Purely Accidental - Chapter 72
Chapter 72
Pei Youshan often had the illusion that all the awkwardness in the world was rushing toward her.
The more she feared it, the more it came.
She resignedly put down her book: "Aiya, Mom, just say what you want to say."
Pei Lanqing sized her up, then leisurely leaned back into the sofa, uttering an affectionate: "You little rascal."
"No wonder I thought there was something off about you two before."
Pei Youshan, recalling her and Xu Jingshu's previous identities, guiltily avoided Pei Lanqing's sharp gaze, looking at the small cactus on her desk as she muttered: "What's off? Everything's perfectly normal..."
"Normal?" Pei Lanqing smiled, crossing her arms. "So you two really were secretly together behind our backs."
"We weren't together." Pei Youshan instinctively refuted righteously.
...After all, they really weren't together at that time.
Pei Lanqing: "Not together? Then why would she have her little sister call you 'sister-in-law'? For fun?"
Pei Youshan: "..."
She touched her earlobe, her gaze vaguely landing on the desk lamp: "Well... she's pursuing me now..."
Pei Lanqing raised an eyebrow, smiling without speaking.
Pei Youshan immediately added: "I haven't agreed yet!"
As the words fell, Pei Lanqing's eyes filled with scrutiny.
Haven't agreed yet?
She recalled the first time she saw the two together.
Why did it feel more like... a young couple having a lovers' quarrel?
Pei Lanqing clicked her tongue, half-believing as she asked: "Really not together?"
Though guilty, Pei Youshan nodded emphatically.
She didn't want her parents to know about those laughable "accidents" between them, so naturally she would conceal what she could, preventing their curiosity from digging deeper.
She believed Xu Jingshu felt the same.
Pei Lanqing leisurely propped her head up with one hand: "Then what was going on before?"
Pei Youshan answered without hesitation: "We were just friends before. Weren't you happy last time when you heard Xu Jingshu and I became friends?"
Pei Lanqing's expression showed understanding as she smiled wordlessly at her, seeming both convinced and unconvinced.
Pei Youshan felt like a criminal being interrogated under bright lights.
Pei Lanqing's eyes were those very lights.
This wouldn't do—she needed to divert Pei Lanqing's attention with another topic.
After much deliberation, a long-unanswered question surfaced in her mind.
Almost without hesitation, she blurted out: "Speaking of which, Mom, why exactly didn't you like Aunt Xu before?"
This was something she'd wanted to know for a long time, but had always been brushed off.
Now, her curiosity was even stronger than before, especially since the person she liked happened to be Xu Jingshu.
Love wasn't just about affection—it also held curiosity and desire to explore.
Everything about the one she loved, no matter how big or small the connection, she wanted to know.
The more she understood, the closer she could get.
Though she didn't hold much hope for Pei Lanqing's honesty either...
Pei Lanqing narrowed her eyes: "Who said we're 'speaking of which'?"
This little rascal, trying to change the subject on her.
Pei Youshan latched onto this topic, determined to pursue it until Pei Lanqing stopped inquiring about her and Xu Jingshu!
"Whenever I asked before, you always said it was something neither big nor small. Since it's neither big nor small, and you've already made up with her, then what's the harm in telling me? The more you don't say, the more curious I get..."
Pei Lanqing suddenly fell silent, gazing at her for two seconds before asking: "You really want to know?"
Pei Youshan nodded repeatedly, her clear eyes brimming with curiosity as she even resorted to acting coquettishly: "Mom, just tell me!"
Seeing this, Pei Lanqing suddenly smiled.
"Since you want to hear it, there's no harm in telling you." She said straightforwardly.
Before, she hadn't wanted to say because it seemed unnecessary.
But now that she and Xu Yingru had reconciled, and their daughters genuinely had a chance at happiness together, there was no harm in sharing the past.
After all, it really was just a "neither big nor small" matter.
Pei Youshan's eyes widened in surprise—she never expected Pei Lanqing to actually agree! Immediately revitalized, she scooted over to sit beside her, ears perked attentively.
It's coming, finally coming—the answer to the question that had plagued her for years!
Pei Lanqing's gaze drifted into the distance, as if looking at her own past.
Her voice was as calm and even as ever: "The reason I didn't like Xu Yingru before is actually quite simple."
Pei Youshan focused intently, watching her without blinking.
"Because," Pei Lanqing said, "of your dad."
Pei Youshan: "???"
"What does Dad have to do with this??"
"Your dad was very popular."
Remembering her beloved husband, Pei Lanqing's lips finally curved into a faint smile.
"You have no idea how popular your dad was back in school. His desk drawer was filled with love letters alongside books—at least three every day. It sounds exaggerated, but that's truly how it was."
Pei Youshan was stunned.
The father in her memories was indeed very likable—this was undeniable. Like warm winter sunshine, no matter how cold it was outside, having him around made everything feel cozy.
If that was the case—
She suddenly realized, exclaiming in surprise: "You and Aunt Xu were love rivals?!"
