Chapter 210: The Arena of Chaos, Snow Orchids Bloom on New Year

Fight?

Dream on!

Neither Qin Lan nor Li Bingbing showed any intention of getting physical.

Beauties use words, not fists!

Li Bingbing, at least, thought so—she had no desire to compete for Yan Li, knew she couldn't win anyway, and had just come over earlier out of pure annoyance at Fan Xiaopang to annoy him.

She hadn't originally targeted Qin Lan, but since Qin Lan disliked her, she might as well take her down too.

Li Xue wanted to compete for Yan Li too, but had never succeeded; moreover, given the unusual circumstances, if her sister weren't here, Fan and Qin wouldn't even engage her.

Qin Lan and Fan Xiaopang had both entertained the idea of giving each other a few blows, but the setting was all wrong.

With everyone watching, and it being New Year's Eve—if they fought, how could they ever show their faces again?

And if they lost and got ridden and beaten, it'd be even more humiliating.

Qin Lan subtly glanced at Fan Xiaopang and felt the woman was even more solidly built than herself—sharp-tongued, cruel-hearted, and likely ruthless in combat; she doubted she could win.

Fan Xiaopang also quietly sized up Qin Lan and the woman beside her, Hu Siyan.

One Qin Lan she could handle, but Hu Siyan's little bitch would surely strike opportunely—two of them, no, plus two dogs—she couldn't fight four hands and eight paws.

Of course, there was also Li Lin beside her, but given her nature, she'd be fine at mediating or pulling them apart, but wouldn't lift a finger to fight, especially now that she was holding a child.

What both women feared most, however, were the Li sisters—they were blood relatives, so if they fought, they'd have no hesitation or burden, making them a true threat.

But what worried them most of all was Yan Li—and Dong Xuan, who wasn't here.

If they fought, everyone would look bad, Yan Li's view of them would surely change, and he might even be pushed toward the Dong woman.

Qin Lan and Fan Xiaopang both frowned slightly.

So that's why this guy hid in Jingcheng—he must've foreseen this, playing the "only by not contending can one avoid being contended with" game.

And what about Wang Ou? He dodged us the moment we met—was he truly scared, or trying to play the fisherman while the clam and the sandpiper fight?

The situation had begun to stall.

To fight, each had reservations; to retreat, neither could save face—so they continued their half-hearted verbal sparring.

One moment Li Bingbing attacked Qin Lan, the next the "Snow and Orchid" gang surrounded Fan Xiaopang, then it became Qin and Fan battling the Li sisters, then a free-for-all…

In the corner, Wang Ou was nearly jumping out of her skin: "Fight! You cowards, just get on with it!"

Wu Jiani gave her a strange look—you're cowards? Then why don't you lead the charge yourself?

Yang Rong, however, saw through it: "They won't fight—too many people, too embarrassing to throw punches. They're probably waiting for an excuse to back down."

"An excuse?"

Wang Ou sneered: "In this mess, everyone's trying to hide—who'd dare step forward to offer one?"

Yang Rong smiled faintly: "Who do you think?"

"Yan Zong?"

Wu Jiani and Wang Ou exchanged glances; the former pursed her lips: "Yan Zong stepping in might work, but he might just add fuel to the fire."

Everyone knew why these women were arguing.

Could Yan Li really control them?

Especially now, at such a sensitive moment—any misstep could make things worse.

Yang Rong found it tricky too, but what did it matter to her? She was here for the show.

If they actually fought—or even teamed up to tear into Yan Li—it'd be even more thrilling.

…

On the other side, Lin Jiachuan finally rushed to find Yan Li, who was on the phone outside.

Yan Li shushed him and kept talking: "Mm, do exactly as I said."

After hanging up, Lin Jiachuan blurted out anxiously: "Bro, you've got to go check this out…"

"I know."

Yan Li calmly pulled out a cigarette pack, lit one for himself, then offered one to him: "Let them argue—it's not like they're fighting."

Lin Jiachuan took the cigarette, automatically lighting it for Yan Li first, then stared blankly: "You know?"

Yan Li waved his phone: "You think your call kept getting busy for no reason?"

With so many people across three productions, plenty were here just for the show, but just as many were loyal to Yan Boss and eager to ease his burdens—most would gladly report to Yan Li to curry favor.

