Chapter 5: The Gala Night Scandal
The black limousine stopped right in front of the red carpet.
Lin Xixi's heart was pounding against her ribs as the chauffeur opened the door. She took a slow breath and stepped out.
Click. Click. Click.
The flashing lights were so intense they almost blinded her.
She had walked red carpets before—solo, with co-stars, even as a nominee. But tonight, everything was different.
Tonight, she was Mrs. Shen.
Her gown was custom-made by a French designer, deep crimson velvet hugging every curve. Her shoulders were bare, and a slit revealed one slender leg with each step. Around her neck, a diamond necklace sparkled like fire.
The crowd gasped—not because of her dress, but because of the man stepping out after her.
Shen Yichen
Impeccable in a tailored black tux, cool as ever, with a presence so overwhelming the entire crowd seemed to pause.
Reporters surged forward like a tide.
"President Shen, is this your official debut as a couple?"
"When did you two get married?"
"Is this a real relationship or a PR stunt?"
Lin Xixi kept her posture perfect, her chin slightly raised, one hand resting gently on his arm. But her fingers trembled slightly.
Before she could speak, Shen Yichen stepped in.
"She's my wife," he said simply. "There's nothing more to explain."
A collective murmur rippled through the crowd.
"But President Shen, this is the first time anyone's heard about your marriage—"
The reporter was bold. Too bold.
Shen Yichen's eyes narrowed. "Are you questioning me?"
"I—no, of course not, sir, but there's speculation that—"
"Then don't speculate," he said coolly. "She doesn't owe anyone an explanation. Neither do I."
Xixi turned to glance at him. That wasn't in the contract. He was supposed to play along, not… defend her.
But Shen Yichen continued, "If you have questions about her, ask me. But know this: any false report, any rumors—you'll be hearing from my legal team."
The flashbulbs went wild.
Lin Xixi's mind buzzed. Was this… real? Or was he just playing the perfect CEO for the cameras?
Before she could recover, he looked at her and murmured, "Shall we?"
She nodded wordlessly and placed her hand in his.
Together, they walked up the carpet, side by side.
Inside the gala, the ballroom was filled with A-listers, producers, and billion-dollar investors. Eyes turned instantly.
"I thought she was just a C-list actress?"
"She's the one who had that scandal last year, right?"
"She married him? What the hell did she do to deserve that?"
Xixi heard every word. The industry was a battlefield, and tonight, she was the main target.
But she held her head high. She had chosen this path—no turning back now.
At the VIP table, Shen Yichen pulled out her chair. The gesture was so natural it sent a fresh wave of whispers through the room.
"She must have blackmail on him."
"He looks like he doesn't care… or maybe he does?"
As the dinner began, Lin Xixi quietly picked at her food, trying to ignore the glances.
Then, Shen Yichen leaned over. His voice was low, meant only for her.
"If you want to leave, we can."
She blinked. "What?"
"You're uncomfortable. I can tell. We'll say you're unwell and go."
"No," she said, almost too quickly. "If I leave, they win."
He looked at her for a long second—then smirked slightly. "That's more like it."
Just then, the emcee took the stage.
"And now, to welcome our newest power couple to the industry—Mr. Shen Yichen and Mrs. Lin Xixi!"
A spotlight beamed down.
The entire room turned.
Shen Yichen stood first. Calm, composed. Then offered his hand.
Again.
Xixi hesitated—but took it.
The applause was polite, the stares sharper than knives.
They stepped onto the stage.
"Would the couple like to say a few words?"
Xixi froze. That wasn't part of the plan.
But Shen Yichen took the mic.
"Thank you. Tonight is a special night for the industry—and for me personally. I didn't plan to make this public so soon, but since the rumors have already started…" He glanced at her. "Let me clarify: I married Lin Xixi because I wanted to."
Gasps. Literal gasps.
"Not for PR. Not for convenience. I admire her strength. Her talent. And her patience."
Xixi stared at him. Her ears rang. She couldn't breathe.
Why was he saying this? Why did it sound so… genuine?
The crowd burst into applause.
Back at their seats, Shen Yichen looked completely unaffected. Like he hadn't just caused a media storm.
"You didn't have to say that," she whispered.
He sipped his wine. "I didn't lie."
She didn't know what to say.
Her system, however, knew exactly how to react.
As they were leaving the gala, her vision flickered.
[SYSTEM ALERT]
Warning: Detected Deviation From Mission Parameters.
– Current Affection Level: Shen Yichen – 42% (Increased)
– Risk of Host Becoming Emotionally Involved: HIGH
– Please return to primary objective: Destroy his trust.
– FAILURE to comply may result in SYSTEM RECALL.
Xixi's steps faltered.
Not now. Not tonight.
She looked up at Shen Yichen, who held out his hand to help her into the car again.
Her fingers hovered above his palm.
Her heart thudded.
She smiled for the cameras.
And placed her hand in his again.
But inside—
She had no idea how much longer she could lie.