After Becoming Roommates with My Flirty Ex-Girlfriend - Chapter 50

The next day, Yu Xia and Zheng Yun arrived promptly outside the private kitchen’s entrance.

Compared to Yu Xia’s utterly simple attire—the kind you could find a thousand identical outfits on the subway’s Line 1—Yu Nian was dressed to the nines.

Everyone in their family possessed striking looks. Yu Xia was beautiful, and Yu Nian was even more so, meticulously styled like a radiant princess doll in a shop window, so dazzling that every passerby paused for a second glance.

Yu Nian reveled in the admiring gazes, glancing smugly at Yu Xia, who was frowning as she furiously typed a message to Chen Zhu, completely oblivious to the attention around her.

The private kitchen was sparsely populated. When they occasionally encountered other guests in the corridor, Zheng Yun reached out to pull Yu Xia closer, preventing her from being bumped into. The movement tugged at her wound, and she winced slightly.

Yu Nian, who happened to be watching, frowned and leaned in to check. “Zheng Yun-jie, what’s wrong?”

“I’m fine,” Zheng Yun said, subtly avoiding Yu Nian’s probing gaze. “Let’s go inside.”

Yu Nian remained skeptical, but she didn’t want to block the corridor and obstruct others. Lifting her skirt, she walked into the room, making sure to say, “Zheng Yun-jie, come sit with me.”

Zheng Yun shook her head. “I’ll sit with Xiaxia.”

Mrs. Zheng called, and Zheng Yun stood up. “I’ll take this.”

Yu Xia’s gaze slid across Zheng Yun’s face, then brushed over the bandage peeking out from beneath her long skirt. Beneath it lay a distinct bite mark, a secret known only to the two of them.

The summer heat was stifling. The private kitchen’s corridor faced the backyard and lacked air conditioning. Sweat broke out after just a few steps, seeping into the barely healed wound and causing a faint, stinging itch.

Their relationship was like this—hidden beneath the surface, only revealing its reactions when provoked by external forces.

“Why does Zheng Yun-jie’s shoulder hurt?” Yu Nian asked bluntly.

Yu Xia almost said she didn’t know, but the words caught in her throat. Instead, she decided to watch their reactions with malicious amusement. “I bit her.”

“I don’t believe you,” Yu Nian declared confidently. “You’re not a child anymore. How could you bite Zheng Yun-jie?”

Yet Zheng Yun had let her bite.

Not only had she let her bite, but if Yu Xia said she wanted to bite again, Zheng Yun would undoubtedly take off her jacket without hesitation and offer her shoulder.

At this thought, Yu Xia felt a secret, almost perverse satisfaction, like the dry comfort after wiping sweat from a wound.

“Why ask if you don’t believe me?” Yu Xia snapped, her face darkening. “Just looking for trouble?”

Yu Nian pouted. “Mommy, look at her!”

Ke Qian avoided her eldest daughter’s gaze, soothing Yu Nian, “Niannian, Mommy ordered your favorite dishes.”

As if afraid of neglecting Yu Xia, she turned to her. “Xiaxia, I ordered for you too.”

Perhaps no matter how hard one tries to sever ties, there’s always a lingering desire for what remains unattainable. Yu Xia found herself maliciously wondering if Ke Qian truly remembered what she liked to eat.

“Auntie Zheng!” Yu Nian suddenly bounced up. “You look even more beautiful than the last time I saw you!”

Yu Nian had always been sweet-tongued. When she wasn’t being malicious, she was practically angelic. Mrs. Zheng’s initial irritation from the hot journey quickly dissipated.

“Niannian, you look so pretty today!” Mrs. Zheng handed her a gift. “Auntie wasn’t sure what you’d like, so I got you a bracelet.”

Yu Nian accepted it with delight.

Mrs. Zheng then turned to Yu Xia. “Xiaxia, this is for you.”

Yu Xia took the gift and murmured her thanks.

Mrs. Zheng asked carefully, “Xiaxia, are you settling in well with Xiao Yun?”

“It’s fine,” Yu Xia replied, her fingers unconsciously tracing circles on her pants leg.

It couldn’t be better. The two star-crossed lovers, burdened by work stress, no longer felt the bitterness of their romance. The living room now exuded a faint, deathly stillness.

Zheng Yun, determined to maintain a semblance of normalcy in front of her mother, still managed to appear somewhat human. Yu Xia, on the other hand, was practically a zombie, dragging herself to work only by the promise of her paycheck.

Stealing moments of respite from their busy schedules, they still managed to steal kisses and make love—truly the perfect roommates.

