Purely Accidental - Chapter 73
Chapter 73
The meeting officially began.
Everyone quickly got into work mode, focusing intently on their tasks.
Pei Youshan and Xu Jingshu sat calmly in the main seats, presiding over the proceedings.
The distance between them had been subtly widened by Pei Youshan, maintaining a relatively proper boundary.
Xu Jingshu lowered her head slightly and glanced in her direction, withdrawing her gaze with a faint, knowing smile.
No rush.
Once they were officially together, things would be fine.
Pei Youshan leaned back in her chair, watching the Blue Ocean staff member who was speaking, pretending not to notice Xu Jingshu's gaze.
They weren't here to flirt—work should be taken seriously.
Besides, they weren't officially together yet, so even if they wanted to flirt, there was no legitimate reason to.
But then again, this was the first time they had seen each other in a professional setting.
When Xu Jingshu began speaking, Pei Youshan's eyes unconsciously drifted toward her.
Her voice was mature and captivating, her tone measured and unhurried, her words clear and precise.
Her posture was relaxed and composed, her slender, fair fingers holding a black fountain pen, its tip lightly tapping the table. Even without doing anything, her authority seemed to radiate like creeping vines.
In that moment, Pei Youshan felt as if Xu Jingshu was glowing.
A light so bright it eclipsed everything else, making her the only thing worth seeing.
—So beautiful.
As a self-proclaimed "face-con," Pei Youshan thought objectively.
Attending a meeting with a boss this attractive was practically a visual feast.
At the very least, Pei Youshan's eyes and ears were thoroughly enjoying themselves.
That is, unless Xu Jingshu proposed some outrageous terms.
Of course, Xu Jingshu wouldn't make unreasonable demands.
The whole point of a joint venture was mutual benefit and equality, ensuring both sides won.
Besides, Pei Youshan was the person she loved—why would she sabotage her own chances?
After Blue Ocean finished presenting, it was naturally Junjiang's turn.
Pei Youshan crossed her legs, her gaze steady as she reviewed the meeting materials before outlining Junjiang's conditions with calm confidence.
Xu Jingshu set down her pen and openly watched her.
This was the first time she had seen Pei Youshan at work up close.
Unlike her usual adorable and charming self, the working Pei Youshan was resolute, focused, and unyielding—as if nothing in the world could shake her principles or make her compromise on her interests.
This serious, meticulous side of her exuded a composed and effortless beauty that was utterly irresistible.
A tender smile silently spread in Xu Jingshu's eyes.
Her beautiful gaze reflected Pei Youshan's image, filling her with satisfaction.
Like witnessing fireworks, blooming flowers, or the arrival of spring—people always fell in love with breathtaking beauty.
And so, during this meeting, they reached their first unspoken understanding.
—She's so beautiful.
…
Not all the terms were settled by the end of the day.
Since it was getting late and there was no urgency to finish everything in one day, both sides agreed to continue tomorrow, letting everyone leave on time.
The next session would be at 10 a.m., still in Junjiang Hotel's conference room.
Pei Youshan stood up and went through the formalities, politely shaking hands with Xu Jingshu.
The couple's bracelet still rested quietly on Xu Jingshu's slender wrist.
Pei Youshan glanced at it before quickly looking away.
"President Xu, you've worked hard today," she said perfunctorily.
Xu Jingshu smiled faintly. "You too, President Pei."
Her thumb subtly, gently brushed against the back of Pei Youshan's hand—unseen by anyone else.
Like a tease, or like a puppy seeking affection.
Pei Youshan felt like she was being flirted with.
Right in front of so many subordinates, the embarrassment bubbling up inside her was nearly unbearable.
Yet Xu Jingshu remained completely composed, as if nothing had happened, as if their relationship was purely professional.
Fortunately, Xu Jingshu let go quickly.
Both withdrew their hands, maintaining perfect decorum as if nothing had transpired.
Flustered, Pei Youshan was the first to leave the conference room.
Xu Jingshu checked her watch and followed her out.
Only after both bosses had left did the others begin filing out.
…
Pei Youshan touched her ears, worried they might be red and betray her lack of composure.
