[{"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-149":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},2260452,4411,"Chapter 149: All the Benz and BMWs Are Here—Is the Ancestor Returning, Yan Hui?","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-149",149,"\u003Cp>Yan Li rested for several days in Guanghua Li and finally returned to Beiying Xiaqu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Dong Xuan’s parents came!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In July, Dong Xuan completed her four-year university education and officially entered society.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since she had graduated, there was no longer any summer vacation; Dong Xuan called home, saying she would focus on work and strive to stay at school.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Dong Xuan was still in school, her parents had been relatively at ease, but now that she had graduated—and she was a girl—they naturally wanted to see her workplace and living conditions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li dared not show himself, using excuses like needing to keep up gossip to cover it up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Xuan also dared not tell her parents she was living with her boyfriend, since many older generations still couldn’t accept premarital cohabitation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So, the apartment in Beiying Xiaqu became a “shared rental” between Dong Xuan and Guan Yue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li’s belongings were packed and sent to Lin Jiachuan’s place in Jimen; he himself couldn’t return to Beiying Xiaqu and had to “wander” around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beijing, Xueyuan Road\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Located near the North Fourth Ring Road, it serves multiple universities including Beijing Film Academy, Beihang University, Capital Sports Institute, Beijing Language and Culture University, University of Science and Technology Beijing, and China University of Geosciences, along with several middle schools and related institutions and companies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Due to high foot traffic and a primary consumer base of students with strong spending power, many businesses have flocked here, making the area even more prosperous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A brand-new black Mercedes G500 pulled up in front of a spacious storefront on Xueyuan Road; Yan Li, wearing sunglasses, stepped out and examined the shop’s sign with interest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Yi’an Internet Cafe】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yi” means joy and suitability; “An” means safety; Yi’an means happy and safe internet access—and it also connects with the character 【Yan】.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li considered registering trademarks for “Yi’an,” “Yi’an,” and several other terms to prevent others from snatching them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hey, you can’t park here.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A young man stepped out of the shop, recognized Yan Li, and smiled: “Brother Li, you’re here! I’ll go call Ye Ge.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li nodded, then glanced around the entrance; soon, Tian Ye and a thirty-something man with glasses came out—the general manager of all three Yi’an Internet Cafes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After brief greetings, Yan Li entered; he’d been here twice before, but this was his first visit since opening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The internet cafe had two floors, totaling over 150 computers; the first floor was the main hall, while the second floor included private seating and booths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li took a quick look: the downstairs was about 10–20% empty, upstairs slightly fuller, roughly 70% occupancy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general manager explained it was due to the recent start of summer vacation, causing some fluctuation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once students fully settled into summer mode, more would come online, and occupancy would consistently stay above 90%, with full capacity and queues being common.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How’s the revenue?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Ye led Yan Li to the counter and showed him the accounts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yi’an Internet Cafe was a mid-tier establishment targeting university students and young adults; its computers were above average, all equipped with LCD monitors and leather sofas—naturally, the internet fees were higher than those of ordinary cafes with outdated machines.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, beyond internet fees, the customer base generated substantial revenue from top-ups, snacks, and drinks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li checked: daily revenue consistently reached over 20,000 yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During peak seasons or high top-up periods, daily revenue often exceeded 30,000 yuan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant monthly revenue could easily hit 800,000 yuan; annually, nearly 10 million.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, there were business fluctuations and various expenses and dividends, but the remaining net profit was still very substantial—and with two smaller cafes, annual earnings approaching ten million were very likely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if it took a year just to break even, earning for two or three years would still be a good investment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li pulled out cigarettes and offered them around, then watched the screens of the cafe patrons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What game is hottest right now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“‘Legend,’ ‘Fantasy Westward Journey,’ ‘A3,’ ‘Populous.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Which one makes us the most money?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Ye leaned close and whispered something; Yan Li nodded: “Give me a machine—I’ll play too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back when he was in school, Yan Li loved going to internet cafes; after graduating and starting his business, he still played at first, but once he bought his own computer, he visited less and less.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Excluding market research and renovation inspections, the last time he’d played at an internet cafe was nearly a year ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let’s go upstairs to a private booth—the atmosphere’s better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general manager suggested; Yan Li waved him off: “No need—I’ll play downstairs. The vibe’s better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He told others to get back to work, then had Tian Ye help him register a “Fantasy Westward Journey” account, choose a Shentianbing character, and start fighting turtles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bro, let me level you up—faster.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Ye also created an account; Yan Li nodded and added: “Play games if you want, but don’t get addicted. Learn from the general manager how to manage things. I brought you to Beijing not just to be a net admin and waste time.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Ye operated his character while asking: “Bro, you got a new car—a Mercedes G.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li, eyes fixed on the game screen—far more refined than when he last played—answered casually.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm, off-roading’s comfortable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That car must cost over a million.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li glanced at him: “You know your cars.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hehe.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tian Ye rubbed his hands: “I’ve seen pics online—looked amazing. In person, it’s even more impressive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Want to try it?