Chapter 285: Upgrade Persona: Entertainment Industry Business Queen, Living off Her Husband

Europe, Greece

Tong Dawei and Guan Yue, who arrived two days late, were met upon landing.

Yan Li's assistant, Ding Feng, a local Greek translator and driver.

"Teacher Tong, Teacher Guan, Boss Yan and the others are out sightseeing. Let's check into the hotel first, then regroup when they return."

"Sounds good."

Tong Dawei nodded readily—this wedding, Yan Li hadn't contributed a single cent as a gift, and Dong Xuan hadn't given money either, but she'd privately gifted Guan Yue a set of jewelry.

Though they gave no money, Yan Li covered all expenses for their European luxury honeymoon—food, drink, entertainment.

Even the itinerary was handled for them; all they needed to bring was luggage and themselves.

After getting in the car, they arrived at the hotel, where Ding Feng gave a brief introduction.

It wasn't a five-star luxury hotel, but a boutique hotel rich in local culture, with all necessary amenities.

When traveling abroad, the hotel's comfort, cleanliness, and safety come first; second is experiencing fresh culture—purely luxurious hotels aren't unavailable back home.

Tong Dawei and his wife had no objections since they weren't paying, but only upon entering the bedroom did they realize Ding Feng had been overly modest.

The space was sizable, the decor exquisite, steeped in Greek style, with views of ancient architecture and street scenes.

They weren't novices—this was clearly high-end tourism accommodation, likely even pricier than so-called five-star hotels.

"Rest up, gentlemen. If you're hungry, call directly to arrange meals, or contact me—here's my business card."

Ding Feng handed over his card; Tong Dawei glanced at it—it was clean, bearing only his name and phone number.

Yet Tong Dawei didn't underestimate this mild-mannered young man—in his experience, two people were most commonly seen beside Yan Li, and one of them was this one.

A genuine personal assistant!

The role of assistant is peculiar—authority, influence, and status have no fixed standards; they vary by person.

Some assistants are merely errand-runners, tools with no real value.

Others are different—calling them "second boss" is hyperbolic, but with sufficient trust, they can indeed represent their principal to a significant degree, which is formidable.

Tong Dawei himself had an assistant; his assistant, leveraging Tong's fame, would sometimes be called "Teacher" by staff—how much more so for Yan Li's assistant?

Tong Dawei, lacking any grounds to be arrogant, politely said: "Thank you, Assistant Ding, for your care."

"It's my duty. Boss Yan instructed me to provide top service."

Ding Feng smiled and nodded, unsurprised by Tong's attitude—seven-rank officials still bow before a chancellor's gate, let alone someone so close to Yan Li.

Precisely because of this, Ding Feng's demeanor grew even more humble.

An assistant must know boundaries: don't undervalue yourself, for sometimes you represent Yan Li—but don't overvalue yourself either, for an assistant is still just an assistant.

Times have changed. When Yan Li first started, Lin Jiachuan was forced to serve as assistant and complained the job was troublesome and restrictive.

Now Yan Li's net worth exceeds one billion, his future boundless, and his inner circle has become a coveted position.

Yan Li's employees number in the thousands; many with elite educations or glittering resumes have sought to replace Ding Feng.

Yet Ding Feng has remained by Yan Li's side—not only because Yan Li is sentimental, but because Ding Feng isn't Bai Hun.

A personal assistant handles many tasks; loyalty is vital, but so are personality and ability.

"Rest up, gentlemen. Call if you need anything."

Ding Feng took his leave. Tong Dawei unpacked luggage while Guan Yue, rubbing her belly, excitedly began touring the room.

As a popular star, Tong Dawei had participated in some overseas events, but this was Guan Yue's first trip abroad—everything felt new.

"Oh, Lao Dong's call."

Guan Yue, who had already activated international roaming, answered the phone and chatted animatedly with Dong Xuan.

"We just checked in. Assistant Ding arranged everything perfectly. Enjoy yourselves, don't worry—we'll meet tonight."

After a few minutes, she hung up and said: "Yan Li and Lao Dong went to some old district called Puxia… they'll be back in the evening."

It had been agreed beforehand: Yan Li and Dong Xuan rarely got time to travel abroad, so they arranged everything in advance and wouldn't come to pick them up—just meet tonight, then tour together tomorrow.

"Alright, you rest first. I'll call home to let them know we're safe."

Tong Dawei told Guan Yue to rest; though the journey had been first-class flights and private transfers, she was pregnant and needed to recover.

Guan Yue was tired, but her spirits were high. After lying down briefly, she pulled Tong Dawei along to tour the hotel again.

