Chapter 117: Chapter 118: Pop Diva Shen Manbing's Public Proposal

Xia Yangyang's heart skipped a beat, but she didn't slow down. Instead, she quickened her pace, pulling Chen Yu with her. No one behind them spoke.

Shen Manbing's face subtly changed as she turned to Gu Qichen. "Who were you calling?"

Gu Qichen responded indifferently, "Perhaps I mistook her for someone else."

Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu used a side door to reach the rooftop. The peaceful atmosphere was a stark contrast to the bustling banquet below. Xia Yangyang's heart pounded; she felt drained, and sank onto a swing chair on the balcony. Her shock was evident; she hadn't expected to find Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen there.

Chen Yu, unsure what to say, tentatively asked, "Are you okay?"

She was not. Xia Yangyang was devastated. Her suspicions were confirmed, and the situation was as bad as she'd feared.

"Chen Yu," she said, "I need to be alone for a while."

"That's not possible," he replied. "I won't be at ease if you're alone. I won't talk, I'll just sit with you."

After some time, Xia Yangyang stood up. "Chen Yu, let's go back."

"Alright," he said seriously. "I'll go with you."

They re-entered the banquet hall, the noise and excitement washing over them. It was even busier than before; people were gathered, shrieking and cheering. Something had clearly happened. Xia Yangyang initially ignored it, but as they approached, the buzz intensified. She overheard exclamations:

"Queen Shen Manbing is proposing! My God, that man is so lucky! This will be worldwide news tomorrow!"

"They say he's no ordinary person—the youngest president of Shengyuan Group, Gu Qichen of the Gu family, one of the four leading families!"

"So he's the mystery man! They're a perfect match!"

Xia Yangyang wanted to leave but couldn't resist stopping. On impulse, she changed direction and headed toward the crowd.

Pushing through the excited, applauding throng, she reached the front. Shen Manbing knelt, holding a diamond ring. "Ah Chen," she said, "will you marry me?"

They stood beneath a cascading chandelier. Gu Qichen's face was shadowed, hiding his expression. He remained motionless, silent for a long time. The cheering grew louder. To the crowd, Shen Manbing was every man's dream; this man must be overwhelmed.

Xia Yangyang stared, her heart pounding. She, too, awaited an answer she didn't know she wanted. The cheering subsided, his silence creating a tense uncertainty. Then, Shen Manbing stood, rose onto her tiptoes, and kissed Gu Qichen.

The atmosphere erupted again. Whistles and cheers filled the hall. Xia Yangyang was stunned, the world seeming to fade away except for the embracing couple. Tears welled in her eyes.

Suddenly, she was pulled into an embrace, spun around, and held from behind. Chen Yu pressed her head to his shoulder. "Silly girl," he said, "stop looking."

Xia Yangyang's tears flowed freely. Chen Yu decisively took her hand and they left the banquet.