Transmigrated as a Scum Alpha Cannon Fodder, Sweetly Pampering the Heroine - Chapter 41

Xu Jinman had just been jolted awake, her mind still hazy. She blinked groggily, then shifted her head slightly, her nose brushing gently against Shen Shu’s.

 

The cool, smooth sensation made the person above her freeze for a moment.

 

Shen Shu struggled to prop herself up with her elbows, but their bodies remained pressed tightly together, their hearts pounding so hard it was impossible to tell whose was racing.

 

In that instant, Xu Jinman’s consciousness snapped fully awake.

 

Before she could react further, the weight vanished, leaving only a faint warmth on her T-shirt.

 

Shen Shu straightened up quickly, retracting her leg from beside Xu Jinman and slowly sitting on the edge of the bed.

 

The entire sequence unfolded in a heartbeat.

 

The room fell into an awkward silence, the air thick with unspoken tension.

 

“I was trying to cover you with the blanket and accidentally tripped,” Shen Shu said, forcing herself to sound calm. Only a slight unnaturalness in her voice betrayed her composure.

 

The desk lamp cast a cold white light. If it had been brighter, Xu Jinman would have seen the faint flush on Shen Shu’s cheeks and earlobes.

 

Xu Jinman blinked slowly twice, pushed herself up from the floor, and replied, “I understand.”

 

Shen Shu: “……”

 

What does she understand?

 

“No wonder I felt a bit cold,” Xu Jinman murmured, pressing her dry lips together. She changed the subject, asking, “Are you feeling better now?”

 

Shen Shu: “Mm, I’m fine.”

 

In her drowsy state, Shen Shu was vaguely aware that Xu Jinman had taken her temperature twice. Whenever she had a fever, her body would ache and her legs would feel weak, but now she felt completely numb.

 

Only her cheeks and ears still burned with heat.

 

Suddenly, she reflexively reached down to touch her knee, her brow furrowing in discomfort.

 

“What’s wrong?” Xu Jinman asked, the image of Shen Shu’s knee hitting the ground flashing through her mind. “Did you hurt your leg?”

 

“Just a scrape.”

 

“Let me see.”

 

Shen Shu stared at her silently.

 

Xu Jinman met her gaze and explained, “…I want to see if you need medicine.”

 

Shen Shu lifted her skirt slightly to reveal her knee. The skin was red, the scraped area even more inflamed, and a bruise would definitely form around it by tomorrow.

 

She hadn’t applied any medicine that night.

 

“You were scolding me for not using medicine last time,” Xu Jinman said, rising from the floor. “I’ll go get it.”

 

Shen Shu turned her head to watch Xu Jinman’s retreating figure, her lips parting slightly, but she didn’t call out to stop her.

 

Xu Jinman paused outside the door, exhaling slowly to steady herself before walking toward the coffee table.

 

She returned quickly with the medicine kit and switched on the light.

 

Shen Shu sat on the bed as Xu Jinman pulled the blanket from under the bed and settled naturally on the floor. Opening the kit, she retrieved medicinal alcohol and cotton swabs.

 

“This might sting a bit,” she warned.

 

Shen Shu murmured in acknowledgment.

 

Shen Shu watched Xu Jinman, whose long, light brown hair was tied in a ponytail, slightly disheveled from her nap.

 

Xu Jinman sat sideways on the bed, her long, pale legs exposed. Her beautiful, haughty phoenix eyes were lowered as she carefully dipped a cotton swab into the bottle of alcohol. At that moment, she seemed utterly gentle.

 

Xu Jinman gently dabbed the cotton swab on the scraped skin. Hearing Shen Shu gasp, her lips parted instinctively, and she leaned closer to blow softly on the injured knee twice.

 

Shen Shu’s leg jerked back.

 

The satin nightgown had ridden up to her knees, revealing a faint rash of tiny bumps on the smooth skin above her knee, extending beneath the hem of the gown.

 

Earlier, Shen Shu hadn’t thought much of it. But now, the Omega’s natural scent filled the air, sharp and distinct with each breath. A tingling sensation spread across Xu Jinman’s glands.

 

Xu Jinman’s movements stiffened slightly as she realized she was too close. She retreated a few inches.

