Category: Captivating Beauty

Chapter 53

Xu Jinnan followed Tong Jia into the hotel. Compared to her earlier trembling, Tong Jia seemed calmer now, though her eyes were red-rimmed, her lips pressed together, her short, silver-gray hair accentuating the pallor of her face.

“If it’s too painful, we don’t have to do this,” Xu Jinnan said.

“No,” Tong Jia replied firmly. “I need to see it with my own eyes before I can give up. You don’t understand what seven years means to me.”

Xu Jinnan fell silent, understanding the suffocating pain of betrayal after years of devotion, even though she hadn’t experienced it herself.

Normally, hotels wouldn’t disclose guest information or room numbers. Even with Qiao Rui’s phone number and ID memorized, Tong Jia couldn’t get past the front desk.

Then, Shen Shu messaged them, saying the hotel was owned by the Cai family and suggesting they contact Cai Ying.

Cai Ying’s response was immediate and explosive. [Screaming] I’m calling right now!!!! Xu Jinnan, you’re doing God’s work!!!! Destroy that cheating bitch!!!!*

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Within minutes, Cai Ying sent them the room number, along with the names of Qiao Rui and the other woman registered in the system.

She didn’t show Tong Jia the names.

The elevator ascended silently, the thick carpeting in the hallway muffling their footsteps. The corridor was quiet, almost deserted.

Xu Jinnan stopped Tong Jia from knocking directly.

Tong Jia, her mind reeling, understood. Qiao Rui wouldn’t open the door if she saw her.

The thought brought tears to her eyes. Everything had been fine just this morning. How had it come to this? She had never imagined confronting Qiao Rui like this.

They stepped aside and knocked softly.

“Who is it?” a voice called out. It wasn’t Qiao Rui.

Xu Jinnan didn’t reply, knocking again after a few seconds, then again, and finally, on the fourth knock, the door opened.

“Who is it? What the—” Qiao Rui’s words died in her throat.

She was wearing a bathrobe, hastily put on, the lapels loose, revealing several love bites on her neck and chest.

She quickly tightened the robe, her eyes meeting Tong Jia’s. “Jia…” she began.

“What’s taking so long?” a woman’s voice called out from inside the room.

Tong Jia bit her lip, tasting blood, and swallowed the rising tide of grief. Her face hardened as she pushed past Qiao Rui and strode into the room.

“Jia Jia!”

Xu Jinnan stood in the hallway, not wanting to intrude.

Then, she heard a scream.

“What are you doing?! Qiao Rui, aren’t you going to do anything?! Ah—”

“Jia Jia!”

A glass shattered on the floor inside the room.

“You’re crazy!” the other woman exclaimed, clutching her forehead, her face pale with shock.

In her anger, Tong Jia had thrown the nearest object, a glass, which, after Qiao Rui dodged it, had struck the woman behind her.

“Tong Jia! Calm down!” Qiao Rui exclaimed, afraid things would escalate. She reached for Tong Jia’s arm, but a hand gripped her shoulder.

She turned to see Xu Jinnan’s cold, sharp eyes.

Qiao Rui frowned. “CEO Xu? You came together?”

Xu Jinnan smiled faintly. “Does it matter?”

Qiao Rui’s face flushed as she turned to Tong Jia. “Jia Jia, let’s talk later,” she said, her voice as gentle as ever.

Tong Jia looked at her, tears streaming down her face. She slapped Qiao Rui. “Seven years, Qiao Rui! I could have trained a dog to be more loyal than you!”

—

Shen Shu pulled up in Xu Jinnan’s car.

Tong Jia sat in the back seat, her forehead resting against the window, her expression bleak.

She wasn’t crying anymore, but she looked even more heartbroken than before.

—

After dropping Tong Jia off, they watched as she began packing her things, as if trying to erase every trace of Qiao Rui from her apartment. She closed a suitcase, her hands gripping the handle tightly. “I’m fine. You can go now,” she said.

“We’ll stay for a bit,” Xu Jinnan said. “I went through all that trouble for you. Let me rest.”

Tong Jia didn’t reply, returning to the bedroom, as if searching for more remnants of her relationship with Qiao Rui.

Xu Jinnan, sensing her distress, called out, “Tong Jia.”

Tong Jia didn’t stop.

Shen Shu went after her, gently taking her hand. “Talk to us, or cry. It’s okay. We’re here for you,” she said softly.

Xu Jinnan looked at Shen Shu. While she claimed to be bad at comforting people, those simple words were more effective than anything Xu Jinnan could have said.

She remained silent.

Tong Jia pulled her hand away and sat down on the bed. “When she danced ‘White Birch Forest,’ she brought the character to life – a woman waiting faithfully for her lover’s return, her heart filled with longing. She stood on stage, tears in her eyes, on tiptoe, as if waiting beneath that white birch tree. At that moment, I thought, this woman must have experienced such heartbreak, such unrequited love. I wanted to protect her, to comfort her… to be the one she was waiting for.” She smiled faintly, glancing at the notebook in the trash can.

It was filled with the lyrics of “White Birch Forest.”

She had written them while pursuing Qiao Rui.

She silently came to the white birch forest,

Waiting longingly, day after day.

She said he was just lost in the distance,

That he would definitely return to this white birch forest.

…

Young people vanished in the white birch forest,

The long road nearing its end.

The girl’s hair had turned white.

“Seven years,” Tong Jia said, her voice laced with bitterness. “And I was the one waiting, like a fool.”

She said she wanted to be alone.

Xu Jinnan brought her a bottle of water, closed the door, and went out onto the small balcony.

Shen Shu was standing by the railing, the sky dark and heavy with rain clouds.

Xu Jinnan stood beside her. “What are you thinking about?”

“Seven years,” Shen Shu replied softly. “Why is a seven-year relationship so fragile? Seven years is a long time.” She rarely expressed such sentiments.

“After such a long time, shouldn’t you be afraid of losing it?” Xu Jinnan asked.

Shen Shu, abandoned as a child, adopted by the Shen family, and then losing her grandmother, had always been afraid of loss. Xu Jinnan’s heart ached for her.

She suddenly understood how Tong Jia must have felt, watching Qiao Rui dance.

“Some people are like that,” she said softly. “Others become complacent after receiving love, or perhaps their feelings fade over time, the novelty wearing off.”

Shen Shu looked at her. “Which type are you?”

“Me? The first type,” Xu Jinnan replied, meeting her gaze.

–

Xu Jinnan leaned against the balcony railing, her pale arms a stark contrast against the black paint, her voice casual yet sincere.

She was slightly shorter than Shen Shu, having leaned down.

Their eyes met, and Xu Jinnan smiled faintly. “Are you tired?”

“Not really.”

“Go sit down. Your foot just healed. Don’t stand for too long.”

Shen Shu looked at her for a moment. “Teacher Xu,” she said, a playful lilt in her voice, “aren’t you tired, worrying about everyone?”

Seeing her lighter mood, Xu Jinnan chuckled. “Teacher Shen, anyone would think you were jealous.”

Shen Shu paused.

Just then, Tong Jia’s anguished cry echoed from inside the apartment. “Qiao Rui! You bastard!”

They hurried inside to find Tong Jia holding an iPad, the screen brightly lit, displaying what looked like text messages.

“Why? How could this be? Qiao Rui…” she whispered, her voice filled with disbelief, then dropped the iPad, which clattered to the floor.

It was the one Tong Jia had bought for Qiao Rui a couple of years ago. The account was Qiao Rui’s, with messages synced and backed up. After upgrading to a new iPad, this one had been put away.

But the account hadn’t been logged out, and if Tong Jia hadn’t been feeling nostalgic and opened the old iPad, she would never have discovered her girlfriend’s betrayal.

For over two years, Qiao Rui had been exchanging explicit, even vulgar, messages with other women. From the content, it seemed many of them were her so-called “students.”

There were even mentions of threesomes and orgies.

Most of these women didn’t know Qiao Rui had a girlfriend, and those who did were mostly married…

Seeking thrills outside their own relationships.

It was disgusting.

Xu Jinnan had seen her fair share of depravity with the original Xu Jinnan, Chen Bo, and Han Fu, but Qiao Rui was just as bad, if not worse.

At least Chen Bo and the others were openly promiscuous. Qiao Rui’s deception made her even more repulsive.

Shen Shu picked up the iPad, turned it off, and handed Tong Jia a tissue, who then collapsed into her arms, sobbing uncontrollably.

Shen Shu gently patted her back.

She had only read one message thread.

Qiao Rui: [Meeting today, babe?]

Other Woman: [Won’t your girlfriend find out?]

Qiao Rui: [I told her I have a class. She usually doesn’t bother me when I’m teaching.]

Other Woman: [Then come over to my place.]

Shen Shu could imagine Tong Jia’s devastation.

—

Tong Jia drank a lot that night, finally passing out from the alcohol. Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu, not wanting to leave her alone, decided to stay.

After settling her in, they sat in the living room, idly watching TV.

