Transmigrated as a Scum Alpha Cannon Fodder, Sweetly Pampering the Heroine - Chapter 34

Clearly, the story of City of Thorns was only halfway told. Xu Jinman asked, “And then what happened?”

 

Shen Shu withdrew her gaze from Xu Jinman’s eyes and replied, “You can read the rest yourself later.”

 

“Oh.”

 

Xu Jinman pressed her hands behind her head, gently closing her eyes. Shen Shu’s clear voice rang in her ears: “I have a question for you. Ren Xiaoqi asked for your WeChat. Should I give it to her?”

 

Xu Jinman turned her head. “Who’s Ren Xiaoqi?”

 

Shen Shu explained, “She was at the restaurant gathering last time. You had drinks with her. She said she enjoyed talking to you and wanted to get to know you better.”

 

Xu Jinman paused for two seconds, recalling the person. Her memory was actually quite good, but she tended to forget people or things that didn’t interest her.

 

The refusal was already on her lips, but Xu Jinman’s thoughts shifted. “What did you tell her?”

 

“I said I’d give her your WeChat contact.” Whether Xu Jinman accepted the request was up to her.

 

Shen Shu paused, then added, “Do you want me to?”

 

Xu Jinman: “…How generous of you.”

 

Shen Shu glanced sideways at her.

 

Xu Jinman’s gaze lingered, their eyes meeting. For a fleeting moment, time seemed to pause, or perhaps it didn’t.

 

Shen Shu was the first to break the connection. “If you don’t want it, I’ll reply for you,” she said.

 

“From now on, reply to all such messages,” Xu Jinman instructed.

 

She reminded Shen Shu that their marriage couldn’t remain a secret forever. Once Shen Shu gained fame, coupled with Xu Jinman’s own history of avoiding a low profile, there might be a public uproar online.

 

This advice had come from Tong Jia, and Xu Jinman found it quite reasonable.

 

To her surprise, Shen Shu closed her book and asked, “I’m hiding it?”

 

A hint of accusation tinged her tone, subtle yet unnerving.

 

Xu Jinman, who had been speaking calmly, lowered her voice. “I meant, when Xia Chun asked if we were friends that day, you didn’t say anything.”

 

She naturally assumed Shen Shu didn’t want their marital status known publicly for the time being.

 

“You didn’t say anything either,” Shen Shu countered.

 

At the time, Shen Shu had hesitated, unsure if Xu Jinman wanted her to acknowledge their relationship. She had deliberately waited two seconds. Later, when Xia Chun invited them to eat together, Xu Jinman remained silent.

 

Xu Jinman: “……”

 

Xu Jinman chuckled. “They were all from your film crew. Why would I be afraid to acknowledge our relationship?”

 

Shen Shu choked on her words.

 

Back then, they hadn’t known each other well enough. How could she have known what Xu Jinman was thinking?

 

Similarly, Xu Jinman had no idea what Shen Shu was thinking.

 

Shen Shu said, “Never mind.” Arguing with her felt like arguing with a child—what was the point of winning?

 

Her tone carried no anger or emotional fluctuation, even sounding softer than before. She simply wanted to end the conversation.

 

But Xu Jinman grew sensitive. When a woman says “never mind,” it usually means she’s still bothered.

 

What’s the point of winning the argument if it can’t fix anything?

 

Xu Jinman watched Shen Shu place her book on the bedside table, clearly abandoning her reading and unwilling to continue discussing the earlier incident.

 

“Maybe I didn’t understand what you meant,” Xu Jinman said. “Anyway, as long as you know, I don’t mind what you say or do. I’ll even let you decide about the wedding. Whatever makes you happy.”

 

Shen Shu’s fingers twitched slightly on the blanket. Xu Jinman’s sincerity was palpable, especially the final “As long as you’re happy,” a phrase Shen Shu had heard countless times.

 

Shen Shu briefly retreated into her thoughts, recalling Xu Jinman’s earnest first sentence. The absurdity of it made her want to laugh.

 

The amusement bubbled up from within, little by little. Shen Shu realized she genuinely didn’t dislike Xu Jinman anymore.

 

This woman can be quite interesting sometimes.

 

“I don’t mind either,” Shen Shu said softly, sliding deeper under the blanket. She turned her back to Xu Jinman and added, “Remember to turn off the light when you go to sleep.”

