When the Stars Tremble

The Fifty-Fourth Star

Jiang Chuyi’s chin was held firmly, forcing her to turn and face Zong Ye. She actually listened to his answer seriously for two seconds. Using her last bit of strength, she punched his chest, “Vulgar.”

Zong Ye didn’t dodge at all, lovingly catching her hand and nuzzling close to her ear, “Mm, I’m vulgar.”

As he spoke, his hand slid down her soft body again, passing over her spine, his middle finger slightly curled.

Jiang Chuyi shuddered and rolled away.

Her calf brushed against the slick wetness on the sheets. Her face flushed as she realized what it was. She tried to move to another spot, only to find that the rumpled bed was covered in… everywhere.

She was in such a disheveled state of passion that she hadn’t noticed Zong Ye’s clothes were still properly on. Except for the flush at the corners of his eyes and a small cut on his lip, everything else about him was normal.

Jiang Chuyi suddenly struggled, “I don’t want to lie here anymore.”

Zong Ye smiled.

He picked her up horizontally and placed her in the soft bean bag chair.

Jiang Chuyi hugged her legs, resting her chin on her knees, watching as Zong Ye methodically removed the sheets, duvet cover, and pillowcases, then took out a new set from the nearby cabinet to replace them.

“Do you want me to help you take a bath?”

Jiang Chuyi tiredly shook her head.

Zong Ye picked up his phone to check the time – it was already 3 AM. He looked at her for a moment, then called Wen Shu, “Are you all still drinking outside?”

“Yeah, what’s up?”

“Can you help me with something? Bring over a set of clean clothes.”

“Your girlfriend needs to change?”

“Mm.”

After a while, there was a knock at the door. Zong Ye went to open it, taking the clothes Wen Shu handed over, “Thanks.”

“Tsk, is it over already?” Wen Shu laughed mischievously, trying to peek over his shoulder into the room.

Zong Ye was always tight-lipped about these matters. He shifted slightly, blocking her view.

Wen Shu glared at him, “I came late and haven’t met your girlfriend yet. Can’t I say hello?”

Zong Ye’s expression remained unchanged, “It’s not a good time now. Another day.”

Wen Shu clicked her tongue.

…

…

After showering and lying back down on the clean bed, Jiang Chuyi finally felt the effects of alcohol and fatigue washing over her.

She put down her phone after playing with it for two minutes.

She didn’t know how much time had passed when the pitter-patter of water in the bathroom stopped.

The room fell into darkness, and the mattress dipped slightly beside her. She was pulled into a damp embrace.

The cool chill on his body made Jiang Chuyi shiver, bringing her mind to clarity. She felt his arm to confirm, “Did you take a cold shower?”

“Mm.”

To need such a long cold shower, the purpose was obvious… Jiang Chuyi recalled their recent intimate encounter, where Zong Ye had been the one giving most of the “output,” leaving her defenseless and unable to pay attention to anything else…

Jiang Chuyi mumbled, “Actually, I could have helped you too.”

“How would you have helped me?”

She swallowed her embarrassment, “Well… with my hand… or…”

Zong Ye closed his eyes slightly, nuzzling her neck affectionately with the tip of his nose, “Chuyi, you’re so lewd.”

Jiang Chuyi was taken aback.

Who’s the lewd one here?! The two things she mentioned were all learned from him. While she was still innocently fantasizing about a tender romance, he had already physically introduced her to the bottomless other side of this world.

Jiang Chuyi was never good at arguing. Even though she had many rebuttals, after mulling them over in her mind several times, she could only clumsily retort, “Fine, I’m lewd. You’re the purest of them all.”

Zong Ye said nothing, just laughed, then opened his mouth and bit her shoulder.

Once he started biting, he couldn’t stop.

At first, Jiang Chuyi thought it was just “post-intimacy cuddling” and endured it, but later she felt like he was truly biting her to vent, even leaving teeth marks. She winced in pain, getting a bit annoyed, “Why are you suddenly biting me?”

His voice lowered even more, mixed with panting murmurs, “Because Chuyi is too adorable.”

