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Category: Captivating Beauty

  • Captivating Beauty 41p2

    Chapter 41 p2

    After hanging up, Xu Jinnan received a message from Zhou Pei, saying Shen Jun was waiting at the office. She checked the time; it was almost noon.

    She turned off her phone. “No time to cook,” she said to Shen Shu.

    “There’s nothing to cook with anyway,” Shen Shu replied. The refrigerator contained only two carrots.

    As if she hadn’t heard, Xu Jinnan asked, “Noodles or takeout?”

    “Your stomach’s been upset. Let’s order porridge,” Shen Shu said.

    Xu Jinnan didn’t argue. Her stomach felt better after breakfast, and she wasn’t hungry anyway.

    —

    After lunch, Xu Jinnan went to the office, which was located in a building she had acquired after a demolition project.

    It was a 26-story building, and her office was on the top floor. She enjoyed the view. The other floors weren’t fully occupied yet, but new tenants were moving in regularly.

    As she entered, she saw Shen Jun sitting on the sofa, playing on his phone.

    Hearing her heels clicking against the floor, he looked up and quickly straightened up. “CEO Xu…”

    Xu Jinnan glanced at him. “Are you alone?”

    Shen Jun gulped, intimidated by her gaze. “My mother is here too. She’s inside.”

    As for his friend, he had hesitated after hearing Xu Jinnan’s warning last night, but his mother had convinced him to call and badmouth Shen Shu.

    However, his friend, a shrewd one, had looked up the address, realized it was Xu Jinnan’s company, and immediately backed down, even blocking his number.

    “Bring them to the meeting room,” Xu Jinnan said coldly, not bothering to look for Wei Wuqing.

    “Certainly,” Zhou Pei replied.

    A few moments later, Wei Wuqing and Shen Jun entered the meeting room.

    Xu Jinnan sat down casually. “Mrs. Wei, I don’t recall inviting you,” she said as they entered.

    Wei Wuqing knew this was about last night’s incident. “Nannan, Shen Jun is still young. He didn’t mean—”

    “Is he mentally challenged?” Xu Jinnan interrupted, her voice serious. “He’s 23 and still doesn’t know right from wrong?”

    Wei Wuqing: “…”

    Shen Jun cringed. “I’m 23 in Korean age… I’m only 22 this year.”

    “Shut up!” Wei Wuqing slapped him on the shoulder. “Apologize!”

    “Mrs. Wei, you should know me by now. I’m not one to let things slide,” Xu Jinnan said. “I’m here to see him. You can leave.”

    Wei Wuqing pursed her lips as Zhou Pei gestured for her to leave. She glared at Shen Jun, then, after a few more words of caution and a pleading look at Xu Jinnan, she left the room.

    Shen Jun’s mind finally cleared. “I was wrong! I won’t do it again! I shouldn’t have said those things!”

    “How do you plan to make amends?” Xu Jinnan asked.

    Shen Jun was stunned. “Huh?” He looked at her cautiously. “What do you want? Should I apologize to my sister and write a letter of apology? I really was wrong…” It was the most sincere apology he could muster.

    He was genuinely afraid.

    While Xu Jinnan’s reputation had improved recently, he had seen her violent side before. She was crazy, and anyone who offended her was asking for trouble. Just look at Yin Xue and Song Ronghui.

    “Not enough,” Xu Jinnan said.

    “Then what…?”

    “One hundred frog jumps.”

    Shen Jun: “…?”

    —

    A few minutes later, Wei Wuqing and the people passing by outside the meeting room heard agonizing cries.

    “I can’t do this anymore! I’m sorry! I was wrong! One hundred is too many…”

    “Can I stop now?”

    “Help! Mom!”

    Wei Wuqing’s face paled, and she tried to rush into the room, but Zhou Pei easily blocked her path. “Mrs. Wei, if you go in now, Miss Xu will make things even worse for the Shen family.”

    “But… she’s not going to kill my son, is she?”

    Zhou Pei considered this for a moment. “Miss Xu wouldn’t resort to violence,” she said.

    Wei Wuqing still couldn’t enter. Twenty minutes later, they heard Xu Jinnan’s cold voice.

    Zhou Pei opened the door.

    Wei Wuqing rushed in to see Shen Jun standing in front of Xu Jinnan, his legs trembling.

    Then—

    Thud

    He collapsed onto the floor, kneeling in front of Xu Jinnan.

    Wei Wuqing: “…”

    Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow. “Do you know how to speak to your sister now?”

    Shen Jun’s eyes were red, his breath coming in ragged gasps. “Y-yes,” he stammered.

    “You can go.”

    Xu Jinnan stood up, glancing at Wei Wuqing, who was helping Shen Jun up. Her coldness melted away, replaced by a gentle smile. “Mrs. Wei, Shu Shu is very busy. Please try to contact her less. And if you must contact her, please be kind to her. Do you understand?”

    —

    At 1 p.m., as Shen Shu was cleaning the living room, Xu Jinnan sent her a video.

    She clicked on it. Shen Jun, his voice trembling, apologized. “Sis, I was wrong. I won’t speak to you like that again.”

    Then, Xu Jinnan’s casual voice could be heard. “Step back. Further. A little more. Okay, ready… Begin.”

    Shen Shu chuckled.

    How had Xu Jinnan even come up with that?

    —

    It was a little past 6 p.m.

    Tong Jia had arranged their celebratory dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu were on their way.

    “Shen Jun sent me a handwritten letter of apology,” Shen Shu said.

    “How did that make you feel?”

    “It’s the first time I’ve seen him so subdued. Teacher Xu is a good disciplinarian,” Shen Shu replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

    Xu Jinnan chuckled. “You flatter me, Miss Shen.”

    Besides Tong Jia and her girlfriend, Qiao Rui, two of their assistants, a man and a woman, both Betas, joined them for dinner.

    They chatted about future projects, and the meal passed quickly.

    Before 9 p.m., Tong Jia suggested going to karaoke.

    “The Emperor Hotel.”

    Xu Jinnan hadn’t been back since the incident in room 888.

    The staff recognized her, and the manager personally escorted them to a VIP room, bringing several bottles of wine and beer, along with snacks and drinks.

    Neither Xu Jinnan nor Shen Shu enjoyed singing, but Tong Jia and Qiao Rui, cuddling together, sang a few love songs while their assistants played dice.

    Seeing Shen Shu’s lack of enthusiasm, Xu Jinnan leaned in close, her lips brushing against Shen Shu’s ear. “Want to leave?” she whispered over the loud music.

    Shen Shu turned slightly.

    Their lips brushed against each other, and they both froze.

    The colorful, dim lighting in the room hid the brief contact, and Tong Jia, seeing them whispering, assumed they were being intimate. An idea sparked in her mind.

    As Xu Jinnan pulled back, Tong Jia’s voice boomed through the microphone.

    “This is boring! Let’s play a game!” she said, turning off the music. “How about truth or dare?”

    “If you refuse a dare, you have to drink. But you can’t choose to drink twice in a row,” she added.

    With their boss in a playful mood, the assistants readily agreed, and Qiao Rui nodded as well.

    Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu didn’t object.

    Xu Jinnan leaned in close to Shen Shu again, carefully maintaining a safe distance this time. “I told Zhou Pei to call me in ten minutes. We’ll leave then,” she whispered.

    Shen Shu, her ear tingling from Xu Jinnan’s warm breath, nodded, resisting the urge to rub it.

    The first round of truth or dare began. The male assistant spun the bottle, which landed on the female assistant, who dared Tong Jia and Qiao Rui to kiss for thirty seconds.

    Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu exchanged a look, realizing the potential dangers of this game…

    Xu Jinnan thought that besides Tong Jia, everyone else seemed rather reserved, especially Qiao Rui, who seemed like the quiet, demure type.

    Shen Shu simply wasn’t interested in such games.

    Neither of them had anticipated this.

    They were both focused on their escape plan.

    Tong Jia and Qiao Rui’s kiss ended, and the second round began.

    This time, the bottle landed on Xu Jinnan.

    “CEO Xu, tell Tong Jia, ‘I love you, and I want to be your little donkey!’” the female assistant said.

    Xu Jinnan: “…” What the hell?

    It was a simple dare, but she looked at Tong Jia and said, “I’ll drink.” She couldn’t bring herself to say those words.

    Tong Jia: “…”

    Xu Jinnan quickly finished her drink, rubbing her stomach. Tong Jia smiled slyly. “CEO Xu, you can’t choose to drink twice in a row. You know that, right?”

    Xu Jinnan: “…” Did I? Did I say that?

    Shen Shu nodded. She had.

    They would have to leave.

    She had known Tong Jia would come up with something ridiculous.

    Shen Shu typed a message on her phone and showed it to Xu Jinnan: I asked Cai Ying to call.

    Xu Jinnan nodded. It was time to go.

    The game continued. Qiao Rui spun the bottle, which landed on the male assistant. She was about to dare Shen Shu, but glancing at Xu Jinnan, she changed her mind. “You two,” she said, pointing at the assistants, “kiss for ten seconds, through a napkin.”

    Tong Jia pouted playfully. “Aww, that’s like a couples’ game. But it’s cute. I’d be jealous if you dared him to kiss someone else.”

    Qiao Rui put her arm around Tong Jia’s waist and kissed her forehead. “Me too.”

    The assistants, blushing, placed a thin napkin between their lips and kissed.

    Only Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu remained expressionless.

    A minute passed, and Cai Ying still hadn’t called.

    Fortunately, the bottle didn’t land on them for the next two rounds. As the third round ended, Xu Jinnan glanced at Shen Shu, about to speak.

    “CEO Xu, be careful. I have a feeling it’ll be your turn next,” Tong Jia said.

    The assistants’ dare ended.

    Tong Jia, staring at Xu Jinnan, as if seeking revenge for her earlier rejection, said, “Please, God, let it be Xu Jinnan!”

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    The bottle spun, past the assistants, past Tong Jia and Qiao Rui, then stopped in front of Xu Jinnan.

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    Tong Jia smiled. “Perfect! Don’t look at me like that. For Shu Shu’s sake, I’ll be gentle. You and Shu Shu, ten push-ups, bodies touching. That’s not too much, is it?”

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    Shen Shu: “…”

  • Captivating Beauty 41p1

    Chapter 41 p1

    Xu Jinnan, still groggy from being woken up, shifted slightly, and her nose brushed against Shen Shu’s.

    The contact, cool and smooth, made them both freeze.

    Shen Shu tried to push herself up with her elbows, but their bodies remained close, their hearts pounding against each other.

    Xu Jinnan was instantly wide awake.

    Then, the weight lifted, leaving only a lingering warmth on her shirt.

    Shen Shu quickly sat up on the bed, pulling her legs away from Xu Jinnan.

    It all happened in a flash.

    A strange tension filled the quiet room.

    “I was trying to cover you with the blanket and tripped,” Shen Shu explained, her voice betraying a hint of nervousness despite her attempt to sound calm.

    In the cool light of the bedside lamp, Xu Jinnan could see the faint blush on Shen Shu’s cheeks and earlobes.

    Xu Jinnan blinked slowly, pushing herself up from the floor. “I understand,” she said, her voice husky with sleep.

    Shen Shu: “…”

    Understand what?

    “That explains why I felt a little cold,” Xu Jinnan said, quickly changing the subject. “Are you feeling better?”

    “Yes, I’m fine,” Shen Shu replied.

    She vaguely remembered Xu Jinnan checking her temperature twice during the night. Whenever she had a fever, her body ached, and her legs felt weak, but she felt fine now.

    Except for the lingering warmth on her cheeks and ears.

    She instinctively touched her knee, frowning slightly.

    “What’s wrong?” Xu Jinnan asked, then remembered Shen Shu falling to the floor. “Did you hurt your leg?”

    “Just a scrape.”

    “Let me see.”

    Shen Shu looked at her silently.

    Xu Jinnan, meeting her gaze, explained, “…to see if it needs a bandage.”

    Shen Shu lifted her dress slightly, revealing a red scrape on her knee. It would probably bruise by tomorrow.

    She hadn’t applied any ointment last night.

    “You told me off for not taking care of my injury. Why didn’t you take care of yours?” Xu Jinnan asked, standing up. “I’ll get the first-aid kit.”

    Shen Shu watched her leave, her lips parting slightly, but she didn’t call her back.

    Xu Jinnan paused at the doorway, taking a deep breath to compose herself, before walking towards the coffee table.

    She returned with the first-aid kit and turned on the light.

    Shen Shu was still sitting on the bed. Xu Jinnan pulled the blanket closer and sat down on the floor, opening the kit and taking out the antiseptic and cotton swabs.

    “This might sting a little,” she warned.

    “Mm,” Shen Shu murmured.

    She watched as Xu Jinnan, her long, wavy brown hair pulled back in a slightly messy ponytail, sat on the blanket, her long, pale legs exposed, her beautiful eyes focused on dipping the cotton swab into the antiseptic.

    She looked surprisingly gentle.

    As Xu Jinnan dabbed the antiseptic on the scrape, Shen Shu winced, and Xu Jinnan instinctively leaned closer, blowing gently on her knee.

    Shen Shu quickly pulled her leg back, her satin slip dress riding up slightly, revealing goosebumps on her skin above her knee.

    Xu Jinnan hadn’t been thinking clearly, but now, the sweet fragrance of Shen Shu’s pheromones filled her senses.

    Her scent gland tingled.

    Realizing her proximity, she quickly pulled back.

    “I’ll do it myself,” Shen Shu said, reaching for the cotton swab.

    “Use iodine next time. It doesn’t sting,” Xu Jinnan said.

    “Okay.”

    After applying the bandage, Shen Shu watched as Xu Jinnan closed the first-aid kit and picked up her blanket.

    “I’ll go back to the guest room. Get some rest,” Xu Jinnan said.

    Shen Shu nodded.

    “Xu Jinnan.”

    “Yes?” Xu Jinnan paused.

    “Good night.”

    It was the first time Shen Shu had initiated a good night.

    Xu Jinnan smiled. “Good night, Shu Shu.”

    She had grown accustomed to the nickname.

    After Xu Jinnan left, Shen Shu sat on the bed for a while, then realized she had been planning to take a shower, but the sticky residue from the suppressant was still on her skin.

    It had been a waste.

    –

    Xu Jinnan lay in bed, listening to the faint sounds of movement from the next room. Shen Shu’s apartment was nice, but the walls were thin.

    She turned over, touching her scent gland, which had calmed down slightly.

    The sensation, if she focused, wasn’t entirely unpleasant anymore, like the aftertaste of dark chocolate – bitter, smooth, and subtly sweet.

    The lingering sting was followed by a sense of excitement, anticipation, and comfort.

    Her body seemed to be adapting to Shen Shu’s pheromones, finding pleasure amidst the initial discomfort. It was like an evolution.

    She tossed and turned, her mind filled with images of Shen Shu – her soft breathing, her cool nose, her soft skin.

    Stop it, she told herself, sitting up.

    Her throat was parched, and she finished the remaining water in her glass.

    –

    At a little past 8 a.m., Tong Jia called their group chat.

    “Are you two awake? Have you seen Weibo?” If it weren’t for the cheerful tone of her voice, it would have sounded like bad news.

    “Shen Shu, check your follower count! It’s up to 200,000! And Sacred Heart’s official account gained almost 20,000 followers. I’ll post your audition tape at 10 a.m. and double that number,” she said excitedly.

    Xu Jinnan, who had finally fallen asleep around 3 a.m., her head still throbbing, groaned. “If it’s not bad news, can we talk later?”

    “CEO Xu, I’m not talking to you. I’m talking to Shu Shu,” Tong Jia replied.

    Xu Jinnan hung up.

    In the bedroom, Shen Shu listened to Tong Jia’s plans, and they discussed her next steps.

    “CEO Xu’s not saying anything,” Tong Jia commented suddenly.

    Shen Shu paused. “She’s asleep. She didn’t sleep well last night.”

    Tong Jia’s voice was full of knowing amusement. “Teacher Xu, really? Even though you weren’t feeling well last night?”

    Shen Shu: “…”

    –

    Xu Jinnan finally woke up around 9:30 a.m.

    She had muted the group chat before going to sleep, and now, it was overflowing with notifications. Two new members had been added.

    She scrolled through the messages; they were staff members from Sacred Heart Pictures.

    Tong Jia had added them to assist Shen Shu when she was busy.

    She went to the living room and saw Shen Shu sitting on the sofa, scrolling through her phone.

    “Did you stay up late last night?” Shen Shu asked, looking up.

    Xu Jinnan rubbed her eyes, nodding. “Tired.”

    After washing up in the bathroom, she checked the time. Almost 10 a.m.

    She sat down on the sofa beside Shen Shu.

    “There’s toast on the table,” Shen Shu said.

    “I’m not hungry,” Xu Jinnan replied. Her stomach felt slightly upset, probably from drinking cold water last night.

    Shen Shu, seeing her pale face, didn’t say anything, going to the kitchen and returning with a glass of warm milk and a boiled egg.

    “Eat the egg first, then drink the milk,” she said. “You’ll feel better.”

    Xu Jinnan looked at the food, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Thank you, Miss Shen.”

    “You’re welcome,” Shen Shu replied, her tone as casual as Xu Jinnan’s had been.

    Xu Jinnan took the egg, the warmth spreading from her fingertips through her body.

    –

    At 10 a.m., Tong Jia posted Shen Shu’s audition tape on Sacred Heart’s official Weibo account.

    The hashtag #ShenShuActing immediately started trending.

    The comments section was filled with praise.

    So beautiful! I’m a fan!

    Tan Jie is sexy, but she doesn’t have that captivating allure. This is amazing!

