Chapter 186

The Fengshen Bang Makeup Room

The atmosphere was slightly tense; Fan Xiaopang's displeasure was visibly apparent, and the makeup artists and actors around her moved cautiously, afraid of being caught in the crossfire.

A little while later, Qin Lan entered the makeup room, her eyes and brows brimming with lingering sensuality.

But the moment she saw Fan Xiaopang, Qin Lan stumbled backward two steps, lightly clutching her waist as if exhausted, her voice hoarse as she apologized to the makeup artist.

"Sorry, I went to bed too late last night and couldn't get 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 so aggressive—damn, it was almost like she was live-streaming her bedroom scene.

Has the industry become this open now!?

But relying on years of industry experience and the plummeting 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 shoot."

"Hmph."

Fan Xiaopang opened her eyes, smiling politely: "Teacher Qin, you're too kind. Su Daji's role is two-faced and treacherous—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, who masters it so thoroughly—Dong Xuan's portrayal was truly unforgettable."

"..."

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

Good heavens, the implications were enormous—just who the hell is Qin Lan, launching an outright attack like this?

Qin Lan sensed the makeup artist's excitement behind her and paid it no mind.

For the sake of the bigger picture, she had endured keeping it private—but she would never bow to that man named Fan.

Just seeing this fox spirit made her blood boil.

Regardless of whether it leaked, regardless of the chaos it might cause—even if Yan Li was upset—Qin Lan accepted it. But she would never kneel to Fan Xiaopang.

Let Fan Xiaopang be the "Empress," she would retreat three steps—unless they killed her...

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

This woman arrived with intense hostility, yet despite clearly having lower status, she carried herself with unshakable confidence—last night she openly stole Yan Li away, 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 bastard hid it so 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 later ruled out; after learning about Wang Ou, she suspected her too, but found it wasn't her.

Fan Xiaopang had reviewed every drama Yan Li filmed before he bought the locket with the embroidery on "Fuxing Gao Zhao Zhu Bajie."

Tong Lei from "Sui Tang Yingxiong Zhuan," Liu Weiwei from "Conquest," Lin Jing from "Han Wu Di," even Peng Dan from "Jubao Pen"—she'd suspected them all.

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 that Huang Shengyi was a junior sister, 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 were tight-lipped—except for Dong Xuan, even Huang Shengyi pretended ignorance.

As a result, Fan Xiaopang had once considered the possibility it was someone outside the industry.

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

If Qin Lan hadn't revealed herself now, Fan Xiaopang figured she might have suspected her for another three years.

How patient she was!

Fan Xiaopang calculated mentally: Yan Li filmed "Fuxing Gao Zhao Zhu Bajie" in the winter of 2003—yet he could be listed alongside Dong Xuan, meaning their acquaintance must have lasted a long time.

Yan Li graduated in the summer of 2002; Dong Xuan said they were deeply in love in school, nearly inseparable.

Even if Dong Xuan exaggerated, a poor student unlikely to juggle two relationships—wait, no, there was Huang Shengyi too.

Damn, this bastard dared to play so recklessly 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 then Yan Li hadn't even come to Jingcheng for school.

That fit perfectly!

She stuck with him when he was penniless, likely for over three years, remained hidden behind the scenes even after his career took off, even avoided involvement in his company projects, silently supporting him without seeking fame or fortune.

Hss~

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

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

There are plenty of women tangled with that bastard—why focus all their attention on me?!

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

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 were done, Fan Xiaopang glanced in the mirror, snorted, and walked out.

Qin Lan, who had been closing her eyes for makeup, opened them, watching Fan Xiaopang's retreating back through the mirror, wanting desperately to drag Yan Li over and demand answers.

This whole room reeks of vinegar—and this is called "prioritizing your career"?

…

More than half an hour later, the actors arrived before the hall; today's scene depicted Su Daji, after entering the palace, receiving exclusive favor, neglecting state affairs, provoking discontent among ministers and concubines, while Empress Jiang prepared to use her birthday banquet to teach Su Daji a lesson.

"Such a lewd and wicked woman—could she not damage His Majesty's imperial health and destroy the Cheng Tang dynasty?"

Qin Lan thought this line was written perfectly; she imagined Fan Xiaopang's fox-spirit face delivering it, and it felt especially potent.

"Good."

The director first filmed Empress Jiang's decision to confront Su Daji; after watching Qin Lan's performance, he shouted praise.

He didn't know this new actor well, but she performed brilliantly—the deep hatred and revulsion of the rightful empress toward the demon concubine radiated vividly from her.

After finishing Qin Lan's scene, they rearranged the set, and now it was Fan Xiaopang's turn to enter and act.

Qin Lan stood atop the Phoenix Platform, surrounded by concubines and maidservants, while Fan Xiaopang, accompanied by maids, slowly walked into the hall.

The next scene required Su Daji to kneel and pay respects to Empress Jiang, but Fan Xiaopang raised objections.

"Director, I don't think kneeling is necessary. Su Daji harbors hostility toward Empress Jiang; a simple bow suffices."

"No, no, no."

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

Qin Lan nodded deeply in agreement, giving a thumbs-up: "Director's right—your insight is truly exceptional."

Fan Xiaopang took a breath, comforted herself—this was just filming, she was accumulating merit, while that Qin woman was shortening her lifespan—then stepped out of frame. The crew restarted, and she walked back into the hall, slowly kneeling.