Because she was too adorable, Zong Ye had no resistance. Loving her required restraint, but restraint made him suffer, so he couldn’t help but bully her. In psychology, there’s a term called “cute aggression.” When seeing something too likable, the urge to be cruel seems like the body’s self-defense mechanism, using harm to forcefully counteract this love, preventing oneself from losing control completely.

…

…

Meeting his friends was just a formality. Zong Ye only wanted to be alone with Jiang Chuyi, disliking anything or anyone that diverted even a bit of her attention. In this enclosed space, she could only look at him, only listen to him speak, relying on him to personally take care of her dressing, eating, and drinking.

Zong Ye felt immensely satisfied.

Jiang Chuyi hadn’t expected that when she next walked out of that room at 23 Epoch, it would be the following day.

She rushed back to Suzhou for filming, her legs weak, feeling like her bones were about to fall apart, dozing off in the car.

Fortunately, Zong Ye knew his limits, aware that her skin was delicate and easily marked. His kisses weren’t as intense as they had been at the hotel. But he had tortured her in many other ways, bringing her pleasure and agony… Jiang Chuyi had been half-resisting, half-yielding, repeatedly having her limits pushed. By the end, she had given up, left with only one phrase in her mind: what a mess this circle is.

*

A phenomenon-level top star’s suicidal public announcement of a relationship, leaving no room for retreat, was both shocking and puzzling. This incident had far-reaching implications, with online public opinion continuously exploding.

Over the past year, rumors about Zong Ye and Jiang Chuyi had been rampant, frequently topping hot search headlines, causing much controversy, and even triggering a century-defining fan war. Who knew it would reach its grand finale so quickly—the male star permanently retiring from the industry with an apology, effectively quelling the storm.

The fan circles endlessly debated whether “Zong Ye should retire for love.” A certain internet celebrity shared their view:

[Everyone’s love is limited, and celebrities are people too, so their love is also limited. Going public with the relationship is Zong Ye’s explanation to his fans; retiring with an apology is his commitment to love, nothing more.]

The “YijianZongqing” CP fans collectively went into a frenzy, their ranks swelling at an unprecedented rate. Who would have thought that a casual comment about “bullying the entertainment industry” made while gossiping would now become a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Overnight, all videos related to the two skyrocketed in popularity on ranking lists, with clips from “Shining Stars” completely dominating Bilibili.

Although even passersby were writing thousand-word essays discussing this matter with genuine emotions, hardly any celebrities in the industry dared to express their opinions. Both CP fans and solo fans had become untouchable groups now, fearing that one wrong word could lead to huge trouble. The only one who dared to repost Zong Ye’s Weibo at this critical moment was a certain “true character Rapper.”

@Zhao Guangyu: Fuck the world, love is innocent!

…

…

On the day Jiang Chuyi returned to work, as soon as she walked onto the set, the whole place fell silent.

She received respectful gazes from all directions.

After all, Zong Ye’s image as a proper and elegant male celebrity was deeply ingrained in people’s hearts. Now, to go to such extremes for her was unimaginable…

During breaks between scenes, several co-stars came to ask her about Zong Ye’s situation. Jiang Chuyi couldn’t say much and could only respond vaguely.

In the evening, back at the hotel, Jiang Chuyi finished memorizing the next day’s lines and finally found time to return Chen Yi’s call.

Chen Yi exploded, “Such a big thing happened, and you’re playing a disappearing act? Not even replying to my messages, are you trying to worry me to death?”

Jiang Chuyi explained, “I’ve been with Zong Ye these past two days.”

Chen Yi asked very tactfully, “Is Zong Ye really planning to… you know… not continue in the future?”

“Probably, he won’t make a comeback.”

The voice on the other end of the phone disappeared, silent for a full half minute. Chen Yi said in disbelief, “Really, Jiang Chuyi, I feel like I’m out of touch. I can’t believe there’s actually such a man in this world, there’s actually such a fucking man… You two aren’t even married yet, how does that make sense?”

Jiang Chuyi: “…”

Chen Yi’s heart was in turmoil as she remarked, “Although I feel bad for Zong Ye’s fans, as your friend, I think him quitting the industry is damn cool.”

Jiang Chuyi’s tone was low, “I actually don’t want him to quit.”