    Her acting is so good! Is she a newcomer? She seems experienced, or maybe she’s just a natural.

    The casting director, whom Tan Jie had accused of accepting bribes, also posted on Weibo.

    Whether it’s real gold or fool’s gold, an audition will reveal the truth. The role of Nightingale is challenging, but Shen Shu handled it beautifully. She’s clearly talented and hardworking. But most importantly, she has a natural charisma, an ability to see what others miss. Her interpretation of Nightingale was the best of the bunch. It’s a shame I couldn’t finish filming with her. I hope we have the opportunity to collaborate again in the future. Wishing Shen Shu a bright future and Into the Dream a successful run!

    The post quickly gained over twenty thousand likes and was shared by various entertainment bloggers.

    Even Xia Chun liked the post.

    Then, Into the Dream‘s official Weibo account reposted it, adding a playful comment: Show your support for newcomer Shen Shu and our little dream!

    With the production team publicly supporting Shen Shu, it was a slap in the face for Tan Jie.

    Her fans were furious.

    Of course the official account is supporting Shen Shu! She’s already been cast. They can’t support Tan Jie now, can they?

    This doesn’t prove she didn’t get the role through her connections!

    But their complaints were drowned out by the overwhelming praise for Shen Shu.

    #ShenShuVisuals

    #ShenShuActing

    Both hashtags trended.

    The comments were overwhelmingly positive.

    Hater turned fan… don’t @ me, I have no shame.

    I’m sorry. I apologize for my earlier comments. Her acting is amazing.

    Oh my god, she’s wearing the same outfit from the photo! So beautiful! I’m in love!

    Tan Jie’s fans, enraged, launched a counterattack, even targeting Into the Dream‘s official account.

    The most popular comment: Release Tan Jie’s audition tape! Let’s see who’s better!

    A few minutes later, before the official account could respond, Tan Jie herself posted on Weibo: If you love me, please stop this. I just want to focus on my acting. Thank you.

    Her fans immediately rallied around her, expressing their sympathy and outrage, claiming she had been unfairly treated and forced to endure such humiliation.

    They completely missed her true intentions.

    Only Tan Jie knew that based on Shen Shu’s performance in the video, she had lost the audition fair and square. So, she had to put an end to this drama and appease her fans.

    –

    As Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu were talking, Tong Jia called.

    “I’m dying of laughter! Tan Jie’s move was clever. Even if people accuse her of being afraid, her fans will just feel sorry for her. CEO Xu, you’re brilliant! Having me promote that comment about releasing the audition tape was a stroke of genius. Tan Jie couldn’t ignore it.”

    “We can wrap this up now. Despite the initial negativity, this whole incident will at least land Shu Shu a supporting role, maybe even a second lead.”

    Wrap it up? It was far from over. Xu Jinnan put down her glass of milk. “Tan Jie is one thing, but Ren Xiaoqi hasn’t even apologized.”

    Shen Shu, remembering Ren Xiaoqi’s hateful words, knew there were many people like her.

    People who, driven by envy and resentment, targeted those who were more successful than them, assuming everyone was as bitter and malicious as they were.

    But they also looked down on such people, creating a self-loathing cycle.

    It was a toxic mindset.

    “She won’t apologize,” Shen Shu said.

    “It’s fine if she doesn’t,” Xu Jinnan replied casually. “Then she’ll never act again.”

    Shen Shu looked at her, their eyes meeting.

    “She will apologize. To you,” Xu Jinnan said firmly.

    Shen Shu’s heart ached, a sweet, tingling sensation spreading through her body.

    Being protected felt good.

    So good that she wondered, Will she always be this kind to me?

    The thought was quickly suppressed. She realized she was developing a dependence on Xu Jinnan, a dangerous dependence that triggered her deeply ingrained sense of self-preservation.

    No one would stay by your side forever.

    You could only rely on yourself.

    This was the lesson she had learned from being abandoned by her birth mother, losing her grandmother, being betrayed by her lover, and being discarded by the Shen family.

    –

    Tan Jie’s fans were still causing trouble online, but Ren Xiaoqi’s Weibo remained silent.

    While she remained silent, other netizens unearthed some information.

    Someone posted on Zhihu, claiming to be a former employee of the Shen Corporation.

    Shen Shu is the heiress of the Shen Corporation. Before entering the entertainment industry, she was a manager in the planning department. But her father didn’t seem to like her, and they had a falling out. I remember the day Miss Xu (Shen Shu’s wife) personally came to take her away from the company. And let me tell you, the Shen Corporation isn’t small, but Miss Xu’s background is even more impressive. I couldn’t find much information about her, but she’s way more powerful than the Shen family. People online are saying Shen Shu has a sugar momma? Let me just say, Miss Xu could buy the entire production… Yes, she’s that rich!

    After this post, various rumors about Shen Shu and Xu Jinnan began to surface.

    I remember reading a deleted post saying you can’t mention Xu Jinnan’s name online. I’ll try posting this! Miss Xu isn’t just wealthy; she’s one of the top elites in North City. She used to be a notorious playboy, but she settled down after meeting Shen Shu.

    That jewelry store, Meilai Jewelry? She’s a shareholder. It’s her own store…

    I’ll share something too. I’m a crew member on Into the Dream. Shortly after filming started, an anonymous catering truck arrived. No one knew who sent it, but I overheard someone say it was from Shen Shu. She’s so low-key and kind to the crew, never acting like a diva! I knew she would be successful! Finally, people are recognizing her talent!

    Shen Shu put down her phone.

    “Is this okay?” she asked. Shen Guotao had once told her that there was almost no information about Xu Jinnan online, not just because of the Xu Corporation’s influence, but also because of her family background.

    Xu Jinnan shrugged. “It’s fine. We’ve already revealed our marriage certificate. What’s there to be afraid of?”

    Tong Jia’s voice came through the phone. “Enough with the lovey-dovey act, you two. Having a marriage certificate isn’t that impressive. I wish my girlfriend would propose…”

    Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu exchanged a look, neither of them responding.

    Just then, Ren Xiaoqi posted on Weibo.

    Ren Xiaoqi: I’m sorry.

    “That’s it?” Tong Jia asked.

    Xu Jinnan didn’t say anything, and Tong Jia knew this wasn’t truly over.

    A simple apology wasn’t enough.

    Many people in this world never learned their lesson unless they paid a price.

    Someone like Ren Xiaoqi, given the chance, would only cause more trouble.

    You had to make them hurt, make them fear you, before they would truly back down.

    After Ren Xiaoqi’s apology, her follower count plummeted, the comments filled with angry messages from former fans.

    Who are you even apologizing to? Yourself?

    Not even an explanation? Just giving up? Goodbye.

    Sorry doesn’t cut it. That’s what the police are for. Using such underhanded tactics to hurt someone, Shen Shu is the real victim…

    Am I the only one curious about Ren Xiaoqi’s backer?

    As soon as Ren Xiaoqi apologized, an entertainment blogger posted a screenshot of Tan Jie liking her post.

    FrontlineGossip: If I say Tan Jie is being shady, will her fans attack me? Dog head emoji

    EntertainmentOctopus: Tan Jie has liked more than just that one post. I counted. She liked three of Ren Xiaoqi’s posts attacking Shen Shu. This is getting interesting.

    IDontFearHate: @IntoTheDreamOfficial As a fan of Tan Jie, I’d like to see her audition tape. Pleading emoji Please make my dream come true!

    This last post, promoted by someone, quickly trended.

    #TanJieAuditionTape

    The comments were filled with requests.

    Where’s the video? I want to see it!

    Release the audition tape! Tan Jie’s fans are so arrogant. Let’s see who’s better. And her liking those posts and posting cryptic messages is shady.

    Slightly off-topic, but if Tan Jie had known about Shen Shu’s background, would she have dared to be so sarcastic?

    Ren Xiaoqi apologized. Will Tan Jie be next? Inciting her fans to attack a newcomer and posting cryptic messages, doesn’t she owe an apology?

    The hashtag trended for over twenty minutes.

    Finally, Tan Jie posted on Weibo: I apologize for my impulsive words and actions. I hadn’t seen Shen Shu’s audition tape before and was overconfident, leading to a misunderstanding. I will strive to improve myself and focus on my acting. I apologize to @ShenShu.

    Her apology sounded sincere, attributing her behavior to a misunderstanding.

    “She’s definitely smarter than Ren Xiaoqi,” Tong Jia commented. “She won’t cause any more trouble. Tan Jie has been in the industry for years and has a good reputation.”

    The message was clear. Reputation was crucial in the entertainment industry. Shen Shu was a newcomer, and being too ruthless wouldn’t be beneficial in the long run. They could deal with other matters later.

    Shen Shu: @TanJie I understand. I hope we have the opportunity to collaborate in the future.

    —

    The drama had subsided for now.

    Shen Shu’s follower count continued to rise, and the online discussions remained lively.

    The benefits of the increased exposure were immediate.

    Meilai Jewelry was the first to see results. Several influencers had visited the store, posting photos and reviews on Weibo.

    Xu Jinnan had a group chat with the other shareholders, and any sales over 100,000 yuan were shared in the chat. There had been five such sales in the past hour, exceeding their usual weekly performance.

    As Shen Shu and Tong Jia were discussing future roles, Tong Jia said, “Do you have any preferences? Let’s talk about it.”

    “I’ve acted in modern dramas before… but I think it’s best to try different genres. Into the Dream was a challenge, and it gave me confidence. I’d like to explore different roles,” Shen Shu replied.

    Xu Jinnan looked up from her phone. Shen Shu’s eyes lit up when she talked about acting, like the subtle shimmer in a makeup palette, captivating and alluring.

    “Actually, I have a great script for a modern workplace drama. It’s a supporting role, and I initially thought it would be difficult to secure, but I think we can try for it now,” Tong Jia said, then hesitated.

    “What is it?” Shen Shu asked.

    “I’ll tell you later. CEO Xu, we won this round. Shouldn’t we celebrate with your wife?”

    “Sure,” Xu Jinnan said with a smile. “You arrange it. I’ll pay.”

    “I’m bringing my girlfriend, though,” Tong Jia said.

    “That’s fine.”

    —

     

     

  • Captivating Beauty 40p2

    Chapter 40 p2

    …

    Tonight’s ID: Holy shit, this is epic. First time I’ve seen someone take down North City’s crazy bitch… Ren Xiaoqi is done.

    This last comment was quickly buried under a flood of other replies.

    Of course, Ren Xiaoqi couldn’t see any of this.

    She, like most of the people who had attacked Shen Shu and Xu Jinnan, was stunned.

    “Xu Jinnan?!”

    Han Hui, who had been embracing Ren Xiaoqi, abruptly let go of her and snatched her phone, his eyes widening as he read the post. “Don’t tell me that ‘Xu’ woman is her.”

    Ren Xiaoqi, startled by his reaction, hesitantly nodded, a sense of unease washing over her.

    “Young Master Han, what’s… what’s wrong?”

    “Holy shit… you’re toxic!”

    He looked closer at the photos and realized the newcomer Ren Xiaoqi had been talking about was Shen Shu!

    He regretted not asking for her name earlier.

    And he hadn’t connected the gossip about Shen Shu to this newcomer.

    As he grabbed his pants and stormed out of the room, Ren Xiaoqi, realizing she was naked, couldn’t follow him.

    “I’m powerful? You’re the powerful one!” he yelled. If Xu Jinnan found out he was behind this, she would think he was deliberately provoking her.

    Han Wenling had already warned him to stay out of this, explaining the potential consequences… If his sisters and his father found out, they would skin him alive.

    Ren Xiaoqi watched in horror as the door slammed shut, her mind reeling. How had things gone so wrong, so quickly?

    She shakily refreshed Weibo.

    You’re a liar! Eight years a fan, and I’m done.

    I’m so disappointed. I trusted you, and this is how you repay me? Ren Xiaoqi, you’re heartless. What did that newcomer ever do to you? What did we, your fans, do to deserve this? After all these years, have you ever even tried to improve your acting? Good riddance.

    Even her fan club president is denouncing her. There’s no saving her. This trash should be banned from the entertainment industry. @ShenShu Sue her! Stand up for yourself!

    Her acting is worse than ten years ago. Is this what she uses her talent for? Spreading rumors and dragging others down? Disgusting. I’m never watching anything with her in it again.

    Holy shit, I’m disgusted. So you were the one who got dumped? Paying to have the script changed, lying through your teeth, and you thought you could get away with it? You treated us like fools! I’m going to be sick. Just disappear already, you idiot.

    Ren Xiaoqi threw her phone against the wall, the shattering sound echoing through the bathroom.

    “Aaaaah!!!” she screamed.

    Half an hour later, Xia Chun also posted on Weibo.

    Xia Chun: Shen Shu is a talented actress. I believe she has a bright future.

    After Xia Chun’s post, public opinion shifted even more decisively in Shen Shu’s favor, including Xia Chun’s fans.

    I’m sorry! I was wrong! Hater turned fan! As long as you don’t disappoint us, I’ll be your biggest fan!

    So beautiful! Please act in more dramas!

    Even Chun Chun supports her! I believe Chun Chun, so I believe Shen Shu! I’ll always support you!

    #XiaChunWeibo

    #ShenShu

    The hashtags started trending, and the negative comments on Shen Shu’s Weibo gradually disappeared, replaced by messages of support. Any remaining hate comments were quickly drowned out by angry rebuttals.

    Most of Shen Shu’s new supporters were people who had been deceived by Ren Xiaoqi, including her former fans.

    “Shu Shu, you’re well-connected! Xia Chun’s support is huge. You’re set!” Tong Jia said excitedly in their group chat. “I contacted the production team, and they agreed to release your audition tape. But there’s enough buzz for today. We’ll release it tomorrow.”

    “Mm, okay,” Shen Shu replied.

    Her voice lacked energy, but there was a hint of joy, not because she had defeated Ren Xiaoqi, but because of the opportunities that awaited her.

    Xu Jinnan looked at her. “Are you feeling unwell?”

    Shen Shu hesitated, then nodded. “A little dizzy.”

    She had started feeling it in the car, probably from being drenched and then exposed to the wind.

    “Get some rest. We’ll talk tomorrow,” Tong Jia said. “It’ll be a sunny day tomorrow. Shen Shu, be prepared. Things are about to get very busy for you.”

    From now on, Shen Shu wouldn’t be just another unknown newcomer.

    Her acting career was about to truly begin.

    It was past 10 p.m.

    After hanging up with Tong Jia, Shen Shu went to take a shower.

    Xu Jinnan’s phone vibrated. She saw Lu Yun’s name on the caller ID.

    She had been expecting a call from the Xu family, but it was earlier than she had anticipated. Perhaps someone had informed Lu Yun about the online drama, as she rarely paid attention to social media.

    She went to the guest room to answer the call. As she had guessed, Lu Yun had heard about the news online from Xu Li.

    “Did you know about the marriage certificate? Shen Shu dragged you into this! I won’t allow it!”

    “I know. I told her to post it,” Xu Jinnan replied calmly.

    Shen Shu had been hesitant, but they had agreed it was the most direct approach.

    Seeing their photos side by side on the marriage certificate had been a strange feeling. It was a sham marriage, after all, one that would eventually end.

    Lu Yun was incredulous. “What did you say? Nannan, you…”

    Xu Jinnan, remembering Lu Yun’s previous attitude towards Shen Shu, and worried she might do something drastic, said, “It’s not as bad as you think. I have my reasons.” She briefly explained the benefits.

    “This won’t harm the Xu family’s reputation. In fact, it’s beneficial. It’s for the family’s own good. Please respect my decision and don’t interfere, okay?”

    Because she needed to appease Lu Yun for now, her voice wasn’t as cold as before, and perhaps because of this, Lu Yun’s tone softened. She even said Xu Jinnan didn’t need to worry about Xu Tao.

    But if this didn’t work, she would intervene.

    She subtly reminded Xu Jinnan not to be blinded by her infatuation with Shen Shu, that only Lu Yun, her mother, truly cared about her.

    Xu Jinnan didn’t reply, not wanting to dwell on it.

    While she had been relatively unaffected initially, after these recent incidents, the memories of the original Xu Jinnan’s suffering were becoming more visceral, more painful.

    When she emerged from the guest room, she saw Shen Shu, freshly showered, without her bathrobe.

    Her back was turned, her dark hair tied up, the straps of her beige camisole revealing her smooth shoulders and a sliver of her back.

    She was on the phone, her voice strained, and Xu Jinnan guessed it was someone from the Shen family.

    The voice on the other end was loud enough to be heard in the quiet living room, and after hearing a particularly nasty comment, Xu Jinnan walked over and gestured for Shen Shu to give her the phone.

    She put it on speakerphone.

    “Shen Shu, did Xu Jinnan know about this online mess? This doesn’t just concern you; it concerns the Shen family’s future, understand?” It was Wei Wuqing.

    Another voice, more distant, could be heard in the background, along with the sounds of a video game.

    “This is so annoying! Can’t you just stay home now that you’re married? I’m so embarrassed! Do you know what my friends are saying? They’re asking how much you charge per night…”

    “This is Xu Jinnan.”

    Wei Wuqing: “…Oh, Nannan… Shu Shu, why didn’t you say she was there? Your brother is just joking. It’s a misunderstanding.” She recovered quickly. “Shen Jun, apologize!”

    Shen Jun: “…Mr., uh, CEO Xu.” He seemed to be struggling for the right honorific.

    Xu Jinnan’s voice was icy. “12 p.m. tomorrow. Bring your friends and apologize in person.” She hung up.

