Chapter Twenty-Five: Flaunting Love Leads to a Swift Downfall

Chapter Twenty-Five: Flaunting Love Ends in Misfortune

Zhang Le became known to the public because of Yang Xin’er, but it was clear he was not well-liked. Although he had written many classic songs that people adored and the way he won over his goddess made countless fans worship him and even imitate him, none of this changed his image in the eyes of others. He was labeled as a freeloading king, a pretty boy, a man who relied on women and lacked ambition—just a step away from being a scoundrel.

He was envied by many, admired by many, and hated by many. Whether despised or cursed, Zhang Le and Yang Xin’er never tried to hide their relationship, nor did they attempt to cover it up; from the very beginning, they were unapologetically high-profile. In fact, their openness made them stand out as oddities among celebrities.

The two often flaunted their love on social media. Whenever Zhang Le posted something, Yang Xin’er would always like and share it. Many online even gave Yang Xin’er the nickname “the ultimate husband supporter.” In their eyes, Yang Xin’er’s devotion to Zhang Le had reached the point of obsession.

As for Zhang Le, he did not show much public support for Yang Xin’er—perhaps because she no longer needed it. He avoided hype, turned down many commercial performances, and rarely appeared before the media.

This seemed a bit low-key.

Yet it did not prevent Zhang Le from being bold about their romance. His swaggering words—especially his first comment on their relationship, “If it’s mine, it’s mine; if it’s not mine, it’s mine now”—provoked countless people’s disgust, stirring up waves of criticism. But Zhang Le simply didn’t care.

Despite the barrage of insults, Zhang Le never restrained himself, showing no respect for his “elders.” A few words left Li Ming humiliated, and now he had even dragged Li Ming to court.

Zhang Le’s musical talent was widely acknowledged, even by those who hated him most. Yet he had no intention of furthering his career in music—otherwise, why turn down so many commercial opportunities? Instead, he pursued filmmaking.

In this regard, he seemed to let Yang Xin’er down!

Yang Xin’er uploaded his songs and recommended him to compose the theme for “Waiting for Home,” working tirelessly for his musical development. Yet he appeared utterly ungrateful, focusing solely on making films.

So be it—if he wanted to make movies, let him. But his film couldn’t find investors, and he dragged Yang Xin’er into it. Wasn’t this causing trouble for her? Zhang Le was utterly shameless.

In the public’s eyes, Zhang Le had reached a level of shamelessness bordering on madness.

And now, Yang Xin’er was even lowering her status to participate in a reality show for him, while he accepted it without a hint of embarrassment.

To behave so brazenly left people speechless.

Countless people unable to accept this cursed him online, and the phrase most often heard was: “Flaunting love ends in misfortune!”

Zhang Le was keenly aware of his poor reputation. Yet he believed, if even two lifetimes of memory couldn’t change this, then there was no point in living.

In both lives, Zhang Le loved cinema. In his previous life, he was a stunt double, yet still worked in film. In this life, he studied film as well, so from the start, he aimed to build his career in movies. This was why he repeatedly turned down invitations to perform.

He never considered a career in music.

He wrote so many songs only because of Yang Xin’er.

Moreover, Zhang Le preferred working behind the scenes rather than in the spotlight.

Once “Crazy Stone” wrapped filming, Zhang Le quickly moved into post-production. As for the reality show “Always With You,” he didn’t give it much thought.

The only reason he joined the show was to spend more time with Yang Xin’er during the recording. Since their relationship began, both had been busy with work, so there wasn’t much time together.

Besides, he could hardly refuse Yang Xin’er’s goodwill.

No matter how busy, Zhang Le never stopped his martial arts practice; in fact, his progress was much faster than in his previous life, fueling his enthusiasm. Zhang Le was something of a martial arts fanatic—despite the elusive “transforming force,” he never wavered, and training seemed to be woven into his soul.

Now, Zhang Le was confident he could master the full flow of internal power; achieving the transforming force was no longer just a dream. Perhaps even the legendary “pill realm” wasn’t out of reach.

Today, he had to report to the show. Zhang Le still rose early, finished a set of boxing exercises, and then the doorbell rang.

“You must be from the TV station?” Zhang Le opened the door to find several people outside, one of them carrying a camera.

“We’re from the station, here to pick up Mr. Zhang for the program,” one smiled and said.

“Just call me by my name. We’re all young here, let’s keep it casual. Come in, please!” Zhang Le smiled and stepped aside for everyone to enter.

He still lived in his simple apartment. Though plain, it was tidy.

“Is that all your luggage, Mr. Zhang? Why so little?” One staff member glanced around, his gaze settling on a lone travel case, and asked in confusion.

“Aren’t we going to France for filming? It’s not some remote wilderness—just need a few changes of clothes,” Zhang Le replied with a smile. “Besides, once in France, I’ll probably have to carry it myself. There won’t be any assistants, right?”

The staffer paused, then smiled. “I’m not sure about France, but when we pick up Ms. Yang, someone will help you.”

“I’ll handle it myself.” Zhang Le smiled, grabbing his luggage and heading out.

He suspected “Always With You” aimed to showcase the warmth and mutual support between couples—a key selling point. In France, they would be self-reliant; naturally, assistants wouldn’t carry their bags.

To make things easier, Zhang Le only packed some clothes and essentials, always prioritizing safety.

He hadn’t expected, upon arriving at Yang Xin’er’s apartment and seeing her stack of suitcases, to be stunned. A sense of foreboding washed over him.

“These are Ms. Yang’s bags?” The staffer moved to help.

“Wait!” Zhang Le hurriedly stopped him, then pulled Yang Xin’er aside and whispered, “Do you really need all this stuff? Aren’t we only staying two or three days?”

“Why are you so nervous?” Yang Xin’er asked in confusion.

So many suitcases—Zhang Le couldn’t possibly carry them by himself. How could he not be anxious? “Always With You”—the word “road” in the title made it clear they’d be traveling a lot. If there really were no assistants, he’d be overwhelmed by the luggage.

“I can’t manage all this on the journey!” Zhang Le said helplessly.

“Didn’t the program arrange someone?” Yang Xin’er wondered.

“You have me, I have you—not them!” Zhang Le insisted.

At this, if Yang Xin’er still didn’t understand, she not only lacked chemistry with Zhang Le, but might have other issues as well.

“But I need all of this!” she said, a bit torn.

“Just bring it all!” Zhang Le relented. It’s only a few suitcases—what’s a man got to worry about? Women’s troubles are hardly trouble at all.

“What did you pack?” Yang Xin’er asked.

“Just some clothes,” Zhang Le replied coolly.

“I’ll only bring clothes too!” Yang Xin’er smiled.

“Honestly, just bring your bank card—that’s all you need!” Zhang Le chuckled. “With one card, you have everything!”

“Can I bring my guitar? I want you to sing for me,” Yang Xin’er suddenly asked.

“Of course,” Zhang Le nodded, smiling.