Chapter 137: Yan Li Has Never Had Rules of the Underground—Only Been Taken Advantage Of

"Director Yu, take care on your way."

Yan Li personally saw him off, watching Yu Shengli, the renowned CCTV producer and producer of "The Great Song Inspector," get into his car and leave.

He is one of the pillars of CCTV's film and television production, previously leading "The Great Courtyard" and serving as producer for "The Grain Warehouse" in 2002.

These two dramas established Yu Shengli's status at CCTV and within the historical drama genre.

For this upcoming production of "The Great Song Inspector," Yu held considerable influence on set.

Yan Li had to go through a roundabout route to connect with him.

The driving force behind "The Divine Detective Di Renjie" was CCTV's Film and Television Production Center, headed by a Mr. Gao, who was also the producer of "The Grain Warehouse" and had a good relationship with Yu.

Yan Li uncovered this connection through intelligence channels, then approached Gao first, and through him, reached Yu.

If this path failed, Yan Li could still approach Jiang Shan.

She had appeared in "The Great Courtyard 2"; her family had some ties with Guo Baochang, the director of "The Great Courtyard," who was close friends with Yu.

If Jiang Shan didn't work, then he could turn to the male lead, He Bing.

He was from the Beijing People's Art Theatre, and Yan Li had a deep personal friendship with Liang Guanhua, also from the same theatre, and could speak to him.

In addition, his alma mater Beijing Film Academy, Wang Jinghua, Liu Heng through Hu Siyan, and director Hu Mei of "Emperor Wu of Han," all offered Yan Li different avenues to reach Yu Shengli.

The longer he stayed in this industry, the more Yan Li understood why it was called the "culture circle," the "film and television circle," or the "entertainment circle," and why there were distinctions like the "Beijing circle," the "Hong Kong circle," or the "northwest circle."

Small circles nested within larger ones, larger ones wrapped around smaller ones—you were in me, and I was in you.

Two people might not know each other, but their associates always did; no matter how you twisted and turned, it was all one circle.

Yan Li now wasn't even sure if he counted as part of the so-called Beijing circle.

If you said he wasn't, he definitely moved within the circle, had some connections, and had intersections with various factions.

If you said he was, he truly had no ties to any of the mainstream factions in the Beijing circle.

Rumor had it that the Beijing circle roughly divided into three factions—or rather, three lines.

One line centered on theater troupes like the Beijing People's Art Theatre, cultural work teams, and children of music ensembles.

Mostly actors and singers, leaning more toward the cultural circle, with limited power but loud voices; representative figures included Pu Cunxin, Song DanDan, Cai Guoqing, Hu Jun, and Cui Jian.

Even the queen of pop, Wang Fei, whose mother was a singer in a coal mine cultural troupe, might have risen to fame in Beijing had she not gone to Hong Kong.

Another line consisted of directors, actors, and staff children from film studios like Beijing Film Studio and August First Film Studio.

Their shadows lay behind every mainland film; representative figures included Director Chen, Tian Zhuangzhuang, Chen Peisi, Ge Daye, and newcomers like Guan Hu and Teng Huatao.

The third line was the children of high-ranking officials—numerous, powerful, and the most substantial.

Wang Shuo, Zheng Xiaolong, Ye Daying, the two Wangs of Huayi, Hai Yan, Zhao Baogang, Feng Xiaogang, Jiang Wen—all counted; the so-called Beijing circle actually referred to this group, who were its core.

But they weren't bound together; most operated independently, with occasional connections, collaborations, and friction.

Beyond these, there were smaller circles and factions.

For instance, regional circles like northeast, Sichuan-Chongqing, northwest; academy-based circles like Beijing Film Academy, Central Academy of Drama, China Radio and Television University; or cliques centered around key figures like Zhang Guoli, Zhang Jizhong, and rumors said Wang Fei had even formed a "June 1st Class."

Yan Li did the math and realized he truly didn't rank high in the Beijing circle.

His status made it hard to enter many circles, and he didn't particularly want to; he lacked the capital and clout to build his own small circle.

He still had to strive.

…

Yan Li settled the bill, called Qin Lan, and prepared to leave the restaurant; their agent, Sister Lyu, excused herself on pretext of business and left first.

After she departed, Yan Li, having had a drink, considered calling a car, but Qin Lan suggested: "It's not cold tonight—let's walk and stroll a bit; we haven't taken a walk together in a long time."

"Fine."

Yan Li had no objection, but he still put on a mask; Qin Lan wrapped a scarf around her head.

"The Return of the Pearl Princess 3" made Qin Lan famous; she'd been recognized as Zhihua more than once.

