The photo on the big screen froze the entire gala hall.
Xia Xingchen's face paled slightly. She stared at the image—younger versions of herself, standing beside a tall man with a gentle smile, their shoulders touching. The background was a small design studio, filled with sketches and blueprints.
Whispers erupted again, louder this time."Who is that man?""Did Xia Xingchen have another relationship before Mr. Gu?""Is this a scandal?"
Gu Yanzhi's arm around Xia Xingchen's waist tightened slightly, but his expression remained calm. He leaned down and whispered in her ear, "It's okay. Tell me who he is. I believe you."
His trust gave her the courage to speak up. She took a deep breath and walked toward the stage, her back straight.
The host quickly handed her a microphone.
Xia Xingchen looked at the photo, then at the crowd, her voice clear and steady: "This photo was taken five years ago. The man beside me is my mentor, Mr. Chen Mo."
She paused, letting the words sink in, then continued: "I was a college student majoring in design back then. Mr. Chen was my part-time tutor and the owner of a small design studio. He taught me everything I know about design—how to turn ideas into drawings, how to stick to my style, how to never give up on my dreams."
Her eyes softened as she spoke: "He was like a father to me. He helped me when I was poor and had no one to turn to. But three years ago, he got sick and passed away."
The hall fell silent. The whispers stopped, replaced by a quiet respect.
"He was the reason I wanted to become a designer," Xia Xingchen said, her voice a little choked. "This photo is the only one I have left of him. I never thought it would be used to stir up trouble tonight."
Gu Yanzhi walked up to her, took the microphone from her hand, and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. His voice was firm, echoing through the hall:
"Xia Xingchen's past is clean and honorable. Mr. Chen Mo was a respected designer, and we should all pay our respects to him. Whoever posted this photo to slander my wife—let me warn you: I will find you, and you will pay for it."
His cold gaze swept across the crowd, and no one dared to meet his eyes.
The crisis was averted. The guests breathed a sigh of relief, and many looked at Xia Xingchen with admiration—for her courage, her gratitude, and her integrity.
After the gala, Gu Yanzhi took Xia Xingchen back to the villa.
In the quiet living room, he poured her a cup of warm milk and sat beside her.
"Thank you," Xia Xingchen said, holding the cup in her hands. "Thank you for trusting me, even when everyone was doubting."
Gu Yanzhi took her hand and kissed the back of it. "I told you, I will always stand by your side. No matter what secrets you have, no matter what troubles come, we'll face them together."
He hesitated for a moment, then asked softly: "Do you miss him?"
Xia Xingchen nodded, her eyes glistening with tears. "I do. He was the only one who believed in me when I was nobody. I hope I can make him proud."
"You already have," Gu Yanzhi said, wiping away her tears. "You're a brilliant designer, and you're kind and brave. He would be so proud of you right now."
He pulled her into his arms, holding her tightly. "And from now on, I'll be the one who believes in you, supports you, and loves you—forever."
Xia Xingchen leaned against his chest, feeling his warm embrace, and a smile finally appeared on her face.
But what they didn't know was that the person who posted the photo was not done yet.A hidden camera was installed in their villa, secretly recording every moment of their lives.And the mastermind behind all this was someone they never expected—someone who had been watching them from the shadows all along.