Captivating Beauty 112

Chapter 112 End of Main Story(Final)

It was a little past 5 p.m.

Xu Jinnan, her face still lit up with a smile from the fan meeting, drove Shen Shu back to Xingcheng International.

As soon as they arrived, Shen Shu poked Xu Jinnan’s arm playfully.

“Why are you still smiling?” she asked, though her own lips were also curved upwards.

“I’m just happy,” Xu Jinnan replied. “I was planning to give you a gift, but you surprised me instead.”

“What surprise?”

“Well, compared to yours, mine seems a little… underwhelming. Maybe I shouldn’t give it to you after all,” Xu Jinnan said, feigning self-doubt. “It’s a bit… silly.”

Shen Shu’s curiosity was piqued. “What is it? I want to see.”

Xu Jinnan gently pinched Shen Shu’s earlobe, her voice a husky whisper. “Take a shower first.” The implication was clear.

Shen Shu’s earlobes flushed pink, and she let Xu Jinnan lead her to the bathroom.

But Xu Jinnan’s shower was quick, unlike her usual playful antics in the bathroom, and when Shen Shu emerged, wrapped in her pink robe, the apartment was empty, Xu Jinnan’s bedroom door slightly ajar.

She smiled faintly, thinking, What is she up to?

She opened the door and saw a large cardboard box, wrapped in Christmas-themed paper, a ribbon tied in a bow on top.

Noticing the bow was taped on, she chuckled. “Xu Jinnan, if you’re planning to jump out of that box, it’s a bit… much, even for you.”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

A ripping sound echoed through the room as Xu Jinnan opened the box and emerged, sighing dramatically. “I told you it was silly. You insisted on seeing it.”

Shen Shu, leaning against the doorframe, her eyes sparkling with amusement, said, “It is silly, but it’s also… cute.”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

As Xu Jinnan stepped out of the box, Shen Shu heard the faint jingle of a small bell, then her gaze fell on Xu Jinnan’s outfit, and her throat tightened.

A creamy white strapless dress, barely covering her… assets, a black leather collar around her neck with a small bell attached, and a fluffy white tail attached to the back of the dress.

“Is it really that silly?” Xu Jinnan asked, her face slightly flushed. She hadn’t known what to get Shen Shu, having even searched online for gift ideas.

What’s a good gift for your wife?

The suggestions had been the usual – necklaces, bracelets, handbags, even cars and houses.

But Shen Shu wasn’t interested in material possessions.

Then, she had seen a suggestion: Wrap yourself up as a gift. Just kidding (lol)

She had thought it was silly, but somehow, she had still done it.

She bent down to fold the box.

“It is a little silly,” Shen Shu said, her voice soft, “but… I like it.”

She reached out, her fingers gently tilting Xu Jinnan’s chin upwards. “So, Teacher Xu, when can I… unwrap my present?” she asked, her voice a husky whisper.

“Should I take this box away first? It’s taking up too much space,” Xu Jinnan said, playing along.

Shen Shu chuckled, helping her fold the box and carry it to the balcony.

They looked out at the night sky, a clear, starlit night, a crescent moon hanging like a silver sickle in the inky blackness.

Xu Jinnan’s arms wrapped around Shen Shu’s waist, pulling her close, their bodies touching, and Shen Shu leaned back against her, the warmth of Xu Jinnan’s embrace a comforting presence.

“Shu Shu, should we get a bigger apartment?” Xu Jinnan asked.

“I’ve been thinking about that too… A bigger apartment, so we can have Little Crescent Moon live with us,” Shen Shu replied.

“Then I’ll start looking tomorrow,” Xu Jinnan said.

They had discussed adopting Little Crescent Moon, but they weren’t sure if she would adjust well to a new environment. They would have to take it slow, see how she felt about it.

“Shu Shu…”

“Yes?”

“I love Little Crescent Moon, but I also want a child of our own,” Xu Jinnan whispered, her voice a husky murmur against Shen Shu’s ear.

Shen Shu’s lips curved into a smile as she leaned closer, her own breath warm against Xu Jinnan’s ear. “Me too… but Professor Qin said it’s not easy,” she whispered back.

