After the Online Romance with the Campus Beauty Roommate Went Wrong - Chapter 42

This year, Christmas Eve fell on a Saturday, meaning Sang Shi’an could sleep in and then celebrate her birthday.

The night before, she excitedly confirmed her guest list and even called Sang Shiyue at 2:30 AM to request a change in the evening’s private room decor, nearly getting disowned as a result.

Yet the next morning at 7:00 AM, Sang Shi’an was dragged out of bed. When she opened her eyes and saw Jian Chenyu, she thought she was dreaming.

It wasn’t until sunlight streamed into the room, forcing her to squint, that Sang Shi’an snapped to reality. “Jian Chenyu! This is trespassing!”

Jian Chenyu responded casually and turned back to yank off her blanket. “Didn’t you say you wanted to rent an entire amusement park for your birthday and experience life as a princess?”

Sang Shi’an’s head snapped up, her eyes sparkling with surprise, brighter than the sunlight on the sheets. She quickly masked her excitement, muttering, “Who cares? That’s so childish.”

Jian Chenyu’s tone softened, though it retained a hint of nonchalance. “The money’s already spent, and it’ll only take up your day. I just wanted to see if people your age still enjoy amusement parks.”

Sang Shi’an: “…Huh?”

She walked right into the trap, asking, “You’re not planning on taking someone else there tonight, are you?”

“Didn’t you have plans with your friends tonight? I wouldn’t presume to monopolize Her Highness the Princess’s entire day,” Jian Chenyu said, placing a hand over her chest in a knightly salute. “But the amusement park was indeed reserved exclusively for you.”

Sang Shi’an’s face flushed at the gesture, though she remained skeptical. “You really reserved the whole park? When I was little, I asked my parents to rent it for a day, but they refused.”

Yan City’s amusement parks were renowned, and even on ordinary days, renting one for a day cost seven figures. Given that Sang Shi’an’s birthday fell on Christmas Eve every year, the price would have been several times higher.

“Absolutely,” Jian Chenyu said firmly. “Every hour you slept in would have wasted a fortune, so I had no choice but to wake you up early.”

The unexpected surprise banished her morning grumpiness without a trace. Sang Shi’an felt lightheaded, as if the air itself had turned sweet.

She asked, “What about the Christmas Eve activities and performances at the park?”

Jian Chenyu confirmed, “They’ll all be there.”

Sang Shi’an dashed toward the bathroom. “Give me half an hour!”

Midway through her preparations, Sang Shiyue called, asking if she wanted him to pick her up.

Sang Shi’an, still giddy with excitement over having the amusement park all to herself, replied heartlessly, “See you tonight. Princess’s time has already been booked.”

Sang Shiyue chuckled on the other end of the line, coaxing her for a few more words before finally learning about her plans for the amusement park.

When she emerged from her bedroom, Jian Chenyu was at the dining table, reviewing a PowerPoint presentation.

Sang Shi’an grabbed a piece of toast, took a bite, and glanced over her shoulder. “I thought you’d be looking up amusement park guides,” she remarked.

Jian Chenyu closed her laptop with a casual shrug. “You might not enjoy the attractions I like. I was just killing time.”

Killing time? Shouldn’t you be scrolling through entertainment news or playing a quick game?

Compared to Jian Chenyu, Sang Shi’an suddenly felt like she was wasting her days on frivolous pursuits.

So, as they settled into the car, Sang Shi’an tossed aside the park map Jian Chenyu had given her, opened the electronic study materials for her upcoming exams, and declared coldly, “Drive carefully and don’t disturb my studying.”

She then turned off the car’s music, transforming into a diligent, studious model student.

Jian Chenyu: ……

At 8:30 AM, an Aston Martin pulled up outside Universal Studios, half an hour before the park’s official opening time. But for them, there were no such restrictions. Eight park guides—four men and four women—were there to greet them.

As they stepped out of the car, someone came to park it for them. The guides, dressed in elegant business suits, greeted them warmly. Their final words as they entered the park were, “We hope you have a wonderful date today.”