“Try to look on the bright side. If he doesn’t quit, as long as you’re still dating, you’ll keep getting criticized. You know how strict the entertainment industry is on female celebrities now. With him quitting, there might be some controversy for a while, but it’s better than you being constantly criticized. It’s a clean break.”

“I know, you don’t need to comfort me.”

After finishing the call with Chen Yi, Jiang Chuyi lay on her side in bed, touching her chest, feeling empty. She had spent two carefree days with Zong Ye in Shanghai, his hugs and kisses leaving her with no mind to think of anything else. Now, back on set and alone, she felt the stark contrast of being surrounded by reality.

Jiang Chuyi tossed and turned, then sat up and sent a message to Zong Ye.

Jiang Chuyi: “Poke poke”
Jiang Chuyi: “Are you asleep? What are you doing? I miss you a bit”
Zong Ye: “Still in a meeting at the company. Want me to visit you on set tomorrow?”
Jiang Chuyi: “Never mind, when I see you now, my brain doesn’t work properly. How can I focus on acting?”

Zong Ye sent a voice message.

She played it on speaker, holding the phone to her ear. It was still that low, sultry voice that could melt half her ear, “Are you flirting with me, Chuyi?”

Jiang Chuyi shamelessly listened to it several times.

How terrible… she felt she was becoming hopeless… how could just hearing Zong Ye’s voice make her heart race?

*

On June 15th, Zong Ye announced his retirement from the industry. After that day, YijianZongqing rapidly rose to become the top CP in the entertainment industry, officially entering its golden age with an unshakeable position.

With the male half no longer in the industry, all CP fans were “forcibly” purified to support the female half. Although Jiang Chuyi didn’t follow the path of a traffic-driven artist, her popularity now seemed to surpass Chi Mengyue and Xin He. All endorsements and magazine features were almost sold out overnight, and her super topic skyrocketed to number one among female celebrities.

This devastating way of going public took fan torture to new heights.

CP fans no longer argued with Zong Ye’s solo fans, and even when provoked by their former biggest enemies, they collectively chose to swallow their pride and stay silent. Even when toxic solo fans cursed, they turned a blind eye and quietly defended Jiang Chuyi online.

But only “Zong Ye’s fans” received such preferential treatment. Apart from them, CP fans treated all other fan groups equally, tearing into them mercilessly like autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves. Whether it was fans of Zong Ye’s former rivals or anti-fans, whoever came out to provoke them was met with full battle power, verbally destroying the opposition.

With Jiang Chuyi’s sudden rise to fame, Gao Ning sat in the Kaijun Building, feeling like money was falling from the sky. Countless work invitations poured in, overwhelming them. The conference room phone had been ringing off the hook for weeks.

Gao Ning called every other day, but Jiang Chuyi’s attitude hadn’t softened at all. From beginning to end, she maintained her original stance: “No red carpets, no variety shows, no interviews, just focus on filming movies.”

Gao Ning was nearly spitting blood with frustration, raging on the other end of the phone: “It’s such a good opportunity, you need to seize it! Can you stop being so stubborn?”

Jiang Chuyi calmly replied: “The attention I’m getting now is because Zong Ye quit the industry. I just want to do my own work well, I don’t want to profit from our relationship after he’s left the industry.”

Gao Ning didn’t understand: “But Zong Ye has already quit, whether you use this popularity or not, him quitting is already a fact. Since things are like this anyway, why don’t you seize this opportunity to climb up?”

“I am already trying to climb up, but my understanding of career success might be different from yours.” Jiang Chuyi, tired of her pestering, had to use her trump card, “Gao Ning, if I remember correctly, my contract with Kaijun is about to expire, isn’t it?”

After a long silence, Gao Ning hung up the phone.

…

…

In early August, during the final shoot of “Qiao Shu,” Zong Ye came to visit the set.

Everyone on the crew, from actors and directors to scene managers and other staff, received a gift. In addition, visiting relatives were provided with several food trucks, fully stocked with ice, watermelon, coffee, milk tea, and desserts.

The scorching summer seemed to be melting the air, with cicadas singing incessantly. Under the blue sunshade of the tree’s shadow, a slim, long-legged man leaned against a table, his foot propped against the crossbar, talking to the producer.

