After the Online Romance with the Campus Beauty Roommate Went Wrong - Chapter 17

“Look at our An’an, so enthusiastic! She’s even more excited than the two involved,” Ren Li said, gesturing for Sang Shi’an to sit down. She added, “But this is just an idea Aunt Luo and I are considering for now. Don’t go spreading it around.”

Sang Shi’an forced herself to regain some composure, managing a stiff smile. “So, it’s not settled yet?”

“Of course not. Your brother and Chenyu haven’t even spent much time together. Every time Chenyu came over, you’d whisk her away to your room, wouldn’t you?”

As Sang Shi’an passed Jian Chenyu, she hesitated before sitting down beside her. “I didn’t whisk her away! Mom, you were the one who insisted she tutor me.”

“Alright, alright, I’ll take the blame. Your Sister Chenyu would never say a bad word about you,” Ren Li teased her daughter before turning to Mother Jian. “When Chenyu went abroad to study, An’an cried for days.”

“That was partly our fault. Chenyu had planned to study domestically, but then she got into Oxford. We had to let her try, right?”

“Absolutely. And now Chenyu’s back studying business. It’s perfect—she’s had all kinds of experiences.”

The two mothers chatted idly, digging up every possible connection between their children from the past.

Sang Shi’an pretended to read the label on the medicine bottle, casually glancing up just as her eyes met Jian Chenyu’s.

Jian Chenyu’s expression remained calm, her every gesture radiating restrained elegance. Even the corners of her lips weren’t pressed as tightly as they usually were at school.

It was as if she had anticipated this conversation all along.

Sang Shi’an opened her mouth to speak, but Sang Shiyue immediately began asking Jian Chenyu about her plans for taking over the Jian Clan after returning to China. He mentioned several of Jian Chenyu’s cousins, and as she answered with gentle courtesy, Sang Shi’an could sense an underlying tension.

The Sang and Jian families had several joint ventures, and Sang Shiyue soon steered the conversation toward recent project investments. While Jian Chenyu outwardly explained the projects, she subtly countered Sang Shiyue’s attempts to secure a larger share of the profits.

Maintaining the humility of a newcomer to the business world while displaying the seasoned composure of a seasoned negotiator, Jian Chenyu’s performance left Sang Shi’an in a daze. Watching their back-and-forth exchanges, she could almost believe they were longtime friends with shared ambitions.

Looking at the pair, they seemed remarkably well-matched—a far cry from the forced marriage Sang Shi’an had imagined. Or perhaps, this was exactly what Sang Shi’an had always believed love and marriage should be.

Their shared interests forged a bond deeper than mere friendship.

When her name was called, Sang Shi’an slowly lifted her gaze. “What?”

Jian Chenyu reached over, took her medicine bottle, and rotated it slightly to reveal the ingredients label.

“What are you doing?”

“Didn’t you say you hadn’t applied the medicine yet? I’ll go upstairs with you first.”

Sang Shi’an turned to her neglected brother. “But…”

Jian Chenyu quickly explained to Sang Shiyue, who immediately shooed them away. “You’re not feeling well and you’re still forcing yourself? Go upstairs and apply the medicine right away.”

Sang Shi’an gave a dry “Oh” and stood up to lead Jian Chenyu upstairs.

All the way up, she felt like she was floating, her mind still reeling from the news of Jian Chenyu’s impending marriage alliance with her brother and the scene of their earlier cheerful conversation.

She couldn’t pinpoint what felt wrong, yet everything felt off—she even walked past her own door without noticing.

It wasn’t until a hand hooked around her waist and pulled her back that Sang Shi’an reacted instinctively, turning around sharply. “What are you doing?”

Jian Chenyu maintained her composure, her hand tightening slightly as she tugged Sang Shi’an back a couple of steps. “You walked past your door.”

“I don’t need your reminders,” Sang Shi’an said, pressing the door handle and stepping inside. After a moment, she added, “I was going to get you some snacks, but if you don’t appreciate it, fine.”

Just inside the door was a fully stocked snack cabinet, eliminating the need to go to another room. Jian Chenyu glanced meaningfully at it before gracefully walking further into the room.

Sang Shi’an followed, passing through the walk-in closet. As they approached the bed, Jian Chenyu suddenly stopped and turned around. Still in her dazed state, Sang Shi’an bumped right into her.

“What are you—”

An unfamiliar perfume scent filled the air. Halfway through her complaint, Sang Shi’an frowned, realizing the scent was somewhat familiar.

Jian Chenyu scanned Sang Shi’an’s eyes. “Why are you so distracted? You walked past the room upstairs and now you’re not watching where you’re going.”

Sang Shi’an naturally refused to admit it. “Distracted? I’m just thinking.”

“Oh? Thinking about what?” Jian Chenyu asked.

“…Thinking about your perfume,” Sang Shi’an blurted out, forcing a stiff compliment. “It smells nice.”

“It’s the bottle you gave me last time,” Jian Chenyu said with a smile. “I thought you just grabbed it randomly. I didn’t realize you’d remember.”

Sang Shi’an: ……

Sang Shi’an stubbornly retorted, “Of course I just grabbed it randomly! What, you thought I carefully picked it out?”

Jian Chenyu reached up and removed her Chanel-style jacket. The neckline of her long dress dipped low as she leaned forward, her loose hair cascading down her neck and disappearing into her bodice.

Sang Shi’an instinctively tensed, only to be pressed back onto the bed. “What I meant earlier wasn’t to apply the medicine in my room.”

She wanted to do it in the living room, so everyone could see how well she and Jian Chenyu got along.

This was to prevent her parents from thinking she had been neglecting or mistreating Jian Chenyu during their cohabitation.

Jian Chenyu nodded, continuing to elegantly roll up her sleeves. “I know, but you wouldn’t want to take your pants off in front of everyone, would you?”

The room was dimly lit, with a thin curtain filtering the sunlight through the bay window. The fluctuating light cast her words with a hint of suggestive allure.

Perhaps this was just a lingering effect from Sang Shi’an’s recent viewing of a lesbian adult film.

“It’s just a sore calf. I can just roll up my pant leg, right?”