Even though Yan Li wasn't present, he knew everything that happened.

Lin Jiachuan glanced at Yan Li: "So you're just letting them keep arguing? This isn't sustainable."

"If they don't argue, they'll just stew in resentment—let them vent first."

Yan Li smoked, occasionally checking text alerts; Lin Jiachuan watched him, truly awed by his composure.

So damn calm!

After a while, Yan Li saw a text, nodded, and dialed—first, Qin Lan.

"Someone's recording—trying to use this to ruin me. Don't make a scene—leave now. I'll handle it later."

Inside the hotel, the earlier verbal sparring had noticeably slowed, but the standoff continued.

After hearing Yan Li's words, Qin Lan's expression changed; her eyes flickered between Li Bingbing and Fan Xiaopang, then settled on Li Bingbing.

Though she disliked Fan Xiaopang, the woman was too tightly bound to Yan Li's interests to betray him.

That left the Li sisters—they were from Huayi.

No wonder this old woman had suddenly meddled in her feud with Fan Xiaopang—there was a plot.

Qin Lan cared most about Yan Li; realizing this was a setup that could implicate him, she gave the Li sisters one long, piercing look, then pulled Hu Siyan away.

"…"

Li Xue frowned, annoyed by Qin Lan's gaze; she was about to retort when Li Bingbing's phone rang.

On the other end, Yan Li sighed: "Sister, why are you getting involved? If this blows up, your sister might catch on."

Li Bingbing: "…"

Dammit—so focused on squabbling with these two bitches, she'd forgotten this.

Recalling the earlier exchange, Fan Xiaopang and Qin Lan had both brought this up repeatedly; her own behavior had seemed odd.

Li Xue was now fully aligned with her sister, fiercely defending her—but once things cooled down, her sister wouldn't be easy to fool.

Li Bingbing hung up, grabbed her sister's arm: "Enough. The main players are gone—let's not stick around for more trouble on New Year's Eve."

Saying this, she pulled the still-reluctant Li Xue away; Fan Xiaopang stared, bewildered—suddenly, only she and Li Lin remained.

Just then, her phone rang; she answered, heard Yan Li's voice, and grunted twice.

"I knew it was you pulling strings."

"Enough."

Yan Li's tone gave nothing away: "I told Qin Lan to leave, Li Bingbing's gone too—you've got your face saved. Now behave."

Fan Xiaopang muttered a few things, sensing Yan Li was displeased, and added defensively: "It's not my fault—Qin started it, and those sisters insulted me first."

Yan Li didn't reply—just hung up. Fan Xiaopang muttered again, feeling uneasy, and pulled Li Lin aside to strategize.

"…"

Outside the hotel, Yan Li made another call, confirmed all three parties had dispersed, and finally exhaled.

Beside him, Lin Jiachuan stared, dumbfounded: "Bro, you just pulled off 'Infernal Affairs 2'."

He'd seen that episode—Ni Yongxiao, played by Wu Zhenyu, used three calls to settle the four families.

Yan Li's move wasn't just similar—it was identical.

"Life imitates art."

Having pulled off a slick maneuver and solved a problem, and seeing Lin Jiachuan so stunned, Yan Li couldn't help but show off a little.

"The four families were outwardly united but inwardly divided; these women are outright hostile—Ni Yongxiao held their secrets; I know their weaknesses."

This tactic came from Yan Li's earlier intelligence: Qin, Fan, and others distrusted Li Bingbing due to their prisoner's dilemma.

The three sides were mutually hostile, each with fragmented information and no communication—giving Yan Li the perfect opening to isolate and dismantle them one by one.

Qin Lan was soft-natured, easily manipulated, and always obeyed him—perfect as the first target.

Yan Li made the threat sound dire; Qin Lan, alarmed, left immediately—once she was gone, the balance shattered, and the others had their excuse to retreat.

Li Bingbing had just been here for fun; Yan Li reminded her of her weakness, and she gladly took the ladder down.

That left only Fan Xiaopang—she couldn't fight alone.

Yan Li decided to give her a warning—this woman was fiery; the more you coddled her, the more she pushed back—you had to break her arrogance.

Of course, with Qin and Li gone first, Fan appeared to have "won" on the surface—gaining the face she valued most—so it was a mix of stick and carrot.

