[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment":3,"chapter-the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-123":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Intelligence King of Chinese Entertainment",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2260426,4411,"Chapter 123: Lord Guan in Heaven, Bless This Crew to Become a Huge Hit","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-123",123,"\u003Cp>In early December, as public interest in the Li Bingbing-Yan Li romance rumor declined, Li Bingbing denied the relationship through her agent Wang Jing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...They’re just close friends; there’s no other relationship.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When reporters questioned why they were seen holding hands while returning home together, Wang Jing repeated the same line and then avoided answering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This attempt to conceal the truth only made many netizens more convinced the two were truly involved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most likely, Li Bingbing, considering her acting career, didn’t want to publicly discuss it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But soon, Yian Pictures, on behalf of Yan Li, issued a related clarification to the media.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’re not dating; they’re friends. They went to Li Bingbing’s home together to discuss “Happy Heaven and Earth Seven Fairies,” and her sister was also present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every word of Yan Li’s clarification was true, but whether the public believed it was another matter entirely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Both sides’ denials and clarifications weren’t mere cover-ups—honestly, admitting it wouldn’t have been a big deal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li’s behind-the-scenes identity outweighs his acting role; whether his romance became public didn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a rising star like Li Bingbing, some impact was unavoidable, but at this stage, actors dating wasn’t heavily criticized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhou Young Master and International Zhang were flooded with rumors; Xu Cai’nv’s entanglement with Wang Shuo had become a classic internet meme.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Little Swallow’s relationship with her billionaire boyfriend—whether they broke up or not was unclear—but she was photographed this year kissing a Chinese-American actor, later claiming they were just good buddies, hugging and kissing was merely a ceremonial way to keep warm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, Yan Li felt he was already shameless enough, but compared to these Americans, he was still green...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason Yan Li and Li Bingbing refused to admit it wasn’t just because it was fake and unnecessary to confirm—it was primarily for future promotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they confirmed they were dating, the buzz would last only a short while, then fade away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So they had to stubbornly deny it publicly, turning a period into a comma and a question mark, to spark public suspicion and sustained attention, lay groundwork for future promotion, and leave themselves an escape route.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Romance rumor exposed—both sides deny and clarify—insider leaks—background check on relationship or career—expert commentary—netizens debate\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the Li-Yan romance rumor surfaced, all kinds of related news kept emerging.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sina, NetEase, and Sohu all launched special topics; other online platforms and entertainment media also gave them some coverage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, such a minor rumor gaining such lasting and widespread influence couldn’t have happened without Yan Li secretly stoking the flames.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d truly tasted the sweetness of promotion and hype!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even before “Happy Heaven and Earth Seven Fairies” began filming, satellite channels had already inquired.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good heavens, Yan Li finally understood what it felt like for a famous production to be fought over by TV stations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although “Happy Heaven and Earth Seven Fairies” was still far from that level—TV stations were merely asking—it could happen one day if they kept hyping it up and combined it with the project’s inherent appeal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to the unexpectedly strong promotional effect, Yan Li even considered whether to invest in media or related internet platforms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the best wine fears being hidden down a narrow alley; having a powerful promotional channel was crucial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Good promotion meant the product could be sold faster and at a higher price!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides benefiting the “Happy Heaven and Earth Seven Fairies” crew, Yan Li’s online fame also grew significantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was recognized twice in person as “Li Bingbing’s rumored boyfriend.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Yan Li paid attention when going out, trying to avoid being seen alone with any woman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, if paparazzi caught him, it could disrupt the hype plan—and worse, if Dong Xuan and Qin Lan discovered another woman near him, trouble would follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Looking at it this way, fame isn’t all benefits—at least, you lose freedom.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li couldn’t help complaining to Wang Ou: before, he could go anywhere, meet anyone, hardly anyone knew him or paid attention to him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He used to even stay overnight at Wang Ou’s shared apartment for thrills—now that was impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li wasn’t afraid they’d leak something—without proof, no one would believe them—but there was no need to invite trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His carefree, easygoing life had suddenly become constrained; Yan Li found it hard to adjust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Actually, they didn’t recognize you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ou explained: that day, Yan Li had only briefly met her two roommates, then stayed in her bedroom the whole time, didn’t reveal his identity, only gave his surname—it wasn’t easy to connect the dots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hadn’t noticed anything odd—if they’d recognized him, they’d have already asked her about him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Lisa—she might even push Wang Ou to invite Yan Li over again so she could sneak in and listen in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li glanced at Wang Ou: “Why does it sound like you actually want me to go to Tuanjiehu?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ou blushed, waving her hands, voice softening: “I’ve already found an apartment—I’m moving in these two days.