Chapter 8
“Xu Jinnan, it hasn’t even been a week, and you’re already comfortable playing the role of a doting wife,” Yin Xue said, moving closer to the Alpha and linking arms with her.
Xu Jinnan ignored her, taking the paper bag from Shen Shu’s hand and murmuring, “Why didn’t you wait for me? You shouldn’t carry heavy things.” Shen Shu’s grip loosened, and Xu Jinnan easily took the bag. The brush of cool fingers against her hand made her recoil slightly.
She observed Xu Jinnan, trying to discern her motive. Why this performance in front of Yin Xue?
Yin Xue’s face hardened. “Xu Jinnan, what do you mean by this?!”
Shen Shu looked at Xu Jinnan, also waiting for an answer.
Xu Jinnan’s gaze was still fixed on her. Their eyes met for a brief moment, and Shen Shu found herself drawn into Xu Jinnan’s languid phoenix eyes.
Xu Jinnan smiled at Shen Shu, then stepped back, positioning herself slightly behind her, creating the illusion that Shen Shu was leaning against her.
Only then did Xu Jinnan look at Yin Xue and her companion, a smile playing on her lips. “I should be asking you that question. Do you think anyone can bully the people I care about now?” She used the plural “you,” not the singular.
The Alpha beside Yin Xue caught the subtle message and said politely, “Miss Xu, you misunderstand. You and Xiao Xue are old friends. She heard you and your wife were hospitalized and wanted to visit. There was no other intention, certainly not to bully anyone.” This was Han Wenfang, the second daughter of the HP Group and the most likely successor to the family business.
Agreeing to come to the hospital with Yin Xue had been an impulsive decision.
Han Wenfang’s reasoning was simple: she had agreed, and that was that.
Xu Jinnan was difficult, but she was married now. Han Wenfang wasn’t trying to steal anyone. If Xu Jinnan wanted to make a fuss, the Han family wouldn’t back down.
But she wouldn’t let things escalate to that point.
She liked Yin Xue, but not enough to risk a confrontation with Xu Jinnan.
Xu Jinnan’s gaze flickered over Han Wenfang. This woman was decisive and ruthless.
Her seemingly conciliatory words had a clear message – if anyone had bullied Shen Shu, it was Yin Xue alone.
“Wife, is that what happened?” Xu Jinnan looked down at Shen Shu, seeking her confirmation.
It was as if, if Shen Shu denied it, there would be consequences.
Shen Shu bristled at the word “wife.” It felt like a venomous snake hissing in her ear, reinforcing her suspicion that Xu Jinnan was plotting something.
Xu Jinnan’s gaze was too intense. Shen Shu subtly shifted away. “Cai Ying is waiting for me.”
Xu Jinnan didn’t seem to mind her non-answer. “Alright, I’ll walk you to the car.”
Shen Shu remained silent. Whether Xu Jinnan was putting on a show for Yin Xue or genuinely had changed, she wanted to get away from them.
Xu Jinnan followed her.
“Xu Jinnan! Stop it!” Yin Xue cried out, her voice choked with emotion.
Xu Jinnan suddenly grabbed Shen Shu’s wrist, releasing it as soon as she stopped. She tilted her head. “Wait a moment.”
Shen Shu’s expression remained neutral, but she sneered inwardly.
They said Xu Jinnan was cruel and ruthless, but this Omega, Yin Xue, was her weakness. After that performance, all it took was a show of vulnerability from Yin Xue to make Xu Jinnan falter.
Shen Shu wanted to tell her she had no interest in their drama.
But Xu Jinnan didn’t turn back. She pulled out her phone, tapped a few times, and said clearly, “Almost forgot. Alright, let’s go.”
A flicker of surprise crossed Shen Shu’s face, but she said nothing and continued walking.
Xu Jinnan, in her oversized hospital gown, walked beside Shen Shu. As they passed through the main entrance, a warm breeze ruffled Shen Shu’s dress.
Their two figures were like a carefully composed painting.
Even after they left, Yin Xue couldn’t believe that had been the real Xu Jinnan.
Han Wenfang said, “I think she deleted you.”
“…?”
Yin Xue immediately called Xu Jinnan, only to hear… the automated message.
