[{"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-221":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},2260524,4411,"Chapter 221: Sisterhood, Yi'an Theater Line Premiere, Shocking Film","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-221",221,"\u003Cp>Mid-April, Shuangjing Fuli City\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The doorbell rang; Qin Lan opened the door to find Hu Siyan holding a bottle of champagne tied with a ribbon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Congratulations, congratulations, Qin Lan, welcome to your new home!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan smiled: “Don’t rush to congratulate me—I called you here to help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Siyan nodded and pulled someone aside: “So I brought along an extra pair of hands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiong Naijin held a bouquet of flowers and smiled slightly: “Sister Lan, congratulations on your move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Naijin’s here too? Come in, come in!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After returning from Hengdian, with Hu Siyan’s introduction, Qin Lan had met Xiong Naijin twice—once for a meal—and found the straightforward girl from Chongqing likable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Siyan understood this well, which was why she’d dared bring her over; once inside, she boasted to Qin Lan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sis, isn’t this helper of mine great?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t even mention it—Naijin’s visiting for the first time and we’ve got nothing ready, we’ve been rude.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister Lan, that’s too formal.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiong Naijin shook her head: “I came specifically because I heard you were moving—I’m here to help. Visiting can happen anytime; treat me like a little sister to Sister Yan, and just give me orders.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Siyan chimed in: “I told you this sister is loyal!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Her friendship with Xiong Naijin was simple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The girl was naturally warm-hearted, and after being ostracized during the filming of *Seven Fairies*, she became especially eager to form bonds; right after joining Huayi, she set out to meet a few fellow actors and expand her network.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiong Naijin joined Huayi just after her; Hu Siyan thought she looked good and had acted before, possibly with potential, so she reached out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their first dinner date: Hu Siyan, thinking herself more famous and older, planned to treat, so she ordered expensive dishes—but Xiong Naijin quietly paid the bill without a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, Xiong was a minor artist with low income; though the meal wouldn’t break her, her willingness to pay showed sincerity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From then on, Hu Siyan saw Xiong Naijin as loyal, generous, and also well-mannered—someone worth knowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A good start, plus genuine compatibility, gradually drew them closer; their bond deepened, and Xiong was even introduced by Hu Siyan to Qin Lan—a significant boost given Xiong’s status.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiong Naijin understood her place well: she treated Qin Lan as her elder sister and Hu Siyan as her second sister.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Hu Siyan claimed she brought her as labor, Xiong Naijin had actually heard Qin Lan was moving and begged Hu Siyan to bring her along to show her willingness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sis, just tell us what to do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Siyan rolled up her sleeves, striking a determined pose; Qin Lan pointed to the piles of boxes scattered across the living room, entrance hall, and corridor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The movers handled the big items—just sort out the small stuff and organize it properly around the house.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since her personal belongings were numerous, Qin Lan didn’t trust outsiders like cleaners and preferred to handle it herself with friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t heavy work, just tedious; after finishing, they’d have dinner together—both a chance for friends to gather and a small housewarming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Siyan and Xiong Naijin, prepared to work hard, began cheerfully—but soon realized there was far too much to sort; even with three of them, they might not finish today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t worry—I called other friends, they’ll be here soon, and my assistant is out buying supplies and will return shortly.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan wasn’t about to treat Hu Siyan and Xiong Naijin like beasts of burden; she’d invited others too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While sorting through a pile of dog toys, Hu Siyan looked up: “Did you call Zhao Ke? She could help too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhao Ke was a sisterly friend Qin Lan and Hu Siyan had made during *The Qing Palace*, and they got along well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Zhao Ke was still in probation, this was a perfect chance to show initiative.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Zhao Ke is filming out of town—she’s not in Beijing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan explained, clearly having already contacted her; Hu Siyan didn’t know whether Zhao Ke’s absence was good or bad luck.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Less work, but also one less chance to draw closer to Qin Lan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they spoke, the doorbell rang; Qin Lan opened it and ushered in a petite, lovely girl.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Liu Yun?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiong Naijin blinked in surprise—she recognized her; Liu Yun had starred in *The Great Han Emperor 2*, and Xiong had been in *The Great Han Emperor 3*, so they’d met at related gatherings.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Siyan knew her even better—she’d previously dined with Qin Lan and Liu Yun, and knew she was one of Qin Lan’s close friends; she said casually:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sister Lan said she called others—I knew you’d be one of them.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yun and Qin Lan had known each other for years, first meeting in 2003.