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li nodded: the Tuanjiehu apartment was indeed basic, inconvenient in many ways—occasional thrills were fine, but living there long-term was asking for trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He patted his thigh, Wang Ou locked the office door, then obediently sat on his lap; Yan Li slipped his hand inside her shirt, idly playing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Is your rent money enough?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ou responded while cooperating: “Besides coming to work, I just memorize lines at home—no other expenses. After paying rent and deposit, I still have plenty left.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t be too frugal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li was penny-pinching in business, but generous with those close to him: “Spend when needed. Cash is inconvenient—give me your bank account later, I’ll transfer you some money. It’s almost New Year—send some home to your mom. Knowing you’re doing well in Beijing will ease her mind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yan Zong...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ou was moved; due to her family background and childhood experiences, she harbored both hatred and resentment toward her family, yet craved their care and approval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li giving her money made her happy—but asking her to send money home struck a deep chord.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yan Zong, I want to take a lesson.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ou’s way of expressing gratitude was blunt, but Yan Li was troubled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I have dinner with investors tonight, then go home—I don’t have time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ou grinned mischievously: “Aren’t you free right now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“This is the workplace—be serious.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ou replied solemnly: “I’m working right now—I’m your personal assistant, helping you improve metabolism, reduce distractions, sharpen focus, and concentrate on work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm... it wasn’t entirely illogical.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d always thought this girl was gentle and sweet, but her eyes carried a hint of seduction—after several lessons, her true nature had finally surfaced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Yan Li silent, Wang Ou began unbuttoning her shirt—he grabbed her wrist, annoyed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Can you stay quiet?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His strongest memory of Wang Ou was how loudly she spoke during lessons—she could shout herself hoarse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a rented apartment, people might tease her—but if she made a scene here, his reputation as boss would be ruined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wang Ou realized it too—her cheeks flushed. She couldn’t blame herself—Yan Laoshi’s lessons were too intense, she simply couldn’t hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But then she thought of a solution: if she couldn’t stay quiet, then silence her mouth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She gripped his office chair, then slowly knelt before him...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In mid-December, “Journey to the West” premiered on multiple local channels, making Jiang Xin somewhat famous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Around the same time, “Snow Goddess Dragon” was scheduled for broadcast on Guangdong Satellite TV as the station’s year-end grand drama—Dong Xuan’s popularity would likely rise further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With both leads gaining fame, this was good news for the upcoming “Happy Heaven and Earth Seven Fairies” production.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Oh, Yan Li nearly forgot—the scholar who played the sixth fairy’s husband, Qiao Zhenyu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d also gained visibility from “Snow Goddess Dragon”—not as much as Dong Xuan, but close enough; Yan Li had effectively copied three bottom cards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Li Bingbing and Dong Xuan both popular, and Dong Xuan, Li Lin, Jiang Xin, and Hu Siyan all having some fame, the cast was nearly all-star—except for Yang Xue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the male side, Gao Xin, Wu Yue, Wu Jian, Qiao Zhenyu, and Yan Li all had some recognition; only Zhou Yiwei was truly new.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the male lead, Dong Yong, Yan Li hadn’t found an actor whose price suited him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Plus, the production’s promotion strategy had shifted since the Li-Yan rumor began, focusing primarily on the Seven Fairies—so they ultimately chose an actor with little fame—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pan Yueming\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d appeared in a few films, not particularly famous, but Yan Li liked his pale, soft, gentle demeanor—perfect for Dong Yong, the honest type.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, he was cheap—when told he’d play the male lead with substantial screen time, he agreed for just a few ten thousand yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after signing the contract did Yan Li learn this guy had many connections within the crew.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the Seven Fairies, Li Bingbing and Hu Siyan had both worked with him before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Hu Siyan—they’d played a couple in “The Happy Life of Zhang Damin,” and now they were reuniting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had other acquaintances too; the industry was small, many weren’t newcomers, running into each other on different sets was normal—just not always close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside the seven couples, the Queen Mother was played by Liu Xiaoqing, Liang Guanhua portrayed the Barefoot Immortal, and the actor for Li Jing, the Tower-Bearing Heavenly King, was Zhang Li, whom Yan Li had previously collaborated with in “Yan Zi Li San.