Chinese Entertainment Intelligence King

Chapter 218 They're all from the Yan family, so why is there such a big difference?

In Yangjiaodeng Hutong, the main house of a courtyard house still has its lights on.

Comrade Yan glanced at the clock on the wall: "Don't wait anymore, it's almost midnight, this kid probably won't be back."

"Call him and ask him to come back."

Zhang Hong was somewhat frustrated: "The things that happened during the day weren't explained clearly, and we agreed not to stay overnight. I vouched for you, how can I face people after going back on my word?"

She preferred Dong Xuan, and Yan Li later gave the gift to Fan Xiaopang, so Zhang Hong thought that Fan Xiaopang had kept her there.

Not only did he stand up for Dong Xuan, but he also had a problem with Fan Xiaopang, feeling that he was being sabotaged.

Grandma Yan glanced at her daughter-in-law and stopped her son: "Perhaps there's something else going on. The child is grown up and has his own ideas. As an elder, you should mind your own business."

Old Yan didn't seem inclined to make a phone call; who knew what his son was doing right now, and it would be awkward.

The aunt didn't care whether Yan Li came back or not; what she was really curious about was something else.

"Mother, second brother and sister-in-law, which of these two people do you prefer?"

Zhang Hong subconsciously exchanged a glance with Grandma Yan, and then spoke first.

"I think Dong Xuan is good. She is quiet and gentle, spends a lot of time with Xiao Li, and is also a university teacher."

Grandma Yan, however, had a different opinion: "I think Bingbing is good."

"Mother, you don't watch the news or anything, do you know that this girl is not a peaceful person? If we marry her, there will be no shortage of trouble in the future."

Since they were all family, Zhang Hong didn't hold back and directly expressed her opinion on Fan Xiaopang.

At the same time, Zhang Hong also pointed out that Grandma Yan's optimism about Fan Xiaopang might be due to being misled by his performance today. However, the old lady is illiterate and does not read entertainment news, so she does not know the full picture of Fan Xiaopang at all.

"You're just worried you can't keep this daughter-in-law in check, so you want to find someone obedient."

Grandma Yan didn't hold back and directly pointed out Zhang Hong's ulterior motives.

She had been a mother-in-law before, and had three daughters-in-law, so how could she not understand Zhang Hong's little schemes?

Zhang Hong only has one son, which she cherishes dearly. Being a rural woman with little ability or cunning, she naturally worries about finding a powerful daughter-in-law who will dominate her.

Compared to Fan Xiaopang's assertive and flamboyant demeanor, Dong Xuan's behavior is more in line with her ideal daughter-in-law.

Zhang Hong was a little annoyed by Grandma Yan's words: "What do you mean by that? I'm thinking of Yan Li. He's busy with his career outside every day. If he doesn't find a well-behaved and sensible wife, is he going to find a troublemaker?"

"It is precisely because he is building a career that he needs to find someone who can support him."

Grandma Yan raised her voice: "My grandson is promising, he's destined for great things, don't try to manipulate him with the mindset of a small family."

“He’s at the peak of his career right now, so he needs a capable woman behind him who can help him when it matters. Men are impulsive, and Yan Li is young and has a lot of ideas. If something happens, he needs someone to keep him in check. Dong Xuan is too soft, Bingbing is better.”

“In small families, only one spouse can have a strong opinion. If both spouses have strong opinions, the family will be in constant turmoil.”

"Having an idea is always better than having no idea at all. Besides, there are big ideas and small ideas. Judging from the situation today, are you afraid that my grandson can't be controlled?"

The two had their own arguments and reasons, and after discussing temperament and how to help Yan Li, they simply started talking about appearance and physique.

"Dong Xuan is good-looking, fair-skinned, and looks like a decent girl."

"Bingbing is beautiful. Men love beauty. You should think more about Yanli. Besides, this child is tall and muscular with a big bottom. He looks like he can have a son."

"Dong Xuan isn't short either; she has a slim waist and wide hips, and a great figure."

"..."

Old Yan couldn't stand it anymore. He was still here; what were they even talking about?

"No matter how loudly you two argue, it's useless. Who Yan Li chooses or doesn't choose is up to you two."

“I’m his mother, how can I not count?”

Zhang Hong made a fuss, but she knew the truth in her heart.