A spy romance was playing on the ABO movie channel. The opening scene showed the protagonist, almost exposed, running through a dark alleyway.

During a thrilling shootout, she burst into a dilapidated room, interrupting an Omega woman who was changing her clothes.

—

Xu Jinnan was bored.

Halfway through the movie, she heard a soft sigh and turned to see Shen Shu asleep on the sofa, her head tilted slightly towards Xu Jinnan. The living room lights were off, only the flickering light from the TV illuminating her face, but it was enough to see her delicate features.

Her small face, every inch a work of art, was framed by soft, dark hair, tied back loosely, accentuating her elegant neck. She was wearing a soft, black knit sweater.

Normally, Xu Jinnan wouldn’t have noticed, but perhaps because of the late hour, her senses were heightened, especially her sense of smell.

Shen Shu’s sweet vanilla scent filled the air, wrapping around her like a gentle embrace.

It was intoxicating, more potent than any alcohol.

She realized Shen Shu’s pheromones were stronger than usual.

Was her heat cycle approaching? It wasn’t due yet…

Confused, she felt a familiar tingling in her scent gland.

Her fingers twitched, and she reached out—

Then stopped, her hand hovering inches from Shen Shu’s lips.

Shen Shu’s eyes fluttered open, her pupils reflecting the light from the TV, her gaze sleepy and unfocused.

This vulnerable side of Shen Shu was rare.

“Just fixing your hair,” Xu Jinnan mumbled, quickly withdrawing her hand and sitting up straight, as if nothing had happened.

Shen Shu’s gaze cleared. “Did you fix it?”

Xu Jinnan paused. “Yes,” she replied.

Shen Shu looked at her for a moment, then picked up her glass of water and took a sip. “Really? I didn’t feel anything.”

Xu Jinnan’s heart skipped a beat, her composure faltering. “You were asleep. How could you feel anything?”

“I wasn’t asleep,” Shen Shu said calmly.

Xu Jinnan: “…”

It had started raining around 10 p.m., and the soft patter against the windows, combined with the low volume of the TV, created a peaceful, almost intimate atmosphere.

“What were you doing just now?” Shen Shu asked, her voice soft.

Her mind, still slightly hazy from sleep, wasn’t fully engaged, simply seeking the answer to a question that had instinctively surfaced.

Xu Jinnan’s fingers curled, a strange nervousness washing over her under Shen Shu’s unwavering gaze.

Could she admit she had wanted to touch Shen Shu’s lips?

That she had been drawn in by her intoxicating pheromones?

Clearly not.

She sighed inwardly, looking at Shen Shu’s expectant expression. She couldn’t lie.

“I wanted to touch your face,” she admitted, telling a half-truth. She realized “touch” wasn’t the right word and considered changing it, but seeing Shen Shu’s expression, she decided against it.

It was like a game of chance, testing the waters, afraid of pushing too far and ruining the moment.

She instinctively felt Shen Shu wouldn’t be angry.

“Oh,” Shen Shu said, looking away. “I’m going to check on Tong Jia.”

She opened Tong Jia’s door. In the dim light of the bedside lamp, Tong Jia was fast asleep, tears staining her cheeks, the pillow damp. She must have been crying again.

Shen Shu couldn’t imagine how long she had cried alone.

They left the room.

It was late, past midnight.

Seeing Tong Jia’s state, they decided to stay.

It was a two-bedroom apartment, but besides the master bedroom, the living room and guest room were both small, and the guest room was filled with clutter. So, the sofa was their only option.

Xu Jinnan found a blanket and sat down on the edge of the sofa. “You can lie down,” she said. The sofa was only big enough for one person to sleep comfortably.

“You take the sofa. I’m fine,” Shen Shu replied, her tone leaving no room for argument.

“I’m a restless sleeper. This sofa isn’t big enough,” Xu Jinnan said, placing the blanket aside and moving closer to Shen Shu, her voice gentle. “How about this, next time, I get the sofa, okay?”

Shen Shu looked at her for a moment, then asked, “Xu Jinnan, are you this kind to everyone?”

“No,” Xu Jinnan replied without thinking, her response instinctive and honest.

—

The TV was off, and a dim hallway light created a peaceful, sleep-inducing atmosphere.

Shen Shu lay on the sofa, her feet a few inches from Xu Jinnan’s arm.

The only sound in the room was the intermittent drumming of rain against the windows.

Xu Jinnan leaned back against the sofa, her neck slightly tilted, her eyes closed. After a moment, she heard Shen Shu’s soft voice. “If you really want to…”

“…Hmm?”

“I’ll let you… touch me.”

Her voice was barely a whisper, the words unfamiliar on her tongue.

Xu Jinnan’s mind went blank, her heart pounding.

The soft murmur, against the backdrop of the rain, sent a shiver down her spine, a sweet, tingling sensation.

She knew any misinterpretation of those words would be inappropriate.

“I…” she began, then hesitated.

Refusing after Shen Shu had offered would be rude.

And Shen Shu probably thought she had some kind of secret fetish, enjoying stolen moments of intimacy.

Just a quick touch, and then she would drop it.

After all, being caught staring had been embarrassing enough.

“Then…”

Bang!

The sudden sound of Tong Jia’s door bursting open startled her, the words dying in her throat.

Xu Jinnan stood up and watched as Tong Jia stumbled out of her room, her eyes half-closed.

Seeing Shen Shu on the sofa, she pointed at her and started yelling. “Scum! Beast! Jerk!”

Xu Jinnan: “…” Who are you calling names?!

After finally getting Tong Jia back to bed, they returned to the sofa, the rain now beating against the windows, though it would likely subside soon.

They sat in silence, both exhausted after dealing with Tong Jia.

Neither of them mentioned what had almost happened earlier.

The rain gradually softened, waiting for the next downpour, or for the storm to pass.

—

Tong Jia went to stay at her parents’ house for a few days.

Qiao Rui’s betrayal had devastated her; she couldn’t even bear to say her name.

Xu Jinnan thought letting Qiao Rui off so easily was too lenient.

After seven years of devotion, of pouring her heart and soul into the relationship, even planning a proposal, Tong Jia deserved better. It was a waste of her love and affection.

Like stepping in mud, the feeling of disgust would linger.

If it were Xu Jinnan, she would make Qiao Rui regret her actions, make her fear women for the rest of her life.

But she wasn’t Tong Jia.

She couldn’t say anything more. The day Tong Jia left, she simply sent her a message: Let me know if you need anything.

—

Despite her heartbreak, Tong Jia only took two days off, arranging her work schedule meticulously.

And since Shen Shu hadn’t started filming her new drama yet, the studio’s routine remained unchanged.

Xu Jinnan, however, was busy with the North District project, working late every night, rarely having any free time. She would pick Shen Shu up in the evenings, leaving the rest to Tong Jia.

She could sense their relationship had improved since the motel incident.

—

Xu Jinnan arrived home after working late, the faint sound of a TV commercial reaching her ears before she even opened the door.

She entered the apartment. The scent of shower gel lingered in the air, the living room lights on, the TV playing, Shen Shu sitting on the sofa.

Xu Jinnan took a quick shower, and when she returned, a plate of diced mangoes was on the table.

She had eaten a late dinner and wasn’t hungry, but she took a piece with a toothpick and ate it.

Sweet and refreshing.

She sat down on the sofa.

The cushions dipped slightly beside her as Shen Shu turned to look at her.

Xu Jinnan was wearing the black slip dress she had bought, the satin robe loosely tied, the V-neck revealing a hint of skin.

Shen Shu’s eyes darkened, and she was suddenly transported back to that night at the Xu residence…

Xu Jinnan’s voice brought her back to reality.

“What did Cai Ying want?”

Cai Ying had sent a voice message in the group chat while Xu Jinnan was downstairs, specifically asking for her, but a call had interrupted her.

As Xu Jinnan looked up, Shen Shu had already looked away. “Your birthday is March 21st, right?” she asked.

Xu Jinnan paused, a piece of mango halfway to her mouth. “Yes, why?” It was actually the original Xu Jinnan’s birthday.

“Cai Ying asked.”

“Why?”

“She didn’t explain. Said she’ll message you later,” Shen Shu replied.

A few minutes later, Cai Ying tagged them both in the group chat.

Cai Ying: [@Shen Shu @Xu Jinnan Your birthdays are so compatible!]

Cai Ying: [One is 1121, the other 0321.]

Cai Ying: [A Scorpio and an Aries. A perfect match!]

Neither Xu Jinnan nor Shen Shu cared about astrology, so they didn’t understand.

Xu Jinnan stared at the two dates, side by side. Perhaps because of all the strange coincidences involving the Xu family, she didn’t think this was a coincidence either.

Xu Jinnan: [Why are you researching this?]

Cai Ying: [Writing a novel.]

Xu Jinnan: [Oh.]

Cai Ying: [That “oh” is very condescending!]

Cai Ying: [@Shen Shu Shu Shu, are you going to let her talk to me like that?]

