Purely Accidental - Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Jiang City, early May at the onset of summer.
Returning from a hotel inspection, Pei Youshan leaned lazily against the car window scrolling through her phone, covering a yawn with her hand.
The screen displayed nothing but financial news—stiff, formal, and utterly serious.
Not that she wanted to read it. Her mother, Pei Lanqing, insisted she develop the habit of keeping up with current affairs.
Resigned to her fate, Pei Youshan had maintained this routine for two years, now mindlessly swiping through articles after work.
Dappled sunlight filtered through the trees, casting shifting patterns across her porcelain skin as the cool summer breeze drifted through the quiet air. Her glossy black hair cascaded in voluminous waves, while her lips held a natural rosy tint without need for cosmetics.
A sudden glare reflected off the screen as sunlight hit it at an angle.
Without a word, Pei Youshan shifted positions, her dark hair swaying slightly as her fingers continued their habitual scrolling.
As the screen brightness adjusted, her gaze landed on a news headline:
—Blue Ocean Capital's successor, Xu Jingshu, has returned from abroad.
Pei Youshan's eyebrows lifted, her eyes lingering noticeably longer on the three characters of "Xu Jingshu."
The reason was simple: the Xu family were their sworn rivals.
More precisely, her beloved mother Pei Lanqing had a personal vendetta against Xu Jingshu's mother.
Coincidentally, both women helmed their respective conglomerates, transforming personal grudges into corporate animosity. Though they maintained an uneasy détente—mutual disdain without direct confrontation.
Pei Youshan never quite understood it.
Knowing Pei Lanqing's temperament, she'd expect immediate retaliation against anyone who crossed her—making them understand why flowers bloom so red.
Yet Blue Ocean Capital remained untouched. Always.
The feeling appeared mutual.
Pei Youshan had sensed there was more to this story from the beginning.
When she'd asked, Pei Lanqing only said, "A matter neither large nor small."
Her expression made clear she wouldn't elaborate further, leaving Pei Youshan with nothing but the knowledge of their feud—and a habit of paying extra attention to Xu family news.
Returning to the present, her focus remained fixed on "Xu Jingshu."
A year her senior, Xu Jingshu had spent recent years overseas expanding international markets. They'd never met.
Pei Youshan knew nothing of her character beyond hearsay praising her competence.
Financially speaking, Xu Jingshu even surpassed her slightly.
Covering another yawn, she decided curiosity wasn't worth pursuing.
However capable Xu Jingshu might be—what did it matter to her?
It wouldn't put money in her pockets.
The driver considerately raised the window, leaving only a gentle breeze circulating through the cabin.
Just as her head touched the headrest, her silent phone erupted with an incoming call.
—Best friend Lin Feifei.
"Shanshan, where are you?" came the voice through the receiver.
Drowsiness thick in her voice, Pei Youshan responded lazily, "Just finished work. What's up?"
Lin Feifei sounded delighted: "Shao Xingcheng just got back today. Want to meet up and welcome him home?"
Shao Xingcheng was their dear gay best friend—a fashion designer.
The trio's bond ran deep, meeting whenever schedules allowed.
Pei Youshan stifled a small yawn: "Sure, after I nap."
Last night's inexplicable insomnia had kept her awake until sunrise, after which she'd immediately prepared for hotel inspections.
The Junjiang Hotel Group's industry prominence demanded meticulous attention to sustain their reputation. Headquarters executives conducted annual surprise inspections across properties—unannounced and unpredictable.
Fortunately, today's visit proceeded smoothly without major issues, granting her leave to catch up on sleep.
Hearing her exhaustion, Lin Feifei conceded: "Okay okay, rest well. We'll plan for tonight. Bye!"
"Bye."
......
8 PM found the radiant Miss Pei striding energetically into Lakeside Glaze.
The exclusive private club boasted impeccable service, an extensive wine collection, and most importantly—staff whose beauty could rival artworks, a feast for the eyes.
As an unapologetic face-connoisseur, Pei Youshan adored this place. She hosted clients here, conducted business meetings, and whiled away leisure time with friends—all as a premium member.
Entering the grand hall, an enormous crystal chandelier dominated the space, its cascading tiers resembling elegant tassels casting starlight reflections across the circular pool below.
Lin Feifei and Shao Xingcheng had already arrived, awaiting her in their reserved lounge.
Familiar with the layout, she declined an escort and navigated the corridors with ease.
Her strappy block heels tapped a rhythmic cadence against the marble.
As if in response, another set of heels echoed from the opposite direction—measured, unhurried steps.
Casually glancing across the pool, Pei Youshan's footsteps faltered upon seeing the other woman.
Divinely stunning.
Across the water stood a woman of extraordinary presence.
Her posture was regal yet curvaceous, shoulder-length curls framing a profile so finely sculpted it could slay a face-lover like Pei Youshan a thousand times over.
Sensing the gaze, the woman turned slowly toward Pei Youshan.
When their eyes met, time itself seemed to decelerate.
The woman possessed mesmerizing fox-like eyes—equally captivating whether smiling or solemn, utterly disarming.
Pei Youshan tumbled headlong into that gaze, her face-appreciation radar blaring at unprecedented levels.
