After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It - Chapter 20

Jing Xiao shrugged, pretending to be relaxed.
“What’s wrong with it?”

Fan Qingyu hesitated, then shook her head.
“Maybe I’m just overthinking.”

Jing Xiao’s mind was a mess. What exactly was the relationship between the original host and Xu Jia? What was Xu Jia’s plan? She would have to investigate from the beginning.

Their room was on the floor above the entertainment area. Using a gold card, Fan Qingyu swiped open the door. She had rushed earlier and had casually tossed her gown by the bed. Now, the two pieces of clothing were wrinkled. Jing Xiao hung them properly before silently walking into the bathroom.

Water flowed down from above her head, foamy lather running over her thin shoulder blades. Hot water couldn’t wash away her troubles. Irritated, Jing Xiao wiped her face, then slammed her fist hard against the wall.

The force shook the shelf, sending things clattering to the ground. Unlike at home, this bathroom wasn’t easy to see into. Hearing the commotion, Fan Qingyu knocked gently on the door from outside.
“Xiao Xiao, are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” Jing Xiao wanted a cigarette, but when Fan Qingyu’s pleading face flashed across her mind, she pushed down her frustration. Wrapping herself loosely in a bathrobe, she opened the door.

Fan Qingyu was wearing a light pink nightdress printed all over with strawberries. The puff sleeves covered her slender shoulders, making her look adorably delicate.

Jing Xiao’s eyes lit up.
“You brought that pajama yourself? It’s really cute.”

Fan Qingyu seemed a little embarrassed. Her eyes darted away, the corners of her lips curling in a faint smile.
“I thought you’d like it.”

Jing Xiao’s fingers curled, and she lightly tapped her head with a knuckle.
“Dummy.”

With a towel draped around her neck, Jing Xiao wiped her cheeks. Steam filled the bathroom. Taking a step to the side, she asked,
“Do you want to take a shower?”

Fan Qingyu burrowed into her arms, carrying a faint fragrance. She looked into Jing Xiao’s eyes.
“Do I still need to?”

Jing Xiao wrapped her arm around Fan Qingyu’s waist and effortlessly half-lifted her up. In that posture, Fan Qingyu was half a head taller than her, and Jing Xiao nuzzled intimately into her embrace.

Fan Qingyu rubbed her head.
“Aren’t you tired? Put me down first.”

Slowly moving closer to the bed, Jing Xiao laid Fan Qingyu down, then pressed on top of her without holding anything back.

Covering half her face with her hand, Fan Qingyu was clearly unsure how things were progressing. Her cheeks flushed red, her legs—which had been tightly wrapping around Jing Xiao out of unease—gradually loosened. Her voice came out hoarse.
“Xiao Xiao, what are you going to do?”

“What am I going to do?” Jing Xiao took her wrist and looped it around her own neck. Her usually calm voice carried a hint of seductive emotion. She leaned close to Fan Qingyu’s ear and blew softly. When Fan Qingyu shivered, Jing Xiao lowered her voice.
“What do you want me to do?”

Fan Qingyu said nothing more, swallowing hard, her breathing turning shallow.

Supporting her completely by the waist, Jing Xiao rolled them over, switching their positions on the bed. She spoke lightly,
“I’m not going to do anything.”

“Ah… okay.” Fan Qingyu had already braced herself, but with Jing Xiao doing nothing, it made her seem the unserious one.

Jing Xiao teased, her hand sliding over the soft flesh of Fan Qingyu’s thigh.
“You seem disappointed.”

“No.” Fan Qingyu wriggled out of her arms, stammering,
“I’ll… go take a shower.”

“Didn’t you say you wouldn’t?” Jing Xiao hugged her from behind.

Fan Qingyu stumbled, falling right back onto Jing Xiao. Jing Xiao’s breathing was ragged, her body burning hot, a thin sheen of sweat forming even on her arms.

Fan Qingyu frowned, finally realizing something was wrong with Jing Xiao’s condition. She glanced at the air conditioner—23 degrees, blowing strong. As she tilted her head, a stream of cold air hit her face, making her shiver.