“Then I’ll have to try harder, won’t I?” Xu Jinnan said, her lips brushing against Shen Shu’s neck, then she lifted Shen Shu into her arms.

“Jiejie, are you ready to unwrap your present?” she asked, her voice a low growl.

Shen Shu’s cheeks flushed, her eyes sparkling with a playful glint as she reached out and gently touched the bell on Xu Jinnan’s collar. “I am,” she whispered.

The faint jingle of the bell was barely audible above the sound of the wind outside, yet it was enough to ignite a spark, the rhythmic chime quickening, then slowing, then fading, like a muffled heartbeat.

It echoed through the quiet apartment, a sweet melody accompanying their silent symphony.

–

Time passed, the city blanketed in a layer of snow, the world outside quiet and still.

Early February, New Year’s Eve.

Xu Jinnan was washing vegetables in the kitchen, glancing at the snow falling steadily outside. “Shu Shu, ask Cai Ying and the others where they are,” she said.

Shen Shu emerged from the bedroom, phone in hand. “Cai Ying is downstairs. Jia Jia and Viola will be here in ten minutes. Do you want to ask Li Lan?”

“My phone’s in the bedroom,” Xu Jinnan replied.

Shen Shu went to get the phone, then, as she was about to call Li Lan, a voice message popped up.

“What’s the access code?” Li Lan asked.

“Didn’t I send it to you?” Xu Jinnan asked, then, remembering she had, was about to tell her when she heard Cai Ying’s voice through the phone’s speaker. “Hey, Officer Li!”

Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu exchanged an amused look.

Shen Shu went to open the door, waiting for them to come upstairs.

A few minutes later, they heard Cai Ying’s voice. “Water-boiled beef! It smells so good! My favorite! Xu Jinnan, you’re the best!”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

She didn’t even look up from her chopping. “There’s no water-boiled beef. You can leave now,” she said dryly.

“No way! I’m not leaving! Shu Shu’s the one in charge here, not you!”

“…” Touché. There was no arguing with that logic.

Hearing footsteps approaching, Xu Jinnan looked up and saw the woman standing behind Cai Ying, her features delicate, her figure tall and slender. “Hello, Senior,” she said with a smile.

“Just call me Zhou Qing, CEO Xu. Happy New Year,” she replied, her voice gentle, handing Shen Shu a gift.

Shen Shu accepted the gift, echoing Xu Jinnan’s earlier words. “Thank you. Happy New Year, Senior.”

Cai Ying, leaning against the kitchen island, said to Xu Jinnan, “Don’t tease my senior! She’s very serious.”

Xu Jinnan chuckled. “Zhou Qing, you should be careful. Don’t let this little rascal corrupt you,” she said.

Cai Ying glared at her, and Zhou Qing smiled. “She’s fine. I’m the one who should be embarrassed, imposing on you like this. Thank you for having me.”

“It’s New Year’s Eve. The more, the merrier. Make yourself at home,” Xu Jinnan said. Zhou Qing’s family lived far away, and she had been planning to visit them yesterday, but her flight had been canceled due to the heavy snow.

She wouldn’t be able to leave until tomorrow.

Cai Ying, hearing about this, had invited her to join them for dinner.

Xu Jinnan had a good impression of Zhou Qing. While she wasn’t sure if anything would develop between her and Cai Ying, she seemed like a decent person, someone she could be friends with.

Li Lan, her demeanor as always reserved, simply placed her gift on the table and joined Xu Jinnan in the kitchen, her movements efficient and practiced, clearly someone who cooked regularly.

Twenty minutes later, Tong Jia and Viola arrived.

“It’s freezing out there!” Tong Jia exclaimed, rubbing her hands together. “My feet are numb.”

Shen Shu had already made ginger tea, and the warm, spicy aroma mingled with the savory scent of the food Xu Jinnan was preparing.

Tong Jia, who also enjoyed cooking, joined them in the kitchen, while Viola, less experienced, helped with the vegetables.

Zhou Qing, who could also cook, but seeing the kitchen already crowded, helped set the table and clear the counter, occasionally joining their conversation.

She was quiet and unobtrusive, her presence a calming influence.

Cai Ying, as always, was the life of the party, her cheerful chatter filling the room.