Jian Chenyu glanced up, their eyes meeting. In that instant, an unbearable ache surged through Sang Shi’an’s thigh. “Ah…”

“You’ve strained your thigh muscle. You need to apply the medicine.”

Sang Shi’an wanted nothing more than to kick Jian Chenyu out of the room.

She shoved Jian Chenyu’s hand away. “I don’t need your help. Let go.”

Jian Chenyu tilted her head slightly, studying Sang Shi’an. “Why are you so irritable today?”

“Stop acting like you know me so well,” Sang Shi’an snapped.

Jian Chenyu lowered her gaze, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

After a tense half-minute, Sang Shi’an retreated a few steps, irritably tossing her pants aside. A sudden, sharp pain shot through her calf, causing it to tremble violently.

“If you really don’t need my help, apply the medicine yourself. Your brother is still waiting downstairs. I’ll go down first.” Jian Chenyu spoke abruptly from behind as Sang Shi’an clutched her calf, hissing softly in pain.

The word “brother” snapped Sang Shi’an back to attention. “Wait!”

Jian Chenyu turned. “What is it?”

Noticing the sudden coolness in Jian Chenyu’s expression, Sang Shi’an shrank slightly, adopting a more conciliatory tone. “If I could apply the medicine myself, I would have done it days ago. I really pulled a muscle.”

Jian Chenyu’s gaze settled on Sang Shi’an’s outstretched calf, but she didn’t move.

Sang Shi’an’s voice dropped even lower. “Jian Chenyu, it really hurts.”

Jian Chenyu let out an almost imperceptible sigh and walked back to sit beside Sang Shi’an. She first pressed gently on Sang Shi’an’s calf to assess the severity of the strain, then applied the medicinal spray to her leg.

“I’ll rub it in for you,” she murmured. “Try to bear with it.”

Sang Shi’an nodded. As Jian Chenyu massaged the ointment into her leg, Sang Shi’an’s gaze remained fixed on Jian Chenyu’s face, scrutinizing every detail in search of flaws she had never noticed before.

More than half an hour had passed since Sang Shi’an first learned of the Jian Family’s intention to arrange a marriage with the Sang Family. Finally, she was able to calmly consider the matter.

In truth, the arranged marriage was meant for her brother, Sang Shiyue, and shouldn’t concern her directly. However, her own series of uncharacteristic reactions since hearing the news made it impossible for her to ignore.

For now, she attributed it all to feeling deceived.

Just as she had remained furious for four years after Jian Chenyu concealed her plans to study abroad.

Her brother’s sudden trip overseas the previous week and Jian Chenyu’s cryptic remark upon entering the room—”I couldn’t help it”—both hinted that they had known about the marriage arrangement all along.

Clearly, she was the only one kept in the dark.

Although the parents had said they were just getting acquainted, the fact that both parties agreed to meet suggested neither was particularly opposed to the arranged marriage.

As Sang Shi’an’s younger sister and roommate, she had been so easily overlooked by everyone. In that moment, she finally found a reason for the inexplicable anger simmering within her.

The medicine sprayed on her leg gradually warmed and began to penetrate her skin.

Sang Shi’an shifted her gaze from Jian Chenyu’s face and asked awkwardly, “When did you first hear about the arranged marriage with my brother?”

Jian Chenyu didn’t even look up. “The day you came to the chemistry lab to deliver something.”

That meant it had been within the past week.

Sang Shi’an fell silent again.

“I thought you’d ask something else,” Jian Chenyu said, her tone softening slightly. “Like, whether I like your brother.”

Sang Shi’an nearly blurted out, “Aren’t you a lesbian?” but she clenched her jaw and bit her lip hard.

No, no, no.

I need to calm down.

I almost blew my cover.

If Jian Chenyu ever found out she had seen those chat logs, Sang Shi’an couldn’t even imagine how she would face her.

Taking a deep breath, Sang Shi’an asked, “So… do you like him?”

“He’s a decent person,” Jian Chenyu replied, her tone measured and proper.

Sang Shi’an paused, then said, “Oh.” But she quickly realized it was inappropriate to ask only Jian Chenyu about this. “Does my brother like you?”

A sudden, clear laugh rang in her ears.

Sang Shi’an frowned. “What’s so funny?”

Jian Chenyu: “You’ll have to ask your brother. How would I know?”

Sang Shi’an considered this and conceded it made sense.

“It’s just…” Jian Chenyu drawled.

“Just what?” Sang Shi’an asked.

Jian Chenyu smiled. “I didn’t expect you to react so strongly to the news of my engagement to your brother.”

Sang Shi’an glared at her. “Can’t I be concerned about you two?”

“Of course you can.” Jian Chenyu took the medicine bottle and sprayed it on Sang Shi’an’s other leg, repeating the earlier motions.

“So… it’s purely a business arrangement?”

“Your brother and I haven’t even met privately.”

That confirmed it: a purely transactional arrangement.

The muscle strain in Sang Shi’an’s other leg was more severe. After just a few presses, cold sweat beaded on her forehead, and she collapsed weakly onto the bed.

“So, your lack of focus earlier was also because of the arranged marriage?”

Sang Shi’an forced out a complete sentence through gritted teeth, “Who cares about you guys?”

“Quit pretending,” Jian Chenyu retorted, spraying another layer of medicine. “Massaging it continuously will be too painful. Pull your clothes up a bit so I can spray the upper area first.”

Sang Shi’an turned her head away, tugged at the blanket covering her legs, and closed her eyes, refusing to speak.

Why is she being so gentle? Is she already acting like my sister-in-law, taking care of me?

Midway through, Ren Li came upstairs to check on Sang Shi’an, though her real motive was to ask Jian Chenyu when he would come downstairs.

Since it was the first time both families had tried to arrange a match, Jian Chenyu’s prolonged absence made them think he was strongly opposed to the idea.

Before leaving, Ren Li made a point of saying to Jian Chenyu, “Chen Yu, your mother and I just want you two to become friends first. If you get along well, then you can consider dating or marriage later.”

