Chapter 170: The Two Soldiers Compete for

After wandering around, they'd bought most of what they needed, and Cao Xuan likely had enough material gathered.

Yan Li and the others selected a few easy-to-carry items and packaging; the rest were arranged for delivery by the store, then they returned to the parking lot and drove to a restaurant.

They specifically chose a window seat facing the street for easy paparazzi shots, then ate their meal.

From the camera's perspective, Yan Li and Fan Xiaopang were laughing and chatting warmly, as if sweetly flirting—but in reality, they were discussing work.

Next month, both "The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng" and "The Investiture of the Gods: Phoenix Sings at Qishan" will begin filming in Hengdian.

Fan Xiaopang will appear in both.

Yan Li originally planned for her to join only "The Investiture of the Gods," but Fan Xiaopang wanted to build her resume at her new agency and curry favor with Yan Li, so she volunteered to join "The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng."

With a popular young actress involved, "The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng" would benefit in promotion—Yan Li naturally had no reason to refuse.

Besides that, Yan Li also helped Fan Xiaopang secure a film role—even if it was only the second female lead, it would still give her screen time.

"'The Mad Sage'? That one by Liu Zhenwei?"

Fan Xiaopang was surprised; she knew the film, having assumed it was negotiated by Huayi and Hua Jie—but it was actually Yan Li handling it.

"Mainly them—I just gave it a little push."

Yan Li didn't take credit; without him, Fan Xiaopang would likely still have been cast.

But thanks to this, plus Zhang Zhilin, Yan Li had established some connection with the Hong Kong circle, allowing for deeper collaboration later.

This wasn't just about promoting Fan Xiaopang—it was part of Yan Li's broader strategy.

As previously mentioned, Yan Li considered entering film distribution.

But in mainland China, all the big commercial directors had already been claimed; he wanted to discover new directors, but it wasn't easy.

So to carve out a share of the commercial film market, Yan Li still needed the Hong Kong circle for now.

Even Guangxian started by partnering with Hong Kong, investing in and distributing projects by Hong Kong directors, then gradually cultivating new directors and crews before eventually breaking away.

Yan Li didn't plan to fully copy Guangxian, but some of their proven models were worth learning from.

"…"

Fan Xiaopang nodded; when they'd discussed joining Yian earlier, Yan Li had been clear.

Film resources were indeed Yian's current weakness in the short term, but Yan Li would do his best to secure them for her.

Though film resources were slightly lacking, Yian could fully satisfy her television drama needs.

With Yan Li's access to distribution and his existing ties with multiple film and TV companies, if Fan Xiaopang was willing to take on roles openly, he could keep her busy on sets all year.

By the end of this year at the latest, Yian would create a custom drama for her with substantial investment.

Additionally, Jia Qian, Yian's head of talent, would handle all her fashion and commercial work, enhancing her star appeal.

To be honest, Fan Xiaopang's decision to join Yan Li had many reasons.

But Yian's genuine seriousness and detailed career planning were also key factors that won her over.

These were things Wang Jing couldn't offer her; Huayi might, but she'd have to wait behind Li Bing.

…

After finishing their meal, Yan Li and Fan Xiaopang settled the bill and drove directly to Fan Xiaopang's apartment.

Last year, "Star Bigstar" exposed the home addresses of many Beijing celebrities, causing Feng Xiaogang to publicly rage at a press conference, and other stars complained bitterly.

Fan Xiaopang, as a popular young actress, was also targeted—but the exposed residence was primarily her parents' home.

Because of this, over the past year, besides visiting home, she preferred staying in her own apartment for peace and quiet.

The apartment was of good quality with tight security; Cao Xuan's car couldn't follow in, signaling the end of today's publicity stunt.

But to avoid being ambushed, Yan Li still needed to stay at the apartment for a while.

Fan Xiaopang still felt a bit exhilarated; though she'd acted in many dramas, this real-life performance was new—on the elevator ride up, she even reviewed it with Yan Li.

"We should've kissed a few times—it feels like the effect was lacking."

"It's enough."

Shopping together, dining together, staying overnight at her place—this was more than enough material; another kiss would be overkill.

Most importantly, he couldn't explain it back home, and Fan Xiaopang would become an easy target for rivals.

"True."

Normally, Fan Xiaopang might tease Yan Li a bit, but during this sensitive period, safety was better.

At Fan Xiaopang's apartment, Yan Li glanced around—it was small, quieter and messier than he'd imagined.

Understandable; Fan Xiaopang was busy, sometimes stayed at home, and had little time to decorate or tidy her own space.

"What do you want to drink?"

"Just water."

Yan Li sat on the sofa and flipped through the papers on the coffee table—it was the script for "The Investiture of the Gods," heavily marked up—and nodded in satisfaction.

A hardworking employee!

Fan Xiaopang poured Yan Li a glass of water, then went to change clothes.

Knowing paparazzi were around, though she'd dressed casually, she'd still put effort into her outfit—it certainly wasn't as comfortable as pajamas.

Yan Li quietly read the script; to be honest, he'd been busy lately and hadn't memorized lines as diligently as Fan Xiaopang.

