Chapter 177: Fan Xiaopang

"You can't possibly think she's not acting, can you?"

Fan Xiaopang didn't believe Wang Ou's meager cultivation could fool Yan Li, but then again, it wasn't that simple.

Men conquer the world; women conquer men!

Some men are sharp in every other aspect, yet easily fall for women's tricks, manipulated at their fingertips.

Yan Li could obviously see Wang Ou was acting.

But Fan Xiaopang had come charging in like a husband catching his wife in adultery, and he was still a bit annoyed.

Even if you're chasing off a dog… still, Wang Ou was his own person—obedient, quiet, never causing trouble, and she hadn't offended Fan Xiaopang at all, yet she got a full-blown scolding from the start.

Wang Ou was acting, yes, but she was also genuinely wronged.

If not for not wanting to escalate things and tarnish Fan Xiaopang's future status as the company's top star, and if not for worrying that Wang Ou, that little vixen, would take advantage of the situation and challenge Fan Xiaopang, disrupting company unity, Yan Li would never have just stood there watching.

"Today I'm giving you face for the company's sake, but don't think this will happen again. Family members must unite and support each other. Don't bring Hua Yi's tactics here to Yi'an—next time, it'll be you who walks."

Yan Li's tone wasn't gentle—he indulged Fan Xiaopang because he valued her potential and prospects, not to take on a domineering mistress.

Fan Xiaopang had come seeking forgiveness, but seeing things heating up, she immediately softened her tone.

"I didn't go looking for trouble with her. The moment she found out I was at the company, she started whispering behind my back. I just wanted to give her a warning, set some rules."

"If she behaves and listens, I'm not as petty as Li Bingbing—I'll take her along when needed."

"Director Yan, don't be angry. I'm only thinking of the company."

Fan Xiaopang had begun to understand Yan Li's patterns—whether scolding Wang Ou just now or now making amends, she always framed everything in terms of the company.

She was wrong to bully Wang Ou, but Wang Ou had provoked first; since Fan Xiaopang was acting for the greater good of the company by rectifying the team, the nature of her actions changed.

"I'll deal with Wang Ou. You should be careful too."

Yan Li knew Fan Xiaopang's words were exaggerated but not baseless—Wang Ou was indeed resentful—so he issued a warning.

He also felt a headache: managing a large group was hard, especially these artists, all eager to climb to the top, and all with some personal connection to him—management complexity had skyrocketed.

As the old saying goes: rabbits don't eat the grass around their burrows. He was still too young.

Fortunately, he'd held back—he hadn't brought Qin Lan or Dong Xuan into the company. Otherwise, private and professional matters would've mixed, making the situation even messier.

"Don't worry. If she doesn't jump, I won't touch her."

Fan Xiaopang didn't really care about Wang Ou—even after Wang Ou had just sabotaged her.

They were company artists; the most important thing was generating value and profit. As long as she made money, her status in Yan Li's eyes would keep rising. Wang Ou's tricks were barely worth mentioning.

Besides, come to think of it, Fan Xiaopang knew how to play those same tricks too.

"Just now, I wanted to establish authority, and I was genuinely angry."

"Right now, everyone on set is watching, and there might even be paparazzi outside. If she suddenly showed up, what if something happened?"

"Even if you don't care about her, don't you think we'll be affected? What about Dong Xuan? She gave up everything for you—became your 'ex'—do you really want to turn her into a joke?"

"…."

Fan Xiaopang's words were meant to sting Wang Ou, but they also made Yan Li feel slightly uncomfortable.

True, he'd already given up on his reputation—he didn't care how high or low it sank—but he still had to consider the dignity of Dong Xuan and the others.

Fan Xiaopang was still acting, tears falling pitter-patter.

"I was only thinking of you, yet you don't understand my intentions—you just scold me… I—I'll leave too…"

"Where are you going?"

Yan Li pulled Fan Xiaopang back, wiped away her tears, and couldn't help complaining: "You'd better not use this trick—it's too fake."

Other women were gentler with Yan Li, so this trick worked on them. But Fan Xiaopang, a daily bickering firecracker, had little effect.

Still, even if it was fake, this little vixen looked pretty crying—no worse than Qin Lan.

Of course—they both debuted in Qiong Yao dramas; crying was innate talent!

Seeing her tears didn't work, Fan Xiaopang switched tactics immediately—facing him, she wrapped her arms around his waist, her expression alluring, voice crisp.

"Great King, please forgive your humble servant this once—I won't dare again."

Only then did Yan Li remember—he still hadn't done what he came for.

"I'll forgive you, but you must be punished."

Fan Xiaopang wasn't afraid. Her peach-blossom eyes shimmered like autumn water, and she continued in a sweet voice: "How does the Great King wish to punish his humble servant?"

Yan Li fell silent for a moment, then cautiously asked, "What if we call Feng Lai (Wang Ou) to join us for the night?"

Fan Xiaopang's face dropped instantly. She let go of Yan Li's hand and turned to leave—he grabbed her, and she snapped angrily.