She even added with remarkable openness, “We really just want you to be friends. If you have someone you like, go ahead and date them. We elders won’t say a word.”

Sang Shi’an overheard this conversation. When Jian Chenyu returned, Sang Shi’an murmured, “Aren’t you supposed to be so polite? You were agreeing with my mom the whole time. Could it be you actually have someone you like?”

Jian Chenyu paused as she reached for the medicine bottle, her gaze shifting to Sang Shi’an. “Are you that curious?”

Sang Shi’an propped herself up with a pillow. Recalling Jian Chenyu’s “very good friend” whom she “liked very much,” she drawled, “I hadn’t even considered whether you had a partner before. I was worried this arranged marriage might block your chances at romance.”

Jian Chenyu sat down again. “I thought you’d be upset on your brother’s behalf.”

“What’s a grown man like him need me to worry about?” Sang Shi’an teased, her voice soft and almost flirtatious.

When Jian Chenyu remained silent, Sang Shi’an nudged her. “So… do you actually have someone?”

Jian Chenyu’s gaze settled on her. “What if I said yes?”

Sang Shi’an immediately retorted, “You’re not allowed to!”

Jian Chenyu chuckled softly. “Mm.”

Sang Shi’an knew she was being teased, and the laughter irritated her. “Whatever. My mom said you’re free to date before we officially get together. Do as you please.”

Sang Shi’an gave up on applying the medicine. She hastily wiped away the unabsorbed liquid with a few tissues, pulled on her pants, and went downstairs with Jian Chenyu.

It was lunchtime. The two families were gathered around the dining table, but they didn’t discuss Sang Shiyue and Jian Chenyu’s relationship any further. The parents had made their expectations clear, but ultimately, whether or when the two would get together was up to them.

Pushing too hard could backfire.

After the meal, Ren Li called Sang Shi’an aside. Lowering her voice, Ren Li asked with concern, “An’an, it’s just Mom here. Tell me honestly, does Sister Chenyu have some kind of grudge against your brother?”

Jian Chenyu had stayed upstairs for so long, as if deliberately avoiding Sang Shiyue.

“Even if they had a past conflict, we shouldn’t force them. It’s better to clear the air sooner rather than later.”

Sang Shi’an thought for a moment and replied, “No.”

Ren Li breathed a sigh of relief and gently patted Sang Shi’an’s head.

Sang Shi’an sighed inwardly, wondering what kind of grudge her brother could possibly have against Jian Chenyu.

She, on the other hand, had plenty of grievances against Jian Chenyu.

Quite a few, in fact.

For example, Jian Chenyu had stolen her title as School Belle and occupied half of her house. But most importantly, Jian Chenyu’s sexual orientation and preferences made it impossible for Sang Shi’an to overcome her mental block.

Actually, the earlier issues didn’t bother her much; she had grown used to them. But the mere thought of sharing a living space with a roommate who was attracted to women filled Sang Shi’an with an indescribable unease, making it impossible for her to interact with Jian Chenyu naturally.

Adding to her anxiety was the fact that she still couldn’t figure out Jian Chenyu’s “special interests.” She constantly worried that one night, in a moment of clouded judgment, Jian Chenyu might break down her door.

At least it’ll be over in two years…

But would it really be just two years?

Sang Shi’an lost her grip on her cup, spilling the freshly made Mango Pomelo Sago onto the floor, mango pulp splattering across half her body.

Ren Li hurriedly called for Aunt Luo to bring a towel, but Sang Shi’an remained motionless, suddenly struck by a terrifying possibility:

If Jian Chenyu were to marry her brother, their shared living arrangement wouldn’t be limited to these two years. It would stretch into many, many, many more years to come.

Right now, Jian Chenyu might not be interested in her face, having seen it for so long. But if Jian Chenyu were married to her brother and unable to seek affairs outside the marriage, wouldn’t Sang Shi’an become the perfect outlet for all of Jian Chenyu’s pent-up desires?

Moreover, Jian Chenyu had always enjoyed searching for “forced” content online.

What was that term she’d seen during her last search?

Same-Husband.

Right, so wouldn’t her brother also become a Same-Husband?

Sang Shi’an’s face drained of color as the possibility grew more real in her mind. When Aunt Luo handed Ren Li a towel to wipe her down, she stumbled back as if her soul had been ripped from her body.

“An’an!” Ren Li rushed to steady her. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Let’s go to the hospital, okay?”

Sang Shi’an didn’t need a mirror to know how terrible she looked, but she couldn’t bring herself to say “I’m fine.” After all, she couldn’t tell her mother the truth—no one would believe her anyway.

“Mom, I’m just a little dizzy. Let me lie down upstairs for a while.”

“What’s wrong with her?” Sang Shiyue, hearing the commotion, hurried over.

Ren Li explained to Sang Shiyue, “Your sister seems to have low bl00d sugar. She said she’s dizzy. She dropped her cup earlier and can barely stand now. If she doesn’t want to go to the hospital, can you get a doctor to come here?”

Sang Shiyue nodded, pulling out his phone to contact someone.

Jian Chenyu, standing nearby, suggested, “Aunt Ren, why don’t we call a doctor from my family’s hospital? It’s close by, so they can get here quickly.”

Sang Shiyue considered it and agreed, “That would be convenient. Thank you for the help.”

An hour later, after being forcibly subjected to a quick examination, Sang Shi’an was lying in her own bed, hooked up to an IV drip.

The ordeal had finally brought some color back to her face. She looked at the nurse attending her and asked, “Sister, how long will this saline drip take?”

The nurse estimated, “About an hour.”

“And my family?” Sang Shi’an asked.

The nurse replied patiently, “They stepped out to avoid disturbing you. Should I call them back?”

After a moment’s thought, Sang Shi’an said, “No, I’ll call them later.”

The nurse smiled. “The man who said he was your brother—is the woman with him your sister-in-law? They look like a perfect match.”

Sang Shi’an’s newly regained color drained from her face. “No,” she corrected, “the other one is my older sister.”

The nurse sighed wistfully. “Oh, well. Your family has good genes, though—everyone’s so good-looking.”

