This didn't seem like something Lu Xixiao would write.
He had a bad temper and rarely showed patience toward anyone or anything except Zhou Wan. He was distant and cold toward strangers, never willing to share his story or reveal his inner self to them.
Unwilling, and disdaining to do so.
Yet he did it anyway.
He cared nothing for the outside world—only Zhou Wan mattered.
The colleagues had all read the article as well.
In it, Lu Xixiao still hadn’t disclosed Zhou Wan’s past to the public. That was her privacy, and her pain.
Even as her boyfriend, he had no right to speak on her behalf.
Moreover, Lu Xixiao understood clearly that Zhou Wan didn’t want others to know about those experiences. To her, they were nothing short of a nightmare.
This wasn’t an article meant to explain or clarify; it was more like a tender yet resolute, impactful love letter.
In his most defiant and self-assured way, he had responded to the public.
It was I who stubbornly, obsessively loved her; it was I who insisted on having her by my side.
And as long as I am here, she will never have to suffer undeserved grievances against her will.
Then, in the most straightforward manner, he concluded: if you want idle gossip, you won’t find it here; if you want the truth, wait for the final verdict.
Now that was more like Lu Xixiao’s style.
“Wanwan,” the Team Leader asked, “are we still posting that video?”
The sight of Zhou Wan sitting alone before the camera, baring her past, was truly heartbreaking.
The saying “poverty breeds deceit, wealth nurtures conscience” felt both helpless and pitiable.
If she had been purely wicked, it might have been easier—she could have lived freely without remorse. But instead, she was trapped by circumstances, her kind soul at odds with her actions, tormenting herself.
She had simply taken a job that occasionally required her to appear before the public—why should she have to account for her painful past?
Besides, with Zhou Wan’s abilities, even if she weren’t a host, she could have excelled in any field.
Zhou Wan didn’t hesitate. Softly, she said, “Post it.”
Lu Xixiao was protecting her, and she was protecting him in return.
She didn’t want anyone to misunderstand him.
And those past experiences, those moments of poor judgment, that darkness and malice—it was time for her to put an end to them herself, with her own hands.
Only then could she truly move on.
Walk openly under the sun, free from shadows.
In the evening, the newspaper’s official account released the video, and its views skyrocketed.
Zhou Wan hadn’t paid attention to the comments under the news since the previous night and didn’t know that public opinion had begun to shift after the donation channel for Guo Xiangling was opened.
Later, some people claimed to know Guo Xiangling or Zhou Wan and came forward to share what they believed to be the truth.
Though it was uncertain how much of this “truth” was real, the situation had evolved beyond the one-sided criticism of the beginning.
After the video and article were published, the tide turned completely.
[How could a mother be like this? After carrying her child for ten months, how could she treat her daughter so cruelly?]
[As a girl who grew up in poverty, I relate so deeply. Sometimes I envy friends who are carefree, simple, and kind—but every one of them comes from a well-off family. If they get deceived, it’s no big deal; they have the capital to make mistakes and grow through setbacks. But some of us don’t even have the chance to err—one misstep, and there’s no turning back.]["There's a line in a movie I saw before that says, it's not 'rich but kind,' but 'rich so kind.'"]
……
Before Zhou Wan could read the comments below, Lu Xixiao called.
Zhou Wan got up and went outside to answer. "Hello?"
"Why did you post that video?" Lu Xixiao asked softly. "You don't have to talk about things you don't want to. I'll handle everything."
Zhou Wan stood by the corridor window. The early winter sunlight streamed through the window frame, falling on her, warm and exceptionally comfortable.
She unconsciously narrowed her eyes and smiled. "At first, I didn't want to talk about it, but now that I've said everything, I feel completely unburdened."
One should face oneself openly to live with integrity.
Those past memories she didn't want to recall or acknowledge were now exposed without any shadows before the camera, like sunlight shining into a dark valley, with even the dust blown away by the wind.
She finally dared to straighten her back and look back at her past.
To look back at that younger Zhou Wan who wasn't so perfect.
"Lu Xixiao." After a pause, she suddenly called his name softly.
"Hmm?"
"I'm sorry for hurting you before," Zhou Wan said. "If I had been a little braver, you wouldn't have had to go through so much hardship."