"…"

Lin Jiachuan, after hearing Yan Li's explanation, was utterly awed: "Bro, I'm completely convinced—you're my god of romance."

"This is nothing."

Yan Li shook his head—solving the problem was just step one; next, he'd leverage it for gains. He'd already laid the groundwork.

Qin Lan "committed a serious mistake"—didn't she owe him compensation?

Fan Xiaopang "made him angry"—didn't she owe him soothing?

Li Bingbing couldn't possibly fool her sister alone—she might need his help.

And today was New Year's Eve—Yan Li, who valued holidays above all…

…

Inside the hotel, Wang Ou stared, bewildered, as the women suddenly dispersed.

"Wait… that's it?"

Yang Rong patted her: "Didn't you see she answered the phone? Someone's giving orders remotely—wow, doesn't even show up and still gets it done. Impressive."

Wu Jiani glanced over: "They're probably still fired up. Let's steer clear."

"What's to be afraid of?"

Wang Ou boasted: "They've got at most two people. We've got three—we've got the advantage if we run into them."

He talked big, but when Wang Ou and the others actually went out, they headed wherever was farthest from the three factions.

After a while, just as the banquet was about to begin, Yan Li finally arrived.

The moment he appeared, he immediately drew widespread attention; every crew member he passed bowed respectfully and greeted him.

"Good evening, Director Yan."

"Director Yan, Happy New Year."

"Boss, Happy New Year."

"..."

As the main controller of all three productions, Yan Li was effectively everyone's boss—even if he tried to stay low-key, he remained an unavoidable core figure.

The New Year's Eve banquet seating was prearranged: the three productions were separated, some even in different halls.

Yan Li's seat was at the head table in the main hall; seated with him were only producers and directors—no actors were invited, supposedly to avoid disturbing the cast's holiday.

Though arrangements were made, Yan Li's status meant that after the banquet began, many people gradually came over to toast him.

Several women also began to stir.

Hu Siyan nudged Qin Lan: "Sis, let's go toast your husband."

Seeing Qin Lan hesitate, Hu Siyan said: "We won't say much—just a simple toast. This is better done early than late. What if someone else gets there first and slanders you?"

Those words swayed Qin Lan. She believed Fan Xiaopang was perfectly capable of such a thing.

If they pushed all the blame onto her while playing the innocent victim, she'd be left defenseless.

Without hesitation, Qin Lan picked up a glass of wine and walked toward the main hall—but the moment she stepped inside, her expression darkened.

Hu Siyan had guessed right: the seductive fox was indeed there.

Because private toasts and whispered confessions were expected, others pretended to leave for toasts, clustering in twos and threes on the other side to give the two some space.

Stepping closer quietly, Qin Lan's face grew darker. That shameless Fan Xiaopang was using Zhihua's tactics against her.

"... didn't want to fight her. She showed up with that Hu guy and blocked me, even tried to set dogs on me. I only took it up because I had no choice. And with those two sisters, the four of them ganged up on me..."

Fan Xiaopang whined softly to Yan Li, splashing mud on Qin Lan and Li Bingbing while playing the innocent victim.

Watching Yan Li's expression grow increasingly complex, Fan Xiaopang secretly gloated.

She knew Qin Lan was always a smiling tiger—pretending to be gentle and pitiful, making her own strength look harsh and oppressive, subtly swaying Yan Li's favor.

It was no accident that when the two argued, Yan Li got angry at her—this was part of the reason.

So she had to strike first.

Playing the victim? Who couldn't do that? In fact, the more dominant she usually was, the more effective her occasional displays of weakness became.

That bastard had just been cold to her—but after this performance, his expression had clearly softened. He was probably already feeling sorry for her.

As Fan Xiaopang went too far, Qin Lan, behind her, could barely hold back. Yan Li coughed gently as a reminder.

Enough already. Does this woman really think he's King Zhou?!

Fan Xiaopang glanced at Yan Li, sensing something wrong behind her. She turned—and saw Qin Lan smirking at her.

"..."

After a moment of awkward silence, Fan Xiaopang jumped like a startled rabbit, hiding behind Yan Li's side, stammering.

"Y-you want to do what? Don't touch me."

Qin Lan laughed bitterly. This seductive fox really had no shame—just moments ago she'd pointed at her nose and vowed to destroy her, and now she was playing the innocent bunny.

