Purely Accidental - Chapter 87 [END]
Chapter 87 [Extra 5]
【Playing with Rubik's Cube】
Pei Youshan and Xu Jingshu adopted a three-year-old girl from the orphanage who didn't have a formal name, only a nickname - Yuanyuan.
Yuanyuan was very well-behaved, neither prone to crying nor mischief. She loved playing and eating - give her an apple and she could happily munch on it for half a day.
Their reason for choosing Yuanyuan was simple.
Because Pei Youshan thought Yuanyuan somewhat resembled Xu Jingshu as a child - both were beautiful, delicate dolls.
If not for Xu Jingshu genuinely having no exes, Pei Youshan might have suspected this was her long-lost daughter.
And so, they gained a daughter.
Yuanyuan also gained two mothers.
Pei Youshan and Xu Jingshu hadn't decided on a formal name yet, so they continued using the nickname Yuanyuan given by the orphanage.
As for the surname, they'd let her choose between Pei or Xu when she grew up.
Yuanyuan was a good child, full of vibrant curiosity about the world like any other child, interested in everything she hadn't seen before.
Like the Rubik's cube.
Xu Jingshu kept two Rubik's cubes on the living room coffee table.
Yuanyuan hugged her little bear that dragged on the floor, sitting quietly by the coffee table staring at the colorful cube for a long time.
Pei Youshan came out of the bedroom looking for her and couldn't help smiling at the sight, walking over to sit beside her and stroking her head. "What's Yuanyuan doing?"
Yuanyuan raised her soft little finger to point at the cube, activating "Yuanyuan's Hundred Thousand Whys" mode: "Mommy, what's this? Why are there so many colors? What's it for?"
Pei Youshan gently explained: "This is a Rubik's cube, it's a toy."
Yuanyuan exclaimed excitedly: "Toy? Is it for Yuanyuan?"
Pei Youshan chuckled: "No, this belongs to Mama."
Yuanyuan's eyes instantly widened as if discovering a new world, sparkling brightly: "Mama plays with toys too?"
Pei Youshan nodded.
This was the first time she'd heard that adults also play with toys.
Her teachers had always told them only children play with toys.
Since her Mama plays with toys, that must mean—
Yuanyuan reached a perfectly logical conclusion: "Mama is a child too!"
She happily added: "Mama is a grown-up child!"
Pei Youshan was instantly amused, her heart melting at her daughter's adorable expression: "Yes, Mama is a grown-up child. Yuanyuan is so smart."
Praise made Yuanyuan happy. She gave a sweet smile, then looked down to fiddle with the bear's furry paw: "Then Mommy, can I play with Mama's toy?"
She'd only played with children's toys before, never a grown-up child's toy, so she really wanted to try and see if it was just as fun.
Pei Youshan said gently: "Yuanyuan, this is Mama's thing. You should ask Mama if you can play with it."
Hearing this, Yuanyuan immediately scrambled up from the floor and dashed toward the study on her little legs, calling out as she ran: "Mama—"
Hearing the voice, Xu Jingshu closed her laptop, swiveled her office chair, and bent down to lift the little bundle running through the door onto her lap: "What is it?"
Yuanyuan pointed outside: "Mama, I want to play with your toy."
Xu Jingshu: "What toy?"
Yuanyuan clearly enunciated two words: "Rubik's cube!"
Pei Youshan, who had just reached the doorway, was surprised to hear these words: "You remembered after just hearing it once?"
She walked over delightedly to pinch Yuanyuan's cheek: "Our baby is such a little genius!"
Xu Jingshu smiled and stroked Yuanyuan's head: "Does Yuanyuan know how to play? Go get it and Mama will teach you."
She set Yuanyuan down.
The moment she was put down, Yuanyuan immediately scampered toward the living room, perfectly embodying a girl like the wind.
Pei Youshan called out: "Don't run, be careful not to fall."
Then she turned back to Xu Jingshu: "Yuanyuan says you're a grown-up child."
