Captivating Beauty 79p1

Chapter 79 p1

On her way back to the office, Xu Jinnan called Shen Shu, but she didn’t answer.

She decided not to call again, figuring she would wait for her at the office.

The drive from the hospital was only about twenty minutes.

Autumn had finally arrived, the trees lining the road shedding their leaves, a vibrant contrast to the neatly trimmed evergreen shrubs below.

The sky was clear and blue, a surprisingly beautiful day.

Xu Jinnan had taken off her jacket, revealing a crisp white shirt and a black camisole underneath. The temperature was perfect.

The cloudless sky stretched endlessly, a vast expanse of blue, like an ocean overhead.

Her mind made up, her mood lighter than it had been in days, she parked her car and took the elevator upstairs.

Learning that Shen Shu hadn’t arrived yet, her patience began to wear thin, a restless anticipation, like a child eager to share a secret treasure.

Even during her lunchtime meeting, her mind wandered, and she was relieved when the hour-long meeting finally ended.

It was 11:30 a.m., lunchtime.

Another urgent call from a client forced her to ask Viola to check if Shen Shu had arrived.

“CEO Xu, Miss Shen isn’t here yet. Miss Tong said she’s on her way,” Viola reported.

Xu Jinnan hung up, relaxing slightly, then noticed Viola’s hesitant expression.

“I saw something about Miss Shen on Weibo,” Viola said.

Xu Jinnan’s first thought was that Shen Shu was being targeted by trolls again. “What is it?” she asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she opened Weibo on her phone.

She had been busy with work lately, neglecting social media, barely having time to check in to the super topic.

She had Viola monitoring Shen Shu’s online presence, keeping her informed of any developments.

Judging by Viola’s expression, it wasn’t good news.

“It’s not exactly trending, and it’s not necessarily a bad thing, but someone posted a photo of Miss Shen visiting a therapist, and her fans are asking about it on Sacred Heart’s official Weibo account,” Viola explained.

The words “therapist” and “mental health clinic” made Xu Jinnan’s blood run cold, her back stiffening, as if she was experiencing a phantom rut.

She searched for Shen Shu’s name on Weibo, and the first related search that popped up was “Shen Shu therapy.”

Her ears rang, and she clicked on it, her brow furrowed.

Just Now: A netizen just spotted Shen Shu at a well-known mental health clinic.

And below that:

Entertainment News: #ShenShu A netizen claims to have seen the Qipao Beauty, Shen Shu, outside a mental health clinic. [photo]

Xu Jinnan didn’t even have to open the photo; she recognized Shen Shu’s slender figure in the beige trench coat, her back to the camera.

She quickly scanned the comments, her heart sinking with each one.

I think I saw her there a few months ago, but I thought I was mistaken… Sigh.

Someone posted about this before, didn’t they? A lot of celebrities seem to have mental health issues.

Depression?

Viola, her expression grim, stood silently by Xu Jinnan’s desk.

Knowing it was best to leave, she quietly left the office.

As she stepped out, as if drawn by an invisible force, she glanced down the hallway and saw Tong Jia waving at her from a distance.

She hesitated, then walked towards her, Tong Jia approaching as well.

“Did CEO Xu say anything?” Tong Jia asked.

Viola looked at her, not replying immediately. Tong Jia tilted her head slightly. “This isn’t gossiping about my boss. It’s called being a concerned friend,” she said.

Viola smiled faintly. “CEO Xu and I aren’t friends. We have a professional relationship.”

“It’s not about CEO Xu. I just called Shu Shu, and she seemed upset. I want to know how CEO Xu is reacting,” Tong Jia explained.

Despite the pleasant weather, the autumn breeze drifting in through the open window in the hallway felt cold, yet Tong Jia’s cheeks were flushed.

Viola looked at her, her gaze lingering on her dark eyes.

“Why do you need to know?” she asked, puzzled.

“CEO Xu’s reaction will determine whether I offer comfort or join Shu Shu in cursing her out,” Tong Jia replied.

Viola: “…”

She remembered a saying she had seen online – Omegas always support other Omegas.

Tong Jia waited for a few seconds, then sighed. “Forget it. I won’t put you in a difficult position.”

“I only know that CEO Xu isn’t in a good mood either,” Viola said.

Tong Jia stopped. “Oh, I see,” she said, turning back.

So, they really had had a fight. Xu Jinnan hadn’t even known about Shen Shu’s morning off, so she probably didn’t know about the therapy appointment either.

Viola, looking at Tong Jia’s worried expression, said gently, “Miss Tong, sometimes, it’s difficult for us outsiders to understand… marital issues.” It was a subtle suggestion to let them handle it themselves.

She rarely offered unsolicited advice, but seeing Tong Jia’s concern, she couldn’t help herself.

Tong Jia nodded. “I’m not trying to interfere in their relationship. I’m just worried about Shu Shu. I don’t want her to be upset.” Shen Shu’s recent comments and behavior had hinted at some underlying tension.