“That’s good,” Mrs. Zheng sighed in relief. “Xiao Yun is introverted and a bit dull. Please bear with her.”

Dull?

Yu Xia glanced at Zheng Yun.

Would a dull person have haunted my thoughts for three years?

“She’s quite interesting,” Yu Xia said, pursing her lips. “Not dull at all.”

Mrs. Zheng paused, then smiled. “As long as you two are happy living together.”

Yu Nian seemed a little unhappy, but the arrival of the dishes distracted her.

As the food was served, she eagerly introduced the dishes. “Zheng Yun-jie, try this! It’s kumquat-infused beef tenderloin. I love it!”

Zheng Yun’s gaze returned to the table, and she nodded politely. “I can serve myself, thank you.”

Yu Xia had no particular fondness for the dishes. The summer heat had dulled her appetite, a lingering consequence of her college days. She took a small bite and set down her chopsticks, her enthusiasm waning.

Perhaps Zheng Yun was right—she shouldn’t have come.

“Xiaxia,” Ke Qian asked cautiously, “do you still like the dishes?”

Yu Xia nodded. “They’re alright.”

She ventured, “Are you coming home for Chinese New Year this year?”

“We’ll see,” Yu Xia replied curtly, a clear rejection.

“It’s just… Xiaxia,” Ms. Ke Qian straightened her back, as if bolstering her courage, “your father and I are getting older. The family business needs someone to take over…”

“Isn’t Yu Nian at home?” Yu Xia set down her chopsticks, her appetite waning further.

“Niannian’s health isn’t good,” Ms. Ke Qian said carefully. “Besides, you’re working just as hard out there. Coming home would at least let you spend more time with family.”

“Have you discussed this with Yu Nian?” Yu Xia nodded toward Yu Nian and asked coldly, “Does she agree to me taking over the entire family business?”

Yu Nian was clearly unaware of this. She turned to Ms. Ke Qian, her cheeks flushed with anger, ready to explode.

But Ms. Ke Qian had no time to spare for her.

Yu Xia knew that if she brought this up directly, Ms. Ke Qian would hang up immediately. She could only raise the issue in this setting.

“Your father and I built this business from the ground up. We can give it to whomever we choose…”

“I’m guessing I’ll be managing it, but Yu Nian will get half, or even more, of the profits,” Yu Xia said calmly, twirling her spoon. “She’s not in good health and deserves to enjoy life, while I’m healthy and can work harder. Is that right?”

Before Ke Qian could defend herself, Yu Xia continued, “And then you’ll tell me we’re all family.”

Yu Xia forced a smile. “Isn’t that a bit too calculated?”

Exposed, Ke Qian opened her mouth but couldn’t find the words.

Yu Nian, seeing Ke Qian’s reaction, knew Yu Xia had hit the mark. She smirked triumphantly. “Mom and Dad still love me the most. What does it matter if they give you something too?”

Yu Xia looked at her with pity. “You’re hopelessly naive. If I ever decided to cut you off, you’d starve to death after they’re gone.”

Yu Nian laughed, her anger turning to mockery. “So what? Mom and Dad will definitely leave me enough—something that’s entirely mine!”

Ke Qian, hearing their sharp exchange, silently covered her forehead.

In the past, someone had once remarked that she was being too partial—Yu Xia had been allowed to roam freely from a young age, while Yu Nian had always been kept sheltered.

She had always believed that Yu Nian’s frail health justified her pampered upbringing. After all, the family had enough money to support her. Yu Xia, being healthy, could continue to support Yu Nian after their parents were gone.

The two sisters had clung to each other even in her womb. What resentment couldn’t fade with time?

Now, she finally realized how absurd her thinking had been.

“Then let them leave the entire family fortune to you,” Yu Xia said, her appetite completely gone, even feeling nauseous. “Why are you scheming against me?”

“What’s wrong with getting more money? You ungrateful brat,” Yu Nian sneered.

“It’s your useless body that needs this money to survive,” Yu Xia retorted calmly. “I have hands, feet, and a job.”

“Enough,” Ms. Ke Qian said wearily, interrupting their argument. “Let’s not talk about this now. Let’s just enjoy the birthday. The cake we ordered will be here soon.”

Yu Nian dared not bring it up again, angrily withdrawing her gaze and turning to Ms. Ke Qian to whine.

Mrs. Zheng and Zheng Yun, who had witnessed the entire exchange, wisely refrained from intervening. This was a family matter, not a market stall squabble; some things are best left untouched.

Zheng Yun simply reached out silently and intertwined her fingers with Yu Xia’s when she noticed Yu Xia’s nails digging into her palm.

