The Star Around The Sun

Xia Xingcheng, with average acting skills and appearance, had been a small star in the entertainment industry for six years. But one day, a famous director invited him to act in a gay movie titled “Gradual Distance” with numerous award-winning movie emperor Yang Youming. In the movie, they had a sweet love; out of it, there was polite coldness. In the movie, they had a sad ending; out of it, there were ambiguous feelings. The contrast between what was in the movie and what was outside of it often made Xia Xingcheng unable to find himself. Because of Yang Youming’s guidance, he had stepped into the ranks of actors, but also because of Yang Youming, he couldn’t distinguish between what was reality and what wasn’t. Xia Xingcheng didn’t expect that the movie would finally push him into the abyss of pain and happiness.

Original Publisher

chang pei (gongzicp)

Original Language

chinese

Type

Web Novel

## My Thoughts on The Star Around The Sun "The Star Around The Sun" promised a captivating dive into the entertainment industry with a healthy dose of romance, and for the most part, it delivered. It's a story that pulled me in with its detailed descriptions of movie-making and kept me hooked with the evolving relationship between the main characters. ### First Impressions Initially, I was drawn in by the novel's premise: a B-tier actor, Xia Xingcheng, landing a role alongside his idol, the established film emperor Yang Youming, in an LGBTQ+ film. The blurring lines between reality and fiction, as the characters immersed themselves in their roles, was an intriguing concept. I was ready for a story about ambition, self-discovery, and, of course, love. ### What Works Well What I particularly enjoyed was the detailed portrayal of the movie-making process. The author painted a vivid picture of the sets, the directors' styles, and the actors' dedication to their craft. This added a layer of depth that kept me engaged beyond just the romantic plot. I also appreciated the focus on the MC's growth as an actor, from his initial confusion to his eventual confidence. The progression felt realistic and earned. The romance, for the most part, was well-developed. I liked how the story explored the characters' feelings as they grappled with their growing attraction and the complexities of their situation. Many readers seem to love the ML and MC's interactions, they are very affectionate and know what each other needs. ### Areas of Concern However, I did find some aspects of the story troubling. Certain characterizations felt stereotypical, and the plot relied a little too heavily on certain BL tropes like characters getting drunk or sick, and the dynamic between the ML and MC sometimes leaned towards a "daddy/little" dynamic which may not appeal to everyone. ### ⚠️ Spoiler Warning Some readers have raised concerns about potentially homophobic elements in the story, particularly regarding the portrayal of gay side characters and the MC's initial insistence on his heterosexuality. While some interpret this as internalized homophobia, others found it to be problematic and even triggering. There's also the issue of the ML's acceptance of the MC after initial rejection feeling abrupt and unnatural. ### Final Verdict Despite some flaws, "The Star Around The Sun" is a compelling read, especially if you're a fan of entertainment industry novels with a mature romance. While the story might not be perfect, it offers an engaging narrative with well-developed characters and a satisfying resolution. Just be aware of the potential pitfalls before diving in.