My name is Yan Li, and I am Qin Lan.

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“Arson Confirmed in Jingcheng Blue Lightning Internet Cafe Fire; Two Suspects Arrested”
Yan Li took a step toward the makeup room, sipping the soybean milk in his hand as he browsed the news from the newspaper he had just bought at the newsstand.

This nationally shocking case had stirred more attention in the past two days than even the national football team’s exit from the Japan-Korea World Cup. Many people in the cast of “Heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasties” were discussing it, and rumor had it that several internet cafes in Hengdian had been shut down.

However, for Yan Li, the most important aspect of this news was that his system had triggered a rather interesting piece of intelligence.

It revealed that the relevant authorities, troubled by the negative impact of the incident, were considering canceling the approval policy for individual internet cafes, aiming to regulate the internet cafe market and so forth.

Yan Li wasn’t very familiar with official matters, but he vaguely sensed there was profit to be made here.

Even without knowing much else, during his two years at university, Yan Li had visited many internet cafes and knew this business was quite popular among young people and students.

Especially this year, with games like “Legend,” “Warcraft,” and “Counter-Strike” booming, internet cafes were bursting at the seams; people even had to queue up to log on.

Such a lucrative business was already in high demand, yet the authorities seemed intent on imposing restrictions.

If those remaining internet cafes faced no competitors and monopolized the market, wouldn’t they be raking in huge profits?

Of course, Yan Li knew the situation was likely more complicated than he imagined, but that didn’t stop him from categorizing this intelligence under [Money Tree].

Since obtaining the system, Yan Li had come across a few promising financial avenues in bits and pieces.

But due to limitations in capital, connections, timing, and ability, he could only watch helplessly at these so-called opportunities.

For instance, with the internet cafe matter, even without the system, Yan Li knew it was a profitable venture.

But knowing alone was useless—he had no money or background to open an internet cafe in Jingcheng with long-term prospects.

Not to mention an internet cafe, even buying a computer now was a struggle for Yan Li.

So, he had to put it aside for now, collecting and organizing the information, planning to consider it later once he had accumulated some capital.

“Slurp—”

Approaching the makeup room, Yan Li finished his soybean milk, crushed the paper cup, and was about to look around for a trash bin when he noticed a long-haired girl he had met earlier in the small grove following not far behind.

However, unlike her usual T-shirt and jeans outfit, she was now dressed in a costume.

With a headdress and a blue princess dress, a typical Qing Dynasty palace look, but her makeup appeared softer and more delicate than usual.

“What a coincidence, we meet again. Just got off set?”

The girl was surprised to see Yan Li, hesitated for a moment, then nodded, fatigue showing on her face.

“I worked the late shift last night, stayed up all night.”

“That’s tough.”

Yan Li sympathized, then glanced at the breakfast he had brought for Wang Xiu and without hesitation handed it over to her.

“Hungry? Just bought it on the way, still warm.”

The long-haired girl waved her hand. “No, no, I’ll buy my own.”

“Don’t be polite, it’s not much money. Meeting you twice in different places means we’re fated. I don’t even know how long it takes you to remove your makeup.”

“Well… thanks then.”

Hearing this, the girl probably was truly hungry and stopped refusing. After thanking him, she took the breakfast.

Yan Li didn’t think much of the breakfast. What intrigued him more was the girl’s makeup and costume—it was from the “Princess Pearl 3” crew…

“You’re not playing Ziwei, are you?”

He remembered reading the news that the “Princess Pearl” cast had been overhauled, with new actresses playing Xiaoyanzi and Ziwei.

He recognized the actress playing Xiaoyanzi—Huang Yi, who had starred in “Marrying the Wrong Bride”—but didn’t know the new Ziwei’s name and wondered if it was this girl.

The long-haired girl shook her head and explained, “No, I’m playing Zhihua.”

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“Who’s Zhihua?”

Yan Li was puzzled; he had watched both seasons of “Princess Pearl” and didn’t recall that character.

The girl looked slightly embarrassed. “A new character in the third season, a villain.”

Realizing his mistake, Yan Li quickly turned the conversation back. “What a coincidence. I’m in the ‘Heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasties’ cast, playing Yuwen Chengdu, also a villain.”

“Yuwen Chengdu? The second hero of the Sui and Tang!”

The girl clearly knew the story of “The Sui and Tang Chronicles.” Hearing this, she grew interested, scrutinized Yan Li, and nodded approvingly.

“Yeah, you do look somewhat like a Sui-Tang general.”

Now it was Yan Li’s turn to feel awkward. Those who knew Yuwen Chengdu might imagine a powerful, formidable character, but in his version, the General of the Tianbao era was a clown, always at the back of the line and making a fool of himself.

He laughed it off, and the two reached the building with the makeup rooms. Since theirs were different rooms, they prepared to part ways.

“Hey, wait a moment.”

Yan Li had walked a few steps when the girl called him back, then slapped her forehead in frustration.

“I’m so tired I’m confused. We’ve met several times, you’ve treated me to breakfast, and I still don’t know your name.”

“Yan Li. Yan as in color, Li as in courtesy.”

The girl repeated it, then told him her name: “I’m Qin Lan. Qin as in the Qin dynasty, Lan as in orchid.”

“Got it, I’ll remember.”

Yan Li made an OK gesture and waved goodbye. Qin Lan watched his back for two seconds, then, unable to resist her hunger, opened the breakfast Yan Li had given her and took a bite.

Mmm, not bad!

