Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 54
The wedding was set for two weeks later, and in those days, Jing Xuan had been spending all her time accompanying Lan Qing, completely ignoring the “delicate wife” waiting at home. Li Miaolan felt like a concubine fallen from favor beside an emperor.
Her pregnancy had reached four months, yet Jing Xuan seemed to have forgotten her existence entirely. Whether she was working or not, she was never around. Let alone getting her hands on the “thing” that Jing Cheng wanted—there was no sign of that happening anytime soon. Still, her days were comfortable and leisurely: reading in the garden, sipping tea, quietly nurturing the baby.
— Ding ding — Ding ding —
Li Miaolan picked up her phone. The number was unfamiliar. After a moment’s hesitation, she pressed the answer button.
“Hello—”
“It’s Xiaofeng. Is anyone there with you?”
“No, I’m alone. Say what you need to say.”
“Mr. Jing wants me to tell you he’s running out of patience. You’d better get the item soon, or be ready to face the consequences.”
“Anything else?”
“Yes. You should give me a deadline. That way I can report back and keep everyone happy.”
“I understand. I’ll have it by the end of this week.”
“Good. That’s for the best.”
Beep—Beep—
The call ended. Li Miaolan sighed. “Hmph, face the consequences? What consequences are even left for someone like me? In the end, it’s all just for money.” She gave a self-deprecating laugh, shifted into a more comfortable position, and went back to reading.
“Good day, young master!” came a sudden greeting. Li Miaolan looked up and saw Jing Xuan walking over with a bright smile.
Putting her book down, she straightened up. “Why aren’t you with Miss Qing today?”
Jing Xuan pulled out a chair and sat across from her. “Why do I smell vinegar in the air?”
“Who would be jealous of you?” she muttered, grabbing her book again and sinking back into the chair, ignoring her.
“Hehe~” Jing Xuan chuckled, scratching her nose. “Have you been to your prenatal checkups lately?”
“The child’s not even yours. Why should you care so much?”
With a lazy smirk, Jing Xuan leaned forward toward her belly. “Now, now, don’t say things like that. At least in name, the child is still mine.”
Before Li Miaolan could respond, Jing Xuan stood up and walked away. She watched her back as she left, suddenly losing the mood to continue reading. Placing a pale hand gently over her rounded belly, she whispered, “I only wish this child were yours.”
Just as Jing Xuan was heading upstairs, Huang Zhixiong happened to be coming down to the garden. The two crossed paths at the staircase.
Jing Xuan politely stepped aside and greeted him, “Godfather.”
“You little rascal, where have you been hiding? Haven’t seen you in days!”
“Well, I’m back now, aren’t I?” Jing Xuan gave him a sheepish smile, trying to butter him up.
“Where’s that friend of yours? Didn’t come back with you?”
“Qing said a friend of hers is on a business trip in Singapore, so she went to meet her.”
“You brat! Quite popular with the ladies, aren’t you?”
“Godfather, it’s fine when others tease me, but do you have to join in too?”
Huang Zhixiong chuckled, then turned serious. “Listen, it’s time you start thinking seriously about relationships. Lan Qing is a good girl. I know she likes you.”
Jing Xuan dropped her gaze and said nothing.
Patting his shoulder as he descended, Huang Zhixiong added gently, “Don’t let her down.”
“Yes.”
“Sigh… you sound so dispirited. Go rest if you’re tired.”
“Yes, Godfather. I’ll go up now.”
But Huang Zhixiong didn’t step aside. Jing Xuan looked up in confusion. Huang Zhixiong stared at him, his voice uncharacteristically earnest.
“I’ve spent my whole life battling in the business world. I almost lost my life to it. Maybe it’s karma—Heaven punishing me with no wife, no child. But Jing Xuan, you… you’re the only child I have. You’ve always been outstanding, and I’ve always been proud of you. No matter what happens from now on, you’ll always have me.”
“Thank you, Godfather.”
“Still so formal with me? You’re my child. I’ll protect you no matter what.”
Later, Jing Xuan lay soaking in a lavish, comfortable bathtub, murmuring, “Godfather, I can never repay you for all you’ve done. I only wish to resolve all these entanglements quickly so I can stay by your side and care for you…”
Perhaps she was too tired, or perhaps the bath was just too relaxing—Jing Xuan dozed off in the tub.
Not long after, the door creaked open, and someone quietly stepped inside.
Li Miaolan tiptoed into Jing Xuan’s room, clearly nervous. She had never entered this space since arriving at the Huang residence over a month ago. The room was stylish and minimalist, filled with the faint scent of jasmine—very much like Jing Xuan’s own aura.
Why is it so quiet?
Her heart began to pound. She fought to suppress her anxiety as she cautiously approached the inner room.
“Jing Xuan? Are you in there?” Her voice was tentative, unsure if she should even be here.
No response.
“Jing Xuan? Are you inside?”
She gathered her courage and stepped closer. The bathroom door was slightly ajar, and through the misty glass, she could faintly see someone inside.
So, he’s taking a bath.
Her cheeks flushed. Taking a deep breath, she called out a bit louder, “Jing Xuan, are you in there?”
Still no answer.
Driven by concern—and perhaps curiosity—she gently pushed the door open and walked in.
The bathroom was filled with warm steam. Jing Xuan was asleep in the tub, naked, a towel drifting over her lower body. Her fair skin and defined chest glistened with beads of water, tempting and exposed.
Li Miaolan slapped her own cheeks lightly, trying to quell the heat in her face. Her eyes lingered on her body with a mix of fascination and temptation. Almost without realizing it, she reached toward the towel covering her. Was this her chance to confirm the truth? She had always harbored suspicions about Jing Xuan’s identity—never had she seen a man so refined and delicate.
Her fingers brushed the water as she gripped the towel—
Suddenly, a hand shot out and grabbed her wrist tightly.
“What do you think you’re doing?”
“Ah!”
Caught red-handed, Li Miaolan didn’t panic. Instead, she looked her straight in the eyes and replied calmly, “I called your name several times and you didn’t respond. I was worried something happened, so I came to check. I didn’t expect you to be asleep. The water’s already gone cold. You’ll catch a cold if you stay in any longer.”
Jing Xuan eyed her with suspicion, but then her expression shifted into a harmless, charming smile. Her eyes curved into crescent moons.
“Oh, I see. Sorry for misunderstanding. Well, I’m getting out now. Planning to stay and watch me get out of the bath?”
“With a body like that, it’d be a waste not to look.”
“Oh? Then go ahead.”
She began to rise from the tub, but at that moment, Li Miaolan quickly turned her back.
“Hahahahahahahaha!”
Jing Xuan burst into laughter. This woman—acting all bold and flirty one second, then shyly turning away the next—it was just too funny.
Hearing her laughter, Li Miaolan opened her eyes in frustration and caught sight of the bath towel hanging nearby.
Suddenly, a mischievous thought came to mind…