Sang Shi’an froze, her eyes widening in alarm.

Beside her, Jian Chenyu remained composed, responding with a graceful, “Thank you.”

Noticing the guides’ lingering glances, Sang Shi’an hissed in a low voice, “Didn’t you hear what they said? Why did you thank them?”

Jian Chenyu replied calmly, “You mentioned before that you used to dream of renting out an entire amusement park for your birthday. That would mean having an older sister to play with you, right? Or would you prefer me to call your brother and have him join us?”

Sang Shi’an: ……

Absolutely not.

Universal Studios was already decked out in Christmas decorations. Though the daytime lacked the dazzling lights, there were festive floats and costumed characters. Yet the park was also adorned with an abundance of hearts and flowers. After walking a short distance, Sang Shi’an finally couldn’t hold back. “…Do they really think we’re on a date?”

Jian Chenyu also felt it was a bit excessive, but her perpetually composed demeanor made her appear perfectly calm. “It was all decorated early this morning. Young people love this kind of thing, don’t they?”

Sang Shi’an nodded, setting aside her suspicions. “That makes sense.”

Having the amusement park all to themselves was a blast. They could interact with any NPC they wanted, and even the stall owners, authorized by the park, would give them any plush toy they fancied.

The best part was skipping the lines for all the rides. They checked off a whole section in just an hour.

Sang Shi’an wasn’t particularly interested in the thrilling rides. She sat obediently behind the safety barriers for one round before starting to look for the haunted house.

Tripping in the dark was practically second nature to her. The guide accompanying them waited outside the haunted house while Sang Shi’an volunteered to lead the way. “Jian Chenyu, since you’re paying so much today, I’ll protect you!”

Jian Chenyu lowered her head to fasten Sang Shi’an’s wristband, gracefully yielding her position. Seeing Sang Shi’an, who used to be so afraid of ghosts she couldn’t sleep alone as a child, now insisting on leading the way, Jian Chenyu pulled her back before they entered. “Are you sure about this?”

Sang Shi’an shot Jian Chenyu a confident glance, then shoved her emergency bracelet into her pocket—a spot she’d never be able to reach in a crisis. “We still have missions to do later,” she said. “Someone like you, who’s been cooped up at school for four years, wouldn’t even make it out of here.”

Jian Chenyu lowered her head to put on her own bracelet, deliberately removing her wristwatch to ensure she could react instantly in an emergency. Once it was secured, she took Sang Shi’an’s hand and said slowly, “As expected of a top student who got into Yanjing University. Then I’ll leave it to you.”

The thrill of a haunted house lies in its atmosphere, and the scares come from the sudden appearances of NPCs. The path was clean and free of hazards, so Jian Chenyu’s grip suited Sang Shi’an perfectly. In the darkness, she nearly let out a laugh. “I heard the NPCs deliberately try to separate companions,” she warned. “You’d better hold on tight.”

Jian Chenyu smiled silently as they entered the room. Sang Shi’an’s clear, melodious voice gradually faded until she clamped her mouth shut.

The classic children’s song “Little White Poplar” played in their ears. Just hearing it conjured vivid images of an army of ghosts marching through Sang Shi’an’s mind. She’d planned to be the hero saving the damsel in distress, but she’d ended up scaring herself first.

Sang Shi’an swallowed nervously, chanting “Namo Amitabha Buddha” under her breath.

When that didn’t work, she switched to “Hurry, hurry, as the law commands!”

Her lips trembled so violently she nearly made a sound.

The temperature in her hands plummeted, only to be warmed by Jian Chenyu’s palm.

“Jian Chenyu, are you too scared to speak?” Jian Chenyu’s unnervingly calm demeanor only heightened Sang Shi’an’s panic. She almost thought someone had swapped places with her. “If you’re really scared, I-I’ll carry you!”

Jian Chenyu chuckled. “No, I’m just afraid talking will ruin your experience.”

“I know it’s embarrassing for someone three years older than me to be afraid of ghosts, but I won’t laugh, okay? Come on.”

Worried that carrying her would make it difficult to walk, Jian Chenyu declined again. “Really, it’s fine.”

