Chapter 264: You Actually Refused the World's Most Beautiful Woman

“You maniac! Let me go!” Shen Manbing, unable to tolerate the situation any longer, began to resist fiercely.

The man menacingly took a few steps toward the rooftop's edge, causing Shen Manbing to nearly lose her footing. He threatened, “If you refuse, we’ll jump off together. If we can’t be together in life, then let’s die together!”

Afraid of heights, Shen Manbing glanced down and screamed. No one dared intervene; the police and negotiators hadn't arrived yet. The man, armed and emotionally unstable, kept even the security guards at bay. Everyone prioritized their own safety.

However, Shen Manbing's defiance escalated the situation. Just then, Gu Qichen pushed to the front.

“Even if you die with her,” Gu Qichen shouted, “she’s a shining star destined for heaven, while you, an unforgivable murderer, are going to hell. You can't be together anyway. Staying alive offers possibilities.”

The man seemed stunned, muttering, “Only when alive… there is hope.” Then, as if suddenly realizing something, he looked at Gu Qichen with hopeful eyes. “Tell me, what should I do? How can I get Bingbing to marry me? I love her so much; I can’t live without her.”

Gu Qichen calmly approached him, extending a hand. “First, come down. Once you’re safe, I’ll help you, I promise.”

The man seemed hesitant. He held a gun in one hand, his other arm around Shen Manbing’s neck. Seeing Gu Qichen, Shen Manbing paled, shaking her head frantically, too terrified to speak. But Gu Qichen continued to approach.

The hostage-taker hesitated, looking at Shen Manbing's reddened, complex eyes. Her gaze toward him was filled with disgust, as if he were garbage; but her look at the man before her held passion and even pity.

Understanding dawned, and the hostage-taker tightened his grip on Shen Manbing’s neck. Pointing the gun at Gu Qichen, he fired. “Liar! You two know each other! I remember now! You’re Gu Qichen, CEO of Shengyuan Group, Manbing’s secret boyfriend for years! You rejected her proposal at Lake Bay. You rejected the most beautiful woman in the world!”

The gunshot echoed, causing a panicked retreat. A large circle cleared around them.

Shen Manbing and Xia Yangyang screamed simultaneously, “Ah Chen!”

Xia Yangyang rushed forward, her heart pounding. “Are you hurt? Where are you hurt?”

“I’m fine,” Gu Qichen replied. The bullet had missed.

Tears welled in Xia Yangyang’s eyes. Gu Qichen, maintaining his composure, said, “Leave. Don’t stay.”

Xia Yangyang shook her head. “I’m not leaving. I’m staying with you.”

From the other side, Shen Manbing shouted, “Go! All of you, get lost! He’s a lunatic, Ah Chen, you need to get out of here!”