 

“I can do it myself,” Shen Shu said, reaching for the cotton swab in Xu Jinman’s hand.

 

“Next time, let’s get povidone-iodine,” Xu Jinman suggested. “It doesn’t sting.”

 

“Okay,” Shen Shu replied.

 

After applying the antiseptic, Shen Shu watched Xu Jinman close the medicine box and bend down to pick up the blanket from the floor.

 

“I’ll go back to my room now,” Xu Jinman said. “You should get some rest too.”

 

Shen Shu nodded.

 

“Xu Jinman.”

 

“Huh?” Xu Jinman stopped in her tracks.

 

Shen Shu said, “Good night.”

 

Was this the first time Shen Shu had actively said good night to her?

 

Xu Jinman laughed: “Good night, Shu Shu.”

 

She seemed to have gotten used to this address at some point.

 

The door closed, and Shen Shu sat by the bed for a while. She belatedly remembered the sticky discomfort on her body… she had originally planned to take a shower.

 

This medicine was applied in vain.

 

Xu Jinman lay on the bed for a while, hearing faint footsteps outside. Everything was fine here with Shen Shu, except for the slightly poor sound insulation.

 

She turned over and reached out to touch her slightly calmed gland.

 

If carefully distinguished, this feeling was no longer entirely a stinging pain, but like the process of eating chocolate: bitter, smooth, and a sweet aftertaste.

 

After the lingering sting came excitement, anticipation, and comfort.

 

Her body seemed to be adapting… adapting to the stimulation brought by Shen Shu’s pheromones, gradually finding enjoyment amidst the tingling discomfort, which sounded more like evolution.

 

Xu Jinman tossed and turned a few more times, her mind filled with the soft breathing of the Omega, the slightly cool nose, and that softness.

 

She shouldn’t have such thoughts.

 

She sat up, her mouth extremely dry, and drank the remaining half-cup of cold water in one gulp.

 

Around 8 AM, Tong Jia made a voice call in the group chat.

 

“Are you two awake? Have you checked Weibo?” If not for Tong Jia’s laughter, one might easily mistake her for delivering bad news.

 

Tong Jia continued, “Shen Shu, check your Weibo followers first. They’ve surged to 200,000 overnight, and Sacred Heart’s official account has gained nearly 20,000 as well. I’ll post your audition video at 10 AM to double the buzz.”

 

Xu Jinman, who had finally fallen asleep around 3 AM, still felt groggy. “If it’s not urgent, can we talk later?”

 

“President Xu,” Tong Jia retorted, “I wasn’t talking to you. I was talking to Shu Shu.”

 

Xu Jinman promptly hung up the call.

 

In the master bedroom, Shen Shu listened to Tong Jia’s plans and exchanged a few serious words with her.

 

Suddenly, Tong Jia asked, “President Xu really hung up?”

 

Shen Shu paused. “She’s asleep. She didn’t sleep well last night.”

 

Tong Jia let out a knowing “Oh,” her voice curling with amusement. “Teacher Xu really is something. Even when you’re not feeling well, she still…”

 

Shen Shu: “……”

 

Xu Jinman finally woke up leisurely at 9:30 AM.

 

Before going to bed, she had muted the group chat Tong Jia had created. Now, when she opened it, there were already 99 messages, and two new members had joined.

 

A quick scroll revealed they were Sacred Heart staff members.

 

The message explained that they would assist Shen Shu when Tong Jia was busy.

 

Stepping out of the bedroom, Xu Jinman found Shen Shu sitting on the sofa, scrolling through her phone.

 

“Did you sleep late last night?” Shen Shu asked, looking up.

 

Xu Jinman rubbed her eyes and nodded. “Tired.” After washing up in the bathroom, she glanced at the clock—almost ten. She joined Shen Shu on the sofa.

 

“There’s bread on the table,” Shen Shu said.

 

Xu Jinman declined, explaining that her stomach felt uneasy, likely from drinking cold water the night before.

 

Noting Xu Jinman’s pale complexion, Shen Shu rose and went to the kitchen. Moments later, she returned with a cup of warm milk and an egg, placing them on the coffee table.

 

“Eat the egg first, then drink the milk,” Shen Shu instructed. “You’ll feel worse if you don’t eat.”

