The black star on his earring glittered brilliantly under the glazed lamp, shimmering like the sparks in Ji Xingyu’s phoenix-like eyes, yet it was fleeting, a momentary flash, like a shooting star.
He moved his lips, as if about to say something, but suddenly, crash!, the glass shattered across the floor. Fortunately, no water had been poured yet, so the floor was littered only with shards.
Ji Xingyu realized that his hands were trembling violently; even the cup had slipped from his grasp.
Yu Zhi’s “Be careful” was swallowed by his own throat, never spoken.
Looking up, he saw Ji Xingyu watching him with a complex expression, impossible to read: part surprise, part sorrow, part frustration at the stubbornness he could never fully fix. One thing was certain: his gaze burned steadily, unwavering, never once flicking to the shards on the floor.
“Yu Zhi”
“I realize… your heart really is a little cruel.”
After a long pause, Ji Xingyu drew several deep breaths and slowly spoke.
“Cruel to me, and cruel to yourself.”
He adjusted his emotions, crossed his arms, and continued watching Yu Zhi silently.
“You know perfectly well that even if you refuse, you can never have the person you truly love again.”
“You know perfectly well that the consequence of what you’re doing is that neither of us will gain anything, nothing at all.”
“You know perfectly well… I’d rather not care about that.”
He was willing to tolerate that Yu Zhi still carried feelings for someone else, and still be with him. After all, that other person was in the past, a person who would never, ever return.
How many people in the world would give up the present and the future for someone who exists only in memories? Especially when they already had feelings for the one beside them.
To sacrifice now and tomorrow for the past, such behavior is undeniably foolish.
Yet Yu Zhi did exactly that.
Was he foolish?
Obviously not.
Then there could only be one reason.
— He loved someone else more than himself.
Facing that reality, it would be impossible not to feel discouraged. But Ji Xingyu was only a little disheartened; what weighed more heavily on his mind was another fact:
— This man had personally admitted that he liked him.
After such a long pursuit and repeated rejections, after so much time spent trying to break through, Yu Zhi had finally said it.
He had feelings for him.
He had been moved by him.
Yet even so, he still refused.
Ji Xingyu didn’t know whether to call this man stubborn or hopelessly rigid.
A soft laugh escaped him. He looked up at Yu Zhi again, his eyes a mixture of joy and heartbreak.
Ignoring the shards of glass on the floor, he stepped close to Yu Zhi. Their bodies were closer than normal, almost touching.
“Yu Zhi, do you know what the consequences of this will be?”
Yu Zhi smiled faintly, answering earnestly: “I do.”
That was why he had apologized.
Ji Xingyu stared at him stubbornly.
“So you’d rather disappoint me. You’d rather give up a love and happiness that’s right within reach, just to cling to feelings buried in a grave?”
Yu Zhi remained silent, and in that silence, Ji Xingyu understood his answer.
Ji Xingyu watched him quietly, feeling a faint, creeping pain emerge from somewhere deep inside. It spread in waves, not heavy, but persistent, like an itch that wouldn’t go away.
Yu Zhi’s rejection didn’t just wound Ji Xingyu; it betrayed himself as well.
He apologized to Ji Xingyu, but had he ever apologized to himself?
Ji Xingyu had played countless lives on screen, witnessed innumerable stories of love that transcended life and death, but he had never truly felt it.
Either it seemed exaggerated, or greasy, or insincere.
He didn’t deny that true, life-and-death devotion existed, but this was the first time he had encountered someone like Yu Zhi.
At this very moment, when speaking of that other person, Yu Zhi had shown no trace of grief. Yet he still resolutely refused Ji Xingyu.
What was this?
Ji Xingyu found that no words could express it.
But he could not control what he felt.
“Yu Zhi, do you really think that by saying this, I’ll just give up?”
No. He understood himself, truly feeling his own heart at this instant.