Xu Jinnan: […Tattling on everything. Are you in kindergarten?]

Cai Ying: [Yes, I am! Sticks out tongue emoji]

Xu Jinnan put down her phone and looked at Shen Shu. “Is this child really your best friend?”

Just then, Cai Ying tagged Shen Shu again.

[@Shen Shu I’m preparing a unique birthday gift for you this year. You can start looking forward to it now.]

Shen Shu: [My birthday is still months away…]

Cai Ying: [That’s why I said start looking forward to it now! It’ll be better than anything Xu Jinnan can get you.]

Xu Jinnan: “…”

She didn’t even bother responding.

Then, she remembered something. “Haven’t you opened the wedding gift from my brother yet?” she asked, turning to Shen Shu.

Shen Shu said she hadn’t. The box had been sitting in the closet, forgotten until now.

They retrieved it from the bedroom.

The dark red box, tied with a lace ribbon, had gold trim around the edges, elegant and luxurious.

Inside, a black velvet box, encrusted with diamonds, held a miniature diorama of a theater scene, a woman in a red dress in the foreground, surrounded by other figures – a grotesque creature, a knight, and a poet holding a book.

“The Hunchback of Notre Dame,” Shen Shu said, her gaze fixed on the diorama, a distant look in her eyes. “The first play I starred in, in the drama club.”

The figures were made of clay, the level of detail suggesting a skilled hand.

“Looks like your brother’s colleague really is your former classmate,” Xu Jinnan commented.

Shen Shu stared at the female protagonist in the diorama, as if transported back in time.

In The Hunchback of Notre Dame, Esmeralda, stolen from her family as a child and raised by gypsies, captivated the hearts of many with her beauty – a wandering poet, a fickle knight, the deformed Quasimodo, and a lecherous archdeacon.

She fell in love with the knight who rescued her, but her love blinded her to his true nature.

She was kind, agreeing to marry the poet to save his life, forgiving Quasimodo for kidnapping her, but ultimately, she couldn’t escape her tragic fate.

Back then, Shen Shu had felt a connection to Esmeralda, whose life, surrounded by both good and evil, mirrored her own.

Perhaps one day, she too would meet a similar end, leaving behind nothing but a rosary and a small silk pouch.

“Do you know why I love acting?” she asked.

“Why?” Xu Jinnan asked, looking at her intently.

Shen Shu smiled faintly. “Because I can experience different lives,” she replied, her voice soft, her smile genuine.

But Xu Jinnan felt a pang of sadness.

Shen Shu didn’t dwell on it. She liked the gift. “Can I keep this?” she asked.

“Of course. It was meant for you,” Xu Jinnan replied, nodding.

—

They chatted for a while, and it was past 10 p.m.

The plate of mangoes was still mostly uneaten.

Shen Shu, who hadn’t eaten much either, picked up the plate, intending to throw away the leftover mango and wash the dish, when she remembered the photos Lin Wei had sent of Little Crescent Moon.

As she turned around, Xu Jinnan stood up, holding the gift box, and they bumped into each other.

Xu Jinnan instinctively protected the box, absorbing most of the impact, and the plate of mangoes tipped over, spilling onto her.

The mango slices slid down her dress, landing in the valley of her cleavage. Shen Shu’s gaze flickered downwards.

Xu Jinnan felt a chill as the cold mango juice trickled down her skin.

Chapter 52

Xu Jinnan entered the bathroom, grabbing Shen Shu’s pink towel from the rack.

The frosted glass door wasn’t very wide, and she took a deep breath, then, angling her body, edged her way inside, using the light from her phone.

The air in the bathroom was thick with steam, the scent of vanilla and milk mingling, and she could hear Shen Shu’s soft, pained gasps.

Her heart tightened.

She reached Shen Shu and held out the towel. “Can you reach?”

Shen Shu reached out. “…A little closer.”

Xu Jinnan took a small step forward, and Shen Shu took the towel. After a moment, she murmured, “Wait.”

“What’s wrong?”

“Just wait,” Shen Shu repeated, her voice slightly strained.

Xu Jinnan thought she detected a hint of annoyance in her tone, perhaps amplified by their close proximity.

The bright light from Xu Jinnan’s phone illuminated Shen Shu’s flushed face.

The towel was large enough, but having fallen on the bathroom floor, with injuries to her right ankle and elbow, it was taking Shen Shu a while to wrap it around herself.

Her senses heightened in the darkness, Xu Jinnan unconsciously tapped her fingers against her thigh, waiting.

After a moment, the rustling of fabric stopped.

“Ready?”

“Yes.”

“Should I turn around now? I’m going to lift you,” Xu Jinnan said.

“Yes,” Shen Shu replied softly.

Xu Jinnan turned around, crouched down, and handed Shen Shu her phone, then gently lifted her, one arm supporting her back, the other beneath her knees.

The towel was damp now, and Shen Shu’s pajamas were on the shelf above the sink.

Xu Jinnan glanced up, placing her hand over Shen Shu’s and tilting the phone slightly to illuminate the shelf.

A gray satin nightgown and matching robe.

She carried Shen Shu over to the sink and set her down.

“I’ll get your pajamas. Put these on,” she said, reaching for the nightgown, her leg brushing against Shen Shu’s knee. She realized she was standing a little too close.

Just then, the bathroom light switched on.

Xu Jinnan froze, instinctively leaning forward slightly, her arm shielding Shen Shu.

Shen Shu, her head tilted back against the sink, squinted against the sudden brightness, her eyelashes casting shadows on her cheeks, her face flushed a deeper red than even the roses…

Xu Jinnan’s gaze drifted to her lips, equally red and alluring.

Then, Shen Shu’s eyes opened, sparkling in the bright light.

Xu Jinnan’s throat tightened, her hand itching to touch Shen Shu’s soft skin.

She held Shen Shu’s gaze for a moment, then lowered her hand, her fingertip gently poking Shen Shu’s cheek.

“What are you doing?” Shen Shu asked, her voice slightly breathless.

So soft. Just like the rest of her, Xu Jinnan thought.

Flustered by Shen Shu’s question, she quickly grabbed the nightgown and handed it to her. “Just a little… compensation,” she mumbled, then added, “Take your time. Call me when you’re done,” before hurrying out of the bathroom.

The cool air of the bedroom was a welcome relief after the heat of the bathroom, and she took a deep breath.

What am I doing? she thought, the image of Shen Shu’s flushed face and rosy lips flashing through her mind. She licked her lips, remembering their softness.

–

After Shen Shu finished changing, Xu Jinnan carried her to the sofa and crouched down, gently examining her ankle, her touch careful, as if handling a precious, fragile object.

Her hands were warm and soft.

Shen Shu looked down at her, lost in thought, then heard Xu Jinnan’s voice. “It’s swollen. We need to go to the hospital.”

Xu Jinnan checked her other injuries. Her elbow seemed fine, but her ankle was definitely swollen.

Worried about a possible fracture, she didn’t waste any time, taking Shen Shu to the hospital.

The X-ray showed no broken bones, but a sprained ligament. After applying a cast, the doctor said she would need to rest for at least two weeks.

As they were leaving, Xu Jinnan said, “Wait here. I’ll get you a wheelchair.”

“It’s fine,” Shen Shu said.

Xu Jinnan looked at her. “The doctor said you can’t put any weight on your foot. Do you want to hop all the way out?” She had carried Shen Shu into the hospital, and even with masks, people had been staring. She had noticed Shen Shu’s slight embarrassment.

She thought a wheelchair would be less conspicuous.

Apparently, she was wrong.

Shen Shu’s expression turned resigned, and she didn’t argue, as if accepting Xu Jinnan’s decision.

She simply felt a little embarrassed, being seen like this in front of Xu Jinnan.

Xu Jinnan, noticing her reaction, chuckled softly. “Or would you prefer me to carry you?”

Shen Shu glared at her.

…

After the hospital visit, it was past 1 a.m. when they returned to Xingcheng International.

Xu Jinnan wheeled Shen Shu to the bedroom, poured her a glass of water, and placed it on the bedside table. “Get some rest. I’ll leave the door open. Call me, or knock, if you need anything,” she said.

Shen Shu nodded.

Xu Jinnan bent down, placing her hands on her knees. “Miss Shen, falling in the bathroom isn’t something to be ashamed of. And besides, I’m the only one who knows,” she said gently, her voice soothing. “You don’t have to be embarrassed in front of me. I won’t laugh at you.” In fact, looking at her swollen ankle, she felt a pang of sympathy.

Shen Shu, meeting her gaze, her eyelashes fluttering slightly, simply said, “Go to sleep.”

Xu Jinnan went to clean the bathtub, then noticed a rose petal on the pink towel by the sink, still carrying a faint trace of Shen Shu’s warmth.

She picked it up.

A few minutes later, just as she was starting to feel drowsy, she heard a faint noise from the next room. She listened, then smiled – the sound of wheels rolling on the floor.

She went to the doorway.

