Chapter 350: The Soothing Yan Li: Who Plays Pan Jinlian?

Haidian, Wanquan Xinxin Jiayuan

Yan Li hadn’t come here in a while; he used to treat it as a secret base, but later grew accustomed to going to the woman’s place, and since the house was relatively low-end and poorly renovated, it had been left vacant.

When he first came in, Jiang Xin even had to do a quick tidy-up.

“Should we put her in the guest room or the next room?”

Yan Li looked at Li Lin, passed out on the sofa, and asked Jiang Xin’s opinion.

Putting her in the guest room risked her hearing or stumbling into something—Jiang Xin had a high-pitched voice, and if Li Lin woke up halfway, everyone would be awkward.

Putting her in the next room avoided that awkwardness, but Li Lin was drunk, and he couldn’t help but feel uneasy.

“Let her go to the next room; I’ll check on her later.”

Jiang Xin feared awkwardness and didn’t want to compromise herself, so she decisively chose the second option; since the next room was rarely used, she went to make the bed and set out water for Li Lin in case she woke up thirsty.

After arranging everything, Yan Li picked Li Lin up in a bridal carry and carried her into the next bedroom.

Just like in the car earlier, she clung to him, mumbling and refusing to let go.

Yan Li was helpless; Jiang Xin had learned some of Li Lin’s situation on the way and felt some sympathy.

“She’s a woman struggling in Beijing, and so much has happened to her—she must be having a hard time. Probably missing her husband. I remember they used to have a decent relationship.”

Among the Seven Fairies, Li Lin was the most gentle and family-oriented; otherwise, she wouldn’t have married early and returned to domestic life.

When they filmed, promoted, and appeared on the Spring Festival Gala, Li Lin often talked about her husband, her words and actions full of sweetness.

“Missing your husband doesn’t mean you can treat me as your husband!”

Yan Li sometimes fantasized about collecting all seven fairies, but it was just idle talk.

Yang Xue had signed with Yi’an for some time now, but he’d barely seen her, let alone done anything with her.

Whether Li Lin divorces or not is beside the point—key is she has a child, and Yan Li had no intention of becoming her cheap dad.

So he never planned to get involved with Li Lin; today was purely out of respect for Fan Xiaopang and their old friendship.

“Alright, take off her shoes and tidy her up. I’m going to take a shower.”

Yan Li struggled a bit and finally freed himself, leaving Jiang Xin to attend to Li Lin, then returned to the next room.

Jiang Xin was helpless but had no choice—she couldn’t let Yan Li do it.

She helped Li Lin take off her coat and pants, removed her shoes, arranged her body neatly, covered her with a blanket, turned off the light, and quietly left.

Faintly hearing the front door move, Li Lin, who had been lying still, slightly turned her side, her shoulders trembling slightly.

Jiang Xin, back in the next room, heard the sound of running water from the bathroom, her eyes lit up; she didn’t change clothes, walked straight to the bathroom, and knocked. After a moment, the door opened and she stepped in.

“Don’t tear it—I didn’t bring a new one.”

“Keep it down—the soundproofing is bad.”

“...”

“If you won’t go check, then I will?”

Yan Li was genuinely uneasy; being drunk wasn’t trivial—it could lead to sudden death, or even if not severe, vomiting all over the bed was miserable enough.

More importantly, Li Lin was in low spirits—drunk and heartbroken—who knew what might happen? If anything went wrong, he’d be the one who drank with her and put her to bed; a hundred mouths couldn’t explain it away.

“Go.”

Jiang Xin was completely drained; this bastard was inhuman—she even suspected she might be pregnant.

Seeing this, Yan Li could only go himself; he put on his clothes, didn’t bother changing his shoes, and went straight to the next room.

The bedroom door was closed; Yan Li didn’t barge in, but knocked.

“Li Lin, Li Lin, are you awake?”

No response. Just as he was about to open the door, it swung open—Li Lin’s face was flushed, unsteady as she opened it.

“Awake?”

Yan Li stepped back and asked: “How do you feel? Any discomfort? Should I send for some sobering pills?”

“A bit dizzy—drank too much. I’ll be fine in a bit.”

