Chapter 240: Finally, Yang Rong Doesn

Hotel, restaurant

Li Lin saw Fan Xiaopang eating and came over in surprise: "Why are you eating here?"

Fan Xiaopang had many scenes, was busy, and had an assistant running errands—she usually ate on set or in her hotel room; Li Lin rarely saw her in the hotel restaurant.

"Just got back from a meeting at Yi'an Garden, passed by, and ate here directly."

Meeting?

Seeing Fan Xiaopang's radiant expression, Li Lin said nothing, just set down her tray and joined her for the meal.

They got along well; Fan Xiaopang's lead roles in "The White-Haired Witch" and "The Legend of Yang Yuhuan" both brought Li Lin along.

Li Lin's filming was inevitably inconvenient after marriage and childbirth; normal productions would just replace her, but these crews had Fan Xiaopang's protection and treated her kindly.

So Li Lin had always remembered Fan Xiaopang's kindness, and seeing only the two of them, she couldn't help voicing her thoughts.

"You went too far with Jiang Xin."

Fan Xiaopang frowned: "Where did I go too far? She started it."

"If she started it, you could handle her another way—or make her intentions clear to Yan Li."

"But your behavior was too domineering—in front of so many people, how do they see you? And what about Yan Li? Won't he think something?"

Fan Xiaopang poked her egg with her chopsticks: "He won't. The next day he got me a luxury RV."

"But Dong Xuan got one too."

Li Lin looked straight into Fan Xiaopang's eyes: "Dong Xuan did nothing—and still got the RV."

Among the Seven Fairies, Li Lin was probably the most popular.

From filming days to these past few years, she never offended anyone, always got along well with people—even with the most ostracized Hu Siyan, they had no conflict.

Hu Siyan didn't like her, but didn't hate her either; they were merely polite acquaintances with a faint sense of goodwill.

If Hu Siyan felt this way, others were even less likely to hold grudges.

Even now, though Dong Xuan didn't like her, she didn't dislike her either; before the Four Fairies gathering, Dong Xuan even invited her to fill the numbers.

So Li Lin knew what was happening on "The Legend of Chu Liuxiang"—and knew quite a bit.

"Before, I thought Jiang Xin was distant from Dong Xuan; now you've pushed her right into Dong Xuan's arms."

"Let her go. I'm not afraid of them."

Fan Xiaopang was indifferent; Li Lin was speechless: "It's not about being afraid. No matter how powerful you are, you're still one person. They're dozens—voices can crush even truth."

"Even if you don't care about public opinion, what about Yan Li? A hundred whispers, over time—even if he likes you, he'll be affected."

"Even a strong tiger can't hold off a pack of wolves."

Li Lin advised Fan Xiaopang: she had advantages and didn't need to fear direct confrontation—but what if they used soft knives?

Fan Xiaopang shone brightly on the surface, with great advantages—but many watched her closely; they couldn't knock her down, but they could smear her with dirt.

"Everyone says Dong Xuan is soft, but I see Yan Li hasn't withheld anything from her. You think she's defenseless—but maybe she's enduring humiliation, biding her time."

"Bingbing, you're leading right now—don't get arrogant. Stay steady. Act like the rightful queen, with grace and magnanimity."

Fan Xiaopang listened seriously; Li Lin's words made sense, but she had her own rhythm and thoughts.

Her current dominance over Dong Qin relied on her career and personality; she couldn't afford to back down—otherwise Dong Qin's lackeys and Wang Ou would swarm her.

"Still, the principle stays the same—just change the strategy."

Prompted by Li Lin, Fan Xiaopang began repairing the damage from her earlier suppression of Jiang Xin.

The method was simple: spend money!

It was hot, so Fan Xiaopang had her assistant buy several buckets of sour plum soup, mung bean soup, and dozens of boxes of ice cream daily for the entire crew to cool off.

These items cost little, but changed how the crew viewed her.

Those who ate her food fell silent; with ice cream in their mouths and sour plum soup in their throats, though a few grumbled about buying favor, most appreciated it.

She didn't even need to arrange any narrative—the crew began spontaneously praising Fan Xiaopang.

Her former domineering attitude became generosity; her arrogance turned into unconventionality; her bullying of Jiang Xin became mere quarrels—even framed as Jiang Xin provoking it, bringing it upon herself.

