Chapter 186: Behind the Scenes, Empress and Concubine, Open War!

The Fengshen Bang makeup room

The atmosphere was slightly tense; Fan Xiaopang's displeasure was visibly palpable, and the makeup artists and actors around him moved cautiously, avoiding any misstep that might draw collateral damage.

A while later, Qin Lan entered the makeup room, her eyes brimming with lingering warmth.

But the moment she spotted Fan Xiaopang, her previously light steps faltered—she staggered twice, lightly clutching her waist as if exhausted, her voice to the makeup artist already hoarse.

"Sorry, I slept too late last night and didn't wake up this morning."

The makeup artist pursed her lips: "It's fine, we have enough time."

"Good."

Qin Lan glanced at Fan Xiaopang across the room: "Your dark circles are heavy, and your neck—can you cover them up?"

"No problem, we can handle it all."

The makeup artist couldn't fathom why a female actress would be this bold—hell, it was practically live-streaming a bed scene.

Has the industry become this liberal now!?

But relying on years of industry instinct and the mounting pressure radiating from Fan Xiaopang beside her, she sensed danger and fell silent, focusing solely on her work.

Qin Lan had no intention of chatting further with the makeup artist; she turned directly to Fan Xiaopang.

"Teacher Fan, we have a scene together today—you must have practiced last night. Please be gentle with me during the take."

"Hmph."

Fan Xiaopang opened her eyes, smiling politely: "Teacher Qin, you're too kind. The role of Daji is two-faced and cunning—I'm not particularly skilled at it. I should be learning from you."

"Nonsense, Teacher Fan clearly excels at this kind of role."

"I can't compare to Teacher Qin's mastery—your portrayal of Zhihua was deeply moving."

"…."

The two traded barbs, leaving the makeup artist behind them with a scalp tingling and heart pounding.

Good heavens, the subtext was overwhelming—just who the hell is Qin Lan, launching an outright attack like this?

Qin Lan sensed the makeup artist's excitement behind her and didn't care.

For the sake of the bigger picture, she'd endured keeping it quiet—but she would never bow to that man Fan.

Just seeing that fox spirit made her blood boil.

Regardless of whether it leaked, whether it stirred chaos, even if Yan Li was upset—Qin Lan accepted it—but she would never yield to Fan Xiaopang.

Let Fan Xiaopang be the "Empress," she'd retreat three steps—unless they killed her…

Fan Xiaopang watched Qin Lan's fierce determination, frowning thoughtfully.

This woman arrived with open hostility, yet brimmed with confidence despite clearly having lower status—last night she stole Yan Li right in front of her, and today she openly provoked.

Fan Xiaopang compared Yan Li's attitude toward Wang Ou and Dong Xuan, then recalled the two silver lockets and orchid embroidery he'd bought in Yunnan.

She had already guessed Qin Lan's identity.

That dog of a man hid it well—Fan Xiaopang couldn't help grinding her teeth.

She'd long suspected who owned the matching locket, even dug into Yan Li's background.

She'd probed all seven fairies—except Li Bingbing and Dong Xuan, the others had never known Yan Li before.

Huang Shengyi, targeted by Dong Xuan, was a strong suspect, but eliminated; after learning of Wang Ou, she'd suspected her too—but ruled her out.

Fan Xiaopang had reviewed every drama Yan Li filmed before discovering the orchid embroidery on "The Lucky Pig Bajie."

She'd suspected Tong Lei from "The Heroes of Sui and Tang," Liu Weiwei from "Conquest," Lin Jing from "Emperor Wu of Han," even Peng Dan from "The Treasure Basin."

But she'd found no evidence, and her indirect probing of Yan Li revealed nothing amiss.

Knowing Yan Li and Dong Xuan had been college lovers, and with Huang Shengyi as a junior, Fan Xiaopang had also considered Yan Li's classmates from Beijing Film Academy, even slipping in questions to Zhang Songwen and Lin Jiachuan.

But both men clammed up—except for Dong Xuan, even Huang Shengyi pretended ignorance.

It had led Fan Xiaopang to suspect the woman might be outside the industry.

Like someone from Yan Li's hometown, or someone he met during his startup days—even his secretary Hu Ya had been tested, with equally meager results.

Had Qin Lan not revealed herself, Fan Xiaopang figured she might have suspected her only after three more years of thinking.

How patient she was!

Fan Xiaopang calculated: Yan Li filmed "The Lucky Pig Bajie" in winter 2003—yet he was ranked alongside Dong Xuan, meaning their acquaintance must have lasted years.

Yan Li graduated summer 2002; Dong Xuan said they were inseparable in school.

Even if Dong Xuan exaggerated, a broke student rarely juggled two lovers—wait, no, there was Huang Shengyi too.

Damn it, this dog of a man played games even when he had no money.

Fan Xiaopang couldn't pinpoint the exact timeframe, but it was almost certainly 2002—or earlier, no later than 2000, since before that Yan Li hadn't even come to Beijing for school.

