Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 1

Jing Xuan stepped into Huatian Nightclub. Today marked its grand opening, and the scene was nothing short of spectacular. The fact that Huatian had secured such a prime location in the heart of City C was already a testament to the power behind the venture. Add to that its unique business model—weekly performances by celebrity guests, an elite clientele, and a touch of exclusivity—and it was clear: the boss of Huatian was no ordinary figure.
Even before its official launch, Huatian had made waves across the city’s nightlife scene. With its cutting-edge concept and glamorous reputation, it was already considered a leader in the industry.
Yet the boss behind it all, Jing Xuan, kept a low profile.
She would usually exchange a few words with the staff before quietly slipping behind the bar to mix drinks, temporarily playing the role of bartender. To those who weren’t regulars, she was just another striking face. But what a face it was—an androgynous beauty, paired with a dangerously seductive smile and an unpredictable personality that could be both elegant and roguish. Jing Xuan radiated charm, energy, and confidence, capturing attention wherever she went.
That captivating figure—equal parts mystery and magnetism—was none other than Huatian’s true boss, Jing Xuan.
Today, her “brothers and sisters” had also shown up—her tight-knit group of lifelong friends and their partners. As soon as Jing Xuan entered, she made her way straight toward them.
“Look who’s here! Our handsome guy finally arrived!” shouted Gao Zhe, Jing Xuan’s closest and most chaotic friend.
Why “chaotic”? Because Gao Zhe’s ideas were always a bit off the rails, with a success rate hovering near zero. She often got herself into hilarious predicaments, which made her a favorite target for good-natured teasing. But despite the jokes, everyone adored her.
Gao Zhe and Jing Xuan were inseparable, the kind of close where they could practically read each other’s minds. The two bantered constantly, trading compliments and insults in equal measure, much to everyone’s amusement.
Jing Xuan sat beside Gao Zhe, grabbed a bottle of beer, and clinked it against the others’ drinks. Taking a slow sip, she asked, “Shuangji, what do you think of my nightclub?”
Her cheeks were slightly flushed—Jing Xuan might have owned a bar and known everything about alcohol, but her tolerance was famously terrible. She could barely handle ten drinks before passing out and forgetting everything the next day. That’s why she usually stuck to low-alcohol beer.
Shuangji was Jing Xuan’s nickname for Gao Zhe, based on the character in Gao Zhe’s name (“Zhe”) being made up of two “ji” characters. It was also Gao Zhe’s childhood name.
“Not bad, Ajing!” Gao Zhe grinned. “I didn’t expect you to pull this off so well! You gathered such a crowd in just a few days—look at this place!”
“Ajing” was, of course, short for Jing Xuan.
Jing Xuan smiled. “Shuangji, why don’t you come help me manage the place?”
“Work for you? You black-hearted boss would work me to death!” Gao Zhe scoffed. “I’m enjoying my freedom. Your place is amazing—but if you’re offering to give it to me, I might reconsider. Hehe~”
“I knew it. Asking you is like expecting a dog to spit out ivory. Give it to you? Keep dreaming!” Jing Xuan laughed.
In truth, Gao Zhe had a decent job already. And even if Jing Xuan really gave her the club, she doubted Gao Zhe would want to put in the effort. Still, Gao Zhe had a solid head for business. Jing Xuan’s offer was half in jest—but not entirely. She really did want someone like Gao Zhe on her side.
Gao Zhe took a swig of her drink. “You know what, Ajing? If you’re so desperate for talent, why not find yourself a girlfriend? One with a high IQ who can help run things and keep you company. Two birds with one stone!”
Jing Xuan pouted. “You don’t get it. Every night I’m surrounded by girls—but it’s all because of you lovebirds! Watching you all pair off while I sit here single!”
Everyone burst out laughing.
Gao Zhe jeered, “You? Surrounded by girls? Please! Where are they? Show us!”
Jing Xuan laughed even harder. “I’m surrounded by girls, all right—one’s a blanket, the other’s a pillow!”
“Hahaha—shameless!” Gao Zhe snorted. “You should be the one finding a smart woman to keep you in check.”
