My Online Lover Lives Next Door (GL) - Chapter 3

“Ms. He, did someone trick you? Who was it? That’s impressive.” Lu Feng exclaimed in surprise.

After all, in the business world of City A, his boss was known as a fox—always outsmarting others. He had never heard of a situation where she was the one being deceived. It was practically a zero-probability event!

Lu Feng suddenly felt a deep sense of admiration for the person who managed to fool his boss.

“…”

“Forget it, you don’t have to answer that.” Considering Lu Feng’s thought process, she must have been out of her mind to even ask him such a question.

“Let’s go upstairs first.”

“Oh,” Lu Feng responded and followed closely behind her. Watching He Qing’s back, he secretly thought, She’s the one who asked me the question, and she’s also the one telling me to shut up. Being a secretary these days is like being a eunuch serving the emperor—you never know what the boss is thinking.

“But Ms. He, about your question just now, I thought about it. I think it should be forgiven. After all, it was done with good intentions, and there were reasons behind it. But human nature is complicated—some people really mind being deceived, no matter the reason. Of course, the most important thing is the relationship between the two people. Are they friends? Or a couple? And does the person who lied matter to the other? If they don’t, then there’s no need to explain—”

Before Lu Feng could finish saying “no need,” He Qing interrupted him.

“She’s very important.”

“Uh…” Lu Feng scratched his head as he looked at his boss’s serious expression, growing even more curious. “ Ms. He, who exactly are you talking about?”

Could it be… your boyfriend?

But before he could voice the question, He Qing’s cold gaze swept over him, making him swallow his words. He quickly mimed zipping his lips.

Apartment 302, Building 1, Unit 3—this was the property Lu Feng had bought as per He Qing’s request. When they arrived at the door, Lu Feng swiftly unlocked it with the key. “ Ms. He, please come in.”

She didn’t step in right away. Instead, she turned to look at the door of Apartment 301 across the hall for a long moment before asking, “What’s a good housewarming gift for a neighbor?”

A housewarming gift for a neighbor?

Lu Feng glanced at the door opposite them, recalling that it had opened earlier in the morning when he helped He Qing move in. He vaguely remembered seeing a young woman living there.

Was He Qing planning to build a good relationship with her neighbor? He never expected someone as aloof and seemingly emotionless as He Qing to care about such things. Clicking his tongue in amusement, he quickly gave a suggestion.

“ Ms. He, how about chocolate? Don’t girls love chocolates and flowers?”

“Flowers wouldn’t be appropriate—they’re usually for lovers. Chocolate should be fine. Girls like it, and it’s edible, so it won’t be wasted. Well, at least that’s what my girlfriend tells me.”

“Every surprise gift should be practical.”

“Really?” He Qing frowned. “But just giving chocolate… won’t that seem too casual?”

“It’s just a new neighbor, Ms. He. You’re overthinking it.”

She sighed internally. Lu Feng’s suggestion was reasonable for an ordinary neighbor, but Jian Fanxing wasn’t just her neighbor—she was her girlfriend.

If the gift was too simple, how could it show how much she valued her?

Never mind, she’d think about it herself.

With that thought, He Qing finally stepped inside.

The apartment was, as Lu Feng had described, quite old. The new furniture he had moved in looked out of place, but at least the place was clean.

“ Ms. He, you were in a rush to get this place and move in immediately. If not for that, I could’ve had it renovated for you—it’d be much more comfortable.” Lu Feng explained.

“It’s fine. You’ve done a great job.” He Qing sincerely praised him.

In just a few days, he had made her and Jian Fanxing neighbors, giving her the chance to be closer to her. She was very satisfied.

Lu Feng had been working for He Qing for years, so he could tell she genuinely meant her praise. Grinning, he led her to the master bedroom.

“ Ms. He, you should take this room. It’s much bigger than the other two—”

The front door wasn’t fully closed. Lu Feng, still feeling pleased by his boss’s compliment, spoke loudly, and his voice reached Jian Fanxing, who had just returned from walking her dog.

Curious, Jian Fanxing peeked through the gap in the door.

Her Samoyed, confused as to why its owner wasn’t going inside, let out two questioning barks.

Jian Fanxing quickly tugged on the leash and turned to unlock her own door.

Just as she was about to enter, a low, cool voice spoke behind her.

“Hello.”

Her hand paused on the key. She suddenly felt guilty, as if she had been caught doing something wrong. Slowly, she turned around to face the speaker—and froze.