    Shen Shu’s face was grim. Xu Jinnan told her to go to bed. As Shen Shu lowered her gaze, her eyes fell on Xu Jinnan’s arm, then quickly away. “I’ll make you some cold medicine. Go to bed,” she said.

    A few minutes later, Xu Jinnan entered the bedroom with a steaming mug. She sat on the edge of the bed, gently blowing on the liquid.

    “It’s a little hot.”

    Shen Shu lay in bed, her eyes tired and sore. She closed them for a moment, then opened them, Xu Jinnan’s face coming into focus.

    “Xu Jinnan,” she said, her voice hoarse, “thank you.” For everything you did for me today.

    Xu Jinnan paused, her serious expression softening into a faint smile. “What for?”

    Shen Shu hesitated. “For making me cold medicine,” she replied softly.

    Xu Jinnan: “…You’re welcome?”

    They looked at each other for a moment, then both started laughing.

    Shen Shu still had a slight fever. Xu Jinnan watched her fall asleep, then went to get a blanket from the guest room and laid it out on the floor beside the bed.

    In the middle of the night, Shen Shu woke up, drenched in sweat. She turned on the bedside lamp and saw Xu Jinnan on the floor, the blanket kicked aside, her black T-shirt rumpled, her legs partially exposed.

    Shen Shu got out of bed and bent down to cover her with the blanket. Perhaps disturbed by her movement, Xu Jinnan turned over, and Shen Shu lost her balance, falling onto her.

    Xu Jinnan opened her eyes, Shen Shu’s face inches from hers, the intoxicating scent of her pheromones filling the air. A slight movement would bring their lips together…

    Xu Jinnan’s eyelashes fluttered, her voice husky with sleep. “Mm?”

  • Captivating Beauty 40p1

    Chapter 40 p1

    “What did you say?” Ren Xiaoqi asked, stunned.

    Xu Jinnan turned to her, her gaze condescending. “Is your character as bad as your hearing?”

    Realization dawned on Ren Xiaoqi. No wonder their interaction at the restaurant had felt strange; they weren’t just casual acquaintances.

    “Well, I wasn’t wrong. She’s shameless, putting on that innocent act. Disgusting,” Ren Xiaoqi said, crossing her arms and meeting Xu Jinnan’s gaze defiantly.

    Xu Jinnan chuckled softly. “That slap didn’t hurt enough, did it?”

    Ren Xiaoqi had initially asked for Shen Shu’s contact information at the restaurant because she found Xu Jinnan attractive, her clothes and demeanor suggesting wealth and status.

    Shen Shu had made an excuse at the time, and Ren Xiaoqi, remembering a few days later, had asked around in her social circles, learning that the most prominent heiresses in North City were the two daughters of the Xu family.

    Any other Xus were second-rate or insignificant.

    She had assumed Xu Jinnan was at best second-tier, but now, hearing her confession, any lingering apprehension vanished.

    How powerful could she be, compared to Ren Xiaoqi’s own backer?

    “What? You want to hit me again? Just because you bribed the writers to change a few scenes, you think you’re some kind of hero? Shen Shu’s reputation is already tarnished. Be careful not to get dragged down with her,” Ren Xiaoqi sneered.

    Xu Jinnan’s smile vanished, a chill entering her eyes as she rubbed her thumb against her forefinger.

    “Say that again, and I’ll actually hit you. Don’t test me.”

    Ren Xiaoqi glanced at Shen Shu, who was talking to Xia Chun. She didn’t take Xu Jinnan’s threat seriously. “Miss Xu, take a look for yourself. Shen Shu is nothing but a seductive vixen, a KTV hostess with cheap tricks… Ow!”

    Xu Jinnan slapped her.

    “Feel better now?” she asked, rubbing her hand. “Do you understand me now?”

    It was late, and most of the crew were inside the studio, so few people noticed the commotion.

    Ren Xiaoqi was still reeling from the slap. “You… you hit me?”

    Her eyes reddened with anger and disbelief, but before she could speak, a voice interrupted her.

    “CEO Xu, what are you doing?”

    Ren Xiaoqi saw Tong Jia, the owner of Sacred Heart Pictures, approaching.

    Two months ago, it had been a small, struggling company, trying to sign her, but she had refused. Now, they were one of the investors in this drama.

    Her face burning with pain and humiliation, and seeing the onlookers and a few phones pointed at them, Ren Xiaoqi quickly changed her expression, tears welling up in her eyes. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to,” she whimpered, her innate sense of theatrics kicking in, pausing slightly for the cameras. But beneath the lowered eyelids, a glint of anger flashed. This isn’t over.

    After she left, Tong Jia turned to Xu Jinnan. “Assaulting someone on set? Aren’t you afraid of trending online?”

    Xu Jinnan scoffed. “Afraid? Please.”

    Shen Shu might be able to tolerate such behavior, but she wasn’t as patient.

    She glanced at Shen Shu, who was walking towards them. “Does Ren Xiaoqi have a backer?” she asked Tong Jia.

    “You noticed?”

    Such blatant arrogance usually meant either stupidity or powerful connections.

    “Who is it?”

    Tong Jia shook her head. “I just found out today that her backer paid to have the original version of the slapping scene rewritten.”

    “The director was already annoyed with her, so he readily agreed. He thought the slap was necessary,” she added with a smile. “Anyway, CEO Xu, why don’t you take your wife home? She doesn’t look well.”

    Xu Jinnan turned to see Shen Shu approaching, her face slightly flushed.

    Once in the car, Shen Shu’s throat felt scratchy. Xu Jinnan drove quickly, reaching Shen Shu’s apartment in thirty minutes, a journey that usually took forty.

    As soon as they parked, Tong Jia sent a series of voice messages.

    “Are you home yet? Things are getting interesting online. Someone posted a long article on Zhihu defending Shen Shu and criticizing Ren Xiaoqi. It’s been screenshotted and shared on Weibo, and now several entertainment bloggers are reposting it.”

    “It’s a full-blown online war, but thanks to all the drama, Shen Shu’s Weibo followers have increased by twenty thousand. I just posted about signing her on Sacred Heart’s official account, and it’s already trending. Call me when you’re settled. We need to discuss our next move.”

    Tong Jia’s voice was filled with pride, like a talent scout who had discovered a hidden gem.

    Xu Jinnan clicked on the trending topic. The article described Ren Xiaoqi’s deliberate attempts to sabotage Shen Shu, and included a photo of Shen Shu, drenched and kneeling by the pond, her head bowed, her beauty accentuated by her vulnerability, while Ren Xiaoqi looked on with disdain and smug satisfaction.

    The comments section was a battlefield of conflicting opinions:

    Shen Shu is shady, and Ren Xiaoqi’s behavior is also questionable. They’re both terrible.

    *I’m on Ren Xiaoqi’s side. If it were me, I would have drowned her. Using a sugar momma to steal roles is disgusting. vomit emoji.

    Am I the only one who thinks Shen Shu looks amazing in that photo? So hot and wet!!! I want to be her sugar momma!!!

    Are you all crazy? No evidence, just baseless accusations. Keyboard warriors thinking they’re so righteous. Where’s the proof?

    Upstairs, they sat on the sofa.

    Tong Jia joined their group chat. “Check Ren Xiaoqi’s Weibo. CEO Xu, between the two of you, you’ve driven her to desperation.”

    Shen Shu looked at Xu Jinnan, puzzled.

    Xu Jinnan smiled and opened Weibo. “Let’s see what she has to say.”

    Ren Xiaoqi’s post: You all say I’m the bully? Look who’s talking! I admit I wasn’t experienced enough for the falling scene, but I didn’t do it on purpose! But Shen Shu and her sugar momma actually hit me! Just because of that scene, Shen Shu had her sugar momma rewrite the script! I was slapped multiple times on set, and then her sugar momma even came to slap me after filming! Is there any justice in this world? Just because she has a backer, I have to be humiliated and bullied? Why?! [photo] [photo]

    Two selfies showed her face slightly swollen, her eyes red and puffy from crying.

    “I knew she would try to spin this. I’ll release a statement to divert some attention,” Tong Jia said.

    “Not yet,” Xu Jinnan interrupted. “Shu Shu, you post this.”

    Shen Shu met her gaze, understanding instantly.

    Shen Shu’s Weibo post: @RenXiaoqi I don’t want to explain myself. The crew knows what happened during the slapping scene. As for your other accusations, please provide evidence.

    While seemingly direct, the post actually made her look weak.

    The netizens weren’t convinced, accusing her of being evasive, even implying that her “sugar momma” had tacitly admitted to the assault. Public opinion shifted towards Ren Xiaoqi.

    “I think it’s time to strike back. If we wait any longer, it’ll look like we’re deliberately creating drama,” Tong Jia said.

    Xu Jinnan, her legs crossed, tapped her fingers on her knee, but didn’t speak. Shen Shu said softly, “It’s fine. Can it get any worse than this? Let’s wait. I don’t think Ren Xiaoqi, even as impulsive as she is, would try to ruin me with just two selfies.”

    Hearing the slight hoarseness in her voice, Xu Jinnan looked at Shen Shu’s hand, which was holding a cup of hot water, then at her face, her cheeks flushed, her lips a brighter red than usual.

    She couldn’t tell if she had a fever.

    She reached out and touched Shen Shu’s forehead.

    No fever.

    Seeing Shen Shu’s surprised expression, she quickly withdrew her hand. “Shu Shu’s right. Ren Xiaoqi is probably waiting for this. She’ll have more to say.”

    Xu Jinnan was right.

    Ten minutes after Shen Shu’s post, Ren Xiaoqi tagged her.

    Ren Xiaoqi: @Shen Shu Apologize now, and I’ll pretend this never happened.

    Meanwhile, Ren Xiaoqi soaked in her hotel bathtub, a glass of wine in her hand, her tongue tracing the cut on her lip. Shen Shu would never apologize.

    And she wouldn’t believe Ren Xiaoqi had more evidence.

    A notification popped up on her phone: Tan Jie liked your Weibo post.

    Ren Xiaoqi smiled faintly. She had met Tan Jie a few times; they weren’t close, but they had talked a couple of times since their shared animosity towards Shen Shu. She’s quick to jump on the bandwagon, she thought.

    It didn’t matter. Soon, Shen Shu would be out of the entertainment industry, and Ren Xiaoqi would use this opportunity to boost her own career. Then… she wouldn’t have to rely on her backer anymore.

    It was 9:20 p.m., peak Weibo activity time.

    Two new comments appeared under Ren Xiaoqi’s post.

    So many unsubstantiated accusations lately. I’m tired. Show us some proof.

    Expose Shen Shu and her sugar momma. Let’s see what kind of people they are.

    A few minutes later, Ren Xiaoqi posted again.

    Ren Xiaoqi: @Shen Shu I said I would let this go if you apologized, but you clearly think I’m easy to bully. Someone from the crew, disgusted by what happened, sent me this video. The person who slapped me is Shen Shu’s sugar momma. I don’t know her full name, only that her last name is Xu, and even the owner of Sacred Heart Pictures is respectful towards her.

    The video was blurry, but it showed Ren Xiaoqi being slapped by a tall, elegant woman in a long dress. Another woman appeared, and Ren Xiaoqi left, wiping away her tears.

    Anyone watching would assume Ren Xiaoqi was the victim.

    Then, Tan Jie posted on Weibo: It’s tough in this industry. So many talented actors, but so few opportunities. So much unfairness… Sigh. Late-night musings. Time to memorize my lines.

    She included a photo of her script, highlighted with colorful markers.

    While seemingly just a comment about the hardships of her profession, the implication was clear – she was alluding to Shen Shu using her connections to get ahead, while she, Tan Jie, had to endure unfair treatment and work hard.

    #QipaoBeautyAssaultsActress

    #RenXiaoqiAssaulted

    #TanJieSpeaksOut

    The hashtags quickly started trending.

    Shen Shu’s Weibo was flooded with hate comments.

    Tan Jie’s fans, Ren Xiaoqi’s fans, and random passersby all left hateful messages on Shen Shu’s and Sacred Heart Pictures’ Weibo accounts.

    I’m boycotting Into the Dream until Shen Shu is out of the entertainment industry.

    No one’s going to expose her sugar momma? I wonder how she’s feeling now. Probably regretting everything.

    Disgusting! Get out, get out, get out!!!

    I support exposing her sugar momma! Let’s see what kind of woman she is!

    Someone even posted the photo of Shen Shu at the jewelry store.

    –

    In Shen Shu’s living room, Xu Jinnan refilled Shen Shu’s cup with hot water, then glanced at her watch. “It’s time,” she said.

    –

    Hearing the door close, Ren Xiaoqi put down her phone and wine glass, stepped out of the bathtub, and wrapped herself in a bathrobe, then went to the bathroom door and whined, “Young Master Han, what took you so long?”

    “Family matters. My sister kept me busy,” he replied, his youthful face lighting up as he saw her. He took off his shirt and walked over. “What happened to your face?”

    Ren Xiaoqi leaned against him, her eyes reddening. “Haven’t you seen Weibo? I was bullied! By that newcomer I told you about…”

    “A sugar momma? Is she richer than me?” he asked dismissively.

    “Of course not! How could anyone compare to Young Master Han of HP?” Ren Xiaoqi said, flattering him.

    Meeting Han Hui had been a stroke of luck. She had originally been assigned to another newcomer, but Han Hui had taken a liking to her and had her reassigned.

    Han Hui, pleased, patted her butt, then paused. “You didn’t mention my name, did you?”

    Ren Xiaoqi was startled. “Of course not! You told me not to.”

    “Good.”

    He was just playing around with Ren Xiaoqi. While he didn’t mind a little scandal in the past, it was best to be discreet lately.

    The three Han siblings were all known for their playboy/playgirl lifestyles, especially him. After the incident with Xu Jinnan at the banquet, his family had given him a strict warning.

    Any more scandals, or any more reckless behavior with women, and they would freeze his accounts.

    So, he had warned Ren Xiaoqi not to mention his name.

    She had been obedient. He looked at the bruise on her face, frowning. “The actress is easy to deal with. Just give me her name, and I’ll make sure she never works in this industry again. As for the sugar momma… what’s her name?”

    Ren Xiaoqi had been waiting for this.

    She sniffed. “I don’t know her full name. Just her last name – Xu.”

    Han Hui paused. “Xu? The one you asked about before?”

    “She acted so refined and polite, but she attacked me! I was so scared! I wish you had been there, Young Master Han. She wouldn’t have dared do anything if you had been there,” Ren Xiaoqi said.

    Refined and polite.

    That couldn’t be Xu Jinnan.

    As long as it wasn’t Xu Jinnan, it didn’t matter.

    Ren Xiaoqi’s phone buzzed in the bathroom. As she reached for it, Han Hui pulled off her bathrobe and embraced her from behind, his hands wandering.

    She giggled and dodged his touch, answering her agent’s call.

    “Why didn’t you consult me before posting that?! I can’t be your agent anymore. Deal with this mess yourself!”

    She frowned. Idiot. Thanks to tonight’s trending topics, her follower count had increased by fifty thousand, and after releasing the video, public opinion was on her side.

    Shen Shu’s career was over, and with Han Hui as her backer, she didn’t have to worry about that “Xu” woman.

    She had taken a risk, but it had paid off, hadn’t it?

    Her future was bright, and there would be plenty of agents lining up to represent her!

    “Put your phone away and take care of me…” Han Hui reached for her, but she dodged him again. “I just posted something on Weibo. Let me check it,” she said coquettishly.

    She opened the app, and the smile froze on her face.

    Within minutes, the comments section had turned against her.

    Is this a self-produced drama? I’m dying of laughter. Was she dodging the slap because she’s a bad actress, or because she’s guilty?

    This is so cringeworthy… Didn’t she know they’re married?

    Regardless, violence is never the answer.

    So many white knights in this thread?! Get out! If someone bullied my wife, I’d slap them too!

    Ren Xiaoqi’s face paled as she scrolled through the comments. A new trending topic had appeared.

    #ShenShuClarifies

    #RenXiaoqiExposed

    She clicked on Shen Shu’s Weibo post.

    Shen Shu: Not a sugar momma. My wife. My wife is not a public figure, so I didn’t want to involve her, but I’m being forced to now… Here’s our marriage certificate.

    @RenXiaoqi We apologize for the assault, and you can even demand compensation. But you also owe me an apology for your slander, your hateful words, and your repeated harassment. I can provide further evidence if necessary.

    [photo] [photo]

    The first photo was their marriage certificate, clearly showing their names and faces.

    The second photo showed three versions of the script for the slapping scene.

    And that wasn’t all. Several other posts and screenshots of comments had appeared, from both regular users and verified accounts.

    LittleWheat: #RenXiaoqiExposed Ren Xiaoqi is a drama queen. Always stirring up trouble and chasing clout. She’s also a total bitch. She even sent suggestive messages to my friend (who’s super rich).

    Huhu: #RenXiaoqiExposed Actually, she was the one who had the script changed… Don’t ask how I know. Just look at the second version.

    FrontlineGossip: #RenXiaoqiExposed Is Tan Jie involved too? The casting director of Into the Dream just posted – no shady dealings, Shen Shu was simply a better fit for the role than Tan Jie.

    …

  • Captivating Beauty 39

    Chapter 39

    High heels clicked against the stone pavement, the sound sharp and urgent.

    Xu Jinnan knelt down, gently grasping Shen Shu’s slender arms and helping her up, half-carrying her. Her face was grim as she turned to a nearby crew member. “A towel, please.”

    The crew member, startled by her cold stare and imposing aura, quickly handed her a towel.

    Someone questioned Xu Jinnan’s presence; this was a film set, and access was restricted.