“I don’t like smart women,” Gao Zhe declared proudly, pulling her girlfriend close. “Too clever and I get confused. Stupid ones are easier!”
Despite her antics, Gao Zhe was undeniably attractive—her looks rivaled Jing Xuan’s, and the two were often called the “double male leads” of their social circle. Gao Zhe had a wild streak and changed girlfriends faster than she changed socks. According to her, women were meant to cook, fall in love, and get dumped. No one took her seriously.
Just as the group was enjoying themselves—drinking, joking, dancing to the booming music—a group of large men in black suits and sunglasses stormed in. They looked like they’d walked straight out of a gangster movie. The hall fell silent. Only the music continued playing, wildly out of sync with the new tension.
“Damn. What is this, a movie shoot?” Gao Zhe muttered with disdain.
Jing Xuan gestured for everyone to stay quiet and observe.
The leader of the group swaggered up to the bar, spun around, and plopped onto a high stool. He slapped both hands on the counter and barked to a nearby waiter, “Where’s your boss?”
His tone was aggressive.
Will, the manager, approached. “Hello, sir. I’m the manager. Is there something I can help you with?”
“You the boss?” the man snapped.
Will smiled politely. “No, our boss—”
“Then get lost!” the man interrupted. “You’re not qualified to talk. Get the boss!”
Will hesitated. “Sir, please—”
“Keep stalling and I won’t be so polite!” the man barked.
Just then, Jing Xuan walked over. Will stepped aside immediately.
“I’m the boss,” Jing Xuan said, her smile harmless and warm. “I’m not sure what we did to upset you, but let’s not scare the guests.”
She looked like a fool at first glance—but her friends knew better. If Jing Xuan was smiling like that, these guys were in serious trouble.
The leader looked Jing Xuan up and down. “We’re from the Black Dragon Gang. We heard Huatian opened today, so we came to… show our support.”
Jing Xuan’s expression didn’t waver. “Ah, in that case, welcome. But there was no need for the grand entrance. You’ve scared off my customers.”
Her words were calm but sharp. The leader’s face darkened. He slammed a glass on the bar, stood up, and growled, “You got a smart mouth. Don’t think you can talk down to the Black Dragon Gang. You’ll regret it.”
Hearing the glass shatter, security moved in. But Jing Xuan raised a hand, signaling them to stand down.
“Black Dragon Gang?” she said with a tilt of her head. “Never heard of you. So, what kind of support are you offering?”
As she spoke, Jing Xuan exchanged a glance with Yan Jun.
“You know them?” she asked quietly.
“Nope,” Yan Jun replied.
Yan Jun was another of Jing Xuan’s tight-knit crew. Unlike Gao Zhe, she wasn’t the playful type. Quiet and intense, Yan Jun had a dark past, but her loyalty was unwavering. All of them had grown up together in a monastery—orphans who’d found family in each other.
Yan Jun had eventually been found by her birth family: the powerful Yan family, which controlled the Yan Group, a well-known underworld conglomerate. Her real name was Yan Junye. She’d witnessed her parents’ murder as a child and had been hidden away for safety. Now, she was the heir to the Yan family empire, a fact known by every major player in City C—except, apparently, these clueless thugs.
Jing Xuan, reassured by Yan Jun’s glance, turned back to the gang.
The leader smirked. “We just want a little something for cigarettes and drinks. A few thousand. We’ll leave you alone and guarantee peace in your territory.”
Jing Xuan laughed.
So, it was protection money they wanted. They hadn’t even bothered to check who owned the place.
Leaning on the bar, she smiled brighter than ever. “Is that so? Well then, sir, why don’t you come inside and we’ll talk this over properly.”
The man in black exchanged looks with his crew and followed her in, smug.
Will led the way. Gao Zhe and Yan Jun stood up as Jing Xuan passed. Yan Jun put a protective hand on her shoulder, but Jing Xuan just smiled and patted it.
“No need,” she said, winking at them.
They all got the message.
These guys had no idea who they were messing with.