027 The Discerning Gentleman Yan Li and His Ex-Girlfriend’s Best Friend

Yan Li wanted to play Da Peng for a simple reason: the role had more screen time than Wu Tian.

Although he had only skimmed the script, Yan Li had already formed a judgment. Wu Tian was more of a plot device; he died in the first episode, and his subsequent appearances were limited to flashbacks depicting his grudges with Liu Huaqiang and others. The narrative thread involving him was fragmented and sparse.

Da Peng was different. He stayed by Liu Huaqiang’s side throughout the entire series, from the first episode to the last. Since that was the case, Yan Li naturally preferred the role with more screen time, as it was easier for the audience to remember him.

Additionally, he didn’t particularly like the character of Wu Tian, who was mercenary and heartless. He didn't mind playing a villain, but he preferred characters that aligned with his own sensibilities. Da Peng, for instance, was devoted to his mother and fiercely loyal. Once he acknowledged Liu Huaqiang as his boss, he followed orders without hesitation. While he had taken the wrong path, in a certain light, he could be called a man of honor and sentiment.

"Xiao Yan, you’re still too young," Gao Qunshu said, his round face creasing into a smile as he began to persuade him. "When choosing a role, you can't just look at the amount of screen time; how memorable the performance is matters more."

Yan Li put on the appearance of an obedient student. "Please, enlighten me."

"Look, although Wu Tian doesn't have much screen time, several of his scenes are pivotal. He is the key to the early plot, which leaves a deep impression."

"This character’s personality isn't likable, but he is vivid and distinct. In this show, there are many characters who value loyalty, but very few who don't. That creates a strong sense of contrast."

"Wu Tian's scenes are relatively independent and revolve around him. Da Peng can't compare; he is always just Liu Huaqiang’s lackey, overshadowed by the boss, and his presence is limited—not to mention there is also Jin Bao by his side."

Gao Qunshu didn't mind the trouble and went on to analyze it for Yan Li at length. There was no help for it; the *Conquest* crew wasn't short on tough-looking ruffians, but handsome actors who could act and were willing to work for a low salary were rare. Gao hadn't originally intended to find such a handsome actor, but after seeing Yan Li’s audition, he felt he was increasingly suitable.

In *Conquest*, Wu Tian was originally an ordinary employee at a television factory. Later, he was noticed by his colleague, Li Li, who had business connections. They partnered up and eventually became romantically involved. Gao had already cast Jiang Shan, a somewhat faded star, as Li Li. They had a good relationship, and Jiang had agreed to a "friendship price," making her one of the few famous actors in the crew. After all, they had to consider the show's marketability; having a well-known actor on board would make distribution much smoother.

Jiang Shan had been a recognized beauty in her day—that show *Guo Ba Yin* had entranced countless men. While she might not have the same looks and figure now, she was still a mature, charming woman. If the young man she was interested in looked like a disaster, it simply wouldn't be convincing.

Persuaded by Gao Qunshu’s reasoning, Yan Li wavered. What swayed him even more was when Gao produced a photo of the actor he had in mind for Da Peng.

When Yan Li looked at the photo, he was convinced. The man’s image was perfect; he looked like he had just been released from prison. Some people were born with the look of a ruthless gangster or a murderer; no matter how good other people's acting skills were, they couldn't compete with such natural-born talent.

Moreover, what Gao Qunshu said made sense. More importantly, Yan Li could tell that the director preferred him to play Wu Tian. As a newcomer, the power to choose was a luxury. Since the director had gone out of his way to persuade and explain, giving sufficient reasons, he had already shown him enough respect. It was best to go along with the flow.

"Fine, Director. You have my best interests at heart, so I’ll listen to you."

Yan Li acted as if he greatly respected Director Gao, and since the director had spoken, he would follow along even if he wasn't entirely satisfied. This actually made Gao Qunshu feel a bit embarrassed. *This kid is a decent fellow!*

Softening, he added another 500 yuan to the original 3,000 yuan fee for Wu Tian. Yan Li accepted the money, but immediately turned around and enthusiastically invited Gao Qunshu and the introducer, Brother Liu, out for a meal. Between the dining, drinking, and a visit to a bathhouse and massage parlor, not only was the extra 500 yuan gone, but Yan Li also ended up shelling out an additional 200 yuan of his own.

Yan Li didn't feel the pinch, however. If *Conquest* became a big hit, Director Gao’s status would naturally rise, and he might become a famous director. Building a relationship in advance meant that if he had a good project later, he might think of him. The few hundred yuan spent now could be earned back tenfold later.

