Chapter 150

Near North Electric, a barbecue stall

"Cheers."

Yan Li clinked his beer bottle with Zhou Yi, Zhang Songwen, and Lin Jiachuan, then gulped down nearly half the bottle.

After taking a sip, Lin Jiachuan stared at Zhou Yi with bright eyes: "Good job, kid. When did you hook up with Hai Run? Lead actor of Hai Yan's drama—next Lu Yi or Tong Dawei."

Zhou Yi showed little expression: "They wanted new faces. I just submitted a resume. Didn't expect to clear every round and land the male lead."

Zhang Songwen nodded: "This drama uses a lot of newcomers. Zhou Yi, the female lead and second female lead are both young actors."

"Bro, you might still know them."

Zhou Yi looked at Yan Li: "The female lead? The actress you queued for in 'Heroes of Sui and Tang'—Tong Lei. The second female lead is Wang Luodan. She's one year below us. I met her at the audition. She said she knows you."

"…."

Yan Li chewed silently on two skewers. The world really was small—this could even be connected.

But no matter what, this was Zhou Yi's first male lead role—and the first male lead for all four of them. Definitely worth celebrating.

"Back in school, I said the two of you—Li Bing and Zhou Yi—had the best shot at becoming male leads. Turns out I was right."

Lin Jiachuan boasted about his foresight. Zhou Yi had been proven right; as for Yan Li, though he hadn't played a male lead yet, he could decide who did—far more powerful than any lead.

"Bro, when can I get to play a male lead?"

Lin Jiachuan gazed hopefully at Yan Li, who shoved a skewer of kidneys into his mouth.

"The day I make a drama about ex-prisoners reforming, you can be the male lead."

"That's fine—as long as I'm the lead. I don't care about the genre."

Lin Jiachuan chuckled, unconcerned. He knew his limits. His chances of ever being a male lead were tiny. If such an opportunity came, no matter the genre, just playing it would satisfy him.

Zhang Songwen smiled as he watched Yan Li and Lin Jiachuan fool around. When they finished, he poured Yan Li more wine and spoke softly.

"Zhou Yi has a shot at the lead, but there's a difficulty."

Yan Li raised an eyebrow: "Is Hai Run trying to sign him?"

He wasn't surprised. After 'Never Close My Eyes' became a hit, Lu Yi and Yuan Li grew famous and their fees skyrocketed. Hai Run wanted them but found them too expensive.

Since then, Hai Run began focusing on artist management, recruiting Chang Jihong, and cultivating newcomers.

Most of their later newcomers signed contracts or had deep ties—if the drama succeeded, the profits stayed within the family.

How could Hai Run possibly not sign Zhou Yi as the male lead of 'Hai Yan Drama'? They've probably already secured Tong Lei and Wang Luodan too.

Zhang Songwen confirmed Yan Li's guess: "Can you intervene? Talk to Hai Run and see if we can avoid signing."

"What does Zhou Yi think?"

Yan Li remained noncommittal, turning to Zhou Yi, who replied bluntly: "Bro, I don't want to sign with Hai Run."

"Then who do you want to sign with?"

"I want to follow you."

Yan Li smiled: "My company doesn't have an artist agency yet. Resources are limited."

"Then I'll still follow you. Even if I work behind the scenes like Jiachuan."

Zhou Yi spoke firmly. When he had no roles, wandering aimlessly in Jingcheng, Yan Li took him to act in 'Conquest' and taught him to sell braised meat to earn money.

Later, when Yan Li made money and started investing, he placed Zhou Yi and Zhang Songwen into various drama sets.

In 'Huan Tian Xi Di Seven Fairies,' apart from Yan Li, all five fairy partners were well-known actors—only he was a complete newcomer. Yet he still co-starred with the most popular Fan Bingbing.

Zhou Yi remembered all these things. A male lead from Hai Run couldn't erase them.

He, Lin Jiachuan, and Zhang Songwen had already agreed: unless Yan Li refused them, they'd all sign with Yi'an and follow Yan Li.

Zhang Songwen held back the emotionally stirred Zhou Yi and spoke to Yan Li.

"When Zhou Yi heard he might sign with Hai Run, he planned to turn down the role. I thought the opportunity was too rare, so I wanted to ask your opinion—see if there's a way to satisfy both sides."