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back then, they weren’t close—just exchanged names.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Over the next two years, they didn’t interact much, but never lost contact, and had met for meals once or twice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though communication was sparse, Qin Lan admired Liu Yun’s blunt, fiery temper.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because she herself was soft-natured, she craved the kind of friends who were direct and tough—people who weren’t pretentious and easy to get along with.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And because she was outwardly strong but inwardly gentle, she could blend with such people while still offering subtle care—making her equally popular among them; Liu Yun held Qin Lan in high regard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Last year, to smooth over minor tensions from the *Lu Xiaofeng Legend* casting, Nie Yuan invited Yan Li to a small gathering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Qin Lan knew Nie Yuan—and he’d even witnessed Yan Li and Qin Lan’s meeting and romance—she joined too, and met Liu Yun there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yun turned out to be Nie Yuan’s secret girlfriend!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d met during the filming of *The Blood Horse* in 2004, but because Nie Yuan’s career was booming and he was a popular young actor, they kept their relationship hidden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the time, Liu Yun didn’t know Qin Lan’s situation—until then, she learned Qin Lan was Yan Li’s secret girlfriend too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Yan Li seemed to have many “girlfriends,” the fact that he brought Qin Lan out and Nie Yuan later confirmed they’d been together before Yan Li’s rise, and that their bond was deep, made Qin Lan the true “queen” among them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Already acquainted, with mutual good impressions, both their boyfriends were close, and both shared the same “suffering” of secret relationships.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From then on, Liu Yun and Qin Lan’s relationship surged forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Hu Siyan pushed for bonding during the Hengdian shoot, Qin Lan’s first thought was Liu Yun—even considering abandoning Huang Yi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During the filming and promotion of *My Fair Princess 3*, Qin Lan had no friends at first; later, because Yan Li and Nie Yuan were close, she grew closer to Huang Yi—who was then Nie Yuan’s girlfriend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their bond never fully faded, but since Huang Yi and Nie Yuan broke up two years ago and their careers no longer overlapped, their connection grew distant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In contrast, Ma Yi, who’d been just a colleague during *My Fair Princess 3*, had grown steadily closer to Qin Lan over the past two years through both work and personal ties, becoming one of Qin Lan’s closest friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Huang Yi and Nie Yuan had parted amicably and remained on good terms—even friends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since Huang Yi was an ex and Liu Yun the current girlfriend, having them together could be awkward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huang Yi was famous but emotionally distant; Liu Yun was less famous but perfectly matched Qin Lan’s temperament—Qin Lan preferred the latter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Bad luck—I got stuck as labor when I first met her, and now I’m stuck again during the move.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yun complained aloud, but subtly flaunted her closeness and seniority with Qin Lan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>During past gatherings with Hu Siyan and Qin Lan, she’d sensed Hu Siyan was a bit too forward, acting like Qin Lan’s #1 best friend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Pfft—I knew Qin Lan when you were still fawning over that Dong guy in *Seven Fairies*.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Siyan paused, then smiled brightly: “Well, I’m different—I actually enjoy working for Sister Lan.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yun: “...”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To flatter, she’d thrown her dignity out the window...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan sensed the tension and stepped in: “Let’s get to work—clear the bedroom first, or we won’t have anywhere to sleep tonight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After more work, Qin Lan’s assistant returned; they finished the bedroom, and the doorbell rang again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan opened the door to Ma Yili, apologetic: “Sorry, something came up last minute—I’m late.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not late—we’ve still got plenty to do.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan ushered Ma Yili in; everyone met, and now the group was complete.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Ma, Liu, and Hu—Qin Lan’s three closest personal friends—she wanted them to get to know each other better.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiong Naijin felt relieved—she’d come at the right time; if she performed well today, she’d already stepped half into Qin Lan’s inner circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was also surprised by Qin Lan’s social circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yun was just a minor star, no better than herself; but Hu Siyan and Ma Yili were both quite famous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, Qin Lan herself was well-known—a top young Qingyi actress—and behind her stood an even greater power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at this lineup, it felt almost too modest—she’d need at least a few more popular young actresses to qualify as a proper circle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including the assistant, there were six of them; the work went quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But later, some heavier items proved difficult for the women to handle alone; Qin Lan called a halt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Alright, that’s enough for now—I’ll get others to handle the rest later.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Yili pulled out her phone: “Finish today’s work today—it’s cleaner. Wen Zhang is home idle—he can come help.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan looked at Ma Yili: “You’ve trained your little boyfriend well.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long ago, during the filming of *Embroidered Uniform Guard*, Ma Yili met a male actor named Wen Zhang, eight years her junior.