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the comedic role of the Broom Star, who tied the whole drama together, Yan Li personally selected actor Liu Bo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He triggered a monthly intelligence report on “Happy Heaven and Earth Seven Fairies” praising Liu Bo’s performance as the Broom Star—Yan Li followed the system’s advice directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For minor roles like the Thousand-Eyed and Wind-Ear Immortals, celestial soldiers, and human supporting characters—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li didn’t bother asking at all, leaving casting entirely to Wang Decai and his team—he didn’t care if there was favoritism or corruption, only results mattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they performed well or met standards, fine; if not, they were gone—simple as that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As producer, Yan Li now understood why the director of “Sui Tang Heroes,” Hu Mingkai, had cast him after just one meeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The industry lacked everything except actors desperate to rise—perform poorly, and someone else would take your place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even for the seven lead couples, aside from Li Bingbing and Dong Xuan, anyone else could be replaced if determined enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li had once thought the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d simply wanted to be an actor—act when there was a role, trade stocks when there wasn’t, invest when he had money, live a carefree, unburdened life—no need to shoulder such heavy responsibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after experiencing more, he realized the world wasn’t that simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how famous an actor is, they are still just someone chosen; having money doesn’t mean you call the shots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Master of Leisure, you can be carefree when nothing’s wrong, but when trouble comes, you’ll truly scatter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To gain control of discourse and the corresponding initiative and freedom, you need more than money—you need power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Money is used to build power; once power is established, it protects the money. The two reinforce each other, neither dispensable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an actor, you can only be chosen; even as an investor without control, you can only guarantee you won’t be replaced—or at best, a few minor roles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when you become the true boss of the production, wielding absolute control, can you choose whatever role you want, cast whomever you wish, and replace anyone at will.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few more days passed, late December; “The Seven Fairies’ Joyful Heaven” officially began filming at the Wuxi Film City in Jiangsu Province.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On the first day of filming, the crew was not fully assembled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bing didn’t show up; Jiang Xin was promoting “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” and hadn’t joined yet; Yang Xue had few lines and no fame, so she’d join later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only Hu Siyan, Li Lin, and Dong Xuan were present as the fairies; among the male leads, only Pan Yueming, Wu Yue, Zhou Yiwei, and Yan Li were there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Seven Fairies’ Joyful Heaven” is planned for 38 episodes, with many ensemble scenes and numerous solo roles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Considering scheduling and efficiency, staggered filming is the optimal choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For now, they’re shooting the scenes with the most lines: Dong Yong and the Seventh Fairy; the First, Third, and Fourth Fairies will be filmed intermittently; the Second, Fifth, and Sixth Fairies will be filmed after the Spring Festival, followed by the large ensemble scenes of the Seven Fairies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the crew incomplete—especially the most talked-about Li Bing and Liu Xiaoqing absent—the visiting media were somewhat disappointed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, the other young actors and actresses had interview value.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Yan Li, whose roles as lead actor, producer, and rumored romantic figure earned him exclusive interviews with “Film & TV Synchronized Sound” and “Entertainment Live.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gossip about Li Bingbing was unavoidable; Yan Li gave vague, evasive answers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though he denied any romantic relationship, his words overflowed with praise and admiration for Li Bingbing, hinting that if the right opportunity arose, their relationship might deepen—leaving people to speculate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, besides praising Li Bingbing, Yan Li also complimented Fan Xiaopang, Dong Xuan, Hu Siyan, and others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But their mentions were brief; the media paid little attention, instead turning to another issue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As an investor and producer, why didn’t he play the male lead?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li had answered this question before: “I’m the producer; first and foremost, I’m responsible to the crew. Whether I act or what role I play isn’t important.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Our story is adapted from ‘The Legend of the Seventh Fairy.’ Dong Yong isn’t suitable for me, so I won’t force it. I personally like the role of Jin Zha; the directors think it fits, and since the lines are fewer, it’s easier for me to handle behind-the-scenes work.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reporter from “Entertainment Live” remained interested in Yan Li playing the lead and pressed further.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you considered playing a male lead in the future?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Of course. I’m trained as an actor; no actor doesn’t want to be the lead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Then when exactly?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It depends on the role, scheduling, and my ability. It could be soon—or it could take a long time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li wasn’t indifferent to this matter, but he wasn’t overly eager either; the project came first, acting came second.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If conditions didn’t allow, even the lead role could be skipped; a minor part, a few scenes to satisfy his acting itch, was enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the interviews, Yan Li and Wang Decai held the opening ceremony.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They placed offerings, burned incense to pray to Lord Guan for protection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was something Old Wang learned from directors in Hong Kong; many crews now do the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li had done these rituals often to trigger useful system information and accepted them well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He and Director Meng Ji stood in the center, with producer Wang Decai and another director Chen Yongge on either side; the four stood in front, the other leads and crew behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li lit the first stick of incense, clasped his hands, bowed his head, and silently prayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Lord Guan, above, protect our TV series to become a massive hit, top the ratings, make TV stations fight over it, earn us tens of millions… let me keep both boats from capsizing… let me keep any number of boats from capsizing…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: One more chapter updates at 8 PM tonight; today’s total is 10,000 characters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",2600,"2026-06-19T16:16:52.605Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","4c48e37d871f5a5881c81f4187d5260e60512710ba24f14762c549cc742acc7b","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-124","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-122",405,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-cover.jpg"]