 

Shen Shu pulled the blanket up to her chest, inhaling the faint, sun-dried scent—a comforting, clean fragrance.

 

Xu Jinman watched her slender back, a faint smile tugging at her lips.

 

She sat up slightly and reached for the book Shen Shu had left on the table, reading the title.

 

Xu Jinman glanced at Shen Shu. It wasn’t City of Thorns at all.

 

The cover read Tipping the Velvet.

 

The original English edition.

 

So Shen Shu was subtly mocking her? But what exactly was she implying?

 

Xu Jinman lay down and casually flipped through a couple of pages, initially out of curiosity, but she soon found herself absorbed in the story.

 

Xu Jinman’s taste in books was eclectic yet discerning. She didn’t object to scenes involving sexual encounters in novels; desire, whether physical or emotional, was a fundamental part of human nature—an instinct and a need.

 

She herself experienced such desires, her body responding to certain explicit passages.

 

Like now.

 

Books sometimes evoked twice the sensory impact of audio, thanks to the ample space they left for imagination.

 

I felt her hand on my most intimate place, her breath warm against my ear. “Do you like this?” she whispered. “Shall I go inside?” The question was so gentle, so brave, I almost cried…

 

A sudden prickling sensation shot through Xu Jinman’s glands.

 

She set the book down and touched the tingling, numb skin. After sleeping under the bed for the past two days without any reaction, this sudden sensation made her slightly wary.

 

Fortunately, the reaction wasn’t severe and faded quickly.

 

About twenty minutes later, hearing a faint rustling from the bed, Xu Jinman got up and turned off the light.

 

As she touched her gland, Xu Jinman couldn’t help but wonder: When Shen Shu saw these scenes, would she think the same things as her?

 

Perhaps not.

 

The aloof goddess of abstinence—how could she possibly entertain such thoughts?

 

The next morning, Shen Shu woke up earlier than Xu Jinman. She boiled three eggs, warmed milk, and prepared three slices of bread with blueberry jam.

 

A simple yet surprisingly complex combination.

 

Cai Ying, eyeing the nutritious breakfast on the table, called out to Xu Jinman as she emerged from her room, “Xu Jinman, your wife’s best friend is begging you—please make me something edible for breakfast!”

 

Since returning to China, after tasting Beicheng’s youtiao, wontons, tofu soup, and steamed buns, she rarely ate milk and bread anymore.

 

“What do you mean ‘inedible’?” Shen Shu asked, sitting down across from Cai Ying with a gentle smile.

 

Cai Ying immediately wilted under that smile, grinning sheepishly. “Edible! I can eat it! Shu Shu’s breakfast is delicious!”

 

She took a bite of the bread.

 

Xu Jinman sat down beside Shen Shu. “You fold fast, huh?”

 

Cai Ying glared at Xu Jinman, who merely raised an eyebrow indifferently and took a sip of her milk. “Delicious. The temperature is perfect.”

 

Cai Ying wished she could bite into the bread as if it were Xu Jinman.

 

“Alright, hurry up and eat,” Shen Shu said, sliding the blueberry jam toward Xu Jinman. Turning to Cai Ying, she added, “I spoke with your father, and he agreed to get you a tutor who isn’t so… ordinary-looking.”

 

Before Cai Ying could get excited, Shen Shu continued, “But you have to pass your English exam first.”

 

Cai Ying: “……”

 

That’s it. I’m doomed. She hadn’t absorbed a thing, just as Xu Jinman had predicted. She couldn’t even pass the basics.

 

Cai Ying cast a pleading look at Xu Jinman.

 

Xu Jinman wasn’t particularly fond of blueberry jam, but she opened the jar, scooped out a tiny bit, and spread it on her bread. “You still have half a month. Better start cramming.”

 

Cai Ying: “I just can’t focus with that tutor… Hey, Man-jie.”

 

A chill ran down Xu Jinman’s spine. “What?”

 

Cai Ying: “You’re more than qualified to tutor me. I’d rather study with you than that tutor.”

 

“You’d rather study with me?” Xu Jinman asked, wiping her mouth.

 

“Give up,” she said calmly.

 

Cai Ying was speechless.

 

Shen Shu listened to their back-and-forth banter, which sounded like a stand-up comedy routine. The lively exchange helped dispel some of the gloom from the overcast weather outside.

 

Cai Ying had received a call from her father early that morning, and the car to pick her up was already waiting downstairs.

