Li Ming
Trapped in a Dating Show Love Triangle, I Found My Happy Ending with the Obsessive Second Male Lead
Biodata
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Li Ming (李茗) |
| Alias(es) | Producer Li; Director Li when filling in for Yang Qi 3 148 |
| Gender | Female 12 |
| Affiliation | Love Mailbox production team; Shining Morning Star production team 12 201 |
| Occupation/Role | Television producer; former talent coordinator; substitute chief director of Love Mailbox; executive producer of Shining Morning Star 148 201 |
| First Appearance | Chapter 3, identified as Producer Li 3 |
Background / History
Casting and Early Production
Li Ming previously worked as a talent coordinator and developed a strong aptitude for managing guests 201. During casting for Love Mailbox, she asked An Zhiwan to recommend suitable Alpha candidates; Mu Yunzhi was the first person he suggested. This recommendation remained a secret known only to An, Li Ming, and Yang Qi 200.
Initially, she questioned Yang Qi’s insistence on casting Jiang Yumiao: he was an obscure writer without well-known work or even casual photographs available to the production team 3. After his appearance without glasses attracted attention, she recognized him as a major draw and arranged for Amelia to handle his hair, makeup, and clothing 12.
Taking Over as Director
When Yang Qi accompanied Leng Haiyue abroad, he asked Li Ming to cover his duties shortly before boarding his flight. She scolded him but took over as Love Mailbox’s chief director, handling questions from the guests’ filming staff. Yang later checked the livestream and found that she had everything running smoothly 148 151.
The experience made her eager for another turn in the director’s chair 164. At the post-show celebration banquet, she again filled in as director and conducted the program’s first live interview; previous interviews had been edited before release 186 187.
*Shining Morning Star*
Li Ming continued partnering with Yang Qi as executive producer of Shining Morning Star, a boy-band competition featuring ninety-nine trainees and no ABO-gender restrictions. Her guest-management experience helped support the larger cast, while the team addressed contestant–fan boundaries and prepared an edited, prerecorded format 201.
Her observational skills complemented Yang’s quick thinking and Leng Haiyue’s experience with idols. Together, they identified the trainees’ strengths and brought the ensemble to life within a positive format that rejected malicious editing and manufactured conflict 202.
After the finale, she helped coordinate Leng Haiyue’s surprise proposal to Yang Qi. She secretly recruited Yu He to keep Yang occupied with a venue tour while the celebration space was decorated 204.
Personality
Li Ming is practical and outspoken with her longtime collaborator Yang Qi. She pushes him to stop brooding and resolve production problems, reprimands him when romance interferes with work, and readily takes responsibility when he is unavailable 86 148 201. Her enjoyment of substitute directing eventually leads her to suggest a future parenting reality show—with herself, rather than Yang, as director 164 209.
Her sharp commentary coexists with concern for others. She checks on Jiang Yumiao after his health scare and watches his affectionate interview answers with a doting smile 20. On recognizing Leng Haiyue’s interest in Yang, she approves of their compatibility but hopes Leng is serious, believing Yang deserves someone who will treat him well 121.
Abilities & Skills
Production and Guest Management
- Styling coordination: Arranges professional styling for Jiang so his unsuitable clothing and unmanaged hair do not undermine his appeal on camera 12.
- Production logistics: Sends expert craft-voting results to Yang and helps reconsider filming destinations after safety concerns and crowding draw criticism 61 86.
- Directing and interviewing: Runs Love Mailbox in Yang’s absence and hosts its first live follow-up interview 148 187.
- Large-cast management: Serves as executive producer for a competition with ninety-nine trainees 201.
Observation and Audience Awareness
- Recognizes Leng Haiyue’s interest in Yang from his unusually specific ideal-type description, gaze, and Yang’s awkward reactions 121.
- Notices that Yu He’s unusually serious effort on a handmade gift may indicate a romantic development the crew has missed 61.
- Helps identify compelling trainee characteristics and talking points for Shining Morning Star 202.
Relationships
- Yang Qi — Longtime professional partner. She covers his directing duties, scolds his lapses, supports his romance, and helps arrange his surprise engagement 126 148 201 204.
- Leng Haiyue — Approves of his potential match with Yang while remaining concerned about his sincerity. Later collaborates with him on Shining Morning Star and assists with his proposal 121 202 204.
- Jiang Yumiao — Initially doubts his casting value, then arranges styling and shows concern for his health. Describes a later photograph of Jiang and Ning Chunchi as resembling a wedding portrait 3 12 20 153.
- An Zhiwan — Consults him during casting; shares the secret that he recommended Mu Yunzhi for Love Mailbox 200.
- Amelia — Entrusts her with Jiang’s makeover and gives her a thumbs-up after seeing the result 12.
- Yu He — Recruits him to delay Yang’s arrival at the surprise engagement celebration 204.
- Xiao Wu — Teams up with him to ensure Yang remains properly styled for the Shining Morning Star finale rather than changing back into his usual clothes 202.
Notable Quotes
“Producer Li? Heh. Today, please call me Director Li.” 148
“What's done is done. Sighing won't help. Hurry up and settle on our next destination.” 86
“I'd be the director.” 209