#JiXingyuHomosexual#
#JiXingyuConfessesToNewcomerInPublic#
#JiXingyuSaysILikeHim#
Countless headline ideas instantly formed in the journalists’ minds, ready to be published.
The quickest among them already typed and sent their posts.
This was breaking news capable of shocking the entire world!
They could almost predict the storm of chaos that was about to unfold.
The flashes of cameras assaulted Ji Xingyu like a tidal wave, so intense that he could barely keep his eyes open, while the relentless clatter of shutters rang out ceaselessly. Yet he remained perfectly composed, leisurely as ever, the slight curve at the corners of his lips unwavering. The black star earring in his ear caught the light of the flashes, sparkling brilliantly.
Watching the reporters frantically reacting to his words, he felt almost as if it weren’t him being chased and interrogated, but that he himself was provoking them into a frenzy.
Whether on-screen or off, he had always been able to effortlessly manipulate the emotions of countless people, swaying their joy, anger, sorrow, and delight, but it never gave him a sense of satisfaction.
It was only since meeting a certain someone that his emotions became tied to that one person alone, shifting only with them.
The sensation was irresistible, and it compelled him to utter a statement in front of the reporters that would almost certainly be misunderstood. He could already imagine Yu Zhi’s expression at this very moment. Though joking like this might not be considerate to the onlookers hungry for gossip, he simply could not resist.
Moreover, it wasn’t exactly a misunderstanding, after all, it was the truth, wasn’t it?
“Film Emperor Ji, when you say you like him, what do you mean? Are you really gay?”
“And what about your relationship with Yu Zhi, is it improper, or are you truly dating?”
“And…”
A single answer had been given, yet it did not end the questioning; it only opened the floodgates for more.
The reporters, hungry and eager like dogs smelling meat, fixed their eyes on Ji Xingyu as if they could strip every expensive ounce of flesh from him.
Ji Xingyu remained silent, mentally calculating time, wondering how long Yu Zhi could tolerate this.
Soon enough, a voice suddenly came from the edge of the crowd.
“Don’t listen to him.”
Some sharp-eared reporters immediately turned their heads, only to see the other party involved in the scandal, Yu Zhi, standing there. Their eyes lit up as they quickly pointed microphones and cameras at him, intent on questioning him with the same fervor they had shown Ji Xingyu.
“Are you really in the kind of relationship Ji Xingyu described, or is that just a cover for a kept arrangement?”
“Are you actually dating, or still in the pursuit stage?”
“Being a public figure, do you feel ashamed of your sexual orientation? Aren’t you afraid of setting a bad example for young fans?”
Unlike Ji Xingyu, whose status and influence placed him above such scrutiny, Yu Zhi, still a rising young star, wasn’t afforded any courtesy by the reporters. Every sensitive, scandalous question was thrown directly at him, forcing even the normally easygoing and smiling Ji Xingyu to furrow his brow, his expression darkening with displeasure.
Yet despite the aggressive questioning, Yu Zhi showed no trace of intimidation. He stepped forward to stand beside Ji Xingyu. Seeing that Yu Zhi wasn’t retreating, the reporters willingly gave the two space. After all, interactions like this meant more material for headlines, they couldn’t ask for a better story.
Yu Zhi glanced at Ji Xingyu calmly and said, “Don’t listen to him. He’s joking.”
A reporter immediately pressed, “Why do you say that? Do you have any evidence?”
Yu Zhi didn’t bother teasing or dragging it out, he’d had enough of being blocked by Ji Xingyu’s presence, and there was no reason to delay. He explained plainly, “We are not in a relationship, nor do we have any improper relations. The photos are just stills from a movie we worked on together.”
Ji Xingyu didn’t contradict him. He simply watched quietly.
Watching Yu Zhi remain composed under the relentless flashes, speaking clearly and confidently, facing the reporters’ sharp questions without a flicker of fear… it was like watching a star that had been quietly gathering its light finally revealed to the world. A soft, enduring glow that illuminated countless people and drew them in.
