Chapter 258

"Director Yan."

Xu Zheng, bald-headed, shook hands with Yan Li, who smiled.

"I heard you also participated in Ning Hao's script?"

Xu Zheng wasn't sure what Yan Li meant: "I just offered some suggestions, learning from Director Ning."

Unlike ordinary actors, Xu Zheng had been involved in behind-the-scenes work very early on.

He started as a theater actor, performing in Shanghai's theater scene, where he was already a notable figure, having won the White Magnolia Award for Best Male Lead.

After excelling as an actor, he gradually moved into theater production as his fame grew.

Though never officially appointed director, he held considerable influence in creative development, accumulating substantial behind-the-scenes experience and tasting the sweet advantage of core power surpassing that of an actor.

From then on, Xu Zheng harbored ambitions to become a director, and after transitioning into film and television, he never let go of similar opportunities.

On the TV drama "Li Wei as Official 2," he made his debut as director; earlier, he even volunteered to cameo in "Crazy Stone" because he thought the script was brilliant and wanted to meet Director Ning Hao to learn from him.

After "Crazy Stone," Xu Zheng successfully connected with Ning Hao, and their private relationship became quite good.

When Ning Hao developed new films, Xu Zheng was especially eager, offering plenty of suggestions—he was essentially an unofficial screenwriter.

Having performed in theater for many years, he was among the most recognized comedy actors in the industry, and having quietly prepared for behind-the-scenes roles, Xu Zheng, though not a genius like Ning Hao, possessed solid foundational skills.

Over time, Yan Li, who had always followed Ning Hao's new projects, picked up rumors.

"That's great. It's hard work—once the script's done, I'll treat everyone."

Yan Li nodded; having been in the industry long enough, though he hadn't directly contributed to scriptwriting, he understood how a good script came together.

Cases where one person writes a script single-handedly with a pen are rare, especially for comedies or scripts rich in detail—these always require gathering a group for brainstorming sessions.

First, draft a broad outline; then have someone oversee the direction and structure; next, take that script to familiar friends for study and discussion—those with ideas contribute ideas, those without help review and offer feedback; through constant revision and refinement, the final script takes shape.

So don't be fooled by scripts listing only one or two names—many minds contributed their wisdom.

In Xiangjiang, no need to elaborate—it's famously stitched together; on the mainland, Feng Xiaogang's comedies are the most famous, and in their early days, he gathered a group of Beijing-based writers for ideas.

Even now, directors like Feng Xiaogang and Jiang Wen, who favor piling up punchlines and details, spend most of their pre-production time gathering people to chat about scripts.

Ning Hao inherited his predecessors' habits; rumors say he's recruited many screenwriters and writers to help, even dragging Yan Li over for half a day of script discussions.

In terms of creative ability, Yan Li might be weaker, but his taste is famously sharp.

He can't write scripts himself, but he can pinpoint flaws, eliminate the weak and preserve the strong, and align with commercial needs—all of which Ning Hao needs.

Yan Li strongly supported Ning Hao, almost wanting to elevate him to the status of Yi'an Feng Xiaogang.

Since Xu Zheng was close to Ning Hao and his creative abilities were recognized, Yan Li naturally viewed him differently.

Moreover, Yan Li also held Xu Zheng's comedy skills and foundation in high regard.

Currently, mainland China's notable comedy actors can roughly be divided into two groups.

Most are sketch and crosstalk performers—Zhao Ben Shan, Fan Wei, Feng Gong, Pan Changjiang—all fall into this category.

A smaller portion are film and television comedy actors, mostly from Hong Kong and Taiwan, with mainland China represented by Ge Da, while Xu Zheng belongs to the core middle tier.

Although Yi'an was preparing "Painted Skin," its overall direction remained focused on low-to-mid-budget investments.

And such low-to-mid-budget films, designed to maximize returns with minimal investment, are mostly comedies—so securing capable comedy actors was crucial.