    But the director and crew remained silent. Then, they noticed someone standing beside the director, someone recognized by the Sacred Heart Pictures staff as Tong Jia’s assistant.

    After a brief exchange, the director glanced at Shen Shu and Xu Jinnan, then said, “Shen Shu, take a break. Find your center. Xiao Qin, get ready. Let’s reshoot the previous scene.”

    Shen Shu thanked him.

    Xu Jinnan wrapped the towel around Shen Shu, her voice low and concerned. “Are you hurt?”

    Shen Shu, meeting her worried gaze, shook her head, her heart warming slightly.

    Xu Jinnan gently rubbed Shen Shu’s cold arms, then glanced at Ren Xiaoqi.

    Her touch was gentle, but her eyes were like a deep pool, unreadable and dangerous.

    Ren Xiaoqi stiffened, a flicker of nervousness crossing her face, then she forced a smile. “Miss Xu, long time no see.”

    Xu Jinnan looked away, as if she hadn’t heard, then turned to Shen Shu. “Are you still filming?” She had arrived just as Shen Shu was being pulled out of the water for the third time, and had restrained herself from interfering until now, afraid of disrupting the filming. She suddenly regretted her earlier words to Shen Shu.

    It’s normal to face some hardships in this industry. It’s part of the process.

    Bullshit.

    She waited for Shen Shu’s answer.

    Shen Shu, seeing the look in Xu Jinnan’s eyes, knew that if she said she wasn’t filming, Xu Jinnan would retaliate.

    “Of course I’m still filming. This is perfectly normal,” she murmured, tightening the towel around herself, aware of the curious stares around them. “I’m going to change.”

    Xu Jinnan looked at her for a moment, then nodded. “Okay.”

    In the changing room, Shen Shu’s body still trembled slightly as she changed into a dry set of clothes. Xu Jinnan gently brushed a strand of hair from her forehead.

    “Are you cold? Where can I get some hot water?”

    Shen Shu tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’m fine,” she replied.

    Just then, a knock came at the door. They both turned to see Xia Chun entering with a steaming cup of water. “Here’s some honey water. It’ll warm you up,” she said, intending to give it to Shen Shu.

    But Xu Jinnan took it first. “Thank you. I was just looking for some hot water,” she said.

    Xia Chun: “…You’re welcome.”

    Xu Jinnan, holding the warm cup, thought Xia Chun wasn’t so bad after all, at least more agreeable than at the restaurant and the banquet.

    “Ah Shu, are you alright?” Xia Chun asked, turning to Shen Shu, her voice soft and concerned.

    Xu Jinnan, handing the honey water to Shen Shu, paused at the nickname. She hadn’t heard anyone call Shen Shu that before.

    Not even Cai Ying.

    Have they become that close?

    Shen Shu took the cup. “I’m fine, thank you,” she replied.

    Xu Jinnan sensed the subtle shift in the atmosphere, a strange tension she couldn’t quite place. Shen Shu suddenly turned to her. “Why are you here so early?”

    “I wasn’t busy today,” Xu Jinnan replied, picking up the script from the table and flipping through it.

    “I have another scene at 8 p.m. Why don’t you go back first?” Shen Shu suggested.

    “I have nothing else to do. I’ll wait for you,” Xu Jinnan said firmly.

    Shen Shu nodded silently.

    The casual exchange filled Xia Chun with a sense of bitter longing. After a brief, polite farewell, she left the room, pausing at the doorway to take a deep breath and compose herself.

    She overheard their conversation.

    Shen Shu’s voice, clear and calm, held a note of familiarity and intimacy.

    Something she had once shared with her.

    “There’s hot water in the blue tent outside. Can you refill my cup?”

    “Aren’t you going to drink this?”

    “No.”

    Xia Chun didn’t listen any further, a painful ache in her chest.

    –

    Tong Jia arrived with a blanket and a jacket. Xu Jinnan glanced at her, then stepped outside, Tong Jia following her.

    –

    Twenty minutes later, Tong Jia returned with the script for the next scene.

    “Shu Shu, take a look. There’s been a slight change,” she said, handing Shen Shu the script.

    The lines were the same, but Nightingale’s reaction had changed.

    In the original version, after being pushed into the water, Nightingale had wanted to retaliate, but seeing her friend’s face, she had relented, and they had shared a smile.

    Now, after climbing out of the water, Nightingale was supposed to slap her friend, then say, “How old are you? Such childish behavior. If you wanted me dead, you should have just shot me. Why push me?”

    Then, they almost fought, but in the end, they still shared a smile.

    Shen Shu paused. “This isn’t the original version, is it?”

    “The writers and director discussed it and decided this version better reflects their long-standing friendship. The slap is more in line with Nightingale’s passionate and impulsive personality,” Tong Jia explained casually.

    Shen Shu didn’t question it, rereading the scene and trying to understand Nightingale’s motivations.

    She actually preferred this version, but she didn’t know why it had been changed.

    She didn’t mind the change, but Ren Xiaoqi probably wouldn’t be pleased.

    As expected, as soon as Xu Jinnan left to give Shen Shu some space before filming resumed, Ren Xiaoqi stormed in.

    “How dare you! Using your connections to rewrite the script for revenge!” she accused, no longer bothering with pretense.

    “The director made the changes. You’re overthinking it,” Shen Shu replied calmly. “And who’s actually seeking revenge here?”

    Ren Xiaoqi scoffed. “As if! Do you think anyone will believe you?”

    Shen Shu looked at her silently. “I’ve been wondering, what did I ever do to offend you?”

    “You didn’t offend me. I just hate you. Sometimes, you don’t need a reason to hate someone,” Ren Xiaoqi retorted.

    It was a childish response, but it was the truth.

    She hated Shen Shu’s aloofness, her air of superiority.

    “Then there’s nothing more to say,” Shen Shu said.

    “I know what you’re trying to do. You want to get back at me for earlier, don’t you?” Ren Xiaoqi narrowed her eyes. “If you try anything, I’ll make sure your career in this industry is over!”

    “You’re very confident,” Shen Shu said calmly. “Do you have a sugar daddy too?”

    The sarcasm was clear. News of Ren Xiaoqi liking Tan Jie’s Weibo post had already trended online.

    While Ren Xiaoqi wasn’t as popular as Tan Jie, she had started as a child actress and had a decent following. And now that they were in the same production, liking that post was practically confirmation that she was using her connections to secure roles.

    Shen Shu’s words had been meant as a simple taunt, but Ren Xiaoqi’s expression changed slightly. “How dare you!”

    “Are you two ready?” a crew member called out, interrupting their confrontation.

    This time, Ren Xiaoqi didn’t cause any trouble, and the scene went smoothly.

    Before the next take, Ren Xiaoqi whispered to Shen Shu, “You better watch out.”

    Shen Shu knew she had only cooperated because she was afraid of being slapped too hard. Her face was her most valuable asset.

    It was a subtle retreat.

    Nightingale smoothed her damp hair, the hem of her qipao dripping onto the ground, creating a dark halo around her feet. She looked trapped, surrounded by the oppressive atmosphere.

    Then, she suddenly raised her hand!

    “Ah!”

    Before her palm could connect, Ren Xiaoqi instinctively flinched.

    “Sorry, Director… I wasn’t ready,” she mumbled, unable to stop herself from flinching at the thought of Shen Shu slapping her.

    The director sighed. “Let’s try again.”

    Shen Shu smiled faintly, slowly flexing her fingers in front of Ren Xiaoqi. “Why bother dodging? You can’t escape it.”

    Seeing her gesture, Ren Xiaoqi knew she would use more force this time and flinched again.

    After several NGs, her anxiety increased, affecting her performance and her expressions.

    “Take 36, Scene 4, Take 2. Ready.”

    …

    “Take 36, Scene 8, Take 2. Ready.”

    Shen Shu’s hand barely grazed Ren Xiaoqi’s face, but Ren Xiaoqi closed her eyes…

    The director stood up, his voice booming with anger. “Ren Xiaoqi! Can you even act?! We’ve been at this for over an hour! Do you think everyone here has time to waste on you?! If you want to act like a spoiled brat, do it somewhere else! This is a film set, not your personal playground!”

    Ren Xiaoqi’s eyes reddened. She had been a child actress for years and had rarely been scolded so harshly.

    “Five minutes! Get yourself together! If you can’t do this, you’re out!” the director yelled, throwing down his headset.

    Ren Xiaoqi mumbled an apology and walked away, her back to everyone.

    Shen Shu turned slightly, glancing around, then her eyes met Xu Jinnan’s.

    Xu Jinnan raised her chin and smiled faintly.

    Shen Shu’s heart skipped a beat. She’s actually quite beautiful, she thought.

    Five minutes later, filming resumed.

    As Shen Shu and Ren Xiaoqi took their positions, Xu Jinnan stood outside the director’s tent, her long, light blue dress swaying gently in the breeze.

    She looked like a delicate flower blooming on a mountaintop.

    Some of the crew members, instead of watching the filming, were staring at her.

    “Who is she?”

    “I don’t know. Did you see the trending topic? I think she’s Shen Shu’s sugar momma.”

    “I suspect so too. The director didn’t even scold her, even let Shen Shu take a break. If it were anyone else…”

    Their whispers were drowned out by the director’s call of “Action!”

    Just then, Tong Jia approached, her voice carrying through the set. “CEO Xu, our Shu Shu isn’t a bad actress, is she?”

    “Of course not. It’s her co-star who’s lacking,” Xu Jinnan replied loudly, not bothering to be discreet.

    Tong Jia lowered her voice. “Still angry? While this was always in the script, I still had to pull some strings to make it happen.” She remembered Xu Jinnan’s furious expression and harsh words earlier.

    What a protective wife! she thought.

    Xu Jinnan didn’t reply, her gaze fixed on Shen Shu.

    Tong Jia, watching the scene, chuckled. “You wanted to use the script as an excuse for Shen Shu to retaliate, but she didn’t have to do anything. Ren Xiaoqi exposed her own weakness.”

    Just then—

    Slap!

    Nightingale’s slap was instinctive, seemingly forceful, but her palm was actually open – a reflection of her impulsive yet ultimately kind nature.

    “Cut!”

    “Shen Shu, that detail was perfect! Excellent take. We’ll move on,” the director said.

    Tong Jia’s eyes gleamed with admiration. “I’m starting to think I’ve found a real gem.”

    Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow. “Thank you.”

    “…” Such a simp!

    Shen Shu’s last scene with Xia Chun wasn’t until 8 p.m., so Tong Jia ordered some food, and the three of them ate backstage.

    As Shen Shu walked past, Xu Jinnan instinctively steadied her, noticing her damp clothes.

    “I don’t have anything else to change into. I’ll do it when I get home,” Shen Shu said, taking a bite of shrimp.

    They usually had spare clothes on set for scenes involving water, but Shen Shu, lacking experience, had only brought three outfits.

    Xu Jinnan frowned slightly, quickly finishing her food and asking Tong Jia to stay with Shen Shu while she stepped outside to make a call.

    Twenty minutes later, she returned with a bag.

    “Here, change into these,” she said, handing it to Shen Shu.

    Shen Shu looked inside; it was a complete outfit, including undergarments.

    In the changing room, Shen Shu stared at the perfectly fitted bra, then a few minutes later, emerged from the changing room.

    Xu Jinnan, who had been scrolling through her phone, looked up. “Aren’t you cold, being wet all afternoon? Have something warm,” she said.

    Shen Shu nodded, taking the script and sitting down opposite her. After a moment, she said, “Teacher Xu is quite experienced.”

    Xu Jinnan: “Huh?”

    Teacher Xu again?

    “It fits perfectly. Thank you,” Shen Shu continued.

    Xu Jinnan’s gaze drifted downwards.

    “…”

    She had been in a hurry and hadn’t thought much of it. Besides, that size was practically etched into her memory after the near-exposure with the label on Shen Shu’s phone.

    She hadn’t realized anything was amiss.

    But Shen Shu knew she shouldn’t know her bra size. A normal person would have asked.

    Either she was incredibly experienced and could tell just by looking, or she had snuck a peek at the label.

    Neither scenario was particularly innocent.

    Xu Jinnan, trying to act casual, said, “I just grabbed a random one. I was worried it would be too big.”

    Shen Shu: “…”

    As expected, Shen Shu dropped the subject. There weren’t many people filming tonight, and Tong Jia had made arrangements, so they were alone.

    Xu Jinnan worked on her phone while Shen Shu read her script.

    Tong Jia occasionally sent updates from Weibo in the group chat. The trending topic had subsided slightly, but the hate comments on Shen Shu’s Weibo post hadn’t stopped.

    “Don’t read those,” Xu Jinnan said, hearing Shen Shu scrolling through Weibo. “Those people don’t know you. They just want to feel superior, like Ren Xiaoqi. You have half an hour before filming starts. Don’t let them affect your mood.”

    Even the calmest person would be affected by such hateful comments, and the incident with Ren Xiaoqi this afternoon had clearly upset Shen Shu.

    But hearing Xu Jinnan’s patient voice calmed her down.

    She put down her phone.

    It was a little past 8 p.m.

    This was Shen Shu’s last scene in Into the Dream.

    Ignoring her friend’s warnings, Nightingale walked into V’s trap, knowing V intended to use her as a stepping stone, sacrificing her life for a promotion.

    The most famous assassin in the organization, what a prize.

    In a dimly lit wooden corridor, Nightingale, wearing the same dark green qipao from their first meeting, her figure perfectly accentuated, walked towards V and embraced her.

    A knife plunged into her chest, and she collapsed into V’s arms.

    V held her, her eyes reddening, her hands trembling. “Why did you come?” she whispered.

    After a long moment, she stood up, leaving the body behind.

    A voiceover played: As V turned to leave, she knew she had truly lost her.

    Xu Jinnan, watching from the sidelines, was captivated.

    Xia Chun’s performance was flawless, her emotions shifting seamlessly, and Shen Shu matched her perfectly. But Xu Jinnan was particularly drawn to the tragic beauty of Nightingale’s character.

    Living for love, driven mad by love, dying for love.

    Tong Jia had been right; Shen Shu’s performance outshone even the supporting actress.

    After the scene, the director presented Shen Shu with a bouquet of flowers. Seeing a small crowd gathered around her, including Xia Chun, Xu Jinnan went to sit on a nearby wooden platform.

    “Miss Xu.”

    Ren Xiaoqi approached her.

    Xu Jinnan ignored her.

    Ren Xiaoqi took a deep breath. “Did you see the news online? About Shen Shu being a…”

    Xu Jinnan glanced at her, her voice casual. “You’re quite nosy, aren’t you?”

    Ren Xiaoqi: “…”

    She gritted her teeth. “She has a sugar momma, and you’re still so good to her? She’s just using you, and you don’t even mind?!”

    “Oh, you mean the sugar momma?” Xu Jinnan stood up, smoothing her dress, her voice turning cold. “That would be me.”

  • Captivating Beauty 38

    Chapter 38

    Shen Shu returned to the bedroom, and Xu Jinnan stayed on the sofa, messaging Tong Jia.

    Xu Jinnan: [I have nothing left to teach you. You’ve graduated.]
    Xu Jinnan: [Slap.jpg]

    The sticker was one Cai Ying had sent in the group chat.

    Tong Jia: [No, Teacher! I still need your knowledge!]

    She followed it with a GIF of two women, drenched from a sprinkler, embracing in a close, almost intimate hug, their clothes semi-transparent.

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    Xu Jinnan: [You’re hopeless.]

    She regretted ever offering Tong Jia advice. The topic had spiraled out of control, their conversations always veering towards sex, Tong Jia constantly asking about new techniques and positions with Shen Shu.

    Xu Jinnan hadn’t even tried any of them herself.

    It was probably due to the original Xu Jinnan’s memories; these things were already ingrained in her mind.

    That first day, the contents of the red bag – she had never seen or used any of those items before, yet she had been strangely familiar with them.

    Thinking about it, her heart raced slightly.

    That familiar thrill.

    Whenever she thought about, or saw, those things the original Xu Jinnan had enjoyed, she had a reaction.

    While she could suppress it, the feeling was unpleasant.

    Whenever these residual effects surfaced, she felt like she wasn’t entirely in control of her own body.

    Tong Jia continued messaging her, but Xu Jinnan, ignoring her, turned off her phone.

    Glancing at the slightly ajar bedroom door, she stood up, looking for the first-aid kit, which wasn’t on the coffee table. She went to the bedroom and knocked before entering.

    Shen Shu was sitting on the bed, her legs crossed, her slip dress riding up to her knees, her pale skin gleaming in the soft light. She was holding a bottle of alcohol and a cotton swab.

    “I’ll just grab the box,” Xu Jinnan said, changing her mind.

    Shen Shu paused, looking up as Xu Jinnan opened the wardrobe. “Xu Jinnan.”

    “Yes?”

    “What do you think is inside?”

    “It’s light. Maybe a letter…” The image of the photos flashed through her mind. “Or photos,” she added.

    Shen Shu lowered her gaze. “What would be unacceptable for you to see?”

    Shen Shu had been asking a lot of questions today, questions Xu Jinnan couldn’t easily answer.

    She paused, thinking. That day at the Xu residence, Xu Tao hadn’t succeeded, but the experience had been traumatic.

    And with those memories resurfacing, the original Xu Jinnan’s pain and fear were becoming more vivid.

    After a long silence, she said, “I don’t know yet.” She was already struggling with the Xu family’s secrets; she didn’t know if she could handle anything worse.

    “I’m out of bandages,” Shen Shu said.

    “I’ll go get some,” Xu Jinnan offered without hesitation.

