[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment":3,"chapter-the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-213":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","The Intelligence King of Chinese Entertainment",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2260516,4411,"Chapter 213: Yan Li Can","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-213",213,"\u003Cp>“So what do we do now?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing was anxious; though the crucial moment hadn’t been caught, there had been plenty of small moves in the hallway and elevator.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She recalled: hand-holding, hugging, kissing—all of it, mostly initiated by her. If this got out, she’d be labeled a lovesick fool.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s simple: either pay to make it go away, or ride the wave and turn it into publicity.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li was fine—he already had his reputation; even if bed photos leaked, it wouldn’t matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The biggest trouble would be for Qin Lan, Dong Xuan, and the others, but they all understood the situation and it was still manageable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Bingbing was different!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the topic of “Two Bings Competing for Yan” wasn’t new, she was a female star—competition was one thing, but being photographed was another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And officially, Fan was Yan Li’s girlfriend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing’s public image had been the one betrayed by Fan, earning her plenty of sympathy; now, if she turned the tables, she might gain some praise, but also plenty of controversy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If photos truly surfaced, the “Two Bings Competing for Yan” drama would escalate further, but might also spiral out of control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two women fighting over one man wasn’t exactly dignified.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Edge-case publicity was one thing, but if it blew up publicly, it could bring unnecessary risks to both their careers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing decided firmly: “Pay to make it go away.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her career was thriving right now—she could stir up publicity with Yan Li anytime; no need to take such a big risk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mm.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li called Wu Maowen over and dialed the paparazzo’s number directly from the intel.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He couldn’t show his face— Wanyibeiluleyin , it’d be worse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The call didn’t go through—maybe the guy was still asleep or something—and Li Bingbing grew restless, not even combing her hair, pacing the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How much would it take to settle this?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What if he doesn’t want money—what if he’s dead set on exposing us?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How did they even get a camera? Is someone deliberately setting me up?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li lit a cigarette and calmed her: “Don’t worry—I’ll handle it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing looked at Yan Li’s calm demeanor, her nerves eased slightly. She took the cigarette from his lips, smoked two puffs, and calmed herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, the phone they’d used to contact the paparazzo rang. Yan Li glanced at Wu Maowen, who answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a brief exchange, he reported to Yan Li: “He hasn’t posted anything yet, but he’s greedy—asking for eight million.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Let him post.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li said nothing, but Li Bingbing snapped: her face hardened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Everyone knows about us. So what if we kissed? I don’t believe it can ruin me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wasn’t panicking without reason—stars at this stage earned little; even a top actress like Li Bingbing didn’t reliably clear eight figures a year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only if the paparazzo had explosive material capable of destroying a star’s career would the artist or agency spare no cost in damage control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For non-lethal leaks, artists usually just let it blow over and go silent for a while.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight million? That’s half a year’s income—plus, who knows if he’ll keep backups, or worse, turn her into a cash machine?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sometimes stars weren’t afraid of spending money—they feared spending it and still being blackmailed endlessly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to powerful, wealthy elites, stars might have money, but they had little social leverage—especially with sensitive issues, many connections and maneuvers were off-limits, leaving them helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That’s why, in the industry, some so-called “big brothers and big sisters” had little fame or money, yet were always well-connected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reason? They had the right contacts—sometimes able to resolve troubles that official channels couldn’t touch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t rush.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li soothed Li Bingbing, then said to Wu Maowen: “Hand me the phone.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li took the phone and sent two addresses directly to the paparazzo via text.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The intel wasn’t just his phone number—it included his current residence and his hometown address.