Looking at Yu Zhi like this, he did not feel discouraged. On the contrary, he felt relief, even sweetness, at hearing those words that Yu Zhi actually had feelings. And seeing Yu Zhi so sincere and devoted only made him like him even more.
He would not give up, not only would he not give up, he would press his advantage. If Yu Zhi had never been moved by him, if he had only heard that Yu Zhi had feelings for someone else, maybe he would hesitate, maybe he would falter.
But since Yu Zhi had been stirred, why should he give up?
Yu Zhi looked at him with a helpless smile, then spoke seriously: “I know that too.”
Yet he still said it.
“Not telling you would be unfair.”
Ji Xingyu had the right to know, this was something earned with a genuine heart, a hard-won truth.
It should not be buried. It should not go unnoticed.
Ji Xingyu’s eyes flickered. He looked at Yu Zhi with a mixture of sorrow, indignation, and helplessness, gritting his teeth: “You really are something else!”
Words could never capture the complexity of his emotions.
Why had he fallen for someone like this?
Why did Yu Zhi have to be this kind of person?!
If only he were a little more easygoing, a little more carefree, if only… his seriousness and sincerity were a little less…
Then none of this would have happened!
But of course, it wasn’t like that. Yu Zhi was exactly like this, so infuriatingly steadfast, so undeniably sincere, the kind of person who drove him utterly obsessed, unable to pull away…
Ji Xingyu closed his eyes.
Yu Zhi felt that he had said everything he needed to, so he excused himself and turned to leave.
He had just reached the door when a voice called out from behind: “Yu Zhi!”
He stopped mid-step and turned. Across the threshold, he saw Ji Xingyu’s figure, dimly outlined, wavering in the light.
“Can you… say it again?”
Ji Xingyu’s voice reached him.
Yu Zhi’s reply was calm: “Say what again?”
The edge of Ji Xingyu’s voice sharpened, tinged with frustration: “You know what I want to hear!”
“Or… you don’t dare to say it?”
A challenge, both of them understood the game.
Yu Zhi smiled faintly, moved his lips, and slowly said: “I like you.”
………………
Yu Zhi spoke the words frankly and leaving the show was equally decisive. To show his courtesy, he spoke politely with the show’s director, explaining that he likely wouldn’t be able to continue filming for the remaining episodes.
Terminating the contract required a penalty fee. Since Yu Zhi was willing to pay out of pocket to break the agreement, no one could stop him from leaving.
The director was deeply distressed.
If Yu Zhi had wanted to leave before filming the first episode, it would have only been a mild regret. But now, after seeing Yu Zhi in action on set, his presence, his charisma, his ability to anchor the show, the prospect of losing this invisible yet pivotal main presence was unbearable.
Even more frustrating was that Ji Xingyu’s side also confirmed they wouldn’t continue filming the subsequent episodes. But since he had originally only signed for one, it was somewhat reasonable.
Losing the two biggest names in one stroke, the director feared the show was doomed. Yet, at least both were reliable, they had recommended replacements to keep the show afloat, preventing it from collapsing entirely.
Yet the director still sighed in regret. He had a feeling, a premonition, that the upcoming episodes wouldn’t generate as much buzz as the first.
Ji Xingyu found Yu Zhi. “You don’t have to leave the show. I only signed up for one episode.”
He hadn’t planned to film all the episodes anyway, he didn’t have that kind of time.
His plan had been to extend it one episode at a time, and once he won Yu Zhi over, there would be no need to continue the show at all.
But plans never survive reality.
Yu Zhi hadn’t expected this either. But since the contract had already been terminated, and the penalty paid, he had no intention of continuing to film, it wasn’t necessary.
“See you during the movie promotion,” Ji Xingyu said, turning to leave. He had scripts to pick, a film of the year to shoot.
Now that he knew Yu Zhi had feelings for him, Ji Xingyu wasn’t in such a rush. After all, the person he wanted was right there, he wasn’t going anywhere.
He was confident that Yu Zhi was destined to be his, even if it took a long time.
