Chapter 223: You Subdue the Crimson Flame Dragon, I Tame the Carmine Tiger

Yixian Warring States City, set of the drama "Mo Gong"

Although this drama has investment from Huayi, the main responsibility lies with distribution; the primary producer and production company is actually from Xiangjiang.

The crew composition includes director Zhang Zhiliang, the lead actor Liu Tianwang, and multiple key positions and actors are all from Xiangjiang.

It is well known that Xiangjiang film professionals tend to stick together; in a production dominated by Xiangjiang, there is inevitably some degree of isolation and exclusion.

Fan Xiaopang has relatively good treatment.

After all, she is the female lead, has name recognition, and isn't without connections, so no one dares to pick on her.

But no one picks on her, and neither does she receive special favors—sometimes she even faces cold treatment.

Not long ago, because of Yan Li's parents, Fan Xiaopang took leave and left the set early and late, making the director very unhappy, who then found an excuse to publicly scold her.

Fan Xiaopang accepts it, since she truly disrupted the production.

Being scolded is already better than what others get; actors without fame or background have no chance to take leave, and if they make a mistake, they're directly scolded by the director or assistant director, or even kicked out of the crew.

Most actors are at a disadvantage when facing a production crew.

Even someone as established as Liu Tianwang, despite many privileges, sometimes still has to compromise and yield to the crew or behind-the-scenes financiers.

For a while, Fan Xiaopang had been filming Yi'an's drama with Yan Li, indulging in the role of "boss's wife," being pampered everywhere on set, which bred some arrogance and casualness.

This time on "Mo Gong," she's finally rediscovered the feeling of struggling from the bottom up.

However, after Yi'an Cinema's public debut, Fan Xiaopang suddenly sensed a change in the crew's attitude.

If before she only vaguely felt it, on the day Yan Li came to visit the set, Fan Xiaopang witnessed firsthand what "face-changing" meant.

"Director Zhang, thank you for taking care of Bingbing on set."

Yan Li smiled warmly as he shook hands with director Zhang Zhiliang, a notable figure in Xiangjiang directing, though not widely known, with his signature work being "China's Last Eunuch."

He has a varied background, having worked as a company boss, director, producer, and screenwriter, and even participated in the acclaimed masterpiece "Back to Back, Face to Face."

Still, Yan Li doesn't quite understand why "Mo Gong," a commercial film, hired Zhang Zhiliang as director.

It's not that Zhang Zhiliang is incompetent, but his signature works are all delicate, introspective art films obsessed with human nature and philosophy.

Hiring an art film director for a commercial blockbuster—even one like "Mo Gong," which is anti-war and anti-hero—is obviously risky.

Don't bring up Chen Dadao or Lao Mouzi, who also started with art films; their box office clout is nothing compared to Zhang Zhiliang, whose name isn't even well known in Xiangjiang.

In plain terms, the entire appeal of "Mo Gong" rests on Liu Tianwang's shoulders.

These past two years have been Liu Tianwang's career peak: "The Warlords," "House of Flying Daggers," and earlier, "Infernal Affairs," all with impressive box office and decent critical reception.

But that doesn't mean Liu Tianwang's drawing power rivals Cheng Long or Zhou Xingchi.

"Infernal Affairs" was the recent pinnacle of Hong Kong cinema; its success wasn't Liu Tianwang's alone. "The Warlords" and "House of Flying Daggers" are even less about him—the directors' contributions come first.

Outside these box office hits, Liu Tianwang has appeared in many other films over the past two years, all of which flopped silently.

"Dragon and Phoenix," released between "The Warlords" and "House of Flying Daggers," earned less than 15 million yuan in mainland China; both of his 2005 films failed to break 10 million.

Clearly, even with the commercial blockbuster boost of "Mo Gong," Liu Tianwang's star power isn't easy to leverage, and Yan Li isn't optimistic about this project's prospects.

Of course, this has nothing to do with Yan Li—he hasn't invested a single cent in this film.

Fan Xiaopang just needs to ride the publicity wave of this commercial blockbuster to raise her profile and get some exposure.

"Mr. Yan, you're too polite. We look out for each other—Bingbing has performed excellently."

