A Billion Stars Can’t Amount to You

”At the time, Chen Ge was so adamant on dropping out of his prestigious school that he went against his family’s wishes and moved to Beijing. His family always hoped he’d take over He enterprises, but he insisted on becoming a director and started his own company. In the end, things got pretty messy with his family. Three years ago, when he came to Beijing, his family didn’t give him a single jiao 1 since Chen Ge was still determined to go to Beijing. His dad was so pissed that he said he didn’t have a son. That year, He Jichen came back to Sucheng for new year’s and his dad told him he was only allowed to step foot in the house if he was willing to take over the family business. Chen Ge didn’t agree, so his dad really didn’t let him enter. The next day, when Chen Ge came to see me, I realized Chen Ge really didn’t have any money on him whatsoever. He didn’t even have money to buy a flight back to Beijing. I had to buy the ticket for him! Later, I went to Beijing and learned Chen Ge was living in a basement there. His mattress was soaked because of a leak in the ceiling. Don’t assume anything based on how big Chen Ge’s company is now - he actually single-handedly built it from the ground up. Last year, Chen Ge came back for new year’s because his granny felt sorry for him so she let him in, but he didn’t even touch his chopsticks for new year’s dinner when his dad came back home. After the two of them had an argument, he walked out the door. I’m telling you... Chen Ge would never come back to Sucheng because if he comes back, he can’t even go home.”

Ji Yi knew He Jichen wasn’t in a good place with the He family because he left for Beijing, but she never imagined their relationship was this bad.

”Xiao Yi, eat some fruit,” said Ji Yi’s mum softly, waking her up. She had fallen asleep from staring at Fatty’s message on her phone.

Ji Yi raised her head and gently replied to her mum. Then she put her head down and scanned over the wall of text on her phone again.

”This one’s sweeter. Try this one.”

Her mum spoke again. Ji Yi turned her head and looked over to find her mum feeding a piece of watermelon on a toothpick to her dad.

The picture of them together was affectionate and sweet, but it hurt her eyes, so she couldn’t help but avert her gaze out the window.

Several units in the building opposite didn’t have their curtains shut, so she could clearly see inside their homes with their bright lights on.

The family inside the window with red floral paper cuttings was watching the new year’s show on TV too, and they had a child playing happily in the living room… The picture of their family was about the same as her own just now.

What’s He Jichen doing on such a day filled with family unity and happiness?

If things are really as Fatty described and He Jichen didn’t return to Sucheng, then is he spending new year’s eve all alone right now?

For some reason, Ji Yi’s chest felt stifled. ”Xiao Yi, why aren’t you eating any fruit?” her mum asked again. She turned her head and replied with ”I’ll eat some later” then got up and headed back into her room.

After the door closed, Ji Yi found He Jichen’s number and called him.

It rang a few times but no one answered.

Ji Yi ended the call then called Chen Bai.

Chen Bai picked up the call at lightning speed. When he heard her question, Chen Bai was completely confused. ”Mr. He? I don’t know where he is. I’m back home...”

After hanging up, Ji Yi called He Jichen again. Just like before, no one answered.

She paced twice around the room then darted over to the wardrobe. She picked out an outfit and quickly changed.