Captivating Beauty 114

Chapter 114: Side Story 2

Shen Shu opened her eyes and reached for her phone, her movements sluggish with sleep.

It was noon.

Xu Jinnan had a business lunch and wouldn’t be home.

The housekeeper had called her for lunch earlier, but she hadn’t been able to eat anything, her morning sickness still lingering, and with Little Crescent Moon away at winter camp, she had stayed in bed.

She saw a message from Xu Jinnan, sent ten minutes ago: [Babe, have you eaten? Even if you don’t feel like it, try to eat something. Love you.] Xu Jinnan had started using different endearments since the pregnancy, “wifey” replaced by “babe” in private.

And Shen Shu, having grown accustomed to it, had also started calling Xu Jinnan “babe” instead of “Nannan.”

Come to think of it, she hadn’t used that particular term of endearment in a while…

She instinctively touched her still-flat stomach, then, after a moment, sat up and got out of bed.

The housekeeper, hearing her, emerged from the kitchen. “Miss Shen, would you like something to eat?” she asked. “Miss Xu made some custard buns. I can steam them for you if you’d like. Or I can make you something else.”

“She came home this morning?” Shen Shu asked, surprised.

“She made them before leaving for work. She asked me to offer them to you, and if you didn’t want them, to make you something else,” the housekeeper replied, smiling. “She was worried you wouldn’t eat.” Shen Shu often had a poor appetite, but when Xu Jinnan was around, she would usually eat a little more.

Xu Jinnan had noticed this and, having returned home late the past two nights, and hearing from the housekeeper and Little Crescent Moon that Shen Shu hadn’t been eating much, had woken up early to make some custard buns, hoping Shen Shu would at least have something to eat.

Shen Shu’s heart warmed at the gesture, the earlier fatigue and nausea fading slightly.

She was a picky eater, her preferences limited, and even when asked what she wanted, she rarely had any suggestions.

But Xu Jinnan had always been patient, always trying new recipes, even when they didn’t have a housekeeper.

Sometimes, Shen Shu wished she could keep this side of Xu Jinnan a secret, this domestic bliss a private world, hidden from prying eyes.

The housekeeper returned with a plate of custard buns, a bowl of porridge, and a small dish of pickled cucumbers.

The buns, shaped like little pigs, were adorable.

She often thought Xu Jinnan, if she hadn’t become a CEO, would have made an excellent chef or pastry chef.

Shen Shu straightened the dishes slightly, then took a picture and sent it to Xu Jinnan.

[Just woke up. What time did you get up? Remember to take a nap this afternoon.]

Xu Jinnan replied almost instantly: [I knew you were still asleep.]

Xu Jinnan: [Are they good?]

Shen Shu took a bite of a bun, the soft, sweet filling melting in her mouth, the subtle hint of custard a pleasant surprise. She didn’t feel nauseous at all.

[They’re delicious.]

[Don’t wake up so early next time. I worry about you working so hard.]

Xu Jinnan sent a voice message. “It’s nothing. Eat your breakfast, babe. I have a meeting now.”

Shen Shu, hearing her voice, smiled faintly. “Okay, go ahead,” she replied, then added, “Are you coming home tonight?”

Xu Jinnan’s reply was almost instantaneous.

[If nothing comes up, I’ll be home around 6 p.m. I’ll try to be there earlier. Be good~]

Shen Shu took another bite of the bun, savoring the sweet, creamy filling.

[Okay~,] she replied, her mood lifting.

–

After breakfast, she watched a period drama, her thoughts drifting to the role she had missed out on, a pang of regret, then she touched her stomach, feeling the faint flutter of life within her, and the sadness faded, replaced by a quiet anticipation.

She went to the balcony, which was filled with plants, mostly green in this winter season.

She had brought her plants from the old apartment – the pothos, the succulents, and the rosebush.

Strangely, out of all the beautiful plants, her favorite was still the rosebush Xu Jinnan had brought home from the office, perhaps because Xu Jinnan had once compared its delicate beauty to Shen Shu’s.

A thick, plush rug covered the floor, warm and soft against her bare feet, two lounge chairs placed near the edge, a small, silver speaker beside them, all arranged by Xu Jinnan.

She checked the time. It was only a little past 1 p.m., four more hours until 6 p.m.

She lay down on one of the chairs, choosing a soothing melody on her phone, then, as she calculated the remaining hours, she was reminded of a quote from The Little Prince: If you say you’re coming at four o’clock, I’ll start feeling happy at three.

–

At the SU building, Xu Jinnan, having originally wanted to name her company “Sun,” but after some feedback about the potential negative connotations in Chinese (sun/sang – loss/death), had settled for “SU.”

She thought it sounded similar to Shen Shu’s name, and with Shen Shu by her side, she felt like she could conquer anything, her presence a constant source of warmth and light.

