《Mr Gu's First Doting Marriage》 Chapter 1 - 1: Late Arrival 1 Chapter 1: Late Arrival Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang was only five minuteste, yet the big boss had whisked her into his office. And lectured her for a full hour. When she exited the President¡¯s office, Xia Yangyang¡¯s face was brightly flushed, eyes red and swollen. She looked as if she¡¯d lost her soul. She had clearly been crying. The entire secretarial department felt sorry for her. Xia Yangyang was a new intern who had been assigned to the secretarial office. Her usual tasks involved writing soft copy press releases and organizing misceneous documents. However, for whatever reason, the president always seemed to have a problem with her. Every day, he¡¯d find a reason to haul her into his office and scold her. And every time Xia Yangyang emerged from his office, she would look like she did now. Xia Yangyang finally managed to sit down in her own seat. Xiao Man, another intern, slid over in her chair, expressing her indignation on Xia Yangyang¡¯s behalf. ¡°The boss is really too much. He clearly sees you as an easy target.¡± Then she sighed, ¡°Yangyang, how did you manage to upset the boss so much? How could the first thing he do upon returning from a business trip be to lecture you?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind hadn¡¯t entirely recovered from everything that had happened in the office, still consumed by the vivid and intense scenes. He was only away on a business trip for two days, yet he seemed to have more energy than ever. If she hadn¡¯t begged him tearfully, she might have been stuck there for another hour. Her colleague Xiao Man felt really sorry for Xia Yangyang, but there was nothing she could do. She could only pat Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Take it easy, Yangyang. After all, there¡¯s only one week left in our internships. Just tough it out.¡± Xia Yangyang is a junior studying Media Management at A University, and she was only interning for a month during her winter break. Xia Yangyang nodded in a daze. Xiao Man¡¯s sympathy deepened. ¡°During tonight¡¯s department dinner, we¡¯ll all help you think of a solution. Don¡¯t worry too much.¡± Only then did Xia Yangyang snap back into reality. ¡°A department dinner? Do I have to attend?¡± Xiao Man whispered, ¡°Of course, you have to attend. It¡¯s being hosted by Lin Yuanyuan. Apparently, she¡¯s been promoted. That¡¯s not the point, though ¡ª the point is that many of our senior colleagues from the secretarial office will be there. We can¡¯t just snub them.¡± Lin Yuanyuan was also an intern, studying at the same university but in a different ss from Xia Yangyang. Rumor had it that she had connections and was parachuted into an internship at Shengyuan Group. Well¡­ she was also parachuted in¡­ Xia Yangyang had spent the entire afternoon worrying because he¡¯d told her to go straight home after work when they were in the office earlier. After considering it all afternoon, Xia Yangyang decided to go to the dinner. Otherwise, she was afraid her body wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it if she went home. She had never imagined that such a seemingly frigid, abstinent man would turn into a starved wolf the moment he was alone with her. Anyway, when he had whispered those words in her ear, Xia Yangyang was lost in the throes of wild pleasure, barely conscious. It would be better if she pretended not to have heard anything. So, after work, Xia Yangyang and Su Xiaoman happily attended thepany gathering. Even though it was Lin Yuanyuan who was hosting the gathering, Xia Yangyang mysteriously became the focus of attention. The conversation inevitably turned towards why the boss disliked her so much. Xia Yangyang had an innocent look on her face, ¡°I really don¡¯t know why.¡± Everyone felt even more sympathetic towards her. Only halfway through the meal, Xia Yangyang¡¯s phone rang. Seeing the number, Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart dropped. She moved to a corner of the room, and answered the call. Gu Qichen¡¯s deep, maic voice came from the other end of the line, ¡°Where are you?¡± Chapter 2 - 2: Why did Gu Qichen Choose Her Specifically? 2 Chapter 2: Why did Gu Qichen Choose Her Specifically? Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang honestly said, ¡°Yipin Building, departmental dinner.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was cold and clearly showed a hint of annoyance: ¡°Come home, now.¡± Having said that, he hung up the phone. Xia Yangyang was stunned for half a minute. She returned to her seat and hurriedly said, ¡°I have something urgent to take care of, I have to leave.¡± Everyone saw her anxiety, assuming something had happened, and no one attempted to stop her. Xia Yangyang left the restaurant and hailed a taxi directly back to Imperial View Garden. This was an independent garden vi built on the hillside. From the outside, it looked like a pce. The housekeeper greeted her at the door: ¡°Madam, you¡¯re back.¡± Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Where is Mr. Gu?¡± The housekeeper respectfully responded, ¡°Sir is in the bedroom.¡± Xia Yangyang quickly went upstairs to the bedroom. When she reached the door, she hesitated for a moment. In the end, however, she pushed the door open. At first nce, there was no one in the room. However, there was the sound of running water from the bathroom. Gu Qichen was taking a shower. Xia Yangyang heaved a sigh of relief, put her bag down, and absent-mindedly sat down on the sofa. Her gaze, without her realizing, fell on the bathroom area. Truth be told, everything that happened today felt like a dream to Xia Yangyang. The story behind her shotgun wedding with the man currently in the bathroom was quiteplicated. But when Xia Yangyang got her marriage certificate, she had no idea that he was the youngest CEO of Shengyuan Group or the oldest grandson of the Gu Family, one of the four great financial powers of Feng City, and the top bachelor in Asia. Recently, Gu Qichen still topped the list of Diamond Bachelors. But nobody knew that he was already married. Xia Yangyang still didn¡¯t understand why out of everyone, Gu Qichen chose her. Was it merely because¡­? Just as Xia Yangyang was consumed with her swirling thoughts, the frosted ss door in the bathroom was pulled open. Gu Qichen emerged from the bathroom. Xia Yangyang¡¯s gaze naturally fell on him. Gu Qichen was bare-chested, with only a white towel wrapped around his lower body. Every inch of his body was lean muscle. His skin wasn¡¯t trendy bronze, but rather white, resembling the texture of a porcin kiln, giving him an elegant, handsome look. His broad, firm chest and his perfect six-pack denoted an appealing sense of maturity and charm¡­ Xia Yangyang was left momentarily dumbfounded. They had been together intimately more than once or twice, yet every time, Xia Yangyang kept her eyes closed, never daring to watch. Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s astounded expression, Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Mrs. Gu, are you satisfied with your husband¡¯s physique?¡± Only then did Xia Yangyang recover from her trance, blushingly turning her gaze away: ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know. I¡¯ve never touched you before.¡± Having said that, Xia Yangyang only wanted to bite off her own tongue. What was she saying? Perhaps due to past experiences, Xia Yangyang felt that Gu Qichen was somewhat dangerous now, especially after seeing the smirk on his face. Gu Qichen ambled over leisurely in Xia Yangyang¡¯s direction. Xia Yangyang could only feel the sense of danger drawing closer and closer. As expected, Gu Qichen stopped in front of Xia Yangyang: ¡°Go ahead, touch.¡± They had done the most intimate things, but Xia Yangyang truly hadn¡¯t touched him. Every time, she had been dazed under him, letting him manipte her as he pleased. The moment Xia Yangyang¡¯s finger touched Gu Qichen, a current flowed through it, and she reflexively tried pulling her hand back. But, what was supposed to happen, happened¡­ When Xia Yangyang next opened her eyes, it was already 8 in the morning. Chapter 3 - 3: Comparing Him to Teddy 3 Chapter 3: Comparing Him to Teddy Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios After being utterly exhausted from the previous night, Xia Yangyang overslept. Despite setting an rm on her phone, it unbelievably didn¡¯t go off. Suddenly sitting up, Xia Yangyang startled the slumbering man next to her. Waking up grumpy, the man slightly grumbled, ¡°What on earth are you doing so early in the morning?¡± Panicked, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°It¡¯s already eight, I¡¯mte for work.¡± Just as she was about to hustle out of bed, she was pulled back by Gu Qichen. He held her tight and said, ¡°Given you¡¯re alreadyte, why not stay in bed with me a bit longer?¡± Xia Yangyang was reluctant, but she dared not refuse. Luckily, Gu Qichen seemed to drift back to sleep, allowing her to gently sneak away from his embrace. Just when she was nearly out of his grasp, he suddenly opened his eyes and warned her with a hoarse voice, ¡°Xia Yangyang, haven¡¯t you heard it¡¯s dangerous to act like a caterpir first thing in the morning?¡± Before she could react, he pulled her back and pressed her down. By the time Xia Yangyang got to the office, it was already half-past nine. Xiao Man leaned over and asked, ¡°Yangyang, why are you sote today?¡± Images of this morning¡¯s intimate scene shed in Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind and her face turned bright red. Xiao Manmented, ¡°Your face is so red, are you running a fever?¡± Quicklying up with a cover story, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°My pet dog at home is too clingy, I couldn¡¯t leave.¡± Just as she finished speaking, Xiao Man nudged her arm, ¡°The CEO is here.¡± As expected, Gu Qichen walked past them, pausing ever so slightly as though he was ncing in Xia Yangyang¡¯s direction. Xia Yangyang held her breath; hopefully, he didn¡¯t overhear anything. Once Gu Qichen entered his office, Lu Xiaoman sighed, ¡°When the CEO red at you just now, I thought he would summon you to his office for a scolding again, Yangyang. You¡¯re lucky today; you werete, but so was the CEO.¡± Of course, Gu Qichen waste; they came together. Luckily, no one saw Xia Yangyang getting out of Gu Qichen¡¯s car. Standing nearby, Lin Yuanyuan overheard Xia Yangyang and Lu Xiaoman¡¯s conversation and asked, ¡°Yangyang, you have a pet dog? What breed is it?¡± Taken aback, Xia Yangyang blurted out, ¡°Teddy.¡± If Gu Qichen found out that Xia Yangyangpared him to a teddy dog, he probably wouldn¡¯t let her off easy. However, he probably didn¡¯t have the time to attend to her now, because he had to leave for a business trip in the afternoon. Before boarding the ne, Gu Qichen sent a text to Xia Yangyang (Going on a business trip to Tokyo, will be back in three days). They had been secretly married for three months, and Gu Qichen spent half of his time traveling for work. But regardless of where he went, he always sent Xia Yangyang a text message before his flight. Xia Yangyang¡¯s internship was going to finish in a week. She was just hoping to pass it smoothly and return to school. Little did she know, a bewildering event would ur the next day. As soon as Xia Yangyang arrived at the office the next day, she found many people gathered around her desk. Walking over, she saw a giant bouquet of roses on her desk. A colleague looked at Xia Yangyang with a hint of envy, ¡°Yangyang, who sent these? They are so extravagant! Ny-nine multicolored roses, that¡¯s worth three months of our sries!¡± Xia Yangyang was also puzzled; there was a note on it. After reading the note, her face turned pale instantly. She picked up the roses and tossed them into the nearby trash bin. Everyone was confused. A colleague whispered, ¡°Yangyang, did your boyfriend send these? Have you two had a fight?¡± Another colleague said, ¡°If my boyfriend used ny-nine multicolored roses to coax me, I would forgive him immediately.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t exin anything. Seeing her demeanor, everyone decided not to ask any more questions. The whole day, Xia Yangyang was On edge. It wasn¡¯t until she left work and saw Lu Haotian¡¯s car parked outside thepany building that she finally rxed. Chapter 4 - 4: The Birthday Gift is Catching Cheating in the Bed 4 Chapter 4: The Birthday Gift is Catching Cheating in the Bed Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang had initially nned to turn around and leave. However, Lu Haotian saw her, got out of the car, and quickly grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm: ¡°Yangyang, listen to my exnation.¡± Xia Yangyang turned around, her voice cold: ¡°Fine, speak, I¡¯ll listen.¡± Lu Haotian said: ¡°I was drunk that day, I thought Xue¡¯er was you.¡± Xia Yangyang responded: ¡°Is the exnation over? If it¡¯s over, I¡¯m leaving.¡± It was rush hour, and many people came and went at the building¡¯s exit. Xiao Man just happened to have driven her small Polo out of the garage. Yangyang turned around to intercept her and hopped into the car. Lu Haotian didn¡¯t chase her. After the car entered the freeway, Xiao Man asked: ¡°Who was that handsome guy just now? Was he the one who sent roses this morning? ¡± ¡°Boyfriend?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head: ¡°He was.¡± ¡°Ex-boyfriend? It looks like he came to reconcile. But why did you two break up? He¡¯s incredibly handsome, and it looks like his family is well-off. Yangyang, how could you let go of such a prime catch?¡± ¡°Xiao Man, I have a headache.¡± Xia Yangyang usually seemed nonchnt, even if she frequently got reprimanded by the CEO, but it was rare to see her in her current state. So Xiao Man stopped asking. Xia Yangyang looked out at the night scene and her thoughts drifted to three months ago. November 11 was Xia Yangyang¡¯s birthday. The birthday gift that Lu Haotian gave her was catching him in bed with somebody else. It was with her best friend, Gong Xue¡¯er. Being betrayed by the two closest people in her life in a single day is what led Yangyang to the ¡°Night Emperor¡± bar to drown her sorrows, and what led to the ensuing events. For three consecutive days, expensive rainbow roses appeared on Xia Yangyang¡¯s desk, and every evening, Lu Haotian would wait at thepany¡¯s entrance. The entire office knew that there was a super handsome guy desperately pursuing Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t bother exining; only Xiao Man knew the true story. On the fourth day, Xia Yangyang again received rainbow roses on her warm desk. But there was also a visitor. It was Gong Xue¡¯er. Xia Yangyang frowned at the sight of her. But Gong Xue¡¯er quickly approached, saying: ¡°Yangyang, you won¡¯t see me or answer my calls, so I had toe here. Can we talk?¡± There were already many people in the office, all with curious gazes. Not wanting to attract attention, Xia Yangyang said: ¡°Come with me.¡± Xia Yangyang led Gong Xue¡¯er to a nearby meeting room. Once inside, Gong Xue¡¯er, tears flowing down her face, grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm and said: ¡°Yangyang, I¡¯m sorry. Can you forgive me just this once? I don¡¯t want to lose my best friend.¡± Xia Yangyang responded: ¡°If you really considered me a friend, you wouldn¡¯t have done what you did. I remember that you weren¡¯t drunk that day.¡± Through her tear-streaked face, Gong Xue¡¯er continued: ¡°Yangyang, you must not know, I¡¯ve liked Young Master Lu for a long time. Yes, you two grew up together, and I shouldn¡¯t have intervened, but if love could be controlled, it wouldn¡¯t be love.¡± Love, huh¡­ Gong Xue¡¯er continued to plead: ¡°Yangyang, we¡¯ve been friends for so many years. Can¡¯t you let me have Young Master Lu? You¡¯re the cherished daughter of the Xia family. Even if you don¡¯t have Young Master Lu, you¡¯ll find a better ce in the future. But I¡¯m not the same; without Young Master Lu, I really have nothing. Yangyang, you¡¯ve always been nonpetitive; can¡¯t you just let him go?¡± Xia Yangyang was rendered speechless. Let him go? She had never clung to him. After that incident, Xia Yangyang realized there was no possibility between her and Lu Haotian. Xia Yangyang turned around and said: ¡°Is that the reason you came here today?¡± Chapter 5 - 5: I’m Pregnant 5 Chapter 5: I¡¯m Pregnant Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Gong Xue¡¯er had rarely seen Xia Yangyang so icy, her tone slightly changing: ¡°So you really won¡¯t forgive me? Xia Yangyang, you already have so much, why are you still fighting me for Haotian? You just can¡¯t stand to see me seed, right?¡± Xia Yangyang was at loss for words, what was Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s logic here? It was clear Gong Xue¡¯er was the one who intervened in her rtionship with Lu Haotian first. But now, Xia Yangyang was the viin who just couldn¡¯t bear to see Gong Xue¡¯er happy. Xia Yangyang said: ¡°Gong Xue¡¯er, there¡¯s nothing more to be said between us. I still have work to do, excuse me.¡± Just as Xia Yangyang was about to turn around and leave, Gong Xue¡¯er grabbed her arm: ¡°Xia Yangyang, let me tell you one more thing¡­¡± ¡°Xue¡¯er, what are you doing?¡± A tall figure suddenly appeared at the door. Lu Haotian had already walked over, a palpable anger evident on his face: ¡°Gong Xue¡¯er, how many times have I told you not to bother Yangyang?¡± Gong Xue¡¯er instantly turned into a pitiful, aggrieved figure: ¡°I only came here to ask Yangyang for her forgiveness. I¡¯ve been begging her to forgive me¡­ All of this is my fault, it has nothing to do with you.¡± Xia Yangyang had no idea that Gong Xue¡¯er was such a good actress. Lu Haotian softened his gaze at Gong Xue¡¯er. He turned to Xia Yangyang and said: ¡°Yangyang, my dad got discharged from the hospital today. Would you be OK withing over for dinner tonight? You¡¯re angry at me, but that doesn¡¯t mean you should be angry at my parents.¡± The Xias and the Lus were old friends, and Xia Yangyang had spent nearly half her childhood at the Lu¡¯s. Lu Zhenghai and Liu Xinru truly cherished Xia Yangyang, just like their own daughter. Xia Yangyang asked: ¡°When was Uncle Lu hospitalized?¡± Observing Xia Yangyang¡¯s reaction, Lu Haotian saw a chance and said: ¡°The usual. He just had a heart bypass surgery. This morning he was mentioning you, saying how he hasn¡¯t seen you for a long while.¡± As Xia Yangyang was hesitating, Gong Xue¡¯er could stand it no longer. She opened her mouth and said: ¡°What about me, Young Master Lu? What should I do if she goes?¡± Tonight, there was a dinner party at the Lu family, and she knew Lu Haotian would surely invite Yangyang over. That¡¯s why she hade early. If Xia Yangyang really went to the party, under the warmth and kindness of Lu Haotian¡¯s parents, she might soften her stance. Then all Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s efforts would have been in vain. She couldn¡¯t let the two of them reconcile. Lu Haotian, caught off guard by the usually soft Gong Xue¡¯er suddenly pulling this stunt, his face immediately hardened, and he said coldly: ¡°What does that have to do with you? Stop being ridiculous.¡± Lu Haotian¡¯s implication was more than clear. Gong Xue¡¯er said: ¡°I didn¡¯t want to, but¡­ I¡¯m pregnant.¡± Her words were like a bolt of lightning. Gong Xue¡¯er seemed to havepletely changed, calmly pulling a stack of papers from her bag: ¡°These are the ultrasound reports.¡± Xia Yangyang saw the line on the report stating six weeks of pregnancy. Xia Yangyang said: ¡°Six weeks¡­ That¡¯s only a little over forty days?¡± But that incident had happened three months ago. A hint of a smile crossed Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s lips, her gaze fixed on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face: ¡°That¡¯s right, we¡¯ve done it again after that, many times.¡± Lu Haotian roared in anger and shoved Gong Xue¡¯er: ¡°Gong Xue¡¯er, shut your mouth!¡± Xia Yangyangughed, turning to Lu Haotian she said: ¡°Lu Haotian, do you think I¡¯m a fool?¡± Lu Haotian panicked and grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm: ¡°Let me exin, Yangyang, let me exin.¡± Meanwhile, Gong Xue¡¯er, almost knocked off her feet by Lu Haotian¡¯s shove, felt cold inside. He didn¡¯t care about the child in her womb, all he cared about was Xia Yangyang¡¯s reaction. This made her hate Xia Yangyang even more. In the middle of all the chaos, the door to the conference room suddenly opened. Gu Qichen appeared, standing coldly at the entrance¡­. Chapter 6 - 6: Inhuman Oh Inhuman 6 Chapter 6: Inhuman Oh Inhuman Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios All three of them were dumbfounded. Gu Qichen, there wasn¡¯t a face in the entire Kyoto that didn¡¯t recognize him. The dream lover of all women in Kyoto, the man all socialites wanted to marry, and the ultimate goal of all superstar models, was standing right in front of them. This face, besides constantly being featured in finance magazines¡¯ elite sections, also frequently appeared as a hot topic in entertainment headlines. Gong Xue¡¯er, being in the same news field, could not fail to recognize him. Gu Qichen had already made his unhurried approach, standing beside Xia Yangyang, his voice low and maically asking, ¡°Who are they?¡± Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t expected Gu Qichen to appear suddenly, but now her thoughts were jumbled. She said, ¡°Total strangers.¡± There was a rare softness on Gu Qichen¡¯s face as he held Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, ¡°I brought some gifts for you from Japan, go check if you like them.¡± Gu Qichen seemed topletely ignore Lu Haotian and Gong Xue¡¯er standing aside. Lu Haotian instantly sensed that the atmosphere was off, but Gu Qichen had already wrapped his arm around Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulders, ready to leave the conference room. Lu Haotian suddenly walked up and grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm, demanded, ¡°Yangyang, what¡¯s your rtionship with him?¡± Xia Yangyang paused in her steps, and Gu Qichen also turned around. All eyes fell on Xia Yangyang, including Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s. Gu Qichen was also looking at Xia Yangyang, as if waiting for an answer. Xia Yangyang took a deep breath, and clearly stated, ¡°He¡¯s my boyfriend.¡± Both Gu Qichen and Lu Haotian frowned upon hearing this. Lu Haotian looked somewhat disbelieving, ¡°Yangyang, how could you do this to me?¡± Looking at the hurt expression on Lu Haotian¡¯s face, and Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s disbelief, Xia Yangyang admitted, at that moment, she felt a sense of satisfaction. Gu Qichen¡¯s timely appearance allowed Xia Yangyang to salvage some of her dignity, without making her look like a fool theypletely yed around with. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t be bothered dealing with Lu Haotian anymore. She took the initiative to hold on to Gu Qichen¡¯s arm, saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go to Yan Garden Fish Restaurant for boiled fish tonight. We haven¡¯t had it in a while!¡± Gu Qichen affectionately tapped Xia Yangyang¡¯s nose, ¡°As you wish, my little foodie¡±. Lu Haotian¡¯s face had already turned green, he suddenly yelled out at Gu Qichen at the door, ¡°Do you want to know what my rtionship with Xia Yangyang is? I was her first love!¡± Lu Haotian was already impatient. Even after having been with Gong Xue¡¯er, he was still confident to keep their rtionship, because he and Xia Yangyang were childhood sweethearts. But at the moment Gu Qichen showed up, for the first time, he felt an overwhelming sense of threat. Gu Qichen turned around, saying softly and lightly, ¡°I was her first man.¡± With that, he walked out of the conference room with Xia Yangyang. Many people from the secretarial division were looking this way. A man and a woman came to see Xia Yangyang early in the morning, it wasn¡¯t hard for them to imagine a drama unfolding. But, when the big boss appeared unexpectedly, the situation became unpredictable. The big boss was already not fond of Xia Yangyang, and now she was using thepany¡¯s conference room to deal with her personal love affairs during working hours. When the big boss just returned, everyone was discussing the rtionships of those involved. Lu Xiaoman was a big mouth and said that the handsome guy was Yangyang¡¯s ex¡­ The boss happened to hear as he walked by, without even pausing, he went straight to the conference room. Everyone sympathized with Xia Yangyang. She wasn¡¯t usually liked by the boss and they assumed this time would bring her more bad luck. As expected, Xia Yangyang came out of the conference room with the big boss. Then Xia Yangyang, with her head bowed, followed the big boss into the president¡¯s office. Chapter 7 - 7: This Man Looks Handsome Even When He is Narcissistic 7 Chapter 7: This Man Looks Handsome Even When He is Narcissistic Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Everyone felt that Xia Yangyang was really in a terrible situation. Not only was she confronted with her ex-boyfriend and his ¡°other woman¡± at her workce, but she was also pulled out by the big boss, taken to his office, and scolded, losing all dignity. It was truly inhumane! The moment the door to the CEO¡¯s office closed, Xia Yangyang was pressed against the door by Gu Qichen. His kisses rained down on her like a storm, stealing Xia Yangyang¡¯s breath away. With a punishing intensity, Gu Qichen¡¯s kisses were rougher than usual, causing Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind to blur, rendering her powerless. After a long while, Gu Qichen released Xia Yangyang, but her body was still pressed against the door. Gu Qichen, propped up on his arm, looked at Xia Yangyang. Her face was flushed, like a ripe peach, her eyes misty, resembling the drizzling rain in Jiangnan. Xia Yangyang is very beautiful, but her beauty is subtle, soothing to the eye, usually as serene and as pure as a water lily, untouched by dust. But now, this water lily had transformed into a poppy, her lips swollen and ruby-red, criminally tempting. Gu Qichen could see her pale, swanlike neck and her chest faintly rising and falling from his vantage point. Gu Qichen swallowed, restraining the desire surging within him and hoarsely asked, ¡°Why didn¡¯t I ever hear about you having a first love?¡± Xia Yangyang came back to her senses, ¡°You never asked, and I thought you knew.¡± Of course he knew, but the thought of that brat possibly sharing a simr kiss with Xia Yangyang, sharing in her beauty, ignited a fire in his heart. Xia Yangyang could feel a hint of anger in Gu Qichen¡¯s kiss but didn¡¯t understand why he was upset. Gu Qichen said, ¡°Why did you introduce me as your boyfriend instead of your husband, Xia Yangyang? We¡¯re legally married. Does being my wife embarrass you?¡± Xia Yangyang finally understood the source of Gu Qichen¡¯s anger. It was because of this. Although they were married, they hadn¡¯t announced it to the public, including their families. Xia Yangyang thought their secret marriage was a mutual agreement. For Gu Qichen, his single status made him more attractive. As for herself, she wasn¡¯t confident the marriage couldst. If it was destined to end, it was better not to disclose it from the start¡­ Of course, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t say that. If the proud Gu Qichen knew Xia Yangyang¡¯s real thoughts, he would probably get even angrier. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I¡¯m a sophomore, and being married wouldn¡¯t be good for my reputation. As for you with your high status, handsome looks, and wealth, the line of women who want to marry you can reach all the way to Paris. Even if I tell them we¡¯re married, they wouldn¡¯t believe it. But a scandal could be eptable.¡± Upon hearing these words from Xia Yangyang, Gu Qichen seemed slightly relieved.¡±So you think I¡¯m handsome?¡± he asked. Xia Yangyang hurriedly ttered him, ¡°You¡¯re the handsomest man in the world!¡± Gu Qichen raised his eyebrows, ¡°Seeing that you¡¯re honest, I¡¯ll forgive you this time.¡± A smug man showing off¡­ it¡¯s really¡­ Alright, Xia Yangyang had to admit, even when Gu Qichen bragged, he still looked good¡­ Chapter 8 - 8: I Can’t Take You Watching Me Like This 8 Chapter 8: I Can¡¯t Take You Watching Me Like This Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to leave Gu Qichen¡¯s office. Because she knew, as soon as she stepped out, she would definitely be the center of everyone¡¯s gossip again. She decided to take shelter inside. Gu Qichen was already at work, this man was busy every day. Shengyuan Group was the business empire his father, Gu Shengyuan, built from scratch. It had developed over half a century, expanding Shengyuan¡¯s business into various industries, especially Shengyuan Real Estate, which is the industry leader. The man before her, engrossed in his work, was now worth hundreds of billions. Though Xia Yangyang also came from a wealthy background, her father is the chairman of Starlight International, a media tycoon, with properties including talent agencies, newspapers, and publishing houses. Even so, there was still a gap between the Xia Family and the Gu Family. In addition to a vast family business, the Gu Family also had a powerful political background. Therefore, the Gu Family has always held first ce among the four major families. Xia Yangyang used to hear her father mention Gu Qichen, calling him a rare business talent in a century, but what people talked about more was Gu Qichen¡¯s origin. Because Gu Shengyuan is almost eighty now, and Gu Qichen is only 27. It¡¯s said that Gu Shengyuan had a sonte in life, but it ismon knowledge that Gu Shengyuan¡¯s first wife died shortly after giving birth to Gu Qichen¡¯s sister, Gu Mingzhu. Gu Shengyuan remained a widower for many years, but he unexpectedly had a son at the age of fifty. There were many rumors about this. Some said that Gu Qichen was Gu Shengyuan¡¯s illegitimate son, while others said he was an orphan Gu Shengyuan adopted. When Gu Qichen was 17, Gu Shengyuan handed his huge business empire to him, and now it¡¯s been exactly ten years. Xia Yangyang could not imagine how a seventeen-year-old boy managed to hold up such a business empire. It was said that at first, some of Shengyuan¡¯s old shareholders even threatened suicide, thinking that handing over Shengyuan to a child was a big joke. However, today, everyone at Shengyuan deeply admires him, and Shengyuan¡¯s industry is flourishing with an unshakeable status. Gu Qichen has always been a miracle in the business world. ¡°Xia Yangyang, if you continue staring at me, I will not be able to bear it.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s deep voice came from across his desk. Xia Yangyang froze when she realized she had been staring at Gu Qichen for quite some time. Xia Yangyang¡¯s face flushed as she quickly stood up from the sofa: ¡°I¡¯ll go back to work.¡± As soon as Xia Yangyang returned to her desk, her colleagues crowded around: ¡°Yangyang, are you okay? Did the chairman reprimand you?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head: ¡°I¡¯m fine. There¡¯s no need for you all to worry.¡± Lin Yuanyuan remarked: ¡°Even if the boss personally scolds you, it¡¯s a kind of happiness, isn¡¯t it? Out of all the secretaries in the office, Yangyang has been to the chairman¡¯s office the most. We don¡¯t even have a chance to catch a glimpse. Yangyang, I¡¯m really envious of you.¡± Hearing Lin Yuanyuan say this, someone teased: ¡°Yuanyuan, you haven¡¯t fallen for the boss, have you?¡± With that, Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s face turned bright red: ¡°What are you talking about? I didn¡¯t.¡± Someone ttered Lin Yuanyuan: ¡°Even if you do, there¡¯s nothing wrong. Your Lin Family is one of the four major families in Feng City. As Lin Family¡¯s miss, you are a perfect match for the Gu family. You¡¯re also very beautiful, and you¡¯re the only intern who was hired directly. It proves that the boss also likes you very much. Perhaps one day, you will be our madam chairman.¡± Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s face turned even redder as she said: ¡°What madam chairman? I¡¯ve never thought about it. Please stop saying nonsense.¡± ¡°Look, Yuanyuan¡¯s blushing. Our future madam chairman is shy.¡± A group of people started to tease. In an instant, the focus of everyone shifted from Xia Yangyang. Finally, Xia Yangyang took a sigh of relief. Chapter 9 - 9: Your Husband is Physically and Mentally Healthy, Full of Vigor 9 Chapter 9: Your Husband is Physically and Mentally Healthy, Full of Vigor Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios The following days passed without any disturbances. Lu Haotian and Gong Xue¡¯er didn¡¯t appear again. Xia Yangyang seamlessly finished her internship at Shengyuan and prepared for the school term. The day before school started, Liu Ruyan called her, inviting her home for dinner. Liu Ruyan was once a top star in the entertainment circle, and now she is Xia Yangyang¡¯s stepmother. Xia Yangyang¡¯s mother passed away when she was twelve, and she was surprised to find that half a yearter, her father married Liu Ruyan. In Xia Yangyang¡¯s memory, her father was a gentlemanly and deeply affectionate man, always treating her mother with great care, especially during her illness. Xia Yangyang did not object to her father remarrying, but what she couldn¡¯t ept was that Liu Ruyan brought a daughter named Xia Weiwei, who was only two years younger than Xia Yangyang, and also her father¡¯s biological daughter. This indicated her father had been unfaithful for many years. Xia Yangyang only found out when she got older that her father¡¯s rtionship with Liu Ruyan was always an open secret in their circle. Gu Qichen finished work exceptionally early today. When he returned, Xia Yangyang was packing her luggage. Xia Yangyang said to Gu Qichen, ¡°I¡¯m going home tonight, and I will take my luggage with me. I¡¯ll go straight to school tomorrow, and I won¡¯t being back here.¡± Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Do you want me toe with you?¡± Xia Yangyang quickly replied, ¡°No need, I can go home by myself. My dad¡­ doesn¡¯t know I¡¯m married.¡± Gu Qichen added, ¡°How about as your boyfriend?¡± ¡°Even worse, they don¡¯t know I broke up with Haotian either.¡± Gu Qichen calmly asked, ¡°So when do you n to tell them?¡± Xia Yangyang thought for a moment, ¡°I will tell them tonight that I don¡¯t have any ties with Lu Haotian anymore.¡± Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s resolute decision, Gu Qichen smirked, handing Xia Yangyang a key, ¡°This is your reward.¡± Xia Yangyang looked puzzled, ¡°What is this for?¡± ¡°The key to Maple Vi. It¡¯s not far from your school. You can move there after school starts.¡± Maple Vi was a garden vi in Gu Qichen¡¯s name. Xia Yangyang had been there once. It was a typical wealthy residential area with excellent privacy, home to many celebrities. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I live on campus.¡± Gu Qichen asked, ¡°So where would I stay?¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, ¡°You n to move there too?¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you are now a married woman. I, your husband, am in good health and in my prime. I have no intentions of living separately.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s face inexplicably turned red. She had been cohabiting with Gu Qichen for three months now, which she felt was the most daring thing she¡¯d done in her life. Gu Qichen spent half of his time traveling for work, but when he was home, things could always get heated. Each time felt unavoidable and ¦¶ia Yangyang had no resistance to such circumstances. Looking at Xia Yangyang¡¯s blushing face, Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t resist kissing her. Xia Yangyang was inexperienced, she didn¡¯t even know how to breathe during a kiss. Against Gu Qichen¡¯s advances, she was always defeated. Seeing Gu Qichen slowly unbuttoning Xia Yangyang¡¯s top, Xia Yangyang suddenly snapped back to reality, holding his hand which was already misbehaving on her body, and while panting said, ¡°Not now, I have to go home soon.¡± Because Xia Yangyang knew that once they started, there was no stopping for an hour, more importantly, she¡¯d probably be too exhausted to walk afterward. Deprived of satisfaction, Gu Qichen left a strong hickey on Xia Yangyang¡¯s neck in rebuke, marking arge strawberry. Then he buried his head in Xia Yangyang¡¯s neck to calm himself, his voice husky and low, ¡°I¡¯ll go take a bath, and then I¡¯ll drive you home.¡± Chapter 10 - 10: Xia Weiwei, The Half-Sister from a Different Mother 10 Chapter 10: Xia Weiwei, The Half-Sister from a Different Mother Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Gu Qichen was showering inside, and Xia Yangyang quickly packed her bags. But when she changed her clothes, she encountered a problem. The front of her chest and neck were all marked by Gu Qichen. This man¡­ Xia Yangyang had to change into a high-necked shirt she had never worn before. When Gu Qichen came out, he saw Xia Yangyang wearing a goose-yellow high-necked shirt. She looked fluffy all over, her hair simply tied into a ponytail, revealing her smooth forehead. Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were still foggy, which reminded him of a popr inte term ¡°cute and silly¡±. She naturally had a baby face, which made her look young, but now she even looked like an underage middle school student. Gu Qichen walked over and deliberately asked, ¡°Why did you suddenly change your clothes? Don¡¯t you dislike high necklines, saying it make your neck ufortable?¡± He knowingly asked! This man is really bad! Xia Yangyang rolled her eyes at Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen chuckled. When they first moved in together, Xia Yangyang was as cautious as a quail in front of him. Now she even dared to roll her eyes at him. Good, she¡¯s making progress! Gu Qichen personally drove Xia Yangyang back to Xia Garden. After getting out of the car, Gu Qichen left. As soon as Xia Yangyang entered the door, housekeeper Aunt Qin immediately greeted her, ¡°Miss, you¡¯re finally back.¡± Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Aunt Qin, where¡¯s my dad?¡± ¡°Master hasn¡¯te back yet, but madam is at home, and she made tonight¡¯s meal with her own hands.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded and went upstairs. Just as Xia Yangyang was about to enter her room, the door across the room opened, ¡°You finally came back? I thought you wouldn¡¯te back in this lifetime.¡± The person speaking was Xia Yangyang¡¯s half-sister, Xia Weiwei. Xia Weiwei was in her senior year of high school, but her hairstyle was thetest popr pear blossom curl. Her makeup was exquisite, with fiery red lips, her clothes were more risqu¨¦ than her age warranted, and her nails were adorned with various patterns. Standing next to the make-up free Xia Yangyang, Xia Weiwei made Xia Yangyang look more like a highschool student. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t have a good rtionship with this sister, and she was used to her provocations. Xia Yangyang opened the door casually, and dismissively replied: ¡°Have you finished your homework? You¡¯re taking the college entrance examination this year, right?¡± Xia Yangyang entered the room as soon as she opened the door, but Xia Weiwei walked right in, saying, ¡°Who was the man who brought you back? That¡¯s not Brother Haotian¡¯s car, did you guys break up?¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡± Mentioning Lu Haotian, Xia Yangyang¡¯s face looked unpleasant. Xia Weiwei started to gloat, ¡°I guessed right, didn¡¯t I? I told you long ago that Brother Haotian will find you boring sooner orter, and he will be disgusted with you, Xia Yangyang. When did Brother Haotian dump you?¡± Xia Yangyang was furious and pointed at the door, ¡°Xia Weiwei, please get out of my room!¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, who do you think you are, how dare you order me out of here. This is my home, and you are just an extra burden to our family. Listen, dad has already promised me, once I finish my college entrance examination, he will take me and mom to vacation in the Maldives. Just the three of us, why did youe back, Xia Yangyang? You are redundant here.¡± ¡°Weiwei, stop it.¡± Liu Ruyan walked in and sternly said to Xia Weiwei, ¡°How can you talk to your sister like this, get out.¡± Xia Weiwei left reluctantly. Liu Ruyan sat next to Xia Yangyang, and, holding Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, she said, ¡°Weiwei is young and ignorant. You don¡¯t need to take her words to heart.¡± Chapter 11 - 11: The Deadweight in This Family 11 Chapter 11: The Deadweight in This Family Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang stealthily pulled her hand from Liu Ruyan¡¯s grasp, saying: ¡°Aunt Liu, I understand. I won¡¯t tell my father about these things.¡± Regarding Liu Ruyan, Xia Yangyang had always addressed her as Aunt Liu, even though she¡¯d been part of this family for ten years. All these years, Liu Ruyan was never severe with her in their daily life, but Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t felt at home since the woman had married her father. Just as Xia Weiwei had said, she had be the third wheel in this otherwise happy trio. Liu Ruyan said, ¡°Your father is back, let¡¯s go to the dining room to eat.¡± Xia Liangdong was pleased to see Xia Yangyang, he knew she was visiting and had purposely bought her favorite durian mille-feuille. But then, Xia Weiwei took the opportunity while Xia Liangdong was absent to throw the mille-feuille cake in the trash. When Xia Liangdong discovered what she had done, she pointed out innocently, ¡°Dad, it smells so bad. I get a headache when I smell it. Look around this house, you don¡¯t like durian, and mum and I don¡¯t either. We shouldn¡¯t have to suffer just because my sister likes it, I still have homework to do.¡± Just as Xia Liangdong was about to scold her, Liu Ruyan came over and said, ¡°It¡¯s just a mille-feuille. I¡¯ll buy another one tomorrow. I cooked so many delicious dishes today, it¡¯s not worth upsetting the child over a cake. Yangyang, you don¡¯t mind, do you?¡± Xia Yangyang said lightly, ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡± That was her way of surviving in this family, it was best not to concern herself with everything. Xia Liangdong felt guilty seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s indifferent attitude. Because he remembered that Yangyang was lively and cute when she was little, not like this. Indeed, he had failed her. During dinner, Xia Weiwei intentionally stirred up trouble, saying to Xia Liangdong, ¡°Dad, you probably don¡¯t know, Sister has broken up with Brother Haotian.¡± Xia Liangdong was quite surprised, ¡°Yangyang, is this true?¡± Speaking of which, Xia Yangyang really had to thank Xia Weiwei for her gossipy nature, otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t know how to broach the subject. Xia Yangyang said calmly, ¡°Yes, we broke up.¡± ¡°Why? Weren¡¯t you two doing fine? I was just discussing with Uncle Lu about letting you two get married right after graduation. Did something misunderstand between you and Haotian?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Dad, there¡¯s no misunderstanding between us. You know Gong Xue¡¯er, right? She¡¯s pregnant, and the child is Lu Haotian¡¯s.¡± Xia Liangdong was furious, ¡°That rogue Haotian, how dare he do such outrageous things! Yangyang, rest assured, I¡¯ll go to the Lu Family and demand justice for you.¡± Xia Weiwei added fuel to the fire from the side, saying: ¡°Isn¡¯t Gong Xue¡¯er your best friend? The one from that poor family who can¡¯t make ends meet? Even such a poor thing has poached your boyfriend. Sister, how can you be so useless? Even Brother Haotian chose a girl from such a family background over you, it¡¯s obvious how terrible you are!¡± Xia Liangdong was angry, ¡°Weiwei, shut up.¡± But Xia Weiwei wasn¡¯t done, she persisted, ¡°What I¡¯m saying is true. Does Yangyang even look like the daughter of the entertainment tycoon Xia Liangdong? She¡¯s so unsophisticated, she looks like she¡¯s from a vige. Brother Haotian is no fool, he¡¯ll despise her sooner orter.¡± Just as Xia Liangdong was about to lose his temper, Xia Yangyang put down her chopsticks and said, ¡°I¡¯m full now. You all enjoy your meal.¡± With that, Xia Yangyang returned to her room. When it came to Lu Haotian, Xia Yangyang still felt heartbroken. He was her first love, a boy she had earnestly loved for ten years. If she hadn¡¯t seen it with her own eyes, Xia Yangyang wouldn¡¯t have believed that Lu Haotian would cheat. After a while, Xia Liangdong entered the room. ¡°Yangyang,¡± Xia Liangdong called her. Chapter 12 - 12: Suddenly Saw the Strawberry Mark on Her Neck 12 Chapter 12: Suddenly Saw the Strawberry Mark on Her Neck Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Liangdong walked to Xia Yangyang¡¯s side, held Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°Yangyang, how could you not inform your father about such a significant matter?¡± Xia Yangyang responded, ¡°There¡¯s nothing much to tell. It was just a breakup, it happened and it¡¯s over.¡± Although Yangyang said so, Xia Liangdong understood his daughter¡¯s temperament too well. These two children, who were childhood sweethearts, had been deeply in love. The Xia and Lu Families had long regarded each other as future family. Unexpectedly, such things would happen. Xia Liangdong sat next to Xia Yangyang and said, ¡°Now that things have reached this point, there is no need to mend this rtionship. It¡¯s good that it ended. You have been a schr since your youth. That kid Haotian has always been ayabout. He is not worthy of you. The man who can marry my precious daughter will certainly be the best man in this world.¡± With that, Xia Liangdong took out an invitation from his pocket and said, ¡°This is an invitation to Gu Shengyuan¡¯s 70th birthday banquet. All the major families in Feng City have received an invitation, with specific instructions for each family to bring along their eligible young woman. Clearly, it¡¯s a matchmaking event for the crown prince of the Gu Family, Gu Qichen. Each family only has one spot for a female participant, and I n to bring you along.¡± Xia Yangyang did not expect to hear Gu Qichen¡¯s name at home. If Xia Liangdong knew that she was secretly married to the Crown Prince he was talking about, she didn¡¯t know how he would react. But Xia Yangyang chose not to say anything. Xia Liangdong put the invitation in Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and told her, ¡°Yangyang, I know that I have neglected you in this family, but always remember that in my heart, I will always love you the most.¡± If Xia Yangyang were still a child, she would definitely believe him. But now, she could only lower her head and lukewarmly said, ¡°I know.¡± Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s manner, Xia Liangdong sighed and left. Xia Yangyang held the invitation in her hand and stared at it nkly. Was the Gu Family nning to have an open matchmaking event for Gu Qichen? Xia Yangyang looked at the date of the invitation. It turned out that Gu Shengyuan¡¯s birthday was a week from now, but Xia Yangyang had never heard Gu Qichen mention this. Unexpectedly, she felt a bit lost. But then again, even if Gu Qichen told her about it, what¡¯s the point? They were secretly married. Gu Qichen would not really bring her back to his family. Sometimes, when Xia Yangyang was lost in her thoughts, she felt her marriage to Gu Qichen was just a farce. Just when Xia Yangyang was indulging in her wild thoughts, the door was pushed open. Xia Weiwei strutted in arrogantly. Xia Yangyang frowned: ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t beat around the bush, ¡°I heard everything that dad just told you. Xia Yangyang, the idea that you have a chance with Gu Qichen is simply ludicrous. Hand over the invitation to me.¡± Xia Yangyang was undecided whether to attend this event, but seeing how Xia Weiwei behaved, she didn¡¯t want to give it up. So she directly hid the invitation behind her back, saying: ¡°Xia Weiwei, you¡¯re still underage, are you nning to go on a matchmaking date?¡± Xia Weiwei said, ¡°I¡¯m turning 18 in two months. Even if I¡¯m underage, I still have a higher chance of bing Mrs. Gu than you. Haotian doesn¡¯t even want you, Young Master Gu probably doesn¡¯t even see you. Stop your daydreaming; it would be better to give me the invitation. At least there will still be a glimmer of hope for the Xia family to marry into the wealthy Gu family of Nan City.¡± Xia Yangyang indifferently said, ¡°Please leave. I won¡¯t give you the invitation.¡± Xia Weiwei realized that her words were useless, so she intended to snatch it directly. She forcibly pressed Xia Yangyang on the bed to seize the invitation from her hand. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect Xia Weiwei to be so presumptuous. She used a grappling technique, directly pressing Xia Weiwei¡¯s hand onto the bed. She had been practicing taekwondo since she was little and had already achieved the Fifth Degree ck Belt in Taekwondo. Xia Weiwei cried out because of the pain in her wrist, ¡°Xia Yangyang, how dare you do this to me?! I am telling dad. Let go of me.¡± Xia Yangyang released Xia Weiwei: ¡°Go ahead and tell him, I don¡¯t care.¡± With frustration written all over her face, Xia Weiwei knew of Xia Yangyang¡¯s fighting prowess. On regr days she would just pick a verbal fight. Just as she was about to leave, she suddenly saw a hickey on Xia Yangyang¡¯s neck. Chapter 13 - 13: The Trouble of A University, Gu Zhaohan 13 Chapter 13: The Trouble of A University, Gu Zhaohan Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang never liked wearing high-necked shirts, something Xia Weiwei knew very well. She had found it odd today and, unexpectedly, she uncovered such a shocking secret. Xia Weiwei swiftly stepped forward and forcefully pulled down Xia Yangyang¡¯s cor, ¡°Xia Yangyang, I¡¯m going to tell dad that you¡¯ve been messing around with men outside. You have hickeys here, but you¡¯ve broken up with Brother Haotian, it must be that scumbag who brought you home today!¡± Xia Weiwei sneered, ¡°Xia Yangyang, I didn¡¯t expect you to be so promiscuous. Could it be that you¡¯ve given Brother Haotian a green hat all along, and that¡¯s why he dumped you?¡± ¡°Xia Weiwei, shut up.¡± ¡°I guessed it right, didn¡¯t I? If you want me to keep this secret, give me the invitation and tell dad voluntarily that you don¡¯t want to attend. Otherwise, not only will I let dad know, but also Brother Haotian, Uncle Lu, and Auntie Lu.¡± Xia Yangyang directly handed over the invitation. It wasn¡¯t Xia Weiwei¡¯s threat, but that Xia Yangyang did not want to hear Lu Haotian¡¯s name anymore. Xia Weiwei took the invitation and left triumphantly. Xia Yangyang finally felt some peace in her world. The next day, Xia Yangyang got up early in the morning, not even eating breakfast, and rushed back to school with her luggage. Xia Yangyang was a third-year journalism student at A University. As soon as she entered the campus, she received a distress message from her roommate Wen Xiaochu, saying that she was harassed by five vile girls in the medical department¡¯sboratory. Seeing the message, she tossed her suitcase on the side of the road and sprinted towards theb building. The reason she was so urgent was because Xia Yangyang was aware of the severity of the situation. Xia Yangyang had previously conducted a project on school bullying, and these five vile girls were the main members involved. They even established an ¡°Ice Cream Fan Club¡± on campus where almost all bullying incidents in A University were rted to this fan club. All of this violence was tightly intertwined with one individual, a man named Gu Zhaohan, a widely recognized heartthrob and a third-year medical student at A University. The ancients have always said that beautiful women cause trouble, but handsome men are no less destructive. Gu Zhaohan was a ssic example. He was a decent guy himself, excelling in both academics and social reputation, and his daunting good looks were unbearable to people and ghosts. Therefore, he had arge group of fangirls at school. Because of his aloof personality, his fans aptly nicknamed him ¡°Iceberg Prince,¡± and these fangirls called themselves ¡°Ice Cream,¡± forming the Ice Cream Fan Club. The initial members of the fan club were five individuals who named themselves the five Ice Cream Princesses. However, everyone elsebeled them as the five vile girls. This was because they bullied female students who had any contact with Gu Zhaohan on campus. Those girls who sent love letters to Gu Zhaohan, gifted him presents, or even talked with him a few times would be bullied by these five girls in various ways. Xia Yangyang remembered during her news project, a girl was bullied horrifically for delivering a love letter. The five vile girls burnt her hair and forced her to take off her clothes to take pictures, which wereter posted on the campus forum, leading the girl to almostmit suicide out of disgrace. Although the incident was severe, the culprits were only given a stern warning as punishment. It was only because the leader of the five vile girls, Kim Fei¡¯er, was the mayor¡¯s daughter, and the others were children of incredibly wealthy families. In the face of money and power, the principal chose to turn a blind eye. Chapter 14 - 14: Campus Bullying 14 Chapter 14: Campus Bullying Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios When Xia Yangyang arrived, Wen Xiaochu was being held down on theb bench by a group of girls. Kin Fei¡¯er was holding a surgery knife lightly against Wen Xiaochu¡¯s face, ¡°Dare to seduce Prince, I will scratch your face, and see if Prince will nce at you in the future?¡± Wen Xiaochu was desperately exining, ¡°I didn¡¯t seduce him, we both study medicine and are in the same research group. It¡¯s normal for us tomunicate a bit. You use me of seducing him because I talk to him. If you asionally chew a bone, can I call you a dog, would you ept that?¡± Kin Fei¡¯er said angrily, ¡°You dare insult me, you are asking for death. It seems like you need a lesson to remind you of your ce.¡± She was about to sh with the knife in her hand. ¡°Stop!¡± Xia Yangyang shouted loudly from the doorway. Everyone turned to look at the door. When Kim Fei¡¯er saw Xia Yangyang, she also froze. Xia Yangyang was pretty popr at school, not only because of her beautiful face, which the boys all referred to as the beauty of the school, but also because of her family background. She is the daughter of Xia Liangdong, a big shot in the music industry, and thepany he controls, Starhuan Entertainment, is one of the biggest talent agencies. Kin Fei¡¯er had always wanted to make friends with Xia Yangyang at school because she was studying performance arts. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t give her any chance, and even the bullying incident that almost got her expelled before was reported by Xia Yangyang. At that time, they had be enemies. Kin Fei¡¯er said, ¡°Xia Yangyang, it¡¯s better for you to stay out of my business, otherwise, we¡¯ll settle both old and new debts today.¡± Xia Yangyang had alreadye over, snatched the surgery knife from Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s hand, and said, ¡°I¡¯ll handle this. Have you forgotten what the headmaster saidst time when you did this? Even though you are the daughter of the Mayor, if this bullying incident happens again, they won¡¯t hesitate to expel you.¡± A smug smile curled Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s lips, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they won¡¯t. The headmaster is vying for the position of the Director of Education, he won¡¯t lose my father¡¯s political support over something so trivial.¡± ¡°What if I post everything that just happened online?¡± Then Xia Yangyang lifted up her phone: ¡°I have recorded it all. If I use my father¡¯s resources, I assure you that your violent bullying incident will be known nationwide. Then even if your father can¡¯t bear the pressure and has to sacrifice you, at least your path to stardom will be destroyed.¡± Just as Xia Yangyang finished speaking, Kin Fei¡¯er lunged to snatch the phone. Xia Yangyang took a step back, held up the phone, and said, ¡°Don¡¯t bother, I¡¯ve already saved it to the cloud. Even if you destroy this phone, I can still guarantee you¡¯ll see explosive news tomorrow.¡± Kin Fei¡¯er was trembling with anger but she has always been arrogant and ruthless. She randomly picked up another knife from theb table, and held it against Wen Xiaochu¡¯s face: ¡°Xia Yangyang, you know I hate being threatened. Delete all the videos now, or I will destroy your friend¡¯s face. If you dare to ruin my future, I will ruin your friend¡¯s face.¡± ¡°What are you doing here?¡± A cold voice came from behind. Just when the two were at an impasse, a tall figure appeared at the entrance of theb. ¡°It¡¯s Prince!¡± A girl beside Kim Fei¡¯er excitedly shouted. As Xia Yangyang turned around, the person who appeared at the door was none other than the instigator of all the campus bullying incidents¡ªthe so-called Ice Prince, Gu Zhaohan! Chapter 17 - 17: Brother Haotian, You’re Back Chapter 17: Brother Haotian, You¡¯re Back Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Wen Xiaochu was surprised. ¡°You¡¯re moving? Aren¡¯t you living in the dormitory anymore?¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°I¡¯ve rented a house outside, I¡¯m moving out tonight.¡± Wen Xiaochu was very surprised and asked further, ¡°Why are you moving out? Isn¡¯t it great for the four of us to live together?¡± Gong Xue¡¯er suddenly interjected, ¡°Xiao Chu, don¡¯t ask anymore. She is a daughter of a wealthy family, so she probably isn¡¯t used to living in such a shabby campus dorm.¡± Wen Xiaochu was at a loss for words, surprised at the tone Gong Xue¡¯er used, filled with sarcasm. But, weren¡¯t the two of them the best of friends? Did they have a quarrel? Xia Yangyang did not respond to Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s words and quietly continued packing her things. In fact, she didn¡¯t have many things; her new suitcase was far from full. Wen Xiaochu helped Xia Yangyang move. The two of them rented a car and relocated the luggage to Maple Vi. When the car stopped at the residential area entrance, Wen Xiaochu was surprised, ¡°So you live here too?¡± ¡°Too?¡± Xia Yangyang was puzzled. Wen Xiaochu quicklyughed and said, ¡°Well, I heard a lot of celebrities live here. If you happen to bump into any, remember to get me an autograph.¡± In fact, the chance of running into a celebrity here is quite slim. Every vi is independent, surrounded by tall trees, each with its own private driveway. It¡¯s possible to live here for years without knowing who your neighbor is. After moving, the sky had turned dark. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I¡¯ll treat you to dinner tonight, let¡¯s go to Qian¡¯s Courtyard.¡± Wen Xiaochu quickly replied, ¡°Let me treat you instead. If it weren¡¯t for you today, I would probably have been disfigured.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t say anything and the two of them went to Qian¡¯s Courtyard together. There were a lot of questions about Xia Yangyang in Wen Xiaochu¡¯s heart: like why she moved out suddenly, why she broke up with Young Master Lu, and what happened between her and Gong Xue¡¯er. But she felt it inappropriate to ask about personal and emotional matters. So during dinner, she carefully chose a safe topic. Wen Xiaochu asked, ¡°Did you have a fight with Xue¡¯er?¡± Mentioning Gong Xue¡¯er, Xia Yangyang only felt a sharp pain in her heart. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Don¡¯t ask about that, my¡­ rtionship with her seems to have run its course.¡± Seeing a hint of pain sh in Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes, Wen Xiaochu suddenly regretted her question. Perhaps she shouldn¡¯t have asked. Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°Never mind, let¡¯s drop the subject. Yangyang, if you¡¯re feeling down, let¡¯s have some drinks.¡± After all that had urred today, Xia Yangyang was actually feeling extremely frustrated. So she didn¡¯t object, even though, she knew she didn¡¯t have a strong tolerance for alcohol. Wen Xiaochu didn¡¯t expect Xia Yangyang to get utterly drunk after just two beers. With no other choice, she had to take Xia Yangyang back to Maple Vi. After making sure Xia Yangyang was asleep, Wen Xiaochu left alone. In the exclusive driveway of the vi, Wen Xiaochu saw a ck Bentley. Could it be that Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t living alone? Perhaps it was her family? Although Wen Xiaochu was puzzled, she didn¡¯t think too much about it. When Gu Qichen arrived at the vi, he noticed that the lights in the bedroom were on. Good, it seemed Xia Yangyang had moved here, pretty swiftly. But when Gu Qichen saw Xia Yangyang, smelling of alcohol, and in a half-asleep state on the bed, he couldn¡¯t help but frown. This girl, she dared to drink! Gu Qichen sat by the bed and touched Xia Yangyang¡¯s flushed face. Xia Yangyang was woken up by the cold touch.. She opened her eyes in a daze, and when she saw Gu Qichen¡¯s slightly furrowed brow, sheughed, saying, ¡°Brother Haotian, you¡¯re back!¡± Chapter 19 - 19: Interview with Gu Qichen Chapter 19: Interview with Gu Qichen Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang never knew that Gu Qichen could cook. A man like him should maintain his hands unsullied as spring water, shouldn¡¯t he? But one cannot deny that he looks quite handsome while cooking. Every move he makes is like a work of art. Gu Qichen had turned around and saw Xia Yangyang, he asked, ¡°Are you going to school?¡± Xia Yangyang mechanically nodded in response. Gu Qichen spoke gently, ¡°I¡¯ve already made breakfast. Eat before you leave.¡± Recalling the events ofst night, Xia Yangyang felt aching misery. She sat down at the table and began eating breakfast. The breakfast was hearty, the chicken porridge that Gu Qichen cooked tasted delicious. It was simply first-rate. However, all Xia Yangyang wanted to do at the moment was to escape from this ce. So, she ate hurriedly, her tongue even blistered from the hot food. By the time Gu Qichen sat down, Xia Yangyang had already finished her bowl. She ced her chopsticks down and said, ¡°I need to go to school now. I cannot bete for the opening ceremony.¡± Gu Qichen noticed something amiss; with a slight crease in his brows, he asked, ¡°Yangyang, do you remember anything fromst night?¡± Xia Yangyang feigned surprise, ¡°What happenedst night? I don¡¯t remember anything.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes shifted, ¡°Do you need me to drop you at school?¡± ¡°No, no need. It¡¯s not a far distance, I can walk.¡± After saying so, Xia Yangyang grabbed her bag and left the dining room as if escaping. She clearly remembered everything fromst night. But it was too embarrassing, she didn¡¯t want to think about it anymore. The opening ceremony ended quickly. Xia Yangyang officially started her sophomore year, second semester. In the afternoon, Xia Yangyang was notified of a Journalism Club meeting at three. She was studying Journalism and Communications, and A University was one of the top Journalism Schools in the country. The journalism club is one of the top four clubs in the school. During the meeting, Xia Yangyang bumped into Gong Xue¡¯er. In a moment of forgetfulness, she remembered that Gong Xue¡¯er was the Deputy Head of the Journalism Club. This was the position Xia Yangyang had resigned from and had let Gong Xue¡¯er take over. During the routine meeting by the club leader, Xu Li, Xia Yangyang was distracted. She still vaguely heard the talk of a new column ¡°Influential Figures¡±. They were currently selecting the interviewee for the first issue and was open to suggestions. Various suggestions were thrown out, some suggested interviewing Gu Zhaohan, the Medicine Department¡¯s most popr student. Some suggested interviewing hacker Feng Jiajie from emerce, and others proposed Lu Yao, the great beauty from the Art College who already had some fame in the entertainment industry. While everyone was in heated discussion, Xu Li asked Gong Xue¡¯er, ¡°Xue¡¯er, do you have any ideas?¡± Gong Xue¡¯er suggested, ¡°Since the club leader wants to get this publication going, the first issue¡¯s interviewee should be someone of significant weight. We should broaden our horizons beyond the campus. I suggest that our first guest should be Gu Qichen, the youngest president of Shengyuan Group.¡± After Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s suggestion, there was a deafening silence in the ssroom. Gu Qichen? He is an unreachable, high-profile figure. ording to rumors, he had never given any media interviews. Even Xu Li felt that Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s idea was unrealistic. Xu Li said, ¡°This suggestion is not practical. Although Gu Qichen ranks as one of the leading figures in Feng City and suits our magazine¡¯s theme, he¡¯s too aloof and cold. The major media can¡¯t even interview him, let alone us, a campus media.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er replied, ¡°Because of this, we must at least try. What if we seed? If we can get an exclusive interview with Gu Qichen, our club will certainly be the top among the four. In the future, we won¡¯t have to set up appointments; big shots will actively approach us.¡± Another club member chimed in, ¡°You make it sound simple, but how could Gu Qichen possibly agree to our interview?¡± Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s gaze shifted, she said, ¡°I think we should entrust this task to Xia Yangyang..¡± Chapter 21 - 21: Gu Qichen’s Blind Date Banquet Chapter 21: Gu Qichen¡¯s Blind Date Banquet Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang said, ¡°He¡¯s not my boyfriend, so using me is pointless. You could never get an exclusive interview with Gu Qichen.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er felt somewhat relieved when she heard this confirmation from Xia Yangyang. It took her a great deal of effort to pry Lu Haotian from Xia Yangyang¡¯s clutches, so wouldn¡¯t it be a godsend for her if she jumped into the arms of Gu Qichen? Gong Xue¡¯er replied, ¡°I have my ways to handle the interview, but since the chief wants us to work together, I wish you wouldn¡¯t bring your emotions into the task. As I¡¯m left in charge of this operation, you should follow my arrangements.¡± Xia Yangyang:¡± ¡°. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t really care about this matter. Only she knew how busy Gu Qichen was¡ªhow could a person, who might fly to four different countries in a single day, have spare time to be interviewed by a small campus media outlet? Thus, the first day of the school year came to an end. In the evening, Xia Yangyang returned to Maple Vi. She saw a sticky note left by Gu Qichen on the refrigerator. It read, ¡°On a business trip in Melbourne for three days.¡± Xia Yangyang heaved a sigh of relief, but oddly, she felt a hint of disappointment. Remembering the events of the previous night, a pricking sensation lingered in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. In the evening, Xia Liangdong called her, asking her to prepare for the birthday banquet of the Gu family patriarch in two days. Xia Yangyang directly stated her disinterest and added that she had already given the invitation to Xia Weiwei. Xia Liangdong sighed but didn¡¯t say anything else. After hanging up, Xia Yangyang stared nkly at the sticky note left by Gu Qichen. Saying that the birthday banquet for Gu Shengyuan was in two days and Gu Qichen would be away on a business trip in three days, would Gu Qichen be present or absent? If Gu Qichen wasn¡¯t there, how could the Gu family use this opportunity to arrange a blind date for him? Or was it that Gu Qichen deliberately nned the business trip to escape the arrangement? In the following two days, Gong Xue¡¯er tried everything to connect with the secretarial department of Shengyuan Group. But all the responses were negative. Gu Qichen would not ept any media interviews. During a meeting at the news agency, Xu Li persuaded her to give up Gu Qichen and choose another task, but Gong Xue¡¯er insisted, saying, ¡°I heard that the Gu family patriarch is having a birthday banquet tomorrow night. I have an invitation. As long as I see Gu Qichen there, I can convince him to ept our interview.¡± Everyone was surprised. Gu Shengyuan¡¯s birthday banquet was a family event held at the Gu Family mansion. There were rumors that the main purpose of the banquet was to arrange a blind date for Gu Qichen. Many wealthy girls from prestigious families in Feng City had received invitations, but who would have thought that Gong Xue¡¯er had one, too. Nobody knew the details of Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s background, they just knew she was good friends with Xia Yangyang, who was known to be the daughter of a wealthy family. So it seemed unlikely that her family was anything less than affluent. No wonder she dared to propose an interview with Gu Qichen. At this moment, someone asked, ¡°Yangyang, did you receive an invitation?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°No.¡± But Gong Xue¡¯er immediately said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, tomorrow I will take Yangyang with me.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect Gong Xue¡¯er to have an invitation to Gu Shengyuan¡¯s birthday banquet. Still, it might have been something Lu Haotian arranged for her. Thinking about this, Xia Yangyang felt frustrated. Xia Yangyang had no interest in attending any blind date banquet for Gu Qichen, or else she wouldn¡¯t have so easily handed the invitation to Xia Weiwei. But the next evening, after ss, Gong Xue¡¯er stopped Xia Yangyang from leaving, saying, ¡°You go to the newsroom and get the photography and interview equipment. In a bit, you will go with me to the Gu Mansion.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I¡¯m not going, and without an invitation, I won¡¯t be let in.¡± With a smug face, Gong Xue¡¯er deliberately swung an invitation in front of Xia Yangyang, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have an invitation. If I take you, you can get in. Besides, this interview is both our responsibility. You must assist me.¡± Xia Yangyang was still indifferent: ¡°I don¡¯t want to go.¡± Suddenly, Gong Xue¡¯er pulled out several photos from her backpack: ¡°Then, do you want to take this picture with you?¡± Chapter 23 - 23: Gu Zhaohan Turns Out to be the Only Third Generation of the Gu Family in Nan City Chapter 23: Gu Zhaohan Turns Out to be the Only Third Generation of the Gu Family in Nan City Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang felt particrly dumbfounded and had no desire to argue with Gong Xue¡¯er. She coolly said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, we can¡¯t get in anyways.¡± However, the taxi had already left, so they had to walk out to hail a cab. Gong Xue¡¯er was extremely annoyed. The invitation was indeed a forgery ¨C she had taken a picture of Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s invitation while she was not paying attention and had a fake one made. Originally, she thought she could easily slip in, but she did not expect to be exposed so easily, especially in front of Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang wanted to leave, but Gong Xue¡¯er was unwilling. She stated, ¡°I forged the invitation for the club. Now that we¡¯re here, we can¡¯t go back empty-handed. I must get in.¡± Xia Yangyang retorted, ¡°Without an invitation, how do you n to get in?¡± Gong Xue¡¯er pointed at a tall tree at the corner of the perimeter wall and said, ¡°We can climb over it.¡± Xia Yangyang eximed, ¡°Are you crazy? There are surveince cameras here, and what if we get caught?¡± Nevertheless, Gong Xue¡¯er insisted, ¡°I¡¯ve checked it out. The tree is thick with leaves; it¡¯s outside the surveince coverage. I must see Gu Qichen today, Xia Yangyang, do not ruin it for me.¡± Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you pregnant? How can you climb such a high tree?¡± Gong Xue¡¯er paused at her words, then replied, ¡°That¡¯s why you need to help me. If I fall and hurt the child of mine and Haotian¡¯s, you wouldn¡¯t want Haotian to hate you for life, would you?¡± After speaking, Gong Xue¡¯er had already walked to the corner and started climbing the tree. Xia Yangyang initially wanted to forget about it and leave, but tree-climbing posed certain risks even to ordinary people, let alone a pregnant woman. Although she was reluctant, she did not want Gong Xue¡¯er to encounter an ident here. Moreover, she knew Gong Xue¡¯er was always stubborn and determined, vowing never to stop till she reached her goal. So, Xia Yangyang went over directly and climbed onto the branches in just a few moves. Having learned taekwondo since she was a child, her agility was natural. For her, tree climbing was a piece of cake. Then Xia Yangyang pulled Gong Xue¡¯er up and proceeded to climb over the wall. She nned to catch Gong Xue¡¯er as she jumped over. Just as she jumped down, she heard a dog barking and rushing towards her. Staring back at her was a huge golden retriever that knocked her down before she could even get to her feet. However, it did not bite her; it just kept licking her face with its tongue. Their n was ruined by a dog. Soon, a group of ck suited bodyguards appeared and surrounded them. Gong Xue¡¯er, left stranded in the tree, was also brought down by the security personnel. The corner of the mansion was bustling with chaos. The bodyguards contacted the house manager of Gu¡¯s mansion, who quickly arrived and was discussing with the security chief how to deal with the two intruders. ¡°Xia Yangyang?¡± Just then, Xia Yangyang heard a man¡¯s voice calling her name. She turned to look and was stunned to see Gu Zhaohan. Gu Zhaohan looked quite different than usual, surprisingly wearing a suit. His hair was neatly styled making him look even more handsome than before. He emerged from the shadows, walking towards her like a prince straight out of a fairy tale. Upon seeing Gu Zhaohan, the house manager respectfully greeted, ¡°Young Master Han.¡± Young Master Han? Both Xia Yangyang and Gong Xue¡¯er were in shock. Though Gu Zhaohan bore the surname ¡®Gu¡¯ and was a prominent figure at A University, no one ever thought that he would be rted to the wealthy Gu Family of Nan City. As media reports put it, Gu Shengyuan has a son and a daughter. His son, Gu Qichen, is ate-born child while his daughter, Gu Mingzhu, is 17 years older than Gu Qichen. Gu Mingzhu has a son who has never been exposed to the media; purportedly, he has been studying abroad all the time. Now that the house manager referred to Gu Zhaohan as ¡°Young Master¡±, he must be Gu Mingzhu¡¯s son, Gu Shengyuan¡¯s grandson ¨C the sole third generation sessor of the Gu Family. It was then that Xia Yangyang had an epiphany. No wonder she felt a sense of familiarity when she first saw Gu Zhaohan. As it turned out, Gu Zhaohan resembled Gu Qichen a bit, especially around the eyes.. Chapter 27 - 28: Xia Yangyang, I didn’t expect you to be so calculating Chapter 27: Chapter 28: Xia Yangyang, I didn¡¯t expect you to be so calcting Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face was cold and indifferent, seemingly oblivious to anyone else, he only said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Come here with me.¡± Xia Yangyang responded and quickly followed Gu Zhaohan onto the terrace, under the watchful eyes of those present. The area was tranquil, separated from the bustling party by a ss door, like a world apart. Gu Zhaohan asked, ¡°Where were you? I¡¯ve been looking for you everywhere.¡± Just now, she¡­. Xia Yangyang¡¯s face involuntarily heated up, thankfully concealed by the curtain of night. She lied: ¡°After you left, I heard footsteps in the corridor and thought someone was going to walk in. So, I left and wandered around the back garden¡­ and got lost.¡± Sheughed sheepishly, ¡°The Gu Family¡¯s back garden is really huge.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s brows slightly furrowed as he looked at Xia Yangyang¡¯s cherry blossom dress. Xia Yangyang was evidently lying because her mother had just nted wild cherry blossoms in the backyard. To prevent damage due to the crowd, the backyard¡¯s entrance was blocked off for the day. Although Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t know why Xia Yangyang was lying, he didn¡¯t expose her, and only asked, ¡°Is your hand okay?¡± Xia Yangyang nced at her hand, noticing the small scratch from when she had climbed over the wall earlier. Sheughed it off nonchntly, ¡°It¡¯s just a minor injury, no big deal.¡± Gu Zhaohan nodded then asked, ¡°With your father and sister present, you could have easilye in through the main entrance. Why sneak over the wall?¡± Xia Yangyang was embarrassed, ¡°I had some¡­ business to attend to.¡± It was not that Xia Yangyang did not want to tell him, but that she did not know how to exin. Gu Zhaohan replied, ¡°If you are notfortable talking about it, it¡¯s okay.¡± Just then, someone called for Gu Zhaohan. Seemingly, one of his friends. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Go and do your stuff, don¡¯t mind me, I¡¯ll leave in a bit.¡± Gu Zhaohan nodded, ¡°If you need anything, just let me know.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, and Gu Zhaohan turned to leave. Xia Yangyang heaved a sigh of relief. She was not actually very familiar with this icy man. Besides their unpleasant first meeting, they had no other intersection before. Unexpectedly, he saved her today. The terrace was a bit chilly, and the night breeze was making her shiver as her clothes were pretty thin. But Xia Yangyang had no intention of going back inside. From afar, she spotted Gu Qichen. Despite the distance, his figure stood out in the crowd as if he emanated light, which was probably what people meant by ¡°outstanding.¡± He was holding a ss of champagne, surrounded by numerous youngdies from aristocratic families. Xia Yangyang¡¯s mood inexplicably sunk. ¡°Xia Yangyang, didn¡¯t expect you to be so maniptive!¡± Xia Yangyang was about to leave, but Xia Weiwei approached her with a face full of resentment. Xia Yangyang retorted, ¡°Xia Weiwei, I am still your sister after all, you should not use that tone with me.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t put on an elder sister act. You¡¯re just a burden to our Xia Family. I¡¯m warning you, Mrs. Gu¡¯s seat is rightfully mine sooner orter. Don¡¯t even think about snatching it from me.¡± Xia Yangyang countered, ¡°Even if I don¡¯tpete with you, that position isn¡¯t necessarily yours. Look at how many people are here tonight. Has Gu Qichen even nced at you once?¡± Xia Weiwei was livid. She dressed up for the event, but Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t spared her a single nce. She couldn¡¯t squeeze into the circle of aristocrats surrounding Gu Qichen, so she vented her anger on Xia Yangyang instead.. Chapter 31 - 32: Call me ’husband’ and see Chapter 31: Chapter 32: Call me ¡®husband¡¯ and see Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios After changing their clothes, the two of them got out of the car. Xia Yangyang had never seen Gu Qichen look like this before. He was always impably dressed, very meticulous, as if living inside a vacuum-sealed ss cover. But now, decked in a casual sweatshirt with a cartoon pattern in the center, he seemed to have transformed into a different person. How to put it, the man who was always overbearing and revered seemed to have a touch of everyday simplicity. Gu Qichen saw Xia Yangyang staring at him for a long time and asked, ¡°What, don¡¯t I look good?¡± Xia Yangyang hurriedly said, ¡°It suits you well, you look much younger all at once.¡± ¡°So you¡¯re saying I looked old before?¡± This man, always arguing! Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Do you still want to have beef noodles?¡± Xia Yangyang had already turned around and dashed into the food street like a nimble little deer. This street was lively, brightly lit, with roadside barbecues filling the air with the aroma of cumin. Xia Yangyang quickly found the ¡°Fengcai Noodle House¡± In an unobtrusive corner of the food street. Xia Yangyang found an empty seat and sat down, with Gu Qichen sitting across from her. He looked curious and asked, ¡°Where¡¯s the menu?¡± Xia Yangyangughed, ¡°There¡¯s no menu in a ce like this.¡± With that, Xia Yangyang shouted towards the entrance, ¡°Boss, two bowls of the signature beef noodles,rge portion.¡± ¡°Okay!¡± The noodle shop boss responded amidst his busyness. The beef noodles came up quickly. Xia Yangyang was so hungry, she took a big bite with her chopsticks and sighed contentedly, ¡°This is the best beef noodle I¡¯ve ever had. A mouthful of beef and a mouthful of noodles, one needs to eat in big bites to fully enjoy it.¡± Gu Qichen picked up his chopsticks leisurely, grabbed a piece of beef and slowly put it in his mouth. Xia Yangyang stared at him, full of anticipation, ¡°How¡¯s the taste? It¡¯s okay, right?¡± For Gu Qichen, this taste was too ordinary. But looking at the bright eyes of Xia Yangyang, he calmly said, ¡°It tastes good.¡± A small crescent moon formed at the corner of Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes and she spoke with a hint of pride, ¡°You rich foodies should asionally try some street food. It may surprise you with its great taste.¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°If you like it, we cane often.¡± Looking up at his deep-set eyes, Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart pounded at Gu Qichen¡¯s unexpectedly gentle voice. Xia Yangyang felt that there must be something wrong with her heart, why did it keep fluttering? To divert attention, Xia Yangyang brought up a topic, ¡°That¡­ could you do me a favor?¡± Xia Yangyang clearly saw Gu Qichen frown at her words. She hadn¡¯t even mentioned the favor yet, and Gu Qichen seemed to be put off, so chances looked slim. Gu Qichen said, ¡°I don¡¯t go by ¡®that¡¯; when asking for a favor without even a proper address, isn¡¯t that a bit insincere?¡± So that was the reason for his displeasure. Xia Yangyang immediately lit up her face with a smile, ¡°Director Gu, President Gu, Handsome Gu, Beautiful Gu ¡­¡± Gu Qichen shook his head, ¡°Not sincere enough.¡± ¡°Then what would you have me call you?¡± ¡°Try calling me ¡®husband¡¯,¡± Gu Qichen said casually.. Chapter 32 - 33: Merit Stolen Chapter 32: Chapter 33: Merit Stolen Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang was stunned for a moment, then her face turned red. She could not utter the word ¡°husband¡±. Though their rtionship was officially acknowledged now, Xia Yangyang found the development of their rtionship until today rather perplexing. Xia Yangyang hesitated for a moment but didn¡¯t call out. Looking at Xia Yangyang¡¯s shy demeanor, Gu Qichen did not insist but asked, ¡°So, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Xia Yangyang released a sigh of relief and quickly said, ¡°Our school¡¯s press club is doing an interview for ¡®Influential Figures¡¯ and we¡¯d like to invite you as a guest.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s expression remained unaffected, his voice calm, ¡°I never ept media interviews.¡± Xia Yangyang was well aware of this; she did not hold much hope too. However, Gu Qichen then said, ¡°Let me see if I can find time tomorrow.¡± Xia Yangyang was startled. Had Gu Qichen agreed? Yet, Xia Yangyang felt she couldn¡¯t take it too seriously, after all, Gu Qichen was always so busy. The next day, Xia Yangyang had an early ss. After ss, she was called for a meeting by the Press Club¡¯s president, Xu Li. When Xia Yangyang arrived at the lecture hall, the press club members were all gathered around Gong Xue¡¯er. Everyone had looks of admiration on their faces. ¡°Xue¡¯er, you¡¯re truly amazing, actually inviting Gu Qichen. Now our press club can stand proud among the four major clubs.¡± ¡°Xue¡¯er, tell us truthfully, what¡¯s your background? President Gu is so respectful towards you, do you guys know each other from before?¡± ¡°Xue¡¯er, you attended the Gu Family¡¯s patriarch¡¯s birthday banquet yesterday. What was it like? Tell us?¡± Gong Xue¡¯er basked in the adoration, her face full of pride. However, when she noticed Xia Yangyang just arriving, her expression froze for a second. Xu Li had already ascended the lectern and lightly knocked on the table: ¡°Quiet down! Let¡¯s start the meeting.¡± Everyone found their seats. Xu Li continued: ¡°Just this morning, the Assistant to the CEO from Shengyuan Group contacted our press club, saying that President Gu agreed to be interviewed by our club at 3 PM for half an hour. This is a significant event for our club, and I am as excited as any of you. Of course, the credit goes to our Vice President, Gong Xue¡¯er.¡± Upon saying this, Xu Li began apuding, followed by the rest of the ssroom who congratted Gong Xue¡¯er. Xia Yangyang was left dumbfounded, since when had this be her achievement? Xu Li continued, ¡°As Xue¡¯er has secured such a rare opportunity for our club, we need to make the most of it. I have already prepared the interview script. Xue¡¯er will conduct the interview; I believe she will execute the task excellently.¡± Everyone burst into envious exmations. Being able to interview Gu Qichen was a dream for any media professional. Xu Li handed the script to Gong Xue¡¯er and, upon arriving at Xia Yangyang¡¯s side, added: ¡°Xia Yangyang, keep assisting Xue¡¯er, and fetch the equipmentter. Xue¡¯er mentioned you¡¯d been a great help, thank you for your hard work.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I quit the interview. You should find someone else, President.¡± When the meeting adjourned, Xia Yangyang was the first one to leave. However, she could faintly hear Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s soft, aggrieved voice: ¡°She¡¯s a wealthy heiress, it¡¯s not fair to make her carry equipment for me. And I know Yangyang has always wanted to be the host of this interview.¡± Others were consoling her: ¡°This opportunity is your hard-earned glory.. Unlike some people, who want to reap the rewards without hard work¡­¡± Chapter 33 - 34: President Gu Specifically Requests an Interview with Xia Yangyang Chapter 33: Chapter 34: President Gu Specifically Requests an Interview with Xia Yangyang Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang was extremely upset. She didn¡¯t want any credit, but she certainly didn¡¯t want to see Gong Xue¡¯er reap benefits she didn¡¯t sow. Thest ss in the morning was a major course, and Xia Yangyang and Gong Xue¡¯er were in the same ssroom. They were confronted with each other once again. After ss, neither Gong Xue¡¯er nor Xia Yangyang left. When everyone else had left the room, Gong Xue¡¯er came over and said, ¡°Do you hate me now for taking your credit?¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°Gong Xue¡¯er, don¡¯t you think what you¡¯re doing is incredibly low?¡± But Gong Xue¡¯er justughed, ¡°Low? Xia Yangyang, I¡¯m not like you. I¡¯m not from a well-off family, I had to fight for everything I have. What¡¯s wrong with that, even if it¡¯s a little disgraceful? Nobility is the tombstone of the noble, and being unscrupulous is the free pass for the lowly. You noble people are born with everything, but I, can only use any means necessary. It¡¯s not that I¡¯m lowly, but that life is inherently unfair.¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°How did I not realize before that your worldview was so extreme.¡± Gong Xue¡¯erughed, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you can¡¯t me others. You just make people jealous because of your good fortune. You were born into a wealthy family and you¡¯re beautiful, have a childhood sweetheart who loves you, you¡¯re smart and you have superior academic achievements. But me? My living conditions are worse than even your pet dog¡¯s. However, apart from family, where am I worse than you? Why should I always be trampled under your feet?¡± Astonished, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°When did I ever trample you? I have always treated you as my best friend.¡± ¡°That was nothing more than pity. You befriended me to contrast your own kindness. You must be very touched. This angelic figure of yours, a friend of someone like me who is struggling to survive in the mud. Don¡¯t you feel great about yourself? Xia Yangyang, you¡¯ve always looked down on me, haven¡¯t you?¡± Xia Yangyang remarked, ¡°It¡¯s your own inferiorityplex that makes you feel the whole world is against you.¡± Xia Yangyang no longer wanted to engage in such conversation. Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s way of thinking was bizarre. As Xia Yangyang stood up to leave, Gong Xue¡¯er grabbed her arm. ¡°Gu Qi Chen can only be interviewed by me. Don¡¯t get in my way.¡± Before Xia Yangyang could respond, Gong Xue¡¯er spoke again, ¡°Even if you reveal the truth, no one will believe you. Everyone will think you are trying to rob me of my achievements. Xia Yangyang, you have so much ¨C Lu Haotian¡¯s love, a promising future, but one day, all these will be mine.¡± Upon hearing Lu Haotian¡¯s name, Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart felt as if pricked by a needle. And Gong Xue¡¯er knew very well that this was Xia Yangyang¡¯s sore spot and never missed an opportunity to twist the knife in the wound. The voice of Xia Yangyang turned a bit colder. ¡°Then, I wish you sess in your interview this afternoon.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er, with a proud tone, replied, ¡°Of course, I will seed. In due course, the position of editor-in-chief will be mine, Xia Yangyang, honestly, I should be thanking you.¡± With that, Gong Xue¡¯er left the ssroom. Watchin Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s receding figure, Xia Yangyang expressionlessly fished out her cell phone, hesitated for a second, and then dialed a number¡­ At noon in the canteen, after dinner, Xia Yangyang went to the study room. When she didn¡¯t have ss, Xia Yangyang liked to stay in the library. However, around three o¡¯clock, Xia Yangyang got a call from Xu Li. Xia Yangyang answered the phone, ¡°President, what¡¯s up?¡± Xu Li said nervously: ¡°Yangyang,e to Shengyuan Building now, President Gu has specifically asked for you toe and interview him. I didn¡¯t know you deserved the credit for this interview, but we can talk about itter. Hurry up ande over..¡± Chapter 34 - 35: Gu Qichen is Just Playing Around Chapter 34: Chapter 35: Gu Qichen is Just ying Around Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios After hanging up the phone, Xia Yangyang finally let out a sigh of relief. Everything was as she had expected. Just now, Xia Yangyang had called Gu Qi Chen. Xia Yangyang packed things up and headed straight to Shengyuan Building. Shengyuan Building was located in the city centre and served as andmark for the entire city. However, Xia Yangyang was very familiar with this ce and directly took the elevator to the 60th floor. That was Gu Qi Chen¡¯s office. The media group was waiting in the rest room. As soon as Xu Li saw Xia Yangyang at the door, she looked as if she had seen her rescuer. ¡°Yangyang, prepare quickly, here¡¯s the interview script. The task of interviewing President Gu is given to you, the interview time has been postponed to four-thirty, you have an hour to prepare, Yangyang, you have worked hard.¡± Xia Yangyang took the script: ¡°Sis, don¡¯t worry, I will do my best.¡± After Xia Yangyang finished saying these words, her gaze scanned the rest room. Her eyes met with Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s. There seemed to be tear stains on Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s face and two people were apparentlyforting her. For a moment, Xia Yangyang saw resentment in Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s eyes, but it was quickly covered up to show a pitiful and weak expression. Xia Yangyang had been deceived by Gong Xue¡¯er like this before. In the following time, Xia Yangyang focused on preparing the interview script, and at four-thirty, she officially began interviewing Gu Qi Chen. Actually, this was Xia Yangyang¡¯s first time being an interview host, she was really nervous but her heart inexplicably calmed down because the interviewee was Gu Qi Chen. The interview went very smoothly, Xia Yangyang¡¯s performance was very professional. After the interview was finished, Xia Yangyang stood up, but was tripped by the equipment cable, and almost fell. Fortunately, Gu Qi Chen reacted quickly and caught her hand. Gu Qi Chen reprimanded her softly, ¡°Be careful while walking, how can you be so careless like a child?¡± Quickly, Xia Yangyang pulled her hand out of Gu Qi Chen¡¯s palm and nced around. Everyone was tidying up the equipment and, fortunately, nobody had noticed. Gu Qi Chen¡¯s tone had been affectionate just now and it could have easily caused confusion if seen. But all of this was witnessed by Gong Xue¡¯er who had been standing in the corner. She felt more and more that the rtionship between Xia Yangyang and Gu Qi Chen was more than ordinary. Just when everyone was nning to leave after packing up. Gong Xue¡¯er suddenly walked up to Gu Qi Chen and said, ¡°President Gu, can I take advantage of this opportunity and on behalf of all the girls in Feng City, ask you a personal question, do you have a girlfriend?¡± Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s question was abrupt, but instantly attracted the attention of everyone in the office. This involved personal privacy and was generally the most annoying question for these big shots, yet also the one everyone was most interested in. Almost everyone held their breath, unsure whether Gu Qi Chen would answer or maybe even lose his temper. Actually, Xia Yangyang knew better, Gong Xue¡¯er was only suspicious, she just wanted to prove it in public. At this moment, if Gu Qi Chen said yes, it would at least prove that his rtionship with Xia Yangyang was more than ordinary. If he denied it, that would prove that, even if he had a special rtionship with Xia Yangyang, her position in his heart was not very important. Gong Xue¡¯er actually hoped for the second oue, as Gu Qi Chen had once said in front of her and Lu Haotian that he was Xia Yangyang¡¯s boyfriend. But Gong Xue¡¯er was not sure whether that was acting or true. However, now, if Gu Qi Chen denied it in front of everyone, it would prove that even if they had an intimate rtionship, Gu Qi Chen was just ying.. Chapter 35 - 36: Gu Qichen is Indeed a Cunning Old Fox Chapter 35: Chapter 36: Gu Qichen is Indeed a Cunning Old Fox Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Gu Qichen fell silent for two seconds. His facial expression didn¡¯t change much. Gu Qichen began to speak, ¡°Before I answer Miss Gong¡¯s question, could you answer one question for me.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er was taken aback, not expecting Gu Qichen to counter-question and was surprised that Gu Qichen remembered her name. Gong Xue¡¯er replied, ¡°Sure.¡± Gu Qichen asked calmly, ¡°Miss Gong, are you pregnant?¡± His question made everyone present feel ufortable. They were surprised that Gu Qichen could ask such a question to a sophomore student. Everyone felt that Gu Qichen, as the youngest CEO, could have chosen not to answer the question, or given an evasive reply, but he chose to give tit-for-tat. Asking such a question to a student was nothing short of humiliation. In the eyes of the onlookers, Gu Qichen was using this method to tell Gong Xue¡¯er that she had crossed the line. The question she asked was just as impolite and intrusive as his. But for Gong Xue¡¯er, this question was utterly vicious. She had announced her pregnancy in front of Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyangst time, but no one else knew the truth. If she admitted it, her reputation would be ruined in front of so many journalists. If she denied it, Xia Yangyang would inevitably have some doubts. Yet, if she chose not to answer, citing it as a private matter, then Gu Qichen was under no obligation to answer her question either. Gu Qichen, true to his nature of craftiness, gave her no room to maneuver, and pushed her towards the edge of a cliff. At this moment, Xu Li stepped forward to defuse the situation. ¡°President Gu,¡± she started, ¡°our deputy editor was just joking. Please forgive her for her gossipy curiosity. It¡¯s all out of admiration for you. Please do understand.¡± Xu Li¡¯s words were generous and appropriate, and Gu Qichen responded in a gentlemanly manner, ¡°I was only joking with the Deputy Editor, no hard feelings.¡± Xu Li continued, ¡°President Gu, you have so many responsibilities, we truly appreciate your time for this interview. We won¡¯t take up any more of your time.¡± With that, she led the group out of the President¡¯s office. Gong Xue¡¯er was led out by Xu Li. As soon as they entered the elevator, Xu Li asked, ¡°Xue¡¯er, what happened today? Why did you ask such a private question? Luckily President Gu did not take offense. If he did, all our efforts would have been in vain.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er hung her head low, looking quite upset. ¡°That¡¯s what everyone¡¯s interested in. It¡¯s bound to boost our website¡¯s traffic, right? I just took a chance but it backfired. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Tears welled up in Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s eyes as she spoke, ¡°I know that I¡¯ve let everyone down, especially Yangyang. President Gu agreed to the interview and I thought I had persuaded him. I had no idea he agreed because of Yangyang. Yangyang is beautiful indeed and has a charm,,,,, that tends to give men preferential treatment¡­ After all, it¡¯s my arrogance that nearly stole Yangyang¡¯s credit. It¡¯s all my fault.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s crying became more intense, her face full of regret. Although Xu Li was initially a bit angry, she now tried tofort Gong Xue¡¯er, ¡°That¡¯s enough. I know you didn¡¯t mean any harm. You¡¯ve always beenmitted to our club. But, you should apology to Yangyang.¡± Without any hesitation, Gong Xue¡¯er approached Xia Yangyang. With tear-filled eyes and a sincere face, she said, ¡°Yangyang, I¡¯m sorry. Can you forgive me? I didn¡¯t intentionally take your credit. Ask our editor-in-chief, I specifically pleaded to her that if the interview goes well, your name has to be included.¡± Xu Li walked up to them and said, ¡°It¡¯s true. Xue¡¯er mentioned it to me twice. She must not have done this intentionally. You two are good friends and the pirs of our news club. I don¡¯t want this incident to make both of you ufortable..¡± Chapter 36 - 37: Deliberately Showing Off In Front Of Xia Yangyang Chapter 36: Chapter 37: Deliberately Showing Off In Front Of Xia Yangyang Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang simply admired Gong Xue¡¯er from the bottom of her heart. The saying ¡°knows when to advance or retreat¡± suited her perfectly. The words she just said¡ªabout her possessing a charm that lets men treat her well¡ªindirectly suggested that Gu Qichen had asked her for the interview, owing to her attractive appearance. Moreover, this gave her a perfect excuse to withdraw gracefully from the potential embarrassment. However, she remained in her pitiful state with teary eyes, making Xia Yangyang look like the bully if she chose to retaliate. Even though Xia Yangyang was upset, she didn¡¯t want to confront Gong Xue¡¯er. Recalling that the person in front of her was once a close friend whom she genuinely cared about for many years, Xia Yangyang felt as though her heart was pierced with a thorn. Nheless, Xia Yangyang generously said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who conducts the interview. When it¡¯s ready, I¡¯ll add your name to it.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er was stunned. Xia Yangyang continued, ¡°Getting to interview Gu Qichen is the collective effort of the entire news agency, not the achievement of a single individual. So, Chief, when the magazine is published, I hope the author¡¯s name would be the entire team of the news agency.¡± Upon hearing this, Xu Li was overjoyed. She knew that when the publication is released, it¡¯s bound to create a sensation. Having one¡¯s name on such an article was considered a great achievement in one¡¯s career. Xu Li said, ¡°Yangyang, I didn¡¯t expect you to be so generous. Thank you.¡± Xia Yangyang nced at Gong Xue¡¯er, a subtle resentment shed in her eyes. Anyone could y generous and win people¡¯s hearts. Xia Yangyang had merely thought it beneath her to do so. After they got out of the elevator, Gong Xue¡¯er said, ¡°Everyone has worked hard today. I¡¯ll treat everyone to dinner tonight at the YunDing Restaurant. How does that sound?¡± YunDing Restaurant? Everyone was taken aback. This was one of the most luxurious restaurants in Capital, a ce where only the rich and powerful could afford to dine. It wasn¡¯t a ce where ordinary people could manage to pay for. When the other members of the news agency heard this, they were thrilled. ¡°YunDing Restaurant! Even an average dish there costs a four-digit number!¡± ¡°The rich princess is indeed different, so generous.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er walked over to Xia Yangyang and said, ¡°Yangyang, you muste. Consider it my way of apologizing.¡± If Xia Yangyang declined, she would appear petty. So, in the end, Xia Yangyang went with everyone to YunDing Restaurant. Xia Yangyang knew about Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s financial situation at home and couldn¡¯t figure out why she was putting on airs. But Xia Yangyang chose not to say anything. The dinner cost them twenty thousand yuan. When it was time to pay, Gong Xue¡¯er whipped out a ck card. Very few people in the entire city owned this ck card; they were all extraordinarily wealthy. This revtion shocked everyone as they thought Gong Xue¡¯er had been understated in her wealth; she was, in fact, a real nobledy. However, Xia Yangyang recognized it at a nce¡ªit was Lu Haotian¡¯s ck card. Xu Li said, ¡°Xue¡¯er, that card bears a significant status. As far as I know, fewer than ten people in Feng City possess this card.¡± Purposely leaving the ck card on the table in front of Xia Yangyang, Gong Xue¡¯er said, ¡°Really? I didn¡¯t know. My boyfriend gave it to me as a birthday gift. To me, it¡¯s just an ordinary credit card.¡± This remark from Gong Xue¡¯er stirred everyone¡¯s interest. Someone said, ¡°Xue¡¯er, your boyfriend must be an influential figure if he can give away a ck card so casually.¡± ¡°We¡¯re so envious! He must love you dearly, Xue¡¯er. We¡¯d like to see what kind of person your boyfriend is,¡± the others chimed in. Blushing modestly, Gong Xue¡¯er said, ¡°He wille to pick me up in a while.¡± The group couldn¡¯t help but tease, ¡°Xue¡¯er, you are truly fortunate!¡± Just then, the door to the private room opened. A tall figure appeared in the doorway. Gong Xue¡¯er quickly said, ¡°He¡¯s here..¡± Chapter 37 - 38: Suddenly Miss Gu Qichen A Lot Chapter 37: Chapter 38: Suddenly Miss Gu Qichen A Lot Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Like everyone else, Xia Yangyang reflexively looked towards the door. The person who arrived was none other than Lu Haotian. Lu Haotian also noticed Xia Yangyang. Just now, Gong Xue¡¯er had called him, asking him to join them at their ssmates gathering. He wasn¡¯t eager to, but Gong Xue¡¯er said that Xia Yangyang was there too. Therefore, he ended up here. Of course, deep down, Lu Haotian knew that Xia Yangyang would likely never forgive him. However, after such a long time without seeing her, he just wanted to see her again. Upon seeing Lu Haotian, Xia Yangyang¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. She should have anticipated it. Given Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s umon generosity today, she was obviously trying to agitate her. Gong Xue¡¯er had already stood up and walked to the door, intimately hooking her arm around Lu Haotian¡¯s. She introduced him to everyone, ¡°This is my boyfriend, Lu Haotian.¡± All the people present were from news and media backgrounds. Lu Haotian, the Crown Prince of Lu Group, was a gentleman from a famous family. Many young celebrities yearned to get to know him. His affairs would sometimes make the headline on entertainment news. However, he once publicly rified to the media that he had a childhood sweetheart as a girlfriend. No one expected that the childhood sweetheart of the Crown Prince was Gong Xue¡¯er. Yet, Lu Haotian¡¯s gaze was still fixed on Xia Yangyang. Gong Xue¡¯er shook his arm, ¡°Haotian, these people are my ssmates from the news club, greet them.¡± It was as if Lu Haotian was brought back to reality. He calmly detached his arm from Gong Xue¡¯er. Then he walked towards Xia Yangyang. ¡°Yangyang, are you okay?¡± Lu Haotian abruptly asked. Everyone there looked surprised. Since Lu Haotian arrived, he hadn¡¯t even nced at his girlfriend much, but instead warmly greeted Xia Yangyang. From the very moment Lu Haotian had appeared, Xia Yangyang had started to feel down. Someone gossiped from the side, ¡°Young Master Lu, you know Yangyang too?¡± At this moment, Gong Xue¡¯er walked over with a big smile, hooking her arm around Lu Haotian¡¯s and said, ¡°Me, Haotian, and Yangyang, we grew up together, we¡¯ve been friends for many years.¡± Everyone made a look of understanding. Xia Yangyang and Gong Xue¡¯er were already known to be close friends. So, it wasn¡¯t surprising that Xia Yangyang would know Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s childhood sweetheart, especially since Xia Yangyang is a rich youngdy herself. But Xia Yangyang said nothing, picked up her purse, and bid everyone goodbye, ¡°I need to leave first.¡± Xia Yangyang quickly left the room. Lu Haotian wanted to follow her, but Gong Xue¡¯er held on to his arm tightly. Gong Xue¡¯er whispered into Lu Haotian¡¯s ear, ¡°If you run after her now, and if rumors start swirling around Yangyang, I promise you, Yangyang will hate you even more.¡± Lu Haotian turned back to take a look at Gong Xue¡¯er. She was still smiling widely, her voice gentle, ¡°Haotian, you¡¯re so good to me, even apanying me despite how busy you are.¡± The crowd looked at the handsome man and the beautiful woman in front of them, feeling a sense of envy. After leaving, Xia Yangyang started to feel a deep pain in her heart. Unexpectedly, Xia Yangyang found herself missing Gu Qichen. Is he still workingte tonight? Would he return to Maple Vi? Just as Xia Yangyang hesitated to make a call to Gu Qichen, she saw a message from him. [New York, three days] A wave of intense disappointment flooded over Xia Yangyang. Gu Qichen was going on a business trip again. Xia Yangyang returned directly to Maple Vi. The vi was enormous and overlooked to be incredibly empty. The next day. The magazine featuring Gu Qichen¡¯s interview was released. The video of Gu Qichen¡¯s interview was also uploaded to the campus video website. For a while, the A University website traffic surged due to that one interview video, causing it to crash temporarily.. Chapter 38 - 39: Rumors Chapter 38: Chapter 39: Rumors Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios A University¡¯s News Agency also suddenly rose to fame. It even received personal recognition from the principal. The periodical ¡°Influential Figures¡± received strong support from the school, and interview requests came from numerous quarters. It even included some big names from society. The buzz caused by a campus media was almost unprecedented. Almost everyone in the news agency became a campus celebrity. Of course, Xia Yangyang, the hostess of the interview, was thrust into the limelight even more. At first, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t take it too seriously. Until the topic about her shifted from her family background to gossip, from gossip to support rumors. It was during lunch, when Wen Xiaochu showed Xia Yangyang the gossips on the forum: ¡°Everyone is saying, the reason Qi Chen epted your interview is because he¡¯s supporting you, Yangyang. These rumors are getting worse these days, you might want to clear it up.¡± Xia Yangyang was eating her favorite braised pork ribs at the time. She nced at it and said nonchntly: ¡°Forget it, the innocent are always clear. As time goes on, these sorts of rumors will disappear naturally.¡± Wen Xiaochu sighed: ¡°All you know is eating. You¡¯re a journalism student, don¡¯t you know the principle of three people making a tiger? I think someone is jealous of you and deliberately defaming you, it¡¯s amazing how generous you are.¡± She¡¯s not generous, it¡¯s just that Xia Yangyang knows there must be someone behind this, directing the public opinion. The first post was posted anonymously, and the follow-ups were numbering in the hundreds and thousands. But Xia Yangyang knew in her heart that this news was likely tied to Gong Xue¡¯er. The support rumors grew increasingly rampant. When Xia Yangyang walked down the street, people always looked at her with strange eyes. Xia Yangyang thought she could ignore it, but being constantly scrutinized and discussed made her very gloomy. In the evening, while Xia Yangyang was studying in the library, there were murmurs around her. Vaguely, Xia Yangyang could hear her name, along with support, such keywords. Xia Yangyang felt that she could no longer stay in even the quietest library. So she packed her things, nning to go straight back to Maple Vi. As soon as she left school, Xia Yangyang suddenly remembered that Qi Chen seemed to be on a business trip back home today. On a whim, Xia Yangyang checked the flight schedule from Melbourne to Feng City. Thest flight would arrive in half an hour. And it¡¯s a half-hour drive from the university to the Fung city airport. Xia Yangyang hesitated for a moment, then hailed a cab and went to Feng City International Airport. When Xia Yangyang arrived, the ne had not yetnded. It was reportedly dyed due to weather. Xia Yangyang thought since she was here already, she waited inside the terminal. Unexpectedly, she ended up waiting for four hours. Qi Chen arrived around midnight, by which time Xia Yangyang had drifted off on a chair. She was gently awakened by Qi Chen. Xiayangyang rubbed her eyes in a daze, then Qi Chen¡¯s handsome face came into view. Xia Yangyang woke up with a start, rubbing her eyes: ¡°You¡¯re here, I came to pick you up.¡± The look in Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes seemed a bit different from usual, Qi Chen¡¯s voice was unusually softer: ¡°Why didn¡¯t you send me a message in advance?¡± Xia Yangyang smiled: ¡°I wanted to surprise you, but I didn¡¯t expect to fall asleep. By the way, how did you find me?¡± Qi Chen took off his coat and draped it over Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulders: ¡°You sleep so hideously, it¡¯d be hard not to discover.¡± Xia Yangyang: The truth was that, when Qi Chen came out, there were a lot of people in the hall. But Qi Chen spotted Xia Yangyang in an instant. She was curled up in a corner like a small cat, sleeping soundly. At that moment, it was as if a feather had fallen on his heart, making it unbearably soft. How long had this girl been waiting here? Chapter 39 - 40: Let You Go First Chapter 39: Chapter 40: Let You Go First Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios Xia Yangyang followed Gu Qichen out of the airport. A sense of loss had inexplicably surfaced in her heart. Gu Qichen seemed to show no signs of surprise or delight. He was utterly expressionless. But Xia Yangyang did notice that Gu Qichen¡¯s footsteps seemed faster than usual. So, he was merely in a hurry to return home? Gu Qichen¡¯s private car was already waiting outside the airport. But to the driver, Old Zheng, he said: ¡°Give me the car keys. I¡¯ll drive. You can take a taxi home.¡± After Zheng stepped out of the car, Gu Qichen settled into the driver¡¯s seat. Xia Yangyang silently opened the door to the backseat, intending to sit there. ¡°Sit upfront.¡± Gu Qichen spoke abruptly. Xia Yangyang obediently closed the back door and opened the passenger seat door. She muttered under her breath: what difference does it make where I sit. After Xia Yangyang fastened her seat belt, she noticed Gu Qichen not starting the car but instead, watching her with an odd gaze. Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes were deep, like the ocean beneath the night sky, so unfathomable they would drown her with a mere nce. Such a gaze made Xia Yangyang ufortable, so she asked, ¡°Why are you looking at me, is there something on my face?¡± Gu Qichen replied, ever so serious, ¡°Yes, there is. Come closer, let me wipe it off.¡± Assuming that she really had something dirty on her face, Xia Yangyang leaned in closer. To her surprise, Gu Qichen leaned in and kissed her on the lips. It was a passionate kiss, carrying an irresistible dominance. Xia Yangyang could feel the intense desire Gu Qichen made no attempt to conceal. However, Xia Yangyang still felt somewhat self-conscious. The car was parked in the open parking lot at the airport, surrounded by a crowd of people and plenty of other vehicles. Although she knew Gu Qichen¡¯s car windows were made of special material thatpletely concealed the interior, she couldn¡¯t let herself go. She took Gu Qichen¡¯s wandering hand from inside her clothes and said, ¡°Let¡¯s wait until we get home¡­ okay?¡± With her cheeks flushed and her eyes glistening with a captivating haze, it was clear that she too, was moved. Gu Qichen always thought he had good self-control, but he just couldn¡¯t resist Xia Yangyang¡¯s kitten-like gaze. Yet, he knew Xia Yangyang was shy; her embarassed look was so irresistible, it made him yearn to pin her down and make love to her passionately. Gu Qichen suppressed his yearning desire and sealed her lips with a deep kiss, saying, ¡°I¡¯ll spare you for now, but I¡¯ll expect doublepensation when we get home.¡± Then, he carefully rearranged her clothes, which were already disheveled. The car rushed forward, and Xia Yangyang¡¯s mood improved significantly. Even the unpleasant memories from school seemed to dissolve at this moment. The car pulled straight into Maple Vi. As soon as they entered, Xia Yangyang was swooped up by Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang let out a yelp and instinctively wrapped her arms around Gu Qichen¡¯s neck. Kisses fell like rain, although they had been apart for only three days, it felt like three months. Xia Yangyang had to admit that she missed him too. Such a strange emotion, even surprising herself, felt soothed only in the midst of their kiss, only finding release in their physical closeness. With a blush on her face, Xia Yangyang responded actively. From the entrance to the stairs, from the corridor to the bedroom, and finally plunged into the soft bed. Gu Qichen kissed her earlobe; his deep, maic voice whispered into her ear, ¡°Did you miss me?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Xia Yangyang answered honestly. ¡°Do you love me?¡± ¡°Yes,¡± Xia Yangyang answered, already in a daze. At this moment, Xia Yangyang only felt like she was caught in deep water or intense fire, unable to make sense of her own words¡­. Chapter 40 - 41: Astonishingly Heavenly Chapter 40: Chapter 41: Astonishingly Heavenly Trantor: As Studios Editor: As Studios The next day. Upon opening her eyes, Xia Yangyang saw an extraordinarily handsome face. Her father¡¯s Starlight Entertainment had a leading star named Chen Yu. In the words of his fans, Chen Yu was a man crafted to ruin women. Xia Yangyang had seen him once atst year¡¯s annual meeting and was amazed by his dazzling looks. He was as stunning as jade and unrivalled in the world, leaving Xia Yangyang convinced that he was the most handsome man she had ever seen in her life. But at this moment, Xia Yangyang was looking at Gu Qichen¡¯s face and felt it was no less spectacr than Chen Yu¡¯s. Even the curve of his jawline was wless. Xia Yangyang found her heart pounding wildly. At this time, Gu Qichen had already opened his eyes. Their eyes met, and Xia Yangyang felt a sense of panic inexplicably. But still, she put on a smile to mask her feelings, ¡°Uh, good morning.¡± Gu Qichen slightly furrowed his brows, ¡°I¡¯m not called ¡®uh¡¯.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Mr. Gu, good morning.¡± ¡°Yangyang, do we really need to be this formal with each other?¡± Calling her Yangyang seemed particrly natural to him. This wasn¡¯t the first time they had discussed this issue. But Xia Yangyang just couldn¡¯t force herself to call him ¡®husband¡¯. Moreover, Gu Qichen was much older than her; it didn¡¯t seem right to call him by his given name directly. An idea suddenly came to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Then I¡¯ll call you Uncle Gu.¡± Xia Yangyang thought this address was wonderful. Perhaps influenced by the Korean Wave, she noticed in Korean dramas the female protagonists would affectionately refer to their male partners as ¡®uncle¡¯. Xia Yangyang got up from bed, ¡°Uncle Gu, I¡¯m getting up. I have sses this morning.¡± Gu Qichen,¡±¡­¡± Xia Yangyang was already runningte, and naturally, she didn¡¯t have time for breakfast. Just as she was about to leave, Gu Qichen suddenly handed her a bank card. Xia Yangyang was puzzled, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°It¡¯s for your living expenses. I¡¯ll transfer money to it every month. I¡¯m busy usually, so you can use this to buy things you like.¡± Even though Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen had already gotten their marriage certificate, No money matters had been involved between them so far. Other than living in Gu Qichen¡¯s house now. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t like this feeling, ¡°I don¡¯tck money. Besides, there are rumours at school that you¡¯re keeping me. If I take this, won¡¯t it mean that the rumours are true?¡± Gu Qichen furrowed his brows, ¡°People at your school are saying I¡¯m keeping you?¡± This was something Xia Yangyang had no intention of telling Gu Qichen. It was a slip of the tongue. Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Do you want me to handle it?¡± Xia Yangyang quickly said, ¡°No, it¡¯s just some silly campus post. It will fade out in a couple of days.¡± If Gu Qichen personally intervened, it would onlyplicate matters further. Xia Yangyang looked at the card and said, ¡°I really don¡¯t need money. I won¡¯t take this card. I¡¯m off to school.¡± Having said that, Xia Yangyang went out of the door. Not long after Xia Yangyang left, Gu Qichen made a phone call, ¡°Be in my office at nine.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t sleep well the night before and was feeling sleepy all morning. After finally enduring until the end of sses, she went with Wen Xiaochu to the canteen for lunch. After studying Xia Yangyang closely, Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°You look listless, with obvious dark circles. Yangyang, you really look like you¡¯ve been overindulging your desires.¡± Xia Yangyang, who had been drowsy all morning, instantly woke up, almost blurting out: How do you know? But before she could speak, Wen Xiaochu seemed to remember something, ¡°Sorry, Yangyang. I forgot you broke up with Young Master Lu.¡± Before, whenever Lu Haotian was mentioned, Xia Yangyang would feel a sharp pain in her heart. But inexplicably, Xia Yangyang suddenly found herself feeling calm. Xia Yangyang smiled, ¡°It¡¯s fine. It¡¯s all in the past..¡± Chapter 41 - 42: Enemies Often Cross Each Other’s Path Chapter 41: Chapter 42: Enemies Often Cross Each Other¡¯s Path Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang and Wen Xiaochu had just found a ce to sit. When they were immediately surrounded by a few girls. Xia Yangyang naturally recognized them, with her nemesis, Kim Fei¡¯er, leading the group. Kim Fei¡¯er never appeared in the university cafeteria, so she must havee today specifically for her. The first thing Kim Fei¡¯er said when she saw Xia Yangyang was, ¡°Oh my, isn¡¯t this our famous socialite? Xia Yangyang, youe from a prestigious family, how could you stoop so low as to live off a man¡¯s money? Could it be because your father remarried and no longer cares for his daughter?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er and her crew strutted around the campus, attracting attention wherever they went. Moreover, Kim Fei¡¯er deliberately raised her voice so the surrounding people were curious and looked in their direction. Things about Xia Yangyang¡¯s family were no secret in the entertainment circle, but Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want them to be brought up. Xia Yangyang¡¯s face had fallen: ¡°Kim Fei¡¯er, are you picking a fight on purpose?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er said: ¡°Xia Yangyang, I¡¯m not interested if you¡¯re living off a man. I¡¯m here today only to confirm one thing, are you and Prince really dating, or are you two-timing? Does Prince know you¡¯re being kept by Gu Qichen?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er repeatedly mentioned ¡°kept¡±, making it sound extremely unpleasant. The surrounding people gasped in surprise. There was only one Prince at A University, and that was Gu Zhaohan, the famously cold campus heartthrob. Wen Xiaochu stood up and said, ¡°Kim Fei¡¯er, don¡¯t nder people here. Yangyang is not that kind of person and she would never live off a man¡¯s money.¡± Kim Fei¡¯er said, ¡°So you did it but you¡¯re not willing to admit it? Today, I will make sure everyone sees your true colors.¡± ¡°Yangyang.¡± A low and pleasant male voice suddenly came from not far away. Although the voice wasn¡¯t loud, it was extremely pleasant, as if it carried a certain maism. All the people looked in the direction of the voice, and it was none other than Gu Zhaohan himself. Gu Zhaohan walked unhurriedly in Xia Yangyang¡¯s direction. Gu Zhaohan reached Xia Yangyang¡¯s side, Kim Fei¡¯er looked at his face, totally enamored: ¡°Prince¡±. Yet, Gu Zhaohan was extremely indifferent: ¡°Kim Fei¡¯er, I¡¯ve told you, don¡¯t bother Yangyang.¡± Kim Fei¡¯er said, ¡°Don¡¯t you know that Xia Yangyang is being kept by Gu Yuechen, the president of Shengyuan Group? Prince, don¡¯t let her deceive you, I¡¯m just afraid that you¡¯ll be fooled.¡± Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°Xia Yangyang is not being kept, and if you keep spreading this kind of rumor, she can sue you for defamation.¡± ¡°How do you know? You trust her that much?¡± Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°Gu Qichen is my uncle, we live under the same roof, and I know about his affairs better than anyone.¡± Gu Zhaohan spoke in a cold and indifferent tone. But when the crowd heard this, they all gasped. Gu Zhaohan was very popr, but it was purely because of his outstanding looks, and few people knew about his background. Who would¡¯ve thought that Gu Zhaohan is the only grandson of the legendary Gu Family in Nan City. Indeed, hisst name was Gu. Actually, Kim Fei¡¯er knew this, but she understood Gu Zhaohan¡¯s personality. He was an extremely low-key person, who disliked attracting too much attention. But Kim Fei¡¯er didn¡¯t expect that Gu Zhaohan, in order to clear Xia Yangyang¡¯s rumors, would expose his deliberately concealed identity under public scrutiny. This showed just how important Xia Yangyang was to him. But Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t want to say more and turned around to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Come with me, I have something to tell you.¡± Xia Yangyang followed Gu Zhaohan out. After thismotion caused by Kim Fei¡¯er, the rumor about being kept would probably not stir up trouble anymore. However, it seems like the rtionship between her and Gu Zhaohan would be the talk of the town again. Gu Zhaohan¡¯s poprity at A University equaled that of Gu Qichen¡¯s in society! Xia Yangyang sighed. She truly was a ma for gossip. As they walked out of the university cafeteria, Xia Yangyang called out to the man ahead: ¡°Gu Zhaohan, you actually don¡¯t have anything to say to me, right?¡± Xia Yangyang felt that Gu Zhaohan was just helping her out by deliberately leading her away. However, Gu Zhaohan turned around, his tone indifferent: ¡°Actually, I do.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback: ¡°What is it?¡± Gu Zhaohan said: ¡°My mother wants to meet you..¡± Chapter 42 - 43: Ten years ago, he stole a ring and gave it to Xia Yangyang Chapter 42: Chapter 43: Ten years ago, he stole a ring and gave it to Xia Yangyang Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang was even more confused now. ¡°Your mother wants to meet me, why?¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s mother, Gu Mingzhu, was also a character herself. When she was young, she was a film star, and became famous at eighteen. It was said that she had even won an award for best actress. Many people admired her, but at the height of her poprity, Mingzhu suddenly announced her withdrawal from the entertainment industry. Later, she married an American-born Chinese and bore a son, who is Gu Zhaohan. However, they divorced in less than three years. There were many rumors about her, and it was said that Mingzhu¡¯s ex-husband was Xi Jiachen, the richest man in Asia. Mingzhu was also a fashion icon. After returning to China, she opened a fashion designpany and was now considered a fashion godmother in the industry. She frequently appeared on the cover of high-end fashion magazines. Suddenly being asked to meet such a person, Xia Yangyang was confused and a bit frightened. But Gu Zhaohan blushed inexplicably. Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°My mother wants to see you because she thinks you are my¡­ girlfriend.¡± When Xia Yangyang heard this, she felt as if it was a great cmity. This kind of rumor was an everyday urrence in school, but how did it spread to the Gu Family? Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you rify it for me? If you just deny it outright, wouldn¡¯t that be fine?¡± Gu Zhaohan nced at Xia Yangyang. ¡°I did deny it, but she didn¡¯t believe it because you were the first girl I ever brought home.¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly remembered. During Gu Shengyuan¡¯s birthday party, Gu Zhaohan helped her by saying that he invited her. Even the old master Gu had a hint of ambiguity in his eyes when he looked at them. It must have been a misunderstanding from that time. Xia Yangyang really felt like she couldn¡¯t clear her name, even if she jumped into the Yellow River. She absolutely couldn¡¯t meet Gu Mingzhu, who wasn¡¯t just Gu Zhaohan¡¯s mother, but also Gu Qi Chen¡¯s biological sister. If they met againter, it would be way too awkward. Xia Yangyang quickly said, ¡°Since you didn¡¯t make it clear, you should continue to exin it. If the first time doesn¡¯t work, the tenth time should work.¡± However, Gu Zhaohan suddenly said, ¡°You really don¡¯t want to have any involvement with me?¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned. Gu Zhaohan had a cold look on his face and said, ¡°I understand now.¡± Then he turned around and left, leaving Xia Yangyang alone in the wind. What is going on with this icy Gu? He is really unpredictable. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t take it to heart. She hadn¡¯t eaten lunch yet, so she decided to go to the snack street outside the school to eat some beef noodles. Unexpectedly, when she got to the school¡¯s gate, she saw a familiar Ferrari from afar. That was Lu Haotian¡¯s car, a gift from Lu Zhenghai for his 20th birthday three years ago. Lu Haotian was standing next to the car, smoking a cigarette. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know when he had picked up smoking. Obviously, Lu Haotian had also spotted Xia Yangyang. Their eyes met and Xia Yangyang felt surprisingly calm. Even Xia Yangyang herself found it strange. Now, upon seeing this young man, she was no longer furious or hysterical. It was as if a thin scab had formed over the wound from which she had once bled. Though it was still very painful, Xia Yangyang knew time would heal it. Lu Haotian had already put out his cigarette and was now walking towards her. Xia Yangyang stood in ce, watching him draw nearer and nearer. Suddenly, she thought back to when she was ten years old. The 13-year-old Lu Haotian suddenly took out a diamond ring and proposed to Xia Yangyang. At the time, they were young and innocent, like a pair of childhood sweethearts. Xia Yangyang happily epted. Onlyter did she find out that the ring Lu Haotian stole was from his mother¡¯s million-dor engagement ring. He lied to his family, iming it was stolen by a thief. When found out, he stubbornly refused to reveal where it had gone. The Lu family assumed he had sold the ring for money to spend recklessly and firmly punished Lu Haotian for his actions. Onlyter did they find out that the little rascal had stolen the ring to give to Xia Yangyang.. Chapter 43 - 44: The relationship between Xia Yangyang and Shengyuan’s President Gu Qichen Chapter 43: Chapter 44: The rtionship between Xia Yangyang and Shengyuan¡¯s President Gu Qichen Trantor: 549690339 Memories of the past, they seem like yesterday, yet as though a millennium has passed. Lu Haotian had already walked over to Xia Yangyang. He said, ¡°Yangyang, I really miss you.¡± The person before her seemed to have lost weight. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I have nothing to do with you anymore, Young Master Lu, please respect yourself.¡± Lu Haotian reached out to grab Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand. ¡°Yangyang, I know you hate me, but, forgive me onest time, okay? Yangyang, I love you, I can¡¯t live without you.¡± Xia Yangyang simply took a step back. She raised her head to look at Lu Haotian, ¡°Lu Haotian, things havee to this point, it¡¯s impossible for us to intersect again. Gong Xue¡¯er is already pregnant. You need to take responsibility as a man and stop pestering me. Whatever was between us has already ended.¡± A hint of hurt shed through Lu Haotian¡¯s eyes. Xia Yangyang wanted to leave, but Lu Haotian suddenly said, ¡°Xue¡¯er¡¯s pregnancy was entirely an ident. She manipted me. Yangyang, I beg you not to ignore me, okay? Do you know how broken-hearted I¡¯ve been these past few days?¡± Lu Haotian¡¯s final words were spoken with the tone of a boy throwing a tantrum. This was one of Lu Haotian¡¯s usual tactics. Whenever he had made her angry in the past, he¡¯d act like a child, though he was several years older than her. But Xia Yangyang was always soft-hearted, always forgiving him in the past. However, this time Xia Yangyang felt irritated. ¡°Lu Haotian, can you please grow up a bit? You¡¯re not a child anymore. Haven¡¯t you grasped the reality of the situation? Do you think this issue can be simply resolved by an apology? And Lu Haotian, I¡¯m not the same person I was before. There¡¯s no chance¡­no chance for us at all.¡± This was the school gate, not many people were here at noon, but nces were already starting to turn their way. Xia Yangyang turned around and ran back to school. Lu Haotian followed after her, but Xia Yangyang quickly disappeared into the library nearby. Only students with a student ID were allowed in, so Lu Haotian was left stranded at the entrance. Xia Yangyang found a corner to sit in and stared nkly; the one person upying her thoughts was Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang knew it in her heart- even if Gong Xue¡¯er wasn¡¯t pregnant, there was absolutely no possibility for her and Lu Haotian because now there was Gu Qichen between them. At this very moment, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but wonder- what was Gu Qichen doing right now? At that exact moment! The 99th floor of the Shengyuan Building, the CEO¡¯s office! A young man dressed in casual clothes pointed at Gu Qichen¡¯s face saying loudly, ¡°You think I, Ah K, one of the top hackers in the country, was urgently called here because Shengyuan¡¯s secret system was invaded? You took me all the way here just to hack a campus forum. Gu Qichen, aren¡¯t you belittling a person a little too much?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face remained expressionless. He slowly picked up a pen and signed a cheque pushing it forward, ¡°One million, enough?¡± Ah K had already packed up hisptop, he sat up straight and spoke seriously, ¡°Oh you, we¡¯ve known each other for so many years, this small matter can be handled in minutes.¡± Although he said so, he quickly pocketed the cheque unceremoniously. In less than twenty seconds, Ah K snapped his fingers, ¡°Done. It¡¯s just a small forum. How about I hack the official A University website and give it to you for free as well?¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°That¡¯s not necessary. I just need the real-life information of the anonymous poster.¡± ¡°That¡¯s quite simple, wait for half a minute.¡± As expected, half a minuteter, Ah K had exposed all the information about the anonymous poster. Ah K closed hisptop and said, ¡°You, Mr. CEO, always have a never-ending supply of rumored lovers. I have never seen you take any of them seriously, so why are you bothered by a small campus scandal?¡± At a nce, Ah K saw that Gu Qichen had made a big deal just to remove a post titled ¡°Digging up the Rtionship between Xia Yangyang and Shengyuan CEO Gu Qichen¡±.. Chapter 44 - 45: The best friend of that year.................................. Chapter 44: Chapter 45: The best friend of that year¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­. Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen spoke indifferently: ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about this.¡± However, Ah K couldn¡¯t resist gossiping: ¡°You asked me to hack into someone¡¯s post, are you getting a guilty conscience, Brother? You aren¡¯t really keeping a college student, are you? Although it¡¯s normal for a man to have his physical needs, Brother, you¡¯re at the prime age of sexual desire. But wouldn¡¯t Sister Bingbing be heartbroken if she knew?¡± As Ah K spoke, Gu Qichen suddenly looked up, a chill emanating from his eyes. ¡°You seem to have a lot of free time, perhaps I should arrange a position for you in the technical department?¡± Ah K quickly panicked: ¡°Absolutely not! I¡¯m a free bird, I can¡¯t stand the nine-to-five life. Brother, I¡¯m leaving. Remember to call me when you need help. I guarantee I¡¯ll be there in a jiffy.¡± After speaking, Ah K quickly grabbed hisputer and fled Gu Qichen¡¯s office. Gu Qichen stared at the student data that Ah K had just hacked from the post. The name section of the data read ¡°Gong Xue¡¯er¡±. Gu Qichen pondered for a half of a minute before sending the entire file to Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang received the message while still sitting in the library daydreaming. She stared at the message from Gu Qichen for a long time. Her heart felt like it was being repeatedly ground by a blunt knife. Conveniently, at that moment, Gong Xue¡¯er sent her a text. Gong Xue¡¯er[Has Haotiane to see you?] Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t respond. After a while, Gong Xue¡¯er sent another message[I beg you, can you please stop pestering Haotian?] Upon reading the message, Xia Yangyang felt her blood boiling in rage. Quickly, Xia Yangyang sent back a message[Did you spread the campus rumor about me being kept?] Gong Xue¡¯er replied instantly: [No, even if we¡¯ve been having disagreementstely, you are still my best friend in my heart] Looking at the words, Xia Yangyang felt extremely nauseated. Xia Yangyang immediately sent over the information that Gu Qichen had sent her. There was no reply from Gong Xue¡¯er for a long time. After a few hours passed,te in the evening, Xia Yangyang suddenly received a message from Gong Xue¡¯er. [Meet me at the campus field of Qingping Junior High at 3 in the afternoon tomorrow. It¡¯s time we settled matters between us.¡± The next day was a weekend, Xia Yangyang had no sses, and she slept inte. Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t initially nning to keep this appointment. But considering the photos of her and Lu Haotian were still in Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s possession, she had to reim them. Furthermore, Xia Yangyang also wanted to know what Gong Xue¡¯er meant by ¡®settle matters¡¯. At three in the afternoon, Xia Yangyang arrived promptly at the field of Qingping Junior High. Qingping Junior High was the alma mater of her and Gong Xue¡¯er. She had met Gong Xue¡¯er in freshman year and they had shared a desk for three years. The past memories made Xia Yangyang find it unbearable to think that she had genuinely cared for this poor, bullied girl who has now turned into this. Gong Xue¡¯er had already arrived. Today, Gong Xue¡¯er wore a long white sweater, looking purely beautiful. She was far from the ugly duckling that was mocked during her time in Qingping, and she was not the Gong Xue¡¯er that Xia Yangyang knew. Upon seeing Xia Yangyang, Gong Xue¡¯er went straight towards her. Gong Xue¡¯er said: ¡°Yangyang, I didn¡¯t expect you to be so punctual.¡± Xia Yangyang replied: ¡°Why did you ask me to meet up today?¡± Gong Xue¡¯er said: ¡°Yangyang, don¡¯t you want to tour the school? We haven¡¯t been back here in a long time.¡± After saying this, Gong Xue¡¯er turned around. Xia Yangyang hesitated for a moment then followed. The two of them went to their old ssroom, ss 1 of Year 1. The school was on holiday that day, but the ssroom door was surprisingly unlocked. Gong Xue¡¯er sat down at one of the seats and traced the desk with her finger. ¡°Yangyang,e here, look. After so many years, this desk is still the same, it even still has the markings you engraved.¡± Xia Yangyang walked over. She could indeed see that this was their old desk. In the corner of the table were tiny letters reading ¡®Xia Yangyang and Gong Xue¡¯er are best friends forever.¡¯ Xia Yangyang remembered that she had engraved it one summer afternoon using the point of apass. At the time, Gong Xue¡¯er was being bullied. Sheid her head down on the desk and cried, saying she didn¡¯t have any friends and that no one liked her. Xia Yangyang then dered that she would be her friend, and that she would always like her. So, Xia Yangyang had carved that sentence into the desk. Now, thinking back, she could only feel a heart-wrenching pain. Gong Xue¡¯er ran her fingers over the sentence, lost in her thoughts. ¡°Yangyang, do you know? You were the first person who genuinely considered me a friend. Do you know how happy I was then? I truly believed that we could be best friends forever..¡± Chapter 45 - 46: Becoming friends with someone as radiant as you, I also feel like I’m shining. Chapter 45: Chapter 46: Bing friends with someone as radiant as you, I also feel like I¡¯m shining. Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang remained silent. However, Gong Xue¡¯er continued, ¡°Back then, you were like a beautiful swan in my eyes; the epitome of perfection. Everyone in the ss, boys and girls alike, adored you. I wished I could be just a fraction as good as you.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er seemed to recall something out of the blue, ¡°Those three years of middle school were the happiest years of my life; all because of you, Xia Yangyang. For the first time, I felt like I was more than just an ugly duckling. I felt privileged to be friends with someone as radiant as you. I could actually believe that one day, I could shine as brightly.¡± Xia Yangyang retorted, ¡°But you never truly considered me a friend.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er objected, ¡°No, I genuinely considered you my best friend. Do you remember the wish box we buried under the third magnolia tree? Would you like to see it again?¡± Of course, Xia Yangyang remembered. At our middle school graduation, these wish boxes were quite the trend, especially among young couples. Xia Yangyang had secretly bought a box, and together with Gong Xue¡¯er, they had made a wish, put it into the box, and buried it under the third magnolia tree on the edge of the school ground. They promised to open it after ten years. Gong Xue¡¯er managed to find the same tree, dug up the soil with a rock, and found the old wish box. The box was covered in rust. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart ached as if being tortured, the innocent joy of those days seemed to resurface so vividly. Gong Xue¡¯er had already opened the box, and everything inside was still intact, including two notes. Gong Xue¡¯er first opened Xia Yangyang¡¯s, which read: ¡°I wish to explore and enjoy the delicacies of the world with Xue¡¯er, and remain best friends forever.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er chuckled as she read the note, ¡°Yangyang, I¡¯m deeply touched by this.¡± Xia Yangyang stepped forward and took the note from her, ¡°It was just childish naivety.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er then handed over the other note, ¡°Would you like to see what I wished for?¡± Unable to resist, Xia Yangyang stole a nce. It read: ¡°I wish my best friend Yangyang evesting happiness and joy.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart felt like it had been struck by something. Tears welled up in her eyes, ready to spill over any moment. A wave of bitterness surged within her. Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s handwriting was elegant with a touch of childlike innocence. A small heart was even drawn at the bottom right corner of the note. Xia Yangyang suddenly felt a pang of intense difort. She asked the figure before her, ¡°Why, why did everything change?¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t understand why the once innocent Gong Xue¡¯er treated her so terribly now,peting, maliciously framing her, and scheming against her. When did such a wonderful friendship turn into this horrifying nightmare? Gong Xue¡¯er stood up and announced, ¡°Because of Haotian.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er added, ¡°Follow me.¡± Xia Yangyang trailed behind Gong Xue¡¯er, clueless about her intentions. Eventually, Gong Xue¡¯er led Xia Yangyang to the basketball bleachers in the school ground. Step by step they climbed up the stairs, stopping at the very top. This spot was the highest and offered the best view of the entire school ground. In the past, Xia Yangyang used to bring Gong Xue¡¯er here to watch Lu Haotian y football. Back in middle school, even though Lu Haotian was in the high school next door, he still enjoyed bringing his friends over to y football here after school. Of course, it was all because of Xia Yangyang. Back then, Xia Yangyang was pampered by Lu Haotian as if she were a little princess. Every time Lu Haotian finished a game, Xia Yangyang would go down to give him water, and all his friends knew her. Lu Haotian unabashedly called her his wife. While they wouldugh and frolic around on the field, Gong Xue¡¯er stood on the bleachers, watching them from afar¡­. Chapter 46 - 47: Cinderella Turns Back to Her Original Self after Midnight Chapter 46: Chapter 47: Cindere Turns Back to Her Original Self after Midnight Trantor: 549690339 Gong Xue¡¯er seemed to be lost in the past, she said, ¡°When we graduated from middle school, Lu Haotian specially organized a graduation dance. You invited me toe, but I said I didn¡¯t have a dress or high heels. So, you led me into your dressing room to choose freely. You helped me pick out a white dress and a pair of pink crystal high heels. When I put them on, for a moment, I felt like I was just like you, a little princess living in a castle. That day, I was so happy to go to your graduation dance.¡± Xia Yangyang remembered, but Xia Yangyang also remembered that Gong Xue¡¯er did not show up that day. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°That day, you told me you were feeling unwell and didn¡¯t attend.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er said, ¡°I was so happy and excited that day, I came early. At that time, there were no other people at the party venue, only Lu Haotian was setting up. Though I had seen him many times over those three years, it was the first time I saw him up close. He was in a suit and looked just like a prince on a white horse in a fairy tale¡­¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°So that¡¯s why you fell in love with him at first sight and betrayed our friendship. You used me to get close to him, didn¡¯t you?¡± Gong Xue¡¯erughed, ¡°Do you know what the first thing Lu Haotian said to me was?¡± Xia Yangyang remained silent. Gong Xue¡¯er said, ¡°When he saw me, he came towards me. I remember my heartbeat and anticipation at that time. I knew he was your boyfriend and I had no ulterior motives. I thought, I¡¯m your best friend, at least I can consider myself his friend, right? But when he came to me, he frowned, looked me up and down, and asked, ¡®Why are you wearing Yangyang¡¯s clothes and shoes?¡±¡® At that time, Gong Xue¡¯er was a little embarrassed and blushed, ¡°Yangyang lent them to me.¡± Without hesitation, Lu Haotian said, ¡°Are you a beggar? Don¡¯t you have your own clothes to wear? These shoes are a graduation gift that I worked two months to buy for Yangyang. Do you think you¡¯re worthy of wearing them?¡± Gong Xue¡¯er still remembers that enormous feeling of humiliation. Gong Xue¡¯er said, ¡°Xia Yangyang, do you know how that feels? It¡¯s like turning back into an ugly toad after Cindere¡¯s magic wears off at midnight. At that moment, I knew that you and I lived in different worlds. You lived in the clouds, while I was in the mud and swamp. Even if you asionally reached out to me, it only made me see my shorings even more clearly. It was then that I swore that one day, I would climb to the top of those clouds. And I did.¡± There seemed to be a sense of triumph in Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s eyes, ¡°Can you imagine how I felt when Lu Haotian, the man who once looked down on me, was lying beside me, sweating heavily? It was a great satisfaction. I felt that all the humiliations of the past werepensated for. I was even the first woman to¡­ have him!¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Stop, I don¡¯t know what Haotian said to you back then, but even so, this is no excuse for you to be what you are now. You care too much about what others think, and are too afraid of being looked down upon. But regardless of poverty, the freedom of the soul is more important than others¡¯ judgments and views.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you say it so simply because you¡¯ve always had a privileged lifestyle and have never experienced hardship.. Do you know what it¡¯s like when the teacher visits your home every day because you can¡¯t pay the school fees? Have you spent days wearing clothes with patches while all your ssmates were dazzling, discussing their limited-edition sports shoes? Have you experienced a whole semester of having just in water and a steamed bun for lunch? You¡¯ve never been through this, so you don¡¯t have the right to judge me!¡± Chapter 47 - 48: Her Malevolence is Maddening Chapter 47: Chapter 48: Her Malevolence is Maddening Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Perhaps I haven¡¯t experienced these things, but I only know that even if I had nothing, I wouldn¡¯t do such things.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er snorted coldly, ¡°Xia Yangyang, naturally I¡¯m not as noble as you, but you can¡¯t deny that I¡¯m more likely to seed. Kindness, for people like us who grew up at the bottom, is nothing more than a capital to be bullied. It¡¯s the most useless thing. How else could I stand beside Lu Haotian, how could I marry into a wealthy family, and get what I want.¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly felt very bored. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I have nothing else to discuss with you. You have your own values, it¡¯s not unforgivable, but we have different paths. In the future, you will follow your broad road and I will walk on my single-log bridge. I wish you an early marriage into a wealthy family and transform into a phoenix.¡± But Gong Xue¡¯erughed, ¡°However, Yangyang, I need your help to marry into the rich family.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I don¡¯t have that ability, aren¡¯t you already pregnant with Lu Haotian¡¯s child?¡± Gong Xue¡¯er said, ¡°This child might allow me to enter the Lu Family¡¯s door, but it¡¯s not enough to win Haotian¡¯s heart. Only when hepletely loses hope in you, he might truly see me. Yangyang, I told you, I asked you toe today to make an end. Don¡¯t me me, if you have to me someone, me yourself for being too stupid.¡± Xia Yangyang hasn¡¯t reacted yet. Suddenly, Gong Xue¡¯er fell backward. The two of them were sitting in the spectator stands of a basketball court. Next to them were steps. Gong Xue¡¯er suddenly leaned back and fell t on the steps. With a scream, Gong Xue¡¯er rolled down the steps. Everything happened so suddenly, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what was happening. When Gong Xue¡¯er fell to the ground, she began screaming, ¡°My child, Xia Yangyang, why did you kill my child, my child¡­¡± Xia Yangyang had a bad premonition. Indeed, far off, she saw a figure running towards them. It was Lu Haotian. Gong Xue¡¯er was rolling on the ground with her hands on her stomach. Her white sweater was stained red. She kept crying, ¡°Yangyang, why did you want to kill my child, why did you want to kill my child?¡± Xia Yangyang stood in ce trembling, but her mind was exceptionally clear. She finally understood what Gong Xue¡¯er meant by making an end. She must have arranged for Lu Haotian to be here, calcted the time and location, just to let him see this scene. Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s scheming is chilling, but Xia Yangyang could never have imagined it. She would use her unborn child as the price, which was simply cruel. Lu Haotian had already run over, Gong Xue¡¯er was as pale as a ghost, her face was streaked with tears, blood on her hands. She grabbed Lu Haotian¡¯s hand with all her might, ¡°Haotian, our child, Yangyang wants to kill our child, take me to the hospital, quickly, take me to the hospital.¡± Lu Haotian picked Gong Xue¡¯er up without saying a word, shot Xia Yangyang a nce from the higher tform, then left quickly while carrying Gong Xue¡¯er. Xia Yangyang stood there for a long time until the sun slowly slipped below the horizon, and night fell. When Xia Yangyang walked down the stairs, her legs were numb. Eventually, Xia Yangyang went to Ruian Hospital. Ruian Hospital was the nearest hospital to Qingping Middle School. Lu Haotian must have taken Gong Xue¡¯er there.. Chapter 48 - 49: It was Xia Yangyang who killed my child Chapter 48: Chapter 49: It was Xia Yangyang who killed my child Trantor: 549690339 After Xia Yangyang arrived at Ruian Hospital, she asked around a bit and found out which ward Gong Xue¡¯er was in. Xia Yangyang went over. For some reason, Xia Yangyang felt unusually calm at this moment. She wasn¡¯t even sure why she was here. The door to the ward was open. Heart-wrenching cries could be heard from inside. As Xia Yangyang stood at the doorway, she saw not only Gong Xue¡¯er and Lu Haotian, but also the whole Lu family. Everyone was stunned upon seeing Xia Yangyang. Gong Xue¡¯er immediately grabbed a pillow and threw it towards the door: ¡°Xia Yangyang, you murderer, why did you kill my child, why did you kill mine and Haotian¡¯s child?!¡± Her voice was hoarse and strained from crying, she even tried to get up to rush towards Xia Yangyang. In the end, she stumbled and fell to the floor. Mrs. Lu Xu Xinru stepped forward and said, ¡°You need to calm down, look at yourself now, you¡¯re a mess.¡± Liu Xinru had never liked Gong Xue¡¯er, she was livid when she found out about her pregnancy, but it was Haotian¡¯s child, her grandchild after all. Now however, they lost the child, and looking at Gong Xue¡¯er now, she felt both resentment and pity. A nurse quickly stepped forward to help Gong Xue¡¯er back to the bed. Xia Yangyang walked in calmly. Lu Zhenghai sighed: ¡°Yangyang, how could you be so reckless? I know that Haotian wronged you in this matter, but no matter what, that was a new life born into the Lu family. You¡¯re breaking Uncle Lu and Auntie Lu¡¯s hearts.¡± Xia Yangyang calmly stated: ¡°I did not push her.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er, upon hearing this, screamed out, ¡°Xia Yangyang, even now you¡¯re still trying to deny it? Are you implying that I deliberately threw myself down the stairs to frame you? Haotian saw everything with his own eyes.¡± Xia Yangyang genuinely had to admire Gong Xue¡¯er inner strength. Even though she really had thrown herself down the stairs to frame Xia Yangyang, no one would believe her. After all, she had risked her own life, as well as the life of her unborn child. Nevertheless, Xia Yangyang stated, ¡°You know what really happened, and I won¡¯t admit to something I didn¡¯t do.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er was now crying dishevelled: ¡°Xia Yangyang, I know you loathe me, but you didn¡¯t have to do such a horrible thing. You pushed me down the stairs, you caused me to lose the baby, and even now, you refuse to admit it and insist on turning the tables.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er reached under her pillow and pulled out a recording device. ¡°I study journalism, so I always carry a recorder around. The following is a conversation I had with Xia Yangyang earlier, and I unknowingly recorded it. Listen for yourselves, the Xia Yangyang you thought you knew is not as innocent and kind as she seems. You¡¯re all being fooled by her seemingly gentle facade.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er pressed y on the recorder. Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s voice could be heard from inside [Yangyang, the matter with Haotian¡­ was my fault. I don¡¯t want to lose you as a friend. Can you forgive me this one time, just this once, and we can go back to how we were before?] Then, Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice appeared [I can forgive you under one condition. Terminate your pregnancy, break up with Haotian, and then go back to the way we were. What do you say?] After repeating the recording several times, Gong Xue¡¯er finally stopped. She was now sobbing uncontrobly: ¡°Xia Yangyang, I just fell in love with Haotian, is that such a sin? I¡¯ve always seen you as my best friend, I¡¯ve always regretted this.. But why did you do this to me? Why did you kill my baby?¡± Chapter 49 - 50: From now on, we will be like strangers, so look after yourself. Chapter 49: Chapter 50: From now on, we will be like strangers, so look after yourself. Trantor: 549690339 Gong Xue¡¯er had an aggrieved look on her face. ¡°You all heard it,¡± she said to everyone. ¡°This recording was from a month ago. Xia Yangyang had long been nning for me to abort my child. But, I never expected her to do such malicious things. Xia Yangyang, how could you be so cruel? You murderer¡­¡± For the second time in a single day, Xia Yangyang¡¯s body began uncontrolled trembling. It was a chill that emerged from the depths of her heart. Indeed, those words in the recording were spoken by Xia Yangyang, but at that time she knew Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s intentions. She said it just to quickly get rid of Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s pestering. But Xia Yangyang never expected that Gong Xue¡¯er was already prepared. Perhaps, Gong Xue¡¯er saw thising all along. Xia Yangyang felt that the person before her was too frightening. She wanted to say something, but it felt like something was lodged in her throat, and she didn¡¯t manage to utter a single word. Lu Zhenghai and Liu Xinru looked at Xia Yangyang with shock and disappointment in their eyes. Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s cries echoed in the hospital room, she continued to sob: ¡°My child, Xia Yangyang, why did you kill the child of Haotian and I? Xia Yangyang, I won¡¯t let you off. I will make you pay for this, you murderer¡­¡± Lu Zhenghai let out a sigh and walked over to the silent Lu Haotian. ¡°After all, this matter started because of you. What do you n to do now?¡± Lu Zhenghai asked. Lu Haotian hadn¡¯t really looked at Xia Yangyang at all throughout this entire incident. At this moment, he finally spoke: ¡°I will get engaged to Xue¡¯er.¡± Lu Haotian¡¯s response startled everyone. Liu Xinru was the first to express her disagreement: ¡°Have you lost your mind? The child is gone and you still want to get engaged to her. Our Lu Family is one of the prestigious aristocratic families in Feng City. Your future marriage should be with a suitable match, not someone hastily chosen.¡± Lu Haotian insisted, speaking gravely: ¡°I will get engaged to Xue¡¯er as soon as possible, and then I will study abroad. Haven¡¯t you always wanted me to study business management in the United States? I will bring Xue¡¯er with me.¡± Lu Haotian was resolute, a sight Liu Xinru had never seen from her son before. It was like he had lost all hope. Maybe it was because his heart was broken. After all, he lost his child. And the instigator was Xia Yangyang. The girl Lu Haotian had loved since childhood. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how she left the hospital. Walking outside, she felt like a walking corpse. She remembered Lu Haotian¡¯sst words to her: ¡°Xia Yangyang, from now on, I owe you nothing, and Xue¡¯er owes you nothing. Henceforth, we will be strangers. Take care of yourself.¡± She didn¡¯t show it, but her heartache was unbearable. After Lu Haotian finished his statement, Xia Yangyang left; her face was devoid of any expressions. Her heart was convulsing, leaving her numb. Just as she stepped out, her phone rang. It was a call from Gu Qichen. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to answer it. Xia Yangyang aimlessly wandered around, not knowing her destination. Finally, she stopped at a park. Xia Yangyang sat on a bench by the roadside with a nk mind. But her heart felt it was being cut by a blunt knife, the dull pain turned her cold and left her shivering. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how long she sat on the bench, until Gu Qichen appeared before her.. Chapter 50 - 51: Even if the sky falls down, I will support it for you Chapter 50: Chapter 51: Even if the sky falls down, I will support it for you Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen got out of the car, walked up to Xia Yangyang, leisurely removed his overcoat and draped it over Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulders. He then sat down beside her, his voice slow and deep, ¡°You¡¯re not answering your phone, do you know how worried I was about you?¡± Xia Yangyang lowered her head, remaining silent. Gu Qichen reached out to hold Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand. His palm was dry and warm, Gu Qichen asked, ¡°What¡¯s happened? Don¡¯t you want to talk to me about it?¡± Xia Yangyang had no idea where to start, so she remained silent. Gu Qichen suddenly pulled Xia Yangyang into his arms, ¡°Silly girl, no matter what happens, I¡¯ll always be by your side. Even if the sky falls, I¡¯ll shield you.¡± Upon hearing these words, Xia Yangyang could no longer keep herposure and started crying. When Uncle Lu expressed his disappointment in her, she didn¡¯t cry. When Gong Xue¡¯er framed her, she didn¡¯t cry either. And when Lu Haotian said they should lead their separate lives as strangers, Xia Yangyang did not cry. But when Gu Qichen said he¡¯d hold up the sky for her, she cried as if her world had copsed. Gu Qichen was a bit startled, he patted her back as ifforting a child, constantly asking her what had happened. Xia Yangyang cried for a long time before she hupped and told Gu Qichen everything. Gu Qichen¡¯s brows furrowed. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I really didn¡¯t push her, I don¡¯t care that she framed me, but what saddens me is that the innocent life didn¡¯t get toe into this world because of me¡­¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°Xia Yangyang, punishing yourself for someone else¡¯s mistake is the most foolish thing to do. She¡¯s ruthless, not sparing even herself. Don¡¯t be upset, leave this to me. I will find an opportunity to prove your innocence.¡± Xia Yangyang abruptly stopped crying, looked at Gu Qichen and asked, ¡°Do you believe me?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was deep and serious, ¡°Of course, I believe you.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°There¡¯s no reason why.¡± For some reason, Xia Yangyang unexpectly didn¡¯t feel that upset anymore after hearing what Gu Qichen had said. Gu Qichen said, ¡°Stay away from Gong Xue¡¯er for a while, leave the rest to me. Trust me, I¡¯ll ensure she faces the consequences of her actions.¡± Regardless of whether Gu Qichen was justforting her or not, Xia Yangyang felt warm inside. Xia Yangyang nodded her head. Gu Qichen said, ¡°Let¡¯s go home. What do you want? I¡¯ll cook it for you once we¡¯re home.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s tone was like coaxing a child, the same way one might coax a child with candy. Xia Yangyang, for once, didn¡¯t hesitate and blurted out, ¡°I want braised pork.¡± Gu Qichenughed, ¡°Then I¡¯ll make braised pork for you.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect that Gu Qichen would really know how to make braised pork, and it was delicious to the point of being chef-quality. Xia Yangyang hastily ate more than ten pieces, almost to the point of overeating. Gu Qichen, on the other hand, didn¡¯t touch his food, he just sat there with a hint of a smile watching Xia Yangyang who was eating heartily. In the end, patting her belly, Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°How do you even know how to make braised pork? Gu Qichen, is there anything you can¡¯t do?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes clearly portrayed admiration, which made Gu Qichen quite pleased. With a light smile, Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Are you full now?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded vigorously. ¡°Are you feeling any better now?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded again enthusiastically, ¡°There¡¯s nothing a bowl of braised pork can¡¯t cure in this world. If it doesn¡¯t work, then two bowls will.¡± Gu Qichen chuckled and called her a little foodie. Then he instructed, ¡°Go wash the dishes.¡± Xia Yangyang naturally got up to start cleaning up the dishes, but after taking a few steps, she suddenly turned back and asked, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you washing?¡± Wasn¡¯t he supposed to be cheering her up? Why is he making her do chores? Gu Qichen simply replied, ¡°Have you ever seen a master chef washing dishes?¡± Xia Yangyang found his reasoningpelling. She turned around and went into the kitchen to wash the dishes. Xia Yangyang was still upset. The image of Gong Xue¡¯er tumbling down the stairs and staining her white clothes with blood kept reying itself in her mind. However, having something to do was better than doing nothing at all.. Chapter 51 - 52: She Exchanged Her Child for a Chance to Marry into a Wealthy Family Chapter 51: Chapter 52: She Exchanged Her Child for a Chance to Marry into a Wealthy Family Trantor: 549690339 The next day, Xia Yangyang went to school as usual. Everything seemed no different than usual. Only Xia Yangyang knew that Gong Xue¡¯er had taken half a month¡¯s leave. It was half a monthter when she saw Gong Xue¡¯er again¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª- That day, the president of the news society called for a meeting, which all members of the news society were required to attend. Upon reaching, Xia Yangyang saw Gong Xue¡¯er. Gong Xue¡¯er looked radiant, full of life,ughing and chatting with the other members of the news society. When Xia Yangyang walked in, Gong Xue¡¯er nced over, her gaze clear yet proud. Xia Yangyang found a spot and sat down casually. At this point, Society President Xu Li stepped up and began to speak: ¡°I have gathered you all here today to announce a major decision. As I am about to graduate, I can no longer continue in my position as the society president. Before I leave, I wish to hand over the president¡¯s position to a capable and responsible individual. Currently, I have two candidates in mind, Gong Xue¡¯er, our vice president, has been diligent and responsible in her role since taking it up. Meanwhile, Xia Yangyang impressed us all by securing an exclusive interview with Gu Qichen, which brought fame to our news society. I have decided that the next president will be chosen from these two. For the sake of fairness, we will have an anonymous vote.¡± Xia Yangyang did not expect that today¡¯s meeting was about electing a new president. Xia Yangyang loved journalism and the news society, but she didn¡¯t want to work with Gong Xue¡¯er. She couldn¡¯t fight her, but she could avoid her. Xia Yangyang raised her hand and said, ¡°President, I abstain.¡± But almost simultaneously, the same words came from Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s mouth. Everyone looked at them in surprise. Xia Yangyang and Gong Xue¡¯er exchanged a nce. Xu Li frowned and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on with you two? The news society is one of the four major organizations at A University. Even when you enter society in the future, holding a position in it is a valuable asset. Vice President, can you exin why you want to abstain?¡± Gong Xue¡¯er said, ¡°I¡¯m really sorry, but I¡¯m going to study abroad soon, along with my fiance. Therefore, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m capable of assuming this position anymore.¡± With Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s words, the news society erupted into chaos. ¡°Xue¡¯er, is your fiance by any chance Young Master Lu who picked you upst time?¡± ¡°Xue¡¯er, you truly live up to being the daughter of the distinguished family. With wealthes freedom. The way you can just decide to study abroad is envy-inducing.¡± ¡°Xue¡¯er, congrattions! When will you get engaged?¡± Gong Xue¡¯erughed softly, took out a stack of exquisite invitations from her bag, Handed them one by one to the other members of the news society, and said with a smile, ¡°I¡¯ll hold a betrothal banquet at the Caesar International Hotel in three days. You muste.¡± Everyone held the invitation, full of excitement. ¡°Isn¡¯t Caesar Hotel only reserved for foreign heads of state? Oh my god, Xue¡¯er, you can actually have your engagement there?¡± ¡°Our Xue¡¯er is indeed a princess in real life. The Lu Family is one of the top distinguished families here in Feng City. The engagement will surely be grand.¡± But Xia Yangyang stood still, until Gong Xue¡¯er walked over to her. Gong Xue¡¯er gave her thest invitation: ¡°Yangyang, you muste as well. After all, I owe my engagement with Lu Haotian to you.¡± Someonemented from the side: ¡°Yangyang, so you were the matchmaker for Xue¡¯er and Young Master Lu.¡± As Xia Yangyang looked at the person in front of her, she felt her spine stiffen, and a chill came up from her heart, How can she stand in front of her so nonchntly? Even a vicious tiger does not eat its cubs, yet Gong Xue¡¯er used her own child to secure her marriage into a wealthy family. Xia Yangyang felt terrified.. Chapter 52 - 53: Xia Yangyang, can you show a little ambition? Chapter 52: Chapter 53: Xia Yangyang, can you show a little ambition? Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang stood still, her gaze focused on the invitation in Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s hand. The invitation was romantically and delicately designed. Gong Xue¡¯erughed and said, ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯re not being petty, are you? Do you still care about your past with Haotian¡­¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go,¡± Xia Yangyang interrupted Gong Xue¡¯er. She then took the invitation from Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s hand. The people around them stared in shock at Xia Yangyang and Gong Xue¡¯er. The past? What did that mean? Did Xia Yangyang and Young Master Lu have a past together? Xia Yangyang knew that Gong Xue¡¯er had done this deliberately, but why had she said it? Since Gong Xue¡¯er had sessfully gotten engaged to Lu Haotian, why did she bring up herself and Lu Haotian again? Xu Li was standing on the podium and knocked on the desk: ¡°Xue¡¯er is getting engaged. We should congratte her first. But since Xue¡¯er has given up her position as president, Yangyang, you can¡¯t abdicate anymore. You¡¯ve been here for three years in our news club, and you¡¯re the most experienced and outstanding member. You are the most suitable for this position.¡± Xia Yangyang was a little distracted, but in the end, she didn¡¯t refuse anymore and took on the responsibility. The School of Journalism at A University was bustling these days. Basically, everyone knew that Gong Xue¡¯er was going to be engaged to Lu Haotian. All the politicians and celebrities in Feng City were invited, creating a grand spectacle. Meanwhile, there were rumors circting around campus that Xia Yangyang had intruded on Gong Xue¡¯er and Lu Haotian¡¯s rtionship. The root of the problem was a photo that had been posted anonymously on the campuswork. It was a group photo of Xia Yangyang and Lu Haotian. The photo was the one that Gong Xue¡¯er had in her hand. Without even thinking about it, it must have been Gong Xue¡¯er who posted it. There were countlessments below, but they all believed that Xia Yangyang was jealous of Gong Xue¡¯er and Young Master Lu¡¯s engagement and deliberately tried to create trouble. After seeing the post, Xia Yangyang called Gong Xue¡¯er directly: ¡°You have what you want now. Why are you doing this?¡± A cheerful voice came from Gong Xue¡¯er on the other end of the phone: ¡°I just think it¡¯s interesting. This is mypensation for all the years of concession, Xia Yangyang. I want to ruin you, I want everyone to know, you are the third party who intervened between Haotian and me.¡± Xia Yangyang hung up the phone immediately. She did not want to talk to Gong Xue¡¯er anymore. When Xia Yangyang walked on campus, many people were looking at her with strange gazes, Xia Yangyang was genuinely on the verge of breakdown. She went to the Registrar¡¯s Office and took a three-day leave due to her physical conditions. Then Xia Yangyang went to Maple Vi and slept for an entire day. Gu Qichen had gone on a business trip again. Xia Yangyang stayed in for two days, barely eating anything, and just sleeping day and night. It wasn¡¯t until Gu Qichen came back from his trip, lifted her quilt, and dragged her out of bed. Gu Qichen seemed quite angry: ¡°Does a fickle man and a scheming woman bother you to this extent? Xia Yangyang, could you be more ambitious?¡± Xia Yangyang had to admit that she was weak. The fickle man and scheming woman Gu Qichen referred to were her former lover and best friend. Gu Qichen pushed Xia Yangyang into the bathroom: ¡°Take a bath, and I¡¯ll take you out for some foodter.¡± Xia Yangyang followed Gu Qichen out the door, maintaining her silence all the way. But eventually, Gu Qichen¡¯s ck Bentley halted at the entrance of the Caesar Hotel. Looking at the pce-like hotel, Xia Yangyang started to tremble uncontrobly. At the entrance of the hotel were tworge electronic posters, on them were Gong Xue¡¯er and Lu Haotian¡¯s wedding pictures. Xia Yangyang suddenly remembered, tonight was Gong Xue¡¯er and Lu Haotian¡¯s engagement banquet.. Chapter 53 - 54: Yangyang Is a Woman Who Loves Water Chapter 53: Chapter 54: Yangyang Is a Woman Who Loves Water Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t resist shouting at Gu Qichen: ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡± Xia Yangyang turned to leave. She didn¡¯t want to stay here a single minute longer. But Gu Qichen grabbed her by the arm. Gu Qichen spoke with a cool, calm voice: ¡°If you leave now, you¡¯ll miss a good show.¡± Xia Yangyang had no idea what Gu Qichen was nning, but she felt that he had been prepared all along. Gu Qichen continued: ¡°Xia Yangyang, since you¡¯ve done nothing wrong, don¡¯t be timid, don¡¯t let others think you¡¯re easy to bully.¡± In the end, Xia Yangyang followed Gu Qichen in. She even thought herself mad for doing so. The banquet had just begun. Lu Haotian and Gong Xue¡¯er were standing at the door, greeting guests. Gong Xue¡¯er had changed into a designer white fishtail gown, her slim and tall figure even more pronounced. Her hair was piled high on her head, looking every bit the Ice Queen of a fairy tale. Her smile was radiant today, whereas the man next to her, Lu Haotian, wore a cold, grim expression. Gong Xue¡¯er was slightly taken aback when she saw Xia Yangyang arriving with Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen, however, grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, entwined it with his arm, and walked towards them. Gong Xue¡¯er hesitated just a second before grabbing Lu Haotian¡¯s arm when Xia Yangyang stood in front of her, and said with a smile: ¡°Yangyang, never thought you¡¯d actuallye. Haotian and I were worried you wouldn¡¯t.¡± Lu Haotian¡¯s eyes, however, were fixated on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face. His originally gloomy and numb eyes seemed to hold some emotion atst. In the end, his gazended on Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm entwined with Gu Qichen¡¯s, a bitter smile appearing at the corner of his mouth: ¡°So you genuinely are dating Mr. Gu.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er chirped: ¡°Haotian, what are you saying? Yangyang is the type of person to pick up and let go as she pleases. Not just Mr. Gu, there have always been boys around her in school.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er seemed to suddenly realize something and said to Gu Qichen: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to imply that Yangyang ys around with men, just that she is quite popr among boys and sometimes can¡¯t turn them down. She¡¯s not that kind of person, President Gu, please don¡¯t misunderstand.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect Gong Xue¡¯er to be so malicious as to start stirring up trouble right in front of Gu Qichen. But Gu Qichen¡¯s face was calm, even indulgent as he ruffled the hair next to him: ¡°Of course I know what sort of person Yangyang is, at any rate, she¡¯s not in the same ss as Miss Gong.¡± Gong Xueer¡¯s face changed instantly, her smile freezing over. Lu Haotian looked utterly disheartened, saying with a low voice: ¡°Pleasee in.¡± Xia Yangyang walked in with Gu Qichen, unavoidably attracting many eyes as they entered. After all, Gu Qichen¡¯s status was evident to all, and he was the object of many women¡¯s affections in Feng City. The venue was opulently decorated, crystals hanging from the chandelier like cascading tassels. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t enjoy being the center of attention, she felt it like needles in her back. So, she willingly let go of the hand she had entwined with Gu Qichen¡¯s arm. Xia Yangyang said to Gu Qichen: ¡°I see my ssmates over there, I¡¯ll join them at their table.¡± Gu Qichen raised his eyebrows, didn¡¯t say anything, tacitly agreeing to her decision. In fact, both Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen had invitations, their seats had been arranged beforehand. Xia Yangyang was seated with her journalism school ssmates, near the stage constructed in the banquet hall. Gu Qichen¡¯s seat was at the VIP table, just next to the main table. Inparison, Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen were only one table apart. As soon as Xia Yangyang sat down, Xinyi from the journalism society came over and asked: ¡°Yangyang, did you juste in with Gu Qichen?¡± Xia Yangyang replied: ¡°It was just a coincidence.¡± Xinyi looked confused. Everyone had been busy ying with their phones, taking pictures, and posting to their moments. They hadn¡¯t noticed her. But she was sure she had glimpsed Xia Yangyang walking in with Gu Qichen¡¯s arm entwined with hers. Had she been seeing things? Chapter 54 - 55: Xia Yangyang is Jealous and Sets a Trap for Me Chapter 54: Chapter 55: Xia Yangyang is Jealous and Sets a Trap for Me Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang remained quiet after she sat down. The banquet soon began. The host of the banquet was the famous variety show host, Wang Le. Music rang out, and the lights in the banquet hall suddenly dimmed. Gong Xue¡¯er, arm in arm with Lu Haotian, slowly walked onto the stage along the rose-red carpet spread out on the floor. Gong Xue¡¯er had changed into another outfit, a luxuriously extravagant trailing wedding gown. Both individuals were extraordinarily good-looking and appeared to be quite a match. Xia Yangyang heard hushed discussions at the neighboring table: ¡°Who would have thought that Young Master Lu would be engaged at such a young age? I wonder which illustrious family Miss Gong hails from. It seems that her family is not present today.¡± ¡°I have a feeling that it might be a shotgun wedding, else why hurry to get engaged before graduation?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I hear that Young Master Lu once had a marriage agreement with the eldest daughter of the Xia family? The Lu and Xia families were always on good terms, but today at the engagement party of the Lu¡¯s son, no one from the Xia family is here. There must be a reason behind this.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er and Lu Haotian were now standing on the stage. The host was humorous and asked about their love story. However, it was mostly Gong Xue¡¯er who responded with smiles. Lu Haotian remained cold throughout, not uttering a word. Xia Yangyang felt, whether it was an illusion or not, that Lu Haotian¡¯s gaze seemed to constantly be on her. The host announced the beginning of the banquet. Behind the stage, on arge screen, scrolled wedding photos of Gong Xue¡¯er and Lu Haotian. Just as Lu Haotian and Gong Xue¡¯er were about to step off the stage. A clear recording yed on the big screen: ¡°Director Zhong, I want you to help me forge a six-week pregnancy test report. I will give you 500,000 afterwards, but you absolutely must keep it a secret.¡± ¡°Miss Gong, we as doctors, cannot engage in such fraudulent activities.¡± ¡°Let me tell you this. Once I have this pregnancy test, I can marry into Lu family in the city¡¯s south district. Once I be the Lady of Lu family, I¡¯ll gift you five percent of the shares in Lu Group. Think about it. This is a fortune you won¡¯t earn in several lifetimes.¡± ¡°The pregnancy test is fake after all. How could Miss Gong enter a wealthy family on the basis of a fake pregnancy test? If this is exposed, wouldn¡¯t it implicate me and Ruian Hospital?¡± ¡°You do not need to worry about this. When the timees, I will need your cooperation to act out a fake miscarriage. If I wasn¡¯t 100% sure, I wouldn¡¯t havee to Director Zhong. Hundreds of millions worth of Lu family assets, aren¡¯t they worth a gamble?¡± The recording immediately silenced the entire hall. Even the host stood there dumbfounded, not knowing what was happening. Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s face changed drastically, and she froze. Because the voiceing from the screen was her own. She had just been interacting with the host and the content of the recorded conversation was explicit. In an instant, everyone¡¯s attention gathered on her. The banquet hall gradually began to explode with whispers. ¡°What¡¯s going on with this recording? The bride of Young Master Lu has the surname Gong, doesn¡¯t she?¡± ¡°The voice in this recording is indeed identical to the voice of the bride just now.¡± ¡°God, this woman actually used such a method to marry Young Master Lu, she is so scheming.¡± ¡°This bride is really bold, openly scheming against the Lu family, and even coveting Lu Group¡¯s shares without even marrying into the family yet. What an ambitious person, even acting out a whole y.¡± ¡°However, who did the bride offend? Why was this recording exposed at this time, ruining her perfect n?¡± Lu Haotian¡¯s gaze alsonded on Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s face. Gong Xue¡¯er waspletely flustered, hurriedly saying,¡±Haotian, this isn¡¯t true. Someone is framing me, framing me!¡± As Gong Xue¡¯er turned her head, she saw Xia Yangyang. She snarled with rage, ¡°It¡¯s Xia Yangyang! It must be her who¡¯s framing me. The recording is fake! We really had a child. But after Yangyang pushed me from the stairs, the child was lost. You were the one who took me to the hospital, you should know it.. It must be Xia Yangyang who isying a trap because of jealousy!¡± Chapter 55 - 56:1, Gu Qichen, never wrong a good person, but, I also won’t let a bad person off. Chapter 55: Chapter 56:1, Gu Qichen, never wrong a good person, but, I also won¡¯t let a bad person off. Trantor: 549690339 In an instant, Xia Yangyang also became the focus of the entire hall. Xia Yangyang was also dumbfounded. Around her were her colleagues from the news agency, their strange nces flitting between Gong Xue¡¯er and Xia Yangyang. Just what exactly was going on? Gong Xue¡¯er was already approaching Xia Yangyang, frustrated and unable to maintain her demeanor. Gong Xue¡¯er pointed at Xia Yangyang¡¯s face: ¡°Xia Yangyang, why have you framed me, how can you be so vicious? You made this audio recording to trap me. Wasn¡¯t it enough to cause the death of my child with Haotian?¡± The information contained in Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s words was overwhelming. Many people gathered around. Xia Yangyang felt dizzy, but managed to respond calmly: ¡°I didn¡¯t make this audio. As for framing you, you know the truth.¡± Lu Haotian was also approaching gradually. His gaze was so cold that it gave people a chill. Gong Xue¡¯er knew that Lu Haotian had started to doubt her. She quickly said: ¡°Haotian, you have to believe me, I really carried your child. You know Yangyang hates me for taking you away from her. So she not only caused the death of our child but also framed me like this. Haotian, you must believe me.¡± Lu Haotian did not look at Gong Xue¡¯er, but asked Xia Yangyang: ¡°Did you do it?¡± Xia Yangyang felt as if a bucket of ice water had been poured over her from head to toe. Was Lu Haotian also doubting her? Yes, Lu Haotian used to believe that the child Gong Xue¡¯er lost was her fault. ¡°It wasn¡¯t her but me.¡± A low and calm voice came from behind the crowd. The voice was cold yet steady, seemingly carrying a born regal demeanor. It was Gu Qichen, the young master of the Gu family! Lu Zhenghai and Liu Xinru had also rushed over. Gu Qichen walked up to Lu Zhenghai and said: ¡°Uncle Lu, I was the one who released the audio, but the content is absolutely true. Even though there isn¡¯t much association between Lu family and our Gu family, Uncle Lu is one of the few seniors I admire in this circle. Since I knew the truth, I couldn¡¯t just watch the Lu family being manipted by a girl with a deep scheme. I revealed the recording publicly, only to let Mr. Lu see her true face. I hope Uncle Lu doesn¡¯t me me!¡± The grand engagement banquet of the Lu family had lost its glory because of the exposure of the video. However, if the revtion was true, they would rather appreciate Gu Qichen for revealing the truth rather than being manipted by a girl. Gong Xue¡¯er never expected that Gu Qichen would step forward at this time. Gong Xue¡¯er said: ¡°He¡¯s in collusion with Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang is his kept woman. They are together in this to frame me.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was cold and clear: ¡°Miss Gong, for that statement, I reserve the right to sue. However, I, Gu Qichen, will never wrong a good person. But, I also won¡¯t spare a bad one.¡± Gu Qichen picked up his phone, made a call, and simply uttered two words: ¡°Come in.¡± A person then walked in through the door. In fact, many knew him. He was Zhong Jianxin, Chief Gynecologist at Ruian Hospital. He was quite well-known, though not reputed the best. Zhong Jianxin approached and said, ¡°Miss Gong, I¡¯m truly sorry. As a doctor, I can¡¯t go against my morals. Fabricating your pregnancy and miscarriage records has been haunting me. These days, I have been unable to sleep day and night due to guilt. Therefore, I have confessed and resigned from my job. Now, the only thing I can do is to let everyone know the truth to atone for my guilt. I advise Miss Gong one more time ¨C you are still young, it¡¯s never toote to change your ways.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er shook her head, pointing at the group of people in front of her: ¡°They are in cahoots, coborating to frame me..¡± Chapter 56 - 57:1 hate you, I hate you, I hate you Chapter 56: Chapter 57:1 hate you, I hate you, I hate you Trantor: 549690339 Zhong Jianxin said, ¡°I have records of Miss Gong¡¯s files on my end, and I¡¯ve backed up all the forged documents. The untouched 500,000 in my ount is the best proof. All you need to do is check the payment source to see that I¡¯m not lying.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s expression began to crumble, bit by bit. Zhong Jianxin continued, ¡°Most importantly, whether Miss Gong is pregnant or has had an abortion can be confirmed with a hospital examination of her uterus. This is something that can¡¯t be faked or lied about.¡± Unable to stand anymore, Gong Xue¡¯er stumbled back a few steps and fell into the chair beside her. But seemingly remembering something, she lunged forward and grabbed Lu Haotian¡¯s hand: ¡°Haotian, anyone can use me, but not you. I love you so, I really love you.¡± The truth was pretty much revealed at this point. Everyone started whispering, surprised that a girl so young has such crafty schemes and wiles. Liu Xinru stepped forward and said, ¡°I didn¡¯t think you were this malicious, even daring to manipte our Lu family, nearly framing Yangyang. It¡¯s good we see your true colors now. If we really let you marry into our family, it¡¯d be like inviting a wolf into our house.¡± Everyone else sighed in agreement. But Gong Xue¡¯er ignored everything, holding onto Lu Haotian¡¯s hand: ¡°Haotian, I really love you, you know this. Don¡¯t abandon me, please?¡± Lu Haotian looked at her coldly, saying, ¡°Gong Xue¡¯er, was the miscarriage a trap you used to frame Yangyang? Stop lying, or I¡¯ll never forgive you.¡± Crying, Gong Xue¡¯er responded, ¡°I had no choice -1 had to make you give up on Yangyang. Haotian, we will have children. We will have them soon. Believe me, I can¡¯t live without you.¡± Lu Haotian finally exploded and forcefully pulled his hand from Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s. He roared in rage, ¡°Gong Xue¡¯er, how dare you deceive me! You snake-hearted woman. I, Lu Haotian, am now officially breaking off our engagement. From now on, there will be no ties between you, Gong Xue¡¯er, and me.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er almost fell to the ground. Desperately gripping Lu Haotian¡¯s clothing, she disregarded everyone¡¯s gazes and begged pitifully, ¡°Haotian, you can¡¯t do this to me. I love you so much. Our engagement ceremony is just around the corner, and we¡¯re supposed to study abroad together. You promised, you can¡¯t do this to me¡­¡± But Lu Haotian brusquely shoved Gong Xue¡¯er away, his eyes filled with contempt and rage. Just like the first time Gong Xue¡¯er stood before him. He was a wealthy heir, and she was but a beggar in his eyes. Today was supposed to be the brightest and peak moment in her life, but everything was ruined by Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang. Suddenly, Gong Xue¡¯er turned and, like a madwoman, threw herself at Xia Yangyang: ¡°Xia Yangyang, I want to kill you!¡± But she was caught by both Gu Qichen and Lu Haotian. Gong Xue¡¯er fell on the ground, while the two men stood in front of Xia Yangyang like guardian angels. Enraged, Gong Xue¡¯er tore off her wedding dress: ¡°Xia Yangyang, I hate you! I hate you!! You ruined me today, and I will make you pay a thousand times, a million times over! Wait and see ¨C I¡¯ll drag you to hell. I will never forgive you!¡± Gong Xue¡¯er was shaking visibly, and Xia Yangyang was too shocked by the sudden turn of events to speak. Gu Yuechen¡¯s voice was low and frosty: ¡°Even now, you refuse to repent? You¡¯re a smart person, a graduate from a prestigious university. You could have had a bright future. But Miss Gong, you let jealousy get the best of you and set your good friend up. You¡¯ve ruined yourself, step by step, and no one else is to me..¡± Chapter 57 - 58: Do You Still Love Me? Chapter 57: Chapter 58: Do You Still Love Me? Trantor: 549690339 Gong Xue¡¯er couldn¡¯t help herself, covered her face, and sat on the ground, wailing. Xia Yangyang looked at her, and her mind went back to the first day they spoke to each other. It was the first physical education ss of the first year, where all students were required to wear sports shoes. Back then, the school rule was that if you didn¡¯t have sports shoes on, you needed to stand in punishment on the yground. As everyone was changing shoes in the locker room, Xia Yangyang noticed Gong Xue¡¯er crying alone in a corner. Xia Yangyang walked over to ask what was wrong. That was her first conversation with Gong Xue¡¯er. Gong Xue¡¯er told her she didn¡¯t have any sports shoes and would definitely be punished. Xia yangyang had shoes that day, but she chose not to wear them. She still remembered them both being punished by the teacher, standing by the basketball hoop. Gong Xue¡¯er had asked her, ¡°You have your shoes, why didn¡¯t you wear them.¡± Xia Yangyang had smiled back at her, ¡°I wanted to keep youpany. It won¡¯t be as boring if there are two of us.¡± Xia Yangyang had spoken so lightly back then. Tears welled up in Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s eyes, ¡°Yangyang, can you be my friend?¡± Xia Yangyang had replied, ¡°From now on, we are best friends.¡± Afterwards, Xia Yangyang made a special trip to the mall after school to buy a pair of Nike sports shoes for Gong Xue¡¯er the next day. Gong Xue¡¯er brought her a breakfast crepe that she had made herself. Those innocent and beautiful moments from the past, now imprinted in her mind, shed before her eyes like scenes from a movie. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart ached. She had never imagined that their rtionship would degenerate from its pure beginnings to such a mess. Time and destiny are truly cruel things, capable of changing people and everything else. Xia Yangyang thought about the time when her mother taught her calligraphy and wrote a line of verse, ¡°Color clouds disperse easily, ss is fragile.¡± She had asked her mother what it meant. Her mother had just sighed and said, ¡°The beautiful things in this world are not meant tost forever.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t say anything else as she turned and walked away. But Lu Haotian chased after her. Right next to the Caesar International Hotel was the famous Square. There was a constant flow of people around, making the ce lively. Xia Yangyang sat down woodenly on a bench in the square. Lu Haotian walked over and stopped in front of Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang looked up at him, feeling like she was looking at a stranger. ¡°Yangyang, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Lu Haotian said. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°You¡¯ve done nothing wrong. If anything, you¡¯re the real victim here.¡± Lu Haotian said, ¡°I only engaged to Gong Xue¡¯er because I was afraid that she would retaliate against you, and do something harmful to you. I decided to get engaged and take her abroad with me. But I never imagined that she nned even the pregnancy.¡± Xia Yangyang just made a sound of acknowledgment, indicating she heard him, but she didn¡¯t respond. Lu Haotian kept silent for a long time before he spoke again, ¡°Yangyang, can you forgive me this once? You should know now, everything before was designed step by step by Gong Xue¡¯er. I was just her prey. I can¡¯t forget you, nor let you go. Yangyang, I love you.¡± Xia Yangyang felt as if her heart was being pierced by a thousand arrows. Lu Haotian had always been sweet with words. Xia Yangyang had been told ¡°I love you¡± for ten years, and she had always taken it for granted, and believed him. But never before had Xia Yangyang heard him use such a desperate and pleading tone. Lu Haotian had red eyes. This big boy who had grown up with her had never cried in front of her before. Xia Yangyang stared at him, unable to respond, her heart wracked with pain. As time passed by second by second, Lu Haotian¡¯s heart also sank little by little. Lu Haotian said, ¡°Yangyang, can we go back to the way things were?¡± Lu Haotian was silent for two seconds then asked again, ¡°Yangyang, do you still love me?¡± Chapter 58 - 59: Are You Afraid of Me? Chapter 58: Chapter 59: Are You Afraid of Me? Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang had never doubted that she was in love with Lu Haotian in the past. They were childhood friends, with a history of ten years. But at this moment, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t find the words. After a long pause, she finally said, ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Lu Haotian seemed to have something extinguished in his eyes. ¡°Because of Gu Qichen?¡± Xia Yangyang admitted honestly, ¡°Yes, Lu Haotian, we can¡¯t go back. Forget me and start over.¡± Lu Haotian turned away. Xia Yangyang watched as his shoulders trembled slightly, his hand clenched into a fist. Xia Yangyang felt extremely saddened. Tears fell unconsciously. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Haotian.¡± With a choke in his voice, Lu Haotian said, ¡°It was I who lost you. It¡¯s my fault, Yangyang, you must be happy from now on. Goodbye.¡± Lu Haotian moved further away. Xia Yangyang watched his figure disappearing into the darkness bit by bit. Xia Yangyang could feel the boy, to whom she had given ten years of affection, being stripped away from her life bit by bit by fate. Ten years, they had had disagreements and break ups. But Xia Yangyang knew, this time, it was aplete separation. Xia Yangyang broke down, crying uncontrobly in the darkness. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how long she cried, until the soft voice of Gu Qichen came from beside her. Gu Qichen said, ¡°Xia Yangyang, I am also human. Seeing you in such pain, I feel jealous too.¡± Xia Yangyang raised her head, and amidst her blurred vision, she saw Gu Qichen offer her a gray checkered handkerchief. Xia Yangyang took it, wiped her tears, and then lowered her head, remaining silent. Gu Qichen said, ¡°I know you two had deep feelings, but parting is apulsory lesson in growth. You met the wrong person at the right time, like him. Such a mistake must be corrected sooner orter, so you met me now.¡± Xia Yangyang stopped crying, a trace of confusion in her eyes. ¡°How do you know that you are the right person at the right time?¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°Because I won¡¯t let you cry.¡± After a while, Gu Qichen added, ¡°Of course, unless it¡¯s in bed.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, then reacted. She blushed and moved to hit him. She was so upset, and he was still in the mood to flirt. But after Gu Qichen¡¯s jest, Xia Yangyang felt much calmer. Gu Qichen was right, separation is apulsory course in growth. Like her mother¡¯s death, like tearing Lu Haotian from her life, she must keep moving forward. After Xia Yangyang waspletely calm, she asked, ¡°How did you discover Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s secret, get the recording, and even manage to y it publicly at the wedding reception?¡± Gu Qichen answered, ¡°It¡¯s not difficult. If she were truly pregnant, her own wits should¡¯ve told her that the eldest son of the Lu family is more valuable than framing you. Following this trail, it¡¯s easy to find it out quickly. In fact, there wasn¡¯t a recording. I had someone make one based on Zhong Jianxin¡¯s descriptions. As for airing it during the wedding, it was even simpler. I got a hacker to take over the wedding arrangingputer system.¡± Xia Yangyang was dumbfounded, ¡°The recording was forged by you?¡± ¡°Although the recording was forged, the content was not. I¡¯ve said before, the best way to deal with people like Gong Xue¡¯er is to offload her misdeeds onto her. Since she tried to trick you for three consecutive times, she should taste the same feeling.¡± When Gu Qichen said these words, his voice was still calm. But Xia Yangyang felt a chill down her spine. In fact, Gu Qichen had already investigated everything clearly, and this matter could have been solved privately. But Gu Qichen waited until today, at Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s engagement party. With this announcement, Gong Xue¡¯er was ruined forever. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Gu Qichen, I realize that I must never cross you, you are too ruthless.¡± Gu Qichen nced at Xia Yangyang casually, ¡°Are you scared of me?¡± Chapter 59 - 60: Xia Yangyang, I won’t let you off! Chapter 59: Chapter 60: Xia Yangyang, I won¡¯t let you off! Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang took a deep breath: ¡°You¡¯re not a man-eating tiger, why would I be afraid of you?¡± Gu Qichen chuckled lightly: ¡°I promised to take you out for a feast, but I noticed you didn¡¯t eat much tonight. Come on, let¡¯s go get something to eat.¡± Xia Yangyang was not in the mood for food, but she waspelled by Gu Qichen to eat some. The next day. When Xia Yangyang went to school, she heard various rumors. Gong Xue¡¯er had invited many ssmates to her wedding, so the events of the previous night had already caused a stir. Someone even recorded the whole thing on their mobile phone and posted it on the school forum. The video showed Gong Xue¡¯er kneeling down, begging Lu Haotian for forgiveness. She looked utterly humble and wretched. Xia Yangyang ran into fellow journalism students. They all gathered around to say, ¡°Yangyang, you were friends with someone like Gong Xue¡¯er. You treated her so well, but she stole your boyfriend and viciously framed you. We¡¯re certain she was the one who spread those rumors about you being kept by men. We misunderstood you.¡± ¡°Yeah, Gong Xue¡¯er is really terrible. We all initially thought she was ady of a rich family, but she got where she is through such despicable methods. She is a disgrace to our school.¡± ¡°You may not know, but Gong Xue¡¯er has been expelled. The principal and dean both attended the wedding yesterday and witnessed her scheming firsthand. They reportedly expelled her right after they returned.¡± ¡°She¡¯s really unfortunate then. With such a bad reputation, I doubt any school would ept her. Without a university diploma, her future is finished.¡± ¡°This is all her fault. If someone like her became sessful, she¡¯d only bring harm to others.¡± As the crowd was discussing animatedly, Gong Xue¡¯er was seen leaving the dean¡¯s office. She was pushing her luggage and carrying her backpack, apparently preparing to leave the school. When Gong Xue¡¯er saw Xia Yangyang, she paused and stopped. The students who were originally surrounding Xia Yangyang all moved towards Gong Xue¡¯er. You Lili said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this our Mistress Lu? Why do you have to carry such big and small bags by yourself?¡± ¡°Lili, you forgot, Young Master Lu broke ties with her at the wedding yesterday.¡± ¡°I did forget. Someone calcted everything to thest detail, but in the end¡­ tsk tsk, she¡¯s as pathetic as a dog.¡± ¡°You even framed your best friend, Gong Xue¡¯er, are you even human?¡± ¡°Alright, stop talking.¡± It was Yangyang who spoke. The crowd was just defending Xia Yangyang, but since Xia Yangyang had spoken, they all fall silent. Wen Xiaochu came over and seeing this situation, she chased the others away. In front of the main building, only Xia Yangyang and Gong Xue¡¯er were left. Gong Xue¡¯er¡¯s eyes were filled with hatred when she looked at Xia Yangyang. But Xia Yangyang remained calm. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°What are your ns next? My father knows the principal of Yun University, he might be able to transfer you there.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er snapped, ¡°Xia Yangyang, there¡¯s no need for your fake sympathy here.¡± Gong Xue¡¯er sneered, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you came here to mock me, right? You must be extremely satisfied. I admit defeat, but I lost to Gu Qichen, not to you, Xia Yangyang. Just because I can¡¯t fight him now doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t be able to in the future. I, Gong Xue¡¯er, swear that one day, I will make you all pay back a thousand times over. Xia Yangyang, I will not let this go!¡± Gong Xue¡¯er was almost gritting her teeth, her expression twisted in rage. Xia Yangyang felt there was nothing left to say. Gong Xue¡¯er had left the campus, left her life, and Xia Yangyang thought all was over. But the Xia Yangyang at that time did not know, fate is a pair of cyclical hands, stirring right and wrong, endlessly¡­. Chapter 60 - 61: Car Crash Chapter 60: Chapter 61: Car Crash Trantor: 549690339 The days that followed were incredibly peaceful. Before she knew it, it was already June. Gu Qichen was still often away on business, and Xia Yangyang slowly realized that her dependence on him was deepening. On the first day of each of Gu Qichen¡¯s business trips, Xia Yangyang would count the days until his return. This time, however, was probably the longest he had ever been away ¨C a whole week, with no set return date. Wen Xiaochu remarked that she looked listless all day, silent and lost in thought, as if she was lovesick. Indeed. Xia Yangyang had to admit that she missed Gu Qichen terribly, waiting for his messages, waiting for his phone calls. Even if the message was only a word or two, Xia Yangyang would stare at her phone for the longest time, beaming. Wen Xiaochu seriously suspected that she was in love. Xia Yangyang did not deny it. Today was the weekend, and she hadn¡¯t received any messages from Gu Qichen all day, leaving Xia Yangyang feeling particrly disheartened. She left the library around three o¡¯clock in the afternoon, intending to go home and sleep. While cycling home, distracted, she nearly collided with a ck sedan car. When the car had stopped, Xia Yangyang jumped in fright, noticing she left scratches on its rear fender from her bicycle. Upon noticing the car¡¯s brand, a Maybach, Xia Yangyang felt her spirits plummet even more. The driver got out of the car and immediately used her, ¡°Young girl, what were you biking without paying attention, ready to risk your life?¡± Xia Yangyang quickly apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I wasn¡¯t careful. I scratched the car.¡± The driver listened, took a look, indeed there was a scratch and he retorted, ¡°Can you afford to pay for this car? Let me tell you, you¡¯ve made a big mess. Look at this car. How could you, a little girl, possibly afford to reimburse for it.¡± Xia Yangyang then suggested, ¡°What if we report to the police? Go through the official process and assess how much should be covered, and I will take the responsibility.¡± ¡°You, young girl, that¡¯s tall talk. Do you know how much this car costs my master?¡± ¡°Mr. Zheng.¡± A deep voice made its way from the back seat of the car. Only then did Xia Yangyang notice a young man sitting in the back seat of the car. He wore sunsses and she couldn¡¯t make out his facial features, but his angr profile and steady temperament immediately told her that he was no ordinary person. The driver, referred to as Mr. Zheng, hastily dipped in conversation with this man, briefing him on the situation. From a distance, Xia Yangyang waited. After a while, Mr. Zheng walked over and said, ¡°My master doesn¡¯t have time for the official procedures. You will pay 20,000 yuan in repair fees. You¡¯re lucky our master is not finding fault with you today.¡± If she didn¡¯t know this car, asking for 20,000 yuan might be seen as extortion, but unfortunately, Xia Yangyang was aware. And she knew that sorting this out privately and paying 20,000 yuan was actually her getting off cheap. Xia Yangyang epted this, saying, ¡°Alright, but 20000 is not a small sum and I am just a student. Give me a month¡¯s time. I will pay off this amount within a month.¡± Mr. Zheng once again consulted with the man in the back seat. Then Mr. Zheng came over and handed Xia Yangyang a business card: ¡°This is my master¡¯s card, containing his number. When you have prepared the money, call him and he will provide you with the bank ount details.¡± Xia Yangyang epted the card and nodded. Mr. Zheng added another point, ¡°Don¡¯t call my master unless it¡¯s necessary, he¡¯s very busy.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded again. As Mr. Zheng returned to the car, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder why the master gave his time and attention to such a small issue involving this careless girl when he has such a busy schedule. The car drove away only after a while. Then Xia Yangyang nced down at the card. The card was quite simple, featuring gold lettering and only a name and a mobile number. Shen Shichuan? Why did that name seem somehow familiar to Xia Yangyang? Chapter 61 - 62: The Mysterious Boyfriend of Pop Queen Shen Manbing Chapter 61: Chapter 62: The Mysterious Boyfriend of Pop Queen Shen Manbing Trantor: 549690339 However, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t think too much about it, because the extra two thousand was enough to make her worried. Xia Yangyang doesn¡¯tck living expenses, but that amount is directly deposited into her bank ount every month by Liu Ruyan. Not more, not less, just enough to cover her monthly expenses. So how was she supposed to deal with this extra two thousand? Ask Liu Ruyan? Xia Yangyang absolutely couldn¡¯t do it. Xia Yangyang thought of Gu Qichen, but immediately smacked her forehead. She wouldn¡¯t dare ask Gu Qichen for money either. When Xia Yangyang arrived home, she began looking for jobs in the evening. She ended up finding work at an entertainment newspaper. This newspaper, called Cherry Entertainment, was essentially a paparazzi squad, specializing in tracking the private lives of top celebrities. Xia Yangyang was a journalism student. In this industry, the paparazzi were at the bottom of the socialdder. But, well, Xia Yangyang was in need of money and this job offered a highmission. Considering Xia Yangyang¡¯s academic background, the editor-in-chief Yuan Shijie immediately approved and assigned her to work as an assistant to Lao Bai. Lao Bai was the most seasoned paparazzi at Cherry News Agency, well known in the circle. He was the one who had exposed the secret marriage and childbirth of superstar Jiang Xinyan back in the day. Many celebrities held a grudge against him. Lao Bai had a mission that day, so he brought along Xia Yangyang to stake out Feng City International Airport. After squatting in the car for two hours, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t resist asking, ¡°So who exactly are we photographing today?¡± Lao Bai took a puff on his cigarette and said, ¡°Shen Manbing.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback: ¡°Isn¡¯t she shooting a film in Hollywood directed by Cameron?¡± Shen Manbing, the undisputed top superstar in the entertainment industry. She debuted at sixteen, rose to stardom within ten years, won numerous awards, was recognized as the most beautiful Asian face internationally, and recently made her Hollywood debut. Her worth was continuously rising, and recently she attracted global attention for bing the first Asian female lead in a Cameron film. In addition, Shen Manbing was the young miss of the Shen family, one of the four major families in Feng City, an esteemed identity. The Shen family also dominated show business. Their ¡°Time Entertainment¡± ounted for half of the entertainment industry, and managed to outss her father¡¯s Starlight Entertainment. Lao Bai nonchntly said, ¡°I got news that Shen Manbing has wrapped up her movie, and will return home today. Moreover, if there aren¡¯t any unexpected events, we might even get a surprising scoop today.¡± Xia Yangyang, being curious, asked, ¡°What kind of surprise? Could it be her extremely secret boyfriend?¡± Lao Bai, raising his eyebrows, looked at Xia Yangyang, ¡°You have potential.¡± Xia Yangyang grew intrigued. This rumor had been circting in the industry for a long time. It was said that Shen Manbing had a mysterious boyfriend, even rumored to be married. The gossip had been around for years, but the mysterious man had never been captured by the media, it had turned into one of the biggest mysteries in the entertainment industry. After another two hours of waiting, Xia Yangyang, half asleep, was awakened by Lao Bai. ¡°The person¡¯s out. Quick, take pictures.¡± Xia Yangyang sprang to life, reflexively grabbing the SLR camera, focused, and began snapping pictures. Xia Yangyang was inexplicably excited, because Shen Manbing indeed appeared arm in arm with a man, even holding onto his arm. But after shooting a few frames, Xia Yangyang froze as if a spell had been cast, immobilizing her. Xia Yangyang stared into the telephoto lens at the man whose arm was being held by Shen Manbing. Wasn¡¯t it Gu Qichen! Who else could it be? Chapter 62 - 63: She Actually Knows Nothing About Him Chapter 62: Chapter 63: She Actually Knows Nothing About Him Trantor: 549690339 The person in the frame quickly boarded a ck van. Old White said, ¡°I¡¯ll drive. Snap the shot whenever you get a good opportunity.¡± Old White started the car in no time and followed the van. Xia Yangyang seemed stunned for a while, her heart pounding as if ready to burst from her chest. The van stopped at the WORLD International Hotel. Oddly, Old White managed to directly drive into the hotel. The car was parked outside the hotel in the open-air parking lot. Old White made a phone call, then said to Xia Yangyang: ¡°They¡¯re in the Presidential Suite 3001.¡± Old White analyzed for a moment, then said, ¡°I¡¯ll book you a room on the third floor, right opposite 3001. These are the closest two rooms, with only two meters between the balconies. Starting from tomorrow, just stake out on the balcony. I don¡¯t believe they won¡¯t open the curtains in 24 hours. The moment you get a chance, no matter what scene is inside, shoot it all.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t anticipate that to cover celebrity gossip, they would go to such lengths; the room opposite 3001 was also a presidential suite, the price for just one night almost hitting five figures. Once Old White had arranged everything, he detailed instructions and precautions to her, such as what to do if you get discovered and how to make a quick exit from the WORLD Hotel. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°You¡¯re so familiar with this ce, why don¡¯t you go yourself?¡± Old White sheepishly scratched his disheveled hair: ¡°I¡¯ve been cklisted by this hotel for a long time.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t believe that within a quarter of an hour, she had managed to check into the WORLD Hotel. The room directly opposite 3001 was actually a restaurant. Xia Yangyang pulled back the thick restaurant window curtains, revealing a balcony outside. Because of its unique design, the closest part was only two meters from the opposite side. Below was an artificialke. Xia Yangyang felt confused. Why was it Gu Qi Chen? How could it be Gu Qi Chen? Had Gu Zhaohan once casually mentioned that Gu Qi Chen had been in love with someone for many years? Could that person be Shen Manbing? Xia Yangyang stood on the balcony looking at the opposite side in a daze, only to discover that the curtains on the other side had not beenpletely closed, leaving a small gap. Xia Yangyang picked up her telephoto lens camera and aimed it. She could vaguely see the lights and shadows inside but couldn¡¯t make out a clear shot. Based on Xia Yangyang¡¯s experience, a close shot would be sufficient to clearly see the inside through this small gap. Xia Yangyang is pretty agile; crossing the two-meter distance from this balcony shouldn¡¯t be a problem. Even if she failed to make it across the whole distance, there was an artificialke below. Xia Yangyang knowing how to swim would at least save her life. Xia Yangyang was conflicted because, as a media professional, she knew that crossing over was a dishonourable act. Even as paparazzi, they should work within the bounds of legality. If Xia Yangyang crossed over, she would be crossing a line. But in the end, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t resist. She wanted to know the rtionship between Gu Qi Chen and Shen Manbing too badly. It wasn¡¯t for the 20,000 Yuan bonus, but more so because Xia Yangyang felt like a million ants were gnawing at her from the inside. Xia Yangyang suddenly realized that she actually knew nothing about Gu Qi Chen ¡ª she waspletely ignorant of his past, his emotional history, everything. Ultimately, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t resist. She put on a disguise and crossed over from her balcony to the other side. She was quite agile, so it wasn¡¯t too challenging for her. But as soon as shended, an rm suddenly started ring on the balcony. Xia Yangyang was stunned. She had not expected that this balcony was equipped with an rm. The ss door on the balcony was quickly opened. And there was Gu Qi Chen¡¯s face, right before Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes! Chapter 63 - 64: Xia Yangyang, I really spoiled you too much 63 Chapter 64: Xia Yangyang, I really spoiled you too much Xia Yangyang was bewildered, what kind of bad luck was this? Gu Qichen''s brows were already furrowed, assessing Xia Yangyang''s manner ofnding and looking at what was behind her. In an instant, he understood how she got here. "Xia Yangyang, you''re really daring, don''t you value your life?" Gu Qichen''s words were obviously filled with indignation. Caught in the act, Xia Yangyang''s face was red enough to bleed. But still, she instinctively tightened her grip on her Single-Lens Reflex. Gu Qichen saw it too, and asked, "What exactly are you doing?" Xia Yangyang replied, "I''m interning at a newspaper right now. I''ve been tasked with photographing Shen Manbing''s itinerary, as well as... her mysterious boyfriend." Gu Qichen''s face darkened, he spouted curtly, "Delete them." Xia Yangyang had never seen Gu Qichen this stern, his eyes were like an icy veil, chilling to the bone. Xia Yangyang intentionally mentioned the mysterious boyfriend, in reality, she wanted to hear an exnation from Gu Qichen, or at least an immediate denial. However, Gu Qichen offered none. Xia Yangyang clung to her camera, "This is my job, I won''t delete them." n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Gu Qichen''s face grew darker, "Xia Yangyang, are you so eager to see your own husband with another woman sshed all over the headlines?" Xia Yangyang retorted coldly, "Don''t you have the guts to admit what you''ve done?" "What have I done?" Gu Qichen''s voice was frosty. "Ah Chen, who are you talking to?" A woman''s voice came from inside the room. Xia Yangyang''s gaze moved past Gu Qichen to look inside. Shen Manbing seemed to have just taken a shower, still wearing a white bathrobe, her hair wet, but she was an absolute beauty - fairer than snow, with exquisite features, like a woman in a painting. Her beauty was so brilliant, each move she made was full of charm. Shen Manbing had already approached Xia Yangyang, and seeing the camera around Xia Yangyang''s neck, guessed what she was doing. The absolute beauty furrowed her brows and asked, "Can the paparazzi really infiltrate like this? How did she get in?" Gu Qichen''s face was stern, but his voice was cold, "Jumped from the opposite balcony, such a lunatic." At this moment, the doorbell rang. The absolute beauty turned to answer the door. Gu Qichen spoke once again, "Do you realize your mistake?" Xia Yangyang stubbornly remained silent. Sneak photography was wrong. But if it weren''t for the fact that the person dating Shen Manbing was Gu Qichen, she, Xia Yangyang, wouldn''t have crossed such a line. Xia Yangyang stubbornly retorted, "I did nothing wrong. Paparazzi are also people, they need work. Their existence is justified, I''m just more dedicated than others." Gu Qichen retorted, "Xia Yangyang, you sure know how to justify yourself. I''ve indeed been too lenient with you too often. Without some punishment, you might start to think you can do anything, am I right?" At this moment, Shen Manbing returned with a group of people. Themotion had rmed the security team. Apanied by the WORLD''s general manager, they kept apologizing. "Miss Shen, we''re indeed honored that you''ve chosen our hotel, but we deeply apologize for this unfortunate incident. The paparazzi really will stop at nothing, but it''s only because you''re so popr, Miss Shen. We''ll handle the rest, ensuring it won''t happen a second time." Gu Qichen still kept his eyes on Xia Yangyang, "I''ll ask onest time, do you realize your mistake?" Xia Yangyang responded, "I did nothing wrong, and I won''t delete the pictures." Gu Qichen fixed his gaze on Xia Yangyang for two seconds before finally saying, "Call the police." Chapter 64 - 65: Want to Continue Being Willful? Chapter 64: Chapter 65: Want to Continue Being Willful? Trantor: 549690339 Generally, incidents like these are usually settled discretely by the hotel, contacting the newspaper, erasing photos, apologizing, and then it¡¯s all over. Celebrities typically don¡¯t want to cause undue trouble for magazine media. But Shen Manbing is no ordinary celebrity, she¡¯s a national diva. Shen Manbing spoke casually: ¡°Well then, call the police, investigate her newspaper, and send me awyer¡¯s letter.¡± The general manager agreed hastily and someone escorted Xia Yangyang away. It was now four in the morning. Xia Yangyang had just finished her statement at the police station. Old Bai had already arrived. Rather than scolding her, he evenforted her: ¡°Paparazzi get hauled into the station all the time, you¡¯ll get used to it. But you¡¯re gutsy, girl, daring to break into the building. Just remember, all we¡¯re doing is trying to make a living. There¡¯s nothing profitable about risking your life.¡± Xia Yangyang responded: ¡°Did I cause trouble for the newspaper? I¡¯ve also deleted all the photos.¡± ¡°That was expected,¡± Old Bai replied, ¡°Head office already got the call. Shen Manbing¡¯s secret boyfriend is a big shot that we can¡¯t afford to mess with. Even if you did manage to snap a pic of them together, it might not have been published. Why do you think no mediapany has managed to get proof of their rtionship after all these years? Anyway, this is all in the past now. Don¡¯t take it to heart.¡± After Old Bai left, Xia Yangyang remained at the police station, staring nkly while sitting on a chair. Orders from above were clear ¨C no bail within 24 hours. Half an hourter, Gu Qichen appeared at the police station. Xia Yangyang was sinking her head into a cup of water when she noticed Gu Qichen¡¯s slowly approaching shoes. Xia Yangyang did not lift her head or stand, and acted as though she hadn¡¯t seen anything. Gu Qichen reached out and grazed Xia Yangyang¡¯s head, ¡°Have you reflected yet?¡± Xia Yangyang turned her head away, ¡°Don¡¯t touch me, I don¡¯t know you.¡± Gu Qichen chuckled, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t move an inch. All she ever wanted was an exnation. During her time at the police station, Xia Yangyang thought about a lot of things. Perhaps it wasn¡¯t that Gu Qichen refused to exin but that he couldn¡¯t exin. For a long time now, Gu Qichen had treated her kindly, to the point where Xia Yangyang nearly forgot that, in the eyes of others, he was a ruthless, unreachable Gu Qichen. Tonight, a single photograph exposed his true self. Thinking of Shen Manbing¡¯s appearance in her bathrobe earlier stirred an uncontroble difort in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. Seeing that Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t budged, Gu Qichen¡¯s tone grew colder: ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you going to continue being stubborn?¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly stood up and ran out. Gu Qichen followed and grabbed her arm at the exit of the police station, ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you today?¡± Xia Yangyang desperately wanted to cry, but she held it back. She didn¡¯t want Gu Qichen to see her in such a state, it would be too shameful. Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t you trust me?¡± His question stopped Xia Yangyang in her tracks. Trust what? Trust that there¡¯s nothing going on between him and Shen Manbing? It wasn¡¯t that Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t trust him, but that she didn¡¯t trust herself. Their marriage had onlysted a few months, it was hardly serious, and had started as a joke. What trust could there be in such a marriage? In the end, Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°What exactly is your rtionship with Shen Manbing?¡± It seemed as if Gu Qichen had been waiting for her to ask this question. After a while, he finally responded: ¡°We don¡¯t have much of a rtionship ¨C we¡¯re just slightly more familiar friends..¡± Chapter 65 - 66:1, Gu Qichen, Don’t Want to Be Widowed at a Young Age Chapter 65: Chapter 66:1, Gu Qichen, Don¡¯t Want to Be Widowed at a Young Age Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know the definition of ¡°slightly better¡±. Gu Qichen said, ¡°Xia Yangyang, if your outrageous behavior today was due to jealousy, then I¡¯m pleased, but such things should not happen a second time. If you have doubts, you should ask me first rather than risking your life doing something as stupid as jumping off a building to take sneaky pictures. If not for yourself, you should at least consider me. I don¡¯t want to be branded as a widower at a young age.¡± Xia Yangyang:¡±¡­¡± Gu Qichen continued, ¡°Today¡¯s incident waspletely idental. I ran into Manbing when I returned from my business trip to New York. We were just old friends having a casual meal. Have I exined myself clearly?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°But you had me taken to the police station over a picture.¡± Thinking about it, Xia Yangyang felt unhappy. It was the first time in her life that she had been in such a ce. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was stern, ¡°I took you to the police station to teach you a lesson from today¡¯s incident, not because of a picture, but as a punishment for treating your life as a joke.¡± After hearing this, Xia Yangyang felt a bit better. But she still wasn¡¯t sure if what he said was true. Seeing Xia Yangyang moved, Gu Qichen said, ¡°I¡¯ve sorted out my matters, let¡¯s now talk about yours.¡± ¡°What about me?¡± ¡°When did you be a paparazzi reporter, sneakily taking pictures of celebrities¡¯ private lives?¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°I was just interning at the news agency and happened to be assigned to the entertainment section.¡± Xia Yangyang lied because of the car ident, she didn¡¯t want Gu Qichen to know. Twenty thousand yuan was nothing to Gu Qichen, but she didn¡¯t want him to meddle. Gu Qichen did not doubt her, ¡°If you want an internship, I can arrange for you to go to a better newspaper or television station.¡± ¡°No need, I want to rely on myself.¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t say anything else and was silent for a while, ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I have to go to the newspaper office, I have a big ss at school tomorrow morning, I¡¯m leaving first.¡± Without further ado, Xia Yangyang hailed a taxi and left. Gu Qichen stood there, his face frosty. Xia Yangyang did go to the newspaper office and waited until the editor came to work. Chief editor Old Yuan saw Xia Yangyang and reprimanded her, ¡°What¡¯s with young girls nowadays, acting recklessly, even daring to jump off a building. You should not be a reporter, but Spiderman, Xia Yangyang. I tell you, the newspaper can¡¯t afford your insurance. If you be disabled, no one is responsible for taking care of you.¡± Old Yuan stomped his feet in anger, while Xia Yangyang was dumbfounded. Seeing Xia Yangyang like this, Old Yuan became even more enraged, ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you even listening to me?¡± Xia Yangyang mumbled, ¡°I thought you would scold me for causing aint against the newspaper. I thought you would scold me for notpleting my task. I thought you would scold me for getting the newspaper cklisted by WORLD Hotel. I¡­didn¡¯t expect that you were scolding me out of concern for my safety.¡± Old Yuan was so angry he was about to explode, ¡°Do you think I would care about those issues more than a life? Xia Yangyang, I really think you haven¡¯t learned your lesson.¡± Xia Yangyang felt a lump in her throat. Both Old White and the editor were concerned about her safety. In fact, Xia Yangyang knew that the newspaper suffered a huge loss this time, even receiving awyer¡¯s letter. Xia Yangyang lowered her head and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Editor.¡± Seeing that Xia Yangyang¡¯s apology was sincere, the editor¡¯s voice softened a bit, ¡°As long as you know you were wrong. Be careful next time, you can leave now.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t leave, but hesitated, ¡°Editor, there¡¯s something I want to ask you. Can you prepay me half a year¡¯s sry?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you just made a major mistake, and you have the nerve to ask for a sry advance?¡± ¡°Editor, please, I¡¯m in a hurry, or else I can work for free for a year.¡± For some reason, Xia Yangyang felt that the atmosphere in the newspaper office was good, which had changed her previous view of paparazzi. So she plucked up her courage to ask for such an ¡°unreasonable request.¡± Old Yuan red at Xia Yangyang fiercely for a while, and finally gave in, ¡°How much?¡± Chapter 66 - 67: Pay Back the Money Chapter 66: Chapter 67: Pay Back the Money Trantor: 549690339 When Xia Yangyang walked out of the newspaper office, she had an envelope with 20,000 yuan in her hand. Xia Yangyang took out a business card given to her by a driver and dialed the phone number on it. ¡°Hello, who is this,¡± a deep voice came from the other end of the phone. The voice had amanding aura that made Xia Yangyang nervously blurt out, ¡°May I speak to Mr. Shen? I¡¯m the one who hit your carst time. I have prepared thepensation money, how can I transfer it to you conveniently?¡± ¡°Cash?¡± Xia Yangyang hesitated for a moment: ¡°Um, yes.¡± ¡°I¡¯m a bit busy now, wait for me on the 19th floor of the Time Building.¡± With that, the person on the other end hung up. Xia Yangyang found this somewhat strange. Even though it was cash, he could have just given her his bank ount number for her to transfer the money, whyplicate things? But then Xia Yangyang thought she should apologize for scratching such an expensive car in person. Since she had no sses in the morning, Xia Yangyang headed directly to the Time Building. Not far from Shengyuan, the Time Building was also andmark building in Feng City. The Time Building housed the Time Economy Entertainment Company, a golden castle, half of the top stars in the entertainment industry were under its contract, among them, the most popr and top-tiered was Shen Manbing. She was surprised that the man who looked like a business elite was actually working in an entertainmentpany. Without giving it much thought, Xia Yangyang went straight to the 19th floor. When she got out of the elevator, she was shocked by the sight before her. Hundreds of young women were gathered in the long corridor, the scene was spectacr. As Xia Yangyang walked past, to her surprise, she saw Xia Weiwei in the crowd. Upon seeing Xia Yangyang, Xia Weiwei looked at her with mockery in her eyes, ¡°Xia Yangyang, I didn¡¯t expect you to try out for an audition too. But look at you, underdressed and not knowing it¡¯s a ballroom scene.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t understand what she meant by an ¡®audition¡¯. However, she noticed that all the girls were dressed in formal gowns and heavily made up, while she was dressed in jeans and a white shirt. Someone next to her asked Weiwei, ¡°Is she¡­ your sister?¡± Xia Weiwei replied, ¡°She¡¯s not my sister. She¡¯s just a burden to our family.¡± People around her burst intoughter. Xia Yangyang remained calm, ¡°Xia Weiwei, if I remember correctly, you have your college entrance exams tomorrow, don¡¯t you? Does dad know about this?¡± It was June, Xia Weiwei was in her senior year of high school, and she should be preparing for her college entrance examination. Xia Weiwei responded, ¡°The college entrance examination is just a formality for me. I¡¯m destined to be a star in the future. The ¡®Cindere¡¯s Magic Romance¡¯ crew is holding nationwide auditions now. If I¡¯m chosen, I¡¯ll be famous overnight. The college entrance exam shouldn¡¯t stand in my way.¡± Xia Yangyang was speechless, but toozy to argue with her. Xia Weiwei continued, ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t bother, they won¡¯t choose you looking like this. Stop embarrassing yourself here.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯te for the audition.¡± ¡°Then what are you here for?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to know.¡± Xia Weiwei said, ¡°Since you¡¯re not here for the audition, don¡¯t stand in the way. They¡¯re about to start shooting the audition documentary. If you don¡¯t want to appear in the frame, you could hide in a room.¡± Xia Weiwei pointed to a room behind Xia Yangyang, ¡°That¡¯s an empty conference room, you could wait in there.¡± Xia Yangyang was there to meet someone anyway. She didn¡¯t want to stand in a crowded hallway with so many people. Without giving it much thought, she turned towards the conference room that Xia Weiwei pointed out. Xia Yangyang faintly heard Xia Weiwei and a group of people around herughing maliciously.. Chapter 67 - 68: He is the CEO of Time Entertainment Chapter 67: Chapter 68: He is the CEO of Time Entertainment Trantor: 549690339 A girl next to Xia Weiwei spoke, ¡°Weiwei, you are so mean, that¡¯s where the head director and scriptwriters have their meetings. If your sister barges in now, isn¡¯t it akin to suicide?¡± ¡°Yeah, and I heard that the top boss and investors are there as well today. The director for this drama is the entric Yang Jin who has a peculiar temper. Your sister is going to have real trouble if she steps in.¡± Xia Weiwei shrugged. ¡°I want her pride to be stepped on. Does she really think she can audition for the lead role? What a fool. She¡¯s overestimating herself.¡± Thus, Xia Yangyang made it to the doorway of the meeting room and just walked in. However, after only two steps, Xia Yangyang froze on the spot. What was happening in the conference room with all the people seated in a row? A group of people were in front of arge screen, where a live screening of the auditioning footage from another room was being yed. Upon hearing footsteps at the entrance, everyone turned to look at Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang was dumbfounded for quite a while. She quickly apologized, ¡°Sorry, I got the wrong room.¡± Having said that, she was about to leave. ¡°Wait a minute.¡± A hurried clear voice called out from behind her. Xia Yangyang stopped in her tracks. A middle-aged man with a beard had quickly walked up to her. He scrutinized Xia Yangyang from top to bottom, and while nodding, there seemed to be a look of surprise in his eyes. He then turned around and said, ¡°Xiao Hong, look. Doesn¡¯t she resemble the ¡®Lin Xiaofan¡¯ from your script?¡± Ady with thick sses also walked over, studying Xia Yangyang as if she were some kind of treasure. ¡°She fits the character perfectly, and she¡¯s attractive. Director Yang, you have such a keen eye. We haven¡¯t seen anyone better than her throughout the entire audition process.¡± Director Yang pped his thigh, ¡°She¡¯s the one! The lead actress for Cindere¡¯s Magic Love Tale.¡± Xia Yangyang was utterly dumbfounded. Could somebody please tell her what the hell they were talking about? Director Yang turned around and asked, ¡°What¡¯s your name? If there are no issues, pick up the script and sign the contract this afternoon.¡± Although Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t quite sure what was going on, she knew that there must certainly be a misunderstanding. Xia Yangyang exined, ¡°I¡¯m not here to audition. You¡¯ve got the wrong idea.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re not here for the audition, then why are you here?¡± ¡°I¡¯m here to find someone.¡± ¡°Who are you looking for?¡± ¡°She¡¯s here to find me.¡± A deep, maic male voice came from a not-so-far distance in the room. Xia Yangyang looked over and saw a man. He was dressed in a suit and his handsome face radiated an exceptional aura. The man leisurely walked up to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Miss Xia Yangyang?¡± Xia Yangyang mechanically nodded her head, wondering how this stranger knew her name. ¡°Please follow me.¡± The man lead Xia Yangyang out of the room. Xia Yangyang followed the man to a terrace at the end of the corridor. Along the way, she gathered countless gazes. The moment they passed Xia Weiwei, everyone was enveloped by a disbelief. Even on such a short route, expressions of shock, envy, and jealousy were prevalent. As these girls watched the retreating figure of the man, their eyes were filled with utter admiration, shy curiosities, and fear. The terrace was quiet, distinguished from the bustling corridor by a ss door. Xia Yangyang spoke first. ¡°Is this Mr. Shen?¡± The man reached out to her, ¡°Shen Shichuan, nice to meet you, Miss Xia.¡± Xia Yangyang stretched out her hand for a shake, then casually asked, ¡°How do you know my name?¡± Xia Yangyang remembered from the time of the ident, she had not introduced herself. The man exined, ¡°You are Xia Liangdong¡¯s daughter, it¡¯s natural that I would recognize you.¡± As her father was mentioned, Xia Yangyang was taken aback. The man no longer kept her guessing. ¡°I am the president of Time Entertainment, and your father is a predecessor whom I respect.¡± With those words, Xia Yangyang quickly understood what was happening.. Chapter 69 - 69: 70th picture: Gu Qichen! Shut up! Chapter 69: 70th picture: Gu Qichen! Shut up! Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang left the Time Building and went back to school. She didn¡¯t have sses in the afternoon, so she stayed alone in the library untilte. Until Gu Qichen sent her a message: ¡°When will you be home?¡± Xia Yangyang stared at her phone for a long time, but didn¡¯t reply. Gu Qichen quickly called again, his deep voiceing from the other side of the phone: ¡°Do you have sses tonight?¡± Xia Yangyang responded: ¡°I¡¯m busy with a news project recently.¡± ¡°Busy until when?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure, you should go to bed first, don¡¯t wait for me.¡± After hanging up, Xia Yangyang suddenly felt a bit regretful. In fact, Gu Qichen upied her mind the whole day. She hadn¡¯t seen him in such a long time, Xia Yangyang truly missed him. But remembering his intimacy with Shen Manbing yesterday, Xia Yangyang admitted that she was jealous. Although Gu Qichen exined, his exnation was not satisfying. Xia Yangyang also found that she knew very little about Gu Qichen. Their marriage was originally a farce, but sadly Xia Yangyang realized, she was taking it seriously. Indeed, Xia Yangyang spent the whole night in the library, at her most tired, she slept a while on the sofa in the rest area. For several days, she sneaked back home during the day to change clothes and shower, and slept at the library at night, just to avoid Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang admitted she was being a coward, but at the moment, she didn¡¯t know how to face Gu Qichen. So on the fourth day, Xia Yangyang was caught in the act by Gu Qichen. That noon, Xia Yangyang returned home as usual, seeing that no one was home, she took a shower right away. Because she had been sleeping in the library these days, Xia Yangyang was disorientated, her spirits were extremely low, and she was forgetful. After showering, she realized that she hadn¡¯t brought a change of clothes with her. It wasn¡¯t the first time this had happened. No one was at home anyway, and the curtains of the bedroom were tightly drawn. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t care much, and walked out of the shower immediately, nning to go to the walk-in closet to get her pajamas. But as soon as she stepped out of the shower, Xia Yangyang was stunned. Right in front of the shower, Gu Qichen sat straight up on the couch, his gaze directly facing the shower. Gu Qichen saw Xia Yangyang stepping out of the shower naked, he seemed to be slightly stunned as well. Then there was a piercing scream. Xia Yangyang, like being struck by lightning, turned around and fled back into the shower, mming the ss door shut behind her. Then, there was silence again. Xia Yangyang wrapped her arms around herself, her heart pounding as if it would burst out of her chest. She could see her reflection in the bathroom mirror, her body was as red as a cooked shrimp and her face was crimson enough to bleed. After a while, there was no movement outside. Could Gu Qichen have tactfully left the room? Xia Yangyang, peering behind the frosted ss door and carefully cracked open a small gap. What appeared in front of Xia Yangyang was a hand, holding her pajamas and underwear. Xia Yangyang looked up. Gu Qichen was leaning against the wall beside the door, one hand casually in his trouser pocket, the other holding the clothes, as if fishing a kitten, patiently waiting for Xia Yangyang to open the door. Xia Yangyang screamed again and once more shut the door. What kind of person is this!! Is he here tough at her? But this time, Gu Qichen directly pulled the door open: ¡°Xia Yangyang, there should be a limit to your shyness! We are husband and wife, it¡¯s totally normal to asionally see each other, and besides, in the past, we have also been in the shower together¡­¡± ¡°Ah! Gu Qichen, shut up!¡± Xia Yangyang knew what Gu Qichen was about to say.. Chapter 70 - 71: The Cat That Stepped On Its Tail Chapter 70: Chapter 71: The Cat That Stepped On Its Tail Trantor: 549690339 In the past, but that was when I was in a state of unconsciousness too. It¡¯spletely different now. Xia Yangyang, with her back to Gu Qichen, realizes that there is nothing to cover herself with in the bathroom. Like a cat with its tail stepped on, she roared, ¡°Gu Qichen, get out!¡± Gu Qichen found Xia Yangyang with her hair standing on end rather cute. Xia Yangyang¡¯splexion was inherently pale. At this moment, though, it held an odd rosy hue, simr to a ripe honey peach. Gu Qichen began to miss the slickness of her skin, akin to silk. Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes darken. If this continues, he worries his self restraint will copse. But now is not the right time. Gu Qichen stepped out, and Xia Yangyan hurriedly said, ¡°Leave my clothes on the ground.¡± Gu Qichen hooked the corner of his mouth and put down her clothes. Xia Yangyang dressed and stayed inside for a while before stepping out. Gu Qichen was on the balcony making a call. After hanging up and entering, he saw Xia Yangyang ring at him. Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t even spoken. Xia Yangyang blurted out, ¡°Pervert!¡± Gu Qichenughed, having lived for more than twenty years, it was the first time he had been described with these words. Gu Qichen casually responded, ¡°Who¡¯s the real pervert when someone walks out from the bathroom naked?¡± Xia Yangyang: ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have knocked before entering? That¡¯s basic manners.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, who knocks before entering their own bedroom? Besides, I wasn¡¯t aware that you¡¯d be¡­ so unreserved!¡± Xia Yangyang, observing the faint shadow of a smirk on Gu Qichen¡¯s face, felt so embarrassed that she wished for a hole to open up in the ground and swallow her whole. Gu Qichen smiled and said, ¡°Okay, no need to dwell on this. We¡¯re married, so it¡¯s quite normal. If you really feel ufortable about it, next time I finish showering, I can let you see me without clothes.¡± Xia Yangyang:¡±¡­¡± Xia Yangyang was so angry her teeth itched, but she had noeback. Xia Yangyang snorted, packed up her things, and prepared to leave. However, she was stopped by Gu Qichen who grabbed her arm, ¡°Xia Yangyang, we need to talk.¡± Xia Yangyang muttered, ¡°What is there to talk about?¡± ¡°That¡¯s what I want to ask you; what¡¯s been going on with you these past few days?¡± Xia Yangyang knowingly yed dumb, ¡°What do you mean?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice became more serious, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you¡¯ve been avoidinging home and purposely avoiding me recently, what¡¯s wrong?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t quite know what was wrong with herself either, but seeing Gu Qichen now felt oddly irritating. Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°I¡¯ve just been busytely.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, look me in the eyes and say it again, tell me you¡¯re not lying.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t dare to meet Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze, his eyes were inscrutable. In fact, she was still somewhat afraid of this man. Gu Qichen said, ¡°I checked your schedule. You don¡¯t have many sses recently, and you also don¡¯t have ss this afternoon; you should rest for a while. I¡¯ll bring you to meet someone tonight.¡± Xia Yangyang reflexively responded, ¡°Who are we meeting?¡± ¡°Shen Manbing,¡± Gu Qichen replied. ¡°I know you still care about what happenedst time. Since I can¡¯t exin it clearly, let her tell you in person.¡± One had to admit, Gu Qichen really had an uncanny ability to read people. Was Gu Qichen really willing to take her to see Shen Manbing? Did this mean that she had indeed misunderstood? Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice softened a bit, ¡°But Shen Manbing must be very busy, right? As a big-name star, meeting her is probably harder than reaching the sky for ordinary people, right?¡± Gu Qichen reached out and squeezed Xia Yangyang¡¯s cheek, ¡°Who has a jealous wife like me? If I don¡¯t clear this up now, even though I can bear it, she can¡¯t.¡± Gu Qichen leaned closer, his tone yful. Xia Yangyang was a bit stunned, ¡°Who are you talking about?¡± Gu Qichen teased, ¡°Her.¡± Xia Yangyang blushed with irritation again, ¡°Gu Qichen! You, you¡­ are doing it again¡­.¡± Chapter 71 - 72: If this isn’t your revenge on me, then what is it? Chapter 71: Chapter 72: If this isn¡¯t your revenge on me, then what is it? Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang slept all afternoon, and so did Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyangid in bed listlessly staring at the ceiling. In everyone else¡¯s eyes, Gu Qichen was untouchable, refined and aloof, rumors even spread around. Gu Qichen apparently didn¡¯t like women, he was pure andcked desires! What pure and desire-free nonsense! Nevertheless, Xia Yangyang¡¯s mood had improved significantly. Perhaps she had just been overthinking it. The restaurant chosen by Gu Qichen was a private French one, usually a haunt for celebrities and politicians. Xia Yangyang was actually rather nervous. Firstly, it was Gu Qichen¡¯s first time taking her to meet his friends. Second, Shen Manbing was no ordinary person, she was a diva with innatemanding energy. However, Xia Yangyang was still pretty excited. That feeling, it was as if she was transitioning into Gu Qichen¡¯s life. Their marriage was a secret. Xia Yangyang was afraid of someone finding out, she never thought about how this marriage will end. But now, her mindset had gradually changed. When Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen arrived at the restaurant, Shen Manbing hadn¡¯t shown up yet. After waiting for a while, Gu Qichen received a phone call. It was Shen Manbing¡¯s agent. Xia Yangyang vaguely heard words like ¡®car ident¡¯ and ¡®rear-end¡¯. After hanging up the phone, Gu Qichen¡¯s expression had turned very solemn. Gu Qichen said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Shen Manbing had a car ident on the way here and she¡¯s now in the hospital. I have to go and see her.¡± Xia Yangyang promptly said, ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°It¡¯s not too serious, you¡¯d better stay here. Have something to eat, I¡¯lle back to pick you up, it won¡¯t be for long.¡± Xia Yangyang thought about it, if she appears publicly in the hospital with Gu Qichen, it might cause a lot of controversies. So she nodded her head and said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll wait for you here.¡± Gu Qichen left, and Xia Yangyang just stayed there. Food started flooding the table dish after dish, all were delicious delicacies. Yet, Xia Yangyang just sat there all alone, the waiter¡¯s gaze was slightly strange. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t touch her chopsticks, she packed several main courses to take away. In the end, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t put her mind at ease and took a taxi to the hospital. She had good hearing, when Gu Qichen was on the call earlier, she heard the name of the hospital and the room number of the ward. Soon she arrived at the hospital and went directly to the inpatient department. It was in the VIP ward where there were not many people, it was very quiet. The whole floor of Shen Manbing¡¯s ward was empty. Xia Yangyang stood outside the ward¡¯s door, hesitating. Just as Xia Yangyang wanted to knock, the door opened and a nurse stepped out. After looking at Xia Yangyang¡¯s takeaway box, she said ¡°You must be Miss Shen¡¯s assistant, go ahead, just remember not to give her any greasy food.¡± After saying that, the nurse left. The door of the ward remained open. The inside of the ward was spacious, like a presidential suite. Xia Yangyang slowly walked in, and from the bedroom, she could hear Gu Qichen¡¯s voice, ¡°Manbing, don¡¯t y these tricks. I thought I¡¯d made things clear the other day¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s voice came from inside, ¡°How am I supposed to believe what you say, you and a twenty-year-old girl got a marriage license? Gu Qichen, are you trying to get back at me?¡± ¡°I am not getting back at you. I got married, that¡¯s the truth.¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, having a career in Hollywood was my dream since childhood. I¡¯ve said I¡¯ll take at most two years. After two years, I am confident I¡¯ll win the Oscar for Best Actress.¡± ¡°That¡¯s your choice, it has nothing to do with me.¡± ¡°What about your choice? Is it because you proposed to me and I rejected you, that hurt your CEO¡¯s ego so you married a young girl? If this isn¡¯t getting back at me, then what is it?¡± Chapter 72 - 73: A Moment of Terror Chapter 72: Chapter 73: A Moment of Terror Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang waspletely stunned. Her mind went nk for a moment, but then everything became clear. Until now, she had always been confused about why someone like Gu Qichen would marry her. They didn¡¯t know each other before and only got entangled because of a drunken night. The next morning, when Xia Yangyang regained her consciousness, she was in great panic. However, Gu Qichen asked calmly, ¡°Are you of legal age?¡± She nodded. Gu Qichen said, ¡°Bring your household register and ID to meet me at the office of the Civil Affairs Bureau this afternoon.¡± And just like that, in a daze, Xia Yangyang hand in hand received their marriage certificate with Gu Qichen. At that time, Xia Yangyang was disheartened about love because of Lu Haotian and Gong Xue¡¯er, and she had lost her virginity in such an inexplicable way. She felt that it didn¡¯t matter who she got married to. She didn¡¯t expect the man she received the certificate with to be of such high status. Xia Yangyang was puzzled as to why Gu Qichen, even after a ¡°one night stand¡±, out of a thousand possible solutions, chose to marry her. Now, Xia Yangyang understood. Gu Qichen was just like her. Disappointed in love, he had given up on marriage. While someone continued talking, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t hear a single word. She of wooden expression turned around and left the hospital. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart ached. The truth was, even if Gu Qichen had married her for such reasons, she couldn¡¯t me him. Because she too agreed out of despair, she had no right to me others. What upset Xia Yangyang was that her current thoughts werepletely different from before. She¡­ she seemed to have fallen for Gu Qichen¡­ It was pitch dark out. Xia Yangyang continued walking mechanically. Then suddenly, she heard the screaming honk of a horn. When she turned her head, she saw two ring beams so intense she couldn¡¯t open her eyes. Xia Yangyang had no time to react and just found her arm being hauled away by a strong force. Xia Yangyang fell into someone¡¯s arms. Then, all she could hear were the roaring sounds of traffic and some driver¡¯s cursing as he sped past. ¡°Are you okay?¡± asked a deep male voice that seemed to float down from the top of her head. Xia Yangyang looked up and saw it was Shen Shichuan. It took her a moment to notice that Shen Shichuan had one hand tightly gripping her wrist and the other around her waist. The two of them close together. Xia Yangyang could even hear his heart beating. Xia Yangyang quickly pulled away and took a step back, ¡°I¡¯m alright.¡± Shen Shichuan said, ¡°Miss Xia, you seemed very distracted. It was very dangerous.¡± Xia Yangyang took a look around and realized that she had walked into the middle of the road. Just now she was lost in thought, crossing the road without paying attention. If it had not been for Shen Shichuan¡¯s timely appearance, she might have been in grave danger. Xia Yangyang was suddenly shocked and scared. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Thank you.¡± Shen Shichuan smiled lightly, ¡°How about Miss Xia treating me to a meal as I am quite hungry.¡± Taken aback, Xia Yangyang nodded in agreement. They went to a nearby Hunan restaurant. After sitting down, Xia Yangyang was still shaken, ¡°Thank you for saving me, Mr. Shen. But how did you happen to be there?¡± Shen Shichuan replied, ¡°I had just left the hospital when I met Miss Xia. I noticed you seemed rather distraught, bumping into two people within a short walk. I didn¡¯t feel secure leaving you alone, so I decided to follow you. Therefore, the incident wasn¡¯t really a coincidence.¡± She had bumped into two people while walking? And she had no idea¡­. Chapter 73 - 74: Signing the Contract Chapter 73: Chapter 74: Signing the Contract Trantor: 549690339 Shen Shichuan continued, ¡°However, I am curious as to what has made Miss Xia so disoriented.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°It¡¯s just some things that I can¡¯t figure out.¡± Unwilling to talk about it, Xia Yangyang changed the topic, ¡°What brings you to the hospital?¡± Shen Shichuan exined, ¡°My little sister was in a car ident and is hospitalized. I¡¯m here to see her.¡± Upon hearing this, Xia Yangyang felt as if something shed through her mind. Xia Yangyang hesitated before asking, ¡°Your sister, is she Shen Manbing, by any chance?¡± Shen Shichuan nced at Xia Yangyang, ¡°You know my sister?¡± As expected. The Shen family wasplex. They were one of the four major families in Feng City. Shen Shichuan was the CEO of Time Entertainment, and Shen Manbing was thepany¡¯s core talent. But she had never made the connection between the two individuals. Xia Yangyang¡¯s feelings were mixed as she spoke, ¡°Shen Manbing is a national icon, who wouldn¡¯t know her?¡± Shen Shichuanughed, ¡°If Miss Xia is willing to join the entertainment industry, you¡¯ll be the next top star in no time. Director Yang Jin keeps talking about you every day, urging me to convince you to y the female lead in his new drama.¡± Xia Yangyang politely declined, ¡°I am still at school, it wouldn¡¯t be convenient.¡± ¡°That won¡¯t be a problem at all. The drama is mostly set in a school environment, and the location is your very own A University. Besides, you¡¯ll be on summer vacation soon.¡± Despite that, Xia Yangyang still declined. After finishing dinner, Xia Yangyang returned to Maple Vi. Half an hourter, Gu Qichen called to say he would bete and advised the driver to pick her up from the restaurant. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, I am already home.¡± After hanging up, Xia Yangyang sat alone on the couch. Her gaze was fixed on the clock on the wall. When would Gu Qichen be back? Midnight. If Gu Qichen came back before midnight, Xia Yangyang would confront him. If he didn¡¯te back, she would leave. Xia Yangyang, a Libra, often found herself in a dilemma. Under such circumstances, she would let time and fate make the choice. The hands of the clock were ticking. Time was slowly slipping away. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart was sinking, as if sinking into the deep, endless sea. When the second hand unhesitatingly passed twelve, Xia Yangyang suddenly felt calm. It was as if the sword hanging above her head had finally dropped. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Xia Yangyang picked up her phone and dialed Shen Shichuan¡¯s number. There was a note of surprise in Shen Shichuan¡¯s voice over the phone, ¡°Miss Xia?¡± ¡°I was wondering, if I agreed to act in your film, would you arrange amodation for me?¡± ¡°Of course, it¡¯s the best dormitory at A University.¡± ¡°Fine, I ept your offer.¡± After hanging up, Xia Yangyang started packing her belongings. She did not want to live under the same roof as Gu Qichen, and her old dormitory had been assigned to someone else. Neither did Xia Yangyang want to go home, she would either stay at school or go to summer camp during summer vacation in the past. After packing, Xia Yangyangy in bed for a while, but she couldn¡¯t sleep soundly. Gu Qichen didn¡¯te back all night. The next day, Xia Yangyang left with her luggage. Xia Yangyang first kept her luggage in Wen Xiaochu¡¯s dormitory, then she went to Time Entertainment. CEO¡¯s office. Shen Shichuan handed Xia Yangyang a document, ¡°This is the contract. You can have a look. If you have any concerns, feel free to raise them.¡± Xia Yangyang skimmed through it. Having grown up with a father who was also a chairman of an entertainmentpany, Xia Yangyang was familiar with such matters. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I have no intention of bing an artist under Time Entertainment. Can we make it simpler? I shoot a film, you pay me what I deserve, we end the contract after the movie is done. Just like that, simple..¡± Chapter 74 - 75: Who is the Male Lead? Chapter 74: Chapter 75: Who is the Male Lead? Trantor: 549690339 Shen Shichuan thought for a moment and then put away the contract: ¡°Yes, I can do that. But in this case, it¡¯s going to be hard for me to arrange a manager for you. So I will temporarily act as Miss Xia¡¯s manager. The shoot willst for three months, and I will personally arrange your work during this period. Of course, if anything happens, you will need to notify me immediately.¡± ¡°I promise you,¡± Xia Yangyang replied. After re-signing the contract, Shen Shichuan said: ¡°Tonight, we¡¯ll have dinner with the director and the scriptwriter to get to know each other. We¡¯ll start shooting in three days.¡± Xia Yangyang agreed but added, ¡°Could you arrange my dormitory in advance¡­ I don¡¯t have anywhere to stay right now.¡± Shen Shichuan replied, ¡°The dormitory arrangements haven¡¯t been scheduled yet ording to the agreement with A University. I¡¯ll find a ce for you to stay for the next few days.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded in agreement. With no extra money to live on, she had no choice but to ask for help. Worstes to worst, she would repay the amodation fee once she had earned money from acting. Xia Yangyang spent the whole day in Shen Shichuan¡¯s office reading the script. She had lunch at the staff canteen in the Time Mansion. In the afternoon, Gu Qichen called her, but Xia Yangyang did not pick up. In the evening, Xia Yangyang and Shen Shichuan drove to Defu Pce Hotel. The private room was spacious and elegantly decorated. The director, scriptwriter, producer, and several other key creatives started arriving one after another. Director Yang Jin looked at Xia Yangyang as if she were a treasure. During the meal, Xia Yangyang curiously asked Yang Jin, ¡°Out of so many girls, why did you pick me at first sight?¡± Yang Jin, after having a drink, said with a smile, ¡°Because the Lin Xiaofan in the story is a silly, cute girl, always a bit slow. When you barged into the meeting room and had that stunned moment, I thought, isn¡¯t this Lin Xiaofan? Your silly and cute demeanor, it¡¯s just like her.¡± Xia Yangyang: So she was chosen because she looked foolish. That wasn¡¯t quite how she had imagined it. Xia Yangyang chatted with the scriptwriter, Xiao Hong, for a while. Xia Yangyang was absorbed into the script as soon as she read it in the afternoon. ¡°Cindere¡¯s Magical Fate¡± tells the story of an entric girl named Lin Xiaofan who, after surviving a near-death ident, unexpectedly gains the ability to briefly traverse time and space. She identally gets involved with a nobleman¡¯s son, Kim Shixun, and theiredic magical romantic adventure begins. The plot is wonderfully fantastical and engrossing. Xia Yangyang finished reading the entire original story all at once and enjoyed it tremendously. The role of the TV drama¡¯s second female lead, the rich youngdy Xie Anqi, is yed by rising star Lu Yao. Lu Yao was also present at the dinner. Xia Yangyang had long known her name because Lu Yao was also a student of the A University drama department. However, she was discovered by a talent scout in her first year and had already acted in several TV dramas. Although she hadn¡¯t achieved great fame, she had gained a lot of poprity, and was even dubbed the ¡°Drama Department Flower.¡± Being from the same school seemed to give them an instantaneous connection. After dinner, the big shots were discussing business matters. Meanwhile, Xia Yangyang chatted with Lu Yao off on the side. Lu Yao said, ¡°I heard that the male lead has already been chosen secretly, but they haven¡¯t announced it yet. I thought we might meet him in person today. Who do you think it could be?¡± Xia Yangyang thought for a moment and replied: ¡°The most popr young male actors in Time Entertainment right now are Song Zihan and Ou Ze. Song Zihan is filming Director Zhang¡¯s big-budget historical film in Scond. He probably doesn¡¯t have time. Ou Ze¡¯s new drama just wrapped up, so I think he¡¯s the most likely candidate.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s knowledge of the entertainment industry owes a lot to her previous work on a special news feature titled ¡°The Impact of Celebrity Influence on the Entertainment Industry.¡± Lu Yao nodded and replied, ¡°I think so too. Ou Ze is very handsome, but he¡¯s too much of a straight man and not my type..¡± Chapter 75 - 76: Don’t worry, I am still a gentleman Chapter 75: Chapter 76: Don¡¯t worry, I am still a gentleman Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang joked, ¡°Then what type do you like?¡± Lu Yao said shyly, ¡°Among the male celebrities in the entertainment industry, I like Chen Yu the most. I am, after all, a die-hard fan of him.¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head: ¡°Chen Yu¡¯s face is more beautiful than a woman¡¯s. Is it not a lot of pressure to like a man who is more attractive than yourself?¡± And so, the two of them began to discuss the gossip of the entertainment industry. Indeed, gossip is the second soul of a woman. The gathering ended at ten o¡¯clock. Shen Shichuan drove, with Xia Yangyang sitting in the passenger seat. Xia Yangyang had no idea where Shen Shichuan nned for her to stay, maybe a hotel. The phone rang again. This was the third call that evening. Xia Yangyang stared at the blinking screen, her heart churning, and finally simply turned off her phone. When she looked up, it seemed Shen Shichuan nced her: ¡°Boyfriend?¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback: ¡°No.¡± Shen Shichuan didn¡¯t ask further, the car soon stopped. Only then did Xia Yangyang realize that this was not a hotel, but a garden vi. Xia Yangyang asked in surprise: ¡°Where is this?¡± Shen Shichuan said: ¡°My home.¡± Xia Yangyang was even more surprised: ¡°Why did you bring me to your home?¡± Shen Shichuan looked at Xia Yangyang¡¯s frown and defensive demeanor,ughed, and said: ¡°It¡¯s not safe for you, a girl, to stay in a hotel. You can stay here for the time being.¡± Xia Yangyang hesitated: ¡°Is this really okay?¡± Shen Shichuan smiled lightly: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m a gentleman after all.¡± Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t afraid of that, but it still felt very awkward. However, it was alreadyte at night, and the vi was on the outskirts of the city. It would bete to go back. Eventually, Xia Yangyang got out of the car. The vi was veryrge and private, surrounded by lush, towering trees. There was an outdoor swimming pool in the garden, and the lights inside the vi were bright, like a pce. Only after going in Xia Yangyang realized how incredible this ce was. But except for a housekeeper, there was no one else, which felt a bit deserted. The housekeeper arranged a guest room for Xia Yangyang. After staying in the room for a while, there was a knock at the door. Xia Yangyang went to open the door. Shen Shichuan stood at the door. He had a few sets of clothes in his hands. Shen Shichuan said: ¡°These are my younger sister¡¯s clothes. They are brand new. Your size is simr to hers, so they should fit.¡± Xia Yangyang took the clothes: ¡°Thank you.¡± Shen Shichuan said: ¡°If you need anything, you can find Uncle Yang, the housekeeper, or you cane to me directly. My room is next to yours.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded. At this time, the housekeeper came over and said: ¡°Sir, you have a guest.¡± Xia Yangyang was puzzled. It was sote and there was a visitor. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t think too much. Shen Shichuan left, and Xia Yangyang stared at the clothes in her hands in a daze. It was the clothes of the queen of the music industry, Shen Manbing. It was surreal. That woman was born to be adored by the stars. Xia Yangyang had to admit, actually, Gu Qichen and Shen Manbing were a good match. They seemed to be people from the same world. Xia Yangyang shook her head, decided not to think about it, and turned to go to the bathroom to take a bath. Meanwhile, in the study. Shen Shichuan opened a bottle of red wine, poured it into a ss, and handed it to the man sitting on the sofa with a gloomy face, ¡°You, a busy man, rarely show up in a year. Today youe to drink with me in the middle of the night. What could possibly make you, Young Master Gu, so troubled?¡± The man took the wine ss from Shen Shichuan¡¯s hand, took a small sip, and asked: ¡°What do twenty-year-old girls usually think about? Why do they often ignore people?¡± Chapter 76 - 77: The Woman Who Dares to Upset Gu Qichen under the Heaven... Chapter 76: Chapter 77: The Woman Who Dares to Upset Gu Qichen under the Heaven¡­ Trantor: 549690339 Shen Shichuan was also holding a ss of wine to his lips, luckily he hadn¡¯t taken a sip, otherwise he might have choked. Shen Shichuan remarked, ¡°I never thought I¡¯d live to see the day when you, Gu Qichen, ask such a childish question¡ªwhen did you fall in love? I had no idea, and she¡¯s a 20-year-old girl?¡± Gu Qi Chen spoke lightly, ¡°I¡¯m already married.¡± Shen Shichuan, who was gently swirling his wine ss in his hand, paused. His tone became serious, ¡°Are you serious?¡± Gu Qi Chen didn¡¯t answer, instead, he drank all of the red wine in his ss. Shen Shichuan noted, ¡°Actually, I¡¯m not opposed to you being in a rtionship. Just like in business, umting experience is not necessarily a bad thing. But marriage is a serious matter. I always thought that Xiao Man would be your bride someday.¡± Qi Chen responded, ¡°I¡¯ve grown up with Manbing, and over time, many things seem to fall into ce naturally. I even proposed to her, but she turned me down. Then, something unexpected happened. That girl broke in, and I realized that my usually unchanging life had taken an interesting turn, making it feel different than before. If you ask me if I¡¯m serious, I am. From the moment we registered our marriage, I nned to take it seriously.¡± Shen Shichuan showed no significant change in expression, his fingers ran along the rim of his cup, seemingly contemting something. Shen Shichuan stated, ¡°I don¡¯t want to interfere with your rtionship with Xiao Man. Both of you are adults and have your own perspectives. However, my sister is stubborn. Over the years, I¡¯ve spoiled her. The things she can¡¯t get always tend to incite her desire to have them. You should deal with this sooner rather thanter. Make things clear to her.¡± Qi Chen replied, ¡°I understand.¡± Shen Shichuan cracked a faint smile, raising his ss, ¡°Nevertheless, congrattions on your wedding.¡± When Qi Chen thought about a certain someone, he couldn¡¯t help but show a hint of helplessness on his face. Still, he leaned forward and clinked sses with Shen Shichuan, ¡°Thank you.¡± Shen Shichuan changed the subject, ¡°So, your newlywed bride isn¡¯t speaking to you? What kind of girl is she to capture your heart?¡± On a rare asion, Qi Chen sighed, ¡°Not only is she not talking to me, she has run away. I don¡¯t even know where she is now.¡± Shen Shichuanughed, somewhat delighted at Qi Chen¡¯s plight, ¡°A woman who dare give you a hard time is indeed rare. You make me genuinely want to meet this new wife of yours. She must be quite a character.¡± Qi Chen stood up, sighed, and walked towards the terrace. After taking a bath, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t fall asleep as shey in bed. Her mind was filled with the image of Gu Qi Chen. She wondered what he was doing right now? Has he returned to Maple Vi? Is he still with Shen Manbing? The more Yangyang thought about it, the more restless she became, feeling like the spacious room was suffocating. Xia Yangyang finally got up and decided to rx on the patio. There was a whole wall in the room made entirely of floor-to-ceiling ss. Pulling back the thick curtains, Xia Yangyang opened the ss door and stepped onto the terrace. The terrace was built in a Western design, in a Central European architectural style, which Yangyang had seen in the movie ¡°Romeo and Juliet¡±. The view outside was magnificent, a greatke under the moonlight resembled a giant mirror; trees were trimmed to form maze-like shapes; British roses were nted all over the flower field. At a nce, it seemed like she was wandering in the realms of ¡°Alice in Wondend¡±. Yangyang could not help but marvel. She was surprised to find such a beautiful ce in Feng City. The night breeze of June was not too hot. It felt like a gentle hand brushing against her face. Yangyang closed her eyes and found herself feeling much more rxed. She turned around, intending to go back to sleep. However, she noticed a figure on the terrace next door.. Chapter 77 - 78: Bump Into Chapter 77: Chapter 78: Bump Into Trantor: 549690339 Each room here has a terrace, adjacent to one another, not too far apart. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know which room was next door, but with the interior light shining through, she could see everything clearly on the terrace. The moment Xia Yangyang recognized the face of the man, she froze. For a moment, Xia Yangyang thought she was hallucinating, and rubbed her eyes incredulously. When she opened her eyes again, the man was still standing there, but emanating an even colder aura. It was not a hallucination! The man now staring at Xia Yangyang was indeed Gu Qichen! The wind was still! The trees were dormant! Murderous intent! Xia Yangyang really felt that the world was too mysterious. Why would Gu Qichen suddenly appear here? He was dressed in a white shirt and ck pants, with a handsome face. One hand held a wine ss, and the other was put in his trouser pocket. The warm interior lights mixed with the moonlight shone on him, making him look like the perfect man straight out of aic book. However, that increasingly cold aura was hard to ignore. It almost turned the terrace into an icehouse. Xia Yangyang¡¯s first reaction was, if the enemy does not move, I do not move. So, they fixed their gaze on each other from a distance for a long time. When Shen Shichuan walked up behind Gu Qichen, he saw this scene. Gu Qichen¡¯s aura was icy, and his stare seemed like it could swallow and peel off the person on the other side. Meanwhile, the girl on the other side looked panicked with a hint of urgency shing in her eyes. It was like arge scale raid in progress. Shen Shichuan frowned and asked, ¡°What, do you know each other?¡± Gu Qichen had already turned and entered the room. Xia Yangyang did not breathe a sigh of relief. Her mind was like a jigsaw puzzle, nk. Sure enough, less than a minuteter, there was a knock on Xia Yangyang¡¯s door. What¡¯s meant toe is stilling. Xia Yangyang quickly pulled herself together, walked over, and opened the door. Both Gu Qichen and Shen Shichuan were standing at the door. Gu Qichen¡¯s face didn¡¯t look too good. His voice was chillingly intimidating: ¡°Xia Yangyang, shouldn¡¯t you exin why you are here?¡± Xia Yangyang truly felt that one sentence couldn¡¯t exin it all. Seeing he seemed to sense something, Shen Shichuan interjected: ¡°She¡¯s the lead actress in the new drama I¡¯m investing in. She needed a ce to stay, so she¡¯s temporarily living here.¡± Shen Shichuan then shifted his gaze onto Xia Yangyang: ¡°What¡¯s the rtionship between you two?¡± Shen Shichuan had already figured out the answer. He had been friends with Gu Qichen for twenty years, but he¡¯d never seen him with such a gloomy expression before. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice dropped a few more degrees: ¡°The lead actress of the new drama, why didn¡¯t you tell me you¡¯re acting?¡± Xia Yangyang retorted: ¡°Why should I tell you everything? You are also hiding many things from me, aren¡¯t you?¡± Gu Qichen sized up Xia Yangyang and noticed that she was in her pajamas. His heart burned with a silent rage. Gu Qichen, having controlled his temper, curtly announced: ¡°Come home with me.¡± Xia Yangyang felt that no matter what happened between her and Gu Qichen, it was ultimately their affair. She didn¡¯t want to be made fun of by others. So, she kept silent as if acquiescing. When leaving, Xia Yangyang said to Shen Shichuan: ¡°Thank you for taking me in today, I¡¯ll exin the situation to youter.¡± Gu Qichen, standing next to her, coldly retorted: ¡°You should think about how to exin to me first.¡± Xia Yangyang ignored him, and walked off. Gu Qichen gave Shen Shichuan a chilling stare: ¡°And you, I¡¯ll settle the score with youter.¡± Shen Shichuan spread his hands innocently, his voice vague: ¡°I¡¯m innocent. I didn¡¯t know in advance that she was your missing wife.¡± Gu Qichen snorted coldly, and turned away. The slight smile gradually faded from Shen Shichuan¡¯s face.. Chapter 78 - 79: Let’s Get Divorced Chapter 78: Chapter 79: Let¡¯s Get Divorced Trantor: 549690339 On the way, Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen remained silent. Xia Yangyang secretly nced at Gu Qichen¡¯s face in the rearview mirror. It was so gloomy that it felt suffocating. Xia Yangyang initially felt a bit guilty, after all, she has a marital rtionship with Gu Qichen and she was caught staying over at a stranger¡¯s house. But when she thought about the night when Gu Qichen didn¡¯te home, Xia Yangyang felt that,pared to him, her actions weren¡¯t that excessive. The car drove into Maple Vi and finally stopped at the entrance. The atmosphere in the car became even more frosty, Xia Yangyang felt as if the air had solidified. Gu Qichen finally spoke, ¡°Tell me, what exactly happened?¡± Xia Yangyang pretended to be confused, ¡°What do you mean?¡± Gu Qichen turned his head to look at Xia Yangyang. Strangely, she felt there was nowhere to hide under his gaze. Gu Qichen said, ¡°You ran away from home, you stayed in a stranger¡¯s house without telling anyone, and you mingled with Shen Shichuan. How well do you know him to dare to go home with him?¡± Xia Yangyang retorted, ¡°I don¡¯t know you that well either, yet I married you.¡± In the past, Xia Yangyang would never dare to speak to Gu Qichen like this. Gu Qichen was evidently infuriated by these words, ¡°Does our marriage mean so little to you?¡± Xia Yangyang responded, ¡°It¡¯s mutual.¡± Gu Qichen stared at Xia Yangyang for a long time, ¡°Xia Yangyang, do you really want to speak to me this way?¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly felt very sad. She was torn inside, uncertain whether toy her cards on the table or to tear away the veil between them. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t have the courage. Perhaps once she did, everything would quickly return to square one. Xia Yangyang was not ready yet, she just wanted to cool off their rtionship for a while. Xia Yangyang lowered her head, ¡°Gu Qichen, let¡¯s take a break.¡± ¡°Why? Just because I didn¡¯te home to pick you up that night, you¡¯re being so willful.¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly felt very aggrieved. See, Gu Qichen is pretty smart, he can sense her feelings. But Gu Qichen didn¡¯t know that she went to the hospital that night and overheard his conversation with Shen Manbing. Or perhaps, Gu Qichen did know, but pretended not to. Because once it was out in the open, many things would change. Xia Yangyang admitted that she had be a coward in love. When Lu Haotian cheated on her with Gong Xue¡¯er, she could decisively sever their ten-year rtionship, although it was incredibly painful. But now, she didn¡¯t even have the guts to be honest. Because then, she would make a total fool of herself. What was she, Xia Yangyang, to him? Just a band-aid on Young Master Gu¡¯s love wound? Xia Yangyang had calmed down, ¡°I¡¯ve already agreed to act in a TV drama during the summer vacation. I¡¯ll be staying in the crew¡¯s dormitory during this time.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t allow it.¡± ¡°I have already signed the contract.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll pay the penalty for breaching the contract.¡± Xia Yangyang turned to look at Gu Qichen, ¡°Gu Qichen, this is my choice, my life, you have no right to control me.¡± ¡°I¡¯m your husband, if I¡¯m not qualified, who is?¡± ¡°It is just a marriage on paper. If you really want to stop me, then let¡¯s get divorced.¡± After that sentence was said, everything seemed to suddenly quiet down. The silence was terrifying.. Chapter 79 - 80: Stealing a Kiss Chapter 79: Chapter 80: Stealing a Kiss Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang had originally thought that the two words ¡°divorce¡±, even when proposed, would be very difficult. But she didn¡¯t expect, she would just blurt it out like this. In fact, these days, these two words are like a thorn, stuck in her heart. Hurting her from time to time. Gu Qichen¡¯s face was gloomy, and the temperature in the car seemed to have reached freezing point. Xia Yangyang could hear her own heartbeat. But she still acted very calm on the surface. After a while, she heard Gu Qichenugh bitterly: ¡°Xia Yangyang, you really are free and easy, do you think marriage is just a child¡¯s y? Even if you think so, I, Gu Qichen, am not a man you can y with.¡± After saying that, Gu Qichen got out of the car and left. Only Xia Yangyang was left in the car. She was somewhat stupefied thinking, who exactly was ying with whose feelings. Xia Yangyang eventually got out of the car. After entering, she found Gu Qichen smoking on the balcony. They have been living under the same roof for some time. But Xia Yangyang had never seen Gu Qichen smoke before. His side profile was hidden in the swirling smoke, his expression unclear. But the chilling aura surrounding him made it impossible for anyone to approach. Xia Yangyang willingly went to the spare bedroom, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t seem like his usual self. He was chillingly terrifying. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to provoke this man. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t sleep. She stared at the ceiling. As time passed, every second seemed to turn into torture. She faintly heard noises from the door. Xia Yangyang reflexively closed her eyes, pretending to sleep. Xia Yangyang heard the faint sound of footsteps, steady and unhurried, she knows who it is without guessing. The footsteps were drawing closer and then they disappeared. Although her eyes were closed, Xia Yangyang could feel someone¡¯s gaze falling on her. She didn¡¯t know how much time had passed. Xia Yangyang felt a chill on her lips. Reflexively opening her eyes, she found herself face to face with a devastatingly handsome man. Gu Qichen was actually kissing her! Yet at this moment, the man had his eyes closed and didn¡¯t notice Xia Yangyang¡¯s initial stiffness. The next second, Xia Yangyang quickly closed her eyes again, pretending to be deep asleep. The kiss only deepened, with a visible hint of restrained anger. Gu Qichen¡¯s lips were cold with a faint smell of tobo. At first, it was only a slight touch of the lips. But at this moment, the force was steadily increasing. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t dare to move. If she ¡°woke up¡± now, it would be quite embarrassing, wouldn¡¯t it? Moreover, Xia Yangyang could sense the man¡¯s burgeoning anger. So what was he doing right now? Was he venting his anger on her? Xia Yangyang was indeed a little angry inside, but she couldn¡¯t push him away. So, like in a dream, Xia Yangyang murmured deliberately, turned over, and continued to ¡°sleep¡±. After a while, Xia Yangyang heard a heavy sigh from the man. Then came the gradually retreating footsteps and the soft sound of the door closing. Xia Yangyang finally opened her eyes¡­ Her heart was pounding violently, as if it was about to jump out of her chest. Her lips were a little numb, still remaining the taste of Gu Qichen¡­ Biting the corner of her nket, Xia Yangyang¡¯s face was red in the darkness. Even though she knew that the kiss from Gu Qichen just now was out of anger, Xia Yangyang found herself shamefully craving for the taste of Gu Qichen. That head-spinning sensation, like riding a roller coaster, made Xia Yangyang feel even more useless. Xia Yangyang, you cannot fall! She forcibly pinched herself. Wake up! Don¡¯t continue to be a fool in love! Chapter 80 - 81: Isn’t there too much intimate play? Chapter 80: Chapter 81: Isn¡¯t there too much intimate y? Trantor: 549690339 Early the next morning, Xia Yangyang deliberately got upte. It wasn¡¯t until after nine that she left her room. From her extensive observations, Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Qichen was a workaholic who left his house punctually at seven-thirty every morning and didn¡¯t take any vacations. Xia Yangyang assumed that Gu Qichen must have already left. As Xia Yangyang was crossing the living room, she heard a deep voice from the side: ¡°Where are you going?¡± Xia Yangyang jumped. When she turned her head, she found Gu Qichen sitting on the living room couch. He was wearing gold-rimmed sses, a white shirt and ck trousers, with aptop on his knee, apparently just having been working. Xia Yangyang had interned at Shengyuan and was frequently called to the CEO¡¯s office. Therefore, she had seen Gu Qichen working on numerous asions. It has to be said, a man hard at work is very charming, especially Gu Qichen, with his naturally irresistible face. Xia Yangyang paused for a moment, then said, ¡°I¡¯m going back to school. Today is thest professional exam.¡± Xia Yangyang did indeed have an exam, but it was in the afternoon. Gu Qichen offered, ¡°I¡¯ll drive you.¡± As he spoke, Gu Qichen was already closing hisptop and standing up. Xia Yangyang hastily refused, ¡°No need, it¡¯s not far. I can just ride my bike.¡± ¡°I¡¯m heading to thepany anyway.¡± As she sat in the car with Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang felt awkward. Eventually, the car stopped. Xia Yangyang wanted to get out right away, but found that Gu Qichen had locked the doors. What did this mean? Xia Yangyang looked at him. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t look at Xia Yangyang. In a deep voice, he asked, ¡°Are you sure you want to take on the TV drama?¡± Xia Yangyang stubbornly replied, ¡°Yes.¡± Her real purpose was just not to live under the same roof as Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang already felt soberly that she was gradually losing herself. Before it was toote to free herself, Xia Yangyang had to soberly scrutinize and think about the rtionship. As for what would happen in the future, she had not reached a conclusion yet. Xia Yangyang thought that Gu Qichen would continue to oppose her decision. However, after a moment of silence, Gu Qichen said, ¡°If you insist, then go ahead. But don¡¯t ever mention divorce again.¡± After Xia Yangyang left. Gu Qichen drove to the Time International Building. Time CEO¡¯s office Gu Qichen sat on the sofa, perusing a document with a serious expression. Shen Shichuan leaned against the office desk, his arms folded. He teased, ¡°Young Master Gu, you¡¯ve been reading the script for two hours now. Any pointers?¡± Finally closing the script, Gu Qichen¡¯s face was gloomy: ¡°There are 12 scenes of hugging, 4 scenes of kissing, and a bed scene. Isn¡¯t that too much?¡± Shen Shichuanughed, ¡°So you spent two whole hours reading a script, just to count those?¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t reply, he just looked silently at the man in front of him. Shen Shichuan then replied seriously, ¡°Cindere¡¯s Fantastic Fate is the country¡¯s first major fantasy masterpiece. As the lead actress, Xia Yangyang has a total of 478 scenes and only a few are intimate ones, which is already quite few.¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°For those scenes, a stand-in should be used.¡± Shen Shichuan responded, ¡°That may not work. First, this show is directed by Yang Jin who is famously obsessive. Even for previous martial arts dramas, he didn¡¯t allow actors to use stand-ins, let alone this type of youth idol drama. Second, Xia Yangyang, as a neer selected from a wide range of applicants, is sure to attract a lot of attention. If she uses a stand-in even for a few intimate scenes, she¡¯s likely to be criticized for being pretentious and acting like a diva..¡± Chapter 81 - 82: Little girls of this age, they all have a bit of rebellion Chapter 81: Chapter 82: Little girls of this age, they all have a bit of rebellion Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen said: ¡°I heard that the financing of your film is a bit short?¡± Shen Shichuan raised an eyebrow. This film is the first youth fantasy movie in the country, filled with a lot of fantasy effects, and a Hollywood team has even been invited, making the production costs astronomical. However, as there hasn¡¯t been such a TV drama series domestically yet, investors are mostly watching the trend, and several investment contracts are still under negotiation. Shen Shichuan said: ¡°What, is Shengyuan interested in entering the entertainment industry?¡± ¡°Fifty million.¡± There was no surprise on Shen Shichuan¡¯s face: ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as a free lunch in the world, especially one from you, Young Master Gu. It¡¯s not easy to take advantage of, what are the conditions?¡± ¡°First, after Xia Yangyang joins the crew, arrange for someone to report to me her daily schedule, secondly, use stand-ins for all the scenes I just mentioned. These are the two conditions.¡± Shen Shichuanughed as if he had expected this: ¡°You really care about your young wife. For the sake of the money, I agree. But Ah Chen, too much of anything can lead to a bacsh. Aren¡¯t you afraid that a young girl of her age might rebel? After all, they tend to be a bit rebellious.¡± Speaking of which, it was exactly what Gu Qichen was worried about. Lately, Xia Yangyang seemed to be¡­ truly rebellious. She seemed to take issue with everything he said. But the moment he forbid her to enter the entertainment industry, she even brought up the word ¡°divorce¡±. Thinking about the scene where Xia Yangyang blurted out the word ¡°divorce¡±, Gu Qichen felt inexplicably annoyed. Gu Qichen clearly remembered that his first reaction at the time was panic. In his 27 years of life, Gu Qichen had never had this kind of feeling, as if something was out of control. Gu Qichen¡¯s eyebrows were already furrowing. He stood up: ¡°Our marital matters don¡¯t require your concern. And stay away from her.¡± Shen Shichuan could not help but bothugh and cry: ¡°Ah Chen, even I am not trustworthy in your eyes? You are seeing threats everywhere now. Men who fall in love are really terrifying.¡± It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t trust Shen Shichuan, but he was afraid that the girl would be confused. After Xia Yangyang finished herst professional exam, it was considered as her holiday. In the afternoon, Liu Ruyan called her, asks her toe home for dinner. Xia Yangyang agreed. Compared to returning to a house without warmth, Xia Yangyang was reluctant to face Gu Qichen even more. In the next few days, Xia Yangyang nned to stay home and study the script. She would join the crew two dayster. During dinner, Xia Liangdong said: ¡°Yangyang, Weiwei has finished her college entrance exam and you are on holiday. Now that the family is free, I¡¯m also nning to take a few days off. Let¡¯s go to the Maldives for a family trip, what do you think?¡± Actually, Xia Yangyang had known about this for a long time, as Xia Weiwei had mentioned it before. Over the years, they often went on holidays, but they would symbolically mention it to Xia Yangyang. And then wait for Xia Yangyang to refuse. Subsequently, the three of them would guiltlessly go on the trip. Xia Yangyang used to feel ufortable but now she was used to it. Xia Yangyang did not lift her head: ¡°I have some things to do this summer, you guys go ahead.¡± Xia Liangdong sighed: ¡°Why do you always have something whenever we mention going out?¡± Liu Ruyan chimed in: ¡°Now that the child has grown up and has her own busy schedule, you shouldn¡¯t hinder her progress.¡± But at this point, Xia Weiwei suddenly spoke: ¡°I also can¡¯t go, I will be really busy this summer.¡± Xia Liangdong said: ¡°What are you busy with? You have finished your college entrance exam, what else can you be busy with?¡± Xia Weiwei deliberately nced at Xia Yangyang: ¡°I am officially announcing something today. I am going to participate in the filming of the TV drama ¡°Cindere¡¯s Magic Romance¡±. I was epted through my own audition and will join the crew in two days.¡± Xia Yangyang was originally drinking her soup, when she heard Xia Weiwei say this, she froze momentarily.. Chapter 82 - 83: The Mysterious Male Lead Chapter 82: Chapter 83: The Mysterious Male Lead Trantor: 549690339 Xia Liangdong said, ¡°Howe I didn¡¯t know, when did you go for the audition secretly? This show is a joint production by Starlight and Time Company, why didn¡¯t you tell me beforehand?¡± With a coquettish tone, Xia Weiwei said, ¡°I know our family also invested in it, but I didn¡¯t want to take advantage of backdoor connections. Dad, you also know my dream is to enter the entertainment industry, but I don¡¯t want to be criticized as someone who relies on family ties.¡± Xia Liangdong was stern-faced. Liu Ruyan¡¯s voice was full of amusement, ¡°The child wants to try her luck by herself, so you shouldn¡¯t worry too much. There¡¯s nothing wrong with venturing into the entertainment industry. Besides, Weiwei proactively went to audition, it shows she has some ambition. This girl is rarely so passionate about something.¡± Xia Liangdong asked, ¡°What role are you ying? Starlight is only a nominal participant in this show, it¡¯s more about courting Shen Shichuan. I haven¡¯t really been keeping track of the progress.¡± With pride in her voice, Xia Weiwei dered, ¡°I am the fourth female lead, and have scenes in almost 40 episodes.¡± Xia Liangdong said, ¡°It¡¯s quite impressive to secure the role of the fourth female lead in your first show purely based on your abilities. Since you want to enter the entertainment industry, work hard. Your dad will definitely turn you into a top actress.¡± ¡°Thank you, Dad,¡± Xia Weiwei replied with a smile. Seeing that Yangyang showed no reaction, Xia Weiwei turned to her and asked, ¡°By the way, sister, any ns for this summer vacation, or are you nning to spend all your time in the school library again? You should be careful not to be book-dumb, at your age, it¡¯s important to see the world.¡± ¡°Why are you talking to Yangyang like this?¡± Liu Ruyan reprimanded. Xia Weiwei said, ¡°I¡¯m just stating facts. She spends every vacation in the library. However, the filming location of ¡®Cindere¡¯s Magic Romance¡¯ is at our university. Sister, we will be able to see each other more often.¡± Xia Yangyang nced at Xia Weiwei, her voice indifferent, ¡°Yes, we should be seeing each other often.¡± Xia Yangyang had finished eating. She put down her chopsticks, ¡°I¡¯m done eating. You can continue, I¡¯ll go back to my room.¡± As she was leaving, she heard Xia Weiweiining, ¡°Dad, I¡¯m sure sister is jealous of my audition sess. Do you know, she also secretly auditioned for the show and I caught her red-handed¡­¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t bother to respond and went back to her room. She took out a stack of scripts from her backpack. Inwardly Xia Yangyang was surprised, she had never imagined that Xia Weiwei would also be starring in this TV drama. It seems there could be trouble ahead. Xia Yangyang could already picture Weiwei¡¯s reaction once she discovered she was the leadingdy in the drama. Just the thought made her head ache. But Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t afford to care about that now, once decisions were made, there could be no turning back. Xia Yangyang stayed at home for two days. Xia Weiwei, from time to time, woulde to annoy her and unt her role. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t pay any attention to her. During these two days, Gu Qichen, like always, called her every night. Their rtionship seemed to have returned to calm, but an invisible divide lingered between them. Every time after the call, Xia Yangyang would sit nkly for a long time. On the day of joining the crew, Shen Shichuan contacted Xia Yangyang to meet him at Time Company first. Xia Yangyang thought there might be something urgent, so she went to Time building early in the morning. Meeting with Shen Shichuan, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Isn¡¯t today the day to join the crew?¡± They had to attend the opening ceremony at 3 in the afternoon, so Xia Yangyang hade early. Shen Shichuan said, ¡°No rush. Later, you will apany me to pick someone up. We¡¯ll have lunch together and get acquainted, and then you two will join the crew in the afternoon.¡± Xia Yangyang was puzzled, ¡°Pick up who?¡± Who could be such a big star to have the president of Time Entertainment picking them up personally? Shen Shichuan teasingly replied, ¡°The male lead of the show, your future partner for the next three months, you¡¯ll find out once we get there.¡± Xia Yangyang was curious. Until now, ¡®Cindere¡¯s Magic Romance¡¯ hasn¡¯t announced the male and female leads. The secrecy was well-maintained, yet this had caused a fervent guesswork among the public. Naturally, this was a marketing strategy, the more mysterious it was, the more attention it drew. Xia Yangyang was also curious. Previously she and Lu Yao had guessed that it might be Ou Ze, the popr young actor under Time Company. Now Xia Yangyang was even more certain of it.. Chapter 83 - 84: A Man More Handsome than Women - Chen Yu Chapter 83: Chapter 84: A Man More Handsome than Women ¨C Chen Yu Trantor: 549690339 At nine o¡¯clock. Xia Yangyang and Shen Shichuan rode together to the airport. Xia Yangyang was silent on the way, not initiating any conversation. Shen Shichuan, however, made an effort to start talking. Shen Shichuan asked, ¡°Yangyang, is Ah Chen not easy to deal with?¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, not because of Shen Shichuan¡¯s question. It was because Shen Shichuan used ¡°Yangyang¡± in such a natural and intimate way, which made Xia Yangyang feel a little ufortable. Shen Shichuan looked at Xia Yangyang, as if he had seen through her thoughts. He smiled, ¡°You better get used to it, because from now on, I¡¯m your manager and I can¡¯t refer to you as Miss Xia all the time.¡± A blushing Xia Yangyang responded, ¡°He is actually very nice,verypetent, gentle and can cook. Though slightly obsessive about cleanliness, he is pretty ideal.¡± Xia Yangyang was telling the truth. In her eyes, Gu Qichen was perfect. But sometimes he was too perfect, making him seem untouchable. Shen Shichuan, with a smile on his face, responded, ¡°That¡¯s because you don¡¯t know him well enough. Despite appearances, he is stingy, demanding, arrogant, and a devil of jealousy.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned, her voice bing sharp, ¡°Mr. Shen, you are my husband¡¯s friend, it is not gentleman-like to speak ill of your friend behind his back.¡± Xia Yangyang was inexplicably annoyed. The fact that Gu Qichen would go drinking with Shen Shichuan in the middle of the night was proof that their rtionship was not ordinary. Shen Shichuan turned his head sideways, looked at Xia Yangyang, and the corners of his mouth curved into a smile, ¡°Husband ¡± Xia Yangyang froze, as she had said those words without thinking. Shen Shichuan added, ¡°It seems that you two have made up. Thest time Ah Chen took you away, he didn¡¯t look happy. I was worried there might be some misunderstandings between you two. Now that I see how you defend him, I am relieved.¡± It was then that Xia Yangyang realized. Shen Shichuan had been intentionally criticizing Gu Qichen in order to gauge the status of her rtionship with him. The car soon stopped in front of the airport. As soon as Xia Yangyang and Shen Shichuan entered the terminal, they saw a sea of people near the exit. It was obvious that these fans hade to pick up their idol. When Xia Yangyang was wondering who the celebrity was, she saw a disturbance in the crowd. Piercing screams echoed. ¡°Chen Yu, I love you!!!¡± Crazed screams and cries of excitement filled the airport. At first, a huge number of security guards formed a human wall through the crowd, creating a pathway for someone. Then, apanied by a group of assistants, the celebrity everyone was chasing walked out at a leisurely pace. That celebrity was the hottest star in the entertainment industry, the winner of the grand award at the Busan Film Festival, the heart throb ¨C Chen Yu! Xia Yangyang¡¯sst memory of Chen Yu was from a year ago, at the annual Starlight G. But the mere thought of that event made Xia Yangyang frown. Chen Yu was undoubtedly the king of poprity, but Xia Yangyang¡¯s impression of him was far from good. The man wore a grey linen shirt which despite the old color, fit him perfectly. Describing Chen Yu¡¯s face as breathtaking was no exaggeration. Even the most beautiful in the entertainment industry would be overshadowed when standing beside him. Chen Yu¡¯s fans were by no means only women, even men were bewitched by his charm. The most famous case was that the scion of Asia¡¯s richest, Xi Yankai, rented Times Square in the United States to confess his love to Chen Yu on a gigantic screen, making international headlines.. Chapter 84 - 85: A year ago, there was a story Chapter 84: Chapter 85: A year ago, there was a story Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang felt something sh through her mind. She turned her head to ask Shen Shichuan beside her, ¡°Is the person we¡¯re picking up Chen Yu?¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s voice was light, but itnded like a bomb, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s him. You should know him, he¡¯s your father¡¯spany¡¯s most favored artist.¡± Chen Yu was the pir of stardom, of course Xia Yangyang knew him. But she had assumed that since Shen Shichuan was the producer of this TV series, the lead actor would be from hispany, Time. So, at one point, Xia Yangyang had spected that it might be Ou Ze or Song Zihan. But she had forgotten what Shen Shichuan had said at the beginning. The series was a joint investment of Time and Stardom. So, it wasn¡¯t surprising that the Stardom¡¯s home-grown star would be the lead actor in this series. However¡­ why did it have to be him¡­ Chen Yu was now approaching, surrounded by people. Becasue there were so many fans, the screaming and shouting never ceased. Before they even had a chance to say hello, Shen Shichuan instructed, ¡°Let¡¯s go. We can talk in the car.¡± Chen Yu is such a big star, he has even got Shen Shichuan to pick him up personally. Xia Yangyang thought to herself. So, when getting in the car, Xia purposely left the passenger seat free and opened the door to sit in the back. But, unexpectedly, when Chen Yu arrived, he didn¡¯t take the passenger seat, but went straight to the back, sitting next to Xia Yangyang. ¡°Chuan, drive quickly. I purposely scheduled my trip a dayte, didn¡¯t expect them to stay here all day and night. Modern kids are so scary with how they follow stars, if I ever have kids and they chase stars like this, I swear I¡¯ll break their legs.¡± Xia Yangyang:¡±¡­¡± Is that really how he talks about his own fans? Shen Shichuan had already started the car and they quickly left the airport. Shen Shichuan said, ¡°As for your future kid, they probably won¡¯t chase stars. I¡¯ve pre-booked them already, they¡¯ll sign with thepany from birth and start their training from the age of two. Guaranteed to be even more popr than you.¡± ¡°You maniptive manager, won¡¯t even spare my child. However, you¡¯re correct, my child will surely be a gem among all babies. After all, there¡¯s no one in the world better looking than me.¡± After finishing his sentence, Chen Yu pulled out a small mirror from who knows where, checked his face, and then threw himself a satisfied kiss. Seeing this, Xia Yangyang¡¯s skin crawled. She knew this man was narcissistic, but she didn¡¯t expect it to be this bad. However, Xia Yangyang also noticed, the conversation between Shen Shichuan and Chen Yu was casual and casual ¡ª like that of old friends. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Do you two know each other?¡± Shen Shichuan said, ¡°You probably didn¡¯t know, Chen Yu was originally signed with Time when he debuted. But your father poached him with a high price so he did not renew with us. Regardless, we remained friends.¡± So that was the story. Chen Yu put away his mirror, now focusing his attention on Xia Yangyang, ¡°Little Miss, do you still remember me?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Barely.¡± Chen Yu said, ¡°About my proposal from a year ago, have you given it any thought?¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°I made myself clear a year ago.¡± This time it was Shen Shichuan¡¯s turn to be surprised, ¡°Is there some kind of story between you two?¡± Xia Yangyang quickly replied, ¡°No story, he¡­ just had a moment.¡± At this, Shen Shichuan became more intrigued, ¡°I want to know, what happened a year ago.¡± Chen Yu¡¯s voice was casual,zy even, he ruffled his hair, ¡°Nothing much. A year ago, I proposed to her but was rejected, that¡¯s all..¡± Chapter 85 - 86: So Good-Looking, But The Brain Is Bad Chapter 85: Chapter 86: So Good-Looking, But The Brain Is Bad Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect that Chen Yu would casually spill the beans about this incident. A year ago, Xia Yangyang saw Chen Yu for the first time at the Starlight Awards, and was stunned by his appearance. What Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect, however, was that the first words Chen Yu said to her were, ¡°Miss Qian, will you marry me?¡± At the time, Xia Yangyang was bbergasted, thinking that this man was all looks, but with a brain that had clearly gone haywire. After all, they didn¡¯t know each other or have any connection. In fact, this was the first time Xia Yangyang had ever met him. Right then and there, Xia Yangyang turned him down. This incident was something Xia Yangyang had never confided in anyone about, not even Lu Haotian, who was her boyfriend at the time. Shen Shichuan, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t surprised. He chuckled, ¡°So there is such a story, but you must be the only one that could resist Chen Yu¡¯s marriage proposal.¡± Hearing Shen Shichuan speak so casually, Chen Yu looked hurt: ¡°My heart was shattered by Miss Qian. It¡¯s been a year, but the wounds haven¡¯t healed yet.¡± Xia Yangyang:¡±¡­¡± Weird! They hardly knew each other! Turning to her, Chen Yu said, ¡°Miss Qian, we must be destined for each other. We finally get to spend day and night together. You will definitely fall in love with me.¡± Xia Yangyang responded coldly and firmly, ¡°That will never happen. I don¡¯t fancy men that look prettier than women.¡± Upon hearing this, Chen Yu seemed quite pleased with himself. He reached out to pinch her cheek: ¡°Miss Qian, are you giving me apliment? It¡¯s just like someone I¡¯m going to marry: you have such a unique way of praising people.¡± Shen Shichuan interjected, ¡°Marry her? I¡¯m afraid you¡¯re out of luck.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°She¡¯s already married,¡± Shen Shichuan said calmly. Chen Yu¡¯s face changed instantly, and he put his hand on his chest in disbelief: ¡°Miss Qian, is what Chuan said true?¡± Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t wanted anyone to know about her secret marriage. But when Shen Shichuan publicized it, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t feel upset. She admitted outright: ¡°It¡¯s true.¡± Chen Yu then put on a heartbroken expression: ¡°Miss Qian, how could you abandon me for another man?¡± Xia Yangyang was speechless. This man really deserved his title as the best actor. He got into character so quickly, adeptly portraying a sense of heartbreak. But what did he mean by her abandoning him? They had never been together in the first ce. They wereplete strangers, weren¡¯t they? Xia Yangyang was speechless, as she watched him dramatically squeeze out a tear. He was truly a drama king. Shen Shichuan said: ¡°Alright, stop teasing her.¡± Chen Yu immediatelyposed himself, sat upright and looked proudly satisfied, like a peacock. Taking out a small mirror, he wiped away his faux tear: ¡°Even if she¡¯s married, it doesn¡¯t matter. I can always make her fall in love with me again, after all, I¡¯m so attractive. I can¡¯t believe anyone could reject me, Chen Yu, twice.¡± Xia Yangyang: After she met with Chen Yu, she proceeded to Defu Pce Hotel. The director and scriptwriter were both present. Chen Yu was well acquainted with them, chatting andughing like old friends. In the afternoon, official filmingmenced. Theunch ceremony started at 3 o¡¯clock. Upon seeing Xia Yangyang and the director and producer appear together, Xia Weiwei was so surprised that her jaw nearly dropped to the floor.. Chapter 86 - 87: A Man More Handsome than Chen Chapter 86: Chapter 87: A Man More Handsome than Chen Yu Trantor: 549690339 After they confirmed over and over again that Xia Yangyang was indeed the lead actress of ¡°Cindere¡¯s Magical Fate¡±. Xia Weiwei¡¯s face turned extremely ugly. After the opening ceremony. The staff took everyone on a tour of the shooting location. Xia Weiwei took advantage of Xia Yangyang being alone in the rest room, walked over and said: ¡°Xia Yangyang, did you sleep with the director? Or did you climb into some big investor¡¯s bed? I didn¡¯t think you could be so base.¡± Xia Yangyang retorted: ¡°Xia Weiwei, watch your mouth. You¡¯re still young, don¡¯t always have words like ¡®base¡¯ on your lips.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, who are you to lecture me? If you didn¡¯t use some behind-the-scenes tactics, how could you possibly be the lead actress in a TV series?¡± Xia Yangyang responded: ¡°I just auditioned sessfully, just like you.¡± ¡°You think I would believe you? You¡¯re not even a professional performing arts graduate. Other than your body, what else do you have to offer to get selected?¡± Xia Yangyang casually said: ¡°If you think I slept with the director, then go expose it. As long as you have the evidence.¡± Xia Weiwei sneered twice: ¡°You think I¡¯m stupid, don¡¯t you? If I expose the director, where would my future acting career lead? But Xia Yangyang, Director Yang is an old man. You actually slept with him. If Dad finds out, he would be so angry.¡± ¡°Director Yang, here you are!¡± Xia Yangyang stood up straight, looking behind Xia Weiwei as she spoke. Xia Weiwei froze, her face changing drastically. She turned her head to look at the door, but there was no one there. Furious, Xia Weiwei turned back to see a smug smile on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face: ¡°Xia Yangyang, you dare to trick me.¡± ¡°So, would you prefer it if Director Yang really appeared?¡± Xia Weiwei trembled with rage. Xia Yangyang calmly said: ¡°So don¡¯t talk behind others¡¯ backs. If you have the guts, say it to their face. This is a piece of advice from your older sister.¡± With that, Xia Yangyang walked out of the rest room. Xia Weiwei was furious. Every time she argued with Xia Yangyang, she ended up at a disadvantage. Xia Yangyang seemed so calm, but she was actually cunning. A few days ago, she was living at home. Even though she was the lead actress, she didn¡¯t say a word when she announced that she was the fourth female lead. For those few days, she had been unting her status in front of her over and over again. So, was Xia Yangyang justughing at her back then? She was utterly humiliated. Thinking about this, Xia Weiwei gritted her teeth. Xia Weiwei, don¡¯t get too smug. It¡¯s still uncertain how long you can stay as the lead actress. Just wait and see. After Xia Yangyang left, she bumped into Lu Yao. The official shooting would start tomorrow, so everyone was excitedly touring the site today. Lu Yao saw Xia Yangyang and quickly walked over: ¡°Yangyang, we¡¯re in the same dorm, I was just about to go dump my luggage, you going?¡± Xia Yangyang replied: ¡°Let¡¯s go together.¡± Xia Yangyang also moved all her packed luggage from Wen Xiaochu¡¯s dorm into her new one. By the time they finished tidying, it was already five in the afternoon. Although the dorm was a school dorm, it had clearly been remodeled, and the environment was fresh and elegant. The beds in the dorm were bunk beds. Lu Yao took the top bunk, while Xia Yangyang slept at the bottom. After they had arranged everything, they sat on the bed chatting. Lu Yao said: ¡°Who would have thought that Chen Yu would be the lead actor in Cindere¡¯s Magic Romance? You know how fast my heart was beating when I saw him today? He¡¯s so handsome, I don¡¯t dare to look at him, I¡¯m afraid I might faint.¡± Xia Yangyang was munching on some chips: ¡°You¡¯re overreacting. He¡¯s not that handsome.¡± Lu Yao disagreed: ¡°Then have you seen anyone better than Chen Yu?¡± Xia Yangyang reflexively responded: ¡°Of course I have.¡± The first face that came to Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind was Gu Qichen.. Chapter 87 - 88: The Big Sponsor Behind the Scenes Chapter 87: Chapter 88: The Big Sponsor Behind the Scenes Trantor: 549690339 In reality, Gu Qichen and Chen Yu werepletely different types. Chen Yu¡¯s face was androgynously beautiful, with a pair of peach eyes that seemed to hide hooks. If he lived in ancient times, he would be the type of pretty young man who could cause women to call out to him as he rode past on a horse. But Gu Qichen was different. Gu Qichen¡¯s face had more masculinity, less femininity, and his was just perfect. He was the type of man whose individual features were all wless, and whenbined, they were even more heavenly. Just his every action could make one¡¯s heart race. For such a long time, Xia Yangyang rarely made eye contact with Gu Qichen. The stars and the great sea seemed to be hidden within his eyes, and one nce was enough to drown you. Such a man, probably Chen Yu also couldn¡¯t match up to. ¡°So, tell me who it is?¡± Lu Yao pressed. But Xia Yangyang stuttered. She certainly couldn¡¯t say Gu Qichen¡¯s name. Lu Yao chuckled, ¡°See, you can¡¯t say it. There really isn¡¯t a more handsome man than Chen Yu in this world. Yangyang, I¡¯m really envious of you, being able to fall in love with him in the y.¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°Don¡¯t you also have many scenes with him? I remember there¡¯s even a kiss scene.¡± Upon mentioning this, Lu Yao became excited again. Her role was ¡°Kim Shixun¡¯s¡± childhood friend, the daughter of a rich family ¡°Xie Anqi.¡± Even though the character wasn¡¯t very likable, but she had many romantic scenes with ¡°Kim Shixun¡±, and even a passionate kiss scene. Thinking about doing a kissing scene with Chen Yu, Lu Yao was already thrillingly excited. After a while, the stage manager knocked on the door, saying the director was inviting the main investor for dinner that night. They had heard before that the production team managed to secure fifty million in sponsorship investments at once, whichpletely resolved their funding issues. Who knew which tycoon was behind it. Xia Yangyang questioned, ¡°The director is having dinner with the main investor, what are we going there for?¡± Lu Yao beside her said, ¡°This ispletely normal; you¡¯re just not used to it since you just entered the industry. Many investors are investing just for these small stars, but as long as we keep our integrity, there¡¯s no issue. Let¡¯s go, just remember to drink less tonight. Who can resist the person with money being the patron?¡± The dinner was in a six-star hotel¡¯s tinum private room. Xia Weiwei was also there, dressed in full costume. Without knowing, one would think she was attending some celebratory banquet. But Xia Yangyang was absolutely casual, looking like a student. When Xia Yangyang and the others arrived, the director and his team were already there. At the moment, the man sitting next to the director having a conversation with him was actually Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang froze when she saw Gu Qichen. Lu Yao nudged Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm: ¡°I just heard that the CEO of Shengyuan is the big investor for this y. Look around, usually everyone tries to avoid such gatherings, but tonight everyone¡¯s dressed to the nines, there¡¯s going to be a show tonight. They¡¯re all aiming for Mrs. Gu¡¯s position. Even if they can¡¯t achieve that, causing a scandal with him will probably increase their market value several times.¡± Xia Yangyang looked around. Indeed, everyone¡¯s gaze had intentionally or unintentionally fallen on Gu Qichen. Those girls, their eyes seemed to glow. Xia Yangyang suddenly felt like Gu Qichen was a prey being stalked by a bunch of people. At this moment, Chen Yu saw Xia Yangyang and waved at her: ¡°Little heiress,e over here and sit next to me.¡± At this moment, Gu Qichen also slowly lifted his head. His gazended on Xia Yangyang. She didn¡¯t know why, but Xia Yangyang felt a chill run down her spine, feeling a hint of coldness in his gaze.. Chapter 88 - 89: Yangyang, you also pour a glass of wine for President Gu Chapter 88: Chapter 89: Yangyang, you also pour a ss of wine for President Gu Trantor: 549690339 Survival instinct told Xia Yangyang. If she really sat next to Chen Yu, trouble would likely arise. So, Xia Yangyang chose a spot farthest from Chen Yu and sat down. From over there, Chen Yuined, ¡°Missy, you¡¯re really not giving me face, but I like a woman with character.¡± Xia Yangyang was so annoyed that she gave Chen Yu a dismissive eye roll. What did he mean by ¡®his woman¡¯? He shouldn¡¯t speak nonsense at this asion. However, the people in their circle knew Chen Yu¡¯s character, and his liking for flirting with actresses. In this circle, they even regard being teased by Chen Yu as a bragging right. So, they weren¡¯t surprised by Chen Yu¡¯s behavior. After all, in the movie, Xia Yangyang indeed yed Chen Yu¡¯s love interest. Xia Yangyang secretly nced at Gu Qichen. He had already turned to chat with Shen Shichuan, seemingly without much reaction. Xia Yangyang breathed a sigh of relief. Soon, everybody arrived, and the waiter began serving dishes. Director Yang expressed his gratitude to Gu Qichen, which was nothing more than meaningless titudes. Then he lifted his wine ss and said, ¡°Let¡¯s toast to Mr. Gu, and promise to make a good movie at heart to thank him.¡± Everyone else followed suit and raised their sses. Following that, the official dinner began. Xia Yangyang found out that not many were really eating. Most of them were offering toasts. They toasted the director, Shen Shichuan, Chen Yu, and, of course, Gu Qichen, who received the most toasts. There was an endless stream of women approaching him, one after another. It had gone on for a few rounds already. Observing secretly, Xia Yangyang noted that Gu Qichen had already drunk twelve sses. Why doesn¡¯t he refuse? Xia Yangyang was a bit angry. And every woman tried every possible way to linger around him for a longer time. Xia Weiwei was offering a toast for the third time. She walked up to Gu Qichen, her cheeks flushed and looking shy, ¡°Brother Gu, I toast you again. I didn¡¯t get a chance to introduce myself earlier. I am the daughter of Xia Liangdong and Liu Ruyan. My name is Xia Weiwei. I attended the birthday banquet of elder Gu before. Do you remember me?¡± Gu Qichen responded indifferently, ¡°Nice to meet you, Miss Xia, but I¡¯m afraid I don¡¯t really remember.¡± Xia Weiwei felt a surge of joy. She hadn¡¯t left a good impression on Gu Qichen at the banquet before, instead, Xia Yangyang had stolen her thunder. Whenever Xia Weiwei thought of this, she hated Xia Yangyang even more. However, it¡¯s better that Gu Qichen didn¡¯t remember her. Xia Weiweiughed, ¡°I¡¯ll drink first. Brother Gu, you can take your time.¡± As soon as she finished speaking, Xia Weiwei quickly drained her ss of red wine. When she put down the wine ss, she pretended to sway a little as if drunk, then leaned towards Gu Qichen¡¯s chest. Everyone could tell that Xia Weiwei was not drunk. This kind of maneuver was obvious to anyone with eyes. However, before Xia Weiwei could lean on Gu Qichen, he had already stood and stepped back. His swift and cool reaction, even his retreat, exuded an alluring charm. Xia Weiwei missed him and almost fell onto the table. A soft chuckle went around the table. Xia Weiwei felt humiliated and somewhat humbled by her anger. Gu Qichen stated, ¡°Miss Xia seemed to have drunk too much, she should go back to rest first.¡± Go back? You must be kidding. How could she leave early in this kind of gathering. Xia Weiwei quickly forced out a smile, ¡°Never mind, thank you for your concern, Brother Gu. I just need to rest for a moment.¡± Having said that, Xia Weiwei returned to her seat, her fingers pinching the rim of the ss, almost breaking it. At this moment, Shen Shichuan opened his mouth unhurriedly, ¡°Yangyang, you have not toasted President Gu yet, right? Why don¡¯t you offer him a toast as well?¡± Chapter 89 - 90: A Good Show Chapter 89: Chapter 90: A Good Show Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang had originally just wanted to have a peaceful meal. Just to be the invisible person in the room. Looking up at Shen Shichuan, a trace of a smile yed around his mouth, and there was a cunning glimmer in his eyes. Clearly he was up for some amusement. So, it was all done on purpose. With only a single sentence, Shen Shichuan had managed to direct everyone¡¯s attention to Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang had no choice. She could only pick up the wine ss and walk towards Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang went up beside Gu Qichen: ¡°President Gu, I would like to propose a toast to you.¡± After Xia Yangyang had finished speaking, Gu Qichen remained sitting there, not moving an inch. Normally, when others proposed a toast, he¡¯d respond in a gentlemanly and courteous manner. So why was it different when it came to her, he seemed to be intentionally difficult. Shen Shichuan at the side was all smiles. The expressions of some of those present showed slight surprise. However, when Xia Weiwei saw Gu Qichen doing this,pletely ignoring Xia Yangyang, she was quite pleased. Xia Yangyang was somewhat irritated. Under such circumstances, couldn¡¯t he just y along, instead of having everyone find it strange? Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t care anymore. Regardless, she¡¯d done her part in proposing the toast, whether he drank or not was his problem. Xia Yangyang said bluntly: ¡°I¡¯ll drink, President Gu, feel free to do as you please.¡± After finishing speaking, Xia Yangyang was about to drain the red wine in her ss in one gulp. Just as the rim of the ss touched her lips, Xia Yangyang felt the ss being snatched from her hand. It was actually Gu Qichen who had directly taken the ss of red wine from her hand. Gu Qichen spoke in a light tone: ¡°You have filming tomorrow, it¡¯s better not to drink, bring a soft drink instead.¡± With Gu Qichen¡¯s words, everyone was left dumbfounded, not understanding the reason. So¡­was Mr. Gu being considerate of Xia Yangyang? But, just now many female actresses proposed a toast, most of whom also had appointments tomorrow. No one saw President Gu being considerate towards any of them. Xia Yangyang was also stunned. What¡¯s wrong with this guy? Why couldn¡¯t he just drink and be done with it? Did he fear that people wouldn¡¯t guess a rtionship between them? Seeing this, Xia Weiwei almost ground her teeth with jealousy. Indeed, Gu Qichen¡¯s attitude towards Xia Yangyang was extraordinary, like it had been at old Master Gu¡¯s birthday party. Xia Weiwei doubted if there was actually an unspoken rtionship between these two. Xia Yangyang had no choice but to get a ss of soft drink and propose another toast. Gu Qichen downed it in one gulp, Xia Yangyang returned to her seat. Looking around, Xia Yangyang saw a mix ofplex expressions. Envy, jealousy, but mostly confusion. But Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t care less. It was merely a minor episode. Everyone soon forgot, and the actresses present seized the opportunity to continue proposing toasts to Gu Qichen in various creative ways. Xia Yangyang watched from afar. She watched as Gu Qichen drank ss after ss. The director also had too much to drink, and before the banquet ended, Shen Shichuan asked Chen Yu to take him home early. But not one female actress was missing. In the end, it was Shen Shichuan who announced that the banquet was over. Once the producer spoke, everyone had to leave, however reluctant they may be. Lu Yao said to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Yangyang, let¡¯s go. We have work early tomorrow morning. We should rest now, otherwise we¡¯ll look swollen for the cameras in the morning.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded. Nevertheless, she was still worried about Gu Qichen. He was slumped on the table and seemed to be drunk. As Xia Yangyang was leaving the hotel, she was in turmoil. The taxi had already stopped at the hotel entrance. Suddenly, Xia Yangyang said to Lu Yao: ¡°You go ahead, I just remembered I left something in the dining room, I need to go back and get it.¡± Lu Yao had already stepped in the taxi, but was then obliged to say: ¡°Then be quick, I¡¯ll wait for you back home.¡± Xia Yangyang ended up returning. Upon re-entering the dining room, as expected, Gu Qichen still hadn¡¯t left.. Chapter 90 - 91: Drunk Chapter 90: Chapter 91: Drunk Trantor: 549690339 Only Gu Qichen and Shen Shichuan remained in the private room. Gu Qichen was resting on the table. Shen Shichuan, sitting quite leisurely next to Gu Qichen, had picked up a copy of ¡°World Economy¡± from a decorated bookshelf behind him and was reading it. On hearing a noise at the entrance, he looked up: ¡°Finally, you¡¯re back.¡± Xia Yangyang was surprised: ¡°How did you know I woulde back?¡± Shen Shichuan seemed like he was waiting for someone, could it be her he was waiting for? Shen Shichuan got up, put the book back on the shelf behind him and said, ¡°Seeing you looking back every three steps as you were leaving, I knew you woulde back. I¡¯m leaving your husband with you, I¡¯m going home.¡± Wait, what? Leaving her? Wasn¡¯t he going to help at all? How could she single-handedly take care of this drunk man? However, it seems like Shen Shichuan had no intention of helping. Before leaving, he gently patted Gu Qichen on the shoulder. It was as if to say: my brother, this is all the help I can give you now. At this very moment, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t notice that Gu Qichen had slightly opened his eyes and told Shen Shichuan to get lost with just a nce. Shen Shichuan left. His driver was waiting outside the hotel. As he was getting into the car, driver Lao Zheng asked in confusion, ¡°Where is Mr. Gu? Why did he not leave with you?¡± Because just now, Lao Zheng had dropped them both off here. Shen Shichuan justughed and said, ¡°He may be spending the night here.¡± Lao Zheng started the car and asked doubtfully, ¡°Did Mr. Gu get drunk?¡± Shen Shichuan said, ¡°No, he never gets drunk.¡± In the private room. Xia Yangyang ced her hand on her temple, trying to ease the headache. How should they leave? If she left with him in front of so many people, they would probably make the front-page headlines tomorrow. Although Xia Yangyang bing Cindere in the fairytale romance was still a secret. However, if she ever got caught in a scandal with Gu Qichen, there would definitely be lots of negative news when the leadingdy is revealed. Left with no other option, Xia Yangyang got a room downstairs. It took her all the effort she could muster to drag Gu Qichen into the room. Gu Qichen seemed utterly drunk, leaning heavily on Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulder the entire time. Luckily, Xia Yangyang had been practicing taekwondo since childhood, and hence was quite strong. Once in the room, Xia Yangyang dropped Gu Qichen onto the bed. Xia Yangyang was utterly exhausted herself and felt like she had shed a mountain off her shoulder. She fell onto the bed too. Xia Yangyangy t on her back, taking deep breaths. After resting for awhile, just as she was about to get up, Gu Qichen rolled over, half his body pressing onto hers. He smoothly pulled Xia Yangyang into his arms, with one hand across her chest. Just as Xia Yangyang was about to break free. She heard Gu Qichen murmur hazily, ¡°Yangyang, I miss you so much.