Chinese Entertainment Intelligence King

Chapter 216 The Yan Family Arrives in Beijing, Two Daughters-in-Law Come to Their Door

"Mmm, my grandma's hand-pulled noodles are still the best."

Yan Li held a bowl of hand-pulled noodles, eating and praising them as he went. Grandma Yan next to him was very happy and used chopsticks to put meat on Yan Li's plate.

"Eat more, my grandson has lost weight. We still have flour at home, we can make more tomorrow if you want to eat it."

"No need, I'll leave tomorrow."

Yan Li swallowed the noodles in his mouth and said, "I still have things to do in the capital. I came back this time to visit my family and burn some paper money for my grandfather for Qingming Festival."

"You're so busy, why don't you stay a few more days?"

Yan Li shook his head: "I really can't stand it."

Grandma Yan was a little disappointed. Of all her grandsons, the second son's family was the most promising, bringing her and the Yan family a lot of honor.

But successful children are often rarely seen; they don't come home even once a year, and they're away even for the Lunar New Year. They come back briefly once and then leave again in a hurry.

Yan Li looked at the old lady who was silent with a sullen face and smiled: "Are you reluctant to part with me?"

Among the grandchildren of the Yan family, Yan Li is neither the eldest nor the youngest, nor the best student, and is even a bit mischievous. In addition, his mother Zhang Hong has a less than harmonious relationship with the old lady, so he is full of negative influences.

But Yan Li has always been good at sweet-talking and coaxing people. Although I wouldn't dare say he's the most favored among the grandsons, he's definitely second or even first.

The old lady had survived famine years, so she was very frugal. She would save the best food for the New Year or for guests.

Of all the grandsons, only Yan Li managed to snag some treats from his grandmother. As a child, Yan Li was a role model for his two younger cousins ​​because of this.

Nowadays, Yan Li is the most successful, yet we see him the least.

The scent of a distant fragrance lingers, while its scent fades when brought closer, making it the old lady's most cherished treasure. She would surely be reluctant to let it go so soon after its return.

Grandma Yan, being an older generation, wasn't very expressive and didn't dare to speak. She just nodded, and Yan Li finished the noodles in his bowl.

"That's easy, just come to the capital with me."

Since the trip back to her hometown was short, Yan Li had the idea of ​​having her parents and grandmother stay in Beijing for a while, since there were plenty of houses in Beijing and they could be accommodated.

"I'm going to the capital?"

"Yes, my parents are going too, as is my aunt. She's going to visit Xiaoxin. You can come along too, to Beijing for a visit, to see the Forbidden City and Tiananmen Square."

Grandma Yan was tempted, yet hesitant: "What about the chickens at home? And I can't leave the fields unattended..."

"You don't need to worry about that. My brother and sister-in-law and I have already discussed it. You just need to pack your things."

Yan Li had argued with his parents for a long time last night and had already learned his lesson, so he decisively settled the matter directly.

As for the chickens, ducks, cats, and dogs at home, as well as the fields and restaurants, they were all handed over to my eldest cousin. As long as the chickens and ducks survived, that was enough; as for the dogs, they could do what they could, and if they couldn't, they could just leave them. It wouldn't make a difference.

Yan Xin, the younger cousin, was getting along well with Yan Li, and the older cousin was also tempted. However, Yan Li felt that the old family couldn't be left without someone, so he persuaded him to stay and take care of the family.

Of course, Yan Li did not treat him unfairly.

Giving money directly seems unethical; if Yan Li wants to start a business in his hometown, he will invest his own money.

Even in Yan Li's mind, once he persuaded his parents to settle in the capital, he would directly transfer the restaurant and braised meat recipe to his uncle's and grandpa's families.

Even if he ends up in a terrible situation, he won't be short of this braised pork recipe. He might as well use it to help his relatives.

...

The next day, Yan Liduo called a carriage and took his parents, grandmother, and aunt to the capital.

Apart from Comrade Yan, who had come to the capital twice before to send Yan Li to take the exam and go to school, everyone else was visiting the capital for the first time, or even leaving the province for the first time.

