The Forty-Fifth Star
His shoulders were broad, completely trapping Jiang Chuyi in this cramped small space. She couldn’t muster any strength.
A wet, distinct sensation came from her ear. With her mouth covered, she felt a strange palpitation, only able to helplessly let out muffled sounds from her throat.
Zong Ye’s lips wandered over her ear, neck, and shoulder blade.
Jiang Chuyi’s eyes were wide open.
Before her eyes was a hazy rainbow. The wind brought in moisture from the rain, stirring up scattered papers on the ground. Tiny particles in the air were faintly illuminated by golden light beams, like stars falling from the sky.
She smelled the faint bitter orange scent on Zong Ye again.
His kisses imperceptibly changed quality, his hot tongue darting out to lick – gentle, yet mischievous. Jiang Chuyi’s body involuntarily trembled from the ticklish sensation. With nowhere to escape, she was nearly driven mad, and began to call Zong Ye’s name indistinctly.
Though he was clearly the culprit, she was now seeking his help.
“Chuyi…” Zong Ye lowered his head, seeming to be struggling as well, his breathing gradually becoming ragged. His tone was unsteady, pausing repeatedly before saying softly, “Promise me, don’t make a sound.”
Jiang Chuyi finally sensed a hint of danger.
Zong Ye’s face hovered above hers, his eyelashes damp with sweat. “Chuyi, let me kiss you a bit longer, okay?”
Jiang Chuyi was like a silly goose at this moment. Though aware of the danger, she was coaxed by him and still nodded involuntarily.
He closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and the hand propped against the wall gradually clenched into a fist.
Jiang Chuyi felt the restraint on her body suddenly loosen. With a dry mouth, she immediately took a few shaky deep breaths.
Zong Ye stepped back.
Her face was burning hot. Out of curiosity or something else, she stole a glance at Zong Ye’s expression.
He stood motionless, as if still not having come to his senses.
Jiang Chuyi calmed down for a while, slowly slid off the table, and shuffled to his side. “Shouldn’t we go down now?”
“Mm, I wanted to stay with you a bit longer.” Zong Ye smiled. “But there’s not enough time.”
As they returned the way they came, while going down the stairs, Jiang Chuyi couldn’t help saying, “Zong Ye, just now you…”
“What about me just now?”
Her voice lacked confidence, “You seemed a bit strange.”
Her accusation didn’t sound like an accusation, but more like coquetry. Zong Ye laughed silently, showing a good attitude in admitting his mistake, “I can be a bit strange sometimes. Did I scare you?”
“Not really.” Jiang Chuyi hesitated, “I thought when you said you wanted to kiss me, you meant you wanted to make out.”
Zong Ye mentioned again, “There’s not enough time.”
She asked a silly question, “How long does it take to kiss?”
Zong Ye gazed at her.
He had many thoughts in his mind, and he could choose any one to tell her.
But among those dark, crazy thoughts, even the mildest ones, Zong Ye couldn’t bring himself to say them to her now.
Of course he wanted to kiss her. He wanted to lock all the doors and windows in the classroom, wanted to pin her against the wall, to kiss and make love to her in that rainbow.
He wanted to hear her cry intermittently, to see her eyes blurred with tears, to make her helplessly call out his name over and over.
At that time, Zong Ye would gently tell Jiang Chuyi that he should never have been the one she sought help from.
Seeing Zong Ye not answering for a long time, Jiang Chuyi came to her senses and silently berated herself for her clumsiness.
But Jiang Chuyi was a practical person. She thought, this place indeed wasn’t suitable for intimate activities. After all, Zong Ye needed a long time to “adapt” even to her hugs. As for other things, he probably needed even more time…
……
……
Zong Ye and Jiang Chuyi returned to the shooting location one after another.
One tried to cover up, while the other appeared calm.
Zong Ye borrowed a wet wipe from the staff and handed it to Jiang Chuyi, “Wipe it off.”
She looked up and asked, “Wipe what?”