¡± Xia Yangyang only felt a surge of electricity pulse through her. When Gu Qichen spoke, his voice was like a child whining. She had never seen Gu Qichen like this before. It was as if he had be a different person. Xia Yangyang was stunned, yet a smile slowly spread across her face. Scores of pink bubbles seemed to fill her heart. She was originally quite angry that Gu Qichen epted toasts from so many girls at the party. But because of that one sentence from him, Xia Yangyang felt her anger evaporate bit by bit. Gu Qichen continued to mumble: ¡°I feel ufortable.¡± Xia Yangyang hurriedly said, ¡°Hold on, I¡¯ll go and get you some sobering medicine.¡± Before she could stand up, Gu Qichen grabbed her arm: ¡°I hate medicine, I don¡¯t want to take any.¡± Xia Yangyang patiently exined, ¡°This is a hangover cure, it¡¯s different from other medicines. You¡¯ll feel better after taking it.¡± Gu Qichen was behaving like a stubborn child, ¡°I don¡¯t want any medicine, I want to take a bath..¡± Chapter 91 - 92: Dream Chapter 91: Chapter 92: Dream Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Qichen was a clean freak. He would take a bath both morning and night, and wearing the same clothes for two days was out of the question. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I¡¯ll adjust the water for you.¡± The hotel bathroom had a shower, so Xia Yangyang quickly adjusted the water temperature. Given they were in a five-star hotel, there was no shortage of sleepwear. As for Gu Qichen¡¯s clothes for the next day, once he sobered up, he would likely have his assistant bring them over. It was with great difficulty that Xia Yangyang helped Gu Qichen into the bathroom, who seemed to wake up slightly. The sound of water flowed from the bathroom. When Xia Yangyang left the bathroom, she checked the time. It was time for her to leave. But her heart was filled with unease. However, upon second thought, Gu Qichen wasn¡¯t a child. After taking a bath, he would go to bed, and presumably, nothing would happen. Xia Yangyang decided to leave. Just as she reached the door, she heard a loud crash from inside the bathroom. Xia Yangyang quickly rushed in, pulling open the door to find Gu Qichen had fallen inside. He was still fully clothed, drenched from head to toe. However, the sight of him sitting on the floor, rubbing his forehead, did not seem pitiful. On the contrary, there was a certain charm to it. Xia Yangyang had never associated the word ¡°charming¡± with Gu Qichen before. But now, Gu Qichen was like a child who had done something wrong, his face carrying a hint of a smile, ¡°Honey, I fell.¡± His tone was somewhat aggrieved as he spoke. Xia Yangyang felt defeated. If something were to truly happen to Gu Qichen in his drunken state, what would she do? She sighed, helping Gu Qichen up, ¡°How could you be so careless? And why didn¡¯t you take off your clothes before bathing?¡± Gu Qichen tugged at his shirt forcefully but failed to take it off. Then, like a child, he turned to Xia Yangyang for help, ¡°Can you help me?¡± Xia Yangyang felt she had lost to him. She had no choice but to help Gu Qichen unbutton his shirt. Even though she felt a bit shy, with Gu Qichen in a drunken state, Xia Yangyang treated it as if she was taking care of a child. But as she looked up, Xia Yangyang saw the depths of Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes flickering like burning embers. Before Xia Yangyang could react, she was grabbed by Gu Qichen and pressed against his chest. By then, Xia Yangyang was already drenched. The water droplets rolled down her neckline, like a silent temptation. With Gu Qichen¡¯s body radiating heat, Xia Yangyang stood there stunned, unable to react as she was pinned against the bathroom door by the man before her¡­. At one in the morning, the two of them were still in the bathroom¡­. Xia Yangyang felt as if her entire body was about to fall apart. The stamina of Gu Qichen was astonishingly good. Xia Yangyang began to question whether this man was truly drunk at all, it was just simply¡­ But she was really tired and soon, she fell into a drowsy slumber. Xia Yangyang had a gentle dream. She dreamt of herself soaking in a hot spring, being caressed by hands all over her body, and thenid onto a fluffy cotton candy. The taste was sweet, the feel was soft andfortable, and Xia Yangyang moaned a few times before falling asleep. Chapter 92 - 93: Xia Yangyang, You Should Be Out Messing Around, Right? Chapter 92: Chapter 93: Xia Yangyang, You Should Be Out Messing Around, Right? Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang was woken by Gu Qichen this morning. Gu Qichen took a shower and came out of the bathroom in fresh, clean clothes. As he was buttoning his sleeves, he walked over, gently patted Xia Yangyang¡¯s bottom, seemingly in a good mood, ¡°Littlezy pig, time to get up.¡± Xia Yangyang was actually already awake. She was pondering a serious question under the covers. Was Gu Qichen really drunkst night? The more she thought about it, the more vexed she became. Gu Qichen drew back the covers, ¡°If you don¡¯t get up now, you¡¯re going to bete. It¡¯s your first day on the set, can you afford to bete?¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly remembered. The shooting was starting today. Before she knew it, Xia Yangyang was sitting up. But she didn¡¯t have any proper clothes from yesterday to wear. Was she supposed to go out in this getup? Seemingly seeing through Xia Yangyang¡¯s thoughts, while looking in the mirror, Gu Qichen said, ¡°There are clothes by your bed.¡± Turning her head, she indeed saw a brand new dress. It must have been sent over by Gu Qichen¡¯s assistant. But she had no idea at what time they hade. Xia Yangyang quickly got dressed, and Gu Qichen was already waiting for her, fully prepared. Gu Qichen said, ¡°I¡¯ll take you to A University.¡± Xia Yangyang hastily waved him off, ¡°I¡¯d better get a cab myself. If we¡¯re seen together, it will be all over.¡± Gu Qichen had be an inexplicably important investor in the TV drama. She had dinner with the big bossst night, and if someone found out this morning that she was riding with him to the shoot¡­ Even jumping into the Yellow River wouldn¡¯t wash away that scandal. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was extremely calm, ¡°What are you afraid of? If we¡¯re discovered, we¡¯ll just announce it.¡± If Gu Qichen had said this before, Xia Yangyang would have been secretly thrilled. But now, knowing about Shen Manbing¡¯s existence, that knot in her heart hadn¡¯t disappeared. She hadn¡¯t really thought about what to do in the future. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Let¡¯s not make trouble for the crew, I¡¯ll leave first.¡± Like a bolt of lightning, Xia Yangyang dashed off. The color in Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes grew slightly colder. Xia Yangyang was quite depressed all the way. After so much effort to cool down their rtionship, she finally had a chance to think things through. But thenst night¡­ Why can¡¯t she resist the temptation every time? Although Xia Yangyang arrived quite early, Lu Yao was already doing her makeup. Seeing Xia Yangyang, she asked, ¡°Yangyang, why didn¡¯t youe backst night and your phone was off?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°My phone ran out of battery, I stayed at a friend¡¯s cest night.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you must have been messing around, you don¡¯t have any friends. I can¡¯t believe you¡¯ve be like this, you¡¯re a disgrace to the Xia family.¡± Xia Weiwei was also in the makeup room, deliberately raising her voice. The whole crew knew that these two Xia sisters were here. Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t have many scenes, and her arrival on the set was premature, yet she showed up on the first day. She came acting like a rich youngdy, behaving like a future superstar. Of course, her father is Xia Liangdong, so not many actors dared to offend her. The outside world had long heard that the Xia sisters were half sisters and didn¡¯t get along. But it was surprising to see this level of animosity. Xia Weiwei truly looked down on Xia Yangyang, making life difficult for her at every turn, doing everything she could to publicly damage her reputation. At this moment, Chen Yu suddenly walked in: ¡°I think you¡¯re the one who¡¯s a disgrace to the Xia family.¡± The makeup room fell silent. Without hesitation, Chen Yu said, ¡°Wearing expensive clothes, adorned with pricey jewelry, but your words and actions are far from elegant. The old boss was wise throughout his life, but his biggest failure was raising a daughter like you..¡± Chapter 93 - 94: Kiss Scene Chapter 93: Chapter 94: Kiss Scene Trantor: 549690339 The only person in the entire cast who would dare speak to Xia Weiwei this way was probably only Chen Yu. Chen Yu was the star of the show, and even Xia Liangdong had to tter and indulge him on a regr basis. Xia Weiwei was so furious that she pointed at Chen Yu¡¯s nose and said, ¡°Dare to say that again?¡± Chen Yu just cocked his eyebrow,pletely ignoring Xia Weiwei. He turned around and wrapped his arm around Xia Yangyang¡¯s neck:¡± Little Miss, we have a kissing scene today, are you excited? Xia Yangyang already knew that as she had read the script yesterday. The director had scheduled her and Chen Yu¡¯s first scene together for today, probably to allow them to adjust to working with each other. The scene was about Lin Xiaofan gaining an ability to manipte space, imagining a scenario where she time-traveled, only to find the ce she imagined was identical to Kim Shixun¡¯s bedroom. She ended up appearing in Kim Shixun¡¯s room, tumbling onto his bed, their first encounter marked by a kiss that seemed to descend from the heavens¡­ To be honest, Xia Yangyang was not particrly excited about it. But to Xia Yangyang, acting was just like any other job, no matter what the role, she would put her best effort into it. Off-screen, though, she didn¡¯t want to get deeply involved with anyone. Xia Yangyang took off Chen Yu¡¯s hand resting on her shoulder and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to start with the makeup now.¡± Xia Weiwei stomped her feet in irritation nearby, ¡°Are you two ignoring me?¡± Xia Yangyang had prepared. The shooting location for this scene was not the school, but a vi near the school, it was said. Once everything was ready, the leads got in the car. Lu Yao sat next to Xia Yangyang and said, ¡°Our shooting location is supposedly provided by a mysterious wealthy person.¡± Things like this actually weren¡¯t rare. Some directors or bosses even use their own homes for shooting. But what Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect was¡­ The car entered the Maple Vi. Maple Vi was indeed the closest high-end residential area to the university. Yet, Xia Yangyang had a vague sense of foreboding. Sure enough, this feeling was confirmed a few minutester. The car stopped right in front of the vi she shared with Gu Qichen. So, the invisible wealthy person who provided the vi Lu Yao was talking about, was Gu Qichen¡­ Before the shooting, the director exined. The owner of this vi was Mr. Gu. Everyone said that Mr. Gu was quite invested in this drama. Upon entering, everyone had expressions of curiosity and amazement. Maple Vi was a well-known affluent area in the city, with utmost privacy, luxurious facilities, and private swimming pools inside and outside. It was very high-ss. When Lu Yao went upstairs, he pointed at a mural on the stair wall and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this an oil painting by Master Leng Jun? It was auctioned off for 50 million back in the day, and to think it¡¯s hanging here, goodness, these walls are filled with money.¡± Xia Yangyang was also surprised. She had been living here for a while and while she found it more luxurious than an average vi, she would never have guessed that even a random painting on the wall was worth a fortune. However, Xia Yangyang felt somewhat guilty ever since she entered. Despite having cleared out her belongings before moving out, she was still worried about leaving traces behind. This vi had over a dozen bedrooms. Gu Qichen only provided one guest room, which had clearly been redecorated and was very luxurious. After entering, the director started briefing on the y. Although Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t have professional training in this field, thanks to her father, she was well-acquainted with all aspects of filming ever since she was a child. After shooting a few scenes, everything went very smoothly. The director praised her for being talented. At four o¡¯clock in the afternoon, it was time to shoot thest scene of the day. It was that kissing scene¡­. Chapter 94 - 95: Being Teased Chapter 94: Chapter 95: Being Teased Trantor: 549690339 The initial shooting went quite smoothly. It wasn¡¯t until the final shot where Lin Xiaofan descends from the sky,nding right on Kim Shixun¡¯s bed, their lips brushing against each other. Chen Yu was already lying on the bed. With a demonically enchanting look in his eyes, he even posed on the bed before shooting began and beckoned to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Little Missy, I¡¯m waiting for you.¡± And then he blew her a kiss. Everyone watching on set was so smitten they were seeing stars. Chen Yu was shirtless. This was truly a rare treat for the whole crew. Chen Yu¡¯s face was so spellbinding it could bring a kingdom to its knees, sometimes androgynous, but his torso was surprisingly exceptional. Chiseled abs, a total of eight, but not the traditional muscr type, just the right amount. Suddenly, the director announced, ¡°The stand-in is ready.¡± The term ¡°stand-in¡± surprised everyone. A winsome young girl emerged from the crowd. The young girl bore some resemnce to Xia Yangyang and looked somewhat shy. The director came forward and casually introduced her, ¡°Yangyang, this is your stand-in. She will perform the more challenging and dangerous scenes for kissing.¡± The young girl lowered her head and said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Hello, Sister Yangyang, I¡¯m Shu Ling, your stand-in. Please guide me in the future.¡± Xia Yangyang was a bit dazed. The crew had arranged a stand-in for her without discussing it with her first. But Xia Yangyang initially didn¡¯t really want to do kissing scenes. Since the crew had already arranged it, she would just go with the flow. Xia Weiwei crossed her arms and scoffed, ¡°My sister sure is a big shot, using a stand-in for a modern drama. Won¡¯t it seem a bit bad if word gets out?¡± In fact, director Yang Jin didn¡¯t like using stand-ins when making movies. This was Shen Shichuan¡¯s insistence. Yang Jin suspected that Shen Shichuan might have feelings for this girl. Otherwise, there was no need to arrange a stand-in in such circumstances. Yang Jin wasn¡¯t thrilled internally, but Shen Shichuan was the producer after all. He had to give face. Yang Jin said, ¡°Alright, enough talking. Get in position quickly.¡± But Chen Yu was not happy. He abruptly stood up and dered, ¡°Does anyone think they can have a kiss from me, Chen Yu? If Missy is using a stand-in, then I won¡¯t act.¡± Xia Yangyang felt speechless. They were shooting a film, not dating. It took lots of persuasion from the director and his agent. Only then did Chen Yupromise. The shooting officially began. Yet Chen Yu deliberately refused to cooperate. A single shot took dozens of attempts and still couldn¡¯t pass. Xia Yangyang finally realized. Chen Yu was definitely throwing a tantrum on purpose. In the end, even Director Yang lost his patience. With difficulty in wrapping up, Xia Yangyang stepped forward and said, ¡°Let me do it.¡± With Xia Yangyang volunteering, Director Yang naturally wouldn¡¯t oppose. All he cared about was the film, and he didn¡¯t bother with Shen Shichuan¡¯s side anymore. Seeing Xia Yangyang get ready in her costume, finally, Chen Yu smiled, ¡°Little Missy, if you had decided sooner, I wouldn¡¯t have to expend so much energy.¡± Xia Yangyang knew he was doing this on purpose. Xia Yangyang was already hoisted onto the harness. She was lifted into the air, then slowly descended. The script calls for Lin Xiaofan¡¯s lips tond neatly on Kim Shixun¡¯s. This was the first time the male and female leads met in aical scene in the script. As Xia Yangyang slowly descended and was about to make the contact, Chen Yu proactively lifted his head and deeply kissed Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang was stunned, and Chen Yu chuckled, ¡°Little Missy, you taste really sweet..¡± Chapter 95 - 96: Deliberately Coming Back Early to Watch Her Film Chapter 95: Chapter 96: Deliberately Coming Back Early to Watch Her Film Trantor: 549690339 ¡°Cut ¡± the director shouted loudly. ¡°Chen Yu, what the hell is going on?¡± Director Yang was running out of patience already. Xia Yangyang was also getting angry. If it was scripted, that was one thing. But just now, Chen Yu was tantly flirting. Chen Yu said to the director, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Director, I wasn¡¯t in the right state just now. Let¡¯s do it once more.¡± Chen Yu was a darling of the industry. And notoriously willful. Her spoilt behavior wasn¡¯t something new. Yet her fan base loved this about her, as if they longed to put her on a pedestal,paring her to the moon. In the eyes of her fans, whatever Chen Yu did was always right. The director had no choice but to carry on: ¡°Let¡¯s shoot this once more. If it still doesn¡¯t work, we¡¯ll shoot it tomorrow.¡± Xia Yangyang said to Chen Yu, ¡°If you continue like this, don¡¯t me me for not being polite. My Taekwondo skill is not just for show.¡± With that, she even brandished her fists at Chen Yu. Chen Yu smirked. ¡°My little baby, you¡¯re indeed formidable.¡± Xia Yangyang felt her skin crawl. She really disliked Chen Yu¡¯s overly enthusiastic demeanor but felt helpless against it. The camera crane began to rise once more. ¡°Lin Xiaofan,¡±nded with a shriek. Shended on ¡°Kim Shixun,¡± who was in deep sleep. ¡°Kim Shixun¡± opened his eyes, looked at the woman who had just fallen from the sky with a shocked face, unable to react for a moment. Their lips touched, and they looked into each other¡¯s eyes for ten seconds. In those ten seconds, surprise, disbelief, anger, and embarrassment broke through. The two showed theseplex emotions vividly on their faces. The director nodded satisfactorily behind the camera. All onlookers were engrossed. At this moment, a tall figure stood at the door. Gu Qichen had just returned and witnessed this scene. The vi was offered to the film crew by him. Not only to visit the set but also to watch them film, legitimately. Gu Qichen knew that today¡¯s scenes would be filmed inside the vi. He had cancelled an important appointment to observe the filming. He hadn¡¯t expected to walk into such a scene. Gu Qichen considered himself a broad-minded man. He respected the profession of acting and knew that sometimes pretense was inevitable, as it was part of the job. But why was he so angry? ¡°Cut Perfect,¡± Director Yang stood up, ¡°That¡¯s it for today. I want to give a specialmendation to Yangyang, her acting was quite remarkable, she¡¯s very talented.¡± Xia Weiwei had no parts to y today, but she had been watching all day. She was actually there to watch Xia Yangyang make a fool of herself. Xia Yangyang had not been trained formally in acting, so how could she possibly perform? But she hadn¡¯t expected it would go so smoothly. Xia Weiwei had spent the entire day with a green face, boiling with anger. It seemed everyone on the set genuinely liked Xia Yangyang, particrly Director Yang and even Chen Yu¡­who also showed ¡°great interest¡± in her. ¡°Let¡¯s go have dinner, everyone. Get some good rest tonight.¡± The moment the director yelled cut, Xia Yangyang got off Chen Yu. In an instant when she turned her head, she saw Gu Qichen standing at the door with a chilling aura. Xia Yangyang felt a sudden shiver down her spine. When did he arrive? Had he been watching her film the whole kissing scene? Although Xia Yangyang knew it was just work, just a momentary kiss, but the thought of Gu Qichen watching it from the side¡­ Xia Yangyang felt unusually awkward. The director went over to greet Gu Qichen, ¡°Mr. Gu, you¡¯re back so early? Thank you for providing us with such a great location, but I¡¯m afraid we¡¯ve disturbed your rest.¡± The other actresses in the kitchen brightened their eyes when they saw Gu Qichen. They hurried over and greeted him, looking blooming. There was a faint smile on Gu Qichen¡¯s face: ¡°You¡¯re too kind, Director Yang. It¡¯s my good fortune to be able to witness such an exciting shooting scene..¡± Chapter 96 - 97: Tying Her Shoelaces Under the Public Gaze Chapter 96: Chapter 97: Tying Her Shoces Under the Public Gaze Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang had this feeling. She always thought Gu Qi Chen had made thosements for her to hear. When Chen Yu noticed how intently Xia Yangyang was staring at Gu Qi Chen, he waved a hand in front of her, ¡°You¡¯re not going to be as infatuated with him as all those other women, are you? Is his face really prettier than mine?¡± Xia Yangyang snapped back to her senses. Her instinct was telling her that she mustn¡¯t stick around here for long. Xia Yangyang quickly packed her things and started to leave. But Gu Qi Chen was surrounded by a crowd right by the doorway. Xia Yangyang wedged her way out through a narrow gap at the edge of the crowd, her head down, mumbling, ¡°Excuse me¡­ excuse me¡­¡± It had taken her a good while to worm her way out of the shooting room. Xia Yangyang allowed herself a sigh of relief. As long as she quickly slipped away from Gu Qi Chen¡¯s field of vision, she¡¯d be fine. Don¡¯t see me¡­ Don¡¯t see me¡­ Don¡¯t see me¡­ Xia Yangyang repeated it softly to herself. ¡°Miss Xia.¡± A low, clear male voice sounded behind her. Upon hearing that voice, Xia Yangyang felt her heart flutter. She was shocked as if she was nailed to the ground and stopped in her tracks. Xia Yangyang turned around, her face stered with a submissive smile, ¡°President Gu, did you call for me?¡± She hadn¡¯t really done anything wrong, but for some reason, seeing Gu Qi Chen¡¯s face always made Xia Yangyang feel unnerved. It was like she had done something to betray him. Everyone¡¯s eyesnded on Xia Yangyang. All she could feel was the cold piercing gazes of the women shooting at her like daggers. Gu Qi Chen was approaching her slowly and steadily. The closer Gu Qi Chen got to her, the more her heartbeat seemed to elevate. She couldn¡¯t predict what Gu Qi Chen¡¯s intentions were. Even Chen Yu had walked over and stood by the side with a thoughtful look. Master Gu, could you please stop causing trouble for me? Xia Yangyang wished she could plead with the heavens. Seeing Gu Qi Chen stop, Xia Yangyang hurriedly said, ¡°President Gu, if you don¡¯t need anything, I have to go.¡± Xia Yangyang subtly gritted her teeth, implying Gu Qi Chen to keep his distance. But Gu Qi Chenpletely ignored her expression. A gentle smile was spreading across his face. Xia Yangyang just felt like this was literally the epitome of a smiling face hiding a knife. As she anticipated, Gu Qi Chen went on to say in the next moment, ¡°I just wanted to say, Miss Xia, your shoces came undone.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback and looked down. She had already changed into her off-screen clothes and shoes. She had randomly put on a pair of sports shoes today and it turns out she hadn¡¯tced them up properly, they were all undone now. Before Xia Yangyang could react, Gu Qi Chen had already stooped down and was kneeling on one knee. Xia Yangyang was stunned as if thunderstruck. The faces of everyone present were simrly agape. Gu Qi Chen was¡­ Gu Qi Chen was actually tying Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoces! And his kneeling posture was so dashing making the women¡¯s hearts skip a beat. Xia Yangyang was dumbfounded. She feared nothing more than Gu Qi Chen being overly familiar with her in public. But, kneeling down to tie her shoces¡­ Isn¡¯t that going too far? Gu Qi Chen, do you wish to see me drowned in everyone¡¯s nastiness? Xia Yangyang was so mortified that she froze; even her foot didn¡¯t feel like her own. Having tied the shoces, Gu Qi Chen naturally stood up with that still gentle smile on his face, ¡°Miss Xia, be more careful next time.¡± And then he turned around and walked away. Listened to those three words: ¡°be more careful¡±, Xia Yangyang felt a chill run down her spine. She felt like there was a hidden meaning in Gu Qi Chen¡¯s words. But to the others, it didn¡¯t appear to be like that. What they saw was an expression of doting, causing them to seethe with jealousy! Chapter 97 - 98: Your Little Wife is So Capable Chapter 97: Chapter 98: Your Little Wife is So Capable Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen had already left. Everyone immediately surrounded Xia Yangyang. ¡°Yangyang, do you know President Gu? Why is he so gentle with you?¡± ¡°When President Gu tied your shoce just now, he looked so gentle and handsome, it made our young girl¡¯s hearts explode.¡± ¡°Yangyang, has President Gu taken a fancy to you?¡± ¡°Is there some unspoken secret between you two, Yangyang? I heard you were already chosen, was it because of President Gu?¡± Only then did Xia Yangyang react. Gu Qichen did this intentionally. He just wanted to make her a target for everyone! Fine, if you want to be ruthless, don¡¯t me me for being heartless! Xia Yangyang braced herself and purposely announced loudly: ¡°Have you ever heard of obsessivepulsive disorder? It¡¯s a mental illness,monly referred to as OCD, I tell you, I¡¯ve heard that President Gu is a severe sufferer. So, when he sees my shoces untied, he definitely needs to tie them up. Did you not notice his satisfied expression after he tied them? That¡¯s a typical manifestation of an OCD patient.¡± Everyone had looks of sudden realization. While Xia Yangyang was indeed a rich girl, she looked like she came from a different worldpared to Gu Qichen. For someone like Gu Qichen, even if they are a superstar in great demand, he never gave them a second nce. It should be impossible for him to be interested in a neer like Xia Yangyang. This exnation indeed seemed more usible. Everyone silently decided. The next time Gu Qichen appeared, they would definitely subtly unbuckle their shoces. At this moment, Shen Shichuan was standing in the corridor on the third floor watching this scene. He almostughed out loud. Gu Qichen had already walked up to him. Shen Shichuan said to Gu Qichen: ¡°Your little wife is really capable.¡± However, Gu Qichen coldly retorted: ¡°Hadn¡¯t we agreed on using a stunt double for the kissing scene?¡± Shen Shichuan said helplessly: ¡°ns couldn¡¯t keep up with changes. I did find a stunt double, but they didn¡¯t use it. There¡¯s nothing I can do about it. After all, I¡¯m not the director.¡± Gu Qichen knew he couldn¡¯t me Shen Shichuan since he saw that Xia Yangyang willingly agreed at that time. Thinking about this, he felt an ufortable knot in his stomach. Shen Shichuan continued: ¡°Ah Chen, I must tell you that a year ago, Chen Yu surprisingly proposed to your little wife. I know Chen Yu, he appears a frivolous yboy, but he never had a serious girlfriend over the years. He was at his peak during his time at ¡®Time,¡¯ but then unexpectedly signed with Starlight without any sign, I¡¯ve been puzzled by this for many years. Now that I think about it, could it have something to do with Yangyang?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s expression darkened. Shen Shichuan said: ¡°I didn¡¯t think your young wife would attract so many handsome men. Where did you find such a gem?¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t say a word, frowning, his aura dropping sharply. Shen Shichuan realized, this man really cared. Xia Yangyang was just leaving the vi. Chen Yu¡¯s Ferrari was parked right in front of her. Chen Yu said: ¡°Get in the car.¡± Xia Yangyang sure wasn¡¯t going to ride in his car. What if someone saw them and started rumors? But Chen Yu stubbornly drove slowly next to her. His car was a convertible, and he was unabashedly whistling and flirting with her. Xia Yangyang felt even more conspicuous. Finally, in desperation, Xia Yangyang got into the car and said: ¡°Chen Yu, can you please not do that in the future?¡± Chapter 98 - 99: My life goal, Chen Yu, is to marry into a rich family Chapter 98: Chapter 99: My life goal, Chen Yu, is to marry into a rich family Trantor: 549690339 Chen Yu closed the convertible top and smiled, saying, ¡°Miss Xiao Qian, what did I do to upset you?¡± Xia Yangyang wanted to bluntly say, stop bothering me in the future. But deep down, Xia Yangyang understood. Chen Yu just has this kind of yboy personality, it¡¯s not just her he treats this way. In his eyes, she¡¯s probably just amusing. She herself is just a toy to this popr big-shot celebrity. Xia Yangyang did not like this feeling at all, so she decided to clear things up with him today. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Chen Yu, I hope you will stop ying with me. I¡¯m not your toy. Why did you specifically choose me when there¡¯re so many others who wouldn¡¯t mind bing your toys?¡± Chen Yu was driving, then he nced at her innocently and asked, ¡°When did I ever y with you?¡± ¡°A year ago, you proposed to me out of the blue, and now you¡¯re flirting with me on set, making many people misunderstand us, isn¡¯t this toying with me?¡± Chen Yuughed and said, ¡°I was serious when I proposed to you a year ago, and I was hurt for a long time when you refused me.¡± Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Can you tell me why you proposed to me? In my opinion, other than you having a temporary screw loose, I can¡¯t think of any other reasons.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice began to sharpen. She didn¡¯t want their rtionship to beplicated. It would be better to maintain a distance in the future, even if it would upset him. However, Chen Yu didn¡¯t seem angry at all. He said, ¡°Miss Qian, Have I ever told you that my life goal is to ¡®marry into a wealthy family¡¯?¡± Xia Yangyang was shocked. After thinking for a while, she said, ¡°So I¡¯m just a goal for you. You proposed to me for the resources of Starlight Entertainment?¡± But what Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t understand was. Chen Yu was already thepany¡¯s pir, Starlight Entertainment was throwing all their resources his way. The situation now was more like Starlight being afraid of him not renewing his contract, rather than him trying to ingratiate himself with thepany. So, he really didn¡¯t need to worry about resources. Chen Yu said, ¡°If it¡¯s for the resources, you¡¯re really looking down on me.¡± Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Then why? Besides, the Xia family isn¡¯t really a top-ss wealthy family. There are countless aristocratic heiresses who like you. Even if you¡¯re just interested in our family, I have a younger sister. She¡¯s my father¡¯s current wife¡¯s daughter, andpared to me, she would be of greater value to you.¡± Chen Yu said, ¡°I really dislike your sister.¡± ¡°What about others? Our Xia family isn¡¯t even in the top four families of Feng City. What is it that you see in me?¡± Chen Yu suddenly turned his head and stretched out a hand to lightly tap Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, ¡°Silly child, I have my eyes on you.¡± Xia Yangyang was speechless. It felt like the conversation hade full circle. She didn¡¯t believe that someone like Chen Yu, a star of his caliber in the entertainment industry, who had seen so many top-notch beauties, could be interested in an ordinary woman like her. Xia Yangyang looked frustrated and was tired of talking to Chen Yu. Chen Yu nced at her andughed, ¡°Miss Qian, what do you want to eat tonight?¡± Xia Yangyang looked up and realized that the car had stopped near the school, just a short walk away from the food stalls. Xia Yangyang quickly said, ¡°Stop the car, I¡¯ll eat here.¡± The car pulled over and parked by the side of the road. Xia Yangyang initially nned to grab a quick bowl of beef noodles. But to her surprise, Chen Yu also stepped out of the car. Xia Yangyang puzzledly asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Chen Yu replied, ¡°I¡¯m having dinner with you. Surely you don¡¯t think I¡¯m an immortal who doesn¡¯t need to eat..¡± Chapter 99 - 100: Do You Have Prince Syndrome? Chapter 99: Chapter 100: Do You Have Prince Syndrome? Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang certainly knew he would eat, but she assumed he wouldn¡¯t eat from these street food stalls. Just to let you know, this afternoon, everyone in the crew was eating boxed lunches, even the director wasn¡¯t an exception. Only Chen Yu had his private kitchen. But no one dared to use him of ying favourites. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Do you believe me when I say if you go in with me now, you might note out alive?¡± This is the food street in the college town. Although it¡¯s summer vacation, word is that Chen Yu is filming a TV series here. Ny percent of the students stayed at school. The school filming location was sealed off. But from the beginning of the set construction, it had been surrounded by countless people every day. If Chen Yu were to appear on this food street now. The crowd would probably riot. Chen Yu knew this too. Chen Yu said, ¡°Then you go buy, I¡¯ll wait for you in the car, I want to eatmb skewers and hot and sour rice noodles, put more chilli.¡± He really treated himself as one of the family. But Xia Yangyang knew that with his wayward character, if she didn¡¯t listen to him, he might actually follow her in. Left with no choice, Xia Yangyang sighed and went straight to the snack street. It didn¡¯t take long for Xia Yangyang to return to the car. She brought two bowls of steaming hot and sour rice noodles and a big bunch ofmb skewers. Xia Yangyang had eaten hot-and-sour noodles andmb skewers many times before. But this was the first time she was eating them in a Ferrari. Xia Yangyang ate carefully, fearing she would dirty the car. On the other hand, Chen Yu was enjoying his food. If it were anyone else, Xia Yangyang might have found their eating manners unpleasant. But it was Chen Yu¡¯s face, which made it impossible for her to dislike no matter how she looked. His fingers were fair and slim, just like bamboo joints, holding that roughly made disposable chopsticks, it gave off an alternative beauty. When Chen Yu looked up, he saw Xia Yangyang looking at him. He smirked, ¡°Little Missy, don¡¯t you think even my eating looks charming?¡± Xia Yangyang frowned, suddenly leaning over with seriousness, ¡°Chen Yu, I want to ask you something.¡± Xia Yangyang came very close, even Chen Yu was slightly taken aback, and stiffly asked, ¡°What is it?¡± Xia Yangyang said seriously, ¡°Are you suffering from Prince Syndrome?¡± Chen Yu was startled. Xia Yangyang had already stepped back and took a bite of the mutton and said, ¡°Had nobody told you about this?¡± Chen Yu snorted. He casually took out a small mirror, ¡°Prince Syndrome is to describe those ordinary-looking, overconfident people. But with my good looks, I am originally a prince. How can I have Prince Syndrome?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head in disgust, muttering to herself, ¡°It¡¯s toote, incurable.¡± After dinner, Chen Yu insisted on sending her to the dormitory entrance. After she got off the car, Xia Yangyang urged him to leave, knowing that the dormitory entrance was a ce where female students would often stake out. Chen Yu lowered the car window, ¡°Little Missy, don¡¯t I get a goodbye kiss?¡± Xia Yangyang immediately turned her head and ran into the dormitory building. With a smile on his face, Chen Yu started the engine and drove away. This scene was caught by Xia Weiwei on her phone. Seeing Xia Yangyang get in Chen Yu¡¯s car just now, she had guessed Chen Yu would drop her off, so she set up a watch here. If Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu were to stir up a scandal, they would undoubtedly be dissed to death by Chen Yu¡¯s fanatical fans. Just as Xia Weiwei was sneering, Lu Yao appeared behind her. Lu Yao demanded sternly, ¡°What are you filming?¡± Lu Yao saw the photo, in which Xia Yangyang was seen getting out of Chen Yu¡¯s car. Chen Yu¡¯s side profile was also captured clearly. Lu Yao seemed to have guessed something. Lu Yao said, ¡°You should know that during filming periods, all crew photos can¡¯t be disclosed for confidentiality, and Yangyang, being the female lead, hasn¡¯t even been announced to the public. If you were to leak the photos now and Director Yang mes you, nobody can bear the responsibility..¡± Chapter 100 - 100:101. Sow discord Chapter 100:101. Sow discord Trantor: 549690339 Xia Weiwei turned around and put away her phone. Lu Yao said, ¡°You should delete that photo.¡± Xia Weiwei spoke up, ¡°You¡¯d better not get involved in my matter with Xia Yangyang.¡± Lu Yao said, ¡°Since I¡¯ve seen it, I can¡¯t ignore it. Yangyang and I are friends.¡± Xia Weiwei smirked, ¡°Friends? I think you¡¯re just trying to suck up to her. You signed with a workshop before, I know you always wanted to sign with Starlight. If you think pleasing Xia Yangyang can help you sign with Starlight, you¡¯d better please me instead. Xia Yangyang has no status in our family.¡± Lu Yao said, ¡°You¡¯re seriously underestimating me. Starlight is not the only agency in the world. I, Lu Yao, don¡¯t need to curry favor with anyone. What did you say? If your sister has no status in your family, why is she the heroine in this y while you are only the fourth female lead?¡± That hit a nerve in Xia Weiwei. Xia Weiwei was upset, but an idea suddenly came to her mind. Xia Weiwei abruptly changed her tone, ¡°Sister Lu Yao, I remember you also auditioned for the main female role, didn¡¯t you?¡± Lu Yao said, ¡°What are you getting at?¡± Xia Weiwei stated, ¡°Let me tell you the truth. My sister was parachuted in because this movie is co-produced by my father and Shen Shichuan. My father wanted to promote my sister into the entertainment industry, so she directlynded the lead role in this movie. You originally topped the audition but had to y the supporting role because of my sister.¡± Lu Yao said, ¡°Don¡¯t try to sow discord. I won¡¯t fall for it.¡± Xia Weiwei pretended to look innocent, ¡°I¡¯m not lying, don¡¯t you find this strange? You and my sister went to the same school. But how could a journalism student suddenly start acting and even y the leading role? Who would believe this without any inside connection? And let me tell you, my sister insisted on doing this movie because of Chen Yu.¡± The mention of Chen Yu made Lu Yao look visibly shocked. Xia Weiwei knew that Lu Yao was infatuated with Chen Yu as she had identally spotted a tattoo dedicated to Chen Yu¡¯s fans ¡°Yutou¡± behind her ear. Xia Weiwei continued: ¡°Didn¡¯t you know? My sister is a hardcore fan of Chen Yu. But she¡¯s very hypocritical and won¡¯t show it in front of others. But in fact, our house is covered with Chen Yu¡¯s posters. She is doing this movie to catch a big fish.¡± When Lu Yao returned to the dormitory, Xia Yangyang noticed that her mood seemed a bit off. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, you don¡¯t seem to be in a good mood.¡± Lu Yao said, ¡°Where did you go after work? I couldn¡¯t find you.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Oh, I went to the snack street to have dinner. I forgot to tell you.¡± Lu Yao¡¯s face changed a bit, ¡°Did you say you ate at a roadside stall tonight?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded: ¡°Spicy and sour noodles andmb skewers.¡± Lu Yao bowed her head and said, ¡°I see.¡± Then she climbed up to her bunk, turned her back, andy down. Xia Yangyang was a bit baffled, she had a hunch that Lu Yao was not very happy. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t tell her that she was dining with Chen Yu, fearing it would only upset her more. Xia Yangyang knew Lu Yao had a crush on Chen Yu. She never asked, so Xia Yangyang never mentioned it on purpose. Lu Yaoy under the covers, feeling ufortable. Just now, Chen Yu had taken her home in his Ferrari. Obviously, they had dinner together. How could Chen Yu eat at roadside stalls with her? Everyone knew how particr Chen Yu was about his tastes. He never ate the food provided on set. He always brought his private chef to cook for him. Xia Yangyang was obviously lying. It seems not everything Xia Weiwei said was a lie. Lu Yao clenched her fingers under the covers.. Chapter 101 - 102: Peanut Allergy Chapter 101: Chapter 102: Peanut Allergy Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang noticed a significant change in Lu Yao¡¯s attitude these past few days. She always deliberately avoided her. After returning to the dormitory in the evening, she wouldn¡¯t talk, just read her script or go to sleep. Xia Yangyang had tried several times to chat with her, but she always found an excuse to turn her down. Xia Yangyang noticed Lu Yao growing increasingly cold towards her. However, Xia Yangyang was puzzled as there had been no conflict between them. One day at noon, Dai Yangyang brought her lunch box and sat next to Lu Yao. To her surprise, as soon as Xia Yangyang sat down, Lu Yao got up and moved to a different seat. Xia Yangyang felt incredibly embarassed. She was also quite hurt inside. Se??ch ?ew?o?e? ,o?g o? ?oo?l? At least she was sure now, Lu Yao was genuinely repulsed by her. Xia Yangyang sat alone, head bowed as she finished her meal. At some point though, Chen Yu had taken the seat beside her. Chen Yu swiftly grabbed her lunch box and disposable chopsticks, tossing them into a nearby trash can. Xia Yangyang was taken aback. ¡°Chen Yu, what are you doing?¡± Chen Yu replied, ¡°Is themunal lunch of the crew supposed to be edible? It¡¯s disgustingly unptable. Look how thin you¡¯ve be.¡± Xia Yangyang was at a loss for words. He really didn¡¯t fear offending people. Director Yang, who was right nearby, heard Chen Yu¡¯sints and looked awkwardly at his own munal lunch¡±. He wasn¡¯t sure whether he should continue eating or not. Chen Yu, not concerned at all, abruptly grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm eximing, ¡°From now on,e eat with me. Whatever you want, I¡¯ll have the cook prepare it.¡± Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t pleased. But in the end, she was forcefully led away by Chen Yu. Chen Yu continually served food to Xia Yangyang, his actions caring and gentle. Xia Yangyang, however, appeared aggrieved. The two were on the verge of bickering. All of this was witnessed by Lu Yao. Her fingertips turned white as she clenched her chopsticks, nearly snapping them. Xia Weiwei had been watching the whole scenario from the shadows. It seemed her words from before were starting to take effect. It was time to add a little more fuel to the fire. Xia Weiwei took the initiative to sit next to Lu Yao and remarked, ¡°Chen Yu seems to really like my sister. She truly is a master in the game of love. This tactic of ying hard to get¡ªI must admit¡ªis working wonderfully.¡± Lu Yao asked, ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Xia Weiwei continued, ¡°Chen Yu¡¯s food looks good. However, I hope there are no peanuts. My sister is allergic to peanuts. Not just eating them, even a small inhale of peanut dust can cause a body-wide rash, and it wouldn¡¯t subside for half a month.¡± Lu Yao¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°What are you getting at?¡± With an uncaring expression, Xia Weiwei stated, ¡°Just saying, the Cindere film schedule is only three months. Given its urgency, the director can¡¯t afford to wait half a month for an actor. If my sister is reced as the lead role due to health problems, who is the most likely recement? I think it¡¯s you, Sister Lu Yao. Then, you can film scenes together with Chen Yu. Perhaps you might even develop feelings for each other.¡± Before Lu Yao could respond, Xia Weiwei got up, ¡°I¡¯ve always felt it was a pity. The role originally belonged to you. Your appearance and acting skills are far superiorpared to Xia Yangyang. Unfortunately, there are too many unspoken rules in this circle. Without any tactics, who couldst long here?¡± After Xia Weiwei had left, Lu Yao sat in silence, her hand holding her chopsticks trembling slightly. In the middle of the night, Xia Yangyang suddenly started wheezing. Lu Yao was still awake. rmed, she got out of the bed to check on her. Xia Yangyang was covered head to toe in red spots, her face already swollen. Moreover, she continuously coughed, barely able to catch her breath. Chapter 102 - 103: Would you take it off yourself, or should I force you? Chapter 102: Chapter 103: Would you take it off yourself, or should I force you? Trantor: 549690339 ¡°Yangyang, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Lu Yao patted Xia Yangyang¡¯s face. Xia Yangyang¡¯s face was scorching hot, Lu Yao discovered, she was actually running a high fever. Lu Yao was genuinely terrified. After what Xia Weiwei said during the day, that evening, she sprinkled a bit of peanut powder on Xia Weiwei¡¯s pillow. She thought it was just a typical allergic reaction, but she didn¡¯t expect it to be so serious. Lu Yao was quick to seek help. The production team was all awake, and Xia Yangyang was rushed to the hospital overnight. Xia Yangyang was dazed, feeling as if the world was spinning, as if it had turned into a chaotic battleground. When she opened her eyes again, she saw the blurry figures of doctors and nurses dressed in white coats, and a silhouette. Se??ch ?ew?o?e? ,o?g o? ?oo?l? She faintly heard the doctor¡¯s voice, ¡°Miss Xia is in anaphctic shock due to an allergy that can cause asthma and shock. This is quite a severe case for Miss Xia, and she needs to be hospitalized for further observation.¡± ¡°Thank you, Director Fang.¡± ¡°Mr. Gu, it¡¯s nothing.¡± Then all the doctors and nurses left. The tall figure turned around, Xia Yangyang saw his face clearly, it was Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen noticed that Xia Yangyang was awake, rushed over and said, ¡°Yangyang, how are you feeling? Do you want to drink some water?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head, ¡°Why did youe back?¡± Xia Yangyang remembered that Gu Qichen was on a business trip in Japan for the past few days. Why did he suddenly show up in front of her? Gu Qichen replied, ¡°How could I note back? You nearly didn¡¯t wake up.¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°It¡¯s not that serious, just an allergy. idents happen once or twice a year, it¡¯s not life-threatening.¡± Hearing Xia Yangyang say this, Gu Qichen¡¯s face became grave, ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you an idiot? Knowing that your allergies are this serious, you still face idents once or twice a year?¡± Wrongs Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I can¡¯t control this, who can control idents?¡± Xia Yangyang knew she had a severe peanut allergy, which was inherited. She usually eats very carefully, not touching anything that has even a slight connection with peanuts. But she didn¡¯t know what happened this time. Gu Qichen said, ¡°I suspect this may not be an ident. Think about it, have you mentioned your peanut allergy to anyone around you?¡± Xia Yangyang wrinkled her brows. She never mentioned it, but the production team and Xia Weiwei knew about it. However, if someone truly did this on purpose, it definitely couldn¡¯t be Xia Weiwei who did it herself, Xia Yangyang was sure about that. Xia Yangyang said in a low voice, ¡°Don¡¯t assume everyone is that bad. It might just be an ident after all, maybe I identally ate something.¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°This industry isn¡¯t as clean as you think. I don¡¯t understand why you, who could have livedfortably, insist on acting.¡± Why do you still act in dramas? Wasn¡¯t it just to avoid him? Xia Yangyang felt suffocated, and pulled the nket over her head, ¡°Just stop worrying about me, I want to sleep.¡± The next second, the nket was pulled away by Gu Qichen, ¡°First, apply the medication before you sleep.¡± Gu Qichen handed her a box of ointment, saying, ¡°This was prescribed by the doctor. Your body has rashes that won¡¯t subside. You need to apply it three times a day, it¡¯s an anti-inmmatory and will help with the itching. Remove your clothes.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s face turned a mysterious shade of red, ¡°I¡¯ll apply it myself. You can leave.¡± Gu Qichen just stood at the side of the bed, staring fixedly at Xia Yangyang. His gaze was so cold that it could seemingly carve an icy hole into her. Gu Qichen coldly said, ¡°Do you want to take them off yourself, or should I force you to..¡± Chapter 103 - 104: Perfect, I’ve never tried it in the hospital before Chapter 103: Chapter 104: Perfect, I¡¯ve never tried it in the hospital before Trantor: 549690339 Seeing Gu Qichen¡¯s icy demeanour made Xia Yangyang feel a twinge of fear. But Xia Yangyang was aware. She was covered in red rashes¡ªeven her private areas were not spared. She would be too embarrassed to have Gu Qichen apply medicine on her. In addition, she was still feeling somewhat resentful towards him, as if she had an axe to grind with him. Xia Yangyang turned her face away: ¡°Even if you tried to make a move, you might not beat me.¡± She was a fifth-degree ck belt in taekwondo. Although Gu Qichen physically overshadowed her, he looked refined and fair-skinned; she reckoned he would prove no match for her if it came to fisticuffs. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t waste words with Xia Yangyang either. He stepped forward and reached out to unbutton Xia Yangyang¡¯s shirt. Of course, Xia Yangyang was not about to let this happen without a fight. But she was caught off-guard and easily pinned down on the bed by Gu Qichen¡¯s swift move. Xia Yangyang had no idea that Gu Qichen could handle himself this well. Under his hold, Xia Yangyang found herself utterly powerless. ¡°Let me go,¡± Xia Yangyang yelled. Gu Qichen smirked, looking down at the helpless girl beneath him. ¡°Don¡¯t show off your little tricks in front of me again. As far as I¡¯m concerned, they¡¯re nothing more than fancy footwork.¡± She had practiced taekwondo for over a decade and won countless medals. She took pride in her own skill, and he had just dismissed it as mere fancy footwork!! Xia Yangyang felt terribly insulted. Xia Yangyang gritted her teeth, and swiftly turned herself around. Like an eel, she wriggled away from Gu Qichen¡¯s constraint. Then she promptly seized Gu Qichen by the cor and flung him onto the bed. The next second, the tables had turned. Xia Yangyang had Gu Qichen under herplete control on the bed. To prevent Gu Qichen from fighting back, Xia Yangyang pressed her whole body on top of him. From afar, she appeared as if she were an octopus clinging to a man. Xia Yangyang disyed a rare triumphant smile on her face: ¡°How¡¯s this? Still think I¡¯m a pushover?¡± Watching Xia Yangyang¡¯s uncharacteristic yful expression, Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t help butugh. ¡°It seems you¡¯re feeling better. With this much energy, why not¡­¡± Gu Qichen purposefully drew closer. Xia Yangyang was taken aback. She knew Gu Qichen¡¯s expression all too well, and instantly responded with a flushed face and a racing heart. Gu Qichen slowly moved in closer, rendering Xia Yangyang too bewildered to think, forgettingpletely about the previous events and their current situation. Xia Yangyang¡¯s defenses gradually dropped, even while rm bells were ringing in her mind. The closer Gu Qichen got, the more reflexively she retreated. Then she gradually pulled herself away from Gu Qichen. Sure enough, the next second, Gu Qichen grabbed her and swiftly turned over in bed. Xia Yangyang found herself pinned down on the hospital bed by Gu Qichen. The atmosphere had turned utterly romantic. Gu Qichen deliberately imitated the way Xia Yangyang had pinned him down earlier, restraining her with his entire body. Xia Yangyang was once again left utterly helpless. An anxious Xia Yangyang yelled, ¡°Gu Qichen, what are you doing?¡± Gu Qichen raised an eyebrow, and responded in a nonchnt manner, ¡°You.¡± It took a long while for her to understand his insinuation, which left her blushing bright red. What a ruffian! Though it was a rather suggestive statement, when spoken softly by this man, it made her blush, made her heartbeat race, and caused her to lose control. Still, Xia Yangyang was somewhat able to keep her wits about her. She barked angrily, ¡°Gu Qichen, we are in a hospital!¡± Who would have thought that this man would quirk his brow, and a mischievous grin would appear at the corner of his mouth: ¡°Perfect.. I¡¯ve never tried it in a hospital before!¡± Chapter 105 - 105:106: Movie Star’s Secret Love Affair Exposed Chapter 105:106: Movie Star¡¯s Secret Love Affair Exposed Trantor: 549690339 Chen Yu¡¯s handsome face turned terribly unpleasant in an instant. His gaze toward Xia Yangyang also showed a hint of awkwardness. Xia Yangyang herself felt incredibly embarrassed. Being caught in such a scene by someone else was utterly mortifying. However, in Chen Yu¡¯s eyes, it was just a delicate woman¡¯s shyness. If her husband was Gu Qichen¡­ Chen Yu said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for the interruption. I¡¯ll leave now.¡± Chen Yu turned to leave. ¡°Chen Yu,¡± Xia Yangyang called to him as he was leaving the room. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know why she had called him, but she felt that Chen Yu¡¯s demeanor was very different from his usual self, as if he has been dealt a significant blow. Chen Yu halted his steps. Not knowing what to say, Xia Yangyang could only utter, ¡°Thank you for visiting me, and take care.¡± After a pause, Chen Yu departed. An eerily silence had suddenly taken over the room. ¡°Seems like you¡¯re rather disappointed,¡± Gu Qichen suddenly broke the silence, his voice icy cold. In a reflexive response, Xia Yangyang blurted, ¡°Why would I be? I have no rtionship with Chen Yu.¡± She didn¡¯t know why she feltpelled to exin, but deep down she was terrified that Gu Qichen might misunderstand. Gu Qichen¡¯s face seemed to lighten a little. He then approached her again and said, ¡°Shall we continue without further tantrums? If you are going to behave, I will apply the ointment.¡± Exhausted from all the turmoil, Xia Yangyang ceased her resistance and began to undress. However, Gu Qichen turned and walked to the door, locking it. When he returned to the bed, Xia Yangyang had already undressed andy down on the bed. Her body was impressive, curvaceous, with a back that appeared to be sketched by a pencil, fair as porcin. Her back was, however, covered with numerous patches of small red bumps. Gu Qichen sat down next to Xia Yangyang. He applied the cream to her back, spreading it evenly with his fingertips. Xia Yangyang¡¯s body was a mix of pain and itchiness. But the ointment was cooling and instantly soothed her itches and pains. Feelingfortable, Xia Yangyang only moaned and said, ¡°Rub more, right there, give it a scratch.¡± Gu Qichen watched the tiny human lying on the bed, looking as leisurely as azy cat. She was showing no shyness now. Just moments ago she had acted as if applying the ointment was going to kill her. A faint smile spread across Gu Qichen¡¯s face as he gently scratched Xia Yangyang¡¯s back. It made Gu Qichen feel as if he was stroking a cat. Xia Yangyang¡¯s skin was exquisite, as delicate as silk. His fingers traced her back, sending a current-like sensation through him. It was the first time Gu Qichen was experiencing this sort of feeling with a woman. Bending over, Gu Qichen nted a gentle kiss on Xia Yangyang¡¯s back, then slowly moved downwards¡­ He felt his self-control crumbling bit by bit, his breath gradually growing heavier. But he realized that Xia Yangyang, unusually, was showing no reaction to his advances. However, when he turned to look at Xia Yangyang, she had already fallen asleep peacefully¡­ Sighing in resignation, Gu Qichen continued applying the ointment to Xia Yangyang. When Xia Yangyang woke again, it was already early the next morning. The room was empty. Xia Yangyang saw that the red bumps on her body had faded significantly. Bored, she got out of bed, wandered around, and then switched on the television. It was time for the morning entertainment news. The headline of the news was ¡°Movie Star Chen Yu Spotted Driving an Unknown Woman to the Hospital in the Middle of the Night ¨C Secret Love Affair Exposed?¡±.. Chapter 106 - 107: So what is he, Gu Qichen? A wild man who can’t face the light? Chapter 106: Chapter 107: So what is he, Gu Qichen? A wild man who can¡¯t face the light? Trantor: 549690339 A photo was released in the news. It was taken by a passerby when they were in the hospital and posted online. In the photo, Chen Yu was holding her, his face filled with urgency and worry. She, on the other hand, appeared to be asleep. The news was full of spective stories. Her identity was revealed and she was given thebel ¡°Princess of Starlight¡±. Chen Yu was a star under Starlight, so dating Starlight¡¯s princess seemed perfectly reasonable. So when the news came out, no one doubted its authenticity. Rather, it was Chen Yu¡¯s fans who couldn¡¯t ept this fact. There was much crying and outcry, and countless forums practically exploded. The topic was trending, and the cries of the fans were heard everywhere. Xia Yangyang sighed after reading the news. This was really a big deal now. Just as she turned off the TV, she saw Gu Qichen standing behind her, his gaze fixed on the television. Xia Yangyang jumped in surprise, ¡°When did youe? I didn¡¯t hear a sound.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was indifferent, ¡°Just when the news was saying that you two were secretly living together, inseparable.¡± Xia Yangyang: This man must be doing this on purpose¡ªknowing that the news was false, yet still intentionally jabbing her. Xia Yangyang pouted, looking at the time on the wall: nine in the morning. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you have work today?¡± She knew how busy he was; for as long as Xia Yangyang could remember, Gu Qichen had never taken a day off. Gu Qichen did not answer Xia Yangyang¡¯s question but only said, ¡°Come over for breakfast.¡± Only then did Xia Yangyang notice that Gu Qichen was holding a food box. The box was made of wood, it looked very ssy, unlike the typical takeaway box. Xia Yangyang looked somewhat pleasantly surprised, ¡°Did you make this yourself?¡± Gu Qichen snorted coldly: ¡°I bought it.¡± Well, okay¡­ It was her favorite chicken porridge. After taking a bite, Xia Yangyang exaggeratedly said, ¡°Did you apprentice with the chef from this restaurant? The taste is exactly the same.¡± Seeing the hint of a sly smile on the corner of Xia Yangyang¡¯s mouth, Gu Qichen replied calmly, ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you asking to be punished?¡± Xia Yangyang continued to eat her porridge, feeling strangely happy in her heart. Obviously, he made it himself but would not admit it. Xia Yangyang ate a lot, but Gu Qichen didn¡¯t touch his chopsticks. When Xia Yangyang looked up, she found Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze was fixed on her face. Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze seemed deep and intense; coupled with his exceptionally handsome face, few women could stand his gaze. Xia Yangyang felt a bit ufortable under his gaze, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you eating?¡± Gu Qichen suddenly spoke, ¡°Wife, let¡¯s go public.¡± Xia Yangyang choked on the porridge she had just swallowed. Gu Qichen had never called her wife so affectionately before. He had asionally used the term in the past, but it was usually said in a joking or flirtatious tone. In their marriage, Xia Yangyang had always felt there was an imbnce in their status. At the very least, there was a seven-year age difference, and, of course, there was also the disparity of life experience. Gu Qichen had long since climbed to the pinnacle of the pyramid, looking down at themon people. Xia Yangyang was, after all, one of those many people. Most of the time in front of Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang felt like a junior, a child, a subordinate, or even¡­ a pet. So the sudden term of endearment from Gu Qichen left Xia Yangyang incapable of responding. Xia Yangyang kept coughing; tears from the choking even sprung to her eyes. Gu Qichen, with a dark face, patted Xia Yangyang¡¯s back to help her catch her breath. All he had done is test the waters about going public, and this was her reaction. So what was he in her heart? A wild man whom she couldn¡¯t show off to the world? This was the first time Gu Qichen felt both angry and defeated.. Chapter 107 - 108: Press Conference Gets Egged Chapter 107: Chapter 108: Press Conference Gets Egged Trantor: 549690339 Just at that moment, Xia Yangyang¡¯s phone suddenly rang. Xia Yangyang quickly got up to answer the call. Thank goodness the call came just in time, otherwise she really didn¡¯t know how to respond to Gu Qichen¡¯s question. Going public? Once it¡¯s public, there¡¯s no turning back, but Xia Yangyang still has doubts in her heart. She hasn¡¯t figured out what happened with Shen Manbing yet. Nor has she figured out exactly what Gu Qichen¡¯s feelings for her are. The call was from Director Yang. Xia Yangyang hung up the phone and walked back to the dinner table. Gu Qichen was still sitting there. Xia Yangyang took the initiative to speak: ¡°Director Yang said, at a press conference tomorrow afternoon, they¡¯ll announce my role as the female lead in the TV drama, and also rify my rtionship with Chen Yu.¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t have much of a reaction, he tidied up the food boxes and immediately left. Xia Yangyang could feel that Gu Qichen seemed not too pleased. Was it because she just didn¡¯t give him a clear response? Xia Yangyang¡¯s allergic rash had improved a lot, only a few faint red spots remained on her face, though there were still many on her body. However, ording to previous experience, it would take about half a month topletely heal. In the afternoon, many people gradually arrived on the set. However, Chen Yu didn¡¯te again. It wasn¡¯t until the press conference that Xia Yangyang saw Chen Yu again. But Chen Yu didn¡¯t seem the same as usual. He didn¡¯t say a word to Xia Yangyang before the conference began. Shen Shichuan had brought her the script for the press conference in advance, but essentially it was Chen Yu¡¯s show, Xia Yangyang just needed to sit by his side. Many people attended the press conference, the cordoned-off area was filled with journalists from all major media outlets. Furthermore, apparently Chen Yu¡¯s fans had alsoe,pletely barricading the hotel venue outside. The press conference proceeded as nned. The production team announced Xia Yangyang¡¯s identity, with Director Yang Jin personally announcing that Xia Yangyang was the winner of the Cindere audition for the female lead. Chen Yu then rified that his rtionship with Xia Yangyang was solely professional. The journalists¡¯ Q&A session was next. The majority of the questions were pre-arranged with the various media outlets, so there were no unexpected difficult questions. The press conference ended quickly. Just as everyone was preparing to leave, the conference room door suddenly opened. A student-like girl burst in, hurling an egg at Xia Yangyang without a word, screaming, ¡°Scram out of the entertainment industry, you rule-breaking, innocent poseur!¡± Nobody responded in time. All they could do was stare as the egg in her hand flew towards Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t expected such a scene to unfold, she simply stood there, dumfounded, even forgetting to dodge. In the critical moment, Chen Yu instinctively turned around, pulling Xia Yangyang into his chest, and became a human shield for her. Two distinct thumps were the only sounds. Both eggs had hit directly at the back of Chen Yu¡¯s head. For a moment, everyone in the conference room was stunned. After a second of silence, Chen Yu¡¯s manager screamed from the side, ¡°Security! Where¡¯s security?¡± The room¡¯s security had already surrounded them, immediately dragging away the egg-throwing woman. As she was dragged away, she kept screaming that Xia Yangyang had climbed thedder by breaking rules. What followed was a barrage of sh photography. Chen Yu¡¯s manager and assistant shielded him, waving their hands frantically: ¡°Stop shooting, stop shooting!¡± Chapter 108 - 109: Confronting Lu Yao Chapter 108: Chapter 109: Confronting Lu Yao Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang was stunned. Xia Yangyang noticed that the two eggs that hit Chen Yu¡¯s head had not broken, they had fallen hard onto the table. Upon touching them, she found they were frozen. Xia Yangyang was scared; this was basically like two stones being thrown at someone. ¡°Chen Yu, Chen Yu, are you okay?¡± Chen Yu stood upright and touched the back of his head. Blood, it was actually blood! Chen Yu was quickly taken to the hospital. The doctor said it was quite serious. He had a minor concussion. The girl who had thrown the eggs was reportedly taken to the police station. Upon investigation, it was said that she was a fan of Chen Yu and did not like seeing Xia Yangyang act with Chen Yu. However, a proper press conference had unexpectedly turned into a farce. In the end, the media highlighted the fact that the heroine of the new drama ¡®Cindere¡¯ was pelted with eggs, and Chen Yu stood up to take the blow like a hero. The goal was to clear up rumors, but this incident instead seemed to confirm their ambiguous rtionship. Xia Yangyang had just been discharged, and now Chen Yu was hospitalized. That evening, Shen Shichuan also came to the hospital to visit Chen Yu. Shen Shichuan said, ¡°The director ns to suspend production for half a month. You both should rest and recover well.¡± Xia Yangyang had been concerned; her body covered in rashes would normally heal in half a month, so this timing was suitable. However, Xia Yangyang was even more worried about the media coverage. She sought Shen Shichuan¡¯s advice on whether they should rify things once more. Shen Shichuan reassured her, ¡°Having a scandal is not necessarily a bad thing. Scandals are attention-grabbing. Whose reputation in the entertainment industry is without scandal, true or false? This level of scandal won¡¯t cause too much negative impact, so don¡¯t worry about it.¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s words made sense, but Xia Yangyang still felt uneasy. Deep down, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t really want to be misunderstood as having an ambiguous rtionship with Chen Yu. Perhaps she was also afraid that Gu Qichen wouldn¡¯t be pleased. Shen Shichuan looked at Xia Yangyang and asked, ¡°Are your allergies getting better?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, ¡°A little better.¡± Shen Shichuan said, ¡°Do you want me to help you investigate?¡± Xia Yangyang immediately understood Shen Shichuan¡¯s intention. Earlier, Gu Qichen had also said that this was definitely a deliberate act. Maybe from their perspective, it was obvious andmon. Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°No, I want to solve this matter myself.¡± Shen Shichuan casually replied, ¡°That¡¯s also good.¡± Xia Yangyang quickly returned to her dormitory at A University. Due to the idents that had befallen her and Chen Yu, filming had to be suspended. Many crew members left for their homes. However, when Xia Yangyang arrived at the dormitory, Lu Yao was still there. Lu Yao was sitting at the desk reading a script. When she saw Xia Yangyang appear at the door, some emotion flickered across her face. Then she asked, ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯re back?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded and walked in, headed straight for her bed, and lifted her pillowcase as if looking for something. Lu Yao felt guilty but maintained a calm face, ¡°Yangyang, are you looking for something? Do you need my help?¡± Xia Yangyang held the pillow in her arms and asked, ¡°Did you wash my pillowcase?¡± Lu Yao had indeed washed Xia Yangyang¡¯s pillowcase and cover. After the incident, Lu Yao was very scared. At that time, she had put the peanut powder under Xia Yangyang¡¯s pillow. To cover her tracks, as soon as Xia Yangyang was sent to the hospital, Lu Yao washed all of her bedding. Lu Yao denied it, ¡°No, Yangyang, what are you talking about?¡± Xia Yangyang stated inly, ¡°There¡¯s a distinct smell ofundry detergent on the pillow, but it¡¯s not the kind I normally use.. Lu Yao, did you tamper with my pillow, causing my peanut allergy, didn¡¯t you?¡± Chapter 109 - 110: She is Driven by Jealousy Chapter 109: Chapter 110: She is Driven by Jealousy Trantor: 549690339 Lu Yao hadn¡¯t expected Xia Yangyang to be so direct. Although she asked, it sounded more like a statement. Lu Yao lowered her head, her voice barely audible, ¡°Why do you suspect me? So many people in the crew are jealous of you, why do you believe it¡¯s me?¡± The way Lu Yao asked was equivalent to admitting it. Xia Yangyang was quite disappointed. She would have preferred if Lu Yao denied it. Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°Probably just intuition. You weren¡¯t right those days, and, while I was in the hospital, you were the only one who didn¡¯te to see me.¡± Lu Yao remained silent for a while before speaking up, ¡°I did it. I knew you were allergic to peanuts, so I ced peanut powder under your pillow.¡± Lu Yao suddenly looked up, ¡°But I really didn¡¯t know it would be that serious. I thought it was just like a normal allergy, causing small hives that would eventually disappear.¡± Xia Yangyang spoke up, ¡°Did Xia Weiwei tell you about my peanut allergy?¡± Lu Yao¡¯s voice fell once more, ¡°Yes.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°She wouldn¡¯t have told you that inhaling peanut dust could cause me to have an allergic asthma attack, leading to difficulty breathing or even shock. I¡¯ve always had a contentious rtionship with my sister. While I expected her toe at me, I never thought she¡¯d use you to do so.¡± Lu Yao¡¯s tears began to fall, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Yangyang. I know it¡¯s toote for exnations. I¡¯ll voluntarily quit this drama and apologize to Director Yang. But for the sake of our school ties, can you please not expose this? If this is made public, I might not have a future in the entertainment industry.¡± Xia Yangyang was silent for a long time. Lu Yao didn¡¯t hold much hope in her heart. Why should Yangyang keep this secret when she brought her such harm? Plus, given Xia Yangyang¡¯s status and reputation, such a wealthy youngdy is expected to settle grudges. After a long time, Xia Yangyang finally spoke, ¡°Let¡¯s just forget about it. I¡¯ll just say I ate something bad.¡± Upon hearing this, Lu Yao jerked her head up in surprise, as if doubting her own ears, ¡°What did you say? You¡¯re really not going to bring it up? After what I did to you?¡± A bitter smile appeared at the corner of Xia Yangyang¡¯s mouth, ¡°There¡¯s no benefit for me if you quit the y. However, after this incident, you should realize that Xia Weiwei does not consider your standpoints; she just wants to see me humiliated. I hope you won¡¯t let her use you in the future. Moreover, you rushed me to the hospital immediately. This proves that you have a good heart.¡± Tears clouded Lu Yao¡¯s eyes. When she saw Xia Yangyang struggling to breathe, she had instantly regretted her actions. She had never done such a thing before, but her jealousy had driven her to madness. Lu Yao earnestly said, ¡°Yangyang, I owe you one. If you ever need anything, just say the word and I won¡¯t hesitate to help. It was a momentarypse of judgment. Thank you for forgiving me.¡± Xia Yangyang was silent for a while before asking, ¡°Can you tell me why you were so distant towards me during that time? Why did you let Xia Weiwei manipte you?¡± Biting her lip, Lu Yao hesitated before speaking, ¡°One night, I saw Chen Yu drive you home. I knew you two had eaten dinner together, yet you told me you ate at the food street. I felt like you were lying to me. Also, Xia Weiwei said you only took on this drama because of Chen Yu.¡± Exhaling, Xia Yangyang guessed it would be this. As expected, it was all because of that troublemaker Chen Yu.. Chapter 110 - ill: Xia Yangyang Turns The Tables Chapter 110: Chapter ill: Xia Yangyang Turns The Tables Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang exined seriously, ¡°I did meet with Chen Yu that night, and we did eat at the snack street, along with sour and spicy vermicelli andmb skewers. I never lied to you. I¡¯m just sorry, I didn¡¯t tell you more explicit details because I was afraid you would be upset. Chen Yu takes a rather cavalier attitude to everything and loves making me the butt of his jokes. But I swear to you, the reason I¡¯m acting in this film has nothing to do with him, and there will never be any romantic involvement between us in the future.¡± Evidently, she had wronged Xia Yangyang, but Yangyang is still able to exin her actions in this calm manner. This made Lu Yao feel both ashamed and moved. Lu Yao said, ¡°Actually, I¡¯vee to understand that Chen Yu and I are people from different worlds. I used to admire him, but I know I don¡¯t deserve to like someone like him, especially being as low and despicable as I am now. Yangyang, I won¡¯t make the same stupid mistakes. Even if you end up with Chen Yu, I¡¯ll wish you both well.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help butugh and cry at the same time. ¡°I would never get together with Chen Yu.¡± Lu Yao continued seriously, ¡°But I can tell, Chen Yu really likes you.¡± Otherwise, she would not have been so jealous. Xia Yangyang felt the exnation was getting nowhere. ¡°Let¡¯s put it this way, Lu Yao. Let¡¯s say someone really loves to eat stinky tofu, thinking it¡¯s the most delicious food in the world. That doesn¡¯t mean everyone will like it, understand?¡± Lu Yao was taken aback, ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you calling Chen Yu stinky tofu? He is the most handsome man in the world!¡± ¡°He¡¯s unpleasant and obstinate, always acting high and mighty, if that¡¯s not stinky tofu, what is?¡± ¡°Hey, Xia Yangyang, that¡¯s going too far.¡± The two of them bickered as usual but eventually regained their usual rhythm. ¡°You two have a really great bond. I don¡¯t know whether to call you naive or foolish, Xia Yangyang. She almost ruined you, yet you joke around with her nonchntly. You really deserve to be taken advantage of.¡± A sharp female voice came from the door. Xia Yangyang and Lu Yao looked towards the door and Xia Weiwei was standing there. Lu Yao stood up, ¡°Xia Weiwei, you used me!¡± Xia Weiwei walked in, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Xia Yangyang said coldly, ¡°If you truly didn¡¯t know, how would you know she almost ruined my face?¡± Xia Weiwei was left speechless. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Xia Weiwei, I know that you were the one who incited everything behind the scenes. I will hold you ountable for this.¡± Xia Weiwei burst intoughter, ¡°Even if it was me, what evidence do you have? And Xia Yangyang, with your soft personality, what can you possibly do to me?¡± Xia Yangyang sneered in return, ¡°Indeed, I can¡¯t do anything to you. But what if Chen Yu finds out that the girl who threw eggs at the press conference was arranged by you? Do you think he would ask Director Yang to kick you out of the cast? Knowing his temperament, no one could stop him even if it was a whim. Remember, you are only a minor supporting actress, but Chen Yu is the only male lead. What¡¯s more, if Director Yang finds out that your meddling caused Chen Yu to be injured and dyed the filming process, I wonder, do you think he might cklist you?¡± The look on Xia Weiwei¡¯s face changed instantly, ¡°Xia Yangyang, stop ndering me. That was clearly Chen Yu¡¯s fan, what¡¯s that got to do with me?¡± ¡°You said it was Chen Yu¡¯s fan, but that person didn¡¯t show any admiration for Chen Yu from beginning to end. After hitting him, she did nothing but insult me without any remorse. Xia Weiwei, there¡¯s no need to deny it anymore. That woman is still in the police station and she¡¯s confessed everything, including the three thousand yuan you gave her. Xia Weiwei, are you sure you want to test this?¡± Xia Weiwei turned pale. She knew Yangyang returned to the crew to settle scores with Lu Yao, after all, Xia Yangyang was not a fool. She initially came to watch the drama unfold, but she didn¡¯t expect to have the tables turned on her by Xia Yangyang.. Chapter 111 - 112: Chen Yu’s Level of Idioms................................... Chapter 111: Chapter 112: Chen Yu¡¯s Level of Idioms¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­.. Trantor: 549690339 Xia Weiwei knew that what Xia Yangyang was saying was not to scare her. The man was indeed a temporary actor she had found, just to embarrass Xia Yangyang at the press conference. But about this matter, Director Yang was furious. Moreover, Chen Yu was injured because of it, and Chen Yu was no Xia Yangyang. He¡¯s not a pushover. If he really knew she was to me for his injury and hospitalization, and Chen Yu had been defending Xia Yangyang¡­ Perhaps, as Xia Yangyang said, she would be kicked off the crew. Xia Weiwei said, ¡°Xia Yangyang, what exactly do you want?¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°I won¡¯t tell for now, but I¡¯ll keep this leverage. If you ever make a move again, I guarantee that your reputation will be tarnished in the industry even before your debut.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you wouldn¡¯t dare!¡± ¡°Watch me!¡± Xia Weiwei was so furious her nails dug into her palm. In the end, she stomped away in her high heels. Lu Yao, standing beside Xia Yangyang, felt that the idiot was Xia Weiwei, who had actually thought that Xia Yangyang was weak. At this moment, Xia Yangyang¡¯s aura was strong. Her magnanimity and good upbringing gave her a noble demeanor that ordinary people didn¡¯t possess. Xia Yangyang was a realdy of a distinguished family. Later in the evening, Xia Yangyang went to the hospital to see Chen Yu. It was rare for Chen Yu to sit quietly on his hospital bed, seemingly lost in thought. He didn¡¯t even hear Xia Yangyang knocking. When she entered, Chen Yu turned his head to look at her, showing a dislike for her presence. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Chen Yu, are you angry at me?¡± From the start of the press conference, she noticed that Chen Yu hadn¡¯t spoken a word to her. Chen Yu retorted, ¡°Of course I¡¯m angry.¡± ¡°Why? Did I offend you?¡± ¡°The fact that you¡¯re married is one thing, but why did you have to choose Gu Qichen of all people?¡± If it were someone else, he would¡¯ve had confidence to cut him off. But if it¡¯s Gu Qichen¡­ Xia Yangyang found this funny. She knew Chen Yu was angry, but she hadn¡¯t expected it was because of this. But she was married now. Whom she was married to, what did it have to do with him? Xia Yangyang approached Chen Yu and asked seriously, ¡°Chen Yu, do you have some grudge with Gu Qichen? And because of that, you¡¯re ming me as well? But he is his own person, and so am I. You can¡¯t just let your emotions rule.¡± Idiot! Chen Yu didn¡¯t even bother to exin to her, and turned his back on her, not wanting to deal with her at all. Xia Yangyang continued, ¡°Regardless, I want to thank you for stepping in at the conference. Otherwise, I would be the one lying in this hospital bed right now.¡± Chen Yu kept silent. Xia Yangyang felt somewhat awkward, rubbing the edge of her clothes. ¡°Then you should rest well, I¡¯ll not disturb you.¡± As she finished her words and turned to leave, ¡°Xia Yangyang, is that all for your gratitude?¡± Chen Yu suddenly spoke up. Xia Yangyang was taken aback. ¡°What do you want?¡± Chen Yu answered, ¡°Tomorrow, I n to take a vacation at Lake Bay Hot Springs Resort, and you will apany me.¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned. ¡°Why do I have to apany you?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, remember. I was injured because I was saving you. It¡¯s not too much to ask if you help me carry my bags and luggage, manage my food and daily life while I recover, is it?¡± Xia Yangyang understood. He just wanted a personal attendant. Xia Yangyang responded, ¡°Then why don¡¯t you let your agent, Sister Shan, apany you or your assistant Xiao Yang?¡± ¡°Sister Shan is busy, and Xiao Yang is clumsy. Besides, if they apany me, it wouldn¡¯t be a vacation, would it?¡± After saying this, Chen Yu raised his voice, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you just won¡¯t do it, right? I risked my life to save you, and you can¡¯t even do this to repay me. If I had known you were going to return my kindness with ingratitude¡­¡± ¡°Fine, fine, I¡¯ll go with you. Alright?¡± Before Chen Yu could finish, Xia Yangyang already agreed. Chen Yu¡¯s level of eloquence was frightening. He had even mentioned the phrase ¡°return kindness with ingratitude¡±. What else was he going to say next? Chen Yu raised an eyebrow, seemingly in a better mood. ¡°Then go back and pack your bags. We¡¯ll leave early tomorrow morning..¡± Chapter 112 - 113: She has no resistance in front of him Chapter 112: Chapter 113: She has no resistance in front of him Trantor: 549690339 After leaving the hospital, Xia Yangyang felt a tinge of regret for agreeing so quickly. There was, after all, so much to consider. Primarily, Chen Yu was a high-profile figure with countless paparazzi lurking about. The rumors about their rtionship had not yet died down; getting caught on camera would only confirm their spection. But since she had already agreed, it was toote to back out. Xia Yangyang¡¯s luggage was mostly in her dorm, but her ID had always been in her bedroom drawer at Gu Qichen¡¯s ce, so a trip back was necessary. Maple Vi had be a filming set, but the space provided by Gu Qichen was rather limited. Now that the shoot was suspended, no one would likely be there. Xia Yangyang assumed that Gu Qichen was still at work. Hence, upon entering the house, she went directly to the bedroom. As she opened the bedroom door, Xia Yangyang found to her surprise that Gu Qichen was also packing his bags. His suitcase was nearly packed. Seeing Xia Yangyang standing in the doorway, Gu Qichen seemed slightly taken aback: ¡°You finally decided toe back?¡± Xia Yangyang curtly entered and sat down on the bed: ¡°Are you going on a business trip again?¡± She had be ustomed to Gu Qichen packing his suitcase whenever he returned. He was after all a perpetually busy workaholic. The response from Gu Qichen was a nonchnt grunt. ¡°When are you leaving?¡± ¡°The flight¡¯s at nine tonight.¡± Xia Yangyang remained silent. Gu Qichen then asked: ¡°Have you had dinner?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head. Gu Qichen stood up: ¡°Let me make you some noodles. We have the ingredients in the fridge.¡± If she hadn¡¯t overheard that conversation between Gu Qichen and Shen Manbing at the hospital earlier, Xia Yangyang would¡¯ve considered him the perfect man. His flight was at nine, yet at half-past seven, he was in the kitchen preparing noodles for her. Xia Yangyang stood outside the kitchen, staring intently at the man within. Dressed in a white shirt, Gu Qichen probably looked the best among all men in a white shirt,pletely unaffected by any kitchen smell. It didn¡¯t seem like a kitchen at all, but more like an artist creating his masterpiece. Xia Yangyang felt a strong urge to hug Gu Qichen. But she restrained herself in the end. Soon, Gu Qichen emerged from the kitchen. In his hands was a bowl of steaming seafood noodles. After setting the bowl down, Gu Qichen nced at his watch and said: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Yangyang, I have to go.¡± Xia Yangyang knew he was in a hurry to catch his flight; making time to cook noodles for her was already quite a stretch. Xia Yangyang replied: ¡°Then you should hurry. Be careful on the road.¡± To her surprise, instead of moving away, Gu Qichen leaned in, positioning his face near Xia Yangyang¡¯s lips. ¡°Dear wife, give me a kiss.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was gentle and irresistibly captivating. As if seduced, Xia Yangyang obediently kissed Gu Qichen on the cheek. Just as her lips parted from his cheek, Gu Qichen gripped her chin. The French kiss, passionate and lingering, left Xia Yangyang feeling lost and dazed. After what seemed like an eternity, Gu Qichen reluctantly released her. Looking at Xia Yangyang, cheeks flushed and eyes misty, he found her adorable to the point of wanting desperately to tease her more. But time was not on their side. Leaning into her ear, Gu Qichen whispered: ¡°Baby, wait for me toe back.¡± After imprinting a kiss on her forehead, he left. Xia Yangyang¡¯s cheeks zed; her consciousness gradually regained rity. How had she be so powerless before Gu Qichen? Chapter 113 - 114: My eyelid keeps twitching, as if something is about to happen. Chapter 113: Chapter 114: My eyelid keeps twitching, as if something is about to happen. Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen had already left. Xia Yangyang was in a daze as she stared at the bowl of noodles on the table. There was a moment when she had wanted to tell Gu Qichen. That she would be going out with Chen Yu for the next few days. But in the end, she didn¡¯t say it, her heart was filled with inner conflict and difort. She didn¡¯t even know what was wrong with her. After eating her noodles, Xia Yangyang took her ID card and went back to school. Lu Yao, being a local, had gone home for the holidays, which left Xia Yangyang alone in the dormitory. For quite a while, Xia Yangyang had been avoiding the matter of Gu Qichen and Shen Manbing in her mind. At this moment, she finally forced herself to think about it. Maybe it was just their past? Xia Yangyang felt that she had lost, sumbing to her ever-growing attachment to Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang made up her mind that the next time Gu Qichen came back, she wouldy out everything. Early in the morning, Xia Yangyang was woken up by Chen Yu¡¯s relentless calls. He said the car was already downstairs at her dormitory and asked her to hurry down with her luggage. Xia Yangyang looked out of the window, and the sky was still dark. Indeed, they would be easily spotted once it was light out. After quickly washing up, Xia Yangyang took her suitcase and hurried downstairs. Just as Chen Yu said, his car was parked right under her dormitory. As soon as Xia Yangyang got into the car, Chen Yu was taken aback and scowled, ¡°What are you doing? We are going on vacation, not kidnapping. Why are you dressed like this?¡± Xia Yangyang had dressed in all ck,plete with a ck mask and baseball cap, nearly covering herself entirely. Xia Yangyang exined, ¡°This way, I won¡¯t be recognized. Even if the paparazzi capture me, they won¡¯t be able to make out my face.¡± Chen Yu was speechless. They soon arrived at the airport and made it through the VIP channel without causing anymotion. They were on a separate business ss, which provided good privacy. Although Xia Yangyang was apprehensive throughout the journey, they sessfully reached Lake Bay Resort. Lake Bay International Resort is the most luxurious and high-end holiday resort in China, renowned as the ¡°Maldives of China¡±. The entire resort is actually built on a man-made ind in a vastke, on which stands a grand pce hotel. Just as its name suggests, the pce hotel is as luxurious as a real pce. The whole ind has the most high-end golf course, horse-riding venue and natural volcanic hot springs in the country. Of course, the most renowned is the Moonlight Beach here. They say the sand here is unique, crystal clear like ss. At night, under the moonlight, it would glow, making it one of the most romantic ces in the world. It is said that thiske ind only serves a hundred VIPs per season. Anyone wishing to take a vacation here must make a reservation three months in advance. Except for those with a VIP card, the annual fee of which is rumored to be ten million. Xia Yangyang thought only fools with too much money would get such a card. Quite obviously, Chen Yu falls under this category. Due to limited number of guests and no media ess, every guest¡¯s identity will be checked before they step onto the ind, making it a safe ce for celebrities. It is said that the biggest stars in China like to take vacations here. The suite Chen Yu booked was a presidential suite. Just the bedrooms alone were over ten, spread over three levels with private swimming pool and gym. The scenery here is beautiful, like paradise. But from the moment Xia Yangyang stepped onto the ind, her eyelid had been twitching, like something was about to happen.. Chapter 114 - 115: The Biggest Secret of the Chapter 114: Chapter 115: The Biggest Secret of the Entertainment Industry Trantor: 549690339 After a short rest, we went to have lunch. You could order from here and have a waiter bring your lunch to your room. You could also go to the restaurant. The restaurant here was also distinctive, built directly on theke. The floor was all transparent ss, giving an illusion of floating on the water when one walked on it. If you were lucky, you could even see fish swimming under the ss floor. Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu decided to eat in the restaurant, as the food here was said to be exceptionally good. The restaurant was quite crowded. The patrons were some of the most prestigious elite from around the world. Chen Yu noticed her extreme curiosity, and the two of them gossiped while eating: ¡°Look at that woman over there in the ck dress, she¡¯s the Countess Alexander. She¡¯s visiting China recently because she¡¯s dating a young Chinese man. And there¡­ do you recognize that woman next to the eldest son of Xi Jiachen, the richest man in Asia? That¡¯s Bai Jingjing, a popr starlet right now. She¡¯s only 17, yet rumor has it that she¡¯s already pregnant¡­¡± All of a sudden, Xia Yangyang raised her head and asked, ¡°There are rumors that you and the second son of Asia¡¯s richest man, Xi Yankai, are involved. Is that true?¡± Chen Yu rolled his eyes at her: ¡°I¡¯m a guy, and I¡¯m attracted to girls. But I¡¯m so good looking that I attract both men and women. It¡¯s his good taste that he admires me.¡± Xia Yangyang: The two continued gossiping: ¡°And there¡­ that popr actress, Shen Manbing. She¡¯s been in the industry for many years and there have always been rumors about her secret boyfriend. It¡¯s one of the great unsolved mysteries in the entertainment industry.¡± Upon hearing Shen Manbing¡¯s name, Xia Yangyang felt a sharp pinch in her heart. She looked up in the direction pointed out by Chen Yu. As expected, she saw a stunning face. The beautiful woman in red was dazzling, and although her exquisite face could charm the multitude, there was nothing lurid about it. She was probably chatting with a friend, nonchntly twirling her hair. Even this casual gesture of hers looked appealing. Shen Manbing, like an exquisite blood-red rose, outshone all the other people around her. Unbelievably, Shen Manbing was also here. Xia Yangyang went into a trance. Chen Yu continued his gossip: ¡°But I heard that this time she is on vacation with her mysterious boyfriend. Apparently he might propose to her. If we¡¯re lucky, we might unravel the biggest secret of the entertainment industry.¡± Yangyang was shocked: ¡°Mysterious boyfriend?¡± Chen Yu said casually, ¡°A friend inside the circle told me. Supposedly it was also leaked to the media by someone inside. So, a lot of media have paid big bucks to mix in at Lake Bay, hoping to dig out some exclusive news.¡± Xia Yangyang had trouble keeping her thoughts straight all afternoon. She felt agitated and restless. Chen Yu wanted to go horse riding in the afternoon, but Xia Yangyang had no interest. Chen Yu went alone. When he returned in the evening, he found Xia Yangyang still lost in thought in a porch swing on the balcony. He wondered if she had been in this state the whole afternoon. Chen Yu walked over to her: ¡°Littledy, what¡¯s been bothering you?¡± Ever since they finished lunch, Chen Yu had felt that something was off with Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Nothing really. I¡¯m just mulling over some things.¡± In her heart, Xia Yangyang knew that for many years, the media had spected that Shen Manbing¡¯s secret boyfriend was Gu Qichen. But now Chen Yu had said that Shen Manbing was here on a vacation with her boyfriend. Xia Yangyang began to doubt. Could Gu Qichen be here as well? But Gu Qichen was supposedly away on business. Was she overthinking? Chapter 115 - 116: Meeting on a Narrow Path Chapter 115: Chapter 116: Meeting on a Narrow Path Trantor: 549690339 Chen Yu asked, ¡°Is there anything you¡¯re having trouble figuring out? Tell me, maybe I can help.¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head, ¡°You can¡¯t help me.¡± Chen Yu said, ¡°Little Miss, I didn¡¯t bring you along to be in such low spirits, let¡¯s go. Countess Alexander is hosting a masquerade ball in the banquet hall today, shall we join in the fun?¡± Xia Yangyang replied reluctantly, ¡°You go, I don¡¯t want to.¡± Chen Yu insisted on pulling Xia Yangyang up. When he opened Xia Yangyang¡¯s suitcase, he strangely couldn¡¯t find a single dress, not even a pair of high heels. Chen Yu looked at Xia Yangyang in disbelief, ¡°Little Miss, are you even a woman?¡± Chen Yu frowned, stroking his chin, ¡°Wait here, luckily I know someone. I¡¯ll go borrow a dress for you.¡± Before Xia Yangyang could stop him, Chen Yu had already left the room. However, it wasn¡¯t long before Chen Yu returned, holding a short ck dress and a pair of white crystal high heels. Xia Yangyang was taken aback, ¡°Who did you borrow this outfit from?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about who I borrowed it from. If I told you, I¡¯m afraid you wouldn¡¯t dare to wear it. Give it a try, you are about the same size as them, it should fit well.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t really want to attend the mysterious masquerade ball, but could not resist Chen Yu¡¯s persistent pleading. In the end, she reluctantly put on the short skirt and high heels. The dress was exquisite and elegantly simple. It perfectly wrapped around Xia Yangyang¡¯s figure, making her look charmingly statuesque. The ck color was mysterious and enticing, but the slightly sheer hem echoed a hint of yfulness. When Chen Yu saw Xia Yangyanging out of the fitting room, his eyes lit up, ¡°Little Miss, you¡¯re going to kill countless film rolls today. It would be even better with a bit of makeup.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Isn¡¯t it a masquerade ball? Once we put on masks, no one will recognize anyone. What¡¯s the point of makeup?¡± Chen Yuughed, ¡°Well, your natural beauty is also good enough. If you don¡¯t want to do your makeup, then simply don¡¯t.¡± The ball was being held in the hotel¡¯s top-floor ballroom. The Countess invited all the hotel¡¯s VIP guests. Due to her revered status, many people were willing to show their respect. Before entering, everyone could choose a masquerade mask, but of course, one could also choose not to wear one. Xia Yangyang chose a ck full-face mask, whichpletely covered her face. Chen Yu casually picked up a prince¡¯s mask. Once Xia Yangyang was inside, she put on her mask. Although she was just a little pawn, the man by her side definitely wasn¡¯t. Chen Yu had mentioned before that many reporters had slipped into Lake Bay. Xia Yangyang felt it was better to be careful. The banquet hall was filled with beautiful women and men, all engaging in cheerful banter. There are Champagne towers made up from sparkling sses everywhere. The air was permeated with the sweet scent of fruity wine. The guests gathered in small groups, holding wine sses, and chatting away. From afar, Xia Yangyang spotted Shen Manbing. Shen Manbing was wearing a full-length white dress encrusted with dazzling diamonds. Her long and wavy hair, meticulous makeup, she really looked like a Snow Queen out of a fairytale. She didn¡¯t wear a mask, just like Chen Yu, simply holding it in her hand. And the man standing beside her, talking with her¡­ It was Gu Qichen! Xia Yangyang had had a twitching eyelid the whole day, which was really annoying her. But when she saw Gu Qichen¡¯s face, her eyelid suddenly stopped twitching. It felt as though something heavy sunk deep inside her heart, weighing her down. Gu Qichen said he had to go on a business trip, turns out he came on a vacation with Shen Manbing¡­. Chapter 116 - 117: This Chen Yu, is Simply too Chapter 116: Chapter 117: This Chen Yu, is Simply too Arrogant Trantor: 549690339 Chen Yu saw Xia Yangyang suddenly stop in her tracks. He turned his head and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Xia Yangyang was wearing a mask, concealing her expression. But her eyes were filled with shock and disbelief. Confused, Chen Yu followed the direction of Xia Yangyang¡¯s gaze and was instantly taken aback. The man next to Shen Manbing¡­ Isn¡¯t that Gu Qichen? Over the years, Shen Manbing has attended countless events with numerous malepanions, including wealthy heirs and famous public figures. If it were in the past, Chen Yu wouldn¡¯t find this strange. But recently, it was revealed that Shen Manbing was on vacation with her official boyfriend. So it could be inferred that herpanion tonight must have a special identity. But Gu Qichen¡­ Didn¡¯t he and Xia Yangyang already get their marriage license? And just at this moment¡­ Shen Manbing also noticed Chen Yu and started walking towards them with herpanion. Xia Yangyang stared at the maning closer and closer, feeling like her world was gradually falling apart. Looking at his face, Xia Yangyang could only think of the image of Gu Qichen bustling about the kitchen for her justst night. Life is indeed ironic. Within just 24 hours, they met again in such a way. ¡°I was wondering why you were so rushed to borrow a dress from me just now. It turns out it¡¯s for thisdy. Mr. Chen, aren¡¯t you going to introduce her?¡± Xia Yangyang was slightly shocked ¨C she didn¡¯t know that Shen Manbing and Chen Yu knew each other. Well, it wasn¡¯t odd, they both were significant figures in their circle. Chen Yu quickly regained hisposure. He, a man alwaysfortable atrge gatherings, shed a charming smile, ¡°Any event with Sister Bingbing is hardly focused on me. But Bingbing, won¡¯t you introduce the gentleman beside you?¡± Shen Manbingughed, linking her arm with Gu Qichen¡¯s, and introduced him confidently: ¡°This is Mr. Gu Qichen, the president of Shengyuan Group. I believe you know him.¡± Gu Qichen ¨C who didn¡¯t know him? Chen Yu said to Gu Qichen with a smile, ¡°Mr. Gu, what a coincidence to meet again. Thest time we saw each other at the hospital was only three days ago.¡± Last time, Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang had a yful moment in the hospital ward that was interrupted by Chen Yu. Chen Yu intended to remind him of this, but Gu Qichen didn¡¯t seem to be guilty at all. His gaze, however, fell gently on Xia Yangyang who was standing beside Chen Yu. Chen Yu purposely said to Shen Manbing, ¡°Sister Bingbing, perhaps you should ask Mr. Gu why he was in the hospital.¡± Shen Manbing sensed that there was more to what Chen Yu said. She asked, ¡°Ah Chen, have you met Mr. Chen at the hospital?¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t answer, but instead said to Chen Yu, ¡°Mr. Chen seems to be overly interested in other people¡¯s affairs.¡± Chen Yu had a smile on his face and didn¡¯t attempt to hide it. ¡°I am not particrly interested in Mr. Gu, but I am indeed interested in the people around him.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s expression changed slightly. This Chen Yu was overstepping his boundaries! Xia Yangyang was particrly grateful that she had chosen apletely closed mask. Otherwise, she really didn¡¯t know how to face this situation. Gu Qichen and Shen Manbing were here on vacation; she and Chen Yu were here to rx. But she was d she came. At least she got to see the answer she wanted with her own eyes. Xia Yangyang suddenly remembered something: Gu Qichen always had business trips to New York, and during that time, Shen Manbing seemed to be filming there¡­ Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart felt like it was being stabbed. She tugged Chen Yu¡¯s sleeve, signaling to leave. Chen Yu understood and said, ¡°Sister Bingbing, go ahead with your evening, we¡¯re going to get something to eat now, we¡¯re starving.¡± Shen Manbingughed, ¡°Go ahead, the almond tofu in the cold dish area is good.¡± Chen Yu took Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm, ced it in his own, and led her forward. But Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze remained on the woman beside Chen Yu. Although she didn¡¯t say a word from the beginning to the end. ¡°Yangyang!¡± Just as Chen Yu and Xia Yangyang took a few steps, Gu Qichen suddenly called out a name.. Chapter 117 - 118: Pop Diva Shen Manbing Proposes in Public Chapter 117: Chapter 118: Pop Diva Shen Manbing Proposes in Public Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang felt her heart quiver for a moment. But Xia Yangyang did not stop. If anything, she sped up her pace, dragging Chen Yu along with her. No one behind them spoke again. Shen Manbing¡¯s face changed slightly, as she turned to look at Gu Qichen next to her. ¡°Who were you calling?¡± Gu Qichen responded indifferently, ¡°Perhaps, I mistook her for someone else.¡± Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu directly went to the rooftop via a side door. The ce was peaceful, as if it had been cut off from all the mor and bustle. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart was beating wildly, and she felt as if all the strength had been drained from her body. She sat down on a swing chair on the balcony. Xia Yangyang¡¯s reaction was one of apparent shock. She probably did not expect Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen to be here. Chen Yu was also unsure of what to say, so he tentatively asked, ¡°Are you okay?¡± Of course, she wasn¡¯t okay. Xia Yangyang was extremely upset. Her doubts were confirmed, and things turned out to be as bad as she had imagined. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Chen Yu, I want to be alone for a while.¡± Chen Yu said, ¡°That¡¯s not possible, I won¡¯t feel at ease if you¡¯re alone. I won¡¯t speak, just sit beside you.¡± Xia Yangyang did not know how long she stood on the rooftop. After a while, she stood up and told Chen Yu, ¡°Chen Yu, I want to go back first.¡± Chen Yu looked serious, ¡°Alright, I will go with you.¡± Xia Yangyang did not say anything. They both reentered the banquet hall. All the noise and glitz seemed to rush back. The banquet hall was even busier than before. Many people were gathered together, shrieking and cheering. It seemed like something had happened over there. Xia Yangyang initially did not want to know. But as they passed, the buzz around them grew. Xia Yangyang heard exmations as she walked, ¡°Queen Shen Manbing is actually proposing in person. My God, that man is so lucky. This news will surely make headlines worldwide tomorrow.¡± ¡°They say that this man is not an ordinary person either, he is the youngest president of Shengyuan Group and the head of the leading family among the four, Gu Qichen from Gu family.¡± ¡°So he is the mystery man behind Shen Queen, but he is really handsome, a truly perfect match.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to stay, but couldn¡¯t resist stopping when she heard this. On a whim, she changes direction and heads towards the crowd. She pushed her way through the crowd, which was filled with sounds of surprise and apuse. Xia Yangyang finally reached the front. In front of her, Shen Manbing was kneeling on one knee, holding up a box containing a diamond ring, and saying, ¡°Ah Chen, will you marry me?¡± They were standing underneath the chandelier¡¯s cascade of light. Gu Qichen¡¯s face was obscured by the shadows, preventing Xia Yangyang from seeing his expression. But he stood there without moving, not responding for a long time. The cheering of the crowd grew louder. In their eyes, Shen Manbing was the dream of all men. This man must have been too overwhelmed with happiness to respond. Xia Yangyang stared at the man, feeling as if her heart was on the verge of stopping. She was also waiting for an answer that even she didn¡¯t know. The cheering of the crowd slowly died down, his silence creating a note of uncertainty amidst the excitement. At this moment, Shen Manbing suddenly stood up. Raising on her tiptoes, she kissed Gu Qichen. Once again, the atmosphere exploded. Whistles and cheers echoed throughout the crowd. Xia Yangyang was utterly stupefied. All she could sense was a world devoid of sound and people, with only the two individuals in front of her, locked in their embrace. Unconsciously, tears started to fall from Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes. Just at that moment, Xia Yangyang was pulled suddenly into an embrace, spun around, and held from behind. Chen Yu pressed Xia Yangyang¡¯s head onto his shoulder and said, ¡°Silly girl, stop looking.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s tears came streaming down. Chen Yu pulled Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand decisively and left the banquet¡­. Chapter 118 - 119: Brother Yutou Chapter 118: Chapter 119: Brother Yutou Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang allowed Chen Yu to lead her away from the banquet hall. She didn¡¯t know where they were going, just mechanically following Chen Yu¡¯s footsteps. Her mind suddenly went nk. It felt like she was incapable of thinking. Finally, Chen Yu stopped, turned to Xia Yangyang, and said, ¡°If you want to cry, just let it out.¡± Xia Yangyang came to her senses, only to discover that Chen Yu had brought her to a beach. It was the famous Moonlight Beach at Lake Bay. The moonlight tonight was captivating. Under the moonlight, the beach seemed to be glowing with ake-green luminescence, and the tide rolling onto her feet brought with its coolness that pulled Xia Yangyang back to reality. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t cry, instead, she wiped away the tears at the corners of her eyes. In truth, seeing it for herself was for the best; at least she wouldn¡¯t be entrapped by conflicting emotions anymore. In the past few days, Xia Yangyang felt like she was going mad from her inner turmoil. Xia Yangyang sat on arge rock, silent, just staring nkly at the vastke. Chen Yu suddenly spoke: ¡°Yangyang, divorce Gu Qichen. Marry me.¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned upon hearing this. Chen Yu had always called her Xiao Qian, calling her by her name now felt very unfamiliar. Xia Yangyang responded in a dismissive tone: ¡°Chen Yu, I¡¯m not in the mood for your jokes right now.¡± Chen Yu also sat down beside Xia Yangyang. Chen Yu said, ¡°You thought I was joking the first time I proposed, and you think the same now. Do you really think so lightly of my feelings for you?¡± Xia Yangyang said: ¡°Because I can¡¯t figure out why you would propose to me, Chen Yu, do you like me?¡± ¡°Of course, I like you.¡± Xia Yangyang was speechless: ¡°Love at first sight?¡± Chen Yu said: ¡°No.¡± Xia Yangyang was puzzled. Atst year¡¯s annual meeting when Chen Yu proposed, that was the first time they had met. Chen Yu started to exin: ¡°You¡¯ve forgotten, but you agreed to marry me fifteen years ago.¡± Xia Yangyang was even more baffled. Fifteen years ago, she was only five years old. Chen Yu sighed, continuing his story: ¡°I grew up in Saint Orphanage. Most kids there rely on donations from phnthropists, and all of my living and schooling costs were supported by your mother¡¯s donations.¡± Mentioning her mother left Xia Yangyang even more shocked. ¡°Your mother was a very kind person. She donated to many children at our orphanage and would bring you to visit us regrly. The first time we met, you were five and I was nine. You gave each of the kids a piece of chocte, and when it was my turn, only one was left. You gave me your piece of chocte. Did you know that was the first time I had chocte? The slightly bitter sweet taste in my mouth gave me a sudden sense of hope. We yed together often and your mother joked that when you grew up, you should marry someone from our group. You grabbed my hand immediately and said you would marry me when you grew up.¡± Chen Yu¡¯s words faintly pulled Xia Yangyang into a past recollection. In fact, Xia Yangyang vaguely remembered those childhood events. Her mother, Tan Zhen, was a gentle and kind woman. In her youth, she was a famous figure in the entertainment industry, but after marrying Xia Liangdong she retired and became a homemaker. Xia Liangdong ran an entertainmentpany, while she devoted herself to charity. Her phnthropy earned them a good reputation and prestige for theirpany. During that time, her mother often took her to an orphanage. At that time, Xia Yangyang was always fond of a boy, and she always called him Brother Yutou. Xia Yangyang suddenly eximed in surprise: ¡°You are Brother Yutou?¡± Chapter 119 - 120: Ditch Gu Qichen! Chapter 119: Chapter 120: Ditch Gu Qichen! Trantor: 549690339 Chen Yu smiled, ¡°You finally remembered.¡± Still, Xia Yangyang looked incredulous: ¡°But¡­but¡­¡± In her memory, Brother Yutou did not look anything like Chen Yu. Back then at the Saint Orphanage, many children loved to hang around Xia Yangyang. Yet, whenever they yed games, one child sat alone in a corner, refraining from participating or talking. The other children said this child was autistic. As a young child, Xia Yangyang did not understand autism and loved to pester him to y. Chen Yu had short hair back then, which resembled a little yutou, so Xia Yangyang called him ¡®Brother Yutou¡¯. When her mother fell ill, Xia Yangyang visited the orphanage with her less frequently. Over time, she gradually forgot about the other children in the orphanage. However, she still remembered Brother Yutou ¨C the taciturn and fair-skinned child. Xia Yangyang never imagined that Brother Yutou could be Chen Yu. Their characters were miles apart. Chen Yu was a chatterbox and a celebrity heartthrob. How could he be the quiet Brother Yutou from her memories? Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s unbelievable stare, Chen Yu said, ¡°Can¡¯t you see it? My fans call me ¡®Yutou¡¯. The whole world knows that my favourite food is chocte. At the height of my poprity, I abandoned my former agency to sign up with Starlight. All of this was done because of you.¡± Xia Yangyang was still in a daze, struggling to believe him. Chen Yu reached out and tousled Xia Yangyang¡¯s hair, ¡°It¡¯s okay. I can wait.¡± Too many events had happened tonight, leaving Xia Yangyang feeling very confused. Overwhelmed, she fell asleep instantly and only woke up the next afternoon. Xia Yangyang picked up her phone to check the time and saw three missed calls from Gu Qichen. Her heartbeat paused for a moment. The calls came shortly after the banquet. Why did Gu Qichen call her? Xia Yangyang¡¯s first thought was that Gu Qichen intended to divorce her. Only now did Xia Yangyang realize that their brief marriage was merely a means for Gu Qichen to pressure Shen Manbing to reveal their rtionship. Now that the pair had reconciled, Xia Yangyang, being the scapegoat, was likely to be next on the chopping block. Xia Yangyang stared at her phone for a long time before finally mustering up the courage. Even if she had to divorce, she should be the one to bring it up, refusing to be yed and used as a fool again. She felt that she had been running away for long enough, that everything that was meant to happen would eventually do so. Xia Yangyang got up, took a bath, changed into a refreshing dress, and dressed herself up carefully. Standing in front of the mirror, she looked radiant. She was going to confront Gu Qichen. When she left the room, she saw Chen Yu watching TV in the living room. The TV was broadcasting about the explosive proposal rumors between Gu Qichen and Shen Manbing. The entertainment host was reporting: ¡°Surprise! The mysterious boyfriend of the pop diva Shen Manbing has turned out to be the CEO of the Shengyuan Group, Gu Qichen. As per the inside sources, the two are currently on vacation at Lake Bay. Shen Manbing appears to have proposed to Gu Qichen in order to surprise him. It appears that the pop diva Shen Manbing¡¯s big day is near. We¡¯ll keep following this story for you¡­¡± Seeing Xia Yangyanging out, Chen Yu quickly turned off the TV. Noticing her dressed up neatly, Chen Yu asked in surprise, ¡°You are going out?¡± Xia Yangyang simply hummed, walking towards the exit. ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to dump Gu Qichen!¡± Chapter 120 - 121: He just said one sentence, and she already came to his defense. Chapter 120: Chapter 121: He just said one sentence, and she already came to his defense. Trantor: 549690339 ¡°Don¡¯t go, Gu Qichen left Lake Bay early this morning,¡± Chen Yu started. Xia Yangyang was surprised, ¡°How do you know?¡± ¡°I went to return the suit yesterday evening; Shen Manbing also left with Gu Qichen.¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly remembered, the ck mini-dress was borrowed from Chen Yu and Shen Manbing. Xia Yangyang stood in ce, stunned for thirty seconds. Then, she suddenly lifted her head and smiled at Chen Yu, ¡°Chen Yu, let¡¯s go on a trip abroad.¡± In the following ten days, Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu had a great time traveling in Europe. During these ten days, Xia Yangyang¡¯s phone was switched off. Xia Yangyang knew that if she was in the country, it would be easy for Gu Qichen to track her down. That¡¯s why, for ten days, she had fun and didn¡¯t worry about anything. Until the tenth day, on the ne back home, looking at the thickyer of clouds outside the window, Xia Yangyang felt as if she was pulled back into reality. What was meant toe, came; what was meant to be faced, faced. At least, she had given herself ten days to prepare. Xia Yangyang was ready. Xia Yangyang slowly opened the file folder in her arms. Inside was a newly made document. Tomorrow, this short, farcical-like marriage could end quietly. When Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu arrived at Fengdu International Airport, it was early morning. At this time, there weren¡¯t many people in the airport. However, just after collecting her checked luggage, Xia Yangyang saw a tall figure not far away. Gu Qichen was standing at the airport exit, looking different from usual. Gu Qichen was wearing a ck shirt today, looking cold and solemn. Xia Yangyang stopped in her tracks, Chen Yu also noticed Xia Yangyang. But he directly took Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and walked towards Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes fell on Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand being held by Chen Yu, getting colder and colder. Finally reaching Gu Qichen, Chen Yu broke the silence first: ¡°What a coincidence, President Gu, are you on another business trip thiste?¡± Gu Qichen replied coldly, ¡°Not a coincidence, I¡¯m waiting for you.¡± Chen Yu feigned surprise and said, ¡°Why do I feel that you¡¯re not waiting for us, but rather looking to settle the score?¡± ¡°Mr. Chen kidnapped my wife and she¡¯s been missing for ten days, it¡¯s natural that I want to settle this score with you.¡± Xia Yangyang interrupted, ¡°It¡¯s not Chen Yu¡¯s fault, I dragged him to apany me. If you want to settle scores, Gu Qichen, you should find me.¡± Really admirable. Just after he said a sentence, she unexpectedly defended him. Gu Qichen, with a darkened face, was silent for a while, ¡°Xia Yangyang, do you know what you¡¯re doing?¡± ¡°I¡¯m very clear.¡± Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t giving any leeway to herself either. Since Gu Qichen was waiting here, let¡¯s make it quick then. Xia Yangyang took out a document directly from her handbag: ¡°Mr. Gu, let¡¯s not dy each other. Sign this, and our rtionship will end. From then on, let¡¯s pretend we¡¯ve never met.¡± Xia Yangyang was certain. Gu Qichen waiting here was certainly for the sake of resolving their rtionship as soon as possible. In the ten days that she was missing, he was probably very anxious. Afraid that she would get him into trouble. To see him waiting for her at the airport exit, showed how urgently he wanted this to end. Since he had absolutely no sentiment left, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to drag it out either. If he wanted to quickly be rid of her, then she would grant him his wish.. Chapter 121 - 122: A good clear-up of both money and goods, with no debt between each other. Chapter 121: Chapter 122: A good clear-up of both money and goods, with no debt between each other. Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen stared at the papers Xia Yangyang handed to him. The bold words at the top read ¡°Divorce Agreement!¡± Very well. She was apparently well-prepared. So, the mask-wearing woman standing next to Chen Yu previously was indeed Xia Yangyang, they had been vacationing for half a month, and she had the audacity to hand him a divorce agreement upon their return. Clearly, it had been nned beforehand. ¡°Xia Yangyang, why the rush? Has Chen Yu drugged you or something? You¡¯re filing for a divorce as soon as you return?¡± The irony wasn¡¯t lost on Yangyang. Isn¡¯t it him who¡¯s been so impatient? Staying upte at night just to quickly end things between them. Now that she¡¯s giving him what he wants, he has the nerve to me her and Chen Yu for everything. Who started things with Shen Manbing while still being married? Now he acts like she has betrayed him. Ugh, men. As always, they¡¯re great at dodging responsibility. It lets him sleep peacefully at night, thinking he did nothing wrong, doesn¡¯t it? If that¡¯s the case, she¡¯ll indulge him. If he wants to convince himself that he¡¯s not at fault, then she¡¯ll be generous. Holding onto Chen Yu¡¯s arm deliberately, Yangyang said, ¡°Mr. Gu, I forgot to tell you, I met Chen Yu 15 years ago. He was my Brother Yutou back then. We felt attached as soon as we saw each other again. It seemed like destiny. If we¡¯ve found the one we were meant to be with, settling things as soon as possible would be best for us. So, Mr. Gu, sign the agreement and we¡¯ll part ways with no obligations left.¡± ¡°Parting ways with no obligations, huh! I didn¡¯t expect our marriage was that insignificant to you. But Xia Yangyang, you can¡¯t get rid of me, Gu Qichen, just like that. If you want a divorce, get awyer to talk to me.¡± Without any hesitation, Gu Qichen ripped the agreement in half. Xia Yangyang was infuriated: ¡°Gu Qichen, you¨C!¡± Opening his mouth to speak, Chen Yu said, ¡°President Gu, why act so coy? Yangyang is alreadypromising here. Why do you have to be so unreasonable?¡± Finally, Gu Qichen¡¯s attentionnded on Chen Yu, his voice cruelly cold, ¡°It¡¯s none of your business what happens between my wife and me, Chen Yu. If you¡¯re thinking of stealing her from me, you¡¯re not ready for it.¡± Xia Yangyang was genuinely angry, and a little heartbroken. Just like Chen Yu said. Gu Qichen was obviously acting innocent after being at fault. Isn¡¯t this the result he wanted? What else does he want? Get awyer? What a joke, doesn¡¯t he fear his affair with Shen Manbing during their marriage would be exposed? But Xia Yangyang could understand. It was because she proposed the divorce first and injured the pride of the big CEO. Was he so proud that he had to control even the right to break up? Did she, Xia Yangyang, not even have this little right, and he wouldn¡¯t even leave her a shred of dignity to make a clean break? With a cold tone, Xia Yangyang also said: ¡°Mr. Gu, if you don¡¯t mind, then I will get awyer to talk to you.¡± Not few pairs of eyes had already turned to them. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to draw more attention, so she said to Chen Yu: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu left the airport together. Watching their figures recede, Gu Qichen stood in the same spot for a long time, his fingers slowly clenching tight into fists. He had been searching for her these ten days, everywhere. Every day he checked on all the international flights, and after such hard work, he managed to find out Xia Yangyang¡¯s return itinerary. Four hours early, he was standing here waiting. Gu Qichen inferred that since she saw him at Lake Bay, she must¡¯ve misunderstood something. He wanted to exin to her as soon as possible but before he could even start, she threw him a divorce agreement. Every time he thought about the fact that during these days she had spent day and night with another man, Gu Qichen for the first time felt a violent urge to kill.. Chapter 122 - 123: In order to get by in life, you must wear a bit of green on your head. Chapter 122: Chapter 123: In order to get by in life, you must wear a bit of green on your head. Trantor: 549690339 Two in the morning. The tinum suite in ¡°Night Emperor¡± Bar. Three men, arms linked, stare uniformly at the stern-faced Gu Qichen sitting across them in a single seat sofa. Yawning, Mu Liancheng says, ¡°What¡¯s the matter with Young Master Gu today? He called us all out in the early morning, isn¡¯t drinking or talking. Seems he invited us here just to mess around.¡± Ah K rubs his chin and says, ¡°Second Brother is acting unusual today, seems like he¡¯s been heartbroken.¡± Xue Shaotang ps Ah K on the head, ¡°Kid, don¡¯t always bury your head in numbers all day, look at the news asionally! Didn¡¯t you see Manbing publicly proposing to your Second Brother? After all these years, he¡¯s finally gonna get the girl. I think your Second Brother called us here just to show off.¡± Ah K rubs his head, ¡°But Second Brother doesn¡¯t seem happy at all.¡± With that, everyone¡¯s attention was once again drawn to Gu Qichen¡¯s face. Like scrutinizing a rare artifact, the group started studying Gu Qichen¡¯s expressions. They unanimously concluded that Gu Qichen was exhibiting ssic pre-wedding jitters. Just then, the suite door opened. Shen Shichuan had arrived. Xue Shaotang quickly calls out, ¡°Chuan,e see! Your brother-inw is being a bully. He¡¯s about to get married and called us single guys to hang out just to show off his fashionable case of pre-marital jitters. It¡¯s unbearable!¡± Smoothly walking over, Shen Shichuan dropped a bomb, ¡°He got married three months ago.¡± The group stared, looking as though they had been struck by lightning. Everyone eximed, ¡°If he was already married, why propose now? The folks in your circle sure know how to have fun.¡± Shen Shichuan decisively dropped another bomb, ¡°The one he married isn¡¯t Manbing, but a 20-year-old girl.¡± Watching the faces of everyone who looked as if they had been struck by lightning again, Shen Shichuan felt strangely satisfied. They could hardly believe what they were hearing, never expecting the famously single Young Master Gu to have married so quietly, and to such a young girl. Mu Liancheng teases, ¡°An old cow eating tender grass, eh?¡± Then Xue Shaotang reminds him, ¡°Liancheng, you¡¯re hardly better. The child bride your family found for you just turned 20 today.¡± Mentioning that young woman from home, Mu Liancheng¡¯s face turned sour, ¡°Don¡¯t bring up that annoying girl. Recently, the old woman at home has been pressuring me to consummate our marriage since the girl¡¯s on summer vacation. It makes me want to leave home.¡± Everyone looked sympathetic; they¡¯ve heard Mu Liancheng¡¯s child wife is ugly and unrefined. Even though another woman is usually a wee addition, such an unsavory one was overwhelming. Over there, Gu Qichen suddenly utters under his breath, ¡°How can she do this to me, that heartless woman!¡± Gu Qichen seemed to be talking to himself. He had been immersed in his own world all night, wearing a stern expression and not saying a word. When he suddenly popped up with those words, everyone was stunned. All eyes turned to Shen Shichuan, as if waiting for him to exin the meaning of his words. Shen Shichuan didn¡¯t disappoint: ¡°His little wife went abroad with another man for a half-month vacation. When she returned, she gave him a divorce agreement.¡± Everyone gasped in shock. ¡°That¡¯s badass!¡± Xue Shaotang eximed in disbelief. Ah K grumbled angrily, ¡°Who is that woman? I¡¯ll hack herputer, find her nudes, and post them online. Second Brother, I¡¯ll take revenge for you.¡± Xue Shaotang warned him, ¡°You dare to expose your Second Brother¡¯s wife¡¯s nudes? Aren¡¯t you afraid he¡¯ll y you alive?¡± Mu Liancheng slowly got up, sat down next to Gu Qichen, slung an arm around his shoulder, and began tofort him in a wise tone, ¡°Brother, to carry on with life we sometimes have to wear the green hat. Try to take it easy, it¡¯s not the end of the world..¡± Chapter 123 - 124: Jealous Men are So Immature Chapter 123: Chapter 124: Jealous Men are So Immature Trantor: 549690339 Mu Liancheng appeared to be consoling him, but he was obviously taking pleasure in his misfortune. Gu Qichen turned his head and said indifferently, ¡°When I first arrived, I saw a bunny girl selling imported alcohol. If I¡¯m not mistaken, it should be Wen¡¯s youngest sister.¡± Upon hearing this, Mu Liancheng¡¯s face changed instantly, ¡°You saw it early on, why are you telling me only now!¡± As he finished speaking, he stood up and grabbed his coat, muttering threateningly to himself as he headed out, ¡°You damn girl, don¡¯t let me catch you running around ces like this, I¡¯ll break your legs.¡± Xue Shaotang wasughing to himself, ¡°Such a hypocrite. He imed not to like the young vige girls from his hometown, but his actions suggest otherwise. I bet they¡¯ve already slept together.¡± Ah K anxiously asked from the side, ¡°Second Brother, does Sister Bingbing know about your marriage yet?¡± If she did know, why would she propose publicly? Xue Shaotang also suggested, ¡°Bingbing is quite a character. If she found out about your marriage, she would probably tear that girl apart. Now that the girl has proposed a divorce, it might be best for you to let it slip by unnoticed. Anyway, she¡¯s just ying with you.¡± Gu Qichen gave him an icy look, ¡°Get lost!¡± Feigning innocence, Xue Shaotang wondered why young Master Gu wasshing out at him when it was his own house on fire. Shen Shichuan intervened, ¡°Both of you should leave, I¡¯ll talk to him.¡± Feeling the tension, Xue Shaotang decided it was best not to overstay. Soon, only Gu Qichen and Shen Shichuan were left in the room. Shen Shichuan poured two sses of wine, handed one to him and said, ¡°I¡¯ve checked Chen Yu¡¯s credit card records. They each booked a separate room during their trip in Europe, proving that nothing¡¯s really going on between them. And despite Chen Yu¡¯s yboy facade, he¡¯s still somewhat a gentleman. Now that he¡¯s aware Xia Yangyang is your wife, he shouldn¡¯t take any outrageous actions.¡± ¡°Inciting Yangyang to divorce me and even having the divorce agreement all set up, isn¡¯t that outrageous enough? I suspect Chen Yu had a hand in this. If he dares to meddle again, I¡¯ll make sure he can¡¯t make a living in the entertainment industry.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s childish words only came out when he was conversing with Shen Shichuan. Shen Shichuan chuckled, ¡°Young Master Gu, a dignified man like you seeking private revenge, really isn¡¯t fitting. But you can¡¯t entirely me Chen Yu. Yangyang must¡¯ve seen the proposal scene at Lake Bay, so it¡¯s no wonder she filed for divorce. To anyone, you would choose Shen Manbing over Xia Yangyang; it¡¯s likely Yangyang¡¯s heartbroken.¡± Gu Qichen scoffed, ¡°Heartbroken? I think she¡¯s rather thrilled, couldn¡¯t care less about leaving. This womanpletelycks empathy.¡± Shen Shichuan couldn¡¯t help butugh. When a man gets jealous, his childishness rivals that of a woman¡¯s. Especially the one before his eyes, the usually calm and poker-faced young Master Gu. All the advice seemed futile. After all, young Master Gu, who had sailed smoothly through life for over twenty years, has finally met his match in love. It¡¯s as if his meticulously calcted life path has taken a minor deviation, and at this point, Shen Shichuan isn¡¯t sure how big of an impact Xia Yangyang¡¯s deviation, would bring to Gu Qichen. But it seems to be a bit more than he had expected¡­ As he was about to leave the room, Shen Shichuan started, ¡°Throughout the night, you never asked about Manbing¡¯s wellbeing. You two have been childhood friends for years, and you rejecting her publicly has truly broken her heart. Although I¡¯ve managed to suppress all news about the proposal, a few minor media outlets still released the first part of the video inming public sentiments. This has only caused Manbing more hurt..¡± Chapter 124 - 125: Severe Psychological Cleanliness, Illness Deep into the Marrow Chapter 124: Chapter 125: Severe Psychological Cleanliness, Illness Deep into the Marrow Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen¡¯s thoughts returned to the moment of the proposal. When Shen Manbing leaned in for a kiss, Gu Qichen was caught off guard for a second. He then gently pushed her away and said: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Manbing, I¡¯m already married.¡± Its just that the atmosphere at the time was too passionate, and the cheers around them climbed higher, apanied by the wedding march yed intentionally by the banquet hall band. His voice was almost drowned in the sea of excited noises. That was followed by countless congrattions and well-wishes. Eventually, the media took a few photos out of context and reported them arbitrarily. Gu Qichen wasn¡¯t a part of the entertainment industry, so he paid little mind to these rumors and scandals, especially when most of the news was suppressed by Shen Shichuan. As of now, Shen Manbing had not rified the situation either. As a superstar, it would no doubt damage her reputation. Gu Qichen could understand that. Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze darkened slightly. He said to Shen Shichuan: ¡°You should talk to Manbing. She used to be someone who knew when to let go. It must have been her who intentionally attracted the Lake Bay media, right? I told her I was married a long time ago, but she stubbornly set up this proposal, gambling with my reluctance to hurt her. I don¡¯t want to hurt her, but I care about not hurting Yangyang more.¡± ¨C Shen Mansion A stunning beauty with waterfall-like long hair was reclining on the sofa. The light from the crystalmp hit her beautiful face, giving it a faint halo. However, the beautiful woman¡¯s brows were deeply furrowed at this moment. Shen Shichuan ced a recorder in front of her. Clearly emanating from the recorder was Gu Qichen¡¯s voice: ¡°I don¡¯t want to hurt her, but I care about not hurting Yangyang more¡­¡± The beauty took the recorder, reying the phrase over and over again. Until her fingers turned white from gripping it, she then threw the recorder away with force. The recorder smashed into the liquor cab inside the room, leaving an instant web of cracks on the ss. Shen Shichuan was leaning against the couch: ¡°If you hadn¡¯t heard it firsthand, you would probably still be clinging on to hope. Let it go, Xiao Bing, Ah Chen is not the same as before. At this point, you should also let go.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s body trembled: ¡°I can¡¯t bear it. From childhood until now, I¡¯ve been the only woman by his side. Why would he change his heart so easily?¡± ¡°It¡¯s precisely because Ah Chen never had any serious romantic feelings for any woman, that I believe he¡¯s truly in love with that girl now. You said you dated him for many years, yet you never had passionate feelings for each other, both of you are extremely busy and sometimes you wouldn¡¯t even see each other for half a year, and both of you saw that as normal. Honestly, even me as his brother, doesn¡¯t consider you two as a couple. He and I both see you as a sister, taking care of and cherishing you out of habit. But that¡¯s not love. But it¡¯s different with Xia Yangyang.¡± Hearing this, Shen Manbing felt a stabbing pain in her heart. There were things, even her brother didn¡¯t know about. She was publicly known to be with Gu Qichen for so many years, but they were never truly together. Gu Qichen was always cold and aloof, uninterested in close physical contact, and this extended to everyone including her. Even the casual act of holding hands would make him reflexively furrow his brows. They hadn¡¯t even kissed in all those years, let alone any intimate contacts. She had tried taking the initiative, but he always brushed her off casually. She had always suspected that he was a severe neurotic with a cleanliness obsession, already beyond the point of recall.. Chapter 125 - 126: Shen Manbing Guest Stars in a New Play Chapter 125: Chapter 126: Shen Manbing Guest Stars in a New y Trantor: 549690339 When Gu Qichen proposed to her, she was grappling with this issue in her heart. A man she could not intimately be close to for a lifetime caused her to feel panic. Even, she felt that Gu Qichen didn¡¯t have deep feelings for their rtionship. Just like what her brother said, the proposal was merely something habitual that a man does when everything falls into ce. Faced with an offer from a Hollywood director, Shen Manbing used this excuse to decline the proposal. In reality, she wanted to have a serious discussion about this issue with Gu Qichen, as it was by no means a trivial matter for her. But she did not expect that she woulde back to the country only to find out Gu Qichen was already married. She still could not believe how a man like Gu Qichen, with such a strong germophobia, could have contact with other women. Even if they did get married, it would be only a formality. Yet, this did indeed shock her. When she heard the news, Shen Manbing felt for the first time that Gu Qichen¡¯s feelings for the other girl might not be as she had imagined. There are some matters that she needs to personally verify. Shen Manbing suddenly started speaking: ¡°Brother, I heard that the girl is the lead actress in your new film. She¡¯s currently filming at A University?¡± Shen Shichuan frowned: ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± Shen Manbing said: ¡°Arrange for me to have a cameo, I want to meet that girl.¡± She must go to confirm one thing. Shen Shichuan immediately refused: ¡°Don¡¯t be willful, Yangyang is a good girl. You can¡¯t bully her.¡± He understood his sister¡¯s character best. However, Shen Manbing grabbed Shen Shichuan¡¯s hand, and just like when they were young, ced it on her face. With a coquettish and sentimental tone, she said,¡±Brother, in this world, only you are the kindest to me. Will you help me? I won¡¯t bully her. I just want to personally find out why Qi Chen chose her.¡± A University Half a monthter, filming restarted today. The scorching heat in July. Before filmingmenced, a few young actresses were gossiping together. Lu Yao said to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Did you hear? The actress ying Kim Shimei has finally been confirmed. It¡¯s surprisingly Shen Manbing. When I went to find the director just now, I saw Shen Manbing¡¯s agent discussing with the director. They said that Shen Manbing will join the crew today and she can only stay for three days.¡± The character ¡°Kim Shimei¡± is the older sister of the male lead, ¡°Kim Shixun.¡± In the book, her character is described as an ¡°arrogantdy of a distinguished family with unparalleled elegance.¡± Kim Shimei has few scenes, only three in total, but they y a crucial role in reversing the entire plot. She¡¯s an indispensable character. Due to the distinct characteristics of the character, an appropriate actor had yet to be found. No one could believe that Shen Manbing was making a cameo. It¡¯s true that Shen Manbing fits the character Kim Shimei almost a hundred percent. But Shen Manbing was too big of a star. Over the years, she only acted in films and even disdained shooting TV series, let alone making a cameo. The name Shen Manbing has exploded in the rest room. ¡°I never thought the production team could invite a superstar. They are really willing to spend a lot. I heard that she charges an eight-figure fee to attend an event. With her joining us, the ratings will definitely soar.¡± ¡°What you guys don¡¯t know is that the producer of Cindere is Shen Shichuan. Since he and Shen Manbing are siblings, it¡¯s no surprise that she ising to support her brother¡¯s show.¡± ¡°Mr. Shen invests in many dramas each year, I¡¯ve never seen Miss Shen supporting his productions before. I think it¡¯s because the hidden boss of this drama is Shengyuan¡¯s President Gu Qichen. Have you heard? Shen Manbing actually proposed to Gu Qichen, and they should probably be getting married soon.¡± ¡°I also saw this news before, but it was suppressed by their PR team. After all, this concerns the privacy of a superstar. However, I think it is highly likely. Considering that the superstar now in her critical moment of breaking into Hollywood, and suddenly getting married, could it be that she¡¯s pregnant before the wedding?¡± ¡°Hard to say, but among the big stars of the entertainment industry, who isn¡¯t guilty of getting on the bus first and buying a ticketter?¡± Chapter 126 - 127: The First Face-to-Face Confrontation Chapter 126: Chapter 127: The First Face-to-Face Confrontation Trantor: 549690339 ¡°Yangyang, what¡¯s wrong? You look pale,¡± Lu Yao shakes Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm. Xia Yangyang has been in a daze. Shen Manbing ising to the set? Could it just be a coincidence? Speak of the devil, and the devil appears. At this moment, the door to the lounge opens. A crowd of people instantly appear at the door. A few assistants reveal, make-up room. Bringing various belongings inside. Thenes the director and Shen Manbing. When they see Shen Manbing, everyone¡¯s eyes pop and stare. She is indeed a beauty, even more radiant than on the big screen. Everyone is immersed in the entertainment circle every day, but it¡¯s rare to see a star of Shen Manbing¡¯s caliber. The director introduces to everyone warmly: ¡°Sister Bingbing joined our Cindere crew today, everyone ought to learn from her.¡± Everyone immediately surrounds her. Xia Weiwei is the most eager, rushing to the front and saying, ¡°Sister Bingbing, I am Xia Weiwei, the daughter of Xia Liangdong, a super fan of yours. I am lucky to be able to see you today.¡± As soon as Xia Weiwei speaks, everyone else begins to chime in with praises and admiration. Shen Manbing, on the other hand, looks indifferent, apparently not impressed. She scans around the room, and finally her eyesnd on Xia Yangyang, who is still seated in the lounge chair. Everyone is eagerly surrounding Shen Manbing, only Xia Yangyang remains unmoved. Lu Yao looks at Shen Manbing¡¯s icy cold gaze, afraid she may offend her by disrespecting her. Lu Yao quickly reminds Xia Yangyang, ¡°Yangyang, hurry up and greet Sister Bingbing.¡± Xia Yangyang stands up, but only musters, ¡°Hello, Sister Bingbing.¡± Shen Manbing just sweeps her a cold nce and doesn¡¯t respond. She turns to the director and says, ¡°Get me a separate resting room. It¡¯s too noisy here.¡± The director says, ¡°Of course. Although the room next door is smaller, it has a nice atmosphere. Sister Bingbing, we¡¯ll use it as your make-up room temporarily.¡± Even after Shen Manbing leaves, everyone is still in awe. ¡°Her presence is so strong that I was almost too scared to speak when she looked at me.¡± ¡°It¡¯s so unfair. Some people are born with faces that are meant to be on screen. Sister Bingbing¡¯s face must be among the top in the entertainment world. Even her cold demeanor is incredibly attractive.¡± ¡°Why did Sister Bingbing seem unhappy though?¡± Xia Weiwei says, ¡°It¡¯s because some people, taking advantage of theirst lead role, didn¡¯t even greet Sister Bingbing when she arrived. Did she expect Sister Bingbing to greet her proactively? She needs to know her ce in the entertainment circle.¡± Xia Weiwei is obviously belittling Xia Yangyang. The two sisters¡¯ disagreements are well-known within the crew. However, given the Xias¡¯ intricate family ties, no one dares to intervene. Everyone returns to their own make-up stations. Seeing that no one is taking her side, and Xia Yangyang remains unconcerned, Xia Weiwei huffs and storms out. Lu Yao softly asks, ¡°Yanyang, what was that about? Did you know Sister Bingbing before?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s behaviour is much more unusual than it would normally be. Whenever new members joined the crew, regardless of whether they were veterans or novices, Xia Yangyang had remained affable and enthusiastic. Xia Yangyang forces a smile, ¡°I¡¯m alright. I¡¯m just not feeling well today.¡± During filming, the director announces a change of scenes on the spot. Since Shen Manbing only has three days on set, she has naturally to be given priority due to her packed schedule. The director wants toplete her scenes as soon as possible. The scene for the day is a confrontation between ¡°Kim Shimei¡± and ¡°Lin Xiaofan¡±.. Chapter 127 - 128: Shen Manbing’s Difficulty Chapter 127: Chapter 128: Shen Manbing¡¯s Difficulty Trantor: 549690339 The plot background is: Facing the opposition from the Kim Family, Mrs. Kim, who has been living abroad for a long time, sends her daughter Kim Shimei and her younger brother Kim Shixun to settle in the United States. The scene being filmed today is where Kim Shimei, who is driving a car, leaves with her younger brother Kim Shixun, who has been drugged and is now asleep, while Lin Xiaofan chases after the car, running behind it. This scene isn¡¯t difficult to portray. However, the setting for this segment happens to be during Christmas. It¡¯s a winter filming scene. Direct description in the script dictates that Lin Xiaofan wears a heavy down jacket. The problem is, this is summertime, the peak of summer inte July. However, there¡¯s no choice, it¡¯s the basic cultivation of being a professional actor. The moment she put on the down jacket, Xia Yangyang felt as if she was stuffed into arge furnace. The director knew this was going to be a difficult scene to shoot. Before shooting, the director said, ¡°This scene isn¡¯t hard, Yangyang. Just give a good performance, one take should be enough.¡± Shooting started. Kim Shimei starts the car while Kim Shixun lies in the backseat. There¡¯s air conditioning in the car, so their condition isn¡¯t too concerning. The car starts rolling, and the filming equipment also moves alongside on the track. Lin Xiaofan begins chasing after the car. After running just a few steps, Xia Yangyang began feeling sweat running down her back. At this point, the director shouted cut with the megaphone. Shooting stopped. The director called out, ¡°Bingbing, you¡¯re driving too fast. Slow down, let¡¯s start over.¡± Then they started filming the second take. After a while, the director yelled cut again, ¡°Bingbing, you¡¯re driving too slowly. Be faster, roll again.¡± Then the third take, ¡°Cut, maintain a steady speed, Bingbing. Don¡¯t brake suddenly.¡± This went on for over a dozen takes, none of which were passable. At this point, Xia Yangyang was so hot that she felt like she was going to pass out. The director called for a rest. Xia Yangyang hurriedly took off her down jacket. Her whole body was soaked, and her shirt was sticking to her skin almost transparently. The director came over to discuss the scene, ¡°Bingbing, you seem to be off today. Should we switch to another scene?¡± Shen Manbing responded, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Director Yang. Actually, I don¡¯t drive much in my daily life, so my driving skills are a bit¡­ But let¡¯s continue, I¡¯ll pay attention.¡± The director confirmed, ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll continue after a while.¡± Any discerning person could tell that Shen Manbing was deliberately torturing Xia Yangyang. Lu Yao was anxiously standing by, ¡°Is it because Yangyang didn¡¯t greet her proactively when they met just now? This show of supremacy is way over the top.¡± ¡°Poor Yangyang. It¡¯s such a hot day, she has to wear a down jacket and run after a car. If they have to retake the scene a few more times, she might get a heatstroke.¡± On the sideline, Xia Weiwei was secretly enjoying it. Although she didn¡¯t know how Xia Yangyang had offended Shen Manbing, with such a powerful figure pressing down on her, Xia Yangyang was definitely in for a tough time. Everyone on the crew, even the director, must cater to Shen Manbing¡¯s mood. Even though the director was fully aware of Shen Manbing tormenting Xia Yangyang, he was helpless. Finally, Chen Yu couldn¡¯t take it anymore and said, ¡°Sister Bingbing, using your position for personal affairs doesn¡¯t suit your queenly demeanor. If you have anyints, you should take it up with Mr. Gu. It¡¯s not good to treat Xia Yangyang like this.¡± Shen Manbing was surprised to discover that Chen Yu knew quite a bit about their rtionship. Shen Manbing responded with a coldugh, ¡°If you care about her, then don¡¯t speak up for her. I¡¯m very petty. A word from you might make her run a few more times.¡± Chen Yu knew Shen Manbing¡¯s character well. She had a short temper, but rarely made things difficult for others. As for those who angered her, she would push them into an abyss they could never crawl out of. Considering her family background and the backing of the Shen Family, nobody dared to cross her. This time, Xia Yangyang was in real trouble! Chapter 128 - 129: Mr. Gu Visits the Set Chapter 128: Chapter 129: Mr. Gu Visits the Set Trantor: 549690339 The filming resumed once again. Just like before. Shen Manbing always managed to create excuses to reshoot scenes. The director had initially nned to take a break, but Shen Manbing still insisted on continuing the shoot. Xia Yangyang, d in a down jacket, had to chase after the moving vehicle for filming. The total distance she ran was probably over ten kilometers. Her hair alternated between being wet and dry. But Xia Yangyang persisted throughout. Chen Yu recorded a brief video of Xia Yangyang¡¯s shooting and sent it to Shen Shichuan, pleading for his help. After watching it twice, Shen Shichuan forwarded the video directly to Gu Qichen. At that time, Gu Qichen was attending a quarterly report meeting of Shengyuan Group. All the high-level executives and shareholders were present. Yet, Gu Qichen held his phone, repeatedly watching the same video. He suddenly stood up and announced, ¡°Let¡¯s conclude here for today. Meeting adjourned.¡± He then instructed his special assistant Fang Zhengdong topile the meeting notes and reminded him, ¡°Zhengdong,pile the meeting¡¯s content and send it to my email.¡± After saying that, Gu Qichen got up and left the meeting room. This left the shareholders and executives looking at each other in confusion. As the CEO, he was known to be a workaholic and had never left a meeting halfway, much less during a quarterly report meeting which was considered of utmost importance. Fang Zhengdong was equally taken aback. He had been standing next to the CEO throughout the meeting. He also saw what was on the CEO¡¯s phone; it was just a video of a young girl running in a down jacket in the scorching heat, appearing as if she was about to faint from heatstroke. Yet, when the CEO saw the video, his face suddenly darkened in a terrifying manner, revealing a clenched fist. The CEO¡¯s reaction was indeed baffling. Approximately half an hourter, Gu Qichen arrived at A University. At that moment, Su Xiaoman was shooting her 27th running scene. Yangyang knew that Manbing was making things difficult, but if she openly challenged Manbing, it would only bring trouble to the entire crew. The only solution now was to wait until Manbing had enough and decided to let her off the hook. However, it was clear that Manbing had no intention of doing so. When Gu Qichen arrived, he witnessed the entire scene. Yangyang¡¯s face was flushed, clearly indicating that she was feeling faint from the heat. Gu Qichen walked directly towards the director. ¡°Cut!¡± The director called for a break once again. ¡°Take a short break. Manbing,e here.¡± The director called out. Shen Manbing slowly emerged from her car, flicking her hair. She remained as charming and stunning as ever. By then, Yangyang was almost copsing into the arms of her assistant. Lu Yao, supporting Yangyang, said, ¡°Yangyang, are you okay? If you can¡¯t go on, let¡¯s tell the director to stop today¡¯s filming. If this continues, you¡¯ll have to go to the hospital.¡± Yangyang gulped down a bottle of ice water. The only reason she allowed Shen Manbing to manipte her was because Shen Manbing was only avable for three days. If Shen Manbing was upset, she could quit any time. However, everyone was well aware of Shen Manbing¡¯smercial value. ¡®Cindere¡¯ was the first modern fairy tale drama with mostly new and unknown actors selected from auditions. Although they had Chen Yu to anchor the scene, the post-production market risk was still significant. Shen Manbing¡¯s participation was obviously a lifesaver for this drama. Even just using her name for the initial hype would generate considerable attention and buzz. Yangyang didn¡¯t want to lose Shen Manbing just because of her. ¡°Look! Mr. Gu is here! Sister Bingbing just joined the crew today, and Mr. Gu is already visiting. The rumors must be true,¡± someone on the side eximed in surprise.. Chapter 129 - 130: A Good Move to Win People’s Hearts Chapter 129: Chapter 130: A Good Move to Win People¡¯s Hearts Trantor: 549690339 Everyone¡¯s gaze followed in that direction. Indeed, Gu Qichen was engaged in a conversation with Shen Manbing. However, it seemed like they had a disagreement. Unable to agree, Shen Manbing turned to leave. However, Gu Qichen walked over, caught her arm directly, and towed her into the nearby rest room. The crowd looked on, confused. ¡°Mr. Gu is really boyfriend material, the way he grabbed her arm was both domineering and handsome.¡± ¡°No wonder such a person can tame even the diva, truly enviable.¡± ¡°Wonder what they¡¯re doing inside, would they¡­¡± For a moment, Xia Yangyang was grateful for being harshly treated by Shen Manbing. Because she didn¡¯t have the energy to think about a mess of things, nor the extra strength to feel sad. Chen Yu walked over, gloomily saying: ¡°Are you okay?¡± Xia Yangyang tried to squeeze out a smile: ¡°I¡¯m good, consider it dieting.¡± Chen Yu watched as Xia Yangyang nearlyughed herself to tears, lightly tapped her on the head: ¡°You fool, stop smiling when you¡¯re sad.¡± Xia Yangyang rested for about half an hour. Around her, the young actresses were gossiping while snacking on popsicles. Mostly about Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen. Half an hourter, Shen Manbing finally emerged from the rest room. Someone joked: ¡°39 minutes, Mr. Gu¡¯s stamina isn¡¯t bad.¡± Xia Yangyang thought woodenly, his staminasted far more than that; he probably underperformed today. Xia Yangyang felt tremendously upset. Why did Gu Qichene here, to unt his revived loving rtionship? The director announced the continuation of filming. Xia Yangyang put on her thick down jacket again under everyone¡¯s sympathetic gaze. She was ready to continue the torment. But what Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect, was that she managed to get through this time. Shen Manbing was also very cooperative. When the director called it a wrap, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Only Xia Yangyang felt somewhat disappointed. Lu Yao nearby sighed, ¡°Yangyang, you should thank President Gu. Queen Shen must have been abusing you because she was in a bad mood. But as soon as President Gu arrived, he cheer her up. His charm is indeed extraordinary.¡± A small actor nearby giggled, ¡°Just now they were in the rest room for so long, I suppose Queen Shen wouldn¡¯t have the energy even if she wanted to abuse you.¡± People began tough ambiguously again. The director walked over, pped his hands, and said, ¡°That¡¯s a wrap for today. Everyone has worked hard. Mr. Gu has invited the crew to an open-air seafood banquet tonight.¡± Upon hearing this, everyone cheered and jumped for joy. The life of the crew is nowhere near as morous as people imagine. Especially the meals, they are basic box meals, simple and crude. Now that they have the chance to eat a seafood feast, everyone was naturally thrilled. A lot of people immediately surrounded Shen Manbing. Voices of thanks,pliments, and even congrattions were in the air. Chen Yu walked next to Xia Yangyang, sighed, and said, ¡°His girlfriend has been ying with a group of people like a dog all afternoon, and he invited the whole crew to a seafood feast as soon as he arrived. What a way to win people¡¯s hearts.¡± Xia Yangyang stared at Gu Qichen in the distance. Gu Qichen also seemed to nce at Xia Yangyang. Chen Yu said, ¡°Yangyang, if you don¡¯t want to attend the dinner tonight, I can take you out to eat.¡± Xia Yangyang calmly said, ¡°Why not eat when there¡¯s a free seafood feast? Not only will I eat, but I will also eat a bit extra..¡± Chapter 130 - 131: She Harbored Inappropriate Thoughts About Him Chapter 130: Chapter 131: She Harbored Inappropriate Thoughts About Him Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang felt that since Gu Qichen wanted to unt their love in front of her, she would let him boast thoroughly. Perhaps once he was satisfied, he would sign the divorce agreement willingly. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to struggle anymore. In the evening, a truck drove to the drama troupe. Crate after crate of live seafood was moved off it. The troupe also arranged an open-air BBQ. Lu Yao ran over to check it out and came back eximing, ¡°My god, President Gu has really splurged. Australian lobster, abalone, mussels, whole tunas. They¡¯re all brought here by crate. And I heard they even hired a professional chef from a Michelin-starred restaurant. We¡¯re really in for a treat tonight.¡± The feast was set up on the A Big¡¯s yground At first nce, it was spectacr, long tables being covered with white tablecloths, reminiscent of a French restaurant¡¯s decor. There was a BBQarea, a main dish area, and all sorts of drinks and red wine were readily avable on the tables. All members of the troupe gathered together, singing and dancing, barbecuing and skewering food. It was a lively scene. However, Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen were nowhere to be seen. That was not surprising. Shen Manbing, with her high standing, would naturally not mingle with everyone else. Perhaps right now, she¡¯s enjoying steak at a fancy western restaurant while listening to a violin serenade with Gu Qichen. A few of the troupe¡¯s actresses were gathered together enjoying a seafood feast. Yu Minmin took a bite of the sea urchin sashimi and praised, ¡°This is the freshest sea urchin I have ever eaten. We¡¯re really lucky today thanks to Sister Bingbing. Mr. Gu is too generous. I wonder when Mr. Gu will marry Sister Bingbing, I can¡¯t wait to see what kind of grand wedding they will have.¡± Meanwhile, Xia Weiwei sarcasticallymented, ¡°Haven¡¯t you ever had good food before? You¡¯ve been won over by a single sea urchin? So ambitious.¡± ¡°Xia Weiwei, how could you speak like that?¡± Xia Weiwei was clearly venting her frustrations: ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡± Yu Minmin couldn¡¯t let it go either: ¡°Xia Weiwei, you¡¯ve been upset all afternoon just because Mr. Gu didn¡¯t even nce at you when you went to greet him. Xia Weiwei, you have a crush on Mr. Gu, don¡¯t you? Unfortunately, Mr. Gu is about to marry Sister Bingbing.¡± Xia Weiwei was infuriated when her secret was exposed: ¡°How dare you speak to me like this? And who said Mr. Gu will definitely marry Shen Manbing? Those are just rumors.¡± ¡°Everyone in the world knows that Shen went to propose herself. Now that Shen Manbing has joined the crew on the first day, Gu Qichen has arranged such a big feast to invite everyone in the group to dinner. Isn¡¯t this obvious? Xia Weiwei, you do have a good father, butpared to Shen Manbing, you stillck too much.¡± ¡°One day, I will be a bigger Diva than Shen Manbing. One day, the woman standing next to Gu Qichen will be me. Just you all wait and see, you bunch of losers who¡¯ll never make it big.¡± Having said that, Xia Weiwei stood up and strode off. Yu Minmin burst into tears: ¡°She¡¯s really too oppressive, using her father Xia Liangdong¡¯s name to throw her weight around every day on set. She¡¯s only the fourth lead, but she acts bigger than the lead actress, treating us like maids, as if this troupe is her house.¡± Everyone else chimed in to calm her down: ¡°Let it go, after all, she¡¯s the heiress of Starlight and her mother is a veteran Diva. She¡¯s been spoiled since childhood. We, these backgroundless people, can only endure. When you be famous, you won¡¯t have to look at her face anymore.¡± Xia Yangyang watched indifferently from the side without intervening. Currently, other than Lu Yao, she didn¡¯t really have any friends in the troupe. Everyone considered Xia Weiwei to be the favored one of the Xia Family and had been trying to curry her favor while purposely distancing themselves from her. But what Xia Weiwei just said shocked Xia Yangyang a bit. She didn¡¯t expect Xia Weiwei to have such feelings for Gu Qichen. She wondered how Xia Weiwei would react if she found out about her brief marriage with Gu Qichen. But, nobody should find out about it, right? Chapter 131 - 132: Both of you are really annoying Chapter 131: Chapter 132: Both of you are really annoying Trantor: 549690339 I Chen Yu brought over a pile of perfectly roasted Argentine red shrimp, taking a seat across from Xia Yangyang. Chen Yu peeled a shrimp, asking at the same time, ¡°What¡¯s your n now?¡± n? Xia Yangyang honestly had no clue. The divorce agreement had already been torn to shreds by Gu Qichen. Chen Yu said, ¡°If you need awyer, I can help you.¡± Xia Yangyang truly didn¡¯t want things to escte to the point of hiringwyers and going to court. If it came to that, their rtionship would be ultimately exposed. Moreover, Xia Yangyang was fully aware that Gu Qichen wouldn¡¯t let ite to that. He most likely wanted to keep their past marriage a secret more firmly than she did. Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°Let¡¯s wait for a bit more. I believe that he will take the initiative to end this rtionship. After all, bigamy is against thew.¡± Chen Yu nodded, offering a peeled shrimp to Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°Chen Yu, don¡¯t do that.¡± Chen Yu said, ¡°Gu Qichen is watching you.¡± Xia Yangyang stiffened immediately. Almost without hesitation, she took the shrimp Chen Yu was holding out and ate it. Chen Yu then put on a disposable glove with a smile on his face, affectionately pinched Xia Yangyang¡¯s cheek, and slowly said, ¡°Little heiress, you look so adorable when you eat.¡± All these were captured by Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes. His face remained expressionless, but his fingers tightened. Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu flirted for a while, before she suddenly felt it wasn¡¯t interesting. Why was she behaving so childishly? Even if Gu Qichen saw it, would he care? He might think she was simply putting on a clown¡¯s performance. So when Chen Yu once again eagerly held a piece of shrimp in front of Xia Yangyang¡¯s mouth, she stood up and said, ¡°Chen Yu, I¡¯m full. I¡¯m going back first.¡± Xia Yangyang left alone. The party was just getting raucous when she returned to her dormitory building by herself. The dormitory was really quiet now. Originally, this dormitory building was rented by the crew from the school, dedicated for the actors. Almost all the actors were now taking part in the gathering on the sports field. The entire dormitory was pitch-dark and silent. Just as Xia Yangyang was about to enter, She saw a ck silhouette leaning under the streetmp in front of the dormitory. Xia Yangyang was surprised to find that it was Gu Qichen. Why was Gu Qichen here? However, Xia Yangyang quickly realized, probably because he had seen Shen Manbing today and finally figured things out. He might¡¯vee to discuss their divorce. That would be good. Xia Yangyang took the initiative and approached Gu Qichen. ¡°Did the shrimp taste good?¡± Before Xia Yangyang could say anything, Gu Qichen broke the silence. His voice was low and heavy, as if it came straight from his chest, carrying a cold sarcasm that naturally made people frown upon hearing it. Xia Yangyang also forced a smile, ¡°Of course, it tasted delicious. It was airlifted here, fresh red shrimp, costing hundreds of US dors each. The shrimp must have been exquisite. I should thank Mr. Gu for his generous hospitality.¡± ¡°It seems to me that its taste wasn¡¯t the reason you liked it. But rather, it was Mr. Chen who was peeling the shrimp for you, you two were pretty affectionate.¡± Xia Yangyang shot back, ¡°Whenpared to Mr. Gu and Miss Shen, we were no match.¡± The two locked eyes, Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze was icy cold, but there was a hint of rising anger hidden within. After staring at Xia Yangyang for a while, Gu Qichen said, ¡°Since it was so delicious, why didn¡¯t you stay to eat more? Why did youe back so early?¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°What about Mr.. Gu then? Why are you here at the entrance of the female dormitory building? Could it be that you are¡­ waiting for me?¡± Chapter 132 - 133: He Suddenly Kissed Her Fiercely Chapter 132: Chapter 133: He Suddenly Kissed Her Fiercely Trantor: 549690339 I Gu Qichen fell silent for a moment, each word falling deliberately, ¡°I was indeed waiting for you.¡± Xia Yangyang spoke up, ¡°Oh? Has President Gue to his senses and is ready to sign the divorce agreement?¡± As soon as Xia Yangyang voiced these words, a chilly and solemn atmosphere was palpable around her. Gu Qichen¡¯s expression seemed to change at hearing these words. This woman. Now she really does only talk about divorce. How impatient must she be, unable to wait another second? How desperately does she want to shake him off, honestly and justifiably fall into Chen Yu¡¯s arms? The atmosphere fell silent! Xia Yangyang faintly felt her phone vibrating in her bag, At this moment, she was unsure who could be calling her. Xia Yangyang began to open her bag, intending to take out her phone. For Gu Qichen, this scene was all too familiar. Just a few days ago, at the airport. Upon seeing him, Xia Yangyang took a divorce agreement out of her bag and shoved it towards him, demanding he sign it. Her cold and indifferent tone, as if it had nothing to do with her. Could it be she always carries the divorce agreement with her, waiting to see him so she can force him to sign it? Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, which was reaching for her phone, was suddenly grabbed by Gu Qichen. In the next moment, Xia Yangyang found herself pinned against the iron pole of a street light by Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang was startled. ¡°Gu Qichen, what are you trying to do?¡± Annoyed, Xia Yangyang eximed as she raised her head to meet Gu Qichen¡¯s frightful, stern face. Each word Gu Qichen spat almost seemed to be forced through gritted teeth, ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t go too far!¡± His voice was deeply suppressed to the extremity. He expressed a menace of grinding his teeth, his eyes reminiscent of an ocean under an evening sky, seemingly calm but holding a potential for a wild storm that could swallow anything. Xia Yangyang could sense the strong anger from Gu Qichen, but she had no idea where this anger stemmed from. What did she do to provoke him? Could any woman in this world be more tactful than she was? If it were anyone else, they would at least demand somepensation. Xia Yangyang started to speak, ¡°Mr. Gu, what do you mean by me going too far? Our divorce agreement clearly states that I will leave with nothing. What else do you want? As long as you sign, we can cleanly sever all ties. I promise not to bother you again, and won¡¯t appear in your life to cause any trouble. If you¡¯re still not satisfied, then please tell me, what else do you want?¡± Looking at the woman before him, Gu Qichen felt a desire to choke her to death. She¡¯d rather leave with nothing, unwilling to have the slightest connection with him. How eloquent she was in expressing her desire to cleanly sever ties. This showed just how indifferent and impatient she truly was. And their marriage seemed like a piece of sticky candy she eagerly wanted to shake off, leaving behind an ugly and embarrassing scene without a second nce. Then what does he, Gu Qichen, mean to her? What is his worth as a husband to her? The grip Gu Qichen had on Xia Yangyang¡¯s wrist began to tighten, causing Xia Yangyang to cry out in pain, ¡°Let go of me, Gu Qichen! Just what are you trying to do?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll show you exactly what I want to do!¡± Suddenly, Xia Yangyang felt a sharp pain in her back. Gu Qichen had pinned her against themppost and furiously started kissing her¡­ Xia Yangyang was truly stunned. For a moment, her mind went nk,pletely clueless as to what was happening. Gu Qichen¡¯s kiss unlike any other they shared in the past, was dominant and almost suffocating! Chapter 133 - 134: Filming a Bed Scene Chapter 133: Chapter 134: Filming a Bed Scene Trantor: 549690339 Her mouth, the tip of her nose, all were filled with his unique icy aroma, along with a faint tang of alcohol. He had been drinking? No wonder! With all her might, Xia Yangyang pushed Gu Qichen away, shouting, ¡°Gu Qichen, what the hell is wrong with you?¡± Gu Qichen stepped back, touching the corner of his mouth where Xia Yangyang had bitten when she resisted. A mark of blood appeared on his lips. Gu Qichen stepped back another step, his expression turning even darker. Xia Yangyang stared at him on guard like a cat, her chest heaving continuously. Xia Yangyang watched the man in front of her, her anger gradually subsiding into silence. Gu Qichen seemed to revert back to his usual aloof and unworldly persona. His voice was as icy as ever, ¡°Xia Yangyang, do you believe that I can make Chen Yu fall from his pedestal?¡± Xia Yangyang felt a chill in her heart, ¡°Gu Qichen, what are you trying to do?¡± ¡°What I do depends on your attitude, Xia Yangyang. Don¡¯t do anything that makes me jealous. Otherwise, I don¡¯t know what I might do.¡± Before Xia Yangyang could reply again, Gu Qichen had already turned around and left. Xia Yangyang stood there, dazed, angry, and confused. What on earth was wrong with Gu Qichen? He had reconciled with Shen Manbing, why would he say such ambiguous things? Was he trying to have his cake and eat it too? Even if she didn¡¯t mind, could Shen Manbing bear her existence? Xia Yangyang really couldn¡¯t understand what was going on in this man¡¯s mind. The phone in her bag started vibrating again. Xia Yangyang checked and saw a missed call from Chen Yu. Xia Yangyang felt restless and didn¡¯t pick up. The next day, the filming continued. Shen Manbing was in the scenes for the next three days. Xia Yangyang thought she would be tormented all the way, but fortunately, Shen Manbing didn¡¯t intentionally cause trouble for her. Thest scene for Shen Manbing was in the afternoon of the third day. Which was also the scene for the grand finale of the whole drama. The script described Lin Xiaofan and Kim Shixun¡¯s wedding, attended by all their friends and family. The couple received blessings from Kim Shimei. Everyone headed to the Ruoya Cathedral in the afternoon to shoot the wedding scene. It was the first time Xia Yangyang wore a wedding gown, standing on the altar holding a man¡¯s hand. Chen Yu was extremely handsome, almost like a prince from a fairy tale. Shen Manbing recorded the entire shooting process and sent it to Gu Qichen. In the end, she sent Gu Qichen a text message: Your little wife has a bed scene tonight, want toe and watch? Indeed, Gu Qichen came back to Maple Vi early that night. The only bed scene in the script was filmed at Maple Vi. Xia Yangyang was a little unsteady about this bed scene. The director sat to the side, giving them directions, ¡°You need to be passionate, understand? Kim Shixun¡¯s character is filled with desire and is somewhat beastly, which the audience likes. Lin Xiaofan¡¯s character needs to show a transition from coy to uncontroble. You need to show the audience the depth of her love.¡± Chen Yu, grinning on the side, said, ¡°I have no problem with it. I suggest we improvise this scene, for example, should the lead man and woman take a bath together, something like that?¡± Xia Yangyang red at Chen Yu. Just listening to the director¡¯s directions, half of Xia Yangyang¡¯s face was already turning red. Honestly, she abhorred the idea of close contact with any man other than Qichen, even if the man was Chen Yu. The thought of shooting the bed scene made Xia Yangyang stiffen involuntarily. But this was all part of filming, and as an actress, she needed to clearly differentiate scenes in the script from her personal life. Once everything was ready, the director signaled, ¡°Action!¡± The scene began with Kim Shixun carrying Lin Xiaofan into the room andying her on the bed, followed by an increasingly passionate kiss¡­ ¡°Hold on.¡± A cold male voice echoed from the doorway.. Chapter 134 - 135: Gu Qichen Becomes a Body Chapter 134: Chapter 135: Gu Qichen Bes a Body Double Trantor: 549690339 Everyone turned towards the source of the sound. Gu Qichen stood coldly at the door, his icy demeanor making the room feel several degrees colder. Everyone looked perplexed. Wasn¡¯t Mr. Gu supposed to be a very busy man? Why did he always have time to observe the shooting of the drama group, especially since this scene didn¡¯t involve Shen Manbing? Shen Manbing was also present. Although this scene didn¡¯t involve her, she was there at the shooting venue, watching just like everyone else. The color drained slightly from Shen Manbing¡¯s face when she saw Gu Qichen. She hadn¡¯t expected him to actuallye. Under everyone¡¯s watchful eyes, Gu Qichen walked in, went up to Xia Yangyang and said coldly, ¡°No shooting intimate scenes, use a stand-in.¡± That single statement quieted the entire room even further. Everyone wore an expression of shock. Mr. Gu was forbidding Xia Yangyang from shooting intimate scenes? This was huge news. Why wouldn¡¯t Mr. Gu want Xia Yangyang to shoot intimate scenes, and what was their rtionship? More importantly, the renowned Shen was present. Mr. Gu dared to stop another woman from shooting intimate scenes in front of Shen,pletely disregarding her feelings. Everyone¡¯s eyes fell on Shen, who, as expected, didn¡¯t look pleased at all. Xia Yangyang felt rather embarrassed. Had Gu Qichen lost his mind? Caring about her affairs in front of so many people, wasn¡¯t he afraid of misunderstandings? Chen Yu, who was standing next to Xia Yangyang, voiced the question that was on everyone¡¯s mind: ¡°Mr. Gu, isn¡¯t this a bit over the line? What rtionship do you have with Yangyang that you even have control over what scenes she can shoot?¡± Gu Qichen gave Chen Yu a cold look: ¡°You know very well what our rtionship is. On the other hand, Mr. Chen, before you try to steal someone¡¯s girl, you should measure your own capabilities.¡± The director also came over, as he was also uncertain about the situation. Chen Yu addressed the director directly: ¡°Director Yang, if a stand-in is being used, then I refuse to shoot. You guys can choose anyone you like.¡± Director Yang looked helplessly at Gu Qichen: ¡°Mr. Gu, the thing is, Yangyang¡¯s stand-in is currently not on the set; this situation is rather troublesome.¡± Although Mr. Gu didn¡¯t have much to do with the crew, he was the main investor in this project. Gu Qichen spoke: ¡°Who said anything about using a female stand-in? I was speaking about substituting Mr. Chen¡¯s scenes with a stand-in.¡± Even the director was taken aback. Before, Shen Shichuan had found a stand-in for Xia Yangyang, but Chen Yu didn¡¯t have one. Director Yang frowned: ¡°Who could rece Chen Yu?¡± Without any hesitation, Gu Qichen spit out a word: ¡°Me.¡± Xia Yangyang was also taken aback. What was happening? Everyone was equally confused. But one thing was now clear. The rtionship between Xia Yangyang and Mr. Gu was definitely not simple. Just as the awkwardness reached its peak, Shen Shichuan entered. In fact, he hade alongside Gu Qichen. He had been standing at the doorway, enjoying this dramatic scene. As a producer, Shen Shichuan had significant influence here. Shen Shichuan walked over, whispered something into the director¡¯s ear. The director¡¯s expression changed drastically. Then he said to Chen Yu, ¡°Chen Yu,e here. I need to talk to you.¡± Chen Yu was reluctantly led out by Shen Shichuan, but the director unexpectedly waved his hand and said, ¡°Continue shooting. Everyone back to your positions.¡± Everyone stood dumbfounded. The male lead was gone, so what was there to shoot? The director then said, ¡°Mr. Gu will stand in for Chen Yu. Let¡¯s get started.¡± Xia Yangyang was baffled. What was going on? Why had Gu Qichen, the influential CEO of Shengyuan Company, run to the film set to be a stand-in? And for an intimate scene, no less. Could it be that Gu Qichen really wasn¡¯t afraid of Shen Manbing getting jealous? Chapter 135 - 136: Publicly Humiliating Shen Chapter 135: Chapter 136: Publicly Humiliating Shen Manbing Trantor: 549690339 While Gu Qichen was changing his clothes¡­ Xia Yangyang heard murmurs around her. ¡°What¡¯s going on between Yangyang and President Gu?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t Mr. Gu about to marry Sister Bingbing? Why is he actively filming a bed scene with Yangyang right in front of Bingbing¡¯s face?¡± ¡°They said earlier that Yangyang¡¯s lead actress role was pre-selected, backed by a powerful sponsor. It seems like that sponsor is Mr. Gu.¡± ¡°Who would have thought quiet Yangyang is like that.¡± Xia Weiwei also witnessed the scene that day. She thought her lungs would explode. She had suspected that Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen were having an affair. She didn¡¯t imagine that it was actually true. She didn¡¯t think someone as awkward as Xia Yangyang would go for a man of such high caliber, even as the other woman. So all her nobleness was an act. Gu Qichen had finished changing his clothes and came out. The director exined the scene. Actually, because they had switched to a body double, the shooting n hadpletely changed from before. Every move of Xia Yangyang had be the focus. And Gu Qichen would only make an appearance from the back from start to finish. As she watched Gu Qichen gradually approaching, Xia Yangyang red at him. Doesn¡¯t this man really know what he¡¯s done and the trouble that his actions today will bring her? But Gu Qichenpletely ignored Xia Yangyang¡¯s re. He even raised his eyebrows nonchntly. Having stayed by Gu Qichen¡¯s side for so long, Xia Yangyang knew this man was in a good mood! What a joke! He¡¯s in a good mood on top of everything! ording to the script, Gu Qichen should suddenly pick up Xia Yangyang who was standing by the door and carry her, ¡°prince charming style¡±. Gu Qichen stepped forward and unhesitatingly picked up Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang, not yet ready, eximed. But reflexively wrapped her arms around Gu Qichen¡¯s neck. The director called, ¡°Action!¡± Gu Qichen, holding Xia Yangyang, headed towards the bed. After only a few steps, the director called ¡°Cut!¡± ¡°Yangyang, your expression is wrong. Be more affectionate, why do you look like you¡¯re about tomit suicide together?¡± Xia Yangyang really wished she could die together with this man right now, to avoid having to face the uing gossip. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to dy the shooting progress. Xia Yangyang adjusted her attitude. Gu Qichen once again lifted Xia Yangyang, walked to the side of the bed, put her down, untied his tie, and kissed her without hesitation. Hisss The room was filled with the sound of everyone drawing a sharp breath. But the director also called ¡°Cut!¡± at this moment, ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯re too stiff, rx, you must think of the man in front of you as your beloved.¡± Xia Yangyang, if she had a knife now, would really want to stab at Gu Qichen. The director exined the scene again and said, ¡°Let¡¯s do it again.¡± But Xia Yangyang¡¯s performance was not satisfactory each time. Which resulted in them shooting the kissing scene multiple times. Some of the girls around them were whispering: ¡°Did Xia Yangyang do this on purpose, trying to take advantage of Mr. Gu?¡± ¡°I think Xia Yangyang is showing off to Sister Bingbing. Clearly, Yangyang and Mr. Gu have a special rtionship, but Sister Bingbing and Mr. Gu are the recognized couple in the circle. No wonder Sister Bingbing has been torturing her a few days ago, so this was the reason. Now that she¡¯s taken under Mr. Gu¡¯s wing, of course, she wants to take this opportunity to retaliate. Have you seen how ugly Sister Bingbing¡¯s face is?¡± ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought that Xia Yangyang was so maniptive? Isn¡¯t this a public humiliation to Sister Bingbing? Sister Bingbing must be about to die from anger.¡± Indeed, the expression on Shen Manbing¡¯s face was extremely ugly. The reason she joined the crew was to confirm something. To prove whether Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang¡¯s marriage was a sham, or genuinely consummated. And now, it seems she had seen the answer with her own eyes. Gu Qichen was severely germophobic and never liked being touched by women. But now, Gu Qichen¡¯s kissing Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t seem like he was repulsed. And Xia Yangyang was constantly on guard, not rxed at all. This wasn¡¯t the Gu Qichen she knew. The director called ¡°Cut!¡± once again. Xia Yangyang was really deted. With so many people watching, Xia Yangyang felt extremely pressured. Seeing Gu Qichen¡¯s face, she couldn¡¯t get into it at all. But Gu Qichen seemed totally patient and not in a hurry, filming take after take with noints. When he put her down, he leaned into her ear and said, ¡°It¡¯s not like we haven¡¯t done this before, just act as you normally would.¡± Xia Yangyang was so angry she felt like hitting him. In the end, with no other choice, Xia Yangyang took the initiative and said, ¡°Director, can you give me a bottle of wine?¡± As soon as Gu Qichen heard this, he said, ¡°No.¡± But the room had a wine cab. Xia Yangyang went over, took a bottle of strong liquor, and gulped down two mouthfuls. Gu Qichen walked over and snatched the bottle back. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Let¡¯s try again.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s alcohol tolerance was very poor, even a little beer usually makes her dizzy. As the alcohol hits, Xia Yangyang only thought about acting. Everything around her seemed to disappear. All the idle gossip, all those lustful eyes. In Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes, she only saw Gu Qichen. Gu Qichenid her down on the bed and kissed her. That feeling was so familiar¡­ Xia Yangyang shamelessly discovered that she actually missed the taste of Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen¡¯s kiss was overbearing but also had a touch of gentleness, it was incredibly seductive. At this moment, Gu Qichen pulled a quilt over both of them¡­ After the quilt was pulled over, just a few symbolic movements were necessary. This was the routine for filming bed scenes in TV series. But under the quilt, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t release Xia Yangyang¡­ He became even more brazen, kissing fiercely on Xia Yangyang¡¯s lips, as if he wanted to devour her. Only when the director yelled ¡°Cut!¡± did he reluctantly his lips from hers. But he approached her ear and whispered, ¡°Will youe home tonight? Hm?¡± Xia Yangyang, responding more out of reflex than anything, murmured her agreement. Gu Qichen lifted the quilt and got up from the bed. The room was brightly lit, leaving Xia Yangyang to realize how many people were there. It jolted her back to her senses. But the people were looking at her strangely. Because her cheeks were flushed, and her eyes filled with a mist of confusion. But Gu Qichen was different; his face was cold and clear, looking sober and calm. Even as he buttoned his cufflinks and discussed the shooting scene with the director. His every movement exuded a calm and attractive charm. Chapter 136 - 137: Get Married (1) Chapter 136: Chapter 137: Get Married (1) Trantor: 549690339 Over there, Shen Manbing¡¯s face had indeed already darkened to its extreme. The reason she joined the filming crew was to affirm something. To prove whether the marriage between Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang was in name only or if it was real. And now, it seemed as if she had already seen the answer with her own eyes. Gu Qichen had serious mysophobia and never enjoyed women touching him. However, when he kissed Xia Yangyang, there was not the slightest hint of rejection. It was as if he was ying with a cat. On the contrary, Xia Yangyang was cautious in all respects and could never rx. This Gu Qichen was not the one she knew. Over there, the director called for another take. Xia Yangyang was really deted. So many people watching, she felt extremely pressured. Moreover, looking at Gu Qichen¡¯s face, she just couldn¡¯t immerse herself in the scene. But Gu Qichen seemed not to hurry at all, patiently shooting the scene over and over again. When he let her down, he even whispered in her ear, ¡°It¡¯s not like you haven¡¯t tried here, just act as usual.¡± Xia Yangyang was so angry that she wanted to jump up and hit him. In the end, Xia Yangyang had no choice but to speak up. ¡°Director, can you give me a bottle of wine?¡± Upon hearing this, Gu Qichen said, ¡°No¡±. But there was a liquor cab inside the room, so Xia Yangyang walked over, grabbed a bottle of liquor, and took two gulps. Gu Qichen went over and snatched the bottle back. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Let¡¯s try it again.¡± Xia Yangyang had a very low alcohol tolerance, even a little beer would make her feel dizzy. The alcohol kicked in and all she could think about was acting. Everything around her seemed to disappear. All the gossip and lustful stares. In Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes, she could only see Gu Qichen. Gu Qichenid her on the bed and kissed her. This feeling was familiar, Xia Yangyang shamefully realized that she missed the smell of Gu Qichen. The kiss from Gu Qichen was dominant but carried a hint of gentleness, gradually intensifying, extremely bewitching. At this moment, Gu Qichen pulled the quilt over the two of them¡­ After the quilt was pulled over them, all that was needed was to symbolically move a few times. This was the usual filming routine for bed scenes in TV dramas. But Gu Qichen did not let go of Xia Yangyang under the quilt¡­ Instead, he kissed her lips more grantly, as if he wanted to devour her. Not until the director called for a cut. Then, with much reluctance, Gu Qichen left her lips. He then whispered in her ear, ¡°Shall we go home tonight? Hm?¡± Xia Yangyang responded almost reflexively in her drunken state. Only then did Gu Qichen lift the quilt and get up from the bed. The room was brightly lit, and on seeing the several people in the room, Xia Yangyang finally regained a shred of consciousness. Only the eyes of the people looking at her were strange. Because her cheeks were flushed red, and her eyes were misty. But Gu Qichen was different, he had long reverted to his cool disposition, looking sharp and clear-headed. Even while buttoning up his cuffs, he was discussing the justpleted shooting scene with the director. Every move he made exuded a calm yet irresistible charm. Chapter 137 - 138: Gu Qichen is my husband Chapter 137: Chapter 138: Gu Qichen is my husband Trantor: 549690339 Just now, as he acted out the kiss scene, his overpowering dominance nearly caused all the women in the room to scream at the top of their lungs. He was truly incredibly handsome and captivating. Everyone wished themselves to be the one lying in the bed being ¡°ravished¡± by him. It was eerily reminiscent of the overbearing CEOs often featured in novels. But, he truly is a dominant boss in real life. Due to the alcohol, Xia Yangyang still felt a bit lightheaded. Lu Yao had already walked up, supporting Xia Yangyang¡¯s swaying body and asking with concern, ¡°Yangyang, are you okay?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head. The director was looking at the scene on the monitor and couldn¡¯t help but praise, ¡°Yangyang, your acting in this scene was absolutely perfect. Your deep and adoring gazes were brilliantly portrayed. The kiss scene also felt especially natural; there wasn¡¯t any awkwardness.¡± How could it not be natural? They had no idea how many times they¡¯ve kissed before¡­. Because there was another shot in the evening. So Xia Yangyang went back with the crew. Along the way, there was silence. Yu Minmin couldn¡¯t help herself and asked, ¡°Yangyang, what really is your rtionship with President Gu?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how to respond. After Fu Jingqing stirred things up, many things had changed. She initially merely wanted to peacefully get her divorce over with and act as if she¡¯d never known that man. But now¡­ And Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how things were going to develop, she supposed Shen Manbing won¡¯t let her off the hook. Unable toe up with an answer, Xia Yangyang decided to fake dizziness and lean on Lu Yao¡¯s shoulder, ¡°I have a headache¡­¡± Lu Yao hurriedly said, ¡°You guys let Yangyang rest for a little while. Yangyang can¡¯t handle her alcohol and she¡¯s likely drunk now.¡± Xia Weiwei taunted from the side, ¡°I think you¡¯re actually drunk on Gu Qichen¡¯s kiss, Xia Yangyang. I never knew you could be so shameless, bing someone else¡¯s mistress. Don¡¯t you know that Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen are about to get married?¡± ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who said there was only a rumor going on about those two?¡± Xia Yangyang countered. Xia Weiwei choked on her words but still maintain her hostility, ¡°Xia Yangyang, what¡¯s your rtionship with Gu Qichen? Don¡¯t try to feign ignorance and treat us like fools.¡± Giving in, Xia Yangyang blurted out, ¡°He¡¯s my husband, okay?¡± Everyone in the car suddenly became quiet. Xia Weiwei was taken aback, then she burst into incredulousughter, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you must be daydreaming! If Gu Qichen is your husband, I¡¯ll jump off the roof of the Mingzhu Building.¡± Xia Weiweiughed contemptuously. At most, Xia Yangyang was Gu Qichen¡¯s secret lover, and she even had the audacity to im that she was his wife. A man like Gu Qichen, even Shen Manbing wasn¡¯t good enough for him, how could he possibly marry Xia Yangyang? The rest didn¡¯t look convinced either. It was as if Xia Yangyang was drunkenly spouting nonsense. Xia Yangyang suddenly felt, why bother hiding? Anyway, even if she announced to the world that she¡¯s married to Gu Qichen, nobody would believe her, right? The scene that night didn¡¯t go well. Because Chen Yu seemed to have disappeared. Xia Yangyang called him but Chen Yu didn¡¯t pick up. Xia Yangyangy on her bed in the dorm, her mind filled with thoughts of Gu Qichen. Lu Yao from the top bunk peeked down several times as if he was itching to speak. ¡°If you have any questions, just ask,¡± Xia Yangyang finally spoke. Lu Yao finally asked, ¡°Yangyang, what exactly is your rtionship with Mr. Gu?¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°If I said we¡¯re married, would you believe me?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± Now it was Xia Yangyang¡¯s turn to be surprised, ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because the way Mr. Gu looks at you¡­it¡¯s different. How should I put it, there¡¯s a lot of love involved.¡± Gu Qichen looks at her with love? She didn¡¯t see thating. Lu Yao suddenly became more interested and crawled into Xia Yangyang¡¯s bunk, ¡°So you¡¯re really married to Mr. Gu then. But why are there still rumors that Mr. Gu and Shen Manbing are getting married?¡± Xia Yangyang heaved a sigh, ¡°We really are married, but we¡¯re getting divorced soon..¡± Chapter 138 - 139: He Doesn’t Like Me Chapter 138: Chapter 139: He Doesn¡¯t Like Me Trantor: 549690339 I Lu Yao was shocked, ¡°How could this happen?¡± Xia Yangyang turned over, ¡°The person he likes is not me, I¡¯m just his band-aid.¡± Lu Yao could probably guess the situation. In the love story of Cindere and the Prince, there¡¯s always a princess who is the natural match of the prince. Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s appearance, Lu Yao didn¡¯t ask any more questions. Xia Yangyang¡¯s phone started to ring. It was actually Gu Qichen who was calling. Xia Yangyang hesitated for a moment, but then she answered. Gu Qichen¡¯s deep, maizing voice came over, ¡°Why haven¡¯t youe back yet?¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°I¡¯m noting back, I have an early morning assignment tomorrow.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s tone was light and indifferent, ¡°You promised toe home tonight.¡± ¡°When did I promise you that?¡± ¡°Hmm?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s tone rose, ¡°Do you need a reminder?¡± Xia Yangyang blushed in an instant. Of course, she remembers. Xia Yangyang muttered, ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back.¡± ¡°Do you want me to pick you up?¡± ¡°No!¡± ¡°Then show up within half an hour.¡± After saying that, Gu Qichen had already hung up the phone. Xia Yangyang was so annoyed, but she still got up and put on her shoes. Lu Yao asked, ¡°Yangyang, where are you going sote?¡± Xia Yangyang sighed, ¡°To beat up an old man.¡± Lu Yao: Of course, Xia Yangyang wouldn¡¯t dare to beat up Gu Qichen, she obediently went to Maple Vi. Maple Vi was brightly lit. Just as Xia Yangyang was climbing the stairs, someone with force caught her arm when she turned around. The next second, she was pushed against the wall. A barrage of kisses fell like rain. The familiar taste made Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind go nk. In front of her was a devilishly handsome face. Others say that Gu Qichen is a cold and aloof man, a nce from his icy eyes can speed up anybody¡¯s heartbeat. But truthfully, Gu Qichen is even more charming when he¡¯s passionate. With one hand on the wall and the other on Xia Yangyang¡¯s neck, holding her captive in his embrace, Gu Qichen was both domineering and gentle. Gu Qichen¡¯s kissing skills were top-notch, Xia Yangyang, a novice, was overwhelmed in no time. She quickly became dazed and confused. In the end, Gu Qichen simply carried Xia Yangyang sideways, and pushed open the door to the bedroom with his foot. When her back hit the bed, Xia Yangyang suddenly came to her senses. With effort, she pushed Gu Qichen aside. The interrupted manined with resentment, ¡°It¡¯s sote, why can¡¯t you let me kiss?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Gu Qichen, if you need to satisfy some biological needs, go find some other woman. Don¡¯te to me.¡± Xia Yangyang was also angry. Is she just a tool for him to vent his desires? He didn¡¯t say a word when he came home, and the first thing he did was¡­ But Gu Qichen¡¯s face darkened instantly, ¡°Find another woman? Xia Yangyang, what are you saying?¡± Xia Yangyang retorted sharply, ¡°I¡¯m speaking humannguage, Gu Qichen. I don¡¯t know how men think, but as far as I¡¯m concerned, many things can¡¯t be solved by spending a night together. It¡¯s better for us to keep a distance now, to avoid awkwardnesster.¡± Gu Qichen had already sat up straight. The lust in his eyes gradually faded, reced by a bottomless coldness, ¡°Is Chen Yu really that good? Are you determined to divorce me?¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned, not knowing how the topic changed so quickly. But what does this have to do with Chen Yu? The issue between them was never about Chen Yu, Gu Qichen always deflects the focus.. Chapter 139 - 140: Role Switch Chapter 139: Chapter 140: Role Switch Trantor: 549690339 But Xia Yangyang truly despised this man for ying dumb. Without reserve, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Either way, he¡¯s better than you, Gu Qichen, I don¡¯t want to go in circles with you anymore. If you still disagree with the divorce, I¡¯ll directly contact awyer to negotiate with you, if you¡¯re not afraid of exposure.¡± Gu Qichen remained calm on the surface, but inside a raging anger burned. This woman has some nerve to be able to fuel his rage within a few seconds. In all these years, she¡¯s the first to pull this off. In just three days, she¡¯s brought up divorce three times with him. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice grew colder and more chilling, ¡°Xia Yangyang, I forgot to tell you when we got married, there¡¯s no such word as ¡®divorce¡¯ in my dictionary. Only ¡®widowhood¡¯.¡± Xia Yangyang stared at him in disbelief. His icy and cold face was eerily terrifying. She¡¯d never seen this side of Gu Qichen before ¨C so malicious and cold-hearted. Gu Qichen stormed out. Shortly after, Xia Yangyang heard the roar of a car engine below. Gu Qichen left Maple Vi. Where could he be going at thiste hour? Is he going to meet Shen Manbing? Xia Yangyang felt extremely exhausted and fell asleep almost instantly as shey on the bed. The very next morning. Xia Yangyang went to the set. As she entered the makeup room, she saw everyone huddled together, discussing something. The chatter abruptly ceased as she entered the room, everyone looked at her with unusual eyes. Xia Yangyang was puzzled. Lu Yao came over with a worried look on his face, ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯re today¡¯s entertainment headline.¡± After saying so, he ced a copy of the entertainment newspaper in Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand. The ring headline read, ¡°Star Diva¡¯s fiance cheats with neer, caught in the act during thete hours.¡± Below the headline were several photos. They were apparently taken by a paparazzo with a telephoto lens. The pictures depicted two people kissing in a corridor. Xia Yangyang could recall that Maple Vi¡¯s corridor was transparent from the south to north. The panoramic ss window on the southernmost balcony must have been the point of view of the photos. The images were not very clear, but the silhouettes of the two people could be made out. The report revealed her identity. However, it was quite sharp-tongued, stating outright that she was the homewrecker between Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen. It also spread rumors of her sleeping her way to the top in hertest drama. With the release of the story, the inte was flooded with a torrent of condemnation. Shen Manbing¡¯s fans were up in arms,unching a ¡°Xia Yangyang get out of the entertainment industry¡± topic that got millions of views, receiving unprecedented attention. Even Chen Yu¡¯s fans, worried that such a leading actress would tarnish their idol, joined the ¡°We demand Cindere¡¯s reshoot with a new heroine¡± bandwagon. Before long, Xia Yangyang was at the center of the storm, receiving immense public scorn. Xia Weiwei walked over with a smirk, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you have nothing to say for yourself now, do you? However, you¡¯re still denying being a homewrecker. Let¡¯s see how you can defend yourself now. President Gu is holding a press conference at 3pm this afternoon. He will definitely disassociate himself from you. Xia Yangyang, if I were you, I¡¯d rather crash into a wall and die, rather than drown in the spit of Shen Manbing¡¯s fans.¡± Xia Weiwei was ted from within. She contracted the paparazzi. The previous night, she saw Xia Yangyang sneak out and had the paparazzi follow her. Who¡¯d have thought it would blow up into such a big piece of news. Xia Yangyang would undoubtedly not be able to recover from this. Nothing could sink an entertainer faster than a scandal, especially when she¡¯s caught between a celeb couple, and all this right before their alleged engagement announcement. As soon as the news broke, Shengyuan immediately announced they will hold a press conference, looking eager to rify the situation. It happens all the time in the entertainment industry. Normally, they¡¯d deny until undisputable evidence surfaces, usually, the weaker party takes the fall. The weaker party is usually med for taking the initiative, or for taking advantage of a drunken situation, and so on. Of course, the man might give the woman a settlement that ensures she doesn¡¯t have to worry about living expenses for the rest of her life. Anyway, no matter how you look at it, Xia Yangyang¡¯s acting career is nowpletely shattered.. Chapter 140 - 141: Clarification Press Conference Chapter 140: Chapter 141: rification Press Conference Trantor: 549690339 Xia Weiwei was extremely content. Gu Qichen was just amused with Xia Yangyang¡¯s charms, nothing more. Now that they¡¯ve been exposed, Xia Yangyang would surely be his burden, and he would definitely kick her to the curb without a second thought. Xia Weiwei was eagerly waiting for that moment, to witness Xia Yangyang¡¯s rapid fall from grace, plummeting into a pit of misery. Although the news was out now. But director Yang Jin didn¡¯t take it seriously, all the morning¡¯s film shoots were carried out normally. Although everyone refrained from discussing the situation, it was obvious that all their attention was focused on that matter. At lunchtime, Xia Yangyang received a message from Gu Qichen. The message contained just one simple sentence: At two in the afternoon, in the conference room of Shengyuan Building, let¡¯s conclude this mess. Xia Yangyang stared at her phone for a good ten minutes. Her heart was aching as if it was being cut with a knife. Even though she knew that this moment would eventuallye, it was still very hard for her to bear. Finishing it? So, Gu Qichen had finally gotten his thoughts sorted; she should breathe a sigh of relief, right? However, under the current circumstances, Xia Yangyang wondered how Gu Qichen was going to end this. Maybe, to save Shen Manbing¡¯s status, he might really do as Xia Weiwei predicted, cutting off all ties with her and denying their rtionship. If he were a bit more magnanimous, maybe he would make their short-lived marriage public and then publicly sign the divorce agreement. However, Xia Yangyang thought that given their current hostile rtionship, Gu Qichen probably wouldn¡¯t be so magnanimous. But regardless of the oue. Xia Yangyang would choose to ept it. While Xia Yangyang was dazedly holding her phone, Chen Yu sat down beside her: ¡°I¡¯ll go with you this afternoon.¡± Xia Yangyang hastily put away her phone. Chen Yu nced at her, ¡°Don¡¯t bother hiding it, I¡¯ve seen it.¡± Xia Yangyang lowered her head: ¡°You don¡¯t have to go, I don¡¯t want to jump out of one problem and into another one.¡± Chen Yu responded, ¡°I¡¯m different from him, I like you and I¡¯m willing to dere it to the whole world. Yangyang, divorce him today, and I¡¯ll marry you tomorrow.¡± ¡°Chen Yu, stop it,¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I have no ulterior thoughts about you, we are just friends.¡± Chen Yu looked somewhat dejected, ¡°This is the third time you¡¯ve rejected me.¡± But after a while, he suddenly reached out and ruffled Xia Yangyang¡¯s hair: ¡°Never mind, Missy, I can wait for you. After all, I¡¯m so attractive, you¡¯re bound to fall in love with me sooner orter.¡± Xia Yangyang: Xia Yangyang requested for a leave from the director. Timed it just right, and then went to the Shengyuan Building. She used to intern there, so she was naturally familiar with the ce. Before entering the conference room, she had to walk through the President¡¯s Secretary Office. She recognized almost all the people there. They all looked very peculiar. Lin Yuanyuan directly blocked Xia Yangyang¡¯s way: ¡°Is it true? You and President Gu?¡± Lin Yuanyuan was one year senior than her, and had graduated now, officially working in the secretarial department. But when they interned together, Xia Yangyang already noticed that Lin Yuanyuan had amorous feelings for Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang was not really friends with her, and was not in the mood to exin now, she just said, ¡°This is my business has nothing to do with you.¡± Having said that, Xia Yangyang intended to walk around her and leave. Lin Yuanyuan stomped her feet in anger, pointing at Xia Yangyang¡¯s disappearing figure, ¡°You shameless home-wrecker, how dare you show your face today, I can¡¯t wait to see what dreadful end you meet.¡± Lin Yuanyuan did not even care about her elegantdy image anymore. She had been in love with Gu Qichen for so long and yet, he had never really noticed her. But the photo that was exposed yesterday, Gu Qichen was so passionate, his whole body was filled with charismatic appeal. Compared to his icy facade any other day, it was like he was apletely different person. It wasn¡¯t that she despised Xia Yangyang for being the other woman, but hated why she couldn¡¯t be Gu Qichen¡¯s mistress herself? Chapter 141 - 142:1 suppose no one dares to cross the line with my wife, Gu Qichen Chapter 141: Chapter 142:1 suppose no one dares to cross the line with my wife, Gu Qichen Trantor: 549690339 The press conference was held in a conference room. Xia Yangyang deliberately arrived a bitte. By now, the ce was already filled with reporters. The interview hadn¡¯t started yet, many were gathered in small groups, gossiping amongst themselves. ¡°Why isn¡¯t Shen Manbing here? I thought she would be present.¡± ¡°The diva certainly embarrassed herself this time around. Just a while ago, she was proposed to, to find out that her fiance has caused a scandal with a neer. Truly, a roast pork in mouth is better than a swan in the sky.¡± ¡°All you guys find this surprising? Which nobility within the entertainment industry doesn¡¯t have multiple mistresses or lovers? The diva probably turns a blind eye to all this, as long as she can secure her position as Mrs. Gu, what harm could these wildflowers cause?¡± ¡°But the diva is a diva indeed, having Shengyuan¡¯s CEO personally rify things on her behalf, he must care about her.¡± Gu Qichen was sitting at the main seat, his gaze towards the door, seemingly waiting for something. As soon as Xia Yangyang appeared, Gu Qichen¡¯s expression slightly changed. Could he be¡­ Waiting for her? Xia Yangyang thought sorrowfully. Indeed, how could she sign the divorce agreement if she didn¡¯t show up? All cameras and camcorders were ready. Though Mr. Gu was not part of the entertainment industry, because of his high-profile background, he has always been a focal point of the entertainment industry. Combined with the current rumor that he is the fiance of the diva Shen Manbing. This ¡°Kiss-Gate¡± has already caused unprecedented waves among the entertainment world. During this time, Gu Qichen¡¯s secretary, Fang Zhengdong, stood up and said: ¡°Everyone be quiet, the rification press conference will now begin, Mr. Gu has something to say.¡± The conference room immediately quieted down. Reporters surrounded them one by one. Gu Qichen methodically took off his sses, stood up, and started: ¡°Recently, there have been quite a few rumors rted to Miss Xia Yangyang and me¡­¡± The conference room was eerily quiet, only the sound of cameras snapping was left. At this time, many people had already crowded at the entrance of the conference room. Some young female secretaries, lead by Lin Yuanyuan. Also, the fans of Shen Manbing who had just caused amotion, were not sure how they got in, and they held signs that said, ¡°Xia Yangyang get out of the entertainment industry¡±. They happened to witness this scene. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was clear and loud, each word entered everyone¡¯s ears: ¡°Now, let me rify, those are not rumors¡­¡± His words made the entire room fall silent. Everyone wore expressions of surprise. What does Mr. Gu mean by that?? Untrue rumors? It¡¯s actually true? Everyone knew that today¡¯s press conference is just for rification purposes, but President Gu is ckening his name instead? Xia Yangyang was left in a daze as well. Because at that moment, Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze fell on her face, and Xia Yangyang felt as if her heart had stopped beating. A reporter suddenly asked: ¡°President Gu, what is your rtionship with Miss Xia then? Are the outside rumors true that she is your secret mistress?¡± Seeing one reporter asking a question, other reporters couldn¡¯t help but throw out one bomb after the other. ¡°President Gu, does Diva Shen know about your rtionship?¡± ¡°Is it true that Miss Xia knocked on your door at midnight, seducing you as alleged?¡± ¡°Miss Xia, as the lead actress of the new drama ¡®Cindere¡¯s Enchanting Love Story,¡¯ it has been rumored that she slept her way to the top, is this rted to you?¡± Bomb after bomb was thrown. Gu Qichen spat out two words coldly: ¡°Enough!¡± The conference room once again fell into silence. Gu Qichen began in a cold voice: ¡°Xia Yangyang was recognized and chosen from a sea of talents by director Yang Jin, not because she slept her way to the top. I doubt that anyone in this industry would dare to flirt with my wife, Gu Qichen..¡± Chapter 142 - 143: Bending Over Backwards for the Wife Chapter 142: Chapter 143: Bending Over Backwards for the Wife Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen¡¯s words left the entire hall silent once again. Wife? What did he mean? The reporters looked at each other, seeming to not understand what he just said. The expressions on the faces of the women at the door, especially Lin Yuanyuan from the Secretariat Department, were priceless. Xia Yangyang was standing at the door. She too was just as surprised as everyone else. Sure enough, a reporter began to ask: ¡°President Gu, did you just said Miss Xia Yangyang is your wife?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was cold and aloof: ¡°Yangyang and I have already got legally married, but because Yangyang is still young and we were afraid of the public attention affecting her life and studies, we did not make it public. But now we have no choice but to make it public. Xia Yangyang is my wife, Gu Qichen. From now on, I don¡¯t want to see any negative reports about us. What I do with my wife in our own home is our own business and we don¡¯t need to report it to anyone.¡± Gu Qichen was clearly pointing to yesterday¡¯s reported ¡°kissing scandal.¡± His slightly risque words, spoken so seriously, were surprisingly blush-inducing. This man might look cold and distant, but he was like a walking hormone, his repressed appearance made people daydream. Especially the photos in yesterday¡¯s newspaper ¨C the heart-throbbing wall pin, the princess-like carry that every woman dreams of¡­ No one knew that such a celestial man could have such a passionate side. This side that drove all women crazy was for Xia Yangyang alone. Xia Yangyang was stunned at the entrance at this moment. She never expected Gu Qichen to publicly announce their marriage. What was Gu Qichen thinking? Was it just for his own reputation? For Shengyuan¡¯s reputation? What about Shen Manbing? As expected, a reporter asked the question that was on Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind. ¡°President Gu, what is your rtionship with Shen? It was rumored that she personally proposed to you a while ago, and that you two are close to getting married.¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t show any change in expression and simply said, ¡°That was just a misunderstanding.¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t exin further. But his attitude was very clear. He publicly disclosed his rtionship with Xia Yangyang and dismissed the rumors about Shen. No matter what, today¡¯s big news was beyond belief. No one would have thought that the head of the Gu family, one of the top four families in the south of city, would marry such an insignificant newly debut girl. A reporter asked, ¡°President Gu, why didn¡¯t Miss Xiae today?¡± Gu Qichen spoke lightly, ¡°Who says she didn¡¯t?¡± By this time, Gu Qichen was already walking towards the door. The reporters consciously made way for him. But the shbulbs were still going crazy. Gu Qichen had already reached Xia Yangyang. He took her hand under everyone¡¯s gaze and kissed it softly. Such a casual act, full of indulgence, made the women at the door show a ray of envy and jealousy. Then, Gu Qichen, holding Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, returned to his previous position and said, ¡°My wife is young and new to the industry, so please take care of her in the future.¡± Gu Qichen referred to her as his wife, his indulgence couldn¡¯t be more obvious. When he rified to the reporters just now, he maintained a cold and indifferent expression throughout. But at this moment, when asking the media to take good care of Xia Yangyang, he was polite. It is hard to imagine that a man like Mr. Gu, would humble himself for his wife.. Chapter 143 - 144: Intimate Photos as the Headline Chapter 143: Chapter 144: Intimate Photos as the Headline Trantor: 549690339 I At this time, Fang Zhengdong stepped forward and announced: ¡°This rifying press conference is now concluded. You may all leave.¡± One of the reporters, however, boldly asked, ¡°President Gu, could the two of you strike an intimate pose for us to take a photo for the headline?¡± This was indeed a somewhat unreasonable request. Mr. Gu, so aloof, how could he agree to such a thing? Unexpectedly, Mr. Gu did not refuse. He calmly said: ¡°Alright. As you wish.¡± As soon as he finished, he turned around and gently held Xia Yangyang¡¯s still-dazed face in his hands, and kissed her on the lips. A collective gasp of surprise sounded throughout the room. Even Secretary Fang, standing nearby, was taken aback. The president was usually cool and distant, he hated close contact with others. Yet now¡­ And the reporters had only asked for a slightly intimate photo, perhaps standing closer with their arms around each other¡¯s shoulders. President Gu outright kissed her in front of everyone, clearly taking advantage of the little girl¡­ But, this little girl was his wife, so there wasn¡¯t much to say about it. The reporters were stunned for a moment, then quickly took out their cameras to capture this scene. Xia Yangyang had been in a state of shock since the start. With only the sound of camera shutters in her ears, and only the sight of Gu Qi Chen¡¯s face in her vision. Gu Qi Chen took a while before releasing Xia Yangyang from the kiss, stroking her hair affectionately: ¡°Silly girl.¡± All those at the entrance were dumbstruck by this turn of events. The fans of Shen Manbing, who originally came to denounce Xia Yangyang as the mistress, were rendered speechless when the ¡°mistress¡± suddenly became the legitimate wife, standing at the entrance, unsure of how to react. The people from the secretary department were bewildered. Xia Yangyang, President¡¯s wife? No way! Xia Yangyang had interned in the secretary department a few months ago and was almost always scolded by the president in his office¡­ Every time Xia Yangyang came out, she had tear-filled eyes and weak legs from the scolding. Then everyone seemed to realize¡­ Turned out, those times Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t being scolded, she was¡­ On reflection, it all made sense. So it was¡­ People almost couldn¡¯t bear to imagine further, it was too scandalous. Nobody thought President Gu would be¡­ such a person! Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s eyes turned red with anger. She and Xia Yangyang were from the same school and interned together, yet Gu Qi Chen never gave her the time of day. Back then, Xia Yangyang was always scolded in the president¡¯s office, and while everyone sympathized with her, only Lin Yuanyuan was secretly envious. Being scolded by the president personally was a kind of happiness, right? But now thinking back¡­ They were actually in there doing¡­ Xia Yangyang, you¡¯re shameless!! Angrily, Lin Yuanyuan turned around and stormed out, crying. The reporters quickly packed up and left the conference room. Fang Zhengdong moved to the entrance, casting a nce at the secretaries who were reveling in the drama. He coldly asked, ¡°Have you all finished your work?¡± As the head secretary, Fang Zhengdong¡¯s word was second only to the president, inspiring fear within all the staff. They all dispersed at once. As Fang Zhengdong left, he even closed the door to the conference room. The conference room suddenly went quiet. Xia Yangyang remained in a dazed state, blinking nkly as if she was dreaming. Gu Qi Chen, however, sat down and his face became slightly cold. ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you stupid?¡± he asked. Xia Yangyang snapped back to reality seeing Gu Qi Chen¡¯s changed expression. Xia Yangyang started to ask: ¡°Gu Qi Chen, why did you reveal it publicly?¡± Chapter 144 - 145: Did you cheat on me? Chapter 144: Chapter 145: Did you cheat on me? Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen began: ¡°What, disappointed you? Xia Yangyang, I have told you, the word ¡®divorce¡¯ does not exist in my dictionary. I advise you to end things with Chen Yu, don¡¯t force my hand.¡± Chen Yu again! Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help it anymore: ¡°Gu Qichen, can you stop using Chen Yu as an excuse? It was you who cheated first. You and Shen Manbing are about to get married, why expose our rtionship? Are you looking for trouble?¡± Gu Qichen frowned at Xia Yangyang: ¡°Who said I was getting married to Shen Manbing?¡± Speaking of this, Xia Yangyang felt wronged for no reason. He still denies it. Does he think she¡¯s a fool? How long is he nning to keep the secret? Xia Yangyang blurted out: ¡°I saw it with my own eyes. The day Shen Manbing was hospitalized, you went to see her and I went too. At the door, I heard her say that you married me to take revenge because she refused your proposal. At Lake Bay, you said you were on a business trip but in fact, you took a vacation with her. At Alexander¡¯s masquerade ball, she publicly proposed to you, I saw it too, and you two¡­ kissed. You two are already together, why treat me like a fool? Gu Qichen, I may be young, but it doesn¡¯t mean I have zero self-respect.¡± Xia Yangyang felt extremely wronged, but she still held back her tears. What hurt her the most was being lied to again and again in love, being treated as a ything. Even though he already has another woman, he still puts on the image of a good man in front of her. Lu Haotian did this, and so did Gu Qichen! Gu Qichen was silent for two seconds before suddenly saying: ¡°Since you were at the scene that day, didn¡¯t you see me refuse Manbing¡¯s proposal?¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned. That day, after she saw Shen Manbing stand up and lean in to kiss Gu Qichen¡­ She was dragged away from the scene by Chen Yu. But what did Gu Qichen say? He refused Shen Manbing¡¯s proposal? Gu Qichen vaguely guessed that the girl probably only caught the first half of the incident and left halfway through. The media also omitted a part of the story, even though the news had long faded away. But there were still many rumors about that proposal. Gu Qichen exined seriously: ¡°I declined that proposal on the spot. Also, I was on a business trip at Lake Bay that day. Shengyuan ns to develop another project there and my meeting with Manbing was purely coincidental. I didn¡¯t know she would propose. As for that time at the hospital, it was my fault, I didn¡¯t mention it to you. I did propose to Manbing, but that¡¯s all in the past. Xia Yangyang, if you¡¯re bothered about this, should I bring up your decade-long rtionship with Lu Haotian?¡± For some reason, Xia Yangyang felt guilty after Gu Qichen¡¯s exnation. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how to respond for a moment. If it was true, then what had she been agonizing and suffering over these past few days? Could it have just been a misunderstanding? Gu Qichen had already stood up and approached Xia Yangyang. With a cold expression, he said: ¡°And you. You secretly went to Lake Bay with Chen Yu, then the two of you went to Europe for a ten-day vacation. Then you told me it was a reunion with an old friend, and that nonsense about Brother Yutou. Xia Yangyang, tell me the truth, did you cheat on me?¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned. She hurriedly shook her head and waved her hands: ¡°No, Chen Yu and I are innocent.¡± Gu Qichen advanced further: ¡°Oh? But I heard he proposed to you a year ago?¡± ¡°I¡­ I didn¡¯t ept.¡± ¡°So it¡¯s true?¡± ¡°He¡¯s an orphan my mother has been sponsoring since childhood, he probably just wanted to repay the favor, I didn¡¯t agree.¡± ¡°And what else didn¡¯t you ept?¡± ¡°The¡­ conf¡­ confession.¡± Gu Qichen had backed Xia Yangyang into a corner, so that there was nowhere else for her to go except the conference table. Gu Qichen had already ced his hands on both sides of the table,pletely encircling Xia Yangyang in his arms. The two were so close, their breaths intertwined.. Chapter 145 - 146: Daji Who Disrupts the Court Order Chapter 145: Chapter 146: Daji Who Disrupts the Court Order Trantor: 549690339 ¡°Oh? The movie star confessed his feelings for you, why didn¡¯t you ept?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t like him.¡± Xia Yangyang looked at Gu Qichen¡¯s face, feeling as if her breath would stoppletely. She didn¡¯t realize at all that her deepest secret had been dug up by the man in front of her. Gu Qichen, looking at the person before him, raised an eyebrow. He moved closer to Xia Yangyang¡¯s lips and said: ¡°I¡¯ll forgive you this time, but maintain a certain distance from him in the future.¡± When Gu Qichen said this, there was an ambiguous undertone. His cool lips were almost touching Xia Yangyang¡¯s. When his lips moved, Xia Yangyang felt his warm breath like a bewitching spell. Her head was all foggy. Seeing Xia Yangyang in such a dazed state, Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t help but kiss her. Actually, Gu Qichen was clear in his heart. There was nothing going on between Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu. Only when he heard the confirmation from Xia Yangyang¡¯s own mouth, did Gu Qichen feel at ease. He let go after a long while¡­. Xia Yangyang¡¯s face was beet red. She was still confounded. Initially, she was the one using him, why has it turned into him forgiving her now? Gu Qichen looked at the slightly swollen battlefield that he had ravaged. Very satisfied, he said, ¡°Meet my parents with me tonight.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s words struck like lightning. Xia Yangyang woke up immediately. ¡°Meet the parents?¡± ¡°Now that we¡¯re public, we can¡¯t keep it from our family. I suppose my father will take action soon.¡± Just as Gu Qichen finished saying this, a knock was heard from outside the conference room. Gu Qichen casually said, ¡°Come in.¡± When Fang Zhengdong came in, he saw the president with Miss Xia in his arms, looking like he had just ravaged her. Miss Xia in front of the president was like a meek rabbit coveted by a leopard. Even though he hade in, the president didn¡¯t let go of Miss Xia. Fang Zhengdong coughed, lowered his eyelids tactfully and said, ¡°President, the old man called. He has arranged a dinner at Gu Mansion with Miss Xia¡¯s family tonight, so both of you must return home.¡± Gu Qichen lightly said, ¡°I got it.¡± After Fang Zhengdong finished speaking, he was still standing at the door and hadn¡¯t left yet. Gu Qichen coldly asked, ¡°Anything else?¡± Fang Zhengdong plucked up his courage and said, ¡°President, the shareholders¡¯ meeting was scheduled for three o¡¯clock. It¡¯s already twenty-two past three. The shareholders have been waiting outside for quite some time, but didn¡¯t dare toe in¡­¡± Xia Yangyang was greatly embarrassed. She didn¡¯t expect that so many people were waiting outside the door just now, and they were all major shareholders of Shengyuan. Xia Yangyang wished she could find a crack in the ground to hide. It was only at this moment that she realized how intimate her posture with Gu Qichen was. Xia Yangyang screamed in surprise, pushing Gu Qichen away. But Gu Qichen seemed unaffected, calmly adjusting his tie and slowly said, ¡°Let them in.¡± Then he said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Wait in my office for me. We¡¯ll leave together tonight.¡± Xia Yangyang quickly replied, ¡°I should go back to the crew first. I have a scene to shoot this afternoon and you can pick me up tonight.¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°All right!¡± After saying that, Xia Yangyang headed out. At the same time, the shareholders wereing in. The shareholders of Shengyuan were mostly older uncles who looked at Xia Yangyang as if she was a seductive and damaging vixen. Naturally. Though Gu Qichen is young, everyone at Shengyuan respected him deeply. This was not just because of his genius business mind, exceptional vision, and unrivaled efficiency, but also because he always was a dedicated and obsessive workaholic. He was extremely strict about time. Once, an executive director was dismissed from his position because he was one minutete to a shareholder meeting. But just now¡­ He ignored all the shareholders, flirting with a woman in the conference room for half a day. This situation has never happened before! All the shareholders were on edge, staring at Xia Yangyang, as if she was a witch who could bewitch the military¡¯s heart and wreak havoc on the officialdom.. Chapter 146 - 147: Playing Her Chapter 146: Chapter 147: ying Her Trantor: 549690339 | Even though Xia Yangyang had expected this to some extent. Upon her return to the filming crew, almost everyone gathered around her. ¡°Yangyang, I never thought you¡¯d be Mrs. Shengyuan, President Gu¡¯s press conference today was so imposing.¡± ¡°Yangyang, we¡¯re so jealous. All those seafood feasts when President Gu visited the set, that was all because of you.¡± ¡°Yangyang, we¡¯ve been good friends for so long and you still kept it a secret from us. That¡¯s not cool. You owe us a meal.¡± The female crew members were all gathered around Xia Yangyang, chatting away. The irony is, Xia Yangyang had been part of the crew for quite some time now. Because of Xia Weiwei, everyone had kept their distance from her. Now, since they saw her ¡°status¡± was far above Xia Weiwei, they immediately flocked to her. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t dismiss their opportunism and didn¡¯t look down upon them. That¡¯s because this was the way of life in this circle. Just like ivy always looking for a tall tree, everyone is helpless. Xia Weiwei was sitting alone at her makeup table. She held a kohl pencil in her hand and broke it with a snap. Xia Weiwei stood up, went straight over, parted the crowd, and sarcastically said: ¡°Do you really believe the news? I don¡¯t believe you guys are really married. Gu Qichen is just trying to save his reputation.¡± Yu Minmin chimed in: ¡°Xia Weiwei, didn¡¯t you watch the news? President Gu even released his marriage certificate, could it be fake? How does it feel to have your dream prince be your brother-inw?¡± Xia Weiwei was so angry that she was shaking, but shepletely ignored Yu Minmin. She pointed at Xia Yangyang¡¯s face: ¡°Xia Yangyang, when did you start seducing Gu Qichen? So you¡¯ve been acting this whole time, ying me for a fool. You¡¯re so scheming, do you think I¡¯m an idiot?¡± Xia Yangyang had always been wanting to be Mrs. Gu. That¡¯s why when the Gu family announced a public dating event, she tried every means to participate. But today, the date on the marriage certificate was revealed. By that time, Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen had already been married. This meant that the humiliation she suffered that day at the Gu family was not idental, but inevitable. Xia Yangyang was already married to that man, but she just watched as Xia Weiwei fell head over heels for him, ying her like a fiddle! Was she not just waiting for today, waiting for this opportunity to humiliate her thoroughly? But to Xia Yangyang, this was quite unjust. Because Xia Yangyang had never paid attention to Xia Weiwei¡¯s love life. If it weren¡¯t for Shen Manbing¡¯s visit and Xia Weiwei¡¯s unusual behavior, she wouldn¡¯t have known that Xia Weiwei was in love with Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang said: ¡°I told youst time. It was you who didn¡¯t believe.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s face was red with rage: ¡°With your looks, how could I believe it? Xia Yangyang, you must have done something underhanded, why else would Gu Qichen be interested in you?¡± Lu Yao said calmly: ¡°Didn¡¯t someone say they¡¯d jump off Mingzhu Building if Gu Qichen was indeed Yangyang¡¯s husband? Someone wouldn¡¯t break their word, right?¡± Xia Weiwei pointed usingly at Lu Yao and his crew: ¡°You¡­ you opportunists, now that Xia Yangyang has a backbone, you can¡¯t wait to cling to her. But how long do you think Xia Yangyang can hold this position? They¡¯ll divorce sooner orter. Just you wait and see.¡± After finishing, Xia Weiwei angrily stomped off in her high heels. Everyone looked at Xia Yangyang¡¯s expression andforted her: ¡°Yangyang, she¡¯s just jealous of you, don¡¯t take it to heart.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t worry about it at all. Xia Weiwei had always been like this towards her. She was used to this, it stopped hurting a long time ago. Xia Weiwei looked around and asked: ¡°Where¡¯s Chen Yu?¡± Chapter 147 - 148: Group Pet Chapter 147: Chapter 148: Group Pet Trantor: 549690339 | Lu Yao said, ¡°He¡¯s alone in the break room, and he seems to be in a bad mood. Even Assistant Xiao Yang got yelled at.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I¡¯ll go and see.¡± Everyone watched Xia Yangyang¡¯s retreating figure with envy they couldn¡¯t help feeling. Among the whole crew, Xia Yangyang was the most cherished one, favored by the director, the producer, and even Chen Yu who was known for his bad temper. He always teased her by calling her Miss Qian.¡± Anyone with clear eyes could see that Chen Yu liked Xia Yangyang. He was famous for standing up for her in the crew, and he only took her to the kitchen he ran. Initially, everyone thought that Xia Yangyang was lucky to have caught the high branch that was Chen Yu, the movie emperor. Unexpectedly, the giant Buddha she had caught was Gu Qichen. When Xia Yangyang entered the room, Chen Yu was sitting there, sulking alone. Seeing Xia Yangyanging over made him even more upset. Xia Yangyang walked up to Chen Yu, and after he hummed and turned away, she picked up a mirror from the dressing table and put it in front of him: ¡°Chen Yu, look at yourself when you¡¯re angry¡­¡± Chen Yu gave her a sidelong nce. Xia Yangyang quickly changed her tone: ¡°Why do you look so handsome even when you¡¯re angry? You really deserve to be the number one beauty in the entertainment industry.¡± Chen Yu was indeed the number one beauty in the entertainment industry, even women admired his beauty. Hearing Xia Yangyang praise him so submissively, Chen Yu¡¯s face finally changed. He took the mirror from her, looked at himself from left to right, and said: ¡°Of course, no one more handsome than me has been born yet.¡± Xia Yangyang quickly agreed, saying: ¡°You¡¯re so handsome that flowers bloom when they see you, people love you when they see you, and cars get t tires when they see you.¡± Chen Yu asked: ¡°Am I more handsome than Gu Qichen?¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, but still went along with Chen Yu: ¡°You¡¯re the most handsome.¡± With that, Chen Yu seemed to be in a much better mood. He put down the mirror and asked: ¡°Then why did you choose him over me?¡± This wasn¡¯t like choosing between cabbages and radishes, there was no basis forparison. Still, Xia Yangyang considered for a moment before answering tactfully: ¡°Chen Yu, you don¡¯t really like me. You¡¯re just still in love with the girl from your memory who gave you chocte.¡± ¡°But that girl is you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s different. Back then, you were only missing that moment of warmth. Over the years, you¡¯ve transferred all your feelings for that girl to me. You¡¯re only in love with the girl from your imagination. You only love the me that you¡¯ve created in your memory, but that person isn¡¯t really me.¡± Chen Yu seemed to not quite understand, and a look of disappointment appeared on his face. ¡°Is that your reason for rejecting me?¡± Xia Yangyang hesitated: ¡°Chen Yu¡­¡± Chen Yu suddenly waved his hand: ¡°Never mind, don¡¯t say anything more. I saw the press conference, it was sweet enough to kill me. You like Gu Qichen, I can ept that, but Miss Qian if one day you and Gu Qichen get divorced,e back to me. As long as you say the word, I¡¯ll definitely marry you! I still say the same thing: I can wait for you!¡± ¡°We will not get divorced. Mr. Chen, I¡¯m afraid there¡¯s no need to wait, or you might grow old alone and live in regret.¡± A cold voice echoed from the doorway. The two people inside the room turned to look at the door at the same time. Gu Qichen was standing straight at the entrance. Garbed in a white shirt, and looking all prim and proper, he was a sight for sore eyes wherever he stood. Chen Yu frowned discontentedly: ¡°You¡¯ve been eavesdropping on us.¡± Gu Qichen came in: ¡°I wasn¡¯t eavesdropping, I was listening openly.¡± Chen Yu was so annoyed he felt like spitting blood. Standing up, Xia Yangyang asked in surprise: ¡°Howe you¡¯re here so early?¡± Gu Qichen nced at Chen Yu: ¡°If I hadn¡¯t arrived so early, how could I have known that somebody was trying to dig underneath the wall.¡± Chen yu also stood up. Both men were about the same height and had a strong aura about them. Xia Yangyang unconsciously took a step back, afraid of getting hurt in the crossfire.. Chapter 148 - 149: One in a Million Wealthy Boss Chapter 148: Chapter 149: One in a Million Wealthy Boss Trantor: 549690339 | Chen Yu said, ¡°She met you first, I ept that, but Mr. Gu, treat Xiao Qian well. In this era where divorce is asmon as having meals, if you¡¯re not good to Xiao Qian, I won¡¯t hesitate to take her away.¡± Gu Qichen calmly responded, ¡°You won¡¯t get that chance. After all, our marriage is harmonious in all respects, and we are about to have a child soon.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s face turned red. What nonsense was Gu Qichen talking about? Gu Qichen then pulled her over, hugged her tightly on the shoulders, turned to Chen Yu, smiling, and said, ¡°Wife, isn¡¯t that right?¡± Xia Yangyang had goosebumps all over her body from being called ¡®wife¡¯. Gu Qichen wore a warm and inviting smile, but Xia Yangyang felt a sudden chill up her spine when she saw it. She could only nod in confusion. Gu Qichen affectionately stroked Xia Yangyang¡¯s head. ¡°Good girl.¡± Chen Yu was upset about the public disy of affection between the two, he could no longer stand to watch. With an expression of heartbreak, he left the resting room. Gu Qichen turned to Xia Yangyang and said, ¡°How can I rest easy knowing you¡¯re acting with a man who covets my wife every day?¡± Xia Yangyangughed, ¡°Well, Chen Yu is so handsome and has so many fans.¡± When she turned to look at Gu Qichen, he was already half frowning. Xia Yangyang quickly added, ¡°However, you are richer than he is, as they say, beauty ismon but the wealth of a tycoon is rare.¡± The other half of Gu Qichen¡¯s face darkened¡­ When Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen left the set, countless eyes filled with envy were upon them. On the first open day, Mr. Gu brazenly came to the set to unt their rtionship. His assistant even handed out red envelopes to everyone, showing his generosity. But of course, Xia Yangyang knew none of this, as she sat in the passenger seat like a small schoolgirl. She was¡­ nervous¡­ Even though she had visited the Gu Family before, this time was different. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Will your father and sister like me¡­I wonder if I should dress up¡­ I forgot to bring a gift for my first visit¡­¡± Gu Qichen kept one hand on the steering wheel, and with the other, he held Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand. The warmth of his hand wasforting in a mysterious way. Gu Qichen said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they will definitely like you.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because you¡¯re very cute.¡± Was Gu Qichenplimenting her? Xia Yangyang¡¯s face uncontrobly turned red. Meanwhile, at the Xia family home¡ª Xia Weiwei had smashed everything that could be smashed in her room. She then threw herself onto the bed and cried. She hit the bed hard in anger, her heart filled with indignation. Liu Ruyan walked in and calmly said, ¡°You¡¯re my daughter, Liu Ruyan¡¯s daughter. Is this all you¡¯re capable of?¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s makeup was all smudged from crying, ¡°But she¡¯s already married to Gu Qichen, I have no chance anymore, what am I supposed to do now?¡± Liu Ruyan just sneered, ¡°So what if they¡¯re married? Your father married that cheap woman, Tan Zhen, first, but who is the one sitting as Mrs.. Xia now, enjoying all the wealth and splendor? It¡¯s still me, isn¡¯t it?¡± Chapter 149 - 150: Her Biological Mother Committed Suicide Chapter 149: Chapter 150: Her Biological Mother Committed Suicide Trantor: 549690339 When it came to Xia Yangyang¡¯s biological mother, Xia Weiwei suddenly became calm. She knew that Xia Yangyang¡¯s real mother and her own mother were both renowned stars in the entertainment circle. Xia Liangdongter married Tan Zhen, but at the same time, he did not cut ties with Liu Ruyan. Xia Yangyang was born two years before Xia Weiwei. However, Liu Ruyan silently endured for ten years, only bing openly involved with Xia Liangdong after Tan Zhen¡¯s death. Xia Weiwei said, ¡°But I cannot wait ten years.¡± Liu Ruyan responded, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you walk my path. Within a year, Xia Yangyang will certainly divorce Gu Qichen, and at that time, the person taking her ce will be you.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s heart leapt with joy: ¡°Mom, do you have a n?¡± Liu Ruyan replied, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that. What you need to do now is dress up well for today¡¯s visit to the Gu family and leave a good impression on the elders.¡± Xia Weiwei immediately cheered up and went to dress and put on makeup. Once they were in the car, Xia Liangdong was in a pleasant mood: ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Yangyang to actually marry the Gu family¡¯s eldest son. It¡¯s truly an unexpected turn of events, but it fully illustrates my daughter¡¯s discerning taste in choosing a husband.¡± Liu Ruyan replied ndly, ¡°True to form as your daughter, she got married four months ago and didn¡¯t tell her family. If the media hadn¡¯t exposed this, who knows how long she would have kept it hidden. It¡¯s one thing for her to exclude me, but now she doesn¡¯t even respect you, her biological father.¡± Xia Liangdong¡¯s previously delighted expression suddenly darkened. He indeed couldn¡¯tprehend Yangyang¡¯s secret marriage. But Xia Liangdong still said, ¡°Perhaps, she had her reasons.¡± Liu Ruyan said, ¡°What kind of difficulties can a twenty-year-old child have? It¡¯s just that she can¡¯t stand me, her stepmother. Tell me, in all these ten years, where have I wronged her? I know she mes her biological mother¡¯s depression and suicide on me, projecting all her anger onto me. But she doesn¡¯t realize that it was her mother¡¯s own doing, she brought it on herself¡­¡± ¡°Enough, let¡¯s not bring up the past,¡± interrupted Xia Liangdong. Xia Liangdong¡¯s face instantly changed when he mentioned his deceased ex-wife. Xia Liangdong said, ¡°Yangyang still doesn¡¯t know that her mothermitted suicide. So, never say these words in front of her.¡± Seeing Xia Liangdong genuinely angry, Liu Ruyan wisely shut her mouth, but finally said quietly, ¡°When would I ever say such things in front of the child? I¡¯m more than happy that Yangyang married into the Gu family. I was just a little disappointed because she hid her marriage. But as long as you and Yangyang have a good father-daughter rtionship, I really don¡¯t mind being misunderstood by her all my life.¡± Xia Liangdong said tofort her, ¡°You¡¯ve suffered a lot over the years.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s car arrived at the Gu mansion just a step before Xia Liangdong¡¯s. The butler opened the door, and the maid prepared shoes for the two. Once they entered, a golden retriever eagerly pounced on them. Xia Yangyang jumped in fright, and Gu Qichen gave amand: ¡°Oscar, sit.¡± The golden retriever obediently sat. Xia Yangyang remembered the golden retriever. During the old master¡¯s birthday banquet, Gong Xue¡¯er and she had sneaked in and were discovered because of this dog. The golden retriever kept wagging its tail at Xia Yangyang. Gu Qichen said, ¡°Oscar seems to like you a lot.¡± Xia Yangyang reached out to pet Oscar¡¯s head, and ity on the ground, joyfully wagging its tail. The butler said, ¡°The two of you shoulde in quickly. The master and the youngdy are in the study.¡± Yangyang became nervous again.. Chapter 150 - 151: Gu Zhaohan Chapter 150: Chapter 151: Gu Zhaohan Trantor: 549690339 | The Gu Family¡¯s home was luxurious and grandiose, but Xia Yangyang was too preupied to notice. As she followed Gu Qichen upstairs, she felt her legs trembling. Gu Qichen took the initiative to hold her hand. When they reached the study¡¯s door, Gu Qichen knocked. The door was not closed, just ajar. From inside, Gu Shengyuan¡¯s voice could be heard, ¡°Come in.¡± Xia Yangyang followed Gu Qichen into the room. There were only two people in the study. One was Gu Shengyuan, the reigning patriarch of the Gu Family, the other was his daughter Gu Mingzhu. Gu Mingzhu was a media student and her face graced various fashion magazines and news publications regrly. She was a renowned actress in the entertainment industry thirty years ago. However, she left the industry at the height of her fame to marry and start a family. The most sensational rumor about her was that her ex-husband was Xi Jiachen, Asia¡¯s richest man. However, this woman was well-preserved; in her forties, she looked like she was just over thirty. Her manner was elegant and generous. Standing there, she exuded an allure that made people look up to her. A warm and pampering smile emerged on Gu Mingzhu¡¯s face when she saw Gu Qichen entering. It wasmon knowledge that Gu Mingzhu held deep affection for Gu Qichen. No wonder, since Gu Qichen¡¯s birth mother was unknown, he was brought up by the Gu Family. Being raised by his elder sister like a mother, Gu Qichen was essentially nurtured by Gu Mingzhu. However, when Gu Mingzhu saw Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, her smile suddenly froze. Even Gu Qichen noticed that something was off and called out, ¡°Sis.¡± Gu Mingzhu then came back to her senses. Gu Qichen introduced Xia Yangyang to Gu Mingzhu, ¡°This is Yangyang.¡± Gu Mingzhu still stared fixedly at Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, her eyes reflecting aplex emotion. Xia Yangyang was feeling very nervous under her gaze, but hurriedly greeted her following Gu Qichen¡¯s lead, ¡°Hello sister, I¡¯m Xia Yangyang.¡± Gu Mingzhu forced a smile with a pale face and asked, ¡°What are your parents¡¯ names?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect Gu Mingzhu to ask this question first. She was taken aback for a moment. It was at this time that the patriarch intervened, saying, ¡°She is the daughter of Director Xia from Starlight Corp. Her father¡¯s name is Xia Liangdong and her mother is Liu Ruyan. You probably wouldn¡¯t know it, being overseas all the time, but Xia Family is a prominent n in Feng City.¡± Xia Yangyang immediately replied, ¡°Grandfather, you are too kind.¡± After hearing those two names, Gu Mingzhu seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. She managed to squeeze out a smile, scrutinized Xia Yangyang up and down once again, before saying, ¡°Still calling him grandfather? You should start calling him dad now.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s cheeks blushed as she timidly called out, ¡°Dad.¡± Gu Shengyuanughed heartily, clearly very pleased. Gu Mingzhu said to Gu Qichen, ¡°Dad was just saying earlier how he wanted to take you to task for hiding such a big event as your marriage. But considering Yangyang¡¯s involvement, he¡¯ll let it slide this time.¡± At this moment, the butler appeared at the door and said, ¡°Sir, Miss, Young Master, guests have arrived.¡± Gu Shengyuan responded, ¡°Your parents must have arrived; let¡¯s go to the dining room for dinner.¡± Then, he turned to the butler and said, ¡°Call Xiao Han toe down for dinner. The kid¡¯s aunt has arrived for the first time, and he¡¯s not even bothered toe say hello.¡± Gu Mingzhu said, ¡°I¡¯ll go get him. Dad, you know how he dislikes crowds.¡± It suddenly urred to Gu Shengyuan, ¡°Oh, right, Yangyang, aren¡¯t you a ssmate of my Xiao Han?¡± It took Xia Yangyang a moment to realize that the Xiao Han they were referring to must be Gu Zhaohan! Chapter 151 - 152: That Spoiled Young Master is Chapter 151: Chapter 152: That Spoiled Young Master is Not Worthy of My Wife Trantor: 549690339 Gu Zhaohan is the most handsome guy at A University, a top student in the Medical Department, and the Ice Prince in the eyes of countless girls. He was also her¡­ rumored boyfriend in A University. Of course, this was all a misunderstanding. He used her as a shield because Kim Fei¡¯er was pestering him. However, Gu Zhaohan had no idea about his rtionship with his uncle, Gu Qichen. Meeting under such conditions¡­ must be quite awkward, right? Xia Yangyang followed her grandfather and Gu Qichen downstairs. They happened to run into Xia Liangdong and Liu Ruyan who had just entered the house. Upon seeing the old Mr. Gu, Xia Liangdong quickly went up and shook hands, ¡°Director Gu, I am honored by your invitation.¡± Gu Shengyuanughed and said, ¡°Mr. Xia, don¡¯t be so polite. Their children are already married, so we are now family.¡± ¡°It¡¯s my daughter¡¯s fortune to be able to marry Young Master Qi Chen.¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s our Ah Chen¡¯s good fortune. Yangyang is kind and adorable, all thanks to Mr. Xia¡¯s upbringing.¡± After a while of small talk, everyone made their way to the dining room. The Gu family had already prepared a hearty dinner. After everyone was seated, Gu Mingzhu and Gu Zhaohan walked in. Gu Mingzhu introduced everyone, and Gu Zhaohan greeted them one by one. Although very polite, he always gave people a feeling of indifference and aloofness. Rumors said that Gu Shengyuan¡¯s grandson lived overseas all year round, his family background wasplicated, and he was cool and aloof, not fond of interacting with people. It seemed to be true. Finally, Gu Mingzhu introduced Xia Yangyang, ¡°This is your uncle¡¯s wife, your little aunt, Xia Yangyang.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s gazended on Xia Yangyang. In fact, the news about the two of them had already been buzzing this afternoon. Gu Zhaohan was genuinely taken aback to learn that Xia Yangyang was already married, and moreover, to his uncle. Keeping silent, Gu Zhaohan left Xia Yangyang feeling somewhat awkward as she sat. Xia Yangyang stood up and took the initiative to say, ¡°Hi, we meet again, right?¡± Gu Zhaohan said ndly, ¡°Hello,¡± then sat down at his ce. The old man said, ¡°The girl you brought back on my birthday was Yangyang, wasn¡¯t it? I thought you two were familiar with each other.¡± Gu Zhaohan responded indifferently, ¡°We are not close, Grandfather, you misunderstood.¡± No one expected Gu Zhaohan to be this confrontational. Liu Ruyan tactfully intervened, ¡°Our Yangyang is younger than Young Master Han. It would indeed be difficult for him to call her ¡®Little Aunt.¡¯ Since they were schoolmates, it would be more natural to interact as such.¡± The old manughed, ¡°This boy is just shy. But once they live under the same roof, he will eventually get used to it.¡± Xia Yangyang went through the meal as if sitting on pins and needles. Xia Weiwei pretends to be an innocent, then asks, ¡°Brother-inw, how did you meet my sister? You two got married four months ago, but back then, wasn¡¯t Haotian still my sister¡¯s boyfriend?¡± Her words instantly enveloped the table with silence. Liu Ruyan red at Xia Weiwei, ¡°What nonsense are you talking about?¡± Xia Weiwei feigned the look of understanding, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, did I say something wrong?¡± Both the grandfather and Gu Mingzhu showed a trace of doubt on their faces. If what Xia Weiwei casually blurted out was true, Xia Yangyang had a boyfriend when she married Ah Chen, wasn¡¯t that two-timing? However, at this moment, Gu Qichen casually said, ¡°You¡¯re talking about Lu Haotian? Four months ago, I stole Yangyang from him. That yboy is not good enough for my wife.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was serene. But his words made everyone understand. It was not Xia Yangyang two-timing, but Gu Qichen stealing Lu Haotian¡¯s girlfriend.. Chapter 152 - 153: Steal a Kiss Chapter 152: Chapter 153: Steal a Kiss Trantor: 549690339 | Xia Weiwei was just probing initially. She wanted to see if Gu Qichen was aware of the rtionship between Xia Yangyang and Lu Haotian. She didn¡¯t expect him to protect Xia Yangyang this fiercely, worried that she would be misunderstood by the Gu family. Xia Yangyang had long known that Xia Weiwei would not be so content. Her best specialty was making trouble for her in front of everyone. Fortunately, Gu Qichen saw through herpletely. Acting this way was basically humiliating herself. During dinner, Gu Qichen was gentlemanly and gentle to Xia Yangyang, even peeling shrimp for her himself. The Gu family had never seen the cold-hearted Gu Qichen act this way before. Yet, Gu Shengyuan was quite pleased. His son was not young and had been without a woman by his side for many years. The outside world had even rumored that he was not interested in women and was homosexual. This had him anxious, even arranging matchmaking banquets for him. Now he was finallying around. Seeing him so caring and tender, it seemed his wish to have a grandchild was one step closer. Xia Weiwei was filled with jealousy throughout. Liu Ruyan had reminded her to behave no matter what today, not to confront Xia Yangyang or stand out. But she just couldn¡¯t control herself. Seeing Gu Qichen serve a piece of beef brisket to Xia Yangyang, Xia Weiwei suddenly put on a smile and said, ¡°Brother-inw, I also really like eating brisket, could you get some for me? I can¡¯t reach it.¡± Indeed, the dish of tomato beef brisket was quite far from Xia Weiwei. But her proposal was a bit strange. She feigned a vivacious innocence, it wouldn¡¯t strike people as anything else. But Xia Yangyang knew, Xia Weiwei was doing it deliberately. She wanted to flirt with Gu Qichen in her presence, acting innocent and harmless. Xia Yangyang directly passed over the piece of brisket in her bowl, saying, ¡°Take this one.¡± Xia Weiwei impishly said, ¡°That is what brother-inw served you, I dare not take it. Brother-inw, could you get another piece just for me? I really love beef brisket.¡± She pretended to be a glutton, her eyes glued to the tomato beef brisket, aiming to hide her real intentions. She just wanted to test Gu Qichen. Even if her sister was his woman, he could have another one. All men were the same, incapable of rejecting a woman who took the initiative. Especially as she was a young girl at a marriageable age, attractive, and in her opinion, she understood men better than the wooden Xia Yangyang. With anticipation written all over her face, Xia Weiwei looked at Gu Qichen. Gu Shengyuanughed heartily, ¡°The second miss is indeed naive and lively. Ah Chen, just get her a piece.¡± However, Gu Qichen mildly asked, ¡°Ah Xiu, are there still more beef briskets in the pot?¡± Ah Xiu was a maid serving at the side. Ah Xiu replied, ¡°There are still a lot.¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°Since the second miss loves it this much, serve all of it to her, right, bring the pot over and put it next to the second miss, let her have a satisfying meal.¡± After ten seconds. Raging with humiliation, Xia Weiwei stared at the brimming pot of tomato beef brisket next to her. Gu Qichen actually treated her this way! When Xia Yangyang saw Xia Weiwei¡¯s dumbfounded expression, she couldn¡¯t help but smile. Gu Qichen indeed was ruthless. Xia Yangyang called Gu Qichen over, ¡°Come here for a second; you have a bit of sauce on your face, let me help you wipe it.¡± Gu Qichen leaned towards her. Pretending to help him wipe the side of his mouth, Xia Yangyang quickly stole a kiss on Gu Qichen¡¯s cheek under the disguise. Everyone else didn¡¯t notice this. But Gu Zhaohan sitting next to Gu Qichen saw it crystal clear.. Chapter 153 - 154: Blinded by Lust Chapter 153: Chapter 154: Blinded by Lust Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen actually paused for a moment. He didn¡¯t expect the usually conservative Xia Yangyang would do such a thing in public. Xia Yangyang¡¯s face was flushed red, with a hint of shyness on her face. After the kiss, she quickly returned to her seat, lowered her head to eat, pretending as if nothing had happened. But Gu Qichen purposely leaned in again: ¡°Honey, I think there¡¯s sauce on the corner of my mouth too.¡± Xia Yangyang gave him a look. This man¡­ Apparently, there was a price to pay for teasing. Xia Yangyang had no choice but to take the napkin and wipe his mouth properly. Gu Shengyuan couldn¡¯t stand them: ¡°You two get a room. We have guests today.¡± He said that, but he was actually quite pleased inside. After dinner, Xia Liangdong chatted with the old man in the study. Liu Ruyan and Gu Mingzhu were discussing thetest Chanel dresses in the living room. Gu Qichen and Gu Zhaohan were talking in the courtyard. Xia Weiwei took advantage of the situation and walked up to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Xia Yangyang, were you purposelyughing at me just now?¡± Xia Yangyang replied: ¡°Don¡¯t make guesses out of nowhere. It was Gu Qichen who served you the pot of beef brisket, not me. If you want to settle the score with someone, it should be him.¡± ¡°How could he have done that to me without your cue?¡± Xia Yangyang said: ¡°Xia Weiwei, I don¡¯t have the energy to mess with you.¡± Xia Weiwei sneered: ¡°I bet you don¡¯t dare. Xia Yangyang, you¡¯re currently sitting in Mrs. Gu¡¯s seat, but I tell you, it won¡¯t be long before I take your spot. And when I do, I¡¯ll return your humiliations a thousand-fold.¡± ¡°Xia Weiwei, I advise you not to do ridiculous things anymore. Gu Qichen won¡¯t like you.¡± ¡°What a joke. Even you can be Mrs. Gu. Why wouldn¡¯t Gu Qichen like me? What about me is inferior to you? Men are fickle by nature. Are you so confident he won¡¯t stray?¡± Xia Yangyang said: ¡°He won¡¯t. I trust him.¡± From the moment Gu Qichen publicly defended her, Xia Yangyang chose to trust him. Xia Weiweiughed as if she had heard a good joke: ¡°All crows are ck under the sun. I don¡¯t believe he can resist delectable treats delivered right to his mouth. Xia Yangyang, mark my words, Gu Qichen will fall in love with me sooner orter.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s fiery words posed no threat to Xia Yangyang. For Xia Yangyang knew Gu Qichen¡¯s ex-girlfriend was Shen Manbing. Compared to Shen Manbing, Xia Weiwei really fell short. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to tussle with her, and turned to enter Gu Qichen¡¯s bedroom. Xia Yangyang had been in this bedroom during the old man¡¯s birthday party. What made the deepest impression on her was therge ss window that covered one whole wall of the room. Last time they were there¡­ With the memory of that wild passion bubbling up, Xia Yangyang¡¯s face burned. Xia Yangyang took a quick look around Gu Qichen¡¯s bedroom. The ck, white, and gray decor, the simpleyout, apart from arge bed and a floor-to-ceiling bookshelf, there was hardly any extraneous stuff. It was very much Gu Qichen¡¯s style. Xia Yangyang was absent-mindedly flipping through the books on the shelf when the door opened. Gu Qichen walked in. Gu Qichen walked up behind Xia Yangyang, wrapped his arms around her waist, his voice gentle: ¡°What are you looking at?¡± Xia Yangyang flipped the book cover: ¡°A Brief History of Time.¡± Gu Qichen calmly took the book away: ¡°Oh? Is it good?¡± She was just flipping through the book out of boredom, really. Gu Qichen¡¯s breath was already on her lips, Xia Yangyang backed against the bookshelf, Gu Qichen¡¯s arms bracketing her in, slowly tightening, their eyes met, the atmosphere was incredibly charged. Xia Yangyang finally realized that men could be seductive too. Like Gu Qichen right now. Swayed by his charms, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but kiss his lips, yfully saying: ¡°Not as good as looking at you!¡± Chapter 154 - 155: Capitalist Who Doesn’t Blink While Lying Chapter 154: Chapter 155: Capitalist Who Doesn¡¯t Blink While Lying Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen¡¯s eyebrows twitched. This was already the second time today that this girl had initiated a kiss. After kissing him, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t dare to meet his gaze. ¡­She was shy. Xia Yangyang also felt somewhat embarrassed. She wondered if she was being too forward. Moreover, she couldn¡¯t read any emotions behind Gu Qichen¡¯s deep eyes. Would he dislike her being this aggressive? Xia Yangyang felt somewhat awkward and shed a forced smile, slowly moving away to escape his hold. Just as Xia Yangyang was about to seed, She was suddenly scooped up by Gu Qichen. This was different from his usual princess-style lifts. Gu Qichen glued her to the bookshelf by holding her waist. With a little scream of surprise, Xia Yangyang reflexively wrapped her legs around his waist. Following her move, Gu Qichen pulled her closer by holding her small butt. So, the current pose was¡­ Exceedingly intimate. The two were so closely melded that they could almost hear each other¡¯s heartbeat. Their bodies pushed together, sensing an arousal and heat, even through their thin clothing. Her blush spreading down to her neck, all happened before Xia Yangyang could react, and Gu Qichen was already kissing her. An incredibly lingering kiss¡ª They quickly ended up entangled on the bed. At the peak of passion, they heard a knock at the door. Xia Yangyang instantly tensed and attempted to push Gu Qichen away. But the enchanted man was unwilling to stop. Xia Yangyang felt like her very soul was ame. She was soaring through the clouds, but the remnants of her sanity couldn¡¯t ignore the increasing door-knocking sounds. She had always been a dutiful, rule-following girl, so this level of carefree abandon was new to her. Under such thrilling circumstances, she reached her peak¡­ It was as if everything disappeared, and she was floating on the surface of a peacefulke, wrapped in warm waters, as if she were lying in her mother¡¯s arms stargazing during her childhood. Peaceful and blissful¡­ The man was gazing at the dazed little creature beneath him, stroking her hair, and kissed her forehead gently like a dragonfly skimming water. His eyes were fixated on Xia Yangyang¡¯s rosy smiling face, not wanting to miss any subtle expression. By the time they emerged from the room, half an hour had passed. Xia Yangyang took a shower, changed into refreshing clothes, and had regained her rity. But the blush on her face hadn¡¯t faded yet and looked like fiery clouds in the sky. The knock at the door was from the housekeeper. He hade three times during this period. The first time was summoned by Gu Mingzhu to enjoy fruits in the living room. The second time, the old man wanted to discuss something with Gu Qichen in the study. The third time, the Gu¡¯s family guests were about to leave. Xia Liangdong was leaving as Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen finally came downstairs. Gu Mingzhu said: ¡°What were you two doing in the room all this while? We¡¯ve been calling you for so long.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s face turned instantly red, and she subtly pinched Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen, however, remained calm and casually replied, ¡°There were some urgent issues in thepany that needed immediate groundwork. So, we got dyed a bit.¡± Gu Mingzhuined, ¡°You¡¯re just a workaholic like your father, always thinking about making money. Is money something that you canpletely earn?¡± Xia Liangdong said, ¡°Ah Chen is young and promising, and his ambition is a good thing.¡± Xia Yangyang, deep inside, marvelled at Gu Qichen¡¯s lying skills which were so wless, well-suited for a shrewd businessman. Xia Weiwei clenched her teeth and fists in annoyance. Because she saw the hickeys all over Xia Yangyang¡¯s neck. They clearly just¡­ in the room.. Chapter 155 - 156: Fear of Camera Chapter 155: Chapter 156: Fear of Camera Trantor: 549690339 Gu Shengyuan said, ¡°I¡¯ve just discussed your wedding with Mr. Xia. Since you¡¯ve already gotten your marriage license, you should get the wedding done as soon as possible.¡± Gu Qichen spoke up, ¡°I¡¯ve already discussed this matter with Yangyang. Once she graduates, we will hold the wedding.¡± This was also what Xia Yangyang had in mind, as she was still a student after all. Xia Yangyang spoke, ¡°Let¡¯s wait until after I graduate to have the wedding. I¡¯m about to start my senior year, and my studies are going to get very busy.¡± While her sses weren¡¯t that many, Xia Yangyang had to start writing her thesis. The subject she chose was quiteplex. Moreover, she was currently still filming, so she didn¡¯t really have time to prepare for a wedding.¡± Not to mention, thinking about the grandeur and attention that a Gu family wedding would have, Xia Yangyang felt it better to postpone it if possible. In the end¡­ she just wasn¡¯t ready yet. Gu Shengyuan thought for a moment and said, ¡°Since both of you have thought it through, there¡¯s no need to rush.¡± After Xia Liangdong gave a few more pieces of advice, he left. Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen were staying at the Gu residence that night. Gu Qichen was indeed very busy, still dealing with business affairs in the studyte into the night. Xia Yangyang was in her room, flipping through a photo album she had casually picked up from the bookshelf. All the photos in there were from Gu Qichen¡¯s childhood. As expected, people who look good now were already good-looking when they were kids. Almost all the photos in the album were of Gu Qichen and his sister Gu Mingzhu together. Everyone knew that Gu Qichen had a very deep attachment to this sister. You could see it just by looking at these photos. Gu Qichen had quietly entered the room at some point and hade over, asking, ¡°You¡¯re not asleep yet? What are you looking at?¡± By the time Xia Yangyang looked up, Gu Qichen was already sitting next to her, his hands were wrapped around her, with his chin resting on her shoulder. It was clear that he was very tired, but he was still forcing himself to stay awake and talk to her. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I¡¯m looking at your childhood photos. You looked so delicate as a child, just like a little girl.¡± Gu Qichen smiled slightly, ¡°Are youplimenting or teasing me?¡± ¡°Of course I¡¯mplimenting you.¡± Xia Yangyang pulled out a picture; it seemed to have been taken when Gu Qichen was five or six, possibly at some gathering. He was wearing a small suit, looking serious. Although he was still a child then, his mature demeanor was simr to his present self. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Give me this photo, I want to keep it as a souvenir.¡± Gu Qichen leaned in towards Xia Yangyang¡¯s ear, ¡°Why? So you can miss me when you see it?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s face flushed, and when she turned her head, she almost brushed against his face. ¡°I just purely find it cute.¡± ¡°Alright, stop exining. I already know how much you like me.¡± Xia Yangyang:¡±¡­¡± As Xia Yangyang continued flipping through the album, she asked, ¡°Why are there only photos of you and your sister in here, but none of Gu Zhaohan?¡± Mentioning this, Gu Qichen frowned slightly. Gu Qichen said, ¡°He doesn¡¯t like taking pictures. He has a fear of cameras.¡± Fear of cameras? This was the first time Xia Yangyang had heard of such a weird term. Gu Qichen said, ¡°This is due to some things that happened in his childhood. It¡¯s been many years, but¡­¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s expression became serious, and there was a flicker of guilt and pain in his eyes, as if he were immersed in a memory of the past. Xia Yangyang did not press further and changed the subject: ¡°By the way, why is Oscar named Oscar?¡± Gu Qichen did not expect Xia Yangyang to switch topics so quickly, causing him to pause for a moment. ¡°I¡¯m talking about the golden retriever.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes changed for a moment before he nonchntly replied, ¡°I just picked it randomly. It¡¯s just a name, why are there so many questions?¡± Before Xia Yangyang could speak, Gu Qichen said, ¡°It¡¯ste, let¡¯s sleep.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, put away the album,y down, and went to sleep..¡¯ Chapter 156 - 157: Gu Zhaohan must have been disgusted by her Chapter 156: Chapter 157: Gu Zhaohan must have been disgusted by her Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang had to go to the film set early in the morning. She happened to leave with Gu Qichen. As they were leaving, Gu Zhaohan was fixing his bicycle, which seemed to have a t tire. Although it was summer vacation, Gu Zhaohan still went to A University every day. The medical department of A University was notorious for its rigorous coursework. Even during the summer holiday, there were endless experiments to conduct. Gu Qichen gave a nce and said, ¡°Xiao Han, take my car. I¡¯m going to A University to drop off Yangyang anyway.¡± As his bicycle would take a while to fix, Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t refuse. Xia Yangyang sat in the front passenger seat, and Gu Zhaohan sat in the back. Through the rearview mirror, it was evident that Gu Zhaohan was reading a medical book throughout the journey. A top student¡¯s indeed a top student¡­ Soon they arrived at A University, and Gu Zhaohan got out first. Before Xia Yangyang alighted, Gu Qichen grabbed her arm. Xia Yangyang was taken aback, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Gu Qichen pointed at his cheek. Understanding dawned on Xia Yangyang. Her face flushed red, and she leaned over to peck Gu Qichen¡¯s cheek. Then she quickly got out of the car. Gu Qichen said, ¡°Call me when you finish work, and I¡¯ll pick you up.¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°No need. Thest scene of today will be shot at Maple Vi. I¡¯ll stay home after we wrap up.¡± Gu Qichen was satisfied and drove away. After Gu Qichen left, Xia Yangyang realized that Gu Zhaohan hadn¡¯t left after he got off the car. He was standing two meters away from her. Which meant¡­ he must have seen the moment when she kissed Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang felt embarrassed, but then, she considered it. After all, she was his aunt-inw, so she needed to maintain a mature demeanor. Xia Yangyang took a moment and said, ¡°So¡­ Xiao Han, are your studies really tough recently?¡± As soon as she said ¡°Xiao Han,¡± even Xia Yangyang shuddered. Why does it sound so natural when Gu Qichen says it, but so awkward when ites from her? Xia Yangyang watched as Gu Zhaohan furrowed his brows. Without uttering a word, Gu Zhaohan turned and walked into A University with his backpack slung over one shoulder. Xia Yangyang regretted she should not have been trying to y the adult role. Gu Zhaohan must have been disgusted by her. When Xia Yangyang first arrived at the set, everyone crowded around her and lined up in two rows, greeting: ¡°Madam Gu, hello.¡± Before Xia Yangyang could react, she was sat down. Someone brought water, someone brought a fan, and someone massaged her back: ¡°You must be tired, Mrs. Gu.¡± Xia Yangyangughed and said, ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you guys? Stop it, please.¡± Everyone was joking, of course. Lu Yao said, ¡°Yesterday Mr. Gu gave everyone a generous bonus. Of course, everybody wants to show some appreciation.¡± Gu Qichen gave out bonuses? She had no idea. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Alright, stop messing around. The director¡¯s here, we need to start work.¡± When they heard that the director wasing, everyone stopped joking around. They quickly returned to their spots and started doing their makeup. Xia Weiwei walked in with a sulky face, silent. She dropped her things on the table with a tter. Today¡¯s scene was between Xia Weiwei and Xia Yangyang. And it was Xia Weiwei¡¯sst scene. The shooting location was at Maple Vi. Xia Weiwei was ying ¡°Chen Lulu,¡± a ssmate of the male lead ¡°Kim Shixun,¡± who is in love with him and jealous of ¡°Lin Xiaofan,¡± who was Kim Shixun¡¯s girlfriend at that time. Today¡¯s scene was a party scene. It was Kim Shixun¡¯s birthday, and he was throwing a pool party at home. Chen Lulu, filled with jealousy, nned to push Lin Xiaofan into the pool, but Lin Xiaofan saw through her n and Chen Lulu ended up falling into the pool instead, looking utterly embarrassed.. Chapter 157 - 158: Scheming Xia Weiwei Chapter 157: Chapter 158: Scheming Xia Weiwei Trantor: 549690339 The shooting was going smoothly. And Gu Qichen came back early today. He even observed this scene. When the director called for a wrap, Gu Qichen came over with a towel to dry Xia Yangyang¡¯s hair. Xia Yangyang smiled and said, ¡°Thank you.¡± Xia Weiwei watched with intense jealousy from the sidelines. She was the one drenched from falling into the pool. But in Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes, it seemed like only Xia Yangyang existed. Suddenly, Xia Weiwei got up and walked towards Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen were talking in the garden at that moment. The garden had a pebble path, but various filming equipment was scattered around. When Xia Weiwei walked over, she deliberately tripped over a tripod and lunged directly towards Gu Qichen. Xia Weiwei screamed. She attracted the attention of numerous people around her. Everyone gasped. Everyone in the crew knew that Xia Weiwei was jealous of her ¡°brother-inw,¡± and she was also the most cunning in the crew. The way she lunged, it seemed deliberate. But, there were more than a couple of people in the crew who adored Gu Qichen, yet the only one bold enough to do this was Xia Weiwei. After all, Xia Weiwei was Xia Yangyang¡¯s sister, the heiress of the Xia family. Gu Qichen probably wouldn¡¯t remain indifferent. But if he really caught Xia Weiwei, given her nature, she would definitely take advantage and cling onto him. ng! A dull thud sounded. It sounded¡­very painful. Everyone was stunned. Just then, Gu Qichen moved swiftly with lightning speed. He not only dodged himself but also held onto Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulders, instinctively protecting her in his arms, as if scared that she would get hit by something. Xia Weiweinded face-first, her fall making a spectacle. Grim! Xia Weiwei immediately burst into tears. Her assistant Xiao Tao was by her side and quickly lifted her up. Her hair was in disarray, already wet and now sticking to her face. There were a few scratches on her face that were bleeding, making her look even more pathetic. Xia Weiwei started crying, ¡°My foot, my foot.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s foot was sprained and had swollen up. A lot of people in the crew were d to see her fall. Xia Weiwei always acted superior on set, behaving like a princess, and no one could put her in her ce. She had brought this on herself. Though satisfied inwardly, everyone had to pretend to be concerned. Yu Minmin approached and said, ¡°Weiwei, you¡¯ve been so careless. You¡¯re injured so badly that you should be rushed to the hospital.¡± Xia Weiwei just cried. Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t expected Xia Weiwei to be so foolish, ying such games with Gu Qichen was bound to backfire. Seeing her ridiculed, Xia Yangyang did feel a bit sorry for her. After all, they shared the same blood. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t like this sister, but she wouldn¡¯t just stand by and do nothing. In the end, it was Xia Yangyang who sent Xia Weiwei to the hospital. Gu Qichen drove with a gloomy face all the way. His wife¡¯s soft-heartedness was going to put her in trouble someday. After the check-up, it was determined that her injuries were not serious, just some scratches. However, her ankle was sprained and needed rest for some time. As they came out of the hospital, Xia Weiwei suddenly grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm and said, ¡°Sis, mom and dad aren¡¯t home, and I¡¯ll be alone at home. Let me stay at your ce for a few days..¡± Chapter 158 - 159: She is only 20 years old, why does she need to consider having a child? Chapter 158: Chapter 159: She is only 20 years old, why does she need to consider having a child? Trantor: 549690339 Just from the way Xia Weiwei addressed her, Xia Yangyang felt something was off. Since when was she so respectful towards her? She must be plotting something. She wanted to stay at her ce for a few days. Perhaps her real target is Gu Qichen? Xia Yangyang was just about to refuse. But then, Xia Weiwei said to Gu Qichen, who was driving, ¡°Brother-inw, you wouldn¡¯t disagree, right? I won¡¯t interfere with your and my sister¡¯s lovey-dovey time. Be a good brother-inw and let me stay for a bit.¡± Her tone was all coquettish by the end of the statement. Xia Yangyang truly admired Xia Weiwei¡¯s audacity. Her level of shamelessness was unmatched. However, Gu Qichen wasn¡¯t an easy man to persuade. Just as Xia Yangyang thought Gu Qichen would tly refuse. Gu Qichen spoke up, ¡°No problem. There are plenty of vacant rooms in the Maple Vi. Feel free to pick a spare room to stay in.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s face lit up with surprise and joy upon hearing this. She didn¡¯t expect Gu Qichen to agree. It looked like Gu Qichen didn¡¯t dislike her as much as she thought. With a nce at Xia Weiwei, she raised her eyebrows provocatively. It seemed like she was one step closer to her goal. Living under the same roof would give her countless opportunities. Just thinking about it excited Xia Weiwei. On the other hand, Xia Yangyang felt a gloomy cloud over her mood. She didn¡¯t expect Gu Qichen to actually agree. Was it out of guilt because he hadn¡¯t caught her intentionally back then, leading to such consequences? Once back at the house, Xia Weiwei chose the room closest to the master¡¯s and moved in cheerfully. Xia Yangyang nned to go back to her room as well. However, she saw Gu Qichen locking the master bedroom. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Gu Qichen responded, ¡°We¡¯re going to stay at Gu Garden for a few days.¡± Only then did Xia Yangyang understand. Apparently, Gu Qichen had seen through Xia Weiwei¡¯s cunning n all along. He agreed to her because he didn¡¯t n on staying there anyway. Thus, Xia Weiwei¡¯s operation turned out to be a swing and a miss. For some reason, Xia Yangyang¡¯s mood suddenly brightened. Leaving without making a sound even gave her a sort of mischievous pleasure. Meanwhile, Xia Weiwei was lounging on her bed, daydreaming about sharing various intimate moments under the same roof with Gu Qichen. Although Gu Garden wasn¡¯t populous, it was always lit. They say it¡¯s because Gu Mingzhu didn¡¯t like darkness, so all the lights in the house were always on, day or night. During dinner, Gu Shengyuan was very pleased to hear that Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang were going to stay at the old house for a few days. Gu Mingzhu suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you two just move back in? It¡¯s much nicer for the family to be living together.¡± Gu Qichen still declined, ¡°Thepany and Yangyang¡¯s school are quite far from here. But we will visit often.¡± Gu Shengyuanined, ¡°How far could it be? It¡¯s just a ten minutes drive. I think you¡¯re just too carefree and not enough family-oriented.¡± Gu Mingzhu said, ¡°Dad, you need to understand the young people. Ah Chen is newly married, it¡¯s natural for him to crave a couple¡¯s world. Besides, this way ensures a higher chance for you to hold a grandchild soon.¡± Upon hearing the potential of having a grandchild soon, Gu Shengyuan¡¯s face lit up with joy immediately. He said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Yangyang, you need to eat more. You¡¯re so thin, you need to build up your strength.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t bear the old man¡¯s expectant look. She was only twenty. Why would she need to think about having a baby so soon? ¡°I¡¯m full.¡± Gu Zhaohan put down his chopsticks. ¡°I¡¯m going back to my room.¡± Gu Mingzhu frowned, ¡°You¡¯ve hardly eaten anything.¡± Without a word, Gu Zhaohan left the dining room straight for his room.. Chapter 159 - 160:1 Will Love You Like Your Uncle Chapter 159: Chapter 160:1 Will Love You Like Your Uncle Trantor: 549690339 I Gu Qichen asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with Xiao Han?¡± Gu Mingzhu spoke ndly, ¡°Hasn¡¯t he always been like this?¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°I feel like he¡¯s been a bit differenttely. Has something happened?¡± Gu Mingzhu was casual about it: ¡°He¡¯s an adolescent boy; acting a bit strange is not unusual. Besides, you¡¯re his idol. He¡¯s always held himself to your standards, so I¡¯m not worried. With an excellent uncle like you, my son won¡¯t be far behind.¡± However, Xia Yangyang felt uneasy. Because Xia Yangyang thought that Gu Zhaohan¡¯s sudden change of demeanor could very likely be because of her. After all, she was an outsider who had suddenly intruded into this family. Moreover, she was his age, even several months younger, yet she now awkwardly found herself his young aunt. She had stolen his attention and overstepped him in the family hierarchy. Just now as Gu Mingzhu said, Gu Qichen was his idol, and yet she had seized his idol¡¯s attention. Any person would feel off-bnce in such a situation. Before this, Xia Yangyang felt that she and Gu Zhaohan were friends. But his sudden coldness now could only be due to this reason. Xia Yangyang felt the necessity to talk to him, to tell him that she couldn¡¯t take his uncle¡¯s love for him away. So that night, when Gu Mingzhu had prepared a fruit tter, And asked a maid to send it to Gu Zhaohan¡¯s room, Xia Yangyang volunteered: ¡°I¡¯ll deliver it.¡± Carrying the fruit tter up to Gu Zhaohan¡¯s room, Xia Yangyang felt somewhat nervous¡­ Still, Xia Yangyang knocked on the door. No response. Xia Yangyang knocked again¡­ Finally, the door suddenly swung open. Gu Zhaohan appeared at the doorway, cold as an iceberg. However, seeing Xia Yangyang standing at his door, he faltered a bit. Xia Yangyang quickly put on a smile, ¡°Gu-ssmate, I¡¯ve brought you some fruit.¡± She had called him Xiao Han in the morning which had annoyed him. This time Xia Yangyang was smarter and addressed him formally. As equals, he shouldn¡¯t be upset, right? Indeed, this time, Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face didn¡¯t darken further. Yet he asked indifferently, ¡°Did you juste to bring me fruit?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Actually¡­ there¡¯s something else I wanted to talk to you about.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s expression subtly shifted. Then he opened the door wider, ¡°Come in.¡± Xia Yangyang went into Gu Zhaohan¡¯s room. Once inside, Xia Yangyang almost thought she had entered the wrong ce. Gu Zhaohan¡¯s room was almost identical to Gu Qichen¡¯s. Arge bed, a tall bookshelf that reached the ceiling, a full-length ss window. Xia Yangyang thought to herself. Gu Qichen really was his idol; even the room was decorated identically. How much must Gu Zhaohan be idolizing Gu Qichen? Xia Yangyang set the fruit tter down, saying, ¡°I noticed you didn¡¯t eat much tonight¡­¡± Gu Zhaohan cut her off coldly, ¡°Just say what you have to say.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to beat around the bush, so she got straight to the point. ¡°Gu Zhaohan, your uncle still loves you very much. Even though he married me, it won¡¯t change anything. You two are rtives by blood; I can never rece you in his heart. Besides, now you haven¡¯t lost an uncle, but gained an aunt. From now on, we will be a family, and I¡¯ll love you just like your uncle does.¡± Xia Yangyang let out all the words she had wanted to say in one breath. However, Xia Yangyang found that after her words, Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face turnedpletely gloomy.. Chapter 160 - 16o: Episode 161: The Wrap Party Chapter 16o: Episode 161: The Wrap Party Trantor: 549690339 I What had she said wrong again? Was Gu Zhaohan extremely repelled by the term ¡°aunt¡±? Because the moment she had just uttered these two words, she clearly saw a frown on Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face. Gu Zhaohan opened his mouth and said, ¡°Are you finished? If you are, you can go out now.¡± Xia Yangyang only felt extremely embarrassed. She gave a ¡®oh¡¯ before robotically leaving Gu Zhaohan¡¯s room. And carefully closed the door behind her. As she returned to her room, Gu Qichen, who was sitting on the sofa reading documents, looked up, ¡°Where have you been?¡± Xia Yangyang walked over, her face filled with depression, ¡°I think your nephew really hates me.¡± ¡°Oh? You mean Xiao Han?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°It¡¯s all your fault. He must think I stole you from him.¡± Gu Qichenughed, reached out, and gently ruffled Xia Yangyang¡¯s soft hair, ¡°There¡¯s no such thing. Xiao Han is naturally introverted and solitary. Given time, you¡¯ll discover that he¡¯s actually a very warm-hearted person.¡± Warm-hearted? Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t reconcile this term with Gu Zhaohan. Didn¡¯t he, as her husband, know that Gu Zhaohan had a nickname in school, called the ¡°Iceberg Prince¡±? The following day, as Xia Yangyang went to the set, she was ambushed by Xia Weiwei who was hobbling with rage. Rest room. Xia Weiwei pointed at Xia Yangyang¡¯s nose, ¡°Xia Yangyang, did you intentionally toy with me?¡± Xia Yangyang remained impassive, ¡°How did I toy with you?¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t youe backst night? You left me alone in such a big empty house, if that¡¯s not toying with me, then what is it?¡± Xia Yangyang said indifferently, ¡°You insisted on staying at Maple Vi. I never said that we would be staying there too. So rather, could it be that the reason you wanted to stay there was not because there was no one at home, but for some other purpose?¡± There were many people in the rest room, Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t giving Xia Weiwei much face. Xia Weiwei said, ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t nder me. Not everyone is as dirty-minded as you think.¡± ¡°Then go on, how am I being dirty-minded?¡± ¡°You¡­you¡­¡± Xia Weiwei was left speechless by Xia Yangyang. In fact, everyone knew Xia Weiwei¡¯s intentions. The fall yesterday was very likely intentional, but she wasn¡¯t expecting Gu Qichen to be so indifferent. And now, she had used this opportunity to move into Maple Vi. Her intentions were as clear as day. Everyone sighed at Xia Yangyang¡¯s good temper for tolerating Xia Weiwei¡¯s tant coveting. Xia Weiwei retorted, unyielding, ¡°Right now I¡¯m only living at your ce temporarily because my leg is injured. Once it¡¯s healed, I¡¯ll move out immediately.¡± With that, she turned around and left the rest room. She refused to believe that they would nevere back! Lu Yao said, ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯re too mild-mannered. You¡¯re going to be bullied, look at Xia Weiwei, she¡¯s so arrogant. It¡¯s crystal clear that her leg is mostly healed, yet she¡¯s still living at your and Mr. Gu¡¯s house. Her intentions are too obvious.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Don¡¯t mind her, she can¡¯t possibly stay there forever.¡± However, Xia Weiwei diligently stayed at Maple Vi everyday for the next two months until Xia Yangyang¡¯s scenes werepleted! During this time, Gu Qichen never appeared at Maple Vi again Xia Weiwei was filled with hatred for Xia Yangyang inside. It must be her who didn¡¯t want Gu Qichen toe back and live. The day the scenes werepleted, Gu Qichen invited the entire crew to ¡°Lan Ting Water Township¡± for a celebratory meal. Lan Ting Water Township was the most high-end and elegant private restaurant in Feng City, favored by literati and politicians. Its pricing, however, was not affordable for the average person. That day, the several hundred people on set practically booked out the entire Lan Ting Water Township.. Chapter 161 - 162: Mr. Gu’s Magnanimity... Chapter 161: Chapter 162: Mr. Gu¡¯s Magnanimity¡­ Trantor: 549690339 The restaurant named Lan Ting Shui Xiang was built over an artificialke. Countless pavilions, terraces, and towers are actually exquisite private rooms. A winding water corridor connects these rooms outside. From a distance, it was brightly lit, resembling the unique scenery of the Jiangnan water town, yet tinged with an extra touch of luxury. Chen Yu had had too much wine, and, hanging onto Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulder, sobbed, ¡°Little Miss, I can¡¯t bear to be without you, divorce Gu Qichen¡­e away with me, let¡¯s go to the Eiffel Tower, to the bridge in Prague, to the most romantic and touching ce that others don¡¯t know about¡­¡± As Chen Yu spoke, he began to sing. It was ¡®Elope¡¯ by Zeng Yike. The tune was incredibly soft, but as it was sung in Chen Yu¡¯s drunken voice¡­ Have you heard Tengger singing ¡®Invisible Wings¡¯? Well, that¡¯s the feeling¡­ Chen Yu sat at a table with the director, scriptwriter, and several others from the team. Evidently nervous. Because seated on the other side of Xia Yangyang was Gu Qichen. Yet Chen Yu insisted on clinging to Xia Yangyang, whether he was genuinely drunk or pretending to be. After acting together and partnering with Chen Yu for three months, Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu had be close friends. Especially so as Chen Yu was her childhood ymate, Brother Yutou. Perhaps due to their mothers, they would often chat about their childhood days, the tender times when their mothers were still alive, which Xia Yangyang longed for. Xia Yangyang said to Chen Yu, ¡°You¡¯re drunk. Let Xiao Yang take you home first, okay?¡± Leaning on Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulder, Chen Yu refused, ¡°I won¡¯t go, I want kisses, hugs, and to be picked up.¡± He was indeed dead drunk, leaving Xia Yangyang helpless. She stood up and said to everyone, ¡°I¡¯ll take Chen Yu to the lounge to rest. He can sleep there for a while, and Xiao Yang will fetch himter.¡± She helped Chen Yu to his feet and started to walk away. Watching the departing figure of the two, Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes slowly narrowed. Everyone held their breath for Chen Yu, was he challenging Mr. Gu¡¯s bottom line? They expected Mr. Gu to have someone forcibly remove Chen Yu. Unexpectedly, Mr. Gu asked a waiter nearby, ¡°Do you have something like a hangover cure tea here?¡± The waiter replied, ¡°Yes.¡± Everyone let out a sigh of relief. A man of stature, indeed. This magnanimity is unmatched. His wife being bothered by another man, yet he considered the man¡¯s health by ordering a hangover cure tea for him. Gu Qichen continued to ask, ¡°What kind of hangover cure tea do you have?¡± ¡°Ginger tea, muscat, pu-er, and chrysanthemum tea. Which one would you like, sir?¡± Gu Qichen calmly said, ¡°Make a pot of Kuding and Huanglian Tea for me. Our friend here has unique tastes, and ordinary tea might not cure his drunkenness. Add plenty of Huanglian, but it must be bitter. The more bitter, the better.¡± The waiter looked at Gu Qichen with a weird expression; no guest had ever made such a request. However, he still left the room to make the hangover cure tea. The people at the table seemed relieved. This was the Mr. Gu they knew. As for Chen Yu, they felt deep sympathy for him. The saying, ¡°ask for trouble,¡± could not have been more fitting. Xia Yangyang returned quite soon. Simultaneously, the waiter came in with a pot of extremely bitter Kuding and Huanglian Tea. Curious, Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± With a gentle smile, Gu Qichen said, ¡°It¡¯s the hangover cure tea I ordered for Chen Yu. He will feel better after drinking it.¡± Xia Yangyang eximed, ¡°You¡¯re so thoughtful.¡± She had thought that Gu Qichen would be upset. Gu Qichen continued to smile faintly, ¡°Your friends are my friends.¡± Then he turned to the waiter and said, ¡°Please take the hangover cure tea to the lounge. Make sure he drinks it all.¡± Touched, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Husband, you are really too good.¡± The crowd was dumbfounded! Miss Xia, it seems that you don¡¯t understand your husband very well¡­ Chapter 162 - 163: Mu Family has a child bride Chapter 162: Chapter 163: Mu Family has a child bride Trantor: 549690339 | Several guests were constantlying over to propose a toast. After paying respect to the director, they did the same to Gu Qichen. Of course, today was Xia Yangyang¡¯s wrap-up party, so she was naturally the event¡¯s protagonist. Even though Xia Yangyang was substituting alcohol with juice, she felt a little full after a while. Midway through the banquet, Gu Qichen stood up and said, ¡°I have a few friends here today. I¡¯m going to take Yangyang to meet them.¡± Xia Yangyang followed Gu Qichen out, curiously asking, ¡°Who are these friends you¡¯re taking me to meet?¡± Gu Qichen exined, ¡°It¡¯s Mu Liancheng¡¯s birthday today, he¡¯s holding a small banquet here. I ran into him when I came in, it wouldn¡¯t be right not to greet him. This way, you¡¯ll get to meet them too.¡± Xia Yangyang was indeed familiar with Mu Liancheng. He was part of one of the four big families of Feng City. These four families¡ªGu Family, Lin Family, Mu Family, Shen Family¡ªhad business interactions with each other, and their intricate interest rtionships have been interwoven since their previous generations. The Mu Family often became a topic during their idle chats. Mu Liancheng was the sole third-generation member of the Mu Family. With few descendants, the Mu Family wasrgely sustained by the Old Lady, who singlehandedly controlled a massive family fortune. The Old Lady¡¯s sole wish was to have a great-grandson as soon as possible to proliferate the Mu lineage. So, it was said that she had raised a daughter-inw since childhood for Liancheng, who was forced to marry her as soon as they came of age and travel abroad. However, young Master Mu despised his homegrown daughter-inw and never disclosed their marriage to the public. He was always causing a fuss about wanting a divorce. The problem was, the petite daughter-inw would do nothing more than agree to an amicable split. Their rtionship was continuously fraught with disagreements and conflicts. Yet, despite being two years, the divorce hadn¡¯t urred. Curiosity lit within Xia Yangyang, ¡°If it¡¯s young Master Liancheng¡¯s birthday party, will his mythical homegrown daughter-inw be present?¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°We¡¯ll have to wait and see.¡± Apanying Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang passed through several water corridors and finally entered the most extravagant suite at the eastern end of the venue. This was probably the most refined and peaceful ce in the Lanting Water Vige. Upon entering, the lively atmosphere in the room hit her. There were about seven or eight men in the room. Of course, every man had a stunning woman by his side. Taking a closer look, weren¡¯t those women famous actresses? Zhang Lixin had just starred as the female lead in Director Feng¡¯s new film, making her one of the renowned Feng¡¯s Girls, with her fame skyrocketing. Bai Zhi was notoriously dubbed the ¡°Fairy Sister¡± in the entertainment industry, known for her demure and refined screen image, and had countless diehard fans. And Mi Ke had just participated in the Victoria¡¯s Secret Show in Paris, which had greatly increased her poprity and worth¡­ Many other familiar faces from the entertainment world were there. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t believe she saw them all in one ce. They obviously had finished eating. Some were ying billiards, some were lounging on couches rolling dice, and some were singing karaoke. Bai Zhi, who always maintained herself as purer than a white lotus, was sitting coquettishly on a man¡¯sp, ¡°Young Master Xue, my hand slipped. Could you give me another chance?¡± The man known as Young Master Xue, teasingly said with a sly smile, ¡°You were the one who wanted to y this game of Jenga. We agreed whoever causes the first copse has to remove an article of clothing. No reneging, start undressing.¡± Reluctantly, Bai Zhi took off her smallce shawl, revealing a skimpy tank top. After undressing, she lightly pounded her fists against Young Master Xue¡¯s chest, ¡°Youck any pity for me.¡± Xue¡¯s deepughter echoed as he responded, ¡°Continue, I must ount for eachyer of your clothing today¡±. ¡°You¡¯re so rotten!¡± Xia Yangyang stood at the entrance, shocked by the scene unfolding within the room¡­ Chapter 163 - 164: Afraid that a bunch of loafers would covet Chapter 163: Chapter 164: Afraid that a bunch of loafers would covet Trantor: 549690339 These young masters of the four great families are high branches that all the starlets in the entertainment circle wish to cling to. Before, Gu Qichen was the main target of their predator vision. Xia Yangyang had never witnessed such a scene before. The stars of the circle, be they aloof or ravishing, all vie for attention here, as if it were a real-life pce intrigue drama. Gu Qichen lightly knocked on the door. The people inside the private room finally noticed the two people at the door. Xue Shaotang was the first to react, he pushed Bai Zhi who was still sitting on hisp and went forward, ¡°Young Master Gu, I thought Liancheng couldn¡¯t even invite you.¡± In the blink of an eye, he saw Xia Yangyang standing behind Gu Qichen. Xue Shaotang was stunned, ¡°Who is this middle school student? Why did you bring a little sister with you?¡± Xia Yangyang: Gu Qichen put his arm around Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulders and casually said, ¡°This is my wife, Xia Yangyang.¡± Xue Shaotang was so surprised that his chin almost dropped on the floor, ¡°This is your twenty-year-old wife¡­She looks underage, are you sure she isn¡¯t a middle school student?¡± Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t be bothered with Xue Shaotang. He took Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and walked towards Mu Liancheng, the main character of today. Because of their sudden visit, the whole private room went quiet in an instant. All eyes fell on the girl standing next to Gu Qichen. The girl was very neat and clean, her small face was make-up free but her skin was so good that it was like a peeled egg, with delicate facial features, a high ponytail revealing a shiny forehead, and casual attire. She really looked like a middle school student who hadn¡¯t graduated yet, as Xue Shaotang had said. So this was thedy of Gu Family, the leading one among the four affluent families in the south of the city. Vastly different from their imaginings. Gu Qichen went to Mu Liancheng and said, ¡°Liancheng, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯mte.¡± Mu Liancheng smiled and said, ¡°Your presence is an honor, it makes me happy.¡± His eyes moved to Xia Yangyang and he said, ¡°As expected, sister-inw is charming. No wonder Young Master Gu hesitated to bring her out, worried about a group of scamps having designs.¡± Xue Shaotang quickly added, ¡°We are mboyant scamps and you two are family men. But Liancheng, why didn¡¯t you bring your adopted daughter to the birthday party today to let us have a look? Even Young Master Gu has brought his wife, this really is not generous on your part.¡± Mu Liancheng said, ¡°My one isn¡¯t fit for decent society.¡± Xue Shaotangughed, ¡°Oh really? Finally, you admit she belongs to your family. It seems the day of her meeting us isn¡¯t far.¡± Gu Qichen casually said, ¡°Didn¡¯t Liancheng just say? He is worried about youscivious fellows getting any ideas.¡± Their talk was filled with humor andughter. Xia Yangyang could see, their rtionship was indeed very good. Among the attendees one was Lin Zhiwei, the head of the Lin family, also known as Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s brother. The one just called as Xue Shaotang was a childhood friend of Mu Liancheng, Xue¡¯s family is a military family and although not one of the four great families, it was powerful and influential. Presumably because she was Gu Qichen¡¯s wife, The women present intentionally tried to get on her good side, pulling her to the couch to y games. After a while, she found it quite interesting and began to rx, talking andughing with them. Chapter 164 - 165: Shen Manbing’s Sudden Visit Chapter 164: Chapter 165: Shen Manbing¡¯s Sudden Visit Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen answered a phone call and stepped out of the private room. Although Xia Yangyang was in the private room, her attention was elsewhere. Noticing this, Xue Shaotang said, ¡°Sister-inw, you don¡¯t need to worry, I just checked, it¡¯s a call from thepany secretary, he must be busy with some business matters. Ah Chen isn¡¯t like us, he doesn¡¯t have many admirers by his side. For all these years, there¡¯s only been one, Sister Bingbing¡­¡± Xue Shaotang¡¯s words were casual, but he quickly realized he had said too much. Annoyed, he pped his mouth, ¡°Look at my big mouth, sister-inw, please don¡¯t mind, I¡¯ll punish myself with three drinks.¡± Xue Shaotang waved his hand, ¡°Come, pour this master some wine.¡± Xue Shaotang truly punished himself with three drinks, despite Xia Yangyang¡¯s insistence that it wasn¡¯t necessary. She was just pretending not to mind. Even his friends knew about Gu Qichen and Shen Manbing¡¯s long-standing rtionship, and no doubt their feelings over the years were deep. Xia Yangyang had never asked about Gu Qichen¡¯s feelings for Shen Manbing, nor dared to explore them. At least, as a husband, Gu Qichen was doing his duty and always protecting her. As for Shen Manbing¡­ Xia Yangyang thought, she¡¯d better leave it to time. At this moment, the door to the private room suddenly opened. Xia Yangyang looked toward the door, originally thinking it was Gu Qichen returning. Unexpectedly, speaking of the devil, and the devil appears. The person entering was actually Shen Manbing. The room which was full of enthusiasm dropped to freezing point in an instant. No one expected Shen Manbing to show up here. Even Mu Liancheng was taken by surprise because knowing Gu Qichen woulde, he intentionally did not invite Shen Manbing. Shen Manbing walked in with her high heels, wearing a long ck dress, covered with a ck suit on her shoulders, makeup dazzling, with her seaweed-like wavy long hair, her presence formidable. Shen Manbing walked in and said, ¡°Liancheng, aren¡¯t you too insincere not inviting me to your birthday?¡± Mu Liancheng hurriedly apologized: ¡°Sister Bingbing, you are a superstar, a busy person. With your daily schedule really full, wouldn¡¯t I only cause trouble for you with my insignificant birthday? You don¡¯t have to bother about my birthday.¡± Shen Manbing took out a box and handed it over: ¡°Your birthday gift.¡± Mu Liancheng was pleasantly surprised: ¡°Sister Bingbing, this is too embarrassing.¡± When he opened it, it was an A.LANGE&SOEHNE new limited edition watch. Shen Manbing said, ¡°I know you like to collect watches. This is a gift I had someone bring back from Germany. It¡¯s limited to a hundred worldwide and hasn¡¯t been sold yet. I assume you will like it.¡± Mu Liancheng said, ¡°Since childhood, only Sister Bingbing has been so generous. Thank you, Sister Bingbing, I really like it.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s gaze had been surveying the private room, seemingly in search of something. In the end, her gaze fell on Xia Yangyang. Everyone was tense. Especially Mu Liancheng, who wore a worried expression. Shen Manbing, who was usually very busy, was suddenly here to celebrate his birthday and brought such a big gift, must have had ulterior motives. Keep in mind, apart from Gu Qichen, Shen Manbing never cared about these other people. Her presence here today must have been because she knew Gu Qichen woulde, probably targeting him. However, Gu Qichen was not here now. And his young wife seemedpletely no match for Shen Manbing. If Shen Manbing decided to embarrass her, he wasn¡¯t sure how to deal with it. Mu Liancheng hinted Lin Zhiwei to find Gu Qichen to save the situation. Young Master Lin got up and left the private room quietly. At this moment, Shen Manbing had already walked in Xia Yangyang¡¯s direction.. Chapter 165 - 166: Truth or Dare Chapter 165: Chapter 166: Truth or Dare Trantor: 549690339 Everyone¡¯s heart seemed to be suspended in mid-air. Even those who originally were sitting on the sofa, the minor actresses, all got up. Respectful in greeting Shen Manbing, ¡°Sister Bingbing.¡± No one in the entertainment circle could rival Shen Manbing¡¯s status, and they didn¡¯t expect to see her here today. Shen Manbing walked straight to the table and picked up a bottle of red wine. Mu Liancheng was scared, hurriedly walked over, stood in front of Xia Yangyang: ¡°Sister Bingbing, let¡¯s talk calmly, there¡¯s no need for violence.¡± Shen Manbing suddenlyughed, ¡°You thought I wanted to hit someone with this wine bottle?¡± Given Shen Manbing¡¯s personality, it was indeed possible that she wouldn¡¯t say anything and would give Xia Yangyang a fright on the spot. Mu Lianchengughed awkwardly, ¡°Sister Bingbing, you are elegant, knowledgeable, and refined. It is unthinkable that you would resort to violence. I was out of line.¡± Shen Manbing chuckled. ¡°I just wanted to see what kind of wine you were drinking. Hmm, ¡¯82 Lafite, I didn¡¯t expect you to be so kitschy. But, I happened to bring some nice wine today.¡± Just after her words, a few people abruptly entered from outside. They promptly ced two boxes of wine on the table. Waiters helped open the boxes. Inside were a variety of strong liquors. Shen Manbing said, ¡°This is good alcohol that I have collected from around the world. It is precisely your birthday today, so what can be more appropriate than celebrating and bringing life to the party?¡± Everyone was stunned. Because Shen Manbing had brought an impressive selection of strong liquor. Xue Shaotang picked up a bottle and said, ¡°Oh my god! Isn¡¯t this a bottle of Scottish distilled whisky made using a 17th-century distilling technique? It¡¯s one of the strongest single malt whiskies with an alcohol concentration of 92%, and it¡¯s rumored that it could propel a sports car at a speed of 100 km/hour. This American Gold Wheat liquor has an alcohol concentration of 95% due to itsplex brewing process. But its consumption has severe health effects, and many states in the US have banned its sales. And these, high concentration Puerto Rican rum, Jamaican rum, Sister Bingbing, where on earth did you find these treasures?¡± Shen Manbingughed, ignoring Xue Shaotang¡¯s question. Instead, she asked, ¡°What game are you ying?¡± On that side, Bai Zhi immediately said, ¡°We are ying Truth or Dare, Sister Bingbing, would you like to join us?¡± Shen Manbing seems intrigued, ¡°Sounds good, how do you y?¡± Bai Zhi exined, ¡°The game is yed in pairs. You spin a bottle on the table, and when it stops, the mouth of the bottle points to a person. That person has to choose between answering a question truthfully or taking a dare that involves doing something.¡± Shen Manbing said, ¡°Sounds interesting. Still, Truth is no fun. Let¡¯s y Dare instead.¡± Everyone was shocked that Shen Manbing was interested in such a childish game. Zhang Lixin asked, ¡°What is Dare?¡± Shen Manbing exined, ¡°The rules remain the same, but the winner can ask the loser to do anything. If they can¡¯t do it, they¡¯ll have to choose a bottle from these, and drink it all. What do you think?¡± Everyone looked at each other, and silence descended for a moment. It seemed like Shen Manbing hade fully prepared, with an air of deadly intent. Mi Ke said, ¡°This game sounds exciting, Sister Bingbing, who do you want to be your partner?¡± Shen Manbing pointed decisively across the table, ¡°I¡¯ll y with her.¡± The person Shen Manbing pointed at was none other than Xia Yangyang.. Chapter 166 - 167: Find a Man, Kiss for a Minute Chapter 166: Chapter 167: Find a Man, Kiss for a Minute Trantor: 549690339 All eyes turned to Xia Yangyang. Shen Manbing had already sat down across from Xia Yangyang, looking at her coldly: ¡°What, scared?¡± Everyone could see it. Shen Manbing was dering war on Xia Yangyang. One was a new me, the other an old love, a face-off between two women, indeed quite the spectacle. If Xia Yangyang refused to ept the challenge, she would lose face in front of Gu Qichen¡¯s friends. But if she epted, it seemed like a great disparity in power. Shen Manbing was a youngdy who was capable of anything. Most of the people at the scene only wanted to watch the fun unfold. Only Mu Liancheng was as anxious as an ant on a hot pot. Both were not easy to provoke. Moreover, if Young Master Gu¡¯s little wife was bullied here, his birthday would be ruined too. Unexpectedly, Xia Yangyang was silent for two seconds before calmly saying: ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll y along.¡± Xia Yangyang wanted to see what kind of storm Shen Manbing was trying to stir up. Since a head-on confrontation was inevitable, she could only brace herself. The two women officially dered war, Xue Shaotang enthusiastically stepped forward: ¡°I will spin the bottle for you two, to ensure fairness, no one is deceived.¡± The first round began. Xue Shaotang skillfully spun the empty bottle, which quickly started to rotate under his fingers. Everyone in the room gathered around, all eyes were focused on the bottle on the table. The bottle gradually stopped spinning, and the mouth of the bottle was pointing directly at Xia Yangyang. Shen Manbing¡¯s mouth curved with a prideful smile: ¡°You lose.¡± Xue Shaotang said: ¡°Sister Bingbing, you can now ask Yangyang to do something, what would you like her to do?¡± Beads of sweat were about to drip off Mu Liancheng¡¯s forehead. He wondered why Lin Zhiwei was still not back after being gone for so long. Shen Manbing looked around the room and said: ¡°Since I arrived, the atmosphere doesn¡¯t seem as lively as before. In that case, let¡¯s have Miss Xia spice things up. Choose a man in this room and french kiss him for one minute, Miss Xia, please.¡± With Shen Manbing¡¯s words, the room fell silent instantly. Everyone knew that Shen Manbing was obviously setting a trap for Xia Yangyang ying this game, but this wasn¡¯t a trap for Xia Yangyang, even the men in the room were being put in a difficult spot by her! Choose a man to french kiss for a minute? Given Gu Qichen¡¯s temper, he would definitely skin the man alive. Xia Yangyang remained impassive. All the men slowly took a step back. Who would dare take the favor of a beauty, especially Gu Qichen¡¯s beauty? All of them were silently praying: Please, don¡¯t pick me! But everyone was excited to watch the fun. Would this young girl actually choose a man to make out with? Xia Yangyang remained unmoved as Shen Manbing continued: ¡°If you fail to do it, you should prepare to drink a bottle of wine. Don¡¯t me me for not warning you, this is not a drink for ordinary people.¡± Of course, Xia Yangyang knew. Xue Shaotang had briefed her earlier. Those were some rare high-proof spirits that had a strong impact on the body when consumed. Plus, she was a terrible drinker. She might just lose her life to a bottle of that. She couldn¡¯t have the wine, but the men¡­ Xia Yangyang still looked around. All the men¡¯s hearts instinctively tightened. This little girl wasn¡¯t really going to pick a man to kiss, was she? They heard this girl was a young actress, currently shooting a movie. Maybe she wouldn¡¯t care much about this. But, the man who was chosen would be doomed. Young Master Gu hated others touching his things, let alone his wife. Finally, Xia Yangyang¡¯s gaze fell on Xue Shaotang¡­ Chapter 167 - 168: More than Happy to Cause Him Chapter 167: Chapter 168: More than Happy to Cause Him Trouble Trantor: 549690339 I When Xue Shaotang saw that Xia Yangyang¡¯s gaze locked onto him. He was scared out of his wits. Xue Shaotang said in terror, ¡°Sister-inw, don¡¯t joke about this, Ah Chen will kill me.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s gaze lingered on Xue Shaotang for just one second. Then she looked over his shoulder. Behind Xue Shaotang was the door to the private room. At that moment, the door to the private room suddenly opened. In came Gu Qichen and Lin Zhiwei. Xia Yangyang suddenly stood up and walked straight towards the door. Getting close to Gu Qichen, she took a step forward and kissed him on the lips. There were sighs and whistles from the room. Of course, all the men breathed a sigh of relief. Young Master Gu couldn¡¯t havee back at a better time. Just now, Shen Manbing said ¡®any man in the room,¡¯ but she didn¡¯t specify that anyone had to be chosen from the people present at that time. Presumably, Shen Manbing¡¯s goal was to create a psychological barrier for those two. After all, everyone knows Young Master Gu is strict about rtionships, and wouldn¡¯t tolerate others touching his wife. Previously, it was said that he had stood in for his wife during the filming of bed scenes. But unexpectedly, instead of sessfully creating a problem, they had to watch two people in love. At first, Gu Qichen seemed a little stunned too. Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t expected that the usually reserved Xia Yangyang would do such a thing in public. However, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t seem to mind at all. Xue Shaotang came over with his cell phone and briefly exined, ¡°Ah Chen, hang in there for a minute. The sister-inw and Sister Bingbing are ying truth or dare.¡± Gu Qichen frowned slightly, but quickly understood what was going on. He was also very cooperative. The kiss ended up being quite intense. ¡°Time¡¯s up! Xue Shaotang dered, holding his phone, ¡°Exactly one minute, not a second less.¡± It was only then that Xia Yangyang took her lips away from Gu Qichen¡¯s. Xia Yangyang was a bit dizzy from the kiss, and her cheeks were flushed. But Gu Qichen held her waist and gently said, ¡°Be careful, wife.¡± Xia Yangyang red at him furiously. Knowing they were just ying a game and it was all for show, Xia Yangyang was still caught off guard by Gu Qichen¡¯s kiss. Now, she felt weak, and her mind was dizzy. The audience in the room was stunned. That Young Master Gu, aloof and self-disciplined, actually allowed his wife to kiss him in public for a full minute. Moreover, he seemed to be enjoying it and looked as if he wanted more. It seemed the rumors about Young Master Gu spoiling his young wife were true. Gu Qichen put his arm around Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulder and walked towards the sofa. Shen Manbing did not look pleased. She didn¡¯t expect Gu Qichen toe back so soon. She knew Gu Qichen was a bit of a pure spirit who wouldn¡¯t tolerate his woman being touched by anyone else. Unexpectedly, this had only yed into the hands of the couple. The way they were kissing just now¡­ Shen Manbing clenched her fist and coldly said, ¡°Again!¡± The room fell silent for a second. Xue Shaotang excitedly ran back for more. This was even more fun now. A face-off between the new and old lovers¡ªwhose side would Young Master Gu stand on? Everyone was gleefully anticipating the drama. Keep in mind, Gu Qichen had always been the best among them¡ªhis life had been as perfect as a well-designedputer program for twenty-odd years, and he¡¯d never encountered a problem he couldn¡¯t solve. So, all these friends who¡¯d grown up with him but always felt overshadowed by him relished the chance to give him some trouble! Chapter 168 - 169: Asking for a Divorce is Like Asking for My Life Chapter 168: Chapter 169: Asking for a Divorce is Like Asking for My Life Trantor: 549690339 Xue Shaotang keenly observed the room. Gu Qichen seemed to have no intention of intervening. So Xue Shaotang quickly spun the bottle again. But when the bottle came to a stop, the mouth of the bottle was once again pointing at Xia Yangyang. All were silent and unresponsive. Xue Shaotang feeling somewhat embarrassed, said to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Sister-inw, I didn¡¯t cheat, but your luck is just too¡­¡± Under the watchful eyes of all, it was impossible for Xue Shaotang to cheat. Xia Yangyang, having wagered and lost, asked Shen Manbing: ¡°What do you want me to do this time?¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s face was cold. All eyes were focused on her. Shen Manbing said word for word: ¡°I want you to divorce Gu Qichen.¡± After these words were said, the room became instantly quiet. The matter has seemed to be blown out of proportion. Everyone here knew that Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen were childhood sweethearts. There had for a time been rumors of their impending marriage. But Gu Qichen had suddenly announced his legal marriage to a younger girl. The reason for this was unknown to outsiders. But Shen Manbing was no ordinary person, she was a leading diva in the entertainment industry and the of the prestigious Shen family. A line of suitors stretching from here to Paris awaited her. To the outside world, she and Gu Qichen were on equal footing. No one expected her to linger in a rtionship with minds torn. However, the reality didn¡¯t seem to be so¡­ Today, her words demonstrated, at least, she hadn¡¯t let go of Gu Qichen. Everybody was dumbstruck for a moment, unsure of how to conclude the situation. Xue Shaotang spoke: ¡°Sister Bingbing, it¡¯s only a game, there¡¯s no need to take it so seriously, right?¡± Shen Manbing however, was staring intently at Xia Yangyang: ¡°To one¡¯s life, isn¡¯t it just another game? Once engaged, one must abide by the rules of the game.¡± Xia Yangyang hardly hesitated. She stood up, grabbed a bottle of wine from the box. She raised her head to pour down the drink into her mouth. But Gu Qichen seized her arm: ¡°What are you doing?¡± Xue Shaotang exined: ¡°It¡¯s the rule of the game, if one cannot perform the task, she has to drink a bottle of wine. But this one is a rare, high proof liquor. If sister-inw drinks it, it could cause trouble.¡± Gu Qichen swiftly pulled the wine out of Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and said, ¡°The rules didn¡¯t say you can¡¯t have someone else drink it for her, did they?¡± Xue Shaotang quickly replied, ¡°No.¡± Gu Qichen then resonantly spoke: ¡°Xia Yangyang is my wife, we are one. Since she¡¯s going to be punished, I will take the drink for her.¡± Having said that, Gu Qichen had already opened the wine bottle and started to drink slowly. The crowd let out sighs. In fact, everyone knew that Gu Qichen¡¯s words were actually meant for Shen Manbing. The crowd even felt some sympathy toward Shen Manbing. Just how deeply was a woman wounded to resort to using a game in an attempt to win back her love? But everyone knew that this was just a diversionary game, could it actually reverse the current situation? And Gu Qichen¡¯s stance was evidently clear. Xia Yangyang stood there, bewildered, wanting to stop him, but Gu Qichen gave her aforting look signaling that he¡¯s fine. Xia Yangyang doesn¡¯t drink, so she had no idea what effect this strong liquor might ultimately have. Shen Manbing was well aware though. Seeing that Gu Qichen had already drank half she said, ¡°This is Balkan vodka from Bulgaria! You¡¯re going to drink like this? Do you have a death wish?¡± However, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t stop and drank it down in one gulp. The moment the bottle hit the table, a round of apuse broke out. Gu Qichen looked calm and elegant as usual. His voice was carefree and casual: ¡°Asking me to divorce, you might as well be asking for my life..¡± Chapter 169 - 170: Fight Fire with Fire Chapter 169: Chapter 170: Fight Fire with Fire Trantor: 549690339 I A whispering silence fell over the room at his words. It was surprising that Young Master Gu would utter such romantic words. But when such words came from his slightly chilly and mundane tone, they weren¡¯t cringe but rather heart-stirring. All the girls present looked enviously at the in-faced woman. Young Master Gu was even willing to defy Shen Tianhou for her. Shen Manbing wore an unbelieving expression. In all their years together, when had Gu Qichen ever said anything that pleasant? She even began to doubt, did she ever really have a romantic rtionship with Gu Qichen all those years? She had always thought that he was naturally cold, so why did he seem like a different person when dealing with Xia Yangyang? Seeing Gu Qichen drink a whole bottle of strong liquor, Xia Yangyang too, voiced her concern, ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sister-inw,¡± Mu Liancheng said from the side, ¡°Ah Chen, also known as the liquor god, hasn¡¯t been drunk since he was a teenager.¡± Somewhere in Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind, something flickered past but she couldn¡¯t catch it. Something felt strange. Xue Shaotang opportunistically asked again, ¡°Shall we continue?¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s fingers clenched tightly. Baring her teeth, she gritted out, ¡°Let¡¯s continue!¡± She couldn¡¯t believe that she couldn¡¯t take this little girl down today. Yet, Xia Yangyang hesitated. Gently chuckling, Gu Qichen told her, ¡°You can enjoy yourself. If ites to it, I¡¯ll just drink for you.¡± It seemed the atmosphere was heating up. Everyone was curious about how this war between these two women would end. The bottle started spinning again. Everyone held their breath. As the bottle slowly came to a stop, bypassing Xia Yangyang and pointing towards Shen Manbing, a strange sense of satisfaction filled the room. They relished the irony of Shen Manbing finally having her turn. Xue Shaotang sighed with relief. If the bottle had pointed at Young Master Gu¡¯s little wife three times in a row, Xue Shaotang knew that he would have had to answer for it eventually despite no reaction today. Everyone was thinking that this show was getting more and more interesting. Just now, Shen Manbing had taken two shots at her in a row, now was the perfect chance for Xia Yangyang to get revenge. The opportunistically gleeful little actors were particrly looking forward to it. Shen Manbing was usually untouchably high, almost like a fairy in the human realm. They wanted to see her struggles when she was brought down from her pedestal. Xue Shaotang watched the crowd¡¯s reactions. Then he cautiously told Xia Yangyang, ¡°Sister-inw, now you can make a request.¡± Xia Yangyang looked at Shen Manbing, and for the first time, dared to look her straight in the eyes. Xia Yangyang spoke, word by word, ¡°I hope you will stop interfering with our lives.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s words were brief and calm, yet they were filled with an unignorable aura of audacity and resolve. Who would have thought that this frail-looking girl could bear such weight with her words? Just now, Shen Manbing had told them to divorce; Xia Yangyang¡¯s response was simply giving her a taste of her own medicine. Moreover, with her status, she had more of a backbone now. Shen Manbing sat there without moving. But the slight rise and fall of her chest and her clenched fists showed she was reaching her limit. What gives this damn girl the right? She appeared out of nowhere, stole Gu Qichen from her, and now she wants her to stop interfering in their lives? What right does she have? Does she know about the love she and Gu Qichen have shared for years? Does she know what they have been through together? How dare she be so brazen? All eyes turned towards Shen Manbing. Shen Manbing got up, took a bottle of alcohol from the box, opened it with force and sneered, ¡°There¡¯s no one in this world who canmand me to do anything..¡± Chapter 170 - 171: He is a Crazy Sister Spoiler Chapter 170: Chapter 171: He is a Crazy Sister Spoiler Trantor: 549690339 I Having said that, Shen Manbing started to chug her alcohol without any pause. Mu Liancheng stepped forward to dissuade her, ¡°Sister Bingbing, this could lead to trouble. Stop drinking, it was just a game after all. You¡¯re taking it too seriously.¡± But Shen Manbing didn¡¯t stop. She continued drinking, her gaze, however, was fixed on Gu Qichen. Everyone could see it. She was waiting for some reaction from Gu Qichen. It would have beenpletely different if Gu Qichen was the one asking her to stop. Right now, it indeed turned into an awkward situation. If Gu Qichen chose to remain silent, Shen Manbing was sure to get into trouble. Nevertheless, Shen Manbing was Gu Qichen¡¯s ex-girlfriend and they had a close childhood together. Even if there were no romantic feelings left, they were still friends at the end of the day. If Gu Qichen didn¡¯t intervene, he would inevitably end up having a reputation of being heartless and ungrateful. On the other hand, if he intervened now, it would give Shen Manbing some hope. A spark can start a prairie fire! In the future, Shen Manbing would definitely stir up even more trouble. Moreover, his young and delicate wife was right next to him. If he didn¡¯t rify his stand, it would easily cause misunderstandings. Gu Qichen frowned. He seemed to have no intention of intervening. He simply kept checking the time on his wristwatch. As if he was waiting for something. At this moment, the door of the private room opened again. The person at the door was Shen Shichuan. With only a nce, Shen Shichuan briskly walked over and directly snatched the bottle of wine from Shen Manbing¡¯s hand. He smashed the bottle on the floor, creating a mess of shattered ss. The people nearby let out a scream. He spoke to Shen Manbing with a cool anger, ¡°When exactly are you going to stop your nonsense?¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s timely appearance was surely not without reason. No wonder Gu Qichen kept ncing at the time. He must have calcted that Shen Shichuan woulde to the rescue. Aside from Gu Qichen, her older brother Shen Shichuan was probably the only one who could keep Shen Manbing¡¯s spoiled nature in check. But Shen Shichuan was also known for being extremely indulgent towards his sister. A lot of the people in the room had grown up together since childhood. Thus, many knew that Shen Manbing was not always this spoiled and arrogant when she was younger. She was actually spoiled by the Shen family¡¯s eldest son. The Shen family was wealthy and influential, but Shen Shichuan¡¯s parents perished in a car ident when he was eighteen. At that time, he was being bullied by his uncle and other family members, almost losing his family¡¯s properties. No one knew how the eighteen-year-old Shen Shichuan managed to hold everything together, taking over the Shen family¡¯s industries, establishing his own entertainmentpany, and iming half of the entertainment industry. But everyone knew that during the hardest times, the only ones Shen Shichuan had were each other. Later, after Shen Manbing became famous, she identally brought it up in an interview. Their parents¡¯ death left a deep scar on Shen Manbing. Crying, Shen Manbing told her brother that with their parents gone, no one loved her anymore. Shen Shichuan said, ¡°I will make you the top star of the entertainment industry, so that everyone in the world will love you, and you will never be alone.¡± So, the entertainmentpany was actually a star-making kingdom created by Shen Shichuan for Shen Manbing. This showed how much he cherished his sister¡­ Drunk, Shen Manbing fell onto the couch and began to cry, most likely due to the alcohol. Shen Shichuan squatted down, picked Shen Manbing up in his arms, and silently walked out of the room.. Chapter 171 - 172:1 Want To Go Home Chapter 171: Chapter 172:1 Want To Go Home Trantor: 549690339 | When Shen Manbing left, she was drunk and slumped against Shen Shichuan¡¯s back, repeatedly murmuring, ¡°Why, why did it happen like this¡­¡± After Shen Manbing and Shen Shichuan left. The private room quietened for a while. Mu Liancheng found it quite awkward. A decent birthday party had unexpectedly turned into a battleground between Young Master Gu¡¯s two women. Seeing Shen Manbing¡¯s state earlier, Xia Yangyang actually felt quite distressed as well. She tugged at Gu Qi Chen¡¯s sleeve and said, ¡°I want to go home now.¡± Gu Qi Chen said to Mu Liancheng: ¡°Liancheng, we are leaving first. Sorry about today¡¯s mess, we owe you an apology for next time.¡± Mu Liancheng pat Gu Qi Chen¡¯s shoulder, showing understanding, he said softly: ¡°Go home and soothe your wife. Younger girls tend to overthink things more.¡± Xue Shaotang teased from the side: ¡°Liancheng seems to have experience. Isn¡¯t your wife about the same age as my sister-inw?¡± Xia Yangyang still seemed a bit dazed even after getting into the car. Gu Qi Chen stroked Xia Yangyang¡¯s hair: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly turned her head and asked with a look of confusion: ¡°Why did you choose me?¡± Gu Qi Chen was a bit baffled: ¡°What do you mean?¡± Xia Yangyang said, somewhat dejected: ¡°Can the decade-long rtionship you had with Shen Manbing notpare to our fleeting feelings? Why¡­did you choose to marry me?¡± What Xia Yangyang was even more curious about was why Gu Qi Chen so adamantly stood on her side. She couldn¡¯t think of a reason. She had always considered herself to be just a band-aid for Gu Qi Chen¡¯s emotional wounds. She just happened to show up at the right time. If that¡¯s the case, now that Shen Manbing is back, Gu Qi Chen¡¯s unwavering stance makes her doubt him. She wonders if Gu Qi Chen has another n in mind. Xia Yangyang even started suspecting whether Gu Qi Chen was using her to gauge Shen Manbing¡¯s intentions. If that was the case¡­ Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes dimmed. It seemed like Gu Qi Chen was also taken aback by this question and took a while to respond. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart felt like it was slowly sinking into the sea. Did she guess correctly? ¡°Yangyang, I¡¯ll tell you the truth. Promise not to be angry,¡± Gu Qi Chen suddenly said seriously. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart tightened: ¡°Go ahead. No matter what the reason, I can handle it. I just want to know the real answer.¡± While Xia Yangyang said this, she felt an inexplicable pain in her chest. She probably guessed it right. Gu Qi Chen started speaking earnestly: ¡°This question has also been troubling me. But then I thought about it, you are probably the only one bold enough to be aggressive with me.