Chapter 258: Li Xiaolu: You Want a Hat So Badly? I

"Director Yan."

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

"I heard you also contributed to 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 stage actor, performing in Shanghai theater and once considered a major figure there, having won the White Magnolia Award for Best Male Lead.

After excelling as an actor, he gradually moved into behind-the-scenes roles as his fame grew.

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

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

Previously, on the TV drama "Li Wei as Official 2," he made his directorial debut; 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 and Ning Hao successfully connected and developed a good personal relationship.

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

Having performed in theater for years, he was one of the industry's recognized comedy actors, and having quietly prepared for behind-the-scenes roles, he lacked Ning Hao's genius but possessed solid foundational skills.

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

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

Yan Li nodded. Having been in the industry long enough, though he hadn't directly participated in scriptwriting, he knew how a good script was made.

Cases where one person writes a script alone in one go were rare, especially for comedies or scripts with dense details—these always required gathering a group for brainstorming.

First, draft an outline; then have someone oversee the direction and structure; next, take that draft to trusted friends for discussion—those with ideas contribute them, those without help review and offer feedback; through constant revision, the script eventually takes shape.

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

In Hong Kong, this was no secret—their films were famously stitched together; on the mainland, Feng Xiaogang's comedies were the most famous example, originally gathering a circle of Beijing-based writers for input.

Even now, directors like Feng Xiaogang and Jiang Wen, who loved piling on gags and details, spent most of their pre-production time gathering people to discuss scripts.

Ning Hao had inherited this tradition from his predecessors; rumors said he'd recruited several screenwriters and writers to help, even dragging Yan Li in for a half-day script discussion.

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

He couldn't write scripts himself, but he could pinpoint flaws, eliminate the weak, refine the strong, and ensure commercial viability—all things Ning Hao needed.

Yan Li strongly supported Ning Hao, almost wanting to elevate him into the next 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 held Xu Zheng's comedy skills and foundation in high regard.

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

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

A smaller group were film and TV comedy actors, mostly from Hong Kong and Taiwan, with a few from the mainland; the leading figure was Ge Da, and Xu Zheng belonged to the core middle tier.

Though Yi'an was preparing "Painted Skin," its overall direction remained focused on low- to medium-budget films.

Such low-budget, high-reward films were mostly comedies, so securing capable comedy actors was crucial.

Most importantly, in Guangxian's internal future intelligence reports, Xu Zheng's name appeared frequently.

Though mentioned only briefly, Yan Li didn't know the full details, but from the frequency of his name and scattered remarks, he could sense Xu Zheng's importance.

Given this, and with an opportunity at hand, Yan Li naturally wanted to cultivate goodwill and bring him in.

For the rest of the evening, Yan Li spent noticeably more time talking with Xu Zheng, who was both flattered and overjoyed.

In the entertainment industry, it wasn't just female actors who needed financial backers—male actors also needed powerful patrons behind them.

Those who were handsome could court wealthy women or big bosses; those who weren't good-looking couldn't even get someone to notice them unless they bowed to a "big brother."

If a "big brother" recognized you, pulled you into his inner circle, and pushed you up, it was far easier than grinding alone.

Undoubtedly, at this stage, Yan Li had the status to be a "big brother" in the mainland film 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 but couldn't carry a major project, stuck in a middle ground, neither hot nor cold.

The more such a situation persisted, the more he needed a "big brother's" support.

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

Without such a push, he might remain stuck at this threshold; with good luck, he might last a few more years; with bad luck, in two years he'd be forgotten, 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 Apartment," also wanted to cultivate a good relationship with Yan Li.

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

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

As Yan Li knew, some outsiders forming film or cultural companies often recruited him as an executive, shareholder, or partner precisely because of his industry connections.

People like him seemed unremarkable, but in the industry, they thrived.

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

After all, Yan Li's forte was networking and intelligence; in a sense, he had risen as a half-broker himself—what Liu Yiwei could do, Yan Li could do better and stronger.

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

For example, inviting celebrities to join Weibo: Yan Li personally handled the big names; for mid- and lower-tier celebrities, either company staff or someone like Liu Yiwei—a seasoned networker—had to arrange it.

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

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

"Not just a movie—we could also do a TV series. Marriage and romance are always hot topics; if we craft a good script, I'll fund it."

"..."

