Purely Accidental - Chapter 37
Chapter 37
An Youda looked at Xu Jingshu with utmost sympathy, his gaze so blatant it was like staring at a fool.
How could someone so intelligent get scammed by a cat seller?
There's a world of difference between a Ragdoll and a Sphynx cat!
When Xu Jingshu realized what was happening, she couldn't help but laugh, raising a hand to cover her lips.
The little kitten in her home was no ordinary house cat.
Xu Ge was struggling to hold back her laughter.
Xu Jingshu, oh Xu Jingshu, when it comes to deception and trickery, you take the crown.
Unable to bear watching An Youda and the others being fooled, she spoke up with a smile: "She's pulling your leg. What she has at home isn't a cat—it's a person."
"Hugging a person obviously wouldn't leave cat hair everywhere."
The group first showed expressions of sudden understanding, then paused before collectively exclaiming in shock: "Huh?!"
"You're in a relationship?!"
The long-single Miss Xu's spring had finally arrived?!
What earth-shattering news!
Enough to make listeners weep!
The conversation immediately shifted focus onto Xu Jingshu.
An Youda wore an expression of "proud fatherly approval": "Xiao Xu, after all this time, you've finally made some progress."
"No."
Xu Jingshu was completely honest.
"I'm not in a relationship yet."
An Youda and the others instantly looked bewildered, deeply puzzled by this statement.
Xu Ge lowered her head, lightly brushing aside her long hair as she smiled without speaking.
Xu Jingshu's eyes remained calm as she picked up the teapot to pour herself a cup: "I like her, but she doesn't like me."
She paused mid-action, reorganizing her words to correct herself.
"Actually, I'm not sure whether she likes me or not."
Pei Youshan didn't reject her affection and would respond to her genuine expressions of emotion.
If not for the financial arrangement between them, their interactions would indeed be indistinguishable from any sweet, loving couple.
Yet it was precisely this financial relationship and Pei Youshan's approachable personality that made it impossible for Xu Jingshu to discern her true feelings.
Was Pei Youshan's need for her based on genuine affection, or simply because she was a lover who could provide whatever was asked?
If someone equally attractive stood in her place, would Pei Youshan treat them with the same tenderness?
For example... Xue Yingyue.
This woman who could be considered her number one potential romantic rival.
She wasn't familiar with Xue Yingyue and knew nothing about her romantic life.
But she sincerely hoped Xue Yingyue wasn't single, because her Ragdoll kitten's moral compass wouldn't allow her to pursue someone already taken. That way, she'd have one less beautiful rival to worry about.
The group exchanged glances, sensing the complexity of the situation.
An Youda clicked his tongue: "The person you like isn't some playboy, is she..."
Xu Jingshu: "?"
Xu Ge: "?"
An Youda presented his reasoning: "You're already so physically intimate with all that hugging, yet she still hasn't made her stance clear? That attitude is way too ambiguous! Just like those playboys who cast wide nets—only interested in playing around without real commitment."
Xu Jingshu: "..."
His analysis sounded logical, but every point missed the mark.
"No, our relationship... is somewhat complicated."
Xu Ge nodded in agreement.
Indeed.
The accidental collision between these two was more tangled than a ball of yarn.
Xu Jingshu picked up her teacup, calmly stating: "In any case, she's wonderful, with a great personality—someone very easy to like. The behavior of a playboy... isn't something she'd engage in."
Someone laughed: "Look at this, already defending her before you're even together. What'll happen once you actually start dating?"
Xu Jingshu's entire expression radiated "as it should be."
Her person—who else would protect her if not herself?
The group had complete faith in Xu Jingshu's judgment. If she said so, the other person must be remarkable. They began enthusiastically firing off questions like a census survey, hoping to diagnose the situation and strategize ways to help her pursue this person.
"How old is she?"
"What's her financial situation like?"
"What does she like? Straight, gay, or bisexual?"
Xu Jingshu answered calmly: "One year younger than me, financial situation comparable to mine, enjoys reading in her free time."
For the last question, she hesitated slightly before responding with three words: "Appearance-oriented."
"..."
The atmosphere froze momentarily before erupting into renewed excitement, with everyone talking over each other noisily.
"If she's appearance-oriented then it's easy! With your looks, just go for it!"
"She likes reading? Novels? Then why not create some romantic, profound novel-like scenarios to capture her heart? I remember those angsty love stories were quite popular—how did they go again? Tortured bodies and souls, yet the two leads still end up together..."
"Ugh, what you're describing is ancient history. Even kindergarten kids don't fall for those clichés anymore. Can't you keep up with current trends?"
Xu Jingshu: "..."
She sincerely believed it was heaven's mercy that these unreliable people managed to find partners at all.
An Youda reined in the chaos: "Enough!"
"Listen to yourselves—tortured bodies and souls? Is that marriage or sworn enemies?"
Turning to Xu Jingshu with a reliable expression, he said: "Take my advice—if you like her, treat her wholeheartedly. Make your presence known. Once she gets used to it, if you skip a day, she'll be thinking about you!"