¡± Xia Yangyang was suddenly taken aback: ¡°What did you say?¡± Gu Qi Chen seemed to recall something and a faint smile appeared on his lips: ¡°Don¡¯t you remember? That night, you pulled me into the room and pounced on me like a small wild beast. You almost tied me up and had your way with me¡­I couldn¡¯t resist at all.¡± Gu Qi Chen was obviously referring to the time they first met. But at that time, Xia Yangyang was drunk as a skunk. All she remembered was waking up the next day with a stranger beside her. She had no recollection of what happened. As Gu Qi Chen brought it up, her face turned as red as a cooked shrimp. She was embarrassed and flustered: ¡°You must be joking, you¡¯re 6 feet tall, if you didn¡¯t want it, who could force you?¡± Gu Qi Chen had a wronged look on his face: ¡°You don¡¯t remember how you were then. You were like a crazy person, surprisingly strong. I truly couldn¡¯t resist. You even ripped my clothes.. I still have that garment, I can show you when we get home if you don¡¯t believe me!¡± Chapter 172 - 173: Love at First Sight Chapter 172: Chapter 173: Love at First Sight Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang wished she could find a crack in the ground to hide in. She didn¡¯t recall any of the things Gu Qichen mentioned. But it was hard to say exactly what had happened. Her alcohol tolerance and etiquette went straight out of the window after drinking. On top of that, she had been practicing Taekwondo for ten years so she was indeed strong. Therefore, the things Gu Qichen mentioned may not have been entirely impossible. Xia Yangyang felt soically awkward that shepletely forgot why she started the conversation. Xia Yangyang had always thought that they were both drunk back then, so¡­ However, Xia Yangyang suddenly had an epiphany. She said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you the type who can consumerge amounts of liquor without getting drunk?¡± Just a moment ago, Mu Liancheng said that Gu Qichen had a nickname of being a wine god. He had just consumed a bottle of potent liquor, yet he was acting perfectly fine. Shen Manbing got drunk after only having two sips, showing the effectiveness of the alcohol. Gu Qichen nodded, ¡°Indeed, I do have a high alcohol tolerance.¡± Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Then, how did you end up passing out drunk when we were dining with Director Yang and othersst time?¡± As the investor at the time, Gu Qichen had joined everyone for the meal, ended up incredibly drunk, and Shen Shichuan had directly left him with her. Left with no other choice, Xia Yangyang had booked a room at the hotel where they had dinner. At that time, she was troubled by the rtionship between Gu Qichen and Shen Manbing, and was squabbling with Gu Qichen. Nevertheless, that time, Gu Qichen had totally outwitted her. Gu Qichen started nonchntly, ¡°Wife, have you heard of alcohol worms? They say some people are naturally born with them in their bodies, allowing them to drink without bing drunk. However, even these worms need to rest sometimes. That day, the alcohol worm in my body was on holiday.¡± Xia Yangyang was confused, still trying to figure out what an alcohol worm was. Upon seeing the hint of a smile at the corner of Gu Qichen¡¯s mouth, Xia Yangyang suddenly bristled, ¡°Gu Qichen, are you making fun of me again?¡± This man had a real knack for spinning tales out of thin air, evening up with something like an alcohol worm. Xia Yangyang snorted and ignored him. Gu Qichen indeed chuckled before gripping Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, his voice then filled with seriousness, ¡°You may not believe it if I told you that it was love at first sight for me. Even I find it ridiculous. But from the first moment I saw you, I felt familiar, curious, my body didn¡¯t reject you, but instead, I couldn¡¯t help but want to draw closer. So, Yangyang, I can¡¯t answer your question. Besides, I don¡¯t believe that we had a one-night stand. That night, I contemted deeply. From the moment I touched you, I had intended to make you my wife, to live together for our entire lives. Hence, our marriage is not just to pay for that night. It is because, from the first sight, I really liked you.¡± Gu Qichen still remembers that night. At the Dark Night Bar. The girl had got herself wasted, copsing directly into his arms. Normally, he abhorred physical contact with others. However, when she fell into his arms, he found himself enticed by a mild, refreshing fragrance beneath the strong smell of alcohol. Her flushed face was like a ripe red apple. His mates teased that the girl had clearly been drugged. Several offered to ¡°take care¡± of her. The usually indifferent him surprisingly stuffed her into his car and took her home. That night was indeed a tumultuous one. Xia Yangyang indeed was drugged that night. Gu Qichen had looked into it and found that her friend Gong Xue¡¯er was the one responsible. However, by that time, Gong Xue¡¯er had already left. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t n on telling Xia Yangyang about this. She was a genuinely kind and good-natured person, and he didn¡¯t really want her to see the dark side of the world. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t consider himself the type to take advantage of someone¡¯s weakness. Nevertheless, he did lose control that night.. Chapter 173 - 174: Compliment Him Chapter 173: Chapter 174: Compliment Him Trantor: 549690339 Up until now, Gu Qichen could not figure out why. He never had any desire for women. Even Shen Manbing, he never harbored such thoughts. He had also considered that it might be something wrong with himself. But everything seemed to change the night he encountered this girl. It was as if within himy a dormant beast, awakened that very night, now uncontroble. He could feel that some of the principles he adhered to for many years, copsed eventually. Yes, he acted as a viin, a pseudo gentleman taking advantage of someone else¡¯s peril. He knew full well that Xia Yangyang was not aware of her actions, but he still took advantage of her. That night, he couldn¡¯t sleep. Watching the girl sleeping soundly next to him, looking as innocent as a kitten, he was lost in confusion for the first time. Why her? He too couldn¡¯t figure out the answer to this question. Gu Qichen never believed in fate. However, after meeting Xia Yangyang, he could always feel a sense of predestined fate, as if it was meant to be. That first-time feeling of a fluttering heart. When she lunged to kiss him, he trembled with a sensation akin to an electric shock, a sensation of involuntary shivering throughout his body, something Gu Qichen had never experienced before. It was not without struggle. This girl seemed to shatter his principles as soon as she appeared, like a stone causing ripples as it sshes into calm waters. And yet, she dare ask him why? He wanted to know the answer more than she did. Hearing Gu Qichen¡¯s words, Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart skipped a beat inexplicably. Gu Qichen said that he liked her from the first time heid eyes on her. Fireworks exploded in her mind, and her heart filled with rosy bubbles, threatening to spill over. Head lowered in shyness, Xia Yangyang asked: ¡°So, are you confessing to me?¡± Gu Qichen slightly raised an eyebrow: ¡°It would seem so.¡± Xia Yangyang felt overjoyed. Suddenly changing the topic, Gu Qichen asked: ¡°What about you?¡± Xia Yangyang: ¡°What about me?¡± ¡°That morning, why were you so quick to agree when I proposed to marry you?¡± Xia Yangyang answered, ¡°I was heartbroken at the time, and the best way to get over a break-up is to start a new rtionship. Besides, we had inexplicably slept together, so who else could I marry If not you? Let¡¯s not forget your status and the fact that you are quite eligible, so I reluctantly agreed.¡± When Xia Yangyang turned to look at Gu Qichen again, he had an half angry expression on his face. Gu Qichen gnashed his teeth, ¡°So you just used me as a tool to cope with your feelings at the time?¡± ¡°What else?¡± Xia Yangyang deliberately teased him and found it amusing to see Gu Qichen¡¯s expression grow increasingly sullen. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice turned icy, a reluctant query escaping his lips, ¡°What about now?¡± Xia Yangyang posed thoughtfully: ¡°Now, well¡­¡± She nced over at Gu Qichen out of the corner of her eye. To her surprise, this man looked somewhat adorable when upset. Xia Yangyang felt that she had patted the tiger¡¯s bottom enough, she should now revert to patting its fur. She quickly put on a smiling face and blurted out, ¡°Of course my husband¡¯s the best now, he¡¯s the greatest, I love my husband the most, husband, you¡¯re unbearably handsome when you¡¯re angry.¡± This was the first time Xia Yangyang said something so cheesy. Calling him ¡®husband¡¯ four times in a row gave her goosebumps. But it seemed inexplicably pleasing to Gu Qichen. The icy expression on his face finally softened a bit, and the corners of his mouth curled up into a faint smile, he calmly said: ¡°Continue.¡± Continue what? This man was addicted to praise? Xia Yangyang started to rack her brains: ¡°My husband, Young Master Gu is handsome, elegant, intelligent, and dignified. His attractiveness draws the ire of gods and the grief of ghosts. There¡¯s a poem, how does it go? ¡®a pear tree in bloom outshines all the peach blossoms, a branch of red apricot blooms beyond the wall¡­''¡± ¡°Cough, cough¡­¡± Gu Qichen suddenly coughed twice. Xia Yangyang asked: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Gu Qichen replied: ¡°That¡¯s enough, stop now.¡± She had already praised him for being ¡®a branch of red apricot blooms beyond the wall¡¯, what other praises could he possibly want to hear? Xia Yangyang stuck out her tongue, and leaned towards Gu Qichen, kissing him on the cheek. It seemed that she was truly starting to fall for this man¡­. Chapter 174 - 175: He hates her even more now. Chapter 174: Chapter 175: He hates her even more now. Trantor: 549690339 | Xia Yangyang finished filming just in time for the start of the school year. Xia Yangyang finally became a senior student. On the first day of school, Xia Yangyang was greeted with a warm onught. ¡°Cindere¡¯s Magical Fate¡±, arge-scale fantasy blockbuster filmed at A University, was already a hot topic among all students. But the lead actress was none other than Xia Yangyang from the journalism department, and surprisingly, at just twenty years old, she had already married the head of the influential Gu Family from the south of the city. This topic had been buzzing all summer vacation. Xia Yangyang had undeniably be the figurehead of gossip. So on the first day of school, many people were staking out at the entrance only to catch a glimpse of her. From the moment Xia Yangyang set foot on campus, she could feel countless eyes on her. Many people were watching her, discussing her in groups, yet were too timid to talk to her. Xia Yangyang, with sharp ears, overheard numerous rumors. ¡°Look, that¡¯s Xia Yangyang from the journalism department. Who would have thought she would marry Mr. Gu at just 20! No wonder Mr. Gu agreed to an exclusive interview with a campus media outlet before. It must have been for her sake.¡± ¡°I heard that the male lead in Cindere is Chen Yu. She¡¯s so fortunate. She married into a rich family and gets to act with the hottest and most handsome actor in the entertainment industry.¡± ¡°Her father is the chairman of Starlight Entertainment. That show is said to have been funded by her father. Chen Yu is also Starlight¡¯s pir, so, you see, being born into the right family matters. Some people are already at the finish line the moment they are born. What can you say to that?¡± ¡°But didn¡¯t the rumors in school say that the Ice Prince personally announced that Xia Yangyang from the journalism department is his girlfriend. Is that true?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t the Ice Prince, Gu Zhaohan, Mr. Gu¡¯s nephew? Wouldn¡¯t that mean Xia Yangyang is technically his aunt?¡± ¡°But their public rtionship is a confirmed fact. In the school cafeteria, when Kim Fei¡¯er provoked them, I saw Gu Zhaohan hold Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and announce it. Could it be fake? What¡¯s going on?¡± ¡°Maybe she was with Gu Zhaohan first, and then she went after his uncle when they met the parents.¡± ¡°Oh my god, this is such chaos¡­¡± Xia Yangyang felt unwell after listening. This was what she had been worrying about before the start of school. Although she had never admitted it, many in school had already misunderstood her rtionship with Gu Zhaohan, thanks to Kim Fei¡¯er. Of course, Gu Zhaohan only used her as a shield from Kim Fei¡¯er. Perhaps even Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t expect that the former ¡°Get out of Jail Free¡± card would end up being a piece of trash that dirtied his sleeves. No wonder Gu Zhaohan was now so disgusted with her. ¡°Look, isn¡¯t that the Ice Prince? Oh my god, he¡¯s so handsome. I didn¡¯t expect to bump into him on the first day of school.¡± ¡°Howe he came to school with Xia Yangyang? Do they live together?¡± ¡°How awkward must it be when your ex-girlfriend bes your aunt?¡± Everyone was full ofments. Xia Yangyang turned around and looked. True enough, she saw Gu Zhaohan not far behind her. Gu Zhaohan still looked handsome with his cold demeanor. His simple white shirt looked like a piece of art on him. He always carried a ck backpack on his shoulder, giving off a cold, reserved, and mysterious vibe. No wonder so many girls at school were smitten by him. His face alone was just like a sketch out of aic book. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but stop in her tracks. Watching Gu Zhaohan approach, she wondered if she should politely greet him as he passed by. But Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t even nce at her. He walked right past her, treating Xia Yangyang as though she were thin air. Xia Yangyang watched Gu Zhaohan¡¯s retreating figure and sighed. He probably heard all the school rumors as well. This would just make him hate her even more.. Chapter 175 - 176: Wish You Divorce Soon Chapter 175: Chapter 176: Wish You Divorce Soon Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang doesn¡¯t have many sses this semester. After picking up a few textbooks for her specialized courses, Xia Yangyang nned to go home. This was because ss had not yet started. At the school gate, she happened to run into Wen Xiaochu. After saying hello, the two decided to go for grilled fish together. During the meal, Xia Yangyang came clean: ¡°Xiao Chu, I did not tell you about my marriage, there are some reasons.¡± Wen Xiaochu was her roommate when they entered university and her best friend aside from Gong Xue¡¯er. Xia Yangyang felt she owed her an exnation. However, Wen Xiaochu said: ¡°I can understand, after all, such things are hard to share with others.¡± Xia Yangyang let out a sigh of relief: ¡°I kept this important thing from you, I thought you would be angry.¡± Wen Xiaochu hesitated for a moment, then said: ¡°Actually, I also have been keeping a secret from you ¡­¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback: ¡°What happened?¡± Wen Xiaochu gritted her teeth and said: ¡°Yangyang, actually, I have also been married for a while now, but I haven¡¯t told anyone.¡± Xia Yangyang was so surprised, her jaw nearly dropped to the floor. Wen Xiaochu, with her sweet demeanor, friendly nature, excellent grades, and position as a medical student at the prestigious Neurology Hospital of A University¡ªsharing the same major with Gu Zhaohan¡ªseemed an unlikely candidate for sudden marriage. She looked like a dutiful girl who spent all her time studying, conducting experiments, writing papers, and following professors for clinical experience, hardly interacting with boys outside of her major. Howe she suddenly got married? Xia Yangyang asked: ¡°When did this happen?¡± Wen Xiaochu confessed: ¡°Two years ago, I got married in Las Vegas when I was 18.¡± The more Xia Yangyang thought about it, the more she felt something was amiss. At age 18, one is still underage to obtain a marriage license in their home country. The fact that Wen Xiaochu got married so young and overseas suggested a hidden story. Before Xia Yangyang could question it further, Wen Xiaochu exined: ¡°You must find it unbelievable, but the melodrama you see in TV shows happened to me. I was an orphan from a young age, I lived in an orphanage for 12 years before being adopted by a family. They cultivated me, financed my education, and nned my life meticulously. Since the day I was adopted, I knew I didn¡¯t have any freedom. They were my benefactors, so whatever arrangements they made, I had no choice but to ept.¡± Xia Yangyang saw deep-seated helplessness in Wen Xiaochu¡¯s face. Out ofpassion, Xia Yangyang refrained from asking more questions. She could tell that Wen Xiaochu was not happy in her marriage. Yes, how could a girl who was forced to marry at 18 experience love? Xia Yangyang had heard stories of rich families adopting helpless girls to groom them as brides for their disabled sons who couldn¡¯t find suitable matches. These girls¡¯ lives were controlled, leaving them no room for autonomy. She never imagined that such a thing could happen to Wen Xiaochu. Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s worried look, Wen Xiaochu said: ¡°Never mind about me. Fortunately, he doesn¡¯t like me either and constantly thinks about divorce. I¡¯m just waiting for him to kick me out. That way, I can finally start living my own life.¡± Wen Xiaochu didn¡¯t mention who her inws were, and Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t ask. If it was bound to end anyway, there was no need to probe. Xia Yangyang had a simr mentality before. Telling her about it today must have been a major decision for Wen Xiaochu. Xia Yangyang said: ¡°Then I wish you a speedy divorce.¡± Wen Xiaochu raised her ss of lemon tea for a toast: ¡°Thank you..¡± Chapter 176 - 177: Campus Culture Festival Public Casting Chapter 176: Chapter 177: Campus Culture Festival Public Casting Trantor: 549690339 The two continued chatting for a while. Wen Xiaochu suddenly said, ¡°By the way, I saw earlier that you¡¯re very popr in the university culture festival voting, and it looks like you¡¯re heading towards winning. Seems like Mr. Gu has brought you quite a lot of poprity.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, ¡°What culture festival?¡± Wen Xiaochu replied, ¡°The annual campus culture festival, where every university puts forth a program topete. The winning program receives awards from the Ministry of Culture. This is a matter that concerns the school¡¯s reputation, and this year¡¯s culture festival coincides with A University¡¯s 100th anniversary. A University has won the hosting rights this time, so the school is taking it very seriously.¡± Xia Yangyang was actually aware of the annual campus culture festival. It was like a ¡°Cultural Exchange Olympics¡± between various universities. Every year, in order to secure hosting rights, universities would engage in intense, if not covert,petition. The culture festival took ce annually at the end of October. The top 32 universities nationwide would each put forth a program topete. Ministers of Culture, senior officials in the Ministry of Education, and even a specially appointed education minister would attend. The education minister had even set up high-value cash prizes and awards in recent years. While it was billed as promoting cultural exchange, it was essentially apetition of strength between universities. And the schools always took it seriously. Xia Yangyang asked puzzledly, ¡°But isn¡¯t the program forpetition always handled by the performing arts department?¡± The reason Xia Yangyang had never paid attention to it was because it had been a norm over the years that the opportunity topete was essentially handed over to the School of Performing Arts. That ce was filled with talent and stunning individuals, some of whom had already stepped into the entertainment industry and were somewhat famous. Naturally,petitions that brought glory to the school in cultural and entertainment activities should be led by them. Moreover, it was said that the annual campus culture festival was a great opportunity for acting majors to outperform each other because scouts from the entertainment industry would be present on the day of thepetition. If they were picked, they might be shot to stardom instantly. The current ¡°Dolphin Voice Little Princess¡± Wang Zixuan in the entertainment industry was indeed the winner of thest University Culture Festival. After her stunning performance of Vitas¡¯s ¡°Opera 2¡å, she was spotted by a talent scout which led to the release of her first album and her role in two idol dramas in the same year, making her famous overnight. The students in the performing arts department practically viewed the culture festival as the best springboard to the entertainment industry, and every year, some controversy would arise over the program. Wen Xiaochu exined,¡±This typically didn¡¯t involve us in the past, but this year the school came up with a new rule: thepetition program the school has in mind is a drama performance, so they have opened voting to the entire school to select the most popr male and female student to be the lead actors in the drama. The announcement was sent out a month ago. The voting post was also published on the official website, with pretty much every student¡¯s name on it. The deadline is tomorrow, and when I checked this morning, you were the most popr among the female students, followed closely by Kim Fei¡¯er.¡± Xia Yangyang had been soaking in the drama group a month ago, so she hadn¡¯t had time to pay attention to this. Now that she finally found the time to check her phone, she visited the campus forum, which she would otherwise ignore for years. As expected, she was indeed the undisputed winner in the poprity vote, with over thirty thousand votes, considerably ahead of the second-ce contestant who had just over ten thousand votes. She also nced at the voting results for the male students. Unsurprisingly, the male student with the most votes was the heartthrob of A University, Gu Zhaohan.. Chapter 177 - 178: The Path to Upgrading the Black Lotus Chapter 177: Chapter 178: The Path to Upgrading the ck Lotus Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang was a bit dazed. In fact, she didn¡¯t mind participating in the drama performance. After all, it was for the honor of the campus and she always had a strong sense of school pride. But if it¡¯s a partnership with Gu Zhaohan¡­ Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t imagine such an awkward scenario. Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯d better be prepared for this. Tomorrow will be thest day of voting. I think Kim Fei¡¯er won¡¯t easily let this opportunity slip away. She¡¯s obsessed with Gu Zhaohan and would never give up the chance to practice drama with him daily.¡± Despite saying so, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what to do. After all, the voting hasn¡¯t ended, and the official results haven¡¯t been announced yet. And even if she wanted to approach the school¡¯s leaders, Xia Yangyang had no idea who to talk to about it. She could only wait and see. Who knew that the next morning, as soon as Xia Yangyang opened her eyes and checked the school¡¯s forum, She saw that Kim Fei¡¯er had surpassed her in votes, currently leading the poprity list with a margin of fifty thousand votes. Xia Yangyang breathed a sigh of relief. It was something predictable ¨C how would Kim Fei¡¯er pass up this golden opportunity, even resorting to vote maniption was within reason. However, when Xia Yangyang was about to close the forum, She noticed a new post that was receiving more attention than the voting thread. The new post was titled ¡°Don¡¯t Be Fooled by Her Appearance: The Path to Upgrading the Journalism Department¡¯s ck Lotus.¡± Xia Yangyang had an uneasy feeling about it. She clicked on it and, sure enough, it explicitly named her. Xia Yangyang read the post from start to finish, and by the end, she thought: It¡¯s utter nonsense. The post made up a lot of nderous content, such as suggesting she was using Gu Zhaohan as a stepping stone to get close to Gu Qichen, using underhanded tricks to be the lead in Cindere, asserting she was promiscuous, frequented bars, led a chaotic personal life, and even manipted votes for the school¡¯s poprity poll. The post provided ¡°evidence,¡± all of which were untrue. Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand trembled uncontrobly. She didn¡¯t like being the center of attention but constantly found herself in the headlines. There were already thousands of replies under the post. Xia Yangyang casually scrolled through them. ¡°I can¡¯t believe the ck lotus is so scheming. There are so many stories. Using her ex-boyfriend to seduce his uncle and getting married as soon as she secures her position ¨C not many people could pull it off.¡± ¡°How could she be Mrs. Gu without any skills? Besides, the cultural festival was always run by the performance arts department. Suddenly having a public vote this year, maybe there¡¯s something suspicious.¡± ¡°This kind of girl with a good family background, beautiful looks, ruthless heart, sharp tactics, no moral limits, and high emotional intelligence. No wonder she¡¯s a winner in life at just 20. Life is indeed unfair!¡± ¡°These are just the poster¡¯s personal opinions. Let¡¯s not jump to conclusions. I¡¯m also from the journalism department; our senior is really nice.¡± ¡°Little brother, haven¡¯t you heard that beauty is a double-edged sword? It¡¯s dangerous, oh. A friendly reminder, stay away from Xia Yangyang, steer clear of trouble.¡± Most of thements were defamatory and abusive, and some were personal attacks. Although some people were practical and pointed out that these allegations were baseless, very few people were concerned about the truth. All they knew was that this girl had skyrocketed to sess, her good fortune inciting their jealousy. Xia Yangyang got fed up with reading and scrolled down to see the poster¡¯s name. The poster¡¯s name was: Feifei is a big star. It certainly must be Kim Fei¡¯er.. Chapter 178 - 179: I’ve got this role, let’s wait and see Chapter 178: Chapter 179: I¡¯ve got this role, let¡¯s wait and see Trantor: 549690339 After going to school, Xia Yangyang headed straight for the performing arts department. Xia Yangyang looked up the performing arts ss schedule online. She knew that Kim Fei¡¯er had a cultural ss at nine in the morning at Boya Building¡¯s stepped ssroom. Xia Yangyang waited at the ssroom¡¯s entrance before their ss ended. At the ring of the dismissal bell, students swarmed out of the room. Everyone¡¯s gaze turned curious and puzzled when they saw Xia Yangyang at the door. Xia Yangyang even heard whispers like ¡°ck lotus¡± and ¡°green tea bitch¡±. As expected, Kim Fei¡¯er appeared. Upon seeing Xia Yangyang, Kim Fei¡¯er crossed her arms and scoffed, ¡°Isn¡¯t this our recent superstar? What brings you to our performing arts department? Filmed a movie and now you¡¯re thinking to switch majors?¡± Xia Yangyang got straight to the point, ¡°Did you post that thread on the school forum?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er yed dumb, ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about. Whye to me when you made a fool of yourself?¡± In a cold tone, Xia Yangyang shot back, ¡°Cut the act, I¡¯ve already tracked down the forum ID. The ount is registered under your student ID. Do you still want to deny it?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s face disyed no guilt for being exposed but rather a smug satisfaction. She retorted sarcastically, ¡°What if I did make the post? I didn¡¯t say anything untrue. Aren¡¯t you climbing up Gu Qichen using ¡®prince¡¯? Aren¡¯t you the lead of Cindere because of your father? I just exposed the truth to everyone and showed them your real face.¡± Xia Yangyang responded, ¡°What do you know about the truth? Your so-called truth is just an excuse to condemn. Your real motive is to defame and frame me, get me off the school festival¡¯s poprity voting list, so you can take my ce as the leadingdy in the dramapetition. The real ¡®ck lotus¡¯ is not me, it¡¯s you.¡± Just after ss, there were already many people at the ssroom entrance. Seeing the school¡¯s two noteworthy figures arguing, everyone began to stop and watch. Some even took out their phones and recorded everything that was happening. Kim Fei¡¯er was infuriated by Xia Yangyang¡¯s direct usation saying, ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t make baseless usations. I was originally the top voted on the poprity list. Why would I need topete with you for a role that¡¯s already mine? ¡°If it rightfully belongs to you, I¡¯m not convinced. You think the whole school is a fool to not notice your obvious vote rigging? Kim Fei¡¯er, let me tell you, I am not interested in this role, but since you¡¯ve messed with me, I am telling you now, I¡¯ve set my sight on this role. Let¡¯s see how it goes.¡± Having said that, Xia Yangyang turned around and walked away in long strides. There came a collective gasp from behind. ¡°My gosh, so Xia Yangyang is this aggressive.¡± ¡°But it seems like she¡¯s not wrong. Why did that post suddenly appear at this critical time? And indeed, Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s votes surpass Xia Yangyang¡¯s by a lot. She had over ten thousand less votes yesterday. It¡¯s obviously rigged.¡± ¡°Could it be that Xia Yangyang¡¯s usations are true, that Kim Fei¡¯er purposely made that post to frame her¡­¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± From a distance, a fit of irate roar from Kim Fei¡¯er could be heard. But Xia Yangyang only spoke those words out of anger as well. She hadn¡¯t decided whether to participate in the school festivalpetition. But now, it didn¡¯t seem like she had a choice. However, Xia Yangyang had no regrets. People like Kim Fei¡¯er would only bully her more if she showed weakness. Xia Yangyang kept out of trouble, not because she was afraid of Kim Fei¡¯er, but she didn¡¯t want to deal with the hassle. But now that trouble had found its way to her, if she kept tolerating, that would truly be a disgrace.. Chapter 179 - 180: A Complete Declaration of War Chapter 179: Chapter 180: A Complete Deration of War Trantor: 549690339 After leaving, Xia Yangyang immediately phoned Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen was in a meeting, but he paused it to answer the call on the balcony, ¡°Yangyang, what¡¯s up?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Could you do me a favor?¡± ¡°Tell me.¡± ¡°You once mentioned that you have a hacker friend. It was he who revealed the anonymous defamatory post Gong Xue¡¯er made on the campus forum. Could you give me his contact information? I need his help with something.¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll give you his contact informationter.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect Gu Qichen to agree so readily. After a pause, she asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to ask me what favor I want from him?¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°If you want to tell me, you will.¡± Xia Yangyang felt there was no need to trouble Gu Qichen with this, especially as what she nned to do next was rather childish. So, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you when I get the chance.¡± ¡°Okay.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was gentle. After hanging up, Gu Qichen dialed Ah K¡¯s number. Ah K said, ¡°I¡¯ll certainly do anything for my sister-inw.¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°Report back to me afterward.¡± Ah K said, ¡°Big brother, it¡¯s not right to always monitor my sister-inw¡¯s whereabouts.¡± Gu Qichen nonchntly replied, ¡°The position of the technical director in ourpany is still vacant. I can mention it to your mother.¡± ¡°Big brother, I was wrong! My mom still thinks I¡¯m in the United States. Please don¡¯t tell her I¡¯m back. Don¡¯t worry, whatever my sister-inw asks me to do, I¡¯ll write a report for you afterwards. The kind with no less than a thousand words.¡± Suddenly, Xia Yangyang got a call from a strange number, ¡°Hello sister-inw, it¡¯s Ah K. Just tell me what you need.¡± Xia Yangyang exined her request. Ah K said, ¡°That¡¯s such a small matter. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll handle it in no time.¡± Xia Yangyang was a little embarrassed, ¡°Thank you. I¡¯m really sorry for the trouble.¡± Ah K chuckled and said, ¡°Sister-inw, no need to be polite. I eat from my big brother, I use my big brother¡¯s, my big brother¡¯s matters are my matters, my big brother¡¯s wife is my wif-¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned. Ah K realized he misspoke and quickly apologized, ¡°Sister-inw, my mouth runs away with me. Please don¡¯t mind it. Big brother¡¯s wife will always be my sister-inw, long live my sister-inw. I¡¯m off to do your task now.¡± With that said, Ah K hung up. Xia Yangyang was still somewhat confused. How did hee off as so unreliable? However, it turned out that despite his big talk, Ah K¡¯s abilities were indeed top-notch. Starting from the afternoon, Xia Yangyang¡¯s votes started to surge. By the time voting ended, Xia Yangyang had overtaken Kim Fei¡¯er by just one vote. Xia Yangyang had simply asked Ah K help her win the vote, just enough to surpass the original leader with a small advantage And this ¡°small advantage¡± turned out to be just one vote. Clearly, Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s side was also actively seeking out people to cast votes in the afternoon. But they were always kept at bay by Ah K¡¯s data by exactly one vote. No matter how many people she gathered or how much money she spent, it was all to no avail. Moreover, the constant one-vote difference attracted numerous attentions and discussions. The video of the morning confrontation between Xia Yangyang and Kim Fei¡¯er at the ssroom entrance was also posted on the campuswork. Suddenly, everyone on campus knew that the two most famous girls at school had dered war on each other! Chapter 180 - 181: The Bet Chapter 180: Chapter 181: The Bet Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang was very satisfied with the final result. Ah K was truly ruthless. Maintaining a one-vote advantage couldn¡¯t have been easy. And that one vote was probably enough to infuriate Kim Fei¡¯er. Victory was within her reach, but she was one vote short. No matter how many votes she tried to manipte, it didn¡¯t help. Indeed, Kim Fei¡¯er was livid. And it was clear to her that this was Xia Yangyang¡¯s counterattack. The next day, Kim Fei¡¯er reported Xia Yangyang to the dean¡¯s office. The reason was poprity vote maniption, and she demanded that the first ce winner should be disqualified. Teacher Yin, the dean, happened to oversee the school festival¡¯s matters. Today, he was nning to finalize roles and discuss rehearsal arrangements. He had heard about the close fight with a margin of ¡°one vote¡± on the forum. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I did manipte votes, but I am certainly not the only one. The school should thoroughly investigate. Teacher Yin, I suggest that anyone involved in vote maniption should be disqualified from thepetition.¡± Kim Fei¡¯er was stunned. So that was Xia Yangyang¡¯s move, openly manipting votes so that the school would conduct an in-depth investigation, implicating Kim Fei¡¯er. But how could Director Yin not know what was going on? Vote maniption was inevitable in a public voting system. What¡¯s more, one of the girls was the mayor¡¯s daughter, and the other was a new rising star with the highest poprity and a new drama in the works. The school had internally decided the selections, but made it public to leverage Xia Yangyang¡¯s surging poprity, anticipating that it would have a knock-on effect on the school. However, Kim Fei¡¯er wasn¡¯t easy to handle either. Especially now that they¡¯d both manipted votes and had simr poprity levels. If everyone was disqualified, it would certainly be a big loss for the school. After some thought, Director Yin decided: ¡°As both of you have simr poprity, I will give both of you the script. You both will form your own teams and rehearse. After half a month, we¡¯ll have a public performance selection in the school¡¯s auditorium. The selection will be based on the number of students who attend. The more people thate, the higher your poprity. The team with the highest poprity will participate in the school¡¯s cultural festival. Isn¡¯t that fair?¡± Director Yin had already calcted his n ¨C everyone would rehearse, there would be no wasted time, and it could increase publicity within the school. Plus,petition would encourage motivation. Eventually, both of them agreed. When leaving the dean¡¯s office, Kim Fei¡¯er said to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Xia Yangyang, let¡¯s make a bet on who gets chosen for the cultural festival.¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°Let¡¯s bet then, what¡¯s the wager?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er said, ¡°If I win the selection, you¡¯ll p yourself three times. How about that?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er was extremely smug, as if she could already see herself pping Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°Okay, but if I win, you will publicly dere on the school radio that the posts you made were all nderous lies and personally apologize to me!¡± Kim Fei¡¯er promptly agreed, ¡°Alright, it¡¯s settled.¡± Xia Yangyang took the script and left. Now that she had agreed, she had to start preparing. The reason she made the bet with Kim Fei¡¯er was to leave herself no way out. This was her only chance to clear her name, and she couldn¡¯t let it slip away easily. If she didn¡¯t fight back harder this time, she would continue to be the target of countless rumors. Xia Yangyang waspletely fed up. Xia Yangyang went to Wen Xiaochu. She discussed the strategy with her. Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°Finding people isn¡¯t difficult. You¡¯re the president of the news club, there are plenty of people willing to participate. However, I must remind you, Yangyang, Kim Fei¡¯er is a performing arts student and is very much favored by her teachers. The performing arts department will surely assist her in rehearsing in order to seize this opportunity. This is a significant advantage. Moreover, there are many talented and popr performers on their side. If you want to surpass Kim Fei¡¯er, the only thing you need to do now is find a partner who can outperform those in the performing arts department.¡± Xia Yangyang and Wen Xiaochu thought of the same person and they simultaneously eximed, ¡°Gu Zhaohan!¡± Chapter 181 - 182: You Will Never Have A Chance Chapter 181: Chapter 182: You Will Never Have A Chance Trantor: 549690339 The only one who could be more popr than the performing arts group was the medical department¡¯s Gu Zhaohan. But the moment the name was mentioned, Xia Yangyang instantly dismissed him. The reason Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to participate in the campus festival was because she didn¡¯t want to perform on the same stage with Gu Zhaohan. Why would they invite him topete now? Wen Xiaochu said: ¡°Yangyang, Gu Zhaohan is the only sure bet who can beat the performance group. He himself is the first choice for the male lead in the poprity polls. If you don¡¯t pursue it, Kim Fei¡¯er will. You should strike first to gain the upper hand. Considering your rtionship with Gu Qichen, convincing him to be on your side should not be a big deal.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t tell Wen Xiaochu that this could be harder than scaling the sky. Because Gu Zhaohan currently despises her. Xia Yangyang remained indecisive. In fact, what Wen Xiaochu said was correct. Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s side has already gained a significant advantage. Without a trump card, Xia Yangyang has no chance of winning against her. She wouldn¡¯t want to be publicly pped in the face by Kim Fei¡¯er. It¡¯s not the time to care about self-esteem now. After all, she is considered to be in the same family with Gu Zhaohan. If her aunt was in trouble, he wouldn¡¯t refuse to help, right? Moreover, Xia Yangyang agreed with what Wen Xiaochu had said. Strike first to gain the upper hand, Kim Fei¡¯er would undoubtedly not miss this opportunity either. Therefore, after parting with Wen Xiaochu, Xia Yangyang headed straight to the medical department. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect to be a step toote. Gu Zhaohan was in theboratory. Theb was quiet, but Kim Fei¡¯er was already there. ¡°Prince, please agree. You¡¯re the first choice in the poprity polls, and were already chosen as the male lead in the drama. I know you¡¯re busy, but you¡¯re so smart, you won¡¯t need much time for rehearsal. This is for the school¡¯s honor.¡± ¡°Additionally, the festival prize is twenty thousand yuan. I promise that if we join, with your and my high poprity, we will definitely stand out among all the universities. When we triumph, all the prize money will be yours. Is that okay?¡± ¡°I know you¡¯re not short of money, but even if you don¡¯t participate now, the director will order you to join, as the male lead has been chosen.¡± Gu Zhaohan, who was running an experiment, was being hampered by Kim Fei¡¯er. Finally, he said impatiently: ¡°I have no interest in performing dramas, I¡¯ll exin it to the academic deanter, let him choose someone else.¡± Kim Fei¡¯er said: ¡°Gu Zhaohan, are you waiting for Xia Yangyang to find you because you refuse to join my team?¡± Upon hearing the name Xia Yangyang, Gu Zhaohan slightly stiffened. When he looked up, he saw Xia Yangyang standing right at the door. But Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s back was facing the door, so she didn¡¯t see Xia Yangyang had alreadye. Kim Fei¡¯er said loudly: ¡°Gu Zhaohan, don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know, you have ulterior motives for Xia Yangyang. But you should be clear about your current situation. You two will never be possible. After all, she is now your¡­¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± Gu Zhaohan suddenly scolded in a cold voice. Kim Fei¡¯er was frozen in ce by Gu Zhaohan¡¯s stern demeanor, staying silent. Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face was very grim, much colder than usual. The temperature in theboratory seemed to have dropped a few degrees, Kim Fei¡¯er said softly, ¡°Don¡¯t be upset, I spoke out of turn.¡± But Gu Zhaohan¡¯s gaze moved past her andnded on the doorway. Kim Fei¡¯er turned around and saw Xia Yangyang standing straight at the door. Kim Fei¡¯er quickly realized, no wonder Gu Zhaohan had such a big reaction just now. She then turned to Xia Yangyang and said, ¡°What are you here for?¡± Chapter 182 - 183: Gu Zhaohan, you traitor! Chapter 182: Chapter 183: Gu Zhaohan, you traitor! Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang walked in and boldly dered, ¡°What are you doing here? I¡¯m here for the same reason.¡± Xia Yangyang approached Gu Zhaohan and said, ¡°I¡¯d like to invite you to be the male lead in my y.¡± Kim Fei¡¯er exploded when she heard this, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you¡¯re so shameless! You¡¯re currently his aunt by marriage. Don¡¯t you know to avoid suspicion? Do you want the whole school to think that the prince has an ambiguous rtionship with his own aunt, or are you just trying to y both sides?¡± ¡°Kim Fei¡¯er, don¡¯t nder me. Whether or not he and I have an ambiguous rtionship is clearest to him. I, Xia Yangyang, am upright and aboveboard. Since Director Yin has asked us to form teams topete against each other, it¡¯s not wrong for me to try to get a popr male lead for myself. As for what you said, those who are innocent will naturally clear themselves. Over time, everyone will be able to see the truth,¡± Xia Yangyang responded confidently. Kim Fei¡¯er retorted, ¡°Xia Yangyang, do you know what I can¡¯t stand the most? It¡¯s your self-righteous and aloof demeanor. All you think about is yourself. Have you ever considered the prince?¡± ¡°Alright, stop arguing, both of you,¡± Gu Zhaohan interjected. ¡°Are you really going to agree to act in the y with her?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er asked Gu Zhaohan. Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°I won¡¯t be acting in the y. You both can leave.¡± Xia Yangyang was the first to leave. Because she believed that if Gu Zhaohan said so, he definitely wouldn¡¯t participate in the y. Besides, he always seemed indifferent; he probably wasn¡¯t interested in participating in the y. The next day at school, The news that Gu Zhaohan was pairing up with Kim Fei¡¯er to perform in the y was circting. All the news was posted on the school¡¯s notice board. Including thepetition between Xia Yangyang and Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s teams, and the bet between them. Suddenly, it became the most popr topic in the school. Xia Yangyang stood in front of the noticeboard, frowning. Did Gu Zhaohan really agree to co-star with Kim Fei¡¯er and y the male lead? At lunch time, Xia Yangyang confirmed this news with Wen Xiaochu. Wen Xiaochu and Gu Zhaohan were in the same major and had the same mentor, so they interacted fairly frequently in day-to-day life. Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°I really can¡¯t understand why Gu Zhaohan chose to join Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s team and refused you. Could it be that he¡¯s using a roundabout tactic, nning to mess up at the crucial moment to drag Kim Fei¡¯er down?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you overthinking it? Do you think he¡¯s that kind of person?¡± Gu Zhaohan was definitely not the type to use such roundabout tactics. He was the type who would either not do something at all, or give it his all once he decided to do it. Wen Xiaochu was well aware of this after being Gu Zhaohan¡¯s ssmate for three years. Wen Xiaochu didn¡¯t know, but Xia Yangyang was very clear in her heart. Gu Zhaohan simply detested her. Wen Xiaochu sighed, ¡°I think our chances of winning are quite slim this time. With Gu Zhaohan on their side, Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s team is even more powerful. Where can we find a male lead topete with Gu Zhaohan?¡± Xia Yangyang also felt quite somber. She banged her head on the dining table, ¡°Was I insane to bet with her? I think I¡¯m doomed. Gu Zhaohan, you traitor!¡± However, Xia Yangyang only wallowed in self-pity for the duration of one meal. After finishing their meal, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°No matter what, we have to try our best. Who is the second most popr guy in school?¡± Wen Xiaochu answered, ¡°It¡¯s Li Jiashu from the performance department.¡± Li Jiashu was a performing arts student who had partnered with Lu Yao to film a campus promotional video. He was somewhat famous, handsome and sunny, humorous, humble, and well-liked by everyone. However,pared to Gu Zhaohan, his poprity was stillcking. Xia Yangyang quickly found Li Jiashu, and he readily agreed to participate.. Chapter 183 - 184: No Kissing Scenes, No Bed Scenes Chapter 183: Chapter 184: No Kissing Scenes, No Bed Scenes Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang spent a whole day finalizing all the roles. In the evening, she gathered everybody in the lecture hall for a meeting. She handed out the scripts to everyone. The school assigned the script ¡°Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai¡±. The well-known ssic love story, Xia Yangyang will y Zhu Yingtai, with Li Jiashu ying Liang Shanbo. Wen Xiaochu will portray Yinxing, Zhu Yingtai¡¯s personal maidservant. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Tonight, everyone needs to study the script carefully because tomorrow we will start our official rehearsal. We only have half a month. After that, we willpete against Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s team on stage in the East-West Hall. So I hope everyone will put in their utmost effort.¡± Everyone was filled with enthusiasm. By the time Xia Yangyang returned to Maple Vi, it was already nine o¡¯clock. Gu Qichen had just got home as well. Gu Qichen asked Xia Yangyang, ¡°Why are you home sote?¡± Xia Yangyang told Gu Qichen about her participation in the school cultural festival drama performance. Gu Qichen asked, ¡°A drama performance? Are there any kissing scenes?¡± Xia Yangyang burst intoughter: ¡°Is that the only thing you¡¯re concerned about?¡± Gu Qichen stated, ¡°If you want to act professionally and enter the entertainment industry, I won¡¯t stop you. However, I have one condition ¨C no kissing scenes, no bed scenes and no scenes that are overly intimate.¡± Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°What if I¡¯m not in control of the situation?¡± Gu Qichen casually replied, ¡°Then worstes to worst, I¡¯ll be your stand-in.¡± Xia Yangyang said: ¡°If things turn out that way, the media will probably seize the opportunity for headlines, something like ¡®CEO of the mighty Shengyuan Group, has an odd hobby of being his wife¡¯s kissing scene double¡¯.¡± As Gu Qichen took off his coat and leaned towards Xia Yangyang, he whispered in her ear, ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s suggestive whisper tickled Xia Yangyang¡¯s ear. But she was exhausted that day. She lightly pushed him away and said: ¡°Here¡¯s your reassurance: It¡¯s just a usual y. No kissing scenes, no romantic scenes, you can rx now.¡± Gu Qichen pretended to look disappointed: ¡°What a pity, if there was a bed scene, I could¡¯ve made a cameo.¡± ¡°What would you cameo as, a bed?¡± Gu Qichen:¡±¡­¡± Xia Yangyang did not tell Gu Qichen about her bet with Kim Fei¡¯er. Neither did she tell him that Gu Zhaohan was also part of the y, siding with Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s team. The reason Yangyang remained silent was because she didn¡¯t want Gu Qichen to worry about her. To him, all of this must seem childish. He was a busy man with a lot of responsibilities, so she doubted he would have the time to pay attention to these trivial student conflicts. As for Gu Zhaohan, Yangyang thought if she told Gu Qichen, he might think she was secretlyining about him, which might make him dislike her more. Since Gu Zhaohan was not obligated to help her, Yangyang managed to let it go after a good night¡¯s sleep. The next day, the real rehearsals began. A University has two halls, the East Hall and the West Hall. In half a month, their performances would be staged simultaneously in these two halls. However, the East Hall was built many years ago and is in fact much smaller than the West Hall, and the environment is much worse. Of course, the West Hall was the best ce for rehearsal. Since they did not have the advantage of actors, Yangyang thought about taking advantage of the better location. She knew the East and West halls were always managed by the campus logistics industry. She found the relevant responsible personnel, submitted an application for rehearsals, and then received the key to the hall. In the morning, Yangyang, along with a few members, moved all the props to the hall. At noon, she treated the members to a meal together. After the meal, they nned to start rehearsing in the afternoon However, when they arrived at the West Hall, they found all their afternoon props had been thrown outside the hall, piled up into a small hill. When Yangyang went in, she saw Kim Fei¡¯er directing, ¡°Throw this, this, and this, all out..¡± Chapter 184 - 185: Seizing the Chapel Chapter 184: Chapter 185: Seizing the Chapel Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang hurried forward to intervene, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er stepped forward and said, ¡°We need this hall for our rehearsal. Naturally, anything irrelevant has to be thrown out.¡± Xia Yangyang retorted, ¡°I¡¯ve obtained the application form for this hall. For the next half a month, the rights to use it belong to us, so please leave.¡± Kim Fei¡¯er arrogantly responded, ¡°Don¡¯t be ridiculous, Xia Yangyang. Don¡¯t you know that our Performing Arts Department has priority over the use of the school hall? Even if you¡¯ve received the application form, the teacher who is helping us with our rehearsal is our department head and the principal¡¯s daughter. Do you think it makes sense to discuss the rights over the hall with me?¡± Wen Xiaochu interjected from the side, ¡°No matter what, there¡¯s a principle of firste-first-served. Even if she¡¯s the principal¡¯s daughter, she still has to follow the rules.¡± Kim Fei¡¯er scoffed, ¡°Then you should go and talk about principles with the principal.¡± Having said that, she turned around andmanded, ¡°Throw out all the remaining props and clothes.¡± People on Xia Yangyang¡¯s side were understandably defiant. The arguing from both sides was escting, and it almost resulted in a physical altercation. At that moment, Gu Zhaohan entered with his backpack. Seeing Gu Zhaohane in, Kim Fei¡¯er instantly brightened up and greeted him, ¡°Prince, you¡¯re so early. I thought you were only free to rehearse tonight?¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s expression was cool as he asked, ¡°What happened?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er held onto Gu Zhaohan¡¯s arm and said dismissively, ¡°Just some clowns here causing trouble.¡± Wen Xiaochu protested, ¡°Kim Fei¡¯er, who are you calling a clown? Gu Zhaohan, you¡¯re here just in time. Can you judge this fairly?¡± Wen Xiaochu exined the whole situation of Kim Fei¡¯er seizing the hall. This included Xia Yangyang applying for usage rights early in the morning and the painstaking effort to move the props in the morning. Wen Xiaochu continued, ¡°Isn¡¯t this going too far? The hall is a public property of the school; there¡¯s no such thing as special priority rights.¡± All eyes then turned towards Gu Zhaohan, seemingly waiting for an answer. Regardless, Gu Zhaohan held high prestige and was the only person who could keep Kim Fei¡¯er in check. If he decided to call it off, there would be nothing Kim Fei¡¯er could do, would there? Xia Yangyang also had her gaze fixed on Gu Zhaohan. Although Gu Zhaohan was on the same team as Kim Fei¡¯er, to Xia Yangyang, Gu Zhaohan always seemed to be a person who knew right from wrong. In this incident, Kim Fei¡¯er was obviously acting tyrannically and unreasonable. Xia Yangyang refused to believe that Gu Zhaohan would team up with Kim Fei¡¯er. Gu Zhaohan remained silent for a while before his gaze shifted to Xia Yangyang. With a cold tone, Gu Zhaohan then said, ¡°You should just give up. You cannot win this selection. You¡¯re wasting your effort.¡± Xia Yangyang did not expect Gu Zhaohan to say such a thing. Nobody else seemed to have expected it either. After all, everyone knew that Xia Yangyang was Gu Zhaohan¡¯s aunt. Given this rtionship, there was no reason why Gu Zhaohan wouldn¡¯t help her. However, not only did Gu Zhaohan not help, he added insult to injury by making that sarcastic remark. Kim Fei¡¯er didn¡¯t expect Gu Zhaohan to side with her either, and she was smug about it, ¡°Xia Yangyang, Prince is right. If you give up now, we can forget our bet. But if you refuse to see reason, don¡¯t me me for not going easy on youter.¡± Xia Yangyang dered, ¡°I will not give up, nor will I admit defeat.¡± After saying that, Xia Yangyang turned around and told the others, ¡°Move the stuff to the east hall.¡± As she was leaving, she could hear Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s triumphantly mockingughter from behind, ¡°She¡¯s really putting on a strong front. I can¡¯t wait to see how long she can keep pretending..¡± Chapter 185 - 186:1 Can’t Offend You, My Great Nephew Chapter 185: Chapter 186:1 Can¡¯t Offend You, My Great Nephew Trantor: 549690339 For the entire afternoon, everyone was busy moving the props to the East Auditorium. Wen Xiaochu couldn¡¯t understand: ¡°Why are we making things so easy for them? Even if it esctes to the principal, we should still argue our case.¡± Xia Yangyang said: ¡°If the result of arguing is the same, why should I use this energy? The principal is currentlypeting for the position of Minister of Culture and Entertainment and needs the political support of Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s father, so he would definitely side with her.¡± Wen Xiaochu angrily said: ¡°I¡¯m not angry because of Kim Fei¡¯er, but because of what Gu Zhaohan said. Lately, he¡¯s been like he¡¯s possessed,pletely different. Even though he was never good atmunicating or talking before, he could clearly distinguish between right and wrong. How is it that he¡¯s now blind and helping Kim Fei¡¯er?¡± Xia Yangyang said: ¡°They are a team, so helping Kim Fei¡¯er is not unjustified. Okay, let¡¯s stopining and start cleaning up the auditorium.¡± By the time they finished cleaning the auditorium, it was already dusk. Everyone was practically exhausted. Xia Yangyang originally nned to have a meal with everyone, but received a call from Gu Qichen. He said that the family was hosting guests at the old house that evening, and he asked them toe home for it. Xia Yangyang could only rush back to Maple Vi, take a quick shower, and change into new clothes. Once in the car, Xia Yangyang asked: ¡°Who is the old man hosting tonight?¡± Gu Qichen replied: ¡°When he was young, the old man served in the army. After retiring, he ces great importance on these bonds of military brotherhood. The guest tonight is arade from his younger days who has been living abroad. He couldn¡¯t attend the old man¡¯s birthday before, so he is making a special visit this time.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded. Gu Qichen continued, ¡°Of course, the key point is that he brought his granddaughter. It¡¯s like a kind of disguised blind date.¡± Xia Yangyang was drinking juice when he heard the words ¡®blind date¡¯, and almost spurted out a mouthful of juice. Xia Yangyang cautiously asked: ¡°Blind date, for whom?¡± Gu Qichen found Xia Yangyang¡¯s sudden rm amusing: ¡°Of course, for Xiao Han. Who else do you think it would be?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t recover for a moment. Because the old man had previously arranged blind dates for Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang¡¯s first thought when hearing the words ¡®blind date¡¯ was Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Gu Zhaohan is the same age as me, isn¡¯t he? At the age of 20, arranging a blind date is a bit too anxious for the old man, isn¡¯t it?¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°Well, he¡¯s just a year older than you. It may not exactly be a blind date. The old man just wanted to introduce them to each other, maybe be friends, especially since he has an aunt younger than him. He is about to graduate, and he has never had a girlfriend.¡± Xia Yangyang snorted: ¡°He certainly doesn¡¯t consider me his aunt. He always opposes me.¡± Whenever Xia Yangyang recalled the incident at the auditorium, she felt extremely angry. Gu Qichen could tell something was wrong: ¡°Did you two have a conflict?¡± Xia Yangyang let out a sigh: ¡°Forget it, I don¡¯t want to talk about it. Anyway, I can¡¯t afford to offend your grandnephew.¡± Gu Qichen tried to pry a bit more, but Xia Yangyang refused to borate. She wasn¡¯t one to gossip behind people¡¯s backs. Besides, she knew that Gu Zhaohan was targeting her because of her own rtionship with his uncle, if he knew she¡¯d spoken badly of him behind his back, it would probably make their conflict worse. They quickly arrived at Gu¡¯s residence. The lights of the Gu Vi shone brightly. Upon entering, Gu Qichen asked the housekeeper, ¡°Where is Xiao Han?¡± The housekeeper replied: ¡°Young Master Han just got home and is in his room..¡± Chapter 186 - 187: Guests of the Gu Family Chapter 186: Chapter 187: Guests of the Gu Family Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang followed Gu Qichen upstairs to greet the elderly man. After chatting for a while, the butler approached, reporting: ¡°Elder, the guests have arrived.¡± The elderly man, ever jovial, said: ¡°Ah Chen, apany me to wee them. Yangyang, you go fetch Xiao Han; you two head straight to the dining room.¡± Xia Yangyang agreed with an acknowledging sound. Then, the elderly man went downstairs with Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang stood dumbfounded for a moment, then turned and headed to Gu Zhaohan¡¯s room. As she got closer to his room, Xia Yangyang felt an increasing sense of irritation welling up inside her. Eventually, she stopped at the door. Xia Yangyang regained her calm, preparing to knock on the door. However, just as her fingers were about to touch the door, it was abruptly flung open. Gu Zhaohan appeared in the doorway. Xia Yangyang was taken aback, one hand still hanging in mid-air. Gu Zhaohan seemed surprised to see Xia Yangyang at his door, raising his eyebrows slightly before saying coldly: ¡°What is it?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Why did you help Kim Fei¡¯er today when she was clearly oppressing people?¡± Unable to swallow her anger, Xia Yangyang asked. Gu Zhaohan replied, ¡°I was only telling the truth; you shouldn¡¯t waste your effort.¡± This statement infuriated Xia Yangyang further. ¡°Are you so sure that your team would win?¡± she retorted. ¡°I never do anything without certainty.¡± ¡°So, you joined Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s team to defeat me? Gu Zhaohan, what did I do to provoke you? Why are you opposing me?¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s gaze deepened. ¡°You have not provoked me.¡± Unable to understand, Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Then why are you treating me this way?¡± Gu Zhaohan replied coldly, ¡°I just simply don¡¯t like you.¡± With that, Gu Zhaohan left the room. Xia Yangyang was furious. Upon Xia Yangyang¡¯s arrival at the dining room, the guests had already arrived. Xia Yangyang noticed a girl almost of her own age. However, their styles contrasted entirely. The girl had wheat-colored skin and was dressed in a belly-revealing tank top and a short skirt. Despite that, she was strikingly beautiful, her smile as radiant and vibrant as the California sun. At that moment, the girl was attempting to converse with Gu Qichen in broken Chinese. Xia Yangyang frowned. The elderly man was talking to hisrade. Seeing that everyone was present, he said: ¡°Let me introduce you all. This is myrade, Uncle Qiao, and his granddaughter, Joanna.¡± Being outgoing, the girl excitedly introduced herself: ¡°My name is Joanna, or Qiao Anna in Chinese. It¡¯s my first time in China, so please guide me.¡± With every word expressed in the second tone, making the girl¡¯s Chinese a bit awkward to listen to. Her grandfather, Qiao Peiwen, exined: ¡°My granddaughter grew up in the United States. Everything about her is excellent, except her Chinese is not very good. Please be a bit more patient.¡± The elderly man said: ¡°Anna is a lively and cheerful child; I like her very much.¡± The elderly man then added: ¡°Let¡¯s sit down and have dinner.¡± Upon seating, Joanna insisted on upying the seat next to Gu Qichen. She held Gu Qichen¡¯s arm, conversing with him in English. Joanna referred to Gu Qichen as ¡°uncle¡±, which sounded particrly grating to Xia Yangyang. They were speaking English mixed with othernguages, and Xia Yangyang had difficulty understanding. Although it was supposed to be a matchmaking meet for Gu Zhaohan, Joanna didn¡¯t say a single word to him but was very enthusiastic about Gu Qichen. Just as everyone sat down, Gu Qichen suddenly introduced in Chinese: ¡°Let me introduce you, this is my wife, Xia Yangyang.¡± Joanna was stunned and seemed not to understand: ¡°Wife? What?¡± Gu Qichen introduced again in English. Joanna¡¯s eyes clearly showed disappointment: ¡°Wife? She is your wife? You¡¯re married?¡± Her pronunciation wasn¡¯t very standard, and she seemed to be gritting her teeth as she spoke.. Chapter 187 - 188: After all, I am his aunt, I should give way to him Chapter 187: Chapter 188: After all, I am his aunt, I should give way to him Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qi Chen held Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, ced it on the table, and said, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m married.¡± Joanna said, ¡°But, she looks so young.¡± Gu Qi Chen smiled: ¡°There¡¯s amon saying in China called ¡®an old cow eats fresh grass¡¯, haven¡¯t you heard of it?¡± Xia Yangyang almost burst intoughter on the side. An old cow eats fresh grass? She was surprised that Gu Qi Chen dare to say it. However, it greatly lifted Xia Yangyang¡¯s spirits. At any time, Gu Qi Chen was mindful of her feelings. Gu Mingzhuughed and said, ¡°Alright now, you, if you could, you would announce it to everyone you meet. The whole world knows you¡¯re married. Stop showing off.¡± The blind date was intended for Gu Zhaohan, but from start to finish, these two people had barelyid eyes on each other. After Gu Qi Chen announced his marriage, Joanna seemed to be a lot quieter. As for Gu Zhaohan- he was always incredibly discreet, quietly eating his food. Xia Yangyang loved eating braised shrimp. When thest big shrimp was on the serving te, both Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan reached for it. Xia Yangyang hesitated for a second and then withdrew her hand. Gu Zhaohan, however, unreservedly took the shrimp and put it on his own te. This act was clearly seen by Gu Mingzhu, who was sitting next to them. Gu Mingzhu reproved, ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you? How can you be so impolite?¡± Gu Zhaohan acted as though he hadn¡¯t heard anything. Xia Yangyang quickly said, ¡°Sister, it¡¯s fine. After all, I am Little Han¡¯s aunt. It¡¯s only right that I yield to him.¡± The hand Gu Zhaohan was using to hold his chopsticks noticeably paused. In fact, Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Zhaohan did it on purpose. There were so many shrimps just now, but he didn¡¯t eat any. He had topete with her for thest one. At present, Gu Zhaohan was having issues with her, objecting her at every step. This happened not just at school, but also at home now. Because of an incident in the hall earlier, Xia Yangyang was tamping down her anger. She knew that Gu Zhaohan was sensitive about her being his aunt, yet Yangyang wanted to suppress him with this very status. Regardless, venting a bit felt good. As expected, Gu Zhaohan put down his chopsticks and said, ¡°I¡¯m done. You guys can eat slowly, I¡¯m going back to my room.¡± After saying that, he got up and left. This was not an isted urrence; on several previous asions, Gu Zhaohan would leave early whenever she was present. It was already impressive that he had managed to stay until the end of this dinner.¡± The Gu family members all believed that Gu Zhaohan was simply going through a dyed phase of rebellion, but no one was overly concerned. After dinner, Qiao Peiwen and the old master chatted in the study. Joanna pulled Xia Yangyang to have a chat in the courtyard. Gu Qi Chen went upstairs to Gu Zhaohan¡¯s room. Gu Zhaohan was writing a report in his room. He found the detailed professional data on theputer screen annoying for the first time, he couldn¡¯t take in a single word. Gu Qi Chen walked in, surprising Gu Zhaohan, ¡°Uncle, what brings you here?¡± Gu Qi Chen walked over to Gu Zhaohan and handed him a refined small rectangr ck box: ¡°This is a gift from myst business trip.¡± Gu Zhaohan opened it, and it was a ck pen. Gu Qi Chen asked, ¡°Do you like it?¡± Gu Zhaohan smiled and said, ¡°Uncle, my tastes have been cultivated by you since childhood. I will love anything you choose.¡± Gu Qi Chen seemed absent-minded as he asked: ¡°Then why don¡¯t you like the aunt I chose for you?¡± Gu Zhaohan seemed slightly taken aback. He quietly closed the pen box but did not respond. Gu Qi Chen carelessly sat on Gu Zhaohan¡¯s desk and asked calmly: ¡°Do you want to tell me why you dislike Yangyang?¡± Chapter 188 - 189: Something Happened Chapter 188: Chapter 189: Something Happened Trantor: 549690339 | Gu Zhaohan suddenly looked up and asked, ¡°Did Xia Yangyangin to you that I can¡¯t stand her?¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°She didn¡¯t say anything. Your actions are too obvious.¡± His distaste for Xia Yangyang was evident the whole night. He even stooped to the level of taking her food, something childish. ording to Gu Qichen¡¯s understanding of Gu Zhaohan, he has never liked or disliked anyone from his childhood. This was the first time he had so strongly disliked someone. Gu Zhaohan coldly asked, ¡°Uncle, I don¡¯t understand why it¡¯s her. Haven¡¯t you always liked Shen Manbing? Xia Yangyang cannotpare to Shen Manbing in any way. Why did you marry her?¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°Because she moved my heart, Xiao Han. If you ever meet a girl and feel a jolt of electricity at first sight, maybe even a racing heart, or trembling, then that girl is your soulmate. That¡¯s an advice from your uncle.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s eyes dimmed, ¡°So, you truly like her, don¡¯t you?¡± Gu Qichen responded, ¡°Yes, I love her.¡± Gu Zhaohan lowered his gaze, his emotions concealed, ¡°I understand now, Uncle.¡± Gu Qichen patted Gu Zhaohan¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Even if you don¡¯t like her, you shouldn¡¯t be too hard on her, understood?¡± Gu Zhaohan just murmured a low acknowledgment. The following day. After having breakfast, Gu Qichen took Xia Yangyang to school. Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t ride in the same car as they did. He got up very early and didn¡¯t even have breakfast with them. The rehearsal carried on at a steady pace, and it seemed to be going smoothly. It¡¯s just that Kim Fei¡¯er kepting over to cause trouble. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t care about the usual fussing and fighting. Until the day before the public selection. During Xia Yangyang¡¯s final rehearsal in the evening. As soon as she entered Dongli Hall, everyone gathered around and said, ¡°Yangyang, there¡¯s a problem.¡± Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°The props and costumes have been tampered with.¡± Xia Yangyang went to the backstage to check. All the props and costumes were sshed with paint. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°Who else could it be but Kim Fei¡¯er? She has sabotaged our props and costumes. Tomorrow is the selection day; this move of hers is cruel.¡± Li Jiashu said, ¡°She has the advantage of time, ce, and people. She is quite confident about tomorrow¡¯s selection, so why would she do such a despicable thing?¡± Wen Xiaochu in anger, ¡°So she could be a hundred percent sure.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s brows furrowed. The other members were like ants on a hot pan, ¡°What should we do, Yangyang? Without props and costumes, how can we perform the y? The theatrical costumes were borrowed from other schools because of the PK, there was only one set. And now it¡¯s ruined.¡± Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°I¡¯m going to confront them.¡± Xia Yangyang grabbed Wen Xiaochu¡¯s hand, ¡°When were the clothes ruined?¡± Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°Everything was fine after our rehearsalst night. But when we came early this morning, we found it in this state. It must have been Kim Fei¡¯er who sent someone to do thisst night.¡± Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Do we have any evidence?¡± ¡°Do we still need evidence? Who else could it be but her?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°We have no evidence. If we confront her rashly, she will not admit to it; better still, she may turn the tables and say we are ndering her because we don¡¯t think we can win. After all, as Jiashu just said, they have a ny percent chance of winning the performance tomorrow. In the eyes of the outsiders, it¡¯s really not worth it.¡± Wen Xiaochu frowned, ¡°What should we do now? We can¡¯t just let it go.. Plus we don¡¯t have props and clothes, what are we going to do tomorrow? Do we just give up?¡± Chapter 189 - 190: Ask Him for Help Chapter 189: Chapter 190: Ask Him for Help Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang said, ¡°You guys keep rehearsing. I¡¯ll handle the costumes.¡± Once she finished speaking, Xia Yangyang ran out of the auditorium. Wen Xiaochu called after her, ¡°Yangyang, where are you going?¡± Xia Yangyang went straight to Shi Chuan Entertainment. She¡¯d already called Shen Shichuan on her way. So she had no trouble heading straight up to the CEO¡¯s office. Shen Shichuan¡¯s secretary, Zhou Fei, recognized her and said, ¡°The CEO is in a meeting, Miss Xia. Please wait here for a moment.¡± Xia Yangyang had been waiting at the office for less than five minutes when Shen Shichuan returned. ¡°You¡¯re reaching out to me for the first time since the TV series wrapped,¡± Shen Shichuan entered with a calm demeanor. Xia Yangyang quickly stood up, ¡°CEO Shen, I have a favor to ask.¡± ¡°Ah Chen and I are good friends, and you¡¯re his wife. It seems a bit distant to call me CEO Shen.¡± Xia Yangyang was stumped for a moment, ¡°Brother Shen.¡± Shen Shichuan asked, ¡°What do you need my help with?¡± Xia Yangyang exined her involvement in the school¡¯s drama performance. Xia Yangyang added, ¡°You¡¯re a major figure in the entertainment industry, so I thought you might be able to connect us with a drama troupe to borrow some props.¡± Shen Shichuan assured her, ¡°This is a small matter. Shi Chuan has its own prop storage room. I¡¯ll take you thereter, and you can pick out what you need.¡± Xia Yangyang breathed a sigh of relief, her eyes crinkling in a smile, ¡°Thank you, Brother Shen.¡± Shen Shichuan asked her, ¡°But I have a question. Your father could have easily handled this. Why did youe to me?¡± Xia Yangyang exined, ¡°My dad¡¯s been pretty busytely. He¡¯s left all the matters of Starlight to my stepmother, so¡­¡± In recent years, Xia Liangdong mainly focused on investment, leaving various matters of Starlight to Liu Ruyan. For Xia Yangyang, it would be better to ask Shen Shichuan for help, than Liu Ruyan. Shen Shichuan understood instantly, and didn¡¯t pry further. Shen Shichuan changed the subject, ¡°Since I helped you out, it¡¯s only fair you repay the favor, right?¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, wondering what she could possibly help him with. Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°As long as I¡¯m capable, I¡¯ll do my best.¡± Shen Shichuan looked at his wristwatch and suggested, ¡°It¡¯s almost noon. How about treating me to lunch?¡± So he wanted a meal from her. That seemed simple enough. Xia Yangyang offered, ¡°It¡¯s only right that I treat you to a meal. What would you like?¡± Shen Shichuan responded, ¡°I feel like having noodles today.¡± Xia Yangyang suggested, ¡°How about we go to the Yun Ding restaurant for some Italian pasta?¡± Yun Ding was the top restaurant in town, famous for its Italian noodles. Shen Shichuan shook his head, ¡°I¡¯m not in the mood for fancy ces today. Know any home-style noodle ces?¡± Home-style noodles? Xia Yangyang pondered for a bit before her expression brightened, ¡°I know just the ce. It¡¯s right outside our school; I go there often.¡± Shen Shichuan followed Xia Yangyang to Fengcai Noodle House, a small ce on the campus snack street. He asked, ¡°So you brought Ah Chen here before?¡± Xia Yangyang was a bit smug, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve brought him here before. He said it was really good.¡± When the noodles arrived, they came in a huge bowl. Xia Yangyang urged, ¡°Eat it while it¡¯s hot.¡± After tasting a spoonful, a faint smile appeared on Shen Shichuan¡¯s face. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t the vor great?¡± Shen Shichuan replied with a chuckle, ¡°Of course. If even Ah Chen, with his fussy pte, approved, it must be a top-notch dish.¡± The noodles here had the taste of home, but the beef was in, and the excessive spices masked the original vor of the soup. Having grown up with Qi Chen, he knew just how picky Qi Chen could be, especially with food. These noodles would never suit Qi Chen¡¯s tastes. If Qi Chen had said it was good, he must¡¯ve done so to please the youngdy in front of him. Xia Yangyang beamed at him, her eyes turning into crescents, ¡°If it¡¯s good, then eat more.¡± Shen Shichuan smiled warmly, ¡®Alright, you eat more as well.¡¯ Chapter 190 - 191: Miss Xia, Very Special Chapter 190: Chapter 191: Miss Xia, Very Special Trantor: 549690339 Both of them had a full bowl each. When it was time to pay, Shen Shichuan took out his wallet. Xia Yangyang quickly stepped forward, saying, ¡°I said I¡¯d treat you, I can afford a bowl of beef noodles.¡± Shen Shichuan smiled gently, put away his wallet, and did notpete with Xia Yangyang for the bill. After finishing their meal, Shen Shichuan took Xia Yangyang to the props room at Time. It was arge, huge storage room, almost like a props supermarket. Rows and rows of shelves were filled with various props, both ancient and modern, everything you could possibly need was there. Shen Shichuan helped Xia Yangyang with the selection and soon all the props were picked out. Shen Shichuan got Zhou Fei and instructed him, ¡°Help Miss Xia deliver these props to her school.¡± Zhou Fei responded, ¡°Sure thing, President.¡± After that, Zhou Fei suddenly took out a small box and handed it to Shen Shichuan, ¡°Oh yes, President, this was just delivered by Miss Manbing¡¯s assistant.¡± Xia Yangyang was standing right there at the time. It was a small ck box with a scenic design. When opened, it revealed a diamond-studded Rolex watch, with a note inside that read, ¡°Happy birthday to my dearest brother.¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s lips curved into a smile as he put away the watch. Xia Yangyang was quite surprised, ¡°Today¡¯s your birthday?¡± Shen Shichuan smiled warmly, ¡°Yes.¡± Xia Yangyang expressed her regret, ¡°Had I known, I wouldn¡¯t have treated you to just beef noodles. I should¡¯ve treated you to something better.¡± Shen Shichuan replied, ¡°Having someone to eat with makes me quite satisfied already. Plus, isn¡¯t it a tradition to eat noodles on one¡¯s birthday? Yangyang, I was very happy today, thank you for apanying me for lunch.¡± Something about what Shen Shichuan said saddened Xia Yangyang. Even though Shen Shichuan was high and mighty, he didn¡¯t seem to have anyone to have a meal with. She guessed he must¡¯ve felt particrly lonely on his birthday, which is why he had seized the opportunity to eat with her. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t quite know what to say, so she simply said, ¡°If ever in the future you can¡¯t find someone to dine with, feel free to find me. Even though I don¡¯t have a lot of money for fancy restaurants, I know the tastiest snacks in this ce.¡± Shen Shichuan softly replied, ¡°Alright.¡± Xia Yangyang said goodbye, then left with Zhou Fei. Throughout the drive, Zhou Fei kept ncing at Xia Yangyang through the rear-view mirror, a subtle smile on his face. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Secretary Zhou, what are you smiling at?¡± Zhou Fei replied, ¡°Apart from Miss Manbing, you are the first one to elicit such a gentle smile from the President.¡± Xia Yangyang found it strange, as she always considered Shen Shichuan to be a very gentle person. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Why doesn¡¯t the President have anyone to eat with on his birthday? Isn¡¯t he too lonely?¡± Zhou Fei almost burst intoughter, ¡°The President received hundreds of congrattory telegrams alone on his birthday today, not to mention phone calls and text messages. There are many people who wanted to treat him to a meal, but our president is simply too busy and has no time for such dinner parties.¡± Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°If he¡¯s so busy, why did he go out to eat with me?¡± ¡°That¡¯s why Miss Xia holds a special ce in the President¡¯s heart. Only for you, does the President make time to eat and help you find props,¡± Zhou Fei replied. Our president is normally someone who values every second, but today he spent two whole hours to help you, Miss Xia, find props. Xia Yangyang frowned at his words. It was clearly her apanying him for a meal, how did it be him apanying her? Even if Shen Shichuan held her as special, it could only be because of Gu Qichen¡¯s influence. Soon they arrived at the school. Zhou Fei helped move all the props into the auditorium. Wen Xiaochu and the others were stunned when they saw it, ¡°Yangyang, where did you manage to get all these exquisite props and costumes?¡± Chapter 191 - 192:1 Will Make You Lose Completely Chapter 191: Chapter 192:1 Will Make You Lose Completely Trantor: 549690339 The props and costumes that had been used before were, after all, old stuff from the school and many things had already been damaged. But the props that Xia Yangyang had were all new and meticulously crafted. Especially the costumes, they seemed tailor-made for the characters. It was many times better than what they had before. Xia Yangyang smiled and said, ¡°I borrowed these from a friend, so please be careful when using them, as I¡¯ll have to return them afterwards.¡± Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°I¡¯ll stay overnight tonight to watch over everything. I¡¯m afraid someone mighte to sabotage again.¡± Xia Yangyang responded, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll keep watch with you.¡± Li Jiashu said, ¡°Why don¡¯t we all take turns keeping watch? At the same time, we can rehearse the y again. We¡¯re performing tomorrow, no matter what the oue, we must give it our all.¡± Everyone agreed. Xia Yangyang suddenly felt much relieved. At first, rehearsing this y was to make a bet with Kim Fei¡¯er and to let off some pent-up frustration. But after half a month of rehearsals, Xia Yangyang began to enjoy the process. Xia Yangyang treasured the teamwork, the friendly atmosphere, and theirmon goal, which everyone was striving towards. But everyone also knew. Even with better props, they stillgged behind Kim Fei¡¯er in poprity. Not to mention Kim Fei¡¯er had been promoting heavily on campus using Gu Zhaohan¡¯s reputation. Even their day-to-day rehearsals drewrge crowds to the western hall. Not to mention tomorrow¡¯s official performance. But no matter what, win or lose, Xia Yangyang felt that she did her best. At the western hall¡­ A crowd was also busy with their final rehearsal. The drama department¡¯s Xiaolin ran over and whispered something in Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s ear. Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s face changed instantly, she pinched her fingers and said, ¡°Xia Yangyang, I¡¯ll give you credit for slipping through the.¡± Xiaolin quietly asked, ¡°Should we continue tonight?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er scoffed and said, ¡°Are you dumb? Do you think they would fall into the same trap twice? Do not meddle anymore, even if they used gold and silver props, they won¡¯t stand a chance against me tomorrow.¡± She then asked Xiaolin, ¡°Did you distribute all the flyers I asked you to?¡± Xiaolin answered, ¡°They have been distributed. The campus bulletin boards are even full of our flyers. Everyone knows that those whoe to watch the performance in the western hall tomorrow will receive a souvenir. Don¡¯t worry, everyone will be at our western hall tomorrow.¡± A satisfied smirk appeared on Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s face. Xiaolin was puzzled and asked, ¡°Feifei, we¡¯re fairly certain of our victory already. With Prince and you leading, why did you spend so much money preparing all these souvenirs? We¡¯re already guaranteed a win.¡± Kim Fei¡¯er sneered, ¡°What do you know? I don¡¯t just want to win, I want to winpletely. I want the eastern hall to bepletely empty, so that Xia Yangyang¡¯s efforts over the past month are all for nothing. I want her to lose face. Tomorrow, we¡¯ll have people stationed near the eastern hall. If anyone tries to go in, we¡¯ll lure them over with souvenirs.¡± An eerie grin appeared on Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s face. Xia Yangyang, this time, I¡¯ll make sure you end up in a miserable defeat. I want Prince to see your disgrace and your ipetence, and topletely give up on you. And the bet, the thought of Xia Yangyang being publicly pped by me and losing all her dignity, makes me gleeful! Xia Yangyang, I won¡¯t show any mercy! Chapter 192 - 193: Chen Yu Suddenly Visits Chapter 192: Chapter 193: Chen Yu Suddenly Visits Trantor: 549690339 ¡°The next day. The entire A University was buzzing with excitement. It was the day when the most popr two school ¡°flowers¡± of A University openlypeted against each other. The drama appeared simultaneously at two auditoriums at nine. Until the end, the auditorium with the most audience will win, and their program will be selected as A University¡¯s program for the college culture festival. It was only until eight fifty. In Xia Yangyang¡¯s auditorium, there were only a few scattered people, who were her friends from the new agency. Wen Xiaochu said: ¡°Kim Fei¡¯er spent a lot of money on small gifts. Everyone who went to the West Auditorium received one, so naturally, everyone ran over there.¡± Xia Yangyang smirked: ¡°It seems like I might have lost quite badly this time.¡± Wen Xiaochu said: ¡°That¡¯s exactly what she nned. She was clearly winning, but still wanted to deliver a crushing blow.¡± Looking at the depressed appearance of Xia Yangyang, Wen Xiaochu worriedly said: ¡°Yangyang, are you okay?¡± Xia Yangyang took a deep breath and said: ¡°No matter what, even if there is only one audience, we shouldplete the drama. Get ready, it¡¯s about to start.¡± Wen Xiaochu didn¡¯t say anything more. Just after she finished, there was some noise at the entrance of the auditorium. Everyone looked at the entrance. A swarm of students flooded into the auditorium. With high-pitched screams: ¡°Chen Yu, Chen Yu! It¡¯s really Chen Yu!! Chen Yu, I love you!!¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned. She saw the man wearing sunsses under the protection of a few bodyguards, slowly walking into the auditorium. The person who came was Chen Yu himself. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect Chen Yu to suddenly appear. Because of Chen Yu¡¯s appearance, the situationpletely turned around. In less than a few minutes, the auditorium was already packed with people. Even the entrance tform was crowded with people. Huge crowds of students were still desperately cramming in, and there seemed to be a risk of losing control. Chen Yu sat directly in the middle of the first row, took off his sunsses, and had a charming smile on his face. He didn¡¯t say anything, just threw a wink at Xia Yangyang on stage. The auditorium erupted into screams immediately. All the actors on stage were also extremely excited. Wen Xiaochu squeezed Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm: ¡°It¡¯s Chen Yu, god, it¡¯s the film Emperor Chen Yu, we finally get to see him in person today.¡± Xia Yangyang looked at the packed audience and said to Wen Xiaochu: ¡°Let¡¯s start.¡± As the music sounded, the drama officially began¡­ The drama was performed smoothly, with a warm response throughout the course. Although Chen Yu stole the initial attention from everyone. But as Chen Yu watched the performance earnestly, gradually, the audience began to be attracted by the actors on the stage. When the drama came to an end, Chen Yu started the apuse. Thunderous apuse erupted in the auditorium. Chen Yu got up. With a rose bouquet in his hand. Chen Yu took to the stage and handed the bouquet of roses to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Xiao Qian, the performance was excellent.¡± Xia Yangyang thanked him wholeheartedly: ¡°Thank you, Chen Yu.¡± The auditorium erupted once again. The name Chen Yu echoed once again in the auditorium. Some people even tried to rush onto the stage. But they were stopped by Chen Yu¡¯s bodyguards. However, the auditorium started to get chaotic. With screams and shouts echoing around. Innumerable people tried to rush onto the stage, and it looked like the bodyguards were about to lose control. Seeing the chaos, Xia Yangyang quickly grabbed Chen Yu¡¯s hand and said, ¡°We need to run, or we will be ripped apart..¡± Chapter 193 - 194: Done All The Misdeeds Chapter 193: Chapter 194: Done All The Misdeeds Trantor: 549690339 | Xia Yangyang led Chen Yu straight to the backstage, and then they walked out from the backstage door. She grabbed a coat from the backstage for Chen Yu to disguise himself. So when they left from the back door of the auditorium, no one noticed. Xia Yangyang finally felt what they meant by the power of an idol. Apparently, the crowd was not only the audience in the auditorium, there was also a long line extending from outside the auditorium all the way to the school gate. From the start to the end of the performance, one and a half hours, those people were still vigorously squeezing into the auditorium. Xia Yangyang pulled Chen Yu all the way to an emptyb in theboratory building. When they stopped, Xia Yangyang was panting heavily, ¡°Why did you suddenlye?¡± Chen Yuughed and said, ¡°I came to watch your performance, you know. You haven¡¯t contacted me for a while.¡± Indeed, it had been a while since Xia Yangyang had made contact with Chen Yu after the shooting was over. ¡°How did you know that I¡¯m performing today?¡± Chen Yu said, ¡°I just came back from the film festival yesterday, and Shichuan invited me for dinner. I overheard him mentioning it as we chatted, so I came over today. Little Madam, you really aren¡¯t very thoughtful, you know? If you needed props, you could have asked me, I could have found you better ones.¡± Xia Yangyang felt grateful in her heart. So it was Shen Shichuan. Xia Yangyang said to Chen Yu: ¡°You really did me a big favor today. What would you like to eat? I¡¯ll treat you to a feast.¡± Chen Yu said, ¡°I helped you out big time, and all you do is invite me to a meal?¡± Xia Yangyangughed, ¡°Then what do you want?¡± Chen Yu thought for a moment, ¡°I¡¯m not sure yet, but you owe me a favor, and you¡¯ll have to repay me when I need you next time.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°You really are good at seizing an opportunity.¡± ¡°Thanks for thepliment.¡± After finishing his sentence, Chen Yu hooked his arm around Xia Yangyang¡¯s neck, ¡°Let¡¯s go, it¡¯s time to eat.¡± After having lunch with Chen Yu, he left. He¡¯s an international superstar after all, and he had taken time out from his busy schedule toe and support the show. When Xia Yangyang returned to the Eastern Auditorium, the crowd had already dispersed. But a few of the main cast were still there. As soon as Wen Xiaochu saw Xia Yangyange back, he rushed over and said, ¡°Yangyang, I can¡¯t believe it, Chen Yu came. We havepletely turned the tables this time, do you know? All the audience on the side of the Western Auditorium ran away. In the end, halfway through Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s performance, she got so angry that she tore her costume and smashed her props. It was really satisfying.¡± Another young actor Hua Qingqing said, ¡°That¡¯s right, she even spent a lot of money buying souvenirs, but now they¡¯re piled up like a small mountain backstage, no one wants them, she really lost on this one.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you are a petty, despicable person.¡± Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Kin Fei¡¯er¡¯s frustrated voice echoed at the entrance of the auditorium. Turning her head, Kim Fei¡¯er had already rushed up to Xia Yangyang and was pointing at her nose, ¡°You¡¯re so despicable, you actually got Chen Yu to deliberately ruin my show.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Kim Fei¡¯er, you have to ept the consequences of your gamble. Our win or loss is based only on the number of audience in the auditorium, there¡¯s no restriction on how we attract the audience. You bought a bunch of souvenirs earlier and widely advertised in the bulletin board and even stole our spectators from the Eastern Auditorium. You even intentionally destroyed our props and costumes. Compared to your tactics, ours are far more above-board.¡± Wen Xiaochu also said, ¡°Someone allows only the state officials to set fires but forbids themon people to lightmps. She has done countless wrongdoings, yet she still has the cheek toe here and be provocative. If the school offers a ¡®Best Thick-skinned¡¯ award, it would definitely belong to you, Miss Kim.¡± ¡°Wen Xiaochu, I will tear your mouth apart.¡± Kim Fei¡¯er was thoroughly provoked.. Chapter 194 - 195: He Came to Replace Chapter 194: Chapter 195: He Came to Rece Trantor: 549690339 | As she spoke, Kim Fei¡¯er lunged at Wen Xiaochu. Thump! There was a dull thud. Kim Fei¡¯er was seized by the arm by Xia Yangyang, who expertly threw her over her shoulder. She plunged directly to the ground. Everyone around was shocked. Yangyang¡¯s maneuvers were like lightning-fast, impably executed, utterly awe-inspiring. Nobody knew that Xia Yangyang could handle herself like that. Stunned, Kim Fei¡¯ery on the ground for quite a while before she roared out, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you dare¡­ you dare¡­¡± She dared to make her embarrass herself like this in public! Kim Fei¡¯er had already stood up: ¡°Xia Yangyang, remember this, do you really think you¡¯ve won? The results of the selection have not been announced, it¡¯s not yet sure who has lost and who has won.¡± With that, Kim Fei¡¯er left the auditorium. Wen Xiaochu asked, ¡°What is she nning to do now?¡± In the afternoon, the main cast of the two drama clubs were summoned to the dean¡¯s office. Director Yin said, ¡°Yangyang, I saw your drama, it was excellent. And I did not expect that the famous Chen Yu would show up to support us. Our school has been greatly honored and made headlines in many media outlets. The headmaster ns to reward you, so I¡¯m announcing that your drama team will participate in the school festival. There¡¯s half a month left, prepare well, strive to shine brightly at the school festival.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Director Yin, rest assured, we won¡¯t let you down.¡± At this moment, Kim Fei¡¯er suddenly spoke up, ¡°Director, I think it¡¯s a bit premature for you to make a decision now. I believe that Xia Yangyang¡¯s team is incapable of performing at the school festival!¡± Director Yin asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er said, ¡°The y Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. If we take out Liang Shanbo, how will the drama be performed?¡± Xia Yangyang frowned, a sense of forebodinging over her. Her gaze involuntarily drifted towards Li Jiashu, who yed Liang Shanbo. As expected, Li Jiashu looked guilt-stricken, his head lowered as he said in a soft voice, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Director. There has been an issue at home. I¡¯ve already asked the school for a long leave and I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to attend the uing rehearsals, so¡­¡± Xia Yangyang felt a chill in her heart. Wen Xiaochu was the first to lose her temper, ¡°What has happened in your home? Speak it out and we will think of a solution together. But you can¡¯t desert us at this time. You know very well how important the results of this selection are for Yangyang.¡± Li Jiashu kept his head down, his voice full of guilt, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Yangyang.¡± Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°What benefit did Kim Fei¡¯er give you, making you betray us at this moment, Li Jiashu? Everyone has poured their heart and soul into this for half a month, won¡¯t you feel guilty for betraying all of us?¡± Li Jiashu kept his head down, his eyes shut. He clutched his fingers tightly, and finally managed to say, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Kim Fei¡¯erughed, ¡°Without Liang Shanbo, your team can¡¯t participate in the festival performance. We will rece you. Xia Yangyang, you lost the selection after all. ording to our bet, three ps, and I promised, I won¡¯t hold back.¡± Kim Fei¡¯er was too arrogant. She came over to Xia Yangyang, looking to p her in front of Director Yin. But before her arm hit Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, it was stopped by a force in mid-air. ¡°Stop!¡± The chilly voice of Gu Zhaohan resonated in the air. Everyone was startled. Their gaze fell upon the aloof young man¡­ Gu Zhaohan then said coldly, ¡°I¡¯ll rece Li Jiashu..¡± Chapter 195 - 196: The President’s Wife Chapter 195: Chapter 196: The President¡¯s Wife Trantor: 549690339 | Kim Fei¡¯er looked incredulous. ¡°What did you say?¡± she asked. Gu Zhaohan coldly shook off Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s arm. He turned to Director Yin and said, ¡°I will rece Li Jiashu in the role of Liang Shanbo.¡± Even Director Yin was taken aback by this dramatic turn of events. However, Yangyang¡¯s y acting skills indeed were outstanding, and with her previously gained poprity, she could surely cause a stir at the campus festival. Director Yin said, ¡°That would be best. Alright, I hereby announce that Gu will rece Li in the role of Liang Shanbo. Take the time to rehearse well and adjust quickly. Strive to honor our school in half a month¡¯s time.¡± When they left the office, Kim Fei¡¯er was shaking with anger. But Gu Zhaohan just left abruptly. Yangyang was somewhat puzzled as she watched his retreating figure. Didn¡¯t Gu Zhaohan always hate her? Why would he help her in this critical moment? Kim Fei¡¯er pointed at Yangyang and said, ¡°Yangyang, consider yourself lucky this time. Don¡¯t think you¡¯ll be so fortunate next time.¡± With that, Kim Fei¡¯er was about to leave. But Yangyang blocked her path with one arm. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we settle the score between us?¡± she said. Kim Fei¡¯er feigned ignorance. ¡°What could possibly be between us?¡± Suddenly, Yangyang pped a piece of paper onto the table. ¡°We had a bet, I won. You¡¯re supposed to go to the Office of Academic Affairs to clear my name for the tarnishing you deliberately did on the campus forum. I¡¯ve written the statement, you can go ahead with it now.¡± After ncing at the script, Kim Fei¡¯er was shaking with anger. ¡°I refuse to read this.¡± Yangyang said, ¡°Fine, then you¡¯ll get three ps, just like you did me. But I¡¯ve been training in Taekwondo since I was young, my strength might be a bit too much, so forgive me if it seems like I¡¯m not going easy on you.¡± With that, Yangyang also raised her arm. ¡°I¡¯ll read!¡± Kim Fei¡¯er gritted her teeth. She didn¡¯t expect Yangyang would actually know Taekwondo¡ªit should have been clear from the judo throw she pulled off earlier that morning. If she received these ps, she might end up disfigured. Wen Xiaochu said to Hua Qingqing, ¡°Qingqing, escort her to the broadcasting room. She must read the text verbatim. Not a word must be missed!¡± Ten minutester. The whole school heard Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s voice over the PA system: ¡°This is Kim Fei¡¯er. Today I am here to rify a matter. Previously, I made a post on the campus forum ¨C I admit, without any evidence, I intentionally defamed ssmate Yangyang and even deliberately damaged her props in the dramapetition. I deeply regret and apologize for my despicable actions. On this asion, I sincerely apologize to Yangyang and hope for her forgiveness¡­¡± Yangyang and Wen Xiaochu wereughing so hard in the hallway after hearing Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s begrudging speech. Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°This is absolutely satisfying. Look at how she¡¯s gritting her teeth, she must be ready to vomit blood.¡± Yangyang said, ¡°She¡¯s too arrogant usually, let¡¯s hope she learned her lesson this time.¡± Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°But this time, you really owe it to Gu Zhaohan. You would have been screwed without him.¡± Yangyang seemed lost in thought. Having had an improved mood, Yangyang did not go back to Maple Vi after school. Instead, she went directly to Shengyuan Building. Considering their rtionship was made public and caused an uproar, everyone now knows that this 20-year-old college student is actually Shengyuan Group¡¯s CEO¡¯s wife. Everyone who saw Yangyang respectfully greeted her. Yangyang did not tell Gu Qichen she wasing, so she did not take the CEO¡¯s exclusive VIP elevator. Instead, she took the staff elevator to the 99th floor. The elevator opened directly to the secretarial department outside the CEO¡¯s office. Yangyang once interned here for a month, so she was familiar with everyone. Everyone was surprised when they saw her.. The first to greet her, her old intern friend Lu Xiaoman, jokingly said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this our CEO¡¯s wife? What a rare visit! How can we assist you?¡± Chapter 196 - 197: Cause Trouble for Him Chapter 196: Chapter 197: Cause Trouble for Him Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang turned red: ¡°Xiao Man, stop making fun of me.¡± Lu Xiaomanughed: ¡°I didn¡¯t make a mistake. But you¡¯re here to see the CEO, right? He¡¯s in a meeting.¡± Other people in the office noticed too and came to greet her. Of course, they have to tter the CEO¡¯s wife. Xia Yangyang was in the spotlight, and it felt awkward. Xia Yangyang said: ¡°I will wait for him in his office.¡± After saying that, Xia Yangyang made her way through the walkway of the cubicles, heading in the direction of the CEO¡¯s office. Suddenly. Xia Yangyang knocked into someone. There was a piercing scream. All eyes were attracted over. Xia Yangyang bumped into Lin Yuanyuan. Lin Yuanyuan was her schoolmate and they both interned at the Shengyuan secretary department. But, it is also known that Lin Yuanyuan admires Gu Qichen. Lin Yuanyuan was carrying a cup of coffee and a stack of documents. Now, almost all the coffee spilled on the documents. Lin Yuanyuan said: ¡°CEO¡¯s wife, do you think you are above everyone else? This is our workce, not a yground for the CEO¡¯s wife. We are trying to make a living here.¡± Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s words were sharp, full of sarcasm. The others were also sweating in tension. Nobody expected Lin Yuanyuan to stand up against the CEO¡¯s wife. But again, Lin Yuanyuan isn¡¯t just anybody. She¡¯s the Lin family¡¯s heiress from one of the top four families. It was rumored that she was parachuted into Shengyuan. Given the wealth of the Lin family, why should she stay in the Shengyuan secretary department instead of her own family¡¯s enterprise? Her intention was clear. When she had interned, people joked that she would be the future CEO¡¯s wife. After all, the Lin family and the Gu family were well-matched in terms of social status. But no one anticipated the sudden emergence of Xia Yangyang. Naturally, she was furious. Xia Yangyang said: ¡°You bumped into me on purpose.¡± Xia Yangyang was walking just fine. It was Lin Yuanyuan who stood up out of nowhere and straight-up walked into her. This was clearly a provocation. Lin Yuanyuan threw the documents from her hand and said: ¡°This is a day¡¯s work for me. It wasn¡¯t easy to manually sort out this report, which is now ruined. Would I intentionally destroy a day¡¯s work just to frame you? Xia Yangyang, are you worth it?¡± Xia Yangyang raised her eyebrows. People at the side were whispering: ¡°That report was thepany¡¯s half-year financial reimbursement data for all employees, all sorted manually, quite arduous. Yuanyuan wouldn¡¯t possibly ruin it on purpose.¡± ¡°But she¡¯s also too daring. Even if it was Yangyang¡¯s fault, considering her current status, it¡¯s daring of Yuanyuan to argue.¡± ¡°She¡¯s the Lin family¡¯s daughter. She naturally isn¡¯t afraid. Besides, I never understood why she still is waiting here even after the CEO got married.¡± ¡°She¡¯s really smitten.¡± Xia Yangyang was speechless. Just then, someone suddenly shouted: ¡°The CEO is here.¡± Everyone looked toward the meeting room. Indeed, Gu Qichen stepped out from the meeting room and noticed themotion. He seemed to spot Xia Yangyang and walked right toward her. Xia Yangyang felt that her luck was turning, everywhere she went she was getting framed. And she hadn¡¯t found a way to exin yet. With blushing cheeks, Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t expected to bring him trouble when she nned to surprise Gu Qichen.. Chapter 197 - 198: Daji in the Present World Chapter 197: Chapter 198: Daji in the Present World Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen had already noticed Xia Yangyang. He nced at the smashed teacup on the floor and the reports stained with coffee scattered everywhere, and sternly asked, ¡°What happened?¡± Lin Yuanyuan, ying the victim,ined first, ¡°Mr. President, I was about to bring these charts to your office for review when she deliberately bumped into me. I know she is your wife, but she is obliged to apologize to me for this. This is a day¡¯s hard work for me.¡± Xia Yangyang was extremely pissed off. Gu Qichen can¡¯t possibly believe her nonsense, could he? Xia Yangyang¡¯s face grew red as she looked at Gu Qichen. But Gu Qichen remained calm and said to Lin Yuanyuan, ¡°You said she intentionally bumped into you. Why would she do that?¡± Lin Yuanyuan hesitated before responding, ¡°Maybe she¡¯s jealous, perhaps she misunderstood the rtionship between you and me¡­¡± Everyone gasped at her audacity. Lin Yuanyuan really dares to say anything. She¡¯s trying to instigate a conflict between Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang. Even if there¡¯s nothing going on, saying such things can easily lead to misunderstandings. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice remained cold and indifferent, ¡°So you mean to say, Yangyang misunderstood that there¡¯s something going on between you and me and therefore was upset and intentionally bumped into you, is that what you¡¯re saying?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze remained on Lin Yuanyuan. Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s cheeks flushed. She had never been scrutinized this way by him since she started working at thepany. This sensation¡­it was beguiling. Lin Yuanyuan confirmed, ¡°I believe that¡¯s how it happened.¡± Will he now understand my feelings by my saying this? The truth is, she had admired this man for a long time and believed she was better than Xia Yangyang in all aspects. Even though the Xia Family is rich and prestigious, it couldn¡¯tpare to the Lin Family. She didn¡¯t understand why Gu Qichen would choose Xia Yangyang when he could choose her, especially since they were both interns at Shengyuan. Gu Qichen raised an eyebrow. He casually replied, ¡°Since your presence here can easily lead to misunderstandings with my wife, you can resign yourself to the HR department tomorrow.¡± Everyone gasped in shock. Xia Yangyang stared in surprise. When Gu Qichen turned to Xia Yangyang, he obviously softened his gaze. Gu Qichen said, ¡°If you were toe see me, you should have told me in advance. I would have let someone pick you up. Then you would be spared this troublesome experience.¡± The audience was in disbelief. He could not possibly be more protective of his wife. Jealousy and envy were visibly etched on everyone¡¯s faces. Lin Yuanyuan, however, was in disbelief and stuttered in response, ¡°Mr. President, what did you say? You want me to resign?¡± Gu Qichen, having lost patience with her, replied coldly, ¡°I don¡¯t like to repeat myself.¡± Then he led Xia Yangyang away to his office. Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s body shook with rage, and she slumped into a nearby seat, her fingers whitening from her tight grip. Everyone was astonished. The president had just indiscriminately fired someone who displeased Xia Yangyang. This was a power y unlike any other. Even for a man as astute as the president, doing so seemed hasty without considering the consequences. Especially given Lin Yuanyuan¡¯s background, some face should be given to the Lin Family. But the president showed no interest in investigating the truth of the situation. It seemed to him that if you block my wife¡¯s path, if you upset my wife, you deserve punishment! Heaven help us, Xia Yangyang is a modern day femme fatale! Chapter 198 - 199: Venting Anger Chapter 198: Chapter 199: Venting Anger Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang followed Gu Qichen into his office. Once inside the office. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t think this is right.¡± Gu Qichen chuckled, ¡°What do you think is not right?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I mean your decision to fire Lin Yuanyuan, even though she deliberately made things difficult for me, it didn¡¯t necessarily have to go as far as her resigning. Plus, the Lin Family is not an ordinary one¡­¡± ¡°I just want to ask you one thing.¡± Gu Qichen interrupted Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang was taken aback. Gu Qichen asked: ¡°Was it satisfying for you when I fired her?¡± Xia Yangyang hesitated for a long time, then spit out one word: ¡°Yes!¡± Gu Qichenughed lightly and ruffled Xia Yangyang¡¯s hair. ¡°Well, that¡¯s all I need to hear. Also, this was a warning for others. Do they think they can just bully my wife? Let¡¯s see who dares to cause you any trouble in the future.¡± Gu Qichen spoke those words with an unusual casualness. But Xia Yangyang felt as if she had been submerged in a pot of honey. She took a step towards him and hugged him around the waist. ¡°Husband, you¡¯re going to spoil me like this.¡± Gu Qichen turned around, cupped Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, and gently ced a kiss on her forehead. ¡°If spoiling you is what makes me happy, then so be it.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart was brimming with sweetness. Just as the two of them were making ns to go out for a feast, Xia Yangyang received an unexpected call from Gu Mingzhu. She said that the old man had just suffered a heart attack and had been hospitalized. Thus, the two of them rushed to the hospital. The old man had already been put into a VIP ward. Seeing Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang arrive, the old man scolded Gu Mingzhu, ¡°I told you this is just a condition of old age. This little incident was not worth calling Chen and Yangyang about.¡± Xia Yangyang came to the bed, ¡°How can we not be told about it? If we aren¡¯t told, we will worry even more.¡± The old man, seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s worried expression, couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°I understand my body better than anyone. A person cannot ignore their age. But that you havee to see me, that makes me very happy.¡± Gu Mingzhu, however, said, ¡°It was fortunate that I found him in time. He had copsed and was hardly able to draw breath. The maid at home was negligent and forgot to give dad his medicine. I¡¯ve let her go.¡± The old man replied, ¡°You¡¯re always making a big fuss over small things. Now the house has no one to serve tea or run errands.¡± Gu Mingzhu turned to Gu Qichen, ¡°Ah Chen, I need to go to France for a fashion show. I think you should move back home for a while. I don¡¯t quite trust the new hires at home. We need someone to keep an eye on them regrly.¡± Gu Qichen nodded: ¡°Okay.¡± On their way out of the hospital, Xia Yangyang regretted, ¡°We should have moved back home earlier. Today was too dangerous. I can¡¯t even imagine what would have happened if anything had gone wrong?¡± Gu Qichen showed a calm expression: ¡°Don¡¯t worry. It¡¯s just my sister and grandfather¡¯s trick to draw sympathy. They pull stunts like this every year, hoping I¡¯d move back home.¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned, ¡°You¡¯re saying that the old man was faking it?¡± Gu Qichen nodded: ¡°Didn¡¯t you see how robust he looked? And if something really happened, why wasn¡¯t Xiao Han there?¡± Perhaps he doesn¡¯t know? He just doesn¡¯t want to y along.¡± Xia Yangyang:¡±¡­¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you expose him?¡± Gu Qichen smiled faintly, ¡°The old man has his pride. It would hurt him if I exposed his act, so let¡¯s just move back for a while. It¡¯s the least we can do for his effort.¡± So, the very next day, Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen officially moved back to their previous residence, with no set date for moving out.. Chapter 199 - 200: Smile More Chapter 199: Chapter 200: Smile More Trantor: 549690339 | As expected, the old man was ¡°discharged¡± the next day. At dinner the next day, Xia Yangyang saw Gu Zhaohan again. Even though Gu Zhaohan had agreed to rece Li Jiashu as Liang Shanbo in the y. He hadn¡¯t shown any sign of life, no contact, no rehearsals. This was indeed a problem. The school festival performance was in half a month, and the school ced great importance on it. Therefore, we must seize the time to rehearse. After dinner, it was rare to see Gu Zhaohan not returning to his room, but bathing Oscar in the yard. It was also rare to see Gu Zhaohan not wearing a stony look, talking to Oscar while bathing him, ¡°Where have you been run off to today? You¡¯re covered in mud. Luckily, I¡¯m the one who washes you. If uncle had seen you, you would¡¯ve been scolded.¡± There was a hint of indulgence in Gu Zhaohan¡¯s words, and he even wore a faint smile on his face. Xia Yangyang also came over, squatted beside Oscar, petted his back, and said, ¡°I never thought you¡¯d look so cute when you smile.¡± Gu Zhaohan got stunned for a while, then his face became stony again, ¡°I hate people trying to get in good with me.¡± Xia Yangyang pretended to be innocent, ¡°I wasn¡¯t talking about you. I was praising Oscar. Look at him. Doesn¡¯t he look adorable when he smiles? He¡¯s just like a smiling angel.¡± Saying so, Xia Yangyang even teased Oscar¡¯s face a bit. Gu Zhaohan just snorted, and a faint blush appeared on his face. He lowered his head and snorted again. He seemed a bit sulky. Xia Yangyang thought that Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t seem as unapproachable as rumored. It was quite fun to tease him. Xia Yangyang sneaked augh, regained her serious face, ¡°Gu Zhaohan, thanks.¡± Gu Zhaohan gave Oscar a paw rinse with a cold voice, ¡°No need to thank me. I¡¯m only doing it for my uncle.¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly felt that perhaps Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t dislike her as much as she thought. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°No matter who you¡¯re doing it for, you helped me and I appreciate you. Also, let¡¯s start rehearsals tomorrow night at the East Hall.¡± Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t respond. Yangyang was still waiting for his answer. Oscar had grown impatient from the washing, trying to break free several times. Gu Zhaohan suddenly said, ¡°Can you hold him down? He always gets fussy when I wash his hind paws.¡± Yangyang quickly helped hold Oscar¡¯s neck and pressed against him with her whole body. It was quite a struggle to finish washing his hind paws, both of them gasping for breath. Just as they stood up. Oscar also suddenly stood up and vigorously shook his fur. Caught off guard, Yangyang was all wet. Xia Yangyang was about to scream, ¡°Oscar, did you do that on purpose?¡± Seeing Xia Yangyang all flustered, Gu Zhaohan surprisingly started tough. Hisughter was charmingly captivating. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°You see, you should learn from Oscar. You should smile more. You look so good when you smile.¡± The way Gu Zhaohan smiled was truly attractive, the words that came to Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind were ¡®beauty that overthrows cities, and the shame of flowers.¡¯ It was pure and clean, like a beam of morning sunshine on a snow peak. This time Xia Yangyang genuinelyplimented him. Unexpectedly, his face darkened immediately. Okay, he was indeed a moody boy. Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°You should go inside. Your clothes are all wet.¡± Gu Zhaohan had already averted his gaze. Yangyang looked at her wet clothes, and nodded, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go in first..¡± Chapter 200 - 201:1 am Capable Chapter 200: Chapter 201:1 am Capable Trantor: 549690339 When Xia Yangyang went in, Gu Qichen and Gu Mingzhu were conversing in the living room. Seeing Xia Yangyange in drenched, they asked, ¡°Yangyang, what happened?¡± Xia Yangyangughed and said, ¡°I was just giving Oscar a bath, and he sshed water all over me. I¡¯m going upstairs to change my clothes.¡± After she spoke, Xia Yangyang went upstairs. After a while, Gu Zhaohan also came home, also drenched in water. He was also holding Oscar. Gu Mingzhu said, ¡°Did these two bathe Oscar together? It seems their rtionship has improved a bit.¡± Gu Qichen smiled and said, ¡°Sis, I¡¯m heading upstairs first.¡± After her clothes were soaked, Xia Yangyang decided to take a shower. When she came out of the bathroom, she saw Gu Qichening in. Gu Qichen sat on the edge of the bed, patted the space next to him and said, ¡°Come here.¡± Xia Yangyang walked over, drying her hair with a towel, and sat down next to Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen naturally took the towel from Xia Yangyang and started to dry her hair for her. Xia Yangyang,fortable as a kitten, leaned against his shoulder. Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Did you make up with Xiao Han?¡± Mentioning this, Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes lit up instantly. She told Gu Qichen all about the drama contest at school and the bet. In the end, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Your nephew came through at the critical moment, of course, this is all because he looks up to his idol, Uncle. So, the person I should thank the most is you.¡± Xia Yangyang snuggled against Gu Qichen¡¯s chest, behaving very affectionately. Gu Qichen felt that this girl seemed slightly different from before. He could sense that she used to be somewhat afraid of him, not daring to look him in the eyes when they talked. Whenever they were together, she was always quite passive. But now, she even took the initiative to act spoiled. It seemed like her whole personality became more vivid and brilliant. Gu Qichen admitted, he enjoyed this change, her attachment, admiration, and love. Gu Qichen lowered his head and kissed her, ¡°I prefer you show me gratitude through your actions.¡± ¡°No, my hair is still wet.¡± ¡°No? Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m very much okay.¡± ¡°Uhh¡­¡± ¡ª- I¡¯m the ¡°not suitable for children¡± line The next day, Gu Qichen took Xia Yangyang to school. He saw Gu Zhaohan pushing his bicycle, getting ready to head out. Although Gu Zhaohan lived in a wealthy family, he never had anyone pick him up or drop him off for school. He always rode his bike. Gu Qichen offered to give him a ride, but he refused. This made Xia Yangyang feel a bit guilty. Xia Yangyang said to Gu Qichen, ¡°Why don¡¯t I ride a bicycle to school in the future? Your Maybach is too shy. Whenever you drop me off at school, we draw a crowd.¡± Gu Qichen considered it, ¡°That¡¯s fine, sometimes when I am out of town for work, I won¡¯t be able to drive you every day. There are several Nici bikes in Gu Manor¡¯s garage. You can pick one out tomorrow.¡± After a day of sses, And finishing dinner, Xia Yangyang went to the Eastern Auditorium. They needed to prepare for the school festival performance now, although they were still doing the same drama, the lead male role had changed and everyone had to readjust to the new dynamic. The other members were already gathered in the auditorium. Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°Is Gu Zhaohaning or not? How can we rehearse if he doesn¡¯te?¡± Although Xia Yangyang had mentioned it to Gu Zhaohan the night before, Whether Gu Zhaohan woulde or not, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t be sure. ¡°He¡¯s here.¡± Hua Qingqing suddenly shouted excitedly, pointing to the entrance.. Chapter 201 - 202: Once Kidnapped Chapter 201 - 202: Once Kidnapped Chapter 201: Chapter 202: Once Kidnapped Trantor: 549690339 I Gu Zhaohan had already walked in. He was wearing a white shirt, always carrying a ck shoulder bag, hanging on his shoulder. Outside the auditorium, there was a setting sun. He entered, stepping on the remaining light of the sunset, not rushing nor slow, his cool demeanor revealing a fascinatingziness. Several girls in the auditorium swooned at the same time, ¡°He is so handsome.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart leapt with joy, and she said to Gu Zhaohan, ¡°You¡¯re here.¡± Gu Zhaohan responded in a cold voice, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say the rehearsal begins today?¡± The rehearsal officially started. When they came out dressed in ancient costumes, everyone started seeing stars again. My God, Gu Zhaohan looked too handsome in ancient costume. The rehearsal went smoothly, because everyone had be quite familiar with the script thanks to the previous selection. When the rehearsal was about to end, Hua Qingqing came off the stage and took out her SLR camera with a click. Gu Zhaohan suddenly lost control. As if he couldn¡¯t stand, he crouched down, clutching his head like he was panicking, almost growling coldly, ¡°Stop taking pictures!¡± Everyone was dumbfounded. They had no idea what had happened. Hua Qingqing was also scared, at a loss of what to do. It was Xia Yangyang who reacted, she had previously asked Gu Qichen why there were no photos of Gu Zhaohan growing up at home. Gu Qichen had said that Gu Zhaohan had a phobia of cameras. At that time, Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t asked in detail, she just thought the problem was strange. But Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t expected that it was true. It took Gu Zhaohan a while to calm down. Gu Zhaohan then said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but could you not take pictures next time?¡± Hua Qingqing responded, ¡°But there will definitely be a lot of people taking pictures on campus festival day. If you can¡¯t handle this, how are you going to perform?¡± On the way home. Gu Zhaohan and Xia Yangyang were walking one in front of the other. The Gu mansion was not far from the school, about half an hour¡¯s walk. Xia Yangyang had originally nned to take a taxi home. But seeing Gu Zhaohan pushing his bicycle and not riding it, she quietly followed behind him. What Hua Qingqing had just said apparently hit Gu Zhaohan hard. After dinner, Xia Yangyang dragged Gu Qichen into her room and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the story with Gu Zhaohan¡¯s camera phobia?¡± Gu Qichen frowned and said, ¡°He was kidnapped as a child. At that time, the kidnapper took a lot of photos to threaten the Xi family. That¡¯s where his psychological shadow started.¡± Xia Yangyang was shocked: ¡°Then that means he really is the son of Xi Jiachen, the richest man in Asia.¡± Actually, there had been a lot of rumors about Gu Zhaohan¡¯s biological father. The most official version was that the young master of the Gu family was the child of Xi Jiachen, the wealthiest man in Asia, and Gu Mingzhu. Xi Jiachen was a womanizer and had already married three times. His marriage with Gu Mingzhu was quite low-profile at the time, so not many people knew about it. But now Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Mingzhu was Xi Jiachen¡¯s second wife. Gu Zhaohan was the legitimate third son of the Xi family. It was said that Xi Jiachen had always wanted to bring Gu Zhaohan back, but Gu Mingzhu strongly opposed. Reflecting on this, Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t there a solution to this camera phobia?¡± Gu Qichen said: ¡°We have tried many times since he was a child, and we have also invited several psychologists. The impact of this on him is too great. Xiao Han¡¯s cold and closed personality is also influenced by that incident to some extent.¡± At this point, Gu Qichen wore a face of regret. That year, he was 13, Gu Zhaohan was 6. That day he took Gu Zhaohan to the amusement park, and then¡­ Xia Yangyang held Gu Qichen¡¯s hand: ¡°You can¡¯t me yourself, you shouldn¡¯t be so self-reproaching. After all, at that time, you were just a child yourself..¡± Chapter 202 - 203: Fight Poison with Poison Chapter 202 - 203: Fight Poison with Poison Chapter 202: Chapter 203: Fight Poison with Poison Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen¡¯s voice lowered: ¡°I¡¯ve always felt indebted to Xiao Han, and to my sister. It was my failure to protect him back then. When he was a child, he was cheerful,ughing a lot.¡± Xia Yangyang saw Gu Qichen¡¯s self-reprobation, she felt ufortable but she didn¡¯t know how to console him. The next day, Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan cycled to school together. But they didn¡¯t say a word during the trip. After finishing afternoon ss, Xia Yangyang impulsively decided to visit the school psychologist. In the evening, Xia Yangyang went to the East Hall to prepare for a rehearsal. The drama club members hadn¡¯t arrived yet. Only Wen Xiaochu was there, cleaning the hall. Seeing Xia Yangyang down in the dumps, Wen Xiaochu hastily ran over and asked, ¡°Have you found out what¡¯s really going on?¡± It was Gu Zhaohan¡¯s secret, so Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t reveal any of it. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°It¡¯s because of some things he went through as a child. It¡¯s quite a tricky situation. I consulted with a psychologist this afternoon.¡± Wen Xiaochu asked, ¡°What did the psychologist say?¡± ¡°The psychologist said if the positive psychological interventions have been tried, then the only thing left is forced intervention, oveing the psychological barrier.¡± Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°You mean fight poison with poison? Forcing him to face his fear by bombarding him with photographs?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, ¡°But it seems too cruel, and we also have no right to do this.¡± Wen Xiaochu anxiously said, ¡°But it¡¯s toote to change the roles now, what should we do?¡± ¡°I agree to undergo the forced treatment.¡± a cold, masculine voice sounded from behind. Xia Yangyang and Wen Xiaochu turned to see Gu Zhaohan. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°But you¡­¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s voice was indifferent, ¡°Just try it the way you said.¡± By evening, all the members had arrived. Xia Yangyang closed the door of the hall, and dimmed the lights. Xia Yangyang borrowed some DSLR cameras from the photography club. Now, everyone had one and they stood under the stage. While Gu Zhaohan stood alone on stage, almost expressionless. Xia Yangyang looked serious, ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡± At that moment, everyone raised their cameras and started shooting, and the dim-lighted hall was instantly filled with shes of spotlights. ¡°Ah!¡± On the stage, Gu Zhaohan yelped, practically shielding his eyes in reflex. He was unsteady, holding onto the prop table on the stage. Xia Yangyang immediately called out, ¡°Stop!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t stop, continue!¡± Gu Zhaohan struggled to utter a few words. Everyone looked toward Xia Yangyang, she nodded, and the photoshoot continued. Gu Zhaohan on the stage looked as if enduring some severe punishment. His hand on the prop table, his fingers turning white, his eyes tightly shut, seemingly lost in some painful memory, and his body started uncontrobly trembling. In the end, he copsed onto the table, appearing to be unable to stand. Finally, Gu Zhaohan fell down. Xia Yangyang rushed onto the stage, ¡°Gu Zhaohan, are you okay?¡± She waved at everyone, ¡°That¡¯s enough for today, stop shooting.¡± Gu Zhaohan sat on the floor, curled up like a child, burying his head in his knees, trembling. He looked vulnerable and pitiful. Everyone was surprised to see this side of their cool Prince. Xia Yangyang told others, ¡°You guys can leave now, leave it to me.¡± Understanding they¡¯re to respect Gu Zhaohan¡¯s dignity, everyone promptly left. In the hall were only Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan left, engulfed in an oppressive and grayish beam of light¡­. Chapter 203 - 204: A Sweet Moment Chapter 203 - 204: A Sweet Moment Chapter 203: Chapter 204: A Sweet Moment Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang knelt down, expressing her concern, ¡°Gu Zhaohan, are you alright?¡± Gu Zhaohan was still shivering. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what to do, perhaps she shouldn¡¯t have used this method at all. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I¡¯ll turn on the lights, it might help.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡± Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t even got up when her hand was caught by Gu Zhaohan. He didn¡¯t raise his head and maintained his curled-up position, but stretched out his hand and tightly gripped Xia Yangyang¡¯s. Xia Yangyang could only silently sit back down next to him, saying, ¡°I won¡¯t leave.¡± They sat in silence for an indeterminate amount of time. Xia Yangyang began to lose sensation in her hand from Gu Zhaohan¡¯s grip. But Xia Yangyang gradually felt Gu Zhaohan¡¯s trembling ease. Finally, Gu Zhaohan let go of her and looked up. Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand had turned pale from his grip, and she had almost lost all feeling in it. But she still asked Gu Zhaohan with concern, ¡°Are you feeling better now?¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s countenance had gradually returned to normal. Looking at Xia Yangyang¡¯s whitened hand, he seemed a bit apologetic, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, then shook her hand andughed, ¡°It¡¯s alright, it will be fine in a while.¡± Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡± Xia Yangyang looked at her watch¡ªit was already nine o¡¯clock. Both of them rode their bicycles home together. They entered the house one after the other. Just as they were changing their shoes, they were encountered by Gu Mingzhu. Gu Mingzhu asked, ¡°Did the two of youe home together?¡± And returned sote. Xia Yangyang responded, ¡°Xiao Han and I were rehearsing for a y that is to be performed during the school festival, we just finished the rehearsal.¡± When Xia Yangyang mentioned Xiao Han, Gu Zhaohan, who was changing his shoes, paused slightly. However, Gu Mingzhu looked greatly stunned and asked Gu Zhaohan incredulously, ¡°Is it true? You are actually participating in the stage y?¡± She knew that her son hated crowds and had never participated in any performance since childhood. However, Gu Zhaohan nonchntly nodded and said coldly, ¡°I¡¯m going upstairs first.¡± As Gu Zhaohan was going upstairs, Gu Qichen happened to being down the stairs. Upon seeing this, Xia Yangyang joyously flung herself towards him. Running too fast, she almost fell, but was caught around her waist by Gu Qichen, who held her in his arms. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was gentle, ¡°Still as restless as a child. It¡¯smon sense to watch where you¡¯re going.¡± Xia Yangyang nuzzled her head in his chest and said softly, ¡°But I missed you.¡± This statement touched Gu Qichen. He chuckled and pinched Xia Yangyang¡¯s cheek, then forcefully kissed her lips. There was no one around as they were at the turn of the stairway. However, Gu Zhaohan hadn¡¯t gone far. From the stairs above, he had a clear view of this sweet scene. Gu Zhaohan¡¯s eyes darkened. He quickly retreated back to his room. Gu Qichen brushed back Xia Yangyang¡¯s fringe and gently asked, ¡°Why are you back sote?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you before? I¡¯m rehearsing a y now. The public performance is in ten days, so I¡¯ll be getting backte these few days.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll pick you up in the evening.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need for that. Your nephew is there, what else would you be worrying about, since he¡¯s rehearsing with me.¡± Gu Qichen nodded, ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll have to emphasize to him to take good care of his aunt.¡± Xia Yangyang chuckled. Being an elder to someone older than herself felt rather peculiar. Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Are you hungry?¡± Xia Yangyang cooed, ¡°I¡¯m starving. I haven¡¯t even had dinner yet, could you make me a bowl of noodles?¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°Alright, my little food-lover.¡± All of a sudden, Xia Yangyang remembered something, ¡°Right, Gu Zhaohan hasn¡¯t had dinner yet either.. Can you prepare a portion for him too?¡± Chapter 204 - 205: The Scent of Fireworks Chapter 204 - 205: The Scent of Fireworks Chapter 204: Chapter 205: The Scent of Fireworks Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen cooked Xia Yangyang¡¯s favorite dish, shredded chicken noodle soup. The broth was made from wild chicken soup and was incredibly delicious. Just standing by the side, Xia Yangyang felt her mouth watering. Gu Qichen said, ¡°It¡¯s almost ready. Go and call Xiao Han to have dinner.¡± Xia Yangyangplied and happily went to Gu Zhaohan¡¯s room from the dining room. She knocked on the door twice, and Gu Zhaohan opened it. Seeing Xia Yangyang at the door, Gu Zhaohan slightly frowned. Gu Zhaohan asked, ¡°What is it?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Ah Chen has made supper, chicken noodle soup. You didn¡¯t have dinner either, let¡¯s eat together.¡± Gu Zhaohan coldly replied, ¡°I¡¯m not hungry.¡± He then closed the door. Xia Yangyang was baffled. She really couldn¡¯t understand Gu Zhaohan¡¯s personality. She thought their rtionship had improved. His mood was so unpredictable. Xia Yangyang returned to the dining room alone. Gu Qichen had already served two bowls of noodles on the table. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Your older nephew isn¡¯t hungry and won¡¯t eat.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s brows knitted slightly. Xia Yangyang sat down saying, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will eat it all.¡± Looking at the delicious food on the table, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t hold back. In no time, she finished a bowl of noodles, even the soup was gone. Gu Qichen chuckled, ¡°Eat slowly, no one is racing you.¡± Xia Yangyang was really hungry. After finishing two bowls, she patted her belly, ¡°Husband, you¡¯re spoiling me fat.¡± Gu Qichen reached out and pinched Xia Yangyang¡¯s fill cheek, ¡°It¡¯s good to gain weight, then I can have meat.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not a pig.¡± ¡°You¡¯re just a gluttonous little pig.¡± As they were bickering, Mingzhu came in. Xia Yangyang, seeing Mingzhu, immediately sat upright and greeted, ¡°Sister.¡± In this home, the person Xia Yangyang is slightly afraid of is indeed Mingzhu. Although Mingzhu was kind and gentle towards her. Perhaps because she had seen her interview before, Mingzhu was a powerhouse in the fashion industry, elegant, and naturally distant. Mingzhu smiled and walked in, ¡°Ah Chen, Yangyang, I¡¯m flying to Paris soon. Just wanted to let you guys know that you can stay here for a while. You being here makes Father happier.¡± Gu Qichen nodded and then stood up, ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the airport.¡± Mingzhu said, ¡°No need, the driver will take me. You rest well tonight.¡± Mingzhu walked over to Gu Qichen and casually adjusted his cor, ¡°Ah Chen, don¡¯t put all your energy into work. Pay attention to your health. Eat on time, sleep on time. You may not care now since you¡¯re young, but when you¡¯re older, problems will appear.¡± However, Gu Qichenughed, ¡°Sister, I¡¯m not a kid anymore. Why do you say these same things every time you¡¯re about to go out?¡± Mingzhu smiled softly, ¡°In my heart, you will always be a child.¡± To Xia Yangyang, this scene seemed very warm. Both of them are unattainable figures in the business and fashion world. Yet at that moment, they shared amon, homely bond. The following days continued as usual. Going to ss, busy with papers, rehearsing, and returning home. It¡¯s worth mentioning that Gu Zhaohan¡¯s fear of getting his picture taken has improved day by day under Xia Yangyang¡¯s tough love approach.. Chapter 205 - 206: Return Earlier Chapter 205 - 206: Return Earlier Chapter 205: Chapter 206: Return Earlier Trantor: 549690339 I Although she waspletely indifferent when facing the camera lens. But she wasn¡¯tpletely out of control, just a little bit patient and outsiders will notice it. All the members were very happy. As the days passed by, the campus festival was also imminent. In thest few days, Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan were also rehearsing after returning home. Sometimes, it wouldst till veryte. They practiced on the small balcony of the sunroom on the second floor. That ce was just adjacent to Gu Qichen¡¯s study. Sometimes, Gu Qichen would deliberately pull open the floor-to-ceiling window, so he could hear their rehearsal dialogue. Sometimes, when Xia Yangyang made a mistake, Gu Zhaohan would scold her for being stupid. Sometimes he could also hear the sound of the two arguing and ying around. Of course, what surprised Gu Qichen was that he had heard Gu Zhaohanugh three times. Gu Zhaohan has been aloof and cold since childhood, and he hasughed out loud no more than ten times from childhood to adulthood. But in these few short days, Gu Qichen had heard it three times. Gu Qichen got up and went to the small balcony. The two over there had finished rehearsing and were discussing some details of a script. Both of their heads were very close together, seemingly in disagreement, arguing over a line. But despite the arguing, there was a faint smile on Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face. It seemed like he was deliberately teasing Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang, on the other hand, was arguing seriously. Gu Qichen paused slightly. As Xia Yangyang lifted her head, she happened to see Gu Qichen, quickly got up, ran over to him, and held his arm, smiling radiantly: ¡°Why are you here? Did we disturb you with our loud talking?¡± Gu Qichen shook his head and said, ¡°Nothing, I¡¯m just free to watch you rehearse.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Okay, why don¡¯t we perform a part for you to see?¡± However, Gu Zhaohan had already gotten up and walked over. His face had recovered its usual cold demeanor and said, ¡°Uncle, I am going to rest first.¡± Then he left the small balcony. Xia Yangyang pouted: ¡°Why doesn¡¯t he save any face.¡± Then she said, ¡°I guess he¡¯s shy. He regards you as his idol, probably nervous.¡± Gu Qichenughed. All of a sudden, Xia Yangyang looked up, very expectantly saying: ¡°In three days it¡¯s our campus festival, shall youe to watch my performance?¡± Gu Qichen purposefully frowned: ¡°I have a business trip tomorrow, I might not necessarily be able toe back in time¡­¡± Gu Qichen watched as Xia Yangyang¡¯s expecting expression turned into disappointment. This girl changes her face faster than flipping a book. Gu Qichen suddenly pinched her cheek and said: ¡°All right, I will go. I wille back a day in advance and I will certainly show up to support your performance the next day.¡± Xia Yangyang instantly cheered up: ¡°Our performance starts at three in the afternoon, it is thest program of the campus festival, don¡¯t miss it.¡± Gu Qichen went on a business trip the next day. He desperately shortened the itinerary and took a return flight on the eve of the campus festival. He had previously lied to Xia Yangyang on the phone, saying he might not be able to return tonight. Xia Yangyang was slightly disappointed. But Gu Qichen arrived at Gu¡¯s Garden at nine-thirty in the evening. Thinking of how this girl would smile when she saw him, a warm feeling surged up in Gu Qichen¡¯s heart. Haven¡¯t seen her for two days, and he missed her terribly. The butler opened the door, was surprised to see Gu Qichen: ¡°Young Master, isn¡¯t your flight tomorrow?¡± Gu Qichen casually said, ¡°I changed it, where¡¯s Yangyang?¡± ¡°The young mistress and Young Master Han are rehearsing their y on the balcony, they should still be there.¡± Gu Qichen went upstairs, headed straight in the direction of the balcony¡­. Chapter 206 - 207: Encounter... Chapter 206 - 207: Encounter... Chapter 206: Chapter 207: Encounter¡­ Trantor: 549690339 Two figures could be seen from a distance. But when Gu Qichen saw the two people clearly, he slowly stopped in his tracks. There was a small marble table on the balcony. At this moment, Xia Yangyangid down on it, fast asleep. Gu Zhaohan sat beside Xia Yangyang. The script still in his hand. He stayed very still. His gaze fixed on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face. As Gu Qichen bore witness to this scene, an inexplicable feeling welled up inside him. The next moment, he saw Gu Zhaohan lower his head gently and kiss Xia Yangyang¡¯s cheek softly. From Gu Qichen¡¯s perspective, he could clearly see the faces of the two. Xia Yangyang had fallen into a deep sleep, oblivious to what was happening. While Gu Zhaohan¡¯s lips barely grazed Xia Yangyang¡¯s cheek. His eyes were closed, eyshes fluttering, gripping the script so tightly that it bent out of shape. His trembling fingers revealed the restraint and endurance he was putting up with. And even the pain he could not hide¡­ Gu Qichen saw all this from a dimly lit corner. His eyes darkened bit by bit, bing an unfathomable ck¡­ His fingers slowly clenched into a fist. In the end, Gu Qichen turned around and left. Xia Yangyang was woken up by Gu Zhaohan. When she woke up, she was in a daze: ¡°What happened?¡± Gu Zhaohan looked at her, ¡°Wipe your drool, how could a girl have such a bad sleeping posture?¡± Xia Yangyang wiped it off without thinking, but there was no drool there. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Did I fall asleep? Where were we at the script?¡± Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°Go back to sleep. No use cramming at thest minute.¡± Xia Yangyang thought about it and agreed, after all they had rehearsed quite a lot already. When she lifted her head, she saw that Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face was flushed. Xia Yangyang stood up and ced her palm on Gu Zhaohan¡¯s forehead: ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you, your face is so red, are you running a fever?¡± But Gu Zhaohan sensibly took a step back, avoiding her hand. He didn¡¯t look at Xia Yangyang, seemed a bit flustered: ¡°I¡¯m fine, I¡¯ll go to my room first.¡± Then, he left quickly. Xia Yangyang stood on the balcony looking dazed. What¡¯s the matter with Gu Zhaohan again? He¡¯s so temperamental! But, could it be that he¡¯s really sick? When Xia Yangyang returned to her room, she nced at the time on the wall, it was already ten o¡¯clock. Perhaps because she had just slept for a while, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t feel sleepy at all. She wondered where Gu Qichen was. He originally said he would return tonight, but changed it to tomorrow. She didn¡¯t know if he was fooling her, or maybe he didn¡¯t have time toe back at all. Xia Yangyang sighed, but he was really busy, carrying the responsibility of the entire Shengyuan Group. Xia Yangyang felt she had no rights toin. However, she really missed him¡­ After hesitating for a while, she decided to call Gu Qichen. There was no answer for a long time, has he fallen asleep? Just as Xia Yangyang was about to give up, she heard Gu Qichen¡¯s deep voice from the other side: ¡°What do you need¡­¡± Xia Yangyang faltered when she heard his voice. Because Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was so cold, like floating ice shards. In the past, whenever she called him, he wouldn¡¯t use this tone. Xia Yangyang became a little flustered and responded: ¡°No big deal, I just wanted to ask what you were doing.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice remained icy cold: ¡°I¡¯m in a meeting..¡± Chapter 207 - 208: Rising to Fame or Making a Fool of Oneself Chapter 207: Chapter 208: Rising to Fame or Making a Fool of Oneself Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang felt a faint pang of disappointment. Perhaps it was because Gu Qichen¡¯s icy tone interrupted her anticipation. But she might have truly disturbed him. ¡°Then you should get back to work.¡± After giving a hum, Gu Qichen hung up the phone. Xia Yangyang¡¯s disappointment deepened as she held the phone. She merely missed him and wanted to hear his voice. At that time¡­ Gu Qichen was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in his office on the 99th floor of the Shengyuan Building. He held a cigarette that had not yet burned out in his hand. He seldom smoked. In the thin wisp of smoke was an extraordinarily cold face. The scene on the balcony just now seemed toe to mind again, his fingers clenched, feeling an unusual irritation. He least expected¡­ The next day was the campus festival at A University. The entire campus of A University was bustling and spirited. A University was open to the public today, and students from other schools coulde and visit. Of course, the most eye-catching event was the campus festival performancepetition among 32 colleges. Xia Yangyang¡¯s drama performance began at three in the afternoon. It was the final performance of the entirepetition. Right before going on stage, Xia Yangyang kept checking her phone backstage. She wondered why Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t sent her a message yet. He¡¯d promised toe¡­ Could he truly be that busy? But even if he couldn¡¯te, he should at least message her, Xa Yangyang hesitated whether to call Gu Qichen. But she was afraid of being rejected just likest night. She didn¡¯t know when she became so cautious. It was really vexing. ¡°Yo, is this not our superstar Xia Yangyang? You wouldn¡¯t notice that in a costume, it¡¯s a shame you didn¡¯t join our performance major.¡± If came from behind in an eerie tone. Xia Yangyang turned her head and saw Kim Fei¡¯er sauntering over with a group of girls. Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°Why are you here?¡± Kim Fei¡¯er crossed her arms, ¡°I came to cheer for you. Don¡¯t look at me like that. I¡¯m genuinely here to congratte you. Perform well, I¡¯ll be watching till the end.¡± At this moment, Gu Zhaohan came over. Without a word, he walked up to Kim Fei¡¯er and said, ¡°Don¡¯t cause trouble.¡± Seeing Gu Zhaohan, Kim Fei¡¯er smiled, ¡°Prince, you look so handsome today, I¡¯ll bring you flowers after the performance.¡± ¡°No need.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s expression was icy. Wen Xiaochu ran over, ¡°Stop chatting, it¡¯s our turn. Let¡¯s get ready to go on stage.¡± Xia Yangyang had no time to think further and hurriedly went on stage. A girl standing next to Kim Fei¡¯er said, ¡°Prince is really protecting her, Xia Yangyang is so lucky. She stole your role and achieved all the attention. Maybe she¡¯ll be discovered by talent scouts today, and catapult to fame in the entertainment industry. I saw several famous agents just now.¡± The corner of Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s mouth curled up in a strange smile, ¡°The performance hasn¡¯t started yet. Who knows what the result will be? Whether she¡¯ll rise to fame or make a fool of herself, who can say?¡± Xia Yangyang, stole my role, stole the person I love, I will make you remember this day forever. The performance started, and the lights in the auditorium dimmed. The curtain rose, the music sounded¡­ ¡°The Zhu Family, known for their decorum for miles around¡± ¡°The willful Ying Tai, going to Hang City for her studies¡± ¡°She, the pearl of the Zhu Family, shamed her family by showing her face¡± ¡°Although reluctant to let her go to Hang City, they fear her declining health¡± In the voice of the narrator, the characters came on stage one after another. PS: Fairies who want to join the reader group can add Xiao Qi¡¯s wechat[mxyi990i007] Chapter 208 - 209: Unexpected Stage Incident Chapter 208: Chapter 209: Unexpected Stage Incident Trantor: 549690339 | The performance was sessful. It was evident from the sporadic apuse. During her intermission, Xia Yangyang continuously watched the audience from backstage. She wanted to see if Gu Qichen hade at all. But the dimly lit crowd from the stage was indistinguishable; Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t see clearly. Thest act of Xia Yangyang¡¯s performance began. The final act was ¡°The Butterfly Lovers¡±. Against a poignant background¡­ With a weeping tone, Zhu Yingtai said: ¡°Brother Liang, we pledged our love to each other, thinking we were a match made in heaven. Who knew our names were not recorded in the Book of Marriage? We hoped the Old Man under the Moon would be our matchmaker, but instead of the magpies delivering good news, only the crows cawed. We anticipated a grand wedding with music, but the Milky Way was broken and the bridge of crows severed. We waited for a bridal pnquin to arrive at your home, only to be met with a white funeral suit in return. Oh Brother Liang, I seek not to live together, but to die together¡­¡± At this moment, the sky suddenly changed, with tumultuous thunder and lightning. Zhu Yingtai flung herself from the tower¡­ It was a small jump off a one-meter tform with stairs and props arranged beforehand. Despite being only a meter, shended on a soft cushion, ensuring she wouldn¡¯t get hurt. It was covered by nt and flower props. The conclusion was Zhu Yingtai lying down, transforming with the deceased Liang Shanbo into two butterflies. So Xia Yangyang, after jumping, had to lie still on the cushion until the performance ended and the curtain was drawn¡­ From the side came the narration: ¡°Ever since, amongst all the rainbows and blooming flowers, two butterflies can always be seen fluttering and dancing together. It is said that these were Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai in their butterfly forms. After their transformation, they remained inseparable until the world end.¡± Xia Yangyangy there, motionless, her mind consumed with wondering if Gu Qichen hade today. But suddenly, the stage lights sparked irregrly, flickering light and dark. The next second, a truss from the side of the stage copsed and fell straight towards Xia Yangyang. Terrified screams erupted from the audience below. Xia Yangyang was deep in thought and didn¡¯t react at first. The next second, Gu Zhaohan, who had been backstage, rushed up onto the stage. He threw his body over Xia Yangyang¡¯s. A muffled groan of pain was heard. The trussnded squarely on Gu Zhaohan¡¯s back!! Puren Hospital. Both Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen were standing outside the emergency room. Xia Yangyang was sitting in a chair. Just thinking about the incident made her uncontrobly tremble. If it weren¡¯t for Gu Zhaohan rushing out and using his body as a human shield, it might have been her in the hospital bed now. But Xia Yangyang had no idea how severe his condition was. Gu Qichen was standing at the entrance of the emergency room. Xia Yangyang could see his silhouette when she raised her head. So, Gu Qichen hade to their performance and was sitting nearby. After the incident urred, Gu Qichen was the first to rush onto the stage and take Gu Zhaohan to the hospital. If it weren¡¯t for his calmness and decisiveness, Xia Yangyang wouldn¡¯t know what would have happened. Gu Qichen walked over to Xia Yangyang, grasping her shaking hands: ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much, he should be fine.¡± Xia Yangyang looked at Gu Qichen, ¡°But¡­ I¡¯m scared.¡± Gu Qichenforted her, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, I¡¯m here. I won¡¯t let anything happen to Xiao Han.¡± Just then, the emergency room doors swung open. A doctor, surrounded by a group of nurses, walked out. Xia Yangyang immediately stood up and ran over, her heart in her throat: ¡°Director Yao, how is Gu Zhaohan?¡± Chapter 209 - 210: Learning to Prepare Soup for Him Chapter 209: Chapter 210: Learning to Prepare Soup for Him Trantor: 549690339 Director Yao took off his mask, ¡°His ninth rib is fractured, but it¡¯s not too serious. However, in order to prevent pneumothorax or hemothorax, he needs to be hospitalized for observation. But you don¡¯t need to worry too much, young people have a good base and he should recover quickly.¡± Gu Qichen sighed with relief. When he turned to look at Xia Yangyang, she was already in tears. Xia Yangyang was really shocked. When the thick iron frame came crashing down just now, it felt as if she had suddenly been submerged in the sea. A huge wave was about to engulf her. But Gu Zhaohan pulled her away in the nick of time. When Xia Yangyang looked at Gu Zhaohan again, he was lying in the hospital bed. His chest was secured with a bandage. He was sitting up straight, with a pained expression on his face. Gu Qichen walked to the bed and asked, ¡°How are you feeling?¡± To her surprise, Gu Zhaohan managed a faint smile, ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m fine. And, don¡¯t tell mom and grandpa. I don¡¯t want them to worry.¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°I understand.¡± After Gu Zhaohan finished speaking, he shifted his gaze behind Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang walked up from behind Gu Qichen, her eyes still red. ¡°Are you okay¡­¡± ¡°Are you okay¡­¡± Almost simultaneously, they both uttered the same words. Once spoken, the hospital room seemed to fall silent. Gu Qichen furrowed his brows. Xia Yangyang broke the silence first, ¡°I¡¯m not hurt, thanks to you.¡± Gu Zhaohan nced at Gu Qichen, his voice returned to its usual cold and distant tone, ¡°I¡¯m d you¡¯re okay. In that situation, I would have done the same for anyone, so you don¡¯t need to worry.¡± On the way home. Xia Yangyang sat in Gu Qichen¡¯s car, finally regaining her senses. However, Gu Qichen was silent throughout the drive, his face stern. The temperature inside the car seemed to drop by several degrees. Xia Yangyang felt even more guilty. Gu Zhaohan is Gu Qichen¡¯s beloved nephew, and now, due to her, he was incapacitated in the hospital, surely Gu Qichen was upset. Xia Yangyang made a secret resolution to make amends. The next morning, when Gu Qichen opened his eyes, he found that he was alone. Looking at the wall clock, it was only a little past five. Gu Qichen frowned, getting out of bed. Xia Yangyang was not in the room. After leaving their room, he went to the kitchen, where he found Xia Yangyang making porridge. Gu Qichen went over and asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Xia Yangyang turned around, ¡°I¡¯m making in porridge for Xiao Han. Right now, he can¡¯t eat much, he can only have porridge.¡± ¡°You could have asked the housemaid to do it.¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°He got injured saving me, now he¡¯s lying in the hospital, and there¡¯s not much I can do. So I can only do what I can to show my gratitude.¡± Xia Yangyang had already packed the cooked porridge into a thermal food container. Then she said to Gu Qichen, ¡°Go back to bed, I¡¯m leaving to deliver breakfast, and then I¡¯ll head directly to school.¡± For several days in a row, Xia Yangyang got up early to make porridge. From simple rice porridge to chicken porridge to rib porridge, she would change it up every day. In truth, Xia Yangyang was not skilled in the kitchen. But for Gu Zhaohan, she had specially asked the chef at home for advice, repeatedly practicingte into the night, eventually getting the hang of it. These days, she was also learning to make soup. Every night when Gu Qichen got home, he would see Xia Yangyang busily working in the kitchen. Then he¡¯d silently head to his study, not returning to the room until veryte. Xia Yangyang also noticed that Gu Qichen seemed especially busy these days,ing hometer andter. Sometimes, Xia Yangyang would deliberately stay busy in the kitchen while waiting for him. Once Gu Qichen returned, she would happily serve him a bowl of freshly made soup in his study. But Xia Yangyang noticed that Gu Qichen never drank the soup. The next morning, it would still be on the desk in his study. Xia Yangyang felt a little disappointed, but she also knew that Gu Qichen was picky when it came to taste. Perhaps it was her cooking skills. So she became even more diligent.. Chapter 210 - 211: Xia Yangyang, stop being melodramatic Chapter 210: Chapter 211: Xia Yangyang, stop being melodramatic Trantor: 549690339 But it seems like this was of no use. All the chefs at home praised her culinary skills, so why wouldn¡¯t Gu Qichen even try a bite? Today, Xia Yangyang made coconut chicken soup. She made it with pure coconut juice, resulting in a clear, sweet, and refreshing soup. She nned to use this chicken soup to cook porridge for Gu Zhaohan the next morning. She could see the light was on again in Gu Qichen¡¯s study from afar. Previously, Gu Qichen would always visit her in the kitchen when he came home. But now, he went straight to his study, and would be busy untilte at night. By the time Gu Qichen returned to his room, Xia Yangyang would have fallen asleep. This week, she had hardly spoken to Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang filled a bowl with soup and brought it to Gu Qichen¡¯s study in a soup carrier. Gu Qichen was not looking at his documents either. Instead, he was standing on the small balcony of his study room, smoking a cigarette, lost in thought. Xia Yangyang never knew that Gu Qichen would smoke. No wonder she had been noticing a faint smell of tobo in the house these past few days. Xia Yangyang stood at the door, lightly knocking. Gu Qichen turned around. Seeing Xia Yangyang at the door, Gu Qichen immediately extinguished his cigarette and walked in. Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Why have youe?¡± Xia Yangyang walked in with the soup carrier, ¡°I made chicken soup today with coconut juice. It¡¯s very sweet, you should try some.¡± But Gu Qichen frowned, ¡°In the future, don¡¯t bring such things here. I don¡¯t like these.¡± There was a hint of indifference in Gu Qichen¡¯s voice. Standing there holding the soup carrier, Xia Yangyang felt a bit awkward. Xia Yangyang was a bit nervous, ¡°Did you get bothered by something? I noticed these past few days¡­¡± ¡°Yangyang, I want to be alone.¡± Before Xia Yangyang could finish speaking, Gu Qichen had already interrupted her. Furthermore, she distinctly felt a sense of impatience and irritability in his tone. Xia Yangyang was slightly taken aback, ¡°Then remember to rest early.¡± After speaking, Xia Yangyang left with the soup carrier. She didn¡¯t even step foot inside the study. Walking down the long corridor. For some unknown reason, Xia Yangyang felt like crying. But then she suddenly felt like she was overreacting. Perhaps Gu Qichen was simply having a hard time at work. Aside from bothering him, she couldn¡¯t really help him anyway. Xia Yangyang swallowed back the tears andughed at herself. Xia Yangyang, you have to be Gu Qichen¡¯s little sun, bringing him warmth and sunlight. Thinking this way, Xia Yangyang¡¯s mood brightened again. Meanwhile, Gu Qichen clenched his fist inside his study and violently struck the desk. The only sound was the cracking of his knuckles. Gu Qichen had never felt such anguish before, as if a million ants were gnawing at his heart. He knew he had been cold and indifferent to Yangyang these past few days. Watching her carefully trying to please him, he felt even more irritable. Even he didn¡¯t know what was wrong? Perhaps for the first time, he was running away, not daring to delve into his feelings. The next morning, Gu Qichen got up and Xia Yangyang was already gone. Gu Qichen nced at the clock. 7 o¡¯clock. Xia Yangyang should be at the hospital by now. Without eating breakfast, Gu Qichen inexplicably drove to the hospital. When Xia Yangyang arrived at the ward, Gu Zhaohan had awoken. Gu Zhaohan¡¯s condition had improved and there were noplications. He was bound by a chest strap, limiting his mobility. Nheless, the doctor said that he could be discharged in a couple of days and he would recoverpletely with good care at home. When Gu Zhaohan saw Xia Yangyang entering, the corners of his mouth unconsciously curled up into a smile. But he said, ¡°Why are you here again? I said you don¡¯t need to work so hard to bring me breakfast..¡± Chapter 211 - 212: Growing More and More Fond of Chapter 211 - 212: Growing More and More Fond of Chapter 211: Chapter 212: Growing More and More Fond of Teasing Him Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Why do you all belonging to the Gu family not know how to appreciate kindness?¡± When Xia Yangyang looked at Gu Zhaohan, she inexplicably thought of Gu Qichen. A slight hint of anger rose from the resentment in her heart. Since she couldn¡¯t vent her anger on Gu Qichen, she, of course, took it out on Gu Zhaohan instead. Who else could she do it to? He was her grandnephew, and his face even bore a seventy percent resemnce to his uncle. Gu Zhaohan noticed that Xia Yangyang was not in the best mood. His eyes subtly changed in color, ¡°Did you quarrel with my uncle?¡± Xia Yangyang put the food box on the table and opened each one slowly, ¡°No.¡± ¡°Then why do you look upset?¡± ¡°Probably because the food I cooked is not tasty.¡± Gu Zhaohan was silent for a while. After a good while, he finally spoke, ¡°The breakfast you made is very tasty.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback. Then she suddenly turned her head. Her gaze met Gu Zhaohan¡¯s. Gu Zhaohan¡¯s ears flushed, and then he looked away. Xia Yangyang chuckled. He was actually embarrassed about praising her. This grandnephew of hers, while being icy most of the time and as whimsical as his uncle, could be quite adorable at times. Xia Yangyang somehow felt a little better. Carrying a bowl of porridge toward him, she teased him purposely, ¡°What did you say just now? I didn¡¯t hear it clearly. Can you say it again?¡± Gu Zhaohan seemed somewhat annoyed, ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± Xia Yangyangughed, ¡°You just said that the breakfast I made is very tasty. You were praising me just now, why deny it after just three seconds? What¡¯s there to be embarrassed about? If you praise me, I¡¯ll be happy. And if I¡¯m happy, I¡¯ll make more tasty food for you.¡± Gu Zhaohan fell silent. Xia Yangyang passed the porridge to him, ¡°Eat, it¡¯s shredded chicken porridge today. I started simmering the chicken brothst night.¡± Only then did Gu Zhaohan turn and reach to take it. But, owing to the freshly changed bandage being a bit tight, he winced in pain as soon as he moved his chest. Clutching his chest, Gu Zhaohan grunted. Xia Yangyang became concerned, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you okay?¡± Gu Zhaohan shook his head, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Xia Yangyang watched him frown as he picked up the small bowl. Every move he made seemed mechanical and painfully restrained. Xia Yangyang instantly took back the bowl, ¡°Don¡¯t move, let me feed you.¡± Although Gu Zhaohan made a reluctant face, he didn¡¯t object in the end. Xia Yangyang moved a chair to the bedside and sat down. Gu Zhaohan sat on the bed. Xia Yangyang scooped a spoonful of porridge and brought it to Gu Zhaohan¡¯s mouth. Gu Zhaohan¡¯s gaze fell on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, seeming to be lost in a daze. Xia Yangyang urged him, ¡°What are you dazed about? Open your mouth.¡± Gu Zhaohan came back to his senses, obediently opened his mouth, and took a small sip. Xia Yangyang looked at him expectantly, ¡°How does it taste?¡± Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t meet Xia Yangyang¡¯s gaze, but he nodded silently and uttered softly, ¡°Tasty.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s mood improved greatly, ¡°You¡¯re the cutest.¡± Gu Zhaohan blushed and retorted, ¡°What¡¯s cute about me?¡± Xia Yangyang yfully teased him, ¡°You are very cute like this, both obedient and cute.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not Oscar.¡± ¡°You are cuter than Oscar.¡± Xia Yangyang was increasingly enjoying teasing Gu Zhaohan. Seeing his usually icy face breaking out in flustered expressions was indeed quite entertaining. Meanwhile, a tall figure had been standing by the door for quite some time¡­. Chapter 212 - 213: Kim Feier is Dismissed Chapter 212 - 213: Kim Fei''er is Dismissed Chapter 212: Chapter 213: Kim Fei¡¯er is Dismissed Trantor: 549690339 | Gu Qichen didn¡¯t go in. He stood at the door for a while, then turned and left. Xia Yangyang went straight to school from the hospital. As soon as she arrived at school, she heard a few girls discussing something. ¡°Did you guys hear? Kim Fei¡¯er has been expelled from the school.¡± ¡°Seriously? But Kim Fei¡¯er is the mayor¡¯s daughter. She has always unted her power in school and stirred up quite a bit of trouble. The principal has always turned a blind eye. How could she be expelled?¡± ¡°I¡¯m dead serious, we don¡¯t know who she offended, but she¡¯s definitely expelled.¡± ¡°That¡¯s a big piece of good news. The number one mean girl in school was expelled, I guess the rest must chill out too.¡± Yet, Xia Yangyang was somewhat puzzled. Kim Fei¡¯er got expelled? Why? While they were having lunch, Xia Yangyang mentioned this to Wen Xiaochu. Wen Xiaochu said: ¡°Could it be your Uncle Gu¡¯s doing? By the way, there¡¯s something you should know. The stage copse at the school festival might not be an ident. Someone corroded the scaffold¡¯s materials with sulfuric acid; that¡¯s why it copsed.¡± Xia Yangyang was startled: ¡°Who would be so cruel?¡± If someone were really hit by that iron scaffold, they would certainly be dead. If it was done intentionally, that would simply be murder. Wen Xiaochu spected: ¡°I heard that the corrosivepound was put in a remote control switch, which could control the timing of the copse. The scaffold happened to copse when you were lying on the stage indicating that you were the target. Who in this school hates you so much and is cruel enough to do this?¡± ¡°Kim Fei¡¯er?¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t believe it. She did have various conflicts with Kim Fei¡¯er, but Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t believe that Kim Fei¡¯er would actually want to kill her. Wen Xiaochu continued: ¡°So, it¡¯s a good thing that Kim Fei¡¯er got expelled. She¡¯s always harbored grudges against you, plus she lost the bet to you previously. Thank goodness she got expelled, otherwise who knows what she might do next.¡± Xia Yangyang was still in a daze. ¡°So I think, the incident of Kim Fei¡¯er¡¯s expulsion must be rted to your Master Gu. A wicked woman who schemed against his wife and inadvertently hurt his nephew, Mr. Gu, a man of his stature, would not condone such behavior.¡± Hearing Wen Xiaochu¡¯s argument, Xia Yangyang became more worried about the situation. She wanted to discuss this with Gu Qichen when she got home. But unexpectedly, Gu Qichen had left on a business trip to Japan again for the next few days. The day he returned coincided with Gu Zhaohan¡¯s discharge from the hospital. Gu Zhaohan was discharged in the afternoon and went home for dinner in the evening. Actually, everyone in the family knew about it. The patriarch was half dead with worry, and Gu Mingzhu had returned early from Paris. Fortunately, Gu Zhaohan was recovering well. He could already walk on his own. This time, Gu Qichen was away on a business trip for a week. He seldom left for such long periods in the past. Xia Yangyang was counting the days with her fingers. Eventually, she couldn¡¯t resist asking Gu Qichen¡¯s secretary about his return schedule. The day Gu Qichen returned, Xia Yangyang went to the airport early to wait for him. His flight was dyed. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t arrive until the evening. Seeing him, Xia Yangyang rushed over with a big smile on her face and gave him a bear hug. Gu Qichen seemed a bit surprised: ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°I asked Secretary Fang about your schedule. I wanted to surprise you.¡± Gu Qichen said coldly: ¡°Okay, let¡¯s be proper. We are in public. Let¡¯s go home first.¡± Xia Yangyang froze. Why had Gu Qichen suddenly be so cold? In the past, when she came to pick him up from his business trips, he would always be happy to see her. After walking a few steps, Gu Qichen noticed Xia Yangyang still standing there. He turned around and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t youing?¡± Xia Yangyang merely responded with an ¡°Oh,¡± and hurriedly caught up to him. Maybe he¡¯s just too tired, Xia Yangyang thought.. Chapter 213 - 214: Xia Yangyang, You’re Taking Your Role Too Seriously Chapter 213: Chapter 214: Xia Yangyang, You¡¯re Taking Your Role Too Seriously Trantor: 549690339 After getting in the car. Xia Yangyang had been secretly observing Gu Qichen¡¯s expression. Gu Qichen seemed really tired. Xia Yangyang just wanted to talk about some cheerful things. Xia Yangyang started, ¡°Ah Chen, Gu Zhaohan was discharged from hospital today and my sister personally cooked dinner.¡± Hearing a certain name, Gu Qichen furrowed his brows, opened his eyes and said coldly, ¡°I know.¡± Xia Yangyang pursed her lips, ¡°I¡¯ve ordered a cake for Gu Zhaohan, let¡¯s pick it upter.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s fingers lightly pinched, his voice remained nd, ¡°Okay.¡± After picking up the cake, Xia Yangyang excitedly returned to the car and told Gu Qichen, ¡°The owner of the cake shop also gave a bunch of lilies, it¡¯s perfect to give to Gu Zhaohan for his discharge.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, aren¡¯t you getting a bit too into your role?¡± Gu Qichen suddenly spoke. Xia Yangyang was stunned. It wasn¡¯t Gu Qichen¡¯s words that shocked her, but his expression. It was chilling like an ice sculpture, and his gaze, was like icy sharp daggers, emitting a chilling glow. Xia Yangyang seemed to have been caught off guard, ¡°What did you say?¡± A hint of cold mockery appeared on Gu Qichen¡¯s face, ¡°Gu Zhaohan, Gu Zhaohan, how many times a day do you have to mention this name? Xia Yangyang, remember who you are. He¡¯s not Liang Shanbo, and you¡¯re not Zhu Yingtai. Please have some sense of being a wife.¡± Xia Yangyang truly didn¡¯t understand. It took her a while to realize what he meant. Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes were filled with disbelief, ¡°Gu Qichen, what kind of person do you think I am?¡± What did Gu Qichen mean? Did he actually suspect her rtionship with Gu Zhaohan? While Gu Qichen was on his business trip for these few days, they would call each other every night. Xia Yangyang did mention Gu Zhaohan indeed, but that was because Gu Zhaohan is his nephew, the one he cared about the most. She only updated Gu Qichen about Gu Zhaohan¡¯s recovery to ease his worries. It never came to Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind, that Gu Qichen would think in such a way. Xia Yangyang was inexplicably angry, and in the midst of her anger, she felt it was ridiculous. Her and Gu Zhaohan, how could that be possible? But Xia Yangyang still tried to calm herself down, and exined, ¡°I think you have misunderstood. Gu Zhaohan and I are just friends. He¡¯s your nephew, and I¡¯ve always regarded him as my junior.¡± His fingers clenched tightly. Misunderstanding? How could what he saw with his own eyes be a misunderstanding? Xiao Han had been acting unusually recently, he watched him grow up. Gu Qichen knew Xia Yangyang was naive, maybe she was unaware. But the unexinable bitterness of the past few days was still vented on her. He pinched the bridge of his nose, his voice exceedingly tired, ¡°In the future, keep your distance from him. The reputation of Gu Family, I don¡¯t wish to see it ruined by the two of you.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t say anything. But her heart felt as if it had been stabbed by a knife. What does he mean by the reputation of Gu Family, it cannot be ruined by the two of them? Had Gu Qichen already made up his mind about everything in his heart? When Gong Xue¡¯er conspired against Xia Yangyang, the whole world had misunderstood her. Only Gu Qichen had believed in her unconditionally. But now¡­ The car smoothly pulled up into Gu Garden. Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang got out of the car. Gu Garden was still brightly lit as usual. But Xia Yangyang suddenly felt a chill in the air. Chapter 214 - 215: Moving Out of Gu Garden Chapter 214: Chapter 215: Moving Out of Gu Garden Trantor: 549690339 Upon entering, the butler took the overcoat that Gu Qichen had removed: ¡°Master, mistress, the master and miss are waiting for you in the dining room.¡± Gu Qichen asked a question: ¡°Where¡¯s Xiao Han?¡± The butler replied, ¡°Young Master Han also just came back not long ago. He should be in the dining room as well.¡± Gu Qichen nodded, ascended the stairs and headed towards the dining room. Xia Yangyang trailing behind him silently with a cake in her hand. The lily flowers gifted by thendy, she had left them in the car and did not bring them in. Seeing Gu Qichen, Gu Mingzhu broke into a smile instantly. She walked over, gently touched Gu Qichen¡¯s face and suddenly frowned, ¡°Ah Chen, have you lost weight?¡± Gu Qichen replied gently, ¡°No, I¡¯ve only been on a business trip for a few days.¡± Gu Mingzhu scrutinized him for a while, ¡°You have lost weight indeed. You¡¯ve always been fussy since you were young. You must not have eaten properly being outside. Next time you go on a business trip, I¡¯ll have the family chef go with you to avoid worrying about you not eating well.¡± Gu Qichen, feeling helpless, ¡°I¡¯m on a business trip, not a vacation.¡± Gu Qichen changed the subject, ¡°What did you do today?¡± Gu Mingzhu smiled and replied, ¡°Steamed grouper, braised pork ribs, oil braised prawns, and lion¡¯s head meatballs, all your favorite home-cooked dishes.¡± The Gu Family in fact had a dedicated chef who always came up with a variety of high-end seafood dishes and imported food ingredients. But they barely got to enjoy these simple, home-cooked dishes. Gu Mingzhu said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Once Ah Chen had lion¡¯s head meatballs in a private restaurant in Yangzhou when he was young, he kept asking to have it again aftering back. We invited several chefs, but they all said that was not lion¡¯s head, but meatballs. In the end, I had to go to Yangzhou myself and learned it for two months. After I returned and made him that dish, you can imagine just how picky he is.¡± Xia Yangyang chuckled, ¡°Sis, you¡¯re really good to him.¡± Gu Mingzhu looked at Gu Qichen with a loving gaze and said with a smile, ¡°Of course, he¡¯s my dearest little brother.¡± It was at this moment, Xia Yangyang noticed that Gu Zhaohan had been sitting at the dining table. His gaze had been locked onto Gu Mingzhu. There was a trace of habitual mncholy in his eyes. Xia Yangyang, who had not stayed long at the Gupound, had also noticed it clearly. Gu Mingzhu seemed more concerned about her own younger brother, spoke more to him, took care of his appearance and even helped him tie his necktie whenever he went out. Gu Qichen was also like a child in front of Gu Mingzhu. But Gu Mingzhu seemed to concern herself much less with Gu Zhaohan. Not that she didn¡¯t care, but her expressions of it were less direct. This was also due to Gu Zhaohan¡¯s personality, he always seemed closed-off and cold, as if he was keeping everyone at arm¡¯s length. Xia Yangyang handed the cake to Gu Zhaohan, ¡°Congrattions on your discharge, this is for you.¡± Gu Zhaohan said one word, ¡°Thank you.¡± During dinner, it was always the elder, Gu Mingzhu, and Gu Qichen doing the talking. Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t say a word. Xia Yangyang, who¡¯s usually the most lively and talkative, spent the evening mostly eating quietly. Gu Mingzhu noticed it and asked, ¡°Yangyang, what¡¯s wrong with you today, do you have something on your mind?¡± Xia Yangyang quickly shook her head, ¡°Nothing, I¡¯m just thinking about some stuff.¡± Gu Qichen then spoke in a calm voice, ¡°Dad, sis, Yangyang and I are moving out tonight.¡± Xia Yangyang looked up at Gu Qichen, surprised. The elder asked, ¡°Why are you moving out when you¡¯ve been living quite well here?¡± Gu Mingzhu interjected, ¡°Dad, let it go. What¡¯s the point in keeping the two of them here? Ah Chen is newly married, let him enjoy some alone time with his wife. If they want to move out, let them. But do remember to visit us often..¡± Chapter 215 - 216: Thank You, Aunt Chapter 215: Chapter 216: Thank You, Aunt Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang remained silent from start to finish. But her heart was still very upset. Gu Qichen¡¯s decision to move out clearly meant he believed there was something going on between her and Gu Zhaohan. After dinner, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to stay in her room. She felt inexplicably suffocated. So, she went out to the yard. There was a marble bench in the yard. Xia Yangyang sat on it, nkly gazing at the night sky. Oscar came over and rubbed his nose against Xia Yangyang¡¯s ankle. Xia Yangyang bent down and stroked Oscar¡¯s fluffy head. ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how long she had been sitting. A cold voice suddenly came from behind her. Turning around, she saw Gu Zhaohan. Xia Yangyang stood up abruptly. For some reason, she felt inexplicably nervous. Probably because she knew that Gu Qichen had misunderstood their rtionship, so now, there seemed to be a knot in her heart. Xia Yangyang slightly hooked her mouth in a smile, ¡°Nothing, just ying with Oscar for a while.¡± Gu Zhaohan also came over, squatted down, petted Oscar, and asked, ¡°I was asking what¡¯s wrong between you and Uncle?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect Gu Zhaohan to ask this. She pretended to be very natural and said, ¡°We¡¯re fine. Why do you ask?¡± ¡°I can tell Uncle is upset.¡± In reality, Gu Qichen¡¯s behavior hadn¡¯t really changed from his normal demeanor. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how Gu Zhaohan had noticed. But she would never tell Gu Zhaohan about Gu Qichen misunderstanding their rtionship, no matter what happened. It was far too outrageous, and extremely awkward. Xia Yangyang changed the subject, ¡°You seem to know your uncle very well.¡± Gu Zhaohan was silent for a while, ¡°From a young age, I¡¯ve always seen him as my goal, my idol. Uncle is very outstanding, able to shoulder the Shengyuan Group at 17 years old. He is a genius, but I¡¯m not. No matter how hard I try, I can¡¯t catch up to him. So whether it¡¯s grandfather or mother, only Uncle catches their eye.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback. It was surprising that someone as cold as Gu Zhaohan would say such things. You must know, at A University he was considered a genius by others, the most outstanding academic achiever in the medical school. Why would he think like this? Xia Yangyang suddenly realized, Gu Zhaohan must have lived under the shadow of Gu Qichen¡¯s sess from an early age. His psychological pressure must be quite heavy. ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t have to measure yourself against your uncle¡¯s life trajectory. You are you, not anyone else. Why do you need topare yourself to him?¡± ¡°It¡¯s because I don¡¯t want my mother to forever only say goodnight to Uncle, reminding him to eat on time, preparing his luggage, bring him gifts, only ever seeing him.¡± When Gu Zhaohan said this, there was no jealousy in his voice, but profound sadness and helplessness instead. For a while, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what to say. The two could only sit in silence, with Oscar sniffing around their feet. ¡°Xiao Han.¡± The cold voice of Gu Qichen came from behind. Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan both turned their heads. Gu Qichen came over and handed Gu Zhaohan a gift box, ¡°This is a gift for you.¡± Every time he goes on a business trip, Gu Qichen would always bring back a gift for him. Gu Zhaohan opened it and it turned out to be a car key. Gu Qichen said, ¡°You¡¯re about to graduate, I supposed you¡¯ll need it. The car is ordered from overseas, it will be delivered home in a month. It¡¯s just an ordinary Volkswagen. The cars at home are too shy for your internship, I¡¯m giving you this car formuting. I hope your first nice car purchase will be with your own sry.¡± In fact, there were many cars in the basement of Gu mansion, but they were all luxuriously expensive. Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°Thank you, Uncle.¡± Gu Qichen was silent for a second and said, ¡°This gift was actually selected by your auntie. If not for her, I wouldn¡¯t have thought of this. You should thank your auntie too..¡± Chapter 216 - 217: Why Won’t You Call? Chapter 216: Chapter 217: Why Won¡¯t You Call? Trantor: 549690339 The entire garden suddenly fell silent. Xia Yangyang frowned as she looked at Gu Qichen. What did Gu Qichen mean? She never brought up the issue of the car, why did Gu Qichen have to say that? Gu Zhaohan was silent for a while, then muttered two words: ¡°Thank you.¡± Gu Qichen spoke again, ¡°All this time, I don¡¯t seem to have ever heard you call her ¡®aunt¡¯. Does Yangyang mean nothing to our family in your heart?¡± Xia Yangyang finally understood. Gu Qichen was pressuring Gu Zhaohan to call him ¡®uncle¡¯, hence the deliberatement earlier. This annoyed Yangyang quite a bit. Firstly, Gu Qichen knew that Gu Zhaohan was older than him and was also his ssmate. He greatly disliked being reminded of his status as his uncle! Their rtionship had been strained before, precisely because of this reason. Now that things were finally improving a bit, Gu Qichen brought it up again. Secondly, Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Qichen reminded her that she was Gu Zhaohan¡¯s aunt to maintain a certain distance between them at all times. Though it seemed as if he was speaking to Gu Zhaohan, this reminder was likely for her. Gu Qichen still didn¡¯t trust her!! Anger red within Xia Yangyang! As for Gu Qichen, his gaze gently and nonchntly rested on Gu Zhaohan. His tone when he spoke earlier was normal, not pressing, with even a hint of a smile at the corner of his mouth. But Gu Zhaohan was as cold as an ice sculpture, standing there without saying a word. Gu Qichen¡¯s tone remained unchanged, ¡°Why don¡¯t you call her ¡®aunt¡¯?¡± Gu Zhaohan still didn¡¯t reply. At that moment, there was no expression on his face. However, having interacted with him for a while, Xia Yangyang knew him better now. He, like his uncle, presented a serene facade when his emotions were actually surging internally. They masked their emotions well, but it didn¡¯t mean they had none. In Xia Yangyang¡¯s view, Gu Qichen was bullying Gu Zhaohan. Gu Qichen clearly knew about Zhaohan¡¯s temperament and his difort with her status. Zhaohan, already feeling undervalued at home, had a grandmother and mother who only doted on Gu Qichen. Now an aunt was suddenly added into the picture. Yet, Gu Qichen was still forcing him to ept Xia Yangyang as a superior family member, which was like forcing him to lower his own status within the family. This was cruelty to Gu Zhaohan! Still, Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t want to respond. He didn¡¯t even want to meet Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes. He just held his head low, his car key box clutched tightly in his hand until his fingers turned white. ¡°Why won¡¯t you call her. Do you not ept your status to this day, Xiao Han, what are you thinking?¡± ¡°Enough, Gu Qichen. You¡¯ve gone too far!¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly erupted. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t bear it anymore. He had suspicions about her, but now even Gu Zhaohan was being suspected. Gu Zhaohan was such a reserved person, didn¡¯t he, as an uncle, know that? She could tolerate being treated unfairly herself but now the unjust usations had spilled onto Gu Zhaohan. They were asserting thingspletely baseless, did he aim to stir the pot so that everyone lived in distrust? How was she supposed to face Gu Zhaohan and the rest of the family members in the future? Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes darkened, his face gradually turned cold. Xia Yangyang pushed Gu Qichen away and went straight back into the house. Gu Qichen stood in ce for a moment, then turned around and went into the house too. Only Gu Zhaohan remained in ce, staring fixedly at the brightly lit room and the figures of Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang inside. He silently disappeared into the night¡­. Chapter 217 - 218: Hey, Classmate... Chapter 217: Chapter 218: Hey, ssmate¡­ Trantor: 549690339 Gu Zhaohan remembers, the first time he heard the name Xia Yangyang. It was on the third day of the university¡¯s military training upon admission. At that time, he had just returned to his country a few days ago, unustomed to the local food and water, and still hadn¡¯t adjusted to the time difference. Scorching summer days, high-intensity military training. Worse, they encountered a military officer who was so severe and harsh it was almost sadistic. At that time, the military training was not divided by faculties or sses. It was randomly assigned, sixty people in one ss,ing from different faculties, different sses. At that time, to train their endurance. Every day before lunch, under the zing sun, the instructor would have them stand under the burning sun for half an hour. Those few days, he was already feeling unwell, but he held on. Just when he felt he could no longer hold on, his vision gradually dimming. Someone next to him suddenly handed him a bottle of mineral water. The person¡¯s voice clear and pleasant: ¡°Hey, ssmate, this is for you.¡± He barely forced his eyes open to look sideways, it was a face so pure it made his heart flutter. She handed him a bottle of mineral water, her voice very low: ¡°Quick, drink it and don¡¯t let the instructor catch you.¡± Gu Zhaohan took the mineral water, it had obviously been sipped by her. He was a clean freak who disliked using other people¡¯s things, even more so, water that had been drunk by others. But oddly, at that time, he didn¡¯t feel even a bit of aversion. Twisting open the cap and gulping down two mouthfuls, everything in front of him began to have distinct shades of ck and white. From that day on, he started to notice this girl. It¡¯s a pity that they didn¡¯t get the chance to talk, because they were shuffled into different training groups due to ssroom reassignments, they were far apart. But he would often see her. For instance, during breaks, she liked to sit with a bunch of friends under the basketball hoop in the sports field, chatting andughing, sometimes sneak-eating snacks. That summer, the temperatures were unusually high. The one-month-long military training had everyone looking like a dark monkey. But she seemed to be favored by the heavens, still as pure as a lotus. When everyone was in a terrible state, barely able to move after the training. He would always see her holding bottles of water, distributing one by one to those around her. When everyone was dripping in sweat, she was refreshing and sweat-free, except for those forever rosy cheeks, making one think of the peach blossoms under the sun. He was not social. But he still managed to find out her name from other people. Xia Yangyang ¡ª Middle of summer, rouge sinking, slim like the snow, night sky with endless stars! That summer was long, boring, tough, and suffocatingly hot. But that name was like an ice cube in the summer, melting all bad moods. Every time he thought of it, it felt refreshing and soothing. In the following years, he hardly ever spoke to Xia Yangyang. But he knew everything about her. She was a journalism student. She preferred to eat in the school¡¯s second canteen. Every weekend, she spent most of her time in the library. At nine- thirty in the evening, before she went to bed, she would take a run around the track¡­ And¡­ that her boyfriend was named Lu Haotian. He quietly observed everything about this girl, but she didn¡¯t even know he existed. His uncle once said that if you feel a jolt of electricity running through your body and tremble involuntarily at the first sight of a girl, then she is surely your true love. But, when he realized this, she had be his aunt by marriage. But his memory was still stuck in that summer. That pale wristying before him and her voice, clear as ark: ¡°Hey, ssmate¡­¡± Chapter 218 - 219: I’m not as despicable as you think! Chapter 218: Chapter 219: I¡¯m not as despicable as you think! Trantor: 549690339 At that time, Xia Yangyang had already returned to her room. Gu Qichen followed her in. The two started arguing. Gu Mingzhu saw what was happening and came over. Seeing that Gu Mingzhu was approaching, Xia Yangyang no longer quarrelled with Gu Qichen. Gu Mingzhu asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on between you two? You were fine moments ago, why are you fighting?¡± Xia Yangyang remained silent. Gu Qichen then said, ¡°Sister, we¡¯re leaving.¡± Having said that, he took Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and started to head outside. As they walked, Xia Yangyang struggled to free herself from Gu Qichen¡¯s grip. The two were clearly at odds with each other again. During this time, Gu Zhaohan also entered the room. Gu Mingzhu noticed that Gu Zhaohan also looked off, and she called out to him a few times but he seemed to not hear her and went straight upstairs. Gu Mingzhu clearly creased her brows. Once they got in the car, Xia Yangyang remained silent all the way. Gu Qichen also wore a thunderous expression. Finally, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t hold back any longer and asked, ¡°Gu Qichen, why did you say what you did earlier, don¡¯t you trust me? How am I supposed to face Gu Zhaohan in the future? What do you want him to think?¡± Suddenly, Gu Qichen mmed on the brakes. The car came to a stop on the side of the road. His voice was icy as he said, ¡°How can I trust you when you still consider him at every turn?¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned as she said, ¡°Not because I¡¯m considerate of him, I just can¡¯t understand why you would have such thoughts. What have I done to make you think that my rtionship with Gu Zhaohan is ambiguous? If you want to use me, you need evidence. Your baseless usation, I cannot ept.¡± Xia Yangyang felt that she had known Gu Qichen for quite some time now. He was not a petty person, nor was he someone who would be jealous of his own nephew. This was utterly absurd. What was the reason that caused Gu Qichen to view her in this manner? ¡°Evidence, you need evidence? Doesn¡¯t your behavior in recent days exin everything?¡± Xia Yangyang was enraged. What exactly had she done? Gu Qichen was simply making unfounded usations at her. Especially the way he spoke now, cold and harsh, as if he was absolutely certain of his usations. As if no matter how Xia Yangyang defended herself he wouldn¡¯t believe her. Besides, there was no such thing happening in the first ce, why should she need to defend herself? Suddenly, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to talk about it anymore. A feeling of indescribable grievance welled up in her heart. ¡°Gu Qichen, I¡¯m done trying to prove my innocence to you. Clear-minded people will see the truth. Speaking is apparently pointless,¡± she said. ¡°Xia Yangyang, starting from today, you are not allowed to approach Xiao Han anymore,¡± Gu Qichen said after a few seconds of silence. What chilled Xia Yangyang was the fact that he was using a tone that was close to a warning. Approaching Gu Zhaohan? So in Gu Qichen¡¯s heart, he didn¡¯t just think their rtionship was ambiguous, but that she was the one actively seeking the closeness? Or should I say, did Gu Qichen think she was seducing him? Yes, since he¡¯s made up his mind that there¡¯s something going on between them, and Gu Zhaohan, with his aloof personality, certainly wouldn¡¯t have initiated it. That leaves only one possibility, that she initiated the advances, that she seduced Gu Zhaohan! Xia Yangyang could hardly believe it and wanted tough. Almost shouting, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Gu Qichen, I¡¯m not as despicable as you think!¡± Having said that, Xia Yangyang opened the car door and ran off. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t chase after her! Chapter 219 - 220:1 Also Live Here Chapter 219 - 220:1 Also Live Here Chapter 219: Chapter 220:1 Also Live Here Trantor: 549690339 After getting out of the car, Xia Yangyang ran away. She finally stopped by a bus stop on the side of the road. Unable to hold back her grievance, she broke into tears. Why did it turn out this way? Xia Yangyang was at a loss, even though nothing had actually happened. Xia Yangyang sat on the bench for a long time, stunned. Anyway, she didn¡¯t want to go back. Seeing Gu Qichen¡¯s suspecting gaze hurt like a sharp knife. But she didn¡¯t want to go home either. Xia Weiwei was just waiting to mock her; she couldn¡¯t go home in such a vulnerable state. Xia Yangyang scrolled through her phone, and ended up dialing Wen Xiaochu. Wen Xiaochu arrived twenty minutester. After a few words, they both left together. However, at that exact moment, a ck Maybach was parked not far from the bus stop. The man inside, wearing a gloomy expression, and the tip of his cigarette glowing red. But he just lit the cigarette, he didn¡¯t smoke it, waiting until the red fire at the tip burnt out before lighting another. The car filled with smoke, reeking of strong tobo. Gu Qichen did not actually like this smell. However, this slightly bitter scent seemed to cool him down. Why did he say those things to hurt her intentionally? Even Gu Qichen found himself foolish. Knowing she was innocent, he should¡¯ve kept her safe by his side, especially at this time. That¡¯s what his rationality told him. But every time he imagined Xia Yangyang sitting next to Gu Zhaohan, his heart ached like a poisonous snake was coiling around it. He heard every word that was said. Since his childhood, Xiaohan had never shared these things with his family. Gu Qichen only then realized the extent of his burdens and conflicts. What Gu Qichen could not ept was that Xia Yangyang was the first person who opened his heart. Gu Qichen knew how serious this was. Gu Zhaohan was simr to him in many ways. Once emotionally involved, it would be hard for them to let go. And every time she tried to justify herself in front of him, saying things like, ¡°the innocent had nothing to fear,¡± Gu Qichen felt incredibly frustrated. What a fool! Couldn¡¯t she sense it at all? Gu Qichen¡¯s distrust was not towards Xia Yangyang, but towards himself for the first time. Xiaohan was someone he had personally brought up. He may seem cold on the outside, but he was warm-hearted. They were of the same school, same age, sharingmon topics. In front of him, Xia Yangyang was inevitably reserved and careful. However, it was different with Gu Zhaohan. Xia Yangyang seemed to take the initiative to joke around and tease him. This made Gu Qichen feel that Xia Yangyang was morefortable, more like herself, when she was with Gu Zhaohan. For the first time, Gu Qichen realized that he could feel jealousy too! His jealousy drove him mad! Xia Yangyang got in the car with Wen Xiaochu. She was distracted all the way. But in the end, she found the car parked in front of Maple Vi. Wen Xiaochu had already gotten out of the car. After dismounting, Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Why did you bring me here? I don¡¯t want to return, that¡¯s why I asked you to shelter me.¡± But after thinking about it, Wen Xiaochu lived on campus and the single beds there were quite narrow. There wasn¡¯t enough space for two people to lie down. If she had known earlier, she would have stayed overnight in the school library. Wen Xiaochu replied, ¡°Don¡¯t panic, no one said you had to go back home. I¡¯ve moved out this semester, I also live here.¡± Chapter 220 - 221: Sister-in-law? Chapter 220 - 221: Sister-inw? Chapter 220: Chapter 221: Sister-inw? Trantor: 549690339 | Xia Yangyang was slightly surprised, ¡°You live here, too?¡± Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°I told you I got married, this house is our new home. We¡¯ve had it for two years, but never lived in it before. Recently there have been too many things happening at home, so I moved here to get some peace.¡± Xia Yangyang just said, ¡°Oh.¡± Then she followed Wen Xiaochu inside. Although it¡¯s all in the samemunity, there¡¯s still quite a distance. Especially as every vi in themunity is a single detached house with gardens, separated from each other by towering trees, each with a separate driveway, not disturbing each other, very private. So after living here for so long, Xia Yangyang had hardly ever seen her neighbors. The vis here had been all taken even before they were built. The developers would contact the future owners before starting work and design the vis ording to their preferences. So basically, each vi here has its own character, they are not all the same. Gu Qichen¡¯s vi has a simple, low-key style. But Wen Xiaochu¡¯s vi¡­ ¡­ is extravagantly luxurious. Looking at Xia Yangyang¡¯s stunned expression standing at the door, Wen Xiaochu exined, ¡°Don¡¯t mind it, the man I married is a true yboy, and he designed this house himself, so¡­¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°It¡¯s nice, this yboy must be talented too. But, Xiao Chu, you never told me, who did you marry?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s love for gossip was slightly activated. She somewhat knew about the elite families in Kyoto. The ones who could afford a house in Maple Vi were definitely not ordinary folks. She might know them. Wen Xiaochu sighed, ¡°Do you want to meet him? He¡¯s inside right now, you¡¯ll know when you go in.¡± Xia Yangyang stood there dumbfounded, ¡°So you two live together now.¡± Wen Xiaochu quickly said, ¡°Who¡¯s living with him! He got kicked out of his house and shamelessly refuses to leave my ce.¡± Although Wen Xiaochu sounded indignant, her face was turning red. She turned around and went inside the house. Xia Yangyang suddenly thought. Wen Xiaochu¡¯s marriage in which she gave herself might not be as she thinks it is. There might be a story behind it. Although Xia Yangyang felt that it was not good to bother the couple living here, she couldn¡¯t resist her curiosity and went inside. While climbing the stairs¡­ She heard a maic male voiceing from far away up the stairs, ¡°Wen Xiaochu, where have you been thiste at night? Are you seeing that brat again?¡± Wen Xiaochu retorted sharply, ¡°Is there anyone in the world more of a scoundrel than you, breaking into people¡¯s homes, freeloading, do you have the face to talk about others?¡± ¡°I bought this house.¡± ¡°Mr. Mu Er, you seem to forget that two years ago you gave it to me aspensation for our divorce. Now the name on the property deed is mine.¡± The man slowly closed the distance and pinned her against the railing of the staircase, his tone ambiguous, ¡°Wen Xiaochu, are you out of your mind? We haven¡¯t divorced yet.¡± With that, the man leaned in for a kiss¡­ Cough cough¡­ Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but cough twice. Why is it that the moment she stepped in, she encountered such a scene. Wen Xiaochu hastily pushed the man in front of her away. The man finally noticed that there was another girl who hade back with Wen Xiaochu. Standing at the bottom of the stairs, she was obscured by arge nt, so he hadn¡¯t noticed her at first. But when he saw her face clearly, the man was surprised and eximed, ¡°Sister-inw?!¡± Chapter 221 - 222: No one is more shameless than you Chapter 221: Chapter 222: No one is more shameless than you Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang waspletely stunned as well. Because the person in front of her was Mu Liancheng! So¡­so¡­ Wen Xiaochu was actually the foster daughter-inw of the Mu Family who everyone in town knew about, but no one had ever seen? Xia Yangyang simply couldn¡¯t believe it. Wen Xiaochu had already approached Xia Yangyang, and asked with some surprise, ¡°Do you know each other?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, ¡°I was there with Gu Qichen during his birthday.¡± Wen Xiaochu wrinkled her nose, ¡°Let¡¯s go up, we don¡¯t need to mind him.¡± However, they were intercepted by Mu Liancheng halfway. At this moment, Mu Liancheng looked as if he had just taken a bath, wearing a grey robe. His hair was wet and his naturally extravagant face was now slightly serious. He said to Wen Xiaochu, ¡°What exactly is going on?¡± Wen Xiaochu responded, ¡°Mu Liancheng, Yangyang is my friend and she will be staying here temporarily. You have no right to interfere, and you better not inform anyone, or I¡¯ll throw your luggage out.¡± Mu Liancheng frowned, ¡°Don¡¯t act on whim, it¡¯d be difficult for me to exinter.¡± Mu Liancheng turned to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Sister-inw, is it okay for you to stay out all night without returning home? Does Ah Chen know that you¡¯re here?¡± Xia Yangyang looked somewhat fearful, ¡°Did I disturb you guys? If so, I should leave.¡± Xia Yangyang could actually tell. Even though Wen Xiaochu and Mu Liancheng seemed to be fighting on the surface, they were still a married couple and lived under the same roof. The rtionship between them at present was hard to determine. After all, she was intruding here. However, Wen Xiaochu grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, ¡°Where can you stay if you leave now? Ignore him. This is my house, you can stay as long as you wish.¡± Then she pulled Xia Yangyang upstairs. Mu Liancheng frowned, but he also went upstairs and returned to his room. Wen Xiaochu prepared a guest room. Fortunately, everything was well-provided here. Wen Xiaochu brought some new clothes over, ¡°Your figure is simr to mine, just wear my clothes first.¡± Xia Yangyang felt awkward, ¡°I am troubling you.¡± ¡°What trouble? You have no idea how happy I am having you here. I already despised Mu Liancheng, I was about to go crazy living under the same roof with him.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, ¡°Do you really hate him?¡± Wen Xiaochu quickly replied, ¡°Of course, we always end up arguing within three minutes of being together. I don¡¯t understand how the olddy chose me, without fearing that I might piss her darling grandson off.¡± Xia Yangyang smirked, ¡°But you didn¡¯t move when he tried to kiss you just now.¡± ¡°That¡­I was caught off guard. I would normally fight with him in such situations.¡± ¡°Alright, alright, no need to exin. Actually, Mu Liancheng is pretty decent. He¡¯s a friend of Gu Qichen, and I¡¯ve heard him mention him a few times. He might seem extravagant, but he¡¯s not a yboy. There were countless beautiful women at hisst birthday party, but none of them were close to him.¡± Wen Xiaochu¡¯s eyes became gloomy, ¡°You don¡¯t need to speak up for him. Anyhow, I am bound to him without destiny, and we will divorce soon.¡± Yangyang didn¡¯t know the situation between Wen Xiaochu and Mu Liancheng, so she couldn¡¯t advise blindly. What kind of undercurrents were lurking behind that seemingly calm marriage? Xia Yangyang sighed, ¡°No matter what, thank you for taking me in.¡± ¡°Just settle down here. However, I can¡¯t guarantee that Mu Liancheng won¡¯t tell Gu Qichen.¡± Chapter 222 - 223: Has Mr. Gu’s Brain Gone Haywire? Chapter 222: Chapter 223: Has Mr. Gu¡¯s Brain Gone Haywire? Trantor: 549690339 Whenever Gu Qichen was mentioned, Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes became dull. Wen Xiaochu asked, ¡°Why did you guys argue, was there any sort of misunderstanding?¡± With a belly full of grievances, Xia Yangyang poured out her thoughts. After hearing Xia Yangyang¡¯s ount, Wen Xiaochu found it hard to believe: ¡°He actually suspected you and Gu Zhaohan, this is too far-fetched. Has Mr. Gu¡¯s valuable brain gone haywire?¡± After speaking her mind, Xia Yangyang felt a lot better. But she was like a deted ball, copsing on the sofa, not wanting to move a bit: ¡°Men, not a single good one.¡± Wen Xiaochu reciprocated, ¡°Men are all jerks.¡± ¡°Yes, all jerks.¡± Mu Liancheng, who had just changed his clothes, passed by the guest room door. The door of the guest room was slightly ajar and he overheard their conversation. A smile hung on the corner of his mouth, almost bursting intoughter. Then he swung the car key in his hand and went directly down to the garage. The Shengyuan Group¡¯s office on the 99th floor. As soon as Mu Liancheng opened the door, he saw Gu Qichen standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, appearing forlorn. Mu Liancheng walked over and sat down directly in Gu Qjchen¡¯s office chair. He tossed the car key onto the office table, turned the chair around, and with a sigh, said, ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s not easy being the emperor. So busy with public affairs, still reviewing reports in the middle of the night. It¡¯s better to be like me, a carefree king, at ease.¡± It was only then that Gu Qichen turned his head around. He nced at Mu Liancheng, and said tly, ¡°I see your good daysing to an end. I heard that your brother has made it big in the Mu family. Can the olddy bear to see it? Just wait, you¡¯ll soon be summoned to take up a post in the Mu family.¡± Although the Mu family had few descendants, it actually hadplex connections. The olddy of the Mu family lost her husband in her early years and single-handedly maintained the vast Mu family business. She only had one son, named Mu Huaijin. But this son, when he was young, insisted on marrying a divorced young woman named He Yun, who had a child. He argued with the olddy for a long time and finally married He Yun. That child was also brought over and adopted, following Mu Huaijin¡¯s surname to be Mu Lianjue. He was Mu Liancheng¡¯s half-brother from the same mother and a different father, but he had no blood rtionship with the Mu family and was five years older than Mu Liancheng. The rtionship between Mu Liancheng and Mu Lianjue was not very good, and the olddy didn¡¯t particrly like that ¡°grandson¡±. However, after the Mu family suffered a tragedy, Mu Huaijin and his wife died in a ne crash, and the olddy was deeply affected. With no other choice, she let Mu Lianjue handlepany matters and started to train him. At that time, Mu Liancheng was young, and the olddy also had limited energy. The olddy¡¯s original intention was to have a handy tool for Mu Liancheng, but unexpectedly, within a few short years of Mu Lianjue joining thepany, he had gained significant influence and even formed his own faction. This started to awaken the olddy¡¯s vignce. Even if he was considered half a member of the Mu family, the olddy wouldn¡¯t let the vast Mu family business fall into the hands of someone with no blood ties to the Mu family. So these days, the olddy has been urging him to take up a post in thepany. Mu Liancheng was terribly annoyed. With Gu Qjchen¡¯s urate remark, Mu Liancheng became sullen: ¡°Actually, I think it¡¯s pretty good to leave thepany to him. He¡¯s the one who has to work hard and he¡¯s willing to. I just want my shares and the yearly dividends. I live afortable life. The olddy just doesn¡¯t like seeing this. She forced me to get married back then and now she¡¯s forcing me to take over the business. She has no idea about my dreams.¡± ¡°And what are your dreams?¡± ¡°To be aplete loaf.¡± Gu Qichen: Chapter 223 - 224: Gentleman Scum Chapter 223: Chapter 224: Gentleman Scum Trantor: 549690339 | Mu Liancheng looked at Gu Qichen and waved his hand dismissively, ¡°Forget it, I know you won¡¯t understand. I didn¡¯te here to talk about my problems. What are you nning to do now?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze deepened: ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t y dumb with me, I¡¯ve already told you on the phone, your wife is at my wife¡¯s ce, when are you going to pick her up?¡± Gu Qichen stood by the window, sinking into silence: ¡°We¡¯ll see.¡± ¡°What exactly happened between you two? You were showing off your love so tantly before, making us all envious and ready to bury you alive. It¡¯s been just a short time, how did it end up like this?¡± Gu Qichen stared into the dark night outside, the car lights below flickered like a myriad of stars. Standing here, he felt an intense loneliness deep within him. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t answer. There were many things that he couldn¡¯t just say casually. Mu Liancheng began to advise him: ¡°You have to spoil your woman. You should spoil her to the point where she cannot survive without you, and then she won¡¯t be able to leave you. We men are brutes and they are princesses, so I say, you should just take her away. If one night of sleep doesn¡¯t work, try two. You will see then, whether she will still have the energy to oppose you.¡± Gu Qichen turned around and looked at Mu Liancheng, then spat out two words: ¡°Bullshit.¡± However, Mu Liancheng seemed to smile proudly: ¡°It may sound like bullshit, but it¡¯s my precious experience, hehe.¡± Gu Qichen: ¡°¡­¡± Mu Liancheng still couldn¡¯t convince Gu Qichen even when he was about to leave. How can such a smart person as Young Master Gu be so stubborn when ites to love? Meanwhile, Xia Yangyang moved into Wen Xiaochu¡¯s Maple Vi. It was so close to their ¡°home¡±. Perhaps it was just a five-minute walk away. But to Xia Yangyang, it felt like a world away. Xia Yangyang concentrated all her energy on her studies. It was exactly when she needed to focus on her thesis, sparing no time to think about anything else. Due to the previous school festival, she and Gu Zhaohan were quite popr on campus. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t like the excessive attention, so she spent most of her time in the library and only returned homete at night. One night when she got home. Xia Yangyang was exhausted and did not turn on the light upon returning. She silently climbed up the stairs. The stairs and the hallway were carpeted heavily, making no sound when walked on. When Xia Yangyang got to the master bedroom, she heard noises inside. Xia Yangyang involuntarily stopped. The bedroom door was ajar and a sliver of light leaked out. Wen Xiaochu¡¯s voice contained a hint of anger. ¡°Mu Liancheng, get out!¡± Mu Liancheng¡¯s voice held a yful tone: ¡°If I leave now, will you bear to let me go?¡± Wen Xiaochu was even more furious: ¡°Mu Liancheng, you¡¯re the most shameless rogue, beast, and cultured failure in the world! Get out!¡± The noise inside seemed to grow louder. Mu Liancheng¡¯s voice was husky, filled with coercive dominance: ¡°Wen Xiaochu, you¡¯re my wife, you have to bear with whatever I give you!¡± Then there was a thud as if something had been hit. Wen Xiaochu suddenly let out a scream! Xia Yangyang had a feeling that things were going wrong. Could it be that they started arguing and ended up fighting? So she hesitated no more and pushed the door open¡­ Xia Yangyang went in to mediate, but what she saw inside made her face turn red as if blood would drip from it¡­ Chapter 224 - 225: You Continue Chapter 224: Chapter 225: You Continue Trantor: 549690339 They actually¡­ actually¡­ Xia Yangyang quickly turned around, covering her eyes with her hands. So, when Wen Xiaochu said she was going out, it was¡­ it was¡­ Although they were under a thin nket, not much was visible. But the scattered clothes all over, And¡­ that position, it was obviously¡­ Xia Yangyang wished she could just drop dead ¡°Ehm, sorry, I¡¯m leaving, you carry on.¡± Xia Yangyang covered her eyes and rushed out of the room. At the door, as she was covering her eyes, she hit the door frame. Then stumbled her way out. Xia Yangyang ran all the way out of the vi, to a ce far away where the light was dim. But her face still felt like it was on fire. She smacked herself on the head. Why did she barge in there so thoughtlessly? It is so embarrassingly mortifying. How is she going to face those two now? As Xia Yangyang walked, she felt deeply regretful. Xia Yangyang walked step by step away from the vi along the private driveway. For a moment, she didn¡¯t know where to go. At the entrance of themunity, Xia Yangyang suddenly felt lost. In the vast city, where could she go? Just then, a car was driving over from not far away. It was her all too familiar Maybach. The headlights directly hit her. Xia Yangyang tried to dodge, but it was toote. The car had already stopped beside her. The car window rolled down slowly. It was Gu Qichen¡¯s cold face: ¡°Get in the car.¡± She hadn¡¯t seen Gu Qichen in several days, and there had been no contact between them. Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t even sent her a single message. Xia Yangyang knew that with Gu Qichen¡¯s temper, he wasn¡¯t going to contact her first. But still, she couldn¡¯t stop herself from checking her phone. Deep down, she had a faint expectation. Even Xia Yangyang herself didn¡¯t know what she was expecting. These past few days, she had filled her schedule up entirely, only returning home at ten o¡¯clock each day. But Gu Qichen was like a curse she couldn¡¯t escape. Whenever she had a bit of free time, he would invade her thoughts. Xia Yangyang felt that if things carried on this way, she would undoubtedly go mentally disordered. But at this moment, looking at Gu Qichen¡¯s face now close to her, and hearing his familiar icy tone, Xia Yangyang suddenly felt it was very ironic. During these days, she had been tormented as if in a living hell and felt distraught, but he, on the contrary, stayed calm and collected, as if everything had no effect on him. Now, did he want to act as if nothing happened? So, did her struggle and the mental knots during these days count for anything? Besides, from Xia Yangyang¡¯s perspective, this matter had not passed yet. Xia Yangyang tried hard to look as indifferent as Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang asked: ¡°Don¡¯t you have anything to say to me?¡± Gu Qichen looked at Xia Yangyang coldly: ¡°No.¡± Perhaps it was this coldness that made Xia Yangyang feel unbearable. Xia Yangyang turned around and walked away. In the end, Gu Qichen got out of the car, catching up with Xia Yangyang and grabbed her arm: ¡°Xia Yangyang, when exactly are you going to be done with me?¡± Xia Yangyang was speechless: ¡°Do you think I am messing with you? Gu Qichen, you doubted me, ndered me. Am I supposed to stick around for you to humiliate me? Gu Qichen, let me tell you, this matter isn¡¯t over yet.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face had turned cold: ¡°So, what do you want?¡± Xia Yangyang looked at Gu Qichen: ¡°Unless you apologize to me and apologize to Gu Zhaohan, I¡¯ll for¡­¡± Before she could finish her sentence, Gu Qichen turned around and left. Then she heard the roar of the engine. Gu Qichen¡¯s car sped off. Chapter 225 - 226: Kicked Out of the House? Chapter 225: Chapter 226: Kicked Out of the House? Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes suddenly reddened. However, she tilted her head back, forcing the tears not to fall. She was still too naive. How could a person like Gu Qichen possibly apologize. He had always been high and mighty, a divine and precious man, he who could never make mistakes. In his eyes, she had intentionally tried to seduce Gu Zhaohan. And now, he stopped his car to talk to her, only because he was generous and did not want to haggle over this. Yet she had the audacity to even hope for his apology. That¡¯s why he left angrily. Xia Yangyang was staring into the darkness of the night, her heart suddenly filled with confusion. Xia Yangyang, penniless and with nowhere to go, could only go home in the end. When Xia Yangyang returned to the Xia Family¡¯s vi, it was already veryte. Everyone was asleep, Xia Yangyang took out her keys to open the door. However, she found it impossible to unlock. Eventually, even the rm system went off, startling Xia Liangliang and Liu Ruyan. It was already twelve o¡¯clock at night. Xia Liangdong came downstairs to check and was taken aback to see Xia Yangyang standing at the doorway: ¡°Yangyang, why are you back?¡± Xia Weiwei also came down, still half-asleep not knowing what had happened. Seeing Xia Yangyang, she instantly perked up; ¡°I thought we had a burr, turns out our little miss hase home.¡± Xia Weiwei put particr emphasis on the word ¡®burr¡¯. Xia Liangdong was actually quite happy: ¡°Come inside first, it¡¯s so cold outside, why are you dressed so thin, where is Ah Chen, did youe back alone?¡± ¡°Looking at her, she seems like she¡¯s been kicked out by her brother-inw. Xia Yangyang, is it that you had nowhere else to go so you came back? Look at you, you look so pitiful.¡± Xia Liangdong red at Xia Weiwei: ¡°Shut up! Can¡¯t you speak properly with your sister?¡± Since Yangyang came back, she was mentally prepared, but she did not expect that they had even changed the door locks at home. ¡°Dad, why can¡¯t I open the door with my keys? And why did the rm go off?¡± Liu Ruyan, wearing a silk nightgown also came over: ¡°I changed the door locks. We had a burry at our house and I lost a lot of my jewelry, so I changed the locks. Yangyang, I¡¯ m not ming you, but you¡¯ve been away for so long withouting back, without you around, I couldn¡¯t give the new keys to you.¡± Liu Ruyan¡¯s tone was gentle, even a bit affectionate. But Xia Yangyang never thought she was sincere. When she had just arrived, the front door of the vi wasn¡¯t even locked. If there really had been a burry, how could they be so careless. However, Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind was clear, but she would never expose it. Xia Yangyang responded lightly: ¡°Then Aunt Liu, just give me the key tomorrow.¡± Liu Ruyan¡¯s face changed slightly, but her smile did not fade: ¡°But Yangyang, why did youe back sote and alone? This Mr. Gu is really irresponsible, letting a young girl wander around sote, it makes people worry.¡± Upon hearing Liu Ruyan talk like this, Xia Liangdong had his doubts: ¡°Yangyang, what happened, did you have a fight with Mr. Gu?¡± Xia Yangyang said: ¡°He¡¯s currently on a business trip in Japan. I just lost the keys to Maple Vi today, so I came back to stay for a few days. Aunt Liu, you¡¯re overthinking.¡± Liu Ruyan chuckled: ¡°As long as there¡¯s no discord between you two, that¡¯s the best oue. Your dad and I only wish for your marital happiness, we don¡¯t want anything else.¡± Xia Liangdong also felt relieved: ¡°Yangyang, it¡¯ste, go to bed.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded and went back to her room. Chapter 226: 227: Iceberg Chapter 226: 227: Iceberg Trantor: 549690339 | Lying in bed, she suddenly feltpletely drained. The image that surfaced in her mind was still Gu Qichen¡¯s icy face. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart felt as if it was blocked by a stone. She felt stifled as if struggling for breath. Xia Yangyang turned over in bed when the door was flung open. Seeing the figure confidently striding into the room, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but frown. ¡°Xia Weiwei, it¡¯s basic manners to knock before entering one¡¯s room.¡± Xia Weiwei crossed her arms, mocking condescendingly, ¡°Xia Yangyang, this is my home, everything here is mine, and you¡¯re no more than a pitiful tenant in my house. Also, I forgot to tell you; I changed the lock to our front door. There are only three keys and none of them are yours.¡± ¡°Xia Weiwei, I¡¯m exhausted, don¡¯t provoke me, otherwise, I promise you it won¡¯t end well.¡± ¡°What, you want to hit me? Give it a rest. Xia Yangyang, I know you¡¯repetent in Taekwondo, but you can¡¯t do it. You¡¯re living in our house solely on the basis of Dad¡¯s guilt for you, aren¡¯t you? If you act out, Dad wouldn¡¯t look at you favorably anymore.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t get angry. All the way from her childhood to the present, Xia Weiwei¡¯s mockery had already be an expected element of life for her. If Xia Yangyang quarreled over everything, she would only anger herself to death. She could not afford to antagonize Xia Weiwei, but she could avoid her. Xia Yangyang took out her noise-canceling headphones from under a pillow, put them on, and ignored Xia Weiwei. She closed her eyes andid down. Xia Weiwei carried on spitefully, ¡°Xia Yangyang, did you have a quarrel with Gu Qichen? I told you before, how could a man like Gu Qichen ever find you appealing? You¡¯re uninteresting and stiff. He was merely intrigued. Tell me, have you two divorced?¡± Regardless of what Xia Weiwei had to say, Xia Yangyang simply ignored her. Xia Weiwei was certain something happened between her and Gu Qichen because she knew Xia Yangyang¡¯s nature. Unless she had no other option and was forced into a corner, Xia Yangyang would rather die than return to this home. Yet today, she came back, evente at night, undoubtedly had nowhere else to go- She had just mentioned that Gu Qichen was on a business trip in Japan. The moment Xia Weiwei heard this, she smiled internally. She had been following Gu Qichen¡¯s movements closely; it was clear that he had not left on any business trip recently. Xia Yangyang was lying, which affirmed her suspicions. However, no matter how Xia Weiwei questioned her, Xia Yangyang essentially had no response. Xia Weiwei hated this domineering air about Xia Yangyang the most. She stepped forward and yanked the headphones off Xia Yangyang. ¡°Are you deaf? Can¡¯t you hear me talking to you?¡± Xia Yangyang, however, quickly grabbed Xia Weiwei¡¯s arm. Her voice was as cold as ice: ¡± Give me my headphones back.¡± Truth be told, her headphones weren¡¯t even ying any sound, and she heard every word Xia Weiwei had to say clearly. She knew in her heart that she should not contend with her. However, Xia Weiwei continuously mentioning Gu Qichen¡¯s name had finally led to her losing her temper. Xia Weiwei¡¯s wrist was grabbed painfully, eliciting a cry from her, ¡°Xia Yangyang, let go, it hurts¡­¡± Xia Yangyang flung Xia Weiwei aside, who sat on the floor. Her right hand trembled uncontrobly, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you dare do this to me.¡± Xia Yangyang stepped forward, picked up her headphones, and coldly uttered, ¡°If you don¡¯t leave now, do you want to lose your other hand too?¡± Xia Weiwei gritted her teeth. Usually, Xia Yangyang was very good-natured. No matter how she was berated, she would turn a blind eye, but today she suddenly fought back. At least it affirmed one thing ¨C everything she had said just now was true, which was why it angered her. Even though Xia Weiwei¡¯s hand hurt, her heart was gleeful. ¡°Xia Yangyang, I¡¯m not gonna quarrel with you. With you in this state, it¡¯s no wonder Young Master Gu threw you out of the house.¡± Chapter 227 - 228: He Visits Chapter 227: Chapter 228: He Visits Trantor: 549690339 Xia Weiwei angrily left. Xia Yangyangy on her bed, her heart in agony. She had no idea what to do next. The next day was the weekend. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t need to go to school. She slept in until the afternoon sun was high in the sky. Besides having lunch, Xia Yangyang stayed in her room all day and didn¡¯t go out. In the evening, there was a knock on the door. Xia Yangyang thought it was Nanny Yang calling her for dinner. Unexpectedly, it was Xia Weiwei standing at the door. Xia Weiwei looked to be in good spirits, a broad smile on her face: ¡°Sister, let¡¯s go to the dining room for dinner. Mom cooked herself today, everything is your favourite.¡± Xia Yangyang looked at Xia Weiwei and furrowed her brows. Xia Weiwei was never this polite when talking to her. And her attitude now seemed suspicious. Moreover, Xia Weiwei looked different today, wearing a white dress. Her usually curly hair was now straight and long, and the usually heavily made-up Xia Weiwei had only light make-up on, yet she looked exquisitely beautiful. She seemed to be apletely different personpared to usual. Xia Yangyang furrowed her brows, simply said, ¡°I know.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t really want to have dinner. But tonight seemed to be unusual. Xia Weiwei cheerfully said: ¡°Hurry up and get down, we are all waiting for you.¡± Xia Weiwei left the room. Xia Yangyang was still in her pajamas, she changed randomly into clothes before heading downstairs. But as she entered the dining room, seeing the people inside, Xia Yangyang was taken aback for a moment. At this moment, the man seated at the dining table, who could it be but Gu Qichen? Gu Qichen was conversing with Xia Liangdong, who was all smiles. And Xia Weiwei was sitting beside Gu Qichen, asionally chiming in. She kept calling him ¡°brother-inw.¡± Xia Weiwei was the first to notice that Xia Yangyang hade in. She got up and went to her, affectionately taking her arm: ¡°Sister, you finally came down. Brother-inw has been here for a while.¡± Xia Weiwei was smiling, but Xia Yangyang saw a glint in her eye. No wonder Xia Weiwei had been so kind a moment ago, no wonder she was dressed so inly today. Obviously it was because of Gu Qichen. But why was Gu Qichen here? Xia Yangyang was pulled toward the table by Xia Weiwei. Xia Liangdong with a slightly reproachful tone said, ¡°Yangyang, you should have told us earlier when Ah Chen wasing.¡± Xia Weiwei immediately broke in: ¡°Brother-inw, sister said you were on a business trip in Japan, when did you get back?¡± Xia Yangyang knew Xia Weiwei would bring this up. But she didn¡¯t feel guilty, she just calmly looked at the man in front of her. Gu Qichen naturally replied, ¡°I just got back from Japan, and came here as soon as I got off the ne.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s expression froze for a moment. He clearly hadn¡¯t gone on a business trip to Japan, but he just casually went along with the story. Xia Weiwei said this to expose that Xia Yangyang was lying. But Gu Qichen not only did not expose the lie, he even helped to cover it up. Xia Weiwei¡¯s fingers clenched tightly. Liu Ruyan came out of the kitchen, all smiles: ¡°Yangyang, it¡¯s your fault for not telling me earlier. I would have prepared more dishes, today was rushed and we can only have ordinary home cooking.¡± She said it was home cooking, but the table was full of dishes. Xia Yangyang spoke offhandedly, ¡°He is not some national leader, you treat him as a VIP. Don¡¯t you consider him a part of the family?¡± Chapter 228 - 229: The Brother-In-Law is Truly Considerate Chapter 228: Chapter 229: The Brother-In-Law is Truly Considerate Trantor: 549690339 Liu Ruyan did not expect Xia Yangyang to retort. Normally this girl would keep silent, being as soft as a persimmon, but today she suddenly became sharp-tongued. Liu Ruyanughed awkwardly: ¡°What¡¯s got into you, kid? How can you speak like that? Of course, Ah Chen is a part of our family.¡± Xia Liangdong quickly stepped in: ¡°Alright, alright, let¡¯s all sit down and eat. Yangyang,e and sit too.¡± Gu Qichen just watched Xia Yangyang the entire time, acting as a bystander. Xia Liangdong sat to the right of Gu Qichen, the position of honor. To Gu Qichen¡¯s left, Xia Weiwei sat down without any hesitation. Xia Liangdong reproached, ¡°Weiwei, how can you be so inconsiderate? Let your sister sit there.¡± Xia Weiwei dered boldly: ¡°This is originally my seat. I am used to sitting here.¡± Xia Yangyang did not say a word and sat down directly at the spot furthest from Gu Qichen. She also did not look at Gu Qichen. Because Xia Yangyang could not figure it out either. If he left so angrily yesterday, why would he appear all of a sudden today? What was he here for? Liu Ruyan changed the subject: ¡°Let¡¯s start eating, the food is getting cold. Ah Chen, this pork dish with sunflower seeds was specially made for you. Your sister mentioned to me once before that this was your favorite dish.¡± Gu Qichen replied lightly, ¡°Thankyou, Aunt Liu.¡± Liu Ruyan¡¯s face changed slightly upon hearing the name ¡®Aunt Liu¡¯. He called Xia Liangdong father but still referred to her as ¡®Aunt Liu¡¯. Simply because Xia Yangyang refused to call her ¡®mother¡¯, he followed suit. Xia Yangyang just kept her head down and ate, indifferent to everything else. Throughout the meal, Gu Qichen held conversations with Xia Liangdong about stocks, financing, andnd price. Xia Weiwei kept interrupting, herments clearly off the mark. Liu Ruyan cooked a dish, deep-fried prawns with chilli and salt. These prawns had hard shell with spikes which takes quite an effort to peel, but they were Xia Weiwei¡¯s favorite. At some point, a prawn prickled her hand, drawing blood. Xia Weiwei stretched her finger towards Gu Qichen: ¡°Brother-inw, look, I pricked my finger.¡± Gu Qichen calmly replied, ¡°Put a band-aid on it.¡± Xia Weiwei suddenly smiled, ¡°This petty wound is nothing, thanks for your concern, brother-inw.¡± Next, Gu Qichen started peeling prawns. He continued conversing with Xia Liangdong while peeling the prawns casually. Xia Weiwei admired the way Gu Qichen peeled prawns. His fingers were slender like a jade flute, his actions were not hurried or slow, exuding an indescribable sense ofziness. The peeled prawns were put on a fresh te and were sparkling and translucent. Yet, there was not a speck of grease on Gu Qichen¡¯s fingertips. Xia Weiwei was delighted to see Gu Qichen start peeling prawns after herment about her pricked finger. Was he peeling them for her? She couldn¡¯t help but raise her unspoken expectations. And this anticipation only grew stronger. After a while, Gu Qichen stopped his action, he cleaned his hand with a wet wipe. Then he naturally picked up the te and handed it to Xia Weiwei. As expected, he had peeled them for her. Xia Weiwei was overjoyed. She couldn¡¯t wait to reach out for the te. ¡°Thanks, bro¡­¡± Before she could finish the words ¡®brother-inw¡¯, Gu Qichen said lightly, ¡°Could you pass this to your sister.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s face instantly turned pale, then purple, her expression was incredibly awkward. But Gu Qichen responded with a polite smile: ¡°Thankyou.¡± Xia Weiwei clenched her teeth, managed to squeeze out a smile: ¡°Alright, brother-inw.¡± Then she got up, carrying a te of peeled prawns to Xia Yangyang. Despite restraining herself, she put the te heavily next to Xia Yangyang. Keeping her voice high, she said sarcastically, ¡°Sister, you are so lucky to have such a considerate brother-inw.¡± Chapter 229: 230: Jealousy Chapter 229: 230: Jealousy Trantor: 549690339 Xia Weiwei was almost driven mad with jealousy. When Gu Qichen handed over the saucer earlier, Xia Weiwei actually thought it was for her. But Xia Yangyang just looked at the shrimps in front of her, surprised. What is Gu Qichen doing? Show favor? After dinner, Xia Yangyang wanted to go back to her room. But Gu Qichen, like an imposing Buddha statue, was still sitting on the sofa talking to Xia Liangdong. Liu Ruyan came over and said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Yangyang,e and help me cut some fruit.¡± Having something to do was good, so Xia Yangyang went to the kitchen. When she came out, Xia Liangdong was already gone. Only Xia Weiwei was left, chattering next to Gu Qichen. It seemed like they were looking at something. Xia Weiwei was excitedly showing something, leaning her head closer to Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang went over to take a look. Xia Weiwei had surprisingly taken out an old photo album and was flipping through it for Gu Qichen to see. Gu Qichen appeared to be quite interested. Xia Yangyang rarely took photos; most of the photos were actually taken when her mother was still alive. She was very young at that time. But there were many photos of Xia Weiwei; she had always loved beauty and dressing up since she was a child. And with Liu Ruyan¡¯s love for photography, most of the photos in the album were of Xia Weiwei, from childhood to adulthood. As for Xia Yangyang, there were only a handful of photos of her. Xia Weiwei excitedly exined, ¡°Brother-inw, look, this is when I was five. Wasn¡¯t I adorable? At that age, my mother even had me shoot amercial, and I was on the cover of a magazine. This is my middle school graduation photo. I am a little embarrassed to say it, but at that time, I was the school¡¯s beauty queen. There is also this¡­¡± Xia Weiwei chatted on. But upon lifting her head, she was shocked to find that Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t been listening to her at all. Gu Qichen was carefully examining a photo in his hand. That photo was of Xia Yangyang and her mother. It was taken when she was four or five years old, the photo was old and yellowed. It was simply tucked in between the pages of the album and had fallen out while flipping through the photos. Gu Qichen had been looking at it for quite a while now. Xia Weiwei was furious. Had she just wasted all her words? Why can¡¯t she ever get this man¡¯s attention? His gaze alwaysnded on Xia Yangyang, even when ites to looking at photos. Xia Weiwei bit her lip and quickly flipped the album. Finally, she found a photo tucked in a divider. Xia Weiwei pulled out the photo and pretended to be surprised, ¡°Oh, how is this photo still here? I thought that after my sister broke up with Brother Haotian, she threw away all their photos together. I didn¡¯t expect one would still be hiding here.¡± Indeed, Gu Qichen¡¯s attention was attracted by a certain name. His eyes turned to the photo in Xia Weiwei¡¯s hand. Xia Weiwei pretended to be panicked, ¡°Brother-inw, I didn¡¯t mean it. My sister and Brother Haotian were in love for ten years, they had deep feelings. And my sister is someone who cherishes memories. So it¡¯s understandable for her to secretly keep a photo. You must not be angry, I think my sister just wanted to keep a memento, with absolutely no other intentions¡­¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze stayed on that photo. In the photo, the young boy and girl leaned their heads together, their faces were all radiant with brilliant smiles, they looked vibrant, full of youthful exuberance. Xia Yangyang at that time had a very sweet smile, like a bright and dazzling winter jasmine in spring. The young boy¡¯s eyes were fixed on her face, filled with love¡­ Chapter 230 - 231: A Jumping Jack Chapter 230: Chapter 231: A Jumping Jack Trantor: 549690339 Xia Weiwei saw Gu Qichen¡¯s expression getting grimmer and she felt incredibly satisfied. It was fortunate that she had secretly kept a photo when Xia Yangyang had been cleaning out the old pictures. Initially, she¡¯d only wanted to use it to threaten Xia Yangyang, but she never anticipated a possible alternative use. Xia Weiwei spoke in a tone of loss and remembrance: ¡°Actually, my sister and Brother Haotian have had their own share of misfortune too. If it hadn¡¯t been for that girlfriend of my sister who caused trouble back then, they might be married by now. They¡¯ve been close since childhood, and Brother Haotian often visited our house. Sometimes, if he didn¡¯t go home, he would share a room with my sister. We thought there was nothing wrong with it at the time because they were definitely going to get married, but who would have thought¡­¡± Indeed, Gu Qjchen¡¯splexion darkened. All of this was seen by Xia Yangyang. Xia Weiwei was just telling lies. Yes, Lu Haotian often visited their home, but even if he stayed, he absolutely would not sleep in her room. For so many years, their childhood bond had always remained innocent. Xia Weiwei purposely said such things to create unease in Gu Qichen¡¯s mind. Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen had always been separated by Gu Zhaohan, and now Xia Weiwei was adding Lu Haotian to the mix. Xia Yangyang chuckled inwardly. Then, she walked past them, ced the fruit te down on the table. Then, she directly took the photo from Xia Weiwei¡¯s hand. Xia Yangyang immediately tore it up and tossed it into the small rubbish bin beside them. Xia Weiwei was dumbfounded, and for a moment, she¡¯d forgotten Gu Qichen was right there and yelled, ¡°Xia Yangyang, what¡¯s gotten into you?¡± Only after she spoke did she realize that Gu Qichen was standing beside her. She quickly changed her tone and said, ¡°Sister, why did you need to do that? My brother-inw is not a petty man, there was no need for you to affirm your innocence in such a dramatic way. Brother-inw, am I right?¡± Seeing this, Xia Weiwei was incredibly pleased. She knew for sure that tension was brewing between Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen. Because Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t say a word throughout dinner. Gu Qichen¡¯s demeanor didn¡¯t divulge his feelings; it was hard to tell what he was feeling. But Xia Yangyang was certainly not an actress, anyone with eyes could tell there was a strain between them. If she doesn¡¯t take advantage of this situation to add fuel to the fire, when will she ever? Xia Yangyang suddenly spoke coldly: ¡°Xia Weiwei, our rtionship isn¡¯t your business. Is he a fool to you, to be tricked by your clumsy ploy?¡± Then she turned to Gu Qichen, ¡°I have something to say to you.¡± After Xia Yangyang walked away, Xia Weiwei was infuriated, not expecting Yangyang to bluntly reveal the facades. She swiftly turned to Gu Qichen to exin, ¡°Brother-inw, you saw how my sister is. Where was I trying to cause a rift between you two? She¡¯s so suspicious, always making others out to be the bad guys.¡± But, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t pay any attention to Xia Weiwei. He followed Xia Yangyang straight upstairs. Once they were inside the room, Xia Yangyang closed the door and turned around to ask him, ¡°Gu Qichen, what are you really here for today?¡± Gu Qichen began, ¡°Didn¡¯t you have something to say to me?¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, I have nothing to say to you. I just don¡¯t want to see Xia Weiwei causing all this unnecessary drama,¡± Xia Yangyang responded. ¡°Why care about such a jester?¡± Xia Yangyang was startled. It turned out that Gu Qichen¡¯s mind was exceptionally clear. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was cold and grave: ¡°Even if you have nothing to say to me, I have something I need to tell you.¡± Chapter 231: 232: Can you stop making a fuss? Chapter 231: 232: Can you stop making a fuss? Trantor: 549690339 | Xia Yangyang pursed her lips, seemingly waiting for what was to follow. But Gu Qichen remained silent for a long time without uttering a word. Finally, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t hold back, ¡°What exactly are you trying to say?¡± Gu Qichen seemed to sigh, ¡°Yangyang, can you stop messing with me?¡± ¡°I¡¯m messing with you? Gu Qichen, do you really think I am messing with you? You, who without considering right or wrong, throws usations at me. You misunderstood that there was something between Gu Zhaohan and me, yet you now say I¡¯m messing with you, Gu Qichen, do you really think I¡¯m that easy to bully? I¡¯m telling you, I can¡¯t swallow this insult. As I said, this matter won¡¯t be turned over that easily!¡± ¡°Xiao Han likes you!¡± Xia Yangyang had just let out a tirade. Gu Qichen cut her off with his icy remark. Xia Yangyang could only assume she had misheard. ¡°What did you say?¡± Gu Qichen repeated clearly, ¡°I said Xiao Han likes you, the way a man likes a woman.¡± Xia Yangyang found this incredulous. However, after being stunned for a while, she was even more outraged, ¡°Isn¡¯t it enough that you¡¯ve thrown usations at me? Now you want to throw them on your nephew as well? Gu Qichen, I am truly disappointed in you. If you came here today to level false usations against me, then please leave. I don¡¯t want to hear a word you have to say.¡± Gu Qichen was also visibly angry, ¡°Xia Yangyang, do you not understand what I¡¯m saying? You¡¯re a fool who knows nothing.¡± ¡°Even if I don¡¯t understand anything, it¡¯s still better than you spouting unfounded usations.¡± Xia Yangyang was extremely angry. Earlier he had insinuated that she had made advances towards Gu Zhaohan, but now he suddenly imed Gu Zhaohan was interested in her. Xia Yangyang said coldly, ¡°Are you really happy forcing this cuckold¡¯s cap onto your own head?¡± Gu Qichen suddenly stepped forward, grasped Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, and in the next second pushed her against the closet. Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes were frosty, his firm grip on Xia Yangyang¡¯s slim wrist was unyielding, ¡°I¡¯ll say it one more time, Xiao Han likes you. I don¡¯t care what you think, but from today onwards, you aren¡¯t allowed to provoke him or tter him. You don¡¯t need to understand why, you just need to do as I say.¡± ¡°I am not your servant. Why should I treat you as my master, taking your word asw? I have my own choices, my own ideas.¡± ¡°So, your choice is to oppose me? Your idea is to continue doing as you please and tter others?¡± Ever since Gu Qichen had this thought, Xia Yangyang had not seen Gu Zhaohan again. The school was vast, but they could still asionally bump into each other. But even when they did, Xia Yangyang deliberately avoided him. She always felt an ufortableness in her heart. However, she had never actively flirted with Gu Zhaohan, not in the past, and definitely not in the future. But Gu Qichen talked this way, with such a dictatorial tone,pletely disregarding her feelings. He had never trusted her. ¡°Gu Qichen, if you¡¯re so determined, there¡¯s nothing I can say.¡± Xia Yangyang fell silent. She turned her head away, her chest heaving. She could clearly feel Gu Qichen¡¯s grip on her arm was getting tighter and tighter. The pain in her wrist was sharp and prating. But Xia Yangyang gritted her teeth and bore it all. Gu Qichen was even more enraged. He couldn¡¯t understand why Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t understand what he was saying. Wasn¡¯t it obvious enough that Gu Zhaohan liked her? Did she, a young girl, understand the desire of men? Yet she stubbornly thought it was a pure friendship. If this continues, things will only get worse. Perhaps one day, Gu Zhaohan will be obsessed and turn against him, his own uncle. Chapter 232 - 233: Ex-Boyfriend Has Really Bad Taste Chapter 232: Chapter 233: Ex-Boyfriend Has Really Bad Taste Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen¡¯s voice calmed down, ¡°If you believe it, you might as well ask him to confirm it.¡± Xia Yangyang looked at Gu Qichen¡¯s face. It was serious and grave, not joking at all. Xia Yangyang started to have some doubts herself. Gu Qichen had said that Gu Zhaohan liked her. How could that be possible? Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen looked into each other¡¯s eyes, as if mes were burning in both their eyes. As if they were having a silent standoff. Right at that moment, a knock came from the entrance door. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t intend to respond at first. But the knocking sound became more and more pronounced, impossible to ignore. Finally, Gu Qichen let go of Xia Yangyang and turned to open the door. As the door opened, Xia Weiwei appeared in the doorway. Seeing that it was Gu Qichen who opened the door, Xia Weiwei smiled brightly and greeted sweetly, ¡°brother-inw¡±. Gu Qichen furrowed his brows, ¡°What is it?¡± Xia Weiwei was holding a stack of brand new clothes: ¡°Brother-inw, I brought some clothes for you. You never stayed at my ce before. Seeing that you didn¡¯t bring any change of clothes today, these clothes are all new. They were left by Brother Haotian but he never wore them. You can just put up with them for today.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s brows furrowed even tighter. Xia Weiwei was pleased. She sensed that something was off when the two of them came up earlier. It must have been that the photo of Xia Yangyang and Lu Haotian in the living room had an impact. Now she deliberately brought a set of new shirts to continue stirring things up, hoping that the conflict between them would worsen, better if itpletely erupted today. Xia Weiwei saw Gu Qichen¡¯s gloomy face, walked straight into the room, and put the clothes in the most conspicuous ce on the bed. ¡°Brother-inw, I¡¯ll leave the clothes here and go.¡± Worried that she had gone overboard and Gu Qichen would resent her too, Xia Weiwei left as soon as she put down the clothes. She had said all she needed to say anyway, and now she just waited for their conflict to be irreconcble. With Xia Yangyang¡¯s stubborn character, she would surely never back down. The more she was misunderstood, the more disdainful she was to exin. The pride that came from her bones would definitely harm her intensely. It became quiet in the room all of a sudden. Gu Qichen closed the door, locked it, and then walked over. Xia Yangyang rubbed her arm and walked over, her voice bing colder, ¡°You¡¯re not staying here tonight, are you?¡± Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t brought his clothes over, and indeed, there were no fresh clothes here. Moreover, being a person with serious cleanliness habits, he would never wear the same clothes for two days. Even though he didn¡¯t know where Xia Weiwei got these clothes from to deliberately incite discord, ording to Gu Qichen¡¯s character, regardless of whether or not the clothes belonged to Lu Haotian, he would never wear them. His pyjamas at home were tailor-made by top Italian craftsmen, which were both time-consuming and expensive. How could such a man, who is exceedingly fastidious in his lifestyle, wear these ¡°coarse garments¡± so easily? Gu Qichen looked at Xia Yangyang, ¡°So, why are you in such a rush to shoo me away?¡± Xia Yangyang was speechless, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that, are you going to wear this shirt?¡± Gu Qichen had already casually picked up the clothes on the bed, unable to hide the disgust on his face, ¡°Your ex-boyfriend¡¯s taste is really bad, I¡¯m surprised he can leave the house in these clothes.¡± Chapter 233 - 234: Might as Well Confirm the Chapter 233: Chapter 234: Might as Well Confirm the Charges Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang spoke calmly, ¡°This isn¡¯t his shirt, he never wears blue dress shirts.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face grew even darker: ¡°So you still remember his preferences.¡± Xia Yangyang was at a loss for words. This man was too good at splitting hairs. ¡°I¡¯m simply asserting that this isn¡¯t his shirt. If you don¡¯t mind, wear it.¡± ¡°I mind!¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback: ¡°Then away you go, I don¡¯t have any spare clothes here.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you should know that the more you want to chase me away, the less I will leave.¡± Xia Yangyang was exhausted, and that wasn¡¯t what she meant at all. ¡°Fine, do whatever you want, I¡¯m going to take a shower.¡± Xia Yangyang grabbed some clothes from the closet and went to the bathroom to shower. After she got in, Xia Yangyang hesitated for a moment, but eventually decided to lock the bathroom door. When Xia Yangyang came out, Gu Qichen was sunk into the single-seater couch, with his arms crossed and giving off a standoffish air. His face was even more cold and unapproachable than before. Xia Yangyang had no clue about what had transpired again. Gu Qjchen¡¯s cold voice was already reaching her from across the room. ¡°Xia Yangyang, do you think I¡¯m a beast or something?¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback: ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you mean.¡± ¡°Why did you lock the door when you took a shower?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, originally drying her hair, paused for a moment, then casually asked: ¡°You knew I was in the shower. Why did you try to open the door? I locked it to keep out the undesirables, not the gentlemen.¡± ¡°Are you calling me undesirable?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t say that, you did.¡± Gu Qichen was so infuriated that he stood up abruptly and strode towards Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang inexplicably sensed a dangerous vibe. Before she could react, Gu Qichen had already lifted her up by the waist. Xia Yangyang reflexively clung to Gu Qichen¡¯s neck. But promptly let go: ¡°Gu Qichen, what are you doing?¡± ¡°Since you¡¯ve branded me as dishonorable, if I don¡¯t act out this wrongdoing, wouldn¡¯t I be letting myself down?¡± The next moment, Xia Yangyang found herself pressed onto the bed. Gu Qichen¡¯s repeated kisses started tond on her. The moment he touched her snow-white skin, Gu Qichen literally shivered. Xia Yangyang emanated a faint milky scent, like a baby who had just finished a bottle of milk. That aroma was totally addictive. God only knows¡­ how much he missed it. During those icy, standoffish days with Xia Yangyang, Gu Qichen felt as if he were not himself. That face was always appearing in his mind, even though he was working overtime untilte into the night, mentally and physically exhausted. But when he got home, he still couldn¡¯t sleep. He always felt there was something missing beside him. In just a few short months, Xia Yangyang had be an ingrained habit in his life. What was even more tormenting was that he repeatedly dreamed about her. When he awoke in the middle of the night and saw the empty spot beside him, Gu Qichen felt an indistinct ache in his heart. He had been thinking about many things these past few days. He also knew that this time, he had lost his reason. If it were anyone else, he wouldn¡¯t have cared. Whether it was his first love, Lu Haotian, or theter Chen Yu. None of them had ever made him this miserable. Because that person was Xiao Han, his most loved nephew from childhood, the person he owed the most in his life. The more Gu Qjchen thought about it, the more unbearable he found it. The long and passionate kiss was already not enough to satisfy him, he began to vigorously tear at Xia Yangyang¡¯s sleepwear¡­ Chapter 234 - 235: Let Her Go? (2) Chapter 234: Chapter 235: Let Her Go? (2) Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen¡¯s kiss arrived suddenly, fierce like a tempestuous storm. Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind went nk. Xia Yangyang wanted to resist, but Gu Qichen silenced her with his kiss, preventing her from voicing any words. Xia Yangyang yelled out, ¡°Gu Qichen, let me go!¡± Let her go? How could that be? He never will in this lifetime! Gu Qichen¡¯s kiss became more dominating, with an imposing force that left no room for resistance. Xia Yangyang did not wish for their rtionship to progress to such a state. Both of them were clearly ufortable with it. So what was happening? However, no matter how Xia Yangyang struggled, she couldn¡¯t break free from Gu Qichen¡¯s restraint. ¡°Gu Qichen, do you really want me to despise you?¡± ¡°We are a married couple. This is our marital duty.¡± ¡°I can use you of marital rape!¡± ¡°Then go ahead, I will find you the bestwyer.¡± Xia Yangyang was visibly infuriated, ¡°Gu Qichen, you¡¯re utterly shameless!¡± ¡°Shameless or not, I am your legally married husband, Xia Yangyang!¡± Gu Qichen had somehow managed to undo Xia Yangyang¡¯s clothes. Xia Yangyang felt both embarrassed and helpless. In the end, she gave up resisting, waiting till Gu Qichen thought he had subdued her and slightly let his guard down. Suddenly, Xia Yangyang curled up her leg, kicking at his abdomen. There was a muffled groan from the man. Then he curled up, falling to a spot beside Xia Yangyang. The man¡¯s voice was suppressed, gritting his teeth, ¡°Xia Yangyang, do you not want children anymore?¡± Xia Yangyang was scared looking at Gu Qichen¡¯s current state. How could this be? She knew in her heart that she had deliberately avoided ¡®that¡¯ area just now. There shouldn¡¯t be any issue, right? But why did Gu Qichen seem to be in so much pain, could she have made a mistake? If it was indeed a mistake, if she kicked the wrong spot, then there might be a real problem. Because she had kicked with quite a lot of force. ¡°I¡­ I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean it¡­ Are you okay?¡± Xia Yangyang was anxious now, it looked like a serious issue. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was still hoarse and low, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you are ruthless enough to attempt murdering your own husband.¡± ¡°I really didn¡¯t mean it. Let¡¯s go to the hospital,¡± Xia Yangyang was very worried. Even if she was extremely angry, she still didn¡¯t wish for anything to happen to Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang felt guilty and regretful. At that moment, why had she resisted, when she actually missed him so much. But now¡­ Xia Yangyang¡¯s tone turned into a plea, ¡°To the hospital, let¡¯s go now, in case something really happens.¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s too embarrassing!¡± Xia Yangyang was frantic, ¡°Do you think this is the time to worry about being embarrassed?¡± ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m not going!¡± Gu Qichen remained curled up. Xia Yangyang was helpless, recognizing that his injury was in a sensitive area, he probably would never go to a hospital. Hence, she became even more worried to the point of tears, ¡°If you don¡¯t go to the hospital, what are you going to do? How bad is your injury? Let me see.¡± The next moment, Gu Qichen suddenly stretched out his body,ying sprawled out t on the bed. There was no trace of pain on his face, he was clearly teasing her, ¡°Fine, take a look, be careful.¡± Chapter 235 - 236: Washing His Shirt in the Middle of the Night Chapter 235: Chapter 236: Washing His Shirt in the Middle of the Night Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen¡¯s expression changed too quickly; Xia Yangyang was caught off guard. The man on the bed wasfortably lounging with a triumphant smile on his lips. Xia Yangyang finally realized it. His attitude just now was all an act. Xia Yangyang abruptly changed her expression. Then she stood up calmly, looking down at Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen raised an eyebrow, sensing a cold vibe from Xia Yangyang: ¡°What are you doing?¡± Xia Yangyang stomped on his stomach, ¡°Obnoxious man!11 Even though it was out of frustration, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t stomp too hard. She didn¡¯t want to cause a fuss after he just recovered. After stomping, Xia Yangyangid back on the bed, crawled under the quilt, turned her back on Gu Qichen, and ignored him. Gu Qichen came over and lifted the quilt: ¡°Are you angry?¡± It wasn¡¯t exactly anger; it was more like being deceived after being initially worried. The feeling was a mixture of relief and annoyance. It wasplicated. Gu Qichen decided not to tease her anymore. He got up and went to the bathroom. But after he entered, Gu Qichen didn¡¯te out for a long time. Xia Yangyang figured he probably didn¡¯t have any clothes to wear. He must be distraught in there. He definitely wouldn¡¯ t wear the clothes Xia Weiwei brought. And he definitely wouldn¡¯t wear the clothes he had taken off twice. Xia Yangyang sneakily peeked out of the quilt, staring at the bathroom. She was curious to see how Gu Qichen woulde out. He couldn¡¯t possibly stay in there all night, could he? After a while, Gu Qichen finally came out. But to Xia Yangyang¡¯s dismay, he was wearing nothing at all. He was only casually wrapped in a small, thin white towel that belonged to her. You could vaguely see the underside¡­ Xia Yangyang¡¯s face instantly turned as red as a boiled shrimp. She immediately covered her face with the quilt, refusing to look. Gu Qichen quicklyid down beside Xia Yangyang. He seemed tired. Xia Yangyang soon heard even breathinging from beside her. Gu Qichen was asleep. But Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t sleep at all. Anyone would have difficulty sleeping next to apletely naked man. Even though this man was her husband and possessed an incredibly handsome face. That¡¯s why Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t dare to turn around, she stayed as far away from him as possible on the edge of the bed. For the first time, Xia Yangyang suffered from insomnia with Gu Qjchen sleeping next to her. Since she couldn¡¯t sleep, Xia Yangyang decided to get up. She carefully lifted the quilt and went to the bathroom. Gu Qichen was exhausted. These past few days, his work had piled up and he¡¯d been feeling moody, resulting in restless sleep. But surprisingly, as soon as heid down today, a wave of sleepiness engulfed him and he fell asleep quickly. However, when Xia Yangyang got up, he woke up. He wondered where she was going. After a long while, Xia Yangyang still hadn¡¯te out from the bathroom. There were asional rustling sounds from inside. Gu Qichen got up, wrapped in his quilt, and walked towards it. He discovered that Xia Yangyang was washing his shirt inside. The shirt was already washed. But there was no dryer in the room. So, Xia Yangyang was using a hairdryer to dry his shirt. Gu Qichen felt an indescribable sensation. A wave of warmth surged in his heart. He suddenly regretted¡­ Gu Qichen watched from outside for a long while. In the end, he couldn¡¯t resist walking in directly. He covered Xia Yangyang from behind with the quilt. Xia Yangyang was startled and turned around, only to be met with a kiss from Gu Qichen. Unlike the previous kiss, this time, Gu Qichen¡¯s kiss was gentle as water, extremely careful¡­ Chapter 236 - 237: Wife Doing Laundry, I’m Touched Chapter 236: Chapter 237: Wife Doing Laundry, I¡¯m Touched Trantor: 549690339 Perhaps the lighting was too dim. Perhaps the night was toote. In the end, Xia Yangyang was seduced. The parties under the nket were sticking firmly to each other. When their bodies identally brushed against each other, Xia Yangyang still held onto a bit of reason: ¡°The clothes are still damp.¡± Gu Qichen pushed her against the wall of the bathroom, wrapping his arms around her waist. He switched positions, and the amorous kiss followed. In the middle of the intimate exchanges, he mumbled unclearly: ¡°Who cares¡­¡± When Xia Yangyang woke up in the morning, it felt as if a feather was lightly tickling her face. Xia Yangyang rubbed her eyes. Opening her eyes, she was greeted by a breathtakingly handsome face. Gu Qichen had already woken up, his fingers still trailing over her eyebrows and eyes. Xia Yangyang frowned: ¡°So early, what are you doing?¡± Gu Qichen, with a hint of morning hoarseness, said in an inexplicably maic voice: ¡°Nothing, just wanted to look at you.¡± A casual remark from Gu Qichen made Xia Yangyang blush. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t dare look into Gu Qichen1 s eyes anymore, it was as if they were glowing. Without realising, Xia Yangyang puffed out her cheeks: ¡°What¡¯s so good about looking at me?¡± Gu Qichen slid closer to Xia Yangyang, wrapping her right into his arms. There was theoretically nothing wrong with that, but Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand identally touched a particr part of Gu¡¯s body. She discovered, to her surprise, that Gu Qichen wasn¡¯t wearing any clothes. She couldn¡¯t help but blurt: ¡°Pervert! You don¡¯t wear clothes even when sleeping!¡± ¡°Does this make me a pervert? Want to experience something even more perverted?¡± Xia Yangyang immediately conceded, ¡°No, too tired, I still need to go to school today.¡± Little did she know,st night, they¡­ Gu Qichen was like a wolf who hadn¡¯t eaten for a week. Gu Qichen teased, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, just let me hold you and don¡¯t move.¡± But it seemed like Xia Yangyang remembered something, she gave Gu Qichen a push: ¡°The clothes¡­¡± After saying that, she got up and headed straight for the bathroom. Gu Qichen frowned. When Xia Yangyang came out of the bathroom, she had a despondent look on her face. She was holding the shirt that Gu Qichen wore yesterday. She had suffered from insomniast night and, thinking she couldn¡¯t sleep anyway, decided to wash Gu Qichen¡¯s clothes. Otherwise, he would have nothing to wear the next day. Who would¡¯ve known that when she was halfway through drying the clothes, Gu Qichen would suddenly rush in. And then¡­ At that time, the clothes were thrown directly into the sink, still damp, very wrinkled, and totally unwearable now. Xia Yangyang walked over,ining, ¡°This is all your fault, look what happened to the clothes?¡± Gu Qichenughed, ¡°Alright, it¡¯s all my fault. But it¡¯s just a shirt, why are you so upset?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not upset, I¡¯m wondering what you¡¯ re going to wear out today.¡± Before Xia Yangyang could finish¡­ There was a knock on the door. Xia Yangyang was puzzled, wondering who would be at the door so early. But Gu Qichen seemed to know, ¡°Go open the door, it should be someone who¡¯s here to solve your problem.¡± Xia Yangyang suspiciously went to open the door. To her surprise, it was Gu Qichen¡¯s personal secretary, Fang Zhengdong, standing at the door. Fang Zhengdong was holding a few sets of clothes, and said, ¡°The CEO sent me to deliver these.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback: ¡°Thanks for the trouble, Secretary Fang.¡± ¡°No trouble at all, I should be going now.¡± Xia Yangyang turned and walked into the room: ¡°I see you had it all nned out, asking Secretary Fang to deliver clothes.¡± Gu Qichen had already sat up: ¡°But I¡¯m still moved that you washed my clothes for me in the middle of the night yesterday.¡± Xia Yangyang walked over and hit him with the clothes: ¡°I just didn¡¯t want you to go out without any clothes on and embarrass yourself.¡± Chapter 237 - 238: Still, My Wife is More Skillful Chapter 237: Chapter 238: Still, My Wife is More Skillful Trantor: 549690339 | Both of them started to get dressed. After a while, there was a knock on the door. Xia Yangyang went to open the door, and Xia Weiwei was standing there. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°What are you doing here so early?¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s gaze kept peering inside. Not until she saw Gu Qichen, she then said, ¡°Brother-inw, you¡¯re up. My mom wants you to have breakfast in the dining room. She made fish soup noodles herself.¡± Gu Qichen had already walked to the door. Naturally, he said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Can you help me with this button? I can¡¯t seem to get it on.¡± Xia Yangyang turned around. Gu Qichen had already put on his shirt. Only the button on the cor was still undone. Xia Yangyang turned to help Gu Qichen button his cor, and it was done in a moment. However, Gu Qichen held Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand to his lips and gave it a kiss, ¡°My wife¡¯s hand is quite deft.¡± Seeing this scene, Xia Weiwei¡¯s face went dark. It was as if Gu Qichen had just noticed her presence. His voice returned to its usual cool, ¡°I see. I will go with your sister immediately.¡± Xia Weiwei squeezed out a smile, ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave first. Brother-inw, you two be quick.¡± Xia Weiwei clenched her fingers and left. She was obviously here to see if the two of them had quarreled. Xia Weiwei had calcted that they would argue because of Lu Haotian. Howe their rtionship seemed much better than before after one night? And Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze always seemed to linger on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face. He barely nced at her straight in the eyes. Xia Weiwei was fuming inside. She couldn¡¯t wait and went straight to the kitchen. She said to Liu Ruyan, ¡°Mom, I can¡¯t take it anymore. Didn¡¯t you say they would divorce within a year? Why are they still so good to each other now?¡± Liu Ruyan nced towards the door, then red at Xia Weiwei, ¡°You should be careful when you speak. What if someone heard?¡± Xia Weiwei said with a furious expression, ¡°Seeing them being affectionate makes me feel sick. Why would a noble person like Young Master Gu fall for a nobody like Xia Yangyang? I am younger and prettier than Xia Yangyang. Why doesn¡¯t he even nce at me?¡± Liu Ruyan casually responded, ¡°Men get tired of delicacies and sometimes crave simple dishes. Since he likes Xia Yangyang¡¯s type, you should act modest and pure in his presence. Look at yourself, you can¡¯t even bear this. How will you take your sister¡¯s ce and be Mrs. Gu in the future?¡± At the mention of ¡°Mrs. Gu¡±, Xia Weiwei felt inexplicably excited. Xia Weiwei was shaking Liu Ruyan¡¯s arm, ¡°Mom, just tell me. What¡¯s your n? I can¡¯t wait anymore. I don¡¯t want to call him ¡®brother-inw¡¯. Mom, please help me.¡± ¡°Alright, stop fussing. Don¡¯t worry, Isn¡¯t your sister¡¯s birthdaying up soon? I still need to confirm some things. This is a great opportunity.¡± At breakfast time. Liu Ruyan said, ¡°Yangyang, your birthday ising up soon. Your father and I have decided, since we didn¡¯t celebrate your 20th birthdayst year, we want to make it up this year. Your dad has booked a floor at Caesar Hotel. We must make it grand this time and invite all your ssmates and friends. And Ah Chen, please inform your family, we hope they will grace us with their presence.¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°I should do that.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t really think about having a grand celebration. However, Liu Ruyan and Xia Liangdong didn¡¯t discuss with her and sent all the invitations. All the town¡¯s prominent families were invited. If it were the past, not all of those people might attend But this time, not one was missing. Chapter 238 - 239: How About Having a Child Chapter 238: Chapter 239: How About Having a Child Trantor: 549690339 | Of course, those people were showing respect for the Gu Family from South City. That day was November nth. The unofficial Singles¡¯ Day, whenst year at the same time, Xia Yangyang had ended her ten-year-old childhood sweetheart rtionship. She really felt like the sky was falling then. But now, Xia Yangyang turned to look at the man driving beside her¡­ As it turns out, destiny is like a box of choctes. You never know if the next piece of chocte will be bitter or sweet¡­ ¡°Why are you staring at me? Do you think your husband is particrly handsome today?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s slightly teasing words drifted over from the side. Only then did Xia Yangyange back to her senses. These past few days, Xia Yangyang moved back into Maple Vi. Although they had made up in a way. But there was still a lingering knot. The name Gu Zhaohan was like a ticking time bomb buried between them. It was not resolved, but they both tacitly set it aside. And Xia Yangyang knew that this time bomb would eventually explode at some point. ¡°Uncle Gu, don¡¯t tter yourself too much. You should ept your age gracefully.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, I¡¯m only 28!¡± ¡°28 is quite old too.¡± Gu Qichen frowned and was silent for a while, then said, ¡°In that case, let¡¯s have a child. After all, waiting any longer would mean having a childte in life.¡± Xia Yangyang was instantly on high alert when she heard this. These days, the old man had been openly and subtly urging them to have a child. He even had someone send over tonic medicine. Xia Yangyang was really exasperated. Xia Yangyang quickly changed his tone: ¡°Young Master Gu, you are young and should prioritize your career. As the ancients say, first establish a career before starting a family. Let¡¯s not rush about the child¡¯s matter.¡± ¡°You got it wrong, it¡¯s ¡®start a family before initiating a career¡¯,¡± Gu Qichen said lightly. ¡°Young Master Gu, Baby Gu, you¡¯re still young, let¡¯s not rush this, okay?¡± He was just referred to as Uncle Gu, now he was being called Baby Gu. This girl¡¯s change of face was faster than flipping through a book. Soon they arrived at Caesar Hotel. The waiter immediately greeted them. After getting out of the car, Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen went to the banquet hall at the top floor together. Caesar International Hotel is the most luxurious top-tier hotel in its entirety. Once inside, it felt like they were in a pce resplendent with gold and jade. A lot of people had already arrived at the banquet hall in the ballroom. With perfume in the air and drinks flowing, the crystal lights scattered like tassels and cast a twinkling glow which flowed faintly. As the main characters, Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen attracted attention the moment they entered. Xia Yangyang was just wearing a in white dress that day, with light makeup. Her skin was naturally fair, her hair shone like bright seaweed, her lips ruby red and her teeth pearlescent, like Snow White from a fairy tale. Gu Qichen was also dressed in a suit, emanating an exceptional temperament. Standing together, they resembled a princess and a prince, perfectly matched. When they entered, Xia Yangyang was originally walking behind Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen deliberately slowed down to wait for her and took her arm as they walked in together. Basically all the guests had arrived. Xia Liangdong and the old man were chatting. Liu Ruyan was also present. Seeing them, Liu Ruyan said, ¡°Yangyang, today you¡¯re the star. How can you be sote and make everyone wait for you? That¡¯s a bit thoughtless.¡± Before Xia Yangyang could speak, Gu Qichen casually replied, ¡°It was my meeting that got a bit dyed. Besides, today is Yangyang¡¯s birthday, so naturally the birthday girl¡¯s wishes matter the most. Isn¡¯t that right, Aunt Liu?¡± Chapter 239 - 240: Pleasing Chapter 239: Chapter 240: Pleasing Trantor: 549690339 | Gu Qichen was obviously making excuses for Xia Yangyang. Liu Ruyan tactfully added, ¡°Of course, today is Yangyang¡¯s birthday. We¡¯re hosting this birthday banquet just to make her happy.¡± Several senior members of the Gu family were also there. Xia Yangyang greeted each one of them. Xia Yangyang saw Gu Zhaohan once more. He stood behind Gu Mingzhu, silent and still, like an invisible man. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart unexpectedly felt as if it had been squeezed. The word ¡°Xiao Han likes you¡± that Gu Qi Chen had said suddenly echoed in her mind. Xia Yangyang unconsciously shook her head. No way! Definitely impossible! It¡¯s merely Gu Qi Chen overthinking! Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan casually exchanged greetings. Then they both dispersed. Today¡¯s birthday banquet was unlike the usual ones. It was more like a half-dinner party. The banquet hall had a variety of buffet-style gourmet dishes. Champagne towers were everywhere. Most of the guests were holding champagne, immersed in lively conversation. The banquet hall had a vast dance floor. A lot of people were waltzing in there. Many well-known artists from Star City International were also present. Upon seeing Xia Yangyang and Gu Qi Chen, they all came over to offer their congrattions. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t particrly like such asions, but after all, it was her birthday banquet, so she had no choice but to embrace it reluctantly. Xia Liangdong and Liu Ruyan were mingling with the business moguls. In reality, Xia Yangyang felt that this wasn¡¯t a birthday banquet for her, but the Gu family from the southern city using it as an opportunity to expand theirwork. She found the feeling rather ufortable. Xia Weiwei was originally chatting with a group of high-society women from Kyoto. Upon seeing Gu Qi Chen, she immediately stepped forward to greet him. When she approached Gu Qi Chen, she sweetly called him, ¡°Brother-inw.¡± The gazes of both Gu Qi Chen and Xia Yangyang fell upon Xia Weiwei at the same time. Xia Yangyang frowned. The clothes Xia Weiwei was wearing¡­ were hers. Xia Weiwei, noticing Gu Qi Chen intently looking at her, showed a hint of coy shyness. Liu Ruyan had previously told her that since Gu Qi Chen liked Xia Yangyang¡¯s simple style, she should imitate it. The dress she had found in Xia Yangyang¡¯s wardrobe, with its tiny beige flowers, though it seemed rather drab to her, might be Gu Qi Chen¡¯s preferred style. In front of Xia Yangyang, Xia Weiwei said, ¡°Brother-inw, when you stare at me like this, I feel a bit shy.¡± Gu Qi Chen lightlymented, ¡°That dress you¡¯re wearing¡­¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s heart fluttered with joy. As expected, it had worked. Gu Qi Chen really did like this style. In the past, whenever she saw Gu Qi Chen, she would carefully dress herself up, but Gu Qi Chen never really looked at her with interest. Today, he had actually initiated a conversation with her. Xia Weiwei waspletely taken aback. Xia Weiwei was eagerly awaiting Gu Qi Chen¡¯s praise. Suddenly, Gu Qi Chen coldly spat out two words, ¡°Quite ugly.¡± Xia Weiwei was dumbstruck. After speaking, without waiting for Xia Weiwei to react, he took Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and walked away. Xia Weiwei was so mad that she almost wanted to tear off the dress she was wearing then and there. She knew it! What kind of taste could Xia Yangyang have? How could Gu Qi Chen possibly like it! Maybe Xia Yangyang had deliberately left such an ugly dress in her wardrobe, intentionally making her look foolish! Xia Weiwei¡¯s hands clenched into fists! On the other hand, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help butugh, ¡°That¡¯s the dress you bought. How could you call it ugly?¡± ¡°It looks beautiful on you. On anyone else, it¡¯s utterly hideous.¡± Xia Yangyang pretended to sigh, ¡°I don¡¯t know what Xia Weiwei sees in you. She tries so hard to please you.¡± ¡°Does she even like me? She¡¯s only attracted to the prestige thates with me.¡± ¡°Then how do you know I¡¯m not attracted to the prestige thates with you?¡± ¡°Becausest night you cried professing your love for me.¡± Thinking back to the previous night, Xia Yangyang¡¯s face flushed so profoundly it could bleed. At a time like that, one isn¡¯t in their right mind, words spoken then can¡¯t be taken seriously. Furthermore, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t remember saying that. ¡°What? Don¡¯t remember? Do you want a review today?¡± ¡°Gu Qi Chen, you¡¯re acting like a rogue again!¡± Chapter 240 - 241: Xia Yangyangs Biological Mother... Chapter 240: Chapter 241: Xia Yangyang¡¯s Biological Mother¡­ Trantor: 549690339 To Xia Yangyang, high-society parties werepletely boring, even though she was supposedly the guest of honor today. Unfortunately, there weren¡¯t many of her friends present. Instead, Xia Weiwei had invited all her friends. The socialites from Kyoto also preferred associating with her. Xia Weiwei had already changed into another outfit. At that moment, she appeared like a stunning butterfly amid the flowers, dancing gracefully. Also dancing with her was a popr young actor from Starlight Entertainment, Ji Jiahang. This time, many celebrities from Starlight Entertainment came to show their support. Xia Yangyang looked around and noticed that Chen Yu didn¡¯te over. Shen Shichuan dide, however. At that moment, he was talking to Gu Qichen. Shigang Entertainment and Starlight Entertainment have always been in cutthroatpetition before, but since their joint investment inst time, the rtionship seems to be not bad. Yet, Xia Yangyang believed this harmony was just superficial. In the business world, there are no permanent friends or enemies¡ªonly permanent interests. Xia Yangyang, feeling bored, ate a bit and then decided to go the rooftop terrace for some fresh air. At that very moment, Gu Mingzhu was talking to a few supermodels in their social circle. Liu Ruyan walked over with her wine ss: ¡°Madam Gu, the dress you¡¯re wearing today must be Chanel¡¯s newly released model. Itplements your aura very nicely.¡± Gu Mingzhu clinked her ss against Liu Ruyan¡¯s while smiling: ¡°You and I are family now; there¡¯s no need to be so formal. Just call me Mingzhu.¡± The two started chatting. The supermodels nearby, seeing the two chat intimately, tactfully excused themselves. Liu Ruyan said, ¡°Though Yangyang doesn¡¯t have a mother-inw, having such a caring sister-inw like you puts me and her father at ease.¡± Gu Mingzhu smiled, ¡°Yangyang is a good kid, simple and kind-hearted. I really like her.¡± Liu Ruyan sighed, ¡°Actually, her father and I have always felt guilty towards her. Even though I treat her as my own daughter, she still keeps her distance from me. This child has always felt that I invaded her family. She has never once called me ¡®mom.¡¯. These past years, she¡¯s grown a little reclusive. Her father and I always worry that she might develop psychological issues. But now it¡¯s better ¨C with Ah Chen¡¯s love, and your affection towards her, I no longer feel as guilty.¡± Liu Ruyan casually mentioned this, and Gu Mingzhu was greatly surprised: ¡°Is Yangyang not your biological child?¡± Gu Mingzhu usually keeps busy, spending most of her time at fashion shows in Paris and the United States. She doesn¡¯t know much about domestic affairs. Liu Ruyan sighed, ¡°Although we¡¯ve been married for ten years, she still calls me Aunt Liu. Maybe I haven¡¯t done enough as a stepmother, and she still doesn¡¯t regard me as her mother.¡± Hearing Liu Ruyan¡¯s words, Gu Mingzhu suddenly remembered something. Even though Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang had married, they had kept it a secret, and the two families hadn¡¯t initially known. After their hidden marriage was exposed, they only met once for a meal. Since they weren¡¯t nning on preparing for a wedding soon, the two families had little contact with each other. Thest time they met, Xia Yangyang indeed didn¡¯t call Liu Ruyan ¡®mom¡¯, and their rtionship didn¡¯t appear to be close. Gu Mingzhu suddenly asked, ¡°What¡¯s the name of Yangyang¡¯s biological mother?¡± ¡°Her name is Tan Zhen. She was a renowned movie star in this circle twenty years ago.¡± When Gu Mingzhu heard this name, she inadvertently loosened her grip, and the champagne ss in her hand fell and shattered on the ground. Gu Mingzhu quickly apologized and bent down to clean up the mess. However, she identally cut her finger on a piece of the broken ss. Blood started to flow from her fingertip. Liu Ruyan hurriedly called over the attendants to clean up the mess. Gu Mingzhu apologized for her clumsiness, ¡°I am so sorry. I was very careless.¡± Liu Ruyan feigned concern, ¡°You should go find some medicine quickly. Also, you don¡¯t look well, are you feeling sick?¡± Gu Mingzhu replied, ¡°I am fine. I¡¯m just a bit tired. I¡¯ll go rest for a while.¡± After speaking, Gu Mingzhu turned around and left with the attendant. Chapter 241 - 242: What If I Feel Guilty? Chapter 241: Chapter 242: What If I Feel Guilty? Trantor: 549690339 Watching Gu Mingzhu¡¯s dispirited figure retreating. A smile spreads across Liu Ruyan¡¯s lips. It seems that all the things she had investigated were true. Xia Yangyang breathed a sigh of relief as she stepped out of the banquet hall. She was wearing high heels today. She had identally sprained her ankle, fortunately, there was a chair on the rooftop. Xia Yangyang took off her shoes and began to rub her foot. ¡°Here you are!¡± A cold voice sounded from beside her. A hand was extended in front of her, holding a tube of Yunnan Baiyao ointment. Looking up, Xia Yangyang saw Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face. Xia Yangyang was a little taken aback, ¡°Why are you here?¡± Gu Zhaohan exined, ¡°I followed you. Applying this ointment to your sprained area should help.¡± Xia Yangyang took the ointment, ¡°How did you get this sprain ointment?¡± Gu Zhaohan sat down next to her, ¡°I saw you sprain your ankle and asked a staff member for it.¡± ¡°Thankyou.¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly didn¡¯t know what to say. Xia Yangyang squeezed the ointment onto her ankle. Silence¡­ Seeing Gu Zhaohan again brought a wave ofplicated feelings she couldn¡¯t exin. And in this deserted ce, it was just the two of them. If Gu Qichen saw them, he might get jealous again. Xia Yangyang finished applying the ointment and said, ¡°I should go back.¡± Gu Zhaohan was silent for a moment before suddenly asking, ¡°Are you avoiding me?¡± Xia Yangyang was inexplicably guilty, ¡°Of course not, I just feel a bit cold.¡± ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend. I can tell you¡¯ve been avoiding me these past days. Even in school, when you see me, you pretend not to. Is it because of my uncle?¡± ¡°My uncle is just too paranoid.¡± Thinking about this, Xia Yangyang could not help but feel irritated. However, she realized that her statement might not have been appropriate. Would Gu Zhaohan find something off? Xia Yangyang quickly tried to rify, ¡°I didn¡¯t mean that. Your uncle isn¡¯t suspicious of us¡­no, I mean, he¡¯s just overly worried and you¡¯re not involved. It¡¯s not¡­¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly felt like her brain had crashed. However she tried, she just couldn¡¯t get her exnation across and seemed to be digging herself a deeper hole. But Gu Zhaohan¡¯s expression did not change, and she did not know if he had understood what she was saying. Xia Yangyang fell silent. She took a deep breath. It was better to clear things up. Gu Qichen had also asked her to sort things out herself previously. Xia Yangyang finally spoke, ¡°Perhaps we have been practicing together for too long, and your uncle is a bit jealous.¡± Xia Yangyang felt extremely awkward, ¡°It must sound ridiculous to you that he¡¯s such a petty person. We¡¯ve been fighting over this, but now I have let it go. We have been upright, and time will prove everything.¡± ¡°Yangyang, do you read Jin Yong?¡± Gu Zhaohan suddenly interrupted her, calmly. Xia Yangyang was slightly startled, ¡°Yes, why?¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s tone was a bit cold. ¡°In Jin Yong¡¯s The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, one part made a deep impression on me. Zhou Zhiruo said to Zhang Wuji, ¡®We were once engaged, but now my husband is at the brink of death. Besides, I spared your life today. Everyone will say that I am still fond of you. If I ask for your help again, all the heroes in the world will call me shameless, fickly as flowing water.¡¯ Zhang Wuji replied, ¡®As long as we are true to ourselves, why should we care about what others say?¡¯ Zhou Zhiruo, however, retorted, ¡®What if I feel guilty?¡±¡® After Gu Zhaohan finished speaking, the surroundings were peaceful and quiet. Xia Yangyang felt as if her heart suddenly plummeted into the abyss. Then she heard Gu Zhaohan¡¯s cold voice echoing next to her, ¡°Yangyang, what if I feel guilty?¡± Chapter 242 - 243:1 Like You, It’s None of Your Business Chapter 242: Chapter 243:1 Like You, It¡¯s None of Your Business Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang stared nkly at Gu Zhaohan. She hadn¡¯t suspected at all¡­ Gu Zhaohan¡¯s expression was as usual, icy and indifferent. He spoke of those words as if rting someone else¡¯s story, maintaining a calmposure. But Xia Yangyang was panicking. Xia Yangyang no longer dared to meet Gu Zhaohan¡¯s gaze: ¡°Um, you¡­you¡­how could, why¡­?¡± Xia Yangyang was somewhat incoherent. Gu Zhaohan coolly said, ¡°I¡¯m only telling you this to let you know that uncle wasn¡¯t mistaken. I don¡¯t want any misunderstanding between the two of you due to your disbelief.¡± For a moment, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what to say. So, Gu Zhaohan was admitting to it now just to confirm that Gu Qichen was right, to avoid the conflict between them? But¡­ Xia Yangyang felt like the situation had gotten even moreplicated. Gu Zhaohan paused, his voice appearing to emanate from a distant ce. ¡°Xia Yangyang, I¡¯ve liked you for a long time, from the first day of college, during the military training, when you passed me a bottle of mineral water, I didn¡¯t want to say it, but now I realise, hiding it is useless. It may even cause you to misunderstand. But right now, all I want to say is this: Xia Yangyang, I¡¯m fond of you. It¡¯s my issue and has nothing to do with you. Do you understand?¡± As soon as Gu Zhaohan finished these words, he turned around and walked off the rooftop. Xia Yangyang watched his retreating back in shock and murmured, ¡°I don¡¯t quite get it.¡± Xia Yangyang stood in a daze on the balcony. The cold breeze that blew by snapped her confused mind back into coherence. Only after she regained her senses, did Xia Yangyang realise that she had misunderstood Gu Qichen. During that time period, Xia Yangyang always believed that Gu Qichen was spewing venomous criticism blindly. She found that man petty and ridiculous. But now¡­ Xia Yangyang¡¯s emotions were in turmoil. After standing on the rooftop for a while, Xia Yangyang also entered the room. Lost in her thoughts, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t notice someone was in front of her and she ran straight into their chest. Xia Yangyang took a step back, and instinctively apologised. She realised that the person she had bumped into was Shen Shichuan. There was a faint smile on the corner of Shen Shichuan¡¯s mouth: ¡°Why haven¡¯t you corrected the habit of not watching where you¡¯re going?¡± Xia Yangyang recalled that once when she had nearly been run over by a car while crossing the street, it was Shen Shichuan who pulled her back in time. She guessed he was bringing up that matter. Xia Yangyang was a bit embarrassed: ¡°I will pay more attention from now on.¡± As Xia Yangyang was about to walk past him, Shen Shichuan stopped her. Xia Yangyang turned around: ¡°What is it?¡± Shen Shichuan said: ¡°¡®Cindere¡¯s Magical Fate¡¯ premiere date has been set. It will be on Christmas, a month from now, do you have time to join the preunch PR activities?¡± Xia Yangyang quickly responded: ¡°Sure, I am avable. Please send me the schedule when it¡¯s ready.¡± Even though Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t signed the contract, as one of the creators, this was her job. Shen Shichuan continued, ¡°Let¡¯s have lunch together tomorrow so we can discuss the work arrangements in detail.¡± Xia Yangyang agreed without hesitation. ¡°By the way, have you seen Ah Chen?¡± Shen Shichuan said: ¡°He¡¯s probably in the break room. I think Sister Mingzhu got hurt, and Ah Chen went to see her.¡± When Xia Yangyang learned about Mingzhu¡¯s injury, she didn¡¯t know what had happened. She hurriedly said, ¡°I¡¯ll go check on her as well.¡± Chapter 243 - 244: The Brain Needs Some Sunlight Chapter 243: Chapter 244: The Brain Needs Some Sunlight Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang went straight to the lounge. The door of the lounge was open. Only Gu Qichen and Gu Mingzhu were inside. Xia Yangyang walked right in and called out, ¡°Sister¡±. Gu Mingzhu looked up. Gazing at Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, she seemed momentarily dazed. The first time she saw that face, she felt that something was off. But why didn¡¯t she investigate further then? She really did look a lot like Tan Zhen. Xia Yangyang walked upto Gu Mingzhu, asked with concern, ¡°Sis, are you okay? I heard you got hurt, where did you get injured?¡± Seeing Gu Mingzhu¡¯s hand wrapped in gauze, Xia Yangyang hurriedly tried to take a look. To her surprise, Gu Mingzhu directly pulled her hand away. Her voice seemed cold, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, stood up straight embarrassed, withdrew her hand, and then nced at Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen seemed to slightly furrow his brow as well. Just at that moment, Gu Zhaohan walked in. Upon seeing Gu Zhaohan, Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart seemed to skip a beat. She didn¡¯t even dare to look into Gu Zhaohan¡¯s eyes, just hanging her head, attempting to act oblivious. Gu Zhaohan was clearly summoned by Gu Mingzhu. After Gu Zhaohan entered, Gu Mingzhu got up and said to Gu Qichen, ¡°I¡¯m really tired today, I¡¯m going home first.¡± Gu Qichen nodded, ¡°Rest well after you get home, I¡¯lle to see you tomorrow.¡± Gu Mingzhu gave a forced smile, then left with Gu Zhaohan. The lounge suddenly fell silent. Only then did Xia Yangyang finally speak up, ¡°Sis, what¡¯s wrong? You seem to be in a bad mood.¡± Gu Qichen seemed thoughtful, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± He turned his body and then asked, ¡°What about you? What¡¯s wrong?¡± Xia Yangyang was dazed, ¡°What do you mean, ¡®what¡¯s wrong¡¯?¡± ¡°Why did you look guilty when you saw Xiao Han?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t feel guilty.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you¡¯re still not good at pretending in front of me.¡± Xia Yangyang fell silent for a moment, lowered her head, and mumbled three words, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± After finishing, there was no response from Gu Qichen for a while. After a good while, Xia Yangyang looked up cautiously. She met Gu Qichen¡¯s intense gaze. Gu Qichen asked casually, ¡°So Xiao Han has confessed to you?¡± Xia Yangyang knew that a smart person like Gu Qichen could figure everything out. Just like he could see that Gu Zhaohan had other feelings for her before, while she had no clue. Xia Yangyang told him everything that happened on the balcony earlier honestly. After finishing, she stole a nce at Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. He wasn¡¯t angry, rather he looked unsurprised. ¡°I know I misunderstood you before. I thought you were petty and being excessively jealous. I didn¡¯t expect¡­¡± ¡°With your dense brain, you wouldn¡¯t be able to see it. After all, Xiao Han is unpredictable.¡± If he hadn¡¯t witnessed that sh of a kiss on the terrace that night, perhaps Gu Qichen wouldn¡¯t have figured out Gu Zhaohan¡¯s feelings. After all, Gu Zhaohan hid it exceptionally well, pretending to dislike, even loathe Xia Yangyang earlier. Now thinking about it, his actions were just a coverup for his affection for her. As if admitting her mistakes, Xia Yangyang scurried to Gu Qichen, tugged on his hand, and shook it, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry anymore. It¡¯s my fault for misunderstanding you. From now on, I will listen to whatever you say and never question you again.¡± Gu Qichen seemed pleased with Xia Yangyang¡¯s apology. ¡°So, whatever I say, you will listen?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded sincerely, ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s have a baby.¡± ¡°No, that¡¯s not possible. Gu Qichen, I haven¡¯t graduated yet.¡± ¡°Taking a graduation photo with our daughter would be just right.¡± ¡°Why a daughter? What if it¡¯s a son?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s a son, we¡¯ll simply have another child. A daughter.¡± Gu Qichen started closing the distance between him and Xia Yangyang, ¡°With such a big task, we don¡¯t have much time. Darling, why not now¡­¡± It was only then that Xia Yangyang realized she had been tricked by Gu Qichen and feigned anger, ¡°Gu Qichen, I think you should let your brain out in the sun for a while. What on earth are you thinking all day?¡± Chapter 244 - 245: Making a Wish Chapter 244: Chapter 245: Making a Wish Trantor: 549690339 After all, this is a lounge room, and people maye in at any time. Of course, Gu Qichen would not do anything improper. After teasing his wife a bit, he left the room with satisfaction. Xia Yangyang followed, her pouting lips resembling a goldfish. The party outside was still in full swing with guests lively chatting and drinking. Gu Qichen suddenly paused, turned around, put one hand behind his back, and extended the other, performing a very gentlemanly invitation gesture. Xia Yangyang was momentarily dazzled and then asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°Wondering if I have the honour to invite Miss Xia for a dance.¡± Gu Qichen said with a deep voice, exuding an unspeakable maism. Xia Yangyang pursed her lips and gracefully ced her hand in his palm, like a proud swan saying, ¡°I grant you this honour.¡± The two of them entered the dance floor together. Xia Yangyang learned to dance from a teacher invited by Shen Shichuan because she had to dance in a scene for a film. But up to that moment, Xia Yangyang had never danced with Gu Qichen. The feeling waspletely different. Gu Qichen¡¯s palm was dry and warm, and they were so close that she could smell his distinctive clean scent. Gu Qichen¡¯s face wore a rare expression of warmth, under the golden glow of the overhead crystal chandelier. Gazing at Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang felt as if this man was also shining, and it was captivating. After their eyes met for a little while, Gu Qichen lowered his head and kissed Xia Yangyang¡¯s lips¡­ Amid the soothing waltz, sounds of gasps and whistles rang out in surprised admiration. Everyone, who was initially dancing, had stopped. All their eyes fell on them. Under normal circumstances, Xia Yangyang would feel embarrassed by such attention. But at that moment, she felt as if she was immersed in it. Everything else disappeared, leaving only Gu Qichen and the dazzling light around him. Xia Yangyang thought of a saying, ¡°It¡¯s like seeing a rainbow. You only know it exists when you encounter it.¡± There were scattered apuse and cheers all around. Mostly, there were enviousments from women. ¡°Mr. Gu and Miss Xia are a perfect match, like a real-life prince and princess.¡± ¡°Indeed, Miss Xia is truly a winner in life. Though not the most beautiful or having the best background, she¡¯s the one Mr. Gu favors.¡± ¡°Weiwei, with your sister marrying Mr. Gu, you¡¯ll surely benefit. Mr. Gu is surrounded by many outstanding talents. Maybe he could introduce you to one. Who knows, you might have a bright future.¡± Watching this scene, Xia Weiwei was so angry she couldn¡¯t speak a word. Almost gritting her teeth, she said, ¡°I wonder how long the two of them willst.¡± After speaking, she stomped off. By the time Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen went home, it was alreadyte. Once inside the car, Xia Yangyang felt her stomach growling with hunger. She barely had anything to eat that night. However, Gu Qichen said, ¡°There¡¯s something to eat in the back seat.¡± When Xia Yangyang turned to look, she nearly screamed, ¡°A birthday cake, when did you buy it?¡± Xia Yangyang quickly grabbed it and opened the box. The cake was not veryrge but it was exquisitely cute. Xia Yangyang started eating immediately with a spoon. Gu Qichen frowned and said, ¡°You didn¡¯t even make a wish.¡± ¡°Oh yes, I forgot about it.¡± After saying that, Xia Yangyang put the cake on herp, sped her hands together, closed her eyes, and made a wish. ¡¯What wish did you make?¡± Gu Qichen asked. Chapter 245 - 246: Happy Birthday, Wife Chapter 245: Chapter 246: Happy Birthday, Wife Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I hope my thesis gets approved in one go, and my grandmother stays healthy, living a long and happy life.¡± Thinking about her grandmother, a pang of guilt washed over Xia Yangyang. It¡¯s her birthday today, and her father didn¡¯t invite her grandmother over. And she hasn¡¯t been to visit her for a long time. Gu Qichen furrowed his brows. Her wishes did not include him. Gu Qichen huffed in clear dissatisfaction, ¡°Dummy, don¡¯t you know that your wishes won¡¯te true if you say them out loud?¡± Xia Yangyang retorted, ¡°If you knew they wouldn¡¯t be true if spoken, why did you ask me.¡± Xia Yangyang continued to eat her cake. Suddenly, she let out a scream, as she found a diamond ring in the cake. Xia Yangyang was delighted. She quickly wiped the cream off the ring with a wet wipe. Then she happily handed it to Gu Qichen, ¡°Is this a birthday gift from you?¡± Gu Qichen raised an eyebrow, ¡°Do you like it?¡± Xia Yangyang, of course, loved it. It was not because the gift was a diamond ring. But because Gu Qichen had actually prepared a gift for her. She had felt a little let down earlier. Xia Yangyang looked at Gu Qichen with a beaming smile, ¡°You hid it quite well. Weren¡¯t you afraid that I would swallow it?¡± ¡°It¡¯s my error, considering how clumsy you are, you could really do such a thing.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°Gu Qichen, do you really think I¡¯m so clumsy?¡± Gu Qichen was silent for a moment before confessing with a serious expression, ¡°Among all the women I know, you might be the clumsiest.¡± Xia Yangyang was furious to the extent of spitting blood. How could he be so malicious while still sounding so serious? ¡°If I¡¯m so clumsy, why did you marry me, and now even present me with a ring?¡± Previously they had a secret marriage and only had a simple registered marriage with no rings involved. Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t given her a ring. So when Xia Yangyang saw the ring as a present, she was extremely surprised. Now her mindset is a lot different to before. She is looking forward to the rituals of marriage just like any little girl. This is the best gift for her. The gift is certainly a surprise, but how could this man present a gift and not speak a single kind word? Gu Qichen spoke in a mild voice, ¡°Because I love you, wife, happy birthday.¡± Xia Yangyang was dumbfounded for a moment. This man, he always does things differently. He has hardly ever said those three words before. Xia Yangyang felt a sourness in her nose, she couldn¡¯t help but hold back tears from falling down. For the first time, Xia Yangyang felt so d to have met this man and fallen in love with him. Her previously lonely life was now so warm and secured. ¡°I love you too, forever¡­¡± Xia Yangyang replied in her heart. The next day! Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t wake up until ten o¡¯clock. She was extremely tiredst night, that¡¯s why she overslept. Thankfully she didn¡¯t have any sses today. Xia Yangyang recalled her appointment with Shen Shichuan, she quickly got up and began to wash and change clothes. Xia Yangyang got ready quickly and headed straight to the Shiguang International Building. The entrance of the Shiguang Building was surrounded by a group of journalists. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t find it strange. After all, many celebrities live in this building and this ce was well known to journalists. Xia Yangyang, dressed modestly and wearing a scarf and hat, squeezed into the crowd like a slippery eel. As soon as she entered the Shiguang Building. The journalists behind her went into a frenzy. It turned out that a limousine had pulled up. Shen Manbing, surrounded by a crowd of people, came out of the car¡­. Chapter 246 - 247: As long as Im around, you wont have the chance to succeed Chapter 246: Chapter 247: As long as I¡¯m around, you won¡¯t have the chance to seed Trantor: 549690339 Shen Manbing is a top-tier celebrity at Time. It¡¯s not unusual for her to show up here. But considering their past interactions, Xia Yangyang thought it would be best if she didn¡¯t appear before her. So, Xia Yangyang hurried into the elevator. Xia Yangyang went straight to Shen Shichuan¡¯s office. As prearranged, Shen Shichuan¡¯s secretary Zhou Fei guided her in. Shen Shichuan was on the phone. Seeing Xia Yangyange in, he gestured to a spot on the couch. Xia Yangyang sat down on the couch and waited quietly. A littleter, Shen Shichuan hung up the phone and came over to her, ¡°Sorry for keeping you waiting.¡± Xia Yangyang smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s fine, it was just five minutes.¡± Shen Shichuan asked, ¡°What should we have for today¡¯s meal?¡± ¡°I¡¯m okay with anything, you choose the ce. I¡¯ll treat you. I haven¡¯t properly thanked you for the huge favorst time.¡± Shen Shichuan responded warmly, ¡°You promised me something before. A meal wouldn¡¯t be enough to square us off, so let me treat you today.¡± The purpose of today¡¯s meeting was to discuss work. Without insisting further, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Alright, I will treat you next chance I have.¡± Shen Shichuan handed a file to Xia Yangyang: ¡°This is your promotional schedule for the next few days. Please see if there are any issues.¡± Xia Yangyang flipped through it and said, ¡°It should be fine. I will try to be as cooperative as possible.¡± Shen Shichuan said, ¡°Yangyang, I hope you could reconsider signing a contract with us.¡± Previously, Xia Yangyang had filmed a television drama without a contract. Shen Shichuan brought up the issue a few times, but she had diplomatically declined each time. Xia Yangyang smiled, ¡°I am not interested in the entertainment industry.¡± ¡°But you are already a part of it. After Christmas, Cindere will premiere, and I believe your poprity will skyrocket. I have a few good movie scripts at hand. As long as you sign the contract, you can choose a script you like and shoot a box-office hit while your poprity is peaking. I can groom you to be the next Shen Manbing.¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s voice was soft but decisive. ¡± It won¡¯ t be as easy as you think to be the next me!¡± The office door was pushed open. Shen Manbing appeared at the doorway. It seemed like Shen Manbing had just attended an event. Despite the chilly November weather, she was dressed in just a thin gown. A fur shawl draped over her shoulders, her long hair cascading down, her makeup dazzlingly cool. Shen Manbing strode right in and mmed her small purse on Shen Shichuan¡¯s desk: ¡°Brother, you know how much I despise this woman. Why do you still want to sign her? There¡¯s room for either her or me in Time, not both. Think it through.¡± Shen Shichuan frowned, ¡°Xiao Bing, don¡¯t be so unreasonable. There¡¯s a difference between work and personal life.¡± ¡°For me, it¡¯s all the same.¡± Shen Manbing turned around, slowly approaching Xia Yangyang. Her intimidating aura,bined with her high heels, made her seem much taller than Xia Yangyang. Almost talking down to her, Shen Manbing said, ¡°First you stole Ah Chen, and now you want to take my spot? Xia Yangyang, no matter how cunning your tactics may be, I¡¯ll make sure you never seed. As long as I, Shen Manbing, exist in this industry, there will be no day for you, Xia Yangyang, to rise to fame. Just you wait. I won¡¯t let go until you¡¯re ruined.¡± ¡°Enough! Shen Manbing!¡± Shen Shichuan shouted in anger. Shen Manbing looked at Shen Shichuan in disbelief, ¡°Brother, you¡¯ve never raised your voice at me before.¡± She became very agitated, ¡°Xia Yangyang, what did you do to them? How did you seed in bewitching them? I¡¯m going to expose your true colors today.¡± Saying this, she raised her hand to p Xia Yangyang across her face. Chapter 247 - 248: Jewelry Auction Dinner Chapter 247: Chapter 248: Jewelry Auction Dinner Trantor: 549690339 However, Shen Manbing was stopped by Shen Shichuan who grabbed her arm: ¡°Shen Manbing, it¡¯s my fault for spoiling you. If this continues, go back to the United States.¡± With that, he forcefully let go of Shen Manbing¡¯s arm. Shen Manbing couldn¡¯t believe it. Her beloved brother whom she had always obeyed since childhood and who had spoilt her beyond measure, suddenly seemed to be another person. And all for the sake of an outsider, treating her this way. Shen Manbing, infuriated and upset, left. Throughout the whole ordeal, Xia Yangyang had witnessed a squabble between siblings, feeling like an onlooker, but in reality, she was one of the parties involved. Shen Shichuan was also not mildly angered. Xia Yangyang had never seen Shen Shichuan, a person generally as gentle as jade, with his forehead veins revealed in anger. Yet, as he faced Xia Yangyang, Shen Shichuan regained his usualposure quite quickly: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Yangyang, I¡¯m apologizing on her behalf, I really have spoiled my sister.¡± Xia Yangyang forced a smile: ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± During the meal, Shen Shichuan no longer mentioned the contract. In the following month, Xia Yangyang was incredibly busy. She attended various promotional activities, dinners with various investors, and took numerous interviews. Even though she was exhausted every day, she was happy to spend time with her old acquaintances like Chen Yu and Lu Yao. The only unpleasant thing was that in this circle, Xia Yangyang frequently encountered Shen Manbing. With her lofty personality, Shen Manbing never looked down upon anyone. Like an aloof, high and mighty queen. But everyone was willing to tter and pamify her, show subservience under her feet, happily calling her ¡°Your Majesty.¡± That night was a grand jewel auction dinner. Only because the host was an investor in Cindere, did Xia Yangyang and others made their presence to show support. In addition, it attracted numerous famousdies from Kyoto. Because the grand finale today was a ruby ne called ¡°The Heart of the Kingdom¡±. The ruby weighed 40.63 carats and had 150 diamonds of various sizes, with a market value of about 14 million US dors. But, this gem was rumored to have already been privately pre-purchased by a mysterious tycoon and was not going to be auctioned. It was to be showcased as the grand finale for everyone¡¯s appreciation. Nearly all top-tier wealthy individuals came upon hearing its reputation. Xia Yangyang knew little about these jewels. She thought these kind of dinners were always quite boring. Given the chance, she would find a lounge toze around and y on her phone. There were two floors in the banquet hall. The bottom was arge banquet hall, filled with countless bulletproof ss showcases containing the premium jewels to be auctioned that night. But not including the Heart of the Kingdom. That extraordinarily precious ne had a separate exhibition room designed for it, which would be opened for thest half hour. Shen Manbing was present today as well. As per usual, if Shen Manbing saw her, she would undoubtedly cause her some trouble. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to provoke her so she chose to avoid. So she went upstairs. Xia Yangyang found a room at random, gave the door a light push and walked in. The room was very empty, almost nothing at all, not even a chair to rest, except for the oddly positioned lights on the walls and ceiling. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t think it looked like a rest room and decided to leave. But unexpectedly, as she reached the door, she ran into Shen Manbing. Shen Manbing wrinkled her eyebrows, and said with a look of contempt: ¡°What are you doing in here, sneaking around?¡± Chapter 248 - 249: Heart of the Kingdom, A Rare Necklace Chapter 248: Chapter 249: Heart of the Kingdom, A Rare Ne Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang had originally nned on avoiding her. Xia Yangyang nonchntly replied, ¡°Nothing.¡± She then turned around to leave. ¡°Stop.¡± Xia Yangyang turned back around: ¡°Do you have any secretive instructions?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, regardless of the promises made by my brother, I want you to stay away from him. He and Ah Chen have been best friends since they were young. If their rtionship is ruined because of you, I won¡¯t let you off.¡± Xia Yangyang felt very ufortable: ¡°Why would their rtionship sour because of me?¡± Shen Manbing stepped forward, her haughty and cold gaze scanning Xia Yangyang, ¡°I just don¡¯t understand, do you have extraordinarily beauty or spectacr abilities, but please, behave yourself. I hate women like you, seemingly innocent and harmless, but filled with cunning ns and schemes. I¡¯ve seen plenty of schemes in the entertainment circle. If you want topete with me, you¡¯re still far from ready.¡± After saying this, Shen Manbing left with grand strides in her high heels. Xia Yangyang wore a perplexed expression. She could tell that Shen Manbing¡¯s words had implied meanings, which were as insinuating as arrows shot from a crossbow. But she couldn¡¯t understand what she was hinting at. Since they had already shed, Xia Yangyang decided to let it slide. She took out a mobile phone from her handbag and sent a message to Gu Qichen. Every piece of clothing she was wearing was sponsored by famous designers, including the small handbag in her hand, which was adorned with expensive pink diamonds and worth a fortune. Therefore, Xia Yangyang was being extra careful. ¡°So boring.¡± Xia Yangyang sent a message to Gu Qichen. In a short time, Gu Qichen replied with a message, ¡°Thene back first, I will pick you up.¡± ¡°No way, it¡¯s work. But it would be great if you were here.¡± Xia Yangyang also sent a sighing emoji. Xia Yangyang waited for a while, but Gu Qichen did not send any more messages. Xia Yangyang thought he must be busy working overtime and did not want to disturb him. At this time, Lu Yao came over, ¡°Yangyang, why are you here alone? The auction is starting. Let¡¯s go together.¡± She was bored anyway. Xia Yangyang went with Lu Yao to another exhibition hall. The priceless jewels previously on disy were being auctioned one by one. The starting bids were all over one million. The price of some antique jewelry even skyrocketed to tens of millions. Lu Yao admired them and said, ¡°I really wish one day, someone could gift me one of those nes. Wearing it, I¡¯d feel like a British royal princess.¡± Xia Yangyang teased her: ¡°Having a vi hanging around your neck, isn¡¯t it tiring?¡± Lu Yao gave her a yful eye roll: ¡°Xia Yangyang, you really don¡¯t know romance!¡± Xia Yangyang thought the nes were indeed beautiful, but to her, these luxuries were only embellishments and had no hold on her. Moreover, except when necessary, she never wore nes, bracelets and the like, feeling them to be restrictive. The jewelry was being auctioned one piece after another. Shen Manbing had sessively bid on three pieces with a total value exceeding fifty million, drawing admiring gasps. Finally, it was time for the final auction. The auctioneer said, ¡°Up next is the main attraction of our auction, I know you all can¡¯t wait. Now, everyone, please go to the second-floor exhibition hall to appreciate the top-ss jewel, the heart of the kingdom. I hope your journey will not be in vain.¡± Everyone became excited. This ne is known as the ¡®Heart of the Kingdom¡¯ in Chinese. It is said to have been a treasured piece of Queen Elisabeth II. She¡¯s not just a ruby ne, but a symbol of supreme power and honor, only fit for a true queen. Chapter 249 - 250: The Theft Suspect is... Chapter 249: Chapter 250: The Theft Suspect is¡­ Trantor: 549690339 As everyone ascended the staircase, they continued their discussion. ¡°I heard that ¡®the Heart of the Kingdom¡¯ has already been bought by an anonymous billionaire. I wonder who could own such a rare treasure.¡± ¡°Whoever owns ¡®the Heart of the Kingdom¡¯ is truly fortunate. Its value now must be immeasurable.¡± Everyone gradually moved upstairs and, guided by the waiter, entered a room. To her surprise, Xia Yangyang discovered it was the odd exhibition room she had unintentionally entered earlier. Yangyang felt a hint of confusion in her heart. If this is such a rare treasure, why was it so easy to enter the exhibit room without even a locked door? Everyone had already entered the exhibit room. The lights inside were peculiar, with the reflections from the crystal casting flowing patterns on the walls. Surrounded on all sides, it felt as if one was submerged underwater. The guide held a remote control and said, ¡°Now,dies and gentlemen, please enjoy ¡®the Heart of the Kingdom.''¡± As he pressed the button, an elevator tform slowly appeared in the exhibition center amidst the music. Contained within the tform was a transparent ss showcase. Everyone gathered around, eagerly awaiting the reveal of the ¡®Heart of the Kingdom.¡¯ But the moment the ss disysplete reveal urred, someone eximed: ¡°The Heart of the Kingdom is gone!¡± The entire exhibit hall erupted in an uproar. ¡°It¡¯s really gone, what has happened, has it been stolen?¡± ¡°But every attendee today had to undergo fingerprint identification. If the ¡®Heart of the Kingdom¡¯ was lost today, then there is definitely an inside job.¡± The emcee was thoroughly panicked. The manager responsible for the exhibit hall¡¯s security quickly arrived. Security guards suddenlymenced surrounding the exterior of the exhibition hall. The manager stepped in and announced: ¡°The ¡®Heart of the Kingdom¡¯ has been stolen; this is a major matter. Currently, we are fervently investigating and ask for everyone¡¯s cooperation. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience brought upon the honored guests.¡± This thief is audacious to steal such a valuable object in broad daylight. We must thoroughly investigate, or else we will all be suspects.¡± These well-born aristocrats cared the most about their reputation. Having the suspicion of theft thrown on everyone was naturally intolerable. Therefore, they were all very cooperative in the investigation. Some began whispering: ¡°Who do you think it could be? Could it truly be an inside job? That¡¯s pretty bold to steal something that valuable.¡± The ¡®Heart of the Kingdom¡¯ is worth 14 million US dors, around a billion in local currency. With its current priceless status, if identified, with such a huge sum, the thief will likely spend the rest of their life in prison.¡± After a while, The security manager walked in, announcing: ¡°We¡¯ve reviewed the surveince footage. Three hours ago, the gem was still safely inside its disy case. The only two people seen near the entrance of the exhibit room within these three hours are two guests present here.¡± The crowd once again erupted into a frenzy, everyone exchanging looks. The security manager¡¯s statement suggested that the suspect was either of those two persons or that it was a team crime. Someone couldn¡¯t help but ask: ¡°Who is it? Who dared to steal ¡®the Heart of the Kingdom¡¯?¡± The security manager¡¯s gaze swept across the crowd and then sternly announced: ¡°It¡¯s Miss Shen Manbing and Miss Xia Yangyang.¡± Chapter 250 - 251: Body Search Chapter 250: Chapter 251: Body Search Trantor: 549690339 The venue suddenly fell silent. All eyes turned curiously toward the two people present. Both of them, known by everyone. One was a top-tier diva, loftily sitting at the pinnacle of stardom. The other was a young actress who had just started her career but was rapidly gaining poprity. Most importantly, she was the mistress of the Shengyuan Group. There were countless rumors swirling around these two in the industry. Naturally, they all had to do with a man ¨C Shengyuan Group¡¯s president, Gu Qichen. There were previously rumors that Gu Qichen was Shen Manbing¡¯s secret boyfriend. It was even suggested that Shen Manbing had herself proposed to him. But then it was suddenly revealed that Gu Qichen was married, and his wife was none other than the current Miss Xia. Between them, it was known in the circle that they were like oil and water. If it was said that the Heart of the Kingdom had been stolen, the two of them would definitely not conspire together. But if it were said that it was one of them, it would be absolutely inconceivable. Shen Manbing was an international diva, always prideful. How could it be possible for her to stoop to petty thievery? And Miss Xia,ing from a prestigious family and being the mistress of the Shengyuan Group, literally sitting on a gold mine ¡ª there was no reason for her to risk ruin to steal a gem. When Shen Manbing and Xia Yangyang heard the security manager outright name them, they were stunned. Xia Yangyang had an ominous premonition in her heart, she didn¡¯t know why. Shen Manbing, known for her fiery temper, immediately walked out of the crowd after her name was mentioned, pointing at the security manager and yelled: ¡°Who the hell do you think you are, daring to nder me? Call your supervisor out here now!¡± Those present were well aware of Shen Manbing¡¯s temper. Thepere apologizing at the side: ¡°Miss Shen, you are our invited guest, we are not suspecting you. But now that the gem is missing, we naturally need to investigate. Miss Shen, could you please exin why you were on the second floor? The entrance to the second floor clearly disys a ¡®No Entry¡¯ sign.¡± Shen Manbing turned around and snorted: ¡°I followed Miss Xia up.¡± Within an instant, with one sentence, Shen Manbing had redirected all the usations onto Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart slowly sank. The uneasy feeling was intensifying. Thepere also approached her: ¡°Miss Xia, why were you on the second floor just now?¡± Xia Yangyang answered truthfully: ¡°I was feeling tired, and was looking for a resting room.¡± At the time, Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t seen a ¡®No Entry¡¯ sign, which made her feel even more suspicious. For a moment, the host didn¡¯t know what to do. After all, both women were not to be trifled with. The security manager said: ¡°I apologize, but to prove your innocence, please cooperate with us in a search.¡± Calling it a ¡°search¡± was essentially a euphemism for a body search. Shen Manbing was the first to blow up: ¡°Who gave you such authority? I don¡¯t want to talk to you, but don¡¯t think you can touch me, otherwise I will have mywyers sue your auction house out of business.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s non-cooperation made it difficult for the staff. The host was constantly exining and persuading to the side. The crowd was already abuzz. ¡°Why is the diva so upset? Could it be her?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t know Shen Manbing¡¯s temper, a high-and-mighty diva, even if she didn¡¯t take it, being searched in public would be a great humiliation.¡± Everyone seemed to be watching a drama unfold. In the end, Shen Manbing lost it. She opened her handbag and dumped everything out: ¡°Look! Open your damn eyes and have a good look. Do you see any damn Ruby in there?¡± Chapter 251 - 252: You are a beauty, why become a thief Chapter 251: Chapter 252: You are a beauty, why be a thief Trantor: 549690339 Shen Manbing dumped everything out of her purse in one go. These were all expensive cosmetics, including the two pieces of jewelry that were auctioned for fifty million today. She casually dumped them on the ground. Finally, in her anger, she even smashed the bag. The bag, also sponsored by a top-tier brand and not privately owned, was covered in countless diamonds and is worth a fortune. Such an act of caprice was beyond everyone¡¯s expectation. But there was indeed no diamond in the bag. If the gemstones were stolen tonight, they must still be within the exhibition hall. Outside, numerous people were currently using infrared sensors to scan and search for it, but they were unable to locate it. The most significant possibility was that the thief was hiding it on their person. Yet, the two prime suspects were wearing form-hugging evening gowns without a single pocket, which meant they naturally couldn¡¯t hide anything on their bodies. The only possibility left was their handbags. No wonder the security manager insisted on inspecting them. Despite Shen Manbing emptying her bag, the security manager still manually inspected it himself. Finally, he repacked everything and returned it to Shen Manbing, ¡°Miss Shen, I¡¯m sorry. We¡¯re just doing our job. Please understand.¡± Shen Manbing naturally wouldn¡¯t let it slide, ¡°Wait for mywyer¡¯s letter tomorrow.¡± After inspecting Shen Manbing¡¯s bag, the security manager walked up to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Miss Xia, we¡¯re very sorry, but we must also inspect your handbag. If you feel ufortable doing it here, we can move to another room.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t think twice and handed her bag over. She had nothing to hide, she didn¡¯t steal anything, so she was not afraid of being inspected. Given Shen Manbing had already proven her innocence, if she acted suspiciously now, it would actually raise suspicion. Moreover, just a few minutes ago, Xia Yangyang had opened her own bag to check the time on her phone, and there was absolutely nothing inside. Xia Yangyang was not afraid of having it checked. The security manager took Xia Yangyang1 s handbag and opened it. After searching for a while, his expression suddenly changed dramatically. The next second, a ruby ne appeared in the hands of the security manager. He presented the ne to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Miss Xia, how do you exin this?¡± The air in the exhibition hall seemed to freeze in an instant. And then it exploded. It was like boiling, bubbling hot oil suddenly sshed with a drop of water, causing an uncontroble outburst. ¡°It is actually her! The wife of Shengyuan¡¯s president has actuallymitted such a petty theft.¡± ¡°She has utterly disgraced Mr. Gu and the Gu Family.¡± ¡°A beautiful woman, but acting like a thief.¡± Xia Yangyang waspletely stunned. How could this happen? She definitely didn¡¯t steal the gemstone, but the gemstone had indeed appeared in her bag. That left only one possibility. Someone set her up on purpose. And the only person Xia Yangyang could think of was Shen Manbing. Shen Manbing seemed to hate her deeply, and it was only her and Shen Manbing who had been to this ce. Xia Yangyang¡¯s fingers clenched tightly. She cast a cold nce at Shen Manbing. The expression on Shen Manbing¡¯s face wasplex. Instead of looking triumphant, it was more like scorn. As expected of an acting queen, her performance was impable. Xia Yangyang responded, ¡°I didn¡¯t steal the gemstone. I have no idea how this gemstone ended up in my bag. If you don¡¯t believe me, call the police and investigate the matter thoroughly.¡± She wouldn¡¯t admit to something she didn¡¯t do. The gossip from the people around was particrly grating. ¡°Who would¡¯ve thought she would still be denying it now? Isn¡¯t the item and the culprit being caught together the best evidence?¡± ¡°The hundred-year reputation of the Gu Family has been ruined by a woman.¡± ¡°Look at that aloof attitude of hers. She acts like a victim, as if everyone is wronging her. It¡¯s a performance befitting of a little starlet who rose to stardom the moment she debuted. She truly knows how to act.¡± Chapter 252 - 253: The Necklace is a Gift for My Wife Chapter 252: Chapter 253: The Ne is a Gift for My Wife Trantor: 549690339 Perhaps this is what it feels like to be the target of public usation. But Xia Yangyang knew that she could not show weakness now. The more vulnerable she appeared, the more others would think she was guilty. If someone was purposely setting her up. Then this would be a war. The war had just begun, and she could not surrender. The security manager said: ¡°This is a grave matter, so we have naturally called the police. Miss Xia, please consider surrendering yourself to the police station, as this may lighten your sentence.¡± Her voice was ice-cold: ¡°I¡¯ve said before that I didn¡¯t steal the ne. Why should I surrender? What you should do is investigate thoroughly. Someone is framing me.¡± Once Xia Yangyang finished speaking, she turned to face Shen Manbing. The crowd noticed this detail. ¡°Miss Xia is clearly hinting at something. Is she implying that Manbing, a renowned name in the entertainment industry, stole the jewel and nted it in her bag intentionally to frame her?¡± ¡°Thinking about it, it¡¯s notpletely impossible. After all, Miss Xia is already the wife of the president of Shengyuan Group. Mr. Gu adores her so much; she wouldn¡¯t risk her reputation for a mere jewel.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve heard that Shen Manbing has always been very difficult with her, and Manbing has always been willful, so it¡¯s really not impossible.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you think that Miss Xia is trying to pin the me on Shen Manbing, having being caught red-handed? This youngdy reached the peak of her life at such a young age. She¡¯s not ordinary.¡± For a moment, the exhibition hall was bustling with discussions. Almost everyone didn¡¯t bother to hide their differing opinions. Shen Manbing couldn¡¯t help it and walked up to Xia Yangyang, sneering: ¡°Xia Yangyang, I didn¡¯t expect you to be so scheming. You thief the jewel and pin the me on me. At least I saw right. You¡¯re wrapped in a cloak of weakness, fooling everyone.