On The Night I Confirmed My Girlfriend's Infidelity, I Kissed Her Sister (GL) - Chapter 21.1: Wanting to Give Her a Home

“So, would you like to be my girlfriend? The kind where we cultivate feelings with marriage in mind.”

Ye Jiayuan’s voice was cool yet tender, like a slow love song humming softly in Fu Chaoying’s heart.

The overhead light in the study cast a soft glow over her, half in brightness, half in shadow.

Fu Chaoying’s mind went blank, as if suddenly submerged by a rising tide, her ability to think vanishing in that instant.

She looked at Ye Jiayuan, a complicated, indescribable emotion welling up inside her—like a tangled knot she wanted to unravel but didn’t know where to start.

One question thrashed wildly in her chest, nearly bursting out: Do you like me?

But the sting of her recent rejection and the rationality of adulthood made it difficult to ask so bluntly.

She didn’t want to taste that kind of defeat again.

Fu Chaoying’s lashes fluttered slightly as she rephrased her question. “Why me?”

Ye Jiayuan gazed at her calmly, her expression open and earnest. “I don’t have time to meet new people, to start over with someone else.”

“From our past interactions, I believe we’re comfortable together, sustainable, and we know each other well.”

“I’ll take this relationship seriously, with marriage as the goal.”

Fu Chaoying stared at her, a bitter ache rising in her chest. She swallowed hard before replying with a touch of self-mockery, “So… this is like an arranged romance?”

Ye Jiayuan smiled faintly, as if resigned. “Something like that.”

“We can set a timeframe. If we don’t fall in love, we can part ways.”

“Of course, you can also end it anytime during the process.”

After a pause, Ye Jiayuan added seriously, “My main advantage is that I can give you all the resources you want. And—I won’t cheat.”

Her tone was light as she said the latter, but Fu Chaoying’s heart clenched. It was impossible not to think of Ye Jiayuan’s sister—her ex—and the scandalous affair that had torn both families apart.

A shadow that had taken Fu Chaoying months to move past.

Ye Jiayuan continued softly, “But I have flaws too. I’m very busy with work and won’t always have time.”

“We might also be in a long-distance relationship, but I’ll try my best to make time for you.”

All Fu Chaoying could hear now was her own breathing and heartbeat. Then she saw Ye Jiayuan lean closer, locking eyes with her as she asked, “Will you consider me?”

After hearing this, Fu Chaoying could only feel her heart pounding at an extraordinary pace, as if it might leap out of her chest.

Ye Jiayuan’s offer was too tempting—whether from a practical or emotional standpoint, it was difficult for her to refuse.

Xingye International was a dominant enterprise across China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. Ye Jiayuan had a keen strategic vision, with investments spanning various industries and access to resources and connections far beyond the reach of ordinary people.

Emotionally, her feelings for Ye Jiayuan were too complicated—she was starved for affection, and the slightest hint of something special made her want to grasp it desperately.

And when a woman as extraordinary as Ye Jiayuan turned her gaze upon her, extending an olive branch, who could refuse without hesitation?

But if they were to truly start a relationship, the challenges between them—long-distance, the dynamics between their families, whether they were truly compatible, whether they could last—loomed large.

Fu Chaoying’s mind was in turmoil, thoughts colliding chaotically.

Yet on the surface, she maintained composure and restraint. “I know you’ve been very kind to me, Jiayuan-jie, but this isn’t a small matter. I need some time to think.”

Ye Jiayuan smiled faintly, a flicker of understanding in her eyes, then turned to gaze at the dazzling sunset outside the window. “Of course. This is your life. Take your time, and you have every right to make any choice.”

Fu Chaoying followed her gaze outside and asked, seemingly offhand, “Jiayuan-jie… why did you give me The Jade Orchid Painting?”

Ye Jiayuan turned back slowly, her gaze gentle yet earnest. “Because you deserve it.”

Fu Chaoying’s heart trembled, as if brushed by a feather. Just as she was about to press further, she noticed another car pulling into the courtyard below—a Porsche she knew all too well. It was Ye Yi’an’s car.

She had barely looked away when Ye Jiayuan stepped in front of her. The crisp scent of magnolia blossoms filled her senses, followed by a soft whisper: “Don’t be afraid.”

Those same two words Ye Jiayuan had spoken when bringing her back to the Ye family to confront Ye Yi’an.

Just two words, yet carrying a soothing power.

Fu Chaoying’s eyes snapped up, meeting hers. They stood too close now, barely a fist’s width apart, each breath audible between them.

Warm exhales mingled, the air thick with something unspoken. Fu Chaoying’s gaze locked onto the depths of Ye Jiayuan’s eyes—her own reflection clear and focused within them—and her pulse quickened again.

Time seemed to freeze until a sudden knock shattered the stillness.

“Jie, is A-Ying with you?” Ye Yi’an’s voice came from behind the door, slightly breathless, as if he’d been running.

The two pulled apart abruptly.

Fu Chaoying took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart, when Ye Jiayuan calmly called out, “We’re discussing work.”