As mentioned earlier, this hotel was a cultural landmark in its own right, with plenty to see.

After touring enough and sampling the hotel's specialty cuisine, they were halfway through their meal when Yan Li and Dong Xuan returned.

Yan Li wore a light summer casual outfit—simple, yet his tall, muscular frame subtly revealed contours beneath the thin, fitted shirt. He radiated presence, wearing stylish sunglasses, standing there with undeniable charisma.

Tong Dawei clearly noticed several foreign women glancing at him—some subtly, others openly, even lustfully.

Dong Xuan wore a white long dress adorned with golden ornaments and patterns, resembling a goddess from the hotel's murals or statues—likely purchased locally.

Tall and fair-skinned, she looked elegant yet fashionable, striking the eye instantly.

"Beautiful—I want one too."

That was Guan Yue's first words. Dong Xuan smiled: "Don't worry, I bought you a set. The shop still has more—we'll go back together later."

Yan Li, who had just smiled and greeted Tong Dawei, immediately dropped his smile at this.

He was baffled: these women normally begged for mercy around him, feigning frailty and helplessness—yet when it came to shopping, they suddenly had boundless energy.

Lucky only one came along—if there were more, he'd be the one begging for mercy.

The two women chattered enthusiastically, leaving Yan Li and Tong Dawei to exchange a glance—and both sighed.

But Yan Li perked up immediately: "I found a hot air balloon and speedboat club. Dong Xuan's scared—come with me, let's try it."

Tong Dawei was tempted—he'd never tried either, and they sounded fun—but he hesitated.

"Is it safe?"

Yan Li rolled his eyes: "Relax—I'm more afraid of dying than you are."

Tong Dawei instantly felt reassured—Yan Li was far richer and younger; he'd never recklessly risk his life.

The two also enthusiastically discussed the specific activities—this was precisely why Yan Li had invited Tong Dawei and his wife along.

Except for certain activities, men and women rarely enjoy the same things.

Since they were traveling abroad only rarely, Yan Li wanted to relax, but didn't want Dong Xuan to compromise for him, so he found her a companion.

That way, Dong Xuan had someone to keep her company, while he could still enjoy his own interests beyond their private time.

So Tong Dawei was really benefiting from Guan Yue's presence—only she could pull Dong Xuan away from Yan Li during the trip.

Yan Li didn't lack companions; without Tong Dawei, there were Ding Feng and the other bodyguards who had come along.

After dinner, there was an evening activity: a nice hot spring pool, soothing to soak in, and not far away was a sunrise and sunset viewpoint, said to offer stunning scenery perfect for photography.

After discussing it, they decided to soak in the hot spring first; there was accommodation there, so if they could wake up, they'd go see the sunrise—if not, then fine.

Yan Li valued travel that was relaxed and comfortable: worthwhile sights could be enjoyed, but never forced, and never at the cost of exhausting himself.

Nothing can be perfect; regret is also a kind of memory.

Yan Li felt Greece's hot springs were slightly different from Jingcheng's, but not by much.

The four split into two pools, separated by bamboo walls and wooden curtains; Ding Feng and the others went to another pool.

Comfortably reclining in the warm water, Dong Xuan had changed into a bathrobe and sat beside him.

"By the way, can pregnant women soak in hot springs?"

Yan Li suddenly remembered something; Dong Xuan nodded: "I called and asked—soak for a while, don't stay too long, no problem."

"Good enough."

Yan Li relaxed, but remembered he'd invited this couple along for the trip—safety mattered. Tong Dawei didn't matter, but Guan Yue was pregnant; she needed care.

Soaking in the hot spring, sipping red wine, Yan Li gazed through the white mist at Dong Xuan in the water, growing more fond of her by the moment.

She was fair-skinned, pure yet alluring, with a great figure—her allure in the water surpassed her usual charm.

He still remembered dating Dong Xuan in college; he especially loved swimming with her, satisfying both his eyes and hands, and after bathing, he could satisfy other cravings too.

Sensing Yan Li's growing desire, Dong Xuan couldn't help feeling a quiet pride.

Everyone says the seventh year brings boredom, and she and Yan Li were nearing that point—but she still held immense appeal over him, proving her daily efforts at self-care and exercise weren't in vain.

Of course, it also helped that this beast had a voracious appetite.

Dong Xuan felt both love and resentment toward this trait: she loved how it maintained long-term harmony, but hated that he was never satisfied and kept chasing other women.

While muttering to herself, she felt his hands moving—she couldn't resist pinching him.

"Old Guan and the others are right next door."

