Chapter 38 Lost

The staff handed over a phone. Lu Yuxiu didn’t have many friends in the industry, and after a moment’s thought, he decided to call Gu Yao. This guy had been on quite a few shows; he should have some sense. Gu Yao had practically become the show’s unofficial recurring guest—previous guests often mentioned him, Lin Xi and Wen Jin would call him during forfeits, and sometimes they’d even spill his secrets when they lost games. His past foolish antics and blunders had unexpectedly made him endearing, earning him many new fans.

Because of Wen Jin’s connection with Lin Xi, it wasn’t surprising for fans to learn she knew Gu Yao through the internet—they were just envious, that’s all. As for Gu Yao’s music fans, they quite enjoyed seeing their idol pop up in the show in so many ways. After all, it looked like he was well on his way to becoming a comedy star.

Everyone’s gaze was fixed expectantly on the phone in Lu Yuxiu’s hand.

A pleasant ringtone sounded; someone picked up on the other end.

“Hey, Xiu? Why are you calling me? Missing me already?” Gu Yao’s cheeky voice came through.

Lin Xi and Wen Jin couldn’t help but laugh.

Lu Yuxiu didn’t seem to mind. He spoke calmly, as if nothing were amiss: “I’m pregnant.”

The studio fell instantly silent at that statement.

The people nearby, surprised almost to the point of bursting, struggled to contain themselves. Lin Xi clamped a hand over her mouth, wide-eyed in shock.

No one had expected Lu Yuxiu to say such a thing—pregnant? The implications were huge!

A faint air of awkwardness and tension hung in the room.

There was a long silence on the other end, before finally—

“Xiu, I never knew you had that function!” Gu Yao’s incredulous tone came back.

Laughter erupted in the studio.

“Haven’t your parents broken your legs yet?” Gu Yao added, sounding genuinely concerned.

“Gu Yao.” Lu Yuxiu’s voice remained cool, but Gu Yao sensed all the warning in it.

“Um, you’re recording a show, aren’t you? Lost a game?” Gu Yao guessed, a little more subdued.

Lu Yuxiu ignored him entirely and hung up.

The laughter only grew louder in the studio.

Lu Yuxiu brought a fist to his lips, coughed softly, his expression composed as ever.

The live-stream chat was awash with laughter.

“Congratulations… congratulations to God Xiu for completing the challenge!” Even Xu Feng, who’d seen all sorts of things, could barely hold back his smile.

Lin Xi’s face was flushed red from holding in laughter. Lu Yuxiu looked at her, helpless, his eyes full of confusion: Was it really that funny?

Yes, it was! Lin Xi pressed her lips together and nodded emphatically.

Lu Yuxiu could only watch her laugh, indulgence softening his gaze. He picked up a bottle of Milk You Source from the table, opened it, and handed it to her as naturally as breathing.

Enough laughing!

Lin Xi took it without a second thought, drinking a mouthful.

No one in the studio paid it any mind, but online viewers were beside themselves, flooding the chat:

“Oh my god, did I just see that? That was way too natural!!!”

“I don’t care! They’re definitely together! They just haven’t made it public! This is irrefutable proof!”

“No! My idol! The man I’ve followed for over a decade is actually in a relationship? I can’t accept it!”

“Come on, be rational. Celebrities are people too. We’re fans, not possessors.”

The barrage of comments was a noisy back-and-forth between fans.

Naturally, those in the studio were oblivious to all this—only the director, watching from behind his phone, was grinning from ear to ear.

Lin Xi seized the opportunity to ask Lu Yuxiu a question.

With a bright smile and curiosity all over her face, she said, “I have to ask, Yuxiu, you have such great fashion sense. What brand is the trench coat you’re wearing today?”

As she’d hoped, everyone’s attention turned to his outfit.

Lu Yuxiu, well aware of her little scheme, let out a soft laugh and played along: “It’s from a brand I really like—Sun.”

“Ohhh,” Lin Xi replied, feigning sudden enlightenment.

Lu Yuxiu couldn’t help but chuckle.

The live comments were baffled:

“Sun? Is that a new brand? Am I out of the loop? Going to order it now!”

“Ladies, who’s in? WeChat or Alipay? Let’s get the same look!”

Quietly, Lin Xi had just advertised her own brand, feeling entirely satisfied with herself.

The recording continued, the conversation still revolving around the elusive God Xiu, who almost never appeared on variety shows.

When it was An Leju’s turn to ask a question, he hesitated, but finally asked, “Why did you enter the entertainment industry?”

At that, every eye in the studio turned to Lu Yuxiu, filled with anticipation.

No one seemed to notice the live comments overflowing with the word “her”—the fans online were so worked up they wished they could jump into the studio and answer for him.

“For someone,” he replied, his voice low, his gaze bright as he glanced sideways at a particular person.

Lin Xi froze for a moment. She didn’t know why, but hearing those words sent a pang through her heart, as if something vital had been lost. So he had someone he liked? Suddenly, she remembered the video that had gone viral online.

So that was it. All along, she’d simply deluded herself.

When she looked up again, her expression was composed, betraying nothing.

Lu Yuxiu watched her closely, noting her indifferent air. Disappointed, he lowered his gaze. Given the video circulating online, he’d made it obvious enough—was she still not willing to accept it?