The kitchen, filled with warmth and laughter, the aroma of food, the clinking of dishes, felt like a true family gathering, the only missing person Xu Yincheng, Xu Jinnan thought.

She had messaged him a few days ago, asking if he would be coming home for New Year’s, but he hadn’t replied.

–

At 8:30 p.m., they sat down to dinner, the round table laden with food.

It was their last dinner in this apartment. They had bought a new one a month ago, and after the renovations were completed, they would be moving in after the New Year.

Xu Jinnan felt a pang of nostalgia, then, glancing at Shen Shu, and at the others gathered around the table, a warmth spread through her, the earlier sadness fading.

As long as they were together, it didn’t matter where they lived.

She raised her glass, and just as they were about to toast, the doorbell rang.

They all looked at each other.

“Who else is coming?” Cai Ying asked.

Shen Shu and Xu Jinnan also exchanged a puzzled look, and Xu Jinnan, stopping Shen Shu from getting up to answer the door, went to the entrance.

Seeing the tall figure in a long coat through the peephole, her eyes lit up, and she opened the door.

“Happy New Year, little sis,” Xu Yincheng said, a playful smile on his face.

The lively chatter from the TV, the New Year’s Gala playing in the background, mingled with their own laughter and conversation.

They raised their glasses, their voices echoing in the room.

“Happy New Year!”

–

During dinner, Xu Jinnan noticed Shen Shu hadn’t eaten much and leaned closer, her voice low. “Why aren’t you eating? No appetite?”

Shen Shu murmured in agreement, and Xu Jinnan, her voice laced with concern, asked, “What’s wrong?”

Her reaction drew everyone’s attention, and Shen Shu, her face flushing slightly, nudged Xu Jinnan’s foot under the table.

“Are you feeling unwell? Should we go to the hospital? Or call a doctor?” Xu Yincheng asked.

“Yeah, Shu Shu, you’ve been looking a little pale. Did you stay up too late last night?” Cai Ying added.

“I’m fine. Really. Let’s just eat,” Shen Shu said, her voice calm.

“Shu Shu’s pregnant!” Tong Jia exclaimed, unable to contain herself any longer, seeing their concerned expressions, then, noticing Xu Jinnan’s stunned silence, her mouth slightly agape, she repeated, a little louder this time, “You’re going to be a mom!”

Xu Jinnan’s eyes widened, then her face lit up with a joyful smile. “Shu Shu?”

Everyone looked at Shen Shu expectantly.

Shen Shu’s earlobes flushed pink, and she nodded. “Yes,” she murmured.

“When? Why didn’t you tell me?” Xu Jinnan asked, her voice trembling slightly.

“I just found out yesterday. I’m about two weeks along…” Shen Shu replied.

Xu Jinnan took her hand, her fingers interlaced with Shen Shu’s, her own eyes glistening with tears. “Wifey, you’re pregnant! You’re really pregnant!”

“Of course I am. Why would I lie about something like that?” Shen Shu asked, amused by her reaction.

Everyone laughed, their own hearts warmed by Xu Jinnan’s joy, the happiness contagious.

“Let’s toast to Shu Shu’s pregnancy! And make a wish! For good luck!” Tong Jia suggested.

“Yes! Good luck and good health!” Cai Ying exclaimed.

She had learned about Xu Jinnan’s Alpha identity during the divorce drama and had been shocked and angry, even planning to confront her, but Shen Shu had stopped her, saying, If you scold her, I’ll be upset too.

After that, she hadn’t had the heart to be too harsh.

And she had been genuinely happy when they reconciled.

And now, Shu Shu was pregnant, a new life, a new connection, a new source of happiness.

It was wonderful.

They raised their glasses again, their voices echoing in the room.

Xu Jinnan’s hand tightened around Shen Shu’s, and she silently made a wish.

–

It was past 10 p.m. when they finally left, not wanting to tire Shen Shu out.

Viola drove Tong Jia home, Zhou Qing drove Cai Ying, and Li Lan, glancing at Xu Yincheng, who was talking to Xu Jinnan, was about to leave on her own when he called out to her.

“Wait for me. I’ll drive you,” he said.

Li Lan paused at the doorway.

“I’m thinking of retiring at the end of the year,” he said to Xu Jinnan, returning to their conversation.