Zhang Zhiliang was warm and courteous toward Yan Li; he'd heard of this young man before but hadn't taken him seriously.

So what if he's the "King of Selling Movies"? He doesn't make TV dramas; though both are in the entertainment industry, film and television are two separate fields.

Of course, Yan Li has money, Yi'an is doing well—maybe someday he'll enter film.

But that's none of his business; there are plenty of rich people, and plenty of film company bosses. They have no personal connection—he has no reason to fear or flatter a young man.

But now it's different: Yan Li has entered the film industry—not by producing or distributing films, but by directly entering cinema chains, and with considerable force.

Now things are settled.

As a film director, you can avoid dealing with other film companies or ignore a distributor, but you can't ignore a cinema chain of any significant scale.

If you don't want to deal with them, they have plenty of ways to deal with you.

Although Yi'an Cinema is just starting out, Zhang Zhiliang doesn't need to grovel for Yan Li—but knowing he has influence, why not maintain good relations instead of being aloof or antagonistic?

Old hands who've made it in the Xiangjiang entertainment industry know how to bend and stretch.

Zhang Zhiliang directly apologized to Fan Xiaopang in front of Yan Li, half-jokingly.

"Bingbing, the set's been too busy and chaotic, and sometimes I get impatient during shooting—it's all business, so please bear with me, and don't go running to Mr. Yan to complain about me."

Fan Xiaopang naturally didn't put on airs, but she didn't lower her stance either, responding half-jokingly.

"Then Director Zhang, you'll have to treat me better from now on, be gentler—if not, I'll go home and tattle."

Zhang Zhiliang laughed heartily: "Oh no, you've caught me by the throat."

Yan Li also smiled: "Director Zhang, don't worry—if she misbehaves, just tell me, I'll deal with her myself."

After a few half-serious, half-joking exchanges, the previous unpleasantness was effectively buried.

At the same time, Fan Xiaopang's days on the "Mo Gong" set would now be considerably easier.

After chatting with the director, Yan Li went to meet Liu Tianwang, who was very courteous.

Or rather, this man is generally courteous to everyone; his personal conduct is impeccable, and even when he needs to play the villain, his team handles it for him.

In Fan Xiaopang's words, Brother Hua is a good man, but his assistants and makeup crew sometimes act like arrogant superstar entourages.

She once tried to ask Liu Tianwang for his phone number, but was subtly and overtly blocked, as if she had some improper intentions.

But today, while chatting with Liu Tianwang, Yan Li encountered several members of his team, and they all seemed friendly.

Without Yan Li even speaking up, Liu Tianwang proactively exchanged phone numbers with him, and no one intervened.

Afterwards, since Liu Tianwang still had shooting to do, his personal executive agent personally saw Yan Li and Fan Xiaopang off, speaking warmly and kindly, even handing out his business card and saying they could contact him anytime.

After he left, Fan Xiaopang couldn't help complaining: "I've been filming here for so long, and I've never seen her smile at me as much as she did with you in these few minutes."

Yan Li glanced at her and said calmly: "It'll be different from now on—she'll smile at you more and more."

"..."

Fan Xiaopang looked around, saw no one nearby, grabbed Yan Li's head, and kissed him repeatedly, then happily wrapped her arms around his.

"I knew I picked the right man—this is truly uplifting."

"Grow up a bit."

Yan Li pinched Fan Xiaopang's nose: "This is nothing. When you're the one scolding directors, and tianwang and tianhou are begging you for your phone number, that's when you'll be truly uplifted."

"Can that really happen?"

Fan Xiaopang's eyes sparkled; today's scene had already thrilled her, but the scenario Yan Li described was beyond even her wildest dreams.

"I don't know, but everyone needs dreams. I'll work hard to help make your dream come true."

Fan Xiaopang stood on tiptoe and kissed Yan Li again: "It's us working together."

…

This visit to the set was originally just to check on Fan Xiaopang, give her some support, and then leave.

But Fan Xiaopang wouldn't let him go; she insisted he wait until she finished shooting, then take him out to taste Yixian's local cuisine.

Whether it was food or something else, Yan Li knew full well.