 

After Cai Ying left, Xu Jinman murmured, “It’s my mom’s birthday today. I need to go back to the Xu Family.”

 

“Mm-hmm.”

 

Xu Jinman hesitated. “I want to get her a gift. Do you have any suggestions?”

 

She wasn’t good at pleasing elders, and her past gifts had always missed the mark. Perhaps subconsciously, she felt that Lu Yun might have suffered similar injustices as her original self, and she wanted to treat her better within her means.

 

She had pondered this gift for a long time last night, but Lu Yun seemed to lack nothing.

 

Seeing her troubled expression, Shen Shu paused before saying, “When are you planning to go shopping?”

 

“This afternoon,” Xu Jinman replied. She had a morning meeting with her company and the Song Family matter to attend to.

 

“I’m free this afternoon. I can come with you.”

 

Xu Jinman was slightly surprised, then a faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “Then I’ll come pick you up after I’m done?”

 

Shen Shu nodded in agreement.

 

But the word “come back” sent a subtle tremor through her nerves.

 

Sometimes she wondered if Xu Jinman used these words casually, or if she knew their weight and chose them deliberately.

 

They descended the stairs together. Shen Shu was headed to the supermarket, while Xu Jinman was going to the office.

 

At the curb, Xu Jinman turned to Shen Shu. “Want a ride?”

 

Shen Shu glanced at the supermarket just ahead. “No need, it’s right there.”

 

“Oh, I haven’t been to this supermarket before,” Xu Jinman explained.

 

Shen Shu nodded. “Then I’ll head over now.”

 

As Xu Jinman got into her car, she noticed Shen Shu bend down to brush off her jeans. The white crop top, ending at her waist, left a sliver of creamy skin exposed between the fabric and her jeans as she bent over.

 

Without lingering, Xu Jinman got into the car.

 

“Miss, Song Ronghui called me this morning,” Zhou Pei said.

 

“What did she want?”

 

“She asked when you’d be at the office today, saying your phone was off,” Zhou Pei replied. “I told her you wouldn’t be in today. I was worried she might try to find Miss Shen here.”

 

Xu Jinman paused, Zhou Pei’s words serving as a reminder.

 

She turned her phone back on and saw several messages, most of them from Song Ronghui.

 

Song Ronghui: Man, is there some misunderstanding between our families?

 

Song Ronghui: If you see this, please ask around for me. Our warehouse was targeted by the Xu Family’s former financial manager.

 

Song Ronghui: Xu Jinman, did you do this?

 

These messages were sent before 1 a.m., when Song Ronghui was still relatively calm.

 

The later messages clearly showed her agitation:

 

Song Ronghui: Why would you do this? Xu Jinman, after all these years of friendship, you treat me like this?

 

Song Ronghui: Is it you?! What’s with the phone being off?

 

Song Ronghui: Just tell me what you want! What is this supposed to mean? What did I ever do to you? At least let me die knowing why! Did you do this?!

 

As Xu Jinman had predicted, even if Song Ronghui knew she was the Song Family’s rival, she wouldn’t immediately admit to orchestrating the dirty deeds at the banquet.

 

After all, she still lacked concrete evidence.

 

The time wasn’t right yet. This was just the beginning.

 

Xu Jinman said, “Call her back and tell her it’s my mom’s birthday today, so I’m back at the Xu Family and not seeing anyone.” This way, Song Ronghui won’t try to find Shen Shu.

 

Zhou Pei replied, “Understood.”

 

Even Old Master Song wouldn’t dare approach the Xu Family to ask questions, let alone Song Ronghui.

 

Moreover, this explanation would ease Song Ronghui’s suspicions. Every year on Lu Yun’s birthday, the original Xu Jinman would return home and refuse to see anyone, even turning off her phone in advance.

 

In the original narrative, this detail was likely meant to showcase the original Xu Jinman’s love and devotion to her mother. However, when Xu Jinman read this passage, something felt off.

 

It seemed like the return on investment was being delayed by a business partner.

 

By the time Xu Jinman and Shen Shu arrived at the mall, it was nearly two o’clock. Having skipped lunch due to a meeting, Xu Jinman immediately took Shen Shu to buy a burger.

 

“It’s so late already,” Shen Shu remarked, eyeing the burger on her plate.

 

“I was stuck in a meeting and didn’t want you to wait too long,” Xu Jinman explained, handing her an ice cream cone. “I got you an ice cream.”

