Chapter 266

The Fengshen Bang 2 production crew

Yan Li returned to the so-called "Lu Tai," disheveled and covered in bloodstains, wearing a battered suit of armor.

As soon as he entered the hall, he saw the Three Demons of Xuanyuan reclining on their couch.

In the plot, faced with Jiang Ziya's army advancing to Chaoge, Su Daji—who had fallen in love and sided with the Shang—once led her two sisters to assassinate Jiang Ziya, but failed, fled back severely wounded, and the Pipa Spirit nearly got split apart by Lei Zhenzi.

Afterwards, Yan Li, as King Zhou, personally led troops out of the city to fight Wu Wang.

In this battle, although King Zhou fought bravely, he could not overcome the Mandate of Heaven now belonging to Xiqi; ultimately, he was defeated by Ji Fa and the generals of Xiqi, sealing the final fate of the Shang dynasty.

Jiang Ziya seized the opportunity to lead his troops in a full assault; under the cover of a few loyal warriors, King Zhou retreated to the palace, but Chaoge had already fallen—the kingdom's collapse was inevitable.

Slightly dejected yet still composed, Yan Li looked at the Three Demons of Xuanyuan.

"The city has fallen; Jiang Ziya is nearly here. Wang Hou and my two beloved concubines, flee at once."

Though wounded, Su Daji and the others still possessed their divine powers and had a chance to escape.

Fan Xiaopang grabbed Yan Li's hand: "What about the King?"

Yan Li smiled faintly, then declared firmly: "Today, I have lost the battle and my kingdom; I shall kill myself, rather than suffer humiliation at the hands of Ji Fa's brat and Jiang Ziya."

"Why must the King do this? Your humble wife can use magic to take you away, rally heroes from all corners, and raise an army to retake Xiqi."

Yan Li shook his head: "Chaoge has fallen; eight hundred lords have all turned against us. Where are the troops left to use? Where can I flee?"

He pulled his hand free from Fan Xiaopang's grasp, rose, and declared solemnly: "The fall of Shang is my fault; I must die for my country and atone before the world."

"Wang Hou, say no more. Time is short—go at once."

Saying this, King Zhou took his sword and stepped outside, ordering his last remaining warriors to gather firewood and oil, piling them around Lu Tai.

"A king has a king's way of dying—no blade shall touch me. Let Lu Tai burn with me."

Afterwards, Yan Li briefly stepped offstage to begin filming the Three Demons of Xuanyuan's scenes.

The Pipa Spirit and the Chick Spirit urged Su Daji to flee with them, but she refused, unwilling to leave King Zhou.

She pretended to send her two younger sisters ahead first, saying she would see King Zhou off, while instructing them to hide carefully and not seek out Nüwa.

In the plot, although the Three Demons of Xuanyuan were ordered to corrupt the Shang realm, their methods were too cruel—they killed too many innocents—and in the end, they betrayed their mission. Su Daji feared Nüwa's wrath and told her sisters to stay hidden.

After filming this scene, King Zhou was changing into his royal robes to die with dignity, and Su Daji walked in gracefully, reaching out to help him dress.

Yan Li frowned: "Wang Hou?"

Fan Xiaopang's expression was calm: "I am the King's wife, the Wang Hou of Shang—how could a wife and queen survive while her husband and king perishes?"

Yan Li looked deeply at Fan Xiaopang, then burst into laughter: "Good. With a wife like you, I have lived a life without regret."

Afterwards, Su Daji helped King Zhou don his royal robes, then changed into her own queenly attire, ordered the warriors to set fire, and sat across from him as if in ordinary conversation.

In the later stages, when this scene is finalized, it should be a roaring inferno, with the two of them chatting like a married couple.

"Great King, I have a secret."

"I know—you are not Su Daji, nor human. But I also know you are my Wang Hou."

"Great King truly knows this? Then do you know who sent me, and why?"

"I do not know. But today, you have stayed with me. No matter what, I know I have won."

"…."

More lines followed, but whether they would be kept in the final cut or swallowed by the flames depended on the director's and editor's choices.

After finishing his performance, Yan Li squatted behind the monitor, reviewing the playback and exchanging a few words with director Jiang Jiajun.

This scene was originally written in the script to be profoundly tragic, portraying their joint death with heart-wrenching sincerity.

But during actual preparation for filming, Yan Li and Fan Xiaopang did not follow the script strictly.

First, he felt the tone was too high, too artificial, giving the impression of melodrama and cliché.

Second, since King Zhou and Su Daji were villains, portraying their exit so tragically made them seem like victims of the righteous side.

Though some whitewashing was inevitable, it couldn't go too far—this pair had been ruthless in their crimes.

So they got what they deserved; no need to paint them as tragic heroes. A dignified, accepting end was enough.

In fact, Yan Li felt even this treatment was whitewashing: the Emperor and Empress met death calmly and openly, confessing their love in quiet conversation. If he hadn't played it, he'd have muttered that the screenwriter slipped in personal bias.

