After the Online Romance with the Campus Beauty Roommate Went Wrong - Chapter 9

Yanjing University’s women’s dormitories had a curfew, and by the time the group left the bar, it was nearly eleven o’clock.

A sudden cold snap had descended on Yan City, bringing with it an unseasonal flurry of light snow.

Snow in Yan City in November wasn’t unusual, but this year’s exceptionally long summer had created the illusion that winter was still far off.

Jian Chenyu, who hadn’t touched a drop of alcohol all night, first dropped off the others returning to Yanjing University. When she circled back to pick up Sang Shi’an and Su Ningyue, she found them standing in the freezing wind, getting soaked in the snow. Her expression darkened as she rolled down the car window.

“Why aren’t you two taking shelter inside?”

Sang Shi’an, shivering from the cold, weakly pulled Su Ningyue into the back seat. “It’s the first snow of the year! We couldn’t miss it.”

Jian Chenyu cranked up the car’s heater and was about to start the engine when she noticed something. Turning around, she realized the two were completely drunk.

The alcohol hadn’t hit them during dinner, but the frigid wind outside had clearly brought it all rushing back.

Su Ningyue was already heavily intoxicated, slumped against Sang Shi’an, only able to mumble incoherently. Sang Shi’an, struggling under the weight, gasped for breath and managed to say, “I took so many pictures of the snow!”

“Such a handful,” Jian Chenyu muttered as she stepped out of the car. She fastened the seatbelts for the two drunk girls, but seeing Su Ningyue’s condition, she decided against asking where to take her.

“Get some sleep. I’ll wake you when we arrive.”

Sang Shi’an turned her head, closed her eyes again, and fell silent.

Jian Chenyu took Su Ningyue straight back to their apartment. In the parking garage, she first escorted Su Ningyue upstairs, then returned to fetch Sang Shi’an.

Su Ningyue was much more cooperative than Sang Shi’an. With a gentle tug on her shoulder, Su Ningyue followed obediently, neither resisting nor making a fuss. Jian Chenyu opened the door and laid her on the sofa. “I’m going to get An’an. Stay here and don’t wander off.”

Su Ningyue nodded sluggishly. As Jian Chenyu turned to leave, she called out, “Hey, don’t tell my older sister.”

Jian Chenyu paused briefly. “Alright,” she replied.

As for Sang Shi’an, by the time Jian Chenyu returned to find her, she was already hunched over a trash can, vomiting. Her face was deathly pale, and she had even stripped off her soiled coat and tossed it into the bin, looking like a homeless puppy.

Fortunately, Sang Shi’an was now much more lucid. Seeing Jian Chenyu approach, she sighed inwardly, What rotten luck.

“Can you walk on your own?”

Jian Chenyu stopped two steps in front of her and extended a hand.

“I can walk myself,” Sang Shi’an insisted, her legs weak from exhaustion, yet still determined to put on a brave face. “Don’t drag me around.”

Jian Chenyu forcefully pulled her up and dragged her toward the elevator. “You can’t even stand straight.”

Sang Shi’an reluctantly followed, her words slow and deliberate, yet more infuriating than usual. “What if someone takes pictures again? What kind of rumors will they spread this time?”

Jian Chenyu pressed the elevator button and turned to look at her. “What kind of rumors could they spread?”

“Normal people would say we’re just close friends who hang out every few days. But those who hate me might spread rumors that I’m deliberately trying to seduce you.”

Just like some of the posts on the forums right now.

Seeing Jian Chenyu’s lack of reaction, she added, “Gossip about same-s3x relationships has been trending for years. Don’t underestimate it.”

Sang Shi’an’s voice was soft and slurred. Alcohol itself isn’t harmful; it’s the vomiting afterward that disrupts the body’s detoxification balance and drains one’s energy.

Her face was paler than usual, but her eyes were misty with a hint of red. Though her tone was teasing, it only made others feel more sorry for her.

The elevator doors opened, and Sang Shi’an stepped inside first. Jian Chenyu watched her retreating figure and asked in a soft, low voice, “Do people often slander you like that?”

Sang Shi’an had already exhausted her energy. She squatted in a corner of the elevator, looking pitiful against the backdrop of Jian Chenyu’s question.

Yet she seemed oblivious to her own vulnerability. “Hmm, it’s not too bad, actually. I mean, who can blame them for being jealous of my looks?”

Her tone carried a peacock-like arrogance, bordering on obnoxious.

In a way, she wasn’t entirely innocent either.