She won over the lower and middle ranks with small kindnesses, then began befriending actors like Liu Wei, Lin Fangbing, Zhu Yuanyuan, and Yang Tongshu to win over the upper ranks.

Fan Xiaopang realized she didn't have the energy or time to form cliques, nor did she care to chat with a bunch of actresses she looked down on.

But for the sake of her reputation and to avoid being surrounded later, she decided to build goodwill broadly.

Maintaining good relations with these established actors—each one's word carried weight and improved her image.

Don't underestimate these actors; though they lacked popularity and fame, their public perception was excellent, and they carried real influence.

Their praise and approval held more value than the mutual flattery within the sisterhood cliques.

As for directors and producers, she'd always maintained good relations with them.

If she could win over most of the crew and many established actors, even if she clashed fiercely with the female stars, she wouldn't become isolated.

Compared to these people, the female stars were the minority.

Jiang Xin, watching from "The Legend of Yang Yuhuan," was stunned, furious, and helpless as Fan Xiaopang slowly turned public opinion around.

She dared not sabotage her, couldn't stop her, and copying her would only humiliate herself.

On set, hierarchy was clear; status and aura brought different weight.

The same ice cream—Fan Xiaopang's distribution wasn't the same as Jiang Xin's; the same words—spoken by Fan Xiaopang meant something different than spoken by Jiang Xin.

Most devastatingly, Fan Xiaopang once hosted a crew meal in Jiang Xin's name, claiming their earlier misunderstanding was resolved.

What could Jiang Xin say? She forced a smile in agreement, becoming the backdrop to Fan Xiaopang's magnanimity.

She slapped you, then blamed you for the slap—and her reputation soared, while you had to thank her.

Jiang Xin's tentative provocation ended in total defeat!

…

Yan Li had been watching Fan Xiaopang's response; he thought this woman had finally become smart.

Brutal suppression felt good—but hurt her in the long run.

This blend of softness and strength, both punishing others and gaining advantage—this was the advanced way.

Yan Li understood Fan Xiaopang had gotten a bit carried away from being pampered.

But he couldn't step in to suppress her directly, and no one else could control her—he waited for her to suffer a loss, so she'd learn "fullness invites overflow."

Unexpectedly, this woman was sharp; with just a hint from Li Lin, she grasped the insight.

Though some old habits remained, that was precisely Fan Xiaopang's nature.

If she weren't bold, weren't proud, weren't competitive—how could she challenge the Four Little Divas?

A good girl, a harmless little sweetheart—could she climb to the top of the entertainment industry?

Yan Li couldn't both need Fan Xiaopang's edge to gain advantages and then criticize her for the drawbacks it brought—that would be hypocritical.

So he didn't want to suppress Fan Xiaopang lightly—but if she could become more restrained, more polished, he'd be even more pleased.

Too rigid breaks easily—she must be sharp, but also resilient!

Dongyang, Zhongtian Century Huacheng

Jiang Xin only met Yan Li alone after he was about to leave Hengdian.

After a fierce encounter, Yan Li held Jiang Xin's plump waist, comfortably smoking a post-coital cigarette.

All the grievances and resentment she had endured on set, Jiang Xin vented on him, desperate to drain him dry.

This woman was naturally tough; now she went all out, exceeding her limits—giving Yan Li the thrill of taming a wild mare.

After finishing his cigarette, Yan Li looked at Jiang Xin curled in his arms, curious: "Why not take the chance to complain?"

This woman wasn't gentle—he expected her to seize the moment to vent.

"What's the point? You side with her—you don't even care about me."

Jiang Xin grumbled; she'd come with plenty of resentment, but had just released it all on Yan Li—the anger faded, and she realized he'd inevitably favor her. So she just stayed silent.

Yan Li didn't deny favoring Fan Xiaopang; he only smiled: "Don't waste energy fighting her. Let her live her life, you live yours."

His words carried a hint of warning.

Originally, Jiang Xin came for Yan Li's resources, treating him as a benefactor—he gave her resources, she gave him sex, mutual benefit.

But words were one thing; Yan Li's charm and power were too strong for any woman to resist.

Jiang Xin's main goal had been finding a benefactor, but she'd developed some feelings for Yan Li.