"You've got it bad for playing Daji, haven't you? Still not out of character?"

Fan Xiaopang clung to her role: "Fine, we argued before—but now that Yan Li's here, you're still bullying me? Are you determined to humiliate him?"

Qin Lan: "..."

When audiences had cursed Zhihua, she'd felt a little wronged. Now, faced with a real "Zhihua," Qin Lan wanted to tear her apart.

She turned to Yan Li: "You're just watching her perform?"

Fan Xiaopang jumped in again: "If you've got a problem, take it out on me—don't pressure him."

Yan Li: "..."

He couldn't help but slap Fan Xiaopang's ass: "That's enough."

Qin Lan's eyes turned icy. Fan Xiaopang feigned shyness: "There are too many people here—don't do that."

Yan Li felt awkward—he was just used to it. He pulled Qin Lan down to sit, forced Fan Xiaopang to sit too, ignoring the curious glances from the main table and others.

"Settle down. It's the New Year. Whatever's going on, wait till after dinner. Talk at home."

Qin Lan couldn't hold back: "Which home?"

Fan Xiaopang nodded obediently: "I'll do whatever you say."

Qin Lan stared at the chopsticks on the table, wishing she could stab the seductive fox through.

Yan Li frowned, quietly kicked Fan Xiaopang, glared at her. Fan Xiaopang pouted, considered kicking back—but hesitated, then stayed silent.

Where Fan Xiaopang didn't notice, Yan Li squeezed Qin Lan's hand and whispered.

"Listen to me. There are too many eyes on me right now. Don't cause trouble."

Qin Lan felt the warmth of his hand and remembered Li Bingbing's recording. She nodded.

With threats and soothing, he calmed them both. Then he gathered several directors and producers to toast the crews in other halls.

As soon as he left, neither Fan Xiaopang nor Qin Lan had reason to stay. They exchanged a glance of mutual disgust and walked away separately.

After the New Year's Eve dinner, the hotel arranged a Spring Festival Gala and other entertainment. People could stay and play or return to rest.

The holiday spirit was high, the atmosphere good—most stayed, though some gradually left.

Li Bingbing and her sister didn't linger. They planned to call home and were ready to leave after dinner.

Li Xue tugged her sister's sleeve: "Say goodbye to Yan Li."

"No need. I'll just send him a text."

Afraid of complications, Li Bingbing pulled her sister away. On the way back, they saw Qin Lan slip quietly into a car and drive off.

"Does she live that far away? Why take a car?"

Li Xue was puzzled. Li Bingbing, however, thought deeply: "That doesn't look like heading back to the hotel. More like downtown?"

She recognized the car—she'd ridden in it twice. It was Yan Li's private vehicle, rarely used, and both times she'd ridden in it, they'd gone to the house he'd bought in the city.

"That Fan woman's no good either."

Li Bingbing felt a twinge of jealousy—but then remembered it was Qin Lan going, not Fan Xiaopang, and she felt a flicker of satisfaction.

Yet she didn't know that Fan Xiaopang was now in another car heading to Dongyang—with Yan Li inside.

In the backseat, Fan Xiaopang nuzzled against Yan Li's gloomy face, voice sugary.

"Come on, don't be mad. I'm sorry, okay?"

Yan Li ignored her. After a long while of coaxing with no effect, she grew angry.

"I've put up with you having other women. What more do you want? You expect me to get along with them? I'm not Daji—I'm not running your harem."

Yan Li glanced at her, calm: "You don't have to put up with it."

Fan Xiaopang's oval face paled: "What do you mean?"

Yan Li spread his hands: "Go back to how we were before—or even further: just professional partners."

"You bastard."

Fan Xiaopang flew into a rage, nearly slapped him, eyes blazing: "You slept with me, got your artist contract—now you want to walk away? I won't let you."

Yan Li closed his eyes: "You won't accept separation, but you can't tolerate my infidelity. So what do you want?"

Fan Xiaopang clung to Yan Li, pitiful: "Can't you just make them leave—for me?"

"Leave?"

Yan Li looked at Fan Xiaopang: "When I had nothing, Qin Lan and Dong Xuan stuck with me."

"Dong Xuan's history you know. When Qin Lan came to me, it was right after I broke up with Dong Xuan... She wanted nothing—just lived with me in a rented apartment, turned down several roles for me... During SARS, we survived together for months, thought we'd die side by side. When I started my business with no money, she emptied her savings and begged her family for more to give me..."

