Chapter 280: The Teddy Sisters, the Coven of Bad Women

If Huo Siyan's personality resembled Wang Ou, her physique and aura were more like Yang Rong's.

A delicate white flower with a hint of seduction, both pure and alluring, her acting range overlapped somewhat with Yang Rong's doll-like features.

So much so that the two once competed for the role in "The Difficult Love of a Diamond Old Five," and the drama Huo Siyan eventually starred in, "The Last Huanzhu Gege," was originally conceived by screenwriter Yu Zheng to cast Yang Rong, his old classmate.

In terms of physique, both were petite, yet both possessed ample curves.

Yan Li, who had personally experienced this firsthand, had absolute authority on the matter.

Yang Rong's proportions were better; holding her felt exceptionally satisfying.

Huo Siyan fell short in this regard—when thin, she looked head-heavy and body-light; when fuller, she appeared slightly bulky—but she had one advantage: her skin was very fair, giving her strong visual appeal.

As for facial features, the two had different styles; Yan Li personally thought Yang Rong was more beautiful and preferred her more, a preference shaped by his personal aesthetics as well as her personality and background.

At the very least, Yan Li had never intended any long-term relationship with Huo Siyan.

If the latter entered a romance, things between them would immediately return to normal.

Yet this woman had shown no signs of ever entering a relationship, for various reasons.

Yan Li, considering her personality, combining some intelligence, and factoring in the psychology of the women around him, made a reasonable inference.

Huo Siyan wanted to cling to him both for protection and to gain resources and benefits.

Qin Lan could also provide these, but the effect was nowhere near as strong as having a direct relationship with Yan Li.

Among the Teddy Sisters, she had secured the most resources—clearly not just because of Qin Lan's favoritism.

Moreover, this woman was extremely vain; being connected to Yan Li, even if it couldn't be made public, filled her with secret delight, mixed with certain peculiar psychological motives.

And then there was Yan Boss's charm and ability—undoubtedly top-tier masculinity.

After tasting the finest delicacies, ordinary home-cooked dishes were hard to look at; ordinary people couldn't bear the contrast, let alone someone like Huo Siyan, who climbed high and trampled low.

Besides, Huo Siyan wasn't that old yet, so why not just play along for now—until the day she couldn't anymore.

When she couldn't play anymore, or got dumped, someone else would gladly take over…

Leaning back against the bed, Yan Li lit a cigarette and watched Huo Siyan cleaning with satisfaction.

Though her talent was mediocre, she was flexible, willing to do anything asked of her—it had its own unique flavor.

"What's been happening at Huayi lately?"

Yan Li was busy with too many things; his daily intelligence intake couldn't keep up. Unless he triggered something himself or Huayi targeted him directly, trivial rumors were better obtained by asking Li's sisters and Huo Siyan.

Huo Siyan looked up and licked her lips: "Hmm, nothing much—just recently there was widespread rumor that Liu Tianxian was going to sign with the company, but now it's suddenly gone quiet."

Originally, Huayi insiders had said Liu Tianxian's joining might lead to a separate artist group to compete directly with Li and Zhou for the top female position.

Even when Li Bingbing's contract renewal hit trouble, rumors swirled that she might go to Orange Sky, with some claiming it was because she was upset over "Kung Fu King."

At the time, Huo Siyan had even considered cultivating a relationship with her—if she could pull Liu Tianxian into the Teddy Sisters, that would be amazing.

But now Li Bingbing successfully renewed her contract, and the rumors about Liu Tianxian and Huayi had gone silent.

"I suspect the Li sisters might have sabotaged this?"

Huo Siyan judged by her own motives, fueled by old grudges, and pointed the finger squarely at the Li sisters.

To Yan Li, the Li sisters wielded immense power, dominating Huayi and bullying Liu Tianxian effortlessly.

But Yan Li knew that if those sisters truly had that much influence, they wouldn't have been humiliated by "Kung Fu King."

Artists, especially before large companies, are always the weaker party.

If an artist is popular enough and makes enough money, they might gain some autonomy through leverage, even negotiating with the company to force concessions in certain areas.

But that doesn't mean artists can interfere with the company's overall strategy or major plans.

Even if Liu Tianxian isn't as big a star as Li Bingbing, she's red-hot, and crucially, she's young with enormous potential.

If the Wang brothers, because of their grudge against the Li sisters, abandoned signing Liu Tianxian—especially after already promising her a major resource—they might as well pack up and quit the industry right now.

"There's something fishy going on here."

With too little information, Yan Li couldn't clearly judge what had happened—but whatever it was, it was bad for Huayi, and that made him happy.

Yan Li even considered whether he should swoop in and poach Liu Tianxian for Yi'an.

But he quickly dismissed the idea.

Not only would Liu Tianxian's fame and status create some resource conflict with Fan Xiaopang, but he'd also heard rumors about her background and complicated regulations.

