Purely Accidental - Chapter 4
Chapter 4
After parting ways with Xu Jingshu, Pei Youshan returned home and sat by the bay window hugging a pillow in a daze.
Everything had happened so suddenly—she needed time to process it all.
Several minutes later, she slowly unlocked her phone, gazing down at the message inviting her out for a face-to-face discussion.
Her eyes finally settled on the string of phone numbers.
The surreal floating sensation instantly receded like tidewater, bringing her back to reality.
She had thought they would miss each other forever, never expecting the other party would actually respond...
The bumpy road of her appearance-focused tendencies seemed slightly smoother now.
The corners of her lips curled up unconsciously, stars twinkling in her eyes.
More than just "slightly" happy.
Come to think of it, she hadn't even added a contact name for this number yet.
Now that she had basic information about the person, it was the perfect time to update it.
In high spirits, Pei Youshan happily filled in "Xu Ge" in the contact name field.
A sudden "ding" notification sounded—a message from an unfamiliar number.
After scanning the content, she froze.
[Miss Yue, it's me, Xu Ge]
Another message whooshed in.
[My phone was previously sent for repairs. I picked it up when returning to the office, so that earlier number belonged to my friend. My apologies]
Pei Youshan's brows furrowed then relaxed. She was about to reply "No problem" when she reconsidered, deleting the typed words and inputting a new line: [I don't believe you unless you send me a photo]
This way she could both verify the identity and get a selfie of Xu Ge.
She was absolutely brilliant!
After another moment's thought, she helpfully provided verification suggestions: [Since you're at the office, just take a simple photo of your workstation]
Xu Jingshu: "......?"
A photo of her workstation...
She glanced back at her outrageously spacious, premium workstation that no ordinary employee could afford.
—This was anything but "simple."
......
Secretary Zhang Jingjing was clacking away at her keyboard.
Just as she hit Enter, the CEO's office door suddenly swung open.
In the blink of an eye, President Xu and Vice President Xu were standing behind her, watching with unreadable expressions.
An inexplicable chill crept up Zhang Jingjing's neck. Even after being shooed off her office chair, she still didn't understand what was happening.
Bewildered, she handed over her employee badge, watching dazedly as President Xu sat at her computer with a serious demeanor.
Meanwhile, Vice President Xu was... helping President Xu find the right angle for... a photo?
"Yes, this angle won't show the text on the badge."
"Move those documents aside—too many. Keep it simple to match the persona."
"Want me to add a filter?"
"Should I step back to blur the documents? Or just pixelate them later?"
"No."
"Pixelate."
Xu Jingshu was sparing with words.
Xu Ge obediently stepped closer and snapped a photo: "Take a look."
Xu Jingshu glanced: "This will do."
Zhang Jingjing: "???"
She stared dumbfounded as the two rearranged her documents and badge, with Xu Ge even giving her shoulder two friendly pats.
Then the office door closed again.
Like two incomprehensible gusts of wind.
Zhang Jingjing was even more stunned, her mind filled with just one reaction meme: [What is happening???.JPG]
......
With a tap of Xu Jingshu's finger, the painstakingly crafted "simple" workstation photo flew unimpeded to Pei Youshan's phone.
Xu Ge sighed beside her: "Money truly doesn't come easy."
"If that Miss Yue makes any other demands, will you agree to them too?"
Xu Jingshu lifted her eyelids, speaking matter-of-factly: "I have professional ethics."
Xu Ge raised an eyebrow: "If she wants to sleep with you, you'd agree?"
Xu Jingshu shot her a glance, placing her laptop on her knees to reply to work emails, a single syllable slipping from her lips: "Mhm."
She knew exactly what she was doing.
Consenting adults—what was the issue?
And judging by the sugar mommy's external attributes...
Few would decline at this stage of the relationship.
Xu Ge shook her head helplessly while flipping through work documents.
Truly deranged, this Xu Jingshu.
Hard to say whether that Miss Yue was getting the better end of the deal.
......
Miss Yue herself felt she'd struck gold.
The photo had no filters, yet this did nothing to diminish the radiant brilliance emanating from its subject.
It was the kind of beauty that would make anyone give a thumbs-up and exclaim "Absolutely stunning!"
Open full image. Save.
Edit contact name. All in one smooth motion.
Beaming, she replied: [I believe you now]
Every pore felt refreshed, her spirit invigorated.
Beautiful women were truly nature's spiritual essence, the world's treasures!
Then the merciless Madam Pei Lanqing called.
No need to guess—it was definitely about yesterday's incident.
