Chapter 28: Now This Is What You Call a Fashionable Idol Drama!

Although *Meteor Shower* did not exactly trigger a nationwide viewing frenzy, it still managed to establish itself as one of the most popular dramas of the moment. As the plot progressed, it diverged completely from Yu Youde’s *Watching Meteor Together*. Nevertheless, this did not stop the beautifully shot, highly fashionable series from becoming a hit in an entirely different way.

Human pursuit of beauty is endless. Although Chen Mo, having previously been only an actor, lacked the extensive corporate sponsorship found in Yu Youde’s productions, he was a perfectionist regarding the actors' styling and wardrobe. Consequently, the largest portion of the show's budget was allocated to these elements, and now, it was finally time to reap the rewards. For many viewers, the plot was secondary; they were more interested in whether the actors had debuted new looks or outfits in each episode.

On the internet, outfits inspired by the characters in *Meteor Shower* were selling like wildfire. Offline, countless clothing brands scrambled to copy these styles, and they were selling quite well, too. The way this show expanded its influence was truly mind-boggling. Unfortunately, in this day and age, copyright is a difficult thing to enforce, so Chen Mo could only watch from the sidelines. Of course, his gains were still substantial. Even though the Blueberry TV station had bought out the broadcast rights, that only covered television; Chen Mo still held the rights to sell online streaming access and potential sequel licenses.

Meanwhile, hair salons and barbershops everywhere began hanging posters featuring models with the "Meteor" hairstyles to attract customers. Online, many netizens shared stories of going to the barber, only for the stylist to ask first, "Do you want a *Meteor* haircut?" before presenting a selection of F4-inspired styles. In clothing stores, salespeople would invariably claim, "This is exactly how the lead actors in *Meteor Shower* styled their outfits."

This level of influence was something Chen Mo had never anticipated. Furthermore, the fashion industry began extending olive branches to the cast. The F4 members, Zhao Xiaodao, and other supporting actors suddenly became the hottest commodities in the business. Chen Mo himself received invitations, but he declined; he had no desire to be an actor, so there was no need. Moreover, his foundation was still relatively shallow. While the visual impact of *Meteor Shower* had exceeded expectations, many still attributed its success to the legacy of *Meteor Garden*.

Chen Mo did not deny this, but that was exactly why he had bought the rights in the first place—for that very influence. His initial intent was purely to settle a grudge for his predecessor and release the resentment buried deep within his soul, though it was also, naturally, a sound business venture. At the time, Chen Mo hadn't had many other ways to break the deadlock, so in a way, he actually had Yu Youde to thank for the inspiration.

As the plot of *Meteor Shower* advanced, the ratings climbed higher, and the cast found themselves busier than ever. Chen Mo was not idle either. The show’s popularity made it a prized asset, and major video streaming platforms began circling. Since the Blueberry TV station had bought the exclusive broadcast rights, they requested that Chen Mo hold off on selling online rights until the first run was finished. Chen Mo, also waiting to see how the ratings would peak, had yet to enter negotiations.

In this era, online distribution rights for television dramas did not fetch high prices. After all, the following year, *New My Fair Princess* sold for thirty million—a figure hailed as an astronomical price, despite the fact that the show spanned a staggering 97 episodes. That series, by the way, was panned by critics. Interestingly, little Zhao had originally been slated to play the role of Qing'er in that show. While it wouldn't have been a maid role, it was still just a supporting part. Now, however, that was virtually impossible; little Zhao was currently red-hot. Despite having only one major drama under her belt, she was no longer the person she used to be. Having played the lead in a blockbuster hit, she was unlikely to accept a minor supporting role, not even in *My Fair Princess*. Even if she wanted to, her agency wouldn't allow her to lower her status by taking on such a part.

With the Lunar New Year approaching, there was no need for Chen Mo to do anything more; the lead actors were sufficient for promotion, so he simply headed home. It had been over half a year since he transmigrated, and although he had stayed in touch with his family, he had yet to visit. It wasn't that there was any estrangement; his parents in this life had only one son and doted on him immensely. Back when the "stabbing in the back" incident occurred, his family had been filled with righteous indignation. Unfortunately, industries are like mountains, and while the Chen family held some influence in their hometown, they had no connections to the entertainment world. As mentioned before, the Chen family business dealt in funeral services and burial plots—a hereditary trade, and they were a prominent clan in the area specializing in this industry.

"Oh, so the great director has finally decided to come home?" his father remarked with a hint of sarcasm the moment he stepped through the door.

"What are you saying? When he wasn't here, you missed him every day. Now that he's back, you don't have a single nice word to say. Xiao Mo, ignore him. It’s good you’re home. Are you tired? What do you want for dinner? Mom will go make it for you," his mother said, shooting his father a glare.

"Everything Mom makes is my favorite. Honestly, I’ve missed Mom's cooking so much," Chen Mo said with a grin. A familiar sense of warmth stirred in his heart. His household was a typical one where the father handled external affairs and the mother managed the home.

"You two go drink some tea and chat. I'm going to pick up some more groceries," his mother said, bustling out the door.

Left alone with his father, Chen Shouxin, Chen Mo busied himself fetching tea leaves and boiling water. Once the water was ready, he expertly prepared the tea before finding an opening to start a conversation: "Dad, how’s the business been lately?"

His father looked at him with surprise. "I thought you despised the family business. Why the sudden interest?"

"I was just young and ignorant back then," Chen Mo said with a smile.

"As long as you know. I gave up on you taking over, but you’re not getting any younger. It’s time you found a wife. I think that young lady in your show seems quite nice," his father said, looking at him with a glimmer of satisfaction before abruptly changing the subject.

"Dad, don't play matchmaker. I have my own plans. If I ever get a girlfriend, I’ll be sure to bring her home for you two to meet immediately," Chen Mo said, knowing he shouldn't show too much resistance, or the topic would never end. Sure enough, hearing this, his father dropped the subject.

Just then, his father’s phone rang. He glanced at it and said to Chen Mo, "It’s your grand-uncle, let me take this!" After hanging up, his father’s brow was slightly furrowed. Chen Mo asked, "What's wrong?"

"Nothing much, just couldn't agree on the price for a burial plot, so the deal fell through," his father replied with a frown.

Chen Mo became interested. If his father was reacting this way, it clearly wasn't an ordinary plot, or he wouldn't be bothered. After all, the family company handled many such properties every year. Just like real estate, burial plots were categorized by grade, and the price gap could sometimes be even more staggering than in the property market.