This tale originates from a Chinese folk legend passed down for centuries—Niulang and Zhinu. the story takes place in a common world, where Niulang, a kind and genuine young man, was born into poverty and orphaned at a young age. he was forced to live with his elder brother and sister-in-law. However, life was unkind—his sister-in-law treated him harshly, making him toil from dawn till dusk without a shred of warmth or care. One day, they gave him an old ox and a broken cart, cruelly casting him out of their home.

Thus, Niulang and the old ox became each other’s only companions. With a sense of sorrow and determination, he began cultivating land in the wilderness, working tirelessly. Over time, he managed to harvest abundant crops and build a modest house, yet his heart remained empty, longing for warmth and love. Just when loneliness seemed unbearable, something miraculous happened—the old ox suddenly spoke.

It told Niulang that on this very day, a group of celestial maidens would descend to the Jade Lotus Pond to bathe, and among them, a maiden dressed in red would become his wife. Niulang was astonished, finding it difficult to believe, yet he followed the ox’s guidance and quietly made his way to the pond.

When he arrived, he saw several celestial maidens descending gracefully from the sky, removing their robes, and stepping into the shimmering waters. When the vibrant red robe drifted onto the water’s surface, he swiftly took it. Shocked, the maidens quickly grabbed their clothes and flew back to the heavens, except for Zhinu, the granddaughter of the Queen Mother of the West, who remained by the pond, unable to flee.

Seeing her in distress, Niulang stepped forward and gently returned her robe. Their eyes met, and at that moment, fate seemed to weave an unbreakable bond between them. In a quiet voice, Niulang asked, "Would you be my wife?" Zhinu gazed at the sincere, kind-hearted man before her and, blushing, nodded.

Thus, they became husband and wife. Their days were filled with love and laughter, and soon, they were blessed with a son and a daughter. Their life was warm and blissful—until the heavens intervened.

Upon discovering their marriage, the Queen Mother of the West became enraged and ordered that Zhinu must return to the heavenly realm. She dispatched heavenly soldiers to seize her, forcibly tearing her away from her beloved family.

At that moment, Niulang watched helplessly as Zhinu was taken further and further away. Just then, the old ox spoke once more, telling him that if he draped its hide over his shoulders, he would be able to fly to the heavens and chase after Zhinu. With its final breath, the ox sacrificed itself for Niulang’s love.

Filled with sorrow but resolute, Niulang obeyed the ox's guidance, took its hide, and flew into the sky with his children. He crossed the immense Milky Way, drawing nearer to his beloved Zhinu.But just as they were about to reunite, the Queen Mother arrived on a cloud, raised her golden hairpin, and with a single stroke, a mighty river—the Milky Way—suddenly surged between them, forever separating them on opposite shores.

The lovers stood on either side of the celestial river, their cries of sorrow shaking the heavens, their longing so deep it moved even the celestial beings.

At that moment, countless magpies flew in from all directions, forming a sturdy bridge across the Milky Way, linking the two souls once more. Seeing this, even the Queen Mother could not bear to sever their love completely.

This heartrending yet beautiful love story remains etched in people's hearts to this day. Every year, when Qixi arrives, the stars Altair (Niulang) and Vega (Zhinu) twinkle brightly in the night sky, as if whispering tales of their eternal love—a love that has endured for a thousand years, unwavering and everlasting.