Chapter 301

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 back seat.

Added to that, several key creatives lack sufficient credibility in film, so the entire promotional campaign centers on Feng Xiaogang.

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

After joining Yi'an and riding the wave of the Four Big First-Generation Leads, Deng Chao's status and fame surged dramatically; though he still lacks depth, compared to others in the industry, he already has the posture of a top-tier mainland young actor, at least when measured against Huang Xiaoming and a few others.

At least compared to the previously obscure Zhang Hanyu and the semi-retired Ren Quan, Deng Chao is the main promotional force behind "Assembly."

But Deng Chao isn't particularly invested in promoting "Assembly."

It's not that he's uncommitted—he's just too busy; "Painted Skin" just finished shooting, and his company has piled a mountain of tasks on him.

Also, there's some… complexity between Huayi and Yi'an; each side has its own agenda, so cooperation and contact aren't smooth.

Additionally, in coordination with Weibo and as "Assembly" prepares for release, Deng Chao's team and Sun Li's team orchestrated a publicity stunt, officially announcing their relationship on Weibo.

Their romance had already been photographed long ago; for various reasons, they never denied it or avoided it, but never gave a direct response either.

This official announcement both boosts Weibo and settles their status, while simultaneously increasing exposure for both.

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

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

In fact, this wave of heat also helped "Assembly"; Deng Chao is the film's lead, so the movie naturally benefits from a share of the 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 the spotlight?

Coupled with Deng Chao's "uncooperative" behavior during the roadshow, Feng Xiaogang—whose temper had grown increasingly arrogant and volatile as the film's box office soared—publicly lashed out during a roadshow, leaving Deng Chao utterly humiliated.

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

This dragged Yan Li into it too.

He likely implied that Yan Li was using "Assembly" to stir up publicity and manipulate Weibo, employing 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 hype?

Huayi isn't ignorant of 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 or twice; that little bastard may act cheerful and carefree, but when he goes off, he's terrifying.

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

This is almost certainly a Hongmen Banquet!

Feng Xiaogang didn't take it seriously; "Assembly" was a massive box office success, on track to become the highest-grossing film of 2007.

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

Most people with such an achievement would be floating on air—let alone Feng, who already had a naturally arrogant and impulsive personality.

Now, everyone fawns over him everywhere; his eyes are practically fixed on the ceiling. His mindset is utterly arrogant—otherwise he wouldn't have publicly humiliated Deng Chao.

With "Assembly" in hot release, it's his moment to shine. Why should Deng Chao and some damn Weibo be meddling?

Even this invitation from Yan Li, he assumed was just little Yan fearing things had gotten too tense, setting up a banquet to smooth things over.

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

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

Feng Xiaogang decided to attend the gathering gladly. Arrogant as he was, he wasn't so foolish as to lose his mind; otherwise, he wouldn't have just insulted Yan Li—he'd have named him outright and cursed him.

Little Yan is still a big shot in the film industry. Better not burn bridges completely. When Yan Li offers a face-saving step, he can say a few soft words and move on.

Seeing Feng Xiaogang so confident, the two Wangs felt uneasy and decided to accompany him.

If any conflict arose, their presence could keep things under control.

Not only did the two Wangs go—they also summoned Ge Daye, Zhou Young Master, Ren Quan, and Huang Xiaoming, all Huayi's top artists; the more people, the less likely trouble would erupt.

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

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

"Later, whatever I tell you to do, you do it. Don't worry about 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. Huo Siyan 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; the rest of the artists were mostly battle-hardened, and figures like Ge Daye and Huang Xiaoming were famously social butterflies.

Social butterflies—no matter their personality—excel at making friends; one person speaks, another follows, and the atmosphere quickly warmed up.

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

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

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

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

Feng Xiaogang glanced at Yan Li and the others, feeling greatly 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, sat back, and raised his cup: "I was impulsive too, Chao. Don't take it personally."

After Deng Chao finished his toast and sat down, others were about to say some auspicious words to warm the mood, but Yan Li raised his hand to signal them to wait, then stood up himself, holding a cup of wine.

"This toast is from me—to Director Feng."

"Mr. Yan is too humble."

Seeing this, Feng Xiaogang could no longer sit still; he could posture before Deng Chao, but he felt uneasy around Yan Li, so he stood up too—and even as others rose to follow, Yan Li stopped them, saying he wished to toast Feng alone.

Looking at Feng Xiaogang's beaming face, Yan Li said: "The incident has happened; no matter what, there must be shortcomings on my part and on the part of Yi'an, so I offer my sincere apologies to Director Feng."

"Nowhere near, nowhere near."

Feng grinned like a chrysanthemum, his white facial patches trembling as he publicly insulted Yan Li—and now he had to drink with me? I'd like to know, who else?

Everyone sat back down. Feng Xiaogang pondered whether he should return the toast; everyone had face, and it felt fine as it was—it showed off his prestige as Director Feng.

He was just feeling pleased when Yan Li, seated across from him, spoke again.

"I've toasted, I've apologized—I have another matter I'd like to ask Director Feng."

"Speak."

Feng was quick to agree, looking as if he were ready to teach Yan Li something—but Yan Li's next words made him stop smiling.

"I'd like to ask Director Feng: how have I, Yan Li, offended you?"

