Translator's Note:The original story that the in-universe drama is based on comes from a Japanese setting. However, the character names have been adapted to fit the Chinese context of the current story. As such, names like Takatoshi have been localized to their Chinese equivalents (e.g., 高山 = Gao Shan).
That said, if you'd prefer that I retain the original Japanese character names in future adaptations (especially when translating works clearly influenced by anime or J-dramas), feel free to let me know. After all, this fan translation is meant for English readers who are likely familiar with Japanese media conventions.
Gao Shan - Takatoshi Minamiyama
Shou Aimei - Emi Fukuju
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At the Wrap Party
"Tonight, everyone drink to your heart's content—don't hold back!"
Even Liu Neng, the usually stern producer who had been keeping a tight grip on the crew for the past couple of weeks, finally cracked a smile.
"I hope our show gets rave reviews, breaks 10% in viewership in Lan Province, and hits 0.9% nationwide."
That was his wish for 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday'. Those numbers would be considered decent for a Sunday primetime drama on Jinhui Television.
After all, White Lovers had achieved a national average of 1.38% and a staggering 16% in Lan Province, where Jinhui had its strongest viewer base—already considered an impressive feat.
Jinhui TV wasn't exactly a ratings powerhouse among the many television stations across the country. The really popular networks could push a show's national ratings past 10% or even higher. The contrast was no different from the one Jing Yu remembered between top-tier "bathtub channels" and obscure provincial stations in his past life—the gap was enormous.
So as far as Liu Neng was concerned, if 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday' could hit those numbers, he would consider his job as a producer a success.
As the screenwriter, Jing Yu naturally couldn't avoid drinking at the party. But interestingly, no one at the table pressured Yu Youqing to drink.
She sat quietly beside Jing Yu, occasionally helping him pick out food.
"I gotta say, brother… I'm feeling kinda melancholy."
Gao Wencang waddled over, arm around Jing Yu's shoulder, belly leading the way.
"I was only a director for half a month, and though I'm happy we've wrapped… why do I feel like crying? Will I even get a chance to direct a second show?"
"There's nothing to feel down about," Jing Yu said, slurring slightly but still coherent. "This is only the beginning. Once this show takes off, you'll definitely get more directing gigs. The path to becoming the genius director of the Great Zhou's TV industry starts right here—with 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday'!"
In moments like these, you had to hype up your buddy and paint a glorious future for them. Otherwise, Gao Wencang would drag you into a long emotional heart-to-heart—and that was way too much work.
"True that!" Gao Wencang quickly fell into the dream.
Then he launched into full nostalgia mode, recounting how the two of them had once filmed in the countryside and accidentally set off a firecracker in a pile of cow dung, splattering themselves head to toe.
Jing Yu could only laugh awkwardly. "Man, if you can't hold your liquor, maybe don't drink so much."
Yu Youqing was quietly giggling at the side, unable to hold back her laughter.
The crew—dozens strong—kept the party going until 1 AM.
Jing Yu, even in his drunken haze, still remembered to call a cab to send Yu Youqing home. When they arrived at that now-familiar flower shop—
"Go on. It's late— aunt will be worried," Jing Yu said, taking a deep breath to fight the spinning in his head.
"Then… see you."
Under the dim glow of the streetlights, Yu Youqing stood in a white dress, the night breeze ruffling her sleeves. She instinctively hugged herself against the cold.
Her hair fluttered gently as her clear eyes fixed on Jing Yu. She didn't leave—waiting instead for his taxi to pull away first.
Jing Yu blinked in confusion for a second, then climbed out of the car, shrugged off his jacket, and draped it over her shoulders.
It wasn't a long walk—just a few dozen meters to the shop—but that didn't occur to Jing Yu in the moment.
"Don't catch a cold."
"I—" Yu Youqing started to say it wasn't necessary, that she could just walk home, but the words changed mid-sentence.
"Thanks. I'll return it next time we meet."
"Get home, get some rest… then wait for 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday' to premiere tomorrow," Jing Yu said.
He almost added, "Once it airs, you'll be famous."
But he stopped himself.
After all, it was only a short series.
Even if the show did well, short series rarely launched actors into stardom. The runtime was too brief—by the time viewers started recognizing faces, the show was already over.
"Who's the lead actor? Never heard of them!"
"That show only had two or three episodes—who'd remember the cast?"
By contrast, long-form dramas were a different story. A successful long series nearly guaranteed stardom for its leads.
The male lead of Hidden Dragon, another short series from four years ago, had only gained widespread recognition after delivering a solid performance and riding the ratings. But it was his next project that really made him a household name.
