Chapter 91

Lin Ting then recorded for another month and a half, finishing the recording of the remaining five episodes. Only the live finale remained, and in the end, five people entered the final, including herself.

Simultaneously, filming for "Eternal Love Song" officially wrapped up, successfully concluding after a four- to five-month shooting period, and the first trailer was released.

With its magnificent scenes, grand special effects, dramatic plot twists, distinct characters, and outstanding performances from the entire cast, the series has garnered rave reviews from fans. Even before its release, it has become a hot topic, with online pre-registrations exceeding one million, making it the first TV series to surpass ten thousand in popularity before its premiere – a true blockbuster.

But Chen Zhiyi didn't care about these honors; he was more concerned about something else.

On the afternoon of the third day after filming wrapped, Chen Zhiyi walked into Qin Fei's office.

There was a folder on the table with the words "Termination Agreement" written on it. Chen Zhiyi picked up a pen without hesitation, flipped to the signature area, and uncapped the pen to write his name.

"Don't you want to think about it anymore? Won't you regret it?" Qin Fei asked.

Chen Zhiyi smiled faintly, "I've thought about it countless times, and I'm absolutely certain."

"Aren't you worried that after terminating the contract, without the company and my protection, your career will stagnate and you won't be able to secure good resources? I can handle everything for you in the past, but from now on you'll have to rely on yourself. Going it alone isn't a pleasant experience. I can give you my network and resources, but I can also take them back without hesitation. You've seen how many artists thought they were capable and flew away on their own, only to fall so hard. Right now, even before the contract is signed, there's still room for maneuver."

Qin Fei's words sounded more like a threat than a persuasion.

With a flourish of his pen, Chen Zhiyi signed his name with remarkable precision. Then, he straightened up and met Qin Fei's gaze with unwavering determination. "If I lose my connections, I'll build them myself. If I lose my resources, I'll fight for them myself. It's just like going back to square one. I never really cared about these things. Losing them isn't so scary. I think if I had only relied on these things to get to where I am today, I would probably be nothing but mud on a wall. What did I rely on? I think the audience isn't stupid."

Qin Fei put the folder away, extended her hand, and smiled dismissively. "I hope you can always be this confident."

Chen Zhiyi squeezed her hand back, "No matter what, thank you for taking care of me these past few years, Sister Fei. I will remember your kindness and hope you are doing well."

Qin Fei: "I don't have any nice words to say. I just want to tell you that we'll meet again in the martial world. I think we'll have a day when we clash head-on. Don't blame me for being heartless and making you lose badly then."

"Okay, I look forward to that day."

Fans noticed the anomaly when they saw that Chen Zhiyi's personal Weibo bio had been changed from "Artist signed with Jiali Media" to "I am an actor," and that his studio's contact information had also been changed.

The contact information was changed to Zhang Ke's.

Zhang Ke was discovered by Chen Zhiyi, so no artist assistant contract was signed with Jiali. Of course, Chen Zhiyi also did not sign a contract with her. His original intention was to give her a helping hand and he did not intend to keep her as his assistant for a long time. If she could find someone better, she could leave at any time. Therefore, no contract was signed and her salary was not fixed.

Chen Zhiyi is very generous to his staff; as his income increases, he shares more with them.

In just a few years, Zhang Ke transformed from a destitute and bullied outsider into a "four-have" person in Shanghai: a household registration, a house, a car, and savings. Her feelings for Chen Zhiyi were complex, including gratitude, admiration, and attraction. Who wouldn't be moved by a man of such outstanding character and appearance, even though they didn't spend every day together? She secretly harbored feelings for him, but she also knew that she could never express these feelings.

So she transformed her attraction into trust, and she wanted to be the person Chen Zhiyi could completely trust, and she succeeded.

Besides doing her job as an assistant to the best of her ability, she would also take over and handle any work-related matters that Qin Fei couldn't handle in time.

Therefore, Chen Zhiyi talked to her about wanting her to be his manager after leaving Qin Fei, so she could take full control of his work. Zhang Ke initially refused, feeling she wasn't capable enough, but Chen Zhiyi said he probably couldn't find anyone he trusted more than her.

