The Twenty-Third Star
Always remembered her? Long time no see?
Didn’t they just see each other a few hours ago?
At this moment, Jiang Chuyi was feeling flustered by this intimate posture, and simply thought that Zong Ye was talking nonsense because he was drunk. After steadying herself, she used a bit of force and quickly flipped off of him, kneeling on the carpet beside him, saying perfunctorily, “Long time no see, long time no see, hurry up and let go of my hand.”
She struggled a couple more times.
It seemed the alcohol was surging, and Zong Ye loosened his grip a bit. Jiang Chuyi took the opportunity to break free.
She slumped down beside him and panted for a while, looking at Zong Ye warily; making sure he wouldn’t have another “drunken episode”.
Zong Ye’s eyes were slightly narrowed, his lashes thick and long. The color of his pupils was very deep.
Looking at him, she always felt something flashing through her mind, almost grasping it but not quite.
Zong Ye’s gaze towards her was still very hazy, his soft lips very red, looking very kissable. Because he had drunk too much, he seemed to have let down all his guard, sitting there with an appearance that could be taken advantage of by anyone.
Boys also need to be careful when they’re out.
It was just that Jiang Chuyi was a rather upright person with her moral bottom line still in place. Faced with the temptation of male beauty, she could barely hold herself back. Otherwise, if Zong Ye was tossed outside with this dazed and alluring look, bumping into any random woman, his chastity would probably really be in danger.
Jiang Chuyi rubbed her wrist.
Forget it, it’s no use arguing with a drunkard.
She mumbled in a low voice, “Just sleep, you’re so big, I can’t move you anyway.”
Jiang Chuyi got up from the floor, worried that these few people might catch a cold sleeping after drinking, and thought about where to find something to cover them and Ji Kai.
After searching for a while, she finally found two blankets.
When she returned to the living room, Jiang Chuyi was surprised to find Zong Ye drinking from another bottle of alcohol.
Was he not drunk enough already?
She quickly walked over to stop him.
Picking up the bottle, she found it was already empty.
Zong Ye’s hands were empty, and he slowly raised his eyes to look at her.
“You can’t drink anymore, you’re already drunk enough.” Jiang Chuyi sighed, “You’ll feel terrible tomorrow.”
Jiang Chuyi was about to take away all the bottles on the table. But as soon as she turned around, she was grabbed by someone again.
Jiang Chuyi: “…”
She was really a bit exasperated, resignedly lowered her head, met Zong Ye’s gaze, and asked, “What is it now?”
“You… leaving?”
Who knew how much more he had drunk in the short time Jiang Chuyi was gone. Just before, Zong Ye could still exchange a few words with her, but now he was even more drunk, and his words were slurred when he spoke.
Jiang Chuyi bent down to listen, “What did you say?”
“Are you… leaving?”
Who knew to what extent he was drunk, to use such force to hold onto her.
Zong Ye’s hands were not as well-maintained as a typical male celebrity’s, possibly due to playing the guitar for many years. The pads of his fingers and palms had thick calluses. When he gripped her tightly, that rough sensation even made her skin hurt a bit.
“I’m not leaving.” Jiang Chuyi couldn’t understand his drunken rambling and endured the pain, going along with his words to coax him, “I’m not leaving, I’m just tidying up here.”
“Don’t go…”
He was completely unable to hear what she was saying, only frowning with a pained expression, slowly repeating the same words over and over.
After spending some effort to hear what he was saying, Jiang Chuyi fell silent.
She finally understood.
Zong Ye was not only drunk out of his mind, but he had also mistaken her for someone else.
Mistook her for that girl he had waited for a long time but never looked back.
That tiny bit of emotion he had unintentionally revealed to her on that snowy night made her inexplicably feel sad.
Who knew how much Zong Ye couldn’t let go of that person in his heart, how long he had been thinking about her day after day, to be in such pain.
Jiang Chuyi felt a bit distressed for him and stood there, letting him hold onto her for a while.