It was the perfect name.

Her meeting ended a little after 4 p.m., and she had hoped to finish her work early, but a call from the government, requesting a meeting about the three major projects, delayed her.

The other companies involved would also be attending.

She sighed, leaning back in her chair after hanging up.

Viola, who was organizing some files on the bookshelf, heard her and asked, “CEO Xu, what’s wrong?”

Xu Jinnan leaned against her hand, her brow furrowed. “I told my wife I would be home by 6 p.m. It’s almost time. She’ll be disappointed if I’m late,” she said.

Viola: “…”

She couldn’t respond to that blatant display of affection.

After Viola left, Xu Jinnan called the housekeeper to ask if Shen Shu was awake, then initiated a video call with Shen Shu.

Shen Shu, leaning back against the sofa, her eyes still slightly sleepy, answered almost immediately.

“What’s up? Why are you calling?”

“Babe, there’s something I need to tell you,” Xu Jinnan said, her gaze lingering on Shen Shu’s face, her heart calming at the sight of her, her presence a comforting anchor in the midst of the day’s chaos.

As she spoke, Shen Shu’s smile faded slightly, her voice soft. “You’re not coming home?”

Xu Jinnan coughed, explaining the situation, then added, her voice apologetic, “Sorry, wifey. I’ll try to be home as soon as possible.”

Shen Shu, listening to her voice, so gentle and apologetic, her heart softening, suppressed her disappointment and smiled faintly. “It’s fine. Just come home early. Is Viola with you?”

“Yes, she’s coming with me. She has a higher tolerance for alcohol. She can… take a few for the team. I’m a lightweight, you know,” Xu Jinnan replied.

“You know you’re a lightweight?” Shen Shu asked, her voice teasing.

“…Am I?”

Shen Shu, not giving her a chance to explain, simply told her to be careful and not to drink too much, then hung up.

She looked at the call log.

Five minutes.

Fifty minutes until 6 p.m. Then she realized, what was the point of checking the time if Xu Jinnan wasn’t coming home?

She put down her phone, then, for some reason, remembered the first time Xu Jinnan had gotten drunk, clinging to her in the back of the car, calling her “jiejie,” her drunken antics both amusing and endearing.

That night, the intoxicated Alpha had been completely at her mercy, her body responding instinctively to Shen Shu’s touch, her moans soft and unrestrained.

The memory made Shen Shu’s skin tingle, a warmth spreading through her.

Since Xu Jinnan had started working closely with the government, her schedule had become increasingly demanding, filled with social engagements and business dinners she couldn’t refuse.

What if she gets drunk again? she wondered.

Viola would be there, so it should be fine.

She trusted Xu Jinnan, but the thought still bothered her, a strange unease.

She knew Xu Jinnan didn’t enjoy these social gatherings, that she would rather be home with Shen Shu… but she also understood the importance of her work, her responsibilities.

Xu Jinnan wasn’t irresponsible, and neither was Shen Shu.

Perhaps she was just overthinking things, having spent so much time at home lately.

Time passed slowly, and it wasn’t until the housekeeper asked what she wanted for dinner that she realized it was already evening.

She sighed, her energy depleted, her body still recovering from the morning sickness, her days mostly spent at home, resting.

Xu Jinnan would take her for walks sometimes, and Cai Ying and Tong Jia would visit occasionally, but most of the time, she was alone.

Eight more months…

–

Xu Jinnan, finally escaping the dinner, after three glasses of wine, checked the time. It was past 9 p.m.

As she was leaving, she sent Shen Shu a message.

[Babe, I’m on my way home. Go to sleep if you’re tired~]

Just as she sent the message and turned a corner, someone bumped into her, their arms wrapping around her waist, the strong scent of perfume filling her senses.

She frowned, quickly pushing the person away.

The woman’s friend, seeing Xu Jinnan’s face, her eyes widening slightly, apologized profusely, then hurried away, pulling the woman with her.

Viola, who had gone to the restroom, had seen the incident and hurried over.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

Xu Jinnan frowned. “I’m fine. Let’s go,” she said, her voice slightly curt.

“I’ll take a taxi. Have the driver take you home,” Viola offered.

Xu Jinnan, eager to get back to Shen Shu, and knowing they were going in opposite directions, nodded. “Thank you, Viola. And you can come in late tomorrow,” she said.

“Certainly,” Viola replied, then paused, her gaze lingering on Xu Jinnan’s shirt. “CEO Xu… your shirt…”

Xu Jinnan followed her gaze and saw a bright pink lipstick stain on her white shirt.

Xu Jinnan: “…”

The woman’s perfume had already been giving her a headache; this was just adding insult to injury.

–

It was almost 10 p.m. when she arrived home.

Shen Shu had left the hallway light on, the soft, yellow glow casting a warm light on the black boots Xu Jinnan was wearing with her jeans.

