Category: Captivating Beauty

Chapter 62 p2

—

Xu Jinnan leaned back in her chair, her eyes closed, a massage device on her neck and another on her lower back. She was thinking of installing a massage chair in her office, and perhaps one at home as well.

After a brief rest, she picked up her phone, intending to ask Shen Shu when she would be done and if she wanted anything to eat, when her gaze stopped on Shen Shu’s profile picture.

A black “X” on a white background.

She suddenly lost her appetite, turning off the massage devices and sitting up straight, resting her elbows on the desk.

Could it be Xia Chun?

If so, what kind of relationship had it been, for Shen Shu to carry this symbol with her, to use it as her profile picture?

Then, her rational mind took over. Based on Shen Shu’s reactions, she clearly didn’t have feelings for Xia Chun anymore. She wouldn’t use her initial as her profile picture.

Then, what did the “X” mean?

Lost in thought, she considered asking Shen Shu directly. Perhaps it wasn’t what she thought at all.

But the more she tried to suppress it, the more it bothered her.

She realized that seeing Shen Shu and Xia Chun’s names together bothered her more than she had anticipated.

Like that afternoon, when she had impulsively pulled Shen Shu into the empty pantry. She wouldn’t normally do that, especially with other people around.

But she hadn’t been able to resist, the action almost deliberate…

She had felt like a wolf marking its territory, pulling its mate into a secluded corner.

If they hadn’t been interrupted—

She wasn’t sure what she would have done.

She unconsciously rubbed her thumb against her forefinger, as if she could still feel the warmth and softness of Shen Shu’s lips.

She had tasted their sweetness, a taste as intoxicating and addictive as the deep ocean…

She couldn’t deny the desire she had felt, the undeniable arousal.

She closed WeChat, then, after a moment of silence, checked Weibo.

She hadn’t had time to open it today, and as soon as she did, she saw a message from ShuShu’sNumberOneFan.

ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [Boss Lady, our Shu Shu is amazing!]

ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [The Sheng Xia super topic lost over a thousand followers in a few hours, but that giveaway is still up.]

Xu Jinnan didn’t understand at first, so she checked Shen Shu’s Weibo.

She had reposted the pinned giveaway post from the “NanShu” super topic, a silent yet powerful statement.

Xu Jinnan smiled, liking the post.

She closed Weibo, then her phone lit up again.

Shen Shu: [Will be an hour late tonight.]

Xu Jinnan: [Are you hungry?]

Shen Shu: [No.]

Xu Jinnan: [Want to eat at home then? A little later?]

Shen Shu closed her eyes, letting the makeup artist continue her work, and sent a message: [Okay.]

Tong Jia, standing beside her, yawned.

“Not sure if we’ll be done in an hour,” she said. “Shu Shu, want to have dinner together? There’s a new restaurant I want to try.”

“Not tonight,” Shen Shu replied.

“Then I’ll ask Little Cai,” Tong Jia said.

“She… might not be free either,” Shen Shu said.

Cai Ying had mentioned going to the movies with Han Ling.

–

Han Wenling took the popcorn from the attendant and handed it to Cai Ying.

Cai Ying was wearing a pink and white hoodie and tight jeans, her slender legs accentuated by a pair of white sneakers.

She held the popcorn, popping a couple of pieces into her mouth, her small, pale hands adorable.

Han Wenling, holding two cups of orange juice, glanced at her hands. “Let’s go. They’re checking tickets,” she said.

Cai Ying nodded, taking another handful of popcorn. As they were waiting in line, she almost bumped into someone.

Han Wenling grabbed her wrist, taking the popcorn from her. “Watch where you’re going,” she said with a smile, meeting Cai Ying’s puzzled gaze. “I’ll hold this for you. You can eat it inside.”

“Okay,” Cai Ying mumbled, letting Han Wenling lead her into the theater.

They found seats in the back row, and Han Wenling placed the drinks on the cupholders, then handed Cai Ying the popcorn.

“Aren’t you going to have any?”

“I don’t like sweet things.”

“It’s good,” Cai Ying said, taking a handful. “Teacher Han, you’re such a picky eater.”

Han Wenling raised an eyebrow. “Am I?”

“Yes! You don’t eat this, you don’t eat that, no sweets, no spicy food, no onions, ginger, or garlic, not even kiwi. You’re so difficult to please! Children like you are a nightmare to raise,” Cai Ying said casually.

Han Wenling’s expression flickered, then she smiled. “Is that so?”

“What?”

“My younger sister eats everything. Are you saying my parents prefer her because of that?” she asked, her voice light and teasing, but her eyes unreadable.

Cai Ying’s heart sank, a sudden nervousness gripping her. She had said the wrong thing.

“No, that’s not what I meant…”

Han Wenling, seeing her guilt, leaned closer, a playful glint in her eyes. “Then what did you mean?”

The scent of cedarwood, Han Wenling’s pheromones, enveloped Cai Ying, a subtle yet intoxicating fragrance.

Cai Ying’s face flushed. “You’re so wonderful. They must love you very much,” she stammered.

Han Wenling paused, then, her lips curving into a smile, whispered, “Wonderful? That’s a first.”

Cai Ying turned to her, their faces inches apart, their breaths mingling. Han Wenling’s eyes darkened, and she didn’t move away.

Cai Ying leaned back slightly. “You’re a good person. A truly good person,” she said, her voice firm.

Just then, the theater lights dimmed.

They had wanted to watch a romance movie they had missed earlier, but it was no longer showing, so they settled for a recently released comedy.

At first, Cai Ying’s attention was on Han Wenling, but then she was drawn into the movie, laughing along with the audience, munching on popcorn.

Every time she laughed, Han Wenling glanced at her.

She wasn’t usually interested in movies; in fact, there were very few things that truly captivated her.

“Hahaha, that was hilarious!” Cai Ying exclaimed, turning to Han Wenling, wanting to share the moment.

Their eyes met in the darkness.

Han Wenling, her gaze fixed on Cai Ying’s sparkling eyes, reached out and gently cupped her flushed cheek, turning her face towards her.

Then, she kissed her.

Cai Ying’s eyes widened. They were in a public place… but the thrill of the moment, the unexpected intimacy, was intoxicating, and she couldn’t resist.

After a few seconds, Han Wenling pulled away.

Cai Ying’s heart pounded as she looked at her, her lips parting slightly, about to speak, but her words were drowned out by the laughter of the audience.

Han Wenling licked her lips, tasting the sweetness of popcorn.

Looking at Cai Ying’s flushed face, a mixture of shyness and boldness, she leaned in close and whispered, “So sweet.”

Cai Ying blushed even deeper.

—

It was past 9 p.m., and Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu were sitting on the sofa.

Just then, Cai Ying sent a message in their group chat. Xu Jinnan, who was checking her phone, glanced at it, then leaned closer to Shen Shu.

As Shen Shu looked down, Xu Jinnan caught the scent of her shower gel, a sweet, milky fragrance.

Cai Ying: [Han Ling kissed me!]

Then, she retracted the message.

Xu Jinnan sent a question mark.

Cai Ying: [Speechless emoji]

Cai Ying: [Choking emoji]

Cai Ying: [Screaming emoji]

Cai Ying: […I sent that to the wrong chat.]

Cai Ying: [You didn’t see that, right?]

Xu Jinnan: [Han Ling kissed me!]

Cai Ying: […………………… Goodbye.]

The string of ellipses made Xu Jinnan chuckle.

“Why are you teasing her?” Shen Shu asked, picking up her vibrating phone.

Cai Ying: [Help!!! Major social death!!!]

Cai Ying: [Whatever. I’m done… ]

Cai Ying: [Shu Shu, Han Ling kissed me!]

As Shen Shu replied to Cai Ying, the kettle clicked off, and Xu Jinnan went to pour some water.

“They haven’t known each other for very long, have they?” she asked.

“No,” Shen Shu replied.

They had only met a few times.

Xu Jinnan placed the glasses of warm water on the table, remembering Cai Ying’s mortified reaction to sending the message to the wrong chat, and chuckled. “Things are progressing quickly.”

Shen Shu looked up. “Yes, they are,” she said, her tone slightly odd.

Xu Jinnan, meeting her gaze, paused. Was there something else behind her words…?

“You have a day off tomorrow, right? Want to go horseback riding?” she asked, changing the subject.

“Why?” Shen Shu asked, turning to her after sending her message.

“Cai Ying gave me a VIP card,” Xu Jinnan explained, showing her the card. “We’ve both been busy lately. It would be a nice way to relax.”

Shen Shu glanced at her lower back. “Can your back handle it?”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

She suspected that look was deliberate.

“It’s not always sore. I’ve just been sitting too much lately,” she clarified.

“Oh, sitting too much,” Shen Shu repeated, her tone slightly suggestive.

Xu Jinnan, realizing the double entendre, said, “Sitting in a chair too much.”

Shen Shu’s lips curved into a faint smile. “I didn’t say anything else, Teacher Xu. What are you thinking about?”

Xu Jinnan chuckled, turning the tables. “And what is Teacher Shen thinking about?”

Shen Shu stood up. “Teacher Xu is pure and virtuous. What could she possibly be thinking about?”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

And she says she’s not good with words?

—

At 11 p.m., Xu Jinnan took the suitcase from the guest room and placed the contents of the red handbag inside a separate bag, planning to discard everything.

As she was leaving, Shen Shu emerged from the bedroom, dressed in a white T-shirt, jeans, and a trench coat. “I can’t sleep. Going for a walk,” she said.

Xu Jinnan was happy to have company.

She drove to a deserted area a few kilometers away, a place where people often dumped trash.

As she got out of the car, about to toss the bag into a dumpster, a voice called out, “Hey!”

She turned to see a security guard approaching. “Dumping trash this late? What is it?”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

The guard placed his hand on his walkie-talkie. “Which building are you from? Open the bag and let me see.”

Xu Jinnan sighed. “…Just some personal belongings.”

“Open it! Now!” the guard said. “Such a big, heavy bag, and you call it ‘personal belongings’? If you don’t open it, I’m calling the police.”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Shen Shu couldn’t help but laugh, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she leaned back in the passenger seat.

It was the first time Xu Jinnan had seen her laugh so freely, and she thought, Perhaps that embarrassing encounter wasn’t a complete waste after all.

But remembering the security guard’s reaction after she reluctantly opened the bag, she still found the whole thing absurd.

“Exercise equipment, huh?” he had asked, peering at the chains visible through the plastic bag.

Xu Jinnan, her face burning, had mumbled, “Yes.”

The guard, relaxing slightly, had said, “You’re throwing this away? What a waste! Give it to me.”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

As she walked back to the car, still holding the bag, he had called out after her, “Hey, why aren’t you throwing it away anymore?”

The memory made her cringe.

Shen Shu’s laughter, clear and bright, was like a spring trickling over smooth stones.

Xu Jinnan looked at her.

Shen Shu was still laughing, her cheeks flushed, her lips curved into a beautiful crescent moon shape.

She was breathtakingly beautiful.

Xu Jinnan, her own lips curving into a smile, asked, “Is it that funny?”

“Yes,” Shen Shu replied, still chuckling.

Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow, feigning annoyance. “Stop laughing.”

“You can’t tell me what to do,” Shen Shu retorted, her voice light and playful.

“What if I do?”

“What will you do?” Shen Shu asked, turning to her, her eyes sparkling with amusement in the dim light of the car.

“Tell me, what will you do?” she repeated, tilting her head slightly, challenging Xu Jinnan’s “authority.”

Perhaps because Xu Jinnan didn’t reply, Shen Shu, assuming she was actually annoyed, her smile fading slightly, said, “It’s getting late. Let’s go ho— mmmph.”

A shadow fell over her face as Xu Jinnan leaned in, her lips warm and soft against Shen Shu’s.

Shen Shu’s mind went blank, as if a tightly wound spring had suddenly snapped.

She instinctively kissed her back.

After a brief moment, Xu Jinnan pulled away, their lips still close, a hair’s breadth apart.

She looked down at Shen Shu, her voice husky. “Want to go horseback riding the day after tomorrow?”

Shen Shu’s breathing was uneven. “Mm…”

Her eyelashes fluttered, a mixture of nervousness and excitement.

“Xu Jinnan.”

“Yes?”

She felt Shen Shu’s fingers gently tugging at the fabric of her dress, as if encouraging her to continue…

Chapter 62 p1

The pantry, like the rest of the office building, was spacious and brightly lit, with large windows and a sleek, modern design in black and white. It was equipped with a refrigerator, water dispenser, coffee machine, toaster oven, and everything else one could possibly need.

It was large enough to accommodate twenty people, yet at this moment, it was occupied by only two.

“Xu Jinnan, what are you doing?” Shen Shu asked, her voice softer than usual, perhaps due to their close proximity.

Xu Jinnan looked down at her, a smile playing on her lips. “What are you doing? It’s your wife’s company, and you’re waiting in line for water?”

Your wife’s company…

Shen Shu repeated the words silently.

“The two pantries are separate,” she said, pulling her hand away from Xu Jinnan’s and placing her container of lemon slices on the counter.

Xu Jinnan stood beside her. “You could have come to my office,” she said, taking out a small container of grapes.

Shen Shu watched silently as Xu Jinnan opened the container, peeled a grape, and offered it to her.

“I had Viola buy these this morning. I washed them earlier. Want to try one?”

Shen Shu took a small clip from her lemon slice container. “Just put it there for now,” she said.

Xu Jinnan paused, then lifted her hand, holding the grape to Shen Shu’s lips.

Shen Shu looked at her, then opened her mouth slightly.

The translucent grape disappeared between her pale pink lips.

Their eyes met, the simple act somehow amplified, the air between them charged with a subtle tension, the temperature in the pantry rising.

Xu Jinnan’s gaze lingered on Shen Shu’s lips, stained with grape juice, then she swallowed, as if she had tasted the sweetness herself.

She leaned closer—

Just then, they heard voices approaching.

Shen Shu, flustered by the thought of being seen like this, quickly popped the grape into her mouth.

As the door opened, two employees, seeing their boss and her wife, one washing her hands, the other adding lemon slices to her water, froze.

While it was a perfectly normal scene, their presence felt intrusive, and they quickly greeted them, filled their water bottles, and left.

“Was it good?” Xu Jinnan asked.

“Yes,” Shen Shu replied, filling her water bottle. “Very sweet.”

“Want another one?” Xu Jinnan asked, peeling another grape.

Shen Shu bit her lip, her gaze fixed on the water dispenser as she pressed the button for warm water. “You’re acting… strange today,” she said softly.

“Strange how?” Xu Jinnan asked, smiling faintly, offering her the peeled grape.

Shen Shu glanced at her, then took the grape without touching Xu Jinnan’s fingers.

After swallowing it, she said, “I should go back now.”

“Okay,” Xu Jinnan replied, handing her the container of grapes.

As Shen Shu reached the door, Xu Jinnan called out, “What do you want for dinner?”

Shen Shu turned around. “Porridge.”

“Shrimp porridge?”

“Sure.”

—

Back in her resting area, Tong Jia, seeing Shen Shu return, put down her phone. “What took you so long? And where did you get those grapes?”

Shen Shu opened the container and offered some to Tong Jia. “Xu Jinnan brought them.”

Tong Jia’s eyes widened. “No wonder you were gone so long. Kissing and cuddling, huh? I knew it! Some people pretend not to care, but they’re secretly seething with jealousy.”

“Xu Jinnan?” Shen Shu asked.

“Who else?” Tong Jia recounted the afternoon’s events. “When you and Xia Chun hugged, I could practically see the green monster on CEO Xu’s face.”

The sweet and sour taste of the grapes still lingered in Shen Shu’s mouth, and her lips curved into a faint smile.

“Seriously, though, your relationship with Xia Chun is a sensitive topic. Be careful not to upset your wife. Remember how concerned she was about that super topic? She was the one who warned me,” Tong Jia said.

The smile faded from Shen Shu’s eyes, and she nodded. “I know.”

“Speaking of which, I just told her we managed to suppress the Sheng Xia CP rumors, but the super topic is trending again. With those huge cash giveaways, people don’t even care about the actual CP; they’re just in it for the money. Now people are accusing us of using Xia Chun for clout, of clinging to her fame,” Tong Jia said, her voice laced with frustration. “We need to do something. I’ll talk to Xia Chun’s agent later and see what she thinks.”

She wasn’t very hopeful. Xia Chun’s agency should be the most concerned, considering Shen Shu was married, and they wouldn’t want any scandals.

But so far, they hadn’t done anything.

Tong Jia popped a grape into her mouth. “These CP fans are… intense. Shipping a married woman with a single woman? It’s like those obsessive solo stans. And we can’t interfere as a studio. They’re saying it’s their right to ship whoever they want. It’s frustrating.”

Shen Shu opened Weibo and checked the “Sheng Xia” super topic. The follower count and activity level were indeed high.

After a moment of thought, she said, “The studio can’t interfere, but I can.”

“What are you going to do?” Tong Jia asked.

Shen Shu found the “NanShu” super topic and reposted the pinned giveaway post.

“Nice! Shipping your own CP? That’s brilliant! Why didn’t I think of that?”

“No matter what they say, I just need to make my stance clear,” Shen Shu explained.

“If Xia Chun’s agency is willing to cooperate, it would be best if she liked or reposted the post as well.”

“Mm.”