Sang Shi’an then declared firmly, “But those people aren’t very bright. While anyone could fall victim to their schemes, it would never happen to you.”

Jian Chenyu’s gaze flickered slightly. “Why not?”

“Because I have standards.”

Remembering Jian Chenyu’s peculiar tastes, Sang Shi’an thought he might be into some bizarre clothing and props. She’d have to be insane to provoke someone like that.

“You went abroad for years and didn’t learn anything useful, just picked up all sorts of foreign tricks and crooked ways.”

Jian Chenyu chuckled softly. “Alright, you’re right.”

The elevator doors opened at that moment. Annoyed by her laughter, Sang Shi’an nearly jumped up to rush out.

But she was already weak. The sudden movement caused her bl00d sugar to plummet, and her vision swam with black spots. If Jian Chenyu hadn’t reacted quickly, she would have collapsed in the elevator.

When her senses returned, Jian Chenyu’s voice reached her ears: “Are you alright?”

The elevator opened directly into a private foyer, with the main door just five meters away. Sang Shi’an didn’t even have the strength to pretend she was fine, managing only a weak reply.

Sensing her distress, Jian Chenyu asked, “Shall I carry you?”

Sang Shi’an nodded, assuming it would be the same kind of supportive hold she’d used on Su Ningyue earlier. She draped her arm over Jian Chenyu’s shoulder, intending to lean on her for support as they walked out.

But the moment her hand touched Jian Chenyu’s shoulder, a meaningful gaze fell upon her. In the next instant, her feet left the ground as Jian Chenyu swept her into her arms.

“Hey!” Sang Shi’an exclaimed in surprise.

Jian Chenyu held her close, her voice clear as jade: “I won’t let you fall. Just stay still.”

Sang Shi’an: …That’s not necessarily true.

Su Ningyue, who had been waiting for Sang Shi’an, crept out of the house. As she cracked open the door, she saw the scene and her eyes widened.

After a moment’s hesitation, she silently gripped the doorknob and firmly shut the door that Jian Chenyu hadn’t closed properly.

“Put me down! I’m not a child anymore! Stop carrying me like this! You might not care about your reputation, but I do!” Sang Shi’an didn’t dare struggle, fearing she’d actually be dropped, but that didn’t stop her from grumbling.

Jian Chenyu merely glanced at her coldly and continued walking steadily inside.

Realizing Jian Chenyu had no intention of letting her go, Sang Shi’an completely gave up struggling.

If you want to carry me, go ahead, she thought. Carry me until you’re exhausted.

After entering, Sang Shi’an was placed next to Su Ningyue, who remained motionless, showing no signs of waking.

When Jian Chenyu returned with a cup of honey water, Sang Shi’an asked, “Can Su Ningyue stay here tonight?”

Jian Chenyu stirred the water in her cup. “This is your house, and she’s your friend. Why are you asking me?”

Sang Shi’an leaned against the sofa armrest. “Didn’t you say we couldn’t bring anyone home to stay overnight?”

Jian Chenyu stopped stirring and turned to look at her. “Of course a friend like her can stay.”

The metallic clinking of the spoon resumed. Sang Shi’an stared at Jian Chenyu’s slender fingers gripping the spoon handle, the memory of being held in her arms still vivid. Her usually dull eyes were now lost in thought.

Jian Chenyu handed her the warm honey water. “What are you still daydreaming about?”

Sang Shi’an took the cup and drank two sips. The sweetness spread across her taste buds, carrying not just the honey’s sweetness but also a hint of lemon’s refreshing aroma.

She gulped down two more mouthfuls before lowering her gaze. “You were just making it too slowly.”

“Why didn’t you ask for water at the restaurant if you were thirsty?” Jian Chenyu pressed a hand to Sang Shi’an’s forehead. “You were drenched in snow. Go change into dry clothes to avoid catching a cold. A good night’s sleep, and you’ll feel better tomorrow.”

Behind them, Su Ningyue’s eyes slowly opened. Hearing the rustling of clothes behind her, her curious eyes blinked repeatedly, their hidden gaze sparking endless speculation.

She dared not make a sound, continuing to feign drunkenness.

The next moment, Sang Shi’an grabbed her hand. “Then I’ll take Su Ningyue to my room to sleep.”

“She can have your bed, and you can sleep with me,” Jian Chenyu immediately arranged the sleeping arrangements for the night, despite the house being 300 square meters, it only had two bedrooms.

“I want to sleep with Su Ningyue,” Sang Shi’an immediately blocked Jian Chenyu.

