Chapter 58
“Who said I don’t care?” Xu Jinnan whispered, her warm breath brushing against Shen Shu’s cheek, sending shivers down her spine.
Shen Shu instinctively raised her hand to shield herself, her arm bumping against Xu Jinnan’s chest.
It was a light touch, barely a graze.
If Xu Jinnan had to describe the sensation, the only word that came to mind was “coquettish,” though that was clearly not Shen Shu’s intention.
Xu Jinnan was well-endowed, her figure particularly striking in low-cut dresses.
Shen Shu had experienced it firsthand…
The moment her arm brushed against Xu Jinnan’s chest, Xu Jinnan let out a soft moan.
Shen Shu’s breath hitched, her earlobes flushing a delicate pink, like ripe summer fruit, tempting and inviting.
Xu Jinnan’s gaze lingered on her ear, her lips slightly dry. She swallowed, her voice husky as she whispered, “Shu Shu.”
She needed a response, a sign, a flicker of emotion from Shen Shu to guide her next move.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating Xu Jinnan’s figure against the door. Shen Shu took a deep breath, then slowly turned around, meeting Xu Jinnan’s gaze. “Care about what?” she asked.
As she turned, the distance between them closed, her nose brushing against Xu Jinnan’s smooth chin, the faint scent of powder and the warm, sunny fragrance of her pheromones filling the air.
Their breaths mingled, and Shen Shu’s fingers tightened slightly.
Xu Jinnan looked down at her, her gaze lingering on Shen Shu’s slightly parted lips, the color of the lipstick now a soft, inviting red, smudged from their earlier contact.
She could almost feel the warmth of Shen Shu’s lips against her own.
Her fingertips tingled.
Just then, a soft knock came at the door, and Zhou Pei’s hesitant voice called out, “CEO Xu, Mr. Qin from Meilai Jewelry is here.”
Xu Jinnan looked at Shen Shu, then called out, “I’ll be there in a moment. Please have him wait.”
Shen Shu lowered her gaze, breaking eye contact, then turned towards the window. A moment later, as if making a decision, she reached for the doorknob.
Her wrist was caught in a firm grip.
Xu Jinnan held her wrist, locking the door, then led her towards the desk by the window.
The sun hadn’t reached that part of the room yet, and Xu Jinnan placed her hands on Shen Shu’s shoulders, gently guiding her into the chair, then leaned against the edge of the desk, her body angled towards Shen Shu.
They stood in the shadows, the sunlight a few feet away, like a dividing line between two worlds.
“Shu Shu,” Xu Jinnan said, her voice serious, “can you tell me why you thought I was involved with Tan Jie?”
The uneaten steak lunch still sat on the desk.
Shen Shu’s gaze shifted from the food to Xu Jinnan’s eyes. “Do you really not know, or are you pretending?”
“I really don’t know,” Xu Jinnan replied.
Shen Shu paused, then said calmly, “Tan Jie sent me a steak lunch too.”
“…” “I thought you sent it,” Xu Jinnan said.
Shen Shu: “…”
A brief silence filled the office, then Xu Jinnan chuckled softly. “So, that’s cleared up then? Let’s talk about something else.”
“Shu Shu,” she said, her voice serious.
Shen Shu looked up, her beautiful features as cool and composed as ever, but a flicker of something in her eyes betrayed her emotions.
“I thought I had misunderstood, but now, I don’t think it was a misunderstanding,” Xu Jinnan said, then, feeling the distance between them, pushed herself away from the desk and leaned against the armrest of Shen Shu’s chair, closing the gap between them slightly.
“I said the wrong thing earlier, or rather, I expressed myself poorly…” she continued, her voice low.
Shen Shu remained silent, waiting.
“I do care,” Xu Jinnan said, then, after a brief pause, added, “You might not know this, but you’re special to me.”
At least, in this life, no one had ever made her feel this way.
While the feeling was still undefined, a seed just beginning to sprout, Shen Shu was special, undeniably so.
Shen Shu had been watching her intently, her expression finally softening at those words.
“Xu Jinnan, do you even understand what that means?”
Xu Jinnan: “…”
“I do,” she replied, meeting Shen Shu’s gaze. “I understand why you’re angry, and I understand what I’m saying.”
A long silence followed.
“Shu Shu,” Xu Jinnan said softly, “let’s not rush this. Let’s take things slow, okay?”
Making this decision had been difficult. Before, she had been unsure of Shen Shu’s feelings, and her own feelings had been unclear. And there was also a lingering fear.
It wasn’t just the fear of the Xu family’s secrets, or the fear of suddenly disappearing from this world, like she had arrived.
It was the fear of not being good enough… she had her flaws.