Of course, most importantly, in Guangxian's internal future intelligence, Xu Zheng's name appeared frequently.

Though mostly mentioned in passing, Yan Li didn't know the full details, but from the frequency of his name's appearance and fragments of information, he could still discern Xu Zheng's importance.

Given this, and with an opportunity at hand, Yan Li naturally wished to cultivate goodwill and bring him into his circle.

For the remaining time, Yan Li spent noticeably longer chatting with Xu Zheng, who was both flattered and overjoyed.

In the entertainment industry, it's not just female actors who need financial backers—whether male actors have powerful supporters behind them matters greatly.

Those who are handsome can court wealthy women or big bosses; those with ordinary looks can't even find someone to take them seriously, so they must rely on "big brothers."

If a "big brother" recognizes you, pulls you into his inner circle, and promotes you, it's far easier than grinding alone in hardship.

Undoubtedly, at this stage, Yan Li had the standing to be a "big brother" in the mainland film and television industry.

Xu Zheng's position in the industry was awkward—he'd appeared in many popular dramas, his face was familiar, his name well-known, but his popularity was low; he could play leads, yet couldn't carry a major project, stuck in a middle ground, neither hot nor cold.

The more such a situation persists, the more he needs a "big brother's" support.

With some foundation and advantages, a single push from a big brother could instantly transform his career prospects.

Conversely, without a big brother's push, he might remain stuck at this threshold; if lucky, he might last a few more years; if unlucky, after two years he'd fade, perhaps reduced to supporting roles.

Xu Zheng didn't know why Yan Li had taken notice of him, but since the mighty Director Yan was showing interest, he was eager to seize the chance and cling to this leg.

Besides Xu Zheng, Liu Yiwei, another key figure in "Love Transfer," also sought to cultivate a good relationship with Yan Li.

This guy's main job was hosting, but he was a multi-talent—screenwriter, actor, producer, musician, involved in every behind-the-scenes role.

His status and wealth weren't particularly high, but his seniority was deep and his network extensive—he knew people across all sectors.

As Yan Li knew, some outsiders establishing film or cultural companies would recruit him as executive, shareholder, or partner, precisely because of his industry connections.

People like this, seemingly unremarkable, actually thrived within the industry.

Yan Li didn't really need to befriend such people.

After all, Yan Li's forte was networking and intelligence; in a sense, he himself had risen as a kind of middleman, and whatever Liu Yiwei could do, Yan Li could do better and stronger.

But Liu Yiwei still had some abilities, and not every task could be handled personally by Yan Li.

For instance, inviting celebrities to join Weibo—big names Yan Li handled himself; for mid- and lower-tier celebrities, either company staff handled it, or someone like Liu Yiwei, a well-connected veteran, had to step in.

So Yan Li didn't reject or cold-shoulder Liu Yiwei; instead, he welcomed him into the conversation and casually offered promises.

"If this movie makes money, I'll talk with China Film Group about investing in a sequel—then Old Liu handles the script, Xu Zheng stars, and we create another triumph."

"Not just movies—TV dramas too? Marriage and romance are always hot topics; if you craft a good script, I'll fund it."

"…"

Films like "Love Transfer" have very low chances of becoming massive hits.

But for film companies, even small profits count—flies are still meat, and such "successful" films that turn a profit bring many potential returns.

For example, boosting the company's performance record, generating buzz within the industry and with official bodies, attracting investor interest and securing numerous partnerships, and so on.

In commercial cinema, as long as you make money and turn a profit, other aspects will naturally follow, and things will keep improving.

Yan Li isn't just blowing smoke—movies like *Love Transfer*, low-budget anthology films, have a high chance of sequels if they turn a profit.

A TV series is also possible; once the film builds its reputation, launching a TV adaptation to make another profit is a common industry move.

Killing two birds with one stone, with mutual feedback—why not?

It's not just *Love Transfer*—Yan Li is even considering a TV version of *Painted Skin*, to earn more money and help elevate someone's career.

