My Roommate Is a Dirty Talker (GL) - Chapter 37

The keyboard clattered rhythmically, the lively rhythm making one want to dance.

After showering, Shi Xuan returned to the room to find Shen Weixiao still typing away. Without touching the computer, she leisurely picked up a book and settled into bed. The soft bedside lamp cast a gentle glow on her shoulder, radiating an air of serene composure.

The newly arrived gift was truly beautiful. Shi Xuan eagerly flipped to the third page, the fresh ink scent filling her senses. Before she could even savor the words, the book had already captivated her heart.

After watching The Shawshank Redemption, she had casually mentioned it to her bestie. To her surprise, the friend had actually managed to get a bilingual physical copy. Shi Xuan now planned to immerse herself in the story through the written word, eager to experience a narrative perspective distinct from the film.

When Shen Weixiao finished typing and saw Shi Xuan engrossed in her book, she opened the green website to check her stats. Strangely, while the number of haters had been steadily increasing, the collections for her works and author profile had also been skyrocketing.

For three consecutive days, Chunmian Bujuexiao had topped the trending searches on Weibo. Those in the know and those who weren’t alike were either teasing her or seeking answers from each other. Compared to the encouragement and support from within the industry, Shen Weixiao inexplicably felt that the ancient proverb Many voices can melt metal, and accumulated slander can destroy bones held a profound truth.

No one believed in the so-called truth. Audiences were simply fixated on their preconceived facts, willing to abandon all reason and harm anyone they deemed wrong at any cost.

Shen Weixiao clicked on the trending topics with a bitter smile. Scrolling down, she suddenly noticed a trending topic about Tan Xin, Hua Nu, being embroiled in a heated online feud. Startled, she clicked on it immediately, only to find that someone was using a burner account to manufacture public opinion. Beneath one particular comment, she saw two words unmistakably posted by Tan Xinbujue

Trash.

Hua Nu hadn’t done anything particularly outrageous recently. Shen Weixiao had never considered herself a saint, but even if she were the mastermind behind the scenes, she would still demand a clear explanation before retaliating.

Tan Xinbujue’s profile picture remained dark, and she rarely checked WeChat. After several failed attempts to contact her, Shen Weixiao reluctantly gave up trying to stop her bestie from causing trouble.

Hua Nu was fearless and reckless, the kind of person no one could ever tame. Yes, you understand correctly she was a single, legendary author in the fanfiction community.

Remembering her upcoming meetup with Lao Xue tomorrow, Shen Weixiao paused, then quickly washed up, applied a face mask for the first time in ages, and rummaged through her suitcase for a small box of miscellaneous cosmetics.

Um… let’s just call it makeup for now.

Shi Xuan, disturbed by Shen Weixiao’s commotion, looked up to see Shen Weixiao’s face covered in a moss-green mask. She stiffly turned her head away, suppressing a laugh, before asking, What are you doing? Making such a racket.

I… Shen Weixiao started to answer, but suddenly remembered that Shi Xuan seemed to dislike her being flirty. Afraid of making her angry, she nervously lied, Oh… nothing much. Just organizing my luggage.

The mask’s color made Shen Weixiao’s teeth appear dazzlingly white. Shi Xuan, unable to see her expression clearly, nodded faintly and returned to her book.

Shen Weixiao resumed packing quietly, already planning what to wear tomorrow. She ran her fingers through her hair, deciding it would be more practical to wash it after dinner tomorrow—otherwise, it would just get dirty again overnight.

Lying back in bed, facing Shi Xuan who was sitting upright, Shen Weixiao finally sensed the goddess’s coldness toward her. She considered reaching out to playfully break the tension, but Shi Xuan suddenly turned to her with an unusually serious expression. You should sleep now. I want to read a bit longer. Good night.

Was the goddess angry? Was it because Shen Weixiao had meddled in her affairs earlier that day? Or was it because she hadn’t answered the question? Shen Weixiao’s joy vanished abruptly, replaced by waves of disappointment that crashed against her heart like the raging blizzard outside the window.

Shi Xuan had suddenly turned serious, leaving Shen Weixiao at a loss for words. Had she truly been prepared? Deng Ya had asked her this question, and she had asked herself the same.

But she couldn’t find an answer.