After becoming intimate, the deeper she knew him, the more she enjoyed his private tenderness and generosity—her thoughts and emotions inevitably intensified.

Her distance from Dong Xuan, her jealousy of Fan Xiaopang—all stemmed from this.

She'd fallen for him!

To be fair, Yan Li was used to this and didn't mind—but he hoped Jiang Xin wouldn't act out or overstep.

So he tacitly allowed Fan Xiaopang to suppress Jiang Xin—to make her understand her limits.

Back then, Wang Ou went through the same: repeatedly disciplined by Fan Xiaopang and Qin Lan, or she'd never have become so obedient today.

Wu Jiani, by contrast, was soft-spoken, never dared to rebel, and had witnessed Wang Ou's punishment—she became the monkey watching the chicken being killed.

Jiang Xin wasn't easy to control, and her ambitions were large; if not for Fan Xiaopang, Dong Xuan would've had to manage her directly.

After this episode, Jiang Xin understood her place: stay if she wanted, leave if she couldn't bear the humiliation—amicably.

Yan Li wouldn't let her down.

The drama "The Magic Sword of Life and Death," which Qin Lan didn't act in—she'd get it, whether she stayed or left.

Stay, and it was comfort and compensation.

Leave, and it was closure.

Jiang Xin's choice was simple: she'd worked hard to connect with Yan Li, her career was rising—why leave?

Maybe following Yan Li brought occasional grievances—but without him, the entertainment industry's backstabbing brought far more.

More importantly, as long as she behaves and stays obedient, Yan Li will give her a big sweet reward.

Jiang Xin's eyes lit up with joy when she heard Yan Li had given her the female lead in a high-budget historical drama.

Totally worth it!

If this is all it takes to get the female lead, I'd let Fan Xiaopang scold me to my face every day.

"Look at the kind of spirit you've got."

Yan Li couldn't help but laugh and sigh—he'd thought Jiang Xin had some backbone, daring to tattle on Fan Xiaopang, yet one female lead role was enough to buy her off.

"I'm doing this for you—you've been good to me, so I listen to you and won't hold a grudge against her."

Jiang Xin's words were half-truth and half-bluff; she'd been crushed by Fan Xiaopang lately, and Yan Li's sweet reward came at just the right moment.

Even though she knew full well this man wasn't innocent, Jiang Xin still couldn't help feeling moved.

Yan Li watched Jiang Xin grow docile and felt quietly satisfied inside.

He tacitly allowed the bigger ones to discipline the smaller ones, and the bigger ones, feeling Yan Li favored them, were pleased.

Later, Yan Li would soothe the smaller ones himself, letting the bigger ones play the villain while he played the hero—so the smaller ones all thought Yan Li was good.

Thus, Yan Li won favor on both sides, pleasing everyone, keeping the harem relatively harmonious, and ensuring all the women sided with him.

Perfect—just a bit inhuman…

————

In September, Yan Li left Hengdian but didn't return directly to Beijing; instead, he traveled across major cities.

One purpose was to inspect the construction and locations of Yi'an Theater's cinemas; the other was to meet regional field promotion managers and understand distribution efforts.

"Crazy Stone" made a name for itself overnight.

The public focused mostly on film quality and anti-piracy efforts, but in Yan Li's view, field promotion was the real key.

Anti-piracy efforts weren't always successful, and even when they worked, they only set a floor—results were uncertain.

Many people who watch pirated films simply have the habit; crack down on piracy, and they'll just wait a while—they won't necessarily go to theaters.

Field promotion directly attracts potential moviegoers to spend money at theaters—that's the key to Yi'an's long-term, stable distribution and raising its ceiling.

Moreover, if the field promotion teams are well-trained, they won't be limited to just movies.

TV drama promotion can also use field promotion; the effect may not be as strong as with films, but it's still useful.

Advertising, artist management, and other business areas—all benefit immensely from a nationwide, locally knowledgeable offline promotion network.

So Yan Li flew to every region to meet the heads of major districts and key cities.

After "Crazy Stone," field promotion teams across the country were consolidated.

From single-city units, they became regional teams divided into six major zones: North China, Northeast China, South China, Northwest China, Southwest China, and East China.

During field promotion, regional managers coordinate and allocate resources, enabling better resource synergy and easier company management.

