Chapter 52

It's midnight.

Zhang Ye turned off the computer, having forgotten that there was a diva in the room. Out of habit, he turned on the radio and started listening to *Midnight Ghost Stories*.

"Hello everyone, this is Zhang Ye, today's story..."

Zhang Yuanqi, sitting on the chair, recognized his voice, "Are you a radio host?"

Zhang Ye only then remembered the person behind him and turned around, "Ah, yes, this is my show. I also have a *Story Time for All Ages* program that airs at noon. You can listen to it when you have time..." He enthusiastically promoted his program.

Zhang Yuanqi directly said, "I don't have time."

Zhang Ye said, "Can you be a bit more tactful?"

"I can't," Zhang Yuanqi replied bluntly.

Zhang Ye was already used to her indifferent attitude and said with a bitter smile, "I know you're a diva and very busy, but I did let you stay here, and I cooked for you, and I even washed your clothes. If you could just say, 'I'll listen when I have time,' I'd feel better, even if I know it's not true."

Zhang Yuanqi still said, "I don't have time!"

Zhang Ye couldn't communicate with her anymore and turned down the volume of the radio. "Do you want to go to bed and rest for a while? The clothes won't be dry until tomorrow. I can make do with the chair. I slept a lot in the afternoon, so I'm not sleepy." Despite Zhang Yuanqi's temper, Zhang Ye still had a gentlemanly demeanor.

Zhang Yuanqi nodded and went to the bed.

Zhang Ye bent down by the bed and pulled out a pillow from the small double bed. He wanted to lean against the chair, and having something to pad his back would be more comfortable.

But Zhang Yuanqi said sternly, "Leave the pillow."

Zhang Ye blinked, "What's wrong?"

"I'm used to sleeping with two pillows; one is too low," Zhang Yuanqi said matter-of-factly, taking the pillow back and placing it behind her head.

Zhang Ye: "..."

This is my house, lady!

Can you be a bit more polite? Can you?

Zhang Ye hesitated for a long time but didn't have the heart to fight a woman for a pillow. He had to sit on the hard chair and listen to the program.

"Turn it down!"

"…Okay, I will."

"There are mosquitoes in the room, turn on the light and swat them."

"Lady, can you let me rest for a while?"

"I can't sleep with mosquitoes. Hurry up, they're by the head of the bed!"

Zhang Ye thought that all he had done all day was serve Empress Zhang. It seemed that the lucky charm of romantic fortune only gave him five minutes of affection, and the rest of the time was just making him suffer. If he drew this item again, he would really have to consider whether to use it! This time it was Zhang Yuanqi, but what if next time he met someone with an even worse temper? Would he even be able to live?

Midnight.

The radio show ended, and the room was unusually quiet.

Zhang Ye couldn't sleep at all. It was impossible for him to sleep with such a beautiful woman lying in the bed he had slept in for months, right next to him. He opened his eyes and looked out the window at the moon. Tomorrow... or rather, today was the Mid-Autumn Festival, and the moon was full. He glanced and noticed that Zhang Yuanqi was also half-asleep, looking at the moon.

"Teacher Zhang?" Zhang Ye asked tentatively.

Zhang Yuanqi still had that unfriendly tone, "What?"

"You're not sleeping either? It's the Mid-Autumn Festival, I just wanted to wish you a happy Mid-Autumn Festival." Zhang Ye paused and said, "Thank you for today. One of your words really helped me. Either I adapt to others, or they adapt to me. I can't do the former; I'm not that kind of person. For the latter... I'm working on it."

Zhang Ye had been complaining about Zhang Yuanqi's personality but never underestimated her. She was already at the top, experienced and knowledgeable. Her words today had been very helpful to him, and her personality wasn't really a problem!

Being charming and friendly in public?

Showing her true self, cold and indifferent, in private?

Or perhaps, Zhang Yuanqi was a true professional, able to distinguish between work and life. Being friendly and polite in public was for work, to win over fans and partners, to make everyone like her and make her work smoother. What is professionalism? This is professionalism! Zhang Ye couldn't distinguish between the two; his life and work were the same, stubborn and straightforward. Some might call it genuine, but in the end, this approach might not be beneficial for his work!

Zhang Yuanqi didn't look at him, "You don't need to thank me, I just said it offhand."

Zhang Ye said solemnly, "I still have to thank you. You've given me the motivation to strive. I want to climb step by step, to reach your level. Even if others criticize or dislike me, I will make everyone get used to me."

Zhang Yuanqi finally looked at him, "Are you going into the entertainment industry?"

"Yes," Zhang Ye coughed, "It's been my dream all along."

Zhang Yuanqi laughed coldly, "What's so good about it? Once you become famous, everyone will recognize you. Everywhere you go, people will be watching you. You'll be under a microscope, with no private space. Today is a rare day off for me, but I'm not really resting. I've cut off all contact with the outside world. At my level, there are no days off. Want to rest? I can't answer calls or contact my agent or assistant, or I'll have a pile of work waiting for me. Even a day of relaxation is a luxury. Do you know how long it's been since I've had a comfortable drink and moon viewing? At least a year!"

