The Purple Star Is Seriously Not Quite Right

The empire is on the brink of collapse, strange signs appear in the heavens, and a new ruler must rise.

Xun Ding, celebrated as the very heart of the literary tradition, cannot let his talent go to waste. He is preparing to choose a worthy ruler and help build an age of prosperity.

But why did the divination never mention that the fated Purple Star would be this crazy?

In the military tent, the Purple Star clutches a few sheets of letter paper. He can't bear to set them down, but worries they'll fall if he tucks them in his pocket, and fears they'll get dirty if he holds them in his fist. In the end, he folds the letters into a tiny wad and swallows them, satisfied at last before heading into battle.

When Xun Ding receives the reply, he is at a loss for words. If he'd known the Purple Star was this crazy, he would have written on rice paper. At least it would have tasted better.

At the victory banquet, Xun Ding finally manages to coldly shake off another admirer who won't leave him alone. He turns around and sees the Purple Star staring fixedly in his direction.

When their eyes meet, the Purple Star gives him an innocent, harmless smile, even as the glass cup clenched in his hand cracks all over.

Xun Ding calmly raises his glass to the Purple Star from across the room. As his gaze turns, he catches sight of the Purple Star's ears and neck, all flushed red.

In the Golden Throne Hall, after the court officials have been dismissed, Xun Ding is left behind as usual. He is about to discuss the undercurrents in the court with the Purple Star when the world suddenly spins, and he is pressed down onto the throne.

Looking up, he sees the Purple Star nestled against his shoulder and neck, pleading for comfort.

Xun Ding smacks him on the head. Instead of coming to his senses, the man only goes even crazier, as if encouraged.

Xun Ding silently thinks to himself, lost in thought: big dogs really do need a firmer hand...

A tamed mad dog of a new ruler x a frail, cunning strategist

Coming soon: No Archrival Ships Allowed in Showbiz

(They debut together as rivals~ A taste of bitter love and passion, don't miss it!)

From the very first day he met He Qiuchuan,

Ji Mingxiao's diary was filled with three words:

I hate you.

*

Everyone knows that what made the boy band To the One famous

wasn't their highly skilled center or their stunning visual,

but the center's much-discussed tale of hatred.

Ji Mingxiao's years-long history of hatred

helped their rival ship flourish in no time at all.

After all, a twisted romance makes for a thrilling story.

But what Ji Mingxiao hates most isn't being shipped with He Qiuchuan. It's that, in the ship's dynamic,

he's the bottom!

Is that right!?

So he takes matters into his own hands and tears into the ship: No archrival ships allowed in showbiz!

And if there is one, he's the top!

But the fans live by the principle that love and hate go hand in hand,

and his outburst only draws more shippers.

After smashing his phone in a rage, Ji Mingxiao finally realizes:

He just hasn't made it big enough. If he becomes successful and leaves He Qiuchuan miles behind, the shippers will naturally give up.

So he throws himself into his career, aiming for the Best Actor award.

When he finally stands on the awards stage, tears in his eyes, he discovers that the mysterious presenter invited by the organizers is none other than He Qiuchuan!

What? He's the mysterious musical genius? The man really is impossible to get rid of!

Ji Mingxiao grits his teeth, keeps his official smile in place, and says into the microphone:

"I hate you."

He Qiuchuan smiles faintly. "I know. But I love you."

*

The following excerpts are from young Ji Mingxiao's diary. Enjoy.

I hate you.

Why is it that the moment you started school,

you effortlessly stole everyone's attention?

Even though I came first, the teacher still favored you.

Why is it that we lived in the same residential compound,

your parents loved you so much,

while elite education left me battered and broken?

I hate you.

Why is it that when we both joined the talent show,

you were loved unconditionally by everyone,

while one mistake from me got me yelled at for days?

Why is it that after we debuted, I was the center,

but your popularity rose so effortlessly,

while I worked myself to the bone and still fell short?

I hate you.

I hate how you spout lofty principles with such hypocrisy,

and dismiss my pain as never being satisfied.

I hate how you can be so calm,

while I'm the only one going crazy in this twisted relationship.

I hate you.

I hate that you don't hate me.

Theme: Stay true to love and ideals