This intimate gesture, usually a sign of affection, now felt more like a bond between comrades in arms. The soft warmth of Zheng Yun’s palm gave Yu Xia immense courage—

So what if no one else is on my side? At least Zheng Yun is mine right now.

Neither of them ate much. Yu Xia had lost her appetite, while Zheng Yun’s hand was still too sore to use properly.

When Yu Nian turned to ask why she wasn’t eating, Zheng Yun shook her head. “It’s too hot. I don’t have much appetite.”

Yu Nian, sleeves rolled up, transferred her favorite dish to Zheng Yun. “Zheng Yun-jie, try this, it’s delicious!”

Zheng Yun politely declined with a smile.

Yu Nian’s grip on her hand tightened, tugging at the wound and causing a sharp, tearing pain.

While Yu Nian turned to speak to Mrs. Zheng, Zheng Yun glanced sideways at Yu Xia’s expression.

Yu Xia’s lips were pressed into a thin line, her eyelashes trembling slightly as she stared fixedly at her plate.

She’s actually quite cute, Zheng Yun thought, a smile escaping her lips.

Yu Nian immediately noticed. “Zheng Yun-jie, what are you smiling about?”

“Nothing,” Zheng Yun quickly covered her distraction. “Just thinking about where we should go after dinner.”

Yu Xia suddenly looked up.

Zheng Yun wants to hang out with us later?

Yu Xia’s arm swayed under the table. Zheng Yun tilted her head, silently asking, “What’s wrong?”

Yu Xia turned away, refusing to meet her gaze.

Midway through the meal, the atmosphere surprisingly improved. The cake arrived, and the delivery person, spotting the most radiant figure in the group—Yu Nian—smiled and wished her a happy birthday before leaving.

Ke Qian awkwardly glanced at Yu Xia, momentarily wanting to scold her for dressing too casually. But then she remembered Yu Xia had always dressed like this at home, year after year.

They had simply grown used to it.

She hesitated for a moment, then blurted out, “Xiaxia, your name is on the cake too.”

Yu Xia nodded dismissively.

She just wanted to get this over with and leave as soon as possible.

As for Zheng Yun, she could go wherever she wanted. As a roommate, ex-girlfriend, and ordinary colleague, Yu Xia had no right to control her.

The cake remained unopened as the final dish of the evening was served.

“Xiaxia, this is your favorite dish,” Ke Qian said, signaling the waiter to place the steaming plate in front of Yu Xia.

Yu Xia stared at the fiery red dish, garnished with cilantro. Her stomach, which hadn’t bothered her in ages, suddenly flared up, pain and nausea surging through her.

She yanked her hand away from Zheng Yun’s grip, causing Zheng Yun to gasp in pain. Yu Nian shot her a suspicious look, but before he could speak, Yu Xia coldly announced, “I’m leaving. Don’t contact me again unless someone dies.”

She grabbed her belongings, turned on her heel, and strode out. Amid Ke Qian’s startled cry, Zheng Yun also rose to her feet.

Suppressing her anger, Zheng Yun forced a smile. “Xiaxia doesn’t eat spicy food, let alone cilantro.”

“I don’t understand why you’re saying this is her favorite dish. She never eats cilantro.”

Zheng Yun nodded politely. “I’ll take my leave now.”

But Mrs. Zheng called out her name: “Zheng Yun, sit down.”

Zheng Yun’s steps faltered, her smile strained. “Mom, I need to check on Xiaxia.”

“She’s an adult,” Mrs. Zheng snapped, her face darkening. “Sit down right now.”

Zheng Yun bit her lip, her nails digging into her palm. “I have to go.”

She hurried out, Mrs. Zheng leaning back in her chair before chasing after her.

At the end of the corridor, just before Yu Xia disappeared from sight, Zheng Yun caught up and slipped her hand into Yu Xia’s outstretched one.

A passerby couldn’t block the exchange. Mrs. Zheng saw Zheng Yun’s deliberate gesture, her expression twisting.

Yu Xia, her face pale from stomach pain, retched in the restroom.

The last time they’d dined together had been the same. Her stomach truly was an emotional organ; whenever she encountered something repulsive, it suffered the consequences.

The flowing water washed away some of her discomfort, and she suddenly remembered yesterday when Zheng Yun had cut off her sentence due to stomach pain.

So, in those unspoken words, was there an emotion—like hers—that her body couldn’t bear?

She stared silently at the water, her voice low as she asked, “What are you doing here? Weren’t you planning where to go with them later?”

“Wherever you go, I’ll always follow,” Zheng Yun replied. Her healed wound reopened, sweat seeping into the raw flesh, causing her face to pale with pain.