¡± Shen Manbing didn¡¯t mince her words when she spoke either. Xia Yangyang retorted: ¡°I didn¡¯t mention you from the beginning to the end. Shen Manbing, you better not assume guilt.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you!¡± Just as rumors were flying around and Xia Yangyang and Shen Manbing were at an stalemate. A deep male voice suddenly sounded from the crowd: ¡°I took the jewel.¡± The venue fell silent once again. They then turned towards the sound. It was Gu Qichen, Mr. Gu ¨C the President of Shengyuan Group. Mr. Gu walked over leisurely. The host hastily approached him: ¡°Mr. Gu, what did you just say? You said you took the jewel?¡± Gu Qichen said lightly: ¡°I am the buyer of the Heart of the Kingdom. I bought the ne as my wife¡¯s Christmas present. I put the jewel in her bag, wanting to give her a surprise. I didn¡¯t expect it to be misunderstood like this.¡± Everyone was puzzled. At this time, the person in charge of the jewelry exhibition, Mo YinFeng, the President of MoShi Group, also appeared in the crowd. Mo YinFeng said: ¡°I can testify that Mr. Gu is the buyer of the Heart of the Kingdom. I have the certificate here.¡± Mo YinFeng took out the certificate, and when the crowd saw the figure on it, they drew a gasp. Mr. Gu had spent two hundred million just to prepare a Christmas gift for his darling wife! This was far beyond merely indulging in pleasure. After Gu Qichen showed up, the public opinion immediately shifted. ¡°So it was all a misunderstanding. Mrs. Gu is so lucky; the surprise Mr. Gu had prepared almost became a fright.¡± ¡°Mrs. Gu must be the luckiest woman in the world. So envious.¡± Chapter 253 - 254: A Cloud of Mystery Chapter 253: Chapter 254: A Cloud of Mystery Trantor: 549690339 | The host¡¯s face changed. He felt there was something odd about the situation. But since Mo YinFeng had stepped forward, there likely wasn¡¯t any suspicion from the higher-ups. The fact was that before the Heart of the Kingdom had been auctioned, this gemstone ne belonged to the MoShi Group. And MoShi was the host of this exhibition, so essentially the top boss. If the ultimate boss dered this was a misunderstanding, then it was indeed a misunderstanding. The host quicklyposed himself, and passed the Heart of the Kingdom to Gu Qichen with appeasement, ¡°Turns out it was a misunderstanding. We deeply apologize to Mrs. Gu, and now the gem is back to its rightful owner. Mr. Gu, please put it on for Mrs. Gu personally.¡± Gu Qichen took the ne. He walked in Xia Yangyang¡¯s direction step by step. Xia Yangyang was bewildered. She had absolutely no idea what was going on. Could it be that Gu Qichen bought this ne specifically for her? But it didn¡¯t feel like something Gu Qichen would do at all. There seemed to be a tangled knot in her mind, yet she couldn¡¯t unravel it. Under everyone¡¯s gaze, Gu Qichen walked in Xia Yangyang¡¯s direction. With the ne in his hand, he walked to her back. And then, he put the ne on her and said, ¡°My dear, I¡¯m sorry. I was nning to surprise you. I didn¡¯t expect it would cause you such a misunderstanding ¨C my bad.¡± The gentleness in Gu Qjchen¡¯s voice caused jealousy to itch in the hearts of all the socialites present. What made this woman worthy of Mr. Gu¡¯s affection like this? In that moment, Xia Yangyang was also touched. She lowered her head, looked at the ruby ne around her neck, her eyes turned red and she said, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me sooner?¡± Someone in the crowd yelled out, ¡°Kiss her, kiss her!¡± Then almost everyone started chiming in. The chants for a kiss echoed back and forth. Gu Qichen tucked up a slight smile, cradled Xia Yangyang¡¯s face with his hand, and leaned in for a deep kiss¡­ Shen Manbing saw all of this, her fingers clenched, and she finally turned around and left. For the rest of the time, Xia Yangyang endured everyone¡¯s envy andpliments. She went from being a thief deserving of a severe punishment to the most envied woman on the in an instant. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t see Shen Manbing anywhere. When she left the exhibition hall, it was already ten o¡¯clock. Xia Yangyang had many questions but didn¡¯t know where to start. Just as they were about to get into the car, Shen Manbing suddenly appeared. Her car was parked next to Gu Qichen¡¯s. Shen Manbing approached, shot Xia Yangyang a look of disgust as well as the ruby ne around her neck. Then, she said to Gu Qichen in a calm voice, ¡°Ah Chen, I need to talk to you.¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°Just go ahead.¡± Shen Manbing said, ¡°Even if we¡¯re not lovers, are we not allowed to talk privately? Gu Qichen, the more cautious you are, the more it shows you twock basic trust.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Go, I¡¯ll wait for you in the car.¡± Gu Qichen left with Shen Manbing. But Xia Yangyang got out of the car and followed them as soon as they turned around. Actually, Xia Yangyang still felt something was off about the events of that night. She knew it was not right to eavesdrop, yet she was strangelypelled to follow them. Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen stopped in a garden outside the exhibition hall. There was a decorative rockery in the garden. For the sake of moving silently, Xia Yangyang took off her high heels. She walked barefoot on the stones until she arrived behind the rockery. She then clearly heard Shen Manbing¡¯s voiceing from the other side, ¡°What¡¯s the deal with the ne?¡± Chapter 254 - 255: Good Play of a Thief Shouting to Catch a Thief Chapter 254: Chapter 255: Good y of a Thief Shouting to Catch a Thief Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was light, ¡°Is there a problem with me buying a ne for my wife?¡± Shen Manbing sneered, ¡°The Heart of the Kingdom was auctioned at Sotheby¡¯s auction house three years ago, sold for 1400 US dors, bought by a mysterious buyer. You and I were both there. You can fool others, but trying to fool me is treating me like a fool, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°What do you think happened?¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, your appearance today is too strange, especially the presence of Mo YinFeng. His purchase certificate still has a wet signature ink on it, isn¡¯t that obvious to you?¡± Gu Qichen remained silent. Shen Manbing, however, was imposing, ¡°But I must say I admire you. I think you contacted the original buyer through Mo YinFeng, then bought the jewelry from him at a high price, quickly signed a new purchase certificate, and brought it here to vindicate Xia Yangyang. For a ne worth less than a hundred million, you spent two hundred million to buy it back, just to solve Xia Yangyang¡¯s urgent need. You know, once Xia Yangyang was taken away then, no matter what means could justify her innocenceter, everyone would think she was trying to whitewash. If you wanted to sessfully close this chapter, the best way was to make Xia Yangyang the owner of this ne. But Gu Qichen, you spent a hundred million to protect a thief, doesn¡¯t your conscience hurt?¡± Gu Qichen coldly said, ¡°Yangyang could not possibly be a thief. I will investigate this matter thoroughly.¡± Shen Manbing said, ¡°On what basis do you believe she is not a thief? The ne was in her bag, and the person and the stolen goods were caught together.¡± ¡°She has no reason to do so, absolutely no reason. She¡¯s not a person who desires wealth and luxury.¡± Shen Manbing, however,ughed, ¡°She has a big reason to do so, not for the value of the ne but to frame me.¡± Gu Qichen affirmed, ¡°Yangyang is not that kind of person.¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, you saw it with your own eyes. When you arrived, everyone was talking, almost everyone thought I¡¯m arrogant and I¡¯m trying to frame Xia Yangyang. She stole the ne, arranged to be caught, and then med me. What a perfect scheme of a thief crying thief! Gu Qichen, she is far moreplicated than you think.¡± ¡°I believe Yangyang would not do this.¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, what about the truth? When it was time for a search, she was so calm, even voluntarily handed over her bag. Would a normal person react this way? Everything has been calcted by her.¡± Gu Qichen calmly said, ¡°You misunderstood. She doesn¡¯t have such a tactic. I will investigate this matter and give you an exnation.¡± Shen Manbing was outraged, ¡°You all have been blinded by her. Gu Qichen, I used to see you as a calm and wise person. Why are you so confused about this matter? What kind of magic has she cast on you that has you all spinning around? Fine, I¡¯ll wait for it. I¡¯ll wait for you to investigate and give me an exnation. If you can¡¯t rify it, I absolutely won¡¯t let her go. I, Shen Manbing, am not easily bullied, don¡¯t me me for not sparing your precious little wife.¡± Shen Manbing left in her high heels. While Xia Yangyang remained standing there. Her heart gradually became cold and numb. So it turns out, this ne was not a pre-nned gift by Gu Qichen, but an impromptu ¡°rescue¡±. And Gu Qichen did not tell her the truth, he did not even mention a word about it in the hour after they came to the exhibition hall. Xia Yangyang was originally immersed in a huge surprise. But it all turned out to be an illusion. Why would Gu Qichen save the situation? Is it to ¡°prove¡± his innocence, or is he afraid that Shen Manbing will take the me for the frame-up? Chapter 255 - 256: Treating Her Like a Fool Chapter 255: Chapter 256: Treating Her Like a Fool Trantor: 549690339 It wasn¡¯t that Xia Yangyang was being paranoid. She had been listening here for a while now. In their conversation, throughout the entire time, Gu Qichen never once considered any other possibilities. Like the possibility that Shen Manbing might have framed her. Gu Qichen said that he would investigate the matter thoroughly and give Shen Manbing an exnation. Why should Shen Manbing be given an exnation for this matter? She was the victim. The most likely scenario was that Shen Manbing had framed her, so why would Gu Qichen still have to exin to her? Gu Qichen kept saying he believed in her, using the evidence that ¡°she wasn¡¯t capable of doing that.¡± But his buying of the ne and covering up the incident without stirring waves revealed his suspicions. He suspected her of theft, tarnishing the Gu family¡¯s reputation, and framing Shen Manbing. Otherwise, he could have made a scene and publicized the results of all the investigations. It¡¯s because he didn¡¯t fully trust her, that he would rather spend two hundred million to hush up the matter! Should Xia Yangyang be cheerful or sorrowful for Gu Qichen¡¯s reckless actions in paying for her? Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart gradually sank, feeling overwhelmed by a tidal wave of sadness. Xia Yangyang stood behind the artificial hill for quite some time. Not long after, her cell phone rang. It was a call from Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t feel like answering suddenly. Because Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what to say? Should she confront him? Xia Yangyang was suddenly a bit afraid. Before, Gu Qichen had always defended her in front of Shen Manbing. But at that time, Shen Manbing was just willfully causing trouble, clearly bullying her. He was like a chivalrous hero protecting the weak. Yet, that didn¡¯t involve any fundamental trust. And now, Xia Yangyang started having doubts. If he had to choose between believing in Shen Manbing or herself. Would he, without hesitation, choose to believe Shen Manbing? Xia Yangyang already understood Gu Qichen¡¯s answer. All along, Xia Yangyang had overlooked the fact that Gu Qichen and Shen Manbing grew up together as childhood friends. Even without romantic feelings, the understanding and trust between them didn¡¯t fade. Maybe, Shen Manbing was taking advantage of this? The phone rang again as Xia Yangyang hesitated on whether to answer. But the light on her phone went off suddenly. The phone was dead. Xia Yangyang exhaled a sigh of relief. Heaven had made a choice for her. By the time Xia Yangyang returned to the parking lot, Gu Qichen¡¯s car was nowhere in sight. The night was very deep, and Xia Yangyang had lost track of time. Wearing a formal dress, Xia Yangyang aimlessly walked the streets. Luckily, it waste at night, and there were hardly any people on the street. Otherwise, she would definitely be attracting attention. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how long she had been walking till she finally sat down on the edge of a flower bed. Xia Yangyang was at a loss, and she couldn¡¯t express her feelings. ¡°Brave girl, wearing such an expensive ne and daring to walk the streets at midnight?¡± Suddenly, a male voice drifted over. Xia Yangyang looked up, and it was Shen Shichuan. Xia Yangyang was startled: ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Shen Shichuan said: ¡°I just came out, it would have been hard not seeing you.¡± Xia Yangyang looked around and realized she had unknowingly walked to the foot of Shichuan International Building. Xia Yangyang managed a smile: ¡°What a coincidence.¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s voice was gentle: ¡°Get in the car, I¡¯ll take you home.¡± Chapter 256 - 257: She Framed Me, Believe It Or Not? Chapter 256: Chapter 257: She Framed Me, Believe It Or Not? Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang pouted, ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back.¡± Shen Shichuan took off his coat and put it on Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulders. ¡°No matter what happened, get in the car first. It¡¯s too cold here.¡± It was already mid-December and the bitter cold wind was blowing. Xia Yangyang was only wearing an evening dress. Her whole body was freezing and turned red, but she felt nothing. After getting in the car, Shen Shichuan asked, ¡°Where to?¡± Where to? Xia Yangyang was at a loss. Where should she go? Shen Shichuan said, ¡°Never mind, let me take you to eat something first.¡± Shen Shichuan took her to a private porridge shop. The shop was hidden in an inconspicuous residential area, hardly noticeable to ordinary people. But the environment was elegant and tranquil. Especially their seafood porridge, so fresh it was absolutely delicious. Xia Yangyang had no appetite initially, but the savory and piping hot seafood porridge made her end up eating more than half of it. After finishing her meal, she felt warm in her hands and feet. It seemed like she came back to herself. ¡°What exactly happened? Didn¡¯t you go to the auction dinner tonight? The ne around your neck must be ¡®Heart of the Kingdom¡¯, right? I remember this ne was not up for auction?¡± Shen Shichuan naturally knew about her schedule; after all, he was the one who arranged all her work. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what to say. There were some things she didn¡¯t want to talk about. After all, Shen Shichuan was Shen Manbing¡¯s brother. Regardless of whether Shen Manbing had set her up, she didn¡¯t want to stir up feelings between the siblings without any proof. This was a different matter. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Don¡¯t ask anymore, I don¡¯t want to talk about it for now.¡± Shen Shichuan poured Xia Yangyang a cup of hot tea. ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t want to talk to me, but you can¡¯t just not go home. Ah Chen is about to go mad searching for you.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned. How did he know that Gu Qichen was looking for her? Does it mean that they were in contact before he appeared in front of her? A sense of unease emerged in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. Sure enough, right after Shen Shichuan had said this. Gu Qichen appeared at the door. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what to say, she just red at Shen Shichuan. Shen Shichuan chuckled, ¡°I couldn¡¯t just let you wander around alone. I called Ah Chen toe over and pick you up. Whatever you need to say, sort it out between yourselves.¡± Having said that, he got up, took his car keys and left. At the door, he patted Gu Qichen¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Have a good talk.¡± After he said that, Shen Shichuan left. Gu Qichen stood at the door for a while, then walked in. He looked sullen, and his face revealed no emotions. Xia Yangyang turned away, without uttering a word. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wait for me?¡± Gu Qichen asked, his voice grave. ¡°Because I was very curious about what Shen Manbing wanted to say to you?¡± ¡°So you heard our conversation in the garden?¡± Xia Yangyang turned back to look at Gu Qichen in the eye, ¡°Yes, I heard everything.¡± Gu Qichen was silent for a moment, ¡°Then why are you angry? I never suspected that you stole the ne.¡± Xia Yangyang responded sarcastically, ¡°Yeah, because I don¡¯t have that kind of ability.¡± Gu Qichen furrowed his brows, ¡°Are you angry because of this one sentence?¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, if I say it was Shen Manbing who put the ne in my handbag to frame me, will you believe me?¡± Good night ¡ª Chapter 257: 258: Incompetent Chapter 257: 258: Ipetent Trantor: 549690339 | Gu Qichen did not hesitate. ¡°I understand Manbing¡¯s character. Although she may be brash and wilful, she would not stoop so low.¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly smiled. Just as she had imagined. Gu Qichen chose to believe in Shen Manbing without hesitation. She didn¡¯t need to ask the rest of the questions. She did not have any concrete evidence to use Shen Manbing of setting her up. But Gu Qichen¡¯s trust in Shen Manbing was clear to her. Gu Qichen believed she didn¡¯t steal the ne because ¡°she didn¡¯t have the capability¡±. Xia Yangyang took off the gemstone ne from around her neck and put it into Gu Qichen¡¯s hands, ¡°This is too precious, I cannot ept it.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face cooled slightly. ¡°What are you doing? Since I¡¯ve bought it, who else should I give it to if not you?¡± ¡°You can give it to whoever you like.¡± Gu Qichen stared at Xia Yangyang, his eyes filled with icyughter. Then he uttered two words, ¡°Very well.¡± On the ride home, neither of them spoke. Xia Yangyang had no idea what Gu Qichen was thinking. But she didn¡¯t care to know anymore. Gu Qichen had promised to investigate the matter and justify for Shen Manbing. So she would just wait for the investigation to finish. After returning home, Xia Yangyang went straight to the guest room. Over the next several days, Xia Yangyang was inundated with job offers, keeping her feet off the ground. Though she and Gu Qichen were living under the same roof, their encounters were few and far between. Even when they did cross paths, neither of them spoke much. On Christmas Day, the TV show ¡°Cindere¡¯s Magical Fate¡± starring Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu began airing. The viewership on the first day skyrocketed, reaching the highest in its time slot. The show, with its novel fantasy themebined with a youthful idol drama setting, and the added hype around Chen Yu resulted in an explosive reaction. The next morning when Xia Yangyang opened her eyes, Her name was on the headlines of all the media outlets and trending searches. It was a ssic case of overnight fame. Moreover, due to the massive poprity of ¡°Cindere¡±, Xia Yangyang¡¯s life was drastically affected. Every time she went to school, she was surrounded by fans. Even in the quietest library, countless people almost caused chaos just to catch a glimpse of her. Plus, there were reporters anywhere she went. Now, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t even go to school anymore. Fortunately, she had already finished almost all of her courses. The only thing left was her thesis. Xia Yangyang had no choice but to take two months off from school. She hoped that once the TV show hype faded, everything would return to normal. During this time, she was continuously busy with press conferences, business parties, and interviews. There were times when Xia Yangyang was so busy that she didn¡¯t go home for an entire week, And stayed in the apartment arranged by herpany instead. Gu Qichen still called her every day. However, their conversations were often short and scarce. Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t sure when, but at some point, she felt a fissure had appeared between them. It was always there, they had simply chosen to ignore it in the past. This fissure was caused by their rushed marriage. Looking back, she realized she hadn¡¯t even known this man for a year. After attending a ribbon-cutting event that night, Xia Yangyang headed straight to the Time Building. Shen Shichuan was also at the ribbon-cutting event. Being the boss of Time and her temporary agent, all of Xia Yangyang¡¯s work arrangements were dictated by him. When she returned, she waspletely exhausted. In the makeup room, she quietly removed her makeup alone. Shen Shichuan walked in, a takeout box in hand. ¡°I noticed you didn¡¯t eat anything at the event tonight. I bought some dumplings downstairs. You can have these.¡± Xia Yangyang was surprised, ¡°So you left early to get me dinner?¡± Shen Shichuan gave a warm smile, ¡°I can tell you¡¯ve been worried these past few days, but you still need to eat properly.¡± Chapter 258: 259: Thank you Chapter 258: 259: Thank you Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang took the food box. ¡°Thankyou, Shen Shichuan.¡± Shen Shichuan found a spot on the single seater sofa nearby to sit down. ¡°Although I don¡¯t know what happened between you and Ah Chen, I know that he¡¯s also been having a hard time these days. I ran into his secretary today. Secretary Fang said that the entire Shengyuan Group is experiencing a turbulent phase right now. The leaders of all departments are on tenterhooks, fearing Ah Chen might use any topic during the meetings to push them to their breaking point.¡± Hearing Gu Qichen¡¯s name from Shen Shichuan¡¯s lips, Xia Yangyang felt an unexinable difort in her heart. Shen Shichuan sighed: ¡°Ah Chen has always been someone who keeps his emotions to himself. If he¡¯s acting this way, it¡¯s probably because he¡¯s upset and has nowhere to vent. What exactly happened between you two?¡± Actually, even Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t really know what had happened. These past few days, she had been waiting for an answer. Gu Qichen said he would investigate the matter of the ne. But up till now, Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t given her an answer. Yangyang reasoned that there could only be two possibilities. Either Gu Qichen still hadn¡¯t figured things out, or he had discovered that Shen Manbingwas involved. Or maybe he didn¡¯t say anything just to protect Shen Manbing. Suddenly, Yangyang spoke, ¡°I want to ask you something.¡± Shen Shichuan calmly responded, ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡°If someone helps you unconditionally when you¡¯re wronged, but they don¡¯t truly believe in you, would you be angry?¡± Shen Shichuan replied, ¡°If I was wronged, I would strive to prove my innocence. I wouldn¡¯t allow anyone the chance not to believe in me.¡± After hearing this, Xia Yangyang was slightly taken aback. Shen Shichuan continued, ¡°You¡¯re talking about the ne incident, right? Ah Chen told me about it. There¡¯s something really strange about it. After that day, all the auction house staff, hosts, even the security manager, they all vanished. Plus, since Ah Chen publicly announced that he was the buyer of the jewel, he naturally couldn¡¯tunch an open investigation or it would trigger bigger troubles.¡± So Shen Shichuan knew all about it too. Xia Yangyang lowered her head. Shen Shichuan was silent for a while: ¡°I know you suspect Manbing. Yangyang, I¡¯m not trying to defend my sister, but if she really did this, I¡¯ll make her take responsibility. But Xiao Bing was brought up by me. Her current state isrgely my fault. I¡¯ve spoiled her so much that she thinks she¡¯s above everyone else. But you don¡¯t know what we¡¯ve been through as kids. When you¡¯re bullied to the limit, you put on a harsh facade to make the world afraid of you. She may appear arrogant, but she¡¯s not a bad person. She may p someone in the face, but she would never stab them in the back. Yangyang, if you trust me, please trust her this once. There must be more to this incident.¡± A stir of emotions arose within Xia Yangyang. She then replied, ¡°I won¡¯t rush to conclusions without evidence. Get some rest.¡± Shen Shichuan was Shen Manbing¡¯s brother after all. Hearing him talk like this, Xia Yangyang thought it was justifiable. She could even understand the desperate feelings of an elder brother. But when she heard almost the same words from Gu Qichen, a fire of resentment brewed in her heart with no outlet to vent. This was the reason why their rtionship had been increasingly cold these days. Xia Yangyang really didn¡¯t know why. That night, Xia Yangyang called Wen Xiaochu and blurted out everything that had happened. After hearing everything, Wen Xiaochu calmly responded, ¡°You¡¯re obviously jealous. But Mr. Gu really didn¡¯t handle things well in this situation. If I were in your shoes, I would be angry too.¡± Chapter 259 - 260: Mrs. Gu, You Have Been Away All Night for Half a Month Chapter 259: Chapter 260: Mrs. Gu, You Have Been Away All Night for Half a Month Trantor: 549690339 The words ¡°jealousy¡± explosively echoed in Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind. It was as if she had a sudden realization, like an enlightening moment. Xia Yangyang had always thought that it was Gu Qjchen¡¯s distrust that made her feel ufortable. But Gu Qjchen did not distrust her, he just didn¡¯t trust her as unconditionally as he trusted Shen Manbing. The trust Gu Qjchen offered came with conditions attached. Gu Qichen felt that shecked the capability, the audacity. But he didn¡¯t understand her character, did not know her limits. However, when it came to Shen Manbing, it was different. Gu Qichen¡¯s trust in Shen Manbing mirrored that of Shen Shichuan¡¯s, it was unconditional, based on mutual understanding and ord. This only intensified the difort in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. Even though they were not lovers, there was an invulnerable space between them in which she didn¡¯t dare to intrude. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t care whether she was framed by Shen Manbing or not. What she cared about was Gu Qjchen¡¯s unconditional understanding and trust in Shen Manbing. In the end, she was simply jealous. Yes, extremely jealous. After hanging up the phone, Xia Yangyangid on the bed, staring nkly at the ceiling. So what if she was jealous? There was nothing she could do about it. It was the umtion of their feelings over the years. Xia Yangyang buried her head in the quilt, desiring to cry out her distress. The next day, Xia Yangyang went to the office. That morning at nine, she was scheduled for an interview with an entertainment morning newspaper. After Xia Yangyang entered the elevator, a man wearing a duckbill cap and holding a toolbox stepped in just as the doors were about to close. Only employees of Time International Building could use the elevator, and they had to use their work card. This was because Time was an entertainmentpany with countless celebrities. To prevent harassment from journalists and fans, the rules were strictly enforced. From her first engagement, Xia Yangyang also had a staff card. The man stood in the corner without moving. Xia Yangyang found it somewhat strange: ¡°Where¡¯s your card? You need to scan your card to select the floors.¡± The man¡¯s voice was low: ¡°Can you help me select the 26th floor? I¡¯m here to repair the pipes.¡± Funnily enough, Xia Yangyang was also headed to the 26th floor. The 26th floor here was artist studios. All Time¡¯s artists operated in the studio system, and the 26th floor was filled with lounges for the artists to rest and do makeup when they came back to the office. The interview that day was special. It was for a magazine called ¡°Star Family¡±, which focused more on the everyday lives and personal rtionships of celebrities. At nine, Xia Yangyang, with her makeup done, was prompt to arrive. Upon entering the interview hall, Xia Yangyang seemed taken aback. Because, sitting on the guest seat right now, if not Gu Qjchen, then who could it be? Previously, when Shichuan arranged for work, Xia Yangyang thought it was just a small interview. She had no idea that Gu Qjchen would be participating too. The journalists were enthusiastically snapping pictures of Gu Qjchen. Gu Qichen was indifferent, casually flipping through the interview manuscript and chatting with the host. Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s arrival, he stood up and started walking naturally in her direction. In fact, the moment she saw Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang understood everything. Presumably, the meddler Shen Shichuan, via this interview, wanted to offer her an opportunity to have a proper conversation with Gu Qjchen. Honestly, Xia Yangyang has been very busy these days, so has Gu Qjchen. Xia Yangyang knew that she was avoiding, but now avoidance was impossible. Xia Yangyang took the initiative: ¡°Why are you here?¡± A trace of amusement prevailed on Gu Qjchen¡¯s face, but his voice was very low: ¡°Mrs. Gu, you¡¯ve not been home for half a month, why wouldn¡¯t I be here?¡± Indeed, Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t returned home in half a month. Shen Shichuan had arranged an apartment for her to rest in the office, and Xia Yangyang had simply moved all her suitcases there. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was very low with a shade of coldness, yet his face was alight with a hint of amusement. Outsiders couldn¡¯t hear what they were talking about and felt they were whispering sweet nothings. ¡°I¡¯m working.¡± ¡°Fine, then I¡¯ll apany you at work today.¡± Chapter 260 - 261: After all, I Love You Very Much Chapter 260: Chapter 261: After all, I Love You Very Much Trantor: 549690339 | The support staff over there had already said, ¡°Mr. Gu, Miss Xia, shall we get started?¡± Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen walked over. The interview today was a bit different than usual. It wasn¡¯t a formal interview, but more like a chat about everyday life. Even the interview chairs were set up as a sofa for two. The host sat on the side. The host started speaking into the camera, ¡°Good evening, everyone. We are thrilled to have two distinguished guests on our show today, Miss Xia Yangyang and Mr. Gu Qichen. Mr. Gu and Miss Xia are well-known couples in the industry. Two weeks ago, Mr. Guvishly bought a priceless Heart of the Kingdom ruby ne as a Christmas gift for Miss Xia. Miss Xia, how did you feel when you received such a valuable gift?¡± At the mention of the Heart of the Kingdom, a sharp pang hit Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. But they were live on air now, so Xia Yangyang could only force a happy face, ¡°The gift is precious, I was taken aback!¡± The host then turned to Gu Qichen. ¡°Mr. Gu, why did you choose to gift such an expensive piece of jewelry? Any special meaning behind it?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was calm andzy, ¡°No particr meaning, it looked good on my wife, so I bought it.¡± Xia Yangyang nced at Gu Qichen. This man, he always lies with such calmness. Even the host¡¯s voice was clearly filled with envy, ¡°The rumor has it that Mr. Gu is crazy about his wife. Seeing it first-hand today proves it. Could you share with us the story of your first meeting, Mr. Gu, Miss Xia?¡± At this, Xia Yangyang unconsciously began to blush. Their first meeting wasn¡¯t exactly something to share in public. All they heard was Gu Qichen casually say, ¡°I was love at first sight with my wife. The moment we met, I waspletely conquered by her.¡± Gu Qichen said it casually, giving Xia Yangyang a deliberate look when he mentioned the word ¡®conquered¡¯. Xia Yangyang could clearly see a hint of mischief in his smile. Xia Yangyang instantly understood the meaning behind ¡®conquered¡¯. Normally, when Gu Qichen was being mischievous, he would bring up how their first meeting went with her overpowering him. Clearly, he meant the same now! Xia Yangyang¡¯s face turned red. The host seemed to notice this detail, ¡°Is Miss Xia blushing? Your first meeting must be full of interesting events.¡± After that, the host asked many more questions. Most of them were answered by Gu Qichen. He was good at Tai Chi, speaking neither in a hurry nor slowing down while making his point crisply, each word exuding wit and wisdom. To be honest, Xia Yangyang barely recognized him. Where did he get so many words in a regr day? But that must havee from his years spent in business. Which of these top capitalists doesn¡¯t have a talent for ying to the gallery? A single interview was no big deal for them. The interview went smoothly, and even the host was fascinated by Gu Qichen. A few times, she did not hide her admiration, expressing her wish to find a boyfriend like Gu Qichen. At the end of the show, the host asked, ¡°Mr. Gu, is there anything you¡¯d like to say to Mrs. Gu given this opportunity?¡± Gu Qichen suddenly turned to look into Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes, serious as ever, ¡°Wife, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t take your feelings into ount in a lot of things. But that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t trust you. You¡¯re the closest person to me in the world. Even if the entire world doesn¡¯t believe you, I will trust you unconditionally. Where there is light, there are shadows. I wish you always remain pure and wonderful, so I¡¯m willing to shield you from all the darkness, hoping for your happiness. But if this hurt you in the process, I hope you can forgive me just this once. After all, I love you very much.¡± Chapter 261 - 262: Shen Tian jumps off the building Chapter 261: Chapter 262: Shen Tian jumps off the building Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen¡¯s words left her caught off guard. Others might not understand. But Xia Yangyangpletely understood. He was exining the issue with the ne, why he spent two hundred million without telling her. It was supposed to be a surprise for her, behind which lied the two-hundred-million-dor price tag, all sorts of false usations, and conspiracy, all of which Gu Qichen wished to bear alone. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect it to be like this and she had been constantly ming and using him these days. Instantly, Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes moistened. The host was also incredibly surprised, ¡°It seems that you two have quite the story.¡± However, the host also felt like he finally grasped the situation. Mr. Gu almost never epted media interviews, especially from those of an entertainment nature. They tried to connect with Mr. Gu this time because they were interviewing Miss Xia, and they didn¡¯t expect Mr. Gu to instantly agree. Turns out Mr. Gu just wanted to use this opportunity to apologize to his cherished wife. Gu Qichen was deeply sincere and Miss Xia was clearly moved to her core, this episode¡¯s ratings will surely skyrocket. The host was more than happy to y peacemaker, ¡°Miss Xia, do you have anything to say to Mr. Gu?¡± Xia Yangyang had her head down, tears already trickling down. Gu Qichen passed her a damp cloth, ¡°Darling, don¡¯t cry anymore. You can have me however you want tonight, and it¡¯s okay even if I am at your mercy.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s words were almost a whisper. He said them right into Xia Yangyang¡¯s ear so that even the host couldn¡¯t hear clearly. Xia Yangyang was suddenly jolted out of the emotional moment. This man, why did he keep acting indecently every chance he got? Feeling embarrassed and angry, Xia Yangyang grabbed his arm and bit down on his bicep leaving a clear mark with her teeth. The host was worried, ¡°Miss Xia, how could you bite someone?¡± Yet, Gu Qichen was smiling faintly, even petting Xia Yangyang¡¯s head indulgently, ¡°It¡¯s okay, I¡¯m used to it. As long as she¡¯s happy.¡± Xia Yangyang felt as if Gu Qichen was treating her like Oscar. Suddenly feeling something was wrong, she let go of Gu Qichen and angrily said, ¡°When did I ever bite you before?¡± ¡°Of course you wouldn¡¯t remember that time, next time I¡¯ll make sure to show you the evidence.¡± At first, Xia Yangyang was a bit confused. But after spending so much time with Gu Qichen, she understood his patterns and she instantly realized the time he was referring to couldn¡¯t have been a good one. Xia Yangyang¡¯s face went red again. She gave Gu Qichen a punch on his shoulder. Seeing them yfully bantering, the hostughed and said, ¡°It¡¯s clear that Miss Xia has given us the answer as well. That¡¯s all we have for today¡¯s interview. We¡¯re very grateful for Mr. Gu and Mrs. Gu for epting our interview.¡± After the host finished his closing statement, he turned around to see the two still yfully wrestling. Today¡¯s interview really delivered on the couples¡¯ sweetness. Though the host was initially concerned. Mr. Gu is way too good at ying Tai Chi. When ites to sensitive topics that the audience is most concerned about, he¡¯s evasive and wouldn¡¯t let anything slip. The interview seemed a bit nd at first. But the unexpected scene at the end truly amazed, and Miss Xia¡¯s reactions were adorable and natural. After the host announced the end of the show, everyone started packing up. Just as they were about to leave. A reporter from ¡°Star Family¡± suddenly ran over, ¡°Sister Yang, big news! Shen Tianhou is being held hostage on the rooftop, about to jump together with the kidnapper!¡± Five more updates¡ª lets chat! I know a lot of you are about to startining now, asking why there¡¯s angst right after the sweet part, thinking about dropping the novel, and so on. I want to tell you all, that when I write, I follow the storyline. My standard isn¡¯t merely sweetness or angst. The storyline hasn¡¯t ended, the issue with the ne hasn¡¯t been unveiled, and one thing leads to another. This is only the beginning. I will cover the plot holes I dig. Therefore, the sweetness and angst you spoke of are simply parts of the storyline. It will be sweet when it needs to be sweet and agonizing when it needs to be. It will depend on the storyline. So please stop obsessing over whether it¡¯s sweet or anguishing. As long as the storyline is captivating, it¡¯s fine. A novel won¡¯t simply have a single mood. It contains many things, romance, family bond, friendship, empathy, betrayal, various stories, and emotions are woven into aplete novel. If you don¡¯t like this kind of novel and want to drop it, please just drop it quietly. There¡¯s no need to write ¡°I¡¯m dropping this¡± in thements. I can be somewhat sensitive. To those who apany me all the way, Xiao Qi is deeply grateful, love you guys! Chapter 262 - 263: Crazy Fan Chapter 262: Chapter 263: Crazy Fan Trantor: 549690339 | Every face instantly paled at the news. A group of journalists with cameras dashed out. Gu Qichen¡¯s face grew serious, and he said, ¡°I¡¯ll go check.¡± Xia Yangyang was also greatly shocked and quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll go too.¡± Three minutester, everyone was on the rooftop of Shi Chuan Building. An enormous crowd gathered at the side, forming aplete circle. Xia Yangyang happened to hear someone nearby asking, ¡°What exactly is going on?¡± Someone responded, ¡°A crazy fan of Sister Bingbing somehow sneaked into her rest room to propose. Naturally, she humiliated him. Not expecting such embarrassment, he¡¯s now taken Bingbing hostage, threatening to leap off the building with her.¡± ¡°My God, Bingbing is just too popr. There was a fan who proposed at a film festival and another who hid under the bed of her hotel room. This is too horrifying.¡± ¡°Well, Sister Bingbing is an international superstar. But the security system of Shi Chuan Building is stringent. I wonder how this viin got up here.¡± Gu Qjchen had already made his way through the crowd to the front. Xia Yangyang followed along. When she saw the scene clearly, she was dumbfounded. The viin was choking Shen Manbing on the rooftop edge. A group of security guards had formed a ring around them, trying to negotiate. But the viin was holding a gun, shouting madly at the people around, ¡°Don¡¯te any closer! If you take one more step forward, we¡¯ll jump! Stay back!¡± Upon getting a clear look at the viin, Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She recognized him instantly. It was the ¡®plumbing repairman¡¯ to whom she had helped reach the 26th floor that very morning. How could this be? The scene was chaotic, and everyone there could do nothing but whisper amongst themselves. ¡°The boss isn¡¯t here today. If he knew Sister Bingbing was taken hostage, he would go mad.¡± ¡°This will definitely be tomorrow¡¯s front-page headline. I just don¡¯t know whether it will be entertainment news or social news.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t curse us! I see that the viin is just bluffing. Sister Bingbing will be fine.¡± Despite being choked, Shen Manbing was defiant and kept trying to resist, ¡°You lunatic! If you want to die, go ahead! I¡¯m certainly not going with you. If you don¡¯t let me go soon, you¡¯ll regret it!¡± The viin was visibly agitated, ¡°Bingbing, I love you so much. Why won¡¯t you marry me? If you agree to now, I¡¯ll let you go. I promise. Even the stars in the sky, I would pluck them for you. No one in this world loves you more than I do.¡± Disgust and repulsion filled Shen Manbing¡¯s voice, ¡°Marry you? In your dreams! Many people in this world want to marry me. Should I marry them all? You are just a nutcase. You¡¯d better let me go now, or I¡¯ll make sure you rot in jail for the rest of your life!¡± ¡°Without you, what use is sunlight? Bingbing, do you know? You are my sunlight. I¡¯ve seen your movies countless times and memorized every line. The one I like best is, ¡®All my life I have longed to be kept and cherished, to relieve me from fear, pain, roaming, and rootlessness.¡¯ Do you remember this line from ¡®Geisha¡¯, Bingbing? I¡¯ve reyed that scene over and over. Your tears were like the shiniest moon in the sky. The more I watched, the more I realized you were speaking to me. That¡¯s why I¡¯m proposing to you. If you marry me, we¡¯ll be extremely happy. Please, please say you¡¯ll marry me!¡± Chapter 263 - 264: You Actually Refused the World’s Most Beautiful Woman Chapter 263: Chapter 264: You Actually Refused the World¡¯s Most Beautiful Woman Trantor: 549690339 ¡°You maniac! Let me go!!!!!¡± Shen Manbing felt she could no longer tolerate and started to resist energetically. The man suddenly turned menacingly and moved a few steps towards the edge of the rooftop, Shen Manbing almost lost her footing. The man threatened, ¡°If you refuse, we¡¯ll jump off from here together. If we can¡¯t be together in life, then let¡¯s die together!¡± Afraid of heights, Shen Manbing took a nce downwards, and screamed. No one dared to go up and dissuade him, as the police and negotiation experts hadn¡¯t arrived yet. The man had a gun and seemed to be emotionally out of control, causing even the security guards to stay away. Everyone tried to save themselves. But Shen Manbing¡¯s pride was being provoked and the situation began to spiral out of control. At this very moment, Gu Qichen suddenly pushed his way to the front. Gu Qichen shouted, ¡°Even if you die together with her right now, she¡¯s a shining star who would certainly go to heaven, while you, an unforgivable murderer, would surely go to hell. You can¡¯t be together anyway. It¡¯s best to stay alive, anything can happen when you¡¯re alive.¡± The man seemed to be stunned by Gu Qichen¡¯s words, repeatedly muttering, ¡°Only when alive, there is hope.¡± Then, as if suddenly realizing something, he looked at Gu Qichen with eyes full of hope, ¡°Then you tell me, you tell me what should I do? How can I get Bingbing to marry me? I love her too much, I can¡¯t live without her, I really can¡¯t.¡± Gu Qichen slowly walked towards him with an unusually calm demeanor. He reached his hand towards the hostage-taker, ¡°First,e down. Once you¡¯re back, I¡¯ll teach you, I promise.¡± The man seemed a little swayed. In one hand, he held a gun; the other arm wrapped around Shen Manbing¡¯s neck. Upon seeing Gu Qichen, Shen Manbing¡¯s face turned pale. She didn¡¯t dare to make a sound and started shaking her head intensely. But Gu Qichen kept moving closer. The hostage-taker seemed hesitant. He turned to Shen Manbing and found her eyes reddened and her gazeplicated. The way Shen Manbing looked at the man before her was very different. When he looked at himself, he was full of disgust, as if looking at garbage in a stinky ditch. But the way she looked at the man before her was full of passion and even pity. Instantly realizing what¡¯s going on, the hostage-taker tightened his grip around Shen Manbing neck. He pointed the gun at Gu Qichen and fired, ¡°Liar, you both know each other, I remember now! You¡¯re Gu Qichen, the CEO of Shengyuan Group, the secret boyfriend Manbing has kept for so many years. You rejected her proposal at Lake Bay. You rejected the most beautiful woman in this world.¡± The gunshot echoed through the air, causing the crowd to stir. Everyone was frightened and retreated continuously. Arge circle was cleared around them. Shen Manbing and Xia Yangyang yelled almost at the same time: ¡°Ah Chen!!¡± Xia Yangyang rushed over, her heart pounding out of her chest: ¡°Are you hurt? Where are you hurt?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Gu Qichen said. The bullet had missed Gu Qichen. Tears welled up in Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes. Keeping his voice steady, Gu Qichen said: ¡°Leave quickly, don¡¯t stay here.¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head: ¡°I¡¯m not leaving, I¡¯m staying with you.¡± On the other side, Shen Manbing also shouted, ¡°Go away, all of you, get lost. He¡¯s a lunatic, Ah Chen, you need to get out of here!¡± Chapter 264 - 265: Let Him Die, Is That Okay? Chapter 264: Chapter 265: Let Him Die, Is That Okay? Trantor: 549690339 Upon hearing Shen Manbing yell like that, the lunatic became even more agitated, pointing his gun directly at Gu Qichen, a strange smile ying upon the corners of his mouth. He turned his head, looking tenderly at Shen Manbing. ¡°Bingbing, do you see? The man you devoted your youth to loving has ultimately betrayed you, marrying another woman. Shall I avenge you, put him to death, wouldn¡¯t that make you happy?¡± Shen Manbing, her eyes brimming with rage and bright red, retorted, ¡°If you dare to harm him, I¡¯ll never let you off, not even if I were a ghost.¡± The man, brows furrowed in confusion, responded, ¡°You¡¯re still protecting him even now? Bingbing, he has already abandoned you. Why do you still love him? Why can¡¯t you spare a nce for me, while I love you so much?¡± Shen Manbing seemed to dismiss his words entirely, yelling instead towards Gu Qichen. ¡°You must leave! Go now. Do it!¡± The man¡¯s emotions can hardly be contained; one moment he isughing uproariously, the next, his expression twisted into an unhinged frenzy. He stepped back a few steps, dragging Shen Manbing with him. Gu Qichen, still trying to approach, proposed, ¡°Don¡¯t you love her? Look at how she is suffering now. Can you bear to see her in pain if you love her? Instead, how about this? I¡¯ll be your hostage, and you can use me as leverage. Manbing will absolutelyply with your demands. You understand too, I¡¯m the person she loves the most. At that point, propose to her, she will definitely ept.¡± Shen Manbing continued to yell at Gu Qichen, insisting that he leave. Even Xia Yangyang did not try to stop Gu Qichen from taking risks. Because Xia Yangyang knew, if he were to ignore this and do nothing, regardless of whether Shen Manbing were in trouble or not, Gu Qichen would live in guilt his whole life. Xia Yangyang stood quietly in her ce. Merely watching the scene unfold in silence. The thug appeared to be swayed by Gu Qichen¡¯s words. Right, Shen Manbing was so worried about him; she would rather face death than allow this man to risk his life for her. This man was her Achilles heel. If he used him as a threat, she would definitely agree to marry him, right? As long as she agreed, and as long as they could get married, he would treat her really well, and she would surely love him in the future. All she had to do was to agree. A glimmer of brilliance appeared in the thug¡¯s eyes as he responded, ¡°Alright,e over here, hurry.¡± Gu Qichen took one step at a time, walking towards the edge of the rooftop. Shen Manbing, frantic, was already cursing at him, ¡°Gu Qichen, you get the hell out of here! I don¡¯t need your help!¡± Everyone present found the unfolding scene deeply moving. The thug was clearly a madman. He was love-crazed, desiring nothing more than for Shen Manbing to ept his proposal. But everyone knew, Gu Qichen¡¯s intent was merely to have him release Shen Manbing first, a strategy to buy time. Yet Gu Qichen had thrown himself into danger. He was on the edge of the rooftop, where one false step would result in a deadly fall. Moreover, the man still had a gun, he had just lost his mind momentarily. Once he realized, would he go mad? No one knew what would happen next. Gu Qichen, calm andposed, spoke to the thug, ¡°I havee here as promised. Now you release Manbing. Then, you can negotiate peacefully. Trust me, she will definitely say ¡®yes¡¯ willingly.¡± The man was nowpletely disoriented. His face disyed a bewildered yet blissful expression, a happy blueprint seemingly ying out in his head. He said in delight, ¡°Yes, I want her to willingly ept me. Don¡¯t wish to force her. I truly don¡¯t.¡± Slowly, the thug¡¯s hand, which was clutching Shen Manbing¡¯s neck, began to loosen¡­ Chapter 265 - 266: Suddenly Going Crazy Chapter 265: Chapter 266: Suddenly Going Crazy Trantor: 549690339 His arm had just moved away from Shen Manbing¡¯s neck. But the man seemed to react, yelling, ¡°You lied to me, she would never agree!¡± After saying that, he instantly grabbed Shen Manbing¡¯s hand again. At that moment, Gu Qichen stepped forward and knocked the gun out of the thug¡¯s hand. The thug slipped and fell backward. Unfortunately, he grabbed hold of Shen Manbing¡¯s skirt. Shen Manbing was pulled by the force and fell backward directly. Gu Qichen acted quickly, lunging to catch Shen Manbing. The thug had already fallen straight down from the top of the Times Building, disappearing from sight. Shen Manbing¡¯s body was hanging off the roof. Gu Qichen, lying on the ground, barely managed to hold onto her hand. But his body was moving forward rapidly due to gravity. The upper half of his body had already reached the edge of the roof. Xia Yangyang, who had been standing motionless on the side, rushed over and grabbed one of Gu Qichen¡¯s legs, shouting, ¡°Hurry up.¡± The crowd surged forward, pulling the two of them back up. No one had expected things to turn out this way. This had been a truly terrifying moment. After Shen Manbing was pulled back up, she was stunned. The normally pompous and domineering her was trembling. She had just witnessed the thug fall hundreds of meters from the building, smashing his body to pieces. At this time, the assistants and staff members all gathered around, talking over each other, showing their concern. ¡°Sister Bingbing, are you okay? We were so worried.¡± ¡°What doesn¡¯t kill you makes you stronger, Sister Bingbing. It¡¯s all over now, everything will get better.¡± While everyone was busyforting her, Gu Qichen was patting Shen Manbing¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Bingbing, talk to me, look at me, look at me!¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was stern, like an order, yet obviouslyced with worry. Seemingly triggered by some past memory, Shen Manbing suddenly screamed, ¡°Get away! Get out! All of you get out!¡± She wrapped her arms around her head and began to scream, grabbing her own hair, like a woman gone mad. Many people didn¡¯t know what was happening. Even though she was safe, what had happened to her? Gu Qichen promptly picked up Shen Manbing. She held onto his cor like a drowning person clutching a piece of driftwood, shivering in his arms. Ruian Hospital¡ª Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen stood outside the ward. Inside, several nurses were holding Shen Manbing¡¯s hands, restraining her while the doctor administered a sedative. The image of Shen Manbing, mad with fear, stayed in Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind. The kind of fear that made her feel like the entire world was her enemy, hiding in a corner, refusing to let anyone close. It was clearly a mental illness, not just a reaction to the recent trauma. They were in the neurology department now. Shen Manbing was finally quiet, as if she had fallen asleep on the bed. Deeply shocked, Xia Yangyang finally asked Gu Qichen, who was standing beside her, ¡°Why did she suddenly react like this?¡± Gu Qichen fell silent for a while before he finally said, ¡°When she was a child, she was maliciously pushed off a roof. She fell into a swimming pool below and nearly drowned. It was a traumatic experience for her and today¡¯s events probably triggered her most painful memories. That¡¯s why she reacted that way.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback. She had no idea that Shen Manbing had undergone such a terrible experience when she was a child. Chapter 266: 267: Headline Chapter 266: 267: Headline Trantor: 549690339 There were still hordes of journalists outside. Xia Yangyang knew that tomorrow¡¯s headline would be set. Half an hourter, Shen Shichuan arrived. He was dust-covered and worried, ¡°How¡¯s Xiao Bing? How is she?¡± Xia Yangyang had never seen Shen Shichuan so flustered. He had always been soposed; now, however, he looked terrified and had tears in his eyes. Shen Shichuan had a meeting in Hong Kong today and had taken an early flight. It¡¯s only twelve noon now. He must have heard about Shen Manbing¡¯s condition as soon as he got off the ne and rushed back immediately. Gu Qichen said, ¡°She¡¯s fine, just¡­ shaken.¡± Shen Shichuan went into the hospital room. Gu Qichen said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Let¡¯s go eat something.¡± Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t in the mood at all. After lunch, they went to the police station for a statement. The police had already identified the assant from today. He had been a schizophrenic loner suffering from severe delusions. Every day, he watched Shen Manbing¡¯s movies, thinking she was his lover. There were no windows in his house; it was covered with posters and photos of Shen Manbing. He had nned this proposal long ago. In fact, he was prepared for Shen Manbing to reject him and had nned to die with her. The gun he carried was smuggled from abroad. This man was an extremist and was also involved in a criminal case. He died instantly when he fell from the rooftop today. By the time they left the police station, it was already dark. Xia Yangyang remained silent all the way in the car. Gu Qichen suddenly reached out and held Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, ¡°The things I said on the rooftop just now, I had no other choice, you can¡¯t overthink it, okay?¡± Xia Yangyang was a little bewildered. In fact, she wasn¡¯t thinking much at all now; she didn¡¯t even know what Gu Qichen was exining. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°For the past half month, I¡¯ve been reflecting. Gu Qichen, I don¡¯t think I trusted you enough. I know you did everything you could, spending two billion yuan just to help me out. But I selfishly thought you did it because of Shen Manbing. Although in my heart, I know you trust me, I was still very angry. I kept asking myself why I was so angry. But now, I think I understand. It¡¯s because I was never part of your past. Your past with Shen Manbing is like a mysterious box to me. I can¡¯t see inside. It belongs to the two of you. I¡¯ve been trying to convince myself to understand your feelings for her, just like my past with Lu Haotian. Since I went through it, I know it¡¯s not easy to give up. I¡¯ve always been afraid that eventually, you will think that the woman you loved for so many years is more suitable for you.¡± Finally, Xia Yangyang calmly voiced the thoughts that had been weighing on her heart for so long. All these emotions were what she had been avoiding and concealing. But the words Gu Qichen said today opened up her heart. It wasn¡¯t because his words were particrly touching. Instead, Xia Yangyang understood that for someone of Gu Qichen¡¯s temperament to say such things contrary to his character in public and in front of the media must have meant something. This was indeed amitment. If he betrayed her in the future, he would surely face public condemnation, outcry, and moral me. But he didn¡¯t care about any of that. He didn¡¯t leave any room for retreat in their marriage. If she still doesn¡¯t trust him after all this, Xia Yangyang felt she wouldn¡¯t be worthy of Gu Qichen¡¯s cherish. Gu Qichen gave Xia Yangyang a strange look, ¡°Do you think I, Gu Qichen, don¡¯t know what person is most suitable for me?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant, I just¡­ I am not as beautiful as Shen Manbing, not as aplished, not¡­¡± ¡°All you need is me.¡± Xia Yangyang was greatly moved. But the next second, Gu Qichen was unhappy again, ¡°But what did you mean by you not being able to give up on your many years of feelings for Lu Haotian?¡± Chapter 267 - 268: Xia Yangyang Get Out of the Entertainment Circle Chapter 267: Chapter 268: Xia Yangyang Get Out of the Entertainment Circle Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang was taken aback. She just used it as an example. ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant, I just used it as an example.¡± ¡°So you haven¡¯t gotten over that jerk yet?¡± ¡°No, I moved on a long time ago.¡± ¡°Are you still in touch with him?¡± ¡°No, absolutely not.¡± Looking at Xia Yangyang turning red and flustered, seeming like she wanted to swear by it. Gu Qichen reached out and tousled her hair: ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to even think about that man, got it?¡± Xia Yangyang obediently responded with a ¡®oh¡¯. As Gu Qichen interrupted, she almost forgot what she was about to say. What was she going to say just now? Regardless, although today was a scare. But Xia Yangyang¡¯s gloomy mood for the past half month was cured. Xia Yangyang wanted to ask something about the ne, but she didn¡¯t end up asking. Shen Shichuan had already mentioned that the investigation has is at a standstill. Those people from the auction house disappeared without a trace, this evidently suggests a big hand controlling everything from behind. Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t certain whether it was Shen Manbing, but she believed someday everything wille to light. The next day, the headline news exploded. Both social and entertainment sections were filled with the news of Shen Manbing almost losing her life due to a crazed fan. Fortunately, there were reporters on the scene at that time. The whole scene on the rooftop was recorded in full. Other than the social issue of crazed fans being the main focus. Many parts of the video were dug up by entertainment media, sensationalizing certain aspects. Among them, the bandit leaked that Gu Qichen has been Shen Manbing¡¯s secret boyfriend for years. Shen Manbing proposed to Gu Qichen at Lake Bay, but was rejected. There¡¯s also a part where Gu Qichen personally says that he¡¯s the one Shen Manbing loves most. Xia Yangyang was watching the scene, so she knew that the media was taking things out of context to create buzz. The people on the scene knew that the bandit was mentally unstable, and Gu Qichen only spoke in such a way to lower the bandit¡¯s guard. But now that the media exposed it. It cemented the rtionship between the Queen of Heaven Shen and Gu Qichen. What was originally a social issue was ultimately transformed into Queen Shen¡¯s gossip. With many versions popping up. But the most widespread rumor was that Xia Yangyang intervened in the rtionship between Queen Shen and Mr. Gu. Because ording to the time the bandit mentioned, at the time when Shen was at Lake Bay proposing to Mr. Gu, they were still dating. But looking at the wedding date Gu Qichen had previously announced, at that time, he and Xia Yangyang had already obtained their marriage certificate. What does this reveal? It reveals that Queen Shen was still in the dark and thought she was lovey- dovey with her boyfriend, even going down on one knee to propose to him in public as a surprise. The proposal incident was reported before, but the news was quickly suppressed, and the parties involved didn¡¯t give any response. As time passed, everyone took it as a rumor. But because of the hostage incident, everything was fully exposed. The Queen¡¯s love life was revealed and instantly be the hot search on various rankings. Xia Yangyang even saw a trending tweet initiated by fans: ¡°Boycott Cindere, home wrecker get out of the entertainment circle!¡± There were thousands of replies, all mentioning Xia Yangyang¡¯s name. Xia Yangyan didn¡¯ t really care. Because she witnessed everything, she naturally wouldn¡¯t have any misunderstandings. Gu Qichen was only trying to save people at that time. Being amunication major, she knew that such gossips wouldn¡¯tst longer than half a month, as long as you don¡¯t respond, the heat dies down over time. But Xia Yangyang had a slight hunch in her heart. The media always presents multiple perspectives, but this overwhelming single point of view. The onlinemunity is now mostly ndering and cursing her. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help suspecting that there might be a PR firm guiding the public opinion. Chapter 268 - 269: You are nothing more than a dog kept by the Shen family for amusement! Chapter 268: Chapter 269: You are nothing more than a dog kept by the Shen family for amusement! Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang felt a hundred uncertainties, but had a thousand suspicions. Why does it always happen so coincidentally? Someone framed her for the ne incident, and clearly, someone is taking advantage of this situation as well. Xia Yangyang could faintly sense the existence of a maniptive hand behind all this, stirring up trouble from the shadows. The first person Xia Yangyang thought of was Shen Manbing. But firstly, Gu Qichen trusts her. Secondly, how do you exin the incident with the obsessed fan? It can be argued that she framed Xia Yangyang for the ne, but would Shen Manbing risk her own life just to create a gossip headline? Considering the danger at the time, even the thug paid with his life. It couldn¡¯t have been arranged beforehand. Xia Yangyang was very confused. Yet, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want her issues with Shen Manbing to cause a rift between her and Gu Qichen again. Gu Qichen must have seen those news articles too. He had been on the phone with his secretary early in the morning. By afternoon, traditional media¡¯s coverage of these issues had already been suppressed. Yet, the noise on social media was still rampant. This was something hard to control artificially. The more you try to suppress it, the stronger the pushback. Casual observers would think that you¡¯re acting guilty, thus causing more damage than good. Instead, it was Xia Yangyang who ended upforting Gu Qichen, telling him not to take the rumours circting online too seriously. Given some time, the heat would naturally die down. In the entertainment industry, there are countless news stories every day. After all, who really cares about the truth or falsehood, right from wrong, ck and white? However, There are many things that Xia Yangyang wants to verify for herself. So in the afternoon, Xia Yangyang went to the hospital. She wanted to see if Shen Manbing was just pretending to be sick. When it was just the two of them, she was certain that Shen Manbing would slip up. Xia Yangyang went to the hospital ward. This was a VIP ward. As a famous figure, Shen Manbing was the only patient in the entire floor. Security guards were posted at the entrance. Recognizing Xia Yangyang as the woman who had brought Shen Manbing to the hospital yesterday with Gu Qichen, they allowed her to pass without issue. The corridor was carpeted thickly, muffling Xia Yangyang¡¯s footprints as she walked toward the hospital room. Arriving at the ward, Xia Yangyang had intended to knock ¨C but found the door already ajar. Shen Manbing wasn¡¯t alone in the room. Also present was a wealthy-looking middle-aged woman in her forties. She was fashionably dressed and adorned with glimmering jewelry. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know who she was. Once, Shen Shichuan had told Xia Yangyang that their parents died early in a ne crash, leaving them to rely on each other from a young age. Seemingly out of nowhere, a catty voice arose from the woman. ¡°You¡¯ve utterly disgraced the Shen Family. A distinguished family of literature for centuries, yet you¡¯re a third-rate actress. You¡¯re hardly the ¡®Queen of Heaven¡¯, merely a lowly attention-seeker on screen. Our Shen Family is truly unlucky to have adopted a wild horse like you.¡± Shen Manbing, who was huddled in a corner of the bed, appeared to be at her limit, ¡°Auntie, speaking with such coarseness hardly suits a woman of nobility, rather, it¡¯s more reminiscent of a shrewish woman cursing in the streets.¡± The shy woman flew into a rage at Shen Manbing¡¯s retort. She took a step forward and pped Shen Manbing across her face. ¡°Impudent girl, growing more audacious by the day, daring to talkback! It doesn¡¯t matter that you¡¯re a celebrated ¡®Queen of Heaven¡¯ outside. Here, in the Shen Family, you¡¯re merely a dog we keep for amusement!¡± Chapter 269 - 270: Bastard! Jinx! Chapter 269: Chapter 270: Bastard! Jinx! Trantor: 549690339 Shen Manbing cowered in a corner after the beating. The woman¡¯s tone was vicious, ¡°I don¡¯t know what got into my brother and sister-inw¡¯s heads, they decided to adopt a jinx like you. If they hadn¡¯t rushed back to celebrate your birthday, they wouldn¡¯t have died unexpectedly. Shichuan was also foolish for defending you, you illegitimate child sprung from god knows where.¡± ¡°I am not a bastard, nor am I a jinx.¡± Shen Manbing suddenly shouted in exasperation. ¡°The Shen family should have never kept you. You only survived because of your good fortune.¡± Shen Manbing, gritting her teeth, said, ¡°I knew it¡­ It was you who pushed me off the roof that year.¡± ¡°So what if it was me who pushed you off? You deserved to die, but you were just too lucky. You escaped death at the age of five.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s face changed dramatically: ¡°Why are you doing this to me!¡± ¡°Why? Because of you, I lost my own daughter. How can I let you off? You should have died.¡± ¡°Xiao Duo¡¯s death wasn¡¯t my fault. She returned to the country with my parents. I also lost my parents. How can you me me for this?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t care! If it weren¡¯t for your birthday, they wouldn¡¯t have returned home. My daughter would still be alive. You¡¯re nothing more than a bastard who cost the Shen family three cherished lives. You owe this to me and to the Shen family.¡± Shen Manbing seemed to slowly regain herposure, ¡°Aunt, I¡¯ve always felt guilty towards you. That¡¯s why I¡¯ve put up with your endless humiliations over the years, with your ways of belittling and making things difficult for me. But when you pushed me off the roof that year and I almost died, consider that life as having been returned to you. If you continue treating me like this, I won¡¯t be courteous to you.¡± But the woman was seething with rage, ¡°Shen Manbing, even if you carry the Shen surname, have you forgotten how you came by this name? You were just a little beggar, nearly starving on the streets. You think you¡¯re some princess of the Shen family? It would be as easy as squashing an ant if I wanted you dead. But I don¡¯t want you dead now. I want to torment you alive. I want the world to see you as a star, but behaving like the Shen family¡¯s dog behind closed doors. I want to see you wearing showy robes, but deep down, you are nothing more than a humble ant.¡± ¡°Get out! Get the hell out of here!¡± Yet, that woman took a step forward, grabbing Shen Manbing¡¯s hair, ¡°Wench, I am going to teach you a lesson today. What good will Shichuan¡¯s protection do? He can protect you for the time being, but let¡¯s see how he¡¯ll protect you for a lifetime.¡± There was a loud bang. Xia Yangyang kicked the door open forcefully. She lunged forward a few steps, grabbed the woman¡¯s wrist, and twisted it with all her strength. A cracking sound was heard, mixed with the woman¡¯s shrill scream. She rolled on the ground. After a struggle, she managed to stand up, but her wrist couldn¡¯t move anymore. The woman pointed at Xia Yangyang: ¡°Who are you? What did you do to my hand? What did you do to me, you little wench?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Nothing much, I just dislocated your arm, that¡¯s all.¡± Hearing Xia Yangyang say this, the woman¡¯s face turned pale with fear, ¡°Do you know who I am? How dare you harm me?¡± The Shen family is one of the four major families, with the longest history, renowned for its academic atmosphere. You are Luo Meixin, the current matron of the Shen family. However, people always think that Lady Shen is gentle, elegant, andposed. They would never imagine she is a vile woman full of insults, capable of plotting the death of a five-year-old. I wonder if people would be shocked and take a fresh look at Mrs. Shen when they learn this.¡± Chapter 270 - 271: The Hedgehog That Removed Its Spines Chapter 270: Chapter 271: The Hedgehog That Removed Its Spines Trantor: 549690339 Luo Meixin¡¯s expression changed greatly upon hearing Xia Yangyang¡¯s words, ¡°Stop ndering me here and threatening me. Beware I get awyer and sue you for defamation.¡± ¡°You¡¯re wee to seek awyer, Mrs. Shen. But by then, it¡¯ll be your reputation that¡¯spletely ruined.¡± Xia Yangyang pulled out a voice recorder. The voice of Luo Meixin just moments ago rang out clearly from it: ¡°So what if I pushed you down the stairs? You deserved to die anyway. You just got lucky and survived when you were five¡­¡± Luo Meixin¡¯s face turned pale: ¡°You wretch, you actually recorded it.¡± Then she pointed at Shen Manbing with her other hand: ¡°Was this your scheme?¡± Xia Yangyang casually responded: ¡°Mrs. Shen, it¡¯s unfortunate for you that I study journalism. We have a habit of always carrying a voice recorder in this profession. This is inconclusive evidence of criminal activity, your confession.¡± Although Luo Meixin¡¯s hand was paralyzed, she managed to stand up and lunged towards Xia Yangyang. She attempted to snatch the voice recorder from Xia Yangyang. But Xia Yangyang was nimble, easily dodging the lunge. It was, in fact, Luo Meixin, who, as a result of her forward momentum, smacked into the edge of the hospital bed and cried out in pain yet again. Xia Yangyang coldly said, ¡°Aren¡¯t you leaving yet? Do you want me to hand the evidence over to the police right now? I n to give this recording to Shen Manbing ¨C ¨C I, as an outsider, don¡¯t want to interfere in your family¡¯s affairs. You better hope that she¡¯s merciful enough to let you off the hook.¡± The woman gritted her teeth. She didn¡¯t expect the one she¡¯d bullied for over a decade would now have the upper hand. Xia Yangyang kindly reminded her: ¡°If you dy any longer in seeking a doctor to fix your hand, I can¡¯t guarantee there won¡¯t be anystingplications.¡± Luo Meixin didn¡¯t dare to take any chances. She gritted her teeth and left first. The room suddenly became quiet. Only Shen Manbing and Xia Yangyang were left. Yangyang looked at the person in the corner. In an instant, she felt that the person in front of her was apletely different person from the Shen Manbing she knew. She no longer had that hard shell around her. She was like a porcupine who had had its spines plucked one by one, a hyperwary animal. For a while, Yangyang didn¡¯t know what she should say. She ced the recorder in front of Shen Manbing: ¡°If you want to report it to the police, this recording shows criminal intent. But I think the statute of limitations on attempted murder has probably passed. However, I think you could give it to Shen Shichuan.¡± But Shen Manbing slowly raised her head. Despite trembling, she still gave off an air of icy pride: ¡°Why are you here, tough at me?¡± Yangyang replied, ¡°If I were here tough at you, I wouldn¡¯t havee inside. Instead, I would¡¯ve stood outside, silently capturing all of this on video and posting it on the inte. That way, my grudges of the past, when you made life difficult for me, would be fully redressed.¡± Shen Manbing bit her lip, hugged her knees, and turned her head away. On regr days, Xia Yangyang usually saw Shen Manbing wearing a heavy, dazzling makeup that gave her an impressive presence and extraordinary elegance. But at this moment, her face was bare. Although she was still breathtakingly beautiful. She seemed to have lost several years, no longer possessing a queen¡¯s aura, instead looking like the girl next door. Yangyang pursed her lips: ¡°Actually, I originally came here today to ask you some questions. But since you¡¯re not in a good mood and don¡¯t want to see me, I¡¯ll leave.¡± As Xia Yangyang turned to leave, Shen Manbing called out to her. Yangyang turned towards her: ¡°What is it?¡± Shen Manbing, still putting on airs, asked, ¡°What did youe to see me for?¡± Chapter 271 - 272: Why Not Play A Show With Me Chapter 272: Why Not y A Show With Me Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I want to confirm, was it you who ced the ¡®Heart of the Kingdom¡¯ ne in my bag?¡± Shen Manbing coldly snorted, ¡°Catch a thief crying ¡®Stop thief¡¯. Wasn¡¯t that your trick to frame me? Look at you today, so bold. Ah Chen probably hasn¡¯t seen this side of you.¡± Xia Yangyang retorted, ¡°How can you be so ungrateful? If it wasn¡¯t for me just now, you would still be bullied by that old woman. You usually enjoy bullying me, don¡¯t you? But when ites to an old woman, why has the high and mighty Heavenly Empress Shen be so timid?¡± Shen Manbing argued, ¡°My business is none of your concern.¡± Shen Manbing feared neither heaven nor earth, but she did fear that home. Fear of hearing the words ¡®sweeping star¡¯. Fear of mention of her parents¡¯ death, Xiao Duo¡¯s death. For so many years, she often had nightmares. She was afraid of the dark, yet she loved being on the bright and morous stage. But Luo Meixin would remind her from time to time, to provoke her. She was the high and mighty matron of the Shen family who had abused her since childhood. That fear, formed from her childhood, was so deeply rooted that even when fully grown, she didn¡¯t know how to fight back. It¡¯s not that she hasn¡¯t tried to resist, but every time ended with her being hurt and even implicating her brother. For many years, Shen Shichuan had shed with the entire Shen family in order to protect her. He didn¡¯t want a single penny of the Shen family¡¯s wealth and established Time Entertainment for her sake. But Master Shen highly valued his eldest grandson. This gave Luo Meixin the leverage to keep fanning the mes in front of Master Shen. Although she was a superstar in the entertainment industry, the Shen family not only had wealth umted over centuries, but also supreme authority. If it wasn¡¯t for Shen Shichuan¡¯s protection, she would have fallen from heaven into the mud long ago. Xia Yangyang took a deep breath and said seriously, ¡°I can swear, I absolutely did not take the ne to frame you. And I also believe, you did not take the ne either. From the beginning, I felt that someone was orchestrating all of this, but I still can¡¯t see the real purpose. If you also want to know the truth, we can y this game together.¡± Shen Manbing looked up, ¡°Why did you suddenly believe me?¡± Xia Yangyang was silent for a moment before answering, ¡°I don¡¯t believe in you, I believe in Ah Chen. If he trusts you, then I trust his judgement.¡± Upon mentioning Gu Qichen, Shen Manbing¡¯s eyes dimmed again. She stared fixedly at the girl in front of her. Without any makeup, she looked as pure as a high school student. But from her calm andposed way of dealing with Luo Meixin earlier, Shen Manbing was sure, this girl had a patience and persistence beyond normal people. So now, she couldn¡¯t tell if she was acting or not. What kind of person is she really? Shen Manbing warned, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you¡¯d better not give me any reason toe after you.¡± When she left the hospital, Xia Yangyang felt inexplicably cheerful. She didn¡¯t know why, but it felt like she was seeing Shen Manbing in a new light. Just as Xia Yangyang was about to hail a cab and leave, a group of people near her suddenly rushed over, ¡°It¡¯s her! Xia Yangyang, the mistress who disrupted the Heavenly Empress¡¯s happiness! She had the audacity to show up at the hospital where the Heavenly Empress is staying, what exactly is she nning?¡± The crowd was rushing over with signs. Xia Yangyang noted that all the signs said, ¡°Support the Heavenly Empress, Xia Yangyang get out of the entertainment industry!¡± Chapter 272 - 273: Delivering Headlines to the Newspaper Chapter 273: Delivering Headlines to the Newspaper Trantor: 549690339 | Xia Yangyang instantly understood. This turbulent crowd¡­ They must be Shen Manbing¡¯s fans, right? Xia Yangyang never imagined that she would be attacked by a celebrity¡¯s fans one day. She could argue with three or five people. But those people, like crazy, charged right ahead. The water bottles and promotional boards they were holding were hurled directly towards Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang had no choice but to take to her heels. Xia Yangyang was chased all the way. In the end, she ran into an office building to save herself. Those fans actually caught up too. However, because there were too many of them, the security guards noticed and stopped them at the entrance. Xia Yangyang was familiar with this ce. Because the Cherry News Agency, where she had once interned, was in this office building. Xia Yangyang suddenly missed her old friends. So she took the elevator upstairs. Old Bai had just returned to work. He was very surprised to see Xia Yangyang. Almost everyone in the office came up to her when they saw Xia Yangyang walk in. Even Editor-in-chief Old Yuan came out of his small office. ¡°Yangyang, long time no see. I didn¡¯t expect the little paparazzo who interned with us to be a famous star now,¡± Old Yuan walked out with a smile. Xia Yangyang blushed, ¡°Actually, I have always wanted to thank you. You helped me immensely by lending me twenty thousand yuan back then.¡± Back then, when Xia Yangyang hit Shen Shichuan¡¯s car, she prepaid her sry in advance, amounting to half a year¡¯s sry. It was onlyter that she learned that there was no such precedent in thepany, and that Old Yuan had actually lent her his private money. Although the first thing Xia Yangyang did after receiving the Cindere film payment was to repay Old Yuan¡¯s money, She always felt grateful to him. Old Yuan chuckled, ¡°That¡¯s a little thing, you don¡¯t have to worry about it. But Yangyang, now that you¡¯re in the entertainment industry, if there¡¯s any scoop, do make sure to reveal it to us first.¡± Xia Yangyangughed and said, ¡°Isn¡¯t that why I¡¯m here today? To bring you a scoop.¡± With that, Xia Yangyang pointed to the window. Everyone walked over to the window. Looking down, they saw a chaotic crowd, holding posters and signs, shouting loudly: ¡°Xia Yangyang get out of the entertainment industry! Xia Yangyang get out of the entertainment industry!¡± Old Yuan turned back and said, ¡°Yangyang, are you sure about this as tomorrow¡¯s headline? This is openly dering war on the diva. If things get out of hand, it won¡¯t be easy to end, given the number of her fans.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I want to dere war on her. Just go ahead and report it, in any way that attracts the most traffic. Don¡¯t worry about the rest, I¡¯ll take responsibility for whatever happens.¡± Since Xia Yangyang already said this, Old Yuan of course couldn¡¯t wait. The dispute between the new starlet and traditional diva has been dominating headlines across all major entertainment media outlets. They were just worried about running out of new topics. The next day. Cherry Entertainment¡¯s exclusive first public release, the front page headline was ¡°Who is the Real Home-wrecker when the Empress Indulges Her Fans in Creating Trouble?¡± After the report came out, it instantly stirred up a huge wave in the entertainment industry. The names of both Xia Yangyang and Shen Manbing were almost exclusively featured on all tforms¡¯ hot search results. All sorts of fan groups and forums exploded. When Xia Yangyang opened her eyes in the morning, she casually looked at the Weiboments. ¡°Divine Shen has gone too far, indulging her fans in such actions, it¡¯s simply violence!¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang is the other woman, fans helping her to speak up, that is acting as Heaven¡¯s agents.¡± ¡°Are you guys bullying our Yangyang because she doesn¡¯t have any fans? All Xia Yangyang stanse out, even though the other party is a diva, our Yangyang is not one to be messed with!¡± ¡°Not a fan of either, just a passerby, speaking the truth, Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen are married, openly and above board. Shen Manbing, as an Empress, should now avoid suspicion, who the mistress is might be questionable¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang is the mistress, the mistress, the mistress, get out of the entertainment industry, forever support the empress!!¡± The hot searchments blew up overnight, receiving hundreds of thousands of responses, with people saying all sorts of things. Chapter 273 - 274: Nomination Viewing Chapter 274: Nomination Viewing Trantor: 549690339 Early in the morning, Xia Yangyang went to thepany. She had a full schedule as usual today. Xia Yangyang¡¯s assistant, Xiao Mi, looked at her with a startled face. ¡°Sister Yangyang, did you see the news? You¡¯re on the headlines.¡± ¡°Haven¡¯t I been on the headlines these past few days? Just ignore it.¡± Xiao Mi was extremely anxious. ¡°This time it¡¯s different, Sister Yangyang. You should discuss crisis PR with the boss. Moreover, Shen Manbing is the boss¡¯s sister. If the boss mediates, this matter will blow over quickly.¡± But Xia Yangyang responded, ¡°I have been wronged. Why should I put up with it? Let those who want to make a fuss do so. The bigger the fuss, the better.¡± Xiao Mi and the makeup artist, who was doing Xia Yangyang¡¯s makeup, were both taken aback. Based on Xia Yangyang¡¯s usual character, she would never say something like this. Perhaps she truly felt deeply wronged. Even a rabbit, when cornered, will fight. Of course, it could also be because all the rumors now were about Shen Manbing being Gu Qichen¡¯s ex-lover, and Xia Yangyang being the third wheel. Maybe she was just pushed to the limit. However, Xiao Mi was very worried. Although Xia Yangyang¡¯s poprity had soared due to ¡°Cindere¡¯s Magical Fate¡±,peting with a top star was like egging a stone. Xia Yangyang asked Xiao Mi, ¡°Have the arrangements for the SH Film Festival been made?¡± As if suddenly regaining her senses, Xiao Mi excitedly said, ¡°Sister Yangyang, I have a piece of good news and a piece of bad news. Which one do you want to hear first?¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°The good news.¡± Xiao Mi proudly announced, ¡°The good news is that you have been nominated for Best Actress at the SH Film Festival for your role in ¡®Cindere¡¯s Magical Fate¡¯. This is unprecedented in the history of SH. Sister Yangyang, you¡¯ve just debuted and already you¡¯ve been nominated for the most prestigious film festival in the country. This would make countless female celebrities green with envy.¡± Upon hearing this, Xia Yangyang remained calm, ¡°What¡¯s the bad news?¡± Xiao Mi¡¯s face suddenly became a little sad. ¡°The bad news is Shen Manbing is also nominated. She has been the reigning Best Actress at the SH Film Festival for three years. So, it¡¯s likely that things won¡¯t be different this time. But Sister Yangyang, just being nominated is an incredible achievement. You shouldn¡¯t worry too much about the result.¡± After hearing this, Xia Yangyang became thoughtful. Not long after, Zhou Fei suddenly came over. ¡°Yangyang, the boss is asking for you in his office.¡± Xia Yangyang agreed and luckily her makeup was already done. She was scheduled for a magazine cover shoot this morning. Fortunately, the shooting location was in the photography studio of the Time Building, so there was no hurry with the time. Xia Yangyang went to Shen Shichuan¡¯s office. Just as Xia Yangyang entered, Shen Shichuan put down the newspaper he was reading, ¡°You¡¯re here?¡± Xia Yangyang walked over, ¡°Did you need something?¡± ¡°I wanted to ask your opinion on something. QN Jewelry wants you to be their spokesperson. The contract would be for a year. Would you consider it?¡± ¡°QN Jewelry, such a big brand, why would they choose me?¡± Shen Shichuanughed, ¡°They¡¯veunched a new product, aimed primarily at young women. They have seen your Cindere and feel that you are a perfect fit.¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°But I haven¡¯t nned on furthering my career in the entertainment industry.¡± ¡°I understand, you¡¯ve never wanted to sign a contract. I understand where you¡¯reing from. You¡¯re not obligated. However, the endorsement fee is close to eight figures. It¡¯s a bit of a shame to just let it go.¡± Chapter 274 - 275: Who Loses, Leaves the Entertainment Circle Chapter 275: Who Loses, Leaves the Entertainment Circle Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang hesitated for a moment: ¡°Alright, I will endorse it.¡± Shen Shichuanughed: ¡°Why did you change your mind so quickly?¡± Xia Yangyang also frankly smiled: ¡°People can be silly, but they should not mess with the money, right?¡± Shen Shichuanughed in good spirits: ¡°Ah Chen has so much money, why do you care about this little?¡± ¡°His money is his, the money I earn is mine, these are two different things.¡± Xia Yangyang said: ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m going to work.¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± Xia Yangyang left the CEO¡¯s office, and from beginning to end, Shen Shichuan didn¡¯t mention her conflict with Shen Manbing. Frankly speaking, Xia Yangyang felt that Shen Shichuan had never favoured anyone in their conflicts, and he was like a disinterested outsider. For this, Xia Yangyang was quite grateful to him. Xia Yangyang went to the shooting studio. After two hours of shooting, she was exhausted. Just as she finished work, and was exiting the studio. Shen Manbing showed up in front of her, blocking Yangyang¡¯s way: ¡°Xia Yangyang, you are so scheming, taking advantage of my absence to snatch my endorsement. How could you do such a despicable thing!¡± Xia Yangyang frowned: ¡°When did I steal your endorsement?¡± Xiao Mi reminded her from the side: ¡°Yangyang, QN Jewelry used to be endorsed by Sister Bingbing.¡± Shen Manbing arrogantly retorted: ¡°Stop pretending to be naive, Xia Yangyang. You just came here a few days ago, and you want to rece me. I will make you understand the consequences of overreaching.¡± They stood blocking the path to the studio People wereing and going all around. Everyone had stopped to watch the drama when they saw such a ¡°spectacr¡± event. Some even sneakily took out their phones to take a picture. At this moment, Shen Shichuan came over. His face was grave: ¡°When were you discharged from the hospital, why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± But Shen Manbing seemedpletely uninterested in small talk, she directly questioned: ¡°Why did the endorsement that originally belonged to me get given to her? I won¡¯t object if CEO Shen decides to promote new faces, but if they n to climb up on my shoulders, I will never tolerate it.¡± Shen Manbing is Shen Shichuan¡¯s sister, but she¡¯s actually addressing him formally as CEO Shen. She must be really angry. But when it came to work, Shen Shichuan had a very official tone: ¡°Your contract with QN has already expired this year. Yangyang was expressly requested by them. Plus, her temperament also matches QN¡¯s new range this year. This decision has nothing to do with her; I arranged it.¡± Seeing Shen Shichuan defending Xia Yangyang like this, Shen Manbing was even more furious. Shen Manbing said to Shen Shichuan: ¡°Time can only amodate one of us, CEO Shen. If you insist on holding onto her, I¡¯ll leave Time.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s words were calm and determined. Shen Shichuan¡¯s face was cold, seemingly somewhat angry: ¡°Manbing, do you even realize what you¡¯re saying?¡± ¡°It¡¯s you, my big brother, who doesn¡¯t understand what you are doing. Why do you treat me like this for a stranger? What charm does Xia Yangyang possess that makes you guys treat her so well? Anyway, she and I are like oil and water. Choose one of us now.¡± Shen Shichuan furrowed his brows. A crowd had already gathered around them. This was a public deration of war by a queen. It seems like this big drama isn¡¯ting to an end so soon. What would the CEO choose? One was his own younger sister, and the other was a new star vigorously promoted by thepany. Regardless of his choice, Time seems to be the one to suffer the loss. Xia Yangyang stepped forward: ¡°Shen Manbing, CEO Shen is your brother, let¡¯s not make him ufortable because of us. How about this, since you and I both got nominated for Best Actress, we will use the result at the SH Film Festival in a week as a wager. If you win the Best Actress award, I, Xia Yangyang, will voluntarily leave the entertainment industry. If I win the Best Actress award, you, Shen Manbing, will leave the entertainment industry. What do you say, are you daring enough to gamble on it?¡± Chapter 275 - 276: Xia Weiwei Comes to Find Gu Qichen Chapter 276: Xia Weiwei Comes to Find Gu Qichen Trantor: 549690339 Hearing Xia Yangyang say this, almost everyone gasped for breath. Although Xia Yangyang was a rising star who had shot to fame overnight, how could she have the audacity to say such words? The person standing in front of her was an international film queen, who had remained unshakeable in the entertainment industry for ten years and had numerous honors to her name. For the past ten years, she had won countless awards, consecutively imed the title of Best Actress for three years, and had bagged two film queen titles. She had long established herself as an indisputable queen in the industry. Xia Yangyang issuing this challenge was equivalent to seeking her own doom. But Shen Manbing¡¯s face revealed a trace of a smile. She looked at Xia Yangyang as if she was watching a praying mantis trying to stop a chariot. ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you sure you want to challenge me?¡± Even Shen Shichuan seemed taken aback: ¡°Yangyang, don¡¯t be stubborn.¡± But Xia Yangyang simply ignored him and stated categorically: ¡°I¡¯ll challenge you, but if neither of us gets the Film Queen award, things from the past are erased, and you won¡¯t trouble me in the future.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯sugh was arrogant and cold: ¡°If I, Shen Manbing, don¡¯t win the Film Queen, I will retire and leave the entertainment industry forever.¡± Having said this, Shen Manbing turned around and left. The people watching couldn¡¯t help but sigh. Did these two really need to go this big? It was tantly obvious that they were gambling with their own careers. And anyone could see that Xia Yangyang was digging her own grave. Was the sudden fame inting their egos to the point where they thought they couldpete with the queen? The CEO¡¯s office. Shen Shichuan said: ¡°Why are you so impulsive? I can solve the issue between you and Manbing.¡± Xia Yangyangughed: ¡°You know that I never intended to stay in the entertainment circle, and if I could leave in such a sensational manner, it would be rather grand, so it doesn¡¯t really matter.¡± Shen Shichuan was quiet for a long time before he finally sighed: ¡°I know your heart is not in this. Forget it. You go first.¡± After finishing her work, Xia Yangyang did not go home. Instead, she went to Shengyuan Building. Because of the previous incident with Lin Yuanyuan, when Xia Yangyang passed the secretary department, everyone was polite to her. But something about the way they looked at Xia Yangyang seemed strange. Xia Yangyang thought it must have been influenced by recent news but didn¡¯t get bothered. Her old friend, Lu Xiaoman, was very surprised when she saw Xia Yangyang: ¡°Yangyang, was that really your little sister who just came in? She kept calling me ¡®brother-inw¡¯, it was so annoying.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback: ¡°What little sister?¡± Lu Xiaoman was very surprised: ¡°Don¡¯t you know? Half an hour ago, a girl suddenly burst into the secretary department. Her name was Xia Weiwei. She imed to be the wife of the CEO¡¯s sister, insisting on meeting the CEO. The CEO was in a meeting then, so we asked her to wait a bit. However, she used us of stalling and not letting her see the CEO. She made a fuss in the secretary department for two hours, even ordering us around for tea and water. Not sure about her identity, we let her make a fuss. When the CEO finished the meeting, she kept calling him ¡®brother-inw¡¯ and it gave me goosebumps.¡± Xia Weiwei came? Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyebrows knitted together instantly. She actually came to Shengyuan Building. Xia Yangyang went straight to the CEO¡¯s office. Without even knocking, she just walked in. She saw Gu Qichen writing something, then tearing off a sheet of paper and handing it to Xia Weiwei. Xia Weiwei took it and was overjoyed: ¡°Brother-inw, you are so generous, our entire family is forever indebted to you. My sister is really fortunate to have married you in her previous life.¡± The voice of Gu Qichen was rather indifferent: ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, you can leave now.¡± Yet Xia Weiwei¡¯s voice became softer and more coy: ¡°Brother-inw, I waited for you in the secretary department for two hours, are you really so eager to get rid of me? Brother-inw, I haven¡¯t eaten anything today, I¡¯m so hungry. Why don¡¯t you treat me to a meal?¡± Chapter 276 - 277: Shamelessly Asking for Money Chapter 277: Shamelessly Asking for Money Trantor: 549690339 | Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t take it anymore. She marched right in: ¡°Xia Weiwei, what are you doing here?¡± Only after Xia Yangyang walked in did she get a clear view. The object Xia Weiwei was holding turned out to be a check. However, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t make out the amount indicated on it. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t believe what she was seeing: ¡°What is that in your hand? Give it to me.¡± Xia Weiwei hastily stuffed the check into her purse, a smile stered on her face: ¡°This is a token of appreciation from my brother-inw, Xia Yangyang. How long has it been since youst visited home? Do you know our father¡¯spany is facing a huge problem? It¡¯s only fair that my brother-inw helps, we are family after all. Unless of course, you don¡¯t consider my brother-inw family.¡± ¡°Xia Weiwei, I¡¯d have to be a fool to trust you. Even if our father¡¯spany is indeed in trouble, I should be the one he turns to, not you dealing directly with him. What business do you have with him? How dare you shamelessly ask him for money.¡± Xia Weiwei was almost driven mad with anger. The submissive Xia Yangyang had be increasingly arrogant after marrying Gu Qichen. However, with Gu Qichen present, Xia Weiwei had to maintain her image and couldn¡¯t lose her temper openly. She could hardly hide her resentment. ¡°So, Xia Yangyang, now that you are married into a wealthy family and have a soaring career in the entertainment industry, you look down on us. If not for this pressing issue, I wouldn¡¯t have thickened my skin to ask my brother-inw. He himself hasn¡¯t raised any objections, yet here you are, using me unjustly. If you really don¡¯t trust me, you can go and ask father yourself.¡± Xia Weiwei, appearing as if she had suffered a great injustice, had tears in her eyes and looked pitiful. She nced at Xia Yangyang out of the corner of her eye, only to find that Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze was fixated on Xia Yangyang,pletely oblivious to her emotional state at the moment. Xia Weiwei knew about Xia Yangyang¡¯s stubbornness. Xia Yangyang disliked owing anyone anything, even if that person was Gu Qichen. Xia Weiwei was genuinely afraid that Xia Yangyang would end up returning the money. So she turned to Gu Qichen and said, ¡°Brother-inw, I won¡¯t bother you any longer. I need to leave.¡± Xia Yangyang wanted to stop Xia Weiwei. But Gu Qichen leaned over and held her by the arm, ¡°What¡¯s the rush? Didn¡¯t youe to see me? Why are you leaving so soon?¡± Xia Yangyang was fuming, ¡°Gu Qichen, what did you do? Why did you give her money!¡± Gu Qichen let out a small chuckle, pulling Xia Yangyang onto hisp, ¡°Did you eat dynamite or what? Why are you so angry?¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, what¡¯s going on?¡± Gu Qichen, amused to see her looking so hotheaded, wanted to enjoy it a little longer. But seeing that Xia Yangyang was on the verge of violent rage¡­ He decided not to provoke her any further. He inly told the truth, ¡°Xia Weiwei asked me to lend her five million, saying your father was having some financial issues, so I lent it to her.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°How could you just casually hand her the money? Do you believe whatever she tells you?¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°It¡¯s just five million, no big deal. Besides, I¡¯ve heard that your father¡¯s recent investments have all been losses. Since she came openly to me, I guess everyone at home knows about it. We can ask about it when we go back. If there are indeed problems, it is my duty to lend a hand.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s brows knitted together. To be honest, due to Liu Ruyan, the rtionship between her and Xia Liangdong had been strained. That was undeniable. However, if thepany was indeed facing serious issues, Xia Yangyang would never stand by and do nothing. After all, the establishment of thepany was also the result of her mother¡¯s hard work. What Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t tolerate was that Xia Liangdong hadn¡¯t said a word to her about any of this, and it was Xia Weiwei who instead directly approached Gu Qichen for money. Chapter 277 - 278:1 borrowed this money, it has nothing to do with you. Chapter 278:1 borrowed this money, it has nothing to do with you. Trantor: 549690339 This made Xia Yangyang feel utterly ashamed. Xia Yangyang said to Gu Qichen, ¡°I will make it clear about this. If it¡¯s true, I¡¯ll consider the five million as a loan from you and find a way to repay you.¡± Although Gu Qichen mentioned it as Xia Weiwei owed him money, Xia Yangyang knew that for Xia Weiwei, this money seemed like pocket change that she never intended to return. Yet, Xia Yangyang could not stand Xia Weiwei¡¯s entitlement! As a neer, her pay for acting in Cindere wasn¡¯t high. The total barely exceeded two million. Gu Qichen said, ¡°Do you have to be so formal with me? It¡¯s only five million.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not the same.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no difference. Let¡¯s put this aside for now. If you¡¯re worried, let¡¯s go home tonight to ask about it.¡± Xia Yangyang knew she would anger Gu Qichen if she rejected the money too vigorously. So, before she could rify the situation, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t say anything else. Xia Yangyang shook her head, ¡°You should not return, don¡¯t you always visit your ancestral house every Sunday? I will go first to investigate, and if anythinges up, I will let you know.¡± Gu Qichen considered it awhile and agreed. Xia Yangyang rarely visited his ancestral house now. Partly due to her busy schedule and partly because she still managed to avoid Gu Zhaohan. After theirst rooftop parting, Xia Yangyang had almost no contact with Gu Zhaohan. Some difficulties are better left to fade over time. Xia Yangyang left the Shengyuan Building ahead of time. She didn¡¯t expect that Xia Weiwei was still in the Shengyuan Building¡¯s lobby. Seeing Xia Yangyange out alone, Xia Weiwei quickly approached her, pointed at Xia Yangyang and berated, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you ungrateful woman. After living with us for over a decade, now when our family is in trouble, you just stand aside and even sabotage us. I will tell dad about your true colors. He has been feeling guilty about you all these years, I want him to see that his favorite daughter is nothing but an ingrate.¡± Standing in front of Xia Weiwei¡¯s harsh usation, Xia Yangyang took a step forward and grabbed Xia Weiwei¡¯s arm, ¡°If there¡¯s truly something wrong with the family, I won¡¯t stand by, but Gu Qichen is not your money tree. He owes you nothing. Bring out that check.¡± After much thought, Xia Yangyang felt that she couldn¡¯t let Xia Weiwei take that check. Even if five million meant nothing to Gu Qichen or Shengyuan, once Xia Weiwei had a taste of the sweet life, with her thick skin, it would be a bottomless pit. Xia Yangyang could imagine Xia Weiwei hounding Gu Qichen for more money. She also didn¡¯t want to see Xia Weiwei getting close to Gu Qichen. Xia Weiwei shook off Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand. Clutching her bag, a triumphant expression on her face, she said, ¡°Xia Yangyang, this five million has nothing to do with you. Gu Qichen gave it to me out of respect for me. You dream of getting it back. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll thank him properly in the future.¡± She turned and left as Xia Weiwei finished speaking. Xia Yangyang knew that Xia Weiwei had been spoiled since childhood but never thought she could behave so shamelessly. Xia Weiwei and Xia Yangyang arrived at the Xia Family¡¯s vi, one after the other. Xia Liangdong was in his study. Xia Yangyang went straight to Xia Liangdong¡¯s study on the upper floor. The door to the study was open, and Xia Liangdong was talking on the phone inside. He was taking one call after another, constantly smoking, pacing back and forth in the room. Xia Yangyang could vaguely hear words like ¡°loan¡± and ¡°shortage of funds¡±. After Xia Liangdong finally ended his call, Xia Yangyang knocked on the door of his study. Chapter 278 - 279: Starlight Faces Bankruptcy Chapter 279: Starlight Faces Bankruptcy Trantor: 549690339 Xia Liangdong looked up to see Xia Yangyang. His face suddenly changed, then forced out a smile, ¡°Yangyang, why did you suddenlye back.¡± Xia Yangyang walked in without beating about the bush, ¡°I just ran into Weiwei at Gu Qichen¡¯s office, Weiwei borrowed five million from Gu Qichen, what¡¯s going on?¡± Xia Liangdong¡¯s face changed again, ¡°This child, she really went to him, I¡¯ve told her countless times not to bother Ah Chen, this is our own family matter.¡± Xia Yangyang was anxious, ¡°What exactly happened?¡± Xia Liangdong sighed, ¡°Before, I invested in several projects, all turned out to be losses, now Starlight is short of funds, and the contracts of several top-tier artists have just expired, they do not want to renew with Starlight, so¡­¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me about this?¡± ¡°What¡¯s the use of telling you, we didn¡¯t tell Weiwei either, this girl probably eavesdropped on the conversation between me and Aunt Liu, and then went to borrow money from Gu Qichen, but what can five million do, she is really a silly girl.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°How much funding shortfall are you facing?¡± Xia Liangdong was silent for a while, then said, ¡°Two hundred million.¡± Xia Yangyang was shocked, ¡°How could it be so much?¡± Xia Liangdong¡¯s face was grave, ¡°Yangyang, you have no idea about the current situation. The entertainment industry is not what it was ten years ago, resources from the time have upied half of the entertainment industry, other emerging media have also begun to rise, plus the current trend of studio systems, those big names who have made a name for themselves have started their own studios. I originally thought that Starlight couldn¡¯t keep up with the times, so I nned to exit this circle, invest the money in other areas, hoping for huge profits, even if Starlight is not prosperous in the future, it would still leave a substantial estate for you and Weiwei, but I didn¡¯t expect, all those investments went down the drain, now the price of Starlight¡¯s stocks is falling, and the bank can¡¯t lend anymore, if this continues, Starlight might face bankruptcy.¡± At the end of his words, Xia Liangdong lit a cigarette, took a troubled puff. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t pay attention to matters in themercial field, but she didn¡¯t expect things to have reached such a dire state. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what to say for a while. A funding gap of two hundred million, and this two hundred million is only a temporary fill to the gap, how to develop in the future, still remains unknown. This might be a gigantic gaping hole. Xia Liangdong said, ¡°Anyway, you don¡¯t have to worry about it, I and Aunt Liu will handle it, you can just pretend you don¡¯t know.¡± That¡¯s what he said, but now that Xia Yangyang knew about it, how could she pretend not to. At dinner, Xia Weiwei smugly took out the check and handed it to Xia Liangdong in front of Xia Yangyang, ¡°Dad, this is from my brother-inw, he¡¯s so straightforward, half a word wasn¡¯t said about the five million, but my sister, she hindered and stalled, I don¡¯t know what she intended.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I just think, even if the Xia family goes bankrupt, we¡¯re not at the point of begging others for money, if you did borrow money, you should leave a promissory note, a written promise, that¡¯s the proper way.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, what gives you the right to criticise me, I¡¯m only looking out for the family business, you¡¯ve married into a wealthy family now, you think you¡¯re above everything, do you know that even a penny is very important to our family now.¡± Xia Weiwei spoke grandiosely, ¡°Besides, I borrowed the money, I owe the debt, what does that have to do with you, Xia Yangyang, if you don¡¯t want to help, fine, but are you saying I can¡¯t even find a way to solve the problem?¡± Chapter 279 - 280: Painful and Torn... Chapter 280: Painful and Torn¡­ Trantor: 549690339 ¡°Alright, both of you stop arguing now.¡± Liu Ruyan interjected. Liu Ruyan took the cheque and ced it in front of Xia Yangyang¡¯s table. ¡°Yangyang, don¡¯t be mad. Weiwei is still young and naive, and she¡¯s not too sharp either, but she means well. Since this money has caused you trouble, take it back. Even in the hardest times, Shengyuan never stooped as low ascking 5 million.¡± Although Liu Ruyan spoke softly, each sentence wasced with barbs. By ming it on youthful ignorance, she had easily dismissed Xia Weiwei¡¯s absurd actions. It seemed more about ming her for standing by and doing nothing. Xia Liangdong was also frustrated and confused. The Xia Family used to be immensely wealthy. When did they ever fall so low as to argue over 5 million? With a certain impatience, Xia Liangdong said: ¡°Yangyang, take this money and return it to Ah Chen. After all, this is our family¡¯s issue, we really shouldn¡¯t bother him.¡± Xia Yangyang quietly tucked the cheque away, then said: ¡°Dad, I¡¯ll figure out a way for the money you need, but this money¡­ we really can¡¯t keep it.¡± Xia Liangdong seemed to sigh. Xia Weiwei and Liu Ruyan exchanged a nce. After dinner, Xia Liangdong and Liu Ruyan went to the study. Xia Yangyang returned to her room. Sheid on her bed thinking about a lot of things. Eventually, she got up and went to the study. The door of the study was left ajar. But the conversation inside was clearly heard. ¡°I don¡¯t want to say anything, your daughter is high-spirited and proud, she certainly wouldn¡¯t ask Gu Qichen for help, so I let Weiwei try to gauge the situation. 5 million might be a small figure, but at least it shows Ah Chen¡¯s willingness to help. The only way out for Shengyuan now is to receive aid from the Gu Family, but your daughter, she made such a fuss because of 5 million, a person who doesn¡¯t return home even once a month, actually came home chasing after this sum. I think asking her for help is harder than reaching the sky.¡± Xia Liangdong¡¯s voice also came from inside: ¡°This matter shouldn¡¯t have involved Yangyang from the start. If we let Yangyang ask for help, how will she ever be able to raise her head in front of her inws? Although our Xia Family might not be as prestigious as the Gu Family, Yangyang is still my precious daughter, not a money tree we can shake at our leisure.¡± Liu Ruyan scoffed coldly: ¡°Xia Liangdong, you sure do dote on this daughter of ours, considering every detail for her. But have you ever thought about our daughter, Weiwei? She¡¯s 19 now, raised in thep of luxury, with dreams of bing a top star. If she has to face thepany going bankrupt and the family being in debt now, what will she do for the rest of her life? How will her friends see her? Yangyang is already part of the Gu Family, covered by their halo, and your son-inw dotes on her. What¡¯s the harm of losing a bit of face? Does your eldest daughter¡¯s half portion of face worth more than the future happiness and career of Weiwei?¡± Xia Liangdong remained silent. Liu Ruyan stormed out. Luckily, the study was next to the turn in the stairs, and Xia Yangyang was on the other side of the wall. Liu Ruyan didn¡¯t notice Xia Yangyang as she went straight back to her bedroom. Xia Yangyang proceeded to sit down on the staircase. Falling into a great inner conflict¡­ Xia Yangyang hoped that her marriage with Gu Qichen could be pure, and have nothing to do with business interests. She also wished they wouldn¡¯t have to rely on the Gu Family in their business. Otherwise, she would feel forever indebted to Gu Qichen in their marital rtionship, and they could never be equals. But now, her family was really going through a crisis, and she couldn¡¯t just watch from the sidelines. After all, it was thepany her father had founded himself, and her mother had put so much effort into managing it as well. Xia Yangyang raked her fingers through her hair, torn and in pain¡­ Chapter 280 - 281: Stepping on a Ton of Dog Poop Every Day Chapter 281: Stepping on a Ton of Dog Poop Every Day Trantor: 549690339 | Xia Yangyang mulled over it for a while. Then she returned to her room, taking the cheque for five million in her hand. Then she went to Xia Liangdong¡¯s office. Xia Liangdong was sitting on the sofa, looking lost. Xia Yangyang approached him and handed over the cheque for five million: ¡°Dad, you better keep this five million for now, I know it¡¯s not of much use, but it¡¯s better to have something than nothing.¡± Xia Liangdong looked up: ¡°Yangyang, you¡­¡± ¡°Let¡¯s consider it a loan from Shengyuan Group,ter I will find a way to repay this money. As for the rest of the money, I will figure that out. I promised Shen Shichuan to take up an advertisement endorsement. The fee could be close to an eight-digit number. Plus I still have some prior filming fees. As soon as I get the money, I will transfer it to your bank ount.¡± Xia Liangdong felt a knot in his heart: ¡°Yangyang, you don¡¯t have to do this. I don¡¯t want to drag you down.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was steady: ¡°Regardless, I can¡¯t ignore our family¡¯s current predicament. I will do what I can do. But unless it¡¯s thest resort, I hope we won¡¯t pin all our hopes on Gu Qichen. After all, he only married me and doesn¡¯t owe our family anything.¡± Xia Liangdong sighed: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, no matter what Aunt Liu says, I will never interfere with your happiness. I have let you down over the years. Now that you have finally found someone reliable, I won¡¯t let people belittle you.¡± But that was not what Xia Yangyang meant. In fact, if ites to thest resort, Xia Yangyang will certainly ask Gu Qichen for help. Xia Yangyang just hoped that before she ran out of other options, she wouldn¡¯t see the Gu Family as her only lifesaver. As Xia Yangyang exited the study, she was immediately intercepted by Xia Weiwei at the door of her room. ¡°Xia Yangyang, you¡¯re so vile. The money was originally lent by me. Not only did you take it back, but you also made a good deed out of giving it to dad.¡± Xia Yangyang looked at her coldly: ¡°If you heard the conversation I had with dad in the study, then you must know that I n to repay this money. If you¡¯re looking for credit, it¡¯s easy, write a promissory note for five million yuan, and I¡¯ll take it to Gu Qichen. In the future, you can pay back the five million yuan.¡± Xia Weiwei despised Xia Yangyang: ¡°I simply can¡¯t stand your hypocritical face. Gu Qichen is your husband and his money is essentially your money. It¡¯s absurd to think you¡¯d pay back the five million. I won¡¯t be fooled into taking on a debt of five million yuan.¡± ¡°If you know that his money is my money, then what does my money have to do with you.¡± Xia Weiwei fumed, ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t be smug. I¡¯m watching to see how long you can keep this up. Everything you have now will eventually be mine! Just you wait!¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t even bother arguing. She and Xia Weiwei could never see eye to eye. Xia Yangyang entered her room directly, closed the door, and locked it. Xia Weiwei was so infuriated that she started banging on the door. The following days, Xia Yangyang was still incredibly busy. Yesterday, she arrived in Sea City by ne. The prestigious SH Film Festival was to be held in Sea City. Her betting agreement of ¡°Best Actress¡± with Shen Manbing had gone viral on the inte. It had already stirred up a storm. At this point, almost everyone thought Xia Yangyang was overconfident and digging her own grave. Of course, there were some whomended her for her bravery to challenge the reigning queen. But more people expressed regret for her future, as a rising star in the entertainment industry was going to fall so easily. The day before the grand event, Xia Yangyang nned to walk the red carpet with Chen Yu. Chen Yu arrived an hour before the start of the red carpet. These days, he had been shooting advertisements abroad. Xia Yangyang rarely saw him. Upon seeing her, he started scolding: ¡°What the hell were you thinking making that bet with Shen Manbing? She has earned her title as a superstar. You stand no chance of winning. Why would you do something so foolish?¡± Xia Yangyang replied with a smirk: ¡°It was a moment of impulse. But what if I got incredibly lucky?¡± ¡°Even if you stepped in a ton of dog poop every day, you wouldn¡¯t have that kind of luck.¡± Chen Yu was utterly irritated. Chapter 281 - 282: Film and Television Festival Chapter 282: Film and Television Festival Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang feigned hurt andined, ¡°Why are you so good at crushing my spirit?¡± Chen Yu let out a serious sigh, ¡°Shen Manbing has been in this circle for ten years. Although somewhat spoiled and capricious, shemands immense respect and her acting skills are top-notch. Especially, she¡¯s friends with all of the judges for the SH Film Festival, which is hosted by Global International Entertainment. The president of Global is one of Shen Manbing¡¯s admirers. She¡¯s a person who¡¯s both capable and lucky. How can you possibly beat her?¡± Nheless, Xia Yangyang appeared unconcerned, ¡°Alright, Chen Yu. You can stop talking now. Worst case scenario, I quit acting. That¡¯s not a big deal to me.¡± Looking at the rebellious girl in front of him, Chen Yu was at a loss for words. In this industry, so many people scramble andpete for one or two roles. Some of them have been in the industry for a dozen years, yet remain minor performers. But she¡¯s different. She soared to stardom the moment she began her acting career, earning a nomination for Best Actress after just one TV series. She clearly has a bright future ahead of her. Yet, she does not seem to care. But then, Xia Yangyang thought of something. Xia Yangyang asked Chen Yu, ¡°Do you know what¡¯s going on inside Starlight?¡± As Starlight¡¯s top talent, Chen Yu had even been given a stake in thepany by Xia Liangdong to retain him. For that reason, Chen Yu was also one of the shareholders of Starlight. With the mention of this, Chen Yu furrowed his brows, ¡°I don¡¯t know about the rest, but I do know that nearly all big-name stars Starlight relied on have left.¡± ¡°Why did that happen?¡± With a grave look, Chen Yu replied, ¡°In recent years, your father has beenrgely hands-off with thepany¡¯s affairs, leaving them to your stepmother instead. However, she has little business acumen, makes arbitrary decisions, and is overly harsh with performers. I¡¯m not surprised to see Starlight in its current state.¡± Xia Yangyang started feeling distressed. She was well aware of the situation Chen Yu described. But for the past decade, regardless of what Liu Ruyan was like, she was the person Xia Liangdong trusted most. Therefore, there were certain things Xia Yangyang felt awkward discussing with her father. It seemed like Chen Yu remembered something though, ¡°However, Yangyang, there is one thing you should pay particr attention to.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°I once saw your stepmother with¡­¡± Chen Yu stopped midway through his sentence: ¡°Never mind, I don¡¯t have solid proof. Anyway, keep an eye on your stepmother, who she meets, who she hangs out with.¡± All this seemed very perplexing to Xia Yangyang. What on earth was Chen Yu trying to insinuate? Just then, Xiao Mi suddenly appeared. ¡°Sister Yangyang, Brother Chen Yu, it¡¯s time to walk the red carpet and make our entrance.¡± Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu left the hotel together. Luxury cars were parked downstairs to chauffeur guests. They were all top-of-the-range automobiles. The drive from the hotel to the venue was just three minutes away. But the organizers probably prepared over a hundred luxury cars to transport the stars. Chen Yu assisted Xia Yangyang into a convertible Ferrari. The car started moving slowly. As there were drones filming from above. From the moment they left the hotel. All their movements were projected onto a giant screen at the end of the red carpet. Just a few minutester, their car arrived. The Film Festival was held at Jolson Grand Hall. A five-hundred-metre red carpet wasid out in front of the hall. Both sides of the red carpet were lined with barricades and a wall of security personnel. Countless journalists were taking photos and filming outside the barricades. shes were popping all over the red carpet. It was a star-studded scene filled with gleaming lights¡­. Chapter 282 - 283: Mr. Gu is Shen Tianhou’s Male Companion Chapter 283: Mr. Gu is Shen Tianhou¡¯s Male Companion Trantor: 549690339 After the car stopped. Chen Yu got out first, then went to the side where Xia Yangyang was sitting, he acted like a gentleman, opening the door for her, and holding her hand as she got out of the car. The car drove away. Xia Yangyang was being led by Chen Yu onto the red carpet. Today, Xia Yangyang was wearing a golden, shoulder-baring, fishtail dress. Her tall physique perfectly entuated by the dress. The crowd was filled with reporters and countless fans. They were all shouting ¡°Chen Yu, Chen Yu, I love you.¡± The sound was deafening, echoing to the heavens. Chen Yu was used to it. He smiled and waved to the crowd in different directions. This triggered another round of screams from the crowd. Because it was a photo op. The organizers had all emphasized this before. Walk as slowly as possible on the red carpet. So Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu had already been walking for 10 minutes, and they had only just reached the halfway point of the red carpet. But just at this moment. Behind Chen Yu, the crowd once again erupted with excitement. Even all of the media moved in one direction. Without turning to look at the entrance, Chen Yu said casually: ¡°Your arch-rival must have arrived.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t realize who Chen Yu was talking about for a moment. She followed the crowd¡¯s gaze. Shen Manbing, like a shining star, stepped out of a Bugatti Veyron sports car. A multi-million dor sports car, just perfect for a queen. But Xia Yangyang¡¯s face darkened rapidly, and the smile she usually had in front of the camera started to fade away bit by bit. When Chen Yu looked in that direction, he felt that something was definitely off. He turned his head to look at Xia Yangyang: ¡°Why is he here, Yangyang, didn¡¯t you know about this?¡± She looked unpleasant. She seemed utterly unaware. From outside the red carpet, the surprised discussions of journalists can be heard. ¡°Isn¡¯t it Mr. Gu apanying the queen Shen? Are my eyes deceiving me?¡± ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s Mr. Gu, Mr. Gu is Miss Xia¡¯s husband. But he¡¯s walking the red carpet with Shen, who¡¯speting with Miss Xia for the queen¡¯s title. Is Mr. Gu not afraid of controversy?¡± ¡°Look at Miss Xia¡¯s face, she obviously doesn¡¯t know about this. Didn¡¯t these two make a public bet, whoever loses the queen¡¯s title must leave showbiz?¡± ¡°It seems we¡¯ll see quite a show tonight.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s face was gloomy. Chen Yu whispered a reminder in her ear: ¡°There are so many media people taking photos right now. The more at this moment, the more we should show grace. Smile, try to smile.¡± Unlike other stars, Shen Manbing didn¡¯t stop and go. She gracefully came straight toward Xia Yangyang. All the media moved with her like a moving current. Finally, Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen stopped next to Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu. All the media attention was focused on these four people. Shen Manbing was the first to speak, as though exining to Xia Yangyang. ¡°My malepanion had a sudden emergency and couldn¡¯t make it. Ah Chen was originally nning toe see you, to surprise you. So I asked him to walk on the red carpet with me. You won¡¯t mind, right?¡± Shen Manbing spoke casually, but her eyes were filled with barely concealed contempt and defiance. Xia Yangyang also forced a smile: ¡°Of course not, it¡¯s just walking the red carpet together. We¡¯re all artists, it¡¯s no big deal, I understand.¡± Chapter 283 - 284: Red Carpet Accident Chapter 284: Red Carpet ident Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang was struggling to maintain her smile, clearly exhibiting anger. Chen Yu was extremely worried on the side. This whole scene was bound to be captured by the media and sensationalized. But, Chen Yu found it strange. Yangyang¡¯s temperament wasn¡¯t like this. She had faced a simr situation at Lake Bay previously. At that time, Xia Yangyang was only heartbroken and promptly left. But now, she stayed and confronted the situation head-on. It seems she had grown quite a bit over the past few months. Chen Yu turned her gaze to Gu Qi Chen. She had assumed that he would say a few words to exin the situation. However, Gu Qi Chen maintained a light smile the entire time, appearing unbothered. Chen Yu clenched her hands. Regrettably, she shouldn¡¯t have exited their lives so easily. If Gu Qi Chen had Xia Yangyang, why didn¡¯t he cherish her properly? It seemed that even the celebrities on the red carpet decided to linger, not far from them. No one wanted to miss out on such an interesting show. Shen Manbing, though her smile was loose, was unsurprisingly radiant: ¡°Miss Xia, you should remember our agreement.¡± ¡°Of course, I remember.¡± ¡°I hope Miss Xia won¡¯t regret it.¡± ¡°Same to you.¡± Both maintained shallow smiles, but the veiled hostility was clearly evident. If anyone was more adept at the art of deception, it was Shen Manbing. A clear queen, she had effectively stolen the spotlight on the entire red carpet. Shen Manbing, before the face of Xia Yangyang, hooked her arm with Gu Qi Chen and said, ¡°Ah Chen, let¡¯s go in.¡± Gu Qi Chen nodded. Chen Yu¡¯s gaze remained fixed on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face. He was genuinely worried for her, Shen Manbing had publicly pped Xia Yangyang in the face. Recent media attention had heavily focused on the history amongst the three of them. With the sudden incident, Chen Yu had no idea what Gu Qi Chen was thinking. Shen Manbing turned to leave. But after taking only a few steps, an unexpected incident urred the next second. Shen Manbing¡¯s long dress suddenly fell off. Shen Manbing was wearing a strapless dress with a starry design. The long hem of her dress dragged along the carpet. From one angle, it was apparent that Xia Yangyang had identally stepped on Shen Manbing¡¯s dress hem. The entire red carpet was filled with the sharp intake of breaths. The surrounding reporters also stirred up. Then, they all began to snap pictures like crazy. No one expected such an explosive event tonight. It would surely provide headlines for a month. Everyone assumed Miss Xia was intentional. Just as Shen Manbing¡¯s public snatching of her husband had pped Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, now she has made Shen Manbing a spectacle in public! Fortunately, Shen Manbing thankfully wore a conservative ck underdress. The dress was decent enough to wear regrly and didn¡¯t seem disrespectful. The reporters collectively expressed their regrets. If they could have captured Shen Manbing¡¯s wardrobe malfunction, the images would have been explosively viral. However, this was indeed a serious red carpet mishap. Shen Manbing let out an astonished cry. Her dress had already fallen halfway down, thankfully Gu Qi Chen was quick-witted and removed his jacket to cover her. Shen Manbing turned around, full of rage: ¡°Xia Yangyang, you actually¡­¡± Xia Yangyang hurriedly said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡± Shen Manbing was shaking with anger. But under the re of countless camera spotlights, she shouldn¡¯t stay for too long. Shen Manbing¡¯s assistant, who had rushed over earlier, lifted Shen Manbing¡¯s dress: ¡°Sister Bingbing, let¡¯s leave.¡± Shen Manbing shot a fierce look at Xia Yangyang: ¡°We¡¯ll reckon our ountster.¡± Chapter 284 - 285: Xia Yangyang Really is a Despicable Person Chapter 285: Xia Yangyang Really is a Despicable Person Trantor: 549690339 Surrounded by her assistant and bodyguards, Shen Manbing was the first to leave the red carpet and boarded a van. And Gu Qichen only gave Xia Yangyang a nce before departing with Shen Manbing. All the journalists were excited to capture this scene. Because both the red carpet and the award ceremony were being broadcasted live. The same spectacle unfolded on the inte as well. After the skirt-stepping incident urred, thements section exploded instantly. ¡°Xia Yangyang really is a lowly woman; she did it on purpose, using such despicable tactics to embarrass our queen in public!!¡± ¡°After all, our queen was the one who acted unjustly first. Mr. Gu is Xia Yangyang¡¯s husband, and our queen purposefully chose him as her escort. Isn¡¯t that a deliberate insult to Xia Yangyang?¡± ¡°The entertainment circle is really messy. One is the unshakeable queen of the entertainment industry, the other a rising star who shot to fame as soon as she debuted. How could they rise to prominence in this industry without any tricks or schemes? But I guess the old saying holds true ¡®the older ginger is spicier¡¯. Our queen must have walked hundreds, if not thousands of red carpets, wouldn¡¯t she know if her skirt got stepped on? Maybe she deliberately tried to take down a rival. Otherwise, why wasn¡¯t the innerwear of our queen exposed? Perhaps she intentionally framed Xia Yangyang.¡± ¡°The abovement is ridiculous. Do you think our high and mighty queen would stoop so low as to sacrifice her own image to set up a scheme against a rookie actress?¡± ¡°I think this whole situation wouldn¡¯t have happened if it wasn¡¯t for a certain man. The true culprit should be Mr. Gu. His behavior today was greatly disappointing. Isn¡¯t he famous for spoiling his wife? Not long ago, he gave his beloved wife a two-billion-dor ¡®Heart of the Kingdom.¡¯ Now what does it mean, walking the red carpet with Shen Manbing?¡± ¡°They are just friends, walking the red carpet together doesn¡¯t mean anything. Besides, didn¡¯t Xia Yangyang also walk the red carpet with Chen Yu?¡± Comments exploded on various social media tforms. And fans from both sides started fighting again. Xia Yangyang was still on the red carpet, slowly walking to the end of the carpet with Chen Yu. At the end of the red carpet was a massive signature wall. The beautiful host would briefly chat with each celebrity, asking them some questions. After Xia Yangyang walked over. The beautiful host said: ¡°There was a mishap on the red carpet earlier, could Miss Xia tell us what actually happened?¡± Xia Yangyang looked sincere: ¡°I didn¡¯t realize and identally stepped on Sister Bingbing¡¯s skirt. It was truly an ident, and I deeply regret this. Once Sister Bingbinges over, I will definitely apologize.¡± The host smiled: ¡°Our queen walked the red carpet with your husband. Are you really not angry at this?¡± Xia Yangyang responded, gracious and gentle: ¡°They grew up together and are childhood friends. I trust my husbandpletely.¡± ¡°Onest question, why did you and the queen make such a wager, Miss Xia? Are you confident that you¡¯re going to win an award tonight? If you lose, will you really retire from the entertainment industry?¡± Xia Yangyang continued: ¡°I always keep my word.¡± The crowd had an expectant look on their faces, as if waiting for a good show. ¡°Miss Xia is indeed the bravest actress I¡¯ve ever met. Let¡¯s wait and see what happens tonight. I wish Miss Xia sess in achieving her desires.¡± The host asked Chen Yu a few more questions. Then she said: ¡°Good luck to both of you tonight. Miss Xia, Mr. Chen, please enter the venue.¡± Xia Yangyang linked arms with Chen Yu as they entered the event hall. Chen Yu had a worried expression from the beginning. However, there was a touch of confusion amidst the worry. Xia Yangyang¡¯s words and actions today werepletely different from her previous self. When Xia Yangyang turned her head unintentionally, she noticed that Chen Yu¡¯s brows were knitted, his gaze firmly fixed on her face. Xia Yangyang chuckled: ¡°Why are you staring at me like that?¡± Chapter 285 - 286: Disappearance at the Film and Television Festival Chapter 286: Disappearance at the Film and Television Festival Trantor: 549690339 Chen Yu was straightforward, ¡°You seem off today, Xia Yangyang, what exactly are you up to?¡± Xia Yangyang just smiled, ¡°You¡¯ll know soon enough, but I would like to ask for a small favor.¡± Chen Yu saw Xia Yangyang¡¯s cryptic behavior and couldn¡¯t help but frown. The grand hall was arge auditorium. Everyone¡¯s seating was already established. Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu¡¯s seats were in the first row. Shen Manbing¡¯s seat was two seats away from Xia Yangyang. Currently, it remained unupied. Celebrities started to pour in steadily on the red carpet. Xia Yangyang was almost able to see all the stars in the industry. Of course, there were also famous directors and producers. Xia Yangyang also spotted Shen Shichuan. He was currently engaged in conversation with Director Feng. Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu went over to say hello. Everyone chatted for a while and then returned to their seats. However, nobody mentioned the red carpet dress tripping incident. There was arge stage at the front of the venue. The opening show was just getting started. When most of the attendees were present, the host appeared on stage. Shen Manbing¡¯s seat was still vacant. Xia Yangyang even heard some female celebrities whispering around her. ¡°The Heavenly Queen probably won¡¯t show up. In all her years in showbiz, no one has dared to embarrass her. This Xia Yangyang has really offended her now.¡± ¡°She has the backing of the Gu Family, who wouldn¡¯t be afraid of the Heavenly Queen with such strong support?¡± ¡°Are you sure this ace up her sleeve will stand firm? Today, Mr. Gu came with the Heavenly Queen, what does that say?¡± ¡°Anyway, we¡¯ll find out tonight. One of the two will have to leave the entertainment circle, which might not necessarily be a bad thing for us.¡± Xia Yangyang purposely nce in that direction. The group of brightly dressed girls instantly went quiet, even shing Xia Yangyang very friendly smiles. Soon, the banquet officially began and the host began his opening speech. Halfway through the host¡¯s speech, The doors of the venue suddenly swung open. The shing spotlights burst in. And at that moment, Shen Manbing appeared amidst those dazzling lights, moving slowly. She wore a new me-red dress. Her waterfall-like curly hair cascaded down. There was a noble coldness in her eyes, she approached, each step as though she was treading on clouds, as if she was naturally above everyone else, breathtakingly beautiful. There was not a trace of her previous embarrassment on the red carpet. Standing by her side was still the CEO of Shengyuan, Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen was also dressed in a suit and tie, looking noble and dignified, naturally elegant. At first nce, they indeed looked like a pair of distinguished talents, a match made in heaven. All eyes were drawn to the duo. Even the host on stage paused for a few minutes. Then openly remarked, ¡°The Heavenly Queen indeed dazzles today, murdering countless rolls of film.¡± Shen Manbing finally took her seat. As she passed by Xia Yangyang, she gave her a contemptuous look. The Film and Television Grand Ceremony officially began. The opening performance was theeback single of Guo Xuehua, the King of Singers, after a decade-long hiatus. As expected of the King of Singers, the entire venue went silent as soon as he sang. Then came some advertisements, followed by the award presentation. The SH Film and Television Grand Ceremony had more than twenty awards. The Best Actress and Best Actor were thest two awards. In between, there were numerous performances and thank you ceremonies. In a blink of an eye, two hours had passed. To everyone¡¯s surprise, both Shen Manbing and Xia Yangyang were nowhere to be seen from their seats at this moment. Chapter 286 - 287: Who is Seen in the End? Chapter 287: Who is Seen in the End? Trantor: 549690339 Actually, the award ceremony is long andplicated. Indeed, some artists would leave early. Especially those who neither have any works nor nominations, and are only here to walk on the red carpet. But Shen Manbing and Xia Yangyang are quite special. Xia Yangyang and Shen Manbing are both nominees for the Best Actress award this time. Their sudden disappearance is indeed puzzling. However, their malepanions, Chen Yu and Mr. Gu, are in their ces. Gu Qichen seems quite indifferent, as if he is seriously watching the performance. Whereas Chen Yu is constantly checking his watch. There are only twenty minutes left for the Best Actresspetition, time is of the essence. Chen Yu, anxious beyond belief, leaned over and whispered a few words to Shen Shichuan. Shen Shichuan said, ¡°There¡¯s still time, I¡¯m sure they both know their boundaries.¡± At that time. In the rest room on the 16th floor of the auxiliary building of the banquet hall. Xia Yangyang and Shen Manbing were there. Xia Yangyang was interrogating Shen Manbing. ¡°Why did youe with Gu Qichen, and I didn¡¯t know?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, do I have to report my schedule to you?¡± ¡°Your schedule doesn¡¯t need to be reported to me, but Gu Qichen is my husband.¡± ¡°So, you deliberately stepped on my dress on the red carpet to make me look bad in public?¡± Speaking of this, Xia Yangyang¡¯s tone changed greatly, sounding a bit vicious: ¡°You brought that on yourself, Shen Manbing. In others¡¯ eyes, you might be a high-profile queen, but to me, you¡¯re nothing.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, how could you do such a thing, and there¡¯s another thing, a few days ago, that crazy fan who almost pushed me down the stairs, was it designed by you?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡± I don¡¯ t know what you¡¯ re talking about?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, stop pretending. The security at Shi Chuan Building is strict; not even a fly could get in. Iter investigated the elevator video, and you and him took the same elevator up. Xia Yangyang, you¡¯re trying to murder me, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Without evidence, do you have any proof to use me?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, I know what you¡¯ve done. I won¡¯t let you go easily, remember your words, if you don¡¯t win the Best Actress award, get out of the entertainment industry.¡± ¡°Well, let me tell you, I have got the Best Actress award today. I¡¯d like to see who¡¯s going to leave the entertainment industry, you or me.¡± Ceremony hall. Thestmercial is already being inserted on the big screen of the stage. Whates next is the Best Actress award ceremony. The nominees this time are the queen Shen Manbing, popr new star Xia Yangyang, veteran actress Yang Xiaomi, and innocent girl Jiang Yuxin. Of course, the most popr one is still the queen Shen Manbing. After all, she has been the Best Actress for three years in a row. The host looked at the empty seats in the first row, feeling somewhat panicked. Where on earth had those two madams run off to? The results were about to be announced, yet there was no sign of them. Just as everyone was sweating for the two. They saw the two, one after the other, walk in from the side door and return to their positions. Looking at the expressions of the two, they mutually despised each other. They probably had just been settling their private grudges. Regardless, once the host saw these two, he finally breathed a sigh of relief. Themercial break ends, and the host walks to the center of the stage. Holding a sealed award card in his hand: ¡°The next is the exciting moment, the winner of the Best Actress in the 23rd SH Film and TV Awards is¡­¡± The host deliberately made a suspense. The big screen behind him keeps switching images of the four candidates. Chapter 287 - 288: Its Her in the End Chapter 288: It¡¯s Her in the End Trantor: 549690339 Everyone¡¯s heart was suspended at that moment. The host announced, ¡°The winner of the Best Actress award is Xia Yangyang, who yed Lin Xiaofan in ¡®Cindere¡¯s Magical Fate¡¯!¡± Those words stirred amotion in the audience. Many had expected surprises during the awards, but this was a real shocker. Granted, Xia Yangyang¡¯s acting was impressive. Thanks to the firstrge-scale domestic fantasy idol drama, her poprity soared. However,pared to the reigning queen, she fell short in many aspects. Yet, she managed to defeat the queen and bagged the Best Actress award. What¡¯s more intriguing is that she had a bet with the queen. The one who didn¡¯t win the award was to retire from the entertainment industry voluntarily. Now that Xia Yangyang has won, would the queen, Shen Manbing, really retire from the industry? The big screen switched to Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, zooming in closely. She always maintained a gentle smile, showing no extreme surprise. Herposed demeanor raised doubts. Meanwhile, the audience erupted. ¡°SH has always been known for its fairness. How much did the jury take in for her to be the Best Actress?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you aware of how powerful Miss Xia¡¯s connections are? Being the youngdy of Shengyuan Group, it¡¯s not impossible for her to buy the award. How else would she dare to make such a bet with the queen, Shen?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t Mr. Gu close with Sister Bingbing? He knows very well that his wife and Shen have that kind of bet. If he also manipted the results secretly, isn¡¯t he pushing Sister Bingbing to leave the entertainment industry?¡± ¡°It¡¯s possible his friendship with Sister Bingbing is just a smoke screen. Perhaps he¡¯s clearing the road for his sweet, young wife?¡± ¡°Anyway, I think there¡¯s definitely something fishy about the Best Actress award.¡± The host¡¯s voice echoed through the hall, ¡°Let¡¯s invite Miss Xia Yangyang to the stage to ept her award.¡± Xia Yangyang took to the stage. The award was presented by Director Feng Jinhui, an eminent figure in the entertainment industry. He handed the trophy to Xia Yangyang, embracing her, ¡°It¡¯s amazing what young talent can achieve. Congrattions, Miss Xia.¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°Thankyou, Director Feng.¡± Next was the eptance speech. Xia Yangyang stood in front of the podium with a serene aura, ¡°Thank you to the SH Film Festival for this honor, and thankyou to all my fans. I¡¯m truly surprised to receive this award today¡­¡± Xia Yangyang was delivering her speech on stage. But the spotlight was on Shen Manbing. Shen Manbing, humiliated by the loss of the Best Actress title to a young actress, must be feeling indignant. This was quite the spectacle. Could there really be news of the queen, Shen, retiring from the entertainment industry tomorrow? This was even more explosive than SH¡¯s unexpected Best Actress award. The cameras were constantly trained on Shen Manbing. Xia Yangyang was speaking on stage. The queen¡¯s face could be frequently seen on the big screen behind her. Despite her solemn expression, the queen seemed to beposed. True to someone who has weathered the ups and downs in the industry for many years. Despite losing the Best Actress title, she remained steady. Even when the camera panned over her, she revealed a standard, slightly cold smile. That smile kept countless people captivated over the years. If she really retired from the entertainment industry, it wouldn¡¯t just be a loss to time, but a huge loss to the entire industry. However, if you think about it. The probability of this is extremely low. After all, the queen has a massive fanbase. Being immersed in the entertainment industry for ten years wouldn¡¯t allow for an easy exit. If that newly crowned Best Actress was smart. She should seize this opportunity to offer the queen a way out, turning hostility into friendship, earning people¡¯s respect and benefitting her own career. That¡¯s undoubtedly the perfect ending everyone could hope for. At this point, Yangyang had finished her thank you speech on stage. However, she didn¡¯t step down. Instead, her gaze fell directly on the queen, Shen. After a moment of silence, she finally said, ¡°I believe everyone knows about the bet that Sister Bingbing and I had¡­¡± Ps: Xiao Qi¡¯s Q.Q.: 1253064702 Reader Group: 681792516 WeChat: mxyi990i007 Those who like this can choose any of the aforementioned methods to join the group, add me on WeChat, etc. However, if you add me on WeChat, I will add you to the WeChat reader group, please remember to ept. Many people have added me, but they refuse to join the group. I find that quite puzzling. After adding you to the WeChat group, I will delete you from my contacts. If you need to reach me, you can @ me in the group. So if I add you to the group, please ept the invitation. Otherwise, you will be removed from the group. ¨C Chapter 288 - 289: Plot Twist Chapter 289: Plot Twist Trantor: 549690339 What wasing, eventually came. Everyone experienced an inexplicable surge of excitement. Between these two women, would it be war or reconciliation? The resolutiony in a moment. Xia Yangyang finally spoke, ¡°Sister Bingbing once said that if I could win Best Actress, she would quit the entertainment industry. I hope she will keep her promise.¡± The entire venue erupted in fervor once more. It seemed Xia Yangyang had finally decided to wage war. She gave no regard to Shen Manbing¡¯s dignity, and at this moment, she was directly initiating a coup. Everyone had to admire Miss Xia; not merely being content with her achievement, she was aggressively pushing her opponent. No retreat was given to Shen, the queen of the industry. With all eyes on the two. If Shen, the queen, gave no response, she would inevitably be regarded as a coward who broke her promise. But if Shen was willing to bow down to the bet and quit the entertainment industry, the loss would be too great for her. The camera had now switched to Shen Manbing. The big screen at the back of the stage disyed a standoff between the two. One cold and alluring, the other calm. Silence, but with an aura of lethal hostility. And just as everyone was wondering what the next move would be. A video suddenly appeared on therge screen behind. The video was clear, showing Shen Manbing and Xia Yangyang in their current ceremony attire. The conversation between the two was clearly audible. The first voice was Shen Manbing¡¯s. ¡°So, you intentionally stepped on my dress on the red carpet to humiliate me publicly?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice also came through, ¡°You brought it upon yourself, Shen Manbing. To others, you may be a diva, but in my eyes, you¡¯re nothing.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you actually did something like this. Also, was the crazed fan who almost pushed me down a staircase a few days ago also your doing?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know what you mean?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, stop pretending! Security at the Shichuan Building is rigorous, not even half a fly could sneak in. I investigated the elevator footage. You went upstairs with him in the same elevator. Xia Yangyang, you tried to murder me, didn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Baseless usations, you have no proof against me.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, I know what you did, and I will not let this go easily. Remember what you said¡ªif you didn¡¯t win Best Actress, you would leave the entertainment industry.¡± ¡°I might as well tell you, I¡¯ve already secured today¡¯s Best Actress. Let¡¯s see who will be the one leaving the entertainment industry¡ªit¡¯s you or me.¡± This conversation was a recent confrontation between Xia Yangyang and Shen Manbing in the dressing room. Clearly visible. Even the time on the footage, it couldn¡¯t have been faked. Everyone was nearly stunned. This was too dramatic. The entire auditorium was in uproar. ¡°So she really did step on the Diva¡¯s dress on purpose to publicly humiliate her.¡± ¡°The previous assault by the Diva¡¯s crazed fan¡ªcould it be that Xia Yangyang was really the premeditated murderer? How can we allow a murderer to be crowned Best Actress?¡± ¡°Look at how certain she is, that shows she must have known she would win the Best Actress. So, there must be something under the table. I can¡¯t believe that the highly reputable SH Film Awards has beenpromised.¡± No one knows who shouted it first. ¡°We refuse to ept Xia Yangyang as Best Actress! She is not worthy!¡± Then other people began to join in, shouting: ¡°No eptation! No eptation!!¡± The host didn¡¯t expect such a thing to happen and for a moment, didn¡¯t know how to handle the situation! Chapter 289 - 290: The Dark Hand Behind the Scenes.... Chapter 290: The Dark Hand Behind the Scenes¡­. Trantor: 549690339 Midnight. The vacant Jolson Grand Hall. Just a few hours ago, the 23rd SH Film and Television Festival was held here. And now, no one is around. Only Xia Yangyang is sitting on the stage steps. Covering her face, as though she¡¯s silently weeping. Two hours ago. She was crowned Best Actress. But the moment she ascended to the heights of her glory, she plummeted to the depths of despair. No one cares about why that video appeared on the main screen during the awards ceremony. No one cares if she was set up. Everyone cares only about the fact that she, the so-called Best Actress, was conclusively proven to have sabotaged Shen Manbing. Even Gu Qichen went up on stage just to tell her one thing, ¡°You¡¯ve disappointed me greatly.¡± Now, everyone has dispersed. Perhaps this is the biggest scandal in the entertainment industry ofte. And it will be the headline for the next few months. But in the end, Xia Yangyang today has suffered a total loss of reputation with no chance of aeback. Xia Yangyang remains seated on the steps. This is the oue she wanted. Utter ruin is the result she wanted. And now, she¡¯s just waiting. Waiting for the first person to step into this hall. There¡¯s a bell tower outside the Jolson Hall. The bell rings twelve times. It¡¯s exactly midnight. At exactly this moment, the door to the hall opens. A figure appears at the entrance. He slowly steps inside, one step at a time. The moonlight by the door extends his shadow bit by bit. He¡¯s tall, dressed in a suit and looking incredibly handsome. But you can¡¯t quite see his face under the dim light. He takes each step with measured calm andposure. With his hands in his pockets, he looks every bit the gentleman. Slowly approaching Xia Yangyang, he breaks the silence, ¡°You should head home.¡± Xia Yangyang continues to cover her face. Her voice is filled with sorrow, ¡°Where is home for me now? Tomorrow, he¡¯ll probably throw a divorce agreement at me.¡± The man replies, ¡°Even so, you can¡¯t stay here all night. We can figure out the problems once we return.¡± At this point, Xia Yangyang suddenly lifts her head. Her expression is calm andposed, with no trace of tears. Xia Yangyang begins, ¡°The reason I¡¯m here is because I¡¯m waiting for you.¡± The man seems surprised, ¡°Oh? Waiting for me?¡± ¡°I knew you¡¯de.¡± The man smiles lightly, ¡°Why?¡± ¡°Because the victor would definitelye to savor the fruits of their victory. My ruin and abandonment by everyone is your reward.¡± The man finds this amusing, his voiceced with charm, ¡°Yangyang, what are you talking about? I thought we were always friends.¡± Xia Yangyang stands, ¡°Friend is just a disguise you use to hide yourself. From the moment you entered my life, today¡¯s conclusion was already set in stone. I was originally in disbelief, but now I know that the first person who showed up today, the person who sabotaged me, pushed me into the abyss and manipted everything from behind the scenes, is you, Shen Shichuan.¡± The man standing in front of her, elegant and affable, with a smile as warm as jade, is Shen Shichuan. He didn¡¯t respond to Xia Yangyang¡¯s usations with anger, defensiveness, frantic denial, or any strong emotion. Just a mischievous smile, ¡°Yangyang, I really have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Chapter 290 - 291: Ruining Her Reputation and Dignity Chapter 291: Ruining Her Reputation and Dignity Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was also very calm. It even carried a strange sincerity. ¡°Shen Shichuan, it¡¯s just the two of us here, and I know that the moment you came in, all the cameras here ceased to work. At this point, there¡¯s absolutely no need for you to deny this.¡± Shen Shichuan was silent for a while. Then, with a hint of amusement, he said, ¡°So, you suspect that I was the one who exposed that video today, causing your reputation to be destroyed?¡± ¡°This is not a suspicion, but a fact.¡± ¡°I want to hear your thoughts. I have always treated you well, why would you think so?¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s voice was still gentle and calm. There was no trace of heated emotion in their conversation. It was just like ordinary chatting. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Because there was an issue with the circuit on the 16th floor, guests were already banned from entering. No one would go to the 16th floor to find anyone, unless they knew we were there.¡± ¡°Oh? You mean that I knew you were on the 16th floor and deliberately filmed that video?¡± ¡°The rest area where we were located is very concealed, in the middle of the floor. It was precisely the time of the film and television festival, no one woulde out, unless someone purposely came to find us. With hundreds of floors and countless rooms and rest areas in this building, it wouldn¡¯t have been easy to find out where we were, unless someone knew and came purposefully.¡± ¡°So why do you suspect me?¡± ¡°Because the only person who knew my whereabouts was Chen Yu, and I deliberately let Chen Yu reveal this information to you.¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, ¡°You said you did it on purpose, so does that mean you knew from the beginning that I woulde?¡± ¡°Yes, I knew you woulde. I intentionally said those words to Shen Manbing. Moreover, I knew that you would definitely record it andter use it to make a fuss.¡± There was a look of puzzlement on Shen Shichuan¡¯s face, but what was even more evident was the look of amusement. He said with augh, ¡°In that case, I don¡¯t understand. If you have long suspected me, why did you purposely say those words to mislead the public? The fan¡¯s incident has nothing to do with you. Why would you shoulder a charge of intentional homicide?¡± Looking at Xia Yangyang, Shen Shichuan seemed to appreciate her in a strange way, ¡°Xia Yangyang, can you tell me, what on earth are you doing?¡± Xia Yangyang alsoughed, ¡°I¡¯m just setting a trap for you.¡± ¡°Setting a trap?¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s mouth curved into a smile, ¡°So, you want me to fall into your trap.¡± Xia Yangyang alsoughed, ¡°The feeling¡¯s mutual.¡± ¡°Then why would you do this? How can you be sure that I would definitely release this video at the film and television festival?¡± ¡°Because that would be the best time to ruin me. Being the center of attention, just after winning the Best Actress award and reaching the peak, releasing that video at that time would immediately send me to hell.¡± ¡°I have no reason to do that.¡± ¡°You do, you¡¯re doing it for Shen Manbing.¡± The air seemed to freeze for a moment. Xia Yangyang continued, ¡°The ¡®Kingdom¡¯s Heart¡¯ was ced in my bag by your arrangement to set me up, right? Your aim was to destroy my reputation. As for the crazed fan incident, I don¡¯t think you would have nned it. However, after it happened, you manipted the public opinion, made a fuss about it, andbelled me as a homewrecker. Same goes for the advertisement incident, you deliberately gave me the endorsement that Shen Manbing was supposed to do. You just wanted to intensify the conflict between us. As for today, if I hadn¡¯t won Best Actress, I guess you wouldn¡¯t have been in a hurry. However, my threatening Shen Manbing, forcing her to retire from the entertainment circle, prompted you to expose the video, resulting in my demise.¡± Chapter 291 - 292: Yes, It’s Me Chapter 292: Yes, It¡¯s Me Trantor: 549690339 | ¡°Your argument ispelling, yet youck definitive evidence.¡± Xia Yangyang merely smiled, seemingly not in a hurry to produce any evidence. She articted her thoughts clearly, ¡°Ever since the incident involving the ¡®Heart of the Kingdom¡¯, I¡¯ve felt a maniptive force acting behind the scenes, someone close to me. At first, I didn¡¯t know what their aim was, but as various incidents unfolded, it became clear. They wanted me to be defamed, to be betrayed by everyone. So, I decided to y along and hit rock bottom to force them out. What better way to destroy someone than to let them taste sess as a Best Actress only to then throw them into the mire?¡± ¡°So you think I targeted you because of my sister¡¯s career? But don¡¯t forget, Xia Yangyang, it was me who brought you into showbiz, let you y Cindere, and made you a star adored by many. You say I aimed to ruin your reputation. Aren¡¯t all my efforts in vain if so?¡± Xia Yangyang calmly responded, ¡°Because your aim was never to ruin my reputation, ruining my reputation was just a means to an end. Your ultimate goal was to destroy my marriage.¡± Shen Shichuanughed, ¡°The more you talk, the more confused I get.¡± ¡°Everything you¡¯ve done was to undermine the trust and feelings between Gu Qichen and me. With the ¡®Heart of the Kingdom¡¯ incident, you knew he would intervene, and I¡¯d suspect Shen Manbing. But Gu Qichen would not, causing friction between us. Indeed, you seeded. The ne instigated the biggest trust crisis we¡¯d had since our marriage. But we reconciled in the end. So, you used that crazy fan to expose Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen¡¯s past in another attempt to disrupt our rtionship. I guess you have many more tricks up your sleeve. I have no idea what else you¡¯ll do. You insisted on signing me and even confined me in the studio with a big advertising budget. It seems you just wanted me to stay by your side, monitoring my every move to seize any opportunity to act.¡± Shen Shichuan seemed patient and even somewhat appreciative, ¡°Your argument kinda makes sense, go on!¡± ¡°Since I don¡¯t know what else you¡¯d do, I¡¯ve taken the initiative tounch the first strike, giving you the oue you desire. Now that I have nothing left, what else can you be concerned about?¡± Finally, Shen Shichuan apuded. He said appreciatively, ¡°Xia Yangyang, I didn¡¯t expect you to analyze my tactics so meticulously. This makes me feel like a failure. True, I did everything you said. I arranged that charity dinner, I was the secret buyer of ¡®Heart of the Kingdom¡¯ five years ago. I bribed the host and the security chief. The ¡®Heart of the Kingdom¡¯ jewelry was ced in your bag by the security chief when he checked it. Oh, I forgot to tell you, that security chief is indeed a top magician, which is why he was able to nt it without anyone noticing.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s face slowly hardened. Shen Shichuan continued, ¡°You are right, the crazy fan incident was indeed an ident. However, I have been using public opinionter to attack you, to destroy you. Indeed, I was trying to stir up a crisis of trust between you and Ah Chen. Once trust is lost in a marriage, it won¡¯t be long before everything copses.¡± Chapter 292 - 293: The Gentlemanly Devil Chapter 293: The Gentlemanly Devil Trantor: 549690339 | Xia Yangyang spoke calmly, ¡°I just want to know, when did you start nning all this for me?¡± Shen Shichuan frowned and thought for a while, ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, since our first meeting.¡± ¡°First meeting, the car ident?¡± The first time Xia Yangyang remembered meeting with Shen Shichuan was when her bicycle scraped his luxury car, and she had to pay twenty thousand Yuan for it. Shen Shichuan¡¯s smile was obvious, ¡°The car ident wasn¡¯t an ident. I intentionally let the driver drive towards you because I saw you were distracted. It was more of a deliberate collision than an ident.¡± Once Xia Yangyang understood everything, she guessed Shen Shichuan had been nning this from the start. But eventually, she never expected it was from the beginning. From their very first meeting, it was all arranged. There was no need to ask anything else. That is to say, every step she took afterwards, including acting in a TV drama, including her minor life trajectory, was all within Shen Shichuan¡¯s calctions. Xia Yangyang thought she had already seen through this man¡¯s tricks. But she didn¡¯t expect that she was trapped in it long ago. Xia Yangyang felt the elegant gentleman who seemed gentle as jade in front of her, was just too terrifying. ¡°Shen Shichuan, you really are a schemer.¡± Shen Shichuan smiled gently, ¡°Thankyou for thepliment.¡± Shen Shichuan took a deep breath, ¡°But Yangyang, you said something wrong.¡± ¡°What?¡± ¡°You assume that the person who enters here first must be the mastermind since he needs to enjoy the fruits of victory, but it is not necessarily.¡± ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± ¡°I want to say I genuinely wanted tofort you.¡± Xia Yangyang sneered, ¡°It¡¯s like the cat crying over the dead mouse, feigningpassion.¡± ¡°It¡¯s okay if you misunderstand me Yangyang. Since you know my intention is to make you divorce Gu Qichen, I don¡¯t want to see Manbing hurt, she is my most beloved little sister. I feltpelled to do this, but I canpensate you.¡± ¡°How do you intend topensate?¡± ¡°After you divorce Ah Chen, I can marry you!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t think I am that fortunate.¡± Shen Shichuan smiled gently, ¡°Since you aren¡¯t epting mypensation, I won¡¯t insist.¡± Now that everything has be clear, both of them didn¡¯t bother to hide anything. Shen Shichuan said, ¡°But I have a few questions to ask you.¡± ¡°Go ahead.¡± ¡°Since you had suspected me all along, and you already saw through my intentions and actions, even predicting what I would do next, why did you cooperate? Your attempt to lure me into the trap is a bit crude. Now that everything has been set in stone, nobody will believe you, not even Gu Qichen. You have be an eternal viin; knowing the truth barely matters anymore.¡± The light in the banquet hall was still dim. Half of the man¡¯s face seemed to be hidden in the light and shadow. Like a devil in schr¡¯s clothing. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t seem ruffled either, ¡°No, Shen Shichuan, for all your ns, you never expected that this is all fake. This is just a y between Shen Manbing and me. The so-called bets, stepping on a skirt, words spoken in the dressing room, everything has been calcted. This is merely a performance. The news that will be reported tomorrow won¡¯t be about me sabotaging the queen of the music industry and suffering a downfall, but it will be about me and the music queen coborating on a new movie based on a real-life protagonist, depicting the intrigue of the entertainment industry. In order to achieve a realistic effect, this is just a part of the real storyline in the movie. We previously informed Global Entertainment about our objectives and intentions. The president of Global Entertainment agreed and shared part of the script with a few heavyweight stars attending the banquet. These stars seated below will also testify for us in front of the media, proving everything that happened today was ording to the script, including this ceremony. We even filmed a clip exining everything half a month ago, including fan sabotage, stepping on a skirt, and this banquet. All were just part of our script. We quit thepetition for the best actress title earlier. SH Film and Television Awards will announce a new best actress. A new award ceremony will be organized in three days, and there will still be a gathering of stars.¡± Chapter 293 - 294: You Just Hope She’s Gu Family’s Daughter- in-law Chapter 294: You Just Hope She¡¯s Gu Family¡¯s Daughter- inw Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang spoke with an almost definitive tone, ¡°Shen Shichuan, I haven¡¯t been disgraced or defeated. But your actions can¡¯t be hidden any longer.¡± The color of Shen Shichuan¡¯s face shifted instantly. He seemed to take a step forward out of the shadows, ¡°What are you saying? Are you and Manbing putting on a show?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, ¡°Yes, everything today was just a grand y directed by us.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t believe you have the capability to manipte the Film Festival.¡± ¡°I indeed don¡¯t. But your sister, Shen Manbing, does. She and the Global President Cui Chenghao are close friends. When she asks for his help, he readily agrees. Even if it means stirring up drama, he doesn¡¯t hesitate.¡± The color of Shen Shichuan¡¯s face gradually darkened. That guy Cui Chenghao, after all these years, still can¡¯t help but meddle. ¡°How could Xiao Bing collude with you?¡± ¡°I suppose, this is the only thing you couldn¡¯t anticipate, because you believe her to be proud and arrogant, thinking I am the person she detests the most. But, I never told her that I initially suspected you to be the mastermind behind all this. Even if I did tell her, she wouldn¡¯t believe me, so, she had to see and hear everything for herself.¡± Upon saying this. Xia Yangyang suddenly turned around, ¡°Come out.¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen emerged from behind therge screen together. Shen Manbing, with aplex expression, had arrived at Shen Shichuan¡¯s side. Shen Shichuan¡¯s normally calm and approachable face began to crumble, ¡°Didn¡¯t you go back to the hotel already?¡± ¡°I did go back, only to return straight away. Yangyang said she would take me to see an exciting show.¡± Shen Shichuan nced at Gu Qichen with a grave expression, ¡°You were involved too.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was apathetic, ¡°They were the directors, I was simply a bystander.¡± Shen Manbing looked at him in disbelief, ¡°Brother, why are you doing this?¡± ¡°Because I can¡¯t bear to see you wallowing in despair over a man. You are always aggressive outside, but when you are alone, you are as quiet as a shadow. I wanted to help you reim everything that was yours.¡± Shen Manbing felt torn. Previously, she hated Xia Yangyang with a passion. Because she stole her love, because she suddenly became Mrs. Gu. Shen Manbing felt that Xia Yangyang stole what was rightfully hers. She was even resentful towards her loving elder brother for treating Xia Yangyang differently, but she had no idea that these were traps set by Shen Shichuan for her sake. Shen Manbing felt deeply saddened. But Shen Shichuan suddenly pointed his spear at Gu Qichen, ¡°Ah Chen, do you remember our promise? You said you would take good care of Manbing for me, but you broke your word. People who break promises must pay a price.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was icy but firm, ¡°I¡¯ve never hid anything from you about my feelings. I saw you as my most trusted friend. But Shen Shichuan, you destroyed my marriage and set up all of this. Even if you seed, even if Yangyang and I divorce, and I marry Manbing, will we be happy? Once certain people appear in your life, it¡¯s because they¡¯re meant to. Yangyang came into my life, Manbing and I missed our best moment. Once missed, it can¡¯t be regained. You are too extreme.¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s face was grim, a stark contrast to his usual demeanor. But Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was still cold and calm, ¡°Actually, you don¡¯t care whether we love each other or not. You want Manbing to marry me, all because you want her to be part of the Gu Family.¡± * Ps: Xiao Qi¡¯s QQ: 1253064702 Readers¡¯ Group: 681792516 WeChat: mxyi990i007 I add WeChat very slowly because I always mark them. Don¡¯t worry if you are not added yet, you will be added and sent an invitation to join the group within a day or two. Some people need to verify their identity and link their bank card when they join the group, Xiao Qi can¡¯t do anything about it. In this case, just join the QQgroup ~ Chapter 294 - 295: The Queen Bows Down Chapter 295: The Queen Bows Down Trantor: 549690339 Shen Manbing, in disbelief, looked at Shen Shichuan, ¡°So you just wanted to use me?¡± The daughter-inw of the Gu Family, the young mistress of the Shengyuan Group, what attractive titles they were. If she became the daughter-inw of the Gu family, wouldn¡¯t it be beneficial for his career? If it were in the past, Shen Manbing would definitely not doubt her elder brother. But now, Shen Shichuan had done too many unimaginable things. Shen Manbing suddenly felt lost. Looking at the man before her, the man who once loved her to his bones, she could only feel as if she had never truly known him. At this time, Gu Qichen continued to speak, ¡°Manbing, everyone in the world can misunderstand him, me him, but you can¡¯t, he¡¯s trying to protect you.¡± ¡°Protect me?¡± ¡°Only the Gu Family can pressure the Shen Family. If you be the Gu¡¯s daughter-inw, no one from the Shen Family would dare to bully you again, I believe that¡¯s what Shichuan was thinking.¡± After hearing this, Shen Manbing felt a rush of many emotions. Shock, guilt, sorrow, heartbreak, those intense feelings seemed to weave into a, wrapping her tightly. She stared at Shen Shichuan, unable to utter a word for a moment. Shen Shichuan¡¯s eyes revealed a hint of pain, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Xiao Bing, I was not able to protect you, how could I demand others to do so?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not it, brother,¡± Shen Manbing muttered. Other people say that she¡¯s domineering and willful, but she still can distinguish right from wrong. Her brother was wrong, if he is wrong, then he is wrong. But her brother did everything for her. Shen Manbing suddenly turned around, deeply bowing to Xia Yangyang, ¡°I know my brother did many things to wrong you, but everything he did, he did because of me. I don¡¯t dare to ask your forgiveness, but I will take on all the consequences. Tomorrow, I will announce my departure from the entertainment industry, as a form ofpensation to you.¡± Shen Shichuan was shocked, he quickly held Shen Manbing, ¡°Since the truth is revealed, I will shoulder the responsibility for what I¡¯ve done.¡± Xia Yangyang was also shocked, how could Shen Manbing, proud as a swan, bend herself like this? Shen Shichuan said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°You should know, I did everything behind Manbing¡¯s back. Otherwise, she would never have cooperated with you to catch me, the mastermind behind it all. Since this has nothing to do with her, I hope you two won¡¯t vent your anger on her. I will rify everything at a press conference tomorrow and I¡¯m ready to take all legal responsibilities.¡± Shen Manbing stopped him, ¡°No, if you really have a press conference, we¡¯re finished.¡± Shen Shichuan said to Gu Qichen, ¡°Ah Chen, I know you¡¯re a man who insists on an eye for an eye. Besides, I lied to and betrayed you. But for the sake of our many years of friendship, don¡¯t let Manbing get involved.¡± Gu Qichen nced at Xia Yangyang, ¡°For so long, the one you hurt was not me, but my wife. We¡¯ve already discussed this; I¡¯m just a bystander. As for the oue, Yangyang will decide. If Yangyang wants to send you to prison, I will hire the bestwyer for her.¡± Shen Manbing grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, almost pleading, ¡°Please don¡¯t do this. Whatever my brother did, I will bear it. I will leave the entertainment industry and stay far away from you. Please don¡¯t ruin him?¡± ¡°My reputation was damaged, I carried a bad name, almost beingbeled a murderer. If I forgive you so easily, won¡¯t I, Xia Yangyang, seem too easy to bully?¡± Something seemed to sink in Shen Manbing¡¯s eyes. Xia Yangyang continued, ¡°However, if you want me to drop the matter, it is not impossible. Just meet three conditions.¡± Suddenly, a light returned to Shen Manbing¡¯s eyes, ¡°Say it, no matter what it is, I will agree.¡± Chapter 295 - 296:1 treated him as a brother, but he wants to marry my wife Chapter 296:1 treated him as a brother, but he wants to marry my wife Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang fell silent for a while. Then she spoke up: ¡°Tomorrow, the media will announce what happened between us today at the film and television festival as a script of a show. Your sudden announcement of exiting the industry won¡¯t just be a p in my face, it will stir up even more turmoil. Even if I jumped into the Yellow River, it wouldn¡¯t clear my name. So, the first thing, you are not allowed to quit show business. Everything should remain the same.¡± Shen Manbing was stupefied. Xia Yangyang turned her head to Shen Shichuan and said: ¡°I¡¯ve nned to sign with Time, but now that all these scandals are out about you, Time is finished, and so is my future. Therefore, this matter should not be exposed.¡± Shen Shichuan silently looked at Xia Yangyang. ¡°Third, since I originally hit your car and you falsely used me of extortion, please give me back my two thousand yuan.¡± Shen Shichuan was taken aback: ¡°Yangyang, you¡­?¡± Xia Yangyang feigned arrogance: ¡°Okay, I¡¯ve said what I wanted to say. Acting all these days has tired me out. I need to go back and rest first¡±. So, Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen left. Only Shen Shichuan and Shen Manbing were left in the entire venue. Gu Qichen¡¯s car was parked outside. After Xia Yangyang got into the car, she reclined in the seat, feeling extremely tired. However, she felt like a weight had been lifted off her chest. Gu Qichen extended his hand and gently patted Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, and with a light smile praised: ¡°Good acting skills¡±. Xia Yangyang tugged at the corner of her mouth, saying: ¡°You too.¡± Xia Yangyang recalled when she was on stage, tumbling into the abyss. Gu Qichen had said at the time, ¡°You¡¯ve really disappointed me.¡± That ice-cold disappointed gaze, a voice devoid of warmth. Although she knew that it was all fake, at that time, Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart had felt like it was being pricked with needles. Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s tired look, Gu Qichen felt a little distressed: ¡°I told you to let me handle it, but you insisted on ying this game, tiring yourself out like this.¡± Xia Yangyang sighed: ¡°My real intention wasn¡¯t to catch Shen Shichuan, the mastermind behind it all. I had suspected him for a long time. I actually wanted Shen Manbing to see this with her own eyes, or else no matter what I exined, she wouldn¡¯t believe me.¡± ¡°So putting on this act with Shen Manbing wasn¡¯t for Shen Shichuan to see, but you actually teamed up with me to put on a show for Shen Manbing? Since when has she be so important in your eyes?¡± Xia Yangyang was startled: ¡°Has she?¡± ¡°How else would you go to such lengths, moreover, this process is practically digging your own grave. Have you considered what if it all goes wrong, or if Shen Manbing betrays you midway and takes the opportunity to push you down?¡± ¡°She wouldn¡¯t do that.¡± Xia Yangyang replied. ¡°How do you know that?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know. Just intuition.¡± In fact, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t sympathize with Shen Manbing, but there was that one time at the hospital when Shen Manbing was humiliated by Luo Meixin and had to bite the bullet and endure it, Xia Yangyang saw herself. For years in that household, wasn¡¯t she in a simr situation? Liu Ruyan appeared to treat her well on the surface, but was always trying to create a rift between her and her father. And they had both lost their beloved ones when they were young. In some ways, Xia Yangyang could rte, she never wanted to make an enemy of people like her. Gu Qichen started the car: ¡°But, forgiving Shen Shichuan so easily, are you really okay with it? He did so many things to sabotage you¡± ¡°I believe he won¡¯t do it again, Shen Shichuan is smart and Shen Manbing will never allow him to do these things again. Shen Manbing is his only weakness. I have no doubts. Moreover, they both owe me a favor now, and I probably can do as I please at Time.¡± Speaking of which, Gu Qichen was strangely annoyed: ¡°That Shen Shichuan, I treated him like a brother and he wanted to marry my wife, I won¡¯t let him off so easily, I will give him a good beating when I get the chance..¡± Chapter 296 - 297: You Have An Unusually High Amount of Bad Chapter 297: You Have An Unusually High Amount of Bad Luck in Rtionships Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang chuckled, ¡°Mr. Gu, are you also going to be jealous over this?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, I noticed that you have a lot of rotten peach blossoms.¡± Xia Yangyangughed, and then said seriously, ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about Shen Shichuan, he has someone he loves.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face changed slightly. After pondering for a while, he frowned and said, ¡°Impossible.¡± ¡°There¡¯s nothing impossible.¡± Gu Qi Chen¡¯s expression became even more solemn. He knew what Xia Yangyang meant, but he had never thought in that direction. The next day. Xia Yangyang¡¯s phone was bombarded with messages. The SH Film Festivalst night was live. So from the start, news about Xia Yangyang stepping on a dress, nning, trapping, and the dark side of the Film Queen had been sted all night. But this morning. The plot reversal caught everyone off guard. All the headlines from every media outlet were ¡°A big show, the SH Film Festival¡¯s shocking turnaround.¡± ¡°Movie Queen Shen Manbing teams up with young starlet in a new drama, the dress stepping incident was just part of the script.¡± ¡°Two great actors create havoc at the SH Film Festival, for the Global Brewing¡¯s annual new drama.¡± All the news were reported. Last night¡¯s Film Festival was just a rehearsal arranged in advance. It was all needed for the plot arrangement in the annual new movie of the Movie Queen. Several heavyweight stars in the entertainment industry also released the script they had received in advance. The VCR that Xia Yangyang and Shen Manbing had privately recorded before was also released at the right time. Completely rifying everything that happened at the Film Festival. Public opinion immediately exploded. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect that everything was just a misunderstanding. It¡¯s a new drama where the Movie Queen and the young starlet teamed up. I heard that this drama, invested in by Global, is a major production costing several billion, with them starring as themselves, telling the story of the unpredictable entertainment circle.¡± ¡°This is too exaggerated, let alone they managed to get cooperation from the SH Film Festival, it seems to be a big drama indeed.¡± ¡°So it turns out that all the past grudges between Xia Yangyang and Queen Shen were fake? I guess the previous rumors about Shen Manbing and Mr. Gu were part of the script too.¡± ¡°Have you heard? Xia Yangyang and Queen Shen have given up their nominations for the film queen. The new film queen is puredy Jiang Yuxin. Three dayster, the SH Film Festival will hold another award banquet.¡± ¡°Why her? If Queen Shen gives up, Yang Xiaomi should be the only choice.¡± The inte is abuzz, but the new film queen has attracted quite a lot of attention. However, because she acted together with Shen Manbing, most people thought that the emotional entanglement between Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen was also due to the script¡¯s need. The previous rumors of involvement have been ¡°rified¡± in this way. At breakfast. Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Were you serious about signing with Time yesterday?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, ¡°Since it has already been exposed, I still have to act that movie about the entertainment circle with Shen Manbing. Actually, it¡¯s a coincidence. Cui Chenghao had already invited Shen Manbing to make a movie before, so I took advantage of the situation. The script is almost ready.¡± ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t want to stay in the entertainment industry.¡± Gu Qi Chen didn¡¯t say anything. He never opposed Xia Yangyang pursuing anything she wanted to do. But Xia Yangyang still didn¡¯t tell the truth. Now she¡¯s short on money. After all, she still can¡¯t directly ask Gu Qichen for money. She signed the contract because of the high signing fee Shen Shichuan had promised before. She¡¯s currently popr. If she continues to shoot a few more movies and advertisements, she can at least alleviate her urgent need for money. Xia Yangyang had no choice. After breakfast, Xia Yangyang went to Time. Unexpectedly, Shen Manbing arrived earlier than Xia Yangyang.. Chapter 297 - 298: Her Hero Chapter 297: Chapter 298: Her Hero Trantor: 549690339 | Shen Manbing was waiting in Xia Yangyang¡¯s lounge, obviously for her. Xia Yangyang put down her bag: ¡°Did you need to see me about something?¡± ¡°Yangyang, I still want to apologize.¡± ¡°You are saying that for your brother, aren¡¯t you? Let bygones be bygones.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s emotions were tangled: ¡°I finally understand why Ah Chen is so fond of you. You have a magnanimity that most people don¡¯t possess.¡± Xia Yangyangughed: ¡°Don¡¯t wrongly use me. In reality, I am very petty. I deliberately made you owe me a favor, it makes things easier to be managed in the future.¡± Shen Manbing alsoughed: ¡°Don¡¯t worry. In fact, over these days, I finally realized that Ah Chen has never loved me. It was when I saw him loving you, that I understood. Towards me, it has always been brotherly protection. Towards you, it was love, filled with joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness. Did you know? Even though I was nominally with him for so many years, he never once got jealous over me. He said he understood my actress status, but in reality, he simply did not love me.¡± Xia Yangyang quietly listened. A hint of helplessness appeared on Shen Manbing¡¯s lips: ¡°I know it in my heart, but I myself am unwilling to let go. Do you know why I like Ah Chen? You know, when I was five years old, I was pushed from the top floor of the vi by my aunt and fell into the outdoor swimming pool. I almost drowned. It was Ah Chen who saved me. Actually, I was unconscious by then, I couldn¡¯t see his face clearly, all I remember is the feeling of drowning. I was clutching his cor as if I was clutching at life-saving straws. When people are desperate, they form excessive dependends on something. He is my hero, so I have loved him for so many years.¡± Yet, Xia Yangyang frowned: ¡°There is something, perhaps I should tell you.¡± Shen Manbing paused: ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°About the drowning incident when you were five, Iter asked Ah Chen. His version seems to differ from yours.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s face changed: ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Ah Chen said that the one who saved you from the water was not him, but your brother Shen Shichuan. He waste, and by the time he arrived, Shen Shichuan was frantically trying to save you. You had drowned for four minutes. He thought you were not going to make it and almost went crazy.¡± Shen Manbing was suddenly stunned. How could this be possible. Shen Manbing, in disbelief, said: ¡°My big brother doesn¡¯t swim.¡± ¡°Ah Chen said that he had no idea how your big brother managed to save you either. At that time, he clearly couldn¡¯t swim, yet he was soaked to the skin. Who else could it have been but him?¡± Shen Manbing seemed to have taken a huge shock. In all these years, the blurry image of that teenage boy remained in his memory. She had always thought it was Gu Qichen. Shen Manbing murmured: ¡°But when I woke up, the first person I saw was Ah Chen.¡± Xia Yangyang let out a sigh: ¡°That¡¯s because when Shen Shichuan saw you wake up, he couldn¡¯t control himself and ran to the backyard where he started crying. He thought he almost lost you.¡± Shen Manbing waspletely stunned like she had been hit with a spell. How could this be? For so many years, Gu Qichen has been her superhero. And thus, she never could persuade herself to let go. Even though she was only five years old at the time of the drowning incident, that feeling is still vivid in her memory. Whenever she thinks of it, the desperate and panicking feeling from the bottom of her heart still wraps her tightly. It would be more urate to say that she has used Gu Qichen as her life-saving straw, rather than she loves Gu Qichen. However, she got the wrong person. Her superhero turned out to be Shen Shichuan, her big brother who has always been protecting her with his life. Chapter 298 - 299: Im Just Her Big Brother Chapter 298: Chapter 299: I¡¯m Just Her Big Brother Trantor: 549690339 Shen Manbing couldn¡¯t describe how she felt. Her eyes were rimmed in red, her heart roiled like a storm, as if her world had beenpletely overturned. To others, this might be an insignificant matter from the past. But to her, it was important. Shen Manbing suddenly stood up, ¡°Thank you for telling me this, but I have something to do. I need to leave.¡± Shen Manbing walked straight out of the lounge. Seeing her like this, Xia Yangyang surmised she was probably going to confront Shen Shichuan about it. Xia Yangyang sighed. Actually, she wasn¡¯t sure if telling Shen Manbing all of this was a good thing or not. But after all, she knew¡­ Nevertheless, this was the truth. About half an hourter. Shen Shichuan¡¯s secretary, Zhou Fei, came to find Xia Yangyang: ¡°Miss Xia, the CEO wants to see you.¡± Xia Yangyang followed Zhou Fei to the CEO¡¯s office. One side of Shen Shichuan¡¯s office was a huge floor-to-ceiling window. At this very moment, he stood by the window, hands behind his back, his figure stretched tall. Oddly enough, Xia Yangyang was reminded of the verse: ¡°Lonely at the top.¡± Xia Yangyang knocked on the door. Shen Shichuan turned his head. Xia Yangyang closed the door and walked in. Shen Shichuan spoke first: ¡°Did you tell Manbing that it was me who saved her from drowning when she was a child?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded: ¡°All these years, you knew she had misunderstood. Why didn¡¯t you ever rify?¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s gaze was deep: ¡°Letting her believe it was Ah Chen was fine. I thought it would make their rtionship stronger.¡± ¡°But you probably didn¡¯t realize, the drowning incident yed a big part in why Shen Manbing fell in love with Ah Chen. If you had told her earlier, the one she loved might have been¡­¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, I am her elder brother!¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s severe tone cut off Xia Yangyang before she could finish. ¡°But you two aren¡¯t rted by blood.¡± ¡°Even if we aren¡¯t rted by blood, I¡¯m still her elder brother, always just a family member to her.¡± Xia Yangyang was silent for a while: ¡°But are you content? Are you content with just being her brother for a lifetime? The thought of her marrying another man, having a child with someone else, doesn¡¯t it hurt you? Can you bear it?¡± ¡°Enough, Xia Yangyang, what are you trying to say?¡± Shen Shichuan had never been this harsh with her. It seemed that he was in a hurry to deny something and had even lost his usualposure. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Yangyang, just this talk of yours is too inappropriate, I¡¯ve done many things that have wronged you, I did it for Manbing¡¯s future, because she¡¯s my sister, my only family¡­¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly spoke: ¡°Do you know why I suspect you?¡± Shen Shichuan was slightly taken aback. He didn¡¯t understand why Xia Yangyang had suddenly changed the topic. ¡°Actually, you¡¯ve been very secretive. Ah Chen has never managed to find out who tampered with the Kingdom¡¯s Heart. And in daily matters, you¡¯ve always been more considerate of me. Everything you¡¯ve done seems impable. But do you know why I suspect you of all people?¡± There was a hint of bewilderment in Shen Shichuan¡¯s eyes. By setting up the trap of the Film Festival Awards, Xia Yangyang was not inviting him into the urn, but instead, she was hunting a turtle from within the urn. The difference between the two was thetter, Xia Yangyang was certain that he was the hidden hand behind the scenes. What puzzled Shen Shichuan was that he had always thought his ns were moving at a slow pace. Many of them had not even been put into action. So far, he was not in danger of revealing his identity. As Xia Yangyang said, he was impable. He had been trying to figure out where he had made a mistake. Chapter 299 - 300: You must think Im Disgusting Chapter 299: Chapter 300: You must think I¡¯m Disgusting Trantor: 549690339 | Shen Shichuan furrowed his brow, remained silent, as if waiting for Xia Yangyang to give an answer. Xia Yangyang began to speak, ¡°The day Shen Manbing was held hostage by a crazed fan, Ah Chen and I took her to the hospital. You cameter, and we left, but that day I left my jacket on a chair in the corridor. In fact, I came back for itter, and at that time I saw¡­¡± Xia Yangyang did not reveal everything. If she hadn¡¯t seen it with her own eyes, Xia Yangyang would never have believed it. What Xia Yangyang saw was Shen Shichuan kissing the sleeping Shen Manbing. At that time, Shen Shichuan also had his eyes closed, yet his thin lips distinctlynded on Shen Manbing¡¯s lips. And his expression was so suppressed, so pained. It was something Xia Yangyang had never seen before. His fingers were gripping the bedsheets tightly, so far away, yet Xia Yangyang could see the bulging veins on his hand. Xia Yangyang knew then. It turned out that Shen Shichuan¡¯s feelings for his sister were not ordinary. Shen Shichuan¡¯s pupils contracted instantly, and hisplexion darkened. So, that day, Xia Yangyang had seen everything. No wonder! This secret, for so many years, he had concealed it very well, so no one knew, not even Manbing. He had originally nned to keep this secret for a lifetime. Even if his heart bled and festered. Just like Xia Yangyang said, he couldn¡¯t imagine one day Manbing getting married, having kids, and fully detaching from his life. All these years, looking at Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen, he knew that their rtionship wasn¡¯t of ordinary lovers. He also knew that Gu Qichen¡¯s feelings for Shen Manbing were only sibling love, only that he wasn¡¯t aware of it. But even so, he still suffered daily with a heart-wrenching pain. But Shen Manbing was still his sister after all, even without a blood rtionship, they had grown up together from a young age. He didn¡¯t know when he started harboring such ¡°indecent¡± thoughts. Moreover, he feared that once Shen Manbing realized, she would bepletely disgusted with him. Actually, he himself was disgusted with himself too. On the surface, he pretended not to care, but over the years, he didn¡¯t know how many times he had gone insane. Today, Xia Yangyang broke this unspoken truth, it somewhat felt like an outlet had been created for those suppressed pains of all these years. Shen Shichuan sank into the sofa, saying, ¡°Yangyang, I know you must think I¡¯m a pervert for falling in love with the sister I raised.¡± Xia Yangyang was silent for a bit, not knowing what to say at this point. But Shen Shichuan began to pour out his heart. Some things had been suppressed in his heart for too long, as if he now finally found an outlet, those intense emotions rushed out like a dam bursting. ¡°The first time I saw Manbing, she was four years old, and mom had found her and brought her home. She had fainted from hunger at the side of the road. At that time, I thought, how could there be such a skinny child in the world? I was friendly to her. But when I learned that my parents wanted to adopt her, I was upset, even beginning to dislike her. But she was unaware, still calling me brother every day, running around behind me cheerily. She was only four years old then, she didn¡¯t understand anything, but I couldn¡¯t bear to suddenly have such a sister, with an unknown origin, to share my parents¡¯ love.¡± Shen Shichuan seemed to have fallen into some memory, his voice far and deep. Chapter 300 - 301: He Once Wanted to Abandon Her Chapter 300: Chapter 301: He Once Wanted to Abandon Her Trantor: 549690339 ¡°It was a hot summer¡¯s day. That day, our parents were at an orphanage,pleting the adoption procedures. I deliberately took her out to y, and after I brought her to Pearl Square, I told her: I¡¯m going to buy some ice cream. Once I have bought the ice cream, I¡¯lle back. Can you wait here for me? She agreed, but in reality, I had stealthily slipped away. At that time, I hoped she would get lost. I even maliciously wished that child traffickers would take her away. It was only when our parents came home that evening and asked about her, that I said I abandoned her. My mother nearly went crazy, and my father severely punished me. I finally confessed that I had left her at Pearl Square. Our parents rushed out immediately and drove to the square. I also went along. To this day, I cannot forget that she was still there at Pearl Square, innocently asking each passer-by, ¡®Ma¡¯am, could you buy me an ice cream? Once you buy it, my brother wille back.''¡± By this point, Shen Shichuan¡¯s eyes were already reddening: ¡°You can never imagine what a four-year-old child looks like when making that kind of plea. She was so scared. She had been sunburnt all day long, her face was peeling off. But she was still smiling, begging the strangers. In fact, many people took pity on her and bought her an ice cream. But once she had it, she just stood there waiting. But ice cream melts, and as soon as her ice cream melted, she would plead for another one from the passersby. It was so hot, but she wouldn¡¯t eat the ice cream. She only waited, patiently.¡± When our parents found her, she had just managed to obtain another ice cream. Seeing us, she rushed over with the ice cream and presented it to me like a treasure: ¡°Brother, here¡¯s your ice cream. Can we go home now?¡± At that moment, I just broke down and cried there. Because of my despicable behavior and her innocent act. I¡¯ll never forget her eyes. So cautious, so humble and eager to please. She was only four-years-old then. She actually knew, didn¡¯t she? That I wanted to abandon her. When we got home, I was severely beaten by my parents and then locked in the basement for reflection, without dinner. In the middle of the night, she stealthily climbed into the basement through a small window and handed me an apple from within her clothing. She said, ¡®Brother, I kept this hidden for you, eat it quickly.¡¯ Since that moment, I made a promise, never to abandon her again, and to protect her for the rest of my life.¡± Shen Shichuan spoke at length. About many small andrge urrences from their childhood. About how both of them suffered from family oppression after their parents¡¯ idental death, and how they relied on each other. Upon hearing all of this, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but let the tears fall. She always believed that she was unfortunate, with her mother leaving her at a young age. But she didn¡¯t know that the world is full of misfortunes. The pains that Shen Shichuan and Shen Manbing went through, she could never imagine. Shen Shichuan spoke for a good two hours, until it was noon. As he finished, the corner of Shen Shichuan¡¯s mouth twisted into a bitter smile: ¡°I apologize for making you listen to all this.¡± But Xia Yangyang spoke: ¡°If you can¡¯t feel at ease entrusting her to anyone else, why not fulfill your promise and protect her for all your life? Does public opinion matter that much?¡± ¡°For me, it doesn¡¯t matter, but for her it does. She is a radiant superstar now. The more she shines, the more darkness grows behind her. These years, I¡¯ve spoiled her into being stubborn and reckless, making countless enemies. A lot of people are waiting for her to fall from grace; I can¡¯t give them an opportunity to catch her out.¡± Xia Yangyang sighed deeply. A lot of things weren¡¯t as straightforward as she imagined, especially in the bewildering entertainment industry. Besides, Xia Yangyang knew that what Shen Shichuan feared most was Shen Manbing discovering his feelings for her. If Shen Manbing considered him only as a brother, then this could harm their sibling rtionship like a sharp de. ¡°Yangyang, I have a favor to ask.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, your feelings, I won¡¯t mention to Shen Manbing. Even if I have to, you should be the one to tell her.¡± Gratitude shone in Shen Shichuan¡¯s eyes.. Chapter 301 - 302: Worst Comes to Worst, We’ll Perish Together Chapter 301: Chapter 302: Worst Comes to Worst, We¡¯ll Perish Together Trantor: 549690339 Shen Shichuan gradually calmed down as well. He resumed his usual demeanor. Xia Yangyang started, ¡°Actually, I came today to talk about signing the contract.¡± Shen Shichuan asked, ¡°How did you suddenly change your mind?¡± Xia Yangyang honestly replied, ¡°Because I¡¯m short of money.¡± ¡°When thedy of Shengyuan¡¯s CEO says such a thing, it must break the CEO¡¯s heart.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not kidding, so after I sign the contract, I hope you can arrange more work for me.¡± Shen Shichuan also resumed his serious expression, ¡°That¡¯s no problem, after all, you are on the rise, signing you is a benefit for Shiguang.¡± ¡°Good, then prepare the contract. I hope to sign it as soon as possible. The sooner, the better. Also, the signing fee should be transferred to my ount as soon as possible.¡± Shen Shichuan said, ¡°I¡¯ve actually prepared your contract a long time ago, if you want to sign, you can do it now.¡± Xia Yangyang was slightly stunned, ¡°So, my signing with Shiguang was in your ns all along.¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t figured out how to plot your signing yet, but it seems like I¡¯m the one who got plotted instead.¡± Shen Shichuan candidly admitted. Xia Yangyang chuckled, ¡°Then let¡¯s sign now.¡± As she was signing, Shen Shichuan intentionally teased her, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to reconsider? Aren¡¯t you afraid I¡¯ll continue to manipte you? Don¡¯t forget, I¡¯m quite the schemer.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t even lift her head, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid, after all, I have so much dirt on you, we can go down together.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you¡¯re too ruthless.¡± After the signing waspleted. Yang Yang said, ¡°Mr. Shen, before I officially start working, I would like to take a few days off.¡± ¡°Sure, is one week enough?¡± ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡± Shen Shichuan didn¡¯t ask more. The reason why Xia Yangyang wanted to take leave was to visit her grandmother in the countryside. She hasn¡¯t visited her grandmother for a long time. In a few days, it would be her mother¡¯s death anniversary, her grandmother must be very upset then. Every year at this time, Xia Yangyang would go to the countryside and stay for a few days to apany her aged grandmother. After leaving Shiguang Building, Xia Yangyang called Gu Qichen. After listening, Gu Qichen fell silent for a while before saying, ¡°You go home first, I¡¯ll apany you this afternoon.¡± Xia Yangyang was incredibly surprised, ¡°I¡¯m going to be there for a week, do you have time?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t forget, I am the boss.¡± Just because he was the boss, he was even busier. In Xia Yangyang¡¯s memory, Gu Qichen seemed to have never taken a day off. ¡°Actually, you really don¡¯t need to apany me. I can go alone. It¡¯s rural there, you won¡¯t be ustomed.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you plotting something?¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned, ¡°What do you mean?¡± ¡°Then what¡¯s your purpose in stopping me from visiting Grandma?¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, his use of ¡°grandma¡± came out quite naturally. What Xia Yangyang was most worried about was, Gu Qichen, who had always lived a life of privilege, would definitely not be able to adapt to that environment, which would only make things more troublesome. Gu Qichen casually stated, ¡°Alright, it¡¯s settled. You go home first, and I¡¯ll be back after the meeting.¡± ¡°Wait a minute.¡± Xia Yangyang interrupted, ¡°I need to go back to my ce first. I left some clothes that I bought for grandma there.¡± ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll pick you up directly from the vi.¡± After Xia Yangyang hung up the phone, she went back to the Xia Family vi. She had bought some new winter clothes and shoes for her grandmother and nned to take them with her. After returning to the vi, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t greet anyone and went straight to her room to pack up. Xia Liangdong and Liu Ruyan were not at home. Xia Weiwei had juste back. She had auditioned for the leading female role in a new film by a famous director today, but she was eliminated in the first round. Frustrated and with no outlet for her anger. Seeing Xia Yangyang packing in her room, she kicked the door open and stormed in, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you are really good at ying the game, even the SH Film Grand Ceremony is under your control..¡± Chapter 302 - 303: Picking a Fight on Purpose Chapter 302: Chapter 303: Picking a Fight on Purpose Trantor: 549690339 I Xia Yangyang casually looked up at Xia Weiwei. ¡°Xia Weiwei, don¡¯t make trouble, I¡¯m packing up and will leave immediately.¡± Seeing her packing, Xia Weiwei became even more enraged. Xia Weiwei mocked and sneered, ¡°What, has the Xia Family already couldn¡¯t stand you, Mrs. Gu, even though it¡¯s not ruined yet? Are you so eager to sever ties with us? Xia Yangyang, you truly have no conscience.¡± Xia Weiwei felt extremely disgusted looking at Xia Yangyang¡¯sposed face. Yesterday was supposed to be her happiest day. During the SH Film and Television Festival, Xia Yangyang won an award, but at the same time a shocking scandal broke out. She believed that this time, indifferent of Xia Yangyang¡¯s influencers, she would be utterly disgraced. She was so happy that she didn¡¯t sleep all night. However, it was revealed by the morning that those scandals were just a prelude for her and a popr star¡¯s new film. In just a few short hours, Xia Yangyang went from being infamous to returning to the spotlight. All her joy was for nothing. Because of this, she was in a terrible mood and messed up during her audition today, and was instantly eliminated. This was all Xia Yangyang¡¯s fault!! Xia Yangyang simply ignored Xia Weiwei. Xia Weiwei was like this, the more you engage with her, the more she relishes in it, she¡¯spletely unreasonable. Xia Yangyang simply treated her as an invisible person and continued to pack her luggage. But Xia Weiwei disliked her indifference the most. She grabbed all of Xia Yangyang¡¯s packed luggage and scattered it on the floor, ¡°Xia Yangyang, even you dare to ignore me, let me show you today that Xia Weiwei isn¡¯t someone to be triffled with.¡± If it were in the past, Xia Yangyang would have fought back. After all, she held a ck belt in Taekwondo and Xia Weiwei was somewhat reserved. But today wasn¡¯t the same as usual. Xia Yangyang just watched as Xia Weiwei trashed her luggage. She didn¡¯t say a word. Xia Weiweipletely vented her frustration on Xia Yangyang¡¯s possessions and felt incredibly satisfied. However, Xia Weiwei had an ominous feeling as if something was amiss. She felt that Xia Yangyang¡¯s reaction today was unusual. Moreover, Xia Yangyang¡¯s gaze was not on her, she was staring behind her. Xia Weiwei had a bad feeling in her heart. She turned around slowly. And saw Gu Qichen standing at the door with an icy expression. Xia Weiwei¡¯s heart sankpletely. Xia Yangyang, this bitch! No wonder she was so calm. If it were in the past, she probably would have hit her already. But today, she put on a meek and patient demeanor. It turns out she knew Gu Qichen wasing early on. She purposely made her make a fool of herself! Purposely made Gu Qichen think less of her! She had been pretending to be a gentle and virtuous woman in front of Gu Qichen all this time, and now, she fell for Xia Yangyang¡¯s trap and ruined everything!! Xia Weiwei panicked and cried out, ¡°Brother-inw¡­¡± Gu Qichen walked in unhurriedly andpletely ignored Xia Weiwei¡¯s presence when he passed by her. He only said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°I¡¯ll help you pack.¡± He then picked up one thing after another, items that Xia Weiwei had messed up. Xia Weiwei was just standing there. Wasn¡¯t this a clear p in her face? Xia Yangyang was nothing but a bitch! But a wise man knows when to retreat. Xia Weiwei swallowed her pride and apologized to Gu Qichen, ¡°Brother-inw, I¡¯m sorry, I was in a bad mood today and was just venting.¡± She pretended to be pitiful while talking, tears welling up in her eyes ready to fall any moment. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t even nce at her and coldly said, ¡°You should be apologizing to your sister, not me.¡± Apologize to Xia Yangyang? Wasn¡¯t this a humiliation for her? Chapter 303 - 304: Are you usually bullied like this? Chapter 303: Chapter 304: Are you usually bullied like this? Trantor: 549690339 Xia Weiwei gritted her teeth, ¡°Sister, I¡¯m sorry. I was impulsive just now. I¡¯ll help you clean up.¡± ¡°You go out,¡± Xia Yangyang said calmly. Anger seethed within Xia Weiwei. As soon as Gu Qichen arrived, she wanted to throw her out. Did she have to guard against her so? But it really wasn¡¯t suitable to stay for long now, or presumably Gu Qichen would hate her even more. Forcing down her voice, Xia Weiwei said, ¡°Then Sister, Brother-inw, please go ahead with your work. I¡¯ll take my leave first.¡± After saying those words, Xia Weiwei left the room. Gu Qichen, however, wore an unhappy look, ¡°In normal times, do you just let her bully you like this?¡± Xia Yangyang smiled, ¡°She can¡¯t bully me if she tried. If it came to blows, she wouldn¡¯t be a match for me. I just can¡¯t be bothered to argue with her.¡± ¡°Only you have such a broad heart!¡± Xia Yangyangughed, ¡°Why are you getting angry? This is nothing. I¡¯m used to it, and she can¡¯t harm me.¡± ¡°It¡¯s exactly because you¡¯re used to it that I¡¯m more angry, Xia Yangyang. What kind of family must you have grown up in for you to be so patient?¡± What kind of family could it have been that she grew up in? This was the family she lived in. Xia Weiwei¡¯s behavior earlier was just the tip of the iceberg. But Xia Yangyang stillforted Gu Qichen, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, isn¡¯t it nice that we are finally spending some time together on holiday? Aren¡¯t you looking forward to it?¡± Mentioning that seemed to lift Gu Qichen¡¯s mood a bit. Once their luggage was packed, Gu Qichen carried it out of the room. Unexpectedly, Xia Weiwei was standing at the door, timidly asking, ¡°Brother-inw, Sister, are you two going on a vacation?¡± Gu Qichen suddenly turned his head, his voice chilly, ¡°Why, do you want toe too?¡± Xia Weiwei was taken aback. She instinctively knew that Gu Qichen wasn¡¯t genuinely asking her. But still, she couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°I have some free time these days, if you guys don¡¯t mind¡­¡± ¡°Sorry, we do mind.¡± Having said that, he took Xia Yangyang by the hand and went straight downstairs. Xia Weiwei was so angry she trembled all over. Her fingers clenched into fists, her nails digging into her palms. If it wasn¡¯t Xia Yangyang who had just made her embarrass herself in front of Gu Qichen¡­ How would Gu Qichen scorn and disdain her so much? Xia Yangyang, let¡¯s see how much longer your good daysst. The more affectionate you two are now, the more it will eventually be a knife of hatred. Liu Ruyan said she has almost finished preparing. Xia Weiwei was already itching to see them fall apart, hate each other, and eventually be strangers. Once they had got into the car, Xia Yangyang teasingly said to Gu Qichen, ¡°You were really childish just now, it¡¯s not like you at all.¡± Gu Qichen only humphed in reply, ¡°If she dares to bully you again, I can even do something more childish.¡± With that, the car started and drove out of the Xia family¡¯s vi. Xia Yangyang¡¯s grandmother lived in a ce called Niuqiao Vige in the countryside near the border city. There it was sparsely popted and ess was inconvenient. There was only one highway. In the past, Xia Yangyang had to take the bus, disembark and then walk five kilometers to get to her grandmother¡¯s house. Normally, if she set off in the morning, she would only get there by night. But today, Gu Qichen was driving personally, and they reached Niuqiao Vige in just four hours. However, by the time they arrived, night had already fallen. Xia Yangyang had not informed her grandmother beforehand that she wasing. Simply because they didn¡¯t have a means ofmunication. Xia Yangyang once worked to buy a mobile phone for her grandmother. But until now, her grandmother still did not know how to use it. Xia Yangyang had to give the phone to her grandmother¡¯s neighbor, and through that device, she kept updated on her grandmother¡¯s condition. After leaving the highway, they jolted along a bumpy road, going round and round before finally parking in the courtyard of her grandmother¡¯s house.. Chapter 304 - 305: Grandma Doesn’t Like Gu Chapter 304: Chapter 305: Grandma Doesn¡¯t Like Gu Qichen Trantor: 549690339 I It seemed grandmother had already gone to sleep. There were no lights in the yard. But tonight¡¯s moonlight was remarkable. Xia Yangyang got out of the car and went to knock on the door. It was a small house with two additional smaller houses on either side, one looked like a kitchen due to the presence of a chimney, and the other was a sheep shed, housing a few sheep that were also sleeping. Gu Qichen also got out of the car and began observing the yard. After a while, the door opened. The grandmother, wrapped in a coat, stood at the doorway. Seeing it was Xia Yangyang, she eximed excitedly, ¡°NanNan, why did youe back?¡± Grandmother was illiterate and had always addressed her in dialect as NanNan since she was a child. ¡°Grandma, I missed you.¡± Xia Yangyang immediately hugged her. A smile gleamed in the old woman¡¯s eyes, ¡°I¡¯ve been missing you too.¡± At this moment, Gu Qichen walked over. Xia Yangyang quickly introduced, ¡°Grandma, I¡¯m married now. This is my husband Gu Qichen. We haven¡¯t had our wedding yet, but I wanted you to meet him first.¡± The old woman turned to look at Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen respectfully said, ¡°Hello, Grandma. I¡¯m Ah Chen.¡± The old woman examined him for a while, but she didn¡¯t seem too pleased, ¡°Another pretty-boy,e inside.¡± It was the first time Gu Qichen didn¡¯t know how to react to Grandma¡¯s sudden change of expression. Xia Yangyang was also taken aback. She didn¡¯t expect her grandmother¡¯s first impression of Gu Qichen to be so negative. After all, Gu Qichen¡¯s face radiated a natural superiority that one could not treat lightly. Many women were love-struck at the first sight of him, and many men readily admired him. But, howe when he came to her grandmother¡¯s, he was disregarded after just one look? Xia Yangyang nced at Gu Qichen, whose face surprisingly bore an innocent look. Gu Qichen quietly asked Xia Yangyang, ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head, indicating she didn¡¯t know either. The two of them entered the house. Although the room was simple, with few furnishings, it was clean and tidy. The old woman looked at Xia Yangyang with a smile, ¡°NanNan, have you had dinner yet?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head, ¡°We have not yet had the chance to eat.¡± The old woman cheerfully said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll cook something for you. Conveniently, I bought some beef at the market this morning.¡± Xia Yangyang quickly said, ¡°Grandma, it¡¯s toote. We brought food with us. Don¡¯t trouble yourself.¡± ¡°How can you guys eat bread as a meal? And you¡¯re talking about trouble.¡± Having said that, the old woman had already gone into the room to put on her clothes and an apron. As she passed Gu Qichen, she suddenly stopped and said, ¡°You,e help me light the stove.¡± Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen were taken aback. Gu Qichen seemed a bit bewildered; he didn¡¯t seem to know what lighting the stove meant. ¡®Lighting the stove¡¯ is a local term here. This being a rural area, most families, especially ones with the elderly, still cooked on traditional stoves. To ¡®light the stove¡¯ meant to sit behind the stove and add firewood. How could Gu Qichen do such a task? Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t even have time to exin, and quickly went over to the old woman, ¡°Grandma, let me do it. I remember when I was young, I used to love crawling behind the stove. It was a lot of fun.¡± The old woman said, ¡°This is not women¡¯s work, it¡¯s dirty and tiring. Look at you, your skin is so delicate, what if you get burned? Men should do this.¡± It was precisely because it was dirty and tiring that she didn¡¯t want Gu Qichen to do it. Although Gu Qichen asionally cooked, his kitchen was like an exhibition hall. Moreover, he had a knack for cleanliness. How could he do such rough work? Gu Qichen had by now approached, ¡°Grandma, let me help you..¡± Chapter 305 - 306: How could you be even more delicate than a woman? Chapter 305: Chapter 306: How could you be even more delicate than a woman? Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen had already followed the old woman to the nearby cottage. Xia Yangyang wanted to follow, but the old woman refused her entry. The old woman said, ¡°You cannote in. You should go to your room and take a rest. The smell of smoke and fire in the kitchen is too strong.¡± Xia Yangyang dared not leave Gu Qichen alone there. It was Gu Qichen, who gave Xia Yangyang a meaningful look, indicating that she should obey her grandmother¡¯s words and note in. Xia Yangyang stayed in her room alone, packing her luggage. In reality, there was nothing much to pack, just a few clothes. After packing, Xia Yangyang felt restless. Her grandmother had always been kind and hospitable to people. She didn¡¯t object when she decided to get married, she even often asked her to bring her boyfriend home to meet her. Why was she the only one who found Gu Qichen displeasing to the eyes? Gu Qichen was just being polite and serious, he didn¡¯t say anything wrong. Xia Yangyang was scratching her ears and cheeks in annoyance but she still couldn¡¯t help herself from wanting to peek into the kitchen. The kitchen door was closed, so Xia Yangyang peeked through the window. In the kitchen, her grandmother was chopping vegetables. Gu Qichen was sitting behind the stove, stoking the fire. He had never done this kind of work before, and didn¡¯t know where to start. Her grandmother went over, showed him hand by hand, and even murmured: ¡°How could NanNan fall for such a clumsy man like you!¡± Oh, my God! The person who would dare to call Gu Qichen clumsy in this world, her grandmother was probably the first and the only one. As Xia Yangyang watched Gu Qichen silently adding firewood without responding, he suddenly seemed like a powerful tiger that had fallen onto a sunny in. But Gu Qichen was still Gu Qichen. Even though he was sitting in the cramped space behind the stove, even though he was scowling because of the smoke. His whole body still had a kind of noble and aloof temperament. He had taken off his coat. Underneath, he wore a thin, light grey sweater, and he actually looked like a college student. Xia Yangyang had no idea that a day woulde when President Gu could be brought down from his high pedestal, but because of him, the seemingly crude and simple stove had suddenly turned into a picturesque scene. Xia Yangyang watched Gu Qichen stoke the fire, and it seemed as if her eyes couldn¡¯t move away from him. At first, he was somewhat clumsy, but Gu Qichen¡¯s mind is indeed worth its weight in gold. He quickly mastered the subtle tricks, maintaining his movements steadily and leisurely, even using his spare time to neatly arrange the firewood behind him ording to their size. Well, he is definitely a neat freak with a severe case of obsessivepulsive disorder. Xia Yangyang stood by the door for quite a while. But the effortless way Gu Qichen handled things made her turn around and retreat to her room without going in. If her grandmother still dislikes Gu Qichen, and if she continues to defend him, would her grandmother hate him even more? Although her heart ached for him, Xia Yangyang decided to wait and see how things went. Half an hourter, the old woman cooked a full table of delicious dishes and asked her toe and eat. Only then did Yangyang rush into the kitchen. Of course, the first thing she did was to look for Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen had just gotten up from the small stool behind the stove. Perhaps because he sat for too long, with his long legs always bent, he seemed to have gotten numb. As he stood up, he staggered slightly. Xia Yangyang quickly ran over to support him. She asked with great concern, ¡°Are you okay?¡± The corner of Gu Qichen¡¯s mouth held a faint smile, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± The grandmother, while carrying the finished dishes from the stove to the dining table, nced over and said, ¡°He is useless even in doing such a small chore.. How is this decent man more delicate than a woman?¡± Chapter 306 - 307: Why dont you like Gu Qichen? Chapter 306: Chapter 307: Why don¡¯t you like Gu Qichen? Trantor: 549690339 I When Grandma finished uttering that sentence, Xia Yangyang felt as though her heart came to a halt. Grandma, do you know who you¡¯re talking about here? The youngest president of the Shengyuan Group, the genius master of the business realm, the controller of the prestigious Gu Family residing in the southern part of Kyoto who had the ability to sway the whole city. Yet, ording to her, he¡¯s nothing more than a delicate woman. My dear Grandma, can¡¯t you save him some face? Xia Yangyang guiltily nced at Gu Qichen. Yet, a soft light smile graced Gu Qichen¡¯s face, his voice as pleasant as ever: ¡°Grandma is right, I will make sure to exercise more in the future.¡± With that, he threw a nce at Xia Yangyang. Why was her heart pounding whenever she saw that yful tease in Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes? Grandma prepared her favorite dishes ¨C stewed beef in arge pot, lima beans rice, stir-fried bread, steamed eggnt¡­ All were Xia Yangyang¡¯s favorite homestyle dishes from her childhood. The three of them had already taken seats around a small square table. Turning to Xia Yangyang, Grandma said, ¡°NanNan, eat more. Look at how thin you¡¯ve be! It seems to me that you¡¯ve lost a lot more weight since thest time you came home.¡± Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t really lost weight; she ate quite a lot, but that was just her constitution. No matter how much she ate, her weight didn¡¯t fluctuate much. Gu Qichen was still standing. Until Grandma gave her permission, he didn¡¯t dare sit. Xia Yangyang hurriedly said, ¡°Come on, take a seat and start eating, you know my Grandma cooks delicious food, authentic farmhouse dishes, you won¡¯t find them anywhere else.¡± Gu Qichen looked at Grandma, who finally said, ¡°Let¡¯s eat together.¡± Gu Qichen took a seat. After tasting a bite, he sincerelymented, ¡°Grandma¡¯s cooking skills are indeedremarkable. This braised pork is the best I¡¯ve ever had.¡± Ignoring his ttery, Grandma responded with, ¡°tterer.¡± Xia Yangyang thought her heart couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Surprisingly, Gu Qichen chuckled lightly, then continued eating his meal. Even though all the wild rice dishes were Xia Yangyang¡¯s favorites, her mood throughout this meal felt as if she were on a roller coaster. No matter what Gu Qichen said, Grandma would always find fault in his words. Never in his life had Gu Qichen been treated in such a way. Xia Yangyang was particrly afraid of offending him. However, Gu Qichen maintained sophistication and politeness from start to finish, epting all of Grandma¡¯s remarks with a gentle smile on his face. Yet, Xia Yangyang felt intensely guilty. He had kindly apanied her to visit her Grandma, but all he got in return was difort everywhere. But Xia Yangyang understood her Grandma¡¯s temperament; she was a stubborn olddy. If Xia Yangyang stepped in to defend Gu Qichen, Grandma wouldy it on even thicker with herments. So, Xia Yangyang dared not to say anything. After dinner, Grandma stood straight up andmanded Gu Qichen, ¡°Go fetch water from the courtyard to wash the dishes.¡± Then she taken Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and said, ¡°NanNan, I¡¯ve made you a pair of winter cotton shoes. I used freshly picked cotton. Come with me and try them on to see if they fit.¡± Xia Yangyang was in no mood to try on new shoes, all her mind was on Gu Qichen. It was as if Grandmapletely considered Gu Qichen as a servant. Yet Gu Qichen was still extremely respectful, with no hint of anger visible on his face, he calmlyplied, ¡°Alright, Grandma, leave it to me.¡± Grandma pulled Xia Yangyang into her room. Xia Yangyang ultimately couldn¡¯t hold it in and stuttered out a question, ¡°Grandma, why do you dislike Ah Chen?¡± As Grandma pulled out a pair of shoes from the closet, she snappily retorted, ¡°You and your mother are the same, always choosing handsome men who are no good. Your father was a good-looking man, but what happened? Your mother passed away at such a young age, and within half a year, he married that woman called Liu Ruyan..¡± Chapter 307 - 308: The Better Looking a Man, the More Useless He Is Chapter 307: Chapter 308: The Better Looking a Man, the More Useless He Is Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang finally understood. So, it turned out that grandmother is holding a grudge against Gu Qichen because of Dad. Actually, grandmother was very nice to Dad in the past. Xia Yangyang remembered that every year, there would be an endless supply of fresh vegetables at home, all of which were brought to the city from miles away by grandmother¡¯s helpers. She always imed that their homegrown vegetables, which were pesticide-free, were healthier to eat. However, after her mom suddenly passed away, grandmother took it as a devastating blow. Grandmother had lost her husband when she was young. She single-handedly raised her daughter, put her through school, and even turned her into a star due to a stroke of fate. Because of her daughter¡¯s death, grandmother could never forgive Xia Liangdong. For many years, dad would visit the countryside asionally and even intended to bring her to the city to settle down. But every time, grandmother would shut him out. In recent years, Xia Liangdong hade less and less. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°But Ah Chen is Ah Chen, grandmother, you can¡¯t involve him in Dad¡¯s issues. They¡¯re two different people.¡± The old woman looked disappointed, ¡°Your mom was attracted to your dad because of his looks, wasn¡¯t she? But what¡¯s the use of a good-looking face? I¡¯m telling you, the better a man looks, the less responsible and reliable he is. As your grandmother, I don¡¯t want you to meet the same fate as your mother.¡± Xia Yangyang spent a long time trying to reason with her. But the old woman was stubborn and wouldn¡¯t listen. She believed that all good-looking people were hollow and those city men spoiled her to the point where any involvement with him would inevitably lead to hardship. Xia Yangyang suddenly felt a great deal of regret. Why didn¡¯t she stop Gu Qichen froming to the countryside? When Xia Yangyang was in her room trying on shoes, her mind was elsewhere. The shoes didn¡¯t fit well and grandmother decided to fix them. Taking advantage of grandmother fixing the shoes, Xia Yangyang quickly snuck out of the room. Gu Qichen had just drawn water from the well and was washing dishes in the kitchen. He had taken off his gray sweater. Underneath, he was wearing a white shirt. Despite the cold winter weather, beads of sweat trickled down his forehead. Xia Yangyang quickly ran over, took the dishes from Gu Qichen¡¯s hands, and said, ¡°Take a break now, I¡¯ll wash the dishes.¡± Gu Qichen was already tired from driving for four hours that day. He had cooked, and now he was carrying water and washing dishes. Xia Yangyang felt terribly guilty. However, Gu Qichen rolled up his sleeves, gently pushed Xia Yangyang aside and said, ¡°No need. If grandmother sees this, she¡¯ll probably dislike me even more.¡± Xia Yangyang apologized guiltily, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, you¡¯re shouldering the me for my dad.¡± Gu Qichen responded, ¡°What do you mean?¡± Xia Yangyang then repeated the conversation she had with her grandmother. Gu Qichen appeared deep in thought. Xia Yangyang suggested, ¡°Why don¡¯t you leave tomorrow? My grandmother is a very stubborn person. You¡¯ll undoubtedly suffer if you stay.¡± As Gu Qichen began to wash the dishes, he casually replied, ¡°Since your grandmother has a bad impression of me, I should stay and change her mind. She¡¯s your grandmother, she¡¯s important to you, and therefore, she¡¯s important to me. A little hardship is nothing.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect Gu Qichen to say this and was deeply moved. ¡°Alright, stop distracting me from washing the dishes. Go and apany your grandmother in the room.¡± ¡°No, I want to stay here with you. I¡¯ll give you a massage.¡± Without waiting for his reply, Xia Yangyang moved behind Gu Qichen, insisting on giving him a massage. Gu Qichen¡¯s mouth curled into a mischievous smile, ¡°If you want to massage me, you don¡¯t have to rush. I¡¯ll give you plenty of opportunities to show your ¡®skills¡¯ tonight.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t understand what he meant at first, but once she saw the familiar smirk on Gu Qichen¡¯s face, she got it. She retorted indignantly, ¡°You just carry on with the dishes. I¡¯m leaving you.¡± Then, blushing, she ran out.. Chapter 308 - 309: Look How Heartbroken You Are Chapter 308: Chapter 309: Look How Heartbroken You Are Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang ran back into the house, only to find that her grandmother wasn¡¯t there. She didn¡¯t know where her grandmother had gone, but she returned after a while. ¡°Grandma, where did you go?¡± ¡°I asked Ah Chen to wash the dishes and fetch water, to fill up the big vat in the kitchen.¡± Xia Yangyang finally couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore: ¡°Grandma!¡± The old woman nced at her: ¡°Look at you, so concerned. It¡¯s good to make men do more work. Then he¡¯ll know how to cherish his wife, and you¡¯re not allowed to help him.¡± Xia Yangyang felt infuriated: ¡°Grandma, how could you do this.¡± After saying it, Xia Yangyang ran out in a huff. The old woman, however, had a trace of smile at the corner of her mouth. After Xia Yangyang rushed out, she indeed found Gu Qichen fetching water at the well. Although it was rural here, they already had running water and electricity. But it had been freezingtely. The water pipes in the house had frozen into ice, and water couldn¡¯te out at all. However, each household in the countryside has a well in its yard. Plus, the well water is warm in winter and cool in summer, so it¡¯s used for washing dishes and clothing. Most kitchens also have a big vat used for storing water. While eating earlier, Xia Yangyang noticed that there was barely any water left in the vat. To fill it up, it would take dozens of bucketfuls of water. That meant Zhao Qichen would have to make dozens of trips, it would probably exhaust him. Xia Yangyang rushed over, grabbed the bucket directly from Gu Qichen¡¯s hands: ¡°Stop fetching water! It¡¯ste,e sleep with me.¡± Gu Qichen chuckled, ¡°It¡¯s not a big deal for me, Yangyang. Don¡¯t worry, go to sleep first.¡± Her grandmother stood at the door, with a stern look on her face. Gu Qichen nced over, took the bucket back from Xia Yangyang, and whispered to her: ¡°Alright, just let me show grandma some good things. Don¡¯t worry, your husband isn¡¯t that weak.¡± So he continued to fetch water. From afar, Xia Yangyang watched with a heavy heart. Gu Qichen was indeed stubborn. Clearly, her grandmother was making things difficult for him, but he bore it. But Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t persuade her grandmother to back down and she also couldn¡¯t convince Gu Qichen. After watching for a while, the grandmother said: ¡°Once the vat is full, you can go to sleep. I¡¯ve spread the quilts for you, I¡¯m going to bed now.¡± As soon as the grandmother entered the house, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t wait to grab another bucket. She started to fetch water along with Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen was not pleased. He rolled up his sleeves and frowned: ¡°You¡¯re not allowed to fetch water, go inside and rest.¡± Xia Yangyang said: ¡°I¡¯m as strong as you, don¡¯t forget, I¡¯m a fifth-degree ck belt in taekwondo.¡± ¡°Still, you¡¯re not allowed.¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°This isn¡¯t a job for girls.¡± ¡°Stop dawdling, it¡¯ll be faster if we both do it together, let¡¯s have apetition.¡± Gu Qichen looked at Xia Yangyang speechlessly: ¡°Yangyang, if you do this, I¡¯ll feel ipetent. My wife is not meant for the menialbours, never.¡± Xia Yangyang:¡±¡­¡± She really couldn¡¯t get the mentality of a straight man. Could fetching water injure the pride of this big CEO? In the end, Xia Yangyang could only give up. But still, she was worried and kept himpany. Xia Yangyang sat on the threshold, watching Gu Qichen going back and forth fetching water. She felt this man was unlike anyone else, even while fetching water. He always had a calm and noble demeanor, an elegant aura. Every move he made, could be seen as a piece of art. Xia Yangyang admitted that she was infatuated watching Gu Qichen fetch water.. Chapter 309 - 310: But even hungrier Chapter 309: Chapter 310: But even hungrier Trantor: 549690339 | Half an hourter, Gu Qichen finally managed to fill the water tank. As he emerged from the kitchen, Xia Yangyang hurried over to meet him. While massaging his hands and shoulders, she said guiltily, ¡°You must be exhausted. It¡¯s not your fault that you¡¯re handsome. If good looks were a crime, then my husband would be a serious offender.¡± Gu Qichen was quite fond of Xia Yangyang¡¯sment. He raised an eyebrow at her, ¡°I didn¡¯t see you eating any sweets tonight, yet your mouth is so sweet?¡± Xia Yangyang gave him a ttering smile, ¡°Let¡¯s go and rest in the room, my love. You¡¯ve worked hard.¡± There was no way to take a bath here. They could only use a hot towel to clean up a bit. Throughout the process, Gu Qichen had been frowning. Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Qichen was a clean freak. Not taking a bath for a day was like a torture to him. But the conditions were so poor, there was nothing they could do. There was indeed arge wooden tub for bathing in the room. But every bath required heating several pots of water; it was rather troublesome. They wouldn¡¯t have time to do it today. Xia Yangyang¡¯s room was very small. But her grandmother always kept it spotlessly clean. The bed sheets and quilts were all washed and just freshly put out. Lying on them, you could still feel the warm scent of the sun. Xia Yangyangy on the bed, burying her head into the pillow. It reminded her of the times when she stayed with her mother in the countryside during the farming season. The mountains and fields were filled with ripe rice, golden and shining, and the harvested straw was piled up everywhere. Xia Yangyang used to lie on these straw piles andze around. She missed that feeling so much. Gu Qichen also changed into his sleepwear and came over. Xia Yangyang quickly made room for him, ¡°Come to bed now, it¡¯s already midnight.¡± Time had slipped away; it was unexpectedly midnight already. Xia Yangyang was extremely tired, and Gu Qichen must be just as exhausted. Xia Yangyang¡¯s bed was small, a single bed. Having both of them on it made it feel quite cramped. Xia Yangyang tried to sleep on her side, leaning against the wall. All just to make Gu Qichen a bit morefortable. But unexpectedly, Gu Qichen also slept on his side, pressing closely against Xia Yangyang¡¯s back. And then he pulled Xia Yangyang into his arms. Xia Yangyang loved this sleeping posture, with her back against his chest. She was smaller than him, fitting perfectly in his embrace, giving her a sense of security. She was really exhausted. Xia Yangyang fell into sleepiness quickly. Just as she was about to fall asleep, she felt a warm breath by her ear. Gu Qichen¡¯s lips gently kissed her neck while his hand that was on her waist began to wander. Xia Yangyang turned her head, murmuring drowsily, ¡°Aren¡¯t you tired?¡± ¡°Tired, but hungrier.¡± True to his reputation, Gu Qichen was skilled enough to rouse Xia Yangyang from her sleepiness in no time. At the height of passion, Xia Yangyang suddenly said, ¡°You¡¯re too tired today, let me lead?¡± Gu Qichen was very pleased with his usually passive little wife¡¯s sudden proposal. He immediately spread out on the bed, ¡°Wife, go ahead, do as you wish.¡± Xia Yangyang: However, Xia Yangyang regretted it soon after. Because when lying on Gu Qichen, apart from symbolically kissing his lips twice, she didn¡¯t have a clue what to do next. In the end, Xia Yangyang gave up. Shey down in Gu Qichen¡¯s arm, saying, ¡°I¡¯m so sleepy. Let¡¯s sleep.¡± Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t believe it, ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Xia Yangyang answered innocently, ¡°That¡¯s it.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face started to darken. Though her skills were clumsy, she somehow managed to stoke his desire. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t dare to look at his face, feeling guilty. The next second, Gu Qichen had grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm, pinning her beneath him¡­ His voice was husky, carrying an irresistible maism in the dark, ¡°Xia Yangyang, starting the fire without putting it off means ying with fire.¡± ¨C erm erm, please use your imagination for the following content- No meat, have some soup- cover face and run away shyly¡­. Chapter 310 - 311: Young Master Gu Renovates the Sheep Shed Chapter 310: Chapter 311: Young Master Gu Renovates the Sheep Shed Trantor: 549690339 ¡°The sound of a rooster crowing could be heard early in the morning. The sunlight shone in through the window,nding right on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face. Xia Yangyang rubbed her sleepy eyes. As she turned her head, she saw Gu Qichen resting on his arm, looking at her. His eyes were alert, as if he had been awake for a long time. Xia Yangyang was taken aback, and asked, ¡°Did you have trouble sleeping?¡± The quality of Gu Qichen¡¯s sleep wasn¡¯t typically good, to the point where any slight noise would disturb him. Not to mention on such a simple and cramped little bed. He must have been up all night. Xia Yangyang instantly felt both guilty and sympathetic. Gu Qichen gently touched Xia Yangyang¡¯s face and said, ¡°As long as you are sleeping by my side, I will get used to anywhere.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice still had the hoarseness of early morning, which was oddly stirring. Xia Yangyang spontaneously nted a kiss on him. Then, like a kitten, she gazed at Gu Qichen. Such misty eyes, in Gu Qichen¡¯s view, were clearly a temptation. Without hesitation, he leaned in once again. Xia Yangyang eximed in panic, ¡°Hey, didn¡¯t we already¡­st night?¡± ¡°Mrs. Gu, you seemed to underestimate your husband¡¯s stamina,¡± Just as Xia Yangyang was reluctantly ying along, a sudden knock came from the door. From outside, they could vaguely hear her grandmother¡¯s voice, ¡°NanNan,e out for breakfast, the sticky corn from yesterday will get cold if you don¡¯t eat it soon.¡± Xia Yangyang hurriedly pushed Gu Qichen aside, ¡°Grandma will find out, let¡¯s go have breakfast first, there¡¯s delicious and sweet corn.¡± Gu Qichen buried his face in Xia Yangyang¡¯s neck, mumbled like a child, ¡°But what I want to eat is not corn.¡± After washing up, the two sat at the small table in the yard for breakfast. On the table were two bowls of millet porridge, several dishes of pickles, coupled with fresh sweet sticky corn. The winter sun was warm on their skin, thembs in the sheep pen woke up and started eating hay. The air here was different from the city, especially fresh and clean. Xia Yangyang turned her head and said, ¡°Do you think life in the countryside is also good? When we get old, maybe we can find a beautiful ce to retire and live leisurely, we can nt some corn and vegetables, raise a cat and a dog, it sounds perfect, doesn¡¯t it?¡± Gu Qichenughed, ¡°The environment is good, but it¡¯s a bit behind. It would be great to develop it into a farm-style resort.¡± Xia Yangyang looked at Gu Qichen scanning the surroundings, already starting his business nning, she pursed her lips, ¡°You are definitely a capitalist.¡± After breakfast, grandmother came over. She simply handed Gu Qichen a pile of nks, ¡°The roof of the sheep pen is broken and leaks when it rains. You fix it today before it gets dark.¡± Xia Yangyang protested, ¡°Grandma, if you keep doing this, I am going back to the city tomorrow.¡± Grandma just nced at Xia Yangyang, ¡°Who else can fix it if not him? Are you expecting an old woman like me to climb up and down?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Doesn¡¯t Uncle Han know how to fix it? You can ask him for help,ter on, I¡¯ll give him some premium cigarettes.¡± Uncle Han was their neighbor. They took good care of Xia¡¯s grandmother, and Xia was always grateful for that. Every time she returned, she would bring them tea and wine. But grandmother grumbled unhappily, ¡°It¡¯s not good to keep asking people for help, besides, why not make use of readily avable manpower?¡± It seems in grandma¡¯s eyes, Gu Qichen is nothing more than a handyman. Gu Qichen, however, merely smiled faintly, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll fix it. It¡¯s better to rely on oneself than to ask others for help, after all, it means owing others favors..¡± Chapter 311 - 312: Borrowing the Bathroom Chapter 311: Chapter 312: Borrowing the Bathroom Trantor: 549690339 For the rest of the time, Gu Qichen began to repair the roof of the sheepfold. Xia Yangyang had no real way to help, her aid was limited to steadying thedder and handing him tools. However, Xia Yangyang never expected Gu Qichen to repair the roof so expertly. In less than half a day, the entire sheepfold roof looked brand new. When Gu Qichen came down, astonishingly, he remained neat and clean, and didn¡¯t look as if he had been doing heavy work at all. Xia Yangyang looked at Gu Qichen with a worshipful gaze, ¡°Husband, is there anything you can¡¯t do in this world? Even the roof you can repair.¡± Gu Qichen gave a light smile, ¡°Now you know how perfect your husband is, don¡¯t you?¡± This man cannot beplimented, once praised, he bes self-absorbed. However, Xia Yangyang surprisingly found Gu Qichen¡¯s narcissism extremely charming. Nevertheless, it had been hard work for half a day. Gu Qichen, being such a clean person, would undoubtedly want to take a bath. But if they had to heat water, it would take a long time. Moreover, Gu Qichen undoubtedly wouldn¡¯t be used to using that kind of bath basin. Xia Yangyang thought for a moment and suddenly said, ¡°Go to Uncle Han¡¯s house to borrow his bathroom, their house has a water heater. When I stayed here before, I asionally used their bathroom.¡± Gu Qichen frowned slightly, ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem quite right.¡± However, Xia Yangyang quickly went inside to get Gu Qichen¡¯s clothes. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with it, my Grandma has a very good rtionship with Uncle Han¡¯s family. They¡¯ve been close neighbours for decades, like a big family. When I used toe back in the past, I often went to their house for meals.¡± Gu Qichen felt that he absolutely needed to take a bath. He really couldn¡¯t stand the smell of sheep on himself. Thus, he didn¡¯t object. The Han residence wasn¡¯t far from their home, a brief three-five minute walk. However, the Han residence was a two-storey western-style building, quite the best house in the entire vige. As they walked, Xia Yangyang exined to Gu Qichen, ¡°This house was rebuilt by Sister Xiaomei. She¡¯s Uncle Han¡¯s daughter, exceptionally sessful, a returned overseas student working in a foreignpany now. She¡¯s stunningly beautiful, the pride of the whole vige. But she rarelyes back since she settled in Shanghai.¡± As soon as Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen stepped into the Han residence, they saw Uncle Han, Han Dashan, in the yard cracking winter dates. Uncle Han¡¯s wife, Miao Shuhui, was sitting on a little stool at the entrance, picking vegetables. Miao Shuhui saw Xia Yangyang first and quickly walked over happily, ¡°Isn¡¯t this Yangyang? When did youe back?¡± Xia Yangyang went over and handed over some gifts she was carrying, ¡°Thanks so much to Uncle Han and Auntie for taking good care of Grandma. Here¡¯s some tea for Uncle Han.¡± Miao Shuhui said, ¡°You child, why do you bring back so many things every time? Your grandma raised us up as if we were her own children. When we were younger, your grandma fed us many meals when our family was poor. It¡¯s only right for us to treat your grandma well. You take your things back, I can¡¯t ept them.¡± Xia Yangyang gently hooked her arm through Miao Shuhui¡¯s, ¡°I¡¯ll know better next time. This time I only brought them because someone gave them to my dad, and since you know he doesn¡¯t drink tea, I brought it back for Uncle Han.¡± Miao Shuhui pretended to be cross while her face was filled with smiles. At that moment, Miao Shuhui noticed Gu Qichen standing nearby and asked curiously, ¡°And who is this?¡± Xia Yangyang quickly introduced him, ¡°This is my husband Gu Qichen.¡± Miao Shuhui was extremely surprised, ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯re married?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, ¡°Yes, but we haven¡¯t held a wedding ceremony yet. When we do, you and Uncle Han muste.¡± ¡°Of course, of course. We¡¯ll definitelye,¡± Miao Shuhui replied. Miao Shuhui pulled Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen into the house, ¡°Come inside quickly. Stay for dinner tonight. Your sister Xiaomei is back today and Uncle Han has bought a lot of seafood; we¡¯re preparing a seafood feast for tonight..¡± Chapter 312 - 313: Can I Call You Brother Gu? Chapter 312: Chapter 313: Can I Call You Brother Gu? Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang quickly exined their purpose: ¡°Auntie, actually, we came to borrow the bathroom. You know my grandmother¡¯s house doesn¡¯t have a bathroom and my husband just finished fixing the sheep pen, so his clothes are dirty. He was hoping to use your bathroom to take a bath.¡± Miao Shuhui quickly replied: ¡°Not a problem at all, go ahead! Yangyang, youe here often, you¡¯re familiar with the surroundings. I¡¯ll have Uncle Han start preparing dinner. You both have to stay for dinner tonight. Later, I¡¯ll bring your grandmother over, and we¡¯ll all eat together.¡± Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen headed to the second floor. There is an independent bathroom upstairs in the Xia family home, but it¡¯s hardly ever used. Yangyang sometimes borrows the bathroom and heads there. As they were walking down the corridor, a bedroom door suddenly opened. Han Xiaomei came out from inside. Seeing Xia Yangyang, she was delighted: ¡°Yangyang, when did you get back?¡± Yangyang greeted her happily: ¡°I just got backst night. Sister Xiaomei, it has been a while since you¡¯ve been back too.¡± Han Xiaomei then noticed Gu Qichen, who was standing behind Xia Yangyang. She seemed to be taken aback for a moment. Then a surprised expression appeared on her face: ¡°And who might this be¡­¡± Xia Yangyang introduced him with a smile: ¡°This is my husband.¡± Han Xiaomei was equally surprised: ¡°You¡¯re married.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s face turned a shade of crimson: ¡°Yes, for quite some time now.¡± ¡°Right, we came here to borrow the bathroom. Sorry for the inconvenience.¡± ¡°Not at all, go right ahead.¡± Yangyang showed Qi Chen to the bathroom, gave a brief introduction and then said, ¡°I¡¯ll step outside first. When you¡¯re done, I¡¯lle back and take my bath.¡± Actually, Xia Yangyang had brought her clothes too. She didn¡¯t take a bathst night and she was starting to feel ufortable. Gu Qichen, however,ughed and said: ¡°Aftering here, I¡¯vee to realize how precious water is. Every single drop counts.¡± Xia Yangyang was confused: ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± ¡°In the interest of conserving water, how about we bathe together?¡± Xia Yangyang blushed: ¡°You¡¯re such a rogue, I don¡¯t want to. I¡¯lle back after you¡¯re done.¡± As she finished speaking, Xia Yangyang had already slipped out of the bathroom. Sister Xiaomei had happened upon theming over together. If the two of them stayed in there together for a long time withouting out, it might lead to unnecessary spection. Xia Yangyang isn¡¯t as bold as Gu Qichen. After leaving, Xia Yangyang went to chat with Xiaomei. Han Xiaomei seemed very curious about Gu Qichen and kept asking about how they met and got married. Of course, Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t going to tell the whole truth. After all, the beginning of their rtionship wasn¡¯t exactly honorable. So she vaguelymented that they met while she was interning at apany and that they fell in love over time. Han Xiaomei said: ¡°Oh, so you were colleagues.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t deny it. It was indeed true; though at the time, Gu Qichen happened to be her superior manager. At first, Yangyang was worried that Han Xiaomei might know Gu Qichen. But looking at it now, it seems like she doesn¡¯t. It makes sense though, as Han Xiaomei used to work in the United States. She only switched jobs to a foreignpany in Sea City this year, so it¡¯s no surprise that she doesn¡¯t know Gu Qichen. But this is better, as Yangyang doesn¡¯t want everyone to treat Gu Qichen specially. After a while, Gu Qichen came over. Xia Yangyang picked up her clothes and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to take a bath, you go downstairs and wait for me.¡± Gu Qichen nodded. After Xia Yangyang left, Gu Qichen was about to leave the room. However, Han Xiaomei approached him with a delicate smile: ¡°Yangyang and I grew up together. I never expected her to be married so soon.. By the way, may I call you Brother Gu?¡± Chapter 313 - 314: Get Lost! Chapter 313: Chapter 314: Get Lost! Trantor: 549690339 | Gu Qichen remained expressionless, only responding with a nomittal hum. ¡°Yangyang mentioned earlier that you and she are colleagues, Gu. What job do you do?¡± Gu Qichen replied simply, ¡°Just an ordinary job.¡± Han Xiaomei let out a small chuckle and changed the topic: ¡°Yangyang certainly has a good eye. Brother Gu, at first nce, you seem to be quite remarkable.¡± It appeared that Gu Qichen was not interested in making small talk. He stood to leave the room. Han Xiaomei called out to him, ¡°Brother Gu, could you please do me a favour?¡± Gu Qichen turned around. Han Xiaomei, smiling cordially, said, ¡°There seems to be a small issue with myptop, could you perhaps give it a look?¡± By then, Han Xiaomei had walked over to Gu Qichen with herptop. ¡°I have work to do this evening, but theputer has suddenly crashed, and there are important files that need to be backed up. Brother Gu, I hope I¡¯m not causing you too much trouble.¡± Gu Qichen frowned slightly. But he sat down on a single-seater sofa in the room and turned on theputer. Theputer screen was ck. Gu Qichen adjusted a few programs, restarted theputer, and in a matter of minutes, it was back working properly. As Han Xiaomei came over with a cup of water, she saw that theputer was up and running. Han Xiaomei was astonished, ¡°Brother Gu, you¡¯re really skilled.¡± She then handed over the tea in her hand, ¡°This is Longjing tea, a gift from a friend; you must try it, Brother Gu.¡± Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t extended his hand to take it yet. But Han Xiaomei suddenly jolted and spilled the cup of tea on Gu Qichen¡¯s pants. A surprised gasp escaped Han Xiaomei¡¯s lips, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± She promptly grabbed a napkin from the table to help Gu Qichen wipe off the tea from his pants. Before she could touch him, Gu Qichen abruptly stood up and stepped back. Then he coldly said, ¡°Out!¡± Han Xiaomei waspletely unprepared for Gu Qichen¡¯s harsh reaction. She stood there, frozen and clutching the napkin. Just then, Xia Yangyang came out of the shower and saw what had happened. Xia Yangyang hurried over and said apologetically, ¡°Sister Xiaomei, please don¡¯t mind him; he¡¯s a clean freak and doesn¡¯t like being touched.¡± Xia Yangyang then took the tissue and wiped off the tea from Gu Qichen¡¯s pants, who didn¡¯t seem to mind. But Han Xiaomei immediatelyughed it off and calmly said, ¡°It¡¯s my fault. I identally spilled tea on Brother Gu.¡± Miao Shuhui happened to walk in at that moment, saw that all of them were in the room, and cheerfully said, ¡°Dinner is ready. Yangyang, your grandmother is already here.¡± So, everyone headed downstairs. Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen were at the back. Xia Yangyang red at Gu Qichen, ¡°Why were you so rude earlier?¡± Gu Qichen frowned, ¡°There¡¯s something odd about your neighbour.¡± Xia Yangyang pinched him, ¡°You¡¯re the weird one. Uncle Han¡¯s family is lovely; it was just a small ident. It was lucky that Sister Xiaomei didn¡¯t hold it against you.¡± During the meal, Han¡¯s family was very hospitable. But Yangyang¡¯s grandmother didn¡¯t seem too pleased with Gu Qichen and wore a stern face throughout dinner. After the meal, Yangyang¡¯s grandmother and Miao Shuhui chatted in the kitchen. Uncle Han engaged Gu Qichen in a game of Go. Meanwhile, Xia Yangyang and Han Xiaomei sat in the courtyard, eating fruit and chatting. Han Xiaomei said, ¡°Yangyang, do you know about the dragon boat race in town tomorrow? You and Brother Gu, being back here, shouldn¡¯t miss such a grand event..¡± Chapter 314 - 315: Dont Tell Me Im Disturbing Your World Of Two? Chapter 314: Chapter 315: Don¡¯t Tell Me I¡¯m Disturbing Your World Of Two? Trantor: 549690339 A few kilometers away from Niuqiao Vige, there¡¯s a town called Lai Shui. The town gives off a bit of a water vige vibe. That¡¯s because the entire town is surrounded by water on three sides. Some houses are even built directly above the water, with residents needing to row a boat just to get out of their houses. Each year, just before New Year¡¯s Day, Lai Shui hosts a dragon boat race. It¡¯s probably the most lively event in the whole year, attracting people from miles around. In addition to the dragon boat race, there are also markets and temple fairs held during these few days. It just happens to be the liveliest time. Xia Yangyang agreed without a second thought. For one, she felt that it was a pity not to take part in such a grand event during her rare visit back home. It was also a perfect opportunity to show Gu Qichen some local customs. Secondly, Xia Yangyang knew that considering her grandmother¡¯s character, if they stayed at home the next day, her grandmother might find another work for Gu Qichen to do. Just within two days of their return, Gu Qichen had already done a lot of physical work. If the Gu family were to find out about this, they would be heartbroken. After ying at the Han residence for a while, they headed back home. Once they got home, Gu Qichen was asked by Yangyang¡¯s grandmother to boil two bottles of water. Xia Yangyang was all the more thankful that they were going out tomorrow. The next day. Early in the morning, Xia Yangyang woke Gu Qichen up. Her grandmother would be busy in the fields from early morning. Xia Yangyang urged Gu Qichen, ¡°Get up quickly, otherwise we won¡¯t be able to escape when grandmother returns.¡± Gu Qichen was slightly surprised, ¡°Where are you going?¡± Xia Yangyang had actually forgotten to tell him; aftering back yesterday, she was immediately overwhelmed by Gu Qichen and hence forgot tomunicate this n. Xia Yangyang said excitedly, ¡°I¡¯m taking you to a great ce today, so you don¡¯t have to be tormented by grandmother at home.¡± Gu Qichen noticed that Xia Yangyang was acting mysteriously excited, like a child. Taken by her enthusiasm, he asked, ¡°Where do you n to take me?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be impatient. You¡¯ll know when we get there. It¡¯s guaranteed to be a lot of fun.¡± Before the grandmother could return, Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen quickly had breakfast and set off. Gu Qichen originally nned to drive, but Han Xiaomei¡¯s red Benz came driving towards them. It stopped right at their doorstep. Han Xiaomei got out of the car and said, ¡°Yangyang, Brother Gu, let¡¯s take my car. There¡¯s no need to drive two cars. There will be many people in the town today, and there probably won¡¯t be any parking.¡± Gu Qichen was initially quite happy. But upon seeing that red Benz, his brows furrowed instantly. Meanwhile, Xia Yangyang had already agreed. She dragged Gu Qichen towards the car. Gu Qichen said in a low voice, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Xia Yangyangughed and said, ¡°Sister Xiaomei is going with us. It¡¯ll be more fun with more people, and we have a free car to ride.¡± Before long, Xia Yangyang had pulled Gu Qichen onto the car. Han Xiaomei also started the car. Along the way, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t speak a word. Xia Yangyang also felt that something was off. Just now this man was quite cheerful, why did he suddenly seem like a different person? At the back seat, Xia Yangyang tried to cheer him up, sometimes pinching his hand, sometimes leaning onto him in a yful manner. But Gu Qichen still seemed uninspired. Eventually, Xia Yangyang asked softly, ¡°Why are you a bit unhappy?¡± Gu Qichen took a nce at Xia Yangyang but didn¡¯t answer. Han Xiaomei, however, heard these words. She kept ncing at the couple in the rearview mirror. Suddenly, Han Xiaomei quipped jokingly, ¡°Brother Gu, you aren¡¯t upset that I¡¯ve intruded upon your world for two, are you?¡± Chapter 315 - 316: A Man with an Elite Aura All Over Chapter 315: Chapter 316: A Man with an Elite Aura All Over Him Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen just looked out the window, without saying a word. It was as if he hadn¡¯t heard the sentence at all. Xia Yangyang felt very embarrassed. She understood Gu Qichen¡¯s haughty personality in front of others. So she helped Gu Qichen exin, ¡°He didn¡¯t mean it that way, that¡¯s just the way he is naturally, Sister Xiaomei, don¡¯t take it to heart.¡± Gu Qichen nced at Xia YangYang. After a little while, they arrived at Lai Shui Town. Today, Lai Shui Town was particrly bustling. Although the town was remote, the dragon boat race here was very famous. People from other cities even traveled long distances toe and watch. The dragon boat race was held on the Lai Shui River. The river was crystal clear and connected to the Yangtze River. The dragon boat race hadn¡¯t started yet, but the banks of Lai Shui River were already crowded with people. Xia Yangyang was a little upset, ¡°There are so many people already, it looks like we won¡¯t be able to find good spots.¡± However, Han Xiaomei said, ¡°I know a ce, it has a good view and fewer people.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect that Han Xiaomei was taking them to the section of the riverbank where the dragon boat race started. The location was indeed excellent, so much so that they could see the faces of the dragon boat racers clearly. The reason why there were fewer people here was that it had been cordoned off because a section of the riverbank had copsed and had not been repaired yet. Standing here to watch the dragon boat race, when it got crowded, it would be easy to fall into the water. Despite this, there were still some people here, though not many. Han Xiaomei said, ¡°This is the best spot, but you all need to be carefulter on. Due to the damaged fence, it¡¯s easy to fall into the water.¡± Xia Yangyang was extremely excited. She immediately ran to the closest spot and shouted happily with the crowd. Then she turned her head and said to Gu Qichen, ¡°Ah Chen, look at the bodies of those guys, they all have six-pack abs.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s expression darkened, ¡°Are they that good-looking?¡± Xia Yangyang stuck out her tongue teasingly, ¡°Don¡¯t be so stingy, I¡¯m just looking, I can¡¯t touch them.¡± This woman even wants to touch them? Gu Qichen reached out to squeeze Xia Yangyang¡¯s plump cheeks, ¡°No more watching, let¡¯s go home.¡± Xia Yangyang quickly hugged Gu Qichen¡¯s hand and begged for mercy, ¡°I was wrong, isn¡¯t it okay that I was wrong? I just want to watch the race.¡± Only then did Gu Qichen let go of his hand. Meanwhile, Han Xiaomei was standing not far away from them, watching their sweet banter. They looked like a couple deeply in love, making her envious. Xia Yangyang, who had been pampered since she was young, always found everything exciting when she came to the countryside. Even the chicks and ducklings were like the newest toys to her. She imed she loved the countryside for itsfort and peace. But that was because she didn¡¯t grow up here. A child who lives in a huge vi would find everything in the countryside fresh and interesting. But for Han Xiaomei, she had gotten tired of this ce a long time ago. Xia Yangyang found the chicks and ducklings cute because she had never seen the disgusting process of cleaning their excrement. She found the country food delicious because she had grown tired of the delicacies ofnd and sea. From a young age, Han Xiaomei had tirelessly pursued her education to achieve one goal: to escape the rural life, to get out of that world, and to be a sess. In fact, she had seeded. Now, she has a high-paying, respectable job. But that was still far from enough. She had only escaped that world but couldn¡¯t step into the circle of high society. Despite her promising career, she could only ever be an employee for others. The only solution was to find a stepping stone. She was beautiful and aplished, and many wealthy businessmen pursued her. Despite her cordial interactions with them, these people were middle-aged, potbellied, and reeked of money. She looked down on them. Until she saw Gu Qichen for the first time¡­ Han Xiaomei had to admit, she was drawn to this man full of elite charm. Chapter 316 - 317: Falling into Water Chapter 316: Chapter 317: Falling into Water Trantor: 549690339 The dragon boat race started soon. The sound of the boat drums pierced through everyone¡¯s eardrums. The dragon boats, like arrows released from a bow, all rushed out together. The spectators along the riverbank exploded with excitement. Everyone began cheering for their favorite dragon boat teams. In particr, everyone ran alongside the river, following the direction of the dragon boats as they set off. Though Xia Yangyang¡¯s group wasn¡¯t numerous. They were not few, either. Xia Yangyang and herpanions, sandwiched in the middle, could only go with the crowd¡¯s flow. All of their attention was focused on the dragon boat teams and the race. Suddenly, they heard a ssh. Then, someone shouted, ¡°Someone fell into the water!¡± Looking towards the water, Xia Yangyang noticed the person that fell was Han Xiaomei. Because someone fell into the water, the crowd¡¯s focus shifted to that spectacle. Everyone began to get worried. However, the riverbank was high, with no steps leading into the water and was quite far from the edge, even for a swimmer, to jump in and climb back up would be difficult. Xia Yangyang was unbelievably anxious. Sister Xiaomei had only been at their side, nowhere near the edge. How did she suddenly fall in? Perhaps she was just pushed in by the excited crowd. After falling into the water, Han Xiaomei thrashed around, sinking and rising, screaming for help. Xia Yangyang became increasingly frantic. She grabbed Gu Qichen¡¯s arm, ¡°What should we do? What should we do? Ah Chen, you must go and save her.¡± Xia Yangyang knew Gu Qichen was an excellent swimmer. There was an outdoor swimming pool in Gu¡¯s garden. Xia Yangyang had seen Gu Qichen swimming in it before. His skills were at the level of a professional athlete. Yet, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t move, only furrowing his brows. Xia Yangyang watched as Han Xiaomei was about to sink beneath the water¡¯s surface. The people around just pointed andmented, yet no one seemed willing to jump in and save her. Unable to wait any longer, Xia Yangyang took off her shoes, preparing to jump in. Before she even finished taking off her shoes, Gu Qichen had seized her arm, ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°Regardless, we can¡¯t just stand by and watch someone die, I can swim, don¡¯t worry.¡± With a grave expression, Gu Qichen nced once more at the person in the water. Then he turned to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Never mind, you stay here, I¡¯ll go save her.¡± Grateful that Gu Qichen was willing to jump in, Xia Yangyang watched him. But Gu Qichen took his time, slowly removing his shoes and clothes, Xia Yangyang was almost dying of anxiety watching him. Han Xiaomei, in the water, kept struggling; soon only her hands were visible. If things continued like this, even if she was saved, she might have drowned. In the end, Gu Qichen dove into the water with an impressively graceful leap. It took only a few minutes before Gu Qichen brought Han Xiaomei to the shore. A group of people helped pull her up. At that time, Han Xiaomei had indeed drowned and was unconscious. Xia Yangyang was on the verge of a total panic. Grabbing Gu Qichen¡¯s hand, she pleaded, ¡°Ah Chen, you must save her, save her, what should we do now?¡± Keeping his cool, Gu Qichen asked the bystanders, ¡°Does anyone know how to perform CPR?¡± Most of the people around were older residents of Lai Shui Town. CPR was a term they had never even heard. Looking around, Gu Qichen spotted a shabby looking homeless man picking up cigarette butts by the riverside. Gu Qichen handed him a few hundred dors, ¡°Help me with something, this is your payment.¡± Seeing the money, the homeless man¡¯s eyes lit up. Gu Qichen actually taught him how to perform CPR on Han Xiaomei. After patiently demonstrating twice, Gu Qichen exined in detail and the homeless man, being rather clever, quickly learned. He started following the steps Gu Qichen had just taught him. After a little while, Han Xiaomei came to.. Chapter 317 - 318: Artificial Respiration Chapter 317: Chapter 318: Artificial Respiration Trantor: 549690339 When Han Xiaomei opened her eyes, she saw a scruffy man with a full shadow of stubble on his face giving her artificial respiration. Han Xiaomei looked at the face approaching her. She felt so disgusted that she wanted to throw up. She pushed the man away forcefully: ¡°Get away, what are you doing?¡± Gu Qichen took a step forward: ¡°Miss Han, he just saved you.¡± Han Xiaomei looked up, only to see Gu Qichen¡¯s handsome, cold face. Last night, during her conversation with Xia Yangyang, Yangyang had mentioned that Gu Qichen was an excellent swimmer. Just now, when the crowd pushed and shoved, she fell into the water. She thought Gu Qichen would undoubtedlye to save her. If he did, she would have a reason and an opportunity to get close to him in the future. But he stayed in the water for a long time, and she was almost exposed. Actually, she could swim. She really wouldn¡¯t risk her life for a man. Just as she was about to swim to shore by herself, Gu Qichen dived in after her. Han Xiaomei felt a surge of joy. But then she had been iling in the water too long. To ensure her cover, she choked on some water just in time. So when she was rescued, she really had drowned. However, she thought that since Gu Qichen was willing to save her, he must be willing to perform CPR. When she regained some consciousness just now, she was ted. However, when she unstifled her extreme happiness and opened her eyes, she was shocked to see such a disgusting face. Han Xiaomei looked at Gu Qichen, wondering if he had discovered her secret. But in front of so many people, she couldn¡¯t make a scene. So she apologized to the vagrant: ¡°Thank you for saving me, sorry about just now, I was startled.¡± The vagabond didn¡¯t care about that at all. With money in hand, he quickly bowed to Gu Qichen and ran off. Han Xiaomei sat on the ground, her entire body soaked through. Thinking about having mouth-to-mouth with the vagrant, she felt waves of disgust. Xia Yangyang quickly moved in: ¡°Sister Xiaomei, you really scared me, are you all right? Do you want to get checked at the hospital?¡± Han Xiaomei looked at Xia Yangyang¡¯s worried and innocent face and felt as if a fire was about to explode inside her. She didn¡¯t expect Xia Yangyang to have grown so much over the years. She just watched as a vagrant took advantage of her and didn¡¯t intervene. On the surface, however, she managed a smile: ¡°I¡¯m fine, let¡¯s go back.¡± The ride back was in Xia Yangyang¡¯s car. Gu Qichen and Han Xiaomei were soaked through and needed to shower and change clothes as soon as possible. It was winter, so Xia Yangyang worried about them catching a cold. Gu Qichen sat in the passenger seat without speaking for the entire journey. Han Xiaomei, sitting in the back seat, clenched her fingers. After they got back, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I need to borrow your bathroom.¡± Xia Yangyang drove straight to Han¡¯s house. Miao Shuhui noticed the two of them were soaked through and asked anxiously, ¡°What happened to you two?¡± Han Xiaomei said: ¡°I got pushed into the river while watching the dragon boat race, luckily Brother Gu saved me.¡± Miao Shuhui was very grateful to Gu Qichen: ¡°You guys go and take a shower. I will make you some ginger tea, you must have caught a chill.¡± Xia Yangyang turned to Gu Qichen: ¡°You go shower first, I will get your clothes ande over.¡± Before Gu Qichen could respond, Xia Yangyang had already run off. Gu Qichen could only sigh and go upstairs by himself. Han Xiaomei¡¯s room had its own bathroom, so she naturally went to her room. Gu Qichen went to the separate bathroom he usedst night. However, after a short while, the door of the separate bathroom opened and Han Xiaomei appeared at the doorway. Chapter 318 - 319: How about Giving Yourself to Me? Chapter 318: Chapter 319: How about Giving Yourself to Me? Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen was originally adjusting the water temperature inside. He nced at the door upon hearing a sound. But when he saw the person appearing at the door. Gu Qichen¡¯s face gradually darkened. The person at the door was Han Xiaomei. At this moment, Han Xiaomei had already changed her clothes. Her originally soaked clothes were totally taken off. What she was wearing now was a pink silk nightgown. The nightgown was a bit revealing, showcasing Han Xiaomei1 s attractive figure. Han Xiaomei seemed a bit shy, her cheeks flushed with a tint of red. She walked in and subsequently locked the door. Gu Qichen watched her series of actions, his brows furrowing. ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was cold and detached. Han Xiaomei replied, ¡°Brother Gu, I came to thank you. If it wasn¡¯t for you pulling me out of the river earlier, I would be dead by now.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was icy cold, but inscrutable. It was as if one couldn¡¯t discern his mood. ¡°How do you n to repay me?¡± Finally gathering her courage, Han Xiaomei met Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze: ¡°However you want me to repay, I will follow.¡± The man before her eyes was truly top-notch. That face could mesmerize all beings, those deep and captivating eyes, once nce, and it felt like sinking inside. He emanated a naturally noble and regal aura, demanding submission and worship. His countenance seemed to suggest ¡®keep distance¡¯, yet one couldn¡¯t resist the urge to get close. Han Xiaomei was a bold woman. If not for that boldness, she would not have been able to rise so rapidly in her career over these years. But none of the men from her past were ever treated sincerely by her. She knew exactly what she wanted. The man of her dreams was someone like Gu Qichen. She had heard the name Gu Qichen long ago. In the financial circles, who didn¡¯t know that he was the youngest CEO of Shengyuan Group. He was the earth-shaking grand master in the business world. The Gu Family was of noble birth and held a prestigious status. But she didn¡¯t expect that Xia Yangyang could marry such a man. God was indeed too kind to her. However, given that God has granted her this opportunity, she had to cherish it. Her opportunities were limited. This was the first time that she could get so close, within touching distance, to a man of that caliber. So, no matter what means she needs to use, she couldn¡¯t easily let this opportunity go. She had to make something happen between them. As for the future, we will cross that bridge when we get there¡­ Han Xiaomei inched towards Gu Qichen. Though she had seduced many men, she had never been this nervous before. The men from her past would have been desperate to pounce on her before she even approached. But Gu Qichen was different; his expression was undisturbed, even somewhat icy and intimidating. This made Han Xiaomei, experienced in dealing with men, feel unsettled. But she thought to herself. All men in this world were the same. Some appeared as gentlemen on the surface, but were even crazier behind closed doors. Her past experiences told her, there are no cats that don¡¯t steal fish, only foxes that aren¡¯t fishy enough. Han Xiaomei had now approached Gu Qichen, her eyes were teeming with seduction. She started untying her shoulder strap with one hand: ¡°Brother Gu, how about I offer myself to you?¡± Chapter 319 - 320: You’re Worthy? Chapter 319: Chapter 320: You¡¯re Worthy? Trantor: 549690339 | Gu Qichen sneered coldly: ¡°Offer yourself to me? You truly believe you¡¯re worthy?¡± Han Xiaomei¡¯s hand, which was pulling her shoulder strap, suddenly stiffened. She looked up at Gu Qichen¡¯s face. It was as if his mask had fallen off. His eyes now disyed utter disgust. Like she hadn¡¯t heard clearly, Han Xiaomei said: ¡°What did you just say?¡± But Gu Qichen stepped back, as if intentionally putting distance between them. He said: ¡°Miss Han, you graduated from a prestigious school, don¡¯t you even know the definition of decency?¡± Disbelief filled Han Xiaomei¡¯s eyes. She had never seen anyone reject such a tempting offer. In fact, she had a vague suspicion when she fell into the water. But after all, Gu Qichen had jumped in to rescue her. That had given her a glimmer of hope. The n to fake drowning was her best way of testing him. Han Xiaomei said: ¡°I don¡¯t need anything, Brother Gu, do you believe in love at first sight? From the moment I saw you, my heart almost stopped. I don¡¯t care about status, I don¡¯t care about the future, I just hope you give me a chance to be your woman.¡± The disgust in Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes was increasingly apparent. ¡°Miss Han, your values and shamelessness are truly eye-opening. I have no interest in people like you. Please respect yourself and stop embarrassing yourself.¡± Still, Han Xiaomei wouldn¡¯t give up. As Gu Qichen turned to leave, she asked loudly: ¡°Is it because of Yangyang? I promise to keep our affair a secret and not let her find out.¡± Men never refuse an extra favor, especially if ites in the form of a beautiful woman. She didn¡¯t believe that a man as lofty as Gu Qichen would be satisfied with just one woman his whole life. If others could do it, so could she. As long as there was a chance. Gu Qichen scoffed, his voice as icy as a dagger: ¡°I will not betray my wife. As for you, you only make me feel disgusted.¡± It felt like someone had stabbed Han Xiaomei¡¯s heart. Gu Qichen¡¯s humiliation stripped her as naked as being thrown into a crowd without clothing. Shivering, Han Xiaomei blurted: ¡°If you have no interest in me, why did you save me today?¡± ¡°Because Yangyang is naive. Even if I didn¡¯t save you, you would have probably swum to the surface. But then, Yangyang would have discovered that this was all an act, all just a ruse to get close to me.¡± ¡°Is that your reason? You knew all along that I could swim?¡± Gu Qichen replied indifferently: ¡°Miss Han, your methods are deplorably low.¡± With their secrets now exposed, Han Xiaomei dropped her pretense. She sauntered over to Gu Qichen, her allure on full disy: ¡°When did you realize that I had ulterior motives towards you? When I asked you to fix theputer? Or when I intentionally spilled water on youst night?¡± Asking Gu Qichen to fix theputer was just an excuse to spend a bit of time alone together. Spilling tea on Gu Qichen¡¯s pants was just a ruse for some physical contact. Most men can¡¯t resist this kind of trick. Although Gu Qichen reacted angrily at the time, she wasn¡¯t sure whether he had just been putting on an act. However, Xia Yangyangter arrived and interrupted her ns. That¡¯s why she hatched a new n, using the dragon boat race to test Gu Qichen¡¯s attitude towards her. If he had already sensed her ulterior motive, he wouldn¡¯t have rescued her from the water. Since he did save her, it could be seen as a tacit eptance of her ¡°ulterior motives¡±. That was her approach to seducing countless men over the years. Being born in her circumstances, besides being thick-skinned and ruthless, how else could she rise in the world? Chapter 320 - 321: This Place is Too Dirty Chapter 320: Chapter 321: This ce is Too Dirty Trantor: 549690339 | Gu Qichen responded coldly, ¡°From the start, the eyes never lie, Miss Han¡¯s eyes are filled with desire and ambition.¡± Han Xiaomei shed a smile, ¡°So from the start, you knew I was interested in you. President Gu, the experienced king of the business world, has a keen perception. However,pared to me, Yangyang is simply a child. She¡¯s not in the same league as you. Only an ambitious woman like me can aid you the best. How about I be your sharp sword in the business world? I don¡¯t mind being used by you.¡± Seeing that emotional persuasion is hopeless, Han Xiaomei quickly changed her strategy. Anyway, as long as she has the opportunity to be by Gu Qichen¡¯s side, one day she will conquer this man. But Gu Qichen just scoffed, ¡°Even as a tool, you are not qualified.''¡±.¡¯ ¡°Gu Qichen, you..!¡± Han Xiaomei couldn¡¯t hold back her anger anymore. In all these years, she had not met a man like this. But Gu Qichen had no more patience to entangle with her anymore. Gu Qichen started to speak, his tone full of warning, ¡°Miss Han, your ambition to climb higher status has nothing to do with me. As for today¡¯s events, I will take it as if nothing happened. But, in the future, do not appear in front of me or Yangyang, and don¡¯t you dare mention your actions today to her. Otherwise, I assure you that nopany will hire you from now on.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was cold, showing he wasn¡¯t joking. However, Han Xiaomei couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°You don¡¯t want to tell Yangyang because you¡¯re afraid she¡¯ll misunderstand?¡± ¡°No, I¡¯m afraid it would tarnish her purity.¡± Han Xiaomei was so angry that she was trembling all over. All the men in the world treated her like a treasure, so why did Gu Qichen regarded her as trash? So full of disdain? At this point, there was suddenly a knock at the door. Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice could be vaguely heard from outside, ¡°Ah Chen, have you finished bathing? Please open the door. I brought you a change of clothes.¡± Gu Qichen coldly nced at Han Xiaomei standing next to him. Han Xiaomei understood Gu Qichen¡¯s meaning. If Xia Yangyang saw her standing near Gu Qichen in revealing clothes, there would undoubtedly be misunderstandings. Based on Gu Qichen¡¯s previous words, he would definitely not allow such a scene to happen. Han Xiaomei gritted her teeth and hid behind the thick window curtains. Gu Qichen opened the door. Xia Yangyang was standing at the door holding clothes. Seeing that Gu Qichen was still wet, she was surprised, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you taken a bath yet?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take it when I¡¯m back home.¡± ¡°Why, isn¡¯t there a bathroom at grandma¡¯s?¡± ¡°This ce is too dirty.¡± Gu Qichen answered, his voice full of disgust. Having said that, he took Xia Yangyang away. Only after Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen had left did Han Xiaomei step out from behind the curtains. Her fingers had already pierced her palms. Gu Qichen, you may be high and mighty, but one day I will pay back the humiliation I suffered today! Xia Yangyang found it very strange. When they were leaving, Miao Shuhui offered Gu Qichen ginger tea, but he did not ept it. Xia Yangyang was rather upset, ¡°Ah Chen, it¡¯s very rude of you, do you understand?¡± Gu Qichen turned around, ¡°Don¡¯t use the Han¡¯s bathroom again, understood?¡± ¡°Why?¡± ¡°In a few days we¡¯ll return home, I¡¯ll arrange for someone to build a bathroom for grandma.¡± With that said, Xia Yangyang suddenly felt touched. She had been thinking about this for a long time, but her grandma¡¯s house¡¯s plumbing and electrical lines were rather basic, if they were to construct a bathroom, they would need to transform all of the electrical lines. She didn¡¯t trust the local workers in the small town and was worried about the electrical quality for her elderly grandma. But she had faith in Gu Qichen¡¯s handling of matters. Xia Yangyang could not hide her joy, ¡°First, go change into dry clothes. I¡¯ll go get your bath water heated up, to serve you while you bathe and dress.¡± Chapter 321 - 322: Roasted Sweet Potatoes Chapter 321: Chapter 322: Roasted Sweet Potatoes Trantor: 549690339 She didn¡¯t expect that when they went back, her grandmother had already prepared the hot water. Bottles of hot water were neatly lined up in the kitchen. Xia Yangyang took out the wooden tub for bathing. The tub was very clean, the topyer was waxed, and it looked brand new. But when Xia Yangyang started pouring the water into it, bottle by bottle, Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t help but frown, ¡°Are we really going to bathe in here?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded seriously, ¡°Haven¡¯t you watched ancient dramas? In those dramas, concubines bathe in wooden tubs. I will sprinkle some dried flower petals in thereter ¨C it¡¯s like being a queen. How about that?¡± ¡°And how were the emperors treated? Could they bathe with whoever concubines they fancied?¡± When Xia Yangyang lifted her head, she saw Gu Qichen¡¯s mischievous eyes. She knew what he was about to say. Xia Yangyang made a stopping gesture with her hand: ¡°Stop dreaming, you¡¯re not an emperor.¡± After diligent arrangements, Xia Yangyang pped her hands satisfactorily: ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you in the yard, enjoy it.¡± Before Gu Qichen could say anything, Xia Yangyang slipped away. If she did not leave quickly, Xia Yangyang was afraid she wouldn¡¯t be able to get out the whole night. The weather was excellent that day. There was no moon, but the sky was filled with stars. An old locust treey horizontally in the yard. It was struck down by lightning not long ago. The branches and leaves had been chopped off, only leaving the robust trunk lying there. There was no time to clean up yet. Xia Yangyang sat on the old locust tree, resting her cheek on her hand, staring into the starry sky. The nights in the countryside were tranquil and dreamy. The sky was dark blue, like the color in the depths of a peacock¡¯s tail. Xia Yangyang was daydreaming, remembering her mom once said that the stars in the sky were the eyes of the deceased. Even if they were no longer with those they loved most, they would still be watching from above. Xia Yangyang had grown up and knew this was just a beautiful fairy tale. But she preferred to believe it was true. This way, her mother was watching her from the sky. Xia Yangyang suddenly felt sentimental. Yes, she missed her mother. To stop herself from overthinking, Xia Yangyang decided to find something to do. She searched around in the yard. Surprisingly, she found some sweet potatoes her grandmother had just dug up. Xia Yangyang had a sudden whim. She set up a small fire pit in the yard with small branches. She buried the sweet potatoes inside. She got several corn cobs and taro from the kitchen and threw them into the fire pit as well. She then began to roast the fire. When Gu Qichen came out of the house after his bath, he saw Xia Yangyang pulling out some charred stuff from the fire. Xia Yangyang spotted Gu Qichen and promptly waved at him excitedly, ¡°Come over here, I have something cool to show you.¡± Gu Qichen walked over with slightly furrowed brows, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Xia Yangyang, with a smile across her face, took a sweet potato. It was so hot that she kept touching her ears, blowing on it for a while before breaking it open. The inside revealed the golden flesh of the sweet potato, apanied by an appealing smoky smell that almost made Xia Yangyang drool. Xia Yangyang ripped it in half and handed it to Gu Qichen, ¡°Roasted sweet potato. I bet you¡¯ve never had it before. It was my favorite thing when I was a kid.¡± Gu Qichen looked at the charred skin, frowning slightly, and didn¡¯t reach out to take it, ¡°Can you eat this?¡± The next second, the half sweet potato was shoved into his hand, and her petite dirty hand pulled him into the freshly changed clothes and sat him on the trunk. Gu Qichen said, ¡°Hey, I just took a bath.¡± Xia Yangyang casually replied, ¡°Honey, it¡¯s time to cure your obsession with cleanliness. After eating this sweet potato, I think you¡¯ll be cured. Just give it a try, take a bite, I guarantee you won¡¯t find it dirty..¡± Chapter 322 - 323: Night Sky Chapter 322: Chapter 323: Night Sky Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen was cured by Xia Yangyang¡¯s calling him ¡®husband¡¯. She is more and more naturally referring to him that way now. Gu Qichen also took a bite. The perfectly roasted sweet potato, sweet, soft, and melt-in-your-mouth, triggered a memory of the first time he kissed Xia Yangyang. It was a simrly sweet taste. When he looked at her, he saw Xia Yangyang eagerly looking at him, asking expectantly, ¡°How is it, how does it taste, is it sweet?¡± With a faint smile, Gu Qichen said, ¡°Pretty good, tastes somewhat like you.¡± Yangyang frowned, ¡°Your analogy is quite strange.¡± She then busied herself with the corn she was roasting over the fire. Yangyang, engrossed in her task, didn¡¯t guess what her husband was thinking as he munched on the sweet potato. While gnawing on her corn, Yangyang started telling stories from her childhood, ¡°When I was little, I loved staying at my grandma¡¯s house. She had all sorts of foods we couldn¡¯t find in the city ¨C melons in summer, sweet potatoes in winter. I even once followed a neighbour¡¯s boy to catch a beehive for honey, and ended up stung all over and in the hospital. Another time, I fed all of granny¡¯s corn seeds, meant for nting the following year, to the sheep. Granny was so angry she chased me around the yard with a broom.¡± Recalling these embarrassing tales from her past, Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but giggle. Gu Qichen, however, listened attentively, his gaze towards her filled with indulgence. ¡°I did not imagine you were so mischievous as a child.¡± Yangyang was indeed naughty as a child. Instead of adhering to the rules, she loved to climb trees and catch fish with boys. She would always be at the front despite being the youngest. But ever since her mother passed away, she stopped having such carefree fun. Yangyang sighed heavily: ¡°I really cherish those childhood times. If only we didn¡¯t have to grow up, there wouldn¡¯t be so many troubles.¡± It seemed like something came to her mind, and she gently kicked the firepit with her shoe. ¡°Miss Xia, you have married the best man in the world, why would you still have troubles?¡± Yangyang rolled her eyes at Gu Qichen: ¡°You know, you look like you badly need a smack when you¡¯re being narcissistic.¡± ¡°Really? I¡¯ve always thought my narcissism is rather charming.¡± This man was too far gone to be redeemed. However, in tonight¡¯s darkness, Gu Qichen¡¯s handsome face seemed even more dazzling than the starry sky above. He was near perfect, void of any w. Even the curve of his jaw seemed chiseled, and the glint ofughter in his eyes, so different from his usual stern demeanor, made hearts race. He had just bathed, his hair still slightly wet, while his face was exceptionally clean. This man certainly had the right to be narcissistic. Looking at his face, Yangyang was somewhat ¡°jealous¡±. She suddenly reached out and smeared her hand across Gu Qichen¡¯s clean face. Her hand was covered in soot from roasting sweet potatoes, turning his face into a canvas of ck smudges. Yangyangughed out loud, pointing at Gu Qichen¡¯s face, ¡°Big tabby cat, Gu Qichen is a big tabby cat.¡± A sudden shadow fell across Gu Qichen¡¯s face. A sense of unease crept into Yangyang¡¯s heart. Gu Qichen was known for his cleanliness, having just bathed and all. She was worried her teasing might have upset him. But the next moment, Gu Qichen cupped Yangyang¡¯s face and nted a firm kiss on her lips¡­ Chapter 323 - 324: The Starry Sky in Memory, Sweet Torment Chapter 323: Chapter 324: The Starry Sky in Memory, Sweet Torment Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang was momentarily stunned. She stared wide-eyed at the handsome face before her. But very soon, she was kissed by Gu Qichen into a daze. His pleasant scent filled her nostrils. Gu Qichen shifted from being domineering at first, to gradually bing gentle. The two were kissing under the starry sky. An infinite night sky hung above their heads, the stars like scattered shards of silver. The evening breeze that blew was not cold. In front of them was a fire, with the sound of corn popping in the ze. Not far off, from time to time, amb let out a bleat. It seemed as though even the air carried a deliciously sweet scent. That¡¯s the starry sky in Xia Yangyang¡¯s memory, the sweetest kiss in her memory. So many yearster, in a foreignnd, as she overlooked the dazzling city from her apartment in Manhattan, The image that surfaced before her eyes was the starry sky from that night, the jumping bonfire, as well as the taste of sweet potatoes¡­ Bittersweet torment that continued to haunt her¡­ * The second day. Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen got up early. Because today was the anniversary of her mother¡¯s passing. Her mother¡¯s grave was in the most expensive graveyard in Feng City, But it was also here. Yangyang¡¯s grandmother buried all of Yangyang¡¯s mother¡¯s belongings and erected a tombstone on a small hillock behind the house. Every year, on the anniversary of her mother¡¯s passing, Xia Yangyang woulde here to pay her respects, After preparing the offerings, they would go up the mountain together. Grandmother was in a particrly bad mood today, presumably because she was reminded of her deceased daughter. Actually, Yangyang felt sorrow tugging at her heart, but she didn¡¯t let it show. Once they arrived at Tan Zhen¡¯s grave, Grandmother took out one item after another from the basket. All of it was pastry that Grandmother had made early in the morning. ¡°Xiao Zhen, this is your favourite green bean cake, you must eat a lot, and there¡¯s sesame brittle too. This year the sesame harvest was especially good, so the sesame brittle is especially fragrant. When you were young, you had such a craving for it¡­¡± Grandmother rambled in front of the tombstone. Xia Yangyang found it very hard to bear. During the act of worship, Gu Qichen, in ordance with the rural custom, knelt on the ground and bowed three times. Gu Qichen then called out sincerely towards the gravestone: ¡°Mom.¡± When Xia Yangyang heard this, tears mysteriously began to flow. It had been so many years since she hadst said this word. Gu Qichen earnestly said: ¡°Mom, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll take care of Yangyang from now on. I won¡¯t let her suffer any grievances. I will bring all the goodness in this world to her. I hope you agree with us being together.¡± After saying that, Gu Qichen once again bowed respectfully. Grandmother also stood at the side, wiping her tears. Then she said: ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough worshiping. You two go back first. I will stay here and apany your mother.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Grandmother, I¡¯ll stay and keep youpany.¡± The old woman waved her off: ¡°I have some private words to say to my daughter. You both go back first. Ah Chen, when you get back, help me tidy up the yard.¡± Xia Yangyang shouted in protest: ¡°Grandmother, why do you keep ordering Ah Chen around?¡± Gu Qichen, however, readily agreed: ¡°Alright, Grandmother.¡± On their way back. Xia Yangyang pouted: ¡°The yard is perfectly clean, and Grandmother just likes bossing you around.¡± Gu Qichen, however, seemedpletely unconcerned: ¡°Her bossing me around means she doesn¡¯t see me as an outsider, I can feel it, Grandmother treats me rather well.¡± Xia Yangyang was shocked. Young Master Gu, you¡¯re too good atforting yourself. They had been back for several days already, and Grandmother hadn¡¯t shown him any good face yet, and was always finding ways for him to do manualbor. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t feel at all that Grandmother treated him well anything. Because of this, she felt quite guilty.. Why didn¡¯t Grandmother like Gu Qichen? Chapter 324 - 325: Mother’s Suicide Chapter 324: Chapter 325: Mother¡¯s Suicide Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang suddenly came up with a daring idea. Grasping Gu Qichen¡¯s arm, her eyes sparkling, she said, ¡°Shall we secretly listen to what Grandma is saying?¡± Gu Qichen furrowed his eyebrows, ¡°That¡¯s not right. I won¡¯t go.¡± Gu Qichen was upright, even if Xia Yangyang pulled him, he wouldn¡¯t go. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Then you go back, I¡¯ll go by myself.¡± With that, Xia Yangyang ran off. Gu Qichen really did leave. There happened to be arge date tree at the back of the hill. It was lush with leaves and adorned with winter dates. Xia Yangyang hid behind the date tree. All she heard was grandma rambling on, ¡°Xiao Zhen, I think Ah Chen is a goodd. At first, I just liked how handsome he was and thought, ¡®NanNan is just like you, taken in by a pretty face¡¯. But these past few days, I deliberately had him do some things and- He didn¡¯tin and was very diligent. He seems to care a lot about NanNan. You can finally rest easy in the afterworld.¡± Xia Yangyang heard every single word Grandmother had said. She felt ecstatic. So it turned out that Grandmother doesn¡¯t dislike Ah Chen after all. The hardbour she¡¯s had him do these past few days was just her testing him. Xia Yangyang was overjoyed, eager to share this news with Gu Qichen. Just as she was about to turn around and leave¡­ She heard Grandmother sigh, sounding very grief-stricken, ¡°My child, why were you so despondent that you ended up taking your own life? Do you know how much pain your mother endured these years? Wouldn¡¯t it have been great if you lived to see NanNan live a good life? I never approved of that Xia man, but you insisted on marrying him. You ended up haunted by your beauty, and abandoned me. I was the one who raised you since you were little. You were my lifeline.¡± By the time the elderly woman got to this part, she couldn¡¯t help but wipe her tears. ¡°After all, I¡¯m the one at fault. Although that heartless man betrayed you, I, an old woman, had no choice but to let her stay in that home. He had an affair with that woman, which devastated you so much to the point of suicide. It¡¯s such a pity that NanNan had to spend all those years in that ce, I don¡¯t know if they have treated NanNan unfairly¡­¡± The elderly woman suddenly wiped her tears again, a hint of relief appeared on her face, ¡°At least she has found a good family now. I am more and more satisfied with Ah Chen. Aside from being too handsome, he has no other faults. I just fear that his beauty will attract way too many women. My child, I hope you look down on us from the sky and bless NanNan¡¯s happiness.¡± The elderly woman continued to ramble on gravely in front of the tomb. But Xia Yangyang, standing behind the date tree, was already stunned stiff. Did Grandma just say that her mother¡¯s death was a suicide? She never knew her mothermitted suicide. Xia Yangyang only has vague memories of that time because she knew that in the end, her mother was hospitalized. Her father said she was not well, so she shouldn¡¯t disturb her too much. But Xia Yangyang would visit her mother in the hospital every few days. At that time, her mother would always struggle to tell her stories while her father was very attentive, always making tea and running errands. Although Xia Yangyang knew her father had cheated on her mother while they were married and couldn¡¯t let go of that, she consoled herself with the memory of the exceptional care he gave to her mother during herst days in the hospital. He still loved her mother, he was just unfaithful. Xia Yangyang always thought this. But Xia Yangyang never knew that Tan Zhen hadmitted suicide! Chapter 325 - 326: Grandma is much nicer to Gu Chapter 325: Chapter 326: Grandma is much nicer to Gu Qichen Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang felt as if she¡¯d been struck by lightning. It was as if she¡¯d been pushed into an icy pool, her whole body trembling in cold. What her grandmother meant was, her mother had discovered her father¡¯s affair, eventually choosing tomit suicide out of desperation. What were Xia Liangdong¡¯s acts of care when her mother was hospitalized? Was it all just a show for her to see? If so, Xia Yangyang felt thest bit of warmth left between her parents had evaporated. Xia Yangyang had forgotten how she returned home. When Xia Yangyang walked into the yard, Gu Qichen had just finished sweeping the yard and was washing his hands by the well. Seeing Xia Yangyang return, he walked over, curious, ¡°Did grandmother mention me?¡± But Xia Yangyang seemed to be in a daze. She walked into the house mechanically. As if she hadn¡¯t heard Gu Qichen¡¯s words at all. Gu Qichen instantly felt something was wrong. Xia Yangyang went into the house, and cried under a nket all alone. She didn¡¯t know why, but the news had a huge impact on her. Xia Yangyang felt as if something in her heart had been destroyed. Her mom hadmitted suicide. If her mom reallymitted suicide, then her father must bear an inescapable responsibility. Xia Yangyang felt indescribable pain inside. She could forgive Xia Liangdong for cheating for many years, and even for having another daughter. But she couldn¡¯t forgive him for his betrayal that led to her mother¡¯s suicide. In Xia Yangyang¡¯s memory, her mother was such a gentle person, why would he bear to hurt her? What kind of shock must she have experienced to willingly leave her behind and depart from this world? Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t dare to imagine. Gu Qichen sat down next to the bed, patting Xia Yangyang¡¯s back lightly. He didn¡¯t rush to ask anything, just gentlyforted her. After a while, when he heard the footsteps of Yangyang¡¯s grandmother returning home, Xia Yangyang lifted her head from under the nket, forcefully wiping away her tears. Only then did Gu Qichen ask, ¡°What exactly happened? Can you talk about it?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head. ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter. It¡¯s about my mom. I have a lot of things to confirm.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want Gu Qichen to know that her mommitted suicide. And her mind was in chaos right now. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t press further. Xia Yangyang¡¯s mother has been dead for ten years, and the revtion that shook her so much must have been a hidden secret. That must be a deep wound in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart, which he didn¡¯t need to dredge up. If she wanted to talk, she¡¯d tell him naturally. They sat in the room for a while, until her grandmother called them to dinner. During dinner, her grandmother¡¯s attitude towards Gu Qichen was strangely much better. She even served Gu Qichen some dishes. Gu Qichen was somewhat surprised. Xia Yangyang knew clearly in her heart. All of her grandmother¡¯s previous behavior was nothing but a test of him. Now that he had probably passed the test, her attitude towards him naturally improved. However, after finishing dinner, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Grandma, I n to go back to the city tomorrow.¡± ¡°Why do you want to leave so soon?¡± ¡°There are some things I need to take care of in the city, don¡¯t worry grandmother, as soon as I get a break, I¡¯lle back to see you often.¡± When Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen left, The grandmother had prepared a lot of things: home grown vegetables, beans, pickled radishes, which filled up a whole car for them to take back. Ps.. Keep voting, guys! Xiao Qi loves you all- Chapter 326 - 327: Good Skills Dont Stick to Chapter 326: Chapter 327: Good Skills Don¡¯t Stick to People Trantor: 549690339 I Before leaving, the grandmother passed Gu Qichen a bag, inside was a pair of handmade cotton shoes: ¡°These are for you. I was supposed to work on them for another two days, but since you¡¯re leaving so suddenly, I managed to finish themst night. I don¡¯t know if they¡¯ll fit.¡± Xia Yangyang had never seen Gu Qichen so happy before. He immediately put the shoes on and ran around the yard like a child: ¡°Grandma, they fit perfectly, thank you.¡± He refused to take them off after that. The grandmother was also quite happy. She stood by the doorway as we left. Looking at the old woman leaning against the door frame in the rearview mirror, Gu Qichen said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°I think Grandma is too lonely, why don¡¯t we bring her to the city with us? She can live with us.¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head: ¡°I¡¯ve told you many times, she can¡¯t bear to leave her little farm and there¡¯s no one to take care of the sheep at home. Grandma is used to living in the countryside, she wouldn¡¯t befortable in the city. Let¡¯s let her live her life in the way she prefers.¡± Gu Qichen nodded: ¡°Then we have to make sure to visit her often.¡± Xia Yangyang gave a smallugh, grabbed one of Gu Qichen¡¯s hands: ¡°Thank you, these past few days must¡¯ve been hard for you.¡± ¡°No, these days have actually been my most rxing ones. But since you want to return so early, you must be reluctant to go back to work. Honey, why don¡¯t you support me financially when you make it big?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect that Gu Qichen would say something like this. Xia Yangyang pretended to be serious: ¡°What special qualities do you have for me to consider supporting you?¡± Gu Qichen seriously replied: ¡°Does having a skill and not being clingy count?¡± Xia Yangyang:¡±¡­¡± After they returned, Gu Qichen went to thepany. Xia Yangyang knew that he would be very busy for a while. After all, Shengyuan is such a vast business empire, it was already a luxury for Gu Qichen to take a few days off from work. However, Xia Yangyang returned to the Xia family¡¯s home. After the butler opened the door. Xia Yangyang immediately asked: ¡°Where¡¯s my dad?¡± ¡°Master is in the study.¡± Xia Yangyang uttered a quick confirmation and then headed straight upstairs. The study¡¯s door was ajar. Xia Yangyang saw Xia Liangdong sitting at his desk smoking. There were piles of documents on his table and he seemed to be deeply troubled. Suddenly, he forcefully swiped all the documents off the table in frustration. The ashtray was also knocked to the floor. Xia Yangyang frowned. She walked into the room. When Xia Liangdong saw Xia Yangyang standing at the door, he seemed to be taken aback slightly. Then he hid the irritation in his face and warmly said: ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯re back.¡± Xia Yangyang looked at the mess on the floor and asked: ¡°What happened?¡± Xia Liangdong stood up: ¡°Nothing, just a small issue in thepany, you don¡¯t need to concern yourself with it.¡± Xia Yangyang, of course, knew about thepany¡¯s issues. It certainly wasn¡¯t a small matter. And thus far, she was also trying to figure out a solution. Xia Yangyang said: ¡°I¡¯ve signed up a contract with Shiguang, the signing fee is 10 million, adding to my previous earnings, it sums up to 12 million. I will be transferring the money to your ount shortly. Use it to resolve the urgent issues. If it¡¯s not enough, I¡¯ll figure out a different solution.¡± Xia Liangdong immediately looked guilty: ¡°How could I use your hard-earned money.¡± He knew that Xia Yangyang had no aspirations to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. She must have signed that contract with Shiguang solely for the 10 million sign-on bonus. ¡°During special times, let¡¯s put other matters aside. Regardless of the situation, I can¡¯t watch Xingguang go bankrupt, after all, it was also built with mom¡¯s hard work and dedication.¡± Upon the mention of Xia Yangyang¡¯s mother, the expression on Xia Liangdong¡¯s face seemed to change slightly.. Chapter 327 - 328: You Killed My Mother Chapter 327: Chapter 328: You Killed My Mother Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang got straight to the point: ¡°Dad, did you know that yesterday was mom¡¯s death anniversary?¡± Xia Liangdong¡¯s expression turned utterly grim: ¡°How could I forget?¡± A flicker of sadness sparkled on Xia Liangdong¡¯s face: ¡°It¡¯s been exactly ten years since your mom passed away. I visited her grave yesterday. The carving on her tombstone is still of her from ten years ago, smiling gently and beautifully, while I have aged considerably.¡± Observing Xia Liangdong¡¯s mncholic demeanor, Xia Yangyang spoke in a cold voice: ¡°Dad, I want to ask you something. Please tell me the truth.¡± Xia Liangdong was taken aback, rarely had he seen his daughter so icy. He had an ominous premonition: ¡°Say it.¡± ¡°How did mom really die that year? Did she die of illness¡­or shemitted suicide?¡± As Xia Yangyang mentioned the word ¡°suicide,¡± her lips were trembling. Even to this very moment, Xia Yangyang struggled toe to terms with the reality. In response to the word ¡°suicide¡±, Xia Liangdong froze like a petrified man, his expression cycling through an array of emotions. Just observing Xia Liangdong¡¯s dramatic reaction, Xia Yangyang could already guess the answer. Xia Liangdong replied sternly: ¡°Who told you all of this, your grandma?¡± ¡°How I came to know is none of your concern. I just need an honest response, did mommit suicide that year? Tell me, did she?!¡± Xia Yangyang was getting worked up. She clenched her hands into fists. Her body was trembling uncontrobly. All of a sudden, the man she had been calling ¡®Dad¡¯ for over twenty years felt like aplete stranger. Xia Liangdong looked at Xia Yangyang and felt all the air leave his body. He sank deep into the couch. He covered his eyes with a hand in an agony: ¡°Yes¡­your mommitted suicide.¡± His words felt like they had plunged Xia Yangyang eighteen levels deep into hell. So, it was true after all. Everything grandma said was true. All of it had happened because of dad¡¯s wrongful affair which led mom to suicide. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t ept it. She was supposed to have a loving mother and a warm, perfect family. However, all of that was ruined by her own father. Xia Yangyang gripped her fingers tightly, not to let her tears fall. ¡°Dad, why did you do that? Why did you cheat back then? What was not good about mom? Just why did you seek another woman, why did you betray her, why did you hurt her, why did you push her to the edge forcing her to end her own life?¡± Xia Liangdong looked extremely pained, barely able to meet her gaze. Mentioning Tan Zhen, he seemed to drown in his past emotions and began to sob quietly. Xia Yangyang watched him. It could be said that he admitted to all of it. Finally, Xia Yangyang understood the despair mom must have felt, the betrayal from the closest person. She felt this world was too foul and repulsive, not worth cherishing. ¡°Why did you do it, tell me. Mom had not been dead for even half a year, and you married Liu Ruyan. Xia Weiwei is only two years younger than me, which means, you cheated for at least eight years. I never brought it up, it didn¡¯t mean I didn¡¯t care about it. I always tried to convince myself. I told myself, although you betrayed mom, you loved her at one point. You were just momentarily blinded by the illusion of that woman. But now, mommitted suicide because of you, the two of you murdered my mom, you are murderers!¡± Xia Yangyang became uncontrobly hysterical. ¡°Who said your mom was killed by us? What happened to her waspletely her own doing.¡± A woman¡¯s voice echoed clearly from the doorway. Turning her head, Xia Yangyang saw Liu Ruyan.. Chapter 328 - 329: Scandal Exposed, Suicide out of Shame Chapter 328: Chapter 329: Scandal Exposed, Suicide out of Shame Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang looked at her in disbelief: ¡°What did you say?¡± Liu Ruyan strode in, her usual warmth and gentleness nowhere to be found. Her voice had be sarcastic and sharp: ¡°I said that Tan Zhen had iting, she brought it on herself.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t let you insult my mother!¡± Xia Yangyang was on the brink of fury. My mother has been dead for ten years, why is she still being insulted by this woman who caused her death? ¡°Your mother was mired in scandal and attacked from all sides. In the end, she killed herself out of shame. That has nothing to do with anyone else.¡± Xia Yangyang had no idea what this woman was talking about. But every word from Liu Ruyan¡¯s mouth was utterly repugnant. Xia Yangyang regained a shred of calm: ¡°You better exin yourself clearly, or, even though you are my elder, I will not let this go.¡± Liu Ruyan wanted to say something. However, she was abruptly silenced by Xia Liangdong¡¯s roar: ¡°Shut up! Don¡¯t say those things in front of the child.¡± Liu Ruyan was also furious. ¡°Why can¡¯t I say it, all these years, have I ever wronged your daughter? I treated her like my own daughter, gave her the best of everything, yet all I get is a mention of that woman, Xia Liangdong, haven¡¯t I suffered enough for all these years? Today, I will speak out. I, Liu Ruyan, won¡¯t swallow this injustice.¡± Xia Liangdong was also livid. But he couldn¡¯t stop Liu Ruyan at all. Liu Ruyan spelled it out: ¡°Your mother set up the Chenyu Angel Charity Fund in the name of charity, but she embezzled the donations intended for disaster-stricken children for her own use. When she was found out, she killed herself out of shame. What does her death have to do with me? When I was young, following your father was also because we truly loved each other. But for ten years, I never disrupted his family. I gave ten years of my life without regrets, raising children for this man, in return for what? In the end, you¡¯re still ming her death on me, I won¡¯t take the me for this murder. Am I, Liu Ruyan, so easily bullied?¡± Xia Yangyang refused to ept it: ¡°You¡¯re lying, you¡¯re lying, my mother would never do that.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t believe, even if it killed her she wouldn¡¯t believe. My mother is such a kind woman. She always did charity, helping the children in the orphanage, gaining respect from everyone. She changed the fate of so many children, even Chen Yu was one of the benefactors. She absolutely didn¡¯t believe her mother could have done this kind of thing. Liu Ruyan sneered: ¡°Even though it¡¯s been ten years, the incident involved political corruption, so the news was suppressed by the government. But it is a well-known scandal in the entertainment circle. If you dig, you can still find traces from the information ten years ago. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can investigate yourself, and see if any of my words are false!¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes were red and her whole body was trembling. Xia Liangdong immediately came over and grabbed Liu Ruyan¡¯s arm: ¡°I told you to shut up, Yangyang is just a child, why should she have to bear this?¡± Liu Ruyan fought back: ¡°So she should bear it instead? She¡¯s an adult now, and certain things, she should bear them. Her mother was a hypocritical do-gooder, and she got what she deserved¡­¡± ¡°p!¡± A loud smack resounded as Xia Liangdong pped Liu Ruyan¡¯s face.. Chapter 329 - 330: Things of the Past Chapter 329: Chapter 330: Things of the Past Trantor: 549690339 The air in the study seemed to solidify in an instant. Even Xia Yangyang seemed to be taken aback. Liu Ruyan brought her head up, her hand covering her cheek, looking at Xia Liangdong incredulously. All these years, Xia Liangdong had pampered her. No matter how outrageous her actions were, even if she was on the verge of bankrupting Starlight, he never criticized her. But all these years, the one thing they couldn¡¯t talk about was Tan Zhen, Xia Yangyang¡¯s biological mother. Xia Liangdong seemed struck too. He was always mild-mannered, despite being a major yer in the entertainment circle, carrying a kind of refined air. Even in middle age, he was polite and cultured. He must have really lost his temper just now to have raised his hand. Xia Liangdong grabbed Liu Ruyan¡¯s arm: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Ruyan, I didn¡¯t mean¡­¡± Liu Ruyan tore Xia Liangdong¡¯s hand away suddenly: ¡°You¡¯re doing it all for that woman again. Xia Liangdong, have you no conscience? She¡¯s been dead for ten years. Ten years! But you still can¡¯t forget her. As soon as she¡¯s mentioned, you be a totally different person. If she¡¯s your first wife, then what am I? I¡¯ve devoted ten unnoticed years to you and your daughter. Does my dedication count for less than a dead person? Xia Liangdong, this matter is not over between us!¡± With that, Liu Ruyan turned and left. Xia Liangdong wanted to follow her, but after a couple of steps, he returned. He sank into the couch, lighting a cigarette. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯te back to her senses for a moment. It took quite some time before Xia Yangyang asked with a trembling voice, ¡°What she said¡­ it¡¯s not true, right?¡± Xia Yangyang hoped Xia Liangdong would deny it. She absolutely refused to believe her mothermitted suicide over scandalous deeds. However, Xia Liangdong just sighed: ¡°It¡¯s all true. Your mother just got confused back then, and I couldn¡¯t believe it myself at the time. But that¡¯s what the police investigation found. In the end, it was deemed that your mothermitted suicide out of guilt. It caused quite an uproar at the time. I¡¯ve kept copies of the police reports and your mother¡¯s statement in a safety deposit box. If you don¡¯t believe me, I can let you see them.¡± Xia Yangyang still couldn¡¯t ept it. How could this be? It just couldn¡¯t be. Xia Liangdong took a drag from his cigarette, then spoke gravely: ¡°All along, I didn¡¯t want to tarnish your mother¡¯s image in your heart. But no matter what, it¡¯s all in the past. She was your mother. You were the person she loved most.¡± Xia Yangyang took steps back, ¡°I won¡¯t believe it. You are lying. You are all lying to me.¡± With that, Xia Yangyang ran out. When she reached the stairs, she ran into Xia Weiwei who had just returned. Xia Weiwei deliberately bumped into her: ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t you watch where you¡¯re going?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes were red, but she didn¡¯t even nce at Xia Weiwei. She just ran off. Xia Weiwei was puzzled. What could have caused Xia Yangyang to lose control and run off with red eyes? She was always aloof and never easily shed tears. Xia Weiwei felt a touch of schadenfreude, bing even more curious about what happened to Xia Yangyang. Did something go wrong between her and Qi Chen? After running out of the vi, Xia Yangyang found herself aimlessly wandering the streets. The weather was overcast and a drizzle was falling. But Xia Yangyang seemed oblivious to it. Xia Yangyang¡¯s mood gradually calmed down but she felt lost. She didn¡¯t believe a single word Liu Ruyan had said. Her mother was the kindest person in the world and would never do such a thing. There must be something hidden behind all this. Xia Yangyang resolved to investigate the matter thoroughly.. Chapter 330 - 331: Fraudulent Donation Case Chapter 330: Chapter 331: Fraudulent Donation Case Trantor: 549690339 I Xia Yangyang thought for a moment. She went straight to the Cherry News Agency. Though Cherry News Agency is a gossip magazine, it has been established for a decade and is one of the older media outlets. If that year¡¯s incident really was as sensationalized as it was. Perhaps somewhere an answer could be found. Xia Yangyang was very familiar with the people in the newspaper office, she coulde and go freely. After all, she was now a popr figure in the entertainment circle, so everyone was happy to see her. Xia Yangyang went straight to find Old Bai. Old Bai was the oldest entertainment reporter in the newspaper office. He was also the only reporter who had stayed at the newspaper office for more than ten years. After listening to Xia Yangyang¡¯s talk about the Angel Fund fraud scandal ten years ago. Old Bai frowned and said, ¡°I seem to remember this incident a bit, but I had just entered the trade, so I¡¯m not very clear on many of the details. What I do remember is that the news was very hyped at the time, but because it involved some government corruption, it was all suppressed andpletely censored online, it should be quite difficult to find.¡± Indeed, not a trace of information could be found online. Even when Xia Yangyang searched her mother¡¯s name in the search engine, all that came up was a search ban. Xia Yangyang was a bit disheartened. However, Old Bai suddenly remembered something, ¡°The newspaper office has a warehouse that stores every issue of the newspaper from its establishment till today. Although the news was banned at the time, there must have been reports before, so if you really want to know, I can take you to look for it.¡± A glimmer of hope ignited in Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes, ¡°Old Bai, thank you.¡± Old Bai took Xia Yangyang to the warehouse. The newspapers piled up like mountains. Though they were stored in boxes ording to the year of publication, each storage box contained at least a thousand newspapers. Old Bai said, ¡°The incident you¡¯re talking about is old news from ten years ago. Although the materials are definitely in here, I can¡¯t guarantee that you¡¯ll find them. After all, there are too many newspapers and we don¡¯t know which issue it is, it¡¯s like looking for a needle in a haystack.¡± However, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I can take my time and look for it. Old Bai, you can go about your business.¡± Old Bai had assignments in the afternoon, so he quickly left. Only Xia Yangyang was left in the warehouse. Xia Yangyang flipped through a pile of newspapers. She looked at them one by one, turning every page. But there were simply too many newspapers. Xia Yangyang flipped through hundreds of newspapers for four whole hours and found nothing. After a while, Gu Qichen called. He said the old man wanted them toe over and have dinner at Gu Garden in the evening. Xia Yangyang agreed. It seemed like she wouldn¡¯t find anything today. Xia Yangyang stood up, nning to leave and continue searching the next day. But her legs and feet were numb from sitting on the floor for so long. When Xia Yangyang got up, she stumbled and knocked over a pile of newspapers. Xia Yangyang quickly bent over to pick them up. She suddenly saw the headline of one newspaper, ¡°Angel or Devil? Angel Fund Manager Tan Zhen Arrested for Embezzling Donations.¡± Upon seeing her mother¡¯s name. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart seemed to suddenly stop. Above it was a photo. It was definitely a picture of her mother in her younger days. But there were several policemen next to her, and she was handcuffed. Her expression was lifeless and despairing, just like a puppet on strings. It was nothing like the image of her mother that Xia Yangyang remembered. Xia Yangyang slowly bent down and picked up the newspaper. The report did not provide much detail. Because it also involved political corruption, several government officials were implicated as well.. Chapter 331 - 332: The Relationship between Gu Mingzhu and her Mother Chapter 331: Chapter 332: The Rtionship between Gu Mingzhu and her Mother Trantor: 549690339 The report said that years ago, Tan Zhen had established the Weiyang Angel Fund to help orphaned and left-behind children. At that time, there had just been a major earthquake in Biancheng, leaving countless children orphaned. She had raised money to establish an Angel¡¯s Home for the children. However, unexpectedly, she used most of the donated funds for herself, transferring them to her personal ounts. The embezzlement was discovered because an anonymous millionaire donated twenty million yuan. Later it was found out that the twenty million yuan had never been used for the construction of the orphanage in the disaster area. Its whereabouts were unknown. After an investigation, it was revealed that the fund had been stripped awayyer byyer, with barely anything left. The scandal involving officials and businessmen was of great negative impact. In the end, Tan Zhen was sentenced to eight years in prison, but her sentence was suspended due to her health condition. During that period, Tan Zhen swallowed a box of sleeping pills in the hospital and never woke up. After Tan Zhen¡¯s death, two government officials also fell from grace. The matter was then closed. Because of the higher-ups orders, the media did not continue to report on it. As Xia Yangyang read the report, she felt as if her blood was gradually solidifying. How could this be, she still couldn¡¯t believe that her mother was a corrupt person, embezzling donated funds. Her mother was so gentle, so kind. She would often visit the children in the welfare home, buying them many things. She was also very gentle to small animals. Xia Yangyang just couldn¡¯t imagine that her mother could have done such a thing. She couldn¡¯t quite put her feelings into words. Hers disbelief gradually turned into sadness. If her mother really did these things, could there be any other reasons behind it? Xia Yangyang always refused to picture her mother as an unforgivable viin. However, the past left only traces. Her mother had passed away. There were many things that Xia Yangyang would never know. Xia Yangyang bent down and gathered all the old newspapers reporting about her mother. Some reports evenpletely exposed her mother¡¯s family background. Xia Yangyang even saw an old photo. In the old photo, her mother looked very young. The photo was probably taken more than twenty years ago. At that time, her mother had just graduated from the film academy, it was a graduation photo of her ss. While there was nothing unusual about the photo, the report went into some gossipy news. But Xia Yangyang saw a familiar face among the many young women in the graduation picture. It was Gu Mingzhu. Although it was a photo from twenty years ago. Gu Mingzhu¡¯s appearance hasn¡¯t changed much in those twenty years. Time had taken away her youthfulness, but added charm. That face, however, had not changed in the slightest. When Xia Yangyang saw that face, she felt her heart suddenly miss a beat. Because Gu Mingzhu¡¯s head was leaning against Tan Zhen¡¯s, the two woman¡¯s arms were linked together, they seemed very close. Both of them had bright smiles, their unbridled youth captured in the ck and white photograph. Xia Yangyang held the photo and looked at it for a long time. In the end, she ced the newspaper in her bag. Checking the time, she realized she had dyed for a long time. Gu QiChen had already called her, asking where she was. Xia Yangyang told him her location. Gu QiChen arrived quickly. She got into his car, her mind full of concerns. While Gu QiChen was driving, he reached out and held Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand: ¡°Have you not sorted out what¡¯s been bothering you?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head: ¡°It seems even moreplicated now.¡± ¡°Do you need my help?¡± ¡°No, when I can¡¯t handle it, I¡¯ll ask for your help.¡± Xia Yangyang fell silent for a while, then suddenly asked: ¡°Did my sister graduate from the August Film School?¡± Chapter 332 - 333: Divine Orchid Chapter 332: Chapter 333: Divine Orchid Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen pondered for a moment: ¡°My sister was a special-admitted student, attending college at a film school when she was just thirteen, she graduated at sixteen, and then it seems she went to Sydney for further study for two years. After returning to our country, she entered the film circle and once achieved great fame. What followed, you know, she married Xi Jiachen at the peak of her career¡­¡± Xia Yangyang seemed to understand something. So, Gu Qichen¡¯s sister and her mother actually graduated from the same school and were in the same ss. From the photographs, it seemed they had a good rtionship with each other. Xia Yangyang suddenly thought of something. The time when she first met Gu Mingzhu. When Gu Mingzhu saw her, her expression changed dramatically. The first question she asked was about her parents? Back then, Xia Yangyang found it strange but didn¡¯t think too much about it. In retrospect, had Gu Mingzhu seen Tan Zhen in her when she looked at her? After all, Xia Yangyang and her mother had quite a resemnce. They quickly arrived at Gu Residence. As they got out of the car, they saw Gu Zhaohan. Gu Zhaohan was bathing Oscar in the yard. Oscar saw Gu Qichening, wagged his tail and ran over. Wet all over and covered in foam, he threw himself at Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen gave amand to sit. Oscar obediently sat down. Gu Qichen bent down and stroked Oscar¡¯s head: ¡°Good boy.¡± At this time, Gu Zhaohan also walked over and greeted, ¡°Uncle.¡± But Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t greet Xia Yangyang. He seemed to be deliberately avoiding her gaze. Xia Yangyang also felt quite awkward. Xia Yangyang quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ll go inside first.¡± After saying that, she ran into the house. Xia Yangyang knew she was cowardly, but she had no other way to deal with this situation besides running away. Gu Qichen seemed to be talking with Gu Zhaohan outside, and he didn¡¯te in for a long time. Xia Yangyang simply decided to go upstairs on her own. The housekeeper mentioned that the old master was practicing calligraphy in his study. The old master had a rule that he was not to be disturbed when practicing calligraphy. His study had a box full of finished calligraphic parchment. The old master would put each finished piece inside the box, lock it away, and wouldn¡¯t show it to anyone. So till now, nobody knows what is written in those boxes. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t go to the study. Instead, she went straight to the rooftop. Because the housekeeper just mentioned that Gu Mingzhu was there. The rooftop was packed with an array of flowers and nts. The soil was specially dug up from swampynd. Gu Mingzhu had built an aerial garden on the rooftop, nting a variety of exotic flora, most of which Xia Yangyang could not even name. When Gu Mingzhu was free at home, she¡¯d personally tend to these nts on the rooftop. When Xia Yangyang arrived, Gu Mingzhu was taking care of a Dendrobium. This was Gu Mingzhu¡¯s favorite pot. Each nt is said to cost over 5000 US Dors, specially brought from Mount Kinabalu National Park in Mysia. She always gave it the most care. ¡°Sister.¡± Xia Yangyang called out. Gu Mingzhu seemed to be lost in thought. Xia Yangyang¡¯s sudden greeting startled her. Her fingers unconsciously loosened up. The potted Dendrobium fell and hit the ground. The vase was broken, leaving a huge hole. The Dendrobium¡¯s stem snapped, breaking off. Chapter 333 - 334:1 Dont Know Chapter 333: Chapter 334:1 Don¡¯t Know Trantor: 549690339 I Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect Gu Mingzhu to be startled. She hurried over. She picked up the flower pot from the floor. The flower pot was cracked. It seemed to be a top-grade Tang tri-color, quite valuable. The fairy orchid was also broken. It¡¯s said that this kind of orchid blooms only once every few years. Gu Mingzhu had been growing it for two years, but it hadn¡¯t bloomed yet. Xia Yangyang had an indescribablyplex feeling in her heart. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sis, I didn¡¯t mean to.¡± Gu Mingzhu, however, looked at the flower without any emotion: ¡°Forget it, throw it away.¡± ¡°But this is a fairy orchid, they¡¯re so rare.¡± Gu Mingzhu only had this one. ¡°It¡¯s already dead, it¡¯s useless, why should I keep it.¡± Xia Yangyang found that Gu Mingzhu¡¯s voice was much colder than usual. Her gaze towards Xia Yangyang was also like ayer of floating ice. She was apletely different person from the Gu Mingzhu Xia Yangyang used to know. Actually, Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t been home for a long time. She hadn¡¯t spoken to Gu Mingzhu since herst birthday party. But, Xia Yangyang understood. Gu Mingzhu was like this because of the rare orchid. She had spent two years carefully nurturing it, but it was ruined because of her. Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes were filled with guilt. Gu Mingzhu continued tending to other nts, her voice indifferent: ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong, you can go first.¡± Actually, Xia Yangyang wanted to ask something, but she didn¡¯t know how to bring it up. She could only stand there holding the pot. Gu Mingzhu straightened up: ¡°Is there something on your mind?¡± ¡°Sis, I have a question for you.¡± Gu Mingzhu frowned, as if out of reflex. But she asked: ¡°What do you want to ask?¡± Xia Yangyang hesitated for a moment, but she simply brought it up: ¡°Sis, do you know a person named Tan Zhen? She¡¯s my birth mother.¡± If Tan Zhen really knew her mother, and they were even good friends. Then she could find out more about what happened back then from Gu Mingzhu. No matter the truth, Xia Yangyang just wanted to know more. But when Xia Yangyang said this name. Gu Mingzhu¡¯s body visibly stiffened. Her face unexpectedly turned pale, and her eyes were filled with turbulent emotions. All of this made Xia Yangyang curious why Gu Mingzhu reacted this way when she heard her mother¡¯s name. But at the same time, Yangyang was sure that Gu Mingzhu knew her mother. ¡°I don¡¯t know her.¡± Gu Mingzhu suddenly responded coldly. When Yangyang looked at Gu Mingzhu again, she had already turned around and was seemingly naturally tending to a lily-olden. ¡°Sis, think about it, do you really not know her?¡± ¡°Yangyang, I told you I don¡¯t know this person, I¡¯ve never even heard this name before, why are you asking me all this?¡± For some reason, Xia Yangyang felt as if her heart was being weighed down by a stone, she was actually a bit out of breath. She also felt immensely disappointed and confused. ¡°Never mind, I was just asking.¡± Xia Yangyang replied softly. At this moment, Gu Zhaohan appeared at the door: ¡°It¡¯s time for dinner.¡± After speaking, Gu Zhaohan looked at Xia Yangyang, then left. Xia Yangyang exited too, still holding the broken fairy orchid in her arms. Gu Mingzhu didn¡¯t move, seemingly invested in tending to the nts. After Gu Zhaohan and Xia Yangyang had left. Gu Mingzhu¡¯s legs gave out, and she suddenly slumped onto a nearby swing chair.. Chapter 334 - 335: Madness, Twisted Past.. Chapter 334: Chapter 335: Madness, Twisted Past.. Trantor: 549690339 From the moment she found out that Xia Yangyang was Tan Zhen¡¯s daughter. Gu Mingzhu knew that this day would eventuallye. She just didn¡¯t expect that everything would happen so quickly, so unexpectedly. And her first reaction was a foolish denial. If Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t somewhat certain, she wouldn¡¯t have bluntly asked her if she knew Tan Zhen. But then again, if Xia Yangyang knew about her past with Tan Zhen. She wouldn¡¯t have asked her like this. Gu Mingzhu¡¯s memories, those buried deep, those secrets unknown to others, were like mirrors covered with dust. And now, a gust of wind has swept past. The past dust was blown clean, and those painful, twisted, dark and even insane memories rushed forward, clearly reflected in the mirror, frightening her, making her tremble. The old master was already in the dining room. He was very happy to see Xia Yangyanging in. ¡°Girl, how long has it been since you visited? You look like you¡¯ve lost weight,¡± he observed. Xia Yangyangughed lightly: ¡°Dad, I¡¯m not losing weight, and I¡¯lle back to see you more often in the future.¡± The old man sighed deliberately: ¡°We, the Gu family, are rather thin. Recently, I feel that the enormous Gu Manor is getting colder and colder. If there was a child, things would be much more lively.¡± Xia Yangyang sighed inwardly. Every time shees back to the Gu Manor, the old master hints at this several times, both directly and indirectly. Now one of his army buddies has a grandchild, now one of the housemaids has quit to take care of her own child. Xia Yangyang understood the loneliness of the elderly. But having children is not something that can be simply done on a whim. What¡¯s more, she hasn¡¯t even graduated yet. And she hasn¡¯t started preparing for her wedding with Gu Qichen. Most importantly, she, Xia Yangyang, was barely in her early twenties. Having a child is way too early, right? But Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t express these thoughts in front of the old master. She could only look at Gu Qichen with pleading eyes. But Gu Qichen opened his mouth calmly: ¡°Yangyang is still young, she¡¯s still a child. I don¡¯t want her to be a mother at such a young age.¡± ¡°She¡¯s still young, but what about you?¡± The old master looked disappointed. ¡°Besides, what¡¯s wrong with having a child while young? The body recovers faster, there are many nannies in the house, it¡¯s not your turn to take care of the child in person. You just give birth, and leave the rest to me. I¡¯m old, and my health is declining day by day, I have only this one wish left in this life¡­¡± The old master looked more pitiful as he spoke. Think about it, he used to be a war-hardened general. Yet now he looked as if he was about to shed tears. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t bear such a scene. She quickly said: ¡°We¡¯ll have one, we will. Dad, rest assured, we¡¯ll put having a child on our schedule and strive to let you hold your grandchild as soon as possible.¡± The old master smiled instantly: ¡°Be it a grandson or granddaughter, I love them all. As long as it¡¯s a child of you and Ah Chen, no matter how many you wish to have, I won¡¯t ask for more. Even if you only want to have one, I won¡¯t insist. Whether it¡¯s a boy or a girl, the entire Gu family¡¯s assets will belong to them.¡± The old master was delighted. Xia Yangyang wore a long face. The old master¡¯s emotional fluctuations were really drastic. At that moment, Gu Zhaohan entered. Hearing the old master¡¯s words, he stood at the door, stunned. Xia Yangyang felt aplex mix of emotions; the old master¡¯s favoritism towards Gu Qichen had reached such a point. The child hadn¡¯t even been born, and he¡¯s already willing to pass on the Gu family¡¯s assets to his grandchild. But Gu Zhaohan, he was the old master¡¯s grandson too. He even gave up his paternal surname. Xia Yangyang sighed inwardly. Gu Zhaohan entered. The old master asked: ¡°Where¡¯s Mingzhu?¡± Gu Zhaohan answered: ¡°Mom said she wasn¡¯t feeling well and didn¡¯t want to have dinner tonight..¡± Chapter 335 - 336: Are you performing in a Qiong Yao Drama? Chapter 335: Chapter 336: Are you performing in a Qiong Yao Drama? Trantor: 549690339 The old grandfather heard about Gu Mingzhu¡¯s difort. His face befell with worry, ¡°Howe she¡¯s suddenly unwell? Is it serious? I must go and see her.¡± Gu Zhaohan stated, ¡°It¡¯s alright, mom has already gone to rest.¡± The old grandfather, afraid of disturbing Gu Mingzhu, refrained from going. However, concern was still etched on his face. Xia Yangyang, on the other hand, felt uneasy. Because she suspected that Gu Mingzhu was in a bad mood because she had identally shattered her beloved orchid nt. The old grandfather said, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s eat dinner first.¡± After dinner, Xia Yangyang went back to her room. She wasden with worries throughout the night. In the end, she couldn¡¯t help but tell Gu Qichen, ¡°You should go see your sister. I shattered her orchid today, I¡¯m afraid she might be angry with me.¡± Gu Qichen gave a small chuckle, ¡°Sis isn¡¯t that petty.¡± Nevertheless, Gu Qichen still went to check on Gu Mingzhu in her room. Xia Yangyang initially didn¡¯t want to go. But she felt she owed Gu Mingzhu an apology. So, after only a short while, she headed to Gu Mingzhu¡¯s room as well. The door was closed, Xia Yangyang knocked a few times, but no one answered. Just as Xia Yangyang was about to leave, she saw two figures on the terrace. It was Gu Qichen and Gu Mingzhu. Xia Yangyang walked over. Gu Mingzhu was still tending to her nts and flowers. Gu Qichen held a pot of flowers, saying, ¡°Sis, if you like these, I can bring back a few more for you. Yangyang didn¡¯t mean to.¡± Gu Mingzhu turned around, ¡°I know, it was my carelessness, I¡¯m not ming her.¡± ¡°Then why did you skip dinner, saying you were unwell? We were all concerned about you.¡± Gu Mingzhu suddenly stood up, her face solemn, ¡°Ah Chen, if your sister doesn¡¯t like Yangyang, would you leave her?¡± Her words caused Gu Qichen¡¯s expression to harden. Gu Qichen asked calmly, ¡°You used to like Yangyang quite a bit, what happened?¡± Gu Mingzhu¡¯s face flickered but she deliberately avoided Gu Qichen¡¯s probing gaze. Gu Mingzhu let out a softugh, ¡°It was just a joke. Ah Chen, you know your sister will always be on your side.¡± When Xia Yangyang heard this, she was stunned. It felt as if something in her heart sank. She quickly turned around and ran away. Xia Yangyang felt an indescribable difort in her heart. Gu Mingzhu said she didn¡¯t like her, even asked Gu Qichen if he would leave her. Why? Even though Gu Mingzhuter said it was just a joke. But Xia Yangyang could tell, it was not just a joke, but a test. But Gu Mingzhu was clearly kind and caring to her in the past. It couldn¡¯t possibly be because of the orchid nt. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t understand. Xia Yangyang felt extremely upset. And she didn¡¯t want to go back to her room. She decided to go down to the courtyard, wanting to be alone for a while. There was arge locust tree in the backyard with a swing tied to it. It seemed quite old. Xia Yangyang sat on the swing, lost in thought. Xia Yangyang found it all very weird. Clearly Gu Mingzhu knew her mother, but she insisted on denying it. And now her attitude towards Yangyang was also quite uncharacteristic. What on earth was happening? After a while, Xia Yangyang felt a wet sensation on her ankle. Upon looking down, Oscar was licking her foot. Xia Yangyang squatted down, wrapping her arms around Oscar¡¯s head. Unable to express the injustice in her heart, shemented, ¡°Oscar, tell me why. Why, why, why?¡± Suddenly, a quiet chuckle came from a distance. Xia Yangyang lifted her head, and saw Gu Zhaohan walking over at a leisure pace. ¡°Xia Yangyang, so are you acting out a Qiong Yao drama now?¡± Chapter 336 - 337: Jealous Chapter 336: Chapter 337: Jealous Trantor: 549690339 I Xia Yangyang felt awkward. Gu Zhaohan arrived and she hadn¡¯t noticed. Xia Yangyang got up and sat again on the swing chair, ¡°How did youe here?¡± ¡°I just returned from taking Oscar for a walk. Oscar has the habit of frolicking in the backyard upon return. By the way, you¡¯re sitting on Oscar¡¯s swing.¡± Xia Yangyang quickly stood up. But the smile on Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face became more apparent. It was then that Xia Yangyang realized Gu Zhaohan was teasing her. A golden retriever doesn¡¯t swing. Xia Yangyang red at Gu Zhaohan. Gu Zhaohan came over, sat on the stone bench under the pagoda tree. As he was brushing Oscar, he asked, ¡°Why are you here all alone, looking gloomy? Where¡¯s your uncle?¡± ¡°He¡¯s chatting with your mother, I came down for a breather.¡± Then there was a long silence. If it was before, whenever Xia Yangyang was with Gu Zhaohan, she would always chatter non-stop. Gu Zhaohan would just listen and asionally ask a few questions. Because they had rehearsed together, performed dramas together, their rtionship had long been good. But ever since she found out that Gu Zhaohan had some feelings for her. Xia Yangyang felt she couldn¡¯t talk andugh like they used to. With Xia Yangyang silent, Gu Zhaohan also remained silent. This made the situation even more awkward. Xia Yangyang was about to get up and leave. Gu Zhaohan suddenly said, ¡°I¡¯m going to move out soon.¡± Xia Yangyang was curious, ¡°You¡¯re moving out of Gu Garden, where to?¡± ¡°I¡¯m now an intern at Puren Hospital, so I¡¯ve rented an apartment in the Lotus Community nearby.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Oh, you told me your dream is to be an excellent neurosurgeon. Congrattions on being close to achieving it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s still far off. I need to learn and hone my skills through clinical experience, but I won¡¯t give up.¡± Xia Yangyang encouraged him, ¡°Keep going, you can definitely do it.¡± ¡°What about you? You told me you wanted to be a journalist like Esther Htusan.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes dimmed. Yeah, her dream was to be a journalist, exposing society¡¯s dark side, helping the despairing fringe groups, using media power to fight against the world¡¯s injustices. That was her dream. But now, she was trapped in the whirlpool of the entertainment industry for the sake of money. Although she didn¡¯t dislike this circle, it was irrelevant to her dream. Xia Yangyang grinned helplessly, ¡°If I get a chance in the future, I¡¯ll still pursue my career dream.¡± ¡°What dream?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice came from not far off. Gu Qichen, with his subtle smile, approached Xia Yangyang, ¡°Howe I¡¯ve never heard you talk about your career dream?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Because I want to rely on myself. If I tell you, you¡¯d arrange everything in a sentence or two, which would be no fun.¡± Gu Qichen ruffled Xia Yangyang¡¯s hair, ¡°So what¡¯s your dream job?¡± ¡°Guess, I won¡¯t tell you.¡± Gu Zhaohan was already standing up, tactfully said, ¡°Uncle, I¡¯ll go back to my room first.¡± Then he left with Oscar. After Gu Zhaohan left, Gu Qichen¡¯s face turned somber, ¡°Why can¡¯t you share your dreams with me, and only with Xiao Han?¡± Xia Yangyang nced at Gu Qichen, ¡°Jealous?¡± ¡°You¡¯re here looking at stars and the moon, discussing life and dreams. Why can¡¯t I be jealous?¡± Gu Qichen being jealous was just like a child. He had a ¡°I¡¯m unhappy, so you coulde andfort me¡± look.. Chapter 337 - 338: Do You Still Remember You Were Following The Cold And Distant Route? Chapter 337: Chapter 338: Do You Still Remember You Were Following The Cold And Distant Route? Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang suddenly squirmed into Gu Qichen¡¯s arms like a little fish, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, we hardly talked about anything, just a few words. Trust me, from now on, I will only talk to you about the stars, the moon, life, dreams, okay?¡± Gu Qichen looked down at Xia Yangyang¡¯s fluffy little head. Those blinking eyes were innocent and adorable. He couldn¡¯t resist and kissed her fervently on the lips. Then he said softly, ¡°But I prefer conversing about life with you.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, then said: ¡°Mr. Gu, do you remember that you used to be cold and aloof?¡± Why so flirtatious now. They stayed out for a little while before heading back. Throughout, Xia Yangyang did not ask Gu Qichen about his conversation with Gu Mingzhu. Because Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Qichen would definitely not disclose what Gu Mingzhu had said. Moreover, she did not want to force Gu Qichen to lie. So she chose not to ask. However, there was still a knot in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. The holidays ended. The next day, Xia Yangyang went to Time. A few days earlier, Shen Shichuan had already sent a work n to Xia Yangyang¡¯s mailbox. Xia Yangyang looked at it, and indeed it was packed full. Xia Yangyang went to Shen Shichuan¡¯s office. When she knocked on the door and entered, there was another person inside. It was Su Jin Su Jin was Time¡¯s ace agent, several of the hottest young stars in the industry were her products. As soon as Shen Shichuan saw her enter, he introduced, ¡°Yangyang, youe at just the right time. Sister Jin will be your agent from now on, she will take the time to exin your uing work in detail.¡± Xia Yangyang hurried over and said with a smile, ¡°Sister Jin, please take care of me from now on.¡± Su Jin was straightforward: ¡°You too polite, let¡¯s take care of each other.¡± It took Xia Yangyang the entire morning to understand her work for the next three months. Three advertisements, five interviews, two guest appearances on variety shows, and a film. Of course, the key is the film. Her performance with Shen Manbing at the film festival was paving the way for the movie, which was simply going with the flow. The movie¡¯s name is ¡°Future¡± Shen Manbing is the lead actress. Xia Yangyang will y a viinous role in it, which is very challenging. But the production of this film isrge-scale, it is basically the top-tier production team in the country, and the director is Zhang Jizhong, who just won a big award at the Cannes Film Festival and is top-notch domestically. Basically, as long as you¡¯ve starred in his films, whether you¡¯re the lead or a supporting character, you will shine brightly in the entertainment circle, because his requirements are notoriously stringent. Countless well-known young actresses, even if they aren¡¯t paid, tried their utmost to get a face in his movies, as if it would add a touch of gold to their acting skills. Su Jin also said, ¡°You must perform your part well in this film, it¡¯s not easy to be in Director Zhang¡¯s film. You can learn a lot, every frame of his film is art. Especially your role, although not the lead, ys a crucial part, undergoing great changes and challenges in terms of acting skills. I believe you will make great progress after this film.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Sister Jin, don¡¯t worry, I will definitely seize this opportunity.¡± In the afternoon, Xia Yangyang received the script. They were scheduled to start shooting in three days. At five o¡¯clock in the evening, Xia Yangyang suddenly received a phone call. Surprisingly, it was from Liu Ruyan.. Chapter 338 - 339: Return to Xia Family Chapter 338: Chapter 339: Return to Xia Family Trantor: 549690339 | Liu Ruyan had rarely ever called her personally over the many years. Even when there was a major issue at home in the past, it was always Xia Liangdong who made the call. Xia Yangyang frowned slightly at the caller ID disyed on her phone. But in the end, Xia Yangyang still picked up. A very gentle and kind voice of Liu Ruyan came from the other end, ¡°Yangyang, could youe home for dinner tonight? I¡¯ve personally cooked your favorite braised pork and oiled shrimp.¡± Xia Yangyang felt ufortable hearing this voice. What Liu Ruyan had said previously was still like a thorn in her heart. She had said that her mother deserved her fate, warranted her death. Even if her mother really had done something wrong,mitted heinous crimes, Xia Yangyang still didn¡¯t believe that Liu Ruyan had any right to say such things. Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was indifferent, ¡°I have something tonight, I won¡¯t being back.¡± ¡°Yangyang, are you still mad at me?¡± Liu Ruyan blurted out, ¡°I want to apologize for what happened a few days ago. Those were all old matters and I shouldn¡¯t have brought them up, making you bear everything. Moreover, your mother was just confused at the time, I really shouldn¡¯t have ndered her so cruelly. Yangyang, Aunt Liu is a woman too, and your father had always loved your mother the most, so I was just envious for a time. But, can you forgive Aunt Liu this time? After all, I¡¯ve been in this family for ten years, even if you don¡¯t consider me as part of your family, I¡¯ve always treated you as my own daughter. Can you consider tonight¡¯s supper as Aunt Liu¡¯s way of apologizing to you?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s feelings were indescribablyplex. Although she had never considered her as family. But she was still a close rtive of her father¡¯s, and they both had a child. She and Xia Weiwei may not have gotten along since childhood, but they were still tied by the same blood after all. And if Liu Ruyan really didn¡¯t have anything to do with her mother¡¯s death, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t feel the need to hate her. After hesitating for a bit, Xia Yangyang eventually agreed, ¡°Alright, I¡¯lle back tonight.¡± ¡°Remember to bring Ah Chen with you. I¡¯ve made his favorite pork chops.¡± As soon as Xia Yangyang came out from the station, she called Gu Qichen. After a short while, Gu Qichen came to pick her, and they both went to the Xia family¡¯s vi together. During their car journey, Gu Qichen suddenly remembered something, ¡°Right, I forgot to ask you. Have you resolved the issue with your father¡¯spany?¡± Xia Yangyang was not very clear about the current situation of theirpany. But she had given all the money she earned, over ten million, to her father for emergency use. Later, Xia Liangdong didn¡¯t mention the details. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°It is being handled, you don¡¯t need to worry too much. If there¡¯s a real problem, I¡¯ll tell you.¡± Gu Qichen nodded. He had checked on this privately himself. Nowadays, there were few artists left in thepany, apart from Chen Yu who was still holding up, the rest had already left. There were severe leaks concerning finances as well. He had secretly contacted Xia Liangdong and transferred a substantial amount of funds to him under the name of Shengyuan. Thepany was now temporarily out of trouble. But Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t told Xia Yangyang about this yet. This stubborn girl was sensitive in nature. Gu Qichen knew she didn¡¯t like their marriage to be a cash cow for the family. So she signed contracts for movies stubbornly, giving all her money to Xia Liangdong. When Gu Qichen helped Xia Liangdong, he had one condition ¨C Xia Yangyang¡¯s money shouldn¡¯t be touched at all. After a period of time, he would find an excuse to return it to her. After all, that was the first pot of gold she had earned herself. It shouldn¡¯t be used to pay off someone else¡¯s debts.. Chapter 339 - 340: Xia Weiweis Freak Out Chapter 339: Chapter 340: Xia Weiwei¡¯s Freak Out Trantor: 549690339 They quickly arrived at the Xia Family¡¯s vi. Xia Weiwei was waiting for them at the door. As soon as they got out of the car, she came up to them, ¡°Sister, brother-inw, you¡¯re back. Come in, it¡¯s cold outside.¡± Xia Yangyang found Xia Weiweis behavior strange. Because when entering the house, Xia Weiwei had even fetched her slippers. Xia Weiwei had never done such a thing in her life. Even if she wanted to show off in front of Gu Qichen, she wouldn¡¯t stoop this low, would she? Moreover, today, she did not stick to Gu Qichen like a barnacle like she used to. Instead, she seemed to have shifted her focus, and was trying to please Xia Yangyang. She kept calling her ¡®sister¡¯, nonstop. Xia Yangyang was getting a bit fed up with the constant ¡®sistering¡¯. When they ascended the stairs, Gu Qichen was leading the way. Xia Weiwei grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm and walked behind. Xia Yangyang purposely slowed her steps. After Gu Qichen had gone upstairs, Xia Yangyang simply stopped, standing on the stairs without moving. ¡°Sister, why are you not moving? Mom has prepared the food, if we don¡¯t eat it now, it will get cold. Come on, all are your favorite dishes.¡± If someone who didn¡¯t know them saw this, they would genuinely think they were close sisters. ¡°Xia Weiwei, there¡¯s no one around now, stop acting. What¡¯s going on?¡± Xia Weiwei put on a smiling face: ¡°What¡¯s happening? Nothing, I just realized I¡¯ve been too immature in the past. Dad told me that you gave him so much money to save thepany, sister, I really admire you. I was wrong to oppose you all the time. Can you forgive me? From now on, we can reconcile, forget about all the past and be good sisters, okay?¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s expression seemed really sincere and innocent. But without experiencing Xia Weiwei¡¯s two-faced nature firsthand, Xia Yangyang might have believed it. Xia Yangyang pulled her arm free from Xia Weiwei: ¡°Xia Weiwei, stop this. I think our past interaction was good enough, this change makes me think you¡¯re up to something. If you have any issues, speak them out. Aren¡¯t you feeling ufortable with this insincere act?¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s face seemed to stiffen a bit. Then sheughed even brighter, even starting to cling onto Xia Yangyang¡¯s neck: ¡°Sister, your distrust really hurts my heart. I am genuinely seeking reconciliation. No matter what, we are our dad¡¯s daughters, and we share the some of the same genes, don¡¯t we? I am your family, right?¡± On hearing this, Xia Yangyang felt quite emotional. Actually, she had always wished for a younger sibling growing up. When her dad remarried, he brought home a younger sister. Although Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t ept her father¡¯s second marriage, she had no ill feelings towards the sister he brought home. After all, she was also her dad¡¯s daughter. But after so many years, Xia Weiwei had always been aggressive, challenging and even deliberately shaming her. Xia Yangyang tried to tolerate it as much as she could. She thought that after all, this person ¨C no matter how hateful ¨C was still half her blood. But, because of these years of interaction, Xia Yangyang never thought about reconciling with Xia Weiwei. It made her feel very ufortable. And ording to her understanding of Xia Weiwei, there must be a reason for this behavior. If she was really sincere, then it would be quite strange. However, Xia Yangyang never bothered to squabble with her. She just said: ¡°As long as you don¡¯t oppose me in everything, I will be grateful.¡± After she said that, she continued to go upstairs. Xia Weiwei hurried after her: ¡°Sister, I promise I won¡¯t oppose you anymore, I will listen to you from now on, okay?¡± Looking at Xia Weiwei¡¯s appearance, Xia Yangyang¡¯s brows furrowed even deeper. What was she up to? Chapter 340 - 341: Demanding a Role Chapter 340: Chapter 341: Demanding a Role Trantor: 549690339 Just as they entered the restaurant, Liu Ruyan came to greet them. ¡°Yangyang, Ah Chen, you¡¯re back? Come in, quick, the food is ready.¡± Xia Yangyang was also in the kitchen. Unusually, her mood seemed good, not like before when she was at her wit¡¯s end. On seeing Gu Qichen, she stood up: ¡°You¡¯re back.¡± The table was full with people ready for dinner. Xia Yangyang felt something strange about everyone. Xia Weiwei was even consciously peeling shrimps for Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang would find it normal if Xia Weiwei was trying to please Gu Qichen in this way. But instead, Xia Weiwei had shifted her focus to herself. Xia Yangyang felt incredibly awkward. Halfway through the meal, Xia Liangdong handed over a bank card and said, ¡°Yangyang, take this money back.¡± Xia Yangyang felt bemused: ¡°Dad, I don¡¯t need money now, keep it for an emergency.¡± Xia Liangdong responded, ¡°Starlight¡¯s crisis has been resolved, Japan¡¯s He Yin is willing to extend a loan, finally the crisis is over.¡± On hearing Xia Liangdong utter these words, Xia Yangyang breathed a sigh of relief. No wonder Xia Liangdong looked so happy today. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t refuse, she took back the bank card. After dinner, Xia Liangdong and Gu Qichen sat in the living room chatting over a cup of tea. Xia Yangyang returned to her room. A momentter, Xia Weiwei came over. She brought a te of fruits, all of them neatly cut. Xia Weiwei used to barge into the room without knocking, Today, she actually stood at the door, symbolically knocking a few times. ¡°Sis, may Ie in?¡± Xia Yangyang felt suspicious but was not in a hurry. After all, the fox would reveal its tail. ¡°Come on in.¡± Xia Weiwei came in and ced the fruit te in front of Xia Yangyang, ¡°Sis, I cut these fruits for you to enjoy.¡± Xia Yangyang tasted one and casually said, ¡°Thank you.¡± But after setting down the fruit te, Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t leave. She fumbled for words, seemingly having something to say. Xia Yangyang started the conversation, ¡°If you have something to say, say it now. Don¡¯t me me for not giving you a chanceter.¡± Only then did Xia Weiwei say, ¡°Sis, I hope you could speak to Director Zhang Jizhong. Can I y a minor role in his new film ¡®Star Track¡¯? I heard that many minor roles have not been cast yet.¡± So, here was what she¡¯d been waiting for. In fact, Xia Yangyang had guessed it earlier on. Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°This is beyond my control. I haven¡¯t even met Director Zhang yet. Besides, he¡¯s known for his strictness and despises any underhand rules in the entertainment industry. Even minor roles demand high standards. I¡¯m afraid I cannot help with this.¡± ¡°Sis, I know this is a lot to ask, but I have no other options. Even a role as a passer-by, I would ept it. I want to be as excellent as you, shine in the entertainment world like you, and most importantly, take responsibility for Starlight if it encounters difficulties in the future. Sis, can you help me, please?¡± Xia Yangyang officially refused, ¡°I really can¡¯t help you, it¡¯s beyond my capacity.¡± Xia Weiwei hesitated for a while before she spoke, ¡°I know you are not familiar with Director Zhang, or even know him, but¡­ I heard that Director Zhang knows the Gu Family well. He¡¯s been acquainted with the Gu Family¡¯s old master for ages. I believe my brother-inw is familiar with him. If brother-inw could say a word for me¡­¡± ¡°Xia Weiwei, it is absolutely impossible, stop dreaming,¡± Xia Yangyang raised her voice suddenly.. Chapter 341 - 342: Shameless Chapter 341: Chapter 342: Shameless Trantor: 549690339 | Xia Weiwei seemed to be stunned. ¡°Xia Weiwei, you can ask me for help, but you can¡¯t make me ask others for you, especially when it involves their principles. I won¡¯t trouble others and break their principles to help you. If you really want to act in Director Zhang¡¯s film, there are official auditions for all his roles. You can audition through the proper channels. If you don¡¯t have the capability, I won¡¯t help you even more.¡± Standing in front of Xia Yangyang, Xia Weiwei put on a pitiful look, ¡°I know this is difficult for you, but if you¡¯re unwilling, let¡¯s just leave it.¡± After saying that, she turned around and left. When she reached the doorway, Gu Qichen happened to return home. Xia Weiwei nced at Gu Qichen, and tears began to fall. But she didn¡¯t say a word. Whipping her tears away, she ran off. Gu Qichen frowned, ¡°What happened? Did you two sisters quarrel? It¡¯s rare to see you get the upper hand.¡± ¡°She¡¯s the one being unreasonable.¡± It was normal for Xia Weiwei toe and ask for a role, but it was abnormal for her not to retort or put up a fight when Xia Yangyang sternly refused her. In the past, whenever Xia Weiwei failed to get her way, she would definitely not suffer in silence. Tonight, however, she had put in the effort, peeling shrimps and cutting fruits. Was she just pretending to be weak in front of Gu Qichen? Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t figure it out and didn¡¯t bother thinking about it either. After all, she wouldn¡¯t help with the matter that Xia Weiwei mentioned, so there was no need to delve into it. The next day. Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen went to the dining room together. They saw Xia Weiwei busy in the kitchen. When Xia Weiwei saw them, she quickly greeted them with a beaming smile, ¡°Sis, bro-inw, you¡¯re awake. Mom and Dad left for thepany early. I¡¯ve prepared breakfast,e and eat.¡± This time, Xia Yangyang genuinely began to admire Xia Weiwei¡¯s persistence. It was rare for Xia Weiwei to swallow her pride like this and still not give up. Indeed, during breakfast, Xia Weiwei brought it up again. This time Xia Weiwei directly pleaded to Gu Qichen, ¡°Brother-inw, could you please do me a favor?¡± Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°Xia Weiwei, I made myself very clear yesterday.¡± But Xia Weiwei looked aggrieved, ¡°Sis, don¡¯t be like this. This is just a small favor for brother-inw, plus it¡¯s about my dream. Even if you guys think I have no shame, I won¡¯t care. I must fight for my dream.¡± ¡°Alright, I agree.¡± Gu Qichen took a bite of his meal and suddenly murmured in a nonchnt manner. Both Xia Weiwei and Xia Yangyang were stunned. Xia Weiwei was stunned because Gu Qichen agreed before she could say anything, and her heart was filled with uncontroble joy. However, she didn¡¯t let it show in front of Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang frowned and her face darkened. What was Gu Qichen up to? In a in and light manner, Gu Qichen calmly said, ¡°I overheard your conversationst night. You want me to help you get a role in Director Zhang¡¯s film, no problem, it¡¯s a small matter.¡± Xia Weiwei was even more ecstatic. She hadn¡¯t expected Gu Qichen to take her words to heart, and now he¡¯s agreed so readily. What did that mean? However, Xia Yangyang clearly looked displeased. Even she was slightly puzzled because this wasn¡¯t typically Gu Qichen¡¯s style. As expected. The next second, Gu Qichen said, ¡°I¡¯ve looked at the script. There¡¯s a role that I think suits your requirements. The Gu Family does have some connections with Director Zhang, so if I ask him for a role for you, he wouldn¡¯t be stingy..¡± Chapter 342 - 343: Xia Yangyang, are you up to no good? Chapter 342: Chapter 343: Xia Yangyang, are you up to no good? Trantor: 549690339 Xia Weiwei was on the verge of losing control with excitement. Gu Qichen said there was a role suitable for her. What did this mean? It indicated Gu Qichen still understood her, and even when he read the script, he couldn¡¯t help but think of her. It seemed she had be so important in Gu Qichen¡¯s heart. Moreover, he mentioned her role in front of her sister, Xia Yangyang, knowing full well it would anger her. Xia Weiwei was thrilled beyond measure. It seemed like her goal would soon be aplished. Unable to contain her excitement, Xia Weiwei gleefully grabbed Gu Qichen¡¯s arm and cooed, ¡°Brother-inw, thank you, you¡¯re really too kind to me.¡± However, Gu Qichen avoided her hand immediately, a look of disgust shed across his face. This slightly confused Xia Weiwei. But thinking about how Gu Qichen had fought for her role, Xia Weiwei quickly dismissed it. Perhaps he just didn¡¯t like being touched by others. Xia Yangyang, however, was coldly observing the two in front of her. Then, with a snap, she put down her chopsticks: ¡°I¡¯m full.¡± Xia Yangyang got up and left the restaurant. Xia Yangyang left. In a wronged tone, Xia Weiwei quickly said: ¡°Brother-inw, why is my sister unhappy? We¡¯re family, it¡¯s not a big deal if you help me. My sister is being petty, but I won¡¯t hold it against her.¡± However, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t seem to hear what she said at all. He immediately rose and followed out. From the restaurant window, Xia Weiwei saw Xia Yangyang go directly to the car, helped in by Gu Qichen. The two appeared to be in a bad mood. Xia Weiwei felt extremely aplished in her heart. If it was because of her that Xia Yangyang was upset, or if misunderstandings arose between them, Xia Weiwei would feel even better. No matter what, she got a role and caused a misunderstanding between them, making her endurance sincest night worth it. Xia Weiwei pinched her fingers, her face recovering its scornful and malicious expression. Xia Yangyang, your good days areing to an end. The position of Mrs. Gu, I¡¯ll take it from here on. After helping Xia Yangyang into the car, Gu Qichen was confronted by her: ¡°Gu Qichen, what¡¯s going on? Why did you ask for a role for Xia Weiwei?¡± Xia Yangyang despised the unwritten rules of the entertainment industry. She would never stoop to that level herself. However, Gu Qichenughed: ¡°Why are you so impatient? I was just standing up for you.¡± Xia Yangyang was confused: ¡°What do you mean standing up for me? What retribution are you talking about?¡± ¡°Your sister is always arrogant and domineering, making things difficult for you, isn¡¯t she? This time, let her taste the bitterness for once.¡± Xia Yangyang seemed to understand: ¡°So, you only verbally promised her, but have no intention of vying for a role?¡± Gu Qichen started the car engine and casually nced at Xia Yangyang: ¡°My words always hold true. Since I promised her a role, I definitely will get her one.¡± ¡°Then what do you mean?¡± Gu Qichen finally stopped beating around the bush: ¡°Didn¡¯t she say she wanted to y an extra? Then let her y an extra. How does that sound?¡± Xia Yangyang was shocked: ¡°So, you¡¯re making her a background actor, how can she ept that?¡± Gu Qichen chuckled: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make sure she has some lines.¡± Xia Yangyang had been reading scripts at thepany for the past couple of days. They were to start filming in three days. To her surprise, on the third day, Xia Weiwei came to her. Furiously, she threw the script in front of Xia Yangyang: ¡°Xia Yangyang, did you do this?!¡± Chapter 343 - 344: Another Purpose Chapter 343: Chapter 344: Another Purpose Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang was just leaving the Time Building at that time. Xia Weiwei was waiting at the entrance of the Time Building, entangled with a group of security guards. The security wouldn¡¯t let her in, but Xia Weiwei was determined to get inside. Seeing Xia Yangyang, Xia Weiwei was even more frustrated and charged right at her. She tossed the script, using her. Xia Yangyang picked up the script: ¡°Xia Weiwei, what on earth is going on?¡± ¡°You¡¯re asking me what¡¯s going on? Xia Yangyang, are you deliberately messing with me? It¡¯s okay if you don¡¯t arrange a role for me, but now you say you will, and what kind of role is this?¡± Xia Yangyang also flipped through the folder. Indeed, there was a script, but it was just one sheet of paper. Xia Weiwei¡¯s role was that of a receptionist, and her only line was, ¡°Wee¡±. Gu Qichen really went too far. He said he would give Xia Weiwei a line, and he really just gave her one line. They went to all this trouble of sending her a script for such a minor role. For Xia Weiwei, this was simply an insult. But Xia Yangyang was indifferent: ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d be willing to y even a passerby? Or were you just talking?¡± Xia Weiwei was furious: ¡°So you took advantage of the situation to make things difficult for me, to humiliate me, Xia Yangyang, you¡¯re too despicable.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was still t: ¡°You asked Gu Qichen for a role, and now that he¡¯s given you one, you¡¯re not satisfied. Why are youing to me instead of questioning him? From beginning to end, I never promised you anything. It¡¯s nothing to do with me that you didn¡¯t get a good role.¡± At this, Xia Weiwei was even more infuriated. Gu Qichen had clearly agreed. She presumed he really wanted to help her at the time. It must have been Xia Yangyang who interfered, leading to this trashy role. Getting such a role was worse than getting none at all. But Xia Weiwei knew she had to bear with it. Liu Ruyan would scold her again for being impatient if she knew about her confronting Xia Yangyang over this matter. She had her own motives for wanting to act in this y. But Xia Weiwei just couldn¡¯t swallow this bitter pill. Xia Weiwei gritted her teeth: ¡°Rest assured, Xia Yangyang, even if it¡¯s just one line, I¡¯ll perform it, and you just wait. It¡¯s okay if you try to block me, but one day, you will pay the price.¡± With that, Xia Weiwei left in a huff. Xia Yangyang felt everything was bizarre. They were going to start filming tomorrow. There was a gathering tonight. Xia Yangyang, Shen Manbing, and several others from the main cast were supposed to meet the director and producer for dinner. The producer of this film was Cui Chenghao, the CEO of Universal. This film was tailored entirely for Shen Manbing. Shen Manbing was nominated for the Best Actress Oscar for herst film. But she didn¡¯t win in the end. This film was said to be built on an international scale, with Hollywood¡¯s top teams and domestic big shots at the helm, just to tailor-make an Oscar run for Manbing. Of course, Cui Chenghao spared no expense because he¡¯s been pursuing Shen Manbing all along. Xia Yangyang joined Shen Shichuan for the dinner. Shen Manbing reportedly went to y golf with Cui Chenghao in the afternoon. Shen Shichuan didn¡¯t look too pleased. Others may not know why, but Xia Yangyang knew why Shen Shichuan was upset. However, the atmosphere in the car was really down. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help speaking up: ¡°It¡¯s just a game of golf between friends, there¡¯s nothing to it. Besides, if Sister Bingbing liked Cui Chenghao, she would have epted him long ago.. Why would he go five years without any progress in his pursuit?¡± Chapter 344 - 345: Hypocritical Uprightness, Gentleman on the Beam Chapter 344: Chapter 345: Hypocritical Uprightness, Gentleman on the Beam Trantor: 549690339 Shen Shichuan makes no attempt to hide his feelings when he¡¯s with Xia Yangyang. After all, Xia Yangyang is the only one who truly knows how he feels about Shen Manbing. ¡°Things are different now, Manbing is single, and that guy just won¡¯t leave her alone, he¡¯s relentless and his skin is thicker than a city wall.¡± At the end of his statement, there was a hint of life criticizing tone. Xia Yangyang had never seen what Shen Shichuan looked like when he was jealous before. Turns out guys look the same when they are jealous. They¡¯re childish, like little kids. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t helpughing, and teased him, ¡°That might be risky after all. Girls can easily be touched by a man who has been giving without asking anything in return for a long time. For girls, love is like ice and water. When ice melts, it naturally turns into water.¡± Hearing what Xia Yangyang said, Shen Shichuan¡¯s face darkened even more. The location of the dinner was a six-star hotel built in a royal mansion. It was old-fashioned, with every brick and tile antiquities. Upon alighting from their car, bellboys took care of the parking. Walking into the building felt like stepping onto a movie set. The VIP room was named ¡°Nourishing the Heart¡±. The VIP rooms here were all named after the residences of the ancient emperor¡¯s concubines. The ¡°Nourishing the Heart¡± naturally was the top-tier VIP room. Upon entering, Director Zhang and a few producers and editors were already there. They were all chatting together. Cui Chenghao and Shen Manbing had just arrived as well. Cui Chenghao was sitting next to Shen Manbing, even performed a magic trick he had just learned for her. He covered his hand with a napkin, asked Shen Manbing to blow on it, and when he lifted it, there was a rose in his hand. Then Cui Chenghao handed the rose to Shen Manbing, and said in his broken Chinese, ¡°Bingbing, even this rose is blushes in front of you, just like the Chinese saying ¨C the moon dims and the flowers blush.¡± Shen Manbingughed, ¡°Silly, the phrase is ¡®the beauty that could make the moon dim and the flowers blush.¡¯ But, Hao, your Chinese has really improved.¡± Xia Yangyang almost forgot. Cui Chenghao is a Korean citizen, half-Chinese, half-Korean and has been living in South Korea most of the time. Most prominent talent agencies in South Korea are under the Universal Group. Plus, he was smart and handsome, not less than any of the heartthrobs in the entertainment industry. So, whether in the Chinese entertainment circle or in the South Korean entertainment circle, he held high prestige and poprity. ¡°Just a parlor trick,¡± Shen Shichuan muttered next to Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang almost burst intoughter. It seemed like Shen Shichuan¡¯s jealousy would spill tonight. Shen Shichuan had already led Xia Yangyang over. He introduced her to everyone in order. Standing next to Shen Shichuan, Xia Yangyang greeted everyone politely. When it came time to introduce Cui Chenghao, Shen Shichuan paused, then said, ¡°This is Universal Group¡¯s President Cui Chenghao. President Cui is a gentleman with a noble appearance, a truly upright person. We¡¯ll definitely need his care and guidance in the future.¡± Cui Chenghao was all smiles upon hearing Shen Shichuan¡¯s words, ¡°Shichuan, I am ttered by your praise. I love the word ¡®gentleman¡¯, but what¡¯s this ¡®upright person¡¯? Is it about being good-looking?¡± Everyone around suddenly burst intoughter. Even Shen Manbing wasughing so hard she was leaning forward and then backward. She held Cui Chenghao¡¯s arm and said, ¡°My elder brother is making fun of you. ¡®Upright person¡¯ means a thief.¡± Cui Chenghao was still confused, ¡°I know there¡¯s a phrase ¡®a man of integrity¡¯, it refers to someone very upright. Isn¡¯t ¡®gentleman¡¯ a good word in China?¡± Only then, with bted understanding, did he ask Shen Shichuan, ¡°Shichuan, it¡¯s so not cool of you, why did you call me a thief?¡± Chapter 345 - 346: Digging Your Own Grave Chapter 345: Chapter 346: Digging Your Own Grave Trantor: 549690339 | Shen Shichuanughed like a child who had sessfully pulled off a prank: ¡°Just joking, testing your Chinese proficiency.¡± Director Zhang exined, ¡°It¡¯s not a stretch to say you¡¯re a true gentleman. CEO Shen is simply suggesting that you should swiftly steal the beauty¡¯s heart.¡¯ Thement cheered up Cui Chenghao. He couldn¡¯t help but walk over to Shen Shichuan, patting his shoulder, ¡°Brother-inw, I will work hard to win Manbing¡¯s heart as soon as possible.¡± Shen Shichuan¡¯s face darkened again. Finally, Xia Yangyang realized what it felt like to dig a hole and bury herself in it. The dinner went smoothly. There was lively conversation andughter. Even though Director Zhang was rumored to be a tough high-profile figure. But he was actually a funny and humorous person in private. He often cracked jokes that had everyoneughing heartily. And when the subject turned to movies, he would talk non-stop, unable to stop himself. After a few rounds of drinks, the door to the private room suddenly opened. Two familiar figures appeared at the entrance. Xia Yangyang was slightly stunned. It was actually Liu Ruyan and Xia Weiwei. Liu Ruyan held a cup of wine in her hand and walked straight in, ¡°I heard Director Zhang is here, I must toast him. The first film I acted in was directed by him.¡± Director Zhang was also very happy to see Liu Ruyan, ¡°Ruyan, it¡¯s been a long time. Your retirement was a great loss to the entertainment industry,e, let¡¯s have a drink.¡± Xia Yangyang did not expect Liu Ruyan and Director Zhang to be so familiar with each other. After Liu Ruyan toasted, she said, ¡°I just heard you were here as I was passing by the corridor. My daughter Yangyang will be shooting your new film soon. Please, take good care of her.¡± Liu Ruyan was very active in the industry, she had a good rtionship with almost all directors and producers. She also managed most of the matters at Stardust over the years. Everyone gave her a bit of face. And naturally, they understood the situation of the Xia family. Liu Ruyan is Xia Yangyang¡¯s stepmother. Director Zhang said, ¡°I really like this child, Yangyang. I¡¯ve seen a bit of her TV show, she¡¯s a promising young talent. You can rest assured with her in my hands.¡± Liu Ruyan poured another ss herself and toasted Director Zhang. At this moment, she made a face at Xia Weiwei. Xia Weiwei quickly stepped forward, ¡°Director Zhang, I am Xia Weiwei. You are the director I admire the most. It¡¯s such a joy to meet you in person. Let me toast you.¡± Xia Weiwei had just graduated from high school and was studying in an acting school. She was not famous in the industry yet. Director Zhang did not know who she was. Then, Liu Ruyan began to introduce, ¡°This is my daughter, Xia Weiwei, now a first-year student at Kyoto Film School. You¡¯ve always been her idol. She insisted on meeting you today when she heard you were here. This child is just so much in awe of you.¡± Director Zhang was a bit drunk and felt pleased being praised by Liu Ruyan¡¯s soft and sweet voice. He looked at Xia Weiwei, ¡°The up-anding stars of the entertainment industry, eh. Your Xia family is bound to rule this circle in the future.¡± ¡°You give her too much credit¡± Liu Ruyanughed, ¡°Director Zhang, actually there¡¯s one thing. My daughter loves acting very much, especially since her sister is acting in your movie, she¡¯s been so envious. She wants to y a small role in your movie too. Do you think there¡¯s a role suitable for her, so that she can hone her acting skills?¡± Director Zhang¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. Everyone in the room knew that Liu Ruyan wasn¡¯t there just for the drinks today. She was there to secure a role for her own daughter. Chapter 346 - 347: Young and Vigorous Chapter 346: Chapter 347: Young and Vigorous Trantor: 549690339 Before Director Zhang could reply, Liu Ruyan interjected, ¡°If you feel inconvenienced, then let it go. After all, I regard you as the guiding star of the film industry. A single tip from you would surely benefit this girl for a lifetime.¡± Director Zhang frowned, his tone deep and serious, ¡°Ruyan, we are old friends. For your sake, I will take her in. Coincidentally, there is still an open role for a female character. However, it all depends on the child¡¯s talent and effort.¡± Upon hearing this, Liu Ruyan was overjoyed, ¡°Weiwei, quick, thank Director Zhang.¡± Xia Weiwei couldn¡¯t contain her happiness and raised another toast. Liu Ruyanughingly said, ¡°Both my daughters are now in your hands.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s expression remained unchanged throughout the exchange. Her mood was quite calm. It was understandable that Liu Ruyan was helping Xia Weiwei get a role. Liu Ruyan and Xia Weiwei casually sat down at the table together. When the dinner concluded and it was time to leave, Liu Ruyan approached Xia Yangyang, ¡°Yangyang, why don¡¯t you stay at our ce tonight? You and Weiwei will both join the crew tomorrow. It¡¯d be great if you two could go together, and it would set my mind at ease.¡± The film, ¡°Future,¡± required dozens of different sets. But the most frequent location was the bustling Sea city. They were departing for Sea city to join the crew tomorrow. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to go back, but tantly refusing would equate to pping her stepmother in the face. A lot of people outside were also curious about her status in the Xia family and her rtionship with Liu Ruyan. Just at this moment, Gu Qichen surprisingly showed up. Gu Qichen said, ¡°Yangyang will not be going back tonight. She starts filming tomorrow and Aunt Liu, as you¡¯d know, I don¡¯t like being away from Yangyang.¡± It was unusual for Young Master Gu to speak so candidly. A group of people around them hooted and jeered. But with Gu Qichen¡¯s single word ¡°Aunt Liu,¡± everyone seemed to understand a bit more. Todays, Liu Ruyan was soliciting a role for her own daughter; On the surface, it seemed she was leveraging her rtionship with Director Zhang, but in reality, it was because Xia Yangyang had a significant part in this movie, and Director Zhang was somewhat considering Xia Yangyang¡¯s image. Liu Ruyan vigorously referred to her ¡°daughters¡± in front of others, pretending their rtionship was no different from biological. Yet Gu Qichen¡¯s term of ¡°Aunt Liu¡± instantlyid bare the facade. Presumably, Young Master Gu was following Xia Yangyang¡¯s lead in addressing her. Liu Ruyan had been in the Xia family for over a decade, yet Xia Yangyang never once called her ¡°mother¡± This made it seem as though their rtionship wasn¡¯t good and that Ruyan¡¯s prior affection at the dinner table was merely a one-sided performance. Liu Ruyan¡¯s smile stiffened a bit on her face. However, she still managed to say smilingly, ¡°Youth always have this sort of enthusiasm. If this is the case, then we should be on our way.¡± Xia Weiwei red furiously at Xia Yangyang. Then they left. After getting in the car, Xia Yangyang curiously asked, ¡°Howe you suddenly showed up?¡± Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t informed Gu Qichen about tonight¡¯s dinner, how did he know she was here? Gu Qichen looked a bit dejected, ¡°Tomorrow, I won¡¯t be able to see my lovely wife. Of course, I wanted to soak up as much of you as I could tonight.¡± Xia Yangyang felt a sweetness in her heart, ¡°The crew will have some days off, don¡¯t worry. I¡¯lle to see you whenever I find the time.¡± ¡°By the time you get a break, even the daylilies will have wilted.¡± Xia Yangyang helplessly responded, ¡°There¡¯s not much I can do. You need to work, and I need to work. Just bear with it.¡± Gu Qichen raised an eyebrow, ¡°No problem, I¡¯ll visit you then. Chapter 347 - 348: Your Husband Has a Private Jet Chapter 347: Chapter 348: Your Husband Has a Private Jet Trantor: 549690339 | Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t take this matter to heart at all. He¡¯s so busy, overwhelmed with piles of work every day, how could he have time to fly over a thousand kilometers to Sea City to see her? The next day, she needed to fly to Sea City. The flight was at nine in the morning. By the time Xia Yangyang woke up, it was already eight o¡¯clock. Oh my god, she was going to bete. Gu Qichen was still sleeping. They were both too tired the night before. That¡¯s why they overslept. Maybe it was also because they knew they would be separated soon, so¡­ But now it was toote. Xia Yangyang quickly woke Gu Qichen up: ¡°Take me to the airport, I don¡¯t have much time. I still need to go through security.¡± Xia Yangyang hurriedly got out of bed. Before her feet even touched the floor, Gu Qichen¡¯s long arm reached out and pulled her back onto the bed. Once again, heid her down beneath him. The sleepy haze in his eyes gradually faded, reced by a slow-burning me. Without saying a word, he kissed Xia Yangyang¡¯s neck, his hand impatiently kindling the fire. Xia Yangyang was desperate: ¡°Gu Qichen, stop, I¡¯m going to miss my flight.¡± ¡°No, no, you move over.¡± But her resistance was futile. When she finally came to her senses again, it was an hourter. Xia Yangyang stared nkly at the ceiling. Her body felt sore and exhausted. The man beside her, having eaten his fill, was getting up. Seeing his cheerful expression, even humming a tune, angered Xia Yangyang. She got up and fiercely pinched Gu Qichen¡¯s arm: ¡°It¡¯s all your fault. What am I going to do now? I¡¯m going to miss my flight.¡± But Gu Qichen said cheerfully: ¡°Well, I have to go to Sea City on business for a few days. Luckily for you, your husband has a private jet.¡± Xia Yangyang was both surprised and excited: ¡°When did you get a private jet? Howe I didn¡¯t know?¡± ¡°Mrs. Gu, you know so little about your husband¡¯s assets. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll have Lawyer He draw up an inventory of our property for you.¡± Xia Yangyang joked: ¡°Is that really necessary? Isn¡¯t it a good thing? Don¡¯t rich businessmen like you fear marrying a wife who is after your wealth?¡± ¡°Mrs. Gu, you¡¯re wrong. From the moment we got our marriage certificates, those assets weren¡¯t just mine, they were ours. If you don¡¯t know about them, it means you don¡¯t care about me, so you must familiarize yourself with them.¡± Xia Yangyang: Gu Qichen¡¯s logic seemed a little different from the average person. But having a private jet to fly in was really cool. Once on the ne, Xia Yangyang lied down on the high-end massage chair: ¡°Did you n this all along? That¡¯s why you were¡­ this morning¡­¡± Halfway through her sentence, Xia Yangyang flushed and coughed awkwardly. ¡°Did what?¡± Gu Qichen, who had been engrossed in work documents, suddenly looked up and said teasingly, ¡°Of course, I had everything nned, so that¡¯s why I was unabashed.¡± Xia Yangyang harrumphed: ¡°Can you please inform me in advance the next time you decide to be unabashed? My emotions are a roller-coaster ride, It¡¯s easy for me to get heart disease.¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll tell you now.¡± Gu Qichen set down his papers and walked over to Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang had a bad feeling: ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Gu Qichen was already starting to take off his clothes: ¡°Didn¡¯t you say that I should inform you before I decide to be unabashed?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t understand how he still had so much energy. But she really didn¡¯t have any energy left. She took the initiative to jump on him and pin him down: ¡°Stop moving, stop thinking, just behave.¡± Xia Yangyang even resorted to grappling techniques. Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t helpughing: ¡°Are you that scared of me?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s face turned red: ¡°Who¡¯s scared of you? I¡¯m just afraid you¡¯ll interrupt my work.¡± Gu Qichen simply pulled Xia Yangyang into his arms: ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t tease you anymore, I can¡¯t bear to see you so tired.¡± Theyyfortably together, chatting. ¡°What are you doing in Sea City this time?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know much about Gu Qichen¡¯s work and rarely inquired about it. Chapter 348 - 349: Checking into the Hotel Chapter 348: Chapter 349: Checking into the Hotel Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen began, ¡°It¡¯s not really about work. My sister ns to start her own clothing line in Sea City, so I acquired an established brand as a foundation for her. Since she¡¯s not familiar with business operations, I¡¯ll have to stay here temporarily to provide oversight.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, ¡°Is your sistering to Sea City as well?¡± ¡°She will arrive in a few days.¡± Xia Yangyang was deep in thought. Remembering what Gu Mingzhu had said to Gu Qichenst time, Xia Yangyang felt a sudden difort in her heart. She knew well just how important Gu Mingzhu was to Gu Qichen. If Gu Mingzhu truly disliked her, Gu Qichen would find himself in a tough spot. Xia Yangyang initially nned to learn more about her mother¡¯s past from Gu Mingzhu. But now, Xia Yangyang was even more reluctant to ask. ¡°Silly girl, what are you so engrossed in thinking about?¡±, said Qichen. Xia Yangyang snapped back to reality and gave Gu Qichen a smile, ¡°Nothing really. Anyway, where will you be staying once you get to Sea City?¡± Gu Qichen chuckled, ¡°Why, do you want to live with me?¡± ¡°I wish I didn¡¯t have to live with you,¡± Xia Yangyang replied, slightly exasperated. That was exactly what she was thinking. If she stayed in the same hotel as Gu Qichen, she wouldn¡¯t have time to study her script at night. Gu Qichen seemed disheartened, ¡°Xia Yangyang, I¡¯ve noticed you¡¯ve been treating me differently recently.¡± Xia Yangyang was surprised, ¡°Ihaven¡¯t.¡± ¡°You must have let your recent fame get to your head. You¡¯re not as attentive towards me as you used to be.¡± How did hee to that conclusion? Xia Yangyang was at a loss, ¡°I didn¡¯t, I really didn¡¯t.¡± ¡°Then move in with me at ¡®Liechen¡¯.¡± Although Xia Yangyang had never lived in Sea City, she still knew that ¡®Liechen¡¯ was the most upscale residential district in the city¡¯s center. She hadn¡¯t expected Gu Qichen to own a property there too. He truly had multiple eggs in his basket. Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°I can¡¯t. I really can¡¯t. I must stay at the hotel arranged by the production crew, or else people might use me of showing off my status.¡± Gu Qichen looked at her with displeasure. Xia Yangyang tried to calm him down, ¡°How about this, if I finish work early or have a day off, I will definitelye and visit you. Does that sound good?¡± Gu Qichen reluctantly agreed in the end. By noon, they had arrived in Sea City. A global financial metropolis,monly known as ¡®Magic City¡¯. Land here was incredibly valuable, while houses were beyond most people¡¯s reach. Many people strive all their lives, and still can¡¯t afford even a small dwelling on the outskirts of Sea City. Xia Yangyang was astounded at the thought of Gu Qichen owning a vi in Liechen. After careful consideration, she concluded that the most fair fact in life was that what many people pursued for a lifetime, others had from their birth. In the afternoon, Xia Yangyang officially joined the filming crew at theirunching ceremony. The crew had also arranged for a hotel stay. The main shooting location was the Sea City television station in theing days. The hotel was the nearby Shengting International Hotel. After the busy day, Xia Yangyang headed over to check in at the hotel. Shen Manbing was with her too. Shen Manbing always travelled with bodyguards. Mostly because her poprity was so high and after an incident with a fanatical fan, Shen Shichuan was worried and assigned two more bodyguards to her. Shen Manbing found this irritating. During check-in, Xia Weiwei also arrived. Actually, the film crew had only arranged for the main cast to stay at Shengting. The rest of the actors stayed in the crew¡¯s dormitory. Of course, this included Xia Weiwei. However, she didn¡¯t stay in the dormitory, she brought her luggage to Shengting Hotel instead. Upon seeing Xia Yangyang and Shen Manbing, Xia Weiwei walked over with a smile on her face, ¡°What a coincidence,Sister Bingbing, I didn¡¯t expect to see you here.¡± Shen Manbing, wearing her sunsses, nced at her and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± Chapter 349 - 350: You Must Be Extremely Jealous Chapter 349: Chapter 350: You Must Be Extremely Jealous Trantor: 549690339 | ¡°I¡¯m Xia Weiwei. In fact, I had a role in ¡®Cindere¡¯s Magic Romance¡¯ too. Plus, we met a couple of nights ago at the Royal Pce Hotel.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s voice was indifferent: ¡°Sorry, I don¡¯t remember.¡± Shen Manbing had already checked into the hotel. After getting her room card, Shen Manbing said to Xia Yangyang: ¡°I¡¯ll go up first. Come to my roomter. Tonight you¡¯ll dine with my friends. They¡¯re all bigwigs in our circle. Getting to know more of them would be beneficial for your future.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded in agreement. Then Shen Manbing left right away. Xia Weiwei, upon seeing this, couldn¡¯t believe her eyes. Even though she knew that Shen Manbing and Xia Yangyang had once showcased a nice y together at the film and television ceremony, Xia Weiwei always thought it was merely a necessary cooperation. After all, in ¡®Cindere¡¯s Magic Romance¡¯, Shen Manbing, who was a guest star, made life miserable for Yangyang. When did these two be such good friends? Isn¡¯t Shen Manbing in love with Gu Qichen? Isn¡¯t she Gu Qichen¡¯s ex? Given her high status, how could she let Xia Yangyang slide? Xia Weiwei simply found this unbelievable. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t pay any attention to Xia Weiwei and was just waiting for the staff toplete the check-in process. Xia Weiwei smugly walked over to Xia Yangyang: ¡°I must have disappointed you, Xia Yangyang. You must be really mad right now.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t be bothered to deal with her. However, Xia Weiwei was in high spirits: ¡°I bet you didn¡¯t expect that despite all your efforts to make Gu Qichen give me a hard time and saddle me with such a garbage role, I¡¯m still able to be in Director Zhang¡¯s film. How do you feel now that your scheme has failed? Disappointed?¡± Xia Yangyang frowned: ¡°Xia Weiwei, you should go to a hospital if you¡¯re delusional. I¡¯ve said before, I don¡¯t care at all about your role, and I give a damn whether you y the leading actress or a minor character. To put it simply, your business has nothing to do with me, so please stop bothering me.¡± The staff respectfully handed the room card to Xia Yangyang. Xia Weiwei, however, snatched it and threw it on the ground: ¡°Xia Yangyang, I know you¡¯re eating your heart out so stop pretending. You nned to block my path in the showbiz, but I¡¯ll tell you, I won¡¯t let you seed. One day, I¡¯ll be more popr and famous than you. Even if you¡¯re jealous, it won¡¯t help because I have a good mother, while your mother is nothing more than a deceitful scammer.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s face turned dark right away. ¡°Xia Weiwei, say one more word about my mother.¡± ¡°What if I do? Xia Yangyang, your birth mother is nothing more than a fraud who cheated donors. She¡¯s a downright scammer!¡± Ba La! Just as Xia Weiwei finished her sentence. Xia Yangyang took a step forward and pinched Xia Weiwei¡¯s lower jaw harshly. Xia Weiwei¡¯s lower jaw dislocated. She opened her mouth wide and couldn¡¯t close it. Xia Weiwei had no idea what had just happened. All she knew was that she suddenly couldn¡¯t speak, her mouth wouldn¡¯t close, and there was a sharp pain in her jaw. ¡°Bast bastard.¡± Even her insults were now slurred, and drool dripped from her mouth. But Xia Weiwei was also scared inside. What exactly had Xia Yangyang done to her? At this moment, a bunch of reporters suddenly rushed in. They followed after the megastar. Even though they were held back by several security guards. They still took their cameras and snapped away in all directions.. Chapter 350 - 351: Welcoming Home with a Party Chapter 350: Chapter 351: Weing Home with a Party Trantor: 549690339 Xia Weiwei was livid. If her current state was captured on film, her entire image would be ruined. She grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm, her speech blurred: ¡°Sister¡­ I was wrong¡­¡± But Xia Yangyang ignored her, picked up her room key, grabbed her luggage, and went up to her room. Xia Weiwei could only put on a facemask and nned to go to the hospital. Passing by the group of reporters, Xia Weiwei was terrified of having her picture taken. But to her surprise, these reporters didn¡¯t even spare her a nce. All of their cameras were focused on Xia Yangyang¡¯s retreating figure. Xia Weiwei was even more furious. Xia Yangyang was in a foul mood. Indeed, she was angered by Xia Weiwei¡¯s words. Xia Weiwei was always harsh with her words, but Xia Yangyang never bothered to argue with her. But when it came to their mother, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t hold back any longer. To this day, Xia Yangyang still couldn¡¯t ept what their mother had done in the past. The old news seemed to dere the truth of the past. Whenever Xia Yangyang thought about it, she would feel insurmountable pain. Xia Yangyang returned to her room. After a while, she heard a knock on the door. Xia Yangyang went to open the door. She saw Shen Manbing standing at the door. Xia Yangyang hoarsely called out: ¡°Sister Bingbing.¡± Shen Manbing entered, noticing Xia Yangyang¡¯s depressed state: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± There were many things that Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how to begin with. Shen Manbing didn¡¯t probe further. She just helped Xia Yangyang pick out clothes: ¡°Let¡¯s go. I¡¯ll take you out to clear your mind. I have a few friends who are throwing me a wee back party tonight. Come with me.¡± Xia Yangyang was in no mood. ¡°I¡¯d rather not. I have to start shooting tomorrow. I¡¯ll stay in the hotel and read the script.¡± ¡°In this gloomy mood, I don¡¯t think you will be able to concentrate on the script. Let¡¯s go. You know a couple of them. Going out might make you feel better.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t insist on her own way in the end with Shen Manbing. She finally left with Shen Manbing. They snuck out of the hotel. Shen Manbing also didn¡¯t bring along any bodyguards. Xia Yangyang had no idea where Shen Manbing was leading her to. It turned out to be a hidden bar. The bar was quite concealed, in a small alley. If you were not a regr, you would never know that the entrance was to a bar. But once you entered, the interior was like a different world. The ce was surprisingly spacious and had a luxurious punk vibe. Bunny girls were moving about with trays of drinks. There was also a band performing on the stage. Upon closer inspection, they were inte celebrities popr on the web. Xia Yangyang followed Shen Manbing into a private room. The room wasrge and filled with lively people. Some were singing, and others were ying cards. It was quite the scene. When Xia Yangyang and Shen Manbing appeared at the entrance, everyone was shocked. Because everyone knew that Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen were involved. And wasn¡¯t the young girl in front of them Gu Qichen¡¯s young wife? The two of them arriving together was simply surreal. Could it be that Shen Manbing deliberately brought the young sister here for them to tease? Indeed, Xia Yangyang saw familiar faces in the room. Like Xue Shaotang, whom she had met before at Mu Liancheng¡¯s birthday party. Xue Shaotang¡¯s hometown was Sea City. Xue Shaotang was also taken aback at the sight of the two women. It was only supposed to be a party honoring Shen Manbing. What was the meaning of bringing this young girl here? Last time at Liancheng¡¯s birthday, these two women had staged a century-old battle for the husband, nearly scaring everyone to death. What on earth was going on today? What surprised Xue Shaotang even more was that Shen Manbing actually walked in hand-in-hand with Xia Yangyang. She even went as far as to introduce Xia Yangyang one by one to her well-known friends, ywrights, and writers in the circle. These were the contacts that Shen Manbing had umted over the years. Why would she introduce them to this young girl? Chapter 351 - 352: Hoping You Get Divorced Chapter 351: Chapter 352: Hoping You Get Divorced Trantor: 549690339 When it came to introducing Xue Shaotang. Shen Manbing dismissed it quickly: ¡°Another yboy you¡¯ve met before.¡± Xue Shaotang wasn¡¯t happy with this: ¡°Everyone else gets introduced with respect, why am I suddenly a yboy when ites to me?¡± Shen Manbing spoke seriously to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Remember this face, anyone else is good to make friends with, but not him. He¡¯s renowned in Sea City as yboy, he has had so many girlfriends that he could form a world cup team. He¡¯s a walking Casanova, you have to stay clear of him.¡± ¡°Sister Bingbing, why are you taking a dig at me? Even if you didn¡¯t, I wouldn¡¯t dare to mess with Qi Chen¡¯s girl. Give me some face, will you?¡±¡± After his utterance, Xue Shaotang wished he could smack himself. Why would he let slip the phrase ¡®Qi Chen¡¯s girl¡¯? Would Shen Manbing kill him? Today he was really confused by the scene before him. What was Shen Manbing really up to by bringing this actress here today? Everyone else here was also well aware, and equally puzzled by the situation just like Xue Shaotang. So when Xue Shaotang voiced his thoughts, everybody held their breath for him. But Shen Manbing¡¯s face showed no special reaction. Shen Manbing even nced at him dismissively: ¡°Good that you know. If you dare to make any wrong moves, your Qi Chen will surely skin you alive.¡± In the evening, everyone was drinking and chatting. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t drink, so she had to sip a ss of juice by the side. Xue Shaotang was studying Shen Manbing and Xia Yangyang very carefully all evening. It indeed seemed like they had made up with each other. They didn¡¯t look as if they were pretending, there was not any tension between them. But everyone had experienced Sister Bingbing¡¯s determination towards Gu Qichen. She was so adamant that she would even drink bottles of liquor but refused to let go of him. So, what exactly was happening now? Qi Chen was really capable. He actually managed to make these two women peacefully coexist, which was something Xue Shaotang admired profoundly. Driven by curiosity. Xue Shaotang sat next to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Sister-inw, why are you sitting here alone, aren¡¯t you bored?¡± Xia Yangyang gave Xue Shaotang a look: ¡°I can¡¯t y anything.¡± ¡°I can teach you.¡± Saying this, Xue Shaotang brought out a deck of cards and began shuffling them enthusiastically. Xia Yangyang remained uninterested. Xue Shaotang, somewhat embarrassed, suddenly asked, ¡°Sister-inw, tell me the truth, did you and Qi Chen divorce?¡± This was the only possibility Xue Shaotang could think of. Xia Yangyang frowned at the gossipy man beside her: ¡°I will tell him tonight that you asked me this question.¡± ¡°No, please don¡¯t do that, sister-inw. Qi Chen will think I¡¯m wishing for your divorce, he would certainly not spare me. I hope you two will live happily ever after and have kids soon.¡± Xia Yangyang ignored him. Xue Shaotang, having been rebuffed, had no choice but to walk away silently with his cards. He still couldn¡¯t figure out Shen Manbing¡¯s game. But as much as she understood Shen Manbing, something big might be brewing. Sister Bingbing was well known for her dominating and willful personality and capable of anything. And now she had brought this young girl to a bar. Could it be¡­? A series of melodramatic revenge scenarios shed through Xue Shaotang¡¯s mind. Thus, he quietly stepped outside the bar, sneakily took out his phone, and dialed Qi Chen¡¯s mobile number¡­ Chapter 352 - 353: Is the bar fun? Chapter 352: Chapter 353: Is the bar fun? Trantor: 549690339 After Gu Qichen answered the call, Xue Shaotang hastily reported the situation inside the box in an obsequious manner. At the end, he also said, ¡°Brother, you bettere over now while Sister Bingbing still hasn¡¯t gotten serious yet. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll ensure sister-inw¡¯s safety and make sure no one gets close until you arrive.¡± Who would have thought that after hearing this, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t react at all? Instead, he nonchntly replied, ¡°Just keep your distance from her.¡± After finishing, Gu Qichen hung up the phone directly. Xue Shaotang felt extremely wronged. Today, Shen Manbing was acting weird, and even his brother was strange. In the past, he was so protective of her; is he not afraid that his delicate wife would be bullied here today? When Xue Shaotang went back in, he saw some people persuading Xia Yangyang to drink. Surprisingly, Shen Manbing managed to keep them at bay. Xue Shaotang rubbed his eyes in disbelief. Had he gone blind? The whole evening, the expected issues did not ur. In the end, Shen Manbing and Xia Yangyang left together. Once the two of them reached the hotel, Shen Manbing told Xia Yangyang, ¡°Get some rest tonight. The work starts officially tomorrow.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, ¡°You too, Sister Bingbing.¡± Actually, Xia Yangyang was very grateful to Shen Manbing. Shen Manbing had truly epted her as one of her own. Today, she unreservedly introduced her close friends to Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang felt that fate was truly a strange thing. Just a few months ago, they both were at loggerheads. But now, they have be good friends. Moreover, after getting to know Shen Manbing, she realized that Shen was not as aloof and domineering as she seemed. She was straightforward, had a strong sense of justice, and though she acted like a queen most of the time, there were moments where she was as naive as a child. So, it was clear that all her friends really liked her. Xia Yangyang had been feeling low. But going out and spending time with Shen Manbing had uplifted her spirits. Xia Yangyang went back to her room. After opening the door with her room card, Xia Yangyang was taken aback. Something felt off. Why were the living room lights on? Xia Yangyang lived in a suite. Xia Yangyang found it strange, but she went in anyway. When she opened the bedroom door, she was startled. Sitting on the bed, working on aptop while wearing pajamas, was none other than Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen, hearing the sound at the door, looked up and said in a light voice, ¡°You¡¯re back? Did you have fun at the bar?¡± Xia Yangyang waspletely bbergasted. Seeing Gu Qichen all of a sudden, she was both shocked and overjoyed. She quickly walked over to him, ¡°What are you doing here? Don¡¯t you live at the Huntson? How did you get in here without a key card? How did you know I was at the bar?¡± Excited, Xia Yangyang blurted out a flurry of questions. Gu Qichen closed hisptop, ¡°Don¡¯t you know that Shengting is a property under Shengyuan and I¡¯m the owner? I can live in any room I want. Besides, it¡¯s not a big deal if I want to stay in the same room with my wife. Secondly, you went to the bar just half a day after west met, how can I be at ease? So I decided to move in with you from today onwards.¡± Xia Yangyang was dumbfounded, ¡°You¡¯re moving in with me?¡± ¡°What, you don¡¯t want to?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s just that¡­¡± He clearly had a vi, so why did he have toe and squeeze in the hotel with her? ¡°Either I move here, or you move to Huntson. Choose one.¡± Xia Yangyang pondered for a moment before replying, ¡°It¡¯s better if you move over here.¡± Gu Qichen was satisfied. He patted the spot next to him, ¡°Come over..¡± Chapter 353 - 354: Very Good, Did Not Drink Alcohol Chapter 353: Chapter 354: Very Good, Did Not Drink Alcohol Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang walked over. But Gu Qichen leaned in to sniff her. Xia Yangyang felt puzzled, ¡°What are you doing?¡± Gu Qichen affectionately patted Xia Yangyang¡¯s head, ¡°Good girl, you haven¡¯t been drinking.¡± Knowing her low tolerance towards alcohol, Xia Yangyang preferred to avoid it during gatherings. Xia Yangyang was puzzled again, ¡°But how did you know I went to a bar?¡± ¡°I have my ways.¡± Xia Yangyang huffed dismissively, refusing to tell her his method. But, Xia Yangyang knew why. Many of Shen Manbing¡¯s friends were also friends with Gu Qichen. Therefore, it was not surprising that he knew. Gu Qichen pinched Xia Yangyang¡¯s cheek, ¡°Go take a bath and rest. You have to work tomorrow, right?¡± As if she could rest early! But since Gu Qichen was here, Xia Yangyang resigned to her fate. Deep down, she was thrilled. She had thought they would be apart for a while due to filming. Who knew they could still live together? Xia Yangyang grabbed her clothes, intending to take a shower in the bathroom. However, an aggressive knocking resonated from the door. Xia Yangyang frowned. It waste. Who could be looking for her? Xia Yangyang went to open the door. And saw Xia Weiwei, fuming, standing at the doorstep. ¡°Xia Yangyang, imagine my audacity returning from the hospital because of you. You dislocated my jaw! Now my chin is swollen. How am I supposed to film tomorrow? Are you trying to harm me purposely?¡± Xia Yangyang responded coolly, ¡°If my memory serves me right, you have no scenes tomorrow.¡± ¡°In any case, I won¡¯t let you off easily. Don¡¯t think that I am powerless against you, Xia Yangyang. If the director knows about the scandal from the entertainment circle ten years ago¡­¡± ¡°Xia Weiwei, if you dare utter another word, believe it or not, your dislocated jaw won¡¯t be the only injury.¡± Xia Yangyang knew what Xia Weiwei was implying. She wanted to mention Xia¡¯s mother again. No matter whether their mother did wrong or not in the past, It was not Xia Weiwei¡¯s ce to repeatedly humiliate her. Xia Weiwei was silenced by Xia Yangyang¡¯s threat. Reflectively, she covered her chin. But after a while, she let go, scoffing, ¡°There are cameras in the hallway. If you darey a hand on me again, I will expose you. Xia Yangyang! Demeaning your own sister because of a small fame, aren¡¯t you afraid of ruining your image as ady?¡± Xia Yangyang took a step forward, ¡°You can try. Let¡¯s see if I¡¯m afraid.¡± Xia Weiwei backed off, seemingly intimidated, ¡°I¡¯m not here to quarrel with you today. Shengting is out of rooms. I need to share a room with you.¡± ¡°This vast Shengting, how could there be no rooms.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned. ¡°Yes, there are rooms, but no presidential suites. You wouldn¡¯t expect me to stay in those regr rooms, right? I can¡¯t stand those pitiful, cramped conditions, and you are all alone in this big ce, one more person won¡¯t be a waste, Xia Yangyang. Don¡¯t be so petty.¡± Xia Weiwei was truly stubborn. She refused the amodations arranged by the crew and insisted on staying at Shengting. A standard room at Shengting wouldn¡¯t suffice either. Xia Yangyang replied honestly, ¡°No, it would be inconvenient for you to stay here.¡± ¡°What¡¯s inconvenient? Xia Yangyang, didn¡¯t you live in my house for a decade? It¡¯s giving you face for me to stay here.¡± As she spoke, Xia Weiwei pushed Xia Yangyang out of the way. She walked in with her luggage. The presidential suite was indeed grand. The interior was luxurious and grand, much to Xia Weiwei¡¯s satisfaction, as she headed straight for the bedroom. Then she saw Gu Qichen sitting on the bed, his face cold and his brows furrowed, looking at her.. Chapter 354 - 355: Both Jealous and Puzzled Chapter 354: Chapter 355: Both Jealous and Puzzled Trantor: 549690339 ¡°Sis¡­ Brother-inw.¡± Xia Weiwei froze at the doorstep. She had never expected Gu Qichen to be here. She was originally just jealous that Xia Yangyang could stay in the presidential suite. Considering Yangyang¡¯s temperament, if she insisted on living here, Weiwei would turn a blind eye. So she came over, but didn¡¯t expect to run into Gu Qichen. Now she finally understood what Yangyang meant by inconvenient. Did Xia Yangyang really can¡¯t be away from a man for even a moment? Gu Qichen looked at Xia Weiwei, his voice cold, ¡°Do I need to show you the door?¡± Weiwei¡¯s heart chilled instantaneously when she heard Gu Qichen¡¯s words. Gu Qichen still seemed to despise her. And all this was thanks to Xia Yangyang. Although, Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t want to upset Gu Qichen. So, she acted pitiful, picked up her luggage and left. As she was leaving, she red at Xia Yangyang intensely. The next day, Xia Yangyang began shooting officially. This movie was a major challenge for Xia Yangyang. Although Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t professionally trained and had some experience filming tv shows. But the demands between these two were significantly different. Director Zhang¡¯s pursuit of acting skill and quality has reached a meticulous level. Xia Yangyang was struggling a bit with the shooting. Luckily, she was smart, and there was a very good atmosphere in the crew. Shen Manbing indeed was an international superstar, her acting was top-notch, she was also willing to guide Xia Yangyang selflessly. The good rtionship between these two on the crew, made others envy. The superstar might have great acting skills, but she was very arrogant. She hardly ever interacts with other people in the crew. She also stayed in her separate dressing room when not working. When the rest of the crew had meals together, she never joined them. But surprisingly, she had a very good rtionship with Xia Yangyang. She looked after Xia Yangyang all the time, it was as if Yangyang was her own little sister. Even in the morning, when she used to brew her own coffee, she would also make a cup for Xia Yangyang. In the entire crew, only Xia Yangyang could taste the coffee brewed by Shen Manbing herself, not even the director had this privilege. Behind the scenes, the crew was fervently discussing this. Isn¡¯t Shen Manbing Mr. Gu¡¯s ex-girlfriend? Aren¡¯t these two supposed to be natural enemies? Especially Xia Weiwei, was jealous and confused at the same time. Has Shen Manbing lost her mind? Back when they were filming Cindere, Shen Manbing¡¯s guest appearance was just to pick on Xia Yangyang. The way she picked on Yangyang then, was as though she held a deep grudge. But now, she seemed like apletely different person. Initially, Weiwei thought that the superstar Shen Manbing had deep ns, maybe she was getting close before implementing her major n. But after waiting for half a month. All she could see was that she was being nicer to Xia Yangyang day by day, without causing her any trouble. Even when Gu Qichen came to visit the set. These three could talk andugh amicably. This, in Xia Weiwei¡¯s view, was beyond strange. Then Xia Weiwei inadvertently heard that Gu Qichen would be leaving in a week. These days Weiwei had been observing Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang had night scenes in recent days. Every day, she had to shoot until early morning before she could wrap up. Sometimes, Gu Qichen would wait for her at the set. If he couldn¡¯te, every night at nine, he would still give Xia Yangyang a call. This made the other actresses in the crew go crazy with envy. One night, when everyone was having supper, Gu Qichen called again. Xia Yangyang got up and went to the window to take the call. But his muffled voice still came over. ¡°I will bete today, you go to bed first, you don¡¯t have to wait for me¡­ no need to pick me up, really¡­ I will be safe, I¡¯ll take a break and apany you tomorrow¡­¡± When Xia Yangyang came back, other actors in the crew said enviously. ¡°Yangyang, President Gu is really good to you.¡± ¡°How did you manage to capture the heart of a man like President Gu, share with us.¡± Xia Yangyang chuckled, ¡°Eat quickly, we¡¯re about to start shooting..¡± Chapter 355 - 356:1 Don’t Want to Call You Brother-in-law Chapter 355: Chapter 356:1 Don¡¯t Want to Call You Brother-inw Trantor: 549690339 Xia Weiwei listening to this nearby had her mind stirred. She had no scenes to film that night. Yet, she stayed on the set all day long. Her goal was merely to keep tabs on Xia Weiwei. Today provided a rare opportunity. After having ate-night meal, everyone began their work. Then, without any fuss, Xia Weiwei left. Xia Weiwei went to the Shengting International Hotel. Before this, she had bought two beers and a bottle of white wine from a convenience store. Outside the hotel, she downed the beers in no time. Then, she sprinkled the white wine over her clothes. She didn¡¯t n to sip on the wine. Whatever was going to happen tonight, she needed to remember clearly. Thinking of this made Xia Weiwei excited, her body couldn¡¯t help but quiver slightly. Then she entered the Shengting Hotel. She took the elevator all the way up. Then she arrived at the top-floor presidential suite. The hallway here was very quiet. Xia Weiwei, acting as if she¡¯s tottering on her feet, walked on the thickly carpeted floor. When she reached the door, Xia Weiwei knocked on it forcefully. After a short while, the door opened. A surge of tion swept over Xia Weiwei. It was indeed Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen had evidently just finished his shower. He was wearing a blue id pajama suit. Being Gu Qichen, even in pajamas, he looked good. However, now was not the time for Xia Weiwei to admire him openly. Xia Weiwei feigned a drunken haze and slurred, ¡°Brother-inw.¡± Gu Qi Chen furrowed his brows: ¡°What brings you here?¡± ¡°Brother-inw, I¡¯ve drunk a lot, lots and lots, because I have something to tell you.¡± Xia Weiwei leaned on the door frame, looking like she would copse at any moment. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was devoid of warmth, ¡°Speak when you¡¯re sober.¡± He was about to close the door. But Xia Weiwei took a step forward. Blocking the door she said, ¡°Don¡¯t close the door, brother-inw, I have something to tell you. But I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t have the courage when I¡¯m sober. I must get it out tonight.¡± With Xia Yangyang blocking the door, Gu Qi Chen couldn¡¯t close it. Gu Qichen opened the door and walked in. He sat down on the sofa, his tone was indifferent and t, ¡°What is it that you want to tell me?¡± Xia Weiwei felt a little nervous. The man before her eyes exuded an icy aura. He always gave off an air of being high and unreachable. But at Xia Yangyang¡¯s side, he was nothing of that sort. Luckily, Xia Weiwei had her ¡°drunken¡± state as a cover. Xia Weiwei staggered in. A faint smile appeared on Xia Weiwei¡¯s face, she murmured, ¡°Brother-inw, brother-inw, could you get me some water? I¡¯m so thirsty.¡± Gu Qi Chen got up with a frown to get the water and ced it on the tabletop. His movements were done perfunctorily, devoid of gentleness. Xia Weiwei felt slightly disappointed. But regardless, he did pour the water for her. When Gu Qi Chen returned, Xia Weiwei was already sitting where he had been on the sofa. In a drowsy state like a cat half-asleep. Seeing Gu Qi Chen return, she quickly smiled and said, ¡°Thank you, brother-inw.¡± Gu Qi Chen crossed his arms, his eyebrows furrowed, a cold expression on his face. ¡°What is it exactly you want to tell me?¡± ¡°Brother-inw¡­you shouldn¡¯t always be so harsh to me, you¡¯re always so strict.¡± Xia Weiwei appeared to be coquettishlyining. However, this only made Gu Qi Chen¡¯s eyebrows furrow tighter. Xia Weiwei took a deep breath and blurted out: ¡°Actually, I don¡¯t want to call you brother-inw at all. I want to call you Ah Chen like Xia Yangyang does. Do you know that every single time I call you brother-inw, my heart feels as if it¡¯s being cut by a knife¡­.¡± Chapter 356 - 357:1 Wouldn’t Even Spare You a Glance Chapter 356: Chapter 357:1 Wouldn¡¯t Even Spare You a nce Trantor: 549690339 Gu Qichen was feeling a headache. He rubbed his temples with his hand. When Xia Weiwei appeared at the door, he felt an inexplicable premonition. Only feeling irritated. Now his headache was getting worse. Xia Weiwei couldn¡¯t quite read Gu Qichen¡¯s reaction. But now that she had said it, there was no way back for her. She would rather die than fail. Xia Weiwei simply stood up. Walking towards Gu Qichen. ¡°Ah Chen, ever since I knew you married Xia Yangyang, my heart has been shattered. You¡¯re the best man, and I¡¯ve always heard about your achievements. Countless times I¡¯ve dreamt of liking you, marrying you. When dad took me to the old man¡¯s birthday, I was overjoyed. I thought I could finally meet you,¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t speak a word. Just quietly watching a drunken Xia Weiwei in front of him. Keeping his distance by taking two steps back. Xia Weiwei continued: ¡°Butter, I learned that you were already married to Xia Yangyang. I was really upset, as if the sky was about to fall. At that moment, I realized that I was already obsessed with you, and I couldn¡¯t extricate myself.¡± ¡°What is your purpose in telling me all this now?¡± Finally, Gu Qichen spoke coldly, his voice carried a cold disgust. Xia Weiwei seemed stunned by this coldness. Her expression slightly stiffened. But she continued to pretend being drunk: ¡°I have no intention, it¡¯s just that some words have been pent up in me for so long that it hurts, I love you so much, not inferior to Xiao Yangyang at all, why can you only see her strengths, I am the same as her, moreover, Xia Yangyang was in a rtionship for ten years before, in her heart, Lu Haotian betrayed her, but they were childhood sweethearts. Xia Yangyang has given the best years of her youth to that man, she is notplete, she must still have Lu Haotian in her heart, what the hell do you love about her?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face gradually darkened. Xia Weiwei knew the three words Lu Haotian were a thorn in Gu Qichen¡¯s heart. Xia Weiwei walked up to Gu Qichen, her face full of drunken tenderness, tears swirled in her eyes. ¡°But I¡¯m different, I ampletely devoted to you. Even if I know you love my sister now, it doesn¡¯t matter if you don¡¯t love me, I can wait, but I really don¡¯t want to call you brother-inw anymore, can I call you Ah Chen?¡± As she said this, Xia Weiwei reached out to hook Gu Qichen¡¯s neck. But was blocked by Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen promptly pulled her towards the bathroom. Xia Weiwei was not entirely sure what he was doing. But there was a hint of expectation in her heart. Gu Qichen led her straight to the shower, turned it on, and threw Xia Weiwei in there. The water from the showerhead immediately soaked Xia Weiwei. ¡°Gu Qichen, what are you doing?¡± Xia Weiwei finally couldn¡¯t hold back. Her heartfelt confession was rewarded with Gu Qichen dousing her in icy water? Watching Xia Weiwei, Gu Qichen sneered: ¡°Sober now? Xia Weiwei, let me tell you onest time, if it wasn¡¯t for the fact that you are Yangyang¡¯s sister, I wouldn¡¯t cast a second nce at you.¡± At this moment, Xia Weiwei couldn¡¯t pretend to be drunk anymore. Looking at Gu Qichen¡¯s icy countenance. Xia Weiwei knew that her attempt had ended in failure. Xia Weiwei quickly pretended to be sober: ¡°Brother-inw, how¡­how did I get here? What did you just say?¡± Xia Weiwei rubbing her head: ¡°I only remember drinking a lot tonight, how did I end up here?¡± Chapter 357 - 358: She Doesnt Want to Have Your Child at All Chapter 357: Chapter 358: She Doesn¡¯t Want to Have Your Child at All Trantor: 549690339 ¡°Stop pretending,¡± Gu Qichen said coldly, ¡°Your little tricks are childish to me.¡± Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t expect to be seen through by Gu Qichen. She had used up almost all her acting skills. But Xia Weiwei definitely couldn¡¯t admit it now. ¡°Brother-inw, I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about. Did I say something to upset you just now? If I did, I apologize.¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t want to deal with someone ying dumb. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was as cold as ice: ¡°Xia Weiwei, I won¡¯t repeat today¡¯s words. For the sake of your sister, this is thest time. If this happens again, I will definitely call the press and security.¡± ¡°Brother-inw, I was just babbling drunk nonsense. You can¡¯t take it seriously. But I don¡¯t remember what I just said.¡± ¡°Leave now, and don¡¯t show up in front of me in the future. If you try to meddle in my rtionship with your sister again, I¡¯ll make sure you understand what it means to suffer the consequences of your actions.¡± Xia Weiwei pretended to be hazed: ¡°Brother-inw, I will leave now, but you won¡¯t tell my sister about this, will you?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face was grave. If he told Xia Yangyang, he was afraid it would disgust her. Xia Weiwei suddenlyughed: ¡°By the way, brother-inw, can you guess the craziest thing my sister, who you think you know so well, did for Brother Haotian? Don¡¯t be fooled by her facade. Regardless, my sister definitely still has feelings for Brother Haotian. She only married you because she lost faith in marriage after breaking up with Brother Haotian. I grew up with her. Even though our personalities sh, no one understands her better than I do. Deep down, she still loves Lu Haotian. She can¡¯t forgive him because of love. You might want to ask her about the meaning of the tattoo on the back of her neck.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face had already turned stone-cold. Xia Weiwei, with a sweet smile on her lips, said: ¡°Brother-inw, I¡¯m not trying to sow discord. I just think it¡¯s not worth it. A woman like my sister is certainly not worthy of a perfect man like you fullymitting to her. You can¡¯t possibly have herplete heart. Her heart was given to someone else many years ago. Even if she takes it back now, it¡¯s broken.¡± ¡°If Yangyang was ever hurt by Lu Haotian, I will make it up to her bit by bit. I don¡¯t need her to love me more. It is enough that I love her. My love for her is unconditional. As for you, if you say one more word, the role that Madam Liu has asked for you with such difficulty will be gone.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was icy cold, it was definitely no joke. But Xia Weiwei¡¯s anger reached its peak. Even if she couldn¡¯t have Gu Qichen, she would create discord between him and her sister. She purposely mentioned Lu Haotian several times just to make Gu Qichen jealous. But she never expected that he would trust Xia Yangyang that much. She wasn¡¯t resigned to it. Xia Weiwei said defiantly: ¡°Do you know that my sister is on birth control? She doesn¡¯t want to have your child at all. Do you think she loves you?¡± After Xia Weiwei spoke, she felt Gu Qichen¡¯s whole aura change. The air in the room seemed to freeze. The surroundings felt like an ice cer. Xia Weiwei knew Gu Qichen was on the verge of flying into a rage. ¡°What I said is true. If you don¡¯t believe me, you can check her bag. She takes it every day.¡± After saying this, Xia Weiwei ran out. Only Gu Qichen was left in the room, cold and stern.. Chapter 358 - 359: Jealous that she encountered not herself in her most beautiful years Chapter 358: Chapter 359: Jealous that she encountered not herself in her most beautiful years Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang returned from the set at three in the morning. She¡¯d been shooting night scenes for the past two days. The reversed sleep schedule was exhausting. But when Xia Yangyang came home, she found that Gu Qichen was still awake. He was smoking on the balcony. Xia Yangyang was puzzled. Gu Qichen rarely smoked, only when something particrly troubling bothered him. Xia Yangyang put down her bag and went straight to him. She took off her shoes. Her footsteps fell on the thick carpet, naturally making no sound. Xia Yangyang walked up to Gu Qichen from behind, then hugged him from the back, her voice soft and mellow, ¡°It¡¯s three in the morning. Why aren¡¯t you asleep?¡± Gu Qichen was lost in thought and didn¡¯t notice that Xia Yangyang hade home. Gu Qichen put out the cigarette in his hand, turned around, and touched Xia Yangyang¡¯s small face, ¡°Tired?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m fine, seeing you makes me not tired.¡± Xia Yangyang rarely said sweet words. The anger and jealousy originally stirred up by Xia Weiwei in Gu Qichen¡¯s heart finally evaporated a bit. Gu Qichen turned around and held Xia Yangyang in his arms. Xia Yangyang had her hair down. Her hair wasn¡¯t very long, but it reached below her shoulders. Gu Qichen had kissed every inch of her skin. So he also knew that Xia Yangyang had a small tattoo behind her neck. It was a simple hexagonal pattern. The tattoo was very small and inconspicuous. For Gu Qichen, having a tattoo didn¡¯t mean much. It also didn¡¯t represent a girl¡¯s defiance or rebelliousness. But even if it did, Gu Qichen wouldn¡¯t mind. After all, Xia Yangyang had been learning Taekwondo since she was young. This little bit of rebellion doesn¡¯t matter. But Gu Qichen never thought that Xia Yangyang¡¯s small tattoo on the back of her neck was rted to that first love. Although he knew that Xia Weiwei had ill intentions, She just wanted to sow discord between him and Yangyang. How could he, Gu Qichen, fall into such a simple trap set up by that girl? But ever since Xia Weiwei spoke about it, Gu Qichen¡¯s mind uncontrobly¡­ uncontrobly thought about it. What kind of crazy past did she and her first love have? What things has Xia Yangyang done for him, what has she sacrificed? Although he knew that everything was in the past, and Xia Yangyang could not possibly have any dealings with the spoilt young master, he still felt suffocated and pain in his heart. In the end, he was just jealous¡­ Jealous that it wasn¡¯t him that she met in her most beautiful years¡­ Gu Qichen gently lifted Xia Yangyang¡¯s hair. He carefully took a look at the tattoo. It was still there, a hexagon so ordinary that it could not be more ordinary. Could it mean anything special? ¡°Yangyang?¡± Gu Qichen suddenly asked. Xia Yangyang was initially nestled in his armsfortably, with her eyes closed, enjoying the warmth of this quiet moment. ¡°Is this tattoo behind your neck because of Lu Haotian?¡± In the end, Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t help but ask. Although he was disgusted with himself for being insanely jealous at the moment, Xia Yangyang¡¯s body stiffened slightly. Why would Gu Qichen suddenly mention the tattoo? If he didn¡¯t mention it, she might have forgotten about it long ago, But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to lie to Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I was young and didn¡¯t know better at the time. If you mind, I will get it removed tomorrow.¡± Xia Yangyang had really forgotten that she had a tattoo on her body. But how did Gu Qichen know that this tattoo was rted to Lu Haotian? Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes darkened, he said, ¡°No need, I¡¯m not so narrow-minded.. But I want to know why it¡¯s a hexagon?¡± Chapter 359 - 360: Why Take Birth Control Pills? Chapter 359: Chapter 360: Why Take Birth Control Pills? Trantor: 549690339 Speaking of this tattoo. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but think about the past. Xia Yangyang spoke in a t tone: ¡°Because when Lu Haotian was a teenager, he stole his mum¡¯s hexagonal diamond ring to propose to me, and then got severely beaten once he went back. This incident left a deep impression on me. At that time, it was fashionable to get tattoos, so he got my name tattooed on his body. In a moment of impulsiveness, I got a hexagonal shape tattooed on mine. But these are all things of the past, this tattoo has no meaning to me now. Once we finish shooting this film, I¡¯m definitely going to have it removed.¡± Gu Qichen held Xia Yangyang in his arms: ¡°It¡¯s okay, I was just asking. As you said, these are all things of the past, no need to deliberately erase it.¡± Gu Qichen was truly sick of his current self. When did he stoop so low as to care about past misfortunes? It was Xia Yangyang¡¯s misfortune to have met that scumbag. But why did he still feel so bitter inside? He was truly confused. Besides, if it wasn¡¯t for the betrayal of that good-for-nothing, causing Yangyang topletely give up on him. How could Xia Yangyang be by his side now? The Xia Yangyang of today, the Xia Yangyang of the future, belongs to him. That was already enough. Gu Qichen rubbed at Xia Yangyang¡¯s head: ¡°Okay, go take a bath, you must be tired, and you can rest earlier after you¡¯ve washed.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, stood on her toes and pecked Gu Qichen on the cheek: ¡°Don¡¯t overthink about the tattoo, Only you are in my heart now.¡± After finishing her words, she went into the room to take a bath. A slight smile tugged at the corner of Gu Qichen¡¯s mouth. He felt as if his previous frustration had evaporated instantaneously. Gu Qichen, what on earth is going on with you, getting bothered by such trivial matters. Gu Qichen remained on the balcony for a little while before stepping back into the room. But his gaze involuntarily fell onto Xia Yangyang¡¯s bag ced on the sofa. Xia Weiwei¡¯s words suddenly resurfaced in his mind. Gu Qichen frowned. He walked straight up to it and opened Xia Yangyang¡¯s handbag. As expected, he dug out a box of Desogestrel. Gu Qichen looked at the box. Indeed, it was a box of contraception pills. Unconsciously, his heart felt as if it had been shed by a knife. Contraception pills, Xia Yangyang has already taken half of them. Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t describe his feelings. He only felt that his emotions had been on a roller-coaster in the past few minutes. When Xia Yangyang came out of the bath, Gu Qichen was sitting on the edge of the bed. He held a small box in his hand. Xia Yangyang felt her heart tighten. It seemed as if she had already predicted something. Gu Qichen looked solemn. Xia Yangyang walked over: ¡°Ah Chen, what¡¯s the matter?¡± Gu Qichen slowly opened his palm: ¡°What is this?¡± Xia Yangyang felt a sudden cessation of breath: ¡°Contraception pills.¡± ¡°How long have you been taking them?¡± ¡°I have been taking them all along, these are long-term contraceptive pills, they don¡¯t harm the body at all.¡± Gu Qichen raised his head; his eyes were dark and deep, calm, and emitted an intimidating aura: ¡°Why?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know why she felt nervous. But in the end, she said: ¡°I don¡¯t want to have children so early on, I haven¡¯t graduated yet. And I¡¯ve been shooting TV dramas non-stop, and now shooting a movie. If I were to be pregnant, it would be a burden to the film crew.¡± Xia Yangyang was telling the truth. She didn¡¯t not want to have children, she just didn¡¯t want to have them so early. She knew her grandfather was longing for a grandchild and having to wait was tormenting him. However, she had her own difficulties¡­ Gu Qichen looked away. He didn¡¯t show any change of expression. But Xia Yangyang could hear a hint of disappointment in his voice. Gu Qichen calmly said, ¡°Don¡¯t take it anymore, I¡¯ll use a condom next time.¡± Xia Yangyang knew, in fact, that Gu Qichen wanted to have a child. He simply didn¡¯t insist on it because it wasn¡¯t her wish. Before, they hadn¡¯t used condoms, choosing to let nature take its course. However, Xia Yangyang knew that given their frequency and Gu Qichen¡¯s capabilities, If they were really leaving it up to nature, she would have gotten pregnant by now. Gu Qichen had already lifted the covers andid down. Xia Yangyang could sense the icy chill around this man. He seemed to be somewhat angry. It was her fault for not telling him in the first ce. Xia Yangyangy down on the edge of the bed, moved closer to him from behind, and hugged Gu Qichen¡¯s waist, making her body nearly touching his back. If it were any other day, Gu Qichen would have already turned around to embrace her. But today Gu Qichen remained motionless. With his arms folded across his chest, Xia Yangyang could sense his rigidity. Gu Qichen, who was motionless initially, Caught hold of her fidgety hand and asked somewhat angrily, ¡°Xia Yangyang, aren¡¯t you going to sleep?¡± Seeing that Gu Qichen had turned his face to her, Xia Yangyang swiftly squeezed into his arms, ¡°Uncle Gu, are you angry?¡± Upon hearing ¡®Uncle Gu¡¯, Gu Qichen became even angrier. Gu Qichen¡¯s handsome face looked stern, ¡°Do you think I am that old in your heart?¡± In fact, Xia Yangyang called him that on purpose. This man was clearly upset with her because of the contraceptive pills and previous tattoo incidents. But because of his male ego, he would suppress his anger. Xia Yangyang knew that these words would definitely provoke him. Somehow, Gu Qichen was always sensitive about being seven years older than her. Before, whenever Xia Yangyang mocked him by calling him ¡°Uncle¡±, he would clearly look displeased. But Xia Yangyang burst outughing, ¡°Don¡¯t you know Uncle is a nickname? If you don¡¯t like me calling you Uncle, then I will call you, little darling? My little sweetheart?¡± Gu Qichen: Xia Yangyang snuggled deeper into Gu Qichen¡¯s arms, revealing only her head. The room lights were off. But the curtains on the floor-to-ceiling windows weren¡¯t closed. Looking at the soft smiling face in his arms, Gu Qichen felt both annoyed and helplessly amused. Xia Yangyang traced circles on Gu Qichen¡¯s chest, ¡°Don¡¯t be angry anymore, I know it was my fault for not telling you earlier. I¡¯m also aware that grandpa has always wanted us to have a child. How about we start trying right after I finish shooting for this show? Is that alright?¡± By the time the shooting for this show would be over, Xia Yangyang would have also graduated. He closely inspected that face. Xia Yangyang had a beautiful face. Especially now, with her makeup removed, her skin looked as enticing as a peeled egg, making one want to take a bite out of it. Gu Qichen freed one hand and caressed Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, her brows, and her eyes. He then suddenly asked, ¡°Yangyang, do you love me?¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you today?¡± Gu Qichen was behaving strangely today, asking all sorts of odd questions. Gu Qichen remained silent. But Xia Yangyang quickly responded, ¡°Of course, I love you and only you.¡± She rarely took to such gushy talk. Her cheeks flushed reflexively as she spoke the words. Gu Qichen simply gazed at her fixedly. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t understand what was going on with him. But she guessed that he must be jealous. She had witnessed how childish Gu Qichen could be when he was jealous.. Chapter 360 - 361: Do You Love Me or Not? (3) Chapter 360: Chapter 361: Do You Love Me or Not? (3) Trantor: 549690339 I Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Qichen wanted a child. However, he didn¡¯t force her because of her own wishes. Previously, they didn¡¯t use contraceptives and simply decided to let nature take its course. Yet, Xia Yangyang knew, considering their frequency and Gu Qichen¡¯s abilities, if left to nature, she would have been pregnant a long time ago. Gu Qichen had already lifted the covers andy down. Xia Yangyang sensed a frosty aura emanating from this man¡¯s body. He must be angry. Only because she hadn¡¯t told him at the beginning. Xia Yangyang alsoid on the edge of the bed, spooning him from behind, holding Gu Qichen¡¯s waist, her whole body clinging to his back. If it were the usual. Gu Qichen would have turned around and held her in his arms. But Gu Qichen didn¡¯t move today. With his arms crossed over his chest, Xia Yangyang could even feel his body bing rigid. Gu Qichen, who had initially remained still, grabbed her fumbling hand and asked angrily, ¡°Xia Yangyang, aren¡¯t you going to sleep?¡± Seeing that Gu Qichen had already turned around. Xia Yangyang took the opportunity to cuddle into his arms, ¡°Uncle Gu, are you angry?¡± Hearing the term ¡°Uncle Gu¡±, Gu Qichen became even angrier. With a sullen face, Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Do I seem that old to you?¡± Actually, Xia Yangyang called him that on purpose. Because this man was clearly upset about the birth control pills or the previous tattoo incident. But in respect for his pride, he would suppress his anger and not lose his temper. Xia Yangyang knew that those words would definitely set him off. For some reason, Gu Qichen was always bothered by being seven years older than her. Previously, when Xia Yangyang jokingly called him ¡°uncle,¡± he was visibly displeased. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. ¡°Don¡¯t you know ¡®uncle¡¯ is a nickname? If you don¡¯t like being called ¡®uncle,¡¯ what about ¡®baby¡¯? Or my ¡®sweetheart¡¯?¡± Gu Qichen:¡±¡­¡± Xia Yangyang burrowed further into Gu Qichen¡¯s embrace, her entire body pressed against him, except her head. The lights weren¡¯t on in the room. However, the curtain on the floor-to-ceiling window had not been drawn. Looking at the warm, smiling face in his arms, Gu Qichen felt both angry and helpless. Xia Yangyang drew circles on Gu Qichen¡¯s chest with her finger. ¡°Don¡¯t be angry, I know it was wrong of me not to tell you before. I also understand that Grandpa has been wanting us to have a child. How about this, once we finish shooting this film, we¡¯ll start trying for a baby, alright?¡± Xia Yangyang estimated that by the time they finish this film, she would have graduated too. He gazed intently at her face. Xia Yangyang¡¯s face was beautiful, especially now without makeup, her skin as irresistible as a peeled egg, tempting him to take a bite. Gu Qichen reached up a hand and began stroking Xia Yangyang¡¯s face and her eyes. Suddenly, he asked, ¡°Yangyang, do you love me?¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback. ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you today?¡± Gu Qichen was acting very strange today, bringing up all sorts of odd questions. Gu Qichen remained silent. But Xia Yangyang quickly responded, ¡°Of course I love you, only you.¡± Xia Yangyang seldom spoke such mushy words. As soon as she said them, her cheeks flushed involuntarily. Gu Qichen just gazed at her steadily. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t understand what was wrong with this man. But she could guess he was jealous. She knew just how petnt Gu Qichen could be when he got jealous.. Chapter 361 - 362: He Also Has Times When He Is Jealous Chapter 361: Chapter 362: He Also Has Times When He Is Jealous Trantor: 549690339 Xia Yangyang took the initiative and kissed him. How was she supposed to prove herself? For this man, it probably meant actively asking for his affection. Gu Qichen lost his control after a while, unable to resist his little wife¡¯s rare enthusiasm. After holding the soft and fragrant woman in his arms for so long. Gu Qichen found it difficult to hold back. At this point, he wished to blend Xia Yangyang into his blood and bones. The next morning. By the time Xia Yangyang woke up, the sun was already high in the sky. She¡¯d been shooting night scenes over the past few days. So she could sleep in the hotel during the day. Gu Qichen was no longer in the hotel. He probably had only slept for a few hoursst night. Xia Yangyang got up. A box of pills was lying on the carpet. Xia Yangyang picked it up, frowned, hesitated for a moment, and then threw the box into the trash. Last night, although they used a condom. But faintly, Xia Yangyang remembered them doing it several times. It seemed like they didn¡¯t¡­ter. Never mind, it wouldn¡¯t be that kind of coincidence. Xia Yangyang thought optimistically. After resting and having lunch, Xia Yangyang went to the set. When Xia Weiwei saw Xia Yangyanging, she rolled her eyes and continued talking to the person next to her. But Xia Yangyang went straight up to her. ¡°Xia Weiwei, I have something to say to you.¡± Xia Weiwei crossed her arms, looked at Xia Yangyang disdainfully, ¡°My dear sister, haven¡¯t you always looked down upon me?¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly turned and walked into the rest area. Xia Weiwei¡¯s hands clenched, feeling ignored by Xia Yangyang, despite hering to find her intentionally. She didn¡¯t understand. Xia Weiwei followed after a few steps. Xia Yangyang knew Xia Weiwei¡¯s temper, she knew Xia Weiwei would definitely follow her. So, she walked into an empty makeup room. After Xia Weiwei entered, she started to rant, ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t think that because the director values you, you¡¯re superior to others. You¡¯re just the second female lead, what¡¯s so great about that?¡± Xia Yangyang turned around, her expression somber, ¡°Xia Weiwei, did you go find Gu Qichen yesterday?¡± Upon hearing Xia Yangyang say this, Xia Weiwei wasn¡¯t surprised. Her expression changed for a moment, and then a sense of anticipation emerged, ¡°What, did my brother-inw tell you? What else did he say?¡± She didn¡¯t care about Xia Yangyang¡¯s opinion. She went to see Gu Qichente at night, she never felt she owed Xia Yangyang anything. Anyway, the position of Mrs. Gu was hers sooner orter. On the contrary, she felt that Xia Yangyang was currently upying her position. However, she cared about Gu Qichen¡¯s reaction. Last night, she seemed to have angered Gu Qichen. But if this was so, and this caused discord between Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen, then it was worth it. Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°So, did you tell Gu Qichen about my tattoo? What else did you tell him?¡± Xia Weiwei slowly walked in, her voluptuous figure and seductive posture were evident. She admired her freshly done manicure, ¡°I told him a lot of things, I told him how close you were with Brother Haotian before. When he heard it, his face turned green with jealousy.¡± Xia Weiwei thought of Gu Qichen¡¯s ck face when he heard about Lu Haotianst night, and she felt happy. Despite his outward appearance of indifference, he must be as anxious as if millions of ants were gnawing at his heart. Great, so he does get jealous too. Finally, he could experience the feelings she had had all this time. It¡¯s a pity that he was jealous for Xia Yangyang, this little bitch.. Chapter 362 - 363: Paying the Price for a Loose Chapter 362: Chapter 363: Paying the Price for a Loose Tongue Trantor: 549690339 Thinking of this, Xia Weiwei felt anger bubbling up inside her. What was so great about Xia Yangyang anyway? Gu Qichen was perfect in every way, but he seemed to be blind when it came to her. How could he ever take a liking to Yangyang? Xia Yangyang also had a fire burning in her heart. Xia Weiwei had always tantly coveted Gu Qichen, not giving a damn about her feelings. She could tolerate Xia Weiwei¡¯s coveting. She could even bear her asional antagonism fueled by jealousy. But Xia Yangyang could not tolerate Xia Weiwei stirring up trouble at her doorstep in the middle of the night. Of course, Gu Qichen would not fall for Xia Weiwei¡¯s petty tricks. But if this went on for too long. Even Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t guarantee anything. After all, Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Qichen was somewhat troubled by her past rtionship with Lu Haotian. Xia Yangyang stepped forward and grabbed Xia Weiwei¡¯s arm, ¡°Xia Weiwei, I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t go looking for my husband again, stop stirring up trouble, or else don¡¯t me me for being rude.¡± Xia Weiwei was not scared of her at all. Xia Yangyang had always been a pushover. Even though she now had Gu Qichen to lean on, Xia Weiwei knew her well, this idiot wouldn¡¯t even know how to bully people, she saw it as something to be ashamed of. When trouble hit their family and she was asked to seek help from Gu Qichen, it was harder than scaling the heavens. Such a rigid and old-fashioned Xia Yangyang, when she said she would be rude to her, it was merely lip service. Xia Weiweiughed, ¡°Your husband, you say it with such affection, who knows how long he can still be your husband, Xia Yangyang, if I were you, I would take the initiative to divorce, to avoid an embarrassing exit in the end.¡± Xia Yangyang pped Xia Weiwei across the face. Xia Weiwei was stunned. This was the first time Xia Yangyang had pped her since childhood. After a moment of shock, rage like a burning fire ignited in her heart. What did she think she, Xia Yangyang, was to dare p her? Xia Weiwei raised her hand to p back. But Xia Yangyang caught her arm in time, ¡°Xia Weiwei, this p is to tell you that a foul mouthes at a price. I could let go of the past, but if you say something like this again, I will dislocate your jaw.¡± After saying this, Xia Yangyang let go of Xia Weiwei¡¯s hand and left the lounge. Xia Weiwei was trembling with rage. What did she think she, Xia Yangyang, was? To her, she was nothing more than a dog fed by the Xia Family. Now she dared to climb above her and humiliate her. Xia Weiwei had made up her mind. Xia Yangyang, without Gu Qichen¡¯s backing, I want to see how long you can keep acting like a tyrant. Although Liu Ruyan said that the timing was not ripe yet. She, Xia Weiwei, really couldn¡¯t wait. She must see Xia Yangyang fall from the clouds to the bottom of the valley, then, she will ruthlessly, ruthlessly, crush her to death! For the next few days, Xia Weiwei was rtively quiet. Although she had tried to stir up trouble between Shen Manbing and Xia Yangyang a few times behind the scenes. But Shen Manbing instead gave her a scolding. This made Xia Weiwei even angrier. Today they finished work early for a change. Plus, Cui Chenghao came to visit the set. In the evening, a few of the main cast and crew went to ¡°Dragon Rock¡± for a sightseeing dinner. Dragon Rock is a famous South Korean volcanic stone barbecue shop in Sea city. Everyone booked a private room to drink. Xia Weiwei was not originally invited, but she forcefully tagged along. During the meal, Cui Chenghao showed all kinds of courtesy to Shen Manbing. He was a humorous man, and his broken Chinese seemed to have made him the life of the party. Shen Manbing was even more amused, and she drank several sses of strong liquor. Shen Manbing was fond of drinking, which Xia Yangyang knew. But Shen Manbing¡¯s tolerance for alcohol was not very high. When she got drunk, it would be hard to tell what she might do.. Chapter 363 - 364: Scold His Grandson Chapter 363: Chapter 364: Scold His Grandson Seeing Cui Chenghao¡¯s demeanor and how he was not preventing Shen Manbing from drinking, stirred something. Xia Yangyang had a feeling that the man was up to something. After all, Cui Chenghao was a person who held sway in the entertainment circles of both South Korea and China. Such a man could hardly be as pure and cute as he seemed. Xia Yangyang had a bad feeling. But then again. Cui Chenghao and Shen Manbing seemed to suit each other. Moreover, Cui Chenghao had been deeply in love with the diva and had been pursuing her for five years. Despite living in South Korea, he kept shuttling to and from China. All for Shen Manbing. If the two of them got together, it might be a beautiful story in the entertainment industry. Yet, Xia Yangyang felt as if she was letting Shen Shichuan down. If she hadn¡¯t known, then it would be fine. It just so happened that she was the only one who knew of Shen Shichuan¡¯s feelings for Shen Manbing. Torn, Xia Yangyang got up and made a phone call to Shen Shichuan. When Shen Shichuan heard that Cui Chenghao was getting Shen Manbing drunk, he cursed. Then he instructed: ¡°Yangyang, keep an eye on them for me. Absolutely do not allow that bastard to take Manbing away. I am on my way.¡± As it happened, Shen Shichuan was also on a business trip in Sea city. He said he would arrive soon, probably within half an hour.please visit ¡± sitestorys(.)c0m ¡± maybe y0u will enj0y the captivating sh0rt st0ries. After she hung up the phone, Xia Yangyang turned around and ran into Xia Weiwei. Xia Weiwei looked at her with contempt: ¡°You just made a call to Shen Shichuan, Xia Yangyang. I didn¡¯t expect you to have your eyes on him while you¡¯re keeping Gui Qichen in check. You¡¯re too daring.¡± ¡°Only someone with ill intentions would think a phone call is flirting.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t be bothered to argue with her. She needed to go back to the private room and keep an eye on Shen Manbing. If Shen Manbing really had something to do with Cui Chenghao that night. Shen Shichuan would probably skin her alive. Xia Weiwei watched Xia Yangyang¡¯s retreating figure, a trace of malice shed in her eyes. She clearly heard Xia Yangyang say things like ¡°I¡¯ll wait for you¡± and ¡°I can¡¯t do without you¡± on the phone. Xia Yangyang had really improved. Holding onto Gui Qichen while trying to hook Shen Shichuan. She had been looking for an opportunity for a long time. It looked like tonight was the perfect chance. Xia Weiwei also entered the private room. On the other side, Shen Manbing seemed to be getting drunk. She was leaning on Cui Chenghao¡¯s shoulder. The two were still ying drinking games. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t stand it anymore and went over to stop them. At this rate, Shen Shichuan would not make it in time. As for the others, they had all be quite drunk. Some were singing, some were ying drinking games, and most were crowding around the director. Taking advantage of the situation, Xia Weiwei fished something out of her bag, something that looked like a piece of candy. Then she walked over to Xia Yangyang¡¯s seat and casually dropped a white pill into the cup of hot water that Xia Yangyang was drinking. Xia Yangyang doesn¡¯t drink alcohol. She always carried this cup with her. Inside was either freshly squeezed orange juice or apple juice, freshly prepared every day by her assistant. The whole evening Xia Yangyang had been drinking the juice she brought herself. On the other side, Xia Yangyang was still trying to coax Shen Manbing. Cui Chenghao was ready to leave, uttering in his broken Chinese, ¡°Bingbing is drunk, I¡¯ll take her home.¡± Xia Yangyang was now on alert. If she let Cui Chenghao take Shen Manbing home, then it would be a disaster. She couldn¡¯t imagine what could happen next. While she acknowledged that Cui Chenghao was generally a gentleman. But there was also a Chinese saying, ¡°situations can change after drinking alcohol¡±.. Chapter 364 - 365: Want to Stir Up a Major Scandal Chapter 364: Chapter 365: Want to Stir Up a Major Scandal Xia Yangyang, without hesitation, quickly propped up Shen Manbing: ¡°President Cui, allow me, I¡¯ll take Sister Bingbing to the rest room.¡± Cui Chenghao tried to stop her, reaching out to grab Shen Manbing¡¯s hand. But Xia Yangyang, despite her basic skills, didn¡¯t falter. She didn¡¯t yield to Cui Chenghao. Even if she had to offend this big boss, Xia Yangyang could no longer care less. Since she had promised Shen Shichuan, Xia Yangyang was determined to return Shen Manbing safely tonight. Xia Yangyang, propping up Shen Manbing, was ready to leave the private room. A hint of yful smile appeared on Cui Chenghao¡¯s face. When Xia Yangyang was leaving, she casually took along her tea cup. Seeing her take the tea cup fueled Xia Weiwei¡¯s joy. Because she was aware that Xia Yangyang would meet Shen Shichuanter. There is definitely going to be a good show then. Even if Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t meet Shen Shichuan tonight, maybe a bigger scandal would ensue. She was growing more and more expectant. Just as Xia Yangyang set foot outside, Xia Weiwei followed suit. Longyan had a special VIP rest room. Xia Yangyang took Shen Manbing there. Shen Manbing was really drunk. And when she got drunk, she caused a fuss. Xia Yangyang had a hard time keeping up with her as she ran around. Xia Yangyang was really having a headache. She had no choice but to call Shen Shichuan, to confirm when he would arrive. Shen Shichuan said he was on his way, and Xia Yangyang breathed a sigh of relief. Shen Manbing really was tired and finally rested for a while on the couch. Xia Yangyang walked over with her cup. Inside was lemon water, which had a bit of a sobering effect. Xia Yangyang opened the water bottle, and gave Shen Manbing a little sip. Now she was just waiting for Shen Shichuan. But it wasn¡¯t long before Shen Manbing began toin about the heat. She kept trying to undress herself. Xia Yangyang had to pacify her like a toddler, it was a battle of wits and courage. When she waspletely exhausted, Shen Shichuan finally arrived. Seeing Shen Shichuan was like seeing a savior to Xia Yangyang. Shen Shichuan came over, seeing Shen Manbing red-faced,ining about the heat, he furrowed his eyebrows: ¡°That bastard dared to get her this drunk?¡± ¡°Sister Bingbing looks very ufortable, why don¡¯t you take her to the hospital to get checked?¡± Xia Yangyang worried about alcohol poisoning, seeing how much Shen Manbing had drunk. With a stern face, Shen Shichuan said, ¡°I¡¯ll take her away first, thank you so much for today, Yangyang.¡± Xia Yangyang,pletely knackered and dripping in sweat, was quite feeble. But still, she made a hand gesture and said: ¡°You need to take this up with Sister Bingbing. I was lucky to be there today, I can¡¯t guarantee anything for the next time. I¡¯vepletely offended Cui Chenghao today. If he has any ill intentions in the future, he¡¯ll definitely avoid me.¡± Shen Shichuan frowned, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her about it, thank you, Yangyang.¡± ¡°You better take Sister Bingbing home quickly, be careful of reporters.¡± Saying this, Shen Shichuan had already picked up Shen Manbing and left the rest room. But Xia Weiwei watched this whole scene from a distance. It made her furious. She didn¡¯t expect Shen Shichuan to be the one to pick up Shen Manbing, it seemed like nothing had happened. But suddenly, a thought popped into her head. As long as Xia Yangyang drank that water, she wouldn¡¯tst ten minutes. As long as she was in there, she could just find a man to go to her. Then¡­ The more Xia Weiwei thought about it, the more excited she became, deciding to take a big risk in the end.. Chapter 365 - 366: Locked in the Rest Room Chapter 365: Chapter 366: Locked in the Rest Room So Xia Weiwei walked over, suddenly closed the door of the lounge room and took out a lock she carried in her bag. She was foresighted enough to prepare for this. She had gotten this lock ready beforehand. Originally, she nned to lock in Xia Yangyang and Shen Shichuan. Then call the press and expose everything. However, even if the other party was not Shen Shichuan, it would still not matter. Xia Yangyang you are really out of luck,ter on, I¡¯ll make sure to call a security guard who is a little bit more handsome. Xia Yangyang had originally been exhausted. She was resting on the couch. She heard a noiseing from the door. So she got up to check. She had nned to rest for some time and then return. But, to her surprise, the door to the lounge seemed to be locked from the outside, she could not open it at all. Xia Yangyang felt there was someone outside. She knocked hard, ¡°Open the door, is there anyone there? Who is outside, open the door.¡± Xia Weiwei pped her hands with glee after doing this. She had just checked and there were no surveince cameras here. Even if Xia Yangyang were suspicious in the future, by that time, Xia Yangyang¡¯s situation could probably be likened to being criticised by everyone. Even if she finds out, what can she do? Can she im that she was being framed? The louder she is now, the happier Xia Weiwei is. She will definitely drink that ss of juice. Maybe she has already drank it. Xia Weiwei ns to go out to find people. She needs to hurry. Because Xia Weiwei knows that Xia Yangyang has a phone, she will definitely call for someone. She might even call for Gu Qichen. If Gu Qichen were toe over and coincidentally see such a scene, That would be perfect. Xia Weiwei left and when she arrived at Longyan Hall, she encountered a waiter. Xia Weiwei, with her face mask on, said, ¡°I just thought I heard someone screaming in the lounge, I¡¯m not sure if there is a problem, you should check.¡± Longyan Hall has the most quality service. They will resolve any issues that patrons have. Upon hearing this, the waiter said, ¡°I will immediately go check.¡± Xia Weiwei initially wanted to follow to watch. But considering that she might be exposed if she went, If Gu Qichen found out that she had plotted towards Xia Yangyang, he would never let her off in the future. So Xia Weiwei had to create an alibi. Therefore, Xia Weiwei returned to her private room. She purposefully greeted everyone and drank a toast with them. In the end, she pretended to be drunk and draped over the table. Waiting for them to send her home. However, she still secretly sent a message to the editor of a gossip magazine anonymously. Estimated that those paparazzi are on their way now. Being trapped in the lounge, Xia Yangyang is exhausted and thirsty. Opening up her water bottle, unfortunately, all the lemon water was given to Shen Manbing to drink, leaving not a single drop for herself. Who exactly locked her in the lounge? Was it deliberate, unintentional, or just a prank? Xia Yangyang wanted to make a call. However, her phone was out of battery. She had shouted until her throat was hoarse, and didn¡¯t know what to do. Everyone probably thought she had left first just now, so no one woulde looking for her. Could she really have to stay here overnight, waiting for the staff to open the door the next day? Just as Xia Yangyang had epted her fate, She heard a noiseing from the door again. In no time, the door was opened. A Longyan waiter appeared at the door. The moment Xia Yangyang saw the light on the other side of the door, she finally exhaled. She walked over, only to see the waiter, holding a lock, looking very puzzled, ¡°This is not our lock, who would be so boring to lock up the lounge?¡± Chapter 366 - 367: Worse than a beast! Chapter 366: Chapter 367: Worse than a beast! Xia Yangyang walked to the door. The waiter immediately asked with concern, ¡°Miss, are you alright?¡± Xia Yangyang looked at the lock, frowned, and then said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this lock yours?¡± The waiter shook his head. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Could you give me the lock then?¡± The waiter thought for a moment and gave the lock to Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang left and ran into hurrying journalists on the way, heading straight for the lounge. Unexpectedly, that journalist turned out to be Xiao Yao from the Cherry News Agency. Xia Yangyang blocked her, ¡°Xiao Yao, what are you doing here?¡± Upon seeing Xia Yangyang, Xiao Yao was quite surprised: ¡°Someone anonymously mentioned that in the Longyan¡¯s lounge, there¡¯s a scandal of a popr married star having an affair. It¡¯s sensational news; I¡¯m here to probe.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s brow furrowed. Xiao Yao was about to rush that way. Xia Yangyang stopped her: ¡°Don¡¯t go, I just came from there, there¡¯s no one inside now.¡± Xiao Yao, disappointed and deted, immediately asked, ¡°Really, there¡¯s nobody?¡± ¡°I was just locked in there. If you hade a little earlier, you would have caught me.¡± Certainly, Xia Yangyang fit the description of a popr, married star. But an affair? What¡¯s that about? Xiao Yao, ustomed to the cunning ways of the entertainment industry, felt suspicious. Sometimes, such anonymous tips turn out to be a premeditated trap. Such instances weren¡¯t umon in the entertainment industry. Xiao Yao¡¯s sharp mind quickly grasped the situation: ¡°Yangyang, did you offend someone? Looks like someone¡¯s attempting to mess with you.¡± Xia Yangyang felt the same. But Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t certain yet. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Xiao Yao, go back for now. Today, you¡¯re here on a wild goose chase.¡± Although Xiao Yao was disappointed, if it were truly news about Xia Yangyang, she would never report it, considering the good rtionship between Xia Yangyang, Old Bai, and Old Yuan. Xiao Yao left. Xia Yangyang left Longyan directly. But Xia Yangyang was still a bit worried. So she made a call to Shen Shichuan. Shen Manbing seemed a bit odd when she leftst. Combined with what Xiao Yao just said, it made Xia Yangyang suspicious. Xia Yangyang wanted to find out about Shen Manbing¡¯s situation. The call went through. But Shen Shichuan did not pick up. Xia Yangyang felt uncertain. It wasn¡¯t that Shen Shichuan didn¡¯t answer the phone. It was just that he simply didn¡¯t have a free hand to take the call. After leaving Longyan. Shen Shichuan took Shen Manbing straight back to the Shengting Hotel. All along the way, Shen Manbing was restless. She kept pulling at his clothes, leaving Shen Shichuan both angry and uneasy. He didn¡¯t dare to imagine what would have happened if Cui Chenghao had been the one to bring Shen Manbing back tonight. Thinking about it, Shen Shichuan¡¯s heart almost felt like it was going to explode from bitterness. But after a while, Shen Shichuan also realized something was off. Shen Manbing was in a daze, her face flushed with an abnormal dizziness. While Shen Shichuan was getting her a ss of water, she actually took off all her outer clothes. Now she was only in her bra and underneath¡­ Shen Shichuan¡¯s gaze unintentionally drifted downwards. Shen Manbing was indeed an international diva. Of course, in her homnd, she was also known as the ¡°National Fairy¡±, all thanks to her enchanting cat eyes and devilishly hot figure. Shen Shichuan only took one look before his lower abdomen tightened. He wished he could p himself. He cursed himself in his heart: Even a beast is better! Chapter 367 - 368:1 Love You (4) Chapter 367: Chapter 368:1 Love You (4) Shen Shichuan moved towards her,ying a thin nket over Shen Manbing¡­ Then he sat at the edge of the bed, picking her up, ¡°Xiao Bing, have some water.¡± However, Shen Manbing squirmed, kicking the nket off her body. She murmured, ¡°I¡¯m dizzy¡­¡± In an instant, he felt something was off. Shen Manbing¡¯s body was burning up, hotter than a fever. With her eyes cloudy and dizzy, she was in a trance. From her condition, it was apparent that someone had hurt her. Concerning the type of drug used, Shen Shichuan had an inkling. Shen Shichuan¡¯s face turned grave. Could it be that dastard Cui Chenghao? However, from Shen Shichuan¡¯s understanding of Cui Chenghao, he wouldn¡¯t use such low means. Then who could it be? While Shen Shichuan was still pondering with a furrowed brow, Shen Manbing full body clung to him. She hooked on to Shen Shichuan¡¯s neck and kissed him. Shen Shichuan froze, his first reaction was to push her away. Shen Shichuan wanted to move, but his body was as if under a spell. He could not react, just stood rigid. On her, he smelt the potent scent of perfume. But it was intoxicating, like being immersed amongst argevender field in Provence. In the bright sunshine, one would get dizzy. Shen Shichuan truly felt dazed, for a moment he didn¡¯t know where he was. Shen Manbing clung to him like a hot iron being thrown into icy water. She murmured, ¡°So refreshing¡­¡± Her every movement, to Shen Shichuan, was pure torture. His rationality eventually won over the demon at the bottom of his heart. With force, Shen Shichuan pushed Shen Manbing away: ¡°You can¡¯t do this, look clearly at who I am, I¡¯m your older brother!¡± Shen Manbing, however, with her eyes blurry, copsed again into Shen Shichuan¡¯s arms: ¡°Brother, I love you.¡± This sentence was like a bomb to Shen Shichuan. It exploded instantaneously in his mind. Shen Shichuan felt like his heart was trembling: ¡°What did you say?¡± Shen Manbing passionately kissed Shen Shichuan: ¡°You¡¯re not my biological brother, why can¡¯t we be together?¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s eyes looked much clearer. Mumbling, Shen Manbing said, ¡°Big brother, let¡¯s be together¡± Shen Shichuan somewhat couldn¡¯t believe his ears. These words, even in dreams, he wouldn¡¯t dare to think of. His mind suddenly went back to a lot of things about them two. He and Xiao Bing had grown up together, depending on each other, and he had sworn to protect her for the rest of his life. If she wanted something, even if it was the stars in the sky, he would try to bring them down for her. Even for Ah Chen¡¯s betrayal, he, who never fights, beat him up. He really liked Xiao Bing, he liked her to the marrow¡­ But some things, he only dared to think secretly, sometimes despising himself; he usually had a great self-control. But when it really happened, he found that his mental defenses were also weak. He didn¡¯t know if what he was doing was right or if he would regret it in the future. But at that moment, he just felt he couldn¡¯t refuse. That was his deepest secret, also the most selfish part of human nature. In this case, let¡¯s be selfish this one time. Just once, that¡¯s what Shen Shichuan thought. Without considering anything else, only each other. Chapter 368 - 369: Three Days Without Seeing Each Other, It’s Hard to Bear Chapter 368: Chapter 369: Three Days Without Seeing Each Other, It¡¯s Hard to Bear The powerful visual impact and uncontroble desire within him thoroughly crushed Shen Shichuan¡¯s sanity and self-control. For so many years, he had never fancied or had feelings for any woman. It wasughable that he was 28 years old and yet never had intimate contact with a woman. He¡¯d never even had his first kiss. So, he couldn¡¯t stand this kind of temptation. The person before him was the one he had cherished in his heart for more than twenty years. Shen Shichuan trembled all over, every rise and fall of Shen Manbing¡¯s movements seemed to be taking his life. They were in a super high-rise building. A wall next to them was floor-to-ceiling ss windows. The curtains were not drawn. The moonlightzily shone onto the floor. The moon was bright, and the room was charming¡­ * After returning, Xia Yangyang still felt uneasy. But at least she had personally handed Shen Manbing over to Shen Shichuan. As long as Shen Manbing stayed with Shen Shichuan, she felt she didn¡¯t have to worry too much, no matter what happened. When Xia Yangyang arrived at the hotel, Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t returned yet. He got busy again these two days. Sometimes he returned eventer than Xia Yangyang. When Gu Qichen came back, Xia Yangyang had just finished taking a bath and gotten out. Seeing his weary appearance, Xia Yangyang was heartbroken: ¡°Why don¡¯t you just live at Lichen from now on? The drive alone from my sister¡¯s ce can take nearly an hour.¡± Gu Qichen came to Sea city this time to help Gu Mingzhu reorganize her newpany. But that ce is one hour away from here. Xia Yangyang was sad for the time Gu Qichen spent on the road. But Gu Qichen just came closer. He directly embraced Xia Yangyang. She had just taken a bath, and her body still had a light and soothing scent. With his eyes closed, Gu Qichen buried his face in Xia Yangyang¡¯s hair, his voice muffled like a child, ¡°Humph, you actually want to drive me away.¡± Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t trying to drive him away, she was just worried about him. Before she could say anything, Gu Qichen continued in a childish tone, ¡°Anyway, I¡¯ll be leaving soon, so your wish will be granted.¡± Xia Yangyang chuckled, ¡°Gu Qichen, why are you acting like a child? Of course, I hope you can always be with me. I¡¯m just worried that you are too tired. How can you not appreciate my concern?¡± Gu Qichen raised an eyebrow, ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Of course, it¡¯s true.¡± ¡°So, you can¡¯t bear to part with me.¡± Xia Yangyang hugged Gu Qichen¡¯s waist, ¡°Of course, I can¡¯t bear it. The moment I heard you were leaving, my heart ached.¡± Gu Qichen nodded in satisfaction, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯lle to see you once every three days after I go back.¡± Xia Yangyang was shocked,ing over every three days? Was he not afraid of getting sick from all the flights? ¡°You really don¡¯t have to, with your busy schedule, I can take care of myself. How about once a month?¡± ¡°A month?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face went cold. Xia Yangyang quickly changed her tune, ¡°Half a month? Or a week?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face darkened again, ¡°Are you unwilling?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that. I¡¯m just worried about your workload.¡± Gu Qichen said leisurely, ¡°I can work on the ne too, so it¡¯s settled.¡± Xia Yangyang knew that if she said one more word, this sensitive man would probably get angry. So she could only tip-toe and kiss his cheek, ¡°Honey, you are too good to me.¡± ¡°As long as you know.¡± Gu Qichen looked at her clear face. Even if he couldn¡¯t see her for three days, he felt it unbearable.. Chapter 369 - 370: Immoral and Inhuman, Struck by Lightning from Heaven Chapter 369: Chapter 370: Immoral and Inhuman, Struck by Lightning from Heaven The next day. The first thing Xia Yangyang did was to go to Shen Manbing¡¯s room. Xia Yangyang woke up several times during the night. It always felt like her heart was hanging. She didn¡¯t know why, but she always felt that yesterday¡¯s event was suspicious. She was constantly worrying that something was going to happen. In the whole Shengting International Hotel, this building only had two presidential suites. One was Xia Yangyang¡¯s room and the other belonged to Shen Manbing. However, the two rooms were quite far apart. One would have to traverse a long corridor. Just as Xia Yangyang had crossed the corridor and arrived at Shen Manbing¡¯s door¡­ She saw the door to Shen Manbing¡¯s room open. Shen Shichuan was walking out from inside. Normally, this wouldn¡¯t be worth fretting over. After all, Shen Shichuan was Shen Manbing¡¯s brother. Yesterday, it was Shen Shichuan who had taken Shen Manbing away. But what was strange was that Shen Shichuan was actually still wearing yesterday¡¯s clothes. Especially seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s expression, a trace of panic flickered in his usually calm eyes. Shen Shichuan was always meticulous with his appearance. But today, it looked as if he just woke up and hadn¡¯t yet had time to groom himself. Although not in a state of disarray, on the contrary, he had a slightly disheveled look. But Xia Yangyang still found this exceptionally strange. When Shen Shichuan saw Xia Yangyang standing by the door, he was seemingly stunned for a moment. Xia Yangyang asked reflexively, almost blurted out, ¡°Did you¡­did you sleep herest night?¡± Shen Shichuan seemed to choke, without even drinking water. He formed a fist with his fingers and coughed lightly twice, ¡°Yangyang, good morning, are you here for Manbing? She hasn¡¯t gotten up yet, I have some errands to run, so I¡¯m leaving first.¡± Having said that, Shen Shichuan forced a small smile and then strode away rapidly. Xia Yangyang was genuinely puzzled. Today¡¯s Shen Shichuan was too different from his usual demeanor. Xia Yangyang entered Shen Manbing¡¯s room. Shen Manbing was still lying in bed, asleep. Half of her arm was revealed outside the nket. Her long hair was described as waterfall-like, her wavy hairstyle was enchanting and attractive. However, Shen Manbing was clearly awake. With her eyes wide open, she stared at the ceiling in a daze, her face filled with despair. But a beauty still remained a beauty. Xia Yangyang looked at Shen Manbing, who seemed like just awoken sleeping beauty. Bewildered and astonished¡­ Even as Xia Yangyang walked to the edge of the bed, Shen Manbing still didn¡¯t react. She didn¡¯t even blink her eyelids, acting stingily. Seeing her like this, Xia Yangyang became even more concerned. ¡°Sister Bingbing, what happened? You¡¯re scaring me.¡± Xia Yangyang bent down and sped Shen Manbing¡¯s hand. Suddenly, Shen Manbing grabbed her own hair and, filled with remorse, began to roll on the bed. ¡°What should I do, what should I do, what should I do? I¡¯m going mad!¡± ¡°What on earth happened?¡± Shen Manbing abruptly sat up, her hair disheveled and pasted on her face, looked at Xia Yangyang with despair and said, as if she wanted to bite off her tongue, ¡°I forced myself on my brotherst night.¡± Xia Yangyang was thoroughly dumbfounded. Actually, when she saw Shen Shichuan just now, Xia Yangyang already had an inkling of what might have happened. But she tried her best to not to let her thoughts go in that direction. Since Xia Yangyang knew how much Shen Shichuan held his feelings in check, there was no way he¡¯d do something like this. But upon hearing Shen Manbing¡¯s confession, Xia Yangyang was truly stunned. Shen Manbing ran her slender fingers through her hair, clearly in a lot of distress, ¡°I¡¯m a total beast. Why did I have to drink so much? My brother is so innocent, he¡¯s never even had a girlfriend, and now I¡¯ve vited him. I truly owe my future sister-inw. I¡¯vemitted a grave sin, deserving of divine punishment..¡± Chapter 370 - 371: Entangled Chapter 370: Chapter 371: Entangled Shen Manbing was clearly in a lot of pain and very conflicted. She didn¡¯t know why. When Xia Yangyang heard her say these things, she let out a chuckle. Shen Manbing looked up, her beautiful eyes filled with anger, ¡°You¡¯re not even trying to help me, and you even find time tough?¡± Xia Yangyang knew that the fact Shen Manbing honestly admitted this situation. She really had epted her as one of her own. Shen Manbing has been in the entertainment industry for many years, although she is a top-tier celebrity, her mind is incredibly pure. She had always been well-protected by Shen Shichuan. Ever since thest incident, Shen Manbing only felt guilt toward Xia Yangyang. And because Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t hold Shen Shichuan legally ountable, she felt grateful. So now, she had already considered Xia Yangyang as one of her own. Xia Yangyang chuckled and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t mean tough. But it¡¯s not like it¡¯s a catastrophic situation. You¡¯re not blood-rted siblings, both are unmarried, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s a big deal.¡± Hearing what Xia Yangyang said, Shen Manbing¡¯s face noticeably changed, ¡°It¡¯s not as simple as you think. On the surface, I might be the beloved daughter of the Shen family, but in reality, they all regard me as a jinx. All these years, only my older brother has been protecting me and because of that, he has shouldered a lot for me. But he is the eldest son and the one valued the most by our grandfather, the heir of the Shen family. I don¡¯t want to ruin his standing in the family and have him scorned by others because of me.¡± Xia Yangyang sighed, ¡°Why do both of you have the same thinking?¡± Shen Manbing looked up, ¡°What do you mean?¡± Xia Yangyang knew she shouldn¡¯t interfere. However, the rtionship between Shen Shichuan and Shen Manbing was as if obscured by ayer of ice. And she was the only one who could see both sides clearly. What was destined to happen has already happened. Xia Yangyang felt there was no point in hiding anything anymore. Xia Yangyang started, ¡°Actually, Shen Shichuan has always liked you. He didn¡¯t confess to you out of fear of being the target of public criticism, fear of jeopardizing your position in the entertainment industry, fear of you being bullied by everyone, and calcted by the Shen family.¡± The color on Shen Manbing¡¯s face hadpletely changed. Her eyes were full of disbelief, her heart even seemed to stop, ¡°What did you say, my older brother likes me?¡± ¡°Your older brother deeply loves you, so when you were with Gu Qichen, he was in great pain. But his hands were tied by traditional ethics and morals, he has always been a perfect older brother around you. My guess is that yesterday¡¯s incident wasn¡¯t because he got drunk, but because his love for you could no longer be suppressed.¡± Mentioning yesterday¡¯s incident, Shen Manbing¡¯s face turned red. She drank too muchst night but the ridiculous thing was, she remembered every detail of what happened then. She remembered Shen Shichuan¡¯s face, one filled with suppressed pain and indulgence. She remembered Shen Shichuan kissing every part of her body, as if he was worshipping her. She remembered him whispering in her ear countless times: ¡°Xiao Bing, I love you, I love you ¡­¡± She thought it might just be a fantasy in her mind, everything was a figment of her imagination. But now that she heard Xia Yangyang say that Shen Shichuan had been in love with her all along. Then she understands, perhaps everything was real. That repression, the deep affection, the unbridled destructiveness of the taboo, were all real¡­. Chapter 371 - 372: Someone Deliberately Sets a Trap Chapter 371: Chapter 372: Someone Deliberately Sets a Trap Shen Manbing suddenly looked up and asked, ¡°How did you know all this?¡± Xia Yangyang told her about the time she had seen Shen Shichuan ndestinely kissing Shen Manbing in the hospital. Although Xia Yangyang had promised Shen Shichuan She would never reveal this event. But now, Xia Yangyang felt there was no need to continue hiding it. After hearing this, Shen Manbing was stunned for a long time. Her feelings were tooplicated to describe. Initially feeling guilty, embarrassed, and conflicted, then morphing into immense shock, yet by the end, a sense of secret delight surfaced. So her older brother actually liked her that much. Xia Yangyang looked at the entranced Shen Manbing with concern. ¡°What are you nning to do now?¡± Shen Manbing sighed and responded, ¡°I guess I¡¯ll just take it one step at a time.¡± Xia Yangyang thought that was fitting. Given their unique identities, they couldn¡¯t do whatever they wanted when it came to matters of the heart. Xia Yangyang suddenly remembered something: ¡°Actually, I was very worried about youst night, a lot of strange things happened.¡± Shen Manbing voiced an ¡°oh¡±: ¡°What happened?¡± Xia Yangyang told her about how she was locked in the dressing room. Shen Manbing rubbed her forehead: ¡°Now that you mention it, I do think someone intentionally set a trap. They even called a reporter. Also, even though I can¡¯t hold my liquor, I wouldn¡¯t lose control to that extent. Now that you¡¯ve mentioned it, I think I was drugged yesterday.¡± The word ¡°drugged¡± sent a chill of fright through Xia Yangyang. Yet after carefully reasoning it out together, they drew a shocking conclusion. Last night, shortly after Xiao Yao received a tip-off, she hurried over. She was informed that there was a married woman having an affair in the dressing room, and at the very same time, Xia Yangyang got locked in there. Xia Yangyang was a married woman, that was true. Earlier, Shen Manbing had suggested that someone could have drugged her. Was it possible that the real target of the person behind the trap was actually Xia Yangyang? More specifically, was it Xia Yangyang who had been drugged? If Xia Yangyang got drugged and there was a setup involving some man in the dressing room, and then they were caught by a reporter in the act¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­.. Just contemting about it sent a chill down Xia Yangyang¡¯s spine. There was only one thing Shen Manbing couldn¡¯t figure out: ¡°Who hates you so much? If their target was you, then why was it me who ended up experiencing this?¡± Xia Yangyang had a sudden realization: ¡°It¡¯s the water! That cup of water!¡± Shen Manbing was astonished, ¡°What water?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t drink any alcoholst night, but kept drinking the lemon water I had brought myself. My water bottle is with me all the time. If someone slipped drugs into it, I would surely have been affected. But you got drunkst night, and after I took you to the dressing room, I gave you some of my lemon water to sober up, so¡­¡± It suddenly made sense, the cause and effect all pieced together immactely. Shen Manbing was trembling with anger: ¡°Who exactly is behind all these sly deeds?!¡± Unfortunately, incidents like these were not umon in the entertainment world. The more sessful one bes, the more envy it incites. From the day Xia Yangyang debuted, her career skyrocketed. Within the circle, many apparent well-wishers were filled with envious backbiting, hoping that one day she would fall from her pinnacle. Since it was that cup of water that was problematic, almost everyone in the crew was a potential suspect. However, Xia Yangyang had her suspicions. It felt as if a rock was pressing against her heart, causing her to furrow her brows. She asked Shen Manbing: ¡°Sister Bingbing, you have extensive connections, can you help me out?¡± Chapter 372 - 373: The Person Who Wants to Kill You is Your Sister Chapter 372: Chapter 373: The Person Who Wants to Kill You is Your Sister Xia Yangyang arrived at the set in the afternoon. Everyone was in the dressing room getting ready. As Xia Yangyang entered, she took a careful look around. Xia Weiwei had no scenes today, but she was still there. The sight of Xia Yangyang entering the room, seemingly unscathed, caused Xia Weiwei to clench her fists unconsciously. She had everything nned out the night before. How did Xia Yangyang manage to escape unharmed? Xia Yangyang¡¯s luck was just too good. No scandals involving her broke out that morning. Xia Weiwei knew then, that her plot the previous night had failed. If it had seeded, she wouldn¡¯t have worried about anything. Once an incident urred, Xia Yangyang would be like a drowning dog, an easy target for anyone. But the n had failed. Would Xia Yangyang discover any clues? Xia Yangyang had been locked in. She must know someone had done it on purpose. The first person she would suspect was her. But Xia Weiwei was uncertain if Xia Yangyang had drunk the water she left. Did anything happenst night? If not, Xia Yangyang probably didn¡¯t find out anything about it. Or did something happen, but Xia Yangyang was lucky enough to avoid the media? Xia Weiwei couldn¡¯t be sure. Seeing Xia Yangyang looking in her direction as she entered the room, Xia Weiwei was a little perturbed. Xia Yangyang walked in, going directly to Xia Weiwei, and asked, ¡°What did you dost night?¡± Xia Weiwei was taken aback; she didn¡¯t expect Xia Yangyang to question her directly. ¡°I was in the private room drinking with everyone allst night. In the end, I was so drunk that the director had someone send me home. Xia Yangyang, you wouldn¡¯t suspect me of wronging you just because something happened to youst night, would you?¡± Xia Yangyang coldlyughed, ¡°How did you know something would happen to mest night?¡± Xia Weiwei was stunned; she had fallen into her trap. But Xia Weiwei wasn¡¯t afraid. She had verified several times, there were no surveince cameras there. Even if Xia Yangyang had her suspicions, there was no concrete evidence. As long as she vehemently denied it, there was nothing Xia Yangyang could do to her. Xia Weiwei scoffed, ¡°I¡¯m just observing the fact that you seem to be on edge, as if ready to explode. How would I know what you didst night? All the actors can testify for me. I didn¡¯t leave my spot, I didn¡¯t do anything. You better not be thinking of framing me!¡± Xia Yangyang snorted, ¡°Xia Weiwei, you better hope I don¡¯t find any evidence, otherwise, don¡¯t me me for not sparing you.¡± Until she had evidence, Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t willing to suspect Xia Weiwei. Although Xia Weiwei was domineering, arrogant and impulsive, Xia Yangyang never thought she couldmit such a malicious act. Although their rtionship wasn¡¯t good, they were still family after all. She was having a hard time epting it. But the results came out quickly. Shen Manbing, herself, brought the report. Shen Manbing handed the report to Xia Yangyang, ¡°The person who tried to get you into trouble is none other than your dear sister. There were only two sets of clear fingerprints on the lock. I had someonepare them. One belongs to the security guard who unlocked the door, and the other one belongs to Xia Weiwei.¡± Xia Yangyang felt dizzy. So, it really was Xia Weiwei. Throughout their childhood, Xia Weiwei had always bullied her, never acknowledging her as a sister. But Xia Yangyang had always maintained a shred of familial affection and never held a grudge over their disagreements. But Xia Yangyang never expected that Xia Weiwei would stoop so low. To drug her, frame her, and get reporters to expose her in a bid to ruin her reputation. Using such underhanded methods. Xia Yangyang felt her heart going cold.. Chapter 373 - 374: You’re Nothing More Than a Chapter 373: Chapter 374: You¡¯re Nothing More Than a Female Number Eight Shen Manbing could see that Xia Yangyang was genuinely upset. Shen Manbing spoke sharply, ¡°Xia Yangyang, wake up! Is this person worth it?¡± Xia Yangyang was truly heartbroken. No matter what, Xia Weiwei shared half of her blood. They were sisters, an undeniable fact. The petty squabbles in the past were forgivable. But Xia Yangyang never imagined that Xia Weiwei would actually want to destroy herpletely. What deep hatred was there between them? Xia Yangyang sat in the chair, distressed: ¡°How can people be so cruel?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you have to ept reality because you¡¯re in the entertainment industry. In this circle, once you gain fame, you¡¯re envied, and if you don¡¯t, you¡¯re trampled upon. It doesn¡¯t matter if this person is a friend or a family member. When I first got into the industry, I was nearly destroyed and cklisted by a close friend¡¯s betrayal. Then I understood that the only person you can trust is yourself. I must be powerful, making those who are jealous even more envious, enjoying their begrudging eptance of me, and trampling them underfoot. The people who have been unkind to you¡­you owe them no kindness,¡± Shen Manbing said passionately. ¡°But she is still my father¡¯s daughter, What can I do to her?¡± Shen Manbing said, ¡°You may not be able to do anything to her, but I can. After all, she¡¯s the one who poisoned me. This grudge isn¡¯t something I¡¯ll easily let go of.¡± Shen Manbing walked out directly. Shen Manbing had her makeup room. But this time she purposely went to therger makeup room. Work was about to begin. The makeup artists were applying makeup for the actors. Everyone greeted Sister Bingbing with ttery when they saw Shen Manbinge in. Shen Manbing looked around, and finally her gazended on Xia Weiwei. Shen Manbing walked over to Xia Weiwei, looking down at her condescendingly, ¡°Xia Weiwei.¡± At first, Xia Weiwei had a smile on her face, ¡°Sister Bingbing, you¡¯re looking for me?¡± Everyone was well aware of Shen Manbing¡¯s status on the set. She was the queen of the stars and the darling of the Times Entertainment Group. The younger sister of the president of Times Entertainment. Looking around, there was hardly anyone in the entertainment industry with a more powerful background than hers. On the set, who wouldn¡¯t scramble to curry favor with her? But Shen Manbing didn¡¯t think much of anyone. Except for Xia Yangyang. This alone made Xia Weiwei extremely jealous. These two were clearly adversaries, but now they had be good friends who shared everything. However, during her time in the crew, Xia Weiwei had never had a chance to talk to Shen Manbing before. She didn¡¯t expect Shen Manbing toe to her today. Looking down at her, Shen Manbing said, ¡°Pack up your things. From today onwards, I¡¯m using this makeup station.¡± Shen Manbing had her own everything on the crew. This included a separate makeup room and her private makeup artist. This makeup room was shared by the other actors. Only the actors with more scenes and higher status had their own makeup stations, which represented their rank and status in the crew from some aspects. Xia Weiwei had managed to get one after much difficulty. Besides, all the other makeup stations had owners already. If this one was taken too, she would have to share a shabby makeup station with the group performers from now on. That would be really embarrassing. ¡°Sister Bingbing, don¡¯t you have your own makeup room?¡± ¡°Doing makeup alone is boring. It¡¯s better to chat with everyone here. I just like the location of this makeup station, so from now on, it¡¯s mine, and others are not allowed to use it.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s domineering attitude was well-known in the crew. Xia Weiwei whispered,¡± But what should I do if I give this to you?¡± Shen Manbing frowned impatiently. ¡°Isn¡¯t there a makeup station for the group performers over there? You can use that one. Isn¡¯t it a waste for a minor character like you to have a separate one?¡± Chapter 374 - 375: Unoffendable Woman Chapter 374: Chapter 375: Unoffendable Woman The makeup room was dead silent, so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Everyone was getting ready in their own space. But all of their attention was practically on Shen Manbing and Xia Weiwei. Shen Manbing was ustomed to being arrogant, her words were not surprising. Although Xia Weiwei was indignant, she knew clearly that Shen Manbing was someone she couldn¡¯t afford to provoke. She was the lead actress. Favored by the director and backed by Shen Shichuan¡¯s influence, who would dare to oppose her? Moreover, it was well-known that this film was tailor-made for her by her admirer Cui Chenghao, the global CEO. Global was the film¡¯s major investor and producer. If she was provoked, let alone the eighth female character. Even the male lead could be reced at any time. Although Xia Weiwei¡¯s role was only the eighth female character, it was not easy to get. Reluctantly, Xia Weiwei began to pack her things. Just after she finished packing up a pile of makeup products. Shen Manbing ordered directly, ¡°You go buy me a cup of coffee, I want to drink a double mocha from Liane Bank.¡± Xia Weiwei clenched her teeth. Shen Manbing raised her eyebrow, ¡°Unwilling?¡± ¡°No, it¡¯s an honor to buy coffee for Sister Bingbing.¡± Although Xia Weiwei felt like vomiting blood inside, she still kept a smile on her face. She wasn¡¯t sure if Shen Manbing was deliberately making things difficult, or just casually saying this. After all, Shen Manbing often asked other crew members to go buy things. This was something everyone would love to seize. Thinking they could tter Shen Manbing this way. But in reality, Shen Manbing never appreciated it. Xia Weiwei always thought these people were foolish, just like grovelingckeys. But she didn¡¯t expect that today, she was forced to do the same. As Xia Weiwei was ready to leave, Shen Manbing added, ¡°By the way, is there anything that you guys want to drink? It¡¯s my treat, no need to be courteous.¡± All the people in the makeup room were surprised and ttered. When did Shen Manbing ever act so kindly? Was a goddess nning to step out from her pedestal and celebrate with her people? But a rare treat from the diva, of course no one was going to refuse. ¡°I want a cappino.¡± ¡°Weiwei, get me a Blue Mountain.¡± ¡°I want an Irish coffee. Thanks for the effort, Weiwei.¡± There were more than ten people in the makeup room, each of them wanted a cup. Xia Weiwei gritted her teeth in anger, what was happening here? Were they treating her as a servant? But seeing Shen Manbing¡¯s aloof and cold attitude. Xia Weiwei had no choice but to go and buy coffee. Liane Bank was not far away. But the location was terribly awkward. A distance of 500 meters, was not convenient for taking a taxi, subway or even a bus. Xia Weiwei could only walk there. All twelve cups of coffee. The waiter put it in a box for her. Xia Weiwei said, ¡°Could you send someone to help me carry these to the TV station?¡± The waiter politely replied, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, our cafe does not offer delivery service.¡± Xia Weiwei had no choice but to carry the whole box back to the TV station on her own. When she returned to the makeup room, everyone had already started working. Only Zeng Min, who didn¡¯t have a part to y today, was there to watch the excitement. Zeng Min, like Xia Weiwei, had managed to secure a role with no real significance thanks to some connections. Zeng Min took a cup of coffee from Xia Weiwei, ¡°Weiwei, I feel like Shen Manbing deliberately made things difficult for you. When does she ever drink store-bought coffee? She always drinks coffee that she brews herself.¡± Xia Weiwei angrily mmed the coffee down on the table, causing a few cups to spill. On her way, Xia Weiwei had already felt that something was not right. It must be Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang was suppressing her along with Shen Manbing. That bitch! Chapter 375 - 376: Deliberately Making Things Difficult for Xia Weiwei Chapter 375: Chapter 376: Deliberately Making Things Difficult for Xia Weiwei Xia Weiwei was shaking with anger. She had never crossed paths with Shen Manbing before. If it were not for Xia Yangyang¡¯s instigation, why would Shen Manbing deliberately make things difficult for her? But Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t n on confronting Xia Yangyang now. After all, Xia Yangyang was already suspicious about the events ofst night. The next day was Xia Weiwei¡¯s turn to act. She was ying a viin in this film. There was only one scene where the budding model Xia Weiwei yed would confront the main character portrayed by Shen Manbing. This scene wasn¡¯t supposed to be filmed now. But somehow, it was expedited. The plot involved a scene at a modelpetition where Xia Weiwei¡¯s character secretly scatters pearls on stage, causing the protagonist to fall. Yet, the protagonist ingeniously resolves the situation, making Xia Weiwei¡¯s character face the consequences and fall on stage. However, during the filming, the director suddenly added a scene. He imed this segment perfectly captured the rise of the protagonist, and could fully showcase the change in her character from timid to courageous. The additional plot involved the protagonist, after finding out Yuewei¡¯s deed, pping Yuewei in the face. Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t think much about it at first. After all, every second of screen time was valuable, the addition of a scene was something she received with pleasure. The filming before went rather smoothly. But then came the pping scene. Shen Manbing, in the pursuit of authenticity, actually asked the director for permission to p her for real. At that moment, a sense of unease hit Xia Weiwei. But she, being a mere secondary character, naturally had no say in the matter. Expectedly, during the shoot, Shen Manbing pped her hard across the face. Xia Weiwei was aghast. But Shen Manbing forgot her lines mid-scene. The director called for a retake, once again. It happened three times due to various issues, and Xia Weiwei wasn¡¯t a fool. She knew Shen Manbing was clearly targeting her using this scene. Everyone on set realized it as well. However, the director, desiring better performance, merely indulged her. The situation was simr to when they were filming Cindere. Back then, Shen Manbing used the filming to target Xia Yangyang. Xia Weiwei had taken delight in her sister¡¯s misfortune then, only to end up with a taste of it for herself just a few monthster. But she, Xia Weiwei, was not going to be a pushover like Xia Yangyang. When Shen Manbing made another ¡°mistake¡±. Xia Weiwei went toin to the director: ¡°Director, Sister Bingbing¡¯s behavior is uneptable. She was clearly doing it on purpose. I have no idea what I did to offend Sister Bingbing, look at my face ¨C it¡¯s all because of her. If my mom finds out, her heart would break.¡± Xia Weiwei mentioned Liu Ruyan on purpose, hoping the director would intervene by considering her feelings. After all, Liu Ruyan had been friends with the director for many years, and she had vouched for Xia Weiwei tond this role. Shen Manbing stood nearby, sneering at Xia Weiwei¡¯s foolishness. Actually, if Xia Weiwei hadn¡¯t mentioned Liu Ruyan, things might have been better. But by invoking Liu Ruyan¡¯s name, the director was likely to be vexed. Initially, Director Zhang had given Xia Weiwei a role out of old friendship, thinking it wouldn¡¯t be a problem. But on Xia Weiwei¡¯s first day on the set, she made a big deal out of the favoritism. As if seeking special treatment was an achievement, she unted receiving Director Zhang¡¯s special favor. Later, her boasts were even published in the newspapers by the media. Director Zhang, known in the industry for his integrity and artistic dedication, had never been associated with such practices as buying roles or seeking special treatment. And here he was, his reputation ruined by the mother-daughter duo of the Xia family. Even rumors circted in the industry that the reason Director Zhang showed such favoritism towards the Xia sisters was because he had an affair with Liu Ruyan in his youth¡­ Chapter 376 - 377: Hold it in if you can’t accept it! Chapter 376: Chapter 377: Hold it in if you can¡¯t ept it! Xia Weiwei¡¯s acting skills are poor, and she always causes trouble on the set, which Director Zhang has always disliked. Now that she¡¯s here toin, Director Zhang just dismissively said, ¡°Bingbing is the diva, her acting is supreme, but that doesn¡¯t exempt her from asional mistakes. You should be learning from the encounters in your scenes together, rather than dwelling on who might be targeting you.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s face turned green after hearing Director Zhang¡¯s words. However, Director Zhang also noticed that Shen Manbing was deliberately making things difficult. So, he turned his face to Shen Manbing and said, ¡°Bingbing, you need to know when enough is enough. Once you¡¯re in the right emotional state, let¡¯s start shooting.¡± Shen Manbing just smiled, ¡°I understand, Director Zhang.¡± Despite feeling aggrieved, Xia Weiwei derived somefort from the fact that at least Director Zhang had warned Shen Manbing. She assumed that she would not be mistreated much henceforth. But Xia Weiwei underestimated Shen Manbing¡¯s capriciousness. The act of a p across the face was shot twenty times and still not approved. Moreover, Shen Manbing¡¯s strikes got harsher each time, obviously for revenge, with not the slightest hint of mercy. Half of Xia Weiwei¡¯s face had swollen from the hits. However, Shen Manbing showed no inclination to stop. During a break, Xia Weiwei said, ¡°Shen Manbing, I¡¯ve never wronged you. Why do you treat me like this?¡± Shen Manbing sneered, ¡°How do you know you haven¡¯t wronged me?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t treat me like this. Just because you¡¯re a diva doesn¡¯t mean you can do whatever you please. I can expose you to the media.¡± ¡°Expose what? Me bullying people or me acting arrogantly? Isn¡¯t that what the public sees me as? If you really expose me, people will think that you are trying to get attention by using my fame. You are wee to try.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s argument made sense. In this entertainment world, there are people who break rules unscrupulously, yet still receive love and support from their fans. They¡¯re real princesses, always being seen as infallible. Shen Manbing was one of them. Xia Weiwei clenched her fist, ¡°What will it take for you to leave me alone?¡± ¡°Leave you alone? Let me think¡­ How about you leave the set? Otherwise, I¡¯ve got a hundred other ways to make things hard for you.¡± Leave the set? She barely got the chance to act in Director Zhang¡¯s film. She¡¯s still a freshman in the film academy, and all her ssmates turned green with envy when they learned that she was acting in Director Zhang¡¯s film. If she were to quit midway, wouldn¡¯t that make her aughingstock? Moreover, after finishing this film, her value would surpass that of other film academy students. No matter what, she wouldn¡¯t give up. Xia Weiwei remained calm, ¡°I won¡¯t quit. I don¡¯t believe you can dominate the whole set.¡± ¡°I can do just that, not just on set, but also in the entire entertainment industry.¡± Shen Manbing arrogantly said, ¡°Don¡¯t like it? Well, too bad.¡± At this time, the director called for the resumption of shooting. But still, the take was uneptable. Even the director started to advise her, but Shen Manbing did not let go. The whole set started to sympathize with Xia Weiwei, but no one dared to step forward to speak up for her. Fearful of being implicated. They all wondered how Xia Weiwei had managed to offend the queen, Shen. However, on the surface, most of them also had discrepancies with Xia Weiwei. She was always throwing her weight around because she parachuted in as the daughter of Xia Liangdong, a big shot in the entertainment industry, acting like a big shot herself. Watching her being beaten by Shen Manbing, most people felt a sense of satisfaction. Yangyang, who rarely had no scenes today, watched from the side for a long time. Shen Manbing was really harsh. She also didn¡¯t show mercy when she was shooting Cindere. Presumably, Xia Weiwei was even more miserable at that time. No wonder, Xia Weiwei had been trying to frame her, ended up poisoning Shen Manbing instead. And then that incident happened. Shen Manbing must be holding a lot of anger inside. Chapter 377 - 378: Sister, what does Gu Qichen’s kiss feel like? Chapter 377: Chapter 378: Sister, what does Gu Qichen¡¯s kiss feel like? Xia Yangyang actually felt a little guilty inside. But Xia Weiwei¡¯s motives were just too malicious. She could actually resort to such dishonest means as drugging someone. She needed to be taught a lesson. Otherwise, who knows what she might do in the future. Xia Yangyang was nearby, watching for a long while, yet she didn¡¯t approach. The resentment in Xia Weiwei¡¯s heart grew stronger. She was certain that Xia Yangyang had instigated everything. It was clear that Shen Manbing would not let her off the hook. When Shen Manbing raised her hand again. Xia Weiwei grabbed Shen Manbing¡¯s hand: ¡°Isn¡¯t it enough if I quit acting? Shen Manbing, just you wait. One day, I¡¯ll pay you back for the humiliation you put on me today.¡± With that, Xia Weiwei shook off Shen Manbing¡¯s hand, kicked aside a prop next to her, and ran off. Everyone was left with mixed emotions. But in the entertainment industry, which was notorious for its murky waters, such things weremonce. That night, Gu Qichen arrived. Gu Qichen invited the entire crew for a meal. He had booked thergest suite in the Defu Hotel. Upon seeing Xia Yangyang, everyone in the crew was full of praise. ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯re so lucky.¡± ¡°President Gu treats you so well.¡± ¡°Yangyang, we¡¯re really fortunate today thanks to you.¡± Xia Weiwei was alone in the resting room. Just before leaving, Zeng Min asked Xia Weiwei: ¡°Your brother-inw is hosting a banquet. Aren¡¯t you going?¡± Brother-inw! Brother-inw!! She loathed those two words. Could Xia Yangyang be any more disgusting? Was she afraid people might not know she¡¯s Mrs. Gu? She kept getting Gu Qichen to host dinners for the crew to win them over. All she wanted was to unt her power while basking in their hypocritical praises. To Xia Weiwei¡¯s eyes, all of this was simply a show of wealth and power! She couldn¡¯t stand it anymore! Even if Liu Ruyan said the timing wasn¡¯t ripe, she couldn¡¯t hold back any longer! She didn¡¯t want to wait anymore. She couldn¡¯t stand seeing Xia Yangyang being so carefree and happy while she was being bullied here! She was leaving the cast tomorrow. She couldn¡¯t let Xia Yangyang get off easy. Xia Weiwei abruptly stood up and headed straight for the Defu Hotel. When Xia Weiwei barged into the suite, Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen were not present. Zeng Min said that Mr. Gu was very busy; he was just in Sea City for a meeting, and needed to rush back tonight. Xia Yangyang had gone to send him off to the airport. Everyone was envious that Mr. Gu still found time to visit his pampered wife amidst his hectic schedule. Xia Weiwei immediately headed to the airport. By chance, when Xia Weiwei reached the airport, Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t checked in yet. The two were talking in the terminal lobby. They seemed to be really intimate. It seemed like Gu Qichen was about to go through security. The two appeared extremely reluctant to part ways. Gu Qichen held Xia Yangyang for a moment before turning to leave. But after he had taken only a few steps, he turned back around and intensely kissed Xia Yangyang. Although the airport lobby wasn¡¯t very crowded, people passing by them would inevitably take another look. A couple caught in a passionate romance, indeed it was an enviable sight. Yet when Xia Weiwei saw this scene, she clenched her fists and cursed under her breath: ¡°Shameless!¡± It was quite some time before Gu Qichen finally released Xia Yangyang, picked up his luggage, and left. Xia Yangyang watched Gu Qichen¡¯s retreating figure disappear for a long time before deciding to leave. As she turned around, she saw Xia Weiwei standing not too far away. ¡°It¡¯s so sweet it makes people envious, Xia Yangyang. How does Gu Qichen¡¯s kiss feel? Is it addicting?¡± The jealousy and resentment on Xia Weiwei¡¯s face were unmasked when she spoke these words. Xia Yangyang raised an eyebrow in consternation: ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°Dear sister, I came here, naturally, to see you.¡± Chapter 378 - 379:1 Just Hate You Chapter 378: Chapter 379:1 Just Hate You ¡°What are you doing here?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, Shen Manbing hit me today, was it all your idea?¡± Xia Weiwei was still filled with resentment when she thought about what happened in the day. She dared not take revenge on Shen Manbing, instead, she directed all her anger at Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang¡¯s expression was indifferent: ¡°Xia Weiwei, actually, I have always wanted to ask you a question, do you hate me that much? You wanted me dead, didn¡¯t you? Last night, you drugged my drink, locked me in the lounge, and called the press. Can you tell me, what were you intending to do?¡± Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t expect Xia Yangyang to see through it all at once. Xia Weiwei denied it: ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t nder me. I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about. What drugging? Are you trying to set me up?¡± Xia Yangyang let out a cold huff and then she pulled out a lock from her bag: ¡°This is the lock that locked me in the lounge yesterday, is it yours?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you insane? I have never seen this thing before.¡± ¡°Are you sure you haven¡¯t seen it?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡± ¡°But there are your fingerprints on it, I already had it verified by the forensics.¡± Xia Weiwei was somewhat guilty. Once she heard that Xia Yangyang had sought forensics, she panicked instantly. If Xia Yangyang gets a lead on what happenedst night and then reports it to Gu Qichen¡­ Then she¡¯d really be in hot water. In her panic, Xia Weiwei blurted out: ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you bored? Thismon lock that you could buy from any storefront, you really went and got it verified? Even if it had my fingerprints on it, so what? Oh right, I just remembered, I think I did buy a lock, but then I lost it, it looked just like this one. God knows who picked it up, locked you up, or even deliberately framed me, don¡¯t think about pinning this crime on me.¡± In fact, Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t care about Xia Yangyang¡¯s thoughts at all. Whether she suspects or is certain, as long as she doesn¡¯t admit it, Xia Weiwei believed that Xia Yangyang wouldn¡¯t be able to do anything to her. ¡°Xia Weiwei, don¡¯t you think the reason you found is simply absurd?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, what is it that you want? I¡¯ve already said it wasn¡¯t me.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t want to pursue this matter at first, but since you¡¯re denying it, I don¡¯t need to care about the Xia family¡¯s face. I¡¯ll hand all evidence over to the police. By the way, there are no cameras outside the lounge, but there are in the corridor outside our box. Who came in and out of the boxst night and at what time, it¡¯ll be clear at a nce. It¡¯ll be easy to know who wanted to harm me byparing the times. Also, the hotel waiter wouldn¡¯t have gone to the lounge for no reason, let him make a statement at the police station¡­¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, what exactly do you want?¡± Xia Weiwei was in utter panic. In fact, Xia Weiwei also knew, that she hadn¡¯t thoroughly nned the events from yesterday. If ites down to an investigation, she wouldn¡¯t be able to escape involvement. But yesterday, she was confident it would go smoothly. At the time, Xia Yangyang¡¯s scandal would spread throughout the city, who would even investigate whether she was framed or not? Plus, Gu Qichen would be utterly disgusted with her by then. She would have no backing to seek out the truth. But Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t expect to fail and let Xia Yangyang catch her red-handed. ¡°So, you¡¯re finally willing to admit it?¡± Xia Yangyang questioned. At this point, Xia Weiwei knew that denial was useless. She simply admitted it: ¡°Yes, it was me. Everything was by my doing. Xia Yangyang, I do hate you. I wish nothing but the worst for you, to end up with a ruined reputation, to be abandoned by everyone, and to lose everything that should have been mine.¡± Chapter 379 - 380: Despicable Means Chapter 379: Chapter 380: Despicable Means Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart also sank bit by bit. She knew deep down that Xia Weiwei was involved in that matter. But when she got confirmation directly from Weiwei¡¯s mouth, Yangyang still felt a pang of pain in her heart. Yangyang¡¯s voice gradually turned icy: ¡°What do you think I took from you, the things that originally belonged to you?¡± Xia Weiwei was practically grinding her teeth: ¡°Xia Yangyang, I¡¯ve hated you since we were little. You¡¯ve always been the Miss Xia, the rich littledy, the socialite of the Kyoto circle. What about me? Why was I always kept hidden away? Why did everyone point fingers at me, saying I was the child of a mistress? My parents are the ones in true love, yours were just an obstacle. When I found out I even had a sister, I began to detest this name, thisbel forced on me. Because of you, I had to live in shadows. Eventer, father still favored you. When the Gu family sent out wedding invitations, father gave them to you. In his eyes, you were his most beloved daughter. But, did he ever consider that I am more suited to be Gu Qichen¡¯s wife, to be the young mistress of the Gu family? If it weren¡¯t for your repeated instigations, Gu Qichen would definitely have loved me. You knew how much I liked him, but you destroyed everything, Xia Yangyang. Why shouldn¡¯t I hate you? I wished I could tear you to pieces and grind you into dust.¡± Yet, Xia Yangyang found it all very ludicrous. ¡°Xia Weiwei, you feel like you¡¯re living in my shadow, but that¡¯s because your mother interfered with my parents¡¯ marriage. Regardless of the reasons, as a woman, she should not have destroyed another person¡¯s family. If it was true love, then she could¡¯ve simply asked my father to divorce and marry her in an upright manner. But she didn¡¯t. Since she chose this path, she cannotin about how society¡¯s gossip can drown people. You, on the other hand, were ignorant and your academic performance was always poor. Father spent so much money on your tuition and you still me him for not caring about you. As for Gu Qichen, it is even more ridiculous. You knew Gu Qichen was married to me, yet you stuck to him without any scruples. Where did you get the confidence that Gu Qichen would definitely like you? You don¡¯t feel the slightest shame about destroying someone else¡¯s marriage, you even went to all lengths, using despicable methods to frame me. Xia Weiwei, you shouldn¡¯t hate me. You should hate Aunt Liu for not instilling in you proper values when you were young, for not making you realize that destroying someone else¡¯s family is a disgraceful act. Since Aunt Liu failed to teach you, I, as your older sister, will teach you today.¡± Xia Yangyang took a step forward. With a loud smack. A resounding pnded on Xia Weiwei¡¯s face. Xia Weiwei covered her face, looking utterly incredulous. She had endured so many ps from Shen Manbing today. And now she had to endure a p from Xia Yangyang. Xia Weiwei couldn¡¯t bear the insult. Like a woman possessed, she lunged forward, ready to fight back. But she was no match for Xia Yangyang. Yangyang grabbed her hand, squeezing it hard until it seemed like the bones were grinding against each other. Xia Weiwei let out a scream of pain. Only then did Yangyang let go: ¡°Xia Weiwei, your petty antics could be overlooked before. But now, what you¡¯re doing has gone beyond reason. This p is just a lesson for you, to remind you that I didn¡¯t want to stoop to your level before. However, if you think I¡¯m a pushover, you¡¯re bound to pay. Next time, if you plot against me or resort to such despicable tactics, I¡¯ll make sure you pay an even greater price..¡± Chapter 380 - 381: Gu Mingzhu Killed Your Mother! Chapter 380: Chapter 381: Gu Mingzhu Killed Your Mother! Xia Yangyang let Xia Weiwei go and turned to leave. Yet, Xia Weiwei pointed at Xia Yangyang¡¯s retreating figure and bellowed, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you dare to oppose me now and then, just because you¡¯re the young mistress of the Gu Family, but do you know? The Gu family killed your mother back then, but you married Gu Qichen in exchange for wealth and status. If your mother knew, she would be furious enough to crawl out of her coffin.¡± Xia Yangyang stopped in her tracks. She turned around, ¡°Xia Weiwei, what did you say? Exin yourself.¡± ¡°I will exin. Your mothermitted suicide, but do you know why? Because she privately took some donated money, her reputation was ruined when it was exposed, and shemitted suicide because she couldn¡¯t stand the pressure from public opinion. That money was donated by Gu Mingzhu. Your mother and Gu Mingzhu were close friends andter became enemies over a man. Everyone in the circle knew about it. Do you think your mother¡¯s suicide is suspicious? Gu Mingzhu might have orchestrated it. You call her sister so affectionately, Xia Yangyang, isn¡¯t the phrase ¡®calling a thief father¡¯ particrly fitting for you?¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly felt her whole body trembling. Yes, she had looked up newspapers from ten years ago. Her mothermitted suicide because of a scandal involving a donation of twenty million that was exposed, whichpletely ruined her reputation. But when Xia Yangyang investigated this, she couldn¡¯t find the source of the donation. However, she didn¡¯t expect that Xia Weiwei knew so much. Xia Yangyang forced herself to stay calm: ¡°Who told you all this?¡± ¡°No one told me. I overheard it when our parents were arguing. Actually, dad knew long ago that the Gu family was involved in this matter, but you were already secretly married to Gu Qichen and it was toote to turn around. Dad didn¡¯t want to ruin your marriage, so he kept it from you. But Xia Yangyang, some things can¡¯t be kept secret. The Gu Family is involved in your mother¡¯s death. Even if they didn¡¯t deliberately frame her, she did die because of them. Xia Yangyang, now that you¡¯re married to the enemy, do you still feel great? Aren¡¯t you afraid that your mother won¡¯t rest in peace?¡± Xia Yangyang felt as if she had been struck by thunder. She found herself hummed by the buzzing in her brain and struggled to respond. Regardless of whether what Xia Weiwei said was true or not. But the fact that Xia Weiwei could spout so many past events she was unaware of, was enough to shock her. Xia Weiwei said that Gu Mingzhu and her mother were close friends who fell out over a man. What¡¯s going on? Xia Weiwei was very satisfied with Xia Yangyang¡¯s reaction. In fact, her purpose in joining the crew was to stay close to Xia Yangyang. And to find the most suitable opportunity to tell her this news. She originally had other ns. She wanted to have a fling with Gu Qichen. When Xia Yangyang found out, they would surely break up. But that drunken attempt failed. Later, she came up with a scheme to force Xia Yangyang to be unfaithful so the Gu Family would abandon her. The Gu Family would never tolerate a flirtatious woman who engages with other men to be their young mistress. But unexpectedly, Xia Yangyang managed to dodge that bullet. However, seeing the way Xia Yangyang lost herself. Xia Weiwei felt this news was enough. Given Xia Yangyang¡¯s temperament. She would never spend her life with someone from the family who killed her mother. Now it¡¯s time to sit back and watch the show! Chapter 381 - 382: Mystery Chapter 381: Chapter 382: Mystery Xia Weiwei continued to pour oil on the fire: ¡°Xia Yangyang, your heart must feel distressed now. You¡¯ve fallen in love with the son of your enemy. You and Gu Qichen, truly are a Romeo and Juliet. However, I heard, that Gu Qichen has no mother and his elder sister, Gu Mingzhu, brought him up single-handedly. So, to him, his elder sister is like his mother. Do you think he would love you the same if he knew about the feud between your mother and his sister? Would he treat you like a thief, always vignt? Xia Yangyang, if it turns out his sister caused your mother¡¯s death, would he tolerate a person seeking revenge being by his side? In his heart, do you think you can be more important to him than the elder sister who loved him the most?¡± Xia Yangyang was frozen in ce. Xia Weiwei became even more smug: ¡°If I were you, I would divorce Gu Qichen. Sleeping in the same bed every night with the person who caused my mother¡¯s death would torture my conscience. Xia Yangyang, I have told you before, Mrs. Gu¡¯s position does not suit you. It¡¯s better to leave now while it is not toote because the one who will sufferter will be yourself. I¡¯m just saying this for your own good¡­¡± ¡°Enough, Xia Weiwei, don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re getting at. You are trying your best to sow discord here, all for your own selfish reasons. But let me tell you, Xia Weiwei, even if I divorced Gu Qichen, even if all the women in the world were gone, Gu Qichen would absolutely not have any interest in you. Do you imagine that if Gu Mingzhu had killed my mother, Gu Qichen would still marry a daughter of the Xia family? Your talk today has always been about securing the position of Mrs. Gu, but don¡¯t forget, in the eyes of others, we are sisters and seen as one. So, don¡¯t fantasize needlessly. Gu Qichen will never have any interaction with you in this lifetime.¡± Xia Weiwei was provoked by Xia Yangyang: ¡°Xia Yangyang, you¡¯re talking nonsense. Gu Qichen will like me, I will marry him, I will be Mrs. Gu.¡± Xia Yangyang sneered: ¡°I forgot to tell you. I once asked Gu Qichen about his impression of you. Can you guess what he said?¡± Xia Weiwei knew that whatever Xia Yangyang would say next would not be good news. But Xia Weiwei still couldn¡¯t help but ask: ¡°What did he say?¡± ¡°He said that looking at your face, he can¡¯t even eat.¡± After saying that, Xia Yangyang turned around and left. Behind her, Xia Weiwei¡¯s curses echoed. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t care anymore. She hailed a taxi and returned to the Shengting Hotel. After Xia Yangyang returned, she mechanically took a shower. She also tidied up her luggage and even cleaned up the already clean hotel room. When she finished cleaning thest piece of ss, Xia Yangyang felt extremely tired. Every time she encountered something disconcerting, she would busy herself to keep her mind off it. But this time it was different. When Xia Yangyangy on the sofa, the words Xia Weiwei said at the airport kept repeating in her mind. Even though she knew Xia Weiwei had ulterior motives, and was sowing discord. She knew it was a trap set by Xia Weiwei. But Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but jump into it to see for herself. Did her mother¡¯s death have anything to do with Gu Mingzhu? Xia Yangyang began to doubt in her heart. Xia Yangyang got up and took out two newspapers from the bottom of her drawer. It was the old newspaper she had found in the Cherry News Agency from ten years ago. Xia Yangyang looked meticulously at the graduation photo from back then. Her mother had been holding hands with Gu Mingzhu. Their heads were touching, and they seemed intimate in the picture. Why did Gu Mingzhu deny it then, even saying that she had never heard of the name Tan Zhen? Chapter 382 - 383: Past Events in the Entertainment Circle Chapter 382: Chapter 383: Past Events in the Entertainment Circle Xia Yangyang is not sure yet if her mother¡¯s death really has anything to do with Gu Mingzhu. Before having any concrete evidence, she does not want to arbitrarily suspect anyone. However, there is indeed a connection, a story, between Gu Mingzhu and her mother. That¡¯s for sure. Xia Yangyang stared at the photo, her fingers gradually tightening around it. She vowed to get to the bottom of this matter. Liu Ruyan was quite famous in the entertainment circle ten years ago. So, she and Director Zhang know each other well. Her mother had risen to fame before Liu Ruyan, while Gu Mingzhu and Tan Zhen both belong to the same era of entertainment. Xia Yangyang had heard this from her grandmother. Tan Zhen was very popr in the showbiz world back then, having filmed quite a lot of movies and umted arge fan base. Director Zhang has also been in this circle for more than twenty years. He must have some memories of her mother. Thus, Xia Yangyang took a newspaper to see Director Zhang the next day. Zhang Jizhong looked at the old photo, squinting for a bit before saying, ¡°Yangyang, where did you find this photo? It¡¯s all old faces. The first batch of graduates from the August Film School, many of them are now big names in the entertainment industry. Look, this is Tan Yong, a veteran superstar. Nearly fifty now, he still maintains agility in action films. He¡¯s never used a body double in his many years of filming. I admire that. This one here, isn¡¯t she Wang Linlin? Now she¡¯s the dean of the Central Film Academy. And Zhang Changcheng, he had quite a talent for acting. Heter went into business and became a real estate tycoon. Here¡¯s Zhao Xin, good acting skills and clever, but didn¡¯t really make it in the circle because she¡¯s not particrly good-looking. Fortunately, she married a rich merchant and emigrated¡­¡± Director Zhang got unusually excited, looking at the photo as if he was seeing old friends, enthusiastically telling Xia Yangyang about each person¡¯s life and interesting anecdotes. When it came to Tan Zhen, Director Zhang noticeably paused, ¡°This¡­¡± Seeing Director Zhang¡¯s hesitation, Xia Yangyang rushed, ¡°Director Zhang, do you recognize her? She is my mother.¡± Xia Yangyang is the daughter of Xia Liangdong. Everyone knew Xia Liangdong¡¯s first wife had died many years ago. These past events were long forgotten. So, it took a moment for Director Zhang to recall that Xia Yangyang was Tan Zhen¡¯s daughter. Director Zhang hesitated, ¡°Yes, I know her, but we never worked together. So, we were not really close. Twenty years ago, I was just an unknown little director, while Tan Zhen was already a superstar. Opportunities to work with A-list celebrities like her would have been out of question. By the time I gained a bit of fame, Tan Zhen had already retired from the spotlight to marry and have kids. I just remember that she loved doing charity work and persisted for many years, untilter¡­¡± Having said that, Director Zhang paused and cast a wary nce at Xia Yangyang before sighing, ¡°Those past events, I don¡¯t remember clearly anymore.¡± Xia Yangyang knew that Director Zhang must have been thinking of the usations against her mother for embezzling donations andmitting suicide after her reputation was ruined. Given her mother¡¯s fame back then, there was no way Director Zhang wouldn¡¯t know. Now, he just didn¡¯t want to upset her. For the same reason, Xia Yangyang did not want to discuss them further. She pointed directly to another person in the photo, ¡°Director Zhang, do you recognize her?¡± The one Xia Yangyang pointed at was Gu Mingzhu. Director Zhang frowned, ¡°She is Gu Mingzhu, the youngest prodigy student of the August Film School, she got admitted to the university at the age of sixteen, the only daughter of the Shengyuan Group, she¡¯s Gu Qichen¡¯s sister, your sister-inw right?¡± Chapter 383 - 384: A Well-Designed Play Chapter 383: Chapter 384: A Well-Designed y ¡°Xia Yangyang said, ¡°She is Gu Mingzhu, Director Zhang, I just want to know, what was the rtionship between Gu Mingzhu and Tan Zhen twenty years ago? Was there any news about them in the entertainment industry?¡± Director Zhang frowned, seemingly trying hard to recall something. Then he said, ¡°If I remember correctly, they had a great rtionship. They were like sisters in the entertainment industry. However, for some unknown reason, they had a fallout. Gu Mingzhu went abroad for a few years and your mother got married and left the industry. I don¡¯t know anything about what happened afterwards, after all, so many years have passed.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart felt heavy like a stone had dropped into it. Indeed, Gu Mingzhu and her mother were close friends back in the day. But Gu Mingzhu imed that she had never heard of this name. There must be some big secret in all of this. Xia Yangyang asked a few more questions. However, Director Zhang was evasive. He seemed not too willing to talk more. Xia Yangyang was preupied the whole day. Xia Yangyang nned to go see Xia Weiwei and rify things. Xia Weiwei couldn¡¯t stand Shen Manbing¡¯s abdication of the role. Unexpectedly, the director didn¡¯t even try to retain her, and didn¡¯t say a single word of constion. She was sulking in the dressing room. In anger, she threw all of Shen Manbing¡¯s belongings from the vanity onto the floor and stomped on them. Xia Yangyang walked in on this scene. ¡°Xia Weiwei, conducting such deeds in secret, isn¡¯t this too petty of you?¡± Xia Weiwei looked up, startled at first. But seeing Xia Yangyang, her expression changed instantly. Xia Weiwei became furious, ¡°I¡¯m petty? Aren¡¯t you and Shen Manbing also petty? Xia Yangyang, you and Shen Manbing have forced me to leave the crew. The role I had fought hard for was ruined by you both. But it doesn¡¯t matter. Xia Yangyang, if I¡¯m not doing well, don¡¯t expect to get off easily either.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was ice-cold, ¡°If you don¡¯t stir up trouble in the crew and do such despicable things, no one would intentionally make things difficult for you. You brought this on yourself, you can¡¯t me others.¡± Xia Weiwei was in a rage, ¡°Did youe here deliberately to gloat at my low point?¡± Only then did Xia Yangyang speak, ¡°I don¡¯t care what happens to you. I just want to know, what exactly do you know about Gu Mingzhu and my mother?¡± Xia Weiwei started tough all of a sudden, ¡°Xia Yangyang, knowing that your husband¡¯s biological sister is the one who murdered your mother, it must feel terrible, right? If it were me, I would¡¯ve divorced Qi Chen long ago. Xia Yangyang, you wouldn¡¯t be so attached to your status as Mrs. Gu and her wealth that you¡¯ve even forgotten how your mother died, would you?¡± Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°I will find out the truth. However, you must rify the facts you know. You said that both of them became enemies over a man. Who was that man?¡± ¡°How would I know who it was?¡± Xia Weiwei was deliberately trying to provoke her. Xia Yangyang coldly responded, ¡°Since you and Aunt Liu have nned this big drama together, waiting for me and Qi Chen to turn against each other and remove me from Mrs. Gu¡¯s position, how could you not find out everything? Otherwise, how could you instigate and hit the mark in one stroke?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s words were clear and calm. Xia Weiwei was momentarily taken aback. She didn¡¯t expect her intentions to be seen through. But seeing through it didn¡¯t matter. As it concerns the death of Xia Yangyang¡¯s mother, even if Xia Yangyang knew this was a trap, she would definitely jump into it without hesitation.. Chapter 384 - 385: Crying While Eating Noodles Chapter 384: Chapter 385: Crying While Eating Noodles Xia Weiwei had a smug look on her face: ¡°If you want to know, then go ask Gu Mingzhu, your ¡®good¡¯ sister. Let her tell you herself, won¡¯t everything then be clear?¡± After speaking, Xia Weiwei walked straight to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Yangyang, you must be clear. Don¡¯t disappoint me. Your mother died wrongfully back then, I¡¯m afraid she¡¯s still restless even in her death. When you and Gu Qichen are happily in love, never ever forget this.¡± Looking at the icy expression on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, Xia Weiwei felt exceedingly thrilled. She left the lounge swaying her hips happily. Xia Yangyang turned pale. She was indeed frightened. Afraid that everything was true. However, no matter what the truth was, she must get to the bottom of it. In the evening, Shen Manbing invited her for dinner. Xia Yangyang politely declined. The ces Shen Manbing frequented were all high-end private restaurants. The cost of a meal basically started from a five-figure sum. And every time they ate, it was Shen Manbing who paid. After a few meals, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to continue. Besides, she had no appetite today. After work, Xia Yangyang went to Meow Lane. Meow Lane is a small alley nearby. An old street in the city center that surprisingly hadn¡¯t been demolished yet. It has a few authentic local dine-ins hidden inside. Xia Yangyang discovered it by chance. There was a ¡°Gao¡¯s Noodle House¡± with particrly delicious beef noodles. Aftering to Sea City, Xia Yangyang went there almost every day. After frequent visits, she even became familiar with the shop owner. When Xia Yangyang arrived, the boss greeted her with a smile: ¡°Hey girl, you¡¯re back. Beef noodles for today?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded: ¡°Add more chili, the spicier the better.¡± ¡°Chili is not good for your stomach, better to have less.¡± Everyone at the noodle house called the boss Old Gao. He wore gray cotton and linen Chinese tunic suits all year round, always clutching a string of Buddhist beads in his hands. There was a noticeable knife scar near the corner of his eye. But many years had passed and the scar had faded. When he smiled, it became a fine wrinkle, making him look even more kind and benevolent, and it even radiated a touch of elegance. It was just that his face was fair and strong, and it was easy to tell that he must have been very handsome in his younger years. Xia Yangyang always thought Old Gao looked familiar. Later, she thought that he looked like Tony Leung in Infernal Affairs. Sometimes, Xia Yangyang would joke that he could totally be in a movie. Every time, Old Gao wouldugh and say: ¡°If I acted in movies, I¡¯m sure I would¡¯ve already won several awards for best actor by now.¡± Xia Yangyang wouldugh back at his immodesty. A big bowl of steaming beef noodles was brought up. The fragrance was tempting. As before, Old Gao served Xia Yangyang a stack of homemade pickles. Since no one was in the shop today, Old Gao sat down opposite Xia Yangyang. Sometimes it happened that way, and the two would sit down and chat. Old Gao knew she was an actress from a drama crew, and he often gossiped about the celebrities. Even though he was over fifty, Xia Yangyang had no generation gap when chatting with him. However, today, Xia Yangyang just ate her noodles without speaking a word. The reason Xia Yangyang loved the beef noodles from Old Gao¡¯s shop Was because her mother¡¯s best dish used to be braised beef noodles. Its taste was just like the one she remembered from her childhood. As Xia Yangyang was eating, she nearly broke into tears. Old Gao handed her a tissue: ¡°Girl, you¡¯re the only one who cries while eating my beef noodles..¡± Chapter 385 - 386: The Hidden Expert in the Marketplace Chapter 385: Chapter 386: The Hidden Expert in the Marketce Xia Yangyang quickly grabbed a tissue to wipe away her tears. Then she tried to squeeze out a smile: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s just that these noodles taste so much like the ones my mother used to make, so¡­¡± Old Gao¡¯s face seemed to undergo a strange change. Old Gao asked, ¡°Do you miss your mom? You¡¯re a young girl working hard on film sets, on your own. If you miss your family, go and make a phone call. I¡¯m sure your mom misses you too.¡± Upon hearing Old Gao¡¯s words, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore: ¡°I would like to call my mom too, but she¡¯s already gone¡­¡± Old Gao also showed a bit of emotion, he sighed: ¡°Poor little girl, what about your dad?¡± ¡°My dad¡­my dad is at home, but I don¡¯t know what to say to him.¡± Xia Yangyang thought about Xia Liangdong, her feelings only grew moreplex. She once had a happy family, a happy childhood. She once loved her dad too, thinking he was like a superhero, the best dad who could do anything. But then so many things happened. In addition to the arrival of Aunt Liu and Xia Weiwei. Eventually, Xia Yangyang became estranged from the dad she remembered. In reality, Xia Yangyang knew that Xia Liangdong was filled with regret and always tried to mend their father-daughter rtionship. But deep down, there¡¯s still resentment, she resents her dad for betraying her mom. Now, knowing that there might be some hidden truths about her mother¡¯s death. Xia Yangyang¡¯s feelings toward Xia Liangdong grew even moreplicated. Xia Weiwei said that she overheard that conversation while Liu Ruyan and Xia Liangdong were arguing. If it¡¯s true, then Xia Liangdong must have known early on that there was likely a connection between what happened to her mother and the Gu family. But why didn¡¯t he tell her? Xia Yangyang just felt like her brain was a mess. Old Gao sighed: ¡°How about this, you can be my goddaughter, and you cane to me whenever you have anything you want to talk about.¡± Yet Xia Yangyang was suddenly taken aback. Meanwhile, Old Gao gave Xia Yangyang the bodhi bracelet in his hand: ¡°Consider this a gift from me. It¡¯s not worth much, but it has stayed with me for many years, it will keep you safe.¡± Xia Yangyang was still in shock. All they did was chat casually, so why would Old Gao suddenly want to take her as his goddaughter? What was going on? Old Gao looked at the confused look on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face andughed softly: ¡°What, did I scare you? Do you think I¡¯m a strange old man forcing a young woman to be his goddaughter?¡± Xia Yangyang quickly shook her head: ¡°It¡¯s not like that.¡± In fact, Xia Yangyang knew that Old Gao was not just a simple noodle shop owner. After all, Gao¡¯s Noodle House was said to be open less than a month a year. It was just Old Gao¡¯s hobby. The people who came and went from Old Gao¡¯s noodle shop, all dressed up and in ck sunsses, seemed to hold him in considerable awe and respect. Plus, all kinds of luxury cars would often stop outside such a small noodle shop. Old Gao had an aura about him that was extraordinary. Xia Yangyang thought of him like a worldly sage who chose to retreat from society. Xia Yangyang just liked the taste of the noodles at this restaurant, so she often came by. But she never thought she would have any connection with this seemingly mysterious man. Old Gaoughed and said: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have no other intentions. I believe in fate, and the first time I saw you, I felt that we had a rare destiny. I, Old Gao, am alone without any children. I thought, if I had gotten married and had kids, I guess my daughter would have been your age by now.¡± There seemed to be a hint of sadness in Old Gao¡¯s words.. Chapter 386 - 387: Encounter with Danger Chapter 386: Chapter 387: Encounter with Danger Xia Yangyang inexplicably felt a sense of heartache. Yet she also inexplicably became overwhelmed with a sense ofpassion. Xia Yangyang picked up the bodhi bead and said, ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I cane and talk with you often.¡± Xia Yangyang felt that she was really too impulsive. But saying the word ¡°Godfather¡± felt so natural. She was usually introverted and not the type to make herself at home. But for some reason, when she was with Lao Gao, there was always a special familiarity and warmth. Perhaps because of the beef noodle soup that tasted so much like her mother¡¯s cooking. Or maybe the atmosphere that day was just right. And so, Xia Yangyang suddenly found herself with a godfather. Lao Gao was extremely pleased to hear Xia Yangyang call him that. Lao Gao said, ¡°My dear girl, your godfather will protect you from now on and won¡¯t let anybody harm you.¡± That night, Xia Yangyang and Lao Gao talked for a long time. But it was just about ordinary things. Xia Yangyang did not ask about Lao Gao¡¯s real identity. To Xia Yangyang, this was just herforting a lonely old man, and she was willing to call him ¡°Godfather¡± and spend time with him. This simple rtionship didn¡¯t have to be soplicated. At ten o¡¯clock, Xia Yangyang left the noodle shop, ready to go back to her hotel. The alley was deep and there were few people around at this time. A light rain started falling from the sky. Xia Yangyang had just felt happy and had shared a ss of rice wine with Lao Gao. She was feeling slightly drunk and enjoying the feeling as if it could make her forget all her troubles. As Xia Yangyang was about to leave the alley, a group of people blocked her way. They were dressed bizarrely, in heavy metal attire. Their hair was multicolored. The leader was a skinny punk with another menacing look, who was sizing up Xia Yangyang from top to bottom with a clearly malicious intent. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart tightened. She attempted to walk past them as nothing was wrong. However, the punk deliberately blocked Xia Yangyang¡¯s path, ¡°Pretty girl, it¡¯s dangerous to be out alone at this hour, let me walk you home.¡± Then he reached out to touch Xia Yangyang¡¯s cheek. Xia Yangyang stepped back hurriedly and vigorously pped his hand away, coldly saying, ¡°Get out of my way!¡± The punk and the others exchanged augh: ¡°This girl has quite a character, I like it.¡± Then they swaggered forward again. Just as one was about to touch Xia Yangyang, she grabbed his hand and with a swift shoulder throw, mmed him to the ground. Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t scared. Her years of Taekwondo training were not in vain. However, Xia Yangyang was also aware that it waste at night and there was a lot of them. This was not the ce to stand her ground. So, Xia Yangyang ran away at the first opportunity that presented itself. The punk, with a dislocated arm, was livid with embarrassment: ¡°Catch her! I¡¯m going to make her pay for this!¡± Xia Yangyang ran like crazy. But because she had drunk some wine, her legs were weak. She didn¡¯t get far before she was surrounded. The ce was uninhabited because the government had nned for demolition. Next to it was an abandoned park. Xia Yangyang was beginning to regret. She should have run in opposite direction, maybe she could¡¯ve asked Lao Gao for help in time. But Lao Gao was all alone in his shop. Even though Lao Gao looked healthy, he surely wouldn¡¯t be able to fend off a gang of thugs. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to cause trouble for Lao Gao. But now, Xia Yangyang looked at the five thugs surrounding her, all with sly smiles on their faces. They looked at Xia Yangyang like prey. The punk, holding his dislocated arm, had caught up. As he came up to Xia Yangyang, he drew out a dagger, ¡°You better behave tonight, or I¡¯ll make sure you can¡¯t live or die..¡± Chapter 387 - 388: This Girl Is Not To Be Messed With Chapter 387: Chapter 388: This Girl Is Not To Be Messed With For the first time, Xia Yangyang felt this frightened. She had been practicing taekwondo since she was a child. But she had never encountered a truly dangerous situation before. Now, seeing herself surrounded by a gang, and drastically outnumbered, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t think of a way out for the moment. Escape was almost impossible now. But there was nobody around to give her assistance. Even if there were people, they would avoid this situation and stay far away. There was no time or opportunity to call the police either. Regardless, Xia Yangyang thought she could only hold on as best she could. Even though they had the numbers, those punks only had brute force. She could only hope to make enoughmotion for passersby to call the police. In her mind, Xia Yangyang was weighing just how long she could hold out. The punk with the yellow hair had already rushed at her. Yangyang lifted her leg and kicked him squarely between the legs. Yellow hair instantly copsed to the ground, howling in pain. Everyone circled around him: ¡°Brother Hou, how are you?¡± The one being called ¡®Monkey¡¯ with yellow hair struggled to shout: ¡°Why are you surrounding me? Quickly catch that girl! I swear I¡¯ll cut her to pieces today! Damn, this hurts so damn bad.¡± The others stood up, cautiously inching towards Xia Yangyang. No one had expected that this fragile-looking girl could actually put up a fight. Even Monkey, who was the best fighter among them, was no match for her. However, luckily they had numbers on their side but how much damage could a young girl do? Everyone pulled out their weapons. Be it daggers or iron rods. Xia Yangyang clenched her fingers tightly. She couldn¡¯t afford to acknowledge her fear. She could only give it her all. In an intense fight, Yangyang pushed herself to her limits. Amid the wails, the thugs fell one by one. But Xia Yangyang was nearly exhausted. Just then, the yellow-haired man had stood up and was shing a dagger at her face. Yangyang had just dispatched a thug who had rushed at her, she didn¡¯t have time to react. She could only instinctively use her hand to block her face. A wave of intense pain shot through her arm. Xia Yangyang was shed by the knife. The pain brought her back to full consciousness. She grabbed the yellow-haired man¡¯s arm that was reaching towards her and pulled with all her might. The yellow-haired man tumbled onto the ground, his mouth filled with mud. But by this time, Xia Yangyang was physically drained. Blood was seeping through the sleeve of her arm. She didn¡¯t know how severe her wound was ¨C her arm throbbed with pain. She had lost all strength, one knee on the ground, gasping for air. The yellow-haired man had gotten up again. Just now when he took a tumble, he had cracked a tooth and was seething with fury. He was determined to deal with the girl tonight. While the girl was drained, he lunged at her again. But he didn¡¯t expect to be held back by one of his men: ¡°Brother Hou, we¡¯re in big trouble. We can¡¯t afford to offend this girl.¡± Monkey was furious: ¡°You little scum, you have the bravery of an ant. In Sea City, there¡¯s no one I can¡¯t mess with. She¡¯s just a Z-list starlet who has probably been used by countless men. Even if she was used by me tonight, she wouldn¡¯t dare call the cops. The entertainment industry is more rotten than ours. This bitch, I have to deal with her tonight.¡± But the one grasping Monkey didn¡¯t let go and pointed trembling to the Bodhi beads scattered on the ground: ¡°Brother Hou, you see this¡­¡± Monkey was initially full of rage, his face twisted. But after seeing the Bodhi beads, his face turned deathly pale. He was so frightened that his legs gave way, and he copsed to the ground on his knees.. Chapter 388 - 389: Master Gao’s Bead Chapter 388: Chapter 389: Master Gao¡¯s Bead The string of beads scattered on the ground were the bodhi beads that Master Gao had just given to Xia Yangyang today. When Brother Hou attacked with his knife just now, he identally broke the string holding the beads together, now they were spread all over the ground. Brother Hou¡¯s mouth was trembling. The gangsters around him had lost their souls in fear. ¡°Brother Hou, this seems to be Master Gao¡¯s phoenix eye bodhi. This string contains a ¡°heaven-reaching¡± jade bead, engraved with Master Gao¡¯s seal. No one else can or dares to imitate this. This girl has Master Gao¡¯s string bead, what do we do, Brother Hou? We¡¯re in big trouble.¡± Brother Hou himself was terrified and shouted at the crowd in trembling voice: ¡°Quickly, find all the beads for me, 16 in total, not one should be missing.¡± Then, everyone kneeled on the ground to start looking for the bodhi beads. Xia Yangyang, already exhausted, thought she would not escape this ordeal. But unexpectedly, everyone suddenly changed their demeanor, crawling around on the ground looking for something. Huang Mao was also extremely anxious. He crawled over to Xia Yangyang and kowtowed three times harshly. Huang Mao looked at Xia Yangyang, his eyes filled with fear. ¡°Miss Xia, I know I was wrong. I shouldn¡¯t have offended you. Please forgive me. If you¡¯re still angry, feel free to hit me, any way you want.¡± Xia Yangyang was utterly perplexed. Huang Mao grabbed her hand and was about to p his own face with it. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t understand what was happening, but when her hand hit her wound again, she drew a sharp breath from the pain. Huang Mao quickly let go of her hand. Then, he started pping his own face: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Miss Xia, I¡¯m sorry, please forgive me. I¡¯m a bastard. I deserve to be punished.¡± With a continuous smack, smack, smack, Huang Mao kept pping his own face. The other gangsters, seeing Huang Mao¡¯s actions, followed suit, kneeling in a circle and pping their own faces. The sight was bizarrely eerie. Xia Yangyang waspletely baffled. Xia Yangyang stood up, although she didn¡¯t understand why these people were acting crazy. But she knew she needed to leave quickly. Huang Mao hurriedly followed Xia Yangyang before attempting to leave. And then he stuffed a string of beads into Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand. ¡°Miss Xia, your bodhi beads. Please spare us, we really know we were wrong.¡± After speaking, Huang Mao started pping his own face again in front of Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang felt as if he was possessed or something, she quickly took her beads and ran away. Finally, she made it to the maind and saw a taxi. Looking at the dazzling lights of the city, Xia Yangyang finally sighed relief. She took a taxi straight to the hotel. She met Shen Manbing who had just returned to the hotel. Shen Manbing looked at Xia Yangyang, noticing her disheveled hair and overall disarray. Upon closer inspection, she noticed that her sleeves were soaked and were dripping blood. Shen Manbing was frightened and grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand. ¡°What happened? Why are you covered in blood?¡± Without further ado, she took Xia Yangyang to the hospital. Having been frightened, Xia Yangyang felt as if she had just survived a disaster after leaving the park. She was so focused on returning to the hotel that shepletely forgot about the wound from the knife attack. She even forgot about the pain. At the hospital, a surgeon tended to her wound. The wound was quite deep, so bandages were applied on top of it. Xia Yangyang just sat there nkly. She felt as if what happened was just a nightmare, a terrible nightmare. Thankfully, she was awake now. Shen Manbing was extremely worried and distressed. Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s frightened face made her feel both anxious and worried.. ¡°Yangyang, what on earth happened? How did you end up like this?¡± Chapter 389 - 390: Paying the Price Chapter 389: Chapter 390: Paying the Price Xia Yangyang finally regained a bit of consciousness. She lifted her head and said, ¡°I just ran into a thug.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s face changed dramatically, and she began to scold her, ¡°How many times have I told you? Sea city is the Magic City. It¡¯s filled with all sorts of people. I told you not to go out alone at night, but you never listen. Your face is so pretty, even I want to ruin it with sulfuric acid. How could those thugs not have bad intentions when they see it?¡± Xia Yangyang was severely chastised by Shen Manbing. She didn¡¯t say a word, lowering her head like a child who had done something wrong. Seeing Xia Yangyang in this state only made Shen Manbing more furious. This girl, clearly wronged, wouldn¡¯t even fight back. Shen Manbing, feeling sorry for her, said: ¡°From today onwards, you are only allowed to be with me after work. If something happens to you, how am I going to exin it to Ah Chen?¡± Xia Yangyang knew that Shen Manbing was genuinely worried about her. Earlier, when the doctor was treating her injuries, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t feel much, but Shen Manbing held her hand so tightly it even hurt more than the wound. When she lifted her head, she saw Shen Manbing¡¯s eyes were all red. Upon seeing her, Shen Manbing scolded her again. Xia Yangyang¡¯s wounds were severe, and she was also worried about tetanus because there might have been rust on the de that injured her. So, she received an intravenous drip in the hospital. Despite it not being a significant injury, Shen Manbing insisted on having her hospitalized. Shen Manbing stayed with her until midnight, taking care of everything from registering for a doctor¡¯s appointment to getting the medicine. She was a Diva, always pampered and catered to. She¡¯d never done things like these before. Xia Yangyang watched Shen Manbing busy herself and felt something indescribable. Once, they were mortal enemies. At what point did Shen Manbing start treating her this well? Before, Xia Yangyang believed Shen Manbing¡¯s change in attitude towards her was because she and Shen Shichuan owed her a favor. Now, Xia Yangyang could feel that Shen Manbing truly treated her like a little sister. Her eyes moistened again. Probably because she had experienced something terrible in thest few days, Feeling fragile was a rarity for her. By the time Shen Manbing finished everything, it was alreadyte into the night. Xia Yangyang had just finished the intravenous drip. Xia Yangyang said to Shen Manbing, ¡°You should go back and rest first. I¡¯m sorry to have caused you so much trouble today.¡± Shen Manbing rolled her eyes at her, ¡°Xia Yangyang, if you dare to let yourself end up in such a state again, see if I won¡¯t beat you.¡± After saying this, Shen Manbing checked her watch, murmuring to herself, ¡°The timing should be about right.¡± Xia Yangyang had a feeling that Shen Manbing was hiding something. ¡°Sister Bingbing, you should go back and rest,¡± Xia Yangyang insisted, feeling guilty. Just then, the door to the ward opened. Gu Qichen appeared in the doorway. Xia Yangyang was startled. Shen Manbing stood up as if relieved, ¡°Finally, you¡¯re here.¡± Xia Yangyang asked in surprise, ¡°Did you ask him toe? I¡¯m actually fine.¡± Shen Manbing said, ¡°Don¡¯t try to be too tough. If you don¡¯t want Ah Chen to know, he will worry even more.¡± Gu Qichen looked worried and worn out He quickly walked over, ¡°What exactly happened? You really scared me.¡± Seeing Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang found her peace, and tears fell unbidden from her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s just a minor skin injury. I¡¯m really fine.¡± Looking at Xia Yangyang¡¯s bleeding wound, a hint of cruelty shed across Gu Qichen¡¯s face, ¡°Rest assured, no matter who did this to you, I will make them pay a painful price!¡± Chapter 390 - 391: Harm Her Chapter 390: Chapter 391: Harm Her The next day. Xia Yangyang woke up early to find Gu Qichen was not by her side. Yesterday, he had clearly slept here. The nurse came in to change Yangyang¡¯s dressing and take her temperature. Expressing envy, she told Yangyang that Mr. Gu had bought breakfast for her. After the nurse had left. Shen Manbing called, saying she had taken a leave for her. The director had allowed her to rest for a week. Xia Yangyang felt guilty, worrying that she might hold up the production team¡¯s progress. But with her current state, she truly had no way of performing. After sitting nkly for a while, Xia Yangyang, feeling utterly bored, turned on the TV. She randomly switched channels. Surprisingly, on the legal news channel, she saw that punk from yesterday. It was reported that the punk and a group of people had surrendered. They admitted to injuring someone. When they turned themselves in, each of them had a long knife wound on their arm. Yangyang¡¯s injury was on her left hand, and so were those of the punks. Ever since yesterday night, Yangyang had a strange feeling in her heart. The punks from yesterday had appeared menacing at first. Why did they be like thatter on? Startled and weak from yesterday¡¯s events, Yangyang didn¡¯t think much of it. But thinking of it now, there seemed to be many doubts. When did those people begin to change? It seemed to be after that knife had cut down. Then, Yangyang was in a daze, but she vaguely seemed to hear them talking about Bodhi beads. Could it be rted to those beads? There was also one point that baffled Yangyang. When the yellow-haired punk was hitting himself, he kept calling her Miss Xia. In other words, the punk knew her name. However, she didn¡¯t know him at all. Xia Yangyang faintly remembered the punk mentioning she was an actress. What did that imply? Just the thought of it made Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart tremble slightly. She did not dare to probe any further. At this moment, Gu Qichen returned. Yangyang turned her head: ¡°Where have you been?¡± ¡°I went to get some porridge for you. You were sleeping soundly this morning, and I didn¡¯t have the heart to wake you up.¡± Xia Yangyang had already gotten out of bed. Gu Qichen took out the porridge: ¡°I bought this from the hospital cafeteria. Make do with it for now. Once you¡¯re discharged, you cane live with me at Lichen. I¡¯ll cook for you then.¡± Xia Yangyangughed: ¡°I¡¯m not that seriously injured. It¡¯s a superficial wound. I should be able to get discharged by noon.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face darkened slightly: ¡°This matter isn¡¯t as simple as you think. I will investigate thoroughly. Whoever is trying to harm you behind your back, I can¡¯t let them off.¡± This made Xia Yangyang think of something: ¡°Ah Chen, I just saw on TV that those punks have surrendered. Did you have something to do with that?¡± Gu Qichen shook his head: ¡°I know about that. They surrendered on their own, and each of them is injured. The police are currently investigating. The leader of the punks mentioned that they had someone behind them.¡± Xia Yangyang felt an overwhelming sinking feeling: ¡°Who was it?¡± Who wanted to harm her to such an extent? Xia Yangyang could not imagine what her fate would have been had there not been a turn of eventsst night. Gu Qichen¡¯s face hardened: ¡°They don¡¯t know who specifically. They only mentioned it was a girl, looking like she was in her early twenties. That person gave them fifty thousand yuan, their objective was¡­ to assault you, take photos, and they would receive another hundred thousand uponpletion.¡± As he spoke, Gu Qichen¡¯s fingers had turned white from gripping so hard. He couldn¡¯t believe someone could stoop so low to frame Yangyang. The thought of it filled him with murderous intent. Xia Yangyang felt a chill creep up, slowly spreading throughout her body.. Chapter 391 - 392: Cut off an Ear Chapter 391: Chapter 392: Cut off an Ear Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I need to see Huang Mao, I want to ask personally who¡¯s trying to hurt me.¡± At noon, Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen went to the police station together. In the interrogation room, Xia Yangyang also saw Huang Mao. The look on Huang Mao¡¯s face when he saw Xia Yangyang was as if he had seen a ghost. His face full of fear. Xia Yangyang noticed that Huang Mao was seriously injured. While others had sh wounds on their arms, Huang Mao had even had an ear cut off. Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t said a word. Huang Mao almost knelt down: ¡°Miss Xia, I failed to recognize a great person, forgive me once. I¡¯ll never dare again, never dare again.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°How do you know my name?¡± Huang Mao was taken aback, then said: ¡°I¡¯ve seen your picture, I also know you¡¯re Xia Yangyang, a small actress in a drama crew. I was blinded by the money, didn¡¯t know your status, and had evil thoughts. If I knew who you were¡­ you could give me a hundred guts, and I wouldn¡¯t dare to hurt you a bit.¡± ¡°Who ordered you to do it?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know who that girl is, but suddenly a girl came to the bar, gave me fifty thousand and your photo, told me to get rid of you, also take a naked picture of you, there¡¯s another hundred grand after it¡¯s done.¡± After hearing Huang Mao¡¯s confession, Xia Yangyang began to tremble. Someone wanted to take nude photos of her. Who harbored such deep hatred against her? Gu Qichen stepped forward, grabbed Huang Mao by the cor, his voice as cold as a knife drawn from the snow: ¡°Think carefully who it was. If you can¡¯t find the person behind this, I¡¯ll hold you solely responsible and you can expect to spend the rest of your life in prison.¡± Huang Mao was scared: ¡°I¡¯ve told you all I can, but the girl was wearing a hat and a mask, fully covered, I truly didn¡¯t know who she was.¡± Huang Mao thought hard, and suddenly said: ¡°But that girl had a mole near her eye, that¡¯s the only thing I saw, other than that, I really don¡¯t know.¡± Upon hearing this, Xia Yangyang took a step back. It seemed like she was trying to grab onto something, but ultimately caught nothing. She had suspected for awhile, deep inside. Only, she had been hesitant to confirm it. At this moment, Huang Mao¡¯s words hit her like a punch to the gut. Xia Yangyang took out her phone, opened her photo album, flipped to a certain photo and handed it to Huang Mao. Her voice was icy, but it still shook uncontrobly: ¡°Was it her?¡± Huang Mao looked carefully for a while, suddenly said: ¡°It¡¯s her, the brat, her eyes are exactly like this, and there¡¯s a mole near her eye.¡± Xia Yangyang felt her heart go cold. Gu Qichen looked at the photo, the person in the image was Xia Weiwei. After a moment, Gu Qichen asked again: ¡°Why did you suddenly stop? Who caused those injuries?¡± Gu Qichen wanted to know who was behind the scenes helping. The fear in Huang Mao¡¯s eyes intensified: ¡°I can¡¯t say, all I know is Miss Xia is not an ordinary person, our wounds were self-inflicted, it¡¯s retribution for what we¡¯ve done, we¡¯re blinded, this is the punishment we deserved!¡± At the end, they didn¡¯t manage to find anything more. When they left the police station, both Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen remained silent. Xia Yangyang was truly heartbroken. For such a long time with the team, Xia Weiwei had repeatedly set her up, invented traps for her. Last time about the drugging incident, Xia Yangyang was forgiven thanks to Shen Manbing¡¯s warning. Xia Yangyang never expected that Xia Weiwei would resort to even crazier measures. Gu Qichen grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, his voice cold as he said: ¡°Don¡¯t worry about this, don¡¯t think too much about it, leave it all to me.¡± Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°How are you going to handle this?¡± Chapter 392 - 393: Kindness Must Have Some Edge Chapter 392: Chapter 393: Kindness Must Have Some Edge Gu Qichen spoke coldly, ¡°You don¡¯t need to interfere anymore. She must pay for it.¡± Xia Yangyang really didn¡¯t want to get involved. She couldn¡¯t continue to endure Xia Weiwei¡¯s malicious actions. Xia Weiwei was an adult. She had to pay for her actions. Yangyang truly didn¡¯t interfere in the matter. But when she returned to the crew, everyone was discussing it. Xia Weiwei was arrested as soon as she got off the ne back to the city. Huang Mao had sold her out. Gu Qichen had sued her for intentional assault. Until now, she was still detained at the police station. The media was making a big fuss about Xia Weiwei¡¯s crime. Jealous of her sister, hiring a thug to inflict harm, including her previous malicious acts in school, were all exposed by the media. Xia Weiwei¡¯s name was instantly smeared with infamy. After this incident, the film academy Xia Weiwei was attending instantly expelled her. The small advertisements and web dramas that Liu Ruyan had previously set up for Weiwei also disassociated with her. The situation was still escting. People could hardly imagine that a girl not even 20 years old could be so malicious. Gu Qichen¡¯swyer, a nationally renowned figure named He Bin, had her sentenced to three years imprisonment after the first trial. Yangyang didn¡¯t expect Gu Qichen to be so ruthless. He made everything public. Xia Weiwei originally wanted to mix in the entertainment circle. Now, her entire acting career was utterly ruined. Not to mention, she was also expelled from the school. Liu Ruyan had made countless calls. Yangyang didn¡¯t answer any of them. But a month after the incident, Yangyang had been staying at the set every day. Xia Liangdong had not even called once. Today, all of Yangyang¡¯s scenes werepleted. The crew set up a wrap-up feast for her. In the evening, Yangyang said goodbye to everyone one by one. When parting, Shen Manbing gave Xia Yangyang a diamond brooch. Shen Manbing said, ¡°This was a congrattory gift from Ah Chen when I first won an award. I¡¯ve been keeping it, but now it¡¯s yours. I havepletely let go of Ah Chen, I bless you, but Yangyang, you¡¯re too kind. You were bullied by me in the past, and now you¡¯re being vited and insulted by your malicious sister. You¡¯re returning now, facing all of this, remember my words, do not be soft-hearted. This world is like this, especially the entertainment circle. People must have some edge to their kindness, otherwise, it bes weakness and you will be trampled on. Of course, I also believe that Ah Chen will definitely protect you well, but in this world, many things eventually rely on oneself.¡± Yangyang was deeply moved: ¡°Sister Bingbing, thank you. I¡¯m also very sorry.¡± Yangyang always wanted to apologize. It was because Weiwei had drugged someone on the set before to frame her, but ended up injuring Shen Manbing instead. It led to Shen Manbing having rtions with Shen Shichuan. From that moment, Yangyang noticed that the rtionship between Shen Manbing and Shen Shichuan had utterly changed. Now, the two of them were almost like secret lovers. However, sometimes Yangyang could see that both of them were suffering, trapped in the bondage of ethics and societal taboos. They had the chains of being siblings, never able to openly be like normal lovers. Shen Manbing just smiled, ¡°You don¡¯t have to me yourself for this. It¡¯s not your fault. Besides, I should thank her for breaking thisyer of gauze. Otherwise, I would never have taken that step in my entire life.¡± Chapter 393 - 394: Mother who can’t distinguish right from wrong Chapter 393: Chapter 394: Mother who can¡¯t distinguish right from wrong Xia Yangyang sighed, ¡°So what do you two n to do in the future?¡± Shen Manbing was rather optimistic: ¡°We will hide for as long as we can. After all, he is my brother. No one would suspect anything when they see us together. Even if the media captures us living together, they would just say we have a good sibling rtionship. Isn¡¯t that thrilling? At worst, we don¡¯t get married for the rest of our lives, which is actually quite good too.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what to say. Xia Yangyang returned to Feng City. At Fengdu International Airport, as soon as she got off the ne, she saw Liu Ruyan. As soon as Liu Ruyan approached, she grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand: ¡°Yangyang, please let Weiwei go. You¡¯ve already ruined herpletely, are you really going to drive her to death before you¡¯re satisfied? She¡¯s still so young, how could you be so heartless?¡± A group of entertainment journalists regrly stationed at the airport. Furthermore, Xia Yangyang was currently an up-anding star in the entertainment circle. Seeing this, the journalists immediately crowded around, starting to take pictures. But Gu Qichen immediately protected Xia Yangyang behind him: ¡°Aunt Liu, you shoulde and find me if you want to talk about this issue.¡± Liu Ruyan looked up at this handsome young man. Although he was a younger generation, he had an inexplicable air of royalty about him. It was impossible for anyone to treat him in an ordinary way. Liu Ruyan didn¡¯t want this to make the news, so she said, ¡°Now that the two of you are back, go home. Your father also has something to discuss with you.¡± Xia Yangyang was nning to go home in the first ce. She needed to understand the entire situation with Xia Weiwei. After returning, they went to the study. Xia Liangdong was also there. Xia Yangyang called out, ¡°Dad.¡± Xia Liangdong looked up at Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen with aplex expression. Liu Ruyan suddenly changed her attitude. She held Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Yangyang, I¡¯m begging you. Weiwei is young and ignorant. She made a mistake this time. I¡¯ve already given her a stern talking-to, and she knows what she did was wrong. Aunt Liu begs you to drop the charges. Weiwei¡¯s reputation is already ruined, if she has to go to jail for three years, her life will be over. She¡¯s your sister, isn¡¯t she? If not for her, then for the sake of your father¡­¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was cold: ¡°Aunt Liu, do you know what Xia Weiwei did to me? During the shooting of the drama, she drugged me and invited journalists over to ruin my reputation. When that didn¡¯t work, she had thugs try to take nude photos of me, and vite me. Yes, she¡¯s young, but I don¡¯t understand why someone so young can be so malicious and cruel!¡± Liu Ruyan was stunned. ¡°But she didn¡¯t seed, did she? Yangyang, it¡¯s all my fault. I spoiled her too much when she was a child. Once she¡¯s out, I¡¯ll definitely discipline her properly. I know that you¡¯ve never seen me as your mother, and that in your eyes, Weiwei and I are just thorns in your side. You can hate me, but Weiwei is still your father¡¯s child after all. You can¡¯t do this to her.¡± Xia Yangyang clenched her fingers. Now it¡¯s be about her harming Xia Weiwei? At that moment, Gu Qichen suddenly spoke up: ¡°Now I understand why Xia Weiwei would do such a thing. It¡¯s because she has you as her mother who doesn¡¯t distinguish right from wrong. I can only imagine how much Yangyang has suffered growing up in this kind of family.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was harshly cold. Liu Ruyan¡¯s face slowly turned pale. Gu Qichen paused for a moment then continued, ¡°In fact, I¡¯ve already shown considerable leniency. It¡¯s precisely because Xia Weiwei shares the same blood with Yangyang that I regard her a little differently. If not, her crimes could easily send her to prison for a decade or so. So, there¡¯s no need for further discussion about this.¡± * Xiao Qi¡¯s Fan Group: 681792516 QQnumber: 1253064702 WeChat: mxyl9901007 Chapter 394 - 395: Is my life even worse than a dog’s? Chapter 394: Chapter 395: Is my life even worse than a dog¡¯s? Liu Ruyan stared at the frozen, emotionless expression on Gu Qichen¡¯s face, gritting her teeth in anger. She let go of Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand. Approaching Xia Liangdong, she asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to say anything? Regardless of Weiwei¡¯s mistakes, she is still your daughter. Who in this world is without fault? Weiwei is only 19. Are you saying you won¡¯t even give her a single chance for redemption?¡± Xia Liangdong rose. Turning his back to them, he said; ¡°Weiwei¡¯s mistake this time was too severe. I have no face to say anything.¡± Xia Liangdong was sternly silent. Liu Ruyan pointed with shaking hands at Xia Liangdong¡¯s turned back, ¡°Xia Liangdong, you are heartless. I was truly blind to have waited for you for ten years, risking childbirthplications to bear a daughter for you. You said you would always treat us well, but have you? Over the years, what have you done for our daughter and me? Weiwei is suffering in jail now, and you, her father, can just abandon her like this. Does it mean that in your heart, only a daughter from Tan Zhen is truly yours? Are the ones I bore less than dogs?¡± Liu Ruyan cried out in denunciation. Xia Liangdong seemed deeply pained as well. Both Xia Yangyang and Xia Weiwei were his daughters. The flesh of his own body. But he had never expected Weiwei to do such desperate deeds, to say nothing of Qi Chen¡¯s unique background. Now Yangyang wasn¡¯t just his daughter, she was the revered family¡¯s young mistress. He simply could not find words to speak on this matter. However, Xia Yangyang could no longer stand by. Xia Yangyang began, ¡°Dad, there are a few things I¡¯d like to discuss alone with Aunt Liu, could you all step out for a moment?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes shed with suspicion. But in the end, he and Xia Liangdong left the study room together. Xia Yangyang closed the door. Liu Ruyan sat down on the sofa, looking haggard, a far cry from her usually elegant demeanor. Her eyes were red with undisguised anger and contempt. Liu Ruyan began, ¡°Xia Yangyang, have you made up your mind to bring down your sister?¡± In Liu Ruyan¡¯s eyes, Xia Yangyang was nothing special and she had never considered her a threat. But she had clearly underestimated Xia Yangyang¡¯s position in Qi Chen¡¯s heart. Now that Yangyang was holding her tongue, Qi Chen was resolved to send Weiwei to jail. The power of the Gu family was formidable. If Qi Chen wanted to imprison Weiwei, it would be impossible for her to get out a day early. If Weiwei really had to serve three years in prison, she would lose the best years of her life. Her entire life would be ruined. Xia Yangyang said straightforwardly, ¡°Aunt Liu, as you know, it¡¯s up to me whether Weiwei goes to jail.¡± Liu Ruyan stared hard at Xia Yangyang¡¯s calm face, her eyes filled with anger like hooked knives, ¡°I knew you were doing this on purpose. Weiwei is so innocent, she stands no chance against you. You want to destroy her. Deep down, you resent me, don¡¯t you? Resent me for stealing your father, for breaking up your family. In your eyes, I¡¯m always the homewrecker, aren¡¯t I?¡± Xia Yangyang responded indifferently, ¡°Indeed, Weiwei caused all of this. She is malicious, and I never intentionally framed her. I merely took advantage of what was already unfolding.¡± ¡°What exactly do you want, you little fox?¡± ¡°As long as you tell me the truth about my mother¡¯s death, I will let Weiwei out. But if you dare tell a single lie, I assure you, Weiwei will rot in jail.¡± Liu Ruyanughed wryly, ¡°So you were waiting for me here. Why do you ask me about this?¡± ¡°Aunt Liu, Weiwei is only 19. A child of her age would not be so cunning without guidance. If it weren¡¯t for your maniption, she would not be in this state today.. Isn¡¯t this the result you were hoping for by trying to tear Qi Chen and me apart?¡± Chapter 395 - 396: The Truth Chapter 395: Chapter 396: The Truth Liu Ruyan didn¡¯t expect Xia Yangyang to be so smart. But thinking about it, it was rather obvious. This child has been clever since she was young. All these years, she kept a low profile in this household, but she was actually ying dumb while outsmarting others. Otherwise, how could she have quietly risen to the position of young Mistress in the southern Gu Family¡¯s mansion? And managed to have Gu Qichen so doting on her? Liu Ruyan began to speak, ¡°Since you discovered it, I won¡¯t conceal it anymore. Whether Weiwei did those things out of confusion or jealousy towards your limelight, I just wanted her to tell you that your mother¡¯s death has something to do with Gu Mingzhu. I did this for your own good. If I knew the truth but didn¡¯t tell you, I¡¯m afraid you¡¯d resent me even more in the future.¡± However, Yangyang¡¯s heart sank. ¡°What exactly is the truth you¡¯re talking about?¡± Liu Ruyan slowly began, ¡°Actually, since the first time I saw Gu Mingzhu, I felt something was amiss. After all, back then, your mother and I were¡­ love rivals. Naturally, I paid a bit more attention to her life. At that time, your mother had already married your father and left the entertainment industry, yet she always had a persistent enemy¡ªGu Mingzhu. Back then, Gu Mingzhu was at the pinnacle of her career. It was said that she and your mother graduated from the same school and were best friends. Butter on, they had a falling out over a man named Gao Wenbin, who was your mother¡¯s first love but was stolen away by Gu Mingzhu. Despite her love for him, Gu Mingzhu ended up severing ties with your mother. For some reason, that man never ended up with Gu Mingzhu, and from then on, Gu Mingzhu and your mother became sworn enemies. Even after your mother left the entertainment industry, Gu Mingzhu never let her go and caused her countless big and small troubles over the years. All these were known to everyone in the entertainment industry. But then, Gu Mingzhu got married and went abroad, temporarily ending their feud. Unexpectedly, after only two or three years, Gu Mingzhu got divorced and returned home. Not long after her return, a scandal involving charity embezzlement came to light. Gu Mingzhu had donated twenty million yuan under her personal name that had suddenly disappeared, only to reappear in your mother¡¯s private ount. This incident led to the establishment of your mother¡¯s guilt. Your father questioned it back then, but just when he was investigating, your mother suddenly confessed to the crime, turning it into an epted fact that remains unchanged to this day.¡± After hearing this, Xia Yangyang felt her heart growing colder. ¡°Didn¡¯t my father investigate this matter back then? He just let my mother confess, bearing all the me?¡± ¡°Your father did investigate back then, but given the Gu Family¡¯s power, what could he find? Moreover, your mothermitted suicide at that time, and your father was devastated. Even if he found out any hidden truth, what would be the point?¡± Yangyang asked, ¡°So why are you telling me all this now?¡± ¡°You and Ah Chen are secretly married, and moreover, most of the incidents involving Gu Mingzhu happened abroad. We never really dwelled on it. All past events are in the past. The incidents back then can no longer be investigated, so it might have been a coincidence or unrted to Gu Mingzhu. Since we have be families by marriage and your father has decided not to pursue these past matters for fear that it might create discord between you and Ah Chen.¡± Yangyang furrowed her brows, ¡°But you still found a way to let me know.¡± Chapter 396 - 397: Calculation Chapter 396: Chapter 397: Calction Liu Ruyan said, ¡°I¡¯m only saying this for your own good. This whole affair has always been a mystery. It¡¯s unclear whether it was your mother who embezzled funds or if Gu Mingzhu deliberately set her up. What happened in the past should stay in the past, so long as it does not affect you and your husband¡¯s rtionship. However, not long ago, Gu Mingzhu came to see me personally and asked many questions about you, particrly regarding whether you know your mother¡¯s past or not. This made me argue with your father. I felt that you should be made aware, so you can be on guard. I fear that if your mother¡¯s death indeed had something to do with her, she may pose a threat to you. However, your father forbade me from telling you these things. Firstly, he feared it would affect you and Ah Chen, and secondly, ourpany is currently relying on financial aid from Shengyuan. Sometimes, when you are beholden to others, you have to bow your head.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback, ¡°What do you mean by when you are beholden to others, you have to bow your head?¡± Liu Ruyan replied, ¡°Your father initially didn¡¯t want to tell you this, but actually, ourpany didn¡¯t get a bank loan. Instead, Shengyuan lent us two hundred million directly, which helped us ovee our difficulties temporarily.¡± Xia Yangyang felt her heart race. She remembered when her father had returned her twelve million. He imed that a loan from the Japanese He Yin had solved thepany¡¯s crisis. Xia Yangyang, however, hadn¡¯t expected Shengyuan to be the one to step in. Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t uttered a single word about this till today. Liu Ruyan continued, ¡°I have a recording of a conversation between Gu Mingzhu and me that might help clear things up.¡± Liu Ruyan took out her phone and yed an audio recording. The recording began with Liu Ruyan¡¯s voice: ¡°Was the twenty million donated to the Angel Foundation by you?¡± Gu Mingzhu¡¯s voice came from the recording: ¡°What happened all those years ago¡­I owe Tan Zhen an apology. I only wanted to humiliate her. We fought for so long, and I just wanted her to admit defeat and apologize to me. But I never thought that she wouldmit suicide over twenty million. I¡¯ve felt guilty for many years and didn¡¯t dare face reality. However, I didn¡¯t expect Yangyang to be Tan Zhen¡¯s daughter. It really is karmic retribution.¡± The recording abruptly ended there. Xia Yangyang could tell that it was Gu Mingzhu and Liu Ruyan¡¯s voices. Xia Yangyang felt a chill run through her body. So, the twenty million was indeed Gu Mingzhu intentionally setting up a trap for her mother. Xia Yangyang felt her blood slowly turn cold. Liu Ruyan said, ¡°I know I¡¯m your stepmother, and you might not trust anything I say or think that I truly care for you. You may choose to confront Gu Mingzhu about this. I presume she won¡¯t deny it. However, as your father said, the incident is in the past, and you and Ah Chen are already married¡­¡± Xia Yangyang responded coldly, ¡°Enough with your pretense. Isn¡¯t the reason why you let Xia Weiwei get close to the film crew just so that she could reveal my mother¡¯s death has something to do with Gu Mingzhu, leading me to investigate? You knew that I would eventually confront you. You¡¯ve been baiting me with the conversation you recorded, haven¡¯t you? You¡¯re just trying to use this old grudge to drive a wedge between me and Gu Qichen. Because Xia Weiwei has feelings for Gu Qichen, you want to bring me down, so Weiwei can take my ce, don¡¯t you? Even if Gu Mingzhu was the perpetrator back then, you don¡¯t need to y the good person here. Everything today, all your steps, are calcted by you, Liu Ruyan, aren¡¯t they?¡± Chapter 397 - 398: Cultivating into an Old Fox and Wreaking Havoc in the Human World Again Chapter 397: Chapter 398: Cultivating into an Old Fox and Wreaking Havoc in the Human World Again Xia Yangyang was not a fool. Liu Ruyan kept insisting that it was all for her good. Yet, she did not withhold a single piece of information from her. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know to what extent the tale had been exaggerated. But Xia Yangyang did know that Liu Ruyan deliberately manipted Xia Weiwei into many things. Such a great opportunity, how could Liu Ruyan possibly let it slip? However, even though Xia Yangyang knew it was a trap, she still had no choice but to jump into it. Unexpectedly, Liu Ruyanughed. With a refined demeanor, she fixed her hair: ¡°Xia Yangyang, you are far cleverer than your mother.¡± Liu Ruyan got up and walked over to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Indeed, I asked Weiwei to take the opportunity to inform you about this, and I secretly investigated the past events and sought confirmation from Gu Mingzhu. But the fact is, she killed your mother, and you happen to be married to Gu Mingzhu¡¯s younger brother.¡± ¡°What is your purpose?¡± ¡°My aim is simple, you must be well aware. Weiwei is infatuated with Qi Chen, and yet you ended up marrying him. My foolish daughter, I told her countless times not to rush things, but she couldn¡¯t help herself from taking a shot at you, and now she¡¯s in this mess. We could have waited for you to unravel the truth gradually and break away from the Gu Family on your own, but her impatience caused unnecessary damage. Now, it¡¯s nearly impossible for Weiwei to marry Qi Chen. At this point, I have no other hopes. You might consider my past actions as scheming, and if there are ounts to be settled, you can ce the me on me. Just spare Weiwei this time, I promise she will never bother you again. As for your marriage with Qi Chen, that¡¯s up to you to weigh the pros and cons. If you think that all past events are over and your mother¡¯s been long gone, uncovering truth might not make any sense, you might as well continue to be the young mistress of the Gu family, like I¡¯ve never said anything today.¡± Xia Yangyang justughed: ¡°If Xia Weiwei inherited half of your cunning, she wouldn¡¯t be in prison now. Aunt Liu, does my father know about your scheming nature?¡± With a charming smile, Liu Ruyan said: ¡°Your father is a blockhead who doesn¡¯t understand romance. In his mind, I am probably the most innocent person in the world.¡± Xia Yangyang alsoughed: ¡°I¡¯ll drop the charges against Xia Weiwei, but Aunt Liu, please control her in the future. It¡¯s not toote for her toe out and cause trouble again once she learns to be as sly as you.¡± ¡°Yangyang, even though you¡¯re not my daughter, I quite like you.¡± Xia Yangyang had no energy to keep bantering with her. So she turned and left the study. On the balcony, Qi Chen was talking with Xia Liangdong. Xia Yangyang was in a whirl of emotions. One of the men out there was her father, who refused to uncover the truth about her mother because of his vested interests. Xia Yangyang had never resented Xia Liangdong so much. She even wondered if her father ever truly loved her mother. Perhaps if he had emotionally betrayed her, Xia Yangyang could have forgiven him. But to submit to the person who had once killed her mother for two billion, Xia Yangyang found it intolerable. And Qi Chen, he had never told her the truth. She knew very well that the one thing she didn¡¯t want was for the Gu Family to be the sheltering tree for the Xia Family. But behind her back, he made decisions without consulting her. Perhaps others may think that Xia Yangyang should be grateful for this. But probably because of Gu Mingzhu, Xia Yangyang only felt like that two billion was a poisonous snake, coiling in her heart, ready to bite her at any time¡­. Chapter 398 - 399: Particularly Annoying to Him Chapter 398: Chapter 399: Particrly Annoying to Him Upon seeing Xia Yangyange out, Gu Qichen went over. Xia Yangyang looked pale, like a soulless shell. Gu Qichen asked with concern, ¡°What has been said? You don¡¯t look well.¡± Xia Yangyang managed to muster a smile, ¡°Ah Chen, let¡¯s go home. I want to go home.¡± Xia Liangdong came over, ¡°Yangyang, why don¡¯t you and Ah Chen stay for dinner? It¡¯s rare for you to visit.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice seemed to carry a chill, ¡°I¡¯m not hungry, Ah Chen, let¡¯s go.¡± Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang left together. Xia Liangdong¡¯s sigh could be heard from behind. Once they left, Xia Yangyang did not utter a single word. Gu Qichen looked at Xia Yangyang, furrowing his brow. He then grabbed her hand, ¡°What exactly did Liu Ruyan say to make you so distraught?¡± Xia Yangyang smiled, ¡°Let¡¯s drop this matter about Weiwei. We can let her out tomorrow.¡± Gu Qichen frowned, ¡°How can we just let her off the hook so easily?¡± ¡°After all, she¡¯s my father¡¯s daughter. Now, she has her reputation ruined and she will not be able to enter the entertainment business anymore. It¡¯s punishment enough.¡± Gu Qichen seemed displeased, ¡°Did Liu Ruyan offer you some sort ofpromise?¡± ¡°No, I just think this lesson is sufficient.¡± Gu Qichen seemed unconvinced. However, he didn¡¯t have much to say as Xia Yangyang was soft-hearted. Gu Qichen warned, ¡°Your kind nature will eventually get you into trouble.¡± Xia Yangyang managed a small smile. ¡°Ah Chen, is sister still in Sea City?¡± Gu Mingzhu had established a clothing brand and apany in Sea City. Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t seen her in a while. Gu Qichen replied, ¡°She¡¯s mostly theretely. Why are you suddenly asking about her?¡± Xia Yangyang spoke, ¡°I want to see her.¡± ¡°In a few more days, it will be New Year¡¯s Eve. At that time, your sister will definitelye back.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, ¡°Okay.¡± Subsequently, Xia Yangyang spent most of her time working on her thesis. Due to the airing of Cindere, she had garnered some notoriety on campus. Unless necessary, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t stay on campus. Now, Xia Yangyang spent most of her time in Gu Qichen¡¯s office, working on her thesis and conducting her research. Gu Qichen seemed to notice. Xia Yangyang had be unusually clingy. Nowadays, they spent every single hour of the day together. Sometimes, when Gu Qichen was on a business trip, Xia Yangyang would insist on following him. Even though Gu Qichen was ted by Xia Yangyang¡¯s change. However, he couldn¡¯t help but worry amidst the joy. Xia Yangyang was bothered. Gu Qichen could see it. But Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t willing to share. Gu Qichen had caught her in deep thought on several asions. Gu Qichen was in the dark about her concerns. After his meeting, Gu Qichen returned from the conference room back to his office. He found Xia Yangyang standing by the floor-to-ceiling ss window, lost in thought. Gu Qichen went over, embracing her from behind, kissing her hair, ¡°What are you thinking about? Still unwilling to tell me?¡± Xia Yangyang leaned backwards, almost fully resting into Gu Qichen¡¯s arms. She liked the smell of Gu Qichen¡¯s skin, clean and sharp, it wasforting. All of a sudden, Xia Yangyang spoke, ¡°Ah Chen, I was wondering, why is the world so unpredictable? Just moments ago it was sunny and now the sky is filled with dark clouds. It seems like it¡¯s about to rain.¡± Gu Qichen looked outside. Indeed,rge, dense clouds were rolling in, changing the color of the sky, darkening the day.. Chapter 399 - 400: Mother’s Childhood Sweetheart Chapter 399: Chapter 400: Mother¡¯s Childhood Sweetheart Gu Qichen held Xia Yangyang in his arms, ¡°Clear skies are great, but heavy rain is also a unique sight, no need to worry, even if it¡¯s a downpour in your world, I will always hold an umbre for you.¡± Xia Yangyang turned around and embraced Gu Qichen. She was not insensitive to his words. But what if this rain, is falling for your sake? Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t dare to ponder on it. These days, because Gu Mingzhu had not returned yet. She has given herself an empty vacation. She didn¡¯t think about past feuds, didn¡¯t think about whether her mother¡¯s death really had anything to do with Gu Mingzhu, she justpletely indulged in the time she was with Gu Qichen. The more she stayed with Gu Qichen, the more it felt like she was sinking into a quagmire, unable to extricate herself. In these days, apart from being busy with her thesis, Xia Yangyang spent her remaining time trying to find out information about Gao Wenbin. Liu Ruyan said that the source of all past grievances was because of this man. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t obtain much valuable information. Later, Xia Yangyang went to their old film academy. She found a ssmate who was in the same ss as her mother. Now, she is the head of the acting department of the Film Academy, a highly respected figure. What she said about the past was not much different from what Zhang Jizhong had told her. About the past of Gu Mingzhu and Tan Zhen, they seemed to intentionally avoid mentioning it. But unintentionally, she revealed something. When Tan Zhen was in the Film Academy, she had a childhood sweetheart, named Gao Wenbin. Upon hearing the phrase ¡°childhood sweetheart¡±, Xia Yangyang decided to take a trip back to her grandmother¡¯s house. Gu Qichen originally intended to go with her. But it was nearing the end of the year and he was busy, his time already stretched thin. Xia Yangyang went to the countryside alone, nning to visit her grandmother while she was there. Her grandmother was very happy to see her. But seeing Xia Yangyang alone, she hastily asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Ah Chen? Why didn¡¯t hee back with you?¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°He is very busy now and really has no time, but he said he wille and visit you in a while.¡± The look on the old woman¡¯s face was both disappointed and happy, ¡°If he¡¯s busy, let him be. I¡¯m not insisting that hees to see an old woman like me.¡± After entering the house, Xia Yangyang found that the house where her grandma lived had beenpletely renovated. The water and electricity had beenpletely rewired, and a separate bathroom had been built. In addition to the renovation, new furniture had also been added. A telephone line had also been installed. After entering the house, her grandmother began to grumble, ¡°I¡¯m an old woman, and I¡¯m already halfway into the grave, you guys insist on sprucing up the house like this, wasting money and energy.¡± Xia Yangyang held her grandmother¡¯s hand, ¡°Grandma, you can still live for fifty more years. I don¡¯t allow you to say such things, and besides, Ah Chen arranged for all this. He did this because he wants to make it more convenient for you, especially since your legs aren¡¯t so good, there¡¯s no way we would still have you fetching water from the yard.¡± Grandma said it was a waste, but she was actually very happy. Now, the people in the vige knew how good her grandson-inw was to her, and they were extremely envious. In the evening, Grandma made chicken soup. Xia Yangyang drank three bowls, but it was still not enough. Her grandmother sighed, ¡°Your eating habits are just like your mother¡¯s. Every time she came home, I would make her chicken soup, and she could finish a whole pot by herself.¡± Speaking of her mother, Xia Yangyang paused for a moment, and then casually asked, ¡°Grandma, do you know a man named Gao Wenbin?¡± As soon as Grandma heard this name, her face changed, ¡°You¡¯re talking about that little hooligan from the orphanage, right? Of course, I know him, he was always getting into fights and causing trouble. Everybody in the vige and town knew his name. Later, I heard that he was sent to jail..¡± Chapter 400 - 401: Their Youth... Chapter 400: Chapter 401: Their Youth¡­ Indeed, that man and my mother have known each other since childhood. Xia Yangyang continued to ask, ¡°Grandma, what kind of rtionship did my mom have with him?¡± The old woman found Xia Yangyang¡¯s question strange, ¡°Why are you suddenly asking about this?¡± ¡°Some things have happened recently, rted to this man. Grandma, I want to know everything about him and his rtionship with Mom. If you know anything, please tell me everything.¡± Grandma took a bite of food, but put down her chopsticks and heaved a deep sigh, ¡°This Gao Wenbin was a little ruffian who grew up orphaned. He lived in the only orphanage in the town. He was notorious for causing trouble and ended up at the police station every few days¡­ But he was always kind to your mom.¡± Xia Yangyang was slightly surprised, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say Mom was very well-behaved and gentle when she was young? How could she get mixed up with someone like this?¡± Speaking of this matter, the olddy seemed to have a deep impression. ¡°I don¡¯t know how they met. All I know is that one day after school, that ruffian brought your mother home. Since then, he came every day. I thought he was just harassing your mother. I chased him several times and even called the police. But it was no use. He still brought your mother home every day. Later, I found out that Xiao Zhen encountered some bullies after school one day and Gao Wenbin saved her. He brought her home every day to protect her. But I was worried since Gao Wenbin was an uneducated hoodlum. I feared he might think improperly of your mother. I tried various ways to cut off their contact, but it was no use. That ruffian ended up escorting your mother to and from school for three years.¡± After hearing this, Xia Yangyang felt a mix of emotions. Images of her mother¡¯s youthful days floated in her mind. Grandma continued, ¡°During those three years, Gao Wenbin came over almost every day. Sometimes during farming season, he would help out in the fields. He took initiative in doing everything at home. Even if I tried to shoo him away with a broom, he wouldn¡¯t leave. I initially thought it was because your mother, being a gentle person, didn¡¯t want to make a fuss with this ruffian. Later I found out that the two were actually dating.¡± Xia Yangyang was also taken aback, ¡°Was Mom in a rtionship earlier than usual?¡± ¡°Early love or not, at that time your mother was already eighteen. She was the only college student in the vige and even in the town. But she insisted on attending a film school, which had a very high tuition fee. I couldn¡¯t afford it even after selling all the cattle and sheep in our house. Later, that ruffian handed over twenty thousand yuan, saying it was for your mother¡¯s tuition.¡± Listening to this past story, Xia Yangyang felt as though she had been transported back several decades,pletely immersed in it. Gao Wenbin must have truly liked her mother. ¡°I refused to take the money at first. Who knew whether this ruffian obtained the money through fraudulent means. Butter, he promised that he had earned the money through honest work. In the end, your mother didn¡¯t hesitate to ept the money. That¡¯s when I realized they had been dating for quite a while, and were very affectionate.¡± The old woman sighed deeply, ¡°I was very anxious at that time. How could my beautiful daughter be interested in an uneducated thug? They seemed so mismatched. Besides his good looks, I couldn¡¯t see any other merits in that thug. However, one thing¡¯s for sure, he was genuinely good to your mother. Heplied with her in every way..¡± Chapter 401 - 402: He is a Ruffian, But Also Her Hero Chapter 401: Chapter 402: He is a Ruffian, But Also Her Hero ¡°Grandma, were you against their love affair back then?¡± Xia Yangyang asked. ¡°Of course I was against it. Who would entrust their daughter to a troublemaker? He was good to your mother, but he was unpredictable and kept badpany. I feared he would drag your mother down. I always objected, but it was to no avail.¡± ¡°Did mom really like him?¡± A look of helplessness appeared on Grandma¡¯s face: ¡°Initially, I thought your mother was merely grateful to him. After all, he was a young man who escorted her to and from school, through rain or shine. Your mother was so gentle, it seemed impossible for her to fall for someone like him. But when I forced your mother to break up with him, she went on a hunger strike for three days. That¡¯s when I knew, her heart was set on him. I don¡¯t know what spell she was under, but she really did like that little hoodlum.¡± As an outsider, Xia Yangyang felt moved when she heard what her grandmother had to say. She could understand her mother¡¯s feelings. Although Gao Wenbin was a hooligan who was unlearned and unreasonable, he was her mother¡¯s hero. ¡°Later your mother went to the big city to attend university, and Gao Wenbin followed. At that time, he promised me that he would find a decent job, live a good life, and once he had achieved something, he woulde and formally propose. I epted this, since at least I could see that the young man was sincere. With him around, I was not afraid of your mother being bullied in the big city.¡± When Grandma got to this part of the story, she seemed to remember something. Her voice turned somber. ¡°What happenedter, why didn¡¯t mom end up with him and instead married dad?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t know exactly what happened in the city. All I know is that, one day your mother returned home all of a sudden and locked herself in her room for seven days without eating or drinking, just staring nkly. Gao Wenbin cameter and kneeled outside the door for a whole day and night. When your mother finally came out, they talked in the yard. In the end, your mother broke up with him. The young man just stood there and cried loudly. Although I don¡¯t know exactly what happened, it was quite heartbreaking at the time. When I asked your mother, she didn¡¯t want to talk about it. Afterwards, Gao Wenbin left and I never saw him again. I heard that hemitted some crime and went to jail, and less than three monthster, your mother married your father.¡± Speaking of this, Grandma¡¯s voice was filled with regret: ¡°Actually, I quite liked that little troublemakerter. Compared to your father, Gao Wenbin did things for your mother that Xia Liangdong could neverpete with. I also heardter, that Gao Wenbin had presumably been seduced by a youngdy from a wealthy family, and had wronged your mother. Your mother was so unfortunate, not only was she abandoned by one man, but even your father treated her so poorly. No wonder¡­¡± At this point, it seemed like the olddy couldn¡¯t continue. Although these were old stories, her daughter¡¯s death remained a heavy stone in her heart for all these years. She couldn¡¯t reveal the full story to Yangyang. Xia Yangyang also felt very saddened. Grandma wanted to say, no wonder her mother was so disappointed in the end andmitted suicide. Grandma was not aware of the many hidden details of the situation. ¡°Let¡¯s stop talking about this, NanNan, let¡¯s eat. Your mother has been gone for so many years, and talking about these things is pointless. As long as you and Ah Chen are happy, your mother can rest in peace underground.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s mood also turned gloomy. If it was indeed Gu Mingzhu who, out of love and hatred, drove her mother to suicide back then, Xia Yangyang really didn¡¯t know what she would do. Could she continue her rtionship with Gu Qichen? Chapter 402 - 403: Haven’t You Learned to be Smart Yet? Chapter 402: Chapter 403: Haven¡¯t You Learned to be Smart Yet? Xia Yangyang stayed in the countryside for two days before heading back. The New Year was approaching. The entire city was in a bustling mood. It was decided to celebrate Chinese New Year¡¯s Eve at the Gu Family¡¯s residence. The day before Chinese New Year¡¯s Eve, Xia Liangdong invited Xia Yangyang over for a meal. It was the first time Xia Yangyang had seen Xia Weiwei since Weiwei was released from detention. When Xia Weiwei saw Xia Yangyang, her eyes were still filled with undisguised resentment. Even more so than before. But she had learned to endure. Upon seeing Xia Yangyang, she didn¡¯t utter a word and retreated to her room. During dinner, everyone sat at the same table and conversation was sparse. Except for the asional business chat between Gu Qichen and Xia Liangdong. If it wasn¡¯t for Xia Liangdong¡¯s insistence, Xia Yangyang wouldn¡¯t have wanted to return. Xia Yangyang was aware. This family was now fragmented. Xia Liangdong did his best to mend the situation. This time she returned, Xia Liangdong stated that it was for Xia Weiwei to apologize to Xia Yangyang. But where was Xia Weiwei¡¯s sincerity? During dinner, Xia Weiwei deliberately spilled wine over Xia Yangyang. Then she disdainfully said: ¡°Sister, I¡¯m sorry, I was immature, you have to bear with me.¡± Xia Liangdong pped the table hard: ¡°Xia Weiwei, if it weren¡¯t for your sister being lenient, you would be in prison now! What kind of attitude is this? Haven¡¯t you learned your lesson yet?¡± Xia Weiwei tossed her chopsticks aside: ¡°Dad, would I have gone to jail if it weren¡¯t for her? My reputation is in shambles now, I can¡¯t get by in the entertainment circle, and I can¡¯t even attend school. All thanks to her! And you im she¡¯s being lenient, does she want to drive me to the edge to be considered ruthless?¡± Xia Yangyang coldly interjected: ¡°Xia Weiwei, if you¡¯re talking about being ruthless, I¡¯m nowhere near you. If you hadn¡¯t done those outrageous things, how would you have ended up where you are now?¡± Xia Weiwei hysterically shouted: ¡°Isn¡¯t it all because you took everything from me, Xia Yangyang? You stole everything from me! You made me lose everything, I¡¯m neither a human nor a ghost now. I will never forgive you, I hate you so much, why don¡¯t you just die!¡± ¡°p¡±. A loud p sounded. Liu Ruyan¡¯s palmnded on Xia Weiwei¡¯s face. Xia Weiwei looked at Liu Ruyan in disbelief: ¡°Mom, even you are hitting me?¡± ¡°I want to wake you up! You brought it upon yourself by doing those things, and yet you have the audacity to me your sister here? If it weren¡¯t for your sister¡¯s and brother-inw¡¯s magnanimity, you wouldn¡¯t even have the chance to stay here and bark. You still don¡¯t realize your wrongs even now, go to your room and reflect! You¡¯re not allowed to eat until you understand where you went wrong.¡± Xia Weiwei had a look of disbelief on her face. But looking at everyone¡¯s cold faces, she covered her face and went upstairs. From the beginning until the end, Gu Qichen wore an entirely indifferent expression. With a remorseful look on her face, Liu Ruyan said, ¡°This child is truly unfathomable. I¡¯ll go talk some sense into her, you all continue eating.¡± Once she finished speaking, Liu Ruyan went upstairs. Xia Weiwei was trashing her room. She almost broke everything breakable in the room. Liu Ruyan appeared at the door, her voice cold: ¡°Stupid child, what have I taught you during the day? Keep calm and offer a sincere apology to Xia Yangyang. What the hell were you doing just now? Do you know the consequences of provoking Gu Qichen again? Hasn¡¯t a month in detention taught you to be smarter?¡± Chapter 403 - 404: Ace Chapter 403: Chapter 404: Ace Xia Weiwei was like a madwoman, smashing the bedsidemp as well: ¡°But I can¡¯t ept it, I can¡¯t ept it, I can¡¯t ept it. I hate it. Why is Gu Qichen so heartless towards me for Xia Yangyang? I loved him so much, and what did I end up with? He ruined me with his own hands. If I can¡¯t have it, then I¡¯ll destroy it. I want to destroy them all.¡± However, Liu Ruyan just sat down on the sofa: ¡°Who said you can¡¯t have it? You just can¡¯t be patient for a bit. I¡¯ve told you countless times, what does disgrace count for? After a while, who will remember what you¡¯ve done?¡± After hearing Liu Ruyan say this, Xia Weiwei quickly walked over to her and grabbed her hand: ¡°Mom, do I still have a chance? Is there still a possibility for me to marry Gu Qichen? He loathes me so much now, looking at me like I¡¯m a disgusting fly, I can¡¯t take it anymore.¡± Liu Ruyan red at her: ¡°You didn¡¯t listen to what I told you before, I told you the time wasn¡¯t ripe yet and urged you to be patient, but what did you do? Even if you did those things, it could have been tolerated, but you left behind so many loopholes. How could I, Liu Ruyan, have a daughter as foolish as you?¡± ¡°Mom, I know I was wrong, help me, help me. I can¡¯t let Xia Yangyang be so smug getting Gu Qichen. Even ruining their marriage is good. I wish I could tear Xia Yangyang into pieces when I see her.¡± Liu Ruyan reached out and stroked Xia Weiwei¡¯s face: ¡°My daughter, just wait. The real drama is about to begin. I¡¯ll help you get back at all the humiliation you¡¯ve suffered today.¡± ¡°You always say that, but why are Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen still so close despite knowing that Mingzhu¡¯s and her mother¡¯s deaths are rted? Why are they still together? Why haven¡¯t they divorced yet?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we still have our trump card here.¡± Xia Weiwei asked: ¡°What trump card?¡± Liu Ruyan leaned into her ear and whispered a few words. A shocked expression appeared on Xia Weiwei¡¯s face: ¡°The Gu Family actually has such an earth-shattering secret. If outsiders were to know, the Gu Family would lose all face.¡± Liu Ruyan giggled: ¡°Master Gu would never let that happen. It concerns the reputation the Gu Family has established over a hundred years.¡± A vicious smile appeared on Xia Weiwei¡¯s face: ¡°Mom, this is definitely a trump card. If I were to publicize it¡­¡± Liu Ruyan scolded: ¡°I told you you¡¯re getting more stupid. This trump card, we must hold it tight, and never publicize it lightly. Then you won¡¯t have to worry about not getting what you want.¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly saw the light. Yes. With such a trump card, even if she asked Gu Qichen to marry her, he would definitely agree. Xia Weiwei seemed to see hope, her mood instantly improved, as she hugged Liu Ruyan¡¯s neck: ¡°Mom, you¡¯re really amazing, how did you find out about this news?¡± Liu Ruyan said: ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that, I have my ways.¡± Xia Weiwei clenched her fingers, a skewed smile on her face: ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see Xia Yangyang¡¯s downfall. Without Gu Qichen, she will be worse than a dog. At that time, I want to see if she can step on my head. When the timees, I will crush her like stepping on an ant.¡± After Xia Yangyang finished her dinner, she nned to leave. This meal wasn¡¯t enjoyable. Xia Liangdong¡¯s initial purpose had also fallen through. He could only sigh. On the way back, Xia Yangyang suddenly said: ¡± I don¡¯ t know when it started, how my dad and I have turned this way, even talking is a struggle. I really can¡¯t feel any warmth of a family.¡± Gu Qichen held Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand: ¡°Yangyang, we¡¯re a family now. Whatever warmth you want, I can give you.¡± Chapter 404 - 405: Ending Chapter 404: Chapter 405: Ending Xia Yangyang turned her head to look at Gu Qichen. She felt an inexplicableplexity in her emotions. When Xia Yangyang held Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze, she quickly averted her eyes out of guilt. Speaking in a low voice, Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Ah Chen, what if one day, we have to part ways?¡± Gu Qichen knitted his brows in response. He abruptly hit the brakes and pulled over to the side of the road. Xia Yangyang was taken aback, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± With a serious countenance, Gu Qichen replied, ¡°Yangyang, never utter such words again, and don¡¯t even think like that. We are married; we are one. I don¡¯t n on divorcing in this lifetime, and you better not either.¡± Xia Yangyang was rather frightened by Gu Qichen¡¯s icy serious reaction, she stammered, ¡°I¡­ I was just kidding.¡± Gu Qichen stared into Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes and then he leaned over, pressed his lips onto hers, cupped her face with both hands. His voice, however, turned much softer, ¡°Don¡¯t make that kind of joke again, understood?¡± Xia Yangyang was lost for words. She nodded in a daze. Only then did Gu Qichen let go of Xia Yangyang and merged back into the city¡¯s traffic. ¡°I¡¯ll take you home first, I have to go pick up my sister from the airportter.¡± Xia Yangyang immediately snapped back to reality, ¡°Is she returning from Sea City today?¡± ¡°Yangyang, tomorrow is New Year¡¯s Eve, of course she would return to celebrate it with everyone.¡± Speaking of which, it had been nearly two months since Xia Yangyangst saw Gu Mingzhu. Xia Yangyang suggested, ¡°Let me go with you to pick her up.¡± ¡°No need, her flight might be dyed. It¡¯ste, you should go home and rest,¡± Gu Qichen replied. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t insist. For Xia Yangyang knew a resolution was in order upon her reunion with Gu Mingzhu. But she couldn¡¯t imagine what would happen to their respective rtionships with Gu Qichen after this resolution. She had been putting it off for such a long time. In her heart, she justified it with the excuse of Gu Mingzhu¡¯s absence. Actually, she was just unwilling to confront it. But the day arrived nheless. Xia Yangyang returned to Maple Vi first. Gu Qichen then headed for the airport. The Gu Family did have a dedicated driver. But whenever Gu Mingzhu returned from a business trip, Gu Qichen, however busy, would always personally pick her up. Their siblings¡¯ rtionship was extraordinarily good. This was precisely why Xia Yangyang was torn. That night, Xia Yangyang had a restless sleep. Gu Qichen returned around 2 a.m. Xia Yangyang was still awake at that time. Groggily, she turned on the light, ¡°You¡¯re home?¡± Gu Qichen squatted down and gently kissed her hair, ¡°Why are you still up?¡± ¡°I can¡¯t sleep.¡± Gu Qichen smiled, ¡°Is it because I wasn¡¯t by your side?¡± Uncharacteristically, Xia Yangyang nodded, ¡°I want to fall asleep in your arms.¡± Gu Qichen was surprised to see Xia Yangyang behaving childishly. After showering, he took Xia Yangyang into his arms, ¡°Honestly, I don¡¯t know what you would do without me, my dear.¡± It was initially a casual joke. However, Xia Yangyang felt like crying for no reason. Indeed, what would she do without Gu Qichen? Xia Yangyang curled up into Gu Qichen¡¯s arms, closed her eyes, and silently began to cry. Presumably, Gu Qichen fell asleep due to exhaustion. Xia Yangyang, however, couldn¡¯t sleep. Shey looking at the face of the sleeping Gu Qichen. It felt as if she hadn¡¯t had a good look at him in a long while. That man was still as good-looking as ever, enough to turn the world upside down. Chapter 405 - 406: Recognize his damn ancestors Chapter 405: Chapter 406: Recognize his damn ancestors Xia Yangyang suddenly thought of the morning they were intimate. When Xia Yangyang opened her eyes, she saw this face. In that moment, her mind was nk. She thought she was inside aic book. Under such circumstances, Xia Yangyang¡¯s first reaction was, how could there be such a handsome man in the world? Xia Yangyang brushed Gu Qichen¡¯s eyebrows and eyes with her hand. Gu Qichen was so peaceful when he was asleep, just like a child. But once these eyes opened, Xia Yangyang could imagine, how deep and intelligent they must be. His nose was tall and straight, the side profile of his face was perfect. And those lips, born with an enchanting curve when he smiled. Xia Yangyang gently felt it, watched it intently, as if she wanted to etch this face deeply into her mind. Xia Yangyang had never thought that she, who was so ordinary, would have such a bizarre encounter, such a strange marriage. At first, she was resigned to this marriage, but today, Xia Yangyang clearly understood that she hadpletely fallen into it. She yearned for a lifetime with Gu Qichen, to have children together, and grow old together. So, she couldn¡¯t imagine the impending storm she was about to face. New Year¡¯s Eve was a nightmare that wouldst a lifetime for her. The Gu mansion was brightly lit. The yard was also decorated with exquisite rednterns and flowernterns of various sizes. It was said that all this was personally arranged by Gu Mingzhu today. The Gu family was small. So they particrly liked lively events. Whenever the New Year came, they would always decorate the house carefully. Gu Zhaohan had alsoe back today. Rarely, he was sitting in the living room watching TV. Seeing Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang enter, he just called out to his uncle. Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen both went to their grandfather¡¯s study. The old man was on the phone. But it was unclear who it was. On New Year¡¯s Eve, someone actually piqued the old man¡¯s temper. The old man coldly said, ¡°There¡¯s no room for negotiation on this matter. Don¡¯t even think about it, Xiao Han is my Gu family¡¯s grandson, and has nothing to do with you Xi Family people.¡± The old man then hung up the phone. But he was still so angry that his fingers were trembling. Gu Qichen quickly went over and patted the old man¡¯s back, ¡°The Xi family called again? They really won¡¯t quit, one call a year, it must have been twenty years by now.¡± The old man just grunted twice, ¡°The marriage is over, Xiao Han has taken our Gu family name, what does he have to do with the Xi family? That Xi Jiachen might be richer than our Gu family, but the things he did back then, were they even human? Thinking I would forgive him, not in eight lifetimes. He just now was trying to tell me, to let Xiao Han recognize his ancestors, recognize his granny¡¯s ancestors.¡± Xia Yangyang was on the side listening with a confused face. But Xia Yangyang also heard it. There¡¯s probably something to do with Gu Zhaohan. She vaguely heard the name Xi Jiachen. Could Xi Jiachen be the richest man in Asia? Is he Gu Zhaohan¡¯s biological father? Gu Mingzhu¡¯s ex-husband? Although Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what disputes the previous generation had, it must have been aplicated rtionship. Gu Mingzhu was Xi Jiachen¡¯s second wife, and Xi Jiachen had two sons with his first wife, the older son Xi Yanbo, and the younger son Xi Yankai. These two were frequent guests in tabloid gossip. This Xi Yanbo was a yboy, changing women more often than clothes, it was said that he had slept with half the women in the modeling scene. As for Xi Yankai, he was even more incredible, he didn¡¯t like women, he liked men. When he rented the big screen in Times Square in the United States to propose to Chen Yu, people still talk about it to this day. Chapter 406 - 407: Their Sibling Bond is Really Strong Chapter 406: Chapter 407: Their Sibling Bond is Really Strong Of course, Xi Jiachen also had a biological son. That would be Gu Zhaohan, who was born to Gu Mingzhu. Though Gu Zhaohan hadn¡¯t grown up in the Xi family, Xi Jiachen constantly thought about his son. Mainly because his eldest and second sons were disappointments. Xi Yanbo had mishandled arge portion of the family business shortly after taking over. Furthermore, Xi Yankai had even less interest in managing the business. Gu Zhaohan, to his credit, was smart and talented; Xi Jiachen had been quietly observing this son for many years. His youngest son, just like him in his younger years, was intelligent andposed. He had the potential for great sess. Though he was studying medicine, the matters of the business world could still be slowly taught to him. With all his heart, Xi Jiachen wanted to acknowledge this son as his own and have him inherit the family business, especially as his health deteriorated in the recent years, making this desire even stronger. But the old man refused to give him any face. He hung up the phone after a few brief exchanges. The old man instructed Gu Qichen, ¡°Find someone to block the Xi family¡¯s number for me. I don¡¯t want to receive calls from that bastard again.¡± Gu Qichen replied with resignation, ¡°If Xi Jiachen wants to call you, I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t block him. He has ways.¡± The old man heaved a deep sigh, ¡°My biggest mistake was letting your sister marry him. She suffered so much, lost hope in marriage, and has been living alone all these years.¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°This has nothing to do with you. Don¡¯t me yourself. Let¡¯s go eat.¡± New Year¡¯s Eve dinner. The tradition here was to eat dumplings. The dumplings served today were all hand-wrapped by Gu Mingzhu. She made the filling and rolled the dough herself. She was now boiling them in the kitchen. Gu Qichen went behind Gu Mingzhu and asked like a child, ¡°Sis, what filling did you use? It smells so good.¡± Seeing Gu Qichen, Gu Mingzhu¡¯s face lit up, ¡°It¡¯s your favorite beef filling. Here, try one and see how it tastes.¡± After saying this, Gu Mingzhu picked up a dumpling with her chopsticks and brought it to Gu Qichen¡¯s lips. She then blew on it a few times: ¡°Be careful, it¡¯s hot.¡± After eating it, Gu Qichen praised, ¡°It¡¯s the same taste. The dumplings you make are the best in the world.¡± ¡°You tterer,¡± she said, and yfully pinched Gu Qichen¡¯s cheek. Xia Yangyang was watching all of this. The scene in front of her was incredibly warm. In front of her, Gu Qichen was like an invincible superhero, a sturdy tree that sheltered and stood unwaveringly. In front of others as well, he was a formidable person who was always calm andposed, never showing his emotions. Only in front of Gu Mingzhu was he asionally child-like. That was something Xia Yangyang rarely had the opportunity to witness. But Xia Yangyang could tell that the sentiment between the two siblings was genuinely good. When Gu Mingzhu turned around, she saw Xia Yangyang. The smile at the corner of her mouth froze for a moment. The tone of her voice seemed to cool quite a bit, ¡°You¡¯re back?¡± With his arm still wrapped around Gu Mingzhu¡¯s shoulder, Gu Qichen said, ¡°Sis, Yangyang brought you a gift today.¡± The change in Gu Mingzhu¡¯s expression was subtle, but she appeared to feign indifference, ¡°What gift? There¡¯s nothing I need.¡± Gu Qichen gave Xia Yangyang a look. Xia Yangyang quickly left the room. When she walked back in, she was holding a pot of orchids. When Gu Mingzhu saw the pot of orchids, something briefly shed in her eyes. Then she walked over. The orchids in Xia Yangyang¡¯s hands were the very same Deity Orchids that Gu Mingzhu had identally broken after being startled by Xia Yangyangst time. Chapter 407 - 408: Want to Chat with You Chapter 407: Chapter 408: Want to Chat with You Yet at this very moment, this orchid nt was intact and had even bloomed. The fairy orchid is an extremely rare species with high mary value. Moreover, it only blooms once every two to three years. This particr kind of orchid requires meticulous care due to its delicacy. After the orchid had previously broken, Gu Mingzhu thought it had been thrown away. However, little did she know, Xia Yangyang took it. Xia Yangyang spoke up, ¡°Sis, I took the orchid that day, andter sought out Professor Zhang from the University of Agriculture. He is an expert in this field. Surprisingly, he managed to revive it, and I took good care of it for a while, and it actually bloomed. Now, this orchid should be returned to its original owner.¡± This fairy orchid had been a constant worry for Xia Yangyang. Because she felt that from that moment on, Gu Mingzhu¡¯s attitude towards her had changed dramatically. Hence, she has been desperate to make amends ever since. But it seems that it wasn¡¯t like that now. Xia Yangyang was almost certain. Gu Mingzhu must have harbored resentment, because she herself is Tan Zhen¡¯s daughter. Gu Mingzhu received the fairy orchid, and nonchntly said, ¡°You¡¯re thoughtful.¡± Xia Yangyang felt somewhat disappointed seeing Gu Mingzhu¡¯s reaction. At this moment, Gu Zhaohan and their grandfather came over. The family started their dinner. Gu Mingzhu¡¯s dumplings were truly exceptional. But Xia Yangyang was preupied; it felt as if the food was sitting heavily in her stomach. Finally, dinner was over. The grandfather called Gu Mingzhu to the study for a discussion. Probably because of what Xi Jiachen just said. After a while, Gu Qichen also went over. Xia Yangyang remained alone in her room. Even though it was New Year¡¯s Eve. The courtyard was brilliantly lit. But Xia Yangyang still felt an indescribable sense of loneliness envelop her. Xia Yangyang stayed in her room for a while. Then she heard a knock at the door. Xia Yangyang found it strange. If it were Gu Qichen, he wouldn¡¯t knock, but juste in directly. Who could it be, knocking at her door at this time? Xia Yangyang went to open the door. There stood Gu Zhaohan. Xia Yangyang blinked in surprise, ¡°Do you need something?¡± Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°Yangyang, I want to have a little chat with you.¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go to the courtyard. I want to check on Oscar.¡± There were two swing chairs hanging from arge locust tree in the courtyard. Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan each took a seat. Oscar, wagging his tail, dashed back and forth between them. Xia Yangyang started, ¡°Have you been worried about something recently?¡± Gu Zhaohan stretched out his legs and lowered his head, ¡°Yangyang, do you think I should go back to my dad¡¯s side?¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback that Gu Zhaohan asked this question. ¡°Is it the Xi family?¡± ¡°He hase to me many times. As long as I go back, he promised to let me join the ¡®Novi¡¯ world-ss neurology research team.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t really understand this particr field. But she could tell that this must be a great temptation for Gu Zhaohan. Gu Zhaohan continued, ¡°I¡¯ve applied many times, but due to myck of qualifications, I haven¡¯t been eligible. However, this research team is at the world¡¯s forefront of neurotechnology; I have always wanted to be a part of it.¡± Xia Yangyang remained silent for a while, ¡°Apart from this research team, do you want to go back to the Xi family?¡± Gu Zhaohan fell silent. After what seemed like a long time, Gu Zhaohan finally spoke, ¡°Here, grandpa and mom only see my uncle. No matter what I do, I will never be the center of attention. Sometimes, I feel that it¡¯s time for me to change my living environment. Perhaps this way, my mom might miss me a little..¡± Chapter 408 - 409: Would You Love Me if There was No Uncle? Chapter 408: Chapter 409: Would You Love Me if There was No Uncle? Xia Yangyang felt that this was the crux of the problem. Deep down, Gu Zhaohan actually wished to return to the Xi Family. However, the real reason was not that the other side was more attractive to him. It was that at the Gu Family, he wasn¡¯t given any importance. Actually, Gu Zhaohan was very outstanding, and was a top performer at school. But the genius Gu Qichen overshadowed him. He was the sun in the sky, so naturally, the moon concealed its glow in his presence. Xia Yangyang opened her mouth: ¡°If you want to go back, then go back. Even if you returned to the Xi Family, the Gu Family is still your family. The people here are still your rtives. I think there is no contradiction in this.¡± It was rare for Gu Zhaohan to smile: ¡°You might be the only person in the world who supports me.¡± Xia Yangyang also curled her lips: ¡°When you achieve sess in the medical field, don¡¯t forget me. Just remember, I was the one who gave you a push back then.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s smile deepened: ¡°Yangyang, I will never forget you my whole life.¡± Upon hearing this, Xia Yangyang felt a pang of heartache. When she turned her head to look at Gu Zhaohan again. Gu Zhaohan was already looking up at the sky: ¡°Xia Yangyang, after I go back, it might be difficult for us to meet again. There is a question I have always wanted to ask you.¡± Xia Yangyang looked at him: ¡°What?¡± ¡°If it weren¡¯t for my uncle, would you fall in love with me?¡± Upon hearing this, Xia Yangyang was taken aback momentarily. She was at a loss for words. Gu Zhaohan turned his gaze back to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Is it hard to answer? I¡¯m also quite good, at least I know how to use a scalpel, whereas my uncle does not.¡± Xia Yangyang rarely saw Gu Zhaohan this rxed. Gu Zhaohan had already stood up. Walking over to Xia Yangyang: ¡°May I hug you?¡± Before Xia Yangyang could react. Gu Zhaohan had already leaned down and gently wrapped Xia Yangyang in his arms. He did not hold her tight. He was just loosely draped over her. Xia Yangyang remained stiff, her hands still on the swing ropes, she did not dare to move at all. After a while, Gu Zhaohan let go and straightened up. He said to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Yangyang, you must be happy. Don¡¯t make me regret it, understand?¡± Xia Yangyang had not figured out what Gu Zhaohan meant yet. He had already turned around and went into the house. Xia Yangyang was still sitting on the swing, in a daze. ¡°So Xiao Han¡¯s crush is actually you.¡± A calm female voice came from beside her. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart thumped. The person who came was unexpectedly Gu Mingzhu. It seemed that she hade in from the side door. She was conveniently hidden by a cherry blossom tree by the entrance. It was unclear how long she had been standing there. But judging by her tone, she should have heard everything Gu Zhaohan and Xia Yangyang had just talked about. Gu Mingzhu was already slowly approaching. Watching her approach step by step, Xia Yangyang felt as though her heart was being hoisted up bit by bit. This oppressive and tense feeling almost suffocated her. Gu Mingzhu had reached Xia Yangyang: ¡°As Xiao Han¡¯s aunt, knowing that he has feelings for you, under such circumstances, shouldn¡¯t you evade it?¡± Xia Yangyang quickly replied: ¡°Xiao Han and I are just friends.¡± ¡°So, what you¡¯re saying is, all this time it was my son who was unrequited in love?¡± Xia Yangyang did not know what to say for a while. She hesitated before saying: ¡°I will be cautious next time..¡± Chapter 409 - 410: You are the Murderer Chapter 409: Chapter 410: You are the Murderer Gu Mingzhu coldly spoke: ¡°I will absolutely not let my son return to the Xi Family. So, I don¡¯t want you to repeat what you said earlier to Xiao Han.¡± Xia Yangyang wanted to defend Gu Zhaohan. But if she speaks up now, Gu Mingzhu would probably misunderstand their rtionship even more. She might even think that she is instigating Gu Zhaohan to leave the Gu Family. Xia Yangyang obediently responded: ¡°I understand, sister.¡± Gu Mingzhu gave Xia Yangyang a cold nce and turned around intending to enter the house. ¡°Sister!¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly spoke. Gu Mingzhu stopped and turned around. Xia Yangyang gripped her fingers tightly, taking a deep breath: ¡°I have some questions to ask you.¡± Gu Mingzhu¡¯s expression seemed to have changed slightly. But that elegant and beautiful face was still covered with ayer of frost. ¡°What do you want to ask?¡± ¡°You knew my mother, Tan Zhen, didn¡¯t you? You both were close friends before.¡± Xia Yangyang had been afraid these past few days. Afraid of not knowing how to start. Afraid that after puncturing that veil, there would be no way out. But at this point, when Xia Yangyang directly said it, it didn¡¯t seem as difficult as she imagined. Xia Yangyang once asked Gu Mingzhu about this name, but Gu Mingzhu denied it at that time. Gu Mingzhu¡¯s face hadpletely turned cold: ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± ¡°I just want to know, why did you deny knowing my mother when you clearly did.¡± Gu Mingzhu clearly couldn¡¯t control herself, her body shaking a bit. These days, she had been having nightmares. She always felt like she was in a dream at this moment. Only this time, it was hard for her to wake up. What shoulde, will alwayse. Gu Mingzhu simply admitted: ¡°Yes, I knew Tan Zhen, we used to be ssmates at the film school, and we were best friends.¡± ¡°But you ended up as enemies because you stole my mother¡¯s first love, Gao Wenbin.¡± Upon hearing this name, Gu Mingzhu¡¯s pupils noticeably narrowed. Gao Wenbin, Gao Wenbin. How long has it been since she heard this name? So long that it seemed like a person she knew in her previous life. But twenty years have passed. Thinking about that young man with a roguish smile on his face, Gu Mingzhu¡¯s heart still ached like being pierced by thousands of arrows. That wound from way back, being ruthlessly exposed after so many years. It turns out it hasn¡¯t healed, but ate itself away¡­ Gu Mingzhu stood there as if being immobilized by a spell, unmoving. She seemed to not have quite grasped the situation yet. But Xia Yangyang recounted the events of the past: ¡°Because of Gao Wenbin, you became enemies with my mother, from being known as inseparable friends at the film school to bitter enemies. Then you went abroad for two years, my mother married my father, but when you came back two yearster, you were only 18 and entered the entertainment industry, constantly suppressing my mother, my mother was forced to leave the industry and started doing charity work. But you still couldn¡¯t let her go, ten years ago you donated twenty million to my mother¡¯s charity, the Forever Angel Foundation. However, this money led to the ruin of my mother¡¯s reputation, she became depressed andmitted suicide. Sister, you¡¯re the murderer who killed my mother.¡±. Xia Yangyang tried her best to calmly tell this story. And when she finally said those words, Xia Yangyang¡¯s tone was almost calmly despairing.. Chapter 410 - 411: Becoming Sickly Twisted Chapter 410: Chapter 411: Bing Sickly Twisted The night was as calm as the water. There was profound silence in the courtyard. It seemed as if everything hade to a standstill. Xia Yangyang and Gu Mingzhu were only two meters apart. They gazed at each other, yet they felt worlds apart. In Yangyang, Gu Mingzhu saw a reflection of the young Tan Zhen in front of her all those years ago. Yangyang¡¯s eyes were nearly identical to Tan Zhen¡¯s in her youth. They looked calm as still water, but beneath the surface, they were churning. The memories of the past came flooding back, overwhelming her. However, Gu Mingzhu seemed unwilling to dwell on those memories and abruptly came to her senses. She closed her eyes. When she reopened them, they were filled with pain. ¡°Yes, when your mothermitted suicide, I was the one responsible. All these years, I thought it was all in the past and that nobody would bring it up again. But I never expected Ah Chen to marry Tan Zhen¡¯s daughter. It¡¯s such irony¡­such a twisted fate.¡± At this point, Gu Mingzhu seemed tough. Every word from Gu Mingzhu was like a knife to Yangyang. At this moment, they were tearing into her flesh one slice at a time. Gu Mingzhu turned around: ¡°From the moment I found out you¡¯re Tan Zhen¡¯s daughter, I knew I couldn¡¯t escape this day. But I didn¡¯t expect it woulde this soon. Yangyang, you¡¯re right. I¡¯m the one who harmed Tan Zhen. Back then, I wished her dead, but I regret it now. I truly do.¡± Gu Mingzhu seemed to have transformed into a different person. She leaned against a cherry blossom tree, seemingly on the verge of copse. Tears welled up in her eyes: ¡°Back then, I was impulsive and I made many mistakes. The person I wronged the most in this world was your mother. Now, I don¡¯t intend to make excuses for myself. You can take revenge on me behalf of your mother any way you want, but I won¡¯t allow you to harm Ah Chen in any way.¡± Deep down, Yangyang still held a glimmer of hope. She had been avoiding this for a long time. She waited for this day to confirm it herself. She had hoped Gu Mingzhu would deny it. She hoped there would be some hidden truths unknown to outsiders. But there were none. Gu Mingzhu personally admitted that she had intentionally caused her mother¡¯s death. Yangyang felt like it was all a cruel joke from the heavens. Since she married Qi Chen, she had always respected this sister-inw. But why ended up this way? Why was this the oue? Yangyang got her answers, they were all within her expectations. But during this time, she hadn¡¯t dared to think about what she would do once she confirmed it. If Gu Mingzhu was indeed the person who killed her mother, what was she supposed to do? Gu Mingzhu said she could take revenge in any way she wished, but she had never considered how to avenge, how to face all of this. ¡°You should divorce Ah Chen,¡± Gu Mingzhu continued. ¡°I wont allow someone who could potentially harm him to be his wife. Given how much you hate me now, I doubt you two will end up together.¡± Yangyangughed, ¡°Divorce, why should I divorce him? You said I could take revenge in any way, right? I¡¯ve figured it out. The best revenge is to hurt those you care about the most.¡± These words seemed toe out without much thought from Yangyang. All she wanted now was to see Gu Mingzhu suffer and break down. True enough, a look of disbelief emerged on Gu Mingzhu¡¯s face. She couldn¡¯t believe that a girl in her twenties could utter such twisted words. It was almost like seeing her younger self. Why did she do those things to Tan Zhen back then? Wasn¡¯t it because Tan Zhen was the one Gao Wenbin cared about the most? If Tan Zhen suffered, Gao Wenbin would suffer too. And for that, she had spiraled into madness, twisted and ended up in the abyss¡­ Chapter 411 - 412: I’m peeling a pomegranate for you, and you’re breaking up with me?! Chapter 411: Chapter 412: I¡¯m peeling a pomegranate for you, and you¡¯re breaking up with me?! Thoughts of the past overwhelmed her. Gu Mingzhu could not stop herself from trembling in fear. But she absolutely refused to see such an incident befall Ah Chen. She could not let Ah Chen be a victim. Nor would she allow Ah Chen to be another Tan Zhen. Gu Mingzhu gritted her teeth, ¡°You must divorce Ah Chen. I won¡¯t let you hurt him, absolutely not.¡± Xia Yangyang, however, sneered coldly, ¡°Then tell him everything. If he knew everything happened because of you, do you think he would hate you?¡± Gu Mingzhu staggered back a few steps. Xia Yangyang swiftly closed the distance, ¡°Sis, don¡¯t forget, you not only have a younger brother, but also a son who also happens to like me.¡± Overwhelmed, Gu Mingzhu¡¯s voice betrayed her terror, ¡°What are you going to do?¡± ¡°You caused the death of my mother, I¡¯m naturally going to do whatever I please.¡± Hurling these words, Xia Yangyang brushed past Gu Mingzhu and entered the house. Gu Mingzhu could barely stand, she leaned against a nearby cherry blossom tree, clutching her chest and gasping for air. Xia Yangyang¡¯s words were like a poison dagger. Gu Mingzhu had no idea what the crazed woman nned to do next. She even began to suspect whether Xia Yangyang¡¯s secret marriage to Ah Chen was a premeditated plot. If that was the case, was Xiao Han also part of her scheming and hence fell for her? The mere thought terrified Gu Mingzhu. She absolutely could not allow a repeat of the tragedy, absolutely not. When Xia Yangyang walked into the house, she ran into Gu Zhaohan. Gu Zhaohan noticed that Xia Yangyang looked pale. He asked with concern, ¡°Your face looks so pale. Are you running a fever?¡± Xia Yangyang stepped back cautiously. Herplex eyes and alert demeanor took Gu Zhaohan by surprise. They had just been having a pleasant conversation. Why did she seem like apletely different person now? Xia Yangyang did not utter a word and avoided Gu Zhaohan and promptly went upstairs to her room. When Xia Yangyang entered, Gu Qichen was already in the room. Looking up as Xia Yangyang walked in, he smiled and said, ¡°I saw you talking to my sister in the yard just now. What were you two talking about?¡± Gu Qichen was sitting on the sofa, in front of him, was arge pomegranate. He was peeling the pomegranate with a small knife. And one by one he put all the seeds in a small transparent bowl ced by his side. He saw Xia Yangyang standing still at the door. Gu Qichen waved at her, ¡°Come here, this is arge ripe pomegranate from Yunnan. An old war buddy of Grandpa¡¯s sent it over today. It¡¯s very sweet. Come and have a taste.¡± Xia Yangyang slowly made her way over. The distance from the door to him was just a few meters. But to Xia Yangyang, it felt as if she was treading on a de, each step causing great pain. She looked at the gentle smile on the corner of Gu Qichen¡¯s mouth. Her heart ached as if it was bleeding. She stopped in front of Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen had already filled a bowl with pomegranate seeds and handed it to her, ¡°Have a taste.¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, let¡¯s break up.¡± Suddenly and without warning, Xia Yangyang blurted out those words. Gu Qichen¡¯s fingers froze, he was taken aback. But the smile on his lips did not fade, ¡°Yangyang, you know, I hate it when you make such jokes.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was as calm as still water, ¡°I¡¯m not joking with you, let¡¯s get a divorce.¡± Gu Qichen was stunned for a few seconds. He stared intently into Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes. The expression on his face grew colder inch by inch. Finally, he mmed the bowl filled with pomegranate seeds onto the table, ¡°Xia Yangyang, while I¡¯m peeling a pomegranate for you, you fucking talk about breaking up?¡± Chapter 412 - 413: Let her go, absolutely impossible! Chapter 412: Chapter 413: Let her go, absolutely impossible! She had known Gu Qichen for so long. No matter how angry or frustrated Gu Qichen was, he had never sworn. This was the first time Xia Yangyang had heard Gu Qichen speak this way. His gaze was like a cold iron dagger; just one nce felt piercingly painful. Gu Qichen was actually furious now. Xia Yangyang could sense it. The temperature in the room seemed to plunge to freezing point. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice sounded like it was floating on shards of ice: ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you serious?¡± Xia Yangyang felt incredible heartache. Despite the harsh words, she had just spoken to Gu Mingzhu. But that wasn¡¯t Xia Yangyang¡¯s true intention, it was just to cause pain for Gu Mingzhu. But at this point, the truth was clear. Gu Mingzhu was the murderer who killed her mother, and the Gu Family was the culprit. How could she continue to be the young mistress of the Gu Family as if nothing had happened? She wanted to divorce Gu Qichen. This was due to the fear that one day, she may actually use Gu Qichen to take revenge on Gu Mingzhu. She didn¡¯t want to be that person. It was the only good intention left that made this decision. All of this had nothing to do with Gu Qichen, right? But he is Gu Mingzhu¡¯s beloved younger brother, the young master of the Gu Family. She couldn¡¯t keep being with him anymore. Her mother¡¯s death had be an insurmountable chasm. How could she be content being his wife, living under the same roof as the person responsible for her mother¡¯s death? She could not. Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was resolute as it had never been before: ¡°I am serious, Gu Qichen, let¡¯s divorce. I don¡¯t love you anymore, I can¡¯t continue this life with you.¡± But Gu Qichen suddenly stood up. In two steps he was in front of Xia Yangyang, grabbing her arm: ¡°Why, tell me why, Xia Yangyang, what have I done wrong that you want a divorce?¡± Xia Yangyang felt like her arm was being crushed by him. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t struggle. Xia Yangyang still looked very calm: ¡°You have done nothing wrong. It was my mistake to impulsively marry you. But now, Gu Qichen, I regret it, and I want to correct this mistake.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was chilling, his grip on Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand tightening: ¡°Impulsive, that¡¯s a good excuse, Xia Yangyang, do you think it¡¯s useful to regret now? If there was a pill for regret in this world, I would buy it for you even if it cost a fortune, but Xia Yangyang, since you are now married to me, I advise you to give up this idea. In my dictionary, there is only widowhood, no divorce!¡± Eventually, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t bear the grip on her arm any longer. It felt like her arm would shatter at any moment. Xia Yangyang began to struggle: ¡°Gu Qichen, let me go, let me go!¡± Let her go? That would never happen in this lifetime! Gu Qichen grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s other hand and threw her onto the sofa. Before Xia Yangyang could react, Gu Qichen had already kissed her fiercely. No, he was not kissing her. It was more like a forceful nibble. Xia Yangyang¡¯s lips were cut, and her mouth was filled with the taste of blood. She was punching Gu Qichen¡¯s shoulders with all her might, struggling desperately. But the more she struggled, the less Gu Qichen was willing to stop. He wished he could tear her apart, skin and bone, and swallow her whole. He hated it the most when Xia Yangyang mentioned those two words. But this time, Gu Qichen began to realize. Xia Yangyang was not joking, nor was she just angry. She had calmly proposed divorce. For the first time, Gu Qichen felt an unprecedented panic¡­. Chapter 413 - 414: Don’t Force Me to Take Action Chapter 413: Chapter 414: Don¡¯t Force Me to Take Action Gu Qichen felt like he was losing control. He didn¡¯t want to hear Xia Yangyang speak a single word. Even less did he want to hear those two words. So Gu Qichen had to silence her. Xia Yangyang desperately resisted. She even bit his tongue. Her mouth was full of the taste of blood, and Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t tell if it was hers or Gu Qichen¡¯s. But there was a significant disparity in their strength. Even if she had practiced Taekwondo for so many years. But against Gu Qichen, it still is trifling. Just when Xia Yangyang was about to lose the struggle. There was a strong pulling force that forcibly separated them. Gu Qichen was forced to take one step back. While a figure immediately stood in front of Xia Yangyang. The boy¡¯s demeanor is also icy cold, ¡°Uncle, how can you treat Yangyang this way?¡± The person who arrived was Gu Zhaohan. At this time, he stood between Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang¡¯s lips were smeared with a hint of blood. His eyes are red, like a raging lion. Gu Qichen looked at the cool young man in front of him and said coldly, ¡°Yangyang is your friend? She is your aunt!¡± The room seemed to quiet down totally. Xia Yangyang stood behind Gu Zhaohan, panting lightly. After the wrestle with Gu Qichen, she was left without a shred of strength. When he is gentle, he is like the warm sunlight. But when angry, he is like a beast, unstoppable. The door to the room is open. The housemaids were standing at the door. They kept peeping in cautiously. But Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t move at all. ¡°No matter what, I won¡¯t allow anyone to hurt her.¡± Gu Qichen sneered, ¡°Xiao Han, on what basis do you protect her, don¡¯t forget, she is my wife, this is a matter between us husband and wife, and you have no right to interfere.¡± Throughout the past, Gu Qichen has treated Gu Zhaohan as both a mentor and a friend, caring deeply about him. Has he ever talked to him with such hostility? Clearly, he had redirected the burst of anger onto him. Earlier Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan were chat-swinging in the courtyard, he had seen it. He stood alone on the second floor and watched for a long time. Although he had no clue about their conversation, he could tell that they were having a good time. Plus, in the end, Gu Zhaohan directly went and hugged Xia Yangyang. Gu Qichen had initially convinced himself that Yangyang would have boundaries with Xiao Han. That embrace meant nothing. As her uncle, he shouldn¡¯t be this narrow-minded. So he didn¡¯t intervene, choosing to trust Xia Yangyang. But what Gu Qichen didn¡¯t expect was, It wasn¡¯t long before, Xia Yangyang came upstairs and started talking about divorce. Such determination scared him. Does it have nothing to do with this kid? Gu Qichen didn¡¯t believe it. Gu Zhaohan also showed no signs of backing down, ¡°Yangyang is your wife, but she¡¯s also my friend. I cannot stand by and watch if you hurt her, uncle¡±. Gu Qichen took a step forward, grabbing Gu Zhaohan¡¯s clothes, his voice was cold but carried a chilling threat, ¡°Xiao Han, you have always been my beloved nephew, don¡¯t force me to take action against you.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s eyes reflected a maturity and rity beyond his age, ¡°Uncle, you have always been the person I respect the most, but if you want to fight, I will aodate, after all my skills were taught by you.. Would you want to find out what exactly is meant by ¡®the pupil outdoes the master¡¯?¡± Chapter 414 - 415: It’s All the Evils I’ve Created Chapter 414: Chapter 415: It¡¯s All the Evils I¡¯ve Created ¡°What on earth is going on here?¡± A furious voice of Gu Mingzhu came from the door. Gu Mingzhu walked over and pulled Gu Qichen and Gu Zhaohan apart. ¡°Are you two not ashamed, trying to fight over a woman, Xiao Han, go back to your own room, this has nothing to do with you.¡± Gu Zhaohan stood there coldly, motionless. Gu Mingzhu knew her son was stubborn and there was no way to deal with him. Gu Qichen was also furious right now. Gu Mingzhu had never seen such a side of Gu Qichen before. His eyes were like frost from thousands of years, yet they were tinged with redness. ¡°Maybe I should leave.¡± As they all stood there in a stalemate, Xia Yangyang suddenly spoke. What was happening now was not what she had hoped for; it was entirely unexpected. She didn¡¯t expect Gu Qichen to lose his temper at the mention of divorce, or for Gu Zhaohan to suddenly show up. But to Gu Mingzhu. She herself must have been interfering with their rtionship in revenge against her, right. Gu Mingzhu looked at Xia Yangyang with eyes that seemed to want to kill her. Xia Yangyang now had a severe headache. Too much had happened tonight, and she couldn¡¯t digest it all at once. She now felt powerless, and didn¡¯t want to stay here any longer. After finishing her sentence, Xia Yangyang walked out briskly. Gu Qichen wanted to chase after her, but was stopped by Gu Mingzhu: ¡°Ah Chen, I have something to tell you.¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t want to listen. He tried to shake off Gu Mingzhu¡¯s hand. ¡°Don¡¯t you want to know why she wants to divorce you?¡± Gu Mingzhu¡¯s words were like a curse. Gu Qichen turned to look at her, looking at Gu Mingzhu¡¯s calm face: ¡°You know?¡± At this moment, however, Gu Zhaohan had already gone after her. Calling him was pointless. After Gu Zhaohan left, only Gu Mingzhu and Gu Qichen were left in the room. Gu Mingzhu went to the door, dismissed a crowd of curious housekeepers, and closed the door. Meanwhile, Gu Qichen seemed to have calmed down a bit. He didn¡¯t know where he had got a packet of cigarettes and lit one. Gu Qichen wrinkled his brow. He didn¡¯t know his younger brother smoked. Gu Qichen began: ¡°Sister, what exactly do you want to say?¡± Gu Mingzhu¡¯s expression wasplicated, but she spoke directly: ¡°Ah Chen, get divorced, you won¡¯t be happy with that girl.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s fingers stiffened suddenly. Gu Qichen looked up: ¡°What had happened, sister? Since a few months ago, beginning with Yangyang¡¯s birthday, you¡¯ve been behaving differently, your attitude towards Yangyang was not the same as before, even a few times you tried to find out if I would leave Yangyang, why? Don¡¯t make me feel like a fool, okay?¡± Gu Qichen seldom spoke in such an impatient and intolerant tone. Gu Mingzhu sank down on the sofa, covering her face: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, it¡¯s all my fault, it¡¯s because of me that you¡¯re caught up in this mess, the reason why Yangyang wants to divorce you is all because of me, because of the grudge between me and Tan Zhen, because Tan Zhen died because of me, she wants to divorce you, all because of me, it¡¯s the sin Imitted.¡± Gu Mingzhu had held in her emotions for so long, and finally released them in that moment. She couldn¡¯t control her tears anymore. The memories of those years were like a poisonous snake lurking in her heart. For so many years, it had been tormenting her over and over again. But now, she couldn¡¯t hold on any longer. The sins she hadmitted, they were her retribution, but why was the retribution falling on Ah Chen? Chapter 415: 416: Why So Embarrassed Gu Qichen was taken aback too. He had assumed it was rted to Gu Zhaohan. But he never expected it to be because of Gu Mingzhu. So many things were just unclear, Gu Qichen simply couldn¡¯t understand it. Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Tan Zhen? Is she Yangyang¡¯s biological mother?¡± Gu Mingzhu covered her face and nodded, ¡°It all happened more than twenty years ago. Ultimately, I drove her mother to suicide. All these years, this matter has been my torment. I thought everyone would forget it with time, and I thought I could receive redemption for my sins. But I was wrong. You actually married Tan Zhen¡¯s daughter. This is karmic retribution.¡± Gu Qichen did not understand the past matters. But Gu Mingzhu¡¯s words hit him like countless chaotic stones, crashing into his heart. If it was an emotional problem, Gu Qichen could resolve it on his own. But now¡­ Gu Qichen suddenly became calm.