That matched perfectly!

She'd stuck with him when he was penniless—for over three years—and even after his career took off, she remained hidden behind the scenes, avoiding his company projects entirely, quietly supporting him, uninterested in fame or fortune.

Huh~

This woman was clearly aiming for marriage—her weight in Yan Li's heart was immense, likely equal to Dong Xuan's.

Fan Xiaopang's head ached: Dong Xuan's attitude toward her had grown colder, and Qin Lan had arrived already glaring at her like a predator.

There were plenty of women tangled with that dog of a man—why focus only on her?!

She knew Qin Lan was dangerous, but Fan Xiaopang wasn't afraid, and she wouldn't bow.

She worked for Yan Li—no boss's wife had the right to scold her, and besides, it wasn't even clear who the real boss's wife was.

After makeup and costume, Fan Xiaopang glanced at herself, snorted, and walked out.

Qin Lan, eyes closed during makeup, opened them, watching Fan Xiaopang's retreating back through the mirror—she longed to drag Yan Li over and demand answers.

This whole room reeks of vinegar—and they call this "prioritizing the career"?

…

Half an hour later, the actors gathered before the palace hall; today's scene depicted Daji's rise to exclusive favor after entering the palace, neglecting state affairs and provoking resentment among ministers and concubines—Queen Jiang planned to use her birthday banquet to teach Daji a lesson.

"Such a lewd woman—won't she damage His Majesty's health and destroy the Shang dynasty?"

Qin Lan thought the line was perfect; imagining Fan Xiaopang's fox-spirit face, she felt it resonate deeply.

"Good."

The director began with Queen Jiang's decision to punish Daji; after watching Qin Lan's performance, he shouted praise.

He didn't know this new actress well, but her portrayal was superb—the pure hatred and revulsion of the Empress toward the demoness radiated vividly.

After Qin Lan's scene, the set was adjusted, and Fan Xiaopang stepped forward for her part.

Qin Lan, surrounded by concubines and maids, stood atop the phoenix dais; Fan Xiaopang, escorted by maids, slowly entered the hall.

The next scene required Daji to kneel and pay respects to Queen Jiang—but Fan Xiaopang raised objections.

"Director, I don't think she should kneel. Daji harbors hostility toward Queen Jiang—a simple bow suffices."

"No, no, no."

The director shook his head: "Daji is feigning weakness, begging for King Zhou's pity. This is Su Daji, not the fox spirit—her posture must be humble."

Qin Lan nodded vigorously, thumbs up: "Director's right—brilliant insight."

Fan Xiaopang took a breath, comforted herself: this is just acting, I'm accumulating merit, that Qin woman is draining her lifespan—then stepped out of frame. The crew rolled; she returned to the hall and slowly knelt.

"Long live the Empress, may your life be endless."

Perfect!

Qin Lan nearly shouted in triumph—her whole body felt light, utterly satisfied.

Unable to hide her joy, a smile crept onto her face; she quickly apologized: "Sorry, I got distracted—let's do another take."

Fan Xiaopang snapped: "Director."

The director sensed something off, waved his hand: "No need—change the camera angle, just get a close-up."

Qin Lan was disappointed, then filmed the close-up: her expression toward Daji was haughty, disdainful, eyes cold with revulsion.

"Good. Excellent."

The director internally praised—whether it was skill or raw emotion, the result was stunning.

But compared to Qin Lan's dazzling performance, Fan Xiaopang's was weaker.

She was portraying Su Daji—facing Queen Jiang's accusations, she should appear helpless, pitiful, delicate.

Instead, Fan Xiaopang kept slipping into fox-spirit mode, as if ready to tear Queen Jiang apart.

Yet after repeated direction, she regained some control; Qin Lan remained steady, even proactively suggested extra scenes.

"Director, since Queen Jiang is going to punish Daji's maid to assert authority, and Daji defends her—why not have Queen Jiang slap Daji twice? It'd highlight their conflict better."

Fan Xiaopang couldn't take it: "Qin, you're going too far."

Qin Lan remained calm: "I'm just thinking about the effect—what's wrong with what I said?"

"Fine, slap more. I remember there's a scene later where you dig out my eyes, right? I'll make sure to add some effect then too."

Fan Xiaopang was ruthless—she'd exploit the plot too, and she had more opportunities than Qin Lan.

Queen Jiang could only pinch Daji now; later, when Daji framed Queen Jiang, she'd have countless chances to torment her.

"Come on, who's afraid of whom?"

Qin Lan wasn't intimidated—she'd enjoy today's satisfaction first; she didn't believe this Fan woman would really dig out her eyes.

"Fine, shoot."

The two began clashing; the director's head throbbed as he soothed both women like spoiled princesses.

He dared not offend Fan Xiaopang—and Qin Lan, who dared challenge her, was clearly no pushover—he had to treat them both with care.