The son we have now is not the same as the son he was back then. Now, Yan Li is the pillar and backbone of the whole family.

As the mother, she certainly had a say in which son to marry, but the real decision rested with Yan Li.

Even if Yan Li were doing well now, or even if he were not doing well, his parents would still pay for his house. But if he wanted to marry a certain woman, how could his mother possibly go against her son's wishes?

Unable to deal with her son, Zhang Hong began to criticize Old Yan: "Look, this is your good son. He was a troublemaker when he was young, and he's even more of a troublemaker now that he's grown up."

When Grandma Yan heard her daughter-in-law say that her son and beloved grandson were unhappy, she was shocked.

"Isn't Yan Li your son? Why don't you think about how you should act as a mother?"

"Besides, what's wrong with my grandson? If he were easy to manage, you wouldn't be able to live in a 600 million yuan house in Beijing in your next life."

Zhang Hong was also getting anxious. The old lady was stabbing her in the heart with knife-like blows. She had been enduring it all, but was it never going to end?

"I'm his mother, what's wrong with saying a few words to him? Now you're acting like a grandma. Back when I gave birth to Yan Li, he would nag me even when I ate an egg during my postpartum confinement?"

"..."

Seeing the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law arguing, Old Yan could only go up and coax them, inwardly cursing Yan Li to the core.

That bastard is fast asleep somewhere with his girlfriend, leaving me to take the fall.

This mother-in-law and daughter-in-law hadn't fought in years back home, but they started arguing as soon as they arrived in Beijing. That little bastard even kept saying he'd brought him to Beijing to enjoy a life of luxury, to enjoy his grandma's... to enjoy his mom's... enjoy what a damn life of luxury...

...

Beijing Film Academy residential area, bedroom

Dong Xuan was already asleep, while Yan Li was waiting for the intelligence to be updated at midnight. He wanted to see what everyone was thinking so he could respond accordingly.

At the appointed time, the intelligence was updated precisely on schedule, and Yan Li shook his head more and more as he read it.

How can one describe the chaos?
Everyone had their own thoughts and plans. Yan Li glanced at them a few times and found that the overall situation was still under control, so he put it aside.

Having gained access to the intelligence system, Yan Li, who is adept at "reading through" people's hearts, increasingly understands the saying that "there are no saints when it comes to the mind." It can be understood and explored, but it should not be taken too seriously.

However, one piece of information surprised him slightly.

Fan Xiaopang had a trick up his sleeve.

She did indeed learn the news from Hu Ya's administrative staff, but finding Yangjiaodeng Hutong was not something she deduced from Yan Li's fragmented words.

Yan Li did say something similar, but he said many other things as well.

The ability to keenly extract two key elements from a massive amount of information and connect them is something even professional intelligence personnel may not have. Fan Xiaopang is simply working backward from the correct answer, so he's bound to be right every time.

As for the source of Fan Xiaopang's information, it was Yan Xin's girlfriend.

Yan Xin, Yan Li's cousin, was courted by Dong, Fan, and Qin because of his status and the trust he enjoyed. However, Fan was the one who achieved the most significant results.

She failed to win over Yan Xin, but she did manage to win over his girlfriend, who was a fan of hers. Fan Xiaopang was generous, and they established a good relationship.

When Fan Xiaopang learned that Yan Li's family had come to Beijing, he immediately realized that Yan Xin, his cousin, was likely an insider. So, he tried to get information from Yan Li's girlfriend.

During Yan Li's interrogation, she hesitated and confessed to administrative matters, but in reality, she was sacrificing a pawn to protect the king and safeguard the biggest undercover agent.

"They're all sieves."

Yan Li shook his head, but it was understandable. Professional institutions were often infiltrated by various means, not to mention that he was surrounded by ordinary people.

With limited preventative measures in place, and given that the target was someone as close as Fan Xiaopang, people instinctively lowered their guard and became more resistant.

It's even possible that Yan Xin's girlfriend did it on purpose, using this opportunity to befriend Fan Xiaopang and bring benefits to herself or Yan Xin.

As I said before, there is no such thing as 100% support and loyalty. Everyone has their own selfish desires. Yan Li has a system, but he can only know about them and cannot control them.

However, betrayal is betrayal.

