Chapter 17: Shen Manbing's Outburst
Shen Manbing began drinking heavily, ignoring Mu Liancheng's attempts to stop her. "Sister Bingbing," he pleaded, "this could cause trouble. It was just a game; you're taking it too seriously." She remained focused on Gu Qichen, clearly waiting for a reaction.
The silence was awkward. If Gu Qichen remained silent, Shen Manbing would likely escalate the situation. As her ex-girlfriend and childhood friend, his inaction would paint him as heartless and ungrateful. However, intervening would only give her false hope, potentially igniting further trouble. And with his young wife present, any interaction risked misunderstanding.
Gu Qichen frowned, seemingly ignoring the situation and checking his watch, as if awaiting something. Then, the door opened, revealing Shen Shichuan. Without hesitation, he snatched the bottle from Shen Manbing's hand and smashed it on the floor, causing a scream from those nearby. "When will you stop this nonsense?" he demanded, his voice laced with controlled anger.
Gu Qichen's earlier watch-checking was no coincidence; he'd anticipated Shen Shichuan's arrival. Besides Gu Qichen, only Shen Shichuan could manage Shen Manbing's spoiled behavior, despite his own indulgent nature towards her.
Many present knew Shen Manbing hadn't always been so spoiled. Her current demeanor stemmed from her brother's overindulgence. The Shen family's wealth and influence were considerable, but tragedy struck when Shen Shichuan was eighteen—his parents died in a car accident. He faced bullying from relatives, nearly losing the family's holdings. Yet, he salvaged everything, building his own entertainment company and dominating half the industry.
He and Shen Manbing had only each other during that difficult time. After Shen Manbing's rise to fame, she revealed in an interview the deep scar her parents' death left. Crying, she confessed feeling unloved. Shen Shichuan's response: "I'll make you a top star, so everyone will love you, and you'll never be alone." His entertainment company was, in essence, a star-making machine built for his sister.
Overcome with emotion and alcohol, Shen Manbing wept on the couch. Shen Shichuan gently picked her up and carried her from the room.