After Becoming the Mother of the Scumbag Stand-In Female Lead - Chapter 19

Si Mu nodded, glancing at Sheng Yunjin without speaking.

The fingerprint lock emitted a crisp vibration, and the door swung open.

Her hand resting on the doorknob, Si Mu hesitated for a moment before turning slightly to ask, “Would you like to come in for a bit?”

It was already close to midnight—far too late, especially since Si Mu had work the next day.

Reason told her she should simply bid Sheng Yunjin goodnight, go home, shower, do her skincare routine, and head straight to bed. Yet, against her better judgment, she still extended the invitation.

Sheng Yunjin’s eyes brightened instantly, and she was about to accept when another thought crossed her mind.

“No, it’s already so late. You should get some rest.”

With a mix of curiosity and reluctance, she stole a glance inside before waving goodbye.

Meeting the radiant smile on Sheng Yunjin’s lips, Si Mu nodded. “Mm, goodnight.”

…

Back downstairs in her own apartment, Sheng Yunjin tossed her coat onto the sofa and shuffled into the study in her slippers.

While working on her computer, she dialed a contact from her phone.

Since she had promised to help Si Mu secure a partnership, she decided to get it done that very night.

Fortunately, it was still daytime overseas. After pulling an all-nighter and holding video conferences with several international company representatives, she finally arranged for them to send delegates to JM for detailed discussions in a few days. Only then did she close her laptop and stretch with a yawn.

The sky outside the window was already tinged with dawn. Exhausted, she rubbed her neck and headed to the bedroom.

After a quick shower, she collapsed into bed, her eyes heavy with sleep, and drifted off instantly.

…

When she woke again, it was already afternoon. Lazily grabbing her phone from the nightstand, she checked the time.

3:00 PM.

The room remained dim with the curtains drawn. Sheng Yunjin fumbled for the remote and opened them, letting bright daylight flood the space.

Leaning back against the headboard, she glanced out the window before sending Si Mu a message.

Si Mu was likely still busy, as Sheng Yunjin didn’t receive an immediate reply.

Taking her phone to the bathroom, Sheng Yunjin idly played a mobile game while soaking in the tub.

Buzz, buzz, buzz…

A voice call notification suddenly popped up on the screen—Si Mu was calling.

Delighted, she tapped to answer and held the phone to her ear.

“Sorry, I was in a meeting earlier and didn’t have my phone with me.”

Si Mu’s clear, gentle voice came through the receiver, apologizing for the delayed response.

Sheng Yunjin’s lips curled instinctively. “No worries. Are you free now?”

Signing documents without missing a beat, Si Mu replied calmly, “Mm, I am. Did you need something?”

The secretary standing nearby with a stack of files glanced at her briefly before pretending not to hear and looking away.

Absently swirling the water with her free hand, Sheng Yunjin stared at the clusters of bubbles in front of her. “Would you like to have dinner together tonight? I wanted to discuss the partnership with you.”

Her pen paused mid-stroke as Si Mu smiled faintly. “Sure. What cuisine do you prefer? I’ll book a restaurant in advance.”

After a moment’s contemplation, Sheng Yunjin tentatively asked, “Do you like home-cooked meals? I could make some for you at home.”

Si Mu, who was gesturing for her secretary to take away some documents, paused in surprise. She asked curiously, “You know how to cook?”

With a proud lift of her eyebrows, Sheng Yunjin’s entire expression radiated confidence. “Of course! My cooking skills are quite impressive—comparable to a three-star hotel chef.”

A soft chuckle came through the phone as Si Mu walked toward the floor-to-ceiling window. “I would have thought you’d say five-star,” she teased.

Rubbing the tip of her nose modestly, Sheng Yunjin replied, “I’m not the type to overestimate myself.”

An unconscious fondness flickered in Si Mu’s eyes as she checked her watch with a silent laugh, deciding to leave work early that day. “What dishes are you planning to make? Tell me what ingredients we need, and I’ll stop by the supermarket on my way home.”

The bath had steeped long enough. Sheng Yunjin set her phone on speaker and wrapped a towel around herself as she stood up. After some thought, she answered, “No need. You must be tired after a full day at work. I can just place an online order.”

The crisp, melodious voice was accompanied by some odd rustling sounds. Si Mu glanced at her phone and asked hesitantly, “What… are you doing?”

Tying her robe without thinking, Sheng Yunjin replied, “Getting dressed.”

Si Mu’s expression froze, and her ears inexplicably tinged pink. “Did you just wake up?”

“Mmm, pretty much. I stayed up late last night, so I just got up and took a bath.”

At a momentary loss for words, Si Mu awkwardly changed the subject. “I should be home by six. Should I come straight to your place?”

With a face mask on, Sheng Yunjin’s eyes crinkled into crescents. “Sounds perfect. I’ll be waiting.”