Yan Li's promises excited Liu and Xu greatly, especially Xu Zheng, who now had a chance at not just one film, but also a TV series.

Not only could they earn acting fees, but they'd also get a chance to shine and climb another rung.

This is what a real big brother looks like!

So many people in the entertainment industry go to great lengths to infiltrate circles, constantly flashing their faces and bowing to powerful figures, because having a benefactor's support is simply too important.

…

After the premiere, Yan Li hosted a dinner for the main creatives, also as a send-off—the next day, everyone would begin traveling for the roadshow.

Especially Xu Zheng and Liu Yiwei; the other actresses were mostly cameos, possibly appearing in only a few roadshow events, or even skipping them entirely, but the two of them had to oversee the entire tour.

"You two will have a tough time ahead."

Yan Li raised his glass in salute; Liu and Xu immediately stood up, saying it was only natural.

He nodded, then turned to Wang Ou and the others, politely suggesting that if they had time, they might help with a couple more roadshow stops—should the film succeed, they'd get exposure too, and later, in sequels or the TV series, they could continue collaborating.

He spoke politely, but in truth, no one needed to be told—they all already intended to do so.

Wang Ou was under Yi'an's management; for Yi'an's project, she was bound to contribute.

Huo Siyan was determined to cling to a powerful leg, and threw herself wholeheartedly into Yan Li's affairs.

Including Che Xiao, Li Xiaolu, and Bai Bing—all of them wanted to connect with Yi'an to some degree. But connecting wasn't just about talking; cameos, showing support, and participating in roadshows were, in a way, building up Yan Li's goodwill.

Once goodwill reached a certain level, when Yi'an had suitable roles, they'd have a far better chance than outsiders.

The women tacitly divided up the roadshow dates among themselves, with Wang Ou and Huo Siyan taking the most.

They were closest to Yan Li, eager to curry favor, and had the most legitimacy to do so—plus, the earlier unpleasantness had stirred a bit of competition.

In the end, Huo Siyan edged out Wang Ou by half a step—there was no help for it; she had more free time and more open dates, while Wang Ou had other commitments she couldn't skip.

Huo Siyan felt she'd won a victory, sneered lightly at Wang Ou, then turned to Yan Li and put on a sweet, obedient face.

"Yan Zong's matters are most important—I've turned down all my other engagements to prioritize this."

Yan Li knew Huo Siyan's motives weren't pure, but he was still satisfied with her attitude.

To cling tightly to a powerful leg, this little bitch was truly willing to go all out!

Wang Ou watched Yan Li and Huo Siyan laughing and chatting, grinding her teeth silently beside them.

That little dwarf is acting like this, obeying Yan Li blindly, making her, the devoted little sweetheart, suddenly seem far less "devoted."

Filled with a sense of crisis, Wang Ou pondered a way out—and then she spotted Bai Bing.

"Bingbing, don't just eat—I'll take you over to say hello to Yan Zong."

Wang Ou spoke with an air of mentorship, leaving Bai Bing deeply grateful: "Thank you, Sister Ou."

Facing a big shot like Yan Li, Bai Bing naturally wanted to get noticed—but as a newcomer, she had no right to bypass others and crowd near Yan Li. With Wang Ou's help, she avoided a huge hassle.

Wang Ou gave a quick explanation, seized an opportunity, and brought Bai Bing over to toast Yan Li.

"Yan Zong, this is Bai Bing, whom I mentioned to you before—an outstanding newcomer, with excellent character and ability."

Bai Bing seized the moment to toast, uttering words of admiration.

Yan Li had already seen Bai Bing earlier, but hadn't paid much attention; now, with Wang Ou's introduction, he took a closer look.

Her features really did resemble Wang Ou's—by about two or three tenths!

She was quite attractive too: oval face, large eyes, fair skin, pure and sweet features, a gentle and approachable temperament, soft and elegant—no wonder Wang Ou had noticed her.

