Chapter 80: Official Recognition

When they arrived at Splendid Mansion, Lin Xi was curled up in the back seat, sleeping soundly in Lu Yuxiu’s arms.

“Sir, should I wake Miss Xi?” The driver opened the car door for them and asked tentatively.

“No need, I’ll carry her back.” Lu Yuxiu gently shifted Lin Xi’s head onto his arm, his posture graceful as he bent slightly. Half his face was illuminated by the light, the other half lost in shadow, giving his profile a deep, sculpted look.

With his other hand, he slid beneath her knees and effortlessly lifted her up in his arms.

He adjusted the little one in his embrace, nodded to the driver, and said, “Thank you for today. Head home and rest early.”

“Of course, thank you, Mr. Lu.” The driver nodded, watching them leave.

Lin Xi’s head felt hazy; she vaguely heard voices and sensed movement, as if she was being carried.

“Mmm…” Her forehead pressed against Lu Yuxiu’s jaw, and she tried to look up.

“Baby, don’t move, alright?” Lu Yuxiu noticed her stirring. His voice was impossibly gentle, his expression indulgent as he leaned in to kiss her forehead.

“Xiu…” Lin Xi woke up a little more, looped her arms around his neck, feeling utterly secure. She nuzzled closer to his collarbone, her voice soft and sweet: “Are we almost home?”

The faint fragrance clinging to her lingered near his nose—delicate and sweet, but never cloying, just like her. He felt deeply satisfied, a smile curling at his lips as he answered quietly, “Almost there. You’re getting better at acting spoiled.” He lowered his head to rub her little nose.

“I’m so sleepy…” For some reason, whenever Lin Xi was exhausted near him, she relaxed completely, all her vigilance abandoned. If her brother knew how easily she entrusted herself to someone else, he’d surely frown and scold her.

Lu Yuxiu had no idea what this little ancestor was thinking. He simply held her securely, wishing this road would stretch on longer and longer, so he could cradle his darling for just a little more.

Once he carried her home and laid her on the bed, she immediately hugged her panda plush and fell asleep again, the sequence smooth and effortless, making him laugh quietly.

He bent to remove her shoes, pulled the quilt over her, and gazed unblinkingly at her rosy cheeks. She slept deeply, peaceful and sweet beyond words. Under the dim light, her skin looked snowy and radiant, her beauty almost unreal. The little girl he’d yearned for over a decade was finally back by his side, sleeping so carelessly before his eyes.

Would she vanish again without warning? Lu Yuxiu’s heart raced wildly; usually calm and composed, he was now helpless, that fear spreading uncontrollably through him.

He was at a loss, gently brushing her cheek with trembling fingers. The warmth made him feel joyful and content. Suddenly, he laughed at himself: Lu Yuxiu, you’re actually feeling insecure now? How unlike you.

He leaned closer, his gaze landing on her lips. Slowly, he moved in, touching her soft red mouth lightly with his thumb. Her lips were tender; his lashes quivered, Adam’s apple bobbing, eyes dimming. Not wanting to wake her, he pressed a reverent kiss to her forehead.

Lu Yuxiu was keenly aware of his own emotions. With Lin Xi, he always restrained himself, fearing his feelings would be too intense and overwhelm her, but that suppression barely worked. Her influence on him was immense and growing—her mere presence was enough to stir waves in his once-steadfast heart.

“Baby, what am I supposed to do with you?” His voice was low, hoarse, and tense, filled with suppressed longing. He sat by her side, keeping vigil for a long time.

Until the phone’s ringtone snapped him from his thoughts.

“I’m Tutu the Mischief-maker, curious about the world…” Lin Xi’s phone rang—she was a loyal fan of Big Ear Tutu.

Lu Yuxiu quickly grabbed her phone and left the bedroom when he saw the caller ID: Miya.

“Hello, Xi-jie, Xi-jie? You’re awake, right? Get on Weibo, quick!” Miya’s voice sounded anxious.

Standing at the floor-to-ceiling window, with the city lights sparkling outside, Lu Yuxiu answered, “Miya, it’s Lu Yuxiu. She’s asleep. If there’s something, tell me, and I’ll pass it on.”

The other side paused, surprised: “Xiu… Xiu God?”

“Did something happen on Weibo?” he asked.

“No…no,” Miya recovered, gritted her teeth, and said, “It’s just that you posted your relationship on Weibo today, but Xi-jie hasn’t responded yet. The fans aren’t happy, so she needs to reply quickly.”

“Alright, I got it. I’ll reply for her. Anything else?” Lu Yuxiu agreed.

“No, that’s all.” Miya hung up, stunned for a while. Oh my god, Xi-jie is actually at Xiu God’s place? At this hour… could something happen? Should she tell the boss?