Xu Jingshu gave a light laugh, slowly taking her hand and rubbing her fingertips: "Then what are you?"
Pei Youshan: "Yuanyuan didn't say anything about me."
Xu Jingshu kissed her fingertips: "Then I'll supplement for her - you're the grown-up child's most beloved wife."
Pei Youshan raised an eyebrow, deliberately teasing: "Most beloved? So President Xu has wives she loves slightly less?"
Xu Jingshu remained calm: "Yes."
A question mark slowly appeared above Pei Youshan's head.
Xu Jingshu: "The most beloved is Pei Youshan."
"Especially loved is Pei Youshan."
"Very loved is also Pei Youshan."
"..." Pei Youshan was amused, nodding satisfied: "Hmm, that's more like it."
"Mama—"
The girl like the wind returned, dragging her little bear behind her, her pink little face full of excitement.
"Mama I got it!"
"Mama you play, Little Bear and I will watch!"
So the family of three plus one stuffed bear sat together on the study carpet playing with the Rubik's cube.
Yuanyuan sat in Pei Youshan's lap staring intently at the cube in Xu Jingshu's hands: "Mama, how do you play with this?"
Xu Jingshu explained: "You make the same colors stay on the same side."
Yuanyuan nodded vaguely.
Xu Jingshu: "Watch Mama do it once and you'll understand."
Yuanyuan nodded excitedly.
Then she was dazzled by Xu Jingshu's dazzling technique. By the time she regained her senses, Xu Jingshu had already perfectly restored the cube.
Pei Youshan looked down at her daughter's expression and said to Xu Jingshu, amused: "Slow down, Mama, your daughter's mind is blown."
Yuanyuan was indeed stunned, finding it utterly magical.
She opened her eyes wide and carefully cupped the cube with both hands, examining it thoroughly before asking: "Mama, do you have magic?"
She still didn't understand what had happened - why had the cube with randomly distributed colors suddenly become orderly?
This must be the magic from TV!
The thought that her mother had magic instantly made her eyes sparkle, immediately turning into Mama's biggest fan: "Mama is amazing!
"Mama is so awesome!
"Wow!
"Mama do it again!"
Her behavior reminded Xu Jingshu of someone else's childhood.
And that person was currently having her heart melted by their daughter, completely oblivious to the memory.
Xu Jingshu smiled and took back the cube, saying: "Yuanyuan is like Mommy when she was little."
Pei Youshan looked up.
Xu Jingshu continued: "Mommy used to praise Mama like this too."
One moment it was "Sister is so good," the next "Sister is amazing," even crying and refusing to let go while claiming she was an elf princess.
Pei Youshan's ears grew hot with embarrassment.
But back then, Xu Jingshu had been the most remarkable child in her eyes, just like how Yuanyuan now looked at Xu Jingshu with admiration.
They suddenly realized Yuanyuan seemed to combine their traits.
She resembled Xu Jingshu as a child in looks, but her personality was like Pei Youshan's childhood self - as if she were their biological daughter carried for ten months.
Pei Youshan reached out to stroke Yuanyuan's head, smiling: "Perhaps Yuanyuan is the daughter heaven gave us."
Hearing this, Xu Jingshu gazed tenderly at the child in her arms, gently ruffling her hair: "Yes, she must be."
Yuanyuan didn't understand what they were saying, looking back and forth with innocent, wide eyes before declaring: "Yuanyuan is Mommy and Mama's daughter!"
The two exchanged smiles at her words.
Pei Youshan bent down to nuzzle her soft little cheek.
"Yes, Yuanyuan is Mommy and Mama's daughter!"
Today was another harmonious day for their family of three.
【Big Shot, Did Your Account Get Hacked?】
Because of Xu Jingying, Xu Jingshu was pulled back into the gaming world, though she still didn't log in frequently - only when she had free time, felt bored, or wanted to play.
Most times when she played, Yuanyuan was home.