Xia Yangyang ran out of the Gu mansion alone. The Gu mansion was a grand house built on a hillside. It took a long time to walk down the mountain path. Xia Yangyang could feel someone had been following her all along. That person was Gu Zhaohan. But at this moment, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to talk at all. She just wanted to be alone and think. Fortunately, she had her phone in her pocket. Xia Yangyang called Wen Xiaochu. Not long after, a Maybach pulled up in front of Xia Yangyang. The driver was Mu Liancheng. The person seated on the passenger side was Wen Xiaochu. Xia Yangyang knew she was causing trouble for them. But right now, the only person she could think of was her. Xia Yangyang got in the car, and it started up again and went down the mountain path. Mu Liancheng looked into the rearview mirror and said, ¡°Sister-inw, who was that guy that was following you?¡± Xia Yangyang also nced at the rearview mirror. Gu Zhaohan had already stopped. He stood alone in the cold night wind.
He had juste from home and hadn¡¯t put on a jacket. He only wore a ck sweater. That European style made him look handsome and dashing, but also exuded a calm aristocratic temperament. Wen Xiaochu took a few more nces, ¡°Isn¡¯t that Gu Zhaohan?¡±
Mu Liancheng furrowed his brows, ¡°How do you know him?¡± Wen Xiaochu gave Mu Liancheng a nce, ¡°How could I not know him? He¡¯s the ¡°Ice Prince¡± of our school, and we are in the same major, have the same tutor, see each other frequently, and now we¡¯re interning at the same hospital.¡± Mu Liancheng¡¯s frown deepened, ¡°Wen Xiaochu, you change your hospital for the internship.¡± Wen Xiaochu rolled her eyes at him, ¡°What are you freaking out about.¡± Wen Xiaochu couldn¡¯t be bothered to pay attention to Mu Liancheng, this so-called ¡®Vinegar King of Asia¡¯. Recently he had been jealous about everything, bing a vinegar jar. Wen Xiaochu was nearly fed up with him. Wen Xiaochu turned around to look at Xia Yangyang, who was sitting helplessly at the back seat. ¡°Yangyang, what happened? Why did you leave the Gu mansion alone?¡± It was New Year¡¯s Eve, a time for family gatherings. The fact that Xia Yangyang had left there, and in this state, made Wen Xiaochu feel something big must have happened. In fact, Wen Xiaochu isn¡¯t very clear about Xia Yangyang¡¯s recent situation. Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t been to school for a long time and had been busy filming. She, on the other hand, had been busy with her internship. They asionally called each other to chat about their studies.
Wen Xiaochu always believed that Xia Yangyang¡¯s career was soaring, her love life was great, and everything was perfect. She didn¡¯t know what on earth had happened to make Xia Yangyang appear so disheveled on New Year¡¯s Eve.. Chapter 416: 417: Alright, Peiqi! Xia Yangyang was indeed in a deplorable state. Her hair was messy. Her clothes showed signs of being torn. There was still a trace of blood at the corner of her mouth. It made people feel heartache just by looking at her. Xia Yangyang seemed as if she didn¡¯t hear what Wen Xiaochu had said. She was constantly distracted. Wen Xiaochu didn¡¯t have the heart to ask more questions. Mu Liancheng whispered into Wen Xiaochu¡¯s ear, ¡°Young Master Gu was too intense, right? Look at her lips, they are broken. Could it be that Yangyang couldn¡¯t bear his beast-like behaviour and decided to run away from home?¡± Wen Xiaochu red at Mu Liancheng: ¡°Not everyone is like you, always thinking about obscene things.¡± ¡°What¡¯s so obscene about that? You seemed to enjoy it quite a lotst night.¡±
Wen Xiaochu was almost angered to death by him. She reached out to pinch him. ¡°Hey, Piggy Wen, I¡¯m driving. If there¡¯s an ident, three lives will be on stake.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t call me a pig!¡± ¡°Alright, Peppa Pig!¡± ¡°Mu Liancheng, you!¡± During the journey, Mu Liancheng and Wen Xiaochu kept bickering. It was clear to Xia Yangyang that they were in a very good rtionship. She couldn¡¯t help but feel happy for Wen Xiaochu. Xia Yangyang still remembered that Wen Xiaochu was the daughter-inw of the Mu Family when she didn¡¯t know it. She had even wished for her to get divorced soon. If Mu Liancheng knew about it, he would probably be angry. However, Wen Xiaochu has been very pessimistic about their marriage all along. Every time she was with Xia Yangyang, she would alwaysin. The words ¡®going to divorce¡¯ were almost always on her lips. But after such a long time, they seemed to be more inseparable than ever. While she, who used to be envied by Wen Xiaochu, was actually getting a divorce. They still drove to Maple Vi.
Mu Liancheng and Wen Xiaochu also had a vi here. Thest time she was upset with Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang had also lived here for a while, so she was quite familiar with this ce. But this building was very close to hers, with only high trees blocking the view in between. Xia Yangyang could only see a corner of it from the highest rooftop. After Wen Xiaochu and Xia Yangyang went upstairs.
Mu Liancheng hurriedly called Gu Qichen again. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± A chilling voice came over the phone. Mu Liancheng shivered unconsciously. ¡°Young Master Gu, what¡¯s the matter, causing problems between the two of you during the New Year¡¯s time? I saw sister-inw¡¯s lips were bitten. Was it because you were too intense, which she couldn¡¯t handle, hence, decided to run away from home. Listen to me, hurry over to apologize, bring a washboard, regardless of anything, first kneel down in front of her. A man must be flexible, you shouldn¡¯t feel ashamed of your own wife.¡± Mu Liancheng was obviously teasing. He even looked somewhat schadenfreude. ¡°Liancheng, during this period, can you help me take good care of her?¡± Gu Qichen suddenly spoke. Mu Liancheng was a bit surprised. This was not Gu Qichen¡¯s style, he was always decisive and swift. What happened to him today? And his tone waspletely different from usual. Mu Liancheng also became serious for once: ¡°What on earth happened?¡± Gu Qichen was silent for a while: ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about it. I have to digest it myself. After a while, when she calms down, I will naturallye to pick her up.¡±
Mu Liancheng obliged: ¡°You can rest assured leaving sister-inw with me. My wife and I will look after her. If you have any instructions, just let us know..¡± Chapter 417: 418: Overcompensated ¡°Thank you, Liancheng,¡± Gu Qichen said. ¡°You don¡¯t have to thank me.¡± After hanging up the phone, Mu Liancheng felt frustrated. Wen Xiaochu was busy with her internship, and now during the rare Spring Festival holiday, he had arranged for a vacation to Hokkaido. He had booked a double room in a hot spring hotel, originally nning to enjoy the hot springs. Now, they really ended up ¡®in hot water¡¯. But at the same time, Mu Liancheng realized the seriousness of the situation. Just then, Wen Xiaochu came out of the guest room. Mu Liancheng quickly pulled her aside, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Have you figured it out? Young Master Gu didn¡¯t sound too pleased.¡± Wen Xiaochu shook her head, ¡°It seems worse thanst time. Yangyang won¡¯t say a word, she¡¯s just spaced out on her own.¡± Mu Liancheng rubbed his chin, ¡°Things are a bit serious, I need to figure something out.¡±
Wen Xiaochu warned him, ¡°You better note up with a terrible idea, you should go home. I will stay here and apany Yangyang these few days.¡± Mu Liancheng instantly felt unsatisfied, ¡°That will not do. If anyone¡¯s going to apany her, we¡¯ll do it together.¡± ¡°What about Granny? We can¡¯t spend the New Year without even one of us apanying her.¡± ¡°The olddy is more than happy for us to have our world, and I¡¯m toozy to go back. She¡¯s always trying to make me drink those soups, and my blood is so charged up that I can¡¯t stand it, I just want to¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t even think about it! Mu Liancheng, can you keep your thoughts clean?¡± Wen Xiaochu interrupted Mu Liancheng blushing. Mu Liancheng deliberately said, ¡°I just want to go to the gym to lift weights and release some energy. Xiao Chu, what did you think I was going to do?¡± Looking at the malicious intent in Liancheng¡¯s eyes, Xiaochu knew she had fallen into his trap. With a smirk on his face, Mu Liancheng said, ¡°But if you insist, I can amodate.¡± Angry, Wen Xiaochu bit Mu Liancheng on the arm. ¡°Wen Xiaochu, are you a dog?¡± ¡°You¡¯re right, and I¡¯m a Tibetan Mastiff, so don¡¯t mess with me.¡± Having said that, Wen Xiaochu shook off Liancheng¡¯s arm and went downstairs. Mu Liancheng pretended to be angry on the outside, but inside he was exceptionally pleased. Looking at the bite mark on his arm, he couldn¡¯t help butugh. That girl, biting him wasn¡¯t painful at all. He even felt her moist, soft little tongue. If only she could bite somewhere else. On second thought, Mu Liancheng felt he was losing control. He cursed himself.
Grandma really over-nourished him thesest couple of days. Xia Yangyang was lying on the bed, coldly staring at the ceiling. It was New Year¡¯s Eve today. Xia Yangyang suddenly remembered her childhood, when every New Year¡¯s Eve, her mother would take her back to their rural hometown.
Grandma would prepare a full table of farm dishes and homemade rice dumplings. The rice dumplings were filled with sweet sesame paste. One bite and the sugar filling would melt out, the sweet taste lingering on the tongue. Xia Yangyang had always thought that was what happiness tasted like. But then, after her mother¡¯s death, Xia Yangyang would still return every few years on New Year¡¯s Eve. Her grandmother would always make sesame dumplings. But she never again tasted that vor from her childhood. Xia Yangyang found herself unconsciously shedding tears. She missed her mother so much. She could have had a very happy family. She could have grown up like a normal child. She could have been spoiled by her mother,e home from school to taste the delicious home-cooked meals her mother made. But it was all gone, ruined by that woman.
And she, Xia Yangyang, even affectionately called her sister¡­ Xia Weiwei was right about one thing. If her mother knew about this, she would probably be unable to rest in peace.. Chapter 418: 419: She is Not a Woman Xia Yangyang cried her heart out. Softly murmuring, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m sorry¡­.¡± After lying down for a while, Xia Yangyang fell asleep. The next day was Chinese New Year. Wen Xiaochu came early to find Xia Yangyang, wanting to take her out. Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t in the mood. But she was dragged to the amusement park by Wen Xiaochu. Mu Liancheng insisted on going with them. Xia Yangyang was now a public figure. Her appearance in public always drew countless gazes. Fortunately today the amusement park was hosting a ¡°Mask Fiesta¡±.
Upon entering the park, every visitor was given a mask as a small gift by the staff. Many people put the masks on straight away. Wearing the mask, no one recognized Xia Yangyang. Wen Xiaochu brought Xia Yangyang to the amusement park because she was afraid that she would sit at home and brood. Going out might help divert her thoughts and lift her mood which might eventually resolve her inner conflicts. Wen Xiaochu¡¯s favorite ce was always the amusement park from the time she was little. Whenever she¡¯s down, she woulde here alone. She would go on every ride, and by the time she left, most of her troubles had been blown away. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t dare to ride the roller coasters and other thrilling rides. However, Wen Xiaochu greatly enjoyed them. After one roller coaster ride, Mu Liancheng came down shaky and weak. Wen Xiaochu teased him for being a weakling. Wen Xiaochu wanted to ride the drop tower but Xia Yangyang and Mu Liancheng refused to apany her. So, she went alone. Mu Liancheng bought two corns and handed one to Xia Yangyang. He took a bite of his corn and staring in Wen Xiaochu¡¯s direction said to Xia Yangyang,¡± She¡¯s not like a woman is she?¡± Xia Yangyangughed, ¡°Xiao Chu has always been like this. She prefers exciting things.¡± Mu Liancheng agreed, ¡°She¡¯s not normal. Have you ever seen a woman who isn¡¯t afraid of rats, who could grab it, snap its neck with her bare hands and dissect it into a skeleton? That¡¯s really scary.¡±
¡°So terrifying, yet you still like her?¡± Xia Yangyang teased. Mu Liancheng didn¡¯t deny it. ¡°Helplessly, my family is very traditional. An arranged marriage from when we were kids; not like you and Young Master Gu who fell in love freely.¡± As soon as Gu Qichen was mentioned, Xia Yangyang¡¯s expression darkened. Mu Liancheng had intentionally prodded.
Since the topic was broached, he dared asked, ¡°No one will vouch for Young Master Gu¡¯s character more than me. His sincere feelings for you are often the subject of jest among us brothers. We oftentimes make fun of how the once cold and authoritarian Young Master Gu is now whipped by his wife. But in truth, we envy him for finding a woman he loves so deeply. Little sister-inw, no matter what happened between you two, there¡¯s one thing you must remember. Young Master Gu¡¯s feelings for you are not fake.¡± Xia Yangyang spoke softly, ¡°I know.¡± ¡°So why the conflict? It¡¯s gotten so big! Why not discuss things nicely?¡± ¡°Mu Liancheng, what if one day you found out that the person Xiao Chu loves the most hurt the person you love the most, would you still be with her?¡± After speaking, Xia Yangyang turned around and walked away. Mu Liancheng stayed in the same ce, thinking on what she said. The person Xiao Chu loved the most was himself, and the person he loved the most was Xiao Chu. So the ending would be he, Mu Liancheng, hurting Xiao Chu. What kind of absurd tale was that? Before he knew it, Xia Yangyang had vanished from sight. Mu Liancheng hurried to look for her.. Chapter 419: 420: Amusement Park Accident Chapter 419: Chapter 420: Amusement Park ident Finally, Xia Yangyang was found at the circus. The current act was an elephant painting. The animal tamer was repeatedly whipping the elephant. The elephant had a brush mped in its trunk and was drawing. To be honest, this kind of animal performance is rather inhumane. Yet, it still attracted a massive crowd. Xia Yangyang¡¯s attention was not at all focused on the performance. She seemed to be aimlessly drifting with the crowd. Then, all of a sudden. The crowd erupted into chaos.
Many people started screaming. Mu Liancheng took a closer look. It turned out that the performing elephant had suddenly gone berserk, flinging away its brush, and knocking the tamer onto the ground. Then it bolted towards the audience stands. No one expected such an incident. One by one, they all rose and scattered in all directions. Originally lost in her thoughts, Xia Yangyang quickly came to her senses. She was nning on leaving with the crowd. However, the cries of a child in the distance caught her attention. She nced towards the sound. She saw that the elephant had reached a child and had already picked up the child with its trunk, suspending him in mid-air. The child¡¯s parents were nowhere to be seen. The whole ce was filled with screams, thrown into utter chaos. Without thinking, Xia Yangyang ran towards the direction of the screaming. The elephant was panicking, swinging the child left and right with its trunk. Fortunately, the child didn¡¯t fall onto the ground or hit anything solid. Xia Yangyang picked up a water bottle from the ground and threw it at the elephant. The water bottle hit the elephant¡¯s trunk. As expected, the elephant roared, its trunk loosened. The child fell from mid-air. Xia Yangyang sprinted over and caught him.
But the elephant became more agitated. With a powerful swing of its trunk, Xia Yangyang lost her bnce. She rolled on the ground twice. Nevertheless, she clung onto the child, protecting him.
The elephant charged directly towards Xia Yangyang. At that moment, Mu Liancheng stepped in, stick in hand, diverting the elephant¡¯s attention. The scene was in utter chaos. However, the security quickly arrived. They shot the elephant with a tranquilizer dart, and soon it stumbled and fell. Mu Liancheng immediately rushed to Xia Yangyang, helping her to her feet, ¡°Are you okay?¡± ¡°It hurts¡­¡± Xia Yangyang furrowed her brows. When Xia Yangyang had rolled on the ground, her arm was injured and she couldn¡¯t move it now. It seemed to be dislocated. Right then, the child¡¯s parents arrived. They had seen the risky spectacle and kept thanking Xia Yangyang. Then, along with Mu Liancheng, they brought Xia Yangyang to the hospital. Wen Xiaochu also arrivedter. She didn¡¯t expect that their trip to cheer up Xia Yangyang would turn into such a disaster. Fortunately, Xia Yangyang¡¯s injuries were not too severe.
Her dislocated arm was put back in ce, along with a few scrapes and bruises. However, when the elephant pushed Xia Yangyang, she hit her head against the nearby railing. She felt a bit dizzy and nauseous. The doctor spected it might be a minor concussion. She needed to be hospitalized for observation. Mu Liancheng immediately handled the procedures for her hospitalization. Actually, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t think it was that serious. For the past few days, she hadn¡¯t been feeling well anyway. She had vomited several times after eating. Those weren¡¯t signs of a concussion. But Mu Liancheng still insisted on her staying for observation. Chapter 420: 421:1 Really Really Dislike You Chapter 420: Chapter 421:1 Really Really Dislike You Thus, on the first day of the new year, Xia Yangyang was forced into a hospital ward. Originally, Mu Liancheng and Wen Xiaochu were with her. Now it was night. Xia Yangyang had sent them away. They had spent the whole day fussing over her, and Xia Yangyang felt a bit guilty about it. After Wen Xiaochu and Mu Liancheng left, the ward became suddenly quiet. Xia Yangyang thought it was quite nice to be hospitalized. At least she would not be the third wheel, disturbing the world of Wen Xiaochu and Mu Liancheng. Xia Yangyang could tell that the two were in their sweet lovey-dovey phase. The ward was a VIP ward.
The environment was excellent, as good as any hotel. There was arge floor-to-ceiling window next to the bed. The curtains had not been drawn. Looking out from a distance. She could see half of the city¡¯s lights. Xia Yangyang was staring nkly at the dazzling lights outside. Everything was clear now. But she did not know what to do next. A cliff ahead, and no way back behind. Xia Yangyang felt as if she had walked into a dead end, but she couldn¡¯t find a way out. At this moment, there was a knock at the door. Xia Yangyang thought it was the doctor on night duty and said, ¡°Come in.¡± The door to the ward opened. It was indeed a doctor, d in a white coat. But this was a doctor Xia Yangyang knew. It was Gu Zhaohan. Xia Yangyang was very surprised, ¡°Why are you here?¡± Gu Zhaohan began, ¡°I was on duty today, and I saw your name.¡± Xia Yangyang figured that would make sense.
She was being kept for observation on suspicion of a concussion, and Gu Zhaohan was in neurology, so running into him wasn¡¯t strange. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t say anything more. Gu Zhaohan asked, ¡°How are you feeling now, is your head still dizzy?¡± ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Xia Yangyang responded coldly.
Seeing Gu Zhaohan reminded Xia Yangyang of Gu Mingzhu. She didn¡¯t want to see anyone associated with her at the moment. Gu Zhaohan came over, ¡°Yangyang, what happened between you and Uncle on that night? Was it because of me?¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t because of you, Gu Zhaohan. Please leave. I don¡¯t want to see you right now.¡± Xia Yangyang seemed very irritated. She had not figured out what to do, or how to continue on her path. Gu Zhaohan did not leave, ¡°My mentor is your attending physician, so I am responsible for your condition now.¡± Xia Yangyang red at him, but Gu Zhaohan remained calm. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to talk, I won¡¯t ask. But you need to get some good rest now. Don¡¯t overthink. I¡¯lle see you tomorrow.¡± ¡°Gu Zhaohan, can¡¯t you understand? I don¡¯t want to see you anymore. Please don¡¯t show up in front of me. I really really dislike you now, do you know that?¡± Xia Yangyang finally let out everything in one breath. Gu Zhaohan¡¯s expression shifted slightly, ¡°You need to have a reason to dislike me.¡±
¡°There¡¯s no reason. I just don¡¯t want to see you.¡± Gu Zhaohan replied, ¡°Well, there¡¯s nothing I can do about that. I¡¯ll be making rounds tomorrow morning.¡± Xia Yangyang turned her head to the side, ignoring him. It so happened that Gu Zhaohan was leaving. There were two nurses at the door. They were whispering to each other about something. When they saw Gu Zhaohane out, they instantly fell quiet, standing by the side like quails. Early the next morning. A nurse came to take her temperature. The gossiping nurse asked, ¡°Everyone says you¡¯re Doctor Gu¡¯s girlfriend, is that true?¡± Xia Yangyang looked surprised at the nurse, ¡°Of course not, I¡¯m his¡­ uncle¡¯s¡± Before the word ¡°wife¡± came out. Xia Yangyang saw the tall figure at the door..
Chapter 421: 422: Divorce Chapter 421: Chapter 422: Divorce The person who came was none other than Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang was stunned in ce. That night, Gu Qichen didn¡¯te after her. However, Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Qichen would most likely be aware of her every move. After all, Mu Liancheng is his close friend. When Xia Yangyang went to find Wen Xiaochu, she had no intention of hiding it from Gu Qichen. Right now, what Xia Yangyang needed was some time to calm down. And think about her future. But Xia Yangyang also knew that she would ultimately have to confront Gu Qichen. Sooner orter, she would have to face him and their marriage.
After the nurse finished taking Xia Yangyang¡¯s temperature, she left the room. When she saw Gu Qichen at the door, she looked surprised, with a hint of curiosity. Gu Qichen had alreadye in and said, ¡°Liancheng only told me this morning that you were in the hospital.¡± Xia Yangyang could tell that he was trying to exin himself. Gu Qichen was implying that if he knew she was hospitalized yesterday, he would havee overst night. Xia Yangyang turned her head, ¡°I¡¯m fine. I¡¯ll be discharged in a little while.¡± Gu Qichen had already walked to Xia Yangyang¡¯s bedside, ¡°I think it¡¯s best to stay in the hospital for observation. I¡¯ve brought you breakfast.¡± Only then did Xia Yangyang notice the food box in Gu Qichen¡¯s hand. And this food box was a thermos from their home. Which meant that the breakfast was cooked by Gu Qichen himself. For some unexinable reason, Xia Yangyang felt a wave of sorrow in her heart. She didn¡¯t want to drag this out any longer. These past few days she had finally made up her mind. ¡°Gu Qichen, since you¡¯re here, let¡¯s get everything out in the open.¡± Xia Yangyang said, her gaze firm. Gu Qichen had an indifferent expression, opened the food box and said, ¡°You eat first. You¡¯ve been craving the chicken soup I make. I¡¯ve been too busy to make it for you, I¡¯m sorry.¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, I want a divorce.¡± ¡°This chicken soup was simmered by me all night. I was so tiredst night that I almost forgot to switch off the stove. It¡¯s thick and savory, just how you like it. Make sure you eat plenty.¡± It was like Gu Qichenpletely ignored what Xia Yangyang said.
This only infuriated Xia Yangyang more. Gu Qichen, oblivious to her anger, filled a bowl with soup and handed it to her. Xia Yangyang responded by swiping it forcefully away. The bowl of soup fell to the ground, the porcin shattering on impact.
A silence fell over the room following the sound of shattering. Their eyes met, one burning with rage, the other icy cold. Gu Qichen pinched his fingers, his voice icy cold, ¡°Yangyang, I spent two hours making this soup. If you don¡¯t want it, that¡¯s fine, but you shouldn¡¯t throw it away like this.¡± ¡°You¡¯re hurt because I disregarded your efforts? But Gu Qichen, you were the first to disregard my words.¡± ¡°I heard every word you said clearly.¡± ¡°Good, since you heard, I won¡¯t waste my words. Gu Qichen, let¡¯s get a divorce.¡± Gu Qichen stared at Xia Yangyang, his gaze stern. After a long moment, he coldly let out four words: ¡°Over my dead body.¡± Xia Yangyang felt like her heart was trembling. Xia Yangyang took a deep breath, ¡°Gu Qichen, you asked me why, right? I¡¯ll tell you now¡­¡± ¡°I already know all the reasons why you want to divorce me. My sister has told me everything about the past,¡± Gu Qichen interjected calmly. Xia Yangyang was taken aback. She didn¡¯t expect Gu Mingzhu to honestly tell Gu Qichen about their past.
Wasn¡¯t she afraid that he would hate her? Chapter 422: 423: The Best Bargaining Chip Chapter 422: Chapter 423: The Best Bargaining Chip Xia Yangyang lowered her eyelids, her voice was much weaker than before, ¡°Since you know it all, you should realize that a grudge for a mother¡¯s murder is irreconcble. I can¡¯t live under the same roof with your sister, nor can I be a part of the family with her beloved brother. I don¡¯t want to drag you into this. Before my hatred extends onto you, let¡¯s part ways amicably.¡± However, Gu Qichen replied, ¡°Even if my intention was to shift the resentment onto me, you should know Xia Yangyang, I will never divorce you. This is a grudge from the previous generation, and it¡¯s not meant for us to bear. As for my sister, shemitted an unforgivable mistake. Your mother died because of her, but so many years have passed. The only thing we can do now is to make amends.¡± Hearing Gu Qichen¡¯s seemingly casual words, Even his tone excusing Gu Mingzhu, an inexplicable rage ignited within Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang suddenly scoffed, ¡°Make amends? A life is lost. How do you n topensate?¡± Gu Qichen was silent for a while. But he stepped forward to hold Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, ¡°I¡¯ll spend my lifetime making it up to you. Yangyang, let the past be the past. I won¡¯t force you to forgive my sister. She is herself, and I am me. You should not give up our marriage lightly because of this past. Yangyang, I can¡¯t live without you.¡± In the past, Xia Yangyang would have been delighted to hear Gu Qichen confessing his feelings. But now, Xia Yangyang just felt an immense sadness. Xia Yangyang pulled her hand from Gu Qichen¡¯s grip, ¡°Let it go, Gu Qichen, ask yourself honestly, if you were me, would you let this go easily? Gu Qichen, let me tell you, this is a knot I can¡¯t untie. Divorcing you is only the first step. Don¡¯t assume I will let Gu Mingzhu off. I simply don¡¯t want there to be any connection between the Gu Family and me. My mother bore her grudge for ten years, even to her death. Yet, your sister is living a life of glory. I won¡¯t let her off so easily. Everyone who has done wrong should pay the price.¡±
Gu Qichen¡¯s face solemnly asked, ¡°What do you want to do?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t need to know what I want to do. Gu Qichen, you may want to protect your dear sister, and we may be enemies in the future. That¡¯s not my concern now. All I know is I want to divorce you. The fact that I have been sleeping with my enemy¡¯s brother all along is a big joke.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face seemed unable to maintain itsposure, ¡°What if I refuse the divorce?¡± Xia Yangyang smiled, ¡°What if I be Gu Zhaohan¡¯s girlfriend?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s pupils contracted, looking utterly dumbfounded, ¡°Xia Yangyang, what are you saying?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear what I just said? I want to take revenge on Gu Mingzhu. Isn¡¯t Gu Zhaohan the best pawn? Fortunately, he¡¯s still fond of me. If I agree to be with him and then ruthlessly stab him in the heart, wouldn¡¯t Gu Mingzhu die of grief? Or I could instigate a feud between mother and son. Gu Mingzhu killed my mother, and I¡¯ll ruin her biological son. Don¡¯t you think this is fair?¡± As she said these words, Xia Yangyang felt like a lunatic herself. In fact, she had thought of many ways to get revenge on Gu Mingzhu these days. But she never thought about using Gu Zhaohan. Yet here she was, now, blurting it out in front of Gu Qichen.. Chapter 423: 424: Youre Not Worthy Yet Chapter 423: Chapter 424: You¡¯re Not Worthy Yet Sure enough, Gu Qichen looked at Xia Yangyang as if he was looking at a madwoman. ¡°Xia Yangyang, you dare!¡± Gu Qichen seemed angry. She had spent so much time with Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang knew exactly what Gu Qichen¡¯s weaknesses were. Outsiders always thought that Gu Qichen was calm and aloof, but Xia Yangyang always had a way to provoke him to fury in a heartbeat. ¡°What wouldn¡¯t I dare to do now? What else am I incapable of? I once had a happy family, but it was all destroyed by your sister. Do you know how many years I have spent in a cold household enduring scorn, always feeling like an outsider in my own home. Know how much I missed my mother, but it was all ruined by her. How can you ask me to forgive her? Isn¡¯t the price for my mother¡¯s life need to be repaid? The humiliation she suffered before her death, I will get back twice as much from your sister.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was icy, ¡°Then why don¡¯t you take revenge on me? Stab a knife in my heart, isn¡¯t that torment too? If I were you, I wouldn¡¯t divorce. I would use marriage as a means of revenge.¡± However, Xia Yangyang just chuckled and shook her head, ¡°No, Gu Qichen, you are not worthy. A brother does not have the value of a biological son. Moreover, you are only a half-brother to her. Gu Qichen, let¡¯s divorce. You wouldn¡¯t want the newspapers filled with the scandal of incest in the Gu Family.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s expression became profoundly gloomy. He grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s wrist, ¡°I won¡¯t allow you to have such thoughts about Xiao Han. Get rid of such rebellious thoughts Xia Yangyang, I won¡¯t let you have your way, I will surely not divorce you.¡±
¡°Gu Qichen, you can¡¯t stop what I want to do.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you just try!¡± ¡°Try? I will try!¡± Gu Qichen was gnashing his teeth, grasping Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm, wishing he could crush it. How could the woman in front of him have be so despicable? But he felt utterly helpless. There was truth in what Xia Yangyang had said. A life was lost, there is no making up for it. Yet now, Xia Yangyang¡¯s thinking made him horrified. ¡°Mr. Gu, this is the ward, please don¡¯t disturb the patient,¡± came a male voice from the door. Turning his head around, he saw Gu Zhaohan. What an irony. The situation now was eerily simr to that of New Year¡¯s Eve. It seemed like everything was happening all over again. The only difference was, Gu Zhaohan called him Mr. Gu instead of uncle. There were a few nurses at the door as well. They were shocked to see the scene inside. Last night, a nurse had seen Doctor Gu talking to this girl. They seemed to be quarreling like a couple, moreover, they appeared to be quite close. What type of person was Doctor Gu?
He was known to be as cold as ice. Which unmarried nurse in the hospital wouldn¡¯t have a slight crush on him? They had never seen him give an extra look to anyone. Butst night, he was actually talking to her so gently.
If that wasn¡¯t his girlfriend then who? So, the whole hospital was buzzing today that the girl in the VIP ward was Doctor Gu¡¯s girlfriend. All the nurses from the entire department were trying to find an excuse toe and investigate this further. But at this moment, someone had already recognized her. Isn¡¯t that girl the little star who is incredibly popr in the entertainment industry? Everyone knew her identity; she was the dainty wife of Shengyuan¡¯s President, Gu Qichen. Seeing Gu Qichen there now, they finally understood.. Chapter 424: 425:1 Will Return to the Xi Family Chapter 424: Chapter 425:1 Will Return to the Xi Family What is the rtion between Gu Qichen and Doctor Gu? Everyone in the hospital knew perfectly well. The little Doctor Gu is the only third-generation of the Gu Family in the southern city. He is Gu Shengyuan¡¯s grandson. And the man standing in front of them is Doctor Gu¡¯s uncle. And this girl is Gu Zhaohan¡¯s aunt by marriage. It seemed they all have misunderstood the situation yesterday. However, since Gu Qichen is Doctor Gu¡¯s uncle, why is Doctor Gu speaking in such a distant and cold tone and referring to him as Mr. Gu? This left everyone puzzled. Gu Qichen let go of Xia Yangyang as he saw the doctors and nurses at the door, frowning slightly.
Another group of people came in, including Gu Zhaohan. Xia Yangyang felt a headacheing on. In fact, nothing was wrong with her, there was no need for her to be hospitalized. She was nning to get discharged today. The resident physician, Director Fang, came to review Xia Yangyang¡¯s condition and asked a few routine questions. Then he said, ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be any issue, Miss Xia, if you want to be discharged, you can process the discharge procedure anytime.¡± After a little while, all the doctors and nurses left. But Gu Zhaohan did not leave. Gu Qichen¡¯s face turned gloomy: ¡°What do you want?¡± ¡°I heard my name when you guys were arguing just now.¡± The room fell eerily quiet. Xia Yangyang¡¯s face didn¡¯t look good either. Did Gu Zhaohan hear all of what she said to Gu Qichen earlier? It shouldn¡¯t have been possible. The door was closed. And there were so many doctors and nurses, with constant updates on the clinical conditions. Even if they heard any sound from inside, they may have only caught a few words at most. But Xia Yangyang was not very certain. Gu Qichen did not speak either.
He just stared quietly at Gu Zhaohan, as if waiting for what was toe. Gu Zhaohan continued: ¡°If your disagreement this time is because of me, there¡¯s no need, uncle. I know what you¡¯re thinking. I like Yangyang, but it¡¯s just my one-sided affection. I¡¯m sorry if this has caused any trouble for you. But I assure you, you don¡¯t have to worry anymore because I¡¯m nning to return to the Xi Family.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face changed instantly: ¡°Go back to the Xi Family? Have you already decided?¡± Gu Zhaohan nodded: ¡°I¡¯ve decided already. I¡¯ll persuade mom and grandpa. So uncle, you don¡¯t have to worry about me posing any threat to your marriage.¡±
This was the first time Gu Zhaohan admitted that he likes Xia Yangyang in front of Gu Qichen. Having said that, Gu Zhaohan turned and left. The room fell silent. Truth be told, both Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen knew that Gu Zhaohan was not aware of the whole truth. He might have assumed that the hug that night or those few words had caused discordance in their rtionship. However, the reality was much moreplicated. Gu Qichen did not say anything. He just told Xia Yangyang, ¡°I¡¯ll go help you with the discharge procedure.¡± ¡°No need, I can do it myself.¡± Xia Yangyang rejected coldly: ¡°Just leave. I¡¯ll bring you the divorce agreement to sign once I have prepared it, Gu Qichen. You don¡¯t have another choice, you just need to agree to the divorce, and I promise not to involve Gu Zhaohan in this mess.¡± Xia Yangyang handled her own discharge procedure. It was Mu Liancheng and Wen Xiaochu who came to pick her up. It wasughable that Mu Liancheng picked up Xia Yangyang right in front of Gu Qichen¡¯s face.
Then they went to Maple Vi. Ironically, Gu Qichen also returned to Maple Vi. Two cars drove parallel to each other for some distance, only to part ways at the entrance of the neighborhood.. Chapter 425: 426: What Should I Do Chapter 425: Chapter 426: What Should I Do Actually, when Wen Xiaochu and Mu Liancheng arrived, they overheard Xia Yangyang discussing divorce with Gu Qichen. Upon hearing these two words, their expressions immediately darkened. They originally thought it was just some small quarrels between husband and wife. How could things escte to the point of divorce? After all, these two people were as sweet as honey to each other. Xia Yangyang was filming in Sea city. Gu Qichen seemed keen to move his entire office there. Because of this, he was mocked by his friends for a long time. Upon entering the house, Wen Xiaochu immediately followed Xia Yangyang into the room.
Cutting straight to the chase, she asked, ¡°Yangyang, what exactly happened that things would have to escte to divorce? Divorce is a serious decision that is not taken lightly by ordinary households, let alone the prestigious Gu family in the south of the city. Do you understand what this means?¡± Wen Xiaochu empathized deeply with her situation. She had wanted to divorce Mu Liancheng for many years and had tried almost every method. But, till now, she still couldn¡¯t get the divorce papers finalized. On the contrary, Mu Liancheng, who once disregarded her, has be like a leech, clinging onto her and refusing to let go. Finally, Xia Yangyang began to exin everything to Wen Xiaochu. After listening, Wen Xiaochu was shocked: ¡°Your mother¡¯s death many years ago had such hidden truth? It¡¯s actually Gu Mingzhu who caused your mother¡¯s death, this is terrifying.¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°I bet Gu Mingzhu didn¡¯t realize how serious it would be. Her intention was to ruin my mother¡¯s reputation and make her despised by everyone. But she never thought that my mother would develop depression and eventuallymit suicide. Ultimately, my mother¡¯s death was due to her deliberate harm. I can never forgive her.¡± Wen Xiaochu was especially shocked, this was more dramatic than an 8 o¡¯clock primetime drama, but life was much more brutal than tv dramas. Why was it someone from the Gu family who caused the death of Xia Yangyang¡¯s mother? And Xia Yangyang ended up ironically bing the young mistress of the Gu family. Wen Xiaochu, after a moment of silence, advised sincerely, ¡°But this crime wasmitted by Gu Mingzhu, not Gu Qichen. You need to understand that he was just a child back then. Everyone is an independent individual. You can¡¯t me him for his sister¡¯s actions, it wouldn¡¯t be fair to him.¡± A look of pain crossed Xia Yangyang¡¯s face. She twined her fingers through her hair in turmoil, ¡°I know this has nothing to do with him, but he is Gu Mingzhu¡¯s brother. Even if we don¡¯t divorce now, Gu Mingzhu will not allow a dangerous individual like me to be her cherished brother¡¯s wife. It¡¯s impossible for us now. I¡¯ve be sworn enemies with Gu Mingzhu, and I don¡¯t want Gu Qichen to get caught in between and suffer.¡± Wen Xiaochu suddenly understood, ¡°So you want to divorce for his sake?¡± ¡°Xiao Chu, I really don¡¯t know what to do. For so long, I¡¯ve been thinking, what should I do if Gu Mingzhu really caused my mother¡¯s death? But up till now, other than divorcing Gu Qichen, I haven¡¯t thought of any other solution. Even though many years have passed and it was Gu Mingzhu who schemed, all the evidence from back then has been destroyed. The Gu family would never let their daughter take responsibility for her ¡°moment of folly¡± back then. Furthermore, since my mothermitted suicide due to depression, I can¡¯t sue Gu Mingzhu in court. I can¡¯t do anything to her. But now that I know the truth, I can¡¯t just let this go.. Xiao Chu, tell me, what should I do?¡± Chapter 426: 427: Helpless Marriage Chapter 426: Chapter 427: Helpless Marriage Wen Xiaochu saw Xia Yangyang in such emotional distress and pain, yet she was utterly helpless. There were too many things in this world that one could do nothing about. Just like her own marriage, or Xia Yangyang¡¯s marriage. The grudges of the elders seemed to have nothing to do with Gu Qichen. But after all, he was part of the Gu Family, raised and dearly loved by Gu Mingzhu herself. Asking Xia Yangyang to let go of her innermost insecurities and continue to be with Gu Qichen seemed practically impossible. All Wen Xiaochu could do was stay by her side, despite not knowing how tofort her. Xia Yangyang had stayed in the mansion for a few days. Her mood had calmed down somewhat. She hade to terms with a few things during this period.
Her rtionship with Gu Qichen could best be described as a case of fate bringing two people together but destiny keeping them apart. If she could not convince herself to continue being his wife without resentment, then she might as well move swiftly to end things. As for Gu Mingzhu, she had not yet figured out what to do. But she was determined to find proof and vindicate her mother. But overturning a case from a decade ago was easier said than done. Right now, Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t dwelling on this too much. Her sole focus was on divorcing Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang was clear-headed. Since the grudge was between her and Gu Mingzhu, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to drag Gu Qichen into it. Once they were divorced, Xia Yangyang was determined to act as if they wereplete strangers. From then on, there would be no further entanglements. If Gu Qichen was in pain, then it would serve as the first step in exacting her revenge on Gu Mingzhu. Xia Yangyang had prepared the divorce agreement. In the afternoon, Xia Yangyang headed to the Shengyuan Building. While passing through the secretary department, everyone respectfully addressed her as ¡°Madam President¡±. In the past, she¡¯d felt somewhat embarrassed to hear the title, but now it seemed like cruel irony. Fang Zhengdong looked at Xia Yangyang as if she was his savior. ¡°Miss Xia, thank goodness you¡¯re here,¡± he pleaded. ¡°President Gu has practically turned Shengyuan into an iceberg these past few days. Everyone in the secretary department has been affected. I can hardly hold on any longer. Please go and talk to him, or we¡¯ll all end up resigning.¡± Fang Zhengdong intentionally exaggerated the situation.
Yet, Gu Qichen¡¯s behavior had indeed been unusually harsh these past few days. Apart from attending meetings, he hardly spoke a word. Even during meetings, his mind would asionally wander. However, despite being lost in thought, he still managed to multi-task effectively.
When secretary Cindere was reporting and made a small error, he caught it andshed out at her, demanding she resign. Though the mistake wasn¡¯t serious, everyone saw the severity of the situation. With President Gu¡¯s cold and authoritative demeanor, along with his foul mood, hardly anyone dared to get close to him. However, Fang Zhengdong was delighted to see Xia Yangyang. Given his understanding of Gu Qichen over the years, he knew the only thing that could cause such a change in him would be an issue with his delicate wife. No matter what was happening between the couple, now that his young wife was here voluntarily, it might mean she hade for reconciliation. President Gu would surely soften up and things would clear up soon. Xia Yangyang handed Fang Zhengdong a document: ¡°I won¡¯t go in. Please deliver this to Gu Qichen for me.¡± Fang Zhengdong looked down and was taken aback to see that it was a divorce agreement. What on earth was happening?! Plus, asking him to hand over a divorce agreement to the president was like signing his own death warrant! Who knows, President Gu might channel his anger onto him and have him transferred to South Africa. Fang Zhengdong hurriedly advised, ¡°Miss Xia, although I don¡¯t know what¡¯s happened, divorce is a serious matter that requires careful consideration. And based on my understanding of the president, I¡¯m certain he won¡¯t sign it..¡±
Chapter 427: 428: Heartless Woman Chapter 427: Chapter 428: Heartless Woman Xia Yangyang¡¯s gaze fell on the document. Yet she seemed to murmur to herself, ¡°No, he will definitely sign it.¡± Xia Yangyang looked up and forced a smile at Fang Zhengdong, ¡°Thank you for your trouble, Secretary Fang.¡± With that, Xia Yangyang turned and left. But Secretary Fang stood still, holding the document as if it were a hot potato. In the end, he resigned himself to the task and entered the CEO¡¯s office with a heavy heart. At that moment, Gu Qichen was deep in thought, hands crossed at his mouth, his gaze falling somewhere¡­ Yes, President Gu, known as a workaholic, was¡­ daydreaming. Secretary Fang approached and tentatively called out, ¡°President.¡± Gu Qichen looked up, his voice chilly and indifferent, ¡°What is it?¡±
Fang Zhengdong ced the document on Gu Qichen¡¯s desk, ¡°Miss Xia came by just now. She asked me to hand this to you, she also said¡­¡± Gu Qichen had already seen the document. The words ¡®divorce agreement¡¯ seemed particrly jarring. Gu Qichen¡¯s aura seemed to drop to a freezing point, causing even Fang Zhengdong to shiver involuntarily. ¡°She also said?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was icy cold. ¡°She said that you would definitely sign it.¡± But Gu Qichen took the document and threw it away with force. Papers flew out of the folder and scattered across the floor. Fang Zhengdong took a step back without any change in his expression and stood beside Gu Qichen, wishing he could disappear. ¡°President¡­¡± ¡°Get out!¡± Fang Zhengdong, who had been with Gu Qichen for many years, had seen the President angry before. But he had never seen him act so cold, ruthless, out of control, and angry. Fang Zhengdong quickly exited the office. The CEO¡¯s office was unusually quiet. Gu Qichen clenched his hands into fists, and the veins on his backhand were distinctly visible. Xia Yangyang, is our marriage truly so fragile and susceptible to hardship? Why is it that every time we encounter difficulties, your first thought is to give up on our marriage? Is this marriage really so insignificant in your eyes?
Gu Qichen slowly unclenched his fists. In the end, he picked up each and every page from the floor. But the words Xia Yangyang uttered at the hospital kept echoing in his mind. Xia Yangyang said, if he didn¡¯t divorce her, she would go to Gu Zhaohan!
She was forcing him to sign the divorce with this approach. A despicable woman! However, Gu Qichen, who had always been invincible, was feeling a sense of defeat for the first time. He was at a loss in the face of Xia Yangyang¡¯s relentless and heartless decision. Moreover, his sister was also in some kind of trouble. Gu Qichen collected the papers, putting them back in their folder, and into the desk drawer. Xia Yangyang was filled with anger and mentioned divorce at every opportunity. Gu Qichen felt that this was not the right time to discuss things with her. Things must be put on hold for now. Gu Qichen sent a text message to Xia Yangyang, ¡°I have to go to Tokyo for a business trip for a week. When I return, we¡¯ll talk about the divorce.¡± The only solution now is to let time heal Xia Yangyang¡¯s wrath. He hoped that they would be able to sit down and have a calm discussion when he came back after a week. When Xia Yangyang received this message, she was daydreaming in the campus library. Though it was winter break, she was buried in her thesis.
Fortunately, with the school almost empty because of the holidays, Xia Yangyang was finally at peace. Xia Yangyang stared at the message for a long time. She was unsure whether Gu Qichen was just buying time, or if he was seriously contemting the divorce.. Chapter 428: 429: Car Collision Chapter 428: Chapter 429: Car Collision Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart ached painfully. This had nothing to do with Gu Qichen; he should not be involved in this. But Xia Yangyang knew that in the future, she would undoubtedly turn against Gu Mingzhu and be at odds with the Gu Family. Rather than letting their marriage be tortured full of scars then, it would be best to break up amicably now. But Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t as nonchnt as she thought she was. In the past few days, she felt as if she was a walking corpse. Only the heart-wrenching pain reminded her that she was alive. Xia Yangyang was holding the phone in a daze. Then the phone suddenly started vibrating. When Xia Yangyang saw the number, it was Liu Ruyan¡¯s.
Xia Yangyang frowned and answered the call. ¡°Yangyang, your father¡¯s had an ident. He crashed his car into the guardrails on the elevated road, and now he¡¯s being resuscitated at Ruian Hospital. Come here immediately!¡± Xia Yangyang was startled for a moment. Then she quickly got up and headed to Ruian Hospital. Liu Ruyan and Xia Weiwei were at the hospital¡¯s emergency room entrance. Upon seeing Xia Yangyang, Xia Weiwei scolded, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you jinx! Your dad wouldn¡¯t have drunk and driven if it weren¡¯t for you troubling him. If something happens to dad, it¡¯s all on you.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t pay attention to Xia Weiwei at all. She walked up to Liu Ruyan directly: ¡°What exactly happened, how did dad get into an ident?¡± Liu Ruyan¡¯s eyes were full of tears, ¡°I don¡¯t know too. He said he was going out for a contract negotiation today but ended up drinking. He had an ident on the elevated road when he was driving back by himself in the afternoon.¡± Liu Ruyan broke down in tears, ¡°Xia Liangdong, how could you be so harsh? If something happened to you, leaving us as widows and orphans, how could we deal with the considerable debt of Starlight.¡± ¡°Stop crying, dad isn¡¯t dead yet.¡± Xia Yangyang said coldly. But Xia Yangyang felt her heart trembling. She looked at the closed door of the emergency room and the red light indicating ongoing resuscitation. It felt as if someone was choking her throat. Years ago, her mother was also rushed into the emergency room and never woke up again. It was as if her nightmare was repeating itself. The frightening smell of disinfectant tightly enveloped her. Her entire body felt as if it was gradually cooling down, inch by inch. Xia Yangyang stood by the door, with Xia Weiwei constantly berating her.
But Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t hear anything Xia Weiwei had said. All her attention was on that door. Xia Yangyang closed her eyes, her hands sp in prayer. Please don¡¯t be so cruel.
Although she couldn¡¯t forgive Xia Liangdong, he was still her father after all. No matter what, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want anything to happen to him. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how long she stayed outside the emergency room. Until the doctor and nurses came out. Xia Yangyang and Liu Ruyan quickly gathered around. ¡°Doctor, how is my husband?¡± Liu Ruyan anxiously asked. The doctor¡¯s eyes were filled with regret, he shook his head, ¡°We¡¯ve done our best, but the patient has severe head injuries. We have just had an operation, but he hasn¡¯t passed the critical stage yet, and even if he does, the chances of him waking up are small.¡± Liu Ruyan copsed onto the hallway bench. Xia Weiwei also couldn¡¯t ept it, ¡°Are you saying that my dad could be a vegetable? Can you guys even perform your jobs properly? I can¡¯t believe it, how could my dad be a vegetable? He¡¯s the president of Starlight International Entertainment!¡± The doctor frowned, ¡°Nothing is definite yet. Turning into a vegetable might be a somewhat more positive oue. With treatment, there could still be a chance of waking up. But for now, since the patient has just had open brain surgery and hasn¡¯t passed the critical stage, the next three days are crucial. Please prepare yourselves mentally..¡± Chapter 429: 430: You Take Care of Crying, Ill Take Responsibility Chapter 429: Chapter 430: You Take Care of Crying, I¡¯ll Take Responsibility Liu Ruyan and Xia Weiwei both broke down. Only Xia Yangyang remained calm. ¡°Thank you, doctor, what should we do now?¡± ¡°There¡¯s not much we can do now. Start by going through the hospital admittance process for the patient, put some money on the patient¡¯s medical record card, and expect the costs for the uing treatments to be quite high due to intensive care.¡± In the following time, Xia Yangyang was continuously busy. Handling all kinds of admittance procedures. Since it was a traffic ident, two other vehicles got into a rear-end collision at the time. The police also came in the afternoon to investigate. Xia Yangyang went to the police station to provide a statement. By evening, she returned to the hospital.
Xia Liangdong was inside the intensive care unit. Liu Ruyan was crying outside the ward. Quite a few people hade. They were the senior executives from thepany and some artists who were good friends with her father. ¡°Ruyan, you need to stay strong, with Mr. Xia in this condition, thepany can only rely on you. After all, as long as one is alive, there is hope. Mr. Xia will definitely wake up.¡± Liu Ruyan kept wiping her tears, ¡°How could he be so heartless? Now he¡¯s lying there without a care in the world, while the mess from thepany¡¯s bankruptcy falls entirely on me. Weiwei is still so young, and Yangyang doesn¡¯t handle matters, isn¡¯t this supposed to ruin me?¡± Liu Ruyan was crying so much, she was a picture of distress. Her old friends also pitied her, a woman who had encountered such a disaster. Xia Yangyang walked over. Yet Xia Weiwei was being deliberately difficult, ¡°Our father is involved in an ident and is lying there with his fate unknown. Meanwhile, you, the big star, are so leisurely. Running around all day and not showing your face, Xia Yangyang, are you even human? From the very beginning, you haven¡¯t shed a single tear. You¡¯re truly heartless.¡± With Xia Weiwei¡¯s words. Quite a few people turned their eyes towards Xia Yangyang. In that moment, their gazes were probing, suspicious, and their expressions wereplex. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t care. She walked up to Xia Weiwei, her expression cold, ¡°What¡¯s the use of crying? Will the hospital admission procedures and treatment n for dad be arranged automatically? Now that something has happened and you have taken on the task of crying, of course I should bear the responsibility.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you¡­¡± Xia Weiwei was left speechless and trembled with anger. On the other hand, their father¡¯s old friends beganforting Xia Yangyang. Speaking of her magnanimity, calmness amid the crisis, bearing responsibility.
Those people left soon after. Only then did Xia Yangyang ask Liu Ruyan, ¡°You just said that ourpany is going bankrupt, what exactly happened?¡± Liu Ruyan said, ¡°The exterior vibes of thepany has been gold-ted for a long time, but inside it¡¯s aplete mess. Not to mention bankruptcy, we owe a colossal amount of loans outside. With your father in this condition, what are we to do in the future?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t Shengyuan fill the two-billion-dor hole in ourpany earlier? How did it still end up like this?¡±
Gu Qichen had never told Xia Yangyang about this. Later, when Xia Yangyang found out, she also didn¡¯t ask Gu Qichen. On this matter, the Gu Family still owed her. Liu Ruyan sighed, ¡°That money temporarily relieved thepany¡¯s crisis, but your father¡¯s previous investments were all lost. He had pledged half of thepany¡¯s stocks to pay off his debts, and now that these projects are all losing money, thepany isn¡¯t what it used to be. If this situation continues, thepany will be facing bankruptcy soon.¡± Xia Yangyang felt like a heavier stone had just been put on her chest. However, Liu Ruyan seemed to have thought of something, ¡°Or, could you please ask the Gu Family for help again? Now only they can save us.¡± Chapter 430: 431: She Needs to Be Vulnerable for a While Chapter 430: Chapter 431: She Needs to Be Vulnerable for a While Xia Yangyang said, ¡°The Gu family is the Gu family, not the cash cow of our Xia family. They have no obligation to save Starlight from bankruptcy, and moreover, I won¡¯t go there.¡± Given the current rtionship between Xia Yangyang and the Gu family, how could she possibly ask the Gu family for this favor? Gu Mingzhu is the murderer who killed her mother. If she goes to ask Shengyuan to save Starlight, wouldn¡¯t that be the joke of the century? Xia Weiwei sneered from the side, ¡°Xia Yangyang, at this point, are you still concerned about face? If you can¡¯t even help with this, are you still considered a daughter of the Gu family, a daughter of our father?¡± Having said that, Xia Weiwei copsed in front of the transparent ss outside the ICU, calling out and crying, ¡°Dad, open your eyes and see how heartless the daughter you love so dearly is. It¡¯s a shame you gave her twenty percent of Starlight¡¯s shares.¡± Indeed, the Gu family holds a total of forty-five percent of Starlight¡¯s shares. But twenty percent of them are under Xia Yangyang¡¯s name. Because Starlight was founded single-handedly by her mother and father. Her mother once held twenty percent of Starlight¡¯s shares.
After her mother passed away, her father transferred these shares to Xia Yangyang before getting married. Because of this, Liu Ruyan had almost argued with Xia Liangdong for ten years. Xia Yangyang spoke up, ¡°I will find other ways, but I will not go to the Gu family. Not only will I not go, you¡¯re not allowed to go either.¡± Xia Weiwei finally turned around, with a glimmer of curiosity in her eyes, and even a hint of expectation, ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯ve already divorced Gu Qichen.¡± ¡°Who said we¡¯re already divorced?¡± A cold male voice came from behind. Everyone turned their heads to look down the corridor. They saw Gu Qichen slowly approaching. He was in a suit and leather shoes, looking travel-worn, as if he had juste down from a business meeting. Xia Yangyang found it strange. Didn¡¯t Gu Qichen say he was going on a business trip to Japan? Gu Qichen had already reached them. Aunt Liu was quite polite, ¡°Ah Chen, you¡¯re here.¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Aunt Liu, as soon as I heard the news I rushed back from Tokyo. I¡¯m a littlete,¡± replied Gu Qi Chen. Upon hearing what he said, Liu Ruyan started wiping her tears again, ¡°It¡¯s such a disaster, why am I so unlucky? If your father really abandons us and leaves, the Xia family is finished.¡± Gu Qi Chen responded, ¡°Dad will be fine.¡± Then he turned his gaze to Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang kept her head down. She did not look at Gu Qichen. She was discussing divorce with Gu Qichen.
But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want Liu Ruyan and Xia Weiwei to know about what¡¯s happening between them, yet. Because she knew this was the drama they had been hoping for. Gu Qichen reached out to caress Xia Yangyang¡¯s hair, then held her in his arms, patting her back as if soothing a child, ¡°Dad will be fine, don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m still here.¡± Xia Yangyang felt extremely distressed.
Since learning about her father¡¯s ident, Xia Yangyang had turned herself into a machine. Because there were many things to do, many responsibilities to bear. Therefore, she had to stay calm, controlled, and disconnected. She did not have time to think too much, let alone indulge in sorrowful emotions. Because she had no one to lean on. But the moment Gu Qichen pulled her into his arms, Xia Yangyang felt as if the tight string she had been straining suddenly broke. Tears streamed down her eyes. Xia Yangyang did not say anything, just let Gu Qichen hold her for a while. She needed to be vulnerable for a moment. Chapter 431: 432: Lets Put the Divorce Matter Aside for Now Chapter 431: Chapter 432: Let¡¯s Put the Divorce Matter Aside for Now Xia Weiwei was watching from the sidelines, her fingers clenched into fists. However, seeing Gu Qichen now, Xia Weiwei couldn¡¯t help but feel a sense of fear. After all, it was Gu Qichen who had made her life miserable before. She spent a month in detention. Just thinking about that period filled Xia Weiwei with hatred. But she hated Xia Yangyang even more. She had clearly told her that Gu Mingzhu was the one who killed her mother. Given Xia Yangyang¡¯s sharp and intolerant nature, shouldn¡¯t she have broken off with Gu Qichen long ago? Why is their rtionship still so good? Could it be that this despicable Xia Yangyang can ignore her mother¡¯s death and continue to y the role of the Gu Family¡¯s mistress without guilt?
Xia Yangyang turned out to be such a vain, superficial, and despicable person. She truly hated her to the core. Liu Ruyan saw Xia Weiwei¡¯s barely concealed emotion and feared she would make a scene again at that moment. So she said to Gu Qichen, ¡°You two stay here for a while, I¡¯m going back to help your father pack some stuff.¡± With that, she took Xia Weiwei and left. After Liu Ruyan had left, Xia Yangyang reached up and wiped the tear stains from her face. Then she pushed Gu Qichen away, took a step back, and kept her distance. Xia Yangyang spoke up: ¡°Gu Qichen, since we¡¯re getting divorced anyway, stop meddling in my affairs. Go back. I¡¯ll take care of my father.¡± There was at least twelve million in Xia Yangyang¡¯s bank ount. So, financially, she doesn¡¯t need to rely on Gu Qichen. And at the moment, nothing else really mattered. She didn¡¯t want to owe Gu Qichen any favors at a critical time like this. Gu Qichen calmly replied, ¡°Xia Yangyang, let¡¯s put the divorce issue aside for now. Let¡¯s wait until your father¡¯s condition is stable. I¡¯ve already contacted some of the top neurologists in the United States. They will being to the Ruian Hospital for a consultation in a few days. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let anything happen to your dad.¡± Xia Yangyang was unsure of her feelings. But her father, Xia Liangdong, was still in critical condition. Xia Yangyang, who had been hit hard and was busy non-stop, was physically and mentally exhausted. She had no energy left to think about anything else. All Xia Yangyang wanted now was for her dad to be okay; she didn¡¯t want to think about anything else for the moment.
Gu Qichen stayed with Xia Yangyang outside the intensive care unit all night. The next night, The doctor brought good news. Xia Liangdong had passed the critical stage.
Anxious, Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°When will he wake up then?¡± The chief doctor sighed, ¡°The chances are slim, but with the rapid progress in medical technology, perhaps one day he will wake up.¡± Upon hearing this, Xia Yangyang felt utterly shattered. Gu Qichenforted Xia Yangyang, ¡°The experts from home and abroad wille tomorrow. I will personally participate in the consultation. Yangyang, rest assured, I won¡¯t let you lose your dad.¡± A weekter, Xia Liangdong was transferred from the intensive care unit to a regr VIP ward. His vital signs had stabilized. But he still hadn¡¯t woken up. In that week, Xia Yangyang stayed in the hospital and hardly went anywhere else. She kept a constant vigil, practically wasting away. On the day of his transfer from the ICU, Gu Qichen said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Let me take you home. Go take a bath, you need a good sleep.¡± Yes, Xia Yangyang was exhausted. In just seven days, Xia Yangyang felt as if she had lived through seven long years.
Gu Qichen initially nned to take Xia Yangyang back to Maple Vi, where they both lived. Xia Yangyang suddenly spoke up, ¡°Take me back to the Xia Family¡¯s ce.¡± Chapter 432: 433: What is it like to sleep with Gu Qichen? I tell you, it feels great! Chapter 432: Chapter 433: What is it like to sleep with Gu Qichen? I tell you, it feels great! Gu Qichen only nced at Xia Yangyang. He didn¡¯t say anything. He turned the car around and took Xia Yangyang back to the Xia Family vi. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t go in with her. He had been incredibly busy these past few days. Despite this, he still frequently made trips to the hospital. Indeed, he was the one who brought all of Xia Yangyang¡¯s meals. She had tried to refuse. However, Gu Qichen told her that with her current state, if she continued eating poorly, her health would fail. This was indeed the case.
These past few days, Xia Yangyang had no appetite. She felt nauseous towards everything she ate. She could only stomach the chicken congee he made. Gu Qichen kept concocting different types of nutritious congee that were easy to digest. If it wasn¡¯t for him, her health would definitely have taken a turn for the worst. Getting out of the car, Xia Yangyang started to dry heave again. Gu Qichen patted her back. Xia Yangyang vomited a little before trying to exit the car. As she was alighting, Gu Qichen suddenly held onto Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm, ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯re not¡­¡± Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°What?¡± Within Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes, there was a momentary twister of emotions but they were quickly concealed by a calm gaze. ¡°Nothing, you should go in.¡± Xia Yangyang entered the house, thinking Gu Qichen had been very odd. When Xia Yangyang was going upstairs, she bumped into Xia Weiwei. Xia Yangyang had no intention to converse with her; she simply wanted to pass by Xia Weiwei. However, when Xia Yangyang walked up to her, Xia Weiwei deliberately tripped her. Xia Yangyang stumbled, nearly falling, but managed to grab the bannister. Xia Yangyang spoke coldly, ¡°Xia Weiwei, are you picking a fight?¡± Xia Weiwei responded with a sneer, ¡°Gu Qichen brought you home, didn¡¯t he, Xia Yangyang? I didn¡¯t know your rtionship was still so good. Have you forgotten how your mother died?¡±
Xia Yangyang felt as though her throat had been scalded by sulphuric acid. A toxic smoke seemed to seep out. Xia Yangyang¡¯splexion changed. However, Xia Weiwei fanned the mes further, ¡°I didn¡¯t think you were so magnanimous, Xia Yangyang. How does it feel to share a bed with your enemy¡¯s brother? You really don¡¯t care, do you? I feel ashamed for you, Xia Yangyang, you are just an unscrupulous and vain woman yearning for wealth and rank.¡±
Xia Yangyang gripped Xia Weiwei¡¯s chin, ¡°You want to know what it feels like to be with Gu Qichen? I¡¯ll tell you, it feels great, Xia Weiwei. Aren¡¯t you just hoping for me to get divorced? Well, I won¡¯t. What can you do to me? If I ever hear another word about my mother from you, I¡¯ll break off your chin and keep it as a toy.¡± When she finished, Xia Yangyang exerted pressure on her hand. Xia Weiwei¡¯s chin dislocated again. Xia Weiwei was unable to speak and red hatefully at Xia Yangyang. She wished she could turn her gaze into a sharp knife to cut Xia Yangyang to pieces. She had forgotten that Xia Yangyang had used this move before. However, she didn¡¯t expect Xia Yangyang to be so bold now,ying her hands on her without restraint. The sound of a bone cracking could be heard. The next second, Xia Yangyang put Xia Weiwei¡¯s dislocated chin back in ce. Xia Weiwei covered her mouth, so pained she couldn¡¯t utter a word. Xia Yangyang, who still sounded fairly calm, said, ¡°Isn¡¯t it fun? If you enjoy it, feel free to provoke me.¡± Xia Yangyang then went upstairs to her room. Xia Weiwei was absolutely furious.
She randomly wanted to smash something nearby, but found nothing at hand. She kicked the white marble railing of the staircase instead. She hit her toe, and the pain made her howl. At this time, Liu Ruyan, who had seen everything from upstairs, came down. Xia Weiwei pointed at Xia Yangyang¡¯s room door, her words door slurred from the dislocated jaw, ¡°I want to kill her, I¡¯m going to kill her!¡± Chapter 433: 434: Idiot Chapter 433: Chapter 434: Idiot Liu Ruyan looked at her angry stomping daughter and scolded, ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you not to provoke her recently? Look at your disgraceful state, it¡¯s embarrassing.¡± Xia Weiwei clung to Liu Ruyan¡¯s arm: ¡°Mom, how can I let Xia Yangyang humiliate me like this? Why hasn¡¯t she divorced Gu Qichen yet, do you think they might reconcile? Mom, let¡¯s use our trump card, then Xia Yangyang will never have aeback, and the Gu family will definitely not tolerate her. Mom, I can¡¯t wait anymore.¡± ¡°Idiot!¡± Liu Ruyan said, ¡°I¡¯ve told you, this trump card can¡¯t be used lightly until it¡¯s absolutely necessary. Don¡¯t you still want to be Mrs. Gu? This is your trump card to be Mrs. Gu, not to bring down Xia Yangyang.¡± Hearing this, Xia Weiwei sobered up a bit. But the me in her eyes swiftly extinguished: ¡°But, can I really be Mrs. Gu? Gu Qichen is still so close with Xia Yangyang, didn¡¯t you see the way he looks at me, so cold, will he ever like me?¡± ¡°What good is liking? The most burdensome and useless thing in this world is emotions. Put away your sincerity, what¡¯s most important now is the position of Mrs. Gu. Once you be the young mistress of the Gu family, you will forever be held in high regard, you won¡¯t be looked down upon in this lifetime. As for Gu Qichen¡¯s feelings, it¡¯s just icing on the cake if he has them, if not, no need to force it.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s thoughts differed from Liu Ruyan¡¯s. Xia Weiwei thought that as long as she could marry Gu Qichen in the future. In a lifetime, she would certainly find a way to make Gu Qichen fall for her.
As long as she were Mrs. Gu, as long as she could share a bed with that man every night. She was sure she could make Gu Qichen change his mind. Thinking of this, Xia Weiwei was inexplicably excited again: ¡°Mom, from today on, I will listen to you, I won¡¯t bother with Xia Yangyang anymore, tell me, what should I do?¡± Liu Ruyan frowned: ¡°Right now, you don¡¯t need to do anything. Just wait and see. If it weren¡¯t for your impulsiveness, you couldn¡¯t help but break the rtionship between Xia Yangyang and Gu Mingzhu, and I wouldn¡¯t have to n so hard for you.¡± Xia Weiwei bowed her head, Liu Ruyan always med her. It was always not the right time, not the right time, when would it ever be the right time? She couldn¡¯t wait at all. But having learned from her previous lesson, Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t dare to talk back. Looking at Liu Ruyan who was rarely dressed up so elegantly: ¡°Mom, where are you going looking so beautiful?¡± Liu Ruyan¡¯s expression changed: ¡°I¡¯m going to the hospital to see your father.¡± Mentioning her father, Xia Weiwei felt a little heartbroken: ¡°I don¡¯t know if father can wake up, I¡¯ll go with you, we can¡¯t let father wake up and see that bitch Xia Yangyang first.¡± Liu Ruyan quickly responded: ¡°You shouldn¡¯t go today, we¡¯ll take turns to stay in the future, you¡¯ve seen it these days, Xia Yangyang has been at the hospital twenty-four hours a day, she¡¯s cleverer than you, if your father wakes up one day, he will only recognize her as his daughter.¡± Xia Weiwei was irritated: ¡°I understand, from now on, I will also frequent the hospital.¡± Liu Ruyan left alone, and Xia Weiwei went back to her room. Xia Yangyang practically slept all day and night. Her mind was foggy, as if she was dreaming all the time. But the dream was exceptionally beautiful, as if time was reversing, back to her childhood. Chapter 434: 435: What Are You Guilty About? Chapter 434: Chapter 435: What Are You Guilty About? Her mom and dad were ying hide-and-seek with her in the yard. Amidst theughter, they hid, and Xia Yangyang went to search for them. But Xia Yangyang searched for a long time and couldn¡¯t find them. Then the scene suddenly changed, everything was shrouded in darkness, and Xia Yangyang found herself standing alone in a deserted ruin. No one was there, nothing existed, only she was left alone. She screamed out loud, calling mom and dad, but there was no response, she couldn¡¯t even make a sound. Xia Yangyang suddenly panicked, the feeling of being abandoned was like a huge wave rising from the sea, smashing into her, and dragging her into the water. Xia Yangyang woke up abruptly and quickly sat up. Xia Yangyang was panting heavily, feeling as if she couldn¡¯t breathe. Her forehead was covered in tiny beads of sweat, and her back was soaked in cold sweat from fear.
When Xia Yangyang woke up. She thought luckily, this was just a dream. But when she came to her senses. Xia Yangyang felt, reality seemed even more cruel than the dream. Xia Yangyang took another shower and dressed in clean clothes. She originally nned to go to the hospital. But her phone suddenly rang. The person calling her was Shen Shichuan. Due to her dad¡¯s ident, Xia Yangyang has temporarily put all her work on hold. These days she had been thinking about nothing else but hoping dad would wake up. Xia Yangyang thought it must be something urgent from work. So she answered the phone. It wasn¡¯t anything important. It was an invitation from Shen Shichuan to have lunch together. Xia Yangyang found it strange. Xia Yangyang initially didn¡¯t want to go. But Shen Shichuan said that Shen Manbing finished her shooting and would be joining them for lunch today. Xia Yangyang thought about it and eventually decided to go. The venue was chosen by Shen Shichuan.
Shen Shichuan surprisingly chose an upscale golf club. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t give it much thought. As a person like Shen Shichuan frequently visiting such ces was not unusual. This ce had a revolving rooftop restaurant.
It was surrounded by ss, and a vast golf course was on the view. A sea of green was in sight, eating in such a ce was indeed refreshing. Seeing Xia Yangyang, Shen Manbing seemed worried too. While in Sea city, she heard about Xia Liangdong¡¯s ident. This was big news in the entertainment world. Shen Manbing took Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°How did you be so thin?¡± Xia Yangyang forced a smile, ¡°I¡¯m fine, I can hold on.¡± Shen Manbing sighed, ¡°I heard that things are not going well between you and Ah Chen. What¡¯s going on?¡± The thing between her and Gu Qi Chen couldn¡¯t be exined in just a few words. ¡°You¡¯ll know soon enough.¡± Once she divorced Gu Qi Chen, everything would be clear. Shen Shichuan also came over. Shen Manbing affectionately took Shen Shichuan¡¯s arm, ¡°Bro, weren¡¯t we going to celebrate an end to Manbing¡¯s filming? Why here? The food here is average and we¡¯ve been here so many times.¡± Shen Shichuan calmly pulled his arm away from Shen Manbing and whispered, ¡°There are too many people here.¡±
Manbing rolled her eyes, ¡°What are you afraid of? We are siblings, haven¡¯t we always been like this? What¡¯s there to be guilty of?¡± Shen Shichuan coughed, ¡°I¡¯m not guilty.¡± Shen Manbing looked a little upset, took Yangyang¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go and eat, don¡¯t mind him.¡± These two, really looked like a young couple. Xia Yangyang knew that Shen Manbing and Shen Shichuan were in a secret rtionship. With the cover of the sibling rtionship, the media wouldn¡¯t suspect anything. But sometimes, the little moods of a girl in love can be quite obvious. Chapter 435: 436: Who is Xi Jiaxin? Chapter 435: Chapter 436: Who is Xi Jiaxin? They all sat down. The waiter brought the menus. Shen Manbing ordered a table full of dishes with her eyes closed. Shen Manbing said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°I¡¯m on vacation now, nning to go to the Maldives for a few days, Yangyang,e with me.¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head, ¡°I can¡¯t get away recently, you also know about my father¡­¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s face changed, she sighed, ¡°I hope Director Xia will wake up soon.¡± Shen Shichuan started to speak: ¡°Yangyang, although this is your family matter, and I, as an outsider, shouldn¡¯t interfere, yet Director Xia and I have been both rivals and friends for many years. And now you are an artist at mypany, there¡¯s something you probably should understand.¡± Xia Yangyang just felt that Shen Shichuan¡¯s face was exceptionally solemn. From the moment she had saw him, Xia Yangyang knew that Shen Shichuan had something on his mind today. Otherwise, knowing her current situation, Shen Shichuan wouldn¡¯t have invited her to dinner without any reason.
Xia Yangyang asked: ¡°Brother Shen, what exactly do you want to tell me?¡± Shen Shichuan pointed to something outside the ss: ¡°I don¡¯t know how to say it, you¡¯ll see for yourself.¡± Xia Yangyang, confused, turned her head to look outside through the ss. Outside was a golf course. Many people were ying golf. From Yangyang¡¯s position, she had a clear view. Xia Yangyang saw a familiar face. It was Liu Ruyan. Liu Ruyan was in her sports gear. Although she was already in her forties, she had always taken great care of herself. Wearing form-fitting sportswear, her figure was perfect. At that moment she was preparing to make a beautiful swing. Even though the posture was beautiful, she didn¡¯t even get the ball out¡­ What shocked Xia Yangyang was that there was a middle-aged man standing next to Liu Ruyan. Judging from his clothes, he was no ordinary man. Seeing Liu Ruyan miss the ball, heughed out loud. Liu Ruyan had a look of coquetry on her face, and even pinched the man¡¯s arm in mock protest. The man then walked over to Liu Ruyan, reached out, and held her from behind, showing her how to swing. Their actions were intimate and flirtatious, and Liu Ruyan had a bright smile on her face.
Xia Yangyang¡¯s fingers teared up without her realizing it. Seeing the obvious seduction and shyness on Liu Ruyan¡¯s face and the man¡¯s flirtatious teasing. Xia Yangyang felt like she had swallowed a fly, feeling so nauseous she wanted to throw up. Shen Manbing also looked outside.
After taking a closer look for a while, she suddenly said in surprise: ¡°Yangyang, isn¡¯t that your stepmother Liu Ruyan? How could it be?¡± Shen Manbing turned back in shock. She looked at Xia Yangyang, whose face had turned extremely ugly, then back at Shen Shichuan. So that was why Shen Shichuan had brought her here to eat. So, it was because he had discovered something¡­ For a moment, Shen Manbing didn¡¯t know what to say. When she looked back again in that direction. She saw the two of them hugging, with the man¡¯s hand already reaching inside Liu Ruyan¡¯s clothes. Liu Ruyan yfully pushed him away, then dropped her golf club and walked away. The man quickly followed. Anyone could guess what was going to happen next. Shen Manbing was also indignant: ¡°Even in broad daylight, this is too tant. Especially since your father is still in the hospital, but the man seems familiar, just can¡¯t remember who he is.¡± Shen Manbing thought hard, and then suddenly realized: ¡°Isn¡¯t that the second master of the Xi Family? Yes, it¡¯s Xi Jiaxin!¡±
Xia Yangyang, as if she had juste back to her senses, asked: ¡°Who is Xi Jiaxin?¡± Chapter 436: 437: Better to Divorce Early Chapter 436: Chapter 437: Better to Divorce Early Shen Manbing said, ¡°You might not know who Xi Jiaxin is, but there¡¯s one person you couldn¡¯t possibly not have heard of, and that¡¯s Xi Jiachen.¡± Xia Yangyang was slightly stunned. Xi Jiachen, the richest man in Asia, the founder of Jiang Group. Of course, Xia Yangyang was familiar with this name, mainly because he was Gu Mingzhu¡¯s ex-husband, Gu Zhaohan¡¯s biological father, Xia Yangyang had often heard this name in Xia Family. So what¡¯s the rtionship between this Xi Jiaxin and Xi Jiachen? Shen Manbing continued to exin, ¡°Xi Jiaxin is the only brother of Xi Jiachen,monly referred to as Second Master Xi. It is well-known for his flirtatious nature. Now at a ripe old age, he is still dating young models, some even younger than his own daughter; although he and his legal wife have each been living their own lives, they have still not divorced after all these years. Your stepmother has a cold, scheming heart. Your father is still lying in the hospital with his life hanging in the bnce, and yet she has the audacity to flirt with men here. What a misfortune for your family!¡± ¡°Xiao Bing, stop.¡± Shen Shichuan spoke up. Shen Manbing was always blunt, but she had failed to consider Xia Yangyang¡¯s feelings. She quickly shut her mouth and shifted to another topic: ¡°Yangyang, what do you n to do now?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind was in a mess.
She didn¡¯t have the slightest clue what to do. After leaving the club. Xia Yangyang went to the hospital. Although her father had been transferred out of the intensive care unit. He stilly there, hooked up to all sorts of tubes. Hey there, his face pale and lifeless, as if his soul had been sucked out. Xia Yangyang hardly recognized him anymore. Xia Yangyang sat at the bedside for a while. She held Xia Liangdong¡¯s hand and said, ¡°Dad, do you know what I saw today?¡± No one responded to her. Xia Yangyang curled her lip into a cynical smile: ¡°I still don¡¯t understand why you betrayed mother back then. I¡¯d also like to know whether you have any regrets over the years. But perhaps there really is karma in this world. When someone does something wrong, heaven will always punish them in the same manner.¡± Only Xia Yangyang¡¯s calm voice filled the room: ¡°But rest assured, Dad, no matter what happens next, I won¡¯t let Starlight, I won¡¯t let you and mom¡¯s hard work be destroyed in her hands.¡± Another brief silence ensued. As Xia Yangyang held Xia Liangdong¡¯s hand, she realized how old her father had gotten. His hand was so thin and bony that it was just skin over bones. When she was a child, she loved to stuff her little fists into her father¡¯s palm. She had always found his hands dry and warm. They seemed so big, so invincible, able to shield her from the world. It has been many years since Xia Yangyang held Xia Liangdong¡¯s hand. And also a long time since she had a calm conversation with him. ¡°Dad, it¡¯s not bad that you don¡¯t know anything now. At least you don¡¯t have to bear the brutal reality.¡±
Xia Yangyang leaned down beside Xia Liangdong, ¡°Dad, if you can wake up, let bygones be bygones, and from then on, we will have a good life together.¡± ¡°He will surely wake up.¡± A deep male voice echoed from behind her. Xia Yangyang straightened her back and wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes: ¡°Why are you here?¡± ¡°I came to see my father, and you.¡±
¡°It¡¯s not necessary.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was slightly aloof: ¡°If Mr. Gu has so much free time, he might as well sign the divorce agreement early on. That would bring closure to me on one matter.¡± Once Xia Yangyang mentioned divorce, the face of Gu Qichen turned gloomy. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was cold: ¡°Xia Yangyang, must you be this heartless? Isn¡¯t there any other way?¡± Chapter 437: 438: A world without you is hell for me Chapter 437: Chapter 438: A world without you is hell for me Xia Yangyang lifted her head, staring straight into Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes. ¡°There is an alternative, Gu Qichen. You must choose between your sister and our marriage. If you choose me, from this point forward, you will break all ties with Gu Mingzhu, to the extent of never crossing paths again. Even when we are in a life-and-death struggle, you can¡¯t get involved. Can you do that?¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t change his expression. But Xia Yangyang noticed that when she mentioned breaking ties with Gu Mingzhu, a storm seemed to surge beneath his calm exterior, a cloud of darkness gathering. Gu Qichen stood in silence. Their gazes met, and the only sound in the room was the ticking of the wall clock. Xia Yangyang already knew the answer. To her, Gu Mingzhu was a detestable viin, wholly unforgivable. But to Gu Qichen, she was his dearly beloved sister, his closest kin since childhood. Xia Yangyang knew Gu Qichen would never agree to her terms, so she deliberately put it this way. Gu Qichen remained silent, not uttering a word.
But in the end, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but smile. ¡°I don¡¯t want to make things difficult for you. So, you see, divorce is our best option, isn¡¯t it? I do not wish to see you caught between me and your sister.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was calm and cold. ¡°So, you¡¯re divorcing me out of concern for me?¡± A rare smile appeared on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face. ¡°You could say that. You¡¯ve always been tremendously clever. You should understand that the divide between us is too great to bridge. I can¡¯t ovee this hatred and neither can you. It¡¯s just the way things are, a cruel twist of fate. You¡¯re very powerful, but not even you can defy fate.¡± Xia Yangyang seemed unusually serene. ¡°Gu Qichen, this is between me and Gu Mingzhu. I¡¯m sorry it has affected your marriage. But I won¡¯t extend my hatred for her onto you, at least not for now. Let¡¯s not erode the value of our past to nothing. So, let¡¯s part on good terms.¡± Gu Qichen watched the woman in front of him. She was so calm that it unnerved him. She spoke as if his marriage and the difficulties it had caused her were someone else¡¯s issues. But his marriage was also her marriage. ¡°Xia Yangyang, if you want to hate me, go ahead. But I will not divorce you,¡± Gu Qichen stated with determination. Gu Qichen took a step forward, standing so close that they could hear each other¡¯s breath. ¡°Xia Yangyang, I will never divorce in this lifetime. If you want us to torment each other, then let¡¯s do it for a lifetime. If you¡¯re in hell, I¡¯m willing to descend with you, because a world without you is hell to me.¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned. When she raised her head and looked into Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes, they were filled with warmth and tenderness amidst the pain. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t understand the emotion behind his words. Yet, Xia Yangyang felt a bitter ache in her heart that seemed about to explode. Xia Yangyang pushed Gu Qichen away. ¡°You wish to torment yourself, so be it!¡± Having said that, Xia Yangyang left the hospital room. Xia Yangyang felt heartbroken. It was not ack of love. Rather, reality was a seemingly endless river between them, with turbulent waters in the middle. They could only run along the riverbank, watching each other but never able to get closer. Xia Yangyang sobbed heavily in the taxi.
The driver didn¡¯t know why and assumed she had just broken up with someone. After trying tofort her for a while, he even declined to take her money. When she reached back to the Xia Family¡¯s vi, it was already dusk. Chapter 438: 439: Just Wanted to Compliment Your Acting Skills Chapter 438: Chapter 439: Just Wanted to Compliment Your Acting Skills Rarely was Xia Weiwei not present. The vi seemed very quiet. When the butler saw her return, he respectfully said, ¡°Young Miss is back. I will instruct the kitchen to prepare dinner.¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head: ¡°No need, where is Aunt Liu?¡± ¡°The mistress left in the afternoon and hasn¡¯t returned yet.¡± The butler hadn¡¯t finished speaking. When Liu Ruyan walked in. Liu Ruyan was already dressed in a fur coat, looking energetic with a captivating air. Seeing Xia Yangyang, she smiled faintly: ¡°You came back so early today?¡± Xia Yangyang turned around, her expression calm: ¡°Aunt Liu¡­ you look so beautiful today. Where did you go?¡±
Nonchntly, Liu Ruyan replied: ¡°Just meeting up with some of my sisters. Given your father¡¯s current state, I¡¯ve been worried. My friends are worried that I might do something rash, so they insisted on me going out to clear my mind.¡± Xia Yangyang was truly in awe of Liu Ruyan¡¯s ability to lie. Without any hint of guilt, she spoke convincingly, every word and sentence. If she hadn¡¯t witnessed Liu Ruyan ying golf with Xi Jiaxin at the club that afternoon, Xia Yangyang might have believed her. Xia Yangyang smiled: ¡°Aunt Liu, I heard that twenty years ago, you were a famous actress in the film circle.¡± Liu Ruyan¡¯s facial expression changed slightly: ¡°Why are you suddenly bringing this up?¡± ¡°Nothing really, just wanted topliment your acting skills.¡± Liu Ruyan¡¯s facial expression changed slightly: ¡°Yangyang, what exactly are you trying to say?¡± ¡°Today I had a meal with a friend at a high-end golf course restaurant, coincidentally, I think I saw Aunt Liu and your friend, but it wasn¡¯t a group of sisters, it was a man.¡± Xia Yangyang was toozy to beat around the bush with Liu Ruyan, so she just broke it to her. As expected, Liu Ruyan¡¯s expression turned sour, unable to pretend to smile anymore. Xia Yangyang slowly walked towards Liu Ruyan: ¡°Aunt Liu, you have been married to my father for 10 years. Even though your rise in the past wasn¡¯t exactly honorable, you and my father are both public figures in the entertainment industry. Now that my father is still critically sick, you¡¯re hastily finding a new suitor. Isn¡¯t that a bit shameful?¡± Liu Ruyan¡¯s facial expression changed slightly, but then she suddenlyughed: ¡°Yangyang, I¡¯m really confused, I had a chat with my sisters in the morning, indeed I met with an old friend for lunch. Yangyang, you really misunderstood, he is just an ordinary male friend of mine, why are you thinking so much?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s face darkened. Unexpectedly, Liu Ruyan still denied it. They were flirting so intimately back then, and even left together. Xia Yangyang absolutely didn¡¯t believe that the man was just an ordinary male friend of Liu Ruyan. Liu Ruyanughed: ¡°After so many years in the entertainment industry, my connections are extensive. Especially since your father entrusted Starlight to me, I do have some business dealings with this man. Since he is here on a rare business trip, it makes sense for me to y the hostess on behalf of your father. I don¡¯t know what you saw that made you misunderstand us. But keep in mind, we¡¯ve been friends for 20 years, a little intimacy is only natural. Don¡¯t start imagining things. Plus, your father is aware of my rtionship with him. I¡¯ve been married to your father for so many years, I know you never epted me as your stepmother. But you can¡¯t just throw baseless usations on me. If this gets out, it would damage the reputation of the Xia Family and your father¡¯s fame.¡±
Chapter 439: 440: Implementing the Divorce Rumour Chapter 439: Chapter 440: Implementing the Divorce Rumour Xia Yangyang responded, ¡°I see. It seems I really did misunderstand Aunt Liu.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s sudden change of stance was something Liu Ruyan had not expected. After all, Xia Yangyang was known for her straightforwardness, and she was not one to tolerate any form of deceit. When she returned earlier in the day, she confronted Liu Ruyan right away. She must have noticed something on the golf course. Liu Ruyan denied everything, but she knew deep down that Xia Yangyang would never believe her. Xia Yangyang¡¯s odd reaction left Liu Ruyan puzzled. She managed a weak smile and said, ¡°I¡¯ll go take a shower first, then I¡¯ll visit your father in the hospital.¡± As Liu Ruyan climbed the stairs and disappeared from sight, Xia Yangyang¡¯s face gradually hardened. Xia Yangyang understood that with someone like Liu Ruyan, getting into an open confrontation, even if she didn¡¯t admit anything, was not a good idea. Especially when Liu Ruyan was constantly using her father¡¯s reputation as a threat.
These days, Xia Yangyang¡¯s life had been a straight line between the Xia Family vi and the hospital. Liu Ruyan, on the other hand, had not been going out as much. Although she often visited Xia Liangdong in the hospital, she was not genuinely concerned about his condition. All the medical decisions for Xia Liangdong were made by Xia Yangyang. She was also the one who constantlymunicated with the medical team. At the end of the day, Xia Yangyang found it all quite sad. Even once, Liu Ruyan had not helped Xia Liangdong bathe or change his clothes. Xia Yangyang was not sure when Liu Ruyan had gotten involved with that man, but she was certain that Liu Ruyan no longer had any affection for her father. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t quite name the feeling that stirred within her. It seems that it¡¯s only in the worst of times that one¡¯s true colors are revealed. Gu Qichen also often came to visit. The elder statesman even visited a couple of times. He still didn¡¯t know that Gu Mingzhu and she had had a falling out. He continuously consoled her not to be sad, that the Gu Family was always there for her. Xia Yangyang looked at the elder¡¯s white hair and couldn¡¯t bring herself to say anything. As each day passed, Xia Yangyang continued her vigil at the hospital. But Xia Liangdong¡¯s condition showed no signs of improving. He lied there quietly, like he was asleep. All this time, Xia Yangyang would talk to him every day, sharing words that had been left unsaid for a decade. Sometimes, Xia Yangyang thought that this was alright.
If her father never woke up, she would keep himpany for the rest of her life. March 15 was Gu Qichen¡¯s birthday. The Gu household naturally threw a big party and invited all the big shots in town. However, Xia Yangyang did not attend.
Rumors started circting in the media. After all, Xia Yangyang¡¯s poprity was at its peak in the entertainment industry, plus ¡°Future¡± had finished shooting and was in the middle of a promotional campaign. Adding to that, the news of Xia Liangdong¡¯s ident had put Xia Yangyang in the media spotlight recently. However, she was not concerned about such things. Yet, this was the first time the entertainment media had reported rumors of her divorce from Gu Qichen. The proof being that Xia Yangyang was absent from Gu Qichen¡¯s birthday banquet. Of course, the entertainment media dug up numerous pieces of supposed evidence. For instance, since the ident, Xia Yangyang had been staying at the Xia family vi and had never once returned to the Gu Family house or to Maple Vi, their earlier love nest. Furthermore, although Gu Qichen frequently visited the hospital, the two of them were never seen entering or leaving together. This was a clear sign of rtionship troubles. The mostpelling piece of evidence thrown by the press was that Beijing socialite Xi Zijun was frequently seen entering and leaving the Gu Family residence. This further solidified the rumors of marital strife between Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª
Chapter 440: 441: Keen on Severing the Relationship Chapter 440: Chapter 441: Keen on Severing the Rtionship Xia Yangyang heard the name Xi Zijun from Wen Xiaochu. During this time, Wen Xiaochu and Mu Liancheng had helped her a lot. Wen Xiaochu was doing an internship at Ruian Hospital. Although she was not in the neurology department, she woulde to apany Xia Yangyang whenever she had the time. Sometimes she even brought food to Xia Yangyang. Wen Xiaochu said that this Xi Zijun was no ordinary woman. Though Xi Zijun is the second-born of the Xi family, her skills and abilities are superior. She is the Asia Pacific Operating Director of the Jiang Group, her power ranking just second after the leader, even surpassing her own father¡¯s level. The attention given to her by Xi Jiachen exceeded that of his two biological sons.
The most important thing is that this woman did not juste out of nowhere. She climbed to her current position step by step through her own abilities. Xia Yangyang was helping Xia Liangdong bathe. She turned her head towards Wen Xiaochu and asked, ¡°Why are you telling me all this?¡± Wen Xiaochu was worried, ¡°Aren¡¯t you concerned at all? At this crucial time with Gu Qichen, aren¡¯t you scared she might take advantage of the situation? Also, as I understand, although Gu Mingzhu and Xi Jiachen had rtionship issues, Gu Mingzhu and Xi Zijun got along very well. They have maintained contact all these years. In my opinion, Xi Zijun¡¯s frequent presence in the Gu¡¯s residence is a sign that Gu Mingzhu is likely trying to match her with Gu Qichen. On the asion of Young Master Gu¡¯s birthday the other day, she, an outsider, was even seated at the main table. Or else, why would such rumors spread?¡± Xia Yangyang continued her work without a pause, ¡°That¡¯s normal. Gu Mingzhu and I had a falling out already. How could she still let me be Mrs. Gu? Gu Qichen refuses to divorce now, so Gu Mingzhu probably hopes Gu Qichen will find a new love and forget his old one soon.¡± ¡°So you really don¡¯t mind and will let the Gu family arrange everything?¡± Finally, Xia Yangyang finished bathing Xia Liangdong and changed his clothes. Even though it was cold in March, sweat started to bead on her forehead. Xia Yangyang wiped the sweat off her forehead and said, ¡°Why would I mind? I can¡¯t wait to divorce Gu Qichen. If Gu Qichen agrees to sign the divorce agreement because of that woman, that would be more than I can ask for.¡± Just then, the door to the ward suddenly swung open. Gu Qichen was standing at the entrance, his face stern. Just looking at his expression, one could tell he had been standing there for a while. After hearing Xia Yangyang¡¯s words, he could no longer restrain himself and kicked open the door. Wen Xiaochu¡¯s face paled, immediately regretting her words. There was no change in Xia Yangyang¡¯s expression. Gu Qichen was dressed in a ck windbreaker. He looked aloof, as if he was above worldly matters. However, what he had in his hand was a food box. Wen Xiaochu was already used to it.
He hade again to deliver congee to Xia Yangyang. Moreover, all this congee was personally cooked by Gu Qichen. It was hard for Wen Xiaochu to imagine that an aloof, haughty, and busy person like Gu Qichen could find time every day to make congee for Xia Yangyang. His feelings toward Xia Yangyang were indescribable.
However, Xia Yangyang refused to ept his affection. Lately, their rtionship seemed to grow colder. Wen Xiaochu could understand Xia Yangyang. After all, Xia Yangyang¡¯s mother was murdered by Gu Mingzhu. Expecting her to let bygones be bygones and live harmoniously with Gu Qichen was impossible. She understood Xia Yangyang¡¯s personality; once she made up her mind, not even ten bulls could pull her back. Now her heart was set on cutting ties with Gu Qichen, naturally, she would not appreciate his actions. Chapter 441: 442: President Gu Humbling Himself Daily Chapter 441: Chapter 442: President Gu Humbling Himself Daily Wen Xiaochu¡¯s gaze hovered between the two people. Both of them appeared incrediblyposed, yet the room felt as cold as an ice cer. Wen Xiaochu cleared her throat: ¡°Um, I¡¯m leaving now.¡± Then, with ack of good grace, she vanished as fast as she could. Xia Yangyang seemed unperturbed and acted as if she hadn¡¯t noticed Gu Qichen¡¯s presence. She turned to tidy up. Gu Qichen walked over, cing the food box on the table. Addressing Xia Yangyang¡¯s turned back, he exined, ¡°Xi Zijun is a partner in my sister¡¯spany. She came not to see me. Don¡¯t misunderstand.¡± Xia Yangyang turned around: ¡°I won¡¯t misunderstand, because I don¡¯t care, Gu Qichen. Whether you end up with Xi Zijun, or a Xi Chicheng Huang Luqing or any other Xi, it doesn¡¯t matter to me. I only hope you¡¯d end things between us before starting a new rtionship. Cut the ties definitely, don¡¯t keep stringing me along.¡± For such a long time, Xia Yangyang had never shown Gu Qichen any kindness. She seemed to delight in hurting him verbally.
Initially, Gu Qichen would get upset. Now, for some unknown reason, Xia Yangyang had the feeling he had grown ustomed to it. He appeared to be able to filter out whatever he didn¡¯t want to hear. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t retaliate against Xia Yangyang. Instead, he uncovered the food boxyer byyer: ¡°I¡¯ve made abalone and rip soup porridge today. It¡¯s time for a change of taste.¡± At times like these, Xia Yangyang would feel both heartbroken and angry. She felt that she had totally transformed from who she once was. It was as if she had be a knife, incessantly stabbing Gu Qichen¡¯s heart. However, his constantpromise, even with his cheerful face, not holding grudges against her, made Xia Yangyang feel as though the knife was actually stabbing her own heart. What should she do? She felt she couldn¡¯t hold on any longer. Xia Yangyang walked over with her head down. For once, she sat down and took a bite. Lately, Gu Qichen had been regrly bringing porridge. However, Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t eaten any. It was always taken back by him, untouched, the next day. Despite that, Gu Qichen would stille every day. Today, when Xia Yangyang was eating the porridge, Gu Qichen frowned. It felt like a bad premonition. As expected, after a few sips of the porridge, Xia Yangyang spoke with a heavy voice: ¡°Gu Qichen, I beg you, are you enjoying this? You can¡¯t change me nor reality. When I hurt you, I also feel miserable. But why do you insist on forcing me to destroy the little remaining warmth from the past? Set me free, think of it as giving yourself a way out. As the grand CEO of Shengyuan, you¡¯re here making porridge every day, humbling yourself to me, bearing my insults. Don¡¯t you find it suffocating?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t!¡± Gu Qichen muttered these four words in a low voice. Xia Yangyang looked at him in disbelief.
A faint smile yed at the corners of Gu Qichen¡¯s mouth. Lowering his head, he held Xia Yangyang¡¯s face and gently kissed her lips. Before Xia Yangyang could react angrily, Gu Qichen had already let go of her. Gu Qichen¡¯s smile was light, ¡°There¡¯s some porridge on the corner of your lips. I¡¯ve cleaned it for you.¡±
In the past, the two of them would often engage in such banter. But that was when those little joys were mutual and tiring for the couple. Now, Gu Qichen¡¯s actions only tired Xia Yangyang to the point of exhaustion. She felt she had tried everything. Yet Gu Qichen¡¯s grip was so firm that it caused her heart to ache. Xia Yangyang lowered her gaze, ¡°Fine, let¡¯s see how long you can persist.¡± Chapter 442: 443: Starlight On The Verge Of Bankruptcy Chapter 442: Chapter 443: Starlight On The Verge Of Bankruptcy After Gu Qichen left, Xia Yangyang suddenly remembered. That Xi Zijun was from the Xi family, but not born to Xi Jiachen. She was the only daughter of Xi Jiachen¡¯s younger brother, Xi Jiaxin. Indeed, what a coincidence. Xia Yangyang went home in the afternoon to get some clothes for Xia Liangdong. She happened to see a few men in suits wandering around the Xia family vi. Xia Yangyang found it strange. She went up and asked a few questions. Only then did she find out that Liu Ruyan had mortgaged the Gu Vi to the bank. Because she was heavily in debt and unable to repay, the auction house had alreadye to inspect, and the Xia family vi would be publicly auctioned next month. Xia Yangyang trembled with anger when she found out.
She hurriedly went to find Liu Ruyan. Liu Ruyan was in the living room casually applying nail polish, looking very rxed. Xia Yangyang stood in front of Liu Ruyan, ¡°Aunt Liu, what¡¯s going on with the house?¡± The Xia family vi was the honeymoon house of her father and mother. It was also the house they purchased with their hard earned cash from scratch. Even after her father married Liu Ruyan, the house was still under her mother¡¯s name. Liu Ruyanughed, ¡°Yangyang, you know about thepany¡¯s situation. Your father lost tens of billions on a bad investment, and Xingguang is on the verge of bankruptcy, owing a lot of money. I can¡¯t help but sell this house. I¡¯ve lived here for ten years and am reluctant to let it go, but debts must be repaid. If your father were awake now, he would surely make the same decision as me.¡± ¡°But the house is in my mother¡¯s name, you have no right to auction it.¡± Xia Yangyang had lived here since she was a child. This ce held all her precious childhood memories and all memories of her mother. The cherry trees in the yard were nted by her mother, and are blooming beautifully every spring. Xia Yangyang will never allow Liu Ruyan to auction off this house. ¡°Yangyang, your mother has been dead for many years, and the house ownership has long been transferred to your father. Your father nowcks the ability to act, and I, as his wife, naturally have full authority. Aunt Liu understands that you don¡¯t want to let go. Aunt Liu promises you that when we have money in the future, we will start anew and definitely buy this house back, alright?¡± Xia Yangyang sneered, ¡°You¡¯ve already sold thepany shares you held. For this matter, I can pretend not to know, but for the Xia¡¯s vi, I won¡¯t allow you to touch it.¡± Liu Ruyan was extremely surprised. How did Xia Yangyange to know about her selling thepany shares? Xingguang is now almost an empty shell, and once dered bankrupt, it would be nothing. Before this building copses, of course, she, Liu Ruyan, would like to cash out. Just in time, a new mediapany offered a hefty price to buy Xingguang¡¯s shares.
The new media is booming now, and Liu Ruyan couldn¡¯t find out whichpany was behind this new mediapany. But there must be a foolish and wealthy boss. Xingguang has already rotted to its core, there is no way it could recover. Now someone is willing to take over, it¡¯s something she would surely wee.
So she quickly signed a share transfer agreement. Now, this new mediapany has be thergest shareholder of Xingguang. Which has nothing to do with her now. However, Xingguang is going through a major change at the moment, and she has not paid much attention to it. Anyways, it has nothing to do with her now. Chapter 443: 444: Mortgaging the Xia Familys Old House Chapter 443: Chapter 444: Mortgaging the Xia Family¡¯s Old House Liu Ruyan took on a mode of earnest persuasion, ¡°Yangyang, listen to Aunt Liu¡¯s advice. You should hurry and sell the twenty percent of shares you have. If Starlight goes bankrupt, those stocks would be worthless and might even plunge you into heavy debt. Aunt Liu is truly doing this for your best interest. If you are willing, Aunt Liu does not mind owing someone a favor to help sell your shares. Aunt Liu knows that you don¡¯tck the money, but if you can no longer rely on the Gu Family in the future, you will probably live a carefree life.¡± Xia Yangyang responded coldly, ¡°There¡¯s no need for Aunt Liu to worry, I will absolutely not sell my shares. Since Aunt Liu has already sold her shares and made arge sum of money, why does she want to sell this house?¡± The color of Liu Ruyan¡¯s face changed, ¡°The money from the shares isn¡¯t enough to pay off the debt, Yangyang. You don¡¯t know how much of a massive debt your father incurred from investments years ago. I warned him then, but you understand your father¡¯s temperament, appearing polite and refined but stubborn as a bull deep down. He didn¡¯t listen to anything I said. Now he¡¯s got it nice, lying there not needing to worry about anything, all the responsibility falling onto me alone. After all, Aunt Liu is but a woman and there¡¯s really no way around it. I have to sell the house to resolve the urgency. Yangyang, you have to understand my situation.¡± Xia Yangyang was not oblivious to the tactics Liu Ruyan was ying. With her father in his current state, she already found a new lover. That Jia Xin was a well-known figure in Beijing. If Liu Ruyan really got a hold of such a person, she would most likely leave this ce with him. What Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect was that she even wanted to sell the old Xia family house before leaving. Yet she consistently footed all the me on Xia Liangdong. It¡¯s possible that Xia Liangdong had made losses with his investments these years.
But the exact situation was unclear to Xia Yangyang. Liu Ruyan was taking advantage of this, leaving Xia Yangyang with not much to say. With a coldugh, Yangyang responded, ¡°Aunt Liu, from what I know, my father still has several other properties over these years. Why not sell those and keep the old house as a mortgage?¡± The color of Liu Ruyan¡¯s face changed instantly. Yangyang continued, ¡°The vi in Mingyang Mountains is now worth five hundred million, plus the waterfront vi in Egret and the garden vi in Jingxie Bay have greatly appreciated in value too. Combined, these are undoubtedly worth more than the Xia family house. Those houses were also bought by my father. If my father wakes up and really needs to repay the debt, he will surely want to sell those houses first. Aunt Liu, wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡± Liu Ruyan¡¯s face didn¡¯t look too good, she didn¡¯t expect this girl to think about selling those properties. Most of those were bought after she had married Xia Liangdong, being their shared marital assets. Given the current state of Xia Liangdong, the chances of him waking up were grim. Those would eventually be hers. She was even eyed by this girl, who remembered it all so clearly. This girl was surely not as unambitious as she seemed. It appeared she needed to be more alert. Liu Ruyan replied with a smile, ¡°Yangyang, give Aunt Liu some time to think about this. It¡¯s not that Aunt Liu doesn¡¯t want to sell those properties, that was actually her initial n. It¡¯s just there are some legal issues.¡± ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be hard to solve, Aunt Liu. I have some friends who are very knowledgeable in this area, you can rest easy and leave this to me.¡± ¡°No, no, Yangyang, you¡¯ve been working so hard taking care of your fathertely. Aunt Liu can¡¯t ask you for further help. Rest assured, Aunt Liu will definitely handle this properly and keep the old family house for you. What do you think?¡± Xia Yangyang also revealed a slight smile, ¡°That¡¯s great, Aunt Liu, I¡¯ll head upstairs first.¡± After saying so, Xia Yangyang turned around and headed upstairs. Chapter 444: 445: The Woman with an Elite Aura All Over Her Chapter 444: Chapter 445: The Woman with an Elite Aura All Over Her After Xia Yangyang went upstairs. Liu Ruyan¡¯splexion changed instantly. She hadn¡¯t noticed before, this little girl was so astute. She seemingly didn¡¯t meddle in any affair of the Gu family. But unexpectedly, she understood everything clearly. Liu Ruyan sneered, she wanted to sell off her properties and keep Tan Zhen¡¯s house? In your dreams. This house was actually mortgaged to the ck market auction house. The auction would not be public. She needed to distract this little girl a bit, to prevent her from bing suspicious. Once the house was auctioned off, there would be nothing she could do.
However, she needed to think of something to divert her attention, she couldn¡¯t let her concentrate solely on this matter. She wondered how this girl was getting along with Gu Qichen now. If Gu Qichen got involved again, it would be even more troublesome. After Xia Yangyang returned to her room, sheid on her bed, exhausted. Her stomach was beginning to feel a dull pain. This period was the longest she had ever experienced in her life. And she didn¡¯t know when it would end. Of course, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t believe a single word of what Liu Ruyan just said. She had to figure something out. She could not let Liu Ruyan secretly sell the old house. As Xia Yangyang was lying on the bed, her phone suddenly rang. Xia Yangyang picked up the phone and saw a string of unfamiliar numbers. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to pick up initially. But Xia Yangyang saw that the region the call came from was Beijing. Beijing, she didn¡¯t seem to know anyone there. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heartbeat suddenly sped up inexplicably. She had a premonition. This number didn¡¯t seem to be spam. Xia Yangyang hesitated for a moment, and picked up the call.
A crisp female voice came from the phone: ¡°Miss Xia? I¡¯m sorry to disturb you so unexpectedly, I¡¯m Xi Zijun, I¡¯d like to meet you.¡± Xia Yangyang never thought that the caller would be Xi Zijun. If it hadn¡¯t been for hearing this name from Wen Xiaochu¡¯s mouth this morning, Xia Yangyang wouldn¡¯t even know her. ¡°How do you know my number?¡±
¡°I have my ways, but I apologize if I disturbed you, Miss Xia. I have something I want to discuss with you¡­ About your stepmother.¡± Mentioning Liu Ruyan, Xia Yangyang felt a slight tremor in her heart. Liu Ruyan had a rtionship with Xi Jiaxin, and Xi Zijun is Xi Jiaxin¡¯s daughter. Is there a connection between them? ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not convenient over the phone, 7 PM, at the Cloud Peak Restaurant, I invite you to dinner.¡± With that said, the call ended. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t even get a chance to respond. But the voice on the other end was certain, as if she knew that Xia Yangyang woulde. Xia Yangyang did indeed arrive promptly at 7 PM at the Cloud Peak Restaurant. The Cloud Peak Restaurant was surprisingly vacant today, quiet, without a single person. From the moment Xia Yangyang entered, a waiter guided her all the way. Finally, Xia Yangyang saw a woman sitting beside the window.
The woman was dressed in a fashionable white suit, she looked neat, and eye-catching. Her hair was perfectly styled towards the back, reaching her shoulders, which made her look authoritative. Her makeup wasn¡¯t mboyant but meticulously elegant. She seemed to be working at the moment, with aptop in front of her and a headset on, she was in a meeting, speaking fluent French. The woman, exuding an elite aura, sitting there, seemed like a beautiful scenery. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¨C Chapter 445: 446: Is Miss Xi this harsh on her own father? Chapter 445: Chapter 446: Is Miss Xi this harsh on her own father? Xia Yangyang walked over. The people there also saw Xia Yangyang. They took off their earphones and closed theirptops. Then, one of them extended a hand in a professional manner and shook hands with Xia Yangyang, ¡°I¡¯m Xi Zijun.¡± Xia Yangyang shook her hand, ¡°Xia Yangyang, pleased to meet you.¡± Xi Zijun¡¯s smile was professional, but she seemed very friendly, ¡°I¡¯ve heard about you, Miss Xia, please take a seat.¡± Xia Yangyang sat down. Xi Zijun began, ¡°I apologize for my sudden and impolite call to you today, Miss Xia. I hope you don¡¯t mind.¡± ¡°No problem, Miss Xi, let¡¯s cut to the chase, why are you looking for me?¡± Xi Zijun smiled, ¡°No rush, the main purpose of today is to make friends with Miss Xia. We can eat and chat.¡±
After speaking, she called a waiter over. Xia Yangyang looked around. The ce was very quiet. The entire hall was just their table. Xia Yangyang was somewhat curious, ¡°Miss Xi is really generous, there are no more than ten people in the whole city who could reserve the entire YunDing Restaurant.¡± Xi Zijun took a sip of water, ¡°Miss Xia, you¡¯re ttering me. Being a public figure and famous in the entertainment industry, I thought you might not want to be disturbed.¡± The dishes, which had clearly been ordered in advance, were quickly served. Xia Yangyang was surprised to see that they were all dishes she liked. The ones she often used to order at the YunDing Restaurant. Xia Yangyang was a bit taken aback. Xi Zijun calmly exined, ¡°In order to show our importance, I did some research on Miss Xia¡¯s preferences.¡± ¡°Who did you ask?¡± Xia Yangyang reflexively asked. When Xia Yangyang used toe to YunDing Restaurant, she most often came with Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen naturally knew her preferences like the back of his hand and usually ordered in advance. ¡°Miss Xia may not be aware, but YunDing Restaurant keeps a record of the dishes ordered by its frequent guests, so it wasn¡¯t difficult to find out.¡± Weirdly, Xia Yangyang felt a sense of relief. But she also felt a hint of disappointment she couldn¡¯t exin. After all, she was about to divorce Gu Qichen. Why does she still care so much? Xia Yangyangughed, ¡°Miss Xi, you¡¯re very attentive.¡±
Xi Zijun continued, ¡°To get to the point, the reason I¡¯m looking for you Miss Xia, is because of Liu Ruyan. I was wondering if you¡¯ve heard anything unusual about your stepmother.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t hide anything and replied calmly, ¡°I saw her ying golf with my father at the club.¡± Xia Yangyang stopped there. But the two of them understood the unspoken implications.
Xi Zijun said, ¡°Then let me speak frankly. Your father is now in the hospital struggling with death, while Liu Ruyan is leisurely ying golf. This shows her bad character. My parents are currently going through a divorce, and I am not willing for such a woman to be my stepmother. Therefore, I hope Miss Xia can cooperate with me and ruin this woman¡¯s ns.¡± Xia Yangyang had some reservations. It seemed like Xi Zijun saw through Xia Yangyang¡¯s thoughts, ¡°Of course, our cooperation would be based on the premise of not hurting the Xia Family¡¯s interests and Uncle Xia¡¯s reputation. You can rest assured about that.¡± ¡°How do you expect us to cooperate?¡± ¡°At present, my father has entrusted an important project to Liu Ruyan for negotiation. My goal is simple, the negotiations for this project cannot seed. Therefore, I need to know all the details of Liu Ruyan¡¯s daily routine.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°But I don¡¯t know anything about this.¡± Xi Zijun handed over a thin chip as delicate as a cicada¡¯s wing, ¡°This is atest tracking device. Miss Xia, if you get a chance, I hope you could stick it on her phone. Don¡¯t worry, this device can change color ording to the texture and color of the phone, won¡¯t be detected, and will automatically dpose after a period of time, leaving no trace. As a reward, I also put one on my father¡¯s phone. Later, I¡¯ll send you the program and you¡¯ll know my father¡¯s whereabouts.¡± Xia Yangyang suddenlyughed, ¡°Miss Xi, are you this ruthless with your own father too?¡± Chapter 446: 447: The Rich and Foolish Master Chapter 446: Chapter 447: The Rich and Foolish Master Xi Zijun greeted others with a professional smile, her words exuding a hint of indifference, ¡°To me, my father is just a professionalpetitor, I don¡¯t hold strong feelings towards him, and indeed some of the actions I took today were to secure the most benefit for my mother during her divorce. On this point, Miss Xia and I share amon purpose.¡± Xia Yangyang never imagined that she would be so transparent in the eyes of the woman before her. Regardless of whether her father would wake up. Liu Ruyan would certainly divorce her father. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t be going through such great lengths to sell off their assets, including selling the shares of Xinli Media, in order to cash in. Of course, Xia Yangyang would not oppose if Liu Ruyan wanted to divorce her father. The problem was that she was too greedy, wanting to seize everything the Xia Family owned. As for those assets, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t care. However, she absolutely would not allow Liu Ruyan to sell the old Xia family home. Xia Yangyang was currently trying to find a solution.
She hadn¡¯t expected that this solution woulde in the form of Xi Zijun. It appeared as though Xi Zijun knew her situation very well. She shared Xi Jiaxin¡¯s location with her, and as soon as Liu Ruyan¡¯s and Xi Jiaxin¡¯s locations ovepped. She would obtain evidence of Liu Ruyan¡¯s infidelity. Once she had the evidence, even if they divorced, Liu Ruyan wouldn¡¯t be able to secure any benefits. Moreover, this was a scandal, one that Liu Ruyan would definitely not want to make public. Therefore, at that time, many things could be negotiated. Xia Yangyang took the chip and said, ¡°I agree, but you must also promise me that when you confront Liu Ruyan, you won¡¯t drag my father into it.¡± ¡°Naturally.¡± Xi Zijun smiled indifferently. ¡°Here¡¯s to a pleasant cooperation.¡± Xia Yangyang raised her ss to toast with her, ¡°I hope both of our wishes are fulfilled.¡± The meal was quite enjoyable. Xi Zijun was neither too distant nor too close, polite yet distant. Xia Yangyang had never considered forming a deep rtionship with her. After this matter, there wouldn¡¯t be much interaction between them, so their conversation was just casual talk. After returning home, Xia Yangyang seized the opportunity when Liu Ruyan was showering, she secretly ced the chip on Liu Ruyan¡¯s phone. After the chip was attached, it went into ¡°stealth¡± mode. There were no visible traces. It was really state-of-the-art technology! Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t dare linger around, so she left Liu Ruyan¡¯s room immediately. Just as she exited, she happened to bump into Xia Weiwei at the door. Xia Weiwei¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, ¡°What were you doing in my mother¡¯s room?¡±
Xia Yangyang replied calmly, ¡°I wanted to discuss something with Aunt Liu. Since she¡¯s resting, I¡¯lle backter.¡± Having said that, Xia Yangyang left. Xia Weiwei entered Liu Ruyan¡¯s room just as Liu Ruyan wasing out after her shower. Xia Weiwei informed Liu Ruyan about Xia Yangyang¡¯s earlier visit to her room.
Liu Ruyan furrowed her eyebrows, ¡°That girl has been preupiedtely, god knows what she¡¯s scheming.¡± Xia Weiwei voiced her impatient tone, ¡°I¡¯m eager to see how long she can hold up, I can¡¯t wait to see her fall from heaven to hell.¡± Liu Ruyan went over andforted her by stroking her hair, ¡°Be patient, by the way, tomorrow the president of Xinli Media will be attending thepany meeting, you shoulde too, it¡¯s best if you guys be friends.¡± Xia Weiwei was confused, ¡°You mean the new mediapany that¡¯s buying Xinli?¡± ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°Who¡¯s the backing behind Xinli Media? A newly established mediapany surprisingly could manage to buy Xinli¡¯s shares at a high price, aren¡¯t they afraid of losing everything?¡± A smug expression surfaced on Liu Ruyan¡¯s face, ¡°You¡¯ll find out who it is tomorrow. Whosoever it is, they must be a stupid person with a lot of money. Luckily, I sold all the shares in time, earning arge sum of money. Otherwise, when it¡¯s worthless, I wouldn¡¯t even be able to get rid of them.¡± ¡°True, but Mom, don¡¯t forget Xia Yangyang still holds 20% of the shares. If she also sells them, she would really have struck gold. Father was always biased, why did I get nothing, and everything went to that little tramp?¡± Liu Ruyanughed, ¡°You think this is a good thing? Don¡¯t you know the state Xinli is in right now? Indeed, if Xia Yangyang sells her shares now, she could earn a huge fortune. But with her stubbornness, taking into ount her mother¡¯s efforts for Xinli, she would never let people take it away easily. Wait until Xinli goes bankrupt, the shares she holds might turn into a big debt. Let¡¯s see what happens, she will reap what she sow.¡± A smile appeared on Xia Weiwei¡¯s face as well, ¡°Mother, you¡¯re truly wise.¡± Chapter 447: 448: The President Trusts Her like a Starlight Chapter 447: Chapter 448: The President Trusts Her like a Starlight Xia Weiwei headed off to thepany, so she had carefully chosen a professional outfit to wear the next day. She posed this way and that in front of the mirror, looking satisfied with her perfectly contoured figure. However, just as she was about to step out of her room, she run into Xia Yangyang emerging from hers. And it just so happened that Xia Yangyang also happened to be dressed in professional attire. Xia Yangyang¡¯s face was so eye-catching that even in her in business suit, she managed to emanate an alluring vibe without trying. Filled with jealousy, Xia Weiwei thought: ¡°Why are you dressed like this? As ady of the Gu Family, are you nning to go out and find a job?¡± Xia Yangyang had no intention of engaging in a conversation with Xia Weiwei and went downstairs. Xia Weiwei clenched her fists, forcing herself to stay calm. Were it not for Liu Ruyan¡¯s instructions toy low for the moment, she would have ripped Yangyang¡¯s clothes to shreds by now. Xia Yangyang drove away on her own.
Xia Weiwei then apanied Liu Ruyan to the Starlight. Starlight had undergone a massive staff turnover. Knowing Starlight Building was about to copse, the previous shareholders had sold off all their stocks a while ago. The final signing ceremony would be held today. It was also a moment of transition for the new chairman to assume office. Inside the Starlight meeting room was a crowd of new and old shareholders waiting. Everyone was curious as well. Xinli Media was a newly establishedpany and little was known about the burgeoning entertainment firm. Of course, there was private spection that the relentless momentum and generous spending of Xinli Media suggested a powerful backer. Some spected that it was probably a tycoon from the industry. The meeting would start at nine, and nearly everyone else had already gathered. At nine o¡¯clock sharp, the meeting room door swung open. A tall figure appeared at the entrance. Everyone turned to look at the door. The meeting room, which had been bustling with conversations, felludibly silent. Becuase the man standing at the entrance was someone everyone recognized. It was Shen Shichuan. Shen Shichuan was the chairman of Time International Entertainment, currently thergest entertainmentpany in the country. In the past, Starlight and Time were equals in the entertainment industry. Although Time was establishedter than Starlight, it eventually emerged victorious, surpassing Starlight.
Now, at the shareholder meeting for the new takeover of Starlight, what was Time¡¯s CEO doing here? Those quick to deduce figured it out. The likely backer of Xinli Media might have been Time. Otherwise, how could a new mediapany have the financial strength to acquire Starlight in such a short period?
Liu Ruyan stood up with a gracious smile on her face. Seeing Shen Shichuan¡¯s appearance didn¡¯t surprise her; it was within her expectations. Starlight was an economic entertainmentpany, and it would be hard for anyone else to turn it around even after acquiring it. The only ones willing to pay a hefty price for it would definitely be the industry¡¯s top yers. So, it was not surprising at all that the person who bought all her shares for a significant amount was Shen Shichuan. For years, Starlight and Time had fiercelypeted for resources. However, they did cooperate for a periodter on. Liu Ruyan hadn¡¯t had much contact with Shen Shichuan. Her overall impression of him was summed up in the phrase ¡°business genius¡±. But no matter who acquired Starlight, they were all her big benefactors. She couldn¡¯t thank them enough. With a smile on her face, Liu Ruyan approached him: ¡°This is an eye-opener for me. I was always curious about who had the capability to absorb Starlight in one go, but I¡¯m not surprised at all to see CEO Shen.¡± Liu Ruyan reached Shen Shichuan, offering her hand for a handshake: ¡°No, I should call you Director Shen now.¡±
Shen Shichuan responded with a gentlemanly smile: ¡°¡±Director Shen¡¯ is too heavy of a title. I¡¯m merely apanying an old friend today. The chairman of your Starlight is actually someone else.¡± Shen Shichuan slightly turned his head: ¡°Look, here shees.¡± Chapter 448: 449: A Fit of Vomiting Blood Chapter 448: Chapter 449: A Fit of Vomiting Blood Liu Ruyan was puzzled. Everyone turned to look at the door. A thin figure slowly walked in. The neer was someone everyone knew. It was the chairman¡¯s eldest daughter, Xia Yangyang. When Liu Ruyan saw Xia Yangyang, the smile on her face instantly froze. Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t react at all. She walked over and confronted her,¡±Xia Yangyang, why has this liabilitye here? Today is Xinli¡¯s shareholder meeting, what right do you have to be here?¡± Shen Shichuan, standing nearby, casually replied,¡±Miss Xia, she has more right than anyone else, because she is going to be the next chairman of Xinli.¡± Xia Weiwei was immediately stunned.
Unable to believe it, she eximed,¡±Xia Yangyang, the Chairman of Xinli, how is that possible?¡± But Liu Ruyan had already been spinning various theories in her head. She hadn¡¯t expected that the shares she¡¯d sold wound up in Yangyang¡¯s hands. Xia Yangyang walked in expressionlessly. She sat directly at the head seat andmanded, ¡°Let¡¯s start the meeting!¡± Xia Weiwei, her anger ring, pointed at Yangyang and yelled,¡±How can she be Xinli¡¯s chairman? I disagree, I absolutely disagree.¡± Xinli could be sold to anyone, but definitely not to Xia Yangyang. Today was the final signing. If the contract was signed, the handover would bepleted. Xinli would no longer be rted to them, it wouldpletely belong to Xia Yangyang. Liu Ruyan didn¡¯t pay any attention to Xia Weiwei, and sat in her own seat, ¡°Yangyang, good things cane to those who wait, you¡¯ve truly surprised me. I just can¡¯t figure out, with your own strength, how did you establish Xinli Media and acquire the funds to buy Xinli?¡± ¡°That, former Director Liu, is not something you need to know too clearly.¡± Xia Yangyang responded officially. But Liu Ruyan was not so easily cated,¡±Xia Yangyang, if you had the means and capability to save Xinli, why did you let it decline and go bankrupt, finally buying it over? In the end, you just wanted the shares I held, I never expected you to y such a big game, ying uspletely.¡± Xia Yangyang retorted coldly,¡±Aunt Liu, you don¡¯t have to act here, you know it¡¯s not toote to regret if you¡¯re not willing to give up Xinli¡¯s shares. But you know, after today, Xinli¡¯s share will be worthless.¡± Xia Weiwei had rushed over,¡±Mom, we can¡¯t fall for Yangyang¡¯s scheme. Even a rotten ship has three pounds of iron on it. We can¡¯t let her take all of Xinli, we won¡¯t sign, we¡¯re leaving.¡± Just the thought of Yangyang bing the Chairman of Xinli Group pricked Weiwei¡¯s heart like a thorn. What right does she, Xia Yangyang, have? But Liu Ruyan was still very rational.
What Xia Yangyang said was not wrong. No matter how Xia Yangyang managed to have such financial strength to establish Xinli Media. And acquire the shares of Xinli. If she kept these shares in her hand, in the end, they would only be waste paper.
Even if Xia Yangyang took back the shares, it may not turn out to benefit her. Right now, she was just relying on the wealth of the Gu Family, she didn¡¯t believe that she could revive Xinli. Liu Ruyanughed,¡±How could I possibly regret, my daughter is so sessful, I couldn¡¯t be more proud. I¡¯ll sign right now.¡± Liu Ruyan still signed, Xia Weiwei went mad with anger, but she was helpless. After all the shareholders signed, they congratted Xia Yangyang on her new appointment. The old shareholders also praised her as ¡®our chairman¡¯s chip off the old block¡¯. After Liu Ruyan signed, she left straight away with a dark expression. Xia Weiwei followed her out. Chapter 449: 450: Gratifying Everyones Heart Chapter 449: Chapter 450: Gratifying Everyone¡¯s Heart As they were leaving Starlight Building, Xia Weiwei asked insistently, ¡°Mother, why are we giving that little harlot a free ride? She is still Mrs Gu, and now she¡¯s chairman of Starlight. How are we going to deal with her in the future? Mother, why did you sign? When are you going to take care of Xia Yangyang? I can¡¯t wait.¡± Liu Ruyan, vexed by Xia Weiwei¡¯s incessant questioning, couldn¡¯t help but shout, ¡°Enough! Do you think we should let Starlight go bankrupt? I don¡¯t believe that this young girl can pull this off on her own. But I still can¡¯t figure out whether she¡¯s backed by Shengyuan or Timeichuan.¡± Thisst point infuriated Xia Weiwei even more. What abilities or virtue did Xia Yangyang have to warrant Shen Shichuan bending over backwards for her? Starlight¡¯s CEO office. Xia Yangyang sat in the chair, touching the corner of the office desk. The desk had its years, its surface as smooth as if it had been waxed. She remembered ying in this area often when she was young. She loved hiding under this table and ying hide and seek with her father. Even though she would be hiding in the same spot every time, her father always pretended he couldn¡¯t find her.
¡°How does it feel to sit in the chairman¡¯s seat of Starlight?¡± Shen Shichuan asked with a soft smile. Xia Yangyang returned to reality and answered, ¡°I have to thank you especially for this.¡± A long time ago, Xia Yangyang and Shen Shichuan had nned this. They registered Xinli Media in Shen Shichuan¡¯s name. Then covertly bought up Starlight¡¯s shares. And had Xia Yangyang take up the chairman position of Starlight. However, in reality, Xinli Media had bid quite high, making the enterprise a loss for Timeichuan. Topensate Shen Shichuan, Xia Yangyang gave him twenty percent of Starlight¡¯s shares that she held for free. Which meant, Timeichuan had acquired Starlight. Xia Yangyang was merely a nominal chairman. Shen Shichuan was the major stockholder holding thergest amount of Starlight¡¯s shares. Xia Yangyang did not understand business matters very well. Being a titr chairman was merely to pull a fast one on Liu Ruyan and Xia Weiwei today. Shen Shichuan walked over, and casually leaned onto the couch beside him, ¡°Why thank me? You gave me so many shares, Timeichuan made a killing. Even though Starlight¡¯s internal operating model is old-fashioned, after a revamp, its rebound is almost a certainty. Are you really willing to let it be a subsidiary of Timeichuan?¡± ¡°It¡¯s better than selling it to any Tom, Dick, or Harry, and having it renamed. I¡¯m grateful to you for keeping the name Starlight,¡± Xia Yangyang replied seriously. Shen Shichuan folded his arms, ¡°I¡¯ll say this again, Yangyang, I¡¯m only temporarily overseeing Starlight¡¯s operations for you. Whenever you want to take it back, feel free to do so.¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head, ¡°Let¡¯s not mix business with personal matters, Brother Shen. I know you¡¯ve helped me a great deal this time. Everyone avoided Starlight when it was declining, thinking it was on itsst legs. You were willing to pay a huge price to buy it. I sincerely appreciate it. Therefore, don¡¯t say such things again. Starlight belongs to Timeichuan now, and those shares are yours. Even if I want it back one day, I will certainly pay an equivalent price. I won¡¯t let you give it to me for free.¡± Shen Shichuan gave a small smile, ¡°Then I¡¯ll wait for you.¡± Shen Shichuan stood up and stretched a little, ¡°The reaction from that mother and daughter today was so satisfying. Yangyang,e to my house for dinner tonight to celebrate. Bingbing is off today.¡±
Xia Yangyang happily agreed, ¡°Sure, it does feel like I haven¡¯t seen Sister Bingbing in a while.¡± Chapter 450: 451: That beast tormented her all night Chapter 450: Chapter 451: That beast tormented her all night In the afternoon, Xia Yangyang made a special trip to the supermarket. She bought a bunch of fresh ingredients. Shen Manbing, in her house clothes, opened the door for Xia Yangyang. Yawning, she said, ¡°What brings you here?¡± After speaking, she peered outside the door: ¡°You came alone, where¡¯s Ah Chen?¡± The mention of Gu Qichen made Xia Yangyang¡¯splexion fluctuate. Actually, Shen Manbing and Shen Shichuan were still unaware of her affair with Gu Qichen. ¡°I came alone.¡± ¡°Well,e on in then.¡± Shen Manbing seemed very tired.
No wonder, Xia Yangyang had seen on the news that she had just returned from the Busan Film Festival, so she must be exhausted. On TV, Shen Manbing was a strong, perfectionist, aloof goddess. But at this moment, Xia Yangyang watched a woman in a Totoro pajamas, with fluffy hair, and a sleepy look on her face. The contrast with her morous television persona was striking. But Xia Yangyang preferred the real-life Shen Manbing with her element of human warmth. Ovee with sleepiness, Shen Manbing waved her off: ¡°I won¡¯t bother entertaining you, make yourself at home. I didn¡¯t sleep all night yesterday, I need to catch up.¡± Xia Yangyang was puzzled: ¡°Didn¡¯t the news say that your flightnded at seven o¡¯clockst night? Howe you didn¡¯t sleep all night?¡± Shen Manbing coughed: ¡°Jetg doesn¡¯t adjust itself in an instant.¡± ¡°But you went to South Korea.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, do you really want me to say that the beast Shen Shichuan kept me up all night?¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s face turned red with anger and embarrassment. But Xia Yangyang burst into heartyughter, coaxing her like a child: ¡°Go to sleep now, seize the time. That beast will be back in four hours, and then you won¡¯t be able to sleep even if you want to.¡± Shen Manbing huffed and puffed a few times, then went upstairs. After teasing Shen Manbing, Xia Yangyang was in a good mood. Thinking that she had nothing else to do, she decided to prepare dinner. Xia Yangyang kneaded the dumpling filling, and started wrapping dumplings. She would make a few home-cooked dishes when Shen Shichuan got back. After wrapping the dumplings, Xia Yangyang boiled a few to taste them, and they were surprisingly good. In fact, she seldom cooked. She had only seen Gu Qichen make dumplings once before. Following Gu Qichen¡¯s exclusive recipe, the dumplings were really delicious.
Shen Manbing, attracted by the aroma, had somehow snuck up behind Xia Yangyang: ¡°What are you cooking, it smells so good?¡± Xia Yangyang got startled: ¡°Are you finally awake?¡± Shen Manbing shamelessly grabbed some chopsticks and started eating the dumplings while praising her, ¡°Yangyang, with this cooking skill, you can open a restaurant.¡± Compared to Gu Qichen, her skill was still far behind.
Xia Yangyang saw that dinner was almost ready. She lifted her head and asked Shen Manbing: ¡°Brother Shen will be back soon, we¡¯ll just whip up a few moremon dishes. By the way, Sister Bingbing, do you have any special dishes? Brother Shen will be surprised if he knows that you are personally cooking for him.¡± Shen Manbing thought for a long time: ¡°I think, the boiled water I make is quite good.¡± Xia Yangyang: ¡°¡­¡±. No help wasing from Shen Manbing¡¯s side. Xia Yangyang had to cook a few more home-cooked dishes on her own. Shen Manbing just stayed in the kitchen, and as Xia Yangyang cooked, she sneakily nibbled away. When the dishes were served, more than half of them were missing. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t resist, ¡°Sister Bingbing, where¡¯s your goddess image, do your fans know you sneak around eating like a mouse stealing rice?¡± Shen Manbing felt wronged: ¡°I¡¯m hungry. I had to eat boiled vegetables for three days for the Film Festival, just to look good on camera. Entirely inhuman, eating so much that I think my eyes are glowing green now.¡± But a great beauty remained a great beauty, pleading cute and pitiful was irresistible. Xia Yangyang immediately felt pity: ¡°Eat more then, if it¡¯s not enough I¡¯ll make more dishes.¡±
Chapter 451: 452: It Would Be Great to Have a Child Chapter 451: Chapter 452: It Would Be Great to Have a Child At that moment, she heard footsteps outside. She figured it must be Shen Shichuan. Xia Yangyang said to Shen Manbing: ¡°You go to the dining room first, I¡¯ll cook one more dish, and then we can start our dinner.¡± Shen Manbing left. Xia Yangyang swiftly cooked a dish of saut¨¦ed mushrooms and greens and brought it to the dining room. ¡°We can start now.¡± Xia Yangyang announced with a warm smile. But when she saw the other figure in the dining room¡­ Xia Yangyang¡¯s steps halted. Gu Qichen held a bottle of wine, having just arrived at the door. Shen Manbing had already set the table: ¡°Ah Chen,e here. Yangyang cooked all the dishes today. You are really lucky, your wife is a star, she can earn money and cook. You should treat her better. Otherwise, how many people are eyeing such a good wife.¡±
Gu Qichen chuckled: ¡°I will take your advice.¡± Then he walked in. Xia Yangyang immediately avoided Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze. Xia Yangyang was no good at acting, so she couldn¡¯t act nonchntly. Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t sure if Shen Shichuan did this on purpose or not today. But Shen Manbing waspletely clueless. During the dinner, Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen didn¡¯t converse. Bluntly, Shen Manbing asked, ¡°Did you two have a fight?¡± Gu Qichen calmly replied, ¡°No.¡± Xia Yangyang added, ¡°We weren¡¯t arguing, we¡¯re just getting a divorce.¡± Shen Shichuan frowned, but Shen Manbing was shocked, dropping her chopsticks. After a brief pause, Shen Manbing tentatively asked, ¡°Are you kidding?¡± In the past, whenever Xia Yangyang mentioned divorce, Gu Qichen would immediately be angry. But now it seemed like he had gotten used to it. He calmly picked a piece of braised pork and put it in Xia Yangyang¡¯s bowl. Then he smiled at Shen Manbing: ¡°She¡¯s joking.¡± But Shen Manbing did not look relieved. However, Xia Yangyang had put down her chopsticks: ¡°Gu Qichen, I am not joking with you. If you still refuse to sign the divorce agreement, I will file awsuit tomorrow. It doesn¡¯t matter if you defend yourself or not in court. Once I get the divorce judgment, it doesn¡¯t matter whether you sign it or not, whether we have a divorce certificate or not.¡± Atst, Gu Qichen mmed his chopsticks down: ¡°Go ahead and sue. Let¡¯s see if anywyer will take your divorce case and if the divorce order will be given.¡± Gu Qichen sneered, ¡°You can forget about it in this lifetime.¡±
Whenever this topic came up, they could never reach an agreement. Xia Yangyang was furious: ¡°Gu Qichen, do you think this is entertaining?¡± ¡°I find it particrly amusing.¡± ¡°You¡¯re simply being unreasonable.¡±
¡°It¡¯s good that you know. From now on, better not mention the word ¡®divorce¡¯. It¡¯s not up for discussion.¡± Xia Yangyang stood up and left the dining room. Shen Manbing and Shen Shichuan exchanged nces, then followed her out. Gu Qichen was also upset. Shen Shichuan opened a bottle of wine and poured it for Gu Qichen. Without giving it a second nce, Gu Qichen swallowed it in one gulp. Shen Shichuan said, ¡°That¡¯s a ¡¯92 Eagle Winery cabe sauvignon, and you just guzzled it. I feel it¡¯s quite a waste.¡± Gu Qichen coldly retorted, ¡°Don¡¯t forget who brought this wine here.¡± Shen Shichuanughed. This man was truly at the end of his tether, even nitpicking over a casual remark. Shen Shichuan continued pouring wine: ¡°Why don¡¯t you tell her that you founded Xinli Media? That you¡¯re the one who stepped in to help when Starlight was facing a crisis? You provided the money and the effort, yet I took all the credit. If Yangyang knew you were the one who¡¯s been helping her behind the scenes, she might be touched.¡± Gu Qichen sighed: ¡°If she knew it was me, she would probably prefer Starlight to go bankrupt rather than ept my help.¡± Shen Shichuan furrowed his brow: ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve been meaning to ask you, what exactly happened between you two that made things like this? Is there really no way out?¡±
Gu Qichen sighed again, but chose not to reply. He was unwilling to bring up the past rted to his sister. Although it had already been ten years since that incident, it was still a major stumbling block in his life. Furthermore, things were not going well with Gu Mingzhu. She was mncholic all day and often advised him to get a divorce too. ¡°Enough. Let¡¯s just drink,¡± Gu Qichen sighed. Shen Shichuan also felt helpless: ¡°It really would¡¯ve been much easier if you have a child.¡± Both men¡¯s eyes lit up, exchanging a knowing look. Chapter 452: 453: Yangyang, You Arent Pregnant, Are You? Chapter 452: Chapter 453: Yangyang, You Aren¡¯t Pregnant, Are You? However, Gu Qichen quickly shook his head, ¡°She hasn¡¯t let me touch her for 46 days. How could a child just fall from the sky?¡± Shen Shichuan said, ¡°Under the current circumstances, having a baby is a bit difficult, but any difficulty can be ovee.¡± Gu Qichen had a rare look of pleading in his eyes, ¡°What can I do?¡± ¡°How about Bingbing gets her to drink some alcoholter?¡± ¡°That won¡¯t work. She has a poor stomach and vomits if she drinks. Plus, she¡¯s a lightweight; one ss and she¡¯s down.¡± ¡°Then you pretend to be drunk. Didn¡¯t it workst time?¡± Gu Qichen frowned, ¡°That won¡¯t work either. She now knows that I can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. Moreover, using the same trick a second time has a higher chance of failure.¡± ¡°The handsome man strategy?¡± ¡°That could be considered, but what if she doesn¡¯t fall for it?¡± Thus, the two men who ruled the shopping malls like emperors and controlled the wind and rain heatedly began a discussion on the topic of ¡°how to seduce their wives¡±¡­
Meanwhile. Shen Manbing caught up with Xia Yangyang. She took Xia Yangyang to the balcony to chat. The view from the balcony was exquisite, with argeke in sight. Looking out, the sky and earth seemed to merge into one. It was rare to see the sparse stars in the city sky. ¡°Did Ah Chen bully you? If he did, Brother Shen and I will not let him go,¡± Shen Manbing said. Xia Yangyang shook her head and managed a weak smile, ¡°No, he has always been good to me.¡± ¡°Then why has ite to the point of divorce?¡± Xia Yangyang helplessly said, ¡°Sister Bingbing, could you and Brother Shen not get involved in this matter? He and I will handle it ourselves.¡± Shen Manbing could only sigh, ¡°I really don¡¯t know what to say about you two. After all, you two got together with hardship on my shoulders. During that time, I caused you so much trouble but it didn¡¯t break you up. Now, when I¡¯m ready to bless you to grow old together, why are you suddenly getting a divorce?¡± Xia Yangyang was also very upset in her heart. She didn¡¯t know why things hade to this point. Shen Manbing said, ¡°Since you don¡¯t want to talk about anything, don¡¯t stay out here in the cold wind. Come in and eat something.¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m already full. I don¡¯t want to eat anything.¡± Xia Yangyang really had no appetite. The food she had just eaten felt like it was stuck in her stomach, causing great difort. Shen Manbing didn¡¯t mention it first, but as soon as she did, Xia Yangyang felt like she was going to throw up. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but gag a few times.
Shen Manbing quickly asked, ¡°Yangyang, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Before Xia Yangyang could say anything, she quickly rushed into the room. She went straight to the bathroom and threw up all the food she had just eaten. Shen Manbing was also anxious as she didn¡¯t know what was going on.
She quickly went to the dining room, poured a ss of water and hurriedly brought it over. It took quite a while for Xia Yangyang to stand up straight after vomiting. She felt like she had even thrown up bile. She felt much better after rinsing her mouth. Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s weak appearance, Shen Manbing seemed to have something sh through her mind, she suddenly asked, ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯re not pregnant, are you?¡± Xia Yangyang was still washing her hands. Upon hearing this, she even forgot to wipe them. When she turned around, she saw two other figures at the door. Shen Shichuan and Gu Qichen were already standing at the door, she didn¡¯t know when they had arrived. Shen Shichuan had a look of surprise on his face. Gu Qichen¡¯s face was much moreplicated, his eyes flickered with tumultuous emotions, but they were quickly hidden away. In front of Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang quickly denied, ¡°I just have a stomach problem, an old ailment. How could I be pregnant?¡± She appeared calm as she spoke, but inside she felt as if a stone had sunk to the bottom of an endless abyss¡­ Chapter 453: 454: Mr. Gu, Have You Had Enough of Messing Around? Chapter 453: Chapter 454: Mr. Gu, Have You Had Enough of Messing Around? Yet Shen Manbing wouldn¡¯t let it go: ¡°Why is it impossible? Your reaction looks a lot like morning sickness, haven¡¯t you told me you¡¯ve been vomiting frequently and have no appetite recently? I think you should go to the hospital for a check-up.¡± Xia Yangyang felt her fingers trembling slightly, she thrust her hand into her pocket and gripped it tightly, but on the surface, she feigned calmness: ¡°I¡¯m not pregnant, I¡¯ve had it checked before, it¡¯s just superficial gastritis. Taking stomach medicine will solve it.¡± However, Gu Qichen stepped forward and grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the hospital now.¡± Xia Yangyang quickly shook off Gu Qichen: ¡°I won¡¯t. Like I said, I¡¯m not pregnant, there¡¯s no chance that I could be.¡± Gu Qichen stared into Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes. Indeed, they had not been intimate for a long time. When shooting a film in Sea City, Gu Qichen knew Xia Yangyang was taking contraceptive pills. Since then, they always used a condom. But this didn¡¯t mean that idents couldn¡¯t happen. Perhaps he just desperately wanted a child.
Even with one in ten thousand chances, he would be willing to try. ¡°Xia Yangyang, do you feel guilty?¡± Xia Yangyangughed: ¡°A joke, what do I have to feel guilty about?¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s go to the hospital right now.¡± ¡°If you won¡¯t rest until you¡¯ve proven it, then let¡¯s go.¡± Xia Yangyang no longer hesitated. Because she knew Gu Qichen¡¯s personality, the more she resisted, the more suspicious he became. Even if she refused to go now, Gu Qichen would always find a way to verify it. They sat in the car without speaking. Theboratory department of the hospital was already off duty. Fortunately, Gu Qichen knew somebody there. He made a phone call. Surprisingly, several professors and directors showed up. Xia Yangyang¡¯s blood was drawn for testing. The blood samples were sent to theb. The two waited outside the office of the director of the Obstetrics and Gynecology department. Although Gu Qichen appeared calm on the surface, Xia Yangyang could tell that he was nervous. Because he would asionally nce down the corridor. At the end of the corridor was theb.
Xia Yangyang found it amusing: ¡°Gu Qichen, I told you that I¡¯m not pregnant. What exactly are you hoping for?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t talk to me, Xia Yangyang. I don¡¯t believe a word you say.¡± Xia Yangyang raised an eyebrow: ¡°Then feel free to keep waiting.¡± Then she closed her eyes and leaned against the wall to rest.
Actually, Xia Yangyang was really anxious inside. Dear God, please don¡¯t y a joke on me now. Hopefully, it would all turn out fine¡­ Two hourster, the test results were finally out. Theboratory technician came over with a report. Gu Qichen hurriedly stood up and walked over: ¡°Well, is she pregnant?¡± ¡°The HCG value is 1.6, progesterone is also very low. Mrs. Gu isn¡¯t pregnant.¡± The person¡¯s voice was ordinary. But Xia Yangyang clearly saw Gu Qichen¡¯s face darken. His eyes, like a suddenly extinguished light, dim and unrecognizable. But he still couldn¡¯t ept it: ¡°Are you sure there¡¯s no mistake in the report?¡± Theboratory technician spoke out: ¡°Sote at night, there¡¯s only Mrs. Gu¡¯s sample. How could it be mistaken? Moreover, three groups of personnel tested it and all got the same result. Mr. Gu, we understand that you want a baby, but please don¡¯t doubt our work.¡± With a clouded face, Gu Qichen walked back. As Xia Yangyang stood up, she looked rxed: ¡°Mr. Gu, have you had enough? Can we go home now? I¡¯ve told you that it¡¯s absolutely impossible for me to be pregnant, but you insisted oning anyway.¡±
¡°Yangyang, can you please stop talking?¡± Gu Qichen seemed to have lost all his energy. He slowly sat down on the bench next to him. The corridor was empty. Alone, he sat there silently, clutching the data report in his hand. His face showed an unmistakable mix of disappointment and a kind of unbearable pain. For a moment, Xia Yangyang felt like she had been terribly cruel¡­ Chapter 454: 455: Two months pregnant Chapter 454: Chapter 455: Two months pregnant Xia Yangyang could not bear to stay with him any longer. Xia Yangyang said softly, ¡°You go back alone. You¡¯ve had drinks today. Don¡¯t drive yourself, find a recement driver or call Secretary Fang to pick you up. I¡¯m going to see father.¡± Having said that, she turned around and left. Gu Qichen had originally wanted to spend the night together with Xia Yangyang. But seeing her walk away, Gu Qichen had never felt so lost before. Tonight, Shen Manbing had mentioned the word ¡®pregnant¡¯ casually. For him, it was like a man wandering in the desert suddenly seeing a greennd, a water source, seeing hope. If Yangyang was pregnant now, everything would change, wouldn¡¯t it? She wouldn¡¯t want to leave him so firmly, to abandon him. Even for the sake of the child, perhaps she¡¯d stay with him.
As long as she could stay by his side, he would do everything to make up for the harm his sister had caused her, and repay her for the rest of his life. But in the end, it was all just a mirage. This kind of disappointment, perhaps, ordinary people won¡¯t understand. It¡¯s not just disappointment, it¡¯s almost despair. Gu Qichen admitted that he was in love with her to his bones. He could not imagine life without her, but why is she bing more ruthless? Xia Yangyang, what should I do with you? Xia Yangyang went to Xia Liangdong¡¯s ward. He was still lying there, breathing steadily. The doctor said that there was not much hope for him to wake up. But as long as his vital signs were steady, Xia Yangyang felt extremely grateful. The ward was very quiet. Xia Yangyang sat by the bed in a daze, wanting to say something, but not a single word came out. She brought out her phone and sent a text to Wen Xiaochu, which contained only two short words: ¡°Thank you.¡± Yes, Wen Xiaochu had switched the blood samples. The blood sample for the test was actually Wen Xiaochu¡¯s. She was recently interning at the Ruian Hospital. She was originally in cardiac surgery, but these days she had offended the director of the department and was switched to theb, and she workedte every day. It was such a coincidence that gave Wen Xiaochu the opportunity to rece the blood samples. Xia Yangyang was not sure whether she was pregnant or not. Her life was too messy recently.
She thought about it carefully, it seemed that she had skipped her period for two or three months. But due to her father¡¯s ident, she didn¡¯t have the time to give attention her own body, thinking it was just a hormonal imbnce. But when Shen Manbing mentioned those two words, Xia Yangyang had to think in that direction¡­ She missed her period, she was losing appetite these days, and the morning sickness was getting worse.
She was always tired and her memory was getting worse. All these seemed to fit together surprisingly well. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but feel restless. More importantly, Xia Yangyang clearly remembered that once in Sea City, they did not use a condom¡­ Regardless of whether she was pregnant or not, Xia Yangyang could not take risks. That¡¯s why she pleaded with Wen Xiaochu to switch the blood samples. After a while, Wen Xiaochu sent a message: ¡°I have sent your blood sample to a senior at the school for testing. The results will be out tomorrow.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t sleep all night. The next morning, Wen Xiaochu asked Xia Yangyang toe to the school. This was to avoid the crowded hospital. Only Wen Xiaochu was in the universityb. Xia Yangyang went inside. Wen Xiaochu had a serious face: ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯re pregnant. And looking at the numbers, you should be almost two months in.¡±
Chapter 455: 456: Use my own marriage to take revenge on her Chapter 455: Chapter 456: Use my own marriage to take revenge on her Xia Yangyang was stunned for about half a minute. Her mind was nk. Although she was mentally prepared, it had still caught her off guard. Wen Xiaochu approached Xia Yangyang: ¡°What are you nning to do now? Are you really not nning to tell Gu Qichen?¡± Xia Yangyang was somewhat at a loss for words: ¡°I haven¡¯t figured it out yet.¡± Wen Xiaochu tried to persuade her: ¡°Actually, there are no grudges between you two. The person you hate is his sister. But you shouldn¡¯t be bearing the consequences of her sister¡¯s mistakes. Besides, there¡¯s a child between you two now. You can¡¯t let past grudges affect the new generation, Yangyang. You can refuse to forgive Gu Mingzhu, but there¡¯s no need to use your marriage as a form of revenge.¡± Xia Yangyang said gravely: ¡°I¡¯ll go home and think about it.¡± Xia Yangyang walked out of the school gate. Xia Yangyang walked down the street alone, even forgetting to hail a cab. Her mind was still nk.
She was actually pregnant. The baby was hers and Gu Qichen¡¯s. It was a strangely hard-to-describe feeling. After the initial surprise and panic, there was an inexplicable happiness. She really liked children. But it seemed that the child hade at an inconvenient time. Even so, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t think about giving up for a second. Having grown up in such a family, she hadn¡¯t been happy. She didn¡¯t want her baby to grow up without a father¡¯s love from the start. What should she do? Should she put everything aside for the child¡¯s sake? If she just let everything go, she would feel like she was betraying her mother. Her mother had been framed. Xia Yangyang¡¯s original intention was to bring the events of that year to light and expose everything. To give her mother a clear name, not let her pass away with the stigma of fraud and embezzlement. But how could she struggle against Gu Mingzhu if she let go of everything? Xia Yangyang had never been this hesitant. Unconsciously, she had already reached the entrance of the Shengyuan Building. Xia Yangyang looked up. The sunlight reflected off the ss curtain wall, so dazzling that it hurt her eyes.
Xia Yangyang herself didn¡¯t even know what was going through her mind. She walked into the Shengyuan Building. Most of the people inside knew her. The title ¡°Mrs. President¡± was called out all the way.
Xia Yangyang went straight upstairs to Gu Qichen¡¯s office. Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t thought about what she wanted to say to Gu Qichen when she saw him. All she knew was she was in a mess right now and just wanted to gauge Gu Qichen¡¯s reaction. Unexpectedly, Gu Qichen didn¡¯te to work that day. Secretary Fang said that she couldn¡¯t reach his phone, couldn¡¯t contact him. Secretary Fang was worried, saying that Mr. president was a workaholic who wouldn¡¯t skive off even if the sky were falling, let alone on a day when there were important clients. Xia Yangyang was feeling a mixture of emotions. Was it because Gu Qichen was too disappointed after getting that reportst night? Since Gu Qichen wasn¡¯t there, Xia Yangyang decided to leave. But she hadn¡¯t expected to run into Xi Zijun. Xi Zijun had alsoe to find Gu Qichen. She was the important customer that Fang Zhengdong had mentioned. Xi Zijun greeted Xia Yangyang with a professional smile: ¡°Miss Xia, are you here to see Ah Chen?¡±
Fang Zhengdong corrected her at the side: ¡°Miss Xi, this is our CEO¡¯s wife.¡± Xi Zijun merely smiled faintly: ¡°I know Miss Xia.¡± The implication was that she didn¡¯t need anyone reminding her of her status. Xia Yangyang indeed had a meal with Xi Zijun once, and they worked together to set up Liu Ruyan. But they were not familiar. They hadn¡¯t mentioned Gu Qichenst time. Now, hearing the name Ah Chen from Xi Zijun¡¯s mouth, Xia Yangyang felt a pang of difort. Chapter 456: 457: Cant Wait to See Her Caught in the Act of Adultery Chapter 456: Chapter 457: Can¡¯t Wait to See Her Caught in the Act of Adultery This Xi Zijun was the person whom Gu Mingzhu always wanted to match up with Gu Qichen. She must know their current situation intimately. She is likely convinced that they will divorce in the future. But Xia Yangyang isn¡¯t clear what the rtionship between Xi Zijun and Gu Qichen is at present. Xia Yangyang spoke, ¡°I only came up to look around, if he¡¯s not here, then I will go back.¡± ¡°As his wife, Miss Xia, don¡¯t you know where he has gone?¡± Xia Yangyang merelyughed, ¡°You know the state of my father¡¯s health, I¡¯ve been staying in the hospitaltely, and I really don¡¯t have the energy to mind other things.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t borate any further and didn¡¯t want to reveal her current situation with Gu Qichen. Most likely, it was Xi Zijun¡¯s brazen inquiry that made her feel ufortable. Xi Zijun shrugged, ¡°I see, we had an appointment to have lunch together today, but he stood me up. Ah Chen is usually very reliable, couldn¡¯t help but me a little worried.¡±
¡°Perhaps he had something more important than this lunch to take care of.¡± Xia Yangyang replied nonchntly. Xia Yangyangughed, ¡°I have some things to attend to, so I¡¯ll head back first.¡± ¡°Miss Xia.¡± Xi Zijun stopped her, ¡°My father went to a meeting at the Junyue Hotel today, but he went alone and didn¡¯t bring a secretary with him.¡± Xi Zijun moved up to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Why not check your stepmother¡¯s schedule, you might find an unexpected surprise.¡± Xi Zijun gave Xia Yangyang a suggestive smile, ¡°It¡¯s a rare opportunity, good luck.¡± After saying that, she strode ahead and left. Xia Yangyang stood in the distance with a frown. Xi Zijun¡¯s meaning was very clear, she was suggesting that Xia Yangyang catch them in the act of infidelity. Xi Jiaxin, after all, is not a local of Feng City; he only asionally visits for business trips. So, aside from that one time on the golf course, Xia Yangyang has not managed to get any substantial evidence. Without concrete evidence, it will be tough for Xia Yangyang to outsmart Liu Ruyan. The Xia family¡¯s mansion was ndestinely pledged by Liu Ruyan to a ck market auction house by Xia Yangyang. And they¡¯ve proceeded to put it up for auction in advance. In another week, the auction will begin. If they don¡¯t take action soon, it might be toote. The reason Liu Ruyan chose to hold the auction ahead of time was due to the contractual business that Xi Jiaxin let slip through his fingers. Xi Jiaxin suffered huge losses and has started to turn cold towards Liu Ruyan. Of course, this is thanks to Xi Zijun¡¯s meddling. In order to curry favor with Xi Jiaxin, Liu Ruyan has arranged an overseas vacation.
Thus, she needs to resolve the mansion¡¯s auction issue as quickly as possible. Upon leaving the Shengyuan Building, Xia Yangyang gives Old Bai a call. Old Bai is excited as he hears about it, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll bring all the journalists from the newspaper over. This is what we do best!¡± Xia Yangyang used GPS to track Liu Ruyan¡¯s itinerary.
Old Bai is a veteran in this field; he somehow managed to find out their room number. As expected, they only booked a single presidential suite. In the afternoon, Old Bai snuck in with a few others to keep watch. They waited until nine in the evening when Liu Ruyan returned to the hotel with Xi Jiaxin after ying a few rounds in the underground casino. They returned to their room together. Old Bai contacted Xia Yangyang via phone. Xia Yangyang calmly gave the instruction, ¡°Start the operation in half an hour.¡± ¡°Understood!¡± Simultaneously, Xia Yangyang also set off for the hotel. She also informed Xia Weiwei in passing. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t personally inform Xia Weiwei. Instead, she had Old Bai inform Xia Weiwei in his professional capacity that Xia Yangyang was currently in a hotel room with a certain man. Upon hearing the news, Xia Weiwei immediately rushed over. She already suspected Xia Yangyang of having an affair with Shen Shichuan, and today she finally might get concrete evidence.
Even if Xia Yangyang is reluctant to break off with Gu Qichen due to her desire to cling onto Mrs. Gu¡¯s position and refuses to take sides in her mother¡¯s feud. Gu Qichen will surely no longer want her. She is desperate to see Xia Yangyang being caught in the act and thrown out of the Gu Family residence! Chapter 457: 458: Setting a Trap for Xia Weiwei Chapter 457: Chapter 458: Setting a Trap for Xia Weiwei When Xia Weiwei arrived. She encountered a crowd of entertainment reporters. Xia Weiwei recognized these familiar faces. All paparazzi from the entertainment circle. Xia Weiwei had friends within this circle as well. Therefore, she was even more convinced about the reliability of the news. She couldn¡¯t help but feel a surge of excitement in her heart. Xia Weiwei quickly rushed to Old Bai, ¡°Is the news reliable? Are Xia Yangyang and her illicit lover really inside?¡± Old Bai assured, ¡°Absolutely reliable. Since it¡¯s industry news, we have asked you over because we know you¡¯ve always disapproved of your elder sister. We paparazzi have long been cklisted by many hotels. We need your help to gain entry and catch them in broad daylight.¡± Xia Weiwei was shaking with excitement, ¡°I certainly despise that flirtatious, lowly woman. Whatever help you want from me, I¡¯ll lend.¡±
Old Bai awkwardly stated, ¡°While we have someone who can break in and catch them, we will definitely have to bear the hotel¡¯s responsibilitiester. As our newspaper is, after all, a small one and you are the young mistress of the Xia Family. If the elder mistress mes us, she might consider your sisterly affection, so we need a responsible person.¡± Xia Weiwei had long since ignored such considerations, she said, ¡°Just proceed with the break-in. Whateveres after, I¡¯ll shoulder.¡± Just so she could witness Xia Yangyang¡¯s downfall, she was willing to pay any price. Old Bai grinning, ¡°Our young mistress is indeed a heroine. Here, sign on this form as the responsible person. In the future, you might need to negotiate with the hotel, but I believe it wouldn¡¯t be a big deal for you.¡± Xia Weiwei casually nced and signed without thinking much. Not that she was a fool. Xia Weiwei knew that the newspaper was worried about being sued by the hotel for trespassing and damaging the hotel¡¯s interests. At the same time, they were afraid of retribution from Xia Yangyangter. Xia Yangyang was, after all, Mrs Gu. Someone definitely had to bear the responsibility after the incident, but the newspaper was unwilling to do so. Xia Weiwei wasn¡¯t afraid at all. If she had to carry the responsibility, Liu Ruyan could certainly handle it privately, she thought. As for Xia Yangyang, she didn¡¯t care at all. Once the scandal came to light, Xia Yangyang wouldn¡¯t be able to maintain her position as Mrs Gu. If she didn¡¯t carry the responsibility, these people probably wouldn¡¯t dare catch the affair. She didn¡¯t mind the consequences as long as Xia Yangyang¡¯s infidelity was exposed. After signing the agreement, Old Bai put it away, ¡°With young mistress likethis, we¡¯re put at ease.¡± ¡°Enough talking, when exactly are we going to catch them in the act?¡± ¡°Now.¡±
¡°Which room?¡± ¡°Presidential Suite 8888.¡± Xia Weiwei gave an order, ¡°What are you waiting for then? I don¡¯t want to wait another minute. Let¡¯s go.¡± Xia Weiwei led the way.
A group of reporters followed suit, each carrying a DSLR camouged on them. There were no other residents on this floor, the entire corridor was quiet. However, Old Bai and his team were well prepared, Dressed up as housekeeping, they slipped past the cameras in the corridor. They proceeded until they reached the room door. Xia Weiwei, brimming with anticipation, demanded, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you gone in yet.¡± ¡°Have some patience, young mistress. It will take us a few more minutes to unlock this door.¡± At this moment, one person came out, took out an electrical meter-like device, and connected it to the lock. Xia Weiweiughed, ¡°Your newspaper really has all kinds of talent, you can even unlock a digital lock?¡± Old Baiughed, ¡°You tter us, young mistress. All done to eke out a living.¡± Xia Weiwei held her chin up, looking down on them, ¡°Rest assured, there will be a reward for everyone once the job is done!¡± ¡°Thank you, young mistress.¡± Suddenly, there were a few beeps from the door.
That person put away his meter, ¡°The door is open.¡± Xia Weiwei couldn¡¯t wait any longer and went rushing in as soon as the door was opened¡­ Chapter 458: 459: A Ruthless Arrow Strikes Two Eagles Chapter 458: Chapter 459: A Ruthless Arrow Strikes Two Eagles ¡°Xia Yangyang, you bitch,e out!!!¡± After Xia Weiwei entered, she immediately stormed into the bedroom. A group of paparazzi also followed suit, cameras in hand. The bedroom was initially shrouded in darkness. The instant she opened the door, a woman¡¯s scream and a man¡¯s low growl were heard. Xia Weiwei was relieved in her heart, anticipating that she would catch them red-handed. She hurriedly turned on the light. The people inside seemed to be startled by the voices outside. The light was switched on, immediately illuminating the room. In the room, indeed, a man and a woman were in the midst of an intimate act.
Startled, both instinctively wrapped the bedsheets tightly around them. But the floor was a mess, littered with all sorts of sex toys, indicating a heated encounter. But Xia Weiwei was rendered dumbfounded in an instant. She stood there motionless, like she had been struck by lightning. Because the woman in bed with the man was not Xia Yangyang. It was Liu Ruyan!! Liu Ruyan was also shocked and flustered at the sight of Xia Weiwei, blurting out, ¡°What are you doing here?!!¡± Xia Weiweiposed herself. Her eyes welled up with red-hot tears, she pointed at the middle-aged man next to Liu Ruyan: ¡°Mom! How can you do this, dad is still in the hospital, who is this damn man!! Who is he exactly?¡± Liu Ruyan quickly tried to exin: ¡°Weiwei, listen to mom¡¯s exnation!!¡± At this time, all the reporters also rushed in. They furiously snapped photos of the two people on the bed. The room was filled with the shing lights from the cameras. Annoyed and embarrassed, Liu Ruyan shouted: ¡°Get out, all of you get out of here!¡± Xia Weiwei also came back to her senses. She stepped in front of Liu Ruyan: ¡°Who the hell sent you people, you dare to y me like this!! Stop taking pictures, stop taking pictures, did you hear me!!¡± The man was already up from the bed, wrapped in a sheet. With an angry look on his face, he turned to question Liu Ruyan: ¡°Ruyan, what the hell is this?¡± He pointed at Xia Weiwei: ¡°Is this your good daughter?¡±
¡°Jia Xin, let me exin, it¡¯s not what you think.¡± Xi Jiaxin brushed off Liu Ruyan, picked up his clothes from the floor, got dressed in the adjacent room, and walked out. He then walked up to Liu Ruyan, scanned everyone in the room: ¡°You better clean this up. I don¡¯t want to see any unpleasant news in the papers tomorrow.¡± Liu Ruyan quickly reassured him: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I guarantee such news won¡¯te out.¡±
Xi Jiaxin hummed and left the room with an angry expression on his face. Xi Jiaxin had a notorious reputation in the circle and was a well-known womanizer. Appearing in the entertainment sections from time to time was not news to him. But Liu Ruyan couldn¡¯t be. Liu Ruyan pointed angrily at the crowd: ¡°Who sent you here, who is trying to ruin me?¡± No one said a word, the reporters just stood there. ¡°Aunt Liu, it was me.¡± A clear, calm female voice came from the door. Xia Yangyang slowly walked into the room from outside the door. Seeing Xia Yangyang, Liu Ruyan lost herposure: ¡°You little bitch, how dare you scheme against me?¡± Xia Yangyang walked up to Liu Ruyan calmly: ¡°Aunt Liu, watch your image. You wouldn¡¯t want to appear as an uncultured shrew in tomorrow¡¯s papers, would you? However scandalous your affair may be, the man you¡¯re sleeping with is a respectable one, so you wouldn¡¯t want to be aughing stock.¡± Liu Ruyan was so angry she was left speechless. Xia Weiwei finally realized what had happened.
It was all part of Xia Yangyang¡¯s scheme. She lured her here under the pretense of catching a cheating spouse, but the one exposed was Liu Ruyan! No wonder she was forced to sign a responsibility agreement. So if anything went wrong, she would have to take the me! What a vicious plot to kill two birds with one stone! Chapter 459: 460: Kick Her Out Without a Penny Chapter 459: Chapter 460: Kick Her Out Without a Penny ¡°Xia Yangyang, you bitch, daring to scheme against me like this, I won¡¯t let you off!¡± She lunged forward, aiming to strangle Xia Yangyang. But Lao Bai immediately stepped in front of Xia Yangyang and with a sweep of his hand, knocked Xia Weiwei to the ground. Xia Yangyang looked down at Xia Weiwei, ¡°Haven¡¯t you learned your lesson? Xia Weiwei, if I remember correctly, you¡¯ve only been out of jail for a month, don¡¯t you want to go back?¡± Remembering the month in detention¡­ Xia Weiwei¡¯s fingers pinched till they hurt. That was the hardest and most humiliating month of her life. Xia Yangyang made her suffer, her reputation in ruins. But she couldn¡¯t do anything to her. She was still Mrs. Gu.
Gu Qichen was still protecting her. This bitch! She was determined to make her suffer a miserable end. Liu Ruyan hade out after changing her clothes. Her expression seemed to have recovered to a calm state. She actually appeared to be intellectual and elegant. Sometimes, Xia Yangyang truly admired this woman. Hidden deep within her was a cunning fox. In just a few short minutes, she had transitioned from being out of control to being calm andposed. Liu Ruyan straightaway got to the point, ¡°Yangyang, we¡¯re all family. There¡¯s no benefit for you to expose me.¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°But there¡¯s no harm either, right Aunt Liu?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you care about your father¡¯s reputation at all?¡± ¡°Given my father¡¯s current state, I don¡¯t know how long he canst. Is his reputation still important to him? Besides, Aunt Liu, you¡¯ve been preparing to divorce my father, right? Since we¡¯ll go our separate ways in the future, there¡¯s nothing I need to worry about.¡± Liu Ruyan furrowed her eyebrows, staying silent for a few seconds, ¡°Go on, what do you want?¡± Xia Yangyang finally smiled, ¡°Aunt Liu, you¡¯re truly shrewd.¡± Xia Yangyang took out a few documents from her bag, ¡°This is a divorce agreement with my father. I won¡¯t make things difficult for you. The Xia Family is on the decline, so I don¡¯t think we¡¯ll be able to provide you the public life you desire. Since you¡¯ve betrayed my father, I¡¯ll make this decision on his behalf.¡± Liu Ruyan smiled, ¡°Your conditions can¡¯t be this simple.¡± ¡°Of course not.¡± Xia Yangyang then took out a second document, ¡°Since you, Aunt Liu, did something to wrong my father, it¡¯s not excessive to ask you to leave without a penny. This is a divorce agreement renouncing any ims to wealth, including the Xia Family¡¯s assets, funds, and the several properties under your and my father¡¯s names. Of course, aspensation, you can take away the jewelry and personal items my father bought for you over the years.¡±
Liu Ruyan seemed to be on the verge of losing control, ¡°Xia Yangyang, after all the years I¡¯ve cared for your father, you want me to leave without a penny?¡± ¡°Aunt Liu, you¡¯re wrong. My father entrusted hispany to you, but it¡¯s almost bankrupt under your watch. And as the saying goes, adversity reveals true feelings. I didn¡¯t see you taking care of my father once during his current state. You lived in luxury over these years, you weren¡¯t caring for him. Of course, if you don¡¯t want to sign this agreement, that¡¯s fine. We can take this to court and once all the evidence is made public, the court will still rule that you leave without a thing. Aunt Liu, I¡¯m leaving you with some dignity out of respect for the many years you¡¯ve been my father¡¯s wife.¡± Every word from Xia Yangyang hit hard. Although Liu Ruyan was so furious she felt like vomiting blood, she couldn¡¯t deny that Xia Yangyang was telling the truth.
If her affair was exposed, apart from the public condemnation, thew would show no mercy. She would then still end up with nothing. Chapter 460: 461: Mothers Great Revenge has been Avenged Chapter 460: Chapter 461: Mother¡¯s Great Revenge has been Avenged Xia Yangyang continued, ¡°Aunt Liu, it¡¯s not a big deal to lose money, but once your reputation stinks, you can never recover it. Then how will you have any face left to mingle in high society? Besides, you have already climbed into the arms of Mr. Second Xi, are you really that short of assets?¡± That hit Liu Ruyan where it hurt. Money lost can be earned back. But if she¡¯s ndered with the stain of infidelity within marriage, she might never be able to wash it away in this lifetime. Not to mention that Xia Liangdong is still lying in the hospital. By then, she¡¯ll be under even harsher criticism. Xi Jiaxin already seemed very displeased earlier, let alone if shepletely pissed him off. By then, everything she had tirelessly built, could all go down the drain. After thinking it over, Liu Ruyan made a resolute decision: ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll sign. I agree to all your terms. But Xia Yangyang, how can I trust you?¡± ¡°Aunt Liu, you have no other choice right now.¡±
Liu Ruyan snorted in anger. But she grudgingly signed it anyway. In truth, she did have some understanding of Xia Yangyang. This girl was smart, but she was too kind-hearted. After all, she was still married to Xia Liangdong. As long as she didn¡¯t push her too far, she would likely still consider Xia Liangdong¡¯s dignity. So, she wasn¡¯t worried that Xia Yangyang would purposely make what happened today public. Her actions today were nothing more than not allowing her to sell the old Xia family mansion. But Liu Ruyan was still unaware that she had kept her actions so secretive, even Xia Weiwei was kept in the dark. However Xia Yangyang found out about it, she hade prepared and set a sophisticated trap. As Liu Ruyan was signing, Xia Weiwei, who was by her side, was almost going mad with anger. ¡°Mom, are you really going to give everything of the Xia family to this little bitch? What about me? Weren¡¯t those houses meant for me?¡± Liu Ruyan snapped back, ¡°Do you want to see your mom get exposed? Do you want to see me on the cover of tomorrow¡¯s entertainment section?¡± Xia Weiwei stormed out of the room in anger. Liu Ruyan handed the signed document to Xia Yangyang, her face strangely wearing a faint smile, ¡°Yangyang, I really underestimated you before. Since you gave me such a surprise today, I also have a huge gift for you.¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly had a bad feeling. But Liu Ruyan leaned in closer to Xia Yangyang¡¯s ear, ¡°Let me tell you a shocking secret about Gu Mingzhu¡­¡± After listening, Xia Yangyang froze, as if she had been cursed, she was unable to move. She could only feel a coldness all over her body, like her blood was flowing backwards. How could it be like this? How could it be possible?
Xia Yangyang said coldly, ¡°This can¡¯t be possible. Absolutely impossible.¡± ¡°Why is it impossible? You should be curious how I found out. It was Xi Jiaxin who told me. As you know, Mingzhu¡¯s ex-husband was Xi Jiachen, and Xi Jiaxin is his younger brother. Xi Jiaxin naturally has the clearest understanding of the secrets of that year. Do you know why Xi Jiachen divorced Mingzhu? It¡¯s because of this. No man can tolerate a woman with such a past.¡± Xia Yangyang was too stunned to speak, ¡°If you knew about this all along, why didn¡¯t you tell me before?¡± Liu Ruyan answered, ¡°Before, I wanted to keep this secret to smooth the way for Weiwei, but at this point, I realise that there¡¯s no chance for Weiwei and Qi Chen. So I might as well tell you. You hate Mingzhu to the bone for causing your mother¡¯s death, don¡¯t you want to seek revenge? If you publicise this secret, then your mother¡¯s great hate will be avenged.¡±
Chapter 461: 462: Wife, I Miss You Chapter 461: Chapter 462: Wife, I Miss You The night is tranquil. Xia Yangyang is sitting alone on the sofa chair in the room. She seems to be enveloped in the darkness of the night. This is Maple Vi. Xia Yangyang has not been here for quite some time. Now it is already two o¡¯clock in the morning. But Gu Qichen has not returned yet. Xia Yangyang does not know where Gu Qichen has gone. It seems a lot has happened today. From confirming her pregnancy to meeting Xi Zijun.
To designing the n to catch Xia Weiwei cheating. And in the end, learning about the shocking secret of the Gu Family. Xia Yangyang feelspletely drained. Xia Yangyang doesn¡¯t know why she came back. Maybe she really is homeless. Liu Ruyan and her daughter have not moved out yet, they must be going back to the Xia residence today. Such a drama has already urred tonight. Xia Yangyang doesn¡¯t want to engage in another exhausting battle. The reason she came here is because she knew that recently Gu Qichen had been staying in the Gu¡¯s residence. It¡¯s said that the health of the old master of the Gu Family has been deteriorating recently. Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand unknowingly rested on her lower abdomen. There¡¯s a small life growing inside. Xia Yangyang knows she must take care of her health and cannot stay upte. But she doesn¡¯t feel sleepy at all. She doesn¡¯t know how long she has been sitting on the sofa. Just then, the door of the room suddenly opened. A figure emerged from the darkness. Xia Yangyang was startled. But she instantly recognized him. It was Gu Qichen.
Gu Qichen didn¡¯t switch on the light. He came straight in. When he entered, the room was filled with a strong smell of alcohol. Xia Yangyang knows that Gu Qichen has a high alcohol tolerance, Shen Shichuan and others even nicknamed him the ¡°Thousand Cups Drunk¡±.
But seeing Gu Qichen¡¯s staggering walk¡­ He seemed to be heavily drunk. How much alcohol did he consume? Gu Qichen appeared to be heading towards the bathroom. While walking, he was undressing. But suddenly, he spotted a figure on the sofa. His pace abruptly stopped for a moment. The two of them stared at each other in the darkness for a full two minutes. Both of them resembled statues. In reality, they couldn¡¯t see each other¡¯s faces clearly. There was no light in the room and the curtains of the floor-to-ceiling windows were tightly drawn. But at this moment, Xia Yangyang seemed to imagine Gu Qichen¡¯s shocked expression. Unexpectedly, the next moment, Gu Qichen walked over.
Like a child, he nestled into Xia Yangyang¡¯s arms: ¡°Wife, I¡¯ve missed you.¡± The word ¡°wife¡± almost brought Xia Yangyang to tears. But Gu Qichen just sprawled on the sofa. The sofa was small. His hands and feet didn¡¯t fit properly and he had to curl up his body. His head rested on Xia Yangyang¡¯s thighs. He was just like a child. Xia Yangyang sat there, statuesque. She didn¡¯t expect Gu Qichen would return thiste. The air was filled with a strong smell of alcohol. Gu Qicheny on Xia Yangyang¡¯s legs, seeming very content. It didn¡¯t take long for him to fall asleep. Finally, Xia Yangyang slowly reached out her hand, lightly touching Gu Qichen¡¯s face.
His chin had stubble on it. Gu Qichen is such a person who cares a lot about his appearance. In the past, Xia Yangyang would always tease him about living in a ss dome where not a speck of dust was allowed. But now, Xia Yangyang barely recognized him. Even if she couldn¡¯t see his face clearly, Xia Yangyang could feel that this man had lost a lot of weight. He must have had a hard time these days. Xia Yangyang felt an inexplicable sadness. It¡¯s been many days since she had seen him and had a proper conversation. During these days, she made herself ruthless, turning into a sharp sword that hurt him relentlessly. But, didn¡¯t she also want to cut off her own feelings? She didn¡¯t dare to rx for a moment, she was like a tightly pulled string. Because Xia Yangyang knew that once she softened her heart, she would never be able to leave him again.
Chapter 462: 463: Now Youre Finally Satisfied Chapter 462: Chapter 463: Now You¡¯re Finally Satisfied But now. That string seems to have finally broken. Looking at the sleeping Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind is filled with scenes of a happy family of three living together in the future. The images in her mind are like poppies, addicting and indulging. Xia Yangyang seemed to have also dozed off for a while. Until Gu Qichen woke up. When Gu Qichen woke up, he seemed a bit disbelieving. All he knew was that he had spent the day drinking with Shen Shichuan yesterday. He had never been drunk in his life.
He just wanted to know if getting drunk could really alleviate all his worries. Shen Shichuan, fearing something might happen to him, even had an ambnce ready. Reportedly, the hospital was also contacted and prepared for any emergencies. He knew Shen Shichuan did all these and found itughable to the extreme. He had drunk so much, so why was he still so sober? And why did it still hurt so much? When he received the report. He felt as if he had lost a child. It was not merely a child. Perhaps, it was all the hope in his present life. But until he went home. At the moment when he opened the door. He finally realized that he was indeed drunk. Because he saw Xia Yangyang. She sat quietly on the sofa. Looking at his appearance, she didn¡¯t hold much hatred, just a slight surprise. Like a startled little deer. It was wonderful. It felt good to be drunk.
He went over andy down on her. It was like a dream. Unreal, yet so real. He could feel her warmth, her body temperature, and even her breath.
He finally understood why so many people were obsessed with alcohol. Maybe it was the best thing in the world. It could turn dreams into reality. He was too tired, having suffered from countless sleepless nights. Yetst night, he slept peacefully. But when he woke up, he found out that all of it was not a dream. It was real. The person before his eyes was Xia Yangyang. She let himy on her legs and sleep for the whole night. She just randomly leaned on the back of the sofa and slept in an extremely ufortable position. Gu Qichen frowned. When Gu Qichen woke up, Xia Yangyang was also awake. Her neck seemed immobile.
And her legs werepletely numb. When she opened her eyes. She saw Gu Qichen¡¯s cold, deep eyes, and his gloomy face staring at her. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you wake me up?¡± Gu Qichen asked coldly. There was not a trace of the drunkenness he hadst night. His eyes were clear, back to his usual self. ¡°You were drunk,¡± Xia Yangyang also began ndly. She tried to stand up, but her numb legs made her fall back down immediately. Gu Qichen quickly caught her. Then he kneeled in front of Xia Yangyang, massaging her calves. Xia Yangyang was stunned for a moment. Gu Qichen¡¯s pose was strikingly simr to the male leads in TV dramas proposing to the female lead. When they got married and received their certificates, there was no proposal ceremony.
Naturally, she had never seen Gu Qichen kneeling and proposing. In the past, Xia Yangyang would sometimes imagine. Now, seeing Gu Qichen kneeling and massaging her legs was even more heart-tingling than what she had imagined. ¡°Ah Chen, let¡¯s reconcile,¡±. If it wasn¡¯t for Gu Qichen¡¯s phone suddenly ringing, Maybe Xia Yangyang would have blurted it out. When Gu Qichen returned from a phone call, his facepletely changed. Xia Yangyang had never seen such a tense, fearful look on Gu Qichen¡¯s face before. ¡°Xia Yangyang, this time, are you finally satisfied!¡± His voice was cold to the bone. It was filled with weariness and fear,plete despair. Then, without saying another word, he grabbed his car keys and ran out. Chapter 463: 464: Gu Mingzhu Commits Suicide by Taking Pills Chapter 463: Chapter 464: Gu Mingzhu Commits Suicide by Taking Pills Xia Yangyang had a feeling that something big had happened. Yet she was still clueless. She had a bad gut feeling. Picking up her mobile phone. A breaking news alert popped up on her screen. The headline read, ¡°Explosive! A scandalous secret uncovered from the high-society Gu Family of the south city, the eldest Gu son is the biological son of Gu Mingzhu¡± Upon seeing this headline, Xia Yangyang began to tremble uncontrobly. The article revealed detailed information about secrets from more than two decades ago, how Gu Mingzhu, who was the young mistress of the Gu family, had fallen in love with a gangster, the life-threatening lengths she¡¯d gone to carry his child at seventeen, this illegitimate child being none other than the current head of the Gu family, Gu Qichen. The details of the reveal read like the script of some melodramatic soap opera. Yet, Gu Qichen¡¯s birth certificate from the United States, including Gu Mingzhu¡¯s 17-year-old maternity hospital record in Los Angeles, had all been exposed, seeming to substantiate these allegations.
Xia Yangyang read every single word carefully. It turned out that the person revealing this information was clearly referred to as the Young Lady of the Gu family in the article. Her?! Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart sank heavily. It was clear as day that this explosive leak likely came from Liu Ruyan and her daughter. And they ended up pinning everything on her. Otherwise, how could such news be exposed just after Liu Ruyan had revealed this secret to herst night? No wonder Gu Qichen had just said that she had made herselffortable! Actually, when Liu Ruyan told her this secret yesterday, Xia Yangyang found it hard to believe. She even doubted whether this was just a trick by Liu Ruyan to sow discord between her and Gu Qichen. But after witnessing so much evidence leaking out today, Xia Yangyang understood that it was true. Xia Yangyang also finally understood why the old grudge between Gu Mingzhu and her mother was so deep. It was because Gu Mingzhu was carrying Gao Wenbin¡¯s child. Gu Qichen¡¯s biological father must be Gao Wenbin. That¡¯s why Gao Wenbin knelt at my grandmother¡¯s door for a whole day and night, begging her to forgive him, but in the end, she still broke up with him. Gao Wenbin and my mother had been in love since they were young and, for many years, were deeply attached andmitted to each other. My mother was very emotional. After not eating or drinking for many days, she decided to break up with him. Something major must have happened to make her give uppletely and so decisively. Now it seems that it was probably because Gu Mingzhu was carrying Gao Wenbin¡¯s child. Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t in the know about this past.
Maybe it was just like some melodramatic primetime TV soap opera. Rich girl falls in love with a thug. Xia Yangyang thought it was quite ironic. She casually browsed on the entertainment tform.
Thements about this issue had already exploded. ¡°My goodness, is this for real? As a bystander, I¡¯m just here for the drama, but this is too much. Sister bes mother, this is too much soap opera clich¨¦.¡± ¡°No wonder Gu Mingzhu, when she first entered the film industry, had suddenly gone overseas for two years after bing popr. She must have gone to give birth.¡± ¡°The Gu family really hid this well, everyone thought that the suddenly appeared eldest Gu son was the old man¡¯s illegitimate child, didn¡¯t expect he was their own grandson. No wonder the sister-brother rtionship was so good.¡± ¡°It exins why Asia¡¯s richest man, Xi Jiachen, divorced Gu Mingzhu. It must be because of this past. His wife¡¯s brother being her own son, what man could stand that?¡± ¡°I heard that this incident was leaked by the youngdy of the Gu family, that somewhat famous rising star. If Gu Mingzhu is really Gu Qichen¡¯s mother, then they are in a mother-inw and daughter-inw rtionship. Indeed, the mother-inw and daughter-inw are natural enemies.¡± ¡°This watermelon is too big, I need to digest slowly.¡± ¡°There is even bigger news. I went for a medical check-up at the hospital today and heard that Gu Mingzhu took pills tomit suicidest night.¡± Chapter 464: 465: The Secrets of the Gu Family Chapter 464: Chapter 465: The Secrets of the Gu Family When Xia Yangyang saw thisment. She only felt her body stiffen, and a chill run down her spine. Did Gu Mingzhu try tomit suicide by overdosing? Xia Yangyang remembered the fear in Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes when he just left. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t have time to think, she rushed out. She arrived at Ruian Hospital. However, she didn¡¯t expect arge crowd of journalists blockaded by security at the entrance of the hospital. If Xia Yangyang appeared now, she would definitely be the target of public criticism. The inte was now filled with rumors that she had leaked this incident. She hid nearby for a while and overheard a journalist saying, ¡°It is said that she was rescued, but she suffered a great shock mentally. Nobody knows how she is now. Gu Family¡¯s patriarch almost had a heart attack when he heard about this. It¡¯s no wonder, they had kept it a secret for many years and finally managed to keep it under wraps, but now it¡¯s being exposed. Gu family¡¯s reputation is destroyed.¡±
¡°You don¡¯t understand, it¡¯s not as simple as it seems, it involves a lot. I heard that Xi Jiachen has always wanted Gu Zhaohan to recognize his ancestry. This matter seems to have something to do with him.¡± ¡°Ah, the grudges within these wealthy families are soplex. But digging deeper into this is better, we won¡¯t be short of headlines for a while.¡± A group of journalists were giggling and discussing. Xia Yangyang turned around and left. In principle, Xia Yangyang ought to feel a sense of satisfaction seeing Gu Mingzhu in her current state¡ªhumiliated by the public, attacked by public opinion, entangled in scandals, her reputation in ruins, just like how her mother had been in the past. No matter who leaked this news. In a sense, she had taken her revenge. An eye for an eye. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t feel any pleasure at all. On the contrary, she felt even more morose. Especially when she found out about Gu Mingzhu¡¯s suicide attempt. Her mother had also been driven to suicide back then. Now, Gu Mingzhu was experiencing the same thing as her mother had, Gu Mingzhu was going through everything her mother had experienced. She should have been happy, happy on behalf of her mother. The person who wreaked havoc on you back then has now walked down the same path, been driven into a corner, with nothing left to live for. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t feel happy at all. On the contrary, she felt unbearably saddened. She didn¡¯t know where this sadness wasing from. Maybe, Xia Yangyang knew that from the moment Gu Mingzhu attempted suicide, all her feelings towards Gu Qichen werepletely severed.
Because Gu Mingzhu is Gu Qichen¡¯s biological mother! Just like she hated Gu Mingzhu, Gu Qichen would also hate her in the future. Xia Yangyang slowly hooked the corners of her mouth, but tears started to fall. It¡¯s alright.
Perhaps everything was destined to be this way. Although Liu Ruyan ryed this secret to her and tried to make her ruin Gu Mingzhu in hopes of severing the ties with the Gu family. Xia Yangyang struggled with it overnight. She still hadn¡¯t made up her mind at the end. Liu Ruyan epted her indecisiveness. But¡­ Xia Yangyang ced a hand on her lower abdomen. Baby, mom¡¯s sorry for making you grow up without a father. But I will do everything to make it up to you. In the end, Xia Yangyang still went back to the old Xia Family house. The Xia Family Mansion. Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t return homest night. Early this morning, she saw the explosive news.
In a frenzy, she hurried home and barged into Liu Ruyan¡¯s room. Liu Ruyan was putting on makeup when she saw Xia Weiwei return: ¡°What happened, you¡¯re so impatient, I¡¯ve told you so many times, you need to change that temper.¡± Xia Weiwei pointed to a headline in an entertainment newspaper and said: ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why did you tell Xia Yangyang our trump card? Now that Xia Yangyang has divulged it, what should I do? What am I going to negotiate with the Gu family? How am I going to marry Gu Qichen?¡± Chapter 465: 466: How to Make This Man Unable to Leave You Chapter 465: Chapter 466: How to Make This Man Unable to Leave You Liu Ruyan casually nced at the newspaper, then continued putting on her earrings: ¡°Who said it was Xia Yangyang who exposed it?¡± ¡°If not Xia Yangyang, then who else?¡± It seemed as if Xia Weiwei suddenly came to her senses: ¡°Mother, did you expose this secret?¡± Liu Ruyan nced at her, remaining silent, essentially admitting it. Xia Weiwei was furious: ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me? If you expose it, what should I do? Didn¡¯t you say that as long as I held this trump card to exchange with the Gu Family, marrying Gu Qichen would be inevitable, that they would agree? Mother, now you¡¯ve ruined all my ns! Have you disregarded me now that you¡¯re involved with that wealthy man?¡± Upon mentioning this matter. Liu Ruyan mmed her hand on the table: ¡°Everything I¡¯ve done, each and every thing, isn¡¯t it all for your sake!¡± Being shouted at by Liu Ruyan. Xia Weiwei¡¯s voice lowered: ¡°Then why did you expose the information? Without this trump card, how can I marry Gu Qichen, bing thedy of the Gu family?¡± Liu Ruyan sighed: ¡°Weiwei, there are plenty of great men out there. I promise you, one day I will find you a man a hundred times better than Gu Qichen. Isn¡¯t it better to give up on Gu Qichen? Even if you force yourself to marry him, will you be happy? Will he ept you? Even with that trump card, even if you be Mrs. Gu, Gu Qichen will still despise you. I don¡¯t want you to live in pain for the rest of your life.¡±
Upon hearing Liu Ruyan¡¯s words. Xia Weiwei became even more disheartened. She withdrew her hand from Liu Ruyan¡¯s: ¡°No, I want Gu Qichen. Besides him, I won¡¯t marry anyone else in this lifetime. I don¡¯t care, I want to be Mrs. Gu. As long as he marries me, he will definitely start to like me. I will treat him very well. Mother, I beg you, can you please help me?¡± Liu Ruyan looked at her daughter¡¯s infatuated manner, filled with exasperation. But in the end, she sighed: ¡°If you really insist on marrying him, it¡¯s not entirely impossible. Now with the secret being known by everyone, Gu Mingzhu even tried tomit suicide, and the Gu Family is definitely in chaos. I employed a diversion strategy. Now everyone thinks Xia Yangyang revealed the matter, do you think the Gu Family can forgive her? Even if the Gu family can, she definitely won¡¯t ignore her mother¡¯s death and reconcile with Gu Qichen. As long as the two of them break up, won¡¯t you have the opportunity to rise to power?¡± Hearing this, Xia Weiwei appeared somewhat reassured. A hint of a smile appeared on her face: ¡°Yes, everyone thinks Xia Yangyang exposed it. Gu Qichen and Gu Mingzhu were always close, and now to know that Gu Mingzhu is actually his mother, this entanglement is simply exquisite. His mother caused the death of Xia Yangyang¡¯s mother, they will never be possible again in this lifetime. I¡¯m so happy, as long as they divorce, given enough time, Gu Qichen will inevitably forget Xia Yangyang. And at that time, the position of Mrs. Gu will be mine.¡± Liu Ruyan advised: ¡°If you don¡¯t change your temper, Gu Qichen will always look down on you. You must learn from your sister, if Gu Qichen likes her type, then you should be what he likes ¨C mimic Xia Yangyang in your every word and action, every frown and smile. Given enough time, who knows, he might actually fall in love with you. This was how your father fell in love with me. Tan Zhen has always been lukewarm towards her, his heart was always upied by someone else. Your father loved her to his core, but he still turned to me forpanionship, for warmth. Men are all the same, it doesn¡¯t matter who they love, what¡¯s important is how to make them unable to leave you.¡± Chapter 466: 467: You Climb Your High Branch Chapter 466: Chapter 467: You Climb Your High Branch Upon mentioning this, Xia Weiwei was taken aback: ¡°Mom, do you love dad?¡± Xia Weiwei found it hard to ept that Liu Ruyan was with another man while their dad was hospitalised¡­ However, Liu Ruyan just erupted intoughter. As if she had just heard a hriously funny joke. ¡°Love, love is the cheapest thing in this world. You be vulnerable when you fall for someone. Your dad has never truly loved me over the years; Tan Zhen that wench has always been the one in his heart. Weiwei, remember my words, a man will forever be smitten by the one who doesn¡¯t love him.¡± Before Xia Weiwei could utter a word¡­ The room door was flung open all of a sudden. Xia Yangyang appeared abruptly at the door. Liu Ruyan and Xia Weiwei were both taken aback. Nevertheless, Xia Yangyang had already stepped in: ¡°The biggest mistake my dad ever made in his life is probably marrying a woman like you. However, luckily, being able to divorce you while he is still alive is also his good fortune.¡±
Liu Ruyan stood up. A trace of a smile spread across her face. Liu Ruyan said: ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯re back. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m packing up. I will leave in a day or two. Everything in the Xia Family¡¯s house, from top to bottom, will all be yours.¡± Xia Yangyang let out a cold humph: ¡°Aunt Liu should know that my return today is not because of this.¡± Liu Ruyan deliberately gasped in surprise. Then went on to say: ¡°Is there something else?¡± Xia Yangyang had no patience for her prevarications: ¡°Did you expose Gu Mingzhu? You framed me, didn¡¯t you?¡± Liu Ruyan responded: ¡°Yangyang, I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about. How could I do such a thing? How much could I possibly know about the Gu Family¡¯s matters?¡± Xia Yangyang frowned. Liu Ruyan had clearly told her the secret herself a day ago. Nevertheless, today, after the matter was exposed, she suddenly started denying everything. Xia Yangyang chuckled: ¡°Aunt Liu, there¡¯s really no need for you to be overly cautious. Rest assured, this is your room, there are no cameras, and I didn¡¯t bring a voice recorder either.¡± All Liu Ruyan feared was admitting her guilt, putting herself in a vulnerable position with Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang admired her for her cautious prudence. Liu Ruyan closely observed Xia Yangyang. Even though Xia Yangyang has disfavored her since childhood and is highly guarded against her¡­ Liu Ruyan still has an understanding of Xia Yangyang. Her expressions, and her tone of voice. Liu Ruyan could tell that she¡¯s here not to engage in petty schemes, she had likely juste to confirm something.
Liu Ruyan chose not to hide anymore. ¡°Yes, I did arrange for the news to be revealed. The figure in the news does look a lot like you, deliberately captured in the frame, hence now everyone thinks you were the one to expose the scandal of the Gu Family.¡± The brilliance of Liu Ruyan lies in the fact that¡­ All that was exposed had clear evidence backing it.
Of course, with the shocking secret of the Gu family exposed, no one is pursuing whether the person is truly her. Instead, the masses are more inclined to believe that it¡¯s an internal feud amongst the elites,plex and entangled, adding to the excitement of the ongoing saga. ¡°Why did you do this?¡± ¡°To be honest, Yangyang, you gave me such a big gift, how could I not reciprocate a little? I know, you have a kind heart and a soft nature, but think about it, Gu Mingzhu is the biological mother of Gu Qichen, yet she caused the death of your mother, could you really forgive her? I did what you couldn¡¯t bring yourself to do, shouldn¡¯t you be thanking me?¡± Xia Yangyang coldlyughed: ¡°Aunt Liu, stay out of my business. Just because you framed me, doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯ll swallow this affront. Now that you¡¯re divorced from my dad, we have no connection whatsoever. From now on, you climb your tall branches, I¡¯ll cross my single-nk bridge, we owe each other nothing and will be entangled no more. I only hope we avoid any future contact, and I hope Aunt Liu won¡¯t cause me any more trouble.¡± Liu Ruyanughed: ¡°Of course, given the current situation, I¡¯m not pleased either. I have spent so many years with your dad, after all, and do have some feelings for him. If you father-daughter ever run into any trouble, feel free to ask me for help, I will do my best.¡± ¡°Well, I should really thank Aunt Liu.¡± Chapter 467: 468: I Want to Keep This Child Chapter 467: Chapter 468: I Want to Keep This Child Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t bother pretending with her, ¡°Aunt Liu, please leave the Xia residence within three days. May you fly into the phoenix¡¯s nest and ascend to the heavens after you leave here.¡± Having said that, Xia Yangyang turned and left. Xia Weiwei pointed at Xia Yangyang¡¯s retreating back and cursed, ¡°Bitch, I¡¯m also my father¡¯s daughter, why should you have the house all to yourself, Xia Yangyang! Dream on, I won¡¯t let you enjoy all of the Xia Family¡¯s wealth alone, just wait and see!¡± Xia Weiwei was held back by Liu Ruyan, ¡°Why bother arguing with her? Right now, she has the upper hand, and we have no choice but to submit. But given her current state, I bet the pressure from the Gu Family is also overwhelming. Bear it for now, after this storm passes, there will be plenty of time to deal with her.¡± Liu Ruyan was severely antagonized by her. All the ns they had painstakingly set up before werepletely sabotaged by this girl. Now thepany was in her hands, and they couldn¡¯t take away even a single bit of the property. This girl was really ruthless. Fortunately, she already had Xi Jiaxin fed from her hand. As long as she became Mrs. Xi, she wouldn¡¯t even care about the Xia Family, let alone the Gu Family.
After returning to her room, Xia Yangyang feltpletely exhausted. Shey on the bed, staring nkly at the ceiling. She felt as if all the strength had been drained from her body. She really had no strength left. She had no strength to fight Liu Ruyan, no strength to investigate her further. Her father was in this condition, and she was pregnant on top of it all. Xia Yangyang felt like she was at a crossroads in her life, unsure of how to choose. Liu Ruyan had cut off her retreat. Xia Yangyang figured it was for the best. After all, every path she could choose was filled with pain. Completely cutting off her own desires might not be a bad thing. Moreover, even she had no way to turn back now. Gu Mingzhu turned out to be Gu Qichen¡¯s biological mother¡­ Xia Yangyang found it incredibly ironic. Indeed, every time Gu Mingzhu looked at Gu Qichen, it was as if she was looking at her own child. At first, she had merely thought that they had a particrly strong bond as siblings. It made sense now, there was nothing surprising about it. Gu Qichen and Gu Zhaohan were actually biological brothers. What could be more ironic than this?
Gu Zhaohan had considered Gu Qichen as an elder, calling him ¡®uncle¡¯ for so many years. Who knows how he would react upon learning this truth. If this shocking secret became public¡­ The Gu Family would definitely be in turmoil.
¡°Mom, do you see this?¡± ¡°Does the sight of Gu Mingzhu in this state give you anyfort?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I married the son of the person who caused your death.¡± ¡°And now I¡¯m carrying a baby.¡± One of Xia Yangyang¡¯s hands rested on her belly, and the tears streamed silently down her face. ¡°But, Mom, I want to keep this child..¡± At that time The Gu residence was brightly lit. Several doctors in white walked out of the room. The old master hurried over with his cane, ¡°How¡¯s my girl?¡± The leading doctor said, ¡°Your young miss is alright now after her stomach pump. But she took arge quantity of sleeping pills and wasn¡¯t discovered in time, so there could be repercussionster. We¡¯ll continue to monitor her condition.¡± The old master¡¯s face was filled with sorrow, ¡°What a tragic misfortune.¡± The doctors took turnsforting the old master.
Finally, they all left. Only then did the old master enter Gu Mingzhu¡¯s room with his cane. Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t spoken a word the whole time. He just stood off to the side, his face rigid. Once the old master went in, he didn¡¯t follow. Instead, he stayed at the door without leaving. In the room, Gu Mingzhu was awake. She stared nkly at the ceiling, her eyes wide and silent. But silently, tears streamed ceaselessly down her cheeks¡­ ¡°My girl¡­¡± The old master called out softly. Chapter 468: 469: Pregnant at 16, Between Life and Death Chapter 468: Chapter 469: Pregnant at 16, Between Life and Death Gu Mingzhu¡¯s eyes moved a bit. But she didn¡¯t turn her head. ¡°Father, I had a dream, I think I saw Tan Zhen in it. She said she hated me and would never forgive me. I now understand the feeling of being denounced by everyone. Back then, I didn¡¯t understand why such a strong person as her chose tomit suicide by taking pills. But now, I finally understand.¡± The voice of Gu Mingzhu was intermittent, as faint as a mosquito buzz. The old man spoke, ¡°Don¡¯t think too much about it. That incident has been over for twenty years. Besides, it wasn¡¯t all your fault even back then. Now that you have also ¡®died¡¯ once, you can say that you have repaid your debt to her.¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t repaid everything, father, Yangyang is the daughter of Tan Zhen.¡± The old man had recently learned of this. ¡°The crime Imitted, I am willing to bear, but I can¡¯t let Ah Chen bear it for me. How can I face him in the future? I owe him. He will be ridiculed and scorned by the world. I ruined his marriage, father, it¡¯s all my fault.¡± ¡°Mingzhu, do you only consider Ah Chen as your child?¡± The old man¡¯s voice suddenly became stern. Gu Mingzhu slowly turned her head, her face streaked with tears.
The old man said, ¡°You¡¯ve always only cared about Ah Chen, but you also have Xiao Han. He is also your own son. Won¡¯t you think about him? Even if not, you still have a father like me. Girl, I¡¯m old, and your mother left us too early. You are the only daughter I have left. Can you really bear to make me bury you?¡± The old man¡¯s voice started to choke. Gu Mingzhu was already sobbing uncontrobly, ¡°Father, I¡¯m sorry.¡± The old man walked to the bedside, slowly sat down, and took Gu Mingzhu¡¯s hand: ¡°Girl, your father doesn¡¯t care about anything else, I can give up everything, but I can¡¯t lose you. You are the most precious person in my heart, always, no matter what happens, even if the whole world scorns you, I will still stand in front of you, leaning on my cane, andpete with this world for my life.¡± Every word the old man spoke was deep. Gu Mingzhu looked at the white hair on his temples and couldn¡¯t stop her tears: ¡°Father, I¡¯m unfilial. I still make you worry about me now. I¡¯ve made so many mistakes in my life. Everyone in the world despises me. No one loves me, except you. Only you are left.¡± Gu Mingzhu sat up and hugged her father¡¯s shoulders, weeping bitterly. Just like when she was 16, she was pregnant and threatened tomit suicide if the baby was removed, but Gao Wenbin still left. In her destion, she often thought of death. It was her father who gave up everything to take care of her day by day. Despite his iron-like constitution, he lost 30 pounds during those few sleepless days and nights. Now, it seems like everything is returning to that state. But she didn¡¯t know when her father had aged so much. Gu Mingzhu cried, ¡°Father, if life could start over, I definitely wouldn¡¯t fall in love with him. I wouldn¡¯t be so willful, I would definitely listen to you. If that were the case, today¡¯s tragedies wouldn¡¯t have happened, and so many people wouldn¡¯t be in pain because of me. It¡¯s all my fault, all my fault¡­¡± The old man patted Gu Mingzhu¡¯s back, like he wasforting a child: ¡°Girl, it¡¯s not your fault. No one can control who they fall in love with or who they don¡¯t. In everyone¡¯s life, who doesn¡¯t have a few cmities? That young man was your cmity. But you can¡¯t be defeated, you still have me, Ah Chen, and Xiao Han. What do you care about what others think? Haven¡¯t you always hoped that Ah Chen could call you ¡®mom¡¯? The exposure of this matter isn¡¯t necessarily a bad thing. You have lost a younger brother, but gained a son.¡± Chapter 469: 470: I Have a Thousand and Ten Thousand Ways to Make You Divorce Chapter 469: Chapter 470: I Have a Thousand and Ten Thousand Ways to Make You Divorce Gu Mingzhu shook her head, ¡°Ah Chen will never forgive me, he won¡¯t forgive me.¡± ¡°You raised him. Whether he¡¯s your brother or your son, he has always regarded you as his mother in his heart. Give him some time, he will figure it out.¡± Gu Mingzhu cried for a while, and fell asleep as soon sheid down. The old man watched her from her bedside for a long time. In his memory, his precious daughter was still the little girl who threw herself into his arms for candy when he came home from work. She was his whole world. He could let go of anything but wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to hurt her even the slightest. This is the primal instinct of a father. The old man left Gu Mingzhu¡¯s room. Gu Qichen was waiting outside the door.
Gu Qichen also had a solemn expression on his face. But he never stepped into the room. The old man nced at him and said, ¡°Follow me, I have something to tell you.¡± Gu Qichen followed the old man to his study. The old man started, ¡°You¡¯re aware of the situation now, Ah Chen, you¡¯ve always been level-headed, I hope this wouldn¡¯t affect your rtionship with Mingzhu.¡± ¡°Father, rest assured, I¡¯ll take good care of big sister,¡± Gu Qichen responded stoically. The old man knew him well. From childhood, Gu Qichen had always been groomed as the heir of the Gu family. His current straight-faced reaction. Meant he was, in truth, finding it hard to ept the situation. In his heart, he was still the father, and Gu Mingzhu was still the elder sister. The old man sighed. This matter was intended to be a secret he would take to his grave. Gu Mingzhu had fallen in love with a man shortly after she entered film school at sixteen. That was a truly devastating event, the man had brought a storm into her youth. Even after he abandoned her. She was only sixteen. But she insisted on having the baby. Back then, she was truly in love with that man.
He also knew that, all these years, that man was still lingering in her heart, never forgotten. Among her two children, she always favored Gu Qichen. Now that this hase out. Her decision to try tomit suicide by overdosing was not out of fear of public opinion.
But because she couldn¡¯t face Ah Chen. The past also dragged up a tale of grudges and unrequited love. Unexpectedly, it extended to the next generation. The old man knew Gu Qichen might need some time to ept it, so he didn¡¯t push him. Given Gu Qichen¡¯s sensibility, and his affectionate rtionship with Gu Mingzhu, Gu Shengyuan believed that he woulde to terms with it one day. However, there was one matter that was now concerning the old man. The old man started solemnly, ¡°Ah Chen, divorce Yangyang. Given what she has done now, you two probably wouldn¡¯t have a peaceful life in the future.¡± However, Gu Qichen¡¯s expression immediately changed, ¡°This is my business. I will investigate thoroughly. This incident might have nothing to do with Yangyang.¡± ¡°Whether it has anything to do with her or not, it¡¯s a fact that she resents Mingzhu. I will not allow this dangerous woman to be the mistress of the Gu Family. The discord should end with your mother, I will not allow it to affect your generation.¡± But Gu Qichen affirmed, ¡°I won¡¯t divorce her. This is my business, and I¡¯ll handle it myself.¡± The old man pounded his cane in anger, ¡°Being with Yangyang, isn¡¯t that stabbing Mingzhu in the heart every time she sees her? Isn¡¯t once enough for her to die?¡± Gu Qichen remained silent, but his face was uncharacteristically stubborn. The old man snorted, ¡°You can choose not to divorce, but do you believe that I have a thousand ways to make you divorce her?¡±
Chapter 470: 471: The President Cried Chapter 470: Chapter 471: The President Cried ¡°I won¡¯t allow anything to happen to him.¡± Gu Qichen says with an unusually tense voice. Even though the old man has been away from the business world for so many years. Gu Qichen knew what his tactics were back then. Otherwise, the old man wouldn¡¯t have built amercial empire all by himself. The old man¡¯s face is stern and his voice seems somewhat indifferent: ¡°I don¡¯t want to get involved, Yangyang is a good kid, I¡¯ve always liked her, but now that she¡¯s hurt my daughter, I absolutely can¡¯t tolerate it. We can leave the past behind, but she is Tan Zhen¡¯s daughter ¨C which means she has no fate with you. Listen to me, divorce her, and make a clean break. If not, she will suffer. Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know about your secret acquisition of Starlight through Time.¡± Gu Qichen knows that even though the old man doesn¡¯t handle thepany¡¯s affairs. Thepany¡¯s matters would inevitablye to his attention. Gu Qichen lowers his head like a child: ¡°Leave this matter to me. I will give you a satisfactory answer.¡± The old man¡¯s voice is chillingly calm: ¡°Three days. If in three days you have not divorced her, I will leave her with debts and abandon her in a ce where no one wants her.¡± Gu Qichen doesn¡¯t go to thepany for three days.
He doesn¡¯t handle anypany business at all. Thepany¡¯s secretarial department is almost driven mad. It¡¯s as if the CEO has evaporated from the earth. In all the time that he¡¯s been leading thepany, this has never happened before. After the news of Gu Mingzhu¡¯s suicide spilled out. The rtionship between Gu Mingzhu and Gu Qichen bes extremely dramatized by the media. Sibling rtions turned into mother-son rtions, and the earth-shattering secret of the Gu family inevitably bes a topic of discussion over meals. Gu Qichen disappears for three days. There is much spection in the media. But in reality, all Gu Qichen does is sleep at Maple Vi for three days. Gu Qichen doesn¡¯t remember how much he drank or how much he smoked. He has never experienced such a state of decadence before. But on the third day, he still goes back to the office. He takes out the divorce agreement that Xia Yangyang originally submitted. As he holds the pen, Gu Qichen hesitates for a very long time. But eventually still signs his name. After signing, Gu Qichen throws the pen away. Fang Zhengdong walks in, just in time to see the redness in Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes and his shoulders trembling slightly. Fang Zhengdong is shocked.
He quickly retreats. Xia Yangyang receives the divorce agreement in the hospital. Fang Zhengdong personally hands over the divorce agreement to her. Fang Zhengdong speaks: ¡°The CEO cried.¡±
Upon hearing these words, Xia Yangyang feels as if a million arrows just pierced her heart. Xia Yangyang can¡¯t imagine what Gu Qichen might have looked like when he signed. But checking the handwriting on the divorce agreement, it is clear that Gu Qichen¡¯s fingers had trembled while writing. Xia Yangyang spends an entire night sitting in the hospital hallway with the agreement in her hands. She eventually got what she wanted. She should be relieved. From this moment on, she will have nothing to do with Gu Qichen; no further contact. Xia Yangyang should be pleased about this. Trying to force a smile, tears uncontrobly fall from her eyes. At this moment, the nurse suddenly runs over. She excitedly announces: ¡°Miss Xia, Mr. Xia has woken up.¡± Xia Yangyang is stunned: ¡°What did you say?¡± ¡°I said Mr. Xia has awakened, you must go see him.¡±
It was deep into the night when this happened. Although there was an on-call doctor, but Mr. Xia¡¯s primary physicians were not present. Xia Yangyang promptly says: ¡°Contact Director Guo and Director Wang, I¡¯ll go first.¡± Chapter 471: 472: Dad is going to find your mom Chapter 471: Chapter 472: Dad is going to find your mom Xia Yangyang almost rushed into the hospital room. Xia Liangdong had indeed woken up. His head tilted slightly. Yet, his eyes were slowly opening. Xia Yangyang was standing at the door, her vision blurred by instant tears. But over there, Xia Liangdong was slowly raising a hand. Xia Yangyang hurried over and took Xia Liangdong¡¯s hand: ¡°Dad.¡± Just uttering these two words reduced her to tears. Xia Liangdong¡¯s breathing was weak. Every breath seemed to use up all his strength. ¡°Yangyang, don¡¯t cry.¡±
Xia Liangdong mustered the strength to utter these words. Although it was difficult to speak and required careful discernment to hear what he was saying. But Xia Liangdong forcibly removed his oxygen mask. Xia Yangyang tried to stop him: ¡°Dad, what are you doing?¡± Xia Liangdong seemed to take deep breaths, then calmed down: ¡°My girl, Dad wants to talk to you.¡± Xia Yangyang looked at Xia Liangdong. The tion of just knowing he had woken up was gradually fading. At the same time, an inexplicable worry and fear were rising. Although Xia Liangdong was awake, something about him was not right. Xia Yangyang wanted to call the doctor. But her hand was held by Xia Liangdong: ¡°My girl, stay and talk to your dad.¡± In the end, Xia Yangyang sat down: ¡°Dad, you just woke up and need to rest.¡± Xia Liangdong seemed to be slowly recovering, and his speech was much clearer after removing the oxygen mask: ¡°Yangyang, all the things you¡¯ve told me during this time, I¡¯ve heard them.¡± Xia Yangyang was shocked. During this time, she had been talking to Xia Liangdong every day. Telling him many things, from childhood to adulthood. She said so much without ever receiving a response. She thought she was just expressing her feelings. But to Xia Yangyang¡¯s surprise, Xia Liangdong had heard everything.
¡°Yangyang, Dad is sorry.¡± Xia Yangyang gripped Xia Liangdong¡¯s hand tightly: ¡°Dad, let¡¯s put the past behind us. As long as you get better, I forgive you. We¡¯ll live a good life together from now on.¡± Xia Liangdong¡¯s voice was weak but seemed to carry a hint ofughter: ¡°Yangyang, Dad can¡¯t make it anymore. Dad is going to find your mom.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart clenched: ¡°No, that¡¯s not going to happen, Dad. You¡¯ve just woken up, and you¡¯ll be perfectly fine in the future. Please rest now.¡±
Xia Liangdong shook his head: ¡°Dad has slept for too long. I don¡¯t want to sleep anymore. I want to hear you talk.¡± Xia Liangdong¡¯s voice was weak: ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll keep talking, but you promise me you¡¯ll hang in there. The doctor will be here soon.¡± Xia Liangdong cracked a slight smile: ¡°Dad has this daughter of his, and I feel my life isplete. I¡¯m just sorry, sorry to you and your mom.¡± ¡°Dad, stop talking,¡± Xia Yangyang sensed something was wrong. Xia Liangdong¡¯s gaze started to be unfocused. ¡°Dad, please don¡¯t scare me!¡± Xia Yangyang quickly ced the oxygen mask back on Xia Liangdong.¡±Dad, please stay awake, don¡¯t sleep, okay?¡± Xia Yangyang had a bad feeling. She was afraid that if Xia Liangdong fell asleep now, he might never wake up again. But, she didn¡¯t want that. She was so happy when she first found out that her dad had finally woken up, she was so happy. Xia Liangdong¡¯s voice became blurred: ¡°Yangyang, you must be happy, promise Dad, you must be happy. Forget about the past¡­¡±
Chapter 472: 473: Sometimes numb, sometimes a heart-wrenching pain Chapter 472: Chapter 473: Sometimes numb, sometimes a heart-wrenching pain Xia Yangyang nodded fiercely: ¡°Dad, I will be happy, I will definitely be happy. Right now, I¡¯m very happy with Ah Chen. He¡¯s the best person in the world. He treats me exceptionally well. We¡¯ll definitely be able to grow old together¡­¡± A hint of a smile appeared on Xia Liangdong¡¯s lips: ¡°That¡¯s good¡­¡± Xia Liangdong¡¯s voice gradually weakened, slowly, he closed his eyes. Xia Yangyang grew anxious: ¡°Dad, talk to me, Dad, I have news for you, you¡¯re going to be a grandfather. Don¡¯t sleep, chat with me, okay?¡± As Xia Yangyang said these words, Xia Liangdong¡¯s eyes opened noticeably for a moment. Then he slowly uttered these words: ¡°Yangyang, I¡¯m really happy, but I need to go find your mother, I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to catch up to her soon¡­¡± Xia Liangdong¡¯s voice gradually faded away. The hand gripping Xia Yangyang¡¯s also slowly loosened. The EKG slowly turned into a tline. Xia Yangyang held Xia Liangdong¡¯s hand, feeling like her tears weren¡¯t enough.
Why did it happen like this? He had just woken up. Actually, from the beginning, when she saw Xia Liangdong, Xia Yangyang had a bad premonition. It felt like a dying sh of light. But if this was the ending, Xia Yangyang would rather her dad never wake up, even if he had toy in bed for the rest of his life. Xia Yangyang held Xia Liangdong¡¯s hand for a very long time. Until the warm temperature turned cold. The doctor also arrived. After examining him, he shook his head with regret, then patted Xia Yangyang on the shoulder, encouraging her to mourn. No, she didn¡¯t want to. Xia Yangyang sat numbly at the side of the bed. The doctors and nurses were helpless. Until finally Gu Qichen came. He forcefully pulled Xia Yangyang away. Only then did Xia Yangyang react. She started wailing, screaming, shouting. Watching as they took her father¡¯s body away, she frantically chased after it. But she was tightly held in Gu Qichen¡¯s arms. She sobbed until she was nearly unconscious.
Why did it have to be like this? Why did everyone have to leave her? In this world, why was she the only one left? Xia Yangyang struggled violently. Her nails scraped across Gu Qichen¡¯s neck, leaving a bloody mark.
But Gu Qichen didn¡¯t say a word, he just held her body tight. He watched with his eyes wide open as she screamed and fell apart. For the following three days, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how she got through them. On the day of Xia Liangdong¡¯s funeral, there was a light rain. Everything was arranged by Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang watched numbly as a living person turned into a small urn of ashes, and then buried underground. Xia Yangyang stood in front of the grave, watching her father¡¯s friendsy flowers and mourn in silence. Liu Ruyan cried until she was unrecognizable. Seeing her, Xia Yangyang felt indifferent. Liu Ruyan and Xia Liangdong¡¯s divorce papers had not been made public. For the outside world, she was still Madame Xia. However, because of the existence of that agreement, she couldn¡¯t get a cent from the Xia Family¡¯s property. Who knew if it was her conscience that was making her cry for the sake of their past rtionship, or if it was just resentment.
From beginning to end, Gu Qichen stood behind Xia Yangyang, arranging everything. The old master also came. After paying his respects, he just stared at Xia Yangyang. Finally, the matter settled. Gu Qichen took Xia Yangyang back to the Xia Family vi. These days, Xia Yangyang¡¯s heartache made her numb. Sometimes she felt numb and dazed. But when she suddenly came to her senses, the pain was heart-wrenching. Chapter 473: 474: What despaired him the most was her constantly letting go of his hands Chapter 473: Chapter 474: What despaired him the most was her constantly letting go of his hands Gu Qichen dropped Xia Yangyang off at the doorstep of the Xia Family¡¯s vi. The car came to a halt. Complete silence enveloped the interior of the car. Gu Qichen took out a cigarette, lit it, and then put it out shortly after. Finally, he broke the silence and asked, ¡°Would you like me to stay with you tonight?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head. After being in a daze for the whole day, Xia Yangyang was surprisingly lucid at this moment. In a sense, they were already divorced. Gu Qichen¡¯s actions these past few days were out of past affection for her. But, without Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang might not have survived these past three days.
¡°Thank you, but there¡¯s no need. Gu Qichen, from now on¡­ we¡¯d better look after ourselves,¡± she said. Xia Yangyang was fully conscious of the situation. Once Gu Qichen gave her the divorce agreement, it meant that he had also decided. Had her father not suddenly passed away, they would definitely never have crossed paths again. Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was calm, ¡°Then go ahead, take care of yourself.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, ¡°You too.¡± Xia Yangyang was surprised at her ability to remain calm while speaking to Gu Qichen. After the divorce, it was as if they¡¯d both taken a step back from each other. They had be familiar strangers. Xia Yangyang got out of the car. She stepped forward, one foot in front of the other. Everything would eventually pass. She clenched her teeth. But she was at her breaking point. She didn¡¯t want to leave Gu Qichen. She didn¡¯t want to be alone in this world. She had lost her mother, and now her father as well. She had nothing left. Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulders started to shake.
Gu Qichen watched as Xia Yangyang¡¯s figure receded. Ultimately, he picked up a cigarette and lit it. As long as she turned back, as long as she nced back at him once, he would rush over to her without hesitation. But she didn¡¯t.
He had to leave now. This was his promise to the old man. These past three days by her side were the old man¡¯sstpromise. He had almost used the threat of giving up Shengyuan to secure it. But he couldn¡¯t be with her any longer. Just like what Xia Yangyang had said. The past grievances between them were like a long river, dividing them. They could only watch as each other¡¯s figures slowly faded into the distance. But if she was willing to look back at him even once, he would risk everything and swim towards her, even if it meant jumping into a river. But time and time again, she had always been the one to let go of his hand first. That was what made him most desperate. After entering the floor, Xia Yangyang watched as Gu Qichen¡¯s car remained outside the door for a long time. The old mansion of the Xia Family was huge.
But it waspletely empty. Xia Yangyang curled up on the bed. She recalled the times during her childhood when she would lie in her mother¡¯s arms. The world seemed so dark and lonely. She didn¡¯t know what her next move would be. Was Gu Mingzhu¡¯s suicide and ruined reputation a form of retribution for her actions? Should she pursue past matters? She had managed to hold on to the Starlight and Xia Family¡¯s vi. But what good was it? Everyone was gone. It seemed, whatever she had done, everything had lost its meaning. Xia Yangyang put her hand on her stomach. No, she still had him.
She was carrying a child. A child of her and Gu Qichen. She couldn¡¯t break down like this. These past few days, she had barely eaten anything. Xia Yangyang almost didn¡¯t dare look in the mirror. She couldn¡¯t recognize the woman staring back at her. Xia Yangyang got up. She went to the kitchen and made herself a bowl of clear water noodles. She had to eat. She had to treat her body well for the baby to be healthy. But she just couldn¡¯t swallow the noodles. After only a few mouthfuls, her stomach began to churn violently, and Xia Yangyang began to vomit uncontrobly once again.
Chapter 474: 475: Really Not Planning to Let Gu Qichen Know About the Existence of This Child? Chapter 474: Chapter 475: Really Not nning to Let Gu Qichen Know About the Existence of This Child? When Xia Yangyang came out of the bathroom. Xia Weiwei went in. As Xia Weiwei went upstairs, the first thing she said was: ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you divorced from Gu Qichen or not?¡± Xia Yangyang responded indifferently: ¡°This is no longer your home, give me the keys back, and don¡¯t force me to change the locks.¡± Xia Weiwei sneered: ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t fight for inheritance with you. I¡¯m sick of living in this shoddy vi anyway. But tell me honestly, have you divorced Gu Qichen or not?¡± Anxiety shed across Xia Weiwei¡¯s face. The only thing she was concerned about now. Was whether Xia Yangyang had divorced or not. This seemed to have turned into her obsession. She had just seen Gu Qichen bringing Xia Yangyang back home.
But he didn¡¯te in. During such a critical period, Gu Qichen wasn¡¯t by Xia Yangyang¡¯s side. What did this imply? There must be serious problems between them. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t be bothered to respond to Xia Weiwei. She turned around to return to her room. But Xia Weiwei followed her. She ran into Xia Yangyang¡¯s room, starting to rummage through everything. Xia Yangyang snapped: ¡°Xia Weiwei, what on earth are you doing?¡± Xia Weiwei seemed out of control: ¡°Where¡¯s the divorce agreement? Xia Yangyang, where¡¯s your divorce agreement with Gu Qichen? Xia Yangyang, you and Gu Qichen are divorced, aren¡¯t you? Aren¡¯t you?¡± She took a step forward, grabbed Xia Weiwei¡¯s hand: ¡°Either get out or stay, Xia Weiwei, stop throwing a tantrum here, whether I divorce or not is my business, it has nothing to do with you.¡± Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t dare to anger Xia Yangyang now. After all, Liu Ruyan held a lot of evidence against her. If Liu Ruyan knew she came back to provoke Xia Yangyang again, she¡¯d likely get a good scolding. She had just followed Gu Qichen¡¯s car here. She couldn¡¯t suppress her curiosity and had to confirm the truth. But seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s furious reaction. Xia Weiwei felt she suddenly understood. Xia Weiwei sneered: ¡°Who says it has nothing to do with me? Xia Yangyang, you wait, one day I will rece you to be Mrs. Gu.¡± Xia Weiwei left in high spirits.
Seeing herughing like that. Xia Yangyang felt it was ironic, their dad had only been dead for three days. What Xia Weiwei cared about was whether or not she and Gu Qichen were divorced. A short period of tranquility was restored.
Xia Yangyang originally wanted to return to the countryside, to her grandmother¡¯s ce. But Xia Yangyang was worried about her own health. Right now, she couldn¡¯t eat anything. Whatever she ate, she threw up. Nor did she dare to publicly go to the hospital. After all, countless eyes were watching her. Wen Xiaochu did move in to live with her And took care of her in the meantime. Being a medical student, Wen Xiaochu did have a better understanding. That night, she cooked some plum porridge. Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t eaten for a long time. She made an exception and had a big bowl tonight. As she was eating, Wen Xiaochu received a phone call.
Wen Xiaochu didn¡¯t avoid Xia Yangyang. It was from Mu Liancheng. The two seemed to have had a fight. Wen Xiaochu directly hung up the call. Xia Yangyang asked with concern: ¡°What happened?¡± Wen Xiaochu replied: ¡°He¡¯s mad, just ignore him. Now, what about you, Yangyang? What are you nning to do? Your belly is going to show in another three months, and you¡¯ll need to have regr prenatal check-ups.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. Truth be told, she hadn¡¯t figured out what to do next. ¡°Are you really not going to let Gu Qichen know about this child?¡± Wen Xiaochu asked cautiously. For now, only the two of them knew about Xia Yangyang¡¯s pregnancy. Chapter 475: 476: Two Huge Bombs Chapter 475: Chapter 476: Two Huge Bombs Xia Yangyang spoke, ¡°I want to leave here for a while, let¡¯s sort everything out after the child is born.¡± ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t decided yet.¡± ¡°How can you manage alone, let me apany you.¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head in refusal, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about me, I¡¯ll hire a nanny. I have money anyway.¡± When Xia Yangyang woke up the next day, she felt a wrenching pain in her stomach. These days, her life had been irregr. Plus she hadn¡¯t been eating well. Xia Yangyang was always worried about any potential issues with the baby in her stomach. Now she couldn¡¯t care about anything else.
Wen Xiaochu had already left for her hospital internship. Xia Yangyang hurriedly called Wen Xiaochu. Wen Xiaochu took her to the gynaecology department at the affiliated university. Xia Yangyang was a bit cautious. She wore a hat and mask, covering herself tightly. The doctor who examined her at the affiliated hospital was Xu Qian, Wen Xiaochu¡¯s senior sister. After entering, Wen Xiaochu reassured Xia Yangyang, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, senior sister is on our side, she won¡¯t leak your news. Last time, she did your blood test.¡± After Xu Qian finished the examination, she said, ¡°There doesn¡¯t seem to be a big problem at the moment. It¡¯ts already the 14th week and the baby¡¯s heartbeat is a bit slow. I¡¯ll prescribe some medicine to sustain the pregnancy. You can take it first ande back for re-examination in half a month.¡± When they left the hospital, they didn¡¯t expect to run into reporters. It turned out that a somewhat famous entertainer had a car ident which was sent to the affiliated hospital. The entrance to the hospital was full of reporters. Everyone couldn¡¯t get in, they just stood at the gate waiting for some news. But unexpectedly, they harvested unexpectedly. The poprity of Xia Yangyang was much greater than the star who had the car ident. Moreover, she is currently the centre of controversy. Just by snapping a photo, it could be a headline. Especially hering out from the hospital, it could be hugely sensationalized. As soon as Xia Yangyang and Wen Xiaochu came out, they were surrounded by the media. Wen Xiaochu¡¯s face changed.
But Xia Yangyang managed to stay calm. Before the reporters could speak, Xia Yangyang took the initiative, ¡°Dear reporter friends, I have an announcement to make. My marriage with Gu Qichen has already ended, and I am about to leave the entertainment industry.¡± Xia Yangyang dropped two bombshells at once. Even the surrounding reporters were stunned.
Actually, Wen Xiaochu understood Xia Yangyang¡¯s intention. Only by releasing shocking news could the reporters¡¯ attention be diverted. Xia Yangyang came out from the hospital. The reporters always like to specte on this matter whether or not a female star is pregnant. Once the gossip gets around, Gu Qichen would pay attention to it. As long as Gu Qichen bes suspicious, all previous efforts woulde to nothing. Gu Qichen can be fooled once, but it¡¯s quite easy for him to discover the signs. But now, Xia Yangyang has released two pieces of explosive news in a row. Nobody cares why Xia Yangyang was in the hospital. The news of divorcing Gu Qichen alone is shocking enough for everyone. A while back, since Gu Qichen¡¯s birthday when Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t show up, there had been rumors of marital problems between them. Neither of them came out to respond. Until Xia Liangdong¡¯s death.
Gu Qichen made numerous appearances, essentially breaking the rumors. Unexpectedly, just two days had passed¡­ Xia Yangyang announced that she was already divorced. ¡°May I ask when you divorced, and was it due to the interference of a third party? There are rumors that Xi Zijun is the third party interfering in your marriage, is this true?¡± ¡°Miss Xia, you exposed the rtionship between Mr. Gu and Gu Mingzhu which led to Gu Mingzhu¡¯s suicide. Did your rtionship break down because of this? Do you have any conflicts with Gu Mingzhu that you also exposed the shocking secrets of the Xia family?¡± ¡°¡®Future¡¯ is a work selected for Oscar, Miss Xia could have vied for the best supporting actress at the Oscars with this role. Why are you leaving the entertainment industry at such a promising time, is there any hidden reason?¡± Countless questions were hurled at Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I¡¯ve said what I needed to say, I have nothing else to add.¡± Then she got into the car with Wen Xiaochu and drove away. The reporters were left far behind and Xia Yangyang finally breathed a sigh of relief. Wen Xiaochu looked at her, ¡°Won¡¯t you regret doing this?¡± Chapter 476: 477: Gu Qichen becomes neither human nor ghost Chapter 476: Chapter 477: Gu Qichen bes neither human nor ghost Xia Yangyang made this announcement to the media. She was clearly burning her bridges. Once the media got hold of it, there would be no turning back. Xia Yangyang seemed lost in thought, unsure of what her intentions were. Finally, she spoke, ¡°I just fear that I might regret it.¡± The news of Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen¡¯s divorce created quite a stir in the media. The fairy-tale romance of the rich had shattered. Many imed they would never believe in love again. Nevertheless, many women celebrated this development. The position of Mrs. Gu was finally vacant.
Gu Qichen, on the other hand, had not issued any response. However, when Gu Qichen saw the news, he threw his phone. All the reporters in Shengyuan¡¯s secretarial department knew about this incident. Xia Yangyang stayed at home for two days to avoid the media attention. On the third day, she went to Time. She had to exin a lot of things to Shen Shichuan. Shen Shichuan sighed, ¡°I was the one who brought you into the entertainment industry, knowing that you never really wanted this. Now that you¡¯re leaving, I have no objections. Bing a star must have weighed heavily on you, and it¡¯s a feeling I can understand.¡± Xia Yangyang answered him, ¡°Brother Shen, about Starlight, I have to ask you for a favor. I¡¯m just a figurehead director of Starlight. In fact, all the shares belong to Time. So, Brother Shen, I¡¯m entrusting Starlight to you.¡± Shen Shichuan was surprised, ¡°Managing Starlight for you is no problem. However, from what you just said, it sounds like you¡¯re nning to leave?¡± Xia Yangyang smiled, ¡°I n to study abroad.¡± Shen Shichuan was silent for a while, ¡°You¡¯re trying to escape from a ce that brings you sorrow. I didn¡¯t expect that you and Ah Chen would end up like this.¡± Xia Yangyang managed a weak smile and tried to act nonchnt, ¡°We were just not meant to be. There¡¯s nothing to regret.¡± ¡°Ah Chen has been in a bad state these days. Before you leave, do you want to see him?¡± Xia Yangyang lowered her head, ¡°Let¡¯s forget it. We no longer have anything to do with each other.¡± Xia Yangyang even refrained from asking about Gu Qichen¡¯s condition. Shen Shichuan sighed heavily, ¡°Then I¡¯ll invite you to dinner tonight as a goodbye. In the future, if you need help with anything, you know you can alwayse to me.¡± Xia Yangyang stepped forward and gave Shen Shichuan a hug, ¡°Thank you, Brother Shen, for taking care of Starlight. That puts my mind at ease.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, let¡¯s be clear, I¡¯ll be temporarily managing Starlight for you. In the future, you¡¯ll have to take it back. You mustn¡¯t think of passing this responsibility onto me permanently. I¡¯m a shrewd businessman, after all. I never make deals that are not profitable.¡± Xia Yangyangughed, ¡°No shrewd businessman would ever admit to being one.¡±
In the evening, Xia Yangyang had dinner with Shen Shichuan and Shen Manbing. Shen Manbing was visibly upset throughout the dinner. Even when Xia Yangyang tried to appease her, she remained angry. In the end, Xia Yangyang stopped trying and just chatted with Shen Shichuan instead.
At this point, Shen Manbing couldn¡¯t help but speak up, ¡°Xia Yangyang, are you really nning to leave everything behind and go abroad? Even if you got a divorce from Ah Chen, you still have friends here. Do you have to go abroad?¡± Shen Shichuan interrupted, ¡°Yangyang ns to study abroad.¡± Shen Manbing red at him, ¡°You think I¡¯m a fool? She¡¯s just running away. If she really leaves for a few years, what will happen to Ah Chen? Getting back together will be hard.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help butugh. She hadn¡¯t anticipated that Shen Manbing would worry about her reconciliation immediately after her divorce. Xia Yangyang responded, ¡°Reconciliation with him is impossible. It might be a good thing for both of us to forget each other sooner.¡± Shen Manbing¡¯s expression became serious, ¡°You might seem carefree, but I think Ah Chen won¡¯t be able to survive without you. Look at him now. He¡¯s neither human nor ghost. He¡¯s not the Gu Qichen I know. He¡¯s living alone in the Maple Vi, drinking all day. I visited him yesterday. I hardly recognized him.¡± Chapter 477: 478: Want to lure her to deliver herself Chapter 477: Chapter 478: Want to lure her to deliver herself After dinner¡­ Shen Shichuan initially intended to send Xia Yangyang home. But they had not expected Shen Manbing to be recognized by fans as she left. The two of them were surrounded. Xia Yangyang left slowly, thus managing to sneak away. Xia Yangyang sent a message to Shen Shichuan, asking him to send Shen Manbing home first. The two of them finally managed to get away. Only after a group of reporters followed them did Xia Yangyang leisurely exit the hotel. She hailed a cab, nning on returning to the Xia Family vi. But the cab just happened to pass by the Maple Vimunity gate.
As if possessed, Xia Yangyang shouted for the cab to stop. Xia Yangyang got out of the car. Even she didn¡¯t know why she decided to get out. Her mind was filled with the words Shen Manbing had just said. She had said that Gu Qichen has been heavily drinking at home recently. About how dire it was, how debauched¡­ As if he could drop dead at any moment. Worry was ultimately lingering in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. Xia Yangyang wanted to go in. But she went in and out several times, still unable to make up her mind. They had already divorced. Now, she didn¡¯t even have the right to enter Maple Vi anymore. But wasn¡¯t she leaving soon? About to take off to a far-off foreignnd, unsure of when she would return. Xia Yangyang really wanted to see Gu Qichen¡¯s face. Xia Yangyang knew this longing was dangerous. Everything was ultimately severed by her own hand. Now that she had finally cut all connections, why stir up trouble for herself again? But, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t stop herself in the end.
Maybe it was because they were about to part ways. Or maybe because the moon was full tonight. Xia Yangyang felt as if she was under some sort of spell. In the end, Xia Yangyang went to Maple Vi.
Maple Vi had a fingerprint lock. Perhaps Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t had time to change the lock after their divorce. Xia Yangyang walked right in. Inside, the light in Maple Vi was dim. Xia Yangyang thought that perhaps Gu Qichen wasn¡¯t there. She told herself that she was just here to gather her things. The belongings she left untouched when she left. Since they had split, she naturally needed to take away her personal items. With this excuse in mind, Xia Yangyang felt much more confident. In the end, she went straight in. Xia Yangyang was familiar with everything in the house. So, even without turning on the lights, she could walk upstairs. Each step Xia Yangyang took, her heart pounded harder.
Would Gu Qichen be in his room? Shen Manbing had said that he was drunk every day. If she just took a look, he wouldn¡¯t notice right? Once this idea crossed her mind, it seemed unstoppable. In the end, her feet still led her towards the direction of the bedroom. As she reached the door, Xia Yangyang felt like her heart had stopped beating. She told herself. She would only take a nce. As long as she was sure Gu Qichen was okay, she would leave. Immediately. Xia Yangyang opened the door of the room in the end. She tiptoed in, not daring to make any sound. The room was dark. But the shining outside light was bright, the moonlight through the floor to ceiling windows nketed the bed. The bed was neatly made, unupied.
Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart missed a beat. She hastily hit the light switch. The room instantly lit up. Xia Yangyang entered, there was no one in the room. In other words, Gu Qichen was not at home. Shen Manbing had insisted that he had not left the house recently, spending every day in a drunken haze. Xia Yangyang looked at the bedroom, clean and tidy, spotless. In Gu Qichen¡¯s style. Xia Yangyang was unable to tell whether she felt relieved or somewhat disappointed. Perhaps it was a divine arrangement, not allowing them to have this final meeting. Xia Yangyang stood in the room for a while. She turned around, nning to leave. But as she turned, she saw a tall figure at the doorway, and a handsome but thin face.
It was Gu Qichen¡­ Xia Yangyang got a real fright. She reflexively froze. Gu Qichen stood there, dressed in formal attire. He obviously just returned from the office. Although Gu Qichen looked a little thinner, he was still refined, with bright eyes. There wasn¡¯t the slightest hint of the destion Shen Manbing had described. Only then did Xia Yangyang understand, perhaps Shen Manbing purposely said those things, hoping to lure her toe on her own. Chapter 478: 479: If There is a Next Time, I Will Definitely Tell You About X Harassment Chapter 478: Chapter 479: If There is a Next Time, I Will Definitely Tell You About X Harassment Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind had already made numerous twists and turns. However, her expression seemed rigid, and her body was stiff, unable to move. Gu Qichen was standing at the door, staring at Xia Yangyang. Neither of them wanted to break this silence first. In the end, it was Xia Yangyang who spoke first: ¡°I¡­ I just came back to pack up my things.¡± Seeing that Gu Qichen was fine, Xia Yangyang felt relieved. She med herself for being overly concerned. As rational as Gu Qichen is, how could he be devastated because of her? Xia Yangyang hung her head low, intending to leave directly. However, Gu Qichen stood at the doorway like a door god, motionless, showing no intention of letting her pass.
Xia Yangyang tried to slip by him unobtrusively. Gu Qichen suddenly spoke: ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to pack your things? Your stuff is all in the bedroom, where are you going now?¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback. That¡¯s right. This was their bedroom. All her personal belongings were in this room. Seeing that Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t acted, she thought of escaping. Wouldn¡¯t that be like giving the game away? Xia Yangyang recovered: ¡°I am going to get my suitcase from the storage room.¡± Xia Yangyang indeed went to the storage room and brought back her suitcase. Gu Qichen had already taken off his coat. He was sitting on the sofa. Gu Qichen folded his arms, with his gaze firmly fixed on Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t care. She began to pack up her things. It had been a long time since she hade here. But all of her things still looked just the same. Xia Yangyang folded all the clothes in the wardrobe and put them into the suitcase. There were some small pieces of jewelry as well. However, when Xia Yangyang was tidying up the ¡°Heart of the Kingdom¡± worth two hundred million, she hesitated for a moment.
Xia Yangyang got up and walked over to Gu Qichen. Then she handed over the Heart of the Kingdom: ¡°This is too precious, I can¡¯t take it with me, so I¡¯m giving it back to you.¡± Gu Qichen remained seated. He had to slightly tilt his head to look at Xia Yangyang.
While it was Xia Yangyang looking down at him, she always felt this man was superior, and she could only look up to him. Gu Qichen did not reach out to take it, he was silent for a few seconds, his voice deep and cold: ¡°You can return the Heart of the Kingdom, but how are you going to return my heart?¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned. For a moment she didn¡¯t know how to respond. Gu Qichen, however, directly seized Xia Yangyang¡¯s extended arm. Xia Yangyang fell directly into his arms. Gu Qichen wrapped his arms around her, and a hot kiss descended. At first it was somewhat domineering, but Xia Yangyang did not resist. Gradually, it became gentler. Xia Yangyang was trapped in Gu Qichen¡¯s arms, not making a single move. She and Gu Qichen had kissed countless times. But not once before had she felt such endless mncholy. After a long time, Gu Qichen finally let go of Xia Yangyang.
His forehead against Xia Yangyang¡¯s, holding her tightly in his arms. His voice hoarse: ¡°Promise me, don¡¯t disappear from my sight, don¡¯t date anyone, don¡¯t have feelings for any other man, understand?¡± Hearing Gu Qichen say this, Xia Yangyang felt even more saddened. ¡°I won¡¯t date anyone, I won¡¯t have feelings for other men¡­ but Gu Qichen, I won¡¯t see you anymore after this.¡± Xia Yangyang pushed Gu Qichen away and wrestled free from his arms: ¡°This is thest time, Mr. Gu. If there is a next time, I will use you of sexual harassment.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. Chapter 479: 480: Gu Qichen, Im Pregnant! Chapter 479: Chapter 480: Gu Qichen, I¡¯m Pregnant! Xia Yangyang ced the Heart of the Kingdom on the table. Turning around to close the suitcase, she prepared to leave. Gu Qichen rose from the couch and immediately scooped Xia Yangyang up from behind. Next moment, he had flung Xia Yangyang onto the bed. Xia Yangyang was on the defensive, as if facing a fierce enemy. ¡°Gu Qichen, have you lost your mind?¡± Gu Qichen removed his coat in the process, his voice icy cold: ¡°I am perfectly lucid.¡± Xia Yangyang tried to stand up, but she was already pinned down by Gu Qichen. ¡°Gu Qichen, what are you doing? Let go of me. I can charge you with rape!¡± Gu Qichen had already restrained Xia Yangyang¡¯s iling arms.
His voice was lucid yet stern: ¡°Go ahead and report. The worst is prison.¡± Xia Yangyang believed that Gu Qichen had truly lost his mind. Gu Qichen was indeed very lucid, and Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t perceive any anger in him. And that was what terrified her even more. This man had her pinned down, his assertions domineering and arbitrary. He held both her wrists together with one hand, and the other was already deftly unfastening the button of Xia Yangyang¡¯s jeans. This cannot happen, absolutely not!! There is still a baby in her stomach! Given Gu Qichen¡¯s current reckless and violent demeanor, the baby would definitely get hurt. Xia Yangyang shouted, ¡°This cannot happen, definitely not!¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t give me that menstruation excuse, I want it now!¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, you beast!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll be a beast just this once, Xia Yangyang. All this is your doing! You forced me into divorce, yet today you¡¯re presenting yourself at my doorstep. You only have yourself to me.¡± Gu Qichen felt he was really at his limit. These days, he had been regr with work, meals and sleep. Everybody thought he was unnaturally calm. But only he knew how much he was falling apart inside. The moment he signed the divorce agreement, Gu Qichen felt as though he was plunging a knife into his own heart. He was falling apart, bit by bit.
When Xia Liangdong died, he was coping with everything stoically. At that time, Xia Yangyang was with him, and it seemed as though his depleted soul was replenished with a bit of vitality. But the old man was mercilessly pushing him too hard. Even¡­
Nobody cared about his feelings. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart was filled with hatred towards Gu Mingzhu and the Gu family. The sister who adored him since childhood suddenly turned out to be his biological mother. He didn¡¯t even know who his father was. The old man only cared about his beloved daughter. Gu Qichen felt his world had turned upside down. But no one cared about him. Because he was strong and naturally matured, cool-headed. But who could understand the conflicts and loneliness in his heart? These days, he felt his life had lost its direction and meaning. Never in his life had he ever questioned life itself. He always had a good control over his life. But now, his life was spiraling out of control.
And his world was falling apart. However, at this moment, he saw Xia Yangyang. Just like a lion starved for ten days spotting its food. It turns out, he was still so desperate. It turns out, he still wanted to be with her so bad. It turns out, he simply couldn¡¯t let go. Turns out, he is merely an ordinary man after all! The movements of Gu Qichen¡¯s hand did not stop. Xia Yangyang felt their clothes just vanished into thin air. If this continues, definitely disaster will strike! ¡°Gu Qichen, I am pregnant!¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly blurted out!!!
Chapter 480: 481: Push Him into the Hell of Asura Chapter 480: Chapter 481: Push Him into the Hell of Asura The air seemed to suddenly solidify. Xia Yangyang kept gasping for breath. But Xia Yangyang noticed that Gu Qichen seemed to hold his breath. His eyes were as restless as a sea of clouds before a storm. He stared at Xia Yangyang for a few seconds. Then, like being pricked by a needle, he jumped up suddenly. He took two steps back, then moved closer to Xia Yangyang, in disbelief: ¡°What did you say?¡± Xia Yangyang did not say a word. She got up, putting on her clothes. She tidied her clothes, then calmly said: ¡°I lied to you, just to calm you down.¡±
Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was very cold. Gu Qichen¡¯s face turnedpletely dark. His finger slowly clenched into a fist, showing the bulging veins. How could she joke about something like this! How could she heartlessly joke about something like this. Didn¡¯t she know how cruel this was to her. He had never in his life felt such a strong desire. He had hoped for a child between them. He had hoped for an angel to save their rtionship. Because he was helpless. Once before, he had known disappointment! The feeling of crushed hopes was unbearable. And just now, when he heard Xia Yangyang say she was pregnant. He couldn¡¯t believe it, but immediately a feeling of tion surged within him! Gu Qichen felt as if he had been trapped in a dark cage for a while, and in that instant, the sunlight seemed to shine in. He almost cried, his body was shaking like he had been electrocuted. Just a few minutester. Xia Yangyang said she had lied to him! Gu Qichen felt as if he was kicked out of heaven and thrown into hell.
The raging fire and rolling magma could instantly turn him into ash. How could this woman do this!!! He had never experienced such torment in his life, but Xia Yangyang could always easily trigger his emotions, and finally push him into a desperate hell, with no chance of reincarnation! Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes were bloodshot.
He turned his back and growled: ¡°Get out! I never want to see you again!!¡± Xia Yangyang calmly picked up her suitcase: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you won¡¯t see me again, Gu Qichen, don¡¯t say goodbye, take care of yourself.¡± After saying that, Xia Yangyang left. After Xia Yangyang left. For the first time, Gu Qichen felt his body could not withstand the terrible emotions. It felt as if all the strength had been drained from his body. He sat on the sofa. He sat there alone for a very long time. He felt something was wrong. In that situation just now, Xia Yangyang seemed to react instinctively. Also, Gu Qichen remembered, every time he forced her, Xia Yangyang would always protect her belly, intentionally or not. Something seemed to sh across Gu Qichen¡¯s mind. The day they went to the hospital for a check-up.
Xia Yangyang seemed to have made a phone call in the middle of it, it seemed vaguely like Wen Xiaochu. And Wen Xiaochu was an intern at Ruian Hospital. That is to say, it was possible for Xia Yangyang to tamper with the test at that time!! Gu Qichen clenched his fists. He recalled many details of the past. He even remembered that once in Sea City, when they were staying at Shengting, they didn¡¯t use a condom. Counting back, that was exactly Xia Yangyang¡¯s danger period! Gu Qichen suddenly stood up! Xia Yangyang had been lying to her!! All this time, Xia Yangyang had been lying to her!! She had simply been treating him as a fool, ying with him in the palm of her hand! Like a madman, Gu Qichen stormed out of the door¡­
Chapter 481: 482: Cant Tolerate the Existence of This Child Chapter 481: Chapter 482: Can¡¯t Tolerate the Existence of This Child After Xia Yangyang left the Maple Vi. She felt as though her heart was going to leap out of her throat. What she had just done was purely instinctual. Under those circumstances, she absolutely couldn¡¯t let Gu Qichen touch her. But she didn¡¯t know how to stop Gu Qichen when he was so enraged. So, as a reflex, she told him she was pregnant. That was the only way to stun Gu Qichen. Then, she made up another excuse afterwards. This was the second time Xia Yangyang saw the profound disappointment deep within Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes. The first time wasst time, when Gu Qichen thought she was pregnant and took her to the hospital for a test.
In the end, the results showed she was not pregnant. Though she cunningly managed to slide through this time. Xia Yangyang had a feeling that Gu Qichen was acting purely out of anger, disappointment, and confusion. He would soon snap out of it. And instantly be suspicious. Based on Xia Yangyang¡¯s understanding of Gu Qichen, he would definitely look into this matter thoroughly. Xia Yangyang felt that she should leave as soon as possible. She had already divorced Gu Qichen. There was no turning back from where things had ended up now. She did not want to make things moreplicated. Xia Yangyang picked up her suitcase and nned to leave. She then realized her cellphone was missing. Where it was lost, Xia Yangyang was not sure. Perhaps it was still inside Maple Vi. That would be even worse. There were records of her chats with Wen Xiaochu inside. Gu Qichen would get everything once he saw them. Xia Yangyang knew that she could not hide the truth about Wen Xiaochu from Gu Qichen anymore. She had to leave now, tonight.
Xia Yangyang was penniless. It was night and she didn¡¯t have her cellphone, so she couldn¡¯t possibly hail a cab. Thus, she stumbled along with her suitcase, heading towards the Xia Family vi. It was actually quite far away.
However, Xia Yangyang was so flustered that she couldn¡¯t think of any other solution. Xia Yangyang had been walking for about two hours. Finally, she was almost there. The road was devoid of people. Xia Yangyang just felt so tired. She did not notice that not far away, there was a car parked. The person inside the car was observing her, their eyes bearing a venomous look. The person inside the car was Xia Weiwei. And in Xia Weiwei¡¯s hand was an ultrasonography report. The name on it was Xia Yangyang, 14 weeks pregnant. How could this be, why did this happen!! Just two days ago, Xia Yangyang had announced to the media that she divorced Gu Qichen and had decided to leave the entertainment industry! She was absolutely delirious with joy.
It was as if her lifelong wish hade true. Xia Weiwei had a grand celebration and got dead drunk. She was just too happy. This despicable woman was finally divorced. From then on, she would have nothing to do with that man. She could finally stop calling that man her brother-inw. Xia Weiwei was fantasizing about bing Mrs. Gu. She never felt this thrilled in her entire life. Today, she was here to enjoy the spectacle of Xia Yangyang¡¯s downfall. She wanted to see how significant Xia Yangyang was without Gu Qichen¡¯s protection! Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t home at that time. On a whim, Xia Weiwei wanted to dig up the divorce agreement. But Xia Weiwei could not have anticipated.
What she ended up finding was Xia Yangyang¡¯s several-month-old pregnancy check report! Xia Weiwei waspletely devastated. Xia Yangyang was pregnant. She was actually pregnant. Carrying Gu Qichen¡¯s child!! Why was Xia Yangyang able to carry Gu Qichen¡¯s child? No, she couldn¡¯t tolerate the existence of this child. With this child, Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang may be reunited at any time! Chapter 482: 483: When Xia Yangyang dies, everything will be hers Chapter 482: Chapter 483: When Xia Yangyang dies, everything will be hers Even if the Gu family could not tolerate Xia Yangyang due to the misunderstanding which exposed the Gu family¡¯s secrets. But, if the Gu family knew of the child¡¯s existence, everything would be different. At least, Xia Weiwei was certain that neither the Gu family nor Gu Qichen knew about Xia Yangyang¡¯s pregnancy. Otherwise, they would not have allowed Xia Yangyang to announce her divorce. She didn¡¯t understand why Xia Yangyang chose to divorce Gu Qichen, yet decided to keep their child. She shouldn¡¯t have kept this child. Xia Yangyang is nothing but a maniptive, despicable woman who is always scheming for her advantage. No! She cannot let her have her way.
Why should all the good things in the world fall into herp? Now all of the Xia Family¡¯s assets belong to Xia Yangyang, and she is also the chairman of Xingguang, controlling all its shares. Everybody seems to favor her. If she even has this ace up her sleeve. Xia Weiwei hardly dared to imagine. But Xia Weiwei could almost be certain, this child will inevitably be her biggest obstacle to her rise to power. She couldn¡¯t let this happen. She had finally hoped for their break-up, their divorce. She doesn¡¯t even know how she endured all those days, she absolutely can¡¯t stand to watch them reconcile and be inseparable again. The medical report was torn to pieces by Xia Weiwei. Xia Yangyang, you¡¯ve always outdone me since we were kids. Even father always favored you more, and whenever there was something good, he thought of you first. I¡¯ve secretly loved Gu Qichen for so many years, but a man so unattainable to me casually married you. Xia Yangyang, there is no ce for you in this world that has me! Xia Weiwei¡¯s face gradually distorted. An insane idea formed in her head. Once this thought took root, it quickly grew, seemingly unstoppable.
Xia Weiwei¡¯s hands gripping the steering wheel began to tremble. She didn¡¯t want to wait anymore. Liu Ruyan always told her to be patient, but how long was she supposed to wait? As long as Xia Yangyang disappeared, everything would be over, wouldn¡¯t it?
No one would stand in her way, she wouldn¡¯t have to suffer from the torture and pain of unrequited love. As long as Xia Yangyang and this child disappear together, it would be best. Then no one could threaten Liu Ruyan. Everything from the Xia family, including Xingguang, would be hers. Hers alone. Trembling, Xia Weiwei started the car. Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t me me, you brought this on yourself. You shouldn¡¯t have ruined my reputation and kicked me out of the entertainment circle, you shouldn¡¯t have taken everything from me. You absolutely should not have be Mrs. Gu and blocked my path. Xia Yangyang was still dragging her suitcase. She felt a sh of blinding light that made it impossible to open her eyes. When she turned her head, a car was hurtling straight towards her. Under the ring car lights, Xia Yangyang saw a face twisted in rage, like that of a devil.
It was Xia Weiwei! Xia Yangyang had no time to dodge. The car was like a gaping, monstrous mouth, ready to swallow her whole. A loud bang echoed. The world became eerily quiet! Xia Yangyang was still standing in the same spot. Everything happened too fast. Just when Xia Weiwei¡¯s car was less than thirty centimeters away from her, another off-road vehicle came speeding from the side. It directly hit Xia Weiwei¡¯s car. The off-road vehicle stopped after moving a few meters, but Xia Weiwei¡¯s car was sent flying and crashed into the trunk of an old tree by the road! Four people got out of the off-road vehicle! The one in the lead was¡­
Chapter 483: 487: Everything Starts Over Again... Chapter 483: Chapter 487: Everything Starts Over Again¡­ ¡°Godfather¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t quite believe it. But the man, dressed in a Zhongshan suit, stepping out of the car. Was none other than the godfather ¡®Old Gao¡¯ she just recognized not too long ago. Xia Yangyang was still stunned. For a long time, she felt like her brain couldn¡¯tprehend what just happened. Her thoughts were still stuck on the twisted face of Xia Weiwei under the blinding lights. That re, filled with hatred and malice. Xia Yangyang came to her senses now. Did Xia Weiwei just try to kill her?
An icy chill and fear surged up from heart, spreading to every inch of her body. Xia Weiwei wanted her dead! Why? Old Gao had walked up to Xia Yangyang. He looked her up and down, then asked with concern, ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Xia Yangyang mechanically shook her head. Then she turned her head towards the direction of Xia Weiwei. The car over there waspletely wrecked. Xia Yangyang walked over. All of the car¡¯s airbags had exploded. Xia Weiwei¡¯s face was covered in blood, unrecognizable. But faintly, through the blood on her face, It seemed Xiaweiwei was staring at her. Her eyes were full of hatred and unwillingness. Xia Weiwei¡¯s body was involuntarily convulsing. Xia Yangyang quickly turned to Old Gao and said, ¡°Godfather, I don¡¯t have my phone, could you please call an ambnce?¡± Old Gao coldly nced at the person in the car, ¡°She just tried to kill you, and you want to save her?¡± Xia Yangyang could only feel her body turning cold. Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°Because I am not like her.¡±
Old Gao chuckled at that. He gestured towards somebody else, who immediately took out their phone and dialed for an ambnce. Xia Yangyang walked up to Xia Weiwei.
It was clear that Xia Weiwei was seriously injured. But she seemed to be somewhat conscious. Xia Yangyang said to Xia Weiwei, ¡°Xia Weiwei, I saved your life today for our father¡¯s sake, but from now on, we¡¯re no longer sisters. What happened to you is your own doing for harboring such malicious intents, don¡¯t me me. I hope we never meet again in this life.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t just watch Xia Weiwei die. However, her injuries were so severe that her survival depended on fate. Old Gao said, ¡°Yangyang, get in the car.¡± Xia Yangyang got in the car. There were three other people in the car. A woman dressed in a red dress with an alluring figure and strikingly gorgeous face said, ¡°So this is Seventh Sister. She¡¯s so warm-hearted. If it were me, I¡¯d have choked that woman to death right there, serves her right.¡± Next to her was a man in sses, dressed in a suit and tie, looking very refined. His voice was soft and gentle, ¡°You can¡¯t expect everyone to have a temper as fiery as yours. Seventh Sister acted just like a normal woman would, withpassion. Besides, that woman is her half-sister.¡± The driver, a young man in his twenties, said angrily, ¡°What kind of sister is she, anyway? Didn¡¯t you see how ruthless she was? She was driving at least 100 mph, clearly intending to kill Seventh Sister. If it weren¡¯t for her own speed, she wouldn¡¯t have crashed into the tree. She got what she deserved.¡± Xia Yangyang was puzzled as she listened to the exchange between the people in the car. They were all calling her ¡®Seventh Sister.¡¯
But she didn¡¯t recognize any of them. Chapter 484: 485: The Name Gao Huizhi Chapter 484: Chapter 485: The Name Gao Huizhi Old Gao cleared his throat. Everyone hushed. Old Gao slowly said, ¡°They are all children I¡¯ve adopted and raised since they were young, consider them your brothers and sisters. This is Phoenix, this is Ah Qian,¡± he pointed to the boy driving, ¡°this is Ah Shui, and pointed to a girl in the corner who looked about fourteen or fifteen years old, ¡°that is little drunkard.¡± Only then did Xia Yangyang notice the child standing in the corner. The child was very small and skinny, wearing an all-ck tracksuit. Even though she was with everyone else, it was hard to notice her, as if she could be invisible. Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind was foggy. She hadn¡¯t been able to react in time. Her mind was filled with countless inquiries. Like, who exactly is her godfather, why did he appear here just in time, who are these people, where are they going now¡­ But these questions were too intertwined.
Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t muster the strength to voice them out. She felt like she had gone through so much tonight. From the moment Xia Weiwei tried to harm her, Xia Yangyang felt that the blood-connected affection in this world had be worthless. Now, where should she go? Xia Yangyang wanted to go back to her countryside, to live with her grandma. But she couldn¡¯t, Qi Chen would find her soon enough. But this city could no longer house her. Old Gao took Xia Yangyang to a hillside entertainment city. Past the entertainment city was a mansion surrounded by ake. A speedboat transported them to the other side of the waterfront. Along the way, Xia Yangyang noticed numerous ck-suited bodyguards. Everyone seemed to look at Old Gao with an inexplicable respect and fear. And those people looked very respectful towards thedy in red and the man with sses. It was as if they were the owners of this ce. Xia Yangyang has thought before that Old Gao was not simple. But she hadn¡¯t expected him to have such power. After entering the vi, Old Gao turned to Xia Yangyang and said, ¡°You can stay here for the time being. Consider what to do in the future.¡± Xia Yangyang intuitively felt like Old Gao knew something.
As for what to do next, Xia Yangyang had no idea. Old Gao led Xia Yangyang into a room. Xia Yangyang sat on the couch in a daze. Old Gao poured Xia Yangyang a ss of water and handed it over.
Xia Yangyang looked up, staring at Old Gao in a trance: ¡°Who exactly are you?¡± Why is he so revered, why does he own this golden nest? Why is everyone so afraid of him? Old Gao pursed his lips, ¡°Are you scared?¡± Yangyang shook her head: ¡°Although I¡¯ve acknowledged you as my godfather, I do not even know your full name.¡± The corners of Old Gao¡¯s eyes narrow slightly. There was a long scar at the corner of his eye. But under the weathering of time, the scar did not appear frightening. When he smiled, it blended with the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes. It made him appear kindly and loving. His voice was soft and light: ¡°My name is Gao Huizhi, I don¡¯t know if you¡¯ve heard of it.¡± Gao Huizhi? Although Xia Yangyang was not part of this circle,
She had heard of the name Gao Huizhi. After all, she was a journalism student. Gao Huizhi was the ruler of Beijing¡¯s underworld, his name alone was enough to make both the righteous and wicked tremble with fear. It was rumored that he was mysterious and low-key; he had his own army of mercenaries on Trianglr Delta, his international influence was even greater than domestically. His industries ranged from underground casinos, entertainment cities to real estate and information technology, with both legal and illegal businesses spread globally. He also had a significant power in the political field. It was rumored that he had adopted several children, all of them geniuses in different fields, helping him manage his businesses at home and abroad. If the light represented one world and darkness another, Then the name Gao Huizhi was the ruler of the dark world! Chapter 485: 486: Big Shot Chapter 485: Chapter 486: Big Shot Xia Yangyang was absolutely startled. The person in front of her was such a shockingly prominent figure. And she had casually acknowledged him as her foster father. Xia Yangyang finallyprehended. Why she was initially cornered by a group of hooligans. Even though they clearly had the upper hand, they suddenly became as terrified as if they had seen a ghost. Immensely horrified. It turned out to be the string of Bodhi beads. When Monkey shed her arm with a knife, it instantly cut the thread on which the Bodhi bracelet was strung. The beads scattered all over the ce.
Seeing the string of beads, Monkey was suddenly terrified. They recognized the beads as Master Gao¡¯s personal item. No wonderter when Monkey and his gang turned themselves in, despite being wounded all over, none dared to say who had actually retaliated. So, this was the reason. Xia Yangyang was still quite shocked. Suddenly remembering the first time she met the old Gao, he was skillfully making noodles in the noodle shop. How could such a person be a powerful figure in the underworld? Seeing Xia Yangyang in a state of shock and unable to regain herposure, Master Gao chuckled lightly: ¡°Am I so notorious that I scared you?¡± Xia Yangyang hastily shook her head: ¡°I just feel, just feel¡­¡± In fact, Xia Yangyang was genuinely scared. Because rumors portray Gao Huizhi as a ruthless and deadly fiend. ¡°Just feel that you and I are from two different worlds?¡± Xia Yangyang reflexively nodded her head. Yes, she never knew what the legendary dark empire was truly like. Her impression of those people was based solely on Hong Kong dramas. A gang hacking their way through from Tsim Sha Tsui to Causeway Bay. But Master Gao¡¯s image was drastically different from those people. He was always smiling faintly, dressed in a Zhongshan suit,
Even exuding a refined demeanor, like a piece of jade polished and mellowed by time. Master Gao chuckled: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, even if I¡¯m not a good person, I wouldn¡¯t harm my child. You¡¯re my adopted daughter; I¡¯ll regard you as my own in the future.¡± Xia Yangyang was still in a daze: ¡°Why did you choose me?¡± Master Gao puzzled: ¡°What do you mean?¡±
¡°Why would someone like you take a liking to me? I¡¯ve heard that your foster sons and daughters each dominate a territory, but me¡­ I have no talent at all.¡± Master Gao burst into heartyughter: ¡°They¡¯re all adopted by me too, basically either beggars on the street or homeless orphans. Where¡¯s the so-called talent? Besides, Xiao Wu is a naturalputer genius. Others just muddle along after me and gain some skills.¡± Xia Yangyang was genuinely curious: ¡°You adopted seven children, and I¡¯m the seventh?¡± Master Gao nodded: ¡°You¡¯re thest one.¡± ¡°But I only saw four yesterday.¡± Master Gao exined: ¡°The eldest, Xiao Zhan, is abroad. He¡¯s managing operations and internationally wanted, so he doesn¡¯t show himself easily. The second one you saw yesterday, he¡¯s helping me manage legitimate business domestically. The third one, Phoenix, runs underground gambling and pleasure dens. The fourth one, Ah Shui, is quite unremarkable, spending his days idly by and just likes cars. However, he¡¯s managed to make a name for himself as an F1 racer. The youngest, but the one I¡¯ve had for the longest time, barely speaks due to some trauma in her infancy. Don¡¯t be deceived by her silence, she¡¯s a top-tier hacker, codenamed Z. The sixth one you¡¯ve never met, hustling all over the ce but rarely dropping by. We¡¯ll talk about him next time we see him. As for you, you are thest and hence the junior most, so everyone refers to you as ¡®Seventh Sister¡¯.¡± Chapter 486: 487: Everything Starts Over Again... Chapter 486: Chapter 487: Everything Starts Over Again¡­ Old Gao¡¯s tone was usually mild. But Xia Yangyang felt deeply moved even by his brief introduction. Those people were truly extraordinary beings. They were just like the high-ranking figures from the magical sects mentioned in a wuxia novel that she had read previously. Although they were not from orthodox sects, they had their own specialties, and they were all extremely powerful. Old Gao sighed, ¡°Yangyang, you might not believe it if I say you look like an old friend of mine when I was young. I didn¡¯t treat this friend well. Seeing you now, I feel the need to make it up to him, maybe it¡¯s fate.¡± Xia Yangyang chuckled lightly, ¡°I consider it as my good fortune. Godfather, you¡¯ve saved me from perils over and over again, twice even saving my life. I¡¯m truly grateful.¡± ¡°Silly little girl,¡± Old Gao reached out and ruffled Xia Yangyang¡¯s hair. ¡°I know what has been happening to you. So, what¡¯s your n now?¡± Xia Yangyang had been making headlines recently. So, she didn¡¯t find it strange that her godfather knew about her situation and recent events.
Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind is in quite a mess at the moment. She was distracted by Old Gao¡¯s peculiar identity and the extraordinary people around him, which made her momentarily forget her predicament. After a moment¡¯s thought, Xia Yangyang suddenly spoke, ¡°Godfather, can you take me with you?¡± Xia Yangyang herself didn¡¯t even know why she said that. But what else is worth staying for in this city now? She had no choice but to leave now. But she had no idea where to go. Now, all she wanted was to go somewhere no one could find, to give birth to her baby safely. She didn¡¯t want to consider anything else, nor think about anything. There were simply too many maniptions and betrayals here. If today it is Xia Weiwei, who knows who will be next tomorrow! Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know why she asked her godfather either. Knowing howplicated his background is. But Xia Yangyang seemed to have an inexplicable trust in him. Just like Old Gao said, she felt safe at first sight of him. Xia Yangyang instinctively felt that Old Gao wouldn¡¯t harm her. Old Gao didn¡¯t say a word, just patted Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Get a good night¡¯s sleep here tonight. I¡¯ll take you away tomorrow. From here on out, nobody will dare to bully or harm you. You¡¯ll be able to give birth to your baby peacefully. I¡¯ll guarantee his safety for the rest of his life.¡± Xia Yangyang was somewhat taken aback. So godfather knew about her pregnancy.
A secret known only to her and Wen Xiaochu. How did godfather find out? But as the ruler of the underworld, his influence reached everywhere. If he truly wanted to know, it probably wouldn¡¯t be difficult.
Yangyang was tired and didn¡¯t want to think too much. She had barely escaped death tonight. Moreover, she couldn¡¯t shake off the vision of Xia Weiwei¡¯s blood-stained face and malicious stare. Xia Yangyang forced herself to stop thinking about it. She went into her room to rest. At that time, Xia Yangyang was merely looking for a safe haven. After losing everything she had. Xia Yangyang followed Old Gao to San Francisco. Latterly, she somehow ended up in Manhattan. But Xia Yangyang had never imagined. That she ended up staying there for four years. A lot happened during those four years. Xia Ye was born, and Xia Yangyang found a job.
She managed to rent a high-end apartment on her own ie. It was as if she had cut off ties with her pastpletely, severing everything that reminded her of the past. The environment she was in and the people she met had all undergone drastic changes. When she arrived in America, she left her old phone back at Maple Vi. Xia Yangyang also broke all ties with the people from her past. Everything began anew¡­ Chapter 487: 488: Four Years Later... Chapter 487: Chapter 488: Four Years Later¡­ Four yearster ¡ª In a high-rise apartment in downtown Manhattan. The rm rings and Xia Yangyang quickly gets up. She takes a heated bath as though going into a battle, feeling refreshed afterwards. Today is a weekend. Usually, she could sleep in a bitter. But something important is happening today. After changing, Xia Yangyang makes sandwiches in the kitchen for breakfast. Then, she heads to another small room. Xia Yangyang opened the door and stepped in.
There is a little boy sleeping in the bed. The little boy is incredibly cute. Soft ck hair, exquisite features. Many children do not develop all their features until they are four or five years old. But this little boy is different, possessing defined, handsome features and longshes just like a girl. Even when he sleeps, his eyshes flutter as if they were butterfly wings, barely stirring the air. The little boy has skin as fair as the finest white porcin from the Jun kiln. He sleeps so deeply that he doesn¡¯t notice Xia Yangyang¡¯s entrance at all. Xia Yangyang sits down at the edge of the bed. She stretches out her hand to gently stroke the little boy¡¯s hair. This is her son, Xia Ye. Xia Ye was born prematurely, on a midsummer night. Thinking back to it, Xia Yangyang feels it was a matter of life and death. Fortunately, they both survived. Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand feels the softness of Xia Ye¡¯s cheek. But she doesn¡¯t know if it¡¯s because of theck of oxygen during his difficult birth. After Xia Ye was born, he was diagnosed with a rare disease. It¡¯s called Atypical Neurological Hypersomnia in medical terms. Xia Ye sleeps more than 20 hours a day.
He has very little waking time each day. From the moment he was born, Xia Yangyang noticed something different about him. He spent most of his time sleeping, even refusing to drink milk. Normally, this would be eptable for a baby.
However, after a year, Xia Ye was still the same. Only then did Xia Yangyang begin to worry. She had consulted many top doctors around the world. The conclusion was that there was no cure. Most of the medical exnation was that it was due to ack of oxygen to his nerves during birth. But it had not affected Xia Ye¡¯s intelligence. On the contrary. Xia Ye was a genius. At just four years old, he had already learned twonguages and had shown remarkable talent with numbers. Even Xiao Wu had once said he was more gifted than she was when she was young. During the brief periods when Xia Ye was awake, he demonstrated an extraordinary ability to concentrate. He learned quickly and even remembered everything after just one read. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t believe that she, who had always believed in the power of hard work, had given birth to such a genius.
However¡­ Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of guilt whenever she thought about it. If she hadn¡¯t been so stubborn and headstrong, insisting on continuing her work as a reporter while pregnant¡­ She wouldn¡¯t have been taken hostage and given birth prematurely. And Xia Ye wouldn¡¯t have suffered from ack of oxygen during his birth. Thinking about the past sent chills down Xia Yangyang¡¯s spine. Xia Yangyang¡¯s greatest wish now was for Xia Ye to recover through medical treatment. Even if he could not bepletely cured¡­ As long as his sleep time could be reduced a little, just a little bit more. Xia Yangyang would be satisfied. Fortunately, a world-ss medical team was currently treating Xia Ye. The most authoritative research group in neurology, ¡°Novi¡±. Now Xia Ye was taking a new drug researched by this team.
In the past couple of years, they had seen some results. Xia Ye¡¯s waking time was a bit longer than usual. And under the stimtion of a certain drug. Xia Ye could stay awake for two hours. However, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t casually let Xia Ye consume that drug because its side effect caused longer periods of sleep the next day. ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª Chapter 488: 489: Gu Qichen is about to get engaged Chapter 488: Chapter 489: Gu Qichen is about to get engaged ¡°Xiao Ye, wake up,¡± Xia Yangyang gently urged. It took a while for the boy to slowly open his eyes. His gaze was always veiled by ayer of fog. ¡°Mama¡±. The little boy called out. Touching his hair, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Xiao Ye, we have to go to the hospital today, can you stay awake for a while?¡± Xia Ye, trying his best, nodded his head, ¡°Mama, I¡¯ll try.¡± Today, Xia Ye was doing quite well. He stayed awake until they reached the hospital. All the doctors and nurses in the neurology department knew this young patient. They were all fond of him.
Nurse Maya was a Chinese-American, she always spoke in Chinese whenever she saw them. Maya greeted Xia Yangyang, ¡°Summer seems to be in good shape today.¡± Xia Yangyang smiled, ¡°Is Doctor Gu in?¡± ¡°He is, pleasee in.¡± Xia Yangyang walked up to an office door. She knocked. ¡°Come in,¡± came a deep and maic male voice from inside. Xia Yangyang pushed the door and entered. The man looked up and seeing Xia Yangyang, a smile appeared on his handsome face, ¡°You¡¯re here?¡± The man in front her was the only part of her past that Xia Yangyang had not managed to sever from her current life. It was Gu Zhaohan! Xia Yangyang had never imagined¡­ That her current life would be so entwined with him. He was Gu Mingzhu¡¯s son. The fact that Gu Mingzhu had framed her mother years ago was still a grievance Xia Yangyang struggled to deal with. It was even the reason she broke up and divorced Gu Qichen. However, now, Xia Yangyang had no choice but to face this man before her. And, all of this, was for the sake of Xia Ye. Gu Zhaohan was now a core member of the Novi research team.
It was due to his perseverance and effort that Novi decided to take on Xia Ye¡¯s health condition as a research project. Xia Yangyang was aware of how difficult it was to secure such a project back then. At that time, Gu Zhaohan¡¯s proposal was rejected countless times. However, he did not give up, refining the details, analyzing data, and persisting almost obsessively.
While Novi had hundreds of research topics. Turning an umon case like Xia Ye¡¯s into a research project, was practically a miracle. And all credit for that goes to Gu Zhaohan. Xia Yangyang might not have been able to do it in the past. But since bing a mother, many of Xia Yangyang¡¯s views had drastically changed andpromised. When facing Gu Zhaohan, Xia Yangyang tried as much as possible not to think about any past events. He was just a doctor. Xia Ye¡¯s doctor. And she was just a mother. In the past two years, they never once spoke about the past. Their only topic of conversation was always about Xia Ye¡¯s condition. It was like they were two new individuals, with no past, getting acquainted with each other. Two years ago, when she ran into Gu Zhaohan.
Xia Yangyang was naturally a bit wary. But over the past two years, the two of them never brought up Gu Qichen. Gu Zhaohan also never revealed to Gu Qichen where he was. Honestly, although Xia Yangyang lived overseas, she still asionally found out information about that man from the newspaper. In recent years, Shengyuan, under his rule, had been expanding recklessly. They had also opened up arge market in the United States. The New York Times even interviewed him. Last year, Gu Qichen was even voted as one of the 100 most charming men in the world. Among them were mostly Hollywood megastars or national treasure level stars from various countries. He was the only Chinese businessman. Why Xia Yangyang knew all this¡­ It was because she currently works at arge cable newswork in the United States. It is one of the world¡¯srgest news organizations, delivering news around the world 24/7. Of course, in this kingdom of news, Xia Yangyang was just a small, insignificant journalist.
Nheless, she was often the first to learn of many news stories, such as, Gu Qichen getting engaged to his fianc¨¦e! Chapter 489: 490: Everyone Says Gu Zhaohan is Gay Chapter 489: Chapter 490: Everyone Says Gu Zhaohan is Gay Xia Yangyang unconsciously shook her head. What the hell was she thinking? She had long divorced Gu Qichen, with no lingering entanglement. What does his engagement have to do with her? Xia Yangyang said to Gu Zhaohan, ¡°Xiao Ye¡¯s condition has improved slightlytely. He used to sleep an average of 20 hours a day, but now, he¡¯s awake for about a half-hour more.¡± Gu Zhaohan got up, ¡°The efficacy of the new medication is undeniable, but we still dare not administer a high dose to Xiao Ye. Even though the possibility is slim, there¡¯s still an unpredictable risk involved.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded. Next was the expert consultation. Xiao Ye would have an expert consultation every month, to address his illness and every minor change. Of course, during this period, Xiao Ye would undergo neuronal stimtion therapy.
By the time everything was over, it was already noon. At this hour, Xiao Ye was already drowsy. The only time Xiao Ye was the most alert was during the evening. It was just like a normal child¡¯s state. The rest of the time, even if he was awake, he was always drowsy. The consultation ended. Everyone left the meeting room. Xia Yangyang picked up Xiao Ye. Xiao Ye obediently nestled on Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulder, sound asleep. Gu Zhaohan also got up and approached her, ¡°Have lunch together?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head, ¡°No thanks, I have some things to take care of.¡± For many years, aside from necessarymunication with Gu Zhaohan, there had been no cordiality between them. Gu Zhaohan was no longer the frosty ice prince, the boy in white, he used to be. He was now the core of a top medical research team, the youngest world-ss neurologist. And his face had long abandoned its youthful na?vet¨¦. He had be mature and stable. Even in the United States, where aesthetic standards markedly differ between East and West, Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face was still very well-liked. All the unwed nurses and doctors in the prestigious Hopson Hospital were quite taken with him. However, over the years, he had devoted himself to research, surgery, and academia, showing no interest in romance.
Because he definitively rejected all his admirers, some spitefully imed he was gay. This rumor spread for two years, and almost everyone believed it. But Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t care at all. Gu Zhaohan knew that Xia Yangyang wouldn¡¯t agree to have lunch with him, but he wasn¡¯t disappointed at all, ¡°Drive carefully.¡±
Just after Xia Yangyang left, Gu Zhaohan received a phone call. ¡°Still at the hospital?¡± A deep male voice asked. Gu Zhaohan was somewhat surprised, ¡°Uncle?¡± Gu Zhaohan still referred to Gu Qichen as ¡°Uncle.¡± Even though he clearly knew they were brothers from the same mother but different fathers. At the time the scandal broke, he had been sequestered in Novi for studies. By the time all things settled down. He learned that many things had already undergone drastic changes. Gu Qichen had gone from being his uncle to his biological brother. Although outsiders made a big fuss about it. Wildly specting about the dramatic changes in the Gu family¡¯s rtionships, as well as its various impacts to the Shengyuan Group. But in fact, for them. Nothing really changed.
That incident seemed to have beenpletely forgotten by everyone in the Gu Family. Gu Qichen still called Gu Mingzhu ¡°Sister Mingzhu,¡± and their rtionship hadn¡¯t changed much either, it was just like before. Gu Zhaohan had spent many years abroad, so it didn¡¯t affect him much either. ¡°I came here for a meeting and thought I¡¯d drop by to see you. Lunch together?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice came through from the other side of the phone. Chapter 490: 491: Reunion... Chapter 490: Chapter 491: Reunion¡­ Gu Zhaohan reflexively looked towards the door. Xia Yangyang had just left. Gu Zhaohan frowned, ¡°Where are you now?¡± Gu Qichen answered, ¡°About five kilometers from your hospital. I¡¯ll be there in fifteen minutes.¡± Gu Zhaohan inexplicably breathed a sigh of relief. So he hadn¡¯t arrived yet, then it means they probably wouldn¡¯t run into each other. Xia Yangyang carefully ced Xia Ye into the child car seat. The safety seat was specially customized and different from others. Xia Ye could sleep lying inside it. After Xia Yangyang settled Xia Ye, she drove away.
This was the city center. The traffic was heavy, and skyscrapers lined both sides of the roads. At the same time. Gu Qichen was driving down the same road. It seemed like fate was, at this moment, making a full circle. Xia Yangyang¡¯s car and Gu Qichen¡¯s car stopped under the red light at the same intersection. Gu Qichen stopped his car. Unconsciously, he turned his head. Then he saw a familiar face. At that moment. Gu Qichen felt as if time had frozen abruptly. That face, appeared countless times in his dreams. Every time, he wanted to reach out and touch it. But it always turned into a mirage. Cold dark nights, he woke up from dreams time and again. But he faced only endless darkness, as if dawn would nevere. Gu Qichen thought he was hallucinating. Over the years, he mistook many people. After Xia Yangyang disappeared, Gu Qichen realized that many people in the world bore resemnce to others.
But none of them was her. Even if he mistaken at a nce, he would realize it immediately by the second nce. But at this moment. Gu Qichen gazed at that side profile, and no matter what, he couldn¡¯t wake himself from the illusion.
Even though that face had changed a lot from his memory. The long hair had been reced by a sleek bob cut. Her skin was naturally fair, but the person in front of him had a tannedplexion. But Gu Qichen¡¯s heart still skipped a beat. The following overwhelming pain, wave after wave, reminded him that this was not an illusion. The traffic light turned green. The cars beside him brushed past him. Gu Qichen seemed to have fallen into a massive vortex, his whole body was stiff. He was stiff for a few seconds. The cars behind honked to remind him. But in an instant, he came back to his senses. Ignoring everything, he directly turned his car around. Just then, a car from the opposite side came and blocked Gu Qichen¡¯s way.
He was originally going in the wrong direction, causing a traffic jam on the other side all at once. In an instant, the honks were incessant, and a traffic policeman came over. But Gu Qichen didn¡¯t care. He opened the car door and chased after the other car. After running a few steps, he realized that the car he was chasing had long since disappeared. Gu Qichen arrived two hourste to the hospital. Because he vited traffic rules, he was fined. When eating with Gu Zhaohan, Gu Zhaohan asked, ¡°You just said there was a little mishap, what happened really?¡± Gu Zhaohan noticed that something was off about Gu Qichen today. He seemed to be absorbed in his own world ever since he had arrived. Even though Gu Qichen had be increasingly aloof and silent over the years. But he had never been like this before, almost as if¡­he had lost his soul. Gu Qichen came back to his senses and forced a smile, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, by the way, when are you going back to the country? You haven¡¯t seen your mom and grandpa for a long time.¡±
Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°I¡¯m very busy.¡± Chapter 491: 492: That Night Four Years Ago Chapter 491: Chapter 492: That Night Four Years Ago ¡°I know you¡¯re busy, but work is for life, not to be a ve to academic research. Seeing you is even harder than meeting the President of the United States.¡± Gu Qichen said with a tone of an elder. ¡°Uncle, you being aware of that is enough. Over the years, you¡¯ve been even more insane than me. Mom said you¡¯ve even moved your residence directly to the office, often staying awake all night and forgetting to eat. As a doctor, I must tell you, if you keep doing this, your health will deteriorate.¡± Gu Zhaohan stated in an official doctor¡¯s tone. Gu Qichen, however,ughed: ¡°Now you¡¯ve be capable enough to lecture me.¡± ¡°I am just concerned about you.¡± ¡°Alright, I got it, I¡¯ll exin to your mom why you can¡¯t return home again this mid-autumn.¡± ¡°Thanks, uncle.¡± After leaving, Gu Zhaohan asked, ¡°Uncle, how long are you nning to stay here?¡± ording to Gu Qichen¡¯s schedule, he was only going to stay three days in Manhattan. But now¡­
He had changed his mind. Gu Qichen spoke: ¡°This time, I consider it as a vacation, so I¡¯ll stay a bit longer. I¡¯ll stay at Green Vi, you cane over anytime.¡± Gu Zhaohan said nothing. After leaving the hospital, Gu Qichen returned to the vi. It was a property he had purchased in New York a few years ago. It was right by the Hudson River, with beautiful scenery. When Gu Qichen bought the property, he thought he could asionally bring Xia Yangyang for vacations here. Unexpectedly, she never came even once. After Gu Qichen went inside the house, all he found was emptiness. He took off his coat, tossed it casually on the couch, theny down on it,pletely exhausted, pinching his nose bridge. What kept surfacing in his mind was the profile he saw in the car at noon. The truth is, Gu Qichen wasn¡¯t certain at all. He just froze for a moment when he saw her. Was that person really her? Four years had passed; she had been missing for an entire four years. Gu Qichen could still remember the scene that night four years ago even with his eyes closed. That night, after Xia Yangyang left the Maple Vi, he drove out to look for her. He went to the Xia family¡¯s vi. After two hours of waiting, Xia Yangyang still hadn¡¯t returned.
He left in the wee hours. Only to see a lot of police and an ambnce. A car had crashed severely not far from the Xia family¡¯s vi. The car had hit arge tanus tree on the side of the road and was in a terrible state.
But Gu Qichen immediately recognized it. It was the Xia family¡¯s car. Like a madman, Gu Qichen rushed over. There he saw a woman, her face all bloody, being lifted out of the car. For a moment¡­ Gu Qichen thought it was Xia Yangyang. It felt as if he had been pushed into an abyss, his heart starting to tremble. But soon, Gu Qichen recognized her. It was Xia Weiwei. Xia Weiwei was rushed to the hospital, Gu Qichen let someone inform Liu Ruyan, but didn¡¯t go himself. By the time all medical personnel and police had left. Gu Qichen stood alone on the deserted road. The car was smashed to pieces.