“Alright. There should be honey at home—I’ll check if it’s expired and make you some honey water; it helps with hangovers.”

After all, she was a guest and had drunk too much; Yan Li took responsibility for her care.

He went back to the next room to get honey and glanced at Jiang Xin, who seemed asleep.

Though rarely lived in, the house had basic facilities; Yan Li boiled some water, made Li Lin a cup of honey water. She thanked him and sat on the sofa, sipping slowly.

“A woman should drink less alcohol outside. Lucky you ran into me—if you’d met another man, he’d have taken advantage.”

Seeing Li Lin was doing better, Yan Li took the chance to scold her a bit; her behavior today was dangerous—other men weren’t as upright as him.

Li Lin looked at Yan Li with a strange expression; he felt annoyed.

“What’s that look for? I may be lustful, but I never take advantage of someone helpless.”

Li Lin didn’t pursue the topic, but asked curiously instead.

“How long have you been with Jiang Xin?”

“What do you mean, ‘how long’?”

Yan Li denied it; some things were better left unspoken—he and Li Lin weren’t close enough for such private talk.

“I heard it all from here.”

Li Lin took a big sip of honey water and looked at Yan Li: “You should be gentler.”

Yan Li’s forehead darkened—he’d said these two rooms had bad soundproofing, but Jiang Xin hadn’t believed him.

Lucky we put Li Lin in the next room—if we’d put her in the guest room, it would’ve been live-streamed.

Yan Li didn’t want to discuss this—he felt awkward: “You’re doing fine now. I’m relieved. It’s late—get some rest.”

“Why the rush?”

Li Lin stood up, opened her arms, and blocked Yan Li, still smelling of alcohol: “Let’s chat. You afraid of me?”

Yan Li frowned—this woman was awake, but still drunk.

“You’ve had too much. Rest.”

Sensing something off about Li Lin, Yan Li warned her seriously, but she didn’t care.

“I’ve rested enough. Few roles, little work—I spend half the month idle at home. I’m so bored I’m starting to mold.”

Saying that, she took another big sip of honey water and smacked her lips.

“Still, alcohol’s better. Do you have any more?”

Great.

Yan Li dared not give her more alcohol—she was already acting out; if she drank more, she’d climb onto the roof.

Seeing Li Lin’s state, Yan Li couldn’t just leave—he had to calm her down, soothe and comfort her.

“If you need work, I can help you find some. Or if you need money, I can lend you some. Can’t promise much, but easing your financial pressure isn’t a problem.”

“You’re so kind.”

Li Lin stared blankly at Yan Li, then suddenly blurted: “No wonder they all like you.”

“I used to think it was pathetic and undignified for women to fight over one man—why rely on a man? Women can support a family too.”

“Heh, later I realized how hard it is to hold up a family.”

“...”

“Every little thing he sees as a huge slight, thinks I look down on him. I film all day, come home to care for the child, and still have to watch his moods.”

“...”

“He demands money—I don’t have that much. In the end, I sold the house, pawned my wedding jewelry. This past New Year, I borrowed money just for plane tickets. It was the first time in my life I ever borrowed money from someone.”

“...”

Li Lin poured out her grievances; she didn’t know why she was telling Yan Li all this.

Maybe because she was drunk, seeing this old acquaintance, she couldn’t hold back her emotions. Maybe she hadn’t spoken to anyone in a long time, and her heart was filled with long-buried grievances.

Or maybe Yan Li had done well enough that she didn’t fear his judgment, and his behavior today gave her respect and safety, making her unconsciously draw close and confide.

In short, Li Lin spoke many things she’d kept hidden inside.

Yan Li didn’t interrupt—he played the role of a perfect listener, doing nothing but occasionally handing her a tissue.

After speaking for a long while, Li Lin finally calmed down, offering a faint, embarrassed smile.

“Sorry. I’ve been feeling down. Thanks for listening.”

“It’s fine. You know my situation—I often play the role of a comforting big brother.”

Yan Li joked, but it wasn’t entirely a joke.

Fan Xiaopang’s group of women didn’t always have smooth sailing—they sometimes felt low, and Yan Li was usually their first person to confide in and seek comfort from.