So whenever this happened, Yuanyuan would push a chair next to her, hugging an apple or other fruit while munching and watching her play.
—Though she didn't understand any of it.
Sometimes Xu Jingshu would hold her in her lap, controlling the character to visit every beautiful location in the game to show her daughter the stunning scenery.
Yuanyuan didn't understand, but seeing pretty sights excited her. She'd point and say in her childish voice: "Mama, pretty!"
Xu Jingshu would gently stroke her hair with tender eyes: "As long as Yuanyuan likes it."
One day, after Xu Jingshu finished a dungeon run with gaming friends, she idled at a scenic spot to show Yuanyuan the view.
She checked her phone and saw Pei Youshan had sent her Yuanyuan's kindergarten craft assignment.
The kindergarten had Pei Youshan's phone number on file.
[Wife]: Since you're home, help Yuanyuan with this assignment. She loves crafts most.
[Wife]: Also, I have meetings today so I'll be home late.
[Wife]: Love you.
[Wife]: [Kitty kisses.JPG]
Looking at the cat, Xu Jingshu immediately started typing.
[Xu Jingshu]: Sticker kisses don't count.
[Xu Jingshu]: You'll have to redo them tonight when you're back.
As soon as she sent this, Pei Youshan spammed her screen with "kitty kisses."
Finally adding: [Just wait, I'll kiss you bald tonight!]
Xu Jingshu smiled and put away her phone, then looked down at Yuanyuan still munching a pear while watching the scenery: "Yuanyuan, want to do your kindergarten assignment?"
Yuanyuan nodded, obediently drawing out her response: "Okay~"
Xu Jingshu: "Sit nicely and wait for Mama to get the cardstock."
Adorably, Yuanyuan imitated kindergarten speech: "Okaaay."
Xu Jingshu left, leaving Yuanyuan alone facing the large computer screen.
The character stood silently in golden rice fields, gentle breezes creating waves across the serene, expansive view.
She recalled Xu Jingshu's dazzling finger movements during the dungeon run earlier.
It seemed like she just pressed some keys on this thing in front of her, then magical things appeared on this TV-like device filling her vision.
She thought: So magical...
But what exactly was it?
Was there magic playing hide-and-seek inside too?
Curious, she couldn't resist placing her hands on the keyboard, imitating Xu Jingshu by randomly pressing keys.
She accidentally hit enter.
So the guild saw their top player send a string of gibberish.
They were stunned.
—What was the big shot doing?!
[Colorful Origami]: Is this... the legendary redemption code?
[Gold Silver]: HAVE YOU EVER SEEN A REDEMPTION CODE LONGER THAN THE CHAT BOX??????
[Wuhu Takeoff]: Big shot, did your account get hacked?
After randomly pressing keys for a while without seeing any cool magic appear on screen, Yuanyuan lost interest and went back to eating her pear.
Xu Jingshu returned with cardstock and scissors, placing them on a nearby table before seating Yuanyuan on another chair with instructions not to touch the scissors yet.
Turning back, she saw the guild chat flooded with identical messages: [Big shot, did your account get hacked?]
The unified concern in their words confused her.
Hacked?
Her account had been logged in the whole time without disconnection. Who could have hacked it?
Just then, Yuanyuan asked very sincerely and puzzled: "Mama, I pressed the keys but why didn't magic come out? Does it only work when Mama presses them?"
Xu Jingshu fell silent, then opened the guild chat.
—Case solved.
The random letters looked like a cat had walked across the keyboard.
She found it both exasperating and amusing.
She replied in guild chat: [My daughter was playing with the keyboard earlier, sorry]
The entire guild exploded.
—Daughter???
—When we all joined the guild we were single dogs, how come in the blink of an eye the big shot has a daughter while we're still single???
The guild chat instantly became lively.
[Wuhu Takeoff]: Look at you single dogs, her daughter can already type while you haven't even held hands with anyone!
[Gold Silver]: Personal attack reported @Wuhu Takeoff.
