Chapter Fifteen: The Medicine Must Not Be Stopped

Chapter Fifteen: The Medicine Must Not Be Stopped

When news of Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er’s relationship broke out, the attention Zhang Le received underwent a dramatic transformation, far surpassing that of his own fans—by countless times, in fact. The numbers surrounding his online presence were, in their own way, truly extraordinary.

Of course, those following him were no longer just fans; there were also legions of detractors, and a fair number who simply came to watch the spectacle unfold. After all, Zhang Le had become a hot topic.

Zhang Le rarely posted online, but whenever he did, it caused a sensation. This time was no exception—especially as Yang Xin’er herself liked and reposted his message. Yang Xin’er’s fanbase and level of public attention far exceeded his, and with just that gesture, the reach of his post soared.

Naturally, the content of Zhang Le’s post was explosive enough on its own. Previously, it had been just Li Ming sneering and mocking alone; now, with Zhang Le firing back, the commotion only intensified. What’s more, one of Zhang Le’s earlier posts had sparked heated discussions, becoming a catchphrase on everyone’s lips and even evolving into a popular internet meme.

Now, Zhang Le had posted something similar, but this time, he was even more direct, calling Li Ming out by name—a move that instantly drew the public eye and ignited debate. His level of attention now far surpassed what it had been before.

“Li Ming, why did you stop your treatment?”

With just that single line, it became the hottest topic online in no time, dominating the search rankings.

Zhang Le had gone after Li Ming with full force, and the media swarmed to the story. Unfortunately for them, Zhang Le seemed to prefer a low profile, rarely appearing in public and refusing interviews. As a result, the media—and even the gossip mongers—shifted their focus to Li Ming and Yang Xin’er.

Yang Xin’er was currently busy promoting her new film, spending plenty of time in contact with reporters. Whenever they brought up the subject, she would simply smile and remain silent. Of course, the persistence of journalists knows no bounds, and they would not rest until they had an answer.

“Like and repost? He’s my boyfriend. Of course I’d like and repost what he shares. Is there a problem with that?”

“My view? It’s just a social media post. He’s merely being polite to someone. Don’t you think, by comparison, that he’s the gentleman here, whereas others are behaving like the shrews we hear about in rumors?”

“Polite? No, no, no! I’m talking about courtesy, not reason! What do I mean? Haven’t you heard the saying, ‘Not returning courtesy is impolite’?”

Yang Xin’er’s responses were, of course, seized upon by the media and blown out of proportion. They thrived on stirring up drama, never failing to take quotes out of context or exaggerate for effect. Her words soon appeared in headlines everywhere, her support for Zhang Le and her veiled anger toward Li Ming plainly evident.

Anyone could understand why Yang Xin’er would say such things. After all, if anyone’s boyfriend were attacked so viciously, they’d hardly remain polite to the offender.

With her statements out in the open, the media naturally turned their attention to Li Ming’s reaction. Li Ming, now in an awkward predicament thanks to Zhang Le’s post, found his past attempts to downplay Zhang Le’s earlier words dredged back into the spotlight. Plenty of netizens, drawing connections between Zhang Le’s two infamous posts, came up with a cutting summary: “Idiocy is an illness—it needs treatment!”

Faced with Yang Xin’er’s remarks, Li Ming had little recourse; after all, he’d insulted them so many times—was it not only fair for them to respond in kind? “Not returning courtesy is impolite,” in other words: if you curse someone, expect to be cursed in return.

Still, Li Ming tried to maintain a façade of decency—it was, after all, a matter of public image. According to him, he wasn’t attacking Zhang Le, but simply trying to help Yang Xin’er see Zhang Le’s true colors. He claimed to be acting for her benefit, and for the sake of her supporters. Of course, he couldn’t resist sneering at Zhang Le, calling him a coward hiding behind a woman, a weakling relying on female support.

Zhang Le’s post continued to ferment online, this time needing no further help from Yang Xin’er to become the talk of the town.

Amidst the uproar, the premiere of “Waiting to Return” arrived. As the composer, lyricist, and singer of the film’s theme song, Zhang Le was naturally present.

This was Zhang Le’s first public appearance since his relationship with Yang Xin’er became known, attracting enormous attention. The theme song he had crafted and performed would also soon be unveiled to the world.

Of course, the film itself was already highly anticipated. But in the eyes of many media outlets, Zhang Le’s story held even greater explosive potential—especially when paired with the film.

“Waiting to Return” was the most talked-about blockbuster of the new century. Whether it was the director, Chen Ke, or the actor, Zhou Run, both wielded tremendous influence. Combined with the feverish interest in the film’s leading lady, the premiere drew a vast throng of media.

A blockbuster demands a grand affair. The red carpet was ablaze with starlight as countless celebrities came out to support the event.

Zhang Le attended hand-in-hand with Yang Xin’er, and their appearance instantly drew the lenses of the media. Zhang Le was undeniably handsome, though perhaps not dazzlingly so by entertainment industry standards. However, he was trained in martial arts, having received a true classical education, giving him a spirit and bearing that set him apart. His unique presence contrasted beautifully with Yang Xin’er, making them a perfect pair.

In his previous life, Zhang Le’s martial arts had stalled just short of the “transforming force” level, a regret that lingered with him. Now, after only a few months in this world, he’d maintained his ingrained habits and kept up his training despite his busy schedule. Although he had yet to return to his former peak, perhaps the merging of two sets of memories had unlocked his mind, greatly enhancing his spirit. His progress came swiftly and naturally, and in a short time, he’d reached the “hidden force” stage.

Reaching the hidden force was a significant milestone for any martial artist. Overt force made one an expert, hidden force a master, while transforming force marked a grandmaster. The so-called great grandmasters were legendary practitioners of “elixir force.” In the age of firearms, traditional martial arts had declined, and experts with overt force were rare enough—hidden force, even rarer.

To have achieved hidden force in such a short time left Zhang Le brimming with confidence. Furthermore, rebirth had gifted him a golden finger, making him all the more assured and self-possessed.

Confidence, after all, is inherently charismatic.

As Zhang Le appeared alongside Yang Xin’er, those present were struck by how perfectly matched they seemed. Even viewers watching from home were taken aback.

Naturally, the media bombarded them with questions. But before Zhang Le could answer, someone strode toward them, immediately sending the press into a frenzy.

“Well, well, isn’t this our King of Freeloader? Don’t you like hiding behind women? What are you doing here?” Li Ming walked over, speaking rudely and without restraint.

To make such remarks as a public figure, in such a setting, was clearly inappropriate—so much so that even his female companion walking the red carpet with him frowned at his words.

“Xin’er, someone like him isn’t worth your attention,” Li Ming continued, addressing Yang Xin’er.

Yang Xin’er, already angered by his earlier words, was about to erupt, but Zhang Le stopped her.

A clash! A direct confrontation! This was headline material. The crowd buzzed with excitement, pushing forward in hopes of capturing the moment, overwhelming the security staff trying to maintain order.

Zhang Le chuckled lightly and said, “I’m the performer of this film’s theme song—is it so surprising for me to be here? But you—now that’s unexpected. I’m curious, who let you out?”

Who let you out?

At these words, everyone present was momentarily stunned. “Let out?” The phrase sparked wild associations.

Some immediately thought of prison, only to dismiss the idea. Let out… to bite? Suddenly, recalling Zhang Le’s earlier “Why are you biting me?” remark, many began to suspect he was calling Li Ming a mad dog.

Li Ming, of course, realized Zhang Le’s words were anything but innocent. But before he could mull it over, Zhang Le patted him on the shoulder and, in a tone of gentle admonition, said, “Don’t stop taking your medicine!”