It's not a big deal if he reveals his parents' address to Fan Xiaopang, but what if he reveals it to his enemies one day?

Or what other important matter might be discovered by competitors, causing the plan to fall apart at the last minute?

Yan Li rose to power based on intelligence, knowing how crucial it is. He was too busy before and hadn't learned his lesson, so he didn't pay enough attention to this aspect. He needs to reorganize his team, at least those close to him, and keep their mouths shut.

Hu Ya and Yan Xin wanted to talk to him privately later, although it wasn't their intention, they couldn't escape responsibility.

The administrator wouldn't stay, but Yan Xin's girlfriend, out of consideration for their kinship, gave him a chance.

If Yan Xin can manage things well, that's the best outcome. But if he can't, then either you two should break up, or you can go your separate ways and live as lovers on your own.

Yan Li was willing to help his brothers get rich so that they would work for him, not come to hold him back or cause him trouble.

He can give someone a chance if they do something wrong, but if they are stubborn and can't distinguish between the big and small, he has more than one cousin.

And there's Fan Xiaopang!
Yan Li was more tolerant of his women. Besides feelings, he also felt that the women tacitly accepted his womanizing and were very tolerant of him, so he should give them some face in return.

But Fan Xiaopang really acted recklessly this time, even playing tricks on him. If we don't curb her arrogance, she might become even more audacious in the future.

After thinking for a moment, Yan Li edited a few text messages and sent them over.

The next day, Fan Xiaopang, who was planning to go to Yangjiaodeng Hutong to show off again, was urgently recalled by the "Mo Gong" crew.

Left with no other choice, Fan Xiaopang had to leave the capital first. However, as soon as he arrived in Yi County, before he could even finish his makeup, he heard some bad news.

The admin who informed her was fired!
Furthermore, Hu Ya, the head of the Directorate of Ceremonial Affairs, was reportedly severely reprimanded by Yan Li for "work errors," receiving a demerit and having her bonus deducted. In addition, Yan Li reassigned some of her work to others.

All the deductions and disciplinary actions mentioned earlier are meaningless; losing favor and having power delegated are the real problems.

Hu Ya was doing very well at Yi An, and the vice president and all the directors had to give her face, all thanks to Yan Li's trust.

Fan Xiaopang could already imagine how Hu Ya would feel if she knew that he was the reason she suffered such an undeserved disaster.

"..."

Hu Ya's situation can still be salvaged, so Fan Xiaopang should first send someone to comfort and compensate the administrator.

She was fired for her own reasons, so she needs to make arrangements; otherwise, if word gets out, who will want to work with her in the future?

However, Fan Xiaopang was a little confused as to why Yan Li reacted so strongly.

They fired that administrative officer without even stammering, and then they made a big show of disciplining Hu Ya, clearly to show her what they were doing.

But everything was fine last night. If Yan Li was really angry yesterday, he wouldn't have gone to such lengths to coax her and go upstairs. That's not his style. There must be something going on.

Fan Xiaopang was completely baffled, and then soon heard another bombshell.

She left without saying goodbye because of filming, so she specially sent her assistant to Yangjiaodeng Hutong to deliver something to express her apology. Then the assistant told her that she had seen Qin Lan in the courtyard house with her own eyes.

"..."

Fan Xiaopang couldn't sit still any longer.

Something must have happened. She and Dong Xuan had just arrived, and they immediately made arrangements for Qin Lan. This is very likely an expression of dissatisfaction to her or Dong Xuan.

Even without you, I still have XX!

Considering her inexplicable transfer to the film crew and her dismissal from her administrative post, Fan Xiaopang strongly suspected that Yan Li was targeting her.

But why?!
Fan Xiaopang went directly to the director to ask for leave again, planning to return to Beijing to find Yan Li and get to the bottom of things.

But the director wouldn't have it. He kept asking her to come back again, like she owned the production crew. In the end, they could only agree to film as soon as possible and then let her go.

...

Yangjiaodeng Hutong

Watching Qin Lan chatting amiably and gently with Zhang Hong, Comrade Yan hesitated for a moment, then looked at Yan Li before finally managing to utter a single sentence.

"Let me tell you, this is the last one. If there's one more, your mother and I will pack our things and go back to our hometown."

"Do not worry."