Yan Li embellished his story of his bond with Qin Lan, then asked Fan Xiaopang:

"If I make her leave for you, how can you guarantee that someday I won't make you leave for another woman?"

Fan Xiaopang fell silent. She knew Yan Li valued Qin Lan deeply—even, in some ways, as much as Dong Xuan.

She'd thought it was just a simple early relationship. She hadn't realized how much history lay beneath.

No wonder he'd sided with Qin Lan without hesitation last time—and now, because of their rivalry, he was angry at her.

Watching Fan Xiaopang's silence, Yan Li's eyes flickered slightly.

Fan Xiaopang was too dominant—inevitably clashing with other women.

Scolding or threatening her only treated the symptoms. So he'd decided to "lay it all out," exaggerating his bond with Dong and Qin, openly taking sides.

He even framed it as: if Fan Xiaopang forced him to abandon Dong and Qin, she was encouraging him to become Chen Shimei.

Chen Shimei could abandon Dong and Qin—and he could abandon her too. Fan Xiaopang certainly didn't want a Yan Li like that.

If she wanted Yan Li to stay true and loyal, she had to tolerate Dong and Qin. If she couldn't tolerate them, she was making him forget his roots—heartless and unfaithful.

The logic was now airtight.

Of course, Fan Xiaopang had one way out: break up with Yan Li, let him wallow with Dong and Qin, and enjoy her own freedom.

Yan Li had "thoughtfully" offered that choice too—but would Fan Xiaopang really give Yan Li up, reducing him to nothing more than a colleague or a fuckbuddy?

Fan Xiaopang pursed his lips, finally catching on, and bit down hard on Yan Li's big hand.

"Son of a bitch, you're setting me up, aren't you?"

Bullshit about getting back together—this bastard's just playing hard to get, pretending to retreat to advance.

Yan Li wasn't alarmed that Fan Xiaopang had seen through his scheme; it was an open strategy—if she didn't want to cut ties, she had no choice but to walk into it.

"Aren't you afraid I'll really break up with you?"

Fan Xiaopang glared at the smug bastard, teeth gritted—how dare he assume she couldn't live without him?

"Not afraid. Even if you break up, you're still my company's artist—you'll be right beside me every day. I'll just find a way to get you back."

Yan Li never fought a battle unprepared; no matter how Fan Xiaopang chose, he had a countermove ready.

Fan Xiaopang sighed helplessly: "I've fallen into his claws."

"Just accept your bad luck."

Yan Li chuckled. Fan Xiaopang punched him once, then pursed her lips and suddenly blurted: "Do you believe I'd give you everything I own and live with you, dependent on you alone?"

"..."

Yan Li's smile faded. He looked at Fan Xiaopang's serious face and nodded.

Fan Xiaopang sneered: "You don't believe me."

"I do!"

"I don't believe you."

Yan Li: "..."

He pulled Fan Xiaopang onto his thigh and slapped her ass a few times: "This isn't over yet. We'll settle accounts when we get home."

Fan Xiaopang struggled and kicked: "Fine, settle accounts—but this wasn't just my doing. We settle it together. You can't let Qin Lan off the hook."

Last time, Yan Li favored Qin Lan. This time, she didn't need to crush the other woman—just wanted fairness.

After all, she was still making money for this bastard. Don't let the old one cry, but don't bully the new one either.

Yan Li's eyes lit up: "You said it yourself—settle it together. No backing out."

Fan Xiaopang sensed something off and opened her mouth to protest—but Yan Li kissed her silence.

"Mmm..."

But Fan Xiaopang wasn't fooled. She broke through his grip: "If you're going to pull the same stunt from last Spring Festival, I'm getting out of this car right now."

Who did he think she was? One round wasn't enough—he wanted a second?

"Don't you want her to call you 'sister'?"

Yan Li coaxed. Fan Xiaopang sneered: "You used that trick last year. You gained a little ground, then gave it all back. I'm not falling for it again."

This little bitch was getting harder to fool!

Yan Li hesitated, then leaned close to her ear and whispered two sentences. Her peach-colored eyes flickered with interest, though still half-skeptical.

"Really?"