Why, why!
Why was she so easily flustered by Xu Jingshu?!
If Xu Jingshu smiled at her, her heart would race.
If Xu Jingshu touched or brushed against her, she'd blush.
If Xu Jingshu so much as blew softly on the tip of her ear, her heart would melt into a puddle!
Had this thousand-year-old vixen cast some kind of love spell on her?!
As she absentmindedly touched her ear, lost in her embarrassment, the familiar voice of said vixen sounded beside her again: "Shanshan."
She instinctively stopped walking, turning to see Xu Jingshu catching up to her, her gaze fixed on Pei Youshan's ear, her voice full of concern. "What's wrong with your ear? Does it hurt? Let me see."
Remembering there were people behind them, Pei Youshan shyly avoided her outstretched hand. "Be careful—there are people watching!"
But Xu Jingshu replied rightlessly, "Whether there are people or not, your well-being comes first."
"Are you really okay? Be good, let me check."
Pei Youshan surrendered, lowering her hand. "Alright, I'm fine, don't worry…"
Xu Jingshu glanced at the faintly reddened tip of her ear and immediately understood—and suddenly really wanted to kiss her.
A ragdoll cat that blushed so easily was just too adorable.
"Glad you're okay," Xu Jingshu said softly. "It's dinnertime—shall we eat together?"
Pei Youshan followed her gaze out the floor-to-ceiling window beside them, where the sky had already darkened.
Winter nights always arrived more hastily than summer ones. Just past six, the world was already draped in twilight, an early prelude to midnight.
Remembering she had another meeting at the hotel tomorrow morning, she couldn't even be bothered to go home, deciding to stay the night here instead.
—After all, this was her home too.
"What do you want to eat?" Pei Youshan asked.
Xu Jingshu looked up at the hotel's brilliantly lit hallway. "I've never tried your hotel's restaurant before. Will Shanshan take me?"
Pei Youshan agreed without hesitation.
…
Since her dining companion was Xu Jingshu—and the hotel was her family's—Pei Youshan practically wanted to order the entire menu, eager to impress her and uphold Junjiang's reputation.
Xu Jingshu surveyed the restaurant's ambiance. It had a bar counter, its shelves lined with all kinds of liquor.
Clean, spacious, and well-lit.
She turned back to see Pei Youshan continuously piling food onto her plate, muttering all the while.
"This is delicious."
"This one's good too."
"And this—you have to try this."
"This is a must!"
…
As if worried Xu Jingshu would leave Junjiang's restaurant unsatisfied.
But Xu Jingshu never refused Pei Youshan's kindness, so she accepted everything with ease, eating whatever was given and complimenting each dish.
After all, Junjiang Hotel's restaurant was hardly subpar.
Hearing the praise, Pei Youshan relaxed and finally started eating properly.
The two tacitly avoided work talk during dinner, making the meal harmonious and pleasant.
Xu Jingshu, however, was still scheming ways to extend their time together.
For example, sharing a ride home after dinner.
"Shanshan, do you have plans after this, or are you heading straight home?"
Pei Youshan calmly sipped her soup. "There's another meeting tomorrow morning, so I'm staying here tonight."
"Why? Do you need something?"
A few seconds later, Xu Jingshu slowly set down her chopsticks. "Yes."
Pei Youshan looked at her.
Xu Jingshu: "Book me a room."
Pei Youshan: "…?"
Xu Jingshu: "Preferably next to yours, so we can go to work together tomorrow."
She thought Pei Youshan's idea was brilliant—close and convenient.
Most convenient for creating opportunities to be alone with her.
How could she pass up such a chance?
Pei Youshan stared at her for a long moment, suddenly amused.
She was really going all out to pursue her.
But as a hotel owner, how could she refuse a guest?
So Pei Youshan extended her hand with a smile. "Sure. The closer to me, the more expensive. Pay up, President Xu."
Xu Jingshu raised an eyebrow, propping her chin on her hand as she gazed at her intently. "Then I want the closest option—sharing a bed. Would that work?"
"…"
Pei Youshan lost again.