 

Xu Jinman gazed at the food, her slightly pale lips curving into a smile. “Thank you, Miss Shen?”

 

“You’re welcome,” Shen Shu replied, her tone mirroring Xu Jinman’s own—polite but insincere.

 

Xu Jinman chuckled, picked up the egg, and leaned forward slightly. The warmth seemed to spread instantly from her fingertips to her heart.

 

Ten o’clock.

 

The audition video featuring Shen Shu had been posted by Tong Jia using Sacred Heart Film and Television Media’s official account.

 

As soon as the video went live, the hashtag #ShenShuActingSkills# began trending.

 

The comments section erupted with excitement:

 

Ahhh, so beautiful! I’m a fan now!

 

Tan Jie is sexy, but she lacks this kind of bewitching charm! (Sorry, she’s so stunning I can’t find a better word!)

 

Her acting is amazing! Is she a newcomer? She seems to have a solid foundation, or maybe she’s just a natural talent.

 

The casting director, whom Tan Jie had subtly implied was taking bribes, also posted on Weibo:

 

“Whether it’s gilded or genuine gold, a single audition reveals the truth. The role of Nightingale is actually quite challenging, but Shen Shu handled it beautifully. She has a solid foundation and is an incredibly hardworking actress. More importantly, she possesses a rare spark of intuition, seeing nuances others miss. Her interpretation of Nightingale was the best in the entire audition. It’s a pity we couldn’t finish filming together. I hope we’ll have another chance to collaborate in the future. Here’s wishing actress Shen Shu a bright future, and may the Into the Dream production team enjoy smooth sailing and soaring ratings!”

 

Within an hour, the post had garnered over twenty thousand likes and was widely shared by gossip and entertainment bloggers.

 

Xia Chun also liked the post.

 

Finally, even the Into the Dream Official Weibo account retweeted it with a playful message: “Everyone, please support our newcomer Shen Shu and little Meng!”

 

With the production team openly taking sides, it was a direct slap in the face for Tan Jie.

 

Tan Jie’s fans continued to rage in the comments:

 

“Of course the official account would support Shen Shu! They’ve already cast her in the role. Would they side with my Jie instead?”

 

“This doesn’t prove Shen Shu didn’t get the role because of a sugar daddy!”

 

But the fans soon realized no one was paying them any attention. Most people’s focus was entirely on Shen Shu herself.

 

#ShenShu’sLooks

 

#ShenShu’sActing

 

These hashtags trended at number one and two, respectively.

 

The comments were overwhelmingly positive:

 

“Went from hating her to loving her… Don’t like this comment, I’m embarrassed.”

 

“I’m sorry, I apologize for what I said before. Her acting is amazing.”

 

“OMG, she’s wearing the outfit from the photos! Aaaaaah, she’s so beautiful! I’m in love!”

 

Tan Jie’s fans were furious. They launched a full-scale flame war, even attacking the official Weibo account for Into the Dream.

 

The most popular comment demanded:

 

“If you’re so confident, release Tan Jie’s audition video too!”

 

A few minutes passed without any response from the official account. Finally, Tan Jie herself couldn’t resist stepping in.

 

Tan Jie: If you truly love me, please stop causing trouble. I just want to focus on filming quietly. Thank you all.

 

The moment her post went live, Tan Jie’s fans flooded the comments section, weeping and wailing. They lamented how their “Jie-jie” had suffered such injustice and had to endure it in silence.

 

They completely misunderstood Tan Jie’s true intentions.

 

Only Tan Jie knew that, based on Shen Shu’s performance in the audition video, she had genuinely lost. This matter had to end here; she could only do her best to appease her fans.

 

Xu Jinman and Shen Shu were talking when Tong Jia’s voice message came through: “I’m about to burst out laughing! Tan Jie’s move is actually quite clever. Even if some accuse her of feeling guilty, her fans will only feel sorry for her. President Xu, you’re amazing! You told me to buy that comment onto the trending topics, and Tan Jie couldn’t stay silent after all.”

 

“We can wrap this up soon. Even though Shu Shu suffered some unfair treatment, this whole operation should land her at least a third female lead role, or even second.”

 

“Wrap up? It’s too early.” Xu Jinman put down her milk and said, “Forget Tan Jie for now. Ren Xiaoqi hasn’t even apologized.”

