Chapter 13: She Harbored Inappropriate Thoughts About Him
Xia Yangyang decided to let Gu Qichen flaunt his relationship with Shen Manbing. Perhaps, once he was satisfied, he would willingly sign the divorce agreement. She was too weary to fight anymore.
That evening, a truck carrying crates of live seafood arrived at the drama troupe. An open-air barbecue was arranged. Lu Yao excitedly reported, "Goodness! President Gu really went all out. Australian lobster, abalone, mussels, whole tuna—crates of them! And they hired a Michelin-starred chef! We're in for a treat tonight!"
The feast, set up on the troupe's playground, was spectacular. Long tables draped in white linen resembled a French restaurant. There were barbecue and main dish areas, with ample drinks and red wine. The troupe members celebrated with singing, dancing, and lively barbecuing.
However, Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen were absent. This wasn't surprising; Shen Manbing, with her high social standing, wouldn't mingle with the others. They were likely enjoying a private, luxurious dinner elsewhere.
Several actresses enjoyed the seafood. Yu Minmin savored some sea urchin sashimi, exclaiming, "This is the freshest sea urchin I've ever tasted! We're so lucky, thanks to Sister Bingbing. Mr. Gu is so generous. I wonder when they'll marry! I can't wait for their wedding!"
Xia Weiwei retorted sarcastically, "Is this the first time you've had good food? Impressed by a single sea urchin? Ambitious much?"
"Xia Weiwei, how could you say that?" someone protested.
Xia Weiwei snapped, "Did I say something wrong?"
Yu Minmin countered, "You've been upset all afternoon because Mr. Gu didn't even look at you. You have a crush on him, don't you? Unfortunately, he's about to marry Sister Bingbing."
Xia Weiwei's secret exposed, she fumed, "How dare you! And who says he'll definitely marry Shen Manbing? It's just a rumor!"
"Everyone knows Shen Manbing proposed. And Gu Qichen threw this huge party the very first day she joined the crew. It's obvious! You have a wealthy father, Xia Weiwei, but you're still no match for Shen Manbing."
"One day, I'll be a bigger star than Shen Manbing! One day, I'll be the woman beside Gu Qichen! Just you wait and see, you losers!"
Xia Weiwei stormed off. Yu Minmin burst into tears. "She's so bossy! She uses her father's name to lord it over everyone. She's only the fourth lead, yet she acts like she's the lead, treating us like maids!"
Others comforted her, "Let it go. She's the heiress of Starlight, and her mother is a famous actress. She's been spoiled rotten. We have to endure it. When you become famous, you won't have to care about her anymore."
Xia Yangyang observed indifferently. Aside from Lu Yao, she had few friends in the troupe. Everyone fawned over Xia Weiwei, avoiding Xia Yangyang.
However, Xia Weiwei's confession shocked Xia Yangyang. She hadn't expected Xia Weiwei's feelings for Gu Qichen. She wondered how Xia Weiwei would react to her own brief marriage to him. But, she resolved, nobody should find out.