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Zhang pursued Ma Yili aggressively; at the time, she was entangled with another young actor, Zhang Bo—but eventually gave in to Wen Zhang’s advances and chose him over Zhang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan had guest-starred in *Embroidered Uniform Guard* and knew their relationship; she’d teased Ma Yili about “an old cow eating tender grass.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, Ma Yili was enjoying that tender grass more than ever—and inviting him to help today was a clear sign of official recognition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Qin Lan’s approval, Ma Yili made a call, settled it in a few words, and waved her phone slightly smugly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ve figured it out—men should be younger. They listen.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Not just listen—they’ve got energy too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yun dropped a bold remark, sending the women into laughter; Ma Yili then turned the teasing toward Qin Lan:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You and your Yan Li—are you not a sister-brother pair? Does he listen? Does he have energy?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Siyan drawled: “Hard to say about listening—but he definitely has energy; Sister Lan’s always glowing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On this front, besides Qin Lan, she had the most authority to speak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li isn’t about having strength or not—he’s a pure workhorse, and even now, sometimes she secretly recalls that one night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The private chatter among these women was shockingly bold; though Qin Lan wasn’t a shy girl who blushed at dirty jokes, she still turned red with embarrassment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only when Wen Zhang arrived did they escape the teasing—their focus shifted to his age-gap relationship with Ma Yili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Yili was relatively fine, but twenty-something Wen Zhang was clearly inexperienced and couldn’t withstand the women’s onslaught, looking utterly flustered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the end, Ma Yili stepped in to defend him, sparking another round of laughter and teasing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while of laughter and banter, Wen Zhang finally got to work under Qin Lan’s direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“These are all cigarettes, alcohol, and stuff—previously piled up in the storage room, so we temporarily put them in the study. Now that space is free, help move them over.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t touch the opened ones—we’ll put those on the liquor cabinet later. Just move the unopened boxes.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Zhang stared at the twenty or thirty cases stacked in the room—mostly Maotai or Wuliangye—and couldn’t help whistling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A case of Maotai cost at least three or five thousand; Wuliangye wasn’t much cheaper, and some boxes even looked like premium editions, priced even higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides alcohol, there were cigarettes—a whole large box of unopened Zhonghua, plus high-end brands like Furongwang and Huanghelou—and another box of tea, which he didn’t understand at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the liquor Qin Lan said to put on the cabinet—foreign spirits, red wine, baijiu—all the ones he recognized were expensive, and the ones he didn’t seemed even pricier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unable to see the full picture, Wen Zhang estimated based on his knowledge: these items were worth at least two or three hundred thousand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who the hell hoards this much tobacco, alcohol, and tea at home!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiong Naijin also voiced her doubt; Qin Lan glanced at Wen Zhang: “He brought all this home. I don’t understand it—there’s space, so we just leave it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>High-end tobacco, alcohol, and tea are unavoidable for business gifts; Yan Li even has a dedicated small warehouse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most of what’s here are leftovers from gifts—too lazy to take them to the warehouse, so he just leaves them at home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, you sometimes need last-minute business entertaining, or someone drops by with a return gift—having some on hand saves trouble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A few are rare, precious wines and teas too valuable to store in the warehouse, so they’re kept at home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Yili joked: “Can’t let Wen Zhang work for free—we’ll take one case each.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Sure, take any of the unopened ones.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan was generous—a single case worth eight or ten thousand meant nothing; she could give one to each person without blinking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It has to be said, having a man move is so convenient; Wen Zhang also worked hard, taking on the heavy and dirty tasks without hesitation, earning unanimous praise from Huo Siyan and others.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Straight-talking Liu Yun criticized Yan Li, telling Qin Lan: “You’re doing all the work for the move—what’s a man even doing?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“He’s busy, and besides, I told him not to worry about it.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan defended Yan Li—he didn’t ignore the move; he was just occupied himself, but he could have sent someone over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Qin Lan was a bit overly optimistic, thinking she could handle it with just a few friends, underestimating the difficulty, which is why she had to ask Wen Zhang for help at the last minute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Yan handles deals worth hundreds of thousands per minute—how can you expect him to do manual labor?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Siyan also sided with Yan Li: it’s just moving and carrying things—Yan Li could call a whole team with one phone call; letting Wen Zhang do it gives him a chance to prove himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Yili, standing nearby, was a bit upset—how could you say that? He’s my boyfriend, not some laborer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she dared not offend Yan Li, so she swallowed her resentment and stayed silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as they were talking, Qin Lan’s phone rang; she glanced at the caller ID, shushed everyone, and walked aside.