Chapter 24: A Dimensional Strike from Future Aesthetics

The latest episode of *Meteor Garden*, featuring a showdown between the old and new casts, saw its viewership ratings explode, just as expected. The debut of the new F4 and Shancai immediately captivated countless viewers in front of their television screens.

"Wow, how did I not know there were so many handsome men and beautiful women in the entertainment industry?"

"Right? Suddenly, their styles look so trendy. It’s a total dimensional strike against the old F4 and Big S! There’s no harm without comparison; I suddenly feel like the old F4 and Shancai were a bit tacky. Is it just my imagination?"

"That Zhao Liying is truly unique. I never realized a round face could be this beautiful."

"Based on this alone, I am definitely going to follow *Let’s Go Watch the Meteor Shower*!"

"This is a classic 'ugly duckling to swan' story. I just looked up Zhao Liying’s past work; her styling and image were completely different from how she looks on this show."

"Isn’t Shancai also a classic 'ugly duckling to swan' or 'Cinderella to princess' trope? The casting is spot on, and most importantly, the new F4 are so handsome!"

Chen Mo had slightly underestimated the shockwave created by his advanced aesthetic. It wasn't just netizens exclaiming how handsome and beautiful the cast was; even the fashion industry took notice, offering their own expert opinions. They provided comprehensive breakdowns of the outfits and styling of the new F4 and Zhao Liying, creating an overnight sensation that felt like it was setting new trends.

One man’s joy is another man’s sorrow. Barbers and stylists scrambled to study the hairstyles and fashion choices of the new cast, treating the footage like a treasure trove. Meanwhile, viewers and netizens expressed overwhelming anticipation for *Let’s Go Watch the Meteor Shower*. Seeing such unexpected results, the Blue Berry Satellite TV station had no choice but to ramp up their efforts, investing even more promotional resources.

However, others were left with long faces—specifically, Yu Youde.

His show, *Let’s Watch the Meteor*, had already wrapped filming and was in post-production. Naturally, he had been monitoring the progress of his direct rival, *Let’s Go Watch the Meteor Shower*, from the start. Seeing the new F4 steamroll the old version, and watching Zhao Liying’s styling and trendy look paired with her youthful, round face completely overshadow the original Shancai, he was devastated. The old cast was left with nothing but nostalgia, while viewers lamented that "time is a butcher’s knife" and promptly switched their loyalty to the new lineup.

Yu Youde had a complete mental breakdown. He never expected—not in his wildest dreams—that it would end like this.

Even though it was just a debut of the main cast, it had far exceeded his expectations. These elements alone didn't just crush the old F4 and Shancai; they also obliterated his own H4 and Chu Xunyun. How could he be happy? He kept trying to comfort himself, telling himself that Chen Mo just got lucky and that an actor wouldn’t know the first thing about directing. But he couldn’t fool himself—who could understand his pain?

What do people look for in an idol drama? The plot? Don’t make me laugh. Since it was a remake, the audience already knew the story by heart. They were there for the costumes, the makeup, and the props—they were there for the people. But what could he do? He was helpless.

To make matters worse, Director Lin from the procurement department at Mango TV called with more bad news. After the Blue Berry TV episode went viral, Mango TV had completely abandoned his show. They weren't blind or stupid. Netizens had already laid out the comparisons for everyone to see. While the old F4 were indeed a bit lacking compared to Chen Mo’s new version, that was a product of their time, and they had the benefit of nostalgia. But what about Yu Youde’s H4 and Chu Xunyun? They were from the same era, so why were they so much worse? They lost in looks, and their styling wasn't nearly as fashionable. Some even compared the official stills from *Let’s Watch the Meteor* with those of *Let’s Go Watch the Meteor Shower*, concluding: "Sure enough, a bootleg is just a bootleg!"

Although Blue Berry TV didn't promote Chen Mo as the director, the credit roll was released after the episode. Sharp-eyed netizens quickly spotted the catch.

"Did I read that right? Director of *Let’s Go Watch the Meteor Shower*: Chen Mo?"

"This isn't *that* Chen Mo, is it?"

"Probably not, right? Isn't he an actor?"

"If it is him, this is going to be hilarious."

"I checked online, and there doesn't seem to be a director named Chen Mo. The encyclopedia only lists the actor. So the question is, are they the same person?"

"Internal scoop: it’s absolutely reliable. This Chen Mo is indeed that Chen Mo. He’s a ruthless one!"

"Holy crap, for real? If so, he’s a total savage! He isn't sparing anyone!"

"But isn't he an actor? How did he suddenly become a director? And looking at the stills, the new F4 and Shancai look pretty good, don't they?"

"That’s not the point! If this Chen Mo is the same guy, remember he once auditioned for the third male lead in *Let’s Watch the Meteor*. Plus, there were those rumors from that woman—even though there was no evidence, there’s no smoke without fire. She was already sentenced, and what she said during her breakdown... those in the know, know. So, could this really be a coincidence?"

"The titles *Let’s Watch the Meteor* and *Let’s Go Watch the Meteor Shower* are only one word apart. You think that wasn't intentional?"

"This move is genius!"

"Wait, *Let’s Go Watch the Meteor Shower* bought the remake rights and filmed a whole show. Where did an actor like Chen Mo get the money? Don't tell me someone invested in him—he’s not even an established director! Where did the cash come from?"

"That’s actually explainable. This Chen Mo is truly formidable. Does the industry really allow someone this powerful to exist? Don't forget, he flipped the table, orchestrated the 'First Internet Defamation Case,' and sent Fang Xiaoxiao to 'sew shoes' in prison. He probably squeezed plenty of compensation out of the people who backstabbed him. So, it’s likely that compensation money funded *Let’s Go Watch the Meteor Shower*. It’s obvious who he’s targeting, right?"

"I didn't expect a sequel to the 'Backstabber' incident. Getting my popcorn ready!"

"So, the question is: *Let’s Go Watch the Meteor Shower* has the official remake rights and is airing first. What happens to *Let’s Watch the Meteor*?"

"What else can they do? Sell it for pennies. Are they going to just let it gather dust?"

"The key question is, can Chen Mo actually direct? I’ve never heard of him having any directing experience."

"The promo looks good. At the very least, the casting and styling are top-notch! It completely destroys the old version and the one next door."

"Could it just be all looks and no substance?"

"Heh, just check who the assistant director is, and you’ll know. This Chen Mo has some tricks up his sleeve."

"Assistant director? Ning Hao? Who is that?"

People quickly looked up Ning Hao.

"Good grief! What kind of background does Chen Mo have? An award-winning film director acting as his assistant?"

"Did that guy Yu not do his homework before messing with him? Is this what you call hitting a brick wall?"

Even though Ning Hao wasn't a household name yet, his resume was impressive. A film director—an award winner, at that—serving as an assistant to an actor-turned-director on an idol drama? No matter how you looked at it, Chen Mo clearly had serious backing.