Yu Zhi, of course, knew that the movie Ji Xingyu meant was 《Evolution》. It had already passed censorship and was waiting for a release schedule. Once the date was confirmed, the promotion period would come quickly.
By then, as the male lead, Yu Zhi would naturally have to join the crew for publicity.
And Ji Xingyu, as the film’s main promotional draw, even though his role wasn’t top-billed, if he wanted to help with promotion, the crew would have no reason to refuse.
Yu Zhi smiled wryly, though he had expected this outcome; it wasn’t surprising.
No matter what Ji Xingyu did, Yu Zhi would continue doing what he needed to do.
The runaway success of 《The Chronicles of Imperial Court》had brought the crew numerous variety show invitations, and Yu Zhi was naturally included. For the next two weeks, most of his time would be spent on these appearances.
《360 Professions》was filmed and broadcast simultaneously. Once the second episode was completed, the first began streaming on all major platforms.
Most trending variety shows at the moment were either lifestyle-focused or talent competitions. 《360 Professions》 barely qualified as lifestyle-adjacent content, but with two major stars supporting it, the show’s initial broadcast immediately generated high interest.
The vast majority of viewers were CP fans, drawn specifically to see the new era brotherly bond of Yu Zhi and Ji Xingyu.
After all, the Pisces CP didn’t give fans nearly enough moments of sweetness. So when a variety show finally offered even a little sugar, who could let that slip by?
The fans thought that even just seeing the two of them in the same frame counted as sugar. And yes, after going through the claims of visiting the set phase, a kind of fleeting, hearsay-based fantasy sugar, they had adopted a Zen attitude: as long as the two appeared together on camera, even if they didn’t speak, even if they were portrayed as a pair of plastic brothers, clever editing alone could satisfy them.
But what they never expected… what did they actually see?
Yu Zhi teaching Ji Xingyu how to pick tea leaves.
Ji Xingyu teasing and playing with Yu Zhi.
Ji Xingyu going for morning runs with Yu Zhi.
Ji Xingyu heading out, and Yu Zhi running through the rain to find him.
…and countless other scenes.
Fans were stunned, collectively screaming at their screens!
⟦ What is this? No editing needed, this is just pure sugar across the entire screen! ⟧
Video bloggers everywhere cursed producer forced bromance, grumbling in frustration: With this much sugar on screen, how were they supposed to edit anything out?
The show’s official Weibo account also became a hotspot. Fans flooded the bullet screens, comment sections, and the official account’s posts with messages like:
⟦ So sweet!!!⟧
Some couldn’t contain themselves:
⟦ This is real, right? It has to be real! Ahhh I can’t handle it!!! They’re really perfect together!!! Lock them down, lock them down, lock them down!!!⟧
A few sharp-eyed fans called it out bluntly:
⟦ You can’t tell if Yu Zhi has feelings for Ji Xingyu, but Ji Xingyu definitely has feelings for Yu Zhi! ⟧
Unfortunately, these genuine-feeling comments were quickly censored by the CP fan moderators.
Rational CP fans argued: ⟦ Just enjoy the sugar, but don’t drag the real people into it. After all, these two are really good friends.⟧
The one with a keen eye for the truth was displeased and shouted angrily:
⟦ Fine if you don’t believe it! ⟧
Only he had seen the reality.
Hmph. He was waiting for the two of them to crash and burn.
The CP fans went wild. Combined with the viewership brought in by the individual fanbases of the two and the other guests, the show skyrocketed to the top three on the rankings and it was still climbing.
Among all the stars, the ones who drew the most attention were, of course, Yu Zhi and Ji Xingyu. Ji Xingyu’s genuine, approachable charm and Yu Zhi’s effortless command of any scene made the audience feel completely at ease—they adored them.
But the CP fan situation got a little complicated.
