Chapter 140

"... Chief Cai, I played around with the game and found it's actually pretty good. Once my crew wraps up these few days, I'll go to Hengdian or Shanghai to chat with you in detail."

After hanging up the phone, Yan Li silently calculated the funds he had on hand, and how much equity Tang Ren might be willing to give up.

He waited two full days before making this call, just to feel out the true situation of "The Legend of Sword and Fairy."

Earlier, Cai Yinong had said the drama had invested 20 million, and Yan Li had assumed she was bluffing.

But after checking through the system, he found there was indeed some inflation, though not nearly as much as he'd thought.

Although "The Legend of Sword and Fairy" heavily relied on newcomers to keep actor salaries low, Tang Ren poured significant funds into costumes, makeup, sets, scenery, and special effects, and also spent a portion on licensing rights.

Precisely because of the heavy financial pressure, Cai Yinong was willing to share the risk—otherwise, it would be truly difficult to carve out any slice of Tang Ren's pie.

Yan Li wanted to negotiate a lower price, but feared pushing Cai Yinong too hard.

Cai Yinong herself was currently somewhat hesitant about this matter; a gentle nudge might seal the deal, but if pushed too far, she might grit her teeth and shoulder it alone.

After all, Tang Ren had dared to invest so heavily in the first place, so they'd naturally prepared themselves mentally—and their need for partners wasn't urgent.

Yan Li decided it was safer to play it steady; he wasn't short on funds, so there was no need to take risks.

Moreover, "Huan Tian Xi Di Seven Fairies" had already begun its distribution process; if a sudden breakthrough could be achieved and the contract shown to those major investors, they could instantly secure another round of funding—er, attract more capital.

Invest 6 to 8 million, secure 30 to 40% equity—the investors provide the money, he runs the project, and they split the equity fifty-fifty.

Yan Li had once considered a 30-70 split, with investors getting 30% and him 70%, but later realized he could still profit from distribution, and too low an equity share might dampen the investors' enthusiasm.

In future projects, Yan Li still relied on them to fund and introduce other investors—he needed to give them some sweet taste to keep them cooperative.

Avoid greed; aim for mutual gain!

After final calculations, Yan Li felt there was nothing wrong—except for one regret.

He'd learned about this drama too late; otherwise, he could have slipped in a role or two. Since it could launch Hu Ge to stardom, surely other roles would also attract some attention.

…

On April 4, the day before Qingming Festival, the "The First Under Heaven" crew kicked off filming at Wu City Film Studio.

The crew deliberately created buzz, summoning all major actors to attend the launch ceremony in full costume, drawing heavy media coverage.

Hearing the commotion, the "Huan Tian Xi Di Seven Fairies" crew also grew restless and planned to go watch the spectacle.

For instance, Fan Xiaopang and Yang Xue—rumor had it Wang Jinghua intended to recommend them to Wang Jing's next Gu Long drama, so now was a perfect chance to observe the set atmosphere.

Hu Siyan stepped forward willingly, taking full charge.

She had previously filmed "The Young Son of Heaven" with Deng Chao from "The First Under Heaven" and was fairly familiar with him; she could use a visit as an excuse to bring everyone inside.

"No need."

Li Bingbing glanced dismissively at Hu Siyan: "I know Director Wang and Li Yapeng—just come with me directly."

That's the advantage of being famous in the entertainment circle: others must twist and turn to get into a set, but Li Bingbing's face itself is a pass.

Fan Xiaopang snorted—showing off, like anyone couldn't get in? We're being humble.

Today's afternoon shoot focused on male actors, so all seven fairies happened to be free.

Led by the two Bings, the others joined in; Hu Siyan sulked for a while, then finally followed along.

The seven fairies acting in unison was rare even within the "Huan Tian Xi Di Seven Fairies" crew, and even rarer at Wu City Film Studio.

Seven beautiful women stood in a line, each fair-skinned, beautiful, and distinguished—some heroic, some alluring, some gentle—shining brightly together like a stunning landscape. They drew countless stares at the studio, and upon arriving at "The First Under Heaven" set, stirred resentment among its female cast.

What's this? Come to crash the set?!

Ye Xuan, portraying Shanggu Haitang, glanced around: beside her was Su Xin, Chen Farong; the actress playing Yunluo Princess was there too, along with Gao Yuanyuan and the starlet Huang Shengyi—all beautiful women.

Five against seven—we can fight!

Li Bingbing spoke with Wang Jing, who had come upon hearing the news; the others looked around and noticed the female cast of "The First Under Heaven," whispering among themselves.

Same-sex rivalry, especially among beauties, was inevitable.

Though the seven fairies weren't united internally, faced with another crew, they instantly united against outsiders.

"They say Wang Jing has good taste—I think it's average."

"Chen Farong is too plain, Gao Yuanyuan is barely passable, I don't know the others—who are those three?"

