Chapter 119

November 13, 2003, was Yan Li's twenty-third birthday.

But he didn't stay in Jingcheng to celebrate; instead, he came to the Dunhuang set of "Detective Di Renjie" to visit the crew.

There was no choice—Dong Xuan and Qin Lan were both in Jingcheng, each wanting to throw him a birthday party, and Yan Li couldn't split himself in two, so he had to hide.

Still, hiding or not, Yan Li didn't skip out on birthday gifts.

He even used the excuse of having to travel for his birthday as a reason to work hard for their future happiness, which moved Dong and Qin so deeply they half-heartedly let him unlock plenty of new perks.

On the way out of Jingcheng, Yan Li still felt a touch of nostalgic longing.

Dunhuang Ancient City, the main filming location for "Detective Di Renjie," also had some scenes shot in Hengdian.

This was Yan Li's first time here; he found it quite distinctive—its scale was far smaller than Hengdian's, but it blended in much of the northwest frontier atmosphere, with architecture and layout exuding a rugged and cold solemnity.

It was perfect for shooting ancient frontier military themes or related Wu Xia stories; "New Dragon Gate Inn," starring Maggie Cheung and Tony Leung, had filmed here.

Before joining the crew, Yan Li had specifically asked his guide-driver to take him on a tour, snapping photos with his camera.

Maybe someday a similar project would come up—he'd have some preliminary location scouting material on hand for comparison.

After that, Yan Li directly joined the set, arriving just as filming was underway; he didn't announce himself, simply standing on-site to watch.

They were shooting Peng Dan's scene, and her scene partner was Zhu Yanping, who played Wu Song in the Shandong version of "Water Margin"—also Yan Li's fellow townsman, a typical Shandong giant.

But Yan Li had heard this man had retired from acting; he didn't know how Qian Yanqiu had convinced him to come back.

While Zhu Yanping merely gave Yan Li a cursory glance, Yan Li's main attention was fixed on Peng Dan.

You could tell the difference in directorial skill at a glance.

Back when they made "The Treasure Basin," Yan Li had complained that even though they'd hired Peng Dan, the makeup and costume design failed to highlight her strengths.

But Qian Yanqiu, the director of "Detective Di Renjie," knew exactly what he was doing—putting her in a low-cut ancient costume, that's what truly grabbed attention, brimming with the shadow of ratings.

That salary was worth every penny!

Soon, that scene finished, and Qian Yanqiu's loud voice rang out: "Move to the next set, next scene!"

As he was shouting, someone beside him pointed toward Yan Li; Qian Yanqiu glanced over, immediately stood up, and came forward to greet him.

"Director Yan, what brings you here?"

Yan Li shook his hand and smiled: "I came to visit the set, and incidentally learn from Director Qian's advanced experience."

"You're making fun of me."

Qian Yanqiu grinned broadly: "If anyone's learning, it should be us learning from you—I've heard your new project is huge, while ours is just small-time."

"…."

After a bit of mutual flattery, Li Xing arrived in a hurry upon hearing the news.

Unlike Qian Yanqiu, Li Xing knew Yan Li was visiting the set, but didn't know the exact time.

How to put it—when you're studying or working, you hate these surprise inspections.

But if you become the leader doing the inspecting, you'll quickly grow to love the feeling.

Yan Li had tried it twice already; he found it worked well, delivering genuinely useful insights.

He had an intelligence system, but it didn't report every tiny detail—what got reported was beyond his control, both in randomness and volume, and reading reports was entirely different from personally inspecting.

So if Yan Li had time, he preferred to come in person—it gave him a more direct understanding and connection with the crew.

"Director Qian, keep working—I'll let Li Xing accompany me."

Qian Yanqiu had work to do, and he wasn't Yan Li's subordinate, so Yan Li didn't hold him back.

"Alright, Producer Li will show Director Yan around. Director Yan, I'll arrange a dinner tonight to welcome you."

Qian Yanqiu set up the dinner, then returned to filming. Yan Li greeted Peng Dan, then listened to Li Xing's detailed report.

Yan Li already knew part of "Detective Di Renjie"'s situation from his system.

Li Xing had also called or emailed him before; now, face-to-face, answering questions as they came, Yan Li gained a more detailed and comprehensive understanding of the crew.

The "Detective Di Renjie" production team was still very professional, with serious attitudes, and no major financial irregularities in the accounts.

Progress wasn't slow—if all went well, filming would wrap shortly after the Spring Festival.

Inside the crew, it was essentially Qian Yanqiu's one-man rule; most actors and staff were his people, Li Xing had little influence and couldn't interfere with production, only responsible for overseeing finances.

Besides Li Xing, there was a CCTV producer who had visited several times, but after realizing he couldn't make his voice heard, he stopped coming.

