Chapter 5

“They’re not worthy to fight me.” “In my eyes, they’re not even as good as cowards.” “I’m more worried about your so-called top fighters getting hurt, not me.” “Tsk...” Reciting his lines, Yan Li’s expression became increasingly complicated. He really wanted to scold the scriptwriter! Yu Wen Chengdu is supposed to be a mighty, invincible general who hadn’t met his match until encountering Li Yuanba. It’s natural for someone like that to be a bit arrogant, but his confidence should come from a commanding presence and fearless pride. However, the dialogue was written so cheaply and shallowly. Instead of sounding like a heroic figure leading armies, it came across like a street thug from a Hong Kong gangster movie. Wait a second. Yan Li suddenly realized something. When he first read the script, Yu Wen Chengdu already felt somewhat familiar. Now, comparing it to a Hong Kong gangster flick—this character was the spitting image of a minor gang boss villain! Always shouting, picking fights at every turn, and frequently getting humiliated. A dignified imperial officer and great general reduced to queuing up like everyone else. There was no depth or charisma to the character. This lousy scriptwriter clearly borrowed the template of a gangster flick to write Yu Wen Chengdu’s role... And by extension, the court intrigues and battles in the script felt no different from internal gang power struggles and turf wars. Yan Li seriously questioned whether the future report he’d read, which claimed this show would be a hit, was accurate. Still, considering the wild success of historically inaccurate but sensational dramas like Princess Returning Pearl, Yan Li wasn’t entirely confident in his own judgment. The market speaks for itself. Maybe audiences really do enjoy such campy historical dramas that resemble gangster films? Despite his inner complaints, Yan Li diligently memorized his lines—he had been paid, after all. Making money isn’t shameful! Even icons like Chow Yun-fat and Jackie Chan had starred in flops before. Esteemed veterans of the industry also had their missteps. He could afford to be picky about scripts once he became famous. For now, he just had to keep working hard. Yan Li usually preferred reciting his lines out loud. It helped him memorize faster and allowed him to practice tone, pacing, emphasis, and pauses. But today’s lines were so embarrassing that after saying a few out loud, he noticed some odd glances from passersby. He had no choice but to silently memorize them. Once he got back to his hotel room later, he could practice out loud in private. From breakfast until around ten in the morning, Yan Li stayed in the grove rehearsing. As the sun rose higher and the weather grew warmer, the few people lingering nearby gradually left. The long-haired girl who had been sitting nearby also packed her things and left, waving goodbye to Yan Li as she passed. Distracted by his script, Yan Li only gave her a perfunctory nod. She didn’t mind and continued on her way. By eleven, the shade of the trees was no longer sufficient. Concerned about getting tanned before filming, Yan Li decided to head back to his hotel. After a simple lunch, Yan Li nervously went to the makeup room for his costume fitting. Unfortunately, Wang Xiu was there. Fortunately, she was busy working on someone else and didn’t have time to bother him. A costume fitting involves finalizing an actor’s look, including makeup and wardrobe, before shooting begins. The production crew of Heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasties wasn’t particularly meticulous, especially for non-lead roles. Most secondary characters shared standardized looks, with minimal variation in costumes and accessories. Yan Li’s costume was similar to what he had worn to meet the director the previous day: a tied-up wig, predominantly black leather armor, slightly darkened skin, and sharp eyebrows to give him a fiercer look. Just as the makeup artist was about to add a beard, Wang Xiu intervened. “I think it’s better without a beard. Makes him look younger and fiercer. A beard would make him seem too mature, which contradicts the character.” Yan Li glanced at his reflection and compared it to the previous look. She had a point. The beard gave him an air of sophistication and composure, resembling a calculated and intelligent warrior like Qin Qiong. Without the beard, he lost that cunning edge but exuded raw, unrestrained strength—more fitting for a reckless and brash general. Given what Yan Li knew about Yu Wen Chengdu’s character—a cocky, brainless brute relying purely on brute force—Wang Xiu’s suggestion was spot-on. Yan Li’s opinion of Wang Xiu improved. He respected capable people, regardless of their personality. With her assistance, Yan Li’s costume fitting went smoothly and yielded satisfying results. As the makeup artist stepped away to take a phone call, Wang Xiu offered to help. “You seem a bit wary of me, handsome,” she teased. Yan Li felt a little awkward and nodded. “Yeah.” Wang Xiu was momentarily stunned by his candidness before regaining her composure. “Why?” “You know why.” “How’d you figure it out?” Wang Xiu was genuinely curious. She prided herself on maintaining a professional and subtle demeanor. How had Yan Li picked up on it so quickly? “Met someone like you before. I’ve got a good intuition,” Yan Li lied casually. Wang Xiu didn’t entirely believe him but let it slide. “If you’re uncomfortable, I can let Liu Jie take over.” Her straightforwardness made Yan Li feel embarrassed. “No, it’s fine. You do it. I was just overthinking.” “Don’t worry about it.” As someone who had faced plenty of prejudice, Wang Xiu wasn’t bothered. She patted Yan Li on the shoulder with a laugh. “Handsome guys always attract attention. But don’t worry—I’m taken.” Yan Li chuckled and cupped his hands in mock apology. “Then it’s my mistake. I apologize.” “No need to be so formal.” After their conversation, the atmosphere became much friendlier. Wang Xiu even gave Yan Li some valuable grooming tips that he greatly appreciated. By the time Yan Li left the makeup room, it was already getting dark. He decided to walk to the barbecue joint he’d heard about that morning. With limited funds, he ordered a few must-try items—grilled lamb skewers and kidneys—to-go, along with a stir-fried pancake. Back at his hotel, he tried the barbecue first. Delicious. The kidneys were juicy and flavorful, and the lamb skewers were perfectly seasoned. A cold beer would’ve made it perfect, but Yan Li had to stay focused on memorizing his lines. Around 9 PM, his phone rang. “Hey, Jiachuan,” Yan Li answered. “How’s the role going, Li Ge?” “Locked in. I’ve got my costume fitting today and will start shooting tomorrow or the day after.” “Awesome!” Cheers erupted on the other end. Yan Li smiled, lying back on his bed. “Songwen and Yiwei are with you?” “Yep.” One of his roommates, Zhang Songwen, chimed in with his deep voice. “Li Ge, give it your all in Hengdian. We’ll celebrate when you’re back in Beijing.” “Count on it.” Another roommate, Zhou Yiwei, added, “Need us to send you anything?” “Nothing, really. The assistant director’s been looking out for me. I even have a private room at the hotel.” Their concern warmed Yan Li’s heart. Before hanging up, Zhou Yiwei hesitated. “Li Ge, I ran into Sister Xuan at school today.” Yan Li’s brow furrowed. “Hmm?” “She asked if I’d found a place to stay and whether I’d be renting alone or with someone. Sounded like she was trying to find out your address.” “Oh.” Yan Li’s brief response frustrated Lin Jiachuan. “Li Ge, did you really break up?” “She was the one who said it’s over.” Yan Li’s tone was indifferent, but Zhang Songwen tried to mediate. “She probably didn’t mean it. Just talk to her.” “I tried, but she ignored me. I’m not going to indulge her bad temper.” The group fell silent until Zhou Yiwei cautiously brought up another name. “To be fair, Sister Xuan might’ve been upset because of that junior, Huang Shengyi...” Yan Li coughed loudly, cutting him off. “We’re just friends. Don’t tarnish my reputation.” Realizing they’d hit a sensitive spot, his friends didn’t push further. Yan Li’s personal matters were his to resolve.