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

At this moment, Yan Li was no longer polite or warm; his face darkened, his brows furrowed, his entire aura thick with suppressed rage.

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

"Is Weibo the promotional partner for 'The Assembly'?"

"Was Hua Yi informed in advance of the plan to reveal Deng Chao's romantic relationship?"

Yan Li fired off three questions in rapid succession. Feng Xiaogang, sensing trouble, stayed silent with a dark face. Wang Zhonglei stepped in to defuse the tension.

"Mr. Yan..."

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

Fuck, I'm Hua Yi's number two—who are you yelling at?!

Wang Zhonglei was furious, but faced with Yan Li's intimidating aura, he dared not retaliate and swallowed his words.

Seeing the Wang brothers silent, no one else dared speak. Feng Xiaogang could only grit his teeth and reply.

"It... seems so."

"Seems so? Then why the hell are you putting on airs?!"

Yan Li exploded: "You think you're so noble, you think you're an artist? You agreed to the plan, then turned your back on it—do you think I, Yan Li, am easy to bully?"

"You've made two films and think you've climbed to the table? Even if you've climbed up, you only eat what my brother Wang and I let you eat."

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

"..."

Don't strike a man on the face; don't insult him by targeting his shame!

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

Feng Xiaogang had long believed he'd entered the inner circle—yet Yan Li's words dragged him straight back to square one.

The line about being "Feng Kuzi, running after Wang Shuo's heels" was a killing blow—it exposed the deep shame of his past, turning his white facial patches black with rage.

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

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

Saying this, Yan Li turned to the two Wangs: "You two have seen what happened. This isn't me abusing power—it's Feng's refusal to accept face."

"I'm helping you manage your subordinate. If Hua Yi objects, if you want to stand up for him, I'm ready."

"Chao, let's go."

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

Look at the boss we follow—damn, that's inspiring!

Barely had the two stepped out when, before anyone else had reacted, Huo Siyan stood up.

"Uh, I need to use the restroom."

Then she hurried out in small, quick steps. Wang Zhonglei couldn't hold back—he smashed his bowl.

Huo Siyan, still just outside the door, heard the sound but said nothing, only rolled her eyes and kept chasing after Yan Li.

I waited until they left before making my excuse to leave—I didn't follow them out right away. That's already giving face.

After Huo Siyan left, the entire private room fell silent—so silent a pin dropping could be heard.

Feng Xiaogang panted: "Fuck, I'm not done with him."

If you've got that fire, why didn't you throw the teacup back?!

Several people thought this silently, but none spoke. They focused intently on the dishes and plates before them—even Feng's old friend Ge Daye.

It wasn't that he didn't care—he just couldn't speak. This wasn't a matter he could touch.

Finally, the two Wangs spoke. Wang Zhongjun said gravely: "Xiaogang, don't worry. The entertainment industry isn't Yan Li's playground. The company will absolutely stand up for you."

Wang Zhonglei added: "Exactly. We must fight him. Make him know how many eyes Wang Wangye has."

After all, Feng Xiaogang was Hua Yi's top director, and everyone present was Hua Yi's core staff. Yan Li's actions were simply too extreme.

Hua Yi had to respond—publicly, decisively. Otherwise, who would ever follow Hua Yi again?

Feng Xiaogang snorted and walked out. He'd lost too much face today—he couldn't bear to stay another moment.

Others quickly took their leave. No one was foolish: the two Wangs had stayed silent before Yan Li, yet now acted as if they'd fight him to the death—it raised suspicions.

Some even envied Deng Chao and Fan Xiaopang. No matter what, Yan Li truly protected his own.

Feng Xiaogang was a major figure in the industry—yet he'd pointed his finger and cursed just to defend Deng Chao.

No wonder Huo Siyan's heart was always with Yan Li, even while serving Hua Yi. Compared to the two Wang bosses, Yan Boss was clearly worth serving...

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

"Brother, what do we do?"

It's not necessarily a good thing, but not necessarily a bad one either.

Yan Li's behavior made the Two Wangs unhappy, but deep inside, they felt a tiny flicker of satisfaction.

Feng Xiaogang has grown arrogant these past two years, sometimes even treating the Two Wangs with disregard—but he is Hua Yi's biggest cash cow, so the Two Wangs must coddle him.

In a sense, Yan Li today helped the Two Wangs give Feng a warning, reminding him who the real boss is.

Earlier, with one hand saying "Only I and Manager Wang let you eat," and the other calling him "a subordinate," Wang Zhongjun had been furious on the surface, but inside wanted to cheer for Yan Li.

They were very much at odds with Yan Li, but from a boss's perspective, they were of the same class—Feng had become the enemy.

Of course, Yan Li wasn't holding back anything good either.

These two remarks, though framed as a warning, also carried an element of sowing discord—not just targeting Feng Xiaogang, but everyone present.

Yan Li brought only Deng Chao with him, and had just defended him, showing absolute loyalty; Hua Yi's side, however, was far less certain.

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 your head? Why provoke him when you've got nothing better to do?"

Hua Yi wasn't afraid of Yan Li, but the key was that Hua Yi was currently highly sensitive, in the midst of its IPO preparations; if both sides clashed, neither was a pushover—who knew what chaotic situation might arise and ruin the IPO?