Captivating Beauty 115

Chapter 115: Side Story 3

The day Xu Jinnan and Shen Shu finally decided on a name for their baby was also Xu Jinnan’s birthday.

And it was also the day they learned the baby’s biological sex.

A girl.

In Xu Jinnan’s original world, doctors usually didn’t reveal the baby’s sex, but in this ABO world, with its emphasis on secondary gender, such information wasn’t considered as private.

Shen Shu had spent the entire day making a strawberry cake, and they celebrated quietly at home, just the three of them and Little Crescent Moon.

Xu Jinnan held Little Crescent Moon on her lap, Shen Shu sitting beside her, the cake between them, twenty-seven candles flickering in the soft light, illuminating Xu Jinnan’s face.

“Thank you, wifey,” Xu Jinnan said, gently squeezing Shen Shu’s hand.

“Make a wish and blow out the candles. Someone’s getting impatient,” Shen Shu replied, glancing at Little Crescent Moon, whose gaze was fixed on the cake.

Little Crescent Moon, oblivious to the fact that Shen Shu was referring to her, eager for the cake, chanted, “Make a wish, Auntie Nannan! Blow out the candles!”

Xu Jinnan chuckled, gently tugging on one of Little Crescent Moon’s pigtails. “Okay, okay.”

After blowing out the candles, she gave Shen Shu and Little Crescent Moon each a slice of cake.

As they ate, Shen Shu said, “I have another small gift for you.”

“What is it?” Xu Jinnan asked, turning to her, then, noticing a smear of frosting on Shen Shu’s lip, she gently wiped it away with her thumb.

Shen Shu instinctively licked her lip, savoring the sweetness. “The baby’s name,” she said softly.

Xu Jinnan took a bite of cake. “You’ve decided?”

“Shen Yujin,” Shen Shu replied.

My every year is for you. And yours, for me.

“Her nickname will be Suisui. What do you think?”

The sweet taste of strawberries exploded on Xu Jinnan’s tongue, and she smiled, her eyes crinkling at the corners, understanding the unspoken message behind Shen Shu’s words.

Before she could reply, Little Crescent Moon exclaimed, “It’s a beautiful name! So, my little sister’s name will be Suisui!”

“Of course it’s beautiful! Any name you choose is perfect! And Big Sister Crescent Moon approves! So, it must be perfect, right?” Xu Jinnan said, her voice full of playful indulgence.

Little Crescent Moon, hearing this, kicked her legs excitedly, chanting, “Suisui! Suisui!”

—

Shen Shu’s morning sickness finally subsided after three months, her appetite and energy levels returning, much to Xu Jinnan’s relief, who found herself enjoying her meals more as well, though there was a downside – Shen Shu, while eating more, still couldn’t finish everything, and Xu Jinnan, not wanting to be wasteful, or to set a bad example for Little Crescent Moon, ended up eating the leftovers.

As Shen Shu’s belly grew, so did Xu Jinnan’s.

Shen Shu, noticing this, had even poked Xu Jinnan’s stomach playfully, asking, “Teacher Xu, are you expecting too?”

Xu Jinnan, not one to be outdone, had set up a treadmill and some exercise equipment in the living room, working out while Shen Shu read scripts or watched TV.

Now, after finishing her three-kilometer run, she was lifting weights, her breathing heavy, and Shen Shu, sitting on the sofa, her gaze drifting from her script to Xu Jinnan, watched her.

Xu Jinnan was wearing a black sports bra and white shorts, her recent workouts having paid off, her waist, which had been slightly thicker a week ago, now toned and defined, her abs visible.

Despite the cold wind outside, the apartment was warm, and Xu Jinnan’s skin glistened with sweat, the droplets tracing paths down her neck and chest, her stomach shimmering in the sunlight.

Shen Shu, after watching her for a while, grabbed a towel and walked over. “Here,” she said, offering it to Xu Jinnan.

Xu Jinnan stopped, turning to Shen Shu, but Shen Shu, instead of handing her the towel, gently wiped the sweat from Xu Jinnan’s forehead, her gaze lingering on the smooth skin of Xu Jinnan’s chest, her heart skipping a beat.

