Chapter 133: Yan Li: I

Thump thump

Yan Li opened the door wearing his bathrobe, then saw Fan Xiaopang staring in shock.

"Ahem."

Yan Li, slightly embarrassed, fastened his bathrobe: "Sorry, I thought it was… my assistant."

You thought it was Dong Xuan!

Fan Xiaopang knew these two had met secretly on set often; she didn't mind, but she studied Yan Li's abdomen with amusement.

"You've got a great physique."

The whole crew knew Yan Li had a good build, especially when he wore the Heavenly Armor of Jin Zha—it made him look heroic and upright.

But armor only shows the silhouette; in private, because of the cold, Yan Li wore thick clothes and it wasn't visible.

If not for this unexpected visit, Fan Xiaopang never would've known this scheming man had abs.

Tsk~

No wonder Dong Xuan was always beaming and submissive to Yan Li, guarding against anyone who got too close like a thief—there really was something to him.

"Hey."

Yan Li, uncomfortable as Fan Xiaopang circled him, inspecting even his sensitive areas, spoke up to remind her.

"What do you want?"

"I came to thank you for recommending me for the role of Daji. Director Cheng called me—he thanked you for your support, Yan Zong."

Fan Xiaopang bowed deeply in thanks; only then did Yan Li understand what was going on, and waved it off.

"Wait until the role is confirmed—this project hasn't even been officially approved yet. Thanks are premature."

Though Yan Li had confidence in this project, things in the film industry were never guaranteed.

The project might be canceled for any reason, or he might not get involved, or Fan Xiaopang might not land the role—all possible.

"Whether or not I get the role doesn't change how grateful I am for your kindness."

Fan Xiaopang emphasized the key point: not getting the role was her or the crew's problem, but the recommendation was Yan Li's genuine help—and deserved thanks.

Yan Li looked at Fan Xiaopang in surprise; he'd only ever seen this girl bickering with him, and now that she was serious, he felt uneasy.

But soon, Yan Li got used to it.

After thanking him, Fan Xiaopang vaguely mentioned she was now focused on her career, not interested in romance, and saw Yan Li only as a colleague and friend.

Yan Li was initially confused, then understood—he pointed at Fan Xiaopang in shock: "You think I like you?"

"Who else?"

Fan Xiaopang counted off on her fingers: since Yan Li's debut, he'd done only six dramas, and half of them were with her.

Once or twice could be coincidence, but three times? Hard to explain that way.

Even if in "The Seven Fairies" Yan Li acted for commercial reasons, why did he pick her again for "Investiture of the Gods"?

After much thought and asking friends, Fan Xiaopang made a bold guess—

Yan Li liked her!

Even his constant bickering, teasing, and tricking her was just a special way to get her attention.

Like little boys who like a girl but don't know how to express it, so they pull her pigtails to make her remember them.

Yan Li: "………"

He reached out, touched Fan Xiaopang's forehead, then his own: "If you're running a fever, take medicine. If you can't manage, I'll approve leave for the hospital—don't tough it out, you're delirious."

"You're the one who's delirious."

Fan Xiaopang brushed off her forehead with disdain: "I've made myself clear—don't keep thinking about me. I don't fight other women for men."

"Then let me be clear too—I'd rather jump from this fourth floor than be with you."

Yan Li spoke with absolute finality; he'd generously recommended a role, only to be suspected like this—how insulting.

Who did she think she was?!

Yes, Fan was pretty, but Yan Li had seen plenty of beauties.

Dong Xuan and Qin Lan weren't much different, and Wang Ou, Huang Shengyi were all famous beauties—among the other seven fairies, he could easily win over one or two with a little effort.

Did Fan Xiaopang really think she was Daji, capable of bewitching him?

Originally, Fan Xiaopang should've been pleased by his rejection, but hearing him say it so firmly—that he'd jump rather than be with her—she felt annoyed.

I can dislike you, but you can't look down on me.

But she'd already said it all—no going back—so she gritted her teeth and replied.

"You'd better mean it."

"Let's hold each other to it."

Yan Li eyed her coldly—he'd seen more than a few women who came crawling back.

He knew Fan Xiaopang's nature: pragmatic, ambitious, power-hungry.

Yan Li had just emerged; though far superior to these actors, he was still a junior in the industry and society.

So Li Bingbing, Fan Xiaopang, and others all treated him as their equal or slightly inferior, holding themselves with pride and distance.

To them, being with Yan Li was "low-tier"—there were better options.

They'd never dream of fighting over him with Dong Xuan and the others—it'd be too humiliating. Even someone like Hu Siyan, who tried to steal him, looked down on him slightly.

Yan Li understood all this, but didn't care much—reality was just like this.

But today, Fan Xiaopang had provoked him!

With his career going well, Yan Li had felt a bit self-satisfied—not lazy, but his drive had dulled.

But today, his drive returned—he'd make this girl regret her words.

…

After exchanging threats, the atmosphere turned sour. Fan Xiaopang, in a weaker position, dared not hold her ground and softened her tone.

"What about the 'Two Soldiers Competing for a Man' publicity stunt?"

"Of course we'll do it."

Yan Li nodded decisively: "One thing at a time—the drama gets exposure, you get famous too. It's good. Keep promoting it—don't let personal matters interfere with work."

Fan Xiaopang: "……"

No wonder you're rich—I'd jump from the fourth floor if you weren't…

Speaking of gossip, Yan Li casually discussed the "Two Soldiers Competing" publicity with Fan Xiaopang.

Li Bingbing had been on set for a while now, her demeanor stable—time to let "insiders" leak that the two were clashing on set.

"Pick a scenario: you two screaming at each other, Li Bingbing slaps you, you argue on set, Li Bingbing knocks your lunchbox to the ground, you exchange harsh words, you cry after Li Bingbing insults you…"

"Wait."

Fan Xiaopang couldn't help interrupting: "Why do I always end up losing? Why can't I be the one bullying her?"

"Originally, both sides had options—but you just offended me, so now it's all Li Bingbing bullying you."

"…"

Fan Xiaopang, furious at Yan Li's blunt retaliation, fell silent—but she was bold enough to say outright:

"If you're really going to play, I'll do it myself—I'll say we had an affair, Li Bingbing caught us, and you beat her up to protect me… Oh, by the way, she was pregnant then, and got miscarried—see how you'll ever work again."

"Damn…"

Yan Li was impressed—no wonder she came from Qiong Yao dramas; she could dream up such trashy plots.

If this rumor blew up, he'd be ruined—and you, a home-wrecker, would go down with him.

"Those were all jokes—no way we'd let you two brawl in broad daylight. That'd be too far, and hard to cover up later."

"So here's the version: you and Li Bingbing have a fierce argument in the makeup room, suspected of physical conflict—people hear a chair falling, but other actors guard the door, so only the two of you are inside. No one knows what really happened."

"That leaves enough room for speculation—light or heavy, and later you two can deny it and downplay everything."

"…"

Fan Xiaopang considered it—this version felt more authentic and sparked more discussion.

Just the three words "Did they hit each other?" could spawn dozens of posts on Tianya, each with thousands of replies.

"You're really… good at publicity."

Fan Xiaopang gave him a thumbs-up; honestly, she admired Yan Li.

Capable, imaginative, career-driven—he shared many similarities with her, had common ground, treated people kindly and generously, and had an excellent appearance and physique.

If Yan Li were single, she might've considered giving him a try—but he was too promiscuous.

As always: she'd never, ever fight another woman for a man…

————

PS: 8000+, the rest will be made up tomorrow

(End of Chapter)