Chapter 50: The Wrong Person

Chapter Fifty: Mistaken Identity

“With You All the Way” had become a television sensation, a variety show that captured the nation’s attention. In the first three episodes, Zhang Le’s reputation underwent a transformation, and countless viewers gradually began to accept him, even approving of his relationship with Yang Xiner.

But it was the fourth episode that everyone awaited most eagerly. This was the episode that would reveal why Zhang Le and Yang Xiner had appeared in major American newspapers, earning the moniker “Kung Fu Couple.”

Though the story had already circulated and the outcome was known, those versions were merely rumors—fragments and hearsay, never a detailed report. Nothing could compare to seeing it all unfold so vividly and clearly on television.

That night, countless people sat glued to their screens.

“Dad, why haven’t you gone to bed yet? And you’re even watching this kind of show,” Li Rong remarked with a hint of curiosity as she saw Yang Ke still watching TV.

“I’m watching Xiner and her boyfriend! It’s been a long time since I’ve seen that little girl,” Yang Ke replied with a gentle smile.

“There’s nothing worth seeing on TV. It’s all just an act. That’s why I never wanted Xiner to date someone from the entertainment industry. They’re just too fake,” Li Rong shook her head and continued. Their family rarely watched such programs, or even dramas for that matter—they mostly stuck to the national news.

“There are some things you simply can’t fake,” Yang Ke said, glancing at Wei Minghua. “What do you think of that young man?”

“His stance is pure—a clear sign he’s received genuine martial arts training. But he lacks real combat experience. Though he’s skilled, his control isn’t fully refined. Otherwise, there’s no way those men could have landed a knife on him,” Wei Minghua observed after a moment’s thought.

“You think that group of men could really have hurt him?” Yang Ke asked with a smile.

“If he hadn’t been worried about Xiner, they wouldn’t have landed a scratch,” Wei Minghua replied. “He could have blocked that knife, but instead, he took the blow himself. That puzzles me.”

“Oh? Let’s hear your thoughts,” Yang Ke prompted, giving Wei Minghua a sidelong look.

“Either he lacks real combat experience and couldn’t be certain he’d block the knife without putting Xiner at risk, so he used his body to shield her and ensure her safety. Or, he took the hit on purpose,” Wei Minghua reasoned.

“On purpose?” Yang Ke mused thoughtfully.

“To win sympathy,” Wei Minghua continued. “After the news of him and Xiner broke, public opinion turned harsh—everyone thought he was unworthy of her. By taking that knife, he wins sympathy, maybe even admiration, and that could shift the tide of public opinion.”

“If that’s the case, he’s certainly scheming. I told you Xiner shouldn’t date anyone from show business,” Li Rong frowned.

“Scheming isn’t always a bad thing,” Yang Ke countered. “But I think that boy is too proud to stoop to that. Besides, if he really were that calculating, this trick is a bit too clumsy. Children must forge their own paths. Let’s meet the boy before passing judgment. I still trust my own instincts.”

Zhang Le taking the knife indeed moved many, helping more people accept his relationship with Yang Xiner. But heaven knows, Zhang Le had no ulterior motives—his reaction had been pure instinct. If there was any motive, it was simply to keep Yang Xiner safe.

In truth, Zhang Le and Yang Xiner’s romance was rather abrupt, progressing too quickly. Fate and inevitability had little to do with it.

Their relationship had rapidly solidified because of that supposed child—an invention that played a significant role. Yet as they spent time together, Zhang Le realized he couldn’t live without her. She was an exceptional young woman, never looking down on him, always considering his needs with a wholehearted devotion. Faced with such a woman, what man wouldn’t be moved, wouldn’t fall hopelessly in love?

When love runs so deep, how could he bear to let her come to any harm?

More and more people came to accept Zhang Le and Yang Xiner as a couple, and increasingly, they offered their blessings. Public opinion was shifting, and the pressure on the pair began to ease.

“My mom’s nagging me again to bring you home!” Yang Xiner looked at Zhang Le with a wry smile.

“I’m not ready yet!” Zhang Le replied, also smiling ruefully.

He truly wasn’t; facing Yang Xiner’s powerful family background made even the most self-assured man feel inadequate. Even with the wisdom of two lifetimes and a golden ticket in hand, he knew that being her equal was still a distant dream.

“A bride has to meet her in-laws eventually!” Yang Xiner patted his shoulder and grinned. “You’re already mine; there’s no escape. Be good and come home with me.”

Zhang Le spun around, scooped Yang Xiner into his arms, pressed her onto the couch, and pinned her beneath him, smiling down at her. “You’re mine, too. So just surrender to me!”

Their eyes met, feelings blooming, and soon, passion overtook them...

After their lovemaking, Zhang Le said, “You’re right, there’s no avoiding this. Make the arrangements.”

“Alright,” Yang Xiner replied, holding him close and nodding.

“After New Year’s Eve, I want to go back to my hometown. Will you come with me?” Zhang Le suddenly asked.

After graduating from college, he’d felt too ashamed of his lack of achievement to return home. Now, with some measure of success—not to mention such a beautiful girlfriend—it was time to visit his family again.

Because of financial constraints, the promotional campaign for “Crazy Stone” focused mainly online.

Soon after receiving the invitation to perform at the Spring Festival Gala, Zhang Le quickly finished writing his song, arranged the music, and recorded a demo with Yang Xiner, which they submitted for review. The approval hadn’t come yet, but Yang Xiner was already busy with a film shoot.

And the director of that film crew was none other than Yue Yang, whom Zhang Le had met before.

Thinking of it now, Zhang Le felt a twinge of envy.

“Director Zhang, someone wants to see you. Lin Guofu from Wanbang Group. Shall I let him in?” a staff member asked.

“Hmm?” Zhang Le narrowed his eyes, then nodded. “Let him in.”

Lin Guofu, Lin Xiaofan’s father, was the chairman of Wanbang Group—a rival of Wu Xiaoyong’s father and a contender for the title of China’s wealthiest man. Zhang Le hadn’t expected him to show up in person, but he could guess his purpose.

He wasn’t here to avenge his son’s defeat; most likely, he came to wave the white flag. But he seemed to have sought out the wrong person.

Lin Guofu hadn’t reached the top of the business world without powerful connections, but compared to Yang Xiner’s background, even his influence paled.

Even in a nation governed by law, all it took was a whisper from above and a few opportunistic competitors attacking Wanbang Group for the company to suffer untold losses.

Lin Guofu had likely traced the source of Wanbang Group’s recent misfortunes. Yet, though he’d found the origin, he’d come knocking on the wrong door. Zhang Le simply didn’t have that kind of power.