She cupped Jing Xiao’s cheeks, pressing her forehead against hers. Both were damp with sweat and feverishly hot.
“You’ve got a fever?” she asked worriedly. “Don’t move, I’ll call a doctor.”

Jing Xiao tightened her hold, stopping her.
“Don’t. I don’t have a fever.”

Fan Qingyu had no choice but to indulge her.
“Still being stubborn.”

Jing Xiao laced their fingers together, bringing her lips close.
“You haven’t tried it today, so how do you know I’m stubborn?”

Before Fan Qingyu could reply, Jing Xiao sealed her lips. Her mouth wasn’t as soft as usual, a little dry, tinged faintly with tobacco. At first, Fan Qingyu was unaccustomed to it, but soon she gave in.

When Jing Xiao pulled away, she asked,
“Does my mouth taste like smoke?”

Fan Qingyu smacked her lips, her head dizzy.
“A little.”

Burying her face in Fan Qingyu’s neck, Jing Xiao’s muffled voice carried a hint of grievance.
“Xiao Yu, don’t dislike me.”

“I don’t.” Fan Qingyu poked the squished flesh of her cheek with amusement, coaxing softly.
“You’ve got a fever. Let me call the doctor, okay?”

Jing Xiao shook her head, seriously explaining.
“I’m not sick. It’ll pass in a few days.”

“In a few days?” Fan Qingyu sounded doubtful. “Xiao Xiao, are you talking nonsense from the fever?”

“No, trust me.” Jing Xiao’s face was burning, but her gaze was sharp and clear, holding not only determination but a wild, hungry look.

Like a starving wolf finding fresh meat, eager to claim it all.

Fan Qingyu didn’t think much of it and sighed.
“Fine.”

The room was well equipped. From the medicine kit, Fan Qingyu took out a thermometer and scanned Jing Xiao’s forehead. It showed a mild fever. Testing a few more times, the number stayed the same. Relieved, she said,
“Your temperature’s not too bad now. Let’s see if it rises later tonight.”

She poured her a glass of water.
“Drink some to soothe your throat.”

“I don’t want water. You promised to hold me more.” Jing Xiao pushed the glass aside, opening her arms. Her face was full of pitiful grievance, like a stray puppy with nowhere to go.

Fan Qingyu’s heart melted completely.

After holding her for a while, Jing Xiao lazily lay back on the bed and patted the empty spot beside her.
“Xiao Yu, hold me again.”

Fan Qingyu asked curiously,
“What’s with you tonight?”

Jing Xiao mumbled sleepily,
“It’ll be like this these days.”

“You can even predict the future now?” Fan Qingyu chuckled.

Jing Xiao’s eyes glistened as she urged,
“Hurry, hold me.”

Fan Qingyu’s intuition was usually sharp, and she clearly sensed something unusual about Jing Xiao tonight. Earlier she didn’t know how to ask, but now seemed a good chance.
“Answer me one question.”

Jing Xiao kicked off the blanket, folding her arms behind her head and speaking lazily,
“Go ahead. I won’t hide anything.”

Fan Qingyu’s lips parted slightly.
“Who was on the phone with you tonight?”

Jing Xiao’s heart sank, as if plunging into icy water. Her muddled thoughts instantly cleared. But since she hadn’t yet figured out the original host’s history with Xu Jia, she could only fumble for an excuse.
“No one. Just a telemarketing call.”

“I don’t believe you.” Fan Qingyu was firm. “Your expression was wrong. It couldn’t have been a random telemarketer.”

Seeing she wouldn’t let it go, Jing Xiao tried to divert the topic.
“What was wrong with my expression?”

“You were nervous, like you were afraid I’d find out.” Fan Qingyu took a deep breath.
“Tell me. I won’t get mad.”

There were times when Jing Xiao really wasn’t suited to lying. If she used the telemarketer excuse again, Fan Qingyu might figure out the truth immediately.

So Jing Xiao acted reluctant, lowering her head to hide her expression.
“It was a call from home.”

“From home?” Fan Qingyu repeated several times. Jing Xiao had broken ties with her parents, and given their personalities, it was impossible they’d call. She guessed,
“From Jing Lan?”

Feeling guilty, Jing Xiao murmured a soft “mm.”

