Tan Li

Biodata

Background

Tan Li was an acclaimed actor before disappearing from the entertainment industry for two years to study abroad. His earlier work with director Lin Shen earned praise from film critics for his explosiveness and acting ability. 61

After Tan Li's father died, Tan Li—the heir—was sent overseas while his biological uncle, Tan Tianhe, took control of Chuan Entertainment. 64 67 Tan Li later returned to acting while quietly preparing to remove Tan Tianhe from power; he had laid the groundwork for years, with Lin Nuan covertly assisting him. 61 85 87

Following Tan Tianhe's downfall, Tan Li became Chuan Entertainment's new boss. 88

Appearance

Tan Li is nearly six foot three, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and the physique of someone who trains regularly. 61

• Has an exceptionally beautiful face with an innate seductive charm. 62
• His habitual wickedness and hostility temper that charm rather than erase it. 62
• Often presents himself with a stylish, relaxed image, including sunglasses worn atop his head. 61

Personality

Tan Li is immediately familiar with Wen Shuang and carries himself with polished confidence, though his smile does not always reveal genuine emotion. 61 He is smug about his professional ability and blunt in his assessments, but his advice to Wen Shuang is precise and constructive. 61 62

He is playful and sometimes childish, such as eagerly volunteering for amusement-park rides and carelessly getting stung by bees in both eyes. 94 115 Beneath that unserious exterior, he is deeply protective of the people he loves. Tang Weisheng's mistreatment repeatedly provokes Tan Li into decisive action, while any threat to his mother brings out a frighteningly cold side. 90 98 99

Abilities & Skills

Acting

Tan Li is a technically accomplished actor whose skill is recognized by both critics and director Lin Shen. 61

• Understands a character's inner logic and can distinguish between outward coldness and emotional emptiness. 61
• Helped Wen Shuang refine his assassin role by encouraging him to show flashes of humanity beneath the character's detachment. 61
• Is known on set for grasping scenes quickly and completing takes efficiently. 62
• Returned to public attention through his new drama, gaining five million followers during its run. 71

Business and Strategy

Tan Li is capable of operating within Chuan Entertainment's business and power structure despite preferring acting. 67 94

• Maintained a long-term plan to destroy Tan Tianhe's control of Chuan Entertainment. 85 87
• Used Lin Nuan's evidence and his own preparations to force Tan Tianhe into collapse. 85 87
• Pressured Tang Guanming out of the entertainment industry after Tang Wansu continued harming Tang Weisheng. 94 98
• Intends to hand Chuan Entertainment to Tang Weisheng after they marry so that he can focus on acting again. 94

Relationships

• Wen Shuang — Friend, co-star, and fellow actor. Tan Li supported Wen Shuang's audition and acting development, later relied on him to pose as a female companion for Mother Tan. 61 70 71
• Tang Weisheng — Romantic partner. Tan Li became interested in him upon their first meeting, pursued him openly, and remained at his side through abuse, hospitalization, and recovery. 62 63 71 90 101 102 119
• Mother Tan — His mother, who has dementia. Tan Li is fiercely protective of her, while her acceptance of Tang Weisheng becomes crucial to their relationship. 70 99 102 119
• Tan Tianhe — Biological uncle and former head of Chuan Entertainment. Tan Li spent years orchestrating his downfall and ultimately displaced him from power. 64 85 87 88
• Lin Nuan — Ally in Tan Tianhe's downfall. She covertly supplied critical information while Tan Li worked to eliminate the evidence Tan Tianhe held over her. 85 86 87 88
• Xuan Zhe — Tang Weisheng's half-brother; Tan Li addresses him as his brother-in-law and seeks his reassurance regarding Tang Weisheng. 135

Story Role / Major Arcs

• Return to acting — Tan Li appears as the male lead in Lin Shen's production, recognizes Wen Shuang's potential during his audition, and becomes his on-set guide. 61 62
• Pursuit of Tang Weisheng — After meeting Tang Weisheng through Wen Shuang, Tan Li openly pursues him while refusing to pressure him into reciprocating. 62 63 71
• Conflict with Tang Wansu — Tan Li repeatedly intervenes when Tang Wansu abuses or manipulates Tang Weisheng, culminating in his support during Tang Weisheng's hyperventilation attack. 77 89 90
• Overthrowing Tan Tianhe — Tan Li and Lin Nuan's preparations bring down Tan Tianhe, allowing Tan Li to assume leadership of Chuan Entertainment. 85 87 88
• Tang Weisheng's hospitalization — After Tang Weisheng's suicide attempt, Tan Li searches for him, learns the truth from Wen Shuang, and remains devoted through his recovery. 101 102 103

Notable Quotes

“Me pursuing you is my business. You don't need to feel awkward. Whatever the outcome, I'll accept it.” 71

“If he does not like it, you cannot force him.” 90