Chapter 253/254: A Cloud of Mystery

The host's face changed. Something felt amiss. However, with Mo YinFeng's intervention, higher-ups likely harbored no suspicion. The truth was, before the Heart of the Kingdom was auctioned, the necklace belonged to the MoShi Group—the exhibition's host and, essentially, the top authority. The top boss declaring it a misunderstanding made it so.

The host quickly composed himself, handing the Heart of the Kingdom to Gu Qichen with an apologetic gesture. "It seems there was a misunderstanding. We sincerely apologize to Mrs. Gu. The gem is returned to its rightful owner. Mr. Gu, please place it on Mrs. Gu."

Gu Qichen took the necklace and walked toward Xia Yangyang. Bewildered, she couldn't comprehend the situation. Could Gu Qichen have bought it for her? It seemed unlike him. A knot of confusion tightened in her mind.

Under everyone's gaze, Gu Qichen approached, placed the necklace around her neck, and said, "My dear, I'm sorry. It was meant as a surprise; I didn't anticipate this misunderstanding."

The gentleness in Gu Qichen's voice sparked jealousy among the socialites. What made this woman so worthy of his affection? Xia Yangyang, too, was touched. Lowering her head to examine the ruby necklace, her eyes welled. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

Someone shouted, "Kiss her! Kiss her!" The chant spread through the crowd. Gu Qichen smiled faintly, cupped Xia Yangyang's face, and leaned in for a deep kiss.

Shen Manbing watched, her fingers clenching. She turned and left. Xia Yangyang basked in the envy and compliments, transforming from a suspected thief to the most envied woman in an instant.

However, she didn't see Shen Manbing. Leaving the exhibition hall around ten o'clock, Xia Yangyang was riddled with unanswered questions. As they were about to enter their car, Shen Manbing appeared, her car parked beside Gu Qichen's. She glared at Xia Yangyang and the necklace, then calmly addressed Gu Qichen: "Ah Chen, I need to talk to you."

"Go ahead," he replied.

"Even if we're not lovers, can't we talk privately? Gu Qichen, your caution reveals a lack of trust between you two."

"Go," Xia Yangyang said. "I'll wait in the car."

Gu Qichen left with Shen Manbing, but Xia Yangyang, feeling something was still amiss, followed them. Knowing eavesdropping was wrong, she felt strangely compelled.

Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen stopped in a garden, near a rockery. To move silently, Xia Yangyang removed her heels and walked barefoot to a point behind the rockery. She clearly heard Shen Manbing's voice: "What's the deal with the necklace?"