Chapter 168: Chapter 169: Asking for a Divorce is Like Asking for My Life

Xue Shaotang keenly observed the room. Gu Qichen showed no sign of intervention. Xue Shaotang quickly spun the bottle again. It landed on Xia Yangyang. Silence fell.

Feeling embarrassed, Xue Shaotang said to Xia Yangyang, "Sister-in-law, I didn't cheat, but your luck is just…" Under everyone's watchful gaze, cheating was impossible.

Xia Yangyang, having lost the wager, asked Shen Manbing, "What do you want me to do this time?"

Shen Manbing's face was cold. All eyes were on her.

Shen Manbing said, word for word, "I want you to divorce Gu Qichen."

The room fell silent. The situation had escalated. Everyone knew Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen were childhood sweethearts, once rumored to be engaged. But Gu Qichen had unexpectedly married a younger woman, the reason unknown to the public. Shen Manbing, however, was no ordinary person; a leading entertainment diva and member of the prestigious Shen family, she had countless suitors. To the outside world, she and Gu Qichen were equals. No one expected her to remain in a troubled relationship. Yet, her words revealed she hadn't let go of Gu Qichen.

Everyone was stunned, unsure how to proceed.

Xue Shaotang said, "Sister Bingbing, it's just a game. No need to take it so seriously, right?"

Shen Manbing stared intently at Xia Yangyang. "Is life not just a game? Once engaged, one must abide by the rules."

Xia Yangyang didn't hesitate. She stood, grabbed a bottle of wine, and raised it to drink.

But Gu Qichen grabbed her arm. "What are you doing?"

Xue Shaotang explained, "The rule is, if you can't complete the task, you drink a bottle of wine. But this is a rare, high-proof liquor. If Sister-in-law drinks it, she could get into trouble."

Gu Qichen quickly took the wine from Xia Yangyang's hand. "The rules didn't say someone else can't drink for her, did they?"

"No," Xue Shaotang replied.

Gu Qichen then declared, "Xia Yangyang is my wife; we are one. Since she's being punished, I'll drink for her." He opened the bottle and began to drink slowly.

Sighs rippled through the crowd. They knew his words were directed at Shen Manbing, and felt sympathy for her. How deeply wounded must a woman be to use a game to win back her love? But was this game really going to change anything? Gu Qichen's stance was clear.

Xia Yangyang, bewildered, tried to stop him, but Gu Qichen gave her a reassuring look. Xia Yangyang didn't drink, so she didn't know the liquor's strength. Shen Manbing, however, did. Seeing Gu Qichen drink half the bottle, she exclaimed, "That's Balkan vodka from Bulgaria! Are you trying to kill yourself?"

Gu Qichen didn't stop; he drained the bottle. Applause erupted.

Gu Qichen remained calm and elegant. His voice was carefree. "Asking me for a divorce? You might as well be asking for my life."