Chapter 136: That View, That Person, That Beauty

Chapter 136: That Scenery, Those People, That Beauty

Having won an award at Cannes and returning home bathed in honor, Zhang Le did not maintain the low profile typical of past victors. The reason was simple: on previous occasions, his works had already been released by the time they won. This time, however, *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* had yet to premiere.

The domestic release of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon* was scheduled even later than its overseas debuts. In Europe, the film would hit theaters mostly around May and June, while North America would see it in late June, and the domestic release was set for early July.

For the European release, Zhang Le hardly had to lift a finger since the territory had been bought out outright. How to promote and build hype was entirely up to the buyers. The box office figures had nothing to do with him, though naturally, strong box office numbers would enhance the film's influence.

As for the promotional campaign in North America, both Zhang Le and Yang Xiner would participate, although the publicity would primarily center around Jet Li. Using the movie star as the focal point of promotion made sense, but Zhang Le and Yang Xiner still possessed certain gimmicks that could attract considerable attention.

Domestically, the promotion required little effort; the Cannes Jury Prize alone provided enough of a hook, and the unprecedented winning of the Vulcan Award (Technical Grand Prize) added even more allure.

Moreover, the major stars of this film possessed formidable box office appeal.

Jet Li was returning to domestic filmmaking after a hiatus of several years, having even turned down a Hollywood blockbuster for this project. Initially, people were filled with doubt and suspicion. However, once the film caused a sensation at Cannes, everyone suddenly understood why Jet Li had made that choice, realizing how wise his decision truly was.

Although Yang Liu’s career had experienced a slight downturn following her marriage, her popularity remained intact, and her box office drawing power had not suffered much, even showing signs of a rebound. As for Yang Xiner and Zhang Le, their appeal went without saying.

It was no exaggeration to call this film the most anticipated movie of the year.

As soon as the trailer dropped, it left countless people spellbound. The domestic version of the trailer featured far more character introductions than the international version.

The international trailer focused on only three characters: Li Mubai played by Jet Li, Yu Xiulian played by Yang Liu, and Yu Jiaolong played by Yang Xiner. Even Luo Xiaohu, played by Zhang Le, was absent.

Domestically, however, such an omission was impossible. Although Zhang Le repeatedly insisted he was primarily a director, the films he acted in still commanded immense box office pull. The lingering influence of *No Way Out* had not dissipated.

Of course, what made the trailer surprising—even breathtaking—wasn't the main cast. After all, the actor lineup had already been revealed during filming.

It was the scenery presented on screen and the figures moving within those landscapes. That scenery, those people, were simply breathtakingly beautiful. Especially for avid travelers, watching it immediately sparked an irresistible urge to pack up and visit those places.

Compared to Yang Xiner, Zhang Le had a relatively leisurely time during this period. He promoted the film, occasionally rushed to a press conference, or participated in a recording of a variety show. Most of his time, however, was spent lingering at the company or dropping by the special effects studio to check on the progress of the animated film he hadn't yet seen completed.

The comic book adaptation of *Transformers* had already been published, and its sales were growing frantically, successfully firing the opening shot. Meanwhile, the animated series based on the comic had also entered production. Toy manufacturers had long since been contacted to work overtime producing Transformers action figures.

The march toward world domination had officially begun.

"You must be exhausted. How did the show recording go? Everything smooth?" Zhang Le asked as he looked at Yang Xiner, who collapsed onto the sofa the moment she returned home.

"Fairly smooth, I suppose. Otherwise, I wouldn't have made it back tonight," Yang Xiner replied.

"How about you sit this trip out?" Zhang Le suggested. "It's too exhausting, there's no need."

"Go! Why wouldn't I go? Didn't you say I should use this movie to get a familiar face recognized over in North America?" Yang Xiner shook her head and said, "Only by enduring the harshest of hardships can one rise above the rest. When an opportunity to go international presents itself, who would give it up?"

"There will be plenty of opportunities," Zhang Le said. "I'm just afraid your body won't be able to take it."

"My body isn't that delicate," Yang Xiner said with a smile.

Just as Zhang Le was about to say more, Yang Xiner stood up, smiled at him, and announced, "I'm going to take a shower. I have to catch a flight tomorrow, so tonight, you are not allowed to lay a finger on me."

"I fear the censorship gods as well! They've been quite fierce lately," Zhang Le chuckled, tossing out a joke. He wasn't entirely devoid of restraint in that regard.

The next day, Zhang Le and Yang Xiner boarded an early flight to Los Angeles to build hype for the North American release of *Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon*.

"Do you remember what you said to the media the last time we recorded a show?" Yang Xiner asked Zhang Le the moment they stepped off the plane.

"Which sentence?" Zhang Le asked with a trace of puzzlement.

"You said you were a director, I was an actor, and that you would bring our work for them to interview us! I never imagined that not long after, you actually made it happen," Yang Xiner said with a smile.

Zhang Le was only twenty-five years old, making him exceptionally young among directors. For someone of his age to bring his own work to North America for release and face the questioning of reporters was undoubtedly a matter of great pride. Moreover, Yang Xiner vividly remembered the disdainful expressions worn by those media reporters when Zhang Le first uttered those words.

Now, Zhang Le had arrived triumphantly carrying a major Cannes award—who could have foreseen it? Perhaps the public had long since forgotten about the "kung fu couple" of Zhang Le and Yang Xiner.

"You still remember that?" Zhang Le smiled.

"Of course. Because when you said it back then, there was an indescribable confidence in your voice. I believed right then and there that you would definitely pull it off, and very soon too. I just didn't expect you to achieve it quite this fast," Yang Xiner said, her smile brimming with an ineffable sense of pride.

Pride in herself, and pride in Zhang Le.

"Brother Jie, why did you go to the trouble of coming personally? Aren't you afraid of getting recognized?" As soon as they exited the terminal, Zhang Le spotted Jet Li waving at them from not far away. He walked over with Yang Xiner and said with a smile.

"Haha, I haven't quite reached the point where I'm known to every single passerby here. I stood here for quite a while wearing sunglasses and not a single person recognized me. Your comment just now really struck a nerve," Jet Li laughed and said. "Come on, the car is outside."

"The hotel has already been booked for you. I'll drop you off first so you can get a good rest today. Tomorrow, I'll take you around Los Angeles, and tomorrow night, Paramount has arranged a fairly high-rated North American talk show for you," Jet Li continued.

"Sorry to trouble you, Brother Jie," Zhang Le said with a smile. As he finished speaking, he glanced out the car window and furrowed his brow.

Returning to the hotel amidst lively chatter, the observant Yang Xiner looked at Zhang Le and asked, "What's wrong? Why do I feel like something is off with you?"

"It's not just me. Didn't you feel that something was amiss?" Zhang Le smiled and replied.

"Things *are* a bit strange! Paramount is putting on quite a few airs," Yang Xiner pondered for a moment before frowning and saying.

"It's not that Paramount is putting on airs; it's that they haven't taken the two of us—or Xinerle Media—seriously at all," Zhang Le said with a sigh of realization. "The road ahead is still very long."