But after thinking it over, since Fan Xiaopang had been filming away for so long, he made a few calls and decided to stay.

While Fan Xiaopang filmed, Yan Li waited nearby, or wandered around, and even ran into an acquaintance.

Zhang Li, who played Dapeng in "The Conquest," is also acting in this production.

They got along well during "The Conquest," but hadn't kept in touch since.

Times have changed: Zhang is still a minor actor, while Yan Li has become a big shot in the industry. So when they met, Yan Li greeted him first, and Zhang was momentarily stunned.

After offering him a cigarette, Yan Li chatted casually with Zhang, who was preparing for the next scene.

Because of "The Conquest," he's somewhat recognizable, and with his natural tough-guy look, though he hasn't risen to great heights, he's consistently had roles—even more film roles than TV ones.

Since they're old acquaintances, Yan Li gave Zhang Li his phone number; Yi'an's future dramas will need plenty of villainous roles, and it's better to use someone familiar than a stranger.

When Fan Xiaopang finished filming and came to find Yan Li, she saw him chatting with Zhang Li and paused in surprise.

When Yan Li filmed "The Conquest," they didn't know each other. Later, although she'd watched the drama, she mainly paid attention to Yan Li or the main leads, and had no memory of Zhang Li, a minor supporting actor.

After Yan Li introduced him, Fan Xiaopang realized: "Oh, so he's one of us! I'm done shooting—let's all eat together tonight."

Zhang Li wasn't stupid—he wouldn't be a third wheel; he made an excuse and left. Fan Xiaopang patted Yan Li approvingly.

"Good job. I thought you were trying to flirt with some female actress."

Yan Li was speechless: "I'm right here—what female actress could possibly catch my eye?"

"Pfft. The sweeter your tongue, the more your heart's wandering."

Fan Xiaopang changed clothes, and the two disguised themselves to dine at a distinctive donkey meat restaurant in Yixian.

During the meal, Yan Li noticed a neighboring private room ordered "Donkey Trio," heard it was delicious and highly nourishing, and wanted to try it—but Fan Xiaopang adamantly refused.

Not eating it meant one live donkey; eating it meant adding another donkey—how could she get up tomorrow?

Yan Li felt disappointed and planned to buy some after the visit and take it back to test on Dong Xuan or Qin Lan.

No, better to ask Jiang Xin—she's tough, and he doesn't feel too bad about it.

After dinner, they checked into a hotel. As soon as they entered the room, Fan Xiaopang unleashed her passion.

Clearly, Yan Li's special visit to support her, and the changes it brought, had deeply affected Fan Xiaopang.

She held back on set, but privately, with no restraint, she alternated between crying "I love you to death" and "I'm in love with myself," using every trick she had to make Yan Li fully satisfied.

…

After the battle ended, Yan Li draped his arm around Fan Xiaopang's smooth, fair shoulder and brought up her album.

"Mo Gong" won't take long to shoot—film production cycles are generally short, even if big-budget films have larger, more complex scenes.

"The Legend of Yang Yuhuan" is still in preparation, so after "Mo Gong" wraps, Fan Xiaopang won't immediately join another set; she'll be busy with advertising campaigns and releasing her album.

This time I've got you two great songs; let's market them hard—doesn't have to be a blockbuster album, but at least you'll get some visibility, and future galas and commercial gigs will have signature tracks.

Fan Xiaopang sings pretty well; Yan Li has heard her sing plenty, and she loves singing privately too.

She can't match the power vocalists, but she's had formal training and is definitely better than the average KTV king.

"Don't you need to shoot a music video for the album?"

But Fan Xiaopang's thinking doesn't align with Yan Li's—she's not focused on the songs, but on the MV.

Well, that's understandable—she's an actress, and Fan Xiaopang's reputation is built on beauty; compared to singing, she's more enthusiastic and confident about MVs, where she can show off.

"We'll definitely shoot it. Your album targets fans—they paid for the DVD, they can't just be listening to songs."

"So who's going to play the male lead in the MV?"

Fan Xiaopang's almond eyes fluttered at Yan Li, who sighed: "I really might not have time."

