The Forty-Seventh Star
Jiang Chuyi was stunned, suddenly at a loss for words.
Zong Ye stared directly at her, “What’s wrong?”
Jiang Chuyi turned over, lifting the blanket to burrow inside, moving her face off-screen, “It’s nothing, just that sometimes you say things so suddenly, I can’t keep up.”
Zong Ye fell silent, choosing not to continue the previous topic.
Having had some alcohol in the evening, Jiang Chuyi lay in bed, quickly feeling drowsy. She chatted intermittently with Zong Ye, her eyelids heavy, when she heard from the phone, “Chuyi, good night, see you next week.”
*
The star-studded “Zero Degrees” Fashion Charity Gala was held in early winter of November.
As one of the top five fashion magazines in the country, “Zero Degrees” editor-in-chief had extensive connections in celebrity circles. The annual charity gala not only invited some socialites and successful figures to lend support, but the remaining guests were also this year’s popular young actresses and actors from the entertainment industry, as well as various supermodels and film and television stars.
With hundreds of celebrities and performers, handsome men and beautiful women gathered en masse. It was quite a star-studded gathering of nearly half the entertainment industry. From the outer venue to the inner hall, the entire event was live-streamed, especially the red carpet segment, which was followed in real-time on hot searches, subject to public scrutiny.
Male stars mostly wore suits, while the main focus was on female celebrities competing in beauty, each unwilling to be outdone, striving to outshine one another. Studios took turns releasing photos, trying every means to grab headlines, with hot searches like “Fairy Descends to Earth” and “Princess on the Run” emerging in quick succession.
Jiang Chuyi’s looks weren’t of the aggressive type, often described as having delicate features untouched by worldly cares. She was very clear about her own position, knowing that when invited to such large-scale events, she generally couldn’t escape being outshone by various female stars, or becoming someone’s background.
Recently, there had been quite a buzz about Jiang Chuyi. To keep a low profile, she chose a modest strapless gown, a black floral dress with satin and tulle patchwork, without much additional embellishment. Her hairstyle was also her usual long, straight, gentle look.
The temperature was low today. Jiang Chuyi took a moment to adjust before restraining her shivering body in the cold wind, striving to maintain a smile as she walked onto the red carpet, stopping in front of the sea of reporters and media.
After answering a few questions from the hosts and having her photo taken, Jiang Chuyi took a pen and signed her name on the display board before being led into the inner venue by the staff.
This time, the inner venue seating consisted of several long sofas. Jiang Chuyi sat in the leftmost edge position of the fifth row in Zone A.
Sitting next to her was Chen Yi.
The two hadn’t seen each other for a long time. Chen Yi excitedly pinched her, “What have you been busy with lately? You’ve completely disappeared.”
“Nothing much.”
As Chen Yi was quietly gossiping with her, the clamor in the venue suddenly increased, with consecutive screams mainly coming from the fan area.
Most celebrities reflexively turned their heads.
Sure enough, it was those four from BloodxGentle again. Wherever they went, frenzied cheers followed like shadows.
When they walked in, the momentum was overwhelming. Jiang Chuyi had seen many grand scenes over the past year or so, so she was used to it, and more composed than others. She just glanced from afar, then withdrew her gaze and sat up straight.
“Saw someone and your heart fluttered, huh?” Chen Yi nudged her shoulder.
Jiang Chuyi shook her head, “No.”
Seeing her unnatural expression, Chen Yi found it strange, “Did you two have a fight?”
“No.”
“Are you going to tell me or not?”
Jiang Chuyi obviously couldn’t say.
Chen Yi discreetly reached out a hand and started tickling her.
Jiang Chuyi couldn’t stand this, dodging and blocking while laughing and pleading, “Can you please mind your image? We’re in public, there are cameras filming.”
As the two were horsing around, Chen Yi’s movements suddenly stopped.
Or rather, everyone in this row stopped their chatting and laughter, their gazes intentionally or unintentionally glancing behind Jiang Chuyi.
Chen Yi gave her a meaningful look, and Jiang Chuyi looked up.
Wang Tan raised his hand to her, grinning in greeting.
Zong Ye stopped beside her, smiling openly like meeting a good friend, “Hi, Chuyi.”