Xu Jinnan’s breath hitched as Shen Shu’s hand moved lower, stopping at her stomach, her fingers gently tracing the lines of Xu Jinnan’s abs.

Xu Jinnan’s stomach muscles contracted involuntarily, her breath catching in her throat. “You’re doing this on purpose,” she said, her voice a husky whisper, grabbing Shen Shu’s wrist.

“And who started it?” Shen Shu retorted, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “You’ve been showing off your abs all week. Did you think I wouldn’t notice?” She had pretended not to see, waiting for the right moment to… retaliate.

Xu Jinnan, her face uncharacteristically flushed, her earlier teasing now replaced by a shy smile, took the towel from Shen Shu’s hand and tossed it onto the treadmill.

She took Shen Shu’s hand and placed it back on her stomach. “And you’re not even going to compliment me?” she asked, her voice a soft murmur.

Shen Shu’s fingers spread out, tracing the lines of Xu Jinnan’s abs. “They’re… impressive,” she whispered, her voice slightly breathless.

“Want to… test their strength?” Xu Jinnan asked, her voice husky.

Shen Shu’s fingers trembled slightly, and she looked up at Xu Jinnan. “Didn’t you say we should wait?”

Xu Jinnan, bending down, lifted Shen Shu into her arms. “I asked the doctor yesterday, and she said… it’s fine,” she whispered, carrying her to the bedroom and gently placing her on the bed, then leaned in, her lips finding Shen Shu’s.

Their bodies, always attuned to each other’s rhythm, their every touch a spark, their desire a flame that could be ignited at any moment, had been restrained these past three months, mindful of the pregnancy.

Now, free from the earlier restrictions, their passion flared, a long-awaited release.

Xu Jinnan knelt down beside the bed, her gaze fixed on Shen Shu’s face.

“Aren’t you going to shower first?” Shen Shu asked, her earlobes flushed pink, her fingers gently tracing the lines of Xu Jinnan’s abs, the lingering dampness of her sweat a warm, sensual reminder of their earlier encounter.

“Later,” Xu Jinnan murmured, her own face slightly flushed, her voice husky. “I’ll… take care of you first.”

—

The curtains were open, the room brightly lit, and Xu Jinnan asked if Shen Shu wanted to draw them, but Shen Shu simply told her to stop stalling.

So, in the bright light of the afternoon sun, the occasional chirping of birds outside the window a cheerful counterpoint to their soft moans, their bodies entwined, their passion a shared secret, Shen Shu’s earlier hesitation quickly forgotten, her responses eager, her touch demanding.

Perhaps because of their prolonged abstinence, Shen Shu reached her peak quickly.

After showering, Xu Jinnan returned to the bedroom, holding Shen Shu close, her hand gently caressing Shen Shu’s slightly rounded belly. “Is the baby okay?” she asked softly.

Shen Shu, her head resting on Xu Jinnan’s shoulder, her cheeks still flushed, turned to her. “Is that all you care about? The baby?”

“Huh?” Xu Jinnan chuckled. “And what about you, babe? How are you feeling?” A single word changed the meaning entirely.

Shen Shu, not to be outdone, replied casually, “I’m fine.”

Xu Jinnan raised an eyebrow, her voice a husky whisper against Shen Shu’s ear. “Oh, I’ll have to record you next time, just to embarrass you.”

Shen Shu: “…”

The thought of her own moans echoing through the room, captured on a recording, made her earlobes burn.

Xu Jinnan leaned in and kissed her gently, her lips brushing against the sensitive skin of Shen Shu’s ear.

She loved seeing Shen Shu blush, her usual cool composure melting away, her emotions, usually hidden behind a mask of indifference, now a vibrant, ever-changing kaleidoscope.

“Jiejie,” she whispered.

“Mm?”

“Jiejie…”

The setting sun cast long shadows, their bodies intertwined, their silhouettes merging, like two clouds drifting across the sky.

—

The year Shen Yujin was born, Shen Shu won the Best Supporting Actress award for her role in Into the Dream.

Pregnancy and childbirth hadn’t affected her career; Full Dress had also aired, and with Xia Chun’s star power, Tan Jie’s resurgence after her appearance on a reality show, and Shen Shu’s award-winning performance, the drama had been highly anticipated, over fifty million viewers subscribing to watch it.

