Chapter 87: This Young Man Is Truly Handsome

Chapter Eighty-Seven: This Young Man Is Truly Handsome

Zhang Le has released a new song once again, bringing joy to countless fans. As always, the song is an instant classic. "Invisible Wings" inspires a sense of strength, while "You Are My Eyes" moves people to tears. The two tracks are locked in a fierce battle for the top spot on the charts—a testament to their immense popularity.

Yet the more Zhang Le displays his musical genius, the more heartbroken his fans become. With such talent in music, why does he pour his energy into filmmaking? They simply cannot understand. In their eyes, if Zhang Le devoted himself wholeheartedly to music, his accomplishments would shine even brighter.

Online, many fans have begun urging Zhang Le to focus on music, questioning why he is making films at all. The chorus has grown steadily louder. Some of the more extreme fans have even taken to attacking his films, seemingly hoping to pull Zhang Le back from what they see as the "point of no return" that is cinema.

Though Zhang Le's musical works far outnumber his films, it doesn't mean he lacks movie fans. One film, "Crazy Stone," has already captured countless hearts. Those who love Zhang Le's movies naturally wish for him to dedicate himself to film rather than music.

Thus, his music fans and movie fans have taken to the internet, arguing fiercely and even devolving into heated quarrels.

“You certainly have a lot of admirers, don’t you?” Yang Xiner said to Zhang Le with a smile.

“Could this be some publicity ploy by the company to promote my new film?” Zhang Le frowned, then voiced his suspicion.

His new film, "Flirting Scholar," was about to start shooting, and it was only natural that there would be promotional activity. Riding the wave of his new song at the charity gala to spark discussion and attract attention was certainly possible.

“If this was orchestrated by the company, they would have let the two of us in on it,” Yang Xiner said, shaking her head. “You’ve written so many classic songs that those who love music would naturally hope you’d focus your energy there. And ‘Crazy Stone’ brought you a legion of movie fans, many of them die-hard supporters. Of course they hope you’ll pour your heart into film. What can I say? You’re just too outstanding.”

Too outstanding—could that really be a fault?

Hearing this, Zhang Le chuckled wryly and shook his head, sighing, “So there really is a difference between music fans, movie fans, and followers!”

Yang Xiner was puzzled at first, but then she caught the meaning behind his words. Music fans and movie fans appreciate Zhang Le’s works, while followers are drawn to Zhang Le the person.

Music fans love his songs, movie fans his films; but followers love everything about him—not just his artistic output, but his every word and deed.

“You just can’t help but be likable, can you?” Yang Xiner said with a laugh.

“Those who dislike me are simply jealous,” Zhang Le replied with a grin.

He was well aware that, for many people, he was indeed hard to stomach. After all, he’d won over the goddess of their dreams, shattering their illusions. Who wouldn’t bear a grudge?

No matter how excellent his music or his films, it was hard for some to let go. “I love your work, but I just don’t like you.”

Zhang Le never expected universal adoration. In the world of entertainment, it ultimately comes down to one’s body of work. Those celebrities who become overnight sensations without any real achievements may have legions of fans, but their fame is always fleeting.

People change, but works endure.

“Zhang Le, Xiao San is back! Let’s get together at the usual place.”

His phone rang, and as soon as he answered, Feng Lei’s booming voice came through.

At Feng Lei’s words, Zhang Le was flooded with memories.

He didn’t have many friends, and even fewer close ones—just two from university. One was Feng Lei, and the other was the so-called “Xiao San” Feng Lei had mentioned.

Being the youngest, he was naturally third among them, but that wasn’t the main reason for the nickname. The real reason was his androgynous name—Tang Xiao—which, paired with his cherry lips, pearly teeth, fair skin, and delicate features, made him look every bit the pretty boy.

The nickname “Xiao San”—literally “Number Three,” but also slang for “mistress”—was a tongue-in-cheek reference to his age, his name, and his appearance all at once.

After graduation, Tang Xiao went on to further his studies at the California Institute of the Arts.

The “usual place” Feng Lei mentioned was a small eatery near the film academy—a humble spot with good food at fair prices, where the three of them had spent much of their student days. That was where they’d first met, a place rich with memories.

When Zhang Le arrived at the entrance of the restaurant, he bumped into Feng Lei. Both were fully disguised, and they exchanged knowing smiles.

“Do you think Xiao San is here yet?” Feng Lei asked.

“He should be along soon,” Zhang Le replied with a grin.

“You two are really overdoing it with those get-ups,” came Tang Xiao’s voice suddenly from behind.

“And you could still recognize us?” Feng Lei stared in disbelief, glancing around nervously as if afraid of being spotted and causing a scene.

“I could recognize you even if you turned to ashes,” Tang Xiao said with a laugh.

“Really?” Feng Lei was skeptical.

“Want to test it?” Tang Xiao grinned.

“Get outta here!” Feng Lei realized he’d been set up and laughed, cursing.

“Let’s head inside. If we’re recognized, it really could be trouble,” Zhang Le said with a smile.

“You might have trouble if you’re recognized, Zhang Le, but as for this guy—even if someone does recognize him, it’ll just be some pointing and whispering, nothing more,” Tang Xiao teased.

“I’m pretty famous now, you know! They call me the new male idol!” Feng Lei protested, though he cast a sheepish glance at Zhang Le, knowing full well he was no match for him.

“But if Zhang Le is recognized, that’s a whole different story,” Feng Lei said with a grin. “This is the film academy, after all. Back in the day, half the school had Yang Xiner on a pedestal as their goddess. Zhang Le won her heart. If people here knew he was back, well… it’d be a miracle if he didn’t get mobbed!”

“By the way, Xiao San, didn’t you have a crush on Yang Xiner too? Never felt like giving Zhang Le a thrashing?” Feng Lei looked at Tang Xiao, mischief written all over his face.

“Do you really think I could take him?” Tang Xiao replied with a helpless shrug.

Yang Xiner had already been famous nationwide while Zhang Le and Tang Xiao were still students.

The three of them made their way inside.

“I wonder if our old booth’s been taken. I’m so famous now that if I sit in the main room and get recognized, there’ll be chaos for sure!” Feng Lei said, preening.

“Oh, please! Just because I’ve been in America doesn’t mean I haven’t kept up with the news back home,” Tang Xiao scoffed. “Saying that in front of Zhang Le—doesn’t it embarrass you?”

“Don’t worry, I already reserved the booth,” Zhang Le said.

“Reserved? After all these years, you still remember the restaurant’s phone number?” Feng Lei asked in surprise.

“Have you forgotten Zhang Le’s photographic memory?” Tang Xiao rolled his eyes.

“Right, of course,” Feng Lei replied sheepishly.

Once inside the booth, Zhang Le and Feng Lei removed their sunglasses and masks.

Tang Xiao glanced at Feng Lei, teasing, “Well, well, maybe you really are the new male idol. This young man is truly handsome. Come on, give me a smile. Honestly, if I hadn’t heard your voices outside, I wouldn’t have recognized you. Who knew losing weight could make such a difference!”

Feng Lei had always been good-looking, but had been a bit chubby before. After being forced by Zhang Le to lose weight, his image and demeanor had undergone a dramatic transformation, earning him the title of “male idol” from many. He was, indeed, much more popular now than before.