Chapter Twenty-Four: Progress

“Lulu isn’t a fool. She knows perfectly well what consequences her actions will bring,” Lin Qihua found himself speechless before his proud senior. “To be blunt, there’s no way she’ll be promoted to first-tier by the end of this year’s evaluation. If the fans don’t get a reasonable explanation, under the aggressive publicity from ‘Huayi’, many will definitely leave. This will deal a huge blow to Lulu. Do you think she doesn’t know? Yet she still went ahead without hesitation. Why do you think that is?”

Han Dong stayed silent, his face clouded.

“Yes, it’s all for you. For the humiliation you suffered when you were cast out,” Lin Qihua continued. “You’re willing to give up everything for her, and she’s willing to do the same for you. Over the years, has she ever had any scandals? Never. She’s always refused to do kissing scenes in films. Why? Not because she wants to play the pure maiden, but because someone fills her heart. That’s why she resists these things. She’s telling you, no matter the time or place, she’s always only had you in her heart. Can’t you see that?”

Han Dong didn’t respond. He grabbed his coat and stormed out, slamming the door behind him.

Lin Qihua sighed quietly. He knew the situation between Han Dong and Lulu well. He understood that, even after all these years, they still held each other in their hearts. Lulu, such a beauty, had never been touched by scandal. The meaning was obvious. Now, with only one year left on her contract, she finally couldn’t drag it out any longer, yet still refused to sign again with the company, causing this whole ruckus. To have endured for years—what formidable patience. But ‘Huayi’ was not a company to be trifled with. The coming days would be tough.

And so it proved. As soon as the company’s PR machine kicked into gear, Lulu came under a barrage of criticism. Industry insiders came forward, claiming the company had spent years cultivating Qin Lulu, only to be repaid with ingratitude—a wolf in sheep’s clothing, snuffing her out on moral grounds. Then, company insiders accused her of stirring up trouble to pressure the company for more privileges and benefits, claiming fame had made her forget her roots.

Most crucially, even her agent stepped forward, expressing heartbreak at Lulu’s decision and urging her to set aside her desires and think calmly, assuring her the company still welcomed her and would not treat her harshly.

While the company’s side buzzed with statements, Qin Lulu herself remained silent. Her social media, once filled with glamorous photos, was untouched. Countless fans flooded her profile, demanding she speak up. Many, disappointed and angry, declared they’d misjudged her and would leave her fan club.

Meanwhile, other companies and celebrities in the entertainment industry kept eerily quiet, minding their own business without comment. The result was that only the entertainment media and company PR scrambled to steer the public’s attention, making the situation increasingly unfavorable for Qin Lulu.

Lin Qihua, of course, was powerless to help. All he could do was keep an eye on the situation, hoping she could resolve it soon, because the longer it dragged on, the worse the impact would be.

As for Han Dong, after the incident, he stopped his work, leaving early and returning late each day, running around for reasons unknown. Lin Qihua hardly saw him, only knowing that Han Dong must be working on this matter. He knew Han Dong couldn’t let go of Qin Lulu. If he could, he wouldn’t have stayed in Beijing all these years—wasn’t it because Qin Lulu was here? Even if not together, at least they shared the same sky.

One afternoon, Lin Qihua received a call from an unknown number.

“Xiao Hua, it’s Lulu.” The voice was gentle, but weary.

“Lulu?” Lin Qihua was surprised she’d reached out to him.

“Don’t be surprised, I got your number from the girl,” Qin Lulu said with a soft laugh, referring to Zhang Zilin, that little scatterbrain. “Are you free? Want to meet for a chat?”

Lin Qihua checked the time, hesitated, then agreed. “Sure, where should we meet?”

“The Haiyan Teahouse in Dongcheng. Do you know it?”

“Yes, I know it. I’ll be right there.” Lin Qihua agreed. Han Dong had brought him to the Haiyan Teahouse once before—he hadn’t expected Lulu to be familiar with it as well.

“The owner is a friend of mine,” Qin Lulu explained with a smile. “Her name is Haiyan, so it’s called Haiyan Teahouse.”

At this moment, the two of them were sitting in a secluded corner of the teahouse, almost invisible to others. Even so, the sunglasses and mask beside Qin Lulu showed she had come fully prepared.

Well, Lin Qihua thought, no wonder Han Dong was so familiar with this place.

“How’s Dongzi?” Qin Lulu asked, her exhaustion apparent, yet Lin Qihua saw no trace of regret or hesitation in her eyes. She seemed truly resolute. “I knew as long as you were in Beijing, you’d help me find him. It’s not convenient for me to reach him directly, so I had to trouble you.”

“Like a headless fly, what do you think—doing well or not?” Lin Qihua thought of Han Dong’s recent behavior, finding it both funny and a bit painful. These two made him a little envious.