You couldn't say it was wrong—she had the capital to do it, and if she wanted to play that way, who could stop her? Yan Li himself had done similar things.

But it would inevitably bring complications and headaches to the company's management and artist development.

Yan Li wanted artists who could fight, hustle, and make money—not half a deity to be worshipped.

"Oh, by the way."

Huo Siyan remembered something else: "Isn't 'Soldier's Assault' hot right now? Wang Baoqiang is leading it, and Li Chen and that guy who played Cheng Cai—what's his name again? —they've all signed with Huayi."

Yan Li nodded slightly, unsurprised.

"Soldier's Assault" aired at the end of last year, but its initial ratings weren't great; it only began gaining momentum after multiple local channels rebroadcasted it and online word-of-mouth spread.

Now, its momentum has grown steadily, bordering on breakout-hit status.

Rumors say it might be picked up for national broadcast this summer—if it goes national and takes off, the drama's influence will be even greater.

Yan Li had watched the drama, albeit briefly, and understood that ensemble pieces like this elevate actors significantly; each performer gets moments of brilliance and gains some share of the spotlight.

Especially the male lead, Wang Baoqiang.

This name had appeared early in Yan Li's intelligence reports—he couldn't find him back then, and now he's on his way to becoming a major star.

Too bad he's Huayi's talent. But Yan Li's mind turned agile—he realized this unique-style artist, with his massive grassroots popularity after "Soldier's Assault," was perfect for developing projects around him.

Hmm, he wasn't unusable.

Yan Li had boosted Li Bingbing, he had boosted Huo Siyan—adding Wang Baoqiang wouldn't be a problem.

Even if Huayi got a little benefit, his own projects could earn far more.

Business and the entertainment circle aren't so black-and-white—you can oppose Huayi, but never oppose money.

Besides, that Chen someone I don't know well, but Li Chen…

Yan Li stroked Huo Siyan's head: "Now that Li Chen's fame has risen, could Li Xiaolu get back together with him?"

He'd occasionally heard Qin Lan mention that after Li Xiaolu and Li Chen broke up, they weren't exactly cut off, but neither were they still close.

Li Chen used to be unable to stand his ground with Li Xiaolu, partly because of his career, but now that 'Soldier's March' has climbed another level, he might have a chance.

"You forgot—Xiaolu still has 'Struggle'."

Huo Siyan hummed evasively; Yan Li suddenly remembered and nearly forgot this detail.

'Soldier's March' and 'Struggle'—it's hard to say which is hotter.

Li Chen was just a supporting role in the drama; there were several other characters who stood out more.

Li Xiaolu, however, was a solid female second or third lead, with a relatively distinct character, and her romantic arc with Wen Zhang was more likable; at least audience reviews favored it far over the melodramatic love triangle involving the male lead, Tong Dawei.

Among the main cast of 'Struggle,' Tong Dawei reaped the most benefits.

As for the other actors, it's hard to say who gained more, but Li and Wen are likely at the top.

Li Xiaolu was already a rising star; now she's even more brilliant, a solid name among second-tier actors—Li Chen simply doesn't compare.

"A strong woman and a weak man—hard to make it work."

Yan Li sighed, then warned Huo Siyan to keep a close eye on Li Xiaolu.

That little vixen loves to run wild and act out, has no fear, and since the breakup she's gone completely unchecked—what she does to herself doesn't matter, but don't let her corrupt Qin Lan.

Huo Siyan felt a twinge of guilt; she hadn't yet done what Li Xiaolu had coaxed and threatened her into doing.

Lately, both of them had been busy with work, and with 'Painted Skin' on their minds, they'd temporarily put it off.

But Li Xiaolu never forgot; she'd already pressed Huo Siyan twice.

Huo Siyan wanted to ignore it, but feared the crazy girl might one day, out of recklessness, betray her.

Yet if she complied with Li Xiaolu's wishes, she could handle it—but what would Yan Li think?

Previously, Huo Siyan had been confident: a rising star offering herself—how could anyone refuse, especially with Yan Li's usual appetite?

But past attempts at meetings and probing had yielded no results; she was starting to doubt.

Yan Li had a big appetite, but he wasn't short of options—she herself was on shaky ground; who knew what Yan Li really thought? What if he believed she'd sold him out? That would be the end.

Torn between options, Huo Siyan went to the bathroom, brushed her teeth, and soaked in the bathtub, slowly forming some ideas.

Wrong!

She'd thought wrong!

This thing could be done—but her target was wrong.

Conspiring with Li Xiaolu against Yan Li brought little gain, no real benefit, high risk—if Yan Li found out and misunderstood, it was over.

But if she flipped the angle—herself and Yan Li conspiring together, offering up her best friend and rising star—then the whole nature changed.

She went from plotting against Yan Li to plotting with him; her position instantly righted itself.

Then, if Yan Li refused, she could explain to Li Xiaolu; if Li Xiaolu truly wanted to burn everything down, she could get Yan Li to step in.

After all, Yan Li certainly didn't want Qin Lan to find out.

