Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 57

“Alright, alright, Yan Zuo, don’t be so hostile the moment Lan Qing comes back. Please arrange for our guest to rest,” Hasegawa Xui stepped in to defuse the tension, preventing an awkward scene.

“Jōnin, if there’s something you need to say, let’s discuss it later. This isn’t the time to lose decorum in front of the Nishikawa family.”

Hasegawa Xui gently helped the Iga Jōnin back to the sofa.

“Dad, Mom, Uncle Nishikawa, I’ll take Jing Xuan upstairs to settle her in.”

“Go ahead. Child, I hope we haven’t treated you poorly.”

“You’re too kind, Auntie. I should apologize for any disrespect.”

“Good, good. Go on now.”

Hasegawa Xui looked at Jing Xuan with warmth in her eyes. Such a lovely child—she really is a perfect match for Lan Qing.

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Upstairs, in the guest room arranged for her, Jing Xuan dismissed the attendants. As she stood alone, Lan Qing suddenly embraced her from behind, her cheek gently pressing against Jing Xuan’s back.

“Xuan… I’m sorry.”

“Hm? Why are you saying that?”

“My father was so harsh to you… I’m sorry you had to go through that.”

Jing Xuan turned around and looked deep into Lan Qing’s eyes.

“So… does that mean anyone who marries into the Iga family will be treated like that?”

“Of course not!” Lan Qing replied immediately.

Jing Xuan laughed softly, “You little rascal…”

Realizing she’d been teased again, Lan Qing raised her tiny fists, ready to punish the “villain.”

“What did you just say?”

“I said I was treated unfairly.”

“No, before that—say it again.”

“I said… I want to marry into the Iga family.”

Jing Xuan pulled Lan Qing into a heartfelt embrace. At that moment, she finally understood her true feelings. Heaven knew how terrified she’d been during the ambush. Anything could have happened in a split second!

Lan Qing’s love had already seeped into her very bones like a powerful virus. Jing Xuan had already wronged her so many times, even heartlessly leaving her once. If being questioned by the Iga Jōnin was already such a hurtful experience in Lan Qing’s eyes, then how much more had she endured for Jing Xuan’s sake all along?

She had betrayed Lan Qing’s heart, abandoned her love, committed countless wrongs that her conscience could no longer ignore. Now that Lan Qing was willing to forsake everything for her—how could she ever let her be hurt again?

“Qing… I’m the one who should apologize! I shouldn’t have left you. I shouldn’t have made you suffer like this. Please… give me another chance. I won’t leave you again.”

Heavens! Lan Qing thought. Jing Xuan is apologizing to me!

Could this truly be the light at the end of the tunnel?

A smile of joy lit up Lan Qing’s face—but just as quickly, it faded into sadness.

“Qing, don’t you believe me?”

“It’s not that… or maybe it is. What about Fei’er? Are you leaving her again because of me? And next time—will you leave me for her? Are we just going to keep hurting each other like this again and again?”

Jing Xuan sighed deeply.

“No. I won’t leave either of you. Please forgive my selfishness—I may not be able to give you a love that is complete…”

“I don’t mind,” Lan Qing said, clinging to her. “As long as you’re with me, as long as you love me… that’s enough.”

“Don’t worry about Fei’er. When I return, I’ll talk to her. If she can’t forgive me, I’ll still wish her happiness.”

“I think she will forgive you.”

Jing Xuan gently shook her head.

“Fei’er and we are different. She grew up in a normal household. Even falling in love with me already defies social norms for her. If she ever finds out… well, not every girl can accept sharing the person she loves with someone else—especially another woman.”

Jing Xuan let out a bitter laugh. Lan Qing softly stroked the furrow between her brows.

“Don’t worry. Fei’er truly loves you—she’ll understand. When the time comes, I’ll talk to her. Let’s not dwell on things we haven’t figured out yet. Everything will work out eventually. For now, let’s not trouble ourselves. Xuan… I’m so happy in this moment…”

Lan Qing savored the warmth in Jing Xuan’s embrace, basking in the happiness. But elsewhere, Qiao Fei was weathering a storm unlike any she had ever faced.