    “Thank you.”

    Shen Shu listened as the door opened and closed, then put the bandages away in her drawer.

    She knew it was pointless; Xu Jinnan probably wouldn’t be able to open the box. But what if she did?

    In that moment, her decision had been instinctive – she didn’t want Xu Jinnan to know.

    The later she found out, the better.

    She also thought she should warn Xu Jinnan about Xu Tao…

    She stared at the cotton swab in her hand, lost in thought. She hadn’t felt this conflicted in a long time, not even when deciding to return to acting.

    She justified her actions as mutual support; Xu Jinnan had protected her, so she should reciprocate.

    Xu Jinnan returned with the bandages, completely forgetting about the box. She found a movie on her tablet, lay down on the bed, and started watching, delegating tasks to her team.

    When the author had written this novel, short videos and live streaming hadn’t been popular yet. This presented an opportunity.

    Her recent investments were long-term, with quarterly or annual returns.

    She needed a faster way to generate income – creating a platform.

    But she couldn’t entrust this project to anyone else, and it required her own backend infrastructure, so she was discussing acquiring an established software company with her venture capital manager.

    After delegating the tasks, she saw a notification from the group chat.

    No PDA allowed in this group.

    Cai Ying: [@Shen Shu @Xu Jinnan She contacted me!]

    Cai Ying: [Her name is Han Ling. I checked, and there is a teacher with that name at the university. My exam is in a week, and I’ve decided!]

    Cai Ying: [I’m hiring her! No need to remind me! I know! Don’t worry, I’ll study hard, even if I’m trying to get a date!]

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    She chuckled at Cai Ying’s message.

    It wasn’t that she doubted Cai Ying’s judgment; it was just that Cai Ying seemed prone to being deceived.

    Shen Shu: [Who did you ask to investigate?]

    Cai Ying named a classmate whose sister was a professor in the trade department at that university. She had confirmed the tutor’s identity.

    Cai Ying: [And I checked the photos! It’s definitely her, with the principal and other professors! She’s legit!]

    With Cai Ying so confident and prepared, Shen Shu didn’t say anything more.

    Xu Jinnan, after reading the messages, asked: [Where are you meeting for tutoring?]

    Cai Ying: [The City Library.]

    Xu Jinnan: [?]

    Cai Ying: [I’m not stupid, okay? I have a plan! The library is a safe place. No funny business. And it makes me look studious and responsible, like a good student.]

    Xu Jinnan: [Tutoring at the library? Whispering sweet nothings?]

    Xu Jinnan: [Oh, right. You’re mainly there for the flirting.]

    Cai Ying: […Mind your own business! Even Shu Shu didn’t say anything!]

    Cai Ying: [@Shen Shu Shu Shu, control your wife!]

    Shen Shu: [Going to sleep.]

    Xu Jinnan leaned back against her pillow and typed: [Okay, wifey.]

    Cai Ying: [!! Read the group name! Next time you show off your lovey-dovey relationship, you’re out!]

    Xu Jinnan chuckled, then turned off her phone, rewinding the movie and resuming it.

    At the City Library, after a rain shower, the crowd was relatively sparse.

    Cai Ying scanned her card and entered, immediately spotting the woman in a crisp white shirt and trousers standing by a bookshelf.

    She was early, which Cai Ying appreciated.

    She tapped the woman on the shoulder.

    The woman turned around. She was half a head taller than Cai Ying, her slightly narrow eyes holding a hint of allure.

    “You’re here,” Han Wenling said, a smile playing on her lips.

    Cai Ying nodded, pointing towards a table by the window, and they walked over.

    Han Wenling had almost choked on her wine when Cai Ying had suggested the library.

    Her first thought had been, Interesting.

    The young lady’s intentions were clear – she was interested, but wary, so she had chosen a safe, neutral location for their first meeting.

    Han Wenling smiled. She was used to blatant flirting and suggestive advances, but this innocent, “little bunny” type was a first.

    It was amusing.

    “Let’s see your materials. I’ll highlight the key points, and you can see if you understand. Ask me if you have any questions,” she said softly, sitting down opposite Cai Ying.

    Her voice was slightly husky, the currently popular “older sister” voice.

    Cai Ying nodded. So, she actually intends to tutor me?

    As she took out her study materials and practice exams from her bag, a newly purchased novel also slipped out.

    She tried to put it back, but Han Wenling had already picked it up.

    “That’s quite a title,” she commented.

    Cai Ying: “…”

    It was a relatively tame title. It could have been something much worse, like “The Domineering CEO’s Captive Diary.”

    She quickly snatched the book back before Han Wenling could open it.

    “Let’s focus on the task at hand,” she said with a smile.

    Han Wenling’s lips curved into a knowing smile. “Indeed. I charge by the hour, after all. Wouldn’t want you to waste your money.”

    Cai Ying blinked, realizing the innuendo, her ears flushing.

    Han Wenling, feigning ignorance, picked up the study materials and began reading, occasionally highlighting key points with a pen.

    Cai Ying looked at her, a familiar feeling washing over her.

    She had seen that same aura of quiet intensity, that subtle dominance, in Xu Jinnan.

    But Han Wenling also exuded a certain… sensuality?

    A soft tapping sound brought her back to reality.

    Han Wenling pushed the book towards her, smiling. “Read this, and ask me if you have any questions.” The unspoken words were, Stop staring at me.

    Cai Ying looked at the highlighted sections, some even with notes explaining the logic behind potential exam questions, and her eyes widened. She’s good.

    An hour and a half later, Cai Ying had clarified most of her doubts, leaving a few more challenging questions and the practice exams for their next session.

    As she stood up, she stumbled slightly, and Han Wenling caught her, their hands brushing against each other.

    “Thank you,” Cai Ying murmured.

    Han Wenling looked at her for a moment, a playful glint in her eyes. “Let’s go outside. It’s not convenient to talk here.”

    After chatting for about fifteen minutes, Han Wenling walked Cai Ying to her car, then returned to her own.

    A notification popped up in a small group chat.

    [Boss Han, your brother is here. Why aren’t you joining us?]

    Han Wenling lit a cigarette, resting her hand on the car window. [Busy taming a rabbit.]

    [A big bad wolf taming a rabbit? Impressive.]

    Han Wenling chuckled, then saw a message from Han Hui.

    He had sent a Weibo link with the title #QipaoBeautyExposed. She glanced at it.

    When had he joined this group chat?

    Han Hui: [Hahaha, that idiot Xu Jinnan is being cheated on! Serves her right!]

    Han Wenling exhaled a plume of smoke and sent Han Hui a private message: [Delete that.]

    Han Hui: [? Why? She hasn’t even apologized for what happened to my girlfriend! You won’t let me confront her, so I can’t even complain online?]

    Han Wenling: [Delete it.]

    After confirming he had deleted the messages, she sent a voice message. “Are you stupid? Posting that in the group chat? Mind your own business. If you want to end up like Song Ronghui, go ahead and stir up trouble.”

    Han Hui: […]

    “Xu Jinnan has been around for years. Do you think she hasn’t dealt with worse? Search online. There are tons of scandals about her. Just because you’re an idiot doesn’t mean you should act like one,” she said.

    Han Hui: […]

    He also sent a voice message. “Our family isn’t weak either. Why should we be afraid of her? Afraid of the Xu family? I don’t get it. She’s way worse than me. I’ve been secretly photographed and slandered online. Why aren’t they targeting her?”

    Han Wenling muttered “idiot” under her breath and ignored him.

    Han Hui was young and naive; he didn’t understand certain things.

    While the Han and Xu families were equals in North City, the Xu family had one crucial advantage – Xu Yincheng.

    Whoever was posting these rumors clearly wasn’t part of their circle and likely didn’t know about Shen Shu’s connection to Xu Jinnan, or even who Xu Jinnan was.

    That was why they dared to spread such baseless accusations.

    As she was thinking, she received a WeChat message from Cai Ying.

    Cai Ying: [I just started reading that novel. The protagonist was abused as a child, and as an adult, she develops another personality. It’s quite tragic.]

    Cai Ying: [I’ll tell you more when I finish it.]

    She had been answering Han Wenling’s question from earlier, when she had dropped her off.

    Han Wenling: [Okay.]

    Then, someone in the group chat tagged her, asking if she was going to the Emperor Hotel for drinks.

    She replied, “Yes.”

    Then, she looked at Cai Ying’s contact name and changed it to “Bunny.”

    For Xu Jinnan, obtaining the surveillance footage from the Emperor Hotel was easy.

    After interviewing a few engineers with HR, she returned to her office to find the high-definition footage from the hotel manager waiting for her.

    It covered the entire incident, from the arrival of the police to the end.

    The lighting was dim, but she could clearly see Cai Ying and Chen Xiaxia being taken away in ambulances. Her gaze followed Shen Shu, who, after the ambulances left, spoke to a police officer.

    That was the moment captured in the photo online.

    Then, she saw Shen Shu and the officer approach another ambulance. Shen Shu, wearing a short-sleeved shirt, received an injection in her arm, then went back inside the hotel with the officer…

    After sending the footage to Tong Jia, Xu Jinnan sat there for a while, lost in thought, then messaged Professor Qin.

    [You said Shen Shu used a pheromone blocker. Can you find out the exact date?]

    A few minutes later, Professor Qin replied with the date – the day of the Emperor Hotel incident.

    She hadn’t thought much of it at the time, but now, considering that Cai Ying and Chen Xiaxia had already been taken to the hospital, Shen Shu’s reason for returning to room 888, despite the risks of using a pheromone blocker…

    Was it to find her?

    Xu Jinnan’s heart ached.

    She picked up her phone, found Shen Shu’s number, and hesitated. Shen Shu was filming today and probably wouldn’t answer.

    But she called anyway.

    She suddenly felt the urge to hear her voice.

    After a few seconds, the call connected.

    “Hello?”

    “When are you done filming today?”

    “I’m not sure. It’s my last day, so it might be late,” Shen Shu replied.

    “I’ll pick you up.”

    Someone was calling Shen Shu back to the makeup room. “Okay, I have to go,” she said, hanging up.

    Just then, a news alert popped up on Xu Jinnan’s phone: #Tan Jie’sAccidentalLike. Tan Jie had liked a photo of the Qipao Beauty getting into a luxury car. It was reported that Tan Jie had also auditioned for the role.

    Xu Jinnan clicked on the article and saw a screenshot of Tan Jie’s Weibo post.

    Tan Jie: Oops, my finger slipped~ Tongue out emoji

    The accompanying image was a humorous photo of a cat having its food stolen by a dog.

    Tong Jia had said that if Shen Shu hadn’t auditioned, Tan Jie would have gotten the role of Nightingale.

    She had also suggested that Tan Jie might be the one behind the leaked photo.

    While it would be possible to find the original source with enough time and resources, as Tong Jia had said, this kind of negativity was inevitable if Shen Shu wanted to become famous.

    Xu Jinnan messaged Tong Jia: [She should post a vague response on Weibo.]

    Tong Jia: [? She already did. You two are truly a couple. Those business tactics are coming in handy.]

    Shen Shu had posted on Weibo two minutes ago.

    Shen Shu: Hello everyone, I’m Shen Shu. Didn’t expect my first Weibo post to be a clarification. The truth will prevail. As a newcomer, I just want to focus on my acting. Thank you.

    Because she had included the relevant hashtags, the trolls quickly descended.

    PrinceTreeMan: Disgusting. Get out of the entertainment industry.

    JiajiaCat: Boycotting Into the Dream. I’m not watching this drama.

    26735: Is that supposed to be a clarification? Prove it. Can you? Pathetic.

    As Xu Jinnan approached the film studio, Tong Jia sent another screenshot.

    [Hilarious. Ren Xiaoqi liked Tan Jie’s post. Your Shen Shu has made quite a few enemies. Ren Xiaoqi has a scene with her today. I’ll go check it out.]

    On set, a dilapidated white building with a black tile roof stood by a large pond, the drizzle blurring the scenery like a watercolor painting.

    Nightingale, in a bright floral qipao, stood facing her supposed best friend, played by Ren Xiaoqi.

    “You’re in love with her! You’re crazy!” her friend exclaimed.

    Nightingale chuckled, glancing at the gun in her hand, then casually ran her fingers through her hair. “So what if I am? All men are bastards. After experiencing a woman, I finally understand true pleasure. I know the rules. I won’t make things difficult for you. Do it.” After all, they had been friends for years.

    “Snap out of it!” Her friend pushed Nightingale into the pond.

    But Ren Xiaoqi’s push wasn’t forceful enough, so Shen Shu had to cooperate with the fall.

    “Cut!”

    Shen Shu was pulled out of the water, her clothes soaked, and glanced at Ren Xiaoqi, who had deliberately pushed her too gently.

    Ren Xiaoqi gave her a smug look, then turned to the director. “Sorry, Director, pushing someone into the water is a bit scary.”

    “Scary? We have safety measures in place. Use more force. It looked fake,” the director said.

    “Okay.”

    On the second take, Ren Xiaoqi pushed Shen Shu harder.

    This time, despite Shen Shu’s attempts to control her fall, the director wasn’t satisfied with the way it looked.

    On the third take, the force was perfect, but Ren Xiaoqi stumbled forward as she pushed.

    “Can you two even act?” the director asked, exasperated.

    “Sorry, Director. Shen Shu seems distracted today, and it’s affecting my performance,” Ren Xiaoqi said.

    The director, sensing the tension between them, glared at them. “Do you want everyone to wait for you two?”

    Shen Shu took a deep breath. “I’m sorry.”

    “Ten-minute break!”

    Shen Shu went backstage to change, closing the door of the changing room behind her.

    “The air in here is disgusting. Smells like a whore,” Ren Xiaoqi said to someone outside.

    As Shen Shu emerged, her hair still damp, Ren Xiaoqi rolled her eyes and turned to leave, but Shen Shu grabbed her wrist.

    Ren Xiaoqi, startled, glared at her. “What do you want?”

    “Just try to act properly in the next take,” Shen Shu said, her voice tight with anger. “We might meet again in this industry. Don’t make things too ugly for yourself.”

    “Shu-jie, what do you mean? I am acting properly.”

    “You know exactly what you’re doing. You think people can’t see your deliberate sabotage?”

    Ren Xiaoqi’s smile vanished. “So what if I am? Do you have proof? Even if they do notice, they won’t do anything to me. But you’re different, Shen Shu. I’ve always hated your holier-than-thou attitude. Turns out you’re just a slut.” She pulled her hand away. “Don’t worry, I’ll ‘act properly’ in the next take.”

    Shen Shu watched her walk away, her anger fading, as if it had never been there.

    Ten minutes later, everyone was back on set.

    “Xia Chun,” someone said politely.

    Xia Chun had emerged from the backstage area. Her scene wasn’t until 8 p.m.

    “Even Xia Chun is here? These two are truly embarrassing.” She turned to her assistant. “Get me a cup of honey water.”

    “Certainly.”

    Shen Shu’s gaze fixed on Ren Xiaoqi. After falling into the water several times, she had no dry clothes left to change into. The weather wasn’t too cold, but the wind sent shivers down her spine.

    Ren Xiaoqi began her lines.

    As she reached out to push Shen Shu, Shen Shu knew this take would be another NG.

    Exhausted from the repeated falls and chilled to the bone, she swallowed some water as she fell.

    The crew, annoyed, didn’t bother helping her right away.

    As they finally pulled her out, someone said, “Spend less time sucking up to your sugar momma and more time practicing your acting.”

    Shen Shu didn’t reply, wincing as her knee scraped against a rock when the crew member let go of her arm.

    No one offered her a towel.

    Xia Chun clenched her fists, hesitating, when a tall woman in a light blue dress walked past her, heading straight towards Shen Shu.

  • Captivating Beauty 37p2

    Chapter 37 p2

    A little after 6 p.m., Xu Jinnan had a last-minute dinner with someone from Meilai Jewelry.

    Before leaving, she messaged Shen Shu.

    Shen Shu received the message half an hour later, sitting on a wooden step with her legs crossed, a cut on her heel making it difficult to stand.

    Xu Jinnan: [How was your day? When are you heading back?]

    Shen Shu: [It was fine. One more scene to film.]

    There had been a wardrobe malfunction, and the shoes she had brought didn’t match the costume, so she had to wear a pair from the studio. Her feet were killing her.

    Xu Jinnan: [I’m having dinner with a business partner. Should I have Zhou Pei pick you up?]

    She had had trouble sleeping last night and felt tired this morning, so she had taken a taxi.

    Shen Shu hesitated. Zhou Pei was Xu Jinnan’s assistant, not hers. It wasn’t appropriate to have her constantly driving her around.

    She declined the offer.

    Xu Jinnan didn’t reply, and Shen Shu, giving up, went to the backstage area to find a bandage.

    As she entered, she heard the other actresses talking.

    “I told you Shen Shu wasn’t so innocent. Now the truth is out, isn’t it?”

    “I can’t believe how she got this role. I knew she couldn’t have been better than Tan Jie. She’s ruining our drama’s reputation!”

    “There are only a few white Bentleys in North City. She’s clearly found herself a sugar momma. Disgusting. And she acts so aloof in front of us.”

    “Maybe she’s even a gold digger. How repulsive.”

    Shen Shu pushed open the door, her heels clicking against the wooden floor, the sound silencing the room.

    “So eloquent when gossiping, but your lines are a mess,” she said coldly. “Why don’t you say it to my face? Wouldn’t that be more satisfying?”

    Unlike them, she had held a position of power at the Shen Corporation.

    That kind of aura couldn’t be faked.

    While she usually avoided confrontation, her sudden outburst intimidated them into silence.

