Initially, Qin Ran had watched the first episode and then promptly forgotten about it. However, she hadn't expected the controversy surrounding the show to grow so intense. What was supposed to be a strategic release to capitalize on year-end viewership quickly backfired, as just a few days after airing, the show had already sparked widespread outrage among netizens, especially among female bloggers, who uploaded videos angrily criticizing the drama.
They couldn't stand it. They really couldn't stand it.
One particularly infamous scene involved the female lead's mother saying, "We've cherished you for over twenty years, and now you're running off with this punk?!"
"Mom! He's different!"
The video clip cut off there, with the female blogger sarcastically commenting, "How is he different? Is it that he mocks your cooking as being as bad as dog food, or that he stomps on the money you hand him while shouting that you look down on him?! I'm not materialistic, but you can't choose a punk who smokes, drinks, and fights as your partner! I'm totally with the female lead's mom on this one. If my daughter pulled this, I'd slap some sense into her!"
Qin Ran had only watched the first episode of the drama, but she didn't miss a single one of the critique videos. These videos started by analyzing the plot, but eventually devolved into bashing the acting of the male and female leads. The male lead was criticized for being all about looks and lacking any real acting ability, driving viewers crazy, especially with his exaggerated expressions when scolding the female lead. This reminded many wealthy viewers of the bad boys they foolishly fell for in their youth.
The female lead's acting was equally unconvincing, as her eyes lacked any genuine affection for the male lead. Netizens with sharp eyes quickly pointed out the subtle disdain in her gaze.
Since there was no love in her eyes, why put each other through this torment? This topic trended at the top of the charts for two days, as netizens meticulously dissected every aspect of the female lead's performance, noting how she failed to embody the character's essence. Some even dug up old dirt, comparing her audition tape to the final performance in the drama, pointing out that her acting had barely changed. Both roles she played were of wealthy, arrogant young women who looked down on others.
This led to a heated exchange in the comment sections:
[Is this really just the character? She's played two completely different roles the exact same way. Could it be that this is her real personality? We get it, you're a wealthy heiress, but do you have to play every role like that? Maybe playing a spoiled heiress is your comfort zone? The problem is you're not even doing it well—your co-stars are outshining you. Look at Yu Shuman's acting: her princess character and the one she played in the audition were clearly two distinct personas. Don't think acting is that simple; it seems like you're just a pampered princess playing pretend.]
This was the first time Ling Miaohan had faced such widespread criticism. During the earlier controversy surrounding Yu Shuman, she hadn't received much backlash, as most of the public's attention was on Yu Shuman. Even after things turned around, no one really paid her much attention, except for a few mild comments. After all, in the audition video, Ling Miaohan's acting was deemed decent, though not as good as Yu Shuman's.
But after this idol drama aired, the narrative changed dramatically. People couldn't stomach the pairing of a rich heiress and a bad boy. Even Ling Miaohan's own fans started criticizing the choice:
[Honestly, I think she just chose the wrong script. Miaomiao is a real heiress; how could she fall for a bad boy like that?]
[Exactly, if she's going to date someone, it should be someone like President Pei. There's no way our Miaomiao would be interested in a bad boy.]
[A rich heiress and a domineering CEO are the perfect match. Bad boys should stay away; we don't need them clinging to her like leeches.]
These comments were quickly screenshotted and spread outside of Ling Miaohan's fan circles, where they were met with ridicule:
[Oh, so the rich heiress looks down on bad boys, huh? Didn't seem that way when she was fawning over one in the drama!]
[Being well-matched in social status is important, but character is more important, right?]
[She looks down on bad boys but still wants to make money off us working-class folks. That's rich.]
[Ling Miaohan's fanbase sounds like a bunch of servants, worrying about whether their mistress has landed a good role. Meanwhile, she's busy making money and living the high life.]
Soon, the criticism shifted from Ling Miaohan's acting to her as a person. Qin Ran watched all this unfold with great amusement, using her wealthy alt account to share the updates in Yu Shuman's small fan group.
Yu Shuman's fan base had grown significantly, and 99 Entertainment had taken over managing the fan groups, expanding to 25 groups. However, the original small group was still active, filled with early fans, Yu Shuman's friends, and Qin Ran, who had two accounts in the group.
As Qin Ran kept sharing updates, the group buzzed with activity.
Yu Shuman's dorm mate and Qin Ran's senior (academic older sister) even chimed in, agreeing with Qin Ran's wealthy persona. After chatting for a while, the conversation shifted to other topics, with everyone expressing their envy of Qin Ran's wealth. But then, the senior suddenly lamented: "It's so nice to have money. Now that I'm starting to look for a job, I've realized how hard it is to make it in a big city like Beijing. It's so tough to stay here."
Qin Ran was taken aback, as she had rarely encountered such issues. In both her lifetimes, she had never worried about finding a job after graduation. Even when she was younger and working part-time to pay for tuition and living expenses, her employers always took pity on her and gave her a chance.