"What do you think I am? Last time, drunk and reckless, we messed around once. Now you're throwing every Tom, Dick, and Harry at me? Even without you, I won't starve. Stop wasting people."

Fan Xiaopang was furious. She realized Yan Li had gone too far.

She didn't mind having a relationship beyond friendship with Yan Li. Leaving aside company ties, she genuinely admired him—for his ability, personality, appearance, and physique.

She was a normal woman with normal needs.

While striving for her career, having a steady, trusted partner—no love, just occasional safe, harmonious intimacy—was beneficial to body and mind.

And if that partner happened to be her boss and patron? Even better.

So for various reasons, Fan Xiaopang was willing to go along with Yan Li's "foolishness," but there was a line.

The last time, at the Shuangbing meeting, everyone was drunk, the moment was special, emotions high and lonely, and the other person was Li Bingbing—no one lost face, it was safe, and timing, place, and people all aligned, so they half-heartedly went along with the absurdity.

But if Yan Li treated this as normal, constantly piling others onto her like this, don't blame her for turning on him.

She'd signed on as a talent—not sold herself!

Yan Li knew he'd gone too far and quickly hugged Fan Xiaopang, soothing her: "Just a joke. Let's call it even."

Fan Xiaopang seriously reaffirmed with Yan Li: she could accept their arrangement, but no other games—if he crossed that line, she'd destroy him even if it meant her own blacklisting.

The entertainment industry was a mess—some people degraded female actors and lovers. Fan Xiaopang didn't think Yan Li was like that, but she'd rather say it upfront.

"What joke? How could I ever do that?"

Yan Li kissed Fan Xiaopang and apologized to her; he meant no harm, just let lust cloud his judgment—if Fan Xiaopang refused, fine, he wouldn't force her.

"But…"

Yan Li still couldn't let go of his scheming thoughts: "Wang Ou won't do—what about others?"

Fan Xiaopang is tough enough, but sometimes it's still not satisfying; Shuang Bing left him with memories too profound.

"Still thinking about that Li? So dark and old—who's prettier than me?"

Fan Xiaopang thought of Li Bingbing and felt annoyed; Yan Li shook his head disapprovingly.

Li Bingbing isn't as pretty as Fan Xiaopang, but she has her own charm, and more importantly, with Shuang Bing in hand, pleasure multiplies many times over.

But now trying to bring Shuang Bing together is too difficult—he doesn't demand it.

"…"

Understanding Yan Li's meaning, Fan Xiaopang suddenly widened her eyes: "You want me and Dong Xuan…"

"Cough, cough."

Yan Li's mind swarmed with countless white, shimmering images; his throat felt dry.

"You bastard, dream on."

Fan Xiaopang sneered; she knew this scoundrel had no good intentions. Even if she agreed, would Dong Xuan? He shouldn't fear getting his cock cut off one day.

Yan Li didn't press—he'd decide later whether to stack them or not; first, he'd deal with this little vixen—he'd already made his promise, and he'd make her call him Dad…

…

In another hotel room, Wang Ou sat on the bed, staring at her phone; the message she'd sent vanished into silence, her expression gloomy.

She wasn't stupid; aside from the rampant rumors about Shuang Bing, from actual interactions, Wang Ou had sensed something off between Fan Xiaopang and Yan Li.

Just now, Fan Xiaopang's outburst of hostility confirmed this idea.

Company infighting? Top star's warning? This bitch was just waving a flag to stir jealousy, kicking her out to monopolize Boss Yan.

But不得不说, this truly struck Wang Ou's weakest point.

With no fame and no formal training, Wang Ou's only leverage in the industry was Yan Li.

Fan Xiaopang had no trouble finding another patron without him; without Yan Li, Wang Ou might be thrown back to square one.

No good—she had to find a way to win back her boss's favor.

But how?

Wang Ou felt lost. Though she hated to admit it, Fan Xiaopang truly was a supreme beauty—she couldn't compete.

Just then, the doorbell rang. Wang Ou opened the door to find Wu Jiani from the same drama crew, who shyly came to discuss her schedule.

She had something the day after tomorrow and needed to leave the set for half a day; since they shared the same scene, she wanted to film Wang Ou's part first.

Such situations were common on set, but big stars just gave a word—minor actors like her had to negotiate one by one with the director and co-stars.

"No problem."

Wang Ou agreed readily; compared to the slightly domineering and haughty Fan Xiaopang, she got along well with Wu Jiani—they were both unknown actresses and could talk easily.

Fan Xiaopang wasn't haughty—or rather, her haughtiness targeted only Wang Ou, whom she secretly resented.

Fan Xiaopang also got along well with Wu Jiani, but due to status and screen time, Wu Jiani and Wang Ou naturally spent more time together.

"Then, Miss Ou, I'll go first."

Wu Jiani was one year younger than Wang Ou and always called her "Miss Ou." Wang Ou, bored and alone, didn't want to sit there thinking endlessly.

"Why rush? No shooting tomorrow morning—stay and chat with me. How much does that body-shaping yoga studio you mentioned charge?"

Wu Jiani was a dancer by training, with exceptional physique; now she trained in fitness and yoga, and Wang Ou planned to ask for advice.

