Purely Accidental - Chapter 25
Chapter 25
Relationships built on a monetary foundation are both straightforward and fragile. Once emotions get involved, they deteriorate and collapse entirely.
Xu Jingshu had entered this arrangement with clear rationality and sobriety. Developing feelings for her sugar mommy would be nothing but a foolish joke to her.
Pei Youshan crossed her arms, thinking to herself that she'd indeed overthought things, while simultaneously feeling relieved by Xu Jingshu's level-headed attitude.
Love born from financial arrangements becomes so nebulous it's hard to discern whether the affection is for the person or the money.
Such relationships often turn into burdens when the arrangement ends.
Having a lover who could so rationally eliminate the possibility of emotional attachment actually spared her considerable trouble.
Watching the elevator numbers change, Xu Jingshu suddenly turned to her with a faint smile in her eyes: "Why did Miss Yue suddenly ask that question?"
Given how the ragdoll cat had recently indulged in self-absorbed fantasies about being secretly admired, she had every reason to suspect the feline was at it again.
Pei Youshan detected the scrutiny in her gaze and cleared her throat uncomfortably, lowering her eyes to touch the tip of her nose: "No reason, just a random thought that slipped out."
She suddenly lifted her chin slightly, mustering some assertiveness to turn the tables: "What, can't I ask?"
The kitten had learned to bite back.
Xu Jingshu calmly curved her lips: "Of course you can. Miss Yue may ask anything."
Exiting the elevator, Pei Youshan watched as Xu Jingshu got into her car without looking back and drove out of the underground parking lot.
She stood still for a moment, lost in thought.
So her little lover was just addicted to the physical pleasure...
Rubbing her face, she took out her car keys and walked toward her sports car, grumbling internally.
—Pei Youshan, you must stop overthinking things! See how narcissistic and embarrassing you're being!
Starting the engine, she drove straight to Junjiang.
Going home had just been an excuse to fool her lover—after all, in her lover's eyes, she didn't need to work.
After parking, her phone rang urgently from her handbag, as if demanding she pick up immediately.
She leisurely took out her phone—the caller ID displayed: Chen Hanming.
The producer from Penglai Film and Television overseeing the TV adaptation of her new book.
Her finger swiped across the screen.
"Producer Chen, hello. What can I do for you?"
Chen Hanming's tone was exceedingly polite: "We've begun our three-month pre-production phase for filming. Regarding casting, we'd like to hear your input."
"Do you watch similar dramas? Do you have any actors in mind who'd suit the roles?"
Pei Youshan wasn't just Junjiang's heiress but also the original author—it was only proper they consult her.
Moreover, whoever she suggested for lead roles would be feasible. With their Xu CEO's backing, the budget was more than sufficient.
—As long as the actors fit the characters well.
Pei Youshan tapped her fingers lightly on the steering wheel and politely countered: "Don't you have candidates?"
Chen Hanming replied frankly: "We're about to start auditions but wanted your opinion first."
After a moment's thought, Pei Youshan mentally reviewed actors she knew and finally named one actress.
The female lead from that movie she'd watched with Xu Jingshu.
"I think she'd be perfect—looks the part and can act. If you can get her, that'd be ideal."
"For the other lead, I don't have anyone specific in mind yet—that's up to you. Fame isn't important; suitability and acting ability are."
"Good luck—I trust Penglai's judgment."
Chen Hanming exhaled in relief at her words.
"Don't worry, Ms. Pei—Penglai won't disappoint you!"
"I hope this call hasn't disturbed you. Goodbye."
"You're too kind, Producer Chen. Goodbye."
After the call, Pei Youshan bought juice before returning to her office.
On the way back, she browsed financial news and unexpectedly came across an item about Xu Jingshu.
—Blue Ocean Capital had completed its acquisition of Penglai Film and Television, obtaining 100% control.
Pei Youshan took a sip of juice and stepped into the elevator expressionlessly.
Just as she'd expected—Blue Ocean wouldn't pass up such a competitive company.
On impulse, she flipped through her text history with Xu Jingshu.
To avoid intimacy, they still hadn't exchanged WeChat or phone calls—only plain texts.
Aside from initial bickering, Xu Jingshu's replies remained impeccably distant and polite.
Especially regarding her "girlfriend" photos—she seemed delighted by the idea, even offering to contribute to a wedding gift if things worked out.
After a glance, Pei Youshan locked her screen and exited the elevator.
—An acquisition was just business. Their worlds didn't overlap anyway.
......
Xu Jingshu entered her office and picked up documents from her desk.
Xu Ge knocked twice before entering at her response.
Dressed in a red suit—passionate yet professional, her eyes perpetually alluring.
