Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 21

Jing Xuan sat quietly at the bar, sipping her drink in silence. From a corner behind her, a woman in a revealing evening gown kept her gaze fixed on Jing Xuan’s back, her eyes gleaming with the excitement of a predator spotting its prey. With a sly smile tugging at her lips, she raised her glass and took a slow sip. “What a juicy little lamb,” she thought.

She soon stood up and sauntered over to the bar, taking the seat beside Jing Xuan. “A Long Island Iced Tea, on the rocks, please,” she told the bartender, flashing a flirtatious smile. After receiving her drink, she leaned lazily against the counter, tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, and lifted her glass toward Jing Xuan. “Hey, handsome, drinking alone is no fun. This one’s for you. Let’s be friends.”

She downed the drink in one go, eyes never leaving Jing Xuan. She neither looked at her nor responded. But her interest didn’t wane. Instead, she leaned closer, resting a hand on Jing Xuan’s shoulder and pressing her ample chest against her arm. “Ignoring a lady like this? That’s not very polite, you know.”

Jing Xuan finally turned to her, flashing a dazzling smile that could melt glaciers. “Forgive me, miss. I was being rude. Allow me to toast you in return.” She raised her beer in a casual, graceful gesture and took a sip. Her every move was effortless and charming, making the woman’s eyes light up with even greater interest.

“You know, a man like you should be drinking something stronger,” she teased. “Beer just doesn’t do you justice.” She ordered another Long Island and slid it in front of her. “Come on, take it. Unless… you’re not man enough?”

Jing Xuan smiled coolly but didn’t take the drink. She didn’t care. She wasn’t a man—there was no reason to get dragged into such childish provocations. “I’m sorry,” she said lightly, “but I’m allergic to strong alcohol. Beer’s the only thing I can handle.” She raised her glass again in a polite toast.

“Oh? That’s alright,” the woman replied, not missing a beat. “Then I’ll drink beer too. You’re almost done with that bottle—how about another one? My treat. It must be fate that brought us together tonight.” She patted Jing Xuan’s shoulder boldly and leaned in even closer, her heavy perfume clinging to the air between them.

Jing Xuan’s nose wrinkled subtly. God, how much of that cheap perfume did she use? It’s suffocating.

The beer arrived. The woman handed Jing Xuan a fresh bottle and kept one for herself. They clinked bottles and drank. As Jing Xuan tipped her bottle back, the woman’s eyes sparkled with triumph. Just wait, little lamb.

What Jing Xuan didn’t know—or so the woman thought—was that she had slipped something into her drink while ordering. To be sure, she’d also worn a perfume laced with aphrodisiacs. She had used this tactic before, and it had never failed. She smiled slyly to herself. Soon, he’ll be mine—drugged, helpless, and all alone. What a rare catch! Let’s see what kind of beast hides under that charming smile.

But suddenly, something was off. The woman’s head started to spin. Her body felt heavy. Her vision blurred.

What? No way… Did I drink the wrong one?!

“Miss? Miss, are you alright?” Jing Xuan’s voice rang out with feigned concern. He gently helped her rest against the bar counter, his face calm and composed. Then he leaned in and whispered, “You think I didn’t notice? I switched the glasses when you looked away. How’s that drug taste now?”

She straightened up, smiled coolly, and turned to leave.

But after a few steps, she paused and sighed. “Ugh, I can’t just leave her here. Someone might take advantage of her, drugged and alone like this… I guess I still have a conscience.”

Reluctantly, Jing Xuan helped the woman into a taxi and brought her to a nearby budget hotel. After settling her into a room, she asked a staff member to look after her and left with peace of mind.

Outside, the late-autumn night air was crisp. The wind rustled through fallen leaves, sending a chill through the alleyways. Jing Xuan walked briskly, but something wasn’t right.

“Why is it so hot?” she muttered, wiping sweat from her brow. “Isn’t it supposed to be cold?” Her body grew hotter with each step, breath growing heavier. She took off her coat and clutched it in her arms, struggling to stay upright. No… Something’s wrong…

Realization hit her too late. The drug was in her system. She staggered to a wall, her body burning and trembling. Her knees gave out, and she collapsed in the shadows.

Just then, Qiao Fei was leaving through the back alley after saying goodbye to Uncle and Aunt Zeng. She rubbed her hands together against the cold. “So chilly tonight,” she murmured, quickening her pace.

Suddenly, she slowed. “Is someone lying there?” she squinted. “Another drunk passed out in the street? Don’t people care about freezing to death or worrying their families?”

As she got closer, her breath caught. She froze in place. “Oh my god—Jing Xuan?! Hey! Wake up! What are you doing here?”

She shook her frantically, but she didn’t respond. Her skin was burning. “He’s burning up—fever? Or the alcohol? What should I do?!”

Just then, a taxi appeared. Qiao Fei flagged it down in panic. Thankfully, the driver was kindhearted and even helped carry Jing Xuan upstairs. He refused to take a fare and left with a nod.

Inside, Qiao Fei boiled water, found fever medication, and settled next to the bed, waiting for Jing Xuan to wake up. As she watched her peaceful face, an inexplicable sense of contentment rose in her chest.

He’s so beautiful… she thought. His long lashes cast soft shadows, and a blush colored his cheeks. The faint opening at his collar revealed a delicate collarbone. His slender figure and angelic features made him seem like a character from an anime.

But Jing Xuan was far from peaceful. Her fever surged, her body twisting and tossing. She seemed desperate to break free from something. Buttons flew off her shirt, exposing more of her heaving chest.

Startled, Qiao Fei tried to cool her with a damp towel, but her movements were too wild. Panicking, she tried to hold her down.

Suddenly, Jing Xuan grabbed her in her delirium, flipping over and pinning her beneath her.

Qiao Fei gasped.

And then… her lips were claimed by something soft.