Chinese Entertainment Intelligence King

Chapter 266 Fan Xiaopang: I'll eat all by myself, I'm happy to do it!
"No need to say that. I'll say it again: you're a member of the company, you work for the company, and if someone targets you, I and the company will definitely protect you."

"Yes, please give my regards to your loved one. Let's meet again when you return to Beijing."

"..."

After hanging up the phone, Yan Li continued eating breakfast at the restaurant, while Fan Xiaopang next to him teased him.

"Boss Yan is really impressive this time; there's been a lot of talk about you in the industry."

In this incident involving Julian Cheung, Yan Li did indeed get caught up in a bit of the limelight.

Protect your shortcomings!

This label, originally associated with Yan Li, has become increasingly prominent, spreading among the circle and some gossip enthusiasts.

Last time, for Fan Xiaopang, he fought against half of the entertainment industry, dragging in many actresses and various companies, forcing China Film Group and related units to step in and smooth things over.

This time, because of Julian Cheung, that tycoon who once had a name in Hong Kong was sent to jail.

When something happens to one of his subordinates, Boss Yan is truly protective!
Last time, because it involved various female celebrities' scandals and multiple companies in the industry, everyone secretly fought each other. Although it caused a big stir, they kept a low profile afterward.

Therefore, it only circulates within the industry and in some gossip, and there is no large-scale discussion.

This time it was a little different. There were only two parties involved, and Yan Li was speaking up for the "victim" with a clear conscience, while the wealthy man was down on his luck and no one was afraid to offend him.

This time, in particular, it involves Hong Kong. The paparazzi there love to watch the drama unfold and are always good at writing stories, so they're making a huge fuss about it.

According to the version Yan Li heard, in order to stand up for Julian Cheung, he paid homage to several triad organizations and became "close friends" with many Hong Kong bigwigs such as Yinghuang, Media Asia, Lau, the Fok family, and the Li family.

Even worse, some fabricated stories that Yan Li's surname wasn't actually Yan, but rather X, and then linked him to someone else's surname based on their resume and appearance.

Anyway, nowadays, thanks to the portrayal of those Hong Kong paparazzi, Yan Li has become a powerful and influential figure in mainland China, and that tycoon had to beg for mercy on his knees to escape.

Ironically, these kinds of sensational reports and descriptions are very popular these days, not only in Hong Kong but also in mainland China.

There are already posts on Tianya (a Chinese online forum) claiming that Yan Li personally went to Hong Kong for negotiations and almost broke the tycoon's leg, etc.

These posts are highly exaggerated and fabricated, but people still believe them, and quite a few of them do.

After all, the current online novels about gangsters have a huge following around the world, and countless people believe in the secrets of the Chinese Dragon Group and the Rothschild family, not to mention Yan Li taking down a down-on-his-luck tycoon.

Faced with these rumors, some true and some false, Yan Li did not come out to clarify or pay attention to them.

One is unnecessary, and the other, whether true or false, serves as a deterrent and warning.

There's no reason to be overly cautious; it's better to show from the start that you're not to be trifled with, which can help you avoid some minor troubles.

Unlike companies and entrepreneurs who generally strive for perfection and moral excellence, Yan Li, taking advantage of his youth, is more willing to show some of his sharp edges.

Yan Li doesn't even rule out being a "villain" at times.

As the saying goes, even saints cannot tolerate flaws, but "evil people" can lay down their butcher's knives as long as they do a little good.

Of course, "evil" will be targeted and have a negative impact.

How to be "evil," to what extent and with what degree, and whether one can be "evil" without being repulsive, all depend on Yan Li's own abilities.

He didn't want to be a saint, nor did he want to become a dumping ground for universal condemnation...

...

He glanced at the beaming Fan Xiaopang; he hadn't even done anything about it himself, but this little girl was already showing off.

I'll be finishing working on Fan Xiaopang's scenes in the next few days, and after some other work, I'll be joining the cast of "Red Cliff".