“Alright. Mom sent me to call you both for dinner.”

Silence returned outside. Fu Chaoying remained still but felt the fleeting warmth of soft fingers wrapping around her hand—gone in an instant, leaving her fingertips trembling.

Ye Jiayuan released her just as quickly, then rested a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “Let’s go down for dinner together.”

A comforting gesture, perfectly measured—close enough to reassure, distant enough to respect boundaries.

Fu Chaoying’s lips curved slightly, but her heart churned with renewed complexity.

She followed Ye Jiayuan downstairs, and as they reached the landing, the sound of conversation drifted up from below.

“You all come home without any warning—is this supposed to be a surprise?” Chu Yiyun’s voice carried a hint of playful reproach, though her joy was unmistakable.

Ye Yi’an cozied up with flattery, while Fu Chaoying pretended not to hear, tuning out anything related to her.

When Fu Chaohua saw Fu Chaoying and Ye Jiayuan coming downstairs together, her inner gossipmonger stirred—after all, she was the only one in the know.

To protect her cousin, she casually positioned herself between Fu Chaoying and Ye Yi’an, subtly keeping them apart.

In such an awkward situation, Fu Chaoying walked between Ye Jiayuan and Fu Chaohua, feeling utterly at ease.

The three of them took their seats, while Ye Yi’an sat far away, silently observing her with unusual quietness.

Fu Chaoying didn’t spare her a direct glance, quietly eating her meal and doing her best to pretend she didn’t exist.

With the younger generation gathered together so rarely, Chu Yiyun began inquiring about their work, mentioning that Ye Jiayuan had recently taken an interest in the arts and could offer Fu Chaoying some guidance.

Fu Chaoying smiled faintly. “Jiayuan-jie is our company’s strategic consultant—she’s already helped me a great deal.”

Ye Jiayuan glanced at her subtly before adding nonchalantly, “Xiao Ying is very independent. She rarely asks for my help.”

That was a blatant dig at her… Where was Ye Jiayuan’s usual composure?! Fu Chaoying grumbled inwardly, yet she couldn’t help feeling a faint flicker of delight.

Her eyes curved into crescents as she responded graciously, “You flatter me, Jiayuan-jie.”

Ye Jiayuan gave her another imperceptible look, a hint of amusement flashing through her gaze.

Fu Chaohua discreetly observed the two, sensing something off—hadn’t Xiao Ying said Jiayuan-jie had rejected her? The atmosphere between them didn’t seem like that of rejection at all.

Chu Yiyun then turned her attention to Fu Chaoying’s work, showering her with concern.

Fu Chaoying answered briefly before lowering her gaze—only to find several shrimp had mysteriously appeared in her bowl.

She glanced around discreetly and noticed the pile of shrimp shells on Ye Jiayuan’s plate.

Her heart skipped a beat—wasn’t Ye Jiayuan being far too bold? Aunt Chu was sitting right beside her!

But within seconds, Fu Chaoying steadied herself—after all, peeling shrimp for each other was a common gesture among aristocratic sisters.

She ate them without a word, never finding the chance to thank Ye Jiayuan.

After dinner, Fu Chaohua, who had a habit of taking evening walks, naturally invited Fu Chaoying along—a chance to clear her mind and escape the complicated whirlpool of the Ye household.

Ye Yi’an, meanwhile, was detained at home under the pretext of chatting with Chu Yiyun.

As Fu Chaoying and Fu Chaohua stepped outside, they heard footsteps behind them.

Ye Jiayuan caught up in a few strides. “The forecast says it might rain—take these umbrellas.”

The two accepted them. “Thank you, Jiayuan-jie.”

But instead of turning back, Ye Jiayuan fell into step beside them, her tone casual. “I’ll join you for a stroll.”

Unaware of the true nature of their relationship, Fu Chaohua subtly positioned herself between them to avoid awkwardness.

Fu Chaoying, who needed time to sort through her thoughts, was content with the arrangement, choosing not to comment.

Their conversation meandered, mostly led by Fu Chaohua sharing amusing anecdotes from their social circle, keeping the atmosphere light.

By the lake, a cool breeze brushed against their faces, easing the summer heat—and the restlessness in their hearts.

They passed many people walking their dogs after dinner, the little canines bounding joyfully. Fu Chaoying watched them with envy.

A fluffy little Bichon Frise trotted up to them, wagging its tail with an unfairly adorable grin, even following their group.

Fu Chaoying bent down and politely asked its human companion, “May I pet it?”

The owner agreed warmly, “Of course! He loves making new friends!”

Fu Chaohua watched as her younger sister crouched down to pet the puppy, her face radiant with joy. She then subtly noticed that although Ye Jiayuan stood at a distance, her gaze remained fixed on her sister—her eyes revealing a rare softness.

For a moment, Fu Chaohua was surprised, then puzzled. The atmosphere between these two was undeniably peculiar.

Fu Chaoying was happily playing with the puppy when her cousin teased, “Thinking of getting another one?”

Fu Li had once owned a dog named Xingxing, who accompanied Fu Chaoying from childhood into her teenage years—a significant presence in her life.

