Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 24

“You… are you serious?” Nian Qing stared at Lan Qing in disbelief. Lan Qing didn’t say a word but nodded solemnly. “Yes. I am.”

Nian Qing’s expression faltered, her eyes dimming. Then, without warning, she grabbed Lan Qing’s hand, gazed into her eyes, and said earnestly, “Qing’er, you are the person I care about most. Promise me you’ll be happy, okay? You must live happily.”

Looking into Nian Qing’s eyes that mirrored her own, Lan Qing sensed something was different about her sister today. She didn’t fully understand, but still nodded solemnly. “I promise.”

“Qing’er… I’m tired. Go back for now.”

“Sister??”

“I just want to rest a while. Be good, okay?”

Nian Qing turned away from her. Lan Qing lingered for a moment, then quietly left the room and gently closed the door behind her.

As the soft click of the door echoed, a single teardrop slipped down the corner of Nian Qing’s eye.

She hated it. She hated being born as Lan Qing’s sister. She hated being a woman. She hated that she could never walk beside Lan Qing openly.

Yes… Nian Qing had always loved Lan Qing—deeply, hopelessly. But she buried that love under the weight of her role as a sister. She could never confess it. Never allow herself to cross that line. How she longed to stay by Lan Qing’s side, even if only as her sister.

But now, Lan Qing had found her happiness. And all she could do was offer her blessings.

Why did it feel so bitter? Why did it hurt so much?

Qing’er… I don’t want to be your sister. But that’s all I can ever be. From now on, I’ll guard you from the shadows. You’re flying toward your own happiness—how could I ever stop you? Let me bury this love deeply, and continue playing this inexplicable role of a sister…
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C City, C University.

“Qiao Fei! Qiao Fei! Qiao Fei!”

“Fei’er, the teacher’s calling you!” Liu Xinyu poked her gently.

“Huh? Oh…”

“Qiao Fei, come to the department office after class.”

“Ah? Y-Yes…”

Liu Xinyu looked at her friend with concern. “Fei’er, what’s wrong with you lately? You’re totally out of it. The teacher called your name three times today!”

“No… it’s nothing, really…”

Xinyu narrowed her big, innocent eyes. “You’re totally lying! Your eyes are all over the place!”

“I said I’m fine, really, Xinyu…”

“Fine! If you won’t tell me, I’ll find out myself! I don’t believe you anyway!” Xinyu pouted playfully. “Too late to confess now! I won’t listen anymore. Better keep your secret well. Now focus before the teacher calls you again!”

Qiao Fei sighed, shook her head, and forced herself to concentrate on the lecture.

What’s wrong with me lately? My mind’s in a fog, and all I can think about is that scoundrel… Jing Xuan.

Ever since that day, Jing Xuan had openly pursued her—sending flowers, gifts, and waiting outside her school. Each time she saw the silver Aston Martin One-77 parked at the gate, her heart skipped a beat. She hated how easily she affected her.

But the truth was… she was happy to see her. That sunshine smile of her made her heart flutter, even if it carried a tinge of bitterness.

That afternoon, Jing Xuan stepped out of her car. She was dressed in a lake-blue fitted blazer, crisp white shirt, stylish jeans, and polished leather shoes. A warm smile graced her face, and a bouquet of fresh lilies was in her hand. Her sunglasses couldn’t hide the affectionate gleam in her eyes as she walked toward her, glowing under the sunlight.

“Whoa… he’s gorgeous!”

“Isn’t that Qiao Fei’s new boyfriend from the Finance Department?”

“He’s rich and handsome! How lucky can one girl get?”

“Totally unfair! She already had Senior Lin Hao, and now this guy?”

“He’s even better-looking than Lin Hao! If he smiled at me like that, I’d die happy!”

Qiao Fei listened to the gossip with a mix of annoyance and helplessness—envy, admiration, sarcasm… all swirling around her.

“Fei’er! These are for you. Do you like them?” Jing Xuan took off her sunglasses, eyes gleaming.

“I told you so many times—can’t you just listen for once? Don’t show up like this. I’m not going to say yes to you. If you still want us to be friends, don’t—mmph!”

Her words were cut off by her kiss.

“Fei’er, let’s get in the car. What do you want to eat?”

“You—!? You—!”

“No more arguing. Let’s go.” Jing Xuan naturally took her hand and led her to her car.

Qiao Fei let herself be pulled along. This man—she could be so arrogant, so domineering… and so incredibly gentle.

She smiled sweetly. But Jing Xuan, walking in front, didn’t see it.

The silver Aston Martin roared to life and sped off. Watching the sleek car disappear into the distance, Lin Hao stood silently, a storm brewing in his eyes.

Shen Yiling, by his side, curled her lips in disdain, a flash of venom in her gaze.

“Hmph. Senior Lin… your good days are numbered. I, Shen Yiling, will make you pay for what you did to me.”

She quickly masked her anger with a charming smile, slipped her hand into his, and said sweetly, “Hao~ the car’s long gone. Your precious Fei’er has found someone new. Let’s go eat. I’m so hungry!”

“Haha, okay! As long as you behave, I’ll give you whatever you want.”

He leaned in for a kiss, but Shen Yiling cleverly turned her head. “Hao, stop it! There are people watching~ I’m starving! Let’s eat!”

“Starving? Can’t I feed you myself? Haha! Don’t worry—I’ll feed you tonight.”

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Meanwhile, Liu Xinyu ran out of the building in a hurry—only to arrive just a moment too late.

“Ugh! Seriously!” She stomped her feet. “I almost caught who Fei’er is dating! Next time, I will catch her red-handed!”

A teasing voice came from behind. “Yu baby~ what are you doing?”

Xinyu turned to see Gao Zhe’s smug face.

“Hmph! What’s it to you, scoundrel? I’m leaving!”

Gao Zhe stepped in front of her, blocking her path. “Don’t go. How about dinner? My treat!”

“No, I’m eating at home.”

“Home’s boring. Come on, I’m your teacher, what could I possibly do to you?” She laughed. “Besides, you know who I am, right? Let’s go—seafood hotpot, on me!”

“But—but… hey! Wait—!”

Too late. Gao Zhe was already dragging her along.

Liu Xinyu was stunned. Heaven help me! Who did I offend to deserve this pest? If she weren’t my teacher—and a woman—I’d have floored her with a punch already!