Chapter 27: The Man of Principle, Yan Li, and His Ex-Girlfriend

Yan Li wanted to play Dapeng for a simple reason: he had more lines than Wu Tian.

Although he had only skimmed the script, Yan Li had already formed some judgments.

Wu Tian was more of a plot device—he died in the first episode, and everything after was flashbacks of his grudges with Liu Huaqiang and others, making the storyline fragmented and brief.

Dapeng was different—he stayed with Liu Huaqiang throughout, appearing in every episode from first to last.

Given that, Yan Li would naturally choose the role with more screen time, one easier for audiences to remember.

Also, the character Wu Tian was greedy, heartless, and unloyal—Yan Li didn't like him.

He didn't mind playing a villain, but he preferred one that suited his taste.

Take Dapeng: filial to his mother, fiercely loyal, once he accepted Liu Huaqiang as his boss, he'd do whatever his boss ordered, never hesitating in a fight; though he'd gone astray, in some ways he could still be called a man of loyalty and righteousness.

"Little Yan, you're still too young."

Gao Qunshu's fat face twisted into a smile as he began to persuade: "Choosing a role isn't just about screen time—what matters is whether it stands out."

Yan Li put on the look of a dutiful student: "I humbly ask for your guidance."

"Look, Wu Tian has few lines, but several scenes are pivotal—key to the early plot, leaving a strong impression."

"The character isn't likable, but he's vivid and distinctive; there are plenty of righteous men in the drama, but few who aren't, so the contrast is sharp."

"Wu Tian's storyline is relatively self-contained, centered entirely on him; Dapeng can't match that—he's always Liu Huaqiang's lackey, overshadowed by his boss, with limited presence, not to mention there's also Jin Bao beside him."

"…."

Gao Qunshu didn't mind the trouble—he went on at length, analyzing for Yan Li.

There was no shortage of tough-looking thugs in the "Conquest" crew, but good actors who were handsome and cheap were rare.

Earlier, Gao Qunshu hadn't planned to cast someone particularly handsome, but after Yan Li's audition, the more he thought about it, the more perfect he seemed.

In "Conquest," Wu Tian was originally just an ordinary employee at a TV factory, later noticed by his colleague Li Li, who had connections; they teamed up in business and gradually became lovers.

He had already cast Li Li—he'd hired Jiang Shan, a once-famous but now fading actress.

They were on good terms; Jiang Shan took a friend's discount and became one of the few recognizable actors in the "Conquest" crew.

After all, they still needed to sell the drama—having a famous actor on board made distribution smoother.

Jiang Shan had once been a celebrated beauty; her role in "Just Once" had melted the hearts of countless men.

Now her looks and figure weren't what they used to be, but she was still a woman in her prime; the man she chose had to be decent—if he looked like a misshapen melon or cracked gourd, it wouldn't be believable.

After Gao Qunshu's persuasion, Yan Li wavered.

What swayed Yan Li further was when Gao Qunshu pulled out photos of his ideal Dapeng actor.

Yan Li looked and immediately felt outclassed—the guy looked like he'd just walked out of prison.

Such men were born to play ruthless bandits and murderers; no matter how good another actor's technique, they couldn't match such innate talent.

Moreover, Gao Qunshu's points were valid, and more importantly, Yan Li could tell the director favored him for Wu Tian.

For a newcomer actor, choice was a luxury.

The director had gone out of his way to explain, giving solid reasons—he'd already shown great face; if there was a step down, he might as well take it.

"Alright, Director, you're looking out for me—I'll follow your advice."

Yan Li put on the look of deep respect for Director Gao—as if to say, even if he wasn't happy, he'd obey—and this made Gao Qunshu feel slightly embarrassed.

This kid was a decent fellow!

Softened by this, Gao Qunshu added 500 yuan to Wu Tian's original 3,000-yuan salary.

Yan Li accepted the 500 yuan, but turned around and enthusiastically invited Gao Qunshu and the referral man, Liu Ge, out for dinner.

Between meals, drinks, baths, and massages, not only did he spend back the extra 500 yuan, but he also added nearly 200 yuan of his own.

But Yan Li didn't mind—if "Conquest" became a hit, Director Gao would rise with it, maybe even become a famous director.

