Chapter 80: Couple Outfits Are Not Just Worn

Chapter 80: Couple Outfits Are Not Worn, But Felt

Zhang Le had many nicknames, but the one most fondly talked about was undoubtedly “Top Student.” This nickname originated from that line Yang Xiner said on the show “With You Along the Way”: “We can’t understand the world of top students!” Of course, Zhang Le had been called other things before, like “Kept Man” and “Pretty Boy.” None of those were particularly flattering.

Now, on the set of “No Way Out,” Zhang Le was gradually becoming known online as “Genius Zhang.” This was especially true after Zhou Run, a hugely popular superstar, made a playful remark about him on Weibo. “Genius Zhang” suddenly became all the rage.

Wherever Zhang Le’s affairs were concerned, Yang Xiner was never far behind, and this time was no different. She followed up Zhou Run’s joke with a teasing comment of her own. Even the three couples who had previously worked with Zhang Le on “With You Along the Way” joined in, poking fun at his “genius” reputation, which they remembered all too well.

“They say a day apart feels like three autumns”—whoever said this must have been a soulmate to those in love.

When Yang Xiner visited the set, Zhang Le and the others were filming a scene at a private club. She quietly slipped to the side to watch, only to be stunned by something Zhang Le did. She swore it was completely unexpected—cool, incredibly cool.

Zhang Le didn’t smoke, but his character in the movie was rarely seen without a cigarette. When you mention “A Better Tomorrow,” the first person you think of is Mark Gor, and with Mark Gor come trench coats, sunglasses, matches, dual pistols, and, of course, that unforgettable scene of lighting a cigarette with a banknote.

The scene Yang Xiner witnessed was Zhang Le lighting his cigarette with a banknote. This was an improvisation he added on the spot. The scene involved the characters splitting money after a deal. With his signature smirk, Ma Cheng took out a bill, lit it on a candle on the coffee table, and then used it to light his cigarette. The gesture was nonchalant and dashing, revealing Ma Cheng’s rebellious flair.

It was an iconic move. At least, no one had ever done such a thing before. Firsts always leave a lasting impression. In his previous life, this gesture was imitated in countless films, and many promotional posters even featured Mark Gor lighting a cigarette with money.

Chen Ke’s eyes lit up at the sight. Zhou Run and the others, though surprised, quickly adapted and played out the scene perfectly.

As soon as the scene ended, Zhang Le spotted Yang Xiner and quickly walked over.

“That was amazing just now. I’ve only now realized how cool a man can look while smoking,” Yang Xiner said with a smile.

“Aren’t you worried that after hearing you say that, I’ll actually start smoking?” Zhang Le replied, smiling.

“You wouldn’t!” Yang Xiner shook her head. “But when this movie comes out, I wonder how many people will start smoking because of that scene.”

“There’s nothing I can do about that. It’s just what the role requires,” Zhang Le said with a wry smile. “I’m pretty much smoking from beginning to end in this film. But during publicity, I can at least remind everyone: Smoking is hazardous to your health!”

“Run-ge!” Yang Xiner greeted Zhou Run as he walked over.

“So you really did come to visit the set? When Le mentioned it, I thought he was joking,” Zhou Run said, chuckling.

“Why would he joke about that? That’s not his style,” Yang Xiner replied, a bit puzzled. Zhang Le would joke sometimes, but never about things like this.

“Today’s a special day,” Zhou Run said with a smile.

“Tomorrow is April 2nd, the Golden Dragon Awards ceremony. So what’s today?” Zhang Le explained when he saw Yang Xiner looking at him.

Yang Xiner immediately smiled. April 1st—April Fool’s Day!

“All right, I won’t disturb you two lovebirds any longer,” Zhou Run said with a smile, then walked away. After a few steps, he turned back to Zhang Le with a mischievous grin. “Le, be careful, all right? No gestures beyond holding hands. Otherwise, if the authorities come knocking, you’ll be in trouble.”

“What does he mean?” Yang Xiner looked at Zhang Le, confused. Zhou Run’s words left her baffled.

“He’s just trying to show off his sense of presence because he’s got nothing better to do,” Zhang Le said with a smirk. “If couples were only allowed to hold hands, would they still be couples?”

Yang Xiner frowned, even more puzzled, but didn’t pursue the matter further.

After a month of filming, most of Zhang Le’s scenes were complete. Yang Xiner’s visit wasn’t just a quick drop-in; her main purpose was to meet up with Zhang Le and Chen Ke and head to Donghai for this year’s Golden Dragon Awards ceremony.

The Golden Dragon Awards, as a major event in Chinese-language cinema, naturally attracted great attention. The red carpet would see fierce competition in glamour and style. Every star would pull out all the stops to capture media attention and dazzle the audience.

“What are you wearing tomorrow?” Yang Xiner asked Zhang Le.

“What am I wearing? Whatever’s comfortable,” Zhang Le replied casually.

“Better wear formal attire. If we win and go onstage dressed too casually, people will criticize us for not respecting the Golden Dragon Awards. That’ll spark another round of online arguments,” Yang Xiner said.

“Do I even have a suit?” Zhang Le asked—he’d never actually worn one before.

“It’s already been arranged for you,” Yang Xiner replied with a smile.

“Came prepared, did you?” Zhang Le grinned, taking her hand. “Big Brother called—he’s bought the peach trees and they’re ready to plant.”

Yang Xiner understood his meaning at once and smiled. “I’m looking forward to the day those peach blossoms bloom.”

“As long as you wish, the peach blossoms can bloom for you at any time,” Zhang Le replied.

Yang Xiner understood. As long as she wished, they could have their wedding whenever they wanted.

“We made a promise,” Yang Xiner said.

Donghai is an international metropolis, with the country’s largest film studio just dozens of miles away. Zhang Le’s crew was filming in the studio.

Of course, there were still scenes that needed to be shot in America.

The Golden Dragon Awards ceremony was a gathering of stars, a dazzling event. As the most important annual occasion in Chinese cinema, it was broadcast live on the national film channel and streamed online.

When Zhang Le and Yang Xiner walked the red carpet in their formal wear, everyone was astonished. This time, they weren’t dressed in matching outfits, nor were they holding hands, surprising and mystifying the crowd.

These two, who had always been unabashed in showing off their affection—when had they changed?

But with Yang Xiner holding onto Zhang Le’s arm, their formal attire perfectly complementing each other, they looked more radiant and mature than ever.

Why did it still feel like they were showing off their love?

Onlookers wondered—had their displays of affection reached such a level that they no longer needed matching outfits to prove it?

Those present were puzzled; so were the television viewers and online fans. Many had already prepared themselves, even speculated about what matching couple’s outfits they would wear.

But here they were, both dressed formally. Even more unexpectedly, their formal wear somehow had the air of a couple’s outfit.

“The two of you are wearing formal attire tonight, yet I still feel like you’re in matching couple’s outfits,” the host outside the venue said with a smile.

Yang Xiner was taken aback. She looked at herself, then at Zhang Le.

Zhang Le smiled and replied, “When a couple is truly meant for each other, anything they wear feels like a couple’s outfit. Couple’s outfits aren’t about what you wear—they’re about love.”