Purely Accidental - Chapter 69
Chapter 69
Pei Youshan didn't want to admit she was jealous.
What right did she have to be jealous?
What reason could she possibly have?
Could Xu Jingshu even be considered her girlfriend now? No.
So even if Xu Jingshu woke up today and decided to stop pursuing her, decided to admire other flowers instead, there'd be nothing to criticize.
That was the logical reasoning, but to her it felt like a thorn deeply embedded in her heart—both painful and uncomfortable.
Even the desserts meant to bring joy now seemed particularly irritating.
Before entering her office, she glanced at the untouched dessert in Ye Qin's hands, then coldly averted her gaze.
"I don't have much appetite. Give it to someone else or throw it away—whatever."
Ye Qin watched her close the door: "?"
A few secretaries quietly gathered nearby, whispering, "Why does President Pei look so upset? Did the contract negotiations fall through?"
"Not the contract," Ye Qin murmured. "It's Blue Ocean Capital. President Pei went to see President Xu and came back like this."
The group collectively inhaled sharply.
"Damn, Blue Ocean again?"
"But didn't we already make peace with them?"
"Is this the legendary love-hate relationship running through their bloodlines? The mothers shake hands and make up, and the daughters immediately pick up the script to continue the drama?"
"Ah, the tangled fate of the Pei and Xu families~ Any fanfics? I'd read that."
Ye Qin shot them a look.
"What's with the shipping? Scram, all of you, back to work. If President Pei catches you, she'll have your heads!"
Before being shooed away, someone eagerly asked, "Xiao Ye, is that President Xu good-looking?"
Ye Qin shrugged. "No idea. President Pei didn't let me tag along."
They all sighed in disappointment.
......
Pei Youshan couldn't even be bothered to take off her coat, slumping into her office chair with a frown.
She alternated between propping up her temple, her cheek, and her chin—the only constant being the deep crease between her brows.
She'd only caught a glimpse of the girl who kissed Xu Jingshu.
But even that glimpse was enough to tell she was pretty.
Most importantly, Xu Jingshu clearly hadn't been wary of the girl's closeness.
Just like... how Xu Jingshu never resisted when she kissed her.
The more Pei Youshan thought about it, the worse she felt—as if her heart had been torn in two. Half wanted to trust Xu Jingshu; the other half couldn't help but ache with bitterness.
Utterly conflicted and thoroughly miserable.
She slowly lowered her arms and slumped onto the desk, disheartened.
When she'd said she wanted to taste the bitterness of love, this sure as hell wasn't what she'd meant!
A minute later.
Her phone screen lit up abruptly, the caller ID clearly displaying three characters: [Xu Jingshu].
The ringtone blared incessantly in her ear.
She lifted her head from her arms, stared at it for a moment, then answered.
No matter what, she owed Xu Jingshu a chance to explain.
Even if it was just an excuse.
"Shanshan." The voice she'd heard countless times over the phone gently replaced the annoying ringtone. "Did you come to Blue Ocean to see me?"
"W-who went to see you?!" Pei Youshan snapped stubbornly. "I was just passing by and thought I'd check out your office decor since I'd never seen it before. What, can't I?"
A soft chuckle came through, mature and charming.
"Of course you can. Shanshan can visit anytime. Next time, I'll give you a proper tour."
Pei Youshan grumbled irritably, "Who says there'll be a next time..."
What would she even go for?
To see Xu Jingshu's hidden beauty in the office?
Did she have a death wish, deliberately seeking out misery?
Xu Jingshu smiled at the carefully packaged dessert on her desk.
Even as Pei Youshan's displeasure practically radiated through the phone, she remained utterly composed.
Because she already knew why Pei Youshan was upset.
"Shanshan."
She traced the edge of the dessert's transparent packaging with a fingertip, leisurely and unruffled.
"Did you see something?"
Pei Youshan's temper flared even hotter at the question, manifesting in a cold snort. "President Xu knows perfectly well."
—Just as she'd thought.
Xu Jingshu had guessed right.
Based on the timeframe her secretary mentioned, the only thing that could have provoked Pei Youshan was Xu Jingying kissing her.
It was both laughable and a relief.
Her Shanshan was jealous... of her little sister.
Her Shanshan could still feel jealous over her.
That meant she still held some weight in her heart.
It was just a shame she couldn't see her kitten's jealous face in person.
Xu Jingshu chuckled. "Shanshan, it's a misunderstanding."
The moment Pei Youshan heard that, her author instincts kicked in sharply.
Immediately, classic lines from dramas and novels flashed through her mind: She's just like a little sister to me.
Little sister.
A go-to excuse favored by cheaters everywhere.
As if labeling someone a "little sister" magically justified all intimacy, rendering any accusations of two-timing invalid.
Pei Youshan pursed her lips, instinctively recoiling at the thought of hearing that phrase.
—No way. Xu Jingshu wouldn't actually use such a cliché line, would she?
She did have a sister, but wasn't she still in school? Since winter break hadn't started yet, she should still be on campus!
Pei Youshan propped her chin on her hand, sulking. "Xu Jingshu, don't tell me you're about to say she's just your little sister?"
"That line's seriously unoriginal."
Xu Jingshu: "..."
It was as if her spell had been interrupted—she froze momentarily, visibly puzzled.
That phrasing was unoriginal?
But... that really was her biological sister?
Xu Jingshu pondered for a moment before an idea struck her. She checked her watch and asked gently, "Shanshan, will you still be at Junjiang during lunch break?"