Shen Shu was struggling to maneuver the wheelchair.

“Need some help?”

“I’m fine. I can manage,” Shen Shu replied.

Xu Jinnan hesitated. “Okay.”

She didn’t move. Shen Shu was proud and independent; she wouldn’t appreciate being treated like she was helpless. This was something Shen Shu could handle on her own.

After watching her for a moment, Xu Jinnan retreated to the guest room, waiting.

A few seconds later, she heard the wheelchair bump against something.

As if it had encountered an obstacle.

She thought for a moment, then went to the bathroom doorway.

The toilet was also behind a frosted glass sliding door, and the wheelchair wouldn’t fit through the narrow opening. Shen Shu was trapped.

Xu Jinnan sighed and walked over, bending down behind Shen Shu and gently moving her hands from the wheels to her lap.

Then, she pulled the wheelchair back, freeing Shen Shu, and lifted her into her arms.

“Xu Jinnan?” Shen Shu asked, surprised.

Xu Jinnan didn’t reply, carrying her into the bathroom and setting her down on the toilet. “Go ahead,” she said.

Shen Shu: “…”

“Don’t worry, I won’t watch. You can hop back out on your own,” Xu Jinnan said.

Shen Shu: “…”

Ignoring Shen Shu’s stunned expression, Xu Jinnan left the bathroom, pausing at the doorway to rub her forehead. Seeing Shen Shu struggling had made her want to help, despite her earlier resolve.

She couldn’t stand seeing Shen Shu in pain.

Fortunately, Shen Shu’s foot injury didn’t affect her work.

Tong Jia had already reduced her workload so she could prepare for her next drama, only the costume fitting requiring her to leave the apartment.

Xu Jinnan was busy taking over half of the North District project, so she would pick Shen Shu up in the evenings, leaving the rest to Tong Jia.

She could sense their relationship had improved since that night at the motel.

After a few days of rest, Shen Shu’s foot had healed slightly, and as long as she didn’t put any weight on it, she felt fine.

Tong Jia drove her home that day. Xu Jinnan, arriving later, smelled the aroma of food as she stepped out of the elevator.

She realized it was coming from her own apartment.

Tong Jia had bought the groceries and cooked dinner – four mild dishes and one spicy stir-fry.

They chatted, the atmosphere lively at first.

Xu Jinnan, who could handle a little spice, enjoyed the food, taking several servings of the spicy dish. The heat built up, and she took a large gulp of what she thought was iced tea.

Then, she realized she had grabbed the wrong glass. It was Shen Shu’s orange juice.

“Should I pour you another one?” she asked.

Shen Shu glanced at the half-empty glass, stained with orange juice.

“It’s fine,” she replied.

Tong Jia, watching them, said, “You two are so inconsiderate, flaunting your lovey-dovey relationship while I’m drinking alone.”

“No one’s stopping you from drinking,” Xu Jinnan retorted, placing a peeled shrimp in Shen Shu’s bowl. “There’s only one bottle. Pace yourself. Don’t want you getting drunk and sending random WeChat messages again.”

Shen Shu looked at the shrimp in her bowl. It wasn’t the first time Xu Jinnan had given her food, but she felt like Xu Jinnan was somehow compensating her for the orange juice. She smiled faintly.

Tong Jia, watching their silent exchange, clicked her tongue and took another sip of wine.

Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu exchanged a look. They had both noticed Tong Jia’s low spirits since she arrived.

“Did you and Qiao Rui make up?” Xu Jinnan asked.

“We did,” Tong Jia replied. “But I don’t know… maybe we’ve broken up too many times. This time, it just doesn’t feel the same. It’s like the seven-year itch, you know?” Realizing her somber tone, she quickly forced a laugh. “I’m getting used to it. Anyway, let’s talk about something more cheerful! Like making tons of money! Or maybe you two teachers can share some more… bedroom tips?”

Despite her laughter, neither Xu Jinnan nor Shen Shu could detect any genuine joy.

–

After Tong Jia left, they cleared the table.

After showering, the apartment fell silent. Xu Jinnan sat in the living room for a while, then went to knock on Shen Shu’s door.

Shen Shu looked at her, then, after a moment, asked, “Do you want to see it now?”

“Yes, let’s see it,” Xu Jinnan replied.

Shen Shu didn’t say anything more, watching as Xu Jinnan took the letter from the locked box.

An ordinary yellow envelope.

Xu Jinnan took out the letter.

The original Xu Jinnan’s handwriting was neat and elegant. Xu Jinnan had spent several days practicing her signature.

Before opening the letter, Shen Shu felt a surge of apprehension on Xu Jinnan’s behalf.

She didn’t know what to expect, whether it would be even more disturbing than the photos.

Hello,

Perhaps you’re the one reading this, or perhaps it’s me.

I hope it’s me, but I know it’s beyond my control, so these words are for you.

You’ve seen the photos.

You should also know what I want to do. Yes, I want them dead.

But just them might not be enough—

Since last year, I’ve learned some things from Xu Tao and Mom. I started investigating Xu Tao, so I went to Qucheng.

I met someone there, Xu Lian’s current wife, and I realized Xu Tao isn’t the only monster in the Xu family.

Unfortunately, I didn’t have the chance to learn more.

I’m crazy, and everyone in the Xu family is crazy. Their secrets are probably even more terrifying than I imagined…

I have a feeling that if their secrets are exposed, the Xu family will be destroyed.

But I don’t know when you’ll completely replace me.

If I don’t find out before I disappear, I hope you’ll continue.

Before writing this letter, I hired someone to investigate. His name is Wang Zheng. If he fails, go to Qucheng. That’s where all their secrets are hidden.

If all else fails, don’t forget March 23rd, the day it all ends.

The date was written at the bottom of the letter.

Xu Jinnan calculated the date; it had been written a month before her wedding to Shen Shu.

Xu Lian was the original Xu Jinnan’s aunt, so her current wife must also know about the Xu family’s secrets.

The tone of the letter was more coherent than the original Xu Jinnan’s usual ramblings, some of the content confirming Xu Jinnan’s suspicions, but some of it was still chilling.

Shen Shu, reading the letter over Xu Jinnan’s shoulder, paled.

She hadn’t known any of this.

She clenched her fists, staring at the words on the page.

Not the only monster.

Everyone in the Xu family is crazy.

March 23rd, the day it all ends.

Each sentence was like a thunderclap, especially the last one.

The end. Such a final, absolute word. The very meaning of it was unsettling.

And the person who wrote it…

The letter sounded like the ramblings of a lunatic. She seemed to have anticipated her own disappearance…

Shen Shu frowned, thinking about the original Xu Jinnan.

The emotions from earlier resurfaced, then were replaced by a more pressing concern.

“The night you went to your fa… Xu Tao’s study… was it related to this?” she asked, correcting herself.

“Yes,” Xu Jinnan replied, folding the letter.

She was distracted, lost in thought, and didn’t notice the subtle shift in Shen Shu’s tone.

She was thinking about the confirmed date, March 23rd, a day of reckoning, and the importance of Qucheng.

Qucheng, a place that had been mentioned repeatedly since she arrived in this world, a place she had never been to.

“Xu Jinnan.”

Xu Jinnan looked up, her thoughts returning to Shen Shu. “I’m trying to figure out how to explain this to you.”

Shen Shu had already seen the photos; even without context, the letter’s contents were clear enough.

There was no point in hiding anything anymore.

She explained everything, from the first mention of Wang Zheng, to finding the locked box, to Lu Yun’s birthday…

Attributing the original Xu Jinnan’s more erratic behavior to her multiple personalities.

The more she listened, the quieter Shen Shu became.

Finally, Xu Jinnan touched her arm. “Why are you so quiet?”

Shen Shu looked up. “If it wasn’t for that night, would you have ever told me?”

Xu Jinnan met her gaze, then admitted honestly, “It’s a huge mess. I didn’t want to drag you into it.”

“That’s why you didn’t want me to go to the Xu residence.”

“Yes,” Xu Jinnan replied. “Shen Shu, I can’t let you get hurt because of me.” Shen Shu had already suffered enough because of the original Xu Jinnan’s actions.

They looked at each other for a long moment.

Shen Shu finally looked away, her voice soft. “I don’t want you to get hurt either.”

Xu Jinnan smiled faintly. “I know. Don’t worry.”

–

Back in her room, Xu Jinnan messaged Chen Yue, asking him to continue searching for Wang Zheng after confirming the man in the photo, with the scar on his chin, was indeed him.

But there had been no news for a while.

Chen Yue replied quickly: [Sorry, CEO Xu, I’ve been a little busy these past few days, but I have some leads. Don’t worry.]

Chen Yue: [I’ll definitely find him for you.]

Xu Jinnan: [I can find someone else.]

He immediately sent a voice message. “No, no, no, CEO Xu! I really do have some leads! I’ll start looking tomorrow. Just give me a few more days, and I’ll definitely find him!”

Xu Jinnan: [Hurry up.]