Yan Li deliberately took a detour, leading them to Tiananmen Square before stopping at the gate of a courtyard in Yangjiaodeng Hutong near the Prince Gong's Mansion.

"Let's come down and take a look."

Yan Li greeted his parents and grandmother as they got out of the car and came inside: "I was worried you wouldn't be used to living in an apartment building. This courtyard house is similar to our old bungalow, and the renovations are all new. Take a look, and if you don't like it, I'll find another house for you."

Yan Li only recently learned that his parents were not used to living in an apartment building.

When his wealth was exposed, he was afraid that his parents would be in danger, so he asked them to stop running the restaurant and then leave the village to live in a residential area to avoid trouble.

As a result, the couple felt very uncomfortable living there.

One problem is that I'm not used to the toilet; another is that I feel uncomfortable with people living upstairs and downstairs; and the third is that there's no yard, so I can only stay on the balcony, which feels stuffy and not well-ventilated.

The couple were both feeling unwell, and Yan Li, the grandmother who had lived in the countryside all her life, thought it was probably going to be tough for her too.

Yan Li happened to have a 200-square-meter detached courtyard house, so they specially renovated it to serve as a place for their parents to live.

"This house is nice."

Zhang Hong walked around inside and out. It wasn't as spacious as her old house, but it was well-decorated and looked neat and elegant.

As is his professional habit, Comrade Yan went to the kitchen first and nodded: "The stove is a bit small, but it'll do."

Grandma Yan had already started bending over and choosing a house with her hands behind her back, while Auntie was a little discouraged when she saw the courtyard house.

Although the decoration was nice, it was still a single-story house. She thought she would be able to see some luxury mansions in Beijing, but instead she kept wandering into the alleys.

"Didn't you say your brother is doing well, a billionaire, so he lets your grandma and grandpa live in this house?"

The aunt quietly pulled aside Yan Li's son, Yan Xin, who had been called over to help, and began to question Yan Li's wealth.

"Oh my God."

Yan Xin slapped his forehead, speechless: "Do you think this is our hometown? This is a courtyard house in Beijing, more expensive than an apartment building. My brother spent nearly 600 million yuan on it, including renovations. It's the most expensive house he owns, and he can't even bear to live in it himself."

"How many?"

Her aunt almost screamed herself hoarse, drawing everyone's attention, but she didn't care. She just stared at Yan Xin in disbelief.

"This dilapidated house and yard, 600 million?!"

"Uh."

Yan Xin felt a little flustered when he saw his second uncle, second aunt, and cousin looking over, and quickly explained.

"This property is right next to Prince Gong's Mansion, and next to Shichahai and Houhai. It is definitely one of the best locations in Beijing. Moreover, it is a detached house with clear property rights. It has been renovated and repaired, making it a masterpiece of courtyard house. This price is absolutely worth it."

Zhang Hong looked at Yan Li: "Did this house really cost 600 million?"

"Ah."

Yan Li nodded, then ended the dispute with a single sentence: "I bought it relatively early. With the Olympics approaching, the prices of properties in scarce locations are getting more and more expensive. This house is almost worth 800 million."

It doesn't matter if it's expensive, as long as I make a profit!
Upon hearing that the house had made a profit of nearly 200 million, all shock and surprise were overshadowed by joy.

However, knowing the price made everyone a little hesitant, even afraid to sit too heavily, as if they were afraid of breaking the floor.

Yan Li couldn't help but glare at Yan Xin. He didn't tell his family how much the house was worth because he was afraid of this, but the kid couldn't control his mouth.

Fortunately, when they learned that Yan Li had given his most expensive and best house to his parents and grandmother, the elders were moved by his filial piety. Although they were a little reserved, they did not suggest changing houses.

Yan Li was relieved to see this, and after staying there for a while, he naturally stopped taking it seriously.

...

Yan Li originally wanted to help tidy up the house, but a last-minute work assignment came up, so he had to leave first.

However, he left his cousin Yan Xin and driver Wu Maowen to help out. These two were familiar with the family and were not shy about asking the elders to do things for them.

However, contrary to Yan Li's expectations, the elders did not care whether the two of them could work or not. Instead, they grabbed the two of them and questioned Yan Li about his affairs.

