Chapter 258/259: Thank You

Translator: 549690339

Xia Yangyang accepted the food box.

“Thank you, Shen Shichuan,” she said.

Shen Shichuan found a seat on the nearby single-seater sofa. “Although I don’t know what happened between you and Ah Chen (Gu Qichen), I know he’s been having a difficult time. I spoke with his secretary, Secretary Fang, today. She said Shengyuan Group is in turmoil. Department heads are anxious, fearing Ah Chen might push them to their limits in meetings.”

Hearing Gu Qichen’s name, Xia Yangyang felt inexplicably uncomfortable.

Shen Shichuan sighed. “Ah Chen always keeps his emotions bottled up. If he’s acting like this, he’s probably upset and needs to vent. What exactly happened between you two?”

Xia Yangyang admitted, “Actually, I don’t really know. I’ve been waiting for an answer for days. Gu Qichen said he’d investigate the necklace, but he hasn’t given me an explanation.”

She considered two possibilities: either Gu Qichen hadn't finished his investigation, or he'd discovered Shen Manbing's involvement and was protecting her.

Suddenly, Xia Yangyang said, “I want to ask you something.”

“Go ahead,” Shen Shichuan replied calmly.

“If someone helps you unconditionally when you’re wronged, but doesn’t truly believe you, would you be angry?”

Shen Shichuan responded, “If I were wronged, I’d strive to prove my innocence. I wouldn’t let anyone doubt me.”

Xia Yangyang was taken aback.

Shen Shichuan continued, “You’re referring to the necklace incident, right? Ah Chen told me about it. It’s very strange. After that day, all the auction house staff, including the hosts and security manager, vanished. And since Ah Chen publicly claimed to be the buyer, he can’t openly investigate; it would cause bigger problems.”

So Shen Shichuan knew. Xia Yangyang lowered her head.

Shen Shichuan paused. “I know you suspect Manbing. I’m not defending my sister, but if she did this, I’ll make her take responsibility. However, I raised Xiao Bing, and her current behavior is largely my fault. I spoiled her; she thinks she’s superior. But you don’t know what we went through as children. When you’re constantly bullied, you develop a harsh exterior to intimidate others. She might seem arrogant, but she’s not a bad person. She might slap someone, but she wouldn’t stab them in the back. Yangyang, if you trust me, trust her this once. There’s more to this incident.”

Xia Yangyang felt a surge of emotions. “I won’t jump to conclusions without evidence. Get some rest.”

Shen Shichuan was Shen Manbing’s brother; Xia Yangyang found his explanation understandable, even empathetic. But hearing similar words from Gu Qichen ignited resentment within her—the reason for their growing coldness. She didn’t understand why.

That night, Xia Yangyang called Wen Xiaochu and recounted everything.

After listening, Wen Xiaochu calmly replied, “You’re obviously jealous. But Mr. Gu didn’t handle this well. If I were you, I’d be angry too.”