Purely Accidental - Chapter 9
Chapter 9
After receiving the concise five-word message, Xu Jingshu waited a while longer.
Waiting for Pei Youshan to complete the content requiring her initiative.
But Pei Youshan never sent another message.
Xu Jingshu: "......"
She glanced at the time.
Had she fallen asleep?
But what did sending such a message before bed mean?
What initiative did she want from her?
Greetings? Hugs? Kisses? Or even something more?
She tentatively sent a few follow-up questions, but all sank like stones in the sea, receiving no response.
In that case, there was no point dwelling on it.
Any words or questions could wait until daylight to resolve.
......
The bright morning sun quietly adorned the treetops.
Pei Youshan opened her eyes to the first rays of light, turned off her alarm, got up to brush her teeth, and casually picked up her phone to check messages while brushing.
Work messages: zero.
Messages from her little lover: three.
[Xu Ge]: Initiative in what?
[Xu Ge]: Miss Yue?
Four minutes later.
[Xu Ge]: Asleep?
Pei Youshan was baffled. Her gaze traced upward from these messages and unsurprisingly landed on the five words she had sent the night before.
Then her entire body froze, only the electric toothbrush continuing to buzz in her mouth.
Those five words looked utterly inappropriate in every way.
Had she really sent something like that before bed last night???
—This was beyond awkward.
But it wasn't wrong—she did want Xu Ge to be more proactive, to understand the unspoken rules.
To learn to initiate greetings, to ask after her well-being, to let her, the sugar mommy, feel the warmth of her little lover.
So during breakfast, she replied with utmost seriousness.
[Pei Youshan]: Just be more proactive.
[Pei Youshan]: For example, say good morning and good night to me on WeChat every day, take the initiative to message me.
[Pei Youshan]: Simple, right?
Xu Jingshu didn't reply immediately.
After a minute, Pei Youshan saw her status change to "typing..." before a new message popped up on the screen.
Her answer.
[Xu Ge]: Good morning, Miss Yue.
Quite the quick learner.
Pei Youshan smiled, her eyes curving like crescents.
[Pei Youshan]: Good morning.
[Pei Youshan]: I really did fall asleep right after sending that last night, sorry about that.
She even sent an adorable cat sticker.
[Xu Ge]: It's fine.
Pei Youshan idly flipped through her work schedule and sighed, resigning herself to opening WeChat to message her gorgeous lover.
[Pei Youshan]: I won't have much free time the next few days, so you don't need to accompany me.
After checking her own packed schedule, Xu Jingshu couldn't have been more relieved.
[Xu Ge]: Okay.
Then, with professional decorum, she added:
[Xu Ge]: Let me know if you need me, Miss Yue.
Pei Youshan held her phone with both hands, fingertips resting on the screen.
To maintain her dignified sugar mommy persona, she replied with deliberate aloofness.
[Pei Youshan]: Mhm.
......
As days passed, Pei Youshan finally wrapped up most of her busy workload and welcomed a relaxing weekend.
She slept in naturally, had breakfast, hit the gym, showered and changed into loungewear, then settled on the balcony sofa with a book, immersing herself in reading amidst the gentle breeze.
This habit of reading was cultivated under her father's guidance.
Years of accumulation ultimately manifested in her writing, contributing to her literary achievements today.
Compared to her mother, she indeed preferred her father.
Her dad nurtured every figment of her imagination, supported her pursuits, and enveloped her like a soft cloud.
Her mom, however, seemed determined to mold her into a polymath, always pushing her to dabble in everything, like some merciless drill sergeant.
She often wondered if Pei Lanqing secretly compared her to Xu Yingru's daughter, Xu Jingshu.
Though Pei Lanqing insisted there was no connection, the suspicion lingered.
She also wondered if Xu Jingshu had been forced to learn countless skills as a child...
If so, she could temporarily extend some sympathy—misery loves company.
Thinking of Xu Jingshu inevitably summoned another person to mind.
—Her beautiful, pleasing canary.
They hadn't seen each other in days. Should they meet today?
She picked up her phone, paused, then set it down again.
Never mind, she had plans tonight.
Maybe have her come over later... to spend the weekend together?
Hesitating, Lin Feifei's impassioned words suddenly replayed in her mind, each syllable stirring temptation.
She picked up her phone again.
......
Xu Jingshu closed the door and slipped into her house slippers.
After seeing off her lively younger sister, the spacious apartment fell silent again, the only sounds being the shuffle of slippers against the floor.
And the sudden chime of a notification.
[Miss Yue]: Free this weekend?
Xu Jingshu considered it.
[Xu Jingshu]: Busy tonight, but free otherwise.
Pei Youshan instinctively pressed further.