Li Xiaolu dared to act crazy with her, but she'd never dare act crazy with Yan Li—her family had some connections, but they were nothing compared to his; even if she couldn't destroy him, she'd lose skin.

Conversely, if Yan Li agreed, she'd fulfill her promise to Li Xiaolu, gain a new ally, and earn favor with Yan Li.

Even if Qin Lan was perfect, she wouldn't go around pimping for Yan Li… damn it, introducing him friends.

Huo Siyan knew her image with Yan Li was poor—hard to change—and if that was the case, she might as well go all in.

If she couldn't be a virtuous wife and mother, then she'd be the wicked woman who aided evil.

Where there's good, there's evil!

She couldn't match Qin Lan in many things, but Qin Lan couldn't do many things either—otherwise Yan Li wouldn't have come to her today.

A wicked woman brings more thrills; even if she can't rise to the top, she can still grab more benefits.

Huo Siyan also thought of Wang Ou.

That seductive little slut was just a model with no formal training, slowly lifted up by Yan Li to where she is now.

In terms of loyalty and seniority, she couldn't compare to Qin Dong; in beauty and ability, she was utterly crushed by Fan Xiaopang.

Was it just because she got with Yan Li earlier?

But I wasn't late when I filmed 'Huan Tian Xi Di'!

Huo Siyan had long suspected that the seductive little slut had gathered several others, all of whom had rumors swirling around Yan Li—she was almost certainly doing "betraying friends for personal gain."

Especially that Yang Rong—who managed to snatch a leading female role over her? It looked suspicious as hell.

If Wang Ou, that little seductress, can do it, why can't I?!

Of course, she needed to be cautious regarding Qin Lan—no big moves—but there was still room to maneuver.

Huo Siyan had always feared being caught red-handed by Qin Lan, acting with extreme caution—but perhaps spurred on by Li Xiaolu, she finally saw clearly.

Either way, if Qin Lan caught her, she was finished; since she was doomed either way, she might as well go big—if she made it big, maybe she'd still have a chance.

As Huo Siyan thought more, her eyes brightened; she hadn't even dried off, and rushed over to Yan Li, dropping a bombshell.

"Boss Yan, let me find you another woman."

Yan Li: "???"

Did this bitch wash her brains out in the bath?!

Since the so-called Teddy Sisterhood formed, Yan Li had taken the initiative to find Huo Siyan only once; normally, she'd cling to him desperately—why would she push him away?

Yan Li glanced at her skeptically: "Are you dating someone?"

Strictly speaking, Huo Siyan wasn't even his lover; they exchanged what needed exchanging, and he'd given her plenty of benefits, never imposed rules.

He'd only mentioned once: if she started dating someone, notify him first, so they could part amicably and avoid awkwardness.

Though she gained much from Yan Li, she had no official status, was treated capriciously, and was the one constantly chasing after him while he remained cold.

If Yan Li met a decent guy, wanted to cut ties with the past, and fall in love, he could understand.

Yan Li pulled out his phone, pondering how much money would settle it.

Though they hadn't technically broken up, and compensation wasn't even a consideration, they had still communicated; Huo Siyan had always been obedient to him, and he might need her help with Qin Lan and Huayi later.

Two million in cash should be enough—after all, he'd already given her plenty of resources; if not, he could arrange a few advertising deals.

"No no no."

Seeing Yan Li's expression, Huo Siyan didn't understand what he was thinking, but she knew he'd misunderstood, and quickly spoke to explain.

"..."

Yan Li's confusion didn't fade—it only grew.

Come on, these women really know how to play games, pulling one after another, trying to scam him with pyramid schemes?!

She never saw these plastic sisters show any real solidarity or affection—how did they turn this into a pyramid-scheme harem?

Just what did they think of him—salvation or damnation?!

Yan Li was stunned, yet Huo Siyan kept chattering away.

At first she'd been shy and embarrassed, but as she got past the initial awkwardness, she grew more and more fluent.

Huo Siyan couldn't reveal her true psychological shifts or the full backstory—her words were carefully packaged and polished.

One key reason was that she couldn't handle Yan Li alone, so for his sake, she was willing to sacrifice and give up everything, and so on.

Yan Li slowly caught on—he'd been through this before; Wang Ou had gone further much earlier.

No wonder he thought she and Wang Ou had similar personalities—their thoughts even aligned.

Hmm, maybe she'd just copied Wang Ou.

Wang Ou's actions couldn't be hidden from others; Dong Xuan, Qin Lan, and others had all sensed something, making Wang Ou, already disliked, even more despised.

But Wang Ou didn't care much either—she only cared about Yan Li's opinion.

To be blunt, when she wasn't doing this, Dong, Qin, and Fan hadn't held her in high regard—they'd bullied her constantly.

But now that she'd pulled in a few others, she'd gained some status and clout, no longer as humble as before; even Yan Li gave her subtle, and not-so-subtle, protection.