—

Within half an hour of Shen Shu’s repost, hundreds of comments appeared.

Even the real couple is here! Those delusional CP fans should back off now.

Ahhh, I’m dying! Is Shu Shu shipping herself with Xu Jinnan?! NanShu forever!!!

Did you all see that? This is the real deal! Stop accusing them of using Xia Chun for clout! They don’t need her!

Two hours later, Shen Shu scrolled through the comments. Tong Jia, glancing over, said, “It’s working! I just checked the Sheng Xia super topic. Someone even posted a farewell message. Hilarious.”

Shen Shu, staring at the second most popular comment, said, “The name is awful.”

Tong Jia: “Huh?”

Shen Shu closed Weibo. “It’s nothing. I’m going to take a nap,” she said.

“Okay, you have about fifteen minutes. I’ll wake you up.”

“Okay.”

Shen Shu closed her eyes, not expecting to actually fall asleep.

In her brief ten-minute nap, she dreamed of a bustling street, paved with gray stone…

A child led her through the crowded street, the air thick with the aroma of food, then stopped at an intersection.

The child let go of her hand.

“Go. Run. Don’t look back,” the child said.

“Aren’t you coming?”

“If I leave, Mommy will be sad. Go! They’ll see us if you don’t leave!”

“Come with me.”

“We’re not the same. I’m a bad person.”

—

Shen Shu woke up with a start, Tong Jia gently shaking her arm. “Bad dream? Five minutes until your next scene.”

She sat up, her heart still racing, and took a large gulp of water, trying to calm down.

This was the third time she had dreamed of this place.

She had never had such dreams before.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket, and she exhaled, taking it out and seeing a message from someone she hadn’t spoken to in a while – Chen Xiaxia.

Chen Xiaxia: [Cousin, can’t you help me?]

Chen Xiaxia: [Just ask Jinnan-jie to talk to the director. I really want that role.]

Shen Shu: [She can’t help you.]

Chen Xiaxia had contacted her a few days ago, asking for help with a role in another production.

While Shen Shu had refused, she had looked into it and learned that Chen Xiaxia had already auditioned and been rejected, due to both her tardiness and her poor acting.

Chen Xiaxia: [You just don’t want to help me, do you?!]

Chen Xiaxia: [And the Emperor Hotel incident… I almost… because of you! Why can’t you just help me? You didn’t even ask Xu Jinnan, did you?]

Shen Shu took a deep breath. While Chen Xiaxia had been deceived at the Emperor Hotel, Shen Shu still felt partially responsible.

If it was just an audition, she could help, but she wouldn’t do anything more.

But she knew Chen Xiaxia, if she didn’t get what she wanted, would try other methods.

—

As expected, during a break in filming, Tong Jia handed her her vibrating phone.

“It’s your mother. That’s the second call.”

Shen Shu nodded, taking the phone and stepping aside to answer it.

It was probably about Chen Xiaxia. Her mother had always been like this, always trying to fulfill Chen Xiaxia’s every whim, even at Shen Shu’s expense.

After all, Shen Shu wasn’t her real daughter.

“Shu Shu,” Wei Wuqing’s voice said, “it’s been a while. How are you?”

“I’m fine,” Shen Shu replied calmly, waiting.

Wei Wuqing paused. “Your cousin hasn’t been well lately. Your aunt is worried sick. I asked around, and it’s about her acting career. I don’t know much about that industry, so I thought I’d ask you. Do you have any connections that could help her?” Perhaps because of Xu Jinnan’s earlier warning, her tone was much more conciliatory, but Shen Shu’s heart remained cold.

“I asked around. Chen Xiaxia failed her audition. I can’t help her,” she replied.

Wei Wuqing’s voice hardened slightly. “If you can’t help her, there’s always Nannan.”

“Xu Jinnan can’t help her either,” Shen Shu said firmly. “Instead of relying on connections, she should focus on improving her acting.”

Wei Wuqing was silent for a moment, then said, her voice softening again, “Alright, I won’t pressure you. Shu Shu, I found something while cleaning out the attic today – a sweater your grandmother knitted for you. Wasn’t it a birthday gift?”

Shen Shu remembered. It had been her fifth birthday, the first one her grandmother had celebrated with her, the first birthday she could remember.

Her memories before the age of five were hazy, but she vaguely remembered living in an orphanage… or perhaps she had just imagined it.

She wasn’t sure. But lately, the memory had been fading.

She wasn’t even sure if she had actually lived in an orphanage.

Another set of memories, clearer and more vivid, seemed to be surfacing.

She couldn’t explain it.

As for the birthday gift, she had been at school when her grandmother passed away, and by the time she returned home, Wei Wuqing had burned everything, leaving her with nothing to remember her by.

“How could I have burned everything? I know how much it meant to you. I kept it for you. I told you I burned it because I didn’t want you to be sad. When are you coming to pick it up? Bring Nannan with you. After all those misunderstandings, it’s time for our family to reconcile.”

Shen Shu understood. This phone call had two purposes – to ask for help with Chen Xiaxia’s career, and to mend their relationship with Xu Jinnan.

She had also heard that the Shen Corporation was struggling financially. She wasn’t feeling sentimental, but if it was truly something her grandmother had made, she would go back and get it.

“I’ll come over sometime. Please keep it safe for me,” she said.

“Shu Shu, I’m your mother. It’s no trouble at all,” Wei Wuqing replied.

Shen Shu didn’t say anything more and hung up.

Tong Jia, who had been watching her, noticed her somber expression. “What’s wrong?” she asked softly.

“Family matters,” Shen Shu replied.

“Don’t worry, let CEO Xu pamper you when you get home!” Tong Jia said, leaning closer. “How did the foot-washing go?”

Shen Shu looked at her. “…You’re my agent. Can you be more professional?” She knew Tong Jia was trying to distract her.

It worked.

Her earlier gloom lifted slightly.

And Tong Jia’s words had reminded her of Xu Jinnan, her gaze drifting towards the box of grapes.

The darkness in her heart seemed to dissipate, like sand trickling through a funnel in the sunlight and the wind.

 

Chapter 61

Awkward. That was the best word to describe how Xu Jinnan felt right now.

“…” Shen Shu should know these aren’t mine.

“They’re not mine,” she clarified anyway.

Besides the handbag, Xu Jinnan remembered the blue suitcase was still in the closet. She had been meaning to get rid of it, its contents too embarrassing to be seen, but she had kept putting it off and had forgotten about it.

She should be grateful Cai Ying had started from the bottom of the closet and had even asked before taking the bag.

Xu Jinnan bent down and picked up the thin rope that had landed on Shen Shu’s foot. It was long and thin, like a jump rope.

She put it in the bag, then gathered the other… items.

“Do you… enjoy these things?” Shen Shu asked, looking down at her.

Xu Jinnan’s hand froze as she picked up a particularly suggestive item, the texture familiar. “No,” she replied, then, after a moment, added honestly, “I wouldn’t say I dislike them either.”

“Then what?” Shen Shu asked, her voice neutral.

“…” Is this really an appropriate topic for midnight conversation?

“It depends,” Xu Jinnan replied.

If these things were used to take advantage of someone, like the original Xu Jinnan had intended to do to Shen Shu, it would be disgusting. “But between consenting adults, or a couple, I don’t see anything wrong with it,” she said. What people did in private was their own business.

She tossed a deflated balloon into the bag, then, realizing Shen Shu hadn’t responded, quickly added, “I mean…”

“What’s that?” Shen Shu interrupted, pointing towards something by the bed.

Xu Jinnan looked down and picked up a thin, black chain with leather wrist restraints attached to each end, the length just enough to allow for limited movement when worn.

Shen Shu stared at it, the purpose obvious.

Her gaze lingered on the chain, then on Xu Jinnan’s slender, pale hands.

She had always found such things repulsive, but now, seeing them in Xu Jinnan’s hands, she didn’t feel any disgust.

She pushed the thought aside.

Her thoughts had been rather… inappropriate lately.

Xu Jinnan tossed the chain into the bag, her tone casual. “Don’t worry about this. I’ll get rid of it tomorrow after Cai Ying leaves.”

Shen Shu, watching her reaction, sat down on the bed. “I’m not worried. But Teacher Xu seems quite knowledgeable,” she said, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Xu Jinnan, hearing the teasing tone, sighed. “I’ve never used these things,” she said.

“Are you sure?” Shen Shu asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

Xu Jinnan zipped up the bag, opened the wardrobe, and placed it inside, then remembered waking up at the hotel…

“…”

She coughed, glancing towards the guest room, then opened Shen Shu’s bedroom door.

She hadn’t expected Shen Shu’s sudden interest in these things.

She remembered Shen Shu’s look of disgust at the hotel, when she had seen the contents of the suitcase.

The light in the guest room was still on at 11:30 p.m., and Xu Jinnan could hear Cai Ying’s voice as she walked past. She returned to the bedroom. “She’s probably not coming over,” she said to Shen Shu, locking the door.

“Go to sleep.”

She took the new blanket Shen Shu had bought from the closet, the faint, clean scent filling the air as she unfolded it.

It smelled like spring, despite the autumn weather.

Shen Shu, watching her spread the blanket on the floor, her expression softening slightly, said nothing.

As Xu Jinnan knelt down to straighten the blanket, she felt a sudden chill and instinctively turned around, just as a pillow struck her in the face.

It was a down pillow, soft and light, the impact painless.

She stared at Shen Shu, who had already turned her back and lay down on the bed, her action a clear sign of lingering annoyance.

She was still angry.

Xu Jinnan turned off the lights, then sat on the floor, her arms crossed, lost in thought, the light from her phone illuminating the ceiling.

She picked it up.

Lu Yun had sent her a message.

She had received a couple of messages from Lu Yun earlier that day, asking if she was busy and if they could meet.

Since Xu Yincheng’s return, her contact with Lu Yun had decreased significantly. Lu Yun used to visit her every few days, but lately, she had been strangely absent.

It had made Xu Jinnan’s life much more peaceful.

Meeting with Lu Yun wasn’t unusual, but the timing was…

She had just returned from Qucheng last night…

Lu Yun: [Nannan, are you asleep?]

Xu Jinnan: [No.]

Lu Yun: [Let’s meet tomorrow at noon. I’ll come to your office, or we can meet somewhere else.] Unlike her earlier messages, this one wasn’t a question.

It was a summons.

Xu Jinnan didn’t bother with pretense. [About Qucheng?]

A few seconds later: [You know what I want to talk about. You’re investigating again, aren’t you?]

Lu Yun: [I told you to stay away from Qucheng. Why won’t you listen?]

Xu Jinnan: [I wasn’t investigating. I was just passing through on a business trip.]

Lu Yun wouldn’t believe her; it was just an excuse.

Knowing she wouldn’t get the truth, Lu Yun quickly changed the subject. [Did you lay your hands on Xu Lian?]

Xu Jinnan slowly typed a reply: [I just remembered she… might have… laid her hands on me when I was little. I lost control.]

She had a feeling Lu Yun wouldn’t ask any further questions.

Based on their conversation in Xu Tao’s study, Lu Yun didn’t want her to bring up her childhood, because she was guilty.

As expected, after a long pause, Lu Yun replied.

Lu Yun: [Xu Lian called your father. She’s furious. And your grandmother knows about it too.]

Lu Yun: [But don’t worry, I’ll take care of it. Just take care of yourself.]

Lu Yun: [Get some rest. Don’t stay up too late.]

If this had been before, those words would have touched her, but now, she knew Lu Yun’s every word was carefully calculated, a gentle, loving trap.

She simply replied, “Okay.”

She turned off her phone, the room plunging into darkness, the faint light from the streetlights filtering through the gap in the curtains, like a thin veil, obscuring the darkness of the Xu family’s secrets.

She had copied the video Chen Yue had recorded and planned to review it tomorrow, hoping a different perspective would reveal something new.

She turned over, resting her head on her arm.

She couldn’t see Shen Shu, but she could hear her even breathing.

She remembered Shen Shu’s panicked words before they left Qucheng: Let’s go. I don’t want to be here.

What had she dreamed about? What had scared her so much?

And how could Xu Jinnan forget about the kiss in the car?

Lost in thought, she closed her eyes, then, just as she was drifting off to sleep, she felt Shen Shu’s breathing change.

—

Shen Shu felt like she was standing on a giant block of ice, the coldness seeping into her bones.

She was surrounded by darkness, and she struggled to open her eyes—

A square courtyard with high walls, cobwebs clinging to the dark tiles of the roof.

The windows were closed, the black double doors secured with silver latches.

The courtyard was bare, except for a large water tank in the corner, big enough to hold an adult, and a swing set swaying gently in the breeze, like a ghost pushing it.

She stood frozen, her body trembling with cold and fear, a sense of dread washing over her, as if anticipating something terrible.

Her legs trembled, but she couldn’t speak, couldn’t scream, her voice trapped in her throat.

Footsteps approached from behind, like the coming of a demon.

She desperately wanted to run, but as she reached for the gate, a hand grabbed her neck, pulling her back.

Pain. Suffocation.

She whimpered, praying for someone to save her…

Then, a hand grasped hers, pulling her away from the demon’s grasp, and they ran, a desperate flight through a crowded street, the faces of the passersby blurring.

They ran and ran, their breaths ragged, like they were running for their lives.

She couldn’t see the other person’s face, only the comforting warmth of their hand in hers, a sense of safety amidst the terror.

—

Shen Shu’s eyes fluttered open, the faint light of dawn filtering through the curtains, like a gentle dew. She was back in her own bed, safe from the nightmare.

A warm hand was clasped in hers, and she turned slightly to see Xu Jinnan lying on the floor beside the bed, her face resting on her arm, her other hand holding Shen Shu’s.

Xu Jinnan’s sleeping face was beautiful, devoid of the usual intensity of her almond-shaped eyes, her expression peaceful and innocent.

As Shen Shu’s fingers twitched, Xu Jinnan’s hand instinctively tightened around hers, as if reassuring her even in her sleep.

Shen Shu looked at her, the anger that had been simmering within her dissipating like a deflated balloon.

She didn’t know how long she had been sitting there, refusing to lie down, despite the discomfort.

She remembered Xu Jinnan’s words, Let’s take things slow, and she agreed.

But…

Xu Jinnan, you’re taking things too slow.

—

It was past 8 a.m.

As Cai Ying emerged from the guest room, she saw Xu Jinnan walking out of the bedroom, rubbing her lower back.

“Tsk tsk,” she said. “Young people and their lack of moderation. You’ll suffer when you’re older.”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

She really needed to talk to Shen Shu about Cai Ying and Tong Jia’s influence on each other. Their combined penchant for suggestive jokes was dangerous.

Her body ached, and she didn’t have the energy to argue, or the time to cook breakfast, so they had a simple meal of toast and milk.

As Shen Shu went to change, Cai Ying whispered, “You couldn’t coax her into forgiving you?” The question had a double meaning.

Xu Jinnan glared at her. “Eat your breakfast.”

Cai Ying sighed dramatically.

Xu Jinnan, unable to tolerate her any longer, chuckled. “I occasionally see your father. Does he know you’re planning to seduce your tutor?”

Cai Ying: “…Xu Jinnan, you’re playing dirty.”

Xu Jinnan finished her toast, her body stiff and aching from sleeping on the floor. “If you don’t hurry up, you’re washing the dishes,” she said.

“So childish,” Cai Ying muttered, though she quickly finished her milk, not wanting to wash the dishes.

As Xu Jinnan started clearing the table, Cai Ying looked at her, her expression turning serious. “Is it really that bad?” she asked. “Did you do something to upset Shu Shu? She’s usually easy to appease.”

“No,” Xu Jinnan replied.

She was simply feeling physically uncomfortable, unable to maintain her usual cheerful facade.

Cai Ying followed her to the kitchen island, leaning against it. “Xu Jinnan, can you ride a horse?” she asked.

“?”

“A horse. Like, at a riding stable,” Cai Ying clarified, as if explaining to a child.

“…Yes,” Xu Jinnan replied.

Despite being six or seven years older than Cai Ying, she sometimes couldn’t keep up with her train of thought.

As soon as she answered, Cai Ying dashed off, then returned a moment later. “A friend of mine owns a riding stable near my family’s resort. Shu Shu has always wanted to learn, but she never had the chance. Take her!” She handed Xu Jinnan a VIP card for the stable.

It was a members-only establishment, with limited access, like a private golf course.

Xu Jinnan hadn’t been to one since arriving in this world.

Just as they were talking, Shen Shu emerged from the bedroom, and Cai Ying, tossing the card onto the counter, went to talk to her.

Xu Jinnan placed the dishes in the drying rack, glancing at the VIP card, then smiled faintly.

So, last night’s dinner and the designer bags hadn’t been a complete waste.

She hadn’t known Shen Shu was interested in horseback riding.

—

As they were leaving, Cai Ying mentioned going to the movies with Han Ling that night.

“So, you’re officially dating now?” Xu Jinnan asked with a smile.

“Of course not! I’m playing hard to get,” Cai Ying replied.

“Waiting for her to make the first move?” Xu Jinnan asked, thinking, What if she doesn’t?

Cai Ying, missing the implication, retorted, “What kind of Alpha doesn’t make the first move?!”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

While it wasn’t directed at her, it still felt like a personal attack.

After Cai Ying’s driver picked her up, Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu drove to the office building.

