The afternoon sun blazed fiercely, but it was no bother—Xuanyuan Villa’s water park featured a retractable sunshade canopy.
Vast interconnected pools formed a lotus-shaped shallow lake, with waterslides shaped like coiling dragons winding through artificial rock islands.
Xia Zhuxi wore the swimsuit Shen Jingsong had bought her. The comfortable fabric clung to her skin, accentuating her smooth, flowing lines.
Thanks to her line of work and long-term fitness routine, her body brimmed with vibrant power.
Compared to long-distance running or rock climbing, Xia Zhuxi wasn’t much for underwater activities. But this was a swimsuit party—meant for fun and spectacle, not serious swimming.
Watching the swimsuit show in the pool, Xia Zhuxi reasonably suspected that Chu Yun had suggested the swimsuit party just to ogle the guests at her own wedding with her eyes.
Clutching the sunscreen Shen Jingsong had given her, Xia Zhuxi planned to find a shady spot to soak first. She glanced around and caught the sound of an argument under a parasol.
From afar, she spotted Qi Xuanyan solidly whacking Chu Yun with an inflatable shark.
Xia Zhuxi drew in a sharp breath. She’d heard about Secretary Qi pointing at Chu Yun and cursing her out in a board meeting—that was already shocking enough. She was Shengjing’s top playboy second-gen—who dared to do that? And now she was even laying hands on her…
Everyone present had seen it.
Anyone who’d dealt with Xuanyuan Group knew the chairman and Old Master Chu’s supervisory secretary had a terrible relationship. So witnessing this scene, they just thought how great it must feel to have Old Master Chu’s backing.
Finally, someone was putting Shengjing’s number-one nepo baby in her place. It was downright satisfying.
If Xia Zhuxi hadn’t seen Chu Yun sprawled across Qi Xuanyan’s lap the night before last, she’d have thought the same.
But in reality, who knew how many hair masks they’d done together.
Ahem.
Xia Zhuxi couldn’t help sighing. This world was full of deceptions—a single misstep, and you’d fall right into the trap.
Ding ding ding.
Xia Tian’s Jingjing: You here yet?
Xia Tian’s Jingjing: Big dragon head of the water slide.jpg
Xia Tian’s Jingjing: My swim skirt has a little pine nut on it.jpg
Ding ding ding.
summer: On my way to you.
summer: Don’t climb the dragon head—you’ll fall. Wait for me.
summer: The pine nut is adorable. Why’s there a hamburger on my swim trunks?
Xia Zhuxi glanced at the pattern on her orange swim trunks and broke into a smile.
It was a custom swimsuit design—Shen Jingsong’s doing, on purpose.
The water slide’s dragon head loomed over a round pool, surrounded by flowering trees, giving off a vibe straight out of an immortal hero novel.
Xia Zhuxi waded through the water and spotted Shen Jingsong on tiptoes, reaching for the dragon’s horn. She frowned playfully: someone’s being naughty.
“Jing—”
Xia Zhuxi cut herself off. Across the broad expanse of water, a figure in a black skirt emerged from under the flowering trees. Pale, slender legs dipped into the pool as Pei Ziying held out an ice cream cone toward Shen Jingsong.
Cold water splashed against Xia Zhuxi’s thighs. She stood still for a few seconds, then turned and slipped into the shadow of the water slide, approaching silently.
Over there, Shen Jingsong didn’t take it. The ice cream cone in Pei Ziying’s hand began to melt, a drop of cream falling.
She let it melt and spread.
As the cone melted more and more, Pei Ziying tossed it onto a nearby tree root.
“What did you tell Lu Guanlan?”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Pei Ziying spat coldly, “Shen Jingsong, cut the act.” Her cheek was still a bit swollen. “Seeing me hurt makes you happy, huh?”
Shen Jingsong blinked in surprise. “Boss Lu hit you?!”
Pei Ziying: ?