Zong Ye in this state reminded her of a stray dog she had picked up on the street in middle school. Because her parents were busy and she didn’t have time to take care of it, she could only send the dog to her grandparents to foster.
That little black dog really liked her. Every time she was about to leave, the little black dog would desperately paw at her leg, its black beady eyes looking at her, letting out a pitiful whimper.
Although the puppy couldn’t speak, Jiang Chuyi could sense its longing.
And many years later, she once again experienced that kind of distress and fear from Zong Ye, similar to the little black dog.
Jiang Chuyi actually felt very conflicted inside.
Through their interactions during this period, she unexpectedly discovered that Zong Ye was a very, very good person. The special halo of being a “top star” was the least worth mentioning of his good qualities.
They were close in age, and with the people around them occasionally teasing, she naturally developed some vague and indistinct feelings for him. But these out-of-bounds emotions were only a very rational part that surpassed friendship and could be retracted at any time.
She understood the gap between them and also understood that she couldn’t have the slightest overstep.
Finally, Zong Ye couldn’t resist the onslaught of drowsiness and fell asleep.
Jiang Chuyi stared at his face for half a minute, as if confirming something.
A moment later, she turned off the living room lights and used her phone as a flashlight to tidy things up properly.
In the darkness, Jiang Chuyi very gently pulled open the glass door to the balcony.
The temperature difference between indoors and outdoors made her shiver. As the cold wind blew, Jiang Chuyi finally felt much more clear-headed.
She leaned on the railing, overlooking this cold and busy city. The bustling traffic, and the flow of cars still shuttling on the elevated highway in the distance.
Jiang Chuyi raised her head, staring at the stars and moon overhead, lost in thought.
The light was faint, seemingly close at hand, yet out of reach.
Just tonight, Jiang Chuyi for the first time felt a strong curiosity about that girl outside the industry that Xin He had mentioned.
Because she wanted to know, just what kind of girl could leave such a deep mark in Zong Ye’s life. So much so that now, when he already had countless fans and had become a wildly popular big star, he still couldn’t forget her.
Regardless of the love or pain she had brought him, even after many years, it was still so intense and profound.
*
Because Jiang Chuyi had been staying at home recently, her biological clock had almost adjusted to a normal person’s standard.
She naturally woke up at noon the next day. Turning her head to look, Xin He was still hugging her pillow, fast asleep.
Jiang Chuyi carefully lifted the covers, got out of bed, went to the bathroom to find a disposable toothbrush, and washed up before going downstairs.
The living room was empty, still in the same state as yesterday.
She walked to the sofa, picked up the blanket, and was about to put it back in its original place. As she straightened up, she noticed there was still someone on the balcony.
It was Zong Ye.
He had his back to her, sitting on a chair on the balcony.
Jiang Chuyi approached.
Zong Ye had his elbow propped on the armrest, one hand supporting his head, his other pressing a finished cigarette into the glass ashtray.
Then, he casually picked up the cigarette pack beside him, opened it, and took out another one from inside.
Jiang Chuyi raised her hand and knocked on the door.
Zong Ye heard the sound, tilted his head, still holding the newly lit cigarette in his mouth.
She noticed the ashtray was filled with cigarette butts.
Their eyes met, and Jiang Chuyi opened the door, greeting, “Good morning.”
Zong Ye took out the cigarette, and it dropped to his side along with his arm. He smiled, “Good morning.”
“You…” Jiang Chuyi looked at him, wanting to say something but stopping. “Why are you smoking so heavily? Something on your mind?”
Zong Ye’s gaze shifted and also noticed the ashtray filled with scattered cigarette butts. He didn’t immediately answer her question. After considering for a few seconds, he said, “Fu Cheng was here too, it’s not just me smoking.”
Jiang Chuyi didn’t expose his lie. “Why are you up so early? Where are Ji Kai and the others?”
“They’re still sleeping inside.” Zong Ye extinguished the cigarette behind him. “I’m a light sleeper. Once I’m awake, I can’t fall back asleep.”
