Chapter 169: Chapter 170: Fight Fire with Fire

A whispering silence fell over the room. Young Master Gu's romantic words were surprising, especially given his usually chilly demeanor. Instead of being cringe-worthy, they were deeply moving. The other girls looked enviously at the unassuming Xia Yangyang, especially since Gu Qichen was willing to defy Shen Tianhou for her.

Shen Manbing's expression was one of disbelief. In all their years together, Gu Qichen had never spoken so affectionately. She began to question the nature of their relationship, wondering if it had ever truly been romantic. He seemed like a completely different person with Xia Yangyang.

Seeing Gu Qichen finish a bottle of strong liquor, Xia Yangyang voiced her concern: "Are you okay?"

"Don't worry, sister-in-law," Mu Liancheng interjected. "Ah Chen, the 'liquor god,' hasn't been drunk since he was a teenager."

Something flickered in Xia Yangyang's mind, a feeling of unease she couldn't quite grasp. Xue Shaotang seized the opportunity: "Shall we continue?"

Shen Manbing's fingers clenched. Through gritted teeth, she hissed, "Let's continue!" She couldn't bear the thought of losing to this newcomer.

Yet, Xia Yangyang hesitated. Gu Qichen chuckled gently, saying, "Enjoy yourself. If necessary, I'll drink for you."

The atmosphere thickened. Everyone watched with bated breath, eager to see how the conflict between the two women would unfold. The bottle spun again. As it slowly stopped, landing on Shen Manbing, a wave of satisfaction washed over the room. The irony wasn't lost on anyone.

Xue Shaotang breathed a sigh of relief. Three consecutive turns for Young Master Gu's wife would have had serious consequences. The entertainment value was undeniable. Shen Manbing had just targeted Xia Yangyang twice; now it was time for retribution. The onlookers, particularly eager to see Shen Manbing humbled, anticipated the outcome with gleeful anticipation.

Xue Shaotang, observing the crowd's reaction, cautiously said to Xia Yangyang, "Sister-in-law, you may make your request."

Xia Yangyang met Shen Manbing's gaze for the first time, speaking slowly and deliberately, "I hope you will stop interfering with our lives."

Her words, though brief and calm, held an undeniable aura of audacity and resolve. No one expected such strength from this seemingly fragile girl. It was a perfect retort to Shen Manbing's earlier demand for a divorce. Xia Yangyang's newfound confidence was palpable.

Shen Manbing remained motionless, but her rapidly rising and falling chest and clenched fists betrayed her inner turmoil. The audacity of this newcomer—appearing out of nowhere, stealing Gu Qichen, and now dictating her actions! Did Xia Yangyang know about their years together, their shared history?

All eyes were on Shen Manbing. She rose, grabbed a bottle of alcohol, forcefully opened it, and sneered, "No one in this world can command me."