But the shattered examination form, littered with bloodstains, was scattered all over the ce. By coincidence, Gu Qichen immediately saw Xia Yangyang¡¯s name among the various shreds. Gu Qichen picked up all of the fragments. When he got back, he spent the entire night piecing together the fragments. In the end, he realized it was a pregnancy ultrasound report. The form clearly indicated that Xia Yangyang was 14 weeks pregnant! Chapter 492: 493: Deep in Hatred, Almost Lost Sanity Chapter 492: Chapter 493: Deep in Hatred, Almost Lost Sanity During the piecing process. Gu Qichen had faintly guessed already. However, when he stared straight at the full ultrasound report. Watching the tiny seedling within the photo. Gu Qichen¡¯s hand couldn¡¯t help but tremble. Xia Yangyang was pregnant. It was really happening. This was their child. At that moment, he was overwhelmed with the urge to break down crying. Since his childhood, Gu Qichen had always been seen as exceptionallyposed for his age in the eyes of others.
As if he was born superior, standing aloof and looking down on all beings with a knowing gaze. His emotions were not as intense as those of others. There seemed to be very few things in this world that could make him excited, shocked, or intensely emotional. He thought he would live a dull life until the end of his days. But, Gu Qichen met Xia Yangyang. It was only then he realized how vibrant life could actually be. It turned out, he too couldugh heartily, his heart filled with anticipation. However,ter on, Gu Qichen discovered that when he was feeling pain, he would suffer from insomnia all night, and disappointment felt like a stabbing pain. When he lost something, it was like being hit with a thousand arrows. Xia Yangyang gave him so much joy, yet also bestowed upon him endless pain in return. Back then, he was not aware that he wouldpletely lose that woman. He was holding that ultrasound report,ughing and crying at the same time. He felt as if he had gone mad. But with the arrival of this child, his heart was filled with joy. He had never been so happy. This was a tiny life, his and Yangyang¡¯s child. He was so excited that he almost went crazy. For this child, he could disregard everything. Or rather, he had finally found a reason to disregard everything.
He had never experienced this feeling before, a wild euphoria as if soaring above the clouds. He was just waiting to find Xia Yangyang. Waiting for a new phase, for everything to start all over again. However, after that night.
Xia Yangyang disappeared as if she had vanished into thin air. She was suddenly gone, her traces nowhere to be found. During that time, he wished he could move heaven and earth. He even searched through all flight records. But he couldn¡¯t find any trace of Xia Yangyang. He had turned the whole city inside out, and yet Xia Yangyang had vanished without a trace. One month, two months, three months, four months¡­ Later¡­.one year, two years, three years¡­ Now it had been four years. Gu Qichen did not even know how he managed to get by these four years. Anyway, after suffering, he became eventually numbed. He put all his time and energy into his work. Half of his work was dedicated to finding Xia Yangyang.
In fact, over these four years, he had built a vast and intricate informationwork. But up until now, there had been no news of Xia Yangyang. Sometimes, Gu Qichen really doubted. How could a person just disappear like that? The world was too big, too big until he felt desperate. Every day he was tormented, osciting between hope and despair. And the emptiness that he couldn¡¯t grasp in those midnight dreams gradually brewed a hint of hatred in his heart. Every disappointment added a bit of hatred. He wished to grab that woman, question her fiercely, asking why she was so cruel! Why did she end everything in this way? This was his child, he couldn¡¯t even imagine its appearance. When he had hated her to the bone, Gu Qichen would tell himself. He needed to stop thinking about it, if he continued like this, he would definitely go insane¡­
Chapter 493: 494: The Unsolved Mystery of the Entertainment Industry Chapter 493: Chapter 494: The Unsolved Mystery of the Entertainment Industry Gu Qichen closed his eyes. At this moment, Fang Zhengdong came over. Fang Zhengdong was delivering work materials. Over the past few years, Fang Zhengdong often saw Gu Qichen in this state. With his icy, deste look, he was most likely thinking about Miss Xia. Fang Zhengdong set down the files, and asked with concern, ¡°Mr. President, are you alright?¡± Only then did Gu Qichen snap back to reality, sitting up. He nced at Fang Zhengdong, ¡°Is the material for the meeting prepared?¡± ¡°It¡¯s all set, Mr. President. Please review it.¡± Gu Qichen was not in the mood to work now, not even sparing it a nce.
He suddenly looked up at Fang Zhengdong and said, ¡°Look up the owner of a car for me.¡± Fang Zhengdong stood respectfully there, waiting for the next instruction. ¡°It¡¯s a white Volkswagen Golf, it should be an old Golf 7 model.¡± After saying that, Gu Qichen did not speak anymore. However, Fang Zhengdong was still standing there, somewhat unsure, ¡°Mr. President, do you remember the license te number?¡± Gu Qichen just gave him a cold nce, ¡°If I remembered the license te number, would I need you to look it up?¡± This was also the reason why Gu Qichen was frustrated. His thoughts were all over the ce back then. Afterward, when the car got blocked, he didn¡¯t manage to catch the license te number of that car. Fang Zhengdong maintained a neutral expression, but mentallymented his predicament. The president had thrown another nearly impossible task at him. A white Volkswagen, that was the only information he had. There were thousands upon thousands of people who drove a white Volkswagen Golf in Manhattan. How was he supposed to find it? Fang Zhengdong tactfully didn¡¯t ask Gu Qichen why he ordered the car investigation. Even just guessing, he knew it must have been because he saw a face resembling Miss Xia¡¯s. Over the past four years, things like this happened almost every other day. Out of the blue, he¡¯d be given an impossible task. Sometimes when he was unable to investigate, he inevitably got scolded by Gu Qichen.
But if he did manage to find something, that was even worse. As long as the person wasn¡¯t Miss Xia. The President¡¯s reaction, it seemed like he could eat him. Fang Zhengdong being able to hold up until now was entirely based on his persistence.
Fang Zhengdong spoke up, ¡°Mr. President, I¡¯ll do my best.¡± ¡°Forget it, don¡¯t investigate.¡± Gu Qichen interjected. Then he leaned back against the couch. His expression was one of great disappointment. He knew that he was just making life difficult for Fang Zhengdong. Even if that person really was Xia Yangyang, with Manhattan¡¯s poption of two million, it was like finding a needle in a haystack. Besides, he wasn¡¯t even sure. Over the years, there had been too many false rms. Those women with the same names, those with simr appearances. Gu Qichen had sought out so many people. He felt like he couldn¡¯t hold on much longer. Fang Zhengdong just stood there. He knew the president was in pain now, but he didn¡¯t know how tofort him.
He knew a bit about what had happened those years. Miss Xia¡¯s sudden overnight disappearance became a major topic for the media. She was originally an entertainer. Later on, the film ¡°Future¡± Miss Xia acted in was nominated for an Oscar. Xia Yangyang¡¯s name became well-known by many more people. But at that time, Xia Yangyang had already been missing for several months. Those few months basically created countless explosive news for the entertainment circle. Until now, the disappearance of the former young film actress Xia Yangyang was one of the eight unsolved mysteries of the domestic entertainment circle. There were many rumors outside. Some said that she was driven out of the house and cklisted by the Gu Family after divorcing Gu Qichen. Others said she was kidnapped and killed. Other theories suggested that she married a foreign tycoon, and she was unfaithful in the marriage, which is why she divorced Gu Qichen.
Chapter 494: 495: More Mysterious Than Rumors Chapter 494: Chapter 495: More Mysterious Than Rumors The reality is even more bizarre than the rumors suggest. Because even Gu Qichen doesn¡¯t know where she went. It¡¯s as if she vanished into thin air. Over the years, Gu Qichen frantically set up a datawork. It can rival the most secure informationwork in the country. But he still couldn¡¯t find any information about that woman. Gu Qichen suddenly asked, ¡°Any news about him?¡± Speaking of which. Fang Zhengdong was about to report. Besides looking for Miss Xia, Gu Qichen set up this informationwork also for another important person.
That person¡¯s name is Gao Huizhi. This individual isn¡¯t just an average person; he¡¯s a kingpin in Beijing¡¯s underworld. However, these past few years, Gao Huizhi has been residing in the United States. With an elusive traceability. asionally, they can trace his whereabouts using the system. But most of the time, he suddenly disappears. Indeed, the phrase ¡°dragon seen in glimpses but never in full view¡± suits him perfectly. ¡°CEO, I have confirmed news that tomorrow is Gao Huizhi¡¯s birthday. It is said that he will celebrate it at the Empire Hotel this year. If you want to see him, this is the only opportunity.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, ¡°Have you verified the room?¡± ¡°All clear, it¡¯s the top suite in the Empire Building. Apparently, the entire top floor will be booked. Many people from both the underworld and officialdom will pay their respects, and I¡¯ve heard that an entire army of mercenaries are stationed at the Empire Building. However, Interpol is also on high alert because the world¡¯s most wanted criminal, Xiao Zhan, will also be present.¡± ¡°Okay, I got it.¡± Until now, Fang Zhengdong doesn¡¯t understand why the CEO is particrly interested in Gao Huizhi. Over the years, aside from inquiring about his whereabouts, they have even looked into his private life and those surrounding him. But Gao Huizhi is extremely mysterious and low-profile. Essentially, besides knowing that the number one dangerous man, Xiao Zhan, is his adopted son, they have no other useful information. Gao Huizhi¡¯s defense system is even more stringent. Ah K attacked it countless times, only seeding once. This was that one time, and that¡¯s how they got this information. ¡°Book me the presidential suite at the Empire Hotel,¡± Gu Qichenmanded.
Fang Zhengdong voiced his worries, ¡°CEO, don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re really nning to go tomorrow. There may be a fierce conflict, and you might get caught in the crossfire.¡± Ah K identally broke into a secret American organization and found out that the U.S. contacted Interpol, nning to arrest Xiao Zhan tomorrow. Since the Empire Building has a mercenary team, should they make the arrest, a mighty battle is unavoidable. This is a highly hazardous situation.
Gu Qichen looked at Fang Zhengdong, ¡°Don¡¯t ask why, just do as I say.¡± In the end, Fang Zhengdong could only agree, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll handle it.¡± The next day. Xia Yangyang finished her work early. She said goodbye to her colleague Amy, intending to leave. Amy was her partner, they had been working together for over two years and had great rapport. Amy was already nine months pregnant but insisted on sticking to her job on the front line. This greatly impressed Xia Yangyang. Amy asked Xia Yangyang in English if she had any ns for the evening. Xia Yangyang replied with a smile, ¡°Secret!¡± Amy awkwardly uttered two words in Mandarin, ¡°Date?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head, ¡°I have to go. I¡¯m going to bete.¡± Xia Yangyang has something important tonight.
Tonight is her godfather¡¯s birthday. Xia Yangyang needs to rush over to celebrate for him. And today, everyone¡¯sing back together, which is a rare asion. Chapter 495: 496: Codename Assassin Z Chapter 495: Chapter 496: Codename Assassin Z Xia Yangyang had left China on Master Gao¡¯s private jet years ago. She had left without a trace. Her settling here was entirely thanks to godfather. However, over the years, Yangyang didn¡¯t have much contact with Master Gao. Firstly, due to his unique status. Secondly, Master Gao wanted her to have a normal life. As a result, their meetings over the past four years were few and far between. However, the children adopted by Master Gao often maintained contact privately, especially her second and fifth brother, Li Zhiqian and Xiao Zui. Li Zhiqian managed Master Gao¡¯s businesses both domestically and internationally and spent half the year in the United States. When Yangyang first came, many things were arranged by him.
Li Zhiqian was gentle and modest, his face always disyed a smile that was as refreshing as the spring breeze. However, those who knew him knew that this was merely a fa?ade. In fact, he was ruthless. Beneath his cultured exterior,y a cold heart. Whether in business or underground industries, he was harsh and decisive, intimidating people. On the streets, he had been given the nickname ¡°Jade-faced Yama¡±. However, he treated Yangyang with brotherly love, as if she were his little sister. Xiao Zui¡¯s name was Qin Zui. He had just turned 19 this year. He had never attended school, but was a super genius. He had an extraordinary analytical ability when it came to numbers. It was said that he started coding at the age of five and was a top-levelputer expert. At the age of 15, he once broke into theputer of the ¡°North American Aerospace Defense Command,¡± rummaging through all the data of the United States¡¯ nuclear warheads aimed at the former Soviet Union and its allies before quietly withdrawing. This incident had been a huge embarrassment for the U.S. military, and the Pentagon had kept silent about it. Later hemitted many more incidents, and was wanted by the FBI. He was also the number one hacker who had embarrassed high-profile security personnel around the world but left them helpless. No one even knew that he was actually a 19-year-old child, much less a girl. However, everyone knew his online alias, Assassin Z. Xiao Zui lived with Yangyang. There was a bit of a story behind this. But recently Phoenix came, and she had grown up with Phoenix and was very close to them, so she moved in to live with Phoenix for a few days. Yangyang nned to first pick up Xia Ye at home then go to the Empire Building. Yuanbao spends nearly all his daytime hours in hibernation. Yangyang was not too worried about leaving him alone at home. As Yangyang was just about to leave, she heard Amy call out her name in a loud voice.
Turning around, she could see that Amy couldn¡¯t stand up without the support of a nearby chair. Walking over, Yangyang noticed. Amy¡¯s water had broken. It looked like the baby wasing.
Yangyang needed to take her to the hospital immediately. It just so happened that it was the weekend and no one else was in the office. She was in the office with Amy because of a breaking news story. Without thinking of anything else, Yangyang helped Amy immediately, all the while encouraging her to hang on. With great difficulty, they made it to the car. Yangyang drove towards the hospital. On the way, Phoenix called, asking when she would arrive. Yangyang could only briefly exin the situation. Phoenix quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll let Ah Zhan pick up Xiao Ye. Xiao Zui has the key to the house. Once you¡¯re done at the hospital,e straight over.¡± Yangyang took Amy to the hospital, but Amy was alone, her husband was on the way, and asked Yangyang to stay with Amy until he arrived. Yangyang, of course, didn¡¯t feel reassured to leave Amy alone in the hospital. Two hourster, Amy¡¯s husband arrived. Only then did Yangyang leave for the Empire Hotel.
Chapter 496: 497: Uncle, there are bad guys chasing me Chapter 496: Chapter 497: Uncle, there are bad guys chasing me On her way to the Empire Hotel, Xia Yangyang received an urgent message from Phoenix. She said that there was an incident, the FBI had surrounded the hotel, and asked her not toe over. Xia Yangyang felt a sudden tightness in her chest. Xiao Zhan wasn¡¯t a guiltless figure. Although Xia Yangyang had been calling him ¡®big brother¡¯ these years, they rarely interacted. Xiao Zhan infrequently appeared in public. However, he was in a rtionship with Phoenix. A bad feeling began to arise in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. Sure enough, the next sentence from Phoenix was, ¡°Ah Zhan and Xiao Ye are missing now, none of us can contact them.¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly felt her heart heavy.
She knew Xiao Zhan was an extremely powerful character. But she couldn¡¯t help but worry about him. Xia Yangyang knew that if anything happened, Xiao Zhan would protect Xia Ye, even if it cost his own life. She was worried about this: fearing that Xia Ye would be implicated in this battle, and even more, she feared that Xia Ye would drag Xiao Zhan down. At this point, Xiao Zhan and Xia Ye were trapped inside a security corridor of the Empire Building. Xiao Zhan knew that the FBI officers outside were all armed. If he resisted, they could shoot him dead at any time. However, if he surrendered, certain high-ranking officials involved would never want him to fall into the hands of the American upper ss. He had knowledge on the dark secrets of capitals worldwide. Those who were chasing him were International Bureau of Police. Among them were frothing agents andckeys of their own. When the time came, they would still find a way to dispose of him. The oue would be the same. If he was alone, Xiao Zhan had a great chance to deal with his pursuers. However, he had a child with him. This child had a special identity and his godfather treasured him as if he were life itself. Xiao Zhan was determined to protect him at all costs. The child had a sleep disorder. Fortunately, he was in his wakeful phase for now.
Xiao Zhan squatted down and told Xia Ye, ¡°Xiao Ye, many people want to catch me right now. I have no way to keep you by my side. Later, you leave by the elevator. Pretend that you don¡¯t know me. No matter what happens, just keep moving forward. Understand?¡± Xia Ye was only four years old. However, he understood everyone¡¯s background and identities well. Xia Ye asked, ¡°Uncle, can you handle so many people by yourself?¡±
Xiao Zhan smiled and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me. They couldn¡¯t harm a single hair on my head. Once you¡¯re out, find your mother as soon as possible and tell Master Gao that I¡¯ve gone to the usual ce.¡± Xia Ye nodded, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, leave it to me.¡± There was an unusual calmness and steadiness in Xia Ye¡¯s eyes for someone his age. Even though he knew what the situation was, he remained calm throughout. They both left the safe passageway and entered the corridor. There were quite a few people in the corridor. Many people were lying in wait at various ces. But at that moment, they wouldn¡¯t make any arrest in public. Xiao Zhan walked in the opposite direction, as if he didn¡¯t know Xia Ye. Xiao Zhan¡¯s goal was to lure most people away. However, this child still attracted some attention. Everyone had seen Xiao Zhan carrying a child when he first got out of the car. But they weren¡¯t sure if it was the same child.
Everyone didn¡¯t know what the rtionship between the child and Xiao Zhan was. Xia Ye calmly moved through the corridor. Then he took the elevator up. A few people who were tailing him rushed up on the stairs, dividing themselves into several groups. Xia Ye pressed for the ground floor. When the elevator doors opened, they faced the hotel lobby. There were many people in the lobby. This was an international hotel with guests from all over the world. Xia Ye walked forward. He blended into the crowd. But a few detectives continued to tail him secretly from behind. Xia Ye noticed it too. Suddenly, he quickened his steps, directly took hold of a man¡¯s hand, and calmly said, ¡°Uncle, there are bad guys chasing me. Could you please help me get away?¡±
Chapter 497: 498: Brought Back a Glutinous Rice Ball Chapter 497: Chapter 498: Brought Back a Glutinous Rice Ball Gu Qichen didn¡¯t expect that while he was walking, a little boy would grab his hand. From Gu Qichen¡¯s perspective, he could only see the fluffy little head of the boy. However, the tone of this child waspletely different from ordinary children. When he grabbed his hand, it was natural, without even looking up. With his peripheral vision however, Gu Qichen could see a few people trailing the little boy. Unexinably, a sense ofpassion rose up within him. He didn¡¯t think too much about what was happening. He directly picked up the boy and left the Empire Hotel. Gu Qichen came today to gather information. Sure enough, Gao Huizhi did not appear in the end.
Perhaps he had discovered the trap here. At this moment, he was leaving. Gu Qichen carried the boy to the car, and then drove away quickly. Fortunately, those people didn¡¯t chase after him. After all, they were just chasing a little boy, the most important thing now was to catch Xiao Zhan. All of the men in ck retraced their steps. After getting in the car, the little boy remained silent. ¡°Why were those people following you?¡± Gu Qichen asked straightforwardly. The boy still did not respond. When Gu Qichen turned his head to look, he saw that the boy had fallen asleep on the backseat. Gu Qichen chuckled silently. This kid was really bold. He had just been chased by people of unknown origin and yet he was able to fall asleep as soon as he got in the car. For him, Gu Qichen was also a stranger. This was the first time that Gu Qichen encountered this kind of situation. He wondered what this boy had been through, and where were his parents? Why would a child be alone in a ce like the Empire Building? However, observing the child¡¯s attire, he did not appear to belong to an ordinary family. The boy was dressed in an expensive tailored suit, something Gu Qichen could recognize at a nce.
This type of high-end outfit was priceless. Was he wearing this because he was attending an important asion? Gu Qichen called him a few times, but the boy seemed to be sound asleep. No matter how much he called, he couldn¡¯t wake the boy up.
With no other choice, Gu Qichen took the boy straight to Green Vi. Gu Qichen nned to wait for the boy to wake up and then inquire about the situation. The disappearance of such a big child would certainly make any parent extremely anxious. Once they arrived at Green Vi. Gu Qichen carried the boy out of the car. He was sleeping so deeply that he had no reaction when Gu Qichen carried him. Fang Zhengdong came over to report on work matters. He was astounded when he saw Gu Qichen carrying a child. Fang Zhengdong asked, ¡°Who is this little sticky rice dumpling?¡± Gu Qichen responded nonchntly, ¡°I have no idea.¡± After saying this, he carried the boy upstairs. Fang Zhengdong was so surprised he couldn¡¯t close his mouth, ¡°Didn¡¯t the president go to the Empire Building today? Why did he bring back a sticky rice dumpling? Given this kid¡¯s expensive clothing, he must have parents looking for him. Doesn¡¯t the president know that kidnapping is illegal?¡± Though he thought this, Fang Zhengdong followed him upstairs, saying seriously, ¡°Mr. President, let me carry him to the room if you¡¯re tired.¡±
But Gu Qichen simply shook his head: ¡°No need.¡± He then carried the little sticky rice dumpling upstairs. In the end, he ced the sticky rice dumpling on his own king-sized bed. The sticky rice dumpling was sleeping so deeply, up till now he was oblivious to everything. Gu Qichen found it somewhat strange. He shook the boy¡¯s little body. But still, there was no reaction. Chapter 498: 499: He thought he also had a child..... Chapter 498: Chapter 499: He thought he also had a child¡­.. Gu Qichen immediately called for Fang Zhengdong: ¡°Hurry up and contact the pediatrician, oh, and have Stevee over as well.¡± Steve was Gu Qichen¡¯s private doctor in the United States. He was a sort of all-round medical expert. Seeing the little one¡¯s deep slumber, Gu Qichen feared that he might have been drugged. The doctors and Steve arrived soon. After a joint examination, they reached a conclusion. The child had not been drugged and had not suffered any injury. He was just sleeping. Gu Qichen was able to breathe a sigh of relief. As Steve was leaving, he said: ¡°This child¡¯s deep slumber may have an unknown cause, or it could be a mental disorder. The child¡¯s parents must bring him to the hospital for a thorough examination.¡±
Gu Qichen nodded: ¡°I will inform the child¡¯s parents when the timees.¡± After a couple of hours of chaos. Gu Qichen finally went back to his bedroom. The little Tuanzi was still sleeping soundly. Gu Qichen stood by the bed and watched for a while. He just felt that this child was incredibly adorable. With delicate and distinct features, fair skin like jade, he seemed like a prince from a fairy tale at first nce. Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t help but wonder about the parents who could bear such a beautiful child. Even Fang Zhengdong couldn¡¯t help but exim while watching, ¡°Mr. President, this Tuanzi is incredibly handsome. You can¡¯t find a single w at any angle. If he looks this good when he¡¯s young, what will happen when he grows up? His parents must have done great deeds in their previous life.¡± However, as Gu Qichen looked at the child, he felt an inexplicable sense of loss. He had a child too. But he didn¡¯t know how that child ended up. Did Xia Yangyang give birth to that child? Was it a boy or a girl? What did the child look like, and where was he now? These were questions Gu Qichen didn¡¯t dare to think about on a normal day. Every time he thought about it, he felt as if he was going to go mad. He couldn¡¯t even find Xia Yangyang, let alone their child. Xia Yangyang hated him so much that she even lied about not having a child during that time. That means she had no intention of telling him.
Would she keep that child? Whenever Gu Qichen thought about the other possibilities, he felt a chill down his spine. Gu Qichen¡¯s face darkened bit by bit. Fang Zhengdong was taken aback as he watched from the side.
What could have possibly happened to make the president suddenly look like that? ¡°Mr. President?¡± Fang Zhengdong called out tentatively. Gu Qichen finally snapped back to reality: ¡°Speak.¡± Fang Zhengdong asked, ¡°So what do we do with this little Tuanzi, should we call the police?¡± Gu Qichen paused for a few seconds, then said, ¡°No need, we¡¯ll see what happens when he wakes up.¡± But what Gu Qichen did not expect was that the little Tuanzi ended up sleeping for 18 hours straight. The little guy finally woke up again the next day in thete afternoon. Gu Qichen worked from within the vi all day. Fang Zhengdong also stayed there. Between the two of them, they checked on the little one more than ten times. Nevertheless, no matter how much they called out, the little guy didn¡¯t wake up. Gu Qichen then began to believe that this child probably did have some sleeping disorder. He vaguely remembered Gu Zhaohan mentioning something about a rare hypersomnia condition, where some people sleep for more than twenty hours a day, only staying awake for two hours.
It appeared that Gu Zhaohan was now involved in research about this topic. He hadn¡¯t expected to encounter such a rare situation himself. And it had happened to a child who was only four or five years old. Chapter 499: 500: So Materialistic at Such a Young Age Chapter 499: Chapter 500: So Materialistic at Such a Young Age Little Tuanzi rubbed his eyes when he woke up. As if there was still ayer of fog in his eyes, they were watery. But soon enough, his gaze began to clear up gradually. This child¡¯s eyes were very beautiful,pletely captivating. It was hard to imagine that a child could possess such a clear and prating gaze. Gu Qichen had just walked in the door to find Tuanzi starting to make a phone call. Tuanzi was wearing an electronic watch. He casually pressed a few buttons, and then dialed a number. ¡°Mom, I¡¯m okay. I think I slept for 18 hours and just woke up. This uncle helped me. Uncle said he¡¯s at the usual ce. Tell grandpa not to worry. In two hours, Times Square, youe pick me up.¡± The little guy¡¯s voice was clear and calm, clear and logical.
As Gu Qichen walked in, the little guy had just ended the call. The little guy lifted his head, his clear eyes looking at Gu Qichen. His voice was clear, ¡°Uncle, do you have anything to eat? I¡¯ve slept too long and I¡¯m feeling a little hungry.¡± It seemed like this little guy knew his body well. I clearly heard him say that he¡¯d slept for 18 hours. Gu Qichen had a feeling that this was no ordinary child. The way he talked didn¡¯t at all resemble a four-or-five-year-old, it was as if an adult soul lived in a child¡¯s body. Gu Qichen started to speak, ¡°I came to call you for dinner.¡± Little Tuanzi was very polite, ¡°Thank you, uncle.¡± Gu Qichen led Tuanzi to the dining room for dinner. The way this little fellow ate was courteous and genteel. Considering he¡¯d been asleep for 18 hours without even a drop of water, he should be starving. But he didn¡¯t gobble his food. Every mouthful was chewed slowly and thoroughly, he was not hasty norzy, it was evident that his home tutoring was excellent. Gu Qichen began to wonder about the parents of this child. Gu Qichen took the initiative to strike up a conversation with the child, ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°My name is Summer. Thank you for saving me yesterday, although I still need your help to get me back home. My mum is very worried about me right now.¡± Gu Qichen nodded, ¡°You can rest assured about that. As soon as you finish eating, I¡¯ll take you home.¡±. ¡°You just need to drop me off at Times Square. My mum will pick me up there.¡± ¡°Alright.¡±
Whenever Gu Qichen talked with this child, it felt like he was talking with an adult. Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t resist and asked, ¡°Why did you choose me yesterday? What if I were a bad guy? What would you do then?¡± The little one had a pretty nonchnt look on his face, ¡°Most of the people in the Empire Hotel are Americans, and you¡¯re Chinese, uncle. I¡¯m a Chinese kid. It was more likely you¡¯d help me if I asked. Secondly, the watch you are wearing is a globally limited edition by Henry Graves worth approximately 4 million US dors. Your clothes are all couture, and your shoes are custom-made by the Italian craftsman Sid, priceless and one of a kind. Despite your low-key appearance, uncle, your outfit is of extraordinary value¡­¡± At the time Zhengdong was also there.
Hearing a child speak like this was just astounding. He couldn¡¯t resistmenting, ¡°I never expected a young one like you to be so materialistic¡­¡± Tuanzi wasn¡¯t offended by this remark, calmly exining, ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m materialistic, but rather I believe that a person who cares so much about his clothing would not likely harm a child.¡± Tuanzi nced at Gu Qichen, finally adding, ¡°And the indisputable elite aura about uncle, if such a man were to be a bad person, then there wouldn¡¯t be any good people left in this world.¡±: Such a ttery, even Zhengdong had to admire. And yet, it didn¡¯t seem like ttery at alling from this child with his honest tone and calm demeanor, his tranquil voice making people feel extraordinarilyfortable. Chapter 500: 501: How Long Has the President Not Smiled? Chapter 500: Chapter 501: How Long Has the President Not Smiled? However, the CEO is not an ordinary person. The CEO, dislikes people who try to suck up to him. He is calm andposed, with eyes that seem to see through the hearts of men. The praise of a mere child would have no effect on him. But when Fang Zhengdong casually nced back, he saw the CEO¡¯s face truly light up withughter. Fang Zhengdong was stunned. It had been quite a long time since he saw the CEO genuinely smiling. Probably about four years. Since Miss Xia disappeared, Fang Zhengdong had hardly ever seen Gu Qichen smile. But unexpectedly, a smallpliment from the little ¡°Tuanzi¡±, brought such a pleasantly pleased expression onto the CEO¡¯s face.
Fang Zhengdong could tell that the CEO seemed to like the little ¡°Tuanzi¡± a lot. Gu Qichen asked: ¡°Why were those people chasing you yesterday?¡± Little Tuanzi answered lightly: ¡°Sorry, uncle, the less you know, the better.¡± Fang Zhengdong looked at the little ¡°Tuanzi¡± and felt more and more that he wasn¡¯t an ordinary child. Look at his tone. After Little Tuanzi finished dinner. Fang Zhengdong drove him to Times Square. Gu Qichen also chose to go, sitting in the back seat with Little Tuanzi. Gu Qichen asked: ¡°Is your mother picking you up?¡± Little Tuanzi nodded: ¡°Yes.¡± Then Gu Qichen fell silent. In fact, he could have easily asked Fang Zhengdong to take the kiddo over. The reason he personally came was because Gu Qichen wanted to meet this little guy¡¯s parents. The child clearly has some sort of sleep disorder. If possible, he would be willing to introduce this child to Gu Zhaohan. He is a top-notch expert in this field. Maybe he could help with the kid¡¯s condition. Soon, the car stopped at Times Square. The little guy got out of the car.
Gu Qichen followed him out. The little guy took out his watch and made another call. Two short sentences were exchanged before the call ended. Little Tuanzi looked up at Gu Qichen and said, ¡°My mom will arrive soon. She would want to thank you properly.¡±
Gu Qichen just patted Little Tuanzi¡¯s head: ¡°That¡¯s good. I also want to meet your mother.¡± Xia Yangyang drove to Times Square. From a distance, she could see Xia Ye¡¯s small figure in the middle of the square. She had been extremely worried over the day and night. Not just her, everyone was worried sick. That night, ¡°Xiao Wu¡± realized that his system was under attack. After counterattacking, he found that Interpol had set a trap at the Empire Building to capture Xiao Zhan. However, at that time, Xiao Zhan had already taken Xia Ye into the Empire Building. ¡°Xiao Wu¡± quickly notified Xiao Zhan. The birthday party was cancelled as a result. But since then, Xiao Zhan and Xia Ye disappeared together. Later, ¡°Xiao Wu¡± hacked into the hotel¡¯s surveince system. Eventually, he found out that Xiao Zhan had drawn those people away. Xia Ye left the hotel with a stranger.
The surveince video only showed a tall figure. There was no other useful information. However, after watching the surveince footage. Xia Yangyang somewhat relieved. Because from the surveince video, it seemed that Xia Ye himself took the stranger¡¯s hand. Xia Ye is not a typical child. When he is awake, he has sharp thinking and an amazing analytical ability. He made this choice, surely to break free. Xia Yangyang knew that it was Xia Ye¡¯s sleep time during that period. So for the next ten hours or so, she was patiently waiting. She also believed that as soon as Xia Ye woke up, he would contact her and assure her he was safe. Chapter 501: 502: Meeting Him Again Chapter 501: Chapter 502: Meeting Him Again However, there was one thing that Xia Yangyang found a little strange. Actually, there was a tracking device installed in Xia Ye¡¯s watch. No matter where Xia Ye was, Xia Yangyang¡¯s mobile could locate him. But after the incident happened, Xia Yangyang began to track. At first, she could determine Xia Ye¡¯s direction. However, after a while, Xia Ye¡¯s whereabouts suddenly disappeared. Thest ce of his disappearance was near the Hudson River. That area is filled with vis of New York¡¯s top billionaires. The inhabitants are all top billionaires worldwide. Every household is equipped with tracking and information shielding systems.
So, it didn¡¯t surprise Xia Yangyang. She thought that the person who took Xia Ye away today must be wealthy or noble. However, this made Xia Yangyang feel more relieved, at least child trafficking wouldn¡¯t happen. Sure enough, 18 hourster, Xia Ye contacted her voluntarily. At that time, almost everyone was guarding beside Xia Yangyang. Hearing Xia Ye¡¯s calm voice, everybody could finally breathe a sigh of relief. Xia Yangyang thought to herself. No matter who it was, she must thank them properly. Standing next to Xia Ye was a tall man. At that moment, he was facing away from Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t see the man¡¯s face. However, she could tell that he was likely a man of Chinese descent. Xia Yangyang was just about to get out of the car. Her finger was just touching the car door. She then saw the man next to Xia Ye turn around. In that instant, it felt as if a thunderbolt struck her. It was as if Xia Yangyang was ripped into two halves. Her entire mind went nk. Xia Yangyang frozepletely, she wasn¡¯t able to react in any way.
Four years. Four years seemed to be ruthlessly ripped apart by fate. It separated all her pastpletely. Those past years¡¯ people and things felt as if they happened in her past life.
Everything in her memories became blurry. Xia Yangyang tried to forget that person, those past events. She sealed those memories deep within her heart. She rarely dared to touch them in her daily life. But right at this moment, seeing that face. It was as if the box holding her past memories suddenly opened. Years of dust flew in her face all at once. Xia Yangyang felt both disillusioned and surreal. In these four years, Xia Yangyang asionally fantasized what the scene would look like if she ran into that man again. But Xia Yangyang found that no matter how hard she tried, she couldn¡¯t conjure up a scene. Perhaps in her memory, she would have no intersection with Gu Qichen in this lifetime. But at the very moment. The man who had be her ex-husband was standing next to Xia Ye.
After four years, Xia Yangyang felt like she was in a dream. In an instant, she couldn¡¯t distinguish between what was real, the past or the present. The burdens of the past felt like a giant vortex, pulling her in once again. That man walked in again¡­ Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how long she had been waiting in the car. Luckily from her position, she couldn¡¯t be seen from over there. Her phone rang again. It was a phone call from Xia Ye. Xia Yangyang hesitated for a second, her voice was shaking: ¡°Xiao Ye, Mom has an emergency, I can¡¯t pick you up right now, I¡¯ll send Xiao Wu to get you tomorrow.¡± Xia Ye¡¯s calming voice: ¡°Mom, did something happen?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what to say, she couldn¡¯t think straight at all. In hindsight, she figured she could¡¯ve asked a colleague to pick him up since Times Square is very close to her workce. But at that time, Xia Yangyang was genuinely thrown into a panic.
Chapter 502: 503: Gu Qichen is her demon-revealing mirror Chapter 502: Chapter 503: Gu Qichen is her demon-revealing mirror She had been a journalist for many years. She didn¡¯t know how many unexpected events she had encountered. She even encountered serious terrorist attacks. But at those times, Xia Yangyang had never been as flustered as she was now. It seemed Gu Qichen was like a blind spot in her thoughts. When it came to him, she seemed to instantly lose her analytical and thinking abilities. The only thing she could think of was stalling. The only certainty was that she absolutely could not appear by that man¡¯s side at this moment. He did not know at all that she had given birth to a child. Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t sure, if Gu Qichen knew that Xia Ye was his and her child, what kind of earth-shattering reactions he would have.
Besides, Gu Qichen was soon to be engaged. Meanwhile, Xia Ye¡¯s voice came over from the phone, ¡°Mom, uncle wants to say a few words to you.¡± Xia Yangyang felt her heart stutter. From Xia Yangyang¡¯s perspective, she could clearly see, Xia Ye had taken off his watch and was handing it to Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen took the watch and put it to his lips. His voice came through clearly from the other end of the line, ¡°Hello, I¡¯m Sean. Could you give me a moment of your time?¡± Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t heard Gu Qichen¡¯s voice in a long, long time. His deep voice, indifferent yet familiar, echoed lightly. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart started to beat wildly. It felt like something inside her body was awakening. Xia Yangyang could not possibly respond. Because Xia Yangyang knew that once she spoke, she would be exposed. On the other end, Gu Qichen¡¯s voice came through, slightly confused, ¡°Hello?¡± Xia Yangyang quickly ended the call. From afar, Xia Yangyang saw Gu Qichen¡¯s puzzled expression. But he seemed to be puzzled just for a second. Then he handed the watch back to Xia Ye. He patted Xia Ye¡¯s head lightly, whispering something to him. Then Xia Ye got back into the car with Gu Qichen.
The car drove off. At that moment, Xia Yangyang felt as if she was a city devastated by a typhoon. Her inner world was inplete disarray. In the past four years, she thought she had be independent, rational, and strong. This was how everyone saw her.
But when she encountered Gu Qichen, in that instance- She felt like she had reverted back to her old self. All the cowardice, hesitation, and evasion of the past seemed to resurface instantaneously. Xia Yangyang did not like this side of herself. But Gu Qichen was like a mirror revealing her true self. Her fingers clutching her phone started shaking uncontrobly. She sat in her car for a long while before finally driving off. Gu Qichen brought little Tuanzi back to Green Vi. Fang Zhengdong voiced his thoughts, ¡°Tuanzi¡¯s parents are tooid-back. What could possibly be more important than their son? Leaving a child with a stranger, aren¡¯t they worried something might happen?¡± Gu Qichen responded casually, ¡°Do you think something will happen to him under my care?¡± ¡°Mr. President, I didn¡¯t mean it like that.¡± Fang Zhengdong looked at Gu Qichen through the rearview mirror while driving. He couldn¡¯t shake off the feeling that the president seemed fairly pleased that little Tuanzi hadn¡¯t left.
Once they returned, little Tuanzi didn¡¯t take long to drift off to sleep again. Fang Zhengdong reminded Gu Qichen, ¡°Mr. President, you are going to United States for a meeting tomorrow. What should we do about little Tuanzi?¡± There were no housekeepers or servants in Green Vi; they usually hired temporary workers for cleaning. The president had an important meeting tomorrow. He should also be present, making it impossible for him to stay and look after little Tuanzi. Fang Zhengdong proposed, ¡°Should I find a temporary nanny now?¡± ¡°No need,¡± Gu Qichen spoke lightly, ¡°Bring him along to thepany tomorrow.¡± Chapter 503: 504: The Presidents Illegitimate Son Chapter 503: Chapter 504: The President¡¯s Illegitimate Son Fang Zhengdong was surprised. He didn¡¯t expect the CEO to care so much about a child of unknown origin. But he didn¡¯t ask any more questions. The next day, after Gu Qichen got up, he went to the child¡¯s room. The little boy was indeed still deep in sleep. Gu Qichen stood by the bed, looking at the sleeping face of the child. He felt a strange feeling, as if a feather gently brushed past the bottom of his heart. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t know where this strange emotion came from. He just stood there watching the child, his heart softening bit by bit. It reminded him of his own child.
He had desperately searched for four years. But he wasn¡¯t sure if that child existed in this world. If his child was born, he should be about the same age as this one. Gu Qichen tried not to think about it. Heposed himself, walked over, and picked up the sleeping child. When Gu Qichen arrived at work, the little boy was sleeping on his shoulder. This was the headquarters of Shengyuan¡¯s overseas operations. It was also where several Shengyuan Group industries had been established in New York over thest few years. However, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t oftene here. Despite this, everyone in thepany knew their CEO well. Even in the global market, Gu Qichen was the object of countless people¡¯s admiration. So every time he visited, many people in thepany prepared well. When Gu Qichen entered thepany building. He attracted countless gazes. But this time it was different. The CEO brought a child, who looked about four or five years old, with him. The child was sleeping sweetly on the CEO¡¯s shoulder. It dashed the hopes of countless people. My god, the CEO already has a child.
Fang Zhengdong was following Gu Qichen, appreciating the disappointed looks of these well-prepared white-cor women who had nned to ¡°identally¡± bump into Gu Qichen. He thought to himself that many people would be heartbroken today. Selina, the market department manager, was hot-headed, and used to be a core member of the domestic market. After starting to expand overseas, she was transferred here.
Seeing Gu Qichene in with a child, she was surprised and disappointed. She walked into the elevator with Gu Qichen and greeted him. When she got out of the elevator, Selina deliberately slowed down, grabbed Fang Zhengdong, and asked: ¡°When did the CEO have such a big child?¡± Fang Zhengdong smiled and said, ¡°Why do you think that¡¯s the CEO¡¯s child?¡± ¡°The face is a perfect match to our CEO. If it¡¯s not his child, then whose?¡± Selina, disappointed and gossipy, said: ¡°Howe it wasn¡¯t exposed earlier? The CEO isn¡¯t engaged yet. Is this child from his current fianc¨¦ or is it a secret child?¡± Selina leaned into Fang Zhengdong¡¯s ear: ¡°Tell me the truth, this must be the CEO¡¯s secret child, right? Who¡¯s the mother? Was it that rumored celebrity Zhang Xinyi?¡± Over the years, there have been many rumors about Gu Qichen. Everyone knows that Gu Qichen was married before. His ex-wife was once a popr actress. However, after scandals surrounding the Gu Family emerged, Gu Qichen divorced her. After the divorce, she disappeared from the public eye. Over the years, the gossip about Gu Qichen never ceased.
There are rumors that he had been involved with both of his half-sisters from the Xi Family. Others say he was financially supporting the popr actress Zhang Xinyi. Some say he was still caught up in his past rtionship with pop diva Shen Manbing. Although there were many rumors, Gu Qichen was always very private about his personal life. The media could only grasp at straws, rehashing old news. Until recently, Gu Mingzhu inadvertently disclosed that Gu Qichen was getting engaged during a press interview. Chapter 504: 505: Carved from the Same Mold as the President Chapter 504: Chapter 505: Carved from the Same Mold as the President All of a sudden, every mass media was in uproar. The news of Gu Qichen¡¯s engagement spread like wildfire. However, people could not guess who Gu Qichen¡¯s fianc¨¦e was. Over the years, any unmarried woman who hade into contact with him could find herself the subject of hot media gossip. But so far, they hadn¡¯t uncovered a shred of decisive evidence. The media couldn¡¯t fathom the identity of Gu Qichen¡¯s mysterious fianc¨¦e. Of course, some media outlets even made a special ranking list. Ranked first was Xi Zijun, the general manager of the Jiang Group. This Xi Zijun was no ordinary person. The Jiang Group was a business empire created by Xi Jiachen, the richest man in Asia.
Xi Zijun was a member of the Xi family, but she was not the child of Xi Jiachen. She was the biological daughter of Xi Jiachen¡¯s younger brother, Xi Jiaxin. Her ruthlessness was evident when in just a few short years, she had worked her way into the Jiang Group and ultimately ousted her own father from his position as General Manager. Inside thepany, she didn¡¯t give her father any face. During meetings, she would even directly throw documents at Xi Jiaxin¡¯s face. So infuriated was Xi Jiaxin that he wished to sever ties with this daughter. However, Xi Zijun¡¯s abilities were widely recognized. Over the years, the Jiang Group had solidified its position as an industry leader under her aggressive expansion. It was rumored that she had never lost in a takeover fight. Whenever people in the circle heard her name, they felt a chill. Such an exceptional woman being linked to Gu Qichen naturally led people to think they were a perfect match. Fang Zhengdong couldn¡¯t stand Selina¡¯s gossip any longer, ¡°Enough, the boss hates people discussing his private life. That child is not his illegitimate son. I don¡¯t know who he is. You better get going, if you¡¯rete for the meeting, the boss may demote you.¡± Selina quickly exited the elevator. However, she was still very confused, ¡°That¡¯s impossible. If the child is not the boss¡¯s, then why does he look so simr to the boss?¡± Fang Zhengdong didn¡¯t pay attention initially. But after hearing Selina¡¯s remark, Fang Zhengdong looked at the child again and felt an uncanny resemnce between the child¡¯s face and the boss¡¯s. Fang Zhengdong pinched his eyes involuntarily, as he thought he must be imagining things. He assumed that the boss would leave the little child in his office, to be taken care of by the secretary.
But surprisingly, the boss directly took the child to the meeting room. During the meeting, the child was seated on the sofa next to him. The boss even looked at him several times during the meeting. They were in meetings nearly all day.
However, the little one woke up around three in the afternoon. This was during a critical part of the meeting when the CFO was reporting the semi-annual financial statements. As soon as the child woke up, Gu Qichen noticed. He raised his hand slightly, signaling the CFO to temporarily stop the report. Gu Qichen stood up and walked over. The child sat up on the sofa and rubbed his eyes, ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m hungry.¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°I will take you to get something to eat.¡± Consequently, under everyone¡¯s watchful gaze, Gu Qichen left the meeting room full of shareholders and managers, carrying the child. Those left in the meeting room were stunned, unable to regain their bearings. Not only these people, even Fang Zhengdong felt that the boss¡¯s attitude towards this child was too unusual. The boss was notoriously workaholic. The longest meeting he ever heldsted 16 hours, and everyone was nearly dead from exhaustion. When he left the meeting room, however, he looked as fresh as when he had walked in.
Chapter 505: 506: Tuanzi called him a Rookie! Rookie!! Chapter 505: Chapter 506: Tuanzi called him a Rookie! Rookie!! Peopleter joked that even an earthquake wouldn¡¯t interrupt the CEO¡¯s meetings. Yet, surprisingly, a toddler managed to make him pause an important shareholders¡¯ meeting just to find some food for the child. It was truly mind-boggling. Fang Zhengdong started to wonder if the baby was a secret child of the CEO, left abandoned somewhere. However, the CEO didn¡¯t stay away for long. He returned quickly. The meeting resumed, and little Tuanzi didn¡¯te back. Everyone was a bit curious. Where had little Tuanzi gone? Fang Zhengdong went to the CEO¡¯s office to fetch some documents halfway through, only to discover that director Ah K was there, ying with little Tuanzi.
No wonder the CEO didn¡¯t bring Tuanzi back into the meeting room. Director Ah K was thepany¡¯swork security director. It¡¯s said that he was once a top international hacker. Numerous internationalpanies tried to lure him away, but none seeded. His rtionship with the CEO was very good. Apparently, they were family friends who grew up together. The CEO treated him like a little brother. Somehow, the CEO had managed to fool him into moving to the United States to be thework security director. When Fang Zhengdong entered the office, he heard Director Ah K discussing something like a DDoS attack with a child. Fang Zhengdong didn¡¯t understand a word. It was shocking to see that little Tuanzi could actually converse with him. Their discussion included high-level hacker jargon, and the scene looked absurd. But Fang Zhengdong didn¡¯t think much of it. He took the documents and went to the meeting room. Upon arriving at the meeting room, he was startled. Thework in the meeting room had crashed. Thepany had its ownwork and security system. Such a thing had never happened before. Theoretically, thepany¡¯s defense system was invincible; such a situation would never ur.
Because once paralyzed, almost all employees in the entirepany would have to stop working. Even for three seconds, the losses would be huge. Gu Qichen was also slightly surprised and furrowed his brows. Before anyone could react and figure out what had happened,
Thework in the meeting room was restored. Everyone considered it to be a minor ident. They didn¡¯t pay much attention to it. Half an hourter, the meeting ended. Gu Qichen returned to his office. Fang Zhengdong followed. As soon as he opened the door, Ah K hurried over, holding on to Gu Qichen¡¯s arm, pointing at little Tuanzi sitting on the couch drinking milk, ¡°Second brother, where did this little monstere from? He¡¯s terrifying.¡± Gu Qichen was somewhat perplexed, ¡°What happened?¡± Ah K still seemed shocked and hadn¡¯t recovered, ¡°This little guy used hacking techniques to remotely shut down one of the routers in thepany intr, causing the wholework to crash. Second brother, isn¡¯t he a monster? And he¡¯s just a milk-drinking baby. My painstakingly created defense system was broken by a toddler, I can¡¯t believe it. He must be a monster.¡± Meanwhile, little Tuanzi looked up, his face calm, ¡°Rookie big brother, you asked me to sabotage thework system here. I did as you said. Why are you calling me a little monster? ¡± Ah K almost spat out blood, ¡°He called me rookie! He actually called me a rookie! I¡¯m a top-five global hacker and he calls me a rookie, a rookie!!!!¡±
Chapter 506: 507: Little Tuanzi is a Network Genius Chapter 506: Chapter 507: Little Tuanzi is a Network Genius Tuanzi remained serious, her voice light and detached, ¡°Xiao Wu says, hackers without solid technical skills are just rookies.¡± Ah K wished he could just end it all there, ¡°And who is this Xiao Wu?¡± ¡°Xiao Wu taught me all of these skills,¡± Tuanzi said. Ah K suddenly understood, ¡°So he¡¯s your mentor. I want to meet him. Take me to see him.¡± Ah K found it hard to imagine a hacker of such prowess existed in this world. It wasn¡¯t surprising to find someone superior to him. However, to nurture a four or five-year-old child who could breach his defence system, it had turned his world upside down. He had to see who this mastermind was. In this world, besides Assassin Z who had breached his system, he had nevere across another. Ah K was deeply shocked, wishing he could find that person now.
To bow before him and take him as his master! Gu Qichen was also quite surprised. He never expected this Tuanzi to have such an extraordinary talent. A four-year-old child managed to paralyse the entirepany¡¯swork. This was simply like a story from a fantasy world. This aroused Gu Qichen¡¯s suspicions even more about the girl¡¯s identity and background. This child has a rare narcolepsy condition, but when she¡¯s awake, she¡¯s a cyber genius. On top of that, there are those always calm and undisturbed eyes. It¡¯s hard to believe that this is the intellect of a four-year-old. Gu Qichen approached, ¡°Have you contacted your mother? When will she pick you up?¡± Gu Qichen knew this child was only awake for about four hours. He had to take her back home now, otherwise, it would be dyed for another day. Gu Qichen also really wanted to meet this child¡¯s parents. Tuanzi replied, ¡°My mom is busy, Xiao Wu will pick me upter.¡± Upon hearing the name Xiao Wu, Ah K¡¯s eyes instantly lit up He quickly sat down next to Tuanzi, ¡°So Xiao Wu is your mentor? What¡¯s his background? Could you introduce us? Tell him I want to be his apprentice. You would be my junior disciple, how about that?¡± Tuanzi corrected, ¡°If you really want to apprentice under Xiao Wu, then you should be my junior disciple.¡± Ah K waved exaggeratedly, and said in a hearty way, ¡°I can be your disciple too. But who on earth is your mentor, and why is he so amazing?¡± ¡°Ah K, stop fooling around,¡± Gu Qichen intervened to stop Ah K¡¯s chatter.
The location where Xiao Wu picked Tuanzi was still at Pearl Square. This time, Gu Qichen personally drove there. But Ah K insisted on going along. By the time they arrived, the person picking up Tuanzi had already arrived.
Next to a ck jeep at Pearl Square was a teenager dressed all in ck. The teenager¡¯s attire was very bizarre ¨C ck casual wear, ck sweatpants, ck sneakers. He was even wearing a ck hat, a face mask, and sunsses. He¡¯s fully geared up. And it seems he exudes a gloomy aura, standing there without moving, as if he could be invisible. Ah K asked, ¡°So that¡¯s your mentor? He looks quite young.¡± ¡°Xiao Wu is 19 this year.¡± Ah K was utterly floored. Today, he was well and truly brought down to earth. Tuanzi walked towards Xiao Wu, holding his hand, and turned around, ¡°Uncle, thank you for this time. I hope we can meet again in the future.¡± Xiao Wu, however, directly carried Tuanzi into the car. Without even a greeting, he nned to leave. Seeing no opportunity to be apprenticed, Ah K directly grabbed the hand of the teenager in ck, ¡°Hey, why are you silent? You can¡¯t just leave like this. I have a lot to ask you.¡± The teenager seemed to be very repulsed, and forcefully pushed Ah K away.
He then quickly got into the car and shut the door. Tuanzi exined from the side, ¡°Xiao Wu is mute, uncle, don¡¯t mind.¡± Chapter 507: 508: Cant Even Touch, Not Like its a Woman Chapter 507: Chapter 508: Can¡¯t Even Touch, Not Like it¡¯s a Woman Ah K was shocked. The genius who could defeat him couldn¡¯t speak. Even as his shock persisted, Xiao Wu had already started the car. Gu Qichen stepped forward. He handed out a business card: ¡°Could you please hand this card over to the child¡¯s parent and ask her to contact me when she has the time? I know some top experts who might be able to help with Summer¡¯s hypersomnia.¡± Xiao Wu didn¡¯t even look at Gu Qichen, took the card directly, and then closed the window. The car roared off. Ah K gritted his teeth and said: ¡°That damn kid was exceedingly rude. Considering his attire, he¡¯s likely a shut-in suffering from social anxiety. It was just a slight collision. Why overreact so much? It¡¯s not like he¡¯s a woman.¡± Gu Qichen nced at him: ¡°And yet, you want him to be your master?¡± After Xia Ye got in the car, he turned to ask: ¡°Why didn¡¯t my mother pick me up?¡±
Xiao Wu replied: ¡°She¡¯s not feeling well.¡± Xiao Wu could indeed speak. But she only spoke to her family. She could not utter a single word to anyone else outside. With her severe social anxiety, she seldom left home, maybe less than twenty times a year. However, ever since she started living with Xia Yangyang, Xia Yangyang was always figuring out ways to get Xiao Wu out into the world. The old Xiao Wu used to shake all over whenever she left her sealed-off little dark room, unable to live like normal people. But now, although she still disdained social interactions and was afraid of the light, unable to speak to others, At least, she could move around like a normal person. Xiao Wu took Xia Ye to a vineyard in the suburbs. It was one of Master Gao¡¯s businesses here. Everyone had gathered here in these few days. Xiao Zhan had also just arrived. When everyone saw Xia Yeing back, they gathered around him. Phoenix immediately picked up Xia Ye: ¡°My handsome boy, do you know how worried your godmother is for you?¡± Li Zhiqian walked over: ¡°With Summer¡¯s intelligence, no matter what situation she encounters, she can handle it. What¡¯s there to worry about?¡± Xiao Zhan came over. Xia Ye called out: ¡°Uncle.¡± Xiao Zhan clenched his fist and bumped it lightly against Xia Ye¡¯s little fist: ¡°Indeed, you didn¡¯t disappoint me.¡±
Ah Shui also ran over: ¡°It¡¯s all my fault. I got held up that day. If I had picked up Summer, none of this would have happened. Regardless of whether it was the Interpol or the space police, I¡¯d have been able to lose them all.¡± Everyone was surrounding Xia Ye. Master Gao slowly came down from the second floor. He was wearing a ck Zhongshan suit, a light smile on his face.
Xia Ye yelled to him: ¡°Grandpa.¡± Master Gao walked over to Phoenix, took Xia Ye from her hands, and with a casual air said, ¡°What are all of you worrying about for nothing? If my grandson Gao Huizhi couldn¡¯t handle such a small matter, how could he be considered a person I¡¯ve brought up?¡± Everyone looked at Master Gao, calm and unruffled, as though he expected all of this. They collectively rolled their eyes. Everyone knew who was the one who couldn¡¯t eat, drink, or sleep out of worry on the night Xia Ye disappeared¡­ Xia Ye looked around but didn¡¯t see Xia Yangyang. He asked aloud: ¡°Where¡¯s my mother, is she sick?¡± Everyone exchanged nces when he asked this. Since thest time Xia Yangyang went to pick up Xia Ye but returned empty-handed inexplicably, she had been locking herself in her room to sleep. No one knew what had happened, but they felt something was very wrong. Chapter 508: 509: Suppressed Feelings Chapter 508: Chapter 509: Suppressed Feelings Master Gao¡¯s face also turned a bit severe, ¡°I¡¯m taking you to see your mom.¡± Master Gao carried Xia Ye upstairs. A group of people gathered together behind them. Ah Shui spoke curiously, ¡°Xia Ye is back today, and Yangyang doesn¡¯t seem to care, but she worried so much before. After thest visit, she seemed troubled, but she seems quite trustful of Xia Ye.¡± Phoenix raised a brow, ¡°When Yangyang came back that day, she seemed deeply upset, almost like she just had a heartbreak.¡± Ah Shui pursed his lips, ¡°That¡¯s a bit far-fetched. Without a man, how could she have a broken heart? All these years, Yangyang¡¯s devoted herself to her work and treating summer¡¯s disease. She had no spare time¡­ But, could it be that Doctor Gu has a girlfriend now?¡± In people¡¯s eyes, the man Yangyang has been in contact with the most in the past few years is either her brother, Li Zhiqian, or Doctor Gu. Doctor Gu has spared no efforts for Yangyang and spent countless hours treating Xia Ye¡¯s illness.¡± Everyone noticed that all these years, Doctor Gu has had no girlfriend. And every time Doctor Gu looked at Yangyang, it felt like he had unspoken feelings for her. Phoenix has gleaned this information many times.
But Xia Yangyang always seemed chilly towards Doctor Gu. Li Zhiqian spoke slowly, ¡°You all seem to have forgotten the rtionship between Xiao Ye and Doctor Gu.¡± At this prompt, everyone suddenly realized. Yangyang used to be a famous young actress in China. Her ex-husband was the well-known business talent, Gu Qichen. Doctor Gu is Gu Qichen¡¯s nephew. Of course, this isplicated. Some even said that Doctor Gu was his younger brother. In short, Yangyang has experienced a lot in her short twenty-plus years of life. Phoenix said to Li Zhiqian, ¡°You spend the most time with Yangyang, so you should be the one tofort her.¡± Li Zhiqian nodded, ¡°I will.¡± Master Gao carried Xia Ye upstairs and put him down in front of Xia Yangyang¡¯s room. ¡°You go in, your mom is currently upset, you need tofort her.¡± Master Gao probably guessed why Xia Yangyang was acting this way. She was like this only when she had initially left for abroad. The world was so big, he had painstakingly severed all her ties to the past. Now everything seemed to being back around. Is fate really so inescapable? Xia Ye tiptoed to open the door and then went inside. Xia Yangyang was indeed in the room.
She was just sitting on the bed, staring. In front of her was an enormous floor-to-ceiling ss window. Outside the window was arge vineyard. It was currently the peak of summer.
All that met the eyes was a sea of green. It was very pleasing to the eye. ¡°Mom.¡± Xia Ye called out. Xia Yangyang had been lost in thought. Her son¡¯s voice brought her back to reality. Xia Yangyang turned around. She saw Xia Ye walking over. She quickly stood up, walked over, and hugged Xia Ye, ¡°You¡¯re back, mom was really worried about you.¡± ¡°Mom, you don¡¯t need to worry about me. You know I can handle anything.¡± It¡¯s true, her son is smart and clever, and also has a natural, calm demeanor. He also understands his body and his illness very well. Xia Yangyang has never treated him like a four-year-old child but more like a friend. Sometimes, Xia Yangyang even felt like she relied on her son more.
Xia Yangyang feared nothing more than losing him¡­ If Gu Qichen were to find out about his existence¡­ Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t dare to think about it. Chapter 509: 510: Protecting You for a Lifetime Chapter 509: Chapter 510: Protecting You for a Lifetime But they had unexpectedly already met. Out of the billions of people in the world. Why would Xia Ye choose Gu Qichen at first nce? Xia Yangyang always felt this was destined. Destined for them, the father and son, to meet. ¡°Mom, what¡¯s wrong? Are you sick?¡± After Xia Ye finished speaking, he ced his little hand on Xia Yangyang¡¯s forehead. Xia Yangyang managed to force a smile: ¡°I¡¯m fine, it¡¯s good that you¡¯re back.¡± Everyone ate dinner together. Not long after, Xia Ye began to sleep.
After cing Xia Ye in bed, Xia Yangyang went to Gao Huizhi¡¯s study. These years, Gao Huizhi had been living in China. Most of his time was spent gardening and asionally running a noodle shop to pass the time. After Xia Yangyang came to the United States. She did not often interact with him in her daily life. But the old man loved children and was particrly fond of Xia Ye. So, every year, Xia Yangyang would let Xia Ye go back to China to be with Master Gao for a while. Xia Yangyang stopped at the door of the study. The study door was ajar. Xia Yangyang symbolically knocked a few times. Master Gao was practicing his calligraphy. When he looked up, he saw Xia Yangyang standing at the door. ¡°Girl, do you need something?¡± Xia Yangyang walked in: ¡°Godfather, there¡¯s something I want to ask you.¡± Master Gao put down his brush, ¡°Just tell me directly, why are you being polite with me?¡± Xia Yangyang got straight to the point, ¡°I want you to take Xia Ye back to China and let her stay with you there for a while.¡± Master Gao responded, ¡°I¡¯d be more than happy to, but tell me, are you in some kind of trouble?¡± When it came to Xia Yangyang¡¯s private life. Master Gao never interfered.
Even though he took her away back then, he never questioned her about her affairs. Although Xia Yangyang acknowledged him as her godfather. It was hard to imagine him being the ruler of the Night Empire. Because Master Gao never let any aspect of that world seep into her life.
Their ordinary meetings were like those with any other elder. This was the first time he asked about her situation. Xia Yangyang shook her head, ¡°Godfather, I can handle my own affairs.¡± Gao Huizhi nodded, ¡°A lot of things, especially matters of the heart, can only be resolved by oneself. No matter what decision you make, don¡¯t regret it once you set forth. If there¡¯s anything you can¡¯t solve,e find me. I¡¯ve always said I would protect you and Xiao Ye¡¯s wellbeing in this lifetime.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes welled up with tears. Her godfather had treated her like his own daughter. Theck of a father¡¯s love from all these years seemed to bepensated at once by him. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t even imagine. What would her life be like without her godfather? Xia Ye was taken away by Gao Huizhi. Xia Yangyang finally felt a little relieved. Her intention was to prevent any further contact between Gu Qichen and Xia Ye. Gu Qichen was in the United States, even in Manhattan.
Xia Yangyang felt uneasy. asionally standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling windows of her apartment, looking at the brilliant city lights. Xia Yangyang always remembered Gu Qichen¡¯s face in the dusk of that evening. He hadn¡¯t changed at all. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how many days Gu Qichen would stay in the United States. But the city was so vast. Xia Yangyang never ran into Gu Qichen again. Life calmed down. Xia Yangyang treated meeting Gu Qichen as just a minor episode. Like a stone thrown into the water, creating ripples, but eventually everything returns to calm. They were two straight paths moving in different directions. Even if their paths crossed asionally, they returned to their own trajectories in an instant.
Chapter 510: 511: Theres Something Fishy about Mothers Past Chapter 510: Chapter 511: There¡¯s Something Fishy about Mother¡¯s Past Xia Yangyang went to work as usual every day. She had been extremely busy recently. Thepany had set up a news agency called NEWS in her home country and wanted her to take up the post of head. Xia Yangyang had refused for several months. But today, the boss had spoken with her for half a day. For the time being, Xia Yangyang did not want to go back to her home country. One reason was Xia Ye¡¯s health condition that required regr treatment. Secondly, it was not the right time yet. She knew one day she would return to that ce. There were some unfinished matters and duties that she needed toplete.
All these years, the reason why Xia Yangyang worked at America¡¯s biggest news corporation was part private motivations. For four years, she had never stopped investigating the charity fraud case involving her mother. Thinking about it now, many things back then were yet to be revealed. Xia Yangyang began to re-investigate because during her time at the news agency, she inadvertently ran into Zhao Xin. Twenty years ago, Zhao Xin had been an actor in the entertainment industry, but she was not famous and didn¡¯t had any well-known works. Sheter married a wealthy American and has been living in the United States ever since. Xia Yangyang only heard about Zhao Xin when she was filming ¡°Future¡± from Director Zhang Jizhong. She didn¡¯t care much about it at the time. But Xia Yangyang did remember that Zhao Xin was a graduate from the August 1 Film Studio and was in the same batch as her mother. Xia Yangyang got in touch with Zhao Xin unknowingly during an interview, who is now a bigwig behind the scenes in the industry. She asked her about some old affairs. Zhao Xin used to share a dormitory with her mother and Gu Mingzhu. They were on very good terms with her mother. Even though Zhao Xin moved to Americater on, it did not affect their friendship. Therefore, she had a substantial understanding of the rtionship between her and Gu Mingzhu. She had also heard a fair bit about their falling out and the subsequent charity fraud scandal. Zhao Xin said that her mother once drunkly confided in her about the charity fraud case. Tan Zhen had said that she had no choice as it was Xia Liangdong¡¯s mistake. She had to bear it for him as she owed him. At the time, Zhao Xin didn¡¯t understand what Tan Zhen meant. But she did mention Xia Liangdong a lot, asionally mentioning the name Liu Ruyan. However, she never said anything rted to Gu Mingzhu.
Zhao Xin was simply stating the facts. ording to what she said, so many years had passed since the incident, so her memory was not very clear. But all that information had raised doubts in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. Why did her mother always say that she was taking me for her father?
What was the connection with her father if her mother had known that it was a trap set up by Gu Mingzhu? Liu Ruyan had insisted that she had nothing to do with the whole matter, iming that she did not fully understand the situation. But why would her mother mention Liu Ruyan¡¯s name when she was drunk? Xia Yangyang felt that there was still something hidden in all this. Besides, there was also the corruption case involved at the time. Xia Yangyang was determined to thoroughly investigate this matter. Her only desire right now was to expose the truth to the world and clear her mother¡¯s name. Meanwhile, Xia Yangyang had been able to find some leads. It was alleged that her mother had bribed government officials with more than five million dors. The scandal was exposedter on, which led to the downfall and imprisonment of the two officials. As it involved various major corruption cases. The two individuals were sentenced to eighteen years of imprisonment. One of themmitted suicide before being jailed.
The other one has been in prison for fifteen years. Now he was kept in Qinshan Jail, the highest security prison in Beijing. However, ording to the information obtained by hacking the system, he had behaved well in jail, his sentence was reduced by three years and he had just been released. Chapter 511: 512: Have You Heard Any News About That Child? Chapter 511: Chapter 512: Have You Heard Any News About That Child? In the evening, Xia Yangyang had just returned home. Xiaowu had handed her a bundle of documents. ¡°Here, the documents you requested.¡± Xiaowu always kept her words to a minimum, rarely saying two words where one would suffice. Of course, this was rted to her disinclination to speak over the years. The way she was now represented a significant improvement. After all, it took a whole year for Xia Yangyang to coax her into uttering her first words. Xia Yangyang sifted through the documents Xiaowu handed to her. They were information about the fallen official Ma Jianguo. From his Identity card details, phone number, home address to his family members.
Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect Xiaowu to gather the information so quickly. It was time to take some action for certain matters. Working diligently for so long, Xia Yangyang had rarely taken leave apart from the time span during Xia Ye¡¯s birth. However, this time, she had applied for a month-long leave from thepany. She intended to return to her home country. She had to rify certain matters as soon as possible and put an end to them. Meanwhile, Gu Qichen had been in Manhattan for half a month. Since he saw that side nce that day, he hadn¡¯t encountered that person again. As time passed, the face¡¯s image in Gu Qichen¡¯s mind had be increasingly blurred. The more he desperately tried to remember the face¡¯s features, the more he realized he was not certain of any of it. Fang Zhengdong also noticed their boss¡¯s strange behavior these past few days. All the work in the United States had long been wlessly resolved. However, back home, a heap of important matters needed attention. There were a few crucial meetings that required his decision. Yet, the boss stayed here and refused to return. Strangely, he drove out every day to roam about aimlessly. He had driven back and forth dozens of times at the same street junction. Fang Zhengdong couldn¡¯t understand what the boss was thinking.
When Fang Zhengdong walked in, he found the boss staring nkly at his desk. The boss did not even notice his arrival. ¡°Boss,¡± Fang Zhengdong said. Only then did Gu Qichene back to his senses.
He looked up at Fang Zhengdong and asked, ¡°Have you heard any news about that child?¡± In the past few days, the boss had been trying to find out information about Tuazi. It was rare to see the boss taking such a keen interest. It was evident that Tuazi had narcolepsy. The boss had left him a business card, but Tuazi¡¯s parents had never contacted him afterward. Although they only had a casual encounter, one could tell that the boss had taken a liking to Tuazi. Fang Zhengdong knew Gu Zhaohan was a neurology expert, probably the boss wanted to refer Tuazi to him for treatment. However, Tuazi¡¯s parents had never contacted him. Thus, the boss asked him to find out some details. Fang Zhengdong shook his head, ¡°There are over eight thousand Chinese people named Summer in Manhattan. After filtering through each one of them, we still didn¡¯t find any information about the child.¡± Gu Qichen frowned, ¡°Even Ah K couldn¡¯t find any information about the child?¡± ¡°Director Ah K has already done his best. He seems even more interested in the childpared to you, but he hasn¡¯t discovered any useful information. Another possibility is, the child might not have American citizenship.¡± Gu Qichen had also considered this possibility.
He stayed silent for a long while. Fang Zhengdong asked, ¡°Boss, should I continue looking?¡± Gu Qichen sighed, ¡°Nevermind, it¡¯s just a child I happened to meet.¡± Fang Zhengdong let out a sigh of relief. The boss always gives him such difficult tasks. Although he was just a secretary, he was almost coerced into bing a private detective. After reporting on work, Fang Zhengdong finally said, ¡°Boss, the old man called today to ask when you will being back.¡± Gu Qichen frowned even deeper. Chapter 512: 513: He is as hard as iron on the outside, but rotten inside. Chapter 512: Chapter 513: He is as hard as iron on the outside, but rotten inside. These past few days, he¡¯d wasted a lot of time chasing after that elusive nce. He¡¯d let a lot of things slide. It felt as if his heart was floating outside of his body. Every day, he¡¯d stand at that intersection. Always hoping that maybe she would pass by again. Maybe that was her regr route. Every day, he¡¯d watch countless carse and go. But he never caught sight of that face again. For four years, the trivial hope that took root in his heart gradually faded under the weight of disappointment and frustration. Maybe that person was not Xia Yangyang at all.
Just someone who looked simr, or perhaps he was mistaken from the beginning. Gu Qichen pinched the bridge his nose, feeling a headacheing on. ¡°Book a flight for me. I¡¯ll return home tomorrow,¡± he said. Fang Zhengdong seemed slightly surprised but simply replied, ¡°Alright.¡± Ever since catching a glimpse of that profile, Gu Qichen felt every cell in his body screaming. All the suppressed emotions had erupted in an instant. For many years, his desperate search for that woman morphed into a near-pathological obsession. Finding her became the most critical part of his life. The umted years of disappointment and pain were overwhelming. He wished he could find that woman and strangle her. He couldn¡¯t distinguish whether his feelings for her were love or hatred. Memories of the past cut him like a knife, day and night, from an unbearable pain to a gradual numbness. But, they could resurface at any moment. Gu Qichen had had enough. However, he couldn¡¯t shake off these emotions. This was the only thing in his life he couldn¡¯t control. He had once been on the brink of copse. In his most painful moments, he felt like he¡¯d been thrown into a scorching hot frying pan, repeatedly tormented, dehydrated, externally tough like iron, but internally rotting away. Even a small twig could instantly shatter him. During those gradually despairing days, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t know how he¡¯d survived.
Perhaps he hadn¡¯t survived at all. Maybe he had just grown ustomed to the pain. Gu Qichen¡¯s fingers clenched tightly. Xia Yangyang, you¡¯d better hope I don¡¯t find you. Otherwise, I won¡¯t spare you!
It seemed like Xia Yangyang caught a cold. She kept sneezing as she was packing her luggage. Li Zhiqian came over that evening and was preparing noodles in the kitchen. Master Gao loved operating a noodle shop. No one knew how many branches of ¡°Gao¡¯s Noodle House¡± he¡¯d opened nationwide. However, these noodle shops were rarely open for business. He never asked for help. Wherever he was, that¡¯s where he¡¯d open shop. Li Zhiqian was in charge of all of Master Gao¡¯s legal and underground businesses. So, he had the most interaction with him. Though he couldn¡¯t cook anything else, he had learned Master Gao¡¯s noodle-making technique. A bowl of beef noodles made by him could easily outshine those of Michelin-starred restaurants. After preparing dinner for the three of them, Li Zhiqian first called over ¡°Xiao Wu¡± before heading to Xia Yangyang¡¯s room.
Xia Yangyang was still sneezing continuously. Li Zhiqian chuckled: ¡°It seems someone is missing Qi Mei.¡± Xia Yangyang replied: ¡°Funny, second brother, I feel like someone is cursing me behind my back.¡± Li Zhiqian walked over: ¡°Are you done packing? If you¡¯re done, I¡¯ll put your luggage in my carter and pick you up tomorrow morning¡± Xia Yangyang nodded. Li Zhiqian was also nning to return home tomorrow, so they would go together. Chapter 513: 514: Four Years Later, He and She Meet at the Airport Chapter 513: Chapter 514: Four Years Later, He and She Meet at the Airport During dinner, Li Zhiqian asked, ¡°Where will you be staying when you go back this time? Do you need me to help you find a ce?¡± Xia Yangyang smiled, ¡°No need, don¡¯t forget, I am returning to Feng City this time, I still have a home there.¡± The old Xia Family residence was retained by Xia Yangyang all those years ago. Yet, given Xia Yangyang¡¯s abrupt disappearance back in the day, who knows what the current state of the old Xia Family residence may be. Her return home this time is indeed for two matters. The first task is to locate Ma Jianguo, who just got out of jail. The second matter is to try and persuade her grandmother to move to the United States with her. For Xia Yangyang, her grandmother is the rtive she is most concerned about in this world. All these years that Xia Yangyang has been residing in the United States, her grandmother has continued to live in the countryside. However, Master Gao still sends someone to check on her grandmother every month, and to bring her news about Xia Yangyang.
For her grandmother, Xia Yangyang has always been feeling guilty. She has constantly been persuading her grandmother to go to the United States with her. However, her grandmother has steadfastly refused. Previously, her grandmother had always been in good health. But not too long ago, word came that her grandmother had taken a tumble in the fields, though it was only some minor external injuries. Yet, it has finally made Xia Yangyang realize something. Her grandmother is getting old. She needs someone to take care of her. This time, no matter what, she was determined to persuade her grandmother to live with her. The ne was scheduled for nine o¡¯clock, New York time. The dozen or so hours of travel were absolutely draining. When they arrived at Feng City International Airport, it was just midday local time. After they disembarked the ne, Li Zhiqian said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°I¡¯ll go get the luggage, you just wait for me in the terminal.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded. Xia Yangyang certainly didn¡¯t expect to run into Gu Qichen at the airport. It was as if fate was ying a colossal joke on her. As Xia Yangyang was turning around, that man was looking straight at her. He stood perfectly still over there, not too close yet not too far away, like a statue. They made eye contact, as if from a distance of four years, looking at each other through a temporal divide.
Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t really describe how she felt at that moment. In this enormous world, humans are like ants. And yet, in less than half a month¡¯s time, Xia Yangyang had surprisingly run into this man twice. Lost in this greater narrative, Xia Yangyang felt as though she had lost all control.
It appeared that fate had intended them to meet again after four years. And this time, Xia Yangyang had no luck ¡ª she couldn¡¯t avoid Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze. Time seemed toe to aplete standstill. People milled around, but Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t feel the passage of time at all. The two of them stood as though at the opposite ends of time. It felt as if it were merely an illusion. Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t expected that after looking for her for so long and scouring that path countless times, he¡¯s finally see that familiar face at the airport on his way back home. And this time, Gu Qichen saw it clearly as day. If this woman isn¡¯t Xia Yangyang, then who is she? Though her skin was tanned, her hair short, and she appeared to have slimmed down significantly. However, Gu Qichen recognized her immediately; that woman was Xia Yangyang. She stood there, looking nonchntly at her phone. She was actually back in the country!
Gu Qichen felt his numb heart begin to throb painfully. It felt as if the tip of his heart was trembling. His world was suddenly caught in a storm. The howling wind seemed to want to annihte everything. Despite the major upheaval he was experiencing internally, Gu Qichen¡¯s face remained expressionless. Apart from his increasingly deep eyes, his expression remained unaltered. Compared to Xia Yangyang¡¯s undisguised surprise on her face, Gu Qichen was more like looking at a stranger. Chapter 514: 515: Mr. Gu, Long Time No See... Chapter 514: Chapter 515: Mr. Gu, Long Time No See¡­ Thank goodness for their earlier encounter. The tsunami in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart had already subsided. She quickly regained herposure. It has been four years, what¡¯s the big deal even if they met again? As long as she kept that secret well. They were originally two unrted strangers. Perhaps, four years¡¯ time had already smoothed everything out. It was unknown whether Gu Qichen remembered her, his ex-wife, in his heart. Since fate has brought them together, no matter how much she tried to escape, she couldn¡¯t. Then she might as well face it calmly.
Gu Qichen was not a man-eating tiger, there was no need for her to be afraid. When she first arrived at thepany, she met a senior colleague who left a deep impression on her with his words: ¡°If running away from something won¡¯t help, then face it head-on. You will find that when you take the first step, half of the problem is already solved.¡± Xia Yangyang took her first step. She walked towards Gu Qichen¡¯s direction. Gu Qichen¡¯s face appeared in Xia Yangyang¡¯s sight, bing clearer and clearer. This man was still as stunning and aloof as before, exuding a cold demeanor that warned ¡°strangers stay away¡±. However, his face hadn¡¯t changed at all in the past four years. His lifestyle habits were still as meticulous and rigorous as before. He was wearing a white shirt with a suit jacket draped over his arm, one hand in his trouser pocket, high and aloof, yetpelling enough to make people take a second look. A man like that could catch the eye no matter where he was. And on the other side, Gu Qichen watched Xia Yangyang taking steps towards him. Each step seemed to tread upon his heart. For the first time, Gu Qi Chen felt so weak. The heart in his chest was thumping wildly, almost about to leap out. The hands in his trouser pockets slowly clenched into fists. For the first time, he had to control his emotions like this to avoid losing control. But that woman. She was actually smiling, the grin at the corner of her mouth was hard to ignore. He admitted, Xia Yangyang was still as beautiful as she was four years ago.
Her wheat-colored skin and neat short hair made her shed her youthful air. Her clothing was casual and simple, yet she exuded an intelligent and mature charm. But Gu Qichen had to admit. The smile on Xia Yangyang¡¯s lips was indeed piercing him¡­
Xia Yangyang stopped at a distance of one meter from Gu Qichen. Her lips slightly parted, her voice crisp and pleasant: ¡°What a coincidence, Mr. Gu, long time no see.¡± Those wordsnded in Gu Qichen¡¯s ears, exploding like a bomb. He hadn¡¯t heard Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice for four years. But in fact, he heard it every day. He had watched the movie ¡°Future¡±, starring Xia Yangyang, countless times. He knew that in the movie, Xia Yangyang had a total of 678 lines, each one of them, including her expressions when she spoke, he remembered clearly. Because he watched it so many times, there was a period when Gu Qichen¡¯s mind was full of her image. Her smiles and signs, movements were uncontrobly, wildly repeating in his mind. Gu Qichen wanted to delete those memories. So he deleted that movie countless times. But in the quiet of the night, he couldn¡¯t resist opening the recycle bin and retrieved the movie. Quietly watching it again¡­
Chapter 515: 516: Gu Qichen is her inner demon Chapter 515: Chapter 516: Gu Qichen is her inner demon Gu Qichen finally gave up amidst day after day ofpromise and struggle. Like an addict who has ultimately failed andpletely surrendered, he fell to rock bottom. Xia Yangyang was his poppy flower. Stimting his nerves day by day and destroying his willpower. Shepletely obliterated his inner world. And she just stood there, saying casually, ¡°Long time no see.¡± As if they were ordinary friends. It¡¯s been a long time indeed. Four years, five months, and twenty-three days! Gu Qichen had thought about what he would do if he saw Xia Yangyang again.
At that time, he thought he must strangle this woman. Ask her harshly, why she was so cruel. Why did she make him in such agony, plunging into hell, unable to rise ever again. But at this moment, Gu Qichen suddenly realized. It turned out he was the only one in pain, the only one suffering in hell. All of this seemed meaningless to Xia Yangyang. She can still smile so brilliantly. She still lives under the sun, full of vitality, carefree and innocent. Yet, his heart was already covered in moss. Gu Qichen remained silent. Just staring at Xia Yangyang. He couldn¡¯t casually say ¡°long time no see¡±. He couldn¡¯t chat casually with this woman who had vanished for four years. Xia Yangyang felt a bit awkward. Because the look in Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes was sharp and icy like a cold iron dagger, the sharp de glistening with a chilling light. To break the awkwardness, Xia Yangyang asked again, ¡°Are you okay? You look the same as you did four years ago.¡± Every word Xia Yangyang said now felt like it took a lot of courage. Talking to Gu Qichen was too difficult. His icy aura made her feel as if she was in a freezing cer.
Maybe she should turn around and run. But a stubborn streak deep in her heart stopped her from doing so. Xia Yangyang, Gu Qichen is your inner demon! If you arepletely defeated by him the first time.
Then this man will be your shackles for life. So, now Xia Yangyang is standing in front of Gu Qichen, trying her best to maintain a casual smile. Every word she spoke, for her, was a battle. But Gu Qichen still didn¡¯t respond. His gaze grew even colder. Xia Yangyang merely kept a faint smile, her expression calm. Finally, Gu Qichen spoke: ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± The smile on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face finally froze. Could it be that Gu Qichen has forgotten her? Could four years erase herpletely from his memory? When she wasing towards Gu Qichen just now. She thought about how he would react. Gu Qichen was from a noble family and always had a hint of gentlemanly restraint.
Even if he was just putting on an act, Xia Yangyang thought that Gu Qichen would exchange a few pleasantries with her. Then they would part ways, each harboring their own thoughts. But what Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect was that Gu Qichen would coldly utter: ¡°Who¡¯s that?¡± Had he truly forgotten her? Or was it that her past was no longer worth mentioning, and they didn¡¯t even need to greet each other anymore? In fact, Xia Yangyang should be happy. Because this was the best oue, letting go of each other, no more entanglement. After all, she had spent so much effort avoiding him for four years. It turned out that Gu Qichen had forgotten her long ago. Xia Yangyang really wanted tough out loud. She unintentionally burst outughing, ¡°Sorry, I¡¯ve disturbed you.¡± Xia Yangyang was about to turn around. Li Zhiqian, however,es over with the luggage: ¡°Yangyang, is this your friend?¡±
Chapter 516: 517: Her Pain is Just One Ten Thousandth of His Chapter 516: Chapter 517: Her Pain is Just One Ten Thousandth of His Xia Yangyang was taken aback. Because Li Zhiqian usually calls her ¡®Qi Mei¡¯. Today, surprisingly, he called her by her name. Xia Yangyang quickly said, ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just mistook someone else for you, let¡¯s go.¡± Li Zhiqian smiled, he was as humble as jade. His voice was as gentle as water: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Xia Yangyang turned around and left with Li Zhiqian. She had hardly taken a few steps when Xia Yangyang felt her legs go weak. It really took all her courage to face Gu Qichen. From the moment she saw Gu Qichen, she felt like a tightly strung bowstring.
Every step she willingly took towards him tightened that string a little more. Thankfully, she had been an actress four years ago. This time she might have delivered her best performance. But when Gu Qichen spat out those two icy words. Xia Yangyang admitted, she really couldn¡¯t act anymore. No matter how skilled she was, she was still outmatched by Gu Qichen. In a battle, she could prepare troops and horses but Gu Qichen killed her instantly with just two words. If it wasn¡¯t for Li Zhiqian¡¯s timely appearance, Xia Yangyang felt she really couldn¡¯t continue to act. After turning around, Xia Yangyang felt that her taut bowstring had finally snapped. She was shaking all over. Her hands and feet were icy cold, almost devoid of any strength. She didn¡¯t even have the strength to walk forward. After walking a few steps, her legs were so weak she had to rely on a luggage cart. Li Zhiqian noticed it right away. After Xia Yangyang saw that man, she seemed to have lost her soul. He noticed that her legs were subtly trembling, as if she could no longer walk. Li Zhiqian reached out and held Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm directly: ¡°Hold on, he¡¯s still watching you.¡± Li Zhiquan¡¯s words reminded Xia Yangyang. Indeed, she had just walked less than ten meters.
Gu Qichen was still watching her. No matter if Gu Qichen had genuinely forgotten her or intentionally kept a distance, breaking off rtions with her. Xia Yangyang could not break down now. She could not break down in front of Gu Qichen.
So Xia Yangyang summoned all her strength to pull herself together. With Li Zhiqian¡¯s support, she took one step at a time forward. Xia Yangyang faintly felt Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze on her, it was like a thorn in her back. From the moment Gu Qichen saw Xia Yangyang. His gaze indeed never again left her. Just now, Xia Yangyang had exchanged pleasantries with him. He rejected her coldly. He didn¡¯t ept her smile, didn¡¯t ept her overtures He didn¡¯t ept Xia Yangyang¡¯s attempt to define their rtionship as a casual one either. Could they, indeed smile and nod as friends? What does this woman want to do? On seeing him she immediately wanted to rify things, unterally defining their rtionship? No, he did not ept, absolutely would not ept!
So, he coldly spit out those two words. He wanted Xia Yangyang to know, their rtionship could never be extricated. Four years¡¯ time, what she owed him, she can¡¯t justugh it off so easily when they meet again! On seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s face freeze bit by bit, Gu Qichen admitted he felt quite satisfied! He wanted this woman to suffer, wanted her to know how he had lived through all these years. What she experienced, was but a fraction of what he had endured all these years. But, who was that man who suddenly appeared? He called her Yangyang! He actually called her Yangyang!! Who allowed him to call her that? Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze fell on the two figures retreating. At this moment, that man held Xia Yangyang¡¯s body. And Xia Yangyang¡¯s body was naturally leaning against him. If it wasn¡¯t for¡­
A sudden unprecedented feeling of fear surged in Gu Qichen¡¯s heart¡­ Chapter 517: Picture No. 518: That woman is his only weakness Chapter 517: Picture No. 518: That woman is his only weakness Over the years, Gu Qichen had envisioned many oues. He had imagined Xia Yangyang escaping from his world, hiding somewhere. He had also thought about whether Xia Yangyang had given birth to their child in silence, struggling to single-handedly raise the child just like in countless melodramatic TV dramas. However, Gu Qichen never thought that she would fall in love with another man, marry him, have his child, and begin a new life of her own. It wasn¡¯t that he hadn¡¯t had such thoughts. Instead, he had been too scared to think such things, always holding on to the sliver of hope that Xia Yangyang wouldn¡¯t forget him. Regardless of the nature of their past rtionship. At least, the experiences they had shared were deeply ingrained in their hearts. How can they be dismissed so easily? How can a new beginning be started without a thought? At least he was living every day and every night submerged in a whirlpool of pain and struggle.
If only she had a sliver of conscience. If she felt even a fraction of the pain he felt, Gu Qichen believed she wouldn¡¯t be with another man. However, at this moment, Gu Qichen realized how horribly wrong he had been. That woman had no heart!! Gu Qichen¡¯s face was terribly gloomy. He felt as though his world was disintegrating, falling apart. The small faint hope that had sustained him all these years was shattered clean in an instant. His world was devoid of sunlight, lifeless, and sunk in darkness. Gu Qichen stood there, motionless. Feeling an indescribable pain in his chest. Each pulse of pain felt like a knife was being plunged into his flesh, the agony nearly unbearable. His fingers were clenched so tightly they could almost shatter. He could almost hear the sound of his bones cracking. Fang Zhengdong, who was not far away, saw all this. He felt as though the world was copsing. He had never seen such a terrifying look on the face of the President in his entire life. His gaze alone was enough to snuff out life. How could he not recognize her? She was Xia Yangyang, the woman the President had been searching for four long years using the informationwork he created.
Xia Yangyang was already divorced from Gu Qichen years ago. Remembering how the President had been during that time, Fang Zhengdong trembled with fear. Almost everyone suffered as a result. The President had been punishing himself ruthlessly, overworking tirelessly, and ceaselessly expanding his territory.
Mourning andmentation filled thepany as everyone was exhausted. But who could be more worn out than the President? One morning, he had witnessed the President coughing up blood in the washroom. Later, at the hospital, it was revealed that it was stomach perforation caused by alcohol. For everyone at Shengyuan, it was a truly bleak time. However, for the President, the sudden disappearance of this woman was nearly a devastating blow. This man, who appeared as unyielding as steel to outsiders and never hesitated in his decisions, had a single weak spot called Xia Yangyang. All these years, he had been sustaining himself on mere hope. Now this woman had suddenly appeared again. Fang Zhengdong thought to himself, at least the President could finally see light at the end of the tunnel. But unfortunately, another man also appeared by her side. That man had an extraordinary aura, although gentle as jade, his gaze through those sses was prating, clear, and sharp. Standing next to the President, he did not fade inparison. Compared to the President¡¯s nearly uncontroble cold emotions, that man was calm and warm.
Surely, this man was a formidable rival! The two had already disappeared from the airport lobby, but the President was still standing there, motionless! Yet, the following second, Fang Zhengdong saw Gu Qichen violently rush out! Chapter 518 - 519: Xia Yangyang, where is the child, where is our child? Chapter 518: Chapter 519: Xia Yangyang, where is the child, where is our child? In the end, Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t control himself. He couldn¡¯t just stand by and watch that woman disappear from his sight again. How long would it be this time? Four years? He can¡¯t wait another four years! When Gu Qichen rushed out, he didn¡¯t see Xia Yangyang. He looked around for her. Eventually, in the parking lot, he saw Xia Yangyang about to get into a car. Gu Qichen sprinted towards her. But the car had already started. Gu Qichen directly leaped over the barriers, ran through the traffic, and finally intercepted the business Mercedes at the exit. Gu Qichen was panting heavily. Both of his hands were resting against the front of the car. He was agile, and the manner in which he was stopping the car with his bare hands was so cool it was enthralling. The spectators around them thought it was some kind of television drama being filmed. Xia Yangyang was also stunned. Because she saw Gu Qichen drop out of nowhere to stop the car in front of him. Was he trying to get himself killed? If not for the quick reaction of the driver, the car might have hit him. The car screeched to a halt. Li Zhiqian was also slightly surprised. He couldn¡¯t believe someone dared to risk his life to stop his car. Gu Qichen looked up. Through the ss, he saw Xia Yangyang¡¯s shocked face. In the next second, Gu Qichen had already opened the car door. Grabbing Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm, he pulled her out of the car. Gu Qichen, holding onto her, started to walk back. Yet, Xia Yangyang found it quite baffling. But the Gu Qichen she knew seemed to be back. The cold anger on him felt like a raging blue me. Icebergs andva collided, as if a boiling wave was surging from deep under the sea floor. Seemingly capable of devouring everything. Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm was hurting from his firm grip. Yet, she didn¡¯t know where Gu Qichen was taking her. Xia Yangyang was momentarily at a loss, everything felt like a return to the past. Time seems to have gone back to four years ago all at once. Seeing Gu Qichen¡¯s cold profile from her perspective, everything felt unreal. Her heart started to ache. Xia Yangyang paused, ¡°Mr. Gu, let go of me.¡± Finally, Gu Qichen also stopped. He turned around, his face was even colder and his eyes were filled with a tumult of emotion. He did not, however, let go of Xia Yangyang, instead, his fingers tightened as if she would disappear once he let go. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t know what to say. Even his sensible mind told himself how foolish his actions were at the moment! But, he was not in the mood for clear-headedness! ¡°Xia Yangyang, where is the child? our child?¡± Gu Qichen finally spoke. The voice, surprisingly, was slightly trembling. The question that had been tormenting him for four years was finally asked directly. Gu Qichen felt like he was standing over a cliff. Either being rescued or falling into a deep abyss, all depended on Xia Yangyang¡¯s next words. He didn¡¯t want to waste time. He had already wasted four years! Gu Qichen gritted his teeth, his eyes fixated on Xia Yangyang like a cheetah, his voice was markedly low and restrained, ¡°Xia Yangyang, what have you done to my child?¡± Xia Yangyang was shocked. A feeling of fear suddenly surged in her heart. She had thought that if she ever encountered Gu Qichen, she would face such a question. However, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect all this toe so quickly! Fortunately, when she encountered Gu Qichen in the United States earlier, she had anticipated such day mighte and had prepared herself. Xia Yangyang seemed calm and collected, she looked back at Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze, and ironically retorted, ¡°Mr. Gu, do you think I would keep a bastard from an enemy¡¯s family?¡± Chapter 519 - 520: That Child, I Never Gave Birth to Chapter 519: Chapter 520: That Child, I Never Gave Birth to When Xia Yangyang said this, it felt like a needle piercing her heart. How could her Xia Ye be a bastard? He is all of her love, her sunshine, her hope, the most beautiful thing she has left in this world. She wished she could give him the whole world. But she had to speak in such a way. Gu Qichen is still the same Gu Qichen from years ago! Xia Yangyang could feel the rage emanating from him. Four years ago, Gu Qichen must have found out. And at that time, she vanished. Xia Yangyang could only imagine the fury Gu Qichen felt back then. His recent indifference wasn¡¯t because he had forgotten her. Rather it was to remind Xia Yangyang that reconciliation wouldn¡¯t be so easy between them. Pieces of the past were being revisited one by one. Xia Yangyang was mentally prepared for this. But she did not expect Gu Qichen to be so hasty. He chased after her, directly dropping a bombshell on her. Xia Yangyang felt as if shrapnel was flying all around her, but she continued to hold everything together. She tried to appear less guilty. If there were any lingering attachments between them, then let them bepletely severed today. She had a lot to do when she came back this time. She didn¡¯t want to waste time on settling old scores. Not to mention, regarding Xia Ye. Xia Yangyang held her ground firmly. In this world, she could lose anything, but she could never lose Xia Ye. If Gu Qichen knew of Xia Ye¡¯s existence, he would definitely fight her for custody. Xia Yangyang absolutely couldn¡¯t let him know. Xia Yangyang¡¯s gaze became more determined than ever. However, Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze gradually darkened. In the end, it was as ck as the deep sea, calmly chilling anyone who looked into his eyes. He seemed to be in disbelief. But his voice was so calm that even he himself felt surprised. He seemed to sneer slightly, ¡°Say it again, what did you do to my child?¡± Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t believe it. Although he had anticipated such a result. This woman was heartless, simply malicious. She dared to harm an innocent little life. That was his child, her child as well. How could she? Gu Qichen felt that if he had a knife in his hand, he probably would have killed this woman. Xia Yangyang, however, spoke calmly and in a pacifying tone, ¡°We both know what happened between us. Your mother drove my mother to suicide and was almost killed herself. I consider it her paying for her crimes, but that does not mean I can forgive her or give up pursuing this matter. I can¡¯t let my mother¡¯s name be tainted after her death. Four years ago, I was powerless against the Gu family, but now that I¡¯m back, I don¡¯t n to avoid you anymore. You¡¯d better prepare yourself. One day, I¡¯ll reveal the truth to everyone. Even if it¡¯s past the statute of limitations, I¡¯ll use public opinion to make the guilty suffer for the rest of their lives.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes turned colder inch by inch, ¡°I don¡¯t want to hear this. I just want to know, what did you do to my child four years ago?¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, it¡¯s been four years and it seems you¡¯ve be quite dull. Wasn¡¯t I clear enough? The grudges between the Gu family and me are not settled, the war between us has just begun. I would never bear the child of the Gu family and let him be a stumbling block to my revenge. Gu Qichen, I did indeed get pregnant identally back then, but I did not carry the child to term.¡± Chapter 520: 521: Gu Qichen Chokes Xia Yangyangs Neck Chapter 520: Chapter 521: Gu Qichen Chokes Xia Yangyang¡¯s Neck Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t restrain himself anymore. For so many years, he dared not even think about it. From ecstasy to endless despair, and then to a tiny spark of hope burning in his heart. No one knew how he had struggled with himself over these years. In times of despair, he had to give himself hope. When filled with hope, he would quickly sink into a quagmire of despair just by bing slightly sober. Back then, he spent every day staring nkly at the pieced ultrasound resulting from the split embryo. That was his child. The joy in his heart was as great as his fear. Heter felt so tortured that he was about to go crazy.
So he put away the diagnostic sheet, never to touch it again. He rarely thought about it. He only spent all his energy on finding Xia Yangyang. Because Gu Qichen knew that as long as he found Xia Yangyang, everything would be clear. However, he would rather live his entire life without knowing the answer. He actually killed her child. He murdered his own child. How could she be so cruel! In the end, Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t control himself. He had really gone mad. The indistinguishable love and hate of the past four years exploded to the extreme at this moment. Her words shattered all his hopes. Gu Qichen had already grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s neck: ¡°Xia Yangyang, you dare to kill my child. You dare to¡­¡± Gu Qichen tightened his fingers. Xia Yangyang felt a momentary loss of breath in an instant. But her gaze fell on Gu Qichen¡¯s face. She only saw his eyes were bloodshot, like a wild beast in frenzy. At that moment, Xia Yangyang was sure that Gu Qichen might really want to kill her. But at this moment, Li Zhiqian came over. Without knowing how, he directly pulled Xia Yangyang into his arms.
Xia Yangyang covered her neck and took a breath. In fact, Gu Qichen had not exerted his full strength. Because Xia Yangyang knew that if Gu Qichen had really exerted all his strength, her neck would have been broken long ago. But Gu Qichen¡¯s intention of killing her was real.
He was so angry, so desperate! This was their first meeting after four years. Xia Yangyang had thought of many possibilities. But she never thought that Gu Qichen could hardly wait to kill her. Li Zhiqian blocked Xia Yangyang in his arms, his clear face couldn¡¯t help but frown. He asked with concern: ¡°Are you okay?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head: ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± On the other side, Gu Qichen indeed took several steps backwards. His wrist ached with pain. This man just directly caught his wrist, exerted force secretly. In just one second, Gu Qichen¡¯s wrist was dislocated. His move was lightning-fast, leaving no clues on the surface. But Gu Qichen could tell from his demeanor that he must have been a soldier, having undergone special training. This method was not something ordinary people could possess.
With a sullen face, Gu Qichen let his hand hang down limply. The pain in his wrist was nothingpared to the heart-wrenching sorrow. But it was this sharp pain that quickly sobered him up. His gaze fell heavily on the man holding Xia Yangyang. He was wearing gold-framed sses, his long Phoenix eyes were cold. But just a seemingly cultured man like him, had such a ruthless skill. Fang Zhengdong also hurried over. Upon seeing Gu Qichen¡¯s hand, he sensed something was wrong. What on earth had happened here. Fang Zhengdong hurriedly ran to Gu Qichen¡¯s side: ¡°President, what¡¯s wrong with your hand?¡± The voice of Li Zhiqian was indeed calm and distant: ¡°Your president¡¯s wrist is dislocated, you¡¯d better get to the hospital now, if you dy it, I can¡¯t guarantee if it can be reconnected.¡± Chapter 521: 522: The President Saw Miss Xia Today Chapter 521: Chapter 522: The President Saw Miss Xia Today Fang Zhengdong was shocked. Someone dared go so far as to dislocate the president¡¯s wrist. And what amazed Fang Zhengdong more was . The perpetrator actually had the audacity. To consider that Gu Qichen had practiced Sanshou for over a decade. Although he doesn¡¯t usually resort to using his fists, it¡¯s not easily achieved to cause him harm. Li Zhiqian said to Xia Yangyang as he held her: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Xia Yangyang got into the car. The car quickly sped away. Gu Qichen just stood there.
He stared for a long time at the vanishing car, rooted to the spot. Fang Zhengdong was panicking so much he was close to sweating: ¡°President, let me take you to the hospital. Rest assured, I¡¯ve memorized the license te. Tomorrow, I will find out everything about Miss Xia and that man.¡± Perhaps this statement had its effect. Finally, Gu Qichen agreed to go to the hospital. They stayed in the hospital for a particrly long time. His wrist had a fracture. The doctors could hardly believe that someone had caused this much injury with bare hands. Gu Qichen¡¯s wrist was put in a cast. From the moment Xia Yangyang and that man left, Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t said a word. The original n for today was to head to Gu Garden. The old man had already made several phone calls. But they didn¡¯t expect to run into such an incident. On the journey back, Fang Zhengdong didn¡¯t dare to utter a word. After parking, Gu Qichen went inside. Gu Mingzhu was back in Sea City unusually today. Just as Gu Qichen entered the door, Gu Mingzhu wasing downstairs. ¡°Ah Chen, you¡¯re back.¡± Gu Qichen simply nodded and said, ¡°Sis, I don¡¯t feel like eating today. Don¡¯t call me for dinner.¡± Then he went upstairs.
Gu Mingzhu felt rather shocked. Fang Zhengdong brought in the luggage. Gu Mingzhu asked what happened. Fang Zhengdong had no choice but to answer truthfully: ¡°Our President saw Miss Xia today.¡±
Upon hearing this, Gu Mingzhu¡¯s face rapidly changed colors. As if a massive shock hit her, she almost fell. Luckily, she leaned on the sofa chair beside her. Fang Zhengdong was familiar with the events of the past. All he knew was that years ago, Miss Xia had revealed the Gu family¡¯s greatest secret, causing Gu Mingzhu to attempt suicide by consuming medicine. Therefore, Fang Zhengdong didn¡¯t dare mention much about Xia Yangyang. This was an internal issue of the Gu family, and as an outsider, it was not his ce to intrude. Therefore, after dropping off the luggage, he left. Gu Mingzhu stood in a daze for a long while. She was back. Xia Yangyang disappeared four years ago, and now she had returned. Actually, Gu Mingzhu knew that Gu Qichen had been searching for her thoroughly for four years. She had a firsthand ount of how these four years had been for Gu Qichen.
The secret had been unveiled. But even till today, Qichen still called her sister. It appeared to be just like before. But Gu Mingzhu could still perceive some subtle changes. For example, Gu Qichen doesn¡¯t share as much with her as before. He no longer whimsically jokes with her like a child. Everything between them seemed normal. But something had clearly changed. Gu Mingzhu knew all too well that it had changed. Gu Mingzhu¡¯s fingers trembled slightly. That girl, she nearly ruined Qichen then disappeared for four years, only to now suddenly appear before him again. To what end? If again, her mother is the cause, Gu Mingzhu couldn¡¯t dare even imagine what she would do next. That girl has always been a disaster for Ah Chen, what storm will she stir up this time?
Chapter 522: 523: Gu Qichens Silent Tears Chapter 522: Chapter 523: Gu Qichen¡¯s Silent Tears In the evening, Gu Mingzhu still went to Gu Qichen¡¯s room. Unexpectedly, Gu Qichen had already gone to bed. It was pitch-dark in the room. Even the curtains of the French window were tightly drawn. Gu Mingzhu didn¡¯t know when Gu Qichen had picked up such habits. Nowadays, when he was in an emotional breakdown, he would either work like a maniac or sleep for an entire day. At least, he has quit smoking and drinking now. That was because of his stomach bleeding from excessive drinking, and pneumonia from adding smoking on top of an existing illness. Gu Mingzhu was so heart-broken, she wished she could take all his pain on herself. But she couldn¡¯t help him, and what¡¯s worse, all of this was caused by herself.
The mistakes she had made at a young age finally caught up with her, but instead of punishing her it punished Ah Chen. Gu Mingzhu turned on the light. The sudden brightness made Gu Qichen feel dazed. Because he hadn¡¯t been sleeping at all, he was merely staring at the ceiling with his eyes wide open. The instant the light was turned on, he blocked his eyes with his quilt. But Gu Mingzhu still saw. Even though Gu Qichen had no expression on his face, tears were gushing from the corners of his eyes, covering his whole face. Gu Mingzhu felt terrified. Gu Qichen had grown up so much, and she had never seen her son cry. Even when he was a little baby, he barely cried. The elder alwaysmented that this child was born without tear nds, a mark of a future emperor. Indeed, Gu Qichen turned out to be exactly as the elder had predicted. He was brilliant and highly intelligent. But he was always emotionally calm, possessing a maturity and serenity beyond his age. Gu Mingzhu was not really happy with this. She rather wished her son could have the normal happiness of a child. Smiling at a flower, feeling happy about eating a candy. Happiness and sadness were both luxurious emotions for Gu Qichen. But everything changed after Xia Yangyang appeared.
For a time, she was thankful. Butter she realized, it was the beginning of all disasters. Gu Mingzhu knew that Gu Qichen didn¡¯t want her to see his vulnerable side. She pretended not to notice and said casually, ¡°You never eat airline food. Aren¡¯t you hungry after not eating anything for more than ten hours? Maybe you should eat something before going back to bed.¡±
Gu Qichen remained silent. Gu Mingzhu continued, ¡°I will leave you alone for now. You shoulde have some soupter.¡± Once Gu Mingzhu had left, Gu Qichen slowly removed his quilt. Gu Mingzhu did not turn off the light. The ring white light seemed unbearably piercing, and all he could think of was Xia Yangyang and that man. And their child¡­ Li Zhiqian took Xia Yangyang straight to the Xia family¡¯s vi. There was still a slight reddish mark on Xia Yangyang¡¯s neck. With a furrowed brow Li Zhiqian said, ¡°We¡¯d better take you to the hospital and have you checked. Xia Yangyang shook her head, ¡°This is nothing, he didn¡¯t really squeeze hard.¡± It was also what Li Zhiqian thought at the time. Even though that man looked outrageous enough to destroy the heavens and wreck the earth, when he choked Xia Yangyang, his fingers were trembling, merely pretending to choke but holding back after all. Even in such a circumstance, there was still a vestige of rationality left in him.
Ultimately, he just couldn¡¯t bear to hurt her. As if suddenly remembering something, Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Second brother, you didn¡¯t use much force just now either, did you? His hand, it should be okay, right?¡± Li Zhiqian answered calmly, ¡°I didn¡¯t hold back at all. At the very least he has a hairline fracture. He will definitely suffer some for the next couple of weeks.¡± Chapter 523: 524: He wants to strangle you, yet you still worry if he is hurt Chapter 523: Chapter 524: He wants to strangle you, yet you still worry if he is hurt Xia Yangyang frowned, a faint hint of reproach permeating her tone: ¡°Why did you have to hit him so hard? I know you and my eldest brother were both in the international special forces, but he¡¯s just a regr person now. Couldn¡¯t you have been a bit gentler?¡± Li Zhiqian was both annoyed and amused: ¡°Yangyang, he was trying to strangle you and you¡¯re still worrying about whether he got hurt?¡± Xia Yangyang fell silent. She didn¡¯t expect Gu Qichen to react so furiously. Because of Gu Qichen¡¯s response, Xia Yangyang was even more certain. She could not by any means let Gu Qichen discover the existence of Xia Ye. If he were to find out, it would inevitably result in a bitter conflict. And Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t sure she could win. Li Zhiqian drove Xia Yangyang to Xia Family¡¯s vi. The car stopped, and Li Zhiqian asked, ¡°Will you be alright staying here alone? Do you want me to stay here and keep youpany tonight?¡±
Xia Yangyang shook her head with a smile: ¡°I know you are busy. Just go on, this is my home, I will be fine.¡± Li Zhiqian nodded, ¡°Call me if you need anything.¡± Xia Yangyang got out of the car. Li Zhiqian drove away. Xia Yangyang went inside. When she left, the only thing she took with her was the key to the Xia Family¡¯s vi. She turned on the lights. She had been abroad for a number of years, but before leaving, she had paid twenty years¡¯ worth of utility bills for the vi in advance. As the lights flooded the room, Xia Yangyang felt a sense of unreality. The vi had been deserted for four years. All the furniture and floors were covered in ayer of dust. Xia Yangyang walked in step by step, going up the staircase. With each step, a footprint appeared on the floor. When she left, she forgot to close a window in the hallway. The wall, already covered in ivy, had let the vines creep into the house over the past four years, spreadingyers uponyers. The white marble railing of the stairs had beenpletely obscured by nature. The sprawling vines were like the traces of those four years. They covered the past and obscured what before used to be.
But Xia Yangyang was back. She would eventually clear these vines away, revealing all as it was before. First, Xia Yangyang went to Xia Liangdong¡¯s study. When Xia Liangdong was alive, the study was where he spent most of his time at home.
But right now, it was lost in a haze of dust. All the objects on his desk remained as they were. There was even an unfinished box of cigarettes. The room had a stale smell of dust and decay. Spider webs covered the corners of the room. When Xia Yangyang reached Xia Liangdong¡¯s desk, she saw a photo of herself with Xia Weiwei. Probably the only one of her and Xia Weiwei together. She and Xia Weiwei never got along well since childhood. The photo was taken during one of their childhood trips, when Xia Liangdong snapped the two of them on the beach with his DSLR. The two girls were standing side by side in the frame, each collecting seashells. Xia Liangdong always loved this photograph. To him, both girls were his children. However, until his death, he never saw the two of them get along.
Xia Yangyang had kept tabs on Xia Weiwei and Liu Ruyan all along. Not intentionally, she just couldn¡¯t avoid it. Shortly after Xia Yangyang left, Liu Ruyan married Xi Jiaxin. When Xia Weiwei drove into her, causing a severe car ident, she didn¡¯t know what happened afterwards. Xia Yangyang had heard, however, that Xia Weiwei had been very active in Beijing high society over the years and is currently working at the Jiang Group. It seems that nothing too serious must have happened in the ident. Chapter 524: 525: Grandma, Im back Chapter 524: Chapter 525: Grandma, I¡¯m back Thinking of Xia Weiwei, Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart felt deste. But it turned out to be a good thing, as, from that day on, she had put down any kinship ties with her. Since then, Xia Yangyang had been detached from that family. Xia Yangyang returned to her room. Everything here remained the same as if it was yesterday. Even theb she left on the dressing table hadn¡¯t moved a bit. Xia Yangyang knew she probably wouldn¡¯t sleep tonight either. Over the years, her insomnia was the one thing that hadn¡¯t gone right in her life. Especially when she was in a new ce. Xia Yangyang took the opportunity to clean up her home from top to bottom.
It was not until four or five in the morning that she finally managed to clear out the evergreen ivy in her home. Xia Yangyang was so tired that she was utterly exhausted. The feeling was just too wonderful. Xia Yangyang copsed on the bed and fell asleep within ten minutes. Sleeping soundly, she didn¡¯t wake up until noon, which was a rare urrence. When she woke up and took a shower, Xia Yangyang felt refreshed. Xia Yangyang looked at the time. It was about time. Xia Yangyang left the house to buy a sandwich from the supermarket. Then she went straight to the Lotus Community. The Lotus Community was where Ma Jianguo currently resided. Themunity was a public housing development built twenty years ago. The gate at the entrance had long been in disrepair, covered in rust. However, most residents were government workers. Security at the entrance was tight. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t get in. Xia Yangyang parked her car on the roadside and started eating the sandwich she had just bought. ording to the information provided by Xiao Wu. Ever since Ma Jianguo was released from prison, he has been taking his dog for a walk at noon every day.
Xia Yangyang sat in her car, waiting like a cat watching a mouse hole. But after waiting for an hour, there was still no sign of Ma Jianguo. Xia Yangyang found it a bit peculiar. She inquired at the security booth.
The security guard said: ¡°The corrupt official you mentioned, he felt too ashamed to stay here and has moved to Beijing to live with his daughter. He probably won¡¯t being back.¡± Xia Yangyang asked in a concerned tone: ¡°When did he move?¡± The security guard replied: ¡°Just missed him, he left yesterday.¡± All Xia Yangyang could do was leave. It seemed she needed to find Xiao Wu again. She must find out where Ma Jianguo lived in Beijing. But for now, Xia Yangyang decided to put this matter aside. Since Ma Jianguo had just moved, he needed some time to settle down. Before that, Xia Yangyang decided to visit her grandmother in the countryside. It took nearly four hours to drive there. Finally, Xia Yangyang arrived in the countryside. She parked the car in her grandmother¡¯s yard. She felt a bit nervous.
It had been four years since shest saw her grandmother. She rarely made phone calls either. Xia Yangyang was afraid that Qi Chen might trace her whereabouts through her calls. She had only called her grandmother a few times when she was on business trips in Japan. Her grandmother¡¯s life hadn¡¯t changed much, which was good because she was in good health. Master Gao regrly sent someone to take care of her and check her health. Regarding this, Xia Yangyang was deeply grateful to her godfather. But after her grandmother fell overst time, Xia Yangyang decided to move her in to live with her. Her grandmother was the family member she cared about most in this world. But as soon as the car stopped, she felt something was wrong. The courtyard was quiet, without the bleating of the sheep. There was no light in the house. The house looked as if no one lived there.
Xia Yangyang hurriedly got out of the car and knocked on the door: ¡°Grandma, open the door, it¡¯s me, Yangyang, I¡¯m back.¡± Chapter 525: 526: Mr. Gus Private Life is Chaotic Chapter 525: Chapter 526: Mr. Gu¡¯s Private Life is Chaotic She knocked for a long time, but no one opened the door. Was grandma not at home? ¡°Yangyang, stop knocking. Your grandma moved away half a month ago.¡± Xia Yangyang heard a voice and turned her head in surprise, eximing, ¡°Sister Xiaomei?¡± The one who approached was Han Xiaomei. Han Xiaomei approached her, saying, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen you in four years. After hearing about your divorce from the Gu Family¡¯s eldest son, you disappeared. Where have you been?¡± With a forced smile, Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°I¡¯ve just been living abroad.¡± Her response about her whereabouts was vague. Upon hearing her answer, Han Xiaomei put on an enlightened smile. ¡°I figured you must have been living overseas. Yangyang, I really envy you. Being wealthy enough to not worry about divorce, making a fresh start in a new ce and living freely¡­ Unlike me, only capable of residing in this run-down countryside, having nothing after getting divorced.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°You¡¯ve been married?¡±
With a sigh, Han Xiaomei responded, ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about it. I have married a jerk.¡± Han Xiaomei seemed unwilling to say more. A lot of things had indeed happened over these four years. However, Xia Yangyang only cared about her grandma¡¯s situation right now. Without second thought, Xia asked, ¡°Sister Xiaomei, do you know where my grandma went?¡± Answering her question, Han Xiaomei said, ¡°Your grandma, well, she was taken away by Mr. Gu.¡± Xia Yangyang was shocked. Gu Qichen? Han Xiaomei continued, ¡°I saw it with my own eyes, so it¡¯s definitely true. Mr. Gu came to pick her up half a month ago. And she went with him.¡± She felt a chill run down her spine. Why did Gu Qichen take grandma away? Querying tentatively, Han Xiaomei asked, ¡°You¡¯ve been divorced from Mr. Gu for so long. The fact that he suddenly took your grandma away, doesn¡¯t it seem like he has an ulterior motive?¡± That¡¯s exactly what Xia Yangyang was worried about. Why did Gu Qichen take away her grandma, especially half a month ago? Producing the enraged expression of Gu Qichen when he saw her yesterday. Would he harm her grandma? Gu Qichen wouldn¡¯t harm an elderly person, would he? In truth, Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t so sure anymore. The Gu Qichen of the past would¡¯ve never done such a thing, but now?
After all, they had been separated for four years. Furthermore, Xia Yangyang could feel that Gu Qichen already had a deep resentment towards her. Observing Xia Yangyang¡¯s expression, Han Xiaomei tentatively asked, ¡°Yangyang, you didn¡¯te back to reconcile with Mr. Gu, did you?¡± Still being trapped in her thoughts about the past, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t hear clearly and reacted slowly, ¡°Sister Xiaomei, what did you say?¡±
Han Xiaomei started, ¡°Yangyang, all these years you¡¯ve been abroad, I am not sure if you are aware of these matters. Mr. Gu has led a very chaotic private life over these years. You know that young actress Zhang Xinyi from the entertainment circle, right? She reportedly had four abortions because of him. And there¡¯s also your half-sister, who shamelessly became his secret lover for many years. This is an open secret within the circle. The news of her engagement with Xi Zijun is already known to all. Yangyang, I know Mr. Gu was really good to you before, but he isn¡¯t the same as the young master of the Gu Family anymore. Don¡¯t be fooled by a few sweet words into repeating your past mistakes.¡± Xia Yangyang unconsciously furrowed her brows. She used to hear news about Gu Qichen asionally when she was in the United States. However, that was all about his business life. She did not know much about his private life. Aside from hearing that Gu Qichen was about to get engaged, information that was exposed by the media. However, after hearing what Han Xiaomei said, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but feel distressed. Chapter 526: 527: Do You Have An Appointment With Our CEO? Chapter 526: Chapter 527: Do You Have An Appointment With Our CEO? Xia Yangyang spoke up, ¡°Sister Xiaomei, thank you for your concern, but I have nothing to do with that person anymore, and it¡¯s impossible for us to reconcile, so you don¡¯t have to say these things to me.¡± Han Xiaomei managed to smile, ¡°Yangyang, please don¡¯t misunderstand me, I am not envious of your happiness. As friends since childhood, you¡¯ve been hurt once, and I can¡¯t bear the thought of you getting hurt again.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to continue this topic, ¡°Sister Xiaomei, I have a favor to ask of you. If my grandmother returns, please contact me immediately.¡± ¡°Of course, your grandmother is like my grandmother. I also wish for her safety and well-being.¡± Xia Yangyang left the countryside overnight and returned to Feng City once again. After the highway exit, Xia Yangyang went straight to the Shengyuan Building. By the time she got to the entrance of the Shengyuan Building, it was already nine in the morning. Yet again, Xia Yangyang had spent another night without sleep. But she didn¡¯t feel tired at all. Xia Yangyang was still confused.
Why did Gu Qichen take grandma away? If it was to get revenge on her, but grandma left half a month ago, at that time, she hadn¡¯t met Gu Qichen yet. What worried Xia Yangyang more was, Over such a long time, Xia Yangyang had tried countless times to persuade her grandmother to live with her. But grandma was always reluctant to leave her small piece ofnd and her hometown. Actually, Xia Yangyang understood. The older people get, the more they want to return to their roots. Grandma had lived in the countryside her whole life, she was familiar with every de of grass. What method did Gu Qichen use to persuade grandma to leave her hometown? The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt. Even to the point that Xia Yangyang was afraid that Gu Qichen had forcibly taken her grandmother away. Xia Yangyang sat in the car for a long time before finally getting out and entering the Shengyuan Building. She had been to this ce countless times four years ago. Almost everyone knew her. Now when she went in, Xia Yangyang felt that everything was the same, yet everything had changed. Four years was neither too short nor too long. Thedies at the reception desk in the lobby had all been reced by new faces. Although they were still beautiful, they were not the same people as before. Among the white-cor workersing and going, Xia Yangyang did not see a single familiar face. Xia Yangyang wanted to go straight to the CEO¡¯s office.
But she was stopped by the buxom beauty at the front desk, ¡°Miss, you don¡¯t have a work badge, are you here to see someone?¡± Xia Yangyang replied, ¡°I¡¯m here to see Gu Qichen.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was cold. After returning to China, thest person she wanted to engage with was Gu Qichen.
But now she was stepping into the lion¡¯s den. However, Xia Yangyang had no choice. She had to find out where Gu Qichen had taken grandma. Xia Yangyang called Gu Qichen by his full name. The receptionists looked at Xia Yangyang in surprise, sizing her up from head to toe. The buxom beauty asked somewhat rudely, ¡°Do you have an appointment with our CEO?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head. She had almost forgotten, Gu Qichen was extremely busy. He wasn¡¯t someone you could see just because you wished to. In the past, she had free ess to Gu Qichen¡¯s office, always travelling in the CEO¡¯s private elevator. But now, everything was different, she would have to go through official procedures even if she needed to talk to Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Could you please arrange an appointment for me?¡± ¡¤
Chapter 527: 528: Who wouldnt want to see such a cold mans passionate side? Chapter 527: Chapter 528: Who wouldn¡¯t want to see such a cold man¡¯s passionate side? The busty woman sneered, ¡°People who want to see our president every day are not in short supply. If we made an appointment with everyone, the queue would go into next year before it turns to you.¡± After speaking, she rolled her eyes at Xia Yangyang: ¡°Go back for now, and return when you have made the appointment.¡± Xia Yangyang thought that it made sense, the front desk could only call the secretary¡¯s office for confirmation and did not have the power to directly make appointments. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want toplicate things for these young girls, so she turned around and started to make a call. Before Xia Yangyang could walk far, the girls started whispering without any politeness: ¡°Herees another one, using her little bit of charm to entangle the president, fantasizing day and night about bing Mrs. Gu.¡± Another began to speak, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to be Mrs. Gu? The president is so handsome, dashing, charming¡­Who wouldn¡¯t want to share his bed and then rise to the top? But over thest few years, he has had so many girlfriends, but they were all just for fun, never seen him really take anyone seriously. So woman would keeping to thepany every now and then, thinking that because she had slept with the president, she¡¯s one foot into the Gu Family? There were many women who have slept with the president these years. If the president were to take responsibility for all of them, he would surely have a harem of three thousand.¡± Another spoke with a tone of envy, ¡°Even being one of those three thousand would be nice. The president is so untouchable, don¡¯t you want to know what he¡¯s like when he¡¯s passionate?¡± A slightly older woman chimed in, ¡°Actually, the president wasn¡¯t always like this. He was married once and cherished that ex-wife a lot. It was rumoured that after that ex-wife cuckolded him and they divorced, the president¡¯s temperament changed drastically. Ever since he¡¯s been among flowers and filled with countless girlfriends.¡± Everyone came to a realization: ¡°What kind of woman could abandon such a man as the president?¡± The women behind began to discuss.
Xia Yangyang had not walked far so she heard their words loud and clear. Chills ran down Xia Yangyang¡¯s spine. Yesterday, Han Xiaomei said that Gu Qichen¡¯s personal life was chaotic. Xia Yangyang was kind of unwilling to believe it. But now¡­ Could it really be that Gu Qichen¡¯s temperament had changed drastically because of what happened back then? But no matter what, they are already divorced. They have no legal rtionship. And there will be no possibility of any involvement in the future. Xia Yangyang only wanted to find her Grandma now andpletely separate herself from Gu Qichen. After thinking for a while, Xia Yangyang dialed a number. This number was Gu Qichen¡¯s private mobile phone number. After four years, Xia Yangyang had never remembered this string of digits. But as she dialed, she found she remembered it very clearly, as if it was engraved in her brain. Xia Yangyang suddenly became very nervous, her heart pounding like a drum. Would Gu Qichen have changed his number by now? Maybe Gu Qichen would not answer at all. But the phone was picked up quickly. A sweet and soft voice of a woman came from the other side: ¡°Hello, who is this?¡±
Xia Yangyang had never heard this voice before. Her first reaction was that Gu Qichen had already changed his phone number. Because that was Gu Qichen¡¯s private phone, and he didn¡¯t have many contacts in it. Gu Qichen is a person who values his privacy very much, and apart from Fang Zhengdong, Gu Qichen absolutely wouldn¡¯t hand his phone to someone else.
Xia Yangyang quickly replied: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I dialed the wrong number.¡± ¡¤ Chapter 528: 529: Brother Gu Left His Mobile Phone at My House Yesterday Chapter 528: Chapter 529: Brother Gu Left His Mobile Phone at My House Yesterday Just as Xia Yangyang was about to hang up the phone, A voice from the other end suddenly asked, ¡°Are you looking for Brother Gu?¡± Upon hearing the words ¡®Brother Gu¡¯, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but feel a flutter in her heart. But Xia Yangyang managed to steady her voice, ¡°I¡¯m looking for Gu Qichen, is he avable to take a call?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t n on asking who the girl answering the phone was. No matter who it was, why would Gu Qichen¡¯s phone be with her? She didn¡¯t want to concern herself with that at all. The girl on the other end seemed somewhat timid, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Brother Gu left his phone at my ce yesterday. He should be at the office now, so¡­¡± Xia Yangyang had already imagined a whole scenario in her mind. She found it quite ironic.
After all these years of painstakingly avoiding him, It turned out that Gu Qichen had already been sleeping on a bed of roses, surrounded by beautiful women. Xia Yangyang interrupted, ¡°I¡¯ll find a way myself, I won¡¯t bother you anymore.¡± Afterwards, Xia Yangyang hung up. She stood there, holding her phone, dazed for a moment. Actually, Xia Yangyang just felt her mind go nk and didn¡¯t know what she was thinking. However, the pretty receptionist sneered from behind her, ¡°Don¡¯t make a fool of yourself here. Our boss won¡¯t meet nobodies like you. Don¡¯t think that having a little connection with the boss will make you the Phoenix.¡± Xia Yangyang ignored her and dialed another number. She didn¡¯t have that much time. Certain things needed to be resolved as soon as possible. The busty beauty, seeing Xia Yangyang ignoring her and still persisting, even more scornfully remarked, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen such a shameless woman, she just won¡¯t leave.¡± This time, Xia Yangyang called Fang Zhengdong. Fortunately, Xia Yangyang had a good memory and still remembered his number. Fang Zhengdong answered quickly, ¡°Who is this?¡± Xia Yangyang spoke up, ¡°Secretary Fang, it¡¯s Xia Yangyang. I need to see Gu Qichen. Can you arrange it for me?¡± The women behind her snickered, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me she¡¯s calling Secretary Fang. Is she an actress? Does she have to act out a full drama in front of us? It¡¯s so ridiculous.¡± Fang Zhengdong is the CEO¡¯s private secretary. In the whole Shengyuan Group, he ranks second only to the CEO. Even Shengyuan¡¯s senior shareholders had to give him some respect.
Of course, like the CEO, Secretary Fang is also extremely busy. He didn¡¯t have time to deal with women who came out of nowhere, trying to cling to the CEO and transform from a sparrow into a Phoenix. But what they didn¡¯t expect was, Secretary Fang actually came down quickly.
And he even ran all the way to get there. Secretary Fang approached Xia Yangyang, ¡°If youe here, just go directly upstairs. Why are you making an appointment? Is there someone here who would dare to give you trouble?¡± After saying this, Fang Zhengdong nced at the receptionists, ¡°In the future, Miss Xia cane here at any time, no appointment is needed. Don¡¯t be ignorant of who is important. If you offend her, no one can protect you.¡± Fang Zhengdong was a certainly smart man. As soon as Xia Yangyang called to make an appointment, he guessed that she must have been facing some difficulties here. These receptionists were handpicked by him. They all admired Gu Qichen and were defiant and ambitious. Usually, it¡¯s fine for them to block those rotten peach blossoms for the CEO, but today they had blocked the real one. Just after Gu Qichen received Xia Yangyang¡¯s call, he hurried over to report to Gu Qichen. But Gu Qichen shot him an icy nce, ¡°How does she remember your number?¡± Chapter 529: 530: Gu Qichen Putting on Airs Chapter 529: Chapter 530: Gu Qichen Putting on Airs Looking at the cold, scrutinizing gaze of the CEO. Tears fell silently in Fang Zhengdong¡¯s heart. CEO, are you even jealous of me now? And, who knows, how did your wife remember my number? Fang Zhengdong sighed inwardly, but his fa?ade still bore a righteous light: ¡°CEO, Miss Xia is here to see you. She must have been obstructed downstairs, couldn¡¯t get up, so that¡¯s why she called me.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s forehead wrinkled slightly: ¡°Fire all those receptionists.¡± Fang Zhengdong was a bit surprised. But the CEO¡¯s reaction is reasonable. Who dares to prevent Xia Yangyang from seeing him, he who has waited for four years. However, Fang Zhengdong did not expect that Xia Yangyang would take the initiative to look for Gu Qichen.
The incident at the airport that day was still fresh in his memory. The mysterious man who suddenly appeared next to Xia Yangyang had fractured the CEO¡¯s hand, and the CEO¡¯s right hand was still wrapped in a rehabilitation bandage. Fang Zhengdong: ¡°Should I bring Miss Xia up?¡± Gu Qichen seemed to be silent for a while, his face did not look very good: ¡°Tell her I¡¯m in a meeting, let her wait for me in the resting room.¡± Today, obviously, there are no meetings. Fang Zhengdong did not ask why the CEO wanted to behave like this. Perhaps it was on purpose just to put on an air of superiority, after all, the CEO felt somewhat disgraced that day at the airport. The receptionists¡¯ faces changed when they heard Secretary Fang say this. From the moment Secretary Fang personally came down to meet this woman, they realized that the identity of this woman was not simple. Over these long periods of time, there were some small stars, petite models from unknown ces, who shamelessly came to thepany to find Gu Qichen. The CEO basically did not meet them, except for¡­¡± The face before them was beautiful and her aura was somewhat different from others. However, it was just a fresh face nevertheless. Everyone didn¡¯t take it seriously. It turned out that the woman in front of them was indeed extraordinary. The previously arrogant crowd suddenly became as shy as quails. Fang Zhengdong said to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Let¡¯s go, I will take you up.¡± Xia Yangyang follows Fang Zhengdong into the elevator. Before leaving, you could still hear the people discussing. ¡°Who on earth is that woman, she¡¯s so assertive that Secretary Fang had to personallye down to meet her.¡± ¡°Maybe she is the CEO¡¯s new love interest, now the CEO just finds it fresh, once this wears off, she will be sent packing.¡±
¡°It might not be so, remember when that young actress Zhang Xinyi was with the CEO, none of you thought highly of her, but who would have thought, she hung in there for four years.¡± ¡°What¡¯s the use of being with him for four years, isn¡¯t the CEO going to get engaged with Miss Xi? Such actresses can never be truly epted, let alone, it is rumored that she had multiple abortions for the CEO, and the CEO doesn¡¯t even want to have children with her, how much of it is truly genuine love?¡± The people were still discussing with no scruples. The elevator door closed, cutting off the grapevine news about Gu Qichen from outside.
Fang Zhengdong felt somewhat embarrassed. He wanted to exin for Gu Qichen: ¡°Miss Xia, don¡¯t misunderstand, actually, in recent years, the CEO was not what they said, as for Zhang Xinyi¡­¡± ¡°Secretary Fang, I am not interested in his private life at all, you don¡¯t need to report to me.¡± Fang Zhengdong looked at Xia Yangyang¡¯s indifferent expression and sighed silently in his heart. All the crazy, iprehensible things the CEO has done these past four years were all for her. But she seemed to havepletely let go. Fang Zhengdong somehow began to feel pity for the CEO. Chapter 530: 531: Secretly Observing Her Every Move Chapter 530: Chapter 531: Secretly Observing Her Every Move When they got out of the elevator, Fang Zhengdong spoke, ¡°The boss is in a meeting, Miss Xia, you can wait for her in the rest area.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded. Xia Yangyang waited in the rest area for a long time. During this time, people served her tea and water, but Gu Qichen did not appear. Xia Yangyang waited for three hours. Until it was past lunchtime. Fang Zhengdong had been there several times before, but now he was nowhere to be found. When asked about Gu Qichen¡¯s situation, the other secretaries all said the boss was still in his meeting. Xia Yangyang is no fool. The main meeting room was right next to the rest area.
When Xia Yangyang arrived, she took a deliberate look, and the room waspletely empty. It was clear that Gu Qichen did not want to see her. And yet, he had her wait here? What did that mean? Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t figure it out. Neither could Fang Zhengdong. If the boss didn¡¯t want to see her, he could easily have dismissed her. Yet, he had her wait in the rest area for three hours. Fang Zhengdong had already gone twice to remind him. Both times, Gu Qichen was buried in his papers, saying he was busy and he¡¯ll see herter. He was his personal secretary. Wasn¡¯t he aware of whether the boss was busy or not? However, on his third attempt, Fang Zhengdong finally understood the reason. At some point, the boss had pulled up the surveince footage from the rest area. And there he was, idiotically staring at the woman on the screen. Yes, to any outsider, he seemed like an idiot. Sitting still without even blinking an eye. His face was cold as he watched the woman in the meeting room¡¯s every move. No one could tell what he was thinking. Fang Zhengdong really thought the boss was acting unlike himself.
Despite having followed him for so many years, he could never figure out what this man was thinking. He was clearly itching to see her, after an agonising search of four years. Now that she was right there, he chose to keep her out. And yet, he was secretly watching her every move.
Fang Zhengdong walked in, reminding him one final time, ¡°Boss, Miss Xia has not had lunch yet.¡± Gu Qichen, seeing Fang Zhengdonge in, quickly closed his notebook. He then coldly said, ¡°Send her some food. Make a reservation at Yun Ding Restaurant, I¡¯ll give you the menuter.¡± Was the boss still not going to meet Miss Xia? Was he determined to wear her out this way? Fang Zhengdong remembered that Miss Xia¡¯s favorite restaurant four years ago was Yun Ding. The boss still remembered her preferences, and even the dishes she liked. Why won¡¯t he agree to meet her and have a proper talk? But Gu Qichen was the boss, and he had to do as he said. Just when he was leaving, the junior secretary Aike came to report, ¡°Miss Xia just left the meeting room.¡± Fang Zhengdong hurriedly returned to the boss¡¯s office. By then, the boss had already opened his notebook. He looked grim.
The monitor screen of the notebook was still set to the rest area. No doubt the boss had seen it himself. But Fang Zhengdong still reported, ¡°Boss, Miss Xia has left.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face was hard, but he said nothing. Fang Zhengdong picked up the courage and asked, ¡°Boss, are we just going to let Miss Xia leave like this?¡± From Fang Zhengdong¡¯s understanding of Gu Qichen, he was just being a show-off and would eventually feel embarrassed. Like when he bumped into Miss Xia at the airport, and she tried to greet him, he pretended not to recognise her. But as soon as she left, he chased after her like a madman. Having a master like this, Fang Zhengdong felt a headache. Gu Qichen was silent for a few seconds, then finally said in a low voice, ¡°You go and tell her if she wants to see me, she can meet me at Room 888 of the World Hotel at eight o¡¯clock tonight. Don¡¯t keep me waiting.¡± Chapter 531: 532: Gu Qichen, Do You Find It Amusing To Tease Me? Chapter 531: Chapter 532: Gu Qichen, Do You Find It Amusing To Tease Me? Fang Zhengdong was somewhat puzzled. This was not the president¡¯s style. Arranging a meeting in a hotel, what is the president trying to do? Gu Qichen had already lifted his head: ¡°Aren¡¯t you going yet?¡± Miss Xia did not run far, and even if she did, couldn¡¯t she still be called? The president seems too anxious. He¡¯s actually scared that Miss Xia might suddenly disappear again. However, Fang Zhengdong only dared to grumble about these things silently in his belly. His face was still serious: ¡°President, I will go now.¡± Fang Zhengdong caught up with Xia Yangyang.
He repeated every word Gu Qichen had said. Xia Yangyang furrowed her brows: ¡°I got it.¡± When she returned, Xia Yangyang had been in doubt the whole time. Not seeing him for four years, Gu Qichen¡¯s temper really changed a lot. It seems like he intentionally made her suffer today. Hence, getting information about her grandmother¡¯s whereabouts at the hotel wouldn¡¯t be easy that evening. However, no matter what. Xia Yangyang was worried about her grandmother, so she had to go. Xia Yangyang had driven all night without sleep the night before. She returned to the Xia family vi and slept for a while. When she woke up, it was already dark. Xia Yangyang checked the time, and it was already past seven o¡¯clock. Xia Yangyang got up and drove directly to the World hotel. After entering the hotel, Xia Yangyang went straight to the tinum Room 888. This was the presidential suite. Xia Yangyang walked down the quiet corridor. There was no one here. The corridor was carpeted thickly. The sound as Xia Yangyang stepped on it was almost non-existent.
Xia Yangyang stopped at the door to the room. Whatever she had to face, she had to face it, so she might as well let the storm rage harder. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t even give herself time to hesitate, and rang the doorbell directly. The door opened quickly.
As expected, Gu Qichen was standing at the door. Gu Qichen, dressed in a neat suit, saw Xia Yangyang and intentionally looked at his watch: ¡°Miss Xia, you¡¯re three minuteste. I¡¯ve said that I don¡¯t wait past the appointed time. I¡¯m leaving now.¡± Xia Yangyang was indeed three minuteste. That¡¯s because Xia Yangyang had just encountered a rear-end collision on the overpass a moment ago. The traffic jamsted probably half an hour. Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze moved away from Xia Yangyang, and he was about to leave the room. ¡°Gu Qichen, do you find enjoyment in ying me like this?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was rtively calm. Her gaze was like a cold arrow aimed at Gu Qichen. However, Gu Qichen did not stop. He strode forward as though he hadn¡¯t heard Xia Yangyang¡¯s words. Xia Yangyang quickly caught up with him and blocked his way: ¡°Gu Qichen, I only have one thing to ask you. Where did you take my grandmother? What are you trying to do?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face was gloomy and his voice was colder: ¡°So, you are looking for me just because of your grandmother¡¯s affairs?¡±
Xia Yangyang did not understand the meaning of Gu Qichen¡¯s words. ¡°Sister Xiaomei witnessed you taking my grandmother away. Gu Qichen, what are you plotting? The grievances between us have nothing to do with her. My grandmother is old and can¡¯t bear this kind of turmoil. So where did you take her?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s brows furrowed deeper, but it was a long time before he finally spoke. ¡°Xia Yangyang, who said the grievances between us have nothing to do with her? The concept of implicating rtives is something you taught me,¡± Gu Qichen said. Xia Yangyang felt a chill in her heart. Xia Yangyang understood what Gu Qichen meant. Gu Qichen was implying that she had been implicated with him because of Mingzhu. He was now nning to reciprocate in kind. This was Xia Yangyang¡¯s greatest fear. Gu Qichen now harbored extreme hatred for her because of the child from that year. Gu Qichen also knew that her grandmother was the most important person in her life. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t imagine if Gu Qichen exacted his vengeance on her grandmother¡­
Chapter 532: 533: Why (5) Chapter 532: Chapter 533: Why (5) ¡°Gu Qichen, since I¡¯m back, whatever grievances you have, take them out on me. My grandmother¡¯s old, if you hurt her, I will not let you off easily.¡± Gu Qichen coldly looked at Xia Yangyang, ¡°Fine, Xia Yangyang, your words. If you want to know where your grandmother is,e with me. Agree to my conditions, and I promise that not a single hair on her head will be harmed. On the contrary, she¡¯ll be well taken care of.¡± With that, Gu Qichen turned and went back into the room. Xia Yangyang reluctantly followed him in. After Gu Qichen entered, he began to take off his coat. Then, turning to Xia Yangyang, he ordered, ¡°Close the door.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned but eventually did as instructed. With his jacket off, Gu Qichen began to unbutton the cor of his shirt. Then, step by step, he moved towards Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang instinctively felt a sense of danger.
Backing away, she furrowed her brows and asked, ¡°Gu Qichen, what in the world are you nning to do?¡± Next thing she knew, she was pressed against the door by Gu Qichen. He forcefully grabbed her arms, pinning them to either side of her body. Without a word, he pressed his lips against hers. The distinct icy vor of Gu Qichen filled Xia Yangyang¡¯s mouth. Her mind went nk and she found herself unable to react at all. It had been four years. Since leaving, Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t kissed anyone. She hadn¡¯t even had the slightest intimate contact with any man. Over the years, Phoenix kept encouraging her to find someone. Always preaching that ¡°a woman will wither without the nourishment of love¡±. Phoenix even once deliberately invited the most handsome bachelor from ¡°Heaven¡¯s Gate¡± to a yacht party. It was clear she was trying to matchmake. But even the slightest brush of a man¡¯s fingers against hers turned Xia Yangyang¡¯s stomach. Anytime, her instinct was to push the person away. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect- Four yearster, upon reuniting with Gu Qichen- It was like the four years of distance, four years of estrangement, between them had never existed. As Gu Qichen pressed his kiss, she could feel her body trembling. The beast within her heart roused from its slumber, roaring wildly. Every cell in her body felt like it was filled with a desperate yearning to be near him, and it grew and writhed,
Gu Qichen¡¯s body started to lose control. He was fully aware that he was losing all restraint, sumbing, and then it waspletely gone. How long had it been since he had kissed her? Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t remember. How many days and nights.
Tormented endlessly. Not knowing where she was, whosepany she kept. Thinking about her possibly blooming with happiness in another¡¯s embrace, while he endured agonizing torment in the infinite darkness. Why should he? All kinds ofplicated emotions, like a raging flood, were overwhelming him, and he could no longer keep them in check¡­ ¡­ Chapter 533: 534: Is He/She Mad? Chapter 533: Chapter 534: Is He/She Mad? A hint of coldness on her chest caused Xia Yangyang topletely sober up. Has Gu Qichen gone crazy? With all her might, Xia Yangyang pushed Gu Qichen away. ¡°Hasn¡¯t Mr. Gu seen women before? It would be very awkward for us to get involved considering our current rtionship, so Mr. Gu should be more rational and deal with things properly.¡± Xia Yangyang, though panicking inside, kept a calm demeanor. It¡¯s probably because she has been a reporter covering breaking news for so many years. There¡¯s no situation that she hasn¡¯t encountered. The best quality of a reporter is their mental toughness. Sometimes, they must act like robots. No emotions should ever surface on their face. Gu Qichen, too, recovered a bit of his senses.
But he was surprised at Xia Yangyang¡¯s cold aloofness. This woman, remainedpletely unruffled. Gu Qichen said coldly, ¡°There are plenty of women, but there¡¯s only one ex-wife. Over the years, I haven¡¯t found a woman morepatible with me than you.¡± Gu Qichen deliberately got closer to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Yangyang, you¡¯ve be even more captivating than before. Do you know how much I¡¯ve missed your body?¡± Despite having long nurtured an imperturbable habit, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but scold him, ¡°Gu Qichen, you shameless man!¡± Gu Qichen simply didn¡¯t seem to care at all. Gu Qichen began, ¡°Xia Yangyang, do you want to know where your grandmother is? If you be my girlfriend, I will not only tell you where she is, but also take care of her for life. Of course, if you refuse, I can guarantee that you won¡¯t see her ever again in this life.¡± Xia Yangyang, infuriated,ughed instead, ¡°Doesn¡¯t Mr. Gu know that it¡¯s illegal to kidnap people?¡± ¡°Do you have any evidence? Based on Han Xiaomei¡¯s words alone? You probably aren¡¯t aware that this woman embezzledpany funds, engaged in graft to avoid investigation, and while her husband was in a financial crisis, she secretly divided the property and divorced him. With such a questionable character and so many scandals, how credible is what she says?¡± Xia Yangyang was somewhat stunned. ¡°Sister Xiaomei isn¡¯t that kind of person.¡± Gu Qichen sneered, ¡°Do I have to lie to you? It¡¯s worth mentioning that that woman tried to get in my bed four years ago. She¡¯s a mean and disgusting person, and yet you entrusted her with your grandmother.¡± Xia Yangyang furrowed her brows. There were some things she couldn¡¯t ept at once. ording to Gu Qichen, Han Xiaomei tried to get in his bed four years ago. Was it that time when she and Gu Qichen went back to the countryside together? Actually, at that time, Xia Yangyang had a vague sense that something was amiss. For instance, Han Xiaomei suddenly fell into the water. Which child raised near Lai Shui River doesn¡¯t know how to swim? Later, even though they were supposed to use the bathroom at the Han residence, Gu Qichen insisted oning back to boil water for a bath. Moreover, whenever Han Xiaomei was mentioned, Gu Qichen always wore a disgusted expression.
Could it have been then? Xia Yangyang found it somewhat absurd. In reality, she didn¡¯t know Han Xiaomei very well. But from how well Xia Yangyang knew Gu Qichen, he didn¡¯t need to lie about such things.
Xia Yangyang retorted, ¡°Mr. Gu, need I remind you that flies don¡¯t bite seamless eggs. You are quick to judge others, but just how high-minded can you be? If you were a gentleman, you would be open and aboveboard, and wouldn¡¯t use my grandmother¡¯s whereabouts to threaten me!¡± Chapter 534: 535: Madness Chapter 534: Chapter 535: Madness Gu Qichen began to speak, ¡°I was once a man more righteous than a sword, dedicating everything to you, heart and soul. But Xia Yangyang, what did you do to me? You trampled all over my sincerity, stabbing it mercilessly again and again. You even killed my child. Xia Yangyang, everything I do to you today, you brought it on yourself.¡± Gu Qichen moved closer, his icy gaze firmly fixed on Xia Yangyang. Word by word, each one seemed to be bitten out between his teeth, ¡°Xia Yangyang, remember this, I will not forgive you, I will never forgive you. The pain you inflicted on me, I will return it twofold. This is what you owe me, what you, Xia Yangyang, owe me!¡± Xia Yangyang, looking straight back at Gu Qichen, countered, ¡°Gu Qichen, I was never in debt to you. If you¡¯re talking about the child, I think it was right not to bring him into this world. A child should be the product of love, not hatred. If he were born into this world, he would only be shouldering hatred from both sides. Besides, whether to have a child or not is my right, not yours!¡± Mentioning the child, Gu Qichen could no longer hold back. He roared in a suppressed voice, ¡°He was also my child!¡± As he said this, Gu Qichen felt as though his heart was bleeding. How could Xia Yangyang say such things so lightly? It was a life, his child¡¯s life. For Xia Yangyang, it was just a decision she made back then.
And four years have passed, enough time to erase everything. But for him. That child was his only hope in thest four years. His only ray of sunshine in this gloomy world. But, Xia Yangyang had appeared and destroyed everything. Now, his world was plunged into darkness without sunshine, without air, filled with the pungent smell of blood and festering wounds. How cruel is this woman? Xia Yangyang averted her gaze from Gu Qichen¡¯s face. Unexpectedly, she felt a moment of pity for him. The pain, despair, and hatred in Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes were about to spill out. Xia Yangyang then spoke, ¡°Mr. Gu, we have different views on this matter, and I have no desire to argue. I absolutely have no intention of being your lover. I am busy and do not want to engage in these frivolous games. If you insist on hiding my grandmother, I will consider taking legal measures.¡± Yet, Gu Qichen burst intoughter, ¡°Xia Yangyang, you can try. Even if you manage to get me sentenced to jail, I assure you that you will never see your grandmother in your lifetime.¡± Xia Yangyang was furious. She hated the sight of Gu Qichen¡¯s strategic and maniptive behavior. He acted as if the whole world was under his control, while others were considered insignificant as ants. However, Xia Yangyang truly believed that given his character, he would really do such things. ¡°Gu Qichen, why choose me? There are so many other women who want to be your lover ¨C film stars, celebrities, rich heiresses. All you need do is say the word and they will flock to you. Besides, aren¡¯t you about to be engaged? You even have a close female confidant. Is all this not enough for you?¡± Gu Qichenughed, ¡°It seems you know me pretty well.¡± Gu Qichen advanced again towards Xia Yangyang, leaning into her ear, his lips inadvertently brushing against the curvature of her ear, ¡°None of thempare to you. In bed, only you can drive me¡­ wild.¡±
Chapter 535: 536: Xia Yangyang, Who Allowed You to Have a Boyfriend Chapter 535: Chapter 536: Xia Yangyang, Who Allowed You to Have a Boyfriend Xia Yangyang¡¯s ears had unconsciously turned red. She didn¡¯t expect that Gu Qichen would be so wanton and tant after four years. But Xia Yangyang knew in her heart that Gu Qichen was doing this to insult her now. Just to make her feel ufortable. Just trying to find a way to get back at her. Xia Yangyang endured it. But she managed to smile at Gu Qichen: ¡°Mr. Gu, I¡¯m sorry, but I already have a boyfriend.¡± The depths of Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes darkened. His pupils became extremely cold and terrifying. What he just said was only a test.
What was the rtionship between the man she met at the airport and Xia Yangyang? For the past two days, the images of the two of them kept repeating in Gu Qichen¡¯s mind. What was even stranger was. Fang Zhengdong couldn¡¯t find any information about that man. There wasn¡¯t even the slightest trace about his identity and background. What did this mean? It meant that this man was not ordinary, he might not even be a man who lives under normal social order. Xia Yangyang was like a delicate flower in the greenhouse before. How could she attract such a man? Even Gu Qichen doubted that the reason he had not heard a single piece of information about Xia Yangyang for so many years, was it because this man was sabotaging it? But no matter who that man was. As long as Gu Qichen knew that there was such a man by Xia Yangyang¡¯s side over the past four years, it made Gu Qichen feel like a fishbone stuck in his throat, a thorn in his back. He could hardly contain himself. With a cold gaze, Gu Qichen looked at Xia Yangyang: ¡°I don¡¯t care, Xia Yangyang, what you owe me, you must repay with your body. As for the rest, I don¡¯t care at all.¡± Saying he didn¡¯t care would be a lie. But right now, he had to bind Xia Yangyang to his side. He couldn¡¯t stand her disappearing from his sight again. As for the man by her side, he would eliminate them all. Xia Yangyang, you will never get rid of me in this lifetime.
Even if from now on, we both live in hell torturing each other. I will never let go of you again! But the smile on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face became more radiant: ¡°Mr. Gu, you may not care, but I do, and I will never do anything that betrays my boyfriend.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, who allowed you to have a boyfriend!¡±
When Gu Qichen spoke these words, he felt that he was ridiculous. But at this moment, it just slipped out of his mouth. Indeed, Xia Yangyang retorted sarcastically: ¡°Mr. Gu, we¡¯ve already divorced a long time ago, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re overstepping by controlling so much of my life? I¡¯m still so young, what¡¯s wrong with having a boyfriend? Not to mention a boyfriend, I definitely have ns to get married and have kids in the future. As for my future life n, there¡¯s no need for Mr. Gu to worry.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s tone was indifferent, as peaceful as a gentle breeze. However, it stirred up a storm in Gu Qichen¡¯s heart. How could she talk about it so lightly, how could she let go so entirely. What he had held onto so tightly for the past four years, was casually discarded by her. Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t imagine Xia Yangyang getting married and having children, couldn¡¯t imagine her sharing intimate moments with other men, couldn¡¯t imagine her whispering sweet nothings to another man in bed, passionately calling him ¡°husband¡±¡­ All of these, used to be his. Gu Qichen stared fixedly at Xia Yangyang. If looks could kill, Gu Qichen would have already cut Xia Yangyang to pieces. Chapter 536: 537: You Owe Me a Child! Chapter 536: Chapter 537: You Owe Me a Child! Xia Yangyang avoided Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze. ¡°Mr. Gu, I didn¡¯te to beg or be threatened by you today. There is actually no grudge between us. I don¡¯t want to involve you in the hatred for Gu Mingzhu. It¡¯s between her and me. If you still have a bit of thought for our past rtionship, just tell me where my grandmother is. Can¡¯t we just be like strangers without dragging unnecessary hostility into it?¡± Gu Qichen looked at the woman in front of him, feeling a mixture of absurdity and heartache. She suggested so casually, ¡°Can¡¯t we just be like strangers?¡± No! Absolutely not! If they could just be strangers, he wouldn¡¯t be in so much pain. He wouldn¡¯t feel as if his heart was being gouged out every single day and night. To think of her name, to see her face on the screen, it was all so gut-wrenching, every part of him felt as though it was being burned by mes. This woman would never know what he had gone through all these years. Over thest four years, he had been living every moment in hell. And now she was saying to him so lightly, ¡°All of my affairs have nothing to do with you. We are just strangers!¡± Gu Qichenughed, ¡°Sure, Xia Yangyang, I think your suggestion is excellent. Being strangers with you is exactly what I want.¡±
Xia Yangyang was slightly taken aback to hear him say these words. Ever since she saw him, Gu Qichen¡¯s emotions had been intense. His pent-up hatred seemed to boil over in thest moments. How could a person like Gu Qichen easily let go of everything? Xia Yangyang felt there was a traping. Sure enough, in the next second, Gu Qichen coldly said, ¡°Xia Yangyang, repay what you owe me first, then we can be strangers, I promise I will not bother you for the rest of your life.¡± Xia Yangyang looked up into Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes, ¡°What do I owe you?¡± Gu Qichen enunciated every word, ¡°You owe me a child!¡± When it came to the child, Gu Qichen felt a sudden heart-wrenching pain. He could never forgive Xia Yangyang. Never in his life. Xia Yangyang hesitated, ¡°Gu Qichen, I think it¡¯s impossible for us tomunicate anymore.¡± When Gu Qichen mentioned the child, Xia Yangyang felt guilty. The thought of Gu Qichen possibly taking Xia Ye away filled her heart with indescribable fear. She couldn¡¯t afford to have more entanglements with Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang spoke coldly, ¡°It looks like I shouldn¡¯t havee today. I don¡¯t have anything more to say. I will find my grandmother on my own. Gu Qichen, if you¡¯re still a man, do things upright. Don¡¯t do these disgraceful things in the dark that just make me look down on you.¡± After saying this, Xia Yangyang turned around coldly and walked out of the room. Gu Qichen stood, not chasing after her. Once Xia Yangyang was gone, an unprecedented exhaustion flooded over him. He had never felt so tired.
Even during the painful years, there seemed to be something that have kept him going. That glimmer of hope that one day Xia Yangyang would show up in front of him. The hope that their child might still be in this world. But not like this.
It should never have ended up like this¡­ Once Xia Yangyang appeared, every hope he had was crushed, including that faint hope that hadsted for four years. Gu Qichen felt exhausted to the extreme. His world hadpletely copsed, and he didn¡¯t know how he could go on¡­ Chapter 537: 538: Finding Grandma Chapter 537: Chapter 538: Finding Grandma After Xia Yangyang left, her legs were still trembling as if she had just fought a tough battle. All these years, only when facing Gu Qichen, did Xia Yangyang feel such cowardice and timidity. But in the end, she managed to stand her ground in his presence. Gu Qichen had changed, he was no longer the seemingly cold but warm-hearted Gu Qichen of the past. The man he is now, his heart was just as hard and cold as his exterior. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how to face him anymore. In reality, she didn¡¯t have toe here. She was fully capable of finding her grandmother by herself. Yet, she still came. Xia Yangyang dared not analyze her own heart, for fear of admitting the truth.
She was afraid of the simple desire to see him. However, once again seeing Gu Qichen, it made her more determined to give up on him. Gu Qichen has always minded the matter about their child; she absolutely cannot let Gu Qichen know about Xia Ye¡¯s existence. Now, she needs to quickly settle her affairs and disappear from his sight. Only then can Xia Yangyang be at peace. After Xia Yangyang went out, she called Xiao Wu who was far away in Manhattan. Xiao Wu responded, ¡°That¡¯s not difficult, give me half an hour.¡± As predicted, half an hourter, Xiao Wu found the current location of the grandmother. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect everything to go so smoothly. If Gu Qichen had intentionally hidden their grandmother, Xiao Wu wouldn¡¯t have found her so easily. It turns out that the grandmother is now in a high-end nursing home. Even though her identity was confidential. But for Xiao Wu, cracking such cases was as easy as blowing off dust. In the afternoon, Xia Yangyang arrived at the Peaceful Nursing Home. This was actually a foreign nursing home, offering almost one-on-one service. Speaking of the exorbitant fees and the fact thatmon people could not get ess to it, it is said that even a mayor would have to wait for years to get in. When Xia Yangyang entered, her grandmother was watering nts in the courtyard of the nursing home. She had actually started a small vegetable garden here. The old woman was delighted to see Xia Yangyang, ¡°NanNan, you finally came to see me.¡± Xia Yangyang could not help but tear up.
It had been so long since she heard her grandmother calling her ¡®NanNan¡¯. Xia Yangyang walked over and hugged her grandmother, ¡°Grandma, how did you end up here? I almost couldn¡¯t find you.¡± The old woman replied, ¡°Ah Chen brought me here. How could you not know? You¡¯ve been abroad all these years, it¡¯s been a long time since Ist saw you. Fortunately, Ah Chen, the boy, oftenes to see me and keeps mepany.¡± The grandmother pretended to hit Xia Yangyang, ¡°Ah Chen is much more useful than you.¡±
In the past four years, Xia Yangyang indeed had little contact with her grandmother. Her godfather, however, had regrly passed on news about her grandmother. Xia Yangyang asionally managed to talk to her grandmother over the phone, but she never mentioned her divorce with Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang was astonished, ¡°In these years, has Gu Qichen often visited you?¡± ¡°Yes, once a month. Ah Chen said you¡¯re developing your career abroad and don¡¯t have time toe back. He is filial, oftenes to keep this old womanpany.¡± Xia Yangyang was at a loss for words. Xia Yangyang hugged the old woman, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Grandma. I won¡¯t leave you anymore. This time, I came to take you to live with me.¡± The old woman, however, grumbled, ¡°Did Ah Chen tell you about my hand tremors? Actually, it¡¯s not a big problem. I know my own body. Ah Chen is just overreacting and insisting on bringing me to the city. The environment here is very good, but I am not used to living here. Tell Ah Chen for me, I want to go back and live in the countryside.¡± Chapter 538: 539: She misunderstood Gu Qichen... Chapter 538: Chapter 539: She misunderstood Gu Qichen¡­ Xia Yangyang suddenly eximed, ¡°Grandma, your hand is trembling. What¡¯s going on? Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Grandma replied, ¡°It¡¯s an old ailment. Why should I tell you and cause you unnecessary worry when you¡¯re busy with work?¡± At this time, several doctors in white gowns walked by. Grandma sighed, ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with me. These peoplee to examine me every day. I¡¯m sure they¡¯ll diagnose me with a disease even if I¡¯m not sick.¡± Xia Yangyang hurried over, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with my grandma?¡± The doctors took a brief nce at Xia Yangyang. Seeing the old woman¡¯s attitude towards this young girl, they finally spoke, ¡°Early-stage Alzheimer¡¯s disease. It¡¯s not severe right now. We need to prevent it from worsening. We will do our best.¡± Xia Yangyang felt like a bolt had hit her from the blue. She turned to look at her grandma. Her grandmother turned around and continued watering the vegetables in the small courtyard.
Xia Yangyang knew about Alzheimer¡¯s disease,monly known as senile dementia. She never thought that her grandmother would be struck by such a disease. Xia Yangyang felt a chill in her heart. She turned around and asked, ¡°Did Mr. Gu arrange for you to take care of my grandma here?¡± The leading doctor said, ¡°Mr. Gu is very concerned about the olddy¡¯s illness. He has used the best medical methods, and we are monitoring her condition daily. Fortunately, it was detected rtively early, so it can still be effectively controlled now.¡± Xia Yangyang did not take her grandmother away from the nursing home. Instead, she persuaded her grandmother to stay here for a few more days. When she left, Xia Yangyang feltplicated inside. Once she got in the car, Xia Yangyang just wanted to cry her eyes out. It turned out that she had misunderstood Gu Qichen. He never used grandma as a weapon to threaten her, nor did he ever want to hurt her. On the contrary, Gu Qichen had found the best medical team to treat her grandmother. Even fearing that her grandmother would not be ustomed to living here, he brought all thembs and poultry that her grandma had raised at her old home. To get such a high-end international nursing home to ept these things must have required considerable effort and resources. Xia Yangyang did not know why Gu Qichen would do this. Didn¡¯t he wish that she was dead? Xia Yangyang felt extremely upset. In the afternoon, Xia Yangyang booked a flight to Beijing. Xiao Wu had already given her a specific address.
Xia Yangyang must find Ma Jianguo and rify some things about the past. Finding him was rtively smooth. Ma Jianguo still had the habit of walking his dog after meals. In the evening, after dinner, Ma Jianguo went out for a walk with his dog.
Xia Yangyang directly approached him, ¡°Secretary Ma, may I have a word with you?¡± Ma Jianguo was very surprised. He had been in prison for fifteen years, and when he came out, society hadpletely changed. In Feng City¡¯s government district, there were still people who knew about his past. But here was Beijing. That someone knew about his past identity here was quite surprising. Seeing the girl, he assumed she must havee prepared. Ma Jianguo looked at Xia Yangyang, ¡°Who are you?¡± Xia Yangyang cut to the chase, ¡°I am the daughter of Tan Zhen. You were sentenced to prison for taking huge bribes. You should still remember the name Tan Zhen.¡± Ma Jianguo¡¯s face changed instantly, ¡°Didn¡¯t Tan Zhenmit suicide after the exposure? I have already spent fifteen years in jail. All the past has been turned over. What are you trying to do?¡± ¡°Tan Zhen was my mother, but I have never believed that she would bribe an official and embezzle charity funds. So all these years, I never gave up investigating. ording to the news reports back then, 20 million of the Weiyang Charity Fund were embezzled, half of which appeared in my mother¡¯s ount, and half was assumed to be a bribe to you. I just want to know what exactly happened back then?¡± Chapter 539: 540: Who was the Mastermind Behind the Scenes? Chapter 539: Chapter 540: Who was the Mastermind Behind the Scenes? Ma Jianguo began, ¡°Speaking of this matter, I¡¯ve been perplexed over the years. In reality, I¡¯ve never met Tan Zhen. However, I was blindsided and fooled that year. Faced with twenty million, I was tempted. The other party actually wanted me to secretly handle a huge amount of money through the bank procedures, in essence, tounder money. I operated some procedures stealthily, not expecting to entrap myself.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯ve never met my mother? Who gave you that twenty million?¡± ¡°My then secretary handled all these things. However, after the incident exploded, he disappeared without a trace and remains missing to this day. This makes me feel even more that this was a well-designed trap by someone, but I don¡¯t know if their target was me or Tan Zhen.¡± Xia Yangyang had long suspected this. Because of this, Xia Yangyang believed that everything was carefully designed by Gu Mingzhu. Even Gu Shengyuan might have known. Because only the Gu Family has the power and influence to withstand the multiple doubts andplications without anyone daring to thoroughly investigate. But over the years, Xia Yangyang has discovered some new clues. Especially through Zhao Xin, Xia Yangyang knew that Liu Ruyan and her father were also involved. If Liu Ruyan was involved, things would be much moreplicated. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°So, have you ever heard of this woman, Liu Ruyan?¡±
Ma Jianguo shook his head, ¡°I don¡¯t seem to have any impression.¡± Xia Yangyang mulled over it. Ma Jianguo said, ¡°What¡¯s past is past. Now, I¡¯ve paid a heavy price for what happened that year. I¡¯m out now, and I just want to live the rest of my life in peace. No matter who you are, I¡¯ve said today what needs to be said. I hope you won¡¯t disturb me in the future.¡± Ma Jianguo was about to leave with his dog. Xia Yangyang intercepted, ¡°If someone really nted you intentionally that year and made you spend fifteen years in prison, would you be okay with that? Don¡¯t you want to know who that person is? Maybe they are livingfortably now, enjoying their wealth, even if you were confused at that time. But if others didn¡¯t deliberately plot against you, you wouldn¡¯t have wasted the best years of your life behind the high walls.¡± Ma Jianguo seemed to be moved by her words. Ma Jianguo turned back around, ¡°If you want to find out the truth, I won¡¯t object. I still have the remittance slips from that year. The money was remitted to a Swiss bank ount back then and waster seized. However, there was actually one sum of money, five million, which wasn¡¯t located. ording to their rules, if no one ims that money in twenty years, anyone who has the remittance slip can take the money along with the original and interest ording to the exchange rate. Moreover, this money must be withdrawn within a certain period after twenty years, and the information should be kept confidential; otherwise, it will be returned the same way, and the identity of the ount holder back then will be made public by the system. If the old case is brought up again, it will be very dangerous. The person who set me up back then wouldn¡¯t be so stupid, so they will definitely withdraw the money within that period.¡± Xia Yangyang had a vague idea of what Ma Jianguo meant. Ma Jianguo said directly, ¡°That is to say, whoever has the remittance slip for the five million from that Swiss bank is the one who was pulling the strings behind the scenes.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect to have such an unexpected gain. Things have be much simpler now. Over the past four years, Xia Yangyang had always suspected that Liu Ruyan was involved in the past incident or had manipted things behind the scenes. Now, they just needed to confirm whether the remittance slip was with Liu Ruyan or Gu Mingzhu, and everything would be clear. Chapter 540: 541: Its Time to Meet Liu Ruyan and Her Daughter Chapter 540: Chapter 541: It¡¯s Time to Meet Liu Ruyan and Her Daughter After Ma Jianguo left, Xia Yangyang returned to her car. She thought long and hard inside the car. The task seemed easy, but it wasn¡¯t. Regardless of whether the remittance slip was with Gu Mingzhu or Liu Ruyan. She could not easily meet either of them right now. Gu Mingzhu was currently living in Sea City. After marrying Xi Jiaxin, Liu Ruyan had settled in Beijing. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t have much time to stay in the country. However, Xia Yangyang thought that since she had returned, it was time to catch up with Liu Ruyan and her daughter. As it happened, Xia Yangyang remembered that Xia Weiwei¡¯s birthday was tomorrow.
Given Xia Weiwei¡¯s current status and her personality, she would surely celebrate grandly. Xia Yangyang casually searched online. And found lots of information about her. Xia Weiwei, capitalising on her birthday, had nned a charity auction birthday party. It was said that she would auction some of her precious jewellery and antiques, and all the money raised would be donated to charity. However, this raised some doubts in Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind. This didn¡¯t seem like Xia Weiwei¡¯s style at all. Xia Yangyang then looked up Xia Weiwei¡¯s deeds over the past few years. Surprisingly, her reputation in this circle over the years was pretty good. She was now the manager of the publicity department at Jiang Group. This position was merely a figurehead. But the things she had done in recent years weremendable. Four years ago, her reputation was bad. Of course, because of her elder sister, she had a reputation for being ruthless and vicious after framing her and being detained. She was expelled from school and cklisted by the entertainment industry. All this changed after Xia Weiwei had an ident. Apparently, Xia Weiwei had a severe car ident four years ago. After the ident, she was diagnosed with amnesia. She couldn¡¯t remember anything from the past. Moreover, after her downfall, the once arrogant and ruthless second Miss Xia underwent a sudden change in character.
She became gentle and virtuous, kind and adorable and did a lot of good deeds. Her true redemption came two years ago in the Lushan earthquake. It was said that Xia Weiwei sold all her jewelry and properties, altogether worth tens of millions, and donated all of it. Suddenly, Xia Weiwei was in the spotlight.
Xia Yangyang happened to find an audio interview done by the media after Xia Weiwei¡¯s donation. There were no images, just audio. The voice was indeed Xia Weiwei¡¯s. But the tone was very different from before. Xia Weiwei said: ¡°In the past, I did many bad things, and then I received my retribution. I was in a car ident and almost died, forgetting everything from before. I believe that this is a chance God has given me to restart. Walking through the gates of hell made me understand the value of life more, which is to help more people¡­¡± After stopping the interview, Xia Yangyang sneered in her heart. This whitewashing technique was too clever. Amnesia? Did she think this was some Korean drama or novel? Years ago, Xia Weiwei had tried to kill her by driving her car. To this day, Xia Yangyang still remembered Xia Weiwei¡¯s face covered in blood and her eyes filled with resentment. Could she really have changed? She would find out tomorrow.
Xia Yangyang found out that Xia Weiwei¡¯s charity birthday banquet would be held in a banquet hall at a major hotel in Beijing. Many notable women from Beijing were invited, along with some wealthy celebrities and stars. Xia Weiwei was now considered Xi Jiaxin¡¯s stepdaughter, so everyone would have to give her some face. The invitations were limited, with only five hundred distributed. As this was considered a gathering of top-notch socialites, the invitations had unexpectedly be the target of scalpers and were being resold at a high price. Without much effort and by spending a little money, Xia Yangyang got an invitation. Chapter 541: 542: She had plastic surgery to look exactly like Xia Yangyang Chapter 541: Chapter 542: She had stic surgery to look exactly like Xia Yangyang In the grand courtyard of the Xi family. Xia Weiwei is trying on clothes in the fitting room. Liu Ruyan walked in. Xia Weiwei quickly turned around: ¡°Mom, what do you think of this starry night gown? I¡¯m wearing it for the birthday party tomorrow.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s dressing room is huge. ¡°You, got over a dozen evening gowns tailored for just one birthday party. If people found out, they¡¯d call it extravagant and wasteful. You¡¯d ruin the image you¡¯ve painstakingly cultivated over the years.¡± As Liu Ruyan spoke, Xia Weiwei was trying on the dress in front of a mirror, nonchntly responding, ¡°Mom, you¡¯re too cautious. It¡¯s just a few dresses, and it¡¯s not even under my name. No one will care.¡± Xia Weiwei, wearing the starry gown, spun around in front of the mirror: ¡°Mom, is it pretty? Do you think Gu Qichen will like it?¡± Liu Ruyan sighed. After these years, her daughter had finally managed to cleanse her past and start anew.
But she was still hopelessly hung up on that man. Even¡­ Liu Ruyan looked at the face that hadpletely changed, and sighed again. Sometimes even she couldn¡¯t help but be mistaken when she looked at this face. Let alone others. When Xia Weiwei was in a car ident years ago, her appearance was ruined, and several ribs were broken. Later, Xia Weiwei went to South Korea to have stic surgery, which took half a year. When she came back, Liu Ruyan was shocked. Xia Weiwei had made herself look exactly like Xia Yangyang. The face was almost ny percent simr. Sometimes when she looked at her own daughter, it was like she was looking at Xia Yangyang. Liu Ruyan found it extremely unsettling. But Xia Weiwei loved her new face. Over the past two years, she had further refined it, wanting to look as identical as possible to Xia Yangyang. Now, at first nce, it was genuinely hard to tell they weren¡¯t the same person. Xia Weiwei caressed her face in front of the mirror: ¡°Do you know, this dress is a reproduction of the one that Xia Yangyang wore at the Baihua Awards ceremony. That dress was given to Xia Yangyang by Gu Qichen himself. Now that I¡¯m wearing this dress, he will definitely take extra nces.¡± Liu Ruyan couldn¡¯t help but intervene: ¡°Weiwei, wake up, would you? You¡¯ve mutted yourself like this, mimicking Xia Yangyang¡¯s every move, wearing her clothes, and eating what she likes. But what¡¯s the use? Gu Qichen is about to get engaged to Xi Zijun. You couldn¡¯t evenpete with Xia Yangyang back in the day, let alone Xi Zijun. Weiwei, listen to your mother, it¡¯s never toote to turn back. Are there no other men in this world besides Gu Qichen?¡± Xia Weiwei turned around: ¡°Mom, haven¡¯t you noticed a change in Gu Qichen¡¯s attitude towards me these years? I don¡¯t believe he genuinely likes Xi Zijun, their engagement is nothing but a business alliance. And what about Zhang Xinyi, who¡¯s been by his side all these years? Isn¡¯t it because she somewhat resembles Xia Yangyang? If it¡¯s about resemnce, no one can be more simr to Xia Yangyang than me.¡± Xia Weiwei caressed her face: ¡°Xia Yangyang has disappeared, but Gu Qichen hasn¡¯t forgotten her. There¡¯s no better or more simr substitute than me, I don¡¯t mind being a stand-in. Gradually, he won¡¯t be able to part with me. I¡¯ve said it before, one day, sooner orter, whether in five or ten years, I¡¯ll be Mrs. Gu.¡±
Liu Ruyan knew her daughter¡¯s obsession with Gu Qichen was incurable. There was nothing she could say that Xia Weiwei would listen to. Liu Ruyan spoke again: ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up too high, whether he¡¯lle or not is still uncertain.¡± Xia Weiwei replied: ¡°He will definitelye. I have a way.¡±
Chapter 542: 543: Deliberately Imitating Xia Yangyangs Every Move Chapter 542: Chapter 543: Deliberately Imitating Xia Yangyang¡¯s Every Move After Liu Ruyan left. Xia Yangyang went to the bedside and dialed a number. ¡°Hello, brother-inw, this is Weiwei.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s chilly voice came over the phone, ¡°I know, what is it?¡± Xia Weiwei felt a little disappointed hearing his icy tone. Nevertheless, she softened her voice and said, ¡°Brother-inw, tomorrow is my birthday. Can youe? It¡¯s at the banquet hall in the Beijing Hotel.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s tone remained cold, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I¡¯m busy.¡± Knowing Gu Qichen, the phone call was about to end. Just before Gu Qichen could hang up. Xia Weiwei quickly spoke up, ¡°Brother-inw, wait a minute, I have a few more things to say.¡±
¡°What do you want to say?¡± ¡°Tomorrow¡¯s birthday party will be held in the form of a charity auction, and I will be auctioning off some of my cherished antiques and jewelry. One of the items is a silver bracelet I brought from our hometown¡¯s safe. My mother told me it was something that my sister has been wearing since she was born, up until she was ten¡­¡± Xia Weiwei stopped talking at this point. On the other end, silence reigned. Xia Weiwei was waiting for a response. ¡°I understand.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice came through. After saying this, Gu Qichen hung up. A busy signal echoed from the other end. Yet Xia Weiwei held the phone in her hands for a long while. Every time she finished a call with Gu Qichen, it left her reminiscing for a long time. Every word, every tone of Gu Qichen. Truthfully, Xia Weiwei was disappointed. But everything was as expected. She knew Gu Qichen woulde tomorrow. Because he wouldn¡¯t ignore anything rted to Xia Yangyang. But gradually, Xia Weiwei¡¯s face grew colder and harder. How much longer should she endure, how much longer should she wait. These past years, she had repeatedly watched the TV dramas and movies that Xia Yangyang had acted in. Deducing from them every move, every smile of Xia Yangyang.
She would carefully study every detail and gesture. She¡¯s watched them so many times that she almost wants to throw up. But eventually, there was some sess. Gu Qichen initially despised her.
But ever since she pretended to lose her memories, she would unintentionally reveal some of Xia Yangyang¡¯s past habits. Whenever this happened, Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze wouldnd on her. The feeling of being watched by Gu Qichen was too wonderful. So she crazily underwent stic surgery, trying her best to resemble Xia Yangyang a little more. Regardless, Xia Yangyang had already disappeared. Although Gu Qichen was still indifferent to her. His attitude towards her had changed considerably. Over these years, due to business, they had more and more interactions. All that was left was time. Compared to Xi Zijun, Xia Weiwei held higher chances of winning. Because her weapon was Xia Yangyang. A sword that prated straight to the bottom of Gu Qichen¡¯s heart. Xi Zijun had no understanding of Gu Qichen and his deep-rooted attachment to Xia Yangyang.
She looked down on using such methods, that woman is so conceited. All these years, Xia Weiwei had been watching too. Gu Qichen and Xi Zijun had a close rtionship. But they were only friends,rades. In fact, Gu Qichen had never seen Xi Zijun as a woman. She would never let Gu Qichen and Xi Zijun be engaged. The next day! The entrance of the Beijing International Hotel was filled with luxury cars. Countless young men and women arrived and proceeded straight to the banquet hall on the top floor. Xia Yangyang was among them. Xia Yangyang was also dressed in formal attire today. However, it was not a gown, but a ck and white checkered pant suit. She looked imposing and radiated an impressive aura.
Chapter 543: 544: The True and False Young Ladies Chapter 543: Chapter 544: The True and False Young Ladies However, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect that before she could even step foot into the venue, there were always peopleing up to greet her. ¡°Miss Xia, congrattions.¡± ¡°Miss Xia, your new hairstyle really suits you.¡± ¡°Miss Xia, happy birthday.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned. These people had clearly mistaken her for someone else. And to her disbelief, they had mistaken her for Xia Weiwei. But Xia Yangyang was very puzzled. Despite being half-sisters who shared the same father, she looked nothing like Xia Weiwei. How on earth could they mistake her for Xia Weiwei? It seemed unbelievable to her.
With this confusion, Xia Yangyang entered the banquet hall. There stood several security guards at the entrance of the banquet hall. They were responsible for checking invitations and confirming the guests¡¯ identities. When they saw Xia Yangyang, there was a look of puzzlement on their faces. ¡°Didn¡¯t you, young miss, just go inside?¡± It really seemed like even these security guards had mistaken her for somebody else. The bewilderment within Xia Yangyang was growing stronger. But at least she was able to get in without even presenting an invitation. Xia Yangyang simply spoke up: ¡°I stepped out to change my clothing.¡± The guards were baffled. Because there was only one main entry to the banquet hall. All the guestsing in and out were under their close watch. Young Miss had just gone in less than ten minutes ago. Now she had changed her clothes, makeup, even her hairstyle and reappeared at the entrance. This was simply beyondprehension. But with that face, there were no chances of making a mistake. Even though, there was something different that they couldn¡¯t put into words. In any case, her face now seemed strangely more pleasing to the eye. But since young Miss was the birthday celebrator today.
Naturally, they didn¡¯t dare to neglect her. They quickly opened the doors of the banquet hall for her. Xia Yangyang walked in. From the moment she entered, she had caused quite a stir.
All of this was within Xia Yangyang¡¯s expectations though. Not because everyone knew about her past identity. But because of her face. The birthday celebrator, the star of today, is Xia Weiwei. Xia Weiwei had just shown up dressed in all splendor less than ten minutes ago. Her starry dress had drawn countless praise and attention. At the moment, countless fashionable beauties were flocking around her,plimenting and ttering her. Xia Weiwei was known to everyone in this circle. Everyone calls her ¡°second young miss¡±. She was not originally from Beijing. It was said that the Xia family was well-established in Feng City. Once being a daughter of the chairman of Starlight Entertainment, Xia Liangdong who passed away unexpectedly. After his death, his wife remarried to Xi Jiaxin.
Xia Weiwei became the stepdaughter of Xi Jiaxin, also known as the ¡°second young miss¡± to everyone. The ¡°second young miss¡± had aplex reputation, rumored to be brutal and ruthless, murderous, and scandal-ridden in the past. However, she had a car ident and forgot everything from her past. Since then, her demeanor changed drastically, and she began doing charitable work. Although this ¡°second young miss¡± might not hold much weight, her mother Liu Ruyan was not to be underestimated. Everyone in Beijing knew what kind of man Xi Jiaxin was. For many years, he and his original wife were living together yet leading separate lives. As he got older, the girlfriends he got involved with were getting younger. But no one had expected. Xi Jiaxin in his fifties had recently gotten a divorce and remarried Liu Ruyan, who was in her forties. Although that woman had excellent preservation, her charm still remained. But her taste highly contradicted with Xi Jiaxin who had been developed over the years. Most importantly, Xi Jiaxin used to be the general manager of Jiang Group
Later, he was usurped by his biological daughter with his original wife, Xi Zijun. In the end, he ended up as the deputy general manager of Jiang group¡¯s Asia-Pacific region. Although the position was a bit awkward without any power, However, nheless, he was still the only brother of Xi Jiachen, the richest man in Asia. Xi Jiachen had always been spoiling and tolerant of this brother. So under the name of Xi Jiaxin, Liu Ruyan was rising higher and higher in the circle. She had even established her own jewelry brand and opened several antique shops. Chapter 544: 545: Xia Yangyang Struts Back! Chapter 544: Chapter 545: Xia Yangyang Struts Back! It was rumored that for her daughter¡¯s birthday party today, an antique treasure, the ¡°Laundry Song¡± by the well-known Qing Dynasty artist Zhou Yuan, would be auctioned off. This painting was valued around eight million in the market. This was a no-reserve auction and all the proceeds would be donated to Project Hope. Various media outlets and official institutions were invited to witness it. Among the guests arriving today, apart from renowned socialites, there were also several masters from the cultural circle and wealthy antique aficionados, all gathered to have a glimpse of the ¡°Laundry Song.¡± Once Xia Yangyang entered, she caught countless people¡¯s eyes as she walked by. But it was her face that caused a sensation. Because at this moment, there were unexpectedly two identical faces in the entire banquet hall. Everyone began to whisper and gossip. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Who is this woman? Howe she looks exactly like the second young miss?¡± ¡°I¡¯d say it¡¯s the second young miss who looks like the woman standing here. The face of the second young miss obviously underwent drastic changes, although it¡¯s beautiful now, it still looks somewhat unnatural. The face here lookspletely natural.¡± ¡°What exactly is going on? If the second miss had her face made up to look like this woman, then who is she? Why would she appear at the second young miss¡¯s birthday party?¡± There were whispers and discussions all along the way.
Xia Yangyang¡¯s confusion was instantly cleared when she saw Xia Weiwei. It turned out that Xia Weiwei had undergone stic surgery. And that face was molded almost exactly like hers. Right at this moment, Xia Weiwei, sensing the stir at the entrance, looked in that direction. The moment Xia Weiwei saw Xia Yangyang, she frozepletely. She was wearing a starry sky dress today, drawing a lot of attention. Many people surrounded her, praising her, saying she was iparably beautiful. But the moment she turned around, she saw Xia Yangyang¡¯s face. Xia Weiwei waspletely stunned, for a moment she thought she was hallucinating. The woman in front of her, that face¡­ Who else could have the same face as her if not Xia Yangyang? But Xia Yangyang had been missing for four years already. Events from that night four years ago were still vivid in Xia Weiwei¡¯s mind. She knew Xia Yangyang was pregnant. She was determined to run her over with a car, to end it all. But a jeep appeared out of nowhere and forced her car into a tree. At that time, she was seriously injured. But in her haze, she saw Xia Yangyanging over to her. Xia Yangyang clearly knew the people who got out of the jeep.
In other words, the ident wasn¡¯t an ident, but intentional. Xia Yangyang was unscathed while she, on the other hand, nearly lost her life. After being injured, she spent a long time recovering. She narrowly escaped death as a couple of broken ribs almost punctured her lungs. Fortunately, from that day on, Xia Yangyang disappeared.
Just like evaporating from the world, she and her unborn child suddenly vanished without a trace. No one knew what happened that night. No one knew she had tried to kill Xia Yangyang with her car. In the past four years, she had let go of her past and lived as if she were Xia Yangyang. As long as Xia Yangyang never appeared again, she was confident she couldpletely rece her in Gu Qichen¡¯s heart. But what Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t expect was¡­ Xia Yangyang was actually back, and had brazenly appeared at her own birthday party! Xia Weiwei¡¯s heart started to tremble. Why has Xia Yangyang returned? Could it be that¡­ Chapter 545: 546: You copy my appearance yet claim to not know me? Chapter 545: Chapter 546: You copy my appearance yet im to not know me? An enormous fear rose from the bottom of Xia Weiwei¡¯s heart, spreading throughout her body. She was looking at the person over there, but her body started to shake uncontrobly. So many years have passed. Xia Weiwei thought back to that night, she would still asionally wake up from her dreams in fright. Because she didn¡¯t know who saved Xia Yangyang back then. She even feared Xia Yangyang from the bottom of her heart. She had done so much, had tried by all means to kill Xia Yangyang. But in the end, she was the one who suffered. It seemed as if heaven always favored Xia Yangyang, always allowing her to escape danger at thest minute. Fortunately, she had been missing for four years.
No one knew where she had gone. No one had any news of her. Gu Qichen had searched for her like mad, but even he couldn¡¯t find a trace of her. Xia Weiwei secretly rejoiced in her heart, perhaps this woman was dead. If she really died, it would be the best thing. In this world, she no longer had any seriouspetition. Even if Gu Qichen loved her still, he was powerless. Over the years, she still called Gu Qichen her brother-inw. She pretended to be dumb and amnesiac, every action of hers imitated Xia Yangyang. The things she once loathed the most, were now the things she delighted in. Even sometimes, Xia Weiwei felt that she herself was Xia Yangyang. The woman who Gu Qichen deeply loved. asionally, when Gu Qichen looked at her, he would seem spaced out. It was these moments of daze that filled Xia Weiwei¡¯s heart with hope. As time went on day by day, one day Gu Qichen would mistake her for the real deal. But still, there was a vague fear in Xia Weiwei¡¯s heart. That was if Xia Yangyang returned one day, what would happen. Sheforted herself every day. Xia Yangyang won¡¯t appear anymore, she¡¯ll never appear again.
Everything she has now belongs to her. She herself is Xia Yangyang. Xia Weiwei hypnotized herself over and over again. But now, as that familiar face became clearer, it was like she was waking up from a dream.
Four years had passed, but Xia Yangyang¡¯s face hadn¡¯t changed at all. Only her skin had turned wheat-colored and her hair had been cut short and neat. But this made Xia Yangyang look even more vibrant and healthy. It seemed like she was no longer the old Xia Yangyang, as she walked over step by step, the powerful aura and confidence that radiated from her were things the old Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t have. Xia Weiwei inexplicably felt scared. Her fingers started to tremble uncontrobly. The people around her noticed it too. Looking at Xia Weiwei¡¯s trembling fingers: ¡°Weiwei, what¡¯s wrong? Why are you trembling? Are you not feeling well?¡± Xia Weiwei hurriedly tried to control herself. Meanwhile, Xia Yangyang had already reached Xia Weiwei¡¯s side. ¡°My dear little sister, long time no see.¡± All eyes fell on the two of them. The two faces, simr to 90%, were almost impossible to tell apart.
And this person who suddenly dropped from the sky was calling Xia Weiwei her sister. What exactly is their rtionship? Xia Weiwei¡¯s mind went nk. It was hard to ept that Xia Yangyang appeared in front of her out of the blue. All those pasts she worked so hard to get rid of, all those embarrassing stains, seemed to havee back all of a sudden. She could hardly control herself. But still, she pretended to be ignorant: ¡°Who are you? I don¡¯t know you.¡± Xia Yangyang found Xia Weiwei¡¯s first reaction soughable. Without any mercy, Xia Yangyang spoke up: ¡°You went to great lengths to have stic surgery to look like me, and now you¡¯re saying you don¡¯t recognize me?¡± The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 546: 547: Xia Yangyang Really Came to Cause Trouble Chapter 546: Chapter 547: Xia Yangyang Really Came to Cause Trouble Thatment left Xia Weiwei scrambling for a response. Yes, Xia Weiwei¡¯s face had been surgically altered, an open secret among the socialites. Moreover, Xia Weiwei¡¯s face appears to have a different look every once in a while. Everyone has forgotten what Xia Weiwei originally looked like. However, Xia Weiwei¡¯s current face bore a striking resemnce to the woman standing before her. That is to say, Xia Weiwei had her face modeled after this woman. Modeling her face after someone else and then iming not to know them would undoubtedly be preposterous. Xia Weiwei¡¯s initial im was debunked immediately. She was also bluntly exposed for having had stic surgery, which is thest thing she wants to be known for. Even though everyone was well aware of it, she would never allow anyone to utter the words ¡®stic surgery¡¯.
The socialites around her feigned surprise, but she knew that they were all secretly sneering at her, looking down on her. Xia Weiwei was unable to respond immediately. Everyone knew she had lost her memory. If she acknowledged that the woman before her was her sister, wouldn¡¯t that discredit herself? What¡¯s more, her difficultly whitewashed past might be entirely dug up again. However, if she didn¡¯t acknowledge it, there was no way to exin why their faces looked so simr. Xia Weiwei was fuming inside. Xia Yangyang was definitely here to cause trouble. She had disappeared for four years, and upon her return, she immediately started causing problems for her. Moreover, she had no idea what Xia Yangyang intended to do next. Just at this moment. Liu Ruyan happened to walk by as well. Upon seeing Xia Yangyang, Liu Ruyan waspletely taken aback. This girl had disappeared for so long, why would she show up here, and at Weiwei¡¯s birthday party no less? This party was something she had painstakingly nned. Not only was it Xia Weiwei¡¯s birthday party, but it was also a gathering of societydies, and an auction would be held today. Media from various institutions were invited to the scene. Many things had already taken ce. Moreover, this was Beijing, not Feng City.
Most people here didn¡¯t really know about the events that happened in Feng City four years ago. Therefore, she couldn¡¯t let Xia Yangyang stir up trouble. Liu Ruyan hesitated for a moment. Then her eyes suddenly turned red, and eximed with great emotion, ¡°Girl, I¡¯m so d you¡¯re back.¡±
After saying this, she took a couple of steps forward and directly hugged Xia Yangyang, ¡°Do you know how worried I¡¯ve been over these years? Why did you leave without a word? Even after your dad¡¯s death, remember, you¡¯ll always be Aunt Liu¡¯s daughter.¡± Then, releasing Xia Yangyang, she deliberately scrutinized her from head to toe, ¡°Girl, you¡¯re thinner and darker. You must have suffered a lot these past few years. Now that you¡¯re back, everything will be okay.¡± Xia Yangyang was truly impressed by Liu Ruyan¡¯s acting skills. She never expected that Aunt Liu¡¯s craftiness would remain unchanged even after four years. However, Liu Ruyan¡¯s reaction was exactly what Xia Yangyang wanted. She hadn¡¯te here to have a falling out with them. On the contrary, she was looking for a money order from Switzend. To find it, Xia Yangyang needed to infiltrate the Xi family. If Liu Ruyan indeed possessed such an item, it would most likely be kept close to her. She needed to stay near Liu Ruyan to investigate and search for it. Xia Yangyang yed along and spoke in a pitiful tone, ¡°Aunt Liu, I¡¯m so relieved that you still recognize me. To tell you the truth, I¡¯ve had a hard time these past years. I came back to seek your help since I¡¯m homeless right now. Please take me in, Aunt Liu.¡± Chapter 547: 548: So Many Excellent Men at Her Disposal Chapter 547: Chapter 548: So Many Excellent Men at Her Disposal Liu Ruyan was also surprised by Xia Yangyang¡¯s reaction. How could this girl be homeless? Back then, all Xia family¡¯s property, shares in Starlight, real estate, including the vi, were all under her name now. Though she disappeared without a trace these years. Starlight, managed by Shen Shichuan, had been thriving, almost restored to its past glory. This girl was really lucky. So many capable men worked for her. She held shares in Starlight, making her the nominal chairperson. Even if she did not bother about thepany¡¯s matters, dividends alone could put her on the domestic wealthy list. Now, such a person was crying and pleading in front of her and asking to be taken in.
She must have an ulterior motive. Some reporters nonchntly started snapping this scene. Anyways, Yangyang¡¯s restraint with the confrontation was a relief. No matter the pills this girl could potentially poison the night with, they just had to get through the night peacefully first. They couldn¡¯t let her ruin Weiwei¡¯s birthday party, making it aughingstock. Otherwise, all their efforts in the past four years will be in vain. Liu Ruyan said: ¡°How could Aunt Liu abandon you? I¡¯m overjoyed by your return.¡± She even feigned wiping her tears from the corner of her eyes. Everyone was confused by this scene. Who exactly was this girl that appeared out of nowhere? At this point, Liu Ruyan began introducing Yangyang to the people around them: ¡°Today, I would like to introduce all of you to the daughter of myte ex-husband, Xia Yangyang. She is WeiWei¡¯s half-sister which exins some of their physical simrities.¡± Then, she turned her head and seemed to exin specifically to Yangyang: ¡°You may not know since you¡¯ve been away for some years, Weiwei had a car ident four years ago. She almost died, and the injury caused her to lose her memories and forgot the past.¡± Xia Yangyang wondered whether Xia Weiwei had revealed the real cause for her car ident to Liu Ruyan. Xia Yangyang pretended to suddenly realize: ¡°So that¡¯s why Weiwei doesn¡¯t recognize me, her sister anymore. She lost her memory.¡± Then she nced over at Weiwei again. Xia Weiwei stood there, still somewhat in disbelief over everything that had transpired. Xia Yangyang had returned, she actually returned. Everyone finally understood their rtionship now upon seeing this. So the suddenly appeared figure who resembled the second Miss turned out to be her half-sister by the same father but different mothers.
This exnation makes their simr appearances more reasonable. But it looked like their rtionship was quite harmonious. Yangyang¡¯s sudden appearance was considered a small incident. After all, in Beijing¡¯s circle, few knew about their past.
Although Yangyang was a popr rising star four years ago. But the entertainment industry had changed drastically over the years, with too many a-changing faces. Furthermore, Yangyang exited the industry after just one movie, and everyone had long forgotten about her. Nor had anyone investigated who she really was since her appearance now was starkly different from before. It was a blessing in disguise as Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t receive too much attention. Most guests in the banquet hall had arrived. Liu Ruyan announced the start of the banquet, asking everyone to start eating, and the auction would start shortly. Chapter 548: 549: I Just Knew You Were Pretending Chapter 548: Chapter 549: I Just Knew You Were Pretending Long tablesden with a variety of exquisite dishes, desserts, and champagne lined the surrounding area. A massive dance floor dominated the grand banquet hall. Light waltz music echoed throughout the hall as countless elegantly dressed men and women danced merrily. Xia Yangyang turned to Liu Ruyan and said, ¡°Aunt Liu, I¡¯m a bit hungry, I¡¯ll go grab something to eat.¡± Liu Ruyan responded with a smile, ¡°Yangyang, go ahead.¡± Xia Yangyang headed towards the buffet table. She was, in fact, quite hungry. Xia Weiwei was standing off to the side, her whole body trembling. Liu Ruyan walked over to Xia Weiwei. Xia Weiwei clutched Liu Ruyan¡¯s hand, her voice trembling, ¡°What does that bitch wanting back here? Is she here to seek revenge on me? That year I¡­¡±
Liu Ruyan abruptly interrupted Xia Weiwei, ¡°That year, you were in a car ident and lost your memory. Stick to the truth and don¡¯t loseposure.¡± Chastened by Liu Ruyan, Xia Weiwei suddenly felt a bit more clear-headed. Yes, she had lost her memory, all of the past was a nk. And naturally, she had forgotten what happened that night too. She couldn¡¯t lose it; she couldn¡¯t let herself lose it just because Xia Yangyang showed up. Xia Weiwei was still a bit uneasy, ¡°But Qi Chen is supposed to be here today. What if he sees Xia Yangyang? I cannot let them meet. All my efforts over the past four years would be wasted.¡± Liu Ruyan coldly retorted, ¡°You think that after her public appearance and Qi Chen searching for her for four years, he won¡¯t notice? Even if you can prevent their meeting today, could you do it forever? The priority now is to figure out what that girl¡¯s true intent is.¡± Xia Yangyang, standing at the buffet, casually grabbed some finger food, filling her stomach. Xia Weiwei was observing Xia Yangyang from afar. She really has changed a lot from before. But one thing that never changed was how attractive she was, always captivating the men around her. A number of gentlemen had already approached Xia Yangyang to strike up a conversation. Compared to her previous reserved demeanor, the present Xia Yangyang was rxed and casually engaged them in lively talks. Thatughter was like a thorn pricking Xia Weiwei¡¯s eyes. Xia Weiwei began walking towards them. ¡°Sister,¡± Xia Weiwei called out sweetly, standing behind Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang turned around, her smile hinted at a deeper meaning, ¡°You never used to call me sister.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s face was all innocence, ¡°I had a car ident four years ago and lost all my memory. I hope you won¡¯t hold it against me, Mother once told me that I have a sister. I¡¯m very happy to see you today.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but internallyugh.
Taking a step towards Xia Weiwei, she asked, ¡°Weiwei, speaking of that ident four years ago, do you remember anything?¡± Xia Weiwei was prepared though still a bit anxious inside. She smiled and said, ¡°How could I remember anything if I lost my memories?¡± Xia Yangyang gave an indifferent hmm and then asked, ¡°So, you don¡¯t remember that four years ago you drove into me, breaking my four ribs? And how I escaped death narrowly?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, stop ndering me. It was clearly me who barely survived that day!¡±
This defensive reaction slipped out of Xia Weiwei¡¯s mouth immediately. Only after saying it did she realize she had walked straight into Xia Yangyang¡¯s trap. Xia Weiwei¡¯s face fell instantly. However, Xia yangyangughed, ¡°I knew it, you¡¯ve been faking it all along. To think anyone fell for a memory loss excuse.¡± Chapter 549: 550: Making Great Efforts to Please Gu Qichen Chapter 549: Chapter 550: Making Great Efforts to Please Gu Qichen Xia Weiwei¡¯s fingers clenched tightly. Four years no see, Xia Yangyang has actually be so cunning. Since she could no longer put on an act in front of her, Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t want to pretend either. Xia Weiwei outright asked straightforwardly: ¡°Weren¡¯t you disappeared for four years? Since you were gone, why did youe back, what¡¯s your real intention?¡± A smile filled Xia Yangyang¡¯s face as she calmly took a ss of champagne from the champagne tower and took a sip. Then she casually said two words: ¡°Guess!¡± Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s carefree look, Xia Weiwei felt even more anxious. She couldn¡¯t help but blurt out: ¡°You came back for Gu Qichen, didn¡¯t you? You two are already divorced, Xia Yangyang, remember, you¡¯re divorced, you¡¯re not Mrs. Gu anymore.¡± ¡°I may not be Mrs. Gu, but it seems that you haven¡¯t made any progress in these four years, Xia Weiwei. Why did you strive to look like me? Wasn¡¯t it to catch Gu Qi Chen¡¯s attention? But I guess you didn¡¯t get what you wished for, Gu Qi Chen is still going to marry your so-called sister.¡± Xia Yangyang raised her eyebrows and sighed with regret, ¡°It seems that you are destined to only be his sister-inw in this lifetime.¡±
Xia Weiwei recognized the sarcasm in Xia Yangyang¡¯s words. It was a thorn in her heart. In the past she called Gu Qichen her brother-inw, and now he was still her brother-inw. If he really married Xi Zijun, what Xia Yangyang said was right, she might have to call him brother-inw for the rest of her life. She hasn¡¯t settled with Xi Zijun yet, now another Xia Yangyang has appeared. Xia Weiwei said, ¡°You have been out of the country for the past four years, you have no idea what happened. Things have changed between Gu Qichen and me, he has already seen me differently from before. But I should thank you, his obsessive search for you without an outlet, resulted in him treating me as your substitute in the past four years. To be honest, I don¡¯t care if I am a substitute, as long as he is by my side, as long as he is holding me in his arms, as long as he is kissing my lips, I don¡¯t care who is in his mind, I love him, I don¡¯t ask for his love, as long as I can apany him, I am content.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s words were indeed a bit self-effacing. Her face also lost the past arrogance of a pampered and spoilt young miss. That smile on her face, Xia Yangyang found it quite familiar. Now that she thought about it, it seemed a bit simr to her past self. Even the curve of the smile was like a precise standard. It seems that Xia Weiwei has made a great effort over the years in order to please Gu Qichen. The rumor has it that there were ambiguous rtionships between the two Xi sisters and Gu Qichen. The so-called Xi sisters were Xi Zijun and Xia Weiwei. No matter whether Xia Weiwei said these words intentionally for her to hear, or whether what she said was true that Gu Qichen has changed his views on Xia Weiwei over the years, Xia Yangyang told herself not to care. She didn¡¯te back for Gu Qichen. And she didn¡¯t want to fall into the whirlpool of past feelings again. Xia Yangyangughed lightly: ¡°If you¡¯re happy, that¡¯s good enough. These things have nothing to do with me anymore. You don¡¯t need to treat me as a rival. Whether he has three wives and four concubines or a harem of three thousand women, I don¡¯t care, I have divorced him and it¡¯s a clean break.¡± A look of doubt appeared on Xia Weiwei¡¯s face.
Did Xia Yangyang really note back because of Gu Qichen? Chapter 550: 551: Immediately Provoking Him Upon Return Chapter 550: Chapter 551: Immediately Provoking Him Upon Return ¡°Mr. Gu is here.¡± Someone near her casually mentioned. Xia Weiwei and Xia Yangyang both turned around at the same time. They then saw Gu Qichen walking steadily towards them. Both Xia Weiwei and Xia Yangyang were shocked in unison. Xia Weiwei felt as though her worst fear had finallye to pass. Even though she knew in her heart that she could not escape this eventuality. Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen were bound to meet again. But what felt particrly ironic to Xia Weiwei was that they would reunite at her own birthday party. Moreover, just yesterday she was the one who invited Gu Qichen over.
Xia Yangyang was also startled as she stood at a distance. Xia Yangyang had not expected Gu Qichen to show up at Xia Weiwei¡¯s birthday party. The intimacy Weiwei imed to have with Gu Qichen and purposely informed Yangyang about. Yangyang could hardly believe it. Even if Gu Qichen had changed over the years, even if he was promiscuous now, he would not stoop so low, surely? In the past, she merely thought of Xia Weiwei as a clown. To think now that she is Gu Qichen¡¯s secret lover? The thought wasughably ironic to Xia Yangyang. Indeed, over the past four years, everything had changed. However, no matter how things had evolved, it was no longer her concern. Gu Qichen was walking towards them. Xia Weiwei¡¯s gaze was fixed on him. Dressed in a suit today, the air of superiority he exuded still made countless women swoon. Over the years, Gu Qichen has risen higher and be more aloof. But the more aloof and out of reach he seemed, the more people could not help but be drawn to him, waiting for his fleeting, beautiful nce. As he walked past Xia Weiwei, Weiwei called out, ¡°Brother-inw¡­¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t even spare her a nce, he walked straight towards Xia Yangyang. Xia Weiwei felt as though her heart was sinking into the deep sea.
As she had expected, ever since Xia Yangyang made her appearance, Gu Qichen could no longer see her. Even though they now had the same face. Even though to outsiders, it was almost impossible to tell who was who, Gu Qichen seemed to have recognized her immediately.
He walked straight up to Xia Yangyang. He looked at Xia Yangyang intently, ¡°Why are you here?¡± Xia Yangyang chuckled, ¡°So, Mr. Gu is allowed to attend the party, but I can¡¯t, even though today is my sister¡¯s birthday? As her sister, I should at leaste over to celebrate.¡± Gu Qichen scoffed, ¡°Stop pretending, you¡¯re not that kind. I heard from Anxin that you¡¯ve already been to the nursing home?¡± The mention of the nursing home sent a chill through Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart, ¡°Grandma got Alzheimer¡¯s. Why didn¡¯t you tell me the truth?¡± ¡°I only want to know, how did you find that ce? Anxin¡¯s people said that a hacker decrypted the hospital¡¯s information system, Xia Yangyang, you¡¯ve certainly picked up some skills over the years. Who exactly have you been hanging around with?¡± Xia Yangyang looked up and smiled brightly, ¡°That¡¯s my private matter, you don¡¯t need to worry about it, Mr. Gu.¡± Listening to their conversation, Xia Weiwei became more and more shocked and angry. She couldn¡¯t understand a word they were saying. But she was sure of one thing, they had seen each other before. Xia Yangyang, you imed that you had severed all ties with Qi Chen, but the moment you returned, you provoked him again. You¡¯re still the same two-faced person as before. The situation became awkward.
Xia Weiwei stepped forward, reached out and tugged at Gu Qichen¡¯s sleeve, ¡°Brother-inw, the auction has already started. There are a few exquisite items that I¡¯ve set aside for you. If we arrivete, they¡¯ll all be taken.¡± Chapter 551: 552: Two Million Silver Bracelet Chapter 551: Chapter 552: Two Million Silver Bracelet Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze was still tightly fixed on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face. Their eye contact was like a standoff. Yet, Xia Yangyang did not back off. Compared to Gu Qichen¡¯s icy rage, Xia Yangyang¡¯s face was moreposed. It was as if Gu Qichen¡¯s presence no longer held any significance to her. Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t read the emotions concealed in Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes. How could this woman be so calm? Gu Qichen suddenly turned, heading towards the auction area. Xia Weiwei nced at Xia Yangyang before quickly following Gu Qichen. She reached out intending to grasp Gu Qichen¡¯s arm.
Gu Qichen turned his head to look at her, his eyebrows furrowing. In the end, Xia Weiwei withdrew her hand and stopped in her tracks. It had been such a long time. Although Gu Qichen would asionally gaze at her, They never had any intimate physical contact. Xia Weiwei, unlike before, did not dare to get too close to him on her own initiative. Feeling disheartened that they hadn¡¯t even held hands yet, Xia Weiwei was especially disappointed. The things she told Xia Yangyang were nearly all figments of her own imagination. Just how unwilling she was in her heart, only she herself knew. The auction had already begun on the other end. The first item on auction was a silver bracelet. The auctioneer began the introduction, ¡°This is a silver bracelet Miss Xia has worn since she was a child. Symbolizing safety and smooth sailing. Although this bracelet is silver, it was personally designed and made by Master Silversmith Lu Yi. The starting bid is ten thousand.¡± To those present at this birthday auction, ten thousand was a drop in the ocean. Everyone knew that this silver bracelet was just the opening act. Even though it was designed by Mr. Lu Yi, it was still made of silver after all. It didn¡¯t hold much collectible value. However, today was the birthday banquet for the second Miss. Everyone was willing to do her the favor. People began to raise their bidding signs.
¡°Twenty thousand!¡± ¡°Thirty thousand!¡± ¡°Fifty thousand!¡± ¡°Fifty-five thousand!¡±
The price of the bracelet slowly climbed up. In the end, it settled at one hundred thousand. The auctioneer began calling out the price, ¡°One hundred thousand once, one hundred thousand twice¡­¡± The fact that an old-fashioned silver bracelet could fetch a hundred thousand. Already showed that the guests were trying to show their support. Xia Weiwei, standing on the side, looked tense. All her attention was on Gu Qichen. This bracelet wasn¡¯t hers, but Xia Yangyang¡¯s. Xia Weiwei had already told Gu Qichen about it. Gu Qichen came today for this bracelet. But somewhere in her heart, Xia Weiwei hoped that Gu Qichen wouldn¡¯t buy the bracelet. Until now, Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t bid. Maybe he wasn¡¯t interested in the bracelet, and attending her birthday banquet was his sincere way of celebrating?
Or perhaps Xia Yangyang was already in front of him, and he didn¡¯t need to purchase a worthless bracelet to reminisce? ¡°One hundred three thousand¡­¡± ¡°Two million!¡± Gu Qichen suddenly uttered. With his words, the venue abruptly fell silent. Everyone was taken aback as they looked at each other as if they couldn¡¯t grasp what had just happened. Even the auctioneer was stunned for a second. A look of surprise shed across his eyes. But a secondter, he professionally announced, ¡°This gentleman has bid two million. Does anyone offer more than two million? Two million once, two million twice, two million thrice, congrattions to this gentleman for purchasing Miss Xia¡¯s silver bracelet for two million.¡± Everyone was shocked. The auction had just begun and already there was a bombshell. Someone was willing to buy a bracelet of little value for two million. What did this imply? Chapter 552: 553: Giving Her the Illusion of Becoming Mrs. Gu Chapter 552: Chapter 553: Giving Her the Illusion of Bing Mrs. Gu And the man standing before their eyes was known by everyone present. Though he wasn¡¯t a local of Beijing. But within the business circle, who wouldn¡¯t know Gu Qichen? Chairman of Shengyuan Group, the youngest Asian on the Forbes list. Add to that his handsome features, he is an object of admiration for countless women. Nevertheless, rumors abound about Mr. Gu¡¯s private life. Some say, Mr. Gu was once briefly married a few years ago. After the divorce, gossip followed incessantly. It¡¯s said that he is the financial backer of the rising starlet Zhang Xinyi, who¡¯s now at the height of her poprity. Rumors of his uing marriage emerged not long ago.
Although the bride was not announced. Numerous media outlets spected it¡¯s Xi Zijun. This Xi Zijun is the General Manager of Jiang Group, a ruthless executor in the business world. But that¡¯s not the point. The crux is, Xi Zijun and Xia Weiwei, the birthday girl today, are legally sisters. This is simply too chaotic. Earlier, there were rumors that President Gu and the second Miss Xia had something going on. Now he¡¯s spent a fortune on a bracelet that the second Miss Xia has worn since childhood. Who would believe that there¡¯s no ulterior motive in this? And he did this in in sight. Is Mr. Gu using this birthday party to announce something? Could it be that Mr. Gu¡¯s rumored fiancee isn¡¯t Xi Zijun, but Xia Weiwei? The people present were having simr thoughts. The media were ecstatic. They didn¡¯t expect there would be such hot news at the event¡¯s start. They wouldn¡¯t have to worry about tomorrow¡¯s headlines. The moment this news gets released, it¡¯s bound to blow up. Many media outlets pointed their cameras at the birthday girl, Xia Weiwei. President Gu spending a lot of money just to support her, she must be the happiest woman today. But in the lens, Xia Weiwei¡¯s face didn¡¯t show any hint of joy. Instead, she looked as if she was about to fall apart. Xia Weiwei¡¯s fingers slowly clenched. She knew Gu Qichen would bid for the bracelet.
But she didn¡¯t expect his starting bid to be so high. It¡¯s merely a silver bracelet with no particr value. Is he really willing to pay two million for it? In his heart, is this trashy thing of Xia Yangyang worth so much money?
Finally, on a tray, the auctioneer presented the bracelet in a box to Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen carefully put it in his inner pocket. Xia Weiwei was seated in the front row of the auction. She was surrounded by all thedies of high society. They all envied andplimented her. ¡°Weiwei, Mr. Gu really cares about you, paying two million for your support. His generosity truly makes us all envious.¡± ¡°You and Mr. Gu are really a great match, Weiwei. With Mr. Gu being so generous, he must have given you an extraordinary birthday gift. Don¡¯t hide it, show us and share the joy.¡± Xia Weiwei hadn¡¯t received any birthday gift. Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t even wished her a happy birthday. She knew very well that Gu Qichen winning the bracelet had nothing to do with her. But it seemed everyone else misunderstood. Xia Weiwei managed to squeeze a smile: ¡°This is a charity auction, Brother Gu just wanted to contribute to charity. It has nothing to do with me.¡± The more Xia Weiwei tried to deny it, the more others believed their spections.
In no time, theirpliments turned into congrattions. As if she was about to walk down the aisle with Gu Qichen. For Xia Weiwei, it was both sweet and bitterly ironic. The sweetness is illusionary, caused by everyone¡¯spliments. Under the colorful wrapper is not candy, but a knife. Once unwrapped, it stuck right into her heart. Yet, she couldn¡¯t help unwrapping. All for the false admiration that gave her an illusion of bing Mrs. Gu. Chapter 553: 554: Twenty Million for a Counterfeit Chapter 553: Chapter 554: Twenty Million for a Counterfeit Xia Yangyang quietly watched the scene unfold. She couldn¡¯t figure out what Gu Qichen was thinking. That bracelet wasn¡¯t actually Xia Weiwei¡¯s, it was hers. However, Gu Qichen was most likely unaware of this. She stopped wearing this silver bracelet when she was ten, as it seemed her mother had put it away. She hadn¡¯t expected to see it here and now. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t bother trying to guess Gu Qichen¡¯s thoughts anymore. The auction continued. Next up for auction were some of Xia Weiwei¡¯s jewelry and clothes. Some of them were indeed valuable.
However, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t ce any more bids. The others auction items didn¡¯t manage to fetch a high bid of two million either. Soon, it came to thest item for auction. The item being auctioned was a painting valuated at eight million in the market, titled ¡°A Leisha Chart¡±. Moreover, this painting was the grand finale of tonight¡¯s event. Many wealthy families and collectors came specifically for this piece. The most important thing was, there wasn¡¯t a reserve price for this painting in the auction. As soon as the auction officially started, people started bidding against each other. The final painting ended up being bid up to twenty million. The final bid was made by Zhang Dazhi, a wealthy man from Beijing who loved collecting famous paintings. Everyone crowded around congratting him. Xia Weiwei personally delivered the painting in person, saying, ¡°Mr. Zhang, your generous heart will be remembered by all. This twenty million will be donated to the Hope Project as promised.¡± Zhang Dazhi smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s Miss Xia with a virtuous heart, who was willing to donate such a good painting for charity.¡± The auction concluded. People clustered all around. Someone started, ¡°Mr. Zhang, you¡¯ve gotten such a treasure today. Shouldn¡¯t you let us take a look and feast our eyes?¡± Zhang Dazhi was not a stingy man, especially when he just acquired a treasure. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s all appreciate it first.¡± After speaking, Zhang Dazhi took the painting and ced it back on the disy stand. Many people crowded around.
Xia Yangyang also walked over. This masterpiece from the Tang Dynasty, with its precise and delicate strokes, rich colors, and depiction of the era¡¯s background, holds a high research value for China¡¯s Tang Dynasty folk customs. Everyone was full of praise as they admired the painting. After taking a quick nce, Xia Yangyang suddenly spoke up, ¡°This painting is not an original, it¡¯s a forgery.¡±
Her words caused quite a stir. Xia Weiwei immediately responded, ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t go around falsely using people. This is definitely an original. What are you trying to achieve by making such baseless ims?¡± This painting was something Xia Weiwei had recently bought from an underground market. She had spent more than two hundred thousand on it at the time. But Xia Weiwei had also consulted an expert, who had confirmed it to be a rare treasure. Xia Weiwei felt she had struck a jackpot. A treasure estimated to be worth eight million on the market had been purchased by her for just two hundred thousand. So, she thought that it was a good deal to use it for charity and to build her reputation. But was Xia Yangyang here today to purposefully sabotage her? Xia Yangyang spoke in a calm voice, ¡°Whether it¡¯s a rare piece or not, we will know when we get an expert to examine it. Mr. Zhang is kindly doing charity here, but if he ends up buying a fake, people willugh.¡± Hearing that this painting might be fake made Zhang Dazhi¡¯s face drop. He was simply interested in collecting famous paintings, the bigger the name, the better. But he was not an expert.
He only came to attend this young girl¡¯s birthday party because the painting had been hyped in the circle. Twenty million was not a big deal for him. But if he had spent twenty million for a forgery, wouldn¡¯t people make a joke out of him? Zhang Dazhi demanded, ¡°Authenticate it. It must be authenticated right away! If it¡¯s a counterfeit, I will sue you for fraud.¡± Chapter 554: 555: Loving the Thrill of a Good Show Chapter 554: Chapter 555: Loving the Thrill of a Good Show Xia Weiwei felt strongly that Xia Yangyang had arrived intentionally to disrupt the event. Just to make her lose facepletely. She wanted nothing more than to tear apart Xia Yangyang¡¯s calm fac??ade. However, Gu Qichen was by her side. Xia Weiwei had no choice but to keep up appearances. Despite her frustration, Xia Weiwei graciously stepped forward: ¡°This painting could not possibly be a fake. If it is, I am willing to pay ten times the cost topensate Mr. Zhang for his losses. If the painting is proved authentic, the person spreading rumors will also pay the price.¡± In her heart, Xia Weiwei was thinking, what does Xia Yangyang understand about paintings? In the past few years as Liu Ruyan had opened an antique shop, she had also learned something about it. The painting, be it in terms of fine brushwork or spirit, was impable. It couldn¡¯t be a fake. Moreover, Xia Weiwei had the painting verified on the spot when she bought it. It was even more unlikely to be a counterfeit.
Yangyang was surely bringing up this issue to confuse people and deliberately tarnish her reputation. However, Xia Yangyang said lightly with a hint of a smile: ¡°Alright, if I have wronged Miss Xia, I¡¯ll ept any punishment.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s strong remark made Xia Weiwei suspicious. What was her actual objective? The atmosphere on the spot changed instantly. Isn¡¯t Miss Xia the elder sister of the younger Miss Xia? Why would she spoil the show at this time? Just a moment ago, they had staged a tearful reunion as sisters. Has it already been that long? A seasoned journalist suddenly noted: ¡°Mr. Gu was married once before, and his ex-wife was the eldest Miss Xia of the Xia Family. Since thisdy is Xia Weiwei¡¯s sister, doesn¡¯t that mean she was Mr. Gu¡¯s ex-wife?¡± This news spread quickly among the crowd. Everyone was whispering discussions in private and the scene was abuzz with chatter. ¡°My god, their rtionships are soplicated. No wonder we¡¯ve often heard Miss Xia call him ¡®brother-inw¡¯.¡± ¡°Since Mr. Gu and Miss Xia¡¯s sister are divorced, why would Miss Xia still want to look like the elder Miss Xia? The reasons behind this are terrifying to think about.¡± ¡°I heard that back then, it was the grand Miss Xia of the Xia Family who dumped Mr. Gu. After being hurt, only then did Mr. Gu begin to change and frequented the social scene.¡± ¡°That makes sense now. Mr. Gu¡¯s true feelings must still be rooted in the grand Miss Xia of the Xia Family. Miss Xia underwent such a transformation perhaps just to catch Mr. Gu¡¯s attention in ce of her own sister¡­¡± Everyone¡¯s attention was instantly diverted from the authenticity of the famous painting to theplexities of the rtionships between several people. Although they weren¡¯t talking very loudly, Xia Weiwei heard everything.
This was Xia Yangyang¡¯s objective: to attract attention and exhume old histories. If it continues this way and the incident where she was imprisoned years ago is dug up, her painstakingly built reputation from over the years will all be lost. Xia Weiwei felt incensed, but continued to keep a stern look on her face. In her view, Xia Yangyang¡¯s eventual objective was to attract the attention of the media and the public.
She had never learned about authenticating antique paintings and knew absolutely nothing about antiques. Even a professional expert wouldn¡¯t dare to conclude that the painting was a fake with just one look, like her. So she must be bbering nonsense. This made Xia Weiwei more relieved. Xia Weiwei replied, ¡°Alright, Xia Yangyang, those were your words. If the painting is proved real and you are found to be ndering me, you¡¯ll have to face the consequences. As for the authenticity of the painting, let¡¯s examine it. I, Xia Weiwei, am upright and forthright in my actions. I am not afraid of your nders.¡± The onlookers, who loved the thrill, requested the painting to be scrutinized. Xia Weiwei stepped on the stage, ¡°There are many connoisseurs among you, pleasee forward and look carefully. I seek your assist for my reputation.¡± Chapter 555: 556: No Time to Play Her Tragic Drama Chapter 555: Chapter 556: No Time to y Her Tragic Drama Many of them epted the invitation toe onto the stage. To begin the joint painting verification. Honestly, Xia Weiwei wasn¡¯t worried in the slightest. Not to mention that Xia Yangyang knew nothing about the authenticity of the painting. Most of the experts present today were especially invited by Liu Ruyan to maintain the appearance of propriety. Over the years, Liu Ruyan has begun to venture into the antique circle. She always encounters opportunities wherever she goes and is skilled at managing connections. These experts were almost all friends of Liu Ruyan. Even if the painting turned out to be a counterfeit, no one would dare to dere it fake. As expected, after everyone verified it in a round.
One after another, they all openly dered, ¡°This ¡®Linen Washing Picture¡¯ is an original. If it were a replica, there is no way it could be replicated so convincingly. Miss Second Younger Sister has been wronged!¡± Once one person voiced out, the other experts also chimed in agreement. Xia Weiwei was pleased in her heart. Xia Yangyang, this is Beijing, not Feng City. Now you are no longer the Young Miss of the Xia Family, and not the Little Mistress of the Gu Family, what abilities do you still possess to stir up a storm here? Merely by your words, how many people will believe you? At this time, public opinion had reversed. ¡°Turns out Miss First Young Sister wronged Miss Second Young Sister. using someone¡¯s phnthropic painting to be a counterfeit out of the blue, if this is not an intentional defamation, what intentions does Miss First Young Sister have?¡± ¡°Exactly, Miss Second Sister¡¯s charitable acts over the years are known by all. Although she got a stic surgery, that¡¯s not illegal. Having a kind heart is what¡¯s most important.¡± ¡°Seems like Miss Xia has regretted abandoning Mr. Gu years ago and wishes to reconcile; but it turns out Mr. Gu is already deeply in love with Miss Second Sister. Mr. Gu just now extravagantly bid for the silver bracelet that Miss Second Sister was wearing. Miss First Young Sister must be biting with jealousy, and hence deliberately maligned Miss Second Sister, sabotaging her birthday party.¡± ¡°Unexpectedly, Miss First Young Sister of the Xia family, who is so good-looking, could harbor such a malicious heart.¡± Everyone was discussing fervently, no longer concealing their thoughts, and began denouncing Xia Yangyang openly. Listening to these words, Xia Weiwei felt like she was hearing music from the heavens. Xia Weiwei deliberately showed a wronged face and walked towards Xia Yangyang: ¡°Sister, you¡¯ve seen it too. So many years apart, and I¡¯ve forgotten past matters. I don¡¯t know whether Weiwei was immature and offended you unknowingly, and now you¡¯ve returned and started to malign me. If it¡¯s because Weiwei was naive in the past, Weiwei apologizes to you; but today is for charity and the fundraising will be donated to the Hope Project, which could help tens of thousands of children, changing their miserable destinies. If one or two sentences from you destroys it, just how pitiful would those children be.¡± Speaking, Xia Weiwei¡¯s eyes even turned red. Showing a look of being on the verge of tears from the sorrow. People around also began to denounce Xia Yangyang. ¡°Miss Xia is ying with the children¡¯s lives, isn¡¯t she afraid of retribution?¡± ¡°Since Miss Xia came to seek a shelter with her stepmother, why would she do such an act of burning bridges¡­¡±
¡°Please leave, Miss Xia, you are not wee here.¡± For a moment, Xia Yangyang became the target of public criticism. Xia Yangyangughed in her heart. Over the years, Xia Weiwei¡¯s acting skills seemed to have improved quite a bit.
What surprised Xia Yangyang was, in the past, Xia Weiwei would definitely boot-sect the drowning dog, or worsen the situation. But now, she had learned to put on a pitiful act and use public sentiment to confront her. Looks like she has really changed. However, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t have the time to apany her in this sentimental y. Xia Yangyang nced at the time, feeling that it should be almost time. Chapter 556: 557: No matter how capable she is, she cant control the auction house Chapter 556: Chapter 557: No matter how capable she is, she can¡¯t control the auction house Eventually, Xia Yangyang spoke up: ¡°I don¡¯t know howpetent the so-called experts present here are, but since this is for charity, an act of kindness should not be tainted with dishonesty and scandal.¡± With this statement, she seemed to have offended all the experts once again. The experts startedshing out at Xia Yangyang collectively. ¡°What do you, a child, know about authentic and fake art pieces? Do you think we, so many people, can¡¯t discern between real and fake?¡± ¡°This painting is genuine. If it¡¯s fake, I¡¯ll eat it here and now. It seems like you¡¯re here just to cause trouble.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve been authenticating paintings for many years. There are only a few from Zhou Yuan in my collection, no one knows them better than I do. This painting is an original. You¡¯re just here to spread rumors and make trouble, I don¡¯t think you¡¯re up to any good.¡± Xia Yangyang was surrounded and attacked by so many experts. Yet, she still maintained aposed demeanor. Xia Yangyang defended herself: ¡°I may not know anything about art authentication, but I am certain this painting is a fake. Are you really antique experts? Don¡¯t you know that the original Washing Silk Map by Zhou Yuan was publicly auctioned at Sotheby¡¯s just ten minutes ago? The Louvre officially bought it for eight hundred US dors. So, do you think the painting that the Louvre is going to exhibit is fake, but this unauthenticated Washing Silk Map that showed up at a private birthday party is the real one?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s statement immediately stirred up the crowd.
What was this girl talking about? She couldn¡¯t just be making things up. However, someone checked Sotheby¡¯s information on their phone. Indeed, Zhou Yuan¡¯s Washing Silk Map was purchased by an official exhibition hall. The situation was so dramatic. It made people wonder if someone was manipting everything behind the scenes. The colorpletely drained from Xia Weiwei¡¯s face. How could this be? It¡¯s impossible; this can¡¯t be possible. There¡¯s no way such a coincidence could happen. How could the Washing Silk Map be auctioned off here and at an auction house simultaneously? Someone said: ¡°It¡¯s indeed true. The New York Times has already reported it. Moreover, the Washing Silk Map has been verified by various experts at home and abroad. It¡¯s definitely an original.¡± Actually, there¡¯s no need to doubt anything. Sotheby¡¯s is such a high-end auction house, how could they possibly auction off a fake? Compared to that auction, Xia Weiwei¡¯s could barely even be considered as ying house. Zhang Dazhi angrily eximed: ¡°Miss Xia, how are you going to exin this? Are you saying that the one being auctioned off there is a fake, while yours is the original? You really take us for fools, arranging auctions on the same day. It¡¯s all a big joke.¡± Xia Weiwei was totally blindsided, everything had taken an unexpected turn. She waspletely stunned. She had had it verified at the time. But thinking back, the sudden appearance of the expert seemed too coincidental, appearing at the same time as the seller.
It was possible that they were in cahoots. Which meant, she had probably been swindled out of two hundred thousand dors. Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t really care about the authenticity. Genuine or fake, how many people truly cared?
Mostly the wealthy people who came here today were just trying to be sophisticated, they were focused on their reputations. To tell others they¡¯ve contributed to charity, to show off their wealth, or to suck up to Jia Xin. As long as it wasn¡¯t exposed, no one cared if the painting was real or fake. But then Xia Yangyang ruined everything. But how could there be such a coincidence? Even if Xia Yangyang was capable, she couldn¡¯t possibly control Sotheby¡¯s auction house, right? Xia Weiwei had no clue what was happening and was unable to react immediately. Chapter 557: 558: How Can a Woman with Such Deep Cunning and Strategy be Content... Chapter 557: Chapter 558: How Can a Woman with Such Deep Cunning and Strategy be Content¡­ Zhang Dazhi was furious. They really saw him as a sucker, and this second miss was a bit too arrogant. She even held her auction at the same time as Sotheby¡¯s. Could her informal auction reallypare to Sotheby¡¯s? They were treating him like a fool. And they invited some so-called ¡°experts¡± to scam him, too. Zhang Dazhi angrily approached Xia Weiwei: ¡°The facts are in front of us. Do you have anything to say, second Miss? You just ardently imed that if it¡¯s a fake, you will repay ten times its value. I don¡¯t want this painting anymore, I hope you can fulfill your promise.¡± The auction house was also in a state of chaos. ¡°This second miss is really unscrupulous, she said she was doing charity, this is simply fraud.¡± ¡°The second miss just said if it¡¯s fake, she will repay ten times the amount. One painting is twenty million, if it¡¯s a fake, wouldn¡¯t that be 200 million? Does she intend to pay out two hundred million?¡±
¡± Greedy for the unattainable, the second Miss is too greedy. She wanted to sell a fake for twenty million, iming it was for charity. who knows how much willnd in her pocket.¡± ¡°The Xi Family¡¯s reputation will bepletely ruined.¡± Xia Weiwei felt her head buzzing. She hadn¡¯t expected such an ident. The appearance of Xia Yangyang already made her flustered, now she couldn¡¯t cope at all. Liu Ruyan had only just left for a while, she hadn¡¯t expected such a thing to happen. Liu Ruyan quickly took to the stage to smooth things over: ¡°Everyone, please calm down. There must be some misunderstanding. This Scroll of Washing Silks was also bought by us at a high price. Now that this ident has happened, we¡¯re also victims. Of course, we have undeniable responsibility for the appearance of a fake at the auction. We will certainlypensate Mr. Zhang for his loss, and we will also call the police, handing this matter over to them, to catch the fraudsters who sold us this painting at a high price and prevent more people from being deceived. I hope you all can forgive us for this unintended mistake. I announce, to make up for this error, I will donate five million in my personal capacity to Project Hope, and I ask everyone to supervise.¡± Liu Ruyan indeed is Liu Ruyan; a few words brought the situation under control. And in an instant, she went from being a scam artist to a victim. Xia Yangyang stood among the crowd, quietly watching this woman. With such cunning and scheming, how could she have willingly been my father¡¯s mistress? Had my mother¡¯s incidents really had nothing to do with her? These years, the more Xia Yangyang thought about it, the more it felt wrong. Zhang Dazhi was almost swindled. He was still far from pacified. How could he let the incident go because of Liu Ruyan¡¯s words? Zhang Dazhi spoke: ¡°The second Miss just said if it¡¯s fake, she¡¯ll repay ten times the amount. I just want to know if you guys mean what you say. If not, if it was just for show, how are we to believe Madam¡¯s words just now were true?¡± Liu Ruyan was annoyed inside. This Zhang Dazhi was being unreasonably persistent. Indeed he was a parvenu who had recentlye into wealth, did he want to cheat her out of 200 million?
However, Liu Ruyan still had a smile on her face: ¡°Mr. Zhang, we truly are sorry. But Weiwei just adamantly imed that if it¡¯s fake, she¡¯d pay ten times its value. This just shows she waspletely unaware, doesn¡¯t it? If she knew the painting was fake, she wouldn¡¯t dare to say such words. We will give Mr. Zhang reasonablepensation, and we ask for Mr. Zhang¡¯s forgiveness for our mistake today, given that today is my daughter¡¯s birthday.¡± Zhang Dazhi didn¡¯t seem to buy Liu Ruyan¡¯s words. Chapter 558: 559: Between New Love and Old Flame, Mr. Gu Chose His New Love Chapter 558: Chapter 559: Between New Love and Old me, Mr. Gu Chose His New Love Zhang Dazhi suddenly became defiant: ¡°Not eptable, the mistake was your own doing, and I should not bear the responsibility. I came here today specifically for this painting. Now you¡¯ve made me theughing stock. Naturally, I should bepensated considerably. Ms. Xia the second promised that in case of forgery, thepensation would be ten times the price, so she should keep her word.¡± Xia Weiwei took a step forward: ¡°You are nothing but an overnight rich man. Are you just trying to milk this opportunity?¡± Zhang Dazhi despised when people called him nouveau riche, and Xia Weiwei¡¯s words were like adding fuel to the fire. ¡°All of you, exploiting charity for your own gains, I will certainly take you all to court.¡± Liu Ruyan also felt that the scene was getting out of control. Especially because there were lots of media present. They were originally invited to be witnesses. But now it had turned into explosive news. She felt it was suddenly hard to curb the situation. At this time, Gu Qichen suddenly walked onto the stage.
Gu Qichen spoke: ¡°The value of a painting lies in the importance theter generations give it. This painting is detailed and delicate and even though it isn¡¯t an original made by Zhou Yuan, it is a rare masterstroke. Moreover, none of the so-called experts present could distinguish its authenticity. Ms. Xia the second was innocently deceived. I am willing to buy this painting for twenty million and one, to contribute to the charity. Is there any other higher bid?¡± Every time Gu Qichen makes a sound, he drops a bombshell. Clearly, Gu Qichen was trying to cover up for Ms. Xia the second. Even though he knew this painting was fake, he was still willing to spend twenty million yuan for it. In this way, this painting had been normally auctioned and could not even be considered a mishap. As long as this painting was bought by Gu Qichen, there would be no reason for Zhang Dazhi to ask forpensation here. Unless he bid a higher price and continued to bid against Gu Qichen. But if he did so, it would be clear that he wanted to trick Shengyuan into paying the two hundred million yuan. His reputation might bepletely destroyed. Not to mention, who is the man standing in front of him. This is Mr. Gu, the president of Shengyuan Group, and surely no one could win against him in a bidding war. Not just twenty million yuan but even if it was two hundred million yuan, it would not be a big deal for him. Zhang Dazhi chose to back off. Since Gu Qichen took the lead, he didn¡¯t want to go against him directly. He uttered a few words of formality before leaving. It seemed the situation hadpletely reversed once again. Compared to the real and fake painting, the story of Mr. Gu being the ¡°hero saving the damsel in distress¡± seemed even more intriguing to people. The most important thing was, the fake was revealed by Mr. Gu¡¯s ex-wife, but in the end, Mr. Gu spent twenty million yuan to buy this counterfeit painting. Wasn¡¯t he undisguisedly pping Ms. Xia in the face? After this spectacle, everyone understood very well. In choosing between the current and ex-lover, Mr. Gu chose the current one.
It appeared that the love rtionship between Mr. Gu and Ms. Xia the second had been more or less established. Xia Yangyang watched all of this. The moment Gu Qichen intervened, she thought of when he initially spent two hundred million to buy the Heart of the Kingdom for her, just to avoid criticism. He was using the same old trick. Xia Yangyang sneered internally.
Gu Qichen and Xia Weiwei, could there be anything more ironic in this world? Even though Xia Yangyang felt that Gu Qichen¡¯s actions had nothing to do with her, it still felt like a thorn in her heart. As for Xia Weiwei, she felt differently. She didn¡¯t expect that Gu Qichen would step in to bail her out with such arge sum of money. This was a pleasant surprise for her. Did all the love and sincerity she¡¯d shown over the years finally pay off? But why were Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes always falling on Xia Yangyang? It seemed as if he was only concerned with her reaction. Chapter 559: 560: Her Plan is Hijacked by Gu Qichen Chapter 559: Chapter 560: Her n is Hijacked by Gu Qichen ¡°Upon seeing Xia Yangyang. Xia Weiwei wishes she could tear her apart. Today is her birthday. And she had the audacity to pull such a stunt. If it wasn¡¯t for Gu Qichen saving the day, Xia Weiwei wouldn¡¯t know how to deal with the situation. But there was a silver lining, I guess. Four years have passed, Gu Qichen must no longer have any love left for Xia Yangyang. All he has now must be resentment and bitterness. Xia Weiwei intentionally walked up to Gu Qichen. Her eyes filled with tears, looking pitiful: ¡°I truly thank you for what you did just now, without you, I wouldn¡¯t know what to do.¡±
When finished, she shot a nce in Xia Yangyang¡¯s direction: ¡°My sister is really merciless, embarrassing me in front of so many people¡­I¡¯m the victim here, I had no idea the painting was a fake. I¡¯m so thankful for you.¡± Gu Qichen gave Xia Weiwei a casual nce and said: ¡°I know.¡± Xia Yangyang admitted that she really couldn¡¯t stand by and watch anymore. She turned around to leave. Liu Ruyan started cleaning up the mess and dealing with various media interviews. The piece of chocte cake she just ate seemed to be stuck ufortably in her stomach. There was a door leading to a small balcony next to the banquet hall. Xia Yangyang chose to open the door and step out. The night breeze was slightly cool. But it separated her from the inside chaos, and Xia Yangyang felt a bit clearer. The reason why she exposed Xia Weiwei in public was to reveal Xia Weiwei¡¯s true face, and more importantly, to make Liu Ruyan and Xia Weiwei believe that her return this time was to avenge the past, hiding her real intention. Moreover, ording to Xia Yangyang¡¯s understanding of Liu Ruyan. The more ruthless she was, the tighter Liu Ruyan would keep her by her side. This woman was used to controlling and monitoring. That¡¯s exactly what Xia Yangyang wanted. Xia Yangyang initially nned to create some smoke screen, but she didn¡¯t expect it to be ruined by Gu Qichen. She had even invested a lot in it. A few days ago, when Xia Yangyang read in the newspaper that Xia Weiwei¡¯s birthday party was going to auction the painting ¡®Washing Silk Picture¡¯, she knew that the painting to be auctioned by Xia Weiwei must be a fake. Funnily enough.
The real painting was in Gao Huizhi¡¯s study for three years. Earlier this year, Xia Ye suddenly showed interest in traditional Chinese painting. Gao Huizhi directly gave her the ¡®Washing Silk Picture¡¯ along with several other famous paintings. So, Xia Yangyang contacted Sotheby auction house in advance. Timing it well, she had the painting auctioned today.
She invested a lot, just to expose Xia Weiwei¡¯s trail. ¡°Xia Yangyang, you treacherous woman, you¡¯vee back to retaliate against me.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s voice can be heard from behind. Xia Yangyang turned around to see a face twisted with hatred. That¡¯s the Xia Weiwei she knew. Xia Yangyang, however, smiled: ¡°Weiwei, you¡¯re misunderstanding me. I was helping you just now.¡± Xia Weiwei was furious, ¡°Helping me? Xia Yangyang, do you think I would believe your lies?¡± ¡°Weiwei, you see, the painting you were selling was fake, it would be exposed sooner orter. Once it was sold and then exposed, it would be real fraud. This crime would lead to a prison sentence. Thus, I had to expose it, at most you lose some money and apologize, avoiding prison. Isn¡¯t that help?¡± Xia Weiwei could not believe any of it: ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re thinking. Four years ago, you almost had me jailed. Now you¡¯re trying the same trick again. However, I am not the same Xia Weiwei as before.¡± Chapter 560 - 561: I am Not Interested in Your Boudoir Affairs Chapter 560: Chapter 561: I am Not Interested in Your Boudoir Affairs Upon saying this, Xia Weiwei showed a triumphant look, ¡°Xia Yangyang, did you see it? Gu Qi Chen is acting differently towards me than before. He was willing to pay twenty million to help me. You must see how important I am to him now.¡± Xia Yangyang smiled, ¡°Congrattions.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s tone was very nonchnt, as if she didn¡¯t care at all. Xia Weiwei believed she was pretending. She must be furious inside, otherwise she wouldn¡¯t have run to the balcony alone. Xia Weiwei intentionally provoked Xia Yangyang, ¡°Xia Yangyang, in fact, I still have to thank you. Thank you for this face. Do you know? The first time I was with him, it was because he saw me as you. He was incredible, not resting for an entire night. Did he love you that much when he was with you?¡± Xia Yangyang looked at Xia Weiwei¡¯s enchanted expression and felt disgusted. ¡°Xia Weiwei, I have no interest in your personal affairs.¡± After saying that, Xia Yangyang wanted to leave. But Xia Weiwei, as if excited, blocked her way, ¡°Xia Yangyang, I told you before, anything that belongs to you, I¡¯ll snatch it away sooner orter, including Gu Qi Chen. Thirty years on the east bank of the river, thirty years on the west. When you unted his love to me back then, you never thought this day woulde.¡± It was hard for Xia Weiwei not to gloat a little. This scene, these words, she¡¯d been fantasizing about them for many years. Imagining the scene of meeting Xia Yangyang again, nning to return all the past humiliations she had suffered. Today, her dreams came true. Gu Qi Chen actually pped Xia Yangyang in the face for her. Gu Qi Chen loved her. Xia Weiwei felt as though she was standing on a cloud, looking down at everything. What¡¯s Xia Yangyangpared to her? Now, she¡¯s just an insignificant ant among the multitude. How could Gu Qi Chen be interested in her again? Xia Yangyang looked at the triumphant Xia Weiwei and said, ¡°Xia Weiwei, if Gu Qi Chen knew that car ident years ago was because you tried to kill me with a car, do you think he would reconsider you?¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s face suddenly fell, ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t talk nonsense.¡± But Xia Yangyang approached Xia Weiwei with a smile, ¡°Why do you think I disappeared for four years? What would happen if I told Gu Qi Chen it was all because of you? Do you think he would let you off the hook? If I were you, I wouldn¡¯t be so stupid to unt in front of me. If Gu Qi Chen could let go of me, why would you go to such lengths to look like me? You say that twenty million is Gu Qi Chen helping you out, but I don¡¯t think it¡¯s that simple. Maybe he¡¯s just intentionally opposing me, testing my reaction. Regardless of how many women he has now, they¡¯re all merely my substitutes. Xia Weiwei, don¡¯t you find it funny for a substitute to unt in front of the original?¡± In actuality, what Xia Yangyang had mentioned was what Xia Weiwei feared the most. He spent two million on Xia Yangyang¡¯s silver bracelet. The fake painting was exposed by Xia Yangyang, and perhaps Gu Qi Chen only helped to oppose Xia Yangyang. Although he hated Xia Yangyang, the more he hated, the more he loved. Xia Weiwei knew all along that Gu Qi Chen had never let go of Xia Yangyang, even had never stopped looking for her. Now that Xia Yangyang suddenly appeared, and his response was so abnormal, it was clear that he was targeting Xia Yangyang. However, Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t want to think that way. It was her sweet dream, and no one is willing to shatter their own dreams. Chapter 561 - 562: I don’t have time to be jealous of my ex-husband in the United States Chapter 561: Chapter 562: I don¡¯t have time to be jealous of my ex-husband in the United States Weiwei was furious. ¡°Xia Yangyang, I never thought you would be this shameless in just four years. It¡¯s clear that Gu Qichen is with me because of me. Don¡¯t think you can ruin our rtionship. He is mine, and you better not try to snatch him away from me.¡± ¡°If he¡¯s truly yours, no one can take him away. If someone can snatch him away, it only proves he was never truly yours. And if I really wanted him, I could snatch him away from you in a minute, believe it or not.¡± Xia Weiwei was enraged, she raised her hand to p Xia Yangyang. ¡°Xia Yangyang, you truly are a bitch.¡± However, Xia Yangyang, quick as a cat, halted Xia Weiwei¡¯s hand, and with her other hand, she pped Xia Weiwei across her face. Xia Weiwei was shocked. ¡°Xia Yangyang, how dare you hit me!¡± With that, she tried to lunge at Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang spoke calmly, ¡°Gu Qichen is watching from inside. I don¡¯t care, but if you fight back, it¡¯ll ruin the image you¡¯ve worked years to maintain.¡± Upon hearing Xia Yangyang mentioning Gu Qichen, Xia Weiwei immediately stopped her hand. She then clutched her injured face, disying a face of injustice. Xia Yangyang, uninterested in further drama, opened the door and entered the grand banquet hall. Xia Weiwei also turned around. As expected, Gu Qichen was standing not too far away, in the banquet hall. Despite the ss wall, his gaze was right on them at the balcony. Xia Weiwei walked over to him with a wronged look on her face. But she discovered that Gu Qichen followed in the footsteps of Xia Yangyang, leaving her. As Xia Yangyang entered the house, Gu Qichen went to her, blocking her path. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t flinch, she met Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze, ¡°Good dogs don¡¯t block the way.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s mouth curved into an icy smirk, ¡°It¡¯s been a few years, and you¡¯ve be much sharper.¡± Xia Yangyang shot back, ¡°It¡¯s been a few years, and Mr. Gu¡¯s taste has declined a lot.¡± Gu Qichen, intrigued by her words, disyed a jovial mood, ¡°Is that so? Are you jealous?¡± ¡°I certainly don¡¯t have that extra time, being in the United States, to be jealous about my ex-husband. I¡¯m just unhappy because Mr. Gu ruined my good things and blocked my way.¡± Gu Qichen raised an eyebrow, ¡°Xia Yangyang, tell me, what exactly is your purpose e foring here? Do the Sotheby auctions not have any connection to you? There¡¯s no such thing as a coincidence in this world.¡± Xia Yangyang smiled lightly, ¡°Mr. Gu, you¡¯re overestimating me. I¡¯m just an ordinary person, I don¡¯t have such ability.¡± Gu Qichen fixated his gaze on the woman in front of him. She had truly changed from four years ago. Besides her professional appearance, her character and speech had also be bolder. Time seemed to have granted Xia Yangyang a hard shell, she was no longer timid and retreating. He had also seen the p she gave to Xia Weiwei on the balcony just now. This woman had indeed gone through aplete transformation. Gu Qichen sneered, ¡°Where are you staying tonight?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect Gu Qichen to suddenly change the subject. ¡°That doesn¡¯t seem to concern you.¡± ¡°Why didn¡¯t your boyfriend apany you?¡± Gu Qichen subtly inquired. As a matter of fact, he had thought over thest few days. The man who appeared at the airport might not necessarily be Xia Yangyang¡¯s boyfriend. He had investigated Xia Yangyang¡¯s itinerary in Feng City. That man, after dropping Xia Yangyang at the Xia family¡¯s mansion, had disappeared without a trace. However, Gu Qichen still couldn¡¯t figure out the man¡¯s identity. Such a mysterious man being around Xia Yangyang, regardless of his status, was enough to make him feel uneasy. Chapter 562: 563: Is Xia Yangyang Getting Married? Chapter 562: Chapter 563: Is Xia Yangyang Getting Married? Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t hold back and shattered the pretense. Sheughed radiantly, ¡°What, President Gu, despite all your efforts, you couldn¡¯t find anything about Brother Li¡¯s background, could you?¡± Gu Qichen frowned, ¡°Brother Li?¡± She even called him with such intimacy. ¡°He¡¯s not my boyfriend, so you don¡¯t need to investigate him, but I guess you couldn¡¯t find anything even if you tried, so save the effort.¡± Hearing Xia Yangyang put it this way, Gu Qichen inexplicably felt relieved. In the hotelst time, When Xia Yangyang said she had a boyfriend, it had been like a thorn digging into his heart, keeping him awake at night. Now that he had heard it directly from Xia Yangyang herself, Gu Qichen felt as though the thorn had finally been removed. He rationalized that Xia Yangyang was probably just trying to provoke him at that time.
He didn¡¯t believe that the past he couldn¡¯t forget over the years could be so easily let go by Xia Yangyang. The expression on Gu Qichen¡¯s face eased a little. The next moment, Xia Yangyang said, ¡°My boyfriend is still in the United States. I only came back to take care of some business and won¡¯t be staying for long, so naturally, he didn¡¯te with me.¡± The expression on Gu Qichen¡¯s face, which had just softened, darkened again instantly. His lips were tightly drawn into a cold, hard line. Xia Yangyang was casual and calm: ¡°We¡¯re about to get married. Although I would really like to invite President Gu, given that you too are engaged, I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t have time.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face darkenedpletely. She was getting married? Unreasonably, seeing Gu Qichen like this made Xia Yangyang feel much better. She didn¡¯t want to probe why she fabricated these words, but it did make her feel somewhat satisfied. The one thing she had learned over the years, Was to love herself more at any time. If someone gave her a sweet date, she was ready to return it with two. And if someone pped her, she was ready to p them back twice. Wasn¡¯t everyone born from scratch? One shouldn¡¯tpromise oneself all the time. Gu Qichen ruined her day today, so she was determined to give him a taste of frustration. Just as the two were at a standstill, Liu Ruyan walked over: ¡°Yangyang, you wille home with me tonight. President Gu, you rest assured.¡± Liu Ruyan must have overheard their conversation. But if these two were to continue their standoff, it might draw media attention and cause a scandal. Xia Yangyang turned andughed at Liu Ruyan. With a tone of exnation, she said, ¡°Aunt Liu, you won¡¯t hold tonight¡¯s events against me, will you? I didn¡¯t mean to expose Weiwei on purpose. However, I couldn¡¯t possibly let a fake painting be auctioned off. If exposed, it would be considered fraud. I spoke out because there was no choice. Weiwei may not understand my intentions, but I believe Aunt Liu will.¡±
Liu Ruyan was cursing inwardly, but all the while smiled on the outside: ¡°Of course, I know. You¡¯re Weiwei¡¯s sister and you¡¯ve always been sentimental. Weiwei¡¯s just been fooled and doesn¡¯t know it. We should thank you for being so considerate. You mentioned you have nowhere to live these past few days. Why don¡¯t youe home with me? We were once family after all, and I have an obligation to take care of you for your father¡¯s sake.¡± This cunning girl nearly ruined Weiwei¡¯s reputation and she had the guts to say it was for Weiwei¡¯s own good. Liu Ruyan was not clear about the purpose behind this girl¡¯s sudden reappearance after disappearing for four years. Keeping her by her side, under her watch, felt like the safer option.
But this was exactly what Xia Yangyang was hoping for. Xia Yangyang responded, ¡°Thank you for taking me in, Aunt Liu.¡± Chapter 563: 564: Xia Yangyang actually called him darling Chapter 563: Chapter 564: Xia Yangyang actually called him darling The banquet ended. Most people had gradually left. Gu Qichen was thest one to leave. At the hotel entrance. The valet had brought Gu Qichen¡¯s car around. Xia Weiwei, in her evening gown, was out in the cold to bid Gu Qichen farewell. Xia Weiwei looked reluctant, ¡°Are you going back to Feng City? Can¡¯t you stay here for a few days? It¡¯s already quitete.¡± However, Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze fell on Xia Yangyang standing beside him. His voice was extraordinarilyposed, ¡°I¡¯ll be staying in Beijing for the next few days.¡± Xia Weiwei was overjoyed, ¡°Really? That¡¯s great. I¡¯lle see you tomorrow.¡±
Gu Qichen replied, ¡°No need, I have work. When I have time, I¡¯lle to see you.¡± Xia Weiwei was a bit disappointed but, at the same time, delighted. For the past four years, it seemed like Gu Qichen had never taken the initiative to see her. With her head down, Xia Weiwei spoke softly, ¡°Brother Gu, I feel really happy today. Thank you. I will wait for you. No matter when, I will always wait for you.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t bear to listen to their lovey-dovey conversation any longer. To Xia Yangyang, this was highly ironic. Four years ago, Gu Qichen was intent on sending Xia Weiwei to jail just to stand up for her. However, now¡­ Especially seeing Xia Weiwei, carrying a face simr to hers, mimicking her every move around Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang felt disgusted. Just then, the phone in her bag started vibrating. Xia Yangyang took out her phone to answer the call. It was Xia Ye who had called. Actually, Xia Ye was also in Beijing, living with his godfather. However, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t visit him. Her whereabouts were already known to Gu Qichen and he¡¯d surely be surveilling her every move closely due to his nature. So, she couldn¡¯t meet Xia Ye. Xia Yangyang went to the edge of the parking lot to take the call. Xia Ye seemed to have just woken up from sleep and his voice was unusually groggy, ¡°Mom, what are you doing?¡± ¡°I just finished attending a birthday banquet.¡±
¡°Have you had dinner yet?¡± ¡°I ate a little bit of cake.¡± ¡°Remember to have some porridge when you get home, your stomach isn¡¯t good.¡± Xia Yangyang and Xia Ye engaged in a conversation over the phone.
In front of her, her son always acted like a little adult. Even though he was just four years old, Xia Yangyang sometimes felt that he took care of her more than she did him. After a bit of conversation, Xia Yangyang saw Gu Qichen walking towards her. Xia Yangyang quickly said, ¡°I have some work to do, I¡¯ll video chat with you tomorrow.¡± ¡°Okay, mom, I love you.¡± ¡°Baby, I love you too.¡± After saying thest sentence, Xia Yangyang quickly hung up. At this time, Gu Qichen was standing only two meters away from her, his face cold and wintry. He knew exactly who Xia Yangyang was talking to over the phone. Xia Yangyang actually called him baby. Even though he knew people in the United States were naturally enthusiastic and such expressions weremon to them. It was still unbearable to hear it from Xia Yangyang¡¯s mouth. Even in their most passionate moments, Xia Yangyang never once called him ¡®baby¡¯.
Gu Qichen felt as if a knife was stabbing into his heart. Yet, he couldn¡¯t help but push the knife deeper into his heart himself. Gu Qichen walked up to Xia Yangyang, his voice filled with sarcasm, ¡°Are foreigners really that good? Even the word ¡®baby¡¯ slips off your tongue, aren¡¯t you disgusted by it?¡± Chapter 564: 565: Gu Qichens Ears Turned Red Chapter 564: Chapter 565: Gu Qichen¡¯s Ears Turned Red Xia Yangyang put her phone into her bag and coldly tossed out a few words: ¡°At least he¡¯s better than you.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s hypocrisy, in that he could do things others couldn¡¯t, hadn¡¯t changed a bit in thest four years. She herself had been loitering outside the hotel entrance with Xia Weiwei for quite a while. And now he dared to meddle in her affairs. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to get too entangled with him. Because Xia Yangyang understood that Gu Qichen harbored too much bitterness and resentment towards her. It was better to avoid him if she couldn¡¯t provoke him. Xia Yangyang tried to walk around Gu Qichen intending to leave. She had just taken a step, But was grabbed by the arm by Gu Qichen: ¡°Tell me, what exactly is better about that foreignerpared to me?¡±
Xia Yangyang was taken aback and didn¡¯t understand what Gu Qichen meant for a moment. It took her a while to react. It seemed he was referring to her offhandment earlier about the other man being better. But Gu Qichen¡¯s face was deadly serious. This man was still so obstinate, his stubborn personality hadn¡¯t changed at all. Could her abruptment have hurt the ego of this mighty President, demanding rification? The banquet ended, and there were quite a few people moving about the open-air parking lot. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to have too much of a confrontation with him. She opened her mouth: ¡°He¡¯s younger than you, more considerate, and of course¡­¡± Xia Yangyang intentionally nced in a certain direction of Gu Qichen: ¡°You know, foreigners do have advantages in some aspects.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t blush or miss a beat, her face even had a smirk. But Xia Yangyang was surprised to see Gu Qichen¡¯s ears turn red for the very first time. She wasn¡¯t sure if he got angry because of her. Gu Qichen¡¯s face became terribly dark, his eyes glued to hers. It seemed that he was judging her, ready to tear her apart. After a few seconds, he gritted out the words: ¡°Shameless!¡± Xia Yangyangughed: ¡°Thank you for thepliment, President Gu.¡± Gu Qichen left angrily, flinging her hand aside. Xia Yangyang¡¯s face also darkened a bit.
Since she came back, her ns had been disrupted because she ran into Gu Qichen. The first time they met, Gu Qichen wished he could strangle her. And every time thereafter, Xia Yangyang could feel his deep-seated resentment and fury. Xia Yangyang also didn¡¯t understand what kind of feelings Gu Qichen held for her now.
Perhaps he was not able to let go over the past four years, resentful about her sudden disappearance all those years ago, or full of rage and agony over losing their child. All theseplicated emotions intertwined, making each of their encounters seem as if they were carrying daggers, ready to stab each other at any moment. Xia Yangyang put on an unperturbed face, but her heart was hurting inside. All these years, she never held any resentment towards Gu Qichen. She hadn¡¯t projected her resentment towards Gu Mingzhu onto him either. Her decision to leave back then was due to their child, secondly, because she couldn¡¯t be with Gu Qichen due to the unresolved misunderstandings between them. But not being able to live together, not being able to spend their twilight years together. It didn¡¯t mean that Xia Yangyang could forget about this man, or stop loving him¡­ These years, whenever she looked at Xia Ye¡¯s face, she felt as if Gu Qichen was still by her side. She had never forgotten. But aftering back and seeing the pain in Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes, along with his gloomy demeanor. Xia Yangyang always felt as if she owed him something. But today was different from the past.
Chapter 565: 566: Are You Asking Him to Remain as Pure as Jade? Chapter 565: Chapter 566: Are You Asking Him to Remain as Pure as Jade? Gu Qichen had changed utterly, frequenting ces of decadence, and had be a yboy in their social circle. Maybe she was the cause of all these changes. He used to be a man with a near-prudish bacsh towards women; even if someone else touched his finger, he would wash his hand for a long time afterwards. The only thing that Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t anticipated was that Gu Qichen now had a harem of three thousand. Xia Yangyang felt ufortable, especially when she saw Gu Qichen with Xia Weiwei. So that was why she had just said what she had. But when Xia Yangyang calmed down and thought about it, she realized she had no grounds toin. What was let go of was already let go of. Since it wasn¡¯t possible for her to be with that man, should she expect him to remain chaste for her? Xia Yangyang found it all very ironic.
Gu Qichen left directly by the car. After Xia Weiwei watched Gu Qichen leave, she walked straight to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Xia Yangyang, what did you say to him just now? You two have been divorced for four years, what else is left to say? Don¡¯t try to lure Gu Qichen back.¡± ¡°As soon as Gu Qichen left, your foxy tail couldn¡¯t wait to reveal itself, Xia Weiwei, I advise you to maintain your performance to the end. You could give yourself away if you¡¯re not careful, after four years of acting, have you not made any progress at all?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you!¡± ¡°Alright, you two stop arguing.¡± Liu Ruyan came over: ¡°Yangyang, let¡¯s go. Go home with Aunt Liu. How long are you nning to stay this visit, so Aunt Liu can make arrangements for you.¡± Xia Yangyang smiled and said: ¡°Aunt Liu, actually I came to Beijing to do something for a while, about ten days to half a month, then I¡¯ll go back. It¡¯s great if Aunt Liu can offer a ce for me to stay, I don¡¯t know anyone in Beijing, and I have a problem ¨C I can¡¯t sleep in a hotel.¡± Liu Ruyan smiled: ¡°Oh, you girl, you¡¯ve been particr about your bed since you were little, and naturally, you wouldn¡¯t befortable in the soft bed of a hotel. Don¡¯t worry, when we get back, I will have the butler prepare a wooden hard bed for you.¡± ¡°Aunt Liu understands me best.¡± Xia Yangyang went back to the Xi family¡¯s vi on the penins with Liu Ruyan and Xia Weiwei in the same car. This vi of the Xi family on the penins is extremely famous amongst Beijing¡¯s elite. The vi, as its name suggests, is built on a giant ind in ake, surrounded by water on three sides. It boasts a clearke view that is superior to any seascape. Inside the vi is a grand 2.5 thousand-square-meter European-style mansion that from a distance looks like a pce. There¡¯s also a cozy cabin, a 3000-bottle wine cer, several stables, an English-style garden, a lily-lined path, and a vegetable and fruit orchard. The car stopped smoothly in front of the ¡°pce¡±. Two ck-d bodyguards stood at the entrance. As befitting the home of the city¡¯s highest-ranking officials, every inch screamed opulence. Even the high walls surrounding the property were made of extra-thick granite, costing a staggering 800 million just for the stone. After the car stopped. Liu Ruyan turned and said to Xia Yangyang in the back seat: ¡°Yangyang, the Xi family is not like ordinary families. The Xi family has never separated, both the main and secondary families live here. We¡¯re from the secondary family, only half the owners, naturally we have to be a bit restrained. The Xi family is a household of substance, with many rules. So after you move in, be careful in all matters.¡± Xia Yangyang smiled: ¡°Aunt Liu, don¡¯t worry, I will behave and not cause trouble for you.¡± Chapter 566: 567: The Ambiguity between Liu Ruyan and the Butler Chapter 566: Chapter 567: The Ambiguity between Liu Ruyan and the Butler Xia Yangyang had long heard that Xi Jiachen and Xi Jiaxin had lived together for decades without splitting the household. Xi Jiachen was extremely fond of his younger brother. It is said that because their parents passed away early, the two brothers have been dependent on each other since childhood. Although Xi Jiaxin¡¯s abilities were average, Xi Jiachen had nheless given him arge share of thepany¡¯s stocks to support him. Also, because of Xi Jiachen¡¯s indulgence in his younger brother, the title of ¡°Second Master Xi¡± has always been prominent in wealthy circles. After they entered the mansion, Liu Ruyan gave a brief introduction. The vi was quiterge. There were over a hundred rooms, upstairs and downstairs. Liu Ruyan started, ¡°Although this vi isrge, most of it belongs to the Xi family¡¯s main house. Don¡¯t be too curious. There are some ces you should not go to. Xi Jiachen frequently goes on business trips and is not at home most of the time. He asionallyes back for a few days. However, his two sons, Xi Yanbo and Xi Yankai, live here. I presume you¡¯ve heard of these two young masters, they have quite a notorious reputation. Keep your distance as much as possible.¡± ¡°Thank you, Aunt Liu. I¡¯ll be careful.¡±
The butler had nowe over. Xia Weiwei was leading the group. The butler greeted her with a smile, ¡°Second Miss is back.¡± Xia Weiwei merely snorted without showing a friendly face and went upstairs on her own. Liu Ruyan walked over, ¡°Han Cheng, this is my ex-father-inw¡¯s daughter. Arrange a guest room for her. Remember to prepare a wooden bed as she is not used to soft ones.¡± Han Cheng looked at Liu Ruyan, ¡°Yes, Second Madame.¡± Although he was respectful verbally, he took the opportunity to ce a hand on Liu Ruyan¡¯s waist when no one was looking. Liu Ruyan gave him a flirtatious look, ¡°Has the Second Master¡¯s schedule been finalized?¡± ¡°The Second Master won¡¯t be back for a couple of days.¡± ¡°After arranging for Miss Xia,e to the study. I have something to discuss with you.¡± ¡°All right, Second Madame.¡± All of this was witnessed by Xia Weiwei, who had just gone upstairs and was standing in the corridor on the second floor. This Han Cheng was taking advantage of her mother again. Speaking of this house, the person Xia Weiwei disliked the most was Han Cheng. Han Cheng had been the Xi family¡¯s butler for twenty years. His authority within the Xi family was unquestionable, as he was in charge of the entire household. Xi Jiachen trusted himpletely, even Xi Jiaxin had to show him respect in this house. Xia Weiwei didn¡¯t know when her mother had started having a subtle rtionship with him. Xia Weiwei had confronted Liu Ruyan about it. Liu Ruyan only said it was for better survival in this house. But Xia Weiwei felt extremely ufortable.
Every time she saw the lustful look in Han Cheng¡¯s eyes when he looked at Liu Ruyan, she felt extreme disgust However, because of Liu Ruyan, Han Cheng was particrly attentive to her in this house. Xia Weiwei suddenly had an idea. Han Cheng let Xia Yangyang wait in the living room first while he arranged for a maid to tidy up the guest room.
Just as he was about to go upstairs, Xia Weiwei stopped him, ¡°Butler Han, I have a favor to ask of you.¡± Han Cheng looked surprised, ¡°Second Miss, please don¡¯t hesitate to tell me. As your butler, I will certainly make proper arrangements.¡± This Second Miss had always been cold to him, due to her witnessing his rtionship with Liu Ruyan. He had tried to please her in many ways but to no avail. But today, she was actively seeking his help for something. Xia Weiwei suddenly stepped forward and whispered a few words in Han Cheng¡¯s ear. Han Cheng¡¯s face showed a hint of hesitation, ¡°But Second Madame just ordered¡­¡± Chapter 567: 568: Intentionally Making Things Difficult Chapter 567: Chapter 568: Intentionally Making Things Difficult ¡°My mom was merely concerned about maintaining appearances. You have no idea what this girl has done to my mom in the past. She¡¯s a ruthless character ¨C otherwise, why do you think my mom, as the rightful wife, didn¡¯t receive even a share of thepany or family assets after my dad¡¯s death? It was all cunningly taken away by this sister of mine. Those years, due to her, my mom has had to suffer so much.¡± Han Cheng frowned, ¡°Miss Xia Er, I see.¡± Xia Weiwei arched her eyebrows and walked away triumphantly. Xia Yangyang waited in the living room for quite a while. The butler came over: ¡°Miss Xia, your room is ready. Please follow me.¡± Xia Yangyang rose to her feet, following the butler upstairs. Finally, the butler led her to an attic at the top floor. As soon as the door was opened, a cloud of dust flew into her face. This attic was nothing like a guest room ¨C it was empty save for a bed, and the ceiling sloped directly down at an awkward angle, that one might not even be able to stand up straight on the bed. Amongst the hundreds of rooms in therge Xi Vi, was the attic the only room they could find for her?
The butler seemed to sense Xia Yangyang¡¯s confusion. He gave her an apologetic smile: ¡°I am sorry, Miss Xia, you emphasized wanting a hard bed, and this is the only room in the entire vi with a hard bed. It¡¯s toote to move beds today, please temporarily lodge here and I will make different arrangements tomorrow.¡± Xia Yangyang knew what was going on. The hard bed was no more than an excuse. It had to be either Liu Ruyan or Xia Weiwei¡¯s secret instructions to make her stay ufortable. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t care too much about it. Where she stayed wasn¡¯t important, as long as she had a ce to stay. Xia Yangyang smiled and said, ¡°This attic room is quite good, I will stay here. Thank you, Butler Han.¡± To his surprise, Han Cheng found the youngdy to be quite calm. ¡°Shout out if you need anything, Miss.¡± Having said that, Han Cheng left. Xia Yangyang stepped in. Clearly, this area was unused for many years, and used to be a storeroom. The air was stagnant. Xia Yangyang saw a window in the room and quickly opened it. After a while, the air in the room began to clear a bit. Though it was an attic room, it had a separate bathroom, thankfully. Xia Yangyang tidied up her luggage, straightened up the room a bit, and then took a bath in the bathroom. The bed sheets and quilt were freshly changed.
It was ratherfortable to lie down. Xia Yangyang began to strategize her ns in her mind. She couldn¡¯t stay here for long. Neither Liu Ruyan nor Xia Weiwei would allow her a permanent stay.
She must find where the remittance slip might be hidden. Xia Yangyang always suspected such an important item would be in Liu Ruyan¡¯s safe box, as in the past at the Xia Family, Liu Ruyan had her own safe for her jewelry. Currently, she had no leads. She had to use the most basic method. She needed to find Liu Ruyan¡¯s safe, then check whether the old remittance slip was there. Regardless, that was tomorrow¡¯s task. Xia Yangyang suddenly felt exhausted and fell asleep not long after lying down. However, her sleep was far from peaceful. It was already winter at the end of November. There was no heating in the room. And the quilt was very thin. Xia Yangyang was woken up several times due to the cold. She wanted to get another quilt, but the junior maid she ran into said the butler took care of such matters and she couldn¡¯t find him at the moment.
There was no choice. Xia Yangyang could only take out the down jacket from her suitcase andy it over the quilt, managing to sleep somewhatfortably. Chapter 568: 569: No matter how you modify it, the original is always better. Chapter 568: Chapter 569: No matter how you modify it, the original is always better. Sure enough, she woke up the next day with a bit of a fever. Xia Yangyang just felt her head was a little heavy. But upon waking up, the nanny called her to the dining room for breakfast. It was a rule in the Xi family to eat meals together. When Xia Yangyang got there. There were quite a few people in the dining room. Liu Ruyan and Xia Weiwei had nearly finished their meals. There were also two young men. Xia Yangyang guessed they were Xi Yanbo and Xi Yankai. Upon seeing Xia Yangyang, Liu Ruyan quickly gestured her over, ¡°Yangyang,e over here, let me introduce you, this is your elder brother Xi Yanbo, and this is your second brother Xi Yankai.¡±
Turning to the two men, she introduced, ¡°And this is my eldest daughter, Xia Yangyang.¡± The two men raised their heads to look in Xia Yangyang¡¯s direction. The one wearing sses adjusted the gold-rimmed sses on his nose bridge, ¡°So Aunt Liu has a such beautiful daughter, hello Miss Xia, I am Xi Yanbo.¡± Xia Yangyang smiled at him and generously greeted: ¡°Hello, eldest son.¡± The other man, on the other hand, had a nonchnt demeanor but was innately charming. Even with unkempt hair, his handsome and roguish face could not be concealed. Xia Yangyang sized up that man. Turns out he was Xi Yankai, the one who had been relentlessly pursuing Chen Yu but still had yet to win her over. Xi Yankai also leaned his head on one hand andzily looked over in Xia Yangyang¡¯s direction. Then he joked, ¡°Weiwei¡¯s stic surgery could be said to be perfect. Today, I finally meet the original model. So you must have copied your sister¡¯s face.¡± As soon as Xia Weiwei heard this, her face darkened by half, ¡°Xi Yankai, no one would think you¡¯re mute if you keep quiet. And I only had minor surgery. How do you know she didn¡¯t get stic surgery?¡± Xi Yankai casually said, ¡°You can tell if someone has had surgery just by looking at their face. But even if, Weiwei, you did have surgery, you still wouldn¡¯t be as good looking as the original.¡± Xia Weiwei, fuming, mmed down her chopsticks and stormed out of the dining room. As she passed Xia Yangyang, she shot her a mean nce, as if she wanted to eat her alive. During breakfast. Liu Ruyan asked, ¡°Yangyang, what¡¯s your schedule for today?¡± Xia Yangyang pretended to rub her head, ¡°Aunt Liu, I think I caught a coldst night. I feel a bit dazed. I want to sleep today.¡± Xi Yanbo was sitting next to Xia Yangyang. Suddenly, he stretched his hand and put it on Xia Yangyang¡¯s forehead, then said, ¡°You have a fever, you¡¯re so hot. I¡¯ll take you to the hospital.¡± Xia Yangyang instinctively leaned back to avoid Xi Yanbo¡¯s hand, ¡°Thank you for your concern, eldest son. I just need to sleep it off.¡±
This Xi Yanbo was a typical yboy, living up to his reputation at first sight. Liu Ruyan said, ¡°How did you catch a cold all of a sudden? Are you not used to living here?¡± She then turned to Han Cheng and questioned, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Doesn¡¯t her room have heating?¡± ¡°Miss Xia is currently living in the small room in the attic. That room doesn¡¯t have an air conditioner. Madam, you said she should sleep on a hard bed, so¡­¡±
¡°Nonsense, quickly arrange another room for her, the one next to the master bedroom. That room has the best environment. She¡¯s also my daughter, you¡¯re not allowed to neglect her.¡± ¡°Of course not, Madam.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s room was changed to the one beside the master bedroom. It could be considered a blessing in disguise. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t have to go around asking which room belonged to Liu Ruyan. During the day, Xia Yangyang really did sleep. After lunch, when no one was around, Xia Yangyang slipped into the adjacent bedroom. Chapter 569: 570: Miss Xia is so familiar? Chapter 569: Chapter 570: Miss Xia is so familiar? Finding the location of the safe within the room wasn¡¯t difficult. Liu Ruyan had ced her safe in the wardrobe of her dressing room. Xia Yangyang had already remotely connected to Xiao Wu. Within five minutes, Xiao Wu had remotely broken the safe¡¯s password. Nheless, Xia Yangyang was still a bit nervous. She didn¡¯t have much time. She had slipped in while the nanny was changing the bed sheets. The door to the room would be locked any minute now. Xia Yangyang quickly nced over the safe¡¯s contents. There were many pieces of jewelry and valuable trinkets inside.
There were also some contract documents and such. However, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t find the remittance slip for five million. Xia Yangyang did not have time to think too much at this. She swiftly rearranged things back the way they were. Then, she returned them into the safe. Afterwards she quickly left the room. The moment she stepped out, she ran into Xi Yankai. Xi Yankai had just seen Xia Yangyanging out of Liu Ruyan¡¯s room. Xia Yangyang still had one hand on the doorknob. Her heart skipped a beat. Could she be any less fortunate? Caught red-handed. Xi Yankai eyed Xia Yangyang, ¡°What were you doing in Aunt Liu¡¯s room?¡± Xia Yangyang answered, ¡°I was looking for Aunt Liu, but she wasn¡¯t in.¡± Xi Yankai smirked, ¡°From the moment you went in, I noticed, you were inside for 12 minutes, did it really take you 12 minutes to check that there was nobody there?¡± Xia Yangyang furrowed her brows, ¡°Were you watching me?¡± ¡°Not watching, just curious.¡± Xia Yangyang went silent for a moment, then suddenlyughed, ¡°The Second Master should keep this a secret for me, right? After all, you and I are considered friends.¡± Xi Yankai raised an eyebrow, ¡°We only met yesterday, isn¡¯t it a bit too presumptuous of Miss Xia to consider us familiar?¡± Xia Yangyang continued to smile, ¡°I¡¯m friends with Chen Yu, considering your rtionship with Chen Yu, we can barely consider ourselves friends, right?¡±
Mentioning Chen Yu, Xi Yankai¡¯s expression suddenly changed, ¡°You know Chen Yu?¡± ¡°We know each other quite well, and I even have his private phone number.¡± Chen Yu, I¡¯m sorry, I had to throw you under the bus for this crucial moment. Xi Yankai was silent for a while, then said, ¡°Deal.¡±
Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t proposed any business. However, both of them knew what each other was implying. But Xi Yankai¡¯s gaze towards Xia Yangyang softened a tad, ¡°If you¡¯re looking for valuable items, Aunt Liu stores important things in the safe in her office, not here.¡± This Xi Yankai was indeed smart, he¡¯d sessfully guessed her intentions. Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Thank you for the information.¡± After separating from Xi Yankai, Xia Yangyang nned to return to her own room. Her cold seemed to be getting worse, and her head had started to feel fuzzy. She hadn¡¯t found what she was looking for, she couldn¡¯t afford to let her investigations get exposed. Just as she reached her doorstep, Xia Weiwei walked out from her own room. Ironically enough, in the past ten years, during their time in the Xia mansion, their rooms were right across from each other¡¯s. And now, Xia Weiwei¡¯s room happened to be opposite the guest room Xia Yangyang was staying in. Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s sick and weary appearance, Xia Weiwei felt a sense of satisfaction. It was her who had Han Cheng arrange for Xia Yangyang to stay in the chilly room with no heating.
The nket she had given her was pitifully thin too. After spending a cold and gloomy night in the attic, it¡¯d be a surprise if Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t catch a cold. Xia Weiwei approached, ¡°Xia Yangyang, if you¡¯re wise, you would leave immediately. Go back where you came from, don¡¯t stick around here and ask for trouble.¡± Of course Xia Weiwei wanted Xia Yangyang to leave. As long as she was around, Gu Qichen¡¯s attention would be on her. However, Xia Yangyang justughed, ¡°You hope that I¡¯ll disappear without a trace, like I did four years ago?¡± Chapter 570 - 571: 572: Treating Xia Yangyang like a thief and driving her out of the Xi Family Chapter 571: Chapter 572: Treating Xia Yangyang like a thief and driving her out of the Xi Family Xia Yangyang was still somewhat stunned, not knowing what had happened. However, it was Liu Ruyan who first spoke up: ¡°Butler Han, what exactly has happened?¡± With a stern face, Han Cheng replied: ¡°Just now, Miss Xia trespassed into the forbidden area of the side building. ording to the rules set by our Third Young Master, those who trespass must be driven out of the Xi Family. Second Madam, I¡¯m really sorry about this. But it¡¯s because our youngdy didn¡¯t follow the rules, and as servants, we have no choice.¡± Liu Ruyan turned to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Yangyang, why did you go there?¡± Before Xia Yangyang could speak, the young maid beside her opened her mouth in grievance: ¡°My original intention was to take Miss Xia to select wooden beds from several guest rooms in the side building. Who knew she would suddenly run off on her own? After searching for a long time, I finally found her sneaking into the secret chamber of the Third Young Master.¡± Xia Yangyang felt that she was unable to defend herself. Apparently, this young maid had suddenly disappeared, and now it was her who had trespassed into the forbidden area. Xia Weiwei added fuel to the fire from the sidelines: ¡°Xia Yangyang, the Third Young Master of our family is a renowned doctor. Those documents and resources in there are priceless treasures, coveted by many. Could your objective foring to the Xi Family be rted to them?¡± Liu Ruyan reproached Xia Weiwei: ¡°Don¡¯t spout drivel!¡± Liu Ruyan rose to her feet, walked up to Han Cheng and Xia Yangyang, and said, ¡°Yangyang is a stranger here and must have identally trespassed. Butler Han, could you perhaps turn a blind eye this time?¡±
But Han Cheng maintained a serious expression: ¡°Second Madam, I¡¯m really sorry. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t respect you, but this is a rule that the Xi Family has upheld for many years. After all, the Third Young Master previously lost important documents and threw a tantrum. As you know, he holds a special ce in the master¡¯s heart. Therefore, I must ask the Second Madam for understanding. However, if Miss Xia is disced after leaving, I am willing to find a satisfactory lodging for her.¡± Even if Xia Yangyang were foolish, she could tell that this was a scheme orchestrated by Xia Weiwei and her cohorts. From the day this butler, Han Cheng, arranged for her to stay in the attic room. Xia Yangyang realized that he must have been their insider. Their aim was to evict her. She was even driven to the wall and forced to y out this farce of trespassing into forbidden territory. Liu Ruyan wore a helpless expression: ¡°Yangyang, I told you when you arrived that the Xi Family isn¡¯t like the Xia Family. It¡¯s arge household with plenty of rules. Aunt Liu doesn¡¯t have the ability to offer you shelter anymore. Otherwise, how about I find you a suitable hotel?¡± However, Xia Yangyang merely smiled: ¡°If Aunt Liu wants me to leave, why go to such lengths? Just say it outright. I, Xia Yangyang, am not the type to overstay my wee.¡± ¡°You child, why do you talk this way? As you see, Aunt Liu is helpless. We are dependent on others here and have no authority.¡± Xia Weiwei could no longer bear it: ¡°Xia Yangyang, enough with your nonsense. Take your luggage and scram! This is the Xi Family, not your home. It¡¯s been four years, and your audacity has increased.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t find the remittance receipt in Liu Ruyan¡¯s safe. But her initial objective for this trip had been achieved. And naturally, she didn¡¯t wish to stay any longer. If not for her current illness, she might have left in the afternoon. However, being driven out like a thief under the ring eyes of the crowd was indeed a bitter pill to swallow. Xia Yangyang dered: ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll leave right now.¡± ¡°The one who should leave isn¡¯t you.¡± A cold and stern male voice suddenly echoed from the entrance. Chapter 571 - 572: 573: Cant I change the rules that I set? Chapter 572: Chapter 573: Can¡¯t I change the rules that I set? Everyone turned around. They saw a man standing at the restaurant¡¯s entrance, suitcase in hand. ¡°Third Brother is back,¡± Xi Yanbo called out gently. Xi Yanbo and Xi Yankai had been enjoying the show since the beginning. The Xi residence was often cold and deserted, so such a lively scene was quite rare. Xia Yangyang was slightly taken aback by the man¡¯s presence. Back in the researchb, she had already begun to suspect. Theb must belong to Gu Zhaohan. In this world, no one cared about Xia Ye¡¯s condition more than Gu Zhaohan did. And also, those notes in the files.
Xia Yangyang recognized them at a nce. Xia Yangyang almost forgot. Gu Zhaohan had returned to the Xi family four years ago. However, he was never willing to change his surname. It was said that Xi Jiachen thought highly of him and had been trying to convince him to work for thepany over the past four years. But Gu Zhaohan insisted on studying medicine abroad. Upon seeing Gu Zhaohan, Han Cheng¡¯s expression slightly changed. The man standing before him probably held the highest position in the Xi family. Because the eldest and second young masters of the family were ipetent, the old man brought the third young master back with the intention of grooming him as the sessor. Even though Gu Zhaohan is currently just the ¡°third young master¡± of the Xi family, Everyone knew that, given Xi Jiachen¡¯s affection for him, he would eventually be the head of the Xi family. This was well understood, even by Xi Yanbo and Xi Yankai. Han Cheng quickly tried to curry favor and said: ¡°Third Young Master, if we knew you wereing back, we would have arranged for someone to meet you at the airport.¡± Gu Zhaohan, however, shot Han Cheng a detached nce and walked straight up to Xia Yangyang. When he was at the door, he had just heard everything that was going on inside. But Gu Zhaohan wasn¡¯t interested in that. His gaze was locked on Xia Yangyang alone. Her cheeks were flushed, her gaze slightly unfocused, her steps wobbly, it was clear that she wasn¡¯t feeling well. Upon reaching Xia Yangyang, Gu Zhaohan extended his hand to touch her forehead, ¡°Why is your temperature so high? Why didn¡¯t you go to the hospital if you have a fever?¡± Everyone present was shocked by this scene.
What exactly was going on? Did the third young master know Miss Xia? And the third young master, who was generally so aloof, was he really showing concern here? Han Cheng¡¯s face turned pale.
Xi Yanbo and Xi Yankai were also greatly surprised. Just who was this girl? Wasn¡¯t she the daughter of Liu Ruyan¡¯s ex-husband? Howe she was so familiar with Gu Zhaohan? Xia Yangyang, however, shook her head and took a step back, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Seeing the wind change, Han Cheng quickly said: ¡°Third Young Master, we didn¡¯t know Miss Xia was acquainted with you. However, Miss Xia did barge into your research room earlier, so how should this be handled?¡± Han Cheng was still unsure about their rtionship. But he knew that the third young master was very protective of his research room. Even Xi Jiachen was not allowed to enter, let alone regr folks. If Miss Xia was only an ordinary friend of the third young master, trespassing into his research room would likely be considered intolerable. But Gu Zhaohan only said lightly, ¡°Is this the way you¡¯ve been trained to treat guests over your many years as housekeeper of the Xi family, Mr. Han? Are you going to send Miss Xia away?¡± Han Cheng sensed the implication in Gu Zhaohan¡¯s words, noticing the third young master now appeared to seek an ount for this matter. The third young master typically didn¡¯t meddle with Xi family affairs, but now he came across as forceful and sharp, seemingly intent on punishment. Han Cheng quickly exined, ¡°Miss Xia intruded upon an off-limits area of the Xi family. The rules dictate that she should be ¡®escorted¡¯ out.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s voice was icy, ¡°Am I not allowed to change the rules that I set?¡±
Chapter 572 - 573: 574: Could She Be the Young Masters Girlfriend? Chapter 573: Chapter 574: Could She Be the Young Master¡¯s Girlfriend? A single sentence left Han Cheng speechless. Everyone had their own thoughts. No one expected that the Third Young Master would protect an unknown woman so much as soon as he came back. Xia Weiwei was shaking with anger on the side. She had finallye up with a n to work with Han Cheng to drive away Xia Yangyang. But she didn¡¯t expect that Gu Zhaohan would just happen to return at this time. Xia Weiwei had some understanding of Gu Zhaohan and Xia Yangyang¡¯s past rtionship. However, that was all four years ago. Why would Gu Zhaohan be so concerned about Xia Yangyang as soon as he came back? Judging by their eye contact and natural way of speaking,
it was clear that they had been in contact in normal times. Xia Yangyang imed that she had been missing for four years. Yet as soon as she showed up, both Gu Qi Chen saw her and Gu Zhaohan was involved. What exactly was she trying to do? Han Cheng hurriedly took a step back, ¡°Third Young Master, I didn¡¯t mean that at all, and I definitely didn¡¯t intend to drive Miss Xia away. Since Miss Xia is the Third Young Master¡¯s friend, she is naturally a distinguished guest of the Xi family, and I will take good care of her.¡± Xia Yangyang only felt a strong headache. She only felt the figures in front of her moving back and forth. Xia Yangyang felt that she couldn¡¯t hold on much longer. Gu Zhaohan noticed this too. He directly supported Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm, ¡°I¡¯ll take you back to the room first.¡± Everyone watched as Gu Zhaohan helped Xia Yangyang back to her room, but it wasn¡¯t a guest bedroom. Gu Zhaohan brought Xia Yangyang to his own room. If Miss Xia was the Third Young Master¡¯s friend, it wouldn¡¯t be strange for him to protect her so much just now. But it was too unusual for the Third Young Master to bring Miss Xia to his own room. The Third Young Master was a very fastidious person. His room was always locked. Even if dust covered every corner, he would never allow anyone else to step foot in it. No one was allowed to touch his belongings, let alone sleep in his bed.
What¡¯s more important is that the Third Young Master had never had a girlfriend in all these years. Rumours from outside imed he was gay, which was the old man¡¯s biggest worry. But now the Third Young Master has brought a woman to his room.
If the old man knew, he might weep for joy. A group of nannies were gossiping in the hallway. ¡°What kind of person is this Miss Xia really? She is the daughter of Second Madam¡¯s ex-husband, how could she know the Third Young Master?¡± ¡°I think it¡¯s definitely not as simple as just knowing each other, what kind of person is the Third Young Master? He never lets any woman near him, but he treats Miss Xia differently, this indicates that their rtionship is not ordinary.¡± ¡°This Miss Xia can¡¯t be the Third Young Master¡¯s girlfriend, can she?¡± When Xia Weiwei was going upstairs, she just heard some maids talking about Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan¡¯s rtionship with great interest. Xia Weiwei paused in her footsteps, deliberately stopped, walked over to those maids and said, ¡°Don¡¯t you understand the Third Young Master¡¯s character? If she¡¯s not his girlfriend, would he bring her to his room? And my sister isn¡¯t the type to debase herself. If she went into the room with the Third Young Master, it¡¯s clear what that means, isn¡¯t it? It¡¯s obvious that she¡¯s going to be your Third Madam.¡± With Xia Weiwei¡¯s words, the maids were even more convinced. Xia Yangyang, in a daze, fell asleep. She had a veryplicated dream. In the dream, it seemed like she had gone back to her university days when she was rehearsing ¡°The Butterfly Lovers¡± with Gu Zhaohan. One night, while they were rehearsing lines, Gu Qichen suddenly appeared, then suddenly stormed off in a fit of rage. Xia Yangyang chased after Gu Qichen, exining over and over again, but he just wouldn¡¯t listen.
In the end, Xia Yangyang woke up in a state of anxiety. Chapter 573 - 574: 575: Gu Zhaohan: I Dreamt We Got Married Chapter 574: Chapter 575: Gu Zhaohan: I Dreamt We Got Married When she woke up, Xia Yangyang still had a cold towel on her forehead. Gu Zhaohan was sitting by the bed. Next to him was a basin of water. Xia Yangyang removed the towel: ¡°How long have I been asleep?¡± ¡°Two hours.¡± ¡°Have you been taking care of me this whole time?¡± ¡°You had a fever of 40 degrees Celsius. I cooled you down physically first, now take some medicine. If the fever doesn¡¯t subside by tomorrow, we¡¯ll go to the hospital for an intravenous drip.¡± Gu Zhaohan got up, fetched a ss of water, and brought over some pills. While Xia Yangyang still felt ufortable, she was definitely faring better than before. Xia Yangyang pulled back the covers and looked around, feeling out of ce: ¡°Where am I?¡±
¡°My room.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned: ¡°Why did you bring me to your room? What if people misunderstand? I should go to the guest room.¡± ¡°You¡¯ve been sleeping here for two hours, if anyone was going to misunderstand, they would have already.¡± Xia Yangyang sat on the bed, deting like a punctured ball. However, there was no need to care; she was leaving soon. Xia Yangyang was silent for a while, then suddenly asked: ¡°Why did you suddenlye back to China?¡± Gu Zhaohan replied: ¡°I came back to handle some matters. What about you? Why are you here?¡± Xia Yangyang responded casually: ¡°I also came back to handle some matters.¡± Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t seem interested and didn¡¯t ask any further. He ced an electronic thermometer in Xia Yangyang¡¯s ear and took her temperature: ¡°38.5, the fever has reduced a bit. Are you still feeling dizzy?¡± Xia Yangyang massaged her temples: ¡°A little.¡± ¡°Take the medicine and sleep some more. We¡¯ll see how you feel in the morning.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t have the energy to speak, her body feeling sore and weak. After Xia Yangyang closed her eyes to lie down, she suddenly opened them and asked: ¡°If I¡¯m sleeping in your room, where will you sleep tonight?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me, there are over a hundred rooms here, I have plenty of ces to sleep.¡± Xia Yangyang figured he was right. However, to her surprise, when she woke up the next morning, she saw Gu Zhaohan casually sleeping on the sofa. The sofa wasn¡¯trge and Gu Zhaohan, with his long limbs, could hardly stretch outfortably. Although there was heating in the room.
It was still November¡¯s chill. Surprisingly, Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t even have a thin nket to cover him. Xia Yangyang sighed. She took a nket from the bed and walked over to the sofa.
Then gentlyid the nket on Gu Zhaohan. ¡°Yangyang!¡± Before the nket was fully covering him, Gu Zhaohan called out, grabbing Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm and suddenly opened his eyes. Gu Zhaohan was clearly startled awake. ¡°Did I wake you?¡± Xia Yangyang asked. Gu Zhaohan closed his eyes, sat up, and pinched the bridge of his nose: ¡°No, just had a nightmare.¡± ¡°You called out my name during your nightmare, what did you dream about me doing?¡± Gu Zhaohan looked up at Xia Yangyang, his face appearing indifferent: ¡°I dreamed we got married.¡± Xia Yangyang thought he was joking at first. She didn¡¯t expect Gu Zhaohan to say such a thing. Over the years, even though they had kept in contact and regrly met up, they had never talked about personal feelings and maintained a certain distance on purpose. Therefore, when Gu Zhaohan suddenly spoke those words, Xia Yangyang was at a loss for words. After a few seconds of bewilderment, she forced a smile: ¡°That really is a nightmare.¡±
Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t say anything else. Instead, he stood up: ¡°Do you feel better now?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded: ¡°Yes, I¡¯m better. No dizziness.¡± Gu Zhaohan took Xia Yangyang¡¯s temperature again, confirming that her fever had indeed subsided. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the dining room for breakfast. You haven¡¯t eaten properly in a day.¡± Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan left the room together. To their surprise, when they opened the door, a few maids were eavesdropping at the entrance and almost fell in. Gu Zhaohan frowned: ¡°What are you doing here?¡± The maids retreated nervously: ¡°We came to invite young master and young mistress to have breakfast.¡± Chapter 574 - 575: 576: Im Not Some Third Young Mistress Chapter 575: Chapter 576: I¡¯m Not Some Third Young Mistress Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan were taken aback simultaneously after hearing this. Xia Yangyang almost blurted out in defense: ¡°I¡¯m not the Mistress of the third young master.¡± The young maid, seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s displeased tone, was a bit at a loss. She had initially intended to tter Miss Xia. Yet she got the feeling that Miss Xia was getting a bit upset. The young maid timidly stole a nce at the third young master next to her. The third young master was quite indifferent, only telling Xia Yangyang, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Gu Zhaohan took the initiative to stride forward, with Xia Yangyang quickly following him. She thought to herself, probably the whole Xi family has misunderstood. Had she been clear-headed yesterday, she would have definitely not gone to Gu Zhaohan¡¯s room.
She heaved a sigh in her mind. Anyway, no one knows her so no need to care. The dining room still had the same people. Liu Ruyan, seeing Xia Yangyang, asked concernedly: ¡°Yangyang, are you feeling better? Why didn¡¯t you tell Aunt Liu if you were ufortable?¡± Xia Yangyang just put on a polite smile: ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Xia Weiwei remarked sarcastically next to them: ¡°With our third young master dutifully taking care of you all through the night, you will understandably recover much faster than usual. Look, our third young master even got dark circles. You two must have had a rough night.¡± Xia Weiwei deliberately added a touch of ambiguity in her words. Xi Yanboughed next to them and said, ¡°Xiao Han, you got a girlfriend and didn¡¯t even tell your home, dad would be thrilled to know.¡± Gu Zhaohan responded: ¡°You got it wrong.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s words were indifferent yet casual. However, to the others present, who would believe that? Who in this house does not know Third Young Master¡¯s character? Having directly taken the youngdy into his own room, how could that be wrong? The nces from everyone became suggestive. The more the issue was exined, the more guilty it appeared. Previously, there had been rumors about Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan. Even in the United States, all her brothers and sisters treated Gu Zhaohan as her boyfriend. However, the more she tried to exin, the darker the impression became. The two silently sat down to breakfast in perfect harmony.
Halfway through breakfast, Xia Yangyang told Liu Ruyan: ¡°Aunt Liu, thank you for taking care of me these past days. I should leave now, I¡¯ll be moving out this afternoon.¡± Before Liu Ruyan could respond, Han Cheng suddenly stepped forward and said, ¡°The Master is returning to the country today, he especially wishes to see Miss Xia.¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback: ¡°See me?¡±
Xia Yangyang knew that the person referred to as ¡®Master¡¯ by Han Cheng was Xi Jiachen, Gu Zhaohan¡¯s biological father and the absolute authority of the Xi family, the richest man in Asia. But why does he want to see her? Han Cheng replied, ¡°Master was aware that¡­ a distinguished guest was here at home, so he rescheduled toe back. Miss Xia, please do us the honor of staying a bit longer.¡± Everyone around understood. Probably the Master wanted to meet her thinking of her as Gu Zhaohan¡¯s girlfriend. For the past years, Gu Zhaohan¡¯s presumed homosexuality has been a sorrow for the Master. Xi Yankai has already publicly announced his preference for men. If the third young master of the Xi family also likes men, it would be¡­ So, yesterday Xi Yanbo had made a call and naturally, Xi Jiachen was to return to personally investigate the matter. But Xia Yangyang was unaware of these intricacies. Yet, she could not disrespect this request. Xia Yangyang replied: ¡°It is my honor to meet Mr. Xi.¡± Xi Yankai patted Gu Zhaohan¡¯s shoulder and remarked, ¡°Our dad is surely back to persuade you to join thepany. It seems Zijun is single-handedly controlling ourpany, how could our dad treat her like his own daughter.¡±
The butler Han intervened: ¡°Miss Zijun is alsoing back tonight.¡± Chapter 575 - 576: 577: Gu Qichen also came Chapter 576: Chapter 577: Gu Qichen also came At this, Xi Yankai immediately shut his mouth. Xia Yangyang had heard of it before. Xi Zijun held a high position in the Xi family. Even higher than the second master of the Xi family. But her position was not lifted up by Xi Jiachen. It was her own ability in the position of the Jiang Group. Xi Yanbo and Xi Yankai both were directors of the Jiang Group, but the positions they held were nominal. Only Xi Zijun was the general manager of the Jiang Group, holding great power. Even within the Xi family, her word carried weight, second only to Xi Jiachen. Xi Yanbo changed the topic: ¡°Zijun hasn¡¯t been home for more than half a year, would she bring her mysterious fianc¨¦ back this time for us to meet?¡±
Xi Yankai sneered: ¡°What mystery? Isn¡¯t it just Gu Qichen, the CEO of Shengyuan, the third brother¡¯s ¡­ uncle?¡± Everyone knew a bit about Gu Qichen and Gu Zhaohan¡¯s rtionship. But not much. After all, when Gu Zhaohan returned to the Xi family, the rumour that his uncle had be his older brother had already been suppressed. Where there is smoke, there¡¯s fire. The Xi family naturally knew all of this was true. But it is also a taboo in the Xi family, reportedly because Xi Jiachen could not bear that Gu Mingzhu¡¯s brother was actually his own child, born when he was only 16. He chose to divorce in a rage. At the time of the divorce, Xi Yanbo and Xi Yankai were young. There was only a slight impression left of their stepmother. A very beautiful but very cold woman. It seemed that she hadn¡¯t smiled since the day she married their father. The real reason for the divorce, they knew even less. All they remember is that there was no quarrel or warning, they divorced quietly. Xia Yangyang also froze for a moment at the mention of Gu Qichen¡¯s name. Everyone knew that Xi Zijun¡¯s fiance was Gu Qichen. But Xia Yangyang was curious. Could Xi Zijun tolerate her fiance being ambiguous with her step-sister? In Xia Yangyang¡¯s memory. She had worked with Xi Zijun to put Liu Ruyan in a difficult position. Xia Yangyang got everything she wanted.
But in the end, Xi Zijun couldn¡¯t stop Xi Jiaxin and Liu Ruyan from being together. Liu Ruyan even legitimately became Mrs. Xi. What happened afterwards, Xia Yangyang knew nothing about. But fate is indeed a cyclical hand, past people, past events, one by one, in session, would reappear before her eyes.
In the afternoon, she was somewhat restless. Feeling like something bad was about to happen. However, her cold from yesterday hadn¡¯tpletely cleared up,. Xia Yangyang slept in her room for the entire afternoon. Until the housekeeper came to knock on the door and said: ¡°The master is back, should the Third Young Master and Miss Xiae down?¡± At that moment, Xia Yangyang was just waking up. Gu Zhaohan was also in the room. He checked her temperature and said: ¡°This repeated fever, have you had this symptom before?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head. Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°After dinner, I will take you to the hospital for a check-up.¡± Xia Yangyang felt Gu Zhaohan was too worried, being a doctor, he could always imagine amon cold as a sign of various other illnesses. Xia Yangyang got up: ¡°Let¡¯s go out.¡± The room Xia Yangyang was staying in was on the third floor.
