Half a month later, official channels of the Gu Group and Shen Media simultaneously released statements.
The one from Shen Media was an announcement from Su Qianqian's studio.
It stated that Ms. Su Qianqian needed an extended period of rest due to personal health reasons and, after careful consideration, had decided to temporarily step back from the entertainment industry.
It thanked her fans for their continuous support.
The announcement confirmed the rumors that Su Qianqian was pregnant before marriage.
However, before netizens could fully digest this news, the statement from Gu Chengyu's official account completely crashed social media platforms.
In summary, the content boiled down to the following points:
The child in Su Qianqian's womb was Gu Chengyu's flesh and blood, the long-awaited next heir of the Gu family.
Their relationship was stable, and the child was conceived out of love and anticipation, not any of the unfounded speculations circulating.
He would take responsibility for her, and moreover, marry her, giving her status and everything he could possibly provide.
All previous false statements and malicious speculations targeting Su Qianqian had been documented by the Gu Group's legal department and would be pursued to the fullest extent of the law. He would always protect her.
The entire internet was in an uproar!
"Holy crap! Official certification! A direct announcement!"
"Gu, the crown prince, is awesome! That's some wife-protecting energy!"
"So it wasn't some sugar daddy arrangement, but a proper relationship leading to an heir and marriage?!"
"This statement is weirdly sweet, isn't it?"
"Doesn't this slap the faces of those who mocked her career collapse? She's directly ascended to become the young madam of a wealthy family!"
"Congratulations, Qianqian! Rest well! Can't wait for the baby!"
Public opinion almost unanimously shifted towards blessings and envy.
Inside the Cloudtop Apartments.
Su Qianqian was curled up in the living room, looking at the two statements and the heated online discussions on her tablet, somewhat amused. Had Gu Chengyu learned to buy positive comments?
He had drowned out those sporadic jealous remarks until they made no splash at all.
Gu Chengyu finished his work and came out of the study, naturally sitting down beside her, pulling her into his arms, and rubbing his chin against the top of her head.
"What are you looking at? Online comments are messy, too much will just annoy you."
Su Qianqian turned the tablet screen towards him and gave a soft hum:
"Looking at your overbearing declaration, Young Master Gu."
Gu Chengyu looked down at her, raising an eyebrow. "Qianqian, I've already issued the statement. So when will you agree to my proposal?"
Su Qianqian thought for a moment seriously, then lifted her little chin, speaking with a delicate, spoiled tone. "Well, we'll have to wait until the baby is a bit bigger, and it depends on your performance!"
"Alright." Gu Chengyu nodded agreeably, his eyes filled with doting affection as he lowered his head to kiss her pouted lips.
He adored this little bit of spoiled willfulness she unconsciously displayed now, which he had nurtured. It filled him with a sense of accomplishment.
Su Qianqian giggled and squirmed away from his ticklish kisses.
These past days, he had practically treated her like a glass doll, attending to everything personally and meticulously.
In every word of that statement, she saw his sincerity and sense of responsibility.
The last remnants of her previous reservations had almost completely dissolved under his day-after-day care and this public act of protection.
She turned around, wrapping her slender, pale arms around his neck, lifting her little face to look at him with sparkling eyes, her voice soft and sweet. "A-Yu..."
"Hmm?" Gu Chengyu enjoyed her initiative, his mood excellent.
"Thank you." She said earnestly, this belated gratitude.
Thank you for ensuring that every night I spent in this unfamiliar world over the past year wasn't spent alone.
Gu Chengyu's heart instantly melted. He tightened his arm around her waist, rubbing his nose against hers. "I'm the one who should say thank you."
"I wasn't exactly a good man before, arrogant and willful. Last time, I even tricked you about the baby... Thank you for forgiving me, Qianqian. Thank you for being willing to have our child."
"From now on, I will never hide anything from you again. I'll listen to you in everything, okay?"
"Really, everything?" Su Qianqian's eyes darted around, a sly glint flashing within.
"Of course, except for anything that isn't good for your health." Gu Chengyu immediately added.
Su Qianqian leaned close to his ear, her breath fragrant like orchids. "Then, after I have the baby, you have to invest in a big female-lead movie for me. I want to win Best Actress!"
"And you have to help take care of the baby. You can't stop me from filming."
Gu Chengyu chuckled lowly, agreeing without hesitation. "Deal."
"Not just movies. TV dramas, variety shows, albums... whatever you want, I'll pile all the resources in the entertainment industry at your feet."
"Hmph, that's more like it." Su Qianqian gave a satisfied hum.
Even with a baby later, he would have to be the hands-on dad. She was still going to focus on her career.
Gu Chengyu held the woman in his arms, letting out a contented sigh.
He had finally, in his own way, rightfully and properly gathered his delicate flower and their little seed into the shelter of his embrace.
