Purely Accidental - Chapter 10
Chapter 10
An Youda was utterly astonished by this response: "You don't read novels? Then why are you so concerned about her copyright?"
Scratching his head in confusion, he muttered: "I thought you were a fan of her books..."
Xu Jingshu remained composed: "I'm not. Jingying is."
"She wants this as a graduation gift."
"Huh?" An Youda counted on his fingers, completely baffled. "But she still has a year left before graduating??"
Xu Jingshu: "By the time we sign the contract, prepare, film, and officially release it, she'll probably have graduated. Perfect timing, no?"
An Youda: "Oh, that makes sense."
He sighed regretfully while replying to Chen Hanming's message, mumbling: "What a shame, I was going to introduce you two..."
Xu Jingshu suddenly remembered her sugar mommy.
Her sugar mommy had called herself "some broke writer," clearly not wanting her to know which particular "broke writer" she was.
Perhaps this "Mirror Inquires Autumn" was like her Miss Yue - neither wanted their true identities known.
In which case, this trip might just be causing unnecessary trouble.
"She might not want to meet me either."
She stated calmly.
An Youda asked while typing: "How would you know that?"
With a faint smile, her slender fingers lifted the porcelain teacup.
"Just a guess."
......
When Chen Hanming returned after stepping out, the non-disclosure agreement was settled without further discussion.
With both companies reconciled and the fan incident revealed as a misunderstanding, what was there to worry about?
After all, their President Xu wouldn't actually bother checking every single copyright contract.
"Pleasure doing business." He extended his hand to Pei Youshan with a smile.
Pei Youshan shook it gracefully: "The pleasure is mine."
The dinner resumed its initial harmonious atmosphere.
Toasting with tea instead of wine, the mood remained congenial.
As the meal concluded, Chen Hanming even produced two copies of Pei Youshan's latest book, requesting autographs for his daughter.
"If it's not too much trouble, President Pei, could you add an inscription?" Chen Hanming requested. "Just something encouraging about studying hard."
Pei Youshan chuckled lightly, signing with flair: "Of course, I wouldn't dream of refusing Producer Chen."
She added an extra line: "Thank you for your support."
And drew a simple, cute cat face.
......
8:43 PM.
Xu Jingshu and An Youda's reunion dinner also reached its conclusion.
Xu Jingshu stood, asking if he wanted to leave together.
An Youda waved her off: "You go ahead. I need to check on Old Chen later, see how their negotiations went."
Xu Jingshu nodded slightly: "Then I'll take my leave."
An Youda waved enthusiastically, his small ponytail bobbing: "Next time let's all have tea together!"
Xu Jingshu: "Alright."
Then added: "When we're free."
As she reached the doorway, An Youda suddenly remembered something and called out: "Don't you dare sneakily pay the bill! I'm splitting it with them later!"
Xu Jingshu lazily waved without turning back, leaving only an indifferent silhouette.
An Youda then strolled to the "Sui Zhu" private room, only to find just Chen Hanming and the legal consultant remaining.
"Where are the others?"
Chen Hanming: "They left right after wrapping up. Just a few minutes ago."
"President An needed something?"
An Youda "ah"-ed casually, entering and spotting two new books on the table. He picked one up idly.
"Just checking how things went."
Chen Hanming deliberately didn't show him the contract, keeping Pei Youshan's identity secret. "Everything went smoothly, President An."
An Youda, who trusted him implicitly, nodded and flipped open the cover. An elegant signature immediately caught his eye.
"Whose is this? Did Mirror Inquires Autumn gift these?"
Damn, had he known about this perk, he might've come earlier to snag copies for Xu Jingying.
The legal consultant whispered: "Producer Chen got them signed for his daughter."
An Youda: "Oh."
Then shamelessly declared: "Give me one. You've got two anyway."
Chen Hanming: "???"
An Youda explained earnestly: "President Xu's sister loves this author. Just let me have one, and next time you can ask her to sign more copies."
Chen Hanming: "..."
Who could refuse when "President Xu" was invoked?
......
Lin Feifei linked arms with Pei Youshan as they walked toward the lobby. "Alright, I'll handle the rest. You just relax and wait for the money to roll in."
Pei Youshan smiled.
Lin Feifei sighed in relief: "Thank goodness Producer Chen was reasonable. I was really worried he'd expose you to Xu Jingshu."
She feigned distress: "Otherwise, this overworked employee's paycheck would shrink even more. Pennies add up - soon I'd be begging on streets..."
Pei Youshan laughed: "If it ever comes to that, I'll take care of you."
Lin Feifei immediately clasped her hands prayerfully: "Thank you, my wealthy bodhisattva! This humble believer shall remember your grace."
Pei Youshan suddenly thought of her sugar baby and muttered: "Am I really that much of a bodhisattva..."
Lin Feifei slung an arm around her shoulders reassuringly: "Hey, just kidding."
"You barely ate earlier. Want to grab supper before heading home?"
Pei Youshan habitually ate lightly during business dinners, adjusting her drinking based on circumstances.
If the other party seemed shady, she'd abstain completely - becoming an ethereal, business-only fairy surviving on dew.
After consideration, Pei Youshan nodded: "Sure, let's eat something."
Lin Feifei suddenly brightened: "There's this new restaurant - amazing food, but most importantly—"
"The owner is drop-dead gorgeous!"
She nudged Pei Youshan playfully: "My treat - let's go feast our eyes?"
Pei Youshan: "?"
She couldn't help laughing: "Comrade Lin Feifei, do you realize you're making me sound like some playgirl?"
Already having a perfectly beautiful sugar baby at home, yet still eyeing flowers elsewhere.