Just that one sentence made Zhang Ke feel it was all worth it. She couldn't find a reason to refuse, so she could only try her best to do this job well.

Chen Zhiyi hasn't decided on his future work plans or whether his studio will hire more people yet. But as he walked out of the Jiali Media Building, even though he would still encounter things beyond his control in the entertainment industry, he felt relaxed and free at that moment.

It was at the event the following day that Chen Zhiyi finally gave a direct response, stating that his contract with Jiali Media had expired and he had terminated it without any disputes; both parties were wishing each other well. When asked about his future work plans, given the popularity of the trailer for "Eternal Love Song," and whether he was considering shifting his focus from films to television dramas, he said he was open to any good script, and that his new project was still undecided and he was still in the script selection stage.

The thing I want to do most lately is to rest and relax before considering my work arrangements. I hope everyone will look forward to it.

After receiving a positive response, fans left messages on his personal Weibo account.

[With the normal contract expiring, let's move towards a better future together.]

We support all your decisions; we are your strong support, and we've always been there for you.

Let's walk the flower path together from now on. We will always support you and be there for you.

Reborn from the ashes, emerging from the cocoon like a butterfly, forever free, forever passionate—boldly move forward, with love and companionship always by your side.

Get some rest. We look forward to your next journey, and we'll continue walking together into the future.

[Keep moving forward boldly. No matter what obstacles you encounter along the way, we will be with you, helping you reach the summit together.]

...

Next up is the promised European trip. Lin Ting asked Chen Zhiyi about the travel arrangements and what she needed to prepare.

He said, "You just need to take care of the leave, it'll be a month."

Lin Ting was a little surprised: "That long?"

"Well, since you're out there, have some fun. When you come back, it will be the finals of 'The Road to the Sky'. Europe has a rich artistic atmosphere and is the birthplace of many art styles, which can inspire you and benefit your competition."

"Is it possible to apply for a month's leave?"

"It should be fine. My main job right now is the competition, and I've made it to the finals. My colleagues are taking care of things at the company, so I can work remotely too."

"Don't worry, even if it shouldn't be, I'm here. I'll go talk to Zhang Ying."

"Are you trying to use your status as their spokesperson to suppress them?"

"Hmm~~"

Lin Ting was still worried, "Are you sure you don't need me to make plans or strategies for you?"

"Yes, all you need to do is drop everything and come with me."

"OK."

Chen Zhiyi planted a small seed in her heart, waiting for it to ignite completely on the day the trip began.

It was on the night before departure that Lin Ting learned about Chen Zhiyi's travel plans: a crazy trip across the Eurasian plate, visiting six countries and nine cities in a month.

From Cappadocia in Turkey to Belgrade, the capital of Serbia; from Florence, Milan, and Venice in Italy to Paris and Provence in France; from London in England to Adele in Ireland. From west to east, crossing mountains and seas, with no turning back. Every city is full of fantasy and fairy tales, each country more surprising than the last, each city more romantic than the last.

Lin Ting thought this arrangement was crazy, encompassing everything a girl longs for in Europe. Originally, she thought visiting one or two European countries would be enough, and if it weren't for his public figure status, traveling within China would have been sufficient, as there were many beautiful landscapes in her motherland that she hadn't yet visited.

"Did you carefully select these countries and cities?"

Chen Zhiyi raised an eyebrow. "Of course."

"Why choose these?" Lin Ting was eager to know the reason.

Chen Zhiyi feigned mystery, "Because there are things you like, and things I want to do for you."

"Um?"

"France and Italy, these two famous fashion kingdoms, are known as the cradle of the fashion industry. I'd like to take you there. Also, these two countries have several renowned design schools, which I'd like to show you around so you can have a better understanding when we apply for study abroad. As for me, I'll be studying theater directing at the art school you've chosen."

Lin Ting smiled, "You can't live without me? You even have to go to school with me?"

Chen Zhiyi wrapped his arms around her waist. "That's right, Teacher Lin. Who told me to be such a bad student? I need to find a top student to rely on, otherwise I won't be able to graduate."