This was completely unexpected. So, Xu Jinnan was serious?! She really wanted to cut ties?!
“Impossible.”
“You seem to have underestimated Xu Jinnan’s feelings for her wife.” Not just her, perhaps everyone had.
Cai Ying’s expression was a mixture of confusion and anger when she saw Xu Jinnan walking Shen Shu to the car. If Shen Shu hadn’t warned her not to antagonize Xu Jinnan, she would have already started yelling.
Ignoring Cai Ying’s hostility, Xu Jinnan asked, “Where are you going?” She meant, where would Shen Shu be staying.
After a moment, Shen Shu replied, “Back to the company.”
Xu Jinnan didn’t press further. She handed Shen Shu the bag. “I have to stay here for a few more days. Get some rest. Can we talk when I’m discharged?”
Shen Shu looked at her for a long moment, then nodded.
A minute later, watching the Porsche disappear, Xu Jinnan smiled wryly.
Then she heard Zhou Pei’s nervous voice: “Miss… your…”
She didn’t finish her sentence. Xu Jinnan glanced at her, and Zhou Pei quickly averted her gaze, her eyelids fluttering.
She shouldn’t stare directly at Xu Jinnan’s scent gland.
Scent glands, located below the ears of Alphas and Omegas, were usually flush with the skin. They only became visible up close, or when aroused, like a budding flower.
It was the most sensitive part of an Alpha or Omega.
Xu Jinnan wasn’t bothered by Zhou Pei’s gaze; she understood what she meant.
“I know. Let’s go back.”
She’d felt the change in her scent gland while standing next to Shen Shu in the lobby. The same reaction as before.
Was Professor Qin right? Did being near Shen Shu trigger this reaction?
She needed to discuss this with Professor Qin and his specialists.
Meanwhile, leaning against the car window, Shen Shu’s suspicions about Xu Jinnan grew. Multiple personalities would explain her erratic behavior.
But it was just speculation. All she could do was wait and see.
“Why are you going to the company?” Cai Ying interrupted her thoughts.
“There’s an issue with the bidding proposal Assistant Liu sent over. I’m afraid those CEOs won’t listen to him, so I need to go myself.”
“It doesn’t matter how well you do; your parents won’t appreciate it.” They only saw Shen Shu as a tool.
“I know,” Shen Shu replied softly, a hint of bitterness in her voice.
Cai Ying knew this wasn’t the time to dwell on it. She changed the subject. “After you’re done at the company, why don’t you come stay at my family’s mountain resort for a few days?” The Cai family had made their fortune in the hotel business, but with the recent downturn, they had shifted their focus to resort tourism. They owned most of the resorts in North City.
“My dad built a new one in my favorite style. It’s not officially open yet.” Cai Ying nudged Shen Shu’s arm as they waited at a red light. “Come on, Shu Shu! Before my dad hires a tutor for me, come have fun with me.”
Shen Shu swatted her hand away playfully. “Alright, if there’s nothing urgent with the project, I’ll take you up on that offer.”
“Yay!”
Xu Jinnan spent a week in the hospital without any further incidents. After numerous consultations, the specialists concluded they needed to continue observing her.
Xu Jinnan’s patience wore thin. If they needed to observe her, couldn’t she be observed elsewhere?
No matter how nice the hospital was, it still smelled of antiseptic.
Seeing her restlessness, Professor Qin, perhaps worried she would revert to her old ways, didn’t try to stop her. He only advised her to avoid close contact with Shen Shu for the time being and to call him immediately if anything happened.
Xu Jinnan understood. Besides, Zhou Pei had told her Shen Shu had been busy at the company, staying at her own rented apartment, and then spending time with Cai Ying.
She didn’t pry further.
That night had been a traumatic experience for Shen Shu. Giving her space was the right thing to do.
Xu Jinnan discharged herself secretly.
Once in the car, Zhou Pei asked where she wanted to go. Silence followed.
After a moment, Xu Jinnan opened her eyes, squinting against the bright sunlight.
“Are there any resorts nearby? Somewhere quiet and secluded, with a large outdoor pool, preferably.”
“Yes,” Zhou Pei replied. “Shall I make the arrangements now?”
“Yes, now.”
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