Chapter 51 p1
Xu Jinnan lay in the guest room for a while, reading a couple of pages of Full Dress, but her mind kept wandering. She opened the door, peeked into the hallway, touched her nose, paced to the entrance, then sat back down on the sofa.
She turned the TV back on. The fresh grapes on the coffee table remained untouched.
She popped one into her mouth, the sweet and sour juice bursting on her tongue. She glanced at Shen Shu’s closed door every few seconds, but there was no sign of movement.
After fifteen minutes of restless channel surfing, she turned off the TV.
Taking a deep breath, she walked back to Shen Shu’s door. Just as she was about to knock, the door opened.
Their eyes met, and they both paused.
“What’s wrong?” Shen Shu asked.
Xu Jinnan: “…”
Shen Shu had abruptly left mid-conversation, gone to the bathroom, then retreated to her room without another word.
It had left Xu Jinnan feeling restless and anxious.
She wasn’t sure if she had misinterpreted Shen Shu’s words, but she felt the need to address the unspoken tension.
But now that Shen Shu had asked, she didn’t know what to say.
As Shen Shu walked past, Xu Jinnan caught a whiff of alcohol. “Did you drink a lot?”
“Not really,” Shen Shu replied, disappearing into the bathroom.
She had seen Xu Jinnan prepare a cup of rose tea and place it on her bedside table.
“I thought you didn’t like rose tea,” Xu Jinnan said, turning around. “Don’t drink so much next time you’re out with Tong Jia and the others.”
Shen Shu looked at her, her mind still slightly fuzzy from the alcohol. Her earlier impulsive words had startled them both.
“Okay.”
Xu Jinnan placed the tea on the table and stood up, smoothing the black slip dress Shen Shu had bought for her. “So that’s why you said that earlier.”
Shen Shu, flustered, asked, “Said what?” even though she knew exactly what Xu Jinnan meant.
“That you had feelings for me,” Xu Jinnan replied, smiling faintly, picking up their earlier conversation. She waited for Shen Shu’s response.
Shen Shu, standing on the other side of the bed, looked at her. “Do you want me to have feelings for you?”
Xu Jinnan: “…” Well played. Turning the tables on me.
“In your dreams,” she retorted.
Xu Jinnan: “…”
–
That morning, Xu Jinnan prepared breakfast – porridge, steamed custard buns, and pan-fried dumplings.
They ate quietly. Shen Shu had a costume fitting and left soon after breakfast, mentioning her approximate return time.
Xu Jinnan rescheduled her morning meetings and worked until 1 p.m., grabbing a quick lunch at her desk.
“Zhou Pei, can you ask the HR manager to come see me?” she said as Zhou Pei was leaving.
Zhou Pei paused. “She’s conducting new employee training today. Is there something urgent?”
“Oh,” Xu Jinnan said. “Then ask her to come see me tomorrow. I need a new secretary.”
Zhou Pei looked surprised. “Miss, have I done something wrong? Please let me know if there’s a problem.”
Xu Jinnan waved her hand dismissively. “No, it’s not you. You’re just too busy, especially with the North District project. I want to get you some help.” She had been considering this ever since noticing Zhou Pei’s occasional contact with Lu Yun.
Zhou Pei was efficient and meticulous, a valuable asset, but Xu Jinnan felt a certain hesitation when discussing matters related to the Xu family. It wasn’t convenient.
“Certainly,” Zhou Pei replied, as always, never questioning Xu Jinnan’s decisions.
–
It was past 3 p.m.
Tong Jia, still recovering from her hangover, hadn’t sent any messages in the group chat.
Xinxin accompanied Shen Shu to the Full Dress costume fitting. The changing rooms were crowded, so Xinxin brought the clothes to the makeup room, which had a curtained-off area for changing.
When Xu Jinnan arrived, Shen Shu had just finished changing.
She was wearing a white blouse, unbuttoned at the collar, tucked into a black A-line skirt that fell to mid-thigh, accentuating her slim waist.
Unlike most office attire, she was also wearing black stockings, the sheer fabric clinging to her long, slender legs, the skin tone faintly visible beneath.
Xu Jinnan remembered waking up on Shen Shu’s bedroom floor that morning, mesmerized by her in a similar outfit.
She looked away. “I’ve been here since this morning. What took you so long?”
Before Shen Shu could reply, Xinxin said, “CEO Xu, this is actually quite fast. Shu Shu’s character doesn’t have that many outfits, only about a dozen or so, but we have to take photos of each one. And this is just the first day. If anything doesn’t fit, we have to choose new outfits.”
“It’s that complicated?”
“Yes, CEO Xu. It’s not as simple as it seems. The makeup also changes with each outfit,” Xinxin explained.