Yan Li knew that his father had a tough time, and there was still a bloody scratch on his ear. He patted his father's arm.

“I have a friend who is a director of the China Cuisine Association. I’ll introduce you to him later and help you get a membership in the association.”

"A culinary association, a national-level organization?"

Comrade Lao Yan's eyes lit up. He was just a country cook. He didn't care about being a master chef or a top-level chef. He thought that if he could get into the China Cuisine Association, he could brag about it when he went back to his hometown.

Although his son Yan Li is doing very well now and has no shortage of material to brag about, he still feels more accomplished than bragging about himself.

"Good son, your mother and grandmother don't need to worry, your father will take care of you, I am the head of the family."

Comrade Yan thumped his chest loudly.

He wasn't exaggerating; his family used to rely on him for income, so his words carried the most weight.

Although Zhang Hong has become increasingly dismissive of him these past two years due to his son's support, Old Yan still retains some influence in crucial moments.

Because Yan Li had other things to do in the afternoon and was worried that Qin Lan wouldn't be comfortable being alone, he took her away after lunch.

On the way, Qin Lan was still a little conflicted: "I feel like your mom and grandma aren't that enthusiastic towards me."

"Once you get to know something you're not familiar with, you'll be fine."

Yan Li offered some casual words of comfort, but Qin Lan wasn't so easily fooled: "What do you mean you're not familiar with them? It's just that I arrived a step too late. The men surnamed Dong and Fan came first and took your mother and grandmother down."

"This isn't my fault. I didn't say anything. It was Yan Xin's girlfriend who let me know."

“I was afraid you would overthink things, so I quickly brought you to see my grandma and mom to make amends. You’re blaming me, how heartless of you.”

Yan Li gripped the steering wheel and shifted all the blame onto Yan Xin's girlfriend.

Don't you want to take sides?

Then let's be even more thorough. In Dong Xuan and Qin Lan's eyes, Fan Xiaopang and the other party were both people she had informed on, and Yan Li was "innocent".

Whether they believe it or not doesn't matter. As long as they don't point the finger at Yan Li, she'll take the blame. It's the price she pays for her cleverness.

Seeing that Qin Lan was still very worried, and considering that she was indeed the last to know and was at a disadvantage, Yan Li thought for a moment and then spoke up.

"I'll tell you a secret that only you know."

"You said."

"My mom and my grandma don't get along very well. Getting too close to one of them could easily lead to trouble. Being a step behind has its advantages; you've avoided this pitfall."

Qin Lan's eyes lit up; she understood Yan Li's unspoken message: "Did they step on a landmine?"

Yan Li didn't answer, but simply said, "Now you know I'm good, right? Give me a kiss."

"What a bullshit."

Qin Lan wasn't stupid either. She glared at him and said, "Two peaches kill three warriors. What do you mean by stepping on a landmine? You watch us fight it out. You're so smug, aren't you?"

“Look, if I don’t take you to meet my parents, they’ll make a scene when they find out. If I do take you, you’ll think I’m just waiting to see you make a fool of yourselves.”

Yan Li felt wronged: "If you feel uncomfortable, then don't go to Yangjiaodeng Alley anymore. I'll just say you're on a business trip." "Why shouldn't I go? I won't go. Your family has already been won over by those surnamed Dong and Fan."

Qin Lan was furious. Although she could tell that Yan Li was up to no good, that was the way things were. Unless she was willing to step down, she had to fight.

"That's right. I don't really want to see you guys fighting. Your awkwardness makes me uncomfortable, and my family is also uncomfortable. It's all Yan Xin's fault. I'll teach him a lesson later."

With his left hand on the car and his right hand holding Qin Lan's hand, Yan Li spoke gently.

"If you want to show off, then show off. If you don't want to show off, then just do the bare minimum. Anyway, my family is on my side. As long as they don't dislike you, that's fine."

Qin Lan felt a warmth in her heart, and then said, "Who else have you said this to?"

"Look at you."

Yan Li was speechless: "I put my work aside and spent the whole morning accompanying you to meet my parents. Ask them if the two of them yesterday received the same treatment."

"I just asked that question casually."

Seeing that Yan Li was unhappy, Qin Lan grabbed Yan Li's hand and said softly, "Don't be angry, I was wrong, okay?"

Say sorry.

