Chapter 301: Give Me Face, Call Me Feng Dao; Don

The film *Assembly* is one of only two major films with an entirely mainland cast.

The other is *Painted Skin*, which just finished shooting.

But unlike *Painted Skin*, *Assembly* is Feng Xiaogang's work; with this great director at the helm, the actors' presence and importance take a backseat.

Coupled with the fact that several key creatives lack sufficient credibility in film, the entire promotional campaign centered entirely on Feng Xiaogang.

Deng Chao, as the male second lead, was also a promotional highlight.

After joining Yi'an and riding the coattails of the Big Four First-Generation Leads, Deng Chao's status and fame surged dramatically; though still lacking depth, he now stood shoulder to shoulder with Huang Xiaoming and a few others, already resembling the top tier of mainland young male leads.

At least compared to the previously obscure Zhang Hanyu and the semi-retired Ren Quan, Deng Chao was the main promotional face of *Assembly*.

Yet Deng Chao wasn't particularly invested in promoting *Assembly*.

It wasn't that he didn't care—he was just too busy; *Painted Skin* had just wrapped, and his company had piled on a mountain of tasks.

Also, between Huayi and Yi'an, there was some… complexity; each side had its own agenda, making cooperation and communication inconvenient.

Additionally, to align with Weibo and capitalize on *Assembly*'s upcoming release, Deng Chao's team and Sun Li's team orchestrated a publicity stunt, officially announcing their relationship on Weibo.

Their romance had been photographed long ago; for various reasons, they never denied it or avoided it, but never responded directly either.

This official announcement served to boost Weibo, establish their status as a couple, and increase exposure for both.

The top lead of Yi'an and the top actress of Hai Run—the hottest young male lead and the hottest leading lady.

Even though everyone knew about it, the official announcement still caused a massive stir, ranking among the hottest entertainment news of late 2007.

In fact, this wave of heat also helped *Assembly*; as the film's lead actor, Deng Chao naturally allowed the movie to share in some of that buzz.

But director Feng Xiaogang was furious, believing Deng Chao was insulting his work.

This is a film. This is art. Why are you and your damn gossip stealing my spotlight?

Add to that Deng Chao's "uncooperative" behavior during the roadshow, and Feng Xiaogang, whose temper had grown increasingly arrogant and volatile due to the film's strong box office, publicly lashed out at Deng Chao during a roadshow, leaving him utterly humiliated.

But Feng Xiaogang wasn't satisfied—he went to Sina Blog and unleashed a torrent of insults.

This time, he dragged Yan Li into it too.

He likely implied that Yan Li had exploited *Assembly* for publicity and manipulated Weibo, using every underhanded tactic possible, tainting his film with these promotional schemes.

Yan Li was stunned: What the hell are you pretending to be so high-minded about? Which movie doesn't use some gossip to stir up hype?

Huayi knew full well about these plans—if they were unhappy, they should've spoken up earlier. Now that the box office is strong and things seem secure, you're putting on an artist's act.

Yan Li's face darkened. He said nothing, called Deng Chao, and arranged a dinner with Huayi and Feng Xiaogang.

When the two Wangs of Huayi received the call, they sensed something was off.

They'd dealt with Yan Li more than once; that little bastard may act cheerful and carefree, but when he goes off, he's terrifying.

He's fiercely protective of his own, petty as hell, and won't tolerate even the slightest slight. Feng Xiaogang humiliated Deng Chao and insulted Yan Li—do you really think he'll let it slide?

This is definitely a Hongmen Banquet!

Feng Xiaogang, however, didn't take it seriously; *Assembly* was smashing at the box office, on track to become the 2007 box office champion.

Not just among mainland directors, but across the entire Chinese-language film industry, only Old Zhang could consistently outperform him at the box office.

Most people with this level of achievement would be floating on air—let alone Feng, who was already naturally arrogant and impulsive.

Now, everyone fawned over him; his eyes were practically fixed on the ceiling. His ego was out of control—otherwise, he wouldn't have publicly humiliated Deng Chao.

With *Assembly* in full swing, it was his moment to shine. What business did Deng Chao and that damn Weibo have meddling in it?

Even Yan Li's invitation, he assumed, was just little Yan fearing things had gone too far, setting up a banquet to smooth things over.

So when the two Wangs warned him, Feng Xiaogang brushed it off.

Yan Li made films too; faced with his own cash cow, he'd be begging for cooperation, not turning hostile.

Feng Xiaogang decided to accept the invitation gladly. He was arrogant, sure, but not so foolish as to lose his mind—if he were truly out of control, he wouldn't have just insulted Yan Li indirectly; he'd have named him outright and screamed at him.

Little Yan was still a big shot in the film world; better not burn bridges completely. When Yan Li offered a face-saving way out, he'd just say a few soft words and let it pass.

