Chapter 52
Xu Jinnan entered the bathroom, grabbing Shen Shu’s pink towel from the rack.
The frosted glass door wasn’t very wide, and she took a deep breath, then, angling her body, edged her way inside, using the light from her phone.
The air in the bathroom was thick with steam, the scent of vanilla and milk mingling, and she could hear Shen Shu’s soft, pained gasps.
Her heart tightened.
She reached Shen Shu and held out the towel. “Can you reach?”
Shen Shu reached out. “…A little closer.”
Xu Jinnan took a small step forward, and Shen Shu took the towel. After a moment, she murmured, “Wait.”
“What’s wrong?”
“Just wait,” Shen Shu repeated, her voice slightly strained.
Xu Jinnan thought she detected a hint of annoyance in her tone, perhaps amplified by their close proximity.
The bright light from Xu Jinnan’s phone illuminated Shen Shu’s flushed face.
The towel was large enough, but having fallen on the bathroom floor, with injuries to her right ankle and elbow, it was taking Shen Shu a while to wrap it around herself.
Her senses heightened in the darkness, Xu Jinnan unconsciously tapped her fingers against her thigh, waiting.
After a moment, the rustling of fabric stopped.
“Ready?”
“Yes.”
“Should I turn around now? I’m going to lift you,” Xu Jinnan said.
“Yes,” Shen Shu replied softly.
Xu Jinnan turned around, crouched down, and handed Shen Shu her phone, then gently lifted her, one arm supporting her back, the other beneath her knees.
The towel was damp now, and Shen Shu’s pajamas were on the shelf above the sink.
Xu Jinnan glanced up, placing her hand over Shen Shu’s and tilting the phone slightly to illuminate the shelf.
A gray satin nightgown and matching robe.
She carried Shen Shu over to the sink and set her down.
“I’ll get your pajamas. Put these on,” she said, reaching for the nightgown, her leg brushing against Shen Shu’s knee. She realized she was standing a little too close.
Just then, the bathroom light switched on.
Xu Jinnan froze, instinctively leaning forward slightly, her arm shielding Shen Shu.
Shen Shu, her head tilted back against the sink, squinted against the sudden brightness, her eyelashes casting shadows on her cheeks, her face flushed a deeper red than even the roses…
Xu Jinnan’s gaze drifted to her lips, equally red and alluring.
Then, Shen Shu’s eyes opened, sparkling in the bright light.
Xu Jinnan’s throat tightened, her hand itching to touch Shen Shu’s soft skin.
She held Shen Shu’s gaze for a moment, then lowered her hand, her fingertip gently poking Shen Shu’s cheek.
“What are you doing?” Shen Shu asked, her voice slightly breathless.
So soft. Just like the rest of her, Xu Jinnan thought.
Flustered by Shen Shu’s question, she quickly grabbed the nightgown and handed it to her. “Just a little… compensation,” she mumbled, then added, “Take your time. Call me when you’re done,” before hurrying out of the bathroom.
The cool air of the bedroom was a welcome relief after the heat of the bathroom, and she took a deep breath.
What am I doing? she thought, the image of Shen Shu’s flushed face and rosy lips flashing through her mind. She licked her lips, remembering their softness.
–
After Shen Shu finished changing, Xu Jinnan carried her to the sofa and crouched down, gently examining her ankle, her touch careful, as if handling a precious, fragile object.
Her hands were warm and soft.
Shen Shu looked down at her, lost in thought, then heard Xu Jinnan’s voice. “It’s swollen. We need to go to the hospital.”
Xu Jinnan checked her other injuries. Her elbow seemed fine, but her ankle was definitely swollen.
Worried about a possible fracture, she didn’t waste any time, taking Shen Shu to the hospital.
The X-ray showed no broken bones, but a sprained ligament. After applying a cast, the doctor said she would need to rest for at least two weeks.
As they were leaving, Xu Jinnan said, “Wait here. I’ll get you a wheelchair.”
“It’s fine,” Shen Shu said.
Xu Jinnan looked at her. “The doctor said you can’t put any weight on your foot. Do you want to hop all the way out?” She had carried Shen Shu into the hospital, and even with masks, people had been staring. She had noticed Shen Shu’s slight embarrassment.
She thought a wheelchair would be less conspicuous.