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as the texts were sent, the paparazzo called back immediately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He caved, promising to return all photos and videos, guaranteeing no backups, begging for mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li, through Wu Maowen, gave him an email address, didn’t ask whether he’d kept backups, only said he’d arrange for ten thousand yuan to be delivered to his parents in his hometown—this matter was over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s it? Solved?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing stared, bewildered—Yan Li had sent a few texts and made a few calls, and the photos and videos were already back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it weren’t unnecessary, she’d even suspect Yan Li was putting on a show for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d dealt with paparazzi before—half-criminal, half-legit, all greedy, some even willing to die for money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She’d heard of one paparazzo beaten up multiple times at home, still refusing to back down—until they finally paid him off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight million? That’s enough to make many people risk their lives these days!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li told Wu Maowen to leave, then opened his laptop to check the email: “What’s surprising? Some chase money at the cost of their lives; others are cowards.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanting money is one thing—but you need to be alive to spend it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li didn’t look down on paparazzi—he knew it was a shadowy trade, with few truly skilled or ruthless players.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if someone didn’t care about their own life, they had other weaknesses—like this paparazzo, whose intel revealed he was filial. That was the key.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he still refused to back down, delay him, then deploy both white and black tactics through the system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White tactics: no need to explain—this industry was full of gray areas; a Rexinshimin  reporting evidence was perfectly plausible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Black tactics: brute force was crude. If you knew where the gear was, just get the computer or camera—even if it was stored online, Yan Li could crack the password.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless the paparazzo posted immediately, giving Yan Li zero reaction time, as long as he had a window, Yan Li had a way to resolve it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The email opened—the paparazzo was truly terrified, sending over all stolen footage in one package.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The photos and videos of Yan Li and Li Bingbing hadn’t been fully sorted yet—just some screenshots and two or three clips—but the volume was still substantial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Walking down the hallway, holding hands or hugging; embracing tightly in the elevator; Li Bingbing looping her arms around Yan Li’s neck, kissing passionately...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though the footage was blurry, their faces were still clearly recognizable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Kind of atmospheric.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li commented with interest; Li Bingbing covered her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they’d been intimate privately, she hadn’t noticed—but now seeing the footage, she felt like a lovesick teenager glued to Yan Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Delete it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing wanted to delete, but Yan Li insisted on keeping it: “It’s worth eight million—deleting it’s a waste. Keep it as a memento.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“How boring.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing rolled her eyes but didn’t force him to delete—she added:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fine, keep it—but you must hand it over to me to store.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li agreed readily—these weren’t incriminating, explosive photos; they posed no threat to him. Letting Li Bingbing keep them was harmless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“By the way.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li remembered something: “You can use this to break the ice with your sister. It concerns both your careers—no matter how angry she is, she can’t ignore it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There’s familial bond—especially between sisters. Once you both face the crisis together, your relationship will mend significantly. This won’t solve it directly, but it’ll make things much easier.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing’s eyes lit up—it was a solid plan. She immediately began scheming how to manipulate her sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li added: “What’s hard to explain? Blame it all on me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If you must say it outright: I like you, not her. She’s delusional. You pamper her—but why should I suffer?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing winced: “Won’t that hurt her too much?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li looked at her: “If you don’t hurt her, you won’t kill her hopes—she’ll keep longing for me. Do you really want to keep this ‘Two Sisters Competing for Yan’ nonsense going?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What nonsense—don’t make up words.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing scowled at Yan Li’s phrase, yet couldn’t help glancing at him again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Have you really given up on my sister?