Seeing Feng Xiaogang so confident, the two Wangs weren't reassured—they decided to go with him.

If things turned violent, their presence could still control the scene.

Not only did they go, they also summoned Ge Daye, Zhou Young Master, Ren Quan, and Huang Xiaoming—all Huayi's top artists—to join. The more people, the less likely a brawl would break out.

Huosiyan, Yan Li's personal PR, wasn't spared either; she'd just wrapped filming in Hengdian and was pulled in for emergency overtime.

That evening, Yan Li arrived slightly late, accompanied only by Deng Chao. As they neared the door, he gave one final instruction.

"Later, whatever I tell you to do, you do. Don't interfere with anything else."

Deng Chao's expression was grim, but he nodded. Though uneasy inside, as an actor, resolving this conflict peacefully wasn't bad.

"Sorry everyone, traffic jam—I'm late."

As soon as Yan Li entered, he apologized warmly. Huosiyan moved fastest, stepping forward to gently take off his coat and hang it on the private room's coat rack, making the two Huayi Wangs and some Huayi artists blink in surprise.

You're not even pretending anymore, are you?!

The two Huayi Wangs were veterans of the drinking scene; most of the other artists were battle-hardened too—Ge Daye and Huang Xiaoming especially were famous for their social charm.

Social kings, no matter their personality, were skilled at making friends; one person spoke, another chimed in, and the atmosphere quickly warmed up.

Many watching Yan Li smile and raise his glass sighed in relief—this looked like a reconciliation.

Indeed, after the small talk, Yan Li signaled Deng Chao to stand and raise a glass.

"Deng Chao did miss some promotional events for *Assembly*. Though there were reasons, it was still wrong. Chao'er, toast Feng Dao."

Deng Chao pursed his lips but forced a smile: "Feng Dao, I didn't manage my schedule well and disrupted the work—I've caused you trouble."

Feng Xiaogang glanced at Yan Li and the others, feeling deeply honored.

Deng Chao was a major figure in the industry, and Yan Li was even more formidable—after humiliating him, he still came to set up a banquet.

He chuckled, raised his glass, and sat back: "I was impulsive too, Chao'er. Don't take it personally."

After Deng Chao sat down, others were about to say some auspicious words to warm the mood, but Yan Li raised his hand to stop them, then stood up himself, holding a glass.

"This toast is from me to Feng Dao."

"Yan Zong, you're too kind."

Seeing this, Feng Xiaogang couldn't sit still. He could put on airs with Deng Chao, but with Yan Li, he felt uneasy—he stood up too. Even others tried to rise, but Yan Li stopped them, insisting he was toasting Feng alone.

Looking at Feng Xiaogang's smiling face, Yan Li said: "The incident happened. Regardless of the reasons, my company and I certainly fell short somewhere. I offer my apologies to Feng Dao."

"No, no, not at all."

Feng laughed like a blooming chrysanthemum, his white facial patches trembling. He'd publicly insulted Yan Li—and now Yan Li was toasting him? He wanted to ask: Who else?

Everyone sat back down. Feng Xiaogang considered whether to return the toast—maybe it was fine as it was, letting his status as Great Director shine.

He was still basking in this satisfaction when Yan Li, seated, spoke again.

"The toast is done. The apology is made. I have another question for Feng Dao."

"Speak."

Feng Xiaogang answered readily, as if teaching a lesson—but Yan Li's next words made his smile vanish.

"I'd like to ask, Feng Dao: how have I offended you?"

At these words, everyone realized something was wrong. Ge Daye opened his mouth to speak, but Yan Li silenced him with a glare.

Yan Li was no longer polite or warm. His face was dark, brows furrowed, his entire demeanor radiating suppressed fury.

"Is Yi'an the distributor of *Assembly*?"

"Is Weibo a promotional partner of *Assembly*?"

"Was the plan to announce Deng Chao's relationship with Sun Li communicated to Huayi in advance?"

Yan Li fired off three questions. Feng Xiaogang, sensing trouble, stayed silent. Wang Zhonglei stepped in to mediate.

"Yan Zong—"

Yan Li cut him off coldly: "Did I ask you?"

Fuck, I'm Huayi's number two! Who are you yelling at?!

Wang Zhonglei was furious, but faced with Yan Li's terrifying aura, he dared not retaliate, swallowing his words back down.

Seeing the two Wangs silent and everyone else too afraid to speak, Feng Xiaogang had no choice but to answer.

"It… seems so."

"'Seems so'? Then what the hell are you playing at?!"

Yan Li roared: "Only you're high-minded? Only you're an artist? You agreed to the plan, then turned on us like a dog—do you think I'm easy to bully?"

"You've made two films and think you've climbed to the top? Even if you've climbed the table, you only eat when I and Wang Zong let you."

"Let me tell you: if I give you face, I call you Feng Dao. If I don't give you face, you're still Feng Kuzi, running after Wang Shuo's heels."

