Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 15
Qiao Fei’s life had recently settled into a comfortable rhythm. She studied, worked part-time, and spent her days with Liu Xinyu, enjoying a simple, peaceful routine. Lin Hao, to her relief, had stopped bothering her and now spent most of his time with Shen Yiling. Whenever he bumped into Qiao Fei on campus, he’d retreat awkwardly with Shen Yiling in tow.
Shen Yiling, frustrated by her obvious lingering feelings, began taking out her anger on Qiao Fei whenever she got the chance.
But Qiao Fei couldn’t care less. This was the daughter of the school director, after all. If anyone had the privilege to act arrogant, it was her. As a nobody, Qiao Fei figured it was best to keep her head down and avoid trouble.
That afternoon, Qiao Fei and Liu Xinyu headed to the cafeteria for lunch like usual. As soon as they walked in, the two split up without speaking—a well-practiced routine. Qiao Fei grabbed a seat while Liu Xinyu went to get their food. Since they were early, Qiao Fei managed to snag a spot by the window overlooking the school’s artificial lake. The view was serene.
Unbeknownst to her, Shen Yiling had also come to the cafeteria ahead of schedule, waiting for Lin Hao. They usually ate at upscale restaurants off-campus, or at least in the VIP section of the school dining hall. But today was different. As soon as Shen Yiling walked in, her eyes locked onto Qiao Fei sitting alone by the window.
Her face rested lightly on one hand, her other hand relaxed on the table, her gaze drifting dreamily outside. The whole scene looked irritatingly peaceful and—worse—charming.
Jealousy surged through Shen Yiling. Why did men keep falling for that country girl? She’s the school director’s daughter! How could she be overshadowed by a nobody like her? Her heels clicked sharply as she marched up to Qiao Fei’s table, arms crossed, voice cold.
“Hey! That’s my seat. Move.”
Qiao Fei slowly turned her head, her eyes filled with disdain. “Your seat? Is your name engraved on it? Or does C University’s rulebook say this seat belongs to you?”
“You’ve got a real mouth on you! I said it’s mine, so it is! The whole campus belongs to my family! I do what I want!”
“Oh,” Qiao Fei smirked. “And here I was wondering what all the barking was. Turns out it was just the director’s little pet running loose.”
“You—! Watch your mouth, you uncultured bumpkin!”
“Yeah, I’m a bumpkin. No manners. Didn’t go to fancy finishing schools like you. But where I’m from, we have a simple rule—first come, first served.”
Shen Yiling turned red with anger. “You’re worse than dirt. Absolutely worthless!”
Qiao Fei leaned back with a chuckle. “Worthless? Sure. But not like you—worth exactly one penny, just like trash.”
The nearby students, drawn by the commotion, burst into laughter at Qiao Fei’s calm, cutting words. Shen Yiling had come to humiliate her, but ended up embarrassed herself. Qiao Fei smiled inwardly. You think you can out-argue me? I’m the literature club’s editor-in-chief, not some amateur!
Just as she was feeling triumphant, Shen Yiling suddenly raised her hand to slap her. But before the slap could land, a hand reached out and grabbed Shen Yiling’s wrist.
A low, teasing voice interrupted, “Now, now, it’s not classy for a pretty lady to resort to violence.”
Shen Yiling turned, startled—and was momentarily stunned. The man was strikingly handsome: playful eyes, flawless skin, a mischievous smile on thin lips, tall and well-built in a simple white shirt and black trousers. The sunlight made him look effortlessly radiant.
Still, she tried to keep her composure. “Who the hell are you? Do you even know who I am?”
Just then, Teacher Wang Xin from the Academic Affairs Office arrived, slightly breathless. “Ah, Teacher Gao! There you are. The school director is waiting for you at lunch!”
The man smiled and let go of her wrist. “Coming now.”
“Teacher Gao?” Shen Yiling blinked.
Wang Xin quickly clarified, “Yes, Miss Shen. This is Mr. Gao Zhe—recently hired by the board at a high salary to teach at our business school. He teaches finance and management.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd. “He’s the new handsome teacher?!”
“I’m switching majors! Business school, here I come!”
“He’s even hotter than the rumors!”
Gao Zhe winced slightly at the attention and muttered to Wang Xin, “Didn’t I say—low profile?”
Then, smiling warmly, he turned to the crowd. “Hello, everyone. I’m Gao Zhe, your new business administration instructor. If you’re curious about my class, feel free to join. For now, enjoy your lunch—don’t waste it on pointless arguments.” With that, he gave a graceful wave and walked off with Wang Xin.
The crowd gradually dispersed.
Liu Xinyu finally made her way back to Qiao Fei’s table. “Fei’er! Are you okay? Did that witch hurt you?”
From across the room, Shen Yiling snapped, “Who are you calling a witch?!”
Before she could storm back, Lin Hao appeared and dragged her away.
Qiao Fei just sat calmly through the whole ordeal. Honestly… so many ridiculous people doing ridiculous things. Her thoughts drifted to Jing Xuan. That man, Gao Zhe… he reminded her of him. Why do I keep thinking about someone I only met once? Even knowing he has a girlfriend… why can’t I stop?
Liu Xinyu didn’t recognize Gao Zhe, but his entrance, his charm—even just the glimpse of his retreating back—made her curious. “That new teacher… he seems really interesting.”
Meanwhile, Lin Hao had pulled Shen Yiling into the wooded area beside the campus. His expression darkened.
“Why did you hit me?!” Shen Yiling protested, hand over her cheek.
Lin Hao was furious. He paced for a moment, then pointed at her coldly. “That was a warning. If you mess with Fei’er again, I won’t go easy on you. Remember that.”
With that, he turned and walked off, leaving her standing alone.
Shen Yiling watched him disappear, then took a deep breath, smoothed her hair, and reapplied her makeup. As she stepped out of the trees, she muttered under her breath, “Fine. If you want to play dirty, Lin Hao, don’t blame me for being ruthless. Just wait and see.”