Yan Li encouraged everyone to work hard and prepare well for the upcoming battles of "The Banquet" and "Baby Plan."

Once sufficient potential is demonstrated, the company will invest more resources into field promotion.

At that point, field promotion teams will cover every prefecture-level city—and even county-level cities—including Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan—with stronger capabilities and better benefits.

"Brothers, you might not feel much as individuals in single cities, but if every city has Yi'an people, our voice, power, and resources will be immense—one move triggers a hundred cities, one move triggers a thousand."

"Right now we promote movies; in the future, we can promote TV dramas, albums, even the internet, education, finance, fast-moving consumer goods—becoming nodes connecting the virtual and physical worlds."

"So I say, field promotion isn't just sales staff—it's the seeds Yi'an sows nationwide. Each of you is an elite of Yi'an, and the future towering trees that will support Yi'an."

"………"

Shanghai, a hotel suite

Yan Li held his wine cup, painting—no, explaining—the future to the field promotion staff gathered for the meeting and banquet.

These days, people were still relatively simple, and field promotion was tedious and exhausting, mostly handled by young people.

Watching Yan Li, the so-called business genius boss, call everyone "brothers" and rally them with encouragement, everyone's spirits soared; the beautiful future he described left them burning with passion.

"I hope you brothers walk with me and Yi'an, growing and succeeding together—I'll drink this."

With a two-ounce cup, Yan Li downed it in one gulp; the crowd cheered loudly and followed suit.

"Sit down, sit down, don't be shy—eat freely, order more if you need to. It's rare that I, your boss, treat you all to a meal, so don't hold back!"

Yan Li was courteous to outsiders, let alone his own employees—especially mid- and lower-level staff. Unless under special circumstances, he almost always greeted them with a smile and had no airs.

Some field promotion staff were former market department employees who had drunk with Yan Li before and were familiar with him; they raised their glasses to toast, and Yan Li accepted every one.

New employees, warmed by the opening remarks and the atmosphere, gradually loosened up.

"Director Yan, I'm Liu Feng. I used to manage Hangzhou and am now transferred to Shanghai."

Liu Feng approached hesitantly to toast. Yan Li looked at him, paused thoughtfully, then suddenly said:

"I know you. In East China, besides Shanghai, your Hangzhou was the top box office, and you handled the ticket-stealing incident excellently—you even sent in suggestions. Good job. Now that you're back in Shanghai, work hard. The company won't let talent go unrewarded."

Yan Li patted Liu Feng's shoulder in praise. Liu Feng hadn't expected the boss to know him.

Before the wine even touched his lips, he was already dizzy; his usually articulate tongue stumbled, and he ended up draining the entire cup of baijiu.

"Good drinking."

Yan Li praised him, ignored the objections, and drank his own full cup too.

For unfamiliar people toasting him, Yan Li smiled but didn't always drink; for client dinners, he sometimes pretended to be drunk to avoid overindulging.

But for employees who worked hard for the company—especially mid- and lower-level staff—who sincerely toasted him, Yan Li refused to play games. He drank as much as he could.

You don't just call them "brothers"—you have to act. Even if you're faking, you have to do it well. These young people, doing field promotion—constantly interacting with people—rarely had poor alcohol tolerance.

Yan Li held his own against the crowd. Even when others noticed he'd reached his limit and held back, by the end of the banquet, Yan Li, red-faced and vomiting once, was carried into the car.

Wu Maowen drove toward the hotel, but Yan Li stopped him, mumbling an address.

"Bro, you're this drunk—just rest for a day."

Wu Maowen urged. Yan Li slapped him: "What are you thinking? You're tired too. I'm going to someone's place to get taken care of."

"……"

Wu Maowen didn't say whether he believed him—he'd studied Shanghai's map beforehand, recalled the address, and drove there.

When they arrived, Yan Li didn't get out. He pulled out his phone: "I'm drunk, nowhere to go—I'm downstairs. Come get me."

"You've taken so many calls from me—can't you cover one night's rent? Hurry up. It's cold tonight."

After confirming Yang Rong was home, Yan Li told Wu Maowen to leave. But Wu Maowen, uneasy, parked nearby and watched from a corner until he saw Yang Rong lead Yan Li into the building, then turned away.

Yang Rong's apartment building had no elevator; she had to struggle to drag Yan Li up the stairs.