Under the harsh fluorescent lights, the two looked like ghosts. Passersby washed their hands a few seconds faster and hurried out.

Yu Xia knew what she had done. She pressed her lips together and turned away. “I’m sorry.”

Zheng Yun paused for a few seconds before realizing what Yu Xia meant. She placed her hand back in Yu Xia’s palm, returning the power to tug at her wound.

“You don’t need to apologize to me,” Zheng Yun said softly. “Everything you give me is good.”

Yu Xia remained silent for a moment, the walls around her heart crumbling slightly.

The next second, Xiao Jiu’s call came through.

“What’s up? Haven’t you two started fighting yet?” Xiao Jiu asked, her convertible sports car parked at the entrance. The heat outside was unbearable, and she couldn’t help but curse the weather as she frantically made the call.

“…We’ve already started fighting,” Yu Xia replied, utterly speechless. “Where are you guys?”

“At the entrance. Hurry up and come out,” Xiao Jiu said, practically melting from the heat.

Xiao Qi, sitting in another car, began to doubt whether indulging Xiao Jiu’s impulsive decision had been a mistake.

Yu Xia switched sides to hold Zheng Yun’s hand again, and the two walked out hand-in-hand.

As they reached the entrance, Xiao Jiu stood up from behind the car, her cheeks flushed. “Oh my! Aren’t you two sworn enemies? How did a birthday party turn into a blind date where you ended up holding hands?”

“What kind of cars are these?” Yu Xia frowned, staring at the flashy sports cars parked one behind the other, lost in thought.

“We had them specially transported from home,” Xiao Qi said, getting out of her car. “Xiao Jiu wanted to give you a grand entrance.”

Even a minor malfunction in either of the two cars would cost Yu Xia her entire month’s salary to repair. She stared at Xiao Jiu, unsure whether to thank her or suggest they take the subway instead.

“Sigh,” Xiao Jiu sighed. “I thought you two wouldn’t want to sit together, so I had two cars brought over. And now you’re holding hands.”

Yu Xia: “…An accident.”

“Your life is just full of accidents, isn’t it?” Xiao Jiu remarked.

“Aren’t you hot?” Yu Xia asked, feigning concern but desperately trying to change the subject.

“Hot? Of course,” Xiao Jiu fanned herself a few times. “If you hadn’t arrived soon, I was going to head to the subway station for some air conditioning.”

What a down-to-earth rich person, Yu Xia thought dryly. She can drive a luxury car worth millions, but she’s also willing to take the subway with the working class for free AC.

“Let’s get in the car,” Xiao Qi said, unable to stand there any longer. “We can chat somewhere else.”

Yu Xia released Zheng Yun’s hand. “Go with her.”

Zheng Yun nodded. “See you later.”

Xiao Qi couldn’t resist teasing, “Don’t make it sound like a reunion on the Magpie Bridge. It’s not the Seventh Day of the Seventh Lunar Month today.”

Zheng Yun glanced back every few steps.

Her gaze collided with Mrs. Zheng, who stood on the porch, her face dark and her eyes fixed intently on Zheng Yun’s retreating figure.

Despite the sweltering heat, a chill ran down Zheng Yun’s spine. She quickly averted her eyes, opened the car door, and blocked the view.

Yu Nian had just begun to say, “It’s hard to get a taxi here. They’ll probably have to wait a while before they can leave…”

When she turned around, the two women had already gotten into the car, their figures disappearing as the door slammed shut. Two flashy luxury cars, so distinctive they didn’t even need to be identified by phone, sped away.

“Since when can you hail sports cars on ride-sharing apps?” Yu Nian asked, turning to Ke Qian.

Ke Qian realized Yu Xia hadn’t been lying.

She remembered how Yu Xia used to share everything with Yu Nian at home. She had always known and indulged Yu Nian, believing that sisters should share everything.

But now, after so long apart, she realized she knew nothing about Yu Xia’s life since she left—her hobbies, friends, or even her dreams.

“Let’s go inside,” Ke Qian said, averting her gaze.

Mrs. Zheng remained motionless. Suddenly, she asked, “Are Xiaxia and Zheng Yun very close?”

Yu Nian pouted. “Extremely close! They only met a couple of months ago, but they act like they’ve known each other for years…”

Mrs. Zheng lowered her head to look at the photo on her phone—a side view of the two women’s backs. Even at maximum brightness in the sunlight, the screen looked dim, but their intertwined hands were clearly visible.

My good daughter, she thought, when did you start daring to defy me for a friend you’ve only known for two months?