These street-smart types were capable, but they needed a little push sometimes.

–

As expected, her warning worked.

Chen Yue sent a video while she was in a meeting. She muted the sound. The video, shot surreptitiously, was about fifteen seconds long.

It showed a small, dingy restaurant, a typical “fly restaurant.”

A man was sitting at a nearby table, slurping noodles. The scar on his chin confirmed it was Wang Zheng.

It wasn’t an important meeting, so after giving a few instructions, Xu Jinnan excused herself.

[Where is this?]

[A small town near Rongcheng. What should I do now?]

[Keep an eye on him. I’m on my way.]

She waited for a reply, but Chen Yue didn’t respond. Ten minutes later, he called.

“Fuck! He spotted me and ran!”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

She didn’t say a word.

“Don’t worry, CEO Xu! I promised I would find him, and I will! I won’t take your money if I don’t deliver!”

Xu Jinnan hung up, feeling a mixture of frustration and disappointment. She had been so close to finding out what he knew.

But she also realized that Wang Zheng’s fear meant Lu Yun’s threats had been serious.

And the more serious the threats, the more important the information he possessed about Qucheng.

…

Half a month passed quickly.

After Shen Shu’s cast was removed, as they were driving back from the hospital, she said, “Let’s not go home yet. Invite Tong Jia to dinner.” She glanced at Xu Jinnan.

“What’s up?” Xu Jinnan asked.

Shen Shu and Tong Jia saw each other almost every day; there had to be a reason for a special dinner invitation.

Shen Shu turned off her phone. Tong Jia had posted “Feeling down” on her Moments feed that morning. “Tong Jia hasn’t been herself lately,” she explained.

“What’s wrong?”

“Something about Qiao Rui. They had another fight.”

“That’s like, the third time this month,” Xu Jinnan commented. “Ask her if she’s free.”

“Okay.”

As soon as Shen Shu messaged her, Tong Jia agreed, even suggesting a restaurant.

Xu Jinnan turned the car around, heading towards the restaurant at Wanhe Plaza.

After driving for a while, she suddenly said, “Shu Shu.” A car horn blared outside.

She paused, making sure Shen Shu had heard her.

“Yes?”

“Don’t you think having dinner with us, a happy couple, might make Tong Jia feel worse, considering her fight with Qiao Rui?”

Comparison was a cruel mistress.

Shen Shu: “…Then I won’t go. You go.”

Xu Jinnan: “…?”

She stopped at a red light, turning to Shen Shu with a chuckle. “Shouldn’t you be the one going?” While she had been friendly with Tong Jia before, Tong Jia and Shen Shu were much closer now, talking almost every day, while Xu Jinnan rarely contacted her.

“I’m not good with words,” Shen Shu replied.

She wasn’t good at comforting people, but Xu Jinnan was. It was one of her strengths.

“I’m not good with words with everyone,” Xu Jinnan retorted, then glanced at Shen Shu. “Let’s both go. Maybe she needs a distraction.”

Shen Shu: “…”

–

At a Thai restaurant, they were seated in a private room.

Tong Jia’s mood wasn’t as bad as they had expected. As they chatted, they learned she and Qiao Rui had made up.

“She sent me flowers this afternoon and apologized,” Tong Jia said, smiling at them. “I’m still a little annoyed, but I’m willing to trust her.”

Xu Jinnan, taking a spoonful of curry, asked, “What was the fight about?”

“I saw a flirty message from another woman on her phone. I confronted her, and… we had a fight. I’ve never checked her phone before, but I was feeling particularly sensitive that day. But it’s fine now. We’re good,” Tong Jia explained, launching into a long, detailed account of their relationship. Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu mostly listened; she clearly needed to vent.

She finished her wine in one gulp, then smiled wistfully. “We met in college… I pursued her. She was a dance major, and I was captivated by her dancing. I still remember the piece she performed, ‘White Birch Forest’. After we got together, she was so good to me, even giving up some amazing opportunities for our relationship. I can’t keep waiting any longer.”

Today’s Tong Jia was different from her usual self.

The usually boisterous, playful, and outspoken Tong Jia seemed subdued, almost melancholic.

Xu Jinnan poured her another glass of wine. “What are you planning to do?”

“I’m going to propose,” Tong Jia said, looking at them with a mixture of envy and hope. “Marriage brings a sense of security. I’ve been waiting for her to propose, but there’s no reason I can’t do it myself.”

Both Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu expressed their support.

–

While Tong Jia was in the restroom, Shen Shu looked at Xu Jinnan, who seemed lost in thought.

“What’s wrong?”

“I was just thinking, if a relationship hasn’t progressed after seven years, doesn’t that mean something?” Xu Jinnan said, then shook her head. “I’m probably overthinking it.”

“You probably are,” Shen Shu replied.

“Huh?”

“We got married without even dating.”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

She clicked her tongue. “Miss Shen, whoever said you’re not good with words clearly underestimated you.”

–

Since Tong Jia hadn’t driven, Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu offered her a ride home.

As they left Wanhe Plaza, Tong Jia, her mood having lifted considerably after venting her frustrations, chatted animatedly with them, her usual cheerful self returning.

“See that big screen? Shu Shu, that’ll be you someday!” she exclaimed, pointing at a large LED screen displaying an advertisement for Tan Jie’s perfume.

“As long as I keep getting roles,” Shen Shu replied with a smile. “But thank you for the well wishes.”

Tong Jia laughed. “I’m telling you, I’ve lined up some great opportunities for you… Wait, stop the car! Stop!”

“I can’t stop here. It’s a no-parking zone,” Xu Jinnan said.

“It’s Qiao Rui,” Tong Jia said, her voice urgent. “Xu Jinnan, pull over! Hurry!”

Xu Jinnan, startled by her frantic tone, glanced at Qiao Rui through the rearview mirror. She was standing outside a large hotel. While there were other businesses nearby, Qiao Rui’s reaction didn’t bode well.

Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu exchanged a look, and she pulled over. Tong Jia immediately jumped out of the car.

Xu Jinnan stopped Shen Shu from following. “It’s not appropriate for you to be there. Drive to a parking spot and wait for me,” she said, handing Shen Shu the car keys.

She followed Tong Jia to the hotel entrance, where Tong Jia suddenly stopped, her face pale, her hands clenched.

“She said she was going to class. Should I believe her?” she asked, her voice strained.

“No,” Xu Jinnan replied honestly.

As they got out of the car, she had seen Qiao Rui and another woman entering the hotel, their arms linked.

Were they really having class at a hotel?

 

Chapter 51 p2

–

Cai Ying, holding two ice cream cones, handed one to Han Wenling.

“Here,” she said, taking a lick of her own chocolate cone. “This flavor is the best.”

Han Wenling looked at her, a faint smile playing on her lips. “I thought you said I didn’t like sweets. Why did you buy two?”

“It’s boring to eat alone,” Cai Ying replied.

“Fine,” Han Wenling said, taking the cone.

They had just finished dinner. The Wanhe Plaza was only a ten-minute drive away, and they were walking towards the parking garage.

Suddenly, a teenager on a skateboard whizzed past Cai Ying, almost knocking her over. Han Wenling quickly grabbed her arm, pulling her out of the way.

The teenager mumbled an apology and sped off, leaving Cai Ying fuming.

“What an asshole! Even elementary school kids have better manners!”

“Seriously! He couldn’t even stop to apologize properly? What a jerk!”

Han Wenling, listening to her rant, which lacked both eloquence and bite, smiled faintly.

“At least you’re not hurt. But you dropped your ice cream,” she said.

“I’ll buy you another one,” Cai Ying said, turning around, but Han Wenling grabbed her wrist.

She leaned closer, her other hand reaching for Cai Ying’s ice cream cone. “Or I could just share yours,” she said, her gaze intense and suggestive.

Cai Ying’s ears flushed, and she instinctively tried to pull away.

Han Wenling looked at her for a moment, a playful smile on her lips. This little bunny is so timid, yet she dared to come out with me alone. And so easily flustered.

She slowly released Cai Ying’s wrist.

“Just kidding,” she said.

Just then, her phone rang.

Her smile faded slightly as she glanced at the caller ID, then stepped aside to answer the call.

Cai Ying watched her, wondering who it was. When Han Wenling returned, her expression was grim, a look Cai Ying had never seen before.

“Something came up. I have to go. Sorry, I can’t make it to the movie,” she said, putting her phone away.

“It’s okay. Go ahead… Wait!” Cai Ying exclaimed, running towards a nearby store.

Han Wenling checked her watch, frowning slightly. She didn’t have time to wait.

Three minutes later, Cai Ying returned, slightly out of breath, handing her a paper bag.

“What’s this?”

“Chrysanthemum tea,” Cai Ying replied, her cheeks flushed, her light-colored eyes sparkling. “Your throat sounded a little hoarse, and I noticed a small pimple on your chin. This will help.”

Han Wenling paused, looking at the bag, then smiled. “Thank you.” She took the bag and lowered her voice. “We’ll watch a movie together next time. Just the two of us.”

