Write the Confession

Casting for the new drama required Gu Yan to constantly travel back and forth between Hangzhou and Hengdian. As the screenwriter, her presence was required at both the preliminary rounds and the grand finale. It came as no surprise that the preliminary rounds were such a resounding success.

"Cheers!!" Inside the minimalist yet elegant private dining room sat a gathering of formidable figures.

"I must propose a separate toast to our most accomplished Gu. Bottoms up!" Cai Mei said boldly, holding up her glass.

"To our reunion," Gu Yan gestured with her glass and downed the drink in a single gulp.

Limin, sitting nearby, observed Gu Yan thoughtfully. He never imagined that the "Gu" mentioned by Xiaomei would be the renowned playwright Alisa. Though the woman before him was all smiles, she radiated a sense of aloof detachment.

"Cai Mei, I'll toast you as well. May all lovers in the world finally tie the knot!" Cai Mei's gaze drifted between Zheng Yingqi and Gu Yan with a knowing smile before she finished her drink. The welcome banquet went smoothly, during and throughout, Gu Yan spoke only two words to Limin: "Cherish blessings."

The next day, Gu Yan took Cai Mei and returned to Hengdian. Before leaving, she promised that the male lead role would definitely go to Limin. Gu Yan was not to be blamed for playing favorites; that was simply reality. Connections will always remain a crucial part of strength.

Upon returning to her familiar hometown, Cai Mei chose to visit the hospital first.

The hospital room was quiet, save for the steady beep of the electrocardiogram. Having not seen her in days, Gu Yan felt the girl on the hospital bed looked even more emaciated. Cai Mei's lips trembled with sorrow as tears streamed down her face.

"Immortal... Immortal... Vain is here... Vain doesn't want Limin anymore, Vain is back. Gu is the same, Gu doesn't want Shen Hong anymore. Wake up, please. It's been so many years, don't let Jiang Yunkai torture you anymore, and don't make us look down on you. I know you can hear me. Wake up... please wake up..."

Unable to bear watching Cai Mei cry her heart out, Gu Yan turned away, a single tear slipping down her cheek. Yet, what Gu Yan did not know was that the moment she turned, a tear also welled up and slipped from the corner of the hospital patient's eye.

In the end, Cai Mei decided to stay at the hospital. She said, "Xiaoyan, just like you, I have no home to return to. Let me stay and take care of Immortal."

Back at the hotel, Gu Yan collapsed onto the bed and fell fast asleep. With how hectic these past days had been, with not a moment of peace, it was no wonder she was so exhausted.

"Damn woman, you come back from Hangzhou and don't even come to see your big boss. Do you have any idea how much I've missed you?" Wei Hao said as he walked straight into the room. Upon seeing Gu Yan sound asleep, his tone instantly lost its bravado. "Fine, I'll forgive you this once." As he spoke, his hand gently caressed Gu Yan's face.

"Dad... Mom..." A tear slipped from the corner of the sleeping woman's eye.

Sitting by the bedside, Wei Hao felt as though his heart had been struck. He had seen Gu Yan acting unreasonable and unruly, he had seen Gu Yan overflowing with talent, he had seen Gu Yan cold and aloof, and he had seen Gu Yan weeping loudly, but he had never seen her looking so fragile and helpless. At that moment, he suddenly realized that in their three years together, he had never truly understood her at all. He should have guessed: upon returning to the hometown where she grew up, she had seen friends, yet she had completely avoided her closest family.

Suddenly, Wei Hao felt a pang of deep sympathy for this woman a few years older than him, wondering how much hardship and hidden tears she had endured.