Chapter 15

On July 5th, I announced on Weibo that I would no longer be acting.

The moment I posted it, it immediately became a trending topic.

A big, bold “explosive” tag followed, marking the peak of my popularity.

[Tsk tsk tsk, this is the first time someone has made “no roles to play” sound so fresh and refined.]

[Zero loss for the entertainment industry.]

[Just don’t pull a seven-in-seven-out stunt with the entertainment circle.]

Most of the comments, however, were from fans expressing their reluctance and blessings:

[We’ll wait for you. Living your best life is what matters most.]

[Sis, don’t forget that we’re here loving and supporting you.]

[Don’t pay attention to the rumors out there. In the hearts of your fans, you’re the best, Song Zhiwei!]

I ignored the negative comments and liked the ones from my fans, showing my gratitude for their support.

The next day, I boarded a plane to Country M.

Two months ago, I received an acceptance letter from Nanda University’s screenwriting program.

Six months ago, I came across a trending question: [If you achieved financial freedom right now, what’s the first thing you would do?]

Before clicking on it, I thought the answers would be about things like traveling the world or buying luxury homes and cars.

Unexpectedly, the most liked comment was: “Study, without worrying about employment, and pursue the subject you truly love.”

At the time, I was in a dark period of my life. The person I liked was only toying with me and had never considered marriage. My acting skills weren’t recognized, and no matter how hard I tried, all I received were negative reviews…

Apart from money, it seemed I had nothing.

That comment lit a lamp for me, rekindling a long-lost passion and enthusiasm.

I wanted to go back to school, to study the best screenwriting program, without worrying about the outcome or whether I would succeed. I had the ability to give myself room for mistakes.

I wanted it, and I got it.

When I landed in Country M and stepped onto unfamiliar soil, it still didn’t feel real.

It wasn’t until I moved into my new home and gradually arranged it to my liking that I felt grounded.

I changed my phone number, switched to a new WeChat account, and began a completely new life.

Half a month after arriving abroad, Zhou Ru called me to vent: “Shen Yuxiu must be crazy! He’s engaged, yet he keeps pestering me about your whereabouts every day. It’s driving me nuts! Be careful-I think he’s losing it!”

I didn’t take it seriously. Shen Yuxiu had a strong sense of control and disliked things slipping out of his grasp.

Maybe he was just annoyed that I left so suddenly.

But to him, I wasn’t anything significant. He’d forget about me soon enough.

Another month passed, and I was at home discussing coursework with a few classmates.

An unfamiliar international call came through. I stepped onto the balcony to answer it.

Through the distortion of the phone line, his voice sounded slightly altered: “When are you coming back?”

I paused for a moment: “I don’t know.”

Shen Yuxiu sneered: “Song Zhiwei, well done.”

The call ended, and the doorbell rang simultaneously.

I turned around, and one of the guys had already gone to open the door. A sudden shout followed. He clutched his face and cursed loudly: “FUCK!”