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t think she didn’t notice—he’d once stacked her and Fan the Fat together. She didn’t believe he was just flirting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What else can I do? Am I supposed to watch you two tear each other apart?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li did have some wandering thoughts, but they were unrealistic—Li Bingbing strongly resisted, and Li Xue had already given up on this “ Pianyijiefu .”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter how bitter he felt, the situation had happened—no Li family would sink so low as to have sisters share one man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, sisters can’t be written into the same story—safety comes first...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“That’s more like it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing smiled, impulsively kissing him—Li Xue’s rejection wasn’t the key; Yan Li was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if Li Xue gave up because of her sister, if Yan Li made moves, used all his charm, who knew if Li Xue’s heart might stir again?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if Yan Li kept his distance, Li Xue wouldn’t dare pursue her “sister’s husband.” Years later, when she grew older, her feelings would fade—this problem would solve itself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We’re sisters—I’ve sacrificed a lot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li glared at Li Bingbing: “You owe me big time. You must compensate me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing laughed at his audacity—but as long as he didn’t touch her sister, she’d endure it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li began listing demands, finger by finger; Li Bingbing frowned constantly but accepted each one—until the final demand, when she finally spat at him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you have any shame?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li was straightforward: “The Ice and Snow Cavalry is gone. You owe me Double Soldiers, Same Wall—fair and reasonable.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Fair your ass.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing cursed loudly, but Yan Li nodded: “Fine, then I’ll go to your sister and tell her you seduced me—that I truly love her.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Li Xue heard that, the two sisters might really tear each other apart!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without another word, Li Bingbing launched a furious scratching attack; Yan Li wasn’t afraid—as long as she didn’t scratch his face, his thick skin was just an itch.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, he saw that although Li Bingbing hadn’t agreed—and even reacted violently—she hadn’t said no either.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This trick still worked!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It could be called a threat, or a ladder and excuse: Li Bingbing could convince herself she was “forced”—to protect her sister, it was perfectly reasonable to indulge.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hmm, as long as Fan Xiaopang is handled, and the timing and atmosphere are right, Double Soldiers, Same Wall might still be possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The more Yan Li thought about it, the hotter he got. He grabbed Li Bingbing and pulled her close—can’t have the full meal yet, so he’d settle for a snack first, collect some interest…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Bingbing contacted her sister about the leaked photos. Sure enough, Li Xue wasn’t in the mood for cold war—she scrambled to fix things, and the sisters’ relationship temporarily warmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Xuan’s visit plan was canceled; it seemed the school was organizing some event, and leave was hard to get.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if she found time later to visit, Qin Lan would likely no longer be in Hengdian—it’d have to be a real visit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “Legend of Xue Rengui” had finished the Bohai Kingdom arc and now entered its middle-to-late stage—Prince Li Daozong’s rebellion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Rengui earned great merit in Bohai Kingdom and was appointed by Emperor Taizong as Grand Commander of All Imperial Troops and Prince Who Pacifies the North, returning home in glory, holding the highest rank.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Xue Rengui had killed Zhang Shigui, the rebel, angering Zhang’s son-in-law, Prince Li Daozong, and Zhang’s daughter, Lady Zhang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Daozong had long held grudges against the old ministers of Wagang Zhai , so he allied with his father-in-law Zhang Shigui, the old ministers, and turned against the loyal Xue Rengui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Originally just court politics, but after Emperor Taizong’s death, the young Li Zhi ascended the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Daozong, swayed by Lady Zhang’s desire for vengeance, gradually developed ambitions to rebel and seize the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The young emperor Li Zhi, compared to the old ministers who nagged him to be a good ruler, favored Prince Li Daozong—the uncle who flattered him, gifted him treasures and beauties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After gaining Li Zhi’s trust, Li Daozong began executing his plan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To succeed in rebellion, the old ministers were no threat—but Xue Rengui, still young and respected, had to be eliminated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Old grudge + roadblock: Li Daozong and Lady Zhang began scheming against Xue Rengui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Rengui was successfully framed, thrown into prison, severely wounded, then assassinated on his way home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After Xue Rengui’s death, the old ministers were systematically purged by Li Daozong—each dismissed, especially Yuchi Gong, who was whipped to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With no threats left, Li Daozong raised his army in rebellion. In Li Zhi’s desperate hour, Xue Rengui made a dazzling return.