Passersby couldn’t help but stare.

Jiang Chuyi took quite some effort to get into character.

While touching up her makeup, she glanced towards the sunshade.

There were many people between them.

Zong Ye had a slight smile on his lips. His body proportions were so good that he looked great in any clothes. He was a pleasing sight no matter where he stood.

Jiang Chuyi looked once, then looked again.

The makeup artist teased her, “Teacher Chuyi, is your husband too charming? Have you lost focus on work?”

Jiang Chuyi coughed, pretending to be calm as she averted her gaze, “It’s fine…”

After finishing the scene, Jiang Chuyi led a young actress from the crew to find Zong Ye.

Not having seen each other for a while, they both froze a bit when their eyes met.

The little girl cautiously hid behind Jiang Chuyi, one hand clutching her skirt, eyes fixed on Zong Ye, “Hello, big brother.”

After speaking, she buried her face tightly against Jiang Chuyi’s waist.

Zong Ye smiled gently, crouching down with his elbows on his knees to be at eye level with her, “Hello.”

Jiang Chuyi patted her head, asking softly, “Yueyue, didn’t you want to talk to the big brother? Why are you shy now?”

Zong Ye was very patient, his voice gentle: “What did Yueyue want to tell me?”

Yueyue blinked her big grape-like eyes, “You are… sister Chuyi’s boyfriend.”

“That’s right.”

Yueyue looked to Jiang Chuyi for help: “I want big brother to blow bubbles with me.”

Jiang Chuyi laughed, tilting her chin, “Then why don’t you ask him if he agrees?”

…

…

Not far away, someone secretly raised their phone to capture this scene.

Jiang Chuyi crouched next to the little girl, Zong Ye held the bubble wand for her, and Yueyue puffed out her cheeks, gently blowing. Colorful bubbles floated slowly towards the sky in the sunlight.

That night, the YijianZongqing super topic reposted an entry from a Douban entertainment group – New Sighting

Guagua: Secretly coming to spill some tea, relatives visited the set today, and the feeling of shipping this CP on-site was too good… The two of them were so sweet and gentle, and for some reason, the young couple seemed so pure, like they were shy even just looking at each other… So pure T.T They were playing with a little girl from the crew, really looked like a family of three, wuwuwu. Zong Ye kept stealing glances at Jiang Chuyi, I was about to faint from the sweetness… Zong Ye is so handsome in person, ahhhh… The kind of handsome that’s beyond words. The moment he took off his sunglasses and showed his face, I nearly passed out, I was so struck! He’s also super low-key and polite, very considerate, actively bringing us water and ice… But when a friend went to ask for his autograph, they were politely refused, so heartbreaking…

[Are there any pictures? I’m half dead, urgently need new sugar to save my life, how can I live without pictures?]

[Just hearing the description makes me dizzy with excitement… Love it, like it so much, post more… My mental state needs saving… Teacher Chuyi, can you please appear more with your civilian husband? We’ll crowdfund for you to be on a relationship reality show!]

[I hate people who don’t understand YijianZongqing, what terrible taste they have. Quoting Teacher Zhao’s golden words: Fuck the world, love is innocent!]

[I must have done terrible things in my past life to be punished like this in this one. I’m going to recite the Great Compassion Mantra before Buddha, hoping I can see Zongye and Chuyi kiss before I go to hell…]

*

On August 4th, the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, Jiang Chuyi specially changed into a white dress and took Zong Ye to a private cinema owned by Chen Yi’s friend.

Many people were out celebrating today, and they were stuck in traffic in the city center for half an hour.

The streets were filled with flower sellers, making it difficult to move.

As their car was stuck in traffic, the two chatted in the car when an old lady approached.

Zong Ye lowered the window completely and asked, “What’s the matter?”

The old lady took off her basket and offered a few roses, “Would you like to buy flowers for your girlfriend?”

Zong Ye exchanged a glance with Jiang Chuyi, took the flowers from the old lady, opened the car door, and got out to talk with her.

As the tall, handsome man lowered his head to choose flowers, the old lady noticed several girls taking photos of him from a distance. Curious, she asked, “Are you a celebrity? Many people are taking your picture.”