Xu Jinnan took the private elevator from the basement, encountering a few employees on their way up.

Two young women excitedly called out Shen Shu’s name.

“Shu Bao! Can I have your autograph? I’m a huge fan!”

Shen Shu stopped, taking the pen and paper they offered.

Xu Jinnan felt a strange mix of emotions. While Shen Shu had been gaining popularity recently, it was only now that she truly felt it, the realization that this person beside her would one day be a star.

“CEO Xu, I’m a huge fan of yours too! I’m a CP fan! I check in to your super topic every day!” one of the women exclaimed, her eyes sparkling.

“Thank you,” Xu Jinnan replied with a smile.

As they stepped into the elevator, Xu Jinnan glanced at Shen Shu, whose makeup-free face, framed by the mask, looked fresh and youthful.

“Do you know about our super topic?” she asked.

“Yes,” Shen Shu replied. “Do you?”

“Yes, I do,” Xu Jinnan said, making small talk, wanting to see if Shen Shu would respond, a sign that she was no longer angry.

She dropped Shen Shu off at the film crew’s office, then went to her own.

It was Saturday, and the office was relatively empty, most of the staff having the day off.

—

After a busy afternoon, Xu Jinnan, feeling the tension in her neck, used a massage device while taking a break, then decided to check on Shen Shu.

Just as she was about to leave, Tong Jia arrived, carrying a small cake.

Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow. “What’s this for?”

“It’s not for you. It’s for Viola,” Tong Jia replied.

Xu Jinnan: “…You two…?”

“CEO Xu, what are you thinking?” Tong Jia asked, shrugging. “She helped me with something, and she also helped with the police report the other day. I promised her afternoon tea, and I saw this cake and thought she might like it. Can you give it to her?”

“Oh, sure,” Xu Jinnan said, taking the cake.

“We managed to suppress the Sheng Xia CP rumors,” Tong Jia said, referring to the Shen Shu and Xia Chun super topic.

“Good,” Xu Jinnan replied.

Tong Jia leaned closer, her voice low. “Be honest, are you just worried about the rumors getting out of control, or are you a little jealous?”

Xu Jinnan glared at her, seeing the knowing look in her eyes. “Jealous of what?”

“Oh, so you’re not jealous. Good.” Tong Jia crossed her arms, joining Xu Jinnan by the glass wall. “Then take a look. A feast for the eyes. Don’t blink.”

Xu Jinnan, puzzled, didn’t reply, glancing through the glass wall into the office area, which was empty.

Shen Shu, seemingly makeup-free today, her face slightly pale, emerged from an office at the back, then suddenly stumbled, grabbing onto a nearby desk for support.

Just then, a figure rushed over to help her.

Xu Jinnan watched as Xia Chun, in character, gently pulled Shen Shu into a hug.

Xu Jinnan’s brow furrowed slightly.

Tong Jia, never one to miss an opportunity for drama, said, “CEO Xu, let me explain. This is the scene where the female lead and her first love, the third female lead, reunite.”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

—

Back in her office, Xu Jinnan sat at her desk, restless, trying to focus on the report in front of her.

Next quarter…

The image of Xia Chun holding Shen Shu, Shen Shu’s eyes closed against her shoulder, kept flashing through her mind.

It had been a simple hug, a common scene in dramas.

But it bothered Xu Jinnan, like a splinter under her skin.

Suddenly, a thought struck her – the “X” tattoo.

Shen Shu and Xia Chun had dated for over two years. Could the tattoo be… Xia Chun’s initial?

It was possible.

But the thought made her feel strangely uncomfortable, even a little… jealous.

She tapped her fingers against her forehead, then her cheek, then rested her elbow on the desk, then, unable to sit still any longer, stood up and paced around the room, her hand gripping the back of her chair.

Looking at the chair, she was reminded of Shen Shu sitting there earlier.

She felt a sudden warmth spreading through her.

Just then, Viola knocked and entered, carrying a report on the latest developments in the North District project. She saw Xu Jinnan turn away from the window, her expression unreadable.

“This is from Tong Jia,” Xu Jinnan said, gesturing towards the cake on her desk.

Viola paused, then picked up the cake, smiling politely. “Certainly. If there’s nothing else, I’ll leave you to your work.”

As she reached the door, Xu Jinnan called out to her. “Can you get me something from the store?”

“Of course, CEO Xu.”

—

That afternoon, Shen Shu washed her hands in the restroom.

Xu Jinnan’s office building was well-maintained, the space spacious and brightly lit, even the restrooms. As she dried her hands, she felt a sudden unease, as if she was being watched.

She turned around, scanning the room, just as Tong Jia emerged from a stall. “What’s wrong? What are you looking at?”

Shen Shu took a deep breath. “Nothing,” she replied after a moment.

Perhaps she was just being paranoid.

As they walked towards the filming area, passing through the office space, Tong Jia paused, glancing back.

Shen Shu followed her gaze.

Xu Jinnan and Viola were standing by a desk near the pantry, looking at a document. Xu Jinnan’s back was turned, but Viola’s face was lit up by a bright, professional smile.

They both looked capable and efficient, their presence strangely harmonious.

“Viola seems decent enough, but we should still be vigilant,” Tong Jia said, her voice low. “She looks like the type who’s into powerful Alphas.”

Shen Shu: “…”

It sounded like something Cai Ying would say. Perhaps Xu Jinnan was right; Tong Jia and Cai Ying’s combined influence was a dangerous combination.

“Let’s go,” Shen Shu said.

Just then, Viola looked up, and Tong Jia, her expression instantly turning professional, as if she hadn’t just been gossiping about her, waved cheerfully.

Viola smiled and said something to Xu Jinnan, likely about Shen Shu and Tong Jia’s presence.

Then, Xu Jinnan turned around, but their eyes didn’t meet, blocked by a passing employee.

Shen Shu and Tong Jia returned to their resting area.

Shen Shu was holding a clear water bottle with a red lid, the water inside lukewarm. Seeing her finish most of it, Tong Jia said, “Is it cold? I’ll get you some hot water.”

Each floor had a pantry area, divided into two sections, one for the film crew, the other for Xu Jinnan’s company.

“No, I’ll make some lemon water. I need to walk around a bit,” Shen Shu replied, shaking her head. Filming a workplace drama meant spending most of the day in the same location, with little opportunity to move around.

Her feet were aching after a full day in heels.

She took a small container of lemon slices and her water bottle and went to the pantry.

Several other actors were waiting in line, surprised to see her there, as they had been instructed to use their designated pantry.

But wasn’t this her wife’s company? Why was she getting water here? Puzzled, they offered to let her go first.

Shen Shu politely declined, saying she wasn’t in a hurry.

Suddenly, a hand grasped her wrist, and she instinctively tried to pull away, but was gently turned around.

She found herself facing Xu Jinnan, her almond-shaped eyes warm and gentle.

“What are you doing here?” Xu Jinnan asked, her voice low.

The others in the pantry gasped, intimidated by her presence. They usually only saw her from a distance, and now, up close, her aura of authority was overwhelming.

But her gaze was fixed solely on Shen Shu, the coldness in her eyes melting away.

Shen Shu, relieved, said softly, “Getting some water.”

Xu Jinnan pulled her towards the adjacent pantry, which was empty.

Chapter 60

Shen Shu’s long eyelashes fluttered against her cheek like raven feathers, her sweet scent filling the air, her lips warm and soft against Xu Jinnan’s.

Xu Jinnan felt like she was standing on the edge of an erupting volcano, her breath coming in short, rapid gasps. She deepened the kiss slightly, savoring the moment.

She felt Shen Shu trembling in her arms, her hand instinctively tightening around her wrist. Just as she was about to lose herself in the kiss, the intoxicating scent of Shen Shu’s pheromones, stronger than ever before, filled her senses.

A sharp tingling sensation shot through her scent gland, and she abruptly pulled away.

The warmth vanished from Shen Shu’s lips, and her heart seemed to skip a beat as she opened her eyes, a flicker of confusion and disappointment in her gaze.

“Shu Shu,” Xu Jinnan asked, her voice slightly breathless, “is your heat cycle coming soon?”

Shen Shu looked at her for a moment, the desire in her eyes fading. While she understood Xu Jinnan’s concern, she couldn’t deny the sting of rejection.

She couldn’t describe the feeling, a strange mix of shame and embarrassment.

She looked away, leaning against the car window. “Yes,” she murmured.

“Did you bring your suppressants?”

Shen Shu’s gaze fixed on the scenery outside. “I don’t need them yet,” she replied calmly.

Xu Jinnan’s heart sank. Even without hearing the subtle coldness in Shen Shu’s voice, she knew she was upset. It had been Xu Jinnan’s fault. The memory of her previous rut, the terrifying loss of control, had triggered an instinctive reaction, the tingling in her scent gland a warning sign.

“Shu Shu,” she began, wanting to apologize, but Shen Shu turned away, her voice flat. “I’m going to sleep.”

Xu Jinnan touched her nose. “Okay… sleep well,” she said, then offered Shen Shu a pillow, but received no response.

Her lips tingled, remembering the warmth and softness of Shen Shu’s.

Shen Shu must have thought she had deliberately pulled away. How could she make amends? Should she kiss her again?

The thought crossed her mind, but she dismissed it.

Their earlier kiss had been spontaneous, a natural progression of the moment. But now, she was afraid of being too forceful, of scaring Shen Shu.

She had made that mistake too many times in her previous life.

—

It was past 4 p.m. when they left Qucheng, the afternoon traffic heavy, and they were stuck in a jam for half an hour after exiting the highway. By the time they reached Shen Shu’s apartment, it was already 10 p.m.

Exhausted from the long drive, Shen Shu went to take a shower without even asking if Xu Jinnan wanted to go first.

After her shower, she went straight to her bedroom, closing the door, not speaking to Xu Jinnan.

Xu Jinnan took a quick shower, then knocked on Shen Shu’s door, but Shen Shu simply said, “I’m going to sleep.”

She didn’t know how to explain herself. If she mentioned the rut, she would have to reveal her Alpha identity.

And Shen Shu’s therapy appointment slip was still in her drawer, a reminder of her aversion to Alphas.

What would happen if she found out?

But she had to tell her eventually.

She didn’t want to keep it a secret.

She just needed a little more time, since she was the one who had initiated their… connection.

Her thoughts were a jumble. She was usually decisive, but when it came to Shen Shu, she always overthought things, wanting to find the perfect approach.

The thought of Shen Shu’s hurt expression, the potential rejection, made her anxious.

She didn’t want to see that look on Shen Shu’s face.

She stood outside Shen Shu’s door for a while, then, deciding not to mention the kiss, which would only make things more awkward, and seeing how tired Shen Shu was, she let her rest.

Back in her room, she sent Shen Shu a few messages.

[I was wrong today.]

After a few minutes:

[Good night. See you tomorrow.]

She put down her phone, staring at the ceiling. Shen Shu seemed genuinely upset this time. How could she make amends?

How could she convince her it hadn’t been intentional?

If it hadn’t been for the sudden tingling in her scent gland, triggering an instinctive reaction, she would have lost control in that enclosed space, her desire overwhelming.

Of course, it had only been a fleeting thought.

She had intended to stop after the kiss.

The image of Shen Shu’s alluring eyes, her lips slightly parted, flashed through her mind, and she bit her lip, suddenly unsure.

Her restless thoughts kept her awake most of the night, her body damp with sweat.

—

In the next room, Shen Shu sat up in bed, her heart pounding, and turned on the light.

She had just had a strange, unsettling dream.

She was in an unfamiliar place, a small, square courtyard with white walls and black tiles. She couldn’t see much else, only that she was standing in the center, unable to move.

Then, she felt someone approaching.

She wanted to run, but her legs were frozen.

The footsteps stopped behind her…

Then, she was lifted off the ground, a terrifying sensation of weightlessness, her body suspended in midair, her heart pounding with fear.

She woke up with a gasp.

Even before her mind fully cleared, she was reminded of the woman she had seen yesterday, Xu Jinnan’s aunt.

A chill ran down her spine.

She had never met this woman before, had no memory of any interaction with the Xu family.

But the feeling… was undeniably familiar. She had met this woman before, she was sure of it.

Her unease intensified as she remembered that face peering through the car window.

Then, she heard a soft noise from outside the bedroom.

The walls were thin, and she could almost picture Xu Jinnan walking to the kitchen island and pouring herself a glass of water.

She hadn’t even bothered boiling the water; it was the leftover water from this morning.

It must be ice-cold by now.

Xu Jinnan was drinking cold water again.

Shen Shu frowned. Wasn’t that bad for her stomach, especially in this weather?

Then, she remembered the kiss in the car, and her thoughts shifted.

Let her drink whatever she wants. It’s not my concern.

—

Shen Shu woke up early again, at 6 a.m., to get ready for her makeup call.

Xu Jinnan, having slept late, didn’t hear her leave. She heated some milk, ate a piece of toast, and went to the office.

As she stepped out of the elevator on the 26th floor, she glanced through the glass wall of the office area across the hall and saw Shen Shu standing near the back, rehearsing a scene with Xia Chun.

Xia Chun was wearing a long dress and a trench coat, while Shen Shu was in her usual business attire.

Xu Jinnan hadn’t read much of Full Dress yet, so she didn’t know the details of the scene.

Back in her office, she saw Cai Ying’s messages in the group chat.

Cai Ying: [Shu Shu, are you free today? I miss you! @Shen Shu]

Cai Ying: [@Xu Jinnan It doesn’t really matter if you’re free or not, but I’ll ask anyway, are you free to cook?]

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Seriously?

While she was used to Cai Ying’s two-faced behavior, sometimes, she really wanted to slap this child.

She didn’t reply immediately, even though she knew from Tong Jia that Shen Shu would be done with work before dinner.

She put her phone aside and focused on her work.

About twenty minutes later, her phone rang. It was a notification from Shen Shu in the group chat.

Shen Shu: [What do you want to eat? And where?]

Cai Ying: [Let’s go to your place! I’m tired of eating out. Xu Jinnan’s cooking is better. But it’s fine if she’s not free.]

Cai Ying: [@Xu Jinnan Hello? Are you there?]

Xu Jinnan, after about thirty seconds, replied: [I’m free. What do you want?]

Cai Ying: [Sour fish soup, lobster thermidor, pork ribs with potatoes, stir-fried pork with green peppers, and… Shu Shu’s favorite salt and pepper shrimp!]

Xu Jinnan: “…” She’s not holding back.

Cai Ying: [Let me know when you’ll be home, so I can time the delivery.]

Xu Jinnan: [Okay.]

She checked the time. She wouldn’t have time to go grocery shopping, so she asked Viola to pick up the ingredients from a nearby supermarket.

—

As Viola arrived at the supermarket, she saw Tong Jia standing by the entrance with a folding chair.

“Miss Tong,” she said, greeting her.

Tong Jia’s eyes widened as she saw the large lobster in Viola’s shopping bag. “Wow, someone’s having a feast! Grocery shopping during work hours?”

Viola smiled. “I can’t cook. I’m shopping for my boss.”

Tong Jia nodded, and they entered the elevator together, joining a small crowd waiting.

As they stepped inside, Tong Jia’s folding chair slipped, and she instinctively reached for it, but Viola had already caught it.

“I’ll carry it for you,” Viola said, easily lifting the chair.

Tong Jia, slightly embarrassed, thought, She’s quite thoughtful.

Viola was half a head taller than her, and Tong Jia had to tilt her head back slightly. “Thanks, sis,” she said.

“You’re welcome, Miss Tong,” Viola replied.

As they stepped out of the elevator, Viola placed the chair in Shen Shu’s designated resting area, then returned to Xu Jinnan’s office.

“I’ll treat you to afternoon tea sometime,” Tong Jia called out after her.

Viola turned around, smiling. “I look forward to it, Miss Tong.”

—

As soon as Shen Shu finished filming, Tong Jia hurried over, complaining about being treated unfairly. Xu Jinnan got a feast, while she only got stir-fried vegetables.

She wanted a feast too.

She sent the same complaint to Xu Jinnan, who was in a meeting.

Xu Jinnan didn’t say much, simply telling her to come over with Shen Shu for dinner.

Tong Jia: [Are you and Shu Shu fighting?]

Xu Jinnan: [Is it that obvious?]

Tong Jia: [Very. Why else would you be messaging me, asking when she’ll be done, when you’re practically in the same building?]

Xu Jinnan: […We are having a little disagreement. My fault.]

Tong Jia: [Make amends!]

Xu Jinnan: [How?]

Tong Jia: […]

Tong Jia: [Gifts, flowers, kisses… or just pin her against a wall! You’re asking me? Aren’t you the expert, Teacher Xu?]

Xu Jinnan: “…”

—

At 7 p.m., Xu Jinnan started preparing dinner, arriving home an hour early. Cai Ying arrived even before Shen Shu and Tong Jia, the apartment already filled with the aroma of food.

At 8 p.m., the four of them sat down to dinner. Although it was their first meeting, Tong Jia and Cai Ying hit it off immediately, bonding over their shared experiences with “scumbags,” raising their glasses in solidarity.

“All cheaters should be chemically castrated!” Cai Ying declared.

“I couldn’t agree more! Jia-jie, you’re my new best friend! If you ever need anything, just ask! I’ll always have your back!”