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, Xue Rengui had faked his death—he and Xu Maogong had sensed Li Daozong’s treachery.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Li Daozong was a prince, his ambition hidden, and Li Zhi trusted him deeply—hard to prove his guilt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So Xue Rengui followed Xu Maogong’s plan: deliberately get framed, fake his death halfway, to lure the serpent out of its hole.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xue lived, Li Daozong dared not rebel; the emperor wouldn’t see his true face, and the empire would eventually collapse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Xue died, Li Daozong had no fear—he’d reveal his true nature, and only then would the emperor know who was loyal and who was traitorous. Xue Rengui would use this chance to eliminate all the villains at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire plan went smoothly, except that Yuchi Gong, unaware of the truth, rushed to the palace to defend Xue Rengui, cursed the emperor, and was whipped to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li and Zhang rebelled; Xue Rengui restored order. Li Zhi repented, appointed Xue Rengui as Prince Who Shares the Throne, called him “Brother Prince,” and trusted him deeply—then moved into the campaign against the Uyghurs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Yuchi Gong’s role, it mainly added tragedy and the “suppress before elevate” tension.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The suffering must be real, the villain must be vile, the emperor must be foolish—to highlight the hero’s importance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The main cast couldn’t die, so only the old ministers could be sacrificed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li originally wanted the villain to murder Yuchi Gong alive, but thought it too extreme, so he used the common storytelling trope: “whip broken, man dead.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the grand hall, Pan Yue, playing Emperor Li Zhi, looked terrified as rebel troops advanced: “Who will save me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who will save me?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiu Qing, playing Li Daozong, sneered at Li Zhi: “Prince, don’t dream anyone will save you. Those who could have saved you are either dead or demoted.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rest peacefully. I’ll send all your loyal ministers to join you and your brother.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Execute.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At his command, his general raised his sword. Li Zhi closed his eyes in despair—then no blade fell. Instead, liquid dripped onto his face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Zhi opened his eyes in confusion and saw the rebel general who had just raised his sword—now with an arrow through his neck. The liquid on his face was the man’s blood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thud!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The general collapsed. Li Daozong, shocked and furious, turned to the hall’s entrance: “Who dares?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Grand Commander of All Imperial Troops, Prince Who Pacifies the North, Xue Li, Xue Rengui.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the voice rang out, a white horse galloped into the hall. Mounted on it was Xue Rengui, clad in a bloodstained white robe and armor. Compared to his younger self, he now sported a short beard, adding depth and authority—embodying the very pillar of the Tang Dynasty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Xue Rengui, everyone’s faces paled. Li Daozong looked as if he’d seen a ghost; the rebel troops turned ashen, panicked, some even dropped their weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A man’s name, a tree’s shadow—the legend of Tang’s greatest general was no exaggeration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, these rebels were technically his own men. Facing their once-commanding general, who had fought alone against entire armies, who wouldn’t panic?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Rengui ignored the others. After riding into the hall, he raised his weapon and bowed to Li Zhi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Your Majesty, your humble servant arrives too late to protect you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that the one who came to save him was Xue Rengui—the man he had despised and suppressed—Li Zhi felt joy and shame, overwhelmed with emotion, and could only blurt out:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Prince Who Pacifies the North, be careful!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xue Rengui nodded, turned to the rebel troops, and loudly began his speech: roughly, “You’re surrounded. Surrender now, and I’ll plead for your pardon. Refuse, and you’ll all die.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Daozong was furious. One man on horseback, daring such arrogance! Seeing his troops paralyzed by Xue Rengui’s presence, he ordered his personal guards to swarm and kill him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In three moves, Xue Rengui wiped them out. The rest of the rebels, seeing this, dropped their weapons and knelt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“We surrender!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his cause lost, Li Daozong refused to be captured. He lunged for Li Zhi with his sword—only to be struck down by Xue Rengui’s arrow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then Xu Maogong and the main army finally arrived, having rushed in after Xue Rengui’s show. They cleaned up the mess. Li Zhi apologized to Xue Rengui and the others; the emperor and his ministers were reconciled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good. Cut.