C13

"Who said there's no benefit?" Yan Feibai turned back, flashing a bright smile before swiftly leaning down to plant a quick kiss on the corner of Qin Manrong's mouth. "Consider this a down payment. I'll be back to collect with interest!"

With that, he gently pushed Qin Manrong back into the stairwell and strode confidently toward the hotel entrance. It was only then that Qin Manrong noticed a business card slipped into her hand, featuring only the bold, artistic script of "Yan Feibai" and a phone number. It was understated, quite unlike his flamboyant appearance.

The paparazzi, always alert and ready, immediately spotted Yan Feibai and erupted in excitement. After all, who was Yan Feibai? An international superstar whose every sneeze could make headlines. Capturing him on camera was a surefire way to grab attention!

Compared to him, rumors about a rich heir and a minor celebrity were nothing. So, without hesitation, the paparazzi abandoned Gu Jingming and Lyi Jing, swarming around Yan Feibai, bombarding him with questions in hopes of uncovering a big scoop.

Gu Jingming, suddenly left in a vacuum, watched as Yan Feibai, surrounded by reporters, shone with a dazzling smile. His expression was unreadable. Though he knew he was out of the spotlight because of Yan, he couldn't muster any gratitude.

He couldn't quite describe the feeling in his chest when suddenly, someone grabbed his arm, pulling him away. "What are you standing around for? Waiting for the media to remember you?"

The familiar voice stopped Gu Jingming from instinctively pulling back, allowing Qin Manrong to lead him into the Qin family car. Inside, silence reigned, and the atmosphere was tense.

Gu Jingming cleared his throat to break the awkwardness. "Why are you here?"

Qin Manrong glanced at him, a cold smile on her lips. "What, should I not have shown up? Let you make the headlines tomorrow so you and your beloved can have your moment? I just wonder how much Gu's Group stock would drop then. Chairman Gu, willing to risk it all for a smile, such boldness!"

Gu Jingming's initial guilt and gratitude instantly turned into annoyance. "Qin Manrong, can you speak properly?"

"Speak properly? With someone like you? That's a waste of time!" Qin Manrong scoffed, finding even the sight of him irritating, and turned her head to look out the car window.

Gu Jingming felt the anger he'd been suppressing all night surge up. He pulled her towards him, firmly lifting her chin, his eyes burning with intensity as he demanded, "Then who do you want to be with? That actress who's been glued to you all night? Let me remind you, you're my wife!"

Qin Manrong slapped his hand away, sneering at his words. "Chairman Gu, now you remember I'm your wife? Where were you before? According to you, we haven't registered, haven't moved in together, and you spent our wedding night with Lyi Jing. At best, we're just business partners, not even friends with benefits!"

"Oh, so you're accusing me of not touching you?" A flicker of fire crossed Gu Jingming's eyes as his long fingers brushed against her rosy lips. "Can't wait for me to fulfill my husbandly duties? Fine, I'll oblige you!"

He suddenly leaned down to kiss those rosy lips, feeling an unexpected thrill instead of disgust, a strange excitement heating his heart.

Qin Manrong watched Gu Jingming with cold eyes, and seeing things take a turn, she immediately kicked him away.

Caught off guard, Gu Jingming cried out in pain and rolled to the side.