This little flirt knew Yan Li's taste—he preferred fair-skinned, pure, sweet, and gentle-looking women.

Wang Ou herself matched Wu Jiani and Yang Rong; Dong Xuan and Qin Lan also bore some resemblance.

Even Fan Xiaopang had once followed this style; now, though leaning more toward bright and dazzling, she was still capable of both purity and allure.

Human aesthetics never change!

Although Yan Li had explored other directions before—like the spirited Li Bingbing and the voluptuous Jiang Xin—he still fundamentally favored his personal taste.

Yan Li glanced at Wang Ou and thought she'd actually be quite suited for HR work.

She had good taste, and some organizational and managerial ability—she'd made her little group lively and vibrant. By comparison, Huo Siyan's "Teddy Sisters" group, though larger, lacked cohesion and unity.

Although he understood Wang Ou's intent and didn't reject Bai Bing, Yan Li remained reserved, offering only normal social interaction.

Too many women wanted to cling to him; he'd grown to prefer passivity—it saved him trouble and spared him responsibility.

Of course, Boss Yan was a man of principle: mutual consent, each getting what they wanted. As long as he was satisfied and rules were followed, the benefits he offered wouldn't be withheld.

Although Yan Li's attitude toward Bai Bing wasn't warm, he didn't reject her either.

Beside him, Huo Siyan—who had repeatedly shielded Yan Li from flirtations—understood his style well, and instantly sounded the alarm; her gaze toward Wang Ou brimmed with contempt and hatred.

How shameless—she's even acting as a pimp!

Wang Ou felt Huo Siyan's stare and instinctively glared back: I do as I please—what's it to you?

Though outwardly defiant, Wang Ou soon pulled Bai Bing away—she wasn't afraid of Huo Siyan, but she feared this little dwarf reporting it to Qin Lan.

Yan Li's infidelity outside was common knowledge; everyone turned a blind eye.

But Wang Ou actively pimping was a taboo—she might be targeted and suppressed by Qin Lan or others in unison.

Wang Ou had reservations; she didn't want to become a target. She preferred to quietly build wealth, gaining Yan Li's trust and forming her own faction without drawing attention.

Moreover, she worried others might go all out too—if they all did this, she'd lose her exclusive advantage.

Thinking of this, Wang Ou felt a twinge of regret—she shouldn't have let herself get into this argument with Huo Siyan.

Others might not want to emulate such a thing, but she understood the dead dwarf's character well—shameless and skilled at networking.

Whether Huo Siyan was involved with Yan Li or just wanted to cling to him, she clearly wanted to flatter him; if she took up pimping, she'd be creating a powerful enemy for herself.

Wang Ou was overthinking this—Huo Siyan had no such intention, at least not yet.

After all, she wasn't like Wang Ou; Qin Lan stood between them. If Qin found out about her pimping, Qin Lan would crush her.

Moreover, her relationship with Yan Li was unclear, and she feared being replaced—how could she possibly invite a wolf into her home? Even Yan Li's trust in her was lower than in Wang Ou, so even if Huo Siyan had the ability, she lacked the conditions to act.

After the meal, Wang Ou and Huo Siyan each had their own thoughts and worries, leaving them both somewhat listless. The others, however, were in good spirits—until they stepped out of the restaurant and encountered a young man with a gloomy expression.

"Why are you here?"

Li Xiaolu frowned at her boyfriend Li Chen—no, more accurately, her "ex-boyfriend."

Two days ago, during the New Year, they had a huge fight over emotional conflicts and family issues, broke up as usual, and were now in a cold war.

Li Chen couldn't help glancing at Yan Li behind him and whispered, "Stop this. Come home with me."

"Home? Your mom doesn't even like me—better to break up now and be done with it."

Li Xiaolu was seething with resentment; she clearly cared deeply about this. After all, she held absolute dominance in their relationship, and with superior conditions on all fronts, her self-esteem was high—only to be insulted by her future mother-in-law, which she saw as a profound humiliation.