Movies like "Love Apartment" had very low chances of becoming massive hits.

But for film companies, even small profits counted—flies were still meat—and such "successful" films brought many potential benefits.

For instance, boosting the company's track record, generating buzz within the industry and with authorities, attracting investors and partners, and so on.

In commercial cinema, once you made money, other aspects naturally improved and the business grew better.

Yan Li wasn't lying—low-budget anthology films like "Love Apartment" had a high chance of sequels if they turned a profit.

A TV series was also possible: if the film gained recognition, launching a TV version to earn more was a common industry tactic.

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

Not just "Love Apartment"—Yan Li had even considered a TV version of "Painted Skin," to earn more and promote talent.

Yan Li's promises excited Liu and Xu greatly, especially Xu Zheng—suddenly, there was a movie and a TV series both within reach.

Not only would he earn a salary, but he'd also get a chance to rise another level.

This was a real big brother!

So many people in the entertainment industry schemed to break into circles, begged for attention from big bosses, because having a benefactor's support was simply too important.

…

After the premiere, Yan Li treated the main creatives to dinner, also seeing them off—tomorrow, everyone would begin their roadshow tour.

Especially Xu Zheng and Liu Yiwei; the other actresses were cameos, possibly appearing in only a few roadshows, or even skipping them entirely—they two would need to oversee the entire tour.

"You two will have a lot of hard work ahead."

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

Nodding, Yan Li turned to Wang Ou and others, suggesting that if they had time, they should help with a few more shows—should the film succeed, they'd gain exposure, and future sequels or the TV series could continue the collaboration.

He spoke politely, but everyone already intended to do so anyway.

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

Hu Siyan was determined to cling to a powerful patron and was extremely eager to help Yan Li.

Even Che Xiao, Li Xiaolu, and Bai Bing all wanted to connect with Yi'an—but connecting wasn't just about words; cameos, showing up, and roadshows were all ways to build goodwill with Yan Li.

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

The women quickly and seamlessly divided the roadshow locations, with Wang Ou and Hu Siyan taking the most.

They were closest to Yan Li, most eager to please him, and had the most legitimacy to do so; additionally, the earlier unpleasantness had stirred some competition.

In the end, Hu Siyan edged out Wang Ou slightly—there was no help for it; she had more free time and more open dates, while Wang Ou had other commitments she couldn't cancel.

Hu Siyan felt she'd won a victory, smugly sniffed at Wang Ou, then turned to Yan Li with a sweet smile.

"Director Yan's matters come first—I've canceled all my other appointments to prioritize this."

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

To cling to this leg, this little woman was truly willing to go all out!

Wang Ou watched Yan Li and Hu Siyan chatting and laughing, grinding her teeth in silence.

That short little brat was groveling, obeying Yan Li blindly, making her, the devoted little sweetheart, suddenly seem less "devoted."

Feeling threatened, Wang Ou pondered a way out—and then she saw Bai Bing.

"Bingbing, don't just eat—I'll take you over to meet Director Yan."

Wang Ou spoke with a patronizing air, making Bai Bing deeply grateful: "Thank you, Sister Ou."

Of course, Bai Bing wanted to get noticed by Yan Li, but as a newcomer, she had no right to bypass others and crowd near him—Wang Ou's help saved her immense trouble.

Wang Ou gave a quick introduction, seized the moment, and brought Bai Bing over to toast Yan Li.

"Director Yan, this is Bai Bing, the new talent I mentioned to you before—very promising, with excellent character and ability."

Bai Bing seized the chance to toast, speaking words of admiration.

Yan Li had briefly met Bai Bing earlier but hadn't paid much attention; now, with Wang Ou's introduction, he studied her closely.

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

She was also quite attractive: oval face, large eyes, fair skin, pure and sweet features, gentle and elegant demeanor—no wonder Wang Ou had taken notice.

This little slut knows Yan Li's tastes—he prefers pale skin and a sweet, innocent, gentle appearance.

Wang Ou herself fits well with Wu Jiani and Yang Rong; Dong Xuan and Qin Lan also bear some resemblance.

Even Fan Xiaopang once followed this style; though now he leans more toward vibrant charm, he's actually versatile—capable of both purity and allure.

Human aesthetics never change!

Although Yan Li has explored other directions—like the spirited Li Bing and the voluptuous Jiang Xin—he still fundamentally favors his personal taste.

