Chinese Entertainment Intelligence King

Chapter 298: Filming wrapped on "Painted Skin," and the two soldiers started fighting.
Hengdian, exterior shots

Deng Chao, who looked like a demon, was held by Wu Jing, and then Sun Li stabbed him to death with her own hands.

Before he died, Deng Chao called out "Xiao Wei" with deep affection and despair, and then he was gone.

Then, Sun Li climbed into the arms of the dying Wu Jing. The two looked at each other, and Wu Jing died with a smile. Sun Li hugged him and cried loudly.

This scene, combined with reality, had such a high level of dark humor that even Yan Li couldn't help but eat sunflower seeds on the side.

But soon, it was Deng Chao and Sun Li's turn to eat sunflower seeds.

Once the supporting characters are gone, it's time for the main characters to battle.

In terms of plot sequence, the main characters should confront each other first, and then the supporting characters should fight. However, Fan Xiaopang and Li Bingbing were scheduled for a wrap-up interview, so they filmed Deng Chao's scenes first, and then Yan Li's scenes.

This scene was the climax of the entire series, but Yan Li and the other two remained calm.

One reason is confidence in one's abilities, and the other is that Yan Li has worked hard in private. The three of them have never tried together, but the two of them have rehearsed their scenes together more than once.

Fan Xiaopang has the most screen time, including not only scenes with his co-stars but also action scenes.

Then came Yan Li, who first saw Li Bingbing off, and then confronted Fan Xiaopang.

In the story, the fox spirit, played by Fan Xiaopang, fails in her scheme. The death of Madam Wang completely breaks Wang Sheng's cowardice and hesitation, and he wants the fox spirit to resurrect Madam Wang.

Knowing she could never win Wang Sheng's heart again, the fox spirit's love turned to hate, and she was heartbroken and devastated, staring blankly at Yan Li.

"Since you love her so much, why don't you die with her?"

Yan Li's eyes reddened, but his tone remained calm: "If I die, you will bring her back to life."

"..."

Finally, after analyzing his own confession, he revealed the core of the entire character and even the entire movie to Fan Xiaopang.

"I love you, but I already have Pei Rong."

After saying that, he stabbed himself to death. Fan Xiaopang imagined that Yan Li had abandoned her for another woman one day. He stared blankly at the corpse, looking confused and helpless, tears streaming down his face uncontrollably.

Yan Li always felt that Fan Xiaopang was the best actor among them in this show.

One is that the character of Xiaowei is complex and has many highlights, so if the actress is capable, there is enough room for her to portray her.

Another point is that Fan Xiaopang is able to empathize with and understand the character in many situations, and his emotional engagement is good, so his acting is natural and on point.

After Yan Li died, the fight scene that followed was almost entirely Fan Xiaopang's monologue, except for a few lines spoken by Sun Li.

Fan Xiaopang pulled through everything smoothly, delivering the expected bursts of energy and knowing when to hold back, which earned him nods of approval from Yan Li and a solemn expression from Li Bingbing.

Back when she was still with Huayi Brothers, Fan Bingbing's acting skills were decent, but just decent; she didn't think they were particularly impressive.

But during their collaboration in "Painted Skin," she truly felt Fan Bingbing's rapid progress.

Many of her co-stars were on par with her, and in some highlights they even outshone her. While the roles certainly contributed to this, her own talent is also worth noting.

Li Bingbing was puzzled. It was understandable that Fan Xiaopang's career had progressed rapidly in the past two years, but how come his acting skills had also taken off so quickly?

"He's finally figured it out."

Yan Li's answer was simple: the acting profession often doesn't follow reason or logic.

A pretty face suddenly becomes a skilled actor, a veteran actor suffers a setback and is overshadowed by newcomers, and self-taught actors are stronger than professionally trained actors.

Take the wildly popular TV series "Soldiers Sortie" this year, for example.

That Wang Baoqiang, a complete amateur, stole the show from all the other actors, who were all experts in the industry, including many with years of experience in stage plays.

Moreover, Yan Li has always believed in the principle that fame can nurture a person and improve their acting skills.