Qin Lan took a deep breath: "...I'm sorry."

Yan Li glanced at her and rubbed her head: "Alright, if you're willing, I'll arrange it later. You can take them around the capital."

"My mom and grandma are actually easy to please. Just flatter them, show them you're genuinely good to me, and buy them some gifts, and they'll treat you like family."

Qin Lan nodded repeatedly, but still had one question: "If I don't take sides, will they gang up on me and exclude me?"

Taking sides might offend the other side, while not taking sides could either allow you to please both or offend both.

"That depends on your skills. If all else fails, just pretend to be stupid. You don't even need to pretend; you are stupid to begin with. People are more forgiving of idiots."

"You're the idiot."

Qin Lan pinched Yan Li's tiger's mouth, and then slowly began to study how to operate it, and how to remedy the situation if she did not operate it well, and so on.

Yan Li drove Qin Lan back to Guanghua Lane, where she talked to him about moving.

The apartment in Shuangjing Fuli City has been renovated and has been left vacant and ventilated for a period of time, so it is ready for occupancy.

Qin Lan had mentioned moving before, but she had been waiting for Yan Li to return to the capital. Now that Yan Li is back, it's time to set a date for the move.

"Sure, you decide."

Yan Li had no objection. Although the house in Guanghuali was nice and held some memories for the two of them, it was an old neighborhood and not very big.

Fuli City is big and luxurious. Since we have a good place to live, we should enjoy it.

Not only Qin Lan's Fuli City apartment, but also the apartment he and Dong Xuan bought can now be moved into.

Because of her work, Dong Xuan preferred to live in the Beijing Film Academy residential area, which is closer to the Beijing Film Academy, and had not mentioned moving for a long time.

After Qin Lan left, before returning to the company, Yan Li went to the Beijing Film Academy residential area and told Dong Xuan, who was on leave at home, about the "truth" he had found out.

"...It was all Yan Xin's girlfriend's doing...Qin Lan went too...I don't want you guys to fight...If you want to show off, then show off; if you don't want to, then just go through the motions...Let me tell you a little secret, my mom really likes you..."

"...This time I didn't think things through. I originally wanted you to...blame Yan Xin in front of my family. I'll teach him a lesson later... um, you can take them shopping and buy them some gifts... I'm sorry to trouble you..."

"..."

After leaving the Beijing Film Academy residential area, Yan Li went to an office building for a meeting. This was the location of Yi'an Cinema Line's company.

Currently, Yi'an Cinema Line has completed its name change, the procedures are almost finished, and the site selection for the first batch of cinemas has been basically finalized.

It's time for him to make a public appearance!

After studying the work and the procedures for the public press conference, Yan Li went to attend another social event.

After finishing everything, Yan Li returned to Yangjiaodeng Hutong. As soon as he entered, he saw Fan Xiaopang sitting in the house with tears in his eyes, while Grandma Yan and Zhang Hong comforted him.

Frowning, Yan Li looked at his father: "What's going on?"

"I don't know. She started crying as soon as she came in, saying she upset you. She wouldn't say how she upset you, and she wouldn't let me call you. She said she was waiting for you to come and apologize."

"come over."

Yan Li glanced at Fan Xiaopang and called her to his bedroom in the east wing.

Fan Xiaopang showed none of his usual arrogance; he still cried as soon as he entered the door, giving Yan Li a headache.

"That's enough. This approach works for my mom and the others, but it won't work for me."

"I...I didn't act."

Fan Xiaopang's tears fell in a steady stream, and he sobbed, "I know I did something wrong. When you get angry, I'm afraid you won't talk to me anymore, so I came to find you."

"Besides, I didn't come here on purpose to find your parents. I couldn't get through to you on the phone, and you didn't reply to my text messages. I didn't know where you were, so I could only try my luck here."

"Don't cry yet."

Yan Li was truly impressed; these women had all figured out his weakness.

Dong Xuan cries whenever something happens, and Qin Lan is even more like a walking fountain of tears.

Fan Xiaopang has a rather strong temper, but he also learned this trick and became very good at it.

After all, she's from the Qiong Yao genre, so she's good at crying scenes!
Fan Xiaopang had cried for Yan Li before, and while it was beautiful, it felt a bit fake. This time, I don't know if he put in the effort or if he was genuinely moved, but the emotional impact was much greater.