The bedroom door was ajar, and she glanced inside. “Babe, I’m home~ I’ll be right back. Just need a quick shower,” she said, blowing Shen Shu a kiss, then headed towards the bathroom.

“Come here,” Shen Shu’s voice called out, stopping her in her tracks.

Xu Jinnan turned around, Shen Shu’s gaze fixed on her face, a silent intensity that made her feel strangely… guilty, even though she hadn’t done anything wrong.

“Babe, someone bumped into me earlier, and… I got some lipstick on my shirt,” she explained, turning slightly to show Shen Shu the stain on her shoulder, a bright pink against the white fabric. She had been planning to throw the shirt away after showering, but she had realized it might seem suspicious.

Shen Shu’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Bumped into you?”

“Yes, bumped into me,” Xu Jinnan repeated.

“Oh,” Shen Shu said, her gaze returning to the book in her lap.

Xu Jinnan, sensing her subtle shift in mood, walked over to her, a smile playing on her lips. “Are you jealous?”

Shen Shu paused, her eyelashes fluttering slightly. Xu Jinnan had smelled the unfamiliar perfume as soon as she entered the apartment; she was always sensitive to Xu Jinnan’s scent.

If someone bumped into her, it’s normal for their perfume to… transfer, she thought, trying to be reasonable.

But she couldn’t shake the image of another woman’s lips on Xu Jinnan’s skin, the thought triggering a possessive urge she couldn’t ignore.

She looked up at Xu Jinnan. “You smell awful. Go take a shower,” she said, her voice cool, though her tone wasn’t as sharp as before.

Xu Jinnan, sensing her slight annoyance, but also the lack of genuine anger, turned and went to the bathroom, taking off her shirt and unbuttoning the first few buttons of her camisole.

Just then, the bathroom door opened, and Shen Shu entered.

Xu Jinnan paused. “What’s wrong?”

Shen Shu closed the door behind her, leaning against it, her arms crossed. “Carry on,” she said, her voice calm.

Xu Jinnan chuckled. “What are you doing? Public indecency?”

She finished unbuttoning her camisole, then, turning slightly, her gaze meeting Shen Shu’s, the soft curve of her breasts visible above the black lace trim of her bra, the smooth skin of her stomach a sight Shen Shu found particularly alluring.

She paused halfway through unzipping her jeans, her lips curving into a playful smile. “Still watching? Go to bed,” she said, her voice a husky whisper.

Shen Shu’s gaze lingered. After a moment, she asked, “Do you… want me?”

Xu Jinnan paused, then nodded. “Of course I do,” she replied, her voice soft.

How could she not? She was a normal woman, a normal Alpha.

And this was Shen Shu. But she wasn’t going to… pounce on her.

Shen Shu walked over to her, her hand reaching out to pull Xu Jinnan’s shirt down, her lips brushing against Xu Jinnan’s collarbone. “I want you too…” she whispered.

Xu Jinnan’s skin tingled, her throat suddenly dry, her body responding to Shen Shu’s touch, her whispered words, the desire a sudden, intense heat.

And it had been a while; the prolonged abstinence only amplified their mutual longing.

“Babe,” she murmured, her hand gently stroking Shen Shu’s hair, “be patient.”

Shen Shu’s arms wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. “Only a month left,” she whispered, her voice a soft plea.

“It’ll pass quickly,” Xu Jinnan replied, her voice husky.

“What if… there was another woman? A more beautiful Omega? Would you… feel anything?” Shen Shu asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Xu Jinnan, startled by her question, looked at her, her expression turning serious, sensing Shen Shu’s insecurity, her vulnerability.

“Why would you even think that?” she asked gently.

It was good that Shen Shu was expressing her fears, her anxieties, even if Xu Jinnan, despite knowing her so well, couldn’t always decipher her thoughts, her moods.

Was it because of today’s incident? Or was there something else she had missed?

Shen Shu leaned against Xu Jinnan, her voice soft. “I don’t know… I’ve been waiting for you all day. You said you would be home by 6 p.m., and I kept checking the time, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and when you called and said you weren’t coming home, I was… disappointed. I understand, and I’m not angry, but I couldn’t help… overthinking… Am I being… difficult?” Pregnancy had made her more emotional, more vulnerable, especially around Xu Jinnan.

Xu Jinnan, understanding now, her heart melting, said softly, “Difficult? You’re… everything to me. I haven’t been spending enough time with you. It’s not your fault. I’m sorry I made you feel insecure.” Shen Shu’s life had always been a whirlwind of activity, her schedule demanding, and this sudden period of inactivity, the long hours spent at home, had likely amplified her anxieties, especially with Xu Jinnan’s frequent absences and the recent incident with Bai Xiao.

And now, this.