Fan Xiaopang emerged in a light white pajama set, her hair tied in a ponytail, and stared blankly at Yan Li, who was intently memorizing lines.

"You're not seriously planning to memorize lines here tonight, are you?"

"I have to—forgetting lines later would be embarrassing."

Yan Li held himself to high standards: ideally, he'd memorize every line before filming, at minimum before shooting each scene; improvising lines on set was unacceptable.

"Pfft~"

Fan Xiaopang felt insulted; sure, she'd prepared seriously for "The Investiture of the Gods"—because it was a big-budget project and she was the lead.

For other roles, her professionalism was questionable; she'd certainly improvised lines on set before.

She warmed a cup of milk, curled up on the sofa, and asked curiously.

"I heard Director Cheng wanted you to play Yang Jian—why'd you end up as King Zhou?"

Yan Li shrugged: "King Zhou has more scenes."

"Bullshit."

Fan Xiaopang sipped her milk and shot back sharply: "I think you just wanted to experience being a decadent king surrounded by beautiful women."

"My beloved consort understands me."

Yan Li shamelessly admitted it—he did play King Zhou partly for that reason.

Of course, King Zhou's substantial screen time and standout character traits were also major factors.

Besides, Huo Qubing and Jin Zha were both heroic figures; his semi-cameo roles in "Bright Sword" and "Railway Guerrillas" were both martyrs; the upcoming Xue Rengui would also be a hero.

Yan Li felt he couldn't forget his roots—he'd started as a villain; playing only heroes would trap him in a narrow range.

At the same time, it fulfilled a small personal wish.

As a child, besides pretending to be a general with a wooden stick hacking at grass, he'd especially wanted to be an emperor—particularly a decadent one with beauties on both sides.

Yan Li even suspected his current multiple relationships stemmed from that childhood fantasy.

In reality, becoming an emperor was out of the question.

Surrounded by beauties? Outside of KTV, it depended on timing and circumstance—so he'd just indulge in dramas.

Fan Xiaopang played Daji; Hu Ximei, the Pipa Spirit, was played by Wu Jiani, recommended by Cheng Lidong; Fenglai, the Chick Spirit, was Wang Ou; and Jiang Empress was a cameo by Qin Lan…

The harem quality in "The Investiture of the Gods" was extraordinary!

The more he thought about it, the more excited he became; Yan Li patted the cushion beside him and said to Fan Xiaopang.

"My beloved, come rehearse with this emperor."

Fan Xiaopang snorted: "Do you think I won't assassinate you?"

"Go ahead—see who kills whom."

Yan Li spread his arms wide; he treated it like a regular workout—Fan Xiaopang's slight frame couldn't possibly overpower him, even if three of her tried.

Fan Xiaopang was eager to sneak attack—what did height and bulk matter? Grab a vital spot, and he'd be forced to kneel and sing "Conquer."

But unless she held on permanently, she'd be punished later by Yan Li.

As Fan Xiaopang hesitated, Yan Li suddenly grabbed her and pulled her over, pinching her soft chin and teasing.

"Go ahead, assassinate me—wait, no, wrong!"

Yan Li broke into a cold sweat, frozen in place; Fan Xiaopang held him with one hand, smirking.

"Call me 'sister.'"

"... ister."

"Call me 'Queen.'"

"Queen."

"Call me 'Master.'"

"Don't push it too far…"

Yan Li gritted his teeth; Fan Xiaopang hesitated, didn't go too far, and instead negotiated.

"No retaliation."

"No retaliation."

"Swear it."

"I swear, if I retaliate…"

Yan Li seized the moment while Fan Xiaopang was distracted by his oath, grabbed her wrist, broke free, and escaped like an eagle soaring.

Freed from restraint, Fan Xiaopang was pinned down, realized she was in trouble, and flashed a pleading smile.

"Great King, your concubine was wrong."

Yan Li sneered: "Call me Master."

Fan Xiaopang hesitated, saw Yan Li reach out, and immediately surrendered: "Master, Master, I'm sorry, please spare me!"

"Spare you?"

Yan Li gave a light hum, pulled her over, and said: "We'll see how you behave."

Fan Xiaopang was forced to submit to Yan Li's actions; she resisted, was crushed again, resisted once more, was crushed again—through wind and rain, riding dragons and soaring phoenixes.

Just as a brief truce settled, Yan Li's phone rang.

Yan Li frowned, picked up the phone, grunted twice, then released the disheveled Fan Xiaopang and said with a hint of apology.

"Uh, time's about up…"

Despite her earlier frenzy, upon hearing this, Fan Xiaopang—with swollen red lips—shot him a dangerous look: "Try leaving, and see what happens."

You light the fire and run off—how could anyone do that?

"I can't go home and explain this."

Yan Li looked genuinely troubled, but Fan Xiaopang didn't care—she rose, grabbed him, and dragged him toward the bedroom.

"Last time you took a nap after; today it's my turn to catch some shut-eye."

"Really not possible—next time."

"No excuses."