“Don’t listen to her nonsense.” Fan Qingyu sighed, not knowing how to comfort her in such matters. “My Xiao Xiao is the best.”

Jing Lan always appeared obedient and reliable before elders, but was completely different with Jing Xiao. Fan Qingyu had witnessed it herself—Jing Lan’s poisonous words cutting Jing Xiao down while Jing Xiao, calm and reserved, never fought back, only quietly endured.

Jing Xiao followed along.
“I know.”

Fan Qingyu’s heart ached. Her tone softened unconsciously.
“Xiao Xiao, you don’t need to give up so much for me. I’ll respect whatever you choose.”

Jing Xiao shook her head.
“I’ve already let it go. I don’t want it back for now.”

“Alright. It’s your decision.” After soothing her, Fan Qingyu’s voice cooled, a faint sneer escaping.
“That Jing Lan girl—no great ability but plenty of temper. Who is she putting on that act for?”

In recent years, with the economy stable and the state encouraging growth, most companies were thriving. Though the Jing family managed to keep pace, they lagged far behind the innovative Fan family overall.

Fan Qingyu couldn’t target openly, but making things difficult for Jing Lan in secret would be easy.

But guilt pricked at Jing Xiao. She didn’t want someone innocent to take the blame. Gently, she persuaded,
“Forget it. Jing Lan is immature. I won’t hold it against her.”

“You’re always like this. No wonder people think they can step all over you.” Fan Qingyu sighed. The Jing Corporation had been Jing Xiao’s blood and sweat since her youth, and Jing Lan was her own family. Since she objected, Fan Qingyu couldn’t act against her.

“It’s really fine. What outsiders say about me doesn’t matter. Being wronged outside isn’t really wronged.”

Fan Qingyu’s heart tightened even more. She carefully smoothed her hair, frustration in her tone.
“Then tell me—what would count as being wronged?”

“If you treat me badly, that would feel like being wronged.” Jing Xiao spoke sincerely. She pulled Fan Qingyu down onto the bed, resting her head on her thigh. “As long as you care for me, I’m content.”

Fan Qingyu’s nose stung, her heart turning soft and tender. Her lips trembled, and only a husky sound came out of her throat.
“Alright. I’ll care for you.”

—

Jing Xiao half-squinted her eyes, smiling.
“I want to cuddle with my wife.”

Compared to the earlier possessiveness, now she was like a child, easily satisfied.

Lying on the bed, Fan Qingyu propped her chin on one hand.
“What does cuddle mean?”

“It means not separating.” Jing Xiao held her tight, pressing one leg over Fan Qingyu’s, resting her head on her chest. Her ear pressed to Fan Qingyu’s heart, she listened to the fast but steady rhythm.
“Xiao Yu, I can hear your heartbeat. Is that you caring for me?”

Looking down at her soft hair and delicate profile, Fan Qingyu thought Jing Xiao had never seemed so fragile. What she needed now was genuine tenderness to heal her.

Fan Qingyu didn’t hold back. Adjusting to a more comfortable position for Jing Xiao to cling to, she spoke gently,
“Xiao Xiao, I do care for you. I want you to live well.”

Breathing in Fan Qingyu’s scent, feeling her familiar warmth, the beating heart seemed to testify to her words, making her feel secure. Jing Xiao didn’t say more, only gave a satisfied hum.
“Mm.”

“I care for you too.” Jing Xiao pressed a kiss to her collarbone, gently sucking at the tender skin there.

Fan Qingyu was ticklish, but this time she didn’t dodge, letting Jing Xiao leave her mark.
“And why do you care for me?”

“Because it hasn’t been easy for you either.” Jing Xiao understood Fan Qingyu’s hardships well. In her generation, the Fan family had no other standouts. Nearly all of the company’s weight fell on her shoulders. She carried not only the legacy and hopes of her elders, but also the future of the younger ones, all while guarding against schemes from her peers.

And people often forgot—Fan Qingyu was only a girl in her early twenties.

“Not easy,” Fan Qingyu repeated, then smiled.
“But as long as I have your care, Xiao Xiao, that’s enough.”

Support After Breaking Off the Engagement, The Young Lady Deeply Regretted It