Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 30
After the meal, Lan Qing felt a bit more refreshed. She gently stirred the coffee in front of her, lost in thought.
“Lan Qing…? Lan Qing! Hey!”
“Huh? What?”
Lan Qing was a well-bred young lady. Even when caught off guard, she quickly regained her composure.
“Hehe, sorry, Junye. I didn’t quite catch what you were saying just now. Could you say it again? Hahaha…”
Three imaginary black lines appeared behind Yan Junye’s head. This girl didn’t hear a single word I said! Even if you’re daydreaming, do you have to make it this obvious?
“It’s fine! It wasn’t anything important anyway. Never mind. But… you were thinking about Ajing, weren’t you? Why didn’t you go see her after you came back?”
“I’m sorry… No, it’s not that. I just got back myself. I guess I was exhausted and ended up falling asleep at the bar, haha… Luckily, I ran into you…”
Junye wasn’t upset by her evasiveness. Instead, she crossed her arms and leaned forward, giving her a helpless look as she stared into her eyes.
“Hmm~ I see shadows of a lie in your eyes. Looks like you still don’t trust me, Xiao Qing’er. That’s very naughty of you. You know, you’re still the same as when we were kids—lying makes you nervous, your words get stuck, and your eyes dart around. We grew up together—well, at least until our teens. But after so many years, I still know you very well.”
She paused, then continued calmly.
“To be honest, you spilled everything when you were drunk. So, there’s really no need to hide anything from me.”
“They say you’re quiet and reserved, but I see now you can be quite the smooth talker. You’ve been corrupted by Shuangji and the others, haven’t you?”
“People change, don’t they?”
Lan Qing’s smile froze slightly. “Yeah… people do change…”
“Lan Qing, tell me about you and Ajing. What happened between you two?”
Lan Qing took a sip of her coffee. It had gone cold, and the bitterness deepened—just like the ache in her heart.
“We broke up. Jing Xuan and I… it’s over. That’s it.”
“Why?”
“What’s the point in asking why? She just stopped loving me.”
Lan Qing smiled bitterly. Her eyes welled up, but her pride wouldn’t let a single tear fall. Instead, they retreated into her heart.
Junye was a direct person. Growing up around the streets, she’d never learned to sugarcoat things. Seeing her like this made her both angry and anxious.
“There’s someone else, isn’t there?”
“Yes. A very beautiful girl. Jing Xuan has always liked her. I knew it…”
Junye went silent for a moment, lost in thought. The two of them sat in quiet.
“Lan Qing, you, me, Ajing, and Shuangji—we all grew up together. We know what kind of people we are. Do you really believe Ajing is the type to start something and then walk away? She’s always been the one among us who treasures her feelings the most.
That’s why she’s slow when it comes to love. If you don’t explain things to her clearly, she’ll never figure it out on her own. I’d never believe she could fall for someone else. I think… there must be a misunderstanding between you two.”
“I don’t want to believe it either. But it still happened… didn’t it?”
“You saw them together?”
“Yes. She was with that girl. I ran into them.”
“What were they doing?”
“They… were hugging. Very intimately. Junye, I’m not a fool. I can tell the difference between a misunderstanding and the truth. I just… don’t understand. Why?”
Junye gently pulled her into a comforting hug. “Don’t be sad. There must be an explanation. I’m sure Ajing loves you. I promise.”
Lan Qing gently pulled away and composed herself.
“Thank you, Junye.”
“There you go again. How about this—come stay at my place for a while. You can keep Grandpa company too. She’s getting old and acts like a child, always wanting someone around. I can’t always be there, but if you’re staying, I’ll feel better.”
“I don’t think that’s appropriate… I should just stay at a hotel.”
“What’s inappropriate about it? You’re my friend—my sister, even. Just stay for a while. Once you’ve found a new place, then you can move out, okay?”
“Junye, I really don’t know how to thank you.”
“If you want to thank me, marry me! I wouldn’t mind!”
“Junye, you—!”
“Silly girl! I’m joking. Seriously, stop thanking me all the time. I can’t take it!”
“Haha, alright!”
And so, Lan Qing temporarily moved into the Yan family estate.
________________________________________
Once she was settled, Yan Junye returned to the office. There was an important meeting scheduled that evening. By then, the employees of the Yan Corporation had long since left for the day, and the building was quiet.
Junye entered the top-floor conference room, her bodyguards naturally taking their positions at the door. The meeting room was already full, and the attendants stood respectfully to welcome the young master.
Junye sat down with effortless grace, like a monarch facing her court.
“Everyone, take your seats.”
With that, the meeting officially began.
“Any news from the underworld lately?”
“Young master, recently Jing Cheng visited Japan to meet with the Iga Grand Ninja.”
“Oh? Looks like Jing Cheng is about to make a move. What about the monastery?”
“Young master, as per your orders, everything has been arranged. The nuns are safe. Though Jing Cheng traced things to Saint Anne, he hasn’t found any useful information.”
“Good. Well done. Keep a close eye on him.”
“Yes, young master.”
“Next, I want to know what tricks the Iga clan and Jing Cheng are planning. I expect answers within three days.”
“Yes, young master!”
“Young master, Mr. Pokai from Thailand called earlier. He said everything on his end is ready. He’s just waiting for your word. He hopes you’ll keep your promise to ensure Young Master Jing’s safety.”
“Tell him not to worry. I’ll keep my word.”
“Yes, young master.”
“And what’s the situation with Mr. Morvis?”
“Young master, my people report that Mr. Morvis is safe for now. Jing Cheng didn’t manage to get anything out of him. Right now, Morvis is still a trump card in his hands, so he won’t be harmed. My men are watching closely. If anything happens, they’ll get him out immediately.”
“Good. But don’t act rashly. Don’t reveal yourselves. We’ve cast a long line to hook the big fish. We can’t let it snap now. Tell him to keep Morvis safe.”
“Yes, young master!”
________________________________________
Leaning back in her chair, Junye’s thoughts drifted to her childhood with Morvis.
“Junye, will you take care of your little sister?”
“I will! But… Dad, why don’t you acknowledge me? Why do you still serve the Jing family?”
“I’m sorry. I can’t acknowledge you yet. The Jing family once saved my life. Now that they’re in trouble, I have to repay that debt. I’m sorry, Junye. Remember—don’t let anyone know. Call me Uncle Morvis, just like Jing Xuan does. Don’t let her find out either. That’s the only way to keep both of you safe. Understand?”
“Yes, Uncle Morvis. I’ll take care of Jing Xuan. I’ll protect her quietly… because she’s the daughter of our benefactor.”
“Good.”
________________________________________
A single tear slipped from Junye’s eye. She wiped it away without a trace.
“Dad… hold on. This will all be over soon.”