"Wanwan, let's only talk about the future from now on."
"Okay, this is the last time I'll say sorry to you." Zhou Wan chuckled lightly. "I'll treat you very well from now on."
Under the sunlight, those two lonely boats finally reached the shore.
……
Zhou Wan didn't look into the aftermath of that incident.
Everything that followed was handled by Lu Xixiao, including dealing with Guo Xiangling. He didn't allow Guo Xiangling any further opportunity to harass Zhou Wan.
Just as she had said that day, Zhou Wan completely cut off contact with Guo Xiangling.
By the end of the year, the previous lawsuits had reached their conclusions.
Zhou Wan didn't ask Lu Xixiao about the specific details, and he didn't volunteer the information either.
He silently handled everything properly, creating a pure land for Zhou Wan.
What followed was the finals of the "Golden Microphone" hosting competition.
Only three contestants remained for the finals.
The competition was broadcast live that day. Lu Xixiao also came, wearing a well-tailored suit that accentuated his broad shoulders, narrow waist, tall stature, long legs, and excellent physique.
Before the competition, Lu Xixiao went backstage to find Zhou Wan.
She was getting her makeup done.
Her eyes were closed as she let the makeup artist apply her makeup.
Her skin was naturally good, and with makeup, it looked even more radiant and flawless, with no visible pores.
Wearing a fitted evening gown, the tattoo on her was impossible to hide. However, since tattoos couldn't be shown on camera, it had to be temporarily covered with concealer, though the writing beneath was still faintly visible up close.
Lu Xixiao sat to the side, his gaze falling on her collarbone area. "Nervous?"
"Not really."
Zhou Wan smiled. "I never thought I'd make it to the top three anyway. I'm satisfied with any ranking."
She had never been particularly ambitious.
That's why she didn't have strong feelings about winning or losing in such competitions - it was the same when she was studying.
Lu Xixiao didn't care about her ranking either, simply saying, "I'll take you out for good food after the competition."
During this period of preparing for this stressful competition, Zhou Wan had lost weight - she even felt lighter when he held her.
The makeup artist listening to their conversation couldn't help but remark, "You two have such a good relationship."Though she claimed not to be nervous, Zhou Wan approached everything with earnestness, giving her all and striving for perfection within her capabilities.
As the competition began, she stood under the blazing spotlight in a pristine white gown, her figure shimmering with a soft glow.
Holding the microphone with a faint smile, she gazed calmly and confidently at the sea of faces in the audience, her words clear and fluent, delivered at an unhurried pace.
Zhou Wan had not changed, yet she had changed profoundly.
Like now, where almost no trace of her former self remained.
Lu Xixiao stood in the audience, watching Zhou Wan under the spotlight, and was suddenly overwhelmed with emotion.
His thoughts drifted, his mind rewinding like a film in reverse, frame by frame.
New Year’s Eve, the crowded green train, snowflakes, and an innocent kiss.
The countdown to the new year, brilliant fireworks, cold dumplings, and the girl’s illuminated profile.
One winter night, the words laden with unspoken meaning: "If I were to date you, would you be happy?"
Her 18th birthday, when she said, "May you always dare to love and hate, and may everything go smoothly for you."
…
And finally, in that shabby, dimly lit arcade.
A young girl, tender and soft, her slender, pale fingers holding a pen, lifting her clear, deer-like eyes: "Zhou Wan—the 'Wan' from 'draw a carved bow to the full like the moon.'"
Ten years had passed, and they had journeyed through countless trials together.
That conflicted, insecure girl had finally grown confident enough to stand under the spotlight, watched, applauded, and cheered by the crowd.
The competition neared its end.
The final results were announced.
In the finals, everyone was exceptionally skilled, and many segments became legendary moments worthy of repeated viewing.
When the host announced the results, Zhou Wan took second place.
It was a curious coincidence—she had always been second in her studies, and now she was second in the competition too.
Yet, as a non-professional contestant, she was more than satisfied with this result and genuinely admired the champion’s ability.
Next, the host invited the top three to deliver their acceptance speeches.
After the third-place winner, a young man, finished his speech, it was Zhou Wan’s turn.
