Chapter 286: Disappearance at the Film and Television Festival

Chen Yu said bluntly, “You seem distracted, Xia Yangyang. What’s going on?”

Xia Yangyang smiled enigmatically. “You’ll find out soon enough. But I need a small favor.”

Chen Yu frowned at Xia Yangyang’s cryptic behavior.

The grand hall was a large auditorium, with everyone already seated. Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu sat in the first row, two seats away from Shen Manbing’s empty seat.

Celebrities steadily arrived on the red carpet. Xia Yangyang saw many stars, directors, and producers, including Shen Shichuan, who was conversing with Director Feng. Xia Yangyang and Chen Yu greeted them, chatted briefly, and returned to their seats. The red-carpet tripping incident went unmentioned.

The opening show began on the large stage at the front of the venue. Once most attendees had arrived, the host appeared. Shen Manbing’s seat remained vacant, and Xia Yangyang overheard some female celebrities whispering:

“The Heavenly Queen probably won’t show up. No one has ever dared to embarrass her, but Xia Yangyang has really offended her.”

“She has the Gu family backing her. Who would be afraid of the Heavenly Queen with that kind of support?”

“Are you sure about that ace up her sleeve? Mr. Gu arrived with the Heavenly Queen tonight—what does that say?”

“We’ll find out tonight. One of them will have to leave the entertainment circle. Maybe it won’t be so bad for the rest of us.”

Xia Yangyang deliberately glanced in their direction. The group of women instantly fell silent, offering Xia Yangyang friendly smiles.

The banquet officially began with the host’s opening speech. Midway through, the venue doors burst open, spotlights flared, and Shen Manbing entered, moving slowly amidst the dazzling light. She wore a new flame-red dress, her curly hair cascading down her back. A noble coldness shone in her eyes as she approached, each step regal and breathtakingly beautiful. There was no sign of her earlier red-carpet mishap. Beside her stood Gu Qichen, CEO of Shengyuan, looking equally noble and elegant in his suit. They looked like a perfect match.

All eyes turned to the pair. Even the host paused, then remarked, “The Heavenly Queen truly dazzles today, stealing the show.”

Shen Manbing took her seat, giving Xia Yangyang a contemptuous look as she passed. The Film and Television Grand Ceremony officially commenced with Guo Xuehua, the King of Singers, performing his comeback single after a decade-long hiatus. The venue fell silent as he sang.

Advertisements followed, then the award presentations. The SH Film and Television Grand Ceremony had over twenty awards, culminating in the Best Actress and Best Actor awards. Numerous performances and thank-you speeches filled the intervening time.

Two hours passed quickly. To everyone’s surprise, both Shen Manbing and Xia Yangyang had disappeared from their seats.