As the December 5th broadcast deadline drew near, the entire production team gradually became more tense. Even though it was just a short series, it was scheduled to air during the prime Sunday evening slot on Jinhui Television, which meant no one could afford to slack off.
However, unlike the first episode, which was set to air in just three days, there were still about ten days left after the second episode's shoot to complete post-production.
This meant that the music team still had the luxury of taking their time selecting a suitable ending theme for the project, and filming could be done at a less frantic pace, allowing for better quality overall.
It was a shame, though. The original film's ending theme, ハッピーエンド (Happy End), was a Japanese song. In this world, no one would understand the lyrics. Otherwise, Jing Yu would've loved to reuse it.
Now, all he could do was have his team dig through Jinhui TV's licensed music library to pick out appropriate insert songs and a suitable ending theme.
On Set
"Aimei always cried at the strangest moments—holding hands, a kiss, a confession.
For me, it was my first time.
But for Aimei, it was the final time—something that could never happen again."
"Yet she always smiled."
When it comes to Japanese romance dramas, there's almost always a classic "drama run." After learning the truth, the male lead snaps at Aimei. He can't help but think—if Aimei had known all along that they would fall in love at twenty, down to the exact hour and minute, the place, the food they'd eat, the words they'd say—and even perfectly recreated the day's events based on what Gao Shan from the future told her...
Then what was their love, really?
Was it still romance? Or was it just her following a scripted love story, acting alongside him in their daily life?
On this day, he finally couldn't take it anymore. He let out all his bottled-up frustrations on Aimei.
But then he remembered—how she would often burst into tears uncontrollably during their dates.
He wasn't the only one in pain.
So, after a passionate, over-the-top drama run, he rushed back home, charged his dead phone, and called Shou Aimei.
To be honest, it was a little over the top.
It was past midnight when he finally called her.
In that moment, it was his 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday'
"Yesterday, I treated you terribly... but I've already moved past it."
This scene was easily one of the most emotionally complex parts for Gao Shan's character, and Jing Yu naturally ran into some difficulties while filming it.
Either the acting came off too forced, or the emotional depth wasn't enough. Hitting the sweet spot was crucial—otherwise, the audience would either feel it was overacted or disingenuous.
It took nearly five hours of filming before they finally got a take that everyone was satisfied with.
When watching a drama, it might not seem like much—but once you're the one acting, it's easy to get fully immersed. Jing Yu himself ended up in a low mood afterward.
"You know, this setting is actually pretty convenient sometimes,"
Yu Youqing said as she sat down beside Jing Yu, hugging her knees against the chilly air.
"Even though Gao Shan said some terrible things to Aimei yesterday, he had all night to reflect.
And now, in Aimei's 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday'—he can apologize to her.
That means before she even hears those hurtful words, she's already heard his apology."
"You're not only creative enough to think of such a wild concept, you even found the only positive use for it," Jing Yu replied.
"In a way... It's like a do-over pill," Yu Youqing said, watching the crew swap out the set props.
"When you put it that way, it's true. But honestly, rather than needing a do-over, it's better not to make those mistakes in the first place," Jing Yu said, lifting his head and taking a deep breath.
After spending hours trapped in the emotions of that scene, it was hard not to feel a little depressed—but seeing Yu Youqing's smiling profile helped him bounce back quickly.
"Two more days," Yu Youqing said, turning to him with a smile.
"If all goes well, filming will be completely done."
"Got any plans afterward?"
"First, we have to keep an eye on how the premiere of 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday' does," Jing Yu replied.
"Then, I plan to sleep for a few days straight. I've been running on fumes these past two weeks.
Sometimes, Gaowen Cang even calls me at two or three in the morning to ask how the shoot's going.
Producer Liu also checks in about scheduling and scene setups. It's been non-stop."
"Hmm~~" Yu Youqing's eyes darted thoughtfully.
"Haven't thought about what's next?" she asked.
"What do you mean?"
"I mean, after this drama ends. If it's a hit, what's next for you as a screenwriter? Your next project?"
"It hasn't even aired yet!" Jing Yu laughed.
"Come on, we're the creators—we have to believe in our own work!
Imagine it blows up, and you get more opportunities from the network!"
"Then... what kind of story will you write next?
Who are you thinking of casting?"
"Oh, I see what this is," Jing Yu said with a knowing smile.
"You haven't gotten over your acting bug, have you?
Already gunning for a part in my next project?"
"Well, you did say you'd consider casting me again if there was a chance," Yu Youqing replied, slightly pausing before continuing with a smile.
"Don't worry. If that opportunity comes, even if you say no, I'll show up at your place.
And if you still refuse, I'll camp out at your door until you give in!" Jing Yu joked.
"But what if things don't go well?" Yu Youqing asked, her tone softening slightly.
"Hey, weren't you the one telling everyone to stay optimistic? Why the change in tone?" Jing Yu raised an eyebrow.
"I mean... if we don't get to work together again in the future,
and I invite a few friends out for food or travel, like skiing, hiking, or diving...
Would you come?" she asked, her eyes fixed on him.
"Uh—" Jing Yu felt something off.
"I mean, I like to travel when I'm not filming.
But I don't really like going alone, so I prefer going with friends."
Yu Youqing hurried to clarify as she noticed his expression.
"I'm just saying—even if we don't get to work together again... we'll still be friends, right?"
Jing Yu let go of that strange feeling and smiled.
"Of course. If that happens, and I'm back to being an unemployed bum,
I won't even need to go on blind dates. I'll just come to your place for free meals!"
"Wait, what did you just say?
That time you went on a blind date with my bestie Zhao Xin—was that your plan all along?" Yu Youqing's eyes widened.
"You misheard! I never said that," Jing Yu replied, face completely calm despite the panic in his heart.
Crap. Got too carried away and said the quiet part out loud.
"Really? I must've heard wrong then," Yu Youqing replied, smiling.
"Yep, definitely heard wrong."
"I see~~" Yu Youqing stood up and walked toward the center of the set, voice light and playful.
"Alright, Director Gao is calling us over. Next scenes with me. Don't mess it up!"
Time flew by, and soon it was Saturday, December 4th.
The final shot lingered on Shou Aimei—smiling with sorrow in her eyes.
Tomorrow and Yesterday wrapped up filming and officially announced its completion.
And the very next night—Sunday at 8 PM—the first episode would officially air.