She was short; Yan Li was tall and muscular, and drunk, his body was heavy. Had he not still had a bit of clarity, they'd have spent the night in the stairwell.

After fifteen minutes of effort, they finally got inside.

Yang Rong, exhausted, let her legs give way and sat down, letting Yan Li's weight collapse onto her.

She pushed him: "Get off."

Yan Li acted as if he hadn't heard, adjusted his position, and rested his head on something soft.

Honestly, Yang Rong was petite, but she had ample curves—living proof of the saying "having capacity means greatness."

Yang Rong's eyes blazed, her face flushed as she shoved his head. He groaned.

"Don't shake. I'm dizzy."

Dizzy your ass!

Yang Rong had no choice but to plead softly: "You're crushing me. The floor's cold. Get up—I'll help you to bed."

After much coaxing, having gotten his fill, Yan Li finally staggered up. Once on the bed, he didn't want to move again.

He really had drunk too much. The cold wind downstairs and the climb up the stairs had worn him out. He wasn't just taking advantage—he was genuinely tired and dizzy.

Yang Rong considered leaving, but seeing how uncomfortable Yan Li looked with his wrinkled clothes, she sighed and went to take off his shoes and shirt.

After undressing him as much as she could, she lifted and repositioned his body on the bed, then covered him with a blanket.

Wiping sweat from her brow and catching her breath, she turned to leave—when her hand was grabbed. She looked back: Yan Li's eyes half-lidded, pulling her onto the bed.

Yang Rong's face changed. She tried to resist, but Yan Li pulled her into his arms and patted her buttocks.

"I won't touch you. It's cold. I just want to hold you while I sleep."

You bastard—you're using me as a pillow, are you?

Yang Rong cursed inwardly, struggled to rise—but Yan Li held her tightly. Annoyed by her movements, he gave her buttocks two slaps.

"……"

Yang Rong wanted to bite him to death, but had no choice—she resigned herself to being his pillow.

Yan Li's eyes tightly shut, his breath faintly snoring.

Trapped and unable to move, Yang Rong couldn't sleep either. She took the chance to study Yan Li's features closely.

She'd known Yan Li for a long time, but had never observed him this closely.

His eyebrows were thick, his eyes large, his features three-dimensional and sharply defined, his skin slightly bronzed. Together, he wasn't a classically handsome top-tier beauty, but he was dignified, martial, and undeniably masculine.

She felt the muscle contours of his arms around her, then cautiously touched his abs.

Though she'd heard Wang Ou brag about them before, hearing and experiencing were two different things.

She had to admit: this bastard had some looks. No wonder he'd completely bewitched that little vixen.

But he was too promiscuous!

Yang Rong's fingers lightly traced the contours of Yan Li's abs.

She had feelings for him—if she didn't, after Wang Ou's antics, she'd have avoided him entirely, at least wouldn't have tacitly cooperated.

But she'd hesitated—not just because Wang Ou made her feel awkward, but because she saw no future with Yan Li.

She wasn't as carefree as Wang Ou, who shouted about being his mistress forever.

Yang Rong had no career ambitions and low material needs; Yan Li's money-spending tactics had little effect on her. She just wanted a quiet, comfortable life.

Only Yan Li could achieve this, but who knows how long it would last.

She's young and beautiful now, everything seems fine, but if Yan Li dumps her, when she's older, she won't find another partner.

Most importantly, as Wang Ou said, can a woman who's been with a lion ever settle for a sheep?

Yang Rong isn't that extreme, but she's still an ordinary person.

Forget the future—even now, Yang Rong occasionally interacts with some men, some even want to pursue her, and each time she inevitably compares them to Yan Li.

The bad ones she can't stand; the good ones probably won't want her; the mediocre ones leave her dissatisfied.

Yang Rong looked at Yan Li, gritted her teeth—this kind of man is poison; once you're hooked, there's no escape.

Just as she was thinking, Yan Li moved. Yang Rong startled, quickly pulled her hand away, only to realize he'd merely adjusted his posture.

She exhaled in relief. Just as she hesitated whether to resume her earlier action, she noticed Yan Li's hand slipping under her clothes, pinching her, then gripping her as he fell back asleep.

Yang Rong: "..."

Can this bastard even sleep properly?