Just as some grotesque, ghostly face suddenly lurched out from the shadows ahead, Sang Shi’an yanked Jian Chenyu toward her, throwing herself against her. “I won’t lau—”

The haunted house had a hidden door. The two were pulled inside, tumbling onto soft padding. Plush toys shaped like various monsters rained down on them.

Sang Shi’an froze, momentarily forgetting to get up. She mechanically finished her sentence: “…gh at you.”

After finally getting the chance she’d been waiting for, Sang Shi’an’s heart began racing uncontrollably again. Immersed in Jian Chenyu’s familiar woody fragrance, she even forgot she was still in the haunted house.

The darkness provided perfect cover as she tentatively reached for Jian Chenyu’s lips.

Just as their lips were about to meet, she felt a push on her shoulder.

Whether it was from fear of the haunted house or something else, Jian Chenyu’s voice was hoarse. “Still not getting up?”

Sang Shi’an pressed her lips together in disappointment, reluctantly pushing herself up with the help of a nearby plush toy. But the toy’s smooth surface caused her to slip, sending her tumbling back into Jian Chenyu’s arms.

Jian Chenyu let out a muffled groan, her hand tightening protectively around Sang Shi’an’s waist before futilely releasing her.

Sang Shi’an must be here to torment me today, she thought.

Sang Shi’an was still earnestly apologizing. “I’m so sorry, I couldn’t see properly. Did I hurt you?”

Jian Chenyu’s coat had already been disheveled, and the corner of her shirt, tucked into her skirt, had come loose. Sang Shi’an’s hand roamed across her waist, probing lightly and then more firmly.

Jian Chenyu took a deep breath and abruptly pushed Sang Shi’an away, her tone stiff. “There are cameras.”

Sang Shi’an froze, as if she’d been caught by a teacher in class. She scrambled to her feet, her face flushed crimson. “It’s a secret passage she set up herself! Isn’t it normal to have trouble climbing out?”

Sensing Sang Shi’an’s flustered state in the darkness, Jian Chenyu finally reached out. “Give me a hand.”

Sang Shi’an took her hand.

The moment their palms touched, a searing heat surged through her. Sang Shi’an’s heart fluttered again, utterly pathetic.

Jian Chenyu felt the tension in her palm and chuckled softly. “I know it’s embarrassing to be afraid of ghosts at twenty, but I won’t laugh at you.”

Why does that sound so familiar?

Sang Shi’an thought for a moment, then realized with a jolt, nearly losing her breath. “Jian Chenyu! You’re still making fun of me at a time like this?!”

Jian Chenyu held her icy hand in one hand and wrapped her other arm around Sang Shi’an’s shoulder, gently massaging the back of her head. “It’s not embarrassing.”

How could it not be embarrassing? Sang Shi’an thought.

She was teasing Jian Chenyu because she liked her. But Jian Chenyu liked Cat Cat and was still hugging and holding her like this. If they stayed any longer, Sang Shi’an might have to call the police.

Ironically, Jian Chenyu remained oblivious to Sang Shi’an’s feelings, completely unaware that her sexual orientation had long since shifted to align with him.

The thought that Jian Chenyu still saw her as just a willful younger sister deepened Sang Shi’an’s disappointment.

Damn younger sister.

“Why are you staring at me like that?” Jian Chenyu had already found the switch to exit the secret room. Sunlight streamed in, revealing Sang Shi’an’s expression. “Did the haunted house really scare you that much?”

Sang Shi’an shook her hand free from Jian Chenyu’s grasp and sighed dramatically, feigning amusement. “Yeah, it scared the soul right out of me.”

Jian Chenyu’s lips curved into a teasing smile as he leaned closer. “Don’t tell me I have to comfort you like when we were kids?”

What about when we were kids?

Before Sang Shi’an could recall how he used to comfort her, his warm breath hovered just above her lips, a mere fraction of an inch away.

Sang Shi’an held her breath.

This was entirely different from her previous accidental-seeming kisses with Jian Chenyu. This time, he was initiating the kiss himself. Even before their lips met, her heart raced uncontrollably, her limbs tingled, and her entire body felt weightless.

