Chapter 78: The Allure of a Married Man

Chapter Seventy-Eight: The Allure of a Married Man

As the most prestigious award in Chinese-language cinema, the Golden Dragon Awards drew attention when both Zhang Le and Yang Xiner received nominations for the same film—a notable moment for them both. Of course, compared to Yang Xiner's Best Actress nomination, Zhang Le's nod for Best Original Song seemed less significant.

Whether “Waiting for Return” would become the biggest winner of this year's awards would only be revealed at next month's ceremony. Judging by the nominations alone, the film already stood out as a frontrunner.

Naturally, the new collaboration between Chen Ke and Zhou Run in the film “No Way Out” had everyone’s attention. Adding to the buzz was the fact that Zhang Le, a rising director, would play the second male lead.

At the film’s press conference, countless media outlets swarmed the venue.

“Director Chen Ke, may I ask what led you to invite Zhang Le for this role? After all, he’s known as a director and has little acting experience,” asked one reporter.

“He fits the image and temperament of the second male lead, and he also has martial arts skills—important, since the role involves many action scenes,” Chen Ke replied with a smile. “As for acting experience, you mentioned he’s a director. His skills were proven in ‘Crazy Stone.’ A director with strong abilities will naturally not fall short in acting.”

Indeed, those with directorial prowess have a distinct advantage when it comes to acting. In his previous life, several celebrated directors had tried their hand at acting and even won awards by accident.

“Mr. Zhou Run, this will be your first time collaborating with both Ms. Fang Wenli, the female lead, and Mr. Zhang Le, correct? Which of the two are you more eager to work with?” another reporter asked Zhou Run.

“Come now, are you trying to set a trap for me?” Zhou Run laughed. “But actually, it’s not the first time I’ve worked with Zhang Le. The title track of my new album was written by him.”

“Alright, I know you mean in terms of film,” Zhou Run continued, seeing the reporter about to clarify. “Frankly, I was waiting for you to ask what the song’s called, or how it sounds. But let’s not digress—this is a film press conference, not my album launch.”

“In truth, I look forward to working with both of them,” Zhou Run concluded, offering a diplomatic answer that left the reporters unsatisfied.

Zhang Le and Fang Wenli had nearly as many scenes together as with Zhou Run. Zhang Le had done his homework on Fang Wenli beforehand.

Fang Wenli was about thirty, a top-tier actress in the country, striking in appearance and with a strong, heroic bearing. She had been nominated for Best Actress at the Golden Dragon Awards three times but had never won—her luck seemed poor. Still, her talent was undeniable, having won two statuettes for Best Supporting Actress.

In the film, Fang Wenli played two roles: Xiao Yan, the lover of a mob boss, who dies within the first two minutes, and Xiao Ran, an international police officer who drives the plot from start to finish. Xiao Yan and Xiao Ran were twin sisters.

Naturally, as the female lead, her most frequent scenes were with the male lead.

The male lead, Ye Tianlong, was a trusted lieutenant in an international crime syndicate and a prominent figure in Hong Kong’s underworld, portrayed by Zhou Run. Zhang Le played Ma Cheng, another key member of the organization and Ye Tianlong’s close friend.

The story itself was not complicated. When Zhang Le read the script, his mind immediately conjured up the classic film “A Better Tomorrow.” While there were significant differences, many scenes felt reminiscent.

Ye Tianlong is betrayed by his brother Tan Bin, who colludes with the American mob, resulting in Ye’s imprisonment. To keep him from talking, they kidnap his girlfriend Xiao Yan, but in a struggle, she is accidentally killed.

Ye Tianlong remains unaware of his lover’s death. When he later meets Xiao Ran, misunderstandings arise, and she learns her twin’s death had deeper causes, filling her with hatred for Ye Tianlong and driving her to hunt him down—only to fall in love with him during the chase.

Ma Cheng, Zhang Le’s character, also loves Xiao Yan, but suppresses his feelings out of loyalty to his friend. After Ye is imprisoned and Xiao Yan is murdered, Ma Cheng goes to America alone to avenge them, only to face relentless pursuit by American and his own syndicate’s hitmen.

When Ye Tianlong is released, he wants to leave the underworld and live an ordinary life. But Ma Cheng uncovers the true culprit and the mastermind behind his years of torment—Tan Bin, their former brother. He forces Ye Tianlong back into the world of crime to seek justice for himself and for the slain Xiao Yan.

Tan Bin, having betrayed Ye Tianlong and attempted to kill Ma Cheng, steadily seizes control of the syndicate. Wracked with guilt, he decides to eliminate both Ye and Ma Cheng to secure his position.

With no way out, the final battle erupts. In the end, Ye Tianlong dies saving Xiao Ran, while Ma Cheng and Tan Bin perish together.

“Mr. Zhang Le, who are you most looking forward to working with? Please don’t say you’re equally excited for both,” a reporter asked, turning to Zhang Le.

“If I say that, won’t you accuse me of just echoing others?” Zhang Le smiled. “Who am I most eager to work with? You should already know. No need to ask—of course, it’s my Xiner.”

All seasoned players—the answer from Zhou Run was that he looked forward to working with both, while Zhang Le sidestepped the question by naming neither, instead mentioning Yang Xiner. Who could object? Neither Zhou Run nor Fang Wenli would take offense.

The media couldn’t use this to stir up drama among the trio either. Everyone knew about Zhang Le and Yang Xiner’s relationship. That was on a different level entirely.

Many reporters rolled their eyes. Even at a film press event, Zhang Le couldn’t resist showing off his relationship.

The person he most anticipated working with was Yang Xiner, though in a sense, they’d already worked together. It was clearly just an excuse.

“Ms. Fang Wenli, between Zhou Run and Zhang Le, who do you find more charming?” a reporter asked, hoping to mine some sensational material and spice up their news.

“They each have their own charm—there’s no comparison,” Fang Wenli replied, glancing at both men with a smile. “Different charms attract different people, and I find both of them appealing in their own ways.”

“But who attracts you more?” another reporter pressed.

Fang Wenli laughed, looked at Zhou Run and Zhang Le—both smiling at her—and then replied, “I have a powerful immunity to married men. So who attracts me more? The answer is obvious!”

“So being single is a plus in terms of charm!” Zhou Run quipped with a laugh.

Though Fang Wenli hinted that Zhou Run was more attractive to her, no one could fault her answer. Zhang Le had brought up Yang Xiner earlier; now Fang Wenli did the same.

“Brother Run, that’s only because you don’t understand the allure of a married man,” Zhang Le responded, laughing.

Is there charm in a married man? Of course there is. But no matter how charming, if someone else has already claimed him, that appeal naturally loses much of its power.