Jian Chenyu asked her, “Have you ever slept with her before? Some people don’t like being touched. What if she wakes up tomorrow morning and is unhappy to see you? It could damage your friendship.”

Sang Shi’an hadn’t considered this. Her dizzy mind, lacking its usual alertness, was easily swayed by Jian Chenyu’s reasoning. “You’re right, but I don’t want to sleep with you either. I’m not the type to just climb into anyone’s bed.”

Jian Chenyu: ……

Jian Chenyu corrected her, “It’s ‘sleep with me,’ not ‘climb into my bed.'”

Sang Shi’an shook her head. “Is there a difference?”

Jian Chenyu moved her lips to explain, but seeing the genuine innocence in Sang Shi’an’s eyes, she decided against exposing her to such vulgar matters.

She selectively avoided the question. “We’ve slept together before. What’s the big deal? You don’t want to sleep on the floor or the couch, do you?”

Sang Shi’an was already exceptionally delicate, especially after drinking too much. Hearing “sleep on the floor or the couch,” she immediately refused without a second thought.

“I can’t,” she said, looking sincerely at Jian Chenyu. “But you can.”

Jian Chenyu ruthlessly crushed her little scheme, lifting her straight off the couch. “You’re sleeping with me tonight.”

The familiar scent filled Sang Shi’an’s nostrils again. Feeling the warmth of Jian Chenyu’s palm, she instinctively shrank upward, trying to distance herself from the heat source. Her head burrowed into Jian Chenyu’s long hair, and she playfully chewed on a strand.

“Jian Chenyu—”

Jian Chenyu’s steps didn’t falter, her voice carrying an unusual assertiveness. “What else do you want to say?”

Sang Shi’an spat out the hair and protested, “I told you to keep your distance!”

Jian Chenyu gave a perfunctory acknowledgment and promptly set Sang Shi’an down on the bedroom carpet.

Sang Shi’an stared at her in shock. “Y-you you you…”

Jian Chenyu knelt down, humbly accepting the criticism. “I forgot I shouldn’t get close to you. I’m sorry.”

In the dimly lit bedroom, Jian Chenyu’s unique fragrance permeated the air, seeping into every corner. It was an incredibly fresh scent, like air or mist, yet it wasn’t entirely natural. Faint and elusive, it mirrored Jian Chenyu’s aloof demeanor.

Though barely perceptible, the scent was strangely alluring in the narrow hallway.

Sang Shi’an twitched her nose and leaned closer, until the fragrance grew stronger. Only then did she resume her complaints: “You can’t just leave me here! I want to sleep in the bed.”

Jian Chenyu didn’t seem to have hugged her intentionally. After Sang Shi’an’s reminder, she merely extended a cold hand.

Sang Shi’an slowly used the support to stand up. Jian Chenyu stepped ahead, leaving her with a solitary, silent figure.

Finally learning her lesson, Sang Shi’an quietly crawled onto Jian Chenyu’s bed.

Jian Chenyu went out to bring Su Ningyue into Sang Shi’an’s room, returning with makeup wipes in hand.

After wiping Sang Shi’an’s face, she pulled up the blanket. “Sleep now.”

Still not completely drunk and in high spirits, Sang Shi’an started acting up again. “I want to take a bath.”

Jian Chenyu’s voice was icy. “Bathing after drinking will raise your bl00d pressure. You’ll faint again. Just sleep.”

Sang Shi’an tossed and turned, flailing her paws in protest toward Jian Chenyu. “No! I want to bathe!”

Jian Chenyu groaned softly, “Don’t touch me like that.”

The drunkard, noticing the exceptionally soft texture beneath her palm, pressed her hand against it a couple more times before belatedly realizing what she was touching.

For the first time, Sang Shi’an became acutely aware of the difference between herself and Jian Chenyu. She wondered how Jian Chenyu had grown so differently. Despite having similar height and weight, how could this part of her body feel so much softer?

She touched her own chest. Oh, right, I’m still wearing my bra.

Glancing at Jian Chenyu, who lay with her eyes closed and showed no reaction, Sang Shi’an rationalized, Well, she’s asleep anyway. She won’t even notice if I take off my bra.

She struggled to remove her undershirt beneath the blanket and tossed it aside. Her fingers reached for the back clasp of her bra, but just as she unhooked it, a sudden warmth brushed her ear, followed by a low voice: “…What are you doing?”

The suppressed tone couldn’t hide the surprise, losing its usual icy composure.

Jian Chenyu’s sudden question startled Sang Shi’an so badly that her heart skipped a beat. Her hands froze mid-motion, as if she had forgotten what she was doing, her beautiful eyes narrowing sharply.

