companies.
Qin Ran had kept these moves discreet. By the time news of the search for a brand ambassador was released, it had been nearly six months since the acquisition. Despite interest from many other celebrities, including those represented by Pei Qi's company, the brand's regional manager insisted the decision had already been made.
"There's no room for negotiation on this. The headquarters has made its choice," the regional manager told them.
The regional manager thought to himself, "Are you kidding? If I gave this endorsement to anyone else, I'd be out of a job.