"Eh? Really?" the host played along enthusiastically.
Jiang Shiqing smiled sincerely and continued, "As a senior, I'm really looking forward to Jing Yu-laoshi's new drama. Even if it's just a short series, who knows—it might become the station's biggest hit of the year. After all, Teacher Jing Liang joined Jin Hui TV at twenty, and his debut work made it into Lan Province's top ten that year. I believe Jing Yu-laoshi has the talent to replicate—or even surpass—that achievement."
Jing Yu looked calmly at Jiang Shiqing.
What a disgusting bastard.
It reminded him of some showbiz drama in his past life—producers hyping a project like crazy before its release, only for it to be torn apart when it aired.
The more you raise audience expectations, the harder the fall. Even a minor flaw becomes unforgivable.
"Oh? Then do you have that kind of confidence, Jing Yu-laoshi?" the host asked with a grin, moving quickly toward closing the segment—they had only about two minutes left.
Jing Yu considered for a moment, then smiled and said:
"I've never really tried to compare myself to my father."
"But 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday'—since it premieres and concludes in December, and since Jin Hui TV's core viewership is mostly based in Lan Province…"
"My expectations aren't that high. I'd be satisfied if, among all the dramas airing or ending in December across Lan Province's four major stations, this drama finishes #1 in ratings."
The host's expression shifted subtly.
Lan Province, after all, had a population of 60 million—about half of what Japan had in Jing Yu's past life. And over half the viewers of the province's TV stations were local.
White Lover, for instance, only had a 1.38% national rating, but in Lan Province alone, it held a staggering 15% share.
The other three stations' prime-time dramas were of similar quality. Most shows now follow seasonal formats: 10, 12, or 24 episodes spread over one or two quarters. Short dramas like 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday'—five or six episodes—were rare and usually reserved for emergency fill-ins.
In December, almost no new series launched. But several existing ones were wrapping up—especially in the Sunday night slots across all four major networks.
So what was Jing Yu really saying?
With just a two-episode backup drama, he wanted to take the crown for Lan Province's winter season ratings.
The female host stared at him like he was insane.
Jiang Shiqing was giving your father some face, and you actually took it seriously?
You think a low-budget emergency drama, filmed in two weeks, can outpace not just White Lover, but also the flagship dramas from the other three networks?
Your confidence is miles ahead of your looks, sir.
Gao Wencang was still snoring softly, but Jiang Shiqing's face had frozen.
He'd heaped praise on Jing Yu earlier with thinly veiled sarcasm, waiting to see the man modestly laugh it off and deny having any ambitions. That would've been the perfect picture of self-doubt and embarrassment.
But instead, Jing Yu leaned in—accepted everything, and doubled down.
He didn't deny White Lover as a benchmark.
In fact, he all but declared war.
"I never saw 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday' as just a backup drama. From the start, I've aimed to beat White Lover in the ratings—and earn a permanent seat at the table."
Jiang Shiqing felt like he'd punched cotton—no resistance, no dodge, just full acceptance. His breath caught in his throat.
I say White Lover's performance is "average" to appear humble. But who the hell do you think you are, claiming you'll outperform us?
Tang Yidong and Song Xin both instantly understood the implication.
When Jing Yu talked about December's #1 ratings, White Lover was obviously part of the competition pool.
"But White Lover also ends in December! Jing Yu-laoshi, are you saying it's your target too?" Tang Yidong asked sweetly.
...and with that, she nuked the room's IQ.
Her emotional intelligence had always been low—anyone who lived in her college dorm could vouch for that.
Song Xin and Jiang Shiqing both gave her "are you stupid?" looks.
If no one said anything, the audience would've just brushed it off as light banter, maybe even assumed Jiang Shiqing was joking earlier.
But now, Tang Yidong had handed them a comparison on a silver platter.
She made it official:
This backup drama wants to take down White Lover and become the top show of December.
"Of course." Jing Yu met her gaze. Then his eyes moved to Song Xin, then to Jiang Shiqing.
The fake smile disappeared.
His voice turned sharp—and it boomed through the live broadcast.
Even the host sensed the tension at last.
She hurriedly offered a few parting remarks, and the show wrapped up.
—
At home, viewers stared blankly at their screens.
Then—
They exploded with excitement.
"The most arrogant screenwriter in Lan Province this year."
"He thinks he's Wu Zhong from Hidden Dragon or something? Gonna top the charts with a short drama?"