[Miss Yue]: What's the occasion?
[Xu Jingshu]: Catching up with an old friend I haven't seen in a while.
Pei Youshan replied with an "Oh."
As a considerate sugar mommy, she wouldn't unreasonably demand her canary cancel plans with an old friend just to accompany her.
Xu Jingshu waited a few seconds for Pei Youshan's response.
[Miss Yue]: Alright, go ahead then.
[Miss Yue]: Come over tomorrow to spend Sunday with me.
[Miss Yue]: That shouldn't be a problem, right?
As a professional canary, she naturally—
[As Miss Yue says]
Pei Youshan set down her phone in high spirits, remembering the little succulent in the guest room. She went to retrieve it, leaving her book on the guest room's side table—forgotten until she headed out that evening.
......
5:00 PM sharp.
Pei Youshan changed into a simple yet elegant black dress and applied her usual lipstick, enhancing her rosy complexion.
Xu Jingshu chose a button-up shirt and black high-waisted trousers. Preferring comfort when meeting friends, she kept accessories minimal—just a pair of silver hexagram earrings.
Once ready, they left their homes at the same time, stepping into different elevators and parking lots, heading to their cars, bound for the same destination.
—Seaside Residence.
Pei Youshan took a detour after a phone call, first picking up her writer's assistant, Lin Feifei.
After collecting her, they drove to Seaside Residence, hitting two red lights along the way.
By the time they arrived at the restaurant's parking lot, Xu Jingshu had already entered the private room, greeting her long-time friend An Youda.
The room held just the two of them.
Among friends, even one outsider was one too many.
An Youda warmly greeted her: "Ah, President Xu, you're early too. Come, take a seat. Check the menu—order whatever you like."
Xu Jingshu nodded slightly, closed the door, and sat down.
In the parking lot.
Pei Youshan locked her car and walked toward the elevator, bag in hand.
Lin Feifei caught up, linking arms with her, unable to resist some gossip: "President Pei, how's it going with your little lover lately? Any progress?"
President Pei chuckled, her eyes brimming with resignation: "Just average."
"Work, though? Inseparable. A day apart, and it misses me terribly."
Lin Feifei tsked: "Our President Pei has it rough."
Then she sighed: "Corporate life is brutal. Proofreading manuscripts these past few days nearly blinded me."
Pei Youshan joked: "If someone as good-looking as Xu Ge stood before me now, offering to sugar mommy me into a life of leisure where I'd never lift a finger again, I'd leave with them on the spot."
Lin Feifei smiled: "And then your beloved mother and grandfather would make them regret ever being born."
Daring to utter "sugar mommy" to the Pei heiress? Either insane or suicidal.
Chatting and laughing, they entered Seaside Residence.
Before them lay elegant decor and bustling guests, the cool sea breeze drifting in from the terrace, brushing past Pei Youshan's soft skirt and dark hair.
Lifting her gaze, the shimmering water reflected in her eyes, a soothing sight.
A neatly dressed server approached with a smile, enunciating clearly as she asked if they needed assistance.
Lin Feifei gave the private room's name.
The server led them forward, knocked lightly on the door, then stepped aside to let them enter.
Everyone inside looked up, their eyes inevitably drawn to Pei Youshan.
Delicate and refined, her red lips striking, her demeanor poised and graceful—like the moon against the night sky, unforgettable at first sight.
And undeniably aristocratic, as if some young mistress had wandered into the wrong place.
Penglai Film had sent two representatives this time: a producer and a legal consultant.
The bespectacled producer, Chen Hanming, had an excellent industry reputation.
Neither had met Pei Youshan or Lin Feifei before. Turning to the copyright department staff, they asked: "Between these two, which one is Mirror Inquires Autumn?"
Pei Youshan offered a flawless smile: "That would be me."
Chen Hanming's face lit with recognition as he stepped forward to shake her hand: "Ah, an honor! My daughter loves your books."
Pei Youshan responded with polite humility.
They took their seats, the atmosphere harmonious and congenial.
Until Chen Hanming learned Pei Youshan's real name.
He adjusted his glasses: "That name... sounds familiar."
Glancing at the legal consultant, he asked: "Isn't the Junjiang Hotel heiress also named that?"
Pei Youshan modestly answered for him: "Yes, that's me."
Chen Hanming: "?"
Chen Hanming: "???"
Isn't this our major shareholder's rival?!
If we buy the rights from the rival's daughter, will our shareholder murder us?!
But then it struck him—this acquisition had been approved by the shareholder. If anyone was to blame, it was the shareholder herself.
A favorite author turning out to be the daughter of your mother's nemesis...
He couldn't help but sigh inwardly: Poor President Xu...
Lin Feifei remained unruffled.