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

She has good taste, some organizational and managerial ability, and has made her small circle lively and thriving; in contrast, Hu Siyan's Teddy Sisters group, though larger, lacks cohesion and unity.

Although he understood Wang Ou's intent and didn't reject Bai Bing, Yan Li remained unenthusiastic, keeping interactions normal.

Too many women tried to cling to him; Yan Li increasingly preferred passivity—it saved effort, avoided trouble, and required no responsibility.

Of course, Boss Yan valued propriety: mutual consent, mutual benefit. As long as he was satisfied and rules were followed, the perks wouldn't be withheld.

Although Yan Li wasn't close to Bai Bing, he didn't reject her either.

Beside him, Hu Siyan—who had repeatedly shielded Yan Li from romantic advances—understood his style well and immediately sounded the alarm, glaring at Wang Ou with contempt and hatred.

How shameless! She's even acting as a pimp!

Wang Ou felt Hu Siyan's gaze and instinctively glared back—what I do is my business, who are you to judge?

Though outwardly defiant, Wang Ou soon pulled Bai Bing away; she wasn't afraid of Hu Siyan, but she feared this damn shorty reporting it to Qin Lan.

Everyone knew Yan Li wasn't faithful outside, but they turned a blind eye.

But Wang Ou actively arranging such liaisons crossed a line—she might be jointly ostracized and suppressed by Qin Lan or others.

Wang Ou had reservations; she didn't want to become everyone's target, so she preferred quiet gains—gaining Yan Li's trust and building her faction silently.

Moreover, she worried others might go all-in too, stripping her of her exclusive advantage.

Thinking of this, Wang Ou felt a twinge of regret—she shouldn't have gotten into a quarrel with Hu Siyan just now.

Others might not emulate this, but she knew the damn shorty's nature—thick-skinned, shameless, and skilled at networking.

Whether Hu Siyan was sleeping with Yan Li or just trying to cling to him, she clearly wanted to please him; if she started pimping too, Wang Ou would have created a formidable rival.

Wang Ou overthought this—Hu Siyan had no such intention, at least not yet.

After all, unlike Wang Ou, she had Qin Lan between them; if Qin Lan found out about pimping, she'd be crushed.

Moreover, her relationship with Yan Li was ambiguous; she feared being replaced, so how could she risk inviting a wolf into the house? Even Yan Li's trust in her was lower than in Wang Ou, so Hu Siyan, though capable, lacked the conditions to act.

After the meal, Wang Ou and Hu Siyan each carried private thoughts and worries, their moods somewhat flat. The others, however, were in good spirits—until they stepped out of the restaurant and encountered a young man with a gloomy expression.

"What are you doing here?"

Li Xiaolu frowned at her ex-boyfriend Li Chen—more accurately, her "ex-boyfriend."

During the New Year holiday, they'd had a huge fight over emotional conflicts and family issues, officially broken up, and were now in a cold war.

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

"Home? Your mom doesn't even like me—better to break up now than suffer longer."

Li Xiaolu was seething; she took this deeply personally. After all, she held absolute dominance in the relationship, and her own qualifications far surpassed his—yet her future mother-in-law picked faults, which she saw as a personal humiliation.

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

Li Chen's mother disapproved of Li Xiaolu, thinking her too spoiled, frivolous, and unsuited for a quiet life.

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

Mutual parental disapproval, plus other petty grievances and old grudges, had escalated their conflict severely.

Li Chen habitually bowed first, coming to reconcile—but was met with Li Xiaolu's furious tirade.

"I'll ask you once: are you coming home?"

Li Chen's face darkened. He was already angry, and now humiliated in front of everyone—he was losing control.

"So what if I don't go?"

Li Xiaolu wasn't intimidated; she kept taunting. Li Chen lost his temper, grabbed her arm to force her home, and she resisted violently.

This time, bystanders couldn't watch anymore.

Others had heard their exchange—this was an internal couple's dispute, outsiders shouldn't interfere; even Hu Siyan, who wanted to speak up, was stopped by Yan Li.

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

Hu Siyan couldn't hold back anymore and rushed to help her friend. Yan Li gave a glance; Xu Zheng, Liu Yiwei, and others stepped forward to separate them.