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, we’re almost done moving.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Got it, go ahead and take care of your business, okay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a few words, Qin Lan returned: “Yan Li says thank you to everyone—he’s reserved a table at the Chang’an Club to treat you all.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“The Chang’an Club?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Siyan and Xiong Naijin were pleasantly surprised; Liu Yun didn’t get it, so they explained to her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chang’an Club is one of Beijing’s top private clubs, catering exclusively to political and business elites and social luminaries.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most importantly, it’s a members-only club with extremely high entry barriers—apparently, you must prove you’ve reached a certain level of wealth or social status to qualify; even if you pay a fortune, non-members aren’t allowed in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kind of “high-end exclusivity” made the Chang’an Club wildly desirable, with many people once proud to become members—or even just to dine there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After learning this, Liu Yun quietly pulled Qin Lan aside and whispered: “Your guy’s really showing off for you.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Celebrities like Huo Siyan and Ma Yili, though not extremely wealthy, still had some means and had seen plenty of the world; a regular five-star hotel or Michelin-starred meal wasn’t anything special to them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But a members-only elite club like the Chang’an Club? That’s not something ordinary celebrities can just waltz into.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You can’t get in yourself, but Qin Lan can bring you in—that’s real clout.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan understood exactly what was going on; a faint smile crossed her face as she subtly countered Liu Yun’s earlier criticism.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Now you know what your man’s been doing.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Pfft.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yun rolled her eyes, but had to admit: money can move heaven and earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Zhang had worked his butt off all day, barely earning a few words of praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li casually arranged a meal and stole all the spotlight—Huo Siyan and the others immediately shifted their attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Ma Yili forgot her boyfriend, instead half-boasting, half-discussing how she’d once been to the Chang’an Club, which dishes were delicious, which entertainment options were fun, and what they’d eat and do later.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since they were going to a top private club, their current work clothes were totally inappropriate, so they all insisted on going home to change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan agreed, set a time to meet back at her place, and then head to the Chang’an Club together.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Wen Zhang had worked so hard, they couldn’t just leave him behind, so they brought him along too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the Chang’an Club, Yan Li had already arranged everything—they were met by a dedicated staff member who led them straight in and assigned a private room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Chang’an Club specializes in imperial cuisine and Cantonese dishes, with exquisite, lavish dishes, premium red and white wines, and post-meal spa and leisure facilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Throughout the meal, staff kept saying things like, “Mr. Yan has arranged this,” or “Miss Qin, how do you like it?” and so on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Feeling the envious, slightly bitter glances from Huo Siyan, Xiong Naijin, and the others, Qin Lan secretly reveled in it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the spa and relaxation, those who didn’t want to leave decided to set up a mahjong table and chatted while playing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Isn’t Mr. Yan coming today?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Siyan had assumed they’d see Yan Li at the Chang’an Club, but he never showed up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You think I’m kidding you? He’s genuinely busy—there’s probably news out by now; just search online when you get back.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“News? What news?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Siyan blinked: “Has Yi’an started a new production? I haven’t heard anything.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Ma Yili had a sharper instinct: “It’s probably the cinema chain—I saw news that Mr. Yan acquired a cinema chain.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yi’an Cinema Chain had been bought for a while now, with rebranding, location scouting, and Yan Li’s celebrity status—how could there be zero buzz?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the public only knew Yan Li was involved in the cinema business; most didn’t know the details.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even whether it was an acquisition, a takeover, or a branding partnership remained unclear to outsiders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, beyond the visible stars, even many behind-the-scenes figures in film and TV aren’t widely known, let alone cinema chains.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many people saw the news but had no idea what a cinema chain even was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not just ordinary folks—even minor actors like Xiong Naijin, Wen Zhang, and Liu Yun, with little connection to the film industry and limited inside knowledge, barely understood the cinema business.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan had never publicly discussed Yi’an Cinema Chain before, but now that Yan Li had gone public, there was no need to hide it anymore.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yeah, he’s been busy with this lately—constant meetings and banquets; I didn’t even dare bother him.