It became an instant hit.

When Shen Yujin was six months old, Shen Shu gradually returned to work, accepting roles that didn’t require extensive travel or overnight stays.

And Tong Jia, with her excellent judgment, had chosen scripts and productions that were both challenging and enjoyable, allowing Shen Shu to balance her career and her family.

This continued until Shen Yujin was three and a half years old.

With the three major construction projects well underway, and the Xu Corporation running smoothly, Xu Jinnan’s schedule had eased considerably.

One afternoon, glancing at her relatively empty calendar, she decided to pick up the kids herself, having informed the housekeeper, who usually handled the school runs.

Little Crescent Moon’s school finished later, so she would pick up Shen Yujin first.

Shen Yujin’s kindergarten was in the city center, a twenty-minute drive, and when she arrived, the other parents were already waiting outside.

She rarely came here, always informing the teachers beforehand.

As she waited with the other parents, she noticed a woman staring at her. “Can I help you?” she asked.

The woman, her gaze lingering on Xu Jinnan’s face, smiled. “No, it’s just… you look familiar, but I’m sure we haven’t met before… have we?” she asked.

Xu Jinnan shook her head. “No, I don’t think so,” she replied.

The woman’s eyes, almond-shaped like Xu Jinnan’s, but narrower, more distinctive, were easily recognizable, so they probably hadn’t met before.

Xu Jinnan looked away, but the woman continued, “But I really feel like I’ve seen you somewhere. That’s strange. With your looks, I would definitely remember you.”

Xu Jinnan smiled politely, not wanting to engage, then, as the woman started talking about the kindergarten, mentioning an upcoming parent-child event, she responded with a few polite comments.

She made a mental note to attend; Shen Shu wouldn’t have time, and it wouldn’t be convenient for her to come.

After a while, they heard the sound of children’s laughter, and Xu Jinnan quickly spotted her daughter among the crowd of children emerging from the kindergarten.

Shen Yujin, wearing a bright yellow backpack and matching hat, her small figure easily recognizable, saw her and waved excitedly. “Mommy! Mommy! Mwah!”

She had inherited Shen Shu’s beautiful eyes and Xu Jinnan’s nose and mouth, a perfect blend of their features.

But her personality was entirely her own.

She ran towards Xu Jinnan and threw her arms around her neck. “Mommy, why are you picking me up today?” she asked, her voice sweet and childish.

Xu Jinnan lifted her into her arms. “Is that a bad thing?”

Shen Yujin tilted her head back, her eyes sparkling. “Of course not! I love it when you pick me up! And when you pick me up, we can get yummy food!”

Xu Jinnan chuckled. “Your ‘yummy food’ is Mommy’s ‘junk food.’ Don’t try to flatter me. I’m not taking you anywhere,” she said.

Shen Yujin pouted. “Hmph!”

After a moment, seeing Xu Jinnan walking towards the car, not even trying to appease her, she realized her sulking was futile, and she wrapped her arms around Xu Jinnan’s neck, her voice soft. “Mommy, what was Xiaohan’s mommy talking to you about?”

“Who’s Xiaohan’s mommy?” Xu Jinnan asked instinctively.

“The pretty lady who was talking to you earlier,” Shen Yujin replied.

“Oh, nothing important,” Xu Jinnan said. “Why do you ask?”

Shen Yujin, relieved, patted her chest dramatically. “Good, good.”

“Why?”

“Xiaohan said she liked me the other day, and I just rejected her yesterday. It would be awkward if you and her mommy were friends,” she explained.

“…” Xu Jinnan placed her in the car seat, pulling her hat down over her eyes. “You little rascal,” she muttered. Where did these children learn such things? And at such a young age?

Was a three-and-a-half-year-old supposed to be this… precocious?

Then, a thought struck her. “Why didn’t you reject her… the other day?” she asked, curious.

“Because she shared her snacks with me before she confessed. It would have been rude to reject her then,” Shen Yujin explained. “So, I gave her my snacks today, then rejected her.”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Well, she’s definitely not lacking in social skills.

—

After picking up Shen Yujin, Xu Jinnan went to get Little Crescent Moon, who was now seven years old and in first grade.