Sang Shi’an forced a strained smile, her gaze fixed on the steadily dripping IV fluid as she drifted into another daze.

As the turmoil in her heart gradually subsided, the saline drip finally ran nearly dry. When the nurse came to change the bag, Sang Shi’an abruptly yanked out the IV needle and swung her legs over the side of the bed.

A bead of bl00d easily welled up from the vein. The nurse rushed to stop her. “Did the needle come loose? Let me help you.”

Sang Shi’an brushed aside the nurse’s hand, pointing to the long string of medical terms on the saline bag. “Sister, it’s nothing serious. Would it really make a difference if the glucose drip ran a little longer or shorter?”

“Then let me at least apply pressure to the injection site.”

“No need to trouble yourself.”

Yan City in November already carried the chill of early winter. The air-conditioned room felt like a different season compared to the outside. As Sang Shi’an went to grab her coat, she saw Sang Shiyue and Jian Chenyu standing face-to-face in the small garden below. Whatever they were discussing seemed to have softened even Jian Chenyu’s usually aloof features.

In that moment, the garden, dulled by late autumn, seemed to burst with vibrant colors. The soft glow enveloping the two figures made them appear perfectly matched.

Noticing the commotion, Sang Shiyue and Jian Chenyu turned their heads and saw her at the upstairs window. They immediately came upstairs.

“Weren’t you getting an IV? Is it finished already?”

“It’s nothing, just a sudden drop in bl00d sugar,” Sang Shi’an said, stopping Sang Shiyue from taking her back for the IV. She looked at Jian Chenyu. “Just get them to prescribe some medication.”

Sang Shiyue disagreed. “How can medication be as effective as saline solution?”

But Sang Shi’an stubbornly refused to continue the IV. “My hand hurts and it’s swollen.”

“Then switch to the other hand,” Sang Shiyue insisted.

“Why don’t you let them stick the needle in your hand instead!” Sang Shi’an retorted.

In the end, Jian Chenyu made the final decision. “She doesn’t want the IV, and forcing saline solution into her body isn’t good for her. I’ll go get them to prescribe some medication with minimal side effects.”

Five minutes later, the hand Sang Shi’an had been getting the IV in was re-bandaged.

Sang Shiyue went to speak with the doctor about her condition, leaving Sang Shi’an alone in the room with Jian Chenyu.

Sang Shi’an turned her head, and the moment she saw Jian Chenyu, her mischievous thoughts began to stir again.

She suddenly lowered her voice, breaking the delicate silence. “What were you and my brother talking about just now?”

She asked casually, her gaze drifting across Jian Chenyu’s pale lips until they slowly uttered two words: “Marriage alliance.”

The air froze for a moment.

Sang Shi’an was stunned. She glanced at Sang Shiyue standing by the door and lowered her voice further. “You’re starting so soon? Do you even know each other well enough to rush into this?”

Jian Chenyu replied, “We don’t know each other personally, but we understand each other’s companies.”

“But…”

“As for dating or marriage, it’s still early. Our parents have discussed the possibility, and our families will inevitably have more business interactions in the future. So we’ve started discussing things like merging shares and future expansion collaborations,” Jian Chenyu said calmly, as if stating an obvious fact.

Sang Shi’an pressed on, refusing to believe it. “What if you finish the business negotiations and then realize you’re not compatible?”

Jian Chenyu’s gaze drifted downward, lingering for a second on the needle mark on Sang Shi’an’s hand, where the bleeding had stopped. “Then we can reconsider.”

Reconsider the business alliance? Or reconsider staying with an incompatible partner for the sake of the alliance?

Sang Shiyue’s voice carried from outside the room: “Sang Shi’an, the doctor said your condition is due to irregular sleep patterns and skipping breakfast. If you can’t eat properly at school, I won’t hesitate to hire a 24-hour caregiver to keep an eye on you.”

Sang Shi’an: ……

She turned to Jian Chenyu for help: “I’m living with Sister Chenyu. If you hire someone, she’ll feel uncomfortable too.”

Sang Shiyue glanced at Jian Chenyu beside her, frowned, and seemed to find himself in a dilemma. Just then, his phone rang, and he turned and left.

Left alone again, Jian Chenyu helped Sang Shi’an sit up and said calmly, “Regarding the question you asked earlier, I can only tell you this: your brother and I are both very successful businesspeople. We enjoy our conversations, and our current interactions are purely for mutual benefit. There’s no talk of marriage—for now.”

Sang Shi’an tilted her head. “For now?”

Jian Chenyu’s gaze swept over Sang Shi’an’s eager, inquisitive eyes, and she smiled faintly. “But in the future… who knows?”

Sang Shi’an: ……

“She said ‘maybe’? Does that even sound like human language? So she really wants to be my sister-in-law?”

“Isn’t that great news?” When Su Ningyue heard about Sang Shiyue and Jian Chenyu’s situation during their shopping trip on Sunday, she lost all interest in buying clothes and dragged Sang Shi’an into the nearest café.

After ordering their coffees, Sang Shi’an looked utterly dejected. “It’s true, but how is it great news?”

Su Ningyue took the order number and squeezed onto a two-person sofa with Sang Shi’an. “If Senior Jian becomes your brother’s wife, your living together would be perfectly legitimate! A future sister-in-law taking care of her husband’s younger sister—the forums would stop spreading rumors about your relationship. Isn’t that way better than pretending to be just friends?”

“But that doesn’t mean I want my brother to be with her! If they actually get married, I’ll be stuck being related to Jian Chenyu for life!” Sang Shi’an grew increasingly agitated. “I told you this to get your advice, not your congratulations.”

The waitress brought their coffees and small cakes. Su Ningyue stirred the latte art on her coffee thoughtfully. “So, you want to break them up?”

Sang Shi’an lifted her eyelids slightly, remaining silent.

Su Ningyue gasped, “How long have you been thinking about this?”

Sang Shi’an pointed to her eyes. “I’ve been covering up these dark circles for ages. We need to figure something out, fast.”

No wonder Sang Shi’an had dragged her out of the house so early this morning. It wasn’t for shopping after all, but for this?