"Eat properly and stop talking!"
…
In the end, Pei Youshan still booked Xu Jingshu a room.
Right next door.
Free of charge.
After handling everything, Pei Youshan returned to her own room.
She tossed her bag aside, set down her documents, and flopped onto the bed, closing her eyes for a moment.
But the moment she did, her mind flooded with thoughts of Xu Jingshu.
As if Xu Jingshu had taken up permanent residence in her brain, making her impossible to ignore.
Especially since she had looked so stunning in that red suit today.
She remembered the glimpse of moon-pale skin at her slightly open collar, standing out starkly against the red and black, whiter than snow.
She remembered the hint of collarbone, delicate and perfect.
The image lingered in her mind, stirring a flutter of desire—suddenly, she really wanted to bite it…
At that thought, memories of their past intimacy surged forth like a tide, awakening long-suppressed desires in the quiet of the night.
Her eyes flew open, and she sat up, patting her cheeks, feeling utterly defeated.
—She was craving Xu Jingshu's body again!
No, she needed to take a cold shower to clear her head.
She opened the white wardrobe, grabbed her sleeprobe, and turned toward the bathroom.
Then, a knock sounded at her door.
Through the peephole, she saw Xu Jingshu standing outside.
And something in her hand.
What looked like a carefully wrapped sheet of paper.
—Please don't let it be work-related.
Pei Youshan grumbled internally as she set down the robe and opened the door. Before she could ask, Xu Jingshu was already holding it out to her. "Shanshan, the autograph you wanted."
Pei Youshan looked down and saw Xu Zhi's signature and a handwritten message. Delight instantly washed over her.
Her father, Yue Qin, had always praised Xu Zhi's extraordinary talent as a painter, and after seeing his works, Pei Youshan had deeply admired him. But due to their families' strained relationship, she'd never been able to ask for his autograph.
She'd never imagined that one day, Xu Zhi's daughter would personally deliver it to her.
"Xu Jingshu, thank you. I'll treasure it!"
Seeing her happiness, Xu Jingshu was relieved.
And then, she pushed her luck.
"Since Shanshan's happy… can I have a reward?"
Pei Youshan looked up. "Hmm? What kind?"
Xu Jingshu thought for a moment, recalling the bar in the restaurant and all the liquor.
It suddenly struck her that she and Pei Youshan had never properly shared a drink.
For some reason, she really wanted to have one with her now.
"Then keep me company with some drinks and conversation."
"It's been so long since we last sat down and talked properly."
As if worried Pei Youshan might refuse, she expertly deployed her pitiful act, leaning in with soft eyes and a pleading tone. "Can we, Shanshan?"
Pei Youshan froze, her heart melting at the sight, making it impossible to say no. She could only mumble awkwardly, "It's your fault for making me angry before…"
Xu Jingshu knew she had won. Smiling, she took Pei Youshan's hand and coaxed gently, "I was wrong. It won't happen again, okay?"
Pei Youshan didn't answer but obediently let herself be led to the neighboring room.
Just as Xu Jingshu opened the door, Pei Youshan snapped back to reality and grabbed her hand, confused. "Wait—the bar's downstairs. Why are we going to your room?"
—Was Xu Jingshu planning something indecent?!
Xu Jingshu remained unflappable. "It's cold outside. Let's have them bring it up."
"We can drink here, and if we get drunk, we can just sleep. No need to call for help—much more convenient."
Pei Youshan studied her, then said, "Xu Jingshu, if I get drunk… you won't do anything to me, right?"
Xu Jingshu turned, her eyes glinting, lips curving as she deliberately teased. "What do you think, Shanshan?"
Pei Youshan: "…"
She said with utmost seriousness, "I won't get drunk."
She would take the tiniest sips—no, just wet her lips!
Xu Jingshu chuckled, pulling her into the room and shutting the door. Then she leaned in close, her fingers intertwining with Pei Youshan's as she whispered in her ear.
"If I get drunk… I hope Shanshan will do something to me."
She suddenly laughed softly, her breath tickling Pei Youshan's ear like a feather.
"Or even if I'm not drunk."
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