Pei Youshan instantly went on high alert. "Why do you ask?"
Xu Jingshu: "I'll bring my unoriginal little sister to meet you."
Pei Youshan was floored: "???"
"Meet me for what???"
Xu Jingshu picked up a Rubik's cube, her slender fingers casually twisting the first row.
"She'll have to meet you eventually. Now's as good a time as any."
Pei Youshan: "?"
What was that supposed to mean?
Was she deliberately bringing this "unoriginal little sister" to provoke her?!
Xu Jingshu soothed her. "Don't be upset, Shanshan. I haven't betrayed you. You'll understand later. Be good."
"I'm really happy you came to Blue Ocean to see me. I'll finish the cake properly."
"..."
Perhaps it was the reassurance in Xu Jingshu's voice, but Pei Youshan actually calmed down a little.
Though she still felt awkward inside.
Hmph, fine! Let's see!
She'd find out exactly how she measured up against this so-called "little sister"!
......
Xu Jingying barely made it to lunch break at her workstation, about to dash off for a nap, when she suddenly ran into her dear older sister.
Xu Jingshu gave her a once-over. "Not eating lunch?"
Xu Jingying's face was solemn, as if delivering profound wisdom. "Sleep comes first. Food can wait until I wake up."
Xu Jingshu arched a brow and steered her toward the elevator.
Watching her press the button for the basement level, Xu Jingying blinked in confusion. "This isn't the way to your office. Let me off!"
Xu Jingshu frowned. "Why would we go to my office?"
Xu Jingying scratched her head sheepishly. "Your office couch is really comfy to sleep on..."
"..."
Xu Jingshu said, "We're going to Junjiang."
"Junjiang?!"
Xu Jingying's eyes widened in shock. After a moment of mental processing, her expression turned touched.
"Sis, you're too good to me—actually booking me a room at Junjiang just to nap... I'm so moved I could cry, wahh."
"But sis, isn't Junjiang Hotel pretty far from here...?"
Xu Jingshu smiled wordlessly and patted her head.
...
Xu Jingying adjusted the white beret on her head and slowly looked up at the towering structure before her.
—Junjiang Hotel Group headquarters.
She was silent. She was speechless.
This was absurd. Absolutely absurd.
This was no place for napping!!
She should've known Xu Jingshu would never be this nice!!!
Indignantly, she declared, "Xu Jingshu, wasting sleep time is a crime!"
Xu Jingshu gave her a sidelong glance.
She promptly corrected herself: "Wasting other people's sleep time is a crime!"
"I need you to do something for me. Be extra sweet later and cheer someone up for me."
Xu Jingshu subtly touched the couple's bracelet on her wrist.
"I'll give you an extra hour off. Sleep as much as you want."
Xu Jingying: "!!!"
She was cured! She was back in action!
Sweet-talking? Cheering someone up?
Bring it on!
For that extra hour, she could praise a pig into being a flower!
Seeing her sister's determined expression, Xu Jingshu nodded in satisfaction and led her inside.
...
After receiving Xu Jingshu's message, Pei Youshan decided to go down and meet them herself during lunch break.
Stepping out of the elevator into the lobby, she immediately spotted Xu Jingshu sitting gracefully in the reception area—arms crossed, legs elegantly crossed—undoubtedly the most eye-catching sight there.
Beside her sat a girl in a beret and a long dress.
The girl was lovely and delicate, her smile revealing a pair of adorable little fangs when she laughed at Xu Jingshu.
Bright and sunny, like a warm little sun.
This was the "unoriginal little sister."
Xu Jingshu had actually brought her here.
Her fist clenched.
Her fist clenched even harder.
Hold it in.
She was just a kid. She couldn't lose her composure.
After steadying herself, Pei Youshan casually smoothed her hair, straightened her posture, and walked over.
"President Xu."
Hearing the familiar voice, Xu Jingshu immediately turned.
Loose black blazer, white inner shirt, flawless makeup, wavy black hair cascading like ocean waves.
And a perfectly polished professional smile.
Elegant, noble, and stunningly beautiful.
Her Shanshan was always the most beautiful, no matter the occasion.
Seeing her sister stand, Xu Jingying obediently rose as well, sneaking a few more glances at Pei Youshan.
Only one thought crossed her mind: So pretty. So, so pretty.
To her, Pei Youshan and Xu Jingshu were beautiful in completely different ways.
Pei Youshan's beauty was warm and approachable.
Her sister's beauty... was the kind that robbed people of sleep—not approachable at all.
Noticing Xu Jingying's gaze, Pei Youshan forced a smile and cut straight to the point. "President Xu, aren't you going to introduce me to the young lady beside you?"
"I am."
Xu Jingshu calmly placed a hand on Xu Jingying's back and gently nudged her forward.
"Jingying."
"Call her sister-in-law."
Pei Youshan: "???"
J-Jingying???
Xu Jingying stared at her with wide-eyed amazement and chirped sweetly, "Sister-in-law!"
The address was crisp, clear, and dripping with sweetness.
It instantly reminded Pei Youshan of what she'd said to Xu Jingshu earlier.
—Don't tell me you're about to say she's just your little sister?
—That line's seriously unoriginal.
Pei Youshan: "..."
Thanks, the embarrassment etched into her DNA was now holding a world tour.
Author's Note: Kitty: Embarrassed from start to finish.
Xiao Jing: My wife is as adorable and beautiful as ever today.
Little Sister: Wow! I just learned something huge! Dad—Mom—
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