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Director Feng Xiaoning called out. This scene was simple to describe, but took two full days to shoot—one day for the rebellion, one for the rescue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li had gotten addicted to showing off—he refused to walk to the rescue, insisted on riding a horse into the hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luckily, this bastard didn’t charge his horse through the hall—he just sat calmly on it, using his bow. Otherwise, the martial arts director would’ve been driven to despair by the action alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to be fair, though he thought Yan Li loved showing off in this drama,\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>he couldn’t deny that the single-rider-puts-down-rebellion scene looked damn satisfying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If editing and plot buildup went smoothly, this scene could become one of the drama’s biggest climaxes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking a few words to Xiu Qing on set, Yan Li, holding his halberd, whispered to Feng Xiaoning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Again with the leave?!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feng Xiaoning’s resentment ran deep. Since “The Legend of Xue Rengui” began filming, Yan Li had taken two long leaves already—not to mention the short ones.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he weren’t the boss, Feng Xiaoning would’ve flipped his lid long ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li felt a bit embarrassed. After finishing “The Legend of Xue Rengui,” he’d have to be more cautious about taking on roles with so much screen time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Filming + work + personal life was busy and tiring, but Yan Li had enough energy to handle it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But scheduling conflicts? He truly couldn’t manage them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially now, during the company’s high-growth phase, many things required his personal attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last year’s “The Investiture of the Gods” and “The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng,” plus this “Legend of Xue Rengui”—Yan Li was able to stay long-term in Hengdian largely because Yi’an Investment’s multiple projects were filmed together, requiring his presence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a way, Yan Li’s acting was secondary; his primary task was to oversee and assist all the crews in Hengdian.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, Yan Li still had to sneak off on leave to handle work.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A single project, requiring months of constant presence on set, was now too luxurious for Yan Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So after satisfying his lead-actor fantasy this time, he’d likely return to supporting roles—and even reduce his filming frequency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He soothed Feng Xiaoning a few words, promising no more long leaves until wrap.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What could Feng Xiaoning say? As boss, Yan Li didn’t even need to ask for leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The “leave” was just for show—to show respect to the director. Yan Li gave him face; Feng Xiaoning accepted it graciously. No point acting like a director to the boss and humiliating himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the set, Yan Li headed to Shanghai for the premiere launch of “The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the end of February, “The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng” was scheduled to premiere on three satellite channels: Anhui, Beijing, and Shanghai.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beforehand, Ren Quan, fresh off wrapping “The White-Haired Witch,” Zhang Zhilin, still filming “The Qing Dynasty Harem,” Yan Kuan, shooting in Wuxi, and Huang Haibo, not yet in production, were all dragged by Yan Li into promotion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The promotional campaign centered on the four leads—Ren Quan, Zhang Zhilin, Yan Kuan, Huang Haibo—with supporting cast and unit heroines joining as their schedules allowed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Beijing’s show: Fan Xiaopang and Sun Li. For Anhui’s: Zeng Li and An Yixuan. For Shanghai’s: Wang Ou and Wu Jiani.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those not assigned—Yang Xue, Jiang Xin, Qin Lan—needn’t worry; more local channels and even Hong Kong\u002FTaiwan TV stations were coming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Don’t fear lack of appearances—worry whether they have time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Yan Li, he didn’t join the promotion—he was producer and supporting actor, no need to steal the spotlight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Also, he’d taken too much leave during “The Legend of Xue Rengui,” and was busy catching up on progress—no time to travel around.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Yan Li wasn’t useless—he didn’t appear on shows, but he gave interviews: print, online, TV news programs. If they came to Hengdian and he had time, he’d talk about “The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the premiere launch—TV station executives were all present, deliberately scheduled in Shanghai for Yan Li’s convenience. His absence would’ve been inappropriate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the launch event, as the behind-the-scenes core of “The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng,” Yan Li was subtly more sought-after than the main cast.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Director Yan, the TV drama is about to air. What are your expectations for its ratings? Do you have confidence it will surpass ‘Wulin Waizhuan’ and ‘Qiaojiada Academy’?