 

The overcast weather had cast a heavy, oppressive gloom over Beicheng, making it the perfect day for ice cream sales.

 

Shen Shu held the ice cream cone and took small, delicate bites, letting the tip melt on her tongue.

 

Xu Jinman swallowed her burger, her tongue twitching slightly. “Good?” she asked casually.

 

“It’s fine,” Shen Shu replied.

 

Xu Jinman wiped her mouth, took a sip of cola, and leaned back. “Vanilla flavor,” she said.

 

Shen Shu paused, not looking at her, and turned to gaze out the window. Xu Jinman can be so inappropriate sometimes, she thought.

 

Whether it was her imagination or not, Xu Jinman thought Shen Shu’s ears seemed a shade pinker than before.

 

It wasn’t until they were almost finished eating that Xu Jinman realized what she’d said could easily be misinterpreted. She’d essentially implied that Shen Shu’s pheromones were delicious.

 

In an ABO world, saying an Omega’s pheromones were “delicious” was like saying sleeping with them was incredibly satisfying—a blatant sexual innuendo. And a rather forward one at that.

 

Xu Jinman touched her forehead. I didn’t mean it like that at all.

 

Shen Shu still had about half her cone left. As she stood up, the napkin tucked behind her tail slipped, leaving a beige streak across her white T-shirt.

 

Both froze for a moment. Xu Jinman laughed first and handed her another napkin.

 

Shen Shu reluctantly wiped herself clean, but both her shirt and jeans were noticeably damp, especially the pants, which clung to her thighs.

 

“Looks like I’ll have to buy you a new pair first,” Xu Jinman said.

 

“…”

 

Shen Shu insisted it would dry fine, but Xu Jinman told her to wait and went out.

 

By the time Xu Jinman returned, the clothes had been tumble-dried, though a faint stain remained.

 

Xu Jinman handed Shen Shu a fitted, dark green dress that fell just below the knees, perfectly showcasing her toned calves.

 

As they walked upstairs, many people turned to stare.

 

Both Xu Jinman and Shen Shu were the kind of women who instantly drew attention, though their styles were strikingly different.

 

One exuded casual elegance, with delicate features and a perpetual hint of a smile playing at the corners of her lips.

 

The other possessed an ethereal grace, her beauty dazzling yet aloof, her expression perpetually cool and distant.

 

Yet this contrasting pair somehow created an unexpectedly harmonious and captivating effect, like a masterpiece of natural artistry.

 

“Holy sh1t, they’re gorgeous!”

 

“Which one’s the Alpha?”

 

“I’ve seen the one in green before—wasn’t she the ‘qipao beauty’ trending online?”

 

“She looks familiar.” A passerby pulled out their phone to search, then compared the results to the women walking by. “Holy sh1t, it’s really her!”

 

“Ahhh, I didn’t get a photo! Where did they go just now?”

 

 

“If you think the dress is too simple, you could add a brooch,” Shen Shu suggested, glancing at a nearby designer boutique. “That shop over there has styles more suitable for your mother’s age.”

 

Xu Jinman liked the idea. A dress alone might not feel sincere enough. Since she was already buying a gift, she wanted to make sure it would bring joy.

 

Xu Jinman had a good eye for fashion, but she wasn’t sure what would suit Lu Yun’s age. In the end, Shen Shu helped her choose an indigo-blue maxi dress.

 

The two then went to a jewelry store.

 

Xu Jinman went to the restroom, leaving Shen Shu to browse the rows of brooches alone.

 

“Well, well, isn’t this President Shen Shu?”

 

Shen Shu turned to see a heavily made-up woman approaching from the entrance. “Or should I call you Shen the Scandalous now? Or perhaps Beauty Killer?”

 

It was Chen Baimo, a socialite from the wealthy second-generation circle whom Shen Shu had met at Cai Ying’s birthday party.

 

Shen Shu didn’t know her well, but she remembered how she had defended Cai Ying during a conflict at the party. Since then, Chen Baimo had made it a point to make snide remarks whenever they crossed paths.

 

Most of the time, Shen Shu ignored her.

 

This time was no different. The more attention she gave such people, the more emboldened they became. She turned away. “Let me see that one.”

 

Chen Baimo stepped forward. “Shen Jun said you’ve been kicked out of the Shen Family. Can someone like you, playing such a minor role, really earn ten thousand yuan a month? And afford jewelry?”

