The Twenty-First Star
As the midnight countdown ended, the annual New Year’s Eve Gala came to a close.
The guests who had finished their performances on stage now returned backstage to change their outfits and moved to the front to engage in business socializing.
Quite a few people came to greet Qin Tong, so Jiang Chuyi obediently sat in her seat waiting, scrolling through WeChat and replying to New Year’s greetings.
Before long, Qin Tong coughed and said, “Chuyi, come over and meet someone.”
Hearing his voice, Jiang Chuyi immediately put down her phone, stood up, smoothed her clothes, and walked over.
The person who had come was a well-known screenwriter in the industry, Han Maohua, who specialized in dramas and had known Qin Tong for many years.
Jiang Chuyi took the initiative to shake hands and bowed slightly, politely greeting, “Hello, Happy New Year.”
Han Maohua smiled, “Happy New Year, Jiang Chuyi. Long time no see.”
He turned his head, “What’s this, Old Qin? Are you planning to come out of retirement for your precious disciple?”
Qin Tong sighed, “It’s hard to say. I’ll see how my health is, but I do have some ideas recently.”
Qin Tong hadn’t shown his face in a long time. This time, he was invited to attend the New Year’s Eve Gala in Star City with Jiang Chuyi accompanying him, which inevitably led to many speculations.
As they were talking, a voice cut in. The person who had arrived was none other than Lin Gongqiong, the casting director for the movie “Catching Stars”.
Qin Tong said, “Thank you for taking care of Chuyi.”
“I wouldn’t call it taking care of her,” Lin Gongqiong patted Jiang Chuyi’s shoulder and said cheerfully, “The child is promising, and the director is satisfied too.”
As several big-name directors and screenwriters in the industry started chatting, Jiang Chuyi felt it was inappropriate to interrupt, so she stepped back a little and stood on the edge of the crowd, looking focused as she listened to this group of elders chatting.
Lost in thought, she suddenly felt someone accidentally bump into her arm. She turned to look and met the person’s pair of jet-black eyes.
Jiang Chuyi was stunned.
Amidst the noisy chatter, Zong Ye smiled at her. He hadn’t changed his clothes yet, still wearing the dark black shirt from his performance earlier, except that the two buttons at his collarbone were now undone. His eyes were very deep, and he looked extremely handsome and restrained.
Jiang Chuyi peeked behind him and saw Fu Cheng and the others standing in the back row.
As their eyes met, she casually asked, “What are you guys doing here?”
Zong Ye was about to speak when Ji Kai answered first, “We’re here to see the director.”
“Oh, oh.” Jiang Chuyi nodded understandingly and considerately stepped aside to make room for them.
The arrival of BloodxGentle undoubtedly attracted a large number of eyes in the venue. Some investors who wanted to collaborate also took the opportunity to approach.
Soon, Jiang Chuyi was pushed aside again. She glanced at Qin Tong’s direction and saw that he didn’t seem to need her at the moment, so she found a seat nearby and sat down, taking things as they came.
The New Year’s Eve Gala had already ended, and the staff began to disperse the fans and gradually leave.
Opening her phone again, she saw two messages from Chen Yi: “I told you to come to Sanya with me for New Year’s Eve, but you didn’t come. Holy sh*t, there are so many handsome guys here. You’ll be jealous!”
Without thinking, Jiang Chuyi replied, “I’m not jealous at all. There are plenty of handsome guys here too.”
Chen Yi: “The ones in the industry can only be looked at, not played with. What’s the point of being handsome?”
Jiang Chuyi: “You think everyone is as vulgar as you, you pervert!?”
Chen Yi: “Come on, Miss Jiang. You call this being perverted? I dare you to never play with a handsome guy in this life. Right now, immediately, delete that guy surnamed Zong from your WeChat.”
Jiang Chuyi: “I won’t delete him.”
Chen Yi: “Tsk, hypocrite! Only I understand your real ambitions. You don’t want to play with ordinary handsome guys. If you’re going to play, you want to play with the most handsome one, right?”