Shen Jingsong grinned with delight. “Whoa, you must’ve loved that. Getting slapped by the ‘main wife’ you’ve been pining for—totally hits your kink, right?”
Pei Ziying turned her head in silence, then let out a mocking laugh. “You fucking still pretending.” She kicked up a wave, splashing water across Shen Jingsong’s waist and hips. “Tricking my sister into marrying you, using Lu Guanlan to get back at me—I admit you’ve got more game than before.”
Pei Ziying’s teasing gaze roamed over Shen Jingsong’s swimsuit. She nodded with a smile. “Fine, I’ll play along. You’ve been spoiled rotten…” Then she stood and left, vanishing into the grove.
The water in the shadows was a touch colder than the sunlit patches.
Xia Zhuxi stood there for a moment, her calves growing chilly.
Once Shen Jingsong sat down at the pool’s edge and pulled out her phone to send a message, Xia Zhuxi walked over from beneath the slide.
“Catching up on old times?”
Shen Jingsong turned her head, revealing a gentle smile as she extended a hand. “You heard?”
Xia Zhuxi gave it a light squeeze before letting go and sitting beside her.
Shadows of leaves and flowers dappled their bodies.
The water lapped in gentle waves.
Shen Jingsong murmured softly, “She said the same garbage at the Pei family, threatening me to leave.”
Xia Zhuxi gripped the pool edge. “Why didn’t you tell me before?”
Shen Jingsong fell quiet, nodding slightly, the light in her eyes dimming a fraction.
Cicadas buzzed amid the hot breeze, churning with irritation in the muggy heat.
Xia Zhuxi’s fingers tapped a few times on the stone tiles. “Sister Jingsong, you’re doing this to get back at her, aren’t you?” She lowered her head, the ripples in the pool scattering her reflection, her brows furrowed deeply. “And for Aunt Qi, too.”
Ever since learning of Shen Jingsong’s engagement, Qi Peijun’s mental state had improved greatly, and her condition had taken a significant turn for the better.
Shen Jingsong starting a family had been Qi Peijun’s greatest worry, something Xia Zhuxi and Shen Jingsong both knew all too well.
Water droplets trailed slowly down her thigh, slick against her skin before melting into the pool.
Shen Jingsong fluttered her lashes a few times and parted her lips slowly. “Is that what you think?”
Xia Zhuxi nodded firmly. “I proposed the trial marriage. I’ll take responsibility for everything.”
For everything, regardless of the reason or the outcome.
As long as you’re by my side.
Shen Jingsong paused for a moment, then nodded. “Then after we get back, let’s sign a trial marriage contract.”
The water shimmered with ripples.
Cicadas chirped and fell silent again.
Xia Zhuxi said, “Okay.”
Laughter and splashing from the wave pool echoed from the other side.
Xia Zhuxi smiled gently. “Sister Jingsong, want to climb the dragon head?”
Shen Jingsong perked up. “Sure! I’ve been waiting for you.”
Shen Jingsong stepped onto the dragon’s nose and mane, with Xia Zhuxi steadying her as she climbed. Shen Jingsong grabbed the dragon’s horn, kicked off, and slipped on the smooth scales. She twisted and tumbled halfway into Xia Zhuxi’s arms.
Water splashed everywhere.
Shen Jingsong wrapped her arms around Xia Zhuxi’s neck and burst out laughing, droplets cascading down. “I even took rock climbing lessons with you, and I can’t even make it up this?”
Xia Zhuxi gently wiped the water from her face. “It’s different in the water—too slippery.”
Her thumb brushed over Shen Jingsong’s full lips, the plump cupid’s bow forming a rosy heart that tempted Xia Zhuxi endlessly.
Memories of the dressing room flooded back—the candy she’d savored, the heat from Shen Jingsong pressing against her.
The water lapped at their chests.
Shen Jingsong leaned into Xia Zhuxi’s body, her watery eyes shimmering, her pale cleavage taking on a sheen of water that gradually reflected the shadow of the woman before her.
