Chapter Fifty-Five: The Golden Melody Awards (Part Two)

Chapter Fifty-Five: The Golden Melody Awards (Part Two)

Since Zhang Le rose to fame, he seemed to harbor no intention of developing a career in the music industry, much to the regret of music lovers and, of course, to the relief of many musicians. Yet as soon as this year’s Golden Melody Award nominations were announced, countless people were left dumbfounded. This man, who had never pursued a path in music, unexpectedly became the most dazzling presence at this year’s Golden Melody Awards.

The four songs he sang to woo a girl, and the four he wrote for her—out of these eight songs, five were nominated among the year’s top ten songs. Regardless of whether or not any of them ultimately won, the number of nominations alone was enough to prove his talent. His nominations for Best Lyricist and Best Composer further cemented this recognition.

Of course, the most bewildering nomination Zhang Le received was Best New Artist. For someone who had not set foot in the music industry, such a nomination left many scratching their heads. Yet, upon reflection, it was not entirely unjustified. After all, Zhang Le’s songs were widely sung and had a significant impact, and their quality needed no further proof—the fact that he won the heart of a beauty was testament enough.

Receiving a nomination was one thing; actually winning was another.

Zhang Le never harbored any hope for Best New Artist. In fact, when he learned of the nomination, he found it rather ridiculous. Missing out on Best New Artist came as no surprise and brought him no disappointment—not even the slightest ripple of emotion. It was as if the matter had nothing to do with him.

For the Top Ten Songs of the Year, twenty songs were nominated, five of which were written and composed by Zhang Le—one quarter of the list. Yet no one had expected that as many as four would actually win. Of course, the trophies went to the singers, not the songwriters or composers. Still, among the four songs Zhang Le performed himself, two were awarded.

Zhang Le nearly swept half the Top Ten Songs of the Year—his prominence was unrivaled. Missing out on Best Composer but winning Best Composer immediately after made him the center of attention.

The most prestigious awards, of course, were Best Male and Female Singer, and Most Popular Male and Female Singer. Yang Xin’er was nominated for both, but everyone knew that one person could not win both awards. The Best Singer award went to a superstar, while Yang Xin’er took home Most Popular Female Singer, making her one of the biggest winners of this year’s Golden Melody Awards. With Zhang Le, her boyfriend, by her side, all other singers paled in comparison.

Together, Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er claimed six trophies, capturing the attention of countless media outlets. The next day’s coverage of the awards was dominated by stories about them. Their appearance in matching outfits on the red carpet was explosive enough.

For many singers, this year’s Golden Melody Awards were lackluster—even those who won awards felt the same. Many had hoped to boost their exposure and advance their careers, but in the presence of Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er, they were simply overlooked.

But that is a story for another time. At this moment, after the Golden Melody Awards ceremony, Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er were drinking and chatting with Zhou Run.

“If you release an album, I’m sure the Best Singer-Songwriter award will be yours,” Zhou Run said to Zhang Le with a smile.

“Release an album? I’d rather not! To be honest, I still prefer making movies,” Zhang Le replied with a smile.

“Are you interested in acting?” Zhou Run asked suddenly.

“Acting?” Zhang Le exclaimed in surprise, and Yang Xin’er also looked up, her face filled with astonishment.

“Director Chen and I are preparing a major action blockbuster, and we still haven’t found a suitable candidate for the second male lead,” Zhou Run explained. “Director Chen suggested inviting you to audition, so I’m here to sound you out.”

“I’ve never acted before! What made Director Chen think of me?” Zhang Le laughed and shook his head, still somewhat puzzled.

“The role involves a lot of action scenes,” Zhou Run said. “Director Chen doesn’t want a showy martial artist; there aren’t many actors these days with real martial arts skills, especially among the younger generation. You have genuine skills, and with your current popularity, Director Chen thinks you’re the perfect choice.”

“But I’ve never acted before,” Zhang Le protested. Shooting music videos with Yang Xin’er didn’t count.

“There’s always a first time!” Zhou Run said. “Directors are born actors, and you’re a natural talent. So, will you consider it?”

“He doesn’t really like being in the spotlight,” Yang Xin’er said, glancing at Zhang Le.

“The spotlight?” Zhou Run was taken aback, then laughed. “With your current situation, what’s the difference between being in front of the camera or behind it?”

“How about I read the script and get back to you?” Zhang Le said after pondering for a moment.

Zhang Le hadn’t thought that the incident in America would lead to an invitation from such a renowned director. Of course, as Zhou Run said, Director Chen was interested not only in his martial arts skills, but also in his popularity. After all, there were many young people with martial arts backgrounds willing to enter the entertainment industry these days, but newcomers wouldn’t serve the film’s interests.

The next morning, when Yang Xin’er woke up, Zhang Le had already returned from his run and finished making breakfast. He was sitting at his computer, focused on something.

“What are you looking at?” Yang Xin’er asked, hugging Zhang Le’s neck from behind.

“A script that Brother Run sent me!” Zhang Le answered with a smile. “Hurry up and eat your breakfast.”

“Are you planning to take the role?” Yang Xin’er asked curiously.

“I’m considering it,” Zhang Le replied. “The script is excellent, and I really like the second male lead character. But most importantly, I want to join the crew and learn from Director Chen. He is one of the country’s top directors, especially renowned for his mastery of grand productions. I can’t spend my whole life making small-budget comedies.”

“You want to make blockbusters? Action films?” Yang Xin’er asked with a laugh.

“That’s right! I’ll make blockbusters—action films, sci-fi, you name it. I already have a lot of ideas. I’ll tell you more about them later, but for now, eat your breakfast. We still have to go to the recording studio.”

“If you take this movie, what about your own film?” Yang Xin’er asked as she walked to the table.

“It won’t be a problem. This film will probably take just over two months to shoot. We start filming in March and wrap up in June. As for ‘Flirting Scholar,’ that’s not scheduled to begin until June or July at the earliest. The preliminary work can be handled by the company staff,” Zhang Le replied.

“Filming starts in March?” Yang Xin’er exclaimed in surprise.

“We’ll get through the Lantern Festival at least!” Zhang Le laughed. “You promised to go back to my hometown with me after New Year’s Eve.”

“Yes,” Yang Xin’er nodded.

Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er were already living together, and it was no secret. There had even been a minor scandal, but neither of them paid any attention to it, continuing to live as they pleased until the matter faded from public interest.

Their cohabitation wasn’t exposed by paparazzi catching them coming and going together—Yang Xin’er’s apartment was quite private. Rather, it was because neither Zhang Le nor Yang Xin’er ever intended to hide it. In the first episode of “With You All the Way,” it was clear that the two didn’t live together, but in later episodes, when the crew came to pick them up, both were at Yang Xin’er’s apartment. What else could that mean but cohabitation?

In the recording studio, Yang Xin’er and Zhang Le rehearsed songs in preparation for their New Year’s Eve performance on Capital TV. Each would sing a solo, and together they would perform a duet. All three songs were new, and each broke from their previous style.

A singer must have something unique, but should never be confined to a single style. Yang Xin’er’s past songs were mostly love ballads in a similar vein. If she wanted to go further in music, she had to present something new.