Performance is an art form where the human element is extremely important. It emphasizes professional skills, but even more so, personal state and confidence.

When someone becomes famous, their confidence rises, and they're in good form. As long as the roles don't conflict, they can act however they want.

This isn't something Yan Li made up; there are many examples of it in the industry.

He initially performed only moderately, but at the peak of his career, he had a burst of talent and contributed a series of representative works.

You could say it's a breakthrough, or you could say it's because the person is famous and acts well, which in turn makes them famous, creating a positive cycle where they act better and better and become more and more famous.

Fan Xiaopang is just like that. She has natural talent and a lot of experience. Her career exploded in two years, and her confidence and state of mind improved. The roles assigned to her were also conducive to her performance, so of course she made rapid progress.

After listening to Yan Li's explanation, Li Bingbing seemed to be deep in thought.

She has actually made quite a bit of progress in the past two years. I originally thought it was because she was getting older and more experienced, but now it seems that there are also reasons related to her mindset. She has even found the reason why her old rival, Zhou Xun, has such a high level of acting skills.

"No wonder that guy surnamed Zhou has been winning all sorts of awards these past two years?"

Yan Li pondered for a moment: "Personally, I think her confidence is one aspect, but more importantly, she has great talent."

Li Bingbing: "..."

Can't you speak properly?!

Yan Li shrugged. Among the four actresses, Zhou and Zhang are generally recognized as having the best acting skills and the most honors.

Zhang Ziyi's strength lies in her comprehensive qualities; she excels in every aspect and is a natural fit for the big screen.

Zhou Gongzi's physical attributes are actually quite inferior, and she is not from a professional acting background. The fact that she has come this far is purely due to her talent.

In comparison, the double-pawn formation only ranks in the middle.

Fan Bingbing's success and failure both stem from his face; it not only affects his acting roles but also causes his acting skills to be overlooked.

Li Bingbing's overall conditions and talents are relatively "ordinary," and she makes up for it entirely through hard work and experience.

Yan Li personally believes that Xiao Yanzi's acting talent is stronger than these two, but she was distracted and was overtaken by the two soldiers.

As for Xu Cainu, she remains at the bottom of the list without wavering.

This woman has acted in quite a few dramas, but she doesn't have any particularly representative works or highlight scenes, which leads Yan Li to have the impression of her as having a "widow's face," looking as dejected as if her man has died.

"Okay, passed."

Director Gordon Chan shouted something, and Fan Xiaopang got up, while the others lay back down. The cameraman started taking close-up shots.

According to the plot, Fan Xiaopang will disappear, while the others will be resurrected, and there will also be some special effects shots.

After these shots were completed and the scene was filmed, "Painted Skin" was nearing its final countdown to wrapping up filming.

Fan Xiaopang finished filming immediately, while Yan Li, Li Bingbing, and others only had a few scattered shots. The entire crew will finish filming in about 2-3 days.

"it is finally over."

Fan Xiaopang breathed a long sigh of relief after filming wrapped up. She had been under a lot of pressure with the "Painted Skin" project.

It's said that the two soldiers are carrying the main load, but Li Bingbing is just doing her job for money. If the project is good, she benefits from it; if the project loses money, she still gets exposure and pay.

She's different. This project is crucial to Yi'an. If it fails, she, as the boss, the top leader, and the person in charge, will suffer significant negative consequences.

Even with Yan Li protecting him, it's no use; in this company, performance speaks for itself.

If you can't handle a blockbuster film worth over 100 million, you'll face obstacles when you try to get similar projects in the future.

The adult world is not so easy. Fan Xiaopang has Yan Li's support, which gives him a high margin for error, but there are still limits to his abilities.

Therefore, Fan Bingbing took the filming of "Painted Skin" very seriously.

The movie lost money, but it's not necessarily all her fault. If she didn't act well, she can't escape the blame.

Now that the movie is finished, she feels that she performed quite well, and the most crucial work is over. The rest will be handled by Yan Li and the others; she just needs to cooperate.

Seeing Fan Xiaopang's relieved expression, Li Bingbing also looked relaxed, and Yan Li smiled.