When he had time, Yan Li would patiently listen, offer advice and comfort.

But the latter often came with extra services—Li Lin didn’t need those, so he limited himself to words.

Yan Li’s eloquence was unmatched; soon, he had the once-depressed Li Lin laughing.

“That’s better. You look better when you smile.”

“Nothing’s insurmountable. If you divorce, find someone else. With your looks, you won’t lack men.”

“The debt isn’t that much—friends can help. Work hard for two years, you’ll pay it off. Parents are healthy, child is obedient. As long as you’re well, everything else is minor.”

“...”

Li Lin’s gaze clung to Yan Li, softly saying: “It seems like nothing’s ever a problem for you.”

“Mindset. Good mindset, everything’s fine.”

Yan Li felt it was enough. He was sharp—he sensed Li Lin was getting too close. Staying longer risked trouble.

“Alright, rest now. I’m going back.”

“Don’t go.”

This time, Li Lin didn’t stop him; she simply wrapped her arms around Yu Yanli, her voice plaintive.

“Can you stay with me? I haven’t felt this at peace in a long time.”

“Sister, a man and woman alone together isn’t appropriate.”

Yu Yanli resisted slightly—Li Lin’s situation was complicated, and he truly feared getting entangled and unable to escape. Spending money was nothing; the problem was, they were mother and daughter.

Besides, Fan Xiaopang wasn’t someone to mess with. He could flirt all he wanted, but sleeping with her best friend? That changed everything.

Li Lin seemed to sense Yu Yanli’s hesitation, resting her head against his back.

“I’m not trying to do anything to you. I’m just exhausted—I want to lean on you, to let loose for once. Don’t worry, I won’t cling to you, and I won’t tell Bingbing.”

Yu Yanli still hesitated. Seeing this, Li Lin suddenly had an idea, rising on her toes to blow softly into his ear.

“Jin Zha, you’ve taken advantage of so many of my sisters—you owe me, the eldest sister, an explanation.”

Fine!

With those words, Yu Yanli’s resolve completely cracked. If it’s offered, why not take it? Any trouble could be dealt with after.

The Seven Fairy Sisters (6/7)

After some time, Jiang Xin half-awoke, sensing someone sleeping beside her, and asked.

“You’re back? Why were you gone so long?”

“She sobered up, was in a bad mood, cried and talked a lot—I comforted her, then we slept.”

“Oh.”

Jiang Xin wasn’t sure how much she’d heard. She snuggled closer to Yu Yanli and hugged him, falling back asleep.

…

The next morning, when Jiang Xin woke, Yu Yanli was already gone. A text message remained on her phone.

Yu Yanli had plenty of energy, stuck to morning exercise, and loved going to work—this was normal for him.

Jiang Xin, used to it, dozed a little longer, scratched her head, washed up, got dressed, and was eating breakfast when she suddenly remembered Li Lin. She finished eating and went next door.

The other woman had indeed drunk too much—she still hadn’t woken up.

Jiang Xin shook her head, preparing to tuck the blanket around her, then froze.

She remembered taking off only Li Lin’s coat last night—how had her bra disappeared too?

Hmm, maybe she took it off because it was hot.

Jiang Xin thought that might be it, but turned to check the trash—spotless, as if never used.

But when she’d put Li Lin to bed yesterday, she’d thrown away a few wet wipes.

“...”

She looked at Li Lin, sleeping soundly, then said nothing and quietly left the bedroom.

In a way, they now held leverage over each other.

Sitting on the sofa, Jiang Xin counted on her fingers: Bingbing, Dong Xuan, herself, Li Lin—five of the Seven Fairy Sisters were confirmed to have fallen to that bastard.

Hu Siyan had no proof, but given the bastard’s habits and that slut’s personality, it was almost certain.

That left only Yang Xue!

No—Jiang Xin had once believed Yang Xue and Yu Yanli were clean, but now she wasn’t sure. Maybe they’d been sneaking around behind her back.

Yu Yanli wouldn’t tell her about other women, and given Yang Xue’s nature, she might well be hiding it.