Chapter 135: Wishing You Well (Final Chapter)
Lin Xi never expected the song to have such a powerful impact. Perhaps it was due to her background as an actress, but her capacity for empathy was top-tier.
After finishing, she felt only a sense of lightness. There was no lingering oppression, only a profound sense of release, her eyes as calm as a clear pool.
After a long moment, shouts erupted from the audience.
"Lin Xi! Lin Xi!" Amidst the screams, the sounds of many sobbing could be heard.
Lin Xi smiled slightly. "Everyone has heard Fourth Brother’s song, 'Promise Me You Won’t Leave,' right?"
"Yes!" the fans responded loudly.
"That song is quite popular, isn't it? You’ve even dubbed it the 'Most Healing Song of the Year.'" She turned her head and gave her Fourth Brother a mischievous wink.
"Of course it is," Gu Yao said, unabashed.
After saying this, he gave her a reassuring look, then stood up and walked into the shadows of the stage, leaving the spotlight entirely to his younger sister. He did not leave, however, choosing to stand behind her.
Facing the thousands of fans who adored her, Lin Xi’s nervousness had long since vanished. She smiled, pursing her lips. "The song I just sang is called 'Let Me Leave.' You could call it the prequel to 'Promise Me You Won’t Leave.'"
"Huh?" The fans were confused.
"I wrote the lyrics and music for 'Let Me Leave' myself. At the time, I was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder due to certain events. It was a song of catharsis, written at my absolute lowest point. Nearly all of my negative emotions and dark thoughts were poured into it. When I sent the demo to Fourth Brother, he seemed quite shocked after listening to it." She chuckled softly as she recalled the memory.
She spoke casually, but the fans were anything but calm. A chaotic buzz of discussion broke out in the crowd, and many eyes turned red. It was hard for them to imagine that someone as radiant as the sun could have suffered from PTSD. Just how desperate must their "Little Xi-Xi" have been to write such lyrics?
Backstage, Wen Jin and Lu Yuxiu were equally caught off guard. They exchanged glances, seeing the surprise in each other's eyes—Lin Xi had actually confessed everything to her fans. It seemed only Gu Yao had been privy to all of this.
Lin Xi made a gesture, signaling everyone to settle down. "I’m sure none of you could tell that I’ve had mental health struggles. I suppose I hid it quite well! But don't worry, I have completely recovered."
She used a teasing tone to brush over her past suffering with effortless grace.
She continued, "After Fourth Brother received my demo, he sent me a new song to encourage me. The melody was almost identical to mine, but the lyrics were completely different. The moment I played it, a tsunami surged in my heart, but I stood still, letting no one know. After hearing Fourth Brother sing it, I knew he had breathed new life and strength into the melody, filling it with sunshine and hope."
"During my recovery, I was so grateful to my brothers for their constant care and indulgence. Later, when I returned to the country and met Yuxiu, he showered me with infinite affection. I used to suffer from stomach issues, but since being with him, they haven't flared up once. I’m afraid of the dark, and he has never let me walk home alone at night, staying by my side every step of the way. How lucky I am to have gained all of your love and support. Because of this, I am filled with gratitude for everything." Lin Xi smiled beautifully, her eyes sparkling with happiness and sincerity.
"Now, I want to bring that happiness to you! 'Promise Me You Won’t Leave'!" Her smile widened, bright and radiant.
"Yes!"
"Lin Xi, we love you!" the crowd shouted in unison.
As Lin Xi turned back, she saw her Fourth Brother. He smiled at her, then walked to the piano to continue accompanying her.
The prelude began. Lin Xi’s gaze was sharp and bright as she began to sing:
The wind arrives as promised; I am here.
Facing the sea, the sun is bright and full of hope.
Joy and beauty will always be by your side.
At the end of the road, there is still a road, as long as you are willing to walk it.
Even if the stars shatter, the spilled light is still beautiful.
Wipe away your tears, see this world clearly, and then love it—and love yourself even more.
Even if the torch falls, the flame still reaches upward.
Shining is not the sun's monopoly; you can do it, too.
Every day without dancing is a betrayal of life.
Be kind to yourself, be strong and resilient, sweep away the gloom, and shine brightly.
The years are quiet and good; I am waiting for you.
Promise me... don't leave.
Promise me... don't leave.
The moving piano melody and gentle vocals soothed the soul like a soft breeze, becoming the only comfort in the night. It was a song that left everyone silent—so silent they forgot to cheer or applaud—yet they derived immense courage from it.