 

Shen Shu recalled Ren Xiaoqi’s words to her. There were many people like that.

 

Driven by discontent and dissatisfaction, they envied those who were doing better, believing they deserved more. Once they chose a path of no return, they assumed everyone else was just like them.

 

Yet they despised such people, which in turn made them despise themselves, trapping them in a cycle of self-loathing.

 

In truth, this was a manifestation of a pathological mindset.

 

Shen Shu said, “She might not apologize.”

 

“It doesn’t matter if she doesn’t,” Xu Jinman replied casually. “She’ll never get another role again.”

 

Shen Shu looked up at this, and their eyes met.

 

Xu Jinman continued, “She will apologize. To you.”

 

Shen Shu was moved by her words.

 

A faint, prickling ache spread through her heart, like a sensitive tooth being gently rubbed by an ice cube, little by little, until her entire head, her whole being, felt a dull, sour ache.

 

The feeling of being protected was truly wonderful.

 

So wonderful that she began to wonder: Would Xu Jinman always be this kind to her?

 

The moment this thought surfaced, Shen Shu immediately recoiled, realizing she had developed a trace of dependence on Xu Jinman. Even this faint reliance was enough to alarm her, enough to trigger a sense of danger.

 

No one in this world would stay by someone’s side forever.

 

In the end, you could only truly rely on yourself.

 

This was the truth she had arrived at after enduring abandonment by her birth mother, the death of her grandmother, betrayal by her lover, rejection by the Shen Family, and countless other hardships.

 

Tan Jie’s fans were still causing a ruckus, while Ren Xiaoqi’s Weibo remained silent, as if it had lost its voice.

 

While Ren Xiaoqi remained silent, idle netizens dug up other dirt.

 

Someone leaked information about Shen Shu on Zhihu:

 

“Former Shen Corporation employee here. Shen Shu is the Shen Family’s heiress. Before entering the entertainment industry, she was the Manager of the Planning Department. But the Shen Corporation’s CEO didn’t seem to favor his daughter much; they eventually had a falling out. I remember the day Miss Xu (Shen Shu’s wife) personally came to take her away. Here’s another scoop: the Shen Corporation is sizable, but Miss Xu’s background is even more formidable. I couldn’t find any information on Miss Xu myself—those with the skills can try looking it up. Just know that it’s beyond anything the Shen Corporation could ever match. Remember those rumors online about Shen Shu relying on a sugar daddy? Let me put it this way: Miss Xu could buy the entire production crew, let alone change the script… Yes, it’s that Dior!”

 

Once this post went live, various rumors about Shen Shu and Xu Jinman began circulating.

 

“Ahhh, I remember reading an article that disappeared, saying posts about the Xu family can’t be published on Weibo. Let me try posting this! Miss Xu isn’t just from Beicheng’s elite; she’s a top-tier celebrity. She used to be quite wild, but after setting her sights on Miss Shen, she settled down.”

 

“That jewelry store, Meilai Jewelry, is actually owned by Miss Xu. It’s her family’s business…”

 

“I’ll share something too, blurred out for privacy—I’m a crew member. Not long after our drama started filming, an unmarked support vehicle suddenly appeared. No one knew who sent it until I overheard someone say it was from Miss Shen. She’s incredibly low-profile and so kind to everyone on set, never putting on airs! Ahhh, I knew she’d become famous! Finally, people are noticing her!”

 

Shen Shu put down her phone.

 

“Is it okay for this to be out there?” she asked. She remembered Shen Guoliang mentioning that there was almost no information about Xu Jinman online, not just because of the Xu Corporation’s influence but also due to her family’s background.

 

Xu Jinman shrugged dismissively. “It’s fine. We’ve already posted our marriage certificate. What’s there to be afraid of?”

 

Tong Jia chimed in via voice message, “Alright, you lovebirds, stop showing off your affection. So what if you have a marriage certificate? Sigh, when will my girlfriend propose to me…?”

 

Xu Jinman and Shen Shu exchanged glances, neither speaking.

 

Just then, Ren Xiaoqi posted on Weibo:

 

Ren Xiaoqi Qi Ya: I’m sorry.

 

Tong Jia asked, “Is that all?”

 

Xu Jinman remained silent, but Tong Jia knew this wasn’t a real end.