—This...is...too...beautiful!
Which celestial fairy descended to the mortal realm?
She could make a living solely from that face—Pei Youshan would gladly dine beneath that visage for lifetimes!
Unaware of Pei Youshan's internal rapture, the woman broke eye contact first, displaying no interest in conversation.
She turned to leave Lakeside Glaze.
Suddenly, hurried footsteps clattered behind her.
Glancing back, she saw Pei Youshan darting down the illuminated corridor, hair flying, vanishing around a corner.
Woman: "......?"
Why was she running?
......
Once safely around the bend, Pei Youshan sprinted straight to the private lounge.
She urgently needed to share this encounter—delaying even a second would dishonor that perfect face!
Breathless with excitement, she burst through the door.
Two figures occupied the plush seating.
Lin Feifei's doll-like features complemented her understated luxury attire.
Shao Xingcheng's refined, scholarly air matched his minimalist fashion.
Both stared bewildered at Pei Youshan's disheveled state after traversing such familiar grounds.
Regaining her breath, Pei Youshan announced dramatically: "Guess who I just saw!"
They exchanged glances.
Shao Xingcheng raised a hand: "Xu Jingshu?"
Pei Youshan blinked.
What did Xu Jingshu have to do with this???
Waggling a finger: "Zero points, Shao. I've never met her."
She then animatedly recounted the encounter.
Their confusion only deepened.
Lin Feifei gaped: "You just ran back without getting her contact info??"
Like a dam breaking, realization flooded Pei Youshan—yes, contact information existed.
Slapping her forehead: "Oh right, I could've asked..."
The thought hadn't occurred in the moment, especially with the woman's disinterested demeanor.
What a missed opportunity! With initiative, they might've kindled something!
Lin Feifei and Shao Xingcheng regarded her with affectionate pity.
Beautiful face, empty head.
They were accustomed to this.
Pei Youshan vowed solemnly: "Next time we meet, I'll seize the chance!"
First visits often led to seconds—the beauty might return!
Changing subjects to salvage her bruised ego, she asked: "Why'd you mention Xu Jingshu earlier?"
Everyone knew the Pei-Xu rivalry's ambiguous tensions.
Yet the feud didn't extend to their children—Pei Youshan and the Xu sisters maintained peaceful non-interaction, making Shao Xingcheng's reference puzzling.
Lin Feifei's round eyes widened: "You haven't heard the rumors?"
Pei Youshan's expression answered clearly.
—No, she hadn't.
"Must not have spread far yet." Lin Feifei launched into explanation: "People are saying Xu Jingshu's 'ugly, promiscuous, cycling through lovers faster than outfits'—a certified heartbreaker."
"Recently someone at a business dinner overheard Xu was nearby and asked staff to point out 'Miss Xu.'"
"The waiter said, 'She's the one with the secretary.'"
"So they looked—and apparently she's quite unattractive."
"During dinner, they allegedly heard Xu tell her secretary things like 'I'm bored with this one, find a replacement,' 'Next time pick someone more entertaining,' even 'You can test them first before sending them my way'..."
Lin Feifei clapped her hands: "Hearing that, wouldn't you assume the worst?"
"Involving her secretary too? Scandalous!"
"You hate scumbags most—wouldn't you flee immediately?"
Pei Youshan's eyes rounded slightly as she swirled her glass pensively.
Such playboy tendencies would indeed make her avoid someone.
But she hadn't expected this of Xu Jingshu...
As for appearances...
"I won't judge her private life," Pei Youshan said, "but she can't be ugly? With parents that attractive, how bad could the genetics be?"
Perhaps...a case of mistaken identity?
Shao Xingcheng shrugged: "Plenty of attractive parents produce average-looking offspring."
"Nature's mysteries abound."
Pei Youshan couldn't refute this.
Having never met Xu Jingshu nor seen verified photos, she couldn't confirm.
But whether due to rumored promiscuity or family rivalry, she believed their paths would never cross.
Raising her glass, she cheerfully declared: "Enough about that. A toast to our master designer!"
......
Three days later, Pei Lanqing summoned Pei Youshan for dinner.
Pei Lanqing's cropped hair framed sharp, penetrating eyes and striking features that exuded unapproachable authority.
She replaced wine with juice—alcohol was for business negotiations.
Pei Youshan sipped the cool beverage while calmly reporting inspection findings.
Seemingly satisfied, Pei Lanqing abruptly shifted topics: "I met with Xu Yingru recently."
Pei Youshan paused mid-bite: "Calling a truce?"
Pei Lanqing lifted her glass: "Considering it. Decades of rivalry grow tiresome."
As Pei Youshan prepared to probe further, Pei Lanqing's scrutinizing gaze swept over her.
A chill ran down her spine—this never boded well.
"Shanshan," Pei Lanqing pronounced clearly, "you're twenty-five. Marriageable age."
Dread pooled in Pei Youshan's stomach as her mother continued: "The Xu family's eldest daughter seems suitable."
"I've arranged a meeting for you two the day after tomorrow."
Clatter—Pei Youshan's fork hit the plate.
After a prolonged silence, she looked up with a strained smile.
"—I refuse."
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