 

Shen Shu remained silent.

 

Chen Baimo continued, “Oh, I almost forgot. You’re married to that promiscuous woman, Xu Jinman. With your figure, you must be able to make some money, right?”

 

“Have you said enough?” Shen Shu’s gaze turned icy. “You spend your days idle, gossiping about others. You must be truly bored.”

 

Chen Baimo’s expression flickered. Before she could retort, another voice rang out in the store: “Well, well, if it isn’t the sister-in-law.”

 

Xu Li strode in on silver stilettos, her entrance radiating arrogance.

 

“Li Li, your family is bullying me! Aren’t you going to stand up for me?” Chen Baimo clung to Xu Li’s arm.

 

Xu Li flicked off her hand, her eyes flashing a warning. “My family? The Xu Family has no room for such shameless people.”

 

Knowing Xu Li disliked being touched, Chen Baimo merely stood close, forcing a sheepish smile. “True. I saw those photos too. I was shocked at first—I almost thought Miss Shen had become a prostitute.”

 

The sales associate watched the scene with concern, knowing none of the three women present were people she could afford to offend.

 

Shen Shu’s fingertips tightened slightly as she took a deep breath. “If you two insist on indulging in this verbal sparring, please, be my guest.”

 

With that, she turned away. The sales associate had already retrieved the brooch Shen Shu had mentioned earlier.

 

Wearing white gloves, the sales associate nervously began her presentation. “Miss, your taste is impeccable. This is our most exclusive design—only three were ever made, and this is the last one. The gemstone is…”

 

“I’ll take it,” Chen Baimo interrupted, tapping her finger on the glass display case. “Miss Shen, I’m sorry, but perhaps you could choose another?”

 

Shen Shu: “Are you sure you want to do this?”

 

Xu Li stepped beside Chen Baimo. “Does that sound like a threat to my friend? Are you relying on Xu Jinman’s influence?”

 

Shen Shu glanced at Xu Li. She knew Xu Jinman and Xu Li were half-sisters, their relationship likely strained. But she hadn’t realized Xu Li harbored such deep animosity toward Xu Jinman.

 

Suddenly, she recalled that drunken night on the hotel rooftop when Xu Jinman had murmured, “Why won’t you play with me?”

 

Given such hostility, what must Xu Jinman’s childhood have been like?

 

“Alright, if you like her, you can have her,” Shen Shu said, stepping away from the pair and casually scanning the jewelry display.

 

“Give her?” Xu Li scoffed as if she’d heard the biggest joke.

 

Shen Shu replied calmly, “Yes. You’re Xu Jinman’s sister. Though you lack respect for others, I can’t afford to disrespect you. After all, my wife has never spoken ill of you in my presence.”

 

She pointed to a diamond-encrusted brooch at the back of the display. “Let them have that brooch. Show me this one instead.” Turning to Chen Baimo, she added, “Miss Chen, you wouldn’t want this one too, would you? It’s quite expensive.”

 

Chen Baimo’s eyes burned daggers into Shen Shu. “I want it!”

 

Xu Li swallowed her protest, glaring at Shen Shu. The woman was clearly using reverse psychology, but it didn’t matter. The brooch couldn’t be worth much anyway.

 

“How bold of you,” Shen Shu praised. “I’m leaving now. Hurry and wrap it up for Miss Chen.”

 

The unspoken message hung in the air: Once I’m gone, she won’t buy it.

 

Her tone remained calm, like water rippling over stones—clear and cool, yet clean.

 

Unhurried, unhurried, and perfectly measured.

 

The more composed Shen Shu was, the angrier Chen Baimo became. She scoffed, “How much?! Do these little trinkets think I, Chen Baimo, would welch on the bill?”

 

The sales associate immediately replied, “Good day, Miss Chen. The total is 1,326,800 yuan.”

 

Even Xu Li paused for a moment. The sum wasn’t exorbitant for her, but spending over a million yuan on this seemed hardly worth it. Seeing Shen Shu’s complete indifference, it was clear that Chen Baimo was the one losing face.

 

Chen Baimo didn’t see it that way. She couldn’t compare to Xu Li. She’d assumed the items would cost only a few hundred thousand yuan at most, and even if she maxed out her credit cards, she wouldn’t have enough to cover the bill.

 

She shot a pleading glance at Xu Li.

