Purely Accidental - Chapter 53
Chapter 53
After this conversation, Xu Jingshu finally understood—her name had become an allergen in Pei Youshan's heart.
Just mentioning it would immediately trigger Pei Youshan's allergic reaction to awkwardness.
So she couldn't recklessly reveal her true identity now, otherwise Pei Youshan might genuinely become China's foremost railway contractor [from all the cringe-induced toe-curling].
But when would this "appropriate timing" actually arrive?
She didn't want to lose her wife the moment she came clean...
Pei Youshan snapped back to reality, staring intensely at her before suddenly taking a dramatic step backward: "You're not actually her, are you?"
Xu Jingshu: "..."
Was that retreating step really necessary?
With an internal sigh, she pulled Pei Youshan into her arms to preserve her marital future. "Of course not. I don't even know her name, who she is, or what she does."
"Besides, I don't even know your real identity yet—how would I know who your previous arranged marriage partner was?"
Pei Youshan suddenly laughed. "Just teasing! I know it's not you. You're different—she's nowhere near as good as you."
Xu Jingshu: "..."
She couldn't tell if she'd just been insulted or complimented.
But at least her wife was secured—she could breathe easier now.
Pei Youshan hugged her, whispering by her ear: "Jingjing, aren't you curious about my real identity?"
"Not at all. You'll tell me when you're ready. Prying before then would just trouble you." Xu Jingshu stroked her long hair with solemn eyes. "I don't want you to dislike me."
Pei Youshan's gaze softened with a gentle laugh, her breath brushing Xu Jingshu's ear like a passing night breeze: "How could I? I adore you too much."
Xu Jingshu didn't respond, silently tightening her embrace while praying inwardly—May you still say these words when I finally confess. I'd do anything for that.
The moon hung high as chilly autumn winds swept by. The sounds of passing vehicles seemed to fade away, leaving the world silent except for them.
Pei Youshan nuzzled her head affectionately, stroking Xu Jingshu's dark hair as they lingered in the embrace. After a moment, she whispered: "Should I tell you who I really am?"
Xu Jingshu hummed noncommittally—she needed to plan her reaction carefully.
Pei Youshan measured her words while studying Xu Jingshu's expression: "Actually... I don't go by Yue. I take my mother's surname." She clasped Xu Jingshu's hands solemnly. "My name is Pei Youshan."
Then added softly: "...The Pei Youshan from Junjiang Hotels."
Had she not already been exposed earlier, Xu Jingshu would've been genuinely shocked. But since the cat was out of the bag, she could only feign ignorance to preserve her girlfriend's dignity.
Xu Jingshu raised her eyebrows in performative realization. "Ah... so you're the famous Pei heiress."
Forgive me—I'm an investor, not an actress. This is the best performance I can manage.
Pei Youshan frowned, gripping her shoulders to scrutinize her face. "Why aren't you surprised?" She scratched her cheek in confusion.
Putting aside current circumstances, given the historical rivalry between the Pei and Xu families, shouldn't an employee of a Blue Ocean Capital subsidiary show at least... some reaction upon hearing the Pei name?
Xu Jingshu calmly took her hands. "Because you exude nobility. Whoever's heiress you turned out to be would make perfect sense to me."
Her earnest, honeyed words easily dispelled Pei Youshan's doubts. Flustered by the praise, Pei Youshan touched her head. "Nah, I'm just average-looking—not as special as you say..."
Xu Jingshu's eyes curved. "Not average at all. To me, you'll always be the most beautiful person in the world."
Pei Youshan pouted. "Stop! You're embarrassing me."
"You get shy now?" Xu Jingshu teased. "Yet you're always calling me the most beautiful person in the world." Had she never considered her girlfriend might feel the same?
"That's my heartfelt truth!" Pei Youshan declared.
Xu Jingshu nodded. "Exactly. Mine too."
Pei Youshan flushed. "...You're impossible."
Xu Jingshu laughed, pulling her close again. They swayed together like kindergarteners.
Pei Youshan rested against her shoulder. "Aren't you going to ask why I lied about my name?"
"It's understandable. Unusual identities require extra caution." ...Says the woman doing the exact same thing.
Pei Youshan exhaled in relief—having an understanding girlfriend was truly wonderful. Playfully stroking Xu Jingshu's back, she asked: "What about my Jingjing?"
"Are you as wealthy as me? Or even wealthier?"
Xu Jingshu gazed into the distance. "You'll know when the time comes."
