Chapter Forty-Seven: The Interview (Part Two)

Chapter Forty-Seven: Program Interview (Part Two)

“In Some Ways, With You All the Way” is a show that, in essence, is designed to torment its viewers. The targets of this torment are, naturally, the single crowd! Celebrity couples flaunt their affection in the program, and what else could that be but a torment to those without love?

Of course, tormenting singles is merely a side effect.

As a television variety show, it must be presented in a grand fashion, appealing to people across every demographic and age group.

Amidst the laughter, viewers feel the genuine warmth and intimacy of the couples, and their relationships are strengthened. How do couples in their twenties get along? What about those in their thirties? Or husbands and wives in their forties, fifties—how do they interact? To put it another way, how do people of different ages display their affection? You may study, borrow, even imitate, or simply watch and enjoy.

“What made the two of you agree to participate in ‘With You All the Way’?” Ning Jing shifted the conversation to the upcoming show.

Yang Xiner glanced at Zhang Le and answered, “It was my idea. We’re in love, but unlike many couples in the throes of passion, we aren’t glued together every moment. Not because we don’t want to, but because we don’t have the time. The film studio has just been established, and there’s so much to handle. He’s busy shooting movies, I have many roles and commercial appearances. Joining this program lets us be together while working, which makes me very happy. Besides, I wanted more people to know him, to know us. The more people understand him and us, the more they’ll accept us. He’s truly outstanding, just needs a chance, needs time to prove himself.”

Zhang Le had heard these words before, but hearing them again stirred something deep within him. To have a woman support and help you so wholeheartedly—what more could a man ask for?

He took Yang Xiner’s hand and smiled, sensing her emotion.

“Actually, I know Zhang Le didn’t really want to join the show. He only agreed so as not to disappoint me. Maybe it’s because he’s a director and prefers being behind the scenes—he doesn’t mind coming forward, but he isn’t keen on it either. Moreover, his film has just wrapped and he’s busy with post-production. I know how important this movie is to him. Yet, for me, he joined the program.” Yang Xiner steadied herself and continued.

“And you’re participating for me as well, aren’t you?” Zhang Le smiled.

“So, after joining the show, what have you gained?” Ning Jing asked.

“At first, I just wanted to accompany Xiner and travel with her,” Zhang Le replied, “But after participating, I realized we gained much more. The greatest reward was understanding how indispensable we are to each other. I can’t imagine how painful and regrettable life would be without her. I believe the other three couples feel the same.”

“I’ve heard the show is exhausting, especially since you never know what challenges you’ll face. Many times, you have to improvise. On the first day of shooting, I heard a guest nearly collapsed from fatigue,” Ning Jing said.

Yang Xiner laughed, pride in her voice. “With Zhang Le, I was the most relaxed among all the guests.”

“You mean Zhang Le took care of you on the show, handling all the dirty, tiring, and physical work?” Ning Jing pressed.

“He really does look after me. But he had it easy too!” Yang Xiner replied with a smile.

“Why? The production team wouldn’t give you special treatment just because you’re the youngest couple, would they?” Ning Jing asked, though she already knew the answer.

“Certainly not! In fact, the team was stricter with us than the others,” Yang Xiner grumbled. “If you want to know why we were more relaxed than the others, just watch the show.”

“Is it because you both know martial arts?” Ning Jing asked quickly. “The American media have dubbed you the ‘Kung Fu Couple.’ By the way, who’s better?”

“Of course I am! Would he dare lay a hand on me?” Yang Xiner smiled.

“Never!” Zhang Le replied, smiling in agreement.

“But if you were fighting off criminals, who would win?” Ning Jing teased, clearly implying Zhang Le was the stronger fighter.

“Well, I can handle two or three big guys. He can take on ten or more with ease. His skills have reached mastery, so he’s definitely superior. But if it’s just the two of us sparring, I always win. So, I’m still the best!” Yang Xiner declared, waving her small fist.

His martial arts are more advanced, but I am more formidable!

“I’m curious, what style do you both practice, especially Mr. Zhang? I saw you knock down a nearly two-meter-tall man in just a few moves. Is it Taekwondo or Karate? I’d love to learn, for self-defense,” Ning Jing asked.

Yang Xiner practices Shaolin Boxing, Shaolin Xin Yi Ba, Small and Large Red Fist, Plum Blossom Fist, Arhat Fist, Soft Fist, and other styles,” Zhang Le explained, smiling. “I’m a disciple of the Wudang Golden Cicada School, and I’ve studied Baguazhang, Xingyiquan, Bajiquan, and other famous boxing methods. If you want real self-defense, there are several martial arts schools in Beijing you can check out.”

Ning Jing smiled but didn’t linger on the topic, knowing it was drifting from the main theme. As a host, she couldn’t allow that.

She subtly steered the conversation back to “With You All the Way.”

“Ning Jing’s Appointment” airs for just over an hour, but recording took nearly three. When Zhang Le and Yang Xiner left the studio, night had already fallen.

The show has consistently high ratings, surpassing nearly all talk shows. That’s why many guests, knowing they’ll face awkward questions, still happily accept the invitation.

Zhang Le and Yang Xiner are currently at the center of public attention. With both suddenly appearing as guests, the show attracted even more viewers.

Those who watched this interview were eager for the next day’s premiere of “With You All the Way.” Countless viewers wanted to see why Yang Xiner and Zhang Le seemed more at ease than the other couples, and why the production team was reportedly tougher on them.

Being the most popular guests, their performance in the show was already highly anticipated, and the promotional buildup only heightened that expectation.

The show invested heavily in promotion. Besides making waves on “Ning Jing’s Appointment,” it aired two-minute trailers throughout the day.

The preview featured many highlights, but the most memorable moments were the words of Zhang Le and Yang Xiner.

“You don’t understand the world of academic prodigies!”

“Don’t idolize me; I’m just a legend!”

“You city folks really know how to play!”

Of course, it wasn’t just Zhang Le and Yang Xiner. The two other couples, Lin Yang and Liang Bin, also left a deep impression with their moments of chaos and struggle.