    Even Ren Xiaoqi was momentarily stunned, then she retorted, “So what if she did? Don’t you remember what I said? Stop buying trending topics, or they’ll come back to bite you… Look what happened. The Qipao Beauty is now the Kept Woman.”

    Someone whispered, “Shen Shu, haven’t you seen Weibo? You should check it out.”

    Shen Shu frowned. She hadn’t used Weibo in a long time.

    She took out her phone, ignoring Cai Ying’s message, and opened the app.

    Trending in Entertainment:

    Qipao Beauty Exposed

    Qipao Beauty Seen Partying at Nightclub, Questioned by Police

    She clicked on it.

    Entertainment News: #QipaoBeautyGetsIntoLuxuryCar #BeautyExposed The Qipao Beauty, recently known for her stunning looks, was seen at the Emperor Hotel late at night, being questioned by the police. Her image as an elegant beauty has been shattered. Netizens claim to have seen her with a group of hostesses. It’s worth noting that she was recently photographed getting into a rare and expensive luxury car.

    The first photo showed Shen Shu talking to the police outside the Emperor Hotel.

    The second photo showed her getting into a car at the film studio.

    Xu Jinnan’s white Bentley.

    Shen Shu stared at her phone, scrolling through the comments. While she had witnessed the dark side of human nature and the ruthlessness of the business world, she hadn’t expected such vicious attacks.

    She couldn’t imagine the kind of people who would write such things.

    Just two photos, not even conclusive evidence, and a few baseless accusations, and she was being vilified…

    She felt a sense of disappointment and disillusionment.

    It wasn’t that she couldn’t handle it.

    It was just that she had experienced so much kindness recently that she had forgotten the world’s inherent ugliness.

    “Places, everyone! Get ready!”

    A crew member called out.

    As she walked onto the set, she saw the looks in their eyes – disdain, disgust, and schadenfreude.

    After taking her position, Ren Xiaoqi said, her voice laced with disapproval, “Director, are you still letting her film? Aren’t you going to replace her? What if this ruins the drama?”

    Someone else chimed in.

    “People are already criticizing the production and the director online.”

    “The casting director is gone, isn’t he? Wonder how much he was paid.” The voice was low, but Shen Shu heard it.

    She looked at the director, her voice sincere. “I apologize for the trouble, Director. But those rumors are false. I promise this won’t affect the production.”

    The director didn’t say anything. Tong Jia had already informed him about Shen Shu’s wealthy backer, the one who had saved the production.

    While he hadn’t been thrilled about nepotism, Shen Shu had earned the role through her audition.

    “Let’s get started,” he said, waving his hand dismissively.

    It was a simple dialogue scene between Nightingale and her accomplice, just before she was about to assassinate V.

    It took only twenty minutes and two takes.

    As Shen Shu left the set, whispers followed her. Some people approached her with words of comfort and concern, but she could sense their true intentions.

    They just wanted to confirm the rumors.

    She ignored them.

    There weren’t many productions filming at this hour, but it was rush hour, and finding a taxi would be difficult.

    As she walked out of the studio, she stopped.

    Xu Jinnan was leaning against her white Bentley, her arms crossed. Seeing Shen Shu, she tilted her head and smiled faintly.

    Noticing her limp, she asked, “What happened to your foot?”

    “Just a blister. It’s nothing,” Shen Shu replied.

    Once in the car, Shen Shu asked, “I thought you were having dinner with a business partner.”

    “Yes, Mr. Qin from Meilai Jewelry,” Xu Jinnan replied, referring to the owner of the jewelry store.

    Shen Shu nodded. “You saw the trending topic, didn’t you?”

    Xu Jinnan looked at her. “Yes.”

    “Does it affect you?” Shen Shu asked. “My agent said she’ll come over tonight to discuss how to handle this.”

    “Don’t worry about me. It doesn’t affect me. Well, it does, a little…”

    Shen Shu paused, looking at her. “What do you mean?”

    “If you’re upset, I’ll be upset too. That’s the only way it affects me. So, don’t worry about it,” Xu Jinnan said.

    Shen Shu’s eyelashes fluttered, her usual coldness melting away under Xu Jinnan’s sincere gaze. Besides her grandmother, no one had ever been so kind to her.

    “Thank you,” she said softly, her voice filled with genuine gratitude.

    Xu Jinnan started the car. “What do you want for dinner?”

    “What do you want?”

    “Shrimp?”

    “I asked what you want.”

    “Shrimp.”

    “…Fine.”

    At 8 p.m., Tong Jia arrived.

    Shen Shu opened the door, offering her a pair of disposable slippers. As she sat down on the sofa, Xu Jinnan emerged from the bathroom.

    After they exchanged greetings, Shen Shu was about to introduce them when Tong Jia interrupted. “Let’s keep this brief. I have other things to do. Tell me about what happened at the Emperor Hotel.”

    Shen Shu gave a brief account of the incident, without going into detail, simply saying she had gone there to find someone.

    “That photo was photoshopped. There was a police cordon around the area,” she added.

    Tong Jia nodded. “Then all we need is another photo to disprove it. There must be surveillance footage outside the Emperor Hotel. Threatening them into releasing it should be easy for Ms. Xu, right?”

    Xu Jinnan, handing her a can of iced tea, paused. “…?”

    Shen Shu, hearing Tong Jia’s familiar tone, was slightly surprised.

    Especially the iced tea. This morning, when they signed the contract, had been their first meeting, and she had seen iced tea in Tong Jia’s office.

    Did they know each other?

    “That’s easy enough, but it’s not impactful enough on its own,” Xu Jinnan said. It wasn’t ruthless enough.

    “Of course. This smear campaign against Shen Shu seems deliberate, like someone paid for it. I suggest we wait and see what else they come up with, then we strike back. She’s a newcomer. Even negative publicity is still publicity. It’s good for her to be trending, even if it’s for the wrong reasons,” Tong Jia explained.

    While it wasn’t ideal, it was the reality of the entertainment industry.

    Talent and hard work were important, but marketing was unavoidable.

    Shen Shu considered this. If it only concerned her, she would agree.

    “I agree,” Xu Jinnan said.

    “What about your parents? How will you handle them?” Shen Shu asked.

    With this kind of negative publicity surrounding her, it would inevitably affect Xu Jinnan, especially considering the Xu family’s reputation.

    “Don’t worry about it. I can handle them,” Xu Jinnan assured her.

    “Then it’s settled. Just stay off Weibo for the next few days. It’s going to be unpleasant,” Tong Jia said. “After this blows over, or rather, in two months, I’ll make you a star!”

    Shen Shu smiled faintly. “I just want to act. I don’t care about fame.”

    “You might not care, but someone does,” Tong Jia said, winking at Xu Jinnan as she left.

    Xu Jinnan, taking a sip of water, ignored her.

    As Shen Shu stood up to see her off, Xu Jinnan said, “I’ll go with you. I need to pick something up downstairs.”

    Shen Shu hesitated, then nodded.

    As they waited for the elevator, Xu Jinnan said to Tong Jia, “Tone it down a little.”

    “…How can I control that? You can stop her from checking her phone at home, but not on set. She has another scene to film tomorrow. She’s bound to hear some unpleasant things,” Tong Jia replied. “Why don’t you come to the studio and supervise her yourself?”

    The elevator stopped on the second floor.

    “I have to commend you on one thing,” Tong Jia said, leaning closer to Xu Jinnan. “Teacher Xu, your lessons were amazing. My girlfr—”

    Footsteps approached, and Shen Shu appeared, carrying a trash bag. “Can you take this out?”

    “Oh, sure,” Xu Jinnan said, taking the bag and watching as Shen Shu turned and walked away.

    Upstairs, while Shen Shu was showering, Xu Jinnan sat on the sofa, scrolling through her phone.

    A few minutes later, Shen Shu emerged from the bathroom, wearing a satin pajama set, the top buttoned up to her collarbone. Xu Jinnan was reminded of the “X” tattoo below it.

    Shen Shu rarely wore clothes that exposed her collarbone, as if she was trying to hide the tattoo.

    “What?” Shen Shu asked, noticing Xu Jinnan’s gaze.

    “Your hair is wet,” Xu Jinnan replied, snapping out of her thoughts.

    Shen Shu touched her hair; it was slightly damp. “You know Tong Jia?”

    Xu Jinnan paused. “She didn’t tell you?”

    She had assumed Shen Shu would realize they knew each other when they signed the contract. There was no need to hide it, as long as Shen Shu didn’t know about her investment.

    “No.”

    “We met before. She mentioned you after you signed the contract. She’s very capable,” Xu Jinnan said.

    “Mm.” Shen Shu took a bottle of juice from the refrigerator and opened it. “Teacher Xu, I’m a little curious.”

    “About what?”

    Teacher Xu?

    Shen Shu looked at her, her voice calm and serious. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but I overheard her praising your… teaching skills. I’m curious, what did you teach her?”

    Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow, momentarily speechless.

    “Just… some things,” she replied vaguely.

    Fortunately, Shen Shu wasn’t the type to pry.

    “What things?”

    “…Knowledge.”

  • Captivating Beauty 37p1

    Chapter 37 p1

    “Oh, not big,” Xu Jinnan said, a hint of amusement and a subtle challenge in her voice.

    She looked at Shen Shu’s reflection in the mirror, then turned around, leaning back against the counter, one hand resting on the surface.

    She looked up at Shen Shu. “You seem to have some misconceptions about me.”

    Shen Shu: “…”

    While Xu Jinnan had preferences regarding body types, she was generally accepting of natural variations. But honestly, “not big” was a bit insulting.

    Shen Shu’s gaze fixed on the space between Xu Jinnan’s eyebrows. “Then take it off. We’ll return it tomorrow,” she said curtly, turning to leave the bathroom.

    Seeing her about to escape, a competitive spirit ignited within Xu Jinnan.

    She couldn’t physically demonstrate her stamina at this moment, but she could certainly clarify the “not big” comment.

    She took two quick steps, blocking the doorway.

    Shen Shu almost bumped into her, stumbling slightly as she stepped back. Xu Jinnan instinctively steadied her, their bodies close.

    Shen Shu’s gaze drifted downwards, landing on the curve of Xu Jinnan’s cleavage.

    “Return it, and then what?” Xu Jinnan asked, looking down at her.

    “…Get a larger size,” Shen Shu replied calmly. “Or if you don’t like it, we can return it altogether.”

    If it weren’t for the faint pink tinge on her earlobes, Xu Jinnan would have thought they were discussing pillow sizes, not dress sizes.

    “I like it,” Xu Jinnan said, her gaze lingering on Shen Shu’s flushed earlobes. Her heart skipped a beat, the sweet scent of Shen Shu’s pheromones, mingled with the faint fragrance of milk, intoxicating.

    Her scent gland tingled.

    She quickly stepped back, forcing a smile. “Then find me a larger size.”

    Shen Shu nodded and left the bathroom.

    Xu Jinnan looked at her slender back. “Shu Shu,” she said softly, “thank you. I really like it.”

    “Mm…”

    It was past 10 p.m.

    Shen Shu sat on the bed, staring at the explicit words on the page – breast, panted, stroking.

    An image of a body clad in black lace flashed through her mind.

    She tightened her grip on the book. Perhaps… not so small after all.

    She straightened up, surprised by her own thoughts.

    She read this book every night.

    Initially, it had been because the character Nightingale shared some similarities with the protagonist, and she had been trying to find inspiration. While certain passages had quickened her pulse, this was the first time she had associated them with Xu Jinnan.

    She put down the book, exhaling slowly, and turned off the light.

    Pulling the blanket up to her chest, she closed her eyes.

    The faint scent clinging to the blue-gray blanket was like the warmth of the sun, a clean, comforting fragrance.

    Xu Jinnan’s pheromones.

    She decided to buy a new blanket. That way, if Cai Ying stayed over again, Xu Jinnan would have one too.

    It would save them the trouble of sharing.

    Xu Jinnan felt the world spinning, a cacophony of voices echoing in her ears.

    “You useless waste!”

    “How could I have given birth to such a thing?!”

    “It’s okay. Close your eyes. It’ll be over soon…”

    “Nannan, endure it. Endure it with me!”

    “But Mommy, they say I’m crazy. Am I really crazy?”

    “No, they’re the crazy ones. You’re the best. The best in the world. Mommy will always be with you…”

    “Will you… die with me?”

    The cold, desperate voice echoed in her ears.

    Xu Jinnan jolted awake.

    She clutched her chest, gasping for breath, then, realizing the room was dark, reached for the light switch.

    As the room lit up, she squinted, her eyes adjusting.

    After a few seconds, she realized the glass of water on her bedside table was empty. She got out of bed and went to the kitchen.

    She filled the glass with cold water and drank it in one gulp, then noticed Shen Shu standing at the bedroom doorway, her eyes sleepy.

    “Did I wake you?”

    Shen Shu glanced at the glass in her hand. “Just thirsty,” she replied softly. She was a light sleeper and easily woken.

    Xu Jinnan poured her a glass of water and placed it on the counter. “Drink this and go back to sleep. Didn’t you say you have an early call time tomorrow?”

    “Mm,” Shen Shu murmured, taking the glass.

    As they were about to return to their rooms, Shen Shu stopped. “Sacred Heart Pictures wants to sign me. What do you think?”

    Sacred Heart Pictures was Tong Jia’s company.

    Tong Jia had mentioned this a few days ago, saying she would respect Shen Shu’s decision.

    The fact that Shen Shu was asking for her opinion made Xu Jinnan feel strangely touched.

    She smiled faintly. “Do you want to sign with them? If so, go for it. I told you, I support you in whatever you want to do.”

    Shen Shu looked at her for a moment, her earlier hesitation seeming to vanish.

    She had chosen to return to acting because she loved it, hadn’t she?

    She nodded. “Good night.”

    “Good night,” Xu Jinnan replied. Shen Shu paused, then repeated, “Good night.”

    Shen Shu had already left when Xu Jinnan woke up. She slept in, then messaged the private investigator Chen Bo had recommended, setting up a meeting, before finally getting ready and leaving the apartment.

    The car stopped outside a narrow alleyway, and a few moments later, a figure approached, blocking the sunlight, and knocked on the window.

    Xu Jinnan lowered the window. A young man with bleached blond hair, a silver chain around his neck, and a lollipop in his mouth looked up at her.

    “Miss Xu?”

    “Get in,” she said.

    “Sorry to bother you,” he said, getting into the car.

    “I only have his name, these two contact numbers, and a few locations where he’s been seen. Can you find him?” Xu Jinnan said, handing him the information.

    The young man looked through it, then took the lollipop out of his mouth. “I can try, but this isn’t much to go on. What about payment?”

    Xu Jinnan handed him a wad of cash. “Two things. Find this person, and keep this between us. This is just a down payment. There’s more if you find him.”

    The young man took the money, checking its authenticity. “Don’t worry, I’ll find him for you,” he said with a grin, then disappeared into the alleyway.

    Xu Jinnan waited for a few minutes, then Tong Jia messaged her, asking if she was free to meet. After confirming her schedule with Zhou Pei, she agreed.

    If it weren’t for Lu Yun, Zhou Pei would still be useful.

    She had realized that Zhou Pei was Lu Yun’s informant, and now that she couldn’t trust Lu Yun, she couldn’t fully trust Zhou Pei either, despite her competence.

    Just as she was thinking this, Lu Yun called.

    She hadn’t been returning Lu Yun’s calls or messages lately. She simply didn’t know what to say.

    Did she pity Lu Yun? Yes.

    But what about the original Xu Jinnan? What had she done to deserve such treatment?

    The memories flashed through her mind, her heart clenching, as if she was experiencing the original Xu Jinnan’s pain and fear – huddled in the corner of that dark study, trembling.

    She couldn’t face Lu Yun.

    After Xu Jinnan hung up, Lu Yun sent a text message.

    [Nannan, I know you’re angry with me, but please take care of yourself.]

    [You know your father hasn’t been like that in a long time. He was just drunk that night, and he regrets it… ]

    [Nannan, you weren’t like this before. Please don’t ignore me.]

    Just drunk?

    Xu Jinnan’s anger flared at Lu Yun’s pathetic excuse.

    Lu Yun understood her daughter perfectly, having molded her into the person she was.

    She thought this ridiculous explanation was acceptable, that the original Xu Jinnan would understand, even forgive her.

    That she would always be under her control.

    That was the real reason for Lu Yun’s heart attack, wasn’t it? She had been losing control, and it had terrified her.

    Xu Jinnan’s temples throbbed. She had initially thought Lu Yun’s love for the original Xu Jinnan was genuine, but now, she realized it was a twisted form of control, a terrifying form of emotional manipulation.

    She stopped thinking about it, deciding to wait until she uncovered the Xu family’s secrets.

    At the Blue View Cafe, Xu Jinnan arrived first. Tong Jia had asked if she could bring her girlfriend, and for a moment, Xu Jinnan suspected she was just showing off.

    As expected, before she could even see Tong Jia, she heard her cloying voice.

    “Darling, that’s Ms. Xu.”

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    She looked up. The Alpha beside Tong Jia smiled. “Hello, Ms. Xu.”

    “Ms. Xu, this is my girlfriend, Qiao Rui,” Tong Jia introduced.

    “Nice to meet you, Miss Qiao,” Xu Jinnan replied politely.

    After a few minutes of small talk, she learned that Qiao Rui was a dance instructor, specializing in adult classes, and many celebrities hired her as a private coach. She seemed like a decent, down-to-earth Alpha.

    “Your phone’s been ringing. Aren’t you going to answer?” Tong Jia asked.