How was it that the whole internet knew the girl was Lin Xi, and yet she herself remained in the dark? Was it because she didn’t like him, or just refused to admit it? A bitter, self-mocking feeling welled up in Lu Yuxiu’s heart.

The fans in the comments saw it all too clearly—their God Xiu hadn’t won her over yet.

The reactions between Lu Yuxiu and Lin Xi made fans think he was suffering unrequited love. In their anxiety, they began urging Lin Xi: “Look at our God Xiu!”

Lin Xi’s mind was in chaos, and the recording ended in a haze.

“All right! Thank you, everyone. Tomorrow is our final episode—have a good rest tonight!” the director said warmly.

“Thank you, Director!” Xu Feng and the others nodded politely.

“Xiao Xi, what’s wrong?” Wen Jin noticed Lin Xi’s pale face and reached out to touch her forehead.

Lin Xi forced a small smile, her spirits low. “I’m fine. I just want to go home. Xiao Jin, stay with me tonight, don’t bother with my fourth brother.”

“Okay.” Wen Jin, worried, agreed, then turned to her assistant. “Xiao Ruo, you can head back.”

As the studio emptied, for the first time, Lin Xi didn’t wait for Lu Yuxiu. She left with Wen Jin, heading back to Jinxiu alone.

Once home, Lin Xi’s mood remained low. She sat on the couch, lost in thought, her expression listless. Wen Jin didn’t pry but busied herself in the kitchen. Suddenly, her phone vibrated.

“Hello? Xiao Jin, where are you? Have you abandoned your boyfriend?” Gu Yao’s aggrieved voice was especially clear.

Since the two had started dating, Gu Yao’s pride and composure had shattered in front of Wen Jin—he’d become a clingy puppy.

Wen Jin quickly wiped her hands, face flushed, picked up the phone, and turned off speaker. She glanced at Lin Xi, who still sat there, expressionless, and wondered if she’d overheard.

“I’m at Jinxiu with Xiao Xi for the day. We’re recording the last episode together tomorrow,” Wen Jin explained softly.

Gu Yao, finally pacified, said with a whine, “All right, I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning. Don’t forget to think of me!”

“Okay~” Wen Jin replied sweetly.

“Xiao Xi, dinner’s ready!” Wen Jin called from the dining table.

Lin Xi snapped back to herself and sat down, still silent.

Wen Jin sighed softly. The Lin Xi she knew was always sunny and lively. She had no idea what had happened today.

“Xiao Xi, let’s eat.” Wen Jin placed chopsticks in her hand and filled her bowl.

Lin Xi composed herself and asked, “Xiao Jin, how are things with my fourth brother?”

Wen Jin couldn’t help but smile, her eyes clear and bright, her smile melting away any trace of winter and bringing in the warmth of spring.

Lin Xi found herself smiling too. “You’re happier than you were before.” It was perhaps the highest compliment one could give.

“Mm.” Wen Jin paused, then nodded, content.

“Xiao Xi, you’ll meet your special someone, too. Believe me, the person destined to spend their life with you is on their way, eager and full of hope, hurrying to meet you,” Wen Jin said gently, coaxing her like a child. “So, Xiao Xi, keep hope alive, and be true to your own heart.”

Lin Xi was taken aback, then lowered her gaze and smiled. “Xiao Jin, I understand. Thank you.”

The two exchanged a smile. Every girl, in her heart, yearns for a love that is unique and all-consuming.

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That night, Lin Xi dreamed again of the little boy from her childhood. He smiled as he handed her something, and she tasted the sweet flavor of White Rabbit candy.

The young boy in her dream seemed to be growing clearer, his features oddly reminiscent of Lu Yuxiu.

The next morning, Gu Yao rang Lin Xi’s doorbell bright and early.

Wen Jin opened the door, only to be smothered with kisses.

Lin Xi was awakened by the noise, and came downstairs still grumpy from sleep. Seeing the affectionate couple, she grabbed a glass of water and snapped, “It’s too early for this, you two! Enough already!”

Wen Jin blushed furiously, pushing Gu Yao away in embarrassment.

“Xiao Xi, you’re so lazy, only just up!” Gu Yao complained, his good mood disrupted.

“You’re the one who came too early! What’s your hurry?” Lin Xi glared at him, not in the least polite.

Gu Yao gave up. Truly, never disturb a sleepyhead unless you’re ready to face her wrath.

“What’s for breakfast? Fourth brother, get moving!” Lin Xi ordered, entirely unashamed.

Knowing he was in the wrong, Gu Yao hurried off to cook—she really was a little tyrant. Lin Xi dragged Wen Jin to the living room and wouldn’t let her help.

Lounging lazily on the couch, Lin Xi squinted her eyes while Wen Jin got up to turn on the TV.

Unexpectedly, as the screen lit up, the news anchor announced solemnly:

“Recently, Wenshi Group has declared bankruptcy due to financial issues. President Wen Yiming has been implicated in allegations of tax evasion and embezzlement, with the police now involved in the investigation. Once a leading business in Longcheng, Wenshi Group’s collapse due to financial mismanagement has left many sighing in regret…”

The words echoed loudly through the living room, and Wen Jin stood frozen on the spot.