"My mom didn't mean it that way. Besides, your mom doesn't like me either, does she?"

Li Chen's mother looked down on Li Xiaolu, thinking the girl was too spoiled, too playful and frivolous—not the kind to settle down.

Li Xiaolu's mother thought Li Chen was mediocre—nearly thirty, no career progress, family background inferior to hers; marrying him would mean her daughter subsidizing him.

With both sets of parents dissatisfied, plus other petty grievances and old grudges, their fight had become extremely bitter.

Li Chen habitually bowed first, coming over to reconcile—only to be met with a furious tirade from Li Xiaolu, still full of anger.

"I'll ask you once: are you coming home or not?"

Li Chen's face turned dark with fury. He, too, was simmering with anger, humiliated in front of everyone, and was beginning to lose control.

"So what if I don't go home?"

Li Xiaolu wasn't afraid; she kept taunting him. Li Chen couldn't hold back his temper, grabbed her arm to force her back, and she resisted violently.

Now the bystanders couldn't watch anymore.

Everyone had heard their exchange. It was a private couple's dispute—outsiders shouldn't interfere. Even Huo Siyan, who wanted to speak up, was stopped by Yan Li.

But arguing was one thing; physical violence was another—especially when Li Xiaolu was clearly resisting.

Huo Siyan couldn't hold back any longer. She stepped forward to help her best friend. Yan Li gave a glance, and Xu Zheng, Liu Yiw ei, and others moved in to separate them.

Seeing she had backup, Li Xiaolu perked up, shouting and flailing. Li Chen said nothing, his face growing darker.

Yan Li stepped forward, offered Li Chen a cigarette, and advised, "Talk it out calmly. Big men shouldn't resort to violence."

Li Chen glanced at Yan Li but didn't take the cigarette. Yan Li frowned, lit it himself.

"Right now, neither of you is in the right frame of mind to talk. Go home, cool off, then find another chance."

"I have nothing to talk about with him. We're broken up—"

Li Xiaolu kept yelling. Yan Li gave her a long look. He didn't know exactly what had happened, but the situation made it clear she wasn't innocent.

It was late at night—he had no patience to mediate their love drama. Let them go home, each to their own.

Yan Li's authority far surpassed Li Chen's. One glance, and Li Xiaolu wilted.

Seeing this, Li Chen's face turned even blacker.

He had always suspected Yan Li and Li Xiaolu were involved. Though still uncertain, the contrast was undeniable: Li Xiaolu mocked and screamed at him—but fell silent with just one look from Yan Li. The difference, the sting of it, left him overwhelmed.

"Enough. Listen to me."

Yan Li patted Li Chen's shoulder, waved to Huo Siyan, and signaled her to take Li Xiaolu away first.

Then he had Xu Zheng escort Li Chen—really to prevent him from chasing after Li Xiaolu again.

Yan Li himself turned and walked off with Wang Ou, who had quietly told him earlier that he'd brought some local clothing from his hometown in Guizhou—he planned to inspect it.

…

While Yan Li was inspecting the Guizhou-style clothing, on the other side, Li Xiaolu, fearing Li Chen would follow her, went home with Huo Siyan.

From the road to the door, she kept venting about Li Chen.

Huo Siyan nodded along, but subtly spoke a few kind words about Li Chen too.

She actually got along well with Li Chen—she'd even met Li Xiaolu through him originally—but now her bond with Li Xiaolu was stronger.

Besides, Huo Siyan felt Li Chen had no fundamental flaws; he'd always treated Li Xiaolu well. She preferred reconciliation over separation.

"What? You're all fooled by his facade. He's a master of pretending—outwardly honest, inwardly deceitful."

"Stingy, patriarchal, insecure, listens to his mom, and has a wandering eye—only because I watch him closely, he has desire but no courage."

"Last time—"

Li Xiaolu counted off Li Chen's faults, dredging up old grievances. Huo Siyan was surprised.