Looking at his pale face from the hangover, Jiang Chuyi asked, “Are you feeling very uncomfortable?”
Zong Ye made an “mm” sound. “A little.”
“Drink less next time.” And your alcohol tolerance isn’t even that good.
Jiang Chuyi held back the last sentence and didn’t say it out loud.
“I know.” Zong Ye seemed to be able to see through her thoughts and smiled. “I didn’t expect your alcohol tolerance to be so good.”
Jiang Chuyi took that as a compliment.
“Did I get too drunk last night and say anything inappropriate to you?”
The image of Zong Ye drunk and flirtatious last night immediately popped up in Jiang Chuyi’s mind.
She decided to be a kind person and conceal the fact that she had personally witnessed his drunken social faux pas.
So Jiang Chuyi told a lie: “You just fell asleep after getting drunk.”
Zong Ye seemed lost in thought and didn’t continue to ask anything further.
He stood up. “Do you want to eat breakfast?”
“Yeah.” Jiang Chuyi had her hand on the door frame and took two steps back. “Do you want some?”
“What do you want to eat? I’ll make it for you.”
Jiang Chuyi remembered that Zong Ye’s cooking skills were quite good. She put away the thought of ordering takeout and agreed, “Sure.”
As they walked to the kitchen, Jiang Chuyi noticed Zong Ye covering his stomach with one hand, frowning.
She tilted her head slightly and asked, “Do you feel well enough?”
Zong Ye forced a smile. “It’s okay.”
“Forget it.” She stopped him. “You sit and rest. I’ll do it.”
Zong Ye was stunned for a moment. “You’ll do it?”
Jiang Chuyi made an “mm” sound. “What do you want to eat? I’ll try to make it.”
Then, she added, “But let me tell you in advance, I rarely go into the kitchen, so I can’t guarantee the taste! You can also have takeout if you want.”
After staring at her for a few seconds, Zong Ye said, “I’m not picky. What can you make?”
Under his somewhat expectant gaze, a little vanity rose in Jiang Chuyi’s heart. She coughed and said, “I can make poached eggs, the sweet kind.”
To be honest, she wasn’t very good at it, but she thought her mom’s poached eggs were particularly delicious and had asked about the method. In fact, she hadn’t really tried making them much herself.
Zong Ye smiled. “Okay.”
Jiang Chuyi went to the kitchen, opened the fridge, and searched for ingredients and seasonings.
Since she had already said it out loud, she had to make this poached egg even if it killed her.
Taking out her phone, Jiang Chuyi opened her contacts list and called her mom.
She estimated that her mom was probably on duty at the hospital at this time.
The phone rang twice before it was picked up on the other end. “Hello, Nannan?”
“Mom.” Jiang Chuyi lowered her voice and fiddled with the ceramic tiles with her finger. “I’m planning to make breakfast. How do you make those poached eggs again? Teach me one more time.”
“Why are you suddenly making breakfast yourself? If you want to eat, come home. How long has it been since you came home?”
“Oh, I just suddenly wanted to eat it.” Jiang Chuyi acted cute.
While holding the phone between her ear and shoulder, listening to Wang Woyun’s instructions, Jiang Chuyi took out dark soy sauce and light soy sauce.
She cracked an egg into a glass bowl.
Soon, she encountered her first problem.
Jiang Chuyi didn’t know how to turn on the natural gas stove in Xin He’s house.
She fumbled around for a long time, up and down, but still couldn’t find where the switch was.
Perhaps her busy figure caught the attention of Zong Ye leaning against the kitchen doorframe. “Need help?”
“What?” Jiang Chuyi turned around.
“I saw you standing here for a long time.”
Jiang Chuyi had an innocent expression.
She really didn’t have the face to ask, but had no choice. After some hesitation, she said with a stiff face, “I can’t find the natural gas switch.”
Zong Ye walked over and squatted down beside her. He skillfully opened the cabinet under the stove, reached his hand to the bottom layer of switches, and turned it on for her.