Jian Chenyu lowered her gaze to Sang Shi’an’s slightly parted lips, paused for two seconds, then brushed her lips across Sang Shi’an’s cheek in a comforting gesture. Her voice was soft and tender: “It’s okay, if you’re really scared, let’s just leave. There are plenty of other fun things to do.”

Sang Shi’an’s heart was still racing, and a flicker of expected disappointment crossed her face.

“…Then let’s go out first.”

Jian Chenyu pressed a button on her wristband, and footsteps quickly approached. She skillfully pulled Sang Shi’an along, following the staff member out. “You’re such a scaredy-cat,” she teased. “Next time, don’t try these kinds of rides with others.”

“You have to experience things multiple times to overcome your fears,” Sang Shi’an mumbled, head bowed.

“Bringing your crush here was a good idea, though. The atmosphere was perfect when we tried it earlier,” Jian Chenyu said, kicking aside a haunted house prop to prevent Sang Shi’an from tripping.

The thought that Jian Chenyu might use this amusement park to entertain others later that night suddenly soured the haunted house experience for Sang Shi’an. Had everything just now been Jian Chenyu rehearsing for someone else?

Was Jian Chenyu planning to invite Cat Cat or her brother when she went out partying with her friends?

“I’d never invite him,” Sang Shi’an retorted. “I hate him!”

The sunlight finally fell on her face again. Jian Chenyu squinted and asked, “What’s wrong?”

“I just hate him. I don’t like that brother anymore,” Sang Shi’an said stubbornly.

“Why are you so bad-tempered with everyone?” Jian Chenyu chuckled softly and took her hand again. “Who else could put up with you besides me?”

Sang Shi’an was furious. “Oh, so you think I’m annoying? Then move out of my house!”

“What kind of logic is that?” Jian Chenyu sighed helplessly. “Only I would let you snub me for half a year and spend all my savings on renting out an amusement park for you.”

Sang Shi’an did the math in her head. “Well… what do we do now?”

Jian Chenyu was about to die from Sang Shi’an’s cuteness. He stopped walking, his expression gentle and tender. “So, considering your Older Sister has nowhere else to go, please continue to let me stay.”

Air-shipped Damascus rose petals drifted onto her shoulder, their fragrance lingering in the air, particularly tender.

Sang Shi’an hastily turned her head away. “I was just joking. Stay if you want. I’m thirsty. Go get me something to drink.”

Jian Chenyu’s lips curved into a silent smile. “Alright.”

While Jian Chenyu went to the drink stall, Sang Shi’an pulled out her phone and switched to her Cat Cat Account. There was a new message, timestamped at 7:30 AM.

It must have been sent by Jian Chenyu while waiting for her to finish getting ready.

As she opened the chat, Sang Shi’an’s palms grew clammy with nervousness.

The message was simple: Are you free tonight?

Sang Shi’an’s heart raced, and she hesitated to reply.

She feared Jian Chenyu had genuinely reserved tonight for Cat Cat, treating her birthday celebration during the day as merely a test run—a rehearsal for his real date with Cat Cat.

Even though Cat Cat was her own creation, Sang Shi’an couldn’t bring herself to claim her. Cat Cat could be anyone, but she absolutely couldn’t be Sang Shi’an.

During the period when Cat Cat had added Jian Chenyu as a friend, she had treated him so coldly. A man as perceptive as Jian Chenyu would surely see through the act and realize he was being mocked. At that point, not only would their online relationship crumble, but Jian Chenyu might also cut ties with her in real life.

More importantly, Cat Cat’s initial approach to Jian Chenyu had been filled with blush-inducing remarks and those short, flirty dresses. Sang Shi’an felt she couldn’t bear the embarrassment of admitting to such behavior.

Sang Shi’an awkwardly and cautiously tapped out a reply: My mom’s coming to Yan City this week, and I need to pick her up at the airport tonight. I might not be free tonight. Can I contact you later, Older Sister?