She'd always thought highly of Li Chen, seeing him as a kind, straightforward man—never imagined he was hiding so much.

Clearly, none of these men are good!

Though Huo Siyan's idealized view of Li Chen had cracked, she had to admit: Li Xiaolu's flaws were at least as numerous, if not worse. Who was right or wrong between them? Outsiders couldn't say.

Just as Huo Siyan was about to change the subject and take Li Xiaolu to bathe and rest, her phone rang.

It was Li Chen!

Li Xiaolu had blocked him—he couldn't reach her directly. He could only contact Huo Siyan, hoping to learn about Li Xiaolu's state or beg her to plead his case.

Huo Siyan thought of hanging up, then calling him back later.

But Li Xiaolu spotted the caller ID. Still furious, she snatched the phone, answered, and launched into a tirade.

Huo Siyan could only watch as Li Xiaolu unleashed her fury at Li Chen.

Li Xiaolu had been dominating, chattering nonstop—but perhaps she angered him, for Li Chen began retorting. Their shouting grew fiercer, their words more vicious.

Just as Huo Siyan was wondering whether to intervene, Li Xiaolu suddenly blurted out:

"You're always so eager to wear a hat? Fine, I'll give you one."

"I have nothing to be afraid of—I'll tell you, you can't earn money like Yan Li, you're not as good-looking, and you're way worse in bed—he leaves you eighteen streets behind."

"..."

Li Xiaolu hung up the phone in a huff, tossed it down, and stared at Huo Siyan, who stood frozen in shock.

"What are you staring at?"

Huo Siyan, dazed, stammered: "You and Yan Li... when did this happen?!"

Blind spot under the lamp?!

They'd hidden it so deeply right under her nose!

Li Xiaolu rolled her eyes. "What are you thinking? I was just messing with that bastard. I told you—he's insecure and sensitive. Whenever I got a little too close to Yan Li, he'd start imagining things..."

She told Huo Siyan about how Li Chen had suspected her of being close to Yan Li, then added angrily.

"He's worried about this? The more he worries, the more I say it—maybe I can't kill him, but I'll sure as hell annoy him to death."

Huo Siyan, now understanding the truth, let out a long breath. So that's what it was.

Still, she could somewhat understand Li Chen.

Yan Li was too outstanding, with too many rumors. Any normal man would feel pressure seeing his woman get close to him.

Seeing Huo Siyan's expression, Li Xiaolu smiled and wrapped an arm around her neck, laying it all out.

"To be honest, knowing you and my Yan Zong aren't together—weren't you relieved?"

"My Yan Zong? That's Lan Jie's."

Huo Siyan firmly denied it. Her closeness to Yan Li was always framed within the Teddy Sisterhood as an old connection through Qin Lan—she'd never dare admit their real relationship.

If Qin Lan found out? Ugh—Huo Siyan shuddered just thinking about it.

"What's there to fear? I'm not selling you out."

Li Xiaolu patted Huo Siyan, assuring her she wouldn't betray her best friend—she was just curious about their relationship, eager for gossip.

Huo Siyan still denied it, but after Li Xiaolu tossed out every possible theory, combined with pressure and bribes, she finally let slip a little.

But she absolutely refused to believe she'd betrayed Qin Lan!

"When I first got involved with Yan Li, it was even before I met Lan Jie—it doesn't count as seducing my best friend's man."

That was true, but Li Xiaolu spotted the blind spot: "Even if it didn't then, once you knew Yan Li was with Lan Jie, how could you keep clinging to him? Don't tell me you're just showing off for Lan Jie—you know better than anyone whether you've been stealing from your own nest."

"..."

Huo Siyan couldn't handle this sharp question and slipped into belligerent evasion.

"I'm doing it for Lan Jie's sake—it's better I'm here than some foxes getting their claws on him."

Li Xiaolu gave a faint, cold smile and struck again: "In the end, you just don't have sisterly loyalty."