Yi'an Cinema is newly launched; Yan Li must oversee it, and there's plenty of work on Yi'an's side too—he can't be away.

Meanwhile, Crazy Stone is about to hit theaters, and Yan Li plans to leverage this momentum to launch his film distribution business.

He's also reaching out to film companies and channels in Xiangjiang—to expand his film footprint and use Xiangjiang as a springboard to secure overseas TV distribution channels.

On top of that, there are countless other tasks—Yan Li isn't overwhelmed, but his schedule is tight.

Yi'an had originally reserved roles for him in the upcoming Legend of Yang Yuhuan and Legend of Chu Liuxiang, but Yan Li turned them all down.

"At least do one. The MV is simple—if you're quick, you can wrap it in one or two days."

Fan Xiaopang pouted and schemed: once she lured Yan Li in, if he starred in just one or two MVs, she wouldn't need any other male leads—she'd openly flaunt their affection.

That way, she'd further cement her image as Yi'an's boss lady, and give Dong and Qin a little jab.

Hmph, what's so great about pleasing family? I've got Yan Li right in my palm—ultimately, I'll be the winner.

"... 'll think about it."

Yan Li knew Fan Xiaopang well—he could tell at a glance that this woman was up to no good again.

But he couldn't yet figure out her scheme, so he chose caution: neither accepting nor refusing, keeping his answer vague until he understood her plan.

Fan Xiaopang grumbled, powerless against Yan Li.

This damn man was too sharp—but she Pianpian liked his dominance and cunning.

As mentioned before, women have a desire to conquer—but they also have a desire to be conquered.

The latter is more complex, with no clear definition—it involves admiration for strength, the thrill of surrendering emotional control, seeking dependence and security, and more.

Simply put, women sometimes crave being dominated and conquered by a powerful man.

It's not just women—men feel the same, otherwise why would so many adore dominant women and queens? Whoever's on top wins.

Fan Xiaopang and Yan Li's occasional mind games had a touch of this dynamic.

One wants to subdue the Crimson Dragon; the other wants to tame the Crimson Tiger. Subduing them brings joy; being subdued by them? Also strangely satisfying…

————

After returning from Yixian to Jingcheng, Yan Li went to Jinmen to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for Yi'an Cinema's first five-star luxury cinema in the Jingjinji region.

For Jingcheng's flagship theater, Yan Li surveyed several options but ultimately decided to partner with the Da Yuecheng under construction in Xidan.

So it was placed in the second phase—groundbreaking won't happen until the second half of the year, with an expected opening next year alongside Da Yuecheng.

Afterward, Yan Li returned to Jingcheng and met up with Yu Pangzi from Bona.

Currently, Bona is the largest private film distribution company; many Hong Kong films and co-productions involve Bona, and as a cinema operator, Yan Li can't avoid dealing with them.

Many assume that in film production, distribution, and theater exhibition, production is the most glamorous and exhibition the most powerful.

In reality, the distribution companies, often overlooked, hold considerable clout.

If a distribution company reaches a certain scale, controls multiple film releases, and holds sufficient distribution channels, it can force production houses to pay higher distribution fees and provide more support resources, while also pressuring theaters to compromise on screening schedules.

Of course, this applies to small-to-medium film companies, independent crews, and small independent theaters.

Major studios have their own distribution channels and aren't subject to distributors' control.

Large cinema chains? Forget threats—if you dare, your films won't get screened at all.

So becoming a cinema operator doesn't make you the supreme ruler of the film industry.

You must reach a scale capable of shaking the entire market to walk with arrogance; otherwise, the west wind often crushes the east wind, and small theaters frequently suffer humiliation from big studios and powerful distributors.

Yan Li had studied Wanda and Light Chaser's histories through annual intelligence reports, which cited similar cases.

Wanda, as China's largest cinema chain, once made distributors and producers kneel to offer tribute.

Light Chaser, as a distribution giant, could easily manipulate film companies and crews with weak backgrounds; small chains and independent theaters often found themselves humiliated by Light Chaser, powerless to protest.

Yan Li's Yi'an Cinema was just starting out—he couldn't afford to put on airs with Yu Pangzi.