Yan Li was no longer unknown—he'd been on gossip headlines, and key dramas he'd appeared in had aired nationally.

"Conquest" was still popular; "The Heroes of Sui and Tang" was also doing well.

Yan Li's role as Yuwen Chengdu was a supporting part, but due to the poor plot, it left a strong impression on viewers.

Once, on a flight, Yan Li encountered a little boy who, upon seeing him, burst into tears—half-scared, half-angry.

Later, after chatting with the boy's father, Yan Li learned the child had watched "The Heroes of Sui and Tang," loved Li Rongrong, thought she was beautiful, and even said he'd marry her when he grew up—so he naturally had psychological trauma from Yuwen Chengdu.

Yan Li felt awkward and speechless; today's children were too mature.

When he was young, seeing that scene, he probably thought Yuwen Chengdu was just lining up to beat Li Rongrong.

But regardless, after "The Heroes of Sui and Tang" became a hit, many viewers remembered Yan Li's face; the chance of being recognized on the street had increased somewhat.

Qin Lan pulled her scarf up, lowered the hood of her down jacket, hid herself completely, then linked arms with Yan Li, walking and giggling foolishly.

"You think if we're recognized—you as Yuwen Chengdu and me as Zhihua—will we get beaten up?"

Yan Li gave her a sour look: "You'll get beaten, I'll run fast."

This little vixen had cried at home after being criticized for Zhihua, but when she saw him also "getting criticized," she instantly revived.

She even developed a strange sense of honor, feeling they were "evil" together as a pair.

"Try running away."

Qin Lan tightened her grip on Yan Li, then added: "But I've noticed online—though many criticize, it's mostly aimed at the character and the screenwriters; there are actually quite a few compliments about you."

"What do they say?"

Yan Li regarded the role of Yuwen Chengdu as a black mark and avoided paying attention to "The Heroes of Sui and Tang" altogether.

So he never searched for reviews or news; if he stumbled upon them, he'd just click away—he truly didn't know anyone had praised him.

"They say you're handsome, tall, imposing, and your image perfectly matches General Tianbao—you're the most handsome Yuwen Chengdu in history."

"Others defend you, saying if the plot weren't so terrible and the character hadn't been vilified, your charm would rival that of Yang Guang and Yang Lin."

In "The Heroes of Sui and Tang," only the King of the Mountain was somewhat morally ambiguous and likable.

All other characters were stereotypical villains, including Yang Guang—but Xie Junhao's design and performance elevated him, giving the role depth.

"Someone finally said something fair."

Yan Li sighed; his resentment and resistance toward the role stemmed partly from this.

If Yuwen Chengdu's character had been slightly better, he might have portrayed a Tianbao General widely accepted and even praised.

Instead, he ended up playing a "clownish Yuwen Chengdu," and both he and the character were mocked and attacked.

Qin Lan knew this was Yan Li's emotional wound and offered him an idea.

"Why don't you make your own version of the Sui and Tang story later, play Yuwen Chengdu again—not to bury this version, but to prove you can play him well."

Yan Li raised an eyebrow: "A Sui and Tang project would need tens of millions in investment—just to settle a personal grudge? Do I have that kind of money?"

"You don't now, but you will."

Qin Lan's confidence surpassed Yan Li's; he laughed loudly, and just then, they passed a vendor selling candied haws—he bought her a string as a reward.

She pulled down her scarf, bit into one, then held it out to Yan Li: "You eat too."

Yan Li didn't like the treat, but Qin Lan shoved the hawthorn toward his mouth; he reluctantly took a bite.

"Tasty?"

"Fine."

Qin Lan kept her arm linked with his, eating one herself and feeding him one, then shifted to another topic.

"Sister Lyu told me Qiongyao's company wants to sign me?"

Yan Li wasn't surprised; Qin Lan had become famous through "The Return of the Pearl Princess 3"—of course Qiongyao's side would be interested.

"Will your company let you go?"

"They didn't say yes or no; Sister Lyu said the upper management's stance is ambiguous, given our company's close ties with Qiongyao."

The rise of Hunan TV couldn't be discussed without mentioning Qiongyao's dramas; they'd collaborated extensively and maintained close relations.

Qiongyao's artists had previously entered the mainland market with strong support from Hunan TV, which even took over some of their management rights.

Likewise, if Qiongyao wanted a Hunan TV artist, the latter wouldn't block the move.

"Do you want to go?"

Yan Li knew Qin Lan wouldn't bring this up without reason; she nodded, then shook her head.

"I haven't decided yet; Sister Lyu says Qiongyao's resources are better than our current company's, but Qiongyao's rules are strict—if I sign with them, I might not be able to stay in Beijing much longer."