Huo Siyan: "..."

She threw caution to the wind: "Fine, I don't have loyalty—so what? I didn't steal your man. Why are you so obsessed?"

"I never wanted to control you."

Li Xiaolu tapped her chin. "But if there's good fortune to be had, you've got to include me."

"Huh?"

Huo Siyan was truly baffled now, mouth agape, unable to grasp Li Xiaolu's meaning. The latter's eyes gleamed, her tone edged with madness.

"I said I'd make Li Chen wear a hat—I'm going to make it happen. Even if we break up, I'm still going to give him one."

Huo Siyan refused: "If you want to wear a hat, find someone else. Why fixate on Yan Li?"

"Don't be possessive."

Li Xiaolu hugged Huo Siyan and laid out her plan.

She admitted: she still had a flicker of desire for Yan Li. As she'd said before, a man too outstanding could ignite a woman's urge to conquer.

Sleeping with someone like Yan Li—top-tier elite—meant no one else would ever interest her.

Beyond his status, Yan Li's genuine bad-boy personality, his ties to the Teddy Sisterhood, and Li Chen's existence all added layers of thrilling stimulation and impulse for Li Xiaolu.

But she added: "I can't control a man like him—I'm just playing around. I won't compete with you or Lan Jie."

Li Xiaolu knew the difference between seeking fun and seeking a boyfriend.

Yan Li was charismatic and thrilling, but he'd never cater to her. Li Xiaolu had a touch of princess syndrome—she needed constant pampering—and was destined never to last with Yan Li.

So she had no real intentions: just taste the top-tier man's flavor, gain some benefits if possible, and meanwhile scout for a suitable next partner—then part ways cleanly.

Li Xiaolu's words stirred something in Huo Siyan.

Her biggest fear had been Li Xiaolu replacing her. But if it was just play, it posed no threat—after all, she couldn't control Yan Li anyway. Possessiveness was meaningless.

Seeing Huo Siyan soften, Li Xiaolu pressed further: "If you help me succeed and I don't stick around, I can help you with things too. Better than fighting alone."

This struck a nerve. Due to various restrictions, Huo Siyan wasn't as convenient as Wang Ou at playing matchmaker.

But Li Xiaolu, so far, seemed like a decent candidate.

She wouldn't trigger Qin Lan's suspicion, had her own agenda, wouldn't steal Huo Siyan's position, could assist her, and as a rising star, she held some appeal for Yan Li—enough to earn Huo Siyan credit with him.

Seeing Huo Siyan still silent, Li Xiaolu added fuel: "If I jump in, we're on the same boat—neither of us will betray the other."

"If you don't help me, and one day I accidentally slip up to Lan Jie, don't blame me for being careless."

"You..."

Huo Siyan was furious at the threat, but it hit her where it hurt. After long hesitation...

"You're really just playing around?"

Li Xiaolu clapped her hands. "I don't lack money or resources. My personality's too rough to get along with Yan Li. Do you really think we could last?"

Huo Siyan realized—Li Xiaolu wanted nothing, and desire made her unyielding. Her personality wasn't even likable.

Yan Li's nature she knew well—he'd never indulge Li Xiaolu. Long-term? Impossible.

Besides, Huo Siyan wasn't even sure Yan Li would find Li Xiaolu appealing.

Though this girl has fair skin, she's just a scrawny thing, and sometimes she's loud and obnoxious—Yan Li isn't just anyone; he's picky.

Still, after eating rich meats and fish for so long, who knows if he might crave a few meals of plain porridge and pickles.

After some thought, Huo Siyan nodded: "I'll find a chance to help later."

"Good."

Li Xiaolu looked delighted and even boasted she'd team up with Huo Siyan to take on Yan Li, showing him the power of the Teddy Sisters.

Huo Siyan had no reply—she didn't know if this was the girl revealing her true nature, or if heartbreak had addled her mind, making her say anything…

(End of Chapter)