Cai Ying’s lips curved into a shy smile. “Okay…”

“Should I drive you to the cinema? Or…?”

“No, go ahead. I have to go back and pay for this,” Cai Ying said, running off.

Han Wenling watched her go, her youthful energy and cheerful demeanor a stark contrast to her own complicated world.

Back in her car, she placed the small, delicately wrapped bag on the passenger seat.

As she started the car, a smile played on her lips.

It was the first time anyone had given her such a thoughtful gift.

Remembering Cai Ying’s bright smile, she thought, I wonder if the little bunny will cry when she finds out I’m not the real Han Ling.

The thought was fleeting. She lit a cigarette. With Han Wenfang constantly vying for power within the family, she didn’t have time for romantic entanglements.

–

Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu received Cai Ying’s message just as they were about to enter the cinema.

Cai Ying: [Erm, she had an emergency and left. You two lovebirds can enjoy the movie. I won’t be a third wheel.]

Xu Jinnan: [?]

Cai Ying: [@Xu Jinnan What’s with the question mark? You’re secretly thrilled I’m not coming, aren’t you? Now you can be all lovey-dovey with Shu Shu. Hmph!]

Cai Ying: [@Shen Shu Love you, Shu Shu!]

Shen Shu: [Go home and be safe.]

Cai Ying: [Roger that! Be happy, you two!]

Xu Jinnan put away her phone and glanced at the people entering the cinema. It was a newly released movie, and she had heard good things about it that morning at the office.

She turned to Shen Shu. “Do you still want to watch it? We’re already here.”

They hadn’t spoken much in the past fifteen minutes, and even if they went home, Shen Shu might not be in the mood to talk, but Xu Jinnan wasn’t sure if Shen Shu wanted to see the movie, or if she wanted to see it with her.

After a moment, Shen Shu said, “Let’s just go.”

Xu Jinnan nodded and stood up.

As they walked back from the cinema, they overheard a conversation about a spy movie. Xu Jinnan hadn’t been paying attention at first, then a sentence caught her ear.

“I think it’s the sequence that matters. The numbers are jumbled. Only the agent knows the correct order.”

She paused, a thought forming in her mind.

–

They arrived home at 9:30 p.m.

As Shen Shu entered the bedroom, Xu Jinnan followed, knocking on the door. “I’ll just grab the box,” she said.

The room was filled with Shen Shu’s unique scent, the roses in the vase slightly wilted, but not yet completely withered.

“If you’re ready to hear it now, I can tell you about the other night. If you’re tired, we can talk later,” Xu Jinnan said, opening the wardrobe, her back to Shen Shu.

Shen Shu remained silent until Xu Jinnan turned around.

“I know the password,” she said.

“Huh?” Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow, surprised. “How?”

Shen Shu briefly explained how she had opened the box, then added, “I’m sorry.”

Xu Jinnan shook her head. “Is it something shameful?” she asked, guessing. Anything that could be unlocked with Xu Tao and Lu Yun’s wedding anniversary couldn’t be good.

Shen Shu hesitated, then nodded.

She watched as Xu Jinnan entered the numbers. A click, and the box opened.

Shen Shu’s fingers curled instinctively.

“Xu Jinnan,” she said suddenly, remembering the photos, unsure if she wanted to stop her or not.

But Xu Jinnan had already opened the box.

She took out the photos. The top one, taken when the original Xu Jinnan was very young, showed a bruised cheek and welts across her small body. The image was jarring.

Her hand trembled slightly as she dropped the photo onto the bed.

She forced herself to look through the rest, each photo a painful reminder of the original Xu Jinnan’s suffering.

The younger photos showed visible injuries on her face, but as she grew older, the scars shifted to her back.

The oldest photo seemed to be from when she was sixteen or seventeen.

“Are you alright?” Shen Shu asked, her voice softer than usual, her brow furrowed with concern.

After a long silence, Xu Jinnan shook her head. “I expected photos, but not… this,” she said, her voice trembling slightly, her gaze fixed on the photo of the youngest Xu Jinnan.

She was about four years old.

The most disturbing realization was that the abuse hadn’t started at four, but at three.

Xu Jinnan’s eyes reddened as she saw the words scrawled on the back of the photos.

Why does Daddy hit me? I don’t understand. I really don’t.

Daddy almost hit Xu Yincheng today when he was drunk. So, it’s not just me. I helped him, but it hurts.

I wish Daddy would never come back.

It hurts so much today. I want to kill him.

Mommy told me to endure it. I promised to always be there for her. I have to keep my promise.

Xu Yincheng is very kind to me, but he left today. He told me to take care of myself. How ironic. Haha. It hurts so much today. When will he finally kill me?

Everyone in the Xu family deserves to die. I’ll make them all pay.

…

The earliest messages were written in pinyin, with misspellings and corrections, a testament to her young age.

The childish handwriting and the heartbreaking words filled Xu Jinnan with a sense of despair.

There was also a letter inside the box. As she reached for it, Shen Shu, seeing the sweat on her forehead, gently placed her hand on Xu Jinnan’s arm.

“Let’s look at it tomorrow,” she said softly.

Xu Jinnan’s mental state was fragile, a mixture of the original Xu Jinnan’s emotions and her own.

Shen Shu took the letter, and Xu Jinnan, looking at her soft hand on her arm, nodded.

Shen Shu put the photos and the letter back in the box and placed it back in the wardrobe.

Xu Jinnan watched her, then stood up and went to the guest room.

She left the door ajar. A few minutes later, Shen Shu stood at the doorway, knocking softly. “I drew you a bath. Why don’t you soak for a while before going to bed?” Xu Jinnan was tense; she needed to relax.

Xu Jinnan sat on the bed, trying to clear her mind, but the images from the photos were imprinted in her memory.

“Go on,” Shen Shu said gently.

Xu Jinnan looked up. The guest room light was off, the only illumination coming from the living room, casting a soft glow around Shen Shu, as if she had wings.

She stood up.

As she reached the bathroom door, Shen Shu stopped her, bringing the roses from the vase and the kitchen counter.

“Wait here.”

The bathtub was already filled with hot water. Shen Shu quickly scattered the rose petals in the water.

Xu Jinnan, standing at the doorway, asked, “What are you doing?”

Shen Shu turned around, holding the roses. “Will this make you feel better?” she asked, her voice calm and even.

Xu Jinnan’s heart warmed at her gesture.

She looked at the rose petals floating in the water, their vibrant colors a stark contrast to the darkness of the photos, a symbol of renewal and hope.

“Yes, much better,” she replied, a faint smile playing on her lips.

She had forgotten her pajamas. As she returned to the guest room, her phone started vibrating insistently.

After a brief conversation in English, she went back to the bathroom. “It’s someone from the stock exchange. You go ahead and bathe, Shu Shu. I might be a while,” she said, going back to her laptop.

Shen Shu glanced at her, then entered the bathroom. The stock market was volatile; she couldn’t force Xu Jinnan to relax.

Xu Jinnan, hearing the bathroom door close, glanced up as she spoke on the phone.

After twenty minutes of focused work, the oppressive weight of the photos had lifted slightly. She closed her laptop and stretched her stiff neck.

Suddenly, the room plunged into darkness.

She looked out the window; the entire building had lost power.

“Shen Shu?”

She turned on her phone’s flashlight and walked towards the bathroom.

“Can you shine some light in here? I can’t see,” Shen Shu’s voice called out.

“Okay, I’ll point my flashlight through the door. Can you see?” The bathroom had a separate shower stall with a frosted glass door, so the light could penetrate it.

“Yes.”

Xu Jinnan heard the sound of splashing water; Shen Shu must have gotten out of the tub.

Then, a soft gasp of pain.

“Shu Shu?!” Xu Jinnan exclaimed, her hand instinctively reaching for the doorknob.

“I’m fine,” Shen Shu said, her voice strained.

Xu Jinnan relaxed slightly, but after a few seconds of silence, she asked, “Where did you fall? Is it serious?”

“My foot. I… just need a moment.”

“Can you stand up? Can you tell if it’s swollen?”

“A little.”

“Don’t move. You might have fractured it. I’ll bring you a towel. Cover yourself, and I’ll carry you out,” Xu Jinnan said, then paused. “Is that okay?”

After a moment of hesitation, Shen Shu replied, “Okay.”

Chapter 51 p1

Xu Jinnan lay in the guest room for a while, reading a couple of pages of Full Dress, but her mind kept wandering. She opened the door, peeked into the hallway, touched her nose, paced to the entrance, then sat back down on the sofa.

She turned the TV back on. The fresh grapes on the coffee table remained untouched.

She popped one into her mouth, the sweet and sour juice bursting on her tongue. She glanced at Shen Shu’s closed door every few seconds, but there was no sign of movement.

After fifteen minutes of restless channel surfing, she turned off the TV.

Taking a deep breath, she walked back to Shen Shu’s door. Just as she was about to knock, the door opened.