Su Ningyue steadied herself and asked, “Is breaking them up really necessary? He’s your own brother, and Senior Jian is one in a million. Just like your family says, they’re a perfect match.”

Sang Shi’an pressed her lips tightly together, as if struggling to speak.

Sang Shi’an wasn’t one to act impulsively. Su Ningyue had always found her interactions with Jian Chenyu strange. Even during the few times they’d eaten together, Sang Shi’an’s attitude seemed oddly awkward.

Su Ningyue ventured softly, “Is there something you can’t tell me?”

Sang Shi’an gripped her coffee cup so tightly that the veins on the back of her hand bulged.

Recalling Sang Shi’an and Jian Chenyu’s past interactions, Su Ningyue arrived at the most improbable conclusion: “You… you’re not actually dating Jian Chenyu, are you?”

Sang Shi’an’s hand jerked violently, causing coffee to slosh out of her cup and splash onto her hand, leaving a red mark.

Su Ningyue quickly grabbed a tissue and began wiping Sang Shi’an’s hand. “Okay, okay, I’m sorry for prying. I won’t ask any more questions. I’ll even help you plan your escape right now.”

“No,” Sang Shi’an said, stopping Su Ningyue and taking the tissue from her. “I’m not dating Jian Chenyu, but…”

She took a deep breath, as if steeling herself for a difficult revelation. “But I discovered earlier that Jian Chenyu is attracted to women.”

To ensure Su Ningyue understood, she emphasized, “Her sexual orientation is towards women.”

Su Ningyue had meant her question as a joke, but seeing Sang Shi’an’s intense reaction, she immediately regretted her insensitivity. I shouldn’t have joked about this right now, she thought. Yet, the next moment, Sang Shi’an dropped this bombshell on her.

Once she had revealed the first truth, Sang Shi’an felt a weight lift. She then poured out everything: from discovering Jian Chenyu’s sexual orientation to her awkwardness during their meals together, and her current anxiety about the impending arranged marriage.

When it came to discovering Jian Chenyu’s sexual orientation, Sang Shi’an didn’t mention specific search terms. Instead, she used “searching for novels and manga” as a substitute.

Su Ningyue took nearly ten minutes to process this, still finding it hard to believe. “Are you sure there’s no misunderstanding here? What if Senior Jian was just searching out of curiosity?”

Sang Shi’an was already numb. “If it were just curiosity, would she have dozens of search history entries all related to lesbians?”

Now it was Su Ningyue who looked dazed. “No wonder… no wonder there were rumors at school. She didn’t even try to hide it, and even…”

The amount of time Jian Chenyu had spent with them in the past week rivaled the entire previous two months.

Su Ningyue had sensed something was off before, but now it all seemed to make sense. With Sang Shi’an’s striking looks, a military training session alone had drawn so many boys to confess their feelings. Any lesbian who wasn’t blind would naturally be drawn to her as well.

Sang Shi’an might have been worried that Jian Chenyu was deceiving her brother by liking girls, but Su Ningyue was more concerned about something else—

If Jian Chenyu truly liked women, and Sang Shi’an had been caring for her since childhood, wouldn’t Jian Chenyu have already developed feelings for Sang Shi’an?

As the writer who currently carried half the weight of the forum’s CP fandom, Su Ningyue’s observations were unparalleled in their meticulousness.

While it was true that many arranged marriages in their circle involved couples living separate lives, if Jian Chenyu had indeed fallen for Sang Shi’an, how awkward would Sang Shi’an’s position as the younger sister-in-law become?

Having an affair with Sang Shi’an behind her brother’s back?

Shipping couples might be thrilling, but the reality of such a situation would be far from romantic.

Sang Shi’an pulled Su Ningyue back to the present. “Even what? Are you possessed today? Why are you leaving me hanging like that? Or do you not believe me?”

Su Ningyue replied slowly, “Of course I believe you. What kind of relationship do we have? I’m just thinking that this is Jian Chenyu and your family’s private matter. We can’t make a scene. If we want to sabotage it, we’ll have to do it secretly.”

Sang Shi’an nodded in agreement. “So, have you come up with a good plan?”

“There are only a few ways to break off a marriage: either the elders disapprove, or one of the parties involved refuses. Since both families are eager for this match, we’ll have to find a weakness in your brother and Senior Jian. Your brother is always at work, so we rarely see him. The best approach is to target Senior Jian.” Su Ningyue’s voice grew troubled. “But she’s practically flawless… her only flaw is that she likes girls.”

Suddenly, Su Ningyue’s eyes lit up. “I’ve got it! I have a plan to stop their marriage!”

“What is it? What is it?” Sang Shi’an leaned forward, her back straightening instinctively, her expression eager.

“You’re worried Senior Jian might end up with your brother, right? Your mom said they just want them to get to know each other first, and they’re free to date others in the meantime. Since Senior Jian likes girls, why don’t we help her find a girlfriend? Once she’s head over heels, she’ll refuse the marriage!” Su Ningyue lowered her voice, thrilled with her brilliant plan.

“Besides,” Su Ningyue continued, “someone like Senior Jian, who seems to have no worldly desires, would become a raging inferno once she falls in love. She’d be the ultimate love-struck fool. If you tried to make her marry your brother then, she’d throw a fit, cry, and even threaten to hang herself just to run off with her girlfriend.”

The ultimate love-struck fool? Throw a fit, cry, and threaten to hang herself?

Sang Shi’an struggled to imagine such a scenario playing out with Jian Chenyu. Yet, after agonizing over the problem all night, Su Ningyue’s proposed solution still held a shameful appeal.

If they could actually find Jian Chenyu a romantic partner, it would not only sabotage the arranged marriage but also dispel the rumors about their relationship at school. Sang Shi’an wouldn’t have to keep explaining that she wasn’t interested in women.

She was merely Jian Chenyu’s shield at school, the real object of her affections was someone else, and Sang Shi’an was just a victim of circumstance. Perfect.

“But…” Sang Shi’an hesitated, “where am I supposed to find a temporary girlfriend for Jian Chenyu? And one we can’t reveal publicly?”