Lin Ting raised an eyebrow. "It's not easy to cling to Teacher Lin's coattails."

Chen Zhiyi nodded thoughtfully, "Indeed, five years ago he almost kicked me away."

It feels like those tutoring days from five years ago just flew by. Now that I've come to my senses, we're still together. It's so good.

"Then what do I mean by what I want to do to you?" Lin Ting asked.

"It's a secret; you'll find out when the time comes."

Lin Ting pouted, "So mysterious."

The next day, on the plane to the first stop, Chen Zhiyi took out a handwritten 30-day travel guide, so detailed that it could be published directly and would definitely be a bestseller.

The itinerary includes daily arrangements, transportation options, activities, meals, and rest stops. The schedule is well-balanced, ensuring you won't feel bored or overly tired.

It must have taken a long time and a lot of research to make it so detailed.

Lin Ting was a little touched. "Did you plan this for a long time? You must have put a lot of effort into it." He was already tired from filming during the day, and he still had to hide from her to do this. How many times had he gotten up late at night to do this? Lin Ting felt sorry for him when she thought about it.

"Hmm." Chen Zhiyi thought the question was silly. Anyone with eyes could see that such a thick guide couldn't have been written in just three days and five nights.

"Then why did you refuse when I asked you if you wanted me to help you make a plan?"

Chen Zhiyi couldn't answer. After all, in his heart, this was not just a trip, but a grand confession. He wanted to make up for all the things that couples should have done during the five years that had passed in the past thirty days. He even wanted to do the most important and happiest thing in his life the day before he returned from the trip.

Lin Ting carefully flipped through each page, her fingertips gently tracing the words. She loved this guide so much that she had an urge to share it on her WeChat Moments to show off. She had never had such an urge before; her WeChat Moments was practically never active. Love makes people take things for granted.

She held back and took a picture of the strategy guide, sending it to Xiaolei and the four of them in the dorm's group chat. The dorm group chat was usually only for the four of them, except when they couldn't get enough people to play team games and would invite their spouses. They would just vent, complain, and keep in touch.

Song Xiaolei: "Actor Chen has switched careers to become a travel blogger. He's really versatile."

Ren Jingjing: "You went on your honeymoon early?"

Yun Shu: "Take precautions; premarital pregnancy is unacceptable."

Zhong Xiaoman: @Group Owner "Remove her from the group chat. I can't stand seeing couples showing affection; it's too sour."

Lin Ting smiled as she looked at the message that popped up.

"What are you laughing at?" Chen Zhiyi asked her, though he had actually noticed the chat messages on her screen.

"No, I just think you're a really nice person."

Chen Zhiyi frowned and squinted. "If you're going to say anything about me later, just hold it back." After doing so much and living together for half a year, all I got was a "friend zone" card. I'm not a charity.

Lin Ting smiled even sweeter, hugged his arm and leaned against him, "You're so good, so good that they're all jealous of me. How could I have met such a handsome, gentle, and all-around amazing boyfriend?"

Chen Zhiyi's lips curled up. He knew Lin Ting disdained showing off, but he wanted her to do it. He hoped that when she talked about her love life with her friends, she could proudly talk about what he had done for her and enjoy being envied by others.

Seeing that Lin had buried her face in his arms at the end, Chen Zhiyi patted the back of her head and asked, "What's wrong? Are you feeling embarrassed or disgusted?"

"A little, but it's also genuine." Lin Ting kept her head down, secretly smiling.

It was at sunrise, when Lin Ting flew into the air in a hot air balloon and looked down at the Cappadocia landscape, that she understood why it is said that taking a hot air balloon ride in Turkey is the most romantic thing in the world. Only after experiencing it firsthand did she realize its awe and surprise.

As dawn breaks, the sight of countless hot air balloons soaring through the sky is like stepping into a dream. They resemble colorful jellyfish swimming in the air, creating a fairytale-like romance.