Zhang Songwen was older, steady, and thought more deeply.

Zhou Yi, a minor actor, could only refuse if he didn't want to sign with Hai Run—but he couldn't negotiate with them. Yan Li could.

Didn't Tong Dawei from 'Jade Guanyin' also refuse to sign with Hai Run? It all came down to connections and influence—make Hai Run see the value in cooperating.

Yan Li nodded: "You're right. Turning it down is a pity. I'll talk to Hai Run."

"Bro, forget it. I don't want you to beg for me."

Zhou Yi gritted his teeth. He wasn't lying—he did want the role. But if it meant dragging Yan Li down, he'd rather refuse.

"It's not as dramatic as you think."

Yan Li understood. This wasn't a bad thing. The circle worked this way: you help me, I help you. Slowly, everyone exchanges favors and cooperates.

He'd been planning to build ties with Hai Run anyway. Zhou Yi's situation was a perfect opening.

Speaking of which, seeing Zhou Yi still emotionally stuck, Yan Li patted his shoulder.

"Don't be sentimental. When I make you famous, won't you just be earning money for me?"

As always: being alone on top was meaningless. Yan Li wanted to lift his brothers up with him.

When his brothers gained benefits, they'd naturally support and champion him—and that brought Yan Li advantages too.

Lin Jiachuan and Zhang Songwen could at best walk the path of golden supporting roles.

Of the three, Zhou Yi had the most potential. 'Yan Shi Lang' in 'Hai Yan Drama' wasn't just a title.

As for female artists, forget it—Hai Run had unique, precise taste for male actors.

Hu Yajie, Lu Yi, Tong Dawei, Liu Huohua, He Rundong, Chen Kun—even some weren't especially handsome, but each had something distinctive.

Simply put: they were all men with character.

Zhou Yi was the same. His looks weren't stunning, but they were enduring: thick eyebrows, large eyes, youthful and clean, with a stubborn, slightly obsessive glint in his gaze. Raised in an artistic family, he was introverted and sensitive, carrying an air of literary grace.

Yan Li felt he was perfect for roles that were cold, conflicted, or tragic.

Once he gained fame, he could be packaged as an intellectual youth—even without packaging, the kid was already one.

Although Yan Li wasn't particularly fond of artsy youths, there were plenty who loved this type.

If handled well, Zhou Yi might not become a top-tier star, but landing as a popular young actor is no problem.

Yan Li's current top priority remains film and television investment and production; even if Yi'an Film & Television later launches an artist management division, it won't sign many artists at first—only a精品 approach.

One massively popular star is worth dozens, even hundreds, of moderately or ordinary popular artists.

Aside from Zhou Yiwei and a few connections, Yan Li favors tough, ambitious, and standout talents like Fan Xiaopang.

Of course, this is limited by the company's current development and resources; once the company grows stronger, the artist management strategy can be adjusted.

"Alright, let's talk about this later—guys, it's been ages since we got together. Let's drink."

Yan Li raised the bottle himself; with more women around him and the company keeping him busy, plus his relatives back home scattering his social circle, he'd recently neglected his dorm mates a bit.

As his status rose, the pure friendships from his humble days became scarce.

Aside from those back home, his dorm mates were Yan Li's closest connections in Jingcheng—he still cherished this friendship and hoped they could walk this path together long into the future.

"Cheers."

Lin Jiachuan, Zhou Yiwei, and Zhang Songwen all raised their glasses.

Yan Li's success hadn't made him forget his old brothers—he'd supported and lifted them up, and they were deeply grateful, willing to rally around him and fight side by side.

…

Yan Li woke to his phone ringing, startled when he opened his eyes to a slightly unfamiliar room.

After a moment of recollection, he remembered: last night, after grilling and singing karaoke until late, they'd all returned to Jimenli to stay.

Since living together with Dong Xuan and Qin Lan, he rarely came back to Jimenli.

Added to that, Zhang and Lin now either acted in dramas or earned salaries, so their finances improved—they could afford rent, and Yan Li had given up his lease.

After he left, Zhou Yiwei, no longer wanting to rely on his parents now that he had income, moved into Jimenli to live with the guys.

He answered the call—it was Dong Xuan. Her parents were at the hospital for a checkup today, so the house was empty.

"..."