Jiang Chuyi was amused by her crude words and was about to type a reply when suddenly, a shadow fell over her. When she looked up, the person had already sat down beside her.
Jiang Chuyi immediately turned off the screen.
Zong Ye’s gaze lingered on her phone for a few seconds, and he asked casually, “Who are you chatting with that’s making you laugh so happily?”
Jiang Chuyi blinked, “A friend.”
Chen Yi’s words about “playing with handsome guys” were still ringing in her head, and now the handsome guy himself had suddenly appeared out of nowhere. Jiang Chuyi couldn’t help but feel guilty. “Why are you here?”
He looked a bit tired, with a hint of gentleness, and explained to her, “I just finished greeting the director and came here to take a break.”
They had been singing three songs in a row and had been busy until now, so he was indeed very tired. She let out an “oh” to show her understanding.
There were no cameras following them in the VIP seats, and the lighting here wasn’t very bright. Everyone was busy socializing, so no one paid special attention to this corner. But Zong Ye was naturally eye-catching, plus the fact that their previous rumors had caused a huge commotion. With so many eyes around, Jiang Chuyi didn’t feel comfortable chatting with him too much. After greeting him politely, she fell silent.
Jiang Chuyi looked around, turned her body slightly, and unconsciously distanced herself from Zong Ye, looking as if she was ready to leave at any moment.
In the bustling crowd, not far away, a few socialites and wealthy ladies were gathered together, intentionally or unintentionally glancing in this direction.
Looking at the person beside her.
Jiang Chuyi tried her best to act as if she wasn’t very familiar with Zong Ye.
She was just pondering how to say goodbye when Zong Ye suddenly spoke in a very low voice, calling her name, “Chuyi.”
“Hm?” Jiang Chuyi sat up straight, her eyes still wandering around.
He fell silent for a moment, staring at her intently, and then said in a very soft tone, “Happy New Year.”
Jiang Chuyi composed herself and turned her head.
After a pause, Zong Ye said lightly, “I wish you all the best this year.”
Upon hearing this, Jiang Chuyi remained calm and nodded politely, “Thank you. Happy New Year to you too.”
Zong Ye looked at her, his thin lips slightly pursed, as if he wanted to say something but didn’t. After a few seconds of silence, he tilted his head slightly, lowered his eyes, raised his hand, and took off one of his earpieces, asking her, “Is that all?”
Jiang Chuyi was a bit puzzled. What else could there be?
Her expression softened, and she asked curiously, “Why are you taking off your earpiece?”
“To hear you clearly,” Zong Ye said calmly, his expression unchanged, “I thought you would also give me a New Year’s greeting.”
Jiang Chuyi was instantly at a loss for words.
He said these things in a calm tone, as if he were just having a normal conversation, stating a fact. But it successfully made Jiang Chuyi feel guilty.
Oh, so that’s what it was!
Jiang Chuyi’s mind quickly turned, and she smiled embarrassedly, “New Year’s greetings? Wait, let me think about it.”
After pondering for a moment, she began solemnly, “Then I wish you good health, success in all your endeavors, and further advancements in your career.”
“You wish me success in all my endeavors?”
“Yes.” Jiang Chuyi’s tone was firm.
There was nothing wrong with that, right?
“Then,” Zong Ye suddenly smiled, his captivating eyes curving, “I’ll take your word for it.”
Caught off guard, Jiang Chuyi’s heart skipped a beat at Zong Ye’s charming appearance.
She vaguely felt that there was a hidden meaning behind his words.
Before she could figure it out, she heard someone calling her again.
“Chuyi—”
Jiang Chuyi looked in the direction of the voice and saw Zhao Guangyu standing not far away, waving at her with a slightly anxious expression on his face.
She took the opportunity to stand up and bid farewell to Zong Ye, “My friend is calling me. I’ll go first.”
Zong Ye slowly stopped smiling, his expression returning to calm. He leaned back in his chair, watching her walk away.