Pei Lanqing raised an eyebrow, turning back with an unchanged expression: "Yes."
She adjusted her collar: "Tell me, who in this world would like their love rival for no reason?"
Pei Youshan: "..."
Sorry, she really hadn't expected this development...
—But who could've guessed that her mom and her girlfriend's mom used to be love rivals!!!
She was utterly astonished.
If their parents' choices had been slightly different back then, she and Xu Jingshu... might not even exist!
Unaware of her thoughts, Pei Lanqing gazed absently out the window.
The weather today was splendid—the sky a clear blue with drifting white clouds, relaxing the mind and evoking nostalgic memories of bygone days tinged with golden hues.
The voice and smile of her beloved appeared vividly before her eyes.
Along with them came memories of that formidable love rival from back then.
The past was full of youthful naivety and innocence. Looking back now, it couldn't help but bring a knowing smile.
Pei Lanqing's reticence loosened slightly as she unconsciously spoke more.
"Xu Yingru was no ordinary love rival—her family background, looks, and grades were second to none.
"But I wasn't lacking either, so how could I willingly lose to her? She felt the same way back then. So we ended up competing over everything—who loved your dad more, who had better grades, we compared it all.
"Later, your dad made his choice and clearly rejected Xu Yingru."
Here, she smiled and asked Pei Youshan: "Guess what your dad told her back then."
Pei Youshan didn't guess, asking directly: "What did he say?"
Pei Lanqing chuckled: "'We're not compatible.'"
"Exactly the same reason Jingshu used back then."
Pei Youshan was momentarily dazed before exclaiming: "So that's why you accepted it so easily back then?!"
Pei Lanqing didn't deny it.
She never expected the reason her husband used on his love rival would one day become the reason her love rival's daughter used on her own daughter.
At the time, she found it amusing. But since neither girl seemed interested in the other, she simply let it go.
Adjusting her posture and crossing her legs, she continued leisurely:
"Xu Yingru wasn't willing to lose to me back then, of course she wanted to keep competing—vying for top grades, first place in every subject... surpassing me in every way.
"Over time, it became a habit between us. Competing, striving, seeing each other as rivals we couldn't afford to lose to—it had nothing to do with anyone else."
"But I understand how she felt back then. Everyone has their youthful arrogance—proud, stubborn, unable to tolerate provocation or admit defeat, especially to someone evenly matched.
"If your dad had chosen Xu Yingru back then, I wouldn't have accepted it either. I'd have childishly competed with her to prove I was better, that your dad was blind not to choose me.
"But there are no 'ifs' in this world—only destiny."
She raised a hand to gently stroke Pei Youshan's head, her gaze as tender as moonlight on water.
"Just like how you were destined to be our daughter."
"If" was nothing but an impractical, regret-filled hypothesis.
It existed only in people's imaginations, powerless to change choices already made or endings written by fate.
And she had no need for "ifs"—she loved every decision she'd made, and loved their rewards even more.
—Her husband and daughter.
Perhaps her parenting methods had indeed been flawed before, but none could deny her love for her daughter.
Just as her love for her husband was beyond doubt.
Pei Youshan's heart suddenly softened as she leaned in to hug her, resting her head on Pei Lanqing's shoulder and murmuring softly: "Mom..."
Pei Lanqing gently patted her back.
For a moment, it was as if they'd returned to the past.
Back when Pei Youshan was small—a tiny, fair-skinned bundle who loved snuggling into adults' arms to sleep.
She and her husband Yue Qin would pat their daughter's back like this, lulling her to sleep.
She still remembered how Yue Qin loved holding their daughter to tell stories, stargaze, visit the park... Everything had been so beautiful.
And now, in the blink of an eye, their daughter was all grown up.
Yet he was already gone...
"Shanshan, though your dad and I couldn't grow old together in this life..." Her voice paused briefly before continuing tenderly as she stroked her daughter's hair, "we still hope you can grow old happily with the one you love, spending the rest of your days in joy."
Pei Youshan's nose suddenly stung at her words, memories of her father surfacing.
Her parents had loved each other so deeply, had promised to accompany each other for life—yet ultimately couldn't walk together to the end.
Fate could be cruelly merciless at times, unable to even accommodate two sincere hearts.
Seemingly unwilling to let her dwell in such melancholy, Pei Lanqing abruptly shifted topics with her next sentence.
"So you and Jingshu really aren't together?"
Pei Youshan: "..."
...Damn it, she'd almost started crying!
"There's not even the first stroke of the character 八 (eight) yet!"
"Oh, not even the first stroke?" Pei Lanqing smiled. "Then when will there be one?"
"..."
Pei Youshan grew embarrassed: "Aiya, stop asking! This is our private matter—no meddling!"
Pei Lanqing glanced at her before poking her forehead and bluntly remarking: "You young people and your nonsense."
If the two of them had just listened to her and Xu Yingru back then, they'd probably be married by now instead of dragging their feet like this.
The parents had already laid out the wedding red carpet for them—yet they insisted on starting from the beginning.
Wasn't that just nonsense?
