Chapter 78

Xia Xi glanced at Da He's clearly skeptical expression, sighed softly, lowered her head, and pursed her lips before speaking calmly, "Maybe he was important to me before, but after everything that's happened, he, he's no longer that significant."
"Da He, don't look at me with such pity. I'm fine. Shouldn't you be happy for me now that I've finally seen through that scumbag's true colors?" Xia Xi lifted her head and caught Da He's conflicted gaze. She blinked. "I'm really okay, don't overthink it."
Xia Xi closed her eyes, then smiled at Da He, putting on a cheerful facade.
"If you don't feel like smiling, don't force it. Your expression right now makes it seem even worse." Da He, upon seeing her smile, seemed to imagine some tragic scenario. He ruffled her smooth long hair and gave her shoulder a gentle pat in comfort.
Xia Xi was taken aback for a moment, then involuntarily widened her eyes at Da He's "I understand, you're really hurting" expression. Feeling speechless, she blinked but didn't bother to explain further.
“...”
She had a feeling that any attempt to clarify would only make things worse. Might as well let Da He believe she was still suffering, it wasn't like she'd lose a piece of flesh, right?

Cross-Border Singing Joy Recording Site
When Xia Xi arrived at the recording site of Cross-Border Singing Enjoyment, she was utterly surprised to see someone there. The moment she laid eyes on him, she realized how much she had genuinely missed him.
"Lu Yisheng, what are you doing here?" Xia Xi felt a bit dazed, staring at Lu Yisheng in astonishment.
Lu Yisheng couldn't help but find Xia Xi's adorable reaction amusing. He pressed his lips together and deliberately furrowed his brow. "Do you have some problem with me joining this show?"
"You're here to participate in the show? What, what do you mean?" Xia Xi grew even more confused, her eyes widening involuntarily as she stared at Lu Yisheng. Her expression resembled that of a cute hamster, cheeks puffed out.
"Just what it sounds like. I'm joining 'Cross-Border Singing Joy' as a replacement singer. Why are you so surprised?" The usually aloof male god instantly turned into a chatterbox when faced with the girl he liked. Even the most mundane topics felt endlessly engaging when shared with Xia Xi. Simply being with her banished all boredom; just seeing her made him happy, a novel and joyous feeling he'd never experienced before.
"Replacement singer? That's not the point! Why would you join this show? It doesn't suit you at all," Xia Xi questioned, looking puzzled.
For Xia Xi, this show was her lifeline, the only path available when all other doors had closed. But Lu Yisheng was completely different. His participation offered him no benefits and could even backfire. The show might exploit his high profile to create drama and boost ratings, potentially harming his career rather than helping it.
At this thought, a trace of concern flickered in Xia Xi's eyes. She frowned at Lu Yisheng, wanting to persuade him not to join this thankless variety show. Yet her selfish desire to see him screamed at her to stay silent.
"You,"
"I'm fine, don't worry." Seeing Xia Xi's slightly furrowed brow, warmth surged unexpectedly in Lu Yisheng's chest. He quietly raised his hand, initially intending to smooth her worried expression, but for some reason, his hand changed course mid-air and landed on her shoulder instead, giving it a reassuring pat.
"Are you, are you," Are you here because of me? The thought made Xia Xi's frown deepen.
"Xia Xi, don't overthink it. I feel this show suits me well, and I get to see you too, it's a win-win situation." Lu Yisheng blinked at her, his comforting intention unmistakably clear.
Xia Xi understood his reassurance and, more importantly, the depth of his feelings for her. Her eyes suddenly grew moist. She knew it was selfish, but she couldn't help making this choice. Lowering her head, she blinked away the tears that traced paths down her cheeks onto her clothes. Wiping them gently, she erased all traces before looking up again, her expression now radiantly bright.
After all, when something happy happens, one should smile. Save the tears for sadder times.
"Lu Yisheng, you really came! You actually came! I thought the director was lying."
Just as endless pink bubbles were blossoming between Xia Xi and Lu Yisheng, an overly excited voice burst the atmosphere. Lu Yisheng glanced regretfully toward the source of the sound and spotted a vaguely familiar face staring at him in astonishment. He raised an eyebrow slightly.
Who is this, so lacking in tact?