Their eyes met, and they both paused.

“What’s wrong?” Shen Shu asked.

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Shen Shu had abruptly left mid-conversation, gone to the bathroom, then retreated to her room without another word.

It had left Xu Jinnan feeling restless and anxious.

She wasn’t sure if she had misinterpreted Shen Shu’s words, but she felt the need to address the unspoken tension.

But now that Shen Shu had asked, she didn’t know what to say.

As Shen Shu walked past, Xu Jinnan caught a whiff of alcohol. “Did you drink a lot?”

“Not really,” Shen Shu replied, disappearing into the bathroom.

She had seen Xu Jinnan prepare a cup of rose tea and place it on her bedside table.

“I thought you didn’t like rose tea,” Xu Jinnan said, turning around. “Don’t drink so much next time you’re out with Tong Jia and the others.”

Shen Shu looked at her, her mind still slightly fuzzy from the alcohol. Her earlier impulsive words had startled them both.

“Okay.”

Xu Jinnan placed the tea on the table and stood up, smoothing the black slip dress Shen Shu had bought for her. “So that’s why you said that earlier.”

Shen Shu, flustered, asked, “Said what?” even though she knew exactly what Xu Jinnan meant.

“That you had feelings for me,” Xu Jinnan replied, smiling faintly, picking up their earlier conversation. She waited for Shen Shu’s response.

Shen Shu, standing on the other side of the bed, looked at her. “Do you want me to have feelings for you?”

Xu Jinnan: “…” Well played. Turning the tables on me.

“In your dreams,” she retorted.

Xu Jinnan: “…”

–

That morning, Xu Jinnan prepared breakfast – porridge, steamed custard buns, and pan-fried dumplings.

They ate quietly. Shen Shu had a costume fitting and left soon after breakfast, mentioning her approximate return time.

Xu Jinnan rescheduled her morning meetings and worked until 1 p.m., grabbing a quick lunch at her desk.

“Zhou Pei, can you ask the HR manager to come see me?” she said as Zhou Pei was leaving.

Zhou Pei paused. “She’s conducting new employee training today. Is there something urgent?”

“Oh,” Xu Jinnan said. “Then ask her to come see me tomorrow. I need a new secretary.”

Zhou Pei looked surprised. “Miss, have I done something wrong? Please let me know if there’s a problem.”

Xu Jinnan waved her hand dismissively. “No, it’s not you. You’re just too busy, especially with the North District project. I want to get you some help.” She had been considering this ever since noticing Zhou Pei’s occasional contact with Lu Yun.

Zhou Pei was efficient and meticulous, a valuable asset, but Xu Jinnan felt a certain hesitation when discussing matters related to the Xu family. It wasn’t convenient.

“Certainly,” Zhou Pei replied, as always, never questioning Xu Jinnan’s decisions.

–

It was past 3 p.m.

Tong Jia, still recovering from her hangover, hadn’t sent any messages in the group chat.

Xinxin accompanied Shen Shu to the Full Dress costume fitting. The changing rooms were crowded, so Xinxin brought the clothes to the makeup room, which had a curtained-off area for changing.

When Xu Jinnan arrived, Shen Shu had just finished changing.

She was wearing a white blouse, unbuttoned at the collar, tucked into a black A-line skirt that fell to mid-thigh, accentuating her slim waist.

Unlike most office attire, she was also wearing black stockings, the sheer fabric clinging to her long, slender legs, the skin tone faintly visible beneath.

Xu Jinnan remembered waking up on Shen Shu’s bedroom floor that morning, mesmerized by her in a similar outfit.

She looked away. “I’ve been here since this morning. What took you so long?”

Before Shen Shu could reply, Xinxin said, “CEO Xu, this is actually quite fast. Shu Shu’s character doesn’t have that many outfits, only about a dozen or so, but we have to take photos of each one. And this is just the first day. If anything doesn’t fit, we have to choose new outfits.”

“It’s that complicated?”

“Yes, CEO Xu. It’s not as simple as it seems. The makeup also changes with each outfit,” Xinxin explained.

Xu Jinnan turned to Shen Shu. “Isn’t that tiring?”

Shen Shu adjusted her collar. “It’s fine,” she replied.

Xinxin, sorting through the remaining clothes, muttered, “If Tan Jie hadn’t monopolized the makeup artist this morning, we wouldn’t have had to wait so long…”

“That name sounds familiar,” Xu Jinnan said. “The one who helped Ren Xiaoqi? She’s here too?”

Shen Shu looked up. “Yes, she’s playing the second female lead.”

Xu Jinnan frowned. “She’s still causing trouble?”

“No, it’s just a coincidence,” Shen Shu replied. “The makeup artist came over later, and Tan Jie even apologized. These things happen.”

Xinxin checked her watch. “I hope so. Tan Jie’s personal makeup artist had an emergency, so Shu Shu had to use the studio’s makeup artist, who prioritized Tan Jie, since she’s the lead. Fortunately, Xia Chun offered her makeup artist, and she even said we could take photos first. She’s truly the most popular Alpha in the industry.”

Xu Jinnan paused. This felt different from the previous two encounters. She knew Xia Chun had feelings for Shen Shu and was hostile towards her.

But for some reason, she felt a strange unease.

She hadn’t forgotten that Xia Chun was Shen Shu’s destined partner in the book.

The arrival of the makeup artist interrupted her thoughts, and she pushed the unsettling feeling aside, sitting down behind Shen Shu.

After a while, she excused herself and went out into the hallway.

The air was thick with the scent of makeup and perfume. Several people were milling around, and most of them glanced at Xu Jinnan, not just because of her recent online fame with Shen Shu, but also because of her striking features and elegant demeanor.

She was wearing a white, form-fitting dress with a light yellow jacket, her long, wavy brown hair cascading down her back. From behind, she looked almost gentle, but her sharp eyes betrayed a subtle intensity.

She smiled easily, but only around those she knew well. Otherwise, her expression was usually cool and aloof.

As she was returning from the restroom, she bumped into a glamorous woman with long, dark brown hair.

The woman smiled at her. “Miss Xu.”

Xu Jinnan didn’t recognize her at first, and the woman’s expression faltered slightly, then she quickly recovered, smiling. “I’m Tan Jie.”

Oh.

After the Weibo incident, Xu Jinnan wouldn’t normally even acknowledge Tan Jie. But since Tan Jie was the female lead, she would be interacting with Shen Shu for a while.

She wasn’t afraid of a direct confrontation, but she was wary of underhanded tactics, and Tan Jie didn’t seem like the straightforward type.

“Hello,” Xu Jinnan said curtly, walking past her.

“Miss Xu, we’ve met before. Don’t you remember?” Tan Jie asked, stopping beside her.

Xu Jinnan paused, a flicker of unease in her chest.

Not another one of the original Xu Jinnan’s conquests, is it?

“You even put money in my boot,” Tan Jie added.

Xu Jinnan: “…”

“Well, it seems you’ve truly forgotten. Excuse me,” Tan Jie said, smiling faintly, and walked towards the restroom.

As Xu Jinnan was about to leave, she heard Tan Jie call out, “Xia Chun.”

She instinctively turned around.

Xia Chun’s gaze was cold and intense.

Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow, meeting her stare, a silent challenge. What’s this? A showdown?

Perhaps because it wasn’t the right time or place, Xia Chun simply glared at her and didn’t say anything.

Her hostility was more intense than ever before.

Xu Jinnan, watching her walk away, wondered if she had overheard her conversation with Tan Jie. Xia Chun clearly had strong feelings for Shen Shu.

The unsettling feeling from earlier returned.

–

Back in the makeup room, Shen Shu’s makeup wasn’t finished yet, and Xu Jinnan stood behind her, watching her reflection in the mirror.

Without makeup, Shen Shu’s features weren’t as cold and aloof, but her reserved demeanor remained.

The makeup artist was applying a slightly bolder look – earthy eyeshadow, winged eyeliner, defined eyebrows, and a classic red lip. It was similar to her Nightingale look, but the business attire gave her a more sophisticated, less overtly seductive aura.

“Shu Shu, your skin is amazing,” the makeup artist said, gently applying blush to her cheeks.

“And so soft!” Xinxin added.

“How do you know?” Xu Jinnan asked instinctively.

Xinxin chuckled. “I poked it the other day. It really is soft… Don’t be jealous, CEO Xu. I had Shu Shu’s permission. Just a little poke.” This last part was clearly directed at Xu Jinnan.

The makeup artist smiled knowingly. “You two are so adorable. I’m envious.”

Shen Shu glanced at Xu Jinnan through the mirror.

Xu Jinnan: “…”

She met Shen Shu’s gaze, a faint smile playing on her lips. “Of course it’s soft,” she said casually.

–

After finishing the makeup, the makeup artist styled Shen Shu’s bangs, which had been pinned back, using a flat iron to create soft waves.

Finally, she opened a small box and placed a pair of thin, silver-framed glasses on Shen Shu’s nose.