"Which one is your brother's girlfriend, and is she in Beijing?"

Zhang Hong grabbed Yan Xin and pressed him for answers, but the latter shook his head vigorously: "Second Aunt, I've told you so many times, I don't know."

He had been sent back to his hometown by Yan Li before, and he went back for the New Year. He was interrogated a lot, but he just wouldn't say anything.

Zhang Hong knew it was pointless to ask him, so she looked at Wu Maowen and said, "Xiao Xin said you see Yan Li every day, so you must know who he's with." Wu Maowen glared at Yan Xin, then lowered his head and remained silent, which made Zhang Hong a little anxious.

"Why are you pretending to be mute?"

"okay."

Grandma Yan glanced at her daughter-in-law and said, "Xiao Li has already said what she wants to say. Why are you forcing them to do anything?"

"I didn't expect anything, at least let me know which one is the real daughter-in-law?"

Zhang Hong couldn't help but feel a headache when she thought about the various scandals involving Yan Li over the past year. Could that little bastard really be going to arrange a group of seven fairy daughters for her as wives?

The two refused to speak, and with Grandma Yan taking sides, the interrogation ultimately came to nothing.

Yan Xin, who was sent to buy the missing daily necessities, breathed a sigh of relief. His cousin was too successful. Several elders gave him face, but they took their anger out on him.

When the older brother chases after girls, the younger brother takes the blame...

Just as he was pondering this, his phone rang. He took it out and looked at it, feeling a chill run down his spine. After hesitating for a moment, he answered the call.

"Hey, sister-in-law."

Qin Lan's gentle and kind voice rang out: "I heard from your brother that Grandma and your uncles and aunts have come to the capital. I happen to have prepared some things here. Could you come over and help me take them over?"

Yan Xin couldn't tell if Qin Lan really knew or was bluffing him, nor was he sure if she wanted him to deliver something or just to find out his address. Most importantly, he didn't know what Yan Li was thinking.

"I'm sorry, sister-in-law, I'm currently out of town. My brother asked me to go and check out the cinema location."

"Oh, I see."

Qin Lan didn't say anything, and hung up the phone after a few words. Yan Xin patted his chest with lingering fear and quickly called Yan Li to report the news.

"understood."

Yan Li seemed to be in a meeting, and after a quick reply, he hung up. Yan Xin could only pray for his cousin's good luck.

After buying the things, Yan Xin carried them back home, but as soon as he opened the courtyard gate, his scalp tingled again.

With her long hair flowing over her shoulders, wearing a light-colored shirt and a flared skirt, Dong Xuan, dressed elegantly and intellectually, chatted with Zhang Hong and Grandma Yan in the courtyard with a smile.

Upon seeing Yan Xin return, Dong Xuan greeted him familiarly, "Xiao Xin is back. I've come to see Grandma and Uncle and Aunt."

"Ah, um, oh."

At this moment, Yan Xin did not dare to easily address his usual sister-in-law, and gave a vague reply before going to find Wu Maowen and asking in a low voice.

"what's the situation?"

"I don't know. They came to my door suddenly. Brother Li hung up the phone immediately. I sent him a text message."

Wu Maowen remained relatively calm, but Yan Xin scratched his head in disbelief.

Because this courtyard house was where Yan Li's parents lived, they kept an eye on the renovation for a while before handing it over to him to manage.

According to Yan Xin, very few people know about this house; at least Qin Lan doesn't know, and even fewer know that Yan Li's parents are coming today and staying here.

In addition, because of his status as Yan Li's cousin, he was often courted and bribed by Dong and Qin. If any information leaked out, he would be the person primarily responsible.

"Brother Li replied."

Wu Maowen showed Yan Xin his phone: "He said it himself, it has nothing to do with us."

"Whoo~"

Yan Xin exaggeratedly wiped away his sweat, then couldn't help but sigh, "I knew it! My brother is the most sentimental, and Sister-in-law Dong Xuan holds the most important place in his heart."

Wu Maowen didn't say anything, but he nodded inwardly.