Sure enough, after the outing, Gao Qunshu had a very good impression of Yan Li. The young man was decent, sweet-talking, and straightforward; such sensible newcomers were rare in the industry.

Seeing that the relationship was well-established, Gao Qunshu was in a good mood, and Yan Li seized the moment. "Director Gao, I have a classmate from the Beijing Film Academy who acts even better than I do and respects you greatly. Do you think he could join the crew for a role? The pay and such are all negotiable."

Gao Qunshu, enjoying his massage, laughed and scolded him, "You kid, you're quite good at taking advantage of the situation—trying to get a 'buy one get one free' deal from me."

Seeing that Gao wasn't offended, Yan Li relaxed and chuckled. "It's because I see how well you treat me, Director. I wouldn't dare ask anyone else."

When dealing with people, one shouldn't be afraid to bother them. Making appropriate, simple requests could satisfy the other party's need to be needed. If handled correctly, it could actually strengthen the relationship. Yan Li had read about this in a self-help book; it was called the "Benjamin Franklin effect." He wasn't sure if it worked on everyone, but Gao Qunshu felt good being flattered by Yan Li and was quite receptive to it.

"Bring him over to take a look later, but I can't guarantee a role or the pay."

Most of the roles for *Conquest* had already been filled; otherwise, Yan Li would have had more room to negotiate. Now that Yan Li had secured the role of Wu Tian, the remaining roles were even fewer—mostly minor supporting parts or special guest appearances.

Yan Li didn't mind. He was asking for this role for Zhou Yiwei. Regardless of the screen time, it was at least a proper production, which was better than the odd jobs he had been picking up. If Zhou Yiwei didn't want it, Yan Li hadn't mentioned a name anyway; there were plenty of classmates in his class without work who would definitely be willing to come.

After the entertainment ended and he had sent Gao Qunshu off in a taxi, Yan Li draped his arm around the flushed, tipsy Brother Liu and pulled out a pre-prepared red envelope, trying to stuff it into his pocket. Brother Liu hurriedly pushed it away, but Yan Li was firm. "Rules are rules. I’ll be needing your help in the future, Brother."

After some back-and-forth, Brother Liu "reluctantly" accepted, though his smile was very sincere. "You weren't misnamed; you're a man of principle. Don't worry, I'll keep an eye out for good projects for you."

"Deal. I’ll be waiting for your good news."

After sending Brother Liu off and finally ending the night, Yan Li calculated his expenses. Out of the 3,500 yuan fee for *Conquest*, nearly half was gone due to the treat and the red envelope. If he didn't know this show had the potential to be a hit, he wouldn't be doing such a losing business.

He didn't take a taxi, opting for the bus back to the Jimenli residential area where he rented. As soon as he entered, he saw Guan Yue sitting at the dining table, happily gnawing on a pig trotter.

Guan Yue was a student in the 2000 undergraduate acting class at the Beijing Film Academy, and also the classmate, roommate, and best friend of Yan Li’s ex-girlfriend, Dong Xuan. Zhou Yiwei knew her as well, so Yan Li wasn't surprised by how she had gotten in. Seeing that she didn't even greet him as he walked in, continuing to chew on the trotter, Yan Li raised an eyebrow.

"The braised pig trotter is 25 yuan a pound. Make sure to leave the money before you go."

"Are you robbing me?" Guan Yue finally acknowledged him. She hadn't even swallowed the meat in her mouth before she started squawking, "Pork is only a few yuan a pound. You're charging 25 for a pig trotter that's mostly bone?"

"My braised meat is worth that price."

Yan Li believed in "you get what you pay for." Selected ingredients, a secret braising recipe, and the cost of living in Beijing made him feel the price was fair. Even if he had misjudged the market, he wouldn't lower it much. Good things had to be sold at a high price; selling them cheaply would not only be a disservice to his "system," but it also wouldn't sit right with him.

Guan Yue wanted to argue back, but the taste in her mouth told her that Yan Li wasn't entirely wrong. Aside from being expensive, there was really nothing wrong with the braised pig trotter!

Thinking this, her tone weakened, but she immediately regained her composure. "I've passed on plenty of messages between the two of you, at least; doesn't that count for the price of two pig trotters?"

Yan Li gave a cold, mirthless smile. "Then why don't you tell me who spread the rumor to Dong Xuan that I was having an affair with a junior, and then egged her on to break up with me?"

Guan Yue was shocked. "Old Dong sold me out!"