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan seized the chance to clear Yan Li’s name and legitimize their relationship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It wasn’t that Yan Li didn’t help her or didn’t love her—he was just genuinely too busy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Building cinemas must require huge investment, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Yili actually knew a bit—her ex-boyfriend was from the Beijing Film Studio family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I don’t know much, but he said he invested hundreds of millions.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan casually played a “Fa Cai” tile, noticed the silence, and looked up—everyone was staring at her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“H…hundreds of millions?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Zhang, who’d been sitting quietly behind Ma Yili, spoke with a strained voice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was 2006; the entertainment industry was still small.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Investments of tens of millions were considered major productions; a film grossing a hundred million was a landmark event of the year.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Many top stars earned less than eight figures annually; outside of a few global icons like Jackie Chan or Yao Ming, the word “hundred million” was practically mythical to most actors.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Uh… it’s not just him investing—there are others involved too.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing their extreme reactions, Qin Lan quickly added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She couldn’t help it—living around Yan Li, she’d absorbed his worldview.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially since Yi’an Cinema Chain had been in planning for so long, she’d heard fragments of details over time; she’d been shocked at first, but gradually became numb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, casually mentioning it in conversation, she’d forgotten how shocking this number would be to others hearing it for the first time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Mr. Yan really does big business.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Ma Yili was convinced now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whether Yan Li was investing alone or with partners, hundreds of millions was a massive deal—compared to that, Wen Zhang, her boyfriend, was just a “laborer.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Yun fell silent too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Yan Li’s gesture at the Chang’an Club had made her realize he still cared for Qin Lan and improved her opinion of him, she hadn’t been as wildly excited as Huo Siyan and the others, nor had she fully switched sides.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Money was impressive, but she still believed women needed companionship.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now that she knew how huge Yan Li’s venture was, she wavered—money might not be as important as companionship, but damn, this was just too much money.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Asking someone to walk away from a hundreds-of-millions business to move furniture as a laborer? She couldn’t even imagine it without wanting to slap herself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huo Siyan and Xiong Naijin were even more stunned—their minds could only replay those three words over and over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hundreds of millions!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Zhang felt uneasy, knowing full well he couldn’t match Yan Li, and he accepted it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But today, among several women, he was the only man—working hard, drinking, and entertaining.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Men, after all, always have a little thought when faced with such a scene. Ma Yili was there too, and he didn’t plan to do anything, but just being noticed and praised by a few women was enough to make him feel proud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who knew Yan Li didn’t even show his face—and still crushed him under pressure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too cruel. He opened with hundreds of millions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only did the women’s eyes have no room for him, but now even when he looked at Ma Yili, his gaze was uneasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though Qin Lan tried hard to salvage it, the atmosphere had changed too much; everyone’s mind was no longer on the fun.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as she was considering whether to arrange another activity or call it a night, her phone rang. She answered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“It’s fine, yeah, come over. I’ll wait for you. Okay.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After hanging up, Qin Lan said: “Yan Li’s obligations are done. He’s coming to pick me up. You all keep having fun—just charge it to my tab.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The words were true: once the hostess left, the gathering was essentially over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Yan Li hadn’t come to pick up Qin Lan, someone might have stayed a little longer out of sheer audacity. But now, everyone’s emotions were stirred—they all wanted to see Yan Li—and no one stayed behind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Leaving the private room, Chang’an Club had a dedicated waiting area. After a few minutes, a black Toyota Alphard pulled up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing Qin Lan wasn’t alone, Yan Li got out of the car to greet them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, for a formal occasion, Yan Li was dressed formally—a tailored black suit, his strong, upright frame paired with a commanding aura, radiating the polished demeanor of a seasoned business elite.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Wow~”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiong Naijin couldn’t help letting out a soft exclamation. Hu Siyan’s eyes sparkled too. Even Ma Yili, who had a boyfriend, Liu Yun, and Qin Lan’s assistant, all cast admiring glances.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It’s said that good looks nourish a person—but wealth nourishes even more!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially for men: when their careers are going well, every gesture carries a sense of triumph, radiating an inexplicable yet intensely magnetic charm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he looked like an alien, under this charm, people would think he had clear, handsome features. If he was already good-looking, he’d become unforgettable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan had deliberately brought this group to wait for Yan Li, intending to show off her man.