Misinterpreting the deeper meaning, Pei Youshan patted her shoulder encouragingly. "My Jingjing is so capable—I believe in you! I'll wait for you."
Xu Jingshu smiled, ruffling her hair. "Let's go home."
Hand in hand on the overpass, Xu Jingshu asked: "Since you like Chu Shimiao, why didn't you visit her?"
"I hadn't told you my identity yet," Pei Youshan admitted. "If we'd bumped into each other there, I worried it might scare you off."
Xu Jingshu chuckled. "I'm not that easily frightened." She added: "Besides, I'm not overseeing that project."
To be precise, beyond Penglai's funding and acquisition, she delegated all other matters. Regular reports to Blue Ocean made micromanagement unnecessary.
Pei Youshan wasn't sure whether to feel regret or relief—glad her writing pseudonym remained secret, yet disappointed her project wasn't personally handled by her girlfriend.
Xu Jingshu offered: "If you want her autograph, I can get one for you."
Pei Youshan considered it. "Really? Then please do. Junjiang's about to get busy again—I probably won't have time to visit the set myself." She clung to Xu Jingshu's arm sweetly. "All my free time belongs to the most beautiful person."
Xu Jingshu pinched her smooth cheek. "Given your weakness for pretty faces, what if you'd fallen for her while getting that autograph? Where would that leave me?"
"Wouldn't happen." Pei Youshan grinned. "She's not as gorgeous as you."
"Oh? So if she were prettier, you'd go for her?"
Pei Youshan turned away with a smirk, deliberately drawling: "Who knooows~"
Xu Jingshu leaned close, murmuring: "Then tonight, I'll help you... thoroughly explore the answer."
Pei Youshan's ears burned crimson. "No NSFW talk in public!"
——
10:00 AM.
Chu Shimiao sat in the makeup chair memorizing lines while half-listening to her companion. Her reflection revealed delicate features that blossomed like flowers when she slowly opened her eyes.
"Chairman An?" She sounded puzzled. "Why would he want my autograph?"
Xu Jingshu had used An Youda's name to request the signature—but hadn't anticipated this intermediary's loose lips.
"Not sure. President Xu said Chairman An requested it."
Chu Shimiao stopped the makeup artist, sitting upright. "President Xu?" She clarified carefully: "Xu Jingshu from Blue Ocean Capital?"
"Yeah, our one and only President Xu."
Her manager immediately looked at Chu Shimiao—just in time to see her flip imaginary bangs with a triumphant smirk.
"Hah! Knew she'd eventually recognize my charm and become obsessed." She gestured dramatically. "So roundabout! She could've asked me directly—it's not like I'd refuse. Paper and pen!"
After signing her elaborate name with flair, she examined it critically—then added a bold red lipstick kiss.
An ordinary autograph instantly became eye-catching.
"Here." She preened. "This masterpiece exists in singular form—for her alone. If she loses it..." She tossed her hair, only to wince as the ponytail smacked her face. Rubbing her cheek, she added: "...She can come ask me personally."
The messenger: "..."
Her manager: "..."
For heaven's sake, maintain some celebrity dignity.
After everyone left, Chu Shimiao turned to her manager. "See? Sincerity moves mountains."
"Just wait for my relationship announcement!"
The manager recalled Xu Jingshu's past indifference: "..."
Something tells me... that's not what's happening here.
——
"..."
Xu Jingshu stared at the autograph in silence.
That glaring lip print made her veins bulge.
——
After filming two scenes, Chu Shimiao returned to her trailer—only to find the same messenger holding her kissed autograph.
Chu Shimiao: "?"
She inspected her handiwork. "What's wrong? Didn't President Xu like it?"
"President Xu said—"
"Do it over."
Chu Shimiao: "???"
"Just the name. No... extras."
"EXTRAS???"
"Tch. Xu Jingshu truly lacks an eye for beauty."
Her manager wore an "I-told-you-so" expression. Xu Jingshu was nothing if not consistent—her past rejection of Chu Shimiao had been absolute. Without Chu Shimiao's persistent advances, they wouldn't even speak.
Not that talking helped anyway...
Then Chu Shimiao declared: "But I must admit one thing."
"What?"
"Her little games... they intrigue me!" With that, she gathered her voluminous costume and stomped back into the trailer to obediently re-sign.
Manager: "..."
"Give it up. Stop being extra."
"Before President Xu murders you."
Comments
Post a Comment