"..."

Don't hit someone on the face; don't insult someone's weakness!

Yan Li's words were brutal. The first few were harsh, but the last two stabbed straight into Feng Xiaogang's heart.

Feng Xiaogang had convinced himself he'd arrived—yet Yan Li's words dragged him back to square one.

That line about being "Feng Kuzi, running after Wang Shuo's heels" was a killing blow—it exposed Feng's most humiliating past, turning his white facial patches black with rage.

"You little brat, how dare you insult me—"

Before he finished speaking, Yan Li hurled the teacup at him: "So what if I insult you? I'll destroy you too. Listen up—this isn't over. If I don't teach you a lesson, you'll think I'm a vegetarian."

Then Yan Li turned to the two Wangs: "You've both seen what happened. This isn't me bullying you—it's Feng's refusal to accept face."

"I'm helping you discipline your subordinate. If Huayi objects and wants to defend him, I'm ready."

"Chao'er, let's go."

With that, Yan Li stood and walked out. Deng Chao, thoroughly satisfied, loudly replied, "Yes!"—and even stole a glance at Huang Xiaoming.

Look at the boss I follow—fucking inspiring!

As soon as they stepped out, before anyone else could react, Huosiyan stood up immediately.

"Uh, I'm just going to the bathroom."

Then, she quietly followed him out, and Wang Zhonglei couldn't hold back—he smashed his bowl.

Hu Siyan, still half in the room, heard the sound but said nothing, merely rolled her eyes and kept chasing Yanli.

I waited until they left before making an excuse to slip away—I didn't just follow them right then and there; that's already giving face.

After Hu Siyan left, the entire private room fell so silent you could hear a pin drop.

Feng Xiaogang panted heavily: "Fucking hell, I'm not done with him."

If you've got that much fire, why didn't you throw your tea bowl back at him just now!

Several people silently seethed but said nothing, focusing intently on the dishes and plates before them—including Feng's old friend Ge Daye.

It wasn't that he cared about decorum—he couldn't speak up even if he wanted to; this wasn't something he could meddle in.

Finally, Second Wang spoke up: "Xiaogang, don't worry—the entertainment industry isn't some place where Yanli can run wild. The company will absolutely stand by you and make him pay."

Wang Zhonglei added: "Exactly—we've got to fight him, make him understand who really holds the power."

No matter how you look at it, Feng Xiaogang is Hua Yi's top director, and everyone here is a core member of Hua Yi—Yanli's behavior was simply too much.

Hua Yi must take a stance—at least publicly, it must be resolute. Otherwise, who will want to stick with Hua Yi going forward?

Feng Xiaogang snorted and walked out. He'd lost too much face today—he didn't want to linger here another second.

The others quickly took their leave as well. Everyone was sharp enough to see: Second Wang had stayed silent in front of Yanli, yet now acted as if he was ready to wage war—this stirred unease.

A few even envied Deng Chao and Fan Xiaopang—after all, Yanli truly protected his own.

Feng Xiaogang was a big name in the industry, yet he'd publicly berated someone just to defend Deng Chao.

No wonder Hu Siyan was always half-hearted toward Hua Yi—compared to the two Wang bosses, Boss Yanli was clearly the one worth serving…

In the private room, once everyone had left, Wang Zhonglei drank a cup of wine and looked at his older brother.

"Brother, what do we do?"

"It's not necessarily good—but it's not necessarily bad either."

Yanli's behavior had certainly annoyed Second Wang, but deep down, he felt a tiny flicker of satisfaction.

Over the past two years, Feng Xiaogang had grown arrogant—he sometimes even treated Second Wang with disrespect. But he was Hua Yi's biggest cash cow, so Second Wang had no choice but to coddle him.

In a way, Yanli today had helped Second Wang deliver a warning to Feng—to remind him who the real boss was.

Earlier, Feng had kept saying, "Only if I and Boss Wang say you can eat, then you can eat," and "my subordinates." Wang Zhongjun had feigned anger—but inside, he'd wanted to cheer for Yanli.

They were at odds with Yanli, but from a boss's perspective, they were on the same level—Feng had become the outsider.

Of course, Yanli wasn't harboring any good intentions either.

These remarks weren't just a warning—they were also a subtle attempt to sow discord, not just against Feng Xiaogang, but against everyone in the room.

Yanli had brought only Deng Chao—and had just defended him, proving his loyalty. Hua Yi's side? Not so clear-cut.

Damn it, Hua Yi never had good luck when dealing with him. Wang Zhongjun scratched his head and cursed Feng Xiaogang again.

"What's wrong with his brain? Why the hell did he go provoke him?"

Hua Yi wasn't afraid of Yanli—but right now, they were especially sensitive, in the middle of IPO preparations. If both sides clashed, neither was a pushover—who knew what chaos might erupt and ruin the listing?