After a long time, the stunned audience erupted into thunderous applause. Many touched their cheeks, realizing they had been moved to tears without even knowing it.
"The reason I’ve shared so much isn't to make everyone feel dejected, but to use my own experience to tell you: no matter what difficulties you face, do not give up. I dedicate this song to those who are trapped in emotional distress or feeling down. Believe that you have the courage to overcome your demons. Sooner or later, there is a stage that belongs to you, too!"
"And remember—you must shine brightly in the world you love. Do not waste the suffering you have endured. A kind and hardworking person like you will eventually attain the beauty you dream of." Lin Xi held the microphone high, her smile carrying a fresh, gentle aura, untouched by the world.
"Thank you, everyone! Let’s have an even better encounter next time!"
The lift began to descend, and Gu Yao and Lin Xi waved goodbye to the crowd.
"Ahh!" As they left the stage, the audience's excitement only grew. The roar of cheers continued like an endless tide, echoing throughout the stadium.
As soon as Lin Xi stepped off the lift, Lu Yuxiu strode over to her. Before she could speak, he lowered his head and kissed her deeply. It wasn't until Lin Xi felt it was inappropriate and pushed him away that he ended the sweet, intense kiss.
Wen Jin walked over, took Gu Yao’s hand, and quietly led him aside.
Lu Yuxiu slowly released her, and only then did she notice that he had changed into a formal suit at some point, looking tall and handsome.
Under her surprised gaze, he slowly knelt on one knee before her.
"You..." Lin Xi realized what was happening and was left speechless.
He took a box from his coat, opened it, and a sapphire crystal diamond ring lay inside.
For the first time, Lu Yuxiu’s heart was pounding with nervousness. He looked up at her sincerely. "My love, I’m so nervous. I can’t find the right flowery words, but I just hope to spend every day of the rest of my life with you. I will love and protect you until the next life. Will you marry me?"
Lin Xi’s mouth hung slightly open, still reeling from the shock and awe. Was he proposing?
"Marry him! Marry him!"
Before Lin Xi could speak, many figures suddenly emerged from the side.
Zhou Jun, Zhen Shuai, Ning Shuyu, and Ling Jia from "L" headquarters—almost everyone was there, clapping and shouting for her to say yes.
Nearby stood her brother Lin Tianyou, Third Brother Gu Jue and his wife An Shiying, Fourth Brother Gu Yao and his wife Wen Jin, and even Gu’s parents and Shu Yiran had come to witness this important moment in her life.
Lin Xi turned and saw them, tears nearly spilling from her eyes. What was going on?
"Sister-in-law, don't hesitate, say yes to our boss!" Zhen Shuai shouted.
"Little brother, you’re getting a bargain with Little Xi-Xi," Ning Shuyu said, hands on her hips.
"Sis, be happy," Lin Tianyou smiled, filled with relief.
"Little Xi, don't cry, it’ll ruin your pretty face," An Shiying said, her baby bump prominent as Gu Jue held her protectively.
"Hey, Lu Yuxiu, treat my sister well!" Gu Yao said, rubbing Wen Jin’s hand, still wearing his usual provocative grin.
"Big Sister Little Xi, be happy!" Little Yiran offered her best wishes.
"Little Xi, give him an answer, he’s still kneeling!" Gu’s mother said, laughing as her husband held her shoulder.
Hearing everyone’s blessings, Lin Xi’s eyes reddened as she looked down at him. His dark eyes were like two springs, making one drown in them unknowingly. It was as if everything in the world had lost its luster, and only she remained in his eyes.
"Yes! I do!" Under the witness of everyone, she beamed, shouting with all her might, responding to him with firmness and passion.
At that moment, brilliant fireworks bloomed across the sky.
The screaming and noise of the crowd seemed isolated in another world. The colorful lights flickered on his cool, handsome face. She could no longer hear any other sounds; her heart and eyes were filled with only him.
He solemnly placed the ring on her finger, stood up, and pulled her firmly into his arms. Lin Xi looked up at him from Lu Yuxiu’s embrace and smiled.
The smile on his face was so gentle and charming that Lin Xi’s gaze could not move away for a long time, her heart filled with endless sweetness and happiness.
To have the people she loves by her side—it’s wonderful.
...
I hope those who feel lost or in pain can find their way out and look forward. Even if the present is dark, the light will always come.
How lucky it is to meet someone in this lifetime who loves you as much as you love them. May you be brave enough to run toward your own happiness. Best wishes.
The End