The reporters, unsurprisingly, did not take his words at face value. They pressed further: “Then what does Ji Xingyu mean when he says he likes you?”
Yu Zhi smiled slightly, his tone serene. “That’s just the relationship between our characters in the movie. The liking is only between the roles. Ji Xingyu, seeing that you’ve all worked hard waiting here all day, didn’t want you to leave empty-handed. So he made a little joke, giving everyone some extra material to work with. Your trip wasn’t in vain.”
Reporters: “……” Sh*t!
Do we even need to thank you guys?!
After so many years in this business, this was by far the most infuriating, ridiculous explanation they’d ever heard.
Were they really just being played by Ji Xingyu?!
As everyone looked again, they saw that the man who had just been wearing that mischievous, slightly wicked smile was now quietly chuckling at Yu Zhi. His expression showed not an ounce of embarrassment, not a hint of awkwardness. On the contrary, his demeanor was calm and open, and his eyes met Yu Zhi’s without the slightest evasion as he stood facing the reporters.
Looking back and forth, the reporters couldn’t see any trace of the nervousness one would expect from someone publicly coming out. Thinking of Ji Xingyu’s earlier sly, almost wicked grin, most of them were already halfway convinced.
Sh*t! They really got played!
But Ji Xingyu, clearly not done teasing them yet, leaned close to Yu Zhi and joked, “How can this be called a joke? Little Brother Yu is so handsome. If he were my boyfriend, I wouldn’t complain at all. After all, who doesn’t like a young, fresh star? Don’t you all agree?”
Reporters: “……”
Yes, yes, sure… is this for our amusement?!
Damn it. Other people selling bromance either do it subtly or creepily, but only Ji Xingyu could do it so openly, so unabashedly, completely fearless.
Yu Zhi, being praised like this, couldn’t exactly ignore him. Otherwise, people might suspect their relationship wasn’t as close as it appeared.
So he looked at Ji Xingyu and responded, “In that case, if Teacher Ji really likes me, I guess I don’t have much reason to refuse. After all, how many people in the world would love to be liked by you? Being the one you like, I suppose that’s just my luck.”
Even with that calm, poised smile, it didn’t feel like Yu Zhi was actually confessing any romantic interest. There wasn’t a hint of ambiguity in his words.
The two of them, exchanging lines so effortlessly, showed not the slightest sign of panic over a potential same-sex scandal. Their playful back-and-forth made the reporters believe their story, and the initial frenzy began to cool.
Yet opportunities like this didn’t go to waste.
The reporters quickly jumped to new questions:
“Excuse me, you said those were just stills. Have you already worked together? Could you tell us what production this is from?”
“It’s clear you two are close. How did you meet?”
“Do you think there’s a chance your relationship might develop further in the future?”
Ji Xingyu didn’t speak, leaving Yu Zhi to answer some of the reporters’ questions on his behalf.
Yu Zhi had a mastery of language and nuance; he didn’t fall into the traps the reporters set for him. Instead, he casually deflected the sharp, tricky questions. By the end, it wasn’t the reporters asking him anymore, it was he guiding them toward questions he wanted to answer. Without anyone realizing it, the line of questioning about the scandal had smoothly transformed into questions about work and professional matters.
It wasn’t until Yu Zhi and Ji Xingyu finally shook off the reporters and got into the car that the reporters belatedly realized… had they just been played?
This little fresh star was remarkable.
A unanimous thought ran through their minds, and they hurried back to their companies, already plotting how to publish their interviews first and secure the scoop.
Meanwhile, the two who had outsmarted everyone were already seated in Yu Zhi’s car.
Manager Chen Yue and the assistant remained silent, careful not to disturb the tense atmosphere between the two bigshots.
Yes, the tension was palpable.
From the moment they got into the car, Yu Zhi hadn’t glanced at Ji Xingyu once, nor had he acknowledged him in any way.
