Chapter 272: Why Not Play a Show With Me

Xia Yangyang said, "I want to confirm: Did you place the 'Heart of the Kingdom' necklace in my bag?"

Shen Manbing coldly snorted. "The thief cries 'Stop thief!' Isn't this your trick to frame me? You're so bold today. Ah Chen probably hasn't seen this side of you."

Xia Yangyang retorted, "How ungrateful! If not for me, you'd still be bullied by that old woman. You bully me, but you're timid with her? Why is the mighty Heavenly Empress Shen so afraid?"

Shen Manbing replied, "My business is none of your concern."

Shen Manbing feared neither heaven nor earth, but she feared home—the words "sweeping star," the mention of her parents' and Xiao Duo's deaths. For years, she'd had nightmares and feared the dark, yet she loved the bright stage. Luo Meixin, the Shen family's matron, constantly taunted her. This childhood fear was deeply rooted, hindering her ability to fight back. She'd tried to resist, but was always hurt, sometimes even implicating her brother.

For years, Shen Shichuan had clashed with the Shen family to protect her. He rejected their wealth and founded Time Entertainment for her. However, Master Shen favored his eldest grandson, giving Luo Meixin leverage. Despite her superstar status, the Shen family's centuries of wealth and power overshadowed her. Without Shen Shichuan, she would have fallen from grace long ago.

Xia Yangyang took a deep breath and said seriously, "I swear I didn't plant the necklace to frame you. And I believe you didn't take it either. Someone is orchestrating this, but I don't know why. If you want the truth, let's work together."

Shen Manbing looked up. "Why do you suddenly believe me?"

Xia Yangyang paused. "I don't believe you; I believe Ah Chen. If he trusts you, I trust his judgment."

Mentioning Gu Qichen dimmed Shen Manbing's eyes. She stared at Xia Yangyang, who, without makeup, looked like a high school student. But her calm handling of Luo Meixin earlier revealed an unusual patience and persistence. Shen Manbing couldn't tell if she was acting. What kind of person is she?

Shen Manbing warned, "Xia Yangyang, don't give me a reason to retaliate."

Leaving the hospital, Xia Yangyang felt inexplicably cheerful. She saw Shen Manbing in a new light.

As she hailed a cab, a crowd surged forward. "It's her! Xia Yangyang, the mistress who ruined the Heavenly Empress's happiness! She's at the hospital; what's she planning?" They carried signs reading, "Support the Heavenly Empress! Xia Yangyang, get out of the entertainment industry!"