Third-rate online novelist Meng Mei made her name with plots that were tacky and tropes that were melodramatic, earning herself a torrent of criticism from readers.
Yet whenever her work was adapted into a web drama, the unknown young actors playing the leads would become famous overnight and take the internet by storm. People in the industry called her a "hit-maker."
Shiyu Zhou, a bestselling author whose stunning looks were only part of his appeal, had built his reputation on talent. He always looked down on the vulgar, melodramatic formulas he considered mass-appeal spiritual opium.
After marrying Meng Wen in a family-arranged union, Shiyu Zhou decided to take some time off and enjoy the life of a wealthy idler at home.
At first, he thought his wife was sweet, gentle, and sensible. Keeping her by his side to brighten his leisure time seemed perfectly fine.
At an industry gathering hosted by a brand, Shiyu Zhou spotted a photo of an author beneath a nameplate that read "Meng Wen." Only then did he find a reasonable explanation for the series of strange things Meng Wen had been doing at home over the past few days.
#Bonus Scene#
One day, Shiyu Zhou discovered that a wildly popular fanfiction based on his bestselling novel had appeared online. It was a boys' love story that forcibly paired up a couple who were canonically together.
While fans of the original and fans of the fanfiction argued furiously in the comments of Meng Wen's secret account, Shiyu Zhou immediately reposted it and publicly granted permission to adapt his work.
Shiyu Zhou sat on the sofa with his darling wife in his arms, watching the vulgar, melodramatic drama based on her work, now airing to great success:
Shiyu Zhou: Satisfied?
Meng Wen: Mm-hmm. (Nods frantically.)
Shiyu Zhou: Then shall we find some inspiration together for your next tacky plot twist?
Reading Guide:
1. One-on-one romance. Both leads are each other's first. No real-life models for the leads. Happy ending.
2. The works attributed to the leads are fictional and included for the plot. Any resemblance to real works or titles is purely coincidental.
3. First published on Jinjiang. Please don't comment if you read pirated copies.
Theme: Appreciate the beauty of the world.