"May Your Majesty the Empress live ten thousand years! May Your Majesty the Empress enjoy boundless longevity!"

Perfect!

Qin Lan longed to raise her arms and cheer—she felt utterly invigorated, profoundly satisfied.

Unable to conceal her inner joy, a smile unconsciously spread across her face; she quickly apologized: "Sorry, I got distracted—let's do another take."

Fan Xiaopang snapped: "Director."

The director also sensed something off; he waved his hand: "No need. Change the camera angle—just shoot a close-up."

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

"Good. Really good."

The director internally praised her—whether from skill or raw emotion, the result was truly outstanding.

Yet, compared to Qin Lan's stunning performance, Fan Xiaopang's was weaker.

She was portraying Su Daji's state: faced with Empress Jiang's deliberate difficulties and accusations, she should appear helpless, pitiful, and heartbreakingly delicate.

Instead, Fan Xiaopang kept unconsciously slipping into fox-spirit mode—as if she wanted to tear Empress Jiang to pieces.

Yet, after repeated reminders from the director, Fan Xiaopang regained some composure; Qin Lan remained consistently strong and even proactively asked the director for more scenes.

"Director, if Empress Jiang is to strike Su Daji's maid to assert authority and intimidate her, and Su Daji defends her, why not have Empress Jiang slap Su Daji twice? It would better highlight their conflict."

Fan Xiaopang could no longer bear it: "Qin, you're going too far."

Qin Lan remained calm: "I'm considering the effect. Where did I go wrong?"

"Fine. Hit her more. I remember there's a scene later where you dig out her eyes, right? I'll add some effect then too."

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

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

"Come on. Who's afraid of whom?"

Qin Lan wasn't the least 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 bickering; the director's head throbbed—he sweet-talked both women like two spoiled princesses.

He couldn't afford to anger Fan Xiaopang, and Qin Lan dared challenge her—she was no pushover either. He had to treat them both with care.

Just then, Yan Li "happened to pass by" and stepped inside.

"What's going on?"

"Director Yan, you're finally here!"

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

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

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

"Bullshit. You act innocent the moment you see a man—you fake whore."

"Fox spirit, who are you calling?"

"…."

Watching Fan Xiaopang and Qin Lan start bickering again, Yan Li's face turned livid; he roared:

"Enough."

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

Yan Li still commanded authority—the two women fell silent, though they remained resentful.

Yan Li glanced at the onlookers—actors and crew—and ordered everyone to halt and rest. Then he led Qin Lan and Fan Xiaopang to a side room.

"You're so 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 endure this, you'll think I'm easy to bully!"

Qin Lan narrowed her eyes at her: "Don't you know why I target you? I'm being generous not to strip you naked and drag you through the streets."

"Both of you—shut up."

Yan Li rubbed his temples in agony—he'd never have paired Qin Lan with Fan Xiaopang if he'd known how explosive this would be.

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

"No matter what, production cannot be disrupted."

Yan Li set the tone, then turned to Qin Lan: "I and Bingbing are colleagues—and will remain so. That's it. Can you two stop this nonsense?"

Qin Lan looked at Yan Li's expressionless face, nodded, and whispered, "Understood."

Yan Li turned to Fan Xiaopang: "This was our fault. She's overly concerned, so don't hold it against her—I'll give you an explanation."

Hearing Yan Li's words, Fan Xiaopang's heart clenched, her eyes turned red, she took a deep breath to hold it back, and her voice turned icy.

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

Saying that, she turned and walked away; as she vanished, Yan Li faintly saw her brush her sleeve across the corner of her eye.

He sighed, helplessly looking at Qin Lan: "Satisfied?"

Qin Lan lowered her head, wiping away tears, weeping like a pear blossom drenched in rain: "I didn't mean to cause trouble, but seeing her just made me lose control."

"Alright, I'm not blaming you."

The fire in Yan Li's heart was doused by Qin Lan's tears.

How many official girlfriends can stay calm when they see a "third party"?

This isn't Qin Lan's fault, nor is it Fan Xiaopang's—ultimately, it's all his own doing.

Fooling around with multiple women was bad enough; often, out of sight, out of mind, you could pretend not to notice. But he went and forced them together.

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

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

Yan Li slipped away quietly but assigned his assistant Ding Feng to stay and watch, preventing further conflict between them.

Yet after that incident, Qin Lan and Fan Xiaopang didn't continue to confront each other—only ignored each other entirely.

Whether filming, resting, or wrapping up to go to the makeup room and return to the hotel, they exchanged not a single word, barely even made eye contact, treating each other as if they were air.

…

Back in the hotel room, Qin Lan lay on the bed, exhausted, both relieved and delighted.

She was relieved because Yan Li hadn't exploded; delighted because he'd made his choice, clearly taken a side.

In this internal struggle over the role, she had the last laugh.

In another room, Fan Xiaopang was pounding a pillow with both fists, furious even after that, then jumped up and stomped on it; after a few steps, she lost her balance and slipped, collapsing onto the bed and crying.

Bastard, shitty man, what's so great about you? Hold onto your old fling—I don't want you.

A roadside stall in Hengdian

Yan Li, arm around Lin Jiachuan—who was filming "The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng"—said solemnly.

"Bro, 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?!

Next to 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 busy chasing women lately—your filming's been half-hearted."

"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 let go of romantic entanglements and focus on his career. He was still waiting to make the Forbes list...

(End of Chapter)