Now, seeing her senior talk about struggling to find a job, Qin Ran realized just how difficult it could be for an ordinary student. She wasn't one to have an overabundance of sympathy, but this person was Yu Shuman's dorm mate—the one who had cheered for Yu Shuman during her public performances.
Not helping her out would leave Qin Ran feeling guilty.
Moreover, since Yu Shuman had entered the entertainment industry, she had gradually lost touch with her old friends. If they drifted apart completely, it would surely sadden her.
So Qin Ran switched to her main account and reached out to her senior.
She got straight to the point: "Senior, are you having trouble finding a job lately?"
The response took a while to come through, as it seemed the senior was unsure how to respond to someone who, in her eyes, was once a little junior who needed help. After a moment, she replied: "Yeah, did you see it in the group? I've been running into some difficulties, but it's nothing major. Worst-case scenario, I'll just go back home and find a job there. I went to a good school and have a solid major; I'm sure I'll find something."
But earlier in the group chat, she had said she didn't want to return home; she wanted to stay in Beijing.
Qin Ran sighed and got straight to the point: "Senior, would you like me to help you find a job?"
The senior hesitated for a moment before calling Qin Ran directly. Qin Ran's social anxiety kicked in, and she hesitated as her phone vibrated for a while before finally answering. Her voice was a bit timid, just like when she used to talk to her senior in person: "Hello… Senior, it's me…"
Her senior laughed, sounding a bit carefree: "I was really hesitant to ask, but since you offered, I'll swallow my pride and ask my little junior for help finding a job."
Now that they were on this topic, Qin Ran's social anxiety lessened. She nodded and said, "Okay, Senior. But I have to be clear: I'm only helping you find an opportunity. Your future development will depend entirely on you." —Of course, she was just saying that. Since this was a friend of Yu Shuman's, she would definitely make sure to look out for her.
The senior quickly assured her that she wouldn't take advantage of her friendship with Yu Shuman or do anything inappropriate. Hearing this, Qin Ran replied with an "Mm," and told her that she would have someone send her a job interview invitation in a couple of days.
Qin Ran found her a job in one of her other companies, not in 99 Entertainment, and arranged for HR to send the interview invitation. After handling this, she wanted nothing more than to see Yu Shuman, to meet her and brag about how thoughtful she was for helping arrange a job for her friend.
But then she thought better of it. Yu Shuman already felt indebted enough to her; adding more to that burden would only increase her stress.
But she really wanted to see Yu Shuman… Qin Ran clutched her phone, deliberating for a long time before deciding to take a day off on December 31st and fly over to visit the set and spend the holiday with Yu Shuman. She was going to be the kind of person she hated most as a worker—someone who disrupts the workflow.
Qin Ran immediately called Wu Special Assistant to arrange the flight and coordinate the set visit. Wu Special Assistant did some research on what was required for a set visit and even consulted Sister Li.
Sister Li was busy working while sipping coffee, but when she heard that Qin Ran was planning to visit the set, she jumped up: "I'm going! I'm coming too; I know how to handle these things!"
Sister Li finished up her work and asked Wu Special Assistant to book a flight for her as well. Wu Special Assistant raised her hand and silently made an "OK" gesture. With Sister Li's help, everything would be much easier.
It was clear that Sister Li wasn't just interested in visiting the set—she wanted to use the trip as a chance to take a break. With the year coming to an end, everyone was swamped with work, so any chance to escape was welcome.
When Qin Ran saw Sister Li at the airport lounge, she asked with a blank expression, "Why are you here?"
Sister Li shamelessly replied, "I'm here to help with the fan support! Do you know how to organize fan support? Wu Special Assistant isn't sure either, but I've prepared three catering trucks for you. They're decked out with support banners, with Yu Shuman's artwork and standees on them, and a big banner across the middle that says 'Shuman's No. 1 Fan.' It's going to be a great setup."
As an experienced professional, Sister Li knew exactly what her boss wanted, especially a boss like Qin Ran, who was so focused on her romantic relationship. If you followed her lead, everything would go smoothly. Sure enough, Qin Ran perked up at Sister Li's words: "Is everything ready?"
"It's all set. There's one catering truck, one dessert truck, and one coffee truck—no expenses spared. I made sure the whole crew will know that Yu Shuman's No. 1 fan, the big boss of 99 Entertainment, has come to visit."
"Isn't that a bit too flashy?"
"It's only flashy if you put out a press release."
Qin Ran relaxed and started asking Sister Li about the finer details. Sister Li, in full-on work mode, explained everything she had prepared. After hearing all this, Qin Ran nodded approvingly: "Sister Li, well done. I'll reimburse you during the New Year holiday; go wherever you want."
Sister Li could practically see her dream limited-edition handbag waving at her: "Thank you, boss!"