The dining room was on the second floor. Leaving the room, they needed to cross a long corridor. Under the stairs there was a huge, brightly lit hall. When Xia Yangyang reached the stairs, she sneezed. Gu Zhaohan frowned. He said hesitantly: ¡°I¡¯ll go get you a jacket, wait for me here for a while.¡± Gu Zhaohan turned and left. Xia Yangyang waited on the stairs. Underneath the staircase was a well-lit hall. When Xia Yangyang looked up, she saw a familiar figure in the midst of the hall. Chapter 576 - 577: 578: Congratulations to You All Chapter 577: Chapter 578: Congrattions to You All In fact, Xia Yangyang had thought that Gu Qichen might appear. But the chances of that happening were slim. Yet, Xia Yangyang thought that she could face things calmly even if Gu Qichen did show up. But upon seeing that austere figure. Xia Yangyang admits, her heart did feel a squeeze. Feeling somewhat suffocated. Especially when she saw Xi Zijun, a tall, beautiful woman with extraordinary demeanor, standing next to him. The two of them seemed to be engaged in a conversation. But as Gu Qichen lifted his head, his body stiffened. He also saw Xia Yangyang.
For a moment, Xia Yangyang felt as if the air around her had frozen. Gu Qichen had this ability. His gaze was as piercing as a sword that could cut through the clouds. Xia Yangyang found herself inexplicably nervous. Yet, Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes seemed very calm. Seeing Xia Yangyang, he did not react even slightly. At any rate. He already knew that she was here. Xia Yangyang stood there, firmly. Indeed, Gu Qichen walked past Xi Zijun and headed upstairs in Xia Yangyang¡¯s direction. She would need to face him eventually. Xia Yangyang had only returned home for a few days but she couldn¡¯t avoid Gu Qichen nevertheless. In fact, Xia Yangyang suspected that Gu Qichen hade here deliberately. Gu Qichen wasing closer step by step. Neither of them took their eyes off each other. Xia Yangyang had no idea why Gu Qichen wasing her way. But just the thought of it was already tiring for Xia Yangyang. She really didn¡¯t feel like shing with Gu Qichen every time. Suddenly, Xia Yangyang felt warmth on her shoulders. A long men¡¯s windproof coat was draped over her shoulders.
Turning her head, she saw it was Gu Zhaohan. Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°I couldn¡¯t find your coat, wear mine for now to keep warm.¡± At the same time. Gu Qichen¡¯s steps suddenly halted.
Gu Zhaohan looked in the direction of the stairs. Four eyes facing each other, one cold like water, another even colder, like three-feet of winter ice. In the end, it was Gu Zhaohan who broke the silence: ¡°Uncle.¡± Step by step, Gu Qichen walked up. When he arrived in front of Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan, his eyes were frosty, but he did not nce towards Xia Yangyang. He just addressed Gu Zhaohan: ¡°When did youe back?¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s response was cold and indifferent: ¡°Yesterday.¡± Then there was no moremunication between the two. However, Gu Qichen did set his gaze on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face. Xia Yangyang detected disbelief and undisguised suspicion in Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes. Someone as clever as Gu Qichen must have figured out something. But how much he figured out, or what he thought of it now, Xia Yangyang could not be certain. Just then, Xi Zijun also came up.
Her voice held a few notes of surprise, ¡°Miss Xia, it¡¯s unexpected to see you here today.¡± Xia Yangyang smiled, ¡°Miss Xi, long time no see.¡± Gu Zhaohan also coldly greeted her, ¡°Sister Zijun.¡± Xi Zijun nodded her head in acknowledgment. Xi Zijun suddenly seemed to remember something, ¡°Today when we came back, Uncle mentioned that Xiao Han brought his girlfriend home, so you must be Miss Xia?¡± Xi Zijun didn¡¯t try to hide her doubtful tone. Xia Yangyang was just about to deny this. But then she heard Gu Zhaohan confirm: ¡°Yes.¡± Upon hearing this, Xia Yangyang was taken aback. Why would Gu Zhaohan say that? The look on Gu Qichen¡¯s face was truly gloomy. Xi Zijun lifted her eyebrows in surprise: ¡°Four years without seeing each other and this really is unexpected, but first, congrattions to both of you.¡±
Chapter 577 - 579: Very Good, Xia Yangyang, Gu Zhaohan, You’re.. Very Good Chapter 578: Chapter 579: Very Good, Xia Yangyang, Gu Zhaohan, You¡¯re.. Very Good Xia Yangyang felt dizzy, unable to grasp the situation for a moment. What on earth was going on with Gu Zhaohan? Why did he say she¡¯s his girlfriend? And right in front of Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze was firmly locked on Xia Yangyang, his voice cold: ¡°Is he your boyfriend in the United States?¡± Xia Yangyang hadpletely forgotten. She had told Gu Qichen that she had a boyfriend. Xia Yangyang had not yet spoken. Gu Zhaohan indeed held Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Uncle, I am sorry, there is something I did not tell you, me and Yangyang, we reunited three years ago.¡± Gu Qichen was chilled to the bone. His body radiated an unnerving cold. Yes, Xia Yangyang was in Manhattan. Gu Zhaohan was also in Manhattan. The ce could be both big and small. Gu Qichen still remembered the crossroad where he first met Xia Yangyang, just near Gu Zhaohan¡¯s hospital. Gu Qichen suddenly wanted tough. All this was just too ironic. He had been searching for her for four long years, building an extensive informationwork for her. However, in reality, Gu Zhaohan knew of her whereabouts long ago but kept mum about it. Even more ironic was. Xia Yangyang repeatedly said that she gave up on their marriage because she couldn¡¯t let go of the resentment between Gu Mingzhu and her mother. Just because Gu Mingzhu was his kin. Over the years, Gu Qichen had also beenforting himself with this reason. At least Xia Yangyang did not stop loving him. But thinking about it now. Those were all excuses! All exuses! Gu Zhaohan was Gu Mingzhu¡¯s son. How could she let go of her resentment and be his girlfriend? Gu Qichen never found anything more ludicrous, it was indeed the most ridiculous thing in the world. He indeedughed. Only the curvature of his mouth sent a chill down one¡¯s spine. He seemingly couldn¡¯t believe it, asking Xia Yangyang for confirmation: ¡°So, you already ran into each other three years ago?¡± Xia Yangyang bit her lip, lifted her head, her calm eyes met with Gu Qichen¡¯s icy gaze: ¡°Yes, not long after I went to the United States, I ran into Gu Zhaohan. These many years, my workce and his hospital were just a stone¡¯s throw from each other.¡± ¡°Good, very good, Xia Yangyang, Gu Zhaohan, you¡­ are indeed good.¡± Gu Qichen turned around and hurried upstairs. Xi Zijun gave Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan a meaningful nce, and followed him. Xia Yangyang stood there for a long time. Her fingers on the railing, feeling the cold creeping in. ¡°Gu Zhaohan, why did you say that?¡± Xia Yangyang asked. Gu Zhaohan put his hand on Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and gently held it: ¡°Yangyang, I used to have no capital topete with uncle, I was just a step behind him, but now, I want to step ahead of him.¡± Xia Yangyang withdrew her hand from Gu Zhaohan¡¯s: ¡°Gu Zhaohan, I am grateful for your kindness to Xia Ye, but you should know that there is absolutely no chance between us, and whatever lies between me and Gu Qichen equally lies between you and me.¡± Gu Zhaohan began: ¡°I know, you said my mother had caused your mother¡¯s death, but Yangyang, you came back this time to investigate this matter, right? My mother might have done wrong, but she wouldn¡¯t do it in such a despicable way, I trust her in this, and I will help you investigate clearly. If the facts are indeed as they are, I will still wait for you, ten years, a lifetime, I will atone for my mother¡¯s sins.¡± Chapter 578 - 580: Don’t Hurry to Reject Me Chapter 579: Chapter 580: Don¡¯t Hurry to Reject Me Xia Yangyang looked steadily at Gu Zhaohan. The color of Gu Zhaohan¡¯s eyes was calm. He was no longer the white-clothed young man referred to as the ¡°Iceberg Prince¡± on the university campus. He was now restrained and mature, and even more, a rising star in the medical field. His eyes no longer bore the patience, entanglement, and conflicts of his past. At this moment, what Xia Yangyang saw was an unyielding faith and slightly fervent gaze. Xia Yangyang subconsciously averted her eyes. To atone for the sins of Gu Mingzhu. Gu Qichen also seemed to have said the same thing. But likewise, their biological mother was Gu Mingzhu. However, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t harbor an intense struggle and conflict with Gu Zhaohan. Nor did she vent her hatred of Gu Mingzhu upon him. Perhaps it was just because she didn¡¯t care about him as she cared for Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang tly rejected him, ¡°Gu Zhaohan, no matter whether there were secrets about the past or not, there¡¯s no chance for us. Leaving aside theplicated past entangled between us, the Gu Family will never agree to your being with me.¡± Her and Gu Zhaohan, that was too far-fetched. Gu Zhaohan spoke, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about grandfather and mother.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°I¡¯m not worried about them, Gu Zhaohan, I won¡¯t fall in love with anyone anymore, I just want to live a peaceful life with Xia Ye now. Love is not indispensable for me, on the contrary, it would bring me endless questions. I have always been grateful for your care and efforts towards Xia Ye, but Gu Zhaohan, you are so smart, you should be very clear that it is not love. There is no possibility between us.¡± Xia Yangyang wanted to make things clear once and for all. In the past, her rtionship with Gu Zhaohan also stirred up some storms. Just thinking about it made Xia Yangyang feel tired. She didn¡¯t want a repetition of the past now. She didn¡¯t care about others¡¯ opinions. However, because of Xia Ye, Xia Yangyang knew that she would keep in touch with Gu Zhaohan in the long run. She didn¡¯t want to give Gu Zhaohan hope because of this contact. Seeing Xia Yangyang being so determined and resolute, Gu Zhaohan suddenly smiled, ¡°Alright, don¡¯t worry about rejecting me, there will be plenty of time and opportunities in the future. Let¡¯s go, head to the restaurant for dinner first.¡± In this respect, Gu Zhaohan was very much like Gu Qichen. Whenever she spoke about serious matters, he could easily change the subject. However, it was just as well that the butler also came to hurry them along. Xia Yangyang and Gu Zhaohan went to the restaurant one after the other. There were unusually many people in the restaurant today. Xi Jiachen was back and sat at the head of the dining table. Seeing Gu Zhaohan and Xia Yangyanging together, he stood up, ¡°Xiao Han, aren¡¯t you going to introduce her?¡± To be honest, this was the first time that Xia Yangyang had met Xi Jiachen in real life. Asia¡¯s wealthiest man, who had long topped the Forbes list, was a much-talked-about figure. He had single-handedly built a massive business empire. The outside world¡¯s praise made it seem as if he had three heads and six arms. However, seeing him in person was vastly different from her imagination. Xia Yangyang¡¯s first impression of him was, ¡°A handsome and elegant middle-aged man.¡± Indeed, it was a well-known fact that Xi Jiachen was an exceptionally handsome man in the financial circle during his youth. Although he was now middle-aged, his features still showed signs of his past glory, and his demeanor was gentle and elegant. It turned out that none of Xi Jiachen¡¯s three sons resembled him. The eldest son was frivolous, the second son was unruly, and this youngest one was as cold as an age-old cier. The cier beside her spoke up, ¡°Dad, this is Yangyang.¡± Chapter 579 - 581: When do you plan to get engaged? Chapter 580: Chapter 581: When do you n to get engaged? Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t say much. He just briefly introduced their names. However, the less he said, the more the others spected about the rtionship between the two. Gu Zhaohan allowing this girl to stay in his room hinted something unusual. But everyone was still unclear about how far their rtionship had developed. Xia Yangyang also greeted warmly and respectfully, ¡°Uncle Xi, I¡¯ve heard a lot about you.¡± Xi Jiachen courteously replied, ¡°Sit down, let¡¯s talk while we eat.¡± Xia Yangyang sat down. Gu Qichen was right across from her. He looked very upset. Since Xia Yangyang came in, he hadn¡¯t looked at her once. Shortly after, Xia Weiwei also entered the dining room. She directly went to Gu Qichen, ¡°Brother Gu, you¡¯re back.¡± Xi Yankai interjected from the side, ¡°Weiwei, I used to hear you call him ¡®brother-inw¡¯ often. Why are you calling him Brother Gu now?¡± Xia Weiwei used to call him ¡®brother-inw¡¯ because Gu Qichen didn¡¯t mind these words. On the contrary, Xia Weiwei knew that Gu Qichen liked her calling him that. But, both she and Gu Qichen knew that her new name for him was rted to Xia Yangyang. However, there were a few times when Xi Yankai had noticed it. They didn¡¯t even know Xia Yangyang. The ¡®brother-inw¡¯ they assumed was rted to Xi Zijun. But they didn¡¯t think that she had been calling him ¡®brother-inw¡¯ long before the ambiguity between Xi Zijun and Gu Qichen started. But now, in front of Xia Yangyang, she could not call him that any more. Xia Weiwei red at Xi Yankai fiercely, said nothing, and sat next to Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang gave a slight smile¡ªit all seemed so ironic. Xi Zijun sat on Gu Qichen¡¯s left, Xia Weiwei on his right. He looked utterly rxed. Xi Jiachen turned his head to talk to Xia Yangyang again, ¡°Zijun just told me that you and Xiao Han have known each other in the United States for three years?¡± ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve known each other for many years.¡± Actually, many people present, including Xi Zijun, knew about her past identity. If Xi Jiachen knew that she was once Gu Qichen¡¯s ex-wife. Or, better said, once Gu Zhaohan¡¯s aunt by marriage ¡­ How caring would Xi Jiachen be towards her, knowing this? However, at dinner¡­ Xi Jiachen didn¡¯t deliberately pay attention to her rtionship with Gu Zhaohan. He just casually asked about her work and life. It seemed as if she was just an ordinary guest of the Xi family. However, everyone was clear that Xi Jiachen regarded Xia Yangyang as Gu Zhaohan¡¯s girlfriend. But he didn¡¯t want to draw attention to them and put pressure on them. During the meal, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t say a single word, only kept drinking non-stop. Eventually, Xi Zijun couldn¡¯t bear it and persuaded, ¡°Your stomach is not good, so better to drink less.¡± Xi Yanbo yfully chimed in, ¡°Zijun is already worried about her husband¡¯s drinking before they¡¯re even married. I¡¯ve also drunk a lot. Why don¡¯t I see you showing any concern for me?¡± Xi Zijun responded calmly, ¡°Brother, stop teasing me. Your tolerance to alcohol has been cultivated in the romantic battlefield and you can drink a thousand cups without getting drunk. Plus, with so many beloved women around you, it¡¯s not my turn to show concern.¡± ¡°Listen to our younger sister Zijun, she¡¯s so sassy. I originally wanted to toast Mr. Gu, but now I dare not.¡± Xi Yankai calmly interjected, ¡°She¡¯s his fianc¨¦e, on what scale can you, a cousin,pare with her? Brother, don¡¯t embarrass yourself.¡± Upon hearing their words, Xi Jiachen casually questioned, ¡°Yes, you two have been together for so many years. Now that the engagement news has been announced, when are you nning to hold the engagement?¡± Chapter 580 - 582: Could Miss Xia be Mr. Gu’s Ex-Wife? Chapter 581: Chapter 582: Could Miss Xia be Mr. Gu¡¯s Ex-Wife? A single sentence drew all eyes to Gu Qichen and Xi Zijun. Xia Yangyang had been sipping her soup. Upon hearing Xi Jiachen¡¯s words, her fingers stalled involuntarily. Xi Zijun turned to look at Gu Qichen,ughing as she said, ¡°As for that, the time hasn¡¯t been set yet.¡± Gu Qichen then spoke, ¡°Next month, I will be getting engaged to Zijun at the Caesar International Hotel in Feng City. I hope that amidst his busy schedule, Mr. Xi will be able to attend our engagement ceremony.¡± Xi Jiachenughed and replied, ¡°Naturally, I¡¯ve raised Zijun since she was little, just like my own daughter. I will definitely attend her engagement ceremony and will be presenting you both with a generous gift.¡± But Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart inexplicably sank. She knew this to be true. Yet hearing the confirmation from their own mouths made her feelingsplex and conflicted. Xia Weiwei, on the other hand, could no longer hold herself back: ¡°Brother Gu, are you really getting engaged?¡± She looked disbelieving, her eyes beginning to mist up. But Xia Weiwei¡¯sment seemed quite abrupt. Rumours in the society had suggested that Xia Weiwei and Gu Qichen had an ambiguous rtionship. Especially as a few days ago, Gu Qichen had spent twenty million to clean up the mess at Xia Weiwei¡¯s birthday banquet. Now, the society even spected that Gu Qichen¡¯s fianc¨¦ was actually Xia Weiwei. All eyes fell on Xia Weiwei. Xi Yankai, sitting next to her,ughed, ¡°Little sis, it¡¯s your sister getting engaged, why are you so agitated?¡± Liu Ruyan also chimed in with a frown, ¡°Weiwei, sit down. Stop causing a scene.¡± But Xia Weiwei was still resentful. She had always thought that the engagement news was fake, that Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t possibly be in love with Xi Zijun. But now, with Gu Qichen¡¯s own admission, especially in front of Xia Yangyang¡­ That fact was now set in stone, absolutely irrefutable. Xia Weiwei said, ¡°You can¡¯t get engaged.¡± Xi Jiachen beside her frowned, ¡°Weiwei, do you realize what you¡¯re doing? Zijun and Ah Chen¡¯s marriage is their own business, as someone from the outside, what gives you the right to interfere?¡± Xia Weiwei knew very well that what she was doing right now could jeopardize all her years of pretending. But all that was going through her head right now was: she mustn¡¯t let Xi Zijun and Gu Qichen get engaged. Once that woman took her position, she would lose her chance for this lifetime. Before everyone, Xia Weiwei said, ¡°Do you know why I call him Brother-inw? It¡¯s not because of Sister Zijun. The truth is Brother Gu was originally my brother-inw. They separated due to a misunderstanding. Now that they are both here, I know in his heart, the one he cares about the most is still my sister. So, I cannot stand by and watch them make another mistake due to stubbornness.¡± Everyone was bewildered by her statement. But soon, they all got the gist of her words. Xia Weiwei said Gu Qichen was originally her brother-inw, now they are both here¡­ Everyone knew that Gu Qichen was once married, and Miss Xia here was Xia Weiwei¡¯s sister¡­ The rtionships seemed to be getting more and more muddled. Xi Yanbo spoke up, ¡°Miss Xia, you couldn¡¯t possibly be Mr. Gu¡¯s ex-wife, could you?¡± At this point, all attention was once again on Xia Yangyang. If Xia Yangyang was Gu Qichen¡¯s ex-wife, then she was also Gu Zhaohan¡¯s former aunt-inw¡­ But now Xiao Han brought her home, dering her as his girlfriend. Xi Jiachen quickly picked up on the implications of their rtionship. He turned his head to ask Xia Yangyang, ¡°Miss Xia, what is your rtionship with Mr. Gu?¡± Chapter 581 - 582: 583: The Former Aunt Becomes a Girlfriend Chapter 582: Chapter 583: The Former Aunt Bes a Girlfriend Xia Yangyang felt overwhelmed. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t understand why Xia Weiwei would stir up such a scene. However, it was not hard to understand. Xia Weiwei knew that Gu Qichen was about to get engaged to Xi Zijun. She must be desperate. Her only goal right now was to ruin the engagement between Xi Zijun and Gu Qichen. Hence, she couldn¡¯t wait to expose herself. In doing so, she freed herself from the ambiguous rtionship. And suddenly, she was causing huge waves in the Xi Family again. As for how this would turn out in the end, no one could predict. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t say a word but Gu Zhaohan spoke, ¡°That¡¯s right, Yangyang and uncle had a marriage in the past, but they have been separated for four years and everything has be the past.¡±
Everyone was shocked beyond belief. These rtionships were really messy. In the past, the Xi Family and Gu Family had connections, but they were thousands of miles apart, spanning half of China. The issue that once caused a huge stir in Feng City and was known to everyone. Only a few of the people involved knew about it here. Moreover, it had been four years since then. People had heard earlier that Gu Qichen had a previous marriage, but who would have thought that Gu Qichen¡¯s ex-wife was now dating Xi Family¡¯s Third Young Master. Xi Yanbo and Xi Yankai looked surprised on the surface, but inside, they seemed to enjoy the show. The old man must be seething inside. The son he doted on the most had finally found a girlfriend after rumors of him being gay swirled around. The old man was so happy that he hurriedly cleared his schedule and rushed back. He couldn¡¯t wait for them to get married immediately. Who would have thought that the woman he brought back was his previous aunt by marriage. And it doesn¡¯t stop there. His most dependable arm, the General Manager Jiang Chen, was bringing back a fianc¨¦ who was coincidently Xiao Han¡¯s uncle. Having weathered many storms over the years, Xi Jiachen managed not to show his displeasure. If it were anyone else, they would¡¯ve been mad with anger. However, Liu Ruyan knew the intricacies. The second miss and the third young master were the two people with the highest status in the Xi family.
One held the real power in Jiang Chen, and the other was the future heir. Xia Weiwei must have really lost her mind, offending both of them at the same time. The engagement could¡¯ve been discussed further but her meddling could now cause a huge storm. Liu Ruyan stood up hurriedly to mediate, ¡°Weiwei can¡¯t hold her liquor, she must be drunk. Let me take her back to the room to rest.¡±
As she said this, she tried to pull Xia Weiwei away. Xia Weiwei was reluctant to leave and asked Xi Zijun, ¡°Sister Zijun, you know that my brother-inw doesn¡¯t love you and yet you want to marry him. Do you believe you can be happy married to a man who doesn¡¯t love you?¡± Xi Zijun suddenly stood up, her smile was frigid and filled with sarcasm, ¡°Xia Weiwei, today you¡¯re disrupting everything because of yourself. Over these years, you¡¯ve reshaped yourself into your sister¡¯s image but why? You want to ruin my engagement, using your sister as a shield, thinking this will keep you safe. You think Ah Chen doesn¡¯t know about the fake memory loss as well as your imitation of your sister? He just couldn¡¯t be bothered to expose you. All this time, in our eyes, your every action has been nothing more than a clown jumping up and down.¡± Xi Zijun didn¡¯t give Xia Weiwei an inch of respect. In front of Liu Ruyan, every word was a stab to the heart. Over the years, Xi Zijun had been busy with work and seldom returned home. But she never had thought much of Liu Ruyan and her daughter. Chapter 582 - 583: 584: I Absolutely Detest Your Face.. Chapter 583: Chapter 584: I Absolutely Detest Your Face.. Xi Zijun¡¯s pointed words swiftly turned all criticisms towards Xia Weiwei. Xia Weiwei¡¯s hidden intentions wereid bare without mercy. It¡¯s as if she stood naked, exposed in front of everyone. Xia Weiwei was trembling with rage, unable to understand. She had pointed out the rtionship between Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang. Hinting that Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t let go of Xia Yangyang over all these years. Shouldn¡¯t Xi Zijun¡¯s target be Xia Yangyang instead? Xia Weiwei, humiliated and distressed, burst into tears and threw herself at Gu Qichen, pleading, ¡°Brother-inw, it¡¯s not what you think. But it¡¯s my sister you still carry in your heart, isn¡¯t it? I spoke out risking everyone¡¯s disdain because I fear that you won¡¯t be happy in the future. I truly want the best for you.¡± ¡°Enough!¡± Gu Qichen suddenly spoke, his voice cold. Xia Weiwei was stunned into silence.
Gu Qichen turned to look coldly at Xia Yangyang, then said, ¡°Who says that I¡¯ve been holding onto her in my heart all these years? I¡¯ve long since forgotten the past. Miss Xia and I were briefly married, but after divorce, we became strangers with no connection. As for you, Miss Weiwei, I have no inappropriate thoughts about you, please have some self-respect.¡± Xia Weiwei was unable to ept it. He was lying, he must be lying. Xia Weiwei grabbed Gu Qichen¡¯s arm, ¡°Brother-inw, you do have feelings for me, right? You spent twenty million to bail me out at the birthday banquet.¡± Xia Weiwei seemed to be in a trance as she touched her own face, ¡°You also like this face of mine, you frequently stare at my face¡­ are you still saying you don¡¯t like me?¡± The tone of Gu Qichen¡¯s voice became even chillier, ¡°That twenty million wasn¡¯t for your sake, I merely wanted to prevent Miss Weiwei from causing trouble for the Xi family and Zijun, you¡¯ve misunderstood.¡± The color drained from Xia Weiwei¡¯s face. Gu Qichen continued, his tone indifferent, ¡°And as for Miss Weiwei¡¯s face, it¡¯s far from the kind I am attracted to. The more I look at it, the more¡­ loathsome it is.¡± As he said this, Gu Qichen nced at Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang sat there calmly as ever. Everyone else had stopped in their tracks, yet only she was still eating, slowly and calmly. It was as though the current happenings had nothing to do with her. She didn¡¯t even nce at Gu Qichen. Xia Weiwei copsed into her seat. What had Gu Qichen just said? Gu Qichen had just severed ties with her, and even described his feelings towards her as extreme disgust. He even said that the twenty million was for Xi Zijun¡¯s sake? Could it be that she was wrong? Could it be that the only person Gu Qichen cared about was Xi Zijun? Xia Weiwei couldn¡¯t utter a word, but her tears flowed down like a river.
Seeing her utterly humiliated, Liu Ruyan grabbed her arm and said, ¡°You¡¯ve lost your mind. I will take you back to your room to reflect on yourself.¡± Upon saying this, she called for the butler. And just like that, Xia Weiwei was escorted away. The dining room fell into deathly silence.
Everyone was caught off guard by the sudden turn of events. However, Gu Qichen had sessfully disconnected himself from Xia Weiwei and his ex-wife sitting opposite to him. It seemed he was indeed concerned about Zijun. Xia Yangyang maintained her calm appearance but felt surprised inside. Gu Qichen, who was known for his cool demeanor and haughtiness, rarely showed concern for rumors or the opinions of others. Now, in front of the Xi family, he felt the need to rify and disconnect himself from theplex rtionships that had entangled him. It seemed Gu Qichen had truly be emotionally invested in Xi Zijun. Chapter 583 - 584: 585: Engaged to Gu Qichen on the same day Chapter 584: Chapter 585: Engaged to Gu Qichen on the same day Even though Xia Yangyang found the circumstances surprising, she felt that it ultimately made sense. In anyone¡¯s eyes, Gu Qichen and Xi Zijun were a perfect match. They were not only partners in business, but also aplementary pair in life. Back when she was with Gu Qichen, rumors about their impending divorce would pop up from time to time. The reason for their potential divorce was always their ipatible social status. Xia Yangyang still clearly remembers an incredibly popr rtionship blogger once predicted that they would certainly divorce within two years. That article resonated with many people and spread like wildfire. In it, the author asserted: ¡°A good marriage pairs equals, not necessarily based on family background, but rather, life experience, social circles, and shared values. In a good marriage, when I stand beside you, I can rule the world with you. Without you, I can still live well by myself. Mr. Gu¡¯s doting love for Miss Xia is inherently unfair. The best love story is that of two equals.¡± When Xia Yangyang read this article, she immediately showed it to Gu Qichen. With a heavy heart, Xia Yangyang said: ¡°I think this article makes a lot of sense. Am I too dependent on you, Gu Qichen? Please stop treating me so nicely, otherwise, how will I ever move on if I ever leave you?¡±
Gu Qichen immediately rolled over, pinning her beneath him, squeezing her face: ¡°Where do you think you¡¯re going without me? Xia Yangyang, let me make this clear: it¡¯s impossible for you to ever leave me in this lifetime.¡± At that time, Xia Yangyang truly believed they would never part. Who knew it would end up being an ill-fated prophecy. After remaining quiet for a while, Xi Jiachen noted: ¡°Everyone has a past. I can understand where you¡¯reing from. Let¡¯s not mention the past anymore. Since you both have started new lives, forget the past and start anew.¡± Xi Jiachen raised his ss. Everyone else followed suit. Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t expected Xi Jiachen to be so magnanimous. She originally thought he would utterly object to any interaction between Gu Zhaohan and herself once the rtionship fell apart. However, by the looks of it, he appeared quiteposed. Beyond the initial mild surprise, it was as if nothing had ever happened. The person who enjoyed this drama was Xi Yankai. Just as the situation seemed to be calming down, Xi Yankai suddenly brought up a question for Gu Zhaohan: ¡°Third Brother, Zijun¡¯s engagement date is all set. Don¡¯t you think you should decide yours soon as well, to avoid additionalplications? In fact, I have an idea. How about you and Yangyang consider getting engaged on the same day as Zijun? It¡¯s always a joyous asion to have double blessings on the same day, isn¡¯t it?¡± This Xi Yankai really knew how to stir up trouble. Just when things were about to finally settle down, he brought up another dramatic plot twist. Xia Yangyang smoothly stepped in: ¡°I don¡¯t mind. It¡¯s really up to Gu Zhaohan.¡± Xia Yangyang passed the hot potato to Gu Zhaohan. After all, he was the one who initiallyplicated the situation. Although Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to disrupt the situation, she also didn¡¯t want to get too deeply involved. Gu Zhaohan addressed the situation: ¡°During our time in the United States, Yangyang and I had already gotten engaged in front of our friends and loved ones, even swearing our vows in a church. We¡¯re deeply sorry for hiding this from everyone, but we always wanted our rtionship to have ample private space. Therefore, we¡¯re not nning on getting engaged here in China. Likewise, when ites to our wedding, we will not host a banquet either. We want to get married while travelling. I hope father can understand.¡±
Xia Yangyang was stunned. When on earth did she and Gu Zhaohan get engaged? Chapter 584 - 585: 586: Gu Qichen Crushes a Wine Glass To Bits Chapter 585: Chapter 586: Gu Qichen Crushes a Wine ss To Bits Originally, she thought she could dump this problem on Gu Zhaohan, who she assumed would certainly try to stall for time. But unexpectedly, his ability to bluff and bluster was no lesser than Gu Qichen¡¯s. Xi Yankai said, ¡°Since you two are already engaged, it seems like you must have already been living together in the United States. Looks like our father¡¯s wish to have a grandson wille true very soon.¡± ¡°Ah Chen, your hand!¡± Before Xi Yankai could finish talking, Xi Zijun suddenly cried out. Everyone turned their eyes towards Gu Qichen. And discovered that the ss he was drinking from was crushed by his hand. ss pieces dug into his palm, blood was trickling from within. Everyone was taken aback. Xi Zijun quickly grabbed his hand, cleared the pieces of ss, and said, ¡°You need to be careful.¡±
Feeling cold, Gu Qichen did not seem to care at all. It was as if the ss pieces embedded in his palm were not lodged in his hand at all. Xi Zijun said, ¡°Let me take you to the room to dress your wound.¡± Soon after, Xi Zijun and Gu Qichen left. Leaving the others in silence. Xia Yangyang suddenly felt very upset. What came to mind was Gu Qichen¡¯s bloody hand. Why did he do that. Xi Yankai and Xi Yanbo also remained silent. However, everyone seemed to have a feeling. Although Gu Qichen said he had no further connection with Miss Xia. But by hearing that Miss Xia was engaged and living with Gu Zhaohan, he unknowingly crushed the ss. The degree of pent-up frustration within him must have been tremendous for him to react so. Fortunately, the meal was almost over. Xi Jiachen let out a sigh and got up, ¡°Third Brother,e to the study, I have something to tell you.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face was somber. When Gu Qichen crushed the ss, his face seemed to be even more sullen. Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°I will take Yangyang back to room first, then I wille over.¡± Xia Yangyang went back to her room first.
Her heart felt heavy like a huge rock was pressing against it. Complex emotions welled up in her heart. Just now, Gu Qichen must have been extremely furious. Only, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t understand, even though he had restarted his life with Xi Zijun, why still hold on to her?
This fixation was probably because he was unwilling to let go. Xia Yangyang started to feel a headache again. She didn¡¯t want to consider anything, didn¡¯t want to go into deep thoughts, she just wanted to sleep. Gu Zhaohan started, ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry, I¡¯ve just had a look, the wound isn¡¯t too deep, there should be no problem after disinfection.¡± Only Gu Zhaohan could guess her deepest thoughts. Xia Yangyang felt guilty even to deny it. In the end, she just casually said, ¡°I will return to the United States tomorrow.¡± Coming back this time was a total mistake. She originally nned toe back home to avoid the current situation, to avoid Gu Qichen. But unexpectedly, just a few days aftering back, so many things happened. She didn¡¯t find the remittance slip, she was unsure whether the remittance slip was with Liu Ruyan or Gu Mingzhu. There were still many things that she had no clue about. But she momentarily didn¡¯t want to investigate anymore, just wanted to leave this ce, to avoid Gu Qichen.
It seemed as if she had be a deserter again. Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°I will go back with you.¡± Xia Yangyang looked up, ¡°But you just came back.¡± ¡°I originally came back to find you.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned and looked away, ¡°Then do as you please.¡± Gu Zhaohan left the room, but didn¡¯t go to Xi Jiachen¡¯s study. Instead, he went to Xi Zijun¡¯s room. Xi Zijun¡¯s room door was open. Inside, Xi Zijun had just finished bandaging Gu Qichen¡¯s wounded hand and was tidying up the first aid kit. Chapter 585 - 586: 587: Do You Know How Ive Lived These Past Four Years?! Chapter 586: Chapter 587: Do You Know How I¡¯ve Lived These Past Four Years?! Gu Qichen sat in the sofa. His face was gloomy. But his gaze seemed lost. Xi Zijun spoke, ¡°I know you¡¯re upset, but please stop clenching your fist. Otherwise, I¡¯ll have to rebandage youter.¡± Gu Zhaohan entered, calling out, ¡°Uncle.¡± Gu Qichen finally lifted his head. But the way he looked at Gu Zhaohan was terrifyingly somber. ¡°Is your hand okay?¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s tone was distant and indifferent. Xi Zijun walked over to Gu Zhaohan, tugged on his arm and murmured, ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to provoke him, you know very well¡­¡± ¡°Zijun, I have some things to discuss with my uncle. Could you please step out for a moment?¡±
Xi Zijun nced at Gu Qichen over there, picked up her medical kit, and did as he asked, leaving the room. But she didn¡¯t close the door behind her and didn¡¯t go far. Gu Qichen now looked like a provoked beast coiled in a corner, ready tosh out at any moment. Xi Zijun was inevitably worried. Gu Zhaohan walked up to Gu Qichen, his voice casual, ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m sure you have questions for me. I¡¯m here to rify any doubts you may have. I¡¯ll answer all your questions truthfully.¡± Gu Qichen finally lifted his head. His gaze towards Gu Zhaohan was icy and severe. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡± Gu Qichen asked the question seemingly out of the blue. It wouldn¡¯t make sense to anyone else. But they both knew exactly what it referred to. Gu Zhaohan began, ¡°You¡¯re upset because I knew about Yangyang¡¯s whereabouts but didn¡¯t tell you. Yes, I purposefully kept it from you because I didn¡¯t want you to disrupt Yangyang¡¯s life.¡± Gu Qichen sneered, ¡°Me, disrupting her life? I think you were considering your own interests.¡± Gu Zhaohan admitted frankly, ¡°Of course, I was also considering myself. I¡¯ve liked Yangyang since college. My love for her is no less than yours. But back then, I was one step behind you. Uncle, you¡¯ve taught me never to make the same mistake twice, so this time, I need to take the initiative.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s tone was calm. But Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t suppress his fury any longer. He grabbed Gu Zhaohan by the cor and exploded, ¡°So you want to get the upper hand! Gu Zhaohan, do you even see me as your uncle anymore? Do you have any idea how I¡¯ve been these past four years? I¡¯ve practically exhausted myself trying to find her while you¡¯ve been stabbing me in the heart. And to think you still call me uncle, after I raised you with my own hands!¡± There was a flicker in Gu Zhaohan¡¯s cold eyes. His gaze locked onto Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes. His voice was still calm, but clear usation came through, ¡°Uncle, do you know how I felt those years? Do you know how painful it was for me to see Yangyang snuggling in your arms, her smiles in full bloom? Every time you forced me to call her aunt, it felt like a knife plunging into my heart. Uncle, I triedpromising and giving up, I really did. If you were still blissfully in love, I wouldn¡¯t havee back from the United States, I wouldn¡¯t have disrupted your happiness. But you lost that chance, not me. Now, I won¡¯t step aside for you anymore, and I won¡¯t love secretly. I¡¯ll marry Yangyang, and we will live our lives together. So I hope you won¡¯t interfere with our lives.¡± ¡°Dream on!¡±
Gu Qichennded a punch on him. Chapter 586 - 587: 588: Concealed from him for Three Whole Years Chapter 587: Chapter 588: Concealed from him for Three Whole Years Gu Zhaohan was left sitting on the ground after being hit. One leg slightly bent, the corner of his mouth bleeding. Xi Zijun was initially standing outside the door. Hearing the noise inside, she hurried in. She saw two people, one standing with his fist clenched, the bandaged wound on his hand turned bright red, the blood drop by drop staining the floor, markedly eye-catching. The other one sat on the ground, despite being punched, his innate cold aura didn¡¯t make him seem the least bit embarrassed. On the contrary, Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face always held an expression of indifference, nearly to the point of fearlessness. Xi Zijun first walked towards Gu Zhaohan and helped him up, ¡°You knew he was angry, yet you came here to irritate him. Are you alright?¡± Gu Zhaohan wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and stood up, ¡°I¡¯ve said what needed to be said. This punch is a repayment for your previous guidance and training. From now on, I won¡¯t see you as my uncle or elder. We each have to look after ourselves.¡± After speaking, Gu Zhaohan turned and left. The room suddenly fell silent.
Gu Qichen seemed to finally rein in his raging temper. What remained was a bone-chilling coldness. Xi Zijun sighed, dragged Gu Qichen to sit down. She fetched the first aid kit again: ¡°You¡¯re not the Gu Qichen I knew. The Gu Qichen I knew wouldn¡¯t sumb to his emotions to this extent, be a ve to his feelings. Your nephew has clearly dered war. This first battle, you lost. He¡¯s someone you mentored, you can¡¯t not know that his real aim was to provoke you.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s eyesnded on his bloody hand. His brows were tightly furrowed, his gaze somewhat vacant, he said nothing, as if lost in thought. Xi Zijun bandaged Gu Qichen¡¯s wound again: ¡°In this world, the most foolish people harm themselves to get something, even if it¡¯s love. Moreover, you gained nothing. If you want to beat your nephew, you have to n for the long term now.¡± Gu Qichen, however, suddenly smirked, almost scoffing: ¡°I have already lost, lost miserably. Three years, he hid the truth from me for three whole years, huh.¡± Thestugh contained too many emotions. Xi Zijun had never seen this man in such a state of despair. Xi Zijun was silent for a while: ¡°Now that Xia Yangyang has appeared, have you reconsidered the engagement?¡± They had previously discussed the engagement, this was true. Apart from serving as the general manager of the Jiang Group, in recent years, Xi Zijun had been running a vineyard in France. The vineyard¡¯s major investor was the French Earl Alexander and his wife. Whenever she attended any banquet, needing a malepanion, Xi Zijun would ask Gu Qichen for help. After a while, the Earl of Alexander misunderstood that Gu Qichen was her boyfriend. Actually, that was not a problem at all. The issue was, due to bad weather over thest two years, grape harvests weren¡¯t good, the produced wine was also mediocre. Faced withpetition, the Earl and his wife were considering withdrawing their investment. Xi Zijun had been negotiating with them for a long time. Eventually, they proposed a bizarre condition, if Mr. Gu would marry her, they would continue investing and also give her the agencies of several other famous wines they controlled. At that time it seemed like a joke, but it had profound implications. Firstly, the Earl and his wife believed that harmonious family rtionships could promote long-term business development. Secondly, they were more interested in the backing of Gu Qichen¡¯s Shengyuan Group. Shengyuan was now branching out into the wine business as well.
If they were to marry, the development of the vineyard would be immeasurable. Chapter 587 - 588: 589: Collaborating on a Perfect Marriage Chapter 588: Chapter 589: Coborating on a Perfect Marriage At that time, Xi Zijun almostughingly passed on this matter to Gu Qichen. However, Gu Qichen fell silent for a few seconds and said: ¡°Well then, let¡¯s get engaged.¡± At that time, Gu Qichen seemed to have just received a phone call. It was from the old master. Over the years, the old master has always wanted to pair them up. He was under immense pressure concerning Gu Qichen¡¯s marriage. Of course, both the old master and Gu Mingzhu were afraid that Gu Qichen would get stuck in his past marriage and not be able to move forward. So they hoped he could forget the past and start anew. She was the ideal candidate. Throughout these years, Gu Qichen has probably grown tired of being coerced this way.
Moreover, the failing health of the old master was always used as a threat to Gu Qichen. Xi Zijun knew that Gu Qichen had been searching for Xia Yangyang for four years. However, those four years had led to nothing. He must have been deeply disappointed, which was probably why he said such words. At that time, Xi Zijun was silent for a long time. Gu Qichen looked out of the window, then turned back to her: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, forget what I said. Marriage is the most important thing for a woman and shouldn¡¯t be taken lightly.¡± Xi Zijun smiled and fetched a bottle of red wine from the wine cab: ¡°You should understand me, my business is my lover. I don¡¯t need a marriage or a husband. If an engagement could bring great benefits, why refuse?¡± Xi Zijun handed a wine ss to Gu Qichen: ¡°Ah Chen, let¡¯s join forces and appear to have a perfect marriage before the world. You can satisfy the old master and Sister Mingzhu, and I can expand my career interest.¡± Gu Qichen hesitated as he took the wine ss. Xi Zijun quipped, ¡°What, Even President Gu has his hesitations? Are you afraid that I might fall in love with you, or are you afraid that you might fall in love with me?¡± Gu Qichen looked gravely at Xi Zijun. Xi Zijun confidently flicked her hair: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, emotions are the most troublesome things in the world; I have no intention of touching on it in my life. I won¡¯t fall in love with you and cause you trouble. As for you, I¡¯m not worried either. I can even help you find your sweetheart. You can be honest with me because our rtionship is purely transactional. We will make excellent partners and allies, achieving a win-win situation.¡± Gu Qichen frowned slightly, still contemting. Xi Zijun continued: ¡°If you think you¡¯re at a loss, I can give you 5% of the shares in my vineyard. Perhaps, it may seem insignificant to you now. However, within five years, Zijun Vineyard will surely be one of the top ten vineyards in France. By then, you will realize I¡¯ve gifted you with a gold mine. As a businessman, you may refuse everything else, but you can¡¯t refuse money, right?¡± ¡°You really are obsessed with money,¡± Gu Qichen quipped, a rare smile on his face. As she clinked sses with him, Xi Zijun responded, ¡°Of course, money is the best thing in this world. Only that can give me a sense of security.¡± Xi Zijun paused. This was simply a conversation they had two months prior. Later, when Gu Mingzhu found out about it, she intentionally leaked it to the media.
News of their impending engagement began circting amongst the public. However, at that time, he hadn¡¯t met Xia Yangyang. Everything was originally going as nned, and they indeed started preparing for their wedding. But now¡­
Coldly, Gu Qichen broke the silence: ¡°She¡¯s already engaged. What else can I do?¡± Gu Qichen suddenlyughed: ¡°I thought of the worst scenario. I even imagined her getting married and having children, disappearing from my life forever, never crossing paths again. But I hadn¡¯t thought that she would actually end up with Gu Zhaohan¡­¡± Chapter 588 - 589: 590: How about it, are you disappointed to see me? Chapter 589: Chapter 590: How about it, are you disappointed to see me? But Gu Qichen seemed unable to continue speaking. His fingers subconsciously clenched into a fist once again. Xi Zijun immediately grabbed his hand, ¡°Don¡¯t do this. You know we should not judge based solely on one side of the story, right? She thought you were engaged, didn¡¯t she? What¡¯s the truth? Maybe the situation between Gu Zhaohan and her is not what you think it is.¡± Reminded in this way, Gu Qichen seemed to understand something. He suddenly got up. And left the room. Xi Zijun also stood up, watching Gu Qichen¡¯s retreating figure, her eyebrows unknowingly furrowing. Gu Qichen went directly to Gu Zhaohan¡¯s room. He didn¡¯t even knock. Just pushed the door open.
As expected, Xia Yangyang was inside. Xia Yangyang was sitting alone on the sofa, zoned out. She held a cup of hot water in her hand. It had now cooled down, but she seemed not to realize. She maintained her position as before. Gu Zhaohan had gone to Xi Jiachen¡¯s study and had not yet returned. Xia Yangyang actually wanted to leave tonight. With Gu Qichen¡¯s presence, she felt uneasy. The image of Gu Qichen¡¯s cold eyes and his crushing of the wine ss was constantly surfacing in her mind. Upon hearing the door open, Xia Yangyang, thinking that Gu Zhaohan had returned, rose hurriedly, ¡°Gu Zhaoh¡­¡± Herst word lodged in her throat. Because the figure that appeared at the door was Gu Qichen, not Gu Zhaohan. Color drained from Xia Yangyang¡¯s face. Without hesitating, Gu Qichen walked in, ¡°What, disappointed to see me?¡± However, Xia Yangyang¡¯s gaze fell on Gu Qichen¡¯s bandaged hand. There were evident traces of red seeping through it. Regardless, Gu Qichen still made a fist, appearing unaffected. Xia Yangyang only felt heartache. The moment the ss shards pierced through Gu Qichen¡¯s palm, Xia Yangyang felt as if the shards had prated into her heart.
Lowering her gaze, Xia Yangyang barely managed to ask, ¡°Why are you here?¡± Calmly, Gu Qichen approached her, ¡°Xia Yangyang, I don¡¯t understand. I need an exnation.¡± Gu Qichen had gotten right up to her. Swiftly, he grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s arm, ¡°Why, why in the end?¡±
Gu Qichen¡¯s grip was very tight. Xia Yangyang felt as if her arm was about to snap. The gauze around Gu Qichen¡¯s hand turnedpletely red. Panicking, Xia Yangyang cried out, ¡°Gu Qichen, let me go!¡± ¡°No, I won¡¯t let go!¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s gaze never left his blood-stained bandage. Had Gu Qichen gone insane? Didn¡¯t he care about his hand? Xia Yangyang raised her head to meet Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes, ¡°Gu Qichen, what on earth do you want!¡± ¡°I want an exnation!¡± ¡°What exnation?¡± Gu Qichen sneered coldly, ¡°Xia Yangyang, wasn¡¯t it just because of Gu Mingzhu that you left me in the past? You couldn¡¯t let go of that resentment, saying you couldn¡¯t start a family with me. But what about Gu Zhaohan? You can be with him, isn¡¯t this the biggest joke?¡± Xia Yangyang, feeling dizzy, didn¡¯t know how to exin.
The current situation was absolutely beyond her expectations. Looking at Xia Yangyang¡¯s expression, Gu Qichen¡¯s smile became even more frigid, ¡°Couldn¡¯t find an excuse, Xia Yangyang? So all those principles and family loyalty of yours only applied to me alone, didn¡¯t they? After all this time, I was still fooled by you. Xia Yangyang, what do you take me for? A chewy candy that can be thrown away with an excuse? Or had you nned all along to get rid of me this way, so you can fly away with him?¡± The thought that they had been living together in the United States for several years disturbed him. Gu Qichen wished he could crumble the woman before his eyes. Chapter 589 - 591: Parting Today, Will Never Meet Again Chapter 590: Chapter 591: Parting Today, Will Never Meet Again Xia Yangyang was really struggling under the grip of Gu Qichen. She could even hear the sound of bones creaking. But Xia Yangyang was unsure whether it was her own or Gu Qichen¡¯s. His hand had already turned crimson. ¡°So what if it is?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t deny it. Because Xia Yangyang knew that all of Gu Qichen¡¯s rage now came from his resentment. Because she, Xia Yangyang, had left him high and dry when she disappeared suddenly. He was driven mad now because he hadn¡¯t been able to vent his resentment. Xia Yangyang knew this because of Xia Ye¡¯s existence. The best thing would be for her topletely break off contact with Gu Qichen. Let him be utterly disappointed then. Only despair could make a person give up an obsession. Xia Yangyang began to speak: ¡°Yes, those principles I had back then were meant specifically for you. You can take them as excuses or lies, but back then, I just wanted to leave you, escape from you.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Why, Gu Qichen? Don¡¯t you understand? It¡¯s because I don¡¯t love you. I was tired of being Mrs. Gu, a position coveted by many. Without you, there wouldn¡¯t be so many people plotting against me. I was also tired of your cold arrogance, your unpredictable moods. Gu Qichen, look at yourself now, still the same as four years ago. Gu Zhaohan would never speak to me the way you do. We are of the same age, with unending topics to talk about. I don¡¯t have to pretend to be the perfect Mrs. Gu, or worry about the scrutiny from others, or deal with those women who have their eyes on you. I am livingfortably now, which is something you could never give me. That¡¯s the answer, Gu Qichen. That¡¯s the answer you¡¯re seeking.¡± Gu Qichen looked at Xia Yangyang, but what he saw in her eyes was cold rejection. Yes. He couldn¡¯t feel any sense of warmth from Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes anymore. Back then, she was ssmates with Gu Zhaohan, they acted in dramas together, went to school together. She could alwaysugh youthfully and brightly in front of Gu Zhaohan, who in turn, opened up to herpletely. Gu Qichen slowly released his grip. Xia Yangyang was also looking into Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes. Watching something slowly disappear from the depths of his eyes. Finally turning into ashes. Xia Yangyang finally broke free from Gu Qichen¡¯s grasp. ¡°Xia Yangyang, you really are heartless¡­¡± Gu Qichen took a step back, his body swaying slightly. ¡°Gu Qichen, those things are all in the past. Since we both have chosen a new life, let¡¯s put an end to it all. If we ever meet again, just pretend you don¡¯t know me. I¡¯ll try my best to stay out of your way. I wish you and Miss Xi a happy life.¡± Gu Qichen turned around. But heughed. Wish him a happy life? No, he won¡¯t be happy anymore in this lifetime. She had truly moved on, hence she could say it so easily. He came to confront her, but deep down, he already knew the answer. The answer that had been tormenting him for four years. It was because she didn¡¯t love him anymore. His desperate search and insistence had turned into a tragic one-man show. She was living happily ever after, while he was sinking in an endless darkness. ¡°Xia Yangyang, never appear in front of me again.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was calm. It was the voice of a broken heart. Xia Yangyang smiled. She had achieved her goal. But why did her heart hurt so much? ¡°Don¡¯t worry, from today onwards, we¡¯ll never meet again.¡± Xia Yangyang also turned around. The couple stood with their backs against each other. Gu Qichen seemed to chuckle once, then left the room. Chapter 590 - 592: Their Love, Dead and Gone Chapter 591: Chapter 592: Their Love, Dead and Gone After the footsteps disappeared from the room. Xia Yangyang could not help but cry. But she didn¡¯t dare to sob loudly, just silently shedding tears. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t remember when shest cried. Ever since Xia Ye¡¯s arrival, she had felt as if she had put on a suit of armour. No matter what, she could deal with it calmly. Sometimes, she also felt fortunate. She always thought that she has be the person she now wanted to be. An untouchable supergirl. But Xia Yangyang found out that Gu Qichen was her Achilles heel. Just encountering him was enough to shatter her armour. His lightughter as he was leaving is still in her mind. Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Qichen had really given up. Xia Yangyang felt that she should be d. Because it meant that she didn¡¯t have to be frightened or hide anymore. For so many years, she was afraid that Gu Qichen would find out about her. Afraid of Gu Qichen finding out about Xia Ye¡¯s existence. He was always stubborn, especially when they had parted without farewell back then. This bted farewell four yearster made Xia Yangyang feel like she was back to the night when her father had died. She felt like something important in the world had broken. Later, Xia Yangyang thought long and hard about what had broken. It was the attachment, the bond. Well, it¡¯s better this way. When Gu Zhaohan returned, he only saw the blood on the ground, and Xia Yangyang¡¯s shivering shoulders as she sobbed. Gu Zhaohan understood. Gu Qichen had visited. But he knew better that Xia Yangyang must have given him an answer. Because at the moment, Gu Qichen had already driven away. Gu Zhaohan came to Xia Yangyang: ¡°He¡¯s gone, you can cry out if you want.¡± Xia Yangyang really wanted to cry out loud, but she had suppressed her emotions for so long, it seemed like she didn¡¯t know how to let go anymore. Over these years, she had been continuously asking herself deep within her heart. Regret? She was so firm in her decision that she had no regrets. Leaving back then was the right choice. But now that aching pain was forcing her to admit. That she regretted it every moment. No matter what decision she had made back then, she would have regrets. But now, four years had passed. Nothing could be redone. By Gu Qichen¡¯s side, there was already a woman who shared his world. He had given up hisst bit of reluctance towards her. Just as if a dying person had breathed hisst breath, The love between them was entirely dead. ¡°Gu Zhaohan, I want to leave.¡± Xia Yangyang finally wiped away her tears with restraint. ¡°I¡¯ll apany you.¡± ¡°No need, I want to be alone.¡± Xia Yangyang left alone. She hailed a taxi, and finally cried out loud in the car. The driverforted her along the way, afraid that she might do something drastic. In the end, Xia Yangyang went to Sinan Mansion. The history of Sinan Mansion can be traced back to the 1920s. Located in the center of Beijing, it was one of the first mansion-worthy garden estates, showcasingst century¡¯s ssic French architecture. Illuminated by a number of nearby centuries-old buildings and famous residences, it has be a unique sight in the heart of Beijing. Of course, every house here is astronomically expensive. The reason Xia Yangyang came here was that Xia Ye was residing here. Of course, Xia Yangyang could not enter. But she had called Gao Huizhi in advance. There was already a ck Rolls-Royce parked at the entrance of themunity. In the car was Mr. Zheng, Gao Huizhi¡¯s chauffeur. Seeing Xia Yangyang, he quickly got out of the car and opened the door for her: ¡°Miss Qi, please get in the car.¡± Chapter 589 - 590: 591: Parting Today, Will Never Meet Again Chapter 590: Chapter 591: Parting Today, Will Never Meet Again Xia Yangyang was really struggling under the grip of Gu Qichen. She could even hear the sound of bones creaking. But Xia Yangyang was unsure whether it was her own or Gu Qichen¡¯s. His hand had already turned crimson. ¡°So what if it is?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t deny it. Because Xia Yangyang knew that all of Gu Qichen¡¯s rage now came from his resentment. Because she, Xia Yangyang, had left him high and dry when she disappeared suddenly. He was driven mad now because he hadn¡¯t been able to vent his resentment. Xia Yangyang knew this because of Xia Ye¡¯s existence.
The best thing would be for her topletely break off contact with Gu Qichen. Let him be utterly disappointed then. Only despair could make a person give up an obsession. Xia Yangyang began to speak: ¡°Yes, those principles I had back then were meant specifically for you. You can take them as excuses or lies, but back then, I just wanted to leave you, escape from you.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Why, Gu Qichen? Don¡¯t you understand? It¡¯s because I don¡¯t love you. I was tired of being Mrs. Gu, a position coveted by many. Without you, there wouldn¡¯t be so many people plotting against me. I was also tired of your cold arrogance, your unpredictable moods. Gu Qichen, look at yourself now, still the same as four years ago. Gu Zhaohan would never speak to me the way you do. We are of the same age, with unending topics to talk about. I don¡¯t have to pretend to be the perfect Mrs. Gu, or worry about the scrutiny from others, or deal with those women who have their eyes on you. I am livingfortably now, which is something you could never give me. That¡¯s the answer, Gu Qichen. That¡¯s the answer you¡¯re seeking.¡± Gu Qichen looked at Xia Yangyang, but what he saw in her eyes was cold rejection. Yes. He couldn¡¯t feel any sense of warmth from Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes anymore. Back then, she was ssmates with Gu Zhaohan, they acted in dramas together, went to school together. She could alwaysugh youthfully and brightly in front of Gu Zhaohan, who in turn, opened up to herpletely. Gu Qichen slowly released his grip. Xia Yangyang was also looking into Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes. Watching something slowly disappear from the depths of his eyes. Finally turning into ashes. Xia Yangyang finally broke free from Gu Qichen¡¯s grasp. ¡°Xia Yangyang, you really are heartless¡­¡± Gu Qichen took a step back, his body swaying slightly. ¡°Gu Qichen, those things are all in the past. Since we both have chosen a new life, let¡¯s put an end to it all. If we ever meet again, just pretend you don¡¯t know me. I¡¯ll try my best to stay out of your way. I wish you and Miss Xi a happy life.¡±
Gu Qichen turned around. But heughed. Wish him a happy life? No, he won¡¯t be happy anymore in this lifetime.
She had truly moved on, hence she could say it so easily. He came to confront her, but deep down, he already knew the answer. The answer that had been tormenting him for four years. It was because she didn¡¯t love him anymore. His desperate search and insistence had turned into a tragic one-man show. She was living happily ever after, while he was sinking in an endless darkness. ¡°Xia Yangyang, never appear in front of me again.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was calm. It was the voice of a broken heart. Xia Yangyang smiled. She had achieved her goal. But why did her heart hurt so much? ¡°Don¡¯t worry, from today onwards, we¡¯ll never meet again.¡± Xia Yangyang also turned around. The couple stood with their backs against each other.
Gu Qichen seemed to chuckle once, then left the room. Chapter 590: 591: Parting Today, Will Never Meet Again Chapter 590: Chapter 591: Parting Today, Will Never Meet Again Xia Yangyang was really struggling under the grip of Gu Qichen. She could even hear the sound of bones creaking. But Xia Yangyang was unsure whether it was her own or Gu Qichen¡¯s. His hand had already turned crimson. ¡°So what if it is?¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t deny it. Because Xia Yangyang knew that all of Gu Qichen¡¯s rage now came from his resentment. Because she, Xia Yangyang, had left him high and dry when she disappeared suddenly. He was driven mad now because he hadn¡¯t been able to vent his resentment. Xia Yangyang knew this because of Xia Ye¡¯s existence.
The best thing would be for her topletely break off contact with Gu Qichen. Let him be utterly disappointed then. Only despair could make a person give up an obsession. Xia Yangyang began to speak: ¡°Yes, those principles I had back then were meant specifically for you. You can take them as excuses or lies, but back then, I just wanted to leave you, escape from you.¡± ¡°Why?¡± Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Why, Gu Qichen? Don¡¯t you understand? It¡¯s because I don¡¯t love you. I was tired of being Mrs. Gu, a position coveted by many. Without you, there wouldn¡¯t be so many people plotting against me. I was also tired of your cold arrogance, your unpredictable moods. Gu Qichen, look at yourself now, still the same as four years ago. Gu Zhaohan would never speak to me the way you do. We are of the same age, with unending topics to talk about. I don¡¯t have to pretend to be the perfect Mrs. Gu, or worry about the scrutiny from others, or deal with those women who have their eyes on you. I am livingfortably now, which is something you could never give me. That¡¯s the answer, Gu Qichen. That¡¯s the answer you¡¯re seeking.¡± Gu Qichen looked at Xia Yangyang, but what he saw in her eyes was cold rejection. Yes. He couldn¡¯t feel any sense of warmth from Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes anymore. Back then, she was ssmates with Gu Zhaohan, they acted in dramas together, went to school together. She could alwaysugh youthfully and brightly in front of Gu Zhaohan, who in turn, opened up to herpletely. Gu Qichen slowly released his grip. Xia Yangyang was also looking into Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes. Watching something slowly disappear from the depths of his eyes. Finally turning into ashes. Xia Yangyang finally broke free from Gu Qichen¡¯s grasp. ¡°Xia Yangyang, you really are heartless¡­¡± Gu Qichen took a step back, his body swaying slightly. ¡°Gu Qichen, those things are all in the past. Since we both have chosen a new life, let¡¯s put an end to it all. If we ever meet again, just pretend you don¡¯t know me. I¡¯ll try my best to stay out of your way. I wish you and Miss Xi a happy life.¡±
Gu Qichen turned around. But heughed. Wish him a happy life? No, he won¡¯t be happy anymore in this lifetime.
She had truly moved on, hence she could say it so easily. He came to confront her, but deep down, he already knew the answer. The answer that had been tormenting him for four years. It was because she didn¡¯t love him anymore. His desperate search and insistence had turned into a tragic one-man show. She was living happily ever after, while he was sinking in an endless darkness. ¡°Xia Yangyang, never appear in front of me again.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was calm. It was the voice of a broken heart. Xia Yangyang smiled. She had achieved her goal. But why did her heart hurt so much? ¡°Don¡¯t worry, from today onwards, we¡¯ll never meet again.¡± Xia Yangyang also turned around. The couple stood with their backs against each other.
Gu Qichen seemed to chuckle once, then left the room. Chapter 591: 592: Their Love, Dead and Gone Chapter 591: Chapter 592: Their Love, Dead and Gone After the footsteps disappeared from the room. Xia Yangyang could not help but cry. But she didn¡¯t dare to sob loudly, just silently shedding tears. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t remember when shest cried. Ever since Xia Ye¡¯s arrival, she had felt as if she had put on a suit of armour. No matter what, she could deal with it calmly. Sometimes, she also felt fortunate. She always thought that she has be the person she now wanted to be. An untouchable supergirl. But Xia Yangyang found out that Gu Qichen was her Achilles heel.
Just encountering him was enough to shatter her armour. His lightughter as he was leaving is still in her mind. Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Qichen had really given up. Xia Yangyang felt that she should be d. Because it meant that she didn¡¯t have to be frightened or hide anymore. For so many years, she was afraid that Gu Qichen would find out about her. Afraid of Gu Qichen finding out about Xia Ye¡¯s existence. He was always stubborn, especially when they had parted without farewell back then. This bted farewell four yearster made Xia Yangyang feel like she was back to the night when her father had died. She felt like something important in the world had broken. Later, Xia Yangyang thought long and hard about what had broken. It was the attachment, the bond. Well, it¡¯s better this way. When Gu Zhaohan returned, he only saw the blood on the ground, and Xia Yangyang¡¯s shivering shoulders as she sobbed. Gu Zhaohan understood. Gu Qichen had visited. But he knew better that Xia Yangyang must have given him an answer. Because at the moment, Gu Qichen had already driven away. Gu Zhaohan came to Xia Yangyang: ¡°He¡¯s gone, you can cry out if you want.¡±
Xia Yangyang really wanted to cry out loud, but she had suppressed her emotions for so long, it seemed like she didn¡¯t know how to let go anymore. Over these years, she had been continuously asking herself deep within her heart. Regret? She was so firm in her decision that she had no regrets.
Leaving back then was the right choice. But now that aching pain was forcing her to admit. That she regretted it every moment. No matter what decision she had made back then, she would have regrets. But now, four years had passed. Nothing could be redone. By Gu Qichen¡¯s side, there was already a woman who shared his world. He had given up hisst bit of reluctance towards her. Just as if a dying person had breathed hisst breath, The love between them was entirely dead. ¡°Gu Zhaohan, I want to leave.¡± Xia Yangyang finally wiped away her tears with restraint. ¡°I¡¯ll apany you.¡±
¡°No need, I want to be alone.¡± Xia Yangyang left alone. She hailed a taxi, and finally cried out loud in the car. The driverforted her along the way, afraid that she might do something drastic. In the end, Xia Yangyang went to Sinan Mansion. The history of Sinan Mansion can be traced back to the 1920s. Located in the center of Beijing, it was one of the first mansion-worthy garden estates, showcasingst century¡¯s ssic French architecture. Illuminated by a number of nearby centuries-old buildings and famous residences, it has be a unique sight in the heart of Beijing. Of course, every house here is astronomically expensive. The reason Xia Yangyang came here was that Xia Ye was residing here. Of course, Xia Yangyang could not enter. But she had called Gao Huizhi in advance. There was already a ck Rolls-Royce parked at the entrance of themunity. In the car was Mr. Zheng, Gao Huizhi¡¯s chauffeur. Seeing Xia Yangyang, he quickly got out of the car and opened the door for her: ¡°Miss Qi, please get in the car.¡±
Chapter 592: 593: Wen Xiaochu Has a Son Now Chapter 592: Chapter 593: Wen Xiaochu Has a Son Now Xia Yangyang got into the car. The vehicle entered theplex and drove straight to the garden vi via an independent driveway. The lights in the vi were all on. When they got out of the car, the driver addressed old Zheng, ¡°The master is not here these days, but there are sixteen nannies specifically charged with caring for the young master, so Miss Qi needn¡¯t be worried.¡± Xia Yangyang did not inquire about Gao Huizhi¡¯s whereabouts. As the head honcho, Gao Huizhi¡¯s schedule was always secretive. But having sixteen nannies was an excessive arrangement. Xia Yangyang entered the house and headed straight upstairs. Under the housekeeper¡¯s guidance, she reached Xia Ye¡¯s room. Xia Ye was at that moment fast asleep.
He was always very peaceful when he slept. He always liked to sleep on his left side. Frankly, Xia Ye¡¯s sleeping habits were very simr to those of Gu Qichen. Gu Qichen was someone who couldn¡¯t sleep on his right side. Xia Yangyang sat down by the bed and gently touched Xia Ye¡¯s soft hair. Xia Yangyang finally felt her restless heart calming down, tranquilly returning to its chamber. Xia Ye was indeed her pacifier. However, looking at Xia Ye¡¯s face, Xia Yangyang suddenly sensed something wrong. His cheeks were flushed. Xia Yangyang hastily ced her hand on Xia Ye¡¯s forehead. It was burning hot. Xia Ye was running a high fever. This was a chronic issue with Xia Ye. If he slept too long, he often ran a fever. The longer the fever, the longer he slept. It was a vicious cycle. Just then, a nanny assigned to care for Xia Ye entered the room. Xia Yangyang turned her head and asked, ¡°How long has he been asleep?¡± ¡°The young master has been asleep for 22 hours.¡± It wasn¡¯t normal for Xia Ye to sleep more than 18 hours.
The nanny, having noticed what was wrong with Xia Ye, hastily stated, ¡°Miss Qi, the young master was fine just a while ago, without any signs of fever, how could he suddenly¡­¡± Xia Yangyang spoke, ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself, but we need to get to the hospital immediately.¡± This was the nature of Xia Ye¡¯s peculiar illness. He either didn¡¯t have a fever or, if he did, it set on aggressively. Sometimes it sprung up without any warning.
Gu Zhaohan once summed up this condition as neurogenic fever. Physical cooling methods generally wouldn¡¯t work. As Xia Ye was fast asleep, he couldn¡¯t take medication, which meant he had to go to the hospital to get an IV drip. Before Zheng¡¯s car could park, it already left Sinan Mansion. In the end, they arrived at Jingci Hospital. At this point, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t bother with anything else. Once, Xia Ye developed pneumonia from a fever during his long sleep, which took about half a year to treat. Xia Ye was burning up now, and Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t determine the situation. They could only go to the emergency room at night. However, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect to run into an acquaintance in the ER. Wen Xiaochu seemed truly surprised when she saw Xia Yangyang. However, there was no time for catching up. Xia Yangyang quickly exined the situation. It was utter chaos.
Xia Ye had a high fever, was under medication, and needed an IV drip. But there was no room in the infusion area. Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°Let¡¯s go to my rest dormitory.¡± There was a doctor¡¯s rest room next to the emergency room. Doctors on shift often slept there. So, there was a bunk bed inside. Xia Yangyang and Wen Xiaochu entered together. To their surprise, a little boy was ying games on the lower bunk. Xia Yangyang was taken aback slightly. But Wen Xiaochu very naturally spoke, ¡°This is my son, Wen Quan.¡± After saying this, Wen Xiaochu directed, ¡°Xiao Quan, stop ying with your phone and go sleep on the upper bunk. Give the lower bunk to your brother.¡± Wen Quan lifted his head, mbered from the bed, and walked straight to Xia Yangyang. He asked in his crisp voice, ¡°Who¡¯s this pretty auntie?¡± ¡°This is Auntie Yangyang, mommy¡¯s good friend.¡± ¡°Hello, Auntie Yangyang.¡±
¡°Hello.¡± Xia Yangyang had never expected that Wen Xiaochu would have a son who is almost the same age as Xia Ye. Chapter 593: 594: Miniature Version of Gu Qichen Chapter 593: Chapter 594: Miniature Version of Gu Qichen Wen Xiaochu turned to Xia Yangyang and said, ¡°Quickly ce the child on the bed.¡± Xia Yangyang put Xia Ye in the lower bunk, and then Wen Xiaochu started the IV for him. They quickly became upied. Xia Yangyang touched Xia Ye¡¯s head, feeling slightly relieved. As she turned her head, she saw Wen Quan walk to the bed: ¡°Why does this brother always sleep?¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Because my brother is sick.¡± Wen Quan consoled Xia Yangyang as if tofort her, ¡°It¡¯s okay, when big brother wakes up, he¡¯ll be better. Don¡¯t worry Aunt Yangyang, I will stay here and take care of him.¡± Xia Yangyang felt a warmth in her heart and touched Wen Quan¡¯s little face. Wen Xiaochu stood at the side: ¡°I have to go on duty now.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded.
Wen Xiaochu left for the adjacent duty room. Xia Ye stayed asleep. After a while, Wen Quan also climbed to the upper bunk to sleep. Xia Yangyang got up and went to the office next door. It was now three o¡¯clock in the morning. Wen Xiaochu is a cardiothoracic surgeon. She doesn¡¯t have many patients unless there¡¯s an emergency surgery. Xia Yangyang walked over. Their eyes met. Though four years had passed, there wasn¡¯t a hint of unfamiliarity. Both of them suddenlyughed at the same time. ¡°Long time no see.¡± Almost in unison they spoke. Xia Yangyang came over, sat down on the chair next to Wen Xiaochu, and sighed, ¡°It seems a lot has happened between you and Mu Liancheng after I left.¡± When Xia Yangyang decided to leave, she actually informed Wen Xiaochu. All she said was that they didn¡¯t know when they would see each other again after parting. At that time, Wen Xiaochu understood her situation well. She knew that she couldn¡¯t ovee her psychological obstacles to continue her rtionship with Gu Qichen. Her father¡¯s death, Liu Ruyan and her mother, and thepany¡¯s issues exhausted her both mentally and physically.
She wanted to leave this ce and start a new life, which Wen Xiaochu could understand. Wen Xiaochu even admired Xia Yangyang¡¯s bravery and decision to leave everything behind. However, Wen Xiaochu hadn¡¯t expected that Xia Yangyang was pregnant at the time. Wen Xiaochu spoke up: ¡°The child is Gu Qichen¡¯s, right?¡±
Xia Yangyang joked: ¡°Why does it have to be him?¡± Wen Xiaochu gave her a nce: ¡°It¡¯s obviously a mini version of Gu Qichen.¡± Xia Yangyang frowned: ¡°I don¡¯t even think my son looks like him much?¡± ¡°He does, although I can¡¯t quite ce how.¡± Xia Yangyangughed, ¡°Wen Quan is also Mu Liancheng¡¯s son, right?¡± Wen Xiaochu alsoughed, ¡°How did you guess?¡± ¡°Your son looks just like the young master of the Mu family, it¡¯s hard not to tell.¡± They bothughed at the same time again. But theirughter hid an unknown bitterness. Naturally, Xia Yangyang knew that things didn¡¯t end well between Wen Xiaochu and Mu Liancheng. Because when Xia Yangyang was in the United States, she learned that the current Madame Mu is the number one socialite of the military district, Wei Jiaying. Since Mu Liancheng had remarried, and Wen Xiaochu was here with a son who shares the same surname. The story behind this must not be a happy one.
Moreover, this ce is Beijing. The Mu family is in Feng City. These two cities are a world apart. Presumably, just like herself, Wen Xiaochu must have also left her hometown to escape from her past. Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Does Mu Liancheng know about Wen Quan¡¯s existence?¡± Wen Xiaochu sighed, ¡°He knows. Over the years, I¡¯ve been moving from ce to ce with my son in order to avoid him. But he still won¡¯t let me go. Recently, he¡¯s been bothering me more and more. I¡¯ve moved out of my apartmentplex and have to stay in the hospital with Wen Quan every day.¡± Chapter 594: 595: Xia Ye is Taken Away Chapter 594: Chapter 595: Xia Ye is Taken Away Xia Yangyang also sighed, but she didn¡¯t know what to say. ¡°Does Gu Qichen know you have a son?¡± Xia Yangyang shook her head: ¡°He doesn¡¯t know, and I won¡¯t let him know.¡± Actually, Wen Xiaochu could guess their story somewhat. Xia Yangyang disappeared for four years. And in these four years, Gu Qichen changed like another person. All along, there were constant gossip news, mired in scandals. And now there was news of his marriage. There must have been many stories in between. The two didn¡¯t say much about their past four years.
To both of them, those were wounds. Not reopening them, there was an understanding between them. But when it came to the two children, both of them talked endlessly. Wen Xiaochu asked, ¡°Why did Xia Ye suffer this way?¡± Speaking of which was a heartache for Xia Yangyang: ¡°He¡¯s been like this since birth, having a rare neurogenic sleep disorder.¡± Wen Xiaochu is a doctor and naturally has some understanding. But she also knew that with the current medical level, a cure would be difficult. Wen Xiaochu could onlyfort Xia Yangyang: ¡°Medical science is rapidly advancing, there will be a method to treat this, you must stay strong.¡± Xia Yangyang smiled: ¡°It¡¯s okay, I have epted it over these many years, moreover Xia Ye¡¯s condition has improved a lot, I believe that he can definitely live a normal life in the future.¡± Although Xia Yangyang said so. In her heart, she knew she could only wait for a miracle to happen. But Xia Yangyang also believed. Even if Xia Ye remained this way all his life, he would definitely live a good life. The two people talked a lot. Unconsciously, it was already daybreak. Wen Xiaochu switched shifts. The two people went to the dormitory to see the children. Xia Ye was still asleep. Wen Quan had woken up.
Leaning on Xia Ye¡¯s bedside, when he saw Xia Yangyange in, he asked, puzzled: ¡°When will brother wake up, why does he need to sleep so long?¡± Xia Yangyang went over and patted Wen Quan¡¯s little head: ¡°Brother will wake up soon.¡± From what Xia Yangyang knew about Xia Ye, in such a situation, he should wake up in another four hours. Xia Ye¡¯s fever had gone down a bit.
But it hadn¡¯tpletely subsided. He had to continue intravenous fluids today. Wen Xiaochu came in and gave Xia Ye an infusion, saying: ¡°The dosage has been halved, after this is done, the fever should be gone.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded: ¡°Thank you, Xiaochu.¡± If it wasn¡¯t for Wen Xiaochu, they might still be struggling in the hall outside. Wen Xiaochu looked at Xia Yangyang: ¡°Why are you being so polite to me.¡± After she gave Xia Ye the infusion, she stood up: ¡°You also haven¡¯t slept all night, go to our staff canteen to eat some breakfast, and then have a sleep here.¡± Although Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t slept all night, she didn¡¯t feel tired. Wen Xiaochu on the other hand, just finished a night shift and she should sleep now. Xia Yangyang spoke: ¡°We¡¯ll leave once Xia Ye¡¯s infusion is done.¡± Wen Xiaochu also nodded: ¡°Alright, it¡¯s morefortable sleeping at home, let¡¯s go, we¡¯ll go to the staff canteen to have some porridge, the food here is quite good.¡± There was Wen Quan in the dormitory and another doctor changing shifts, Xiao Zhao. Xia Yangyang followed Wen Xiaochu to the staff canteen.
The two had just sat down with their porridge. Xiao Zhao rushed over anxiously: ¡°Xiaochu, it¡¯s bad, it¡¯s bad, the kid¡­ he¡¯s been kidnapped¡­¡± Xiao Zhao could barely catch his breath. Wen Xiaochu sunk her heart: ¡°Xiao Zhao, what on earth happened?¡± Xiao Zhao said: ¡°It was Mr. Mu¡¯s people, they kidnapped the child, I couldn¡¯t stop them, they are so bold, openly kidnapping someone from the hospital dormitory, should we call the police?¡± Chapter 595: 596: His Most, Most, Most Precious Treasure Chapter 595: Chapter 596: His Most, Most, Most Precious Treasure Wen Xiaochu quickly asked, ¡°Was Wen Quan kidnapped, or another child?¡± ¡°Another child,¡± Xiao Zhao said, panting. Both Xia Yangyang and Wen Xiaochu felt their hearts sink. It was Xia Ye. Xia Ye had been taken away by Mu Liancheng¡¯s people. Wen Xiaochu told Xiao Zhao, ¡°Don¡¯t call the police yet. I¡¯ll handle this. Don¡¯t make a fuss in the hospital.¡± No one in the hospital knew about Wen Xiaochu¡¯s rtionship with Mu Liancheng. Attempts to kidnap children had happened several times. The previous attempts were unsessful. This time, undoubtedly, Mu Liancheng had intended to kidnap Wen Quan.
Who would have known that Wen Quan had gone out to the toilet at the time? So, Mu Liancheng¡¯s men ended up taking the wrong child, thinking he was Dr. Wen¡¯s. It was a ridiculous mix-up. ¡°I understand, sister Xiaochu,¡± said Xiao Zhao. After Xiao Zhao left, Wen Xiaochu quickly said, ¡°Yangyang, don¡¯t worry. The child was taken by Mu Liancheng. He thought it was Wen Quan. I¡¯ll call him now to have the child returned.¡± Xia Yangyang looked pale: ¡°Is Mu Liancheng in Beijing now?¡± Wen Xiaochu nodded. ¡°Gu Qichen is also there.¡± A sense of unease slowly rose in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. Wen Xiaochu seemed to instantly understand Xia Yangyang¡¯s worry. Wen Xiaochu shared her concern: ¡°Surely, they won¡¯t bump into each other, right?¡± Xia Yangyang had a constant bad feeling. But she didn¡¯t need to worry much. She knew what kind of person Mu Liancheng was. If he realised they had the wrong child, he would definitely return him. And besides, Mu Liancheng didn¡¯t know that Xia Ye was his child, and he might not even meet Gu Qichen. With all these considerations, the chances for Gu Qichen to find out about Xia Ye were incredibly slim. However, Xia Yangyang just couldn¡¯t help but worry. Wen Xiaochu dialled a number directly. But the call never connected. Wen Xiaochu was getting anxious: ¡°He¡¯s not answering.¡±
Wen Xiaochu was incredibly worried: ¡°He¡¯s been unreachable in thest few days. I don¡¯t know where he is, but Yangyang, don¡¯t worry, Xia Ye is absolutely safe. I¡¯ll find Xia Ye as soon as I can.¡± With the child in Mu Liancheng¡¯s hands, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t need to worry too much about Xia Ye¡¯s safety. And she had a tracker on Xia Ye. But Xia Yangyang was still fraught with worry.
Xia Yangyang took out her phone and began tracking Xia Ye¡¯s whereabouts¡­ * In the VIP room of Heaven Bar Two men were sitting on the sofa drinking. Bringing his bottle over, Mu Liancheng clinked it against Gu Qichen¡¯s cup: ¡°We¡¯re two of a kind, bro. There¡¯s not a single decent woman in the world. They¡¯re all heartless. No matter how well you treat them, they still think you¡¯re imprisoning and humiliating them. They just spread their wings and disappear without a trace. They¡¯re all damn ingrates.¡± It was clear that Mu Liancheng was a bit drunk. He lifted his head and took another swig. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t drink, but he also sat quietly, his face darkened. He seemed to be stuck in his own emotions, unable to break free. On the other hand, Mu Liancheng was constantly talking. His voice was the only sound in the room. After spouting off for a while with no response from Gu Qichen, he finally sat down next to him, his hand on Gu Qichen¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Ah Chen, it¡¯s been a while since we caught up. There¡¯s something special I¡¯d like to show you today, my most precious treasure. That heartless woman imed it had nothing to do with me. What a joke! Could she have conceived it without me? I¡¯d say I own at least half the share. Bro, I did something big today¡­¡± Mu Liancheng took another swig. Gu Qichen finally looked up: ¡°What treasure?¡±
Chapter 596: 597: Call Me Daddy Chapter 596: Chapter 597: Call Me Daddy An extremely proud and satisfied expression appeared on Mu Liancheng¡¯s face: ¡°My son, you haven¡¯t met him yet, have you?¡± Gu Qichen was taken aback: ¡°You have a son? Since when?¡± Speaking of this, Mu Liancheng was almost indignant: ¡°I only found out about it not too long ago. That sted girl threatened to kill herself if I didn¡¯t divorce her. After the divorce, she disappeared on me. By the time I found her, our son was already three years old. How could she do this to me? That was also my son. I didn¡¯t even know he existed, and missed his birth and growing up. You have no idea how much regret and pain I feel.¡± Finishing speaking, Mu Liancheng downed another mouthful of alcohol. Gu Qichen seemed to be lost in thought, and also took a drink from a cup. A touch of sadness seemed to y around the corners of Gu Qichen¡¯s mouth: ¡°At least she gave birth to your child.¡± He thought of the unborn child he and Xia Yangyang should have had. Gu Qichen felt unbearable pain in his heart. Mu Liancheng, on the other hand, seemed to be quite cheerful. Talking about his son, he was full of words: ¡°You haven¡¯t seen that little rascal. He looks exactly like me. It¡¯s really incredible. Looking at him, it¡¯s just like looking at myself when I was a kid. But that little rascal is even naughtier than I was, smart and clever, with good looks. He is indeed the son of Mu Liancheng.¡±
Gu Qichen gave him a fleeting nce: ¡°You¡¯ve got a son. Aren¡¯t you afraid of the one at home causing trouble?¡± ¡°Let her make a fuss. I don¡¯t care. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that the Wei Family has the Mu Group by the throat, do you think I would marry her? Let me tell you, over the years, I haven¡¯t even touched her.¡± Over the years, the things that happened in the Mu Family are tooplicated to exin in a few words. Gu Qichen knew that Mu Liancheng had never forgotten Wen Xiaochu. And he treated Wei Jiaying like an enemy. With the Wei Family supporting Wei Jiaying, Mu Liancheng had a tough time over these years. It had been a very long time since Gu Qichenst saw Mu Lianchengugh like this. Only when he mentioned his son earlier. It was like a ray of sunshine had pierced the darkness of his life. At this moment, the door to the private room suddenly opened. Two men in ck entered: ¡°Second Master, the young master is here.¡± Mu Liancheng quickly stood up. He saw a small boy lying on the shoulder of one of the men in ck. The young boy, however, seemed to be sleeping. True to his son, under such conditions, he could still sleep. Like a true general. Mu Liancheng hurried over and held the small boy in his arms. A tender and affectionate smile on his face: ¡°Little fellow, call me dad.¡± However, upon seeing the boy¡¯s face clearly, Mu Liancheng¡¯s expression changed instantly.
For a moment, he waspletely stunned. Gu Qichen also seemed to notice something was wrong and walked over: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Mu Liancheng quickly put the sleeping child on the sofa: ¡°This is not my son!¡± Having said this, he looked at the two men.
The two men quickly exined: ¡°Second Master, this child was definitely in Dr. Wen¡¯s apartment, lying on Dr. Wen¡¯s bed. We didn¡¯t see any other child at the time.¡± Mu Liancheng turned his head to look at the child again, he exploded in anger: ¡°Could she have had another son behind my back, that sted girl, I¡¯ll have to find her and get a clear answer.¡± Looking at the sleeping boy, Gu Qichen frowned: ¡°Calm down, this is neither your son nor Wen Xiaochu¡¯s.¡± Mu Liancheng calmed down upon hearing this, but looked doubtful at Gu Qichen: ¡°You know this child?¡± Chapter 597: 598: Exchange With Son Chapter 597: Chapter 598: Exchange With Son Gu Qichen spoke up, ¡°I know him, we met once when I was in the United States. The child has Hypersomnia.¡± Mu Liancheng¡¯s curiosity is piqued, ¡°The United States? How did a child from the United States suddenly appear here? And what exactly is Hypersomnia?¡± Gu Qichen responded, ¡°I can¡¯t exin it to you, but he was left in my care. I¡¯m currently looking for his parents.¡± Gu Qichen had already picked up the child. Then he turned and asked Mu Liancheng, ¡°Which hospital does Wen Xiaochu work at?¡± Caught off guard, Mu Liancheng responded, ¡°Jingci Hospital.¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°I¡¯ll help you send the child back, and I can meet his parents that way.¡± Mu Liancheng said, ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°You¡¯ve had quite a lot to drink today, it¡¯s better if you don¡¯t go. God knows what could happen if you two cause a scene in the hospital¡­¡± Mu Liancheng indeed had drunk quite a bit that day, his head felt a bit foggy.
He sat on the sofa, ¡°If you see Wen Xiaochu, tell her I¡¯m determined to secure custody of our son, and she¡¯d better find a goodwyer to fight me.¡± Without a word, Gu Qichen left with the boy. Mu Liancheng remained seated on the couch. He felt incredibly disappointed. Wen Xiaochu had been evading him with their son. In reality, it had been a long time since he had seen his son. Had he not known that Wen Xiaochu was nning to move again, he would not have taken such drastic measures to snatch the child away. He just hoped she¡¯d stop hiding. Even if she wasn¡¯t by his side, even if they were at opposite ends of the earth. At least she should be within his sight and within reach. Mu Liancheng kept gulping down the red wine in his ss. Just when he was gettingfortable, the door to the room opened again. Mu Liancheng assumed it was Gu Qichen returning. But to his surprise, it was Wen Xiaochu who appeared at the door. For a moment, Mu Liancheng thought he was hallucinating. Rooted to the couch, as if under a spell, he stared at the figure in the doorway, afraid any movement would cause her to disappear. Wen Xiaochu, however, rushed over in anger, came up to Mu Liancheng, and demanded, ¡°Mu Liancheng, where¡¯s the child? Where did you take him?¡± The reason Wen Xiaochu managed to find this ce was that the watch Xia Ye was wearing had exact location tracking. So she and Xia Yangyang managed to find their way here.
But to avoid suspicion from Mu Liancheng, Wen Xiaochu herself came here. Mu Liancheng stared at Wen Xiaochu, still not quite taking it in. Wen Xiaochu, on the other hand, started to search the room. Yangyang¡¯s car was parked outside.
ording to the phone¡¯s location, Xia Ye was at this bar. Without asking, Wen Xiaochu had already found Mu Liancheng¡¯s room. However, to her surprise, there was nobody in the room other than Mu Liancheng. Growing more desperate and anxious, she said: ¡°Mu Liancheng, you¡¯ve really sunk to a new low. Hand over the kid now, he is my patient, not your son. His family is desperately looking for him.¡± Mu Liancheng looked at the woman in front of him, it all became clear to him. For years, every time she saw him, she dodged him and avoided him like he was the gue. When was thest time she spoke so much to him at once? Especially when she was this angry, she seemed toe alive. Finally, Mu Liancheng spoke, ¡°Want to find the boy? Okay, you can exchange him with our son.¡± Wen Xiaochu can¡¯t believe what she just heard. She never thought someone could be this shameless. ¡°Mu Liancheng, he is my son, and you have nothing to do with it.¡± Mu Lianchengughed in disbelief, ¡°Yours alone? Are you the Virgin Mary or a hermaphrodite? Without me, could you have given birth to him by yourself?¡±
Wen Xiaochu¡¯s face turned red in anger, ¡°You¡¯re simply shameless!¡± Mu Liancheng got up suddenly, grabbed Wen Xiaochu, and threw her on the sofa. ¡°Today, I¡¯ll show you how low I can go.¡± He then swooped in and kissed her passionately. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 598: 599: Picking Up Son Tomorrow (6) Chapter 598: Chapter 599: Picking Up Son Tomorrow (6) Mu Liancheng sneered in anger, ¡°Just yours? Are you the Virgin Mary or a hermaphrodite? Without my contribution, could you have given birth on your own?¡± Wen Xiaochu¡¯s face turned beet red with rage, ¡°You are utterly shameless!¡± Mu Liancheng suddenly stood up, grabbed Wen Xiaochu, and pinned her to the sofa, ¡°Today, I¡¯ll show you just how shameless I can be.¡± And he started kissing her with calcted arrogance and intensity. Wen Xiaochu was helpless to resist him. Her mouth was filled with the strong taste of red wine from this man. Was he pretending to be drunk to justify his crazy behavior? Wen Xiaochu could not tolerate it. And all she could worry about was where on earth Xia Ye had gone. Wen Xiaochu used all her strength to resist him.
But the more she resisted, the more it seemed to fuel this man¡¯s desire to dominate and his inherent arrogance. Mu Liancheng was clearly angry, like a wrathful leopard. Wen Xiaochu knew this man¡¯s temperament. The more she resisted, the more overbearing he became. If it were in the past, she would never have acted this way. But now the situation was critical, Xia Yangyang was waiting outside. Wen Xiaochu had no other choice. In a moment, it seemed as if Wen Xiaochu¡¯s body rxed. She stopped resisting, even started actively responding to Mu Liancheng¡¯s kiss. When Wen Xiaochu kissed him back, Mu Liancheng¡¯s body visibly stiffened for a moment. The burning rage in his eyes seemed to shift into a fog of surprise. But soon, his mind was a swirl of confusion. Heaven knew how much he had missed this. Mu Liancheng seemed enchanted. His tense body also seemed to rx. He slowly let go of Wen Xiaochu¡¯s hands and his kisses became gentler. Yet all of Wen Xiaochu¡¯s attention was on the man¡¯s shifting demeanor. Observing the bewilderment in his eyes. Wen Xiaochu saw her chance, she bent her leg and delivered a swift knee to the man¡¯s most vulnerable area. There was a painful grunt from Mu Liancheng.
And he tumbled off the sofa. Mu Liancheng was curled up on the floor, trembling, ¡°You woman, how could you be so ruthless?¡± Wen Xiaochu stood up and hurriedly straightened her disheveled clothes. As a doctor, she knew how to judge severity.
She hadn¡¯t really incapacitated him, but that kick in his current state was quite appropriately described as ¡°so painful that desire for life was lost.¡± Wen Xiaochu demanded sternly, ¡°Mu Liancheng, I didn¡¯te here today to see you drunk and making a fool of yourself. Where is the child? If you don¡¯t start talking, I¡¯m calling the police.¡± Mu Liancheng took a while to recover before he straightened up, ¡°Call the police? Did you see me taking the person? Whoever took him, you go ask them, why are you here bothering me?¡± Wen Xiaochu felt like she was about to explode. Mu Liancheng had always been a scoundrel, she never imagined that after all these years, his shamelessness would only intensify. Wen Xiaochu knew Mu Liancheng was intentionally messing with her, giving her a hard time. If it were an ordinary child, she would have called the police ages ago. But the child was Xia Ye, stirring up amotion and involving the police would risk revealing Xia Ye¡¯s identity. She couldn¡¯t call the police. Wen Xiaochu felt helpless. She couldn¡¯t let Xia Yangyang be affected by her unpleasant history with Mu Liancheng. Wen Xiaochu gritted her teeth, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll swap my son for that child. Hand him over to me, and you can pick up my son tomorrow.¡± ¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­¡­
Chapter 599: 600: Man with Deep Suspicion Chapter 599: Chapter 600: Man with Deep Suspicion Mu Liancheng sobered up a bit. Mu Liancheng stood up: ¡°Wen Xiaochu, now I really suspect that the child is a bastard you secretly had with another man. You even dare to exchange your own son.¡± Wen Xiaochu was speechless. God, this man was suspicious. Mu Liancheng interrogated: ¡°Who is the child? What is your rtionship with him?¡± Wen Xiaochu pushed Mu Liancheng: ¡°Mu Liancheng, stop your nonsense, the child is four years old, our son is also four years old, do you think I can give birth to two kids in one year?¡± Wen Xiaochu was extremely infuriated. But Wen Xiaochu knew, as long as she wouldn¡¯t rify¡­ This drunk man would definitely continue his nonsense here. However, Mu Liancheng was stunned for a moment, and finally burst intoughter: ¡°So you finally admit that Xiao Quan is our son?¡±
Wen Xiaochu was slightly stunned. But she still muttered with a dark face: ¡°Mu Liancheng, I don¡¯t have time to entangle with you here. Give me the child, his family is still waiting in the hospital.¡± But Mu Liancheng just sat on the sofa, stretchingfortably: ¡°The child, Gu Qichen has already taken him to your hospital.¡± Wen Xiaochu was shocked: ¡°Gu Qichen?¡± Mu Liancheng spoke indifferently: ¡°Young Master Gu was also here drinking just now. He said he had seen the child in the United States and wanted to meet the child¡¯s parents. So, he took the child directly to your hospital. They should be on the way now.¡± Wen Xiaochu was terrified. She couldn¡¯t believe such a coincidence could happen. Xia Ye was actually in the hands of Gu Qichen. Did Gu Qichen be suspicious and wanted to see the parents? Wen Xiaochu¡¯s mind was in a whirl. But Mu Liancheng just reached out and grabbed Wen Xiaochu¡¯s arm, pulling her onto hisp. Wen Xiaochu was unsteady and directly sat on Mu Liancheng¡¯s leg. Mu Liancheng leaned in once more, his warm breath fanning her ear: ¡°Stay with me tonight, wife, I miss you ¡­¡± The word ¡°wife¡± nearly made Wen Xiaochu rigid with shock. But she also felt indescribably mncholic at the same time. Mu Liancheng was really drunk. His lips fell onto her snow-white neck. Wen Xiaochu immediately sobered up. Wen Xiaochu pushed Mu Liancheng away hard, stood up and said: ¡°Mu Liancheng, look clearly, I¡¯m not your wife Wei Jiaying. If you miss your wife, go home and hold her instead. I actually feel sorry for Wei Jiaying now. Any woman who marries a yboy like you, who cheats even when he¡¯s married, is really unlucky.¡±
Having said this, Wen Xiaochu immediately ran out. Mu Liancheng¡¯s face had already darkened. The overwhelming effects of alcohol had sobered up considerably. Once Wen Xiaochu had disappeared from the door¡­
He picked up a bottle of wine from the table and hurled it at the door. Outside the Paradise bar, in the open car park. Xia Yangyang had juste over with Wen Xiaochu. But in order to avoid revealing her identity¡­ Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t followed Wen Xiaochu in. She had been sitting in the car waiting, constantly staring at the location shown on her phone. Curiously, as soon as Xiao Chu went in¡­ The location of Xia Ye kept moving. After a while, the location appeared at the entrance of the bar. Could Xia Ye havee out? Just as Xia Yangyang was about to get out of the car to check, she spotted a tall figure carrying a small boy on his shoulder¡­ The boy was Xia Ye, and the figure¡­
Chapter 600: 601: His Gaze is So... Gentle Chapter 600: Chapter 601: His Gaze is So¡­ Gentle Xia Yangyang suddenly felt likeughing. Because she always sensed as if a pair of hands was manipting everything in the background. The more she wanted to avoid something, the more it seemed to find its way into her life. How long has it been since she and Gu Qichen parted ways? And here they were again, meeting each other. It seemed like a maze, walking aimlessly, unable to find an exit, but ultimately bumping into each other nheless. What¡¯s even more ironic is that Xia Ye was now resting on Gu Qichen¡¯s shoulder. Why does God always bring Xia Ye to Gu Qichen? This is the deepest fear that Xia Yangyang has in her heart. In the end, Xia Yangyang did not dare to get off the car.
She watched Gu Qichen ce Xia Ye in his car and drive off. Xia Yangyang sat in the car in a daze. A sense of powerlessness suddenly overwhelmed her. After a while, Wen Xiaochu appeared. She quickly got into the car. With a sigh, Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°Yangyang, I¡¯m sorry, Xia Ye was taken by Gu Qichen. But he is on the way to the hospital now, and we will head there too. I¡¯ll make sure Xia Ye gets back to you safe and sound.¡± Wen Xiaochu was also feeling upset. She knew full well that Xia Yangyang was trying to avoid Gu Qichen. The person who understands Xia Yangyang the most in this world, is probably only Wen Xiaochu. Wen Xiaochu knew that once Gu Qichen found out about the existence of this child¡­ Xia Yangyang¡¯s situation would be no different from her own. They would be faced with the opponent¡¯s endless entanglement and even attempts to seize custody of their child. But they were in weak positions, with little power, how could they resist them? Their only choice was to hide with their children, living a life of vagabonds, even sleeping rough. Wen Xiaochu, having experienced this herself, could not let Xia Yangyang walk the same path. Especially since this situation was caused by herself in the first ce. Therefore, no matter what, she had to get her son back. Still in a daze, Xia Yangyang seemed not to have noticed Wen Xiaochu getting in the car. Wen Xiaochu called out again, ¡°Yangyang.¡±
Only then did Xia Yangyang react. Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°We need to get to the hospital quickly. Xia Ye should have been taken there by now, but the person who took him was¡­¡± ¡°It was Gu Qichen.¡± Even before Wen Xiaochu could finish, Xia Yangyang calmly intervened. Wen Xiaochu was taken aback.
Xia Yangyang lowered her head, ¡°I just saw him.¡± Wen Xiaochu solemnly apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡± Xia Yangyang gave a smallugh, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. It seems like the heavens are toying with me.¡± Wen Xiaochu didn¡¯t know how she could console Xia Yangyang. But Xia Yangyang seemedposed: ¡°Regardless, we must first go to the hospital. But I can¡¯t show up. When you leave Xia Ye, wait for Gu Qichen to leave, then I¡¯ll pick him up.¡± Wen Xiaochu nodded. And so Wen Xiaochu returned to the hospital. As expected, she saw Gu Qichen in her office, waiting. Xia Ye was asleep next to him. Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze constantly rested on Xia Ye. A surprisingly¡­ tender look. Wen Xiaochu did not have much interaction with Gu Qichen. But she did see a lot about this man in the news.
This man seemed to have transformed over the years, bing colder and even more ruthless. He was decisive in his business dealings, leaving no room forpromise, earning him many enemies due to his cold-blooded nature. This cold man, when was his gaze ever this warm¡­ Perhaps this was due to the innate connection of blood. Wen Xiaochu immediately sensed this thought was dangerous. Gu Qichen did not know Xia Ye was his son. But Xia Ye did bear some resemnce to him. If he looked for too long, who could guarantee that he¡¯d not be suspicious? So what Wen Xiaochu needed to do now was to quickly take Xia Ye away and return him to Xia Yangyang. Chapter 601: 602: Mr. Gu, You Cant Take the Child Away Chapter 601: Chapter 602: Mr. Gu, You Can¡¯t Take the Child Away Wen Xiaochu entered the office. His gaze was calm: ¡°Mr. Gu.¡± Gu Qichen also stood up: ¡°Dr. Wen, long time no see.¡± Wen Xiaochu smiled, ¡°It has been a long time, I didn¡¯t expect to run into you here.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not a coincidence. Liancheng asked me to bring this child back.¡± The mention of Mu Liancheng made Wen Xiaochu¡¯s expression subtly change. Wen Xiaochu said: ¡°Actually, I just went to see him. This is my patient, and her family is very anxious now. I bother you to bring the child back, Mr. Gu.¡± Gu Qichen responded naturally: ¡°I didn¡¯t intend to bring him over, this child and I have some connection, I want to meet the family.¡± On the car just now, Yangyang had already told Wen Xiaochu. At the time in the United States, Xia Ye had already met Gu Qichen once.
After hearing this, Wen Xiaochu also eximed about the wonders of fate. Among so many people, Xia Ye ended up choosing Gu Qichen. They deliberately avoided each other for four years. But at that time, at that ce, through that event, they happened to bump into each other. No matter who it is, they always feel a sense of destiny. But this is also what Yangyang was most worried about. Wen Xiaochu calmly said: ¡°Sorry, but currently the child¡¯s family is not here. Mr. Gu, you may not be able to meet the child¡¯s family. After all, you don¡¯t know them. Why do you want to meet the family?¡± There was a slight probing intent in Wen Xiaochu¡¯s words. Is Gu Qichen suspicious of this child because of his persistence? Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was umonly light: ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, I can wait. This child suffers from the sleeping syndrome. I happen to know an expert in this field, so I would like to contact the family to see if I can help.¡± Wen Xiaochu didn¡¯t expect Gu Qichen was not suspicious, but purely concerned about the child. But now, Yangyang definitely could not appear. Wen Xiaochu could only say: ¡°Mr. Gu, there is no need to wait. The child¡¯s family has somest-minute business and they won¡¯t be back for a few days. I will look after the child during this period. You should feel reassured leaving him with me. As for the expert Mr. Gu mentioned, this child is already receiving treatment from a world-ss research team, so you can rest assured.¡± The reason Wen Xiaochu said this was because he knew Gu Qichen was going back to Feng City tomorrow. His itinerary had been exposed by the media previously. Of course, the media at that time were investigating his ambiguous rtionship with Xia Weiwei, saying that he hade to celebrate Weiwei¡¯s birthday, and incidentally exposed his personal itinerary. Since Gu Qichen was leaving soon, Wen Xiaochu thought he wouldn¡¯t insist on meeting Xia Ye¡¯s parents. After hearing what Wen Xiaochu said, Gu Qichen looked visibly displeased. He uttered, ¡°You said the child¡¯s parents have left?¡±
Wen Xiaochu nodded: ¡°The child will be in my care for next few days, Mr. Gu should not worry.¡± In response, Gu Qichen suddenly stood up with a hint of anger in his voice: ¡°What kind of parents are they? The child was kidnapped and they don¡¯t care at all. Are there such irresponsible parents in the world?¡± Wen Xiaochu was momentarily stunned and at a loss for words. Without warning, the next second Gu Qichen picked up Xia Ye.
He turned around, looking like he was about to leave. Wen Xiaochu quickly stopped him: ¡°Mr. Gu, you can¡¯t take the child away.¡± Chapter 602: 603: He Seems Especially Persistent with That Child Chapter 602: Chapter 603: He Seems Especially Persistent with That Child Gu Qichen turned around. He casually took out a business card and handed it to Wen Xiaochu: ¡°Dr. Wen, I don¡¯t want to make things difficult for you either, but I must meet such an irresponsible parent. I have a certain connection with this child, so I will take good care of her for the next few days. When her parentse, let them contact me.¡± Having said that, Gu Qichen was about to leave with Xia Ye in his arms. However, how could Wen Xiaochu let him take Xia Ye away? He immediately chased after him: ¡°Gu Qichen, you can¡¯t take the child away. Since the child¡¯s parents entrusted her to me, I have to be responsible. You are a stranger to this child, you can¡¯t just take her away like this.¡± However, Gu Qichen¡¯s eyebrows wrinkled: ¡°Dr. Wen, I¡¯ve given you my contact information. As soon as the child¡¯s parents return, I will send the child back immediately. You¡¯ve obstructed this the whole day, is there another reason? Or is there something special about this child¡¯s identity that rtes to you?¡± The reason Gu Qichen was suspicious was because he couldn¡¯t believe that this child¡¯s parents would casually entrust their child to a doctor they didn¡¯t know, and be away for several days. This behavior was really irresponsible. However, if this child had a special rtionship with Wen Xiaochu, that would be a different matter. Wen Xiaochu was stunned.
Gu Qichen had a pair of all-seeing eyes. The man¡¯s gaze clearly implied a hint of inquiry. Wen Xiaochu was afraid that if he persisted, he would arouse the man¡¯s suspicion. Wen Xiaochu seemed helpless and sighed: ¡°All right, you can take the child home first. When her parentse back, I will ask them to contact you, and then I will have to trouble Mr. Gu to send her over.¡± Gu Qichen received his gaze and turned to leave. But Wen Xiaochu¡¯s heart sank to the bottom of the endless sea. She wasn¡¯t good at acting, so she had to employ a dying strategy. But she didn¡¯t know what to do next. Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t supposed to appear in front of Gu Qichen. Now, all she could do was to wait and see. After Gu Qichen left, Xia Yangyang also came up. Xia Yangyang had been staring at the hospital gate from her car. In the end, she saw that Gu Qichen was still leaving with Xia Ye. Xia Yangyang knew that Wen Xiaochu had not been able to keep Xia Ye. This oue was also within Xia Yangyang¡¯s expectations. When they were in the United States, Gu Qichen had been very eager to meet Xia Ye¡¯s parents. He had his reasons for wanting to meet them. However, that¡¯s Gu Qichen¡¯s character, once he set his mind on something, he wouldn¡¯t give up until he achieved his goal. He had already missed it once, and this time, he would not give up easily. Xia Yangyang felt a severe headacheing on.
Although she had Xia Ye¡¯s location, she couldn¡¯t appear in front of Xia Ye. What if someone pretended to be Xia Ye¡¯s parents? Not to mention that Xia Ye wouldn¡¯t easily go with a stranger, based on Gu Qichen¡¯s character, he would definitely investigate the person¡¯s background thoroughly. This was simply not feasible.
Xia Yangyang went to Wen Xiaochu¡¯s office. Wen Xiaochu was now extremely anxious. Seeing Xia Yangyang, he looked guilty: ¡°Yangyang, I¡¯m sorry that I couldn¡¯t keep Xia Ye here. I was afraid that if I said too much, Gu Qichen would be suspicious. He seems¡­ particrly persistent about that child.¡± Xia Yangyang was weighed down: ¡°I guessed it would turn out like this, now we can only think of other ways.¡± Wen Xiaochu then proposed: ¡°How about this, I will find a friend to pretend to be Xia Ye¡¯s parent and take her back from Gu Qichen?¡± Chapter 603: 604: Little Guy, Have You Come Out of Hibernation Yet? Chapter 603: Chapter 604: Little Guy, Have You Come Out of Hibernation Yet? Xia Yangyang shook her head: ¡°Gu Qichen won¡¯t hand the child over to an unidentified person easily, he will definitely investigate the identity of the person. He has a very extensive intelligencework and can find out in no time. Over all these years, he¡¯s been unable to find out about Xia Ye and my information because I had Xiao Wu alter all my data in the digital world. No one on the inte could find any information about Xia Yangyang. For all these years, I¡¯ve been extremely cautious in order to evade Gu Qichen¡¯s intelligencework. But for him, investigating anyone else is a piece of cake.¡± Wen Xiaochu didn¡¯t ask who Xiao Wu was. She didn¡¯t know either how Xia Yangyang had lived through these years. But if finding a surrogate person wouldn¡¯t work, and Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t reveal herself¡­ Then what should they do? Xia Yangyang sat in the chair, with her hands covering her face, seeming very distraught. Xia Yangyang began, ¡°The only option we have right now is for me to sneak Xia Ye away when Gu Qichen isn¡¯t paying attention. When I return to the United States, even if Gu Qichen pursues the matter, he¡¯s bound to inquire about the parent¡¯s identity from you. At that point, you can just find an excuse to get rid of him.¡± Even though it didn¡¯t sound reliable at all. But it was currently the only n they could think of. However, putting this n into action was indeed challenging.
Xia Yangyang had Xia Ye¡¯s location; she could urately determine his whereabouts at any time. But knowing wasn¡¯t enough. Xia Ye was asleep most of the time. And there wouldn¡¯t be no one around Xia Ye. Finding the right opportunity was indeed not easy. Xia Yangyang said to Wen Xiaochu, ¡°You¡¯ve been tossing and turning all night, go get some sleep. I¡¯ll go back and think of another way.¡± Wen Xiaochu still felt very guilty. After all, this was all caused by Mu Liancheng. And it had implicated Xia Yangyang. Wen Xiaochu said, ¡°If there¡¯s anything I can do to help, just let me know.¡± Xia Yangyang nodded, and then left the hospital. Xia Yangyang went straight back to Sinan Mansion. She too had been up all night. After taking a shower when she got back, Xia Yangyang fell asleep as soon as shey down on the bed. However, she didn¡¯t sleep well and kept having nightmares, dreaming about confronting Gu Qichen in court. The judge finally gave Xia Ye to Gu Qichen and effectively stripped her of her visitation rights. After all, she woke up from the nightmares. Xia Yangyang checked the time and found that she had been sleeping for less than an hour. Xia Yangyang quickly grabbed her watch; Xia Ye was at Junlin International Hotel in downtown Beijing. So it turned out that ever since Gu Qichen arrived in Beijing, he had been staying there.
Presidential suite at Junlin Hotel. Gu Qichen had just ced Tuanzi on the bed. Tuanzi squirmed around a bit and woke up all of a sudden. Gu Qichenughed, ¡°Little guy, are youing out of hibernation?¡±
Xia Ye rubbed his eyes and sat up. His first reaction was to observe the surroundings. Seeing Gu Qichen in front of him, he seemed quiteposed: ¡°Uncle, where is this, and why am I with you?¡± Gu Qichen squatted down, picked up Xia Ye¡¯s little shoes, and put them on the bed to put them on for him:¡± It¡¯s a bitplex. Basically you were kidnapped while you were asleep, and then I rescued you.¡± Gu Qichen was intentionally trying to scare him. But he didn¡¯t expect this little guy to remain unfazed. Instead, he calmly asked, ¡°Where¡¯s my mom?¡± The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 604: 605: Insisting on Seeing Tuanzis Mom Chapter 604: Chapter 605: Insisting on Seeing Tuanzi¡¯s Mom When it came to this matter, Gu Qi Chen was somewhat annoyed: ¡°Your mom had to leave first due to some circumstances, but she will contact me when she gets back, Summer. Does your mom always neglect you like this?¡± Gu Qi Chen remembered that the little guy¡¯s name was Summer. The little guy calmly spoke: ¡°My mom treats me very well.¡± It seemed that the boy was not willing to discuss his mother in great detail. It was the same when he was in the United States. When Gu Qi Chen asked for his mother¡¯s name and identity, he did not say a word. Moreover, it was apparent that he spoke with a determined and calm tone, revealing an unwavering trust towards his mother within his words. Gu Qi Chen didn¡¯t continue questioning, and instead focused on putting shoes on the little guy. But he quickly realized that he didn¡¯t know how to put shoes on children and couldn¡¯t fit them onto his feet. The boy said: ¡°Uncle, give me the shoes. I can put them on myself.¡±
After Summer put on his shoes, his belly began to rumble loudly. This time he had slept the longest, and he hadn¡¯t eaten in a long time. When he was leaving the hospital, Wen Xiaochu had advised him. The child had just recovered from a high fever, so it was important to continue observing him after he woke up. Before Gu Qi Chen came back, Fang Zhengdong had bought ingredients and cooked porridge. Gu Qi Chenughed: ¡°Go eat something. You must be hungry.¡± ¡°Thank you, Uncle.¡± The little bun was very polite. The little bun had two bowls of porridge. It was clear that Tuanzi was truly hungry. However, he ate calmly, with the manners of a gentleman. After he finished eating, he even went to the kitchen to wash his own dishes. Gu Qi Chen found it to be a bit contradictory. This little bun remained calm in the face of issues and demonstrated superior analysis and thinking skills. He showed unusual steadiness andposure. Also, he was a data genius.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Moreover, he was very polite, showcasing good upbringing in all his actions. This proved that the little bun¡¯s parents must be excellent parents. But if they were such excellent parents, how could they suddenly disappear when their son was in danger? Were there any issues more critical than the safety of their child? This was something that Gu Qi Chen simply couldn¡¯t understand.
Because of this, his curiosity only increased. He was even more eager to see what kind of a person this little bun¡¯s parent was. The little bun came out of the kitchen after washing the dishes. Gu Qi Chen said: ¡°Make a phone call to your mom. If it¡¯s convenient, I would like to meet her tonight.¡± He was scheduled to return to Feng City tomorrow.
Therefore, he had to send the little bun home tonight. He had only taken the little bun away from the hospital in a fit of anger earlier. The little bun said: ¡°My watch phone can only be used within the United States, so I am unable to contact my mom at the moment.¡± His watch was designed by Xiao Wu. Both it and Xia Yangyang¡¯s phone used special signalworks. This was to prevent any form of data tracking. However, this kind of signal had to be within a certain range. Once back home, the signal couldn¡¯t maintain contact, though the location data wasn¡¯t affected. Gu Qi Chen found this a bit strange. It felt as though the boy was surrounded by many mysteries. A small child, with such a mysterious identity, even usingmunication equipment beyond his understanding. Gu Qi Chen spoke: ¡°Well, never mind then. Your mom will probably contact me.¡± Just then, there was a knock at the door. Gu Qi Chen went to open it. Xi Zijun was standing at the door.
Gu Qi Chen asked: ¡°Do you need something from me?¡± Xi Zijun swung the files in her hand: ¡°Of course I need something if I¡¯m looking for you.¡± ¡°Come in and tell me about it.¡± Xi Zijun walked in and immediately noticed the little boy by the dining room door. Chapter 605: 606: Uncle, You Love to Laugh Chapter 605: Chapter 606: Uncle, You Love to Laugh Xi Zijun was surprised when she saw the little boy, ¡°Who¡¯s this kid¡­.¡± Gu Qichen nced at little Tuanzi, ¡°His name is Summer, he¡¯s here with me due to a mix-up.¡± Gu Qichen did not borate on Tuanzi. He simply asked, ¡°What brings you here?¡± Xi Zijun handed over the documents in her hand, ¡°This is regarding the engagement nning, I have made a timetable and itinerary. Please review it and let me know if any adjustments are needed.¡± Gu Qichen took the document and flipped through it casually. Everything wasid out meticulously inside¨C guests, venue, preparations for the former wife, down to the smallest details, even various lists and visualparisons were used. Gu Qichen closed the document, ¡°Truly, this is a perfect work n.¡± Xi Zijun smiled, ¡°To me, this is just part of my job. Of course, I also need to take my partner¡¯s suggestions.¡± Gu Qichen interjected, ¡°You may arrange the engagement ceremony ording to your desire. If you want any advice, feel free to consult with my sister.¡±
Xi Zijun smiled, ¡°Alright.¡± Meanwhile, little Tuanzi silently returned to his bedroom. Xi Zijun, watching Tuanzi¡¯s retreating figure, said, ¡°This child is really good-looking. By the way, weck a ring bearer for the engagement banquet, if convenient, would you consider having him as our ring bearer?¡± Gu Qichen nced towards the doorway, ¡°I¡¯m afraid that won¡¯t work, this child is different from ordinary children, plus, he¡¯s probably American and won¡¯t stay in the country permanently.¡± Xi Zijun seemed to nonchntly ask, ¡°Have you met his parents?¡± Gu Qichen shook his head, ¡°Not yet, but I would really like to meet them.¡± Xi Zijun smirked and said, ¡°I always thought you didn¡¯t like kids, I didn¡¯t expect you to care so much about a stranger¡¯s child.¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Gu Qichen also curled up his lips, ¡°This little guy is quite adorable.¡± Xi Zijun said, ¡°I have finished my report, I¡¯ll leave now.¡± Gu Qichen nodded, ¡°Be careful on your way.¡± After Xi Zijun left, Gu Qichen returned to his room. Little Tuanzi silently sat on the sofa in the room. His little brows slightly furrowed. Gu Qichen walked in, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve given your mom my contact information. She wille to get you soon.¡± Little Tuanzi raised his head, ¡°Thank you for taking care of me, uncle.¡± Gu Qichen walked over and patted little Tuanzi¡¯s fluffy head, ¡°It¡¯s really such a coincidence, running into you twice in half a month.¡± Little Tuanzi looked up, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s fate.¡± Hearing the word ¡®fate¡¯ from a four-year-old, in such a serious tone, Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t help but smile. Gu Qichenughed, ¡°At such a young age, how do you know what fate is?¡±
Tuanzi spoke in his usual serious tone, ¡°Uncle, you love tough.¡± When Gu Qichen heard this, he was indeed taken aback. Love tough? Him? Nobody had ever said he loved tough.
Gu Qichen himself also couldn¡¯t remember thest time heughed. He was well aware that his secretaries behind his back all called him the cold-faced god of death. Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes inadvertentlynded on the mirror next to him. In the mirror, he was smiling, a genuine smile on his face. Even he himself didn¡¯t realize, he couldugh sofortably and naturally. He always thought that after Xia Yangyang disappeared, he didn¡¯t know how to be happy anymore¡­ Chapter 606: 607: The Deepest Wound in the Heart is Healing Chapter 606: Chapter 607: The Deepest Wound in the Heart is Healing Gu Qichen came to his senses, but deliberately held back hisughter. He gently tapped on little Tuanzi¡¯s forehead, ¡°You should be the one smiling more. At such a young age, why do you act so old-fashioned?¡± Lil Tuanzi retorted, ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m not old-fashioned, I¡¯m mentally mature. Besides, judging people by their appearance isn¡¯t very good.¡± Gu Qichen was surprisingly rendered speechless by a dumpling. Did this Lil Tuanzi really not travel through time? Gu Qichen even doubted whether the soul inside this guy¡¯s body was the same person. Gu Qichen still had work to do. So, he said to Lil Tuanzi: ¡°I need to go to my study to work, you can y by yourself for a while, then go to sleep, okay?¡± ¡°I just woke up, I don¡¯t want to sleep so early. Uncle, can I go to your study to read?¡± Gu Qichenughed, ¡°But I don¡¯t have any fairy tale books here.¡±
¡°I never read fairy tales, just give me a Brief History of Time.¡± Gu Qichen originally thought he was joking. After all, a four-year-old child reading A Brief History of Time is simply too exaggerated. But unexpectedly, this guy not only reads ¡°A Brief History of Time¡±, but also ¡°The Origin of Species¡±, ¡°ck Holes and Time Warps¡±. And it¡¯s all in English. Gu Qichen considers himself somewhat of a workaholic, always dedicated when working. But Gu Qichen found himself constantly distracted that night. It was not because Lil Tuanzi was causing amotion in the study. On the contrary, Tuanzi was very quiet. He sat on his own on the sofa, didn¡¯t say a word, and quietly read his book. But Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze always fell upon him. He even wondered how a four-year-old child could possibly understand those books. Ordinary four-year-olds can hardly recognize any characters. But remembering that this dumpling had caused awork paralysis in apany in the United States using hacking techniques. It didn¡¯t feel impossible to him. Now, Gu Qichen is somewhat in agreement with what Ah K said, ¡°This Lil Tuanzi is a little monster.¡± But Gu Qichen soon immersed himself in work. When Gu Qichen finally finished, it was alreadyte at night. When he looked up, he found that Tuanzi had already fallen asleep on the sofa.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om
The little guy had gone into hibernation again. Although Tuanzi is a genius, he has such a rare disease that prevents him from living like a normal person. It really is a case of the world being jealous of talented people. Gu Qichen stood up, went over there, picked up Tuanzi, and put him on the bed in his bedroom.
Tuanzi was sleeping very quietly. For some reason, looking at his sleeping face, Gu Qichen always felt an unexpected softness in his heart. There was a strange emotion subtly bubbling in his heart, making him feel an impulse to cry. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t know what was happening to him. He was not usually a sentimental person. But there¡¯s a kind of magic power on Tuanzi that makes people¡¯s hearts soften. Gu Qichen sat by the bed, watching for a long time, touching Tuanzi¡¯s hair. Gu Qichen thought of the child again. Somewhere in Gu Qichen¡¯s heart, it felt as if he was being stabbed with a needle. He dared not touch that wound, considering it the most painful part of his life. But for some reason, looking at the current Lil Tuanzi, Gu Qichen felt as if his inner wound was slowly healing. Even though it was slow, he could feel it, the cold ce seemed to slowly regain some warmth. Gu Qichen murmured softly, ¡°You are really a little monster.¡±
After taking a bath, Gu Qichen finallyy down next to little Tuanzi. He gently hugged him and fell asleep. Chapter 607: 608: Each Girlfriend Breaks Up One After Another Chapter 607: Chapter 608: Each Girlfriend Breaks Up One After Another Fang Zhengdong hade over early in the morning. He was here to help the president move his luggage. They were going back to Feng City today. When Fang Zhengdong saw Gu Qichen carrying little Tuanzi out, he was astounded. ¡°Mr. President, isn¡¯t this that kid from the United States¡­¡± ¡°Yes, it¡¯s him.¡± Gu Qichen responded casually. ¡°Mr. President, even if you love this child, you can¡¯t just kidnap him from the United States. That¡¯s illegal.¡± Gu Qichen gave Fang Zhengdong a cold nce. Fang Zhengdongughed, ¡°Mr. President, I was just kidding.¡± Of course, Fang Zhengdong was joking.
But at the same time, his curiosity was piqued. He wondered how this glutinous rice dumpling ended up in the president¡¯s hands again. Gu Qichen told Fang Zhengdong: ¡°Start packing.¡± Then he took Tuanzi out. Before getting into the car, Fang Zhengdong asked, ¡°Mr. President, are you nning to take Tuanzi back with you?¡± Gu Qichen responded, ¡°I can¡¯t just leave him here by himself.¡± Fang Zhengdong thought, even if you ¡°found¡± Tuanzi again, there are many ways out. You could have involved the media, or handed him over to the police. Why would you insist on taking Tuanzi along?n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Yet, Fang Zhengdong didn¡¯t utter a word on this matter. Thankfully, the president had a private jet. Tuanzi slept deeply on the ne. They arrived in Feng City around noon. Fang Zhengdong said, ¡°Mr. President, what are we going to do with Tuanzi? Are we going to take him to the office?¡± Going by Gu Qichen¡¯s usual habits, he would have gone to the office first. Gu Qichen announced, ¡°No, we¡¯re going to Maple Vi.¡± Fang Zhengdong was a bit surprised. Because it had been a while since Gu Qichenst visited Maple Vi. Over the years, the president almost moved his home to the office. Itsmon for him to live in the office for several months.
Actually, Maple Vi isn¡¯t far from the office. But that¡¯s where Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang used to live together. Perhaps the president was just avoiding sentimental triggers. Once the driver arrived, Gu Qichen instructed Fang Zhengdong again: ¡°Go buy some clothes for children and some fresh groceries from the supermarket and bring them over.¡±
For the first time, Gu Qichen returned from a business trip to a home he hadn¡¯t set foot in for several months, instead of the office. Gu Qichen first went back to Maple Vi. Although no one had lived here for a long time, he had people clean and tidy the ce regrly. The inside was still neat and tidy, spotless. After settling Tuanzi in, Gu Qichen went to his study and held a video conference meeting. Before long, Fang Zhengdong arrived again. He bought several sets of clothes and plenty of fresh groceries that nearly filled the entire refrigerator. Fang Zhengdong was exhausted running all over the ce. Moreover, there were still major issues at the office, yet he had to y nanny too. After sorting out the refrigerator, Fang Zhengdong told Gu Qichen: ¡°Mr. President, if nothing else, I¡¯ll go back to the office first.¡± ¡°Hold on,¡± Gu Qichen stopped him, ¡°I¡¯m giving you half a day off. Don¡¯t go to the office today.¡± At first, Fang Zhengdong thought he was hallucinating. Once he realized it, he was overwhelmed with gratitude.
It¡¯s been a long time since he had a day off. Even though his sry was high, and the president was good to him, gifting him a house, a car, shares. But he was the 24/7 standby superhero secretary. Especially these four years, Gu Qichen frenzied expansion and overworking. As his exclusive secretary, Fang Zhengdong had to toil just as hard. Over the years, his girlfriends one after another, all thanks to the president. Did the president finally find his conscience and decided to give him a break? Just as Fang Zhengdong was about to thank him profusely and go for a good long sleep, Gu Qichen suddenly said, ¡°Spend the afternoon with me making dumplings.¡± Chapter 608: 609: That Name is a Taboo Chapter 608: Chapter 609: That Name is a Taboo Make dumplings? Fang Zhengdong thought he must have misheard. Gu Qichen was already giving him orders, ¡°First, clean the celery we just bought and chop it into small pieces.¡± Fang Zhengdong sighed to himself. He just knew the CEO wouldn¡¯t give him a break that easily. But Fang Zhengdong was curious. Why had the CEO suddenly decided to cook, and of all things, make the particrly tedious task of preparing dumplings. Fang Zhengdong grabbed the ingredients from the refrigerator, speaking as he did, ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t like dumplings, sir?¡± Actually, Gu Qichen was not very fond of flour-based food. Having worked for him for many years, Fang Zhengdong knew well about his dietary preferences.
Gu Qichen replied naturally, ¡°I¡¯m making it for Summer. After falling into a deep sleep, all he can eat is something easily digestible. Dumplings are perfect for this as they are nutritionally bnced.¡± Fang Zhengdong continued to be baffled. All this for little Tuanzi? CEO, are you considering Tuanzi as your own child now? Are you aware that thepany works are piling up, and the managers of various departments are waiting for your meetings? And yet, you still find spare time to cook dumplings for Tuanzi? Of course, these words, Fang Zhengdong only dared to mutter in his stomach. Outwardly, he would have to praiseong, ¡°With skills like yours, you are a perfect house-husband. You¡¯ll make someone a good husband and a great dad in the future.¡± The dumpling making process was quite tedious, from preparing the stuffing, to kneading and rolling out the dough, to finally packing the dumplings. It took the two grown men nearly an afternoon to make a whole table full of dumplings. It was enough dumplings to feed Tuanzi for about half a month. Fang Zhengdong asked, ¡°Sir, didn¡¯t you say that Tuanzi¡¯s parents will being to take Tuanzi home in the next couple of days. There are so many dumplings, how can he finish all of these?¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Gu Qichen frowned slightly, ¡°Prepare a mini-fridge. If there¡¯s anything left, he can take it with him.¡± Fang Zhengdong was speechless. CEO, little Tuanzi lives in the United States. Do you expect him to take a refrigerator all the way back home? They wouldn¡¯t be short of this small amount of food supplies, would they? But no matter what Gu Qichen said, Fang Zhengdong had to do ordingly. In the evening, Tuanzi woke up.
Gu Qichen just finished cooking a pot of dumplings. That night, Gu Qichen had Fang Zhengdong stay for dinner as well. The stuffing was prepared by the CEO and the dumplings were wrapped by the CEO. Fang Zhengdong merely assisted.
Fang Zhengdong never expected the dumplings cooked by the CEO to be so delicious. Fang Zhengdong ate a lot. After putting down his chopsticks, he praised, ¡°Your cooking skills are superb, sir. No wonder Miss Xia always said that you¡¯re a great chef whose skills have been wasted by being a CEO.¡± Upon saying these words, Fang Zhengdong felt a sudden, inexplicable difort in his heart. For all these years, when around Gu Qichen, he had always been careful with his words. That person¡¯s name had always been a taboo. Perhaps it was because the CEO had treated him like a friend today that he had unknowingly crossed the line. Sure enough, Gu Qichen¡¯s face had turned cold. Fang Zhengdong was about to apologize when- Tuanzi suddenly said, ¡°Uncle, I want another bowl. The dumplings you made are the most delicious I have ever had.¡± Being praised by Tuanzi in such a way, Gu Qichen¡¯s originally gloomy face quickly softened. He even revealed a bit of a smile, ¡°I¡¯ll get you more. If you like them, eat more.¡± For the first time, Fang Zhengdong was so thankful for Tuanzi. He felt like Tuanzi had just saved his life. Fang Zhengdong eagerly stood up, ¡°Sir, let me do it.¡±
After dinner, Fang Zhengdong went home. Tuanzi went to the study to read on his own. Meanwhile, Xia Yangyang¡¯s car was parked under a sycamore tree outside Maple Vi. She had followed Xia Ye¡¯s location all the way from Beijing¡­ Chapter 609: 610: Sneaking into the Bedroom while Gu Qichen is Bathing Chapter 609: Chapter 610: Sneaking into the Bedroom while Gu Qichen is Bathing Xia Yangyang had been observing this ce for a long time. She saw Fang Zhengdonge out from inside. Xia Ye was in there. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know how to get in. The study room light was on all along. Suddenly, Xia Yangyang thought of a habit of Gu Qichen. If Gu Qichen doesn¡¯t work overtime, he usually takes a bath at nine o¡¯clock in the evening. Gu Qichen, such a clean freak, takes bathing as a big project every day and stays inside for at least half an hour. Xia Yangyang felt that this half an hour was her only chance. Fortunately, Xia Yangyang knew that Gu Qichen was a very self-disciplined person with a strong sense of time.
However, Xia Yangyang was still a bit worried that Gu Qichen¡¯s living habits might have changed after four years? Another important issue. She might not be able to get into Maple Vi. Xia Yangyang continuously observed the bathroom light in the bedroom. Sure enough, around nine o¡¯clock, the bathroom light came on. Xia Yangyang breathed a sigh of relief. Gu Qichen¡¯s lifestyle hasn¡¯t changed. Within half an hour, she must take Xia Ye away silently. This was the only way she could think of to avoid meeting Gu Qichen. Luckily, Xia Yangyang had lived here for a long time and knew about the blind spots of the surveince system. However, Xia Yangyang deliberately dressed up, wore ck clothes and a masked baseball cap. She could not hesitate anymore. Getting out of the car. The entrance to Maple Vi was a code lock. Whether it is sessful or not depends on now. Xia Yangyang pressed the password from four years ago, and the door actually opened. After such a long time, Gu Qichen hadn¡¯t even changed the password. Xia Yangyang opened the door. In a while, she must create the illusion that Xia Ye walked out on her own.
Xia Yangyang estimated the time, Xia Ye should be awake by now. As long as she finds Xia Ye, she can silently take him away. Then let Xia Ye call Gu Qichen, this matter would be perfectly resolved. But the premise is, she absolutely cannot run into Gu Qichen.
Otherwise, she would be doomed. Xia Yangyang knew that this trip of hers was extremely risky, but she could not think of any other way. With every passing moment that Xia Ye was around Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang felt extremely anxious, fearing that Gu Qichen would detect something. Xia Yangyang entered the house. Everything in Maple Vi was exactly the same as it was four years ago. Everything here seemed to be ingrained in her memory. Returning here, Xia Yangyang felt a bit dazed, and a trace of sorrow inexplicably welled up in her heart. But for now, she really didn¡¯t have time to think more, because time was running out. Xia Yangyang hurried upstairs. Xia Yangyang thought that Xia Ye must be in the second bedroom. Because Gu Qichen¡¯s cleanliness would not allow others to sleep in his bed. Xia Yangyang went to the second bedroom first.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om As soon as she opened the door, she found that even the light was off.
Still, Xia Yangyang went in and looked, but Xia Ye wasn¡¯t inside. Xia Yangyang quickly turned around and saw the lights in the study and bedroom were both on. After thinking for a moment, Xia Yangyang decided to go straight into the bedroom. The chances of Xia Ye being in the bedroom is higher, at least that¡¯s what Xia Yangyang thought. The bedroom door was also open. She tiptoed in. After entering, Xia Yangyang was a bit stunned. Theyout of the bedroom was exactly the same as it was four years ago. What surprised Xia Yangyang the most was the oil painting on the wall. It was a portrait painted for them by a street artist when she and Gu Qichen went to Italy. Xia Yangyang loved this portrait, so she hung it on the wall. But to her surprise, after four years, it was still hanging here. Wasn¡¯t Gu Qichen about to get married? How could his new wife ept a portrait of the two of them hanging in their bedroom?
Chapter 610: 611: Im Already Tired of Looking at Your Body Chapter 610: Chapter 611: I¡¯m Already Tired of Looking at Your Body The sound of water echoed from the bathroom. Behind the frosted ss, one could vaguely see the steam inside and the blurry silhouette of a man. Xia Yangyang suddenly felt very upset. Nothing here had changed. From the moment she stepped into Maple Vi, it was as if time had reversed to four years ago. Past memories appeared in her mind like scenes from a movie. Xia Yangyang strived to pull herself out of these past emotions.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Where would Xia Ye be if he wasn¡¯t in his bedroom? She must find Xia Ye at once. Xia Yangyang then turned around to leave.
But just as she turned, she heard the sound of the ss door being opened. A sinking feeling took over Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart, her body stiff as a board. She felt like her feet were nailed to the ground, unable to move. Xia Yangyang knew she should run away right now, perhaps she could make a narrow escape. However, at this critical moment, her brain went nk, as if it hadpletely crashed, unable to make any response. Suddenly, the sound behind her ceased. Even with her back to Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang could almost imagine the expression on his face. He must think of her as an intruder, a thief. Xia Yangyang finally reacted. This was also eptable, as long as she responded quickly, ran out, and perhaps she could escape. Her car was just outside, a new car without a license te, Xia Yangyang did not worry about being tracked down by Gu Qichen. Once her brain responded, Xia Yangyang quickly took action. She hunkered down in her hat and ran out. ¡°Xia Yangyang!¡± The cold, angry roar of Gu Qichen came from behind. Xia Yangyang could feel her heart tremble. However, almost as a reflex, she did not look back and ran even faster. Now, the rapid footsteps followed from behind. In the end, Xia Yangyang was caught by the arm by Gu Qichen at the bedroom door. Gu Qichen forcefully pulled her.
Xia Yangyang was spun around directly. Because the force was too great, she stumbled, looking for something to hold on to. But ended up pulling down the bath towel that Gu Qichen was wrapped in. Uh¡­
This¡­ Xia Yangyang never expected the situation to turn out this way. Gu Qichen¡¯s face waspletely dark. His whole body radiated a freezing aura, as if he could freeze someone to death. He did not say a word, just stared at the woman in front of him, unblinkingly. Xia Yangyang had initially thought, if he doesn¡¯t move, I won¡¯t move. She had been discovered too suddenly and not prepared to make up any excuses. However, having a naked man standing in front of her made the atmosphere exceedingly awkward. In the end, Xia Yangyang conceded. Slowly squatting down, she picked up the towel on the ground and carefully wrapped it around the man¡¯s waist¡­ All the while, Xia Yangyang kept her head turned and her eyes closed. Gu Qichen kept his gaze fixated on Xia Yangyang throughout, his face set in a hard line. Xia Yangyang tied up the towel, finally let go, but still kept her head turned to the side and cautiously opened her eyes slightly.
She found Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze to be like a sharp sword, cold and piercing. Xia Yangyang realized she couldn¡¯t evade any longer. She turned her head to face Gu Qichen: ¡°Sorry, I didn¡¯t mean to.¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t speak, his eyes still fell on her face. Xia Yangyang felt an icy chill and the pressure in the room drop. Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze was a silent judgment. ¡°Actually, as a man, it¡¯s not a big deal. Besides, I¡¯ve seen a lot of you before, so I don¡¯t feel anything anymore. You don¡¯t really need to mind.¡± Chapter 611: 612: Taking the ID Card to Get the Marriage Certificate Chapter 611: Chapter 612: Taking the ID Card to Get the Marriage Certificate Xia Yangyang tried to defuse the tension with light-hearted tones, hoping to make the atmosphere seem less awkward. But Gu Qichen didn¡¯t seem to take the bait. After Xia Yangyang finished speaking, his face looked even worse than before. But he remained silent. He just stared at her with a gaze as cold as a knife. Making her feel utterly humiliated. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know what else to say, so she just kept backpedaling. Before she had taken two steps, Gu Qichen grabbed her arm again: ¡°Xia Yangyang, what on earth are you doing?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was still cold. Xia Yangyang could tell that his voice was tinged with simmering anger.
Xia Yangyang had already prepared an exnation: ¡°Actually, I came back to get my ID card.¡± Xia Yangyang had thought of the worst-case scenario in the car. If Gu Qichen found her before she found Xia Ye, she would have toe up with an excuse, then try to escape. This excuse was something Xia Yangyang had thought of long in advance. Four years ago on that night, Xia Weiwei hit her with her car, Gao Huizhi saved her life and took her away directly. After that, she went straight to the United States on a private ne. She didn¡¯t bring anything with her from here. Including her ID card.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om It¡¯s still in the drawer of the bedside table at Maple Vi. All these years, Xia Yangyang had been living with another identity in the United States. Even she thought the excuse was somewhat contrived. But she had no other choice right now. Gu Qichen¡¯s face looked even more gloomy as he coldly spat out the words: ¡°What do you need the ID card for?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t need it in the States, but now that I¡¯m back home, it¡¯s inconvenient without an ID,¡± began Xia Yangyang. Right now, she had to present herself as perfectly justified. Only then could she dispel the suspicions of this man. But a touch of sarcasm emerged at the corners of the man¡¯s mouth: ¡°Do you even remember that your name is Xia Yangyang?¡± Xia Yangyang knew what Gu Qichen meant. Especially the hatred and disdain in his eyes.
Xia Yangyang felt that she could not stay long. If she stayed longer, her cover might be blown. If Xia Ye were to appear now, she would be doomed. ¡°Mr Gu, I apologize for invading your space, but given my promise to never appear in front of you again, I felt I had no choice. I¡¯ll leave as soon as I get my things.¡±
Xia Yangyang did her best to bypass Gu Qichen, pretending to look for her identity card in the bedside drawer. Her heart was pounding like mad. Xia Yangyang could feel Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze on her back. She was uncertain if this intensely suspicious man would doubt her. Xia Yangyang was surprised to find that everything in the drawer was exactly the same as it used to be. Even the hair tie that she threw into the drawer four years ago was still in the same spot. Inside a cardholder, she found her ID card along with some old bank cards. She no longer needed these. Xia Yangyang quickly took her ID card out of the cardholder. And then she got up to leave. Turning around, she realized that Gu Qichen had somehow already moved behind her. Gu Qichen¡¯s face was grim. Just when Xia Yangyang wanted to leave.
Gu Qichen stopped her again: ¡°Are you in such a hurry to get your ID card because you want to get a marriage license?¡± Xia Yangyang was taken aback. She didn¡¯t understand Gu Qichen¡¯s reasoning at first. But after a couple of seconds, she got it. Yes, an ID card is crucial when applying for a marriage license. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t think of that, but Gu Qichen did. Chapter 612: 613: A Child Scared Her To This Extent Chapter 612: Chapter 613: A Child Scared Her To This Extent ¡°Mr. Gu, this is my personal matter, no need for you to get involved. I¡¯ve gotten what I came for, so I¡¯m taking my leave.¡± Xia Yangyang felt like this was the perfect time to make her exit. Even if she was incredibly disappointed. If she missed the chance to walk away with Xia Ye this time. She had no clue when the next opportunity might be. But Xia Yangyang felt helpless. Xia Yangyang tried to slip past Gu Qichen and leave. However, she barely took two steps outside the door when Gu Qichen grabbed hold of her arm. Gu Qichen had an awful habit of forcibly grabbing people. He was strong, and each time he grabbed her arm, it felt as if he was trying to crush her bones.
Xia Yangyang was also getting angry, ¡°Gu Qichen, I think you¡¯ve forgotten that I am a ck-belt in taekwondo. Don¡¯t me me for not being polite if you continue treating me like this.¡± Gu Qichenpletely ignored Xia Yangyang¡¯s threat. Gu Qichen spoke, ¡°So eager to get married, huh? All these years, you¡¯ve made it seem like a life or death situation for Xiao Han toe home, but now that you¡¯re back, he¡¯s back as well. Have you two nned this all along?¡± Xia Yangyang had no idea what Gu Qichen was talking about. But she knew with his temperament, she couldn¡¯t leave without exining. This man was so arbitrarily domineering. He was already engaged, yet he wouldn¡¯t allow her to be. Or maybe what bothered Gu Qichen was that he didn¡¯t want her to get engaged before him. Men can be so selfish sometimes. Even though they¡¯ve broken up, he still expects her to be in perpetual pain, yearning for him, preferably fighting to the death over him, to feel content. That¡¯s why even though he¡¯s about to get married, he still won¡¯t let go of her. Xia Yangyang gave up. She needed to leave as soon as possible. Xia Yangyang began to speak, ¡°I have no immediate n to get a marriage certificate, can you let me go now?¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯s voice was filled with helplessness andpromise. However, to Gu Qichen, this seemed like a diversion. Clearly, she wanted to dismiss him as soon as possible. She no longer wanted to argue with him. This woman, truly, he held no ce in her heart.
The more Gu Qichen thought about it, the angrier he became. As if a volcano was stirring inside of him. Theva was boiling, ready to erupt at any moment.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om Why did he feel an urge to strangle her every time he saw this woman?
Xia Yangyang tried to free her arm, but Gu Qichen stubbornly held on and refused to let go. Xia Yangyang was truly livid now. How could this man be so unreasonable? Just as Xia Yangyang was about to fight back. A clear voice came from the doorway of the study, ¡°Uncle.¡± Xia Yangyang recognized him at once, it was Xia Ye. Xia Yangyang felt a shiver down her spine. Oh heavens, could you be any crueler! If she appeared in front of Xia Ye now, she wouldn¡¯t be able to keep up the act. Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Xia Yangyang pushed Gu Qichen into the room and quickly closed the door. Xia Yangyang looked visibly shocked. But Xia Yangyang reacted so quickly, it seemed like an instinctive reaction to Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang¡¯s face was flushed from nerves, her fingers uncontrobly trembling slightly.
Gu Qichen furrowed his brows slightly. What happened to this woman, getting frightened like this over a child? There was a knock at the door, and the milky voice came through faintly, ¡°Uncle, are you in there?¡± Xia Yangyang felt like she couldn¡¯t keep up the pretense any longer. Her heart was pounding uncontrobly, as it seemed like it would bounce out of her chest any second. Chapter 613: 614: Struggle Chapter 613: Chapter 614: Struggle Gu Qichen moved to open the door. His hand was already touching the doorknob. Xia Yangyang¡¯s mindpletely froze. She had never been this nervous in her life. She felt like she was standing on the edge of a cliff, one foot already stepped off.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om In the next second, she would plunge into the abyss, shattering into a million pieces. Xia Yangyang was still making a futile struggle deep in her mind. Now, she held onto one belief. She had to stop Gu Qichen from opening the door. He couldn¡¯t open the door!
The door had already cracked open a sliver. The next second, Xia Yangyang suddenly lunged, wrapped her arms around Gu Qichen¡¯s neck, stood on tiptoes, and kissed him on the lips. Gu Qichen obviously stiffened. His hand also froze. Xia Yangyang pressed against the door and closed it once again. After closing the door, Xia Yangyang finally let out a breath. Her full attention had been outside just now. All she could think of was not letting Xia Ye see her. But now, the atmosphere seemed to have abruptly changed. There was disbelief in Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes. Xia Yangyang¡¯s lips were still pressed against his. Their bodies were so close, their breaths mingling. The unique clean fragrance of orchids from Gu Qichen filled her nose. Mixed with the unique fragrance of his usual body wash. This smell was too familiar for Xia Yangyang she was momentarily at a loss. A me ignited in Gu Qichen¡¯s normally icy eyes, growing hotter and hotter. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t tell whether it was a me of anger or desire. Xia Yangyang also froze, before she released Gu Qichen and tilted her body backward. But the door was right behind her.
Xia Yangyang had nowhere to retreat to. Their bodies were still close together. Xia Yangyang stared intently into Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes. Watching a storm ying out within them.
To avoid one pitfall, she seemed to have thrown herself into a bigger one. But at that moment, it was the only way she could disrupt Gu Qichen¡¯s focus. Only then could she make him momentarily forget the child outside the door. But what now? ¡°Xia Yangyang, do you know what you were just doing?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was icy and hoarse. Xia Yangyang knew that from Gu Qichen¡¯s perspective, she must have seemed insane. Actually, her actions even seemed foolish to her now. Gu Qichen was such a smart man. Even if he was momentarily stunned. It would be easy for him to guess what had transpired. Xia Yangyang thought to herself. Her motives couldn¡¯t be that transparent. It would be easy for Gu Qichen to guess that she had instinctively done what she did to conceal some motive. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t let Gu Qichen think that way.
At the very least, she had to leave him confused, unable to guess what she was thinking. Xia Yangyang gritted her teeth and looked into Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes, her emotions bing more apparent. Xia Yangyang said: ¡°Of course I know what I¡¯m doing.¡± After she finished speaking, she initiated the kiss again. This time, it was not like the light peck she gave him earlier. Xia Yangyang was very enthusiastic and tantalizingly provocative. Gu Qichen just came out from the shower and wasn¡¯t wearing any clothes. Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand rested on Gu Qichen¡¯s chest. Yet she discovered that Gu Qichen¡¯s body was even hotter than the palm of her hand. But at this moment. Gu Qichen was still frozen. His gaze fixed on Xia Yangyang¡¯s face, watching her purposely provocative expression, his eyes casting an obscure light. Chapter 614: 615: Shrewd Chapter 614: Chapter 615: Shrewd Gu Qichen is a cunning man; Xia Yangyang is very clear about that. Xia Yangyang now has no way out. If she backs down now. Gu Qichen might easily be suspicious. Only by thoroughly distracting him, can Xia Yangyang feel at ease. Even if it¡¯s mad, just let it be once. She could clearly feel. The man¡¯s body temperature was continually rising. The suspicion and sharpness that appeared in his eyes just now was gradually fading. ording to Xia Yangyang¡¯s experience.
This man is at his most straightforward only at times like this. Of course, it is also the most dangerous. The next second, Gu Qichen finally took control. He directly pushed Xia Yangyang against the door, and the flurry of kisses fell¡­ Gu Qichen admitted that he was lost. He could even hear the sound of his psychological defenses copsing. This woman tonight is just too strange. She actually came back from Beijing, and snuck into his bedroom in the middle of the night. And now¡­ He struggled to stay awake. This woman was acting too strangely, and he attempted to analyze her motives. But her kisses were too intoxicating. It felt like countless mid-night dreamsing back to reality. The void in his heart that he could never catch was suddenly filled. He didn¡¯t want to think much about it anymore. No matter her motives, as long as she had an agenda with him, that was enough. He was too addicted to the warmth of reality.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Even if it meant destroying all rationality, he couldn¡¯t bear to refuse. Gu Qichen picked up Xia Yangyang and walked directly to the bed. Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind was also chaotic.
The overwhelming proximity of his warmth made her feel dizzy. After all these years, she has never been so groggy. In the past four years. She put her past, the grudges.
Gu Qichen¡¯s kindness, his dominance, everything about him into a box she buried deep within her heart. She didn¡¯t dare to touch it. Only she knew how painful it was at times seeing Xia Ye sleeping soundly. Her heart wasforted when their bodies touched. It was as if two frozen souls, drifting in darkness for four years, finally couldn¡¯t resist getting close for warmth. If it weren¡¯t for the increasingly louder knocks on the door, Xia Yangyang thought she might immerse in it. The knocking from Xia Ye couldn¡¯t just be ignored. Xia Yangyang knew her son¡¯s character well. Like Gu Qichen, he was a persistent person. If he knocked on the door like this, it must be something important. But Xia Yangyang dare not advise Gu Qichen to go and check. Gu Qichen felt that Tuanzi¡¯s presence at the door was indeed a bother. He wasn¡¯t used to being listened to by a child while doing such things.
In the end, Gu Qichen was the one who let go of Xia Yangyang first, his voice already husky and barely recognizable, ¡°Wait for me a moment, I need to handle something.¡± Xia Yangyang instantly sobered up, wrapping her arms around Gu Qichen¡¯s neck, ¡°Don¡¯t go.¡± Looking at Xia Yangyang, Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes softened significantly. He kissed her forehead, ¡°I will be back soon.¡± He then got up, wrapped his bath towel around himself and walked to the door. Xia Yangyang immediately pulled the nket on the bed, hiding herself under it. The door was opened. Xia Ye was indeed standing outside. Gu Qichen asked, ¡°What¡¯s so urgent that couldn¡¯t wait?¡± Tuanzi calmly responded, ¡°Uncle, sorry, but it¡¯s time for me to take my medicine.¡± Xia Ye had to take his medicine every day, usually right before he falls asleep again. Gu Qichen was well aware, and the medicine was on the teapoy in the bedroom.
Chapter 615: 616: She is My Wife Chapter 615: Chapter 616: She is My Wife Gu Qichen turned to get the medication and also poured a ss of water. When he entered, he saw that Xia Yangyang hadpletely hidden under the nket, motionless. When Gu Qichen asked Xia Ye to take the medicine, he also took Xia Ye to the guest room. Gu Qichen said to Xia Ye: ¡°You should go to sleep, how about sleeping here alone today?¡± Tuanzi nodded: ¡°Uncle, am I interrupting you and auntie?¡± Unexpectedly, this little Tuanzi had some self-awareness. But all Gu Qichen could say was: ¡°No, go to sleep.¡± Gu Qichen just wanted to return to his room quickly. Xia Ye curiously asked: ¡°Is that auntie your girlfriend?¡± Gu Qichen thought about it: ¡°She is my wife.¡±
Xia Ye nodded: ¡°I see, Uncle, you should go back quickly. It¡¯s also very important to apany your wife.¡± Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t help but grin again. Why did this child always say such things so seriously? Who taught him these? After Gu Qichen took care of Tuanzi, he went out of the guest room, turned off the lights, and closed the door. Then he returned to his own room. But upon entering, he found that the bed was empty. There was an added post-it note on the pillow: ¡°I left, forget about what happened today.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s eyebrows furrowed. He held the piece of paper in his hand. Xia Yangyang, youe and go as you please. What do you take me, Gu Qichen, for? Xia Yangyang had slipped out while Gu Qichen was away. Fortunately, Xia Ye caused a disturbance halfway through. Otherwise, even Xia Yangyang herself wouldn¡¯t dare to guarantee what might have happened just now. Xia Yangyang came out of the Maple Vi and drove far away. Her heart was still beating uncontrobly. The surroundings seemed to still carry the scent of Gu Qichen. The tips of her fingers still seemed to carry his warmth.
Xia Yangyang directly drove to Sinan Mansion. In the following days, Gu Qichen was always trying to find out news about Xia Yangyang. He even personally went to the Xia Family Vi. But Xia Yangyang suddenly disappeared again.
He couldn¡¯t find any trace of her. Gu Qichen started to wonder again if Xia Yangyang was like she was four years ago. The thing that he couldn¡¯t understand these days was Xia Yangyang¡¯s attitude that night, her active kiss. What on earth did she want to do? Tuanzi¡¯s parents did not contact him at all. However, a couple of days ago, Wen Xiaochu called and said that Tuanzi¡¯s parents were now in big trouble and couldn¡¯t leave temporarily. After thinking about it for a few days, Gu Qichen somewhat understood. The first time he met Tuanzi, he was being tracked by a group of men in ck at the Empire International Hotel. Within a few days, he had traveled from the United States to China. Perhaps Tuanzi¡¯s parents weren¡¯t exactlyw-abiding citizens. In particr, thesest few days while helping Tuanzi bathe. He had a pendent around his neck. It was a phoenix eye bodhi bead.
Gu Qichen thought it looked familiar. Later, he realized that this bead seemed to have some connection with Gao Huizhi. Gu Qichen had been investigating Gao Huizhi for so many years and he hadn¡¯t expected this little Tuanzi had arge connection with the underworld. Wen Xiaochu asked Gu Qichen to send Tuanzi back or to pick him up himself.N?v(el)B\\jnn Both requests were refused by Gu Qichen. If this child was rted to Gao Huizhi, he had to investigate it thoroughly. During the days when Xia Yangyang had disappeared, she had been staying in Sinan Mansion. No matter how skilled Gu Qichen was, he wouldn¡¯t be able to find her there. During these few days, Xia Yangyang felt powerless. Because she didn¡¯t know what she should do next. Chapter 616: 617: The Financier Chapter 616: Chapter 617: The Financier Xia Yangyang simply could not unnoticeably whisk Xia Ye away from Gu Qichen¡¯s side. Xia Yangyang even thought of Gu Zhaohan. However, Gu Zhaohan was attending a top medical summit in the United States these days. Besides, even if Gu Zhaohan took action, Gu Qichen might still suspect something. Xia Yangyang was still monitoring Xia Ye¡¯s location daily. Yet she found that Xia Ye¡¯s daily routes were between Shengyuan Building and Maple Vi. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect that Gu Qichen would take Xia Ye to thepany every day. This worried Xia Yangyang even more. With so many people in thepany, it was inevitable that rumors would start to circte. Shengyuan Building
President¡¯s Office. When Fang Zhengdong entered with documents, Gu Qichen was sitting in his office chair, staring at theptop screen in a daze. The president had been in such a daze often these days. Fang Zhengdong knocked on the door. Gu Qichen finally came to his senses: ¡°Come in.¡± After Fang Zhengdong went in, he reported on the work schedule of the past few days. At the end, he said to Gu Qichen: ¡°Sir, the invitation cards for the engagement banquet have been prepared by Miss Xi, she wants you to check the design.¡± After saying this, Fang Zhengdong put an invitation card in front of Gu Qichen. The invitation card had an old-fashioned envelope design, with only two names written simply on it. It was very concise yet nostalgic in style, and especially the sealing wax on it, which had the initials of the two people, was quite unique. Gu Qichen nced at it without even opening it. He said, ¡°Tell her that everything should be done ording to her preferences, and don¡¯t bother bringing these things for me to see in the future.¡± Fang Zhengdong nodded in agreement. Everyone at Shengyuan knew that the president was going to get engaged in a week. The media had been reporting this news for half a month. Before, everyone spected that the president¡¯s fianc¨¦e is Xi Zijun. When it was officially announced, people¡¯s attitude was no more than ¡°I had guessed it long ago¡±. The names of Gu Qichen and Xi Zijun when put together made people think of a power couple and dreampanionship. Xi Zijun, the CEO of Jiang Chen, reportedly also runs a winery business abroad.
Such a formidable and sessful woman was awe-inspiring to everyone. Recently, however, there¡¯s a particrly eye-catching piece of gossip. It¡¯s a video of rising star Zhang Xinyi crying bitterly in a parking lot. Some say she copsed crying because she found out about Gu Qichen¡¯s engagement news.
Others said she was purposely hyping up her own fame. There is an open secret in the entertainment industry that Gu Qichen is Zhang Xinyi¡¯s sugar daddy. Zhang Xinyi is a celebrity under Time Media. Media had repeatedly photographed her having private dinners with Shen Shichuan, CEO of Time Media, superstar Shen Manbing, and CEO of Shengyuan Group, Gu Qichen. This rather obscure young actress was able to dine privately with these big-shots. It could only be exined by her powerful backing. In addition, Zhang Xinyi is an orphan, and her previous upation was a bar waitress. People couldn¡¯t help but question how she managed to secure such a high position. There had been rumors that she had many sugar daddies backing her. That was until the media caught Gu Qichen personally driving her to the hospital, specifically to obstetrics and gynecology. After her abortion record waster exposed by journalists.N?v(el)B\\jnn Only then did it confirm the rumor that Gu Qichen was her sugar daddy. In fact, there have been many actresses rumored to be involved with Gu Qichen over the years.
But most of them did notst long. Zhang Xinyi, however, was an unexpected outlier. She had been with Gu Qichen for a full three years. She had an abortion for him, lived in the river-view mansion worth hundreds of millions that Gu Qichen bought for her. Gu Qichen even held a personal concert for her at the Water Cube. He had gradually pushed her to the top of the entertainment industry, step by step. There had even been rumors that Gu Qichen¡¯s affection for her was no less than for his ex-wife. However, after the news of Gu Qichen¡¯s engagement broke, the public sentiment turned into another scene. Chapter 617: 618: Gu Qichens Engagement Party Chapter 617: Chapter 618: Gu Qichen¡¯s Engagement Party ¡°Even if President Gu spoils her, what good does it do? She¡¯s merely a pet kept in a golden cage by a wealthy man. How can a master marry his pet?¡± ¡°The Xi family is a good match for the Gu family, and Xi Zijun is the general manager of Jiang City. A shrewd person like her is surely aware of this little vixen and will probably make her life difficult.¡± ¡°Which of these rich people do not have a steadfast wife at home and an array of mistresses outside? Even if Young Master Gu dumps her, the breakup fee alone would be enough for her to live worry-free for the rest of her life.¡± ¡°You¡¯d think Zhang Xinyi would at least be a top-tier beauty ore from a good family background. What on earth did Young Master Gu see in her back then?¡± ¡°Rumor has it that Young Master Gu fell for her at first sight at a cocktail party, all because of her eyes, which greatly resembled his ex-wife¡¯s.¡± ¡°Speaking of which, it¡¯s really a pity that Young Master Gu has transformed into such a yboy due to heartbreak.¡± These past few days, Xia Yangyang has been keeping up with these gossipy news. The most frequently reported person is this Zhang Xinyi. Xia Yangyang suddenly remembered a time when she called Gu Qichen due to her grandmother¡¯s situation. In the end, a girl answered the call.
She said Gu Qichen¡¯s phone was left at her house. Thinking of it now, Xia Yangyang realized that girl must¡¯ve been Zhang Xinyi. Gu Qichen was really getting engaged. Xia Yangyang can¡¯t describe how she feels about this. She is not willing to admit that she feels upset about it. However, she has no ce to express herself right now. It was Gu Qichen¡¯s life, and it had nothing to do with her. Right now, the only thing Xia Yangyang wants is to figure out how to bring Xia Ye back home as soon as possible. The day of Gu Qichen¡¯s engagement would be a good opportunity. Since he was getting engaged, he must be extremely busy on that day. Xia Ye had to sleep during the day. Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t be with Xia Ye every second of the day. Xia Yangyang has been feeling uneasy these past few days. On top of that, the cold she caught at the Xi Family¡¯s house has been on and off, and she has been getting a low-grade fever these past few days. The medication doesn¡¯t seem to be working. But Xia Yangyang does not have time to care about that. She keeps an eye on Xia Ye¡¯s location every day. Finally, the day of Gu Qichen¡¯s engagement arrived. As luck would have it, it was two days before Christmas.
What a coincidence that Christmas Day is Xia Ye¡¯s birthday. Xia Ye was born prematurely on Christmas Eve four years ago. It has been almost a month since Xia Yangyangst saw Xia Ye. Before she knew it, Xia Ye had been staying with Gu Qichen for quite some time already.
The venue for Gu Qichen¡¯s engagement was Caesar International Hotel. Rumor has it that they rented out the entire hotel for the day. Gu Qichen was tracking Xia Ye¡¯s location the entire day. But it still remained between Maple Vi and hispany. Xia Yangyang really admires Gu Qichen. She didn¡¯t expect him to still be able to work at thepany on the day of his engagement. Xia Yangyang¡¯s car was hidden in the parking lot of Shengyuan Building. After a long wait, at about six o¡¯clock, she saw Gu Qichen leaving thepany.N?v(el)B\\jnn At that moment, Xia Ye had already woken up. Xia Yangyang saw Gu Qichen holding Xia Ye¡¯s hand as they were leaving. A ck Rolls-Royce seemed to be waiting outside. Gu Qichen got into the car. Gu Qichen¡¯s car drove away for quite some time before Xia Yangyang drove out of the parking lot.
The GPS showed that Gu Qichen headed to Caesar Hotel. He was probably going to attend his engagement banquet. Even though Gu Qichen was the man of the day, he seemed like a guest instead. Xia Yangyang parked her car outside of Caesar Hotel. The entire hotel was brightly lit. There were attendants and security guards at the entrance. They were keeping countless reporters who came to snap pictures at bay. Xia Yangyang was well-prepared and had asked her second brother to replicate an invitation to the engagement banquet beforehand. Thus, without any effort, Xia Yangyang made her way into the hotel. Chapter 618: 619: Sneaking into the Hotel to Take Xia Ye Away Chapter 618: Chapter 619: Sneaking into the Hotel to Take Xia Ye Away After Xia Yangyang entered, she went straight to the A4 lift. Long before Xia Yangyang nned to take Xia Ye away today. She had already prepared for it.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Xia Yangyang had asked Xiao Wu to remotely infiltrate the Caesar Hotel¡¯s control system. The hotel¡¯s surveince system waspletely paralyzed today. At present, the Caesar¡¯s technical department was urgently repairing it. But Xia Yangyang knew that Xiao Wu¡¯s hacking skills weren¡¯t that easy to fix. Xia Yangyang directly entered the elevator. Gu Qichen¡¯s engagement banquet was set up in the banquet hall on the rooftop. Xia Yangyang stopped at the top floor, but did not go to the banquet hall.
Instead, she went to the rooftop directly from the emergency exit. Xia Yangyang had been to the Caesar Hotel before. So she was fairly familiar with everything here. In addition, she had studied itsyout beforehand. The rooftop was deserted. Xia Yangyang walked to a suitable spot and took out a telescope. The Caesar Hotel was shaped like an ¡°H,¡± with corridors connecting in the middle. Xia Yangyang¡¯s position allowed her to observe the activities inside through the floor-to-ceiling window on the north side of the banquet hall. In fact, the distance from here to the banquet hall was not far. Just a hundred-meter-long corridor. Xia Yangyang looked around with her telescope. She did not see any trace of Gu Qichen. What she did see was Xi Zijun, who was dressed in a ssy champagne-colored evening dress today. She was usually an efficient elite woman. Today she was quite stunning. However, her every move still revealed her decisive temperament. Today was Gu Qichen¡¯s engagement banquet, but Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t see Gu Qichen in the banquet hall. Xia Yangyang was very anxious. ording to Xia Ye¡¯s location, he was in the rest area next to the banquet hall.
This was the best opportunity for Xia Yangyang to take him away. But the only thing Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t sure about was whether Gu Qichen was with Xia Ye. Only when Xia Yangyang sees Gu Qichen appear at the banquet hall can she go over and take Xia Ye away. Xia Yangyang stood on the rooftop.
She was monitoring the banquet hall through her telescope while closely watching Xia Ye¡¯s location. Xia Ye¡¯s location in the rest room hasn¡¯t changed. After about half an hour. Gu Qichen finally appeared in the banquet hall. Gu Qichen was wearing a suit. He looked exceptionally handsome. As soon as he walked in, he was surrounded by many people. Everyone was probably congratting him. The banquet had not officially begun. Xi Zijun walked to Gu Qichen¡¯s side and held his arm. They both had a ss of champagne in their hands. Xia Yangyang saw the two of them clink their sses, sharing a smile and saying something, she didn¡¯t know what. Gu Qichen seemed to be in a good mood.
Xi Zijun and he looked quite matched. Peopleing to congratte him were arriving in waves. Oddly enough, Xia Yangyang felt a little sad inside. There was a strong aversion in her heart, she didn¡¯t want to see these scenes. Xia Yangyang immediately headed downstairs. She went to the rest room. This was the best time to take Xia Ye away. Xia Yangyang headed towards the rest room following the locator. She walked through a long corridor. There were quite a few people in the corridor. But no one paid too much attention to her. Xia Yangyang walked to the door of the rest room and opened it. Luckily.
There was no one else inside. Xia Ye hadn¡¯t started to fall asleep yet. But she could tell, his condition was not good. He was sitting on the sofa, looking sleepy. Xia Yangyang quickly walked in and called out, ¡°Xiao Ye.¡± Xia Ye lifted his head and when he saw it was Xia Yangyang, a spark ignited in his eyes, ¡°Mom.¡± ¨C ¨C ¨C ¨C ¨C ¨C ¨C ¨C ¨C ¨C ¨C Chapter 619: 620: Little Tuanzi calls Xia Yangyang Mommy Chapter 619: Chapter 620: Little Tuanzi calls Xia Yangyang Mommy Xia Ye climbed down from the sofa, walked straight over, and clung to Xia Yangyang¡¯s leg: ¡°Mom, you¡¯re finally here to get me.¡± Besides the times when Xia Ye had to stay with Gao Huizhi for a while. Xia Yangyang and Xia Ye had never been apart for such a long time before. Xia Yangyang squatted down and tightly held Xia Ye in her arms: ¡°I missed you so much, let¡¯s go, Mom will take you away right now.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t afford to dawdle. She had to leave as quickly as possible. Xia Ye didn¡¯t say anything but left with Xia Yangyang. However, while they were in the hallway, he suddenly spoke to Xia Yangyang: ¡°Mom, I think I must call the uncle who took care of me.¡± Xia Yangyang also stopped: ¡°Can it wait for a while?¡± Xia Ye shook his head: ¡°I want to say goodbye to my uncle personally, or else if I suddenly disappear, he will worry. Plus, he¡¯s getting engaged today, I don¡¯t want him to be distracted searching for me. Mom, I¡¯m about to fall asleep, I want to say goodbye to him before I do.¡±
Xia Yangyang understood Xia Ye¡¯s temperament. He had always been polite and principled. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to interfere with her son¡¯s principles of dealing with people. More so, they had already left the lounge and Gu Qichen was at the engagement scene, he definitely couldn¡¯t leave.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Xia Yangyang¡¯s phone was unique. There was no number disyed when calling, only a code. And it couldn¡¯t be traced. Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t worried about Gu Qichen investigatingter. Xia Yangyang took out her phone: ¡°Alright, Xia Ye, give him a call, just a simple goodbye.¡± Xia Yangyang remembered Gu Qichen¡¯s private cell phone number, dialed it herself, and handed it over. After a while, the call was connected. Gu Qichen¡¯s cold voice came from the other end: ¡°Who is it?¡± ¡°Uncle, it¡¯s summer, I¡¯m leaving now, my mom is here to pick me up. We are busy, and I regret that we can¡¯t say goodbye to you in person.¡± There was Gu Qichen¡¯s voice from the phone: ¡°Where are you now, I want to meet your mom.¡± ¡°Uncle, I¡¯m sorry, we¡¯ve already left, hopefully, we will see each other next time.¡± There was a hint of helplessness in Gu Qichen¡¯s voice: ¡°See youter then.¡± The call ended there. Xia Yangyang finally let out a sigh of relief. Xia Yangyang exited through the safety passage with Xia Ye, heading straight for the elevator.
Gu Qichen, who had just hung up the phone, happened to see a familiar face holding Tuanzi¡¯s hand, passing by him. Gu Qichen was not in the banquet hall just now. He went to the corridor to smoke. He happens to receive a call from Tuanzi.
When he came out of the corridor, he saw a familiar face. He even heard her talking to Tuanzi: ¡°Are you tired? Do you want me to carry you?¡± ¡°No need, Mom, I¡¯m not tired.¡± The familiar and crisp child¡¯s voice. But the word ¡°mom¡± was like a bomb exploding in Gu Qichen¡¯s mind. Right there, less than ten meters away, the one holding Tuanzi¡¯s hand, being called ¡°mom¡± by Tuanzi, was unmistakably Xia Yangyang. Gu Qichen was slow to react for the first time. His mind was a chaotic mess, and his ears were ringing. His heart began to beat uncontrobly. He didn¡¯t know how to describe the feeling, it was as if he was in a dream, yet outside of it. Everything around him seemed to disappear, the light and shadows dimmed. The only thing left was the backs of the two figures, one big and one small, and his own immobilized body. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t notice Gu Qichen behind her.
She took Xia Ye into the elevator. But as she turned around when they entered the elevator, Xia Yangyang thought she saw a glimpse of that face¡­ Chapter 620: 621: Gu Qichen Chases After by Racing Car Chapter 620: Chapter 621: Gu Qichen Chases After by Racing Car Xia Yangyang thought she was hallucinating. The elevator doors slowly closed within her line of sight. In thest instant, Xia Yangyang seemed to see a rigid figure running towards her. The elevator had already closed. Xia Ye had pressed for the ground floor before Xia Yangyang. The elevator started to descend rapidly. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart sunk with it, falling into the abyss. Had she mistaken? The journey to the ground floor only took a dozen seconds.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om But in those seconds, Xia Yangyang felt as if she had passed through an entire century.
When the elevator door opened, Xia Yangyang stepped out leading Xia Ye by the hand. Their pace quickened until she finally scooped up Xia Ye and sprinted. Soon, Xia Yangyang ran to the parking lot, put Xia Ye in the passenger seat, and drove out at high speed. By then, Xia Ye had started slipping into unconsciousness. Xia Yangyang¡¯s hands on the steering wheel began to tremble slightly. Her mind was nk. Not daring to think, she just wanted to escape from that ce as quickly as possible. A moment after Gu Qichen recollected himself, he rushed after them only to find the elevator doors had closed. In his desperation, he ran down the stairs at breakneck speed. In one breath, he left Caesar International Hotel. Just as a car with no license te drove out of the parking lot. Gu Qichen intuitively knew that must be Xia Yangyang¡¯s car. Luckily, he had driven there himself. Gu Qichen quickly got into his car and pursued. Pedal to the metal, Gu Qichen felt as if his car was about to take flight. Ignoring everything, he ran through several traffic lights in attempt to follow the car ahead of him. Xia Yangyang was also driving rapidly. She didn¡¯t realize another car was trailing behind her. She was on a bustling city street, but that didn¡¯t stop her from furiously overtaking one car after the other. Her eyes were only fixed on the road ahead,pletely oblivious of the tailing vehicle.
Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind was a nk te. She was only driving forward, without any destination in mind. But suddenly, another car sped past her before suddenly hitting the brakes, forcing her to brake abruptly. She was fortunate to react in time, bringing her car to a stop. The other vehicle slid backwards for some distance beforeing to a halt.
Just as Xia Yangyang¡¯s car stopped, so did the other car. There was a distance of about three meters between the cars. Both of them had stopped in the middle of the road. Passersby thought there had been an ident and honked their horns as they drove by. But they didn¡¯t stop ¨C they only slowed down, passing by the two cars. From a bird¡¯s eye view, it appeared as if a unique scene had unfolded on the road. Two cars were stationary, facing each other, while the other cars drove past them, resembling blood flowing through a vein¡­ At that moment, inside the stationary cars, the two people inside stared at each other through the ss panes of their cars. In that moment, Xia Yangyang felt as if time had frozen. Still, her heart pounded like a drum, the frantic beat echoing in her ears. In the dim light, she couldn¡¯t see the man¡¯s face clearly from a distance away. But she had a feeling that the sky was about toe crashing down. The man stepped out of the car, taking one step at a time towards Xia Yangyang¡¯s direction¡­
Chapter 621: 622: He is my child, isnt he?! Chapter 621: Chapter 622: He is my child, isn¡¯t he?! Gu Qichen headed towards the car. Every step felt like walking on clouds, soft and numb, but seeming like he could fall at any moment and shatter into pieces. What on earth had this woman done! As Xia Yangyang saw the man approaching, the only thought that came to mind was to flee, she must escape. Almost subconsciously, Xia Yangyang stepped on the gas pedal. She had to leave. But the man across quickened his pace, running towards her. Just a secondter, his handsnded on the hood of Xia Yangyang¡¯s car. No escape after all. So near, it felt as if everything was beginning anew. Gu Qichen lifted his head and icily spoke out, ¡°Xia Yangyang, get out!¡±
Actually, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t hear clearly what Gu Qichen was saying. The area was drowned with car honks. But Xia Yangyang just knew what Gu Qichen said. Ever since she left the Caesar International Hotel, Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart had been pounding wildly as if it might jump out of her chest at any moment. But at this moment, Xia Yangyang suddenly felt her heart seemed to be seized, unable to beat. All the blood in her body felt like it had stopped flowing, leaving Xia Yangyang as stiff as a rock. The two of them confronted each other. It might¡¯ve been three minutes, or maybe three hours. Xia Yangyang could no longer feel the passage of time. But eventually, Xia Yangyang opened the car door, and walked out. The chilling cold wind hitting her face was like a bone-piercing de, jolting her senses back immediately. Xia Yangyang walked up to Gu Qichen, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t Mr. Gu be at the engagement ceremony right now? Does the bride not mind you running away like this?¡± Gu Qichen just stared at Xia Yangyang. At this point, she could still remain soposed, acting like nothing was an issue. Was this woman made of steel? ¡°Whose child is Summer?¡± Gu Qichen coldly opened his mouth. Xia Yangyang felt as if she was strung up by a thread, about to snap at any moment. Xia Yangyang also casually replied, ¡°No matter whose child it is, it doesn¡¯t seem to have anything to do with you?¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, is he my child? Four years ago, you didn¡¯t abort the child. Is he my child?¡± Gu Qichen was eager to hear the confirmation from Xia Yangyang herself.
On the way here, many thoughts had gone through Gu Qichen¡¯s mind. How could he have been so foolish? The child had been by his side for so long, yet he had never noticed, never even suspected. But clearly, everyone at thepany was gossiping that Summer was his illegitimate son, saying they were cut from the same cloth. Even Fang Zhengdong had mentioned more than once how strikingly simr they looked. But he just hadn¡¯t thought of it in that way.
Maybe he just firmly rejected the idea of that child. It was the deepest, most painful wound in his heart, each thought of it rending the wound open, never truly healing. After Xia Yangyang reappeared, Gu Qichen was constantly in turmoil. He could not find calmness to think and analyze many things. The heartless demeanor of Xia Yangyang made him never suspect that she hadn¡¯t given birth to their child then. But how could there be such coincidences in the world? While in the United States, Gu Qichen felt something was off when he encountered Tuanzi. Each time he looked at Tuanzi, his heart would soften, sometimes even giving him the urge to cry. When he answered a call from Tuanzi, saying he had already left, Gu Qichen was hit with a feeling of emptiness¡­n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Chapter 622: 623: Youre the one who wants a divorce, not me! Chapter 622: Chapter 623: You¡¯re the one who wants a divorce, not me! Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t understand why he had an extraordinarily strong feeling for Tuanzi. The heartache of impending separation was tearing him apart. Now, Gu Qichen finally understood why. It must be the inexplicable bond of blood. Xia Yangyang knew that she could no longer hide the truth. All this time, she had tried her best, intending to silently take Xia Ye away from Gu Qichen. But she hadn¡¯t expected to be caught at thest minute. Xia Yangyang decided to stop dodging: ¡°That¡¯s right, I did give birth to the child, but Gu Qichen, to call yourself the father is quite presumptuous. You are only the biological father, simply put, you merely provided a sperm, beyond that, what kind of connection do you think this child has with you, I do not believe a man who only provides a sperm can be called a father.¡± Xia Yangyang stated this calmly However, Gu Qichen was running out of patience, and he roared at Xia Yangyang: ¡°Xia Yangyang, isn¡¯t all of this caused by you? You made me merely a biological father, you caused the separation between my son and me, you made me miss his birth and his growing up, all of it was caused by you. You are so ruthless but me me for only being a biological father, Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re being fucking ridiculous?¡±
Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t resist swearing.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Gu Qichen was furious to the extreme. Deception, betrayal, shock, numerous intense emotions swarmed over him like a flood, utterly engulfing him. He stared at the calm face in front of him, wishing he could just smash it into pieces, turning it into dust and wiping it clean from this world. Gazing at Gu Qichen¡¯s form, Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart was also trembling. But she had to remain calm. Even if Gu Qichen knows, what can he do? It won¡¯t change anything, at worst it would be a custody battle, Besides, Gu Qichen is now engaged, he has a new family, perhaps he will have his own children soon. His outrage now is only because of her deceit. Xia Yangyang tried to reason with Gu Qichen: ¡°Gu Qichen, we divorced, I could have not had the child, but I couldn¡¯t bear to. But I didn¡¯t want my future to have anything to do with you because of the child, now we have both started new lives, we have both managed to extricate ourselves from the quagmire of the past, I think you do not wish to return to the endless arguing and mutual hatred of the past either, you have no emotional tie to Summer, just like before, pretend nothing happened, can¡¯t you?¡± But Gu Qichenughed, a mockingugh: ¡°Xia Yangyang, my son is right in front of me, you want me to pretend to not recognize him, to pretend nothing happened, you do it first and show me!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve never admitted that he is your son! We¡¯re divorced!¡± ¡°You¡¯re the one who wanted to divorce, not me!¡± ¡°So what? The fact is that we are divorced, we are strangers with no connection now, Summer is my son, he has grown up with me, he has no connection with you!¡± Gu Qichen roared: ¡°But he carries my blood, I, Gu Qichen, will not let my son be overseas, I¡¯ve missed his growth, from this day onward, he must stay by my side!¡± Xia Yangyang was genuinely beginning to be afraid: ¡°Gu Qichen, what are you nning to do, you can¡¯t attempt to snatch him away from me!¡± Chapter 623: 624: Gu Qichen Finally Tears Up Chapter 623: Chapter 624: Gu Qichen Finally Tears Up Xia Yangyang felt a surge of inexplicable fear welling up within her. As if she had a premonition of something. Sure enough, Gu Qichen turned around intuitively, then picked up Xia Ye from the passenger seat. Xia Yangyang was still a little confused, she didn¡¯t know what Gu Qichen was going to do. But Gu Qichen was already holding Xia Ye and moving towards his car. Xia Yangyang hurriedly caught up to him, stepping in front of Gu Qichen: ¡°Gu Qichen, what are you trying to do? Where do you want to take my son? Gu Qichen, you can¡¯t take my son!¡± Gu Qichen strode to the car, then stopped, his voice icy: ¡°Xia Yangyang, maybe you should experience what you¡¯ve done to me. From today onwards, you should taste the bitterness of being separated from your own flesh and blood.¡± After saying that, Gu Qichen directly held Xia Ye, getting into the car. He closed the car door, then got in the driver¡¯s seat and drove away swiftly. Everything happened too quickly. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t stop it. Xia Yangyang only knew that she had truly angered this man beyond measure.
Xia Yangyang stood there in a daze for just a few seconds. Then she quickly turned around, got into her own car, started the engine, and followed him. Two cars merged into the city¡¯s traffic flow. Xia Yangyang went from panic to anger, then finally calmed down. She only had one conviction in her heart, that she absolutely couldn¡¯t let Gu Qichen take Xia Ye away. No matter the cost. In this world, she could lose anything, but she absolutely couldn¡¯t lose Xia Ye. Gu Qichen¡¯s car was always ahead, Xia Yangyang followed relentlessly. She neither knew the direction nor the aim. Eventually, the car stopped at Maple Vi. Gu Qichen held the child and went straight into the vi. Xia Yangyang also ran in. Gu Qichen carried Xia Ye upstairs, cing Xia Ye in the bedroom, and immediately locked the door. Xia Yangyang knocked on the door from the outside: ¡°Gu Qichen, you bastard, open the door! You¡¯re nothing but a robber! What the hell are you trying to do?¡± The door was being knocked so hard by Xia Yangyang, but Gu Qichen felt a sudden quietness in the room. He looked at the little Tuanzi in his arms, a surge of emotions welled up within him.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om This was his son, actually his child! Despite the confirmation from Xia Yangyang¡¯s mouth, Gu Qichen¡¯s heart ached and his anger was unparalleled. But behind all theseplex and intense emotions, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a touch of ecstasy.
Like a volcano erupting from his chest, bit by bit, unbearably hot, he could hardly control that emotion. Ultimately, Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes were indeed red¡­ Gu Qichenid Xia Ye on the bed. Xia Yangyang was still knocking on the door outside, as if she was about to break it down.
After Gu Qichenid Xia Ye down, he sorted out his emotions and then went to open the door. Xia Yangyang was still knocking hard on the door from outside. The door was suddenly opened, and she was caught off bnce, falling directly onto Gu Qichen¡¯s chest. Xia Yangyang stepped back: ¡°Gu Qichen, give Summer back to me! You have no right to take him away! If you want to fight for Summer¡¯s custody, get awyer, we¡¯ll settle this in court, give him back to me first!¡± It seemed as if Gu Qichen had regained his usual coldness, his eyes were likeyers of millennium-old frost. Gu Qichen began to speak: ¡°Give him back to you? Then you will take him andpletely disappear? Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re nning!¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect her scheme to be seen through by Gu Qichen so quickly. Chapter 624: 625: Remarriage Chapter 624: Chapter 625: Remarriage Xia Yangyang originally nned to dy proceeding. As long as she could first wrest Xia Ye from Gu Qichen¡¯s grasp.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Then after returning to the United States, she could vanish without a trace. Xia Yangyang was certain that Gu Qichen wouldn¡¯t be able to find her. Even if they really went to court, Xia Yangyang was not afraid. They divorced before Xia Ye was born and Xia Ye had grown up by her side, a judge wouldn¡¯t be able to award custody to Gu Qichen. What Xia Yangyang feared was that this man could forcibly take what he wanted, that even the legal system couldn¡¯t stop him. Xia Yangyang broke the silence, ¡°Gu Qichen, I think we should calm down and talk about this.¡± ¡°I¡¯m calm enough now. Say whatever you want to say.¡± Xia Yangyang looked up at Gu Qichen, he was not merely calm now, but cold as ice.
Xia Yangyangposed her thoughts: ¡°There¡¯s no way Summer can leave me. You¡¯ve realized after having him with you for so long, he has congenital nerve sleeping disorder. For all these years, I¡¯ve been treating him, so he cannot leave me. Don¡¯t pretend you can also treat him. No one knows Summer¡¯s condition better than me, nor could take better care of him. Gu Qichen, if you really care about this child, you cannot let him leave me.¡± Xia Yangyang was speaking the truth. In this realm, Xia Yangyang could be considered half an expert from dealing with his illness for such a long time. Of course Summer couldn¡¯t live without her care. More importantly, she couldn¡¯t live without Summer. He was her mental pir. Gu Qichen, on the other hand, fell silent. He was knitted his brows as if he were considering something, it seemed that he had taken in Xia Yangyang¡¯s words. Xia Yangyang seized the moment: ¡°Gu Qichen, you¡¯re engaged today, you shouldn¡¯t be here. What does engagement imply? It means you have a new family. If you insist on keeping Summer by your side, have you considered your wife¡¯s feelings? Have you considered the media¡¯sments on this child appearing out of nowhere? They will say he is your illegitimate son, Summer will be criticized from a young age, and your wife might not even ept him. This is unfair to everyone.¡± Gu Qichen spoke coldly, ¡°Fair? I¡¯ve been fair to everyone. Will everyone be fair to me? Xia Yangyang, everything you say today is useless, I¡¯d never let Summer go with you.¡± Xia Yangyang did not expect that none of her earnest pleas, even involving his soon-to-be-wife, would make any difference. Seeing Gu Qichen¡¯s determined look, Xia Yangyang finally couldn¡¯t keep her patience. Xia Yangyang voiced her resolution: ¡°Gu Qichen, what exactly do you want to do? Summer is my son. I will not leave him for one step. If you want to take the child away from me, it will only happen over my dead body.¡± Xia Yangyang also sounded absolutely resolute. Gu Qichen had made up his mind, but she also wouldn¡¯t give up. Even if a fierce custody war is waiting for them. Xia Yangyang raised her face: ¡°Gu Qichen, I am not the same Xia Yangyang as four years ago. You should understand. Over these four years, I have managed to keep quiet and out of sight. Even your vast and detailed informationwork couldn¡¯t trace me. If you insist on fighting for this child with me, I¡¯m not afraid of you. Besides, considering the present situation, I¡¯m not necessarily on the losing side.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t fight with you in court, I don¡¯t want Summer to be hurt,¡± Gu Qichen broke the silence. Xia Yangyang was stunned: ¡°Then what do you want to do?¡± Gu Qichen was silent for a few seconds, staring into Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes, and calmly spit out two words: ¡°Re-marry!¡±
Chapter 625: 626: My current situation is all thanks to you Chapter 625: Chapter 626: My current situation is all thanks to youn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om As the words ¡°re-marry¡± left Gu Qichen¡¯s lips, Xia Yangyang was immediately taken aback. She initially thought she was hearing things. But Gu Qichen¡¯s expression was serious, not at all like he was joking. Before Xia Yangyang could react, Gu Qichen¡¯s phone rang. He took his phone out of his pocket, nced at it, then turned to the window to answer the call. Just as Gu Qichen flipped open his phone, Xia Yangyang saw the name on it- Zijun, Xi Zijun. Xia Yangyang¡¯s eyes quickly dimmed. Gu Qichen briefly spoke a few words, merely grunting twice before hanging up. Gu Qichen turned back to her. He spoke to Xia Yangyang, ¡°Consider my proposal.¡±
Xia Yangyangughed, lifting her head, ¡°Re-marry? What about Xi Zijun? Weren¡¯t you going to get engaged to her today?¡± ¡°I will cancel the engagement. I¡¯ll take care of everything else.¡± Xia Yangyang¡¯sughter was tinged with irony, ¡°You can cancel the engagement at any time, but can feelings also be so capricious?¡± Xia Yangyang stared into Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes, her lips curled into a pronounced arc, ¡°Gu Qichen, ever since my return to the country, I have heard countless rumors about your notorious debauchery as Young Master Gu. I never quite believed it, but I didn¡¯t expect you to really be such a person.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face was cold and clear, he didn¡¯t offer an exnation. Instead, he asked back, ¡°Xia Yangyang, no matter what I am now, it¡¯s all thanks to you. By remarrying, you can stay with Summer. This is your only option. Think it over carefully.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t need to think about it, Gu Qichen. I won¡¯t remarry you, and I certainly won¡¯t maintain a wed marriage because of a child.¡± Gu Qichen stepped forward, firmly grasping Xia Yangyang by the chin, ¡°What are you acting so high and mighty for? Haven¡¯t you long not cared about the enmity between our families? How else could you be with Xiao Han? Xia Yangyang, I¡¯m not asking for your permission, I¡¯m giving you an opportunity.¡± Xia Yangyang shook off Gu Qichen¡¯s hand, ¡°My opportunity is not yours to give, Gu Qichen. Don¡¯t delude yourself.¡± The two once again fell into a silent standoff, neither willing to concede. Gu Qichen¡¯s phone began to ring relentlessly again. But this time, Gu Qichen ignored it. After a while, Fang Zhengdong appeared at the door. Seeing the scene inside, Fang Zhengdong paused for a moment. Gu Qichen turned his head, looking visibly annoyed. ¡°What are you here for?¡± Fang Zhengdong nced at Xia Yangyang, looking as if he wanted to say something but hesitated. Finally, he went to Gu Qichen, leaned over, and whispered something into his ear. Gu Qichen¡¯s expression instantly grew serious. Gu Qichen said to Fang Zhengdong, ¡°Watch her. If she or my son is missing when I get back, I¡¯ll have you transferred to Africa.¡± Having said that, Gu Qichen left.
Fang Zhengdong was left standing there,pletely stunned. Although it was only a brief sentence, there was a lot of information in it. The President¡¯s son? Since when did the President have a son?
Fang Zhengdong unconsciously nced towards the bedroom. Tuanzi was sleeping quietly on the bed¡­ Could it be?! Fang Zhengdong had a sudden realization. Tuanzi was the president¡¯s son. Then Tuanzi¡¯s mother couldn¡¯t be¡­ Fang Zhengdong felt as if the world was full of mystery. But his quick-thinking mind immediately filled in a clich¨¦ from a TV drama where the female lead runs away with the child. No wonder he felt familiar when he first saw Tuanzi. That cool aura and detached-from-the-world attitude were just like the president! Chapter 626: 627: Hidden Difficulties Chapter 626: Chapter 627: Hidden Difficulties ¡°Actually, Tuanzi and the CEO do share some resemnce. Particrly those cold eyes that seem to see through worldly affairs. These days, thepany has been abuzz with rumors that the CEO has an illegitimate son, whom he brings to thepany every day. However, everyone spectes that this illegitimate child is the son of CEO and Zhang Xinyi. Speaking of which, Zhang Xinyi¡¯s eyes do somewhat resemble Xia Yangyang¡¯s. No wonder, in these recent years¡­.. Even Fang Zhengdong finds this situation troubling, it¡¯s simply tooplicated. Fang Zhengdong nced at Xia Yangyang who seemed to be lost in thought on the couch and cautiously greeted her: ¡°Yangyang, long time no see.¡± Xia Yangyang also looked up and gave a slight smile towards Fang Zhengdong: ¡°Secretary Fang, hope you¡¯ve been well.¡± Fang Zhengdong took a rare moment to observe Xia Yangyang.
The image she presented now was vastly different from before. Her demeanour seemed to have changed drastically. She only spoke a couple of words, but to Fang Zhengdong, Xia Yangyang now appeared sharper and more tenacious than before. Fang Zhengdong chuckled, ¡°I couldn¡¯t have possibly imagined that little Tuanzi is the son of the CEO and you. When I saw him in the United States before, I thought there was something familiar about him. Now that I think about it, only a genius like the CEO could have a child as gifted as him.¡± Xia Yangyang only managed a weak smile in response. Fang Zhengdong was well aware that the rtionship between the CEO and Xia Yangyang probably wasn¡¯t very good. Xia Yangyang got up and left for the bedroom. Xia Ye was sleeping. This was the perfect opportunity. Xia Yangyang went into the room and casually picked up Xia Ye as if it was perfectly normal. Then she turned around to leave. Fang Zhengdong blocked the door, his face framing a hard decision: ¡°Yangyang, we used to be friends, would you really send me to Africa heartlessly?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I have to go.¡± Despite feeling guilty, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t yield. Furthermore, Fang Zhengdong is Gu Qichen¡¯s right-hand man. Xia Yangyang did not believe that Gu Qichen would banish him to Africa over this. It was merely a bluff. But Fang Zhengdong remained in Xia Yangyang¡¯s path. ¡°The vi is surrounded by reporters right now. Today, the CEO¡¯s absence from his own engagement banquet is big news. There are countless reporters staking out both here and thepany. If you leave now, you¡¯ll certainly be photographed, and it would bring trouble to everyone involved.¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Fang Zhengdong was aware that Xia Yangyang, who used to be a popr actress, found paparazzi immensely irritating, she certainly wouldn¡¯t want to be wrapped up in a scandal. As expected, Xia Yangyang frowned, seemingly wrestling with the decision. She didn¡¯t want the situation to escte. If she were exposed, the Gu family would also learn of Xia Ye¡¯s existence.
That would add moreplication. Xia Yangyang turned back into the room and put Xia Ye back in his bed. Then she abruptly turned around again: ¡°Didn¡¯t Gu Qichen just leave for his engagement venue?¡± If Gu Qichen went to the engagement venue, why would reporters still be swarming here?
Fang Zhengdong heaved a sigh: ¡°The CEO didn¡¯t go to his engagement venue.¡± ¡°Then where did he go?¡± Xia Yangyang was genuinely perplexed. What could be more important than his own engagement? Plus, didn¡¯t Xi Zijun just call a while ago? ¡°He¡­.he¡­..had some issues.¡± Xia Yangyang was seeing Secretary Fang tongue-tied for the first time, which seemed like he had something hard to confess. Xia Yangyang dropped her gaze: ¡°Never mind, you don¡¯t need to tell me. It has nothing to do with me where he goes.¡± Fang Zhengdong seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. He really could not disclose where the CEO had gone. However, it seemed like this matter wouldn¡¯t stay hidden for long. Chapter 627: 628: The Young Actress Commits Suicide for Love Chapter 627: Chapter 628: The Young Actress Commits Suicide for Love Nevertheless, Xia Yangyang soon learned where Gu Qichen had gone off to. Feeling under the weather that night, she even developed a mild fever when the sun went down. Coupled with Fang Zhengdong dutifully guarding the living room all night, and a slew of reporters loitering outside, the atmosphere was a touch too suffocating. Xia Yangyang called it a day quite early, saving her energy to figure out a n of action the next morning. But little did she anticipate waking up to an explosive entertainment headline on her phone. The news titled, ¡°Young Maid of Honor Attempts Suicide Out of Love, Backing Tycoon Abuzz with Marriage Cancetion Rumors,¡± created quite a storm. The news detailed how Zhang Xinyi, the newly established ¡°it girl¡± of the entertainment industry, attempted suicide by cutting her wrists at River View Vi the previous night. The actress was discovered by her manager and rushed to the hospital, and soon after, Gu Qichen was spotted visiting the hospital ¨C it all dovetailed very conveniently with his engagement announcement. The article was a lengthy piece essentially regurgitating the unsavory gossip of a financial tycoon and the tale of an uing actress. It ranged frommenting the blind nature of love, conspiracies, to various interpretations. Unsurprisingly, the story went viral on the digital media tforms.
The trending searches on Weibo were brimming with the names of Gu Qichen, Zhang Xinyi, and Xi Zijun. Opinions on the matter varied greatly, creating a buzz in thements. ¡°Who would have thought Zhang Xinyi, the innocent one, could be rather maniptive. Taking advantage of President Gu¡¯s marriage, she spiced it up and managed to ruin Young Master Gu¡¯s wedding. It seems like she can¡¯t let go of her obsession.¡± ¡°I, for one, believe Zhang Xinyi is not pretending. She must genuinely be besotted with Young Master Gu. Who would y with their own life as a joke? Didn¡¯t she abort his child previously?¡± ¡°Young Master Gu must still harbor feelings for her. He dashed off to the hospital, leaving his bride-to-be. Regardless of whether Zhang Xinyi deliberately nned this, she won this round.¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om ¡°Here¡¯s a bombshell for y¡¯all ¨C Zhang Xinyi and Young Master Gu have a son together. The child resembles Young Master Gu and he even brings him to the office asionally. So, even though Zhang Xinyi can¡¯t be the leadingdy, she¡¯s given birth to the Gu Family¡¯s eldest grandson. A mother is noble with a noble son.¡± Comments flooded the inte sphere. Xia Yangyang casually nced through some before shutting off her phone. She¡¯d never met the girl named Zhang Xinyi, nor did she know about her rtionship with Gu Qichen. Yet, Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit sorry for her. Xia Yangyang picked up Xia Ye, preparing to leave. Fang Zhengdong hastily stood up, ¡°You can¡¯t leave. The president said he¡¯ll be back soon.¡± Obviously, she wouldn¡¯t wait for Gu Qichen to return. This time, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t hesitate to use force. Being a ck belt in Taekwondo and having kept up with regr fitness over the years, she was not to be taken lightly. Fang Zhengdong, caught off guard, was swiftly floored by Xia Yangyang. With Xia Ye in her arms, Xia Yangyang was all set to leave. As she arrived at the door, she bumped into Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t expected Gu Qichen to return so soon. ¡°Where are you going?¡± Gu Qichen asked, his voice icy.
¡°You¡¯d be better off managing your own people instead of meddling with me,¡± she retorted. Remembering Gu Qichen¡¯s proposal for remarriage, Xia Yangyang felt a sense of irony. Gu Qichen said nothing. ¡°First, have breakfast. We¡¯ll talkter,¡± he suggested. Surprisingly, Gu Qichen was holding a box of food which apparently contained porridge.
Xia Yangyang lost her appetite. ¡°I¡¯m not eating. Gu Qichen, there¡¯s nothing left to discuss between us. If you don¡¯t let me leave, I¡¯ll call the cops right now.¡± Gu Qichen scoffed, ¡°Then go ahead ¨C call them!¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, you -¡± Just when the conversation was heating up, Fang Zhengdong quickly tried to mediate, ¡°The old man called just a bit ago, asking you to return to Gu Gardenter. He especially mentioned to bring the child along.¡± Chapter 628: 629: Xia Yangyang, only you have forgotten everything Chapter 628: Chapter 629: Xia Yangyang, only you have forgotten everything Xia Yangyang was suddenly nervous: ¡°How did the old man know about this child?¡± Fang Zhengdong showed an awkward expression: ¡°He might have seen some gossip news articles and thought¡­¡± Xia Yangyang understood instantly. The old man must have thought that Xia Ye was the illegitimate son of Gu Qichen and Zhang Xinyi. Xia Yangyang, holding Xia Ye: ¡°No, I won¡¯t let Summer return to the Gu Family. He has nothing to do with you!¡± Gu Qichen huffed coldly: ¡°Now that the old man knows, do you really think you can keep hiding it?¡± Xia Yangyang knew that she could not hide it any longer, but the situation had long since spiraled out of her control. ¡°Xia Yangyang, didn¡¯t you want to sever our liaison? Today, when we return, I willpletely sever ties with you.¡± Xia Yangyang felt particrly drained when Gu Qichen said this. Maybe it was because that little starlet had made him less obstinate.
But what exactly did Gu Qichen mean by severance?n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om In the end, Xia Yangyang went back to Gu Garden with Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang had not set foot in this ce for four years. But everything still seemed just as it was before. The winter cherry blossoms out front of the vi were all in bloom. Pink petals were scattered all over the ground, giving the illusion of having entered a fairy tale world. As soon as the car stopped, Xia Yangyang got out. The big golden retriever in the yard started barking at her. Xia Yangyang turned her head and called out ¡°Oscar!¡± The golden retriever seemed startled too. Then it ran wildly to Xia Yangyang¡¯s feet, rolling around, revealing its belly in a yful manner, its nose rubbing against her trouser leg. Xia Yangyang was quite surprised and suddenly said to Gu Qichen, who was walking towards her, ¡°It still remembers me?!¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, you¡¯re the only one who forgot everything.¡± The tone of Gu Qichen was cold. He then opened the car door to carry the sleeping Xia Ye. Xia Yangyang realized that Gu Qichen¡¯s words were cryptic; her heart prickled as if stabbed by something. Gu Qichen carried Xia Ye into the house, and Xia Yangyang followed. When the butler saw Gu Qichen return, he respectfully said, ¡°Young Master, you¡¯re back. The old man is in the study.¡± But then, he turned his head and saw Xia Yangyang too.
His usually taciturn face registered shock, ¡°Young Madame.¡± Xia Yangyang forced a smile: ¡°Uncle Zhou, I am not Young Madame anymore. Just call me Miss Xia.¡± The butler recovered hisposure. To think that after four years, the young master had brought the young madame back and even a child. The butler softened his eyes at the sight of the child: ¡°This must be the young master. He¡¯s the splitting image of the young master when he was a child.¡±
Gu Qichen¡¯s face didn¡¯t look too good: ¡°Has my sister returned?¡± ¡°The young mistress is also in the study.¡± Gu Qichen went straight upstairs with Xia Ye in his arms. Nothing at the Gu Family residence had changed, even the young maids from four years ago still had the same faces. All of them looked at Xia Yangyang as if they had just seen a ghost. Xia Yangyang felt inexplicably nervous. But whatever needs to be settled had to be over as soon as possible. Gu Qichen did not go to the study, but took Xia Yangyang to a bedroom ¨C the one they had stayed in four years ago. It was only after settling Xia Ye that Gu Qichen went to the study. Xia Yangyang apanied him. The study door was tightly shut. Gu Qichen knocked twice. The door swiftly opened. Gu Mingzhu appeared at the door.
¡°You¡¯re finally back, you and that starlet actually¡­..¡± Mingzhu¡¯s words trailed off as she noticed Xia Yangyang standing behind Gu Qichen. Chapter 629: 630: She is Not Someone You Can Disrespect at Will Chapter 629: Chapter 630: She is Not Someone You Can Disrespect at Will Gu Mingzhu was clearly stunned. The surprise was evident in her eyes when she saw Xia Yangyang. Yangyang was used to seeing this kind of reaction. Therefore, she was particrly calm. Yangyang had known what she would face beforeing here. This was essentially a psychological battle for her. But everything else seemed trivialpared to the potential loss of Xia Ye. Gu Mingzhu seemed to have guessed something too. She said nothing, merely opening the door to the study. ¡°Come in,¡± Gu Mingzhu¡¯s voice was now calm.
Gu Qichen went in, and Yangyang followed him. The old man was standing behind a desk practicing calligraphy. There was a stack of rice paper on the desk, each sheet bearing only one character, ¡°calm.¡± It seemed that the old man was truly furious. Only through this could he calm his own heart. After Gu Qichen entered, Gu Mingzhu walked over and said, ¡°Dad, Ah Chen is back.¡± The old man didn¡¯t lift his head but continued writing. The room was very quiet. Everyone seemed to be silently waiting for the old man to finish his calligraphy. Only after thest stroke did the old man put down his brush and look up. After raising his head, he saw Xia Yangyang. But the old man, as expected, was experienced and wise. His expression didn¡¯t change after seeing Yangyang. He didn¡¯t even furrow his brows. He calmly asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Gu Qichen answered, ¡°I¡¯vee back to announce something.¡± Gu Qichen paused for a moment. The old man and Gu Mingzhu both set their gazes on him. Gu Qichen spoke calmly, ¡°I¡¯m cancelling the wedding with Zijun.¡±
Gu Qichen dropped a bombshell as soon as he returned. The old man didn¡¯t say anything yet. Gu Mingzhu said, ¡°Marriage is not a joke. You can¡¯t just cancel it at will. So many people were at the venue yesterday, and you just disappeared. What do you take Zijun for, someone you can trifle with at your convenience?¡± Gu Qichen said, ¡°I¡¯ve made it clear to Zijun. She agrees to cancel the engagement.¡±
Gu Mingzhu responded, ¡°Gu Qichen, that¡¯s not on. Yes, Zijun loves you and cares about you unconditionally, but that¡¯s not a reason for you to treat her like this. I oppose the cancetion.¡± ¡°Sis, I¡¯ve already decided.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was firm. Everyone in this family knew his nature, he was a man of his word. If he had made a decision, announcing it meant he was merely informing others, not seeking their opinions. This was the first time Gu Mingzhu couldn¡¯t agree with Gu Qichen. Shengyuan nced at Yangyang and asked, ¡°So, are you cancelling the wedding because of the woman beside you, or the young actress who attempted suicidest night?¡± The old man¡¯s voice was cold. Yangyang still had the impression of him being kindly and charitable four years ago. But the old man now seemed like a different person from that. He was imposing without being angry, his aura strong. He had a natural regal demeanour that made people step back. Yangyang had almost forgotten. The old man was not only a legendary businessman but also a veteran who¡¯d had his ups and downs and seen much of life.
Gu Qichen calmly said, ¡°Because I want to remarry Yangyang.¡± The room fellpletely silent, time seemed to stand still, it was as if the air had frozen solid. Chapter 630: 631: I Wont Take Responsibility for Young Master Gus Romantic Debts Chapter 630: Chapter 631: I Won¡¯t Take Responsibility for Young Master Gu¡¯s Romantic Debts Xia Yangyang was also stunned. Gu Qichen had mentioned remarriagest night. But Xia Yangyang had clearly stated that it was impossible. However, Xia Yangyang did not expect Gu Qichen to say these words in front of the old man and Gu Mingzhu as soon as he returned. Gu Qichen said thating back with him would give her aplete break. Is this what Gu Qichen meant by aplete break? Xia Yangyang spoke almost reflexively, ¡°Gu Qichen, have you lost your mind? When did I agree to remarry you?¡± Gu Qichen, however, turned around and suddenly shouted angrily, ¡°Shut up, I never asked for your opinion.¡± Xia Yangyang could feel that Gu Qichen was extremely intolerant of her right now. That repressed hatred and anger seemed to burst out at any moment.
Gu Qichen said it wasn¡¯t about asking for her opinion, he felt that this was the only path he could take now. Because of the child, he decided to cancel the wedding and remarry her, it¡¯s also a helpless action under these current circumstances. Xia Yangyang cut in, ¡°Gu Qichen, you can¡¯t be so authoritarian and domineering. Remarriage involves two people. I disagree, so you better give up on this idea.¡± ¡°Xia Yangyang, the child is already this big, what else do you want?¡± Gu Qichen was barely holding back his furious roar. Mentioning the child made Gu Qichen lose control. As if the missing four years had formed a ck hole in his heart, the full regret and heartache could always make him lose control. The old man and Gu Mingzhu were also slightly taken aback, ¡°The child mentioned in the news is yours?¡± Gu Mingzhu could barely believe it. But a sense of dreadful destiny suddenly swept over her, like a pair of hands choking her throat. Why was it Xia Yangyang¡¯s child? Even the child of some unknown actress would have been a better oue. Their grudges intertwined, spanning twenty years of hatred.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Gu Mingzhu originally thought that once Ah Chen divorced her, everything would be over. But how could a childe out of their rtionship? Would the enmity of twenty years continue from generation to generation? The old man¡¯s face also didn¡¯t look good, ¡°Speak up, what exactly is going on?¡± Gu Qichen turned around, calmer than before, ¡°That¡¯s correct, the child is Yangyang¡¯s and mine. She was pregnant before she disappeared. The child is now four years old and is in my room.¡± The old man, after hearing this, stepped back unsteadily.
Finally grasping the chair, he sat down. The old man murmured a few times, ¡°A debt of sin.¡± Hearing this, Xia Yangyang felt exceptionally upset. Her Xia Ye was an angel, how could he be a debt of sin here?
Besides, she never thought of associating Xia Ye with the Gu family. Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t help but retort, ¡°The old man need not be so troubled. My son¡¯s identity is just my son. He has nothing to do with the Gu family. As long as you can convince Mr. Gu to let go of us, mother and son, I promise to disappear without a trace just like before.¡± The old man spoke coldly, ¡°If you really are willing to disappear without a trace, why would you suddenly appear at Ah Chen¡¯s engagement party? Using your son as a bargaining chip to make him abandon marriage and leave, Yangyang, your intentions are crystal clear.¡± Xia Yangyang felt wronged. However, she rebutted clearly, ¡°So, what does the old man think I am nning? Besides, it¡¯s widely known that Young Master Gu was absent from the wedding because his mistress attempted suicide and was hospitalized. I won¡¯t take the me for Young Master Gu¡¯s promiscuity.¡± Chapter 631: 632: Self-Humiliation Chapter 631: Chapter 632: Self-Humiliation Xia Yangyang quickly changed the subject. It reminded the old man. He turned to Gu Qichen and asked, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you broken things off with that young actress yet? Do I really have to step in?¡± There seemed to be a slight shift in Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze. Gu Qichen responded, ¡°Don¡¯t interfere with her, I¡¯ll take care of it myself.¡± The old man huffed, ¡°I¡¯ve been hearing you say that for thest three years. You seem bewitched. Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know that girl¡¯s background. She used to be a hostess in a nightclub, and her past is questionable. It¡¯s a disgrace for you to keep her around. You may not care about your reputation, but the Gu Family does.¡± Xia Yangyang listened and found itughable. The old man always ced reputation and face at the forefront. So even twenty years ago when Gu Mingzhu did those disgraceful things, the Gu Family found a way to suppress it all. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t relent, ¡°Father, keep your hands off Xinyi¡¯s matters, or else you know how temperamental I can be.¡±
The old manughed at Gu Qichen¡¯s words, ¡°Thest time you were so stubborn with me was also for a woman¡¯s sake. Why do you always make foolish decisions for a woman?¡± Listening to ¡°Xinyi¡± from Gu Qichen¡¯s mouth felt like a knife twist in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. Xia Yangyang was aware she was ying the fool. She kept mentioning divorce to Gu Qichen as a reminder to him, but more so as a reminder to herself. They were already divorced, and she had no right to interfere in Gu Qichen¡¯s life. Over the past four years, even if Gu Qichen had countless women, it was his right and none of her concern. However, when she first found out about Zhang Xinyi, Xia Yangyang was mostly indifferent. She, like everyone else, thought that woman was simply a tool for Gu Qichen to fend off his loneliness. At the least, she would not be more important than Xi Zijun in Gu Qichen¡¯s heart. But Xia Yangyang had now realized. The girl had an irreceable position in Gu Qichen¡¯s heart, because he was willing to even shake his cherished family ties for her. ¡°What I do, I am aware of. Please don¡¯t interfere.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s tone was determined. The old man, who was already holding back anger, said, ¡°You think you know, but I don¡¯t think you do at all. The girl attempted suicide at your engagement banquet, doesn¡¯t that show she has ulterior motives? And this woman beside you, so ruthless in the past, forcing your sister to ruin herself and be desperate. With so much hatred for our Gu Family, why would she willingly have your child? Now, shees back with a child, what is her true purpose? I will not recognize that child as my grandson, so don¡¯t even think about discussing remarriage with me.¡± The old man¡¯s words were resolute. Although Xia Yangyang felt a chill when hearing the old man would not recognize Xia Ye, she also felt relieved.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om It¡¯s for the best, with the old man as a huge obstacle. At least Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t do as he pleased. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t have to worry about Gu Qichen trying to take custody of Xia Ye. Because the Gu Family wouldn¡¯t even acknowledge the child.
But Gu Mingzhu seemed slightly hesitant, ¡°Father, don¡¯t be like this. Since the child is already here, we have to consider many things.¡± The old man turned around, ¡°Why are you so disappointing?¡± In front of the old man, Gu Mingzhu was almost childlike. Lowering her head, she said softly, ¡°I¡¯m going to see the child.¡±
After saying that, Gu Mingzhu walked out of the study. Chapter 632: 633: Unable to Treat as Sister and Cant Call Her Mom Chapter 632: Chapter 633: Unable to Treat as Sister and Can¡¯t Call Her Mom Gu Mingzhu went to Gu Qichen¡¯s bedroom. The bedroom door was open. Several maids were peeking inside. Gu Mingzhu walked over: ¡°What are you all doing here?¡± One of the maids spoke up, ¡°Miss, inside is the rumored little master, he¡¯s so handsome. I have never seen a child so good-looking.¡± The other people also echoed. However, another maid also wondered, ¡°But this little master can really sleep, can¡¯t he? The butler just went in to bring the little master some fruit and he didn¡¯t even wake up.¡± ¡°When the little master came back, he was carried in, still asleep. Could he be sick?¡± Gu Mingzhu spoke, ¡°Stop this nonsense right here. Disperse, go about your own business.¡± The maids scattered from the doorway.
Only then did Gu Mingzhu walk in. Indeed, a little dumpling was sleeping on the bed. Gu Mingzhu only nced once, and her eyes were wet Step by step, she walked in, as if stepping into a backwards time tunnel. When she stopped in front of the little dumpling, Gu Mingzhu felt like she was standing before Gu Qichen when he was four or five years old. The child looked too much like Ah Chen when he was a child, so simr that it was bewildering. Ah Chen was her child. But from infancy to adulthood, he could only call her sister. The old man was harsh on Ah Chen from childhood, so Ah Chen acted like a little adult from a young age. Then, everything exploded. There began to be a rift between Ah Chen and her. He couldn¡¯t see her as a sister, yet he couldn¡¯t call her mother. Every time she saw his elusive eyes, Gu Mingzhu¡¯s heart ached. Many times, Gu Mingzhu missed when Ah Chen was still a child. Back then, when he did something wrong and was scolded, he would burrow into her arms. That was probably her happiest time. But time cannot be turned back. At this moment, Gu Mingzhu looked at the child in front of her. It was like looking at a child version of Gu Qichen.
Unable to control her tears, they surged up. Gu Mingzhu went to the bed, gently sitting down. The child was really deep asleep. In his sleep, he seemed to slightly frown.
Too much like Gu Qichen. When Gu Qichen was sleeping, he was also like this, as if always having worries that didn¡¯t match his age. Always making people feel sorrowful. This child¡¯s features were exceptionally refined, like the most perfect work of art crafted by God. His delicate and straight nose was somewhat simr to Xia Yangyang. His skin was also snow-white, even a little girl might not necessarily look as good. Speaking of it, she did not look very much like Xia Yangyang. But there was a shadow of Xia Yangyang in her charm. At first nce, there was no doubt that this was the child of Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen. Gu Mingzhu couldn¡¯t help reaching out and touching the sleeping child¡¯s hair. This little guy really perfectlybined the advantages of his father and mother. Little dumpling¡¯s hair was soft, like a tender ball of yarn. This was somewhat different from Gu Qichen.
When Gu Qichen was a child, his hair was hard. When it was cut short, it felt like a little hedgehog upon touch.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om But this child was different, he seemed to possess a sort of magical power that warmed people up. It was like a dove¡¯s feather lightly brushing across one¡¯s heart. Gu Mingzhu¡¯s heart felt as if it was filled with something, inexplicably delighted, and yet bitter. Just then, the little one on the bed moved, and then slowly opened his eyes¡­ Chapter 633: 634: I Dont Have a Father Chapter 633: Chapter 634: I Don¡¯t Have a Father ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡± Gu Mingzhu eximed in surprise. She subtly turned her head and wiped the tears from the corner of her eyes. Xia Ye slowly sat up from the bed, rubbing his eyes, ¡°Where is this? Who are you?¡± But Xia Ye was very calm.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om He often passed out and in the United States; Xia Yangyang would always have him by her side. So before he fell asleep and after waking up, he always found himself in different ces. He was already used to it. ¡°I am¡­ Gu Mingzhu, this is my home.¡± Gu Mingzhu, for a moment, didn¡¯t know how to define the rtionship between the child and herself. Xia Ye spoke politely, ¡°Hello, why am I here?¡± Gu Mingzhu held Xia Ye¡¯s hand, ¡°Because you fell asleep, your parents are in the room next door, they¡¯lle over soon.¡±
Xia Ye looked slightly surprised, ¡°Dad?¡± As if seeing through the child¡¯s confusion, Gu Mingzhu asked, ¡°Hasn¡¯t your mother ever told you who your father is?¡± ¡°I don¡¯t have a father,¡± Xia Ye stated inly. ¡°How can you not have a father? Your father is Gu Qichen, he¡¯s in the next room.¡± ¡°Uncle Gu?¡± Xia Ye asked, puzzled. Gu Mingzhu didn¡¯t know how to exin it further. It was clear that the child had met Gu Qichen but didn¡¯t know he was his father. Gu Mingzhu let out a sigh, ¡°Your parents will exin it to youter. For now, let¡¯s y for a while. Then we¡¯ll have lunch.¡± Xia Ye was very obedient, ¡°Okay.¡± Gu Mingzhu was surprised by the child¡¯s maturity and calmness. When he found out about his father, he was slightly surprised. Now, he had already regained hisposure. He did not seem shocked or curious. Quiet and peaceful, he didn¡¯t look like a child that was only four years old. ¡°Summer,¡± a deep voice suddenly came from the entrance. Both Gu Mingzhu and Xia Ye looked up. Gu Mingzhu was extremely surprised and couldn¡¯t help but stand up. Standing at the door was her son Gu Zhaohan. Why did Gu Zhaohan suddenlye back? More surprising, who was he calling just now?
Could it be this child? Sure enough, Tuanzi looked up and, upon seeing Gu Zhaohan, broke into a smile, ¡°Uncle Gu.¡± Gu Zhaohan came in, and Tuanzi greeted him proactively, ¡°Why are you here? Are you here to see my mom?¡± ¡°Where is your mom?¡±
¡°Next room.¡± Gu Mingzhu was too stunned to speak. What was going on? Why were they so familiar with each other? Furthermore, Gu Mingzhu could tell that their familiarity wasn¡¯t recent. It was an intimacy that suggested they¡¯ve known each other for a long time. From their conversation, Gu Mingzhu could sense. Gu Zhaohan and Xia Yangyang seemed to have met long ago. Xia Yangyang had just returned after disappearing for four years, hadn¡¯t she? How could this be? Gu Mingzhu¡¯s heart suddenly sank. A terrifying thought surfaced in her mind. Gu Zhaohan had already turned around, ¡°Mom, I¡¯m home.¡± Gu Mingzhu stood and asked, ¡°How are you acquainted with this child?¡±
Gu Zhaohan looked at Xia Ye, ¡°He¡¯s been my patient for nearly three years.¡± Gu Mingzhu was, for a moment, unable to respond. These years, Gu Zhaohan had joined Novi¡¯s top-level international neurology research team. She knew all these years he had been studying a topic rted to a sleeping disorder. But she didn¡¯t expect it to be this child. Gu Mingzhu stared at the child beside her in disbelief. Gu Zhaohan spoke calmly, ¡°Yes, his name is Xia Ye, he has congenital neurological sleep disorder.¡± Chapter 634: 635: The Remarriage Is Because Of... His Ulterior Motives Chapter 634: Chapter 635: The Remarriage Is Because Of¡­ His Ulterior Motives Gu Mingzhu was in shock. He couldn¡¯t believe such a small child could suffer from such a rare disease. No wonder the child seemed to be asleep ever since he was brought down from the car, he seemed as if he could never wake up. However, what Gu Mingzhu found even more unbelievable was that Gu Zhaohan had been treating the child for three years¡­ Gu Mingzhu asked, ¡°Do you know whose child he is?¡± ¡°I¡¯m well aware,¡± Gu Zhaohan answered calmly. Taking two steps back in shock, Gu Mingzhu leaned on a closet nearby. ¡°How could you hide this for so long when you knew he was Ah Chen¡¯s and¡­¡± Gu Zhaohan replied, ¡°Mom, let the past be the past. Uncle and Yangyang are divorced now, they have nothing to do with each other.¡± A bitter smile came onto Gu Mingzhu¡¯s lips, ¡°They have nothing to do with each other, hmm? I guess that¡¯s why Ah Chen proposed to remarry.¡± ¡°Remarriage?¡± The color drained from Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face instantly at those words.
Then, he abruptly turned and exited the bedroom. Seeing her son in such a state, Gu Mingzhu felt like she had been pushed into an ice cer. How could this happen? Why did this happen? Things were much worse than she had originally thought. Why was Xiao Han getting involved? And despite knowing that the child was Xia Yangyang¡¯s and Qi Chen¡¯s, Xiao Han had kept it a secret for the past three years. As his mother, no one could understand what was going through his mind better than her. To make matters worse, he must have been in contact with Xia Yangyang over these years. Didn¡¯t Xia Yangyang loathe the Gu family? She had no idea what was going on between them now. And if Ah Chen found out about all of this, there was no way he would forgive Xiao Han¡­ She thought everything had been detracted over time, that every grudge and dispute had disappeared. But to her surprise, a seed that had been nted long ago had been quietly sprouting. Only now, it had grown into a towering tree. Turned out, nothing was ever over. In fact, everything was just beginning¡­ After Gu Zhaohan left the bedroom, he went straight to the study. He was just back from a conference in the United States. Because of this conference, he had even missed Qi Chen¡¯s engagement ceremony. But in just two days it would be Christmas.
And Christmas was Summer¡¯s birthday. He had made a point to return home for it. But to his surprise, upon his return, he was bombarded with news updates. He then discovered all that he had missed.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Qi Chen had left his engagement ceremony midway and never returned.
A young actress from the entertainment industry had attempted suicide over Qi Chen, and Qi Chen had gone to visit her that very night. There were even rumors that Qi Chen suddenly had a son, and they had the pictures to prove it. Recognizing Xia Ye in those photos, Gu Zhaohan knew something was amiss. Rushing home only to find Xia Ye was already there in the Gu household. In the study. Old Master, Qi Chen, Xia Yangyang, the three of them were locked in a stalemate over the topic of remarriage. Xia Yangyang was against the remarriage and Old Master opposed it too, but Qi Chen was insistent. The tension was palpable. Xia Yangyang assumed that Qi Chen wanted the remarriage for the sake of the child, while Old Master believed it was all a part of Xia Yangyang¡¯s scheme. As for Qi Chen himself¡­only he knew it was his own ulterior motive. Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t even knock, he just walked right in. The three of them turned to look at him in surprise. But Gu Zhaohan walked straight towards Xia Yangyang, took her by the hand and said, ¡°Grandpa, I hope you agree to let Yangyang and me get married.¡±
Chapter 635: 636: She is your aunt, and you want to marry her? Chapter 635: Chapter 636: She is your aunt, and you want to marry her? Gu Zhaohan¡¯s words instantly filled the room with an eerie silence. The air, previously aze, suddenly turned frosty cold. Gu Mingzhu, feeling uneasy, had just followed from inside the room. As she approached the entrance, she happened to hear Gu Zhaohan¡¯s words. Gu Mingzhu froze, dumbstruck. The reactions of everyone else were simr to Gu Mingzhu¡¯s. Even Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t respond for a moment. She stared at Gu Zhaohan¡¯s rigid profile. Only Gu Qichen, his body radiating coldness, spoke, ¡°Xiao Han, have you gone mad? Gu Zhaohan turned around, his face calm, ¡°The mad one should be you, uncle. You abandoned your own fianc¨¦e on the night of your engagement, and now you¡¯re forcing my fianc¨¦e to remarry you. Uncle, be clear, Yangyang is not your wife, nor is she a tool at your disposal. You have no right to coerce her into anything she doesn¡¯t want to do.¡±
Gu Qichen advanced towards Gu Zhaohan, ¡°What gives you the right to say these things to me? Even if I divorced her, she is still my woman.¡± ¡°Uncle, you¡¯re not thew. What you say doesn¡¯t have to be.¡± Gu Qichen scoffed, ¡°You, an outsider, don¡¯t get to interfere in my affairs with her. At least, I am the natural father of the child.¡± ¡°My understanding of a father might be different from yours, uncle. And who Xia Ye wants as his father is not set in stone.¡± The two men stared each other down, neither willing to back down. Gu Qichen eventuallyughed, ¡°So, you¡¯ve known all along that Summer is my son.¡± ¡°Yangyang and I have known each other abroad for three years. Naturally, I wouldn¡¯t not know.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s fingers clenched tight. Gu Zhaohan remained unflustered, ¡°What¡¯s the matter, uncle? Are you gonna throw another punch at me?¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face was icy, his voice cold as frost, ¡°No, I will never hit you again, but Gu Zhaohan, from now on, I can¡¯t promise I¡¯ll be so benevolent.¡± ¡°The feeling¡¯s mutual.¡± Each holding onto one of Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand, neither let go. Both of Xia Yangyang¡¯s hands were being crushed. The old man watched as the two men turned against each other over a woman, his anger almost causing his heart condition to re up.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Finally, with a heavy thump of his cane, he said, ¡°Must you both drive me to my grave before you are satisfied?¡± The old man had never imagined that Xiao Han could also have anything to do with this girl. He had juste back and he was already talking about marriage. From their conversation, the old man gathered that Xiao Han and the youngdy had met abroad and be quite close. Gu Zhaohan turned and addressed the old man, ¡°Sir, Yangyang and I have already been engaged overseas. She¡¯s now my girlfriend. She has nothing to do with my uncle.¡±
The old man couldn¡¯t catch his breath, pointing at Gu Zhaohan¡¯s face, ¡°Have you really gone mad? She got engaged to you while carrying your uncle¡¯s child, and you still want to marry her. What on earth is going on?¡± ¡°Sir, to tell you the truth, I fell for Yangyang four years ago, and I believe you¡¯re aware of this. Because of my uncle back then, I gave up on her. But now, they¡¯re divorced. There shouldn¡¯t be any problem with us being together. As for Yangyang¡¯s child, I¡¯ve always treated him as my own.¡± ¡°But she¡¯s your aunt!¡± The old man angrily tossed an ink stone at Gu Zhaohan. The ink stonended heavily on Gu Zhaohan¡¯s chest, giving a dull thud before falling to the ground and shattering to pieces.
Gu Zhaohan coughed out, his voice as cold as he said, ¡°Sir, I think you¡¯re confused. Once Yangyang divorced my uncle, she stopped being my aunt.¡± Chapter 636: 637: You are a woman, deserving of punishment! Chapter 636: Chapter 637: You are a woman, deserving of punishment! Gu Shengyuan was truly livid beyond belief. These two in front of him were the children he once proudly saw as his pride. Gu Qichen was steady and wise, a business prodigy. Though Gu Zhaohan may have not been as extraordinarily talented as Gu Qichen, he was still smart and diligent since childhood and at such a young age, he was already a leading expert in neurology. Both men were the best in their respective fields. So why couldn¡¯t they get past this hurdle called ¡®woman¡¯? Moreover, it was the same woman. Actually, these two have had great affection for each other since young. Gu Qichen always looked after Gu Zhaohan, and Gu Zhaohan almost viewed Gu Qichen as his role model. They both had simr tastes since childhood.
But if Xiao Han liked something, Gu Qichen, even if it was his beloved possession, would hand it over willingly. But who could have thought they also had simr tastes in women? The old man found it quite ridiculous. They were indeed brothers. After that incident was exposed, the atmosphere in the Gu Family had inevitably changed. These two were no longer as close as before. He always thought that regardless of whether Gu Zhaohan calls Gu Qichen uncle or older brother in the future, As long as they are supporting each other, maintaining their harmony, then he would be content. But the old man could never have imagined that these two would end up bing enemies over this woman. Pressing a hand against his chest, the old man said, ¡°Even if she¡¯s not your aunt anymore, the proposed engagement between you two won¡¯t be approved. Who would agree to such a thing?¡± Finally, the old man directed his anger at Xia Yangyang, ¡°What an evil mind you have, you¡¯re taking revenge on the Gu Family, right? You just want to see these two bing enemies, that¡¯s your goal, topletely ruin our Gu Family. You, this woman, are simply deserving of punishment!¡± Looking at the old man, livid and raging, Xia Yangyang felt an indescribable sadness in her heart. But at this moment Xia Yangyang was also able to understand the old man. He had spent half his life on the battlefield, the other half in the business world. He had experienced a myriad of deceit and treacherous intents. A lot of things were really a coincidence. Like Gu Qichen finding Xia Ye, and the sudden appearance of Gu Zhaohan at this moment. All of these were beyond Xia Yangyang¡¯s anticipation. To bystanders, of course, it would seem like she had ulterior motives.
It was understandable that the old man would think she was vengefullyunching a scheming plot. However, misunderstandings are just misunderstandings. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to exin, she even thought it¡¯s better if the old man harbored such thoughts. She forcefully pulled her arm away from Gu Qichen and Gu Zhaohan.
Then she said to the old man, ¡°Since you all know my ill intentions, then leave my child alone. Otherwise, I don¡¯t know what I might do next.¡± Turning to Gu Qichen, sheughed coldly, ¡°Gu Qichen, if I truly marry Gu Zhaohan, should I call you uncle or big brother?¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Gu Qichen¡¯s face darkened, appearing truly frightening. His gaze was like a sharpened dagger, filled with a keen desire to slit someone¡¯s throat. Her words truly angered the old man. He pointed at Xia Yangyang with a trembling hand, ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t dream of entering the Gu Family.¡± Mingzhu rushed over, supporting the old man and gave him a pill to swallow. Then she raised her head and coldly spoke to the others, ¡°The old man just had a heart bypass surgery, are you really trying to anger him to death? Get out, all of you. We¡¯ll deal with these messy matterster.¡± The old man closed his eyes slightly, taking deep breaths. It was apparent that he was truly enraged. Moreover, Xia Yangyang felt a pang of guilt, this wasn¡¯t her intention. But, all she wanted to do was to be the instigator of chaos, to make Mingzhu and Shengyuan despise herpletely. That way, her chances of escape will be even higher.
Chapter 637: 638: Is it hard to forget the past? Chapter 637: Chapter 638: Is it hard to forget the past? Xia Yangyang was the first one to walk out of the study. Gu Qichen and Gu Zhaohan followed her out. After leaving, Gu Zhaohan grabbed Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand and led her to the balcony at the end of the corridor. Gu Qichen coldly watched their retreating figures without following. Xia Yangyang also wanted to talk to Gu Zhaohan. Therefore, she let Gu Zhaohan lead her to the balcony. This was an aerial garden of the Gu vi. It used to be Xia Yangyang¡¯s favorite ce to stay. There was a small wooden table and several log chairs on the terrace. It was only after they reached the balcony that Gu Zhaohan released Xia Yangyang.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om
Gu Zhaohan turned around: ¡°Did you deliberately let uncle find out?¡± Although it was a question, Gu Zhaohan¡¯s tone suggested he was sure. Xia Yangyang was somewhat at a loss. But after a moment, she understood that Gu Zhaohan was referring to Xia Ye¡¯s identity. Gu Zhaohan thought she had intentionally let Gu Qichen find out Xia Ye was his child. Xia Yangyangughed: ¡°You should know why I would do such a thing. All along, my greatest fear has been letting Gu Qichen know about Xia Ye¡¯s existence.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s voice was as cold as a knife: ¡°So, it¡¯s not because of lingering old feelings?¡± Xia Yangyang felt as though something had struck her, stabbing straight into her heart, causing a suffocating pain. She appeared somewhat annoyed: ¡°Gu Zhaohan, I won¡¯t do such boring things. I also don¡¯t want to be emotionally involved with the Gu family anymore, whether it¡¯s with Gu Qichen or you, do you understand?¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s brows furrowed. Xia Yangyang continued: ¡°Since we¡¯ve reached this point, I¡¯ll make clear what I haven¡¯t rified before. I know your goal. You rushed to the old man to propose to me not because you genuinely wanted to marry me, but to make him angry. You wanted him to think that I was still ying between you and Gu Qichen over the years, that I wanted to use your feelings for revenge against the Gu family. Therefore, the old man will definitely oppose my remarrying Gu Qichen. That¡¯s your true intention.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly, remaining calm: ¡°Yes, I didn¡¯t expect to hear about your remarriage as soon as I returned. I know what kind of person my uncle is. He would always insist, and grandpa would eventuallypromise. But if he thought that you were still involved with both of us with ulterior motives, he would never agree to your remarriage.¡± Xia Yangyangughed coldly: ¡°It seems I do owe you thanks.¡± Gu Zhaohan¡¯s eyes were icy and piercing, as if they could see through people¡¯s hearts: ¡°I can¡¯t see any gratitude in your eyes. Or is it because you wavered, taking advantage of Xia Ye¡¯s identity, and hoped to remarry my uncle?¡± Xia Yangyang raged: ¡°Gu Zhaohan, don¡¯t think you know me so well. How do you know what¡¯s going on in my heart? I never thought of remarrying Gu Qichen, and we can never remarry.¡± Xia Yangyang was inexplicably angry without knowing why. She also felt strangely guilty. Just for a moment, it seemed Xia Yangyang had really wavered. Over the years, Xia Yangyang often thought about the possibility of a misunderstanding about the past.
What if Gu Mingzhu had only taken the me for Liu Ruyan. Could she and Gu Qichen still have a chance to be together? Chapter 638: 639: She Has Lost the Ability to Love Chapter 638: Chapter 639: She Has Lost the Ability to Love Xia Yangyang felt like she had gone crazy, for such thoughts to spring to mind. But just before, in the study, when Gu Qichen held her hand and talked about remarrying¡­ She actually hesitated for a moment and began to contemte such a possibility¡­ Now standing in the cold wind, Xia Yangyang became thoroughly clearheaded. It¡¯s been four years. So much has happened in these four years. Whether on her part or Gu Qichen¡¯s. Even if the old grudges from the past have been smoothed over, there¡¯s no going back for them.
Gu Qichen has also changed since then. He now has a fianc¨¦e and close female confidantes. As to whether he is sincere towards those women, Xia Yangyang doesn¡¯t know. But what she does know is, from the day they separated four years ago, their lives diverged like two straight lines, extending rapidly in different directions. They may intersect for a moment, but they will never ovep again.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om She must be really confused. Even so, to have Gu Zhaohan brutally reveal her thoughts, Xia Yangyang was still somewhat irritated. As if he could see through her most embarrassing side. Xia Yangyang red at Gu Zhaohan, annoyed. But Gu Zhaohan didn¡¯t hard-press her. His voice softened, ¡°As long as you think that way, I can be at ease. My uncle is not the same as before, especially after marrying Xi Zijun. You probably can¡¯tpete with her.¡± Xia Yangyang was still angry, ¡°You don¡¯t have to be this kind, Gu Zhaohan, there are also a few things I need to say to you.¡± ¡°I know what you want to say, that you and I could never happen, isn¡¯t that so?¡± Xia Yangyang was stunned. The words she wanted to say were voiced by Gu Zhaohan first, it felt like a block of stone was stuck in her throat. After a few seconds of silence, Xia Yangyang spoke: ¡°Since you know, don¡¯t waste your effort on me. I am just grateful towards you. In my heart, you are just the doctor of Xia Ye. The rtionship between us would only remain as that between the doctor and the patient¡¯s family. Besides, since the old man would vehemently oppose my remarriage to Gu Qichen, do you think he could ept me being with you?¡± Xia Yangyang was not oblivious to Gu Zhaohan¡¯s emotions.
She had told him these words more than once. There were certain things Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯tprehend. During their time in the United States, there was always an unspoken consensus between her and Gu Zhaohan to maintain distance. There was a clear boundary between them, which neither of them could cross.
But after returning to their homnd, Gu Zhaohan suddenly overstepped this line. Compared to Gu Qichen, Gu Zhaohan¡¯s actions also caught her off guard. Gu Zhaohan said, ¡°Yangyang, I have never forced you to be with me. But on the condition that you will not be with anyone else, then I still have hope. I am not some noble, selfless man, on the contrary, my love for you is selfish. I want to be by your side, be it as a lover or a friend, I can wait forever. But if you are really going to remarry my uncle, then I will lose my standing. Therefore, I will stop it, even if it means hurting my uncle.¡± Gu Zhaohan was being very upfront. But Xia Yangyang felt a certain bitterness in her heart. After leaving Gu Qichen, Xia Yangyang seemed to have lost the ability to love. Perhaps Gu Zhaohan knew about this, so the only thing he worried about was her reconciling with Gu Qichen. Over these years, Xia Yangyang never once thought of dating, let alone getting married again. She had nned to remain this way for the rest of her life. As long as Xia Ye could grow up peacefully and regain his health, to be like a normal child, Xia Yangyang would want nothing else. But Gu Zhaohan¡¯s current state worried her. She could stay unmarried for the rest of her life, but Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want Gu Zhaohan to wait for her forever.
Chapter 639: 640: Can You Call Me Dad? Chapter 639: Chapter 640: Can You Call Me Dad? Xia Yangyang, faced with Gu Zhaohan, feltpletely powerless. What she had to say, she had already said countless times. The one thing Gu Zhaohan has inmon with Gu Qichen is his near-obsessive stubbornness. And these geniuses seem to believe they possess the power to change the reality. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to say more. Xia Yangyang started, ¡°I will return to the United States as soon as possible.¡± As soon as Xia Yangyang finished speaking, she turned around and left. Xia Yangyang went to Gu Qichen¡¯s bedroom.N?v(el)B\\jnn The bedroom door was open.
Gu Qichen was inside. Xia Ye was sitting on the sofa and chatting with Gu Qichen. ¡°People say you¡¯re my dad.¡± Xia Ye said. Gu Qichen said calmly, ¡°Yes, I¡¯m your biological father.¡± ¡°My mom said that I don¡¯t have a dad.¡± ¡°That¡¯s because your mom didn¡¯t tell you the truth. Every child has a father and a mother.¡± ¡°I know that, but I thought you guys were divorced.¡± Gu Qichen was silent for a while before saying, ¡°Yes, we are divorced.¡± Xia Ye¡¯s eyebrows furrowed slightly, ¡°Why did you divorce? Don¡¯t you love my mom?¡± A hint of pain shed in Gu Qichen¡¯s eyes, ¡°You¡¯re still young, you don¡¯t know that in this world, two people in love can¡¯t always be together. There are many things mandating that your mother and I can¡¯t be together.¡± Xia Yangyang did not expect Gu Qichen would speak from her perspective. In front of their child, he did not me their separation on her. But it was clear that he hated her. An unspeakable bitterness surfaced in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. Xia Ye was a little confused, ¡°Maybe I don¡¯t understand the feelings of adults yet, but will you guys get back together in the future?¡± Gu Qichen stroked Xia Ye¡¯s hair, ¡°Yes, I promise, you will have aplete family.¡± It seemed Xia Ye was deep in thought and responded with a simple, ¡°Okay.¡± The room fell into a calm silence. Suddenly, Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Can you call me dad?¡±
Xia Ye looked at Gu Qichen, his voice cold, ¡°Sorry, I must get my mom¡¯s permission.¡± Gu Qichen helplessly replied, ¡°Okay, then you can call me Uncle Gu.¡± Xia Yangyang couldn¡¯t bear to hear any more. She continued standing at the doorway, fearing she might soften up.
Xia Yangyang finally walked in, ¡°Summer, it¡¯s time for us to leave.¡± Xia Ye stood up from the sofa, ¡°Mom, you¡¯re back.¡± Xia Ye nced at Gu Qichen, said nothing, asked no questions. Gu Qichen also stood up, ¡°Xia Ye can¡¯t leave with you.¡± ¡°Gu Qichen, I don¡¯t want to argue with you in front of the child. You said that as long as I return to the Gu family with you, things would be concluded. I have returned with you, so I hope you¡¯ll keep your promise.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯splexion darkened, but he fell silent. He had not expected Gu Zhaohan to suddenly return and interfere. Actually, he had clearly sensed, the old man¡¯s attitude wasn¡¯t as rigid as before. Gu Qichen was confident that he could persuade the old man. Everything was ruined by Gu Zhaohan. Even if he persuaded the old man, what about it? Her heart was as hard as a rock. Not to mention the issue between her and Xiaohan¡­
At this time, Gu Zhaohan also walked in. Gu Zhaohan said to Xia Yangyang, ¡°For now, let Xia Ye stay here. A new drug has been developed for this research, I have brought it back. Starting today, Xia Ye will take it, but I need to observe the effects.¡± Xia Yangyang had absolute faith in Gu Zhaohan¡¯s diagnosis of Xia Ye¡¯s condition. Leaving Xia Ye in the care of Gu Zhaohan, Xia Yangyang waspletely reassured. Moreover, now that Xia Ye¡¯s identity had been revealed, there was no point in continuing to hide and deny. Plus, Xia Yangyang had things to attend to. Before returning to the United States, she had to find that remittance slip. Perhaps she might have to visit Beijing once again for Liu Ruyan. And for Gu Mingzhu, she needed to find an opportunity. Xia Ye¡¯s presence at the Gu¡¯s residence provided just that. Chapter 640: 641: Evil Chapter 640: Chapter 641: Evil In the end, Xia Yangyang left Xia Ye at Gu¡¯s Garden. There were some things she needed to think through carefully. With the old man being so enraged, it was impossible for her to stay in Gu¡¯s Garden in the near future. When she left Gu¡¯s Garden. Xia Yangyang felt extremely tired. She hailed a cab and went straight back to the Xia family¡¯s vi. Her nerves had been on edge for so long, yet she still fell short in the end. Right now, Xia Yangyang just wanted to get a good night¡¯s sleep. But as soon as she returned to the Xia family¡¯s vi. Xia Yangyang felt that something was off.
Because the front door of the vi was open. Had someone sneaked into the vi? Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She thought it was a burr and was about to call the police. However, she noticed shoe prints at the entrance. For some reason, even though it was only a faint shoe print. Xia Yangyang immediately recognized it. Plus, the powerful scent of perfume at the entrance. It was Xia Weiwei¡¯s favorite perfume. Xia Weiwei was back. Indeed, there was no trace of the door being forced open. It was opened with a key. When Xia Yangyang took over the house¡¯s property certificate from Liu Ruyan years ago, Xia Weiwei refused to hand over the key. At that time Xia Yangyang decided not to insist. She nned to change the lockster. But she didn¡¯t get round to changing the locks. Xia Weiwei then tried to kill her by driving into her. After which, she left the country. But after four years, Xia Weiwei had already established a home in Beijing.
Now what was she doing back in Feng City, and at the Xia family¡¯s vi no less? Xia Yangyang took off her shoes, making no sound as she quietly went upstairs. Xia Weiwei was in Xia Yangyang¡¯s bedroom. She was bent over, rummaging through the drawer by Xia Yangyang¡¯s bed.
¡°Xia Weiwei, what are you doing?¡± Xia Yangyang suddenly spoke up. Xia Weiwei was genuinely startled. She quickly stood up. In her hand was a stack of photos. Startled, the photos slipped from her hand onto the floor. Xia Weiwei bent down hastily to pick them up. But Xia Yangyang was quicker. She picked up the stack of photos off the floor, holding them in her hand. Xia Weiwei was furious, ¡°Xia Yangyang, give me back the photos.¡± Xia Yangyang ignored her. She began to look at the photos in her hand. To Xia Yangyang¡¯s surprise.
She did not recognize the girl in the photos but found her a little familiar. The content of the photos showed the girl serving drinks. Some featured her in revealing outfits, some in bunny girl workwear. In some instances, she was surrounded by groups of men taking liberties. The girl always seemed to be on edge. Apart from that, Xia Yangyang also found a threatening letter stained with blood. As Xia Yangyang looked at the photos, something suddenly clicked in her head. Xia Yangyang realized, this girl was Zhang Xinyi. It was the girl Gu Qichen had just spoken up for, insisting that the old man shouldn¡¯t interfere. Xia Yangyang had seen photos of Zhang Xinyi before. She was a rising starlet taking half of the entertainment industry by storm. Plus, with the scandal of her recent suicide attempt due to love, her photos could be seen everywhere online and in newspapers. But Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t recognize her at first.
Because the faces in these photos appeared clearly younger, they seemed to be old photos of Zhang Xinyi before she made her debut. And the photos mostly featured her serving drinks and in revealing settings. They could be considered as Zhang Xinyi¡¯s scandalous secrets. Xia Yangyang, having been in the entertainment circle, saw through Xia Weiwei¡¯s motives immediately. With those photos in her hand, Xia Yangyang asked, ¡°Xia Weiwei, where did you get these photos from, and what are you trying to do?¡± Xia Weiwei tried to snatch the photos, ¡°Xia Yangyang, it¡¯s none of your business what I want to do.¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om However, Xia Yangyang raised her hand, lifting the photos out of Xia Weiwei¡¯s reach. Xia Yangyang spoke up, ¡°Let me state your purpose for you. Zhang Xinyi didn¡¯t attempt suicide because of love on the day of Gu Qichen¡¯s engagement, she did it because she got these photos and threat from you, right? And you being here today, cing these photos by my bed, you¡¯re trying to frame me. If I¡¯m not mistaken, after you ced these photos, you¡¯d find a way to get the media aware and find evidence. Your true intention is to use Zhang Xinyi to ruin Gu Qichen¡¯s wedding, get rid of Zhang Xinyi, the thorn in your side, and ultimately frame me. What an evil n to kill three birds with one stone.¡± Chapter 641: 642: Gu Qichens Treasure Chapter 641: Chapter 642: Gu Qichen¡¯s Treasure Xia Weiwei did not expect that Xia Yangyang would be so astute after four years. Xia Yangyang revealed all her secrets with one swift statement. Yes, Zhang Xinyi¡¯s suicide happened because she had sent those pictures to her. Xia Weiwei knew that Zhang Xinyi suffered from depression. Zhang Xinyi has always taken special care of her reputation in the entertainment industry. The thing that would trigger her most was the unbearable memories from her past. Weiwei was trying to disrupt Gu Qichen and Xi Zijun¡¯s engagement party by exploiting Zhang Xinyi¡¯s vulnerabilities. Weiwei initially hadn¡¯t nned to frame Yangyang. However, Zhang Xinyi¡¯s suicide prompted her agent to call the police. The police eventually found threatening letters and photos in Zhang Xinyi¡¯s residence.
Although up till now, the media hasn¡¯t reported on this incident. But whether it¡¯s the police or Gu Qichen, they would definitely investigate this eventually. That¡¯s when Xia Weiwei thought of framing Xia Yangyang. Wasn¡¯t Zhang Xinyi the apple of Gu Qichen¡¯s eye? Wasn¡¯t Yangyang the one he loved the most? She wanted both of his beloved women to turn against each other so she could reap the benefits. Xia Weiwei was aware that a lot had happened recently. Gu Qichen suddenly had a child. Weiwei also knew that Yangyang had not returned to the Xia family mansion recently. So she seized the opportunity to nt the photos and nned to create a theft case, bringing the police in and have them discover these pictures, thus exposing everything. Xia Weiwei thought her n was wless. But to her surprise, she was actually caught red-handed by Xia Yangyang. Weiwei was feeling anxious, but of course, she wouldn¡¯t admit it.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om She defended herself, saying, ¡°Yangyang, you can¡¯t just nder me! I simply came back for a visit. These photos were from your drawer. Don¡¯t you dare frame me!¡± Xia Yangyang sneered back: ¡°Then why are you wearing gloves in the middle of the day? Are you worried about leaving fingerprints?¡± ¡°Is it any of your business if I like to wear gloves?¡± Yangyang, not wanting to beat around the bush, points to the corner of the room and says: ¡°I forgot to tell you, my room is surveilled. From the moment you stepped into my room, all of your actions have been captured. How about I call the police right now and let them figure out who put these things here?¡± As she spoke, Xia Yangyang reached for her phone to dial up the police. ¡°Stop!¡± Xia Weiwei suddenly shouted.
She never thought that Yangyang would go so far as to install surveince in her own bedroom. If the police were toe, she would be done for. Her falsehoods, her perfect image that she had maintained over the years, everything would be ruined. In the past, Gu Qichen hated her for her moral character. Over the years, she pretended to have lost her memory, which finally changed Qi Chen¡¯s attitude towards her.
If Qi Chen found out about this, she would be doomed. Xia Weiwei took Xia Yangyang¡¯s hand: ¡°Yangyang, please don¡¯t call the police. I admit defeat. You can do whatever you want to me, but don¡¯t involve the police. Over the years I¡¯ve made a good amount of money. I can give you arge sum, even a mountain of gold is no problem.¡± Yangyangughed: ¡°Do you think I would need your money?¡± Xia Yangyang was now back and had inherited all of the Xia family assets. She also had stakes in Starlight Entertainment. Yangyang certainly wasn¡¯tcking in money. Xia Weiwei said: ¡°Whatever you want, I can give you.¡± In her current situation, Weiwei was in the hands of Yangyang. Despite her resentment and desire to strangle the person in front of her, Weiwei could onlypromise for now. Xia Yangyang pursed her lips, contemted for a few seconds as if she was thinking about something. ¡°Xia Weiwei, if you want me to let you off, I can. If you can get something for me from your mother, I¡¯ll pretend nothing happened today.¡± Chapter 642: 643: Gu Qichen and the Young Actress Photo Chapter 642: Chapter 643: Gu Qichen and the Young Actress¡¯ Photo Xia Weiwei was exhrated, ¡°Whatever you want, I can give you.¡± The condition set by Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t seem difficult. She said she wanted something from Liu Ruyan. That¡¯s easy to handle. Regardless of what it is, Liu Ruyan wouldn¡¯t hesitate to give it up. Xia Yangyang spoke, ¡°It¡¯s a Swiss remittance note worth five million. That money represents the wealth my mother umted and it was eventually usurped by your mother. Now, I want it back, but it¡¯s inconvenient for me to ask Aunt Liu directly.¡± But Xia Weiwei arrogantly replied, ¡°Just five million. My mother wouldn¡¯t mind parting with it.¡± Xia Yangyang continued, ¡°You might not know the real story behind it. Aunt Liu will never willingly give me the remittance note. As the younger generation, it¡¯s difficult for us to understand the disputes of our elders. My mother didn¡¯t leave me much in this world, and it¡¯s not that Ick those five million. I just want it back as a token of remembrance, as it was the result of my mother¡¯s hard work.¡± Xia Weiwei replied, ¡°Then I¡¯ll steal it for you, but you have to promise me that once I hand the remittance note over to you, you¡¯ll give me the recording. Let¡¯s call it even, and we owe each other nothing.¡± Xia Yangyang smiled, ¡°You know me, I¡¯m all for a fair trade, no deceit intended. But Xia Weiwei, if you can¡¯t find the note, or if Aunt Liu finds out and it causes trouble, don¡¯t me me for being ruthless. After all, we still owe each other over an old score.¡± Xia Weiwei¡¯s face instantly darkened.
Xia Weiwei knew that Xia Yangyang was referring to the incident four years ago when she identally hit her with her car. It was a constant source of anxiety for Xia Weiwei. The reason Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t mention it to Gu Qichen as soon as she came back was probably to keep it as leverage over her. Xia Weiwei gritted her teeth, ¡°You can be sure that I¡¯ll find that five million.¡± Clutching her fingers tightly, with a face full of fury and unwillingness, Xia Weiwei left. Xia Yangyang was ovee with a feeling of weakness andy on her bed. Actually, there wasn¡¯t even a camera in the room. She just made up the story to scare Xia Weiwei. Xia Weiwei, feeling guilty, confessed everything without realizing the deception. Xia Yangyang knew it wasn¡¯t realistic for her to personally search for the five million Swiss remittance note, as it could send rm bells ringing. But it would be different if Xia Weiwei did it. Liu Ruyan would not guard against her own daughter like she does with Xia Yangyang. That¡¯s why she threatened Xia Weiwei just now. Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t worried that Xia Weiwei wouldn¡¯t make a sincere effort to find it. Of course, Xia Yangyang also wasn¡¯t worried that Xia Weiwei would spill the beans to Liu Ruyan. Xia Weiwei was known for acting recklessly. This n of killing three birds with one stone might seem meticulous, but it¡¯s actually full of holes and too impulsive. It didn¡¯t seem like Liu Ruyan¡¯s doing. The fact that Liu Ruyan didn¡¯t devise and control this scheme suggested that Xia Weiwei came up with it herself.
Over the years, Xia Weiwei had done many foolish things and messed up many situations in her pursuit of Gu Qichen, so she wouldn¡¯t be foolish enough to tell Liu Ruyan and bring trouble upon herself. So Xia Yangyang gave Xia Weiwei an opportunity, allowing her to believe that five million could resolve the problem. In reality, she wanted Xia Weiwei to unearth the deposit receipt.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om But Xia Yangyang wasn¡¯t sure if Xia Weiwei could find it.
Perhaps, that deposit receipt is with Gu Mingzhu. Xia Yangyang felt tired, no matter what, she could only take one step at a time. Xia Yangyangy on her bed for a nap. When she woke up, it was already evening. Getting up, she felt a pang of hunger and decided to go out for some food. But the floor beside her bed was scattered with photos. Xia Yangyang picked them up one by one. Looking through them, she was surprised to see a photo of Zhang Xinyi and Gu Qichen together. Chapter 643: 644: The Mystery Behind My Fathers Death Years Ago Chapter 643: Chapter 644: The Mystery Behind My Father¡¯s Death Years Ago Gu Qichen was seated among a group of young, privileged men, smoking. Zhang Xinyi was pouring Gu Qichen a drink. She looked timid, like a frightened little bunny hiding from every bush and tree. With the way Zhang Xinyi looked, delicate and kind, it would make anyone seeing her for the first time have a desire to protect her. Perhaps that was the first time Gu Qichen and Zhang Xinyi met. There was a mysterious feeling of unease in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. Thinking about how Gu Qichen stood up against his father for this girl, Xia Yangyang was inevitably feeling a bit hurt inside. Xia Yangyang packed away these photos. She couldn¡¯t destroy them because she needed to preserve the evidence, and also didn¡¯t want to keep these photos in in sight. Xia Yangyang got up and went to the study.
This use to be her father¡¯s study. After Xia Liangdong passed away, almost everything here has been left untouched. Xia Yangyang had also hardly ever entered this room. This was where her father spent the most time, as long as he was at home, Xia Liangdong was almost always in the study. Here, he would drink tea, read books, y chess, and work.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Standing at the entrance, Xia Yangyang could almost make out her father¡¯s figure. While Xia Liangdong was alive, Xia Yangyang felt resentment towards him, never fully embracing him as her father. However, after Xia Liangdong passed away, the feeling of sheer loneliness full made her realize that family is thest refuge one has in this world. Despite failing her mother, he did not treat her poorly. Xia Yangyang sat down at the desk her father used to sit at. She ran her fingers across the cold marble tabletop. It felt as cold as her father¡¯s lifeless fingers, tightly held by her when he died. Tears welled up in Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart. Finally, Xia Yangyang opened one of the drawers of the desk and put those photos into it. Xia Yangyang intended to leave. But noticing the disarray in her father¡¯s desk drawers, she was suddenly inspired to organize all of the items within. Xia Yangyang had a habit of tidying up when she was upset. A habit stemming from her childhood. It took her an hour to sort out everything in the desk¡¯s three drawers. Mostly old files and old photographs. However, as Xia Yangyang was putting stuff away, she inadvertently discovered a secretpartment at the bottom of one of the drawers.
This piqued her curiosity. Removing the secretpartment, she found items inside. To Xia Yangyang¡¯s disbelief, there was a stack of photos in thepartment, featuring Liu Ruyan and Xi Jiaxin. There were pictures of them ying golf, intimate photos of them boating together on ake, and even their hotel room bookings.
Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart plummeted. She had known about Liu Ruyan and Xi Jiaxin¡¯s affair for quite a while. But by the time Xia Yangyang found out, Xia Liangdong had already been involved in a car ident and had been in a vegetative state in the hospital for half a month. Her father was terminally ill and unconscious. And yet, Liu Ruyan had already found her next provider, nning to sell her assets and remarry. At that time, Xia Yangyang¡¯s only constion was that at least her father wouldn¡¯t have to face the brutal truth upon regaining his consciousness and confront the coldheartedness of the world. However, Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t expect that her father had known all along. Xia Yangyang looked at the time stamp on the photos. Her pupils suddenly constricted. These photos were taken the day before her father¡¯s car ident. Xia Yangyang¡¯s heart felt suffocated, as if it was being tightly squeezed and about to explode, she was barely able to breathe. What a coincidence. So her father found out about Liu Ruyan and Xi Jiaxin¡¯s affair the day before the ident.
And then had a car ident the next day? A terrifying thought came to Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind. Chapter 644: 645: She Ousts Him As Soon As He Arrives Chapter 644: Chapter 645: She Ousts Him As Soon As He Arrives Xia Yangyang dared not think further. But she had to. She had never doubted this possibility before. Xia Yangyang remembered that it was Liu Ruyan who had called her, suddenly telling her that their father had been in a car ident and was in critical condition at the hospital. It waster found out to be a drunk driving ident. But knowing Xia Liangdong, her father, as well as she did, he was a disciplined man who strictly adhered to rules. Having driven for so many years, he had never even run a red light once. How could he drink and drive? But Xia Yangyang just assumed that Xia Liangdong might have been in a bad mood due to some business issues, so she didn¡¯t think more about it at the time. But now¡­
Xia Yangyang could only feel a chilling sensation creeping up from her feet. Could it possibly be that her father¡¯s car ident was rted to Liu Ruyan too?N?v(el)B\\jnn She had to investigate this thoroughly. Xia Yangyang forced herself to calm down and organized her thoughts. Xia Yangyang suddenly thought of something. The car her father was driving when he had the ident was still in the vi¡¯s garage. The car had crashed into an overpass in the city. The front of the car waspletely destroyed. Originally, the police had taken it as evidence, but after it was determined to be caused by drunk driving, the car was returned. However, by this time her father had passed away, and Liu Ruyan had already moved out of Xia¡¯s vi. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t get the car fixed; it was left as it was in the underground garage. Xia Yangyang seemed to have thought of something. She hurriedly went to the garage. The ck Mercedes was still there, its front malformed due to the severe impact. Xia Yangyang inspected the car thoroughly. Four years had passed, and she could not identify anything different. Moreover, she didn¡¯t know much about cars. Suddenly, someone came to Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind. It was Ah Shui.
Ah Shui was the fourth child adopted by Gao Huizhi. And he lived the most carefree life. He didn¡¯t manage any of Gao Huizhi¡¯s businesses, focusing solely on cars. But he had earned a name as a ¡®car god¡¯ because of his passion.
Of course, he was very knowledgeable about cars. Before she returned to the country, Xia Yangyang knew that Ah Shui was involved in a car race. Xia Yangyang immediately called Ah Shui. Ah Shui had just finished a race and said he would take a flight over that very night. Xia Yangyang checked the flight schedule and finally found time to sleep. She was extremely tired. Too much had happened in the past few days that she was not prepared for. When she woke up it was already evening. Xia Yangyang checked the time. She got up and prepared to go out and meet Ah Shui. Just as Xia Yangyang was going downstairs, she saw Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang frowned, ¡°How do you have the key to my house?¡± Gu Qichen replied, ¡°You didn¡¯t lock the door.¡±
¡°So, if I don¡¯t lock the door, you can just trespass into my residence?¡± Xia Yangyang had just left Gu¡¯s residence in the morning and was finally able to get some peace. Just a few hourster, she saw Gu Qichen again. Gu Qichen did not respond to Xia Yangyang¡¯sment. However, he noticed that Xia Yangyang was all dressed up, seeming like she was about to leave. Gu Qichen asked, ¡°Where are you going?¡± ¡°It seems like it¡¯s none of your business.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t have any time to waste, and she had no energy to argue with Gu Qichen. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t even ask why Gu Qichen had shown up unannounced. She knew that even if she didn¡¯t ask, he would likely tell her anyway. Xia Yangyang walked past Gu Qichen, ¡°I¡¯m leaving now, Mr. Gu, please make yourself at home.¡± Xia Yangyang clearly asked him to leave. However, Gu Qichen stood still, watching Xia Yangyang.
In fact, Gu Qichen himself didn¡¯t know why he ended up at the Xia¡¯s vi. When it was finally time for dinner, another fight broke out. Gu Qichen directly went to his office. Standing at the office window, Gu Qichen¡¯s mood was different from the past. Chapter 645: 646: Single By Ability Chapter 645: Chapter 646: Single By Ability Through the years, he felt a sense of cold and loneliness whenever he was standing by the window. His heart ached with the emptiness inside him. However, since the appearance of Xia Yangyang, even though there were asional inexplicable heartaches. He always felt as though a ray of light had filled his world, bringing color and the breath of life into it. Finding himself missing her without knowing why. Even though he knew that meeting her would lead to endless arguments. But arguing with her was better than not seeing her at all. At least she was real, not just a ghost living within his memory. Gu Qicheng drove out, subconsciously arriving here. It had been a long time since hisst visit.
Even if he had to pass this ce, he would deliberately detour. For Gu Qicheng, the saying ¡°seeing something reminds one of someone¡± was nothing short of cruelty when it came to Xia Yangyang¡¯s departure. The Xia Family¡¯s Vi was now vastly different from the past. Probably because no one had taken care of it in the past four years. The once beautiful little yard was now overgrown with weeds. And one side of the vi was covered in climbing vines. Gu Qichen got out of the car and went in. The vi¡¯s front door was wide open. He knew, she must be inside. Living just as carelessly as she used to. If a stranger trespassed, she probably wouldn¡¯t even know. Gu Qicheng had just entered, when he saw Xia Yangyang descending the stairs. It was evening, and she was dressed up as if she was about to entertain guests. But she hadn¡¯t returned to the country for four years, and Meng Xiaochu wasn¡¯t here either, so who could she possibly be hosting? Without asking about her ns, Gu Qichen saw Xia Yangyang leave.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om He then heard the sounds of a car speeding away outside. Just like that, she left without even looking back. She simply couldn¡¯t stand his presence? Even after just two sentences of small talk?
Only after she left the Vi, did Xia Yangyang¡¯s emotions finally calm down. Although she had learned to feign indifference over the years. Every time she saw Gu Qicheng, she would feel exceptionally tired and strained. Especially her uncontroble pounding heart.
The feeling of losing control was so terrifying, as if her true self was about to be exposed anytime and anywhere. When Xia Yangyang arrived at the airport, Ah Shui was justing out. Ah Shui was in his casual sports outfit, carrying a backpack and wearing a baseball cap. With his fairplexion and handsome feature, he resembled the Prince Charming often described in novels. But Xia Yangyang knew, in reality, he was just a big kid. Ah Shui also saw Xia Yangyang, he greeted her with his usual big smile showing his white teeth, and waved to her: ¡°Yangyang.¡± At first, Xia Yangyang used to call him ¡®Fourth Brother¡¯. But when she found out that Ah Shui was the same age as her, and that he had a casual and straightforward personality, only interested in racing and wasn¡¯t emotionally mature. Back in the United States, Phoenix had introduced him to lots of beautiful girls. For his dates, he either brought them to a car museum for the whole day or took them for a ride at 260 mph just to make his dates throw up. He seemingly had a knack for staying single, not having a single meaningful rtionship. In everyone¡¯s eyes, Ah Shui was just a big kid, so like everyone else, Xia Yangyang called him ¡®Ah Shui¡¯. After getting into the car, Ah Shui was driving while Xia Yangyang was sitting in the passenger seat. Xia Yangyang asked: ¡°Can you tell if a car has been tampered with four years ago?¡±
Ah Shui was very confident: ¡°As long as it¡¯s not burned to ashes, nothing can escape my discerning eyes.¡± Ah Shui didn¡¯t ask further, he was only interested in the car. Xia Yangyang only wanted him to inspect the car. As soon as they left the airport, they went straight to the Xia Family¡¯s Vi. Once they arrived at the vi, Xia Yangyang saw that Gu Qi Chen had not yet left. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone! Chapter 646: 647: Xia Yangyang brazenly brings a young hunk home Chapter 646: Chapter 647: Xia Yangyang brazenly brings a young hunk home When Xia Yangyang¡¯s car was actuallying back, Gu Qichen was standing on the terrace of the second floor. Then he saw the two characters in the car. The person sitting in the driver¡¯s seat was an amazingly handsome man. Gu Qichen¡¯s fingers unconsciously tightened. Xia Yangyang hasn¡¯t been back for long, This was already the third man he¡¯d seen. The impressive Brother Li whom he saw at the airport, Gu Qichen had not yet found out who he was.N?v(el)B\\jnn Xia Yangyang has be Gu Zhaohan¡¯s fiancee. This is done, but what¡¯s happening now?
She actually brought a young stud home publicly. How many men has this woman been associated with these years? Raging mes began to rise, the fire leaped high. As Gu Qichen went downstairs, he saw Xia Yangyang leading the man into the house. Seeing Gu Qichen who just came downstairs, Xia Yangyang was a little startled. Howe this man hasn¡¯t gone yet? Ah Shui looked at the man across from him, also with a puzzled face: ¡°Yangyang, who is he?¡± Xia Yangyang responded to Gu Qichen¡¯s gaze and spoke inly, ¡°My ex-husband.¡± Ah Shui just hummed indifferently, as if he didn¡¯t seem very interested. He just asked, ¡°And the car?¡± Xia Yangyang pointed at an elevator: ¡°You can get to the underground parking garage from the elevator.¡± Ah Shui immediately jumped into elevator, eager to go to the underground parking garage. He did not pay any attention to Gu Qichen at all. And Gu Qichen in the distance, couldn¡¯t clearly hear what they were saying. But he still vaguely heard the words ¡°ex-husband¡±. Xia Yangyang really is eager to break away from him. However, she seems indifferent towards the other men. But the more rxed she is about it, the more uneasy Gu Qichen feels. Xia Yangyang walked straight in Gu Qichen¡¯s direction: ¡°Do I need to ask you to leave?¡±
Gu Qichen¡¯s voice was cold, ¡°Wow, your ability to attract men is really getting stronger. You actually brought one home so boldly.¡± Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t feelfortable hearing the word ¡®attract¡¯: ¡°The Buddha said, those who have Buddha in their heart see Buddha, and those whose hearts are full of robbers and prostitutes see robbers and prostitutes.¡± After years of not seeing her, this woman has be more and more eloquent. ¡°Xia Yangyang, don¡¯t tell me you brought a man homete at night to discuss life and ideals.¡±
Xia Yangyang heard the sarcasm in Gu Qichen¡¯s words. Xia Yangyang also chuckled: ¡°Whether I brought a man home to talk about life or to talk about creating life, it seems to have nothing to do with you, right?¡± Gu Qichen was furious. Every time he saw Xia Yangyang¡¯s attitude of not caring about anything, Gu Qichen would get so angry it made his teeth itch. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t want to get entangled with Gu Qichen. Based on Xia Yangyang¡¯s understanding of Gu Qichen, she had probably pissed him off enough. In a while, he would go on his own. Gu Qichen¡¯s arrogant and autocratic self-righteousness. Since he determined she brought a young guy back home with some n. He certainly wouldn¡¯t stick around to be humiliated. Xia Yangyang got into the elevator too. As expected, Gu Qichen didn¡¯t follow her. After the elevator doors closed, Xia Yangyang went underground to the parking garage.
Ah Shui was carefully inspecting the car. Xia Yangyang walked over: ¡°How is it, can you see if there¡¯s a problem?¡± ¡°The brake pad has been tampered with,¡± Ah Shui confidently stated. Xia Yangyang felt a tightening in her heart, ¡°Are you sure?¡± Ah Shui turned his head, ¡°You doubt my skills, even though the person¡¯s modifications were pretty discreet, but careful observation can still reveal ws,e, let me exin to you in detail¡­¡± Ah Shui started exining in great detail, but Xia Yangyang¡¯s head was buzzing. Of course, she believed Ah Shui¡¯s judgement, itpletely agreed with her own deductions. Her father¡¯s car ident, it wasn¡¯t a natural disaster, it was manmade. Chapter 649 - 650: Sudden Vulnerability Chapter 649: Chapter 650: Sudden Vulnerability Xia Yangyang seldom shed tears anymore. But upon seeing this bowl of noodles, it seemed like something knocked through the final line of defense in her heart. She became instantly vulnerable. Xia Yangyang cried for a bit. Then she started to eat the noodles. They were her favorite chicken noodles from the past. The taste that she hadn¡¯t experienced for four years remained unchanged. Xia Yangyang always used to say that Gu Qichen was a gourmet chef masked as a CEO. He was a natural genius, and whatever he did, he was hundreds, thousands of times better than others. n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om Even when it came to cooking. Inevitably, Xia Yangyang ate all the noodles in the bowl. It warmed her stomach and seemed to reduce the pain. But, sharp pains throbbed in her heart intermittently. Truthfully, Gu Qichen was the most innocent person in all of the disputes between them. Xia Yangyang knew that she had hurt him deeply. His current demeanor¡ªfull of resentment, indulging in fleeting pleasures¡ªwas probably a consequence of his heartbreak. But this was a cruel joke of fate. Neither of them was at fault; it was just that they couldn¡¯t be together. This was the case four years ago, and even more so now. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t know why Gu Qichen cooked her these noodles. It made her vulnerability increase exponentially. Her once sturdy armor seemed to have cracked open. But right now, she could go without anything, except for weakness. The following day was Christmas. As if to mark the asion, The city witnessed the first snowfall of the year. In the CEO¡¯s office of the Shengyuan Building, Gu Qichen stood by the window. Looking down from the high-rise building, everything was covered in a white nket. Still, the festive spirit of Christmas was present everywhere. Not far from thepany was Pearl Square. A giant Christmas tree adorned Pearl Square. Various gift boxes hung from the tree. A number of children circled around the tree, singing and dancing. Gu Qichen could almost hear their joyful voices. Gu Qichen turned around. His gazended on Xia Ye, who was sitting on the sofa. Only today did Gu Qichen learn that the child¡¯s Chinese name was Xia Ye. The night during summer was an aesthetic name. But every night, he quickly fell asleep, probably without ever gazing at the stars in the night sky. Gu Qichen walked over, And sat beside Xia Ye. He gently stroked Xia Ye¡¯s soft hair. This was his son, Gu Qichen¡¯s son. It was a curious feeling¡ªjust by looking at this face, Gu Qichen felt warmth from the bottom of his heart. This child was extraordinarily good-looking, thought Gu Qichen. He found him to be the most handsome child in the world. He suddenly understood the uncalled-for pride and boasting whenever Mu Liancheng spoke of his son. It turns out all the fathers in the world felt the same way. His son was so excellent, handsome, and talented¡ªhe was practically perfect. The only regret was that he had to sleep for such a long time each day. He was deprived of the joys that a child his age should enjoy. Gu Qichen made a vow in his heart, that no matter what, he would cure Xia Ye¡¯s disease. After a while, Fang Zhengdong walked in. Gu Qichen turned around, asking, ¡°Did you find out anything?¡± Fang Zhengdong began, ¡°Mr. CEO, we have found that his name is Xiao Shui. He¡¯s a favored member of Bomar, an international top-tier racing club. He¡¯s a prominent racer, also known as the Car God. But this individual¡¯s identity background is mysterious. His file shows that he was an orphan with no parents. Before the age of six, he lived in the Saint Orphanage in Jiang City. However, he waster adopted, and the records thereafter are nk. We could not track his life trajectory. But it is said that his background is not clean and seems linked to Gao Huizhi.¡± Chapter 650: 651: Men are indeed Fickle Chapter 650: Chapter 651: Men are indeed Fickle Gu Qichen¡¯s brows furrowed. He wasn¡¯t really surprised that Fang Zhengdong had investigated all this. But what Gu Qichen didn¡¯t understand was how Xia Yangyang got involved with these people. He still hadn¡¯t found any information about that Brother Li from before. But it meant something.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The guy wasn¡¯t an ordinary person. And now, there¡¯s this Xiao Shui. What¡¯s more, the Bodhi beads Xia Ye wore around his neck had something to do with Gao Huizhi. Xia Yangyang must know Gao Huizhi. What on earth had Xia Yangyang been through all these years?
Why did she get involved with that person? Gu Qichen was distracted. Fang Zhengdong called out: ¡°President, should we continue to investigate?¡± Gu Qichen raised his head: ¡°Forget it, don¡¯t worry about Xiao Shui, continue to investigate Gao Huizhi¡¯s current whereabouts.¡± ¡°Okay, President.¡± ¡°By the way, how¡¯s the investigation of the photos from Xinyi¡¯s side?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve found the culprit, it¡¯s the security guard of themunity. He confessed, but he insisted that he did this because he disapproved of celebrities. He wrote the threatening letters and released those photos. I did an investigation, that security guard had been working in themunity for ten years and always kept his nose clean. Miss Zhang has been living in the vi for three years and there¡¯s never been any conflict. But recently, the security guard¡¯s mother fell seriously ill and was admitted to the intensive care unit at Ruian Hospital. The daily expense is over ten thousand, it was said that the security guard deposited five hundred thousand directly into the medical card. This case is quite suspicious, I¡¯m afraid someone behind the scenes has bribed him.¡± Gu Qichen¡¯s face was stern: ¡°Investigate the security guard¡¯s bank ount and recent call records to see who he¡¯s been in contact with.¡± ¡°Okay, President.¡± ¡°You can go now.¡± ¡°Understood.¡± Fang Zhengdong turned around and left. As he reached the elevator, he bumped into Xi Zijun who wasing in. ¡°Miss Xi,¡± Fang Zhengdong greeted politely. Xi Zijun nodded: ¡°Is Ah Chen inside?¡± ¡°The president is inside.¡± Xi Zijun said: ¡°I have something to discuss with Ah Chen.¡± ¡°Please go in, Miss Xi.¡± The door to the president¡¯s office was open.
Xi Zijun knocked on the door from the entrance. Gu Qichen looked up, seeing it was Xi Zijun, he stood up: ¡°Zijun, you¡¯re here.¡± Xi Zijun walked in. She saw Tuanzi sleeping soundly on the sofa, she smiled gently: ¡°How does it feel to suddenly have such a big kid fall from the sky?¡±
Gu Qichen looked veryfortable: ¡°I feel like I¡¯ve been quite lucky.¡± Xi Zijun teased: ¡°For the past four years, you¡¯ve been living as if you were mistreated by Heaven. Now you¡¯re saying you¡¯re favored by it. Men are truly fickle.¡± Gu Qichenughed: ¡°What¡¯s brought you to see me?¡± Xi Zijun walked over to the desk and handed over a business card: ¡°Oh yes, this is my friend Anmie, a well-respected psychotherapist. She¡¯s particrly good at psychological intervention for depression, I think she could be introduced to Miss Zhang.¡± Gu Qichen picked up the card: ¡°Zijun, thank you.¡± Xi Zijun smiled: ¡°There¡¯s no need for formalities between us. No one could have foreseen these events.¡± Gu Qichen looked somewhat apologetic: ¡°About the engagement, I¡¯m sorry.¡± Xi Zijun looked indifferent: ¡°Our marriage agreement was simply a business deal to start with. And business arrangements can always be canceled if both parties consent. Speaking of good news, Count Alexander received our engagement invitation. He¡¯s considering giving me the right to represent his wines. Fortunately, the Countess, who suffers from aerophobia, didn¡¯te to our engagement partyst time. So we luckily got through that.¡± Chapter 652 - 653: Why didn’t Ah Chen come with you? Chapter 652: Chapter 653: Why didn¡¯t Ah Chene with you? Yet now, Gu Qichen was helpless. Thinking about that woman, Gu Qichen was truly helpless. His goals had always been clear, and he knew exactly what he wanted in his heart. But now, for the first time, he was lost. In the past four years, his only goal had been to find Xia Yangyang. But now that he had found her, he was lost. He didn¡¯t know which way to go next. Regarding Xia Yangyang, he always had this sense of helplessness andck of control. Gu Qichen sighed. At noon, Fang Zhengdong brought the lunch over. Considering that Xia Ye would be waking up soon, Gu Qichen said: ¡°Get the cafeteria to make some vegetable porridge.¡± ¡°Alright, boss.¡± Fang Zhengdong hadn¡¯t reached the door when Gu Qichen called him back: ¡°Never mind, I will take him out to eatter.¡± As expected, Xia Ye woke up after a little while. Gu Zhaohan had administered a new medicine to Xia Ye in the past few days. Now his sleeping period had been reduced to 16 hours. However, the effect of the new medicine was still under observation. When Xia Ye woke up, he asked: ¡°Uncle, where are we?¡± ¡°This is my office.¡± Xia Ye still called him Uncle, even though he clearly knew that Gu Qichen was his biological father. Gu Qichen stood up: ¡°Come on, let me take you out to eat.¡± Xia Ye hesitantly made a request: ¡°Uncle, I want to eat cake.¡± ¡°Then let¡¯s go buy cake.¡± ¡°Uncle, I want to eat cake with my mom, because today is my birthday.¡± Gu Qichen was somewhat surprised. Today was Christmas, and he hadn¡¯t realized it was also Xia Ye¡¯s birthday. However, Gu Qichen had read Xia Yangyang¡¯s prenatal examination report. ording to the report, Xia Ye¡¯s birthday should not be on Christmas. In that case, Xia Ye was born prematurely. Gu Qichen frowned slightly, why was Xia Ye born prematurely? Infused with this thought, Gu Qichen¡¯s heart was filled with a sour bitterness. When Xia Yangyang was giving birth, he was not by her side. If only they hadn¡¯t separated back then, at least at that time, he would¡¯ve been by her side. Gu Qichen gathered his thoughts: ¡°I will take you to see your mother.¡± Xia Ye smiled. At that smile, Gu Qichen felt a warmth, like a morning sun on a winter¡¯s day. Gu Qichen drove out of the Shengyuan Building, proceeded to the cake shop and bought a cake. Then he went straight to the Xia Family¡¯s vi. But Xia Yangyang was not at home and they didn¡¯t know where she had gone. N?v(el)B\\jnn Xia Yangyang¡¯s mobile number was unique; although he had called her before, the number did not show up on Gu Qichen¡¯s mobile phone, every call he made was directed to a void. Gu Qichen didn¡¯t know where Xia Yangyang had gone. Xia Ye seemed clearly disappointed. In fact, he wanted to stay with his mother more. Gu Qichen said: ¡°I will take you to meet someone.¡± Xia Ye raised his head: ¡°Who are you taking me to see?¡± ¡°You will see once we get there.¡± Gu Qichen took Xia Ye to the Peaceful Nursing Home. Initially, his n was to bring Xia Ye to meet Xia Yangyang¡¯s grandmother. He just didn¡¯t anticipate finding Xia Yangyang right there. The grandmother was stitching shoes in her room. Xia Yangyang was assisting her from the side. The two were having a casual conversation. The grandmother had Alzheimer¡¯s disease, though it was being managed with the best medication. However, her memory was not what it used to be. She kept forgetting what she was saying mid-conversation. Xia Yangyang had been there for half a day, and the grandmother had already asked for the third time: ¡°Why didn¡¯t Ah Chene with you?¡± Just as Xia Yangyang was about to exin again. Gu Qichen walked in hand in hand with Xia Ye: ¡°Grandma, I was dyed because I went to buy a cake.¡± Chapter 653 - 654: You Should be Divorced Chapter 653: Chapter 654: You Should be Divorced Xia Yangyang turned her head to see Gu Qichen standing at the door. Surprisingly, he was with Xia Ye. It was still afternoon. Xia Yangyang was very surprised. Xia Ye was actually awake! Usually, Xia Ye only woke up in the evening. Xia Ye happily walked over and called out, ¡°Mama.¡± Xia Yangyang touched Xia Ye¡¯s face: ¡°How did you wake up so early today?¡± ¡°Uncle Gu gave me a new medicine. I¡¯m not sleepy at all today,¡± Xia Ye spoke. Xia Yangyang was very happy. She quickly took Xia Ye to the elder¡¯s side: ¡°Quickly, call out for great-grandmother.¡± Xia Yangyang had long ago told Xia Ye that she had a great-grandmother. So Xia Ye softly called out, ¡°Hello, great-grandmother.¡± The older woman was quite surprised. Because Xia Yangyang had never mentioned having a child to her before. The main reason was she was still guarding against Gu Qichen. So these years, she always felt guilty towards her grandmother. The elder was in disbelief: ¡°Is this child yours?¡± Xia Yangyang nodded: ¡°His name is Xia Ye. He is four years old this year. Since he¡¯s been living with me in the United States, I did not tell you.¡± The grandmother smacked Xia Yangyang: ¡°You didn¡¯t even tell me about something this big. You kept it a secret from me for four years. You¡¯re so careless! My hair¡¯s turned gray waiting for a great-grandchild!¡± After saying this, she immediately ignored Xia Yangyang, grabbing Xia Ye¡¯s hand: ¡°Come,e, let great-grandmother see, isn¡¯t he handsome? He looks just like Ah Chen.¡± Gu Qichen also came in, smiling and said: ¡°It seems I¡¯m going to be out of favor now.¡± The grandmother gave him a reproachful nce: ¡°All of you keep things from me. It¡¯s like you don¡¯t care for this old woman at all. Even though I¡¯m old and frail, I can still care for a child.¡± Xia Yangyang held the elder¡¯s hand: ¡°Grandmother, I will never leave you again. Wouldn¡¯t it be nice for you toe with me to the United States?¡± Gu Qichen frowned slightly. The grandmother gave Xia Yangyang a nce: ¡°What¡¯s so good about thend of foreigners? I¡¯m not interested in going to the United States. I n on going back to the countryside in a few days. Though the ce Ah Chen found for me isfortable, it¡¯s not home.¡± Xia Yangyang felt a pang of sadness. The grandmother absolutely cannot live alone anymore. Xia Yangyang asked the experts here. Although the grandmother¡¯s condition is under control, it¡¯s not optimistic. After all, she¡¯s getting old and there¡¯s no specific treatment method. They can only hope the condition doesn¡¯t worsen too quickly. Xia Yangyang said: ¡°Grandmother, you don¡¯t have to go abroad, but for now, you have to stay here obediently. I will have Xia Yee to apany you often.¡± The elder was very happy about her great-grandson. Xia Ye still hadn¡¯t had lunch. Knowing that today is Xia Ye¡¯s birthday, she quickly went to the kitchen to prepare longevity noodles for Xia Ye. Then they cut the cake and blew out candles together. In the afternoon, the elderly woman wanted to make dumplings. She sent Xia Yangyang to the garden to pick shepherd¡¯s purse. The elderly woman had a small vegetable garden. Various melons, fruits, and vegetables were growing there. While Xia Yangyang was picking vegetables in the yard, Gu Qichen was helping the elder knead the dough in the small kitchen. Xia Ye was curiously feeding amb in the yard. Only Gu Qichen and the grandmother were in the kitchen. While the grandmother was preparing the meat stuffing, she said to Gu Qichen: ¡°Did you divorce Yangyang?¡± Gu Qichen was momentarily stunned: ¡°Grandmother, why would you ask that?¡± The grandmother sighed: ¡°I guessed it a long time ago. Who stays abroad for business with their child for several years? These years, you two never came to see me together, Yangyang kept everything from me, and neither of you acknowledge each other when you meet. I thought, you guys must have divorced.¡±N?v(el)B\\jnn Chapter 654: 655: Never Stopped Loving Him Chapter 654: Chapter 655: Never Stopped Loving Him Grandma continued toment, ¡°You all think I¡¯m getting senile, my memory is indeed deteriorating, but I remember everything that happened between you two very clearly. However, your kids these days are different from our time. Back then, two people might never have met each other, and with a cow, a piece of cloth, and a maiden¡¯s heart, you were married to a man ¨C and once you were married, it was for life. Now, you date for a few years, get married, and divorces are a dime a dozen. Grandma doesn¡¯t understand what went wrong with you guys, and I haven¡¯t asked about it. I only ask you one question, do you still like NanNan?¡± Gu Qichen bowed his head. He seemed like a child. There were many things he had always kept in his heart, things he couldn¡¯t share with anyone. Because to others, it may just be a joke. But in front of Grandma, he could no longer hide himself. Gu Qichen said softly: ¡°I¡¯ve never stopped loving her for a moment.¡± Gu Qichen felt that the word ¡®like¡¯ used by the olddy was not quite right. Liking to the extreme is love. And he has loved to the extreme, if he had to find a word to describe it, it would be sweet suffering.
Over the years, the pain Xia Yangyang brought him was innumerable, the disappointment, the emptiness, the boundless agony like drowning. But he bore it willingly. Grandma spoke: ¡°If you still like NanNan, I will help you. You are a good boy, I remember all your kindness to me over these years. I know I¡¯m senile and afraid that I might forget everything in the future, so before that, I want to see you with my beloved granddaughter again.¡± Gu Qichen was surprised: ¡°Grandma, you¡­¡± Grandma smiled, ¡°You think you can hide your little schemes from me? If I were truly healthy, would you have brought me to this city and provided me with a team of doctors? I may be illiterate, but I understand my own body. I¡¯m fine; it¡¯s just old age creeping up. The only woe I carry is about you two.¡± Gu Qichen didn¡¯t expect Grandma¡¯s heart to be so clear. Grandma said: ¡°Ah Chen, don¡¯t worry. NanNan has been dutiful since a young age, she will listen to me. Besides me, you also have your biological son. The two most important people in her life are on your side, what else are you afraid of?¡± Gu Qichen smiled: ¡°Grandma, you¡¯re right.¡± Grandma said: ¡°Okay, stop kneading the dough. Let me handle it, you go and see if NanNan needs any help.¡± Gu Qichen stepped out of the small kitchen. Xia Yangyang was rummaging for shepherd¡¯s purse in the snow. This shepherd¡¯s purse is a wild vegetable, not intentionally grown in one ce. At the time, the olddy had casually sprinkled a handful of seeds all over the vegetable fields, resulting in them being scattered everywhere, and each shepherd¡¯s purse was clustered together very closely. Covered by snow, it was quite a fuss to pick them out.n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Gu Qichen walked over: ¡°Do you need my help?¡± Xia Yangyang was squatting in the vegetable plot, wearing rubber shoes. Her hands and feet had already turned icy cold. Yet, she just turned around and nced at Gu Qichen: ¡°No need, I can manage.¡± ¡°At this rate, I fear we may not eat shepherd¡¯s purse dumplings till tomorrow,¡± Gu Qichen said in an indifferent tone. Gu Qichen was right. Her efficiency was too low.
Xia Yangyang stood up: ¡°So, does Mr. Gu have a better n?¡± Gu Qichen motioned Xia Ye over: ¡°Let¡¯s divide the work up. Xia Ye, you¡¯re in charge of locating. Once you find one, clear the snow away. I¡¯ll dig up the shepherd¡¯s purse.¡± Then he said to Xia Yangyang: ¡°You¡¯re in charge of choosing the vegetables and washing them. That way, we¡¯ll be very efficient.¡±
Chapter 655: 656: Gu Qichen, What Kind of Ruffian Are You Playing? Chapter 655: Chapter 656: Gu Qichen, What Kind of Ruffian Are You ying? Gu Qichen¡¯s method sounded good. Xia Yangyang didn¡¯t object either. Thus, the three of them began to divide the work and cooperate. Xia Ye also showed interest. He usually slept for long periods, and even when he woke up, he mostly spent his time quietly reading and studying. They rarely participated in such rural recreational activities. Indeed, after they divided the work, their efficiency increased dramatically.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om It was as if they were secretlypeting with each other. Everyone was working as quickly as they could. In just half an hour, Gu Qichen had already filled three baskets.
However, Xia Yangyang was the slowest, sitting on a small stool choosing and picking vegetables. His attention was mainly on the two people racing in the yard. Therefore, the work in his hands naturally slowed down. ¡°Mom, you¡¯re the slowest.¡± Xia Ye said,ughing. Xia Yangyang alsoughed, brushing off the snow from Xia Ye¡¯s hair: ¡°Do you find it fun?¡± Xia Ye was seldom excited: ¡°It¡¯s very fun, I¡¯ve never picked wild vegetables before.¡± Xia Ye had little free time as a child, even when awake, he spent most of his time coding with Xiao Wu. Xiao Wu was introverted and didn¡¯t enjoy talking much. Therefore, Xia Ye also developed a mature personality. They had never seen him so happy before. Xia Yangyang felt that this was how a child should look. Gu Qichen spoke up: ¡°You take Xia Ye inside. It¡¯s cold outside, and his shoes are soaked in snow water. Get him inside to change his shoes.¡± Xia Ye¡¯s shoes were indeed wet, but Gu Qichen¡¯s shoes were even more drenched. Xia Yangyang felt a little distressed and told Xia Ye, ¡°Go in by yourself and change into a pair of slippers, I¡¯lle in right away.¡± Xia Ye obediently went inside. Xia Yangyang indeed stayed outside to pick vegetables with Gu Qichen. Thinking that the two of them could speed up the process. Without saying anything, Gu Qichen agreed. The two of them did indeed pick the remaining vegetables much faster.
They picked and washed all the remaining shepherd¡¯s purse within ten minutes. Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang went indoors together. Xia Yangyang¡¯s shoes were soaked through and her toes were numb from the cold. As she stood up from washing the vegetables by the well, she felt her footing give way and started to fall backward.
Fortunately, Gu Qichen was right by her side. He stretched out his arm and directly pulled Xia Yangyang into his embrace. Xia Yangyang¡¯s forehead bumped against Gu Qichen¡¯s chin. Their bodies were held tightly together. Xia Yangyang was a little stunned and extremely ufortable. Despite the freezing weather, Gu Qichen¡¯s hand was warm. He had a clean and cold fragrance. Whenever Xia Yangyang smelled this scent, which was unique to Gu Qichen, her heart rate would elerate. Xia Yangyang whispered a ¡°thank you,¡± intending to back away. However, the hand Gu Qichen had wrapped around her waist did not loosen. Instead, it held her tighter. They were pressed so close together they could feel each other¡¯s breaths. Xia Yangyang was a little annoyed and tried to break free.
However, Gu Qichen held her in his arms like shackles, refusing to let her escape. Xia Yangyang barked angrily, ¡°Gu Qichen, what are you ying at?¡± He hadn¡¯t heard those words in many years, almost considered her catchphrase. Seeing Xia Yangyang¡¯s frustrated and blushing appearance, Gu Qichen shamelessly realized how much he had missed these moments. Lowering his head, he kissed Xia Yangyang¡¯s lips. Xia Yangyang froze, her eyes wide open. It was a lingering kiss before Gu Qichen let go of Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang barely breathed, stiffened still as a statue. Chapter 656: 657: Teaching Her How to Make Dumplings Step by Step Chapter 656: Chapter 657: Teaching Her How to Make Dumplings Step by Stepn/?/vel/b//in dot c//om Only after Gu Qichen let go of her, did she react: ¡°Gu Qichen, have you gone mad?¡± ¡°Since you called me a rogue, not acting one would be a loss.¡± Gu Qichen seemed in high spirits, he walked straight into the house holding the basket of shepherd¡¯s purse. Xia Yangyang, on the other hand, was almost infuriatingly angry. It was just too cold today. Just now Xia Yangyang was so dazed by the cold that she forgot to push Gu Qichen away. Xia Yangyang also followed him into the house. Her grandma just happened to take out a pair of cotton shoes from the cupboard for Gu Qichen ,¡±These are the cotton shoes I just made a few days ago, see if they are warm. I used our homegrown cotton for these shoes, you can¡¯t find them in stores.¡± Gu Qichen put them on: ¡°They are very warm. Thank you, grandma.¡± As Xia Yangyang walked in, she grumbled, ¡°Grandma, you¡¯re never this nice to me.¡±
The olddy nced at her, ¡°Ah Chen has been visiting me every month for the past few years. As for you, you only called me twice in these years. I think Ah Chen is more worthy of my love than you. If I don¡¯t favor him, who should I favor?¡± At this, Xia Yangyang was left speechless. These years, she was really grateful for everything that Gu Qichen had done. In the afternoon, the four of them made dumplings together. Xia Ye also learned it well. Gu Qichen was an expert cook, so naturally, he had no problems. On the other hand, Xia Yangyang, having been in the United States for years, seldom ate hand-wrapped dumplings. She made a few chubby ones, but the grandma was quite vexed, ¡°Look at the ones you¡¯ve made, they look terrible.¡± Xia Yangyang said, ¡°Grandma, you know I¡¯m not good at cooking.¡± ¡°Then what are you good at, just eating? Ah Chen really spoils you, Ah Chen, you teach her.¡± Gu Qichen responded. Then, he made a dumpling in front of Xia Yangyang. He was skillful and fast. But Xia¡¯s eyes were focused on his hands. Gu Qichen¡¯s hands were very good-looking. His fingers were slender and distinct, like a jade stick. But Xia Yangyang was looking at his ring finger. His hands were clean, and he was not wearing a ring. Did he really cancel his engagement with Xi Zijun? Xia Yangyang was in a daze.
But was quickly snapped out of it by a knock on the head by her grandma¡¯s chopstick, ¡°I asked you to focus on learning, but what are you thinking about?¡± Xia Yangyang came back to her senses, ¡°Grandma, I can¡¯t learn this.¡± Xia was never good at cooking. Some people just don¡¯t have talent or interest.
And Xia Yangyang thought that although her dumplings were not as perfect as Gu Qichen¡¯s, they were barely eptable, at least they were edible. Her grandma had never been this picky with her before. Yangyang¡¯s grandma said frustratedly, ¡°I¡¯m doing this for your good. You eat hamburgers and bread every day in the States, there¡¯s no nutrients in those, even if you don¡¯t consider for yourself, you should also think about my precious great-grandchild. You must learn to make these for him in the future.¡± She spoke to Gu Qichen in an almostmanding tone, ¡°Ah Chen, you must teach this stupid girl well, teach her hands-on. You are not allowed to have dinner until she learns to make it.¡± After finishing her words, grandma took the dumplings that had already been wrapped to the kitchen to boil. Gu Qichen lifted his eyebrows and went straight to Xia Yangyang, circled his arms around her from behind, and then grabbed her hands, ¡°I¡¯ll only teach you once, you better not make me miss dinner.¡± Xia Yangyang wanted to refuse at first. But Gu Qichen also seemed reluctant and impatient. So Xia reluctantly started learning. But their hands-on teaching posture was indeed a little awkward. Chapter 657: 658: This Son ... is Too Precocious Chapter 657: Chapter 658: This Son ¡­ is Too Precocious Xia Yangyang was not stupid, she usually picked up these skills quite fast. However, she just couldn¡¯t seem to get the hang of making dumplings, no matter how Gu Qichen taught her. Of course, the main reason was probably that Gu Qichen was standing too close to her. He was speaking into her ear. His deep voice entered her ears, his lips asionally brushing against Xia Yangyang¡¯s earlobe. Xia Yangyang¡¯s ears turned red, the buzzing sound pervasive in her ears. She couldn¡¯t hear a thing Gu Qichen was saying. Gu Qichen¡¯s hands enveloped Xia Yangyang¡¯s hands. He taught her step by step how to wrap the dumplings. Xia Yangyang¡¯s fingers were icy cold, but Gu Qichen¡¯s fingers were very warm.
This warmth was something she had missed for a long time. Xia Yangyang suddenly remembered back in university. In the winter, she loved dragging Gu Qichen to the food street near the school. When it got too cold, Gu Qichen would hold her hand and put it in his pocket. It was very warm. But now, thinking back, it hurt terribly. Xia Yangyang¡¯s mind was filled with intrusive thoughts of the past. Xia Yangyang pushed away Gu Qichen, her expression a picture of loss: ¡°Forget it, I¡¯m not learning anymore, I¡¯m going to help grandma boil the dumplings.¡± With that said, Xia Yangyang retreated into the small kitchen. Gu Qichen stood outside, somewhat dazed. Xia Ye walked over, standing next to Gu Qichen, speaking in a wise-beyond-his-years tone: ¡°Mom is probably reminiscing about the past, your move was pretty good, you should use it more often.¡± Gu Qichen couldn¡¯t help but chuckle. He reached out and pinched Xia Ye¡¯s face: ¡°You little smart aleck, howe you know everything?¡± Xia Ye¡¯s face was smeared with flour, but he didn¡¯t seem to mind. He said seriously, ¡°It¡¯s written in books, this is how a boy chases a girl, casual physical contact promotes dopamine secretion.¡± Gu Qichen frowned: ¡°What do you usually read?¡± ¡°I prefer mathematics, physics, chemistry, but asionally I read books like ¡®Intimate Rtionships¡¯ and ¡®The Chemistry of Love Theory¡¯. I have a broad range of interests when ites to books.¡± the little guy answered earnestly. Gu Qichen responded: ¡°Do you know at your age, you should be reading ¡®Grimm¡¯s Fairy Tales¡¯ and ¡®Fable Stories¡¯, learning how to be a child?¡± Xia Ye looked up: ¡°Did you like reading Grimm¡¯s Fairy Tales and Fable Stories when you were a kid?¡± Gu Qichen pondered: ¡°No.¡± ¡°That¡¯s right, why should I like something you didn¡¯t.¡±
Having said that, Xia Ye also turned to head into the small kitchen. Gu Qichen was somewhat stunned. His son¡­seemed a bit too mature for his age. Shortly after, the steaming dumplings were ready.
The four of them gathered around a small square table to eat dumplings. It started snowing again outside, the fierce wind howling. Icicles formed on the windows. But inside, the lights were bright, and the room was warm. The air was filled with the delightful aroma of dumplings.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om The dumplings were filled with chicken soup. As they put the scalding chicken soup in their mouths, their hands and feet warmed up considerably. Xia Yangyang hadn¡¯t had a proper meal with her grandmother for a long time. Nor had she felt this sense of a family atmosphere for a while. This feeling unexpectedly filled her heart with a certain longing. Only wishing that time would go by slower. Because Xia Yangyang knew that perhaps this might be thest time. Once she leaves the nursing home, she will again be worlds apart from Gu Qichen. But at this moment, they seem to have temporarily forgotten their past grudges, relishing this all too brief warmth and tranquility¡­
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