 

To Xu Jinman, these simple three words were clearly insufficient.

 

Many people in this world are like that—they never truly understand their mistakes until they pay a price.

 

Someone like Ren Xiaoqi might just cause more trouble if given another chance.

 

To truly end things, you have to make her feel the pain, make her genuinely fear you, and ensure she never dares to cross you again.

 

After Ren Xiaoqi’s post, her followers vanished like sand through a sieve, thousands upon thousands dropping off. The comments section was flooded with former fans turning against her.

 

“Tell me, who did you think you were?”

 

“Not even an explanation? Guess you’re just giving up. Goodbye.”

 

“If ‘sorry’ fixed everything, what’s the point of the police? You’d do anything for fame, even hurt others. Miss Shen Shu is the real victim here…”

 

“Am I the only one wondering who Ren Xiaoqi’s sugar daddy is?”

 

 

As soon as Ren Xiaoqi apologized, entertainment bloggers began posting screenshots of Tan Jie’s likes.

 

Gossip Firsthand: If I say Tan Jie is being shady, will her fans come for me? 🐶

 

Entertainment Octopus: Tan Jie seems to have liked more than one post. I counted—she liked three of Ren Xiaoqi’s Weibo posts attacking Shen Shu. This drama is so juicy!

 

I’m Not Afraid of Being Attacked: @Into the Dream Official Weibo, I’m a Tan Jie stan! I want to see her audition video! 🥺 Please release it!

 

This last Weibo post was promoted to a trending topic, quickly climbing the ranks:

 

#TanJie Audition Video#

 

Clicking through to the comments:

 

Where’s the video? I want to see it!

 

Release the audition video! Tan Jie’s fans have been so arrogant. Let everyone see it. And honestly, Tan Jie’s shady likes and Weibo posts are really off-putting.

 

Tangent: If Tan Jie had known about Shen Shu’s connections, would she have dared to be so shady?

 

Ren Xiaoqi apologized. How long until Tan Jie follows suit? She incited her fans to attack a newcomer—doesn’t she need to apologize for that?

 

The trending topic surged for over twenty minutes.

 

Finally, Tan Jie posted on Weibo: I apologize for my impulsive actions and words. I hadn’t seen Shen Shu’s audition video and was overly confident in myself, leading to a misunderstanding. I will work harder to improve myself and focus on my acting. Here, I apologize to @Shen Shu.

 

Her statement sounded sincere, attributing her behavior entirely to a misunderstanding.

 

“I have to admit, she’s much smarter than Ren Xiaoqi,” Tong Jia said. “She probably won’t make any more rash statements. Tan Jie has been in the industry for years and has a pretty good reputation.”

 

The implication was clear: in the entertainment world, maintaining good relationships is crucial. Shen Shu, as a newcomer, shouldn’t be too unforgiving or push too hard, as it could damage her future reputation. Other matters could be addressed later.

 

Shen Shu: @Tan Jie I understand. I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate with you in the future.

 

The matter was temporarily resolved.

 

Shen Shu’s Weibo followers continued to surge, and online discussions remained heated.

 

The benefits of this heightened attention soon became apparent.

 

Meilai Jewelry was the first to see results. Influencers began visiting their stores to take photos, check in, and post on Weibo.

 

Xu Jinman, a Meilai shareholder, had a group chat where orders exceeding 100,000 yuan were shared. Within an hour, five such orders had already been placed—the equivalent of an entire week’s sales.

 

While Shen Shu and Tong Jia were discussing future roles, Tong Jia asked, “Do you have any thoughts on the types of roles you’d like to pursue? Let’s talk about it.”

 

Shen Shu replied, “I’ve done modern dramas before… but you only truly discover your range through experience. Into the Dream was a challenge, and it gave me a lot of confidence. If possible, I’d like to try everything.”

 

Xu Jinman looked up from her phone. When Shen Shu spoke about acting, there was a spark in her eyes, like the fine shimmer in a makeup palette—bright, delicate, and captivating.

 

“Actually, I’ve been eyeing a fantastic urban workplace drama script,” Tong Jia said, pausing. “It’s for the third female lead. I didn’t think we had a chance before, but now I think we should go for it.”