    Qiao Rui glanced at her phone. “It’s a marketing call. From that real estate agency we visited last time.”

    “Ugh, they’re so persistent.”

    Qiao Rui stroked Tong Jia’s hair. “It’s fine. Just ignore them.”

    Xu Jinnan looked at the two of them and suddenly understood Cai Ying’s feelings. Disgusting lovebirds.

    After a while, Qiao Rui excused herself, saying she had a class.

    “Your wife and I signed the contract this morning,” Tong Jia said, her tone returning to normal once her girlfriend was gone. “I initially wanted to find her an experienced agent, but they’re all overloaded, so I decided to manage her myself. What do you think? Touched?”

    Xu Jinnan chuckled. “Don’t play the emotional card. You’re only doing this because she’s valuable, aren’t you?”

    Tong Jia shrugged, admitting, “That’s true. I’ve been in this industry for years. I know talent when I see it.”

    While Shen Shu’s current status wasn’t significant enough to warrant personal management from the company’s founder, Tong Jia had a sharp intuition.

    She had been considering it since seeing Shen Shu’s audition.

    Shen Shu’s beauty and charisma were undeniable, she was hardworking and humble, and most importantly, she had a natural talent for acting. It was a gift.

    And some people were naturally charismatic and generated buzz, like Shen Shu, who had trended online with just a photo in a qipao.

    And there was one more thing. Tong Jia glanced at Xu Jinnan.

    This was a purely business consideration – Shen Shu had a wealthy backer.

    And this backer was clearly very generous.

    Therefore, Shen Shu’s commercial value was high.

    “Shen Shu has one more scene to film, then she’s done… Oh, right, did you know she has a super topic on Weibo now?”

    Xu Jinnan took out her phone. She had been too busy to check social media lately.

    The super topic had just been created, with only 23 posts. After she followed it, the follower count increased to 36.

    There were only a few photos in the album – one in a qipao, one at the entrance of the film studio, and one at the jewelry store, showing only her back.

    “It’s just starting, so there aren’t many fans yet. Once the drama airs, she’ll gain more attention,” Tong Jia said. “Anyway, I’ll take good care of her. Don’t worry.”

    “Good,” Xu Jinnan replied, checking in. “I’m leaving her in your capable hands.”

    Tong Jia: “…”

    “Teacher Xu.”

    “?” Hearing the overly respectful title, Xu Jinnan knew what was coming.

    “I’ve taught you everything I know.”

    “One more tip! Something spicy. My darling loved the last one.”

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    After getting rid of Tong Jia, Xu Jinnan left the cafe, feeling drowsy. She found a quiet spot to park, reclined her seat, and closed her eyes.

    Her phone vibrated.

    She silenced it, then, thinking it might be Shen Shu, checked it anyway.

    A notification from the group chat.

    Chen Bo: [@Xu Jinnan Nan-jie, come chat with us!]

    Han Fu: [Almost everyone has left this group.]

    Chen Bo: [Back in Nan-jie’s glory days, before she found religion, this chat was so lively…]

    Han Fu: [Shut up. Did you even graduate elementary school?]

    Xu Jinnan scrolled up and saw a message from Song Ronghui: [Leaving.] Below it: Song Ronghui has left the group chat.

    Chen Bo: [Aww, she’s going abroad. So sad.]

    Xu Jinnan paused. After such a major blow to her reputation, Song Ronghui wouldn’t be able to recover in North City anytime soon. Leaving the country was her best option.

    Then, she saw Chen Bo add two new members to the chat.

    Xu Jinnan: “…” Truly heartbreaking.

    HP Han Wenfang: [Hi]

    Momo: [Hello everyone, I’m Chen Baimo! Kisses]

    Xu Jinnan didn’t recognize Chen Baimo, but she knew Han Wenfang. Chen Bo was truly a social butterfly.

    Just as she was about to close the chat, Chen Bo tagged her again.

    [@Xu Jinnan Nan-jie, are you coming to the event next month? You said everyone in this group had to attend.]

    Han Fu: [Come on, Nan-jie! It won’t be fun without you.]

    Momo: [What event? Is it the one I’m thinking of?]

    Chen Bo: [@Momo You’ll find out. You have to come!]

    Momo: [Okay!]

    Song Ronghui had also mentioned this event. She still didn’t know what it was, but judging by these people’s behavior, it wasn’t anything wholesome.

    Xu Jinnan ignored the messages. If she replied, Chen Bo wouldn’t stop.

    He wasn’t a good person, but his attitude towards the original Xu Jinnan had been… almost admiring.

    She hadn’t left the group chat because of him. He was well-informed, his social circle vast and diverse, and he was often the first to share news, like the banquet incident.

     

  • Captivating Beauty 36

    Chapter 36

    Xu Jinnan shuddered inwardly, picturing reading Tipping the Velvet with Shen Shu, considering the book’s rather explicit content.

    But looking at Shen Shu’s calm expression, she felt a twinge of guilt for her impure thoughts.

    It wasn’t an erotic novel, nor a naive fairytale.

    It was a work of art, exploring themes of female empowerment and sexual liberation in Victorian England, a society obsessed with pleasure and riddled with class struggles. It was a book of significant social value.

    Xu Jinnan tried to elevate her thoughts, but Shen Shu’s unwavering gaze made her falter.

    The book was innocent; she wasn’t.

    If she actually sat down and read it with Shen Shu, surrounded by her intoxicating pheromones, she wouldn’t be able to focus.

    She coughed, taking the book back and sitting down on the sofa. “We’re on different pages. I’ll read it first.”

    Shen Shu’s lips curved into a faint smile as she lowered her gaze.

    Xu Jinnan seemed complex, but she was actually quite predictable.

    Shen Shu hadn’t seriously intended to read it together. She had simply wanted to see Xu Jinnan’s reaction. She had noticed a pattern in Xu Jinnan’s behavior – she would occasionally flirt, but if Shen Shu reciprocated, Xu Jinnan would back down, almost shyly.

    Especially after the banquet, Xu Jinnan had been avoiding physical contact.

    Her smile faded as she considered this.

    Was Xu Jinnan still affected by that night? Unfortunately, besides the assault, Shen Shu couldn’t remember anything else. What had she done to Xu Jinnan?

    Xu Jinnan opened the book, finding her page, and mentioned Cai Ying’s exam.

    “She wants to find a tutor herself. I promised to go with her tomorrow,” Shen Shu said, picking up her phone.

    “I’m free tomorrow afternoon. I can join you,” Xu Jinnan offered.

    Shen Shu paused. “Okay.”

    Xu Jinnan flipped through a few pages, trying to remember if she had said “join you” or “join you two.”

    At 10:30 p.m., Cai Ying sent a good night message in the group chat, and Xu Jinnan began her nightly routine of locking the door and setting up her makeshift bed on the floor.

    The entire process took less than a minute.

    “I’m becoming quite proficient at this,” she commented dryly.

    Shen Shu chuckled at her tone.

    Xu Jinnan’s mood lifted at the sound of her laughter. Shen Shu rarely smiled, and she had never seen her laugh wholeheartedly.

    Perhaps her gaze was too intense, because Shen Shu asked, “What?”

    “You should smile more. It suits you,” Xu Jinnan replied, thinking, I hope you’ll always be this happy.

    “Xu Jinnan, you’re incorrigible.”

    Xu Jinnan: “…?”

    I’m being unfairly accused, she thought.

    She went to the bathroom, and when she returned, Shen Shu’s phone was lit up.

    “You have a call. I put it on silent,” Shen Shu said.

    Xu Jinnan picked up the phone, surprised to see “2B” on the caller ID. Why would Xu Li call so late?

    She answered.

    “You knew my brother was coming back, didn’t you? That’s why you dared to act up at home,” Xu Li accused.

    Hearing the accusation, Xu Jinnan’s face darkened.

    “Do you even know what happened that night?”

    “What? Do you want me to spread the news about your tantrum, throwing things, and attacking Dad?”

    “That’s what Xu Tao told you?” Xu Jinnan asked, a cold smile playing on her lips.

    Hearing Xu Tao’s name, Shen Shu’s heart tightened. She sat up and looked at Xu Jinnan, who was standing near the bed. Their eyes met briefly, then Xu Jinnan turned and walked onto the balcony.

    She didn’t want Shen Shu to get involved in this mess.

    “Xu Jinnan, how dare you say Dad’s name! You’re becoming more and more disrespectful!” Xu Li continued ranting, mostly about Xu Jinnan’s supposed disrespect towards their father.

    Xu Jinnan hung up. Clearly, Xu Li was completely unaware of what had actually happened that night, or perhaps she didn’t know the true nature of the man who played the role of a father in front of her, the monster lurking beneath the surface.

    Even Xu Li had called to scold her, yet Xu Tao, besides that one phone call a few days ago, hadn’t contacted her.

    She had expected him to do something, at least something similar to what Mr. Song had done to Song Ronghui.

    But nothing. She couldn’t understand what he was thinking.

    Lu Yun had sent a few messages, telling her not to worry and to take care of herself. If Xu Jinnan hadn’t witnessed it herself, she might have actually believed she was a good mother.

    Then, she remembered Xu Li mentioning her brother.

    Xu Yincheng, whom she had never met.

    She didn’t remember much about him from the novel, as he hadn’t appeared much in the part she had read. But the original Xu Jinnan hadn’t disliked him.

    He was one of the few contacts with a proper name.

    And Xu Li’s first words had been strange, implying that Xu Yincheng was some kind of protector for the original Xu Jinnan. Xu Jinnan scoffed. If the original had truly had a protector, would she have ended up like this?

    The entire Xu family was crazy. She didn’t have much hope for this brother.

    She stood on the balcony, lost in thought, until the sliding door opened.

    “What’s wrong?” Shen Shu asked, standing at the doorway.

    Xu Jinnan looked at her, smiling faintly. “Miss Shen, I’ve noticed you’ve been quite concerned about me lately.” Specifically, the past two days.

    Shen Shu: “…”

    Seeing Xu Jinnan’s attempt to change the subject, she looked away. “It’s almost 11 p.m. Time for bed.”

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    Back in the bedroom, the bedside lamp cast a cool glow.

    They lay down, Xu Jinnan putting her phone on silent and checking the stock market.

    “What was my contact name before?” Shen Shu suddenly asked.

    Xu Jinnan froze, remembering the original Xu Jinnan’s labeling system, and the near-exposure. “Just… your name. Why?” she asked, trying to sound casual.

    “I saw your caller ID earlier and remembered…”

    Xu Jinnan’s heart sank.

    “?”

    “It wasn’t just my name, was it?”

    Shen Shu turned slightly, but she couldn’t see Xu Jinnan’s expression in the darkness.

    “…Just your name. You must have been mistaken,” Xu Jinnan said.

    “Really?”

    “Yes.”

    Shen Shu didn’t say anything more, and after a few seconds of silence, Xu Jinnan relaxed slightly.

     

    Xu Jinnan shifted restlessly on the floor, then sat up and checked her phone. It was past midnight.

    She couldn’t sleep.

    She carefully picked up the book from Shen Shu’s bedside table and went to the living room, sitting down on the sofa.

    The air conditioning wasn’t on, and after a while, she started to feel hot. She exhaled, put down the book, and decided to take a shower.

    When she returned from the bathroom, she saw Shen Shu sitting on the sofa, wearing a light blue silk pajama set, reading Tipping the Velvet.

    “You’re still awake?”

    Shen Shu glanced at her, her cheeks slightly flushed.

    “Yes.”

    She put down the book and started walking towards the bedroom, then stopped. “No, just read it during the day. It’s not good for your eyes.”

    Xu Jinnan: “Huh?”

    She realized what Shen Shu was implying. “I wasn’t… I didn’t…”

    I’m just appreciating literature, just like you. Do you believe me?

    Shen Shu definitely didn’t.

    Considering her own thoughts while reading the book, Xu Jinnan gave up.

    After Shen Shu went into the bedroom, Xu Jinnan picked up the book, finding the page marked with a bookmark.

    It was a random page; she had a photographic memory and never used bookmarks.

    After reading the page, Xu Jinnan understood Shen Shu’s assumption.

    The next morning, Shen Shu left early. Cai Ying had a driver, so Xu Jinnan was the last to leave.

    She had intended to go to the office, but a WeChat message redirected her to a cafe.

    She spotted the woman in a crisp white shirt and formal trousers sitting by the window.

    Xu Jinnan waved.

    It was Li Lan, the director of the Rongcheng Special Ward.

    Xu Jinnan had found her contact information while organizing the original Xu Jinnan’s phone. She was one of the few with a proper name, so she had made a note of it.

    Li Lan had recently posted a promotional video of a training exercise at the Special Ward on her Moments feed.

    That was how Xu Jinnan had been able to arrange Song Ronghui’s arrest.

    People who worked in such specialized facilities were usually perceptive. Xu Jinnan wasn’t sure about the nature of the original Xu Jinnan’s relationship with Li Lan, so she waited for her to speak.

    To her surprise, Li Lan’s tone was familiar.

    “I have a meeting soon, so I’ll be brief. Is Xu Yincheng coming back soon?” As the waiter brought their coffee, Li Lan pushed the cappuccino towards Xu Jinnan. “If he contacts you, let me know immediately.”

    Her tone suggested a sense of urgency, almost desperation.

    Xu Jinnan deliberately slowed her speech. “Well…”

    Li Lan’s voice turned cold. “Even if he’s rejecting me, I want to hear it from him directly.”

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    Ah, the pain of unrequited love.

    She nodded, even though she had no idea about Xu Yincheng’s return, or even his current whereabouts.

    Why did everyone assume she knew?

    Li Lan checked her watch, taking a sip of coffee. “I haven’t heard any scandalous news about you lately. Keep it up. And remember to be a law-abiding citizen.” She straightened her collar. “Most importantly, pay your taxes. If you break the law, even your brother won’t be able to save you, let alone me.”

    Xu Jinnan: “…”

    She nodded, watching as Li Lan walked away.

    She was slightly touched – she hadn’t expected to find someone so upright in the original Xu Jinnan’s circle.

    But she hadn’t learned anything new about Xu Yincheng. What did he even do?

    As she stood up to pay, the waiter informed her that the bill had been settled. As expected of someone from the state, she thought, impressed.

    It was a little past 1 p.m. when Shen Shu received a message from Xu Jinnan asking for her location. She sent her location pin.

    Xu Jinnan: [Why are you at the university?]

    Shen Shu: [She heard there was an event and wanted to check it out.]

    Xu Jinnan: [Did you find anyone?]

    Shen Shu: [Almost.]

    Cai Ying had contacted a few doctoral students with teaching experience in trade. Due to Cai Ying’s impulsive nature, they had arrived early, only to find it was just a lecture.

    With only twenty minutes left before their scheduled meeting, they decided to wait at a nearby milk tea shop.

    “Shu Shu, why don’t we walk around campus?” Cai Ying suggested.

    Before Shen Shu could reply, her phone rang. It was a former colleague asking for advice.

    “I’ll be right back,” Cai Ying said, stepping outside with her milk tea.

    Two rows of sycamore trees lined the road leading to the university. The late August heat was still intense, and Cai Ying opened her bag under the shade of a tree, looking for a tissue.

    It slipped from her hand and fell to the ground.

    As she bent down to pick it up, a slender hand appeared in her vision. Cai Ying looked up, her eyes widening. “You’re the one from…”

    “We meet again,” Han Wenling said, smiling faintly, handing her the tissue. “Are you a student here?”

    Cai Ying took the tissue, shaking her head. “Are you a student?”

    Han Wenling looked at her flushed face and leaned closer. “Do I look like one?”

    “No…” Cai Ying felt a strange nervousness. “You look like a teacher.”

    When Cai Ying returned, Shen Shu was about to call her.

    “Let’s go. I found a tutor,” Cai Ying said, linking arms with Shen Shu. “Is your Xu Jinnan still coming?”

    “You found someone?”

    “Yes, but not from the original list. I met someone amazing, a professor at the university.” And she’s gorgeous. She didn’t say this last part aloud, but Shen Shu could tell.

    “Did you even ask about her qualifications, her teaching experience, her area of expertise?”

    “Of course I did!” Cai Ying insisted. “She even showed me pictures of her with the university president and other professors.”

    “What’s her name? I’ll look into it,” Shen Shu said.

    “She said she’ll contact me later with more details. I’m not in a hurry. Come on, don’t worry. You don’t think I’d be scammed, do you?”

    “I’m not worried about that. I’m certain you were scammed,” Shen Shu said dryly.

    Cai Ying: “…”

    As Xu Jinnan waited at a red light, she saw a woman smoking in a black Maybach.

    Han Wenling also noticed Xu Jinnan, and their eyes met briefly, both recognizing something in the other.

    Han Wenling raised her hand in a slight gesture of acknowledgement.

    While the banquet incident had been proven unrelated to the Han family, Xu Jinnan didn’t believe Han Wenling had been completely unaware. She had sensed a calculating coldness in her eyes, a dangerous quality.

    The two cars passed each other.

    After picking up Shen Shu, Xu Jinnan listened to her conversation with Cai Ying.

    “She doesn’t even know the basics, and you gave her your contact information? How can I not worry?” Shen Shu asked, her voice slightly sharper than usual when she was annoyed.

    Cai Ying, feeling pressured, blurted out, “Okay, okay! I didn’t actually want her as a tutor. I just want to date her!”

    Xu Jinnan: “…I think you’re more likely to be the one being pursued.”

    Cai Ying: “…”

    Under Shen Shu’s stern gaze, Cai Ying promised to be careful and to inform her when she had more information about the tutor.

    Xu Jinnan dropped Cai Ying off, then drove Shen Shu home.