Memories suddenly flashed through Fu Chaoying’s mind. She froze briefly, a flicker of sadness crossing her eyes before she shook her head with a smile. “Maybe someday.”

Before the words fully left her lips, the sound of paws pattering against the ground and cheerful barks reached her ears. Fu Chaoying turned instinctively, only to see Ye Jiayuan sprinting toward her, arms outstretched, shielding her from the enthusiastic Labrador that had lunged in her direction.

Ye Jiayuan was nearly knocked off balance as the exuberant dog crashed into her.

Fu Chaoying’s heart skipped a beat. She quickly steadied Ye Jiayuan, concern lacing her voice. “Are you okay, Jiayuan-jie?”

The Bichon Frise’s owner hurried over, apologizing profusely. “He’s way too friendly—sorry about that!”

Ye Jiayuan waved it off, her expression unreadable.

Once certain she was steady, Fu Chaoying discreetly released her arm, though an odd emotion swelled in her chest. Just as she let go, she heard Ye Jiayuan sneeze.

A trace of worry flickered in Fu Chaoying’s eyes. “Do you have a cold?”

Ye Jiayuan shook her head. “It’s nothing.”

Fu Chaohua simply smiled, silently observing the subtle tension between them, now even more convinced that there was something more to their relationship.

Halfway through their walk, a fierce wind picked up, dark clouds gathering overhead—a storm was imminent.

On their way back, they learned from Chu Yiyun that Yi’an had already left to catch a high-speed train for filming.

Fu Chaoying felt nothing, merely exchanging polite farewells with Fu Chaohua.

“Oh dear, there’s going to be a thunderstorm later. Driving at night isn’t safe—why not stay over? Keep me company,” Chu Yiyun insisted warmly.

Fu Chaohua glanced at Fu Chaoying, leaving the decision to her.

Just as Fu Chaoying hesitated, Ye Jiayuan spoke softly, “I’m flying to Hong Kong tomorrow morning.”

Fu Chaoying looked up, unexpectedly meeting her gaze.

For a fleeting moment, something akin to reluctance flickered in Ye Jiayuan’s eyes before being smoothed over by calm.

Fu Chaoying averted her gaze just as discreetly, inexplicably agreeing to stay.

Chu Yiyun, delighted to have the younger generation around, immediately ushered them into the tea room for evening tea and casual conversation.

When the topic turned to Fu Chaohua’s graduation, it naturally shifted to Nan Yan University.

All four were alumni of Nan Yan University, with Fu Chaohua having completed her bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. there—her attachment to their alma mater ran deep.

Fu Chaohua chuckled. “The campus still buzzes with legends about Jiayuan-jie.”

Her tone carried pride, as if boasting about an accomplished older sister.

Ye Jiayuan was the most legendary alumna in Nan Yan’s history—not only graduating with top honors but also spearheading bold reforms in her family business against all opposition, transforming a small workshop into a publicly listed company before soaring to even greater heights.

Her investment acumen was exceptional, earning her renown both domestically and abroad, making her an idol for several generations of students at Nanjing University.

Chu Yiyun’s gaze swept over the girls before she suddenly patted Fu Chaoying’s hand affectionately, her tone nostalgic and familiar. “Hey, didn’t our Xiaoyuan present you with an award once?”

Fu Chaoying froze momentarily, only to see Chu Yiyun suddenly pull out her phone. “I still have the photo saved here.”

Fu Chaoying followed her gaze as she retrieved the picture from her favorites and enlarged it.

It was from Fu Chaoying’s graduation ceremony, where she had been one of the university’s outstanding graduates called on stage to receive an award.

But she clearly remembered—Ye Jiayuan hadn’t presented her with the award. In fact, they had barely exchanged words.

The only interaction had been a slight nod from Ye Jiayuan as they passed each other on stage, accompanied by a perfunctory, “Keep up the good work.”

Her tone had been indifferent, distant, carrying the polite detachment of strangers.

Afterward, they had taken a group photo with the other award presenters before stepping down.

There had been no time for small talk, let alone sharing a meal.

Perhaps even back then, they had already grown distant, maintaining only a superficial courtesy out of respect for their families’ ties.

Ye Jiayuan, looking at the photo, spoke in a low voice, “My schedule was packed that day. I didn’t even have time to take Xiaoying out for a meal.”

So that was it.

Fu Chaoying met her gaze with a light smile. “Back then, everyone envied me for getting to take a photo with Senior Ye.”

The well-timed joke drew laughter, and the conversation smoothly moved on.

No one knew that Fu Chaoying had also envied the female student who had received the award from Ye Jiayuan.

That student had proudly announced, “Oh, Senior Jiayuan is my girlfriend’s older sister.”

Looking back now, what Fu Chaoying had truly envied was that someone as remarkable as Ye Jiayuan was her childhood friend’s sister—someone she admired from afar but could never reach.

But back then, she and Ye Jiayuan hadn’t shared the closeness of family friends. Too embarrassed to claim the connection, she had feared being mocked for name-dropping.