Chapter 135/136: Publicly Humiliating Shen Manbing

While Gu Qichen changed clothes, Xia Yangyang overheard whispers:

“What’s going on between Yangyang and President Gu?” “Isn’t Mr. Gu marrying Sister Bingbing? Why’s he filming a bed scene with Yangyang right in front of her?” “They say Yangyang’s role was pre-selected by a powerful sponsor—Mr. Gu, apparently.” “Who knew quiet Yangyang was like that?”

Xia Weiwei, also present, felt her lungs would burst. She’d suspected an affair between Xia Yangyang and Gu Qichen, but seeing it confirmed was shocking. She never imagined Xia Yangyang, so seemingly awkward, would pursue such a high-profile man, even as a mistress. All that “nobleness” was an act.

Gu Qichen emerged from changing. The director explained the scene had changed due to a body double; Xia Yangyang's every move would be the focus, and Gu Qichen would only appear from behind. As he approached, Xia Yangyang glared.

Doesn’t this man realize the trouble his actions will cause? she thought.

But Gu Qichen ignored her glare, nonchalantly raising an eyebrow. Xia Yangyang, knowing him well, realized he was in a good mood. A joke! she thought. He's in a good mood after all this!

According to the script, Gu Qichen was to sweep Xia Yangyang, standing by the door, into his arms, “prince charming style.” He did just that, startling her. Reflexively, she wrapped her arms around his neck. “Action!” called the director.

Gu Qichen carried Xia Yangyang toward the bed. After a few steps, “Cut!”

“Yangyang, your expression is wrong. Be more affectionate; you look like you’re about to commit suicide together!”

Xia Yangyang wished she could, to avoid the upcoming gossip. But she didn't want to delay filming. She adjusted her attitude. Gu Qichen lifted her again, walked to the bed, set her down, loosened his tie, and kissed her.

A collective gasp filled the room. “Cut!” the director called again. “Yangyang, you’re too stiff. Relax; think of him as your beloved.”

Xia Yangyang, if she had a knife, would have stabbed Gu Qichen. The director explained the scene again: “Let’s do it again.”

But Xia Yangyang’s performance remained unsatisfactory, resulting in multiple takes of the kissing scene. Whispers circulated:

“Is Xia Yangyang doing this on purpose, trying to take advantage of Mr. Gu?”

“She’s showing off to Sister Bingbing. Clearly, Yangyang and Mr. Gu have something, but Sister Bingbing and Mr. Gu are the public couple. No wonder Bingbing has been tormenting her—retaliation! Now, under Mr. Gu’s wing, she’s retaliating. See how ugly Bingbing’s face is?”

“Xia Yangyang is manipulative! This is public humiliation! Sister Bingbing must be furious.”

Shen Manbing’s expression was indeed ugly. She’d joined the crew to confirm something—whether Gu Qichen and Xia Yangyang’s marriage was real. Now, she saw the answer. Gu Qichen, severely germophobic and averse to being touched by women, showed no such repulsion with Xia Yangyang. Xia Yangyang remained tense. This wasn't the Gu Qichen she knew.

“Cut!” the director called again. Xia Yangyang felt deflated under the pressure of so many onlookers. She couldn't get into the scene with Gu Qichen’s face before her, but he remained patient, filming take after take. When he put her down, he whispered, “It’s not like we haven’t done this before. Just act naturally.”

Xia Yangyang wanted to hit him. Finally, she said, “Director, can I have some wine?”

“No,” Gu Qichen immediately replied.

Ignoring him, Xia Yangyang grabbed a bottle of strong liquor from the nearby cabinet and took two large gulps. Gu Qichen snatched the bottle.

“Let’s try again,” Xia Yangyang said.

Her low alcohol tolerance usually meant even a little beer made her dizzy. The alcohol hit, and she focused solely on acting. The gossip and stares faded; she saw only Gu Qichen.

He laid her on the bed and kissed her. The feeling was so familiar… she realized she missed his taste. His kiss was overbearing yet gentle, incredibly seductive. He pulled a quilt over them, and after a few symbolic movements (standard for TV bed scenes), he didn't release her. He kissed her fiercely, seemingly wanting to devour her, only stopping when the director yelled, “Cut!” Then, he whispered, “Will you come home tonight? Hm?”

Reflexively, she murmured agreement. He lifted the quilt and stood up. The bright lights revealed the many onlookers, jolting her back to reality. They stared at her strangely—her flushed cheeks, her confused eyes—while Gu Qichen, cold and composed, buttoned his cufflinks and discussed the scene with the director, exuding calm, attractive charm.