Chapter 25: Mrs. Gu, You've Been Away All Night for Half a Month

Jealousy exploded in Xia Yangyang's mind. It was a sudden, enlightening realization. She'd always believed Gu Qichen's distrust was the source of her discomfort, but it wasn't distrust; it was a lack of the unconditional trust he gave Shen Manbing. His trust in her was conditional, based on her perceived capabilities and audacity—capabilities and audacity he didn't fully understand. His trust in Shen Manbing, however, mirrored Shen Shichuan's—unconditional, rooted in mutual understanding and agreement. This disparity intensified Xia Yangyang's unease.

Even without romantic involvement, an impenetrable space existed between them, a space she dared not breach. She didn't care if Shen Manbing framed her; what mattered was Gu Qichen's unconditional trust in Shen Manbing. Ultimately, she was jealous—extremely jealous.

After hanging up, Xia Yangyang lay on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. What difference did her jealousy make? It was the inevitable consequence of years of accumulated feelings. She buried her head in the pillow, wanting to cry.

The next day, Xia Yangyang went to the office. A nine o'clock interview with an entertainment newspaper was scheduled. As she entered the elevator, a man wearing a duckbill cap and carrying a toolbox stepped in just as the doors were closing. Only Time International Building employees, using their work cards, were allowed elevator access. Time was an entertainment company with numerous celebrities; strict rules prevented harassment from fans and journalists. Xia Yangyang, since her first engagement, had a staff card.

The man stood silently in the corner. Xia Yangyang found this odd. "Where's your card? You need to scan it to select your floor," she said.

His voice was low, "Could you select the 26th floor for me? I'm here to repair the pipes."

Ironically, Xia Yangyang was also going to the 26th floor, where the artists' studios were located. Time's artists worked in a studio system; the 26th floor housed lounges for rest and makeup application.

This interview was special—with Star Family magazine, which focused on celebrities' personal lives and relationships. At nine, Xia Yangyang, perfectly made up, arrived promptly. Entering the interview hall, she was startled. Sitting in the guest seat was Gu Qichen.

Previously, Shichuan had framed it as a small interview. Xia Yangyang had no idea Gu Qichen would be involved. Journalists enthusiastically photographed him. He remained indifferent, casually reviewing the interview script and chatting with the host. Seeing Xia Yangyang, he stood and walked toward her. In that instant, she understood. Shen Shichuan, through this interview, was clearly attempting to facilitate a conversation between her and Gu Qichen.

Both she and Gu Qichen had been extremely busy. Xia Yangyang knew she'd been avoiding him, but avoidance was no longer possible.

She took the initiative. "Why are you here?"

A hint of amusement played on Gu Qichen's face, but his voice was low, "Mrs. Gu, you haven't been home in half a month. Why wouldn't I be here?"

Indeed, she hadn't. Shen Shichuan had provided her with an office apartment, and she'd moved all her belongings there. Gu Qichen's voice, though low and slightly cold, held a hint of amusement. Outsiders, unable to hear them, assumed they were whispering sweet nothings.

"I'm working," she replied.

"Fine," he said. "Then I'll accompany you at work today."