He held back his laughter. “It is a bit hard to find.”
Wang Woyun heard the movement on this end and asked suspiciously, “Nannan, how come there’s a man beside you?”
Jiang Chuyi let out an “ah” and answered, “It’s my friend.”
“Your friend stayed overnight at your place? And he’s a man?” Wang Woyun’s voice rose.
“We’re not at my place. Several of us came to another friend’s house last night to celebrate the New Year.”
“Oh, oh, who is it? Do I know them? Little Zhao and the others?”
“You probably don’t know them. They’re new friends I met.” Jiang Chuyi wasn’t sure herself.
After all, BloodxGentle was so popular, and there were rumors that they attracted women of all ages. Maybe her own mother knew about them too.
Zong Ye got the natural gas switch working for her and didn’t leave. He tilted his head and asked, “Your mom?”
Jiang Chuyi nodded.
He propped his hands on the edge of the kitchen counter and greeted, “Hello auntie, happy New Year.”
Wang Woyun heard it and replied with a couple of greetings on the phone.
Out of courtesy, Jiang Chuyi took the phone down so Zong Ye could hear her mother’s response.
Then, they both clearly heard Wang Woyun’s next sentence.
“Next time have Xiaoyi bring you home for dinner. Auntie’s cooking skills are very good.”
Zong Ye agreed, “Okay, I’ll definitely pay a visit when I have the chance.”
Jiang Chuyi’s expression underwent a subtle change.
After Wang Woyun hung up the phone, Jiang Chuyi felt a bit embarrassed and mumbled in a low voice, “You can wait outside. I’m going to start now.”
“I’ll watch you here?” Zong Ye looked serious. “I’m afraid if you’re alone, you might burn down Xin He’s kitchen.”
Jiang Chuyi: “…”
He really spoke in an unpleasant way, not gentle at all anymore!
After waiting quietly for a while, he asked again, “Is that okay?”
Jiang Chuyi gave in.
In order to prove herself, Jiang Chuyi put on a serious face and began to get to work.
She began heating the oil in a wok, looking professional.
Wanting to save face in front of Zong Ye, she endured it without making a sound even when the back of her hand was splashed by hot oil.
To avoid wasting food, Jiang Chuyi decided to try one poached egg first.
Following Wang Woyun’s instructions, she first used the oil to fry the egg until it was half-cooked. Then she poured soy sauce and sugar into it.
Five minutes later, Jiang Chuyi successfully produced a blackened egg.
She used chopsticks to dip a bit of the sauce and tried it. The taste seemed normal and had some similarity to the ones Wang Woyun made.
So, Jiang Chuyi brought the plate of eggs out.
Before Zong Ye could make a move, Jiang Chuyi explained to him, “This is the old Shanghai-style soy sauce poached egg, sweet. If you’re not used to it, don’t eat it.”
Zong Ye nodded.
He picked up the blackened poached egg with his chopsticks and looked at it for a few seconds.
Under Jiang Chuyi’s expectant gaze, he took the first bite.
Jiang Chuyi immediately asked, “How is it?”
Zong Ye chewed slowly and swallowed before telling her, “Not bad.”
“Really?” The light in Jiang Chuyi’s eyes instantly brightened, and a sense of accomplishment surged from her heart. Her tone was excited. “You’re not lying to me?”
“I’m not lying to you.”
“Then do you want more?” Jiang Chuyi’s confidence soared as she rubbed her fists together, her eyes sparkling. “I’ll go make a couple more for you?”
“Sure.” Zong Ye took a sip of water and agreed.
So, Jiang Chuyi put on an apron and, following the same steps, made two more poached eggs.
He ate them all without a word.
Zong Ye put down his chopsticks and asked, “Why aren’t you eating?”
“Oh, I forgot.” Jiang Chuyi patted her forehead.
Zong Ye picked up the cup and drank water sip by sip.
After finishing, he got up, took the dishes back to the kitchen, and said casually, “I’ll make it for you. After eating a few poached eggs, my stomach doesn’t feel uncomfortable anymore.”
