My Roommate Is a Dirty Talker (GL) - Chapter 21

found Shi Xuan, looking every bit the perfect homemaker, preparing spicy chicken stir-fry, with two sets of chopsticks already laid out nearby.

Mu Xinran sized up Shi Xuan again, impressed. Wow, you’re really good at this, she exclaimed. What are you making? It smells amazing!

Shi Xuan’s spatula paused mid-stir. She glanced up at Mu Xinran. Just some simple dishes.

Oh. Mu Xinran retreated from the doorway, sensing Shi Xuan’s reluctance to engage. Not wanting to force conversation, she turned to go back inside to change before heading out for dinner when she suddenly saw Shen Weixiao emerge from her room, yawning.

Wei Xiao! Mu Xinran greeted enthusiastically. My cousin asked me to thank you for her.

Shen Weixiao squinted her dry eyes and waved her hand dismissively. You’re welcome. It was nothing, really.

Then let’s all hang out this weekend! Mu Xinran suggested with a sweet smile, her clear, childlike voice making her seem utterly adorable.

Shen Weixiao smiled apologetically. I’m a total homebody. Just walking around all day yesterday nearly killed me. I’ll pass, but you guys have fun!

Mu Xinran didn’t press the issue. An awkward silence fell between them until Shi Xuan called from the kitchen, Xiao, come help carry the dishes!

Shen Weixiao agreed and hurried inside, only to be scolded by Shi Xuan for not washing her hands first. Mu Xinran closed the door, a hint of displeasure on her face, though she couldn’t quite pinpoint what was bothering her.

Wang Qiao, who lived nearby, returned home once a month. Bored, Mu Xinran sat on the edge of her bed and decided to text him What are you up to? What time is your train today?

Wang Qiao was notoriously slow to reply. Sometimes, if Mu Xinran’s messages went unread for too long, he wouldn’t respond at all. She was usually used to this, but today she felt particularly agitated. After a moment’s hesitation, she sent several more messages in quick succession, as if deliberately flooding his inbox to convey her anxiety.

Still no reply came. Mu Xinran was on the verge of exploding. All her pent-up frustrations surged to the surface, reminding her of their last outing. They had argued over something trivial, and Wang Qiao had refused to back down. In a fit of anger, she had abandoned her belongings and stormed off alone, taking a bus home.

Girls were creatures prone to holding grudges. The resentment she had been suppressing for so long suddenly erupted like a bomb. Mu Xinran pushed aside the long, caterpillar-shaped plushie on her bed and buried her face in the quilt, letting out a heavy sigh.

Wang Qiao was at the bus station buying his ticket when he suddenly saw Mu Xinran’s messages. Dismissing them as unimportant, he simply replied What’s wrong, baby?

Mu Xinran glanced at her phone and typed with one hand I’m upset. Come home soon.

Wang Qiao assumed Mu Xinran was just being her usual clingy self. Her girlfriend had a bit of a temper and often acted spoiled, something he was already used to. I’m already on the bus. I’ll be home by 7 PM.

But Mu Xinran grew even more demanding. Honey, I miss you so much! Come back right now!

Wang Qiao Hugs. I’m feeling a bit carsick. Let’s talk when I get home.

Mu Xinran What’s wrong with just talking to me? I’m in a bad mood. We’ve been together for so long, but you’re getting more and more distant. Can’t you just put your work aside and spend more time with me? You’re working when we’re out having fun, working when we’re chatting, even working while we’re eating. What am I to you?

Wang Qiao, ever oblivious, took her tone as mere lazy complaining. He sent a hug emoji and left it at that. But the memory of their last trip, when his boss had demanded he rush a project, ruining their plans and upsetting Mu Xinran, still lingered with a twinge of guilt.

Both were senior university students. Mu Xinran was awaiting her postgraduate exam results, while Wang Qiao had already entered the workforce.

His girlfriend constantly complained about his lack of time for her, but the pressures of his job were something he couldn’t easily explain.