[Kindergarten Boss]: Personal attack reported @Wuhu Takeoff.
[Wuhu Takeoff]: ?
Xu Jingshu ignored them, turning to help Yuanyuan with her craft.
While the game world was in uproar, mother and daughter enjoyed peaceful serenity.
...
Pei Youshan returned much later than usual that day. After dinner, it was already Yuanyuan's bedtime.
Before sleeping, Yuanyuan showed her the craft made with Xu Jingshu - a white fish.
"Yuanyuan drew the eyes.
"Mama and Yuanyuan stuck on the scales together.
"Yuanyuan colored the scales too!"
Pei Youshan was very supportive: "Wow, baby is so amazing! Mommy kisses."
Yuanyuan giggled and opened her arms.
Pei Youshan kissed her soft, jelly-like cheek: "Okay, time for our Yuanyuan to sleep. Tomorrow at kindergarten, show teacher your fish too, okay?"
Yuanyuan nodded, then yawned hugely: "Goodnight Mommy, goodnight Mama."
"Goodnight baby."
After drawing the curtains and turning off the light,
the two left her room, gently closing the door before holding hands back to their own.
Pei Youshan undid her buttons while listening to Xu Jingshu recount today's gaming incident. After loosening three buttons, she smiled: "When she grows up, have her game with you."
"Mother and daughter team dominating the gaming world - sounds fun."
Xu Jingshu simply smiled before changing topics by wrapping her arms around Pei Youshan's waist: "Shanshan worked hard today."
Pei Youshan tied up her long hair before looping her arms around Xu Jingshu's neck: "You worked hard taking care of her at home too."
Xu Jingshu lightly traced her lips with cool fingertips: "Mommy kissed Yuanyuan, now it's Mama's turn."
Pei Youshan playfully bit her finger.
"Mama be patient, I'll kiss you after my shower."
Xu Jingshu calmly stated: "You can kiss me after showering.
"You can also kiss me during showering."
Pei Youshan shyly glared before booping her nose: "So annoying."
"But since you're my wife, I'll grant your wish."
She took Xu Jingshu's hand toward the bathroom, suddenly inspired to imitate novel domineering CEO lines: "Woman, I'll make sure you can't get out of bed tomorrow!"
Xu Jingshu raised an eyebrow before leaning close to her sensitive ear, voice light and intoxicating:
"I'd be delighted."
...
The next day at 7:30 AM.
Yuanyuan sat in her car seat looking at the driver: "Mommy, isn't Mama taking me to kindergarten today?"
Pei Youshan turned with a gentle smile: "Mama is too tired and needs more sleep. Today Mommy will take you, okay?"
"Okay!" Yuanyuan responded energetically.
At home, Xu Jingshu was indeed still asleep.
The exhausted, sore Mama was not fit to leave bed today.
【Helping Out】
As the only child of both Pei and Xu families, Yuanyuan occasionally spent weekends with either household.
Most often visiting Great-grandfather Pei Songwen at Lin'an Residential Area.
Today the couple brought Yuanyuan to see him again.
Pei Songwen was going to the community center to practice tai chi sword with other elders. Knowing Yuanyuan was coming, he specially prepared a child-sized tai chi uniform for her.
Coincidentally, she had her hair in double buns today. Paired with the loose white uniform, she looked the part perfectly.
Pei Songwen even got her a toy short sword.
Once ready, they set out.
The young couple followed hand-in-hand behind, watching the elderly and little one ahead with smiling eyes.
Pei Songwen deliberately slowed his pace to match Yuanyuan's small steps.
Yuanyuan bounced along with her twin buns.
Then she saw the long tai chi sword in Pei Songwen's hand and remembered her mothers teaching her to be helpful.
So she stretched out her tiny hands and sweetly offered: "Great-grandpa, Yuanyuan help you carry!"
Pei Songwen was delighted but hesitated at the sword's length - it would be awkward for her to walk while holding something taller than herself. "It's alright, great-grandpa can manage."