Jiang Chuyi’s heart skipped a beat. After a few seconds, she stood up and greeted him politely.
He lowered his gaze, appraising her outfit today, “You look beautiful today.”
Jiang Chuyi answered honestly, “Thank you.”
“Aren’t you cold wearing so little?”
“It’s okay.” Jiang Chuyi showed him the hand warmer in her hand, “I have this.”
“If you’re cold, ask the staff for a jacket.”
Jiang Chuyi continued nodding: “I know.”
As they chatted, the surrounding people’s gazes met, never stopping their glances in this direction.
Zong Ye knew many people were watching him. He didn’t stay too long, calmly chatting with her for a couple of sentences before walking to his seat in the front row.
As soon as Jiang Chuyi sat down, Chen Yi immediately leaned to her ear, “Damn, your husband looks so handsome today.”
“Don’t say such things in public.”
Chen Yi wore an expression of having witnessed something juicy, “He’s even taking time to chat with you? He must really love you. How far have you two gone?”
Jiang Chuyi’s voice was as faint as a mosquito: “Kissing.”
Chen Yi probed teasingly: “How’s the top star’s kissing skills? Did it make you swoon?”
Jiang Chuyi’s gaze fell distantly ahead, not responding.
This was their first meeting since that night.
Although they had video called many times, seeing him in person again still made her feel a bit nervous…
Zong Ye’s public and private personas really gave her a sense of disconnect. Compared to when they were alone, Zong Ye in public was a completely different person. At the star-studded gala, he was at the center of attention, putting on his handsome and gentle perfect mask again, becoming that well-dressed, admired, and pursued big star.
No one could imagine he had such a decadent and indulgent other side.
……
……
About half an hour later, the charity gala officially began, with the “Zero Degrees” editor-in-chief giving an opening speech.
Under the deliberate arrangement of the organizers, undercurrents surged throughout the gala. For instance, the popular young actresses were all seated together, with only one person between Xin He and Chi Mengyue, yet the two never glanced at each other once. There were also awkward encounters between exes and current partners, with many people’s stiff expressions worth savoring.
As this year’s popular CP, Zong Ye and Jiang Chuyi couldn’t escape either. When the host was reading the script and came to the phrase “love at first sight”, they deliberately paused, emphasizing the words. The director also understood, immediately cutting the camera to Jiang Chuyi and Zong Ye.
Everyone present was shrewd, and some even applauded in cooperation.
Zong Ye leaned back in his chair, looking towards the big screen with a faint smile on his face.
These scenes all made netizens watching outside exclaim how exciting it was.
Over the years on the red carpet, the audience has been very strict in judging the state of female celebrities, especially popular young actresses, and their comments have been quite sharp.
[Chi Mengyue’s face looks so dry and haggard, did she not get enough hydrating injections? How dare she buy five or six hot searches to praise herself as a fairy…]
[Blessed but unaware, Xin He, do you know what this phrase means? It’s talking about some people who have already gained weight but pretend not to know]
[Jiang Chuyi is really still an amateur even after ten years in the industry. How did Zong Ye fall for her? It’s so puzzling…]
All of Zong Ye’s fans were on high alert, constantly patrolling the plaza. As soon as someone discussed his red carpet look today, they would start with the triple warning of “Don’t Hate Too Much”, “Who’s Popular Now”, and “My Brother Is About to Kill on Douyin”.
This month, with BloodxGentle’s fifth anniversary album release, Zong Ye’s solo fans and the Yi Jian Zong Qing CP fans battled for three days and nights over chart rankings, with the solo fans ultimately gaining the upper hand.
So the CP fans could only stay in their main super topic to indulge in their fantasies for now.
[The world is in turmoil, but YiJianZongQing remains stable and in love]
[When BloodxGentle was signing on the display board during the red carpet, someone in the press group shouted “YiJianZongQing”, and a certain someone immediately turned around. Does he really care that much…]
[That segment in the inner venue was also great for shipping… Especially when the host was cueing YiJianZongQing, many people’s expressions below were very subtle, especially those from BloodxGentle. They were all looking at Zong Ye, it feels like many people in the industry know they’re dating, right?! The way Zong Ye smiled was really telling, and he even secretly applauded when the host cued them… Why does a top star care so much about his CP name?? It feels like Zong Ye is at the level of wanting to personally repost CP Weibo posts and secretly indulge in it… It’s really crazy and obsessive, you know what I mean?]