Lu Yuxiu opened Weibo, seeing 99+ messages. He glanced through—the fans were all tagging her, urging her to reply, plus private messages promising lifelong support.

@LittleSheep: Where’s Xi Xi? Why hasn’t she responded to Xiu God? Don’t tell me he hasn’t won her yet…

@XiuGodyyds: Our Xiu God is so pitiful! Xi Xi isn’t backing out, right? Please don’t! Chasing his wife is way too hard for him {crying}{crying}

@VeggieNoVeggies: No way, he definitely got her! Didn’t you watch the King livestream? It was sweeter than candy! And Xiu God’s Lan never targeted Xi Xi, not even once! He’s supposed to be the jungler setting the pace!

@SuperSweetCoffeeCla: Waiting! I won’t sleep until Xi Xi officially confirms tonight! Waiting for Xi Xi!

Lu Yuxiu decided not to torment the fans further. He simply reposted his own Weibo with a smiling emoji.

Within seconds, hundreds of comments appeared. He scrolled through instinctively.

@OnlyBambooLeftOnTheHill: Divine romance, ahhh, I’m so excited! Got stuffed with dog food at midnight [cry-laugh]. I knew you two were together!

@AprilPuff: Wonderful! Companionship is the longest confession; having a loved one is the happiest thing! Wishing Xi Xi and Xiu God a long, happy life! Little koi princess, be happy~~

@BarbieXi: Today’s sugar is extra sweet, but I love it! Please keep up the daily dose [applause][applause] Forced-head team in action.

@RaiseXiXiXiuGodFlagHigh: Congrats to Xiu God for finally winning his wife! We can finally ship CP openly! Today’s a good day—may all wishes come true! Empire CP fans won’t be low-key anymore—official certification can’t be faked! Xiu God succeeded! Celebrate worldwide!

Honestly, Lu Yuxiu hadn’t interacted much with fans before; aside from promotional events for film releases, he hadn’t paid much attention.

But lately, since dating Lin Xi, he’d been sending red envelopes in the Weibo fan group, seeing messages full of best wishes. He felt more directly the support, affection, and encouragement from fans.

To put it plainly, fans and artists are strangers—every effort expects some return, no one gives unconditionally. Yet true fans support without conditions, simply hoping their idol lives well and thrives. Such sincere blessings are rare and precious; they offer their hearts, and you can only repay them with better works and positive energy.

Lu Yuxiu was moved by the fans. He took out his own phone and sent several large red envelopes in the fan group, prompting excited howls from the fans.

The next day, as Lin Xi and Lu Yuxiu ate breakfast, she opened her Weibo account. It was bustling—she checked the latest update and glanced at the trending topics, immediately understanding what had happened.

Feigning anger, she held her phone up to Lu Yuxiu and asked, “What’s going on?”

Lu Yuxiu glanced at it, lips curving into a deep, meaningful smile. “A certain little lazy pig fell asleep, so I had to take matters into my own hands.”

“Hmph!” Lin Xi glared at him, muttering in annoyance, “Your reply was so perfunctory, it makes it look like I don’t like you.”

Lu Yuxiu’s eyes softened, laughter deepening.

“I’ll reply myself,” Lin Xi said, typing another post.

Lin Xi V: Official certification! @Lu Yuxiu, he really fought through thorns to be by my side~~ (ps: yesterday’s post doesn’t count, it wasn’t mine~)

Fans saw it and laughed themselves silly:

—Haha, Xiu God is so humble! Yesterday’s post was definitely his, and he even sent red envelopes in the fan group! Same time! {screenshot}

—Xiu God: I’ll reply to myself! This is hilarious!

—This move is genius! I knew something was off yesterday—Xi Xi’s reply was just an emoji, so abnormal!

At the company, Gu Yao saw Lin Xi’s Weibo and was still gnashing his teeth. His precious sister had really been whisked away! And now it was announced to the world, utterly disregarding him!

He promptly posted on Weibo, tagging Lu Yuxiu with a warning.

Gu Yao V: @Lu Yuxiu, you haven’t passed my test yet! Treat my sister well, or else you’re doomed!

Lu Yuxiu was quick to reply, commenting below: Do you even need to say that?

Their childish exchange was mocked by fans everywhere, becoming a running joke in the entertainment industry.

Lin Xi covered her face, giggling to herself. Who knew when their battle would finally end.

Wen Jin, Qi Qi, and other actor friends all left messages of congratulations on Lin Xi’s Weibo.

What surprised fans most was Lu Jin, Director Lu, who reposted Lu Yuxiu’s Weibo and commented: Well done, boy! Finally did something worthwhile!

That day, Lin Xi felt full of happiness, receiving blessings from fans and friends alike.