Chapter 170

After wandering around, they'd bought most of what they needed, and Cao Xuan likely had enough materials 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 photography, then ate their meal.

From the camera's perspective, Yan Li and Fan Xiaopang laughed and chatted warmly, as if exchanging sweet nothings, 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 films.

Yan Li originally intended for her to play only in "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 rising star involved, "The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng" would benefit from promotion—Yan Li naturally had no reason to refuse.

In addition, Yan Li helped Fan Xiaopang secure a film role, though it was only the second female lead, it still offered visibility.

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

Fan Xiaopang was surprised—she knew this film, and had assumed it was being negotiated by Huayi and Hua-jie, only to learn Yan Li was handling it.

"It's mostly 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 matter, 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 major 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 began by partnering with Hong Kong, investing in and distributing projects by Hong Kong directors, then gradually cultivating new directors and crews, waiting until the timing was right to break away.

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

"…."

Fan Xiaopang nodded—when they'd discussed joining Yi'an, Yan Li had been clear about it.

Film resources were indeed Yi'an'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, Yi'an could fully satisfy her television drama needs.

With Yan Li's access to distribution advantages and established 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, next year at the earliest, Yi'an would create a custom drama for her with substantial investment.

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

To be honest, Fan Xiaopang's decision to join Yan Li stemmed from various motivations and reasons.

But Yi'an's genuine emphasis and professional, meticulous career planning were also key factors that won her over.

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

…

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

Last year, "Star Bigstar" exposed the home addresses of many Beijing-based stars, prompting Feng Xiaogang to publicly curse at a press conference, and other stars voiced their complaints.

As a popular rising star, Fan Xiaopang was also targeted, but the exposed residence was primarily her parents' home.

Because of this, over the past year, apart from visiting home, she preferred staying in her personal apartment for its quietness.

The apartment was of good quality with strict security; Cao Xuan's car couldn't enter behind them, signaling the end of today's publicity stunt.

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

Fan Xiaopang still felt a bit unsatisfied—she'd acted so much on set, but this real-life performance was her first time; she even reviewed it with Yan Li in the elevator as they went up.

"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 risk attracting enemies.

"True."

If it were any other time, Fan Xiaopang might tease Yan Li a bit, but during this sensitive period, safety was better.

At Fan Xiaopang's apartment, Yan Li took a look around—it wasn't large, and quieter and messier than he'd imagined.

Understandable: Fan Xiaopang was busy with work and sometimes stayed at home, leaving little time to arrange or tidy her small space.

"What would you like to drink?"

"Just water."

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

A hardworking employee!

Fan Xiaopang poured Yan Li a glass of water, then went to her room 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 saw Yan Li intently memorizing lines—she was speechless.

"You're not seriously planning to memorize lines here today, 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 joining the set; at minimum, he'd have them down before filming—showing up to improvise lines on set was simply unacceptable.

"Pfft~"

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

For other roles, her professionalism was less certain—she'd certainly been caught improvising lines on set more than once.

He warmed a cup of milk, and Fan Xiaopang curled up on the sofa, holding the cup with keen interest.

"I heard Director Cheng wanted you to play Yang Jian—how did you end up as King Zhou?"

Yan Li took it for granted: "King Zhou has more scenes."

"Nonsense."

Fan Xiaopang sipped his milk and shot back sharply: "I think you just wanted to act opposite female actresses as King Zhou, to experience the feeling of being surrounded by beauties as a corrupt monarch."

"You understand me, my beloved concubine."

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

Of course, King Zhou's large number of scenes and some standout character traits were also major reasons.

Besides, Huo Qubing and Jin Zha are both heroic figures; his semi-recurring roles in "Lightning Sword" and "Railway Guerrillas" were both martyrs who died heroically; the next role he's slated to play, Xue Rengui, is also a hero.

Yan Li felt he couldn't forget his roots—he started as a villain, and playing only righteous roles would trap him in a narrow acting range.

At the same time, this also fulfilled a small wish of Yan Li's.

As a child, besides enjoying wielding a wooden stick to chop grass like a general, he especially wanted to be an emperor—especially one like this, with beauties on both sides.

Yan Li even suspected his current entanglements with multiple people stemmed from that childhood desire.

In real life, becoming an emperor was out of the question.

Surrounded by beauties—outside of KTV, it sometimes depended on timing and circumstance—so he could only indulge in it through acting.

Fan Xiaopang played Su Daji; the actress portraying the Pipa Spirit Hu Ya was Wu Jiani, recommended by Cheng Lidong; the Chick Spirit Feng Lai was Wang Ou; and Queen Jiang was a guest role by Qin Lan…

The harem quality in "Fengshen Bang" was not ordinary!

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

"My beloved concubine, accompany your emperor in a scene rehearsal."

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

"Go ahead—see who kills whom."

Yan Li spread his arms wide, treating it like a casual workout; with Fan Xiaopang's slight frame, even three of him couldn't easily overpower him.

Fan Xiaopang was eager to launch a surprise attack—what good was height and bulk if you seized the vital points? He could make him kneel down and sing "Conquer."