Xu Jinnan turned to Shen Shu. “Isn’t that tiring?”
Shen Shu adjusted her collar. “It’s fine,” she replied.
Xinxin, sorting through the remaining clothes, muttered, “If Tan Jie hadn’t monopolized the makeup artist this morning, we wouldn’t have had to wait so long…”
“That name sounds familiar,” Xu Jinnan said. “The one who helped Ren Xiaoqi? She’s here too?”
Shen Shu looked up. “Yes, she’s playing the second female lead.”
Xu Jinnan frowned. “She’s still causing trouble?”
“No, it’s just a coincidence,” Shen Shu replied. “The makeup artist came over later, and Tan Jie even apologized. These things happen.”
Xinxin checked her watch. “I hope so. Tan Jie’s personal makeup artist had an emergency, so Shu Shu had to use the studio’s makeup artist, who prioritized Tan Jie, since she’s the lead. Fortunately, Xia Chun offered her makeup artist, and she even said we could take photos first. She’s truly the most popular Alpha in the industry.”
Xu Jinnan paused. This felt different from the previous two encounters. She knew Xia Chun had feelings for Shen Shu and was hostile towards her.
But for some reason, she felt a strange unease.
She hadn’t forgotten that Xia Chun was Shen Shu’s destined partner in the book.
The arrival of the makeup artist interrupted her thoughts, and she pushed the unsettling feeling aside, sitting down behind Shen Shu.
After a while, she excused herself and went out into the hallway.
The air was thick with the scent of makeup and perfume. Several people were milling around, and most of them glanced at Xu Jinnan, not just because of her recent online fame with Shen Shu, but also because of her striking features and elegant demeanor.
She was wearing a white, form-fitting dress with a light yellow jacket, her long, wavy brown hair cascading down her back. From behind, she looked almost gentle, but her sharp eyes betrayed a subtle intensity.
She smiled easily, but only around those she knew well. Otherwise, her expression was usually cool and aloof.
As she was returning from the restroom, she bumped into a glamorous woman with long, dark brown hair.
The woman smiled at her. “Miss Xu.”
Xu Jinnan didn’t recognize her at first, and the woman’s expression faltered slightly, then she quickly recovered, smiling. “I’m Tan Jie.”
Oh.
After the Weibo incident, Xu Jinnan wouldn’t normally even acknowledge Tan Jie. But since Tan Jie was the female lead, she would be interacting with Shen Shu for a while.
She wasn’t afraid of a direct confrontation, but she was wary of underhanded tactics, and Tan Jie didn’t seem like the straightforward type.
“Hello,” Xu Jinnan said curtly, walking past her.
“Miss Xu, we’ve met before. Don’t you remember?” Tan Jie asked, stopping beside her.
Xu Jinnan paused, a flicker of unease in her chest.
Not another one of the original Xu Jinnan’s conquests, is it?
“You even put money in my boot,” Tan Jie added.
Xu Jinnan: “…”
“Well, it seems you’ve truly forgotten. Excuse me,” Tan Jie said, smiling faintly, and walked towards the restroom.
As Xu Jinnan was about to leave, she heard Tan Jie call out, “Xia Chun.”
She instinctively turned around.
Xia Chun’s gaze was cold and intense.
Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow, meeting her stare, a silent challenge. What’s this? A showdown?
Perhaps because it wasn’t the right time or place, Xia Chun simply glared at her and didn’t say anything.
Her hostility was more intense than ever before.
Xu Jinnan, watching her walk away, wondered if she had overheard her conversation with Tan Jie. Xia Chun clearly had strong feelings for Shen Shu.
The unsettling feeling from earlier returned.
–
Back in the makeup room, Shen Shu’s makeup wasn’t finished yet, and Xu Jinnan stood behind her, watching her reflection in the mirror.
Without makeup, Shen Shu’s features weren’t as cold and aloof, but her reserved demeanor remained.
The makeup artist was applying a slightly bolder look – earthy eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, defined eyebrows, and a classic red lip. It was similar to her Nightingale look, but the business attire gave her a more sophisticated, less overtly seductive aura.
“Shu Shu, your skin is amazing,” the makeup artist said, gently applying blush to her cheeks.
“And so soft!” Xinxin added.
“How do you know?” Xu Jinnan asked instinctively.
Xinxin chuckled. “I poked it the other day. It really is soft… Don’t be jealous, CEO Xu. I had Shu Shu’s permission. Just a little poke.” This last part was clearly directed at Xu Jinnan.
The makeup artist smiled knowingly. “You two are so adorable. I’m envious.”
Shen Shu glanced at Xu Jinnan through the mirror.