Yan Li took a bite of his steamed bun and reminded him, "The more this is the case, the more low-key you should be. When you get into 'Red Cliff,' try not to get into any conflicts with Lin Zhiling."

The film "Red Cliff" has only two main actresses, and one wants to use the other to boost her own status, while the other wants to undermine her and reap the benefits of the film's success. The two are destined to have a bad relationship.

Press releases and smear campaigns are fine, as are online mudslinging and mudslinging; they're normal practices in the industry. If you can't win the fight, it just means your team and company are useless.

But confronting someone face-to-face and having a conflict on set are two different things. After all, "Red Cliff" wasn't Yi An's team, and Yan Li was worried that Fan Xiaopang would suffer.

"You really treat me like a caged bird, judging me by my appearance, I know that."

Although Fan Xiaopang has been living a comfortable life with Yan Li for the past two years, he hasn't become arrogant and disdainful of others.

Having been in the industry for a long time, her emotional intelligence is definitely not bad. If she wanted, she could even become good friends with Sister Zhiling after "Red Cliff".

And even if a conflict did break out, she wasn't afraid. Although the other person was taller, he was just a skinny guy; she could easily knock him out with two punches.
"It's good that you know what's going on. 'Red Cliff' is a large production with a complex internal structure and a lot of capital involved. Don't get involved. Just focus on making your own film. With my connections, it shouldn't drag you into it."

"Of course, if you really encounter a problem, don't be afraid. Just stand up to them and then contact me."

Yan Li was a bit more talkative than usual; Fan Xiaopang usually didn't need him to worry about anything.

Putting aside his reputation, his own status and abilities alone are enough to make most people afraid to mess with him.

But as mentioned earlier, "Red Cliff" is a large production with many internal factions and big names. Fan Bingbing's star power might not be enough, and Yan Li's influence might not be enough to keep him in check, so it's best to be cautious.

"understood."

Although Fan Xiaopang loves to banter and act cheeky with Yan Li, he still knows right from wrong when it really matters.

Seeing Yan Li give him instructions and assure him that everything was alright and that he had Yan Li's backing, Fan Xiaopang felt a sense of care and security. His peach blossom eyes flashed with tenderness. He responded and peeled a tea egg for Yan Li, handing it to him.

"Na."

Yan Li turned his head: "I'm full."

Fan Xiaopang objected: "I've already peeled them."

"Eat it yourself."

"My breakfast is hot enough, so let's split it in half."

Yan Li, who didn't like boiled egg yolks, compromised: "You eat the yolk, I'll eat the white."

"Go, go, go."

Fan Xiaopang gave in and let Yan Li open his mouth to feed him. As soon as Yan Li opened his mouth, she stuffed the egg white and yolk into it.

Not wanting to waste food, Yan Li could only chew it somewhat awkwardly, and only after she could speak did she glare at Fan Xiaopang.

"Trying to choke me to death?"

Fan Xiaopang snorted: "What did you say when you were trying to shut me up?"

"..."

Yan Li fell silent, but Fan Xiaopang got excited and muttered that the egg was too small. He then turned around and gave Yan Li some fried dough sticks to taste, so that he wouldn't know his own strength.

Although they were joking around, the atmosphere between the two was still very warm. Then someone came, which made Fan Xiaopang look a little cold.

Even eating breakfast can't be peaceful!

Wang Ou, who had just joined the crew, sensed Fan Xiaopang's low mood, but ignored it completely and instead placed two boxes of pastry-style packaging on the dining table.

"President Yan, Sister Bing, I came across a pastry shop on my way back from picking up Jia Ni yesterday. It was quite popular, so I bought some for you to try."

You can't hit someone who's smiling!
Although Fan Xiaopang knew that this slut was up to no good, she kept smiling and giving gifts. In front of Yan Li, Fan Xiaopang couldn't embarrass her too much, otherwise it would seem like she was petty and intolerant.

"Thank you for your trouble."