“Who said we need a real girlfriend?” Su Ningyue leaned closer, whispering in her ear. “Do you think the guys at our school are all pushovers? They’ve been chasing her for ages without success. It’s clear Senior Jian isn’t easy to win over. But there are tons of beautiful, sweet-voiced online influencers who do paid gigs. You can pick any one you like!”

Sang Shi’an’s eyes widened in realization. “You mean find someone online to trick Jian Chenyu?”

“Exactly!” Su Ningyue continued to fan the flames. “Find someone online to have an online romance with Senior Jian. They don’t even need to meet in person—just send her pretty pictures and sweet messages. Then, when your brother tries to force a marriage, you anonymously forward the chat logs to your parents’ email. Boom! The whole thing falls apart.”

Sang Shi’an was awestruck. “It’s a real shame you didn’t study journalism.”

“I know, right? I’ve got a natural talent for this. After graduation, I’m planning to work at one of the Su Family’s entertainment agencies. My genius can’t be wasted.”

Su Ningyue thoughtfully considered Sang Shi’an’s needs. “Actually, I think those influencers who cater to Top Tier Older Sisters might be too mercenary for Senior Jian. I know a better place to find someone—youthful, energetic, passionate, and absolutely gorgeous.”

Sang Shi’an immediately sensed something shady. Her face tightened with suspicion. “You’re not planning to take me to some brothel, are you? That’s illegal!”

“Puh-lease! Those are my goddesses! They’re meant to be admired from afar, not defiled! Whether you can find someone willing to earn some extra cash on the side depends on your own charm.” Su Ningyue pulled two tickets from her bag. “Here, I was going to ask you to come with me anyway.”

Sang Shi’an read the tickets: Anime Convention.

One o’clock in the afternoon at the convention center.

Sang Shi’an didn’t follow anime series, so this was her first time attending an anime convention. The event was jointly funded by several game companies, ensuring ample resources. As soon as they entered, they saw long queues stretching across the hall.

Eager to find a suitable online dating partner, Sang Shi’an urged Su Ningyue, “We already had our tickets checked. Why are we still queuing? Is it like an amusement park where you have to queue for each attraction?”

Su Ningyue gave Sang Shi’an a look as if she were a country bumpkin and pulled her aside, leading her to the end of the line. “See? They’re taking photos up front. If you don’t want to take photos or interact, you can just walk around to the front.”

At the booth of a certain game company, a silver-haired girl with cascading curls held a golden scepter. Her eyes were cold and distant, radiating an air of noble aloofness.

When it was her turn, the excited girl shouted, “Teacher Moon God!” The cosplayer maintained her character’s persona, giving a silent nod before asking, “Photo or video?”

Even her voice was a chillingly refined mature woman’s tone. The moment she spoke, Sang Shi’an instinctively rubbed her ear.

This is… too beautiful!

Seeing Su Ningyue’s hopeless infatuation, Sang Shi’an pulled her toward another teacher. “Didn’t I tell you the people here are different? If anyone here wanted to date me, I’d be completely smitten in an instant!”

Even Sang Shi’an, who was used to seeing handsome men and beautiful women, had to agree. “You’re right.”

“Aaaah! I just saw Teacher Moon God! You wander around for a bit, okay? I’m going to get a photo with her!” Su Ningyue suddenly spotted something and dashed off, leaving Sang Shi’an no chance to stop her.

Left to her own devices, Sang Shi’an began exploring the event.

Long queues stretched before each cosplayer teacher, making it impossible for her to squeeze through, let alone try to find someone for an online relationship. She could only wander back and forth.

Perhaps sensing her unfamiliarity and strong determination, a girl dressed in a Cat Cat cosplay outfit approached her. “Older Sister, you’ve been watching Teacher Yaya for so long! Would you like to buy a plushie of her? I’ll pick out a good one for you—it’ll summon Teacher Yaya!”

Sang Shi’an was utterly confused. Just as she was about to ask if this was another kind of ‘summoning ticket,’ the girl tugged on the plushie’s small wings.

“Baby, did you miss me?”

“Don’t be sad. Come here, let me hug you.”

“Want to go get some crayfish? But not too spicy, okay?”

With each pull, the plushie emitted a recorded phrase in a specially crafted, tingling voice that sent shivers down one’s spine.

Sensing Sang Shi’an’s interest, the girl relentlessly tugged at the wings, as if determined to keep pushing until she made a sale.

In the end, Sang Shi’an bought one of every item on the stall, even the overpriced, four-figure doll that no one else had touched.

As Sang Shi’an scanned the QR code to pay, the girl mysteriously produced a garment from the display case. “This is the same outfit as Teacher Yaya’s!” she exclaimed. “Would you like to take a set? Wearing it will give you the same fun-loving soul as Teacher Yaya!”

Sang Shi’an noticed the similar wings on the outfit and couldn’t help but chuckle. “How much is this one?”

“Not too expensive!” the girl replied. “This set is a size smaller than Teacher Yaya’s—it was originally a backup. But since you’re so slender, Older Sister, it’s like fate! If you like it, you can take it for 2888!”

Sang Shi’an immediately recognized the markup, but she was willing to pay to get closer to the cosplayer teacher. “Is this the only set? Do you have any others? If I buy a few more, could I possibly meet Teacher Yaya later…?”

The girl was wearing a Cat Cat guardian beast costume, looking adorably like a troublemaker waiting for her master to clean up the mess. “Of course, Older Sister! Buy more, and I’ll even have Teacher Yaya join you for lunch later.”

Might as well bring those freeloaders along too, Sang Shi’an thought.

Sang Shi’an spent lavishly, finally helping the salesgirl meet her KPI. “Can you arrange delivery? I can’t carry all this myself. I’ll add extra for the service.”

“Absolutely! Just write your address here, and I’ll have someone deliver it right away.”

After half an hour of shopping, Sang Shi’an still felt a bit overwhelmed by the Anime Convention’s overly enthusiastic atmosphere. Having achieved half her goal, she walked outside while calling Su Ningyue.

The call was rejected after just two rings. A minute later, Su Ningyue sent a WeChat message: I’m taking photos with Teacher Moon God. Talk later.