Whether it was the initial lingering affection or the impulsive heart-to-heart that night, Shen Weixiao had always felt like the passive one. She didn’t know when she had fallen in love, nor how she would face the future. Everything had been dictated by the whims of her heart.

Deng Ya had fled from her feelings, leaving the person she loved. And Shen Weixiao, too, was running away, unwilling to confront the inevitable difficulties their relationship would face.

Xuan-jie, Shen Weixiao murmured, biting her lip, not caring whether Shi Xuan heard her. I know how you feel, and I know you know how I feel. This love came so suddenly, I wasn’t prepared. But I think I’ll find the courage to face it. Can you wait for me?

Shi Xuan remained silent for a long time, her eyelashes fluttering slightly. Just as Shen Weixiao was about to give up, she suddenly hummed in agreement, slowly turned, and stepped off the bed. As she set the book down, she said abruptly, I won’t pressure you, and I’m not afraid to wait. No matter what happens between us, I’ll always be here, waiting for you.

The word wait hung in the air, heavy with unspoken longing. Shi Xuan sighed.

The next morning, Shen Weixiao woke up early to buy breakfast. The snow that had fallen all night had melted without a trace.

When she returned, Shi Xuan was still asleep. Shen Weixiao hesitated whether to wake the goddess as she set the food aside.

Last night, Shi Xuan hadn’t said a single extra word. Shen Weixiao felt dejected, her mind a mess. The other woman’s sorrow seemed to have seeped into her own heart, doubling her own distress.

Her phone rang.

Hello? Shen Weixiao closed the door quietly and answered the call in the kitchen. When she recognized Sister Min from work, her heart leaped into her throat. Is there something you need?

Sister Min Weixiao, I asked you at the beginning of the month to compile the contact information for the award-winning guests from the last event. Why haven’t you organized it yet? I’m working overtime and urgently need the list.

Shen Weixiao exploded before Sister Min could even finish speaking. A wave of resentment surged from her throat. How could that be? You said last time I sent it to Sister Xiaoqing at the beginning of the month! Didn’t she give it to you?

Sister Min’s tone grew slightly agitated. She claims she never received your email. Never mind that for now—just resend it to me! I need it urgently.

Oh, okay. After hanging up, Shen Weixiao angrily opened her email. To her shock, an email sent on January 3rd was right there in her sent folder. Despite her frustration, she forwarded the spreadsheet to Sister Min immediately.

After a few seconds, Shen Weixiao opened Sister Min’s chat window and sent a screenshot of the email. She apologized for the delay and any work it might have disrupted.

The reply came much later Okay.

Shen Weixiao Sister Xiaoqing, are you there? Sister Min just asked me for the spreadsheet, saying you never received my email? Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Did this cause any problems?

Li Qing Ah! When did you send it? You mentioned sending it that day, but when I checked my inbox, there was nothing from you. I assumed you’d forgotten. Later, Sister Min said it wasn’t urgent anymore, so I didn’t follow up.

Shen Weixiao ScreenshotScreenshotSee? I really did send it. Sister Min told me to organize it with the draft and send it to you that day. I even told you I was sending it when I did.

Li Qing I didn’t receive it! ScreenshotLook, could it be…?

Shen Weixiao sat irritably on the edge of her bed. Li Qing didn’t seem to be deliberately withholding the message, so Shen Weixiao calmed down and tried to smooth things over. Maybe Tencent ate it. Smiling face emoji.

Li Qing Haha, we had the same thought. Okay, I believe you sent it. No worries.

Shen Weixiao felt uneasy about Li Qing’s tone. This task had originally been Li Qing’s responsibility, but Sister Min had asked Shen Weixiao to help when Li Qing couldn’t handle it. Now, after such a long delay, Shen Weixiao felt caught in the middle, pleasing neither side.

What’s wrong? Shi Xuan asked, having appeared unnoticed. She looked at Shen Weixiao with concern. You bought breakfast, but you haven’t eaten it. It’s getting cold.

Seeing Shi Xuan’s face, Shen Weixiao’s mood suddenly softened. Oh, I bought it for you. Is it cold? I’ll go heat it up.

Shi Xuan grabbed Shen Weixiao’s hand. Sigh, work is always such a hassle. Don’t take it too seriously or let it get to you.

Mm-hmm, Shen Weixiao replied. She suddenly felt grateful for the phone call. The goddess had looked so worried about her just now, she thought with a grin.