Although she didn't give him the cold shoulder, she wasn't going to be friendly either. Fan Xiaopang said politely, then started to shoo him away with her eyes. It was rare that she and Yan Li had little filming this morning, so they could have breakfast together at the hotel.

This guy came over just by the smell, is it a chicken or a dog?!
Luckily, Wang Ou didn't know what she was thinking, otherwise he might have replied that her zodiac sign was indeed the dog.

"have you eaten?"

Yan Li was more particular than Fan Xiaopang. He asked a question, but Wang Ou shook his head.

"Then sit down and eat together."

Yan Li greeted him as usual, and Wang Ou's eyes lit up. He was about to speak when he caught a glimpse of Fan Xiaopang's ambiguous smile, and he swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

"No need, Jia Ni just arrived yesterday and hasn't gotten up yet. I'll bring her up to eat together."

Fan Xiaopang nodded in satisfaction and waved for him to leave: "Alright, you go ahead and do your thing. We'll talk later."

Wang Ou walked away, turning back every few steps, cursing Fan Xiaopang in his heart.

She's been on set for several days now, and let alone seducing Yan Li, she's even having to find an opportunity to get close to him.

When "Investiture of the Gods" was filmed, that bastard Qin Lan hogged all the profits, and she and the guy surnamed Fan were both victims.

Fan Xiaopang thought that since Qin Lan wasn't here, he could at least get her some soup.

This vixen turned out to be even worse than Qin Lan was back then. She started kicking people out after just a few words. She really should have put some drugs in the pastries.

After Wang Ou left, Yan Li glanced at Fan Xiaopang and said, "At least she called him 'Sister Bing,' you're being too heartless."

"How could I be so sentimental as to let her sleep with a man? You can let those surnamed Qin and Dong do that favor."

Fan Xiaopang pouted. She and Wang Ou had become a little closer because they worked in the same company.

But it was far from an alliance, nor was it a superior-subordinate relationship; it was purely about mutual exploitation.

Wang Ou occasionally uses her as a figurehead to gain influence and access her resources. Fan Xiaopang occasionally uses Wang Ou to boost his own reputation, providing her with resources and using her to silence criticism within the company and prevent certain "outsiders" from benefiting from her.

That was all there was to their relationship.

Wang Ou outwardly respects Bingbing, but inwardly he's very unhappy with Fan. Fan Xiaopang pretends to care for him, but he's never truly considered Wang one of his own.

Everyone says the Teddy Sisters are fake, but these two are even more fake than the Teddy Sisters. Sometimes they don't even bother to maintain the facade of being fake.

Yan Li shook his head. Dong and Qin had formed cliques, and even Wang Ou had created a small group, but Fan Xiaopang hadn't made any moves.

"There's no good end to hoarding food for yourself."

"I'm so happy, I'm stuffed."

Fan Xiaopang was incredibly stubborn, which made Yan Li's teeth itch. If he weren't so reluctant, he would have let loose and tormented her to see if this little girl would still be so defiant as to refuse to seek outside help.

...

After breakfast, the two went to the dressing room. Fan Xiaopang listened to music while putting on makeup, while Yan Li didn't have such good treatment and listened to a phone report while putting on makeup.

The premiere of "The Legend of Xue Rengui" has ended, with the final ratings just breaking 4, which is still a pretty good result.

Currently, large-scale rebroadcasts have begun, especially on Qilu TV in Shandong Province, which is reportedly rebroadcasting the show continuously during the day, and the data is quite good.

Not to mention terrestrial channels, four satellite channels were sold out of their quotas, including those from Jiangxi, Sichuan, Shanxi, and Guangdong provinces.

Of particular note are Jiangxi Province and Shanxi Province.

The latter is Xue Rengui's hometown, and they helped with a lot of publicity. Yan Li even accepted an interview with a provincial newspaper. The former is the province where the TV series "The Legend of Xue Rengui" was most popular.

