Chapter Seven: Is This Another Publicity Stunt?

Chapter Seven: Is This Another Publicity Stunt?

The memories from two lifetimes had endowed Zhang Le with an extraordinary resilience. The media’s open ridicule and subtle jabs, the torrent of abuse from countless netizens—these were far beyond what he’d anticipated. Yet, they inflicted little real harm, amounting only to nuisance and heightened pressure.

He glanced at the script for “Winning Over the Father-in-Law” on his desk and shook his head. Clearly, this film no longer suited his current circumstances. If he were to produce a merely decent movie now, it would instantly be deemed mediocre, perhaps even hyped into the realm of a box-office flop.

To silence the negativity, he needed to astonish everyone.

His mind brimmed with classic films, but given his present directing abilities, half were out of reach. Factoring in investment costs, the pool narrowed to almost nothing. Low-budget films that could achieve high box office and excellent reputation were rare; those suitable for him were even fewer.

As he pondered, a particular film flashed through his thoughts—a project requiring minimal investment, yet capable of reaping both box office success and acclaim, all while making its director an overnight sensation.

Having found his target, Zhang Le didn’t immediately begin writing the script. Instead, he sat at his computer and started researching online. After a thorough search, a smile crept onto his lips.

Once made, this film would undoubtedly amaze far more than it had in its previous incarnation. Anything unprecedented was bound to cause a sensation.

Zhang Le had never signed with any company; jobs came through friends’ introductions or his own tireless efforts. Life was tight, but exceedingly free.

The news reports didn’t affect his work. Yang Xin’er, however, was in a different situation.

“Xin’er, how could you not consult me about such an important matter?” Lü Wen looked at Yang Xin’er, her tone tinged with irritation.

“Consult? Is this the sort of thing one can consult about?” Yang Xin’er replied coolly.

“Why not?” Lü Wen pressed.

“Would you have agreed?” Yang Xin’er retorted.

Of course not! Lü Wen was momentarily at a loss for words. If she wouldn’t agree, what was there to discuss?

As an agent, with both company and personal interests to consider, Lü Wen had no reason to consent. As a friend or elder, concern and affection would also dictate refusal.

“Marriage is a major life event, not something to be taken lightly! Xin’er, you’re still young. Don’t let a moment’s impulse ruin your entire life.” After a long pause, Lü Wen spoke earnestly, hoping to persuade her.

“Marrying him isn’t child’s play, nor is it an impulse! I will marry him!” Yang Xin’er smiled, her voice unwavering.

“How long have you even known each other? How well do you understand him? Marriage isn’t dating. At the very least, you should spend some time together before making such a decision!” Lü Wen continued, “Xin’er, I’m telling you this for your own good. Take it from someone who’s been there: stay calm. Think carefully before making a mistake you can’t undo.”

“Wen-jie, I know you mean well, and I understand the pressure you’re under. But I’ve thought this through. Whatever challenges arise, as long as he’s with me, none of it matters.” Yang Xin’er smiled, instinctively touching her belly as she spoke.

Seeing this unconscious gesture and recalling Yang Xin’er’s recent odd behavior, Lü Wen’s eyes widened. Uneasy, she asked, “Are you pregnant?”

Yang Xin’er was startled, then blushed and nodded shyly.

Lü Wen slapped her forehead, took a deep breath, and asked, “When did you find out?”

“A few days ago,” Yang Xin’er replied.

“Are you sure?” Lü Wen asked, as if unwilling to accept the reality.

“My period didn’t come this month, so I got worried. Going to the hospital wasn’t convenient, so I bought a pregnancy test myself. It should be accurate, right?” Yang Xin’er said, though her confidence wavered. She had no experience in such matters.

“Pregnancy tests aren’t one hundred percent accurate; false positives are possible. And since it’s your first time using one, there could have been mistakes. As for your period, you’ve been busy promoting your new album, stressed and irregular in diet and routine. Delayed periods aren’t unusual. If I’m not mistaken, it’s not even a week late compared to last month? Within a week is normal. Even if it’s over a week, there could be other reasons,” Lü Wen mused aloud.

Her words were meant for Yang Xin’er, but also for herself—a subconscious prayer, trying to convince herself.

“Heh! Actually, whether I am or not doesn’t matter anymore. I won’t deny that it’s a factor in marrying him, but it’s not the main reason. I love him, he loves me, so we’ll marry. It’s as simple as that.” After a brief pause, Yang Xin’er smiled.

“No, this needs to be clarified. I’ll find someone to check you properly.” Lü Wen shook her head.

“Heh! Wen-jie, instead of worrying about this, it’s better to focus on public relations! There’s really no need for further tests—time will tell, won’t it?” Yang Xin’er said with a smile.

“The company already has a plan,” Lü Wen said. “We’ll use this opportunity to launch your new songs, stir up some buzz, let the public think it’s all a publicity stunt for the new tracks, and then let the story fade away.”

“You want me to deny my relationship with him?” Yang Xin’er frowned, then asked.

Lü Wen nodded. “Xin’er, your career is at a critical stage. If word gets out about a romance, the impact will be huge.”

“I’m not dating him—I’m marrying him! What’s being reported isn’t a romance, but a marriage announcement! I want to love him openly, not sneak around in secret. I want to acknowledge our relationship; I want to announce our wedding!” Yang Xin’er said, her tone laced with anger.

“Xin’er, you’re being too reckless!” Lü Wen stood, her expression stormy. After a deep breath to steady herself, she continued, “You want to love, you want to marry. That’s normal—I understand. But you need to consider your status and the consequences! You can’t just do whatever you want. No one lives only for themselves; you can’t think only about your own feelings. Think of your family, your friends, your fans who care and support you. Don’t you want your marriage to be blessed by everyone?”

Who doesn’t wish for their marriage to be blessed? But will they really offer their blessings?

Seeing Yang Xin’er calm down, Lü Wen softened her tone. “Xin’er, nothing happens overnight. Everything takes a gradual process. Gaining some things means losing others. In the entertainment industry, there’s so much beyond your control. You can discuss this with him—I believe he’ll agree.”

“I’ll talk it over with him. But I believe he’s like me; neither of us wants to sneak around, afraid of being seen every time we meet.” Yang Xin’er said, “You’re right, gaining some things means losing others. But if you gain what you desire most, does it really matter what’s lost? I know exactly what I want.”

Watching Yang Xin’er’s departing figure, Lü Wen felt helpless. All her words, summed up in three simple syllables: utterly useless.