She had stood them up first—how could Xu Jingshu possibly not mention it to her parents?
Pei Lanqing and Xu Yingru were in contact, so it wasn't surprising she'd find out.
Pei Youshan's joy instantly evaporated. Taking a deep breath, she prepared to face off against Madam Pei to the bitter end, ready to die for her cause!
Upon answering, voices, wind noise, and car horns immediately burst from the phone, shattering the surrounding tranquility.
Only then did Pei Lanqing's voice come through: "President Pei, sleep well last night?"
She replied: "Thanks to Chairwoman Pei's blessings, very well."
If not for Pei Lanqing, she wouldn't have gone to Lakeside Glaze and gotten blackout drunk, returning home to sleep straight through till morning.
Such quality sleep—who else could she thank but Chairwoman Pei?
The person on the other end suddenly chuckled.
A brief sound, leaving Pei Youshan no time to decipher its meaning.
"Good to hear," Pei Lanqing said. "I'm at the airport now, leaving Jiang City for a month to buy those paintings your father liked, plus some meetings."
Even though her husband was no longer in this world, she would continue collecting the artworks he never got to acquire.
Her love for him would never diminish with time.
Pei Youshan's hardened heart instantly softened: "Then travel safely, take care."
Pei Lanqing: "Mhm."
"Called to let you know."
"Also, don't neglect work, don't skip meals."
"And most importantly—don't forget to seize the opportunity."
Pei Youshan paused: "Opportunity? What opportunity?"
Pei Lanqing continued walking: "Jingshu. Weren't you satisfied with her?"
Pei Youshan grew even more confused: "When did I say I was satisfied???"
Pei Lanqing presented her flawless logic: "Didn't you say you slept well thanks to me? I arranged your meeting—therefore, it's thanks to me."
Pei Youshan: "......"
Oh great Fuxi and Nüwa, behold this impeccable reasoning.
Clearly operating on a different wavelength.
She reasonably suspected Pei Lanqing remained unaware that she and Xu Jingshu never actually met.
Thus, she decisively adjusted frequencies manually.
"I didn't go see her."
As expected, silence followed on the other end, leaving only the clamorous wind in her ears.
The bedroom became eerily quiet again.
Three seconds later, Pei Lanqing's voice carried a thread of threat: "Not afraid I'll freeze your trust fund?"
Pei Youshan remained fearless: "That won't work on me."
Pei Lanqing had established a trust fund for Pei Youshan, providing generous monthly allowances since high school—rain or shine.
But this tactic was now ineffective. Even if Pei Lanqing confiscated her black card or withheld her rightful earnings from Junjiang, it wouldn't matter.
Because she had another profession unknown to her family—one that could fully support her.
—The renowned author "Mirror Inquires Autumn."
Her novels were well-written, with devoted readers and numerous adaptation offers.
Money was never an issue.
Pei Lanqing suddenly laughed.
The laughter carried a hint of expectation, as if she'd already predicted this outcome.
Either predicting her daughter's defiance, or... knowing about her secret writing career.
Pei Youshan inexplicably leaned toward the latter.
If true, how had Madam Pei discovered her writing?
She'd never been exposed before???
Pei Lanqing's threat came abruptly and left just as lightly, like a passing joke.
"Boarding now. We'll settle yesterday's matter when I return."
Pei Youshan stood her ground: "Settle it is, hmph."
"Brat," Pei Lanqing muttered.
The call ended.
Immediately, another call came through.
Lin Feifei's voice rang out: "Shanshan, a film company wants to discuss adaptation rights for your new book. Their producer wants to meet you personally."
Lin Feifei wasn't just her friend but also her literary assistant, handling all writing-related matters.
With such a capable assistant, Pei Youshan's workload had always been light.
Calmly, she asked: "Which company?"
Lin Feifei answered cheerfully: "Penglai."
Pei Youshan instantly understood.
Truthfully, she held favorable impressions of this production company.
Penglai produced high-quality content, whether original scripts or adapted IPs—all meticulously crafted with stellar reputations.
Yet she hesitated.
Because of Xu Jingshu.
She knew Blue Ocean Capital had invested in Penglai for consecutive years. Any day now, Penglai might become a Blue Ocean subsidiary.
Thanks to Madam Pei, she currently wanted zero association with Xu Jingshu.
She'd wait and see.
The entertainment industry wasn't limited to just Penglai.
There was no rush to sell adaptation rights anyway.
She told Lin Feifei: "Let's wait. No hurry."
......