Tong Jia threw her arms around Cai Ying. “You’re the best, little sis!”

“Jia-jie, do you have any hobbies? I love reading novels,” Cai Ying said, leaning closer to Tong Jia, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Do you read?”

Tong Jia’s eyes lit up. “What a coincidence! What genres do you like? I just started reading recently. Do you read fanfiction?”

“What a coincidence! Have you read anything by Little Bunny?”

“What a coincidence! I’m reading Little Bunny right now!”

Their enthusiastic exchange left no room for anyone else to speak.

Xu Jinnan: “…”

If she remembered correctly, the story was about her and Shen Shu. She even remembered the first chapter, where the “sickly, domineering CEO Omega,” Nannan, was tied to a chair by the “Alpha,” Shu.

She glanced at Shen Shu, who, while slightly more responsive than last night, was still quiet, only speaking when directly addressed by Cai Ying or Tong Jia.

“Have some shrimp,” Xu Jinnan said, placing a peeled shrimp in Shen Shu’s bowl.

Shen Shu didn’t reply, but she ate the shrimp, a sign of a slight thaw in their relationship.

—

After dinner, Tong Jia and Cai Ying were practically sworn sisters, their shared personalities and boisterous laughter filling the apartment.

It wasn’t until 9:30 p.m. that their chatter finally subsided.

Cai Ying, slightly tipsy after a bottle of fruit wine, rested her chin on her hand. “Let’s play Landlord!” she suggested.

“Look at the time,” Xu Jinnan said.

Tong Jia, protective of her new “little sister,” wasn’t having it. “Let’s play! I’ll play with you! Shu Shu, you can sleep in tomorrow. How many rounds?” Knowing she couldn’t convince Xu Jinnan, she turned to Shen Shu.

Shen Shu hesitated, and Xu Jinnan, seeing her wavering, knew she wouldn’t refuse.

Not wanting to put her in a difficult position, she said, “I’ll play if you play.”

Shen Shu paused, not looking at Xu Jinnan. “It’s getting late. Just a few rounds,” she said.

“Yay!” Cai Ying exclaimed, jumping up.

Just as Xu Jinnan was about to suggest going downstairs to buy a deck of cards, Cai Ying retrieved one from her bag. “I played with my friends the other day and forgot to take it out. Perfect timing!”

To avoid a repeat of the KTV incident, Xu Jinnan set some ground rules before they started – a standard game, no funny business.

Tong Jia looked at her, as if offended. “Little Cai is still young! Do you think I would suggest anything inappropriate?”

“Yes,” Xu Jinnan replied flatly.

Tong Jia: “…”

They played Landlord, and Tong Jia, surprisingly creative when it came to games, suggested a new set of rules.

Since it was getting late, they would only play ten rounds, the overall winner determined by the total number of wins, not individual rounds.

The landlord played against the other three players.

The other three players teamed up against the landlord.

If the landlord lost, they lost.

If the other three players lost, they would play rock-paper-scissors, and the loser would be considered the overall loser of the round.

And at the end, the person with the most losses would have to wash the feet of the person with the fewest losses.

“…Wash feet?”

Even Xu Jinnan was impressed by Tong Jia’s creativity.

“Don’t worry, there’s another option. If CEO Xu loses, it wouldn’t be appropriate for her to wash either mine or Little Cai’s feet, so if Little Cai and I win, you can transfer us ten thousand yuan each, and vice versa. As for Shu Shu, we’re both Omegas, so we can wash each other’s feet,” Tong Jia explained.

“Why do you assume I’ll lose?” Xu Jinnan asked, smiling.

She had never lost a game involving numbers.

And she could count cards.

She couldn’t lose.

She turned to Shen Shu, who, after a brief glance at Cai Ying, who winked at her, realized this was a setup.

Shen Shu: “…”

What are they up to?

Xu Jinnan had a photographic memory and a sharp mind. Cai Ying and Tong Jia’s plan to team up against her was unlikely to succeed.

But Shen Shu didn’t say anything – it was a childish plan, but she still wanted to see if Xu Jinnan would lose.

Clearly, Cai Ying and Tong Jia had underestimated her.

They hadn’t anticipated her card-counting skills and her uncanny luck, as she became the landlord for three consecutive rounds.

No matter how good their hands were, Xu Jinnan always managed to win.

As the fourth round began, Xu Jinnan received a message from Tong Jia.

Tong Jia: [CEO Xu, can’t you tell Little Cai and I are trying to help you? Make your wife happy, then you can make amends.]

Tong Jia: [Stop winning! If you keep winning, your wife will have to wash your feet!]

Tong Jia: [Little Cai and I are working so hard to feed you cards! And it’s not like we’re actually going to make you wash our feet!]

Xu Jinnan: […I know.]

She was just afraid of being too obvious and having Shen Shu realize what they were doing.

Tong Jia: [You don’t understand Omegas at all! The more deliberately you lose, the happier she’ll be! It shows you care! You’re not the expert anymore, are you? All those fancy moves in bed, but clueless when it comes to relationships?]

Xu Jinnan: “…………”

She glanced at Tong Jia, who immediately bit her lip, then, after playing a card, sent another message. [But you’re still my one and only, sacred and inviolable teacher – Teacher Xu.]

Their silent exchange made Xu Jinnan reconsider. Tong Jia had a point.

For the rest of the game, she deliberately avoided playing cards Shen Shu couldn’t beat and fed her as many winning cards as possible.

By the last two rounds, it was obvious to everyone except Shen Shu what they were doing.

Shen Shu: “…”

She felt a strange mix of emotions.

She was still slightly annoyed, but also amused, and even a little touched.

The outcome was predictable.

Xu Jinnan lost; Shen Shu won.

“Whether or not you wash her feet, and when and how, is up to you two,” Tong Jia said as she was leaving, leaning in close to Xu Jinnan. “But no matter what, you have to send us a photo. It’s the rule. No cheating.” Her breath smelled faintly of alcohol, but she was sober.

Xu Jinnan: “…” As if I would send you a photo of that.

—

After seeing Tong Jia and Cai Ying off, Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu returned to the apartment.

Cai Ying was staying over, so Shen Shu changed the bedsheets in the guest room.

It was almost 11 p.m. when Shen Shu and Cai Ying finished getting ready for bed. Xu Jinnan was the last one.

After her shower, she glanced at the open guest room door. “Get some sleep,” she called out to Cai Ying.

Cai Ying poked her head out, her eyes sparkling. “CEO Xu~ I didn’t mean to peek into your closet, but can I admire your handbags?”

“Sure, take whatever you want,” Xu Jinnan replied.

“Really?” Cai Ying grinned. “Even the limited edition ones?”

“Of course.”

While Xu Jinnan liked her bags, she wasn’t particularly attached to them.

It didn’t matter.

Cai Ying jumped up and down excitedly. “Xu Jinnan, you’re the best! There are so many I couldn’t get my hands on! Don’t worry, I’ll only choose one! I’m not greedy~” She dashed towards the closet before even finishing her sentence, humming happily.

Xu Jinnan chuckled. Now she’s being nice to me?

She walked over to the bedroom and opened the door. Shen Shu was sitting on the bed, and their eyes met briefly before Shen Shu looked away.

Xu Jinnan sat down beside her. “Still mad?”

“No,” Shen Shu replied calmly, though there was still a hint of annoyance in her voice, much less than before.

“Don’t worry about what happened earlier. I know they were doing it on purpose.” And I know you were too.

She had deliberately controlled her tone and her reactions, not wanting to seem overly sensitive. It was just a kiss, interrupted… it was nothing.

Xu Jinnan looked at her for a moment, then leaned closer. “How can I make it up to you?” she asked softly, her voice husky.

Shen Shu looked up at her. “Anything?”

“Anything,” Xu Jinnan replied, meeting her gaze.

Just then, Cai Ying’s excited voice echoed from the next room.

“Xu Jinnan! This red square bag is a limited edition! Can I have this one?!”

Xu Jinnan had brought so many bags from the hotel that she hadn’t even looked through them properly.

And she usually preferred darker colors.

“Sure, whatever—” she began, then suddenly stopped. “Wait a second,” she said, hurrying to the guest room.

“It’s so heavy! There’s something else inside… huh?” Cai Ying, standing on a stool, had just unzipped the red square bag when Xu Jinnan snatched it from her.

Cai Ying: “…?”

“Choose something else. Not this one,” Xu Jinnan said.

The bag, though not large, was surprisingly heavy.

She had suddenly remembered. Most of the bags in the closet weren’t from the hotel, but from the old apartment. And the red square bag – wasn’t that the one she had used to carry those… items on her wedding night?

“You tricked me! You gave me hope, then crushed it! How could you? That’s so mean!” Cai Ying exclaimed.

“Two bags, three bags, even. Just not this one,” Xu Jinnan said.

“Don’t lie to me! If you lie again, you’re dead.”

Xu Jinnan nodded, then carried the bag back to Shen Shu’s bedroom.

Just as she opened the door, Shen Shu emerged, and they collided.

The bag fell to the floor, its contents spilling out – a collection of items that made Shen Shu’s face flush.

A coiled rope landed at her feet.

She glanced down at it, then, as Xu Jinnan closed the door, her eyes met Xu Jinnan’s, her gaze intense and questioning.

As if continuing their earlier conversation: Anything?

Or perhaps asking: Is this what you meant by “anything”?

Chapter 59 p2

When they reached Qucheng, Chen Yue parked in a relatively empty lot. Xu Jinnan told Shen Shu to stay in the car, giving her the keys and reminding her to lock the doors.

As she walked away, she received a WeChat message from Shen Shu.

[Be careful. Don’t be reckless.]

Xu Jinnan smiled faintly. With Shen Shu here, how could she be reckless?

What if something happened to Shen Shu?

She stood at a three-way intersection. A bustling street, lined with shops and restaurants, stretched to the left. A long flight of stairs led upwards to an unknown destination, and a smaller road branched off to the right, towards a residential area.

She didn’t even have to think; her body instinctively led her towards the bustling street, a familiar pull drawing her forward.

The street was lively, filled with small shops selling clothes, hardware, street food, breakfast…

The aroma of food, cooked on small stoves outside the shops, filled the air, a familiar scene.

“Don’t forget to record everything,” she said to Chen Yue, who was following her.

“Don’t worry,” he replied.

He knew she was investigating the Xu family, but he didn’t understand why she was filming this street. He was curious, but he didn’t ask.

Wang Zheng had run because this was dangerous territory.

While he wasn’t afraid, it was best to remain ignorant.

Xu Jinnan didn’t have a specific reason for filming; she simply couldn’t stay here for long, and this place, which held such strong significance for the original Xu Jinnan, must contain something important.

She scanned the storefronts as they walked. After a while, she paused.

Haochi Breakfast XU, Xingwang Tangyuan XU, Baisheng Clothing XU…

Almost every shop on the street had a small, oval logo – a capital “XU.”

It was the Xu Corporation’s logo.

If all these businesses were connected to the Xu family, it was a surprising number.

She told Chen Yue to go into one of the shops with the logo and ask some questions, while she entered one without it – a porridge shop.

She ordered the most expensive porridge and a side dish, the shop’s specialty, the total around fifty yuan.

She sat down at a table near the entrance.

The shop was almost empty, a stark contrast to the bustling businesses next door.

“Your food is good. Why is it so quiet?” she asked the owner, a middle-aged man.

The man’s face creased with a wry smile. “Closing down next month. Moving elsewhere. Can’t do business here.”

“Why? All the other shops seem to be doing well. I just moved here and was thinking of renting a space for my mother,” Xu Jinnan said.

The owner shook his head. “Don’t. If you’re not from around here, I wouldn’t recommend it. Outsiders aren’t welcome.”

“What do you mean?”

The owner turned off the stove and sat down beside her, lowering his voice. “The locals don’t patronize businesses owned by outsiders. It’s not that they’re unfriendly to customers; they just don’t want outsiders setting up shop here. It’s difficult to establish yourself.”

“There’s always trouble. Any outsider who tries to do business here ends up closing down within a few months.”

“Why?”

“Who knows?” the owner said, his voice low. “It’s strange. Have you met any of the neighbors yet? Don’t they seem… odd?”

Xu Jinnan shook her head.

“They’re all like that. When I first moved here, I tried to be friendly, bringing gifts and introducing myself, but the locals wouldn’t even acknowledge me. Like they were afraid I would discover something. Like I was a thief.”

Xu Jinnan paused, remembering Wang Zheng’s words – Not just the Xu family. Everyone there is strange.

The owner’s words echoed Wang Zheng’s.

“And they always protect their own. Meaning the locals. If you have a disagreement with someone, they’ll gang up on you. A few days ago, an outsider was beaten up so badly he ended up in the hospital. And nothing happened. See that logo? The XU? Let me tell you…” He lowered his voice further. “There’s something wrong with them. I think it’s some kind of cult. Even the hospital and the police station are probably involved.”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Her first reaction was disbelief, then a chill ran down her spine.

If this was true, it would explain everything about the Xu family…

But if it was true, it was a huge problem. The Xu family had over a hundred members, and this town had thousands of residents.

Xu Jinnan took her takeout and, as she was leaving, the owner, perhaps grateful for her patronage, warned her again, “Don’t do business here.”

Xu Jinnan smiled wryly and nodded.

She wondered what his reaction would be if he knew she was also a “XU.”

—

It was almost 4 p.m. when she and Chen Yue walked back towards the parking lot.

“CEO Xu, I couldn’t find anything,” Chen Yue said, his voice laced with frustration. “The owner was friendly at first. When I asked about the logo, she said it was just their shop sign.”

“Then I asked about the Xu family, and she immediately became wary. Not just her, but several other customers in the shop started staring at me. It was creepy. She refused to answer any more questions and kept asking where I was from.”

“You asked about the Xu family directly?”

Chen Yue nodded. “I said, ‘I heard there’s a prominent Xu family here, quite influential in North City…’ I didn’t even finish the sentence.”

Xu Jinnan didn’t blame him for his carelessness. He only knew she was here to investigate the Xu family; he didn’t know the extent of their influence.

Even she hadn’t anticipated this, that the Xu family’s reach extended beyond their immediate family, encompassing the entire town.

A secret involving so many people was dangerous.

They couldn’t stay here any longer. She needed time to think.

Just as they reached the parking lot—

“CEO Xu.”

Xu Jinnan saw two women walking towards their car. She recognized one of them – Xu Lian.

“Well, well, if it isn’t you. I thought those idiots were mistaken,” she said, her Alpha presence radiating outwards, her face fleshy and her smile oily.

Xu Jinnan walked over, subtly assessing the two women. “Auntie is well-informed, isn’t she?”

The woman beside Xu Lian was delicate-looking, her dark hair pulled back neatly, her expression blank, her demeanor stiff and unyielding. Xu Jinnan’s first impression was that she seemed lifeless, her eyes devoid of any spark.

But she still noticed the woman’s eyes flicker with a momentary recognition as she looked at Xu Jinnan.

“You little brat, back to cause more trouble?” Xu Lian asked, taking out a cigarette and handing it to the woman beside her, who lit it for her.

Xu Jinnan guessed she was Xu Lian’s wife.

“You’re overthinking it. Just passing through on a business trip, picking up some snacks,” she replied, holding up the bags of pastries.

Xu Lian looked at the bags, then blew smoke in Xu Jinnan’s face. “Don’t play coy with me. You’ve been quite the rising star in North City lately. Even I’m impressed.” She took a step closer, reaching out to touch Xu Jinnan’s face, but Xu Jinnan swatted her hand away.

“Oh, feisty, aren’t we? You’ve changed,” Xu Lian said, her gaze lingering on Xu Jinnan’s chest, her eyes lingering a little too long, a little too lecherously.

Xu Jinnan narrowed her eyes, then noticed Xu Lian’s attention shift to the car.

No one saw the blood drain from Shen Shu’s face as Xu Lian approached.

Xu Lian peered through the windshield, a cigarette dangling from her lips. “Brought your wife with you? Or is it a new lover? How rude, not even coming out to greet your aunt and… aunt-in-law… What the— Xu Jinnan, you think you’re so tough now? How dare you lay your hands on me?!” Xu Jinnan had grabbed her shoulder and pulled her away from the car.

“You told me not to play coy, so I’m not. At your age, you should really take a look in the mirror. You’re disgusting. Your wrinkles are practically dragging on the ground. Have you no shame?”

Xu Lian’s face contorted in pain. “Xu Jinnan! How dare you speak to me like that?! That Xu Tao, he can’t even teach his own daughter any manners. I’ll have to teach you a lesson myself.”

Xu Jinnan released her, handing the pastries to Chen Yue and taking out a wet wipe, as if she had touched something dirty. “You? Teach me a lesson? With that body? Go ahead and try. But… you might want to consider how my brother will react.”

Xu Lian seethed with anger.

“Don’t think I’m afraid of you,” she said, though she didn’t actually attack Xu Jinnan. “Fine, you want to play tough? You think you’re invincible with Xu Yincheng protecting you? Just you wait. You’ll get what’s coming to you.”

Xu Jinnan watched as she stormed away, the woman beside her still silent.

It hadn’t been a wasted trip, but she needed time to process everything.

“Let’s go,” she said, turning back to the car.

She opened the car door and asked, “Are you hungry?”

Then, she saw Shen Shu’s pale face, her head bowed, her breathing uneven, as if she had seen something terrifying.