Jiang Chuyi walked over in quick steps, “What is it?”
“Nothing.” Zhao Guangyu scratched his head and gestured behind him with his eyes, “I just saw you chatting with Zong Ye.”
Jiang Chuyi was puzzled, “What’s wrong with me chatting with him?”
“Tsk.” Zhao Guangyu pulled her aside, looked around, and then said in a low voice, “Do you still remember what I told you before?”
Jiang Chuyi pulled her hand out of his grasp, keeping a distance from him, “What are you talking about?”
“What’s with your memory! I’ll buy ten boxes of brain supplement pills and send them to your house one of these days.” Zhao Guangyu’s tone was resentful.
“Just remind me.”
A rare trace of shyness appeared on Zhao Guangyu’s dark face as he stammered, “Could you help me get an autograph from Ji Kai?”
Jiang Chuyi: “…”
She was speechless and pointed in that direction, “Go ask him yourself. He’s right over there.”
“Damn it, I told you I have social anxiety. Besides, I’m a rapper. Asking others for autographs really doesn’t fit my image!” Zhao Guangyu said righteously, “You’re so close with Zong Ye. What’s wrong with asking him for a favor? Why are you so lacking in loyalty? Have you forgotten the kindness I showed you when I used a fake account to argue with those antis for you?”
As he said this, Zhao Guangyu couldn’t help but glance at the person sitting in the dark.
He was staring intently at him.
But based on his male intuition, Zhao Guangyu felt that Zong Ye’s gaze was far from friendly.
Zhao Guangyu couldn’t help but think, when did I ever offend him?
“How am I close with him?” Jiang Chuyi immediately retorted.
“My good sister, just do me this one favor.” Zhao Guangyu came back to his senses and said pitifully, “It’s best if he can write ‘to Zhao Guangyu’.”
Jiang Chuyi: “…”
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw a figure walking by not far away and hurriedly said, “Alright, we’ll talk about this later.”
Jiang Chuyi pushed Zhao Guangyu aside and hastily called out, “Little Lotus Flower!”
Xin He gritted her teeth, stopped in her tracks, turned around, and glared at Jiang Chuyi, whispering angrily, “I told you not to call me that in public. What a terrible name.”
Jiang Chuyi automatically ignored her anger and said with a smile, “I was just looking for you.”
“Why were you looking for me?” Xin He was puzzled.
Jiang Chuyi stood on tiptoe and glanced in the direction of Qin Tong, who happened to be alone. She grabbed Xin He’s hand, “Hurry, over here.”
Before Xin He could react, she was dragged by Jiang Chuyi all the way to Qin Tong.
Qin Tong looked at the two of them.
Jiang Chuyi restrained her excited tone, stood at attention, and obediently called out, “Teacher.”
Xin He was stunned for a moment, her heart stirring slightly, finally realizing what was going on.
She glanced at Jiang Chuyi and silently cursed, you little fool.
Xin He quickly bowed and took the initiative to extend her hand, her tone respectful, “Director Qin, hello. I’ve long admired your great name.”
“Hello.”
Under Jiang Chuyi’s slightly nervous gaze, Qin Tong finally shook Xin He’s hand, “You’re Xin He, right? Chuyi has mentioned you to me.”
“Yes.” Xin He quickly responded, “I have always loved your works, so I exchanged a few words with Chuyi, hoping to have the opportunity to meet you.”
Qin Tong didn’t expose her, nodding. With the attitude of an ordinary elder treating a younger generation, he chatted with her amiably for a few words.
Xin He put away her usual arrogance and responded with a humble and respectful demeanor.
As they were about to say goodbye, Qin Tong casually said to Jiang Chuyi, “Give her Jinqing’s contact information later.”
When these words came out, Jiang Chuyi and Xin He exchanged a glance.
It wasn’t until Qin Tong had walked far away that Xin He patted her chest and let out a long sigh of relief.
Jiang Chuyi looked at her with a smile.