Having worked as Pei Youshan's assistant, she'd witnessed this scenario countless times—enough to read their unspoken thoughts.
—Young Mistress, why are you writing books too???
Their job was to help Pei Youshan secure NDAs, preventing leaks about her identity.
This was also Pei Youshan's next move.
Pei Youshan cut to the chase: "Mr. Chen, I'm here not just to discuss adaptations, but also an additional matter."
"—A confidentiality agreement."
Pouring tea, she continued leisurely: "Beyond those present, I don't want anyone else knowing I'm Mirror Inquires Autumn."
"Including your major shareholder, Blue Ocean Capital."
"If you agree, we proceed. If not, no harm done—the contract isn't signed yet. Everyone has room to reconsider."
"This..." Chen Hanming hesitated.
She stood firm: "Mr. Chen, there's nothing to hesitate over."
"Once the contract's signed and filming begins, we're square. There's no need to announce my identity to your President Xu, right?"
She smiled disarmingly: "I doubt your President Xu has the time to scrutinize every copyright contract, demanding to know each author's identity."
Handling such situations was second nature after years at Junjiang, let alone as its heir apparent.
"Shareholders care about profits."
She gently slid the teacup toward Chen Hanming, her lips curving in a composed smile.
"Who I am."
"Doesn't matter."
Her expression remained calm, never sharp or aggressive. Yet Chen Hanming and the legal consultant were visibly intimidated.
It was an aura of quiet authority—no harsh tones or expressions needed to send shivers down spines.
Instantly reminiscent of her shrewd, formidable mother, Pei Lanqing.
A woman like that—what kind of daughter would she raise?
Lin Feifei inhaled slowly. Though she'd seen it before, Pei Youshan's commanding presence and negotiation skills never failed to impress.
Even if privately a ditzy beauty, her professional prowess was top-tier.
Chen Hanming's mouth felt inexplicably dry.
He reached for the tea but stopped.
Without agreeing or refusing, he stood: "Give me a moment. I'll be right back."
Once he left, Lin Feifei leaned in: "Where's he going?"
Pei Youshan was unfazed: "No idea. But he won't reveal my identity."
Lin Feifei blinked: "How do you know?"
Pei Youshan was even more nonchalant: "Because his industry reputation was built on integrity and hard work."
......
Meanwhile, Xu Jingshu was still chatting with An Youda over dinner.
An Youda was a chatterbox—once started, impossible to stop.
He could talk to anyone about anything.
They discussed domestic changes during Xu Jingshu's years abroad, leaving An Youda nostalgic.
"Everything moves so fast these days."
"Nothing stays the same."
"Blink, and you're left behind."
Xu Jingshu refilled his tea.
He studied her, then asked curiously: "Xiao Xu, is Chairwoman Xu still..."
"At odds with Junjiang's Chairwoman Pei?"
Xu Jingshu set down the teapot: "They've reconciled recently."
An Youda was pleasantly surprised: "Really? Wonderful! Harmony breeds wealth, harmony breeds wealth."
Raising his cup: "Here's to you—may your career soar this year!"
"And may you meet someone special soon!"
Xu Jingshu smiled faintly, clinking glasses: "No rush."
An Youda: "Rush!"
"Goodness, we're all dying to know who you'll end up with."
"Look—even Xu Ge's married now. You're the last single one in our group!"
Xu Jingshu: "......"
That marriage certificate... wasn't exactly Xu Ge's idea.
—How many people would willingly marry their love rival?
Then An Youda's phone pinged.
A glance showed a frantic message from Chen Hanming.
[Chen Hanming]: President An, are Blue Ocean Capital and Junjiang Hotel still feuding?
[Chen Hanming]: Any chance of reconciliation in our lifetime?
An Youda typed rapidly:
[An Youda]: Relax, they've already made up.
[Chen Hanming]: ?
[Chen Hanming]: Seriously?
[An Youda]: Dead serious. President Xu just confirmed it herself.
[Chen Hanming]: Then never mind. Thanks, President An.
[Chen Hanming]: Wait! Does President Xu still want to meet Mirror Inquires Autumn?
Their meeting with the author at Seaside Residence had been An Youda's arrangement.
Not noticing Xu Jingshu's interest in the adaptation rights, he assumed she was a fan and wanted to facilitate a meet-and-greet.
If Xu Jingshu said yes, he could escort her over immediately.
[An Youda]: Hold on.
Setting down his phone, he smiled at Xu Jingshu: "Xiao Xu, the renowned author Mirror Inquires Autumn is here tonight."
"Want me to introduce you?"
Xu Jingshu met his gaze impassively, slowly setting down her teacup.
"No need."
Her tone was flat.
"I don't read fiction."
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