After publicly declaring her love for Jing Xuan in front of the media, Qiao Fei had hoped to quell rumors. Instead, she’d thrown herself into the very heart of a scandal—much to her parents’ fury.

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Qiao Fei grew up in a quiet, conservative town known for its simplicity and old-fashioned values. The locals were humble and traditional. The town still had an archway dedicated to female chastity standing at its entrance.

Here, if a woman became a man’s mistress, she’d be deemed impure—once, such a woman would be subject to public shame, even dunked in a pig cage.

The Qiao family had long been respected in the area. Her parents were high school teachers and held in high regard. Now, rumors were swirling that Qiao Fei had become a rich man’s mistress—a homewrecker.

Her parents were humiliated.

Qiao Fei had always been a well-behaved child. When she got into C University as the provincial top scorer, the whole town celebrated. But now, when her father, Qiao Jiansheng, walked down the street, the stares made him want to disappear. Her mother, Kang Yunfeng, could barely stand the veiled barbs at the market.

They knew their daughter’s character better than anyone—Qiao Fei would never do something like that. Still, they couldn’t help but worry. They’d hinted at it on phone calls, tried to ask Liu Xinyu indirectly, but then heard that even Liu Xinyu might be involved in a same-s3x relationship!

Winter break was approaching. They’d get to the truth when their daughter came home.
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“Fei’er, is school wearing you out?”

Qiao Fei, lounging on her bed and chatting online with Jing Xuan, perked up when she saw her mother calling.

“Not at all! Exams are over. Break’s coming soon, and everyone’s choosing holiday projects. Mom, have you and Dad started your break yet?”

“Not yet. I’m off, but your dad teaches high school—he finishes later.”

“Right, he’s teaching seniors this year. Must be tough.”

“He worries too much. This batch of students isn’t as focused as last year’s. He’s worn out.”

“Then you must remind him to take care of himself! I nag him all the time—he gets annoyed!”

“Fei’er, come home this break, okay? We don’t want you out there working so hard. We have enough money. Your dad misses you. So do your grandparents.”

Qiao Fei hadn’t been home in a long time. Hearing her mother’s voice made her nose tingle. Jing Xuan had just promised to spend the winter break with her—but now, how could she make it work?

When she didn’t respond, her mom gently asked,

“Fei’er, are you listening?”

“Yes, Mom, I am.”

“Are you thinking about your boyfriend?”

“Mooom~” Qiao Fei whined, feeling caught.

“It’s fine. If you can’t bear to part, bring him home with you. I’d love to meet Lin Hao.”

The mention of Lin Hao shattered Qiao Fei’s mood. She couldn’t explain everything just yet.

“Mom… I’ll talk to him about it first.”

“Okay, you two discuss it. I won’t bother you anymore.”

“Don’t say that, Mom!”

After a few more reminders, the call ended.

Qiao Fei sat in a daze, phone in hand. The doorbell rang. So late—who could it be?

She opened the door.

“Hey, Fei’er! I’m sleeping here tonight!” Liu Xinyu bounced in, waving a plastic bag proudly.

“Guess what I brought? The latest from Chuanfuju! I queued forever for this. They only let each person buy one!”

She bustled in, found bowls and chopsticks, and began setting up her meal. Suddenly, she noticed something was off.

“Fei’er! What’s wrong?”

“Xinyu… what am I going to do?”

“What happened?”

Qiao Fei pulled out a chair and sat beside her.

“Mom just called. She wants me to bring my boyfriend home for the break…”

“Then bring him! Can’t believe Aunt Kang’s eager to meet her future son-in-law! Don’t worry—Jing Xuan won’t let you down. So, when are you going?”

“No, that’s not it! Mom thinks I’m still with Lin Hao. I never told her we broke up.”

“That’s perfect! Now’s the time to tell her. When she sees you’ve found someone better, she’ll be thrilled!”

“Sigh…”

“Fei’er, what are you worrying about? You’re doing great. Just look at me… It’s been ages since I saw that scoundrel. Contacting her feels like some kind of secret spy mission.”

“Yeah… I haven’t seen Jing Xuan in a while either. She just said she’d spend break with me, and now Mom wants me to go home. Honestly, I do miss it.”

“Then go—and take Jing Xuan with you! If you’re going to meet the parents, might as well get it over with!”