But Yu Pangzi didn't put on airs either.

At twenty-five, he was running errands at Beiyingchang—he's now a billionaire; who knows what Yan Li might become?

Even now, though Bona is powerful in the industry, its profits are limited because it's primarily a distributor—Yu Pangzi's personal wealth truly doesn't match Yan Li's.

Each had their own leverage, both wanted to build goodwill, and both came from distribution backgrounds—charming, smooth-talking, and skilled in social maneuvering.

So after chatting a while and drinking a few rounds, they clapped each other on the shoulders, calling each other "brother."

Yan Li came to see Yu Pangzi for two reasons:

One was to lay groundwork for future distribution-cinema cooperation; the other was to learn about distribution—or rather, to probe Bona's Xiangjiang connections.

Yu Pangzi had his own agenda: he wanted to cultivate a good relationship with the heavily invested Yi'an Cinema and also seek investment for his own films.

Bona had long focused on distribution, but over the past two years, due to thin profits, lack of control, associated risks, and corporate growth constraints, it had begun investing in film production.

Yan Li had money, people, and resources—he was an ideal partner.

Film investment is far more complex than TV drama investment, especially commercial cinema—it's not enough to just throw money at it.

"Big Brother Yu, I'm really happy tonight. Let's get together again."

"No problem, we're a perfect match—call anytime."

"..."

After two rounds of drinking, Yan Li and Yu Dong finally parted reluctantly near dawn.

Back at Beiyingchang Compound, Dong Xuan was already asleep; she woke at the noise and poured him honey water.

"Why did you drink so much today?"

"Met someone who could drink."

Yan Li sipped the honey water—he'd already learned via his system that Yu Pangzi was infamous for his drinking; in his early distribution days, he'd relied entirely on alcohol to open doors.

Today's encounter proved it—he'd matched him in two rounds, and even Yan Li felt slightly drunk.

"How did the talks go?"

"Old fox—he's slippery. Won't open up unless he tastes the sweet."

Meanwhile, when Yu Pangzi got home, he was passed out drunk, carried upstairs by his driver.

His wife, Cang Lili, seeing him so drunk, scolded him but was also curious, asking the driver how many people he'd drunk with.

Yu Pangzi had a strong liquor tolerance; unless under special circumstances, he rarely got this drunk—Cang Lili assumed he'd been ambushed.

"No, just one person—Yan Zong from Yi'an."

One-on-one?

Cang Lili grew interested, asked the driver many questions, and the next day, after Yu Pangzi sobered up, teased him about it, mocking his famed drinking prowess.

"Damn, these young guys are fierce—I lost yesterday."

Yu Pangzi admitted defeat outright—if they'd been evenly matched, he'd have resented it, but Yan Li clearly had far better stamina.

Still, he saved face: "I'm older now—I don't drink to the point of collapse. Ten years ago? Who knows who'd win."

Cang Lili was intrigued by Yan Li, asking how the dinner went. Yu Pangzi pursed his lips.

"Little fox—he won't act unless he sees the rabbit. Sweet talk alone won't cut it."

Cang Lili smiled: "Someone his age with such a big empire? He's certainly no pushover."

Yu Pangzi was about to say more when his phone rang—he signaled his wife to answer.

"Young Brother Yan, no problem, thanks for thinking of me—let's meet again tonight… or tomorrow? I've got a meeting today. Fine."

After hanging up, Yu Pangzi muttered: "Calls me 'Big Brother Yu' but tries to drink me under the table."

Back at Beiyingchang Compound, Yan Li rolled his eyes at Dong Xuan after hanging up.

"I praised him, but that old bastard folded today."

Drinking contests at business banquets aren't a good habit, but often they're not just about drinking—they serve a purpose. The clinking glasses conceal negotiations and tests of will.

Whoever blinks first, loses momentum—and their leverage in later talks weakens.

Yan Li was already plotting how to squeeze more out of Yu Pangzi…

————

PS: Yesterday was my dad's birthday—I was busy catching up on writing + my sister wasn't off work, so I moved the extra 2000 words to today. Still owe 2000 words—I'll make it up tomorrow.

(End of Chapter)