Chapter 118: Memorial Service

The news of Shu Yunyi’s passing stirred considerable attention within the circle; even the central television station posted a message urging the public to understand and support those suffering from depression, cautioning against adding undue pressure.

Lin Xi, suppressing her emotions, went to the school that very day to pick up Shu Yiran. With Yunyi gone, Yiran was her only remaining family and deserved to be accompanied through the final journey of his sister.

When Lin Xi brought Shu Yiran to Yunyi’s bedside, she felt an unfamiliar cruelty within herself.

At first, Yiran wandered in a daze following Lin Xi through corridor after corridor, but upon seeing the pristine white sheet, he was suddenly speechless. Even in his innocence, he instinctively understood the gravity of the scene before him.

With tear-filled eyes, Lin Xi looked at him and firmly gripped his shoulder, trying to lend him strength to face this brutal reality.

Yiran stood silently before the stark white bed, his breathing nearly halted.

The air was heavy with a deathly silence.

He stared at the white sheet for a long, oppressive moment, devoid of any emotion, standing still as if frozen — so long that even Lin Xi felt suffocated.

At last, Yiran moved. Step by step, he approached the bed and carefully grasped Yunyi’s hand, now cold and numb.

He did not cry, only murmured softly, “Sister, you really left me behind…”

Hearing this, Lin Xi’s tears poured uncontrollably, silent sobs wracking her body until she realized the tears trickling down her neck. Unable to contain herself, she turned toward the doorway and covered her face, not wanting anyone to see her weakness.

People never realize that the casual goodbyes they exchange might well be the last.

In the next instant, she was enveloped in a warm embrace, a familiar, crisp scent brushing against her nose, accompanied by a gentle voice from above: “Darling, I’m sorry, I’m late.”

Lin Xi’s heart ached anew, her sobs deepening. Lu Yuxiu sighed softly, tightening his hold around her waist, embracing her more firmly to leave no gaps, offering her a sense of security.

They clung to each other for a while until the urgent footsteps of Nurse Jin approached. Lin Xi hastily released Lu Yuxiu and wiped away the tears from the corner of her eyes.

Nurse Jin handed over several envelopes with pursed lips: “I found these letters under Miss Shu’s pillow while sorting through her belongings. They’re addressed to you.”

Lin Xi’s hands trembled as she took the three letters, the top envelope marked “To Xi.”

One was for her, one for her brother, and one for Su Chen.

The emotions she had just suppressed surged back, blurring her vision instantly.

Meanwhile, Lu Yuxiu gave Lin Xi space, gesturing to Nurse Jin as they quietly stepped aside.

Alone, Lin Xi slowly sat on a bench in the corridor and painstakingly opened the letters:

“Hi, Xi. I hope this letter finds you well.

I’m sorry it ended like this, perhaps shocking you all greatly, but in the end, I finally indulged myself once.

Xi, I have so much gratitude for you. This world is so harsh, and I was far from happy, but thank you for covering me with kindness, for understanding and caring for all that I am. You were the greatest surprise in my short life, and I’m grateful to fate for making us friends and granting me a little more time.

During my time battling depression, I lay in bed staring at the ceiling, my mind empty, the sky outside gray. Standing by the window, I often wondered if jumping out would end this feeling. I scared myself with that thought, but I knew deep down I wouldn’t get better.

So please, don’t be sad for me, and don’t shed tears. I’m just free now. I can only ask you to look after my brother; he’s good, but I was not a good sister. I just couldn’t hold on any longer... I’m tired, my head aches, and I feel sleepy.

Oh, Xi, please make the photo on my tombstone in color so it won’t frighten children.

Also, I hope we can remain friends for the rest of our lives, with me renewed and healthy.

— Yunyi, the one who loves to smile.”

Having finished the letter, Lin Xi was already weeping openly. Clutching the paper, a sour ache gripped her heart, and a voice inside told her that Yunyi did not deserve such an end.

Shu Yunyi’s memorial was held at the Longcheng Funeral Home, the atmosphere solemn and serene. The portrait of Yunyi smiling gently still radiated warmth and kindness.

Those who came to mourn were fellow artists and directors who had worked with Yunyi, along with loyal fans. Each wore black and laid a white flower forward in a final farewell.

As a family member, Shu Yiran bowed in greeting to the attendees. From the moment of his sister’s passing until now, Yiran had shown an extraordinary calmness and maturity beyond his years. His composure only deepened Lin Xi’s pain. Fearing he might feel isolated and helpless, she silently stood behind him, with Lu Yuxiu naturally by her side.

Since Yunyi’s passing, Su Chen had remained silent, meticulously handling her affairs without a word.

Now, clad in black, he stood rigid before Yunyi’s portrait. People moved around him, but he was like a stone statue, his face dark and motionless.

These days, Su Chen wandered in a fog of despair. He didn’t know why, but it felt as if a vast piece had been torn from his heart, leaving an unfillable void. He still hadn’t dared to open the envelope Lin Xi gave him, fearing that doing so would mean Yunyi’s complete disappearance.

Seeing Su Chen’s state, Lin Xi thought of these two tragic souls and felt her eyes redden again.

Lu Yuxiu noticed immediately, reaching out to squeeze her shoulder gently, offering comfort.

Lin Xi took a deep breath, struggling to steady herself. She murmured regretfully, “I finally understand what Miss Ailing meant — I thought love could fill life’s regrets, but in truth, love often creates even more.”

“I truly cannot imagine how Su Chen will cope without Yunyi. To have loved so deeply and painfully, how does one accept her permanent absence?” Her voice was hoarse and troubled.

Lu Yuxiu looked at her profile, his expression inscrutable. He pressed his lips together and said solemnly, “I don’t know what Su Chen will do, but if it were you in danger today, I would follow you without hesitation.”

Lin Xi was stunned, gazing into his deep eyes as a thin veil of mist formed in her own. She was unsure what to make of his words.

Through her tear-blurred vision, she saw a faint curve lift at the corner of Lu Yuxiu’s mouth as he pulled her fully into his embrace. Lin Xi buried her head deeply in his chest, clutching his sleeve as her sobs broke free like a dam bursting, tears flooding endlessly.

“Cry, it’s okay to cry today. Tomorrow, you owe me a smile filled with joy,” Lu Yuxiu whispered, lowering his head to kiss her forehead.

In this age of fleeting connections and fast-paced lives, with love and people scattered like clouds, how rare it is to find someone who truly cares for you.

Look — the fog has lifted, and the sky is clearing.