 

“What is it?” Shen Shu asked.

 

“I’ll tell you later,” Tong Jia replied. “President Xu, we’ve won this battle decisively. Shouldn’t we celebrate with your wife?”

 

“Sure,” Xu Jinman smiled. “You arrange it, I’ll cover the expenses.”

 

“Then I’m bringing my family!” Tong Jia said triumphantly.

 

“Fine by me,” Xu Jinman agreed.

 

After hanging up, Xu Jinman received a message from Zhou Pei saying Shen Jun was waiting at the office. She glanced at the time and realized it was almost noon.

 

Xu Jinman turned off her phone. “No time to cook.”

 

“There’s no food at home anyway,” Shen Shu blurted out. The fridge contained only two carrots.

 

Xu Jinman, seemingly oblivious, asked, “Ramen or takeout?”

 

“Your stomach’s been acting up,” Shen Shu replied. “Let’s order congee.”

 

Xu Jinman didn’t object. Her stomach felt much better after breakfast, and she wasn’t hungry.

 

After finishing her porridge, Xu Jinman set off for the office.

 

The company was located in the office building she had purchased. She had acquired the building after a stroke of luck—her previous property had been demolished, and she used the compensation to buy this one.

 

The building had 26 floors, and Xu Jinman occupied the top floor, relishing the panoramic view. While the other floors weren’t yet fully occupied, new tenants were moving in daily.

 

As soon as she entered, she spotted Shen Jun sitting on the sofa outside, engrossed in his phone.

 

Perhaps hearing the click of her heels, Shen Jun looked up. Seeing it was her, he immediately straightened his posture. “President Xu…”

 

Xu Jinman glanced at him. “You’re alone?”

 

Shen Jun swallowed nervously under her piercing gaze. “My mom’s here too. She’s inside.”

 

As for his friend, after hearing Xu Jinman’s words last night, he had hesitated for a long time. Urged by his mother, he finally called the friend who had spoken ill of Shen Shu.

 

But the friend was a shrewd one. Upon hearing the address, he quickly realized it was Xu Jinman’s company and immediately backed down, even blocking Shen Jun’s number.

 

“Bring them to the conference room,” Xu Jinman instructed Zhou Pei, her voice devoid of emotion, without even glancing at Wei Wuqing.

 

“Yes, ma’am,” Zhou Pei replied.

 

Moments later, Wei Wuqing and Shen Jun entered the conference room together.

 

Xu Jinman casually took a seat. As they entered, she remarked, “Madam Wei, I don’t recall inviting you today.”

 

Wei Wuqing knew Xu Jinman was referring to the previous night’s incident. She forced a smile and said, “Manman, Shen Jun is just immature. He…”

 

“What’s wrong with him?” Xu Jinman asked, her tone utterly serious. “Twenty-three and still immature?”

 

Wei Wuqing fell silent.

 

Shen Jun, intimidated by Xu Jinman, stammered, “I’m technically 23… I’m only 22 this year.”

 

“Shut up!” Wei Wuqing slapped Shen Jun on the shoulder. “Apologize already!”

 

“Madam Wei, you should know by now that Xu Jinman is the kind of person who repays every kindness and settles every score. I only want to speak with him today. You can leave.”

 

Wei Wuqing pressed her lips together. Zhou Pei gestured for her to leave. She glared at Shen Jun, her eyes filled with disappointment, then glanced at Xu Jinman’s expression. After a few parting words, she followed Zhou Pei out.

 

Shen Jun’s mind cleared. “I was wrong! I’ll never say such things again! It was all my fault!”

 

“Then how do you plan to make amends?” Xu Jinman asked.

 

Shen Jun stared blankly. “Huh?” He studied Xu Jinman’s expression cautiously. “What do you suggest? I’ll apologize to my sister and write a guarantee letter. Would that work? I really messed up…”

 

This was the most ‘sincere’ solution he could think of.

 

He was genuinely terrified.

 

Though Xu Jinman’s reputation had improved recently, he had personally witnessed her violent outbursts before. She was a madwoman; anyone who crossed her was courting death. Just look at what happened to Yin Xue and Song Ronghui.

 

“Not enough.”

 

“Then I…”

 

Xu Jinman said calmly, “Do a hundred frog jumps.”

