Luo Zhao?
That name sounded somewhat familiar—one of the fish in Yan Ranran’s pond. He entered the entertainment industry around the same time as her and later became a film emperor.
Although Yan Ranran never chose him, he remained unmarried for life, always protecting the female lead as a close friend.
Of course, that wasn’t the main point. The key was that Luo Zhao was exceptionally handsome, and his temperament perfectly matched the male lead of Meteor Love!
This was truly a case of searching far and wide only to find what you need without any effort.
She remembered that Luo Zhao came from an ordinary background. Because he didn’t quite fit the mainstream aesthetic of the time, he played minor roles for a long time. It was Yan Ranran who gave him an opportunity, allowing him to gradually break into mainstream film and television.
Thinking of this, Shang Lu didn’t hesitate and immediately sent an invitation to Luo Zhao.
She didn’t care about supporting roles or not—as long as someone fit her drama, she was willing to cast them, except for Yan Ranran!
The hardest part is always the beginning. Just after selecting the male lead, Hongxin Entertainment also sent good news, forwarding several resumes to Shang Lu.
One of the actors was named Zeng Qingze. Though young, he had sharp features and a good temperament, giving off the vibe of a wealthy young man. He had played a few supporting roles before but never gained popularity.
From his eyes, Shang Lu saw confidence—a kind of inexplicable confidence that actually fit the male lead of Meteor Love.
Time flew by, and soon it was the day of Meteor Love’s production launch.
As a 20-episode drama, Shang Lu intentionally trimmed some of the plot and adjusted the female lead’s character.
The female lead grew up in the countryside, orphaned at a young age, until one day she was suddenly told she had been adopted. Strangely, the adoptive parents didn’t like her—they preferred her older sister.
F4, who grew up with the older sister, began bullying the female lead at school to protect the goddess in their hearts.
But the female lead was stubborn. Instead of giving in, she declared war on them. Little did she know at the time that all of this was orchestrated by her older sister behind the scenes.
The male lead in F4 had a domineering personality. He bullied the female lead simply because he couldn’t stand her roughness, but in the process, he gradually fell in love with her, facing opposition from his family.
By the end, the truth was revealed: the female lead was the real heiress, while the older sister was an imposter—the children had been switched at birth. But the family preferred the imposter, so they brought their real daughter back under the guise of adoption.
Shang Lu made significant revisions to the plot of Meteor Love, especially changing the female lead’s background, simply to spite Yan Ranran.
After all, the female lead’s backstory wasn’t a major focus of the drama—the emphasis was still on romance.
Today’s production launch was filmed in a mansion, mainly shooting the scenes where the female lead had just been adopted.
This mansion was generously provided by Tan Le.
As a modern idol drama, Meteor Love’s costumes and locations were the most expensive aspects. Fortunately, with the sponsorship of a generous backer, Shang Lu didn’t have to worry.
During the launch, Shang Lu stood in the center, surrounded by the main actors, and everyone took a group photo.
Unexpectedly, the first scene of the shoot didn’t go smoothly. It wasn’t due to issues with the actors or the crew—it was because Yan Ranran showed up with her friends.
Whether intentional or coincidental, Yan Ranran happened to see the film crew while gathering with friends next door.
With so many people around, Shang Lu’s name naturally spread.
As Yan Ranran’s lifelong confidante, Yu Zifei was furious upon hearing that Shang Lu had become a director. “Ranran, your sister is too arrogant! She insulted you before, and now she’s even dragged Tan Le into helping her. Shameless!”
A flicker of surprise flashed in Yan Ranran’s eyes. She had assumed that after being kicked out, Shang Lu would be crying and living miserably.
Yet, to her surprise, Shang Lu had turned around and become a director. Judging by the setup, she seemed to be doing quite well.
But Yan Ranran wore a worried expression.
“Lu Lu just angered Dad. I wanted to persuade her to wait until Dad calmed down before bringing her back home. Who would have thought she’d do something like this? Filming requires so much money, and she doesn’t have much. Could she have been scammed?”
Yu Zifei spoke with ill intent. “I’ve heard the entertainment industry is quite chaotic. Your sister is so beautiful—exactly the type men like. Could she have been…”
Though she didn’t finish the sentence, the implication was clear: Shang Lu must have been subjected to a casting couch.
Yan Ranran immediately stopped her. “Don’t talk nonsense. Lu Lu isn’t that kind of person.”
But her words clearly failed to convince anyone.
Yu Zifei exchanged glances with the others. “Ranran, why don’t we go take a look? After all, you’ve known Tan Le since childhood. It’s perfectly normal to visit.”
Yan Ranran looked at the group. Her fair, delicate face no longer wore its usual gentle expression but instead carried a strange smile.
“Alright. It wouldn’t be good if Lu Lu were being deceived.”
Her tone was soft and gentle, yet the others inexplicably felt a chill, their skin prickling with goosebumps.
Yu Zifei suddenly recalled the rumors about Yan Ranran and Yan Yunjiang from some time ago. Yan Yunjiang used to visit her every week, but he hadn’t shown up this week. Could it be out of guilt?
A thought began to form in her mind.
The so-called close friends around Yan Ranran were, in name only, her followers—each with their own agenda.
Yu Zifei’s goal was simple: to become Yan Ranran’s sister-in-law.
Of course, she liked Yan Yunjiang, but her affection was more about his family background and status. Despite five years of currying favor with Yan Ranran, she had failed to win Yan Yunjiang’s attention, leading her to entertain other ideas.
Yan Ranran, however, paid no mind to such thoughts. Since everyone had suggested it, she decided to visit Tan Le’s villa and see for herself what Shang Lu was up to.
Shang Lu sat before the monitor, preparing to shoot the first scene featuring the female lead.
Ji Xue hadn’t acted in years and felt genuinely nervous seeing the scale of the production.
Noticing her anxiety, Shang Lu called her over.
At that moment, Ji Xue wore makeup that made her face appear slightly rough, and her clothes were rather plain. Yet her hands were drenched in sweat.
“Ji Xue, there’s no need to be so nervous. You’re the female lead I chose. I believe in you, and you need to believe in yourself too, understand?”
Shang Lu handed her a bottle of water. “Drink this, and then you’re ready for battle. Trust me—once this drama airs, you’ll definitely become a star. When that happens, remember to treat me to a meal.”
She ended with a lighthearted joke.
Seeing the director’s confidence, Ji Xue inexplicably felt her nervousness fade away.
Yes, Director Shang Lu is also a newcomer, and she has such confidence, so why should I doubt myself?
She nodded firmly, “Director, I understand.”
Shang Lu sent her back, “Then let’s start filming.”
Ji Xue returned to the camera, stood in front of the main gate, took a deep breath, and nodded, “Director, I’m ready.”
Someone nearby stepped forward to clap the slate, “Scene 1, Take 1 of ‘Meteor Romance,’ action!”
Ji Xue stood before the mansion with a curious yet self-conscious gaze. Just as she was about to speak, a woman’s voice suddenly came from outside.
“Shang Lu! What are you doing here?”