Instinctively, she tried to cover her half-exposed chest, but raising her hand would only reveal other parts of her body. She could only burrow deeper under the blanket, her waist and legs inevitably brushing against Jian Chenyu.

Sang Shi’an was about to slip away when she heard Jian Chenyu’s tense voice behind her: “Don’t move.”

The words seemed to carry a magical spell, freezing Sang Shi’an completely. She dared not stir.

In the next instant, Sang Shi’an felt Jian Chenyu’s hand reach across her waist and abdomen, moving toward her chest.

Sang Shi’an immediately clutched her bra, pressing Jian Chenyu’s hand down with her elbow. When Jian Chenyu’s hand continued to push upward, Sang Shi’an blurted out, “Jian Chenyu, what are you doing?”

Her eyes widened in panic as she turned to face Jian Chenyu. “I’m a woman.”

From this angle, Sang Shi’an suddenly noticed that Jian Chenyu’s features were sharper and more defined than they had been four years ago. Her hair had grown longer, cascading past her waist instead of stopping at shoulder length. The youthful innocence had faded, replaced by a mature aura even in bed—a side of Jian Chenyu Sang Shi’an had never seen before.

Yet Jian Chenyu’s gaze remained as calm and steady as it had been during the day, showing no signs of mistaking Sang Shi’an for someone else or intending to do anything untoward.

Their eyes met. Jian Chenyu’s gaze shifted to the area behind Sang Shi’an’s pillow as she slowly said, “I was just trying to get your clothes for you.”

The panic in Sang Shi’an’s heart abruptly ceased, replaced by a sense of awkwardness.

Awkwardness at having misunderstood Jian Chenyu.

A faint blush spread across Sang Shi’an’s skin, her body already flushed from the alcohol feeling even hotter.

She said dryly, “I thought you were drunk and mistook me for someone else.”

Jian Chenyu replied calmly, “I didn’t drink a single drop tonight.”

Not a single drop?

Sang Shi’an realized she couldn’t remember, but if Jian Chenyu said so, then so be it.

She quickly removed her bra and put back on the clothes she had just taken off, finally freeing her chest from the constricting feeling.

Turning to Jian Chenyu, she asked, “Your hands were so cold earlier. Did the draft from when I changed get under the blanket and make you cold?”

Sang Shi’an, warmed by the alcohol, hadn’t felt the chill. But Jian Chenyu was different, she reasoned, and it made perfect sense.

Jian Chenyu’s eyelashes fluttered slightly as she gave an almost imperceptible nod.

Sang Shi’an had a sudden realization. No wonder Jian Chenyu was so forceful earlier! When she reached across, she wasn’t just trying to hand me my clothes so I’d hurry up. She was probably tucking in the blanket too!

Just like when they used to sleep together as children, Jian Chenyu often tucked in her blanket.

So Sang Shi’an turned toward Jian Chenyu, wrapped her arms around her, and said generously, “It’s my fault you got cold. I’ll warm you up again as an apology.”

Not just her arms—Sang Shi’an also generously wrapped her legs around Jian Chenyu, pressing them tightly against her legs and pulling her close.

“You—”

“What about me?”

Just as Sang Shi’an was about to press her waist against Jian Chenyu’s, Jian Chenyu suddenly flipped her over, pinning Sang Shi’an’s hands down. Her loose strands of hair gradually shifted to one side, revealing eyes that were illuminated by the moonlight, now so deep they were almost impossible to see clearly. “Sang Shi’an, go to sleep.”

Seeing Jian Chenyu’s lack of appreciation, Sang Shi’an grew a little annoyed. “You caught a cold because of me. Isn’t it nice of me to warm you up? Why are you being so mean?”

Jian Chenyu lowered her gaze to Sang Shi’an, paused for a moment, then chuckled softly.

Sang Shi’an: ?

“Didn’t you say that maintaining boundaries is important in interpersonal relationships?” Jian Chenyu’s gaze shifted downward, landing on Sang Shi’an’s leg still wrapped around her waist. “Is this what you call boundaries?”

Sang Shi’an’s leg recoiled as if bitten by a venomous snake, her cheeks flushing crimson instantly.

Jian Chenyu, however, remained composed, studying her with amusement. “Or does maintaining boundaries only apply to me?”

“I… I…” Sang Shi’an stammered, struggling to find a defense.

Jian Chenyu released her, lay back down, and sighed with mock resignation. “Fine, so it’s the kind of boundaries where you can touch me however you want, but I can’t retaliate.”