ALL NOVEL
Chapter 183
"Xiao Yuanning, have you gone mad?!"
The PR staff stared wide-eyed at the screen. The manager looked towards Xiao Yuanning, who was lounging on the sofa with his legs crossed, and felt a sense of foreboding.
She immediately picked up her phone and saw the Weibo post that Xiao Yuanning had just published.
"I'm very sorry that due to a long-standing family feud, this incident occurred during the concert. Although no serious consequences resulted, I still feel remorseful towards my fans who have always loved and supported me, and especially towards my sister who was hurt in this incident.
This concert was unsuccessful, and fans present can apply for a refund. Any losses will be borne by me personally.
Furthermore, after much personal reflection, I have decided to permanently retire from the entertainment industry and re-evaluate my future career plans. Thank you to all my fans and friends. We shall meet no more!"
This Weibo post had just been up for two minutes, but the comments section had already exploded.
"Xiao Yuanning, are you kidding us? Why would you retire from the entertainment industry? This wasn't your fault!"
"Baby, are you really going to abandon us?"
"No, Baby, we won't ask for a refund. Can you hold another concert instead?"
"Where's his agency? Someone manage our Baby, how can he just announce his retirement like that!"
"Honey, I'll take this as just a passing remark. Be good, you're not retiring!"
...
A wave of comments pleaded for him not to retire. The manager was growing increasingly anxious.
"Xiao Yuanning! What are you trying to do? How can you make a statement about retiring without the company's approval? Delete it right now!"
She tried to grab Xiao Yuanning's phone, but he swiftly dodged her.
"Sister Chen, I'm serious."
At this moment, Xiao Yuanning's face was solemn, the youthful and sunny aura of a fifteen or sixteen-year-old long gone.
The manager took a deep breath and asked, trying to suppress her frustration, "Tell me what you're thinking."
Xiao Yuanning lowered his gaze, his voice somewhat cold.
"I've suddenly realized that being so prominent isn't always a good thing. Like this time, someone could exploit my schedule to cause trouble and chaos. Although there were no major incidents this time, what about next time?"
"I'm not afraid of getting into trouble myself, but I'm afraid of endangering my family, friends, and fans."
"With my family background, there are too many people watching us in the shadows. We're destined to never have true peace. While I'm in the entertainment industry, I can't look after my family properly, yet I also can't attend to my fans, which will cause resentment and dissatisfaction among them. Rather than that, I might as well become an ordinary person again, properly take care of my family, and help shoulder more responsibilities.
Although this is irresponsible towards my fans, in the long run, it's better than prolonging the pain. Eventually, they'll forget about me. They'll have new idols. I'm just a passing figure."
If asked whether he would feel reluctant, of course the answer would be yes.
He didn't do it for the money: most of his earnings were donated. He was passionate about this industry, participating in film productions since the age of three. Over so many years, the fame and achievements he attained were the result of his step-by-step efforts. He had never felt bored or weary.
The manager sighed, "Forget it, you should discuss this with President Xiao and the others when you get home. If President Xiao and the others support you, then let the company issue a statement."
Alas, this entertainment company was established by President Xiao specifically for his son Xiao Yuanning to make a comeback after returning to the country. If the young master wanted to do something, what could these employees do about it!
It's a pity, though. Without Xiao Yuanning, President Xiao might not be willing to put in effort to further develop Xizhe Entertainment.
Xiao Yuanning didn't linger and rushed back to the hospital.
After being kidnapped, Xiao Jinmeng's phone had been lost, likely discarded by Jian Hongmei, so she had no idea about the events unfolding online.
Seeing Xiao Yuanning return, looking exhausted, Xiao Jinmeng felt pity and gently ruffled his hair.
"Little brother, I'm sorry for worrying you. Did you take care of things on your end?"
Xiao Yuanning obediently nodded, "It's taken care of. Don't worry, Sister."
Xiao Jinmeng smiled, "Mom and Dad went to get the discharge papers. We'll be going home soon."
"We're going home today? With your injuries..."
"Don't worry, the doctor said I'm fine. I just need to rest at home. Besides, I really don't want to smell that disinfectant odor anymore."
Xiao Jinmeng felt like she had spent more time in the hospital than at home this year. It was just too much.
Seeing Xiao Yuanning's lack of enthusiasm, Xiao Jinmeng frowned with concern, "Little brother, what's wrong?"
Xiao Yuanning seemed hesitant, unsure if he should speak up.
"Little brother, if something's bothering you, just say it. Did someone at your company bully you? Your sister will stand up for you!"
Xiao Yuanning quickly shook his head, "No, no one bullied me. I just... Sister, I've retired from the entertainment industry."
"What!"
Xiao Jinmeng couldn't believe her ears.
"Sister, I've retired from the entertainment industry. I've already made the announcement on Weibo."
Who would have thought that as soon as he said those words, Xiao Jinmeng burst into tears.
Xiao Yuanning was startled and quickly grabbed some tissues to wipe her tears.
"Sister, what's wrong? Are your wounds hurting? Don't cry, I'll call the doctor!"
With tears streaming down her face, Xiao Jinmeng said in a choked voice, "Wah wah wah, my idol has retired from the entertainment industry. I'll never be happy again..."
Xiao Yuanning: !! He had forgotten that his sister was also one of his fans...
He hurriedly consoled her, "Sister, don't cry. Even though I've retired, I'm still your brother. You can see me every day!"
"It's not the same. An idol is an idol, a brother is a brother. They're two different people. Wah wah wah..."
Xiao Yuanning: So being an artist means having multiple personas.
Shi Shuning came in from outside and saw Xiao Jinmeng crying hysterically while Xiao Yuanning frantically wiped her tears.
"What's going on?"
He had only stepped out to buy Xiao Jinmeng a new phone. How did she end up crying in such a short time?
Xiao Jinmeng looked at Shi Shuning with teary eyes, aggrieved, "My idol has retired. Of course I'm going to cry..."
Shi Shuning was somewhat confused, "Your idol? Isn't your idol Xiao Yuanning?"
Then he turned to Xiao Yuanning, "You've retired?"
Xiao Yuanning nodded, "You can check Weibo. It's probably exploded by now."
Shi Shuning took out his phone, but Xiao Jinmeng snatched it away from him and opened Weibo. She tapped on the number one trending topic, "Xiao Yuanning Quits Entertainment Industry," followed by a blazing hot "Breaking News" tag.
It took a while to load, but when it did, Xiao Jinmeng finally saw the statement that Xiao Yuanning had posted.
As she read it, her small mouth turned downward, and she started crying again.