The man smiled gently, answering with a hint of embarrassment, “I’m not a celebrity.”

…

…

As the traffic ahead cleared, Zong Ye looked forward, placing his hand on the steering wheel.

Jiang Chuyi sat in the passenger seat, absentmindedly playing with the flowers in her hand, sneaking glances at the driver from time to time. Maybe it was because they hadn’t seen each other for so long, but she couldn’t seem to get enough of looking at him…

Chen Yi had made arrangements in advance. When they arrived at the private cinema, the receptionist didn’t ask any questions, just smiled and led them inside.

After adjusting the equipment in the room, the young receptionist couldn’t resist asking if she could take a picture with them.

They agreed.

After she left and the door closed, only the two of them remained in the room. The lights dimmed, and the movie’s opening credits began to play, with the classic green dragon logo appearing. Jiang Chuyi took small sips of water and casually called out, “Zong Ye.”

“Hmm?”

“I never noticed before how much you attract people.”

Zong Ye was slightly taken aback.

She looked a bit upset, biting her lip and mumbling softly, “Why did you have to smile so nicely at that other girl just now?”

Realizing she was jealous, realizing… she had developed a sense of possession towards him, Zong Ye paused. An indescribable feeling rose in his heart, both swelling and tingling.

His tone carried a hint of apology as he slowly said, “Then from now on, I won’t smile at others, nor talk to them. If Chuyi isn’t reassured, you can lock me up, so I can only see you, only smile at you, okay?”

Jiang Chuyi: “…”

She fell silent at his morbid words, “It’s not… that serious.”

The atmosphere became strange. The movie had been playing for a few minutes, but no one was really watching it.

Jiang Chuyi put down her water and cleared her throat, “Nevermind, let’s watch the movie.”

Zong Ye made a sound of agreement.

He leaned back in his chair, staring at the big screen, his mind elsewhere. After a while, Zong Ye finally reacted, “Why is it this movie?”

Jiang Chuyi quickly responded: “I asked your friends last time, they said you really like ‘Ago’.”

Her tone couldn’t hide her pride as she pointed at her white dress, “Didn’t you notice? I specially changed into clothes similar to what I wore back then. The lead actress herself is accompanying you to watch it again, how about that? Are you happy?”

Zong Ye was silent for a moment, looking at her deeply.

There was something indescribable in those beautiful eyes that made one’s heart tremble. Jiang Chuyi felt flustered under his gaze, held on for a few seconds, then looked away first.

After a while, she heard him say softly, “Happy.”

Online, people often open threads to evaluate Jiang Chuyi’s appearance.

They say that although she didn’t grow up ugly like some other child stars, her aura always seems bland and unaware of sensuality, her face lacking something, neither seductive nor stunning enough.

But for Zong Ye, every stage of his sexual awakening in his youth was guided by Jiang Chuyi alone. When he didn’t understand anything, he was already inexplicably immersed in Jiang Chuyi’s charm.

Especially in Qin Tong’s hands, she was a perfect work of art. Even in such a melancholic film, when she was only fourteen or fifteen, she still had allure. This allure was peculiar, not immediately apparent, more like flowers seen through mist, hazy and delicate.

Zong Ye wasn’t sure if he was the only one in this world who could be aroused by this art film he had watched countless times.

Jiang Chuyi continued watching the movie, completely unaware of the change in the person beside her.

At the 57-minute mark of “Ago,” the young girl sat on a rock by the sea, her dark hair scattered by the wind, her snow-white legs and dress hem wet from the water.

The movie dialogue was a monologue, with the original voice dubbing. Even after nearly ten years, Jiang Chuyi’s voice hasn’t changed much.

The past and present seemed to flow and intertwine with the waves. The fisherman on the screen and Zong Ye off-screen both quietly listened to her speak.

“I hate how my father looks when he’s drunk, I hate when my mother cries for him, I hate the ditch in front of our house, I hate the smell of seafood, I hate the boys in my class, I hate the physics teacher.”

“Even though I hate many things in this world, hate this ever-changing weather, but—”

Jiang Chuyi leaned close to his ear, using almost the same voice as in the monologue, softly completing the last sentence, “But Zong Ye, I really like you.”