    “Still mad?” she asked, glancing at Shen Shu’s expression.

    Shen Shu shook her head. “Just worried.”

    Cai Ying was an adult; as a friend, she shouldn’t interfere too much.

    Xu Jinnan turned off the car. “It’s not interfering too much. She’s naive.” She understood that Shen Shu, having lacked familial affection most of her life, cherished her relationship with Cai Ying.

    She wondered where she ranked in Shen Shu’s heart now. The thought was fleeting.

    Shen Shu chuckled at her words. “She’s been sheltered her whole life. The most malicious person she’s ever met was her ex-girlfriend.”

    “I can understand that,” Xu Jinnan replied.

    Shen Shu wanted to protect Cai Ying’s innocence.

    Having experienced the ugliness of the world, she wanted to preserve that spark of naivete.

    Xu Jinnan was about to suggest dinner when Shen Shu said, “Let’s go upstairs.”

    Xu Jinnan paused, then nodded, understanding she meant they should go up together. They picked up a package at the front desk on their way up.

    It was 6:30 p.m.

    The refrigerator was almost empty, only frozen shrimp, so she made seafood noodles.

    “Why did you give me all the shrimp?” Shen Shu asked, looking at her bowl.

    “You like them, and there weren’t many,” Xu Jinnan replied, taking a bite of her egg. “How’s filming going?”

    Shen Shu’s heart tightened. The images and words from those photos were like scars, impossible to erase. The current Xu Jinnan was kind and gentle, but she had also been through hell…

    She lowered her gaze. “I have two more days of filming, then I’m done.” She placed a few shrimp in Xu Jinnan’s bowl.

    “Xu Jinnan,” she said softly, “I’ll treat you better too.”

    Xu Jinnan paused. After a moment, she said lightly, “You could have just said that earlier. A few shrimp and you’re already buttering me up. I should just open a shrimp farm.”

    Shen Shu chuckled, the corners of her eyes crinkling, and Xu Jinnan smiled back.

    “Looks like I should. You seem happy.”

    Shen Shu took a piece of pickled vegetable. “You’re annoying,” she said, smiling.

    Xu Jinnan’s heart skipped a beat.

    So, Shen Shu had this side to her too.

    Her playful tone was like a feather brushing against Xu Jinnan’s heart, where a seed of something was growing, a tingling sensation blooming within her.

    A little after 7 p.m., Xu Jinnan remembered the locked box and was about to go get it when Shen Shu said, “Can you open that package we picked up earlier?”

    Xu Jinnan went to the entrance and retrieved the package.

    Inside was a black satin slip dress with delicate lace trim below the bust. The fabric felt soft and luxurious. Knowing it was from Shen Shu, Xu Jinnan’s hands felt warm as she held it.

    “Where should I put this?”

    “It’s for you. Try it on,” Shen Shu replied, her back to her as she poured a glass of water.

    “For me?” Xu Jinnan asked, surprised.

    Shen Shu didn’t turn around, her voice softer than usual, less cold. “Yes. You can return it if you don’t like it.”

    Xu Jinnan went into the bathroom and stared at the dress for a moment, smiling. Why is she so shy about giving a gift?

    She undressed and put on the dress.

    After a moment, she called out, her voice slightly strained.

    “Shu Shu, can you come here for a second?”

    Shen Shu stood at the doorway. “Did you change?”

    “No,” Xu Jinnan replied, opening the door and turning her back to Shen Shu, her bare back exposed. “It’s stuck…”

    Shen Shu: “…”

    She zipped up the dress effortlessly.

    Their eyes met in the mirror.

    “It really was stuck,” Xu Jinnan insisted, then coughed, looking at her reflection. “Don’t you think it’s a little… small in the chest area?”

    “I got the smallest size,” Shen Shu replied calmly, looking away, not wanting to admit she wasn’t good at judging sizes. Xu Jinnan was very slender. “I didn’t think you were… well-endowed, so I didn’t ask.”

    Xu Jinnan: “?”

    Why don’t you take a closer look?

  • Captivating Beauty 35p2

    Chapter 35 p2

    Just as Xu Jinnan turned off her computer, Zhou Pei called. “Miss, Song Ronghui’s car is heading towards Rongcheng.”

    “Follow her. Once she’s inside, you can go home,” Xu Jinnan instructed.

    “Understood.”

    It was past 9 p.m. when Song Ronghui arrived at the Rongcheng Special Ward.

    The guard’s expression was grim. Song Ronghui was related to the Song family, and if she hadn’t helped him before, he wouldn’t be risking this.

    “We’re under strict surveillance. You have half an hour. Understand?”

    Song Ronghui, aware of her frequent visits lately, nodded, promising not to come back this month.

    It wasn’t just an empty promise; she had a bad feeling.

    As soon as she entered the visiting room, Yin Xue sensed something was wrong. Even as she embraced Song Ronghui, her mind seemed elsewhere.

    “What’s wrong with you?” Yin Xue asked, frowning.

    Song Ronghui put her arm around Yin Xue’s waist, looking down at her. “I have a bad feeling. Something happened at home… I think Xu Jinnan knows.”

    “What are you talking about? What happened at home? What does it have to do with Xu Jinnan?”

    Song Ronghui briefly explained the situation. “I think she’s behind it.”

    Yin Xue was silent for a moment.

    “Knowing her as you do, do you think she’s already figured it out?” Song Ronghui asked.

    “It’s highly likely.”

    While Xu Jinnan’s personality had changed, and she felt like a stranger, there was one thing Yin Xue was certain of.

    “You think so too?”

    “You really think Xu Jinnan is a useless idiot, don’t you?” Yin Xue said. “You’re all wrong. She’s incredibly intelligent, smarter than all of you. I’m telling you, if she wants to take someone down, she will succeed. That’s why I kept asking you if our plan was foolproof.”

    “Smarter than me?” Song Ronghui bristled.

    Yin Xue smiled, cupping Song Ronghui’s face in her hands. “Don’t let her carefree attitude and promiscuous lifestyle fool you. She’s not a useless idiot.”

    Song Ronghui’s face darkened. She lifted Yin Xue’s chin, forcing her to meet her gaze. “If she’s so much better than me, why are you still here?”

    Yin Xue pulled her hand away. “Are you taking out your frustrations on me?”

    Song Ronghui watched as she turned away, then lit a cigarette, taking a drag before extinguishing it. She pulled Yin Xue into her arms and kissed her.

    Yin Xue slapped her.

    “Are you fucking crazy?!”

    Song Ronghui touched her lip, tasting blood. “Yes, I am! I’m crazy for doing all these things for you! And who do you think about?! Only that fucking Xu Jinnan!”

    The sudden clang of the metal door opening drowned out her angry words.

    The guard who had let Song Ronghui in stood nervously at the doorway, a woman in a high-ranking uniform behind him.

    Song Ronghui knew now this was Xu Jinnan’s doing. There were no such coincidences.

    The woman looked coldly at the two of them, then said to the other guards, “Keep a close watch on her. The visitor is leaving.”

    As Song Ronghui was being escorted out, Yin Xue called out to her.

    “Song Ronghui!”

    Song Ronghui turned back, looking at Yin Xue. “You can focus on her now.”

    After all, she was no use to Yin Xue anymore.

    The next day, news of the guard allowing unauthorized visits at the Rongcheng Special Ward appeared in the newspapers.

    The visitor was quickly identified as Song Ronghui, heiress of the Song family.

    Mr. Song was furious when she was brought home.

    “She’s playing you like a fiddle! And you still won’t tell me what you’ve been doing!”

    Song Ronghui knelt on the floor. “I didn’t do anything! I don’t know who’s framing me, or why they’re targeting the Song family…”

    Slap!

    Song Ronghui fell to the floor. “You still won’t admit it!! Get out! You’re no longer part of this family!”

    Song Weiwei tried to calm their father, then called out to her sister, “Ronghui! Come back!”

    “Dad, don’t be angry with her.”

    “Freeze all her accounts! And tell everyone in North City, if anyone dares offer her credit, the Song family won’t pay a single cent!”

    “Dad… but…”

    “Look at what she’s become! Doing such shameful things for that woman! She’s disgraced the Song family!”

    Song Ronghui left the Song residence, the midday sun scorching her skin, the pavement burning beneath her heels.

    After a restless sleep at the hotel, she went to the bar, booked a private room, and ordered a few Omega companions, partying until dawn.

    When she tried to pay, the waiter informed her that her card had been declined.

    She knew this was her father’s usual tactic, but this time, it was more severe. He had even forbidden them from offering her credit.

    In the end, Chen Bo paid.

    “Ronghui, I heard some rumors. Did you really provoke Xu Jinnan?” he asked.

    Song Ronghui sneered. “What do you think?”

    Chen Bo shrugged. He had also been on the receiving end of Xu Jinnan’s wrath. “The Xu family is powerful. We can’t win against them. Why bother?”

    Song Ronghui ignored him, spending the next two days sleeping at the hotel, which was owned by the Han family, so she didn’t have to pay.

    But things were different now. She had become a laughingstock in North City. Even Chen Bo had heard the news, so everyone in their circle must know – she had offended Xu Jinnan, and by extension, the Xu family.

    Han Fu told her, “I can’t help you after today. My mother forbade me from getting involved. She said we can’t risk antagonizing the Xu family for your sake.”

    Song Ronghui didn’t ask her to do anything more.

    She hesitated, then asked, “Any news about Yin Xue?”

    Han Fu, sitting on the sofa with her legs crossed, sighed. “You’re still thinking about Xuexue? You truly love her, ruining yourself for her. But why did you target Xu Jinnan? You know what kind of person she is, don’t you?” Someone as ruthless and heartless as Xu Jinnan would destroy anyone who crossed her.

    What was the point of discussing this now? Song Ronghui asked dejectedly, “Don’t you think she’s changed?”

    Han Fu shrugged. “So what? People change. It’s not like she’s been possessed. Even if she has, what does it have to do with you? Mind your own business. You’re driving yourself crazy over this. Is it worth it?”

    “Remember Chen Bo’s slap at the hospital? And Yin Xue’s imprisonment? You still dared to target Shen Shu? And then you even schemed against Xu Jinnan. Song Ronghui, you’re an idiot.”

    Song Ronghui didn’t reply.

    Her phone was filled with messages from people cutting ties with her, and news alerts about the plummeting Song family stock.

    She closed her eyes. It had come to this.

    She finally understood why Xu Jinnan had waited so long before making her move. She had been slowly pushing her into a corner.

    In Xu Jinnan’s office, Zhou Pei entered with a stack of documents. After Xu Jinnan signed them, she said, “Miss, you have a meeting with Mr. Qin from Meilai Jewelry in an hour.”

    “Okay.”

    “Song Ronghui is still waiting.”

    Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow. “Oh? How long has she been waiting?”

    “An hour.”

    Xu Jinnan didn’t reply, continuing to read the documents. Zhou Pei understood.

    An hour later, Xu Jinnan walked past Song Ronghui on her way to the meeting room. Song Ronghui tried to call out to her, but Zhou Pei stopped her. “Excuse me, Miss Song, Ms. Xu said to wait.”

    Zhou Pei’s expression was always cold and serious, and many people in the office were intimidated by her, especially since she knew martial arts.

    Song Ronghui, despite being an Alpha, didn’t want to cause a scene and was easily stopped.

    Another hour passed, and Zhou Pei returned. “Miss Song, Ms. Xu and Mr. Qin are having lunch. Would you like to continue waiting, or should I reschedule?”

    Song Ronghui gritted her teeth. “She just wants revenge, right? I’m not afraid. I’ll wait.”

    “Certainly. Please let the receptionist know if you need anything.”

    It was past 2 p.m. when Xu Jinnan finally met with Song Ronghui.

    “How did you do it? How did you know about the Song family’s major holdings…?” Song Ronghui asked.

    “Are you here to ask me questions?” Xu Jinnan asked, leaning back in her chair, her voice calm.

    Song Ronghui bit her lip, then said, her voice strained, “I was behind the incident at the banquet. I apologize. Can you please let us go?”

    “Wait,” Xu Jinnan said, calling Shen Shu.

    After Shen Shu answered, she said to Song Ronghui, “Explain everything. In detail.”

    Song Ronghui gave a concise account of the events, admitting her sole responsibility and her motivation – to protect Yin Xue.

    “I love her, but she only has eyes for you, so I targeted you,” she said.

    Xu Jinnan knew she was mixing truth with lies, but it didn’t matter.

    “You should apologize to more than just me,” she said.

    “I already apologized to Miss Shen.”

    “No, there’s one more person,” Xu Jinnan said, standing up and walking towards Song Ronghui, her Alpha presence filling the room. “That Omega on the bed that night. Do you know what happened to her? She almost died! You almost took someone’s life, just to get back at me. If she had died, you would have to live with that, and so would Shen Shu and I.”

    She wasn’t just speaking for Shen Shu and herself; she was genuinely appalled by the recklessness of it all.

    Sometimes, she felt like everyone in this world was crazy.

    After a long silence, Song Ronghui said, “I’ll apologize to her.”

    As Xu Jinnan dismissed her, Song Ronghui said, “Xu Jinnan, for the sake of your relationship with Yin Xue, can you please let her go?”

    “She’s in prison. I won’t do anything,” Xu Jinnan replied.

    Yin Xue had been transferred to a higher-security facility and would face stricter regulations. She deserved to learn her lesson.

    After Song Ronghui left, Xu Jinnan sat back down in her chair.

    “Shen Shu?”

    “Yes, I heard everything,” Shen Shu replied. “So, you weren’t actually planning to destroy the Song family.”

    Xu Jinnan had said she knew all their secrets, and while the Song family had suffered losses these past few days, she hadn’t gone after their major holdings.

    She had shown mercy.

    Xu Jinnan smiled faintly, picking up her glass of water. “I’m not going to ruin the entire Song family for Song Ronghui’s mistakes. She’s not worth it.”

    “You did the right thing,” Shen Shu said.

    Xu Jinnan paused, a smile playing on her lips. “That’s rare. Miss Shen actually complimenting me.”

    “Haven’t I complimented you before?”

    “Not unprompted.”

    “…”

    A brief silence followed. Xu Jinnan was about to speak when Shen Shu said, “Should I hang up then?”

    “Sure.”

    Xu Jinnan stared at the call log for a moment, then turned off her phone and returned to her work.

    The money she had used against the Song family had been from previous investments, and it would take time to recoup her losses. She needed to find new opportunities.

    After work, she dismissed Zhou Pei and drove home in her white Bentley.

    She sat in the parking garage for a while, deciding whether to eat at the hotel or find a restaurant.

    Just then, her phone buzzed with a WeChat notification.

    A new group chat.

    Created by Cai Ying. Shen Shu was in it too.

    Xu Jinnan: [?]

    Cai Ying: [@Shen Shu Shu Shu, my aunt brought back some chocolates from Belgium. I have some for you and Xu Jinnan.]

    Cai Ying: [When will you be home?]

    Cai Ying: [If it’s too late, I’ll come tomorrow.]

    Xu Jinnan sent Shen Shu a private message.

    Xu Jinnan: [Should I go over now? Or what?]

    A few seconds later:

    Shen Shu: [Come over.]

    Xu Jinnan: [Okay.]

    As she started the car, she saw Shen Shu’s reply in the group chat.

    Shen Shu: [@Cai Ying Come over.]

    Without hesitation, Xu Jinnan drove out of the garage and headed towards Shen Shu’s apartment.

    When she arrived, Cai Ying sent a message saying she had a last-minute dinner and would be late.

    Shen Shu: [What time? Don’t come if it’s too late.]

    Cai Ying: [Why?]

    Cai Ying: [Oh, you’re afraid I’ll interrupt your… activities. I get it.]

    Cai Ying: [Fine, I won’t come after 9 p.m.]

    Shen Shu: […]

    Shen Shu: [Just let me know when you’re coming. Be careful.]

    Xu Jinnan chuckled, looking at the messages. “See? I didn’t teach her that. She’s even more knowledgeable than I am.”

    Shen Shu, retrieving tomatoes, potatoes, and beef from the refrigerator, said, “No one is more knowledgeable than you.”

    Xu Jinnan took the tomatoes and went to wash them.

    “What do you mean?”

    Shen Shu glanced at her, but didn’t answer.

    After a simple dinner of two dishes and a soup, Shen Shu washed the dishes, and just then, the doorbell rang.

    Cai Ying arrived with two boxes of chocolates.

    “I tried them. They’re delicious,” she said, popping one into Shen Shu’s mouth. The bittersweet chocolate melted on her tongue.

    Xu Jinnan looked at them. “None for me?” she asked playfully.

    Cai Ying laughed. “You don’t have a best friend, but you have a wife. If she won’t feed you, I can’t help you.”

    Shen Shu and Xu Jinnan exchanged a look.

    Xu Jinnan smiled. “I’m going to take a shower,” she said, getting up.

    When she emerged from the bathroom, Cai Ying was in the guest room, attending her online class, her voice occasionally audible as she answered the tutor’s questions.

    While her grammar wasn’t perfect, her spoken English, thanks to her time abroad, was quite fluent.

    The bedroom door was slightly ajar, and Shen Shu was sitting on the bed, folding clothes.

    Xu Jinnan placed Tipping the Velvet beside her. “You can read now,” she said.

    “Did you finish it?”

    “No, you go first. I don’t want to forget the plot.”

    “No, you read it,” Shen Shu insisted.

    “…” Xu Jinnan smiled faintly. “Or we could read it together?” she suggested playfully.

    Shen Shu hesitated. “Okay.”

    Xu Jinnan: “…?”