Just then, "accidentally passing by," Yan Li stepped in.

"What's going on?"

"Director Yan, you've finally arrived."

The director was overjoyed and quickly pulled Yan Li aside, explaining the situation in a few words; Yan Li's face immediately darkened as he glanced at Qin Lan and Fan Xiaopang.

Qin Lan lowered her head guiltily, but Fan Xiaopang stuck out his neck: "It's not my fault—she started it."

Hearing Fan Xiaopang's complaint, Qin Lan grew frantic: "I was thinking of the drama!"

"Bullshit. You act innocent whenever you see a man—you're a fake."

"Seductress, who are you calling?"

"..."

Seeing Fan Xiaopang and Qin Lan start arguing again, Yan Li's face turned icy as he barked out a command.

"Enough."

"This is a film set, not your home. Settle your disputes privately. Whoever delays shooting gets fired."

Yan Li still had authority—the two women fell silent, though they still looked resentful.

Yan Li glanced at the crew and actors gathered around, ordered everyone to stop filming and take a break, then pulled Qin Lan and Fan Xiaopang into a side room.

"So you're eager to humiliate yourselves? Don't fight here—I'll call two newspapers and let you curse each other live on national TV."

Fan Xiaopang pointed at Qin Lan, shouting: "She attacked me like a rabid dog! I ignored her, but she wouldn't stop. If I put up with this, you think I'm easy to bully?"

Qin Lan narrowed her eyes at her: "Don't you know why I'm targeting you? I'm being generous not dragging you naked through the streets."

"Both of you, shut up."

Yan Li rubbed his temples, exasperated—he should never have put Qin Lan and Fan Xiaopang together, knowing how explosive the latter was.

Luckily, Empress Jiang's scenes were few—if they were playing the Three Demons of Xuan Yuan, the whole crew would've been ruined by them.

"No matter what, it can't disrupt filming."

Yan Li set the tone, then turned to Qin Lan: "I and Bingbing are colleagues—now, and always. That's it. Can't you just stop this?"

Qin Lan looked at Yan Li's expressionless face and nodded quietly: "Understood."

Yan Li turned to Fan Xiaopang: "This was our mistake. She acted out of concern—don't hold it against her. I'll give you a proper resolution."

Hearing Yan Li's words, Fan Xiaopang's heart clenched, her eyes reddened, and after a deep breath to hold back tears, her voice turned cold.

"Fine. I'll wait for your resolution."

Without another word, she turned and walked away. As she disappeared, Yan Li thought he saw her wipe her tear-filled corner of the eye with her sleeve.

He sighed helplessly and looked at Qin Lan: "Satisfied?"

Qin Lan kept her head down, wiping away tears, her face streaked with makeup: "I didn't mean to cause trouble—but seeing her just makes me lose control."

"Alright, I'm not blaming you."

Yan Li's anger melted under Qin Lan's tears.

How many legitimate girlfriends can stay calm when they see a mistress?

This wasn't Qin Lan's fault, nor Fan Xiaopang's—it was entirely his own doing.

He could've flirted around all he wanted; often, ignorance is bliss—just look away, pretend not to notice. But no, he had to force them together.

Given Qin Lan's feelings for him and Fan Xiaopang's temper, it was inevitable they'd clash.

After soothing her for a while, Qin Lan wiped her tears, reapplied her makeup, and returned to set.

Yan Li slipped away quietly but assigned his assistant Ding Feng to keep watch, preventing further conflict.

Yet after the outburst, Qin Lan and Fan Xiaopang didn't continue their hostility—only mutual silence.

Whether filming, resting, or heading to the makeup room after wrap, then back to the hotel, they exchanged not a single word—not even a glance. They treated each other as if invisible.

Back in her hotel room, Qin Lan collapsed onto the bed, exhausted—relieved and elated.

Relieved she'd avoided Yan Li's wrath; elated that he'd made his choice, clearly taking sides.

In this internal struggle of "The Return of the Pearl," she had won.

In another room, Fan Xiaopang pounded a pillow with both fists—still not satisfied, she jumped up and stomped on it, slipped, fell onto the bed, and burst into tears.

Bastard, rotten man, what's so great about you? Stay with your fake past—I don't care anymore.

A roadside eatery in Hengdian

Yan Li, arm around Lin Jiachuan from the set of "The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng," spoke earnestly.

"Young brother, don't get involved with too many women—it's trouble."

Lin Jiachuan: "..."

I'd love to have this kind of trouble—but do I even have the ability?!

Beside them, Zhang Songwen raised his cup and clinked it against Yan Li's: "Stop worrying. A man's career comes first. I've noticed you've been obsessed with women lately—you've been half-hearted with filming."

"That's true."

Yan Li nodded. Lately, he'd been drunk on soft affection. This slap in the face was good—it pushed him to put aside romance and focus on his career. He was still aiming for the Forbes list...

(End of Chapter)