Sang Shi’an: ……Fine.

Sang Shi’an decided to leave the venue and get some fresh air. The convention’s popularity showed no signs of waning; the line at the ticket booth was even longer than when they had arrived.

She ordered a brown sugar bubble tea at a nearby shop. As she paid, she heard the salesgirl’s voice behind her: “Older Sister! Older Sister!”

The girl seemed to have jogged to catch up, panting heavily as she approached. Her cat ears drooped, and she struggled to speak clearly.

Sang Shi’an ordered another drink from the shop assistant, scanned the QR code to pay, and gently took the girl’s arm. “What’s wrong?”

“You only wrote the address, no phone number. Even if you didn’t want to join us for dinner, we’d need to contact you when we deliver the items, right?” The girl pulled out a pen and paper, handing them to Sang Shi’an. Her hand, still wearing a cat paw glove, was utterly adorable.

Sang Shi’an wrote down her phone number and handed over the milk tea. She casually stroked the cat paw glove. “Thank you for your trouble.”

The girl’s eyes darted around. “Older Sister, do you like cats?”

Sang Shi’an nodded honestly. “I do.”

“I have a limited-edition set Teacher Yaya hasn’t even worn yet. If you like it, I could secretly sell it to you, okay?”

As the girl scrolled through photos on her phone, Sang Shi’an was about to stop her when her peripheral vision caught a familiar car. Sure enough, Jian Chenyu stepped out.

The moment Sang Shi’an saw Jian Chenyu, she remembered Su Ningyue’s talk about online dating and felt a pang of guilt. She tried to hide behind the other girl, but Jian Chenyu spotted her anyway.

Jian Chenyu walked toward them, while the salesgirl beside her, oblivious to Sang Shi’an’s attempt to hide, continued her sales pitch with unwavering enthusiasm.

Now that Jian Chenyu was right in front of her, Sang Shi’an forced herself to speak, “What are you doing here?”

“I’m saying goodbye to Senior Wen, the one we met last time. She’s going back to Cloud City to teach,” Jian Chenyu replied, her gaze lingering on the girl beside Sang Shi’an, her expression momentarily hardening.

The girl’s hand, still wearing the cat paw gloves, was tightly intertwined with Sang Shi’an’s. Her chestnut-gold wig cascaded over Sang Shi’an’s shoulder as she tilted her head, creating an intimate tableau.

“You two…”

“Ah, she’s… she’s a friend,” Sang Shi’an stammered. She couldn’t exactly admit she’d met the girl while trying to find Jian Chenyu an online dating partner.

Jian Chenyu studied the girl for a moment longer, then nodded. “She’s very cute.”

Seizing the opportunity, Sang Shi’an affectionately squeezed the paw gloves twice. “Right? I think she’s adorable too.”

Jian Chenyu withdrew her gaze, her tone enigmatic. “Since when did you have such a friend?”

“There’s plenty you don’t know,” Sang Shi’an replied dismissively. “Oh, didn’t you have a date with Senior Sister? Hurry along, don’t keep her waiting.” With that, she tugged Cat Cat back toward the entrance.

As they walked, Cat Cat asked if Sang Shi’an wanted the limited-edition outfit. Sang Shi’an absentmindedly agreed, glancing back.

She noticed Jian Chenyu still standing in the same spot, as if she had been watching them the entire time.

Watching her?

That seemed unlikely, considering they saw each other every day.

Could she be… watching Cat Cat, the girl beside her?

While paying for the outfit, Sang Shi’an discreetly studied Cat Cat’s features. The girl’s beauty rivaled that of the most popular teachers in the hall, especially her lively eyes, which mirrored Cat Cat’s own and were utterly captivating.

Feeling like she had stumbled upon something significant, Sang Shi’an urgently pulled Cat Cat aside. “Older Sister, do you have a boyfriend?”

Cat Cat’s face flushed crimson. “Yes! It’s that black cat from the next booth—he’s my boyfriend.”

Sang Shi’an: ……

Trying to seduce Jian Chenyu with someone who already had a boyfriend felt… wrong.

She feigned casual interest. “What about Teacher Yaya?”

Cat Cat’s face immediately turned wary. “You’re not one of Teacher Yaya’s sasaeng fans, are you?”

“Sasaeng?” Sang Shi’an momentarily struggled to recall the term.

“Never mind. What sasaeng would spend so much money just to ask if she has a partner?” Cat Cat waved her paw dismissively, patiently explaining, “Teacher Yaya already has someone she likes. They’re not in the industry, so you don’t need to be too curious. And don’t tell anyone else, okay?”

Sang Shi’an was completely stunned.

The Teacher Yaya she had carefully scouted out and chosen actually had someone she liked? Had all the money she spent on those clothes been for nothing?

Where would she find someone else so perfect for Jian Chenyu now?

Sang Shi’an declined Cat Cat’s offer to re-enter the exhibition and instead found a stone bench near the entrance, sitting there for a long time in the cool breeze.

It wasn’t until Su Ningyue emerged from her interaction with her idol, Teacher Moon God, that Sang Shi’an listlessly recounted her experience.

Sang Shi’an had braced herself for Su Ningyue to call her a “sucker,” but to her surprise, Su Ningyue remained remarkably calm. “…So you’re saying you just bought a bunch of limited-edition clothes?”

“Yeah, I took some photos. Want to see?” Sang Shi’an pulled out her phone and opened the album.

The moment the photos appeared, a chorus of “Ahhh! Ooh! Ahhh!” erupted from Su Ningyue’s lips.

Su Ningyue immediately clapped a hand over Sang Shi’an’s mouth. “It’s worth it, it’s worth it! The Goddess of Beauty wore this one last time, and they wouldn’t even sell it to me! And this one, and this one—”

Annoyed by her chatter, Sang Shi’an cut her off. “Just take them all.”

“Why would I take them? Do you think I’d take advantage of a friend?” Su Ningyue sat beside her and draped an arm around Sang Shi’an’s shoulders. “Sangsang, I think this trip wasn’t a waste after all.”

