Chapter 29: Ruining Her Reputation and Dignity

Xia Yangyang's voice was calm, even strangely sincere. "Shen Shichuan, it's just the two of us. I know the cameras stopped working the moment you entered. There's no need to deny it."

Shen Shichuan was silent, then said with amusement, "So, you suspect I released the video that ruined your reputation?"

"It's not suspicion; it's a fact."

"I treated you well. Why would you think this?" Shen Shichuan's voice remained gentle and calm. Their conversation was remarkably ordinary.

Xia Yangyang explained, "The sixteenth floor was off-limits to guests due to a circuit issue. No one would go there unless they knew we were present."

"Oh? You think I knew you were on the sixteenth floor and filmed the video?"

"The rest area was secluded, in the middle of the floor. During the film festival, no one would be there unless they were deliberately seeking us out. Finding us in this building was unlikely without prior knowledge."

"So, why suspect me?"

"Because Chen Yu was the only one who knew our location, and I deliberately let him tell you."

Shen Shichuan's eyebrows furrowed. "You did this on purpose? You knew I'd come?"

"Yes. I intentionally said those things to Shen Manbing, knowing you would record it and use it against me."

Shen Shichuan looked puzzled, but mostly amused. He laughed. "Then I don't understand. If you suspected me, why mislead the public? The fan incident has nothing to do with you. Why would you take responsibility for attempted murder?"

Looking at Xia Yangyang, he seemed strangely intrigued. "Xia Yangyang, what are you doing?"

Xia Yangyang laughed. "I'm setting a trap."

"A trap?" Shen Shichuan smiled. "And you want me to fall into it?"

Xia Yangyang laughed. "The feeling's mutual."

"Why do this? Why be certain I'd release the video at the film festival?"

"Because that's when it would ruin me most effectively. At my peak, after winning Best Actress, releasing that video would send me to hell."

"I have no reason to do that."

"You do—for Shen Manbing."

The air froze. Xia Yangyang continued, "The 'Kingdom's Heart' was planted in my bag by you to frame me, to destroy my reputation. I don't think you planned the fan incident, but you manipulated the aftermath, portraying me as a homewrecker. You gave me the endorsement Shen Manbing was supposed to have, to intensify our conflict. And today, had I not won Best Actress, you might not have acted so quickly. But threatening Shen Manbing, forcing her retirement, prompted you to release the video and destroy me."