Perhaps, if they truly explored this connection, if Shen Shu truly got to know her, she would be disappointed.
But despite her fears, she had still said those words.
Even though she knew it was selfish, even though she knew it was a risk for both of them, she had still said them.
The tension in Shen Shu’s heart eased, a sense of relief washing over her, like a flower finally blooming after a long winter.
Neither of them pressed for further explanations or definitions.
A subtle shift had occurred, a silent understanding passing between them.
They both knew things would be different now.
—
Xu Jinnan personally drove Shen Shu to the studio, the privacy divider still up from their earlier conversation.
“You should finish your lunch,” Shen Shu said, glancing at the uneaten steak on Xu Jinnan’s desk.
“Can I even eat after that?” Xu Jinnan asked, a playful smile on her lips as she opened the car door for Shen Shu. “I was already full, but I thought you sent it, so I forced myself to eat it.”
“…” Shen Shu bit her lip. “I’ll go then.”
“Okay,” Xu Jinnan replied, nodding.
—
“Did you two have a fight? Is that why you came here alone?” Tong Jia asked anxiously as soon as Shen Shu arrived.
She had been worried. The atmosphere between Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu had been strange these past few days.
Shen Shu had even been replying to her messages privately, not in the group chat.
While Shen Shu’s demeanor seemed normal, she had been unusually quiet, her focus solely on her script, the pages already dog-eared from constant rereading.
“No, why would we fight?” Shen Shu asked, sitting down.
Tong Jia: “?”
Shen Shu’s voice was calm, but the slight upward inflection at the end…
And the faint smile playing on her lips…
“You two made up?” Tong Jia asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.
“We didn’t have a fight,” Shen Shu repeated.
“Really? The way you stormed out of the office earlier scared me.”
“…”
“Are you sure you didn’t fight?”
“No,” Shen Shu said firmly. “What’s the address of the restaurant?”
“What are you doing?”
“Just send it to me.”
Tong Jia sent her the address, assuming Shen Shu was ordering takeout, and didn’t think much of it.
After scrolling through her phone for a while, she suddenly leaned closer to Shen Shu. “You two made up so quickly… did you… do it?”
“…” “No,” Shen Shu replied.
Tong Jia, as if she hadn’t heard, tapped her chin thoughtfully. “That’s not right. You were only gone for ten minutes… CEO Xu isn’t that fast, is she?”
Shen Shu: “…”
She didn’t even look up. “If you’re that bored, why don’t you go for a run?”
Tong Jia, seeing her flustered expression, chuckled. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop teasing you.”
Before going to chat with the director, Shen Shu put down her phone and picked up her script.
“Still reading that?” Tong Jia teased. “You’ve practically memorized it backwards. What’s the point?”
After she left, Shen Shu stared at the script, the words already ingrained in her memory.
It was just an excuse to avoid interacting with the others.
Her thoughts drifted to Xu Jinnan’s spacious office, the sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Let’s take things slow, okay?
Her expression softened, a faint smile playing on her lips, the gloom of the past few days lifting.
She had actually calmed down before even reaching Xu Jinnan’s office.
Knowing Xu Jinnan, she wouldn’t have accepted the lunch box if she had known it was from Tan Jie.
But in that moment, she hadn’t been thinking clearly.
Seeing the lunch box had triggered a surge of irrational anger, a desire to confront Xu Jinnan, to put an end to her confused and conflicting emotions.
But seeing Xu Jinnan’s worried expression and hearing her concerned tone, “What’s wrong? Did someone bully you?”, her anger had dissipated, replaced by something else.
Her harsh words had been partly true, partly a deliberate provocation.
While 95% of her had wanted to end things with Xu Jinnan, the remaining 5% had hoped for a different outcome.
And Xu Jinnan had made that 5% win.
Was she happy? Yes, she was.
At that moment, she felt like she had won too.
—
After seeing the Meilai Jewelry representatives off, Xu Jinnan rubbed her lower back and glanced at the film crew’s office area across the hall. She didn’t see Shen Shu, so she messaged Tong Jia, asking when Shen Shu would be done.
Just as she was about to return to her office, Xinxin called out to her.
She ran over from the elevator, handing Xu Jinnan a paper bag. “Shu Shu bought you afternoon tea!” she said, her voice full of playful innuendo.
Xu Jinnan took the bag, smiling. “Really?”
“Huh?”
A few minutes later, Zhou Pei, Viola, and the two assistants arrived at the film crew’s office with afternoon tea.
To avoid disrupting the filming, they waited for a break before setting up the food and drinks.
“Thank you, CEO Xu,” Director Zhang said, accepting a cup of black tea from Zhou Pei. “And thank you for the discount on the space, and the food and drinks.”
