Chapter 108: Announcing Her Retirement from the Industry

After the creators of "Prosperous Times" toured the studios and Lin Xi’s nickname trended due to her cultivation achievements, Wen Jin’s public announcement of her retirement from the entertainment industry once again thrust her into the spotlight.

Many netizens expressed their confusion:

@LittleCottonJacketOfYao: This is so frustrating. It’s as if dating Yao means you don’t need to work anymore. When she was dating Yao, it was all fireworks and drama, and now she’s just lying at home? Really infuriating, such a turn-off.

@JusticeExplosion: This is classic negative role modeling! It’s telling young people they don’t need to work hard, just find a rich partner. Such a sensational retirement announcement? Someone like her doesn’t deserve Yao.

@SteadyOnTowerSteal: How could anyone say something like this? What does it mean to “finally discover your true passion”? So entering the industry for these years was just a joke?

The netizens erupted once more, flooding Wen Jin’s Weibo with critical comments and disparagement.

Gu Yao learned about it instantly, halted his work, rushed back to Xingchen, and hurried to Wen Jin’s side. She wouldn’t let him speak out, so he simply stayed quietly by her side.

That night, Wen Jin discussed her thoughts with her agent and company, confirming that she would retire indefinitely after "Prosperous Times" finished airing. After their talk, she posted on Weibo without further hesitation.

Wen Jin V: Thank you all for your concern.

Personally, I believe women should have their own careers and realize their life’s value. Since entering the industry, I have diligently completed every one of my projects. I can’t claim great achievements, but at least I have been honest and upright, worthy of my own efforts.

Is it forbidden for people to have their own dreams? The entertainment industry is one avenue, but is it wrong to pursue other paths afterward? This is my choice, and I don’t see any fault in it—at least I have the courage to try and strive.

After leaving the industry, I will continue toward my ideal goals, so there’s no need to assume I must become a wealthy housewife. Even taking ten thousand steps back, if I did retire to look after my family, I wouldn’t feel shame or regret. Gu Yao is my greatest wish and happiness.

He will boldly take my hand under the paparazzi’s gaze, write songs for me, play the piano for me, pursue me tirelessly with loving care, and love me as if I were his life. What do I have to be bitter about? For him, I would willingly stay home and nurture our family. Besides, it’s still too early to say such things—I will continue striving for my dreams and value, and I hope for everyone’s understanding.

In short, thank you to my company @Xingchen Group, and always to @Gu Yao and Little Xi @Lin Xi, I will keep moving forward with determination [smile].

Lastly, please keep supporting "Prosperous Times" and cheer for the Imperial Couple CP. Until we meet again in the world of martial arts! [fist salute]

Every word of Wen Jin’s heartfelt “little essay” left many keyboard warriors, full of grand principles, momentarily speechless. The scene was quite awkward for a time.

At this moment, Wen Jin’s true fans finally emerged from the crowd, leaving supportive comments in the section.

@QingziOh: The world’s prejudice and slander only teaches her to be gentle and restrained. Little Jin truly speaks with the softest voice and the strongest words. [heart]

@ShenShen: Beautifully said. Passing reckless judgment or commentary on others is truly impolite. Such things shouldn’t become a major part of life; we don’t live for these opinions. Everyone struggles, everyone has powerless moments! May the world treat us all gently. [flowers]

@MilkBread: Gentle but with an edge, our tender and resolute darling, we little sunbeams will always support your decisions! [crying][heart]

Lin Xi liked and reposted, and Gu Yao was quick to leave a message in support of his girlfriend.

Gu Yao V: I, Gu Yao, have always lived passionately. I never hide my love—bold, wild, because she’s the only one in this lifetime. @Wen Jin, do whatever you want—I’ve got your back.

For a moment, the entire internet seemed to fall silent, then erupted in a screen full of groundhog screams.

By the time Gu Yao posted his message, it was already night. He spent the night with Wen Jin at her apartment.

She sat in his arms as he typed out each word, watching her cover her flushed face. He smiled indulgently and pressed “post.”

Gu Yao tossed his phone onto the sofa, wrapped his arms easily around Wen Jin’s waist, and carried her to the bedroom.

The screen flashed “successfully posted,” but neither cared at all for the frenzy their Weibo posts would spark.

“Ah—!” Wen Jin was suddenly picked up, letting out a startled cry as her ears reddened and her small hands hooked around his neck.

Entering the master bedroom, Gu Yao gently set her down, then leaned in close, his breath warm against her neck and their bodies pressed so intimately together.

Wen Jin’s mind went blank, a little nervous and unsettled. She gripped the sheets tightly, her heartbeat pounding in her throat.

Gu Yao, naturally sensing her tension, chuckled softly, his voice low and powerful, softer than usual: “Sweetheart, what are you afraid of?”

Wen Jin stared at him blankly, blinking, while he frowned with an indescribable expression and buried his face in her neck, his voice husky: “Good girl, rest early. I’ll hold back a bit longer.”

Having read plenty of novels, Wen Jin understood perfectly what he meant, and was warmed by his tenderness and uprightness.

She gently grasped his arm, tilted her head, and carefully kissed Gu Yao’s Adam’s apple.

Gu Yao froze instantly, his breath stopping, feeling only the soft, delicate sensation where she kissed him.

When Wen Jin pulled away, Gu Yao lowered his head and met her eyes. Wen Jin thought she saw a fire burning within, and watched his Adam’s apple slowly move.

She squinted, her smile shy with starlight glimmering in her eyes, and Gu Yao felt his heart skip a beat.

He knew he had completely surrendered—this lifetime, he would always bow before her, and he savored it sweetly.

Wen Jin felt uneasy under his possessive gaze, just about to speak to lighten the mood, when he took her face in his hands and kissed her, fiercely and tenderly, with an urgency as if he needed to leave his mark on her.

Wen Jin tilted her head to meet him, their kiss lingering and hard to part.

Finally, as they drew apart, he held her neck, pressing her into his embrace, his hand gently stroking her nape.

Both closed their eyes, feeling each other's heartbeat, savoring the moment. His warm breath caressed her forehead, and she remained obediently nestled in his arms, grateful to have someone who was all eyes and heart for her.

“Sweetheart, sleep now,” he said, his eyes filled with indulgent affection as he hugged her waist and gently stroked her hair, soothing her to sleep.

With a face full of happiness, Wen Jin closed her eyes, and the two slept entwined in each other’s arms.