Various specific tasks were handled by the production supervisor; Li Xing occasionally lent a hand.

There were also some minor or major conflicts and internal gossip, but nothing threatened the overall project.

"That's enough."

Yan Li nodded—he asked for little, never expected that by investing money he could strut around the set and boss everyone around.

His goal was to make money!

As long as the accounts were clean, the crew had the right attitude, didn't drag their feet or cut corners, didn't hurt his profits, didn't mistreat or bully his people or actors he recommended, and no illegal acts dragged him down—

Everything else didn't matter; Yan Li didn't care and didn't want to get involved.

"Old Li, you've done well."

Yan Li patted Li Xing on the shoulder, gave him plenty of encouragement, and promised that when "Detective Di Renjie" aired and made money, he wouldn't let him down.

"By the way, the company recently invested in another drama—a contemporary one—next time, you'll handle it as producer too."

"Understood, you'll see my performance."

Li Xing felt energized—he'd made the right move siding with Director Yan; Yan Li truly gave opportunities.

In just a few months, he'd become producer on two dramas—only regret was, neither was a company-led project, so his actual authority was limited.

But Director Yan had said the company was still growing, he was still young, he needed to train and accumulate experience—someday soon, he'd be entrusted to lead a project independently.

After sketching out this future, Yan Li thought of Sister Hua's emotional tactics toward Li and Fan.

He stamped his foot and blew into his hands: "It's cold here—thanks for your hard work, wear more clothes so you don't catch a chill."

"It's fine—only outdoor shots are cold; the hotel has heating."

"Then be careful—it's almost New Year's, and working outside for a year isn't easy; you must return home healthy and well."

Li Xing heard this, pursed his lips: "Ah."

Yan Li was a big man, so he wouldn't say anything overly sentimental; after thinking for a moment, he decided that if he went back, he'd give them some money to buy clothes.

Hmm, never mind, better to buy it first and then mail it to them.

Money is a reward, but gifts carry feeling!

In ancient times, rewards weren't just cash—they also involved treating people to wine and meat; splitting one sum into two uses—eating and receiving—deepened bonds and doubled loyalty.

…

That night, the cast of "Detective Di Renjie" hosted a welcome dinner for Yan Li.

Besides director Qian Yanqiu, Liang Guanhua as Di Renjie, Zhang Zijian as Li Yuanfang, Peng Dan and Zhu Yanping whom Yan Li had met before, there was also a young actor Yan Li found vaguely familiar, and Jiang Xin.

Yes, Jiang Xin was also an actor in "Detective Di Renjie."

Since he had interviewed her, Yan Li had some knowledge of her background—she was currently signed with Jingcheng Zhongshi Film & Television.

This company was a subsidiary of CCTV, involved in the production and distribution of many TV dramas.

For example, "Demigods and Semi-Devils" had this company's fingerprints behind it, which was also why Jiang Xin landed the role of Mu Wanqing.

"Detective Di Renjie" was a CCTV production; Jiang Xin benefited from this connection and secured the female lead in one of its episodes.

Jiang Xin was also very surprised to see Yan Li.

She knew Yan Li was the producer of "Huan Tian Xi Di Seven Fairies," but didn't know he had invested in "Detective Di Renjie."

Now she was effectively working on two of his dramas; originally just here for the free meal, Jiang Xin had no choice but to raise her cup and toast.

Yan Li returned the gesture generously, draining his glass; he glanced at Jiang Xin—graceful in appearance, tall and slender—and grew fonder with every look.

Jiang Xin felt uneasy under his gaze.

She didn't understand why, during the audition, Yan Li had treated her normally, but now his attitude had changed so suddenly.

Only when Yan Li brought up Mu Wanqing from "Demigods and Semi-Devils" did Jiang Xin slowly realize.

Right—"Demigods and Semi-Devils" was about to air!

Although Mu Wanqing wasn't the main female lead, she had substantial screen time; her visibility would rise, directly benefiting "Huan Tian Xi Di Seven Fairies"—no wonder Yan Li looked at her with favor.

Besides giving Jiang Xin special attention, Yan Li was courteous to all other actors.

Especially Liang Guanhua—the two had excellent personal rapport.

After Liang Guanhua finished filming "Detective Di Renjie," his next project would be joining "Huan Tian Xi Di Seven Fairies" as the Barefoot Immortal.

The young male actor Yan Li found familiar—he finally recognized him.

Zhao Zhigang, who played Di Chun, Di Renjie's steward!

This man had little fame in the industry; Yan Li recognized him because he was a 2000 undergraduate classmate of Dong Xuan and Guan Yue at the Beijing Film Academy.

Yan Li had crossed paths with him many times when visiting Dong Xuan, but Zhao Zhigang was unremarkable and left no impression.