Xu Jinnan’s heart sank. “Shu Shu? What’s wrong?” she asked, leaning closer.

“Xu Jinnan, let’s go. I don’t want to be here,” Shen Shu whispered, her voice trembling, her breath coming in short, rapid gasps, like she had just woken from a nightmare.

It was the first time Xu Jinnan had seen her so distraught. She took Shen Shu’s wrist, her grip firm, and told Chen Yue to start the car.

After helping Shen Shu sit up straight, she took her hand, her own warm palm enveloping Shen Shu’s cold fingers.

“Did you have a nightmare?”

Shen Shu didn’t reply. She didn’t know how to explain it, the feeling of dread that had risen from the depths of her being, so primal and ancient that she couldn’t even identify its source.

But Xu Jinnan could sense her fear.

She had Chen Yue raise the privacy divider, then pulled Shen Shu into a hug, gently patting her back. “It’s okay. I’m here,” she whispered.

As the car drove away from the town, Shen Shu’s face pressed against Xu Jinnan’s chest, the familiar, sunny scent of her pheromones calming her racing heart.

The gentle touch on her back eased her trembling slightly.

Sensing Shen Shu’s breathing slowing down, Xu Jinnan continued to hold her, her hand still patting her back rhythmically.

“I’m here,” she repeated softly, for no particular reason.

Shen Shu closed her eyes, her voice muffled against Xu Jinnan’s chest. “Xu Jinnan, I’m tired.”

“Go to sleep,” Xu Jinnan said, then, after a moment, added, “Lie down. It’s more comfortable. I’ll have Chen Yue drive slower.” She took a pillow and placed it on her lap for Shen Shu to rest her head on.

Shen Shu didn’t refuse, her head resting against Xu Jinnan’s thigh, her arms curled around her waist, her legs slightly bent.

She hadn’t been able to sleep after Xu Jinnan left, perhaps from the lingering fear, or perhaps just exhaustion, but now, nestled against Xu Jinnan, she quickly drifted off. But her sleep was restless, her dreams troubled.

Her brow furrowed, her hands clenching and unclenching.

As Xu Jinnan shifted slightly, Shen Shu’s body moved instinctively, her head slipping from the pillow and her face pressing against Xu Jinnan’s stomach.

At the same time, her arm reached around Xu Jinnan’s back, pulling her closer.

Xu Jinnan was wearing a white T-shirt, and Shen Shu’s sudden embrace, warm and soft, made her inhale sharply.

Perhaps startled by her movement, or perhaps just waking from a bad dream, Shen Shu’s grip tightened, then loosened as she opened her eyes.

She stared at the white fabric inches from her face, the thin material almost translucent, revealing the pale skin beneath.

She could feel the warmth radiating from Xu Jinnan’s body.

Then, she noticed a faint pink smudge on the white fabric, and her ears flushed, her body temperature rising slightly.

“Want to sleep some more?” Xu Jinnan asked, unsure if Shen Shu had noticed her reaction.

Shen Shu slowly sat up, shaking her head. Just as she was about to speak, the car braked suddenly, and she fell against Xu Jinnan.

Xu Jinnan instinctively caught her, her hand tightening around Shen Shu’s waist to steady her.

And in that moment, her eyes met Shen Shu’s, and her lips were covered by a soft, warm kiss…

They both trembled at the contact, but neither of them pulled away.

Their eyes locked, and Xu Jinnan felt the intoxicating scent of Shen Shu’s vanilla pheromones intensify. Then, she saw Shen Shu’s long eyelashes flutter closed.

Chapter 59 p1

“Should I lift it up and try again?” Shen Shu asked, her voice as calm and even as ever, making Xu Jinnan question her own suggestive thoughts.

Shen Shu was just being practical, offering a solution, nothing more.

But Xu Jinnan couldn’t bear the thought of Shen Shu pulling up her shirt. Even through the fabric, the touch was already making her feel a strange mix of discomfort and arousal.

“It’s oka—” she began, then stopped mid-sentence as Shen Shu’s fingers gently grasped the hem of her shirt, the sudden coolness against her skin sending a shiver down her spine.

Her earlier refusal died in her throat, replaced by a tingling sensation, a sweet anticipation she couldn’t ignore.

Taking Xu Jinnan’s silence as consent, Shen Shu carefully lifted the back of her shirt, just enough to expose her lower back, mindful of the chill in the air-conditioned room.

Xu Jinnan’s waist was incredibly slender, small enough for Shen Shu to almost encircle it with her hands. Two faint dimples adorned the skin above her hips.

Instead of using her open palm, which would have been more effective, Shen Shu curled her fingers into a loose fist, using her thumb to apply pressure to the aching muscles.

A soft moan escaped Xu Jinnan’s lips as Shen Shu pressed against a particularly sore spot.

Shen Shu’s fingers paused, the smooth satin of Xu Jinnan’s pajama top brushing against her hand, the image suggestive from certain angles.

Combined with Xu Jinnan’s soft moan, the atmosphere in the living room suddenly shifted.

“Is this the spot?” Shen Shu asked, her voice slightly husky.

“…Yes, perfect,” Xu Jinnan replied, her own voice a little breathless.

Just then, the sound of a kiss echoed from the TV.

Xu Jinnan’s breathing became shallow, mirroring the scene on screen.

At this rate, her back might feel better, but she wouldn’t be able to sleep tonight.

After a few seconds, she reached back and gently grasped Shen Shu’s hand, sitting up. “That’s enough. It feels better now,” she said.

“Already?”

“Much better,” Xu Jinnan replied, touching her nose. “I’ll get a massage tomorrow, and I’ll be fine.” She released Shen Shu’s slightly warm wrist and stood up. “I’m going to get some water. Do you want some?” As she stood up, she casually grabbed the remote and changed the channel.

“Xu Jinnan.”

Xu Jinnan turned around. “Yes?”

“Why did you change the channel?”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

The reason was obvious, but Shen Shu’s question felt deliberate.

In fact, it was deliberate.

Xu Jinnan had noticed that despite her usually serious demeanor, Shen Shu had a playful, almost teasing side.

And she only seemed to show this side to Xu Jinnan.

Especially lately…

Xu Jinnan glanced at the sofa, meeting Shen Shu’s gaze. “Miss Shen, do you enjoy watching that kind of thing?” she asked, a smile playing on her lips.

Shen Shu, catching the amusement in her voice, retorted, “And Teacher Xu, did you change the channel because you didn’t enjoy it?”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Touché.

She raised an eyebrow, then decided to let it go. She was the Alpha, after all; she should be the bigger person.

She went to the kitchen island, poured two glasses of warm water, handed one to Shen Shu, then sat down on the sofa.

It was a cool October evening, a gentle breeze drifting in from the balcony, dispelling the lingering tension.

A variety show played on TV.

Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu sat side by side on the sofa, Xu Jinnan with her legs crossed, leaning back against the cushions, Shen Shu sitting upright, looking down at her phone.

For a few minutes, the only sound in the living room was the chatter from the TV, the atmosphere peaceful and quiet.

Their phones vibrated simultaneously.

Cai Ying had sent a message in the group chat, asking if they were free for dinner tomorrow. Xu Jinnan turned to Shen Shu. “I’m not free tomorrow. What about you?”

Shen Shu checked her schedule. “I’m not free either. I’m free the day after tomorrow, in the afternoon.”

“I might not be free then either,” Xu Jinnan said.

“You’ve been busy lately,” Shen Shu commented.

While she had been deliberately avoiding Xu Jinnan these past few days, she could tell Xu Jinnan had been genuinely busy, sometimes returning home close to midnight.

“I have something else to do that day, and I might not be home. Just letting you know,” Xu Jinnan said.

Shen Shu looked at her.

Xu Jinnan had considered this and hadn’t intended to hide it from Shen Shu. “I’m going to Qucheng that afternoon. It’s a long drive, so I might not be back until late,” she explained.

“Alone?”

“With a… friend. The one who’s helping me find someone,” she replied, referring to Chen Yue. He was less conspicuous, and it would be easier for him to move around freely in Qucheng.

Shen Shu was silent for a moment. “I don’t have any scenes to film that afternoon. I can go with you,” she said, taking a sip of water, her lips brushing against the rim of the glass.

“You don’t have to,” Xu Jinnan said. “I’m just going to take a look around. I’m not going to the Xu family home, and I won’t be contacting anyone from the family, so it’s fine.” Shen Shu had been trending online a lot lately, and her face was becoming more recognizable. Xu Jinnan didn’t want to be distracted, and she also didn’t want to risk Shen Shu encountering anyone from the Xu family.

People like Xu Lian weren’t exactly friendly.

She didn’t want to put Shen Shu in danger.

“I’ll wait for you in the car,” Shen Shu said firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument.

Xu Jinnan paused, remembering Shen Shu’s question in the original Xu Jinnan’s bedroom.

—”If it were me, would you leave me alone there?”

She had said no.

It was the same principle.

If Shen Shu was going to Qucheng, she would be worried too.

“We’re leaving tomorrow afternoon, and we probably won’t be back until late. It’ll be a long drive,” Xu Jinnan said gently. Shen Shu’s filming schedule was just as demanding as hers.

She had seen Shen Shu agonizing over a single line for days.

“It’s fine,” Shen Shu replied, glancing at her. “I’m tougher than you.”

Xu Jinnan: “…?”

She almost choked on her water, staring at Shen Shu, who had already turned away, as if nothing had happened.

She’s acting strange today.

Her words and actions… it wasn’t like her.

She remembered the massage earlier; Shen Shu had initiated it, which was surprising.

And she clearly wasn’t experienced, a hint of shyness hidden beneath her usual composure.

After the massage, when Xu Jinnan had sat up, Shen Shu’s face, though carefully neutral, had been flushed, her earlobes bright red.

She had noticed that Shen Shu’s ears turned red when she was embarrassed.

The contrast between her aloof demeanor and her shyness was endearing.

Xu Jinnan remembered a quote: What’s truly captivating isn’t seeing someone do what they’re good at, but seeing them blush as they try something new.

She felt the truth of those words now.

“Shu Shu,” she called out.

Shen Shu, her hand on the doorknob, paused and turned around. “Yes?”

Xu Jinnan realized it wasn’t just Shen Shu who had changed; she had too. She found herself wanting to prolong their conversations, to keep talking, about anything.

“Good night,” she said softly.

She saw a flicker of warmth in Shen Shu’s beautiful eyes.

“Good night,” Shen Shu replied.

The door opened, then closed.

Shen Shu leaned against the door, her hand resting on her racing pulse, the blood rushing through her veins, then slowly tracing a path down her neck to her chest, her heart pounding.

It had been like this since touching Xu Jinnan’s skin, since realizing her hands could almost encircle Xu Jinnan’s waist…

She had been suppressing it, but the warmth hadn’t faded.

She took a deep breath, exhaling slowly, then opened the window slightly, letting in the cool night air.

It helped, but the image of Xu Jinnan’s smooth, pale waist lingered in her mind.

She had instinctively wanted to reach out, to trace the curve of her spine with her fingertips.

This feeling wasn’t new, not lately.

She wasn’t usually driven by desire. Even when reading or watching something suggestive, her reactions were mostly physical, rarely emotional.

But around Xu Jinnan, she was different.

Xu Jinnan was different, the only person who evoked such intense feelings…

She curled her fingers into a fist, then opened them, her palm flushed, burning hot.

—

The next day, Xu Jinnan woke up early, her back feeling better after a good night’s sleep. Since she was leaving for Qucheng tomorrow, she took her laptop to the sofa and started working.

Shen Shu emerged from the bedroom, drawn by the aroma of porridge, and saw Xu Jinnan typing away on her laptop.

A pot of shrimp porridge simmered on the stove; Xu Jinnan was multitasking.

“You’re awake?”

“Mm,” Shen Shu replied, going to the kitchen island, opening the lid of the pot, and stirring the porridge. “Is your back still sore?”

“It’s better,” Xu Jinnan replied, finishing a sentence and looking up. “Mostly thanks to my excellent masseuse.”

Shen Shu put down the spoon and looked at her. “Really? Then why are you still planning to get a massage?”

Xu Jinnan, already back to her work, replied casually, “I’ll go this afternoon.”

“Oh.”

Xu Jinnan paused, hearing Shen Shu’s soft, almost teasing tone.

“Clearly, I wasn’t good enough,” she said.

Xu Jinnan chuckled. Shen Shu seemed more playful today.

“No one can compare to you,” she replied, the words of praise coming easily, like a practiced flirtation.

“I’m going to wash up. Keep an eye on the porridge,” Shen Shu said.

“Certainly, Miss Shen,” Xu Jinnan replied.

—

After breakfast, they left the apartment together, heading to Xu Jinnan’s office building, so there was no need for the van.

As they walked along the path outside the building, Xu Jinnan noticed some loose paving stones and glanced at a nearby clearing.

It had been a green space before, now transformed into a recreational area, still under construction, but already equipped with some exercise equipment and two swing sets.

She turned to Shen Shu, who was also looking at the clearing. “You like swings, don’t you? We can come down here after dinner sometime,” she said.

Shen Shu’s gaze lingered on the swings for a moment. “Why do you say I like swings?” she asked, turning back to Xu Jinnan.

“You seemed to enjoy them at the Yuhua Orphanage,” Xu Jinnan replied. Shen Shu had been staring at them the entire time.

And she had seemed happy playing with Little Crescent Moon on the swings.

Xu Jinnan suddenly remembered hugging Shen Shu that day…

“No, I don’t,” Shen Shu said. “I don’t know why, but I don’t particularly like them.” She just found herself drawn to them.

The rhythmic swaying motion evoked a sense of familiarity, but since swings were so common, she couldn’t place the origin of the feeling.

“Okay. Let’s visit Little Crescent Moon again when we have time,” Xu Jinnan said.

“Alright,” Shen Shu agreed, nodding.

—

The next morning, Shen Shu’s filming went smoothly, wrapping up by 10 a.m.

Without further delay, she and Xu Jinnan left for Qucheng.

Chen Yue was driving. Despite his usual attempts to appear respectful in front of Xu Jinnan, he still had a slightly thuggish air about him. But the moment Shen Shu entered the car, he straightened up, as if suddenly self-conscious.

Xu Jinnan chuckled inwardly. Even thugs are captivated by beauty.

The drive to Qucheng was almost four hours, and Xu Jinnan, worried Shen Shu might get tired, had bought a new cushion for the back seat.

Shen Shu, having woken up early for filming, fell asleep during the drive.

Xu Jinnan looked out the window for a while, then glanced at Shen Shu. Perhaps her gaze was too intense, because Shen Shu’s eyes fluttered open.

Their eyes met.

Xu Jinnan didn’t look away, her expression calm. “Did you sleep well?”

Shen Shu’s voice was slightly hoarse. “Not really. Can you… come closer?”

Xu Jinnan hesitated, then moved closer to Shen Shu. They hadn’t been far apart to begin with, and now, their clothes were almost touching.

“Lean on me,” she said, feeling a twinge of guilt. She should have offered earlier, not waited for Shen Shu to ask.

Shen Shu’s head rested on her shoulder, her sweet scent filling Xu Jinnan’s senses.

Xu Jinnan inhaled slowly, savoring the fragrance.

“Xu Jinnan.”

“Yes?”

“Your shoulder is a little stiff.”

“…”

“Should I get you a pillow? We still have two hours to go,” Xu Jinnan asked, her voice slow and patient.

Shen Shu didn’t reply, shifting slightly and resting her head against Xu Jinnan’s shoulder blade instead of her shoulder.

Xu Jinnan’s breath hitched.

She didn’t move, letting Shen Shu adjust to a comfortable position.

After a moment, Shen Shu’s breathing evened out, the rhythmic rise and fall of her chest against Xu Jinnan’s back a comforting weight.

This quiet intimacy, this unspoken trust…

It made Xu Jinnan feel a strange sense of wonder. When she first arrived in this world, she had never imagined sharing such a moment with Shen Shu.

Sensing someone watching them, she glanced forward.

Chen Yue immediately averted his gaze from the rearview mirror, coughing slightly to cover his embarrassment.

He hadn’t interacted much with Xu Jinnan, but he had always been slightly intimidated by her, despite her seemingly gentle demeanor.

Her subtle aura of authority was unnerving. Like that glance just now, so calm, not even a warning, yet it had been enough to make him look away.

—

They stopped for a quick meal and a bathroom break two hours later.

Then, Xu Jinnan saw the sign – Qucheng.

The Xu family’s ancestral home wasn’t in the city itself, but in a small town on the outskirts, so the road was mostly deserted.

A long, winding road, stretching endlessly into the distance.

The same road the original Xu Jinnan had run along as a child, stumbling and falling, her heart filled with despair.

It was October, and the fields lining the road were green, some planted with crops, the scene both familiar and different from her memories.

For a moment, she felt like she was back in that small body, experiencing the terror of being abandoned, the original Xu Jinnan’s pain and resentment seeping into her bones.

Then, she felt a tickle on her lips and instinctively reached up to touch it – a strand of Shen Shu’s hair, ruffled by the wind.

She glanced down at Shen Shu, who hadn’t slept well last night, having woken up at 4:30 a.m. for hair and makeup, now asleep, her head resting on Xu Jinnan’s shoulder.