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One of these dramas was CCTV’s New Year premiere; the other gave CCTV-8 a smashing opening. Both achieved outstanding results. This reporter is clearly looking to provoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li isn’t foolish. With these two dramas’ results so clearly on display, saying anything too high or too low would be inappropriate, so he dodged with vague answers, refusing to take the bait.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing this, the reporter shifted focus to ‘The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng.’ He didn’t want to touch other dramas, but after so much hype around the ‘Phoenix vs. Phoenix’ battle, this one surely wouldn’t fizzle out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“According to our sources, ‘The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng’ is scheduled for late March, less than a month apart from the other. Is this a deliberate clash?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li did not disappoint the reporters. After such a long buildup, now that the real topic had arrived, how could he back down? On the contrary, he intended to stoke the fire even hotter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thus, Yan Li openly emphasized the ‘Phoenix vs. Phoenix’ battle: “These two dramas have always been compared. Now is the time to see who truly stands out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reporter asked curiously: “Who do you think will win?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who wins isn’t up to me—it’s up to the audience. But I have confidence in ‘The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng.’”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reporter pressed further: “Both dramas are distributed by you. Isn’t this like pitting your left hand against your right? Doesn’t this suggest deliberate hype and deception of the public?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s true both dramas are distributed by me. I sincerely hope both succeed—I’ll make even more money (laughs). But that doesn’t mean there’s no difference between them. Cooperation and competition can coexist. Where’s the deception?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reporter asked again: “How do you evaluate your opponent, Zhang Jizhong?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Without a doubt, he is an outstanding TV producer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li offered a polite compliment. Seeing the reporter’s slight disappointment, he added with a smile: “But talent emerges in every generation. Teacher Zhang Jizhong’s excellence is undeniable—but that doesn’t mean he can’t lose. I’ve watched both dramas. I stand by my view.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fired the first shot! Finally, he fired the first shot!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reporters were thrilled. That’s more like it—people came for interviews, not to hear empty platitudes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What do you think of the lead actors of ‘The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng,’ Huang Xiaoming and Liu Yifei? Do you approve of their performances?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If ‘The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng’ loses to ‘The Legend of the Condor Heroes,’ how will you feel?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Rumors say several female actresses in ‘The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng’ have had improper relationships with you. Is that true?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing the reporters’ increasingly aggressive and pointed questions, Yan Li remained calm and answered each one in turn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’m not familiar with these two actors, but I think they performed excellently. And let me reiterate: I don’t think ‘The Legend of the Condor Heroes’ is bad—it’s well-made. It’s just that ‘The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng’ is better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I firmly believe ‘The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng’ won’t lose. If I lose, I will personally apologize to Teacher Zhang Jizhong.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nonsense. I have only professional relationships with the actresses. There’s been no excessive contact.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the premiere press conference, the reporters rushed to publish their reports.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, Zhang’s response came: “In selling dramas, I admit I’m no match for that young man. But in producing TV dramas, he still has much to learn.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of their current co-distribution arrangement, neither side could openly curse the other as bluntly as before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So both adopted the same strategy: first praise, then criticize—acknowledge some strength, then strike.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The tone sounded more polite, but the substance remained unchanged.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li accused Zhang of relying on seniority and being outdated; Zhang angrily called Yan a disrespectful brat who climbed up on others’ backs—and then laid bricks for himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The intense hostility reignited the ‘Phoenix vs. Phoenix’ battle, bringing immense attention to the first-released ‘The Legend of Lu Xiaofeng’...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: My sister’s birthday wasn’t celebrated yesterday. Today I took her out to eat as compensation—spent a thousand. Add it to the old debt. I’ll settle it all by month-end (3000\u002F9000).\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4307,"2026-06-19T16:16:54.562Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","67b8915aab266c83618bb328be0d3cb3ae996df1b8b663d7c3c2176810c203da","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-214","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-212",405,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-cover.jpg"]