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seeing how the women looked, she grew slightly alarmed and hurried forward to link arms with Yan Li, claiming her claim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li knew Qin Lan well—he gently took her hand, expressing gratitude in the manner of a host.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Today we’re moving house. Thank you all for your hard work…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone quickly demurred. Yan Li knew Hu, Ma, and Liu. Xiong Naijin and Wen Zhang were new to him—he had Qin Lan introduce them separately and thank them again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xiong Naijin was fine—a young girl, polite and brief in her greetings, perfectly normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when Wen Zhang stood beside Yan Li, to others’ eyes, it was almost heartbreaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How to put it? Wen Zhang was never someone who relied on his looks—he was at best slightly handsome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Add to that his youth—he was barely twenty, hadn’t graduated college yet—and he looked immature, even a bit boyish. Under Yan Li’s aura, he appeared even more nervous and stiff.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So when they shook hands, Wen Zhang was unmistakably overshadowed, reduced to an unremarkable doorman.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Ma Yili couldn’t help covering her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn’t care about Wen Zhang’s looks or charm, nor did she expect him to rival someone like Yan Li. But at least he shouldn’t be crushed this completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wouldn’t the women think she’d picked a man she couldn’t even show off?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Yili wasn’t wrong. When Yan Li didn’t show up, he still pressured Wen Zhang—but at least left him some dignity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that they were face to face, the stark contrast left Wen Zhang not just crushed—he was obliterated. To everyone, he was nothing but a “laborer” or a “doorman.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike the women’s contempt for Wen Zhang, Yan Li paid him extra attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He remembered this man. Every year, his intelligence system flagged a top ten “good man” scandal in entertainment—and Wen Zhang was number one.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Honestly, Yan Li didn’t know whether Ma Yili was just not picky, or thought good-looking men were too risky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Either way, whether it was Guan Hu or now Wen Zhang, neither qualified as a traditional heartthrob.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Guan Hu was at least a director. Back then, Ma wasn’t famous yet—dating him was a step up, understandable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, compared to Wen Zhang, Ma was far more popular. Even if she wanted an obedient younger brother, there were plenty of handsome ones in the industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Worse still, neither Guan Hu nor Wen Zhang was actually honest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At least I’m honest about being a bastard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this kid was a gold-digger, playing games with his soft life—unrefined.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li felt a certain moral superiority—but said nothing. He didn’t try to advise Ma Yili.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their romance was hot. The little brother was utterly devoted, obedient, and loyal. To question his character based on future events and urge them to break up? They’d call him crazy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they were close friends, Yan Li might have hinted gently. But Ma Yili and he weren’t that close.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Besides, Yan Li had an intelligence system—he knew plenty of gossip and secrets, and had gained some insight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Relationships are too complex. Warmth and coldness are felt only by those involved. Outsiders should stay out. What you think is kindness might backfire…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After some small talk, Yan Li and Qin Lan got in the car and left. The rest either drove themselves or took the club’s vehicles, each heading home.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Yili and Wen Zhang had come by car. On the way home, the atmosphere was tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, she was the caring older sister. Ma Yili gently comforted her boyfriend: “Don’t take it too seriously. He’s a big boss. We’re actors. Just focus on your own roles—you’re still the best in my heart.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When she first chose Wen Zhang, one main reason was his solid professional ability—and she believed he had great potential.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So in her view, Wen Zhang didn’t need to compare himself to Yan Li. They weren’t on the same path.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I know.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Zhang said it aloud, but inside, he was overwhelmed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He’d been outshone by peers before—but never so utterly, so completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even acting, the thing Ma Yili praised—he dared not claim he could match Yan Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wen Zhang had seen Yan Li’s performances: “Emperor Wu of Han,” “Sword of Light”—both were excellent, even outstanding.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, he was nothing. The roles he’d played were mostly just versions of himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he posted online claiming his acting surpassed Yan Li’s, it’d be mostly mockery—and many would ask:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Who’s Wen Zhang?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Yili didn’t press further. He’d just been crushed—this was just a temporary numbness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he calmed down and honestly assessed the gap, he’d stop wallowing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to Wen Zhang’s mood, Ma Yili was more focused on Yan Li’s cinema chain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As soon as they got home, she pulled out her laptop and searched for news.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The news was still hot—plenty of articles, even a special feature on the front page.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yi’an Cinema Chain Established: Yan Li Invests 500 Million, Aims for the Film Market”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clicking in, she found plenty of details on Yi’an Cinema Chain, plus interviews.