Fan Xiaopang's crying still carried some of her own personality; her grievances and sadness were tinged with a bit of stubbornness, but it was precisely this stubbornness that made people feel even more sorry for her.

Unless one is extremely sad, a thorny rose that refuses to bend in the wind and rain will not have its petals wet.

Yan Li restrained himself for a while, but still couldn't help handing over a piece of paper and scolding him.

"do not Cry."

"Oh."

Fan Xiaopang gave him a pitiful look, bit her lower lip to stop crying, and Yan Li's temples throbbed.

The rouge tiger has turned into a little white rabbit, who can stand that!

Forcing himself to calm down, Yan Li looked at Fan Xiaopang expressionlessly: "Do you know what you did wrong?"

Fan Xiaopang shook his head: "But I must have been wrong, otherwise you wouldn't have deliberately embarrassed me. You just wanted me to know that I was wrong."

"Actually, there's no need. Just tell me what you need, and I'll listen to you."

Yan Li snorted coldly. He didn't know Fan Xiaopang well enough. If he didn't embarrass her and teach her a lesson, she might not take it seriously.

Just like this time, when they came to apologize and act pitiful, it wasn't because they knew they were wrong, but because they were afraid.

"Did you really find the address of this courtyard house yourself?"

Yan Li reminded him, and Fan Xiaopang finally understood what was going on. He was filled with regret, realizing that he had made a mistake and should have told them off yesterday.

If she had rashly come to find Yan Li's parents yesterday, she could have covered it up by saying that Yan Li hadn't told her parents he was coming to the capital.

She was a bit hesitant to arrange for an undercover agent, but the others weren't exactly quiet either.

Taking advantage of her and Dong Xuan's reputation from yesterday, Yan Li felt guilty and explained who it was, stammering and managing to get away with it.

But she had a trick up her sleeve, leaving a handle that Yan Li caught red-handed. Then, taking advantage of past grievances, she had no grounds for complaint.

"I was wrong."

Fan Xiaopang didn't act like a scoundrel; he dared to admit his mistakes and even spoke up for Yan Xin's girlfriend, saying that she had tricked him into revealing information and that Yan Li should not cause her any trouble.

"You're quite loyal."

Yan Li laughed, pretending he hadn't seen it. The woman knew the reason and that he was just giving her a warning. She felt relieved.

Seemingly realizing that he might have given away his thoughts, Fan Xiaopang quickly tried to salvage the situation by going up to Yan Li, hugging his arm, and shaking it.

"Don't be angry, it was my fault, but I only meant it because I care about you..."

This sentence structure looks familiar!

Yan Li was taken aback. This wasn't his usual tactic. This young woman was playing a game of boomerang with him.

Don't try that.

Yan Li was not about to fall for his own tricks and clearly stated his punishment for Fan Xiaopang: "You can stay in Yi County and film peacefully these days. My family will have someone to keep me company."

"Okay, no problem, as long as you're satisfied, I'm fine with anything."

Fan Xiaopang readily agreed, leaving Yan Li somewhat dazed.

Looking at her stunningly beautiful face, if this woman continued to be so obedient to him, she could even help his career. If she also maintained a good relationship with his family, Dong and Qin might really be no match for her.

But soon, Fan Xiaopang proved that she was still that troublesome vixen.

"Although I am wrong, you can't keep me from showing my face forever. How about this, tomorrow or the day after, I'll make some time to invite Grandma and Uncle and Aunt to dinner, okay?"

Yan Li hesitated for a moment, then Fan Xiaopang started to coax him in various ways, and Yan Li finally nodded.

"Then you come too, let's eat together."

Fan Xiaopang, seizing the opportunity, stopped being coy and nodded in agreement since Yan Li had already agreed to have dinner.

Seeing Fan Xiaopang happily studying the restaurant's menu, Yan Li couldn't help but ask a question.

"Don't you feel wronged by how I treat you?"

She's a popular actress, after all. There are plenty of rich second-generation heirs and businessmen who are willing to pursue Fan Xiaopang, some of whom are even richer than Yan Li.

Of course, considering all factors, Yan Li is still outstanding, and those people each have their own shortcomings.

But overall, Fan Xiaopang has more options and doesn't seem to need to put up with Yan Li and suffer humiliation.