[There’s also tonight’s iconic moment, Zong Ye actively seeking out his wife to chat… So many people were watching, and he knows how fiercely we’re fighting with the toxic solo fans right now. The variety show has ended, and according to the normal process, they should start unbinding now. Even if they have a good relationship in private, they should definitely avoid suspicion in public, but Mr. Zong just went to find Chuyi so openly. He really loves her so much]
[I don’t know if anyone noticed, but when BloodxGentle was performing on stage, there was a shot of Chuyi whispering with Chen Yi. Doesn’t it give you that feeling of a boyfriend performing on stage while the best friend is gossiping on the side…]
……
……
After the gala went through a series of procedures and handed out several charity awards, all the stars went on stage for a group photo. With a bang, confetti fell from the sky, covering everyone, and the live broadcast came to an end.
Chen Yi was chatting idly with her acquaintances in the circle, while Jiang Chuyi stood beside her waiting, looking at the stage below in boredom.
Seeing someone approaching from the corner of her eye, Jiang Chuyi didn’t move, restraining herself from looking in that direction.
As the event was dispersing, people around were shaking hands and exchanging greetings. Zong Ye made his way over, with different people greeting him along the way. Just as he reached her side, he was called by the editor-in-chief of “Zero Degrees”.
They were close enough that their conversation fell entirely within Jiang Chuyi’s earshot.
“Zero Degrees” was a men’s magazine that had been collaborating quite a bit with BloodxGentle in recent years. The two chatted intermittently about work for a while, then the editor-in-chief changed the subject, mentioning that she had a female friend who wanted his contact information. Her words were full of implicit meaning. Zong Ye politely declined with a smile.
Jiang Chuyi stood in place, about to ask Chen Yi when they were leaving, when suddenly someone touched her hand.
She couldn’t help but turn her head to look.
Zong Ye leaned in slightly, as if trying to hear the editor-in-chief more clearly, still wearing a natural social smile, not looking in her direction at all.
But his hand touched hers unerringly, making subtle physical contact.
Jiang Chuyi moved a little further away.
*
After changing out of her gown in the backstage dressing room, Jiang Chuyi put on her down jacket and got into the car returning to the airport.
On the way to the airport, the car passed through a traffic light intersection and turned into a quiet spot before stopping.
Little Zhong turned from the front passenger seat and reminded her, “We’re here, sis.”
Jiang Chuyi made a sound of acknowledgment, hesitated for a moment, but still opened the door and got out.
She walked a few steps forward and got into another van.
Zong Ye was on the phone. He made eye contact with her and switched his phone from his left hand to his right.
Ah Xi and the driver got out of the car and walked to a distance to smoke.
For a moment, there were only two people left in the car.
Zong Ye was still on the phone, staring at her intently.
Jiang Chuyi couldn’t help but shift her body, pressing close to the car door, putting some distance between them.
When the call ended, the car suddenly became quiet.
She took the initiative to speak, “Who were you talking to?”
“My manager.”
“Oh…”
Zong Ye: “She said she’s only giving me half an hour.”
Meaning they only needed to be alone for half an hour. Jiang Chuyi relaxed.
Her little thoughts were too obvious, all written on her face.
Zong Ye was silent for a few seconds, understanding her meaning, the curve of his lips slowly disappearing.
He opened and closed his mouth a few times, lowering his voice in a show of weakness: “Chuyi, are you still very afraid of me?”
Jiang Chuyi stiffened for a moment, lacking confidence as she said: “Not really…”
In fact, not having seen him for a long time, she missed him quite a bit too.
But that night had left such a vivid impression on her that when she was alone with Zong Ye again, Jiang Chuyi reflexively wanted to stay far away.
“I’m sorry, Chuyi.” Zong Ye smiled a little. “It’s just that I haven’t seen you for a long time and I missed you a bit. If you feel uncomfortable being with me, you can leave first, it’s okay. I’ll wait for you to slowly get used to it.”
“Huh?” Jiang Chuyi was a bit confused by his words. “It’s not that serious.”