Yan Li understood what she meant: "Isn't that too risky? What if your parents come home and catch us in bed?"

Being caught naked in bed would be way too embarrassing.

Dong Xuan thought the odds were too low, but after hearing Yan Li's words, she dared not risk it and said she'd come find him.

With Yan Li's overseas trip and her being stuck at home with her parents for so many days, they hadn't seen each other in a long time—she missed him terribly.

"I'm at Jimenli. Come find me first."

Yan Li gave his location, went to the bathroom to urinate and wash up, then stepped out to see Zhang Songwen sleeping alone on the sofa.

This apartment had only three rooms; Zhou Yiwei had drunk too much last night and slept like a dead pig, so Zhang Songwen and Lin Jiachuan shared a room, while Yan Li slept in Zhang Songwen's room.

"Why are you sleeping in the living room?"

Zhang Songwen woke at Yan Li's call, rubbing his throbbing forehead, unable to resist complaining: "Jiachuan is so messy—those sheets and blanket haven't been changed in ages. I couldn't stand sleeping there."

"Sorry about that."

Yan Li sympathetically patted Zhang Songwen; among the guys, he was the cleanest and most meticulous, which was why Yan Li chose to sleep in his room—unintentionally trapping him.

"Go back to your room and sleep. I'll be out soon."

Zhang Songwen couldn't match Yan Li's alcohol tolerance or stamina—he was exhausted, hugged his blanket and pillow, and headed back to his room.

Yan Li quickly washed up, was reviewing today's daily intelligence, when the doorbell rang—he opened it and there was Dong Xuan, just as expected.

Although Jimenli and Beiying Community were very close, she arrived too fast.

Dong Xuan stepped in, glancing around: "Where are they?"

"Drank too much last night. All asleep."

Dong Xuan relaxed, then immediately hugged Yan Li and leaned in for a kiss: "Without me around, weren't you bored?"

Actually, not really!

With all the girls gone, Yan Li worked during the day and had his brothers take turns keeping him company at night—eating, drinking, having fun—it wasn't bad at all.

But saying that outright would invite a pinch, so Yan Li bit her lip, speaking with a pitiful tone.

"Can't go home, sleeping in hotels or crashing with others every day—what do you think?"

It was just luck: Yan Li had only stayed overnight at Jimenli last night, and Dong Xuan happened to see it.

Dong Xuan didn't know the guy had multiple hiding spots—she truly believed Yan Li was "homeless and drifting," and felt a little guilty, soothing him.

"Don't worry, I'll get my parents to leave as soon as possible."

"No need. Your mom and dad hardly ever come—let them enjoy themselves. Besides, I'm heading back home soon to shoot a drama."

Yan Li's goal wasn't to chase Dong Xuan's parents away—he wanted compensation from Dong Xuan.

"Fine, fine, whatever you say."

Dong Xuan realized she'd been tricked, but she didn't care—her man, let him play his games.

Yan Li sent a message, and they left Jimenli, planning to take a taxi to a hotel.

But as Yan Li stepped to the curb to hail a cab, Dong Xuan grabbed his arm—her fair face flushed slightly.

"Let's go shopping in Xizhimen."

Yan Li's eyes lit up—Xizhimen wasn't far from Beidian; during school, they often went there to hang out.

It wasn't that the place was especially fun—it was just that there was a clean, cheap hotel there, which once became their weekend rendezvous spot.

Since graduation—or since their last breakup—they hadn't been back. It had been over two years.

Yan Li's voice was firm: "Let's go to Xizhimen."

Returning to the old place, the familiar spot, with new twists—it carried sentiment and charm.

He loved it!

————

Two days later, Yan Li was able to meet with Hai Run's boss, Liu Yanming.

This boss Liu, Yan Li had long admired from afar and had called before, but this was their first face-to-face meeting.

Liu Yanming was from Jingcheng, a journalist by training, who later joined CCTV and began working as a producer; in the late 1980s he went into business, initially focusing on advertising, and in the mid-1990s shifted his focus to film and television.

The rise of Hai Run Film and Television could not have happened without Hai Yan and Zhao Baogang.

Together with boss Liu Yanming, the three—a producer, a director, and a screenwriter—formed a kind of iron triangle.

