Chapter 49: Reaching New Heights of Excellence

Chapter Forty-Nine: A New Height of Display

Zhang Le analyzed and searched for the treasure boxes based on their names, his astonishing reasoning skills flaunting his intelligence to the extreme. Especially when Lin Yang and Chen Fang found the Water Treasure Box at the swimming pool, their delighted and smug expressions abruptly ceased as they opened the box, leaving them on the verge of madness and amusing countless viewers.

When Liu Zheng and Xu Min discovered their treasure box beneath a flag, only to find nothing but a single straw inside, their bewildered expressions brought even more laughter to the audience.

Of course, the highlight for viewers was when Liang Bin and Zhang Yao, clutching their treasure box, went to exchange keys with the production team, prompting fits of laughter among the crowd.

As for Yang Xin’er and Zhang Le, their mischievous antics led numerous viewers to realize just how compatible the two truly were. Their partnership appeared so harmonious. In the end, though all four treasure boxes ended up in their hands, their reward turned out to be the poorest mode of transportation.

Intellect loses to luck, intellect loses to brute force. Perhaps it was a case of greed leading to self-inflicted misfortune.

What left everyone baffled was the production team managing to find such a rickety cart, even locking it up for effect.

Yet Zhang Le was not just intelligent—he possessed impressive physical stamina. Riding a bicycle with someone on the back, he could even outrun Liang Bin and Zhang Yao on their electric scooter, avoiding last place in the first round.

After this episode aired, the popularity of all four pairs soared. Among the eight, Zhang Le’s fame increased the most, followed by Yang Xin’er. Zhang Le had faced heavy scrutiny after his relationship with Yang Xin’er was made public, attracting both criticism and attention. Now, with the show broadcast, many detractors became fans, and his popularity grew rapidly.

Gradually, the public accepted Zhang Le. Although plenty of online criticism remained, it became more feeble, with fewer agreeing and more standing up to refute, some even defending Zhang Le and arguing with his critics.

Support for Yang Xin’er and Zhang Le as a couple grew steadily. At this moment, the two were filming in Japan, their first task being to climb Mount Fuji and watch the sunrise.

Although Mount Fuji is Japan’s tallest peak, tourism is highly developed, making the climb less challenging than expected—insufficient to meet the difficulty standards of the production team. Therefore, couples were required to bind their hands and feet together with a red cord, increasing the difficulty and emphasizing their harmony. After all, they were there to film a show, not merely to travel.

Naturally, the ascent included various checkpoints to further raise the challenge. Of the four couples, Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er were the youngest, most energetic, and as in sync as any other group.

They reached the destination before sunrise. The spectacle atop Mount Fuji was breathtaking—the sun not yet risen, but crimson clouds already painting half the sky. When the sun emerged, its red light illuminated the sea of clouds and snowy landscape...

At that moment, Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er exchanged a glance, embraced, and kissed. It was no performance, but a spontaneous expression of emotion, compelled by the beauty of the scene. The photographer happened to capture this moment, rendering the kiss amid the sunrise with exquisite artistry.

On Mount Fuji, at sunrise, embracing and kissing—this was a kiss born of emotion, raising the display of affection to a new height.

When this scene aired later in the program, accompanied by music, it stunned all viewers, leaving an indelible impression. Countless couples and spouses traveled to Japan, yearning to embrace and kiss atop Mount Fuji at sunrise, emulating this expression of love.

But that is a story for another time.

The second phase of their Japanese adventure involved skiing. In both his past and present lives, Zhang Le had never skied, but his quick learning enabled him to master it swiftly. Together with Yang Xin’er, they performed a dazzling routine, once again showcasing their affection at a new level.

Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er, in the midst of passionate love, acted and spoke from genuine feeling, often forgetting the presence of cameras. Their display of affection was not for viewers or for program effect—it was natural and authentic.

The sweetness of their romance differed markedly from the other three couples. Different ages bring different flavors to relationships. Affection remains, but its expression varies. Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er’s dynamic was clearly more youthful, and among the variety show audience, young viewers dominated.

"The Journey With You" exceeded all expectations in popularity. The cost of advertising slots reached unprecedented heights, inciting envy among countless television stations. Many were already preparing to launch their own imitations.

After returning from Tokyo, "Crazy Stone" had passed review and entered the publicity phase. Xinle Film Studio operated under Jiayi Film Company, serving as the production company, while Jiayi was the distributor.

Jiayi Film Company owned its own cinema chain, and thanks to Yang Xin’er, the film received preferential scheduling. Other domestic chains, influenced by Jiayi, also agreed to show the film, though not with as much support.

Of course, Wanxing Group's cinemas, thanks to Wu Xiaoyong, also provided considerable support. For a film with a budget of only a few million, securing such extensive screenings was already surprising.

Moreover, it was right before the Spring Festival. In 2002, Chinese New Year's Eve coincided with Valentine's Day on February 14, 2003—both holidays celebrated together. "Crazy Stone" premiered on February 2, avoiding the busy days when several blockbusters hit theaters around the festival.

Though the investment was modest and publicity funds limited, this was Zhang Le’s first film, under intense scrutiny. He poured immense effort into it and hoped for perfection. Limited funding meant creative promotion strategies. Zhang Le was busy with publicity when an unexpected piece of news stunned him.

"You say the Spring Festival Gala production team invited both of us? Not just you, but both of us?" Zhang Le looked at Yang Xin’er in surprise.

Despite the proliferation of entertainment shows, the Spring Festival Gala remained essential for families on New Year's Eve. Its influence was unmatched, and though ratings had dropped, no other program came close.

Performing at the Gala meant appearing before the entire nation. Other shows, even with high ratings, reached only regional or partial audiences.

Zhang Le had never imagined being invited to the Gala, and even more so, to be invited alongside Yang Xin’er. The surprise brought more joy than anything.

"Yes, the two of us, a duet," Yang Xin’er smiled and said. "If you think about it, it’s not so surprising. New Year's Eve falls on Valentine's Day. 'The Journey With You' is such a hit, you’re a renowned musical talent, and the songs you wrote for me this year have had a huge impact in the music industry. The end-of-year music awards will surely bring some recognition. With both of us in the spotlight, an invitation is only natural."

"Did the Gala specify what song we should sing?" Zhang Le nodded, then asked. He suspected Yang Xin’er’s connections played a part, with Yanjing TV likely contributing as well.

"No, but they hope for a romantic duet—ideally a new song," Yang Xin’er replied with a smile. Zhang Le grinned as a song flashed through his mind. If they performed it, it would surely seem like another display of affection.