Chapter 292: Under Control

(Sorry, I took a break yesterday. Today, I’m delivering three big Chapters, 15,000-word update!)

Yurong said these words in a joking manner, but there was a hint of doubt when she spoke. However, upon hearing his answer, she couldn’t help but laugh.

"You’re aware you’re almost an uncle now? How can handsome, charming, humorous be associated with you? In my opinion, Beihai Drama is full of young idol guys. They’ve seen too many pretty faces and probably find you refreshing for a change. Plus, with your flattery, they find you amusing. Offering herself to you? Meeting you secretly? Aren’t you a bit too narcissistic?"

Initially, she had met Shinohara Mirai and Matsushima Kui, and considering the two young, stylish girls from Beihai Country, she couldn’t believe they’d be interested in Li Yan. What she could be sure of was that they had interacted before for some reason, and perhaps knew Li Yan was quite capable, which was why they asked him to accompany and protect them. 𝓯𝓻𝒆𝙚𝒘𝓮𝙗𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝒍.𝙘𝓸𝙢

In this regard, she understood completely, because she had only indirectly known about Li Yan’s flirting, but had never really witnessed it. For instance, they had been together for a year, and apart from the natural progression of their relationship, he never acted inappropriately towards her and always remained respectful. Yue Yao had also stayed here for half a year, and even wore clothes casually at home.

Besides that, there was Yu Xiaodi’s passionate pursuit of him, and it was only until later, on her birthday, that it happened under Yu Xiaodi’s insistence. His relationship with Wen Qianyi was great, but there didn’t seem to be any romantic ambiguity.

Therefore, in terms of matters between men and women, Yurong initially didn’t pay him much mind. But later, after getting to know him, she felt more at ease. She even thought his claims of going out to indulge might just be maintaining a carefree facade or pure social relaxation, without crossing any lines.

Precisely because of this dynamic, Li Yan was being honest, but she didn’t believe him. Previously, it didn’t matter. When they went to Beihai Country, Wen Qianyi accompanied him the whole time, where was the chance? Little did she know, Wen Qianyi not only knew about it but also scorned and criticized him. However, Wen Qianyi just used Yu Xiaodi’s situation as an excuse, without reporting it to her.

Of course, people often rebel. Had Li Yan not spoken so honestly, or had he failed to cover it up well, appearing guilty and evasive would have actually made her more suspicious.

"See, I tell the truth and you say I’m narcissistic." Li Yan sighed inwardly, realizing that when you want someone not to believe, it’s actually better to tell the truth! Truth and lies, illusions and reality...

"Alright, stop wasting my time. If you really manage to get someone pregnant, I’ll admire you for bringing glory to our country. Satisfied?" Yurong seemed to see him smiling smugly and jokingly added.

"Well, never mind that I was just a small employee back then, now I’m a manager. Those celebrities need to curry favor with me, asking me to entertain guests, how can I stand it!"

Hearing Li Yan’s complaint, Yurong gently snorted, "Hmph! You have the nerve to say that? How much did Heavenly Film invest altogether? Yet, you brag about investing in several billion-dollar films! Why don’t you boast even more? Are people currying favor with you? They’re after the money, after the opportunities bought with money! We’re a publicly listed company, we can’t make such over-the-top statements; in this internet age, people will dig it up immediately!"

On the premiere day, though she didn’t attend in person, she learned and paid attention to the news about Heavenly Film’s debut work the next day. Regarding the bold claims of producing five films this year and at least two billion-dollar blockbusters, as the president, she naturally knew it was just Li Yan’s bravado.

"We just mentioned this investment intention, and didn’t actually announce an investment plan, it’s not really bragging. Besides, who cares? For many, it’s just a publicity stunt. Things like this happen in the entertainment industry every day."

As it turns out, it’s not only the entertainment industry that brags; everyone’s doing it.

It was still office hours, and Zhang Yurong was really busy, with no time to continue chatting idly about this matter. Before preparing to hang up, she sternly reminded him, "Regarding hosting Miss Shinohara, if you’re truly not interested, just leave it be, but don’t give any attitude. Indeed, thanks to her and your efforts, our collaboration went more smoothly. Not that there’s a need to harm the cooperation, but emotionally, it would also be a bit over the top."

If people maintained a good attitude when needing cooperation and applied personal relationships, but once the contract was signed, displayed a different attitude, it would be like burning bridges after crossing them, overly exploiting people.

Hearing her say this, Li Yan responded earnestly, "Understood. I will handle it seriously. I was just kidding; I consider her a friend and was merely worried about you getting jealous."

"Who is getting jealous over you? Narcissist!" Yurong playfully spat out and scolded him with a laugh.

"OK, you get busy then, I’ll get the detailed information from Wen Qianyi."

...

With Zhang Yurong’s attitude, Li Yan naturally had no issue seeing Shinohara Mirai. Upon further reflection, her arrival might not be troublesome; instead, it was a perfect excuse. If he spent Valentine’s Day with just one, the others would definitely have thoughts. For instance, spending it with Zhang Yurong tomorrow was the most appropriate, but Wen Qianyi, Hai Fu, and Li Jie might think he was with Yu Xiaodi and feel uncomfortable; on the other hand, knowing the truth, Yu Xiaodi might also feel heartbroken.