Chapter Sixty: The Most Beautiful Kiss

Chapter 60: The Most Beautiful Kiss

The chorus of the song “Ugly Duckling” had been altered by Zhang Le, with a few words changed and set apart, so that the meaning it conveyed was entirely transformed. “Ugly duckling” — those three words were blunt and merciless, calling it ugly straight to its face. There was a line about not turning on the lights, and how the love one desires only appears on a darkened stage. What did that mean? It meant you were so ugly that if the lights were on, not even love would remain. Who could deny that this was ugliness elevated to a new level?

This era is one of ambiguity, and your existence is an accident. What does that say? That you are so ugly, your very presence in this era is a stroke of misfortune. How ugly? Perhaps so ugly it defies imagination, so ugly there’s not a flaw left to criticize.

When Zhang Le finished singing, everyone’s mouths were agape, their faces frozen in astonishment.

A snicker broke the silence — no one could tell who failed to hold back first. Xie Meng burst into laughter, utterly unrestrained, pointing at Wei Hai without saying a word, simply doubling over with laughter. Any trace of ladylike demeanor was gone; not that she’d ever been one.

In just a few lines, regardless of the melody, the lyrics alone had truly elevated “ugly” to an art form.

Ugly enough that, with the lights on, no one loves you; ugly enough that your very existence is a surprise!

“Director, can we cut that segment? If this airs, how will I ever live it down?” Wei Hai pleaded to the famed director below the stage.

“Your sacrifice is worth it!” He Jun laughed, clapping Wei Hai on the shoulder. “Or, if you like, we could ask Zhang Le to sing a few more verses, and I’ll commit to twenty shows with you present every time. How about it?”

“Great! Wonderful!” Xie Meng perked up immediately, walking over to Wei Hai, throwing an arm around his shoulders. “You’re already dead, what’s left to fear but being flogged after death?”

Xie Meng’s arm around Wei Hai’s shoulders seemed far more natural than when she did the same with Yang Xin’er. At least she didn’t have to stand on tiptoes — such was the difference in height. Who told Wei Hai to be just over 1.6 meters tall?

“Is this really the time to rub salt into my wounds?” Wei Hai shot Xie Meng a look, then turned to Zhang Le. “Still, I’m a man of great dedication and sacrifice, of noble character, a truly great person, a—”

Whatever else he meant to say was thoroughly smothered by He Jun and Xie Meng, who pinned him down and gave him a playful beating. Of course, it was all in jest.

“Don’t stop me! He’s just asking for it!” Xie Meng shouted loudly, pretending to be held back by Yang Xin’er.

“Actually, we just wanted to help.” Yang Xin’er said with a smile.

“All right, all right.” He Jun turned to Zhang Le, grinning. “Zhang Le, will you sing again?”

“Of course! The lice are many, so I don’t itch; the debts are many, so I don’t worry!” Wei Hai replied quickly as Zhang Le glanced at him.

“What did you just say?” Xie Meng asked, astonished.

“I do as I please, say what I wish. You want to bite me?” Wei Hai shot back. In truth, he’d slipped up when Zhang Le looked at him, but his quick thinking turned it into a deliberate act to keep his composure.

“Then I won’t be polite.” Zhang Le smiled. “Teacher He, twenty shows, right?”

“No problem,” He Jun replied with a laugh.

“You are ugly, but you are gentle; cold on the outside, but passionate within — that’s you. You are ugly, but you have music and beer; a little humble, a little timid, but you never shrink away!”

The chorus of “I’m Ugly, But I’m Gentle” was adapted by Zhang Le, changing “I” to “you.” Though the line “that’s you” didn’t roll off the tongue as smoothly, who here would nitpick? After all, everyone saw this as an impromptu performance.

For a song on a given topic, Zhang Le’s improvisation had already amazed everyone. To expect more would be unreasonable.

He sang of “ugly” twice, yet the meanings were utterly opposed. The first time was “scorn,” but the second was “praise.” Though ugliness remained the subject, it now highlighted gentleness, passion, and unyielding courage.

“I’ve truly witnessed genius today,” He Jun said. “Two styles, both elevating ‘ugly’ to new heights. Personally, I prefer the latter. Zhang Le wants to tell us: an unattractive appearance isn’t terrifying. So long as your heart is gentle and kind, you will never be alone. If your heart is strong and brave, daring to face adversity, you will succeed.”

“We’ve spoken of ugliness. Now let’s talk about beauty,” He Jun continued.

As he spoke, Xie Meng stroked her hair and struck a vain pose, as if to say: “Beauty? That must be me.”

“Our theme today, as you all know, is ‘Things About Love’. We’ve already heard the most moving words in love: ‘It’s all right, I’m here.’ So, what is the most beautiful thing in love?” He Jun glanced at Xie Meng. “Do you want to go first? What’s the most beautiful thing about being in love?”

“I’ve never been in love; how would I know what’s most beautiful about it?” Xie Meng said, feigning shyness.

“How could you be in love if no one loves you?” Wei Hai remarked coolly.

His words struck a nerve. Xie Meng glared at him. “Who says no one loves me? I have plenty of suitors — enough for a reinforced platoon! I just haven’t taken a fancy to any of them. Unlike you, who settles for anyone.”

“Xin’er, what do you think is the most beautiful thing about being in love?” He Jun turned to Yang Xin’er, putting a stop to the bickering.

It’s not uncommon for the host to steal the spotlight from the guests. Although Xie Meng and Wei Hai didn’t mean to, they were clearly losing their sense of proportion. He Jun naturally took on the role of mediator.

Yang Xin’er looked at Zhang Le, who looked back at her.

“How about you both answer together?” He Jun suggested, seeing their eyes drawn to each other.

“Being together!” Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er replied almost in unison.

“In truth, for two people in love, as long as they’re together, no matter when or where, no matter what they’re doing, that is the most beautiful thing,” Yang Xin’er continued.

“The most romantic thing I can think of is growing old with you,” Xie Meng laughed. “But for you two, the most beautiful thing is just being together, doing nothing or doing anything!”

Doing nothing, or anything at all — the words set one’s imagination adrift.

“As someone who’s been there, let me sum it up: lovers in the throes of passion are just like that,” He Jun said with a smile. “There are countless beautiful moments in love. As for which is the most beautiful, that varies from person to person. For Xin’er and Zhang Le, perhaps it’s because work keeps them apart so often that simply being together, even doing nothing, is the most beautiful thing. One can imagine how much they cherish every moment they share. Stardom is hard; celebrity relationships are even harder. Xin’er and Zhang Le have endured so much together. For the sake of true love, they’ve weathered rumors and hardships, and made it this far. I believe they will go even further. Let’s wish them happiness.”

As He Jun’s words faded, Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er gazed into each other’s eyes, their affection clear for all to see, as applause enveloped them in sweetness.

“Kiss! Kiss!” someone started, and soon the entire audience chanted in unison.

“Kiss! Kiss!” the three hosts joined in as well.

Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er, unembarrassed, exchanged a gentle kiss.

“I wonder if this kiss can rival their ‘most beautiful kiss’ on Mount Fuji?” He Jun remarked. Even as he spoke, the big screen lit up with footage of Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er embracing and kissing atop Mount Fuji.