Even years later, I still lacked the courage to face them, mother and daughter.
I lacked the courage to pursue her again.
I lacked the courage to make things public before knowing the outcome.
And because of my hesitation and indecision, Ruo Ruo…
I am fortunate that Ruo Ruo chose to keep the child, allowing me to see Sheng Sheng one day.
I regret not recognizing my feelings back then, not shouldering the responsibility that comes with being a man.
I apologize, not seeking forgiveness, but because Ruo Ruo and Sheng Sheng need this apology to tell them.
They did nothing wrong; I was the one at fault.
I am merely a coward who never dared to face myself, timid and weak.
Taking this opportunity today, besides clarifying, explaining, and apologizing, I also formally announce Jian Sheng's identity.
Whether Sheng Sheng acknowledges me as her father or not, in my heart, Sheng Sheng will always be my daughter.
Let me tell you a sad story: Sheng Sheng still calls me "scum dad" (crying emoji).
— Gu Jiangyan (Not ghostwritten)
As a comprehensive enterprise always at the forefront of domestic technology, Huanyu Group naturally possessed a massive fan base.
Coupled with the added popularity of Jian Sheng and the show "New Home," within minutes of Gu Jiangyan posting on Weibo, the post exploded.
Countless Huanyu fans who didn't watch variety shows, and variety show fans drawn in by the live broadcast, were stunned by the long post.
As the news spread, the hashtags #JianShengBackground and #JianShengFather quickly rose to the top of the trending searches.
However, for those who arrived later and tried to click, the Weibo post had mysteriously disappeared.
Just as some were brewing conspiracy theories, after deleting the original post, Huanyu's official Weibo account reposted it.
Upon clicking, people found the exact same long post.
The explanation followed, stating that deleting the original post was simply to preserve the official nature of the Huanyu Weibo account, using it for a repost and verification.
— Huanyu Group is, after all, the official account of the entire Huanyu. Deleting the post was to avoid affecting its official capacity.
The poster ID displayed was Gu Jiangyan, a newly registered personal account.
Verified by Weibo as the founder of Huanyu Group.
Combined with the repost from the official Huanyu Weibo, it confirmed that the account owner was indeed Gu Jiangyan himself.
— Big boss, please don't do this, it makes me so nervous! It's just using a public account for personal matters. The entire Huanyu is yours, Mr. Gu. What's wrong with using an account?
— You scared me to death. I almost fell for the conspiracy theory that someone had hacked Huanyu's account.
— Day after day, are the news updates supposed to be this explosive?
— My mental resilience isn't good enough. I really can't handle this much information.
— So, does this mean Mr. Gu is that scumbag who wronged Sheng Sheng's mother?
— Oh my god, it's hard to imagine. Boss Gu actually has such a past. But it's understandable. Who hasn't had a moment of youthful recklessness?
— Shocked! Is this really the formidable Gu Jiangyan?
— So, Gu Jiangyan is also just an ordinary person when it comes to love?
— I actually think neither Gu Jiangyan nor Sheng Sheng's mother did anything wrong. It was just personal choices. Gu Jiangyan stepping forward at this time shows great responsibility.
— So, what that mosquito said two thousand years ago was true.
— Haven't Mr. Gu and Huanyu officially confirmed it? But if it proves what the mosquito said, then Sheng Sheng's experience is too legendary!
— It's quite surreal. Even novels wouldn't dare to write it like this.
— My heart is broken. My husband is gone.
— Envious of Jian Junruo. She latched onto this leg when she was young and Gu Jiangyan hadn't made it big yet. Now, with one person's rise, others soar. Their mother and daughter have finally seen the end of their hardships.
— Gu Jiangyan said it depends on Jian Sheng and Jian Junruo whether they accept him, but surely no one can refuse such a handsome, wealthy, and young new tycoon?
— Wuwuwu, Jian Junruo must be overjoyed! A public apology and confession to the entire internet! I really want to know Jian Junruo's reaction, ahhhhhh!!!
What is Jian Junruo's reaction right now?
She sat blankly on the bed in her accommodation, tears streaming down her face.
There was emotion, relief, liberation, and the accumulated grievances of years finally bursting forth.
But more than anything, there was peace.
A peace that came from understanding Gu Jiangyan's intentions.
Just as Gu Jiangyan said, her reason for leaving was her deep understanding of him.
She knew all the possible reactions Gu Jiangyan might have after she woke up, and combined with her family situation, she chose to leave.
However, it was precisely because of this understanding that she knew how much of Gu Jiangyan's writing was true and how much was false.
Talking about mutual love, claiming it was all his fault.
These were just excuses concocted to silence the online gossip, to protect the three of them and the image of Huanyu Group.
Love?
Heh.
Perhaps for a few moments, Gu Jiangyan did have a liking for her.
But these feelings ultimately couldn't withstand the schemes and betrayals.
Yet, here she was, having fallen for him and constantly holding onto hope.
Jian Junruo gave a wry smile, her finger gently caressing the screen.
It was as if she were reaching through the screen, to caress the exquisitely beautiful little girl in the frame.
What moved her was never the apology—so fake it was laughable—that Gu Jiangyan posted on Weibo.
It was the concern and importance Gu Jiangyan showed towards Sheng Sheng.
When Sheng Sheng was kidnapped, he chose to risk his life with her to deliver the ransom.
Upon learning of Sheng Sheng's whereabouts, he immediately rushed to the US to rescue her at the earliest opportunity.
When Sheng Sheng was being questioned, he would have Qin Wen step in to explain and clarify.
When Qin Wen couldn't provide sufficient evidence or persuasion, he chose a method that, while potentially damaging to his and Huanyu's reputation, was the simplest and most powerful way to prove his case.
What Qin Wen said to Gu Jiangyan, regarding Gu Jiangyan's rash use of the company account to prove Jian Sheng was his daughter—
They were all adults. How could Gu Jiangyan and Jian Junruo not understand the stakes involved?
Yet, Gu Jiangyan still did it, and used emergency public relations measures to minimize the potential impact on himself, Jian Junruo, and Sheng Sheng.
She didn't know how Gu Jiangyan spoke those words about her with a clear conscience.
But Jian Junruo could clearly see that concerning Sheng Sheng, Gu Jiangyan was sincere!
And that, was enough.
Jian Junruo gazed at the little person in her phone, who was smiling enchantingly, her refined and beautiful face imbued with a gentle, flowing tenderness.