Golden Temptation – A Yuri Story - Chapter 9

“Miss? Miss?”

Why is this woman acting so strangely? It would’ve been fine if she just ignored me, but why is she staring at me like that? Lan Qing was growing a little annoyed. She asked again, her voice soft but firm, “Miss, who are you looking for? If you don’t say anything, I’m going to close the door.”

Snapping out of her daze, Qiao Fei quickly apologized, “I’m sorry—really! I must have gotten the wrong door.”

Just then, a voice called from inside, “Little girl! Who is it? What’s taking so long? Breakfast is ready!”

Qiao Fei, who had just been clinging to a fragile hope, was suddenly pulled back into reality. As she stood there, Jing Xuan walked out of the house, and the two of them came face to face in such an unexpected and dramatic way.

“Qiao Fei? It’s you! What brings you here so early?” Jing Xuan spoke first, surprise evident in her tone. She was dressed in rumpled pajamas, her usually neat short hair tousled. Standing next to Lan Qing, the contrast between them was striking.

Lan Qing noticed the way Jing Xuan looked at Qiao Fei and felt a mix of sadness and irritation rise within her. Her lively eyes darted between the two. “You know her?”

“Yes,” Jing Xuan nodded. “She’s the girl I rescued that night—Qiao Fei. Come in, let’s talk.”

Jing Xuan invited Qiao Fei inside.

“Little girl, where are your shoes? Don’t catch a cold,” Jing added.

“Oh, I was in such a hurry to answer the door, I forgot to put them on,” Lan Qing replied sweetly, accepting the slippers Jing Xuan handed her. As she slipped them on, she glanced at Qiao Fei, her gaze filled with subtle defiance. She’d caught that look in Qiao Fei’s eyes when she saw Jing Xuan—the way she stared at Jing’s shirt. There was no doubt in Lan Qing’s mind: this beautiful girl was a serious threat.

Qiao Fei felt uncomfortable watching them together. Her eyes wandered to the dining table—there was only one breakfast. Just yesterday, she’d been the one sitting there, enjoying the sunlight and Jing’s gentle smile. Now it all felt like a dream she’d borrowed for just one day. Love really is a joke, she thought. Was Jing still skipping breakfast? How could she get Jing to stop that bad habit?

Lost in her thoughts, Qiao Fei forgot why she’d even come. Jing Xuan, still holding Lan Qing’s hand, turned to her.

“Qiao Fei, why are you here so early? Is something wrong?”

“Huh? Oh—no, nothing! I just… I came to return the clothes you lent me. They’re washed. And I wanted to take mine back…”

Her face flushed with embarrassment. She set the neatly folded clothes on the sofa without looking up.

Jing Xuan smiled. “You didn’t need to return those—I bought them just for you. Your clothes that night were ruined, so I guessed your size and had someone pick them out. They looked amazing on you! Consider them a gift, a token of friendship.”

Jing Xuan paused, then added, “As for your original clothes… I have to confess, I altered them. They’re hanging in the bathroom. I’ll grab them.”

Before Jing could move, Lan Qing stepped forward with the clothes already folded. She handed them to Jing Xuan and passed them to Qiao Fei.

Qiao Fei opened them, her eyes widening. “These… are my clothes?”

The plain casual wear had been completely transformed. The new design was stylish, elegant—stunning.

Jing Xuan looked nervous. “What’s wrong? Don’t you like it? I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have changed it without asking…”

“No, I love it! Really, it’s beautiful. I can’t believe you’re this talented!”

Jing Xuan grinned. “Glad you like it. But don’t thank me—you should thank our designer, Lan! She did the alteration and washed it, too. Oh! I forgot to introduce you—”

“I’m Jing’s girlfriend,” Lan Qing interjected smoothly, stepping forward. “Lan Qing. Nice to meet you, Miss Qiao.” She offered her hand politely.

Qiao Fei shook it, smiling slightly. “I’m Qiao Fei. But you can call me Fei’er—that’s what my friends call me.”

“Great! Since you’re a friend of Jing, we’re friends too. No need to be formal,” Lan Qing said, wrapping her arm around Jing Xuan’s affectionately. “Right, Jing Xuan?”

The gesture stung Qiao Fei, though she tried not to show it.

“It’s getting late. I have to head to school. See you another time,” Qiao Fei said, forcing a smile as she turned toward the door.

“Wait!” Jing Xuan called after her. “I’ll take you!”

Qiao Fei glanced at Jing’s disheveled pajamas and smirked, “Like that?”

Jing Xuan scratched her head, embarrassed. “Uh… maybe wait a bit? I’ll be quick—”

“No need. I’m leaving now. Bye!” She waved and walked off.

“Wait!” Jing Xuan chased after her with the bag of clothes. “Take these! I meant them for you. Don’t be shy.”

Qiao Fei shook her head. “They’re too expensive. I appreciate it, but I can’t accept.”

Lan Qing stepped in, took the clothes from Jing Xuan, and pushed them into Qiao Fei’s hands. “Fei’er, they suit you. If you keep hesitating, you’ll be late.”

“…Alright. Thank you. Bye.”

This time, Qiao Fei truly left. Jing Xuan watched her step into the elevator, her silhouette lonely and distant. Jing’s heart ached—she wanted to run after her, to hold her close. But Lan Qing was behind her. He stopped.

Lan Qing saw everything. Her heart twisted, but she said nothing. She convinced herself: Jing Xuan still loved her. Jing was just momentarily distracted by a pretty face.