"Then call me Master…"

…

Yian Pictures

Xiao Mi Hu Ya hung up the call with a strange expression; she'd just reported company matters to her boss, who'd been evasive—was he not available?

It's barely morning—how overworked is her boss!

————

The next day, Fan Xiaopang was woken by her executive agent and assistant, Xiao Yi.

Watching Xiao Yi bend down to pick up her clothes, Fan Xiaopang glanced at her own disheveled body and the messy room, her face flushing.

"Xiao Yi, go out for now—I'll clean up myself."

"No need, it's messier out there."

Xiao Yi smirked mischievously: "Sis, you and Boss Yan should pace yourselves—if you keep calling in sick after every time, I can't keep covering for you."

Could she blame her?

Fan Xiaopang gritted her teeth—that big donkey acted like he'd never seen a woman before, always pushing her to the brink.

Last time she thought teaming up with Li Bingbing would help, but that bastard got even more energetic—she ended up spending days recovering back home for the New Year.

Still… yesterday, he'd actually been gentler, though a bit cruel—she herself bore part of the blame for the chaos at home.

Still too embarrassed, Fan Xiaopang changed clothes, dragged Xiao Yi out of the bedroom; the living room sofa wasn't suitable for guests, but the dining area was fine.

"Did you see him when you came in?"

She took a sip of water, combed her hair, then paused, tucking the strands behind her ear.

She'd need to wash her hair soon.

Xiao Yi didn't notice her small gesture and shook her head: "No, Boss Yan had already left when I arrived."

Fan Xiaopang nodded, finished her water, and went to find her phone—sure enough, Yan Li had left her a message.

In the kitchen, there was packed congee and food; she told Xiao Yi to heat it in the microwave, then sent two messages to Yan Li. He didn't reply until she started eating breakfast.

【I hired a cleaner—they'll come this afternoon. If you're uneasy, have your assistant supervise.】

【The scandal's been published and is spreading—it'll peak tonight and over the next two days. Stay alert.】

【I've prepared your "signing fee"—go to the XXX Mercedes 4S store these two days to sign and pick up the car.】

Seeing the last message, Fan Xiaopang remembered Yan Li's half-joking comment yesterday about buying her a G-Class. Ignoring Xiao Yi, she called him directly.

"You really bought it?"

At that moment, she felt uneasy—what did he mean? Had he become serious?

Yan Li was clearly with someone—he sounded far more composed and formal than in private.

"I keep my word. This car serves as your signing fee and also as a marketing point. Release it at the right moment—'Spend a million on a luxury car to make the beauty smile'—it'll push the scandal to another level…"

Listening to Yan Li's detailed promotional plan for the G-Class, Fan Xiaopang should've sighed in relief—but something felt strangely off.

Would he have thought of all this marketing when he bought a car for Dong Xuan?

Fan Xiaopang suddenly slapped her own face.

Calm down, calm down—he's a dog man who loves one after another, unreliable. Career comes first. Treat him as nothing more than a tool for relaxation and physical release.

Yes—only romance, no feelings!

She muttered this to herself several times, then said coolly: "I understand."

"Alright, I'll have someone send you the full plan later."

After hanging up, Fan Xiaopang absentmindedly sipped two mouthfuls of congee, then told Xiao Yi to bring her laptop—she needed to check the news.

Though the scandal hadn't fully exploded yet, the heat was already significant.

Fan Xiaopang scanned the original reports—over a dozen photos.

There were group shots from the China World Mall: her picking out clothes, Yan Li watching beside her, her buying him men's wear, tiptoeing to adjust his tie, and both returning from a jewelry store laden with purchases.

There were photos from their dinner together: entering the restaurant arm in arm, laughing and chatting at the table.

One photo stood out—her holding up half her body to feed him—perfectly capturing the sweet, warm atmosphere.

There were also photos of them returning home together: her driving, Yan Li on the phone, the car entering the residential compound.

The photos were well-chosen, the articles positive.

They praised the man as handsome and wealthy, the woman as beautiful and top-tier—a perfect golden couple, made for each other.

Fan Xiaopang was satisfied—her appetite improved, and she downloaded several photos she liked.

But while some outlets, perhaps for ulterior motives, held back, others weren't so kind.

【Two Bings Compete for Beauty—and Yan: Li Bingbing's Rumored Boyfriend Spent the Night with Fan Xiaopang】

【Entertainment Circle Repeats Two Women Fighting Over One Man: Who Will Triumph?】

【Rising Business Star Turns Playboy—Signs Were There All Along】

【Bingbing's Agent Wang Jing Says She's Unaware, Investigating】

【Bingbing Has Yan: Uncovering the Man Behind the Two Bings】

【…】

Media frenzy drew crowds of netizens; fans of the Two Bings went to war.

Li Bingbing's fans called Fan Xiaopang a traitor, a homewrecker, shameless, a fox spirit.

Fan Xiaopang's fans either denied the relationship, accused it of being staged, claimed Li and Yan had broken up and Fan was innocent, or even shouted: "Just steal Li Bingbing—make them die of jealousy!"

In short, online and offline, it was chaos—the Two Bings and Yan Li dominated entertainment headlines…

(End of Chapter)