Ji Xingyu, however, looked entirely relaxed. He crossed his legs casually, clearly unbothered by being in someone else’s car, and seemingly oblivious to having irritated the car’s owner.
Chen Yue and the assistant couldn’t take the silent awkwardness any longer. One by one, they found excuses to get out, leaving the two of them alone with their unspoken tensions.
Finally, Yu Zhi looked directly at the bold provocateur sitting beside him tonight. “Ji Xingyu… are you still a child?”
“Yu Zhi, what makes you say that?” Ji Xingyu propped his chin on his hand, studying him leisurely.
“Did you enjoy being tied to me so much? If I hadn’t stepped in to clear things up, would you have just let them continue misunderstanding that statement? Would you not have explained it?”
Yu Zhi frowned, incredulous. Who did this person think he was toying with? Whose career did he think he was putting at risk?
“It’s not a misunderstanding,” Ji Xingyu said bluntly.
Yu Zhi was momentarily struck dumb.
Silence settled between them again.
After a long while, Yu Zhi heard Ji Xingyu’s voice, slow and deliberate: “Yu Zhi… what you just said to those reporters, I want to ask you the same question.”
Yu Zhi replayed his words to the reporters in his mind, and instantly began to guess what Ji Xingyu was about to ask.
“Since being liked by me is your luck, and you have no reason to refuse. Why, then, do you still refuse me if I like you?”
Ji Xingyu’s gaze was utterly serious, his expression solemn and earnest.
As he spoke, he leaned swiftly closer to Yu Zhi. The car was small; the space between them measured less than a hand’s span.
Their eyes met, and an unspoken tension sprang up like wildfire, spreading silently through the cabin.
Looking into those eyes, heavy with layers of complex emotion, Yu Zhi closed his eyes briefly before speaking:
“Ji Xingyu, you’ve lived many years, acted in countless plays, embodied countless roles, and experienced innumerable lives and emotions.”
“Then you should easily understand this truth.”
“There are countless reasons to like someone: an exceptional appearance, a captivating soul, wealth, extensive knowledge…”
“All of these, you surely possess. You are someone outstanding in every way.”
“And yet, despite being pursued by someone in your presence, someone like me still refuse. There can only be one reason.”
Ji Xingyu’s gaze darkened. He had a premonition, a quiet wish that the next words would not come.
Yet the voice still reached his ears, perfectly clear, leaving no doubt.
“I do not like you.”
Five simple words, and all of Ji Xingyu’s efforts, all his intentions, shattered instantly.
No matter the reason, in the face of the three words do not like, everything else dimmed, powerless to compete.
After all, even if you possess everything, can you control someone else’s heart?
No matter how good you are, no matter what you do, not liking is still not liking.
Yu Zhi did not flinch; he met Ji Xingyu’s gaze seriously. Unexpectedly, this time, Ji Xingyu, having heard the rejection, no longer showed anger or agitation as before.
Even after several minutes, his expression remained fairly composed.
Yu Zhi raised an eyebrow, slightly surprised by Ji Xingyu’s reaction.
In this silent confrontation, it was Ji Xingyu who seemed to yield first. He looked away and fell silent.
No matter what, all meetings eventually must come to an end.
It wasn’t until they got out of the car that Ji Xingyu finally spoke again.
“You said something wrong.”
Yu Zhi looked at him. The man’s face, handsome yet with a strange, almost otherworldly quality, was bathed in the dim yellow glow of the car’s interior lights, giving him a soft, hazy aura.
Within that haze, there flickered a brief, almost imperceptible hint of vulnerability.
“I have indeed played countless roles and experienced countless lives, but none of them are me, not Ji Xingyu.”
“I have played timid roles; in those, like is about doing small, insignificant things for someone and watching them be happy. I have played domineering people; their like is about keeping someone within their territory, providing a space for them to grow. I have played cold and indifferent people; their like is about being slowly melted by the other’s warmth…”
“I’ve played many, many roles.”