With Pei Lanqing away for a month, her pending tasks naturally fell to Pei Youshan.
Once immersed in work, Pei Youshan not only lost herself but also forgot about her new lover.
When she finally remembered, four whole days had passed since their last meeting...
Blue Ocean Capital's small conference room.
Xu Jingshu leaned back in her chair, casually closing the meeting documents, her red lips parting slightly.
"Standard terms: board seat and 31% equity."
"Not a single percentage less."
"If they're unwilling, let them find another investor. Blue Ocean isn't a charity."
Her tone was unyielding, eyes devoid of emotion—like an iceberg towering over the ocean, cold and aloof.
"Meeting adjourned."
At her command, attendees filed out.
Xu Ge caught up to Xu Jingshu, casually handing her an orange-flavored candy.
Xu Jingshu asked: "Where's this from?"
Xu Ge replied: "There's a candy-loving kid at home. Where do you think?"
Xu Jingshu pocketed the candy: "Children shouldn't eat too much sugar."
Xu Ge acknowledged this before shifting to work discussions.
Moments later, a notification chimed from the phone in Xu Jingshu's palm.
It was Miss Yue—who hadn't contacted her in four days.
[Miss Yue]: Sorry, been busy lately. Free now?
Noticing Xu Jingshu's fixed gaze on the screen, Xu Ge casually asked: "Business?"
Xu Jingshu nodded: "Mhm. She messaged."
No need to specify who "she" referred to.
Xu Ge chuckled: "I thought your sugar mommy was both an environmental pioneer and modern philanthropist—paying without claiming her prize."
The payment had cleared days ago, yet its recipient went radio silent.
One might assume President Xu's looks scared her onto the nearest train out of town.
Xu Ge checked the time: "Alright, I won't interrupt. Off work for me. Bye."
Alone, Xu Jingshu donned her "Xu Ge" persona to reply: [I am. What's up?]
[Miss Yue]: Come keep me company now.
Xu Jingshu's eyebrow arched, recalling their initial conversation as she responded: [Need something?]
Pei Youshan sat at her home bar sipping water. Seeing these words, she didn't overthink them.
She did indeed have needs.
Dull, exhausting work demanded recharging with her lover's breathtaking beauty.
Such was the simple life of an appearance connoisseur.
[Miss Yue]: Yes, I need something.
[Xu Ge]: Now?
[Miss Yue]: Now.
A minute later, a new message appeared:
[Xu Ge]: Okay.
......
Xu Jingshu closed the taxi door, striding composedly into Biyun Garden—one of the city's affluent neighborhoods.
After four days, she was about to resume her poor girl act.
En route to Pei Youshan's residence, she idly unwrapped Xu Ge's candy.
A sweet orange flavor instantly filled her mouth.
Not particularly tasty—overly saccharine.
Four minutes later, she stood before the address Pei Youshan provided.
Pausing thoughtfully, she finally rang the doorbell.
Pei Youshan immediately set down her water glass to answer.
The woman outside lifted her gaze slightly, dark eyes quietly observing as she politely greeted: "Miss Yue."
Just as stunning as their first encounter.
Pei Youshan's fatigue instantly halved, her smile growing more genuine.
Ushering her guest inside, she poured water.
Xu Jingshu accepted the glass with thanks—perfect for countering that excessive sweetness.
Her drinking motions were elegant, slender fingers gracefully curved around the glass, wrists pale as snow.
The entire scene resembled a dreamlike painting.
Perched on a barstool, cheek propped on one hand, Pei Youshan couldn't help stealing glances.
For the n+1th time, she marveled at her incredible luck.
—Absolutely peerless. No one could resist such perfection!
Xu Jingshu only needed to turn her head to meet Pei Youshan's gaze—scorching enough to ignite her entire being.
She fell into contemplation.
Suddenly meeting Xu Jingshu's eyes, Pei Youshan instinctively reined in her intense stare.
Then paused, reconsidered, and had an epiphany.
—She was the benefactor here. What was wrong with admiring her paid companion?
Thus, she boldly resumed her visual feast.
Mid-feast, something unexpected occurred.
—Xu Jingshu began leaning toward her.
Pei Youshan froze, long lashes fluttering, eyes wide with shock.
That flawlessly sculpted face drew nearer.
Xu Jingshu's fragrance gently caressed every inch of her skin.
Silence enveloped them as an indescribable "something" blossomed in the air.
She blinked once.
Soft warmth pressed against her lips.
Accompanied by a sweet, citrusy aroma.
She... was being kissed.
Comments
Post a Comment