Really baffling for parents to understand.
Pei Youshan muttered under her breath: "If you hadn't controlled me so much when I was little, there wouldn't be so much nonsense now..."
Pretending not to hear, Pei Lanqing stood up: "One more thing—I'm not attending the Blue Ocean meeting anymore. You'll go instead."
Pei Youshan frowned: "You already decided to go yourself—why push it onto me now?"
Pei Lanqing smiled slightly, bending down to pat her shoulder.
"To give your 'first stroke' an opportunity, of course."
......
Xu Jingshu had already learned about Xu Yingru and Pei Lanqing's high school history from Xu Zhi.
She truly hadn't expected this development, but didn't find it problematic either.
Because both Xu Yingru and Pei Lanqing had been forthright—by the end, their rivalry had become more about pushing each other to improve, transcending romantic entanglements.
Moreover, if her father as the husband didn't mind, why should they as children?
The past was too distant for Xu Zhi to feel jealous now.
Besides, whom his wife had liked before didn't matter—what mattered was that she loved him now.
Everyone had a past—there was no need to demand every chapter be spotless. Life itself was as richly colored as a painting—why insist any period be blank white?
He calmly pulled out paper and pen, asking kindly: "You want an autograph? Should I write anything extra?"
Xu Jingshu pondered briefly: "Whatever you'd like."
There were too many blessings she wanted to give Pei Youshan—better to say them in person than borrow another's hand to write them.
Xu Zhi took his time: "Who's it for, Jingshu?"
Xu Jingshu didn't hide it: "Youshan."
Hearing the name, Xu Zhi suddenly smiled: "You must really like that child."
Xu Jingshu nodded firmly: "Mn, I do."
Xu Zhi's pen touched paper, swiftly inscribing two bold, vigorous characters.
Looking down as he wrote, he chuckled: "The two of you are quite fated."
"When you were four, I took you to the park and happened to meet Youshan and her father."
"You probably don't remember, but for some reason Youshan stubbornly thought you were a doll back then—she clung to you and refused to let go, saying she wanted to take you home."
Xu Jingshu listened with no memory of the event, yet found it fascinating: "And then?"
Xu Zhi finished writing and capped the pen.
"Then when I tried to take you away, she cried—wailed as if the sky was falling. But the moment you told her not to cry, she actually stopped."
Remembering the scene, Xu Zhi couldn't help laughing: "She really was an adorable child. Here—signed."
Xu Jingshu accepted the autograph, a vague image forming of a tearful, chubby-cheeked toddler bawling before her—unbearably cute.
Some people were clearly adorable from childhood straight through adulthood...
Just then, Xu Yingru entered the study and indeed handed full responsibility for the Junjiang joint venture over to her.
Before leaving, she shared one more piece of news.
—Junjiang's representative would be Pei Youshan.
......
After establishing a joint venture, negotiations and signing were required before approval, registration, and incorporation procedures.
This meeting between Junjiang and Blue Ocean was primarily for negotiations and signing.
The venue was set at Junjiang Hotel's conference hall at 4 PM.
Both women wore suits that day.
One chose a white shirt with black suit, the other a black shirt with red suit.
Pei Youshan was the former.
Xu Jingshu was the latter—remembering Pei Youshan's fondness for seeing her in red, she catered to her preference.
Pei Youshan strode into the conference hall with her hair in a sleek ponytail and heels clicking.
Her eyes immediately caught that dazzling red standout in the crowd.
Still unfairly beautiful.
With so many people around, she quickly averted her gaze nonchalantly, taking her seat.
The two main representatives' seats faced the conference screen.
The other seat naturally belonged to Xu Jingshu.
Only these seats were... rather close together.
No sooner had she sat down than Xu Jingshu calmly remarked beside her with a smile: "President Pei looks lovely today as well."
Pei Youshan lowered her voice, extremely flustered: "Xu Jingshu, why are you sitting so close?"
Xu Jingshu's expression couldn't have been more composed as she softly replied—so quietly only they could hear the flirtatious tone: "Because I want to be near you."
Then she gifted her a devastatingly charming smile, radiant as a blooming flower.
Pei Youshan froze momentarily before straightening up hastily with reddening ears, avoiding those scorching gazes as she muttered "Focus on work."
She absentmindedly touched her earlobe, her heart refusing to calm.
Flirting with her so openly in front of all these subordinates—how embarrassing...
Maybe she shouldn't have tied her hair up—now her ears had nowhere to hide.
—Anyway, Xu Jingshu was so annoying!
Xu Jingshu took in every reaction, finding her utterly adorable as always.
She even wanted to declare to everyone present—no, to the whole world—that this was the person she loved, the most precious treasure in existence.
If only she could.
Sighing inwardly, she withdrew her gaze with a smile.
A certain Blue Ocean employee who witnessed this: "?"
Did my boss just flirt with the opposing boss?
A certain Junjiang employee who witnessed this: "?"
Did my boss just get flirted with by the opposing boss?
—Oh heavens, did I just see something I shouldn't have???
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