Jing Yu wasn't the kind of person to boast blindly, so he rephrased what he wanted to say.
"This collaboration ends here… but if there's another chance—"
Yu Youqing gently held the collar of his jacket and looked him in the eye.
"Your future reputation and success in the industry will definitely leave someone like Tang Yidong in the dust.
You won't be limited to just being known in Lan Province like she is."
Jing Yu wasn't some detached time traveler untouched by human emotion. He genuinely appreciated how Yu Youqing had agreed to star in his project under those circumstances—and worked so hard during those grueling two weeks. He liked working with actors like her.
In the end, human relationships are all about mutual selection. If someone believes in you, you'll naturally give them priority when you have opportunities.
Without another word, Jing Yu staggered back toward the taxi.
Yu Youqing let out a long breath.
The weather was cold, with white mist rising in the air.
She turned and walked gently toward her door.
She wasn't overly excited by the bright future Jing Yu had painted.
She was just thinking…
If there is a next time,
She hoped he'd be willing to play the male lead again.
December 5th. Light snow fell in Lancheng.
A thin layer of frost covered the ground, crunching softly underfoot.
To a country, or even to a province, the premiere of a short drama was hardly worth mentioning. But to Jing Yu and the others, the nerves began building from the afternoon onward.
Though Jing Yu was confident the show wouldn't flop—he had a good sense of quality.
Given how even some mediocre shows on Jinhui TV managed to score above 1% in national ratings, it made no sense for 'My Tomorrow, Your Yesterday' to bomb.
But logic was one thing. Emotion was another.
Just like how even top students still get nervous before exams.
On the Set of White Lovers
"Keep an eye on the premiere numbers tonight for that 'backup drama' replacing us," said Jiang Shiqing to his assistant.
"When filming wraps, send me the numbers in a spreadsheet."
"Send me a copy too," Song Xin added from the side.
When Jiang Shiqing looked at her, she smiled casually.
"I'm curious to see just how bad Jing Yu's show will tank."
In the Producer's Office
Tang Yidong was sitting on the lap of her boyfriend, Xu You—the producer of White Lovers.
"That show 'Tomorrow' or whatever—its screenwriter and that actress Yu Youqing don't respect me at all. Not that I care, but he clearly knows I'm with you and still acts that way!"
Her voice was filled with grievance, working her magic right into his ear.
"I know the show," Xu You replied lazily. "The writer's name is Jing Yu. Son of Jing Liang."
Xu You was in his 40s, slightly chubby, with eyes half-closed as he spoke.
"But whether it's Jing Liang or his son, they're both people from Chu Post. You know I've never gotten along with him.
Now that White Lovers got delayed for two weeks because of your injury, that kid jumped in to take our slot with his 'rescue drama'—clearly trying to spite me."
"Going after his crew directly won't work. But since you've brought it up… let's see if Chu Post is still willing to give that kid another chance.
If they are... well, we'll see."
Xu You never committed to anything outright—it was just his style.
But Tang Yidong nodded slightly. She could tell her pillow talk had worked. Xu You had a sharp memory.
He once remembered something his ex-wife mumbled about him in her sleep—twenty years ago.
So even if Xu You didn't immediately promise revenge, she knew the seed had been planted.
Still, she was annoyed that he didn't take more immediate action against Jing Yu and Yu Youqing.
She couldn't stay and cuddle in the office any longer—the whole crew was waiting for her for the next scene. She reluctantly said goodbye and stepped out.
The moment the office door closed, her expression changed.
She glanced at the hand that had just been wrapped around Xu You's shoulder and wiped it against her clothes with disgust.
Looking at the White Lovers crew outside, a trace of superiority and resolve flickered in her eyes.
She had no intention of remaining just a "regionally known actress" limited to Lan Province.
If she couldn't even crush someone like Jing Yu, then what was the point?
Xu You, the head of the production department, was starting to feel… less useful to her career.
She sighed, then looked up at the sky—perhaps remembering that ambitious, sky-reaching version of herself back in college.
When would she finally get a breakout hit?
A show that didn't just trend in Lan Province, but spread her name across the entire country?
Unlike Yu Youqing, Tang Yidong's obsession with fame and success was ten—or even dozens—of times stronger.
She reached into her bag, pulled out a mirror, touched up her makeup slightly, and walked back toward the set.
As time passed and the evening drew near, countless people sat down in front of their TVs after dinner.
There was only half an hour left
until the premiere of A Date With the You of Yesterday.