———
“Heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasties,” Makeup Room

Yan Li greeted some familiar actors and makeup artists, found an empty seat to read the newspaper, and waited for Wang Xiu, who was busy.

After more than ten minutes, Wang Xiu finished and came over. “Hey, you didn’t bring me breakfast today?”

“I did, but I gave it to a pretty girl I met on the way.”

Yan Li told the truth, but Wang Xiu took it as a joke.

“Yeah, sure.”

“Believe it or not. Don’t worry about being hungry—I just called Jiang Zhong. He’ll bring you something soon.”

Jiang Zhong played Yuwen Chenglong, Yuwen Chengdu’s older brother in the crew. Offscreen, the two got along well, and apart from Wang Detai and Wang Xiu, he was the person Yan Li was closest to on set.

Thanks to Yan Li, Jiang Zhong also had Wang Xiu handle his makeup and naturally didn’t mind bringing him a meal.

As long as there was food, Wang Xiu didn’t care who brought it. She rolled up her sleeves and began working on Yan Li’s makeup.

Yan Li emphasized, “I have quite a few scenes today, so pay extra attention.”

“When have I not been careful? Do you think I’d eat your meals for free?”

Having been on set for over a week, Yan Li’s character, Yuwen Chengdu, was no longer a mere supporting player or background figure.

Today’s scenes focused on him and Yuwen Huaji.

The plot was roughly that Yuwen Huaji killed Yang Guang, then ascended the throne with the Imperial Jade Seal. Upon learning this, rival princes declared revenge for Yang Guang and launched attacks, aiming to seize the Imperial Jade Seal to legitimize their claim and command the realm.

The plot had its flaws but was passable.

After all, the Imperial Jade Seal symbolized legitimacy, and many ambitious men sought it to prove their rightful succession of the Sui dynasty’s mandate—a logical premise.

Though Yan Li strongly suspected the “Heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasties” screenwriter hadn’t thought it through deeply, treating the seal like some mythical Dragon Slaying Saber…

The modest palace set featured Yuwen Huaji dressed in a Ming Dynasty-style bright yellow dragon robe.

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At the turn of the century, costume and makeup departments paid little attention to historical details. Except for some Qing Dynasty dramas, costumes for other dynasties were generally interchangeable.

Many ancient costume designs were infused with modern elements.

While some were striking, most resembled rough, cheap studio photography styles.

The “Heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasties” costumes and makeup had little to do with professional historical accuracy but were not overly absurd, and their aesthetic was acceptable.

For example, Yan Li’s Yuwen Chengdu, now an “imperial prince,” wore a golden crown and black robe as a base, with additional royal embellishments and accessories on the robe, wrist guards, and chest armor to signify noble status.

This made the character’s appearance more splendid and dignified, and since dress makes the man, Yan Li appeared more heroic and valiant.

This was partly the director’s requirement but also Wang Xiu’s personal touch.

Her phrase “I don’t eat breakfast for nothing” was no joke. Wang Xiu had put considerable effort into making Yan Li look good.

Of course, besides their good private relationship, this was also because Yan Li had a good foundation, giving Wang Xiu ample room to showcase her skills.

Every profession has its quirks: calligraphers yearn to use fine brushes and paper, chefs want to wield good pans and fresh ingredients, service workers want to give a handsome young man a tip.

Similarly, makeup artists love to beautify someone with a handsome face and fit figure.

Not only does it fulfill personal satisfaction, but it also showcases their skill externally, a kind of advertisement.

Perhaps a producer or director watching on TV might be impressed by the styling and makeup, inquire within the industry, and Wang Xiu could land a good job.

However, no matter how much Wang Xiu’s makeup enhanced the image, the plot and character of Yuwen Chengdu remained frustrating.

Upon hearing the rival princes’ attack, Yuwen Huaji panicked, while Yuwen Chengdu, boasting of his bravery, dismissed the enemies and shouted aggressively.

“Father, please give the order. I shall lead the army to slaughter them to the last!”

When the messenger announced that Li Yuan’s forces were the first to arrive, Yuwen Chengdu’s expression changed instantly. His previous arrogance vanished, his brow furrowed, and he nervously inquired,

“Who is Li Yuan’s commander?”

The messenger replied, “Your Highness, the enemy is led by Li Yuanji.”

“Li Yuanji?”

Yuwen Chengdu murmured, his brow relaxing, a disdainful smile appearing. He clasped his fists toward Yuwen Huaji on stage.

“Father, I shall lead the troops to break through Tong Pass, kill Li Yuanji to raise our banner, and then march straight to Chang’an.”

Yuwen Huaji was greatly pleased. “My son is brave indeed.”

At this moment, the messenger added spitefully, “Your Highness, Li Yuanji is the commander, but Li Yuanba is the vanguard.”

“What!”

Hearing that living nightmare, Yuwen Chengdu’s face immediately darkened as if his father had died. His visible nervousness and cowardice betrayed him.

Yuwen Huaji also knew Li Yuanba was formidable and hurriedly asked his son for a plan.

Yuwen Chengdu wanted to boast but couldn’t summon the courage against that monster. He finally lowered his head, unable to meet his father’s gaze, like a defeated rooster, losing all his earlier arrogance; his voice weakened.

“For now, the only option is to hold Tong Pass and wait for the enemy’s supplies to run dry.”

“……”

With the director’s cue, Yan Li stepped out of character, feeling utterly disheartened.

Cowardly toward the strong, arrogant before the weak—a pure clown.

This version of Yuwen Chengdu was likely to be the most despised and ridiculed general of the Tianbao era ever…