"Youthful arrogance! But I kinda like it. Jiang Shiqing is too soft and schemy. Jing Yu's more direct and masculine."
"I thought this was a throwaway backup drama. Turns out it's The Backup Rises to Power! Fighting to dethrone the main wife!"
"This HAS to be a scripted promo. Don't be naive—both teams probably planned this to build hype."
"So what? I watched Lawyer Zhang San like seven times growing up. If this guy is really Jing Liang's son, I'm definitely giving his drama a shot. Just for the confidence alone!"
"Didn't care about 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday' before—but now I'm curious. Can't wait to watch. Bonus points for drama behind the scenes!"
Jin Hui TV's official forums lit up into the night.
For many drama fans, this was part of the fun.
And this whole mess?
It was entirely Tang Yidong's fault.
If she hadn't said anything, most people would've just taken Jing Yu's comment as vague self-promotion. After all, dozens of shows aired or ended in December—it wasn't necessarily aimed at White Lover.
But her question had locked in the logic chain.
"The backup drama wants to be #1 → That means it must surpass White Lover."
Now the two shows were inextricably tied together.
—
As they exited the TV station into the cold night air, Jing Yu instinctively took off his coat and draped it over Yu Youqing's shoulders.
"Xiao Qing… It's been two years, huh?" Tang Yidong walked over, glancing at Jing Yu as she spoke.
"I never expected to see you like this…" she said with exaggerated concern. "If you're struggling, you can always come talk to me. After all, we were classmates and roommates for four years."
She didn't finish her sentence—but the sarcasm was loud and clear.
"And your boyfriend? Not here today?" Yu Youqing asked suddenly. "Ah, right—it's Sunday. He's probably out picking up his junior schoolmate for a date, huh? Didn't bring you along?"
Everyone in the industry had heard the gossip.
Tang Yidong's "connections" with White Lover's producer weren't a secret.
A forty-something man with a messy dating history, recently divorced, whose daughter just so happened to be Tang Yidong and Yu Youqing's junior at university.
Her role as the female lead in White Lover? Yeah, nobody believed she got that through auditions.
Tang Yidong's face froze.
Then her expression twisted in fury.
What the hell does she mean by that? Trying to gross me out?
"Jing Yu, congratulations," Song Xin cut in, keeping her tone light.
"You found such a pretty lead actress in such a short time. Though… I heard she doesn't have much acting experience. Judging by today's emotional range, she still needs some work."
"No need to worry about that," Jing Yu replied with a calm smile.
"I prefer genuine actors. I don't like backstabbers who play games behind the scenes. I guess you could say—losing one thing led me to find something better."
Song Xin's breath caught—but she didn't let her anger show. Her face just turned icy.
Jiang Shiqing said nothing, only looking at Jing Yu with an expression of disdain.
To him, Jing Yu was nothing but an arrogant fool.
Let him gloat now.
Once 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday' aired and flopped in the ratings, all Jiang Shiqing had to do was pull a few strings at the station, and Jing Yu would never have another chance.
Chu, you might've been friends with Jing Yu's father, but the man was dead. He wouldn't risk offending Jiang Shiqing for a second-rate screenwriter.
People only help you if you're still valuable.
Both groups left Jin Hui TV's headquarters.
Gao Wencang waved goodbye cheerfully to Director Lin Qi—it was just another day in the TV industry.
"See you tomorrow."
"Yeah, see you."
Gao Wencang drove home alone.
Jing Yu and Yu Youqing took a cab—he was still sending her home, just like every night.
"Six more days," Yu Youqing said softly, wrapped in his coat.
"Six days until it airs."
"Six days… and those three—Jiang Shiqing, Song Xin, and Tang Yidong—won't be smiling anymore," Jing Yu said with a grin.
"Eh? You hate Tang Yidong, too?" Yu Youqing raised her brows. "Didn't expect that."
"Didn't you say you hated her?" Jing Yu replied.
"Exactly! So we're allies! And yeah, that woman really is infuriating."
"I doubt even the so-called 'TV Queen' is as full of herself as Tang Yidong."
"Oh no, the real ratings queens are way worse," Yu Youqing joked back.
"But hey, at least they have the skills to back it up. As much as I hate it, I can't even find a good comeback."
"Well then, we're a perfect match. I, Jing Yu, love turning arrogant showoffs into punchlines," he said with a smile.
"It won't be long before they've got nothing left to brag about."
Yu Youqing paused.
"We?"
"Yeah," Jing Yu said. "Us."