Xu Jinnan’s heart calmed slightly.

—

 

Chapter 58

“Who said I don’t care?” Xu Jinnan whispered, her warm breath brushing against Shen Shu’s cheek, sending shivers down her spine.

Shen Shu instinctively raised her hand to shield herself, her arm bumping against Xu Jinnan’s chest.

It was a light touch, barely a graze.

If Xu Jinnan had to describe the sensation, the only word that came to mind was “coquettish,” though that was clearly not Shen Shu’s intention.

Xu Jinnan was well-endowed, her figure particularly striking in low-cut dresses.

Shen Shu had experienced it firsthand…

The moment her arm brushed against Xu Jinnan’s chest, Xu Jinnan let out a soft moan.

Shen Shu’s breath hitched, her earlobes flushing a delicate pink, like ripe summer fruit, tempting and inviting.

Xu Jinnan’s gaze lingered on her ear, her lips slightly dry. She swallowed, her voice husky as she whispered, “Shu Shu.”

She needed a response, a sign, a flicker of emotion from Shen Shu to guide her next move.

Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating Xu Jinnan’s figure against the door. Shen Shu took a deep breath, then slowly turned around, meeting Xu Jinnan’s gaze. “Care about what?” she asked.

As she turned, the distance between them closed, her nose brushing against Xu Jinnan’s smooth chin, the faint scent of powder and the warm, sunny fragrance of her pheromones filling the air.

Their breaths mingled, and Shen Shu’s fingers tightened slightly.

Xu Jinnan looked down at her, her gaze lingering on Shen Shu’s slightly parted lips, the color of the lipstick now a soft, inviting red, smudged from their earlier contact.

She could almost feel the warmth of Shen Shu’s lips against her own.

Her fingertips tingled.

Just then, a soft knock came at the door, and Zhou Pei’s hesitant voice called out, “CEO Xu, Mr. Qin from Meilai Jewelry is here.”

Xu Jinnan looked at Shen Shu, then called out, “I’ll be there in a moment. Please have him wait.”

Shen Shu lowered her gaze, breaking eye contact, then turned towards the window. A moment later, as if making a decision, she reached for the doorknob.

Her wrist was caught in a firm grip.

Xu Jinnan held her wrist, locking the door, then led her towards the desk by the window.

The sun hadn’t reached that part of the room yet, and Xu Jinnan placed her hands on Shen Shu’s shoulders, gently guiding her into the chair, then leaned against the edge of the desk, her body angled towards Shen Shu.

They stood in the shadows, the sunlight a few feet away, like a dividing line between two worlds.

“Shu Shu,” Xu Jinnan said, her voice serious, “can you tell me why you thought I was involved with Tan Jie?”

The uneaten steak lunch still sat on the desk.

Shen Shu’s gaze shifted from the food to Xu Jinnan’s eyes. “Do you really not know, or are you pretending?”

“I really don’t know,” Xu Jinnan replied.

Shen Shu paused, then said calmly, “Tan Jie sent me a steak lunch too.”

“…” “I thought you sent it,” Xu Jinnan said.

Shen Shu: “…”

A brief silence filled the office, then Xu Jinnan chuckled softly. “So, that’s cleared up then? Let’s talk about something else.”

“Shu Shu,” she said, her voice serious.

Shen Shu looked up, her beautiful features as cool and composed as ever, but a flicker of something in her eyes betrayed her emotions.

“I thought I had misunderstood, but now, I don’t think it was a misunderstanding,” Xu Jinnan said, then, feeling the distance between them, pushed herself away from the desk and leaned against the armrest of Shen Shu’s chair, closing the gap between them slightly.

“I said the wrong thing earlier, or rather, I expressed myself poorly…” she continued, her voice low.

Shen Shu remained silent, waiting.

“I do care,” Xu Jinnan said, then, after a brief pause, added, “You might not know this, but you’re special to me.”

At least, in this life, no one had ever made her feel this way.

While the feeling was still undefined, a seed just beginning to sprout, Shen Shu was special, undeniably so.

Shen Shu had been watching her intently, her expression finally softening at those words.

“Xu Jinnan, do you even understand what that means?”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

“I do,” she replied, meeting Shen Shu’s gaze. “I understand why you’re angry, and I understand what I’m saying.”

A long silence followed.

“Shu Shu,” Xu Jinnan said softly, “let’s not rush this. Let’s take things slow, okay?”

Making this decision had been difficult. Before, she had been unsure of Shen Shu’s feelings, and her own feelings had been unclear. And there was also a lingering fear.

It wasn’t just the fear of the Xu family’s secrets, or the fear of suddenly disappearing from this world, like she had arrived.

It was the fear of not being good enough… she had her flaws.

Perhaps, if they truly explored this connection, if Shen Shu truly got to know her, she would be disappointed.

But despite her fears, she had still said those words.

Even though she knew it was selfish, even though she knew it was a risk for both of them, she had still said them.

The tension in Shen Shu’s heart eased, a sense of relief washing over her, like a flower finally blooming after a long winter.

Neither of them pressed for further explanations or definitions.

A subtle shift had occurred, a silent understanding passing between them.

They both knew things would be different now.

—

Xu Jinnan personally drove Shen Shu to the studio, the privacy divider still up from their earlier conversation.

“You should finish your lunch,” Shen Shu said, glancing at the uneaten steak on Xu Jinnan’s desk.

“Can I even eat after that?” Xu Jinnan asked, a playful smile on her lips as she opened the car door for Shen Shu. “I was already full, but I thought you sent it, so I forced myself to eat it.”

“…” Shen Shu bit her lip. “I’ll go then.”

“Okay,” Xu Jinnan replied, nodding.

—

“Did you two have a fight? Is that why you came here alone?” Tong Jia asked anxiously as soon as Shen Shu arrived.

She had been worried. The atmosphere between Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu had been strange these past few days.

Shen Shu had even been replying to her messages privately, not in the group chat.

While Shen Shu’s demeanor seemed normal, she had been unusually quiet, her focus solely on her script, the pages already dog-eared from constant rereading.

“No, why would we fight?” Shen Shu asked, sitting down.

Tong Jia: “?”

Shen Shu’s voice was calm, but the slight upward inflection at the end…

And the faint smile playing on her lips…

“You two made up?” Tong Jia asked, her eyes narrowing slightly.

“We didn’t have a fight,” Shen Shu repeated.

“Really? The way you stormed out of the office earlier scared me.”

“…”

“Are you sure you didn’t fight?”

“No,” Shen Shu said firmly. “What’s the address of the restaurant?”

“What are you doing?”

“Just send it to me.”

Tong Jia sent her the address, assuming Shen Shu was ordering takeout, and didn’t think much of it.

After scrolling through her phone for a while, she suddenly leaned closer to Shen Shu. “You two made up so quickly… did you… do it?”

“…” “No,” Shen Shu replied.

Tong Jia, as if she hadn’t heard, tapped her chin thoughtfully. “That’s not right. You were only gone for ten minutes… CEO Xu isn’t that fast, is she?”

Shen Shu: “…”

She didn’t even look up. “If you’re that bored, why don’t you go for a run?”

Tong Jia, seeing her flustered expression, chuckled. “Okay, okay, I’ll stop teasing you.”

Before going to chat with the director, Shen Shu put down her phone and picked up her script.

“Still reading that?” Tong Jia teased. “You’ve practically memorized it backwards. What’s the point?”

After she left, Shen Shu stared at the script, the words already ingrained in her memory.

It was just an excuse to avoid interacting with the others.

Her thoughts drifted to Xu Jinnan’s spacious office, the sunlight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows.

Let’s take things slow, okay?

Her expression softened, a faint smile playing on her lips, the gloom of the past few days lifting.

She had actually calmed down before even reaching Xu Jinnan’s office.

Knowing Xu Jinnan, she wouldn’t have accepted the lunch box if she had known it was from Tan Jie.

But in that moment, she hadn’t been thinking clearly.

Seeing the lunch box had triggered a surge of irrational anger, a desire to confront Xu Jinnan, to put an end to her confused and conflicting emotions.

But seeing Xu Jinnan’s worried expression and hearing her concerned tone, “What’s wrong? Did someone bully you?”, her anger had dissipated, replaced by something else.

Her harsh words had been partly true, partly a deliberate provocation.

While 95% of her had wanted to end things with Xu Jinnan, the remaining 5% had hoped for a different outcome.

And Xu Jinnan had made that 5% win.

Was she happy? Yes, she was.

At that moment, she felt like she had won too.

—

After seeing the Meilai Jewelry representatives off, Xu Jinnan rubbed her lower back and glanced at the film crew’s office area across the hall. She didn’t see Shen Shu, so she messaged Tong Jia, asking when Shen Shu would be done.

Just as she was about to return to her office, Xinxin called out to her.

She ran over from the elevator, handing Xu Jinnan a paper bag. “Shu Shu bought you afternoon tea!” she said, her voice full of playful innuendo.

Xu Jinnan took the bag, smiling. “Really?”

“Huh?”

A few minutes later, Zhou Pei, Viola, and the two assistants arrived at the film crew’s office with afternoon tea.

To avoid disrupting the filming, they waited for a break before setting up the food and drinks.

“Thank you, CEO Xu,” Director Zhang said, accepting a cup of black tea from Zhou Pei. “And thank you for the discount on the space, and the food and drinks.”

The assistant director chuckled. “Having a wife on set makes a difference. Thank you for your generosity, CEO Xu.” Everyone smiled at Shen Shu.

“Thank you for your hard work, Director, and everyone,” Shen Shu replied politely.

“Miss Tan, I apologize for my earlier misunderstanding. I thought you sent that lunch box to CEO Xu. But she said it was delicious. Thank you for your kindness. These pastries are for you,” Viola said, her voice loud enough for everyone around Tan Jie to hear.

They all looked at Tan Jie.

Tan Jie, flustered by the public apology, quickly recovered, forcing a smile. “You’re welcome. CEO Xu provided us with such a wonderful space, and free access to the pantry. Consider this a small token of my appreciation.” Her assistant took the pastries from Viola.

After Viola left, Tan Jie looked inside the bag – green tea pastries.

Her face stiffened, but she maintained her composure, her fingernails digging into her palm.

Viola then handed a separate bag to Shen Shu – grape juice.

“Shu Shu, can you ask CEO Xu to give me the same special treatment next time? Maybe some plum juice?” Tong Jia asked, nudging the grape juice with her elbow.

Shen Shu, knowing she was being teased, glanced at her but didn’t reply, simply taking a sip of the juice.

It was refreshing, sweet and slightly tart.

“You’re so heartless,” Tong Jia muttered, turning away.

Just then, a slender hand appeared in front of her, holding a bottle of plum juice. She looked up to see Viola smiling at her.

“We have some in the office fridge,” Viola said.

Tong Jia took the bottle, giving her a thumbs-up. “Thanks, sis!”

Viola paused. “Miss Tong, if you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?”

Tong Jia also paused. “Me? 27.”

Viola smiled. “Miss Tong, I’m 29.”

Tong Jia: “…?”

She watched as Viola walked away, then, opening the bottle of plum juice, went over to Shen Shu. “Your CEO Xu’s secretary is interesting. 29? She doesn’t look a day over 25.”

“You two are already on a first-name basis?” Shen Shu asked. She hadn’t heard their conversation.

Tong Jia recounted their exchange, then realized, “I just called her ‘sis,’ and she’s already correcting me? Is she saying I shouldn’t call her ‘sis’ because she’s older than me?”

Shen Shu chuckled softly. “Maybe you should tone down the casual flirting.”

Tong Jia shrugged. “29, huh? How old is Xu Jinnan again?”

Shen Shu took another sip of grape juice. “26.”

“Oh, she’s younger than you! A younger woman! Impressive,” Tong Jia commented, sitting down beside Shen Shu.

Energetic younger Xu Jinnan vs. elegant older Shen Shu.

She instinctively wanted to make a suggestive comment, then stopped, a shadow crossing her face.

She suddenly felt a pang of sadness.

Shen Shu, sensing her sudden silence, handed her the script. “Help me with my lines,” she said.

—

It was past 7 p.m.

Xu Jinnan, leaving the office after working late, rubbed her aching back and noticed the lights were still on in the film crew’s office area across the hall, but the filming was taking place further inside, so she didn’t see Shen Shu.

She sent Shen Shu a message, then sat down in the waiting area.

As she scrolled through Weibo, she saw a comment on one of her reposts calling her a “fan icon.” She considered it. It wasn’t entirely inaccurate.

If those fans knew she not only followed Shen Shu and interacted with her online, but also lived with her, they would probably lose their minds.

She chuckled, opening the “NanShu” CP super topic.

The giveaway post was still pinned at the top, and she noticed that “WhoDaresBreakUpMyCP” had increased the prize amount from 50,000 to 60,000 yuan per winner.

She clicked on the comments, surprised.

Is the Sheng Xia CP threatened? Seriously? A bidding war for CP dominance? They’re matching our prize amount now?

They’re copying us! Initially, they only had three winners, then they increased it to ten, like us. And as soon as we increased the prize to 60,000, they did the same… Interesting.

I hope they keep escalating! More giveaways! I want to win!

If this isn’t the real Xu Jinnan behind this, then that user is crazy.

At least we’re shipping the real couple. What are they even shipping? This is infuriating!

@WhoDaresBreakUpMyCP Just let it go. We don’t need to compete with them.

Xu Jinnan paused, then opened the “Sheng Xia” CP super topic, confirming that the giveaway details – the prize amount and the number of winners – were identical to the one in the “NanShu” super topic.

It was clearly a competition.

She also noticed that the “Sheng Xia” super topic now had over eight thousand followers…

Is this a CP war? she wondered, touching her forehead.

She returned to her messages and saw a private message from ShuShu’sNumberOneFan.

ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [Boss Lady!! That guy in our CP super topic is amazing! He increased the prize again, to 700,000 yuan per month! Is this how rich people casually spend their money? Crying emoji]

Xu Jinnan decided to ignore the super topic drama, knowing this fan would keep her updated anyway.

As expected, a few minutes later:

ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [Holy shit! The Sheng Xia super topic just increased their prize too… This is going to trend! It’s already climbing the ranks!]

If this continued, it would get out of hand.

She sent Tong Jia screenshots of the two super topics, asking how she wanted to handle it.

Just as she returned to Weibo, several new messages from ShuShu’sNumberOneFan popped up.

ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [This is insane!]

ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [He increased it to 200,000 yuan per winner! Two million per month! This isn’t just a flex; it’s a diamond explosion!]

ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [Hahaha, they gave up!]

Xu Jinnan: “…” This is a true fan.

She was strangely touched.

She sent a private message to WhoDaresBreakUpMyCP.

Bro, judging by your ID, let me know if you need backup.

Just then, she heard the clicking of high heels approaching.

She looked up to see Shen Shu, still in her business attire from the shoot, without her glasses, her aloof demeanor unchanged.

Xu Jinnan’s gaze lingered on her legs.

There was a small run in her black stockings, a few threads unraveling, revealing a sliver of pale skin beneath the torn fabric.

The contrast between black and white was striking.

Imperfection, in a way, was alluring.

A human flaw, or perhaps an Alpha flaw, or perhaps just her own.

She pushed the thought aside, standing up and rubbing her lower back. “Done with work?”

“Yes, let’s go home,” Shen Shu replied.

“Okay, I’ll get the car keys,” Xu Jinnan said, glancing at the other crew members leaving the office. She turned back to Shen Shu. “Your stockings are torn. Do you want to change before we leave?”

“I snagged them on something,” Shen Shu said. “I’ll change when we get home.”

Seeing her weariness, Xu Jinnan grabbed her keys and they left.

As they got out of the car, Xu Jinnan instinctively rubbed her lower back again.

Shen Shu glanced at her slim waist, accentuated by her high-waisted dress.

“Are you feeling unwell?” she asked.

Xu Jinnan turned to her. “I’ve been sitting in meetings all day. My back is a little stiff,” she explained.

Shen Shu opened the apartment door, changing her shoes. “You should take better care of yourself,” she said.

Xu Jinnan looked at her, her gaze lingering on Shen Shu’s bowed head. “I should,” she replied, a hint of amusement in her voice.

Shen Shu, realizing the double entendre, paused, then didn’t bother correcting her.

Xu Jinnan’s throat tightened at her silence.

She told Shen Shu to take a shower first, then lay down on the sofa, her lower back aching. It wasn’t a sharp pain, just a dull, persistent ache.

The sound of the shower running filled the apartment, and Xu Jinnan turned on the TV, the movie channel drowning out the noise.

When Shen Shu emerged from the bathroom, Xu Jinnan handed her a two-piece silk pajama set.

She didn’t usually wear matching sets, finding them cumbersome, but the nights were getting colder.

After a quick shower, Xu Jinnan stood in front of the bathroom mirror, running her fingers through her damp hair, then, as she was about to leave, noticed the discarded stockings in the trash can.

—

She sat down on the sofa, shifting uncomfortably.

“Is it that bad?” Shen Shu asked.

“It’s a little uncomfortable,” Xu Jinnan admitted. “I think I need a massage.” She reached behind her, trying to massage the aching spot.

Shen Shu looked at her for a moment. “Lie down,” she said.

“Huh?”

Xu Jinnan paused. “It’s fine. I’ll just lie down in bed later,” she said.