Li Xiaolu, now backed by allies, became bolder, shouting and flailing. Li Chen stayed silent, his face growing darker.

Yan Li stepped forward, offered a cigarette, and advised Li Chen: "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. Go home, cool off, then talk later."

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

Li Xiaolu kept yelling. Yan Li studied her deeply. He didn't know the full story, but the scene 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 and be done with it.

Yan Li's authority dwarfed Li Chen's; one look, and Li Xiaolu wilted.

Li Chen saw this, his face turning even blacker.

He'd always suspected Yan Li and Li Xiaolu were involved. Though still uncertain, he saw how she mocked and screamed at him—but fell silent at Yan Li's glance. The gap, the humiliation—it left him reeling.

"Enough. Do as I say."

Yan Li clapped Li Chen on the shoulder, waved to Hu Siyan to take Li Xiaolu away first.

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

Yan Li himself turned and walked off with Wang Ou; she'd quietly told him she'd brought some local clothing from her hometown in Guizhou, and he intended to inspect it.

…

While Yan Li was examining Guizhou's local attire, Li Xiaolu, fearing Li Chen's pursuit, followed Hu Siyan back to her place.

From the road to the door, she vented nonstop about Li Chen.

Hu Siyan nodded along, but subtly defended Li Chen a few times.

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

Besides, Hu Siyan felt Li Chen had no major moral flaws; he'd always treated Li Xiaolu well, and she preferred reconciliation over separation.

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

"Stingy, patriarchal, insecure, listens to his mom, and has a wandering eye—only because I watch him closely, he dares not act on it."

"Last time…"

Li Xiaolu ticked off Li Chen's flaws, dredging up old grievances; Hu Siyan was surprised.

She'd always thought Li Chen was kind and sincere—never imagined he hid so much.

Clearly, none of these men are good!

Though Hu Siyan's idealized image of Li Chen had cracked, she had to admit: Li Xiaolu's flaws were no fewer, perhaps more. Who was right or wrong? Outsiders couldn't say.

Just as Hu 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 Hu Siyan, hoping to learn about Li Xiaolu or beg her to mediate.

Hu Siyan considered 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.

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

Li Xiaolu had been dominating, babbling nonstop—but perhaps she enraged him, for Li Chen started firing back. Their insults escalated, growing increasingly vile.

Just as Hu Siyan wondered whether to intervene, Li Xiaolu suddenly blurted out:

"You're always dreaming of being cuckolded? Fine—I'll give you one."

"You can't match Yan Li in earnings, looks, or bedroom performance—he leaves you in the dust by eighteen miles."

"…."

Li Xiaolu slammed the phone down, tossed it aside, and stared at Hu Siyan's stunned face.

"What are you staring at?"

Hu Siyan was dazed, stammering: "You and Yan Li… when did this happen?!"

Blind spot?!

They'd been hiding this so deeply right under her nose!

Li Xiaolu rolled her eyes: "What are you thinking? I was just scaring that bastard. I told you—he's insecure and sensitive; when I got close to Yan Li before, he started imagining things…"

She recounted how Li Chen had suspected her and Yan Li, then added angrily:

"He's afraid of this? The more he fears it, the more I'll say it—just to annoy him to death."

Hu Siyan, now understanding the truth, exhaled deeply—it was all just a bluff.

Still, she could now understand Li Chen.

Yan Li was too outstanding, too famous for his affairs. Any ordinary man would feel pressure seeing his woman close to him.

Li Xiaolu saw Hu Siyan's expression, smiled, and wrapped an arm around her neck, laying it all bare:

"To be honest—knowing I'm not involved with your Yan Zong, are you relieved?"

"My Yan Zong? He belongs to Lan Jie."

Hu Siyan firmly denied it. Her closeness to Yan Li was always framed within the group as her long-standing connection through Qin Lan—she'd never dare admit otherwise.

Otherwise, if Qin Lan found out—ugh, Hu Siyan shuddered just thinking about it.

"What's to fear? I won't sell you out."

Li Xiao lu patted Hu Siyan, assuring her she wouldn't betray a sister—she was just curious about their relationship and wanted to savor some gossip.

Hu Siyan still denied it, but after Li Xiao lu laid out various theories and applied pressure and temptation, she finally let slip a few details.

But she firmly refused to believe she had stabbed Qin Lan in the back!