As soon as she sent the message, Jian Chenyu’s footsteps drew near. He handed her a cup of brown sugar boba milk tea. Sang Shi’an bit down on the straw. The tea was sweet, yet it tasted bitter. “What should we do next?”

“Anything you like,” Jian Chenyu suggested. “I’ll have them arrange a flower-covered float so you don’t have to walk so much.”

Sang Shi’an murmured her agreement. “Okay.”

She looked up and saw Jian Chenyu speaking with their guide. Her gaze still fell upon endless fields of hearts and flowers, and a cheerful English song played in her ears. Nothing seemed different from before.

Later, following the map, Sang Shi’an explored nearly all of Universal Studios. The amusement park, with its lack of queues, made for swift progress. As the sun began to set, Sang Shi’an sat in a Ferris wheel cabin, watching the golden twilight gradually blanket the sky, signaling the end of her birthday treat.

“Why the long face? You were screaming your throat raw on the roller coaster earlier. Aren’t you having fun?” Jian Chenyu’s fingers brushed a stray strand of hair from Sang Shi’an’s cheek, his gaze lingering close.

Sang Shi’an’s eyes darted around. “You older people just wouldn’t understand.”

They were only three years apart, but Jian Chenyu chuckled briefly, her expression calm as she teased, “Then what should we do? Skip dinner and keep playing with you all night?”

“Mom would be sad,” Sang Shi’an said, shaking her head. “She said she has a surprise for me.”

Jian Chenyu guessed, “Is Auntie going to hire people to dress up as cartoon characters and dance for you again?”

“Yeah, it’s been a tradition since I was little,” Sang Shi’an said, leaning against Jian Chenyu’s shoulder, her laughter shaking with amusement.

Jian Chenyu let her lean against her, watching the scenery outside the Ferris wheel window with her.

After a while, Sang Shi’an suddenly said, “Jian Chenyu, you haven’t wished me a happy birthday yet.”

“Isn’t it the same if I say it at dinner later?” Jian Chenyu asked.

“No, it’s not the same at all! So many people will be wishing me happy birthday later, I won’t have time to reply to everyone,” Sang Shi’an said, pulling out her phone, which had already shut down due to a dead battery. “This is special time I’ve set aside just for you.”

Jian Chenyu said softly, “Then happy birthday, An’an. I hope you’re happy every day.”

Sang Shi’an made a disappointed sound. “That’s all?”

Jian Chenyu pondered for a moment. “Then what else do you want?”

Sang Shi’an thought for nearly half an hour. Just as the Ferris wheel was about to reach the ground, she signaled to the staff outside to keep it turning before finally speaking. “Hmm, how about you wish me that I’ll end up with the one I love?”

Jian Chenyu’s eyes widened slightly in surprise. Under Sang Shi’an’s expectant gaze, she asked, “Didn’t you say you hated that ‘Brother’ at the haunted house?”

“Can’t I like him now?” Sang Shi’an retorted. “Just tell me if you’ll wish me well or not.”

Her eyes sparkled like gems under the moonlight, and Jian Chenyu’s heart raced uncontrollably. After staring at Sang Shi’an for a long moment, she finally said in a gentle, calm voice, “I wish you’ll end up with the one you love.”

Sang Shi’an feigned nonchalance with a light laugh, leaned forward, and wrapped her arm around Jian Chenyu’s shoulder. “Thank you,” she said. “I really like it.”

I really liked today’s trip. I really liked this wish that probably won’t come true.

And I really like you.

By the time Sang Shiyue’s call came through, it was nearly five in the afternoon. Sang Shi’an stared at the wide road, now completely blocked, and could only regretfully tell her brother that every road seemed to lead away from their house.

As expected, Sang Shiyue immediately dragged Sang Shi’an away upon her return home, scolding her from the parking lot to the living room. After tossing her into the house, he urged her to quickly change into a pretty dress. Facing a room full of uncles and aunts, Sang Shi’an expertly put on a sweet smile, greeted each guest politely, and accepted a pile of beautifully wrapped gift boxes.

