Chapter 49: "Mrs. Zhou and Mr. Zhang"

"Hello, we're from a street interview show. May we have a few words with you?" Lexin walked up to Zhou Ran and Zhang Xiaofeng.

"Huh? Interview us?" Zhou Ran and Zhang Xiaofeng had been walking along minding their own business when they were suddenly stopped. The two of them froze on the spot, exchanging a glance, each suspecting that their disguise had failed and that they'd been recognized.

But after a quick look at Lexin’s expression, they realized she didn’t actually seem to know who they were.

Zhou Ran guessed that Lexin had simply stumbled upon them by accident. He was about to politely decline and slip away.

But Zhang Xiaofeng suddenly winked at Zhou Ran as if hinting at something.

Catching that look, Zhou Ran immediately understood. This guy clearly wanted to have a bit of fun. Zhou Ran thought about it and decided it wouldn’t hurt—after all, their confidentiality period was already over. Even if a paparazzo snapped a photo now, it wouldn’t matter.

Chef Huang had only required secrecy during the closed training; once filming officially began, they were free to be seen as long as they didn’t leak plot details.

"Sure, you can interview us," Zhou Ran agreed after exchanging a glance with Zhang Xiaofeng.

"Great! Please wait just a moment, thank you!" Lexin smiled in satisfaction at their response. She turned to prepare the necessary equipment, though she couldn’t shake the feeling that the two of them looked awfully familiar, as if she’d seen them somewhere before. Still, she couldn’t quite place their faces.

In short order, Lexin had everything set up and let go of her nagging suspicion for now. She handed each of them a microphone. "Shall we begin?" she asked, wanting to make sure they were ready. She worried they might get nervous and stammer on camera—she’d had that happen before, and the shoot turned into a disaster when someone managed only three words after half an hour.

Zhou Ran and Zhang Xiaofeng exchanged a glance and smiled, flashing Lexin an OK sign.

Seeing their response, Lexin nodded and got ready to officially start recording.

"Hello everyone! Today we’re lucky to have two friends joining us. Would you both please greet our audience?" Lexin said, turning the camera toward Zhou Ran and Zhang Xiaofeng.

Zhou Ran was still pondering how to introduce himself when Zhang Xiaofeng dove in first. "Just call me Ms. Zhou."

With that prompt, Zhou Ran immediately caught on. "You can call me Mr. Zhang."

"Alright, Mr. Zhang and Ms. Zhou!" Lexin nodded, microphone in hand.

"So, could you tell us about any hobbies or interests you have in your everyday lives?" Lexin asked her first question.

"Movies!" Zhou Ran and Zhang Xiaofeng answered in perfect unison.

Lexin laughed. "You two are really in sync! Very impressive!" Thus far, she was delighted with their performance—such chemistry and variety show flair made for great entertainment.

In truth, Lexin was overthinking things a bit. Their simultaneous answer was less about chemistry and more about habit: during their closed training, their only entertainment had been watching movies together to recharge. After over a month of this, it was second nature to reply in unison.

"Alright, second question: since you watch a lot of movies, do you have any favorite actors or singers?" Lexin asked, microphone poised.

Zhou Ran hesitated for a moment. Complimenting oneself in this situation felt a bit shameless, but a solution quickly came to mind.

Taking the microphone, Zhou Ran replied, "Favorite movie star? Lately, I’ve really enjoyed Zhang Xiaofeng’s films. Her acting is truly remarkable—so natural and spirited, and she’s very beautiful. If I ever had the chance, I’d definitely pursue her. Alas, I’m not worthy." Zhou Ran even added a sigh at the end, fully committing to the bit.

Hearing Zhou Ran’s praise, Zhang Xiaofeng was genuinely puzzled—was she really as good as Zhou Ran said? She even wondered if Zhou Ran had mistaken her for someone else.

Lexin, after Zhou Ran’s answer, turned the camera to Zhang Xiaofeng.

"And you, Ms. Zhou, do you have a favorite celebrity?"

"Ahem, ahem," Zhang Xiaofeng cleared her throat deliberately, shooting Zhou Ran a sidelong glance. Watch me perform!

Taking the microphone, she said, "My favorite star? That would be Zhou Ran. I’ve been a fan since the very first season of ‘Who Is the King of Song.’ His voice is just wonderful!"

"What truly impresses me about Zhou Ran is his creative talent. There are plenty of good singers out there, but few who can sing and compose as well as he does. Zhou Ran is one of the rare few."

"Not only is Zhou Ran gifted, but he’s also incredibly hardworking. Last time I saw some behind-the-scenes footage from ‘Who Is the King of Song,’ Zhou Ran was always seeking out Teacher Ji Song to learn more whenever he had the chance!"

"I also love what Zhou Ran said when the show first began: ‘Don’t laugh at the young man’s ambition; he once vowed to be the best in the world!’ That line has always inspired me—whenever I wanted to give up, it encouraged me to carry on."

"And Zhou Ran is very good-looking, too. A talented and hardworking singer with such looks is just amazing. If I had the chance, I’d pursue him as well." Zhang Xiaofeng rattled on, letting her real feelings slip out in a torrent.

Fortunately, Zhou Ran didn’t pay too much attention to her words. After hearing Zhang Xiaofeng’s answer, he simply marveled: "My goodness! No wonder she’s called a natural-born actress—she can perform anytime, anywhere. Incredible!"

Lexin, too, was stunned by Zhang Xiaofeng’s answer during the interview. This was clearly a die-hard Zhou Ran fan—she knew every detail. Lexin thought this episode would definitely be a hit once it aired.