"The three of us won't be able to get together for the wrap-up day. I received two bottles of good wine for my birthday a few days ago. Shall we have a drink?"

Fan Xiaopang will join the cast of "Rouge Snow" after finishing filming today, and Li Bingbing will also leave the cast immediately after finishing her scenes.

Unless they happen to meet at some event, the three of them will have to wait until next year's promotional period to get together again.

Fan Xiaopang's eyes gleamed warily: "Your fox tail can't be hidden anymore, can it? Trying to cause trouble on the last day?"

Li Bingbing also sneered: "A little drink to make it easier for you to make your move, is that it?"

Yan Li had been plotting against the two soldiers for some time, but they had seen through his plans or dodged them. Today was the last day, and the two were already on guard against him causing trouble.

"What kind of person do you two take me for?"

Yan Li looked aggrieved: "Overall, this collaboration went quite smoothly. I am very grateful for your support and understanding. On the last day, let's have some food and drinks to express our gratitude and bring it to a perfect close."

"Also, I'd like to have a detailed talk with you two about Weibo and that spy movie. Everyone's busy and doesn't have time to get together often, so let's take this opportunity to clarify things."

Yan Li swore to God that he really wanted to talk to the two of them about serious matters. Of course, he had some ulterior motives, but they were not significant.

After all, even if it didn't work out this time, there's still the promotional period and the next movie, so there will always be opportunities. There's no rush.

Fan Xiaopang and Li Bingbing exchanged a glance. Yan Li's reasoning was still valid, but it was better to be cautious.

"Since we're getting together, let's invite Sun Li and the others too. Consider it an early wrap party."

Yan Li nodded: "Okay."

After exchanging greetings, they went to remove their makeup and change clothes. In the end, about ten people, including Deng Chao and his group, arrived and were seated at a table in the hotel.

"Come, have a taste, Louis XIII Black Crystal Collector's Edition, which is known as the King of Cognac."

Yan Li took out a bottle of foreign liquor with a black crystal bottle and poured it for the group.

He doesn't really like red wine, but he's okay with foreign spirits, mainly because there are so many varieties and flavors, which are more exciting than red or white wine.

Therefore, some people, knowing his tastes, found some rare wines for Yan Li to try.

Deng Chao, a sycophant, looked at the exquisitely crafted bottle and said, "This wine must be expensive."

"It's not expensive, less than 10 yuan," Yan Li explained. This price is really not expensive; there are plenty of wines that cost more. It's just that this wine is a limited edition and is relatively rare.

When it comes to giving gifts, especially to wealthy people like Yan Li.

Scarcity is often greater than value. People with money can afford expensive things, but things that are hard to buy are more valuable.

Of course, this is relative. If you spend tens of millions to build a pure gold statue, even if it's a pile of shit, people will still look at you differently.

Tens of thousands of yuan isn't expensive!
Apart from the two soldiers who were relatively stable, the others were inwardly complaining. For example, Deng Chao's career had just taken off, and his income was only so-so. He could afford to spend tens of thousands of yuan, but he couldn't accept spending it on a bottle of wine.

Wu Jing is another story altogether. He's not very famous or high-profile, and his salary in the Hong Kong film industry is exceptionally good value for money.

Earning a million or two a year is considered good, because as an action actor, he also has to donate some of it to the hospital from time to time.

He had heard of wines costing tens of thousands of dollars a bottle, after all, Hong Kong was full of places where people spent money, but this was the first time he had ever drunk one.

He appeared calm on the surface, but actually tasted the wine repeatedly before finally swallowing it.

Yan Li then asked him for his opinion: "How do you feel?"

Wu Jingqiang, trying to maintain a pretentious air, replied, "It's so-so."

"I also think the taste is just average."

Yan Li agreed, saying that the taste of this wine didn't really suit him, and his expectations had been dashed.

Yan Li offered the bottle of wine to the others, then opened two more bottles of his usual wine and began toasting everyone to thank them for their hard work during this time.

"Mr. Yan, you're too kind."

"Yes, it's all thanks to President Yan's care. If anyone should be toasting, it should be us."