After the third round of drinks, Sang Shiyue led Sang Shi’an to toast the guests. The first table they approached was the one where Jian Chenyu was seated, surrounded by the Sang Family’s close business partners. Sang Shi’an’s glass was filled with a low-alcohol white wine. She followed Sang Shiyue’s lead, offering gracious greetings to the elders. When they reached Jian Chenyu, she politely addressed her as “Older Sister.”

When the cake arrived, as expected, it was wheeled in by several people dressed in mascot costumes, singing “Happy Birthday.” Twenty candles were lit, but Sang Shi’an refrained from asking the childish question of whether she could make twenty wishes. She simply closed her eyes symbolically, her mind completely blank.

The party continued until 7:30 PM, when guests began to depart. Sang Shi’an joined her parents in seeing them off. Her aunt stood beside her, smiling as she inquired, “I hear the Jian Family is planning to marry off their daughter soon. Is there good news on the horizon?”

The remaining guests were all close relatives. The Sang and Jian families had expressed interest in a marriage alliance, which would directly impact their companies’ development. Therefore, they hadn’t kept it a secret from the relatives, who had all received advance notice.

“What’s not a perfect match? I’ve been eyeing the Jian family’s daughter all evening. She’s grown even more beautiful. It’s a pity I didn’t have a son back then.”

“Even if you had, it wouldn’t be your turn,” another relative whispered, gesturing toward the garden. “Look, those two are getting along famously.”

Sang Shi’an then noticed that Jian Chenyu and Sang Shiyue had slipped away together unnoticed. Though they no longer needed to entertain guests, the relatives were still present. Sang Shiyue’s sudden disappearance seemed out of character for his usually meticulous and considerate demeanor.

Seeing her parents were occupied with the relatives, Sang Shi’an quietly slipped into the garden. The opulent lights gradually faded, leaving only the dim glow of garden lanterns.

Like a wandering spirit, she drifted aimlessly through the garden, the air thick with a refined blend of pine and orchid. As she rounded a corner, she caught faint voices coming from deep within the greenhouse.

“Since we’re not a good match, I think it’s best to be upfront about it sooner rather than later.”

“I thought you, Jian Chenyu, genuinely didn’t mind your elders playing matchmaker. It made me feel awkward about rejecting you all this time. But why bring it up so suddenly today?”

“The clinical trial results for CRISPR-Cas9 were far better than expected. I confronted my father about it recently and made him choose… Just take it as a joke.”

After a moment of silence, Sang Shiyue chuckled softly. “Then I should congratulate you in advance.”

“I’ll talk to my parents myself. It was their meddling in the first place. After all this, they should finally come to their senses.” Sang Shiyue flipped open the lighter’s lid, the crisp click echoing sharply in the quiet surroundings. “But is breaking off the engagement solely because of this? No other reasons?”

“Other reasons?”

“Like… do you already have someone you’re interested in?” Sang Shiyue’s voice carried a hint of teasing recklessness. “After knowing you for so many years, I’m practically your half-brother, right? Who is she? Tell me so I can give up for good.”

Jian Chenyu’s voice also carried a smile. “I can’t compare to you. I’m not as mature or as steady as you are.”

Sang Shiyue chuckled twice. “Are those supposed to be compliments? They sound just like An’an’s infuriatingly blunt mouth—”

A flurry of hurried footsteps echoed from around the corner. Sang Shiyue and Jian Chenyu exchanged a glance before hastily retreating. They found the greenhouse corridor empty, devoid of any sign of life.

“That must have been An’an just now,” Sang Shiyue said, as if suddenly remembering something, his tone tinged with annoyance. “I almost forgot about that little troublemaker. When she first heard about our engagement, she practically stormed into the living room to confirm it, and she’s been pestering me about whether it’s real ever since. Now that she’s heard we broke up, she’s probably going to throw another tantrum.”

The lightness that had been on Jian Chenyu’s face during their earlier conversation vanished, the smile at the corner of her lips gradually flattening. As Sang Shiyue dialed Sang Shi’an’s number, she suddenly turned and hurried after the direction Sang Shi’an had disappeared in.