Just as Lu Wen was working so hard she forgot to eat or sleep, the short drama series she had championed was officially released. There were other short dramas on the market now, but Lu Wen privately felt that the one her company produced was the best.

Setting aside any bias, even though it was a short drama, the production crew had been meticulous in every aspect. From the costumes and styling to the set design, every detail was on par with a full-fledged television series.

As a result, the moment it was released, the little series still managed to break through the crowd of other short dramas. It just went to show that everyone could feel the producers’ sincere effort; no one is a fool these days.

The trainees who starred in the short drama also rode the wave to a bit of fame, though of course, this popularity was fleeting and somewhat inflated. Everyone was thrilled—except for Qi Yu and Hu Yize.

It could be said that the more successful Lu Wen became, the more furious Qi Yu grew. She had gone to great lengths to suppress Lu Wen, but in the past few years, the other woman had only gotten more formidable year after year. Now, all Qi Yu had to her name was a single variety show; any other project she joined was met with a wave of public ridicule.

The ridicule was almost always aimed at her acting. Besides pouting and glaring, what else could she do? Although the variety show brought her a considerable income, when is human greed ever satisfied?

With her agent fanning the flames from behind the scenes, Qi Yu officially announced her divorce from Hu Yize just a few days before the New Year. Lu Wen was initially quite happy about it, but she never expected to get dragged into the mess.

To be honest, neither Tan You nor she had ever mentioned those two in public, all to avoid any association. They had certainly never taken any action to suppress them.

Tan You did so out of disdain, while Lu Wen simply knew their reputations would eventually sour and didn’t want to waste her time arguing with them.

But even though they tried to distance themselves, someone always managed to link Lu Wen with Qi Yu and Hu Yize. For instance, right now, an entertainment reporter had written a comparison between Qi Yu and Lu Wen.

Comparing everything from their looks and projects to their net worth, Qi Yu suffered a crushing defeat. And below the article were all sorts of comments, with public opinion overwhelmingly on Lu Wen’s side.

Looking at these comments, Lu Wen let out a sarcastic laugh. "I remember when I was still active in the industry, people also compared me to Qi Yu. Back then, she was so famous that everyone was on her side. The way things are now is rather ironic."

"In this industry, not being famous is the original sin," Tan You said.

"Maybe," Lu Wen said. "What the—who is this? They’re actually speculating that I’ve stayed single all these years waiting for Hu Yize to come back to his senses? That’s so disgusting it makes me want to puke up last night’s dinner."

"Men... so mediocre, yet so confident. They always think a woman can’t live without them, that if she’s single, it must be because she’s still carrying a torch for them."

Tan You sneered. "They should take a good look at themselves. Are they even worthy?"

"Of course they’re not." Lu Wen patted her chest. "No, I have to release a statement. I can’t let people speculate like this. Doesn’t my reputation matter?"

"Making a statement would seem too deliberate," Tan You replied. "How about I have these posts taken down for you?"

"Then take them down," Lu Wen said. "I really don’t want to see these brain-dead comments. I’m single because I find this life comfortable and liberating, not because I’m waiting for some fickle man."

"A guy like Hu Yize? Even if he were offered to me, I’d consider him filth."

"Tch. I’m not looking at this anymore. The more I see, the angrier I get."

The news of Qi Yu and Hu Yize’s divorce completely overshadowed the buzz around Lu Wen and her company. Many people in the industry were gritting their teeth in frustration at Qi Yu, especially those who had already paid for press releases and headlines. All their money had gone down the drain.

"Qi Yu and Hu Yize getting divorced... that was a really terrible move." In a room somewhere, an agent squinted at the online comments and casually remarked to the artist he managed.

"How so? Hu Yize hasn’t really made a splash these past few years. It’s only natural for people to want to climb higher," the artist said, blowing on her freshly painted nails, clearly unconcerned.

"Naive. Hu Yize only moved behind the scenes these past few years; he didn’t actually retire from the industry." The agent scoffed. "That man is crafty, and he’s accumulated a lot of connections and resources over the years. Otherwise, how did Qi Yu get so famous in the first place? Wasn’t it Hu Yize pushing her from behind?"

"He pushed and pushed, and now he’s pushed her into someone else’s arms. All his work was for another man’s benefit," the artist said, propping her head on her hand. "But it’s not a total loss for him. After all, Qi Yu gave him a son."

"The son is neither here nor there," the agent said with a laugh. "Believe it or not, without Hu Yize’s protection, Qi Yu is doomed. Everyone will kick her while she’s down."

"But aren’t there rumors she’s involved with some rich heir? They say he’s quite generous with his money."

"Generous enough to marry her?" the agent said mockingly. "Qi Yu’s rise to fame was hardly honorable. Those rich kids are mostly just playing around. How many of them would actually marry someone like her and bring her home?"

"It’s not so easy to marry into a wealthy family. Especially since before she got with Hu Yize, scandalous rumors about her were flying everywhere. Any family with a bit of standing wouldn’t accept someone like that."

The artist sneered. "After she got together with Hu Yize, she certainly threw his weight around. Putting aside everything else, wasn’t it because of them that Lu Wen terminated her contract with the entertainment company back then?"

"Over the years, Qi Yu has done plenty of swaggering around the industry."

"Speaking of which, a guy like Hu Yize isn’t a good person either. Otherwise, how could Qi Yu have stolen him away?"

"Look how comfortable Lu Wen’s life is now," the agent said. "One’s up and one’s down—the contrast is stark."

"Who wouldn’t be envious of her life? I know I am," the artist replied. "And to think Qi Yu was trying every trick in the book to compete with her. Can she even compare? Lu Wen just can’t be bothered to deal with her."

Similar conversations were happening among many people, most with the same sentiment: predicting Qi Yu’s downfall. Of course, this proved that the public sees the truth. In Lu Wen’s memory, hadn’t Qi Yu’s career already taken a nosedive?

Eventually, she was even blacklisted, and no news of her was ever heard in the industry again. So, it just goes to show that an artist really needs to have a moral compass.

Done with the news, Lu Wen once again buried herself in her studies, working until Jin Xi arrived. Things had been progressing well between her and Jin Xi lately. They had gone out for a few meals and, overall, found they had a lot to talk about.

Jin Xi had also successfully made his face familiar to everyone at the company, and they all knew Lu Wen had a suitor. Because of this, when Jin Xi came by, his path was clear, and he reached Lu Wen’s office without any trouble.

Seeing that Lu Wen was busy, Jin Xi didn’t disturb her. Instead, he went to the break room to make a cup of tea. By the time he returned, Lu Wen was leaning back in her chair, looking mentally exhausted.

"Working hard?" Placing the teacup on her desk, Jin Xi leaned against the side of it, his voice full of concern. 𝐟𝕣𝗲𝕖𝕨𝗲𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝗲𝚕.𝗰𝚘𝐦

Lu Wen sighed lightly. "It’s alright. I can still manage. Why are you here? You didn’t say you were coming."