Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 35

Lan Qing gently slid open the glass doors to the balcony and leaned slightly against the ornate European-style railing. The cool night breeze brushed against her delicate cheeks like a lover’s caress, gently ruffling her long hair. Below, on the lawn, Yan Junye and Jing Xuan were still deep in conversation.

Their topic had shifted—now it was about Lan Qing. From her position, she could just make out their voices, and it was precisely this subject that held her there.

“Ajing, what are you planning to do about Lan Qing?” Junye asked.

Jing Xuan lowered her head and fell silent for a long time. “Junye, do you have a cigarette?”

“A cigarette? Huh? Sure, give me a second—”

A cigarette?! Jing Xuan never smoked. Lan Qing’s heart twisted at the thought that this person who had loved her—and hurt her—was now so troubled that she’d reach for one. What was weighing on her so heavily? Could it be… her? Lan Qing stared intently at Jing Xuan, anxiously awaiting her response.

Junye handed her a box of cigars. “Seriously? Isn’t this a bit much?”

“I didn’t know you’d ask for a smoke. This is all we have at home—if you really want one, you’ll have to make do.”

“Haha, forget it. This stuff’s way too strong for me…” she chuckled awkwardly.

“So, tell me—what are you thinking?”

“I… I don’t know…”

“That’s not like you at all! Ajing, when did you get so indecisive? Where’s the sharp, decisive General Jing we all know?”

“Back then, when my body became like this… I never thought about what my future would look like. I didn’t know how to live. Ever since I was little, I was constantly reminded that I was different from the other kids—that I couldn’t have the same happiness they did.

Movis—well, now I should call him Uncle Yan—always told me how to protect myself, to remember revenge, to shoulder responsibility in the future. But he never said what that responsibility really was.

“Still, during that time at St. Ann’s, I was truly happy. Then you left. I left. And Lan Qing… she left too. When I saw her again, I was honestly thrilled. I could hardly believe it. She said… she’d loved me. Loved me for so long—since we were kids.”

“You idiot. We all knew Lan Qing loved you—only you didn’t. Didn’t you feel anything for her all this time?”

“Haha… maybe that’s what they mean by ‘the one involved is lost, the bystanders see clearly.’”

“And then?”

“Her confession really shocked me. Someone like me—how could I possibly deserve her love? Maybe I don’t. Maybe we were destined to live different lives. We’re both… pitiful people.”

“So, you accepted her feelings. Was it because… you love her too?”

“Yes. Because I love her.”

On the balcony, Lan Qing clutched her mouth in shock. All this time, she had been the one giving, with Jing Xuan offering so little in return. She had believed she was just being foolish—clinging to a one-sided love. She thought Jing Xuan didn’t love her, which was why she left.

To hear Jing Xuan’s true feelings in this moment, in this setting—how could she not be shaken? Could it be… there was another reason for the separation? Something beyond their control?

Quietly, Lan Qing went downstairs and slipped behind a tree in the garden, hoping to hear more clearly. But just like her, another eavesdropper was present—Gao Zhe, leaning casually against the porch, listening in. When she noticed Lan Qing, a wicked smile crept onto her lips. This was going to be good.

Unaware of the secret observers behind them—perhaps too caught up in the moment—Jing Xuan, usually so alert, noticed nothing. Yan Junye, ever cautious, certainly did, but seeing the situation unfold, she played along even more enthusiastically.

“You love Lan Qing?”

“Yes. I love her… but I also hurt her.”

“Do you still love her now?”

“When we were together, I was really happy. I felt… warm. That must be love, right?”

“Then what about the girl by your side now?”

“Fei’er.”

“Qiao Fei!”

“You know about her?”

Junye gave her a “duh” look. “Sorry.”

“You investigated me? You—ugh, forget it.”

“So, what’s the deal with Qiao Fei? Do you love her too?”

“Fei’er is the purest girl I’ve ever met. Like an angel—sacred, untouchable. I liked her, but I already had Lan Qing, so I didn’t dare hope for anything. But fate played its hand. I did something… that let down both

Fei’er and Lan Qing.”

“You… you and Qiao Fei… slept together?”

Jing Xuan nodded silently.

“I don’t get it…”

“I was drugged. That’s how it happened with Fei’er. I didn’t want her to be hurt. I wanted to make amends. The truth is… I knew Fei’er before Lan Qing came back. I could never forget her.”

“So now you love both Lan Qing and Qiao Fei?”

“I don’t know. I thought my feelings for Fei’er were stronger, so I chose to break up with Lan Qing. It would hurt her, yes, but at least I wouldn’t hold her back. But when I saw her again… I realized I was wrong.

Seeing her hurt, so broken—it tore me apart. Earlier… I don’t even know why I grabbed her, why I couldn’t let go. Maybe it was instinct. Lan Qing’s love is so humble, so selfless. But when it comes to love… sigh, I really don’t know anymore.”

“And Qiao Fei? Don’t tell me you want both?”

“Fei’er and I… we’ve only just started. I…”

“Do you still want to be with Lan Qing?”

“I…”

“Jing Xuan!”

Both Jing Xuan and Junye turned around in surprise (Junye faked it, of course).

“Lan Qing! You…”

“I heard everything you two said. I understand now.”

“Lan Qing, I think you misunderstood—”

“Junye, it’s okay. I’ve been standing behind you for a while… Jing Xuan, thank you—for loving me. That’s enough. Maybe… I was just too late.”

“Lan…”

“I’m going back to Japan tomorrow. I hope… you and Fei’er will be happy.”

Lan Qing fought back her tears, but they still fell uncontrollably. She forced a smile and turned to Junye. “Haha, sorry for disturbing you these past few days. I should be going. Thank you—both you and your grandfather—for taking care of me. I was really happy here.”

She wiped her tears and hugged Junye, who stood there dumbfounded, then awkwardly hugged her back. The two of them treated Jing Xuan like she was invisible, which made Jing Xuan feel bitter and out of place. Lan Qing didn’t even look at her again.

She let go of Junye and walked silently back toward the villa, leaving Jing Xuan with nothing but the image of her graceful back. Jing Xuan just stood there, watching her go. It felt like this time, Lan Qing was truly leaving. She was really losing her.

Gao Zhe rushed over, grabbed Jing Xuan by the shoulders, and shook her hard. “You idiot! Fool! Go after her! If you don’t, you’ll never get another chance!”

But Jing Xuan just stood there, watching Lan Qing’s figure fade into the night. She didn’t move. Maybe… this really was their ending. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to chase after her—perhaps letting her go was the better choice.

Junye quickly pulled out her phone and sent Lan Qing a message:

“Qing’er! I’ve figured it out—Ajing really does love you. Don’t give up!”

A moment later, Lan Qing replied:

“I know. Don’t worry. Her choice to be with Qiao Fei is more about responsibility than love. That block of wood—if no one carves it, how can it ever become a masterpiece?”

Inside her room, Lan Qing set her phone down and walked to the window. She looked out at the three silhouettes in the garden and smiled quietly. Her lips moved softly:

“I’m full of confidence now.”