And while she didn’t think Xu Jinnan was the cold and unfeeling type, she was worried Shen Shu was being neglected.

She wanted to check on Xu Jinnan’s side of the story, then, if things seemed okay, offer some subtle advice – You’ve been a little distant with Shu Shu lately, CEO Xu. You should make more of an effort.

A lack of intimacy in a relationship was bound to cause problems.

She had actually hinted at this yesterday, but Xu Jinnan had missed the point entirely, focusing on the fact that Shen Shu, a perfect goddess, was actually insecure enough to ask for advice on how to… seduce her, even trying out some of Tong Jia’s suggestions.

Such blatant dissatisfaction should have been obvious, even to someone as oblivious as Xu Jinnan.

But apparently not.

Even geniuses have their blind spots.

Viola, seeing Tong Jia’s thoughtful expression, assumed she was pondering something deeper, especially after her comment about Shen Shu.

She was reminded of the parking garage incident.

She hadn’t interacted much with Tong Jia, not even exchanging WeChat contacts, but she had noticed a change in her demeanor since then, a subtle shift.

Thinking about it, her expression softened. “You’re doing a great job,” she said softly.

Tong Jia paused, looking up at Viola, her usual cheerful facade fading, her gaze meeting Viola’s.

“Really?” she asked, her voice quiet and sincere, a rare moment of vulnerability.

Viola nodded.

—

Twenty minutes later, Shen Shu returned to the studio. Tong Jia had told her about the Weibo post on their way back, and she had posted a brief response.

Just visiting a doctor friend. Sorry for the concern.

As she was getting her hair done, Tong Jia showed her the comments.

So glad you’re okay, Shu Shu!

Hugs for my wife!

Shu Bao, so relieved you’re alright! Love you!!!

The comments were mostly positive, with a few trolls, quickly dealt with by her fan club, according to Tong Jia.

After hair and makeup, and a quick change of clothes, she reviewed her scenes for the day, mostly with the female lead, her own five scenes scattered throughout the day, with breaks of fifteen to thirty minutes between each one.

After her first scene, Tong Jia finally had a chance to talk to her privately. They went to the pantry, which was empty.

“I really was just visiting a friend. Don’t worry,” Shen Shu said.

Tong Jia sighed in relief. “You have to tell me if anything’s bothering you. I’m your friend, and your agent.”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t expect anyone to take a photo,” Shen Shu said.

That therapist had helped her through a difficult time, but she hadn’t seen her much in the past two years, especially since getting married. Yesterday, she had seen the therapist’s post about her pregnancy and had liked it, and the therapist had messaged her, suggesting a check-up.

She had been free that morning and hadn’t wanted to stay home, so she had gone.

“There’s no need to apologize. I just want you to tell me if you’re having any problems, not report your every move,” Tong Jia said. Shen Shu’s situation was different from other celebrities; with Xu Jinnan’s protection, the studio rarely had to intervene.

After all, Xu Jinnan had her own team for handling online PR.

With Xu Jinnan as her shield, Shen Shu had far more freedom than most celebrities.

Of course, she hadn’t told Shen Shu this. Xu Jinnan had said it was best to keep it a secret, so Shen Shu wouldn’t feel constrained or self-conscious.

“I understand,” Shen Shu replied.

Tong Jia, having heard about Shen Shu’s therapy sessions from Cai Ying, knew it was related to the stalker incident.

She had been worried, especially since Shen Shu hadn’t said much on the phone, and with the tension between her and Xu Jinnan, her concern had only intensified.

“I was so worried when I saw that post online. I thought…”

“You thought I was afraid of Alphas?” Shen Shu finished for her, a faint smile playing on her lips.

—

Outside the pantry, Xu Jinnan paused.

“Yeah,” Tong Jia said, filling her own water bottle, then reaching for Shen Shu’s, which Shen Shu took from her.

“I’ll do it.”

Tong Jia shrugged. “By the way, CEO Xu had Viola check on you a few times this afternoon. Are you two okay?”

“We’re fine,” Shen Shu replied, filling her water bottle.

She hadn’t replied to any of Xu Jinnan’s messages or calls today. The last message had been three hours ago.

Xu Jinnan was probably annoyed by now.

No one could be expected to constantly chase after someone.

And someone like Xu Jinnan, with so many admirers, would likely find Shen Shu’s coldness irritating.

Lost in thought, she instinctively reached for the hot water dispenser, then quickly pulled her hand away with a hiss, the heat stinging her skin.

“Quick, run it under cold water!” Tong Jia exclaimed, grabbing her hand and pulling her towards the sink.

A figure hurried in, glanced at them, then quickly left, returning a moment later with a bag of ice, which she wrapped in a cloth and pressed against Shen Shu’s burned fingers, taking the hand from Tong Jia.

The swift, decisive action stunned both Tong Jia and Shen Shu.

The cloth, soaked and almost translucent, was Xu Jinnan’s white shirt. She stood beside Shen Shu, now only wearing a black camisole, the dark fabric a stark contrast against her pale skin.