"Xuan Xuan? Haven't you watched 'Searching for the Emperor'? I saw online news saying they hired TVB's top male and female leads: Guo Jin'an and Xuan Xuan."

"Is that her? I've seen Xuan Xuan before—I feel something's off."

"…"

After comparing, they felt their side was superior; Yang Xue, being more observant, noticed Dong Xuan had been silent, staring intently at one spot.

"Third one, who are you staring at?"

"I ran into an acquaintance."

Dong Xuan stared at Huang Shengyi, dressed in a Japanese kimono, her expression slightly unnatural, her gaze edged with hostility.

Hu Siyan's failed attempt to poach had already made her an eyesore; Huang Shengyi, who had nearly succeeded and almost ruined her relationship with Yan Li, was something Dong Xuan wanted to chop into mincemeat.

Fan Xiaopang glanced at Dong Xuan, then at Huang Shengyi's reaction, and a thought struck him.

"Could she be a love rival?"

"Huh?"

At this remark, Jiang Xin, Li Lin, Yang Xue, and others immediately perked up.

Producer Yan had been frequently absent from the set these past few days—could he have come here to meet a lover?

"Love rival? Don't make me laugh—just a former loser."

Dong Xuan sensed the danger and immediately put on a look of disdain—she wouldn't let these girls laugh at her.

"I remember now."

Li Lin clapped her hands: "I saw her news—she's a new-generation starlet, also from Beijing Film Academy."

Ohhh! Everything clicked now!

The group exchanged glances, wildly imagining: a campus rivalry between two women for one man, multiple fierce battles ending in Dong Xuan's victory; the defeated Huang Shengyi fought hard, rose as a starlet, returned in glory, determined to reclaim the man she lost.

Fan Xiaopang loved a good spectacle: "What's so great about being a starlet? Come on, let's give her a taste of reality."

Li Lin, level-headed, said: "It's their territory. Don't stir up trouble."

She turned to try to persuade Dong Xuan, but Dong Xuan, usually gentle, had already stepped forward toward Huang Shengyi's direction.

Yang Xue followed without hesitation; Jiang Xin paused, hesitated a moment, then stepped forward too. Fan Xiaopang's eyes sparkled with excitement as he goaded the remaining Li Lin and Huo Siyan.

"Come on, come on—we're all from the same set, call each other sisters every day, so don't chicken out now. Whoever doesn't come, I look down on them."

"Exactly. The Seven Fairies stick together."

Huo Siyan actually wanted to watch the show, but had been torn about her relationship with Dong Xuan. Fan Xiaopang's words gave her the perfect excuse to join in.

Only Li Lin remained. If she didn't follow now, she'd be exiled from the set forever. She sighed, then trailed behind them.

Over there, Wang Jing was busy and broke off after a few words. Li Bingbing, seeing this group wandering off confusedly, hurried after them.

"What are you all doing?"

"No talking. Wait for my signal. When I give the word, move."

Fan Xiaopang, itching for a fight, left Li Bingbing utterly bewildered—wasn't this supposed to be a visit? Why were they about to start a brawl?

Dong Xuan, hearing this from ahead, stopped and turned back: "Don't do anything stupid. I'm just going to say hello."

Li Lin grabbed Fan Xiaopang: "Relax. I've got your back."

Dong Xuan nodded, stepped slightly away from the group, and approached Huang Shengyi with a polite smile.

"Little sister, long time no see."

"Senior sister."

Huang Shengyi felt a twinge of guilt seeing Dong Xuan—and even more guilt seeing the women behind her.

She'd considered approaching her senior brother, but hadn't even started yet—how had they already come to block her door?

"I heard you're filming here, so I came to see you."

Dong Xuan kept her friendly demeanor: "Your senior brother's busy and has no time. If you need anything, just come to me—don't be shy."

Huang Shengyi's voice was dry: "Th-thank you, senior sister. I'm fine."

Gao Yuanyuan noticed something was off. She and Huang Shengyi were the only two mainland actresses on set, and played sisters in the drama, so they were fairly close. She walked over to ask.

"Shengyi, are you okay?"

Fan Xiaopang broke free from Li Lin, grabbed Li Bingbing, and pulled her to one side, flanking Gao Yuanyuan.

"What's it to you? Senior sister and little sister are talking."

Dong Xuan saw the other actresses behind her stirring, and didn't want to escalate things. She patted Huang Shengyi lightly.

"Little sister, focus on your filming. Don't let your mind wander."

With that, she gave Fan Xiaopang a glance. The group turned and walked away quickly—after all, this was their territory. Caution was best.

After they left, Gao Yuanyuan and Ye Xuan and the others gathered around to ask. Huang Shengyi waved them off, signaling she was fine—though her teeth were already numb from clenching.

That Dong woman—I'll sleep with your man a hundred times over…

(End of Chapter)