Zong Ye averted his gaze, no longer looking at her, and didn’t respond.
Jiang Chuyi’s heart sank a little, and she carefully spoke again, “You’ve misunderstood me. It’s not that I don’t want to see you, it’s just…”
“Chuyi, I won’t force you to do anything.”
Having just attended the gala, Zong Ye still had that glamorous appearance. But at this moment, facing her, he completely lacked that composed demeanor he had during social interactions, and even looked quite dejected and uneasy.
Jiang Chuyi bit her lip, finally unable to help saying: “Why are you looking so miserable? It’s as if I’ve bullied you.”
After a pause, she continued: “You were clearly too much last time. Shouldn’t I be the one feeling wronged? Now, now you’re making it seem like I did something wrong. Are you trying to turn the tables on me?”
Having opened up, Jiang Chuyi finally poured out all the words that had been stuck in her heart for a long time: “And, when you said kissing, I thought it would be normal kissing.”
At this point, Jiang Chuyi found it a bit difficult to continue, and said in a muffled tone: “Although you did warn me, who knew you would kiss like that, for so long, until dawn, and still wouldn’t let me go. It’s normal that I’m a bit scared now, isn’t it?”
She rambled on with accusations, and Zong Ye listened patiently without getting angry at all.
After she finished venting, he thought for a while and apologized very sincerely: “Chuyi, it’s my fault. I didn’t control myself well.”
Hearing this, Jiang Chuyi glanced at him.
Zong Ye’s eyes were moist, “I went too far and scared you. It’s my fault.”
Zong Ye knew his advantages too well.
Once he used his gentle low voice to talk to her, it inexplicably gave people a sense of security. Most importantly, his appearance was too deceptive. His features were delicate and handsome, with a pair of eyes that attracted love, long eyelashes, gentle and affectionate.
Just looking at him a few more times would make one’s heart race.
She was very ungracious, her anger dissipating by half.
In most cases, Zong Ye could control his emotions very steadily, treating her gently and politely. Just like now, after Jiang Chuyi’s little outburst, he was still so good-tempered, making her feel less afraid of him again.
She didn’t understand why Zong Ye would change his personality so dramatically. Maybe she would never understand, or maybe she would understand someday.
— On the day she falls deeply in love with Zong Ye, Jiang Chuyi might understand that love often comes with a strong desire for destruction. Only when she loves him will she realize that shallow affection is only enough to quench thirst temporarily. To be completely possessed by him, to be thoroughly destroyed, is what brings peace of mind.
……
……
The warm air and their breaths fogged up the car windows. It wasn’t clear who initiated it, but they were quietly holding hands.
Their fingers intertwined, with Zong Ye not using any force at all.
His fingertips caressed the back of her hand, the touch as light as a feather.
Jiang Chuyi muttered, “If only you could always be this gentle.”
Zong Ye: “Chuyi, my gentleness towards you will never change. It’s just that sometimes, I feel too insecure.”
Jiang Chuyi didn’t soften at his words, instead pointing out the flaw: “When you kissed me, you weren’t gentle at all. You didn’t act like a good person.”
Zong Ye smiled, “What kind of kissing style do you prefer?”
“How am I supposed to tell you that?”
He asked with confusion: “Then can you demonstrate it for me?”
“I’m not demonstrating for you.” Jiang Chuyi’s ears turned red, with a hint of suspicion, “Who knows if you’ll do the same as last time?”
Zong Ye looked at her, and as he kept looking, he let go of her hand.
Jiang Chuyi glanced at him.
He leaned against the backrest, loosened his collar, and his even, slender fingers grasped his tie’s knot, gently pulling it down. He lowered his head slightly and removed the tie from his neck.
Not expecting this, Jiang Chuyi stared at him in confusion.
Under her curious gaze, Zong Ye leisurely tied a knot with the black tie, then crossed his wrists and slipped them through. His fingers then circled around, picking up the end of the tie, tightening it, completing the self-binding.
After finishing this series of actions, Zong Ye turned his head, “Chuyi, I may not be a good person, but like this, I can’t touch you.”
Jiang Chuyi: “…”
Zong Ye handed the other end of the tie to her, asking very sincerely: “Now, can you teach me?”
