My Roommate Is a Dirty Talker (GL) - Chapter 56

Shi Xuan was completely absorbed in her call with Shen Weixiao, leaning casually against the small sofa, her entire demeanor exuding a relaxed, carefree air. Following the two white earphone cords downward, her left hand idly sketched on a stack of A4 paper, gradually revealing a faint outline.

Xiao, come over this week. I want my mom to meet you. Maybe if she sees you, she’ll finally accept us being together, Shi Xuan said with unusual earnestness. Last time she brought up the topic with Ji Wen, her only intention had been to gain her family’s approval for Shen Weixiao. But Ji Wen had remained silent for a long time before declaring it utterly impossible.

Unaware of how long Shi Xuan had been arguing with Ji Wen about this, Shen Weixiao sounded particularly relaxed on the other end of the line. Let me prepare first. I’m actually really, really nervous! She seemed to exhale deeply before asking, Is your mom easy to talk to? Did she seem particularly shocked or opposed? Should I wait a bit longer? I’m so worried she won’t like me.

Shi Xuan chuckled softly, her eyes crinkling with amusement. Well, that depends on how you behave, she teased. The world is full of virtuous daughters-in-law, but it’s rare to find a mother-in-law who doesn’t make things difficult. Besides, even an ‘ugly’ daughter-in-law has to meet her in-laws eventually.

Shen Weixiao grew flustered, stammering for a long moment. Shi Xuan, tired of wearing her headphones, took them off and switched to speakerphone. The two were chatting happily when Ji Wen’s probing voice suddenly interrupted.

Xuanxuan?

Shi Xuan froze, whirling around to glare at the doorway. Her expression instantly hardened, the icy chill in her eyes surging as if to drown Ji Wen. Ji Wen read the coldness and wariness in her daughter’s gaze.

I should have known she still resents me.

How long have you been standing there? Shi Xuan demanded, hanging up the phone and striding over, her eyes radiating undisguised coldness. Ji Wen could practically feel the daughter’s barely suppressed loathing. Shi Xuan noticed the door was slightly ajar—she must not have closed it properly earlier—and above the crack, Ji Wen’s seemingly elegant and gentle face peered in. Shi Xuan’s displeasure deepened.

Was Xuanxuan accusing her of eavesdropping on her phone call? Ji Wen felt a pang of sadness. As a mother, having to learn about her daughter’s true self through her conversations with others was truly heartbreaking. Yet she didn’t regret her choices over the years, nor did she regret deliberately ignoring and avoiding Shi Xuan.

I don’t want to meet that girl, Ji Wen said firmly, finally stating her purpose. I know what you’re thinking, but you can’t gamble with your happiness. If you want excitement, there are plenty of ways to have fun. This isn’t something to use for spite or revenge.

Ji Wen suspected Shi Xuan might have learned about her past and was deliberately using it to provoke her, to retaliate.

Shi Xuan trembled slightly as she listened. She had already made plans with Xiao, who was eagerly anticipating meeting her family. Now, her mother was suddenly telling her she regretted everything, that she was taking back her words, and that the opportunity Shi Xuan had fought for was about to vanish. She couldn’t accept it. A burning sensation rose in her throat as she choked back tears. Do you think you can read minds? Do you know what I’m thinking? I’ve only asked for one thing in my life. Is that too much to ask?

Shi Xuan forcibly suppressed her anger, images flashing through her mind—memories from childhood to university graduation. Even when her closest bestie had betrayed her with such a cruel stab in the back, she had endured it alone, never confiding in anyone.

Shi Xuan didn’t know how hardened her heart had become, but since that day, she had never shed another tear.

Ji Wen, always a proud woman, gazed at her daughter, now a head taller than herself. The unwavering resolve in Shi Xuan’s eyes made her seem almost like a stranger, stirring a faint sense of guilt within Ji Wen. Her tone softened as she said, Xuanxuan, I want to have a proper talk with you.

Shi Xuan’s feelings for Ji Wen remained strictly polite. From her earliest memories, she had never felt a shred of maternal warmth. Her father had been her entire world, while her mother seemed merely a decorative fixture in their lives—a symbolic presence with no real meaning.

Yet as she grew older, Shi Xuan realized that with each passing year, she was becoming more and more like her mother.

Talk? If she remembered correctly, this was the first time Shi Xuan had ever heard Ji Wen speak to her in such a tone.

There was no denying that since her father’s death, her mother had shown far more attention to her and her younger brother than before. However, aside from the monthly living expenses, all the extra affection was focused on Shi Huan. Shi Xuan couldn’t understand why Ji Wen treated her with such coldness. More than once, she had wondered if it was because she wasn’t Shi’s biological daughter. But ultimately, Shi Huan wasn’t Ji Wen’s child either.

Secret tears in childhood, growing suspicions, eventual habituation, and then forgetting.

The corners of Shi Xuan’s mouth involuntarily curved upward into a sardonic smile.

Xuanxuan, I know you resent me, Ji Wen said, lowering her gaze slightly. Perhaps the guilt of so many years weighed heavily on her, making it hard to breathe, but she tried to maintain a calm and composed demeanor. But I still feel it’s crucial to understand your situation clearly. After all, I am your mother.