"Really. Besides, didn't you suffer her insults during last year's 'The Investiture of the Gods'? Don't you want revenge?"

Fan Xiaopang hesitated.

How to put it? After one experience, her resistance had lessened—and Yan Li's offer was too tempting.

That Qin Lan always acted so proper, playing the virtuous wife—if she could get wild with her once, she'd see how long that high-and-mighty act lasted.

Fan Xiaopang didn't say yes or no—only: "If she agrees, I agree."

"If you agree, she'll agree!"

Yan Li was delighted. He hugged Fan Xiaopang, whispering sweet nothings. When they reached the residential complex, he didn't rush to see Qin Lan—instead, he kept cuddling with Fan Xiaopang and opened a bottle of red wine.

He'd been tough earlier; now that he'd won, he'd soften his tone. Build the mood right—no room for last-minute regrets or escapes.

When he felt the moment was right, Yan Li went to see Qin Lan. Their two apartments were close—same building.

He'd wanted to buy adjacent units, but none were available, so they were two floors apart.

When he entered, Qin Lan was watching the Spring Festival Gala. Seeing Yan Li return, she smiled—until she noticed his slightly reddened lips, and her smile faded.

Yan Li pretended not to notice and reached to hug her—but she dodged: "Don't touch me. I find you filthy."

"Don't act like that—you have no idea how much trouble you caused me today."

Yan Li trotted out his old line, trying to scare her—but she rolled her eyes.

"Stop lying. There was never any recording."

At first, Qin Lan had believed him—she'd even worried she'd caused him trouble. But later, she'd sensed something off.

There were only so many people involved. If a recording had leaked, it'd be easy to trace.

Forget Li Bing and her sister's ties to Yan Li—he's not some nobody anymore. Did he think he could act so blatantly and not fear retaliation?

Even if Huayi promised her protection, could they protect her forever?

Anyone with half a brain wouldn't do something this stupid. This bastard was bluffing.

"I'm just looking out for you. Those two aren't nice people—I was afraid you'd get hurt."

Yan Li wasn't rattled by being exposed. He switched tactics instantly. Qin Lan just gave a dry laugh.

"You know they're not nice, yet you still provoke them? You lied to me over the phone and didn't even show up—you're siding with that fox and that old hag."

"What nonsense. Didn't I call you first? Doesn't that prove I care about you most?"

Yan Li twisted the truth. Seeing Qin Lan still angry, he pulled out his phone and played a recording—his earlier conversation with Fan Xiaopang in the car.

Hearing Yan Li declare he'd rather break up than abandon her, and recounting their past, Qin Lan's eyes slowly reddened.

Just as Fan Xiaopang was about to expose his scheme, Yan Li paused the recording—and deleted it entirely.

Then he looked at Qin Lan, gently pulling her into his arms. This time, she didn't resist—she leaned softly against him.

After choosing his words carefully, Yan Li spoke: "I know I'm not a good man. Sometimes I've made you suffer. But I want you to know—you're different to me."

"I remember everything between us. Some things change—but some things, I'll never change."

He placed Qin Lan's hand on his chest. She cried, then grew angry.

Qin Lan didn't know if she'd been bewitched by Yan Li.

With any other man, she'd have slapped him for such shameless words. But hearing them from him, she felt moved.

"Stop crying."

Yan Li wiped her tears, then whispered two things in her ear. Qin Lan snapped back in her native dialect:

"Get lost! Save that filthy nonsense for those sluts and hoes—don't you dare sully me."

Yan Li had expected this. He sighed softly: "Don't you want to teach her a lesson?"

Qin Lan froze. Yan Li pressed: "Here's the deal—you come along. If you don't want to join, fine. I'll handle it—I'll make her beg for your forgiveness."

First, lure her in. Then, once the door's shut—he had plenty of ways to make Qin Lan agree.

Qin Lan realized this too. She knew Yan Li's power—she feared she couldn't control herself.

"I'm not going."

"Then call her here. Same thing."

Seeing Qin Lan's resistance softening—not outright refusal, not absolute—Yan Li sent Fan Xiaopang a text: Qin Lan agreed. Tell her to come over.

"I didn't agree."

Qin Lan kicked him. Yan Li grinned: "She's coming soon. If you keep fighting with me, you'll look foolish in front of her. Let's act loving—drive her crazy."

"..."

