Chapter 22: Surely Someone Must Love Him

It was ten o'clock in the evening, and Xu Shujian was once again sitting in the production team's interview room.

Tang Mingyue stood before him, holding a cue card. She asked several questions regarding the conflict between Xu Shujian and Song Yue. The show required them to keep a diary-like journal every day, where they could write down their thoughts; at the bottom was a recurring question: "Do you still want a divorce today?"

For the past two days, Xu Shujian's answer had remained the same: divorce.

"If Song Yue starts to change, would you still be determined to divorce?" Tang Mingyue asked.

Xu Shujian did not answer immediately. After some thought, he replied, "I think so. For someone over thirty, change is difficult. Even if she does change, it will be what she considers personal growth—moving in a direction she deems better. I didn't understand this truth before, but I do now. So, let her grow."

Tang Mingyue lowered the card, her bright eyes thoughtful, before looking at Xu Shujian. "Do you really think that love is only a small part of one's life?"

Xu Shujian met her gaze. It was clear this question was not part of her prepared list. He pondered for a moment and said, "It depends on the person. If it’s not a good fit, then it is indeed a small part. If it’s a good fit, that’s a different story."

Tang Mingyue let out a small, playful laugh. "I think it’s good that you’ve changed. Better than you were before."

Xu Shujian was slightly taken aback by her reaction. He had expected her to follow up by asking why he had told Song Yue that she was right, but she didn't.

How did Xu Shujian truly view this issue? It was merely a rhetorical tactic. Human nature is complex and ever-changing; there are no fixed truths or set answers. If a certain perspective fits the moment, you express it. As for tomorrow? Tomorrow will naturally have its own truths and answers.

Would he stop seeing women after separating from Song Yue? That was impossible. Just this morning, he had felt a surge of abundant vitality. He did not want to project a rigid answer; as Song Yue had said, that would be inauthentic, and it wouldn't be the current Xu Shujian.

Tang Mingyue was beautiful, possessing a grace and temperament that made her stand out. Someone like her didn't need to rely on others' answers. Xu Shujian had assumed she placed great importance on his response, so he had simply played along with her line of questioning. Everyone has their own unique life; other people's stories are just things to observe.

As it turned out, she stopped there and asked no more. Xu Shujian smiled and stood up. "Are we done with the questions?"

Tang Mingyue nodded. "Yes. I’ll walk you out."

***

As they reached the door, Tang Mingyue said from behind him, "Xu Shujian, you are excellent. The person you are now has more substance than even your appearance suggests. Don't always think that you are the one holding Song Yue back; in reality, she is holding you back as well. Since you have your answer in your heart, I... we hope you look forward and keep moving. There is a light in you—a very, very bright light."

Xu Shujian was just about to turn around when Tang Mingyue gently pushed him out the door. He paused on the threshold for a long moment, whispered a thank you, and then headed toward the recording set.

Once Xu Shujian had left the courtyard, Tang Mingyue finally emerged, her chest rising and falling as she took a deep breath.

What was Xu Shujian like in her eyes at this moment? Even with the divorce decided, he was still protecting Song Yue at every turn. Even though he was clearly the disadvantaged party in the marriage, he was constantly tending to Song Yue’s emotions and guiding her on how to handle the show. He even agreed with her theories on every level, subtly encouraging her to move past her negative emotions and look ahead. Tang Mingyue had seen all of his subtle gestures.

Furthermore, when everyone else was only concerned with their own feelings, only Xu Shujian noticed Chen Linye’s awkwardness and stepped in to help him, even though Chen Linye’s personality prevented him from taking that step himself. And then there was that song he sang in front of everyone—its true purpose was to help Huang Lingling recognize reality and encourage her to move forward boldly.

Tang Mingyue and the production team had seen it all. More than one person on the staff had remarked in private that Xu Shujian was the most "normal" person this season. Many were puzzled as to how someone like him could have stayed out of the spotlight for ten years. Was that song by the lake really not good? Impossible—it had moved Liu Zhiran, a high-ranking man of his age, to such an extent that he hadn't even allowed the crew to record it.

Tang Mingyue felt that Xu Shujian was just a fool. To go to such lengths and yet still validate Song Yue by saying love is only a small part of life? Is that really the case? Isn’t it obvious that it’s only a small part because you, Song Yue, didn’t cherish it?

From the perspective of the production team, Tang Mingyue felt she had been unprofessional, but she did not regret what she had said. He had been withered for ten years; surely he deserved someone to "love" him?

Liu Zhiran appeared beside her at some point. He let out a soft sigh and said, "There cannot be a next time."

Tang Mingyue stuck out her tongue, feeling slightly embarrassed. "I know."

***

Twenty minutes later, in the interview room, Song Yue sat across from Tang Mingyue.

Tang Mingyue noticed that Song Yue, who had been a picture of a strong, career-driven woman just yesterday, seemed different—perhaps a little more melancholic. Wasn't that how Xu Shujian had been at the start?

Tang Mingyue said, "Song Yue, you are truly beautiful."

Song Yue offered a polite smile. "You are beautiful as well."

Tang Mingyue continued, "I noticed that you still marked 'divorce' in your diary. Do you feel that the conflict between you and Xu Shujian is irreconcilable?"

Song Yue nodded instinctively. "Yes. In truth, these issues have always existed in our lives. For a long time, we were like parallel lines that could never cross. It is... truly impossible to go back."

A smile appeared on Tang Mingyue's face. "What if he truly starts to understand you?"

Song Yue shook her head. "I don't even understand him, so how could I demand that he understand me? Actually... it’s fine. I have always hoped he would continue to shine in his field. If I have become his regret, I at least hope he has no regrets in his career."

Tang Mingyue asked, "So, do you truly believe that in your life, love is only a small part?"

Song Yue pondered for a while. She nodded, then shook her head. "Perhaps I have been too focused on my career; my perception in this area is lacking. I admit that. This conclusion seems to be incorrect. I used to think that every day I was growing and making progress, and that was my best state. But now, I realize this growth seems rather narrow. Perhaps everyone has their own blind spots."

Tang Mingyue frowned slightly. "Can you understand him now?"

Song Yue fell silent.

***

Xu Shujian returned to the courtyard. In the lounge area at the entrance of the living room, Zhang Qidong, Pan Yun, and Yu Hui were still chatting.

Yu Hui saw Xu Shujian and waved for him to join them, but Xu Shujian politely declined. He went into his bedroom, and even from there, he could hear Pan Yun’s laughter.

Xu Shujian had no desire to participate in their conversation. After washing up, he went to bed.