When Qin Lan wasn't famous, her company had few resources and could tolerate her turning down roles and staying long-term in Beijing.

But now that she's famous, offers are pouring in, and Qiongyao's company wants to sign her.

If she accepts, her career will surely rise—but her freedom will shrink, and she'll be away from Yan Li often, risking their relationship.

"You decide—I support you."

Yan Li approached this decision the same way he had when deciding whether to stay at Beijing Film Academy for Dong Xuan.

He could advise, but couldn't decide for her—otherwise he'd become passive.

If Qin Lan chose to pursue her career, she wouldn't constantly watch him; Yan Li could relax. If she chose to stay, he could afford to support her, and having her home was reassuring.

Every choice had pros and cons; she was torn—he wouldn't be. Accept reality, adapt as needed.

…

Qin Lan actually wanted to go out and strive.

Mainly because Yan Li's career kept rising, her sense of crisis grew; she wanted to push harder, become more famous, and gain more confidence in their relationship.

She expected Yan Li to be unhappy or hesitant, and had prepared many arguments to persuade him—but he looked fully supportive.

Qin Lan didn't know whether to be moved by his support or suspect he wanted to get rid of her so he could do something behind her back.

He'd just finished filming "The Seven Fairies"!

She'd seen the promotional photos—each of the seven fairies was more beautiful than the last, and some were even rumored to be flirting with him.

If Qin Lan ignored it all, she'd truly be a fool; if not for Yan Li using the system to repeatedly intervene, she'd have already rushed to the set to visit.

Thinking of this, Qin Lan dropped the idea of switching agencies and lost all interest in walking; she grabbed Yan Li's hand and hurried to the roadside.

"Where are we going?"

Yan Li was a bit confused; though aided by the system, he sometimes grasped what these women were thinking, but with delays and uncertainty.

Most importantly, these women's thoughts changed too fast—daily, even hourly—and the system was often caught off guard.

Even the system struggled; though Yan Li prided himself on being adroit, he still often found himself baffled.

Qin Lan said nothing, hailed a taxi, and dragged Yan Li inside.

"Come on, come home with me."

…

Over an hour later, Yan Li wiped away Qin Lan's tears and couldn't help teasing.

"With skills like yours, how dare you boast?"

Qin Lan's eyes were red-rimmed, glistening with tears—heartbreakingly lovely, yet brimming with shame and anger.

Just now, she had put him on trial, trying to make him feel the weight of her power and curb his flirtatious ways.

Instead, she was thoroughly outmaneuvered by Yan Li, weeping like a blossoming pear in the rain; had she not clung to her pride and gritted her teeth, she'd have begged for mercy long ago.

Thinking of this, Qin Lan grew even more wary.

When she was around, Yan Li often ate half-heartedly, forcing her to channel his energy through other means or exercise; if she weren't there, could that hungry wolf possibly resist sneaking around?

Qin Lan bit Yan Li hard, leaving a clear tooth mark: "I'm not signing with Aunt Qiongyao's company anymore."

Yan Li now roughly understood Qin Lan's logic; he bent down and kissed her, then added a disclaimer.

"Don't regret this later and blame me."

Qin Lan rolled her eyes at him, then half-suggested, half-tested:

"What if I sign with your company? I feel bad taking your resources for free—I'll work for you, earn money, and you promote me. That's only fair."

"You're not suitable."

Yan Li shook his head: "When I sign artists, they have to be relentless workaholics—men and women who push themselves to the limit. You can't do that. Signing you would poison the company culture, hurt morale, and besides—I can't bear to see you push yourself so hard."

This was a new excuse Yan Li had devised to handle Qin Lan and Dong Xuan, both lacking serious ambition—he struck right at their weak point.

Seeing Qin Lan still reluctant, Yan Li hugged her and soothed: "Right now it's fine. Your company doesn't monitor artists tightly—just stay there. I'll find ways to get you resources."

"But I still feel weird taking your resources for free."

Qin Lan didn't mind relying on Yan Li, but she wanted to contribute something of her own.

No matter how small, there should be mutual give-and-take; one-sided giving wasn't a healthy way for a man and woman to relate.

"How's it free?"

Yan Li countered: "You haven't made me money, but you've slept with me. That's labor earned—reasonable and fair."

Qin Lan couldn't resist pinching him—how could he turn their love into something so crude?

"You say that so smoothly—have you seduced others before?"

"No."

Yan Li answered firmly: Dong Xuan definitely wasn't one, Huang Shengyi didn't count, and Wang Ou was just a classmate.

If we're talking about quid pro quo, only Jiang Shan qualifies—but she was the one who got seduced… by him.

(End of Chapter)