 

Xu Li impatiently looked away and tossed a black card onto the counter. “Perfect timing. It’s my stepmother’s birthday today. Xu Jinman, that disgrace, probably won’t get her anything decent. I’ll just consider this my filial duty.”

 

“Stepmother” wasn’t inherently derogatory, but the way Xu Li said it, with that tone and expression, made it sound particularly harsh.

 

She had even brought Xu Jinman along.

 

Shen Shu lowered her gaze, suppressing her rising displeasure.

 

After the others had clocked in and taken their orders, Shen Shu slowly walked to the counter, smiling faintly. “My wife and I thank you both for your generosity.”

 

Xu Li frowned.

 

Chen Baimo, sensing something was off, asked, “What do you mean?”

 

Just then, Xu Jinman entered. She had just finished a call with a business partner and was surprised to see Shen Shu confronting the two malicious women as soon as she walked in.

 

Before Xu Jinman could ask what was happening, Shen Shu stepped forward and took her hand. “Darling, your sister has been so kind to us. She just placed a huge order.”

 

At that moment, the manager entered through a side door and called out, “President Xu, you’ve arrived.”

 

Chen Baimo: “This store… it’s yours?!”

 

Xu Jinman snapped out of her daze from being called “darling.” Without looking at anyone else, she glanced at Xu Li’s dark, drippingly furious expression and immediately understood the situation.

 

“It’s not entirely ours,” Xu Jinman said with a smile at Xu Li. “We just invested in it. I’m so touched by your kindness. Thank you.”

 

Xu Li: “……”

 

Apart from the initial investment from Tong Jia, Xu Jinman had poured almost all her remaining funds into this jewelry store. The store had been on the verge of closing when she acquired it at a bargain, renovated it, and rebranded it with the allure of “elite heritage.”

 

After hiring several influencer-rich second-generation heirs to promote the store online, profits surged in the following months.

 

Xu Li said coldly, “Fine, you’ve outmaneuvered me this time. I won’t forget this.”

 

With a dark expression, she stormed out, leaving Chen Baimo to scramble after her, clutching the shopping bags.

 

As she left, Chen Baimo glared at Shen Shu. “Don’t get too cocky!”

 

Xu Jinman shot her a withering glance, silencing her instantly. Even with Xu Li present, Chen Baimo wouldn’t dare confront the madwoman head-on. She quickly turned to chase after Xu Li.

 

Once they were gone, Xu Jinman turned to the manager. “You don’t need to come to work tomorrow.”

 

Hiding during a crisis made him no better than a freeloader.

 

As Xu Jinman finished speaking, she felt Shen Shu tug her wrist. She pulled Shen Shu closer, her brow furrowed with concern. “Did they say anything nasty to you earlier?”

 

Shen Shu studied her expression and shook her head. “It’s fine. Even if they did, I got my revenge just now.”

 

Shen Shu was right about that.

 

For Xu Li, the money itself was insignificant. But the thought of Xu Jinman profiting from it was worse than death.

 

Xu Jinman said, “I’m sorry.”

 

“Why?” Shen Shu tilted her head, her gaze clear and pure. “Didn’t you say we’re in the same boat?”

 

Xu Jinman’s heart suddenly skipped a beat.

 

Shen Shu smiled faintly. “I’m glad you told me beforehand. Otherwise, I might have really gotten taken advantage of.”

 

She rarely added sentence-ending particles to her speech.

 

Xu Jinman thought Shen Shu might not realize this made her words sound somewhat soft and delicate…

 

They left the mall around four o’clock. As soon as the car emerged from the underground parking garage, Shen Shu received a call from the film crew saying they needed to reshoot a scene.

 

Xu Jinman offered to drive her there, but Shen Shu replied, “Let’s find a quieter spot first. I need to change.”

 

Xu Jinman’s first reaction was: She doesn’t like the outfit?

 

“I can’t go to the set dressed like this,” Shen Shu explained.

 

Indeed, the outfit Xu Jinman had bought was beautiful but unsuitable for work—more appropriate for afternoon tea or a date.

 

Xu Jinman found a relatively quiet spot to pull over. Parking was inconvenient here, so she raised the partition between the front and back seats.

 

Shen Shu changed in the back.

 

With the windows closed, the car fell into complete silence.

 

Xu Jinman rested her hand on the steering wheel, tapping it absently.

 

The sound of a zipper being pulled open echoed in the air.