 

Shen Jun stared in disbelief. “…?!”

 

 

A few minutes later, Wei Wuqing and passersby outside the conference room heard only agonizing screams.

 

“I can’t do it anymore! I was wrong, I was really wrong! A hundred is too many…”

 

“Can I stop now?”

 

“Help me! Mom!”

 

Wei Wuqing’s face turned deathly pale, and she immediately tried to rush inside, but Zhou Pei easily blocked her path. “Madam Wei, if you enter now, given Miss Xu’s temper, the Shen Family will suffer the consequences.”

 

Wei Wuqing: “But this… she won’t take my son’s life, will she?”

 

Seeing Zhou Pei actually pause to consider the question, Wei Wuqing cried out, “Let me in! Manman, he really was wrong! Please spare him! He’ll never dare to speak carelessly again!”

 

Zhou Pei: “This is a society governed by law. Miss Xu won’t take his life.”

 

Wei Wuqing remained barred from entering until twenty minutes later, when Xu Jinman’s cold voice finally rang out from inside.

 

Zhou Pei opened the door.

 

Wei Wuqing rushed in, only to see Shen Jun standing before Xu Jinman, his legs wrapped in bandages.

 

The next moment:

 

Thud—

 

Shen Jun lost his balance and collapsed to his knees before Xu Jinman.

 

Wei Wuqing: “……”

 

Xu Jinman raised an eyebrow. “Do you know how to speak to your sister properly now?”

 

Shen Jun, his eyes bloodshot and gasping for breath, slumped on the floor. “Y-yes, I do.”

 

“Let’s go.”

 

Xu Jinman stood up and glanced at Wei Wuqing, who was helping Shen Jun up. Her earlier coldness suddenly melted into a warm smile. “Madam Wei,” she said gently, “our Shu Shu is quite busy. It would be best to limit contact in the future. If you must reach out, please treat her with more respect. What do you think?”

 

One o’clock in the afternoon.

 

As Shen Shu tidied the living room, Xu Jinman sent her a WeChat message containing a video.

 

She tapped to play it. Shen Jun, his voice trembling, apologized on camera: “Sister, I was wrong. I’ll never speak to you like that again.”

 

Then Xu Jinman’s voice, languid and casual, cut in: “Back up. A little further… all the way back. Good. Now, get ready for frog jumps…”

 

Hearing this, Shen Shu couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

 

Where did Xu Jinman even come up with this? What kind of tactic is this?

 

Six o’clock in the evening.

 

Tong Jia had arranged the group dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Xu Jinman and Shen Shu were on their way.

 

“Shen Jun sent me a handwritten apology letter,” Shen Shu said.

 

“How did it make you feel?” Xu Jinman asked.

 

“It’s the first time I’ve seen him so sincere,” Shen Shu replied. “Teacher Xu really knows how to teach.”

 

Xu Jinman chuckled. “Miss Shen, you flatter me.”

 

Besides Tong Jia and her girlfriend Qiao Rui, the dinner party included two studio assistants, a male and a female Beta.

 

They chatted about future work plans, and the meal passed quickly.

 

Before nine o’clock, Tong Jia suggested they go to a karaoke bar since it was still early.

 

Imperial Grand.

 

Xu Jinman hadn’t been back since the incident in room 888.

 

The staff recognized her immediately, and the manager personally escorted them to a VIP room. He brought several bottles of red wine, Wusu beer, and other snacks and drinks.

 

Neither Xu Jinman nor Shen Shu enjoyed singing. Tong Jia and Qiao Rui, however, clung to each other and sang love songs, while the two Beta assistants played dice in the corner.

 

Noticing Shen Shu’s lack of enthusiasm, Xu Jinman leaned close to her ear over the loud karaoke music and whispered, “Want to leave?”

 

Shen Shu tilted her head slightly.

 

Xu Jinman’s lips brushed against her earlobe, and both women froze.

 

The karaoke room was dimly lit with colorful lights. Tong Jia, seeing them, assumed they were whispering intimately, indulging in some wifely banter. A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes.

 

Xu Jinman had just pulled back when Tong Jia’s voice boomed through the microphone.

 

“President Xu and Shu Shu aren’t singing! How boring! Let’s play a game instead.” Tong Jia turned off the music. “Truth or Dare, anyone?”