Zong Ye’s expression was serious as he lowered his voice, “Where I just kissed you. Have you forgotten so quickly?”
Jiang Chuyi didn’t take the wipe, “No need.”
He always seemed to feel “inferior” about strange things. What was there to wipe off… She didn’t find him disgusting.
After BloodxGentle’s shoot ended, the company car took them back to the hotel for makeup. Time was tight, and they didn’t have time for dinner before heading to the cinema for the second roadshow of “Catching a Star”.
Because of the major mishap at the premiere, this time only a small number of fans were invited, with most attendees being industry insiders. Following a similar procedure to last time, after the movie ended, several main actors were invited on stage by the host.
When it was time for the disguised celebrities in the viewing group to stand up one by one and share their thoughts, Jiang Chuyi was still in a daze, occasionally clapping along, until someone mentioned her name.
Jiang Chuyi gathered her thoughts.
Bu Xiangchen, wearing a baseball cap, spoke with a smile, “I’ve known Chuyi for a long time. We’ve worked on several dramas together and are old friends. Her acting has always been good, and this time in ‘Catching a Star’ it feels even more exquisite. There were several performance segments that I found very nuanced. After watching, I still wanted more. I hope everyone can support the box office.”
After he finished speaking, a few scattered applause sounded in the venue.
Jiang Chuyi maintained a polite smile and replied with a “thank you”. “I’ll also support the ratings of your next drama.”
Bu Xiangchen interacted with her very familiarly: “It would be my honor.”
Taking advantage of the host cueing the next guest, Wang Tan leaned back slightly, raised his hand to cover his mouth, and whispered in Zong Ye’s ear, “Stay strong. Even if you’re heartbroken, remember to smile.”
After the roadshow ended, Jiang Chuyi returned backstage and received a WeChat message from Bu Xiangchen.
“There’s a cafe on the second floor of the cinema. Can I treat you to a drink?”
Jiang Chuyi: “Maybe next time. We’re about to leave soon.”
Bu Xiangchen: “Just a quick drink, it’ll only take about ten minutes. Can’t you do me this favor? I came all the way to Wuhan specially to support Teacher Jiang’s new work.”
These words made Jiang Chuyi a bit uncomfortable.
She frowned, thought for a moment, and replied: “Let me ask the staff first. Send me the location.”
After getting directions, Jiang Chuyi arrived at the cafe to find Bu Xiangchen had already ordered for her and was waiting by the window.
“Little Yi.” Bu Xiangchen greeted her first.
Jiang Chuyi sat down across from him.
“It’s been quite a while since we last met, hasn’t it? How have you been lately?”
Jiang Chuyi answered conventionally, “Pretty good. How about you?”
“Work has been a bit tiring these two years.” Bu Xiangchen sighed. “Too many jobs. It’s not easy making money.”
“That’s true.”
As she chatted with him, she kept checking the time on her phone.
Bu Xiangchen paused, “Chuyi, have we become this estranged?”
“What do you mean?” Jiang Chuyi was confused.
“You don’t need to be so distant, Chuyi.” Bu Xiangchen smiled bitterly. “I remember we used to be able to talk for a long time. Now it seems like you have nothing to say to me? Are you still upset about my manager’s actions?”
Jiang Chuyi couldn’t understand what he was trying to express.
They had indeed worked together a few times before, but their relationship wasn’t particularly close, at most just ordinary colleagues. At that time, they were both unknown, barely D-list small-time artists, and had formed a “screen couple” CP that was popular in the circle at the time. However, Bu Xiangchen had better luck and became popular making short videos during the rise of Douyin.
After that… Bu Xiangchen’s side unilaterally began to dissociate them. His studio didn’t even consult with them before issuing an ambiguous clarification announcement, accompanied by press releases that implied Jiang Chuyi was the one pursuing him one-sidedly. Gao Ning was so angered by his manager’s outrageous actions that she nearly fainted.
