Chapter 16: Find a Man, Kiss for a Minute

All eyes turned to Xia Yangyang. Shen Manbing, seated opposite her, said coldly, "Scared?" The declaration of war was clear to everyone. A new flame versus an old love—a classic showdown between two women.

If Xia Yangyang refused, she'd lose face before Gu Qichen's friends. If she accepted, she faced a seemingly insurmountable opponent in the formidable Shen Manbing. Most onlookers were merely enjoying the spectacle, except for Mu Liancheng, who was extremely anxious. Both women were not easily provoked, and any slight against Gu Qichen's wife would ruin his birthday.

After a two-second pause, Xia Yangyang calmly replied, "Fine, I'll play along." She wanted to see what storm Shen Manbing was brewing. A confrontation was inevitable, so she braced herself.

Xue Shaotang enthusiastically stepped forward, volunteering to spin the bottle to ensure fairness. The first round began. He spun the bottle skillfully, and all eyes followed its rotation. It finally stopped, pointing at Xia Yangyang.

Shen Manbing smirked triumphantly. "You lose."

Xue Shaotang announced, "Sister Bingbing, you may now ask Yangyang to do something."

Beads of sweat formed on Mu Liancheng's forehead. He was worried about Lin Zhiwei's prolonged absence.

Shen Manbing surveyed the room. "The atmosphere's dull. Miss Xia, spice things up. Choose a man in this room and French kiss him for one minute."

Silence fell. Everyone recognized Shen Manbing's trap, not only for Xia Yangyang but for the men present. The challenge—a one-minute French kiss—was audacious. Gu Qichen's reaction would be explosive.

Xia Yangyang remained impassive. The men subtly retreated. Who would dare accept such a challenge, especially involving Gu Qichen's wife? Their silent prayer was unanimous: Please, don't pick me! Yet, they were also eager spectators.

Shen Manbing added, "Failure means drinking a bottle of wine. Let me warn you, it's not for the faint of heart."

Xia Yangyang knew; Xue Shaotang had warned her beforehand. The wine was high-proof spirits with a potent effect. As a poor drinker, it could be lethal. She couldn't drink it, but the men

Xia Yangyang looked around. The men's hearts pounded. Was she really going to choose someone? They knew she was an actress currently filming a movie. Perhaps she wouldn't care, but the chosen man would be doomed. Gu Qichen fiercely protected his belongings, especially his wife.

Finally, Xia Yangyang's gaze settled on Xue Shaotang