Her figure, slender and curvy, was accentuated by the camisole, her neck and collarbone exposed, her light brown hair pulled back in a ponytail.

Tong Jia, averting her gaze, quickly said, “I’ll go get some ointment.”

“Ask Viola,” Xu Jinnan said, her voice tight, her brow furrowed as she looked down at Shen Shu’s hand. “How can you be so careless?”

“Are you talking to me?” Shen Shu asked, her voice calm, but with a hint of challenge.

“…” Xu Jinnan, afraid the ice was too cold, loosened her grip slightly. “No, I’m just… worried.”

Shen Shu paused. “What did you say?”

“Worried,” Xu Jinnan repeated softly, meeting her gaze.

Shen Shu hadn’t felt much pain initially, but now, a burning sensation spread through her fingertip. She didn’t reply, simply watching as Xu Jinnan held the ice pack against her hand.

The wet shirt, now almost transparent, clung to the ice, the coldness soothing.

Shen Shu glanced at Xu Jinnan, her heart skipping a beat at the sight of her, her body slightly bent, her movements gentle and careful.

“Why do you even care?” she asked, pulling her hand away, a hint of defiance in her voice.

But Xu Jinnan, seeing through her act, gently took her hand again, her grip firm.

“Don’t move. You need to ice it for a while longer,” she said, her voice soft yet firm. Even on a good day, the water was still hot.

Shen Shu glanced at Xu Jinnan’s pale wrist. “Go put on a shirt,” she said.

“Why shouldn’t I care?” Xu Jinnan asked, as if she hadn’t heard, continuing their earlier conversation. “You’re my wife. Of course I care.”

Shen Shu’s earlier resolve, her carefully constructed anger, crumbled under the warmth of Xu Jinnan’s voice, her heart softening.

Have some self-respect, she told herself. “I’m not. We’re…” she began, but the words “in a contract marriage” died in her throat as they heard footsteps approaching.

A crew member entered the pantry, her eyes widening as she saw Xu Jinnan, not Shen Shu, standing there in a black camisole and tight jeans, her figure undeniably alluring, her curves accentuated by the tight clothing.

Shen Shu glanced at Xu Jinnan, whose usually cool and composed expression was now replaced by a subtle frown, a hint of possessiveness in her eyes.

The crew member quickly averted her gaze, filled her water bottle, and left.

Xu Jinnan, her attention focused on Shen Shu’s hand, hadn’t noticed the other woman’s reaction. The faint sounds of activity from outside filtered into the pantry, a reminder that this wasn’t the time or place for a private conversation.

As soon as the crew member left, Xu Jinnan leaned closer to Shen Shu’s ear. “Shu Shu, let’s talk in my office,” she whispered, her warm breath on Shen Shu’s ear, making her shiver and instinctively lean away.

But only slightly.

“I have to film soon,” Shen Shu replied, her voice still calm.

She glanced at Xu Jinnan’s pale arms, covered in goosebumps from the cold, then said softly, “You should go back.”

Xu Jinnan, hearing the coldness in her voice, assuming she was still angry, but also sensing a lack of genuine annoyance, leaned in closer and gently kissed Shen Shu’s ear.

“What time are you done tonight?” she asked, the intimacy a rare occurrence lately.

The warmth of her lips, the soft brush of her breath against her ear, made Shen Shu’s breath hitch.

How can she be so distracting, even while holding an ice pack? she wondered, looking at Xu Jinnan’s hand, which kept adjusting its position slightly.

“I don’t know,” she replied after a moment, her voice flat.

Xu Jinnan, undeterred, said, “Then I’ll wait for you, wifey,” testing the endearment.

It was the first time she had used it in private.

She wasn’t usually shy, often bolder than Shen Shu, but saying the word aloud made her ears feel warm.

Shen Shu’s earlobes flushed crimson, as if touched by a flame, and she glanced at Xu Jinnan.

“Xu Jinnan.”

“Yes?”

Shen Shu paused. “…Are you insane?”

Xu Jinnan: “…”

She looked at Shen Shu’s profile, her gaze lingering on her flushed earlobe. Despite her blush, Shen Shu’s voice was still cool and distant, and Xu Jinnan wasn’t sure if she was still angry.

“Shu Shu, don’t be mad at me,” she murmured.

Don’t be so easily swayed, Shen Shu told herself. She’s just being nice to you because you’re upset. What if it’s just an act, like before, not genuine remorse?

The thought hardened her resolve.

She took the ice pack from Xu Jinnan’s hand. “I’ll do it myself,” she said, her fingers, cold from the ice, brushing against Xu Jinnan’s, the contact devoid of warmth.

Just then, Tong Jia entered with the ointment.

—

Thanks to their quick action, Shen Shu’s burn wasn’t serious.

Her fingers were still slightly red and tender, the coldness of the ice replaced by a tingling sensation, like a mild burn.

After applying the ointment, she went back to filming.

Just before they started, she called out to Tong Jia. “Jia Jia, can you get me something?”

“What is it?”

—