However, Jiang Chuyi could understand it quite well. Apart from not agreeing with his press releases that put her down, she didn’t really blame Bu Xiangchen.
Male and female actors of the same tier promoting a CP was originally a mutually beneficial thing. When Bu Xiangchen no longer needed this popularity, dissociating from her was only natural. Their private relationship was shallow to begin with, so she had no reason to morally bind him.
Jiang Chuyi forced a smile: “You’ve misunderstood. I never minded these things.”
She decided to speak clearly, “Your career is going well now, there’s no need to think about the past. And if I remember correctly, weren’t you the one who started distancing yourself from me first?”
Bu Xiangchen seemed not to have expected her to be so direct and was momentarily stunned.
At a table near the cafe entrance, A’Xi was furtively paying attention to the commotion behind.
The young waitress at the counter reminded, “Mr. Seat 38, your coffee is ready.”
She called several times but no one responded.
Just as she was about to ring the bell, the shop door opened again. Two men walked in.
The waitress’s “Welcome” got stuck in her throat.
One of the men approached the counter. He had a handsome, gentle face and wore a dark blue shirt with two buttons undone at the collarbone.
The man was very tall; the waitress had to look up at him.
He politely confirmed twice before taking the two coffees for seat 38. The waitress finally came to her senses.
She mentally exclaimed… Zong Ye?! Wang Tan?!
If she didn’t have to maintain her image, she would have crouched down to cover her face and scream.
Zong Ye handed one coffee to Wang Tan and, holding the other, walked towards the two people sitting by the window.
Jiang Chuyi had her back to them and was unaware of what was happening behind her.
Jiang Chuyi turned around when someone tapped her shoulder
Bu Xiangchen stood up, leaned forward, and extended his hand in greeting, “Hello.”
After staring at him for two seconds, Zong Ye freed one hand, “Hello, I’m Zong Ye.”
“Are you here for Little Yi?” Bu Xiangchen asked.
“Little Yi.”
Zong Ye repeated this nickname, smiled, withdrew his hand, and didn’t respond to the question.
He leisurely picked up the coffee in front of Jiang Chuyi, rotated the cup, and glanced at the label.
Jiang Chuyi was puzzled: “Why are you here?”
“Wang Tan wanted coffee, so I came with him.” Zong Ye casually asked, “I remember you don’t drink full sugar, right?”
“That’s right,” Jiang Chuyi responded along with his words.
“What a pity, I don’t drink full sugar either.” Zong Ye smiled slightly and casually tossed the coffee into the trash.
It made a loud thud.
Bu Xiangchen: “…”
Zong Ye pushed the coffee he was holding towards Jiang Chuyi and asked her: “Then would you like to drink mine?”
Bu Xiangchen coughed heavily, interrupting the two who were chatting as if no one else was around. He picked up his things and hurriedly said, “Little Yi, I have something to do, I’ll go first. Let’s chat next time.”
On the way back, Jiang Chuyi observed Zong Ye’s expression, “You were quite fierce just now.”
Hearing this, Zong Ye’s expression remained normal: “How was I fierce?”
“You threw away the coffee Bu Xiangchen bought for me.”
“What else could I do?” Zong Ye sighed.
Jiang Chuyi: “I thought you were going to drink it all in one go in front of us.”
Zong Ye laughed at her joke.
She asked again: “Were you jealous? It’s not that serious, is it?”
“How is it not serious?” Wang Tan walked straight ahead without turning his head. “Our Teacher Zong was so worried he smoked three cigarettes before coming down to find you.”
Jiang Chuyi: “…”
*
It was nearly midnight when they returned to the hotel. Someone who looked like a manager came to ask what they wanted to eat.
Xin He scrolled through Meituan on her phone: “No need to trouble you, we’ll just order takeout later.”
The hotel manager responded and recommended a few nearby late-night eateries with good reputations.
Xin He had just ended several months of ascetic living and planned to indulge herself tonight. She ordered a lot of barbecue, bought several cans of beer, and called everyone to her room for a late-night snack.