"Come on, let's all raise a glass to President Yan to thank him for his guidance and help."

"..."

Putting aside the conflict between the two soldiers, the atmosphere on the set of "Painted Skin" was quite good. In addition, the semi-wrap party made everyone more relaxed, and some people even joked about the two soldiers.

The two soldiers weren't angry. They even got up and offered a toast, implying that they had caused trouble for everyone these past few days and expressing their apologies.

Those who can reach the position of double pawns both have high emotional intelligence.

Those whom Yan Li summoned today were all people who caught his eye. Why not offer them a toast, say some polite words, defuse some unnecessary trouble, and improve their relationship?

After several rounds of toasts, the atmosphere became increasingly lively. Yan Li looked at the people lining up to toast him and greeted them.

"Don't just come at me. You also need to take good care of the two female soldiers. Our movie depends entirely on their efforts."

With just a few words, they set the tone for the two soldiers. Although Yan Li was the one who got the most drunk, Li Bingbing and Fan Xiaopang also couldn't escape the alcohol trap.

"Oh no, I've been infected."

Li Bingbing shook his slightly dizzy head and realized something was wrong. He had originally brought these people to cause trouble for Yan Li, but he hadn't expected them to become a tool in Yan Li's hands.

I've had too much to drink with Fan Xiaopang, wouldn't I be at that bastard's mercy?

Slapping his forehead, Li Bingbing dealt with the two people who were offering him a toast, and then went to find Fan Xiaopang.

The latter was clearly more drunk than her!
It wasn't a difference in drinking capacity, but mainly because the proprietress was more popular. Fan Xiaopang was in a good mood today, and with Yan Li present, he didn't have to worry about anything and accepted everyone who came. At this moment, his eyes were a little dazed.

After clearing away the person offering a toast to Fan Xiaopang, Li Bingbing pulled Fan Xiaopang aside and whispered, "Don't drink anymore, or we'll both get beaten up by that beast again."

"Let them get overdone, it's not like we haven't been overdone before."

Fan Xiaopang blushed and said nonchalantly, her voice quite loud, which startled Li Bingbing, who covered her mouth.

Fortunately, the others had also drunk quite a bit, and since "叠" (die) is an encrypted language, they didn't pay much attention, only surprised that the two soldiers had gotten together.

Only Yan Li's eyes lit up when he heard this. As expected of my beloved concubine, she is reliable in critical moments.

Meanwhile, Li Bingbing, who had pinned down Fan Xiaopang and dragged him to the sofa in the private room's rest area, was speechless. He turned to leave but was stopped by Fan Xiaopang.

"What are you going for?"

"Go back?"

Fan Xiaopang shook his head, drunkenly holding onto her hand and refusing to let go: "He's drunk and causing trouble. I can't handle it, you do it."

"Are you really drunk, or are you faking it?"

Li Bingbing looked at Fan Xiaopang with suspicion, wondering if this sly fox had conspired with Yan Li to set a trap for her.

Thinking of this, Li Bingbing suddenly patted her face. The latter touched her face, looked at her blankly, and didn't react.

Li Bingbing breathed a sigh of relief: "He's drunk."

Just as he thought of this, Fan Xiaopang finally made a move, rubbed his face, looked at Li Bingbing, and flew into a rage.

"You dare to hit me?!"

After saying that, a meatball lunged forward and pounced on Li Bingbing. The latter was caught off guard and was pinned down and beaten by Fan Xiaopang.

"Fuck!"

The two made quite a commotion, immediately waking up the group of people who were toasting and eating over there, including Yan Li, who were all dumbfounded.

The two soldiers had argued and challenged each other over the past two months, and their sarcastic remarks never stopped, but they never actually laid a hand on each other.

Who would have thought that on the last day they'd drink too much and start fighting?!
Yan Li, who was the first to react, quickly tried to break up the fight, half-hugging and half-carrying Fan Xiaopang away, while Fan Xiaopang's legs kept thrashing towards Li Bingbing.

Li Bingbing, who had just been stunned by the beating but had now recovered, was also furious and rushed over to fight back, but was stopped by Sun Li and another actress.