 

The slow, deliberate zip paused briefly midway. Xu Jinman could even guess that Shen Shu had reached the back of her dress and, finding it awkward, had to adjust her hand to reach up from below.

 

As expected, after a brief pause, the zipper was pulled all the way down.

 

Xu Jinman’s fingertips hovered in the air for a few seconds before she slowly exhaled, a sudden restlessness stirring within her.

 

After parting ways with Shen Shu, Xu Jinman drove alone to the Xu Family residence.

 

Due to the overcast, rainy weather, the sky had already darkened before six o’clock. Xu Jinman was momentarily stunned when she saw the entrance.

 

Old-fashioned lanterns hung there, just like those displayed at the gates of aristocratic families during birthday celebrations in the past.

 

Lu Yun, overjoyed to see Xu Jinman, came out to greet her.

 

“Why are the lanterns up?” Xu Jinman asked.

 

Lu Yun gave her a puzzled look. “You act like you’ve never seen them before. It’s an old tradition of our family.”

 

Xu Jinman nodded and handed her the gift. “Happy birthday, Mom.”

 

Lu Yun’s face lit up as she received the high-end dress with a matching brooch. “Manman, the last gift you gave me was back in kindergarten. It’s been so long since you’ve given me anything. I’m truly delighted.”

 

Hearing the word “kindergarten,” Xu Jinman involuntarily recalled that torrential downpour. She stretched out her arm, revealing the still-healing, crimson scars.

 

Her arm felt cold and achy, as if the pain were already setting in.

 

But she quickly composed herself.

 

Xu Li had returned earlier, perhaps deliberately avoiding her, and remained upstairs on the second floor.

 

Xu Jinman walked into the kitchen, where Lu Yun and the servants were busy preparing the meal. Seeing the unfinished dishes on the table, her hands itched to help. “Need any help?” she asked.

 

Lu Yun chuckled. “What kind of help could you possibly offer?”

 

One of the older servants smiled. “I remember when Miss was little, she loved cooking. She used to say she wanted to be a chef and a food critic when she grew up.”

 

Xu Jinman paused, surprised. The original owner of this body had shared her childhood dream.

 

As a child, she too had longed to become a food critic. But her family was too prominent to tolerate such a frivolous pursuit.

 

Lu Yun’s smile faltered slightly. “Yes, but Manman is much better suited for business, isn’t that right, Manman? With your intelligence, cooking would be a complete waste of your talents.”

 

Xu Jinman murmured a few polite responses, any lingering desire to help now completely extinguished.

 

An hour later, Xu Li finally came downstairs. In front of Xu Tao, she forced a perfunctory “Happy Birthday” before tossing her gift aside and excusing herself with a vague “important matter” to attend to.

 

Xu Tao remained silent, while Lu Yun acted as if nothing were amiss. Both seemed accustomed to this strange behavior.

 

“Come, let’s toast as a family,” Xu Tao said, appearing unusually composed today. Xu Jinman thought a single glass wouldn’t hurt.

 

But Xu Tao’s mood seemed to improve with each sip. He quickly finished the bottle of red wine and gestured for Lu Yun to open another.

 

Xu Jinman glanced at the time, preparing to leave, when Xu Tao called her back.

 

“Tell me about the Song Family,” he demanded, his face flushed from the alcohol.

 

Xu Jinman summarized the situation. After a moment’s thought, she added, “The Song Family dared to target me, showing they don’t respect the Xu Family. This matter concerns our family’s reputation, which is why I struck directly at them.”

 

Xu Tao nodded, tilting his head back to drain another glass. “You did the right thing. Anyone who disrespects the Xu Family will be humiliated! Our family’s honor is paramount—remember that until your dying breath!”

 

Before Xu Jinman could respond, Xu Tao slammed his glass down heavily. “Come with me to the study.”

 

Xu Jinman asked warily, “What for?”

 

“Just come when I tell you to. Stop asking so many questions,” Xu Tao snapped impatiently.

 

Xu Jinman glanced at Lu Yun, whose expression seemed to be suppressing something. After a moment, she said, “I’ll go make some Sobering Broth.”

 

Xu Jinman reasoned that even if Xu Tao tried anything, Lu Yun wouldn’t stand by and let it happen.

 

At 8 p.m., Shen Shu finished her shower and looked around the empty living room, suddenly feeling as if the apartment were as silent as a deep mountain valley at midnight.

