Chapter 119: Wuyou Logs Off

Early winter arrived, and the air gradually grew colder.

Shu Yunyi had passed away some time ago. Though she was gone, life had to go on for those left behind.

Shu Yiran was Yunyi’s only wish.

As her last friend, Lin Xi was determined to take good care of him. However, she was also busy with work and found herself stretched thin. So, she had no choice but to temporarily leave little Yiran with Mr. and Mrs. Gu. To their delight, Yiran was considerate and well-behaved, often bringing laughter and joy to them.

This gave Lin Xi some peace of mind. The filming of "The Ethereal Chronicle" was nearing its end. She sat on set, script in hand, waiting for her cue for the final scene. She had prepared for this moment the day before, reviewing the life and character of Wuyou once more, hoping to deliver a perfect farewell through her performance for this fortunate yet tragic role.

The scene unfolded after Wuyou married into the Third Dynasty. The Holy King, bolstered by new allies, launched an unrelenting offensive against the First Dynasty. Yet the Huang clan had anticipated this and, together with the Yanshan Spirit Clan, met the Holy Tribe’s soldiers with a bloody and devastating defeat.

After fierce fighting, the Holy King was utterly exhausted and was beheaded by Jing Gang. Upon hearing the news, Wuyou was heartbroken; the man she loved had slain her own father. Desperate, she fought her way back to her own kingdom.

“Action!” Director Fan called out as Lin Xi slipped fully into character.

Wuyou returned to her kingdom to find it desolate and changed beyond recognition. The strong men of the tribe had perished in battle, leaving only the elderly, weak, and children weeping in despair.

An old woman was the first to spot Wuyou, exclaiming with joy, “Is it the princess? Our princess has returned!”

Her voice drew the tribe’s people, who soon gathered around.

With the Holy King dead, the tribe was leaderless. Standing there, Wuyou’s deep-set eyes shimmered with sorrow and loneliness that seemed to emanate from every strand of her exquisite hair.

Seeing the hopeful gazes of her people, Wuyou felt as if a mountain pressed down upon her chest. She seemed to have grown up overnight, understanding that she must now shoulder the responsibilities before her. As her father had said, this was a fate she could never escape.

“Princess! You can’t abandon us!” “Princess, what are we to do?”

Faced with the tribe’s anxious pleas, Wuyou finally moved. She summoned all her power, raising her delicate hands high, her graceful fingers weaving through the air as her gown billowed around her.

She danced amidst the crowd like a flower shrouded in mist, ethereal and elusive.

This was the auspicious blessing dance that appeared only in the tribe’s golden age. Wuyou had performed it at grand ceremonies before, but never with such a heavy heart as now. The tribe seemed soothed by her elegant movements; many clasped their hands together and closed their eyes in prayer.

She had longed for freedom and love all her life, yet was trapped by her people and fate. She would never see her beloved again in this lifetime, sacrificing herself to preserve the greater good. Destiny had condemned her to remain forever bound to her tribe.

When the dance ended, the carefree little princess was truly gone. She had lost her freedom forever and was left only with endless solitude.

How ironic—a name meaning “carefree,” yet burdened with sorrow and loneliness all her days.

A single tear silently slipped from Wuyou’s eye.

Her mission was a predestined path; to stray from it would cost her blood with every step.

“Cut!” Director Fan’s voice snapped everyone back to reality. Wuyou’s story had come to an abrupt end.

“Congratulations on wrapping up!” The crew cheered as Lin Xi stepped out of character.

Ning Shuyu was the first to embrace her, presenting a bouquet. “Congrats on wrapping up, Xiao Xi!”

Fan Yan also appeared from behind the scenes, smiling brightly. “Thank you, Xiao Xi, for bringing Wuyou to life perfectly! Happy wrap!”

Lin Xi smiled, moved. She had truly become Wuyou and honored such a vivid, real character. Grateful, she bowed to the director, seniors, and fellow actors. Her third film had come to a wonderfully complete close.

Though Lin Xi had finished filming, the lead roles’ scenes remained incomplete. Director Fan briefly celebrated with them before returning to work. Ning Shuyu and Chen Pi were also busy rehearsing, so after saying her goodbyes, Lin Xi quietly left for Long City.

On the way back, Lin Xi received a call from Zhou Xin.

“Hello, Xiao Xi, congrats on wrapping up! You’ve worked hard!” Zhou Xin’s rare cheerful voice came through.

Lin Xi smiled. “Thank you, Sister Zhou.”

“I have good news! ‘Polaris’ passed the review and is scheduled for nationwide release on the 29th of this month!” Zhou Xin’s voice brimmed with joy.

“Really?” Lin Xi was surprised. How could it be so soon?

“Of course!” Zhou Xin admitted they hadn’t expected such a quick release. The film had just finished shooting. “Having one project after another in the public eye is perfect—no gaps, so fans won’t forget you. Ideal, really.”

“Quite lucky indeed,” Miya sighed.

“Yeah, I was thinking you might have to do a variety show after ‘The Ethereal Chronicle’ to keep your momentum, but now you don’t have to worry. You can have a good rest.” Zhou Xin generously granted Lin Xi a short vacation.

Hearing this, Lin Xi’s spirits lifted. “Great! Thanks, Sister Zhou. I can finally sleep in!”

“Hahaha!” Zhou Xin laughed, and after a few more words, they ended the call.

Lin Xi fell silent, gazing out at the scenery rushing by, a hint of melancholy stirring within.

“Xiao Xi? What’s wrong?” Miya noticed and asked softly.

Lin Xi pursed her lips. “Just a bit distracted. Suddenly I realized this was Yunyi’s last film. She never got to see it released.”

Miya lowered her eyes, silent for a long moment.

Lin Xi forced a smile. “It’s okay. We’ll watch it for her. Buy an extra ticket—she’ll see it.”

“Mm,” Miya nodded.

The car sped toward their destination, Long City.

Guessing Lu Yuxiu was still busy at the office, Lin Xi headed first to the Gu residence.

It happened to be the weekend, and Shu Yiran was home, not at school.

“Sister Xiao Xi!” Yiran spotted her first and ran over excitedly. Lin Xi smiled and scooped him into a warm embrace.

She patted his head teasingly. “It hasn’t been long, but you’ve grown quite a bit.”

“Mm!” Yiran nodded obediently. “Aunt Gu says I’m too thin and makes me drink milk and eat meat every day.”

Lin Xi felt deeply comforted. It seemed Yiran was getting along well with Mr. and Mrs. Gu, which put her mind at ease and made her feel she was honoring Yunyi’s wish.

Hand in hand, Lin Xi and Yiran walked toward the living room.