But for now, he still found his performance satisfying; Fan Xiaopang, however, seemed a bit unsatisfied.

She actually preferred the heart-wrenching, tearful separation—she felt that version was more thrilling.

Still, she had no desire to reshoot the original script; with the director approving her performance, she officially wrapped her role in Fengshen Bang 2.

"Let's thank Teacher Fan Bingbing for her hard work."

Producer Cheng Lidong held a small wrap party for Fan Xiaopang.

As a major star of the crew, and since Fan Xiaopang's involvement was more of a favor, the ceremony was small but still grand.

Flowers, cake, group photos—all present—and several media outlets and TV programs were arranged for interviews. Besides Fan Xiaopang appearing on camera, the rest of the crew lavished praise upon her, making it a full-scale celebration.

Yan Li was not spared—he gave interviews to CCTV and Sohu, praising Fan Bingbing's outstanding performance, calling her the chosen Su Daji, and so on.

Fan Xiaopang had many interviews and social obligations, so Yan Li went first to remove his makeup. When he finished, Fan Xiaopang arrived late.

"Here. A comfort red envelope."

Seeing the red envelope, Yan Li suddenly realized—he had died again.

There were no special effects on set, no firelight at all—just the two of them sitting and chatting. The "death" felt too mild, so he hadn't fully registered it.

Yan Li counted on his fingers: he'd acted in over a dozen dramas; only Xue Rengui and Jin Zha lived to the finale, and Jin Zha had even come back from death.

He'd finally managed to survive the ending of Fengshen Bang, only to die again in Part Two.

Hmm—if he were to play Xue Rengui again in Xue Dingshan Conquers the West, he'd have to die again.

But Yan Li no longer wanted to play Xue Rengui.

Each generation has its heroes: in The Legend of Xue Rengui, the white-armored divine general was invincible; in Xue Dingshan Conquers the West, he had to step aside for his son and daughter-in-law, his strength and intelligence drastically reduced, his strategies full of blunders, and whenever he showed a glimmer of brilliance, someone had to beat him down.

Such a "good-luck charm" role—change him and he steals the spotlight; don't change him and he looks pathetic.

Also, since Xue Rengui from "Xue Dingshan Conquers the West" is a middle-aged or elderly character, Yan Li intends to replace him with an older actor.

There's barely one character left alive—let's give him some beautiful memories.

Fan Xiaopang didn't feel so sentimental, mainly because she's shot so many dramas.

Some characters die, some live, and some she doesn't even know if they're dead or alive—she didn't dwell on it, but another matter made her sigh.

"We've 'died' together on the same day three times!"

Yan Li thought about it—yes, "The Treasure Basin" wrapped filming together, so it didn't really count as dying on the same day, but "Fortune Star Shines on Zhu Bajie" and "Investiture of the Gods" were genuinely dying together.

The former was mutual destruction; the latter was a husband and wife walking together into the afterlife.

By the way, in "Painted Skin," Wang Sheng commits suicide, then Xiao Wei sacrifices herself, disperses her cultivation to save Wang Sheng and his wife—does that count as 'dying' on the same day? He pulled a red ticket from an envelope, handed it to his assistant to spend, anything was fine, as long as it was all used up. Fan Xiaopang, seeking convenience, gave her own envelope to him too.

After that, Fan Xiaopang hurriedly removed her makeup and changed clothes.

Her flight was that afternoon; after finishing here, she still had to return to the hotel to pack, then rush to Yiwu Airport—the time was still tight.

Yan Li had no more scenes today, but he didn't plan to see Fan Xiaopang off.

Mainly because he'd be returning in just a week, and by then Fan Xiaopang wouldn't yet enter the set of "Chibi," so they'd still meet—just a few days apart, no need to be overly sentimental; they'd have lunch together, then he'd go to Yi'an Garden to work.

But plans were good—unfortunately, someone ruined them.

Perhaps Fan Xiaopang finally left, and Wang Ou became overconfident, or maybe feared being hated, so she came over to greet and see her off, trying to curry favor.

Either way, just before Fan Xiaopang left, she "jumped" out again.

At least that's how Fan Xiaopang felt—already annoyed about wrapping up and leaving, she didn't bother packing after lunch, instead dragging Yan Li to his room to digest her meal.

She'd drain this bastard dry before she left—let that slut stare helplessly!

Yan Li warned: "You'll miss your flight."

Fan Xiaopang unbuttoned Yan Li's shirt without care: "I'll reschedule."

…

Fan Xiaopang's clever plan still fell flat—mainly because draining Yan Li single-handedly was too hard.

Even after digesting her meal with her, Yan Li spent the night alone taking on Ou Ni, who had been holding back for days; after thousands of rounds, he still maintained impeccable technique, effortlessly suppressing Wang Ou and Wu Jiani.

Bang

Wang Ou lit a cigarette with a lighter; Yan Li held Wu Jiani, casually exhaling a smoke ring.

These days spent constantly with Fan Xiaopang—though the food was delicious, it wasn't satisfying enough.