Xu Jingshu's fingertip traced her elegant brow before resting on her lightly furrowed forehead.
What she was currently doing followed An Youda's method exactly, yet Pei Youshan still showed no signs of reciprocation...
Like viewing flowers through fog—the more she tried to see, the harder it became to discern what truly lay in Pei Youshan's heart.
As her friends continued their noisy brainstorming, she stopped listening entirely.
Love... truly proved more challenging than investment.
Xu Ge turned to see her silent contemplation and gently pressed her shoulder.
"Take it slow, no need to rush. Affection needs time."
"And your situation... *ahem*, is indeed somewhat complicated."
Xu Jingshu grew even more silent upon hearing this.
Suddenly, she missed that enigmatic kitten of hers...
...
After the gathering, An Youda sought out Xu Jingshu to discuss a work matter that required her approval—or rather, the approval of someone with decision-making power at Blue Ocean Capital.
"Penglai previously acquired the rights to Mirror Inquires Autumn's work—you remember, right? The author Jingying likes."
Xu Jingshu nodded: "I remember."
Thanks to the underage misunderstanding caused by Mirror Inquires Autumn's signed book and Pei Youshan mentioning they were friends, she had a particularly strong impression of this author.
An Youda stroked his chin: "Here's the thing—they're in pre-production now and starting location negotiations."
He studied Xu Jingshu's expression as he spoke, finding no reaction—as if she knew nothing about this—and couldn't help remarking: "Wow, you really don't read novels, do you?"
"One-third of Mirror Inquires Autumn's book scenes take place in hotels!"
Xu Jingshu suddenly understood where this was going. Crossing her arms, she regarded him with an amused smile.
An Youda declared righteously: "The public still doesn't know about your families' reconciliation, and Junjiang Hotels are household names. So I thought—why not take this opportunity to collaborate? Make our first public step toward breaking the ice!"
Xu Jingshu smiled faintly: "Oh? Is it really that simple?"
An Youda felt his scalp tingle under her penetrating fox-like gaze, realizing she'd seen through him.
Rubbing his head sheepishly, he admitted: "Heh, Old Chen mentioned we might save on budget by approaching Junjiang. Remembering your reconciliation, I thought he made a good point... so I wanted your opinion..."
Xu Jingshu: "..."
She suspected the potential budget savings had less to do with their families' reconciliation and more with Mirror Inquires Autumn being friends with Junjiang's heiress.
With that connection, the young miss would surely offer a friendly discount.
She slowly averted her gaze, replying composedly: "Telling me is useless. Whether you can save money depends on your negotiations with Miss Pei."
"This matter is her decision to make."
......
Pei Youshan had just finished a call with her grandfather when she sneezed twice in succession, suspecting someone was badmouthing her behind her back.
The next day, she received a message from Chen Hanming. Stepping onto the balcony to avoid Xu Jingshu, she skimmed the politely worded content—essentially probing her stance on a potential collaboration between Junjiang Hotels and Penglai Film.
The underlying core issue: pricing.
[Chen Hanming]: We hope President Pei will consider it.
Having the author—who happened to be Junjiang Hotel Group's successor—directly negotiate this deal was infinitely better than seeking external hotel partnerships.
Moreover, bypassing her own family's hotels to approach competitors would be difficult to justify to her later.
Besides, she might offer budget-friendly terms for her own adapted work.
Another day of Producer Chen racking his brains to cut costs.
Pei Youshan easily discerned his intentions. Checking her schedule, she replied:
[Pei Youshan]: I'm available Monday at 3 PM. We can discuss in person then.
An in-person meeting meant hope.
Chen Hanming brightened.
[Chen Hanming]: Of course, we'll follow President Pei's arrangements.
Just then, Pei Youshan remembered someone and glanced back into the living room.
Xu Jingshu happened to look up, their gazes meeting in silent synchrony.
Before Xu Jingshu could voice her confusion, Pei Youshan averted her eyes first.
Xu Jingshu: "?"
What was this kitten up to?
Pei Youshan lowered her head to type.
[Pei Youshan]: When you come, Producer Chen, no need for a large entourage—one person is enough.
After some hesitation, she added uncertainly:
She didn't want Chen Hanming bringing along her little lover Xu Ge—that would make for an awkward identity reveal.
But explicitly naming names might seem like targeting Xu Ge, potentially causing offense if word got back...
She settled on: [Preferably no one surnamed Xu]
A broad restriction—that way he couldn't pinpoint who she meant!
Chen Hanming stared at the message in bewilderment.
Since when did business negotiations involve surname requirements?!
His confused reply: [Why?]
Pei Youshan: "..."
Her mind raced for an explanation.
One minute later.
[Pei Youshan]: My fortune teller says people surnamed Xu clash with me recently. Must minimize contact.
Chen Hanming: "..."
President Pei, feudal superstitions are unbecoming...
Pei the Kitten [full of determination]: I'll definitely keep it hidden!
Xu the Fox [indulgent smile]: Mhm, as long as I don't say anything, you're hiding it perfectly.
My depressed self must wail depressingly: Ugh! I'm so—baaad—at this—
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