Although Old Hu was a variety show director, he was quite skilled at directing dramas. Tang Li found many of the scenes incredibly sweet to watch. He was especially good at capturing that beautiful, ambiguous tension—the push-and-pull between young couples.

Tan You said, "Old Hu could film two rocks and make it look romantic. He’s just too good at shipping, and he can ship anything."

Tang Li rested her chin on her hand. "That’s a skill in itself. Is this the power of a romance variety show director? To be so good at filming."

"Oh, by the way, I saw the news this morning. That romance show Old Hu directed before has reached legendary status now. The only couple that didn’t get together on the show? They just got their marriage license."

"Happy endings for everyone. It’s really set a new standard for romance variety shows. Now everyone is saying you have a great eye for people, that even a professional matchmaker couldn’t set people up as well as you do. A one-hundred-percent success rate."

"So, when does season two start filming?"

Tan You spread her hands. "Honestly, the formula is more or less the same. The key is the cast. It’s too hard to find the right guests. I really don’t want to film these."

"Besides, Old Hu is completely focused on his little sweet drama right now. Do you think he wants to film a romance variety show? Some shows are fine with just one season."

Tang Li suddenly laughed. "The fans would probably be so disappointed if they knew the romance show isn’t getting another season. Do you know what everyone calls you now?"

"Tang One-Season!"

Tan You caught on immediately. "Are they saying my shows only run for one season? That there’s basically never a season two?"

"Uh-huh," Tang Li said with a smile. "Look at the intangible cultural heritage project. Logically, that could have run for many seasons, but now you won’t even touch it."

"That’s because there are already so many similar shows on the market." Tan You’s face was stern. ’With so many programs of the same type, why should I bother getting involved?’

"The second romance show was also a huge hit, and now you’re not making another season of that either." Tang Li counted on her fingers, clearly wanting to enjoy some more sweet romance herself.

"Romance shows depend mainly on the guests. Besides, the first season’s outcome was too spectacular. It would be hard for a second season to reach that level again." Tan You was being realistic. "Precisely because the first season was so perfect, everyone would feel a second season didn’t live up to the first, no matter how it ended."

"What about the slow-life show? The slow-life show..." 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝒆𝒘𝙚𝓫𝙣𝙤𝒗𝙚𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"The slow-life show could continue, but everyone’s busy. You Li is still filming his part, Ye Qian has to act too, and Xie Yunzhi is transitioning to a behind-the-scenes role. No one can free up their schedule anytime soon."

Tan You raised an eyebrow. "If we changed the cast, the audience probably wouldn’t buy it. So it’s better to postpone it. We’ll wait until everyone has wrapped up what they’re working on, then we can go back to the slow-life show and enjoy the countryside."

"Besides, in everyone’s eyes, I am you. So if you’re calling me Tang One-Season, what does that make you?"

Tang Li scratched her head. "That’s true. Oh well, it’s not a bad title. It’s pretty cool to always be a pioneer. Is this what they call ’always imitated, never surpassed’?"

Tan You shook her head. "It’s not as dramatic as you make it sound."

Tang Li was just joking around with Tan You. She then turned to watch the artists filming on set. Honestly, she found it quite interesting to see the performers express joy or sorrow in front of the camera.

You can always tell who has real acting talent.

After a scene wrapped, Ye Qian gathered her skirt and sat down next to Tang Li. "Sister Li Zi, when did you get here? I didn’t see you when I came in this morning."

Tang Li casually smoothed Ye Qian’s hair. "I just arrived. I was at the hotel reading scripts this morning."

Ye Qian’s eyes lit up instantly. Finding it amusing, Tang Li poked her between the eyebrows. "Even though I have it, I’m not giving it to you now. Finish filming your current scenes, and then I’ll give it to you."

Ye Qian pressed her lips together, a little embarrassed. "Okay. I’ll focus on doing a good job with this drama."

Tang Li asked, "When do you wrap up on Director Liu’s project?"

Ye Qian replied, "About two more months. Actually, Director Liu was looking out for me. He had most of my scenes filmed early because he knew I had to come here to film this sweet drama for you."

Tang Li said, "After spending time on Director Liu’s set, your acting has improved again. The male actor you just had a scene with could barely keep up with you."

Ye Qian wrinkled her nose. "I did it on purpose. Who told his assistant to talk behind people’s backs?"

Tang Li narrowed her eyes. "What did they say?"

Ye Qian said, "Just that I have a kid but I’m still acting in sweet dramas."

Tang Li replied, "How old are you even? You’re younger than me. There are women in their forties still playing young girls. What’s the big deal about your situation?"

"I know you’re on my side, Sister Li Zi," Ye Qian said with a smile. "But one sweet drama is enough. In the future, I want to try more challenging roles."

Tang Li smiled too. "That works. I have high hopes for you."

"By the way, after this sweet drama wraps, aren’t you going back to the company to record songs? Teacher Liang has already finished all the demos. You haven’t slacked off on your dance practice during this time, have you?"

"Absolutely not," Ye Qian said, holding up three fingers in a solemn vow. "I’m very serious about seizing every opportunity."

Tang Li said, "Good. As for the others, just teaching them a small lesson is enough. You’re going to be a great actress. Why bother getting angry with ants?"

Ye Qian leaned on Tang Li’s shoulder. "Yes. I’ll ride your coattails, Sister Li Zi, and strive to pluck the pearl from the crown."

Tang Li’s voice was filled with anticipation. "I’m looking forward to it."

’I’d also like to see just how far this artist, the one Tan You has her eye on, will go.’

In the following scenes, Ye Qian didn’t give the male actor a hard time anymore, so the filming went smoothly. After all, she had spent time on Director Liu’s set and possessed her own Spiritual Energy. She rarely had any NGs, and even when she did, it was because the other actor wasn’t up to par.

Sister Yun sat down next to Tang Li. "You have that much faith in her? Do you know how much everyone envies her right now?"

Tang Li said, "It’s not something you can just envy. First of all, they’d need to have Ye Qian’s Spiritual Energy, right? And besides, Ye Qian has good character."

Sister Yun said, "I heard—this is just what I heard—that Ye Qian is really popular now. People are always trying to woo her, but she turns them all down."

"A wise decision," Tang Li said with a laugh. "She’s already stumbled in love once. How could she repeat the same mistake? Plus, she’s ambitious. Her career is just on the rise right now. The works she’s officially starred in haven’t even aired yet. She won’t be thinking about things like that."

"And let’s be realistic, she knows what those people are really after when they show interest in her. Most likely, they’re just trying to get connected to you, since you clearly look after her so well."

Sister Yun said, "That’s why, for female artists these days, getting a divorce can actually be a career boost. Look at Ye Qian. Before, you could only call her a third-tier starlet, but now she’s definitely cleared that hurdle."

"Once this drama and Director Liu’s movie are released, it’s a sure thing that Ye Qian will blow up."

Tang Li mused, "So you see, once you overcome the trials of love, your career is ready for takeoff."