Honestly, among Dong Xuan's male classmates, the one Yan Li remembered best was Cui Peng—good-looking, so he worried he might be poached; the others didn't register at all.

Even those who had clashed with him before—now if he saw them, he'd hesitate before recalling their names.

Yan Li inquired, and found Zhao Zhigang was doing fairly well.

Qian Yanqiu admired him—he not only acted but also served as assistant director.

Originally, if Zhao Zhigang had been struggling, Yan Li would've asked Li Xing to look out for him out of respect for Dong Xuan; since he was doing fine, no need.

He wasn't even his classmate, no real connection—no point meddling.

————

Yan Li stayed at the "Detective Di Renjie" set for two days.

Qian Yanqiu wanted him to make a cameo, but Yan Li declined, saying he had no time.

It wasn't an excuse—he was truly busy: overseeing progress on "Huan Tian Xi Di Seven Fairies" while personally handling the satellite broadcast negotiations for "Snow Goddess Dragon."

Because the drama's initial ratings weren't outstanding, negotiating with a second satellite channel became harder.

Yan Li held firm: no sale below 6.5 million yuan, so they had to negotiate slowly.

After five days of continuous socializing and three rounds of meetings, the contract was finally signed—Market Director Xiao Guan even threw up once before it was settled.

The 6.5 million yuan contract carried a 15% distribution share—nearly one million yuan.

After deducting sales team commissions and taxes, Yan Li netted only a few hundred thousand yuan—barely enough to afford a single apartment in Jingcheng.

"What's the point of life, really?"

Yan Li sat sideways on the office sofa, sighing; Wang Ou knelt obediently behind him, silent, silently massaging his shoulders.

Though not yet signed to Yi'an, Wang Ou's mindset was correct—she saw herself as company staff.

Especially when Yan Li was around, she frequently came over, even taking over some of Hu Ya's secretary duties.

Hu Ya was dissatisfied but didn't argue with her—mainly because their roles were different.

As secretary, she primarily assisted Yan Li with work and handled miscellaneous tasks—a work assistant.

Wang Ou leaned more toward a personal assistant: serving tea, carrying bags, relieving fatigue—focused entirely on intimate service.

And indeed, with Wang Ou doing this, Yan Li finally understood why many bosses preferred having beautiful female secretaries or assistants nearby.

It was truly different from rough, blunt Lin Jiachuan!

Leaning back, enjoying the warmth and softness, Yan Li closed his eyes and asked:

"How's your script memorization going?"

Wang Ou paused, nervously replying: "I just got the script a few days ago—I haven't memorized it well yet."

"That won't do."

Yan Li frowned: "I recommended you for the female lead—I'm taking pressure for you. If you mess up, I'll look foolish too. Remember: your main job is acting; performing well is your foundation."

"I'll definitely memorize it properly later."

Wang Ou actually valued this female lead a great deal, but she was too eager to curry favor with Yan Li, so she leaned more toward flattery; now that Yan Li had given her a rap on the knuckles, she immediately declared her stance.

Only then did Yan Li's expression soften. A pretty female secretary was fine, but it wasn't as if he had no women at home — there were plenty of ways to enjoy himself.

Wang Ou's looks and personality were not bad; Yan Li had pointed her at making money, and she couldn't put the cart before the horse.

Seeing that Yan Li had not flown into a rage, Wang Ou breathed a quiet sigh of relief inside. Her slender, fair, tender fingers kneaded Yan Li's shoulders and neck in a rhythmic motion, and as she worked, her upper body kept leaning forward, giving Yan Li's back a relaxing press.

The past few days Yan Li had been busy with socializing and negotiations, so Wang Ou hadn't dared to disturb him much; today the contract was wrapped up, and she figured Yan Li should have some time now.

A thought stirring in her heart, Wang Ou's little hands kept moving, but her face leaned close, her voice slightly coquettish, with a touch of pitiful whine as she said.

"President Yan, I've only acted in a few dramas and I'm not great at memorizing lines — you came up through the proper training, could you teach me a thing or two?"

Yan Li tilted his head, glanced at Wang Ou, who was staring at him expectantly, savored for a moment the delicate, springy softness of the backrest just now, and gave a slight nod.

"Fine, I'll give you some pointers."

Wang Ou was overjoyed and was about to call the hotel to book a "classroom," but was stopped by Yan Li.

"Why spend that money — going to yours will do."

"Mine?"

Wang Ou was dumbfounded, and stammered: "But I'm renting a place together with someone else."

Yan Li was slightly taken aback. Apart from the 5,000-plus he'd given last time, these past few days, whenever he was in a good mood, he'd tossed her some bits and pieces here and there. He'd assumed Wang Ou had moved to a new place. But in an instant, another sly grin crept across his face.

"That's perfect — having someone around makes the lesson more earnest…"

(End of chapter)