Yuanyuan insistently reached out: "It's okay great-grandpa, Yuanyuan can help!"
Xu Jingshu spoke up: "Let her try, Grandpa."
Children wanting to help was good - they just couldn't accurately gauge their own capabilities yet.
Parents shouldn't discourage their enthusiasm. If they wanted to try, let them experience it firsthand to understand their limits.
So Pei Songwen handed her the sword.
The moment Yuanyuan held the straight sword, she was shocked.
—Why was this thing taller than her?!
Hugging a sword taller than herself felt uncomfortable, presenting her first life hurdle.
But her mothers and teachers said smart children don't give up when facing difficulties - they think first, only quitting if no solution comes to mind.
So she thought briefly before tilting the sword to hold it securely.
Though a simple solution, she was as thrilled as if discovering a new continent.
—Yuanyuan is a smart kid too!
Though cumbersome to carry, helping Pei Songwen made her happy as she eagerly kept pace like a sword-bearing disciple following a martial arts master.
That afternoon, she became the community's darling, receiving praise everywhere.
From then on, she loved helping even more.
On their way back, she made a request: "Mommy, Mama, I want a little wagon."
Pei Youshan: "?"
Xu Jingshu: "?"
They exchanged glances.
Pei Youshan asked: "Why suddenly want a wagon?"
They weren't against buying it, but wanted her to have clear purpose - not blindly indulging whims that could warp her sense of money and clutter her room.
Yuanyuan sweetly smiled: "To help out!"
...
Next visit to Lin'an, Pei Youshan and Xu Jingshu saw their daughter pulling an adorable little wagon around the community.
The cart was loaded with the elders' tai chi swords.
When someone needed theirs, she'd pull the wagon over happily letting them take it.
It also carried water - when Pei Songwen was thirsty, she'd deliver it eagerly.
A proper little quartermaster.
The sight amused the couple.
They felt gratified too.
—Not bad, quite clever.
Soon after, Pei Songwen upgraded her to a children's electric car, making her the coolest kid in Lin'an.
And the cutest tai chi sword quartermaster.
【English Free】
Yuanyuan started learning English.
Teachers at school, mothers at home.
Pei Youshan and Xu Jingshu emphasized learning atmosphere over pressure to avoid making her resent studying.
A boy in her class nicknamed Little Bear recently became her deskmate.
Interactions made them fast friends.
Little Bear often brought Yuanyuan the biggest, sweetest apples from home.
Yuanyuan gave him bear-shaped cookies made by her mothers.
Lately, Yuanyuan noticed Little Bear constantly chanting: "I'm free!"
Sometimes even singing it while coloring.
He said he learned it from his sister watching movies.
When Yuanyuan asked what it meant, he didn't know - just liked how it sounded.
Coincidentally, when Xu Jingshu taught Yuanyuan English, the word "free" came up.
Yuanyuan asked its meaning.
Xu Jingshu gave two definitions: "Freedom, and no cost."
Yuanyuan: "What's freedom?"
Xu Jingshu: "Freedom means Yuanyuan can do whatever she wants."
Yuanyuan tilted her head: "And no cost?"
Xu Jingshu patted her head: "Means it doesn't need money."
Yuanyuan had an epiphany: "Oh, Yuanyuan understands! Thank you Mama!"
Next day during class, Little Bear chanted again until the teacher noticed: "Little Bear, what are you saying?"
Little Bear answered cutely: "I'm free."
The teacher didn't catch it: "What?"
Ever helpful, Yuanyuan sweetly clarified: "Teacher, Little Bear says he doesn't want money."
Teacher: "???"
This naturally reached both families' ears.
Pei Youshan and Xu Jingshu never forgot this hilarious addition to their lives, which became part of Yuanyuan's legacy of shocking remarks as she grew up.
Until new, even more shocking ones emerged.
【The End】
Thanks for the translations! Enjoyed this more than i thought i would have
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