Apparently, she was wrong.
Shen Shu’s expression turned resigned, and she didn’t argue, as if accepting Xu Jinnan’s decision.
She simply felt a little embarrassed, being seen like this in front of Xu Jinnan.
Xu Jinnan, noticing her reaction, chuckled softly. “Or would you prefer me to carry you?”
Shen Shu glared at her.
…
After the hospital visit, it was past 1 a.m. when they returned to Xingcheng International.
Xu Jinnan wheeled Shen Shu to the bedroom, poured her a glass of water, and placed it on the bedside table. “Get some rest. I’ll leave the door open. Call me, or knock, if you need anything,” she said.
Shen Shu nodded.
Xu Jinnan bent down, placing her hands on her knees. “Miss Shen, falling in the bathroom isn’t something to be ashamed of. And besides, I’m the only one who knows,” she said gently, her voice soothing. “You don’t have to be embarrassed in front of me. I won’t laugh at you.” In fact, looking at her swollen ankle, she felt a pang of sympathy.
Shen Shu, meeting her gaze, her eyelashes fluttering slightly, simply said, “Go to sleep.”
Xu Jinnan went to clean the bathtub, then noticed a rose petal on the pink towel by the sink, still carrying a faint trace of Shen Shu’s warmth.
She picked it up.
A few minutes later, just as she was starting to feel drowsy, she heard a faint noise from the next room. She listened, then smiled – the sound of wheels rolling on the floor.
She went to the doorway.
Shen Shu was struggling to maneuver the wheelchair.
“Need some help?”
“I’m fine. I can manage,” Shen Shu replied.
Xu Jinnan hesitated. “Okay.”
She didn’t move. Shen Shu was proud and independent; she wouldn’t appreciate being treated like she was helpless. This was something Shen Shu could handle on her own.
After watching her for a moment, Xu Jinnan retreated to the guest room, waiting.
A few seconds later, she heard the wheelchair bump against something.
As if it had encountered an obstacle.
She thought for a moment, then went to the bathroom doorway.
The toilet was also behind a frosted glass sliding door, and the wheelchair wouldn’t fit through the narrow opening. Shen Shu was trapped.
Xu Jinnan sighed and walked over, bending down behind Shen Shu and gently moving her hands from the wheels to her lap.
Then, she pulled the wheelchair back, freeing Shen Shu, and lifted her into her arms.
“Xu Jinnan?” Shen Shu asked, surprised.
Xu Jinnan didn’t reply, carrying her into the bathroom and setting her down on the toilet. “Go ahead,” she said.
Shen Shu: “…”
“Don’t worry, I won’t watch. You can hop back out on your own,” Xu Jinnan said.
Shen Shu: “…”
Ignoring Shen Shu’s stunned expression, Xu Jinnan left the bathroom, pausing at the doorway to rub her forehead. Seeing Shen Shu struggling had made her want to help, despite her earlier resolve.
She couldn’t stand seeing Shen Shu in pain.
Fortunately, Shen Shu’s foot injury didn’t affect her work.
Tong Jia had already reduced her workload so she could prepare for her next drama, only the costume fitting requiring her to leave the apartment.
Xu Jinnan was busy taking over half of the North District project, so she would pick Shen Shu up in the evenings, leaving the rest to Tong Jia.
She could sense their relationship had improved since that night at the motel.
After a few days of rest, Shen Shu’s foot had healed slightly, and as long as she didn’t put any weight on it, she felt fine.
Tong Jia drove her home that day. Xu Jinnan, arriving later, smelled the aroma of food as she stepped out of the elevator.
She realized it was coming from her own apartment.
Tong Jia had bought the groceries and cooked dinner – four mild dishes and one spicy stir-fry.
They chatted, the atmosphere lively at first.
Xu Jinnan, who could handle a little spice, enjoyed the food, taking several servings of the spicy dish. The heat built up, and she took a large gulp of what she thought was iced tea.
Then, she realized she had grabbed the wrong glass. It was Shen Shu’s orange juice.
“Should I pour you another one?” she asked.
Shen Shu glanced at the half-empty glass, stained with orange juice.
“It’s fine,” she replied.
Tong Jia, watching them, said, “You two are so inconsiderate, flaunting your lovey-dovey relationship while I’m drinking alone.”