She complained in a low voice, “Your teacher is even more intimidating than my dad.”
“Is he intimidating?” Jiang Chuyi had long been accustomed to Qin Tong’s sternness and didn’t feel that way. She comforted her, “Teacher has always been like this.”
Xin He seemed to have something to say but stopped.
She really wasn’t good at being affectionate. After hesitating, she raised her hand, pinched Jiang Chuyi’s face, and said fiercely, “Are you stupid? I already told you, I don’t need you to help me find any connections.”
“Oh, I know.” Jiang Chuyi pulled down her hand and said solemnly, “I have my own selfish motives too.”
“What selfish motives?”
“I heard from Jinqing a few days ago that Teacher wants to shoot a movie with a Tang Dynasty background. The sets will be built from scratch in Dunhuang and the Northwest, which will be very expensive.” Jiang Chuyi glanced at Xin He’s expression and continued, “Given Teacher’s current situation, it might be a bit troublesome to negotiate collaborations with large sponsors, but it would be different with you.”
Xin He was touched in her heart, but her mouth still didn’t spare Jiang Chuyi, “You’re quite good at considering things for others, but why don’t you think more about yourself?”
“I have thought about it.” Jiang Chuyi smiled, “Sister Ning told me that the crew has already contacted her in September and is going through the contract process. I’ll be able to join you on set soon!”
Xin He sighed, “Damn it, what a pity that I’m not a lesbian.”
Jiang Chuyi: “…”
“You little fool, who knows who will benefit from you in the future.”
Xin He put on a thoughtful look, “Oh right, I have a younger brother. Although he’s not as handsome as Zong Ye, dating him would be much less troublesome than Zong Ye.”
“No, no, no, I’m not dating anyone right now.” Jiang Chuyi was embarrassed and a little anxious, “Why are you also making jokes about me and Zong Ye?”
“Alright, alright, I won’t tease you anymore.” Xin He’s gaze carried a hint of disdain as she looked Jiang Chuyi up and down, picking up her gown, “Which makeup team did this outfit for you? It’s so tacky.”
“I don’t have a makeup team.” Jiang Chuyi was a little embarrassed, “I don’t walk the red carpet often. Sister Ning borrowed this dress for me at the last minute. But I don’t need to perform on stage, so it doesn’t matter.”
“Kaijun is really…”
Jiang Chuyi seemed to see the words “useless company” in Xin He’s eyes.
On the first day of the new year, an auspicious day, Xin He still continued using her sharp tongue, “You might as well come to Huarui with me.”
Jiang Chuyi smiled, pretending not to hear.
“What are you doing later?”
Jiang Chuyi: “I have nothing to do.”
Xin He tilted her head, “Want to come to my house to celebrate the New Year with me? We can go to Beijing together the day after tomorrow to shoot the wrap-up scenes.”
“Okay.” Jiang Chuyi agreed, “Just the two of us?”
“Who else do you want?” Xin He let out a long “oh”, “Fu Cheng lives in the same neighborhood as me. If you want to invite him too, that’s fine.”
Jiang Chuyi said “ah”, “If it’s just the two of you celebrating the New Year on a day like this, wouldn’t it be inappropriate for me to go?”
“True. I can invite Zong Ye and the others too?”
Jiang Chuyi was stumped by her words. She said resentfully, “Stop messing with me.”
“Who’s messing with you? I was going to invite Zong Ye and the others anyway. Fu Cheng and I aren’t dating. Who wants to celebrate the New Year alone with him?”
“If I go to your house later, will I be staying overnight?”
Xin He nodded and asked, “How well can you hold your liquor?”
Jiang Chuyi gave a conservative answer, “Not bad.”
Xin He was very satisfied and puffed out her cheeks, “OK, we’ll pull an all-nighter tonight.”
Jiang Chuyi looked around, “I need to let Teacher know first, then go home and get some clothes.”