If she couldn't outdo Fan Xiaopang in looks, she'd add points with her body!

"Your figure's already great—just maintain it. No need to reshape."

Wu Jiani had visited Wang Ou's room before and wasn't shy; she stepped right in and complimented Wang Ou's figure.

This wasn't empty flattery—Wang Ou had trained in dance since childhood and once modeled; her physique was solid—tall, long legs, balanced proportions—otherwise she wouldn't have caught Yan Li's eye as a minor model.

"My figure's okay, but I've practiced dance less these years—I've lost flexibility, endurance, and explosive power. You said yoga helps with these, right? I want to try."

Wang Ou listed her weaknesses. Wu Jiani looked at her strangely—she was an actress; good figure was enough—why train like this?

"Uh… I have a role coming up with fight scenes, so I want to train a bit."

Wang Ou's cheeks flushed slightly, then she had a flash of inspiration and gave a plausible excuse. Wu Jiani understood—yes, to film fight scenes, you definitely need physical training.

"I'll introduce you to one in Jingcheng. How about this—if you're in a hurry, I can teach you some basics first."

Wu Jiani and Wang Ou got along well, and she was helpful; she offered to help, and Wang Ou naturally agreed.

The two rearranged the room's layout, cleared a space, shed their coats, wore only their undershirts and loose pajama pants, and began yoga.

After nearly half an hour, both were drenched in sweat; teaching and learning, their bond grew closer.

"That's enough for today."

Seeing Wang Ou visibly exhausted, Wu Jiani took a breath and called a stop.

Wiping sweat, Wu Jiani asked if she could wash up in Wang Ou's room.

She'd bathed in her own room after shooting, so there probably wasn't hot water left—just a quick rinse to wash off sweat, no trouble to Wang Ou.

Wang Ou had no problem—after all, Wu Jiani had helped her sweat out a whole body's worth; what was a shower?

Wu Jiani turned to shower. Wang Ou stood up to tidy the room—when suddenly, the doorbell rang.

Wang Ou assumed it was Wu Jiani's assistant looking for her; she opened the door without checking—and saw Yan Li squeeze in.

Taking off his cap, Yan Li opened his mouth to speak—then saw Wang Ou drenched in sweat, and heard the gushing sound of a shower from the bathroom?

Yan Li: "???"

"No no no!"

Wang Ou, thrown into confusion by Yan Li's sudden appearance, snapped back to her senses and hurried to explain.

"Inside is Wu Jiani; I just did yoga with her."

"Oh."

Yan Li believed him—he knew best what state Wang Ou would be in afterward, and besides, she didn't have that much boldness.

Seeing someone was there, he prepared to leave, planning to come back after the person was gone, or have Wang Ou come to him.

But Wang Ou clung to him tightly; she was panicked—if Yan Li left now, she'd never be able to explain.

Yan Li laughed and sighed: "I believe you."

"Then you can't leave."

Wang Ou refused to let go; she dared not gamble, and besides, Yan Li had come here so rarely—if she let him slip away again, she wouldn't sleep a wink tonight.

As they struggled, the bathroom door opened, and Wu Jiani stepped out, wrapped only in a towel, drying her hair.

"Sister Ou, your shower gel smells so good..."

Their eyes met—Wu Jiani saw Wang Ou and Yan Li embracing (from her perspective), and Yan Li got quite the view.

She hadn't noticed it in her costume before—this sister had some serious curves!

"Ah!"

Perhaps because someone's gaze was too scorching, Wu Jiani finally realized her state, let out a startled cry, and hurried back into the bathroom.

"Deal with her first, then come to me."

Seeing this, Yan Li didn't stay—he told Wang Ou and left first.

Wang Ou regretted it down to her gut—if she'd known Yan Li was coming, she'd never have let Wu Jiani stay; not only did she ruin the moment, but now he knew about her and Yan Li.

Torn and helpless, she knocked on the bathroom door, signaling that Yan Li had left.

Wu Jiani waited a moment, then cautiously opened the door halfway and scanned the hotel room.

Seeing this, Wang Ou snapped: "What are you thinking? Do you think I'd sell you?"

Huh?!

Wang Ou suddenly widened her eyes, recalling how Yan Li had insisted on moving in with her, driving her two roommates to exhaustion.

Huh—she might just have an idea on how to win Yan Li's favor.

Compared to Fan Xiaopang, Wang Ou's limits were lower—or rather, she had no confidence to maintain any boundaries in front of Yan Li; as long as it secured his favor, she was more willing to go all-in than Qin, Dong, or Fan.

Wu Jiani didn't know what Wang Ou was thinking; only after confirming Yan Li was gone did she step out, looking at Wang Ou with a complex expression.

No wonder Sister Ou trained for endurance—Yan Li's energy and that recording mic really were intense.

But Fan Xiaopang was the "girlfriend," Sister Ou was suspected of having an affair, and of the Three Demons of Xuan Yuan, she was the only one left.

Wu Jiani's heart churned—she began to wonder whether Yan Li's actions today were truly accidental, or meant to hint at something...

(End of Chapter)