“But none of them are me.”
“No one told me, no one taught me, how to act when I actually like someone.”
Yu Zhi’s heart skipped a beat.
He turned to look, only to see Ji Xingyu already open the car door and step out, not once glancing back.
Even after returning to his own home, a place he hadn’t really lived in for long, Yu Zhi kept thinking about Ji Xingyu’s words, trying to decipher their meaning.
Was he deliberately showing weakness? Or was he trying to say that he would learn, in the future, how to truly love someone?
Yu Zhi pondered but could not figure it out. In the end, he could only set it aside.
The journalists’ interview videos went online, and as expected, the internet exploded.
Some of the more mischievous reporters even split the video into two clips, hoping that the curious netizens would experience, just like them, the sting of being played.
So when the public saw Ji Xingyu openly confess his feelings, the internet absolutely exploded!
Immediately, a flood of people started cursing Ji Xingyu, calling him shameless for being gay. His Weibo still had comments open, so everyone could vent their anger and resentment freely under his posts.
But soon, some people who had actually watched the full video came forward to correct the narrative.
⟦Wait, wait, haven’t you watched the whole thing yet? Go watch it first before speaking, or I’ll be embarrassed for you.⟧
The haters were stunned. What did that mean? Could there really be a plot twist in a situation as set in stone as this?
They didn’t believe it at first. But then, when they actually checked, there really was?!
After watching the video, the haters fell silent, while the fans erupted with joy.
They knew, absolutely knew, that their idol could never be that kind of person.
Some people immediately turned their attention to Yu Zhi. After all, this was his first time facing public scrutiny, first time being questioned and criticized, yet he handled it calmly, confidently, and logically, without any hesitation or shyness. His posture was elegant, and his demeanor exceptional.
Fans first noticed his appearance, of course, and then his temperament and personality added to the appeal. Up to this point, despite the scandal, Yu Zhi’s fanbase didn’t shrink, it only grew. While there were still some haters, the number of genuine fans increased significantly.
Unfortunately, Yu Zhi didn’t care.
Shortly after the response video was uploaded, while everyone was still speculating which drama the stills came from, Director Zhang, who had been silent for months, retweeted the post with a comment:
【It’s from my film. Since it got exposed today and the traffic is huge, I might as well ride the wave. Just wrapped up post-production review; expected to premiere next year: 《Evolution》 Male lead: @Yu Zhi, Special guest: @Ji Xingyu, Second male lead…】
The news that a fresh-faced newcomer had landed Director Zhang’s male lead role hit like a bombshell. Just as one piece of gossip settled, another exploded. People online were shocked, flooding Director Zhang’s Weibo comments.
⟦ No way!? Isn’t Yu Zhi just a rookie? His acting is good, sure, but the male lead in a Director Zhang movie already… saying this is just asking for other fandoms to attack him! Resources that others have begged for and never got, and Yu Zhi got it casually, and already filmed it!? ⟧
⟦ Unbelievable… Director Zhang’s films are famously hard to get into, how could someone get the role through back channels?⟧
At that moment, Yu Zhi’s fans jumped in to defend him.
But after seeing Director Zhang’s post, Yu Zhi simply retweeted it once and then didn’t respond to anything else.
The situation had already been clarified. Those willing to believe had believed, and those unwilling remained skeptical. Yu Zhi didn’t concern himself with those feigning ignorance.
Lately, he had been busy with work. With his popularity surging and the aftermath of the scandal, he had joined the promotional circuit for 《The Chronicles of Imperial Court》alongside the cast and crew.
At the same time, he was arranging his next project.
Unlike other entertainers who packed their schedules to the brim, Yu Zhi preferred timeliness and careful planning. He would only schedule a new job after finishing the current one.
Being overly busy, he believed, was just a waste of time and served no other purpose.
“These are some good opportunities that came in recently. You can take your time to go through them carefully.”