 

Tong Jia explained the rules: “If you refuse the dare, you have to drink. But you can’t choose to drink twice in a row.”

 

With the boss in high spirits, the two assistants readily agreed, and Qiao Rui nodded as well.

 

Xu Jinman and Shen Shu, though not particularly enthusiastic, didn’t want to spoil the mood.

 

Xu Jinman leaned closer to Shen Shu again, this time deliberately maintaining a small distance. “I told Zhou Pei to call me in ten minutes. Then we can leave.”

 

Shen Shu nodded, resisting the urge to rub her ear as Xu Jinman’s warm breath brushed against it.

 

Truth or Dare proceeded clockwise. The male assistant spun first, landing on the female assistant, who dared Tong Jia and Qiao Rui to kiss for thirty seconds.

 

Xu Jinman and Shen Shu immediately sensed the danger of this game.

 

Xu Jinman thought that everyone except Tong Jia seemed quite reserved, especially Qiao Rui, who was so refined and proper. As Tong Jia put it, Qiao Rui wasn’t the type to mess around or let loose. Shen Shu, on the other hand, had no experience with such things.

 

Neither of them had initially considered this possibility.

 

Now, both were focused on leaving.

 

Tong Jia and Qiao Rui’s kiss had ended, and the second round began quickly.

 

This time, the female assistant spun the bottle, and it landed on Xu Jinman.

 

“President Xu, you have to tell President Tong, ‘I love you, and I want to be your little donkey!'”

 

Xu Jinman stared blankly. What kind of nonsense is this?

 

The task itself was simple, but Xu Jinman glanced at Tong Jia and said, “I’ll drink.”

 

She couldn’t bring herself to say the words.

 

Tong Jia stared back, speechless.

 

Xu Jinman promptly downed a glass of wine and rubbed her stomach. Tong Jia smirked ominously. “President Xu, you can’t choose to drink two rounds in a row. You know that, right?”

 

Xu Jinman: “……” I don’t know. Did I say that?

 

Shen Shu nodded. You did say that.

 

Then they had no choice but to leave.

 

Xu Jinman had long known Tong Jia’s true nature. How could she have believed she was capable of thinking of anything serious?

 

Shen Shu lowered her head and typed a few words for Xu Jinman to read: I’ve asked Cai Ying to call.

 

Xu Jinman nodded. We need to go.

 

Their subtle movements didn’t interrupt the game. Qiao Rui spun the bottle and it landed on the male assistant. He initially wanted to point at Shen Shu, but after glancing at Xu Jinman, he paused and instead pointed at the female assistant. “You two have to kiss for ten seconds with a napkin between your lips.”

 

Tong Jia exclaimed, “Hey? This is starting to feel like a couples’ game! But it’s actually quite fun. If you were playing this with someone else, I’d be jealous.”

 

Qiao Rui wrapped his arms around Tong Jia’s waist and kissed her forehead. “Me too.”

 

The male and female assistants blushed, both refusing to drink. They placed the thin napkin between their lips and leaned in to kiss.

 

Throughout the room, only Xu Jinman and Shen Shu maintained expressionless faces.

 

A minute passed, but Cai Ying still hadn’t called.

 

Fortunately, their luck held. None of the three spins landed on them. As the third spin ended, Xu Jinman glanced at Shen Shu, about to speak.

 

Tong Jia interjected, “President Xu, be careful next time. I have a feeling it’s going to be you.”

 

With that, the two assistants’ game time was over.

 

Tong Jia stared intently at Xu Jinman, as if settling a score for her earlier disdain. “Heavenly Father, please let it be Xu Jinman this time!”

 

Xu Jinman: “……”

 

The bottle spun, passing the male and female assistants, Tong Jia, and Qiao Rui, before finally stopping in front of Xu Jinman.

 

Xu Jinman: “……”

 

Tong Jia grinned. “Perfect! Don’t give me that look. For Shu Shu’s sake, I won’t be too harsh. You and Shu Shu just need to do ten push-ups together—wife-and-wife style! Body to body, whispering in each other’s ears! That’s not too much to ask, right? Now, you two can decide who’s on top and who’s on bottom.”

 

Xu Jinman: “……”

 

Shen Shu: “……”