He also felt that Yan Li valued Dong Xuan the most.

Previously, he had heard gossip from insiders on set, saying that Dong Xuan had crippled herself by becoming a teacher at the Beijing Film Academy, and that she would never be a match for Fan Xiaopang in the future.

But then again, while a good partner in one's career is important, is a virtuous wife in the family not important?

Dong Xuan's job as a teacher is respectable, and she has time to take care of her family, which can also help Yan Li, who is busy with work.

At the same time, they don't have to show their faces in the public eye and mingle in the messy entertainment industry.

I don't know what Yan Li thinks, but Wu Maowen thinks it's better for women to stay at home obediently.

Therefore, in Wu Maowen's view, Dong Xuan may seem unremarkable, but she has steadily cultivated her internal strength and has a solid foundation. He is most optimistic about her winning the final victory.

Meanwhile, Dong Xuan had no idea that Wu Maowen, Yan Li's personal driver and childhood friend, had a high opinion of her. At this moment, she was focused on making a good impression on Yan Li's family.

Yan Li is a filial son. If she wins over his family, Qin Lan and Fan Xiaopang can both just go away.

As Dong Xuan continued to perform, Grandma Yan, Zhang Hong, and the others also observed her, either directly or subtly.

They knew this girl; she was Yan Li's ex-girlfriend from university. They never expected the breakup was a lie.

After a brief chat, Zhang Hong and the others were quite satisfied with Dong Xuan.

A campus romance, she's beautiful and fair-skinned, has a good temperament, comes from a good family, and is a university teacher. Marrying this woman would be perfect for a happy family life.

Zhang Hong, in particular, after chatting for a while, grabbed Dong Xuan and wouldn't let go, her affection for her evident.

Seeing that the atmosphere was good, Yan Xin and Wu Maowen relaxed and agreed to go outside for a smoke.

As soon as they stepped outside, before they could even light a cigarette, they saw a stunningly beautiful woman with a foxy face wearing sunglasses get out of a Mercedes-Benz G-Class. Upon seeing them, she nodded in satisfaction.

"Looks like I came to the right place. It's good that you're here. Come and help me move my things."

"Fuck!"

Yan Xin was so shocked his jaw dropped. Wasn't Fan Xiaopang filming in Hebei Province? How did he suddenly end up in Beijing?

Wu Maowen was also stunned, but he reacted quickly, asking Yan Xin to hold off Fan Xiaopang while he took out his phone to call Yan Li.

Yan Li hung up immediately again. The matter was extremely urgent, and Wu Maowen didn't care what Yan Li was busy with. He called twice more.

It seems they realized something was wrong, because Yan Li answered the third call.

"What's wrong."

After Wu Maowen explained the situation, Yan Li was also stunned.

He told Dong Xuan about it, and he also laid the groundwork with Qin Lan. He hadn't decided what to do with Fan Xiaopang yet, so he didn't say anything. How did he know about this, and how did he arrive so precisely?

There's a traitor!

Yan Li's first thought was this; surely it couldn't be that Fan Xiaopang also had an intelligence network.

"Brother, come quick! She's gone over there, should we stop her?"

"Don't hang up the phone, go in and take a look."

Yan Li directed Wu Maowen to conduct a live telephone broadcast, and the latter dared not delay and followed him into the courtyard.

Fan Xiaopang probably didn't know Dong Xuan was there. When he entered, he was all smiles, his voice clear and cheerful as he greeted everyone who looked at him with curiosity. But when his eyes fell on Dong Xuan, his smile froze on his face.

Dong Xuan, who had been wearing a kind and gentle smile while facing Zhang Hong and the others, instantly turned pale when she saw Fan Xiaopang carrying things in.

As a popular actress and Yan Li's official girlfriend, Fan Xiaopang was someone Yan Li's family couldn't possibly not know.

Comrade Lao Yan and Ms. Zhang Hong couldn't help but exchange a glance, both feeling a shadow fall over their hearts.

I told you we shouldn't come to the capital! That little bastard kept setting traps for me/my mother...

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

P.S.: Today's update is 10,000 words (6000/9000).

(End of this chapter)