Zhang Ye said, "No way, no days off?"

Zhang Yuanqi said with a stern face, "You should feel lucky. Few people have seen me like this today. Even my friends, my agent, and assistant only know my friendly side, thinking I'm easy-going. I've never been easy-going. I've had a bad temper since I was young, but I've never shown it to outsiders. I started as a child star, and I couldn't disappoint my fans. The pressure you can't understand now, you will in the future. Now, the only place I can be myself is at my parents' house. Today, there's one more place: your house."

Zhang Ye was flattered, "Don't worry, I'll keep it a secret!"

"Hey, why am I telling you all this? I'm still a bit tipsy, and I'm talking a lot today," Zhang Yuanqi rubbed her temples, perhaps still feeling dizzy, then looked at him critically, "One more thing, your image and height are not suitable for the entertainment industry. You won't become famous."

Zhang Ye said, "You're too direct!"

"Just the truth," Zhang Yuanqi said, "The entertainment industry is not for you."

Zhang Ye shook his head, "I know I'm not suitable, but I still want to try. The night gave me black eyes, and I must use them to find the light."

"Is that a poem?"

"It's a poem I wrote, *A Generation*."

"Recite some of your other poems."

"Sure, let's start with *The Bird and the Fish*. The greatest distance in the world is not..."

...

Zhang Ye eventually fell asleep. When he opened his eyes, the sky was already bright, and the bed was empty, with no sign of Zhang Yuanqi.

Where's the diva?

Where's Empress Zhang?

Zhang Ye called out, "Teacher Zhang? Teacher Zhang?"

He didn't find her in the bathroom either. Finally, he found a note on the table, written in a neat, decisive woman's handwriting: "I've saved your phone number and remembered your address. I've forgotten what happened yesterday, and I assume you have too."

Phone number?

Address?

It sounds like a threat!

Zhang Ye checked his phone and found a call to an unknown number 20 minutes ago, clearly Zhang Yuanqi's number. She had used his phone to call her own, thus getting his number. Zhang Ye smiled and saved Zhang Yuanqi's number. This was the diva's personal phone number, something most people could only reach through her agent or assistant.

Hmm?

20 minutes ago?

That means Empress Zhang hasn't gone far!

Zhang Ye immediately pulled back the curtains and looked down. Sure enough, he saw Zhang Yuanqi's departing figure. Opening the window, he could faintly hear the sound of her high heels tapping as she walked out of the building.

"Ah!"

"That's..."

"It looks like Zhang Yuanqi?"

"It's her! It's really Sister Yuanqi!"

"My God! Who did I see? Who did I see?"

"Zhang Yuanqi is here! The diva is here! Everyone, come and see!"

People in the neighborhood were familiar with Zhang Yuanqi. She had numerous TV shows, movies, and music hits, with countless classic works. She was at the very top of the industry, more famous than her works. Even with sunglasses, she couldn't hide, and was immediately recognized!

Many people were heading to work, some were on duty for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and some were out for morning exercise. Hearing the commotion, they all gathered, causing quite a stir!

A female student, excited, said, "Can you sign for me?"

Zhang Yuanqi smiled, "Sure, what's your name?"

The student was almost too excited to speak, "I, I'm Wang Ying!"

"Great, I wish Wang Ying success in her studies and good health," Zhang Yuanqi said as she signed.

The student, not only getting a signature but also a blessing from her idol, was overwhelmed with excitement!

"Me too! Me too!"

"Can we take a photo together?"

"Sister Yuanqi, I love you so much! My whole family are your fans!"

Zhang Yuanqi smiled gently, "Thank you for your support, and your family's support. Sure, one by one, don't rush, everyone."

"Will it interfere with your work?" a middle-aged man asked considerately.

Zhang Yuanqi smiled, "No, it won't. Even if it does, fulfilling the wishes of my fans is my most important job. It comes first."

"Thank you! Thank you!" The middle-aged man was melted by the diva's warm smile.

After 20 minutes, Zhang Yuanqi finally managed to leave.

"Great!"

"Got a photo!"

"Everyone says Teacher Zhang is very approachable, and it's true!"

"Indeed, who in the entertainment industry doesn't know that Zhang Yuanqi is the most down-to-earth? She's very kind and has great relationships with other stars! That's why everyone, regardless of age, calls her 'Sister Zhang.' She never gets angry with anyone! So gentle and kind! Ah! So beautiful! Sister Zhang is so beautiful! Even more beautiful than on TV!"

Seeing how kindly Empress Zhang treated her fans and hearing their praise, Zhang Ye was speechless.

One face in public, another in private?

This really takes skill!

No wonder Zhang Yuanqi has won several Best Actress awards! Others can't do this!