 

Perhaps it was the stark contrast to the lively atmosphere of the past two days that made the silence feel so profound.

 

Shen Shu turned off the living room lights and returned to her bedroom.

 

After reading in bed for a while, her phone buzzed. It was a message from Cai Ying.

 

Cai Ying: Waaah, I miss you so much! What are you and Xu Jinman up to?

 

Cai Ying: Shu Shu, I wish I could stay at your place permanently. There’s no one home when I get back.

 

Cai Ying: crying emoji

 

Shen Shu’s heart stirred slightly at the second message. For some reason, she glanced at the empty space beside her on the bed.

 

Shen Shu: Xu Jinman went home. I’m alone too.

 

After sending the message, Shen Shu stared at her words, debating whether to delete them. But when she saw the “Withdraw” option, she decided it would make her seem too deliberate.

 

Forget it, she thought.

 

In Cai Ying’s eyes, she and Xu Jinman were already a real married couple.

 

Cai Ying: Why didn’t she take you with her? Or did you not want to go?

 

In truth, Shen Shu had been worried that Xu Jinman would ask her to go to the Xu Family today, just like when they had returned to the Shen Family together.

 

But Xu Jinman hadn’t mentioned it, which was actually for Shen Shu’s own good. None of the Xu Family members harbored any goodwill toward her. Even Xu Li alone had been difficult to handle today, let alone Lu Yun.

 

And then there was Xu Tao, whom she had yet to meet in person.

 

Shen Shu replied: I didn’t want to go.

 

After sending the message, she returned to her WeChat Moments and noticed a financial news article with the Xu Family in the headline. She clicked on it out of curiosity.

 

The article detailed Xu Tao and Lu Yun’s relationship, describing their romance, how they met, their marriage, and so on.

 

Below were some interviews and photos of the couple.

 

Shen Shu skimmed through it when Cai Ying sent another message, prompting her to switch back to the chat interface.

 

Her gaze fell on Xu Jinman’s message from half an hour earlier:

 

Can you try these for me?

 

On the way home today, Shen Shu had thought of another possible password: if it wasn’t a birthday, perhaps it was some other special date.

 

So, after getting home, she had sent Xu Jinman a message: Ask if there are any special dates, like the first day of school.

 

After a while, Xu Jinman sent several dates related to school admissions—the first day of elementary school, middle school, and so on—about five or six passwords in total, asking her to try them.

 

She tried all the codes, but none of them worked.

 

Shen Shu stared at the combination box by the bed, pondering for a moment. Suddenly, a few dates flashed through her mind. She picked up her phone and scrolled back to the earlier social media post.

 

She skipped straight to the end.

 

There, she found the anniversaries Lu Yun and Xu Tao had mentioned during the interview.

 

She placed the combination box on her lap and began trying the dates one by one, including the day they met and their first date.

 

By the last attempt, Shen Shu had already lost hope. After all, Xu Jinman’s combination box was unlikely to be related to Xu Tao and Lu Yun in the first place.

 

And a wedding anniversary?

 

She was being rather fanciful.

 

Perhaps the code was just a common one, nothing so complicated.

 

Even with this thought, Shen Shu still tried the anniversary date: 0323. As expected, it didn’t work.

 

She exhaled, feeling a faint sense of disappointment.

 

After a moment of silence, she stared at the final set of numbers: 0323. If the ‘0’ had been added by the reporter, then perhaps the code was actually 3230.

 

After all, the password only had four digits.

 

Following this line of reasoning, many of the previous passwords could be retried.

 

Shen Shu decided to start with the password at hand, re-entering 3230 one digit at a time.

 

3.2.3.0

 

Click—

 

The password box sprang open.

 

Shen Shu’s heart leaped heavily with the box, a surge of tension coursing through her.

 

What exactly was the password Xu Jinman had hidden before?

 

She slowly reached into the box, and the moment her fingers brushed against the contents, her breath hitched sharply, as if someone had gripped her throat.

 

It was a stack of photographs—roughly twenty or so.

 

The photos were taken with a Polaroid camera, each one featuring Xu Jinman’s face, documenting her transformation from childhood to adulthood. On every image, her body was crisscrossed with crimson whip marks or mottled with purplish bruises.

 

Shen Shu’s hands trembled slightly as she picked up the first photo. On the back, scrawled in childish, crooked handwriting, were the words: Today is Mom’s birthday. Dad hit me, and Mom was there too…