“No one’s stopping you from drinking,” Xu Jinnan retorted, placing a peeled shrimp in Shen Shu’s bowl. “There’s only one bottle. Pace yourself. Don’t want you getting drunk and sending random WeChat messages again.”
Shen Shu looked at the shrimp in her bowl. It wasn’t the first time Xu Jinnan had given her food, but she felt like Xu Jinnan was somehow compensating her for the orange juice. She smiled faintly.
Tong Jia, watching their silent exchange, clicked her tongue and took another sip of wine.
Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu exchanged a look. They had both noticed Tong Jia’s low spirits since she arrived.
“Did you and Qiao Rui make up?” Xu Jinnan asked.
“We did,” Tong Jia replied. “But I don’t know… maybe we’ve broken up too many times. This time, it just doesn’t feel the same. It’s like the seven-year itch, you know?” Realizing her somber tone, she quickly forced a laugh. “I’m getting used to it. Anyway, let’s talk about something more cheerful! Like making tons of money! Or maybe you two teachers can share some more… bedroom tips?”
Despite her laughter, neither Xu Jinnan nor Shen Shu could detect any genuine joy.
–
After Tong Jia left, they cleared the table.
After showering, the apartment fell silent. Xu Jinnan sat in the living room for a while, then went to knock on Shen Shu’s door.
Shen Shu looked at her, then, after a moment, asked, “Do you want to see it now?”
“Yes, let’s see it,” Xu Jinnan replied.
Shen Shu didn’t say anything more, watching as Xu Jinnan took the letter from the locked box.
An ordinary yellow envelope.
Xu Jinnan took out the letter.
The original Xu Jinnan’s handwriting was neat and elegant. Xu Jinnan had spent several days practicing her signature.
Before opening the letter, Shen Shu felt a surge of apprehension on Xu Jinnan’s behalf.
She didn’t know what to expect, whether it would be even more disturbing than the photos.
Hello,
Perhaps you’re the one reading this, or perhaps it’s me.
I hope it’s me, but I know it’s beyond my control, so these words are for you.
You’ve seen the photos.
You should also know what I want to do. Yes, I want them dead.
But just them might not be enough—
Since last year, I’ve learned some things from Xu Tao and Mom. I started investigating Xu Tao, so I went to Qucheng.
I met someone there, Xu Lian’s current wife, and I realized Xu Tao isn’t the only monster in the Xu family.
Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to learn more.
I’m crazy, and everyone in the Xu family is crazy. Their secrets are probably even more terrifying than I imagined…
I have a feeling that if their secrets are exposed, the Xu family will be destroyed.
But I don’t know when you’ll completely replace me.
If I don’t find out before I disappear, I hope you’ll continue.
Before writing this letter, I hired someone to investigate. His name is Wang Zheng. If he fails, go to Qucheng. That’s where all their secrets are hidden.
If all else fails, don’t forget March 23rd, the day it all ends.
The date was written at the bottom of the letter.
Xu Jinnan calculated the date; it had been written a month before her wedding to Shen Shu.
Xu Lian was the original Xu Jinnan’s aunt, so her current wife must also know about the Xu family’s secrets.
The tone of the letter was more coherent than the original Xu Jinnan’s usual ramblings, some of the content confirming Xu Jinnan’s suspicions, but some of it was still chilling.
Shen Shu, reading the letter over Xu Jinnan’s shoulder, paled.
She hadn’t known any of this.
She clenched her fists, staring at the words on the page.
Not the only monster.
Everyone in the Xu family is crazy.
March 23rd, the day it all ends.
Each sentence was like a thunderclap, especially the last one.
The end. Such a final, absolute word. The very meaning of it was unsettling.
And the person who wrote it…
The letter sounded like the ramblings of a lunatic. She seemed to have anticipated her own disappearance…
Shen Shu frowned, thinking about the original Xu Jinnan.
The emotions from earlier resurfaced, then were replaced by a more pressing concern.
“The night you went to your fa… Xu Tao’s study… was it related to this?” she asked, correcting herself.
“Yes,” Xu Jinnan replied, folding the letter.
She was distracted, lost in thought, and didn’t notice the subtle shift in Shen Shu’s tone.
She was thinking about the confirmed date, March 23rd, a day of reckoning, and the importance of Qucheng.