“What clothes? Just tell Director Qin now, and later you can get in my car and go directly. I have a bunch of clothes at home for you to wear.”
*
Jiang Chuyi followed Xin He backstage.
Unlike the front stage, the backstage was a bit chaotic after the New Year’s Eve Gala ended, with many people still busy cleaning up props and costumes. Some assistants had ordered takeout and were squatting at the door of the break room eating, preparing for the interviews later.
In the hallway of the dressing room, they ran into a certain executive of Star City TV.
Wang Qin was taking a group photo with BloodxGentle and Chi Mengyue, and a few popular stars.
Jiang Chuyi’s eyes met Zong Ye’s in the crowd.
She quickly lowered her head.
Seeing Xin He, Wang Qin immediately waved, “Xin He, come join us.”
Xin He glanced at the smiling Chi Mengyue, held back, but still raised the corners of her lips, “President Wang.”
She pulled Jiang Chuyi over with her.
“Who is this?” Wang Qin sized up Jiang Chuyi, feeling that she looked a bit unfamiliar.
Xin He introduced, “My friend, Jiang Chuyi.”
“Oh.” Wang Qin remembered and said thoughtfully, “You’re Director Qin’s disciple, right?”
Wang Qin chatted with them for a while longer before being called away by his assistant.
The group of stars left behind politely exchanged a few greetings with each other. Some left, while others stayed.
Backstage, everyone relaxed and wasn’t as uptight. Someone suggested taking a group photo with Zong Ye, Fu Cheng, and the others.
Chi Mengyue had previously worked with Li Qunwu and had met Jiang Chuyi a few times. She took the initiative to walk around the crowd and approach her, “Chuyi, long time no see.”
Jiang Chuyi nodded.
Chi Mengyue narrowed her eyes and smiled charmingly, “So you know Xin He.”
Before Jiang Chuyi could respond, Xin He coldly said, “Not only do we know each other, but she’s about to become my sister-in-law.”
Jiang Chuyi: “…”
Chi Mengyue let out an “oh” and said gently, “Congratulations then.”
Noticing that Zong Ye’s gaze had stopped and was looking in this direction, she lost interest in arguing with a shrew like Xin He and quickly said goodbye.
Turning around, Chi Mengyue glanced at Zong Ye tentatively. As they brushed past each other, she realized that the person he had been looking at all along wasn’t herself.
By now, most people had left. Fu Cheng snorted and exposed Xin He, “Doesn’t your cheap little brother already have a girlfriend?”
Xin He said impatiently, “So what if he has a girlfriend? Can’t they break up? I just want to introduce my brother to Chuyi, what’s the problem?”
Wang Tan interjected teasingly, “Does Teacher Jiang want to start dating?”
Jiang Chuyi’s head was already spinning. She quickly explained, “No, no, Xin He is just joking.”
“That’s good then.” Wang Tan had a devilishly handsome face, and his smile was especially wicked. “Teacher Jiang isn’t in a rush yet, right?”
“I’m not in a rush.”
“Alright, remember to let me know when you want to start dating one day.” After saying that, Wang Tan immediately added, “It’s best to wait another two years.”
Jiang Chuyi: “…”
Perhaps her expression was too visibly alarmed, prompting Wang Tan to ask, “What’s with that look? You think I like you?”
“I wouldn’t dare.”
She didn’t have the nerve to assume that.
Xin He couldn’t help but roll her eyes and retorted on Jiang Chuyi’s behalf, “Who do you think you are?”
“I’ll introduce someone to her. I have many excellent single men around me.” Wang Tan smiled at Jiang Chuyi, “I even have a friend who is a fan of Teacher Jiang. Are you interested in meeting him?”
“Huh?” Jiang Chuyi was confused. “Who?”
Zong Ye slightly turned his head, gazing at Jiang Chuyi.
Then, Wang Tan put his hand on Zong Ye’s shoulder and introduced him to her, “Our Teacher Zong, the last chaste and virtuous man in the entertainment industry. What do you think, are you satisfied?”