Even if Qin Lan saw through Yan Li's scheming, even if she knew he was playing the middleman to profit—she feared him and Fan Xiaopang teaming up. Better to take the initiative.

A while later, a knock came at the door. Fan Xiaopang had arrived.

But she didn't enter—she stood outside, wary, watching Yan Li.

"She really agreed? If she doesn't, I don't either."

She'd come all this way—why play coy? Yan Li knew Fan Xiaopang's pride. He didn't argue. He yanked her inside.

Fan Xiaopang didn't struggle much. Once inside, she saw Qin Lan and raised an eyebrow.

"Tsk tsk. Thought you were so proper. Secretly horny."

Qin Lan had been embarrassed moments ago—but seeing Fan Xiaopang, her fighting spirit surged.

"Unlike you—openly slutty. You stink from ten feet away."

"You old hag. You want a beating, don't you?"

Fan Xiaopang shrugged off her coat and threw it on the floor. She'd wanted to fight Qin Lan at the hotel—but held back due to witnesses. Now, just the three of them—words weren't enough. She wanted fists.

Qin Lan didn't back down. She rolled up her sleeves: "Come on."

Yan Li was stunned!

I called you two here to comfort me—not to fight each other!

He swiftly pinned both of them down. On New Year's Eve, ice orchids bloomed.

————

Morning. Yan Li woke to the sound of firecrackers outside.

Yan Li opened his eyes, glanced left and right, and sighed contentedly.

"Mmm."

Firecrackers kept going. Qin Lan and Fan Xiaopang woke too. Seeing each other's hateful faces across Yan Li, they both snorted in unison.

Yan Li played peacemaker: "Stop it. It's New Year's Day. I'll make dumplings for you."

"Who cares."

Fan Xiaopang pinched Yan Li hard: "Bastard, feeling mighty proud now, aren't you?"

Qin Lan was angry at Yan Li too, but when she saw Fan Xiaopang pinching her man, she immediately snapped.

"Keep your hands to yourself."

Fan Xiaopang rolled her eyes: "Acting all virtuous? It's not like you're still spraying water as one of the Calabash Brothers."

"…"

Qin Lan's face flushed crimson; she lunged to scratch Fan Xiaopang, but Yan Li grabbed her. Fan Xiaopang kept taunting.

"Ask your elders at home—do you have Dai ethnic blood?"

Yan Li didn't get it at first, until Fan Xiaopang mimicked a water-spraying motion—he finally understood.

What a vicious mouth!

Even Yan Li couldn't bear to listen; Qin Lan was ready to fight her to the death, and now she hated Yan Li too—why did he bring this seductive fox here? How could she ever show her face again?

Seeing Qin Lan on the verge of tears, Yan Li had no choice but to drop a bombshell.

"Bullshit."

This time it was Fan Xiaopang's turn to lose her cool: "You're the one who got sprayed—I dodged it!"

"You didn't dodge. I saw it."

Yan Li wasn't lying—not entirely—but in this situation, he had to stick to it. Otherwise, Qin Lan would be humiliated by Fan Xiaopang for the rest of her life.

Qin Lan quickly sensed this too. Whether it was true didn't matter—what mattered was that everyone had dirt on each other.

She calmed down and said magnanimously: "Consider it your sister giving you a little water."

"Water your*******!"

Fan Xiaopang erupted in curses—now it was her turn to scratch Qin Lan, who refused to back down.

One used the Nine Yin White Bone Claw, the other the Mighty Golden Claw; neither landed many hits on the other—most of the scratches went straight to Yan Li, who was trying to pull them apart.

Hard to say if these two women were deliberately retaliating—but Yan Li didn't care.

They'd already eaten the big meal—what's a few scratches?

Besides, he had thick skin and tough flesh—he didn't feel pain or care about marks. These two were all soft and delicate; if they got scars, it'd be him who suffered.

"Stop, you're bleeding!"

It was Qin Lan who cared for Yan Li and called the truce first. Fan Xiaopang huffed twice, muttered "serves you right," then gently rubbed and massaged his skin to ease the pain.

Yan Li opened his arms and pulled both women into his embrace, kissing each one on the cheek—one left, one right.

"It's the first day of the New Year. Give me some face—let's have a peaceful holiday. You can kill me tomorrow."

"What's this talk of dying?"