Xu Jinnan: “…”
She met Shen Shu’s gaze, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Of course it’s soft,” she said casually.
–
After finishing the makeup, the makeup artist styled Shen Shu’s bangs, which had been pinned back, using a flat iron to create soft waves.
Finally, she opened a small box and placed a pair of thin, silver-framed glasses on Shen Shu’s nose.
The frames were delicate, resting on the bridge of her nose, just wide enough to reach her cheekbones.
It was the currently popular “domineering older sister” look.
But on Shen Shu, it was more “aloof goddess.”
“Oh my god!” Xinxin exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. “I was already stunned by her makeup, but with those glasses, she’s even more amazing! I’m speechless!”
The makeup artist chuckled. “I’ll take that as a compliment for me too.”
“Of course! You’re amazing, Teacher. We wouldn’t have achieved this look without you,” Xinxin replied. She was similar to Tong Jia, but less boisterous, more tactful and adaptable.
The makeup artist, pleased with the compliment, adjusted a stray strand of Shen Shu’s hair. “With this look, all the girls will be swooning,” she said, looking at Shen Shu’s reflection in the mirror.
Xinxin chuckled. “Teacher, her Alpha wife is right here. CEO Xu will be jealous.”
“Oh, right,” the makeup artist said, laughing. “Once Shu Shu becomes famous, there will be a lot of jealous wives.”
Shen Shu’s lips twitched slightly, then, noticing Xu Jinnan’s silence, she looked up.
Xu Jinnan, snapping out of her thoughts, met her gaze through the glasses.
“Indeed,” she said, smiling faintly.
–
After the makeup artist left, Xinxin went to confirm the schedule for the photoshoot.
Xu Jinnan brought a folding chair and sat beside Shen Shu, and they both scrolled through their phones.
After a while, Shen Shu reached for her red water bottle, the kind with a built-in straw.
She took a sip, leaving a faint lipstick stain on the straw.
The water was slightly cold, so she stood up, retrieved her thermos from her bag, and refilled the bottle.
Xu Jinnan’s gaze followed the stream of water, then lingered on Shen Shu’s face, remembering Xinxin’s comment about her soft skin.
Her fingers tingled.
As Shen Shu bent down to put the thermos away, her black A-line skirt rode up slightly, and Xu Jinnan, realizing her gaze was inappropriate, quickly looked away.
But the image remained imprinted in her mind.
Even after Shen Shu left for the photoshoot, it didn’t fade.
She knew she shouldn’t be having such thoughts. It was disrespectful and inappropriate.
Or perhaps this was simply who she was when she was around Shen Shu?
Her true nature.
–
Two hours later, Shen Shu finally finished filming.
There were two exits from the studio. Shen Shu chose the less crowded one, even though it was a slightly longer walk.
As she and Xinxin walked down the hallway, they saw Xia Chun approaching. This time, Shen Shu didn’t ignore her, offering a polite thank you.
“You don’t have to be so formal,” Xia Chun replied.
Shen Shu hesitated. “We’re leaving now,” she said, walking past her.
Xia Chun’s fingers tightened into a fist. “Shen Shu, just a few words,” she said.
The two assistants, sensing the tension, discreetly moved away.
“You know I’m not one to gossip… but are you aware of Xu Jinnan’s relationship with Tan Jie?” Xia Chun asked.
Shen Shu’s eyelashes fluttered.
“You don’t know, do you? You’re new to this industry. You haven’t heard the rumors. Xu Jinnan has been involved with countless women. I’ve heard of at least four or five,” Xia Chun continued.
“As you said, that was in the past,” Shen Shu replied calmly. “If you’re here to talk about that, there’s no need.”
Xia Chun stepped in front of her. “I really don’t understand what you see in her. Can’t you see all the terrible things she’s done? She doesn’t deserve you.”
Shen Shu frowned, her gaze cold behind her glasses, her voice even colder than usual. “I appreciate your concern, but that doesn’t give you the right to slander her. Whether or not she ‘deserves’ me is not for you to decide.”
She turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the floor, not sparing Xia Chun another glance.
–
On the drive home, Xu Jinnan noticed Shen Shu’s silence.
She tried to start a conversation twice, but Shen Shu’s responses were brief and distant, so she gave up.
She didn’t want to be annoying, and she figured Shen Shu was probably tired.
Her phone, mounted on the dashboard, lit up. It was a notification from Cai Ying’s group chat, No PDA Allowed.
Cai Ying had tagged them both.
Xu Jinnan glanced at it, and Shen Shu also checked her phone.
“What is it?” Xu Jinnan asked.
“She passed her exam,” Shen Shu replied calmly.
