Chapter 97: With Your Wisdom

Chapter 97: With Your Intellect

It had become common practice for Zhang Le to occasionally utter profound and brilliant remarks. Yet, every time he did, the phrases would inevitably go viral online and be cataloged into the "Zhang Le Quotes" collection.

At the premiere of *No Way Out*, his line, "What I’m smoking isn’t a cigarette; it’s health," naturally became a hit. It spawned countless variations, the most primitive being the original: "What I’m smoking isn’t a cigarette; it’s loneliness!"

Once netizens had played the "cigarette" trope to death, it naturally extended to other things. What people found so fascinating wasn't the content, but the structure: "What I’m doing isn’t [X]; it’s [Y]!"

"What I’m eating isn’t a meal; it’s fat!"
"What I’m painting isn’t a picture; it’s art!"
"What I’m picking up isn’t a girl; it’s solitude!"

Of course, after "Brother," there came "Sister" and a variety of other personas, all co-opting the self-referential style:
"What I’m looking for isn’t a man; it’s a meal ticket!"
"What I’m sleeping with isn’t a woman; it’s money!"

Beyond this, another line from the premiere became a trend: "I haven't been a big brother for many years!"

This was a line from an interlude track Zhang Le wrote for the film, performed by Chow Yun. While the song didn't become an overnight sensation like *Fireworks Cool Easily* or *Red Dust Inn*, and didn't even have as many dedicated fans as expected, its title became just as widely circulated as those two songs.

The release of *No Way Out* was a success in both box office and critical acclaim, as expected. Countless film critics gave high praise to Zhang Le’s acting, with many explicitly stating that his portrayal of Ma Cheng made him a top contender for the next Golden Dragon Award.

Ma Cheng was a scene-stealer, his suave and uninhibited presence serving as a major highlight of the film. Zhang Le’s success in crafting this character won the hearts of countless fans. Precisely because of this affection, Ma Cheng’s death in the final battle sparked a significant backlash.

Ma Cheng’s death was sudden, almost inexplicable, completely subverting the trope where lead characters must have an elaborate or drawn-out farewell speech before dying. He didn't go out in a blaze of glory, nor did he linger to deliver a long-winded monologue.

In the end, a single bullet struck him between the brows. He died cleanly, leaving not a single word behind, his wide-open eyes the only sign of his lingering resentment.

This death felt more shocking than any dramatic finale. Ma Cheng had returned to the fray, and everyone expected him to unleash his full power, only for his "divine performance" to end just as it began.

A skilled man had died just like that. A beloved character had been snuffed out so abruptly. The fans clearly couldn't accept it, protesting the death and even launching a torrent of abuse online. They cursed the screenwriter/director, Chen Ke, and the producer, Chow Yun, using the harshest language imaginable, even resorting to personal and character attacks.

The only one spared was Zhang Le, the true mastermind behind it all.

Both Chen Ke and Chow Yun found themselves victims of "stray bullets" this time. While it was understandable for Chen Ke to get flak, it was surprising that even the popular and reputable Chow Yun was targeted. People accused him of being jealous that Zhang Le’s character had stolen the spotlight, claiming he had killed off Ma Cheng out of spite.

"You’ve really caused Brother Yun some trouble this time," Yang Xin’er said to Zhang Le with a smile. "In his decades in the industry, he’s never been scolded this badly—and for something completely fabricated, at that. He’s absolutely miserable. I imagine Director Chen isn't doing much better."

"They might be happier than you think," Zhang Le said, rolling his eyes at her. "The intense backlash over Ma Cheng’s death just shows how much the audience loves this film. Director Chen is being scolded because the fans love the character so deeply that they’re heartbroken. I’m sure any director would be proud to be criticized because a character’s death moved people so much."

"And Brother Yun?" Yang Xin’er asked.

"He’s the biggest investor in the film. Everyone can see how much this kind of buzz boosts the box office," Zhang Le replied with a grin.

"So, they’re not carrying this blame unfairly, then," Yang Xin’er remarked.

"This isn't 'carrying the blame.' If it were a real scapegoat, they might actually be doing me a favor, but unfortunately, they’ve already sold me out," Zhang Le said, shaking his head.

"Heh, you hit the nail on the head," Yang Xin’er said, handing her phone to Zhang Le with a smirk.

Zhang Le took one look, and his face twitched.

First, Chow Yun had posted on Weibo, stating that the one who killed Ma Cheng was Zhang Le, and that the method of death was entirely Zhang Le’s idea. After Chow Yun’s post, Director Chen Ke immediately reposted it, adding his own thoughts and praising Zhang Le to the skies.

The praise made Zhang Le feel somewhat embarrassed, yet he couldn't help but feel they were just shifting the heat onto him.

Fortunately, once the netizens realized that Ma Cheng’s death and the manner of it were Zhang Le’s suggestions, they didn't swarm him with abuse. Instead, they hailed it as the creation of a classic character moment, leaving Chen Ke and Chow Yun to complain about the unfairness of it all.

Zhang Le, who was accustomed to being scolded, actually found this reaction a bit disorienting.

*Flirting Scholar* was scheduled for release on February 15th, the twelfth day of the Lunar New Year. Following the premiere of *No Way Out*, the film began its massive promotional campaign. Compared to his previous work, this film had a significantly larger marketing budget.

The trailer was completely different from what one might expect. In the nearly three-minute clip, Zhang Le started off by poking fun at Feng Lei’s acting.

At the beginning, Feng Lei, playing Tang Bohu, says: "With your intellect, do you think I can be fooled?"

Feng Yuan, playing the boatman, replies: "That’s true." He rolls his eyes and collapses onto the boat, while Feng Lei immediately shouts: "Neighbors, come quickly! Freshly baked filial sons for sale! Even if you aren't buying, come take a look!"

This was the opening shot, followed by flashes of calligraphy, painting, and combat, leading into one of the famous dueling-couplets scenes between Tang Bohu and the Commanding General.

General: "Ten mouths forming a heart—thinking of the sovereign, the country, and the state!"
Tang Bohu: "Eight eyes admiring together—admiring flowers, the moon, and Autumn Fragrance!"

The scene shifts to Tang Bohu and Madam Hua.

Madam Hua: "Very well! I had intended that if you confessed, I would betroth Autumn Fragrance to you."
Tang Bohu: "Is that true?! You can't go back on your word! That’s right! I am the embodiment of both beauty and wisdom, a hero of chivalry—Tang Bohu!"

(Autumn Fragrance is startled, dropping her cup, and the servants outside surround Tang Bohu.)

After this, the final shot of the trailer naturally highlights the "Picking Autumn Fragrance" scene, driving home the theme of the movie.

In the wedding hall, facing twenty brides covered in red veils, Tang Bohu stands stunned.

Madam Hua: "If you cannot pick Autumn Fragrance within the time limit, you lose, and she will belong to my two sons, Hua Wen and Hua Wu."
Hua Wen: "Big brother, we’re picking up a ready-made prize!"
Hua Wu: "Don't mind if we do!"
Tang Bohu: "Madam, in broad daylight, are you trying to kill me?"