The frames were delicate, resting on the bridge of her nose, just wide enough to reach her cheekbones.

It was the currently popular “domineering older sister” look.

But on Shen Shu, it was more “aloof goddess.”

“Oh my god!” Xinxin exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. “I was already stunned by her makeup, but with those glasses, she’s even more amazing! I’m speechless!”

The makeup artist chuckled. “I’ll take that as a compliment for me too.”

“Of course! You’re amazing, Teacher. We wouldn’t have achieved this look without you,” Xinxin replied. She was similar to Tong Jia, but less boisterous, more tactful and adaptable.

The makeup artist, pleased with the compliment, adjusted a stray strand of Shen Shu’s hair. “With this look, all the girls will be swooning,” she said, looking at Shen Shu’s reflection in the mirror.

Xinxin chuckled. “Teacher, her Alpha wife is right here. CEO Xu will be jealous.”

“Oh, right,” the makeup artist said, laughing. “Once Shu Shu becomes famous, there will be a lot of jealous wives.”

Shen Shu’s lips twitched slightly, then, noticing Xu Jinnan’s silence, she looked up.

Xu Jinnan, snapping out of her thoughts, met her gaze through the glasses.

“Indeed,” she said, smiling faintly.

–

After the makeup artist left, Xinxin went to confirm the schedule for the photoshoot.

Xu Jinnan brought a folding chair and sat beside Shen Shu, and they both scrolled through their phones.

After a while, Shen Shu reached for her red water bottle, the kind with a built-in straw.

She took a sip, leaving a faint lipstick stain on the straw.

The water was slightly cold, so she stood up, retrieved her thermos from her bag, and refilled the bottle.

Xu Jinnan’s gaze followed the stream of water, then lingered on Shen Shu’s face, remembering Xinxin’s comment about her soft skin.

Her fingers tingled.

As Shen Shu bent down to put the thermos away, her black A-line skirt rode up slightly, and Xu Jinnan, realizing her gaze was inappropriate, quickly looked away.

But the image remained imprinted in her mind.

Even after Shen Shu left for the photoshoot, it didn’t fade.

She knew she shouldn’t be having such thoughts. It was disrespectful and inappropriate.

Or perhaps this was simply who she was when she was around Shen Shu?

Her true nature.

–

Two hours later, Shen Shu finally finished filming.

There were two exits from the studio. Shen Shu chose the less crowded one, even though it was a slightly longer walk.

As she and Xinxin walked down the hallway, they saw Xia Chun approaching. This time, Shen Shu didn’t ignore her, offering a polite thank you.

“You don’t have to be so formal,” Xia Chun replied.

Shen Shu hesitated. “We’re leaving now,” she said, walking past her.

Xia Chun’s fingers tightened into a fist. “Shen Shu, just a few words,” she said.

The two assistants, sensing the tension, discreetly moved away.

“You know I’m not one to gossip… but are you aware of Xu Jinnan’s relationship with Tan Jie?” Xia Chun asked.

Shen Shu’s eyelashes fluttered.

“You don’t know, do you? You’re new to this industry. You haven’t heard the rumors. Xu Jinnan has been involved with countless women. I’ve heard of at least four or five,” Xia Chun continued.

“As you said, that was in the past,” Shen Shu replied calmly. “If you’re here to talk about that, there’s no need.”

Xia Chun stepped in front of her. “I really don’t understand what you see in her. Can’t you see all the terrible things she’s done? She doesn’t deserve you.”

Shen Shu frowned, her gaze cold behind her glasses, her voice even colder than usual. “I appreciate your concern, but that doesn’t give you the right to slander her. Whether or not she ‘deserves’ me is not for you to decide.”

She turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the floor, not sparing Xia Chun another glance.

–

On the drive home, Xu Jinnan noticed Shen Shu’s silence.

She tried to start a conversation twice, but Shen Shu’s responses were brief and distant, so she gave up.

She didn’t want to be annoying, and she figured Shen Shu was probably tired.

Her phone, mounted on the dashboard, lit up. It was a notification from Cai Ying’s group chat, No PDA Allowed.

Cai Ying had tagged them both.

Xu Jinnan glanced at it, and Shen Shu also checked her phone.

“What is it?” Xu Jinnan asked.

“She passed her exam,” Shen Shu replied calmly.

“Oh, that’s good. Seems like the tutoring was effective,” Xu Jinnan said, then remembered something. “About the Han Ling photo… I had someone look into it. There is a teacher with that name at the university, but it’s not Han Wenling.”

“I know,” Shen Shu replied. She had also investigated.

Another notification from Cai Ying.

Xu Jinnan, stopping at a red light, checked her phone.

Cai Ying: [@Shen Shu @Xu Jinnan I won’t be joining you for dinner. I want to see a movie, but asking her directly would be too forward, so… do you want to come with me?!]

Cai Ying: [That way, I can say you two dragged me along.]

This little bunny really thinks she’s a wolf, Xu Jinnan thought.

Xu Jinnan: […What couple would willingly bring a third wheel on a date?] She added, teasingly, [Are you sure she’s interested? What if she doesn’t feel the same way?]

As she typed, she saw Shen Shu typing a reply, but before she could send it, Cai Ying sent a voice message.

“Oh my god, you’re so naive! It’s a feeling! You just know! If I didn’t think she was interested, would I be doing this? If I say you two dragged me along, I can ask her if she wants to go, and she’ll definitely say yes! It’s a perfect plan! And I still maintain my composure!”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

“Why isn’t Shu Shu answering?” Cai Ying asked.

“I’m here,” Shen Shu said.

“Oh! You’re together! So, are you coming or not?” Since her phone was mounted on the dashboard, her face was turned towards Xu Jinnan.

Cai Ying, using her usual coquettish tactic, continued, “Please! I finally got over my cheating ex-girlfriend, and I finally met someone beautiful, kind, and amazing… And aren’t you worried about her? This is a perfect opportunity to meet her.”

“So, seeing a movie together is a big step forward in your relationship?” Xu Jinnan asked, starting the car and inhaling Shen Shu’s faint scent, her gaze fixed on the road ahead. “It’s not as effective as…”

Cai Ying, only hearing the first part of her sentence, interrupted, “Would you go see a romantic movie with me?”

Xu Jinnan: “…” Maybe a SpongeBob movie.

“Not as effective as what?” Cai Ying asked.

Xu Jinnan continued, “A haunted house. If it’s scary enough, you two can…” Then, noticing Shen Shu’s gaze, she assumed Shen Shu thought she shouldn’t be giving Cai Ying such bad advice.

She paused. “I mean, you can consider that in the future. A movie is fine for now.”

“What time is the movie?” Shen Shu asked, changing the subject.

Cai Ying: [8:20! I love you, Shu Shu! I already bought the tickets, but the seats are separate. We’ll sit in pairs.] So, she had already planned everything, knowing Shen Shu would agree.

Xu Jinnan chuckled. “Aren’t you going to thank me?”

Cai Ying: [You’re just listening to Shu Shu. You get a participation award. See you later, Shu Shu! Kissing emoji]

Xu Jinnan hung up, clicking her tongue in annoyance.

“If you’re too tired, we can just make an appearance and leave,” she said to Shen Shu.

“Okay.”

Another moment of silence.

Xu Jinnan finally asked, “What’s wrong?”

They were heading towards the Wanhe Plaza, where the cinema was located.

“Nothing,” Shen Shu replied.

–

As they got out of the car, Xu Jinnan pointed at the large LED screen on the building. “Oh, right, that woman. I bumped into her today.”

Shen Shu looked up. The woman on the screen, glamorous and smiling, was holding a bottle of perfume.

Tan Jie.

“Be careful of her,” Xu Jinnan said.

“I know.”

“There’s something I should tell you. I might have… been involved with her before,” Xu Jinnan said. “Not me, the old me.”

Shen Shu didn’t need the clarification; she knew it was the original Xu Jinnan.

But the thought still bothered her.

Her emotions had been volatile lately, and Xu Jinnan’s influence on her was growing stronger.

She was aware of it.

Their relationship was evolving beyond a simple partnership.

She had been pondering a question these past few days – what if, after all this closeness, Xu Jinnan suddenly left? How would she face the original Xu Jinnan then?

The closer they became, the more this question haunted her.

She didn’t want to be the old Shen Shu again, the one who gave her heart completely, only to be abandoned.

Even if there were extenuating circumstances.

Sensing Shen Shu’s somber mood, Xu Jinnan also felt a pang of sadness. They walked in silence.

Since they had turned back halfway, they had time for a quick dinner before the movie. They ate some noodles at a small restaurant, then sat down on a bench outside the cinema.

Remembering their last encounter with paparazzi, they both wore masks.

Xu Jinnan bought two freshly squeezed orange juices, and they sat side by side, silently scrolling through their phones.

Thirty minutes to go.

Xu Jinnan sent a message in the group chat: [@Cai Ying When are you arriving?]

–