Water droplets clung to Xia Zhuxi’s lashes. With one arm around Shen Jingsong’s nape, she leaned down, drawing slowly closer to those alluring lips.
She shifted slightly, sending tiny waves rippling outward.
Xia Zhuxi’s forehead rested against Shen Jingsong’s, their noses brushing. Her fingers trailed water from Shen Jingsong’s inner elbow up to her fragrant shoulder.
Shen Jingsong exhaled a hot breath, hooked her fingers over Xia Zhuxi’s shoulder blade, and trembled lightly as she closed her eyes, awaiting the warmth of their lips meeting.
“Mommy, I wanna climb the dragon head! Hurry—”
Xia Zhuxi abruptly released Shen Jingsong and turned to see Lulu bobbing in her swim ring, small hands covering her eyes.
“Oopsie! Mommy says kids can’t watch this stuff, or their eyelashes will grow backward.”
Xia Zhuxi wiped the water from her face, her earlobes flushing bright red.
Shen Jingsong pressed her lips together and flicked Xia Zhuxi’s earlobe before swimming over to push Lulu’s ring toward the dragon head.
Shen Jingsong cooed to the child, “Mommy says we can’t watch certain things, and we definitely can’t talk about them, okay?”
Lulu nodded and looked at Xia Zhuxi. “Aunt Xia, are you climbing the dragon head too?”
Shen Jingsong glanced over, blinking playfully. Xia Zhuxi swam up and lifted Lulu by the waist. “Sure, let’s play together.”
Lulu grabbed the dragon’s horn and clambered on, straddling the head with her chubby little white feet kicking wildly.
The little girl’s voice was soft and sticky-sweet. “Auntie, help me ride the big dragon. I’ll tell you a secret.”
Shen Jingsong smiled patiently. “Okay, Lulu, whisper it.”
Lulu leaned in mysteriously. “I just saw Aunt Pei doing the same touchy-touchy thing to Host Auntie.”
?!
The Aunt Pei Lulu meant was Pei Ziying.
And that Host Auntie was…
After the swim-up party ended, Xia Zhuxi was restless.
Shen Jingsong linked arms with her, concern in her voice. “Xiao Xi, what’s wrong?”
Xia Zhuxi forced a smile. “Nothing.”
Her palms were ice-cold.
~~~
The next morning, Xuanyuan Villa would arrange cars to send all the guests home.
It should have been a peaceful wedding night for rest.
In the middle of the night, a phone call jolted Xia Zhuxi and Shen Jingsong awake. Xia Jie’s anxious voice crackled through the receiver. “Yingying’s passed out!”
The two women snapped fully awake, threw on clothes, and rushed to the villa gates.
Pei Jianxun and Xia Jie were already there. Li Han was frantically negotiating with the housekeeper, trying to borrow a car.
Spotting Xia Zhuxi, Xia Jie hurried over and tugged at her. “Your sister’s been unconscious for over an hour. The ambulance can’t get in, and the housekeeper won’t lend a car. You have to do something.”
Xia Zhuxi rubbed her temple. She’d known something like this would happen. That Chu Yun…
Pei Ziying was such a fucking masochist.
Xia Jie clung to Xia Zhuxi, tears streaming down her face. “Xiao Xi, go beg Director Chu. We need to get Ziying to the hospital now.”
Having failed to convince the housekeeper, Li Han turned to Xia Zhuxi too. “We have to get Ziying treatment right away, Xiao Xi. You…”
Shen Jingsong pulled them apart and asked the butler, “May I ask why Pei Ziying fainted? Where was she found, and how long had she been unconscious?”
The butler’s voice remained utterly calm. “In the Lion Garden.”
Everyone fell silent. Xia Jie clapped a hand over her mouth in horror.