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li’s were the most, along with officials from China Resources, Han Sanping, relevant leaders, and other cinema chain executives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Yili clicked on several articles—each one made her more stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan hadn’t been boasting. It was truly massive: planned investment of 300–500 million. First batch of theaters already selected; construction had begun in a few cities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The publicly revealed plans were clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Targeting first- and second-tier cities with mid-to-high-end theaters: guaranteeing 10–20 theaters open within the next two years, with over 100–150 screens.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mid-term goal: triple the number of theaters and screens in three to five years, entering the top ten in box office revenue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this wasn’t just Yan Li boasting—government departments were backing him. The credibility was high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Yi’an Cinema Chain truly reached this point, combined with Yi’an’s growing dominance in TV dramas, Ma Yili imagined:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the industry, Yan Li alone would be a mountain…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ma Yili realized she needed to pay even more attention to Qin Lan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Coincidentally, Hu Siyan, back home, thought the same.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She searched the news too, but knew little about cinema business—couldn’t fully grasp it. But she didn’t need to—there were experts online.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tianya, blogs, Tieba—there were always discussions better than her own guesswork.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Haha, many look down on Yan Li for selling films, thinking he’s just a good salesman, exaggerating his business skills. But look at how he’s Bujuyuanxian —his business vision is absolutely sharp. He’s directly controlling the core terminal of the film market, seizing industry Huayuquan  first.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Exactly. Yan Li is no ordinary man. In the normal TV drama market, it’s just buyer and seller. He forced his way into the middle, seizing Huayuquan  through distribution.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【With industry Huayuquan , business flows smoothly. Without it, you’re just an employee. That’s the gap between ordinary merchants and business elites.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【First seize the cinema chain, control some screening rights, then force distribution and production to bend to you—easily entering the film market. If Yi’an grows strong, every film company will have to bow to him.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Why is China Film Group so powerful? Besides its official backing, holding China’s #1 cinema chain is key. If a film company disobeys, just withholding screening slots can ruin them.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【I don’t think it’s about vision. Everyone knows cinema chains are powerful. The real question is: do you have the guts to invest—and the ability to pull it off?】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Exactly. Hua Yi’s brothers, Yu Pangu from Bona—I don’t believe they didn’t know cinema chains were valuable. But they lacked the guts and ability.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【I noticed China Resources is a shareholder. Is this guy really from a small town in Shandong? Could he be some lost illegitimate son of a big family?】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Could also be some family’s son-in-law. Capable, young, popular—why not?】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【You guys don’t follow entertainment news—he’s a playboy. Who’d take him as a son-in-law?】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Who knows? Yan Li’s excellence is undeniable. He’s flashy, sure—but as they say, bad boys attract women. Maybe someone likes that.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【You’re overthinking. Maybe Yan Li’s just a puppet. The real boss is someone else. This happens all the time.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【You’re jealous and lost your mind. Yi’an. Yan. Did you not learn pinyin as a kid? Which puppet names his company after himself?】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【Not a puppet. Read the interviews carefully—he’s the initiator, the largest shareholder, and holds real power.】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>【I don’t understand any of this. I just want to know: how much is Yan Li worth now?】\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Five hundred million in investment—he’s a major shareholder; even if it’s half, that’s still 250 million.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Yi’an hasn’t made little money either—Feng Diao is blazing hot right now, and there’s also Tudou.com; isn’t he part-owned in that too? Honestly, I’d say he’s worth over 500 million already.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Siyan stared at that final “[500 million+]” until her eyes seemed to bulge right into the computer screen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She remembered the first time she met Yan Li—he was doing alright back then, but just a small-time boss of a fledgling film company, worth maybe a few million at most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How the hell has it only been this long? His net worth is already heading toward 500 million—another few years and he’ll be the richest man in the entertainment industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hu Siyan’s heart burned with envy; her resentment toward Qin Lan could no longer be contained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She knew she couldn’t replace Qin Lan, but with a man like this, sometimes one extra night together was one extra gain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Women have their own desire to conquer too!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Maybe not as outwardly dominant as men, but the core is the same: taking possession of a high-quality partner proves your charm and satisfies inner vanity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Yan Li’s status and position kept rising...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some women chased him for his person, some for his money, some for his resources, and some might just collect him like a stamp...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[...]