Fan Xiaopang glanced at Yan Li, finally displaying his usual swagger: "It's my business if I want to."

"Hmm, this is still the way it suits me best."

Yan Li nodded, and Fan Xiaopang couldn't help but roll his eyes: "How shameless! I can't be nice to you, I only feel comfortable teasing you."

"I do what I want, it's none of your business."

Yan Li returned Fan Xiaopang's words, and Fan Xiaopang pouted.

After a while, the people in the main house, who were concerned about the situation here, knocked on the door and asked.

The two had just left when Fan Xiaopang explained that it was a small misunderstanding and had now been resolved.

Zhang Hong was still worried, so she quietly asked Yan Li what was wrong. Only after learning from him that it wasn't a big problem did she feel relieved.

Fan Xiaopang ate at his family's house and tasted Old Yan's cooking for the first time. He showered Old Yan with compliments, making him smile even more broadly than the Buddha.

After finishing their meal, they chatted for a while. Fan Xiaopang glanced at his phone and whispered to Yan Li.

"I should go back; I have a show tomorrow."

"go back?"

Yan Li was taken aback. This little girl had come over crying and acting cute, coaxing him a lot. Now his anger had subsided, but he was still harboring a lot of resentment. And now she was trying to slip away.

"Okay, I'll see you off."

Yan Li thought this to himself, but said nothing more, and got up to see Fan Xiaopang off.

This time, Fan Xiaopang was stunned: "You're really giving it to me?"

"Of course we'll send it."

Fan Xiaopang walked slowly: "Isn't it too late? It's not safe on the road. I just went to the east wing and it felt a bit chilly. There are all sorts of stories about these old houses. Are you sure you can manage on your own?"

Goodness, they've even brought out ghost stories!

Yan Li smiled and said, "You don't need to worry about me. If all else fails, I'll go find Dong Xuan or Qin Lan to spend the night with."

"To deal with you..."

Fan Xiaopang glanced at Yan Li's family members who were secretly watching them, smiled broadly, and raised her voice.

"You're right, it's really not safe. Let's leave tomorrow morning. You must be tired after a long day. I'll get you some water to soak your feet and help you relax."

After saying that, Fan Xiaopang rolled up his sleeves and went to fetch water for Yan Li. Yan Li glanced back at his family, sat on the sofa, and slowly crossed his legs.

Comrade Lao Yan couldn't help but glance at Zhang Hong, who glared at him.

Pouring out the foot bath water?

How about I mix dichlorvos with rat poison and make you a cup of tea to whet your appetite?

Grandma Yan, however, pointed at her grandson and said, "The young lady came to apologize. If it's not a big deal, then let it go. Don't put on airs; it's easy to discourage people."

"Go to your room. She'll bring water, and you two can wash together. You have to coax a woman a bit more before she'll listen to you willingly."

"understood."

Yan Li nodded, called out, and went to the east wing. Zhang Hong looked at the old lady after her son left.

"You know everything, so why do you only teach your grandson and not your son?"

Grandma Yan glanced at her and Old Yan: "You only need to coax them if you can handle them; if you can't, the more you coax them, the more they'll act up."

Zhang Hong: "..."

Comrade Lao Yan: "..."

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.

The next day, Fan Xiaopang first returned to Yi County, and then rushed back to Beijing that evening to formally host a banquet for Yan Li's family at a high-end restaurant in Beijing.

On the third and fourth days, Dong Xuan visited and took the Yan family to visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Temple of Heaven Park, and other places.

After resting for a day, Qin Lan visited the Yan family and took them to the Badaling Great Wall. They also went to see the Olympic venues that were still under construction.

Grandma Yan and Zhang Hong had a great time, while Auntie felt both happy and bittersweet.

Look at Zhang Hong, the second sister-in-law. Her three daughters-in-law accompany her to meals and shopping, taking care of her in every way, as if she were serving an empress dowager.

Then look at yourself. That brat Yan Xin said he found a girlfriend with a Beijing residency permit. He always brags about how great she is, but it took him ages to finally meet her.

When they finally met, she treated her second sister-in-law with even more warmth and respect than she, the actual mother-in-law.

She was puzzled; they were all from the Yan family, so how could there be such a huge difference...?

(End of this chapter)