⟦ I’m reversing the ship! ⟧
⟦ +1 ⟧
⟦ +2 ⟧
⟦ …. ⟧
⟦ +10086! ⟧
⟦ +∞! ⟧
Indeed, a lot of fans were now going against the expected pairing.
After all, Ji Xingyu was ten years older than Yu Zhi, a firmly established international superstar, whereas Yu Zhi was the fresh-faced newcomer. Ji Xingyu had always been serious, reserved, and composed, while Yu Zhi’s public persona was mild-mannered and courteous.
Given that their physiques and appearances were somewhat similar, most people instinctively assumed Ji Xingyu would be the top and Yu Zhi the bottom.
But after watching the show, everyone realized that the cold, solemn Ji Xingyu acted like a capricious child around Yu Zhi, while Yu Zhi, outwardly gentle, held complete command of the scene, was deeply knowledgeable, and spoke in a way that made viewers feel they could talk with him forever.
In the eyes of the fans, the dynamic completely flipped. The top and bottom were reversed, and there was no going back.
Yet even with this reversed ship, the fans were utterly delighted, they couldn’t get enough.
The show was short, though. Once it ended, fans had tasted the sweetness but wanted more.
Only problem: there was nothing left to watch.
Just then, 《Evolution》 production its release date and began promotion.
As soon as the news hit online, netizens flooded Weibo, loudly declaring their support.
The most vocal of all were the ship fans, they’d nearly gone mad hunting for content before. Now, finally, there was something new. And according to earlier hints from Ji Xingyu, in this movie, the two were an actual couple!
And then there was that bed scene that made viewers blush, how could the fans resist getting excited?
On the promotional tour for the film, Yu Zhi and Ji Xingyu met again. Yu Zhi wore a black shirt, his posture impeccable, and even through the fabric, his toned physique was evident, prompting Ji Xingyu to glance at him a few extra times.
Ji Xingyu curved his lips in a smile. “Long time no see!”
Yu Zhi twitched the corner of his mouth, deliberately avoiding Ji Xingyu’s gaze. In response to the greeting, he merely nodded politely, saying nothing more.
At the film premiere, their seats were arranged together, which left Yu Zhi, who preferred to keep his distance from Ji Xingyu, feeling a bit helpless. He didn’t think Ji Xingyu would constantly seek him out, but he sighed inwardly, realizing that until everything regarding 《Evolution》 was settled, Ji Xingyu probably wouldn’t let go.
Strangely, Yu Zhi didn’t feel surprised or annoyed.
It seemed that although he outwardly rejected Ji Xingyu’s advances, he had quietly grown accustomed to this pattern.
On the big screen, the movie played, boasting top-tier special effects, exquisite acting, and a plot full of twists and climaxes that gripped the audience completely, leaving them lingering in awe even after the credits rolled.
Only Ji Xingyu seemed distracted the entire time, occasionally nudging Yu Zhi, glancing at him, or sending him messages.
Yet none of it worked, Yu Zhi refused to engage.
Ji Xingyu frowned, slightly irritated, and tried using his leg to hook Yu Zhi’s, attempting to draw his attention away from the film and toward himself.
Yu Zhi shifted his legs in another direction, sighing helplessly, “Stop it.”
At that, Ji Xingyu ceased his antics. When the premiere ended and the crowd began to leave, Yu Zhi followed suit, but outside, Ji Xingyu caught up to him.
“It’s been so long,” Ji Xingyu said. “I want to treat you to a meal.”
Yu Zhi pointed toward a car ahead. “No need. I’m waiting for someone.”
He got into his car. His manager was already inside, beaming with excitement, holding something gleaming in gold. “This is an invitation from Jiaoyang. They’re hosting a three-day, three-night extravaganza on a cruise, inviting a lot of stars and VIPs. If you go, it’s a chance to meet these big names, expand your network, and gain more resources!”
“How come it’s for me?” Yu Zhi didn’t feel he had the right to be sent an invitation like this.