She had started calling Xu Jinnan “Mommy” a few years ago, when Shen Yujin was about a year old.

Shen Yujin, having inherited Shen Shu’s delicate constitution, was prone to colds and fevers.

One day, when Shen Yujin was sick, Little Crescent Moon had also fallen ill.

Shen Shu had taken care of Shen Yujin, while Xu Jinnan had looked after Little Crescent Moon.

The next morning, Xu Jinnan had woken up to find Little Crescent Moon holding her hand, her eyes red and watery, tears streaming down her face.

She had been terrified, thinking Little Crescent Moon’s condition had worsened, and had quickly pulled her into a hug, asking what was wrong.

Little Crescent Moon had clung to her, her small body trembling, and whispered, “Mommy…”

Xu Jinnan had told her earlier, when they first brought her home, “Auntie Shen Shu and I are your mommies now,” but they had never mentioned it again, and while children adapted easily to new situations, forming attachments was also a slow process.

Hearing that word, “Mommy,” Xu Jinnan’s heart had melted.

It was the first time she had realized the power of that word, the warmth and love it conveyed.

And Little Crescent Moon had called her “Mommy” ever since.

—

“Jiejie! I missed you!” Shen Yujin exclaimed as soon as Little Crescent Moon got into the car.

Little Crescent Moon smiled and hugged her. “Hugs for Little Suisui! Look what I made for you!” She opened her backpack and took out a small, colorful object.

“Wow, it’s so pretty!” Shen Yujin exclaimed, her eyes wide.

“I made it in arts and crafts class today. It’s a hair clip. Do you like it, Suisui?”

“I love it! I love everything Jiejie makes! You’re so talented!” Shen Yujin said, her cheeks puffing out as she spoke, and Little Crescent Moon gently pinched them. “Don’t move. I’ll put it on for you.”

“Okay!” Shen Yujin said, sitting still, her yellow hat removed, a small braid, done by Little Crescent Moon that morning, adorning her hair.

Xu Jinnan, glancing at them through the rearview mirror, smiled. Little Crescent Moon clearly doted on her younger sister.

And Shen Yujin, her sweet words and playful antics, had a way of charming everyone.

The back seat was quiet for a few minutes, then—

“My dearest Mommy~”

Xu Jinnan, hearing the saccharine tone, knew what was coming. “What do you want?” she asked, her eyes still on the road.

“Is Mommy coming home tonight?” Shen Yujin asked.

“No,” Xu Jinnan replied.

“Then can we eat out?”

“Who said we can eat out just because Mommy isn’t coming home?”

“Can’t we?” Shen Yujin asked, pouting. “But I really want pizza and chicken nuggets! Mommy, please? Jiejie wants them too!”

Little Crescent Moon, about to agree, then, thinking better of it, glanced at Xu Jinnan.

“Mommy said no junk food,” Xu Jinnan said.

“But the mommy who said no isn’t coming home tonight,” Shen Yujin retorted.

“…” That’s… surprisingly logical.

Xu Jinnan slowed down, her voice gentle. “You can ask Mommy, but you can’t… deceive her. That’s not right, understand?”

“But… just a little? Just a taste? I really want some,” Shen Yujin pleaded, her voice a soft whine.

Little Crescent Moon, her heart melting at her sister’s plea, said, “Mommy, as long as Mommy agrees, it’s okay, right? Should we call her?”

Xu Jinnan, looking at their hopeful faces, sighed. “Mommy’s busy right now. She won’t answer. But just a little, okay?” she said, relenting.

Shen Yujin’s face lit up. “Yay!!! I love you, Mommy! You’re the best! And Mommy, I forgot to tell you, your dress is so pretty today!”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

She wasn’t even trying to hide her fake crying. “Shen Yujin, your recovery is remarkably swift. Your acting skills are… lacking, compared to your Mommy’s. No nuance,” she said dryly.

Shen Yujin, swinging her legs, said, “Mommy, I’m only three and a half, remember?” The implication was clear – she couldn’t possibly compare to her mother’s acting skills.

Xu Jinnan: “…And you’re already this manipulative?”

What would she be like when she grew up?

