Jiang Nan is my childhood friend.

She's an outsider and opened a pet store with her husband.

The three of them live a happy life.

It's the life Gu Yi has always yearned for.

When I arrived at Jiang Nan's store, it wasn't surprising to see me.

She handed the puppy she was grooming to her husband and walked over.

Jiang Nan looked at me with inexplicable pity.

Looking at me, she asked,

"Are you doing well?"

I smiled at her.

"What a joke, sis, I'm doing great. You don't even know. After my role became popular this time, my income has increased by several levels compared to before. I have countless scripts and advertisements to handle. Today, I specifically took the time to show off to you."

"Let's go, let's go shopping. Today, Mrs. Gu will pay for everything."

I put my arm around Jiang Nan's shoulder and led her outside.

Jiang Nan hurriedly said goodbye to her husband and followed us.

Perhaps I have truly become popular; there are more people turning heads on the street than before.

I opened my arms and greeted everyone.

Some hugged me.

Some shook my hand and wished me happiness every day.

Some excited fans cried for a long time, shouting Gu Yi's name.

To be honest, I felt jealous.

I didn't become popular just because of Gu Yi's fame.

I clearly have my own talent.

As more and more people gathered, Jiang Nan suggested that we go for a spa, saying it would help me relax.

I didn't agree and insisted that she accompany me to enjoy this overwhelming prosperity.

I am no longer ignored. When else should I make a scene?

When we reached the end of the mall, the fans suddenly shouted.

"Shen Qingru, do you have a conscience? You come shopping at a time like this. Gu Ge loves you so much, can't you see?"

"Gu Ge's post is full of you, but you're here shopping at such an important time. You heartless woman."

Oh.

A post.

Speaking of posts, I don't remember if I read it last night.

The article was long, and I think I read a bit of it before I got a headache and fell asleep.

It was just about how much he loves me.

Gu Yi has always been expressive of his love; I'm used to it.

Ignoring her, I was ready to turn around and go to the cosmetics section on the third floor.

But suddenly, a fluctuating voice made me stop.

"Shen Qingru, you don't deserve Gu Ge."

"Shen Qingru, you don't deserve Gu Ge."

Everyone shouted in unison, and I secretly mocked their foolishness.

How could I not deserve him? Gu Yi and I are the most perfect match; no one is more suitable for us than each other.

When I was about to leave again, amidst the loud voices, a quiet sentence emerged.

"Gu Yi's death was caused by you, Shen Qingru. You're a murderer."

I tensed up and looked at the girl who spoke.

She was a cute little girl who seemed to still be in school.

She was dressed and styled as someone who was adored by everyone.

But I, like an enraged woman, grabbed her shoulder and shook her.

"What kind of joke are you making?"

"Gu Yi isn't dead. He's tricking all of you. He's not dead."

"You've all been fooled. How could he die? How could he abandon everything he worked so hard for? How could he bear to leave me?"

"He's the best at acting out this kind of fake death scenario. He's definitely at home cooking, waiting for me to come back."

"I advise you to live your own life well, don't meddle too much, don't interfere too much."

I shook her shoulder like a madwoman, and my words became increasingly harsh. I couldn't control the impulse to tell her that Gu Yi's death was fake, that he couldn't possibly leave this world.

But herwords pierced through my crazed state.

"You're the one who's been fooled, Shen Qingru."

Her voice was filled with conviction and sadness.

"Gu Yi is gone. He's truly gone. And you... you were the reason."

I released my grip on her shoulder, and my hands trembled uncontrollably.

"What... what are you talking about? Gu Yi... he can't be gone. He can't..."

Tears welled up in my eyes, blurring my vision.

The little girl's voice turned gentle.

"I know it's hard to accept, but it's the truth. Gu Yi passed away. He took his own life because of you, because of the pressure, the expectations, and the toxic relationship he had with you. He couldn't bear it anymore."

I staggered back, my mind filled with a chaotic mix of denial, grief, and guilt.

"No... No! It can't be true! Gu Yi loved me! He loved me!"

But deep down, a part of me knew that what the girl said might be true.

I remembered the fights, the arguments, the constant pressure to maintain the perfect facade of our relationship.

Gu Yi was talented, successful, and loved by many, but he was also deeply troubled.

And I... I contributed to his pain.

As the truth sank in, I collapsed to the ground, crying uncontrollably.

Jiang Nan rushed to my side, holding me tightly.

She didn't say anything; she just let me grieve.

In that moment, everything around me faded away.

The fame, the wealth, the adoring fans... none of it mattered.

All that remained was the overwhelming sorrow and regret for the loss of someone I had loved deeply, someone I had failed.

From that day on, my life changed.

I withdrew from the spotlight, from the glamorous world that had consumed me.

I sought therapy, trying to heal the wounds within me.

Jiang Nan became my pillar of support, guiding me through the darkest times.

Together, we opened up about our own vulnerabilities, our fears, and our past mistakes.

We learned to forgive ourselves and strive for a better future.

Although the pain never truly vanished, I found solace in helping others who were facing similar struggles.

I became an advocate for mental health awareness and started a foundation in Gu Yi's name, dedicated to supporting those battling inner demons.

Every day, I carry a piece of Gu Yi's memory with me, reminding myself of the importance of love, compassion, and understanding.

And as I continue on this journey, I hope to find redemption and a way to honor Gu Yi's legacy.