After being quiet for a while, seeing Yan Li make no further move, Yang Rong grew bolder and slipped back into her old habits.

You get to take advantage of me, but I can't even sneak a little touch? This is still my house.

After a long while, Yang Rong was nearly asleep when Yan Li pushed her awake, his voice hoarse.

"Water."

"Oh."

Yang Rong got up to fetch water outside, fed him a sip, then Yan Li shifted his sleeping position and patted his lap.

"Come here."

Yang Rong couldn't help but glare at him, but after a pause, she obediently crawled into his arms and let him hold her.

Yan Li felt uncomfortable and pointed at her clothes: "It's poking me."

Yang Rong frowned: "Don't push your luck."

Yan Li kissed her: "Good girl, listen to me."

Yang Rong ignored him, so Yan Li helped her take off her clothes. She struggled slightly, but he succeeded anyway.

Finally, Yan Li stripped himself bare. Without clothing between them, holding her soft, warm body felt even better. He placed his hand in its usual spot with practiced ease and sighed contentedly.

"Sleep."

"Dirty pervert."

Yang Rong muttered under her breath, then couldn't help pressing closer to Yan Li. Regardless of everything else, this bastard had a strong body heat—he was warm.

The next morning, when Yang Rong woke up, Yan Li was gone.

At first she thought he'd gone to the bathroom, but when he didn't return, she got up and checked—the house was empty. His clothes and shoes from yesterday were gone too.

"He really left?"

Yang Rong felt strange inside, couldn't quite name the feeling.

This bastard got drunk, came over to her place, took advantage of her, gave no explanation, then just slipped away—does he really think her home is a hotel?

But when Yang Rong picked up her phone and saw the message Yan Li had sent, her mood instantly improved.

【Company business, I left early. I'll be back for dinner. Might have a banquet—prepare something light but filling.】

He even listed the dishes!

Yang Rong was defeated by Yan Li's shamelessness. She cursed for a while, then started cleaning the house.

Yan Li had shown up suddenly yesterday, so the place was a mess. She didn't know if he'd noticed last night, but he'd surely seen it this morning.

Yang Rong felt nervous—would Yan Li think she was a sloppy woman?

She'd been to Wang Ou's place—it was neat and tidy. She'd heard Yan Li liked cleanliness.

After tidying up, Yang Rong quickly changed clothes and went to the market to buy groceries. Her cooking was decent; she could handle a few home-style dishes easily.

If it tastes bad, so be it—it's not like she's the one eating it.

Even so, on the way to the market, Yang Rong stopped by several old shops in the metropolis and bought some ready-made dishes and snacks.

At the market, she didn't know what Yan Li liked to eat. She thought of calling Wang Ou, but feared that little flirt might guess something. She didn't trust Wu Jiani either.

In the end, she just bought everything she could think of, cooked several dishes—surely one would match Yan Li's taste.

When Yan Li returned to Yang Rong's place that evening, he found seven bowls and eight plates nearly filling the table.

"Quite the feast."

Yan Li smiled and handed Yang Rong a bottle of red wine: "Good food deserves good wine. Have some?"

Yang Rong pursed her lips: "I don't have wine glasses."

"Any glass will do."

Yang Rong fetched two water glasses, opened the wine with her own corkscrew, and drank with Yan Li.

Yan Li's manner was completely natural, as if he were at home—eating, drinking, praising dishes he liked, and bluntly saying when he didn't.

Under his influence, Yang Rong relaxed too, began chatting and laughing with him, even asking about his work in the metropolis.

Yan Li had traveled across the country; the metropolis was his final stop. Aside from theater screenings and ground promotions, he was following up on Tudou. om's issues.

Tudou. om's Series A funding went smoothly. Yan Li co-invested, adding some resources—his equity stake barely changed.

In fact, due to the founding team's shares being diluted by funding, Yan Li (Yanye Capital) was now the second-largest shareholder, after Wang Wei.

With funding secured, Tudou. om was about to launch big. As a major shareholder and partner, Yan Li needed to attend Tudou's next strategic meeting—he'd likely stay in the metropolis for two or three more days.

Yang Rong didn't care much about Tudou. om, but hearing Yan Li would stay longer, her expression brightened.