Building a good relationship early meant that when he had good scripts later, he'd think of Yan Li—and the few hundred yuan spent would be repaid many times over.

Indeed, after this outing, Gao Qunshu's impression of Yan Li improved greatly.

The kid was honest, sweet-talking, and straightforward; there weren't many newcomers in the industry so thoughtful.

Seeing the rapport was solid enough, Gao Qunshu was in good spirits, and Yan Li seized the moment to mention something.

"Director Gao, I have a classmate from Beijing Film Academy who acts even better than me and greatly admires you—could you consider giving him a role? Salary's negotiable."

Gao Qunshu relaxed under the massage and laughed, scolding: "You're quick to climb the snake—you're trying to get me a buy-one-get-one-free deal."

Seeing Gao Qunshu wasn't offended, Yan Li relaxed and grinned.

"I'm just repaying your kindness to me—I wouldn't dare ask anyone else."

When dealing with people, don't fear bothering them—occasionally making a simple request satisfies their need to be needed; handled well, it can strengthen bonds.

Yan Li had read this in a self-help book called the Franklin Effect.

He wasn't sure if it worked on others, but Gao Qunshu was flattered by Yan Li's praise and responded well to it.

"Bring him by later, but I can't guarantee the role or salary."

Most of the roles in "Conquest" were already cast, so Yan Li's options were limited.

Now that Yan Li had locked in Wu Tian, the remaining roles were even fewer—mostly minor parts or guest spots.

Yan Li didn't mind; this role was secured for Zhou Yi, and no matter how small the part, it was real acting in a proper production—better than the random gigs he'd taken before.

If Zhou Yi turned it down, Yan Li hadn't named him anyway; there were plenty of classmates with no roles—someone would take it.

After the entertainment ended, as he saw Gao Qunshu off in his car, Yan Li draped an arm around Liu, whose face was flushed from drinking, and slipped a red envelope into his pocket.

Liu Ge hurried to refuse, but Yan Li insisted: "Rules can't be broken—I'll need your help again in the future."

After some back-and-forth, Liu "reluctantly" accepted, his smile genuine.

"You didn't pick a bad name—you're a man of principle. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye out for good productions for you."

"Perfect—I'm counting on your good news."

After seeing off Liu Ge, the group finally dispersed; Yan Li did the math: his 3,500-yuan salary for "Conquest," minus dinner, gifts, and envelopes, had been cut by nearly half.

If he hadn't known this drama might become popular, he wouldn't have done such a losing deal.

He didn't take a taxi; he took the bus back to his rented apartment in Jimenli. As soon as he walked in, he saw Guan Yue sitting at the dining table, happily gnawing on a braised pig's trotter.

Guan Yue, a 2000-level undergraduate performance major at Beijing Film Academy, was also Yan Li's ex-girlfriend Dong Xuan's classmate, roommate, and best friend.

Yan Li knew Zhou Yi as well, so he wasn't surprised how Guan Yue had gotten in.

Seeing she didn't even greet him upon his entry and kept gnawing on the trotter, Yan Li raised an eyebrow.

"Braised pig's trotters are twenty-five yuan a jin. Leave the money before you go."

"You're robbing me!"

Guan Yue finally responded, still chewing without swallowing: "Pork is only a few yuan a jin—how can you charge twenty-five for a trotter full of bones?"

"My braised meat is worth it."

Yan Li believed in value for money: premium ingredients + secret braising recipe + Jingcheng's prices—he thought this price was fair, and even if he'd misjudged the market, he wouldn't lower it much.

Good things must be sold at a high price; selling them cheaply disrespects the system and makes him feel uneasy.

Guan Yue wanted to argue, but the flavor in her mouth told her Yan Li wasn't entirely wrong.

Aside from being expensive, this braised trotter had no flaws whatsoever!

Though her thoughts softened her tone, she quickly regained her confidence: "I've delivered plenty of messages between you two—doesn't that at least cover the cost of two trotters?"

Yan Li smiled without warmth: "Then tell me—who spread the rumor to Dong Xuan that I was involved with a junior, and then pushed her to break up with me?"

Guan Yue was stunned: "Dong Xuan betrayed me!"

(End of Chapter)