Chapter 127: The Advance of the Rainbow

At some point, the entertainment industry began to heavily favor IP adaptations, and the formula of classic IP plus trendy young stars has turned off many viewers over the past few years.

Almost every adaptation seemed to flop; out of hundreds of IP-based dramas, only one or two would become hits, while the rest fell flat.

Yet those one or two blockbuster adaptations made countless investors see dollar signs.

The lead actors would become overnight sensations across the country, merchandise sold out rapidly, and profits soared into the billions. Compared to such huge returns, the initial investment was negligible.

As a rising capitalist, Zuo Qiu was naturally envious, but she also understood clearly that the modest resources of Rainbow Entertainment could not afford multiple failures.

After more than half a year of comprehensive evaluation, she acquired the rights to adapt the classic standalone game "Legend of the Heroes" into a film and television project.

A cherished memory for a generation, the storyline of "Legend of the Heroes" far surpassed most current hits, and the adaptation was much less challenging.

Moreover, it was a xianxia (immortal hero) drama, a genre currently in vogue. As long as it was well made, there was no shortage of an audience.

Zuo Qiu gently swirled her wine glass. “For the script, I specifically invited the original lead writer of ‘Legend of the Heroes’ to personally adapt the game’s narrative into a screenplay. Additionally, I brought in the acclaimed screenwriter Huang Duoduo to oversee the process.”

“But we haven’t found a suitable director yet. Zhou Miao, when you have time, get in touch with Director Zhang and see if he can recommend anyone appropriate.”

Zhou Miao nodded. “What about the cast?”

Zuo Qiu tilted her head toward Lin Ke’er. “Of course, we’ll cast our own people. Ke’er will take the female lead. Zhou Miao, would you like to try for the male lead? From a looks standpoint, I think you’d be a good fit.”

Zhou Miao shook his head vigorously like a rattle. “No interest. Let professionals do professional work. If I act, I’ll just drag Lin Ke’er down with me.”

“I think when it comes to casting, it’s more important to find the right fit than to chase popularity.”

“Legend of the Heroes” was a great IP. Its previous adaptations had been hugely successful, and the lead actors had enjoyed the dividends from this drama for over a decade, earning strong goodwill from the public.

However, a poor production would not only waste money but also tarnish the classic.

Zuo Qiu understood Zhou Miao’s concerns well. “This drama is extremely important for the company. Every aspect must be flawless. That’s why I want to entrust you with the entire soundtrack. Can you handle it?”

“I can, but composing the entire score is a huge amount of work…” Zhou Miao rubbed his chin thoughtfully.

“You’ll get paid extra.”

Zuo Qiu crossed her legs and spread her hands confidently. “No problem. Rainbow Entertainment is so broke, all we have left is money.”

After securing funding, Rainbow had been pushing forward with bold development plans, but their spending pace was still slow. The representatives from Tencent had come to see Zuo Qiu several times about this.

Capital investment wasn’t meant for hoarding money in the bank to collect interest. They wanted to see active operational expenditures—only with spending could there be returns, and only with returns could there be sustainable growth.

At noon, Zhou Miao called Zhang Yichuan to ask for help finding a reliable director.

Zhang Yichuan did not refuse. That same day, he connected them with a veteran director experienced in xianxia dramas.

The script for “Legend of the Heroes” was still being polished; filming was still some way off, and the soundtrack would only be composed after shooting wrapped, so Zhou Miao wasn’t pressed for work at the moment.

Stretching widely, Zhou Miao thought about how summer break was already halfway over for most people, but his vacation was only just beginning.

“You guys keep busy. I’m going home for a nap. Haven’t been sleeping well lately,” he said, grabbing his bag and heading out.

Zhao Li watched him leave but didn’t notice that Zuo Qiu had been watching her closely all along.

“Stop staring. If you look any harder, your eyeballs will pop out,” Zuo Qiu teased.

Lin Ke’er looked at her meaningfully, smiling without a word.

Zhao Li’s cheeks flushed as she pretended not to understand. “President Qiu, what are you talking about?”

Zuo Qiu shook her head with a sigh. “My brother is really popular. You have no idea how many actresses want to flirt with him, but Sister Gu has blocked them all.”

“There are even wealthy female investors contacting me directly, saying they want to ‘have dinner’ with Zhou Miao, and they’re willing to pay whatever price I set.”

“What did you say to them?” Zhao Li asked curiously.

Zuo Qiu smiled bitterly. “What else could I say? Of course, I refused. If I let him go entertain rich women, his mother would tear me apart.”

“You should ask Zhou Miao first. Maybe he’s interested,” Zhao Li laughed.

When the topic turned to this, Zuo Qiu’s interest suddenly peaked.

She leaned forward, full of gossip. “Honestly, I always feel there’s something odd about Zhou Miao. A young man his age should be dazzled by women, right?”

“But he’s like a monk. Besides Xiao Hu, he doesn’t even glance at other women. Has all this music studying made him a little crazy?”

Hearing Zuo Qiu say this, Zhao Li also felt that Zhou Miao was a bit abnormal.

Throughout their cohabitation, no matter how scantily dressed she was at night, Zhou Miao never once looked her way, which had made her seriously doubt herself.

“Isn’t being devoted a good thing? I wish my future boyfriend could be like him. That way, girls would feel more secure,” Lin Ke’er said.

“Wake up. Actresses are the hardest to find boyfriends. Just finding one is lucky enough. I’ve never met a second person like Zhou Miao,” Zuo Qiu ruthlessly dashed her hopes.

But then she suddenly remembered someone and asked Zhao Li, “Have Li Qin and Lin Zekai really broken up?”

Mentioning Li Qin, Zhao Li’s expression darkened. “I don’t know. Maybe. We haven’t been in touch for a long time.”

“Why?” Zuo Qiu was puzzled.

Zhao Li was silent. She couldn’t understand why Li Qin never reached out again.

Was it really worth cutting off the best friend for some scoundrel who dumped her?

…

After leaving the company, Zhou Miao went to Yang Xiaoya’s house to pick up the fostered puppy, Milk Candy. After some time apart, Milk Candy had visibly gained some weight.

“What have you been feeding it? Pig feed?” Zhou Miao muttered, pinching the chubby flesh around Milk Candy’s mouth.

“It’s better to be a bit chubby, isn’t it? So cute~” Yang Xiaoya was reluctant to see Milk Candy go after growing attached.

“By the way, Miao Ge, have you checked Weibo? The Ultraman siblings haven’t performed these days, and many netizens think you signed with some entertainment company,” Yang Xiaoya said.

Zhou Miao looked at her in surprise. “How did you know that was me and Zhao Li? Did Sister Gu tell you?”

Yang Xiaoya proudly smoothed her hair. “Sister Gu only told me you two were doing a variety show together, but I recognized you the moment I saw your first performance video. The height and body shape are exactly the same. Although your voice changed a bit, I could still hear your signature tone.”

Their disguise was too simple, only enough to fool fans and strangers. Someone like Yang Xiaoya, who saw him every day, saw right through it at a glance.

Zhou Miao smiled. “What do you think will happen once the show is public?”

“It will explode instantly!”