Lin Feifei retorted matter-of-factly: "Looking isn't illegal! Who doesn't enjoy admiring beautiful women? Especially you, Miss Appearance-Obsessed."
"Besides, she's your sugar baby, not girlfriend. Your relationship is transactional, not emotional. What right does she have to police who you look at?"
"If she's unhappy, then... she should work harder to charm you and monopolize your favor!"
Pei Youshan "hmm"-ed.
The logic held - financial arrangements meant clear boundaries with no interference in personal lives.
But...
She genuinely couldn't imagine Xu Ge getting jealous or desperately trying to please her...
Xu Ge struck her as the type who'd walk away if displeased, not the clingy sort.
Returning to the present, Pei Youshan teased: "How gorgeous are we talking? More than Xu Ge?"
Xu Ge, perfectly matching her aesthetic standards, had become her beauty benchmark.
No bias whatsoever.
Lin Feifei stroked her chin objectively: "Different types entirely. Each beautiful in their own way - no comparison."
"Hey Pei Youshan, are you coming or not? Some appearance-obsessed you are!"
Pei Youshan: "Going, of course. How could I pass up a free meal from my dear assistant?"
They reached the lobby mid-conversation.
Warm golden light cascaded from above like delicate gossamer, gently enveloping every guest.
Beyond the terrace, the sea shimmered with scattered starlight.
Pei Youshan suddenly paused, then moved toward the terrace.
Skyscrapers stood illuminated across the water.
The night breeze carried faint coolness.
Taking a deep breath, she instantly felt more relaxed.
She loved rippling waters, summer night breezes - as if all the world's gentleness resided here, always soothing her restless heart.
Lin Feifei rested a hand on her shoulder: "Young Miss, if you love ocean views so much, just buy a seaside apartment already."
Pei Youshan turned, leaning against the wooden railing. Before she could speak, her gaze locked onto someone across the room.
Forgetting her words, she instinctively stepped forward and called out—
"Xu Ge, what are you doing here?"
The familiar name made Xu Jingshu halt mid-step. Turning toward the voice, she froze momentarily.
—What terrible timing.
Fortunately, her composure held. Without missing a beat, she countered: "Miss Yue, what brings you here?"
As the words left her mouth, she suddenly remembered Pei Youshan's past description:
—Some broke writer.
A writer...
Tonight's Seaside Residence happened to host one particular writer she knew about.
Her eyes narrowed slightly as she discreetly assessed Pei Youshan, a coincidental hypothesis forming:
Could her sugar mommy actually be Mirror Inquires Autumn?
If true... what an incredible coincidence.
Pei Youshan had no intention of revealing her copyright deal. Swiftly pulling Lin Feifei forward, she smiled: "Just dining with a friend."
Ah, so that wasn't it...
Xu Jingshu nodded: "Likewise, meeting a friend."
She dearly hoped said friend wouldn't appear prematurely.
Lin Feifei, baffled by the exchange, waved awkwardly: "Hi, we've met before..."
Xu Jingshu acknowledged: "Indeed. Hello."
Lin Feifei's eyes darted between them before breaking into a knowing smile.
What better opportunity than having the sugar baby join for supper?
After eating... well, whatever happened next would be their business!
She hastily released Pei Youshan's arm: "Since you've run into each other, she can accompany you for supper."
"I'll head home first - just called my boyfriend to pick me up. Bye!"
With that, she bolted, determined not to become a third wheel.
Such impeccable consideration.
Xu Jingshu: "?"
Now she had to do supper too?
The situation felt increasingly precarious.
An Youda could emerge any moment, inevitably calling her name upon sight. The Penglai staff would recognize her too.
Then there was her car parked outside... worth millions, limited edition - her sugar mommy would absolutely recognize it.
Pei Youshan stepped closer: "Xu Ge, didn't you say you're free after meeting friends?"
Xu Jingshu: "...Correct."
Pei Youshan beamed: "Perfect timing then. Join me for a bite."
Xu Jingshu: "..."
When Xu Jingshu didn't respond immediately, her expression unreadable except for occasional glances toward the private rooms, Pei Youshan asked:
"Something wrong? Forget something inside?"
Xu Jingshu seized the opportunity: "Yes, left something behind."
Pei Youshan: "Oh, then I'll—"
Her words were abruptly interrupted as familiar fragrance enveloped her once more.
Eyes wide with surprise, she stared at the suddenly closer woman.
Xu Jingshu gazed into her eyes, preempting: "Wait here. I'll return shortly."
She couldn't let Pei Youshan follow - the ruse would collapse.
Pei Youshan blinked dazedly.
—I was already going to wait here...
Still uneasy, Xu Jingshu softened her tone—gentle yet firm, her beautiful eyes reflecting only Pei Youshan: "Don't wander off. I'd hate to lose you."
A blush instantly spread across Pei Youshan's fair cheeks.
Flustered, she averted her gaze, suddenly docile: "Understood..."
Reassured, Xu Jingshu smiled and gently patted her head before leaving.
Once alone, Pei Youshan turned to let the sea breeze cool her heated face.
This is bad this is bad this is bad...
—Her sugar baby was acting more like the sugar mommy than she was!!!
......
The moment An Youda finished telling Xu Jingshu his location over the phone, she burst through the door.
And thrust her car keys at him.
"Have someone drive my car back."
An Youda stared at the luxury-branded keys, utterly confused: "What's wrong? You didn't drink."
Xu Jingshu: "Just do it."
"Also—"
Pausing, her sharp gaze swept over the bewildered Chen Hanming and legal consultant before continuing sternly: "Nobody leaves until I message you."
Her grave tone suggested life-or-death stakes.
"Why?"
An Youda's imagination ran wild.
"Terrorist attack outside???"
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