“Retiring?” Xu Jinnan asked, surprised.

He nodded. “I have to come back and take care of my… nephew, or niece, don’t I?”

Xu Jinnan: “…” It’s not like you’re their father.

But then, remembering his profession, she nodded. “Okay, retire then. I can support you.”

Xu Yincheng: “…”

He chuckled. “Alright, I’ll just… enjoy my retirement then.”

Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow. “Sounds good.”

“I’ll go then. Take care of your wife, and yourself.”

“I will.”

Xu Jinnan told them to drive safely.

He nodded and left with Li Lan.

Xu Jinnan took a deep breath, then, seeing Shen Shu clearing the table, she hurried over and took the dishes from her. “Don’t. I’ll do it. Go lie down,” she said.

“It’s fine,” Shen Shu replied.

Xu Jinnan led her to the bedroom. “No, you need to rest. No wonder you haven’t been sleeping well lately. And yesterday…” They had made love last night as well.

The memory made her blush. “I’ll take you to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow. Sit down, and I’ll get you some water. You barely ate anything. Are you hungry?” she asked, her words tumbling out in a rush.

Shen Shu, amused by her sudden nervousness, her attentiveness, took her hand. “Relax,” she said softly.

“I have to take care of you,” Xu Jinnan said, her gaze lingering on Shen Shu’s stomach, her hand gently caressing it. “And our baby.”

Shen Shu’s eyes softened, then, seeing Xu Jinnan’s intense focus on her stomach, she said, her lips curving into a smile, “So, are you more concerned about me, or the baby?”

Xu Jinnan paused. “Both,” she replied.

“You have to choose one,” Shen Shu insisted, her voice playful.

“You, of course,” Xu Jinnan said without hesitation, then, resting her head on Shen Shu’s lap, her arm circling her waist, she whispered, “I’m so happy right now.”

Shen Shu’s hand gently stroked her hair. “So, you weren’t happy before we had a baby?” she asked, her voice teasing.

Xu Jinnan chuckled, lifting her head and kissing Shen Shu’s forehead. “I’ve been happy ever since I met you. And now, with our baby… I’m even happier,” she said, her voice soft and full of emotion. “You’re the most important person in my life, Shu Shu. Always.”

–

Late that night, Xu Jinnan stood by the window, the world outside covered in a blanket of white, the city lights twinkling like distant stars.

While she couldn’t see the fireworks, she could hear them, the distant booms echoing through the quiet night.

She heard the bedroom door open and turned to see Shen Shu, wrapped in a blanket. “Why are you awake?” she asked.

“I can’t sleep without you,” Shen Shu replied, rubbing her eyes.

Xu Jinnan was about to lead her back to bed when she saw a small firework explode in the distance, a burst of color against the dark sky.

Shen Shu stopped, and Xu Jinnan went to get a thicker blanket, wrapping it around Shen Shu, then held her close.

She had been too excited to sleep, and seeing Shen Shu also awake, she said gently, “It’s late. Let’s go to bed.”

“I’m a little nervous too,” Shen Shu admitted, her voice soft.

A new life was about to enter their world.

“But like you said, I’m also very happy,” she continued. “Xu Jinnan, I love you.”

Xu Jinnan’s heart ached at her words. “I love you too,” she whispered.

“What did you wish for earlier?” Shen Shu asked.

“Go to sleep. I’ll tell you tomorrow,” Xu Jinnan said.

“Just a little longer,” Shen Shu replied, her gaze fixed on the window.

“It’s too dark. I can’t see anything,” Xu Jinnan said.

“It’ll be beautiful when the sun rises,” Shen Shu replied.

Xu Jinnan smiled, remembering the lines from King of Comedy, one of their favorite movies.

Just then, another firework exploded in the distance, brighter than the last one, illuminating the night sky, a burst of color visible even from their distance.

She remembered her wish –

May we always be together, in the light, forever.

She looked at the fireworks, her lips brushing against Shen Shu’s cheek. “The sun has risen,” she whispered.

And it was beautiful.

The world was a vast and wondrous place, and she, a small, insignificant being in this vast universe, felt incredibly lucky to have found Shen Shu, her soulmate, her other half.

Out of all the people in the world, it was her.

And she was grateful.

(End of Main Story)