"They can't see."

True, but Yan Li could ignore Guan Yue—he still had Tong Dawei to consider. So though he continued to dote on Dong Xuan, he never went further.

As their affection grew hotter, the hot spring water couldn't cool it down; just as he was about to return to their room, Yan Li suddenly perked up his ears and shushed Dong Xuan.

Quietly creeping to the bamboo wall, Yan Li smirked: "These two really are on their honeymoon."

Dong Xuan spat at him, then worried: "Is it safe?"

"They're not fools; after three months, it should be fine."

Yan Li figured they'd been holding back for a while, and with this setting, dry tinder inevitably met flame—so they'd lost all sense of propriety.

Whether appropriate or not, they couldn't interrupt now; Yan Li pulled Dong Xuan away.

"Forget them—let's focus on our own business."

As for not doing it in the hot spring, partly it was to protect Dong Xuan, partly because he feared Tong Dawei might feel inferior…

…

Yan Li and the others spent over a week in Greece, visiting and experiencing several well-known sights and interesting activities.

Tong Dawei and his wife also got to experience the wealthy man's lifestyle.

Every hotel was either boutique or luxury; transportation was always private car service, including renting a private yacht at sea, helicopter tours over islands and cities.

Meals centered on local specialties, but also included a few Michelin-starred restaurants, upscale estates, and top-tier private chef dinners.

In Yan Li's words, you must try street snacks and local flavors, but you must also experience fine restaurants and skilled chefs.

Every sightseeing spot or activity was handled with VIP service—the experience was even better than they'd imagined.

Tong Dawei had inquired: some services and arrangements couldn't be bought with money alone.

If it were him, even with the same amount, they might not even bother.

Yan Li's business was mostly domestic; Tong Dawei was curious how he'd managed it.

"I didn't really try hard—once your savings reach a certain level, once you've purchased certain services or engaged in related partnerships, or consumed luxury goods up to a certain point, you automatically gain access."

"If that's still not enough, just call a few friends—I don't have business overseas, but they might."

Many things sound mysterious and impressive, but in truth, they're just that.

Most people can't access them—simply because of the word "barrier."

Once your status and social circle reach that level, once you cross the barrier, it stops being novel.

And crossing the barrier isn't limited to this one method—there are countless others, but Yan Li hasn't studied them in detail; he doesn't understand them and isn't interested.

He has the simplest, most effective path—why bother with the rest?

Moreover, Yan Li isn't particularly impressed by these barriers—they're just artificial walls designed to create hierarchies, satisfying the vanity of high-end clients above and luring the middle class below who crave upward mobility.

In plain terms, it's still cutting the grass.

But Yan Li sees clearly—he can't escape being cut either.

Because while Yan Li can ignore the barrier, many others care deeply—he often needs to leverage that care, and he also needs these premium services to enjoy himself.

Yan Li reserved his final two days for England, planning to watch a match; originally, Tong Dawei and his wife still had time, and Yan Li offered they could continue traveling.

But Tong Dawei and his wife felt too awkward.

They weren't fools; though they didn't know exactly how much Yan Li had spent, the whole trip reeked of money.

It was fine to accompany them on the honeymoon trip, but after they returned, still making Yan Li pay for everything was hard to justify.

Moreover, Guan Yue is pregnant; traveling together is truly inconvenient, and now that they're married, they should visit their hometowns anyway. Tong Dawei's wedding leave is limited—better to handle everything back home first, then take Guan Yue out separately.

Yan Li was half a football fan, occasionally watching the Premier League or UEFA Champions League; Tong Dawei was a pure fake fan, watching only the World Cup.

But he could actually play soccer—he had a scene in The Battle of Chibi where he played cuju, practiced specifically, and though his footwork wasn't great, he could juggle far better than Yan Li.

With limited time, they didn't catch Yan Li's favorite Manchester United; instead, they watched an Arsenal match in London.

Yan Li hadn't seen many live matches, and after the game ended, he was still exhilarated, grabbing Tong Dawei and declaring boldly.

"When we've got money and free time, I'll buy a club, fly to England once a month to watch games—pure bliss."

Tong Dawei smirked, thinking Yan Li was getting carried away: "Dong Xuan, can't you control your guy's bragging?"

"I believe him."

Dong Xuan firmly stood by Yan Li; although he sometimes made big claims, anything he truly intended to do, he always followed through.

She had heard Yan Li say that when filming on set, he saw a horse he liked—he was nobody then, yet dared to tell the owner he'd come back to buy it. Back then, people laughed at him, but two years later, the horse was his.