Qucheng, a place that had been mentioned repeatedly since she arrived in this world, a place she had never been to.
“Xu Jinnan.”
Xu Jinnan looked up, her thoughts returning to Shen Shu. “I’m trying to figure out how to explain this to you.”
Shen Shu had already seen the photos; even without context, the letter’s contents were clear enough.
There was no point in hiding anything anymore.
She explained everything, from the first mention of Wang Zheng, to finding the locked box, to Lu Yun’s birthday…
Attributing the original Xu Jinnan’s more erratic behavior to her multiple personalities.
The more she listened, the quieter Shen Shu became.
Finally, Xu Jinnan touched her arm. “Why are you so quiet?”
Shen Shu looked up. “If it wasn’t for that night, would you have ever told me?”
Xu Jinnan met her gaze, then admitted honestly, “It’s a huge mess. I didn’t want to drag you into it.”
“That’s why you didn’t want me to go to the Xu residence.”
“Yes,” Xu Jinnan replied. “Shen Shu, I can’t let you get hurt because of me.” Shen Shu had already suffered enough because of the original Xu Jinnan’s actions.
They looked at each other for a long moment.
Shen Shu finally looked away, her voice soft. “I don’t want you to get hurt either.”
Xu Jinnan smiled faintly. “I know. Don’t worry.”
–
Back in her room, Xu Jinnan messaged Chen Yue, asking him to continue searching for Wang Zheng after confirming the man in the photo, with the scar on his chin, was indeed him.
But there had been no news for a while.
Chen Yue replied quickly: [Sorry, CEO Xu, I’ve been a little busy these past few days, but I have some leads. Don’t worry.]
Chen Yue: [I’ll definitely find him for you.]
Xu Jinnan: [I can find someone else.]
He immediately sent a voice message. “No, no, no, CEO Xu! I really do have some leads! I’ll start looking tomorrow. Just give me a few more days, and I’ll definitely find him!”
Xu Jinnan: [Hurry up.]
These street-smart types were capable, but they needed a little push sometimes.
–
As expected, her warning worked.
Chen Yue sent a video while she was in a meeting. She muted the sound. The video, shot surreptitiously, was about fifteen seconds long.
It showed a small, dingy restaurant, a typical “fly restaurant.”
A man was sitting at a nearby table, slurping noodles. The scar on his chin confirmed it was Wang Zheng.
It wasn’t an important meeting, so after giving a few instructions, Xu Jinnan excused herself.
[Where is this?]
[A small town near Rongcheng. What should I do now?]
[Keep an eye on him. I’m on my way.]
She waited for a reply, but Chen Yue didn’t respond. Ten minutes later, he called.
“Fuck! He spotted me and ran!”
Xu Jinnan: “…”
She didn’t say a word.
“Don’t worry, CEO Xu! I promised I would find him, and I will! I won’t take your money if I don’t deliver!”
Xu Jinnan hung up, feeling a mixture of frustration and disappointment. She had been so close to finding out what he knew.
But she also realized that Wang Zheng’s fear meant Lu Yun’s threats had been serious.
And the more serious the threats, the more important the information he possessed about Qucheng.
…
Half a month passed quickly.
After Shen Shu’s cast was removed, as they were driving back from the hospital, she said, “Let’s not go home yet. Invite Tong Jia to dinner.” She glanced at Xu Jinnan.
“What’s up?” Xu Jinnan asked.
Shen Shu and Tong Jia saw each other almost every day; there had to be a reason for a special dinner invitation.
Shen Shu turned off her phone. Tong Jia had posted “Feeling down” on her Moments feed that morning. “Tong Jia hasn’t been herself lately,” she explained.
“What’s wrong?”
“Something about Qiao Rui. They had another fight.”
“That’s like, the third time this month,” Xu Jinnan commented. “Ask her if she’s free.”
“Okay.”
As soon as Shen Shu messaged her, Tong Jia agreed, even suggesting a restaurant.
Xu Jinnan turned the car around, heading towards the restaurant at Wanhe Plaza.
After driving for a while, she suddenly said, “Shu Shu.” A car horn blared outside.
She paused, making sure Shen Shu had heard her.
“Yes?”
“Don’t you think having dinner with us, a happy couple, might make Tong Jia feel worse, considering her fight with Qiao Rui?”
Comparison was a cruel mistress.
