In a surprise move, Zhang announced during his post-award interview that he would temporarily step away from acting to "recharge and reconnect with life". 

接受採訪時，張譯解釋了自己暫時息影“充電”的原因。他坦言，之前作品太密了，接下來會繼續停一陣，紮根生活，等到自己特別滿意時再接戲。“我特別喜歡讓自己安安靜靜生活一段時間，陪陪我的貓，去大街上。我現在自我隱藏的技術越來越好了，我可以去到很多人多的地方……” 

"Actors can't survive without life's soil." Addressing his decision, Zhang emphasized the need for artistic authenticity, "I've been working nonstop, and now I need to immerse myself in real life again. I won't take new roles until I feel truly ready."

The actor revealed his plans to live quietly: "I want to spend time with my cats, wander ordinary streets, and observe life unnoticed. My skills at blending into crowds have improved greatly — I can now go anywhere, even busy places, without being recognized."

Zhang warned against creative stagnation, saying, "If actors detach from life's realities, our craft becomes empty theorizing. There was a time I grew sick of my own performances—that fear drives me to seek renewal."

Accepting the award, Zhang dedicated the honor to real-life heroes: "This recognition belongs not just to me, but to Cheng Bing's real-life counterparts and all guardians of justice."

Zhang's first Huabiao Award came in 2021 for his role in the patriotic anthology My People, My Homeland. Reflecting on his latest project's international reception during a film delegation tour, he shared a renewed vision:

"Endless Journey's global resonance showed me our stories transcend borders. We filmmakers must dream bigger—to share China's cultural confidence worldwide. This dream is achievable."