Wow… so attractive!

Since she had to go to work after checking out the apartment, He Qing was dressed in a full business suit. Her long hair cascaded over her shoulders, high heels clicked on the floor, and gold-rimmed glasses framed her impeccably made-up face. Her naturally sharp features made her irresistibly alluring—to both men and women. For younger women, especially, she was practically irresistible.

Stunned?

Did that mean little Xing Xing found her first impression very favorable?

He Qing was pleased with this outcome.

She curved her lips into a slight smile and stepped forward, extending a hand to Jian Fanxing.

“Hello, I’m your new neighbor. My name is—”

Before she could finish introducing herself, Jian Fanxing suddenly snapped out of her daze. In the blink of an eye, she unlocked her door, dashed inside, and slammed it shut.

The sound echoed in the hallway.

He Qing’s outstretched hand froze mid-air. The polite smile on her face cracked slightly.

Turning to Lu Feng, she asked, “Did I do something wrong just now? Why did she…”

Not only did Jian Fanxing refuse to speak to her, but she also slammed the door in her face?

He Qing’s eyes flickered, and for a brief moment, she felt a sting of… disappointment?

Lu Feng was also dumbfounded by the unexpected response. This new neighbor… is hard to read.

Hearing He Qing’s question, he thought for a moment before replying, “ Ms. He, you did great. Every movement, every expression—completely perfect. Maybe the new neighbor just felt inferior?”

“After all, Ms. He, you’re prettier than her.”

Or maybe her presence was just too overwhelming and scared the poor girl?

Is that the reason? He Qing frowned slightly, feeling uncertain. Then she said seriously, “She’s very pretty too.”

On the other side of the door, Jian Fanxing leaned against it, gasping for breath, her eyes filled with regret.

She raised a hand and smacked herself.

“Jian Fanxing, you already have a girlfriend! How could you stare at another woman like that?”

“Not only did you stare, but you were completely mesmerized! How could you betray your love for Jie Jie like this? You’re ruining the beautiful relationship you have with her!”

The more she thought about it, the more ashamed she felt. She gave herself two more light slaps.

“But… the new neighbor’s voice sounds just like the one I heard in the neighborhood earlier.”

“It really… really sounds like Jie Jie.”

“Jie Jie, when can we finally meet? I really, really want to see you.”

Jian Fanxing opened WeChat, looking at her chat with He Qing. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, wanting to tell her how much she missed her. But she hesitated, afraid of disturbing her at work, and let out a sigh.

Meanwhile, outside, He Qing stared at the closed door for a long moment.

Just as Lu Feng thought she might give up and find another place to live, she spoke.

“Let’s go to He Group.”

“Yes, ma’am!” Lu Feng quickly followed, sneaking glances at her expression.

“ Ms. He, do you want to find another apartment?”

“No need,” she replied firmly, not even looking at him.

Sitting in the car, He Qing played with her phone, debating whether to ask Jian Fanxing about what had just happened.

In the end, she sent a message.

“What are you doing?”

The reply came quickly.

“Just got back from walking my dog.”

He Qing: “Little Xing Xing, are you feeling down?”

Jian Fanxing: “Mm, a little.”

Her brows immediately furrowed.

Was it because of what just happened? Was it because of me?

Ding-dong! A message arrived.

Jian Fanxing’s phone screen lit up—it was a WeChat message from He Qing.

“Little Star, I’m planning to return to China.”

At first, Jian Fanxing was happy, but then she panicked. Did her sister see the message she just sent?!

Was her sister making this decision just because of her little tantrum?!

Her sister had worked so hard abroad, finally establishing herself, and now she was giving it all up just because of one impulsive message? Her sister cared so much about her feelings, but she hadn’t thought about her sister at all. Guilt and self-blame filled her heart. She quickly replied to He Qing.

“Sister, you don’t have to rush back. I just… wasn’t thinking straight. You must be busy with work now, right? Focus on your work first, and we can talk later. Just don’t make any sudden decisions because of what I said.”

After sending the message, Jian Fanxing hurriedly tossed her phone aside and looked out the window, forcing herself not to think about what He Qing had just said.

Because she was afraid—afraid she wouldn’t be able to hide how happy she was about He Qing coming back.

She feared that if she showed her excitement, it would affect He Qing’s original decision—just like earlier…

“Is it impulsive to want to see the person you like?” He Qing murmured as she read Jian Fanxing’s reply.