Shen Shu: “…Then I won’t go. You go.”
Xu Jinnan: “…?”
She stopped at a red light, turning to Shen Shu with a chuckle. “Shouldn’t you be the one going?” While she had been friendly with Tong Jia before, Tong Jia and Shen Shu were much closer now, talking almost every day, while Xu Jinnan rarely contacted her.
“I’m not good with words,” Shen Shu replied.
She wasn’t good at comforting people, but Xu Jinnan was. It was one of her strengths.
“I’m not good with words with everyone,” Xu Jinnan retorted, then glanced at Shen Shu. “Let’s both go. Maybe she needs a distraction.”
Shen Shu: “…”
–
At a Thai restaurant, they were seated in a private room.
Tong Jia’s mood wasn’t as bad as they had expected. As they chatted, they learned she and Qiao Rui had made up.
“She sent me flowers this afternoon and apologized,” Tong Jia said, smiling at them. “I’m still a little annoyed, but I’m willing to trust her.”
Xu Jinnan, taking a spoonful of curry, asked, “What was the fight about?”
“I saw a flirty message from another woman on her phone. I confronted her, and… we had a fight. I’ve never checked her phone before, but I was feeling particularly sensitive that day. But it’s fine now. We’re good,” Tong Jia explained, launching into a long, detailed account of their relationship. Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu mostly listened; she clearly needed to vent.
She finished her wine in one gulp, then smiled wistfully. “We met in college… I pursued her. She was a dance major, and I was captivated by her dancing. I still remember the piece she performed, ‘White Birch Forest’. After we got together, she was so good to me, even giving up some amazing opportunities for our relationship. I can’t keep waiting any longer.”
Today’s Tong Jia was different from her usual self.
The usually boisterous, playful, and outspoken Tong Jia seemed subdued, almost melancholic.
Xu Jinnan poured her another glass of wine. “What are you planning to do?”
“I’m going to propose,” Tong Jia said, looking at them with a mixture of envy and hope. “Marriage brings a sense of security. I’ve been waiting for her to propose, but there’s no reason I can’t do it myself.”
Both Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu expressed their support.
–
While Tong Jia was in the restroom, Shen Shu looked at Xu Jinnan, who seemed lost in thought.
“What’s wrong?”
“I was just thinking, if a relationship hasn’t progressed after seven years, doesn’t that mean something?” Xu Jinnan said, then shook her head. “I’m probably overthinking it.”
“You probably are,” Shen Shu replied.
“Huh?”
“We got married without even dating.”
Xu Jinnan: “…”
She clicked her tongue. “Miss Shen, whoever said you’re not good with words clearly underestimated you.”
–
Since Tong Jia hadn’t driven, Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu offered her a ride home.
As they left Wanhe Plaza, Tong Jia, her mood having lifted considerably after venting her frustrations, chatted animatedly with them, her usual cheerful self returning.
“See that big screen? Shu Shu, that’ll be you someday!” she exclaimed, pointing at a large LED screen displaying an advertisement for Tan Jie’s perfume.
“As long as I keep getting roles,” Shen Shu replied with a smile. “But thank you for the well wishes.”
Tong Jia laughed. “I’m telling you, I’ve lined up some great opportunities for you… Wait, stop the car! Stop!”
“I can’t stop here. It’s a no-parking zone,” Xu Jinnan said.
“It’s Qiao Rui,” Tong Jia said, her voice urgent. “Xu Jinnan, pull over! Hurry!”
Xu Jinnan, startled by her frantic tone, glanced at Qiao Rui through the rearview mirror. She was standing outside a large hotel. While there were other businesses nearby, Qiao Rui’s reaction didn’t bode well.
Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu exchanged a look, and she pulled over. Tong Jia immediately jumped out of the car.
Xu Jinnan stopped Shen Shu from following. “It’s not appropriate for you to be there. Drive to a parking spot and wait for me,” she said, handing Shen Shu the car keys.
She followed Tong Jia to the hotel entrance, where Tong Jia suddenly stopped, her face pale, her hands clenched.
“She said she was going to class. Should I believe her?” she asked, her voice strained.
“No,” Xu Jinnan replied honestly.
As they got out of the car, she had seen Qiao Rui and another woman entering the hotel, their arms linked.
Were they really having class at a hotel?
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