Chapter 24: Shen Zhirou Publicly Defends Her “Misunderstood Past”; Xu Zhiyi Breaks Her Silence for the First Time—A Wound Reopened, A Self-Salvation Completed

[Jiangcheng · Xingchen Livestream Studio · Trending Interview Special]

On the left side of the screen sat Shen Zhirou, framed by soft pink decor. Her eyes were red-rimmed, her voice delicate yet resolute:

"I was not the one who destroyed someone else's marriage.""At the time, I was ill. I was confused… He told me he was already divorced. He said he just wanted to take care of me.""If I did something wrong, I apologize. But I hope everyone remembers—I was just an ordinary person, swept away by fate."

The camera zoomed in as she removed her microphone, tears sliding down her cheeks.

The livestream chat exploded:

[She's crying so hard—can we still hate her?][Didn't Lu Yancheng divorce her already? Maybe it was all his fault?][When will Xu Zhiyi say something? Is silent coldness her only response?]

—

As the debate raged online, a breaking alert took over homepage banners on all major platforms:

"Zhixu founder Xu Zhiyi to appear on Focus Interview at 8:30 p.m. tonight—her first response to the five-year-old marriage controversy."

The comment sections erupted:

[Finally, she's speaking up!!!][We need the truth—no more silence!][Who will come out of this uglier once the truth is out?]

—

[8:30 p.m. – Live Interview Begins]

The host asked calmly:

"Miss Xu, what made you decide to speak up now, amid this renewed controversy?"

On screen, Xu Zhiyi sat in a black-and-white tailored dress, makeup minimal, expression calm and still.

She didn't smile, nor did she look angry.

She simply said:

"I never intended to clarify anything. I just… grew tired of being silent.""For years, the words most commonly used to describe me were—'pitiful' and 'cold.'"

Her gaze lifted, steady into the camera:

"But I no longer want to be defined by those words."

"Yes, I was the betrayed one five years ago. But I didn't cry, I didn't cause a scene, and I didn't destroy anyone.""I just left—and chose to start over."

The internet held its breath.

"It wasn't because I didn't hurt.But I refused to use pain as a leash—to manipulate people, or to gain sympathy."

"These past years, I stood up with my own work.I don't need people to say 'You poor thing.'All I ask is that you admit—I've done well enough."

—

The host paused, then asked softly:

"Do you hate them? That woman… and Lu Yancheng?"

Xu Zhiyi fell quiet for a moment before speaking slowly:

"Not anymore.""But I will never forgive them."

"It's not out of spite.It's because I deserve a cleaner goodbye."

The studio went completely silent.In the comment section, messages flooded in:

[No dirt thrown, no clout chasing, yet every word cuts deep.][This is what real strength sounds like.][She said she doesn't hate—but her clarity is the sharpest truth.][So this is what 'no need to explain' was hiding—such a deep scar.]

—

[Meanwhile · Lu Corporation]

Late at night, Lu Yancheng sat alone in his office, watching the replay of the interview on his screen.

When she said: "I will never forgive,"his fingers slowly clenched, his throat dry.

He had hoped—just a sliver of hope—that she would leave some space… even a vague trace of softness.

But her words were too clear.Too final.

There was no hatred.

Only a complete letting go—of him.