She had been so focused on the competition itself that she had never considered what to say afterward, leaving her to improvise on the spot.
Zhou Wan looked out at the dense crowd and at Lu Xixiao, seated in the center of the front row, watching her.
She thought back to what such acceptance speeches usually entailed.
Pausing briefly, she began with a gentle smile: "I am very happy and honored to receive this award. It will be a milestone, a medal, and a starting point in my life. Standing here now, I would like to thank my editor-in-chief and my colleagues, who have given me so much help and support. And also, I want to thank—"
Her gaze traveled through the crowd and settled on Lu Xixiao.
Their eyes met.
Her smile deepened involuntarily: "I want to thank my boyfriend, Lu Xixiao."
"He once said that without me, he wouldn’t be who he is today. For me, it’s the same—without him, there would be no Zhou Wan as I am now."
"Thank you for staying by my side, thank you for being willing to love me at every stage, and thank you for never giving up on me."
The helpless and timid Zhou Wan.
The obscure and unknown Zhou Wan.
The not-so-kind Zhou Wan.
Thank you for loving that version of me.
And now, I can finally stand under the spotlight, confident and gentle, no longer stubborn about my past self, no longer insecure under others’ gazes, truly at peace with who I am."We are friends, lovers, family, and comrades standing shoulder to shoulder. Thank you for accompanying me through the darkest years, thank you for growing with me."
The surroundings were filled with chaotic screams and shouts.
Yet Zhou Wan's heart was exceptionally calm. Everything around her blurred and receded, leaving only Lu Xixiao before her.
His eyes were profound, his gaze serene, like a marsh pulling her willingly deeper and deeper.
"The subject of growth was once difficult and painful for me to write. I even thought about giving up entirely. But standing here now, I think—"
Zhou Wan watched as he gently lifted the corners of his mouth, his eyes bright, "I think I've finally written an answer that satisfies myself."
After the previous drama, everyone understood Zhou Wan's past.
They could especially relate to what she was saying now.
As her words fell, applause erupted, surging like a tidal wave.
Pushed to the heights by the lights and applause, she was wrapped in delicate rays of light, bursting forth from within, dazzling and radiant to the extreme.
Amid the thunderous applause, she saw Lu Xixiao sitting there, clapping for her.
Applauding this chapter of her growth.
He had transitioned from a participant in her growth to an observer, wearing a gentle, carefree smile, cheering for her from the heart.
A sudden, indescribable impulse surged within her.
Most of the time, Zhou Wan was calm and reserved, but this impulse now nearly paralyzed all her nerves, compelling her to act on instinct.
She remained silent for a long time.
Even the host and lighting technician thought her acceptance speech had ended.
The light on her dimmed.
And at that moment—
"Lu Xixiao." She suddenly spoke.
The lights brightened again.
The background music faded, the venue fell silent, leaving only that blinding spotlight.
Zhou Wan looked toward the light, her heartbeat gradually quickening.
"Lu Xixiao." She called out again.
She saw Lu Xixiao in the audience part his lips and say, "Hmm."
"If—if I proposed to you," Zhou Wan said softly, "would you be happy?"
As soon as the words left her mouth, the venue erupted with deafening screams.
Nothing could be heard clearly.
Yet in that instant, Lu Xixiao seemed to see the 16-year-old Zhou Wan.
Back then, she stood under a streetlamp, light spilling over her head, wearing a blue-and-white school uniform, the wind tousling her hair.
"Want to date? With me."
"If I dated you, would you be happy?"
"Probably."
"Okay."
...
The scenes fast-forwarded frame by frame, accelerating continuously—
The dim streetlamp above her head transformed into a blazing spotlight, her school uniform replaced by an elegant gown.
Asking him, if I proposed to you, would you be happy?
...
Zhou Wan's heartbeat grew faster and faster.
Amid the cheers and shouts, she could only hear the frantic pounding of her own heart.
Then she saw Lu Xixiao, after a moment of shock, lower his eyes and smile.
As if she had received her answer, Zhou Wan smiled too.
Her grip on the microphone tightened, her cheeks burning.
"Lu Xixiao."
She spoke earnestly and solemnly, gazing at him, enunciating each word clearly, "Will you marry me?"
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