“No need. I’ll just fry a couple more poached eggs for myself.”
“Aren’t you tired? Take a break. I’ll do it for you.”
Jiang Chuyi was a bit reluctant. “Alright then.”
As they were talking, Ji Kai came out of the side bedroom with a head of messy hair. He dazedly came to the dining room and took a deep sniff. “You guys are eating?”
“Yeah,” Jiang Chuyi immediately answered. “I just made a few poached eggs.”
Hearing her slightly proud tone, Zong Ye smiled.
“Are there any left?” Ji Kai looked around, looking disappointed. “Why didn’t you leave some for everyone? You ate it all by yourself?”
“If you want to eat, I’ll fry a couple more for you.” Jiang Chuyi quickly responded and added, “Zong Ye said they’re delicious.”
Ji Kai immediately said, “Alright then.”
On the first day of the new year, Jiang Chuyi successfully transformed into a little cook, going in and out of the kitchen.
Soon, poached eggs of the same color were brought out by her.
Ji Kai looked a bit hesitant. “This color, why does it feel a bit weird?”
At this time, Jiang Chuyi was immersed in the joy of mastering cooking skills, and her confidence inevitably inflated. She reassured, “It might be a bit sweet. Don’t look at the black color, the taste is not bad. Try it first.”
Under Jiang Chuyi’s confident words, although Ji Kai was hesitant, he still bravely tried the first bite.
As soon as he took a bite, Ji Kai instantly made a pained expression.
He forced himself to swallow it and immediately got up and called out, “Water, quick, pour me a glass of water.”
Jiang Chuyi stood there, dumbfounded.
She watched Ji Kai chug half a glass of water and felt a bit puzzled. “What’s wrong? Is it too sweet?”
“Sweet?” Ji Kai was still feeling lingering fear. “This egg is so fucking bitter!”
“Huh?” Jiang Chuyi was shocked.
She ran to the kitchen, took a new pair of chopsticks, picked up another piece of egg from the plate, and put it in her mouth.
As she ate, it seemed there wasn’t anything wrong, just a bit burnt, and not much different from the ones Wang Woyun made.
Was there something wrong with her taste buds?
…
…
When she came out, Zong Ye was sitting in the spot Ji Kai had just been in.
Seeing him pick up the remaining poached egg from the plate, Jiang Chuyi immediately called out, “Don’t eat it anymore!”
“What’s wrong?” He paused his movement.
Jiang Chuyi: “Didn’t Ji Kai say it tasted terrible?”
“Really? I think it tastes quite good.”
Zong Ye didn’t have any particular expression as he ate that poached egg.
“You don’t need to comfort me.”
Jiang Chuyi tried to act as if nothing had happened and forced a smile. “Really, don’t eat it anymore. If it causes any problems later, my sin would be too great.”
Ji Kai was drinking water and saw Zong Ye eat that plate of dark cuisine without changing his expression. His tone was hard to describe. “Big bro Ye, you’re really something.”
Hearing that, Jiang Chuyi’s face darkened another shade.
After a series of ups and downs in her heart, she couldn’t hide her dejection and mocked herself. “Forget it, maybe I really don’t have a talent for cooking.”
Her voice got smaller and smaller towards the end.
Seeing her like a frost-bitten eggplant, Zong Ye spoke up, “It’s okay, many people don’t know how to cook.”
Jiang Chuyi lowered her head. “My mom said you can’t always eat takeout, it’s unhealthy. In the future, after getting married, there should always be someone at home who can cook.”
Listening quietly, Zong Ye’s expression remained unchanged.
He tapped the transparent glass of water with his fingers. After a long while, he replied, “Then in the future, you should find someone who can cook?”
Hearing Zong Ye say that, Jiang Chuyi felt it made sense too.
Just as she was pondering, suddenly, Wang Tan’s cool voice came. “How come as soon as I wake up, I hear Teacher Zong advertising himself?”