As the hot air balloon slowly ascended, the world below gradually shrank. Cappadocia's unique landscape slowly revealed itself in the morning light, unfolding like a series of exquisite paintings. The weathered rocks stood like sculptures on the earth, some resembling castles, others spires, and still others like meticulously crafted labyrinths. Viewed from the hot air balloon, these rock formations seemed to come alive, telling tales of millennia of history and change.

The hot air balloon drifted slowly in the air, seemingly merging with the heavens and earth. The temperature was low in mid-air, and Chen Zhiyi opened his trench coat to wrap Lin Ting in his arms from behind, leaving only her head exposed. In the still of the early morning, only the whispers of the hot air balloon and the wind, along with the rhythm of their heartbeats, intertwined to create a moving melody.

"Do you like it?" Chen Zhiyi asked her.

"Is this one of the things you want to do to me?"

"Um."

Lin Tingxin was overjoyed and turned her head to kiss him on the cheek. "I like it, I like it a lot. Does that mean I have even more to look forward to on my trip?" No matter how stubborn a person is, deep down he is still a little girl who loves all things beautiful and romantic.

Chen Zhiyi rested his head on her neck, his breath brushing against the fine, almost invisible hairs on her ears as he spoke, making her feel a ticklish sensation. "I'll be with you through thick and thin, so look forward to it."

Without going underground, but in Venice, this romantic water city floating on the blue waves, the two boarded an exquisite little boat, sitting shoulder to shoulder in the middle of the boat, and slowly glided through the narrow waterways with the gentle swaying of the boat, embarking on a dreamlike tour.

Sunlight spills across the shimmering water, casting a golden glow that reflects off the ancient buildings on both banks, as if the whole world has been bathed in a soft, warm hue. Small boats glide gently, passing under ancient and elegant bridges, some spanning the waterways, others resting lightly on the shore, each bearing witness to Venice's rich history and culture.

Chen Zhiyi spoke up, "Have you heard the story of the Bridge of Sighs?"

Lin Ting nodded. "Are we almost there?"

Chen Zhiyi pointed to a precarious, arched bridge ahead, "It's right there."

As the afterglow of the setting sun spills across every corner of Venice, the entire city seems to be bathed in a golden glow. At this time, the Bridge of Sighs takes on a special charm. Spanning the canal, it connects the Doge's Palace and the prison. The bridge's design is simple yet dignified, and the stone arches cast long shadows in the sunset, creating a picturesque scene with the gently flowing water beneath.

On the small boats ahead of them, couples nestled together, each cupping the other's face and kissing deeply as the boats passed under the bridge. There was no shyness or bashfulness, only a deep longing for enduring love.

Regardless of where they come from or what their skin color is, people with love and compassion always treat relationships with reverence, believe in beautiful love stories, and pray that the same fairytale ending will happen to them.

Lin Ting: "When did you start believing in these things? Weren't you a staunch materialist?"

Chen Zhiyi cupped Lin Ting's face in his hands, gazing at her with deep affection. "Even great men have said that I have been a staunch materialist throughout my life, but only with you do I hope there will be an afterlife, and I will do the same for you."

"So this is one of the things you want to do to me?"

Chen Zhiyi gently stroked Lin Ting's lips with his thumb, tracing the shape of her lips with his finger.

Bathed in the afterglow of the setting sun, her face resembled a newly blossoming flower, radiating a touch of shyness and tranquility. A gentle breeze stirred, softly ruffling her hair, a few stray strands fluttering in the wind. Most striking were her eyes. In the sunset's glow, her pupils seemed to be coated with a golden luster, the moisture in them reflecting a warm and soft light.

Whenever you look into her eyes, you'll be drawn in and unable to pull yourself away.

"Yes, I'm willing to believe this legend is true, and I firmly believe that our love will last a lifetime."

The moment the small boat passed under the bridge, Chen Zhiyi kissed it. Their kiss was tender and lingering, like a gentle breeze under the setting sun, softly rippling the water's surface, or like the sighing river flowing beneath the bridge, carrying endless affection and promise. Everything around them seemed to crown this romantic moment, even the air was filled with the scent of sweetness and happiness.

May the legends protect us, and may time stand still for this moment.