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

As Fan Xiaopang hesitated, Yan Li reached out and yanked him over, pinching his soft chin and teasing:

"Go ahead, assassinate me—what the hell, wrong, wrong!"

Yan Li broke into a cold sweat and didn't dare to move, while Fan Xiaopang held him with one hand, smirking.

"Call me sister."

"... Sister."

"Call me Queen."

"Queen."

"Call me Master."

"Don't go too far..."

Yan Li gritted his teeth; Fan Xiaopang hesitated, didn't dare to strike hard, and instead negotiated.

"No retaliation."

"No retaliation."

"Swear it."

"I swear, if I retaliate..."

Yan Li seized the moment when Fan Xiaopang was distracted by his oath, grabbed his wrist, broke free, and the eagle soared again.

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

"Your Majesty, your humble concubine erred."

Yan Li sneered: "Call me Master."

Fan Xiaopang hesitated, saw Yan Li's hand move, and surrendered in panic: "Master, Master, I'm sorry, forgive me!"

"Forgive you?"

Yan Li gave a light hum, pulled him close: "We'll see how you behave."

Fan Xiaopang was forced to submit, resisted, was subdued again, resisted again, was subdued again—wind and rain, riding the dragon and soaring on the phoenix.

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

Yan Li frowned, picked up the phone, grunted twice, then released Fan Xiaopang, whose clothes were disheveled, and said apologetically:

"Uh, time's about up..."

Despite the earlier struggle, now hearing this, Fan Xiaopang—with swollen lips—glared dangerously: "Try leaving."

You lit the fire and then ran off? Who does that?

"I can't explain this to my family."

Yan Li was deeply conflicted, but Fan Xiaopang didn't care—he stood up, grabbed Yan Li, and dragged him into the bedroom.

"Last time you took a nap after sex; today it's my turn to catch a little sleep."

"Really can't—next time."

"No excuses."

"Then call me Master..."

Yi'an Film & Television

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

It's still early—how hardworking can the boss be!

————

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

Watching Xiao Yi bend down to pick up her clothes, Fan Xiaopang glanced at the mess on her body and in the room, and her cheeks flushed.

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

"It's fine, it's even messier outside."

Xiao Yi smirked mischievously: "Sis, take it easy with Boss Yan—or every time after, you take a day off, and I can't keep covering for you."

Could she blame herself?

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

Last time, she thought teaming up with Li Bingbing might help, but that bastard got even more energetic—she ended up staying in her hometown for days over the New Year.

Still… yesterday, that guy was actually gentler—though a bit cruel, and she shared some blame for the mess at home.

Still a bit embarrassed, Fan Xiaopang changed clothes, then dragged Xiao Yi out of the bedroom. The living room sofa wasn't suitable for guests, but thankfully, there was the dining area.

"Did you see him when you came?"

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

She'd need to wash her hair later.

Xiao Yi didn't notice her small gesture and shook her head: "Didn't see him. 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 porridge and meals. She told Xiao Yi to heat them in the microwave, then sent two replies to Yan Li. He didn't respond until she started eating breakfast.

【I hired a cleaner. They'll come this afternoon to tidy up—if you're uneasy, let your assistant watch.】

【The gossip is already published and spreading. Expect a surge tonight and over the next two days—stay on top of it.】

【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's presence, she called him directly.

"You really bought it?"

At that moment, she felt uneasy—what did Yan Li mean? Was he serious?

Yan Li must have had someone nearby—his voice was far calmer and more formal than when they were alone.

"I keep my word. This car is both your signing fee and a marketing point. Release it at the right moment—spending a million on a luxury car to make a beauty smile? It'll push the gossip to another level…"

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

Would he think of marketing schemes like this when he bought a car for Dong Xuan?

Fan Xiaopang suddenly slapped her own face.

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

Yes—only romance, no feelings!

Fan Xiaopang 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 porridge, then told Xiao Yi to bring her laptop—she needed to check the news.

Right now, though it hadn't fully exploded, the hype was already high.

Fan Xiaopang scanned the initial reports—over a dozen photos were listed.

There were photos of them shopping together at Guomao: her picking out clothes, Yan Li watching beside her, her buying him men's wear, her tiptoeing to adjust his tie, and both returning from a jewelry store laden with purchases.

There were photos of them dining together: entering the restaurant side by side, laughing and chatting at the table.

One photo stood out—her holding up half her body to feed Yan Li. The atmosphere was sweet and warm.

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

The photos were well-chosen, and the articles were largely positive.

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

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

Still, while some outlets, for some reason, held back their blows, other media weren't so gentle.

【Two Bings Compete for Beauty—and Yan: Li Bingbing's Rumored Boyfriend Shared a Room with Fan Bingbing】

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

【Business Newcomer Turns into a Womanizer—Signs Were There All Along】

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

【Bing Has Li: Uncovering the Man Behind the Two Bings】

【…】

Media buzz drew crowds of netizens and fans to swarm the scene. Fans of the Two Bings immediately went to war.

Li Bingbing's fans accused Fan Xiaopang of betrayal, called her a homewrecker, shameless, and 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 they'd steal Li Bingbing away and drive everyone crazy.

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

(End of Chapter)