The butler continued, “A little after one in the morning, during a security patrol. They found Miss Pei already unconscious in the Lion Garden. But rest assured, the lions were hand-raised by the Chairman and are securely enclosed by iron netting. Miss Pei wasn’t injured—it was just extreme fright.”
Xia Zhuxi slipped away from Xia Jie’s sobs and Li Han’s urgings. She turned her back to them all and made a long phone call in the darkness.
Shen Jingsong watched her silently from nearby, hands clasped together as she paced anxiously back and forth.
Once the call ended, the butler finally brought around a car. The Pei family hurriedly bundled their precious daughter off to the hospital.
Shen Jingsong grabbed Xia Zhuxi’s hand. “Where are you going?”
The smile at the corner of Xia Zhuxi’s mouth looked weary. “I’m going to apologize to the Boss. It’s fine, Sister Jingsong. You head back to the room and rest first.”
Shen Jingsong pulled her into a hug. “We’ll go together.”
~~~
The vast room lay shrouded in darkness on all sides, save for the magnetic levitation lamp glowing on the desk.
It was like an imperial star igniting the silent cosmos.
Chu Yun lounged sideways in the leather armchair, one leg crossed over the other. Her silk shirt hung open, and her loosened tie dangled crookedly to one side.
She toyed with a lighter, the flame flickering to life and dying in her palm.
Her phoenix eyes lifted. She looked at Xia Zhuxi and Shen Jingsong, and smiled.
“No big deal,” Chu Yun said.
She expressed her concern for Pei Ziying and promised to reprimand the butler later, while also tightening management of the Lion Garden.
Chu Yun patted Xia Zhuxi’s arm. “Wedding night, and you’re dragging your wife all over the place outside? Naughty girl. Go on back and rest. I’ll see you off in the morning.”
Xia Zhuxi’s heart, which had been in her throat, finally settled. “Thank you, Boss.”
Crisis averted.
Without Chu Yun’s direct orders, who in the manor would dare let anyone into the Lion Garden? Who would refuse to lend a car to a guest?
In truth, Pei Ziying had provoked Secretary Qi and touched Chu Yun’s reverse scale. Fortunately, Chu Yun had let it slide for Xia Zhuxi’s sake…
Just thinking about Pei Ziying gave Xia Zhuxi a headache. Secretary Qi—how had Pei Ziying dared? Did she truly believe Chu Yun and Qi Xuanyan were sworn enemies?
And hadn’t Pei Ziying set her sights on Li Han? Why was she still out there stirring up trouble? Why even get engaged in the first place?
Whatever. No time to worry about her right now. First things first—get Shen Jingsong back to the room to rest.
This time, she was done meddling in this so-called “family.”
Her phone rang, the shrill tone cutting through the oppressive silence of the dark room like a knife.
Xia Zhuxi glanced apologetically ahead. Chu Yun nodded with a smile. “Go ahead and answer it.”
Xia Zhuxi swiped to accept. It was Pei Jianxun.
The man’s furious tirade exploded like thunder. “Do you want your sister dead? Xia Zhuxi, how can your heart be so vicious?!”
Xia Zhuxi gripped the phone, turning to stone.
What?
Chu Yun propped her elbows on the armrests and arched a brow slightly. A complex glint flickered in her eyes.
Xia Zhuxi lowered her voice. “What’s happened to Pei Ziying? I already arranged the car to take her to the hospital. Right now—”
Xia Jie snatched the phone away. “Xia Zhuxi! If I’d known you’d harm your sister like this, I should’ve let that car mow me down back then—I never would’ve given birth to you!”
The shrill curses pierced her eardrums. Xia Zhuxi’s mind reeled, her vision going black. “…Mom?”
Suddenly, her hand felt empty.
The person beside her had taken the phone.
“Hello. This is Shen Jingsong.”
Shen Jingsong’s voice was frigid, like an avalanche thundering down the Himalayas. “From now on, Xia Zhuxi belongs to me alone. I won’t allow anyone to disturb my family.”
“Consider yourselves dead.”
