As they chatted, the conversation naturally shifted to the crew and the drama production.
Shen Tian was especially curious about the relationships among the actors.
"Zhao Zhetian and Zhou Gong don't get along," Liu Shang explained while sipping his drink.
"Chen Kun and Yuzhou Dan are constantly competing for the spotlight.
Director Chen Jiashang favors Yuzhou Dan, so he's been giving him extra scenes.
That means you, as the screenwriter, are going to have extra work."
Shen Tian frowned. "But isn't Chen Kun the male lead?"
Liu Shang chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. "Junior brother, just because someone is officially cast as the lead doesn't mean others can't outshine him.
How a drama is shot ultimately depends on the director. You can't completely overshadow the lead, of course, but a strong performance can still steal attention."
Shen Tian nodded thoughtfully. "But Yuzhou Dan won't take that lying down. His popularity isn't much lower than Chen Kun's.
From what I've heard, Chen Kun only secured the lead role because of his image and influential backers."
Liu Shang smirked. "Exactly. That's why there's so much tension behind the scenes."
Shen Tian's curiosity deepened. "Then who's the female lead? That fight must be intense."
"There's no final decision yet," Liu Shang replied with a mysterious smile. "You'll know when the time comes."
Shen Tian leaned forward. "Come on, don't keep me hanging. What's going on?"
"You're so gossipy," Liu Shang teased, rolling his eyes. "Originally, Zhou Gong was supposed to be the female lead.
In Painted Skin, she already played the lead, so it made sense.
But… Director Chen Jiashang wants to revise the script and make Zhao Yan the female lead instead.
That's part of why I asked you to join this project."
"Anyway, enough gossip. Drink up, junior brother!"
"Fine, fine. Senior brother, I'll toast to you!" Shen Tian laughed, clinking glasses with Liu Shang.
Just then, a soft, feminine voice interrupted them.
"Producer Liu?"
Liu Shang turned and smiled. "Liu Yan! What a coincidence. Come, join us."
Liu Yan nodded, her beautiful smile lighting up her face. She sat gracefully, looking curiously at Shen Tian. "And who might this be?"
Liu Shang introduced them warmly. "This is my junior brother, Shen Tian. He just joined our crew as the screenwriter."
Shen Tian offered a polite smile. "Hello, Sister Liu Yan. I've seen the shows you've hosted before. You're very talented."
Liu Yan's eyes brightened. "Oh? I thought you were an actor when I first saw you. You're incredibly handsome."
"See?" Liu Shang chimed in. "Junior brother, you chose the wrong path. If you'd gone into acting, you might be a big star by now instead of working behind the scenes."
Shen Tian smiled modestly.
Liu Shang signaled the waiter for two more dishes, and soon they were all eating and chatting happily.
Liu Yan found herself impressed by the handsome and gentle Shen Tian, while he couldn't help but be intrigued by her beauty and charm. She was definitely a rare treasure.
Noticing the subtle chemistry, Liu Shang decided to play matchmaker.
"Junior brother, you don't have a girlfriend yet, right?"
Shen Tian shook his head. "No, I don't."
Liu Shang turned to Liu Yan with a teasing smile. "What do you think of my junior brother?
He's quite the catch. You two should get to know each other better."
Shen Tian silently praised his senior brother… this was what a true wingman looked like.
Liu Yan's cheeks flushed slightly. As they continued eating, Shen Tian gently picked up some food and placed it on her plate. Liu Yan glanced at him shyly before lowering her head to eat.
"Ahem," Liu Shang suddenly stood up and feigned a tipsy stumble. "I'm a bit drunk. You two stay and eat a while longer. The bill's already paid!"
Without giving them a chance to stop him, he slipped away, leaving the two alone.
Seizing the moment, Shen Tian boldly reached out and gently held Liu Yan's soft, delicate hand.
Startled, Liu Yan looked up and rolled her eyes. "Why are you like this? This is only our first meeting."
Shen Tian grinned. "I couldn't help myself. You're just too beautiful."
"You… you're terrible," she muttered, her face turning crimson as she lowered her head again.