The assistant director chuckled. “Having a wife on set makes a difference. Thank you for your generosity, CEO Xu.” Everyone smiled at Shen Shu.
“Thank you for your hard work, Director, and everyone,” Shen Shu replied politely.
“Miss Tan, I apologize for my earlier misunderstanding. I thought you sent that lunch box to CEO Xu. But she said it was delicious. Thank you for your kindness. These pastries are for you,” Viola said, her voice loud enough for everyone around Tan Jie to hear.
They all looked at Tan Jie.
Tan Jie, flustered by the public apology, quickly recovered, forcing a smile. “You’re welcome. CEO Xu provided us with such a wonderful space, and free access to the pantry. Consider this a small token of my appreciation.” Her assistant took the pastries from Viola.
After Viola left, Tan Jie looked inside the bag – green tea pastries.
Her face stiffened, but she maintained her composure, her fingernails digging into her palm.
Viola then handed a separate bag to Shen Shu – grape juice.
“Shu Shu, can you ask CEO Xu to give me the same special treatment next time? Maybe some plum juice?” Tong Jia asked, nudging the grape juice with her elbow.
Shen Shu, knowing she was being teased, glanced at her but didn’t reply, simply taking a sip of the juice.
It was refreshing, sweet and slightly tart.
“You’re so heartless,” Tong Jia muttered, turning away.
Just then, a slender hand appeared in front of her, holding a bottle of plum juice. She looked up to see Viola smiling at her.
“We have some in the office fridge,” Viola said.
Tong Jia took the bottle, giving her a thumbs-up. “Thanks, sis!”
Viola paused. “Miss Tong, if you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?”
Tong Jia also paused. “Me? 27.”
Viola smiled. “Miss Tong, I’m 29.”
Tong Jia: “…?”
She watched as Viola walked away, then, opening the bottle of plum juice, went over to Shen Shu. “Your CEO Xu’s secretary is interesting. 29? She doesn’t look a day over 25.”
“You two are already on a first-name basis?” Shen Shu asked. She hadn’t heard their conversation.
Tong Jia recounted their exchange, then realized, “I just called her ‘sis,’ and she’s already correcting me? Is she saying I shouldn’t call her ‘sis’ because she’s older than me?”
Shen Shu chuckled softly. “Maybe you should tone down the casual flirting.”
Tong Jia shrugged. “29, huh? How old is Xu Jinnan again?”
Shen Shu took another sip of grape juice. “26.”
“Oh, she’s younger than you! A younger woman! Impressive,” Tong Jia commented, sitting down beside Shen Shu.
Energetic younger Xu Jinnan vs. elegant older Shen Shu.
She instinctively wanted to make a suggestive comment, then stopped, a shadow crossing her face.
She suddenly felt a pang of sadness.
Shen Shu, sensing her sudden silence, handed her the script. “Help me with my lines,” she said.
—
It was past 7 p.m.
Xu Jinnan, leaving the office after working late, rubbed her aching back and noticed the lights were still on in the film crew’s office area across the hall, but the filming was taking place further inside, so she didn’t see Shen Shu.
She sent Shen Shu a message, then sat down in the waiting area.
As she scrolled through Weibo, she saw a comment on one of her reposts calling her a “fan icon.” She considered it. It wasn’t entirely inaccurate.
If those fans knew she not only followed Shen Shu and interacted with her online, but also lived with her, they would probably lose their minds.
She chuckled, opening the “NanShu” CP super topic.
The giveaway post was still pinned at the top, and she noticed that “WhoDaresBreakUpMyCP” had increased the prize amount from 50,000 to 60,000 yuan per winner.
She clicked on the comments, surprised.
Is the Sheng Xia CP threatened? Seriously? A bidding war for CP dominance? They’re matching our prize amount now?
They’re copying us! Initially, they only had three winners, then they increased it to ten, like us. And as soon as we increased the prize to 60,000, they did the same… Interesting.
I hope they keep escalating! More giveaways! I want to win!
If this isn’t the real Xu Jinnan behind this, then that user is crazy.
At least we’re shipping the real couple. What are they even shipping? This is infuriating!
@WhoDaresBreakUpMyCP Just let it go. We don’t need to compete with them.
Xu Jinnan paused, then opened the “Sheng Xia” CP super topic, confirming that the giveaway details – the prize amount and the number of winners – were identical to the one in the “NanShu” super topic.
It was clearly a competition.
She also noticed that the “Sheng Xia” super topic now had over eight thousand followers…
Is this a CP war? she wondered, touching her forehead.
She returned to her messages and saw a private message from ShuShu’sNumberOneFan.
ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [Boss Lady!! That guy in our CP super topic is amazing! He increased the prize again, to 700,000 yuan per month! Is this how rich people casually spend their money? Crying emoji]
Xu Jinnan decided to ignore the super topic drama, knowing this fan would keep her updated anyway.
As expected, a few minutes later:
ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [Holy shit! The Sheng Xia super topic just increased their prize too… This is going to trend! It’s already climbing the ranks!]
If this continued, it would get out of hand.
She sent Tong Jia screenshots of the two super topics, asking how she wanted to handle it.
Just as she returned to Weibo, several new messages from ShuShu’sNumberOneFan popped up.
ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [This is insane!]
ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [He increased it to 200,000 yuan per winner! Two million per month! This isn’t just a flex; it’s a diamond explosion!]
ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [Hahaha, they gave up!]
Xu Jinnan: “…” This is a true fan.
She was strangely touched.
She sent a private message to WhoDaresBreakUpMyCP.
Bro, judging by your ID, let me know if you need backup.
Just then, she heard the clicking of high heels approaching.
She looked up to see Shen Shu, still in her business attire from the shoot, without her glasses, her aloof demeanor unchanged.
Xu Jinnan’s gaze lingered on her legs.
There was a small run in her black stockings, a few threads unraveling, revealing a sliver of pale skin beneath the torn fabric.
The contrast between black and white was striking.
Imperfection, in a way, was alluring.
A human flaw, or perhaps an Alpha flaw, or perhaps just her own.
She pushed the thought aside, standing up and rubbing her lower back. “Done with work?”
“Yes, let’s go home,” Shen Shu replied.
“Okay, I’ll get the car keys,” Xu Jinnan said, glancing at the other crew members leaving the office. She turned back to Shen Shu. “Your stockings are torn. Do you want to change before we leave?”
“I snagged them on something,” Shen Shu said. “I’ll change when we get home.”
Seeing her weariness, Xu Jinnan grabbed her keys and they left.
As they got out of the car, Xu Jinnan instinctively rubbed her lower back again.
Shen Shu glanced at her slim waist, accentuated by her high-waisted dress.
“Are you feeling unwell?” she asked.
Xu Jinnan turned to her. “I’ve been sitting in meetings all day. My back is a little stiff,” she explained.
Shen Shu opened the apartment door, changing her shoes. “You should take better care of yourself,” she said.
Xu Jinnan looked at her, her gaze lingering on Shen Shu’s bowed head. “I should,” she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.
Shen Shu, realizing the double entendre, paused, then didn’t bother correcting her.
Xu Jinnan’s throat tightened at her silence.
She told Shen Shu to take a shower first, then lay down on the sofa, her lower back aching. It wasn’t a sharp pain, just a dull, persistent ache.
The sound of the shower running filled the apartment, and Xu Jinnan turned on the TV, the movie channel drowning out the noise.
When Shen Shu emerged from the bathroom, Xu Jinnan handed her a two-piece silk pajama set.
She didn’t usually wear matching sets, finding them cumbersome, but the nights were getting colder.
After a quick shower, Xu Jinnan stood in front of the bathroom mirror, running her fingers through her damp hair, then, as she was about to leave, noticed the discarded stockings in the trash can.
—
She sat down on the sofa, shifting uncomfortably.
“Is it that bad?” Shen Shu asked.
“It’s a little uncomfortable,” Xu Jinnan admitted. “I think I need a massage.” She reached behind her, trying to massage the aching spot.
Shen Shu looked at her for a moment. “Lie down,” she said.
“Huh?”
Xu Jinnan paused. “It’s fine. I’ll just lie down in bed later,” she said.
“Lie down. Now,” Shen Shu repeated, her tone firmer this time.
Xu Jinnan met her gaze. “…Okay.”
She lay down on the sofa, facing away from Shen Shu, who sat down beside her.
Shen Shu’s hands were warm, her fingernails neatly trimmed, as she gently probed Xu Jinnan’s back, searching for the pressure points.
Xu Jinnan guided her hand, but after a few moments, she lost her place again.
“Here?”
“…A little lower… too much.” Forget the ache in her back; Xu Jinnan’s entire body was tingling now. “Shu Shu, are you doing this on purpose?”
Shen Shu: “…”
Xu Jinnan winced as Shen Shu’s fingernail dug into her back, a sharp, unexpected pain that made her tense up.
“That’s what ‘on purpose’ means,” Shen Shu said calmly.
Xu Jinnan: “…”
Shen Shu lifted her hand. “Your skin is too slippery,” she said.
Xu Jinnan was about to tell her to stop; this wasn’t relaxing, it was torture.
Then, Shen Shu’s cool voice said, “Should I pull up your shirt and try again?”
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