"Never Close Their Eyes," "Like Mist, Like Rain, Like Wind," and "What Can I Save You, My Love?" were all their collaborative projects and the sharpest weapons Hai Run used to expand its territory in the film and television industry.

Currently, in mainland China's film and television industry, private companies lead in film with Huayi, and in television, Hai Run is quietly at the forefront.

Of course, although these two lead, neither has formed a decisive advantage; many companies are eager to overtake them.

Including Yan Li—despite chatting amiably with Boss Liu now, he had long coveted seizing Hai Run's leading position in television drama.

In comparison, Liu Yanming was far more composed.

The strength Yan Li had shown so far was insufficient to be seen as a rival; he was regarded more as a capable junior.

The matter of Zhou Yi not signing with Hai Run did not take much discussion between the two.

Hai Run did not lack one Zhou Yi or one newcomer, and Yan Li, who currently had no talent agency operations, indicated that his future projects would be open to Hai Run's artists, allowing mutual benefit; they quickly reached an agreement.

Compared to Zhou Yi's agency contract, Liu Yanming was more interested in Yan Li's upcoming project plans.

"Huan Tian Xi Di Seven Fairies" sold its first round for 32 million, immediately recouping costs and likely turning a profit, leaving a strong impression on many film and television companies.

Add to that the handling of projects like "Conquest" and "Water Moon Cave Heaven."

Leaving other matters aside, the industry widely recognized Yan Li's distribution and commercial operation abilities; if possible, Liu Yanming had no objection to cooperating.

Yan Li did not hide it: "I'm currently considering several projects, mostly costume dramas."

As soon as he said this, Liu Yanming immediately perked up.

Hai Run's strength was indeed substantial, but it had a flaw: most of its standout works were modern and Republican-era dramas, primarily focused on romance and realism.

For a film and television company, this was a serious imbalance; Liu Yanming had long wanted to enter the costume drama market to expand the company's development space.

Hai Run had previously made a few costume dramas; the most well-known was Yu Feihong's "The Young Master's Sword," but aside from this one, the others performed poorly.

This further tilted Hai Run's projects toward modern and Republican-era themes.

But Liu Yanming had not abandoned the idea; he was no longer willing to take full control, but he was still willing to invest and share in the profits.

He had previously discussed it with renowned producer Zhang Jizhong, but the talks ultimately fell through and the cooperation collapsed.

Yan Li had proven some capability; if his project was suitable, Liu Yanming genuinely intended to cooperate with him.

"Would you mind sharing what projects you're considering?"

"Not finalized yet—mostly mythological and historical fiction, but not ruling out Wu Xia or comedy."

Yan Li spoke confidently on the surface, but inwardly he was troubled; he had no shortage of funds, but lacked projects that satisfied him.

Currently, Yan Li had three or four scripts and six or seven story ideas, including two that had triggered monthly intelligence alerts, yet he still felt none were good enough.

The main project Yan Li wanted to control needed not only guaranteed quality, but crucially, commercial viability and entertainment value.

In short, it had to be enjoyable and profitable.

Easy to say, but finding one that fit all criteria was difficult.

If Cheng Lidong hadn't warned him ahead of time, he would have tried to snatch the "Fengshen Bang" project for himself.

What about "The Eight Immortals Cross the Sea," "The Legend of the White Snake," "The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl," "Classic of Mountains and Seas," "Yu Gong Moves the Mountain," and so on? None felt as thrilling and exciting as "Fengshen Bang," with gods directly battling each other.

In fact, Yan Li's visit to Hai Run today was not to seek investment, but because he had his eyes on Hai Run's project.

He had received word that Hai Run was considering investing in a war-resistance drama—the very project Yan Li had noticed: "Bright Sword."

Long ago, Yan Li had coveted this project and even considered intercepting it to produce it himself.

But after researching it, he found it difficult: the author of "Bright Sword," Dou Liang, had already collaborated with Hai Run on "Blood Romance," and the two sides had prior intentions; it wasn't something he could simply intercept.

Since intercepting it was hard, he would join instead; after all, Hai Run didn't place high importance on this project—just exchange some benefits.

Making money was one thing, but Yan Li needed such a hit drama to rapidly build his company's visibility, drive traffic to his other businesses, and attract investors.

"Conquest" had already given Yan Li many benefits; "Bright Sword" was even better, so he naturally had to strive harder to secure it.

(End of Chapter)