She picked up a shrimp and tried to place it in his bowl, but Yan Li opened his mouth directly. She paused briefly, then fed it straight into his mouth.

After dinner, Yang Rong cleaned and washed the dishes. When she came out of the kitchen, she saw Yan Li sitting on the sofa, waving at her.

As soon as she sat down, he took her hand and slipped a bracelet onto her wrist.

"Why are you buying me another one?"

Yang Rong pouted. Last time Yan Li came to the metropolis and found her away, he'd given her a bracelet—now he was buying another.

"I saw you weren't wearing the one I gave you. I thought you didn't like it, so I bought another."

"Who said I didn't like it?"

Yang Rong blurted out—the bracelet he'd given her she truly liked, but it was expensive, and she'd been hesitant about her relationship with Yan Li, so she only wore it at home.

"If you like it, wear both—switch them."

Yan Li knew perfectly well she liked it—but pretending he didn't showed he truly cared.

Yang Rong looked at the delicate, expensive bracelet with delight.

She didn't care much for material things, but that didn't mean she didn't value or enjoy them—especially when they came from Yan Li.

Seeing this, Yan Li lay back on the sofa and rested his head between her legs: "Still hungover from last night. My head's throbbing—give me a head massage."

"Always ordering me around."

Yang Rong took off the bracelet, afraid it might scratch him, then gently massaged his scalp with her small hands.

Yan Li closed his eyes and enjoyed it: "Why not move to Beijing? Keep Wang Ou company."

Yang Rong's hands froze: "No. Don't tell Wang Ou either. When you leave the metropolis, we go back to how things were."

Yan Li opened his eyes and looked at her: "Then what will you do when Wang Ou calls you later?"

Yang Rong: "..."

She rubbed his hair, flustered and annoyed: "I won't answer her calls anymore. I'll just be friends with Wang Ou—no involvement in your mess."

"Fine."

Yan Li closed his eyes and fell silent. Yang Rong kept rubbing his head, then couldn't help asking:

"You're just going to accept this?"

Yan Li's voice didn't change: "I understand if you're not ready. I respect your choice. Let's just treat these days like a dream."

Yang Rong's hands stopped. She gritted her teeth: "You take advantage and then walk away."

Yan Li corrected: "I didn't even take off my pants."

"Then don't. Just leave."

Yang Rong told him to go, but Yan Li didn't move: "Look at you—you don't want me to stay, but you're unhappy when I leave. You say one thing and mean another. Aren't you tired?"

If not for his system, Yan Li wouldn't have been able to read Yang Rong's mind at all.

Even now, he wasn't entirely sure—because Yang Rong herself didn't understand her own feelings. One moment this, the next that, always hesitant.

But Yan Li knew one thing: Yang Rong didn't reject him—she even liked him. She wasn't the type to stir up trouble. So he'd keep eating, and wait for her to figure it out.

Whether she stayed or left—he wouldn't lose out!

Yang Rong was still torn, but Yan Li had grown impatient. Last night he'd been drunk; today, sober, he'd clarify things, define their relationship.

Yang Rong lay in Yan Li's arms, sated yet slightly fearful—after listening to so many others' stories, it was finally her turn.

Better than she'd imagined. And more exhausting.

Yan Li gently stroked her back and couldn't help saying: "Just move to Beijing."

Her body felt good, delicious to hold—but she never satisfied him, and she was a bit delicate.

He remembered Hu Siyan, similarly petite, who was more resilient.

Hmm—he hadn't been particularly gentle with her either.

Yang Rong knew her performance had been average. After hearing so many stories, she understood Yan Li's strength—she couldn't even compare to Li Bing or Wang Ou.

But she still couldn't make up her mind, and she couldn't face Wang Ou—so she just said: "Let me think about it."

Yan Li didn't press further; it was useless to persuade her. He simply made a few calls to stir her jealousy, and without being asked, she moved to Jingcheng herself.

Or it wouldn't be bad to have Wang Ou and the others come to Moshu; as the company expands, Moshu will become increasingly important, and Yan Li will need to come here occasionally.

If Wang Ou and the others moved over, Yan Li would have company in Moshu, and he could also avoid Dong Qin Fan's side.

To be honest, having everyone clustered in Jingcheng was too crowded and chaotic…

————

PS: Nine thousand characters, (5000/8000)

(End of Chapter)