Chapter 123: Cultivating the Spirit and Withdrawing from the Circle

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The theatrical run of *The North Star Never Joined into a Line* had come to an end. The film was not only the final work of Yun Yi’s life, but also Lu Yuxiu’s last role before leaving the entertainment industry. From the moment it premiered, its box-office earnings had remained far ahead of the other films released during the same period, and it concluded its run with an extraordinarily gratifying result that surpassed all expectations.

The next day, Lu Yuxiu planned to officially announce on Weibo that he would be stepping away from the entertainment industry indefinitely.

Lin Xi had been worried that he was giving up the career he loved for her sake. She tried to dissuade him, afraid that he would come to regret it.

Over the past few days, she had accompanied him to the company every day as he worked overtime. Watching the way he lived now, so completely different from before, she truly could not tell whether he was at ease or merely forcing himself. He seemed equally indifferent to everything he did.

The two of them walked slowly toward the company parking garage, hand in hand.

“Yuxiu, are you really sure? You’re willing to give up all the achievements you’ve gained over the years, and the acting career you love?” Lin Xi asked hesitantly.

To her surprise, he merely smiled, unconcerned. “Darling, I entered the entertainment industry to find you, and I’ve already achieved that purpose. You’re with me now, so I’m leaving it to give you a better life.”

His gaze was intent, the depths of his eyes filled with tenderness and resolve as he looked at her.

Lin Xi sidled closer and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her cheek against the left side of his chest. In a low voice, she said, “But I still think it’s such a shame. That face of yours was practically born for the entertainment industry.”

Lu Yuxiu curved his lips in amusement. Taking her small hand, he found that her fingertips were cold, so he tucked them into the pocket of his overcoat and said solemnly, “Then now it belongs exclusively to you. Darling, everything in this world comes with gains and losses. Whether something flourishes or withers, time will eventually give us the answer.”

“Mm!” His words convinced her. Smiling brightly, Lin Xi let him lead her along while affectionately clinging to his arm with her other hand, like a spoiled child.

What she did not know was that he had never been especially passionate about acting. He had entered the entertainment industry solely to find her. In the beginning, even his father had said that his emotions on-screen were too detached and cold, and had not placed much hope in him.

It was only later, when he immersed himself in the characters he played, that he was able to experience the many joys and sorrows of the human world. For him, acting was also a way of understanding life.

But now she had returned to his side. He no longer needed those empty reputations or those vicarious experiences.

He held her even tighter, his strong fingers stroking her slender back. He was immeasurably grateful to fate for sending her back to him, allowing him to have her properly this time.

Their fingers intertwined inside his coat pocket. Suddenly, she extended her index finger and lightly traced the center of his palm.

Lu Yuxiu immediately turned toward her, his deep, austere gaze capturing her. As if punishing her, he reached out and pinched her chin, his thumb slowly brushing over her lips. Lin Xi gave a soft laugh, a mischievous glimmer flashing in her eyes, then took the initiative to hook her arms around his neck and kiss him deeply.

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After a long while, he raised a hand and stroked her hair, ruffling it several times. He lowered his lashes slightly, suppressing the small surge of longing at the center of his heart, and said in a softened voice, “We should get going.”

Nestled in his arms, Lin Xi’s little face flushed crimson. “Let’s go home!” she cried, tugging him toward the car with a series of bouncing steps.

The car began to move slowly. The neon lights on either side of the road streaked backward, eventually blending into the brilliant glow of countless homes.

May we all be as Mr. Huang Yongyu once wrote: “To love with clarity, to hate without concealment, to like with sincerity, to stand openly beneath the sun, and to be chosen with unwavering certainty.”

To be firmly chosen by the person one loves was such a gentle, romantic thing.

The following day, he posted on Weibo.

Lu Yuxiu V:

Announcement

Thank you to all my fans for your support and companionship over the years. You have always been the most understanding and accepting of my decisions. I have found my beloved, and she is about to enter another stage of life. I also wish each of you the fulfillment of your hopes. Until we meet again.

He had never been one for emotional displays. He could have simply had the company issue a statement, but after thinking it over, he edited these words himself as an explanation to his fans.

As soon as the post appeared, it caused an enormous stir. The internet was swept by a storm of discussion, with countless people expressing their shock and disbelief.

—No, no, no! God Yuxiu, don’t go! My heart is shattered!

—What is this supposed to mean? Why is God Yuxiu leaving the industry now? How is this any different from a professional athlete retiring at the peak of their career?

In contrast, Lu Yuxiu’s fans remained remarkably clear-headed and calm.

—Stop being bitter. When has our God Yuxiu ever experienced a slump? He’s been at his peak the entire time, all right? I support him! It’s time for him to rest properly and live for himself—or go home and inherit the family business, perhaps. Hehe.

—I’m in tears. Even though I knew this day would come sooner or later, it still hurts so much. Let’s all live well and see our wishes fulfilled. Please go on being happy from now on too. [Heart]

—Back then, it was because of Little Xixi that we had the chance to meet you. It’s time for you to stay properly with the person you love. We’ll be looking forward to your good news!

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Lu Yuxiu’s announcement of his departure remained on Weibo’s trending searches for several days. He did not deliberately have anyone remove it, since everyone needed time to come to terms with the news.

During her vacation, Lin Xi spent plenty of time with the people she loved and those close to her. She accompanied Lu Yuxiu to work, went to visit her brother, stayed at the Gu residence with Mr. and Mrs. Gu, and went shopping and played games with Xiao Jin.

She also took part in the promotional work for *The Ethereal Chronicle*.

The official account of *The Ethereal Chronicle* released a new set of promotional photographs, and Lin Xi’s portrayal of Princess Wuyou was repeatedly reposted and discussed.

@Xixi’sLittleSidekick: Wow, wow, Little Xixi is absolutely stunning! Princess Wuyou, please come out soon! Set the release date already!

@YouSeemToHaveASeriousProblem: I’m not seeing things, am I? This is Director Fan Xie’s film! He hasn’t released a new movie in years. And look at this incredible cast—there’s only one thing to say: absolutely phenomenal! I’m going to worship these images. Nobody try to stop me!!!

@TheSocialButterflyHerself: Aaaaaah! As a fan of the original novel, I have to say this appearance is practically a perfect recreation of the book! The exotic features, with that touch of playfulness, make her incredibly easy to imagine in the role. I’m already completely invested and counting down the days.

@TutuTheLittleTroublemaker: The trailer makes me feel uneasy. Don’t tell me Wuyou is going to have a tragic ending? There was a fleeting shot of Little Xixi dancing with tears in her eyes. I have a bad feeling about this.

At that moment, Lin Xi was lazily curled up at the Gu residence, keeping Xiao Yiran company as he did his homework.

She had also watched the trailer released by the official account. She had to admit, netizens truly examined people with magnifying glasses. She had not even noticed that fleeting shot, yet they were already close to deducing the characters’ fates.

Just as she was leisurely scrolling through her phone, the pale blue bracelet around her wrist suddenly emitted a faint glow. The relaxed expression on Lin Xi’s face instantly vanished, and she rose and hurried into the room.

She only had time to call back to Yiran,

“Do your homework properly, all right?”

Little Yiran: “...”

The terror of being ruled by homework.

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