After working together for so long, Chen Yue had already understood what kind of person Yu Zhi was and was willing to let him manage things himself. Various experiences had proven that Yu Zhi’s choices were almost always correct.
Yu Zhi didn’t find any outstanding scripts. Even though he had a popular drama currently airing, only a few people would base their faith in him on just one series. Comparatively, the film opportunities looked even better. With Director Zhang’s reputation involved, Yu Zhi could benefit from that prestige by association.
Yu Zhi sifted through the options carefully and ultimately decided on a reality TV program.
The program was called 《360 Professions.》
Yes, the very phrase in “In three hundred and sixty professions, every profession produces its own top master.”
The main concept was simple: celebrity guests would experience the lives of people in different professions. At its core, it highlighted the hardships and challenges inherent in every trade, while also promoting traditional culture and the beauty of modern life.
Among all the other opportunities, most of which relied either on looks or sex appeal, this was the one that truly attracted Yu Zhi.
Chen Yue trusted his judgment. Once Yu Zhi confirmed his decision to participate, he quickly coordinated with the production team to finalize the schedule and sign the contract.
Yu Zhi signed the agreement, but suddenly remembered something. After asking Chen Yue to take the contract and the staff away, he turned to his desk, opened a drawer, and pulled out a contract that had been gathering dust ever since it was first signed.
The ridiculous word sponsorship seemed to mock him and Ji Xingyu.
He thought for a moment, then finally decided to toss the useless thing into the shredder.
Yu Zhi had already opened the shredder, but he held the contract in his hand, hesitating.
After a brief silence, he sent a message to the other party: 【Do you still want this contract? I’m planning to destroy it. 】
It didn’t take long, within two minutes, he received a reply.
Ji Xingyu: 【Fine.】
And so the contract mercilessly went into the shredder, shredded to pieces, unrecognizable, utterly annihilated.
The reality show was confirmed quickly. Especially a program with a positive theme like this, aligned with socialist core values, it was easy to pass approval.
Before long, Yu Zhi received the notice to join the production.
At the same time,《The Chronicles of Imperial Court》 was entering its final stages.
His character, Prince Lang, had died. Fans mourned for several days, but Yu Zhi himself didn’t know, because he hadn’t checked Weibo and hadn’t opened the comments section.
Fans could only vent their grief under the official Weibo post, scolding their idol for being cold and heartless.
Little did they know, Yu Zhi was already dragging his suitcase to the filming center for 《360 Professions》. Each episode covered a single profession; naturally, they couldn’t possibly feature all professions, so the producers made selective choices. The first episode was set in the mountains.
Not in some remote wilderness, but in a developed mountainous area where cars could reach. Among the several guests, Yu Zhi arrived neither first nor last.
What he hadn’t expected, however, was to see someone completely unexpected here.
The young Film Emperor stepped out of the car, strolling toward Yu Zhi with a leisurely, unhurried gait.
His azure shirt seemed to shimmer with a golden glow under the sunlight, as if the cold surface of the sea had been brushed over with sunlight.
Deep, serene, and mysterious.
In the midst of a crowd, Ji Xingyu approached Yu Zhi and smiled. “Surprised? Excited?”
Surprised, yes. Excited? Not at all.
Yu Zhi opened his mouth, seemingly about to speak, but Ji Xingyu beat him to it, pressing a finger to his lips. “Shh—”
“They’re all watching us.”
‘Then why did you come?’ Yu Zhi thought bitterly.
As if reading his mind, Ji Xingyu leaned close and whispered, smiling: “But I wanted to come.”
The sharp, phoenix-like eyes softened slightly, and his usually cold, hard voice deliberately took on a gentler tone.
“Yu Zhi, before I said it: no one taught me, and I wouldn’t have known.”
“So now, I want to teach myself.”
“I don’t know if you’ll give me the chance?”
Teach what, learn what?
Naturally, like.
Like what?
Not flowers in the wind, nor moonlight on snow.
It’s you.
================