“Lie down. Now,” Shen Shu repeated, her tone firmer this time.

Xu Jinnan met her gaze. “…Okay.”

She lay down on the sofa, facing away from Shen Shu, who sat down beside her.

Shen Shu’s hands were warm, her fingernails neatly trimmed, as she gently probed Xu Jinnan’s back, searching for the pressure points.

Xu Jinnan guided her hand, but after a few moments, she lost her place again.

“Here?”

“…A little lower… too much.” Forget the ache in her back; Xu Jinnan’s entire body was tingling now. “Shu Shu, are you doing this on purpose?”

Shen Shu: “…”

Xu Jinnan winced as Shen Shu’s fingernail dug into her back, a sharp, unexpected pain that made her tense up.

“That’s what ‘on purpose’ means,” Shen Shu said calmly.

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Shen Shu lifted her hand. “Your skin is too slippery,” she said.

Xu Jinnan was about to tell her to stop; this wasn’t relaxing, it was torture.

Then, Shen Shu’s cool voice said, “Should I pull up your shirt and try again?”

Chapter 57 p2

—

Xu Jinnan sat in her car outside the hospital for a while, lost in thought.

She wasn’t tired; she had simply been unconsciously sitting there, her mind replaying everything that had happened – her sudden transmigration, the one-in-a-million secondary differentiation, the Xu family drama, the novel’s plot, even Yin Xue and the mysterious powder.

Then, a word came to mind – destined.

She chuckled softly, finding her own train of thought amusing.

But she couldn’t deny the lingering unease, the subtle discomfort she had been trying to suppress, but which kept resurfacing.

The window was open, letting in the cool autumn breeze, a welcome relief from the lingering summer heat. She checked the time; it would be a few more hours before nightfall.

She stayed at the office until past 8 p.m., working non-stop, barely having time for a drink of water, finally finishing her tasks.

When she arrived home at 9 p.m., the bathroom door opened, and Shen Shu emerged, her hair wrapped in a towel, wearing a two-piece pajama set.

It was new; Xu Jinnan had never seen it before – a pale pink, with small strawberries embroidered along the edges.

It was a slightly fitted design, but still loose on Shen Shu’s slender frame.

Shen Shu glanced at Xu Jinnan, then walked towards the sofa, holding the towel with one hand. Xu Jinnan’s gaze followed her, lingering on the curve of her breasts, a small strawberry peeking out from the side…

Xu Jinnan bit her lip, went to the kitchen island, washed her hands, poured herself a glass of water, and took a sip. “New pajamas?” she asked casually.

“Yes, Cai Ying and I bought them the other day,” Shen Shu replied.

She didn’t usually wear such cute styles, but the sales assistant had been very persuasive, and Cai Ying had encouraged her.

“Xu Jinnan is used to your aloof image. A change of pace might spice things up a bit, don’t you think?”

But Shen Shu hadn’t bought them for Xu Jinnan; she had simply wanted a change, a way to lift her own spirits.

She looked up, her eyes meeting Xu Jinnan’s.

Xu Jinnan nodded calmly. “They look good. Very good,” she said. Shen Shu’s pajamas were usually more mature and darker in color. This sudden change of style, like the dress she had worn the other day, was captivating.

Xu Jinnan went to take a shower, not seeing the faint smile that touched Shen Shu’s lips as she turned away.

—

After a quick shower, Xu Jinnan joined Shen Shu on the sofa.

They weren’t sitting close together, and the balcony window was open, letting in a cool breeze that carried the faint scent of Shen Shu’s pheromones.

The only sound in the room was the laughter from the variety show on TV.

After a while, Xu Jinnan asked casually, “You and Xia Chun knew each other before?”

“We dated,” Shen Shu replied, her voice calm and unwavering.

Xu Jinnan paused, then nodded. “Oh… that makes sense. No wonder.”

“No wonder what?”

“She’s very kind to you. And the way she looked at me at the restaurant and the banquet… it was strange.” She had assumed it was just one-sided affection, hence the subtle hostility towards Xu Jinnan.

She mentally replayed Shen Shu’s words, We dated.

Shen Shu’s tone was even, but her gaze, as she looked at Xu Jinnan, was slightly scrutinizing.

“It was years ago. I didn’t think it was important,” she explained.

And she didn’t want to talk about what she had been through during that time.

Xu Jinnan hesitated. “How long were you together?”

Shen Shu paused, then said, “A little over two years.”

Xu Jinnan didn’t ask any further questions, sensing Shen Shu’s reluctance to discuss the topic. She didn’t want to pry.

But Shen Shu, seeing her silence, asked, “That’s it?”

Xu Jinnan shook her head. “That’s it. Why would I need to know more?”

While she hadn’t asked much, she had a general understanding of the situation.

On the drive back from the hospital, she had thought about it. So what if Xia Chun was Shen Shu’s “destined” partner in the novel? Based on their interactions, Xia Chun’s feelings were clearly one-sided.

As for their past relationship…

Xu Jinnan felt a strange mix of emotions. She knew Shen Shu didn’t have feelings for Xia Chun anymore, but two years was a long time.

Lost in thought, she didn’t notice the shift in Shen Shu’s mood.

“It’s not relevant to you anyway,” Shen Shu said coldly, standing up. “I’m going to bed.”

Xu Jinnan was taken aback.

“So early?”

“Yes.”

“What do you want for breakfast tomorrow?”

“Nothing,” Shen Shu replied, her voice flat, not turning around.

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Why is she suddenly upset?

Shen Shu closed the bedroom door a little more forcefully than usual, the sound lingering in the air.

She felt her emotions spiraling out of control.

She hated this feeling of helplessness, like being adrift at sea, unable to steer the boat.

Her phone vibrated on the bed.

She walked over and checked it.

Cai Ying: [Shu Shu, I forgot to ask, does your wife like the pajamas? Hee hee, did she find them irresistible~?]

Shen Shu: “…”

She stared at the message for a moment, then went to the wardrobe, taking out her old pajamas and changing out of the pink strawberry ones.

—

The next morning, Xu Jinnan had hoped to smooth things over during breakfast, but Shen Shu was gone.

She had been busy for the past two days, working late, and they hadn’t seen each other at all.

It was the first time in months.

Xu Jinnan sensed something was wrong. Shen Shu was deliberately avoiding her.

The online drama continued, with Xia Chun and Shen Shu’s fans forming an unlikely alliance, boosting each other’s popularity.

Exchanging compliments and thanks, their polite interactions praised by bloggers as a model of fan behavior.

Some even started shipping them as a couple.

Xu Jinnan, during a break, checked out their super topic – “Sheng Xia” (a combination of their names).

It was a much better name than hers and Shen Shu’s…

Someone was even hosting a giveaway, offering a monthly prize of ten thousand yuan to three lucky winners.

Not as generous as the giveaway in their own CP super topic.

The “Sheng Xia” super topic had over five thousand followers.

She checked the “NanShu” super topic; it had over twenty thousand.

Not bad.

Xu Jinnan felt a strange sense of satisfaction, then paused. Is this some kind of weird competitiveness?

She scrolled through the comments on the “Sheng Xia” super topic.

Sheng Xia is real! Share your CP origin story! I’ll go first. I was captivated by their photo together from Into the Dream!

The comment had numerous replies.

Xia Xia likes every single one of Shen Shen’s Weibo posts~ I’m shipping them!

Xia Xia even reposted Shen Shen’s Weibo post, the one about the trending topic!

And didn’t Xia Xia get injured protecting Shen Shen? Such a heroic moment! I can’t get enough of them!!!

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Doesn’t anyone see the problem here?

Then, she saw a comment: Seriously? She’s married, and you’re shipping her with someone else? That’s messed up.

She immediately liked the comment.

Then, she remembered her conversation with Shen Shu.

—”Why would I need to know more?”

—”It’s not relevant to you anyway.”

Xu Jinnan didn’t like this cold war atmosphere, and she had a feeling she knew why Shen Shu was being distant.

The group chat mentioned filming was resuming today, and she wanted to ask about the location, planning to visit after her meeting.

As she parked, she saw a crowd gathered outside the building.

The security guard, recognizing her car, approached her. “CEO Xu.”

“Who are those people?”

“Paparazzi. Didn’t a film crew rent space in the building?”

Xu Jinnan remembered, then realized the timing was too coincidental.

She took the elevator to the 26th floor and, as she stepped out, heard voices and glanced towards the large office area across the hall.

She stopped, her gaze finding Shen Shu, dressed in a business suit, standing with a group of people.

Xia Chun was standing opposite her.

“They’re so beautiful! I’m obsessed!”

“Shen Shu looks amazing! Beautiful women together are a feast for the eyes! Are they filming the entire drama here?”

“I think so. Something happened at their previous location, so they moved here.”

“You know, they would actually look good together… with CEO Xu.”

One of the employees, glancing over and meeting Xu Jinnan’s gaze, gasped, startled.

Xu Jinnan smiled faintly. “Good morning.”

—

Xu Jinnan messaged Tong Jia: [?]

Tong Jia had been to her office before, but she had never mentioned Shen Shu filming here.

Having seen Xu Jinnan just now, Tong Jia understood the question mark. She replied quickly.

Tong Jia: [Surprise!]

Tong Jia: [I’ve been so careful not to mention it in the group chat, so you wouldn’t find out.]

Xu Jinnan: [Should I be grateful?]

She overheard her employees’ conversation.

Just then, Zhou Pei entered with some documents. “Did you know which production was filming here?” Xu Jinnan asked. Zhou Pei hadn’t mentioned it either.

“No, the property manager handles those arrangements,” Zhou Pei replied, shaking her head.

What a coincidence.

“Tell everyone to be mindful of the film crew. No disturbances,” Xu Jinnan instructed.

“Certainly.”

—

After Zhou Pei left, Xu Jinnan thought, This is actually quite convenient.

She had been so busy lately, barely having time to talk to Shen Shu, but if they were in the same building, it would be easier to see each other during breaks.

She couldn’t keep avoiding her.

She messaged Tong Jia, inviting her to lunch in her office.

Then, she went to a meeting.

Shortly after the meeting started, she received a message from Tong Jia.

[Showing off your love on the first day? Not cool.]

Xu Jinnan: “…”

She didn’t reply, her mind on the meeting. By the time it ended, it was already lunchtime. She messaged Tong Jia: [Can’t make it today. Tomorrow?]

Tong Jia: [Such a fickle woman.]

—

The meeting dragged on until 11:30 a.m.

Her back ached from sitting for so long, and her stomach rumbled, having only had toast and milk for breakfast, not even bothering with eggs, since Shen Shu wasn’t there.

As she left the meeting room, she asked Viola about lunch.

“Someone from the film crew next door sent over a lunch box,” Viola replied.

Xu Jinnan paused, then smiled. “Really?”

Back in her office, she saw a paper bag on her desk. Inside, a perfectly prepared steak lunch, complete with sides.

She took a picture and posted it on her Moments feed with a simple caption: Lunch.

Then, she slowly savored the meal.

—

Meanwhile, Shen Shu closed her lunch box, and Tong Jia glanced at the uneaten food. “That’s all you’re eating? Is it not good? Honestly, CEO Xu is so clueless. Enjoying her steak lunch and posting about it online, not even caring if her wife has eaten.”

“Can we order less next time? It’s such a waste,” Shen Shu said.

“So, you prefer CEO Xu’s cooking? You always have such a good appetite at home,” Tong Jia commented.

“…It’s fine,” Shen Shu replied calmly.

“Shu Shu, have you two been fighting?” Tong Jia asked, lowering her voice.

“No.”

We haven’t even been talking, Shen Shu thought.

She didn’t understand her own feelings, her thoughts tangled and confused, like weeds growing uncontrollably, one after another.

She could only try to maintain her composure, to distance herself.

But it wasn’t working…

“Shu Shu, perfect timing! You haven’t finished eating yet,” Tan Jie’s voice said from behind them.

They looked up.

Tan Jie was holding a lunch box. “We ordered steak lunches. Want to try some? It’s low-calorie,” she said with a smile, her beauty captivating, drawing the attention of those around them.

It would be rude to refuse, so Tong Jia accepted the lunch box, thanking her with a smile.

“It’s nothing. I don’t like the food on set either,” Tan Jie replied, then added, “Oh, I sent one to Miss Xu as well. Ask her if she likes it. We can order more next time.”

Both Shen Shu and Tong Jia’s smiles faltered.

Tong Jia had even shown Shen Shu Xu Jinnan’s Moments post.

—

Xu Jinnan was reading a contract, taking small bites of her steak, when the door opened.

It wasn’t a forceful entrance, but the person’s expression was grim, making the sound seem heavier than it was.

“Xu Jinnan.”

Xu Jinnan put down her steak, startled by Shen Shu’s expression – a mixture of hurt, anger, and something else she couldn’t quite place.

Assuming she had been bullied on set, Xu Jinnan immediately stood up. “What’s wrong? Did someone give you trouble?”

“I don’t care about your relationship with Tan Jie, but while we’re on set, please be more considerate,” Shen Shu said coldly.

Xu Jinnan was confused. “What… I…”

Before she could finish, Shen Shu continued, her voice flat and emotionless, “Since our marriage is just a contract, and you clearly don’t care, there’s no need to pretend. Let’s just end this charade and get a divorce.”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Shen Shu didn’t look at her again, simply turning and walking out, slamming the door behind her.

Xu Jinnan’s hand rested on the door, her body leaning against it as she followed Shen Shu, a sigh escaping her lips.

“Who said I don’t care?” she whispered.

Chapter 57 p1

Hundreds.

A chill ran down Xu Jinnan’s spine.

“Even if it doesn’t kill you, it can cause brain damage and psychosis,” Professor Qin said gravely. “And that’s the best-case scenario.” The last time, with Yin Xue’s suicide attempt, she had only inhaled a trace amount from the bandages, and it had still affected her for days. And that had been a diluted version.

“Miss Xu, this is a controlled substance. If it doesn’t belong to you, you should report this to the police,” he said seriously.

Xu Jinnan understood. This amount was enough to warrant a serious investigation.

“It’s not mine, and it’s not convenient to involve the police right now,” she said, walking over to the sink and washing her hands. “Professor Qin, I’ll take care of this and have it destroyed. Just pretend you never saw it.” She lowered her voice. “I’ll be honest with you. This is a Xu family matter. No matter the outcome, I promise you won’t be implicated.”

A cool breeze drifted in through the open window, the dripping faucet slowing to a stop.

“I understand,” Professor Qin said. “Consider this matter closed.” He wasn’t foolish.

Xu Jinnan had made it clear this was a family matter.

Destroying the evidence and reporting it to the police would only antagonize the Xu family, with no benefit to him.

Besides, after these past few months, he had grown to trust Xu Jinnan.

—

Xu Jinnan sat in the driver’s seat, the cold sweat that had earlier beaded on her forehead now evaporated.

Her white Bentley glided along the asphalt road, the golden leaves of the French plane trees lining the streets, their vibrant yellow a stark contrast to the darkening sky, the earlier sunshine now obscured by gathering clouds.

Like the secrets hidden within the Xu family.

She mentally reviewed the recent events, realizing that despite overcoming each crisis, she hadn’t gotten any closer to the truth.

Who was helping Yin Xue?

And what was the connection between that person and the drug the original Xu Jinnan had hidden?

A sense of unease settled over her. Besides the Xu family, there might be others… watching her.

She had no leads, no answers.

Only Qucheng.

She had to finalize the Qucheng trip soon; she couldn’t keep postponing it.

She didn’t know what other dangers awaited her.

As she parked, unbuckling her seatbelt, she received a WeChat message from Tong Jia.

Two weeks had passed since the Qiao Rui incident, and Tong Jia seemed to have recovered, her usual cheerful demeanor masking any lingering pain.

Tong Jia: [Sis, check Weibo!]

Xu Jinnan: [?]

Tong Jia: [You’ll regret it if you don’t!]

Xu Jinnan was easily swayed by such challenges. Her work WeChat was constantly buzzing with notifications, so she usually kept Weibo on silent.

As she opened the app, the notification count continued to climb, along with her follower count.

Then, her gaze stopped.

Her private messages were restricted to followers only, and a new name had appeared on the list – Shen Shu.

Shen Shu: [Thank you.]

Shen Shu had actually followed her?

Not only that, but she had also liked Xu Jinnan’s repost of her thank-you message to her fans.

Xu Jinnan’s earlier gloom lifted, a smile playing on her lips. So this is the joy of fandom.

Another message, from ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [Ahhh!!! Sis! You’re my savior!]

ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [Shu Shu only follows five people, and you’re one of them!!!]

ShuShu’sNumberOneFan: [I’m going to cling to your thigh for the rest of my life! Please let me bask in your glory!]

RichSisterWithStamina: [My pleasure.]

Xu Jinnan chuckled, then, feeling a surge of curiosity, opened the fan group chat.

How did you do it?!

Can you buy me an LED screen too? I want to be followed by Shu Shu!

Don’t be ridiculous. You’re a moderator. You can do it yourself.

I think Xia Chun is also a fan now. She likes every single one of Shu Shu’s posts.

It’s not just because of the LED screen. Jia-jie said Boss Lady has secured several sponsorships and endorsements for Shu Shu, even negotiated some of them personally. She’s practically Shu Shu’s second agent.