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan had thought of this too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The way those women had looked at Yan Li today—with burning eyes—had fully awakened her vigilance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the car ride home to inside their house, Qin Lan kept hammering ideas into Yan Li’s head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Outside women are dangerous; when men go out, they must protect themselves and not let those women take advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li: “[...]”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He used to scoff at such talk, but now he couldn’t help feeling there was some truth to it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Normally, when men and women get involved, it seems like the man gains the upper hand—but when a man is too outstanding, it’s hard to say who’s really getting the better deal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So tell me—who’s taking advantage of whom?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li posed a deadly question to Qin Lan, who paused to think.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hmm... it’s probably me.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before, it was unclear—but now, Yan Li’s desirability was definitely higher than hers. Whoever’s more sought-after, the other person gains the advantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“So you’d better treat me better from now on—or someone else will snatch away this huge advantage.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li seized the chance to brainwash her, but Qin Lan wasn’t stupid—she rolled her eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Do you think I don’t treat you well? What other woman would put up with your nonsense?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Exactly. Outsiders don’t understand, and you don’t even believe in yourself—but honestly, when we’re together, I’m the one who got the real jackpot.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Failing to brainwash her, Yan Li smoothly switched to sweet talk, coaxing Qin Lan into pretending indifference while her body slowly slumped against his chest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a while of cuddling, Yan Li got up to shower—it was hot now, and while his suit, trousers, and shirt looked sharp, they were nowhere near as comfortable as a T-shirt and loose shorts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No, don’t change.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan stopped him—those women had stared at him in this outfit with hungry eyes; how much more so for her?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it weren’t for the matter at hand, she’d have already been pawing at him in the car.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yan Li raised an eyebrow: “You can’t mean I should keep wearing this? This suit was custom-made—it cost tens of thousands.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“I’ll wash it for you. If it’s not clean, I’ll buy you a new set.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qin Lan waved her hand authoritatively, then tugged his tie and led him into the bedroom, demanding that General Yan cooperate fully...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, as Yan Li was busy reporting, news about Yi’an spread, drawing more and more attention.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since cinemas were behind-the-scenes of the behind-the-scenes, and this was only an official announcement, most ordinary people outside the industry weren’t interested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The real widespread reaction came from within the entertainment industry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ordinary actors just watched the spectacle—it was too far removed from them, at most gossiping about Yan Li, this rapidly rising tycoon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the mid- to upper-level stakeholders in the film industry were the ones most concerned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those with sharp instincts, who’d sensed something earlier and picked up rumors, remained calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those slow to react, who’d paid no attention to this, now couldn’t sleep a wink.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially Orange Sky, who’d also planned to enter the cinema market but had yet to secure a cinema license.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing that Yan Li had invested 300 to 500 million to rush into the cinema market, their executives held a full-day meeting—reportedly, Boss Wu even slammed his fist on the table.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huayi Brothers were also stunned; they’d long known Yan Li wasn’t an ordinary man, and that he’d eventually storm into the film industry from TV.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They’d imagined him producing films, or handling distribution—his usual strengths—but never imagined he’d directly invest at the bottom of the chain: cinemas—and actually pull it off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wang brothers felt both wary and envious, while also considering further outreach.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huayi currently had no cinema holdings, focusing mainly on production and distribution—there was room for collaboration with Yan Li.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yu “Fatso” from Bona thought the same—and due to his ties with China Film Group, he’d been among the first to learn about Yi’an Cinemas, even having met Yan Li before.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond mainland film companies, many Hong Kong and Taiwan cinema executives, directors, and top stars now remembered the name “Yan Li.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially in Xiangjiang—whose film market had been commercialized far earlier than the mainland’s—no one understood the power of cinemas better than they did.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shaw Brothers, Golden Harvest, Gold Princess... these were shadows that haunted countless Hong Kong filmmakers...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>PS: (9000\u002F9000), settle accounts by month-end\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of Chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",6506,"2026-06-19T16:16:54.562Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","2ecdbbba8bac5753c1ff001b3f4a009c8545b07450e6989a39138309a79e02bb","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-222","the-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-chapter-220",405,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fthe-intelligence-king-of-chinese-entertainment-cover.jpg"]