Qin Lan disliked such talk during the New Year—it was bad luck. She glanced at Fan Xiaopang but said nothing.

Yan Li knew her—this posture meant she'd accepted it. He turned to Fan Xiaopang, who glared silently—he quietly teased her. Fan Xiaopang bit him angrily in return.

"You'll pay for this later."

This was said to Yan Li—but also to Qin Lan. The latter gave her a cool look and formed a silent lip shape.

"I'm waiting."

Neither Qin Lan nor Fan Xiaopang was comfortable with this intimate trio dynamic. One made an excuse to use the restroom; the other complained she was hungry.

Yan Li felt a pang of reluctance—but since they'd spent the New Year together, there'd be more chances.

After all, Qin Lan considered this her territory—she wouldn't leave.

Fan Xiaopang was competing with her—she'd never let Yan Li spend the New Year alone with Qin Lan.

Neither would leave, and since they'd already started last night, the second time came easier.

Yan Li got up, made a simple meal, then prepared to wrap dumplings.

Everything had been prepped in advance—he'd planned to spend the New Year here, but hadn't known with whom. He'd even considered the hassle of going up and down stairs. He never imagined he'd get both of them together.

As Yan Li kneaded the dough, Fan Xiaopang slipped over quietly: "Got any medicine at home?"

"..."

Yan Li teased: "Didn't you say you'd give me a baby?"

Last night they'd argued, each boasting they'd bear his child—then dropped it. This morning, Fan Xiaopang had backed down.

"I'd dare give you one—would you dare take it?"

"You give it, I'll take it."

Yan Li looked at Fan Xiaopang calmly. They locked eyes—finally, she grew uneasy and kissed him sweetly to appease him.

"A few years from now, when my career's stable."

Yan Li secretly exhaled—he was only twenty-five, not ready to be a father.

He wasn't worried about Fan Xiaopang—she was in her career ascent, no time for babies. But if Qin Lan or Dong Xuan challenged him, he'd cave.

Especially Dong Xuan. She hadn't decided yet—but she'd thought about it more than once or twice.

Yan Li could spar with Fan Xiaopang, joke with Qin Lan—but he'd never dared mention this to Dong Xuan.

After learning where the medicine was, Fan Xiaopang opened the box—only one pill was missing. Almost certainly Qin Lan.

"Pfft. Thought you were so tough."

Still, she let out a long sigh. Normal competition? She wasn't afraid of Qin Lan or Dong Xuan. But this baby move? That struck right at her weak spot.

Once pregnant and forced into marriage… even if she and Yan Li didn't break up, she'd always be inferior.

In the bathroom, Qin Lan held a pill in her hand, hesitating.

Last time in "The Investiture of the Gods," she'd crushed Fan Xiaopang. This time, though Yan Li still subtly favored her, his attitude had changed drastically.

If this trend continued, soon she'd be dominated by Fan Xiaopang—even now, the shift was already creeping in.

The mounting pressure made Qin Lan inevitably seek a shortcut.

But this shortcut wasn't easy. Qin Lan had deep reservations—she couldn't gauge Yan Li's true feelings. After agonizing for a moment, she finally swallowed the pill.

"..."

By prior agreement, Qin Lan and Fan Xiaopang still weren't on good terms and still bickered and mocked each other—but the tension had eased, and they didn't fight again.

Yan Li had grown up in the kitchen—his hands were quick, and with everything prepped, he'd wrapped plenty of dumplings and made a few side dishes.

At noon, the three ate a relatively harmonious lunch, then sat on the sofa watching the Spring Festival Gala rerun.

With warmth and two beautiful women beside him, Yan Li gradually grew restless.

Qin Lan blushed and pushed him: "Stop it, watch the martial arts."

Yan Li ignored her: "What's so interesting about them? I'll show you real kung fu."

"Fine."

Fan Xiaopang clapped half in support, half in jealousy, urging Yan Li to perform. He didn't play coy—his woman, after all. He delivered a clean, sharp fist form.

The two women applauded politely. Yan Li grinned proudly: "That's nothing. I've got a secret technique—want to see it?"

"Yes!"

Yan Li took off his shirt, revealing his sculpted, muscular frame, and demonstrated his family's secret skill: the Yan Family Spear Technique.

————

PS: Ten thousand characters

(End of Chapter)