Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 36
Lan Qing’s Farewell Party
Lan Qing had decided to return to Japan and wouldn’t be coming back anytime soon, so everyone unanimously agreed to throw her a farewell party at Huatian. On that day, Huatian was closed to the public.
Lan Qing arrived early. Jing Xuan was supervising the staff as they decorated the venue. Lan Qing stood quietly at a distance, watching her. Jing Xuan wore a crisp white shirt paired with silver-gray casual slacks and black sandals. Her sleeves were rolled high, revealing well-toned arms, and she had even styled her hair. She looked refined and striking—like a prince from an island nation, radiant and dazzling.
This was Lan Qing’s first time back at Huatian since her return. Every corner of this place was familiar to her. She remembered the last time—how Jing Xuan had invited her favorite band, had declared in front of everyone that she would love her for a lifetime, had personally announced that she was her fiancée… It all felt like it had just happened yesterday. And yet now, it was like a dream—faint and unreal.
Anna spotted Lan Qing standing by the bar, wiped her hands on her apron excitedly, and walked over.
“Miss Lan! You’re back!”
Lan Qing hugged her warmly and smiled, “Yes, I missed you all so much! I want to hear you sing again, Anna!”
Anna covered her face playfully, “Just a little proud, hehe~ If you want to hear it, I’ll sing for you anytime!”
“Great~”
Their conversation drifted to Jing Xuan’s ears, and she quickly came over.
“Lan Qing, y-you’re here.”
“Haha, Jing Xuan, why are you stammering now?”
“Ah! A-am I?”
Anna couldn’t hold back a laugh. She glanced at her flustered boss and then at Lan Qing, who was clearly teasing her with a mischievous glint in her eyes. Inwardly, Anna chuckled—it seemed the boss had missed her beloved so much that she got tongue-tied just seeing her.
Anna tactfully broke the brief awkwardness.
“Boss, Miss Lan, I’ll leave you two to chat. Would you like something to drink? I can get it for you.”
“Haha, no need, Anna. You go ahead and get back to work. We can help ourselves.”
“Oh? Boss, you’re not stammering anymore?”
With that cheeky remark, Anna darted off, leaving Jing Xuan even more embarrassed.
“Haha, Anna really is adorable! Jing Xuan, shall we go over there?”
“Y-yeah… Let’s go!”
But something about hearing Lan Qing call her “Jing Xuan” again—so formally—left Jing Xuan uneasy. They used to be so close, so intimate, and now they were suddenly polite with each other. She hated this distance—hated it deeply.
________________________________________
At C University, Student Cafeteria
Qiao Fei and Liu Xinyu were having lunch at a window seat overlooking the campus’ man-made lake. It was winter, but C City’s subtropical climate only brought a mild chill.
Qiao Fei hadn’t eaten much. She felt restless. It had been two days since she’d heard from Jing Xuan. Even when they talked, it was just a couple of rushed sentences before the call ended. It left Qiao Fei with a growing sense of unease. Was this a bad sign?
God, she was startled by how much she had come to rely on Jing Xuan. That time at Gao Zhe’s house—she knew Jing Xuan had gotten into a fight with Gao Zhe on the balcony, but why? Everyone had been getting along fine until then. Jing Xuan had a lot on her mind, and Qiao Fei wanted to share the burden. But Jing Xuan never talked about it. All she did was plant indulgent kisses on her nose and forehead.
“Fei’er! Are you done? We’re going to be late for class!”
Liu Xinyu’s words snapped her out of her thoughts.
“Yeah, I’m done. You?”
“Same here. Let’s go!”
“What class is next again?”
“Hmph, that damn rogue’s class.”
Qiao Fei couldn’t help but chuckle at Liu Xinyu’s indignant expression. Those two were such a pair.
“No idea what that scoundrel’s been up to lately—she’s been coming home really late these days!”
“Coming home late?”
“Yeah! I always tell myself I’ll ask, but… hehe, you know me—I fall asleep too fast and forget everything the next day!”
“Haha!”
“Fei’er, how’s Jing Xuan? What’s she been busy with lately? I haven’t seen you two together in a while.”
“She’s okay… you know, she’s a big boss, always busy…”
“If you ask me, you should just move in with her! You can take care of her—and keep an eye on her!”
“Keep an eye on her?”
“Of course! Your Jing Xuan is too handsome. Someone’s gotta watch her!”
Liu Xinyu had long been living a sweet cohabiting life with Gao Zhe, while Qiao Fei—being more independent—had never moved in with Jing Xuan. But her friend’s words made her think.
Yes, her Jing Xuan was too handsome, too exceptional, too rich. How could she not attract attention? And she ran a huge entertainment complex—a night club, no less. The kind of place filled with lonely, flirtatious people.
Qiao Fei thought again of Lan Qing—beautiful, seductive. If there was one Lan Qing, could there be others? She even began to wonder if she was truly Jing Xuan’s only one. And with how distant Jing Xuan had been lately, fear crept in—fear of losing her.
“Xinyu… do you think… do you think Jing Xuan might be seeing someone else?”
“What?! Of course not! Jing Xuan is not the type to fool around. Fei’er, you’re overthinking this.”
“She’s just so… perfect…”
“Fei’er, have some confidence in yourself! Lan Qing was beautiful, sure, but Jing Xuan still broke up with her to be with you! So, stop overthinking, okay? Anyway, let’s hurry—class is about to start!”
Just as Liu Xinyu finished speaking, the bell rang. She grabbed Qiao Fei’s hand and rushed toward the classroom.
________________________________________
90 Minutes Later
“Alright, that’s it for today. Any questions? …If not, class is dismissed. And don’t forget to turn in your assignments next time!”
“Yes, boss!”
“Qiao Fei, Liu Xinyu—stay a moment!”
As the other students filed out, Gao Zhe stepped off the podium and walked over to their seats.
“Fei’er, what’s the NASDAQ Index?”
“Huh?”
Liu Xinyu was immediately annoyed.
“Hey, you rogue! What’s with the quiz?”
Gao Zhe ignored her, waiting for Qiao Fei’s answer.
“The NASDAQ Index is…”
“Fei’er, what was today’s lesson about?”
Even Liu Xinyu was surprised. Qiao Fei was usually the most attentive student, but today she had clearly been elsewhere.
Qiao Fei lowered her head.
“I’m sorry…”
“Fei’er, what’s going on? You weren’t paying attention at all during both sessions.”
“I’m really sorry, Professor Gao. I’ll catch up on what I missed. It won’t happen again.”
“Good. We may be friends, but if your final grade isn’t up to par, I won’t go easy on you.”
“Understood.”
“Hey, hey, don’t be so harsh. Fei’er must be dealing with something. Don’t scold her, okay, Professor~”
Liu Xinyu’s sweet voice gave Gao Zhe goosebumps.
“Ugh, actually, the reason I kept you two is because we’re throwing a huge party tonight at Huatian. You two have to come! The lovely ladies must grace us with their presence!”
“You scoundrel! Why didn’t you say so earlier?! Fei’er, we need to get ready!”
Before Qiao Fei could react, Liu Xinyu grabbed her and dashed out of the classroom like a rabbit.