Today was finally a satisfying feast—delicious and thrilling!

Seeing Yan Li in good spirits, Wang Ou coaxed and nudged Wu Jiani to go bathe, then snuggled against Yan Li, cuddling and pouting.

Yan Li shook his head, pinched her cheek—this little vixen had the nerve to complain about Fan Xiaopang bullying her, but hadn't she just been "bullying" Wu Jiani herself?

Big fish eat little fish, little fish eat shrimp—others might not know, but Wang Ou couldn't pretend to be a pure, innocent flower.

Wang Ou herself was used to it—habitually pouting and complaining, just to subtly stir the pot and win favor with Yan Li.

To be fair, although Yan Li knew Wang Ou wasn't truly pure and innocent, he still appreciated and was satisfied with her attitude of avoiding Dong, Qin, and Fan—whether intentional or forced, she never caused trouble for him.

In appearance, figure, personality, ability, and charm, Wang Ou wasn't particularly outstanding among Yan Li's women—even her obedience wasn't unique.

But Wang Ou was the most obedient, most sensible, and most compliant—and often she willingly put his interests ahead of her own.

Whether or not she had other ulterior motives, in this regard, she was utterly unmatched.

For this alone, Yan Li was willing to give her certain extra benefits and relatively special treatment.

"Why hasn't that house you picked last time moved forward?"

Yan Li stroked Wang Ou's shoulder and asked; last year, Wang Ou earned a lot and planned to buy a house, and Yan Li had promised to help financially—but since the New Year, she hadn't mentioned it again.

Wang Ou felt guilty, hesitated, then said: "I bought a house in Nanning for my mom—I didn't have enough money."

Yan Li: "…"

He didn't know how to judge—whenever family came up, Wang Ou, who'd had a rough childhood, brimmed with resentment, but when it came to spending money, she never hesitated.

She even paused her own house-buying plan and used her funds to buy a house for her family first.

Yan Li no longer cared to analyze her psychology—it was her family; if she wanted to support them, let her.

"How much is missing? I'll cover it. Good houses won't wait—buy early, rest easy."

Not just for peace of mind—next year is the Olympics; after the Olympics, exposure in Jingcheng will drive housing prices up significantly—buying now saves a lot.

Besides Wang Ou, if conditions fit, Yan Li also advised his close circle to buy houses this year—if they lacked funds, they could ask him.

Of course, Wang Ou received it as a gift; for others, except a few, it was mainly a loan.

The loan amounts weren't extravagant, but Yan Li charged no interest and was flexible on repayment terms.

For example, Wu Jiani—if she wanted to buy a house, Yan Li could lend her money; even the word "lend" was just a formality—he never planned to make her repay.

As the relationship deepened, it became his allowance or housing subsidy; if they ever broke up, it counted as a breakup compensation.

In short, Yan Li never intended to take back money he gave women.

He added the word "loan" only out of caution—to prevent certain things.

Wang Ou was moved but said: "Actually, no need—the 'Great Qing Harem' is airing, the ratings look good, my popularity will rise, I'll make up the money soon."

She used to never be polite with Yan Li, but this time, perhaps because it involved family, she felt embarrassed and preferred to fix the gap herself.

Her current income wasn't low, the house she wanted wasn't top-tier luxury, she still had some savings—give her a few months to maneuver and borrow a bit more, and she could handle it.

"…"

Yan Li was speechless—Qin Lan and Dong Xuan didn't like spending, Fan Xiaopang had no money problems, and even you, Wang Ou, the money-grubber, have changed.

Everyone's so considerate—who the hell am I earning money for?!

Yan Li looked at Wu Jiani, freshly bathed, and couldn't help asking: "Are you buying a house?"

"Huh?"

Wu Jiani was confused—until Yan Li explained housing prices and such, then she shook her head.

"I'm perfectly fine with renting right now; the dance studio hasn't stabilized yet. I'll buy a place once I've earned some money."

Yan Li had just invested in opening her dance studio; for her to agree to him buying her a house would be greedily excessive.

"…"

Yan Li truly didn't believe it—he pulled out his phone and called Yang Rong back, the same person he'd just hung up on.

Yang Rong's tone was bitter and angry: "Are you done? Don't you care about your health?"

"Stop talking nonsense. I want to buy you an apartment in Jingcheng."

"I don't want it."

Yang Rong refused in panic, bewildered by Yan Li's sudden madness. She hadn't even decided what their relationship was—what would it mean if she took his apartment?

She'd never been particularly drawn to Yan Li's wealth or power; the more he threw money at her, the more unsettled she became.

Not even the drama "The Difficult Love of a Diamond Wang Laowu" escaped her muttered criticism.

If you take someone's money, you're in their debt—what if she couldn't pay it back and got completely trapped by this bastard?

Yan Li laughed bitterly into the phone. Other men couldn't afford to court women; he couldn't spend enough money courting his.

Can't you show some respect for wealth and money? Don't you realize this kills my motivation to earn more…?

(End of Chapter)