“But Mommy, I really do think you’re pretty! You’re the prettiest mommy in my class! Right, Jiejie?” She even dragged Little Crescent Moon into it.

Little Crescent Moon, always supportive, nodded enthusiastically. “Yes! Mommy is the prettiest! All the other kids are so jealous when you pick us up!”

Xu Jinnan felt a surge of pride, a warmth spreading through her, despite knowing it was just flattery.

—

They arrived at the restaurant, and Xu Jinnan, after unbuckling Shen Yujin and taking Little Crescent Moon’s hand, led them inside, choosing a brightly lit booth.

Before Xu Jinnan could even open the menu, Shen Yujin started listing her demands. “Mommy, I want egg tarts, french fries, pizza, and orange juice!”

Xu Jinnan: “?”

Had she memorized the menu beforehand?

“You can each choose two items, and just a small portion. Children shouldn’t eat too much junk food. Little Crescent Moon, what do you want?” she said.

Shen Yujin, her chin resting on her hands, her gaze fixed on the colorful pictures in the menu, swallowed, her brow furrowed in concentration, as if facing a life-altering decision.

“Then… then I want pizza and orange juice!”

Little Crescent Moon looked up. “Mommy, I want egg tarts and french fries.”

Isn’t that exactly what Shen Yujin ordered?

“Little Crescent Moon, choose what you want, not what she wants,” Xu Jinnan said.

Little Crescent Moon’s eyes crinkled into crescent moons. “But that’s what I want! The same as Suisui!”

Xu Jinnan, placing their order on her phone, said, “You’re spoiling her.”

Shen Yujin, her arm linked with Little Crescent Moon’s, her cheek squished against Little Crescent Moon’s arm, her words slightly muffled, said, “Jiejie loves me the most! And I love Jiejie the most!”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

Ten minutes ago, she said she loved me the most.

After placing their order, Xu Jinnan leaned back in her seat, scrolling through her phone. The two girls were chatting, then Shen Yujin suddenly called out, “Mommy!”

Xu Jinnan looked up. “What is it?”

“Will Mommy be angry that you brought us here?” Shen Yujin asked. So, now she was concerned about Xu Jinnan’s well-being, after already ordering everything?

Xu Jinnan put down her phone. “I’ll ask her. What will you do if she’s angry?”

Shen Yujin thought about it, then looked at Little Crescent Moon.

Xu Jinnan, amused, told Little Crescent Moon not to answer yet, then looked at Shen Yujin. “What about you? You’re the one who wanted to come here.”

Shen Yujin, after a moment of serious contemplation, said, “If Mommy isn’t too angry, I’ll… try to help you a little.” Where did she learn that expression, “a little”?

“And if she’s really angry?” Xu Jinnan asked.

Shen Yujin thought about it, then asked, “Mommy, are you afraid of Mommy?”

Xu Jinnan: “…?”

Turning the tables on me now?

“See? Even you’re afraid. Of course I’m afraid too,” Shen Yujin said, her logic impeccable. So, she was on her own then?

“Who said I’m afraid?” Xu Jinnan asked, not wanting to lose face in front of a three-year-old.

Shen Yujin and Little Crescent Moon exchanged a look, then remained silent.

Xu Jinnan: “…What does that mean?”

“Mommy, you just told me to be honest. Why aren’t you being honest?” Shen Yujin asked.

“…” Xu Jinnan decided to explain. “First of all, it’s not ‘fear’; it’s ‘respect.’ So, it’s not dishonest. And secondly, there’s nothing wrong with being afraid of your wife.”

Just then, the waiter arrived with their food, and Shen Yujin’s attention immediately shifted, her earlier concerns forgotten.

Xu Jinnan, amused by her own attempt to reason with a three-year-old, chuckled inwardly.

Her phone vibrated.

Shen Shu: [Why aren’t you home yet?]

Xu Jinnan: [You’re home?] Shen Shu was supposed to be in Lincheng, not returning until tomorrow.

Shen Shu: [Yes, we finished early. Where are you?]

Xu Jinnan paused, then, a sudden premonition, a flicker of anxiety, made her type quickly: [We’re just…] Before she could even finish typing “eating,” Shen Shu initiated a video call.