"Sister Su Qi, you got the money?!" Yang Tianhao exclaimed in surprise, not expecting Su Qi to have obtained so much cash in just a few days. He then understood, "Is it that Young Master Qin..."
Su Qi glanced at Yang Tianhao. "You're so nosy. Hurry up and go!"
"Alright!" Yang Tianhao beamed with joy!
The exorbitant breach of contract fee had terrified him. Now that it was settled, the entire company could breathe a sigh of relief.
Yang Tianhao turned to leave, but suddenly stopped, thinking of something. He turned back, "Sister Su Qi, what about Gu Tangxue..."
Gu Tangxue was currently embroiled in scandals. Some people were already envious, and some had even hired internet trolls to smear her. Although the company had managed to suppress the buzz, her return to acting would inevitably spark heated discussions.
"Let's put her on hiatus for a while. There's no need to terminate her contract. Once this matter passes, we'll find an opportunity to clear her name."
Su Qi sighed.
Her brilliant career, all for a man, wasn't worth it.
She admitted that Lin Chuan was a good man, but before loving others, one had to learn to love oneself.
In the past, she had loved Huo Tingyun too much, to the point of forgetting herself, which was why she suffered so much.
In the afternoon, Su Qi went to the hospital, bought flowers and a fruit basket. They were a bit heavy. She walked up in one go and stopped at the door of the ward.
Xu Linchuan was still in the ICU, his condition improving daily, thanks to Gu Tangxue's meticulous care.
Gu Tangxue might not be a good employee or a good actress, but she was definitely a good wife and a good girlfriend.
Her love for Xu Linchuan was evident.
Su Qi knocked on the door. Gu Tangxue turned her head upon hearing the sound. She was still holding a warm towel, wiping Xu Linchuan's hands.
In half a month, Xu Linchuan's body had recovered considerably. However, with such severe injuries, ten days to half a month was still not enough. The doctor had said it would take at least half a year. "What are you doing here?"
Gu Tangxue frowned. She was bare-faced and dressed simply.
"I came to see Linchuan. It looks like I don't need to worry. With you here, Linchuan will surely be well taken care of."
"Are you trying to mock me as a caregiver?"
From a sought-after movie star to falling from grace.
Did she regret it?
No regrets.
If she had to choose again, she would still make the same choice.
Everyone said she was a love-struck fool, that she couldn't live without love.
Only she knew how happy she was with Xu Linchuan, even if they just sat together in silence.
"I have no ill intentions. It's his luck and fortune to have you."
"It's easy for you to talk when you're standing there. If you truly felt guilty towards Linchuan, you should be by his side day and night, taking care of him, instead of just putting on a show every few days!" Xu Linchuan raised his hand and tugged at Gu Tangxue's sleeve, as if asking her to stop. Gu Tangxue then suppressed her anger.
"I'll go buy dinner. You two talk!"
Gu Tangxue left the ward resentfully, unwilling, but still giving them her time.
After Gu Tangxue left, Su Qi put down the fruit basket and flowers and sat by the bedside.
"I've been very busy lately. It's rare for me to have time to visit you. I know you miss me, but with Tangxue taking care of you, I'm very relieved. Tangxue loves you very much. If you change your mind, when you get better, be with Tangxue. She lost a lot and gave up a lot for you. She's a good girl and deserves your devoted attention."
Xu Linchuan's hands could move, but he still couldn't speak. His face was still very pale, making his gentle, jade-like face appear even more gaunt and frail.
His eyes held helplessness, his lips moved, wanting to say something, but no sound came out.
"If you don't speak, I'll take it as your tacit agreement. So, it's settled. When you get better, you'll marry Gu Tangxue. She's a good girl, and you mustn't let her down."
Before Su Qi could finish, Xu Linchuan raised his hand and tugged at Su Qi's hem.
Even without being able to speak, his entire being, even his eyes, rejected the idea.
"I know, I know. You want to say that Gu Tangxue is a good girl, but you only see her as a good friend, a little sister. You don't have romantic feelings for her. You're very grateful for her thoughtful care, but you don't want to delay her..."
Xu Linchuan smiled slightly and nodded his head.
Su Qi sighed. "Actually, you and Tangxue are alike. Her heart and soul are filled with you. Your obsessions are equally deep!"
After a while, Xu Linchuan also grew tired, so Su Qi stopped talking and got up to leave the ward.
As she opened the door, she saw Gu Tangxue standing outside in the corridor.
The door was ajar, and Gu Tangxue had clearly overheard their conversation.
"Don't pretend to speak up for me!" Gu Tangxue knitted her brows.
"I wasn't pretending to speak up for you. I was telling the truth. I rarely lie in my life. Besides, you're no longer a sought-after movie star, so I have no reason to speak for you. I know you love Linchuan, and I sincerely hope you two can be together. That's all."
She didn't love Linchuan; she only saw him as a brother.
The Xu family was in disarray, and Xu Ruoyun was too busy managing everything to visit Xu Linchuan often.
When Xu Linchuan was harmed last time, it was fortunate that Gu Tangxue was there.
If Gu Tangxue hadn't been by his side, taking care of him day and night during this period, Linchuan would likely not have survived.
Perhaps her persuasion was futile, but time would prove everything.
Gu Tangxue was stunned, staring blankly at Su Qi.
When she came to her senses, Su Qi had already left.
In the evening, Gu Tangxue walked out into the corridor and called Yang Tianhao. After hanging up the phone, her eyes immediately reddened.
She had thought Su Qi was taking revenge by removing her from the film. It turned out it was because of the scandal exposure and the ensuing criticism, leading to the crew terminating her contract. Su Qi had paid the exorbitant breach of contract fee for her, bearing all the costs, and even going to great lengths to suppress all the trending topics.
Yet, Su Qi had never mentioned any of this to her.
She had silently endured it all, and even when Gu Tangxue spoke harshly to her, she had not defended herself at all.
Gu Tangxue suddenly felt weak, almost collapsing to the ground.
No wonder Linchuan loved Su Qi so much.
No wonder excellent men pursued her as soon as she divorced.
Su Qi was worthy.
Gu Tangxue composed a text message and sent it to Su Qi.
The night breeze blew gently, stirring her hair and caressing her face.
On the cruise ship, Su Qi stood at the very front. The ship moved slowly through the sea. The sea breeze brushed against her face, carrying a hint of coolness, yet it was incredibly refreshing.
Su Qi took a deep breath and closed her eyes.
Footsteps sounded behind her, stopping behind her. A blanket was draped over her shoulders.
"It's cold outside. Why are you standing here?"
"The cold wind makes one more clear-headed."
Su Qi slowly raised her eyes.