According to statistics from relevant organizations, "The Legend of Xue Rengui" ranked first in viewership ratings during the same period in the entire Jiangxi Province.

Moreover, it wasn't just at the provincial level that Jiangxi Province ranked first in viewership; at the city level, apart from Nanjing, the other four of the top five were all from Jiangxi Province.

Yan Li's face was probably the most familiar to countless viewers in Jiangxi Province in March.

Lin Jiachuan, who plays the second male lead Zhou Qing, also took on an advertising shoot for a local company in Jiangxi Province.

Of course, the reason for inviting Lin Jiachuan was not because he was popular, but because he was cheap.

Li Bingbing is someone most people can't afford, and Yan Li's position isn't even a matter of price.

According to Hu Ya's report from the president's office, three people offered Yan Li endorsement deals exceeding 500 million yuan per year.

They are alcohol, cars, and health products.

Health products command the highest bids, with prices ranging from 6.5 million to 8 million, and contracts typically lasting at least three years.

Yan Li didn't even need to use the system to investigate before rejecting it directly. This kind of health product is definitely a scam, and Yan Li wouldn't fall into a trap for a couple of dollars.

Both the wine and the car are well-known brands, but they belong to the mid-to-high-end category. By hiring Yan Li as their spokesperson and having him shoot advertisements, it seems like they are trying to move into the high-end market.

The prices were definitely tempting in the entertainment industry, but Yan Li didn't accept any of them.

He is now increasingly aware of the value that his personal image brings to his business.

The more this is the case, the more cautious we must be in using it. Good steel should be used where it is needed most; otherwise, it becomes worthless if misused.

Therefore, Yan Li no longer accepts endorsements from various brands; the only one he's willing to negotiate with is Tudou.com.

The amount of money is secondary; the key is that he further binds himself to Tudou.com, increasing the outside world's perception that Yan Li is the owner of Tudou.com.

Yi'an and its partners were quite satisfied with the success of "The Legend of Xue Rengui" and then began to consider whether to make a sequel.

"Romance of the Sui and Tang Dynasties" is actually a large series of classical novels or storytelling, one of the core works of which is "The Generals of the Xue Family".

The Xue Family Generals is mainly a trilogy. The first part is "The Legend of Xue Rengui", followed by "Xue Dingshan's Expedition to the West", and then "Xue Gang's Rebellion Against the Tang Dynasty". There is also the so-called "The Story of Fan Lihua" in between.

Besides "The Xue Family Generals," there is also a sister series, "Luo Tong Sweeps the North," which tells the story of Luo Cheng's son.

When filming "The Legend of Xue Rengui", we considered whether to make a sequel, so we laid some groundwork and created some plot points.

In the original novel, when Xue Rengui returned, he "accidentally" killed his son Xue Dingshan, a plot point that is too toxic for modern audiences.

So the drama reunites the family of three in a proper way, and then Xue Dingshan has a wonderful adventure, leaving home to become an apprentice.

In that case, if we were to film "Xue Dingshan's Expedition to the West," it would be very easy to pick up where the story left off.

However, the original novel "Xue Dingshan's Expedition to the West" is too far-fetched, no different from "Investiture of the Gods," with all sorts of magical battles. If it were to be filmed, the script would definitely need to be changed.

One of the key factors contributing to the success of "The Legend of Xue Rengui" is that it refined and distilled the essence of the original work.

The formulas in these classic novels are too outdated; they really need to be changed.

Yan Li is not as confident about this project as he used to be.

Frankly speaking, without his and Li Bingbing's participation, the meticulous script revisions, and the strong investment and production team, "The Legend of Xue Rengui" would hardly have been so successful.

The next drama won't have him and Li Bingbing's cast and hype, and the quality of the script is hard to say.

Therefore, Yan Li's idea was to first develop the script, and then consider whether to invest, as well as the investment cost and resources, based on the quality of the script.

A good script gets a big investment, an average script gets a small investment, and a bad script gets no investment...

　(57000)

　　
　
(End of this chapter)