Jiang Chuyi couldn’t handle very spicy food. After trying a few skewers, she was sweating profusely, her small face turned red from the chili powder. Finally, unable to bear it anymore, she ran to the bathroom to rinse her mouth and brush her teeth, going back and forth several times.
Bending over to wash her face with cool water, Jiang Chuyi caught a glimpse of someone standing beside her.
She turned off the faucet and turned her head, “Do you need to use the bathroom?”
Zong Ye: “No, I came to check on you. You can’t seem to tolerate spicy food. Should I order something else for you?”
“No need, I’ve eaten enough. If I eat more, I’ll get fat.”
“Where are you fat?”
Jiang Chuyi: “Female celebrities still need to manage their figure a bit.”
She wiped the water off her face and saw Zong Ye still standing there. “Aren’t you going out?”
“I want…”
“Want what?”
He smiled at her but didn’t speak.
Jiang Chuyi understood: “Want to spend some time alone with me?”
Zong Ye made a sound of agreement.
Jiang Chuyi bit her lip, “Then why don’t we say goodbye to them and go for a walk outside?”
After a moment, Jiang Chuyi realized that there might be paparazzi waiting outside, and it wasn’t suitable for them to go out for a walk alone.
In the corridor, Zong Ye said: “How about we go to my room?”
……
……
Zong Ye’s room was on a very high floor of this hotel. Opening the curtains, it seemed like half the city’s night view could fall into view.
Jiang Chuyi sat sideways on the bay window, her mind wandering, counting how many stars were in the sky tonight.
Zong Ye came out of the bathroom to this scene.
She was quietly leaning against the glass window. Outside was the bustling, prosperous night view, intermingling with the light and shadow inside the room, as illusory as the last bubble on the sea surface. When she turned her head at the sound, her black hair swayed, her neck forming a straight, white line.
Zong Ye’s motion of drying his hair paused.
Jiang Chuyi saw that his hair was still dripping and couldn’t help but remind him: “You should use a hair dryer to dry your hair. A towel won’t dry it completely, and you’ll get a headache when you sleep later.”
Zong Ye: “Okay.”
It was already early autumn. He bent down to pick up the remote control and lowered the room temperature by several degrees.
After adjusting it, Zong Ye handed the blanket from the bed to Jiang Chuyi: “If you’re cold, cover yourself with this.”
Jiang Chuyi was helpless.
How much did he like this little rabbit blanket to bring it everywhere…
Secretly watching Zong Ye sit at the head of the bed drying his hair, Jiang Chuyi thought, he really was a rare, very gentlemanly and courteous man.
Originally, when he brought her to the room and said he wanted to take a shower first, Jiang Chuyi felt somewhat uncomfortable.
After all, a man and a woman alone in a hotel room, plus the shower element… the sexual implications were too much.
She had mentally prepared herself, but Zong Ye was very considerate of boundaries. He really just took a simple shower, and after finishing, he didn’t wear the provocative hotel bathrobe, but changed into a normal T-shirt and long pants, not much different from how he dressed at home.
Jiang Chuyi really had thought ill of a gentleman.
After drying his hair, Zong Ye opened his playlist and sat beside her: “Want to listen to some music?”
“Sure.” Jiang Chuyi smiled, “Let’s listen to your songs.”
“Our songs?” Zong Ye tilted his head and thought for a moment, “They might not be suitable to play now.”
He scrolled through the playlist and asked: “Whose songs do you want to hear? Jay Chou?”
Jiang Chuyi immediately thought of his amazing singing in Guangzhou.
She propped herself up, leaned over, and randomly selected an English playlist from the daily recommendations.
After dark, the city’s colorful scenery was best viewed from a dimly lit place, so the main lights in the room were turned off. Jiang Chuyi leaned by the window, with Zong Ye sitting beside her.
As if to start a casual conversation, Zong Ye asked: “Chuyi, have you known Bu Xiangchen for a long time?”