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“After you finish playing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li said cheerfully; back in Europe, he’d boasted to Fan Xiaopang about buying a Rolls-Royce, but after checking prices back home, he thought it too flashy and settled for a Mercedes G500.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Yan Li claimed he’d stay humble, he was now a near-billionaire with tens of millions in cash.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Holding back spending made him uncomfortable, so he bought a new car for a change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to his earlier excitement over buying his first BMW, now that he’d flown on private jets, buying a Mercedes G500, while not entirely uneventful, felt far more calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li was calm; Tian Ye was thrilled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In 2004, even in Beijing—a city full of elites—a million-yuan car was still a luxury ride; just driving it around once would be worth bragging about.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Work hard—you might buy your own G one day.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li’s ability to paint grand visions had grown sharper; to others, it was just pie in the sky, but for Tian Ye, it was uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Among the folks from home, Tian Ye was the one Yan Li most trusted—otherwise he wouldn’t have entrusted him with managing the largest cafe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Tian Ye could keep pace with Yan Li, given their relationship, years down the line, he might truly drive a G.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li had little interest in “Fantasy Westward Journey”—a leveling-and-turn-based game—after playing a while, he took Tian Ye to play CS.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hours of gaming, a good way to relax; Yan Li had Tian Ye drive him home, letting him enjoy the ride.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bro, this expensive car really drives well—way better than the Jetta you gave us.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s not just the car—it’s because every other car on the road gives you space.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only after driving a BMW or Mercedes did Yan Li realize: on the road, everyone avoids luxury cars, fearing scratches or conflict; no one cuts in, so it’s naturally easier to drive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes, unless you experience it yourself, you never realize how unequal the world truly is…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout July, Yan Li remained stationed in Beijing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He supervised the post-production of “Happy Heaven, Seven Fairies” while remotely directing Yi’an Film’s distribution team on company projects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially “Happy Heaven, Seven Fairies”—after selling its first-run satellite TV rights for 32 million, the project gained fame, and distribution to local channels and county stations progressed smoothly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Behind the momentum came pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li needed to guarantee ratings for four satellite channels; the drama’s other metrics—including reception—had to be respectable, at least not terrible, or it would damage the company’s reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Post-production editing and special effects were handled by teams he contacted through the system; quality was assured.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For voiceovers, background music, and theme songs, he used the same method: hired teams, bought songs, found singers, even added extra budget.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two theme songs—“Happy Heaven, Seven Fairies” and “Life Is Like a Dream”—and four insert songs, each corresponding to one of the Seven Fairies and the Queen Mother.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li originally wanted to buy seven insert songs—one for each fairy and her partner.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But either the prices were too high or the songs didn’t fit, so he chose four; by trimming verses and choruses, each character still got their own segment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The songs cost a lot; the singers were well-known.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Like Tan Jing, who performed on the Spring Festival Gala, and Sha Boliang, who rose to fame last year with the theme song “Anxiang” from “The Golden Powder World.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, Hu Yanbin, a singer whose monthly intelligence report indicated his song “Hongyan” would become popular.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li wanted to buy “Hongyan” for “Happy Heaven, Seven Fairies,” but found out it was written for Jing Ke and couldn’t be used.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Three singers shared the four songs; the remaining two were assigned to actors—Shuang Bing could sing if possible, otherwise others, but audio editing could fix anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Yan Li himself, none of these songs suited him—he’d already reserved “Play My Beloved Earth Pipa” as the theme for “Railway Guerrillas.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d sung this song since childhood; he knew it well and felt deeply connected to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When negotiating with Shan Ying, he’d insisted: other terms could be discussed, but this song must be given to him to sing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shan Ying thought it meaningful—a native of Zao Shi singing a local revolutionary song—adding cultural heritage value and a promotional angle, so they agreed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides the songs, Shan Ying also requested Yan Li to act in “Railway Guerrillas.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li had planned to act in it anyway; the deal was instantly sealed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally, he was cast as Peng Liang, the male second lead—with substantial screen time and a romantic subplot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Yan Li checked his schedule and realized he couldn’t stay with the crew that long; he requested a different role—fewer lines didn’t matter, as long as it was a positive character, preferably a standout one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For other roles, he didn’t care if they were heroes or villains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But for this hometown anti-Japanese drama, he wouldn’t play a traitor or a Japanese soldier—he’d at least play a hero of the Railway Guerrillas or a supporter of the CCP.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, not only would Yan Li lose face, but when he returned home, he feared his father would chop him up with a knife for bringing shame to the Yan family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zao Market is very close to Qufu; Yan Li’s branch dared not claim direct descent from Yan Hui, the Revived Sage of Confucianism, but likely had some connection.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some say they were related to the line of Yan Zishou from the neighboring city of Lin, who wrote the “Yan Family Instructions,” but Yan Li’s family favored Yan Hui, since the Revived Sage had greater renown.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason their family named Yan Li’s generation with Confucian overtones was partly due to this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless of whether the connection was real or not, the Yan family valued its honor—Yan Li would rather die than become a Japanese collaborator or traitor, not even in performance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: Feeling off today, but regular update delivered; the 10,000-character deficit will be made up tomorrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",1937,"2026-06-19T16:16:52.605Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","361d43502fb565067dc73c111dc6f8f898082220ca27e6310ca95408d4783ce0","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-150","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-148",405,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-cover.jpg"]