2025 Asia Youth Innovation Forum · Jiangcheng Main Venue
A prestigious international summit, bringing together the most influential figures in global finance, technology, fashion, and creative industries.
Xu Zhiyi, founder of the Zhixu brand and one of the emerging representatives of a new generation, was invited to speak during the closing roundtable session.
But ten minutes before she was scheduled to go on stage—something unexpected happened.
—
"President Xu, something's wrong!"
Her assistant rushed into the dressing room, panic in her voice.
"The moderator has been replaced. It's Deng Wen from Caixin View."
"He's known for his sharp questions and likes to throw surprise topics during live broadcasts… I'm afraid he'll bring up your past marriage to stir drama."
Xu Zhiyi gave a calm smile as she fastened her earrings:
"He can ask whatever he likes. I've done nothing wrong."
"But if I answer, the headlines tomorrow will all be about my so-called 'comeback from heartbreak'—not about my design philosophy."
"I don't want to be used."
—
Elsewhere backstage, Lu Yancheng had just finished speaking in another session when his assistant, Chen Ze, caught up with him.
"There's trouble on Miss Xu's end. The new host might dig into her divorce for clicks."
Lu Yancheng's expression turned cold.
—
Five minutes later, the forum's livestream rolled on.
The host smiled as he began:
"Today we're honored to welcome Ms. Xu Zhiyi, founder of Zhixu, and currently one of Asia's hottest new design voices."
Applause broke out in the audience.
But then, Deng Wen shifted gears:
"Ms. Xu, the internet calls you a 'legend who rose from the ruins of marriage.'"
"Would you mind sharing with us—which relationship shaped your strength and resilience the most?"
The crowd fell silent.
All eyes were on the stage.
Backstage, Xu Zhiyi had just taken a step forward—when she heard a low, steady voice ring out:
"Let me answer that question."
From the guest seats, Lu Yancheng stood up in his dark grey suit and walked calmly to the front of the stage.
He looked out at the room, then into the camera, his voice deep and even:
"She doesn't need to explain."
"She was simply once loved—by someone unworthy."
"And that unworthy person… was me."
The room froze.
Reporters, audience members, and live viewers all held their breath.
—
"Her talent was never granted by anyone."
"Her success wasn't born from pain."
"She's here today because she worked hard, stayed clear-headed, and remained strong."
"I once stood closest to her, yet couldn't see her brilliance."
"Now… all I hope is that she's never used again because of me."
He bowed his head, then stepped off the stage.
The audience erupted into thunderous applause.
—
Backstage in the dressing room, Xu Zhiyi stood still, watching the monitor, her fingers gently curling.
She didn't know what to feel in that moment.
It wasn't a flutter of emotion.It wasn't forgiveness.
It was—
That the pain-filled silence of her past had finally been spoken, acknowledged, and put to rest.
She was no longer carrying it alone.
—
Later that evening, Weibo's trending list exploded:
#LuYanchengLiveAdmitsHisMistake#SheWasLovedBySomeoneUnworthy#XuZhiyiSucceededBecauseOfHerselfNotPain
Comments flooded in:
[This is the first time I feel like he truly bowed his head][It's not an apology—it's protection. And this time, he wasn't too late][Xu Zhiyi, keep walking forward. Even if he's kneeling behind, he's no longer worthy][I'm in tears. She deserved someone to speak up for that silence]
—
Zhixu's official account only reposted one video clip with a simple caption:
"I don't need anyone to speak for me.But sometimes, acknowledgment… is a form of farewell."