Mother? Shi Xuan’s anger surged without thought. Her eyes welled up as she interrupted Ji Wen in a low, furious voice. In all these years, have you ever fulfilled your responsibilities as a mother? When my father died, you didn’t even see him one last time. This incident remained the most unforgettable knot in Shi Xuan’s heart. She couldn’t understand it, and she refused to listen to any fabricated excuses.

Ji Wen was slightly shaken by Shi Xuan’s tone, involuntarily taking half a step back. The girl before her was at the peak of youth and beauty, yet the faint malice and coldness in her eyes stirred an uncontrollable fear within Ji Wen. You… you’re speaking to me like this?

Shi Xuan’s eyes reddened slightly. Realizing her loss of composure, she stiffly turned her back, struggling to regain her composure. Then, as if in a panic, she took a few hurried steps forward and said, I’m sorry. I have nothing to discuss with you.

Ji Wen was left standing outside, the door closed gently in her face. Though the door had been shut softly, she felt more humiliated than if Shi Xuan had slammed it in her face.

Shi Huan, who was packing for school in a few days, was startled by the commotion. When he saw Ji Wen passing by the door moments later, he rushed over to comfort her. Mom, don’t get so worked up! My sister’s probably just having her Auntie—you know, unstable emotions! Oh, right, Mom, I have a ticket to an art exhibition. Would you do me the honor of going with your son?

Ji Wen descended the stairs with a grim expression. She knew Shi Huan was trying to defend his sister, but his ingratiating smile only deepened her discomfort. It felt like a fishbone lodged in her throat—impossible to swallow, yet equally impossible to dislodge. Her face, once radiant, now wore a sorrowful pall.

This was the consequence of her deliberate estrangement from Shi Xuan, and she blamed no one. Yet, the matter concerning her late husband remained her deepest regret and source of guilt.

Sigh.

Shi Xuan locked herself in her room, tears streaming down her cheeks like raindrops.

The next morning, after a few hurried words to Shi Huan, she dragged her suitcase toward the door, intending to return to her apartment in the other neighborhood.

Shi Huan followed her, torn between urging his sister to stay and respecting her stubborn resolve. Shi Xuan had always been fiercely independent once she made up her mind, not even nine oxen could sway her. He knew the truth—that Ji Wen hadn’t been able to reach their father’s bedside in time due to the failed rescue efforts—but he never found the right moment to explain. His sister recoiled from the subject as if it were a raw, easily reopened wound, and he couldn’t bear to touch it. As for Ji Wen, she had been a good stepmother to him, treating him ten times better than she treated Shi Xuan.

Sometimes, neutrality is the hardest path to take.

Shi Huan sighed silently, suddenly recalling his father’s whispered advice from long ago. He mustered his courage and followed Shi Xuan, catching up to her. Sis, he asked, are you really not staying home anymore? Mom said she might be staying longer this time.

What does it matter to me whether she’s here or not? Shi Xuan retorted. She immediately felt cold-blooded, but facing her closest brother, she saw no need to hide her true feelings. Compared to this cage, I much prefer my other home.

Shi Huan had no response. He sighed again, then earnestly advised, Then be careful out there. Call me if anything happens. Oh, and… if you get a boyfriend, remember to tell me. I need to give him a proper vetting.

You’re so annoying, Shi Xuan said, forcing a smile as she glared playfully at him. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she asked, Didn’t she tell you?

Shi Huan’s mind was a complete blank. Huh? Could his older sister really be living with her boyfriend? He was mildly surprised, but also strangely reassured, trusting his sister’s judgment.

Shi Xuan fell silent for a moment, a strange sense of déjà vu washing over her.

Silly boy! she whispered, leaning closer to Shi Huan with a soft laugh. Come ask me again when you’re ready to know.

Shi Huan rolled his eyes as he saw Shi Xuan off, a nagging feeling that something was off about her visit.

In the past, no matter how much she clashed with their mother, they never actually argued. But last night’s situation felt different, subtly tense. As he slowly climbed the stairs, he recalled a recent conversation with Ji Wen and wondered Could it be that my sister wants to do something Mom disapproves of? His mind raced, and suddenly, as if struck by a revelation, he slapped his thigh. It must be because Mom doesn’t like my sister’s boyfriend!

Is she gone?

Ji Wen stood at the doorway, her expression tinged with melancholy. Shi Huan stared at her in surprise, his tongue stumbling slightly. Mom… you’re home?

He greeted her with a smile, though a sense of unease settled in his heart. Shi Xuan thought you weren’t here and rushed off in her car. Oh, and she said she was wrong about yesterday and asked you not to be angry.

Ji Wen chuckled, amused by Shi Huan’s constant attempts to smooth things over for his older sister. Yet, thinking of Shi Xuan, she still felt a lingering distance between them. After countless sighs, she retreated to her room. Shi Huan watched her go, the persistent question in his mind resurfacing once more.

He couldn’t understand why Ji Wen, who was so kind to him, had always avoided Shi Xuan like the plague. There must be some hidden secret behind it all. Glancing out the window, Shi Huan thought, Maybe things will get better eventually.