Chen Yue glanced at him. “You’re seriously underestimating yourself. You’re the male lead in Director Zhang’s new film, and it’s about to premiere. They invited you, maybe they see some potential in you.”
Yu Zhi didn’t feel like he had that kind of value yet, but to find out for sure, he’d have to go himself.
Sure enough, once he boarded the cruise that evening, the gala had already started. He hadn’t even had a chance to look around or see who was there when two men in black suits came to fetch him.
“Mr. Yu Zhi?” one said. “Our young lady would like to invite you for a drink.”
“Young lady?”
Yu Zhi’s eyes flickered slightly. “I hope you don’t mind if I change first?”
“Of course, sir. But if you could be quick, we’d appreciate it,” they replied politely.
“All right,” Yu Zhi said.
Back in his room, after closing the door, he called Chen Yue. “Does Boss Jiaoyang have a daughter?”
“There’s one. Why?” Chen Yue asked.
Yu Zhi’s expression remained calm. “Nothing, she just wants to invite me for a drink.”
Drink, or so they said. Everyone knew it was an excuse.
Chen Yue tensed. “She wouldn’t happen to have a thing for you, would she? Want me to come pick you up?”
Yu Zhi: “…The cruise is in the middle of the sea. How would you get here?”
“Never mind. I’ll deal with it if anything comes up.”
He hung up, changed clothes, and stepped out. “All right, where is your young lady?”
The two bodyguards, courteous enough, led him forward.
They reached the top deck. In the open-air area, a woman in a long white dress sat in a chair, a cup of coffee on the table in front of her.
Seeing him arrive, she removed her sunglasses, revealing a beautiful face. She sized him up openly, her curiosity unmasked.
“So you’re Yu Zhi? Even better looking than on TV. Please, have a seat.”
Yu Zhi complied without hesitation. “Hello, Miss Bai.”
Hearing her recognize him didn’t surprise her. “Would you like something to drink?”
Yu Zhi: “Plain water is fine.”
Miss Bai smiled. “No need to be on guard around me. Even though I like you, I’m not the type to force anyone.”
Yu Zhi also smiled, his expression calm. “No, I just happen to like plain water and I was a bit thirsty.”
Her smile grew wider. “You’re an interesting one.”
“You do understand why I asked you here, don’t you? And what’s your answer?”
Yu Zhi took the glass of plain water brought by the attendant, sipped a few times, and then said, “I’m afraid I might disappoint you.”
Miss Bai’s tone turned teasing. “You do know how many advantages you could gain by siding with me, don’t you?”
The Bai family wielded power both publicly and behind the scenes, their influence complex and extensive. With their backing, Yu Zhi could potentially reach the same heights as Ji Xingyu in record time.
Yu Zhi remained firm. “It may be a bit troublesome, but I quite enjoy the process of climbing up bit by bit.”
Miss Bai’s smile remained unchanged. “Yet I heard that at first, Mr. Yu did accept Ji Xingyu’s financial support?”
Yu Zhi’s brows instinctively knit for a moment.
She noticed, but her tone stayed light and casual. “I know Ji Xingyu likes you. But I also heard you refused him and cut ties with him.”
Hearing her mention what should have been private between him and Ji Xingyu, Yu Zhi’s expression didn’t betray any surprise.
Miss Bai’s eyes showed a hint more admiration.
“Mr. Yu, you’re clearly a man of principle. But tell me, if I used Ji Xingyu to tempt you, would you agree?”
“After all, you do like him, don’t you?”
Yu Zhi set the glass down, crossing his legs, his hands resting casually. His gaze toward her sharpened slightly.
“If Miss Bai is merely here to amuse herself, there’s no need for such games.”
“Whether I’m willing or not has nothing to do with Ji Xingyu.”
Miss Bai sighed. “You’re still protecting him.”
Yu Zhi, however, smiled, lightly, calmly, without the slightest tension. “Miss Bai already said it. After all, he is the one I like, isn’t he?”
====================