“Is that so?” Qin Lulu seemed lost in thought. “It’s my problem, and I’ve troubled him again, haven’t I?” Yet her brows revealed a hint of joy—perhaps she was happy knowing Han Dong was running around for her.

“Lulu, why don’t you stand up and say something? Your fans can’t take this much longer—you owe them at least an explanation.”

“What explanation should I give?” Qin Lulu returned to herself. “Strictly speaking, this is my fault. I’m the one refusing to sign. According to the contract, the company can handle this however they see fit. What is there to explain?”

“But...” Lin Qihua faltered, unsure what to say.

“Should I tell them why I won’t renew my contract? Why I have to leave? Because years ago, someone was cast out by them, and from that moment, my heart no longer belonged to ‘Huayi’? Should I tell them I’ve been waiting for my contract to end ever since?”

Of course not. Lin Qihua sighed. That would blow things up, dragging out too many issues and making things even more complicated. It would be bad for ‘Huayi’, and even worse for Qin Lulu. In truth, maybe even ‘Huayi’ didn’t understand why she wanted to leave.

“But you’re right,” Qin Lulu said softly, “I should at least give an explanation—not for the company, but for the fans. I owe them that. As for whether they understand my reasons, I can’t control that. If some choose to leave, so be it. In the end, those who truly believe in me will stay. Their understanding is all I need.”

“That’s probably for the best,” Lin Qihua said with relief. “Do you want me to pass on anything to Dongzi?”

“Tell him to stop running around. It’s pointless.” A gentle look filled Qin Lulu’s eyes. “Take care of himself. It’s nothing serious—just take it as a year’s rest after all this hard work.”

“I understand. I’ll let him know.”

“Thank you, Hua.” She gave a slight smile. “Now tell me about yourself—how has this year been?”

“Simple,” Lin Qihua grinned, rolling up his sleeves in a show of strength. “Found a bar gig, singing every night. As long as I can sing, I’m satisfied. It’s good training. After a year, I’ll be back in top shape.”

“That’s the right attitude,” Qin Lulu laughed, her mood brightening. “When things settle down, I’ll come hear you perform.”

“Absolutely! You’re more than welcome,” Lin Qihua replied, clapping his hands. “You can help evaluate whether I’ve improved.”

“It’s a date, then.” Qin Lulu’s smile was warm. “From the moment you joined the training camp, Dongzi believed you had the makings of a star. It’s a pity—fate has played a trick and you’ve ended up on the same path as us. But it’s not all bad—a little hardship is good for growth. A year isn’t long; it doesn’t mean you’ll fall behind. After a year of tempering, you’ll amaze everyone. I believe you can do it.”

“It’s settled, then.”

With that, Qin Lulu put on her sunglasses and mask and left with quiet determination—more resolute and at ease than when she’d arrived. Perhaps she’d come seeking support for her decision, or perhaps Han Dong’s efforts had reassured her that everything she did was worthwhile. These two, even after all these years, still couldn’t let go of each other. Such a love was enviable.

Back at their place, Han Dong had returned. When Lin Qihua recounted the day’s meeting in detail, Han Dong’s face grew complicated. He retreated to his room and didn’t come out; perhaps he too was filled with emotion.

Qin Lulu moved swiftly. The next day, in a live interview with a popular website, she spoke for the first time. She offered a sincere apology to her fans and supporters, admitting that because of her stubbornness and persistence, she had caused them trouble and asked for their forgiveness.

Interviewer: Can you tell us why you refused to renew your contract?

Qin Lulu: Because I’d like a change of environment.

Interviewer: Is it because you want better terms?

Qin Lulu: No, it’s a very simple reason—I just want to leave. Any terms would have been fine.

Interviewer: Why do you have to leave ‘Huayi’?

Qin Lulu: No particular reason. I just want to leave. The company is right—they nurtured me, helped me reach where I am, and I’m grateful for that. My refusal to sign is for personal reasons. In the meantime, I’ll honor my existing contract and fulfill any work the company arranges. I hope everyone will continue to support me. Thank you.

Interviewer: Since you don’t wish to clarify the details, how do you respond to the criticism online?

Qin Lulu: As an artist under contract, I have done nothing to betray the company. The contract is almost up—if we can’t reach an agreement for renewal, that’s just business. It’s not a matter of morality. During the contract period, I’ll do whatever work the company assigns. If they don’t assign me anything, I’ll rest. I accept either outcome.

Interviewer: So, whatever the company decides next, you’ll accept it?

Qin Lulu: Yes, I accept it. I’m sorry to my supporters. I’m sorry to have let you down. I hope you’ll understand and continue to support me.