She muttered to herself, “Didn’t you want someone who wouldn’t mind dating girls, could pique Senior Jian’s interest, was good-looking with a nice voice, and wouldn’t be swayed by Senior Jian to betray you and would diligently help you complete your mission?”

Sang Shi’an listened silently. “Yes.”

“I think the key to seduction is understanding Senior Jian’s boundaries. You need to hit the right notes without crossing the line, tailoring your approach to her specific weaknesses. You only get one shot. If the teachers inside say the wrong thing, wouldn’t that be even more awkward?”

Sang Shi’an nodded. “So, what do you think Jian Chenyu’s boundaries are?”

Su Ningyue looked at Sang Shi’an with earnest sincerity, her eyes crinkling into a smile. “You’ve known Senior Jian for so many years. Don’t you know her boundaries better than anyone?”

Sang Shi’an: ……

Sang Shi’an seemed to, well, maybe, possibly understand Su Ningyue’s meaning.

But she could hardly believe it.

After a brief silence, she stammered, “I… this, this isn’t appropriate, is it? Wouldn’t it be awkward if we ever met again?”

Su Ningyue flicked her forehead. “Then just don’t meet! You two are in an online relationship, an online relationship! Just get your hands on the chat logs, throw them in your parents’ faces, and Jian Chenyu will never become your sister-in-law! Everyone wins!”

Sang Shi’an was starting to waver. With Jian Chenyu’s face, which had Yanjing University students howling in adoration, anyone with weak resolve would likely be seduced and defect.

“…I’ll think about it.”

As if reading her mind, Su Ningyue pressed on, “You don’t even like girls! You’re the least likely person in the world to end up with her, and you know her better than anyone. Who could be more perfect for this?”

“Your brother and Senior Jian started discussing business collaborations the moment they met yesterday. Businessmen prioritize profit—love means nothing to them. As long as there are no fundamental conflicts, they’ll rush into a marriage for the sake of a deal. By then, you won’t even have time to cry.”

“Even if you marry someone else, you’ll still have to share family dinners with Jian Chenyu during holidays, watching her steal your parents’ and brother’s affection while secretly guarding the fact that she’s making your brother her ‘same-husband.’ Can you endure that?”

“Can you?”

Of course not.

Afraid Jian Chenyu might see the clothes, Sang Shi’an skipped dinner with Su Ningyue and hurried home.

She dragged the large box of Anime Convention purchases into her room and sat on the bed, replaying Su Ningyue’s words in her mind.

Midway through, her mother called, asking if she’d seen Jian Chenyu since returning to school and whether Jian Chenyu might be willing to try getting along with her brother.

This was like pouring oil on a fire for Sang Shi’an. She snapped, “Haven’t seen her. I’ll ask another time,” and hung up.

Her mind raced, replaying everything she’d seen on Jian Chenyu’s computer and Jian Chenyu’s own words about her attitude toward lesbians.

Sang Shi’an lay back on the bed, staring blankly at the ceiling. She lost track of how much time had passed.

Suddenly, she sat up and rushed into the newly organized walk-in closet, pulling out the Cat Cat cosplay outfit she had bought last.

This exotic cat demon costume was lavishly adorned with sparkling gems from the crown to the neck, waist, and limbs. The remaining parts of the outfit were crafted from sheer, pale gold fabric and beaded strands, each piece seemingly dusted with gold powder that shimmered dazzlingly under the light.

The Cat Cat outfit worn by the girl who sold her the costume today was nowhere near the quality of the one in her hands. If Jian Chenyu liked that one, she would surely be even more captivated by this one.

Compelled by some inexplicable impulse, Sang Shi’an began changing in front of the mirror. The outfit wasn’t just intricate with accessories; it also had numerous delicate gold clasps to secure the cosplay. Misaligning even one could lead to embarrassing exposure.

It took Sang Shi’an two full hours to dress completely, repeatedly checking her reflection in the full-length mirror to ensure every detail was perfect.

The person in the mirror had striking, narrow eyes and a face that glowed warmly under the soft lighting. The golden accessories radiated a dazzling light, while the nine fluffy fox tails behind her and the cat ear headband were made of the same plush material. As she moved, the fur trembled gently, causing the beads and ornaments to jingle softly. Even Sang Shi’an herself felt her cheeks flush with a mix of embarrassment and excitement.

She now understood why Teacher Yaya had chosen to sell such a stunning cosplay outfit instead of wearing it herself.

The outfit seemed to cover everything, yet it revealed almost everything. If she actually wore it to the Anime Convention, the entire event would likely be overwhelmed by the crowds.

Using a phone number she’d been forced to register by a senior sister during freshman orientation, Sang Shi’an created a brand-new WeChat account. This account was completely unused, with an empty friend list containing only the WeChat Assistant.

After quickly setting a profile picture and updating her Moments to make the account look less like a blank slate, Sang Shi’an found Jian Chenyu’s WeChat ID from her main account, copied it, and searched for it.

For the friend request message, she typed: “Senior Jian, hello! I’m Professor Xu’s student. She asked me to contact you to discuss this month’s bet-hedging project.”

She sent the request with a single tap.

As she did all this, Sang Shi’an’s hands trembled. What should have taken a minute took her ten, the accessories on her body jingling incessantly, making her heart race and her breath come in ragged gasps.

But she wasn’t finished yet.

While waiting for Jian Chenyu to accept her friend request, Sang Shi’an propped her phone against the bed. Mimicking a pose she’d seen in a yuri adult film, she knelt before the camera with her legs slightly parted, wagging her tail.

The leg straps, designed to keep the outfit in place, dug tightly into Sang Shi’an’s thighs as she sat down, the stiff, unyielding material leaving two red marks like beautiful instruments of torture.

But having gone this far, Sang Shi’an refused to let her efforts be in vain. Gritting her teeth, she began recording her first video.

A shimmering golden light illuminated an exotic cat demon, accompanied by a deliberately high-pitched, saccharine voice: “Older Sister, I adore you so much. I want you to fvck me every night.”

She repeated several takes until she finally selected a version she was satisfied with, one that didn’t reveal her face.

Just then, a WeChat notification popped up. Sang Shi