Xu Jinnan, putting herself in Shen Shu’s shoes, understood her unease.

“I’ve made some arrangements. Besides the three major projects, there’s nothing urgent at work, so I can work from home for a while. That way, I can be with you,” she said.

Shen Shu looked up at her. “Really?”

Xu Jinnan kissed her forehead. “Would I lie to you, my lovely jiejie?”

Shen Shu’s fingers toyed with the buttons of Xu Jinnan’s shirt. “You haven’t called me that in a while.”

“Oh, so that’s what’s bothering you?” Xu Jinnan asked, her eyes sparkling with amusement, then, leaning closer, her lips brushing against Shen Shu’s ear, she whispered, “Jiejie, jiejie, jiejie.”

Shen Shu’s ears and cheeks burned, her hands tingling.

“Is that enough?” Xu Jinnan whispered, her warm breath on Shen Shu’s ear, a teasing caress.

Shen Shu felt Xu Jinnan’s hand take hers, her fingers brushing against the cool metal of her wedding ring.

“Jiejie, look,” Xu Jinnan murmured, her voice husky, “who else would make me do this?”

Shen Shu’s ear tingled, as if it were about to melt.

–

Xu Jinnan, discarding her own clothes, led Shen Shu to the bathroom, helping her wash her hands, then, her arm around Shen Shu’s waist, guided her back to the bedroom.

“Go lie down and rest,” she said, her voice soft. “Go to sleep if you’re tired. Don’t wait for me.”

“Why not?”

“I’ll be… busy.”

“Busy doing what?” Shen Shu asked, a playful smile on her lips.

“You know what,” Xu Jinnan replied, amused by her teasing. “I need some… alone time.”

Shen Shu chuckled softly, her gaze lingering on Xu Jinnan’s lips, her own lips parting slightly, her tongue tracing the outline, as if she could still taste the sweetness of their earlier kiss.

Then, her throat tightened, a sudden dryness.

“But I’m not tired,” she murmured, her voice a soft plea.

Xu Jinnan opened the bedroom door slightly, gently pushing Shen Shu inside. “Then you can’t stay and watch,” she whispered.

“Why not?” Shen Shu asked, her voice a playful whisper. It wasn’t like she hadn’t seen it before, during their video calls when Xu Jinnan was away on business trips.

“It might be too… stimulating,” Xu Jinnan replied, her voice husky.

Shen Shu: “…”

–

Forty minutes later, Xu Jinnan emerged from the bathroom, the bedroom dimly lit by the warm glow of the bedside lamp.

Shen Shu’s eyes were closed, but she was clearly awake; she opened them as soon as Xu Jinnan entered the room.

“Are you hungry?” Xu Jinnan asked.

Shen Shu shook her head, then said, “I want custard buns tomorrow.”

Xu Jinnan’s face lit up. “Okay, good girl. Anything else?” she asked, her voice full of playful indulgence.

Shen Shu, amused by her tone, chuckled. “That’s enough.”

Seeing Xu Jinnan reach for her phone, she asked, “More work?”

“No,” Xu Jinnan replied, then handed her the phone. “I’m just making a note, so we can try something different next time.”

Shen Shu glanced at the screen.

A note titled:

Babe’s Favorites 2.0

Pumpkin porridge, oatmeal, steamed eggs, tofu soup (no cilantro for now), fish soup… custard buns.

The second line listed fruits.

The third, cravings she couldn’t indulge in right now.

…

The last line listed foods to avoid during pregnancy.

Shen Shu’s eyes stung, and she sat up, pulling Xu Jinnan into a hug.

Xu Jinnan’s arm wrapped around her waist, then she gently pushed her back onto the bed, pulling the blanket over her. “It’s sweet of you to be so concerned, but you’ll catch a cold.”

Shen Shu’s earlier sadness vanished, and she playfully slapped Xu Jinnan’s arm. “You’re annoying.”

“Yes, I am,” Xu Jinnan replied, getting into bed and turning off the light, then snuggled against Shen Shu, pulling her close. “Go to sleep.”

Shen Shu, who had been feeling drowsy before, was now wide awake.

Or rather, their earlier… activities had energized her.

After a while, Shen Shu shifted slightly, and Xu Jinnan, sensing her restlessness, whispered, “Babe, let’s… establish some ground rules.”

Shen Shu, amused by her serious tone, her mood having lifted considerably, asked, “What kind of ground rules?”

“Babe, your approach today was a little… self-destructive,” Xu Jinnan said.

“I’m the one who suffered the most, not you,” Shen Shu retorted. Xu Jinnan could still… take care of herself, but Shen Shu couldn’t, not without… consequences.

Xu Jinnan didn’t argue, her face nuzzling against Shen Shu’s hair. “So, let’s… take it easy this month,” she murmured.

Shen Shu: “Aww~”