"When I first got involved with Yu Yanli, it was even before I knew Sister Lan—I'm not seducing my best friend's man."

That might be true, but Li Xiao lu sharply spotted the flaw: "Even if that was true back then, once you knew about Yu Yanli and Lan's relationship, why did you keep clinging to him? Don't tell me you're just helping Lan see the truth—you know damn well this is betrayal from within."

"..."

Hu Siyan couldn't handle this sharp question and slipped into chaotic denial mode.

"I'm doing this for Lan's sake. At least I'm here instead of letting some foxes take advantage."

Li Xiao lu gave a faint cold smile and struck again: "In the end, you just don't care about sisterly loyalty."

Hu Siyan: "..."

She threw caution to the wind: "Fine, I don't care about loyalty—I didn't steal your man, so why are you meddling so much?"

"I never wanted to meddle in your affairs."

Li Xiao lu rubbed her chin: "But if there's fun to be had, you've got to include me."

"Huh?"

This time Hu Siyan was truly baffled, mouth agape, unable to grasp what Li Xiao lu meant—while the latter's eyes gleamed with a wild edge.

"If I'm going to make Li Chen wear a green hat, I'm going to see it through—even if they break up, I'm still going to give him one."

Hu Siyan refused: "If you want to wear a green hat, find someone else—why are you fixated on Yu Yanli?"

"Don't be possessive."

Li Xiao lu wrapped her arm around Hu Siyan and laid out her plan.

She admitted she still had a flicker of desire for Yu Yanli—just as she'd said before, a man too outstanding could ignite a woman's urge to conquer him.

If she could sleep with someone like Yu Yanli, she had no interest in anyone else.

Beyond his status, Yu Yanli's genuinely bad-boy personality, his ties to the Teddy Sisterhood, and Li Chen's role all gave Li Xiao lu an extra rush of thrill and impulse.

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

Li Xiao lu could clearly distinguish between seeking amusement and seeking a boyfriend.

Yu Yanli was charismatic and thrilling, but he'd never bend or cater to her—Li Xiao lu herself had a bit of a princess complex, needing constant pampering, so a lasting relationship with him was impossible.

So she had no real intentions: just taste the finest man, gain some benefits, and meanwhile scout for a suitable next partner—then part ways cleanly.

Li Xiao lu's words stirred a flicker of interest in Hu Siyan.

Her greatest fear was Li Xiao lu replacing her—but if it was just casual play, it posed no threat. After all, she couldn't control Yu Yanli anyway; possessiveness was meaningless.

Seeing Hu Siyan's resistance soften, Li Xiao lu raised the stakes: "If you help me succeed and I don't plan to stay long, I can help you with things later—it's better than fighting alone."

This struck a nerve in Hu Siyan—due to various restrictions, she was less convenient than Wang Ou at arranging such liaisons.

But from what she could see, Li Xiao lu seemed like a decent candidate.

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

Seeing Hu Siyan still silent, Li Xiao lu added more fire: "If I jump in, we're on the same boat—neither of us will betray the other."

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

"You..."

Hu Siyan was furious at the threat, but it hit her right where it hurt—she hesitated, weighing it again and again.

"You're really just playing around?"

Li Xiao lu clapped her hands: "I don't lack money or resources, and my personality is too rough to get along with Yu Yanli—do you really think we could last?"

Hu Siyan realized: Li Xiao lu wanted nothing, and desire made her unyielding—her personality wasn't even likable.

Hu Siyan knew Yu Yanli's nature—he'd never indulge Li Xiao lu; even if she wanted to stay, it wouldn't last.

Besides, Hu Siyan wasn't even sure Yu Yanli would find Li Xiao lu appealing.

Sure, the girl had fair skin, but she was just a skinny stick, sometimes loud and obnoxious—Yu Yanli wasn't ordinary; he was picky.

Still, after eating rich meat and fish for so long, who knew if he'd crave a bowl of plain porridge now and then?

After careful thought, Hu Siyan nodded: "I'll find an opportunity to help you later."

"Perfect."

Li Xiao lu looked delighted, even boasting about how she and Hu Siyan would team up to take on Yu Yanli and show him the power of the Teddy Sisterhood.

Hu Siyan had no reply—she didn't know if this was the girl revealing her true nature, or if the breakup had damaged her mind, making her say anything...

(End of Chapter)