Chapter 17

Shen Manbing left, slumped and drunk against Shen Shichuan’s back, murmuring, “Why? Why did this happen…?”

The private room fell silent after they departed. Mu Liancheng felt awkward. A celebratory birthday party had devolved into a battleground between Young Master Gu’s two women. Xia Yangyang, witnessing Shen Manbing’s distress, felt equally troubled.

She tugged Gu Qi Chen’s sleeve. “I want to go home.”

Gu Qi Chen addressed Mu Liancheng. “Liancheng, we’re leaving. We apologize for the disruption; we’ll make it up to you.”

Mu Liancheng patted Gu Qi Chen’s shoulder understandingly. “Go home and comfort your wife. Young women tend to overthink.”

Xue Shaotang teased, “Liancheng speaks from experience. Isn’t your wife around the same age as my sister-in-law?”

Even in the car, Xia Yangyang remained dazed.

Gu Qi Chen stroked her hair. “What’s wrong?”

She turned, confused. “Why did you choose me?”

Gu Qi Chen was taken aback. “What do you mean?”

Xia Yangyang, dejected, said, “Does your decade-long relationship with Shen Manbing not outweigh our fleeting feelings? Why… did you marry me?”

She was even more curious about his unwavering support. She felt like a band-aid for his emotional wounds, appearing at the opportune moment. Now, with Shen Manbing’s return, his steadfastness made her doubt him. She wondered if he had ulterior motives, perhaps using her to gauge Shen Manbing’s intentions.

The thought dimmed her eyes.

Gu Qi Chen seemed surprised by her question, pausing before answering. Xia Yangyang’s heart sank. Had she guessed correctly?

“Yangyang,” he said seriously, “I’ll tell you the truth. Promise not to be angry.”

Her heart tightened. “Go ahead. No matter the reason, I can handle it. I just want the truth.” An inexplicable pain pierced her chest. She likely guessed right.

Gu Qi Chen spoke earnestly, “This has troubled me too. But then I realized—you’re probably the only one bold enough to be aggressive with me.”

Xia Yangyang was startled. “What?”

A faint smile touched Gu Qi Chen’s lips as he seemed to recall something. “Don’t you remember? That night, you pulled me into the room and pounced on me like a wild animal. You almost tied me up… I couldn’t resist.”

He referred to their first meeting. Xia Yangyang, however, had been extremely drunk. She only remembered waking up next to a stranger, with no recollection of the events. His words reddened her face.

Embarrassed and flustered, she said, “You’re joking! You’re six feet tall. If you didn’t want it, who could force you?”

Gu Qi Chen feigned offense. “You don’t remember how forceful you were. You were like a crazy person, surprisingly strong. I truly couldn't resist. You even ripped my clothes… I still have the garment; I can show you when we get home if you don’t believe me!”