"What you asked for. Also, that project's settled." Xu Ge handed her the files while adding with a knowing smile, "The one that nearly blew your cover in front of your sugar mommy."
Xu Jingshu gave her a meaningful sidelong glance and smirked.
She'd almost been exposed.
But someone else had been laid completely bare—not a drop left.
Xu Ge: "..."
"Why are you smiling like that? It's creeping me out."
Setting down the documents, Xu Jingshu said calmly: "No reason."
Xu Ge clicked her tongue but dropped the subject, switching to gossip: "So, how's it going with your eco-conscious sugar mommy lately?"
Xu Jingshu answered objectively: "Peacefully."
After consideration, she added precisely: "She's more entertaining than games—by a significant margin."
Leaning against the desk, Xu Ge raised an eyebrow: "Oh? What's so entertaining about her that's captivated our CEO Xu?"
Xu Jingshu gazed at the pen on her desk, forgetting to correct the term "captivated," simply pondering the question.
What was entertaining?
Her efforts to hide her identity.
Her clever little schemes.
Her blushing face, and the way her eyes grew hazy with desire in the moonlight.
Xu Jingshu snapped out of her reverie and answered earnestly: "She can turn into a cat."
Xu Ge: "???"
"..."
"Call the police—supernatural beings aren't allowed post-1949."
......
Saturday, nearing noon.
Having partied late at a friend's birthday celebration, Pei Youshan slept in until now before dragging herself up to brush her teeth and wash her face.
Stepping out of her room, she paused abruptly, feet rooted to the spot.
She touched her lips, then glanced at the open door of the guest room.
The emptiness struck her with an odd sense of unfamiliarity.
Her canary had flown the nest days ago, yet she still hadn't adjusted.
Just like when the canary had first moved in.
Once accustomed to her presence, now having to adapt to her absence.
How laughable.
Pei Youshan smiled wryly.
Well, what did she expect from a clandestine arrangement?
At least her lover was still available—no appointment needed.
With that thought, the discomfort suddenly seemed trivial.
After freshening up, she met Lin Feifei for lunch at Xue Yingyue's "Kitchen Color." Shao Xingcheng, busy house-hunting, was absent as usual.
Post-lunch, they shopped for three enjoyable hours before parting ways.
Alone, Pei Youshan drove to Hanbai Apartments—Xu Jingshu's current riverside residence.
Opening the door revealed silence—not a soul in sight.
—Her lover wasn't home.
Pei Youshan blinked, then texted Xu Jingshu: [What are you up to?]
Xu Jingshu replied succinctly: [Friend gathering]
Pei Youshan responded equally briefly: [K]
They'd agreed to respect each other's personal time, so she didn't pry further.
Setting her phone aside, she showered, changed into loungewear, and turned on the TV.
When Xu Jingshu returned, the sound of the television greeted her.
The background music shifted abruptly from normal to eerie.
Entering the living room, she found Pei Youshan in a thin sleep shirt, face buried in a cushion—only to peek timidly at the screen before hiding again.
Frightened yet unable to look away.
Xu Jingshu: "..."
She spoke suddenly: "Miss Yue."
"Ah!" Pei Youshan jolted, hurling the cushion aside.
Recognizing Xu Jingshu, she relaxed, clutching her chest: "It's just you, Xu Ge..."
She'd thought the ghost onscreen had crawled out...
Xu Jingshu suppressed a laugh: "Did I scare you?"
"If you're this scared, why watch alone?"
Pei Youshan complained: "It's just a crime drama! The earlier episodes were normal—who knew this arc would take a horror turn? No warnings online..."
Recalling the scene, she covered her eyes despairingly: "Is it over?"
"What?" Xu Jingshu asked.
Pei Youshan pointed at the TV.
Xu Jingshu glanced at the screen and patted her head, amused: "It's over. Safe now."
Pei Youshan exhaled in relief and resumed watching.
Xu Jingshu left to shower and change.
Returning, she found Pei Youshan still engrossed—so much so that she pulled her over to watch together.
With time to spare, Xu Jingshu obliged.
Within three minutes of sitting down, the show cut to a supporting character's nightmare—the atmosphere instantly turning sinister.
Onscreen, a shadowy figure slithered snake-like from under a bed, silently stalking the terrified woman down a dark hallway.
While Xu Jingshu watched calmly, Pei Youshan couldn't take it—shuddering before burying herself in Xu Jingshu's arms.
Hiding her face, she asked tremulously: "Is it over yet...?"
On the verge of tears.
Xu Jingshu froze momentarily before looking down at the trembling sugar mommy in her arms.
This side of her... was unexpectedly cute too?
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