“Oh, that’s good. Seems like the tutoring was effective,” Xu Jinnan said, then remembered something. “About the Han Ling photo… I had someone look into it. There is a teacher with that name at the university, but it’s not Han Wenling.”
“I know,” Shen Shu replied. She had also investigated.
Another notification from Cai Ying.
Xu Jinnan, stopping at a red light, checked her phone.
Cai Ying: [@Shen Shu @Xu Jinnan I won’t be joining you for dinner. I want to see a movie, but asking her directly would be too forward, so… do you want to come with me?!]
Cai Ying: [That way, I can say you two dragged me along.]
This little bunny really thinks she’s a wolf, Xu Jinnan thought.
Xu Jinnan: […What couple would willingly bring a third wheel on a date?] She added, teasingly, [Are you sure she’s interested? What if she doesn’t feel the same way?]
As she typed, she saw Shen Shu typing a reply, but before she could send it, Cai Ying sent a voice message.
“Oh my god, you’re so naive! It’s a feeling! You just know! If I didn’t think she was interested, would I be doing this? If I say you two dragged me along, I can ask her if she wants to go, and she’ll definitely say yes! It’s a perfect plan! And I still maintain my composure!”
Xu Jinnan: “…”
“Why isn’t Shu Shu answering?” Cai Ying asked.
“I’m here,” Shen Shu said.
“Oh! You’re together! So, are you coming or not?” Since her phone was mounted on the dashboard, her face was turned towards Xu Jinnan.
Cai Ying, using her usual coquettish tactic, continued, “Please! I finally got over my cheating ex-girlfriend, and I finally met someone beautiful, kind, and amazing… And aren’t you worried about her? This is a perfect opportunity to meet her.”
“So, seeing a movie together is a big step forward in your relationship?” Xu Jinnan asked, starting the car and inhaling Shen Shu’s faint scent, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. “It’s not as effective as…”
Cai Ying, only hearing the first part of her sentence, interrupted, “Would you go see a romantic movie with me?”
Xu Jinnan: “…” Maybe a SpongeBob movie.
“Not as effective as what?” Cai Ying asked.
Xu Jinnan continued, “A haunted house. If it’s scary enough, you two can…” Then, noticing Shen Shu’s gaze, she assumed Shen Shu thought she shouldn’t be giving Cai Ying such bad advice.
She paused. “I mean, you can consider that in the future. A movie is fine for now.”
“What time is the movie?” Shen Shu asked, changing the subject.
Cai Ying: [8:20! I love you, Shu Shu! I already bought the tickets, but the seats are separate. We’ll sit in pairs.] So, she had already planned everything, knowing Shen Shu would agree.
Xu Jinnan chuckled. “Aren’t you going to thank me?”
Cai Ying: [You’re just listening to Shu Shu. You get a participation award. See you later, Shu Shu! Kissing emoji]
Xu Jinnan hung up, clicking her tongue in annoyance.
“If you’re too tired, we can just make an appearance and leave,” she said to Shen Shu.
“Okay.”
Another moment of silence.
Xu Jinnan finally asked, “What’s wrong?”
They were heading towards the Wanhe Plaza, where the cinema was located.
“Nothing,” Shen Shu replied.
–
As they got out of the car, Xu Jinnan pointed at the large LED screen on the building. “Oh, right, that woman. I bumped into her today.”
Shen Shu looked up. The woman on the screen, glamorous and smiling, was holding a bottle of perfume.
Tan Jie.
“Be careful of her,” Xu Jinnan said.
“I know.”
“There’s something I should tell you. I might have… been involved with her before,” Xu Jinnan said. “Not me, the old me.”
Shen Shu didn’t need the clarification; she knew it was the original Xu Jinnan.
But the thought still bothered her.
Her emotions had been volatile lately, and Xu Jinnan’s influence on her was growing stronger.
She was aware of it.
Their relationship was evolving beyond a simple partnership.
She had been pondering a question these past few days – what if, after all this closeness, Xu Jinnan suddenly left? How would she face the original Xu Jinnan then?
The closer they became, the more this question haunted her.
She didn’t want to be the old Shen Shu again, the one who gave her heart completely, only to be abandoned.
Even if there were extenuating circumstances.
Sensing Shen Shu’s somber mood, Xu Jinnan also felt a pang of sadness. They walked in silence.
Since they had turned back halfway, they had time for a quick dinner before the movie. They ate some noodles at a small restaurant, then sat down on a bench outside the cinema.
Remembering their last encounter with paparazzi, they both wore masks.
Xu Jinnan bought two freshly squeezed orange juices, and they sat side by side, silently scrolling through their phones.
Thirty minutes to go.
Xu Jinnan sent a message in the group chat: [@Cai Ying When are you arriving?]
–
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