"Let me go. You attacked me while I was drunk. I'll beat this bitch to death."

Fan Xiaopang seemed to have sobered up a bit, and his speech became clear and articulate, which infuriated Li Bingbing.

"You're like a dog biting Lü Dongbin! I only did it because you were drunk. You came up and attacked me right away. Don't hold me back, or I'll fight her to the death."

Li Bingbing felt very aggrieved. Fan Xiaopang suddenly made a move and used the despicable "Mount Tai pressing down" tactic, which restricted her movements. She had just been suppressed by Fan Xiaopang.

This is definitely not up to her usual standard, and she demands a rematch.

"Alright, what's with all the fuss after a few drinks? Everyone's going to come and laugh at us."

Although the private rooms are soundproof, people come and go, so a fight between two soldiers would be no small matter.

Yan Li, with a cold face, forcefully subdued Fan Xiaopang and Li Bingbing, and gave them an excuse for being drunk and losing their composure.

Yan Li called Shuang Bing's assistant, and accompanied them to their room.

Today, their dream of fighting side-by-side has been shattered. These two are completely out of their minds and will inevitably start fighting before they even have a chance to exchange blows.

After settling the two people in, Yan Li returned to the private room, expressed his apologies to everyone, and also hoped that they would keep quiet.

Everyone agreed. It's fine to gossip a little normally, but there are only a few of us here today. If this gets out, no one can escape it, so it's best to keep quiet.

Yan Li picked up his wine glass, trying to liven up the atmosphere, but before he could take a few sips, the phone rang.

It was Fan Xiaopang's assistant calling. Fan Xiaopang, who was drunk and furious, was blocking Li Bingbing's room door, ready to continue his assault on Li Bingbing.

Yan Li: "..."

She remembered that Fan Xiaopang used to be a good drinker, so why was he acting crazy today?

Are you really drunk?

He's trying to use his drunken outburst to vent his anger!

As I said before, during this period of cooperation, the two soldiers have developed more tacit understanding, but also more conflicts.

They didn't want to openly break ties, so they took advantage of being drunk to vent their frustrations—those two women were capable of doing that.

When Yan Li arrived, Fan Xiaopang had already gone inside. It wasn't that she broke in; Li Bingbing opened the door. There were so many people coming and going that it would be too unsightly to have someone blocking the doorway.

Of course, Li Bingbing, who had also drunk quite a bit and had just suffered a loss, also wanted to take this opportunity to get revenge.

Fortunately, both of them had assistants and staff with them, who managed to restrain them and prevent a physical altercation.

When Yan Li entered the room, the two were arguing.

Seeing Yan Li approach, Fan Xiaopang habitually started complaining first. Taking advantage of her and the others' distraction, Li Bingbing quickly came over and kicked her.

Fan Xiaopang staggered after being kicked and was so angry that he tried to pounce on the attacker, but the people around them quickly pulled him back.

"Everyone stop."

Yan Li shouted angrily, stopping the tense standoff between the two sides, and then gestured for the staff to leave first.

"I'm here, I'm fine."

The assistant and staff carefully left the room. Yan Li looked at the two soldiers glaring at each other and spoke in a harsh tone.

"Keep fighting, keep fighting, I'll call 120 for whoever loses."

Seeing the two soldiers remain silent, Yan Li snorted and was about to say a few more words of reprimand.

It's unclear which of Fan Xiaopang and Li Bingbing was looking at the wrong person, but one of them was doing a left front kick and the other a right whip kick, and they were pulling each other's hair and pinching each other's flesh.

Well, the two of them are quite sensible; they didn't go for the face!

Yan Li finally understood. These two were really drunk and not thinking clearly. They had accumulated a lot of resentment over the past few days, and they couldn't be calmed down with just a few words as usual.

Let them fight, and let us fight too.

These past few days, it wasn't just Shuangbing who was burning with resentment; he was also thoroughly annoyed. Today, he'd use these two as fire extinguishers to put out his anger...

　(3000/127000)

　　
　
(End of this chapter)