Chapter 283: Mr. Gu is Shen Tianhou’s Male Companion

After the car stopped, Chen Yu exited first, then went to Xia Yangyang's side, acting the gentleman by opening her door and offering his hand as she alighted. The car drove away.

Xia Yangyang, led by Chen Yu, walked the red carpet. She wore a golden, shoulder-baring fishtail gown that perfectly accentuated her tall figure. The crowd, a throng of reporters and countless fans, roared, "Chen Yu! Chen Yu! I love you!" The deafening sound echoed. Chen Yu, accustomed to the adulation, smiled and waved, triggering another wave of screams.

Because it was a photo opportunity—the organizers had emphasized walking slowly—Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu had been walking for ten minutes and were only halfway down the red carpet. Then, behind Chen Yu, the crowd erupted again, the media converging in one direction. Without turning, Chen Yu casually remarked, "Your arch-rival must have arrived."

Xia Yangyang momentarily didn't understand. Following the crowd's gaze, she saw Shen Manbing emerge from a Bugatti Veyron, a multi-million-dollar sports car fitting for a queen. Xia Yangyang's smile vanished, her face darkening. Chen Yu, sensing something was amiss, turned to Xia Yangyang. "Why is he here, Yangyang? Didn't you know?"

She looked unhappy, clearly unaware. From beyond the red carpet, journalists' surprised comments could be heard:

"Isn't that Mr. Gu accompanying Queen Shen? Am I seeing things?" "It is Mr. Gu! He's Miss Xia's husband, but he's walking the red carpet with Shen, her rival for the Queen's title! Isn't he courting controversy?" "Look at Miss Xia's face—she clearly doesn't know. Didn't they make a public bet that whoever lost the Queen's title would leave showbiz?" "It looks like we're in for a show tonight."

Xia Yangyang's face remained gloomy. Chen Yu whispered, "Many media are taking photos. Now, more than ever, we must appear graceful. Smile. Try to smile."

Unlike other stars, Shen Manbing didn't dawdle. She gracefully approached Xia Yangyang, the media flowing around her like a current. Shen Manbing and Gu Qichen stopped beside Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu, becoming the focus of all attention.

Shen Manbing spoke first, seemingly explaining to Xia Yangyang: "My male companion had an emergency and couldn't make it. Ah Chen was planning to surprise you, so I asked him to walk with me. You don't mind, right?" Her words were casual, but her eyes held barely concealed contempt and defiance.

Xia Yangyang forced a smile. "Of course not. It's just the red carpet; we're all artists. I understand."