I want to see what Boss Lady looks like~

Slightly off-topic, but Boss Lady is a CP fan! Such a charming persona~

Xu Jinnan scrolled through the messages, her head resting against the headrest, then paused, rereading the comment about Xia Chun.

A strange thought crossed her mind.

—

It was 1 p.m. when Xu Jinnan finished her meeting.

As she left her office, she heard her employees discussing a film crew.

“Which production?”

“I don’t know. They’re keeping it a secret, probably to avoid crowds.”

“But people will find out eventually, won’t they?”

“The fewer people who know, the better. The company said we shouldn’t disturb them.”

Xu Jinnan paused, a thought crossing her mind. Shen Shu had finished filming her outdoor scenes today and would be at the office building tomorrow.

But not in this area.

As she was leaving the restroom, she overheard a conversation. “Holy shit, the set for Full Dress collapsed… Someone’s trapped underneath.”

Xu Jinnan’s blood ran cold. She whirled around. “Which Full Dress?”

The employee, startled by her intensity, stammered, “The… the…”

Before she could finish, Xu Jinnan had already rushed away.

Which Full Dress? There was only one.

She ran to her office, grabbing her phone. It was better to call Shen Shu directly.

They usually communicated through WeChat, her recent call log showing only a few calls from the past two days, but in this moment of panic, her patience vanished.

She found Shen Shu’s number and dialed it.

After waiting for over ten seconds with no answer, she tapped her fingers impatiently on the desk, her stomach clenching.

She hung up and called Tong Jia, who also didn’t answer the first time. After another long wait, she frowned, a sense of unease settling over her.

“Hello? CEO Xu?”

“Where’s Shen Shu?” she asked without preamble.

“You saw the news, didn’t you? Don’t worry, she’s fine. She wasn’t hurt… I’ll explain later. We’re at the hospital,” Tong Jia replied.

If she wasn’t hurt, why are they at the hospital? She would have to see Shen Shu to be sure.

“Which hospital?”

Tong Jia gave her the address. It was the one funded by the Xu family.

—

Xu Jinnan’s face was expressionless as she drove, her foot heavy on the accelerator. She knew Shen Shu was probably fine; Tong Jia would have called her immediately if anything serious had happened.

But she still wanted to see her as soon as possible.

To confirm with her own eyes that she was safe.

At the hospital, she rushed towards the emergency room, where a crowd of fans and reporters were being held back by security.

Most of them were Xia Chun’s fans, her agent talking to them.

To avoid the crowd, Xu Jinnan took the staff entrance.

“You’re here already?” Tong Jia asked, holding a bag of medication, a tube of ointment visible inside.

Xu Jinnan frowned. “I thought she wasn’t hurt.”

“Don’t worry, it’s not for Shu Shu. It’s for Xia Chun. If she hadn’t reacted quickly and pulled Shu Shu out of the way, the scaffolding would have fallen on her. She helped us, so I’m just running errands for her,” Tong Jia explained.

Xu Jinnan relaxed slightly. “Where is she?”

“Xinxin is with her, thanking Xia Chun. She’s really fine. Don’t worry,” Tong Jia reassured her, leading her towards the elevators. Due to their connections, they had been given a private room.

The hospital was quiet, with few patients.

“She’s fine. The X-rays were normal. Just a few scrapes, but Xia Chun’s agency is probably making a big deal out of it for publicity,” Tong Jia said, pointing towards a room. “But Xia Chun is really nice. I’m starting to become a fan.”

Xu Jinnan nodded, and they reached the room. Tong Jia opened the door.

“I can’t forget you,” Xia Chun’s voice said, just as the door opened.

Everyone froze.

Xu Jinnan and Tong Jia stood at the doorway, Xia Chun sitting on the edge of the bed, Shen Shu standing a few feet away.

Xu Jinnan’s eyes met Shen Shu’s.

Tong Jia coughed awkwardly, glancing at Xu Jinnan’s expression. “Xia Chun, thank you so much! Shu Shu’s family is so grateful!” she said, her tone overly cheerful.

They all knew who Xu Jinnan was, and Tong Jia’s emphasis on “family” was a deliberate attempt to clarify their relationship.

Xu Jinnan’s expression softened slightly as she turned to Xia Chun, forcing a smile. “Yes, thank you, Xia Chun. Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine. It’s nothing. You should still take Ah Shu for a CT scan, just to be safe,” Xia Chun replied.

“No need. I’m fine,” Shen Shu said, walking over to Xu Jinnan. She turned to Tong Jia. “Jia Jia, Xia Chun’s agent isn’t here yet, and Xinxin went to get some water. Can you stay with her for a bit?”

“Sure, you two lovebirds chat,” Tong Jia said, regretting her impulsive entrance.

She had assumed Xia Chun simply admired Shen Shu. What was with this talk of past relationships?

And the atmosphere between Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu seemed strange, almost tense. Were they about to have a fight?

Before leaving, Xu Jinnan had intended to thank Xia Chun again for helping Shen Shu, but she lost her desire to do so.

Outside the room, she looked down at Shen Shu, her voice low and concerned. “Are you sure you’re okay? Should we get a check-up?”

“I’m fine. Xia Chun pulled me out of the way,” Shen Shu replied, shaking her head.

“Good.” Xu Jinnan nodded. “What happened? How can a film set just collapse?”

Just as Shen Shu was about to explain, someone approached, and Xu Jinnan instinctively stepped in front of her, shielding her from their gaze.

As they stood close together, the scent of disinfectant was replaced by Shen Shu’s familiar fragrance.

Shen Shu, still slightly shaken from the incident, felt a sense of calm now, standing beside Xu Jinnan.

She was wearing heels, while Xu Jinnan was in flat sneakers.

She looked up at Xu Jinnan’s face, her light brown hair slightly tousled, as if ruffled by the wind.

Her gaze lingered on a stray strand of hair.

“I don’t know. Maybe they didn’t secure the set properly… Did you see it on Weibo?” she asked.

“Something like that,” Xu Jinnan replied vaguely.

A silence fell between them.

“Don’t you have anything else to ask me?” Shen Shu asked.

Xu Jinnan looked at her. Even she, oblivious as she could be sometimes, understood the meaning behind Xia Chun’s words.

It wasn’t just one-sided affection.

Xia Chun and Shen Shu had a past. Perhaps.

After all, she hadn’t read the entire novel. She lacked conviction.

Did you two know each other before? She wanted to ask.

She hesitated, then asked softly, “I do have a question.”

Just then, Xinxin approached with a water pitcher, and Xu Jinnan said, “Let’s talk about it later, at home.”

Xinxin greeted them cheerfully.

Seeing that Shen Shu was truly unharmed, Xu Jinnan said, “Why don’t you go back inside? I have to go back to the office.”

“What am I supposed to be doing?” Shen Shu asked, the slight upward inflection in her voice making it sound more like a statement than a question.

Xu Jinnan glanced at Xia Chun’s room, smiling faintly. “Isn’t Xia Chun injured? And there are all those fans outside. Her agency wants to use this for publicity, and Tong Jia asked you to stay and show your support.”

Shen Shu didn’t reply, looking down for a moment, then said calmly, “You’ve thought of everything, haven’t you?”

“Isn’t that what Tong Jia wanted?”

“Yes,” Shen Shu said. “You can go now.”

Xu Jinnan sensed the awkwardness in her tone. “What time will you be home?”

“I don’t know. When I’m done.”

Xu Jinnan: “…” Why the hesitation?

—

A few minutes after Xu Jinnan left, Xia Chun’s agent returned, and Tong Jia immediately pulled Shen Shu aside.

“Shu Shu, what’s going on between you and Xia Chun? No, we’ll discuss this later,” she said, then, lowering her voice, asked, “Is CEO Xu angry?”

“Why would she be angry?” Shen Shu asked calmly.

“I heard it. She must have heard it too,” Tong Jia said, referring to Xia Chun’s confession.

Shen Shu shook her head silently.

Clearly, Xu Jinnan didn’t care.

To Xu Jinnan, their marriage was just a contract, but why was she so good to her?

Then again, she was good to everyone.

Shen Shu felt a strange pang of annoyance, unable to focus on Tong Jia’s words.

—

 

Chapter 56 p2

That afternoon, Shen Shu and Tong Jia were talking at the studio.

Xinxin entered, placing her phone on the table in front of them. “This lady is amazing! She’s doing our job for us,” she said with a laugh.

Shen Shu looked down at the photo of a legal notice.

The Weibo user’s ID was ICan’tBeTamed.

The post read: I apologize for my impulsive behavior. I was provoked and said some things I shouldn’t have, accusing Ms. Shen Shu of having plastic surgery. I don’t have any friends who work at plastic surgery clinics, and I’ve never heard such rumors.

I apologize to @RichSisterWithStamina for my inappropriate words.

I also apologize to Ms. @ShenShu. I’m sorry.

“Another trending topic! The one from this morning hasn’t even died down yet,” Xinxin said excitedly, sitting down beside them. Then, she paused. “Is this too much publicity, though?”

“It’s fine. We chose this path. We have the resources to handle it. And besides, this publicity will help us secure better opportunities,” Tong Jia reassured her.

Xinxin nodded, picking up her phone and opening RichSisterWithStamina’s Weibo profile. “This lady is amazing! A true fan! Sending a legal notice right away! That’ll teach them a lesson!” And no one could accuse them of being overly sensitive. They could even step in and mediate, further improving their public image.

“These trolls think they can say whatever they want online. Well, they messed with the wrong person. Jia-jie, you have excellent taste in fans!”

Tong Jia, her ears burning at the indirect compliment, thought, Subtle PDA is the deadliest.

“Of course. I personally chose her,” she said, her tone changing slightly.

Shen Shu, staring at RichSisterWithStamina’s profile, a subtle softness in her eyes, said, “Contact her and thank her for me. And thank all my fans for their support.”

“Will do!”

—

It was past 7 p.m., and Xu Jinnan was working late, having received a message from Professor Qin, who would be returning tomorrow. She didn’t have time in the morning, so she had to catch up tonight.

Viola entered with a container of porridge. “CEO Xu, I brought you some porridge. Eat when you have time,” she said.

“Thank you,” Xu Jinnan replied, looking up.

She put down her pen. “Can you get me some antacids?”

“You barely touched your lunch. Your stomach must be upset,” Viola said. “I’ll go get some right away.”

Xu Jinnan rubbed her stomach, her lips slightly pale. Sometimes, when she skipped meals, she lost her appetite altogether.

By the time she remembered to eat, it was already time for the next meal.

After taking the antacids, she felt slightly better and was about to return to her work when she received a message from Shen Shu.

Shen Shu: [Busy?]

Xu Jinnan: [Not really. You? Done with work?]

Shen Shu: [I just got home.]

Xu Jinnan: [Get some rest then. I’ll be late.]

Shen Shu: [How late?]

Xu Jinnan paused, checking the time. She wasn’t sure.

Shen Shu: [Be careful driving.]

Xu Jinnan: [Okay.]

After a few minutes, she sent another message. [Is there something you want to talk about?]

Shen Shu: [Can’t I just ask?]

Xu Jinnan, finding typing too slow, sent a voice message.

“Of course you can.”

—

When Xu Jinnan arrived home at 10 p.m., the living room lights were on, and Shen Shu was sitting on the sofa, watching a variety show on TV, her phone in her hand.

Seeing her, Shen Shu turned off the TV and stood up. “I bought some new bread. Have some if you’re hungry. I’m going to bed,” she said.

Xu Jinnan nodded, watching as she went into the bedroom.

Was she waiting for me?

Xu Jinnan smiled faintly, opening the cupboard and seeing a package of mango-flavored cream bread.

—

The next day was the first day of filming for Shen Shu’s new drama.

Tong Jia arrived at 7 a.m. to pick her up. Shen Shu glanced at the closed guest room door, then, just as she was about to leave, Xu Jinnan emerged.

“Shu Shu.”

Shen Shu turned around.

“Good luck,” Xu Jinnan said. “Don’t worry about anything. I’ve got your back.”

—

Shen Shu sat in the van, her first scene mostly outdoors, at a traditional house in the suburbs, the first meeting between the female lead and the second female lead.

She, as the third female lead, would encounter them during their meeting.

The first scene of the love triangle.

While it seemed clichéd at first glance, it was actually a well-written workplace drama about a woman overcoming obstacles and achieving success.

The script was good.

Unlike her previous experience, Shen Shu wasn’t nervous. Instead of reading the script, she closed her eyes and relaxed during the drive.

Suddenly, Tong Jia said, “Slow down, Shu Shu. Look.”

Shen Shu opened her eyes, following Tong Jia’s gaze to a large LED screen across from Wanhe Plaza, a new addition.

Just then, the screen lit up.

It was her face.

One of her promotional photos for the drama, her expression cool and elegant, her makeup subtle, her nude-colored, sequined dress shimmering in the bright light. People stopped to take pictures.

Tong Jia smiled. “Surprise! Do you like it?”

Shen Shu stared at the screen, a mixture of surprise, excitement, and gratitude washing over her.

She took a picture with her phone, then turned to Tong Jia, a smile playing on her lips. “When did the studio become so wealthy?” It was a prime location in the city center, a significant expense.

Tong Jia’s smile was enigmatic. “There’s more. Billboards, bus stops, TV commercials, everywhere. And to avoid jealousy, it’s not just you. We got something for the other leads too.”

“Was it that… fan?”

Tong Jia paused, and Xinxin, sitting in the front, chuckled. “Shu Shu, you sound like a lovesick teenager.”

“You’re right,” Tong Jia said, looking at Shen Shu. “Sometimes, I forget she’s not the younger one.”

Xinxin: “Me too!”

Tong Jia turned back to Shen Shu. “Yes, it was her. My choice for moderator, not bad, right? A true fan…” she said, a hint of wistfulness in her voice.

“Yes, she’s amazing,” Shen Shu agreed.

—

As they approached the studio, about a dozen fans were waiting at the entrance, wearing matching T-shirts with Shen Shu’s chibi character on them, holding light boards.

The scene was comparable to Xia Chun’s fan greeting, even the merchandise of similar quality.

And since Xia Chun had defended Shen Shu online, the two fan bases were on good terms.

Tan Jie’s fans were fewer in number, and a few of them, having attacked Shen Shu online before, rolled their eyes as Shen Shu’s van arrived.

They thought Tan Jie shouldn’t have apologized!

Shen Shu had the driver stop at the entrance, rolling down the window to greet her fans. “Thank you for coming! You don’t have to wait for me. Go home early and be careful,” she said.

“Shu Shu!!!”

“Okay, we’ll leave now!”

“Remember to drink plenty of water, Shu Bao!”

“I will. I’m going in now,” Shen Shu said.

“Good luck, Shu Shu!”

“Fighting!”

Shen Shu smiled faintly, nodding. “Thank you.”

The window closed, and the van drove into the studio.

Her fans cheered excitedly.

“I’m going to faint! Oh my god!”

“Help me…”

“She’s so beautiful!”

Xia Chun’s fans, standing nearby, also smiled. “Wow, she’s even more stunning in person! Is this considered marrying young?”

“Totally! I can’t handle this much beauty.”

Just then, Xia Chun’s car arrived. She rolled down the window, waved, and thanked her fans before driving in.

Then, Tan Jie’s van arrived.

“Jie Jie!!!”

Tan Jie, hearing her fans’ cheers, rolled down the window, smiled, and thanked them as well.

As the window closed, her smile faded.

“Why are there so few people?” she asked.

“Two of your biggest fans couldn’t make it, and a few others who usually come with them didn’t come either,” her agent explained.

Tan Jie didn’t reply.

“I’ll remind them next time,” her agent added.

“Okay.”

—

Meanwhile, Xu Jinnan, after dealing with some urgent matters and delegating tasks to her team, finally left for the hospital.

The morning sky was overcast, the clouds thick and heavy in places, the sun breaking through in others.

It was difficult to tell if it would be a good day or not.

But the autumn air was crisp and cool. October 1st. A good day for Shen Shu, she thought.

She touched the small box in her bag, wondering what Professor Qin would say.

—

At the hospital, Professor Qin asked about her recent health, then ordered a routine check-up.

After that, Xu Jinnan gave him the box. He placed it on a silver tray and carefully took out a small sample with tweezers.

His expression changed as he examined it. “I’ll run some tests first. If this is what I think it is, it’s not good,” he said, his voice serious.

Xu Jinnan, sensing his concern, simply nodded.

She would find out the truth today, one way or another.

The tests would take two hours, and Professor Qin, remembering her request, personally took the sample to the lab.

While waiting, Xu Jinnan saw Shen Shu’s Weibo post.

Thank you everyone for your support. You’re the best.

The accompanying photos showed the LED screen and the two custom-made fan shirts Tong Jia had received.

Xu Jinnan liked and reposted the post, adding a comment: You go, superstar!

After her blood test, she rested in Professor Qin’s office. Two hours later, he returned, his face grim.

He closed the door behind him. “Miss Xu, where did you get this?”

“Tell me what it is first.”

“Remember that incident in Rongcheng? This powder is the same as the drug you were exposed to, except that was a diluted version, and this is concentrated.”

Xu Jinnan’s eyes widened. “I only inhaled a small amount, and I was incapacitated. What would happen with a concentrated dose?”

Professor Qin frowned, then sat down opposite her, his voice grave. “Let me put it this way, this amount is enough to kill hundreds of people.”