“Somewhat, after all, I debuted early, so I know quite a few people in the industry. I had a screen couple CP with him for a while, but we’re not very close in private.”
“Is that so?” Zong Ye said in a low voice, “But he calls you Little Yi.”
Jiang Chuyi’s voice was hesitant, “I don’t know either, he just seems to be quite familiar with everyone.”
Realizing he seemed to mind Bu Xiangchen a lot, Jiang Chuyi found it strange, “Did you not like him before?”
Zong Ye lowered his eyes, forcing a smile, “I don’t like him much.”
How could he tell her?
He didn’t just dislike him.
Not even just hating him.
He loathed this person.
When he could only hopelessly watch her, he equally hated everyone in this world who could talk to her.
Jiang Chuyi tried to cheer him up: “If you don’t like him, I’ll talk to him less in the future, okay?”
Zong Ye: “Okay.”
Seeing his mood was still low, Jiang Chuyi thought, could Zong Ye be jealous of her previous rumors with Bu Xiangchen? But he should understand the industry’s hype tactics better than her…
Jiang Chuyi tentatively said, “Don’t be upset anymore, or should I give you a hug?”
Hearing this, Zong Ye opened his arms, leaning against the wall, as if quietly waiting for her initiative.
Their side-by-side sitting position against the wall made hugging a bit difficult.
Just as Jiang Chuyi was wondering how to maneuver, Zong Ye said: “Do you want to sit on my lap?”
Jiang Chuyi: “…”
The ambiguity and courage bred by the night made Jiang Chuyi much bolder. She lifted the blanket off her legs and straddled Zong Ye’s lap.
Kneeling with her legs on either side of his waist, Jiang Chuyi reached out, actively leaning in to hug him tightly.
She felt his knee bend slightly.
His hands moved patiently on her back.
After hugging for a while, Jiang Chuyi straightened up, “Feeling better now?”
“No,” Zong Ye looked into her eyes in the darkness, “I still want you to kiss me.”
Remembering how Zong Ye had tormented her in the classroom, she deliberately kissed his earlobe, “Is this how you want to be kissed? Like how you teased me this afternoon.”
As expected, Zong Ye’s brows furrowed, his body instantly tensing up.
“What else?” he asked.
Jiang Chuyi deliberately said: “I don’t remember.”
He looked her over and said very calmly: “Then let me demonstrate for you again.”
In a whirl, Jiang Chuyi quickly found herself lying on the blanket.
Zong Ye pressed down, covered her mouth, and kissed from behind her ear to her neck, gently biting back and forth along that taut, slender line.
“Mmm…”
It became increasingly chaotic, a strange ticklish sensation spreading throughout her body. Jiang Chuyi’s feet kicked randomly, and before she felt like she was losing oxygen, she forcefully pulled his hand away.
“What’s wrong?” Zong Ye propped his elbow by her ear, his tone husky, “Do you remember now?”
Their breathing rhythms intertwined, both quite messy. Jiang Chuyi’s chest heaved as she imitated his actions, kissing his neck in return.
Almost immediately, Zong Ye’s hand clenched tightly.
Whether it was for revenge or her own desire, Jiang Chuyi bit the small rouge mole on his neck.
This action made Zong Ye shiver slightly, his whole body going limp on top of her.
After biting a few times, Jiang Chuyi finally came to her senses.
Zong Ye lay on the fuzzy blanket like a deflated big cat, all his strength drained. He bit the rabbit ear on the blanket, trying hard to control something, but still unable to hide the unsteady gasps from his throat.
“Are you okay…” Jiang Chuyi poked him.
Zong Ye didn’t respond.
He panted for a while, released the rabbit ear, opened his eyes, and stared straight at her, as if looking at a child who didn’t know their own strength and liked to play games.
After staring at her for who knows how long, Zong Ye said in a low voice, “Chuyi, I’m sorry.”
Jiang Chuyi was confused: “What?”
His palm pressed against the wall, “I’m going to kiss you now.”
